skirmish and gave the men great confidence in
themselves. Owing to swamps and the slashing on the edge of the woods,
which the rebels had prepared, the men came into camp with their
clothing completely ruined, making it necessary for an issue of
clothing the next day.

On Sunday, May 3d, the regiment was ordered across the Nansemond river
on the Providence Church Road, where they were engaged with the enemy
several hours. The casualties were two killed and eight wounded.
Privates H.W. Barber (A) and Frederick P. Cooley (H) were killed
outright and Capt. Tennant, Serg't Pocket (D) and Corp'l Rivers (I)
died from the effects of their wounds soon after, making really a loss
of five killed. First Serg't Blakeslee (A) seriously wounded in the
head, (making the second time in the same place,) was examined by Col.
Beach, Capt. Pasco, and other members of the regiment and pronounced
dead and left on the field.

Chaplain Francis B. Butler, of the 25th N.J. Regiment, while picking
up Serg't Blakeslee, was fatally shot by a sharpshooter and died a few
hours after with prayer on his lips for the wounded who lay around
him. Under good surgical treatment by Surgeon Mayer, Serg't Blakeslee
was able to fight other battles. Capt. Tennant was wounded in the
early part of the action, and was taken from the field on a rude
litter; notwithstanding the pain caused by the wound, he was cheerful
and smiling; and remarked that he was good for a ten day's furlough.
He was a brave young officer, and one of the best in the service. He
was greatly beloved, and his early death brought sadness to many a
brave heart. Young Barber's last words were "Tell mother that I never
was a coward."

FOOTNOTES:

[2] Surgeon Mayor's Address. Re-union, 1867.

CHAPTER V.

1863.

PORTSMOUTH, ON TO RICHMOND.

After the siege was raised, the regiment remained in Suffolk until the
middle of June, when they removed to Portsmouth, and encamped about
three miles from the city, on the western branch of the Elizabeth
river. This camp was formerly occupied by the 22d Georgia (rebel)
regiment. The site was in a splendid grove and being on the bank of
the river, afforded a fine place for the men to bathe, row, sail, and
catch fish and oysters. I recollect of no place where the regiment
lived so well, and enjoyed themselves so much as there. We had been
there but two days when we were ordered to build a fort; but after
working on it two days, it was aband