Headquarters Engineer Brigade,
Camp near Falmouth, VA., May 7, 1863.
Dear Father, — We are back again from the front and in our old position near headquarters of the army. The whole army has likewise re-crossed the river, and are occupying their old positions. The loss in killed, wounded and prisoners will be about 10,000 men, as nearly as I can judge. From what I can see and hear, I should think that Hooker’s plan was a good one, but he was unable to carry it out on account of the superior numbers of the enemy who were reinforced from Petersburg, Richmond, and, I think, even from Tennessee. They have shown their accustomed vigilance and activity, and have rather got ahead of us again. Hooker’s plan was to turn their left, but they quickly massed their troops there, and by their superior numbers and through the disgraceful behavior of the Eleventh Corps, they compelled us to halt, and use the much despised (by us) shovel and spade for our defence. We were not whipped anywhere, and I think their loss was much greater than our own. The chief mistake that was made, was abandoning the heights of Fredericksburg after we had once taken them, and in underestimating the force opposed to us. As far as I can see, the soldiers are not disheartened, although the unsuccessful termination of this affair will, I am afraid, injure General Hooker, who was, as it were, on trial for ability to command this army.
I will try and give you an account of what our brigade has done during this move. On the morning of the 29th, 5 bridges were laid. On the 30th, 2 bridges were taken up and started for Bank’s Ford, General B. and his staff going with them. We remained here six days, laying the bridges Sunday and Monday. Fourteen bridges were laid during this move. On Sunday I crossed Bank’s Ford with Captain Clapp and went up to General Sedgwick’s corps, who were engaged in a fight. I saw the whole affair. A brigade charged and drove the enemy to Salem Church, where they made a stand and drove our forces back to their original position.
In regard to General ——, I would say that I received your letter to-day and shall certainly leave his staff as soon as I can get a chance. Major Whittier of General Sedgwick’s staff has been trying to get me a place there, but I am afraid that I can’t get it, as General S. says that it would be a rude thing for him to take me away from General Benham. They were talking about General B.’s affairs, and my name was mentioned in reference to it. General Reynolds who was present spoke a good word for me, and told General Sedgwick that whatever I said could be relied on. Whittier is still trying for me, and I hope will succeed. Please be careful and not have anything written to General S., as I would prefer him to select me, if he should do so, of his own choice and not through any pressure brought to bear on him by his friends. I am very much obliged to Miss Sedgwick, and am glad that she was kind enough and took enough interest in me to write the general, but of course I don’t want him to think that I am writing home and trying to get his friends to get the place for me. You can understand how I feel, and of course will do nothing out of the way in that respect.
General Benham is not in the habit of getting drunk, as far as I know, and I do not think would have been so the other night were it not for his fatigue, etc. Still, I am not willing to be with any man who is at all liable to any such failing. You know Rosecrans charged him with the same thing. General Benham is a man whom every one hates and laughs at, and I can assure you my place is not pleasant with him. Please say nothing about what I have written about him.
General Reynolds told me, some three weeks ago, that he was glad that I had got a place, but as he afterwards told Whittier, he did not say he was glad that I was with ——, as he knew I would not like him. General B. has tried to make me say that he was not —— three times, but each time I have told him to his face that he was, and have given him my reason for so saying. His want of delicacy and tact disgusts me. He jokes with the privates and tries to cotton to them; but as he passes them, the staff see them laughing and making jokes about him. It is not pleasant, I can tell you. The contrast between him and General Porter is not favorable to the former.
As soon as I can learn in regard to our next move, I will write you.
