Marching On Richmond: Late Summer 1862

Following on from our victory at Seven Pines, and the army’s less successful actions in the Seven Days campaign, as mentioned we were then surprisingly withdrawn from the Virginia Peninsula and brought back to Maryland. During this period we received very few reinforcements and had also suffered somewhat from the summer scourge of mosquitoes and other nasties. However before departing the peninsula we had managed to reform the remnants of the 12th New York, although we left behind several of our force.

The 5th U.S. Cavalry, our sharpshooter company and one section of Battery M, 2nd U.S. Artillery Regiment were all to remain in the peninsula until the withdrawal was complete. We spent July and August marching and counter-marching around Maryland, the border of Northern Virginia, and the Potomac, and were with Pope at the rematch on the Bull Run (although not seriously engaged).

However in September we suddenly headed North-West into Maryland, as part of a greater force, under our majestic little General George B. McClellan. By this time my command had grown, and I was acting commander of a small Division, much changed from the Brigade which had entered the Peninsula almost 6 months earlier: