Colonel at their head, and all in splendid spirits at the prospect of a rencontre with the rebels. A secondary object of the expedition was to obtain information in regard to the roads and fords in the vicinity. Lieut. N. Bowen of the Topographical Engineers went with the expedition; as also a squadron of the Second regular cavalry, under command of Captain Gordon; a company of the Fifth cavalry, Lieutenant Custer; a company of the Eighteenth infantry, Capt. Forsyth, and a company of the Second infantry, Capt. McMillan. New Bridge is four miles from camp. They went down the main road to what is called the old mill, and thence turned to the right through a piece of woods, keeping it till they came to an open field, commanding a view of the Chickahominy river. A portion of Company "A," Fourth Michigan regiment, Capt. Rose, was here sent forward as skirmishers, and the remnant of the company kept as reserves. The regiment filed out of the wood by flank, and formed in line of battle very nearly parallel with the river, the left extending across the main road. Here the rebels were seen lying behind a fence across the river. The right wing of Col. Woodbury's regiment was ordered to cross the river, which at this point is about thirty feet wide. In the men plunged, all accoutred as they were, but contrived to keep their muskets in condition to use. In some places the stream, which had been swollen by the rain during the night and morning, was so deep that the men were obliged to swim, and none got over without wading waist-deep. The enemy, who had lain concealed behind a fence close to the opposite bank of the river, kept up an incessant fire upon them. Fortunately the enemy's shots passed harmlessly over their heads; but the shooting did not dismay the men in the least. Lieut. Bowen attempted to cross the stream with his horse, but the latter was shot under him before he had advanced a third of the way across. This prevented field-officers and the cavalry from attempting to cross the stream. All the companies but two passed the river. One of these remained behind to act as skirmishers in the wood on the right, and the other to keep an eye on the bridge and to the left beyond, to prevent being flanked on either side by the enemy.

"As soon as our men crossed the river the work of firing commenced. Captain Rose's company discharged the first volley on our side. Ali the remaining companies had their muskets to their shoulders in double-quick time. The firing was brisk and continuous on both sides. The rebels had two pieces of artillery, from which they hurled shells at our men, but the shells, like their volleys of musketry, passed over the heads of our men. Their cannon were planted on a hill beyond, while the infantry still kept position behind the fence, which in addition to having an embankment as a base in the style of old Virginia fences, had a deep and wide ditch in front. The shooting continued for nearly two hours. Our men drove the rebels behind the fence and their encampment at the left. They fled, leaving their dead and wounded behind them, taking refuge in encampments on the hill.

"On our side the last shot was fired. It was not deemed prudent to pursue the retreating enemy. It was evident that they had mistaken our force, or else acted in retiring more intensely cowardly than we have ever thought them to be. They had four regiments engaged, Fourth and Fifth Louisiana regiments, a Virginia and an Alabama regiment, besides their artillery, while on our side there were actually eight companies of the Fourth Michigan who did the fighting. Under the circumstances, of course, it was not deemed prudent to follow the foe.

"In the ditch were found twenty-eight dead bodies. Among the killed were two Lieutenants. One was shot with two balls through the head, and the body of the other was completely riddled with bullets. Of the thirty-seven prisoners we took fifteen were wounded. Our men brought them on their shoulders across the stream, whence they were taken to a dwelling-house near by, and every possible care given them by our surgeons. They all expressed astonishment at the care shown them, and stated that they had been told that if they ever feil into our hands they would be killed; and such fate they expected would be theirs.

"Our men partook of the dinner the Louisiana Tigers had prepared for themselves. They captured their company books, and brought away rifles, muskets, swords, sashes, etc. I might recount any number of narrow escapes, had 1 time.

"General McClellan having received intelligence of the skirmish, rode toward the river and met the regiment on its return. He grasped Colonel Woodbury warmly by the hand, and said: General, I am happy to congratulate you again on your success. I have had occasion to do so before, and do so again with pleasure.' He also shook hands with Captain Rose, of the first company, and said: 'I thank you, Captain. Your men have done well.'' To some of the men he said: 'How do you feel, boys?' They exclaimed: General, we feel bully!' 'Do you think anything can stop you from going to Richmond?' he asked, and an enthusiastic 'No!' rang from the whole

"All the officers of the regiment behaved remarkably well. General McClellan telegraphed immediately to General Porter that the Fourth Michigan had covered themselves with glory."

The Fourth was engaged at Hanover Court House, May 27th, at Mechanicsville, June 26, and on the 27th at Gaines' Mills.

