CAMP NEAR MECHANICSVILLE

June 24, 1862

(Mauch Chunk Gazette)

Dear Gazette:---At last we are in a position in front of Richmond and very glad of this change we are too, for the chances for battle are more in our favor here as is also the change of command gratifying. I must confess that Gen. McDowell enjoys so the confidence of the Division. While we gave a reluctant farewell to the valleys of the Rappahannock we hailed with pleasure the place where Washington spent his days of courtship,viz.. White House, which place we reached our transport, “South America” the ----- ------. Our voyage down the Rappahannock, up York and Pamunkey Rivers was a delightful one. As I have already seen several descriptions in the Gazette of the scenery, etc. of those rivers I will pass over it. June 12^th we marched to Despatch Station 9 miles from White House and pitched our camp in the woods. June 13^th at 10 o’clock P.M. we were ordered under arms and marched immediately down the Railroad in pursuit of a band of rebels who had murdered several of our sick men on the ---- burned a whole wagon train, set fire to several schooners and bridges. I must confess this was one of the most bold and daring acts of the rebels, to break through our lines and attack us in the rear---their objective undoubtedly was to burn and pillage the numerous and valuable stores at White House---but they found that this was an impossibility for they had hardly accomplished ----what they did before we were on their tracks, but we could not catch them, they were all mounted. We captured several prisoners who gave their force as 3 regiment of Cavalry and 2 pieces of artillery under Gen. Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee the latter a nephew of G. Washington and owner of the Curtis estate or White House. As long traitors and their slaves are permitted to be at large the rebels have all the advantages in the world over us. I could cite many facts which would prove our protection of traitors. One of them is a certain Dr. Macon, a staunch secessionist the owner of some 2300 acres cleared land and some 50 or 60 negroes I have the assurance of the Negroes, that they were emplyed in sinking boats and schooners in the Pamunkey river to obstruct the progress of our gunboats and giving aid to the enemy in every way. This man is permitted to be at liberty and I doubt it not, had McDowell command here he would have his house guarded with union bayonets. Well to return to my expedition in search of guerillas. We hunted for them all night and the next day but they made good their escape. June 17^th we again took up our line of march to Gaines farm, where we rested over night. The rebels complimented us with a few shell, which however did no damage. Some of the Jerseymen belonging to Franklin’s division rturned the fire and it would have done your heart good to see the rebels “skeddadle” from their earthworks the accuracy of aim of our gunners and our superior cause and material “told” pretty severly on them.

June 18^th at 2 o’clock A.M. we again shoulder our village and went on picket duty at Meadow bridge on the Virginia Central Railroad. My company was at the bridge. Our pickets and those of the rebels are not more than 100 yards apart. On the bridge a large pole divides the picket line and at night the pickets of both armies will set and chat with each other. The rebels are tired of shooting pickets now, for they found it would not pay, so they are very content if only we leave them alone.

We could plainly see the rebels drilling, hear their word of command, they are evidently well prepared for the coming storm.

A flag of truce carried by a Major accompanied by 8 common officers came into my post with dispatches for Gen, McClellan, he also delivered to me a bundle of letters from prisoners to their friends North. I promised them an answer by 4 o’clock P.M. tomorrow, at which time I should like to be present, to see the negotiations and formalities of the officers of both sides.

The next morning we were relieved and encamped at the place from whence I am writing now. We expect an attack every minute, our whole division is constantly on the alert and under arms and movements by the rebels indicate their intention to force our right wing but we are ready and hail the day when they will have the courage to do so.

Artillery firing is of constant occurrence along the lines and several shells have already bursted in close proximity to us but they are little calculated to frighten our men.

I must close now, the mail is going, my next letter will, I hope be dated from Richmond.

Yours respectfully,

DENNIS McGEE