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Diary of William H Smith Co. I
23rd Georgia Infantry
Covering February to December 1864
Notes:
1) Yellow High lighted page
numbers are where each page of
the original Diary starts
2) Words with * asterisks in front of them are
thought to be what is written by the diarist
3) Empty lines ________ are words that can not be
made out, either too bleached or unreadable
4) Word spelling is the same as it is in the
original, including ”+” which stands for
“and”, RR
which stands for Rail Road, the “=” and
“-“ in this
typed version are in the
original.
*
Diary Feb 10th 1864 p1 Tilman
Left James Island as we thought for Savanah, but
after having remained at the depot a few minutes we
received orders to move to Rantowels on the RR 9
miles below
*
Diary 13th February p2
weather very warm and dry, boys ok, tired, part of
the company left on the train at 11 am ¬¬¬¬¬¬______
*find _____ *mill
.
Sunday 14th Feb
Rantowles station S.C.
11 am *started *this day on the trains *bound
*to Savanah Georgia
.
Savanah Ga
Monday Feb 15th
Arrived here a 1 o clock, now expecting to take
the trains for Lake City
.
Valdosta Ga
Tuesday 16th
Arrived last night 11 pm at Valdosta, Lowndes
County, took the *rails in for Florida at 7 am this
morning and *aranged the line about 12 miles distant
an hour by sun and camped
.
Wednesday 17th
Left camps at 2 am and marched to Madison, Madison
County Florida 11 am. Weather very cool. Ladies came
out to see us take the train, left about 1 pm, unit
brought up at Lake City before night where we struck
up camp and remained during the night
.
Thursday 18th
Still at Lake City but expected to go the front
soon. Took the train and went down to _____ _____
______ and camped.
.
Friday 19th
Still in camp, ordered to cook three days
rations
.
Diary February 1864 p3
Saturday 20th
Still in camps, about 12 on we formed Line of
Battle on right of the RR, Yankees reported advancing
and are in a few miles of our line. Remained in line
only a few minutes when we were ordered to the front,
marched down the RR some 3 or 4 miles and engaged the
Yankees on both sides of the RR fought them till
night completely routing them, capturing their
artillery, driving them 2 or 3 miles, no man killed
in Company. Lt Pritchett and 5 or Six men wounded,
returned to camps about 12 at night
.
Sunday 21st
In camps, the Yankees falling back last reported,
they were 18 miles off this morning, the cavalry
captured their hospital with 200 wounded Yankees,
received orders this evening to cook two days rations
and be ready to move at sun rise
.
Monday 22nd
Started at 7 am + marched down the RR 8 or 10
miles to Sanderson, arrived there about 3 pm and
pitched camps, but don’t know whether we will
remain
here long or not, RR tore up down here. Train run
down as far as here with our baggage, remained here
all night
.
February
Tuesday 23rd
Left camp at 8 am and marched down the RR and
camped at St. Marys River, river a very small shed
up
here
.
Wednesday 24th p 4
Left our camps on St. Marys at 12 m and marched to
Baldwin 10 miles and camped. Yankees reported still
falling back towards Jacksonville
.
Thursday 25th
Marched back 3 ½ miles to the rear and camped for
the night
.
Friday 26th
Left camp and marched to Baldwin took the
Jacksonville road and marched down near camp Finegan
and camped, Enemy reported just ahead, we are now
some 20 miles below Olustee, weather fine. Some 10
or
11 miles to Jacksonville, all very quiet, very unlike
war, Finally
.
Saturday 27th
Still in camps this morning, all quiet, no
appearance of an Enemy, though they are reported 3
miles in front. Don’t look much like it here,
the day
is fine, the sun shines pleasant and bright in the
pine forest. Just received news from Lake City that
Lt. Pritchett was dead, said he died Thursday night
25th about 10 or 11 pm. Skirmishing was heard two or
three miles to the front, which turned out to be our
Cavalry Piquetts Engaging those of the enemy, which
they drove back, and quiet again reigned throughout
the camp
.
Sunday 28th p 5
Still in our camps, no sign of Hostilities yet,
everything still and quiet. Not a word of news from
the enemy to day, but suppose they are entrenched
only a short distance in front, but don’t know
what
our Gen intends to do
.
Monday 29th
daylight *had got up early, no news afloat. 59th
AG Vols *came off the train to day, not a word of
news to day, weather warm and clear, reported that
the Cavalry have been six miles to the front and
found no appearance of the Enemy, but suppose that
to
be a haversack dispatch
.
.
Diary March 1864
Tuesday 1st
Still in camp, some regiments of Infantry and some
Artillery went to the front this morning and soon
after we heard Cannonading in front, but it soon
ceased. We got orders to be ready to move at any
moment, not heard a word of news from the front to
day, or from any where else, a dearth for news.
Fine weather and a pleasant breeze, a pleasant
opening of spring down forth, but making an
unpleasant campaign in the prospective, but I hope
I
can stand it, I have stood worse I guess. All packed
and rolled up ready to move, our Cavalry captured
some Yankee p6 prisoners
down about camp Finegan this
morning, it is thought the Yankees are in no force
this side Jacksonville.
Unpacked again don’t suppose we will leave so
fast. It is said that our Cavalry had a sharp fight
with the Enemy below and are driving him back towards
Jacksonville, no particulars yet, after night, the
troops that made the reconnoitre this morning came
in
about 2 miles below here they seared up the Yankees,
and skirmishing with them drove them beyond Cedar
Creek, six miles below, our loss was slight, the
troops engaged on our side was the 21st Ga infantry,
11th S.C. Infty, and some cavalry + artillery
Wednesday 2nd
Rained last night, but I slept dry under my new
Yankee Fly. Still raining a little.
night
Not a word of news to day, report says a fight in N.
Ga is imminent
.
Thursday 3rd
Cold this morning, not a word of news from any
front
.
Friday 4th
Artillery firing heard in the direction of
Jacksonville, suppose from *Fields Div
.
Saturday 5th
No news to day, rained last night
.
Sunday March 6th 1864 p7
Got orders last night to be ready to move to meet
the enemy at any moment, but as yet no more has taken
place. No news from the front this morning
.
