1862 May 27

[from the diary of Samuel Johnson of the 1st Massachusetts Independent Light Battery]


                        May 27th
Yesterday all was remarkably quiet. although-
-h we were expecting to move every
moment.  To day Bartlett’s brigade. the
1st N. J. Battery, and a squadron of the
1st N. Y. cavalry were sent out to Mechanics-
-ville on picket, to guard the road leading
to Richmond and Meadow bridge of over
the Chickahominy.  During the afternoon
two balloons were sent up, to reconnoiter:
a heavy cannonading is heard on our
right; supposed to be Gen Porters corps
engaged.  Pleasant during the fore afternoon
although it rained quite hard in the

fore noon      

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493