The Army of the Potomac crossed the Rapidan River on May 4, 1864, the day before Benjamin F. Butler began his waterborne advance up the James River toward Richmond. At the same time, Franz Sigel was leading Union troops south in the Shenandoah Valley, while forces under George Crook and William W. Averell were conducting raids in southwestern Virginia as part of Grant’s overall plan to prevent reinforcements from reaching Lee’s army. Once across the Rapidan, the Army of the Potomac would have to make its way through the Wilderness of Spotsylvania, an area of scrub woods and dense undergrowth where much of the battle of Chancellorsville had been fought the year before. Grant and Meade hoped their troops would quickly reach more open country, forcing Lee either to retreat or to fight on ground where the Union’s numerical superiority in men and artillery could be fully exploited. A wealthy Bostonian, Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Lyman had spent the first two years of the war touring Europe before becoming an aide on Meade’s staff in September 1863. Lyman’s notebook journal for the period May 3 to June 16, 1864, bears the notation that the “notes in this book were not written herein on the spot, but taken from letters home & from memoranda written at the time and afterwards enlarged when I wrote out the notes of the Campaign for Gen. Meade’s Report. This book was not begun till June 1865.” In the sketch maps Lyman drew in his notebook, Union corps are indicated by their respective badges: for the Second Corps, commanded by Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, a three-leaf clover; for the Fifth Corps (Major General Gouverneur K. Warren), a Maltese cross; for the Sixth Corps (Major General John Sedgwick), a Greek cross; for the Ninth Corps (Major General Ambrose Burnside), an anchor. The designations “Q,” “R,” and “S” indicate the order in which the maps appear in Lyman’s notebook.
May 4, 1864, Wednesday.
We all were up by star-light; a warm, clear night; had our breakfast by daybreak, and at 5.25 A.M. turned our backs on our little village of the last six months, and the grove about it, dear even in its desolation! The columns had been moving a good part of the night and we cut a part of the 6th Corps, just at Brandy Station, beyond which point the road was full of waggons and troops. Beyond Stevensburg the road-side was full of violets, and the little leaves of the wood trees were just beginning to unfold, the size of a mouse’s ear perhaps. 7 A.M. The General unluckily came up with a cavalry waggon train, out of place; the worst thing for his temper! He sent me after its Quartermaster, Capt. Luddington, whom he gave awful dressing to, and ordered him to get his whole train out of the road and to halt till the other trains had passed. The sun getting well up made the temperature much warmer, as was testified by the castaway packs & blankets with which troops will often at the outset encumber themselves. 8 A.M. Arrived near Germanna Ford and halted just where we had camped the night of the withdrawal from Mine Run. Sapristi, it was cold that night! Though here was green grass in place of an half inch of ice, Griffin’s division was over and his ammunition was then crossing. 8.30 A.M. News from Hancock that he was crossing, Gregg having had no opposition and having seen only videttes.— Roads everywhere excellent. 9.30. We crossed. There were two pontoons, a wooden & a canvass, the ascent up the opposite high & steep bank was bad, with a difficult turn near the top. We halted just on the other side and Grant & his staff arrived some time after. 12.15 P.M. All the 5th Corps, with its artillery and wheeled vehicles across.— It began at 6.30 A.M. The 6th Corps began to cross at 12.40 and was all over at 5.20 and the canvas pontoon was taken up. A good part of the time, say 1/2, only one pontoon could be used, because the troops were moving in single column. We may then estimate 15 hours for the passage of 46,000 infantry, with one half of their ambulances and ammunition and intrenching waggons and the whole of their artillery, over a single bridge, with steep, bad approaches on each side; i.e. a little over 3,000 men an hour, with their artillery and wheels. The latter took a good deal of the time because of the delay in getting them up the steep ascent. Sat on the bank and watched the steady stream, as it came over. That eve took a bath in the Rapid Ann and thought that might come sometime to bathe in the James!
Our cook, little M. Mercier, came to grief, having been spirited away by the provost guard of the 2d Corps, as a straggler or spy; so our supper was got up by the waiter boy, Marshall. Our camp was near the river, and Grant’s was close to us. Some of his officers; Duff & old Jerry Dent e.g. were very flippant and regarded Grant as already routing Lee and utterly breaking up the rebellion!—not so the more sober.—There arrived Gen. Seymour, the unlucky man of Olustee, dark bearded and over given to talk and write; but of well known valor. He was assigned to a brigade 3d Div. 6th Corps, where his command was destined to be of the shortest.