Monday 7th
Went on Piquett last night with Capt Boston Lt.
Harris + 50 men, deployed a mile on the RR very cold,
no news to day. Gens Taliaferro + Gardner left on
Spcl train for their respective Commands.
.
Tuesday 8th
All quiet, 17th Ga Band Serenaded Gens Colquitt +
Beauregard last night., each made speeches
.
Wednesday 9th
All quiet no news, moved to Baldwin 7 miles to the
rear of our camps near camp Finegan, for the purpose
of throwing up Breastworks, around Baldwin
.
Thursday 10th
Rained last night, and still continues, no work to
day, very heavy and continued rain with sharp
lightning + thunder
.
Friday 11th
Still blowing and raining this morning, Regt
worked after 12 m to day, the rain having ceased now
a chill to day
.
Saturday 12th
Last night p8 J.W.Underwood
went off with several
others of the Regt, suppose to have deserted, the
right wing of the Regt went on fatigue
at 7 am
.
Sunday 13th
All quiet no news to day, weather warm
.
Monday 14th
In the trenches, no news to day, general
impression that we will be sent to the Army of Tenn.
at an early day. think it very likely myself.
Capt went to look for Deer and fell in the creek +
lost his Spencer rifle
.
Tuesday 15th
Went to get the Capt gun out of the creek, but
failed to get it, seen two Deer, and killed one
squirrel.
.
Wednesday 16th
Working on Breastworks, cold windy weather, got
new pair of shoes
.
Thursday 17th
Sick to day, no news Rgt on fatigue
.
Friday 18th
Moved back to our camps near camp Finegan, to day
on the south side of the RR
.
Saturday 19th
_____ by Gen Beauregard *recd the *inst _____
Atlanta Confederacy to day
.
Sunday 20th
No news, all quiet
.
Monday 21st p9
Drilling to day, no news, dull times, threatening
rain, Rained
.
Tuesday 22nd
Rained all night last night very hard; camps
afloat this morning going to move to a dry camp.
No train nor mail to day. Our new camp is dry. no
news to day, still cloudy at night and a good
prospect for more rain
.
Wednesday 23rd
Cleaned up this morning
.
Thursday 24th
All quiet, been reading to day, The Victim of
Excitement and other Stories by Mrs. Lee Hentz, an
Elegant and Accomplished writer. She.
Cloudy again. Prospect for more rain no
news to day
.
Friday 25th
Rained last night, but cleared to day, very warm,
had a letter from cousin E.S.B. not a particle of
news from the Enemy in front. Drills ordered every
day = most detestably dull, I believe I will die with
Ennui, if I don’t kill time, time will kill me,
so
here goes for a game of =
Capt Patton received a letter from private Jim
Underwood, the deserter, he is at Savanah in prison,
poor fellow, he prays mercy.
.
Saturday 26th
Officers Brig Guard to day, weather fine and warm
no news, dull times countersign - Memphis
.
Sunday 27th p10
Came off Guard this morning – preaching to day
by
27th Ga Chaplain at Dress Parade yesterday evening
an
order read allowing furlows, hope I will be favored
by an offer of one, so mote it be = no
news.
.
Monday March 28th
R.T. Fuller + A.J. Smith left this evening on
furlough for Rome, + RBC Fuller to Savanah after
Wednesday 30th
No news to day quiet + dull
.
Thursday 31st
In status quo
.
April Friday 1st
W.E. Freeman left for home on furlough
Saturday
.
Saturday 2nd
No news dull, Col E.F. Best came in from Richmond
to nite.
.
Monday 4th
J.N. Underwood came in last evening under guard,
cloudy
.
Tuesday 5th
W.J. Hefley came in from hospital at Savanah
.
Wednesday 6th
Sgt A.F. Smith come from Lake City where he had
been since Ocean Pond waiting on the wounds
.
Friday 8th
*Taut day
.
Tuesday 12th
Warm, Prisoners sent off to day
*
Thursday 14th p11
Had orders last night to cook three days rations +
be ready to move at any moment, but no orders came
for us to march.
Capt Patton + Lt. J.A. Smith joined the M E Church
to nite
.
Saturday 16th
Capt Patton + Lt. Smith were baptized yesterday by
immersion, Right wing of the Regt. had orders last
night to go to the front, marched to Camp Finegan by
midnight, this morning came on four or five miles
farther and are now on extreme front,
but all quiet
.
Sunday 17th 1864
_______ all quiet no news went on piquet to the
Double Bridge. Kings Ferry road, can see
the
.
(Page
ends here, looks like some of the pages have
been torn out or lost)
.
Diary April
Friday 29th
Orders *inferred have been countermanded, the
19th + 28th had gone as far as Florence, but were
brought back. We were ordered to Ft. Johnson
yesterday evening, and this morning went the camps
of
the 7th *Ball S.C., Hagoods Brig gone
to N.C.
.
May 8th
Left fort Johnson yesterday morning for the
Steamer and came to N E Depot brought up Regt took
the cars for Wilmington at 12 m I with several others
did not get on and will have to wait till 12 m to
p12morrow Camped
.
Diary May 1864
Monday 9th
Left Charleston at 12 m yesterday and arrived at
Wilmington at 9 o clock this morning where we come
up
with our companies of our Regt. *E + H left
Wilmington at 11 ½ am and ______ Goldsboro
at dark
.
Tuesday 10th
Lay over here last night 13 miles from Goldsboro
Wilson on account of no water for the
Engine
.
Wednesday 11th
Left Wilson at 10 am arrived at Weldon at 2 pm
left Weldon at 4 pm and stopped at the burned bridge,
stayed all night and cooked rations
.
Thursday 12th
Marched 5 miles to stony creek took the cars and
went to Petersburg by 4 pm, drew rations and marched
out 2 miles on Richmond turn pike where we found the
Regt in ditches on the front line
.
Friday 13th
Remained in the ditches last night with a detail
of men, the regt went back to the woods
.
