Second Battle of Fair Oaks

Sunday, October 30, 1864

On Wednesday the Thirteenth New Hampshire received orders to prepare three days rations and to be on the march by 5:00 A.M. the following morning. The purpose of the objective was to turn the Confederate flank south of Petersburg and gain control of the railroads. On Thursday the Thirteenth departed from Fort Harrison, marched nearly fifteen miles, and deployed as skirmishers along the Williamsburg Pike near Fair Oaks. A Union advance against the Confederates under General James Longstreet was repulsed at a heavy cost, and the Union army retreated after nightfall under the cover of darkness. The Union had advanced to within four miles of Richmond before retreat. In the short, ill-fated encounter the Union suffered casualties of 1,100 killed, wounded, or missing. The Thirteenth New Hampshire suffered casualties of two men wounded and five men captured. The Thirteenth formed a new camp to the right of Fort Harrison, where they ended the week on picket duty.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 498-508.

Inspection at Fort Harrison

Sunday, October 23, 1864

During the week the Thirteenth New Hampshire were employed in bolstering the defenses of Fort Harrison. Many starving Confederate soldiers deserted and approached the camp for food. On Saturday General Ulysses S. Grant inspected the fort's defenses.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 495-497.

General Grant Visits Fort Harrison

Sunday, October 16, 1864

During the week Generals Ulysses S. Grant, George Meade, and Benjamin Butler visited Fort Harrison to inspect the troops and the defenses around the fort. General Grant encouraged the Confederates near the fort to desert; when some of the Confederates accepted the invitation, they were fired upon by their own men. Today the Thirteenth transferred their camp to the opposite side of Fort Harrison. The Second Brigade Band performed for the soldiers, encouraging and brightening the mood at camp.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 493-495.

Defense of Fort Harrison

Sunday, October 9, 1864

During this week the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment worked day and night to strengthen the entrenchments at Fort Harrison. The Thirteenth toiled under extreme conditions of exposure and deprivation under Confederate artillery fire. Rumors circulated around the camp that General Robert E. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis were in the vicinity to examine the strength of the defenses around Fort Harrison.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 490-493.

Capture of Fort Harrison

Sunday, October 2, 1864

On Wednesday the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment was ordered to march with two days cooked rations to New Market Heights. On Thursday the Thirteenth New Hampshire was engaged in the attack and capture of Fort Harrison. Today the Thirteenth New Hampshire was deployed as part of the fort's garrison, exhausted from the three-day siege. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 456-490.

Sheridan's Victories in the Shenandoah Valley

Sunday, September 25, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment spent a cool, rainy, and uneventful week in camp at Petersburg. On Saturday the news of Union Cavalry Major General Philip Sheridan's victories against Confederate General Jubal Early at Third Winchester and Fisher Hill in the Shenandoah Valley reached camp, followed by celebration, cheering, and cannon salutes. Today the Thirteenth once again engaged in the regular Sunday practice of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 453-456.

Advanced Picket Duty around Petersburg

Sunday, September 18, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment spent another week in camp Petersburg. Pickets are far advanced to half the distance between lines, resulting in less enemy fire from sharpshooters in camp. On Wednesday severe fighting occurred along the front lines. Many cases of fever are reported in the Thirteenth, caused by the swampy conditions around camp. Today the Thirteenth once again engaged in the regular Sunday practice of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 449-452.

Camp Duties at Petersburg

Sunday, September 11, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment spent another week in camp Petersburg, alternating between picket duty and digging entrenchments. Today the Thirteenth once again engaged in the Sunday routine of inspection, dress parade, and religious services.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 449-452.

Return to Sunday Routine

Sunday, September 4, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment spent most of their week in camp at the rear of the lines around Petersburg. Today the Thirteenth engaged in the former Sunday practice of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. Many months of combat on the front lines had made dress parades an infrequent practice. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 448-449.

