Monday, May 9. — Started at 3.30 A.M. for Spottsylvania Court House. After numerous halts and losing our way, we got within three miles of the town, when we were ordered to make a forced march and join General Willcox, who was engaged with the enemy. The day was fearfully warm and dusty, and in making the march we lost some hundred stragglers who soon turned up, however. Found General Willcox and reported to him. Was ordered to keep the brigade in reserve. His division, together with Lesure’s brigade, was posted on the heights beyond the Nye River, and about a mile from Spottsylvania. Beyond we could see the rebel lines and the rebel troops moving, together with their trains. The corps lost about 200 men in to-day’s fight. Sent the 57th and 56th Massachusetts to a point on this side of the river. Headquarters with the Regulars.[1]
[1] The series of engagements from May 8 to 18 is known collectively as the Battle of Spottsylvania.
