June 19, 1864. This is the 50th day of the campaign. Our brigade has been under musketry fire 12 days, artillery about 30. We have as a brigade fought three nice little battles, in as many days, repulsing two charges, and making one which was a perfect success. We have captured all told about 650 [...]
June 18th. Not much sleep and rest for us last night. Pickets kept up a ceaseless firing, with an occasional shell dropping in our midst. Could also hear the trains running into town all night. Beating of drums, pounding and hammering, and much noise. Estimated our lines are formed within three miles of the town. [...]
Saturday, 18th–A light rain yesterday was followed by rain most of today, and all was quiet along the lines until late this evening, when there was heavy cannonading till late in the night. We were ordered to keep all accouterments on and our rifles at our sides during the night, for it is expected by [...]
18th. At 4 A. M. moved out on Sussex C. H. road and camped 8 miles from Petersburg. In evening drew rations and forage. In P. M. awful connonading and musketry, the most terrific we have yet heard. Already last night we held all but the inner line of works. Captured 22 guns and many [...]
June, Saturday 18, 1864 Rather an eventful and pleasant day, we made preperations early for a visit to Mrs. Duke, but Bro. George is always slow, and did not go for the Ambulance until late. We were all very much surprised to see Lt. McConnell drive in it when it did arrive, we were delighted [...]
JUNE 18th.—Clear and cool. To-day, heavy firing is heard on the south side of the river. It is believed a general engagement is in progress. It is the anniversary of the battle of WATERLOO. If we gain the day, it will end the war. It is now said Gen. Early (with Ewell’s corps) has reached [...]
June 18, 1864. It rained steadily until 4 p.m. and had hardly ceased a minute when our guns opened and the skirmish lines joined issue. General Harrow and Colonel Wright rode out to the left some 200 yards from the regiment and narrowly escaped a trip over the river, a shell bursting right under the [...]
Washington June 18th 1864 In looking back through the past ten days I can fix upon no very striking event that has taken place. Army operations of great importance have been undoubtedly going on, but no decisive Battles have been fought, if we except the victory of Genl Hunter in Western Virginia near Staunton. In [...]
June 17th. A cornfield was a rough place to sleep for a night, and try to rest. Up early this morning. After a hasty feed, again on the march, along the main pike to Lynchburg. Our advance is slow most of the time, as we drive the enemy along. At times it is hot work. [...]
17th. Moved soon after daylight across the James River on pontoon bridges. River full of boats, splendid river. Camped till 3 P. M. Drew rations and forage. Moved to 4 miles of Petersburg, other brigade too. Camped at 10 P. M. till morning.
Friday, 17th–Our brigade was moved out to the left of the Fourth Division during the night, and General Logan’s Division occupied our former position. The Eleventh was at work nearly all night throwing up a new line of rifle pits, while the other regiments of our brigade occupied pits previously made by other troops. During [...]
June, Friday 17, 1864 A stupid and unhappy day for me—the rest have all enjoyed it. I was in a sad mood, sat in the Parlor alone, sewing most of the time, made a Soldier’s shirt, none in particular, after finishing it, read three or four chapters in Macario, an delighted with it, there is [...]
JUNE 17th.—Clear and pleasant. A dispatch from Beauregard states that two assaults of the enemy yesterday, at Petersburg, were repulsed with loss; and it is reported that he recovered all lost ground to-day. Yet Beauregard has an enemy in his rear as well as in his front. When the battles were fought on the south [...]
Near Big Shanty, Ga., June 17, 1864. Has rained steadily all day, wetting everybody, but “drying up” all shooting. A very disagreeable day. I saw 83 Rebels come in to-day, about one-half of whom were deserters and the rest figured to get captured.
June 16th. Last night some member of our company started a small fire close to the root of a pine tree. It was decayed through the center, which quickly caught fire, the blaze shooting out at the top, like a high chimney. The tree being away up the mountain, the blaze could be seen for [...]
16th. Engineer Corps came out and made fortifications. 2nd had strong works. Co. D left in a fort thing built by Co. in evening over night. Just at dusk before regt. fell back, rebels came out to open place and we gave them a volley. Co. D withdrew to works soon after daylight–rebs appearing in [...]
Thursday, 16th–Skirmishing commenced again early this morning. The rebel batteries off on the left would fire a round or two and just as soon as our guns would open on them they would stop firing. General Leggett’s Division on the left drove the rebels back about a mile, and there was some very heavy cannonading [...]
June, Thursday 16, 1864 Late risers this morning, but all ready for breakfast. John and Andrew went over to town after breakfast to get the Ambulances, we all spent the day with Aunt Mary Gordon, and a delightful time we had, her home is as beautiful as ever. Cousin Ginnie is so lovely, has a [...]
JUNE 16th.—Clear and pleasant weather, but dusty. The Departmental Battalion marched away, last night, from the Chickahominy (guarding a ford when no enemy was on the other side!) for Chaffin’s Farm, on the James River. They were halted after marching an hour or so, and permitted to rest (sleep) while the rest of the brigade [...]
June 16, 1864. We moved back a mile last night, being relieved by the 17th Corps. Taking it easy again to-day. There has been a lively artillery fight right in front of us to-day. Tell * * * if any of the 31st or 40th Alabama officers report at Johnston’s Island, to give them my [...]
June 15th. Up and early on the march this hot morning. Going up the narrow road over the mountains we make very slow progress. The Rebs and bushwhackers have cut down large trees and fell them across the road. The Pioneer Corps are having hard work to clear the road. As we pass slowly along [...]
15th. Moved out on Richmond road, and Malvern Hill road till we encountered the enemy. Six companies of our regiment on extreme left skirmish line–rest in reserve, till the 18 P. V. were driven back in a little disorder; then the six companies were ordered in. So much confusion on part of 18th that we [...]
Wednesday, 15th–The day has been clear and quite warm. This morning Company E was sent out as sharpshooters. During the night the Eleventh and Sixteenth Regiments had thrown up a new line of rifle pits, about a half mile in advance of the old one, and at noon today moved forward in line of battle [...]
JUNE 15th.—Clear and cool; warm late in the day. It is rumored now that the enemy got to Westtown yesterday, some ten miles below the point on this side occupied by Butler; and to-day he is leaving, either crossing to the south side (probably to cut the railroad), or embarking in his transports for no [...]
June, Wednesday 15, 1864 All up and ready for breakfast—Jim started for Oxford early. I wrote to Lt. McConnell by him—John left for Tupelo, came back this evening. Forrest’s troops which have just achieved such a victory are at Guntown, will be in Tupelo in a day or two. Forrest himself was there. Such sad [...]