May 2024

“The Rebels have just finished throwing 126 shells at us, only 19 of which bursted.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

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Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills, (8th Illinois Infantry)

May 31, 1864. Generals Sherman, McPherson, Logan and Barry visited our position yesterday. Sherman looks very well. Logan smiled and bowed in return to my salute as though he recognized me. During the fight of the 28th I was standing, when he was riding along our lines on the inside of the rifle pits (with [...]

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Charles Lynch
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.

May 31st. This morning still finds us in camp on the battle-field, near New Market. Orders from the General’s headquarters. Details have been made to forage and sent out from headquarters. Inspection and battalion drill by our Colonel, Ely. The first since his return from prison. The Colonel, on the quiet, restored to their former [...]

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

31st. Saddled up and moved at 3 A. M. Crossed the Pamunkey and took Hanover Court House. About two miles from town began skirmishing. At noon 2nd made a charge, driving the enemy and capturing some prisoners, skirmishing till about sundown, when the brigade formed and charged the rebel position about the court house. I [...]

The Yanks staid about two hours…

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Diaries and Letters of Belle Edmondson

May, Tuesday 31, 1864 I slept very late this morning—very buisy until dinner was ready packing and drawing off the pattern on Nannie’s swiss. Aunt Patsy sat in my room, just as we were going to dinner an Ambulance with Yankee escort rode up to the gate, Mrs. Perkins comeing for Nannie—Nannie and Helen with [...]

“I guess from what little I hear there was a good deal more shooting than hitting on both sides.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

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Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills, (8th Illinois Infantry)

Monday, May 30, 1864. At dark last night I was put in charge of our brigade skirmish line of four companies; by 9:30 I had everything arranged to our notion. About that time the musketry commenced fire on our left and continued for a half hour; it was very heavy. Some three or four pieces [...]

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Charles Lynch
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.

May 30th. Owing to our rations running very low some of the boys took the liberty to go foraging, going without a permit from the General’s headquarters. They were rounded up by cavalry scouts, placed under arrest, taken to headquarters, where they received a severe reprimand from General Hunter. All were punished. Non-commissioned officers reduced [...]

War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

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War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

30th. Remained in camp till 5 P. M. when we were ordered to march. Went out one mile and dismounted. Soon received orders to return to camp. Artillery firing commenced early in the morning and continued all day–terrific towards evening. A continuous roar. What suspense. God grant that we may be successful. May He give [...]

Glorious news from the South…

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Diaries and Letters of Belle Edmondson

May, Monday 30, 1864 Began the day quite early—drew off the pattern on Nannie’s dress first thing—Tate asked me to fix the Machine, she sewed for me while I did it—Father went over to Mr. Farrers to see Mr. Hodge, and try to trade for his Spring wagon—he asked so much for it, I hope [...]

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Charles Lynch
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.

May 29th. Left camp early this hot morning. Pushing up the valley. Passed through Woodstock. Very few people to be seen. They still inform us that they hate the Yankees. Hope we will all be captured and be sent to Richmond. Came to a halt at Mount Jackson. Line of battle formed. The advance are [...]

Packed today

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Diaries and Letters of Belle Edmondson

May, Sunday 29, 1864 Today has been an eventful one in the dull pages of my life—Bettie awakened me, standing by the bed, with a hot cup of Coffee—which I enjoyed very much, after refreshing myself with a cold bath. Mr. Wilson came by, with late despatches, letters and papers—the latter containing news which paralyzed [...]

“…a heavy column of Rebels rose from a brush with a yell the devil ought to copyright..,”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

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Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills, (8th Illinois Infantry)

May 28, 1864, 9 a.m. Still in rifle pits. We have been treated to a terrific storm of shells, spherical case, and solid shot. The batteries are in plain sight of each other, and the gunners call it a thousand yards between them. I don’t think either battery does very fine work, but they make [...]

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Charles Lynch
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.

May 28th. Nothing important occurred last night. All quiet this morning. In an open country where we have a good view. We are located west of the pike. Ordered to keep a sharp lookout for the enemy’s cavalry and guerillas. Late this afternoon we were relieved from picket duty. This is a fine country as [...]