g the enemy, and capturing
prisoners. Before rejoining the corps, the division was strengthened by
three regiments of cavalry,--the 5th New York, 3rd New Jersey and 2nd
Ohio. From the 9th of May till the 17th, the division occupied the plank
road, looking to the old Wilderness tavern, covering the extreme right
of the army, extending from Todd's to Banks' Ford. On the 17th, the
division moved to Salem Church, near the main road to Fredericksburg,
where, as we have seen, it defended the rear line against the attack
made by the confederates, under General Ewell.

The historian of the corps says:

"The division on the 21st of May was covering
Fredericksburg, and the roads leading hence to Bowling
Green. On the 22nd it marched toward Bowling Green, and on
the 23rd it moved to Milford Station. From that date to the
27th it protected the trains of the army in the rear of the
positions on the North Anna. On the 27th, the division moved
to Newtown; on the 28th, to Dunkirk, crossing the Maltapony;
on the 29th, to the Pamunkey, near Hanovertown. On the 1st
of June the troops crossed the Pamunkey, and from the 2nd to
the 6th, covered the right of the army; from the 6th to the
12th they covered the approaches from New Castle Ferry,
Hanovertown, Hawe's shop, and Bethusda Church. From the 12th
to the 18th they moved by easy stages, by way of Tunstall's
New Kent Court House, Cole's Ferry, and the pontoon bridge
across the James, to the line of the army near Petersburg.
The dismounted cavalry were left to guard the trains, and
the 4th Division prepared to participate in the more active
work of soldiers. Through the remainder of the month of
June, and the most of July, the troops were occupied in the
second line of trenches, and in active movements towards the
left, under Generals Hancock and Warren. While they were
engaged in the trenches they were also drilled in the
movements necessary for an attack and occupation of the
enemy's works. A strong feeling of pride and esprit de
corps sprung up within the hearts of the blacks, and they
began to think that they too might soon have the opportunity
of some glory for their race and country."

How natural was this feeling. As we have seen, their life for more than
a month had been one of marching and counter-marching, though hazardous
and patriotic. When