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.
Showing posts with label Overland Campaign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Overland Campaign. Show all posts
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, June 2, 2014
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.
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.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, May 30, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, May 16, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, May 12, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
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.
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.
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