War Diary and Letters of Stephen Minot Weld.

Wednesday, May 18. —I was sent for by General Ledlie at 3 A.M. Saw General L. and General Crittenden. Received orders to move forward into the woods in my front, with the 56th, the 35th Massachusetts acting as the support, and charge the rebel rifle-pits. Moved forward at 4 A. M. When within about 100 yards of the abattis, I ordered a charge, and going on the double-quick we reached the abattis, a very thick one. Here we were under a very heavy cross fire of canister and musketry, and it was impossible to get the men forward. I could not blame them much, for the limbs, and even trees, were cut down like grass, and the place was most decidedly uncomfortable. I sent the sergeant major to General Ledlie with the information that we could not take the works. He returned, but could get no instructions. I ordered the men forward again in vain, and in endeavoring to get up the 35th as a support, they ran away, for which I did not blame them. I then ordered the men to fall back, which they did, forming in front of the rifle-pits. We were ordered into the woods again, and the men ordered to lie down. We were soon ordered into the breastworks again. The 57th Massachusetts and 4th and loth Regulars were ordered in, but got no farther than we did. We lost 37 wounded, 2 killed, and 10 missing. Two officers were wounded, Lieutenants Maylone and Littlefield. Lieutenant McArdle seriously wounded in the head by a sharpshooter. General Crittenden sent for me in the evening and told me to take charge of the corps picket, as we were to withdraw and take up a new position.