Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Saturday, December 27, 1862

Doctor Nathan Hayward penned a letter to his father from Fredericksburg, the first letter he was able to compose since the battle. He explained that he was operating on wounded soldiers from morning until after dark every day for nearly two weeks. He worked in concert with other doctors and surgeons, consulting with them for the best course of treatment and operation. He relayed that he is currently the acting surgeon for his brigade.

Doctor Hayward stated that the newspaper reports of the battle at Fredericksburg was laughable and exaggerated. He hoped that the disaster at Fredericksburg will bring about the restoration of General George McClellan. He relayed that the soldiers are dissatisfied and dispirited since the removal of McClellan and that they entered Fredericksburg expecting defeat and slaughter. Hayward spoke highly of McClellan, stating that “no other man can command the confidence of his veterans.” Hayward felt that General Ambrose Burnside is affable and a gentleman, but he remarked that these qualities do not make a great General. “The army knows full well that affectional qualities are not what it requires, but intellect in a special department, and that the only man who has displayed great intellect in this specialty has been most foolishly, almost madly, removed.”¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 401-403, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Christmas at Falmouth

Thursday, December 25, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts celebrated Christmas at their winter camp in Falmouth. The men were delighted to receive shipments of cooked turkeys, chickens, and geese for their holiday meal.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 232-33.

Retreat Across the Rappahannock River

Monday, December 15, 1862

The three Grand Divisions of the Army of the Potomac retreated across the Rappahannock River and removed the pontoon bridges at the three river crossing locations. ¹

References:
¹Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 215.

General Howard Praises the Twentieth Massachusetts

Sunday, December 14, 1862

General Oliver Howard, commander of the division, praised the Twentieth Massachusetts for their splendid service during the three-day battle at Fredericksburg. General Howard approached Captain George Macy and proclaimed, "Capt. Macy, I have come to thank you and your Regiment for your noble conduct in the late battles. You have done nobly, the Regiment has done nobly. Massachusetts men always do nobly."¹

References:
¹Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 216.

Cease Fire at Fredericksburg

Sunday, December 14, 1862

During the early hours of the morning the Fourth United States Infantry relieved the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment from their entrenched position along William Street. The exhausted Twentieth withdrew to the city of Fredericksburg. In light of the slaughter of the previous day General Edwin "Bull" Sumner convinced General Ambrose Burnside to abandon additional assaults by all three Grand Divisions. ¹

References:
¹Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 215.

Oliver's Story - Battle of Fredericksburg

Saturday, December 13, 1862

Oliver Stanton Bates survived another hellish battle during the three day siege at Fredericksburg. Oliver was heavily engaged in the street fighting on December 11, as Company A, one of the leading companies in the advance along Hawke Street, sealed the right flank of the intersection at Hawke and Caroline Streets in a maelstrom of gunfire. On December 13 Oliver was injured during the attack on Marye's Heights, very likely during the second attempt to take the Heights. Captain Henry Abbott of Company I reported that sixty-three men were killed or wounded in a matter of minutes during this assault. The severity of Oliver's wounding is not stated on his military service record, but he was present for muster rolls in January 1863.¹

References:
¹Compiled service record, Oliver S. Bates, Pvt., Co. A, 20th Massachusetts Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 202. Francis Augustin O'Reilly, The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock (Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 2003), 331.

Battle of Fredericksburg - Day 3

Saturday, December 13, 1862

General Ambrose Burnside ordered General William Franklin's Left Grand Division to strike Confederate Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson south of Fredericksburg, and ordered General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division and General Joseph Hooker's Center Grand Division to assault Confederate General James Longstreet at Marye's Heights.

Around 1:00 P.M. General Oliver Howard's division, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was a part, formed a line of battle and prepared for an assault on Marye's Heights. They witnessed the failed attempts of General William French and General Winfield Hancock's division during the late morning and early afternoon and were aware of the terrible carnage that befell these two divisions. They knew that their attack would be a desperate and futile attempt on a well-fortified position. Confederate artillery was securely positioned atop Marye's Heights, and the stone wall at the base of Marye's Heights afforded protection for Confederate rifleman lined behind the wall. The Twentieth Massachusetts had a slight advantage in that their division planned to attack north of the well-fortified stone wall at the base of Marye's Heights.

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment advanced along William Street toward the northern end of Marye's Heights. As they neared their objective they came under blistering rifle fire from Confederate infantry units that spanned William Street and were exposed to artillery fire from Confederate batteries atop Marye's Heights. Both exacted casualties in the Twentieth Massachusetts, who formed a line to return fire. Colonel Norman Hall realized the futility of the attack, but reformed his division for another assault which proved likewise futile. At their advanced position the Twentieth Massachusetts could not retreat but were forced to lie down on the ground and seek cover. As darkness fell they remained entrenched along William Street on their stomachs to avoid Confederate rifle and artillery fire as well as friendly fire from their own men positioned behind them.

Casualties were heavy among the Twentieth Massachusetts for the two days of battle at Fredericksburg. On December 11 and December 13 the regiment suffered one-third of its available strength in casualties. Among the wounded on December 13 was Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A.¹

References:
¹Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 208-216. George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 221.

Battle of Fredericksburg - Day 2

Friday, December 12, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment witnessed the destruction of Fredericksburg wrought by Union artillery the previous day. The savagery of the street fighting to capture the city led many Union soldiers, including some from the Twentieth Massachusetts, to sack and loot the city. The commanding officers made feeble attempts to restrain their men, but to little avail.¹

References:
¹Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 206-208.

Battle of Fredericksburg - Day 1

Thursday, December 11, 1862

At 3:00 A.M. the engineers began deployment of the pontoon bridges at each of the three stations along the Rappahannock River. The Confederates were well-prepared for the crossing. General William Barksdale ordered companies from his brigade to cover each of the pontoon crossings, deploying his men in the houses along the riverbank. As soon as the engineers began their work they were met with a hailstorm of rifle fire which killed many of the engineers. General Henry Hunt, chief of artillery, suggested sending the army across the river in pontoon boats and supporting the crossing with artillery fire on Fredericksburg to drive the Confederate snipers away from the river. The Second Corps was to lead the army across the Rappahannock, and the Third Brigade of the Second Division, commanded by Colonel Norman Hall, was selected as the lead unit to cross the river at the Upper Pontoon Crossing. Colonel Hall chose the Twentieth Massachusetts as the lead regiment in his brigade.

Around noon the artillery barrage began. Union artillery rained heavy fire on Fredericksburg for over two hours. At 2:30 P.M. Colonel Hall began to send his brigade across the river in pontoon boats. The Seventh Michigan was first to cross the Rappahannock, followed by the Nineteenth Massachusetts and the Twentieth Massachusetts. After the Twentieth Massachusetts crossed the river the engineers began to resume construction of the pontoon bridges so that the remaining regiments may cross the river on foot. As Hall's brigade ascended the slope of the bank and entered Sophia Street, they began to encounter rifle fire from General Barksdale's Confederates still deployed in and around the houses. At 4:15 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts entered Sophia Street to reinforce the Seventh Michigan and the Nineteenth Massachusetts and to push the lead units into the city. The firing became deadly as they pushed along Hawke Street toward Caroline Street. The Seventh Michigan refused to enter the intersection of Hawke and Caroline Streets, proclaiming that "no man could live around that corner." Captain Henry Abbott coolly led Company I of the Twentieth Massachusetts into the intersection of Hawke and Caroline Streets and met an intense storm of bullets. Company K of the Twentieth Massachusetts followed and sealed off the left flank of the intersection, and Companies A and F of the Twentieth sealed off the right flank of the intersection. Company I continued to push forward along Hawke Street as other regiments began to follow. With stubborn persistence the Twentieth Massachusetts held their ground. Around 7:00 P.M. General Barksdale withdrew his forces from the streets of Fredericksburg to a stone wall at the foot of Marye's Heights. The city of Fredericksburg was under the control of the Union Army.

