CONNECTICUT FIFTH REGIMENT C. V. INFANTRY. (Three Years.)

WRITTEN BY CAPTAIN E. E. MARVIN, LATE OF COMPANY F, FIFTH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. THE Fifth Regiment was composed mainly of companies which were offered, accepted, and served some days under Governor Buckingham's call for three months' troops, in April, 1861. They were disbanded from such enlistments after President Lincoln's call for 75,000 three years' troops, made May 4th, and immediately re-enlisted under this last call for three years. They commenced mustering in Hartford, May 14th, and were organized as fast as they arrived into the First Regiment Colt's Revolving Rifles, of which Samuel Colt of Hartford, inventor of the revolving pistol and rifle bearing his name, was appointed Colonel, May 16th. The men were quartered in the buildings and on the grounds of The Colt Patent Fire Arms Company, and instructed in military drill by their own officers till June 20th, when, chiefly, because that Colonel Colt desired to have them enlist as regulars, to which they would not accede, they were disbanded as Colt's Regiment, and on the same day reorganized as the Fifth Connecticut Volunteers, with O. S. Ferry of Norwalk, Colonel. June 21st, the regiment moved camp from Colt's meadows to the field on southeast corner of Bond and Webster Streets, Hartford, and was there equipped for service. It was mustered into the United States service July 22d and 23d by Colonel James Loomis, United States army, and started for the front July 29th, arriving at Sandy Hook, Md. (opposite Harper's Ferry, Va.), during the night of July 31st. Thereafter, till March 2, 1862, its service was mainly picketing and guarding the line of the Potomac northward to Sir John's Run and southward to Muddy Branch, during the winter suffering considerable depletion by the hardships of such service in the breaking down of men from cold and exposure. General George H. Thomas was its first brigade commander, General Alpheus S. Williams the second, General S. W. Crawford the third, and General Joseph F. Knipe the fourth and last. The night of October 22, 1861, the regiment made a forced march of twenty miles from Darnestown to Ball's Bluff, arriving at daybreak, October 23d. Orders were received for the regiment to cross the river at once and it was formed for that purpose, but after awaiting transportation for two hours orders came for one company only to go over. Transportation for one company was furnished, and Company I was sent over. It was posted at the extreme right and built of earth, fence-rails, and bags of grain from adjacent mills, under direction of Captain Griffin A. Stedman, breastworks from the river on the right up to and over the crest of the bluff on the left, expecting that the regiment would come over to occupy it. A picket line was established some distance in front and maintained till near daylight on the 24th, when the company was recalled to the Maryland side, and the company then found, somewhat to their chagrin, that it had been employed to cover the withdrawal of the other troops from a dangerous position rather than as pioneers to a real attack. October 26th, the regiment went into camp at Muddy Branch, Md., and there remained till December 4th, picketing about four miles of the Potomac opposite. During December it was on the move up or down the river almost constantly, heading off the rebels under General Jackson, who was active on the opposite side, endeavoring to destroy the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the B. & O. R. R., and on the 20th, Companies E and F had a skirmish with his forces, who were endeavoring to blow up Dam No. 5, and assisted in driving them off with musketry, for which they received a lively shelling in return. This was the first introduction of the regiment to Jackson and his Stonewall Brigade, ever afterwards to be opposed to it in its every movement, even till that night of confusion at Chancellorsville which ended Jackson's career. January 1, 1862, Jackson started from Winchester up the river with a force of 8,500, and three days later drove in the Union forces at Bath, chasing some to Sir John's Run and the remainder to Hancock. The next day he burned the B. & O. R. R. bridge over the Cacapon River, shelled Hancock, and then set forward towards Romney. This lively work set all Union forces in the vicinity on foot at once. The Fifth, which had left Hancock on the previous Tuesday, going down the river, and had arrived at Frederick, sixty miles below, was, on Sunday night, January 5th, routed out to return. It broke camp in a blinding snowstorm in the dead of night, and made its tedious way through quite a fall of snow over