Saturday 14th
Left Petersburg yesterday evening and marched
towards Drurys bluff, having a slight skirmish at
Chester C H to clear the way after night, p13
this
morning towards evening the firing ceased
altogether
.
Monday 16th
No firing scarcely last night, at 8 am this
morning we were aroused from sleep and marched
towards our left and took position near the pike in
the rear of the works as supportive line.
The firing already begun _____ _____ prisoners
taken were alive in the enemy’s works, after
sun up
we were alone still farther to the left and _____ to
the Yankees works _____ _____, but were on the
Enemy’s right which had been _____ Even by Gen
Iverson, soon our Brigade was marched against the
Enemy’s works where we took and held, the firing
was
terrible, but few men killed after we had taken their
works, _____ __ _____ most fighting was done that
day
.
Tuesday 17th
Ascertained this morning that during the night the
Enemy had fell back some miles to his fortification.
Moved up and took position in his front
skirmishing heavy during the evening and night, our
Brigade scattered on the pike as reserves
.
Wednesday 18th
Skirmishing on the front all day no general
engagement, our Brig still on the pike
.
Thursday 19th p14
Early this morning our batteries opened a heavy
cannonade on the Enemy’s position which he did
not
reply to, a few pickett guns this morning, not
marching during the day. At dusk we were moved down
to the works remaining till night, pickett’s
had two
or three little fights during the night.
.
Friday 20th
Considerable firing to day, our troops advanced
our line some distance, the Yankees contending very
stubbornly for the ground, our line however
established are a line of ditches thrown up during
the night, our Brigade was in reserve.
.
Saturday 21st
Very little firing to day, moved out to the front
this evening on extreme left, Gunboats on the river
near by
.
Sunday 22nd
Gunboats threw some shells at our line to day, in
the evening moved to extreme right.
.
Monday 23rd
No firing except occasional pickets, hot still on
the right front
.
Thursday 26th
Enemy made a show of advance on our right flank
but soon retired, all quiet now again
.
Tuesday 31st p15
Left our position on the Appomattox this morning
3 o clock marched to Chester Station, took the cars
for Richmond arrived there in the early of this day,
marched out the Mechanicsville pike several miles,
then by Gains Mills to cold harbor, where we arrived
about dark.
The Cavalry under Fitz Lee had been fighting the
enemy and were giving back, our div. formed on the
same ground which it did nearly two years ago, when
we fought McLellan but facing in the opposite
direction, we did not become engaged that night and
by morning we had a small Earthworks erected.
*
Wednesday June 1st
In the morning all was tolerably still and we were
engaged in improving our position, in front of which
was a large field, in the afternoon however things
began to take a more interesting feature, our scouts
on the far edge of the field were driven in and the
Enemy’s Batteries began a furious fire on us
which
however did little injury,
soon their skirmishers were seen advancing, our
skirmishers were driven on to the main line and their
line was seen to advance into the opposite of the
field and to descend into a ravine, which was 6 or
7
hundred yards in front of our left, but gradually
inclined into our line, finally crossing it on our
right, line after line, thus came into the p16
ravine, massing and screening from our fire,
soon after they emerged from their concealment,
advancing at a run across the open field towards our
line, while our cannon sent charge after charge of
canister into their ranks, and the Infantry made
their Enfields crack again and their ranks melted
beneath so terrible a fire, but others were in
readiness to follow so soon as we had dispatched one
line, another came up which we treated in like
manner, several times this was repeated and as often
as they came we repulsed them,
towards night a portion of Clingmans Brig on the left
of ours gave way and the Enemy came into possession
of our works, and *passing them was on our left and
rear but the 27th + 28th Ga were ordered to the left
and by dark had regained what was lost after a very
severe fight in which they suffered severely.
night closed on a bloody scene, the Enemy’s dead
lay in front of our works by hundreds, our loss was
merely nominal in the works, our Co. was with the
27th + 28th in the fight on the left, J.T. Roberts
had his arm badly shot during the night.
The Enemy had succeeded in throwing up a line of
trenches across the field 4 or 5 hundred yards from
our works
.
Thursday June 2nd
To day sharp firing has been kept up from the
trenches on each side p17
the Enemy is improving his
Ditch and we annoy him as much as possible.
R.L. Corbin was killed to day, shot through the body.
considerable firing was heard farther up on our
left, which turned out to be Gen Ewell driving back
their right wing and capturing a good
many prisoners.
.
Friday June 3rd
This morning early the Enemy began to show Symtoms
of making another assault, sure enough they came on
us again, the attack beginning on our Brigade, but
soon extending along the whole length of our line,
we
repulsed them each charge on a bloodier field then
on
wednesday, R.H. Cousins was killed shot
in the head.
.
Saturday June 4th
morning brought the incessant crack of sharp
shooters Rifle during the night. The Enemy have moved
up nearer and dug a ditch, which is not more then 256
yards from our own, some cannonading this morning on
both sides but do not think it amounted to much.
Capt Gratton was shot in the knee this
morning
.
Saturday June 4th
nothing occurd to day of note, Sharpshooters kept
busy all day, one man killed in Co. F, our lines
remain the same
.
Sunday 5th
Sharpshooting all day, just after night an alarm
took place and a few rounds were fired by the line,
but not amounting to much
Corpl Morris p18
very seriously wounded in the head
.
Monday June 6th
Nothing unusual occurd to day, Samm’l Sexton
was
killed in Co. K, this morning by sharpshooters
from 8 to 10 at night Hostilities were suspended, to
allow the Enemy to bury their dead which remained
between their lines + ours and were smelling very
disagreeable.
.
Tuesday June 7th
Sharpshooting continues in the evening another
flag of truce was sent in and Hostilities ceased, the
Enemy again engaged in burying their dead, the men
on both sides took this opportunity of taking a good
view of each other from the ditches on each side
which near enough to afford a minute inspection, many
men met between the lines, exchanging papers etc.
Three lines of Battle were visible in our front,
all protected by ditches. after dark, we were
relieved in the trenches by Cooks Brig. Heth’s
Div
having been seven days and nights in the ditches, and
sustaining and repulsing two series of assaults on
different days.
we were marched back to the rear on the creek a few
hundred yds below Gains Mills and lay down to take
the rest and sleep which we so much needed
.
