Forces belonging to General Heintzelman had already arrived, and were encamped in the vicinity of the fort. The change in the climate was very perceptible as well as agreeable. Instead of the bleak, cutting winds and unhealthy climate of Camp Griffin, a warm genial south breeze was blowing, and the mild, balmy atmosphere was alike bracing and exhilarating. After the long confinement of the more northern winter months, it was far from disagreeable to be transferred to a spot where the peach trees were in blossom, birds were singing, and flocks sporting in green meadows.
Ruins of Hampton.
On landing, the Thirty-third marched to the ruined village of Hampton, and after tarrying a short time to partake of refreshments, and examine the various objects of interest, proceeded three miles beyond, and encamped close to the James River. Prior to leaving Washington, General Heintzelman had received instructions from General McClellan, who did not reach the Peninsula until the second of April, to keep all the troops in the vicinity of the fort for a few days, so that the rebels should have no idea of the direction in which the army was to eventually move, whether towards Norfolk or Yorktown. He accordingly did so.
On the 27th reconnoitering parties were sent forward. Smith’s entire division marched, without knapsack, to Watt’s Creek, a small hamlet near Big Bethel, where some rebel cavalry were discovered and put to flight by a few shells from our artillery. There were newly made camps and other evidences of the recent occupation of the place by rebel infantry. For the first time, the Thirty-third boys discovered a batch of the rebel literature, which has furnished so much amusement for northern readers during the progress of the war. Little groups were collected to listen to the reading of various documents, including several tender missives, the writers of which had evidently followed Voltaire’s advice for writing love letters, “to begin without knowing what you have to say, and end without knowing what you have written.”
On the same day Gen. Hooker proceeded with his command to Big Bethel, the enemy decamping when he made his appearance. After remaining over night at Watt’s Creek, sleeping on their arms, in the forest, the troops of Smith’s division returned and encamped about two miles north of Newport News. A severe rain-storm set in after dark, and the men of the Thirty-third awoke in the morning, to find everything afloat. There was water enough within the encampment to have easily floated a canoe, which of course occasioned a general clearing out on the part of the regiment.
Several severe cases of sickness arose from this heavy freshet, and a Division Hospital was established at Newport News, under charge of the Thirty-third surgeon. A new and more elevated site, and nearer the James, was immediately occupied.
