e, signs of
the enemy's presence began to be visible: the roads were blocked with
trees that had been felled and piled across the way, some of the
obstructions so completely filling the road, that we were obliged to
make a detour around them, through the fields. A company of sappers
and miners attached to the 71st New York, and a detail of men from
the 2d New Hampshire, with their axes cleared the road for the
artillery to pass. Earthworks were occasionally found in the rear of
these obstructions, thrown across the road; but in every instance
they had been abandoned as we approached them; in some of these there
were evidences of their having been occupied by the rebels the night
previous.

The 2d Rhode Island, which was at the head of the column, was now
ordered to send out skirmishers; also the carbineer company, Captain
Goddard, of our regiment, was detailed for skirmish duty. We advanced
cautiously, and soon a halt was ordered. Firing at the front was
heard, where our skirmishers were driving the rebels back. Colonel
Burnside, riding through our ranks, ordered us to load our muskets
and be sure and obey all orders from our officers.

It was now about 9 A. M., and we knew that we were nearing Fairfax
Court House, and knew also that the enemy were there in force and
would resist our advance, which they no doubt would have done, had it
not been that they had knowledge of the other two Divisions of our
army under Generals Tyler and Heintzelman, who were advancing rapidly
on other roads leading to Fairfax. After a halt of about fifteen
minutes, the order to advance was given, and in a short time we
marched into Fairfax Court House without having fired a gun, the
rebels having retreated in such haste as to leave their tents
standing, and in many of their camps we found clothing and baggage of
various kinds. The 2d Rhode Island Regiment pursued the retreating
enemy a short distance beyond the town. As we marched into the place
the band played Yankee Doodle, and the color sergeant of the 2d New
Hampshire mounted to the cupola and hoisted his flag.

We soon had possession of the town, and the regiments of the Division
were stationed in different localities. We captured a Southern mail
that had just arrived, and soon the ground in the vicinity of the
Post Office was covered with mail matter of all kinds. We had quite a
treat reading some of the letters that were picked up, particularly
those written by fair rebels in the s