the Blue Ridge and back into the Alleghanies, reaching Hancock on the 8th, where it remained the residue of the winter. Jackson's crazy winter campaign had completely used up his men, and he was compelled to go into winter quarters at Romney, nearly opposite Hancock, and keep the peace till spring. The Fifth crossed into Virginia with Banks's command, March 2, 1862, at Williamsport. There was a skirmish with the rebels at Falling Waters, after about four miles' advance, the same day; and again, after about thirty miles' advance at Bunker Hill, driving back the rebel pickets, and the Fifth was in the advance which drove the confederates from Winchester March 12th. This was its first appearance in Winchester and it had a "bloodless battle" in gaining possession of the city, and encamped on the place of James M. Mason, of "Mason and Slidell" notoriety, where it found a rebel flag "nailed to the mast." Colonel Ferry occupied the Mason residence as regimental headquarters. The regiment left Winchester with Banks, March 22d, on his movement east towards Manassas, following out the plan that forces north and west of Washington should close to the left as McClellan advanced from that point with which that campaign opened. Winchester, left in command of Shields, who had just moved to the left from Romney, whose forces were lying at Stevenson's Station, four miles away northward, was attacked the same afternoon about two o'clock by Jackson's cavalry and artillery under Ashby, and Company D of the Fifth, which had been left behind as train guard, was one of four companies which promptly established a skirmish line to meet the rebels and kept them at bay till Shields could bring down his forces to protect the city, which he did some two hours later. This company remained on the battlefield, Kernstown, March 23d, the next day; was at different times put into the battleline at three different points, and so participated in the victory which was that day won over Jackson. The regiment returned the next morning, retracing its march of the day before, and joined in the pursuit of Jackson up the valley for a hundred miles, having skirmishes with him at Mount Jackson, Big Spring, and near Harrisonburg. Details from Companies E and F formed the major part of a detachment which made an all-night march into the rebel lines and surprised and captured Company H of Ashby's cavalry--fiftynine men with their horses, arms, accoutrements, and stores--at Hudson's Corners Va., April 16th. May 3d, Companies H and I drove the rebels from Peaked Mountain and established a signal station there after a sharp skirmish, in which several were wounded. Shields' division having been withdrawn from the valley, Banks, on May 5th, commenced falling back with the remainder of his command nearer his base, and on the 23d was encamped near Fisher's Hill, a few miles above Strasburg. On this day, men of the Fifth were fired upon while bathing in the Shenandoah River, and the next day the rebels appeared in force, coming down the Valley Pike, also the Luray Valley. During this day and the day following, Banks was in full retreat and the Fifth was engaged alternately in opening the way in front and for defense in the rear. On the Front Royal road in front of Winchester, May 25th, it had a sharp engagement with Trimble's brigade of Ewell's division of Confederate troops, and repulsed them with heavy loss. Owing, however, to the giving way of Gordon's brigade, which was opposing Jackson's main and superior force on the Strasburg road, the regiment was compelled to continue its retreat, obliquing off to the right of Winchester, which was already in possession of the enemy, and marching across fields and by by-roads with great rapidity for several hours, it distanced all pursuers and re-crossed the Potomac into Maryland near Sharpsburg that evening about nine o'clock, having made sixty-five miles of retreat with several hours of fighting and several miles of countermarching in thirty-six hours. June 3d, it crossed again into Virginia and followed Jackson up the valley as far as Front Royal. From this place it made a reconnoissance in force June 30th, and had a skirmish with the Confederates at Luray, clearing them out of the village. July 7th, it crossed the Blue Ridge and joined Pope's army near Warrenton. August 9th, at Cedar Mountain, the Fifth was in the very thickest of the fight, and in company with the Twenty-eighth New York and Forty-sixth Pennsylvania, broke entirely through the rebel infantry lines, scattering and routing with heavy loss ten regiments of Confederate troops, and carrying the most commanding position on the field; but, not being supported, was compelled to yield it