June, Tuesday 7, 1864 As usual, we had a very late start, a very nice drive to Mr. Wallace’s—arrived about ten o’clock, found all home folks there, Bro. Geo. and John Titus came for them in two Ambulances. Robie and Mamie both well, poor little Rob, I have been grieved ever since I passed them, [...]

June 6th. Up early this clear, hot morning. During the night the wounded had been removed and cared for, and the dead buried. Our company’s loss, twenty killed and wounded. The loss in the regiment, one hundred and thirty killed and wounded. None taken prisoners. The color-sergeants and the guard were all killed or wounded [...]

6th. During the morning the corps fell back to “Old Church Tavern,” near Newcastle on the Pamunkey to rest men and recruit horses. I went on to the train to see about forage, etc. Took supper with the boys. Like Capt. Viall very much. A very pleasant man but of little principle, I guess. Tom [...]

Monday, 6th–It is quite warm. We started early this morning, and crossing the Coosa river on a pontoon bridge, passed through Rome for Kingston, about fourteen miles distant. We arrived at Kingston about 4 o’clock in the afternoon and went into camp. Kingston is on the railroad running from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Our forces routed [...]

June 6, 1864. I will try and send you this to-day. Our postmaster never calls for letters, though we could send them if he would. I will try hereafter to send oftener, though you must not feel anxious about me. I will take the best care I can of myself (and do my whole duty). [...]

23rd. Moved on the R. R. destroying as we went till noon, when we got dinner. 12 miles from Burkesville a rebel force under W. H. Lee as reported of about 2000 cavalry got between Kautz and Wilson. Fight commenced immediately and lasted till dark– our brigade in rear. Drove the rebs at dark in [...]

JUNE 6th.—Clear and hot, but with a fine breeze–southwest. All is quiet around the city. Saturday night the enemy again penetrated Gen. Breckinridge’s line, and again were repulsed by the Floridians. Some of his regiments (as Mr. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy, who stopped in front of my house yesterday, told me) did not behave [...]

June, Monday 6, 1864 After all of our agreements &c about an early start, we did not get off until 8 o’clock, a terible , terible day we have had. Cold Water almost out of it’s banks, and still rising—the slews swiming—Mr. Wilson picked the way or we never would have gotten through. Arrived at [...]

June 5th. Late last night our company detailed for picket duty. Located at the ford, near the town. It was a fearful, dark, rainy night. Every man was on duty and on the alert all night. By order of General Hunter a large woolen mill was burned this morning. I noticed a number of women [...]

Sunday, 5th. Rainy and cool this morning. Would that I could see some of the dear home friends. A letter from Minnie Friday did us much good. Hear the glad result of the fighting last night. Rebels charged our center from five to eight times and every time were repulsed. Passed the day mostly under [...]

Sunday, 5th–Rain again this forenoon and clear this afternoon. We started early this morning, our regiment leading the advance division, and at 3 o’clock reached our destination, Rome, Georgia. The sixteen miles covered today was over very muddy roads, such as we have had for the last fifty miles, and all were greatly fatigued. Some [...]

June 5, 1864. The Rebels run last night. Everything gone this morning slick and clean. Our regiment was the first in their works. I was over their works to-day and find three lines, two of them very strong. A number of dead men lay beween their lines and ours, which neither side could bury. They [...]

June 5.—Our daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dr. ––, came from Charlottesville this evening. The regular communication being cut off, she went up to Lynchburg, taking that route to Richmond; but the Government having impressed the cars, she was obliged to take a freight-train, and was fortunate in finding a friend coming down in the same way, who [...]

JUNE 5th.—Raining. The sudden booming of artillery, shelling our department boys, intrenching at Bottom’s Bridge, was heard until bedtime. I have heard no results of yesterday’s operations. All is quiet to-day, up to 9 A.M. Received a letter from Custis. I have not heard whether he received the food and blanket sent him yesterday; the [...]

June, Sunday 5, 1864 This day has seemed a week to me—We had a very late start from home, Hal was first to wake, the sun was shining then, Laura sound asleep. After some delay we had breakfast, bid all the servants and home folks good bye and got off at 8 o’clock, poor Laura [...]

June 4th. Saturday morning. Up early and on the march, going on through the town. About ten miles up the pike is Mount Crawford, at which point the Shenandoah River crosses the pike. The enemy have the mount strongly fortified, a commanding position. About three miles out of Harrisonburg we file to the left over [...]

4th. Soon after daybreak Regt. moved up. Packs ordered up and breakfast got near the church. Regt. dismounted and put into the breastworks. Rebel cavalry charged and drove our boys from the first line of works, by flanking them. Soon column came up and rebs ran back. Had one killed and two or three wounded [...]

Saturday, 4th–We started at 8 o’clock and marched fifteen miles today. Have had rain for three days now, but late in the afternoon it cleared off. We had to wade a river, the water being only three or four feet deep, and the boys had great fun in trying to carry the powder on their [...]

June 4, 1864. We have had a good deal of fun to-day. The firing has been brisker than usual on account of our advancing our works. We got up a mock charge this afternoon, which came pretty near scaring the Rebel skirmishers out of their boots and made a good deal of fun for us. [...]

June 4.—There has been skirmishing for some days. One day a fight at Ashland, another at Cold Harbour; but yesterday the heaviest cannonading I ever heard continued all day, until after dark. The fighting was between Bethesda Church and Cold Harbour. We were well fortified, and General Lee reports great success to our arms. “It [...]

JUNE 4th—Showers and sunshine. It is believed Grant has lost 40,000 within the last week! To-day there has been more or less cannonading along the line; but it is not known if any infantry were engaged. The battalion to which Custis (my son) belongs is at Bottom’s Bridge, some sixteen miles distant on the Chickahominy; [...]

June 4th, 1864.—Uncle Richard has just returned from Tallahassee. This morning the telegraph wires were working for the first time in four days. It brings us dreadful news, on the 2nd inst. a battle was fought at Cold Harbor, some of our Florida boys were wounded and two were killed. Colonel Henry D. Capers was [...]

June, Saturday 4, 1864 This day has seemed like a month to me. I got up early and went to work to finish my white waiste , did not sew long before Hal came, on her way down to Dixie, we have been disapointed in getting Dr. Buntin to go with us, and Johnnie Armstrong [...]

June 3d. In camp near Harrisonburg. Sat up very late last night watching the Signal Corps using rockets and roman candles. A wonderful sight. Reported General Hunter is trying to get in communication with General Crook who is in the mountains making for Staunton, the same point that we are headed for. Hospital in town, [...]