The Twentieth Massachusetts sustained heavy casualties during the street fighting but also gained praise and respect for their bravery in action. Ninety-seven officers and men of the Twentieth Massachusetts were reported killed or wounded.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 195-203. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 197-206.

Pontoon Bridges Arrive at Falmouth

Wednesday, December 10, 1862

General Ambrose Burnside ordered a concentration of the army for the following morning in preparation for crossing the Rappahannock River into Fredericksburg. The engineer brigade had finally arrived with the pontoon bridges and had orders to deploy the bridges at three crossing stations along the river: one near the rope-ferry at the upper end of the city; another near the steamboat landing at the lower end of the city; and a third near the mouth of Deep Run a mile south of the second crossing. These three locations would be known respectively as the Upper Pontoon Crossing, the Middle Pontoon Crossing, and the Lower Pontoon Crossing. The Upper Pontoon Crossing had two bridges, while the other two crossings had one bridge each.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 190-195.

Holmes, Abbott and Hayward Rejoin the Regiment

Wednesday, November 19, 1862

Captains Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Henry Abbott rejoined the regiment today. Both men had been absent from the regiment since the Battle of Antietam. Holmes was wounded at Antietam and had fully recovered from his injuries. Abbott had taken ill shortly before Antietam and had been on sick leave since September 14. Doctor Nathan Hayward, who had been taken prisoner at Antietam, was rapidly exchanged after his capture and rejoined the regiment on November 12.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181. Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 397-8, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Union and Confederate Troop Movements around Fredericksburg

Wednesday, November 19, 1862

The units of the Army of the Potomac began deployment around Fredericksburg. The Left Grand Division under General William Franklin arrived at Stafford Court House on Tuesday. Today the Center Grand Division under General Joseph Hooker arrived at Hartwood.

In anticipation of a Union attack on Fredericksburg Confederate General Robert E. Lee deployed divisions under General Lafayette McLaws and General Robert Ransom at Fredericksburg, with General James Longstreet's division to follow. He ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson to remain in the Shenandoah Valley with discretionary authority to move at will.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 183, 186.

Sumner's Division Arrives at Falmouth

Monday, November 17, 1862

After an all-day march on Sunday, General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division resumed their march to Falmouth, arriving at 2:30 in the afternoon.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181, 183.

Progress of Sumner's Division

Saturday, November 15, 1862

General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division began their march to Falmouth shortly after dawn this morning. The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was one of the lead regiments in the march. Advancing several miles they made evening camp at Warrenton Junction.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181, 183.

General Burnside's Pivotal Decision

Saturday, November 15, 1862

On the same day that General Sumner began his advance toward Falmouth, General Ambrose Burnside received a telegraph from Washington informing him that the pontoon bridges necessary to cross the Rappahannock River from Falmouth to Fredericksburg would not be ready for transport until Sunday or Monday, and that only one pontoon bridge would be sent. Other bridges would be transported at a later time upon request by General Burnside. Although General Burnside realized that his army would arrive at Falmouth before the pontoon bridges would be available, and that the arrival of the Army of the Potomac on the Falmouth side of the Rappahannock River would telegraph his intentions to the Confederate Army, he made a pivotal decision to allow his army to continue their advance to Falmouth.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 185-6.

Advancing toward Fredericksburg

Friday, November 14, 1862

General-In-Chief Henry Halleck returned to Washington, D.C. on Thursday to confer with President Abraham Lincoln about General Ambrose Burnside's plans to attack Fredericksburg as a prelude to an attack on Richmond. President Lincoln approved General Burnside's plan, and General Halleck sent a telegraph of approval to General Burnside at Warrenton. Immediately General Burnside ordered the Army of the Potomac to advance toward Falmouth along the left bank of the Rappahannock River.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 183.

Author's Message

On this observance of Veterans Day, please take some time today to remember and honor veterans of all wars. Thank you.

General Halleck meets with General Burnside

Tuesday, November 11, 1862

General-in-Chief Henry Halleck arrived in Warrenton today to discuss General Ambrose Burnside's plan to attack Fredericksburg. General Halleck was not pleased with the details of Burnside's plan and believed a meeting with Burnside was vital before any plan was put into place.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 183.

McClellan Leaves the Army of the Potomac

Monday, November 10, 1862

General George McClellan left the Army of the Potomac, much to the regret of his men, who admired and respected him.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181.

Burnside Takes Command

Sunday, November 9, 1862

General Ambrose Burnside assumed command of the Army of the Potomac. He planned to concentrate the Army around Warrenton and feint a move toward Culpeper or Gordonsville while driving toward Fredericksburg and Richmond. He communicated his intentions to General-in-Chief Henry Halleck in Washington. General Burnside partioned the Army of the Potomac into three divisions, placing General Edwin "Bull" Sumner in charge of the Right Grand Division, General Joseph Hooker in charge of the Center Grand Division, and General William Franklin in charge of the Left Grand Division.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181.

Arrival at Warrenton

Sunday, November 9, 1862

After marching from Rectortown and evening camp at Salem on Saturday, the regiment reached their destination at Warrenton by early afternoon.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181.

McClellan Relieved of Command

Friday, November 7, 1862

The beautiful summerlike weather ended abruptly with the arrival of a blinding northeast snowstorm that dropped several inches of snow on Rectortown. In addition to the weather a storm of a different kind reached the camp. General George McClellan received orders from President Abraham Lincoln that relieved him of command of the Army of the Potomac and replaced him with General Ambrose Burnside.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181.

Camp at Rectortown

Thursday, November 6, 1862

The regiment advanced six miles in their progress today, marching through Paris to Rectortown and making camp by early afternoon.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 180.

March to Berry's Gap

Tuesday, November 4, 1862

At 1:00 PM the regiment departed from Ashby's Gap and began a four-mile march to Berry's Gap, near Paris, arriving before nightfall.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 180.

Bivouac at Ashby Gap

Monday, November 3, 1862

The Twentieth left Bloomfield early in the morning and arrived at Ashby Gap by noon to the sounds of heavy artillery fire. The regiment immediately formed a line of battle and remained in formation for the rest of the day without incident.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 180.

March to Bloomfield

Sunday, November 2, 1862

At 8:00 A.M. the Twentieth departed from Wood Grove and began a thirteen-mile march to Bloomfield, near Snicker's Gap, where they camped for the evening, enjoying summerlike weather.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 180.

March to Wood Grove

Saturday, November 1, 1862

At 11:00 A.M. the Twentieth struck camp at Hillsborough and began another eight mile march to Wood Grove, sixteen miles from Harper's Ferry and twelve miles from Leesburg.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179-80.