Wednesday 8th
Still resting, lines p19
quiet no news from any
quarter. except Hunters occupation of
the upper valley
.
Thursday 9th
lines quiet no news, slight sharpshooting
continues most of the time
.
Friday 10th
had orders last night to be in readiness to move,
but we are still here this morning, but still
expecting to march somewhere, did not leave however
till night, and then we went to our former position
on front
.
Saturday 11th
all quiet as usual some sharpshooting
.
Sunday 12th
very quiet to day
.
Monday 13th
got up this morning and discovered that the
Yankees had gone from our front, sent out skirmishers
a mile but saw no Enemy, their works were formidable
in our front six lines of ditches moved back across
the Chickahominy crossing above McLellan’s Brigade,
moved towards Drury’s Bluff till we struck the
Darbytown road then went the direction of Malvern
Hill camped and slept all night four miles
from here.
.
Tuesday 14th
in the evening we moved back towards the Bluff
Camped on the River Road about one
p20 mile from
the Pontoons
.
Wednesday 15th
left camp and crossed the river above the bluff
and marched to Chester Station and took the cars for
Petersburg, about dark got to P by 11 pm, and marched
out two or three miles S E of the city and
established our line on the right of Hagood in the
woods and thru up ditches.
.
Thursday 16th
Some skirmishing this morning, in the evening the
Enemy advanced his line, which caused some fighting
on our right and left very little with
us
.
Friday 17th
Sharpshooting this morning, on Pickett last night.
feel very dull, nothing of note occured here, some
considerable firing on some parts of the
line
.
Saturday 18th
Last night we evacuated our lines on this part and
moved back half mile, for the purpose of straitening
our lines.
Early this morning, the Enemy discovering the
trenches empty, occupied them amid Cheers & Huzzas
and no doubt thinking we were demoralized, pushed on
after our Skirmishers, who after fighting them as
long as they could fell back to our works and soon
after a line of Battle approached with a yell and mad
a feeble effort to charge p21
our lines, but were
easily repulsed, but they never came close enough for
our fire to have it’s full effect.
In the evening they marched a column of a Regiment
fourth 4 times and advanced in our front, they came
in fine order to within 75 or 100 yds of our works,
when our lines became so heavy, that the column
collapsed and became a confused mess and unable to
stand it, they left the field in perfect disorder,
their dead and wounded were strewn thick over the
field.
fighting on some part of the line was almost
continuous, but heaviest on the right, no results
have been learned yet.
J.F. Smith killed to day just as the 2nd charge
ceased.
*
Sunday June 19th
Heavy Sharpshooting along our lines this morning.
The Enemy succeeded in constructing a Ditch in the
edge of the field last night. 5 or 6 hundred yds from
us here, but closer at some points, they are firing
mortar shells at our lines this morning, I think no
damage here as yet been done by them
*
Monday 20th
Sharpshooting the order of the day, the Enemy
strengthened his works last night.
*
Tuesday 21st
no change to day skirmishing not quite
so heavy
*
Wednesday 22nd
No change to day
*
Thursday 23rd
Situation the same
*
Friday 24th p22
This morning the Enemy’s ditches seem to have
been
evacuated, but a party from Hagoods Brig sent out to
ascertain found plenty of men in their ditches,
things much the same as here to fore.
the force from Hagoods Brig which charged the Enemy’s
works consisted of the 27th S.C.V. many of whom were
captured
*
Saturday 25th
all more quiet to day, very little firing after
night, the Picketts ran in and caused an alarm, but
very little firing was done and that by the Yankees
from their Breastworks.
W. J. Hefley was wounded in the head, in the time of
it, but very seriously it is thought
*
Sunday 26th
Yankees throwing some mortar shells into our lines
this morning, have heard of no damage done by them
as
yet.
went to the city to day.
*
Monday 27th
all very quiet
*
Tuesday 28th
Yankees still mortaring us, we are returning the
courtesy to day
*
Tuesday 28th
nothing worth noting has occurd to day in our
front or rear has their if conception
*
June 1864
Wednesday 29th p23
affairs same as here to fore
*
Thursday 30th
Page wounded just after daylight, not seriously.
Considerable firing occured on our right in front of
Gracies Brig which we learned afterward was
occasional by the Enemy making some demonstrations
toward our lines, there no particulars have been
learned
*
Friday July 1st
was releived in the trenches last night by Martins
Brig, our Regt remained as support
*
Saturday 2nd
relieved last night from our position support by
28th Ga and came back to the edge of the city and
slept in a ravine, firing last night on the line as
is the Enemy were *acquisitive our works, but have
not been yet the occasion of it. learned that firing
was all false alarms
*
Sunday 3rd
Came into the ditches again last night relieving
Gen Hagood’s Brig near the river on the left,
all
very quiet on the lines to day, Yankees firing a few
mortar shells at our lines at intervals
*
Monday 4th
a very quiet day on front, Enemy opened a doz or
more guns on the city for a short time, but soon
ceased again
*
July 1864
Tuesday 5th p24
Gen Martin relieved us last night, we returned to
the ravine near the city, very little firing on front
this morning, warm dry + dusty _____ parched *with
heat
*
Wednesday 6th
relieved Gen Martin last night, all tolerable
quiet. Jno M Smith wounded just after dark by a piece
of shell which shattered his foot causing amputation
just above the ankle
*
Thursday 7th
Some sharpshooting to day nothing unusual
*
Friday 8th
Was relieved in the trenches last night by Gen
Martin and are resting in the ravine near the city
again, in the evening considerable infantry firing
and heavy artillery firing opened on the left near
the river resembling an assault by one party or the
other, but the causes and effects have not transpired
as yet
*
Saturday 9th
The firing yesterday evening was a chase gottin up
by our men to discover the *strength of the Enemy,
no
news to day, still resting
*
Sunday 10th
Very quiet to day, J.N. Underwood left this
evening supposed to be attempted to desert
*
Monday 11th
Came back to the trenches last night p25
on the
Hill at the Ayers House, very quiet this
morning
*
Tuesday 12th
Very hot and dry in the trenches, very little
shelling to day
*
Wednesday 13th
Heavy mortar shelling this morning no body hurt
yet, marvellous accounts of the success of out
troops in Md all rumor, some of it so perhaps, hope
it is
*
Thursday 14th
Was relieved from the trenches last night by
Martin, morning papers say Early has whipped Lew
Wallace at Monacacy Bridge Md capturing Gen Tyler and
Col. Seward and is with in 7 miles of Baltimore on
the rail road between Washington and the latter
place, great luck indeed, feel specialy Lazy this
evening, Yankees not even amusing us with their
mortars, but we may expect some shelling this evening
when it gets cooler, no rumors afloat to day so I
have but little to note in my diary, but no person
will keep a diary except he be crazy which mine will
prove, wind blowing a pleasant breeze but the sun up
to a boiling point, while I write I can hear a
distant Yankee Band playing “God Save the King”
I
suppose they p26 mean Abe
our Christ and King, they
may well call on God to save him for I doubt any body
else can save him if old Jubal A gets
after him right.
