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roads, and the soft soil of the cultivated fields, through which we had to march for long distances, was still worse than the roads.- About 4 P.M. when within three miles of the battle ground, the men were ordered to divest themselves of knapsacks and all incumbrances, leaving them under Gen. Birney - Col Walker reported to Gen Emory, who was holding a position on the exterior left against which the enemy was advancing.- and together with other forces, we were placed in position to receive them; but after waiting nearly an hour in a soaking rain, it became evident that the enemy had abandoned their attack, and we were ordered to report back to the brigade, which we did - arriving near the field of battle just at dark, when the fighting was suspended. Consequently we bivouacked for the night - in circumstances of considerable hardship, being much fatigued, soaked with rain and mud, and destitute of blankets, overcoats or shelter from the rain - and were ordered to move to the front and attack the enemy early Tuesday morning ( 6:00 ) -Emerging from the woods in front of Fort Magruder, where the principal fighting of the previous day had been, we advanced upon the works, expecting to find an enemy : but discovered during the night the rebels had

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Script in left margin from top to bottom

1862 May 5.

Battle of Williamsburg