Chancellorsville

May 2nd. Recross the Rappannock, take up the pontoons, march up the river at United States Ford. Distance fourteen miles. May 3rd. Cross on a pontoon bridge at an early hour, join the main army near Chancellorsville, 6 miles.

May 3. An incident occurred here which is a story worth relating. The Second had a new second assistant surgeon. This battle was the first of his experience. On the fourth, several of the men were complaining, and he was the doctor detailed to remain with the command. Search was made for him; after some time he was found, having burrowed a hole at a safe distance and thrown up breast-works to be safe from the storm of small shot dropping promiscuously about the vicinity of the command. He was urged out from a safe retreat, and trembling appeared before the company with his German silver bottle full of sugar-coated pills. As he passed along he cried out, "Any sick here?" and the men would step out. When coming up to one he said: "What's the matter of you?" "Cut my hand, Sir, and want a piece of court plaster, if you please." "Here, hold out your hand; three pills, take one morning, noon and night." And so that new and untried doctor passed among the men. No matter what the ailment, the remedy was all the same, three pills, one morning, noon and night. It is unnecessary to state that the doctor's services were soon after dispenced with.

May 6th, march to Brewer's house on the Catlett road, eight miles. May 7th, march to the heights near Fitzhugh Crossing and camp, ten miles. May 21st the Iron Brigade starts down the northern neck to rescue the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, who were reported cut off by the enemy at night. Bivouac at Millsville. May 26th, reach camp, having marched in one day thirty-one miles, in another thirty-two.