June 2, 1863

From the 22d Ga. Regiment

	CAMP NEAR MASSAPONAX CHURCH, Va.,
			May 9, 1863.
     DEAR COURIER;--Doubless your rea-
ders have heard ere this of a great
battle on the Rappahannock, and that
victory has again perched upon our
banners.  The following particulars
may be of interest.
   On the morning of the 29th ult., the
booming of cannon was heard at some
point below Fredericksburg, and we
soon learned that the Yankees were
crossing the Rappahannock at three
different points, one below and two 
above Fredericksburg.  About ten
o'clock we had orders to march; by
12 M., our Brigade was in motion;
the march was first in the direction of 
Fredericksburg, but late in the eve-
ning it was changed towards Chancel-
lorsville--which is about ten miles
north west of Fredericksburg.  Next
morning we ascertained that the enemy
were there in large force, and advan-
cing to meet us.  We fell back some
two miles and took a stand, but only
a few scouts and some cavalry pickets
advanced.  These were driven back,--
Next morning, May the 1st, about 11
A. M., we started a flank movement,
and pushed forward up the pike and
plank road, towards the enemy, driving
them back as we would meet them.--
Our skirmishers seeming to be force
sufficient to drive the enemy before
them for three of four miles.
That evening about 6 o'clock our
Regiment got a showing, and succee-
ded in driving the Yankees back some
distance.  On Saturday our Brigade
was not engaged in holding the enemy
at bay while Jackson was going round
on their flank and rear.  About sun
down he got his position and commenc-
ed upon their flank with cannon and
musketry, which continued with terri-
ble fury until ten o'clock that night.--
Next morning (Sunday) the fight was
renewed with tremendous vigor and
fury.  We advanced in front while
Jackson came down on the flank, and
by 11 A. M., they were completely
routed from their strong hold at Chan-
cellorsville, leaving the field in our 
possession, and they retreating to-
wards the river.
   The boys are now well supplied with 
oil cloths, canteens, and small tents.--
The boys say that "Joe Hooker" is a
good Commissary and excellent
Quartermaster.
   On Monday morning our brigade and
Gen. Posey's (Mississippi brigade)
were ordered down near Fredericks-
burg, where the enemy were in consid-
erable force.  We got there about
noon, marched around and took our 
position. We all knew that we were
going into it, and we anticipated a
very hard fight, as it was thought the
enemy were fortified.  Our Generals
even thought we would have a despe-
rate fight.  This was the time to try 
the bravery and courage of our men.
I purpose giving the names of all the
"Fireside Defenders," who went into
this charge and stood bravely to their
posts. The lines were established,
skirmishers thrown out in front, Gen.
Lee rode round the lines, saw that all
"was right."  At about 5 P. M. the signal
was given, and away we went in dou-
ble quick time, towards the enemy.--
We could see them in line of battle,
standing apparently ready to receive
us, but went with so great a rapidity and
tremendous yelling, the Yankees broke
and ran like "quarter horses," so we
got no fight, but they shelled us terri-
bly.  After resting awhile we pursued
them until 1 o'clock that night.  They 
went back across the river, amidst a
most terrrible fire from our batteries.--
   Having driven the enemy to his own
side of the Rappahannock, we rested
until about 4 o"clock on Tuesday eve-
ning, when we were again ordered 
back to Chancellorsville.  The enemy
were in a very strongly fortified posi-
tion about half a mile from that point.
Just as we started; there came
a tremendous thunder storm--it rained
very hard, continued to rain all the
evening, and nearly all night.  We
went within a mile of Chancelllorsville
that night, bivouaced about ten o'clock.
Next morning we found they had left
their breastworks and gone towards
the river, closely pursued by our men.
   Our Regiment lost only five killed,
and forty-five wounded.  The Fireside
Defenders, we might say none-- J. A.
Sharp received a very slight wound on
the arm, but it is well now.
       We will publish The list of names
referred to above in a future issue.