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[7] December 8. The next morning the march was resumed, when they passed through the place last mentioned and Coman's Well. Just before reaching Halifax Road, skirmishing was heard in advance, and the Regiment (designated Skirmish Regiment of the Brigade) was deployed and sent forward to hold the road. After establishing a line of pickets, the Regiment was left to guard the road, while the main column passed on. A little after dark the line was abandoned, and the Regiment followed the column, overtaking the Corps on the Weldon Railroad, near Jerrett's Station. The night was spent in destroying the road, burning railroad ties, etc. December 9. A position was taken at the extreme left of the Corps, and the Regiment picketed the front of the Brigade, which was engaged in tearing up the road. At 6 P. M. it was withdrawn to Cross Roads above Bellfield, and one-half the Regiment was sent on picket and one-half to bivouac with the Brigade. December 10. In the morning the troops began to return, and the Thirty-ninth was designated to cover the rear. In the afternoon the enemy made a dash on our rear and drove in our rear guard of cavalry. But they were checked by the shots of our Infantry. The enemy's cavalry followed closely all day, and captured many stragglers. Four of the Thirty-ninth Regiment were thus taken. The halt for the night was near Sussex Court House. December 11. The march began at daylight. The Nottoway River was crossed at 4 P. M., and at 9 P. M. there was a halt for the night. On the next day, after a rapid march of twelve miles, the lines before Petersburg were reached, where we went into camp near Jerusalem Plank Road. December 16. Here we were ordered to build huts for the winter, and after a week's work the Regiment moved into its new quarters. This camp was occupied about a month, during which time there were many alarms, and the Regiment turned out often for real or imaginary danger. Drilling and fatigue duty occupied most of the time, with a large detail for picket and guard duty. Once the Regiment was selected as a guard
Somerville. Historical Society. , 1909.
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