Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to parents

Is writing his first letter since April 27. Wrote a quick note earlier making sure they knew he was well, but "I do not consider that to be a letter." Received orders on the night of the 27th to prepare for an early march. No order to march was given the next morning; it was raining. Orders came in at noon to march at 2:00 PM. Marched "about 3 miles and got very near to the river without the Rebels knowing we were moving." Crossed the river at night and surprised the Confederate guards, capturing them. Laid down a pontoon bridge. Were ordered to march up and down the river, "making a great show." Was about to finally get some rest on Thursday night when orders came in to march to two bridges and take them. Reached the bridges at 6:00 AM. That night, "orders came to lay down and make ourselves as comfortable as we could for the night." Marched towards the heights of the area the next day and arrived in Fredericksburg Sunday morning. "Thought that the Rebs ha all left to go up and fight Hooker who crossed the river several days before a number of miles above us." Had heard some fighting around them. "As soon as it was fairly light they gave us a dose of bullets and shells." His regiment entered the fray quickly. Was ordered to "lay down and keep out of the way of shells." Laid flat to the ground for the entire morning until his regiment was ordered forward. Took the Confederate breastworks on the first set of heights. Compares the grueling run to a journey back home from Aaron Brooks' house to the top of Round Hill. Sustained few casualties. Only rested on the heights for an hour, "and if we had not gone on any further we could have been there today or farther on, but no, we were too anxious to get into the city of Richmond that day." Looked for some of his friends; found Sid alive and well. All were "so tired out [we] could hardly move." As soon as the regiment began advancing further, he knew "we were getting ourselves into a box." Fired on by Rebel artillery; formed a battle line. Charged the Rebel lines, but "the Rebs were driving them back. One whole regiment in front of us broke and ran back through our ranks." Tried to take the Confederate position, but could not. Bullets whistled past "like hail." Rebel counterattack came and pushed them back. Union artillery was unable to stop the counter, and therefore retreated. Many were wounded or killed. His brigade was in the front of the line for over 24 hours. As night fell, was ordered to march ¼ mile to the left to prevent the Rebels from flanking them. Heard that Sid was still alive but his regiment had lost 80 men. Sent word to him that he was also alive. The next day, "they came out of the woods and we let into them and they went back in a hurry. We could plainly hear Hooker fighting all day long." Did not leave to attack until dusk by which time the Rebels had already been reinforced. Found themselves "completely surrounded," and quietly withdrew. Only had a gap "25 rods wide" to escape through. The retreat was very disorganized. Fell down; was nearly trampled. "Thought that the Rebs would take me prisoner, and then would but three of our boys came along and found me… One took my gun and I threw away all else I had and the other two carried me along near two miles." Got across the river successfully on Thursday at 2:00 AM. Returned to his old camp with his division three days later. Now is "once more tough and ready for another jaunt." Lost a lot of clothes when he threw his bag away. Does not need any more shirts until fall. Will likely receive new blankets at some point. Asks them to give his love to everyone back home.