Headquarters Porter’s Division, April 6, 1862.
Dear Father, – We are now encamped about 2 miles from their batteries at Yorktown. I stood under my first fire yesterday, and don’t think it is the pleasantest feeling in the world. Day before yesterday we advanced from New Market Bridge and went some 15 miles to Howard’s Creek which is 4 miles from Big Bethel. About one mile from H.’s Creek we discovered some earthworks, and some rebel horsemen there, and two guns of Wilson’s Battery. Our skirmishers opened on them, and were responded to by 4 shots from their guns, which did not reach far enough. Allen’s Battery soon put them to flight and we crossed over the creek about an hour after they had gone. Yesterday we marched on towards Yorktown, and when within about two miles or one and a half miles from the place, we discovered the presence of their batteries by a shell screeching over our heads, followed by another one, on our side, about 20 feet off, and by another about 30 feet in front and above us, which last one burst there. It was an unpleasant feeling. I am well, and to-morrow probably the batteries will be taken.
