John D. Billings, The history of the Tenth Massachusetts battery of light artillery in the war of the rebellion

‘ [225] Hancock, commanding Second Corps, will move to Todd's Tavern, following Fifth Corps closely,’ is a verbatim extract from Gen. Meade's order of march, distinctly outlining the next course we were to pursue. Owing to delays experienced by the Fifth Corps we did not march until about 9 o'clock A. M. of the Sabbath, again accompanying Birney's division. The morning was decidedly hot, and under a broiling sun we set forward at a quick pace to Todd's Tavern. Many a poor fellow dropped by the roadside on this ten-mile march, utterly overcome by the heat or fatigue. The firing now heard in our front told us that the enemy had been found in that direction, and at that very moment our advance might be in pressing need of support. Reaching the tavern about noon, we hardly recognized the spot, so great were the changes wrought in its appearance during the past three days. Only the day before a severe cavalry contest had taken place here between the forces of Gregg and Fitz-Hugh Lee. This was an important point for the Union army to control, as here, what is known as the Catharpin Road enters the Brock Road from the westward. The promising growths of wheat and corn were trampled in the dust, and fences were laid low in all directions.

Although by Gen. Meade's order of march this was our destination, the positive indications of active work farther to the left led us to believe our services would be required in that direction ere