May 26, 1863. Praise from Abercrombie.

Gen. Abercrombie

"26th. Gen. Abercrombie reviewed the 15th and 16th regiments. He praised them very highly. Said he never saw regulars do better in the manual of arms." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment

"Yesterday there was a review of 15th and 16th regiments by General Abercrombie who said of the manual of arms as executed by the 16th regiment that he had never seen it excelled by regulars and had supposed it impossible of volunteers.” ~  Lt. Col Charles Cummings, 16th Reg, letter  May 26, 1863

"The Fifteenth and Sixteenth, Colonels Proctor and Veazey, were reviewed here ... by Gen. Abercrombie, commanding the division, who expressed surprise and gratification at their fine discipline and appearance. The following order is official testimony to this:

Headquarters Second Brigade,
Abercrombie's Division,
Union Mills, Va., May 26th, 1863

Special Order No. 19. 

The General Commanding desires to express to the regiments inspected to-day his congratulations on their soldierlike appearance, and to convey to them the approbation of the Division General.

Gen. Abercrombie speaks in high terms of the Review and Inspection, especially of the manner in which both regiments passed through the manual of arms, and noticed with pleasure the attention that has been paid to drill and discipline by both officers and men.

By order of Brig. Gen. G. J. Stannard,
Wm. H. Hill, A. A. G.

~ Lieut. G.G. Benedict, Company C, 12th Regiment, Letter to the Free Press of June 15, 1863 in Army Life in Virginia.


"Tuesday 26th. Drilled two hours in A.M. & then as the Capt called for Volunteers for a scout, we went out S.W. about 25 in No. We scouted about some woods & clearings near, & in the mean time had a pig hunt & killed three. Finding no enemy, we returned before dinner. 

"At night at the "Block House". Stood 3 hours & afterwards had an alarm, caused by the passage by of about 100 of the 2nd Penn Cavalry." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow(UVM), 122, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

"May 26. There was great expectations in camp last night, that we should have fun before morning. It was ascertained yesterday, that a force of rebel cavalry was within our lines, and might possibly pay us a visit. Accordingly, preparations were made for the expected attack. The line was formed, arms inspected, new rifle pits were dug, roads were blockaded, masked batteries constructed, and everything in readiness for a brush, but no engagement took place, the "rebs" making their escape through some other part of the line. A sudden change in the weather to-day, very cold." ~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 121 (1864)

"This morning at 7:30 our regiment goes down the railroad to relieve the 12th. Two companies will be left at Manassas Junction. 5 at Bristow’s and three at Catlett’s Station, towards Warrenton Junction."~ ~  Lt. Col Charles Cummings, 16th Reg, letter  May 26, 1863