Suchergebnisse

We broke camp in the forepart of last evening. Went to the front , our entire Regmt [sic] was deployed as skirmishers and advanced across an open field to with in about thirty yards of the Rebels works and lay down a short time when we need orders to fall back which orders were executed rather poor- ly as the Regmt [sic] fell back in some con- fusion, but all was right in a few ( ) rifle pits were thrown up for us. We were re- lieved about 9 A.M. fell back a short distance and encamped. No one was wounded in the Regt.

We fell in line about 10 A.M. and advanced our lines nearly two miles when we bal- ted [sic] we went to the front about three P.M. were exposed to some musket firing during which time we lost Captain Nash and a man of Comp B wounded, we thr- owed [sic] up very good rifle pits which pro- tected us some from the enemies bullets about sundown we left our rifle pits moving off by the left flank. My Regt was im- mediately sent out on picket. I am well and in fine spirits. The boys are all well and confident of success.

We broke camp at an early hour marched about one mile formed line of battle and lay down remained there about 4 hours we then took the advance of the fifth Corps marched some five miles and came on to the Rebels the skir- mishers opened a brisk fire the Rebs falling back our Regmt [sic] went to the front formed line and advanced under a heavy fire from the emenies guns but they soon fell back we marched about three miles when the colum [sic] halted for the night my Regt went on picket. 4 men were wounded. We took ten prisoners.

My re-enlistment papers are being made out to day some of the boys laugh at me for having them made but I think it is the best thing. I can do however I will risk it. Nothing of importance.

Hoadly Hosford's enlistment is almost up while he is recruiting in Albany, New York. He decides to reenlist while his friends in the regiment make fun of his decision. He fells that reenlisting is the best thing to do for him and for the nation to be preserved.

Broke camp at an early hour and moved off slowly were changing po- sitions and move- ing about nearly all day making an adva- nce of about three miles. Our skir- mishers have kept up a brisk fire this af- ternoon, we formed line of battle about 5 P.M. but did not advance, we moved about four rods to the front under cover of a piece of woods and lay down for the night. Our batteries opened about sundown but got no reply. The weather is very warm. My feet are quite soar and I am somewhat tired.

We were relieved from picket about 9 O�clock this morning march- ed back about half a mile to the main road leading to the river. We filed off into the woods and have been here during the day. Heavy firing has been going on, on our right and left part of the line to day and I should think that a heavy battle is being fou- ght on the left of our line. The men are in fine spirits and confident of success. I am well and in fine spirits.

We lay in the wood without moving until 2 P.M. which gave the men a fine chance to rest. We then moved our entire line about one mile to the front without much oppo- sition our skirmish- ers drove the Rebel pick- ets back to their works we took advantage of this and established our line in a pine woods and throwed [sic] up heavy breastwork. The Rebels moved upon us in two lines of battle. We opened fire on them and after an hour or to fighting the fell back with con- siderable loss. We lost in our Regmt [sic] 5 men wou- nded and 1 killed. Our skir- mishers keep up a brisk fire.

Left our earthworks about 4 P.M. fell back across the swamp the Rebels came down on us in a short time after and we had a heavy battle with them which lasted until dark we held our ground I have not heard what our loss was I think the Rebels have lost heavily. Only a portion of the 5th Corps was engaged. The 9th Corps advanced and held the enemy in check until dark. One man was wounded in our Regmt [sic] to day. I am well and in fine spirits.

Hosford and the 44th New York are caught in the middle of the Overland Campaign. After retreating from Spotsylvania Court House, the 44th is hit by Confederates around the area of Cold Harbor. The battle lasts from May 31st to June 12th.

I re-enlisted to day for the parole of three years. I think it is the best thing I can do. I intend to perform all the duties devolving upon me from time to time and I am in hopes to come through this war all right. Mustered in by Capt. Edwards

After getting our break- fast this morning we changed our line so as to make it strait. We immediately threw up good breastworks which came very good for the Rebels shelled us like from some of the time. We lost in our Regmt [sic] 4 men killed and 16 wounded and 1 man in my company was killed and one wounded. I am all right yet and have reason to be thankful for it. Heavy firing has been going on part of the day on our right and left I have not heard the result of the battle. All is well with me.

The Rebels fell back last night and our skirmishing took possession of their earthworks at an early hour this mor- ning. Our picket line advanced about fifty rods beyond their work and have rem- ained there undis- turbed all day. No one was in- jured in our Regmt to day. We still hold our line and occupy the same position as yesterday. It is reported that 600 rebels came into our lines to day. I hope it is true all is well with me.

We were on the march about 8 this morning advanced rather slowly our Division was in rear of the Corps to day. Marched about nine miles when we came to the North Anna river crossed at Noels Bridge there was no bridge however and the en- tire 5th Corps forded the river without any resistance about 6 P.M. we advanced in line the 1st Division open the ball, a very heavy cannonade and musket fire was kept up for about two hours our Regt took position on the left of the Div., we were not engaged were under heavy fire for some time, one man wounded in Regt.

After the battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Hosford and the 44th New York marches south and run into Confederates near the North Anna River. Hosford mentions that combat starts on the 22 and lasts until the 26. The diary is missing the 24th and 25th, which includes the major portion of the battle.