mpelling 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 ca