Return to Camp

Sunday, August 28, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire remained in the front rifle trenches which had dried up during the week as the rain ended and fairer weather returned. The Thirteenth was constantly exposed to front, rear, and enfilade fire during their time in the trenches. On Friday evening the Thirteenth was finally relieved by the Tenth Corps and began a night march to their old camp near Bermuda Hundred, arriving thoroughly exhausted at 4:00 A.M. on Saturday morning. Today the Thirteenth removed to a location near their camp position in May, between Batteries Three and Four. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 444-448.

In the Muddy Trenches

Sunday, August 21, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire remained in the front rifle trenches all week, this time with new challenges from the weather. The relentless heat broke on Monday with heavy rain showers which continued intermittently for the entire week. Rain filled the trenches and the men were constantly at work to repair the damage done by the rain and ensuing mud. By the end of today the water in the front trenches was two-and-one-half feet deep. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 440-444.

Relentless Heat Takes a Toll

Sunday, August 14, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire was deployed the entire week at the front rifle trenches, building a small fort near the Ravine Camp behind the front lines. Since the end of July the temperatures had been holding steadily over 100 degrees during the day with minimal cooling at night. During this morning’s inspection several men of the Thirteenth were overcome by the unrelenting heat.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 436-440.

Confederate Mine Rumors

Sunday, August 7, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire experienced another excruciating week of intensely hot and dry weather, beginning in the rear trenches near camp and ending in the front trenches. Sunstroke took its toll on the men on duty in the trenches. The Thirteenth heard rumors of Confederates digging mining underneath their position at the front, but few believed them. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 434-436.

Flag of Truce

Sunday, July 31, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire spent another hot day in the front rifle trenches approximately five-hundred feet from the crate of the mine explosion the day before. The Union raised a flag of truce to bury their dead but the Confederates were slow to respond. In the evening the Thirteenth is relieved by the Sixth New Hampshire and returns to the camp at the rear lines, with many of the dead and wounded still on the field of battle around the crater. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 434.

Battle of the Crater

Saturday, July 30, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire arrived at their new position in the rear of the Ninth Corps as support at 3:00 A.M. A mine underneath the Confederate position exploded at 4:40 A.M., leaving a wide crater, and the Ninth Corps charged into the thirty-foot deep crater to overtake the Confederates. The Eighteenth Corps remained along the front lines in support. The attack ended in massive failure for the Union, as the Confederates charged to the defense of their men by lining along the rim of the gaping hole and firing into the men of the Ninth Corps inside the crater. Massive losses from death or capture for the Ninth Corps were the tragic result of the catastrophic episode. Casualties mounted to nearly 5,000 for the Union and 1,000 for the Confederacy. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 431-432.

Orders to March

Friday, July 29, 1864

After remaining primarily in the rear trenches for most of the week the Thirteenth New Hampshire is ordered to march with the Eighteenth Corps at nightfall with two days rations. Their destination is to the rear of the Ninth Corps, about four miles away from their camp.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 430-431.

Rain and Shelling at Camp

Sunday, July 24, 1864

After heavy rain on Tuesday the Thirteenth New Hampshire returned to the front rifle pits on Wednesday to repair the damage created by the rainfall. Once again the Thirteenth was subjected to heavy artillery and picket fire and returned to camp in the rear lines on Saturday evening. In the earlier hours this morning the camp experienced some of the heaviest shelling received to date. During the day the Thirteenth experienced some relief from the heat with cooler temperatures and rain in the evening. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 427-429.

Intensely Hot Weather at the Front

Sunday, July 17, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment endured another grueling week of blistering temperatures in the front rifle trenches. This evening the Thirteenth received their relief by men of the Third Brigade and retired safely to camp in the rear lines ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 425-427.

