November 1st, marched twelve miles ; halted near Purcellsville.

On the 3d marched ten miles ; camped near Union.

On the 4th marched three miles ; camped near Bloomfield.

On the 5th marched twenty miles ; bivouacked near Rectortown, on the Manassas Gap railraod.

On the 6th left Rectortown ; after marching eight hours, halted, and were detailed for picket duty on the Waterloo road. Were relieved on the 7th , and during a driving storm of snow and hail, proceeded as far as Warrenton ; passed through the town and camped on the Sulphur Springs road ; six miles.

On the 7th, marched seven miles, and camped near Fayetteville. Remained here until the 17th. Started on the road to Falmouth, at 9 P.M., after accomplishing sixteen miles.

On the 18th marched six miles ; reached Acoteagua creek.

On the 22nd moved to Brookes' Station, three and a half miles distant. Remained here until December 8th, when we marched seven miles ; on the 10th three miles ; on the 11th four miles, and to within one and a half miles of the Rappahannock river.

Early on the morning of the 12th marched to the river ; crossed, and formed line on the southern bank, under a heavy artillery fire. The line subsequently retired to a less exposed position, and bivouacked for the night, without fires. This was a precaution rendered necessary by the nature of the ground. The camp fire would have been a good mark for the rebel artillerist, who might at least annoy us by throwing an occasional shell in our vicinity.

The 13th was ushered in by a fierce cannonading along the rebel line. That portion of the division to which we were attached was moved towards the extreme left, in support of that flank, and in line of battle marched nearly three miles under a severe artillery fire, to occupy the position. The movement was executed in admirable order, and elicited praises from the rebel commanders on our front. After getting in position, we opened with our batteries, but were annoyed by the rebel sharpshooters, who picked off our artillerists. Four companies of the regiment were advanced to a road on our front, somewhat sunken, and from this cover were enabled to silence the sharpshooters and a battery which got into position soon after the companies were detached. During the ensuibg night the same battery, evidently, kept up a continual fire of cannister shot. Although we were out of direct range, the enemy calculated to a nicety the correct elevation of the guns, and the missiles came pattering down from above like so many hailstones, but with a more serious effect. We continued in this unpleasant predicament until daylight.

During the 14th and 15th continued in about the same position, supporting battery "B," United States artillery, and occasionally skirmishing with the enemy.

Killed……………………………………….

Wounded…………………………………12

The fight on the right meantime progressing with varying success, at times our forces occupying an important position of the enemy's ; but for want of success in another portion of the line, obliged to abandon it, losing heavily at every assault. At last we arrive to the night of the 15th, when the whole army retreated quietly across the Rappahannock, and our brigade, by circuitous and difficult road, marched nine miles and went into bivouac. Sleep never came to more grateful eyelids. For three days we had been continually under fire. Our nights were almost sleepless, as the enemy made several attempts at a night attack, and we were constantly under arms, moving hither and thither, during the night, wherever our line was menaced. To lie down without the ring of musketry and the roar of artillery in one's ears, and to close one's eyes in pure forgetfulness, is a boon no one can appreciate who has not passed through such scenes.

On the following morning went into camp and remained until the 20th. On that day marched nine miles, and camped near White Oak church.

On the 23d marched to Belle Plains ; remained there until the 20th. Nothing of particular importance occurring, company and regimental drills resumed and thorough inspections made. The frequency of these inspections indicated an early move. These, together with orders to be in readiness to move at short notice, reiterated daily.

On the 20th marched to Stoneman's Station, distant twelve miles. Col. Fowler joined us on the march, having recovered from wounds received at Groveton (1862). During the night a heavy rain storm set in.

On the 21st left bivouac and marched to within four miles of Falmouth. It continued through the day, and our march was made through mud ankle deep in the shallowest spots. Artillery wagons, mules and horses were inextricably mired along the whole route.

Remained in bivouac on the 22d, the roads, if possible, in worse condition than the day previous.