1862 June 8 near bridge on the Chickahominy River, Va.

[from the diary of Jonathan Hager of the 14th U.S. Regulars, as copied and annotated at a later date]

June 8  Sunday. This is Whitsunday.  Had charge of
advance picket guard to day.  The guard num-
bered 200 men and our duty was to take
care of the pontoon bridge over the Chicka-
hominy below Dr Gaines' House. We were visited
by Gen Porter Sykes & Barnard.  I extended the
line of pickets. I selected their cover, detailed
the men & sent them to occupy them.  In order
to reach their posts, they had to cross an open
space of about an hundred yards covered
with coarse swamp grass & exposed to the enemy's
sharpshooters.  This caused considerable dodging
in the  high grass, but none were hit.  I have about
a dozed on Berdan's sharpshooters under my com-
mand.  They were a brave set of fellows and
instrumental in quieting the rebels.  These men
would crawl in the grass to a tree or other
cover and watch by the hour for a rebel to show
himself.  As soon as on dare expose his body,
by means of their telescopic rifles they would be
almost sure to pinch him.  They were thus a
great protection to men on outposts.

MSS 9044