Worn Down in the Trenches

Sunday, July 10, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment endured another intensely hot and dangerous week mainly in the front rifle trenches along the Appomattox River. In the advanced position on the front the Thirteenth New Hampshire had been subjected to rifle, artillery, and mortar fire, requiring the utmost vigilance. At this time the Thirteenth New Hampshire was able to muster only one-hundred and fifty men that were fit for duty. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 423-425.

Report from the Front Lines

Sunday, July 3, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire endured an intensely hot week in the trenches along the Appomattox River. On Thursday the Confederates shelled their position for nearly an hour with forty to fifty rounds of artillery per minute, and the Thirteenth was lucky to report only one minor injury from the barrage. During the week it was noted that the Army of the James had suffered casualties of 6,903 men killed, wounded, and missing since May 4, and that the Army of the Potomac had suffered 61,400 casualties for the same period. Today the Thirteenth moved along the left of the line to a temporary position halfway between Battery Five and Petersburg.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 419-423.

Entrenched along the Appomattox River

Sunday, June 26, 1864

On Tuesday the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment began a march toward Petersburg to a new position on the right flank of General Ulysses Grant's line, abutting the Appomattox River. From this position the men of the Thirteenth viewed the activity at Fortress Monroe and at Hampton Roads. During the week the Thirteenth New Hampshire was hard at work building entrenchments along their line in extremely hot weather. The intense heat resulted in a sharp rise of the death count from gangrene in the camp hospitals.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 407-419.

Return to Camp at Bermuda Hundred

Sunday, June 19, 1864

On Friday evening the Thirteenth New Hampshire began a march to their camp at Bermuda Hundred, arriving Saturday morning to begin a well-needed rest. The Thirteenth spent a quiet and restful day in camp, reflecting on their capture of Battery Five and of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's movement of forty-thousand men to retake the strategic position.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 407-408.

Thirteenth Captures Confederate Battery Five at Petersburg

Wednesday, June 15, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment arose early and began a march at 2:30 A.M. toward Petersburg. By the end of the day the Thirteenth New Hampshire charged and successfully took Confederate Battery Five at Petersburg, capturing 200 prisoners.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 382-403.

River Journey to Bermuda Hundred

Tuesday, June 14, 1864

After embarking on the steamer "Ocean Wave" from White House Landing the previous day the Thirteenth New Hampshire journeyed along the Pamunkey and York River, reaching Newport News by evening. This morning the Thirteenth departed from Newport News at 4:00 A.M. and debarked at camp at Bermuda Hundred around 10:00 P.M.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 379-81.

Retreat from Cold Harbor

Sunday, June 12, 1864

General Ulysses S. Grant broke the bloody stalemate at Cold Harbor and ordered the Army of the Potomac to retreat from Cold Harbor. After remaining in reserve at Cold Harbor for over a week, providing support and assistance to wounded soldiers entrenched on the battlefield, the Thirteenth New Hampshire began their retreat from the battlefield at 10:00 A.M., covering fifteen miles to White House Landing by nightfall. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 374-79.

Battle of Cold Harbor - Day 3

Friday, June 3, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire was deployed in a reserve position at the rear of the Union line. Although exposed to Confederate fire the Thirteenth was not engaged in battle. A grand infantry charge began at 4:30 A.M. with Union artillery fire to support the infantry. Poor reconnaissance concerning the difficult ground the Union traversed to attack the well-entrenched Confederates proved disastrous. The Union assault terminated by 1:00 P.M. Casualties were staggering for the Union, as in the first twenty minutes of the charge nearly ten-thousand Union infantry soldiers were killed or wounded.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 357-61.

Battle of Cold Harbor - Day 2

Thursday, June 2, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire surveyed the field from the previous day's battle to recover the wounded and bury the dead. Later in the day the Thirteenth was detached from their brigade and ordered to the left after nightfall to survey the enemy's position. General Ulysses S. Grant orders a grand charge to break the Confederate line at 4:00 A.M. the next morning. The Thirteenth New Hampshire would not take part in the grand charge and was ordered to the reserve position, as they were used up from the previous day's conflict. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 352-57.

