Monday, May 26.—Orders came to be ready to march. Everything was packed up; but we remained.
Tuesday, May 27.—Coal Harbor. Fitz John Porter’s corps, fighting near Hanover Court House. Great excitement amongst the troops.
Wednesday, May 28.—The Second corps marched four miles this morning, to support Fitz John Porter’s corps, near Mechanicsville. Went in line of battle near New Bridge, and remained there all day.
Thursday, May 29.—Our corps returned to Coal Harbor by four o’clock P. M. Seven hundred prisoners were brought in.
Friday, May 30.—Near Coal Harbor. Heavy rain.
Saturday, May 31.—Commencement of the battles of the Seven Pines and Fair Oaks. At two o’clock P. M., the battle began on the south side of the Chickahominy. The enemy attacked Casey’s division. The Second corps got ready immediately, the Second division, General Sedgwick, leading to the Chickahominy. We crossed at Grape Vine Bridge, built by the First Minnesota, Colonel Sully, Battery I, First United States Regulars, being the first artillery to cross, under great difficulties, the guns sinking in up to the axle. Our battery followed next. Great excitement seemed to prevail about getting artillery forward. But for the timely arrival of the Second and Thirty-fourth New York, Fifteenth Massachusetts, and First Minnesota Regiments, the day would have been lost—especially, the two New York regiments, fought with great determination. Not until night set in, the battle ceased. Our battery stood in the middle of the road all night. The order was to be in line of battle by two o’clock A. M.
Sunday, June 1.—Battle of Fair Oaks. Long before daylight our battery was brought in line of battle in front of the house in which General Sumner afterwards established his headquarters. The First Minnesota supported us. The battle reopened at daylight, with great fury, the enemy having been reinforced all night. Artillery was not used a great deal in this battle, but the musketry fire exceeded any ever heard during the war. In spite of the enemy’s efforts, he was completely repulsed by ten o’clock A. M., retreating to Richmond. General McClellan appeared in front of the line of battle, encouraging the troops for the coming struggle.
Monday, June 2.—Fair Oaks. In line of battle since two o’clock A. M. The First Minnesota is fortifying our position. Cannonading going on near Mechanicsville, in the afternoon. The enemy is shelling our line on the railroad. Trains are arriving at the station with supplies. A heavy shower.
Tuesday, June 3.—The army is fortifying its line.
Wednesday, June 4.—Heavy rain storm. All the bridges over the Chickahominy destroyed.