June 11, 1864. Colonel Wright and I rode out to the front to-day. The Johnnies are about one and one-half miles from us, and occupying what looks like a very strong position. Rumor says that Sherman has said that he can force them to leave here any moment, but will wait for supplies and the [...]
11th.—Just heard from W. and S. H. Both places in ruins, except the dwelling-houses. Large portions of the Federal army were on them for eight days. S. H. was used as a hospital for the wounded brought from the battle-fields; this protected the house. At W. several generals had their head-quarters in the grounds near [...]
June, Saturday 11, 1864 Hal and I ready for breakfast, Mr. Wilson and John came while we were eating for us to go out to the University, we had to waite some time for Mr. Cummins. Lt. McConnell, who has just returned from Helena with a Flag of Truce came to see us, I was [...]
JUNE 11th.—Sunshine and cloudy—warmer. There is a calm in military matters, but a storm is gathering in the valley of Virginia. Both sides are concentrating for a battle. If we should be defeated (not likely), then our communications may be cut, and Grant be under no necessity of fighting again to get possession of Richmond. [...]
June 10th. General Crook joined forces here with Hunter, coming into town from the west. It is now reported that the combined forces numbered about eighteen thousand and that we will advance on to Lynchburg. All sick and wounded who can be moved, including two thousand prisoners, will be sent with guards to Beckley, West [...]
10th. Friday. Cloudy this morning and a cool refreshing breeze stirring. Wrote a letter home. Would we could see the dear friends. Regt. relieved from picket. I feel happy and contented today. Would that these uneasy, dark, gloomy moments would never come again. Night of the 4th dreamed of a lost friend.
During the next month there was no specially heavy fighting, but the continual grind of marching, counter-marching, skirmishing round and about Lost Mountain and Pine Log Mountain, in rain and mud and mud and rain. On 10th of June report of death of Captain D. U. Fox and Lieutenant J. T. Brown. Just here a [...]
Friday, 10th–Our entire army moved forward early this morning. The teams were all left in the rear. We advanced our division about ten miles and went into bivouac at a place called Big Shanty. Our front drove in the pickets and did some brisk skirmishing and cannonading. The railroad station at Big Shanty and the [...]
Near Big Shanty, Ga., June 10, 1864. Army moved this a.m. Found the enemy again at this place, and have been in line of battle a dozen times, more or less. Our brigade is in reserve for the rest of the division. This is the Kenesaw Mountain; from the top of one peak the Rebels [...]
June, Friday 10, 1864 We have spent a delightful day, did not get up in time for breakfast, Mrs. Barr sent it to the room. After breakfast I cut, of a piece of Calico I had, Emma a dress, and two Soldier shirts—did not sew any. Mr. Wilson came this morning—Mr. Cummins also, the latter [...]
JUNE 10th.—Clear and cool. All quiet round the city; but Petersburg was assaulted yesterday and successfully defended. The battalion of clerks still remains at Bottom’s Bridge, on the Chickahominy. The pickets hold familiar conversation every day with the pickets of the enemy, the stream being narrow, and crossed by a log. For tobacco and the [...]
June 9th. This morning still finds us at Staunton. Called out early. Marched through the town. Destruction goes on. It certainly looks bad for this town. It seems to be a part of war. A large Confederate hospital is located here, also a retreat for the insane. Among the buildings destroyed are large tobacco warehouses, [...]
9th. Read in “Queen Mab,” by Julia Kavanagh. Shoeing horses as rapidly as possible. A very sultry, oppressive day. A few drops of rain. Turned in to Capt. Viall 3 contraband mules temporarily. Hired David Brooks.
Thursday, 9th–The weather is fine—warm and pleasant. Our corps remained quiet and in its position all day. But orders have been given for the whole army to move forward in the morning. We commenced drawing full rations again today. I went out on picket this evening. General Sherman is in command of all of our [...]
JUNE 9th.—Sunshine and clouds–warm. No fighting yesterday. It is reported that the enemy’s cavalry and a corps of infantry recrossed the Pamunky this morning, either after Breckinridge, or to guard communications with the Rappahannock. There is a pause also in Georgia. Yesterday the President vetoed a bill exempting the publishers of periodicals, etc. He said [...]
June, Thursday 9, 1864 A bright and beautiful day, yet the roads very heavy, 8 miles from Oxford, hills all the way, left quite early—were very fortunate in getting to the place we did—Mr. Wilson with his usual kindness, assisted us greatly, in fact we would never have succeeded in getting through had it not [...]
June 8th. Again routed out early. Into line on the march through town to continue our work of destruction. Piling up ties, place the rails on top, set fire to the ties. When the rails become hot in the center, they warp or bend, making them useless. The march out of town, along the railroad, [...]
8th. Got an order from Col. Hammond and procured a forge of the 5th N. Y., an old one, shoes and nails. 2nd O. V. C. went out on picket. Relieved 1st Conn. Firing still continues at intervals along the line. Grant is getting siege guns up to the front. Everything looks encouraging. Railroad in [...]
Wednesday, 8th–We moved forward early this morning, marching twelve miles to the little town of Ackworth, where we went into camp. We are now with Sherman’s army, our corps being placed on the left in front of Atlanta. Our front is about twenty-five miles north of the city, while my division is back about ten [...]
JUNE 8th.—Clouds and sunshine—cool. No war news except what appears in the papers. There was a rumor yesterday that several of the companies of the Departmental Battalion were captured on Monday, but it was not confirmed by later accounts. Our battery of 49 guns was unmasked, and opened on the enemy, who had been firing [...]
Washington June 8th 1864 Fighting almost every day now before Richmond. Genl Grant is loosing a great many men but is also getting re-inforcements enough (perhaps) to make up for his losses. The Rebels loose probably more than we do as much of the fighting has been where they have been the attacking party. I [...]
June 7th. Called up very early this morning. After a light breakfast, ordered to fall into line. All sorts of reports are in circulation, that guerillas and bushwhackers infest this section. We are one hundred miles from our base of supplies, right in the enemy’s country. Our work today is to destroy the Virginia Central [...]
7th. Our wagons came up. Went down again to train. Took four mules to draw forge. Q. M. away, so failed. Have worked pretty faithfully for a forge but yet without success. Saw Col. of 2nd N. Y. this morning and borrowed a forge–temporarily. Got some clothing and shoeing tools.
Tuesday, 7th–The weather continues warm. Our corps drew fifteen days’ rations at Kingston this morning. We left the place at 10 o’clock, carrying five days’ rations, the balance to be hauled by the supply trains. We marched twelve miles to Cartersville and went into camp. Our troops control the railroad, which is in running order [...]
Same place, June 7, 1864. Our brigade has to-day been on a reconnoisance, supporting Girard’s (formerly Kilpatrick’s) Cavalry Division. We started the Johnnies not more than a mile from here, and skirmished with them, driving them to the Kenesaw range of mountains, about five miles. Our brigade lost nothing. Wilder’s mounted infantry did the skirmishing [...]