again, after a hard struggle, to a largely superior force. It had its heaviest loss for any single day of its service in this engagement, there being thirty-eight killed, ten mortally wounded, sixty-seven wounded, sixty-four captured, out of probably about 380 men engaged. Every officer but four, of the eight companies engaged, was killed, wounded, or captured. Company F was detached six miles to the right front of the field, guarding a signal station on Thoroughfare Mountain, where it captured a dozen or more rebels who straggled into its camp during the day, while Company H was on provost duty in Culpepper. Sunday, August 17th, Lee's reinforcing army came in sight, coming over the hills between Gordonsville and Orange Court House, and on the 18th Pope commenced falling back and all baggage-teams were sent on in advance to Alexandria, and were not accessible again for a month. It was such a hungry, hot, wretched, ragged, and uncomfortable month as none would care to endure twice. The regiment was with Pope's supporting force during all the disheartening retreats and defeats that followed, and was under artillery fire at Rappahannock Station, White Sulphur Springs, Bristoe Station, and Chantilly, but suffered only slight losses. It was also in the Maryland campaign which followed. The day before the battle of South Mountain it was detached from the main column to act on the right flank of the advance, but later to do provost duty at Frederick, and there remained till December 10th, when it proceeded to join the Army of the Potomac before Fredericksburg, and was encamped near Stafford Court House, Va., during the winter of 1862-3. At Chancellorsville, May 1st, after having built breastworks along its front, the brigade to which the regiment belonged (First Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Army Corps) was advanced to the front a mile or more to support Sickles's movement, but upon its return, after nightfall, found them occupied by Confederates, who had come in behind them from the right in Jackson's flank movement. The main body "charged home" over, through, or around the rebels as best they could, but a large number on the right of the regiment were captured in so doing. It was during the melee caused by this countercharge in the darkness that Jackson was fatally wounded. At Gettysburg the regiment reached the field on the evening of July 1st. It was put into the line of battle on the right of Culp's Hill on the morning of the 2d, and at once built strong earthworks along its whole front. Towards evening it was marched over to the left to support Sickles, but after he had fallen back to his new line was ordered to return to its own works and position in the line, but found them in possession of the enemy. In attempting to take possession of them again the men were fired upon, and several were wounded and captured. The next morning, while the residue of this division were storming and retaking their own works, the Fifth was detached and sent farther to the right, to support a battery at first, and afterwards to support the cavalry, and served with them during the remainder of the battle. During Lee's retreat the Fifth was in advance of the pursuit as far as Warrenton, Va. September 25th, the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps were consolidated, making the Twentieth Corps, and sent, under Hooker, to join the Department of the Cumberland at Cowan, Tenn., where it arrived October 10th. From this department, having served meantime as railroad guards, it took its veteran furlough from January 13th to March 9th, 1864. After its return it was at once launched into the Atlanta campaign, sharing in most of the victories of that arduous struggle, and suffering its share of losses, being engaged at Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw, Culp's Farm, Peach-Tree Creek, and the siege of Atlanta. At Resaca, May 14th, the Fifth was in reserve till 4 P. M., and was then ordered to the extreme left to support Howard's position. The entire march was just in rear of the fighting line and within range of the enemy's artillery, and was accomplished in time to relieve the Fourth Corps and drive the rebels back to their works, which Knipes's Brigade did alone. About 1 P. M. the next day, May 15th, it became apparent that the line must be advanced in front of the Fifth to the crest of a hill or be at a disadvantage, and the regiment was ordered up on the double-quick. It had just gained its position on the top of the hill when the rebels charged up the slope in front. The order to fire came quickly, and the first volley brought them to a halt till the pieces were loaded again, and a second volley sent them to a