*
Friday 15th
was relieved by 27th Ga last night and now resting
in the ravine, no news this morning
*
Saturday 16th
no news to day, heavy artillery firing during the
evening
*
Sunday 17th
Came into the ditches last night, lines quiet this
morning, our highly refined civilized and worst Enemy
seem disposed for once to regain the holy day with
reverence, perhaps bring man in repenting of their
numerous sins and follies
*
Monday 18th
foggy this morning, can’t see 50 yds, Yankee
ditches very still, but for an occasional blind
whistler sent over to impress us with their presence,
I might think the Enemy had left during the night.
Jno Legg visited me yesterday he was very lively
and looking very well.
I still continue to find proof of my insanity it is
bad enough p27 to be troubled
with a bad memory, but
when a man attempts to preserve his thoughts on paper
it is indetestable evidence that he is
crazy
*
Tuesday 19th
nothing of import to day on the lines. Tol Terrell
killed in the evening by a *Sharpshooter
ball
*
Wednesday 20th
relieved last night by Martin, Ditches very muddy,
it having rained yesterday, resting in
usual place
*
Thursday 21st
much cooler since the rain, still resting
*
Friday 22nd
no news to day, all very quiet since last night,
Jisse is still in good health to day
*
July 1864
Saturday 23rd
Came back to the front last night our Regt
remaining as support to the line. Our Co. with two
others in the part on the Hill.
all very quiet in the morning, but in the evening a
smart artillery dud just on our right.
got the express extra this evening giving good
accounts of a success of Hood in Ga. which I hope may
be correct, we are serious looking for
further news
*
Sunday 24th
affairs are as usual, so far as can be
seen
*
Monday 25th
rained last night, Ditches very muddy + sloshy,
clear this morning, Considerable sharp shooting this
morning, p28 in the evening
a very heavy Artillery
duel took place
*
Friday 26th
Came into the front last night relieving the 27th
Ga which had been on 6 days, we will remain six days,
very quiet on the line this morning, infantry firing
heard up towards Richmond this morning
*
Wednesday 27th
firing again heard in the direction of
Richmond
*
Thursday 28th
no change noticed in our front then again it is
said _____ Grants Forces have been moved to the north
side of the James at ______ Station and some of
fighting has taken place to the latter, I have no
particulars, about 6 in the evening we were relieved
in the trenches by one of Martins Regt’s, and
joined
our Brigade which had been in reserve, about dark we
moved around to the right and took the place of
Fields Div., we were in position by 10 o clock at
night
.
Friday 29th
like our new position extremely well, 800 yds to
the Enemys line, no sharpshooting, *targets out all
day and friendly
.
July 1864
Saturday 30th p29
At daylight this morning the Enemy blew up our
works, over to the left where they were occupied by
Elliott’s Brig. killing a number of our men,
but
during the day our men charged the Enemy where they
had taken possession of our works killing and
capturing quite a number,
the artillery firing during the morning
was terrific
.
Sunday 31st
very quiet again this morning and as it is Sunday,
we give the Yankees credit for some respect for the
holy day
.
August 1864
Monday 1st
A truce this morning to allow the Enemy to remove
+ bury their dead which remain between the lines who
were killed in the affair of Saturday, not a gun is
heard, the loss of the Enemy on Saturday is Estimated
at three thousand, our loss eight hundred, of which
a
considerable number of the killed is due the
explosion of the mine.
truce expired at 9 ½ am but the lines are unusually
quiet.
Prisoners Captured report that Gen Grant has several
other mines to spring, but p30
if he has no better
luck with his others, they will not *further him
much, among the prisoners captured was Brig Gen
Bartlett with one wooden leg which he got shot
Saturday, prisoners say Brig Gen Griffin was killed
and his body removed to their lines.
rumors of Early again across the Potomac also rumors
from Ga of a reverse to our arms and of a success,
Sherman retreat across its river and many others, but
no reliable news.
Step Roberts started for Cleveland Co. N.C. to see
his brother with W.T. Hefley’s furlough to be
gone at
most 10 days
.
Tuesday 2nd
Lines very quiet this morning, we were relieved
last night by a portion of Heth’s Div and returned
to
our usual resting bivouac where we are resting to
day, we hear no news of great importance this morning.
report of Gen Stoneman captured at Clinton Ga,
went into the city this evening and bought me a new
pencil, have orders to go on the p31
front to night,
had a sprinkle of rain this evening, which made the
air very cool & pleasant, had preaching by rev
*Mr
Thissen 6th Ga.
.
Wednesday 3rd
On the front again, relieved Gen Martin Brigade,
only half of our regiment on the line, the boys all
rather suspicious of being blown up since Grant has
begun springing his mines, lines quiet as usual some
sharpshooting, day very warm appearance of rain, no
news from home, don’t expect much till the Yankees
are whipped out of Ga. which God grant
may be soon
.
