ading to the
Chickahominy. We crossed at Grape Vine Bridge, built by the First
Minnesota, Colonel Sully, Battery I, First United States Regulars, being
the first artillery to cross, under great difficulties, the guns sinking
in up to the axle. Our battery followed next. Great excitement seemed to
prevail about getting artillery forward. But for the timely arrival of the
Second and Thirty-fourth New York, Fifteenth Massachusetts, and First
Minnesota Regiments, the day would have been lost--especially, the two New
York regiments, fought with great determination. Not until night set in,
the battle ceased. Our battery stood in the middle of the road all night.
The order was to be in line of battle by two o'clock A. M.

_Sunday, June 1._--Battle of Fair Oaks. Long before daylight our battery
was brought in line of battle in front of the house in which General
Sumner afterwards established his headquarters. The First Minnesota
supported us. The battle reopened at daylight, with great fury, the enemy
having been reinforced all night. Artillery was not used a great deal in
this battle, but the musketry fire exceeded any ever heard during the war.
In spite of the enemy's efforts, he was completely repulsed by ten o'clock
A. M., retreating to Richmond. General McClellan appeared in front of the
line of battle, encouraging the troops for the coming struggle.

_Monday, June 2._--Fair Oaks. In line of battle since two o'clock A. M.
The First Minnesota is fortifying our position. Cannonading going on near
Mechanicsville, in the afternoon. The enemy is shelling our line on the
railroad. Trains are arriving at the station with supplies. A heavy
shower.

_Tuesday, June 3._--The army is fortifying its line.

_Wednesday, June 4._--Heavy rain storm. All the bridges over the
Chickahominy destroyed.

_Thursday, June 5._--Brisk fighting near Mechanicsville all day.

_Friday, June 6._--Fair Oaks. Expiration of our first year in the service.
Very quiet on the line.

_Saturday, June 7._--General Burns' brigade made a reconnoisance, in
consequence of which a short fight took place.

_Sunday, June 8._--The enemy made a severe attack on our position this
morning. Bad conduct of Baxter's Zouaves. Generals Sedgwick and Gorman
forced them to return to the front. Visit of General McClellan, Duc de
Chartres, the Count of Paris, Prince de Joinville, the Spanish Generals
Prim and Milano del Bosch, Senor Justo San Miguel, Colonel Denteure,
Colonel