1862 July 1 before Richmond, Va.

[from the diary of Samuel Johnson, 1st Massachusetts Independent Light Artillery


                        July 1st

Early this morning we arrived at Malvern
Hill, where we halted to rest;  the army
is here to be deployed in line of battle
on a range of very commanding hills;  our left
is protected by the Gun boats.  About 8. A. M.
the advance of the rebs. (which had followed
close upon our rear) began to engage our
picket line.  Our div. being out of ammunition
and the troops completely exhausted, we were
ordered to the rear,  at noon we halted on a
large plantation about seven miles from the
James River.  At five P. M. the 1st N. J. and our
battery were placed in position for the night.
A severe engagement has been in progress all
day at Malvern hill, in which the rebs
have been repulsed with great loss at
every point, and several stands of colors have
been taken.  Pleasant and warm.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493