5th. Orders to march at 4 o’clock. Got up in time for breakfast. Today our forces seem to abandon Brandy Station, and the railroad. Most of the army across the Rapidan and Germania Ford. Reached the ford with 300 cattle at 10. Four companies reported to Gen. Wilcox. Infantry crossing all day, 9th Corps. A [...]

MAY 5th.—We have many rumors to-day, and nothing authentic, except that some of the enemy’s transports are in the James River, and landing some troops, a puerile demonstration, perhaps. The number landed at West Point, it seems, was insignificant. It may be the armies of the United States are demoralized, and if so, if Grant [...]

The following diary entry contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the entry is provided unedited for its historical content and context. May, Thursday 5, 1864 I have spent a most unhappy day,—half sick, and the “black spirits” haunted me teribly—oh! I don’t know what is the matter with [...]

Whiteside, May 4, 1864. The day’s march has been much more pleasant than any of us expected. Most of the dead mules have been buried, and the road much improved, especially through the narrows. We smelled a number of mules, though, after all the improvements. This, Whiteside, is like Bridgeport, a portable town, with canvas [...]

Wednesday, 4th–We lay here all day awaiting the boats. Nathan Chase, a veteran of our company, got into trouble with some men of the Fifty-third Indiana Regiment and one of them shot him twice, one ball going through his right arm and the other taking effect in his mouth, but neither wound is dangerous. The [...]

Wednesday, 4th.—Witnessed a scene to-day that I humbly pray God I may never witness again. Army marched out and made to see fourteen men tied up to stakes and shot to death. Charges, desertion. Most of them belonged to the 58th North Carolina. Will this army prosper after such as this? (Note: picture is of [...]

May 4th. On the third relief last night from 1 to 3 A. M. Visited by the grand-rounds about 2 A. M. All was well. Relieved this morning. Weather clear and fine. Saw one of our cavalry scouting parties pass along the pike, having captured a rebel Major and twelve men up near Strasburg. Drilling [...]

4th. Got off before 4 o’clock. Came up with one div. of infantry at Bealeton Station. Beautiful morning. Went on to Brandy Station, unsaddled and got dinner and finally remained overnight. Drew hay and picked up some oats. Fight at Chancellorsville. Did some business.

May, Wednesday 4, 1864 I have sewed buisy all day, finished my white braided swiss—I think it is beautiful. Laura finished her new Calico, we both had to sew very late tonight to finish them. Bettie got sleepy and went home some time since—We all had a considerable fright tonight—by Anna Nelson sending to warn [...]

MAY 4th.—Bright, beautiful, and warmer; but fire in the morning. The following dispatch from Gen. Lee was received by Gen. Bragg to-day and sent to the Secretary. “ORANGE C. H., May 4th, 1864. —————“Reports from our lookouts seem to indicate that the enemy is in motion. The present direction of his column is to our [...]

Twelve miles east of Bridgeport, May 3, 1864. Have made about 15 miles to-day. This is the fourth time I have been over the same ground, have ridden over it five times. This is the first time I ever started on a march where real judgment was used in breaking the men in. We always [...]

Tuesday, 3d–We remained in bivouac all day. The transports did not return today as expected. The recruits of the Eleventh Iowa were formed into a battalion and drilled twice a day, by Captain Kelly of Company D. We had our first dress parade this evening, since returning from furlough, and the regiment looked well in [...]

May 3d. Received three days’ rations. On picket post near the Romney road. A dangerous point, as the rebel scouts and cavalry take the dirt roads instead of the pikes. Cannot be heard as they advance. Horses make more noise on the pike.

Yorktown. May 3. On the 27th of April we broke camp at Getty’s station, arriving here about dark, and marched up the Williamsburg road about two miles where we bivouacked. On this trip we were furnished transportation. On the morning of the 29th we were ordered into camp about three miles higher up the road. [...]

Tuesday Morning, May 3.—Yesterday passed as usual. We attended Mr. Peterkin’s prayer-meeting before breakfast, which we generally do, and which was very interesting. Then came by market for our daily supplies; and at nine I commenced my labour in the office, while Mr. –– went to his hospital, which occupies a great deal of his [...]

(excerpt) May 3rd, 1864: “It is very uncomfortable at Mrs. – as they allowance each person to butter, etc. Things are in a dreadful state. Have you tried to get your shoes mended? I am completely unshod, as my boot gave way entirely yesterday in my walk with F.” (Note: picture is of an unidentified [...]

Washington May 3rd/64 Matters remain in about Status quo as it regards the war. Both sides are concentrating their armies in Virginia. No movement of Genl Grants army has yet taken place. But we are waiting to hear of the Crash every day. It is said that the rebel Genl Lee is drawing all the [...]

MAY 3d.—A cold, windy day, with sunshine and clouds. It is rumored that Grant’s army is in motion, and the great battle is eagerly looked for. The collision of mighty armies, upon the issue of which the fate of empire depends, is now imminent. The following dispatch was received to-day from Gen. Johnston: “DALTON, May [...]

May, Tuesday 3, 1864 The lines still closed, no news from Memphis, can’t tell when Nannie and Joanna will be home—I did not get up until nearly dinner, spent the remainder of the day sewing for Laura, trying to get her clothes in order, it seems I can never get her again for any length [...]

West bank of Crow Creek, near Stevenson, May 2d, 1864. Only about seven miles from last night’s camp, but will have to wait until to-morrow to build a bridge. The creek is some 150 feet wide. Our Pioneer Corps will from the rough put a bridge over it in ten hours, that is to be [...]

Monday, 2d–We left Cairo at 1 o’clock in the night and arrived at Paducah, Kentucky, at 10 o’clock today. We were sent here to reinforce the troops at this place, as it was reported that the rebels, thought to be Forrest’s command, would make a raid into Paducah for the purpose of destroying our supplies. [...]

May 2.—Just taken leave of J. J., who has gone to Halifax, where the Bishop resides. It seems so strange that she does not want to go to the country. If I could only get to some quiet nook, some lodge in a vast wilderness, where rumours of unsuccessful or successful war could never reach [...]

2nd. Reveille at 4. Off at 7. Pike road still. Passed through Fairfax C. H. a place of only half a dozen scattered buildings. No fences along the road and very few houses, and those abandoned, hilly country and considerably woody. Camped near Bristol Station. 22nd and 24th N. Y. and 3rd N. J. near [...]

MAY 2d.—A cool day, sunshine and showers. To-day Congress assembled, and the President’s message was delivered, although he buried his youngest son yesterday, who lost his life by an accidental fall from the porch on Saturday. We have abundance of good news to-day. First, the Florida has captured one, and destroyed another of the enemy’s [...]