to imagine a more joyful party, and the Provost Guard experienced much difficulty in maintaining order along the streets. By night we were all housed at Parole camp or in some of the hotels, and in a few days were furloughed to go to our homes and loved ones. Thus ended our captivity, which will never be forgotten by those who were unfortunate enough to be compelled to participate in it. But there is no cloud, however dark, without a silver lining, and the many friendships formed during our long imprisonment will last till life shall end. Our parting was trying, for it was sundering the ties which had been formed during months of suffering and privation, but we were consoled by the thought that we were soon to meet our loved ones at home.
Official Diary of First Corps, A. N. V., while Commanded by Lieutenant-General R. H. Anderson, from May 7th to 31st, 1864.
May 7th—During the morning there is occasional skirmishing on our lines, which are rectified and connected. At eleven o'clock P. M. we take up the line of march for Spotsylvania Courthouse, in a shady grove, where we rest an hour at dawn on the 8th, Kershaw leading. We find Fitz. Lee hotly engaged on the Todd's Tavern and Spottsylvania Courthouse road. We arrive in time to relieve him but not to save the Courthouse, which is, however, afterwards occupied by us, the enemy being driven out. Kershaw's and Humphreys' brigades are turned off rapidly to the left of the road, and, occupying some cover left by our cavalry, repulse the enemy with great slaughter. Wofford's and Bryan's brigades are sent against the Courthouse by a detour, and finally occupy it. During the fight with the two first named brigades, Haskell's battalion is sharply engaged and does good work. The enemy's forces comprise the Fifth corps (Warren's). Ewell's corps arrives in the afternoon, and the enemy makes another attack on our position with their Sixth corps, which is also repulsed, Bodes' division being thrown on Kershaw's right and relieving the attack. Commanding-General arrives with Ewell.
May 9th—Quiet in morning. Troops in line all day. Trenches dug. An attack by us is proposed, which is, however, deferred in expectation of one from the enemy. In the afternoon an attack by General Johnson is projected, to be assisted by the advance of our skirmishers. For some reason Johnson does not attack. The
