September 4, 1864. Received a half official notification to-day that the campaign and fighting are over. Orders to clean up arms came also, and the boys, showing their contempt of the enemy’s power to do harm, took their guns all to pieces and set to polishing the should-be bright parts, right in view of the [...]
(excerpts) MACON, Sept. 4th, 1864. ” . . . I have no news to give you and must confess that things just at present look rather blue. The intelligence that comes from the front is all confused. We know that Hardee attacked the enemy and with his one corps held his position till night, when [...]
SEPTEMBER 4th.—Showery. Atlanta has fallen, and our army has retreated some thirty miles; such is Hood’s dispatch, received last night. The cheering in Grant’s camp yesterday was over that event. We have not had sufficient generalship and enterprise to destroy Sherman’s communications. Some 40,000 landowners, and the owners of slaves, are at their comfortable homes, [...]
Saturday, 3d.—Camped three miles south of McDonough. Am afraid our wounded were captured at Jonesboro. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
September 3d. Routed out very early this morning. On the march by daylight, moving slowly on towards Berryville. Reached the town at noon. Stop for rations. Sharp cannonading to the west, in the direction of Winchester. While waiting, orders came to camp on the west side of the town. Put up our shelter tents. Weather [...]
Saturday, 3d–A report[1] came in today that General Sherman has his headquarters in Atlanta, and that the rebel army is in retreat with our army after them.[2] News came also of the surrender of Fort Morgan at Mobile, Alabama; also that General Grant is shelling Petersburg with fifteen-inch shells. All things are quiet here at [...]
3rd. Saturday. Soon after daylight moved out. Passed through Millwood and White Post, two miles, and returned to M. and camped. Rained. Moseby has gathered up quite a number of our men within a few days.
September 3, 1864. Rebels still here. Congratulatory order from Sherman commences, “Slocum occupied Atlanta yesterday at 11 a.m.” We can see nothing of our position here. I don’t know where the 23d and 14th are. Our line here is very crooked, but generally faces southeast. Commencing at our right our line runs 17th, 15th, 16th [...]
Sep 3 Received letters from Lewis near Atlanta in the trenches. He was overwhelmed with distress at the death of his brother & says he has been confirmed & joined the Church. Bishop Ley is with the Army, Lewis has for some time been seriously impressed & then wavered before he joined the Church. This [...]
SEPTEMBER 3d.—Slight rain in the morning. There is an ugly rumor on the streets to-day—disaster to Gen. Hood, and the fall of Atlanta. I cannot trace it to an authentic source; and, if true, the telegraph operatives must have divulged it. A dispatch from Petersburg states that there is much cheering in Grant’s army for [...]
September, Saturday 3, 1864 Oh misery how warm it has been—heard this morning at the breakfast Table Gen’l Chalmers with his command would be at West Point today, and have watched eagerly to hear news from home, as Maj. Crump is with him, but alas have been sadly disapointed. I am very sad never to [...]
Friday, 2d.—Atlanta has fallen. Started back at daylight in direction of McDonough. Reported Federals charged Hardee’s Corps yesterday, but were driven back at first, but finally massed heavy force in front of Govan’s Brigade, and, after desperate fighting, took part of the works and captured General Govan and good portion of his brigade. (Note: picture [...]
September 2nd. A very pleasant morning. Now wondering why we still remain in the woods. Believe the enemy must be in this vicinity in a strong force. Wrote several letters to friends at home. Later a surprise came when orders came to fall in for pay, the Paymaster having shown up in our camp. Too [...]
Friday, 2d–Cloudy and warm–threatened rain. No news.[1] I wrote two letters today, one to Lewis Elseffer and one to Mrs. Mary Ham, Iowa City, Iowa. [1] On this day John Hilton of Company E was severely wounded in the right side at Lovejoy Station. This was the last day’s fighting in the siege of Atlanta. [...]
2nd. Friday. At daylight fell back. Left the main road. Passed through Kabletown and reached the fortified position 3 miles from C. On picket two miles toward B. Nicely settled down, when ordered to march. Reached B. about midnight. 5th N. Y. had skirmish with pickets.
Six miles south of Jonesboro, September 2, 1864. At daylight our skirmish line moved forward and found the Rebels gone. When our boys reached the railroad a train of cars was just loading some wounded; the boys made for it, but it outran them. They left a number of their wounded, and when the 14th [...]
The following diary entry contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the entry is provided unedited for its historical content and context. I Rejoin My Regiment. Sept. 2. About a week ago my brigade, Gen. Stannard commanding, left the trenches and was ordered into camp at Cobb’s Hill; all [...]
Sep 2d My mind is constantly dwelling on William’s life, his earnest, serious manner when a very little child, we were all riding together & the other boys made so much noise that W. knelt down and said his prayers, which surprised them so much they became quiet.—One day he said to me “Ma don’t [...]
SEPTEMBER 2d.—Bright, and cool, and dry. It is reported that a battle has occurred at Atlanta; but I have seen no official confirmation of it. It is rumored that Gen. McClellan has been nominated by the Chicago Convention for President, and Fernando Wood for Vice-President. There is some interest felt by our people in the [...]
September, Friday 2, 1864 Today has been one of the warmest I ever experienced—Lou and I buisy sewing on her dress—I finished the waiste , Lizzie the skirt and I think we will finish it tomorrow— No news from any point today—Mary Lou joined Lou to entertain relations, Mrs. Reynolds & Mrs. Johnson went to [...]
September 2d.–The battle has been raging at Atlanta,[1] and our fate hanging in the balance. Atlanta, indeed, is gone. Well, that agony is over. Like David, when the child was dead, I will get up from my knees, will wash my face and comb my hair. No hope; we will try to have no fear. [...]
September 1st.—Stayed with Brother I. L. at Brigade Infirmary; got him in ambulance and sent him to Division Infirmary, from which he was sent on South. Our corps going back towards Atlanta. Marched back within six miles of Atlanta; met the sick of militia coming out. Think Atlanta is being evacuated. (Note: picture is of [...]
September 1st. Thursday. A very hot morning. Our regiment relieved from picket. Marched back to our camping place in the woods. A good bath in cold spring water coming out of the ground clear as crystal. There are many fine springs in the Shenandoah Valley. After my bath had a good sleep. Ready to eat [...]
September 1.— –– has this day entered on her duties as clerk in the “Surgeon-General’s Department,” which she obtained with very little trouble on her part. We had always objected to her applying for an office, because we were afraid of the effect of sedentary employment on her health; but now it seems necessary to [...]
Thursday, 1st–It is quite warm. Nothing of importance.[1] The number of men in the hospitals is decreasing rapidly, for so many are going home on furloughs and no more are coming in.[2] [1] On September 1st Crocker’s Iowa Brigade advanced from Jonesboro to Flint creek with the remainder of Sherman’s army. The loss during the [...]