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General Hooker on the Rappahonoc 18

April 27th A part of the army moved this morning. Colonel Ames went on a General's staff because he could not take his regt into battle on account of spreading smallpox.

28th Gales and cloudy. The 12th N.Y. regt started for home from the 1st Brigade.

29th We was paid off. I went on guard. Troops wer passing here all day. We can hear a canon accasionaly all day.

30th Our troops are making good progress crossing the Rapahonoc. There was a run up to the switch in the evening owing to whiskey.

May 1st Fair and warm. We can hear the canon once in a while some distance away both up and down the river. Rumors that the rebs are just where we want them. I got my picture taken.

2nd The ball opened this morning smarter and nearer than before. It appears to be just below Fredricksburg.

3rd We have orders to march to Hanks ford as soon as possible. Marched and relieved the 19th ME regt that was guarding the telegraph line from Falmoth [Falmouth] to the ford. There was a hard battle