The 14th is eager to fight but receive orders to retreat in torrential storms and get stuck in the mud. Owen wishes for a Grant to lead the Army of the Potomac, and complains about a skunk in the ranks. 

May 6, 1863

Last night at ten o’clock, we were ordered to get up, and make as little noise as possible for we were going to leave that place. The boys were utterly astonished at this news for we could not see why Hooker would move us, when we were so eager to fight the enemy.

It is said that the Rebels have evacuated Vicksburg, sending a large reinforcement to the Army of Lee. If this is true, I do not blame Hooker for retiring to our old camp opposite the City of Fredericksburg.

It was very rainy and chilly on the night of the 5th. Our Corps was moving one(sic) and got to the pontoons at United States ford a little after daylight.

There was a few cannon shots down at banks ford and before all had got across the river the enemy mate the appearance and commenced shelling our troops. There was a considerable fight before our men were all over.

It had rained a tremendous hard rain on the evening of the 5th and all the night following, which mad the roads horribly muddy. The consequence was several Soldiers set down in the mud, unintentionally however, and all muddy to the knees on an average.

We are now in our old camps from which we have sallied forth on several occasions to feel the enemy.

Our Regiment lost 75 in killed and wounded. Our Comp. 7 wounded, none killed.

While we were interesting the enemy at Chancellor crossroads, General Sedgewick captured Fredericksburg and a great many batteries and stores. He was subsequently driven back on this side with considerable loss. It is said that many of the Rebels we captured at Chancellor Crossroads were just from the Army of Vicksburg. If so, Fighting “Joe” has most completely sharped them. General Stoneman(sic) got within the outer works at Richmond and captured about 1000 prisoners and destroying many bridges and an immense amount of stories.

I think the rebels have been worsted. They must have lost about 12,000 men. Ours 9 or 10,000.

May 10, 1863

Sunday. Got orders to cook three days rations and keep constantly on hand.

May 14, 1863

Moved camp to a more congenial place, in compliance with general orders from Hookers Head Quarters to move from our old camps and establish new ones further back in the rear.

We have camped in the open field and have dug ditches and thrown up streds(?) and made ourselves generally useful. Most of the companies have their entire company quarters covered overhead with pine bough and arches of the same material which makes things look grand and magnificent.

The boys appear to take a greater pride in fixing up, more so than at any other time.

May 25, 1863

The troops are much elated at the victories of the invincible Army of the West.

We hear that Vicksburg has been taken by Grant, and the stars and stripes once more wave over that treasonable hotbed of Rebellion. If this be true secession is litterly played out in the west. Oh, for a Grant or a Rosecrans to lead the Army of the Potomac to Victory.

Then the infernal Copperheads [See: The enemy behind the lines] of the north would cease their Hyena like howls and would sneak off to their dens like a despicable skunk. I will here introduce a song copied from the Washington Chronicle.

Song of the Copperheads

There was glorious news for our arms were victorious

It was some time ago, and somewhere out west;

The big guns were booming, the boys getting glorious.

But one man was gloomy, and glad all the rest

Intending emotions delightful to damp

He hummed and he hawed, and he sneered and he sighed

A snake in the grass and a spy in the camps

While the honest were laughing the Copperhead cried.

There was news of a battle and sad souls were aching

The fate of their brave and beloved ones to learn

Pale wives stood all tearless, their tender hearts braking

For the gallant, good man who would never return!

He had lost all but honor, so ran the story

Oh! Bitter the cups that the patriot quaffed!

He had tears for our flag—he had sights for our glory—

He had groans for our dead—but the Copperhead laughed!

The traitor! The sneak! Say what fate shall await him,

Who forgets his fair land and who spits on her fame?

Let no woman love him! Let honest men hate him!

Let his children refrain to be known by his name!

In the hour of our sorrow, all recr--- we found him—

In the hour of his woe let him sight for a friend!

Let his conscience up or and(?)let his memory hound him,

And no man take note of the Copperheads end!