Monday, April 20.—Secretary Stanton at the headquarters.
Wednesday, April 22.—Our battery was paid off for four months service by Major King.
Thursday, April 23.—A heavy rain.
Monday, April 27.—Received orders at eight o’clock P. M., to march in the morning.
Tuesday, April 28.—Reveille at two o’clock in the morning. Left camp at six o’clock A. M. We were attached to the Third division under General French. The Second remained behind. We marched six miles towards the Rappahannock; halted at mid-day, and camped in the woods. The pontoon train passed by in the evening.
Wednesday, April 29.—Marched again at two o’clock P. M., and went to camp at dark three miles from the river. Rainy weather.
Thursday, April 30.—Our cavalry has crossed the Rappahannock without opposition. The pontoons were laid. Before crossing an address of General Hooker was read in line, to the effect that the Twelfth and Fifth corps had turned the enemy’s left flank, by crossing the Rapidan at Germania Ford, compelling the enemy to fight us on our own ground. Our battery crossed at five o’clock P. M. After marching four miles further towards Chancellorsville, one hundred and sixty prisoners passed by. The troops were highly elated at crossing the Rappahannock so easy, as the shore was strongly fortified, and by nature well-adapted for defence. While marching to Chancellorsville in the moonlight, Joe Hooker and staff passed by, and the rumor circulated, all at once, that Fredericksburg was taken, and the rebel army in full retreat towards Gordonsville.
Friday, May 1.—The battle opened about ten o’clock A. M., near the Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg Plank-road. The First and Second divisions of the Second corps, commanded by General Couch, formed at two o’clock P. M. Our battery advanced about a mile. Going down a hill we were suddenly received by one of the enemy’s batteries, whereupon we countermarched to the top of the hill, going in position immediately. General Sykes’ division of regulars fought bravely in front of us, till they had to fall back on our battery, we kept up firing for some time, until General Hancock arrived, informing General Couch that his position was completely outflanked, and that he had better withdraw. The very minute our pieces were reversed, the command, “fix bayonets,” could plainly be heard from the rebel line of infantry in the woods. We left at double quick. Our whole line fell back to the tavern. At that moment, the Third corps, under command of General Daniel Sickles, advanced in line of battle, doing good service. Our battery retired to our former place of rendezvous. The fight continued until seven o’clock P. M. Splendid moonlight night.
Saturday, May 2.—Battle of Chancellorsville. At four o’clock P. M., the battle reopened with great fury. General Stonewall Jackson, massing his forces against our right, completely surprised the Eleventh corps, driving them in great confusion. The roaring of artillery, and the musketry fire, were really terrific. After sunset, the fire slackened a little; but at moonrise, raged again in all its fury, till late in the night. Our artillery suffered heavily during to-day’s battle. Some of it was captured by the rebels. A new line of battle was formed at eleven o’clock in the night. The situation of our battery was anything but pleasant. Having long range guns, and our position being close to the woods, nothing could be used, with any effect, but canister. Our line of battle is getting shorter.
Sunday, May 3.—Battle of Chancellorsville. Our battery was ordered to fall back to the Rappahannock at daylight. Marching back, the First corps, commanded by General Reynolds, passed us, going to the front. Arriving at the brick house, near the river, we found some batteries posted there already,—Kirby’s amongst them. Our line of battle fell back to the rifle-pits we occupied last night. The enemy holds the plank-road and tavern. The battle is raging again since six o’clock A. M. About ten o’clock A. M., Lieutenant Kirby ordered his and our battery to the front again, on his own responsibility. We marched back, but very unwillingly. On the way, a division of the Third corps met us, marching back to the river, with a rebel colonel and half of his regiment, as prisoners, and carrying four rebel battle-flags as trophies. Arriving at the front, to our pleasant surprise, we found out that our battery was not wanted at all. Colonel Morgan appeared to be very angry, as there was no use of any rifled batteries. Kirby’s battery went in action. Lieutenant Kirby was mortally wounded shortly after arriving in the line of battle. We returned to the brick house, near the river, sending back our horses and limbers to carry the guns of the Fifth Maine Battery off the battle-field. This battery sustained a heavy loss. Their guns were saved by Meagher’s Irish brigade. We heard to-day that General Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth corps, and the Second division of the Second, carried St. Mary’s Heights by storm, but had to give them up again the next day. Sedgwick is fighting hard near Banks’ Ford, being pressed towards the Rappahannock. Some of our cavalry and horse artillery have gone to form a junction with him. Fighting was kept up most of the night. Our battery enjoyed a good night’s rest. The horses were unharnessed.