Tuesday, May 24.— Remained on the north bank of the river [North Anna] until about 12 M. We then crossed by a ford. Our brigade formed in line of battle, and about 3 P.M. advanced into the woods. The banks on both sides of the river are steep and woody. We gained the crest on the south side, and formed line in an open field. Our brigade was in three line, the 35th Massachusetts being deployed as skirmishers. We advanced about three fourths of a mile without opposition. The skirmishers soon became engaged, and soon ours were driven back. I then ordered my men to rise and give a left oblique fire, which they did, driving Johnnie Rebel. Came near being hit in the ankle. We then charged to within a hundred yards of their works, receiving grape and canister on the way. Here we remained two or three hours, the sharpshooters picking off our men all the time. Major Putnam received a scalp wound [from which he afterwards died. A brave officer]. Baker of A Company was killed while fighting bravely.
About 6.45 a thunder-shower came up, and during it the enemy charged on our right flank and front just as we received an order to fall back. While I was trying to rally my men, I got a bullet through my coat, scratching me on my side. Colonel Chandler of the 57th was mortally wounded at the same time, and died in the enemy’s lines in two hours. We lost 8 killed, 38 wounded and 24 missing. General Ledlie lost three of his staff and his brigade flag-sergeant. Wallace was taken prisoner, Sergeant Cosgrove wounded through both legs. The enemy thought it was an attack on their centre in force. General Ledlie made a botch of it. Had too much on board, I think. Rained during the evening. General Crittenden placed me in charge of the brigade, as General L. was sleepy and tired.
[After we were driven back on this day, Chandler stopped me and said, “Weld, what are you going to do?” I said, “I don’t know.” He said, “I am going to rally my men and try to make a stand.” I said, “I will join you.” He got about 50 or 60 of his men together; I had my colors in my hand getting my men together, and when I had collected about the same number, General Mahone came up within forty yards of us and gave us a volley. I was turning, calling some of my men back at the moment the volley was fired, and got a bullet through my coat that scratched my side for about three inches and drew blood and raised an enormous welt, from which I was sore for a week or ten days. The same volley seemed to me to knock over all the men I had got together. Chandler was mortally wounded, and altogether it was an unpleasant little time. My only idea was to try and get inside our lines before I dropped. As soon as I got behind the temporary works we had thrown up, I pulled up my shirt and found I was only scratched, and I felt quite happy. At the moment I was hit it felt like a red-hot iron on my side.]