The report of Captain Randolph, alluding to the battle of Gaines' Mills, states:

***"The regiment held its ground until its ammunition was nearly expended when it was relieved and fell back, contesting every foot of the ground, and formed our line of battle in rear of the reserves.

"At evening the action closed and we held the ground where we had fought against such fearful odds. I cannot speak in too high terms of both officers and men.

"Lieutenants Preston, Beers, and Jones were severely wounded and are now missing. They all behaved nobly, inspiring the men with that enthusiasm that so generally reigned throughout the command."

*

The regiment was also engaged at Savage Station, June 29th; at Turkey Bend, June 30th; at White Oak Swamp on the same day, and on July 1st at Malvern Hill, where it became conspicuously engaged, losing its Colonel, Woodbury, who fell at the head of his regiment and whose brilliant career in the service had been as bright and dashing as the record of his regiment, and had his life been spared but a little longer, his military ability, energy and dash would have placed him prominent in command with high rank and fame, as he was naturally gifted with all the characteristics to ensure success.

"With his back to the field and his feet to the foe!
And leaving in battle no blot on his name,

Looks proudly to Heaven from the death-bed of fame."

With Woodbury fell Captains Dupuy and Rose, while Captain Spaulding and Lieutenants Gordon and Earl were wounded, and from June 26th to July 2d the aggregate loss of the regiment was fifty-three killed, one hundred and forty-four wounded, and fifty-two missing.

In a report made by Captain Randolph immediately following the engagement at Malvern Hill, he says:

"The enemy commenced the attack about two P. M., and at four o'clock the action became general. The regiment held its ground against fearful odds until its ammunition was expended, when it fell back, contesting every foot of the ground until relieved by the Second New Jersey. At evening the action closed, and we again held our first line. Our loss was heavy in both officers and men. It was here Captain Richard Dupuy fell while gallantly leading his men.

"Colonel Woodbury was everywhere present, and by his example and courage inspired every one with renewed vigor. About half an hour after the action commenced he was mortally wounded, the ball penetrating the head just above the right eye. While being borne from the field his last words were: Good-bye, boys.' Captain A. M. Rose was also killed about the same time.

"On the following morning our position was again changed and about three P. M. the enemy appeared in our front in heavy force. We were ordered to advance, and in a few moments came within range of the enemy, when we opened a destructive fire."

Surgeon Chamberlain of the Fourth, gives the following account of the death of the gallant Colonel Woodbury:

"Our regiment occupied the extreme left of the line of battle at Malvern Hill, Towards evening a regiment of our brigade was ordered to charge on the advancing rebels; but after advancing half way across the field the fire was so severe they were compelled to break and fall back in great confusion, passing through the Fourth Michigan regiment, who were lying on their faces to escape the fire of the enemy. Colonel Woodbury was at the head of our regiment, and Captain Rose, of Monroe,

and Captain Chapin of Company F, were near by in charge of their companies. The Colonel attempted to rally the retreating regiment, shouting to them, with his cap in one hand and his sword in the other, telling them to stand their ground, that they and the Fourth could check the enemy. At this moment he was pierced in the forehead by a musket ball. He threw up his arms and fell back dead. His countenance in death appeared calm but earnest. His under lip was clasped under his upper teeth, a habit of his life, indicating his earnestness of purpose."

After the death of Col. Woodbury, Lieut. Col. Childs was promoted to the Colonelcy, Lieut. Col. Duffield having been previously promoted to the Colonelcy of the Ninth Infantry.

When the compaign on the Peninsula ended the Fourth returned with the army and entered on the "Pope campaign."

The regiment in command of Colonel Childs was in the engagement at Gainesville, August 29, 1862; Bull Run, Aug. 30, and at Antietam on the 17th of September following. At Shepardstown Ford September 21, with its brigade, it forded the Potomac in face of a battery, killed and drove off the enemy, capturing the guns.

The regiment having returned again to the Potomac from the Maryland campaign was also in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13th and 14th, in command of Lieutenant Colonel Lombard, where its casualties were nine killed, forty-one wounded and one missing. Among the killed was Lieutenant James Clark.