On the Move

Thursday, October 30, 1862

Under pressure from President Abraham Lincoln, Union General George McClellan began a new campaign to pursue the Confederate Army. At 2:00 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts regiment, along with the entire Second Corps, broke camp at Bolivar Heights and began a southward march. Crossing the Shenandoah River on a pontoon bridge the Twentieth marched through the Pleasant Valley eight miles to Hillsborough.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 185.

New Regimental Colors

Thursday, October 30, 1862

As the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment prepared for a new campaign they carried a brand new set of state regimental colors, which they had received two days earlier. They returned to Boston the torn and shattered colors received in August 1861 and which they had carried in every fight except for Ball's Bluff.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179.

Preparing for a New Campaign

Wednesday, October 29, 1862

At 5:00 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts was ordered to perform picket duty. Later in the evening Quartermaster Folsom received orders to prepare three days worth of rations for the regiment. The Twentieth prepared for a new campaign.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179.

Colonel Lee Sent Home

Wednesday, October 29, 1862

Colonel William Lee's health stabilized, and he was sent home to Boston on leave of absence for recuperation.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179.

An Erroneous Report

Saturday, October 25, 1862

Concern for Colonel Lee's health was heightened today when an erroneous report circulated through the camp that he had passed away. In truth Colonel Lee had not died, but he remained gravely ill.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179.

Colonel Lee Gravely Ill

Tuesday, October 21, 1862

Colonel William Lee became ill from exposure to rain during the recent reconnaissance in Charlestown. After returning to Bolivar Heights, his illness took a turn for the worse, and he required drier, warmer lodging in town for proper medical care.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 178-79.

Return to Bolivar Heights

Saturday, October 18, 1862

After leaving Charlestown on at noon on Friday the Twentieth Massachusetts arrived back at camp at Bolivar Heights at 8:00 this morning.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 178.

Reconnaissance to Charlestown

Thursday, October 16, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts left Bolivar Heights at 6:30 this morning on a reconnaissance to Charlestown. As the advance unit the Twentieth led the reconnaissance and pushed a small unit of Confederates from Charleston in the driving rain. Remaining on picket duty for the day, the Twentieth braced for an attack but no additional fighting ensued.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 178.

Returnees from Ball's Bluff and New Recruits

Saturday, October 11, 1862

During the week the Twentieth Massachusetts regained some strength in numbers. The regiment welcomed fifty of their men who returned after wounding or capture at Ball's Bluff in October 1861. Thirty new recruits arrived at camp and joined the regiment. Lieutenant William Milton returned after his wounding at Antietam, and Lieutenant Arthur Curtis returned to camp.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 178.

Sumner Granted Leave of Absence

Tuesday, October 7, 1862

General Edwin "Bull" Sumner was granted a leave of absence and relieved of command of the Second Corps. His replacement was General Darius Couch.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 177.

Arrival of Supplies at Bolivar Heights

Sunday, October 5, 1862

Three army wagons loaded with supplies arrived for the regiment at Bolivar Heights today. Some of the boxes had been shipped to Harrison's Landing and had finally arrived after two months to the Union Army's latest camp. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 177.

Folsom Finishes Bakery Construction

Thursday, October 2, 1862

Quartermaster Charles Folsom completed the construction of brick ovens which immediately went into the production of soft bread loaves for the regiment. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 177.

President Lincoln visits Bolivar Heights

Wednesday, October 1, 1862

President Abraham Lincoln arrived for a visit with General George McClellan. President Lincoln, General McClellan, and General Edwin "Bull" Sumner reviewed the men of the Second Corps, including the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 177.

Captain Schmidt Returns

Monday, September 29, 1862

Captain George Schmidt of Company E returned to the regiment today, nearly one year after his wounding at Ball's Bluff.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 177.

Dress Parade and Drill at Bolivar Heights

Tuesday, September 23, 1862

Settled into their new camp at Bolivar Heights the Twentieth Massachusetts entered into a regimen of dress parade and battalion and company drills. The regimen would provide training and preparation for the new recruits as well as maintaining discipline among the more seasoned troops.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 176-77.

Camp at Bolivar Heights

Monday, September 22, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts broke camp at Antietam at 6:00 A.M. for a thirteen-mile march to Harper's Ferry. By mid-afternoon the regiment reached its destination and made camp at Bolivar Heights, overlooking Harper's Ferry and the Potomac River.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 176.

Macy Returns with New Recruits

Saturday, September 20, 1862

Captain George Macy arrived at Antietam with new recruits for the Twentieth Massachusetts. He was dispatched to Washington to bring up recruits on September 14. He was on the return route during the battle at Antietam and could hear artillery fire from many miles away, but he was not able to rejoin the regiment until today. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 176.

Oliver's Story - Battle of Antietam

Thursday, September 18, 1862

The details of Oliver Stanton Bates’ involvement at Antietam are unknown, except that he took part in the devastating conflict. His military records show no record of wounding at Antietam. He survived yet another hellish battle, and was undoubtedly grateful to God that he was spared again on this day.¹

References:
¹Compiled service record, Oliver S. Bates, Pvt., Co. A, 20th Massachusetts Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Battle of Antietam - Casualties

Thursday, September 18, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had retreated to the Poffenberger farm, which was being used as a hospital for the wounded. Colonel William Lee sent a detail from the Twentieth to assist in removing the wounded and burying the dead from the battlefield.

The battle at Antietam on September 17, 1862 would prove to be the bloodiest day in American history. The Union reported over 12,000 casualties, while the Confederates reported over 10,000. Casualties among the Twentieth were high; the regiment lost one-hundred and fifty men out of four-hundred. Casualties among the officers of the Twentieth were also severe. Colonel Francis Palfrey was wounded by a canister ball to his shoulder. Captain Norwood "Pen" Hallowell received a shattering wound to his left arm. Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes, shot in the neck and left for dead on the battlefield, was later revived with a shot of brandy. Sergeant James Spencer was struck by a shell fragment in his leg and was carried from the battlefield by his own men. The most tragic and poignant casualty was the death of Doctor Edward Revere, who was killed while performing field surgery on the wounded. Doctor Nathan Hayward was taken prisoner as he tended the wounded, but was paroled as the Confederates withdrew.

Some of the wounded officers would never return to the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment after the battle of Antietam. Colonel Francis Palfrey never returned to military service. Brothers Edward "Ned" Hallowell and Norwood "Pen" Hallowell received commissions to Massachusetts' first colored regiment, the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Volunteers.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 175-6. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 176-80.

Battle of Antietam

Wednesday, September 17, 1862

At 7:10 A.M. General Bull Sumner received orders from Union General George McClellan to cross the Antietam Creek and advance westerly across the Cornfield to the West Woods. For the last hour Sumner had watched the advance of Joseph Hooker's First Corps and Joseph Mansfield's Twelfth Corps across the Cornfield and witnessed heavy, brutal fighting which resulted in the death of Twelfth Corps General Joseph Mansfield, who was killed as he prepared his troops for advance. The Second Corps was next in line to cross the Cornfield and drive the Confederates from the West Woods.

General Sumner began the advance with two of his three divisions, leaving General Israel Richardson's division in reserve. As Sumner's troops advanced, they witnessed the carnage from the early morning fight in the Cornfield. Sumner ordered his lines to close and advance quickly across the Cornfield into the West Woods. The close lines would prove to be problematic and would have devastating consequences.

