May 1863~June 1863

Contrary to our expectation the enemy remained quiet during the whole day of May 1st.

On the 2d the rebel batteries opened fire early in the morning, replied to briskly from our batteries. Shortly afterwards we were ordered to re-cross the river. Which was safely accomplished, the bridge taken up, and wended our way along the north bank of the river towards United States ford.

As we afterwards understood this movement, this crossing was to hold the enemy in check at this point, while the main body of the army crossed at United States ford and moved towards the rear of the enemy, a portion of the army operating against Fredericksburg at the same time. This disposition of the forces made victory hopeful, but history tells us that the assault on St. Mary's Heights was repulsed, the army at Chancellorsville lying idle all the time. The enemy, operating on a shorter line, concentrated on our front at Chancellorsville.

After marching twenty miles bivouacked near United States ford. At 3:30 the following morning crossed the river and took a position on the right of the line at Chancellorsville. During the day heavy firing on our left and center. No operations on our immediate front. Stonewall Jackson reported killed by some prisoners brought in at night.

On the afternoon of the 4th the enemy attacked our line, but was repulsed with great loss. Rained violently during the day.

On the 5th heavy firing on our left and center ; raining nearly the whole afternoon.

At 2 A.M. on the morning of the 6th, during a violent rain storm, and amid intense darkness, the roads almost impassable by reason of the mud, the army moved across the river, the Fourteenth making the passage about 8 A.M., and bivouacked four miles from Falmouth, after marching thirteen miles. Wounded, eighteen.

Marched on the 7th, and halted near Fitzhugh farm, distant eight miles, and went into camp.

On the 13th, Lient.-Col. Bevoise, whose resignation had been accepted, left for Washington, regretted by every officer and member of the regiment.

Until the 30th no important event occurred. On that date the regiment was transferred to the Second brigade, commanded by Gen. L. Cutler, the balance of our brigade having been discharged the service, the term of service having expired.

At 2 A.M. of the 12th, left camp and marched until 1 P.M., when the division was drawn up in a hollow square, and witnessed the execution of private Wood, of the 19th Indiana, for desertion. Resumed the march, and halted at 6 P.M. near Deep Run ; twenty-four miles.

On the 13th, a very warm and dusty day, marched fifteen miles, halting near Bealton Station.

On the 14th continued the march, accomplishing twenty-five miles. Reached Centreville Heights, distant eight miles, June 15th.

June 17th left Centerville at 4 A.M., and marched towards Leesburg until 12 mid-day, when the column was countermarched and halted near Hundon. This was the warmest day of the season, and many of the command were sunstruck, Capt. Gill dangerously so ; distance twenty miles.

On the 19th marched to Guilford Station, distant four miles. Remained at this point until the 25th, when we crossed the Potomac at Edward's ferry, and marched via Poolesville to Barnesville, eighteen miles.

Left Barnesville on the following day (26th), crossed the Monocacy at Greenfield, halting near Jefferson, fifteen miles.

Left bivouac on the 27th, and marched eight miles. Resumed the march on the 28th, and halted near Frederick city, a distance of five miles.

Left on the 29th, and marched as guard to the wagon train. This was a very tedious march, the rain continuing nearly all day. The train was being hurried through, and the guard, at times, was obliged to take the "double quick," in order to keep up with their particular section of the train. We reached Emmettsburg about 9P.M. ; distance marched, twenty-five miles.

Left camp on the following morning and halted five miles from Gettysburg, at Marsh creek.