1862 June 28 before Richmond, Va.

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

  June 28th

Were turned out at three. A. M and marched
to the banks of the river, to protect the right
flank of the army.  the army is compelled to
fall back from before Richmond. not being
strong enough to hold our position against
the reinforcements the rebs have received
from the South.  (For all this we can thank
that poor, weak minded thing, that is styled
President Lincoln,)  All day long a steady

[in pencil,
in the margin is written, “ You don’t mean that.”]

column of sick, and wounded troops, trains,
and other material of war, was passing
by us.  At four P. M. our div was sent to
the front with orders to hold our position
at all hazzards until midnight.  we are
to be left as the rear guard to cover the
retreat.  Remained in position until mid-
-night, when we limbered up, and fell back
after the remainder of the army.  As far as I
can under stand the proceedings, the authorities
at Washington have done the best they could
to sacrifise this army, and if we ever
reach the James River it will be wholly
to the credit of Gen Mc Clellan and to
him will this country’s thanks be due.
   Warm and pleasant.


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493