July 5th. At daylight this morning the boat got under way, pushing on up the great Ohio. Passed the towns, Middlesport, Pomeroy, Syracuse, on the Ohio side, and Hartford, West Virginia. The farther up the river we go, have more trouble with low water. Sand bars are many. Again obliged to wade ashore. Later, go [...]
July 5, 1864. Can hear no firing this p.m. It seems the Rebels have got across the Chattahoochie. We are about 12 miles from Atlanta. The river will probably trouble us some, but we all think “Pap” will make it before August 1st. Johnston don’t dare give us anything like a fair fight. We are [...]
JULY 5th.—Cool and dry, everything suffering for rain. All quiet about Petersburg, but later in the day a rumor sprung up that fighting had recommenced there. I doubt it, because by Northern accounts I see Gen. Early is destroying railroads beyond the Potomac, and will undoubtedly threaten Washington itself. If Grant fails to send troops [...]
July, Tuesday 5, 1864 Jake Anderson & Ebb Titus came by this morning—Col. Polk came out in Gen. Forrest’s Ambulance for us to go in and spend the day with Maj. Leverson & Maj. Rambeaut. We had a delightful day, the Miss Skurlarks and Miss Bills, of Jackson, Tenn. were there, we played Cards, talked, [...]
Tuesday, 5th–Our men are still advancing. The Eleventh Iowa made a charge on the rebels’ left, on Nick-a-Jack creek, and took one line of rifle pits. We lost a few in killed and wounded. William Cross of Company E was killed by a piece of shell from the rebels’ batteries; he had returned from the [...]
4th. Spent the day very quietly in camp. Have been great rumors as to today’s proceedings, but nothing has occurred as we hear.
July 4th. The day we celebrate. At dark last night the boat tied up at Charleston. Went ashore for a while. The town is located on a bluff, which we had to climb to reach it. As we saw it in the dark, it was a dirty looking place. Perhaps because it was a mining [...]
July 4, 1864. I count it the hardest Fourth I have seen in the service. About 8 a.m. we moved out, passed through Marietta, which is by far the prettiest town I have seen South (about the size of Canton), and continued south nearly all the way along our line of works. Marched about 11 [...]
JULY 4th.—Cloudy, but still hot and dry. From the clouds of dust seen rising between Petersburg and the James River, it is conjectured that Grant’s army is in motion. The Federal Congress has authorized the drafting of 200,000 more men, after 60 days’ fruitless attempt to raise volunteers. So it will be September before the [...]
July, Monday 4, 1864 Today is the Anniversary of the decleration of our forefather’s independence, one year ago was a sad one for the happiness of our Southern Confederacy,—Vicksburgh surrendered by Pemberton to Grant. Many changes and sad days since that event, but thanks to a just and merciful God our hopes are brighter than [...]
Washington Saturday July 9th 1864 A week ago I intended to be at home now but I cannot well leave the office at present as there is now something of a press of business with the Examining Board. More than that I would not like to leave the City while the Rebels are threatening it. [...]
July 4th 1864 (Monday) No organized Celebration of the Day has taken place here, but all seem to [have] celebrated more or less on their “own hook.” There were orations delivered by gentlemen residing here at some of the Hospitals and the inmates had extra fare &c. I met Capt Sebastian Holmes of Lyons in [...]
Monday, 4th–Our corps is still moving forward, and it is now along Nick-a-Jack creek. We learned here in the hospital that the corps lost several men killed and wounded in the skirmish fights yesterday. This has been a hard day for me, as I have to lie in the open without any shelter over me, [...]
Sunday, 3d.—Last night at 10 o’clock started and marched all night, and camped eight miles from Chattahoochie River. Brother I. L. sick and sent to hospital. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
3rd. Went to City Point with Kelly. Had a real good visit with Brother John. Seemed splendid to see him. Got back to the corps about dusk. Visited the Sanitary. Big thing. (Prof. John M. Ellis was serving on the Christian Commission at City Point.)
July 3, 1864. Rebels all gone this morning. Our boys were on the mountains at daylight. Hundreds of deserters have come in. Osterhaus moved around the left of the mountain to Marietta, all the rest of the army went to the right of it. We are about one-half a mile from town; have not been [...]
JULY 3d.—Clear and dry; pleasant temperature. I learn that Petersburg has not been much injured by the enemy’s batteries, and that Gen. Lee has ordered the casting of mortars for use immediately. To-morrow being the anniversary of the surrender of Vicksburg to Grant, I should not be surprised if that general let off some fire-works, [...]
July, Sunday 3, 1864 This day will be long remembered. Bro. Geo. & Brodie went to Tupelo early. Hal, Tate and myself, with Bettie and the Children, started to Church at Tupelo in the Ambulance with Alfred to drive us. We got along very well until within a mile of Tupelo, had just passed through [...]
July 3d. No boats showed up last night. This morning finds us still waiting at Camp Piatt. Yesterday’s march was a hard one. We are resting while waiting. Up and down hill over these old stony roads makes a fellow tired and used up. At noon two boats arrived. They had large stern wheels and [...]
Sunday, 3d–All is quiet. Our men are still marching around to the right. The Seventeenth Corps drove the rebels back about two miles, taking one line of their works. Wagon trains are going by the hospital day and night, and the roads are getting very dusty.
Saturday, 2d.—Reported Yanks have cut railroad between here and Atlanta. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
2nd. Rations of forage and commissary. Marched about 8. Went by the 9th Corps. Maj. Seward, Meeks, Thede and I rode over to Wilcox’s Div. and saw Reeve Spencer. Went up to the line and saw the 60th Ohio. Got popped at twice by sharpshooters, and were careful too. Took dinner with Reeve. Our works [...]
July 2, 1864. We have been taking it easy since the charge. Our shells keep the Rebels stirred up all the time. Sham attacks are also got up twice or three times a day, which must annoy them very much.
JULY 2d.—Hot and dry. A dispatch from Gen. Lee (will be published on Monday) says Gen. Beauregard reports the number of prisoners taken from Wilson’s south side raiding party about 1000, besides the killed and wounded, and several hundred negroes recaptured, 13 guns, many small arms, wagons, etc. It is said the killed and wounded [...]
July, Saturday 2, 1864 We have spent a delightful day, Capt. Barber, Maj. Allen and Lt. Doyle spent the day with us. Robert went to Tupelo with his Papa. Hal’s Bro. Frank was to see us. Mr. Pugh returned from his trip with Nannie, brought Mrs. Galloway and Miss Walington with him, he went on [...]