Thursday 4th
had a very quiet night, morning pleasant, nothing
occurd as yet though we are daily looking for affairs
to culminate in something grand explosive, the topic
of day is mining, dirt *augurs & our Sappers
discovered a mine completed almost yesterday on our
right it was 13 feet beneath our ditch and no doubt
about ready to receive the match, they made
preparation for what might come at once, think if we
are energetic and we discover more of their infernal
machines.
Later in the day it was reported that the Yanks
had been even mining under our own Brigade, do not
know p32 that it is so,
but think it likely it may be
so as it is a very favorable point for the business,
being close to their lines and on high ground they
also have an excellent chance to conceal their dirt,
in the evening the Yankees showed *a Artillery on our
line, the same one which killed Terrell
.
Friday 5th
On Pickett last night from midnight til day very
quiet through the night, foggy this morning some
sharpshooting, understand that the rumor about
discovering mines under our works is all gas, they
be
mining but when we discover them I fear it will be
after they are blown out.
Considerable Sharpshooting late in the evening,
Roker of Co. G shot in the arm to day by a minnie
ball, there was a small mine plume in Gaines front
blowing up a Yankee sap considered firing enough
after this
.
Saturday 6th
was relieved by Martins Brig, resting to day, line
very quiet very little fighting of any
kind
.
Sunday 7th
Very quiet this morning, continued quiet all day
Sunday
.
Monday 8th
Last night was the most quiet night which we p33
have had in a long time, very warm to day,
flying rumors that the Yankees are leaving here, late
in the evening very heavy artillery firing on the
left of center, chiefly mortars
.
Tuesday 9th
Came on to line last night relieving Martin’s
Brig, our Regt has position 2nd from the right of the
Brigade. lines very quiet this morn, Capt Patton came
to cook yard this evening so I hear, had a letter
from *bro 11th Ga Anderson Brig they are at New
Market Hieghts 13 miles below Richmond north side of
the river
.
Wednesday 10th
Rained a shower yesterday about dark, quiet cool +
pleasant this morning, lines quiet, about the usual
amount of Sharpshooting Chiefly in front of Gracie
just on our right.
.
Thursday 11th
No news all quiet this morning, Capt Patton came
over this morning, very dull times, there are three
points of interest during each day with us now, first
early in the morning, when the newsboy comes along
the lines shouting, here’s your daily papers,
when
there is a general stir till everyone has endulged
himself in regards to the news.
Second later in the day when the mail come in,
each man thinks he ought to have a letter and is
astor until he is certain there is none for him, and
p34 third, in the evening
when the cooks bring in the
rations, then it is that every man is on hand and
only retires when he has received his days ration of
bread and meat, occasionally Mr. Grant gets up some
excitement in addition to the regular routine, just
for benefit of course, but always to these special
hours is our attention turned, and if it were not for
these, I do not know what we would do, but die of
Ennui.
.
Friday 12th
Came off front last night being relieved by
martins Brig, waked up this morning to hear smart
cannonade on the front mostly mortars, later in the
evening the mortar batteries exchanged courtesies
again.
.
Saturday 13th
Still resting no news, lines quiet, in the evening
Maj Fuller formally orderly Sgt of Co. H. Text 21st
verse of the 5th Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans
that as sin hath reigned unto Death, even so might
grace him through righteousness unto eternal life by
Jesus Christ our Lord, first tells that he belongs
to
the primitive Baptists, must preach the truth
regardless of mens feelings, his duty to preach the
gospel to everyone, but into them, defines the
meaning of p35 the word
reign and the difference
between rain and reign – has since = reigned
unto
Death, what the word says of it – feet swift
to shed
Blood illustrated by the war which was brought about
by sin, by one death came upon all, all are sinners
actual – but the principal was inherited from
Adam,
all are the progeny of Adam, all once had a standing
in Adam, all fell with him so by the obedience of
one, many shall be made righteous – The obedience
of
Christ saves every man – will not preach that
mans
obedience can save him, Christ is the Savior of all.
Adams sin imported to all men – Christ’s
righteousness imported to all – this an article
of
faith with all the Churches illustrate that two
births natural and spiritual – The spiritual
and
eternal life of the Christian commences with the
spiritual birth – Gods Children live the life
of
Christ, Eternal without beginning or end + the Bible
never tells him anything of any of Gods children
unborning themselves – this is Eternal Life that
they
know him, without this Eternal Life, they do not know
God, - the redemption extends only to the children
of
God – In conclusion – tells the sinners
that without
God saves them they are forever p36
lost – that they
are powerless to do anything towards it
.
Sunday 14th
dull to day, took a stroll over the city or what
was once the city it being now not much more than a
ruin
.
Monday 15th
Came into the trenches last night, rained last
evening cool and pleasant this morning our position,
3rd from the right on the Hill, like it very well –
as the sun gets up, the warmth increased it is almost
insuch *portable but now think it will rain again to
day, about 3 pm commenced to rain, one of the hardest
I ever saw, the water flooded the trenches, beat down
the works etc.
.
Tuesday 16th
Still cloudy this morning, Ditches very muddy,
very little firing on the lines, no news to notice
as
yet, had a letter yesterday from O.O.M. at Atlanta
Ga., must answer it to day, if it don’t rain,
feel
very well this morning in high spirits, think
rebeldom will survive 1864
Anxious for news from Atlanta and the Army there –
all depends on operations between Hood n Sherman,
hope Sherman will have to back out from
Atlanta –
.
Wednesday 17th
Mortar Batteries on p37
each side opened last
night, three men of our Regt were wounded by fragment
of shells, rained a slight shower last night which
makes the ditches slippery, cool and cloudy this
morning – had a letter from cous
_ _ _ to day
.
Thursday 18th
Came out of the ditches last night, this morning
at 2 am all of our artillery opened on the Enemy and
in a short time their Batteries replied, and the
reports were terrific, and was continued til near
day, reports early in the morning that the Yankees
had moved out onto the Weldon RR, about 12 m our Brig
was ordered to the right, went down the Weldon RR
about 2 miles below the Lead Mills and formed line
of
Battle, behind some of Heth’s Div who had been
driving the Yankees back and great many of them,
soon the works in our front moved forward to the
left, and we made the front line, the Yankees soon
made a change on us but were easily driven back, with
loss, our line was formed across the RR, desulting
firing was kept up between the Picketts, most of the
evening, after dark we withdrew to the Breastworks
and afterwards went back to our resting
camp
.