May 5, Thursday.
The head of the 9th Corps got last night as far as Germanna Ford; but the troops extended thence far back. Order of march (epitome) for May 5. (Of course this was but partially carried out, owing to the battle.) Sheridan, with Gregg’s and Torbert’s Divisions, to attack enemy’s cavalry at Hamilton’s crossing (towards Fredericksburg). Wilson’s Cav. Div. to move out at 5 A.M. to Craig’s Meeting House, on Catharpin road, and to throw out on the Catharpin & Pamunkey roads and on the Orange Plank & Pike, &c. 2d Corps move at 5 to Shady Grove Church, and extend its right towards the 5th Corps at Parker’s Store. 5th Corps at 5, to Parker’s Store and extend its right to 6th Corps at Wilderness Tavern. 6th Corps to Wilderness Tavern, leaving one Div. at Germanna Fd. till Burnside had got over troops enough to hold it. Reserve Artillery to Corbin’s Bridge. Trains to near Todd’s Tavern. Headq’rs on Orange Plank near to 5th Corps. When in position the army will be held ready to advance. Right & left flanks to be well watched and pickets thrown well out. (Note. In the first of this order, may be seen already Sheridan’s budding ambition for personal and independent distinction. He wanted to do something separate, though the interests of the service were plainly against the scattering of forces. The order was countermanded.)— We rode some 41/2 miles and arrived at 7.10 A.M. at Old Wilderness Tavern, on the right of the road and near the Orange Pike. Here were Generals Warren & Sedgwick. The 5th Corps was marching past and the 6th was in its rear. Was greeted by Bill Thorndike, Surgeon in the 39th Mass. of Robinson’s Div. Told him that Griffin reported the enemy on the Orange Pike, 2 miles west of the Germanna Plank. Wright was ordered to move S.W. from the Germanna Plank and feel for Griffin’s right. 10.30 A.M. The 5th New York cavalry, holding the Orange Plank at Parker’s store, has been attacked by infantry and driven in, with loss. Enemy reported at Frederickshall, south of the N. Anna (idle story).— 10.45 Getty’s Div. of 6th Corps ordered to proceed at once to junction of the cross-road (continuation of the Brock Road) and the Orange Plank, and hold it. One division of Burnside reported across. All expected over by night. Headq’rs move to a piney knoll on the right of the Orange Pike and opposite the Maj. Lacy house. There was a good space of open country just here extending on both sides of the pike, though chiefly on the left; but, about a mile up the road were pine woods, wherein was Griffin’s division going south along the Germanna Plank, the low woods began near the junction of the Brock cross-road with this. 12.10. Ordered to go to Gen. Getty and explain to him the position of the army and direct him to seek roads to the right and join with Crawford’s left. At the beginning of the cross-road found Gen. Eustis’ brigade going into the woods;—told him the orders, and he said he would send 3 regiments instead of 2, to feel to the right. Found Getty sitting on the ground, near the Plank Road, but on the cross-road. He said the whole of Hill’s Corps was coming down the plank, and the skirmishers were within 300 yards. They had been fighting, and two or three bodies lay near us, and a wounded man occasionally passed. Getty told me to tell Gen. Meade that he had but 3 brigades, having been ordered to leave one behind. 12.50. Reported back at Headq’rs. Just at this moment, heavy musketry from Griffin and some apparently from Wright, also from Wadsworth on Griffin’s left. It lasted, rising & falling, for about 11/2 hours. 1.50. Ordered to go to 5th N.Y. Cav. & direct them, as soon as filled up with ammunition, to proceed down the Brock Road and open communication with Gen. Hancock, who was moving up. Found the regiment to the rear of the Germanna Plank; men distributing cartridges; the Colonel having somewhat cooked. Ordered him to report to Gen. Getty, as above. 2. Sent again to countermand the above order, as Hancock was nearly in junction with Getty’s left. Returning to Headq’rs found the pike blocked with ambulances and with wounded on foot, who continually enquired “How far to the 5th Corps Hospital?” They were chiefly from Griffin’s Div. and also many from Wadsworth’s. Met Joe Hayes, supported by Dalton, and by a servant on his horse. He was talking wildly and the blood streamed down his face! A dangerous wound to look at—shot in the head. There we were three classmates together!— Helped him along till assured he had enough assistance, when left him with Dalton. 2.45. Griffin comes in, followed by his mustering officer, Geo. Barnard. He is stern & angry. Says in a loud voice that he drove back the enemy, Ewell, 3/4 of a mile, but got no support on the flanks, and had to retreat—the regulars much cut up. Implies censure on Wright and apparently also on his corps commander, Warren. Wadsworth also driven back.— Rawlins got very angry, considered the language mutinous and wished him put in arrest.— Grant seemed of the same mind and asked Meade; “who is this Gen. Gregg? You ought to arrest him!” Meade said “It’s Griffin, not Gregg; and it’s only his way of talking.”— Rawlins asked me what he had done; told him his reputation as an officer was good. In this charge Bartlett’s brigade, the first line commanded by Hayes, broke and drove the enemy, handsomely.— Bartlett’s horse was killed and he badly hurt in the head by his fall. There is little doubt that Wright made slow work in his advance. 3 P.M. Burnside ordered up. 3.15. Sent with a written order to Getty to attack (& Hancock to go in too); but to attack alone if Hancock was not ready. Delivered it at 3.25. Getty in the same spot—very cool—evidently did not think it good strategy to attack till more of the 2d Corps was up; but promptly sent aides to Eustis & Wheaton directing them to prepare at once to advance. 4.15. Ordered to take with me orderlies; report to Hancock and send back reports of progress from time to time. Reported at 4.45 to Hancock, who sat on his horse at the crossing of the Brock and Plank roads. He told me to write to Gen. Meade that it was hard to bring up troops in this wood—only part of corps up, but would do as well as he could.— All this time heavy musketry in our front and stray balls coming over. The country a “Wilderness” indeed!—a thick cover of sapplings, from 15 to 30 feet high with a close under-growth of bushes. Now rides up an officer—Maj. Mundy—“Sir! Gen. Getty is hard pressed and his ammunition nearly out”—“Tell him to hold on, & Gen. Gibbon will be up to help him!” Another officer, from the left, comes up; “Sir! Gen. Mott’s division has broken, and is coming back!”—“Tell him to stop them!” roared Hancock, and galloped towards the left and began rallying the retreating troops in the Brock road. “Maj. Mitchell, go to Gen. Gibbon and tell him to come up on the double-quick!” (The bad conduct of this division of Mott’s, once renowned as the 2d Division of the 3d Corps, Hooker’s old command, was an instance of demoralization. Commanded successively by the dull Prince, the dancing master Carr, and by Mott, a cool, gallant man but without capacity for a large body of troops, its morale was further shaken by the breaking up of the Third Corps and its transfer to the 2d. In this, and the fights just after, its conduct was doubtless on the whole, disgraceful. When reduced to a brigade, under old McAllister, it did once more, good fighting at the Battle of Hatcher’s Run &c.) Hancock rode then off to the left. I was in the “crossroad” (continuation of the Brock) when Carroll’s & Hay’s brigades came up, the former leading (or Hays perhaps was already there and only sent some regiments to assist.)— At any rate Carroll’s men formed in the cross-road, and faced left to the front. They were blown by the double-quick. One of their Colonels said; “Now I don’t want any hollering;—that’s childish!”— Then, prime! Forward!— Soon after heard that Carroll was shot through the arm, and then that Hays was killed. The musketry continued, but the fresh troops had saved the day. Just as the sun was declining Gen. Hays was carried past me, on a stretcher borne on the shoulders of four men. He was shot straight through the head, but still had a mechanical respiration. At dark the fight was a drawn one; the line extending, as before, along the Brock and west of the crossroad. Portions of the 5th, 6th & 2d Corps had been opposed to Hill’s & Ewell’s Corps. It was after dark when got to Headq’rs, the tents being pitched in a dusty field, east of the Germanna Plank. Had frequently sent reports during the day, as ordered. Wilson’s cavalry got cut off today between Parker’s Store & Catharpin Road, and had to cut their way through to Sheridan. Grant ordered a general attack tomorrow at 4.30 A.M. but postponed it to 5, because they suggested Burnside would not be up till that time. “He won’t be up—I know him well!” said Duane (who hates B.) and so it turned out.