right-about and into their works. While all this was going on the regiment commenced singing the "Battle Cry of Freedom," which was caught by the troops right and left, and the color-guard advanced well to the front, waving "Old Glory" in the faces of the rebels. The effect was magical to an extent which can scarcely be appreciated by those who did not witness it. The enemy charged unavailingly time and again, but became convinced at last that "Old Glory," with the rifles of the Fifth behind it, would wave as long as they wished to have it. At Culp's Farm, June 22d, the regiment was in reserve also and engaged till 2 P. M. in building earthworks, when they were interrupted by the old familiar "rebel yell," and at once seized their arms and took position, which was the extreme left of the brigade, division, corps, in fact of the whole army, and opened fire at once on the advancing rebels. They pressed on long and persistently, and once charged very near, as if they intended to use the bayonet, but the bullets finally kept them off and retired them. In this fight the regiment used up sixty rounds of cartridges to the man, captured many prisoners and one set of colors, and it was a highly satisfactory victory to the regiment as a perfectly fair and square fight. At Peach-Tree Creek, July 20th, the battle opened very suddenly on the Fifth. They were lying in the woods awaiting the hour when they expected to attack the rebel lines, when Hood, with all his available force, charged out upon the Union line as a surprise. Hearing the old "yell," the boys flew into position in a moment, and the effect of the rebels' first volley was lost, as they were charging up hill and fired too high. It settled down now into a square stand-up fight for three hours, the enemy charging again and again, and being as often repulsed. September 1, 1864, the regiment moved in advance of the line, and had the honor of being the first Union regiment to march through the city of Atlanta, and it felt that it had certainly earned that honor, for, during 116 days, it had been constantly under fire, moving forward, making defenses, and fighting at every opportunity, and, what was still more satisfactory, holding its ground in every instance. November 15th, the Fifth left Atlanta with Sherman on his "March to the Sea," doing fully its part in the foraging which was needed to maintain such a march, and took active part in the siege of Savannah. It participated in the battles of Chesterfield Court House, S. C., Averysborough, Bentonville, and Silver Run, N. C., which ended its contests with Johnson's army March 16, 1865. It then marched through Richmond and the familiar fields of northeastern Virginia, participated in the Grand Review at Washington May 24th, and was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., July 19, 1865, having been in the military service four years and three months, marching more miles and serving in more States than fell to the lot of many other regiments, and having fought many battles, all of which were fair stand-up fights, without breastworks or cover. While the regiment, in the course of its long service, probably built hundreds of miles of breastworks, it never received an attack behind one of them, and it had always held the line assigned to it; nor was it ever driven from its position in any battle-line, except in the single instance of Cedar Mountain, where, having captured the key to the field, it was left unsupported, and was assailed from each flank and front by a force numerically its superior in the proportion of ten to one. ENGAGEMENTS. Winchester, Va., March 12, 1862. Hudson's Corners, Va., April 16, 1862. Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862. Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862. Chantilly, Va., Sep. 1, 1862. Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. Falling Waters, Va., July 14, 1863. Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. Cassville, Ga., May 19, 1864. Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864. Lost Mountain, Ga., June 15, 1864. Marietta, Ga., June 18, 1864. Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 19, 1864. Culp's Farm, Ga., June 22, 1864. Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. Siege of Atlanta, Ga., August to September, 1864. Monteith Station, Ga., Dec. 15, 1864. Siege of Savannah, Ga., Dec. 10 to 21, 1864. Chesterfield Court House, S. C., Feb. 4, 1865. Silver Run, N. C., March 2, 1865. Averysborough, N. C., March 16, 1865. Bentonville, N. C., March 19, 1865. Gettysburg after battle report: Reports of Col. Warren W. Packer, Fifth Connecticut Infantry. Camp near Snickersville, Va., July 21, 1863. Col.: In reply to orders from brigade headquarters, July 19, 1863, I have the honor to report concerning the movements of this regiment since leaving Stafford Court-House, Va., and up to the time of its arrival at camp near Snickersville, Va. We left Stafford Court-House June 13, and, marching by way of Dumfries, Fairfax Court-House, and Dranesville, stopping for one day at Fairfax Court-House, arrived at Leesburg upon the 18th. Here the regiment was detailed for provost duty in the city, remaining one week. Resuming the march, we crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry June 26. We then moved by way of Point of Rocks and Jefferson to Frederick, Md., reaching the latter place June 28. From thence we moved the following day toward the Pennsylvania line, marching by way of Walkersville, Woodsborough, and Ladiesburg, to Littlestown. At about the distance of 1 mile from the latter place, this regiment was thrown out as picket upon the left of the turnpike, distant from it about 1 mile, remaining but three hours, when we rejoined the brigade. The following morning, July 1, marched from thence to within 1 mile of Gettysburg, Pa. We then filed to the right, and, after marching nearly 1 mile, formed line of battle; were then ordered to support a section of Battery M, First New York Artillery. Upon being relieved of this duty, we were thrown forward as skirmishers. On the morning of the 2d, we rejoined the brigade, which moved forward, taking a new position, which we proceeded to fortify by throwing up breastworks. On the evening of the 2d, we moved to the left about 2 miles, remaining but a short time. Upon attempting to return to the breastworks, we found them occupied by the enemy, in consequence of which, after detailing Company E as skirmishers, they losing 5 men taken prisoners, we remained in the field until the morning of the 3d, occupying the same position until 12 m., when the regiment moved a short distance to the rear, taking position in a ravine, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy upon our right flank. Left this position at 5 p. m., moving to the rear by the Bonaughtown road about 2 miles, in support of Gen. Gregg's cavalry. Remained here until 7 a. m. July 4, when we resumed our old position in the breastworks previously constructed (in so doing marched completely around our right flank; also in front of our line of battle, being the first regiment of infantry to pass through the town of Gettysburg), holding the same until 11 a. m. the following day, July 5, when, it having been ascertained that the enemy were retreating toward the river, we left the latter position and retraced our march, arriving at Frederick, Md., July 8, passing directly through the city, and, by way of Middletown, Burkittsville, and Crampton's Gap, arrived at Fair Play on the morning of July 11, when we were thrown forward as skirmishers, and were relieved by details from different regiments at 6 p. m. of the same day. July 12.--Remained in line until 11 a. m., when we moved forward to the extreme front of the ground skirmished over the previous day. Later in the day we moved to the rear for better position, and commenced erecting breastworks, continuing them until finished, July 13. July 14.--Moved forward to within 1 1/2 miles of Falling Waters, when, it being ascertained that the enemy had escaped across the river, we moved 2 miles to the rear, remaining over night. The following day, July 15, marched in the direction of Maryland Heights, by way of Fair Play, Antietam, and Sharpsburg, arriving at night near Maryland Heights. July 16.--Resumed the march, and, crossing the Heights, arrived at camp, near Sandy Hook, at 10 a. m. of same day. Here we remained, obtaining supplies, &c., until the 19th, when we crossed the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, and marched to camp, near Snickersville, Va., arriving at nightfall July 20, where we now remain. I am, with respect, your obedient servant, WARREN W. PACKER, Col. Fifth Connecticut Volunteers. Col. A. L. McDougall, Comdg. First Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Corps. ----Kelly's Ford, Va., August 16, 1863. