[from the diary of Jonathan B. Hager of the 14th U.S. Regulars as copied and annotated by him at a later date]
June 26 Next morning early we left our
bivouac to retrace our steps to our Camp
which we reached about 9 a.m. after a very
pleasant march, it not being so hot early in
the morning. This is the day memorable for the
battle of Mechanicsville, the first of the "Seven
days fights". On our arrival in Camp we got
orders to cross the Chickahominy at 3. P.M. This
order was countermanded during the day in
consequence of the threatning aspect of affairs
on our right flalnk.
Towards the hour of 5 P.M. the trouble began.
Heavy firing was heard in the direction of "New
Bridge on our right. Cannon & Musketry--At 6 P.M.
we were ordered to move to the field of battle.
We arrived there about sunset, while the battle
was raging & took our position in line as a
reserve. We laid here on our Arms the entire
night, the battle closed about 9 P.M. Our
bivouac was on the hard ground, with the
heavens for a covering, limitless but not dewless.
MSS 9044
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