May 6, Friday.
All hands up before daylight. Sunrise was at about 4.50. The General was in the saddle in the gray of the morning. As he sat in the hollow by the Germanna Plank, up comes Capt. Hutton of B’s staff and says only one division was up and the road blocked with artillery (part of which was then passing us).— The General uttered some exclamation, and H said: “if you will authorize me sir, I will take the responsibility of ordering the artillery out of the road, and bring up the infantry at once.”—“No Sir” said M flatly. “I have no command over Gen. Burnside.” And here was the first mishap—the fight would have been better if Grant had not been there, for Meade knew B well and would have got him on the march at an earlier hour. B had been up the night before and had said “Well then my troops shall break camp by half past two.” (I think)—But he had a genius of slowness. 5.15. Ordered to ride to Gen. Hancock, remain there during the day, and report back by orderlies. There was skirmishing already and, as rode down the cross road, the volleys began. Found H at join of the Brock and Plank. “Tell Gen. Meade” he cried, “we are driving them most beautifully. Birney has gone in and he is just cleaning them out beautifully.” I said I was ordered to report only one division of Burnside up; but he would attack as soon as he could.—“I knew it! Just what I expected!” cried Hancock. “If he could attack now, we could smash A.P. Hill all to pieces!!”— The musketry was receding.—Squads of prisoners were coming in. We had taken the rifle-pits they had made in the night and now we were straightening the line, previous to pushing on. The fire therefore slackened. 6.45. Gen. Getty rode past me, in the cross-road, looking pale; to my enquiry, he said; “I am shot through the shoulder; I don’t know how badly”— a man of indomitable courage and coolness!— One of his aides (the fair haired), shot through the arm, the other with his horse shot. Immortal fighting did that valiant 2d Division 6th Corps, on these two bloody days!— About 7 A.M. Webb’s brigade moved up the Brock and wheeled into the plank to support Birney. Waved my hand to Abbott, as he rode past at the head of the 20th, smiling gaily. 7.45. Stevenson up with one brigade of his division, sent to reinforce Hancock. The other brigade had lost the road, but was expected soon. There was Charlie Mills, and Stevie Weld, Lt. Col. of the 56th. Told them we were driving them, and they had only to go in & finish up the rebs. 7.50 A.M. One of Barlow’s brigades is to go in along the incomplete railroad cut and strike the enemy in flank. 9. Column reported coming up the Brock road and deploying skirmishers. This, in the event, proved only a lot of cavalry, but these demonstrations had a most paralysing effect on our left, and seriously affected the fight. Gibbon was stampeded and made no vigorous handling of Barlow’s division and of Carroll’s brigade.— Hancock complained after, that Gibbon’s feeble command of the left wing of his corps changed the face of the day. 10. These rebel cavalry were beaten by ours, on the Brock road. It must have been about this time that a prisoner of Longstreet’s Corps was brought to me! This showed the presence of these troops, who had not before been in the fight, being on the march from Orange C. H. Reported this at once to Gen. Meade.— Macy was shot through the leg about this time, the 20th being heavily engaged on the right of the plank. He told me (after) that Gen. Wadsworth was back & forth there a great deal ordering him to the left of the plank, whereas Webb had put him where he was. 11. Abbott mortally wounded. Maj. Angel told me he saw him lying on the line; his eyes fixed. There is a great likeness between Angel & Maj. Norval, both Staff officers of 2d Corps; the former being Engineer at Headq’rs. 11.10. The first grand break—said, by the officer who came, to be first the right of Barlow, but think it was the left of Mott. Longstreet had struck heavily there, diagonally towards the Plank (as would appear from rebel accounts).