The Twentieth Massachusetts was on the left flank of the second line of battle. As they approached the West Woods, the Thirty-Fourth New York Regiment, immediately in front of the Twentieth, was dispatched south to the Dunker Church for support. The Twentieth now found themselves uncovered in the front and on their left flank.

As the Twentieth entered the West Woods they immediately encountered heavy firing, followed by artillery barrages of grapeshot and canister. As the lines of battle were so close the Twentieth had difficulty returning fire without hitting their own men. The Confederates flanked Sumner's forces on the left, which left the Twentieth exposed to Confederate fire in front as well as on their left. The colors of the Twentieth fell four times within minutes, and Sumner ordered Colonel William Lee to withdraw. In despite of the chaos the Twentieth attempted to withdraw in good order, removing their wounded as they withdrew.

The battle continued for the entire day, with heavy fighting at the Sunken Lane and the bridge across the Antietam Creek later known as the Burnside Bridge. A late arrival by Confederate General A.P. Hill ended the battle, in which neither the Union nor the Confederates could claim a solid victory.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 163-74. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 169-76. James Spencer, "Record of James Spencer," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 64-65, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Poised for Battle

Tuesday, September 16, 1862

Union and Confederate armies faced each other across the Antietam. The Confederate line stretched from north to south with its flanks on the Potomac and centering on the town of Sharpsburg. Union General George McClellan prepared for battle. He ordered General Joseph Mansfield's Twelfth Corps to support General Joseph Hooker's First Corps in an early morning attack, with General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Second Corps, including General John Sedgwick's Second Division, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was a part, in reserve but ready to march at daybreak.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 163. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 168.

Arrival at Antietam Creek

Monday, September 15, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts departed from Middletown this morning, arriving at Keedysville and Antietam Creek by evening.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 157.

Advancing to Antietam

Sunday, September 14, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts departed from Frederick City this morning in pursuit of the Confederate Army which was now concentrating near the town of Sharpsburg at Antietam Creek. By evening the regiment made camp near Middletown. The Second Corps, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts was a part, was not involved in today's Battle of South Mountain, a series of attacks to clear the mountain passes in Maryland for the pursuit of the Confederate Army.

Several officers did not make the journey to Antietam with the regiment. Henry Abbott, recently promoted to Captain on August 29, and Lieutenants James Murphy, and Robert Beckwith remained at Frederick City due to illness. Captain George Macy returned to Washington for additional recruits for the regiment.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 154-5.

McClellan in Possession of Lee's Orders

Saturday, September 13, 1862

Union General George McClellan came into possession of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Special Order Number 191 to his subordinate officers, dated September 9, which revealed the movements of the Confederate Army in Maryland and Virginia. McClellan now had the means to crush the Confederate Army, but, as in the Peninsula Campaign, he delayed in taking action for eighteen critical hours.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 153-4. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 164.

Arrival at Frederick City

Saturday, September 13, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts resumed their march at 5:30 in the morning. Crossing the Monocacy River, they arrived at Frederick City in the afternoon and received a warm welcome from the residents of the city.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 151-2.

On the March to Frederick City

Friday, September 12, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts continued toward Frederick City, marching six miles to Urbana.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 151.

On the March to Frederick City

Thursday, September 11, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts resumed their march to Frederick City. By nightfall they covered ten miles and made camp at Hyattstown. On arrival the Twentieth deployed for picket duty in heavy rain.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 151.

New Recruits Join Regiment

Wednesday, September 10, 1862

Captain George Macy rejoined the Twentieth at Middlebrook. He had just returned from Washington with eighty-eight armed recruits for the Twentieth Massachusetts.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 151.

Jackson Recrosses the Potomac

Wednesday, September 10, 1862

As the Twentieth Massachusetts advanced toward Frederick City, Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson to recross the Potomac River and surround Harper's Ferry.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 153.

On the March to Frederick City

Wednesday, September 10, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts departed from Camp Defiance at Rockville, heading toward Frederick City. By nightfall they advanced eight miles and made evening camp at Middlebrook.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 151.

Robert E. Lee's Bold Proposals

Monday, September 8, 1862

At Frederick City General Robert E. Lee issued a public proclamation to the citizens of Maryland to join the Confederacy. Lee also proposed to Confederate President Jefferson Davis that the invasion of Maryland presented the opportunity for recognition of the Confederacy from the United States Government.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 153.

Confederate Forces Concentrate in Maryland

Sunday, September 7, 1862

Confederate forces under the command of General Robert E. Lee continued to cross the Potomac River into Maryland, concentrating near Frederick City.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 147-8.

On the March to Rockville

Friday, September 6, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts struck camp on Thursday, crossing into Maryland and arriving near Rockville this afternoon. They made camp at this location, named Camp Defiance by Second Corps Commander Edwin "Bull" Sumner.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 148-51.

McClellan Resumes Command of Union Forces

Friday, September 5, 1862

General John Pope was relieved from command of the Army of Virginia. The two Union forces, the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Virginia, were consolidated into one army under the command of General George McClellan.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 147.

Robert E. Lee Invades Maryland

Thursday, September 4, 1862

As the advanced unit of the Confederate Army, Confederate General Daniel Harvey Hill crossed the Potomac River near Leesburg. General Robert E. Lee, buoyed by his successes during the Seven Days Battles and Second Manassas, led his army into Maryland, hoping to attract recruits from this border state and to gather food and supplies for his army. Lee wished to remain on the offensive, maintaining an aggressive campaign to relieve pressures on Richmond.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 147-8.

Regimental Matters - New Assignments for Lee and Revere

Thursday, September 4, 1862

Colonel William Lee was named temporary commander of the Third Brigade, succeeding Colonel Edward Hinks of the Nineteenth Massachusetts. Brigadier General Napoleon Dana, who had become ill shortly after the battle of Malvern HIll, was expected to return to command of the Third Brigade within a few weeks. Major Paul Revere was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and reassigned as Inspector General on the staff of General Edwin "Bull" Sumner.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 146.

Lee and Revere Rejoin the Regiment

Wednesday, September 3, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts concluded their retreat, arriving at Alexandria at 1:00 A.M. Later in the day Colonel William Lee and Major Paul Revere rejoined the regiment.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 146.

Covering the Union Retreat

Tuesday, September 2, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts remained on picket duty under the command of General Joseph Hooker. As the Union Army retreated toward Washington, the Twentieth covered the retreat and remained in an advanced position. Although the Confederates attempted to pursue the retreat, Union artillery fire prevented an attack.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 146.

Picket Fire at Germantown

Monday, September 1, 1862

At 7:00 A.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts deployed for picket duty with their brigade and two artillery batteries at the intersection of the Centreville and Little River roads near Germantown. They were deployed all day without incident until 9:00 P.M, when they were fired upon by retreating Confederate cavalry. In the attack the Twentieth suffered only one wounding, Andrew Beska of Company C. The attacking Confederate cavalry had positioned themselves between the units on picket duty and the larger body of the Union Army at Centreville. Union General Joseph Hooker was successful in driving off the attack.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 145-6.

Forced March to Fairfax Court House

Sunday, August 31, 1862

The Twentieth arose early this morning, marching at 3:00 A.M. over the Aqueduct Bridge on the Centreville Road and arriving at Fairfax Court House at 8:00 P.M., ending a long forced march of twenty-one hours in a heavy rain. Upon arrival at Fairfax the Twentieth had no relief, as Companies I and K went on picket duty from the approach of Confederate cavalry on the rear flank of the Union army.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 144.

