Campaign to Centreville—Falmouth—Fredericksburg—Thoroughfare Gap—Rapidan River.
For some time rumors had prevailed of a forward movement, but nothing of a definite nature occurred until March 9th, when orders were issued that four days rations be cooked, and the battery prepared to march at an early hour the next morning; the limbers of the pieces and the caissons were supplied with ammunition, and everything put in order for a campaign against the enemy.
At an early hour on the 10th of March, "boots and saddles" was blown, the battery was speedily hitched up, and in a short time Capt. Monroe gave the order, "Right piece, forward," and we moved out of park, from Camp Dupont, where we had spent four months, for the last time. The line of march was toward the Centreville Pike, and when we reached Baily's Cross Roads, a halt was made near the road until our turn should come to join the column. The entire Army of the Potomac was on the march for Centreville, where the enemy was reported to be in force. It was several hours before our turn came, but at last we were ordered to move into the road, and commenced our march in earnest. It was a most disagreeable day, very cold, and a heavy mist prevailed, which soon wet our clothing; the freezing temperature soon converted this moisture into a coating of ice, making it exceedingly uncomfortable for the men, particularly the drivers, who were obliged to sit their horses without any opportunity to warm themselves by exercise.
Our progress was slow and tedious. Six o'clock found us in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, where we made camp. Early next morning we hitched up and had barely time to prepare coffee for ourselves, when we were ordered to join the column, and proceeded on our way towards Centreville, but after marching about a mile we were ordered to make camp.
It had been discovered by our advance that the enemy had retired upon our approach, and there was to be no opportunity to display our valor. We remained in this camp until the 15th.
On the morning of the 15th, the army started on its return towards Washington. Soon after starting it began to rain, and by noon the water was coming down in torrents, soon wetting the men to their skins. The column marched much more rapidly than they did when going out, they evidently hoping to find shelter at their old camps.
About 7 o'clock P.M., Battery D turned into the dooryard of Mr. Cloud, at Cloud's Mill. Both officers and men were in a miserable condition, and they immediately set about improving it to the best of their ability. The fence in front of the house was soon demolished, and a fire started, around which all hovered until morning. During the forenoon of the 16th we marched back to Camp Dupont, after an absence of just one week. This seemed like home to us, and we all felt that we would like to stay here for a while at least; but that was not to be, for next morning we were ordered to proceed at once to Fairfax Seminary, where we remained until April 4th. While in this camp, on March 29th, our first batch of recruits, nine in number, were received from Rhode Island.