Thursday, November 26th.—Started at daylight, after turning prisoners over to others; got to Uncle Nathan Anderson’s at 11 A. M.; stayed for dinner. Going down to bridge across creek, found Lieutenant Evans stopping all of brigade that came that way. Everything in confusion; passed through Ringgold at 4 P. M. As we were near home, [...]

(excerpts) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Nov. 26th, 1863.                   “. . . We hear to-night that the Army is to move, it is thought to Fredericksburg.          “The news from the West has made every one look very blue—and I should think Mr. Davis would feel very uncomfortable with such a weight to carry. . . . What is to [...]

NOVEMBER 26th.—The weather is clear and bright again; but, oh, how dark and somber the faces of the croakers! The following dispatches have been received : [BATTLE AT LOOKOUTMOUNTAIN.] (OFFICIAL DISPATCH.) “MISSION RIDGE, Nov. 24th, 1863. “To GEN. S. COOPER. “We have had a prolonged struggle for LookoutMountain today, and sustained considerable loss in one [...]

November 26, 1863, The New York Herald The news from Chattanooga is glorious. The fighting of three days has ended in the complete defeat of the enemy yesterday. Lookout Mountain was occupied by the troops of General Hooker, who took 2,000 prisoners, and the rebels fled from every position which they held. General Bragg has [...]

Friday.–Last evening Uncle Edward took a party of us, including Abbie Clark, to Wallack’s Theater to see “Rosedale,” which is having a great run. I enjoyed it and told James it was the best play I ever “heard.” He said I must not say that I “heard” a play. I “saw” it. I stand corrected. [...]

Wednesday, 25th–Out on picket. The guard continues strong and the officers are very strict.

25th. In the morning rode out and found the wagons 1 ½ miles from town. Had Dan and Lewis go with Lt. Leavitt 14 miles for flour and meal. Got back about midnight, clear and cold. One of the Drivers came down. No move today. Spent the day at the wagons mostly. Read some, pitched [...]

1863—Chatanooga Valley Battle of Missionary Ridge Wednesday, 25th.—2 A. M., former and ordered to march out. Federals gained position, and could not be dislodged, consequently the ditches on our left wing are of no benefit. Arrived at top of Missionary Ridge at daylight moving towards right wing. Took our position over the tunnel of the [...]

NOVEMBER 25th.—We have an unintelligible dispatch from Gen. Bragg, saying he had, yesterday, a prolonged contest with the enemy for the possession of Lookout Mountain, during which one of his divisions suffered severely, and that the manœuvring of the hostile army was for position. This was the purport, and the language, as well as I [...]

November 25, 1863, The New York Herald The latest news from Chattanooga reports the rebels falling back from Chickamauga Station. Their artillery have entirely withdrawn from our front. Our forces, under Generals Wood and Sheridan, of the Fourth army corps, under the direction of General Gordon Granger, of General Thomas’ division, made a most brilliant [...]

November 25th. Thanksgiving Day. Weather fine. Our second one in the U. S. service. Some of the boys received boxes from home containing good things which they divided with others. Connecticut mince pies were all right. We had baked chicken prepared by a baker in town. Our Thanksgiving in camp passed very quiet and pleasant. [...]

Tuesday, 24th–The weather is clear and cool, and the regiment is in good health. No news of importance.

24th. Rob came before daylight and got flour for 2nd O. V. C. Hard up for rations seemingly. Another alarm and all saddled up before noon. Wagons moved to the rear and flour and meal collected. Letters from home and A. B. Moved to Tazewell. Wagons moved beyond. Couldn’t find them. Slept at Hdqrs. after [...]

Monday, 24th.—15th Company F, sent on picket two hours before day. 8 A. M., still in line of battle on Chattanooga Creek; heavy cannonading about the point of the mountain. 12 M., very heavy cannonading on point; 1 P. M., heavy skirmishing on the mountain. 1:15 P. M., Federals charged mountain; came over the mountain, [...]

NOVEMBER 24th.—The President is expected back today. A letter from Gen. Lee indicates that the Commissary-General has been suggesting that he (the general) should impress supplies for his army. This the general deprecates, and suggests that if supplies cannot be purchased, they should be impressed by the agents of the Commissary Department; and that the [...]

November 24, 1863, The New York Herald The condition of the roads in Virginia, notwithstanding the recent rains, is such that the army of General Meade is now in a position to move at any moment. His troops fully occupy the country up to the north bank of the Rapidan, but there is no official [...]

Monday, 23d–It was warm and pleasant again with rain in the afternoon. The “chuck luck” banks at the spring are in full operation this morning. At each bank there are from twelve to twenty of our boys down on their knees laying their money on certain figures, as the “banker” throws the dice. After each [...]

23rd. Went to mills and put them to running as fast as possible. Capt. Rankin in charge of two mills. June and Dan went to town. No pay. Read papers. Alarm towards night. Pickets fired upon. Some arms lost in the river. Pleasant day. Very strong position here at this gap.

Sunday, 23d.—Made first fire in chimney; oven on to bake bread. Just after dress parade, long roll beat; regiment formed and moved off rapidly; left our oven on the fire and all our knapsacks. (Never saw them again.) Heavy cannonading; Federals advancing on our right. Moved down and took position after dark in ditches across [...]

NOVEMBER 23d.—Nothing of moment from the armies, although great events are anticipated soon. On Saturday, Gen. Winder’s or Major Griswold’s head of the passport office, Lieut. Kirk, was arrested on the charge of selling passports at $100 per man to a Mr. Wolf and a Mr. Head, who transported passengers to the Potomac. W. and [...]

November 23, 1863, The New York Herald There is no change in the Army of the Potomac. The different corps occupy the same positions which they did ten days ago. The enemy are working like beavers on their defences at the Rapidan. Meade’s troops are in good spirits, and eager for a fight. Mosby’s guerillas [...]

November 22.–We had a delightful visit. Mr Thompson took us up into his den and showed us curios from all over the world and as many pictures as we would find in an art gallery.

Sunday, 22d–This morning when our detail was relieved from picket, we were marched to brigade headquarters and put to target shooting. This is to be done regularly from now on, in order to give the boys practice. To encourage good marksmanship a reward is given; those who hit the bull’s-eye are excused from picket duty, [...]

22nd. A bright pleasant morning and day. After breakfast went up to Col. Foster’s. Telegraphed to Garrard whether to go to Command or remain at T. while the train went to the Gap. Ordered to report. Drew rations and moved to Sycamore. Saw the papers at the Col.’s Hdqrs. Talk of the paymaster coming. Burnside [...]