Friday 19th p38
waked up this morning and found our Batteries
again at work on the Yankees around the whole line,
the reports of the guns was astounding soon we had
orders to be ready to march, and report said Yankees
were still in possession of the RR and we know what
was up, moved to a point near the RR, we moved to the
left and with Martin’s and Clingman’s Brigs
got in
the rear of the party who were on the RR, attacked
them routing them from their works and captured 2 or
3000 prisoners, the loss of our Brig was light, some
of them were captured, Capt Ferguson mortally
wounded, Lt. *Frost wounded, most of our Co., that
I
know of came back to our resting camps after night
three of our comp missing J G Newt, G W Hefley and
C
H Smith
.
Saturday 20th
Brig went into the Ditches this morning relieving
Ransoms line, rained hard in the evening , no more
news from the right all quiet in that
direction
.
Sunday 21st
Still cloudy this morning heavy cannonading over
on the Weldon RR, small p39
arms if any, cannot be
heard at this distance, think there must be a
determined attack there from one side or the other,
about mid day heavy artillery firing and the infantry
was heard on the line near Appomattox. report says
the Enemy were making another attempt to carry our
works at that front, thinking no doubt that our line
had been weakened then to reinforce our
right
.
Monday 22nd
Very quiet all round this morning, weather cool &
windy no further news from our right this morning,
but suppose the Enemy still held possession of the
Rail Road. had a letter from cousin O.C.M. at Atlanta
yesterday, answered it. Expect to be relieved to go
on the right soon, as this is too nice a place for
Colquitts Brigade long *at a time.
Gen Hagoods Brig report says was badly used up,
captured killed and wounded.
about12 m had orders to move out, soon as Gen Ransoms
Brig came in, we moved out and went to our usual
Leisure Camp. in the evening the 27th + 28th went
over to our front at Ayers House.
.
Tuesday 23rd
Cloudy and looking like it will rain
.
Wednesday 24th
lines quiet, B. W. Tidil came to the company to
day from Hosp. where he has been since he got wounded
at Drurys Bluff
.
Thursday 25th p40
Came into the trenches last night at the Ayers
House, lines quiet, was on Pickett last night 25th
of
August, the Campaign now at a crisis, the Federals
has the Weldon RR. will Gen Lee allow him to remain
on the R.R. or will he make an effort to force him
to
relinquish it. that would be very hard to do, and
would cost many lives, to allow him to remain will
only be giving him control of the R.R. and a more
advantages position for extending his lines still
farther to the left in the direction of the Danville
RR., a few days will probably decide the matter, I
look for war in unabated long war pure and
*undullable to fighting right left and center.
Artillery Infantry and Cavalry, front flank and rear.
war war war and somebody will be hurt --- that is my
horn.
in the evening _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
_____ in the direction of the Weldon RR. and it is
supposed our forces ____ *___ing it to _____ at
that _____ result not yet known
.
Friday 26th
this morning rather foggy and from appearances
would suppose that both sides Expect an attack at
this point Artillery on both sides _____used and
considerable activity maintained out by each party,
p41 morning papers
say nothing of the heavy cannonade
heard on the right yesterday, no accounts of a fight
in that quarter having transpired as yet, but do not
think the affair was very important any way, later
in
the day we had news from the right, we attending the
Enemy near Kearne’s Station capturing over two
thousand prisoners and driving him out of his
breastworks which we hold we also took nine pieces
of *artillery
.
Saturday 27th
rained last night, lines quiet this morning no
news, except a confirmation of the news from Kearnes
Station great talk of an Armistice, North and South
=
papers of late contain little else = Lt. Brooks died
yesterday from the effects of a wound in the head
received in the engagement of the 19th
inst.
.
Sunday 28th
This morning at Daylight the Yankees began firing
small arms at us from their Ditches, and continued
to
fire volley after volley for some time, they seemed
to be of the impression that we were assaulting their
works = we fired but little after that, everything
remained its usual quiet.
.
Monday 29th
to day the great Yankee Democratic convention
meets at Chicago to nominate a candidate
p42 for
President of the United States in opposition to Mr.
Lincoln.
Affairs along the line were all quiet
as usual
.
Tuesday 30th
Regiment was relieved from the hill last night.
this morning came on the at the City Point RR.
relieving 27th Ga, desperate shelling last night,
quiet this morning
.
Wednesday 31st
To day three years since I entered the service,
lines very quiet to day, J.T. Presley came in to day
from the Hosp where he has been since Drurys Bluff
wounded, no news to day of interest, got a late
Northern paper, no nomination made the
29th at Chicago
.
Thursday September 1st
Considerable Artillery firing along the lines this
morning, other wise all quiet as usual, last night
was unusually quiet
.
Friday 2nd
Lines very quiet this morning, no news
Saturday 3rd
Last night there was a general jollification
occasion among the Yankee arms, about 9 or 10 pm a
tremendous cheer arose from their lines near the
Ayers House. the first impression was that there was
an assault making on our lines, cheer after cheer
arose along their line, each was which continued some
time at intervals their p43
Bands played and it is
supposed among us that there was some Extraordinary
good news, the fall of Atlanta, or something else,
we
will hear from it in a short time no doubt, just
after one a cheer *proceeded rousing cheers, when
the noise died away and everything was as quiet as
the sick Chamber. a Reb, on the hill, at the Ayers
House, screamed to the Yankees at the top of his
voice, go to h--l, the peculiar comic turn of this
expression called forth an immense laughter along our
lines, we were all at our post during this unpleasant
burst of Yankee feeling and waited in silence to see
the turn things would take after it ceased, we again
sought our beds of repose forced to usual wakeful
watch, towards day.
our Picket were alarmed and ran in, but their
fears seemed grounded, they were again placed out and
remained quiet til day, it is reported this morning
that it was the capture of Atlanta by Sherman which
caused such a joyous sensation amongst the Yankees
last night and I am of the opinion that there is
grounds to believe the report true, we have no news
in several days, from there only a rumor that a fight
was commenced on the 31st and continued
the next day
.