— For a long time the wounded had been coming back rapidly along the road; at one period 2 light twelves had, by order of Gen. Birney, been placed on the plank and had fired solid shot over our men. Gibbon too had opened a battery on the left, but it ceased firing on information that the shot struck in our own lines. The attack became general on the whole front. Stevenson’s brigade of raw “Veterans,” broke after being under a severe fire for 10 minutes. Col. Griswold of the 56th was killed. Col. Bartlett, of the 57th, wounded, Gen. Stevenson, nearly surrounded, escaped by the right. A large part of the whole line came back, slowly but mixed up—a hopeless sight! American soldiers, in this condition are enough to sink one’s heart! They have no craven terror—they have their arms; but, for the moment, they will not fight, nor even rally. Drew my sword and tried to stop them, but with small success, at the partial rifle-pit that ran along the road. There was no danger, the enemy did not follow. 12. Rode in and reported the state of the case in person to Gen. Meade. Gen. Patrick went out with his brigade, and, as the stream of stragglers came up the crossroad, he stopped them in the open fields & rapidly reorganized them. Artillery had been planted on the ridge near Headq’rs pointing S.W. The General told me to remain a little. Grant, who was smoking stoically under a pine, expressed himself annoyed and surprised that Burnside did not attack, especially as Comstock was with him as engineer & staff officer, to show him the way. 1 P.M. Trains ordered to fall back towards Ely’s Ford, as a precautionary measure. 1.15 (about)—Back to Hancock. He alone, in rear of Brock Road; and there he asked me to sit down under the trees, as he was very tired indeed. All his staff were away to set in order the troops. They had now constructed a tolerable rifle-pit extending along the Brock and to the head of the cross-road. He said that his troops were rallied but very tired and mixed up, and not in a condition to advance. He had given orders to have the utmost exertions put forth in putting regiments in order, but many of the field officers were killed & wounded, and it was hard. At 2 P.M. Burnside, after going almost to Parker’s Store and again back, made a short attack with loud musketry. Ventured to urge Hancock (who was very pleasant & talkative) to try and attack too, but he said with much regret that it would be to hazard too much, though there was nothing in his immediate front, which had been swept by Stevenson’s other brigade, which marched from left to right. He spoke highly of the commander of this brigade. There presently came a note from Gen. Meade that Burnside had attacked and taken a small breastwork, and could Hancock attack also?—Burnside’s success was, after all, trifling, if anything. Potter told me (after) that his division like the rest in that corps, was mostly of raw men, that they made a very good rush at first, but were presently driven back as fast as they came. Gen. Wadsworth today was mortally wounded and left in the hands of the enemy, near the Plank Road. The attacks of Griffin and of Sedgwick’s two divisions, on the right amounted to nothing. Flint saw (May ’65) the place where the 6th Corps charged, and said there were no marks of very hard fighting, but on the left, along the Plank Road, there were places in front of the rebel pits, where the entire growth of sapplings was cut down by musketry. Concerning this fight on the Plank Road there has been the greatest discussion between Webb’s brigade, Getty’s division and the division of Birney and of Wadsworth, especially the two latter. Wadsworth’s people, and Cope, of Gen. Warren’s staff, state that they drove back the rebels, and got a footing on the Plank Road (attacking the rebel left in that part of the field) and that one brigade swept the whole front of the 2d Corps and came out on the other side, while the 2d Corps were lying behind breastworks doing nothing! Birney’s people per contra say that Wadsworth’s attack amounted to nothing and he was driven back, though personally he came on the Plank Road and interfered with the order of battle, while they did all the successful fighting! The two accounts are entirely unreconcilable, but are not astonishing in a desperate fight in a thick cover, where no one can see 100 feet, and every one is liable to get turned round. Macy told me that, though he lost over 1/4 of his men killed and wounded he never saw a rebel! In truth this whole Battle of the Wilderness was a scientific “bushwhack” of 200,000 men! 3.15 P.M. All being quiet got permission of Hancock to go back to 2d Corps Hospital & look after Abbott. (The hospital was some 2 miles back on a cleared farm, approachable only by a winding wood road, south of the plank. It was excellently arranged, particularly for the small means, but a ghastly sight indeed! Arms & legs lay outside the operating tents, and each table had a bleeding man on it, insensible from ether, and with the surgeons at work on him. As I entered a large tent and asked “Is Maj. Abbott here?”