CHAPTER XXIX.
THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG.
What the army of the Potomac achieved and suffered before Yorktown, we must leave for the historian.

Our soldier boy was only one hero among thousands who toiled in the soft mud of the early spring, who watched and waited for the tremendous events which have now passed into history, and whose actors will be honored and remembered by future generations.
Tom Somers bore his full share of the trials and hardships of that eventful period; and when McClellan's scientific engineering had driven the rebels from their strong works without a struggle to retain them, he moved forward with the gallant army.

"On to Richmond!" again sounded along the lines, and the soldiers toiled through mud and mire, hoping and expecting to strike the final blow that would crush out the rebellion.
Yorktown was evacuated.

The rebels were fleeing from their frowning batteries, and the order came for Hooker's division to join in the pursuit.

At noon the brigade--now under command of General Grover commenced its forward movement.
"Rather rough," said Hapgood, as the regiment struggled on through the mire.