March to the Potomac River

Saturday, August 30, 1862

On Thursday afternoon at 3:00 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment disembarked the steamer "Atlantic" at Alexandria and marched along the Little River Turnpike toward Fairfax Court House, making camp at Cloud's Mills for the evening. Expecting to march at 9:00 A.M. on Friday, the Twentieth delayed to await new recruits sent from Washington, D.C. The Twentieth could not accept these recruits, as they had no armaments, and sent them back to Washington. At 5:00 P.M. they began their march toward the Potomac River, continuing their progress until shortly after midnight. At 12:30 A.M. this morning they bivouacked on the road and resumed their march at 5:30 A.M. They reached Fort Marcy by 1:30 P.M and crossed the Potomac at Chain Bridge at 5:00 P.M., where they camped for the evening.

During their march the Twentieth heard heavy artillery fire coming from the direction of Centerville, near Manassas, and became aware that a fierce battle was raging. Union General John Pope, in charge of the Army of Virginia, was furiously fending off a series of Confederate attacks in a conflict later known as the Second Battle of Manassas. General Pope had been in charge of the Army of Virginia since the Seven Days Battles in June. President Abraham Lincoln had become dissatisfied with General George McClellan's leadership during the Seven Days Battles and had organized a new fighting force under the command of General Pope. Lincoln had hoped to squeeze Richmond from two directions, with Pope attacking from the west and McClellan attacking from the east. General Robert E. Lee, anticipating this dual attack, led both Pope and McClellan away from Richmond by driving north toward Washington. Lee's northward move succeeded in dividing Pope's and McClellan's forces and by driving both wings of the Union Army away from Richmond. The Second Battle of Manassas proved to be another Union defeat. Pope's vanquished forces were pushed back to Washington, D.C.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 143-4. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 159,161.

Sailing up the Chesapeake Bay toward Washington

Wednesday, August 27, 1862

On Monday the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment boarded an old Collins steamer named "Atlantic" and sailed up the Chesapeake Bay, arriving at Acquia Creek this afternoon at 3:00 P.M. They had expected to disembark at Acquia Creek, but instead they sailed on to Alexandria.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 143.

Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott

Tuesday, August 26, 1862

Lieutenant Henry Abbott received a letter from his mother concerning the death of Henry's brother, Ned. Although she was grieving deeply, she remained strong in spirit. She wrote, "I have great strength given me to bear this blow. I feel that the dear child is happy -- perfectly happy, & that he will be a guardian angel to us all." She consoled Henry by writing, "He loved you more than I can tell. I think he will always pray for you & hover around you. He thought more of your good that his own, & would willingly have laid down his life to make you happy."¹

References:
¹Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 138.

Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott

Sunday, August 24, 1862

Lieutenant Henry Abbott received the sad news that his older brother Ned, a captain in the Second Massachusetts Regiment, had been killed on August 9 at Cedar Mountain. In a letter to his father Henry wrote, "Until I got the newspapers & mamma's letter day before yesterday, I thought Ned only wounded ... Today we finished our march & I can answer. It came upon me with terrible force ... I know how awful the blow is to you, for he was the best son you had & was so sure to have been a great man."¹

References:
¹Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 136-7.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Saturday, August 23, 1862

Doctor Nathan Hayward penned a brief letter to his father from Newport News. He mentioned that until this morning they believed they would remain at Newport News for at least a week. He wrote, " .. [we] had sent to Fort Monroe for a wagon load of fruit, expecting to make ourselves comfortable here and enjoy the luxuries of the season and the place. What our destination is, we do not know, whether A[c]quia Creek, Alexandria, or elsewhere."¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 396, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Northward March Continues

Friday, August 22, 1862

The Union Army continued their march northward, arriving at Yorktown Wednesday where they camped for the evening. At 6:00 A.M. on Thursday morning the Army resumed their march, covering fifteen miles and arriving at Big Bethel by evening. This morning the Army began their progress at 4:00 A.M., marching in a heavy rain eight miles to Newport News. From here they planned to travel north by steamer along the Chesapeake Bay.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 142-3.

On the March North

Tuesday, August 19, 1862

The Union Army struck camp at Harrison's Landing on Saturday, August 16 to pursue the Confederate Army, nearly two weeks after General George McClellan received orders from President Lincoln to strike camp. General Robert E. Lee ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson north to draw fighting away from Richmond. The Union Army left Harrison's Landing at 8:00 A.M. on Saturday morning, marching about six miles to Charles City. On Sunday the Union soldiers endured an all-day march that covered sixteen miles, making night camp at the mouth of the Chickahominy River. On Monday the Army began their march this morning at 5:30 A.M., crossing the James River at Barrett's Ferry where they enjoyed a bath in the James River and marched another five miles for night camp. This morning the Army struck camp at 7:00 A.M. and marched through the colonial town of Williamsburg, resting briefly before resuming their march. They made camp by nightfall at Fort Magruder.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 142.

Regimental Matters - Officers on Sick Leave

Friday, August 15, 1862

Four officers went home on sick leave during the week. Major Paul Revere, Captain Henry Tremlett, Adjutant Charles Pierson and Captain Charles Cabot returned home due to illness. Adjutant Peirson and Captain Tremlett never rejoined the regiment; upon regaining health, both obtained commissions to the Thirty-Ninth Massachusetts Regiment.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 141-2.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Tuesday, August 12, 1862

In a letter to his father, Doctor Nathan Hayward relayed his beliefs that the regiment would be on the march again soon. He shared the particulars of the recent reconnaissance to Malvern Hill and noted, "We are expecting to move to-day, but in what direction is altogether conjectural." Hayward also noted that, although the overall health of the regiment was good, many were suffering from jaundice.¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 396, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Regimental Matters - Pay Day

Friday, August 8, 1862

On a happy note, the Twentieth Massachusetts received their pay today.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 141.

Reconnaissance to Malvern Hill

Thursday, August 7, 1862

After a two day reconnaissance march to Malvern Hill, the Union Army received orders to fall back and returned to camp at Harrison's Landing.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 140-41.

On the March

Tuesday, August 5, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts struck camp at Harrison's Landing at seven o'clock this morning, receiving sudden orders on the previous day to march. General George McClellan had received communication from Washington that the Confederates were marching north, and President Lincoln ordered McClellan to strike camp and move northward toward the Potomac River to meet a potential invasion.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 140.

New Recruits at Harrison's Landing

Saturday, August 2, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts received the first batch of new recruits since the Seven Days Battles. Thirty volunteers joined the Twentieth today, and many more were expected to follow in the next months.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.

Confederate Artillery Attack Harrison's Landing

Thursday, July 31, 1862

The Confederates had positioned an arsenal of artillery opposite the James River, and began shelling the Union camp at Harrison's Landing at one o'clock in the morning. Union artillery successfully repulsed the Confederate barrage before dawn.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.

Regimental Matters - Reassignments

Friday, July 25, 1862

Colonel William Lee was reassigned to assist Massachusetts Governor John Andrew in the recruiting effort, assigned to Camp John E. Wool in Worcester. Lee contracted malaria at Harrison's Landing, and was too weak to resume command of the Twentieth Massachusetts. Charles Peirson returned from assignment on General John Sedgwick's staff to his former role as adjutant of the regiment.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.

