Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/502

494 Our line is formed. The guard on the north side of the river is driven across. In the afternoon we sustain a severe cannonade, and have a chimney knocked over our party. At night the line is somewhat retired. Pickett reports to Hill.

May 24th—Day occupied in examining and improving the line. Rodes posted on our right, and at night Early and Gordon sent to his right. During the night the line is straightened by cutting off the angle near Law's brigade.

May 25th—Enemy strong in our front, and manifesting a disposition to extend to our right. Skirmishing in front.

May 26th—Lines unchanged. In the afternoon the enemy advances skirmishers on Law's and Ramseur's brigades, and is driven back. Wofford's and Bryan's skirmishers are also pressed.

May 27th—Early this morning the enemy is ascertained to have left our front and moved back across the river. The trains are at once sent back across Southanna by Ellet's bridge. The troops march by the Fredericksburg railroad. Pickett's division moves with Hill and joins us at night. We move by Ashland and camp between the Half Sink and Hughes' cross-roads.

May 28th—Move early for Atlee's station, or rather ordered to move early, but we are greatly impeded by the Second, which is on the same road and is ordered to move at the same hour. Order of march: Field, Kershaw and Pickett. We go into bivouac between Hundley's Corner and Walnut Grove church.

May 29th—Morning quiet. In the afternoon the enemy is reported advancing, and the troops are put under arms. Field is partly moved out, but returns and sends two regiments to fill with skirmishers the interval between Early's corps and Breckinridge.

May 30th—Early extends to the right, and attacks the enemy's left with Pegram's brigade. Pickett starts to support the movement by going through the breastworks, but soon abandons it and is put on Early's left. Field on his left and Kershaw on the left of the corps.

May 31st — Kershaw is taken out of line, and about 3 P. M. is sent to relieve the right of Early, the whole of whose corps is finally relieved by us, he taking our entrenchments. Kershaw moves down towards Gaines' mill in the endeavor to connect with Hoke. Pickett takes the right of Early's old line, and Field is put on his left. Hoke on extreme right.