Morning at
Stevensburg, Va.—Taking a southwest direction we passed northeast of Stony
Mountain and came in conjunction with other marching columns and moving trains.
Our ears were filled with confusion, noisy jests, rough questionings and
"blowing" of different regiments. Marched fast. Inspired by
excitement, our boys were not to be beaten; it was a grand show that nobody saw
but the performers. Our course was principally southeast until we reached this
deserted village, Stevensburgh, at daylight. Here are fields of artillery and
cavalry awaiting us. We rest awhile; I lay on the mossy plank steps of what was
a tavern. Grass is in the streets. Buildings old style; paint has seceded. It
is a pleasant site, overlooking grand country; had been a desirable place in
better days. This movement is to throw our forces together to the right of
Lee's position south of the Rapidan, cutting the latters' connection with
Fredericksburg and to go on to Richmond, if he does not come out to fight us.
This will bring our base of supplies south to points accessible to the coast.
On Field, South of
Rapidan, Noon—We took a southerly course to the river, halting but little.
Beautiful morning, splendid view of the glorious landscape; rich country.
Occasionally stately dwellings of the comfortable Virginia style are left on
terra firma and inhabited.
Sun came out hot.
Those who had scruples about throwing clothing away on the start, felt the
necessity. For an hour and a half the road was strewn with coats, blouses,
shirts, blankets and other things, so thickly that we could not march in files
without treading upon it, which made marching tiresome. Miles of ground was
literally covered.
Men were sun-struck
and fell as if shot dead; one who fell as we moved along a narrow dugway,
rolled down the hill and lodged against a tree. It is a frightful moan they
give as they fall, slamming their guns on the ground. The aid they get from
comrades in the ranks is slight; we can only cast a pitying look and pass on. I
came near falling. Friends applied water from canteens to the back of my head,
neck and breast, which proved a relief. Capt. Swan told me to fall out but I
felt determined not to leave the ranks; threw away my woolen blanket and got
better.
About 11 a. m. our
(Fifth) corps reached the Rapidan River at Germania ford and crossed on
pontoons. Several cannon were in position commanding the heights beyond. It was
a proud sight to see the columns winding up the rocky slope on the south side,
as we descended from the north. They crossed a drove of cattle by driving them
through; some were drowned. There was once a bridge here; the stone abutments
remain.
The Second
(Hancock's) corps crossed at Ely's ford several miles east. His advance
surprised and captured a Confederate force this morning that had been watching
our army. The Sixth (Sedgwick's) corp crossed five miles west of Germania. The
positions of these grand divisions of the Army of the Potomac, in these
movements, indicate their respective positions in coming battles, namely:
Hancock's corp on the left, Warren's in the center, Sedgwick's on the right.
The Ninth (Burnside's) corp is a few miles behind, moving in three columns to
be used in emergencies. Cavalry divisions are generally in advance and on our
flanks contending with the enemy's detached forces, or harassing his rear,
miles away.
Hard fighting is
expected by officers and men. We feel the final movement on Richmond is on. It
is the beginning of the end-a big butt-end! We are to meet the enemy in regions
where fighting has been mostly favorable to the Southern army, in its chosen,
often fortified positions. Officers assume that our corps will make the first
attack, or will be first attacked. The enemy is familiar with the country where
battles are likely to occur. During winter suspension of hostilities, he has
moved forces about this country to acquaint them with it. Leading officers know
points of natural strategy, hence have many advantages. Naturally he will make
a desperate attempt to crush us at a time most opportune to him. His position
we shall find when revealed by the attack, or by our skirmishers and scouts.
Our men understand this; are nerved for the crisis. Our fate rests with
officers.
They were strongly
fortified here and a half mile back, but forces in charge retired after a few
shots. We lay down behind these fortifications two hours, taking refreshments,
rest and sleep. A heavy body of troops are assembled in this vicinity.
Near Wilderness,
Sunset.—Bugles sounded again; columns of infantry and trains of artillery move
out by brigades, the corps having divided into several columns for convenience
in forming for battle and to make closer connections with the left and right
wings. It appears, by the way we move, the enemy are not disposed to check us
today; all is quiet as if there were no such thing as battle. We move cautiously,
through heavy wildernesses on old roads-about 4 o'clock p. m. struck the plank
road and were soon near portions of the old battle grounds about
Chancellorsville.
The column soon
broke off by regiments on either side. То our delight, we were told that we
would probably stay the night. There is a broad field covered with troops of
all arms; heavy supply trains and artillery, no doubt 40,000 armed men.
Generals Grant, Meade, Warren and staffs arrived soon after we camped, also
several other generals and staffs. General Wadsworth has been riding among the
troops of his division and passing a word with us. The old gentleman is as good
natured as ever. He wears the regulation cap, rides a light gray horse, his
gray hair cut short and side whiskers closely trimmed. The boys all like the
old "Abolish." A have been to a creek and bathed, feel pretty well.
Headquarters bands are playing beautifully. The scene is sublime; the red sun
hangs just over the woods, the trees are brilliantly green and filled with
happy birds. Men by thousands are boiling coffee and frying pork and hard tack.
There is an old mill
near, long silent for Secessia's sake, now receiving attention from the boys;
they are not likely to slight it until they run it-into the ground. Some are
running through it seeing what can be picked up; others are knocking and
pulling pine boards from its sides. It is not a stranger to soldiers, they have
been here before, both Union and Rebs; Stonewall himself, perhaps; like enough
"Fighting Joe." It was about here the former made his last dash. Two
of us lug off a wide door for a bed. Of course the boys talk about where we are
going; some think they know exactly; it is to Mine Run again, or it is straight
to Richmond. We have marched thirty miles. Fog appears as the sun sinks. We lie
down early; had no sleep last night; pitch no tents. Probabilities are for an
early stir in the morning. We have plumb six days' rations, expect to need
them.
SOURCE: John Worrell
Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a
War Prisoner in Andersonville and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864,
p. 22-5
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