Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/501

Rh Ewell. At night a part of Ewell's line is thrown back to a new position, leaving, however, eighteen guns in the hands of the enemy.

May 13th—Day quiet. In line before the enemy. Slight skirmishing and cannonading. Wofford, Bryan and Jenkins returned by Ewell. Report of General Stuart's death received.

May 14th—Usual skirmishing. Enemy beginning to disappear in front of Field. Towards the afternoon Kershaw's skirmishers occupy the enemy's breastworks, which had been abandoned. Field ditto. At night Field is ordered to withdraw to the vicinity of the church near Spotsylvania Courthouse. Kershaw is to push forward his skirmishers, but the night is so dark as not to permit it.

May 15th—Quiet. Thirteen caissons recovered from the enemy, who has retired from our immediate front. At 10 P. M. we receive orders to move to Early's right. The troops marched at 12 and 1 and we with them. As soon as day dawns they are got into position—Field on the line, Kershaw in reserve. No enemy in our immediate front. Headquarters established near a small house in rear of Crutchfield's.

May 17th—No change to-day. Quiet.

May 18th—At 4.45 A. M. the enemy makes an attack on Ewell with a furious cannonade. The attack is easily repulsed. All quiet on our line.

May 19th—Quiet on our part of the line. Towards evening Ewell undertakes a movement against the enemy's right—accomplishing, however, little save some information of the enemy's position. Kershaw is sent to occupy his trenches during his absence. Kershaw returns on the morning of the 20th.

May 20th—Quiet. Ewell's front reported to be uncovered.

May 21st—Ewell moves to our right and takes position along the Po. During the day the enemy is ascertained to be retiring from A. P. Hill's front. We prepare to move. Move in the afternoon by Dickerson's to the Mud Tavern, and thence down the Telegraph road, Ewell preceding us. Hill takes a western road. The supply trains and heavy baggage wagons moving via New Market, Chilesburg and Island Ford. We march all night, halting on the Telegraph road at 3 A. M. on the 22d. After two hours' rest the march is resumed. The head of our column reaches the Northanna at 12.15 P. M., May 22d. Corse's and Kemper's brigades, Pickett's division, join us. Barton with Hill's column temporarily. Troops are put in bivouac on the south side of Northanna.

May 23d—Enemy reported advancing down Telegraph road.