Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29. — We started at 9.20 A.M., being the rear brigade. Made easy marches until 12, when we halted an hour for dinner. Continued marching until 6 P.M., by which time we had made over 15 miles. We were then bothered for over two hours by the trains in our front. We kept on marching all night, until 6 A.M. in the morning, making about 13 additional miles. We crossed the Pamunkey on pontoon bridges at Hanover town. We passed through Dr. Brockenborough’s place and over the road where I came near being captured by Stuart two years ago. We then went into position on a cross-road, and remained there during the night.
War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld
Friday, May 27. — Held the ford until half-past eight A.M., when we were relieved by the cavalry. We then marched down towards Bethel Church. During the day our corps formed the rear guard, marching after the trains. We marched until about 10 P.M., making about 10 or 11 miles, one of the most fatiguing marches I have ever made. We had to halt every few feet. Went into camp just after striking the Bowling Green Road. Ten stragglers.
Thursday, May 26. — We remained in the second line. Received orders to be ready to move about 4 P.M. The whole army is to recross the river, move down on the enemy’s right flank towards Hanover Court House. We moved at dark, crossing on a bridge which had been built while we were in the pits. It rained heavily, so that the river rose and almost washed the bridge away. Our brigade moved up to Jericho Ford, holding it until morning.
[May 25, written on envelope]
Dear Hannah, — I am glad to inform you that I am safe and sound so far. Had a hard scrimmage yesterday. I came out safely although a bullet went through my coat, etc., and raised a scratch over an inch long. It is the first time that I have ever been wounded or rather touched by a ball. Had my boot torn by a bullet in the Wilderness, which was the nearest I ever came to it.
We go into a real fight every six days. Have been in one the 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th. Next time will be the 30th. I shall be lucky if I get through without being killed. Every one is being killed that I know. We are whipping the rebels well, although it is a work of time.
I see by the papers that we lost our colors. It is a falsehood. We have never lost our colors, and I hope never shall.
Wednesday, May 25. — We occupied the second line of intrenchments. Had a heavy thunder-storm. During the day we rested, while the Fifth Corps advanced their skirmish-line. We were assigned to the Army of the Potomac to-day, and our division temporarily assigned to General Warren, who is on our right. Saw Colonel Theodore Lyman to-day.
Tuesday, May 24.— Remained on the north bank of the river [North Anna] until about 12 M. We then crossed by a ford. Our brigade formed in line of battle, and about 3 P.M. advanced into the woods. The banks on both sides of the river are steep and woody. We gained the crest on the south side, and formed line in an open field. Our brigade was in three line, the 35th Massachusetts being deployed as skirmishers. We advanced about three fourths of a mile without opposition. The skirmishers soon became engaged, and soon ours were driven back. I then ordered my men to rise and give a left oblique fire, which they did, driving Johnnie Rebel. Came near being hit in the ankle. We then charged to within a hundred yards of their works, receiving grape and canister on the way. Here we remained two or three hours, the sharpshooters picking off our men all the time. Major Putnam received a scalp wound [from which he afterwards died. A brave officer]. Baker of A Company was killed while fighting bravely.
About 6.45 a thunder-shower came up, and during it the enemy charged on our right flank and front just as we received an order to fall back. While I was trying to rally my men, I got a bullet through my coat, scratching me on my side. Colonel Chandler of the 57th was mortally wounded at the same time, and died in the enemy’s lines in two hours. We lost 8 killed, 38 wounded and 24 missing. General Ledlie lost three of his staff and his brigade flag-sergeant. Wallace was taken prisoner, Sergeant Cosgrove wounded through both legs. The enemy thought it was an attack on their centre in force. General Ledlie made a botch of it. Had too much on board, I think. Rained during the evening. General Crittenden placed me in charge of the brigade, as General L. was sleepy and tired.
[After we were driven back on this day, Chandler stopped me and said, “Weld, what are you going to do?” I said, “I don’t know.” He said, “I am going to rally my men and try to make a stand.” I said, “I will join you.” He got about 50 or 60 of his men together; I had my colors in my hand getting my men together, and when I had collected about the same number, General Mahone came up within forty yards of us and gave us a volley. I was turning, calling some of my men back at the moment the volley was fired, and got a bullet through my coat that scratched my side for about three inches and drew blood and raised an enormous welt, from which I was sore for a week or ten days. The same volley seemed to me to knock over all the men I had got together. Chandler was mortally wounded, and altogether it was an unpleasant little time. My only idea was to try and get inside our lines before I dropped. As soon as I got behind the temporary works we had thrown up, I pulled up my shirt and found I was only scratched, and I felt quite happy. At the moment I was hit it felt like a red-hot iron on my side.]
Monday, May 23. — Started at 6.45 A.M. and marched until 7.30 P.M. Very tiresome march, as we had to keep halting and then making a long stretch. Most of the men out of rations. Hancock immediately in our front, fighting for the ford over North Anna River. Hear that he has it. Warren has crossed on the right. Sharp firing there. Saw Captain Sleeper this evening. Crossed the Mat, Ta and Po rivers.[1]
[1] These, when united with the Nye, make the Mattapony River.
Sunday, May 22. — We marched until 4 or 5 this morning. We passed through Guinea Station, and halted in a ploughed field beyond it. We passed through the most beautiful and fertile part of Virginia that I have yet seen. The trees were all in leaf, and the corn and wheat well started. The country is rolling, with numerous streams intersecting it. I hear that we are the rear guard, with the trains. The army moves in three columns. Hancock is ahead. Lost my pistol last night. Met Holmes on the march. Day warm.
Saturday, May 21. — Morning pleasant. At noon we received orders to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Our pickets were driven in during the afternoon, and we were sent out to support them. When we came back, we started again for Richmond by a flank movement. Marched all night. Had a heavy shower in the afternoon, which wet me through. Marched about 4 miles before I could get my horse.
Friday, May 20. — Had our rifle-pits all finished this morning, and abattis placed in front. Men had a chance to rest. Heavy fogs during the night. Men were aroused at three A.M., expecting an attack. James came up with horses. Enemy attacked our supply trains on the right, and were repulsed by the Heavies.