At the battle of Fredericksburg, the regiment was in the second brigade, first division, fifth corps, which is mentioned by Col. T. W. B. Stockton, of the Sixteenth Michigan, who was then in command of the third brigade, same division. In that division were also the First and Sixteenth Michigan, the former in the first brigade, and the latter in the third. The extract from Colonel Stockton's report is as follows:

"Just before sun-down (the first and second brigades in advance) the order to advance was given, with instructions to reach, take, and hold a hill some five hundred yards in front of the enemy's works. The whole line went briskly forward, and when we had reached an intervening crest about half way, we became entirely exposed to view. The rebels opened upon us one of the most terrific showers of shell, canister, and musketry I have ever experienced. My whole line returned the fire and steadily advanced. It was here that our greatest loss occurred, but under all this there was no faltering, no hesitation, and we were soon at the ridge we were ordered to take; the enemy retreating to their rifle pits and shelter behind a stone wall immediately under their batteries. The ridge scarcely afforded us any shelter except by laying down.

"Orders were received during the night that we must "hold the position until 10 A. M. next day, when the Ninth Army Corps would make a general attack, at which time we would be relieved or ordered to go in."

*

The Fourth, having participated in the first battle of Fredericksburg, December 13th and 14th, 1862, returned to its old position on the north bank of the Rappahannock. On the 30th and 31st of December the regiment was engaged in a reconnoissance to Morrisville, making a march of thirty-three miles on the latter day. It was engaged in a movement of the 20th of January, 1863, but marching only a few miles returned to camp near Falmouth, where it remained until May 1st. May 4th, it participated in the battle of Chancellorsville with a loss in killed, wounded, and missing of thirty. May 26th the regiment was ordered on guard duty at Kelley's Ford, where it remained until the 13th of June. Engaging in the rapid and fatiguing marches northward through Maryland and into Pennsylvania, it participated in the battle of Gettysburg on the 2d and 3d of July.

Its casualties were twenty-eight killed, eighty wounded, missing and prisoners. The Fourth bears a noble part in the great battle of Gettysburg, shares with the Fifth corps the brunt of the fight, meets the enemy in a desperate encounter, their flag is in danger, the gallant Jefferds rushes to the rescue, he struggles for its safety, but falls by a rebel bayonet.

"From his bosom that heaved, the last torrent was streaming,

And pale was his visage, deep marked with a scar!
And dim was that eye, once expressively beaming,
That melted in love, and that kindled in war!"

The struggle in which the regiment was engaged at Gettysburg may be inferred from the following notice of the services of its corps (the Fifth) as stated by Mr. Greeley in his " American Conflict":

* "Sickles' new position was commanded by the rebel batteries posted on Seminary ridge in his front scarcely half a mile distant, while magnificent lines of battle a mile and a half long swept up to his front and flanks, crushing him back with heavy loss, and struggling desperately to seize Round Top at his left. Meade regarded this hill as vital to the maintenance of our position and had already ordered Sykes to advance the Fifth Corps with all possible haste to save and hold it. A fierce and bloody struggle ensued, for the enemy had nearly carried the hill before Sykes reached it, while Humphreys, who with one of Syke's divisions had been posted on Sickles' right, was in turn assailed in front and flank, and driven back with a loss of 2,000 out of 5,000 men."

After the death of Colonel Jefferds, Lieutenant Colonel Lombard assumed command of the regiment.

Pursuing the enemy from Gettysburg the Fourth marched to Williamsport on July 12th. The enemy having crossed the Potomac, the regiment proceeded to Berlin; thence, on the 17th, it marched to Warrenton via Manassas Gap, thence proceeded to Beverly Ford, where it remained until September 16th; thence to Culpepper, remaining there to the 9th of October. Again crossing the Rappahannock, it encamped near Beverly Ford. Recrossing on the following day it assisted in driving the enemy, who were advancing, back to Brandy Station, the Fourth acting as "flankers" for the Fifth Corps. On the 12th the regiment recrossed the Rappahannock, and fell back with the army, via Bealton, Warrenton Junction and Centerville, to Fairfax Station, where it remained until the 18th, when it marched forward to Three Mile Station near Warrenton Junction and went into camp.

Following is an extract from the report of Colonel Lombard, covering in detail the services of his regiment from Nov. 1, 1862, until Nov. 1, 1863:

"I respectfully submit the following report: The regiment is attached to the Second Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. November 1, 1862, the regiment was on the march from Sharpsburg, Md., to Warrenton, Va., and then to Falmouth, Va., where it arrived Movember 22d, under the command of Col. J. W. Childs, who resigned November 25th, 1862, when I assumed command. We remained near Falmouth until December 12th, when the army moved towards Fredericksburg, Va. On the 13th December we crossed the Rappahannock River, and participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, casualties killed and wounded fifty-two. On the 14th December, recrossed the Rappahannock and returned to our old position. On the 30th December the regiment went out on a reconnoissance towards Morrisville, Va., and camped near Grove Church. Next day advanced to Morrisville and returned to camp the same day, performing a march of thirty-three miles in one day. The next move of the army was made January 20, 1863, under the command of General Burnside. When but a few miles from camp the order was countermanded and the army resumed the position as before. The roads and bad weather prevented the army from moving. We were in camp near Falmouth until May 1, 1863, when the army moved under the command of General Hooker. The regiment was commanded by Colonel H. H. Jefferds, who was lately promoted,

