OSHKOSH COURIER

July 26, 1861

Our Army Correspondence.

Our brigade is commanded by Col. Sherman, and is composed of the 13^th, 70^th and 19^th N.Y. and 2d Wis. The first day we marched to Vienna, 11 miles, to the place of masked battery fame. When we arrived there we found the rebels had not been there in any numbers, only in scouting parties. The houses were all deserted with only one or two exceptions. The inhabitants there then were most all Union men, and had been driven out, but were now returning. We some expected to have a brush with the enemy there. Some 10 to 12,000 bivouaked there. We were composed of artillery, cavalry and infantry. The next day the column was swelled to some 20,000, and today to some 40,000. The march was commenced upon different roads converging near this point. On our second day’s march, we found the first tracks of Old Sesech, by way of fallen timber across our road. The way was soon cleared, and after a few hours march we came upon earth works the rebels had vacated but a short time before. We passed to the north of Fairfax C.H. about two miles. The work there was left for the column from Alexandria to perform. The rebels fled before them, making only masked battery resistance, which did not amount to much. Yesterday the report circulated through the camp that we should only march three miles. The news was well relished by many of our men whose three days’ rations began to dwindle wonderfully.

We made the march, halting near non. – About half-past one we heard some two miles in advance heavy cannonading and musketry. We being the second advance brigade, we rested there until three o’clock, listening to it. ‘Twas not continuous, but occurring at intervals. Soon an Aid galloped upon the field, and the order was sounded for Col. Sherman’s Brigade "To arms". We were soon on the double quick for the scene of action. ‘Twas very hot and dusty, a perfect cloud of dust enveloped our brigade. Soon we came up where blankets had been thrown by those that had preceded us; they were strewn promiscuously along both sides of the highway. Our boys commenced throwing theirs after they had made about half the distance; away they went, perfectly regardless whether they ever saw them again or not. We soon began to meet straggling soldiers that had previously been engaged, haggard and wearied. When we arrived within fifty yards of the battery which we were ordered to support, we were halted and formed in line of battle. The balls from the rebel’s masked batteries – which they proved to be – rained around us thick and fast; we were in the woods near the edge of a ravine. The masked batteries were apparently in the woods, upon the opposite banks (note: half the line is missing) there for a full half hour, not one quailing. Most of the balls passed over our heads; some struck in front, others struck the trees glancing in every direction. The leg of a La Crosse boy (Gardner) was shattered by a bounding shot from a rifled cannon; he died this morning. The La Crosse Co. had four or five wounded. Not any were injured in our Co., but some of the boys have big stories how near the shot came to their heads, how close the leaves were cut to them, &c. The regiment was highly complimented by Col. Sherman for the manner in which the line was formed, and the coolness and calmness of the men while standing in line. The boys say they would not mind being shot at if they could only have a hand in, but to stand and be shot at without having a chance to return their fire is pretty hard work. The firing from the batteries soon ceased, and we retired and took a position in advance upon a wood to the right of the one where the enemy were posted; at the same time the rebels fell back some two or three miles towards Manassas where the scouts have discovered more batteries. We are unable to give the loss on either side, but as near as we know we made sad havoc in their ranks, Sherman’s battery threw three balls to the rebels one. The firing continued at intervals until 4 p.m. Our way will not probably be contested inch by inch and much hard fighting will have to be done to silence their devilish masked batteries, which appear to be their only system of fight-ing. It is anticipated the next advance will be made Sunday.

Whether it was good generalship in attacking the battery in the way we did or no, I will leave for military men to decide. The attack and plan was made by Gen. Tyler. – Maj. Gen. McDowell is now in command, and leads the column. Much satisfaction is expressed in regard to the change. McDowell arrived while the fighting was going on. – Stringent orders were read today against pilfering, or destroying property, or foraging.