"Boots and
saddles" at five A.M. Crossed the Rappahannock on a pontoon-bridge at
United States Ford. Marched to Chancellorsville, and went into camp at five
o'clock. Skirmishing going on all day. We have marched eight miles.
SOURCE: John Lord
Parker, Henry Wilson's Regiment: History of the Twenty-second
Massachusetts Infantry, the Second Company Sharpshooters and the Third Light
Battery, in the War of the Rebellion, p. 274
In the afternoon, at
five o'clock, it began to rain. Threw up earthworks for our guns. Started at
night, and recrossed the river at United States Ford, and marched to our old
camp at Potomac Creek. Reached there at eight in the morning, that being the
third time we had returned to our old camp. Remained in camp, having the usual
duties to perform, till May 15.
SOURCE: John Lord
Parker, Henry Wilson's Regiment: History of the Twenty-second
Massachusetts Infantry, the Second Company Sharpshooters and the Third Light
Battery, in the War of the Rebellion, p. 274
Started from camp at
Potomac Creek at six A.M., marched to the Rappahannock, and went into position
at United States Ford. The rebel earthworks could be plainly seen, on the
opposite banks of the river. The weather was pleasant. Marched fourteen miles.
Remained on picket at United States Ford until June 4.
SOURCE: John Lord
Parker, Henry Wilson's Regiment: History of the Twenty-second
Massachusetts Infantry, the Second Company Sharpshooters and the Third Light
Battery, in the War of the Rebellion, p. 275
Clear and cool; warm
late in the day.
It is rumored now that
the enemy got to Westtown yesterday, some ten miles below the point on this
side occupied by Butler; and to-day he is leaving, either crossing to the south
side (probably to cut the railroad), or embarking in his transports for no one
knows whither. So, this attempt to take Richmond is as bad a failure as any.
Grant has used up nearly
a hundred thousand men—to what purpose? We are not injured, after withstanding
this blow of the concentrated power of the enemy. It is true some bridges are
burned, some railroads have been cut, and the crops in the line of the
enemy's march have been ruined; but our army is intact: Lee's losses
altogether, in killed and wounded, not exceeding a few thousand.
A report of an
officer states that the James River is not fordable anywhere above for forty
miles.
There is a rumor on
the street that the head of Ewell's corps (commanded by Gen. Early) crossed the
Rappahannock, yesterday, at United States Ford. If this be so, there must be
consternation in Washington; and the government there will issue embarrassing
orders to Grant.
The spirits of the
people here are buoyant with the Western news, as well as with the result of
Lee's campaign.
The death of Gen.
Polk, however, is lamented by a good many.
The operations of
Forrest and Morgan are inspiring.