the command carried eight days' rations in haversacks and knapsacks, and moved to Chancellorsville, Va., via Kelly's Ford. The campaign lasted eight days. May 4, 1863, the regiment participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, supporting batteries of our corps, and was sent by order of General Hooker to feel the enemy's position. In presence of the main body of the army, the regiment was highly praised by the commanding General for executing the order as he desired. No engagement occurred after the position of the enemy was felt, and the army recrossed the Rappahannock at United States Ford, and returned to the old position as before near Falmouth, Va. The casualties of the regiment were, killed, wounded and missing, 30. The Second brigade covered the retreat from Chancellorsville. We were in camp until May 26th, 1863, when the brigade was ordered as guard at Kelly's Ford, where we remained until the 13th June, when we commenced our march northward. The enemy were now marching into Maryland and Pennsylvania. We continued our march via Centerville and then to Aldie, Va., remaining there a few days, and on the 28th June resumed our march through Leesburg, and crossing the Potomac into Maryland at Edward's Ferry, the 29th June we were at Frederick, Md., and on the 1st July marched into Pennsylvania, and camped near Gettysburg. The regiment participated in the battle of Gettysburg, July 2d and 3d, losing our brave Colonel Harrison H. Jefferds, who was mortally wounded and bayoneted on the 2d, and died of his wounds on the 3d. I assumed command on the 2d. The enemy having retreated, the army of the Potomac was soon in pursuit. The casualties of the command at the battle of Gettysburg were-killed, 28; wounded 80; missing and taken prisoners, 80; total, 188. The Army of the Potomac formed lines of battle near Willlamsport. Va., July 12th, and on the 13th the enemy crossed the Potomac, under the cover of the night. The Fifth corps was ordered to Berlin, Md., and remaining there a few days to clothe the troops, and on the 17th crossed the Potomac at Berlin, and marched to Warrenton via Manassas Gap. Arrived at Warrenton July 27, remained here for four days, arrived at Beverly Ford, Va., on the Rappahannock, August 2, 1863, remained here until September 16, when we marched to Culpepper, arriving there on the 18th, and remained there until October 9th, 1863, when the army moved to the rear, and crossed the Rappahannock, and camped near Beverly Ford, Va.; next day recrossed the Rappahannock, and drove the enemy back to Brandy Station. The Fourth was flankers of the Fifth corps. No casualties occurred. At 1 A. M., on the 12th again crossed the Rappahannock, continued our march northward via Bealton, Warrenton Junction, Bull Run, and Centreville, then Fairfax, where we remained a few days, and on the 18th we advanced from Centreville to Three-mile Station, Va., near Warrenton Junction, where we are stationed, November 1st, 1863.

"The regiment has participated in all the movements of the Army of the Potomac, and the foregoing is a very brief history of its movements during the year.

"I have not mentioned the many reconnoissances, and the number of times the regiment has been on small skirmishes, etc., etc., with the enemy. "The regiment has marched during the year over 700 miles."

The Fourth, then in the Second brigade, First division, Griffin's, of the Fifth army corps, advanced, on the 7th of November, 1863, with the Army of the Potomac, from its camp near Three Mile Station, on the O. & A. R. R., to the Rappahannock river, and on the same day participated in the engagement at Rappahannock Station. On the 9th the regiment, with its brigade, was ordered to keep open the communications of the army from Bealton to Kelly's Ford, and was engaged in that duty until the 19th, when the command. rejoined its corps near Kelly's Ford. Breaking camp on the 26th, the command moved towards the Rapidan river, which it crossed at Germania Ford. On the 28th the regiment moved to the right of the position at Mine Run, but did not become engaged, and on the night of the 30th it fell back across the Rapidan. The Fifth corps being ordered on guard duty along the Orange & Alexandria R. R., the regiment arrived at Bealton on the 1st of December, where it remained until the 30th of April, 1864, when it broke camp and marched to Rappahannock Station. On the 1st of May the regiment crossed the Rappahannock river, and camped near Brandy Station, and thence on the 3d marched to Culpepper. On the morning of the 4th it started from Culpepper to participate in the summer campaign, crossing the Rapidan at Germania Ford.