Camp of Shields' Division

Near New Market

May 10^th 1862

 

Dear Marshall                                                                         

                                    During the next week I expect to be on the march. I think I will not have a chance to write during that time so I send you a few lines today to inform you of what we have been doing since I wrote you last. I copy a few items as they are entered on my note book

 

Saturday May 3 reced marching orders after breakfast, struck tents at 9 A.M. Our Brigade the 2^nd took up the line of march southward toward Harrisonburg. marched 17 miles day very hot camped within 5 miles of H. May 4^th in camp company inspection and dress parade in the evening a report that Gen^l Williams Brigade is preparing to fall back from Harrisonburg where it has been as our advance during the last week before 9 P.M. Williams trains began to pass to the rear trains going all night

 

5^th struck tents at 4 A.M. eat breakfast our waggons started for the rear at 6 A.M. All the forces going back to New Market Marched out of camp at 7 A.M. for the rear. Day very hot, road very dusty, camped 5 miles south of New Market at 3 P.M. Shields Division now in the advance Banks and Williams past through to the rear our company and comp'y E out on picket during the night. 6^th came off picket at 9 A.M. Gen^l Ferry inspected the arms and equipments of the Reg^t at 11 A.M. at 2 P.M. 6 companies of our Regt including company D in company with 160 of the 5^th N.Y. Cavalry and 2 10 pdrs from Daums Battery went out on a reconnaissance toward Harrisonburg. Our guns and cavalry were in the advance and fell in with 3 or 4 hundred of Asby's rebel cavalry when within 5 miles of H. Our cavalry charged them killed 11 took 6 prisoners some arms and a few horses we lost the adjutant of the 5^th N.Y. / he was taken prisoner 1 of our cavalry was killed and 1 wounded our guns then opened and shelled them out of sight. the infantry was not engaged at dusk all came back to camp. 7^th a stand of colors presented to the Reg^t by Mr Crippen from the city of Cincinnati Gen^ls Shields and Ferry addressed the Reg^t and were present at dress parade

 

8^th some of our cavalry went out as far as Harrisonburg last night and did not see the enemy When returning this morning they buried 10 of the enemys dead who were killed in the action of the 6^th. May 9 All the tents were taken from the Reg^t at 9 A.M. and will be stored at Woodstock with all extra baggage which we are not permitted to carry during the coming long march All the sick were sent to the hospital at Strasburg. we now have to make tents of our rubber blankets 

 

We are going out on picket in half an hour so I must wind up I learn that we march tomorrow at 6 A.M. When you hear from me again I think I will be on the other side of the Blue Ridge. the Division is going. I received your letter on the 3 while on the march. Very glad to hear from you I am quite well please write as soon as convenient

                                                           

Faithfully yours

James Clarke

 

I have not time to look over this you will excuse all mistakes & oblige           

JC in haste

 

N^o 2 I sent 60 dollars to be forwarded via Adams Express to you. you will receive it before this I think        JC

SOURCES