At 10 P. M., May 3, 1864, the Second corps broke camp and preceded by Gregg’s division of cavalry and followed by the artillery of the corps, crossed the Rapidan at Ely’s ford and marched easterly over the familiar route to Chancellorsville, arriving there about 10 A. M. the next morning, Warren and Sedgwick, the Fifth and Sixth corps, crossed at the Germania ford, some six or seven miles above, and formed the right wing of the army, while our corps formed the left. Burnside’s corps is at Warrenton with orders to hold the Bull Run line of communication until we are successfully established on the southern side of the Rapidan. Lee’s army is entrenched on the southern side of the Rapidan, some ten or twelve miles above the Germania ford, and Grant’s object is to cross below and turn his right flank.
The movements were promptly executed during the night and were completely successful. Warren and Sedgwick’s corps marched out to the Wilderness tavern, while we remained all day at Chancellorsville.
