"Branch Repulsed Them With Great Losses..."

Wednesday, May 28, 1862, on the march northeast of Richmond

After our last foray, we did not venture far at all from our camp or picket post. Let the cavalry make those long journeys near the enemy's lines. They are faster and can get out of a scrape better than us foot soldiers.Given what happened last time and what could have happened, we consume our moldy crackers and salt pork with nary a complaint.

But that was in the past. We are now on the march again, heading in the general direction of east where McClellan and his hourde of minions is known to be, straddling the Chickahominy east of Richmond. The brigade had been watching McDowell and his army in and around Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock. Now that we have abandoned that position, who will keep him away from Richmond?

All those who claim to have inside knowledge of affairs beyond Richmond say that Jackson is playing havoc with the Yankees in the Valley. We are under the supposition that he is drawing enemy forces away from Richmond to allow Johnston to better defend the capitol. I wish Jackson would come down here and play a little havoc.

There has been a battle near Hanover Courthouse in Hanover County. Branch's brigade on North Carolinians mixed it up with some of McClellan's yankees on the far right of their army. Branch repulsed them with great losses inflicted upon them.

It is time to abandon our comfortable, reclining positions along the road and once more form up for a march. It's destination and purpose may some day be revealed to us.