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following official report of the operations of this regiment during the recent campaign, from June 13 to August 2, inclusive: On June 13, orders were received to move at sunrise, at which time line of march was taken up in direction of Hope Landing, on Aquia Creek, where we arrived at 4 p. m. An hour later, orders were received to march immediately, and, retracing our march from Stafford Court-House, we continued the same all night, reaching a place called Dumfries at 12 m. the following day. Here we remained until 3 a. m. June 15, when we resumed our march, crossing the Occoquan, and arriving at Fairfax Court-House, Va., at 10 p. m. This march was peculiarly exhausting to the men, as the weather was intensely warm and the distance nearly 30 miles. Remaining here until the morning of June 17, we again broke camp at 3 a. m., marching in the direction of Leesburg, encamping at night near the cross-roads. In the morning resumed the march at 7 o'clock, reaching Leesburg at 6 p. m., and had but just encamped when orders were received detailing my command as provost guard. Accordingly, we moved into town, and were quartered in previously unoccupied buildings. We remained in Leesburg until Friday, June 26, performing guard and other duties necessary to the maintenance of order. Upon this day, the remainder of our corps having left the vicinity, my command was ordered to hold the town until the Fifth Corps should move up and relieve us. Upon the arrival of the latter, we took up our line of march, crossing the Potomac at Edwards Ferry, encamping near the Monocacy River. The following morning, 27th, we rejoined the brigade, and moved toward Knoxville, Md., arriving there at 9 p. m. The following day we resumed the march in the direction of the city of Frederick, encamping there for the night. Upon the 29th, we reached Woodsborough, where we remained until morning, when we moved toward Littlestown, Pa. At 10 a. m., hearing that the enemy were in our front prepared for action, the regiment was ordered out to protect a road upon the left, but saw no enemy. At 2 p. m. we rejoined the brigade, and went into camp near Littlestown, Pa. Upon the morning of July 1, we moved forward as far as Two Taverns, where we arrived at 11 a. m., and could distinctly hear the sounds of the engagement then progressing in front. At 12 m. we advanced to the vicinity of Gettysburg, and immediately took up position upon the extreme right, this regiment being ordered to support Battery M, First New York Artillery. At 6 p. m. we took up a new position, when my command was thrown forward as skirmishers 1 1/2 miles in advance of the brigade, and remained in this position all night, or until 4 a. m. on the morning of the 2d. During this time saw no enemy. We then received orders to rejoin the brigade, and, upon so doing, the whole moved forward to a new position upon the right, and commenced throwing up breastworks. Brisk skirmishing was in progress all the morning both upon the left and center. About noon, the artillery opened along the entire line, the fighting being very severe. At 4 p. m. our division was ordered to the extreme left, in assuming which position we passed through a heavy fire of artillery. Arriving at the designated point, the danger being over, we were ordered back to our position in the breastworks. Having arrived near them at 9 a. m., we learned that they were occupied by the enemy in force. The commanding general immediately threw forward skirmishers to ascertain the situation of affairs, Capt. Chinery and 13 men from his company (E) composing a part of the same. Their instructions were not to fire upon or otherwise alarm the enemy, but merely to ascertain and report their strength and position. In endeavoring to carry out these instructions, 5 enlisted men of my command were taken prisoners. Others coming in reported our works occupied by the enemy in heavy force. At about 10 p. m., as we were preparing to move back to the crest of the hill in our rear, we received a volley from the enemy's skirmishers. No damage was done, however. Having reached the crest of the hill, we passed the night in that position. At 4 a. m. July 3, the battle opened upon our side by twenty pieces of artillery sweeping the woods in which the enemy was concealed, our regiment being at the same time in reserve. At 10 a. m. we were ordered to move back about half a mile, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy upon our right. Having taken our position, skirmishers were thrown forward, but were troubled by no one excepting the enemy's sharpshooters. Here we remained until 6 p. m., when we were ordered to report with the Thirteenth New Jersey as support for Gen. Gregg's cavalry, who were protecting the extreme right of our army. We moved off about 2 miles, and stopped for the night. Our loss this day (July 3) was 3 men wounded by fragments of shell. At 7 a. m. July 4, we moved around, passing over the ground previously occupied by Ewell's corps of the rebel army, into Gettysburg, rejoining the brigade at 10 a. m., and remaining in this position all night. The following day we marched back to Littlestown, and remained all night. On July 6, marched at 7 a. m., but were halted after