May 2. In camp near Brandy Station; sent letters home. Several of the boys left us, having exchanged into the navy.
May 3. Broke camp at one o’clock P. M. Camped near Culpepper.
May 4. Broke camp last night at eleven o’clock; marched through Stephensburg, crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford at eight A. M.; camped at one P. M., after marching fourteen hours.
May 5. In the Wilderness. Left camp, advanced half a mile, and threw up breastworks; skirmishing began, and we advanced into the fight, which was very hot work. Fell back to our works at night.
May 6. Left our line at three A. M. and went to the front; heavy skirmishing from daylight till dark. There has been some hard fighting on our left. At dark we went to the rear, then back to the front, where we stayed until midnight, then returned to our works.
May 7. Was awakened about sunrise by heavy firing all along the line. Our brigade made a charge over the works; some fighting all day.
May 8. Sunday. We moved to the right at ten P. M. last night. Came up with the enemy at eight this morning; heavy fighting. We are driving the enemy. Our regiment supported the Fifth Mass. battery. Our brigade charged the rebs works, with a loss of three hundred men. Fighting near Spotsylvania Courthouse.
May 9. Started at ten o’clock last night, and went to the front. This morning threw up some works, and laid in them all day. No fighting in front of us, only skirmishing until sunset, then we had some hard fighting. Volunteered, and went out skirmishing. Erskine, of my company killed today. We were attacked twice, but the enemy was repulsed.
May 10. Our regiment supported the First New York battery today. Fighting began at half past eleven, and lasted until night. John Tidd and E. B. Hewes of my company wounded. Received a week’s mail; no letters for me.
May 11. Still supporting the First New York battery. Sent a letter home written on paper picked up on the battlefield.