Battle of Cold Harbor - Day 1

Wednesday, June 1, 1864

Earlier in the week General Ulysses S. Grant, ready to seize an opportunity to break the Confederate lines around Richmond, ordered a temporary detachment of the Eighteenth Corps from the Army of the James to join the Army of the Potomac at Cold Harbor.

Early this morning General William Smith, in charge of the Union Eighteenth Corps, realized he had been ordered in error to New Castle Ferry instead of New Cold Harbor. He immediately began the twelve-mile march to Cold Harbor, arriving around noon. This delay in deployment would prove fateful for the outcome of the ensuing battle.

Around 6:00 P.M. the Sixth Corps and General Smith's Tenth and Eighteenth Corps successfully charged the Confederate lines and took six-hundred prisoners by day's end. Portions of the conflict continued until midnight ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 338-40.

March to New Castle Ferry

Tuesday, May 31, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire arose at 4:00 A.M. and began to work on a bridge crossing the Pamunkey River until mid-afternoon. Three-days rations were ordered and cooked and the Thirteenth began a march to New Castle Ferry, where a detail from the Thirteenth was positioned for picket duty at 11:00 P.M..¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 337-38.

Arrival at White House Landing

Monday, May 30, 1864

The steamer "Starlight" departed from Fortress Monroe at daylight to continue progress along the James River, arriving at West Point by noon to the sounds of cannonfire in the distance. The steamer advanced up the Pamunkey River to White House Landing, where the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment debarked and made evening camp by 9:00 P.M..¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 336-37.

Steamer Journey along the James River

Sunday, May 29, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire arose at daylight and embarked on the steamer "Starlight," which departed Bermuda Hundred Landing at 8:00 A.M. for progress along the James River. The steamer arrived at Fortress Monroe by nightfall and anchored for the evening.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 335-36.

Camp at Bermuda Hundred Landing

Saturday, May 28, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire arose at daylight to prepare for an afternoon inspection. At noon they received orders to prepare cooked rations for two days by 4:00 P.M. At 5:30 P.M. the Thirteenth marched to the Bermuda Hundred Landing, where they arrived by nightfall to make camp for the evening. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 335.

March to Bermuda Hundred Landing

Friday, May 27, 1864

At 8:00 A.M. the Thirteenth New Hampshire broke camp and marched to a position close to the Bermuda Hundred Landing, where they bivouacked for the evening.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 327-34.

Camp at Bermuda Hundred

Sunday, May 22, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire spent a reasonably quiet week at Bermuda Hundred since the end of the Battle of Drewry Bluff on Monday. The Thirteenth was hard at work in camp building entrenchments and fortifications. Today, under a flag of truce, the Confederates asked for and received permission to bury their dead near the Bermuda Hundred camp.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 322-27.

Battle of Drewry Bluff - Day 5

Monday, May 16, 1864

This morning at 5:00 A.M. the Confederates attacked the Union line in a dense, enveloping fog. Over the next four hours the Thirteenth New Hampshire drove back three Confederate charges and held their portion of the line. Around 9:00 A.M. the Thirteenth withdrew from their position to form a new line of battle with their brigade, where the Thirteenth New Hampshire repelled a Confederate charge. The major fighting for the day ceased by 2:30 P.M. Company E of the Thirteenth New Hampshire returned to their regiment encamped at Bermuda Hundred around 10:30 P.M. after a hard day of fighting on the skirmish line. Although the Thirteenth New Hampshire performed well this day, many other units suffered heavily by wounding or capture during the early morning attacks in the fog.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 292-322.

Battle of Drewry Bluff - Day 4

Sunday, May 15, 1864

Union and Confederate armies faced each other behind works all day, securing their defenses. The Thirteenth New Hampshire remained on the picket line, evading bullets and shells in an advanced position.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 291-92.

