Soon after sunrise we marched into a large field, or rather a series of fields, the fences

had all been destroyed, giving the appearance of a vast field to our camping ground.

I think there must have been at least 500 or 600 acres of rolling ground entirely clear

of fencing and with very little timber. This tract was bounded in a circular manner

in front by woods and in the rear by the river. In the center of it was a hill that commanded

the hole, and as I stood here just a little after sunrise and looked for the first time

upon our hole or very nearly our whole army, I could barely conceive any power that could

overwhelm us. Lines of battle were formed almost as far as the eye could reach. Troops were

in almost every conceivable position, in column at full distance, in column at half distance,

in column closed in mass, in echelon, some moving rapidly to their designated places, others

with arms stacked, resting on the ground, some kindling fires and making coffee, others

hastily sleening napsacks and falling into line, yonder as the squadron of cavalry, there

is another column. It was a great and grand sight, the like of which in all probability

I shall never see again. Captain Edward A. Acton, 5th New Jersey, Carzburgade.

In a few moments we are in motion, forming a line of battle with our faces in the direction

of the Federal artillery, whose fire seems now to increase. Between us and the enemy

intervenes a body of woods, and we saw nothing of them as we move forward. A hundred or

two yards of forward movement brought us into these woods, a body of large chestnuts

and oaks. Through the tops of these tall trees far above our heads, the shot and shell

of the Federal artillery howl and crash, putting us in constant danger of injury from falling

fragments of huge limbs of trees. But on we went until we reached a ravine or gully,

along the bottom of which ran a small stream. Here we halted. The occasion of our temporary

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