Friday, 20th.—After 12 o’clock last night we were ordered into line, and in short time were moving back rapidly; after leaving detail, to keep up hammering, to make Yanks think we were still fortifying. When Hardee’s Corps went to take position assigned it yesterday, found Federals had beaten to it, consequently we are falling back [...]

May 20th. Nothing important has transpired since the last date. Weather warm and fine. Getting rested. A soldier must obey orders, not ask questions, keep his eyes open, be on the alert ready for the call to duty. Our company, C, loss at New Market, twelve wounded, five prisoners. General Sigel relieved of the command. [...]

20th. Birge got in last night with oats. Went out to Regt. Considerable excitement on account of report that Ewell had flanked our army and was about to attack Fredericksburg.

Washington May 20th 1864 We do not get much direct news from the army today but there has been some fighting at the Front. All the news that is reported from there is always “a Victory” or a “great success,” “The Rebels defeated” &c. Such was the news with which we were regaled day by [...]

MAY 20th.—Fog; then sunshine all day, but cool. Troops have been marching through the city all day from the south side. I presume others take their places arriving from the South. Barton’s brigade had but 700 out of 2000 that went into battle last Monday. Our wounded amount to 2000; perhaps the enemy’s loss was [...]

May, Friday 20, 1864 Mrs. Perkins went to Memphis this morning in an awful state of mind. Col. Perkins came up to see her before she started, but I do not think she was much relieved by his visit. Nannie would not go, she did not come back tonight, although she said she would be [...]

Kingston, May 20, 1864. Our cars got here this morning; the whistle woke me. One of the most improbable rumors afloat is that letters will be allowed to go North to-day. I know you are anxious, so will not lose the rumor of a chance. Billy Fox returned to-day. My things are all right at [...]