Sumner's Grand Dress Parade

Tuesday, July 22, 1862

General Edwin "Bull" Sumner held a grand dress parade and review of the Union Army Second Corps, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was a part, at Harrison's Landing.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.

Balloon Duty Terminated for Company D

Thursday, July 17, 1862

Company D of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, led by Lieutenant Nathaniel Messer, ended their service for balloon reconnaissance today. Company D had served on balloon reconnaissance since December 1861.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.

Dress Parade

Friday, July 11, 1862

As President Abraham Lincoln continued his visit to Harrison's Landing, the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had their first dress parade in several weeks.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.

President Lincoln at Harrison's Landing

Wednesday, July 9, 1862

In order to honor the arrival of President Abraham Lincoln at Harrison's Landing, General John Sedgwick performed an inspection of his division, including the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, on the spacious grounds of Berkeley Plantation along the James River.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.

Arrival at Harrison's Landing

Wednesday, July 2, 1862

Exhausted from the Seven Days Battles, the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment arrived at their new camp with the Army of the Potomac at Harrison’s Landing on the James River. The Union forces camped on the grounds of Berkeley Plantation, the home of the Harrison family and former U.S. President William Henry Harrison. This location afforded the Union army a strong defensive position, one which General Robert E. Lee decided not to attack.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 135. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 152.

Seven Days Battles - Day 7 - Battle of Malvern Hill

Tuesday, July 1, 1862

The Seven Days Battles ended with a Confederate attack at Malvern Hill, the current position of the Union army in their retreat to Harrison’s Landing. The high ground at Malvern Hill afforded the Union army the advantage in the ensuing fight.

General Robert E. Lee planned a frontal assault on the Union line led by General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, with attacks by Generals John Magruder and Benjamin Huger in support. Generals James Longstreet and A.P. Hill, who had been heavily engaged in the previous day’s fight at Glendale, were held in reserve.

Lee’s battle plans were poorly executed again, and the forces of Jackson, Magruder, and Huger were ordered to await the Confederate artillery barrage before attacking. The Union artillery commander, Colonel Henry Hunt, attacked first, disabling most of the Confederate artillery. Regardless of this setback, Lee ordered his infantry units to attack. By nightfall the Confederate attacks had been repulsed with heavy losses on both sides, but the Confederates suffered nearly two-to-one in casualties compared to the Union forces.

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was not engaged at Malvern Hill.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 132-136. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 152.

Oliver's Story - Seven Days Battles

Monday, June 30, 1862

Private Oliver Stanton Bates had just experienced a grueling seventy-two hours of service with Company A of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment. On Saturday, June 28, he joined his comrades in Company A during a long day and evening of intense manual labor in pushing ammunition-laden railroad cars three miles to Savage Station. On Sunday, June 29, undoubtedly exhausted from the previous day’s exertion, he was immediately put to work in the destruction of the ammunition stores at Savage Station depot. In the afternoon, he fell into formation with his regiment, prepared for battle at Savage Station. At 10:00 P.M. he was ordered into the woods near Savage Station for picket duty and spent a grueling five hours stumbling through the darkness, hoping to avoid gunfire or capture before rejoining his regiment at 3:00 A.M. near White Oak Swamp Bridge. This morning he endured a grueling retreat through intense heat and smoke to White Oak Swamp Bridge before returning to Glendale in the afternoon to take part in a hellish battle. By the grace of God he endured the trials and challenges of the previous seventy-two hours without injury, and he was undoubtedly grateful and relieved that his life was spared during these tests of faith, endurance, and courage.¹

References:
¹Compiled service record, Oliver S. Bates, Pvt., Co. A, 20th Massachusetts Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C. Henry Tremlett, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 2, p. 169-72, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts. George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 110-132. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 137-52.

Seven Days Battles - Day 6 - Battle of Glendale

Monday, June 30, 1862

General Robert E. Lee pressed his pursuit of the Union Army as they retreated toward the James River. He ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson to pursue the rear flank of the Union forces at White Oak Swamp and ordered the main body of his army, led by General James Longstreet, to attack the Union center at Glendale. Lee hoped to sever the Union line and crush the Union army in mid-retreat.

Once again, Lee's orders were not executed as planned. Jackson was late to arrive at White Oak Swamp and did not pose a severe threat to the Union rear flank. Longstreet executed his orders faithfully, attacking the Union line with heavy fighting at Glendale. The Pennsylvania Reserves division of General Fitz-John Porter's Fifth Corps took the brunt of the assault.

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had advanced two and one-half miles beyond the White Oak Swamp Bridge, reaching Glendale by mid-morning. At 11:00 A.M. the regiment heard artillery fire from the direction of White Oak Swamp Bridge. General William Franklin, positioned to protect the rear of the retreat at the bridge, requested reinforcements from General Bull Sumner's Second Corps. Sumner sent General Napoleon Dana's Third Brigade, including the Twentieth Massachusetts, to reinforce Franklin's position. The Twentieth Massachusetts formed a column and marched at the double-quick toward White Oak Swamp Bridge. The day was exceedingly hot, and as the Twentieth advanced, they suffered from smoke inhalation from trees smoldering from Jackson's artillery fire. The Twentieth needed to slow their pace under the heat and smoke, and soon the artillery fire from White Oak Bridge ceased.

At 3:00 P.M. the Twentieth heard gunfire from Glendale, and soon received messages from General Bull Sumner to march toward Glendale at the double-quick. The heat and the smoke had taken its toll, and many soldiers dropped from their ranks during the march from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. As the Twentieth returned to Glendale, they were ordered into position across an open field at Nelson's Farm. As General Dana had not yet returned to Glendale, General Sumner appointed Colonel William Lee of the Twentieth Massachusetts as temporary brigade commander. Colonel Lee ordered four regiments, the Nineteenth Massachusetts, the Tammany Regiment, the Seventh Michigan, and his own Twentieth Massachusetts into battle formation. Lee ordered Major Paul Revere and Charles Whittier to assist with the brigade charge, and designated Colonel Francis Palfrey to take charge of the Twentieth. Colonel Lee gave the order to advance the brigade across the sloping field into battle. As they advanced Lee's brigade were exposed to musket fire and artillery, and the brigade began to suffer heavy casualties. It became extremely difficult to keep their battle lines straight under heavy fire, and they needed to halt several times to reform their lines.

As they approached the woods at the far side of the field Colonel Lee was knocked senseless from a collision with a panicked artillery horse. Major Paul Revere took command of the brigade as they advanced into the woods up an ascending slope. As they reached the crest they realized the desperate nature of the fight. Their brigade needed to plug the hole left in the line from the casualties suffered by the Pennsylvania Reserves. Colonel Palfrey galvanized the charge for the Twentieth by grabbing a fallen Rebel flag, waving it for all to see, then throwing it to the ground and stomping on it. As they continued their advance, the Twentieth found themselves in front alone, with both flanks open. Exposed to a withering fire, the Twentieth realized that they needed to withdraw in order to prevent annihilation. As they retreated in good order to the woods they were reinforced by additional regiments. As nightfall approached the battle ceased and the Union line held.

