Near Yorktown April 13^th/61

Dear Uncle - Jamesons[?] Brigade - Fortress Monroe Va (and it will [?] [?]

My last communication was indited whilst

in Hampton, since that time we advanced twenty two miles toward Yorktown - On the morning of the 2^d[?], we were ordered to "strike tents", and prepare for a grand movement onwards - About 7. A M. we took up our line of march, our Brigade leading the way - it being the first of the Division. Our route led through a beautiful country, dotted here and there, with magnificent country seats, surrounded with apparently everything that could make life desirable - All deserted, or tenanted by some superannuated[?] relics of the "peculiar constitution." The first great object of interest that attracted our attention, were the works which the enemy had erected, and which early in the campaign were the scene[?] of new defeat - "Great Bethel". The works are wide[?] and somewhat formidable, at our approach the enemy in number about fiffty, retired under fire of our advance guard. There are but two buildings in the place, the first a dwelling [?], desisted of its water[?] [?], and in flames when we arrived - the second and old church, within the fortifications, and which had been used as quarters for the garrison - Upon the walls were numbered Autographs of the grand [?] who figured in the battle of "Great Bethel" - I give you the most prominent Genl Hill in command of the forces at the battle of "Great Bethel" fought June 10^th/61 - About 4 P.M. we were brought to a halt, & encamped on Mr. Rupels farm, a prominent Virginian - We were obliged to remain there all night, as the rebels had impeded our progress by felling trees through a swamp which was in [?] - The distance marched on that day was twelve miles, a light task, as the roads could not have been excelled[?] - The next morning, the roads having been cleared by our sturdy [?], we were again on our march in a drenching rain, over now really horrible roads, to a creek, the name of which has escaped me - The Enemy had erected works on both sides of the creek, much stronger and more extensive than those of Great Bethel - At this Genl M^cClellan and staff passed us, he was enthusiastically received by those who recognized him. We remained here but a short time, and then continued our march to within 1¹/₂ miles of Yorktown, meeting with no interuptions, except some brief delays arising from clearing the roads of fallen timber, and shelling out small reconnoitering parties of rebels - As we approached our Camping ground, situated within one ¹/₂ mile of the enemys Forts, they opened on us with shot and shell, doing us but little injury however, and which we[?] replied to by the "Rhode Island Battery" with considerable effect - On Sund[a]y[?] the enemy sent us a present from one of their guns in the shape of an "infernal[?] Machine" which buried itself to the depth of their feet - It was recovered by someone, and sent to Fortress [?] for examination - Externally it presented the appearance of a conical shell, two feet in length, 8 inches in diameter. Insulated with [?], and a very novel[?] appearance - We arrived at our first encampment until April 10^th, directly in range of our the enemys guns, from which to s however, strange to say, we met but with little difficulty - As they could have undoubtedly shelled us at their leisure - On the 10^th our Division[?] removed[?] their encampment to these woods, situated about one half in rear of our former site - Yesterday about 2. P.M. the monotony of camp life, was somewhat broken, by a courier[?] arriving from the outposts, announcing that the Pickets of the 63^d PV, were being rapidly [?] by the enemy, and one of our batteries, being [?], were in iminent danger of being taken - The order was immediately given to fall in, armed - and in less than three minutes our regiment was formed into line, and immediately took the double quick by the right flank, and marched into the open field in front, where[?] we were halted to await the arrival of the 87^th NY. & 105 P.V. the 62^d P.V. belonging to our brigade, being as I said before on picket. We were there formed in a line of battle, and after waiting some ten minutes, we received orders to move to the left, which being done on double quick as we expected an attack an attack from one of their Forts situated in that direction[?] on our picket lines - After remaining in that position some time, no demonstration being made by the enemy in that direction - we were ordered to march to our right (our Reg^t. being selected for this movement[?] alone, the other Reg^ts maintaining their position) which we did by the left flank, Four[?] companies being detailed from our left flank, we marched to the right to reinforce the picket lines - The balance of the Reg^t marching to the left about 200 yards, took a similar direction, when a brisk fight ensued, and resulted in the enemy taking to their heels and flying up[?] in all directions, they had in woods[?] about 800 men, opposed to four companies - though a [?] reporter for one of the papers, informed me that they had five Reg^ts in the reserve, though I did not see them - We lost but one man Killed and four wounded, the enemy about 67 killed & wounded - The Enemy appear anxious for a fight, one thing is certain, they are well[?] fortified - I could give a pretty accurate guess as to the number of our forces - Hardly a day passes that we do not have someone Killed, but I think our sharp shooters Kill six to their one - In several instances our men have been shot by citizens in the woods, as they were marching by

I have seen some pretty hard times since I left the[?] Fort, sleeping in the open air, during a heavy rain - dietary[?] light, sometimes having nothing to eat for 24 hours, on account of teams not arriving[?] - Col[?] [?] of this Reg[?] was complimented very highly by Genl Jameson, who was[?] on the field - for his gallantry - I saw Mr. Warner[?] the day before I left the Fort, and [?] the money for which [?] my thanks until better paid - You may if you please send this letter to Father after reading it, as he might like to know where I am, ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? I wrote him a long letter about two weeks since, giving him an account of my [?] as far as Hampton, which I suppose[?] he received[?] - Give my love to Mr[?]. Geyer[?] Aunt Ellen & family, if they are still in Baltimore - Also to Wiggens[?] & Martha if they are with you - I saw a paper to day dated last mond[a]y, in which Genl Wall[?] thinks M^cClellan will not have much of a force to encounter at Yorktown - If he was here and could took[?] [?] & at [?] to the fortification at our Regt was [?] he would have reason to change his mind - their fortifications appear to be in the form of a horse shoe, and extend [end of letter appears at top of 1^st page]

over six miles - Some deserters inform us that the enemy are now 70,000 strong and still reinforceing[?] - As my paper is running short I must close, hoping to hear from you soon, as I would like to get one letter at least from somebody - Affectionately Yr nephew

A. G. W.

Address Me Care of

Ap[?] Surgeon A. W. Fischer, 57^th P.V.

"Heinzelmans Corps"

Hamiltons Division