Battle of Drewry's Bluff - Day 3

Saturday, May 14, 1864

At dawn this morning the Thirteenth New Hampshire attacked the Confederate line, taking a large portion of the Confederate works by 9:00 A.M. In the early afternoon a battery of Union artillery deployed to support the advanced line of the Thirteenth, while the Thirteenth remained in an advanced position on picket duty. The Union artillery fired all afternoon on the remaining Confederate works. In the evening the Thirteenth New Hampshire bivouacked along the picket line.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 284-91.

Battle of Drewry Bluff - Day 2

Friday, May 13, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire skirmished all day in heavy rain along Proctor's Creek, with Companies A, C, and D advancing to the front at 4:00 P.M. The Thirteenth was attacked by the Confederates and lost ground, but soon held their position and pushed the Confederates back. The final result of the day's attack was an advance for the Union. Tonight the Thirteenth New Hampshire bivouacked on the battlefield with little cover from the rain, bullets, and shells.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 281-83.

Battle of Drewry Bluff - Day 1

Thursday, May 12, 1864

At 7:00 this morning the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment advanced along the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad under Confederate gunfire. Forming a line of battle they advanced through swampy terrain to a position overlooking Proctor's Creek by 3:00 P.M. During the night the Thirteenth bivouacked on high ground near the creek. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 278-81.

Grant's Bold Plan

Wednesday, May 11, 1864

At 8:30 A.M. this morning, from his headquarters near Spotsylvania Court House, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant telegraphed Army Chief of Staff Major General Henry Halleck in Washington, D.C. this directive: "I purpose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." While the Army of the James was fighting near Petersburg Grant was directing the Army of the Potomac near Spotsylvania in severe fighting in the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5 and 6 and at Spottsylvania from May 8. Grant planned to attack the Confederate capital at Richmond in a two-pronged attack.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 278.

Battle of Swift Creek

Tuesday, May 10, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire was deployed as skirmishers during the two-day battle of Swift Creek. Union General Benjamin Butler's Army of the James advanced upon Petersburg, tearing up the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad from Chester Station to Swift Creek, and was beaten back by the Confederates.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 263-74.

Clash at Port Walthall

Sunday, May 8, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire departed from their camp at Yorktown on Wednesday, May 4. At 4:00 PM the Thirteenth boarded the steamer "S. R. Spaulding" and sailed to Fortress Monroe. The next morning, at 7:00 A.M. on May 5, they entered the James River, arriving at Bermuda Hundred by early evening. After nightfall the Thirteenth New Hampshire disembarked and bivouacked at Bermuda Hundred. At 6:00 A.M. on May 6 the Thirteenth marched six miles to a spot near Petersburg, making evening camp three miles from Port Walthall and the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad. The next morning the Thirteenth New Hampshire exchanged fire with a South Carolina brigade led by Confederate General Johnson Hagood near Port Walthall. The Thirteenth lost only one man during the encounter. Today the Thirteenth rested while the army remained on alert. At 4:00 P.M. the Thirteenth received orders to march in the morning with three days rations.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 255-62.

Grant Organizes His Armies

Sunday, May 1, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire remained in camp at Yorktown all week. Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant has reorganized the Union Army into three major wings: Grant's former command, the Army of the Southwest; the Army of the James, under Major General Benjamin Butler; and the Army of the Potomac, under Major General George Meade. The Thirteenth New Hampshire was in the Second Brigade of the First Division of the Eighteenth Corps of the Army of the James, under the command of Brigadier General Hiram Burnham. The Eighteenth Corps was commanded by Major General William Farrar Smith. The capture of Richmond was the objective of the Army of the James and the Army of the Potomac in Grant's Overland Campaign. Today the usual regimen of inspection and dress parade was suspended. At 5:00 P.M. the Thirteenth received orders for four days cooked rations and 100 rounds of ammunition per man, indicating an imminent departure for battle. Baggage for officers was reduced to one valise per two officers.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 252-55.

