August, Friday 22, 1862

Battle by --------------

Morning four o'clock marchingreadiness. After drinking coffee we start marching about six o'clock. Already at five o'clock the cannonade started: "For Reveille" or rather "Light out. -" We take new positions in western direction so we can go onto a country road one quarter mile north. Eight o'clock halt in a valley near a cornfield. Light rain. To our left heavy cannonade which completely coupures our terrain.

Coupure: In fortification (a) an intrenchment or fosse, made behind a breach by the besieged, through the glacis in the reentering angle of the covered way, to facilitate rallies by the besieged. )

Enemy in front apparently north west from us. Company C sixteen one-half file. Born, who already yesterday straggled behind, was missing today at departure without permission. Lieutenant Lomler was taken off command. Eight-forty-five o'clock: We have taken a new position on the front flank of our artillery which performs to our right and left. Left Schirmer's battery whose bombs have a pigeon like cooing, left Ohio Stahl are coming. The enemy replies with heavy guns and the bombs are bursting not too far from us, we are stationed behind a hill. The sun is coming through the clouds. Our front towards the west, that of our artillery apparently towards north west.

The cannonduel is continuing without a stop.

It appears that the cannons of the enemy do not carry so far since most of the cannonballs do not reach their target, while ours cause visible damage. Just now more of our artillery arrives with the whole brigade. To convince myself about the effect of the batteries I go with Captain Spangenberg on a hill where we can see two of the enemy batteries. They are situated on a now flat place and are standing completely free. The gunners are performing with great gallantry inspite of bombs often striking very close by. When the bombs hit the clay earth and explode, fire and dust burst into large flames. At one time a bomb hit so close by the battery, that we hoped to see everything in ruins but after the smoke cleared instead, a new shot was fired out of the smokeclouds and only one man from the crew ran towards a tree close by, apparently wounded. The cannonade continued until twelve o'clock when the enemy cannons and batteries were silenced. There supposedly were only four a weak triumph for our two batteries. At twelve o'clock, forty-fifth company for scouting party and respective picket duty close by Foxville (Routs Station Post Office) About two hours. Terrific heat. With us squadron of cavalry and two cannons from the mountain battery.

August, Friday 22, 1862. (cont)

Battle by Fayetteville.

After a brisk march of two hours we rest by a brook, while the cavalry goes towards the Rappahannock River on reconnaissance. At five o'clock during a thunderstorm we again arrive in Routs Station by Foxville. For about one and one-half hours, halt and picket duty for Company C. Part of the calvary follows us and brings in a prisoner who was shooting at them, he likewise reported that the enemy has put a bridge across the Rappahannock. We are retreating and half way to our camp are ordered to picket duty. Five companies are posted in the forest. Company C a few gunshots in front of forest in the road. Heavy cavalry patrol in front of us. In the evening several severe thunderstorms with a heavy downpour of rain, Very dark night. Towards nine o'clock we are ordered to return. Our old "Jakob Pehle" also called "Postpouch," correspondent of the evening paper got lost and was not missed until our return. Difficult march. Company C as cover for mountain battery. Dead tired and soaked through we arrive at our last camping place and we camp behind a troop of cavalry.

After about two hours of sleep a sudden outcry and call "enemy cavalry." --

A troop of cavalry rode through our camping place, a few gun pyramids were kicked over and had fallen onto the sleeping soldiers consequently the cause for the blind alarm.

During our absence our other four companies including the artillery were ordered to picket duty close by and also returned towards twelve o'clock.

The third brigade under General Bohlen and the Schurz brigade had crossed the Rappahannock River but met with heavy resistance. General Bohlen was killed and several regiments suffered heavily.