Monday, May 2. — Colonel Chandler relieved me as F. O. D. Took a bath and changed my clothes. Most of the day was pleasant, but in the afternoon we had a sort of tornado. Night chilly. Received several letters and some photographs from Black’s. George Weld wrote me that he had sent me a horse by the 59th Massachusetts, part of which arrived here to-day.
War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld
Sunday, May 1. — I was detailed as brigade field-officer of the day. Our regiment was moved out half a mile from the station, and six companies placed on picket with four in reserve. I visited my line three times, it being about five miles long. Stayed with Captain Thayer’s reserve during the night. A few shots were fired, not amounting to anything. Day pleasant. Fifth Corps move to the front to-day.
Sunday, May 1. — I was detailed as brigade field-officer of the day. Our regiment was moved out half a mile from the station, and six companies placed on picket with four in reserve. I visited my line three times, it being about five miles long. Stayed with Captain Thayer’s reserve during the night. A few shots were fired, not amounting to anything. Day pleasant. Fifth Corps move to the front to-day.
Saturday, April 30.— Left camp about 9.15 A.M. and marched to Bealeton Station, where we took possession of the 4th Michigan camp. Met Monteith on the way up and Batchelder[1] at Bealeton Station. Went up to General Griffin’s headquarters and saw Barnard and Davis. Then saw Captain Martin and offered him $275 for his horse, which he would not take. Rained a little during the day. Were ready to form line at a minute’s notice. Last evening I received documents from War Department in reference to Brown of Philadelphia.[2]
[1] Both Monteith and Batchelder were with me on General Porter’s staff.
[2] The man whom we smashed up for selling liquor to the men.
Friday, April 29.— Left camp at about 7.15 A.M. and marched to Catlett’s Station, where I saw Billy Swan[1] and Captain O’Beirne of the 14th Regiment of Regulars. From there we marched to Warrenton Junction, then to Licking Run, some two miles farther. Here we were encamped for the night, having marched about 13 miles. We threw out pickets, etc., to protect ourselves from guerillas, but were not troubled by them. It seems that we are to guard the railroad from Catlett’s Station to Rappahannock Station, relieving General Griffin’s division of the Fifth Corps. We expect to remain in camp here for a day or two. Weather pleasant. We have been very fortunate in our march, having had but one rainy night for a week.
[1] W. W. Swan, Harvard 1859.
Bristoe Station, April 28, ’64.
Dear Father, — Here I am again on the old ground. We left Alexandria yesterday and reached here to-night. The regiment marches well, and I am much pleased with it.
The report is that we relieve the Fifth Corps, which is guarding the railroad at Washington. I don’t believe it, although I think it highly probable that the negro division of the corps may be left to do guard-duty. We marched from Fairfax C. H. this morning, and as I feel very tired, I must stop.
Thursday, April 28. —Started about 7 A.M. and marched to Bristoe Station, about 20 miles, getting into camp at 6 P.M. Day cool and pleasant. Men as usual marched well. General Burnside joined us at Manassas Junction. It really seemed like home to go over this country, which I have been through so many times. Thought of General Porter as we passed over the country, through which we were then campaigning. Saw some of the enemy’s scouts at Centreville. Saw Captain Spear, who said we were to relieve the Fifth Corps, who were guarding the railroads.
Wednesday, April 27. — Received orders to move at 5 A.M. Finally started at about 8 o’clock on the Leesburg Pike. Branched off on the Columbia Pike and reached Fairfax Court House about 6 P.M., where we went into camp. Day warm and dusty, and march very fatiguing to the men. One man from the 57th dropped down dead. Marched 15 miles. Dabney 1 came to see us. Met Lieutenant Colonel Chandler of the 57th Massachusetts.
Tuesday, April 26. — We remained in camp all day and sent in requisitions for ordnance, etc. Had an inspection of all our companies, and a general overhauling of all our baggage, etc., preparatory for a campaign. Gilmore, our sutler, came out to see us. Weather pleasant. General Stevenson was the only general officer present in the corps. I don’t like the way things are conducted in the corps. Every one has to move on his own hook, and things seem very loosely conducted. The 24th Massachusetts and 10th Connecticut had been sent to Fort Monroe when we arrived here. Charley Griswold showed me a letter addressed to me in his valise, to be opened in case anything happened to him.
Monday, April 25. — We started about 7 A.M. and forded the stream at Bladensburg. Marched on to Camp Barry [near Washington], where we halted some time. Here we formed in platoons and marched in review by the President, who was on the balcony at Willard’s Hotel. He looked ten years older than when I saw him last. Saw Frank Balch. Crossed Long Bridge and camped in front of Fort Scott. Men marched well. Day pleasant though hot. Made about 16 miles.
