August, 1863 ~ November, 1863

Moved across the river on the morning of the 2nd, halted a short distance south of the bank, threw up entrenchments, and pitched tents in the rear.

On the morning of the 3d the enemy was reported to advancing ; tents were struck and preparations made to receive an attack. No enemy appearing tents were pitched, and the men ordered to sleep upon their arms.

Left our entrenchments on the 8th and crossed to the northern bank, and went into camp near the railroad station, Gen. Briggs commanding corps, Gen. Cutler division, and Col. Fowler brigade.

Picket and fatigue duty consumed the time until the 19th. Just previous to this date Gen. Cutler took leave of his command, addressing it in a highly patriotic and complimentary manner.

On the 19th crossed the river and took position in the trenches, the enemy reported to be on our front and advancing. This proving to be false returned to old camp, where we remained until September 14th.

This camp was very pleasantly situated, and water was in abundance ; mails were now received and transported regularly ; boxes from home were forwarded by Adams' Express Company to our tent doors almost. Everything contributed to our pleasure. This luxurious state of things was rudely dispelled by the unexpected order to be ready to move at a moment's notice.

On the 14th received news from the front that Gen. Pleasanton has moved beyond Culpepper, engaged the enemy's cavalry, capturing three guns and forty prisoners, and that the Second corps was at Culpepper. We were expected to shortly follow.

On the 16th left Rappahannock Station, marched ten miles and bivouacked near Pony mountain.

On the 21st received order assigning Gen. Cutler to command of division, Gen. Rice to command of brigade.

On the 24th Col. Fowler, commanding brigade, received orders to march at 12 M. marched five miles and bivouacked near Morton's ford on the Rapidan.

Oct. 5th received orders in relation to regiments returning to their respective States whose time expired during the coming spring, for the purpose of re-organizing and recruiting for three years' further service. All the officers present, twenty-six in number, and one hundred and seventeen men, were in favor of this measure. Our aggregate at thistime in the field was one hundred and fifty-six. The character of the daily orders received at this time, namely, reduction of baggage and its transportation to the rear, prophesied an early move.

On the 10th moved towards the ford. In the afternoon marched five miles and halted near Culpepper.

On the11th the regiment was detached, and acted as guard to the division train. Crossed the Rappahannock and bivouacked near Kelly's ford. On the march our rear guard was closely followed by the enemy's cavalry, occasionally skirmishing.

On the 13th marched twenty-eight miles, halting near Bristow Station.

On the14th left bivouac and joined the brigade. As we marched from the station the enemy's advance opened fire, and we (the First corps) were ordered to push on to the heights near Centreville. The Second corps, under command of Gen. Warren, acting as rear guard to the army, received the attack of the enemy, and successfully repulsed him, capturing five pieces of artillery and four hundred and fifty prisoners ; marched ten miles.

On the 19th left Centreville and marched via Gainesville to Haymarket, ten miles distant ; halted at 2 P.M. During the afternoon our pickets were driven in by a cavalry force ; the guard being reinforced, the enemy retired.

Left camp on the 20th, marched six miles and bivouacked near Georgetown.

On the 24th left Georgetown, and marched through mud and rain a distance of twelve miles, to near Bristow Station. Remained at this point until Nov. 5th. On that date marched to Catlett's Station, four miles.

Left on the 7th ; marched seventeen miles, and camped near Morrisville, the regiment detached for wagon guard.

Relieved on the 8th, rejoined brigade ; marched seventeen miles, crossing the Rappahannock at Kelly's ford, and halting near Brandy Station.

On the 9th re-crossed the river, and bivouacked near Bealton, seven and a half miles. Afterwards mad permanent camp. Remained here until the 26th, building railroad and doing all kinds of fatigue duty. On that day marched to Richardsville, fifteen miles distant.

Left on the 27th ; crossed the Rapidan at Gold Mine ford, and advanced up the Fredericksburg road. The Fifth corps wagon train, just in advance of our column, while passing through a piece of woods, through which a cross road ran, was attacked by the enemy's cavalry ; some few killed and wounded, and several wagons captured and run off on this road before our column reached the scene. A company from the regiment was thrown out as skirmishers. The cavalry moved off briskly, setting fore to the captured wagons, some which contained ammunition.

On the 27th we halted near Robinson's tavern, having, having marched eighty-eight miles.

On the morning of the 28th advanced in two lines of battle, Col. Fowler commanding second line, through swamps and woods, passing over two lines of the enemy's works, and halted on the rising ground overlooking Mine Run, beyond which, on the opposite ridge, the enemy's line could be plainly seen behind earthworks. Artillery firing and skirmishing continued throughout the day.

The 29th was consumed by the troops in getting into position.

On the 30th an attempt was made in the early part of the day to reach the edge of the run opposite our line, to ascertain whether it could be crossed with artillery without bridges. The enemy's sharpshooters had prevented an examination. The right wing of regiment, supported by the left, was detached for the purpose of forcing the passage. Forming line under cover of a ridge, charged over the run, and drove the enemy from their pits back to their first line, capturing an officer and some prisoners. Accomplishing its errand, the wing fell back over the run. Bridges were afterwards thrown across, and preparations for the assault on the morrow perfected.