Provost Marshal's Office,
Twelfth Army Corps,
April 14, 1863.
Our army is beginning to move; yesterday, the cavalry
started with a small infantry support. We are under orders and shall move
probably to-morrow or next day. All extra clothing of the soldiers has been
turned in, and all available room in knapsacks and haversacks has been filled
with rations. My idea is something of this kind: that we are going up the
Rappahannock at least as far as where the bridge on the Culpepper road was
burned; that we shall cross there, then move forward a little; then that our
right will be swung round, when the rebels will be obliged to abandon their
fortifications and fight us on a fair field. If we win a victory, it will be a
glorious one; at all events, we are going to give the enemy a harder fight than
they have ever had before. I have been busy to-day making arrangements for a
move. I think that I shall be able when the battle comes, to volunteer my
services as aide to General Slocum; I hope so. It would give me a good chance
to see the fight from various parts of the field; I feel sure he will make this
corps do more than it has done yet. I have permission to send back my three
companies when the regiment goes into action, so the Second will be able to
give a good account of itself.
SOURCE: Charles Fessenden Morse, Letters Written
During the Civil War, 1861-1865, p. 126-7
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