Sept 1864
Sunday 4th
p44
All very quiet this morning, was on pickett last
night
.
Monday 5th
Very quiet to day, heavy cannonading all of the
lines, unusually heavy on the right, cause not known,
news from the home to day, Atlanta given up Hood at
Lovejoy’s twenty two miles from Atlanta on *Milson
Road. particulars not known
.
Tuesday 6th
was relieved last night by 19th Ga and resting in
ravine between Beantown and the city, Hood safe at
Lovejoy
.
Wednesday 7th
Still resting
Thursday 8th
Came into the ditches relieving 27th Ga
.
Friday 9th
All quiet this morning no news of importance, the
Yankees suppose to be concentrating on the South
Railroad preparation to an advance upon the
Southside RR. we will know soon perhaps
.
Saturday 10th
last night, the Yankees held another nocturnal
jollification, yelling an hour or two.
Anxious to know what they have heard now which so
pleases them
.
Sunday 11th
Very quiet last night and to day, on piquet last
night
.
Monday 12th
quiet again this morning
.
Tuesday 13th p45
Very quiet this morning cool + windy a regular
Autumn day, no news yet to day
.
Wednesday 14th
Enemy commenced shelling city this morn our
Batteries opened on their lines and a tremendous
shelling _______ at noon, all again quiet
.
Thursday 15th
quiet this morning and last night, at about 10 am
our Div came out of the trenches being relieved by
a
Division of Johnson’s we then went around to
the
right on the plank road and camped for the night, it
was said the Enemy were pushing a column towards the
S S RR and had already possession of the plank road
farther down, in the evening it was rumored that they
left the road and were retiring
.
Friday 16th
quiet in this direction this morning, light
skirmishing heard down the road, but no stir at 8 o
clock am
.
Saturday 17th
another day of rest and quiet
.
Sunday 18th
Moved back this morning to the ravine at 11 pm
reservoir water works, quiet this morning went to the
Catholic Church and seen the priest go through his
p46 mysterious course of
worship after which he made
some understandable remarks from which I judged him
to be a man of fine service
.
Monday 19th
quiet this morning we expect to remain here some
days, cooks been ordered in and we will now do our
own cooking and eat some warm victuals
.
Tuesday 20th
Very pleasant resting this morning lines
quiet
.
Wednesday 21st
Just after daylight the Yankees opened their
Batteries on the city and _____ Endured which didn’t
last any however, all again quiet
.
Thursday 22nd
line quiet news from the valley represent Early
Defeated and falling back no particulars given our
loss said to be severe, Gen Rodes + Godwin killed,
the Battle was fought near Wilmington
.
Friday 23rd
quiet cloudy looks like rain this morning
.
Saturday 24th
Cloudy and raining mist this morning, no news,
lines quiet
.
Sunday 25th
Came to the front last night and lay in rear Ditch
as support to the line, quiet cool last
p47 night, fine this morning
Church pleasant, lines
quiet no news
.
Monday 26th
Came back to the *water works last night, all
quiet this morning, was relieved at 4 pm by Gen Lee
our whole Div wing present
.
Tuesday 27th
Quiet this morn Gen ______ has been sent off to
____ + to Kezletown near *I thought, perhaps farther,
we look for heavy operations soon here
.
Wednesday 28th
Came into the trenches this morning = relieving
Gen Bushrod Johnson Div, lines quiet, mery cheering
from all Round Confederacy looking up I hope
Thursday 29th
Johnsons Div came into the trenches about 11 am we
moved out and moved over to Richmond, Depot near
_______ first after dark got on the train and went
to
Rices marched across the James above *Drury and took
a *nap
.
Friday 30th
moved out near Battery Prescott which was an
outwork of ours and had been occupied by the Yankees,
in the evening we made an attempt to storm it but
failed, our Co. lost no men hurt in the
charge
.
Oct 1864
Saturday 1st
p48
Cloudy + raining to day, had a chill went to the
Hosp. Brig Entrenched ______ in front
_____ Harrison
.
Sunday 2nd
Still at Hosp feel better to day, no new move,
some shelling between our Batteries +
Harrison
.
Monday 3rd
At Hospital yet taking quinine, no news ____ and
cloudy and looks like rain, lines quiet as usual, had
another chill to day
.
Tuesday 4th
Cloudy + raining this morning still at Hospital,
lines quiet this morning no special news
.
Oct 1864
Wednesday 5th
All quiet this morning in the vicinity at hosp,
clear this morning, news encouraging from Gen Hancock
*Points, but no special news from anywhere
.
Thursday 6th
All quiet at the Hospital feeling better improved
and will return to the Regiment soon
.
Friday 7th
Brig had orders to move last night, indeed our
whole Div marched nearly all night, over to the p49
Darbytown road. I being sick, did not march with the
troops, and did not get over til this morning
skirmishing with the Enemy began early, Fields Div
being first engaged + capturing a portion of the
Enemy’s line a few hundred horses + prisoners,
ten
pieces Art + C later in the day the same div made an
attempt on another portion of the line but did not
become engaged in the evening, we drew off a mile or
two back and camped
.
Saturday 8th
In camp all quiet not a word of news stirring to
day, cool + windy
*Greensboro
all quiet, still in camp this morning
.
Monday 10th
moved half a mile to the front, near the New
Market road and camped in the works, all
quiet
.
Tuesday 11th
all quiet this morning
.
Wednesday 12th
our Regt with the 6th was moved to the front last
night and filled a gap which was open between the
left of our Div and the right of Fields Div, all p50
quiet this morning cannon heard in the direction of
Petersburg, weather fine, Anxiously awaiting the
results of operations in Ga., the paper intimate that
there is some good news from there but are not
allowed to make it public yet, provoking to be sure.
Between sun down + dark, our Regt and the 6th was
moved back to our camp, and from there the whole
Brigade was moved on to the line on the extreme right
of our Div. was the New Market road and commenced
making Breast works. raining at day
|
