Marching On Richmond: Winter 1862

Our action near the Antietam Creek had been disappointing, and we ended up going into winter camp with the gloom of mediocrity over us. However the cheery news was our whole army had given Robert E. Lee a very bloody nose in the greater action – and we soon cheered at the thought of finally ending this whole affair in the coming summer – 1863 would be the year the Union was reconstituted! meanwhile we continue to hear continual news of our nemesis, Brigadier General Longman, through the rumour mill – again his name seems splashed all over the Rebel papers with tales of great daring, while alas there is no such joy for me.

While there has much of the usual sickness and other malign airs around our camps over winter, we have been again lucky, as we were in 1861, and have not suffered from any great plague or pox. However it has still taken heavy toll on our men and many regiments have more gaps in their ranks and a want of replacements. Fresh, eager regiments full of new recruits have however also arrived to bolster us, the 4th Maine & 6th New Jersey bringing fresh enthusiasm into our camps…

I am also now a Brigadier General – having received my promotion after the last battle for my efforts at the earlier action near Seven Pines on the Virginia Peninsula, and have been confirm in my position as Divisional Commander. My full title is now Brigadier General Ulysses P. Rickards. The snows have long since left us, and right now, as Spring 1863 arrives, my division consists of the following: