Urbana Union

Letter from Colonel Candy to his Family

Headquarters 1st Brigade, 2nd Div. 2nd Corps, Culpepper C. H., Va., Aug. 13, 1862.

I wrote you a line by Sam Clark who was about to leave for Washington, wounded, I am glad to say, and not killed, as reported. Well, let me go back to where I started—my last letter before that. We left camp rather suddenly, near Griffinsburg, and pushed for this place; arrived here sometime after night and bivouacked, left next morning in the direction of the Rapidan, march about 8 miles under a burning sun. I never experienced a warmer day; the heat was intense, and what made it worse was, that water was scarce. There were no less than three deaths by sunstroke in our Division, and a great many were prostrated by the heat and scarcity of water. No deaths occurred in my Regiment from that cause.

We arrived on the field about 3 o'clock P. M.; formed our line of battle, stacked arms and the boys broke for a spring close by. This was a great blessing and all was forgotten in the excitement of filling canteens. After that, the stern reality of war commenced in the shape of shells from the enemy; you may be sure, that our batteries were not far behind when the enemy opened the ball (as the men called it). We changed our position in rear of our principal battery, as the General usually places the 'old fighting Brigade' sometimes called the 'Bully 3rd' in the place where the hardest work is to be found. Well we took our position at a double quick step—every man keeping in his place, and coming into position in the best order.

We were ordered to lie down in rear of the batteries and await further orders. We waited in that position about an hour; in the meantime, the battery changed position, as the enemy had the range and were throwing shell and round shot, too thickly to make it pleasant for them (our batteries) or for us; some of the shell would fall around us, but would not burst (fortunate for us.) As there was but one man hurt by this time in the 66th we remained for a few moments and then the word was, forward as the enemy showed a Regiment under the batteries. My men sprang to their feet with a shout and commenced the charge—firing. We advanced several hundred yards, but the rebels outran us, as they threw away everything to lighten their loads with the assistance of lead after them. We halted, laid down in a cornfield in full view of the enemy from our side but supposed that they could not see us very well, for they threw shell over us, while some fell short! Others would burst in the air over us, and cause us to lie close; although our horses were exposed, but fortunately did not get hit. Two shells dropped immediately in front of me—one bursted, the other did not—no person hurt. We were glad to hear on our right, the command of Forward: when my brave boys, were up and at it again: we advanced firing and doing terrific execution. When the rebels found that we were getting the better of them, they pushed forward reinforcements to support their advance.

Their fire was terrific: it seemed that they had turned everything against the 7th Ohio and the 66th Ohio: but my gallant boys held their ground and would not give an inch, until I ordered them to fall back, which they did in good order—still fighting. After falling back, some ten or fifteen yards, I again ordered the advance, passing beyond our original advance line. This I repeated several times, completely fooling the enemy who thought we were retreating, and succeeded in getting them out of their place of concealment, when about we would turn, and give it to them, compelling them to fall back in dismay and confusion.

But this was not to last long: the enemy turned their batteries on us with grape and canister and fairly furrowed the ground. At the same time, fresh infantry were sent against us, which wounded a great number of men—my number being reduced to 60. I thought it best to fall back, firing until out of range of musketry—there being no reinforcements in view on our side. And after sending Adjt. Murdoch to see if he could discover any of our Generals and receiving answer that none were to be seen, and as our troops on the left were falling back, I did the same.

After coming back a short distance, and firing being heard on our original right, I started to the front again, but saw more men than I thought I could whip with my gallant band of 60, and the wrong kind of flags, concluded I had better go the other way, and did so—being the last regiment off the field as well as can be ascertained.

After arriving on the open ground, this side of 'the field of battle,' found the remnants of the 5th, 7th and 29th Ohio, waiting for someone to give them orders. It was then I heard of Gen. Geary's being wounded. I immediately reported to Gen. Banks for orders; his orders were to advance and take a position this side of the field in some timber. We formed, threw forward some skirmishers and advanced; when nearing the place we were ordered to reach, some one hailed, 'Halt, and deliver up your arms!' and at the same instant we were fired upon from an ambush, which wounded Capt. McMorran, Lieuts. McDonald and Elliot. Capt. Van Deman who had command of the skirmishers is missing: there was quite a number of wounded in the other regiments as well as my own. Our men delivered their fire and fell back in good order. I reported to Gen. Pope, who ordered me to place my men in a field close by for rest, which I did. They were glad to hear that, for they had been without water, under a burning sun and fighting for two hours. My men got scattered hunting for water, and something to eat. Bob Murdoch and myself met at one of the Hospitals, looked after some of the wounded, found a place to lie down under a tree and went to sleep. For my part, I had to keep a wet handkerchief to my head all night, and was completely exhausted.

In the morning, found a cup of coffee, collected quite a number of the Brigade and reported to Gen. Banks, for orders. He told me to find a shady place and await instructions. During the day moved forward and took our position in 'line of battle' and in command of the Brigade.

We remained in line of battle for two days and returned to this place last night, as Gen. Jackson has left for parts unknown. Here we are and how long we are to remain can not say.

I have had my bay horse wounded in three places—on the side by a piece of shell and in a fore-fetlock and a hind-fetlock by musket balls. My other horse was wounded in the nose, but neither mortally.

This I hope will give you a description of our battle and hardships. The men throughout the engagement showed that daring and bravery which all Ohio troops have shown; there never was harder fights on any field: and braver or more determined men never shouldered muskets than the noble and gallant 66th. Our brigade has the credit from Gen. Banks, that men never fought better in the world they did.

Remember me kindly to Mrs. Murdoch, and tell her that she has a son who is as brave as man can be, and I shall take especial pains to have him promoted the first opportunity.

(When the gallant Colonel sent this kind and grateful message to the mother, he little thought of the sad blight that was to fall on these cheering hopes—entertained for the advancement of Robert Murdoch in the line of his new profession. A few days later it became his duty to tell the mother by despatch that her son was ill—a few hours more brought another that the son had ceased to live.—Ed. Union.)

Charles Candy.