Whiteside, May 4, 1864.
The day’s march has been much more pleasant than any of us expected. Most of the dead mules have been buried, and the road much improved, especially through the narrows. We smelled a number of mules, though, after all the improvements. This, Whiteside, is like Bridgeport, a portable town, with canvas covers and clapboard sides.
The boys have been catching some nice fish in a little stream by our camp this evening. Made about 15 miles to-day.
Wednesday, May 4th.
Orders to march were received at two o’clock this morning, and joining the Artillery Brigade, already in line, we moved off via Stevensburg to the Germania Ford, on the Rapidan River, which we reached about so o’clock A. M. Here the river, which in any reputable northern locality would be called simply a creek, cuts its way between two ranges of hills with the bank on the southerly side quite abrupt, and is spanned by a pontoon bridge, the first thing of the kind I have ever seen. Crossing the bridge and winding up the steep bank, we halted just within a line of breastworks constructed to command the approaches to the ford, but which were abandoned by the enemy last night on the appearance of our advancing cavalry. The earthworks were skilfully and substantially built, while little redoubts for artillery crowned several commanding points, and it is a subject of general surprise that the enemy evacuated so strong a defensive position without any serious attempt to hold it. A few shells and a stray minie ball now and then greeted us, invited perhaps by our own artillery, a battery of which, drawn up near the road by which we descended to the bridge, sent a half dozen shells towards the heights on the opposite side of the river. One of the minies went through my overcoat which Lynch just behind me was carrying nicely rolled up on his shoulder, and as he unrolled the garment that night and showed me the numerous holes made by the missile as it went through the folds, he remarked with a chuckle, “Its a good thing you weren’t in it that time, Captain.” After crossing the bridge we passed an old tobacco drying shed, and some of my men helped themselves to a few specimens of genuine “Virginia Leaf,” and that evening presented me a handful of very well rolled but rather green “home made” cigars.
The day was warm and pleasant, and the men, with characteristic recklessness, threw away one article after another, until many were reduced to pants, shirt, hat and musket, and the line of march from Culpepper to the river was literally covered with coats, blankets and knapsacks, a rich field for foraging, whether by the rebels or by cavalry. Nor can I blame the poor fellows under the circumstances, for a long march is about as convincing an argument as I know of that
“Man wants but little here below,
Nor wants that little long.”
I myself debated for some time which I would part with —my overcoat or my blanket—and finally actually threw the blanket away.
By a singular coincidence I met Col. Bates and Capt. Watkins, of the Culpepper Examining Board, about 9 o’clock this morning near the Rapidan, each with his regiment, and as we had adjourned yesterday to meet at that hour to-day, we halted under a tree and amid considerable laughter adjourned the Board sine die. Lieut. Shelton, of the First N. Y. Artillery, passed me with his battery on the march to-day, having just got his promotion from a sergeantcy and therefore feeling in excellent spirits.
At about five o’clock we reached our destination for the day, after a march estimated at twenty-three miles, and camped in a field near the old Wilderness Tavern and some four miles from Mine Run
May 4, Wednesday. — Marched 5:30 A. M. from Blake’s to Prince’s, fifteen miles; Third Brigade, Colonel Sickles, in advance. Fine, bright weather. Soldiers call out to General Beckley: “Now bring on your militia!” A laugh rings out.
Wednesday, 4th—We lay here all day awaiting the boats. Nathan Chase, a veteran of our company, got into trouble with some men of the Fifty-third Indiana Regiment and one of them shot him twice, one ball going through his right arm and the other taking effect in his mouth, but neither wound is dangerous. The trouble was caused by drink. The health of the regiment is good, yet there are several sick, some with light attacks of the ague, and they are sent to the hospital here at Paducah. The transports arrived late this evening and we received orders to go aboard early in the morning.
May 4.—Yesterday we had quite a grand wedding in the place. Dr. Devine led to the altar Dr. Calhoun’s eldest daughter. Dr. Quintard came from Atlanta to perform the ceremony, which took place in the Presbyterian Church, at 11 o’clock, A. M. The church was darkened, and lighted with lamps and candles, which did not burn very brightly. I thought the sunlight would have been in much better taste. There were nine bridesmaids, and the same number of groomsmen. Many of the latter came from the army for the occasion, as that number of young men, I do not expect, could be raised in the whole county. And, indeed, they were not all young men; I noticed one or two of our married surgeons among them. On looking at the ladies dresses, which were made of new Swiss muslin, I could not keep from wondering how much it had cost, and where such a quantity had come from. The article is very scarce at present; the last I heard of cost fifty dollars per yard. The whole scene at the wedding was quite pretty and impressive. I believe that this is the first time that an Episcopal clergyman in full canonicals has officiated in this place. I have been told that nearly all of the mules and carriage horses at the wedding were taken by an impressing officer. He kindly permitted the owners to ride home before taking them from them. It is said that he had heard of the affair, and laid in wait so the people could not hide them.
Dr. Quintard and Mrs. Harrison spent the previous evening with us. He has built a new church in Atlanta. Mrs. H. asked him how he procured the materials for it. He said that he paid a visit to a nail factory near it, preached once or twice, and baptized some children. He was then presented with as many nails as he needed. I believe he procured the lumber in the same manner. He told us that there had been a great religious revival throughout the whole army, many being converted and joining the church. Nearly all of our leading generals have joined. Bishop Lay, from Arkansas, is with the army, and is doing much good in winning souls to Christ.
Last evening Dr. Q. preached to a large audience in the Methodist Church, from the text, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” The sermon was very impressive. At its close Rev. Mr. Smith offered up an appropriate prayer.
Dr. Gamble has left this post. He has been appointed chief surgeon of General Anderson’s division. The general is now in Florida. We all regret Dr. Gamble’s leaving. Dr. Wible of Kentucky is his successor, and is very highly spoken of.
We have another hospital added to this post—the Gamble, so called in honor of Dr. G. It is our old ward, the Springs. Dr. Devine is surgeon; Mrs. Dr. Wildman and a Miss Rigby are the matrons—both excellent ladies.
May 4th. We fell in line at 8 o’clock, ready to march as soon as relieved, but were kept waiting until 4 p. m. We then marched ten miles and encamped near Rappahannock Station. It is reported here that Meade has crossed the Rapidan and that Lee has retired to a stronger position.
Wednesday, 4th.—Witnessed a scene to-day that I humbly pray God I may never witness again. Army marched out and made to see fourteen men tied up to stakes and shot to death. Charges, desertion. Most of them belonged to the 58th North Carolina. Will this army prosper after such as this?
May 4 — I heard to-day that the Yankee army is crossing the Rapidan in great force, and that General Lee is on the march to meet it; if that is true, we will soon be in the middle of some bloody work. This evening at sunset we broke camp and are now marching to the front. Farewell, my peaceful cabin.
Huntsville, Wednesday, May 4. All hands worked nimbly and willingly to-day to make themselves comfortable. Tents raised one foot from ground with ample means for ventilation. Fixed ours up in the forenoon. Made four single bunks occupied by Sergeant Dixon, Corporals Beaver and Evans, and myself. Detailed to help move the hospital in the afternoon. Contains five patients, two convalescing, one a recruit very low. At night I sought my cot quite tired, the weather being exceedingly warm.
May 4th. On the third relief last night from 1 to 3 A. M. Visited by the grand-rounds about 2 A. M. All was well. Relieved this morning. Weather clear and fine. Saw one of our cavalry scouting parties pass along the pike, having captured a rebel Major and twelve men up near Strasburg. Drilling and dress parade kept up when the weather permits.
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