Chapter 11:
May 20 to June 1, 1864.
- By the left flank—‘fresh fields and Pastures New’ -- Bowling Green -- North Anna -- Chesterfield bridge and that invincible Rebel Battery -- by the left flank -- across the Pamunkey -- at Tolopotomoy Creek.
It had become evident that Lee's position was now so strong, all attempts to force him from it by direct assault would be simple madness. Accordingly a new movement to the left flank was begun, in which the Second Corps, preceded by Torbert's cavalry, led off. The movement began on the evening of May 20, under cover of darkness. The Battery broke park about 12 P. M. and joined Tyler's heavy artillerists. Our march was along the road to Fredericksburg in an easterly direction until we reached Massaponax Church, where a turn was made to the southward. The fact that our course took us easterly made the croakers happy. ‘We are now surely withdrawing,’ they said, ‘and active campaigning is over for the present;’ but our sudden and positive change of direction to the south was very saddening to these theorizers, who were ever presaging ill upon the slightest provocation. The First Massachusetts Regiment, whose time had expired, and who were now on their way homeward, marched along with us, rejoicing at the prospect of the happiness the near future had in store for them.
