History of the One Hundred and Thirty-Eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866 edition. Excerpt: ... for the purpose, a ruse which was successful in inviting an'attack from Hill's Corps, which was, however, easily repulsed by our admirably trained batteries. After dark another march to "the left" was commenced, and continued during the night. It was extended on the day following, by way of Guinney's Station, west of Bowling Green to the North Anna river, near which we arrived on the 24th. On the 25th our Brigade, which had been performing service as train-guard, crossed the river and joined the Division, which we found in works a brief distance beyond. Some fighting here occurred, but none with the 6th Corps, the 5th and 9th being chiefly engaged. May 26th a reconnoissance was effected to Noel's Station, on the Virginia Central railroad, but at dark the troops countermarched, recrossed the river, and moved to Chesterfield Station, a probable distance of eight or ten miles. This march was known as "the mud march," because of the intensely muddy and almost impassable condition of the roads. They were so cut up by the passage of artillery and wagon trains, that they were knee deep with mud and water, and in some places pools were encountered into which men would sink to their waists. The night was very dark and from all these difficulties some confusion resulted. Unfortunate men fell and lost 'their muskets, some left their shoes buried deep in the mire, and it is believed that a few actually perished from prostration and suffocation in the mud. The march was ended at midnight and the troopa rested. On the 27th the Corps moved to Sailer's Ford, on the Pamunkey, which river was crossed on the next day. A position was taken up immediately beyond, on a ridge of hills and fortified. On the 30th the march was again resumed...