Except for the sound of cannon and musketry to the right of the marching column, nothing of importance presented itself until about noon. The desultory firing to the right became more pronounced and continuous, indicating an engagement in force taking place. (This was the day of the slaughter of 7,000 Union troops at Cold Harbor.)
The marching of the regiment was increased to a double-quick at intervals during the balance of the afternoon, when, footsore, weary and almost completely exhausted, a halt was made about seven o'clock. The ambulances, wagon trains, etc, were being overloaded with men who had ceased being able to continue the march.
Colonel Gibson was not liked by his troops and it seems he was taking the long way to reach Cold Harbor. No wonder they arrived two days late. Grant should have waited until they arrived.
After a short rest, the column again moved forward, halting about midnight (having covered over twenty miles that day) near the Pamunkey River. In the map on the right, see the green oval. No tents were pitched, the men and officers as well, completely exhausted, lay down where they stood when halted and the command "rest" was given.
Notice the black dashes.
Shortest distance and fastest route should be a straight line.