going about 3 miles, as the fighting was renewed at the front. On July 7, marched toward Frederick City, encamping within 5 miles of the town. On July 8, we moved at 5 a. m., passing through Frederick City, and Middletown, halting for the night at Burkittsville, near Crampton's Gap. Leaving Burkittsville on the 9th, passing over the mountain through Crampton's Gap, we encamped at 11 a. m. in Pleasant Valley. Broke camp at 4 a. m. the morning of the 10th; passed through Keedysville, and soon after crossing Antietam Creek, were drawn up in line of battle; but it having been ascertained that there was no enemy in front, we went into camp. Upon the 11th, we left camp at 7 a. m., and, soon after advancing through Fair Play, found the enemy's pickets. My command was then thrown forward as skirmishers, and as such were briskly engaged all day. At sundown we rejoined the rest of the brigade. At about 10 o'clock upon the 12th, we moved to the front about 1 mile from line of battle, and commenced building breastworks, working all night. It was expected that we should receive orders to advance upon the morning of the 13th, but no such orders being received, we continued work upon the breastworks, finishing them at nightfall. At 4 a. m. 14th, we advanced, or rather broke camp, and at 7 o'clock were fairly in motion, without opposition, in the direction of Williamsport, the skirmishers, however, taking many prisoners. At 2 p. m. we halted, all the rebels being driven across the Potomac. At 3 p. m. we left Falling Waters, and marched for Williamsport, where we encamped. The following day we again marched, encamping at night in Pleasant Valley. Continued our march the ensuing day toward Sandy Hook; crossed the mountain, and encamped upon the ground occupied by the regiment upon their first arrival in Maryland, August 1, 1861. Here we remained until Sunday, July 19, when we crossed the Potomac into Virginia for the fourth time, and encamped in Loudoun Valley. Upon the following day we reached Snickersville, and remained until the 23d. Upon the 23d, we again took up line of march for Paris, where we arrived at 4 p. m., when we were ordered to move to Markham Station, where we arrived at 12 midnight. This was the severest march of the campaign. Upon the 24th, we left Markham Station for Manassas Gap, where we remained until 2 p. m., when we again took up the march for White Plains, where we arrived at 1 a. m., having marched thus far into the night. The following morning we moved at 8 a. m., halting at 10 o'clock and resuming the march at 12 m., passing through Thoroughfare Gap, and encamping at Hay Market. Upon the 26th, acting as guard to the train, passed through Greenwich about noon, arriving at Warrenton Junction at 5 p. m., where we found the brigade encamped. We remained here until July 30, when we moved at 6 a. m., and arrived at Kelly's Ford at 4 p. m., and encamped upon the river bank. August 1, we moved at 3 a. m., crossing the Rappahannock upon pontoons, and were immediately deployed as skirmishers, and thrown out 2 miles to the front, where we remained until 9 p. m. August 2, when we recrossed the river, and are now encamped 1 mile from the ford, awaiting orders. In conclusion, allow me to say that both officers and men conducted themselves in a manner which won the cordial approval of their superior officers in every instance; and although our list of casualties is comparatively small by the side of those of other regiments, yet, in respect to a disposition to do, and the record of arduous duties well performed, I claim for my command a place second to none. I cannot conclude this report without calling your especial attention to the conduct and good deeds of the esteemed chaplain of this regiment, Rev. M. C. Welch, who, totally regardless of self or personal safety, was invariably found in the front whenever the regiment or any portion of it occupied a position of danger or responsibility, encouraging the men by his presence, doing all in his power to relieve the wounded; once taken prisoner, but making his escape, and reporting himself immediately for the duties of his position. All this has greatly attached the regiment to Mr. Welch, and we hope for a continuance of his connection with us during our term of service. A report of casualties has been forwarded to the adjutant-general, so that it is thought unnecessary to append it to this report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WARREN W. PACKER, Col., Comdg. Fifth Connecticut Volunteers. His Excellency William A. Buckingham, Governor of the State of Connecticut.

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43

Connecticut 5th Volunteer Infantry (Union)

Related Records