Wednesday, 30th–Weather pleasant. We broke camp at 8 o’clock and covered only ten miles by the close of the whole day’s march, when we went into bivouac on the banks of the Ogeechee river. We had a bad road, it being almost one continuous swamp. Now and then there was a small farm with a [...]
November 30th.–Clear, and warm as summer. No fires. It is reported that Gen. Hood is still marching North, and is near Nashville. The following telegrams were received this morning: “Augusta, November 29th, 1864.–It is reported, via Savannah, the enemy, with infantry and artillery, entered Millen yesterday. Wheeler is rapidly pursuing Kilpatrick, who retreats in that [...]
November 30th. Very busy since the last date. Preparing to keep comfortable for the coming cold weather. A steam sawmill near town, where we can buy lumber to make our shacks. The government only furnishes tents, so we have to chip in and buy the boards. Our quarters are six feet wide, nine feet long. [...]
30th. Wednesday. Up at 4 and on the road at 5. The most beautiful sunrise from the vast height. A grand view of mountains stretching away for miles in all directions. 2nd Ohio in advance. Reached Moorfield at 10 A. M. Remained till 2 P. M. Returned via northwestern grade. Camped 13 miles from M. [...]
Eight miles east of Summerville, November 30, 1864. Passed through the above named town this morning. All pine woods again to-day. Stopped at the first house I came to this morning and asked the resident, an ashcolored negress, something about the country. She said she’d had the chills and fever so long she didn’t know [...]
Wednesday, 30th.—Federals all gone this morning. Left Columbia at 2 P. M., at Spring Hill at dark. Heavy fighting at Franklin. Confederate loss very heavy. Brigade halted at 9 P. M.; short- time ordered on again; after moving two or three miles, halted again, but in an hour had to move again. (Note: picture is [...]
Tuesday, 29th–We left bivouac at 8 a. m. and marched twenty miles today, going into camp about dark. The Eleventh Iowa acted as rear guard. We had good roads, there being no hills. The country is very flat and heavily timbered and the soil is sandy, mixed with clay. We are on two-fifths rations now, [...]
November 29th.–Clear, and warm as summer almost. Another dispatch from Bragg: “Augusta, November 28th, 1864.–On the 26th instant, the enemy started a heavy cavalry force in this direction, from his main body near Sandersville; Gen. Wheeler promptly following, leaving a portion of his force to confront Sherman. Kilpatrick reached vicinity of Waynesborough yesterday, where Wheeler [...]
29th. Tuesday. Crossed the Big North at Cold Springs Gap. Passed through Wardensville and got dinner and fed. Co. “C.” eight men. Very disagreeable march last night. Beautiful day, mild and delightful. Am happy as a lark in the sunshine. Enemy reported at Moorfield. Went on after half an hour’s rest. God grant us success [...]
Ten miles south of Sevastopol, November 29, 1864. All day in an awful pine forest, hardly broken by fence or clearing. I never saw such a lonesome place. Not a bird, not a sign of animal life, but the shrill notes of the tree frog. Not a twig of undergrowth, and no vegetable life but [...]
Tuesday, 29th.—12 M. Pretty heavy cannonading on right. Reported Cheatham’s and Stewart’s Corps crossed river early this morning and are going round Federals. Late in afternoon Pettus’ Brigade crossed river near town; charged Yanks and drove them back so could put in pontoon. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
Monday, 28th–We started at 7 o’clock this morning, marched fifteen miles, and went into camp at 5 p. m. Our division took up the rear on our march today and we had good roads for marching, with the exception of a small swamp which lay in our path. This is a fine country and there [...]
28th. Monday. In camp all day. Got mustered as 1st Lt. After supper, “General” and “Boots and Saddles” blew. Lay till twelve and then pulled out on back grade and Moorfield Pike.
November 28th.–Calm and warm; clouds and sunshine, without wind. All quiet below. It is reported that one of our picket boats in the James River deserted last night. It is said the crew overpowered the officers and put them ashore, and then the boat rowed down to the enemy. I am informed by Capt. Warner [...]
November 28th.—We dined at Mrs. McCord’s. She is as strong a cordial for broken spirits and failing heart as one could wish. How her strength contrasts with our weakness. Like Doctor Palmer, she strings one up to bear bravely the worst. She has the intellect of a man and the perseverance and endurance of a [...]
November 25th.–Sherman is thundering at Augusta’s very doors. My General was on the wing, somber, and full of care. The girls are merry enough; the staff, who fairly live here, no better. Cassandra, with a black shawl over her head, is chased by the gay crew from sofa to sofa, for she avoids them, being [...]
Old Indian Battle Ground, near Drummond, November 28, 1864. Made a dozen miles to-day through the thickest pine woods I ever saw. There is no white or yellow pine here; it is all pitch. I think the division has been lost nearly all day. We have followed old Indian trails four-fifths of the time. The [...]
Monday, 28th.—Ordered to move at day-light. Federals evacuated Columbia last night. We marched through town; Federals just across Duck River. Brigade moved about two miles to left of railroad bridge. Shelled us nearly all the way, but did no damage. Bridge burning, and Yanks on opposite side of river fortifying. I was sent with detail [...]
Sunday, 27th–We started at 8 o’clock this morning, marched eight miles, and went into camp for the remainder of the day. On our march this forenoon our division, the Third, destroyed ten miles of the railroad east of the Oconee river. The Fifteenth Corps is off on our right about two miles, while the Fourteenth [...]
November 27th.–Cloudy and warmer; slight rain. Nothing from Bragg this morning. Nothing from below the city. When I entered the Secretary’s room this morning, I found him as grave as usual. L. Q. Washington, son of Peter Washington, once a clerk under President Tyler (and he still remains in the United States), and grandson of [...]
27th. Sunday. Brigade inspection in the morning. Officers and men are becoming pretty thoroughly disgusted with Col. Pennington on account of his mean and inconsistent orders. Wrote home.
Sunday, 27th.—Relieved last night by Clayton’s Division; moved round to right. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
Riddlesville, November 27, 1864. Was foraging this morning and supplied the regiment with staples within a mile of camp. Took the road as train guard at 1 a.m. Have had a tedious march over sandy roads and through pine woods for 11 miles. It is too dark to see the town. Have heard no “music” [...]
Saturday, 26th–The weather is cool but quite pleasant. We lay in camp awaiting the completion of the pontoon bridge. At 10 o’clock we began our march and by 3 in the afternoon both corps had crossed the river. The Fifteenth Corps had an engagement with the rebels on the 22d inst. near Macon, and after [...]
November 26, 1864. A very cold morning. Elbert [the negro coachman] has to go to mill this morning, and I shall go with him, fearing that, if he is alone, my mule may be taken from him, for there are still many straggling soldiers about. Mounted in the little wagon, I went, carrying wheat not [...]