At the earnest request of many of my comrades of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers, I am induced to publish this narrative, which, with very little addition or alteration, I have copied entire from my private journal. This was written under many disadvantages during a campaign of unusual hardships and privations. Hoping it may prove of use, as a reference, to many of my companions, who from the very nature of the campaign, found it impossible to keep a record, is the only apology I have to off

On the 16th day of September, 1862, the author of this narrative was duly enlisted as a volunteer in the service of the United States; and, on the 22d of the same month, reported at Camp Stevens, Providence, R. I., for duty. At this place, the Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was organized; and in this city, on the 13th day of October, 1862, it was mustered into the service of the United States, for a period of nine months. As a member of this regiment, your subscriber was duly elected,

The snow storm of November 7th came upon us quite unexpectedly, leading us to think we had journeyed in the wrong direction, and instead of being in "Dixie" had approached the north pole, and were already in the immediate vicinity of it. There were some wry faces about the camp, though most seemed amused at this unlooked-for event, joking among themselves at the idea of making snowballs in Virginia before Rhode Islanders could get the necessary material—"enlisting under false pretences," &am

December 1st, we had orders to march immediately, and at twelve o'clock our brigade were on the move. We passed through Washington just at nightfall, over the bridge which crosses the east branch of the Potomac, and encamped about two miles beyond the city for the night. In the morning we continued our journey along the Maryland side of the Potomac, and so on, from day to day, until our arrival opposite Aquia Creek, on the 6th inst. We had fine weather until Friday the 5th, when it commenced rai

After the action of the 13th, our regiment selected a camping-ground a short distance north of the spot we occupied the night before the attack. The spot chosen was in a shallow valley, opening to the south, among the stumps of trees, which had been lately cut by the different regiments encamped in the immediate vicinity. We pitched our shelter tents at first, but knowing the necessity of more adequate protection in case of a storm, as soon as we recovered a little from the fatigues of the past

Since the storm of January 20th, 21st, and 22d, which will be remembered as defeating the plans of Gen. Burnside in his attempt to cross the Rappahannock, we had much stormy weather, pleasant days being rare curiosities. And although having been wonderfully favored with pleasant weather up to that time, it became certain we were to have the reverse of it, thereby making the old adage good, that "one extreme begets another." It got to be a saying among us, that when the 12th Rhode Island Voluntee

March 18th a cold, disagreeable storm commenced, lasting till the 21st; it commenced with a drizzling rain, which finally, however, turned into a stiff snow storm, and on the morning of the 21st it cleared off, the snow lying on the ground six inches deep. All were now looking forward to the time when we should pull up and leave for other parts. March 23d, the snow had disappeared, much to our satisfaction. This day was spent in issuing clothing to the regiment. They were now fully prepared for

Our brigade comprised the Second Maryland, the Ninth New Hampshire, the Seventh and Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers, and the Forty-Eighth Pennsylvania regiments, and were under the command of Gen. Naglee. The Forty-Eighth Pennsylvania were assigned to Lexington, to do provost duty, and were left behind. By the way, while at Newport News we had an abundance of all things which it is possible for a soldier to expect. The schooner Elizabeth & Helen, of Providence, R. I., which arrived at th

Thursday, 16th. At five, P. M., we received marching orders, with instructions to "pack knapsacks," and be ready to march immediately. At six, P. M., we struck tents, and in half an hour were marching, in company with the rest of the brigade, in the direction of Boonesboro'; and, after a short march of five miles, encamped for the night on the heights which form the banks of the Kentucky River, at nine o'clock in the evening. Friday, 17th. We did not move from our camp until ten, A. M., owing to

How often at home, when with the toil and care incident upon the life of those who "earn their bread by the sweat of the brow," have we as Saturday night approached, and with it the labors of the week were to cease, looked forward to a day of rest. A thousand miles from home, the plough exchanged for the sword, the awl for the bayonet, in the face of a desperate enemy, and the thing is changed. The Sabbath comes as at home, but unfortunately, is more "honored in the breach than the observance,"

Sunday, the 10th, at three o'clock in the morning, we again received orders to march. At eight, A. M., the brigade was moving in the direction of Lancaster. Our company this time were detailed as rear guard, and having to wait until all the teams were under way, did not start until ten, A. M. The day was very warm, but having the advantage, as guard, of stopping often, we made an easy march of it. At two, P. M., we arrived in sight of our camp; the brigade encamping upon a hill, within one-half

Upon our marching from Lancaster, one of my acquaintances, whom I thought from his intercourse with the officers might know our destination, informed me that we were to march but three or four miles, and were to encamp in an oak grove. The spot had been selected the day before by our general, and was indeed a beautiful place, abounding in excellent springs of water, and in the immediate vicinity of a river, an admirable place for bathing, &c. It was a very warm day, and as the roads were