Departing from Camp Gilmore

Sunday, April 24, 1864

The departure from Camp Gilmore was delayed by one day to break down the camp and to begin a march on Tuesday morning. The Thirteenth New Hampshire had been stationed at Camp Gilmore for nearly one year. With a final cheer the Thirteenth bade farewell to Camp Gilmore on Tuesday, April 19, and embarked on the road to Portsmouth, where they boarded the steamer "Escort" en route to Newport News. After disembarking at Newport News the Thirteenth marched to Yorktown by way of Big Bethel and Lee’s Mills and made camp. On Saturday, for the first time in one year, the Thirteenth engaged in a brigade dress parade. Today the Thirteenth took part in the usual Sunday routine of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. They also received orders to cut down their baggage for marching to one suit and one set of underclothes. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 249-52.

Answering the "Long Roll" Call to Arms

Sunday, April 17, 1864

On Tuesday at 11:00 P.M. the Thirteenth New Hampshire responded to the "Long Roll," a call to arms or to battle, by marching from Camp Gilmore to Suffolk and lying on their arms all night. On Wednesday the Thirteenth deployed pickets at Suffolk and on Thursday marched along the Nansemond River to their old camp of May 1863 at Jericho Creek. Early Friday morning the Thirteenth boarded railroad cars for the return to Camp Gilmore. The event was designated a reconnaissance for cavalry with support of the infantry. Today the true reason for the reconnaissance was revealed, as the Thirteenth received orders to march in the morning with three-days rations for the beginning of the Spring Campaign of 1864. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 247-49.

Detachment for Duty around Camp Gilmore

Sunday, April 10, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire endured another week of heavy rain at Camp Gilmore. Many of the Thirteenth had again detached for picket, guard, garrison, and provost duty in and around camp. Today the Thirteenth took part in the usual Sunday regimen of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 246.

Colonel Stevens Returns for Service

Sunday, April 3, 1864

In the early part of the week heavy rain caused flooding at Camp Gilmore, with the wet weather postponing daily drills. At least one-hundred men from the Thirteenth New Hampshire were detached and sent to Portsmouth on provost guard duty. Colonel Aaron Stevens returned to Camp Gilmore on Friday, as he had been away from camp since December enlisting men for other New Hampshire regiments. General Ulysses S. Grant arrived in Norfolk by boat but did not make landing. This morning the Thirteenth lined up for inspection and in the evening engaged in a dress parade.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 244-46.

Heavy Snow at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, March 27, 1864

A severe snowstorm on Monday left eight inches of snow at Camp Gilmore. The men of the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment endured a cold week in camp drilling in the snow and mud. Today the men of the Thirteenth New Hampshire engaged in the routine Sunday duties of inspection, dress parade, and religious services despite the snow and mud. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 242-44.

Voting Party Returns to Camp Gilmore

Sunday, March 20, 1864

The men of the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment enjoyed a week of pleasant weather at Camp Gilmore. On Saturday the voting party returned to camp and the Thirteenth was once again at full strength. Today the men of the Thirteenth New Hampshire devoted their energy to the usual Sunday regimen of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 241-42.

Skirmishes at Suffolk

Sunday, March 13, 1864

The men of the Thirteenth New Hampshire were rushed to Bowers Hill on Wednesday in response to skirmishes along the front near Suffolk, where nearly twenty cavalrymen were killed. The skirmishes were diversions to cover the Confederate retreat from Suffolk. After three days at Bowers Hill the Thirteenth New Hampshire returned to Camp Gilmore.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 239-41.

