he other side. A
heavy shower in the evening.

_Wednesday, May 6._--Our whole force has retreated across the river during
the night. The rear guard crossed at eight o'clock this morning. Eight
batteries are in position to cover the retreat. The engineers commenced to
break off the pontoons. Some of the rebel skirmishers appeared, but
retreated as soon as our batteries opened on them. Captain Thomas' battery
had quite an action with a rebel battery, losing two men killed and
several wounded. The action was kept up until a rebel caisson was blown
up, whereon firing ceased. The pontoon train got in motion at three
o'clock P. M., and the artillery at four o'clock. The roads were in a
horrible condition. It rained at intervals during the day. In the evening
a heavy rain set in, making it disagreeable beyond description. Our
battery was stuck in the woods several times, till at last we were
compelled to stop for the night. Quite a number of our battery's men
travelled on their own hook, that night. Discipline was getting very
loose. This night will never be forgotten by any man in the battery.

_Thursday, May 7._--The weather cleared off in the morning. We resumed our
march at eight o'clock, arriving in camp at ten.

_Friday, May 8._--Camp near Falmouth. General Sedgwick's corps came in
from Banks' Ford. This corps suffered a heavy loss. At five o'clock P. M.
our battery was ordered to report near the Lacy House. We arrived there at
dark, going in camp close to the Thirty-fourth New York regiment.

_Saturday, May 9._--Opposite Fredericksburg. This morning we placed our
guns in position behind breastworks, occupied by a German battery from New
York, before we came. We are close to the railroad bridge. The Second
division is camping around us again. Stonewall Jackson, having
accidentally been wounded by some of his own men, died to-day. The
Thirty-fourth New York regiment changed camp this afternoon.

_Sunday, May 10._--The weather is pleasant. The ringing of bells, and the
singing in the churches of Fredericksburg, can be heard plainly on this
side of the river. People are walking in the streets just as usual. We
are exchanging words with the rebel videttes across the river.

_Monday, May 11._--Opposite Fredericksburg. Bands are playing in the rebel
camps. Some of their regiments are in parade line,--having muster by all
appearances.

_Thursday, May 14._--Corporals Stephen M. Greene and William Rider left on
ten days fu