SKETCH OF THE SIXTY-FOURTH VOLS

FROM HARRISON'S LANDING TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

Howard's Brigade on the 1^st day of April, 1862, consisted of the 5^th New Hampshire Vols., 81^st Pennsylvania Vols., 61^st New York Vols., and the 64^th New York Vols., in which subsequent changes were to be made as their efficiency demanded. From June to September, 1862, the 64t^h Regt. served in the 3^rd Brigade, 1^st Division and 2^nd Army Corps. It was, therefore, at the time of the withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac from the peninsula, a part of the 3^rd Brigade commanded by Gen. FRENCH.

On the 16^th of August, 1862, the 2^nd Army Corps being the rear guard, the 64^th Regt. were enroute and crossed the Chickahominy at Barrett's Ferry on the night of the 17^th and encamped about three miles from the ferry toward Williamsburg, on the 18^th marched and encamped near the mill about three and one-half or four miles from Williamsburg, on the 19^th at Williamsburg and on the 20^th at Yorktown. It would generally be supposed that the enemy watching the movements of the Army of the Potomac would make attacks on the rear guard, but not a shot was fired up to this time.

On the 21^st left Yorktown for Newport News by way of Warwick Court House and Young's Mill, dividing the distance into two marches reaching Newport News the 22^nd, ready to embark as fast as transportation could arrive. The 24^th Sumner's Corps, or a part of it at least, will embark from Newport News and expect to land at Aquia Creek. On account of a heavy gale, Gen. SUMNER would not consent to any of the transports starting until all of the corps were embarked, causing a delay in leaving Newport News of at least one day, leaving Newport News August 25^th at about 10:30 P.M., arriving at Aquia Creek some time during August 26^th. Instead of landing at Aquia Creek orders to re-embark with all those that have not disembarked to Alexandria at once and be ready for fighting, as we always were. At 10:30 A.M., August 28^th arrived at Alexandria by the way of transports and rapidly disembarked and was fully in motion by 2:30 P.M., to the relief of Gen. POPE. In the language of Gen. HALLECK, "they must use their legs and make forced marches." Went in motion toward Chain Bridge and Arlington, on our arrival was ordered to take post between Centreville and Chantilly.

At 2:30 A.M., August 31^st, we are between Fairfax and Centreville. This being "muster day" under head of remarks by Mustering Officer Maj. BROOK, "we are on the march from Fort Cocoran to Centreville," and at 11:30 P.M. of that day we were at the right of Centreville.

September 1^st we make a reconnaissance due north from Centreville across Little River turnpike and beyond. September 2^nd our movements were by the way of Vienna toward Chain Bridge as rear guard. September 3^rd skirmish near Centreville by 10^th New York Cavalry, Maj. KENEPER with 64^th supporting, and thence to Tennallytown. This ends the movement in support of POPE by the Army of the Penisula [sic].

B.C. KETCHAM,

Cap. Co. H., 64^th N.Y. Vols.