26th. Unsaddled after roll call. Pretty early orders came to fall back at noon. Cos. C and E with Col. Purington, Majs. Seward and Nettleton went over the river and burned block houses and bridges. Co. C had charge of firing two large blockhouses. Built large piles of light trash inside and out. At the [...]

September 26.—Spent this morning seeking information about our plan of living in the country. Nothing satisfactory.

Saturday, 26th–There is still some shaking with the ague among the boys, but the health of our regiment is gaining slowly. We have no drill in camp at present, but we are on duty almost every day, our routine running as follows: Picket duty every other day, and the alternating days on fatigue duty either [...]

SEPTEMBER 26th.—Nothing additional has been received from Gen. Bragg, but there is reason to believe Rosecrans is fortifying Chattanooga, preparatory to crossing the river and retreating northward with all possible expedition. From the Upper Rappahannock there is much skirmishing, the usual preliminary to a battle; and Kemper’s brigade, of Pickett’s division, went up thither last [...]

Surgeon-General’s Office, Washington, Sept. 26th. Surgeon Heger, U. S. A. Sir: The Secretary of War has directed the transfer of seven hundred wounded prisoners from Chester, Pa., to Point Lookout General Hospital. . . . Upon their arrival you will discharge the female nurses (both of Miss Dix’s and Mrs. Gibbons’ selection) reserving only one [...]

Friday, 25th.—About 1,500 prisoners passed. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

Friday, 25th. Write me down a witch, a prophetess, or what you will. I am certainly something! All has come to pass on that very disagreeable subject very much as I feared. Perhaps no one in my position would speak freely on the subject; for that very reason I shall not hesitate to discuss it. [...]

25th. Quite a cold day. More exciting stories about flank movements by the enemy. Several scouting parties sent out. Saddled up all night. Maj. N. and Dr. S. went with body of Reb. Lieut. under flag of truce to rebel lines. Many reports. Raising new regiment of Tenn.

25th.—There has been a great battle in the West, at Chickamauga, in Tennessee, between Bragg and Rosecranz. We are gloriously victorious! The last telegram from General Bragg tells of 7,000 prisoners, thirty-five pieces of cannon, and 15,000 small-arms, taken by our men. The fight is not over, though they have been fighting three days. Longstreet [...]

Friday, 25th–It is quite warm today. I was on fatigue duty, accompanying the quartermaster’s wagons into Vicksburg to draw supplies for the regiment. The bales of hay and sacks of corn taxed our strength in loading them. Some of the boys on furlough returned today.

SEPTEMBER 25th.—The latest dispatch from Gen. Bragg states that he has 7000 prisoners (2000 of them wounded), 36 cannon, 15,000 of the enemy’s small arms, and 25 colors. After the victory, he issued the following address to his army: “HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE,…………… FIELD OF CHICKAMAUGA, Sept. 22, 1863. “It has pleased Almighty God to [...]

September 25th, 1863.—The telegraph wires are up and working again and the news we get is both encouraging and distressing. A great victory has been won at Chickamauga, but at such a fearful loss of life. It is said to be as bloody a battle as Gettysburg and it lasted three days, beginning on the [...]

September 25th. Our regiment with supplies and munitions ordered to Martinsburg, West Virginia. Packing up, getting ready to march.

Thursday, 24th.—Reported Confederates in possession of Chattanooga. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

24th. 2nd Tennessee and 9th Mich. made a reconnoissance towards Zollicoffer’s Brigade. Maj. Nettleton went along as guide. Found the rebel pickets on the same ground as yesterday. After some skirmishing the boys returned. Forage parties recalled on account of some exciting reports that a citizen brought in. Nothing unusual. Moved camp. Most of forces [...]

Thursday, 24th–There is no news of importance. I have entirely recovered and am in good health again. Our regiment, as also the entire brigade, is slowly regaining its strength and increasing in number. The boys from the hospitals are taking their places and those on furlough are returning and bringing new recruits with them.

Richmond, 24.—We have all been scattered. The Bishop has obtained good rooms; the other members of the household are temporarily fixed. We are here with our son, looking for rooms every day; very few are vacant, and they are too high for our means. We shall probably have to take the little cottage at Ashland, [...]

SEPTEMBER 24th.—A dispatch from Gen Bragg, received today, three miles from Chattanooga, and dated yesterday, says the enemy occupies a strong position, and confronts him in great force, but he is sending troops round his flanks. No doubt he will cross the river as soon as possible. Only a small portion of Longstreet’s corps has [...]

23rd. Big smoke on Rebel side. Party went down and discovered bridge on fire, rebels all gone. Put out fire, only 20 ft. burned. Soon 2nd in advance and 7th O. moved on across the Watauga and followed Rebs. Co. C in advance, came upon pickets, saw them one and a half miles and came [...]

September WEDNESDAY 23, 1863 Stayed last night with Mrs Moore. Rose early & had the blues all day. Have been troubled with some of Capt H’s Scouts all day amongst whom were Lt McConnell & S.B. Wilson. Capt H.1 & Bro [Sam) called on me after Tea. Had quite a nice time but he is [...]

SEPTEMBER 23d.—We have nothing additional up to three P.M. to-day; but there is an untraceable rumor on the street of some undefinable disaster somewhere, and perhaps it is the invention of the enemy. We still pause for the sequel of the battle; for Rosecrans has fallen back to a strong position; and at this distance [...]

Camp at Messenger’s Ferry, Big Black River, Miss., September 22, 1863. I wrote you a few lines from Vicksburg on the 18th inst. to notify you that I had escaped the perils of navigation (sandbar and guerillas) and of my safe arrival. I had a delightful trip down the river. A splendid boat, gentlemanly officers, [...]

Tuesday, 22d.—News from above is that Yankees were driven back several miles, capturing 4,000 prisoners, and thirty pieces of artillery. Yankees in full retreat. Went to church at night. Cousin Robert Magill made profession. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

22nd. Awakened at 1 A. M. Co. G and E made a mistake and didn’t march out till daylight. Moved to Johnston’s Station and got breakfast with regiment, then moved on to within a mile and a half of Carter’s Station. Got in line and remained there overnight. Support of Battery. Some cannonading on both [...]