Owen marches and skirmishes to the bloodiest day of the Civil War, stopping for some sightseeing at President Lincoln's house along the way.
[The first two pages of this third, and largest, booklet are missing. The narrative begins on page three.]
…been very much picket firing since we came here but now all is as quiet as a lamb.
Professor Lowe’s balloon very often goes up and takes a squint(?) at Rebaldom (sic).
July 14, 1862
Nothing much of interest has transpired lately. Old Sol has no mercy upon us and I understand that there has been several cases of Camp de Solid in the army here.
July 22, 1862
Today there was an inspection of our Division and there was an imposing spectacle that many of our transports have been fired into between here and Fort Monroe. It is almost a daily recurrence. Our gunboats often send feelers into the woods, which terrifies Secesh, crocodiles, alligators, etc., etc.
July 31, 1862
Tonight about midnight almost everyone was brought up sitting in his bed by the sound of terrific cannonading. Our gunboats were engaged with something we know not what, whether rebel gunboats or batteries on the other side of the river.
It was kept for an hour or so when after a few cannon & scattering shots were fired and the noise ceased. The boys who had come out in their shirts went back to bed and were soon in dreamland.
August 1, 1862
I learn this morning that several were killed last night by the cannonading.
August 4, 1862
The firing on the 31st of July was by two rebel batteries on the opposite side of the river. We had some thirty-two on this side replying to them. They were soon silenced.
August 5, 1862
On last night we were ordered up to get two days rations and be ready at a moment’s warning. It is now morning and we have not started yet. Heavy firing is heard in the direction of Richmond, so I guess the advance have opened the ball. It may be for Darling, but I cannot tell.
August 6, 1862
Tonight, we were ordered to fall into line after which we passed the headquarters of General Sumner and marched on up towards Malverias Hills. After marching three or four miles up the river we halted and slept on our arms till morning.
A little after sunup we formed in line of battle but no enemy being near we returned to camp.
August 7, 1862
We were rested considerable since our march. The balloon has been up several times this morning. Owing for the indications there is something going to turn up before long.
August 9, 1862
Having arrived at the regiment yesterday I can breathe better now. It was camped four or five miles in a northerly direction from Rockville. At noon today, we commenced to march into the interior of Maryland. After marching five or six miles we halted and on the 11th we marched about the same distance to Darnsville when we camped in a commanding position with artillery in position. The “Rebs” apparently are not far off and we may have a brush soon. I understand that the above-named place is Clarksburg.
August 15, 1862
We have delivered up our knap sacks and they are being shipped to Fortress Monroe. We have had orders time and again to be ready to march at a moment’s warning. It is rumored that the army is going to evacuate this place and they have already commenced it.
August 16, 1862
Today Sumner’s corps moved, there being but one more corps left behind to accomplish the evacuation.
About noon our brigade commenced to march being in the rear of the whole corps. We moved very slowly and marched three or four miles towards the Chickahominy when we camped.
August 17, 1862
Sunday. We resumed our march today. In the evening we rested several hours and about sundown (sic) started again, and I suppose we took the wrong road for we were marching around and around ’till about midnight when it was but six or seven miles from where we were at sunset to the Chickahominy which we reached and crossed about midnight. A pontoon bridge had been constructed with ninety-five boats near the mouth of the Chickahominy.
We moved out a mile or so and got rest for our weary and exhausted(sic) (sic) limbs. Some entirely give out and could not walk.
August 18, 1862
Marched towards Williamsburg today whither the whole army has gone or at least I suppose we are camped now about seven miles from the “burg.” Some say we will go there after dark. Others say not ’till tomorrow.
August 20, 1862
Passed Williamsburg today.
Today we marched within sight of York Town and camped near the York River. The boys got a great many oysters in the river which make a very good mess for a soldier.
August 21, 1862
This morning we passed by the Fortyfications (sic) at York Town which are very extensive.
We are bound for Fortress Monroe. We marched very hard today, traveling 23 miles by 2 o’clock when we camped.
August 22, 1862
Today we arrived on the banks of the James River, three miles above New Port news (sic). McClellan’s whole army have arrived in the vicinity of Fortress Monroe, having slipped the enemies grasp and retreated in the face of the foe with very small loss. Sumner’s corps to which we are attached from the rear, and part of the time our brigade was the entire rear guard with the exception of some cavalry and artillery. This is a very good place to camp and the boys are bathing and catching oysters in the river.
August 25, 1862
Got on board the steamship Illinois and anchored at Newport News ’till the morning of the 26th when we sailed to Fortress Monroe and up the Chesapeake Bay. We passed point Look-out near sundown and soon after anchored.
August 27, 1862
Steamed up to Aqua Greek and anchored.
August 28, 1862
Sailed up to Alexandria this morning landed and traveled three miles out on the Manassas road and camped. Troops are passing us continually and marching out to the great battlefield of the Union. Sumner’s corps is evidently the reserve but know body (sic) for what we are ordered to have three days rations and sixty rounds of cartridges. Stirring times to be expected shortly
August 29, 1862
Our regiment left this evening for the Chain bridge, near which place they are now camped. I with several other of the boys not being well were left to take care of the Company baggage.
August 29th, 1862
Still at the old camping ground wagons not having been got to have the things away.
This evening a few scattering shots were herd(sic) in the direction of Fairfax C.W. (?)
August 30, 1862
This morning heavy cannonading was heard in toward Centreville and Fairfax which continued without intermission through the entire day. There is certainly a great battle being fought and persons from there say it is on the old Bull Run field.
Sept 4, 1862
Our whole army has fallen back to the fortifications around Washington. Some of the rebel army is at Centerville and some have gone up the river towards Harpers Ferry.