The Battle of Glendale was also known as the Battle of Nelson’s Farm and the Battle of Frayser’s Farm

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment reported fourteen killed, seventy-one wounded, three captured, and five missing from the Seven Days Battles. Most of these casualties were incurred at Glendale. Among the killed was First Lieutenant James Jackson Lowell, who died tragically of a gunshot wound to the stomach in a field hospital at Glendale under Confederate control after the Twentieth Massachusetts continued their retreat to Harrison's Landing through Malvern Hill. Colonels William Lee and Francis Palfrey, Captain Norwood Hallowell, First Lieutenant Henry Abbott, and Second Lieutenant Henry Patten were among the officers reported injured at Glendale.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 123-32, 136-37. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 147-52.

Dangerous Night Maneuvers at Savage Station

Sunday, June 29, 1862

At approximately 10:00 P.M. two companies of the Twentieth Massachusetts, Companies A and K commanded by Captain Henry Tremlett, were sent into the woods under the cover of darkness for picket duty to protect the Union flank and determine the position of the Confederate army. The woods were covered with the bodies of dead and wounded Confederates from the battle at Savage Station, and they needed to proceed with extreme caution in the inky darkness to avoid revealing their proximity to the Confederates.

At 11:00 P.M. Captain Tremlett crept silently through the dark woods to where the Twentieth Massachusetts was stationed. To his great distress, Tremlett found that his regiment and the Union Army had retreated, leaving his two companies to keep the Confederates at bay. Tremlett silently ordered his men to fall in and march. As they plunged through mud and stumbled over tree stumps in the darkness, they eventually reached the Williamsburg Road and followed it until they found the road to White Oak Bridge. Following that road, they rejoined their regiment around 3:00 A.M.¹

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regimental History records the severity of the danger to Companies A and K as follows:

It was a most dangerous and disagreeable duty that fell to the lot of these two companies, for they were the very last of the rear guard of the army, and were liable at any moment to be attacked and overwhelmed or cut off and captured.²

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 118-119. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 144-45. Henry Tremlett, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 2, p. 169-72, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
²George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 119.

Seven Days Battles - Day 5 - Battle of Allen's Farm and Savage Station

Sunday, June 29, 1862

Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered Generals John Magruder and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson to pursue the retreating Union army, pushing them from the rear and hoping to engage an attack. Lee sent General James Longstreet south to Glendale and General Theophilus Holmes to Malvern Hill in anticipation of the movement of the Union army. Union General George McClellan left only five divisions from three corps, including General Bull Sumner’s Second Corps, General Samuel Heintzelman’s Third Corps, and General William Franklin’s Sixth Corps, to defend the rear of the Union army at the supply depot at Savage Station.

At dawn Brigadier General Napoleon Dana received orders to re-pitch the tents struck around midnight to confuse the Confederates who were rapidly approaching behind their lines and to give his brigade additional time for the ensuing retreat to Savage Station. One half-hour later, after re-pitching their tents and marching into the woods toward Savage Station, the men of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment observed the arrival of the Confederates into their abandoned camp. At approximately 8:00 A.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts arrived at a location about two miles west of Savage Station. General Dana positioned the Twentieth Massachusetts along the Richmond and York Railroad near the woods on Mrs. E. Allen’s Farm. At 9:00 A.M. the Confederates attacked. The battle ensued for two hours, and General Dana’s brigade was not heavily engaged. The Confederate attack was repulsed by 11:00 A.M. The Twentieth suffered no casualties during this encounter.

Shortly after the battle at Allen’s Farm ceased Second Corps Commander Bull Sumner received news that the Confederates had crossed the Chickahominy River with a large force, and Sumner realized the necessity to remove his corps to Savage Station immediately. Although the march to Savage Station was relatively short, the day was exceedingly hot, and many soldiers suffered from heat exhaustion during their progress. The Twentieth reached Savage Station in the early afternoon, and deployed on elevated ground near the hospital tents. The men of the Twentieth who had pushed the railroad cars to Savage Station depot on the previous day were burning and destroying large stores of ammunition. Thick smoke from the destruction marked the location of the Union troops.

Once again General Jackson was late to assist General Magruder, and Magruder decided to attack Sumner’s Corps before Jackson’s arrival. On the Union side, General Heintzelman’s Third Corps, who was ordered to guard the rear flank, did not reinforce Sumner’s Second Corps, but proceeded to join the remainder of the Union army and left Sumner alone to defend the flank. At approximately 5:00 P.M. Magruder approached Savage Station and a battle ensued between the forces of Magruder and Sumner. The Twentieth saw much of the action from their position on high ground, although they were in range of Confederate artillery fire. Sumner’s Pennsylvania regiments saw the heaviest fighting at Savage Station. As nightfall approached and the Twentieth was ordered to relieve the Pennsylvania Fire Zouaves, the Confederates ordered a cessation of the fight because they feared firing on their own men. As darkness descended the Twentieth Massachusetts again escaped the heat of battle, but not for long.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 111-118. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 139-44.

Seven Days Battles - Day 4 - Battle of Golding's Farm

Saturday, June 28, 1862

Confederate General John Magruder ordered a brigade led by General Robert Toombs on a reconnaissance south of the Chickahominy River to determine the strength and position of the Union Army. General Toombs had conducted a similar reconnaissance the previous day at Garnett's Farm, turning the reconnaissance into a repulsed attack on General William "Baldy" Smith's Sixth Corps. This day's reconnaissance occurred near the farm of Simon Golding, and again became an attack on General Smith's Sixth Corps. Once again the Union forces handily repulsed the Confederate attack.

Union General George McClellan was convinced that he was being attacked from all sides, and became more desperate to remove the Army of the Potomac to Harrison's Landing on the James River.

At 10:00 A.M a detail from the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was digging trenches in preparation for the final attack on Richmond. They received abrupt orders to return to camp immediately. A short time later Major Paul Revere and Captain Henry Tremlett were ordered to select and assist four companies of the Twentieth, about one-hundred and fifty men, to push railroad cars loaded with ammunition three miles to Savage Station. Revere, Tremlett, and their men arrived exhausted at Savage Station shortly after midnight. As they arrived at Savage Station Brigadier General Napoleon Dana, commander of the Third Brigade of General John Sedgwick's division of General Bull Sumner's Second Corps, received orders to strike tents and prepare to march. General Dana immediately conveyed the orders to all of his regiments, including the Twentieth Massachusetts.¹


References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 110-11. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 138-39.

Seven Days Battles - Day 3 - Battle of Gaines Mill

Friday, June 27, 1862

Confederate General Robert E. Lee, undaunted by the previous day's events, attacked General Fitz-John Porter's Fifth Corps once again. Porter had repositioned his line from east to west on the north side of the Chickahominy River, near Gaines Mill. Union Commanding General George McClellan ordered Porter to hold his position at all costs.

Lee again ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's division to attack Porter's Fifth Corps, with subsequent attacks by Generals Ambrose Powell Hill, Daniel Harvey Hill, and James Longstreet. For the second time in two days Jackson's division arrived late, and D.H. Hill's division went in to attack, with James Longstreet's division maneuvering for diversion. General Porter's line was reinforced, and the first series of attacks were repulsed. The Confederates resumed the attacks after nightfall and broke Porter's line.