—“Here he is, sir,” said a servant.— I should not have recognized the white face & uprolled eyes! He was unconscious and dying fast. Lifted Macy up, and we stood there till he was gone—Macy shedding tears. Took his valuables in charge and a lock of his hair, and got the promise that his body should go home, if possible.— In the embalming place (a negro house) there lay already the body of a Captain of Infantry; the assistant had just cut down on the femoral artery.) Abbott died about 4. As was riding again towards the front, about 4.30, the artillery on Gibbon’s left suddenly opened heavily, followed by a sharp musketry. Immediately rode up the Germanna Plank to Gen. Meade, reported the fact and asked if he could not get Burnside ordered in to attack and help Hancock. In spite of this Gen. Meade seemed sceptical of the severity of the attack. Burnside did of his own accord, put in a division, with good effect. “The best thing old Burn’ did during the day,” said the General afterwards. 5.20 P.M. Rode back to join Gen. H but on the road met Maj. Hancock (I think) who said the enemy had broken through at the plank, and there was no communication with the left wing! Found Birney in the cross-road, and he said the same; upon which sent back a note which stampeded the General. All wrong on Birney’s part—along came Saunders (I believe) & we rode together down the road & found all open, and that the enemy had only broken through in one small place, but had been driven out, leaving over 50 dead on that spot. Presently found Hancock and remained till about sunset with him. 7 P.M. While at dinner heard a little scattered musketry and presently up gallops Capt. Beaumont, followed by Lt. Col. Kent—in great flurry, saying the 6th Corps was broken and driven back, the enemy on the Germanna Plank & Orange Pike, and that we had better look out not to be captured. They both were quite out of their heads. “And where” said Gen. M calmly, are Upton’s & Shaler’s brigades, that Sedgwick said he could spare me, this morning?”—“I don’t know Sir.”— “Do you mean to tell me that the 6th Corps is not to do any more fighting this campaign?”—“I am fearful not Sir!” quoth Kent. Orders were sent at once for the Pennsylvania Reserves to move to the support, by the Germanna Plank. There were the wildest reports that Gen. Sedgwick was taken &c. &c. Capt. Cadwalader who rode up the plank towards Germanna Ford, was fired on, sure enough, by some rebs! About 7.30 P.M. Ordered to take over a statement of the case to Gen. Grant, in the hollow hard by. He seemed more disturbed than Meade about it, and they afterwards consulted together. In truth they (the enemy) had no idea of their success. They made a dash with Edw. Johnson’s division about dusk, or somewhat before, and surprised completely Ricketts’ shaky division, which fled at once; but most, or the whole of the first division (and perhaps part of the 3d) stood firm; and the rebels were more than content to get Gens. Seymour & Shaler, and some other prisoners, and a lot of muskets & camp equipage. In consequence of this mishap the right was ordered swung back, so as to slant towards Germanna Plank. That poor 93d N.Y.—the “bloodless,” so long the headquarter guard, even from McClellan’s day! Today they went in and are bloody enough now; 15 or 16 officers hit in these two days, and men in proportion. Lost my sword today from its scabbard, while galloping in the woods. Some means should be devised to hold in the swords of mounted officers, the number lost is very great. Col. Walker found it & gave it to me; he, by the way, had lost his. Old Washburn, senator & the great friend of Grant, is a companion of the campaign. He came down entirely confident that Grant would at once swallow and annihilate Lee; but he wears another face now! Griffin lost a couple of guns yesterday.— We took some colors today. Grant told Meade that Joe Johnston would have retreated after two such days’ punishment. He recognizes the difference of the Western rebel fighting. During this day Sheridan defended our flanks & rear, with considerable fighting.
May 7, Saturday.