Sept. 6, 1862
Still with the baggage which we loaded on the boat today and took up to Georgetown. The regiment being up above the town some miles.
Sept 7, 1862
Having taken our baggage up to Georgetown I took a walk out into Washington City and took a view of the Park and of the President’s house.
Sept 12, 1862
One year ago today we were surrounded by the rebs on Cheat Mountain Summit.
This morning we took up our line of march for Frederick City about 15 miles distant. We arrived in sight about sunset three miles distant. There was signs of rebel cavalry six or seven miles out but on the 13th they all skedaddled towards Hagerstown or Harper’s Ferry.
General McClelan passed us before entering town and we gave him a Cheat Mountain cheer (sic). When we entered there was flags flying from almost every house.
After moving through town we halted while five or eight miles distant our advance was thundering on Jackson’s rearguard. It was on the mountain and we could plainly see the smoke of the cannon. I also saw old Burme(?) as we were coming through town with little Mac and Sumner who commands our corps.
Sept 14, 1862
Sunday. Today we passed over a spur of mountains into a valley across which our advance had marched and beyond on another spur the rebels were posted. There was considerable cannonading till late in the evening when our men stormed the heights and routed the rebels, who left their dead and wounded. We took a great many prisoners. Our Division moved up in the night and camped on the field.
Sept. 15, 1862
Pursued the rebels towards Harpers Ferry. It is said that Jackson is completely bagged and that he has been making desperate attempts for three days to cross at the Ferry.
The people all through Maryland are intensely loyal and you do not meet with the grim and sower(sic) faces that abound in Virginia. Through all the town we passed the little boys and girls came out with flags and with buckets of water to cool the dry throats of the Federal Army for it has been very hot today.
There was considerable cannonading in the advance this evening but with what results I cannot say.
Camped near Kingville(?) tonight. It is evident that the Rebs are playing a desperate game and if we can keep him on this side the river, he is a used up man.
A citizen says that they have been fighting three days at the ferry and our men hold all the heights.
Sept 16, 1862
The Rebs are in line about two miles in front and the artillery is taking a gance(?) of ball across a considerable stream. The cannonading lasted all day, and the enemy appear as though they intend to give in battle this side the Potomac
Fritz John Porter arrived this evening with 30,000 men. The shells come close to our brigade today several being killed and wounded.
[See On the brink: Prelude to Antietam]
Sept. 17, 1862: Battle of Antietam
This day will be a day long remembered as being the most desperate day of fighting in which the 1st Brigade has witnessed.
Early in the morning before daylight we were ordered to get ready to move. A little after daylight the artillery opened, and Sumner’s Corps moved to the right a mile or so crossed the creek and advanced in line of battle towards the enemy.
Meanwhile, dense columns of rebel infantry were moving in the same directions, and we were informed that the Veteran Hooker was driving them before him on the extreme right. Our Regiment also Kimball’s brigade formed the 2nd line of battle. A little after seven, terrific discharges of musketry were heard to our right and the ball opened in front of us. The Regiment in our front broke after the 1st volley and in vain did we try to volley them but they would not but we managed to drive a few of the cowards up and now it came the 14th’s turn and also the 8th Ohio on our left and nobly did they come up to the work, and soon drove the rebels back with great slaughter.
This scene was enacted a half dozen different times in the forenoon but as often was the rebel hordes driven back who brought two batteries to bear on us and three or four rebel brigades besides. It was now about noon and we had shot away all our ammunition consisting of 60 or 70 rounds per man besides the ammunition out of the dead and wounded’s cartridge boxes that were strewed around us. Before we were relieved the right gave way and it appeared that we would certainly be surrounded but the brave boys of the west held the ground till relieved, although hardly a man of us had a cartridge. Had we give up the hill, the rebels would have won the day and nothing but the bravery of our brigade save this part of the army from a reverse and probably a defeat.
This is the opinion of Kimball and General French. Late in the evening General Sumner sent his respects to the 8th & 14th and Genl. McClellan also sent his compliments. Our brigade is terribly cut up.
There is about 175 killed and wounded in our Regiment, John Coon, Lt. Colonel commanding was wounded so was Capt. Cavins Co. D Act. Major wounded.
Late in the evening there was heavy musketry on the left lasting till nearly dark. Our men occupy the entire battlefield.
Sept. 18, 1862
Skirmishing considerable this morning. I understand that two flags of truce have came in this morning to carry off some of their dead officers. It is said that the rebel Genl’s Longstreet and Walker are killed. General Sedgewick commanding a corps in our army is said to be wounded. General Hooker, Richardson, and Hartsuffivere also wounded. Genls Mansfield was killed. The Rebel Genl. Stark was killed.
The day and night after battle the Rebels stole entirely away with McClellan in pursuit. It is a glorious victory for us and the Rebels have lost not less than 25,000 men in this one battle.
Sumner’s Corps are still camped on the battlefield, but the most of the army has gone in pursuit of the enemy.
Sept 22, 1862
Broke up our camp at the battlefield of Antietam and moved to Harpers Ferry where we arrived a little after noon. I has a very old and dilapidated appearance. I always wanted (to) see this place of John Brown notoriety.
It is naturally a strong position and is almost impregnable. The arch-fiend and traitor col. Miles surrendered this place without even a struggle a week or so since where bye(sic) 12000 men, 50 cannon, and immense stores fell into the clutches of the half-starved rebels. I have been a private ever since coming into the service till Thursday the 18th September, when I was appointed 8th corporal. It was the day after the dreadful battle, and I was called upon to fill the vacancy by the death of one of our brave boys who had been corporal scarcely a month.
Sept 28, 1862
Sunday. We are on picket today a few miles out on the Charlestown road. A few shots were fired last night by the cavalry who are on the advance post but I suppose nobody was hurt.
