.MTczOQ.MjA1NDE

10.

miles in order to cross and reinforce Gen. Franklin, who had been giving battle to the enemy throughout the day. Arriving within about a mile of the Pontoon Bridge, it was discovered that the troops previously sent by this route had not yet crossed, and we were again ordered to bivoac. On the morning of the 13th the regiment was under arms at day-break, and again on the march, and after the delay, seemingly required, in moving large bodies, we succeeded in crossing the Rappahannock River, about 10 o'clock A.M.

Gen. Birney commanding division immediately found his Brigade, and pushed forward to the left of the ground occupied by Gen. Whipple. We were immediately forced into lines of battle by brigade, and ordered to prepare for action. The regiment was then marched by Col. Lakeman to the road (some 175 yards), where they deposited their knapsacks, and soon took their position in the line. At this time the short and shell from the enemy's batteries was flying thick and fast over us, and a few of our men were wounded. The regiment was then ordered forward to the right of our position, to the support of Captain Hall's (2nd Maine) Battery, and remained in position nearly six hours, under a most trying fire from batteries and sharpshooters. The execution done by our Battery on the ranks of the enemy needed no comment from us - our duty was to support it, at all hazards, and the position was a "post of honor and danger." The Battery having been ordered to change position, it was discovered that one of its guns had been disabled, and that in consequence of the loss of all its horses. The enemy, seeing which, came boldly forward to seize it, but the unerring aim of a well directed volley from our men, sent them flying back to the cover of their entrenchments beyond