Voting and Skirmishes

Sunday, March 6, 1864

News of a skirmish near Suffolk resulted in the Thirteenth New Hampshire under orders to move at a moment's notice. Many officers and men of the Thirteenth are granted leave to return to New Hampshire from Friday, March 4 to Wednesday, March 16 to vote in elections, reducing the strength of the Thirteenth to nearly 200 men. On Friday the voting party left Camp Gilmore by railroad to Portsmouth and then embarked on the steamboat "Guide." At the same time troops landed at Norfolk and Portsmouth and were rushed to Suffolk to meet any impending threats. Today the Thirteenth New Hampshire passed their time in camp, with the usual Sunday activities of inspection, dress parade, and religious services suspended. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 236-39.

Fire Rages near Camp Gilmore

Sunday, February 28, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire enjoyed a week of milder weather at Camp Gilmore. On Friday a raging fire erupted from the dry conditions near the camp. After many hours of struggle the fire was eventually extinguished, but not before the fire consumed the logs the men had felled for breastworks. Today the Thirteenth New Hampshire passed their time in the usual Sunday activities of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. The local newspapers reported that Virginia citizens in the vicinity of the camp yearn for the days before secession.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 235-36.

Presentation of Commissions

Sunday, February 21, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire passed another cold and sometimes snowy week at Camp Gilmore. A few more cases of smallpox broke out in camp. Many of the Thirteenth have volunteered for picket duty as an antidote to tedious camp duties. Five additional commissions in colored regiments were presented to men in the Thirteenth New Hampshire. Today the Thirteenth New Hampshire passed their time in the usual Sunday activities of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 235.

Construction Work at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, February 14, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire enjoyed milder weather at Camp Gilmore during the week. The Thirteenth engaged in construction work around camp by repairing roads and strengthening defenses. Two cases of smallpox broke out in Company H. Today the Thirteenth New Hampshire devoted their efforts to the usual Sunday regimen of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 234-35.

President Lincoln Orders a New Draft

Sunday, February 7, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire passed their week at Camp Gilmore in cold and rainy weather by engaging in regimental matters, including the receipt of four months of payroll. Early in the week the Thirteenth received the news that President Lincoln ordered a draft of 500,000 men for three years or for the duration of the war. Today the Thirteenth New Hampshire spent their time in the usual Sunday regimen of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 231-34.

New Recruits Arrive at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, January 31, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire observed a very warm winter week at Camp Gilmore, with the temperatures reading in the 80s in the shade and in the 90s in the sun. On Saturday vaccinations were ordered for soldiers and citizens in the camp and environs. Today sixty-four new recruits for the Thirteenth arrived at camp from Concord. ¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 230-31.

Military Ball and Railroad Tour Celebrated at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, January 24, 1864

During the week detachments from the Thirteenth New Hampshire were detailed to picket duty on the nearby Union outposts and employed on the provost guard line west of Portsmouth. On Thursday the Connecticut Brigade reluctantly departed Camp Gilmore for New Berne, North Carolina. The depletion of the ranks from their exodus made hard work for the remainder of the troops at Camp Gilmore, with only four to five thousand men defending eight miles around camp. To honor the family members visiting camp the hospital is cleared and cleaned for a military ball on Saturday. Today a party of officers and their families enjoyed a railroad voyage to Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, and Portsmouth and returned to camp by nightfall for religious services.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 229-30.

Family Members Visit Camp Gilmore

Sunday, January 17, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire welcomed a week of milder weather. The officers enjoyed visits from family members and organized riding parties to show their families around camp. Today the Thirteenth New Hampshire engaged in the usual regimen of inspection, dress parade, and religious services. An outbreak of smallpox was reported in the contraband camp.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 228-29.

Reenlistments at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, January 10, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire endured a stormy week of hail and snow in camp and spent much of their time inside quarters. This week many veterans of the original three-year regiments at Camp Gilmore re-enlisted for an additional term of service.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 227-28.

Confederate Force at Suffolk

Sunday, January 3, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire observed another cold week at Camp Gilmore. Reinforcements were deployed at the Bowers Hill garrison as a report reached the camp of a sizable force of Confederates at Suffolk.¹

References:
¹S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 226-27.