When we rose this morn we were pretty uncertain what the enemy was about, whether working on our flanks, or fallen back, or stationary.—All was quiet.— 5 A.M. Ferrero’s negro div. of the 9th Corps was up and massed in a hollow in the direction of the Lacy house. It made me sad to see them.—Can we not fight our own battles? The General rode through them on his way to Grant. 5.30. Ordered, to write to Gen. Sedgwick and direct him to hold all the ground the enemy would let him; and keep his cavalry & pickets well out. 9. Hancock reports nothing in his immediate front; Wright, from the other wing, reports nothing just in front of him, apparently. Warren reports a force in his front, though perhaps fallen back. 10. Warren sends out a reconnaissance of 1,000 men along the pike, from Griffin.—Heavy skirmish in that direction, and some artillery. 10.45 Ordered to ride out to Griffin and ask the result of the reconnaissance. Rode out to our breastworks on the pike, and found our artillery firing in the road and the enemy firing back, though rather wildly, for the most part. Some shooting in the heavy pine woods in front. There were a good many deep hollows hereabout, quite hilly as compared with the plank-road. Did not find Griffin, but Capt. Martin, his Chief of Artillery, told me the result of the reconnaissance was not yet reported. Rode to the left, then to the rear to Gen. Warren’s Headq’rs where stopped and sent a written report to our Headq’rs. Two or three shells fell in the hollow hard by; the place was the Lacy house. 2 P.M. Had returned to Headq’rs.—Meade in an ill humor, had read what Warren sent—“the enemy’s shells fall near my Headquarters.”—“Well, can’t I see that? What’s that to do with it?” says the General. Was rejoiced & surprised to find tent-mate “Rosie,” who had ridden across country, all the way from Rappahannock Station, in company of Mr. Dana, Assist. Sec. of War, a large man, a combination of scholar and newspaper editor, with a dab of amiability, a large dab of conceit, and another large dab of ultraism. He was to be another civil companion of Grant. Rosie was equipped, from Washington, with what we supposed to be a huge field-glass, but which turned out to be a large case-bottle, which banged his ribs whenever he galloped! A scout was now to go through to Rappahannock. Sent (through McGregor, correspondent of the Associated Press) by his hand a telegram to Mimi. 3. The 22d N.Y. Cav., somewhere by Germanna ford, got a shell thrown at them and rushed in wild confusion down the road, led off by the Colonel, an abominable coward and scoundrel. The regiment itself was raw. Meade arrested him and put the Major in his place, remarking tartly, “I don’t believe he’s a bit better!” Wounded ordered sent to Rappahannock Station. Butler yesterday occupied suddenly City Point. Went into a hollow behind our knoll, where was a field hospital. There were some rebel wounded there lying. They were loading the wounded in ambulances, to go north, only leaving a few very badly hurt. Now however, came notice that the rebel infantry and cavalry were advancing along the river bank, to occupy all the fords, including Ely’s. The cavalry officer who sent this in ought to have been shot! The force the enemy sent along there is pretty known now to have been most trifling and nothing prevented us from driving them off. Alas! for the poor wounded! The train of them was already far on its way, when Gen. Meade had to send word to halt, and subsequently to face it towards Fredericksburg. What delay & suffering! How many men whose vital force was just sufficient to have brought them safely to Washington, were killed by this protraction of their trials! This day Sheridan concentrated near Todd’s Tavern and attacked and severely beat Stuart’s cavalry. The order of march for eve of May 7th. Reserve Artillery at 7 P.M. via Chancellorsville and Aldrich’s to crossing of Alsop and Piney Branch Church roads, 5th Corps to Spottsylvania C.H., via Brock road and by Todd’s Tavern. 6th Corps by pike & plank to Chancellorsville and escort trains to cross of Piney Branch & Block house roads. 9th Corps follow 6th. 2d follows 5th to Todd’s Tavern. As Grant sat under a pine tree, he said, in his short way: “Tonight Lee will be retreating south!” This showed that he did not yet fully take in Lee’s obstinacy & the goodness of his army. Although his remark about Johnston showed that he already began to appreciate them. At 8.45 P.M. we left Headquarters. All the afternoon there had been commotion among the baggage waggons, and the heavy artillery were moving too. The dust was in fine clouds as we rode down the cross-road and halted at Hancock’s near the junction of the plank. The General bade us ride on and stop for him at Gibbon’s whom we found on the Brock, at a little house. It was a picturesque sight the infantry closely huddled asleep, under the breastwork that followed the road. On top it and outside were sentries with their muskets ready. The officers paced up and down; all were prepared for instant action. We got some iced water from Gibbon, and lay down to take a nap in the dust. By & bye came the General, with a following of all that cavalry of Gen. Patrick’s, which raised such a dust as well nigh to suffocate us. We rode on by the Brock road; then got wrong, in passing some batteries in position; then got straight again. The General told me to make the cavalry in rear go ahead of us; which did, at expense of tearing my blouse to pieces, for the road was narrow with woods each side and was full of cavalry. Could see nobody, so dark was it. At last we struck a cavalry outpost, and, soon after, got to Todd’s Tavern, at the crossing of the roads. It is an ordinary old building, of moderate size. There were some women & negroes there. Gen. Gregg came out to welcome us. They have had successful fighting round here for 3 days.
