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Editors’ Note on the Interlude of June to December 1862 The gap in the journal record is likely explained by the fact that from June 30 through the end of October, Bonsall is listed as “Absent . Sick in Genl. Hospital.”1 While the nature of his illness is not stated, he is reported back with his regiment by November, though his subsequent departure for Washington from Philadelphia suggests that he was granted leave for at least some of that month. Bonsall missed quite a bit during his hospitalization. After repeated skirmishes at or near Chickahominy Creek, the Confederates attempted to thwart an attack upon Richmond by launching the Seven Days’ Campaign, causing McClellan considerable fear for the safety of his troops. The regiment moved by transports to Aquia Creek and continued to march toward Falmouth, where it again proceeded by transport to Alexandria and on to Arlington Heights, arriving there on August 29. It was ordered to the field of the Second Battle of Bull Run, but arrived only in time for Union general John Pope’s hasty retreat after Confederate general Longstreet’s crushing blow to his left flank. On September 14, Richardson’s division (of which Bonsall’s regiment was a part), was in reserve at South Mountain . On the15th the division took the advance and became actively engaged in the Antietam Campaign. In pitched battle Richardson’s direct attack drove the Confederates back, though with heavy losses to the81st. After Antietam the regiment moved to Harper’s Ferry and set out on an uneventful reconnaissance to Charlestown. The regiment’s movements appear insignificant through November. Bonsall arrived back on the scene just in time for the Battle of Fredericksburg.2 61 ...

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