On the day following the 17th of June, the regiment, with the other troops of the First Division, retired a short distance to the rear to rest, and overcome as much as possible the bewildering and disorganizing influences of the battle. It was usual to grant this poor privilege to troops that had been severely engaged, the amount of rest given them depending upon the severity of their losses and the strength of the reserve forces, or, in other words, the means of the commanding general to supply their places at the front with fresh troops. The extended nature of our lines in front of Petersburg, and the activity of the enemy, required the presence of a vast army there, and the strength of our army at that time did not afford a large reserve, hence the regiment enjoyed but a brief respite from duty.
During the night of the 20th, the division moved forward to the front line, relieving a division of the Second Corps.
June 21. Same place, skirmishing.
June 22. The enemy made a sortie on the division skirmish line, but were repulsed.
June 23. Severe skirmishing in the night; the weather very warm and oppressive.
June 24. Same place; the Brigade moved to the extreme front line.
June 25. Severe skirmishing all night; the regiment was in line of battle till near daylight.
June 26 and 27. Same place.
June 28. This day the regiment was ordered to deploy near General Ledlie’s headquarters, and advance through the woods to drive up stragglers. About three hundred of these faithless soldiers were found hiding in the forest, fifty of whom were arrested by our men, the rest making their escape. The Tenth Corps advanced their picket line at night, which caused considerable skirmishing, but after awhile everything became quiet; the regiment moved to the rear during the night.
July 1. The enemy threw several mortar-shell directly into the regimental camp, but no one was injured.