A detail was told off for picket duty and these were marched out to the front and posted along Plum Run, the right being near the Emmetsburg road, south of the Cordora house, and the left was opposite the right of the Third Corps. Twelve men from the regiment were detailed to man Hazard's Rhode Island battery and a squad to act as provost guard, collecting stragglers, etc. The balance of the regiment bivouacked for the night.
Ah! How sad were the hearts of the survivors that night!
In front and to the left of the line were thousands of wounded men who were groaning and crying for help during the night. Those inside the lines were cared for, but those lying between the lines were left to suffer, because neither side dared to go to their assistance. During the night a heavy rain began to fall (as is usual after great battles) and by morning it was falling in torrents, continuing with diminishing force throughout the day and the following night. Everybody and everything was drenched.
In the afternoon skirmishers came out, passed the pickets and advanced to the road. Then the pickets were withdrawn. Rations had been issued and there was an abundance of food,— it having been issued for the number of troops who were on duty before the battle. As a consequence a great deal of fresh beef was thrown away.
The officers were engaged in completing the count of losses. The Third Brigade had lost nearly 1,000 men and could now bring into line but 300. The Second Division of the Second Corps could report but 1037. It had reported 3730 the previous day at noon. Of those who remained there were but few who had not received some injury.
In speaking of the position of the Nineteenth Massachusetts and the Forty-Second regiments during this great fight, Col. Devereux has since said: ‘I have always felt a reverential ’
