Waitt, Ernest Linden, History of the Nineteenth regiment, Massachusetts volunteer infantry , 1861-1865

On the 27th the regiment left these works, under a fire of shells from the enemy, and moved in the direction of the Pamunky river. The men were feeling in good spirits during this march and were continually singing snatches of songs and joking. At 11 P. M. the line halted and the men rested for the balance of the night. On the following morning, at 6 A. M., the march was resumed at a brisk pace. The Pamunky was crossed and the men threw up a line of works upon a ridge of hills, remaining there for the night.

The 29th of May was remarkably free from firing in the front and the best part of the day was consumed in throwing up a substantial breastwork a little farther to the left. During the night all was quiet, and at daylight of the 30th an advance was made through a thick oak and pine forest to Washington Jones' house, a distance of two miles. At 3 P. M. the Nineteenth was ordered out on the skirmish line, where heavy firing had been going on all the afternoon. At 5 P. M. the enemy advanced in line of battle, but were handsomely repulsed without loss to the regiment.

On the morning of the 31st the skirmish line was advanced and the rebels were driven from pit to pit until they got behind their main works where they made a stand. They set fire to the woods and this communicating to some of the rifle pits which men of the Nineteenth were occupying, forced them out. There was sharp firing all day.

Captain Dudley C. Mumford, of Co. G, was killed by a ball through the head during a charge. He was a noble fellow and loved by all. He joined the regiment at Lynnfield, a young boy just out of school, had been promoted from Second Lieutenant to Captain and had shared every march and battle in which the regiment had been engaged.

When relieved, the regiment still held the captured works and, during the night, threw up a strong breastwork. The position at this time was about three miles from the Chickahominy river.