The Confederate breakthrough at Gaines Mills convinced General George McClellan that he must remove the Army of the Potomac from their current position near Richmond to Harrison's Landing on the James River. He was certain that the Confederates outnumbered his forces more than two to one, which was entirely false. The Union forces had the greater strength in numbers. McClellan was unnerved by Lee's aggressiveness and surrendered the offensive initiative.

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, remaining in position behind fortifications near Fair Oaks, was not engaged at Gaines Mill. Their time away from battle was about to change abruptly.¹


References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 108-9. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 137-38.

Seven Days Battles - Day 2 - Battle of Mechanicsville/Beaver Dam Creek

Thursday, June 26, 1862

Confederate General Robert E. Lee took the initiative and the offensive against the Union army for the next six of the Seven Days Battles. Lee's plan at Mechanicsville was to attack the Union Fifth Corps, the right wing of the Union line under the command of General Fitz-John Porter. Lee felt that Porter's Fifth Corps was vulnerable to attack, as it was the only Union corps north of the Chickahominy River.

Lee ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's division to strike the Union line first, followed in sequence by divisions led by Generals Ambrose Powell Hill, Daniel Harvey Hill, and James Longstreet. Lee's battle plans were not followed, as Jackson's men, fatigued by their long march from the Shenandoah Valley, arrived late to the battle. Due to the delay A.P. Hill began his offensive without orders, and General Porter was able to reinforce his line and repulse repeated Confederate attacks. Overall the Battle of Mechanicsville (also known as the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek) was a tactical Union victory.

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was not engaged at Mechanicsville, and remained in position behind fortifications near Fair Oaks.¹


References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 104-8. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 136-37.

Seven Days Battles - Day 1 - Battle of Oak Grove

Wednesday, June 25, 1862

Early in the morning Union General George McClellan began his attack on Richmond, hoping to seize the initiative against the Confederate Army before General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson could deploy his forces as he relocated from the Shenandoah Valley. Union General Samuel Heintzelman's Third Corps attacked Confederate Major General Benjamin Huger's division between the Williamsburg and Charles City Roads in a dense forest near White Oak Swamp known as Oak Grove. In a battle that lasted all day the Union forces held the ground won, nearly four miles from Richmond. Oak Grove would prove to be the only encounter of the Seven Days Battles in which General McClellan took the offensive against General Robert E. Lee.

Most of General Napoleon Dana's brigade, which included the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, was not engaged at the Battle of Oak Grove. The Nineteenth Massachusetts Regiment was the only unit from Dana's brigade that took part in the battle, encountering a severe fight with the Confederates to secure the Union flank.¹


References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 104-5. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 136-37.

Building Fortifications at Camp Lincoln

Monday, June 23, 1862

During their time at Camp Lincoln the men of the Twentieth Massachusetts engaged in a variety of activities, including construction. Today a detail from the Twentieth assisted in the building of artillery fortifications for a battery of sixty-four pound howitzers.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 104.

Second Call to Arms

Saturday, June 21, 1862

The Twentieth was called to arms again due to shooting in the front lines. After forming a line of battle no further fighting ensued.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 104.

Call to Arms

Wednesday, June 18, 1862

The Twentieth was ordered to arms at 2:30 P.M. in the afternoon and remained in formation for four hours. Although there was no fighting for the remainder of the day the regiment was ordered to sleep in uniform with their weapons at hand.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 104.

Relieved from Front Line Duty

Wednesday, June 11, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had remained in close proximity to the Confederate line since the first day of the Battle of Fair Oaks on May 31. Today the regiment was relieved from front line duty and set up camp nearly a mile behind the front line. Their new camp became known as Camp Lincoln. The men of the Twentieth enjoyed their first opportunity to wash and to change clothes since the recent battle.¹

During the eleven-day interval since the Battle of Fair Oaks the men of the Twentieth were engaged in intense picket fire which resulted in several casualties.²

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 103.
²James Spencer, "Record of James Spencer," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 57, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Battle of Fair Oaks - Aftermath

Friday, June 6, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had remained in an advanced line near Fair Oaks Station since the battle on May 31. Today General Bull Sumner ordered his corps to move nearly a half mile closer to Richmond, with the left wing of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment across the Richmond and York Railroad and in the front line.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 102.

Battle of Fair Oaks / Seven Pines

Sunday, June 1, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts was not engaged in the morning attack that ended the Battle of Fair Oaks, also known as the Battle of Seven Pines. Units from General Israel Richardson's division of the Second Corps and General Joseph's Hooker's Third Corps encountered and repulsed Confederate units led by James Longstreet and Daniel Harvey Hill. After a two-hour engagement the Confederate forces retreated to Richmond.

The wounding of Confederate General Joseph Johnston at Fair Oaks led to a change in command of the Confederate Army. During the evening General Robert E. Lee assumed leadership of the Army of Northern Virginia.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 100. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 133.

Battle of Fair Oaks / Seven Pines

Saturday, May 31, 1862

Confederate General Joseph Johnston ordered an attack on the Army of the Potomac to drive the Union lines away from Richmond. Confederate Generals Daniel Harvey Hill and James Longstreet struck Brigadier General Silas Casey’s division of General Darius Couch’s Fourth Corps, driving the Union line back to the Williamsburg Road nearly one-and-a-half miles from Seven Pines Station.

The Twentieth Massachusetts, in General John Sedgwick’s division, was called to arms at 1:00 PM. They encountered their first obstacle at the Grapevine Bridge, whose structure was compromised from rising water due to heavy rains. Sedgwick's division crossed over the bridge safely before the bridge collapsed. The division confronted the enemy lines with fixed bayonets and successfully repulsed the Confederate attack near Fair Oaks Station.

The Confederates suffered heavy casualties among their officers. Brigadier General Wade Hampton was wounded, J. Johnston Pettigrew was wounded and captured, and Robert H. Hatton was killed. Confederate commander Joseph Johnston was severely wounded.

The casualty list for the Twentieth Massachusetts listed five killed and twenty-three wounded.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 90 - 101.

Tempestuous Weather near Seven Pines

Friday, May 30, 1862

The day afforded extremely hot weather, followed by violent thundershowers in the evening. The rain fell in torrents, and several of the bridges over the Chickahominy River were nearly swept away. At midnight the regiment heard heavy cannon fire in the direction of Richmond.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 89. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 126.

Victory near Hanover Court House

Wednesday, May 28, 1862

General Fitz-John Porter of the Union Fifth Corps won a victory over a small force of Confederates led by General Lafayette Branch to secure the right flank of General George McClellan's army. During this engagement General John Sedgwick ordered his division, which included the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, to General Porter's former position near New Bridge.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 89.

Camp Tyler

Friday, May 23, 1862

At 7:30 AM the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment began a fifteen-mile march along the Richmond and York River Railroad with the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania regiment. By nightfall they made camp near the estate of former President John Tyler and named their new camp in his honor.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 88-89.

On the March toward the Chickahominy

Wednesday, May 21, 1862

The Twentieth Massachusetts resumed their journey to the Chickahominy River, marching ten miles during the day and camping past Baltimore Cross Roads, three miles from the Chickahominy at Bottom's Bridge.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 88.

On the March toward the Chickahominy

Sunday, May 18, 1862

The regiment broke their camp near Cumberland at seven in the morning, marching past New Kent Court House. In the evening they formed a new camp near White House on their progress to the Chickahominy River.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 88.