Soldiers History of the 23rd Georgia, in thier words

August 1862

August 3rd 1862 MC letter Richmond, Va. Co. D

Bary & Boswell has both been sick But Bary is up but Boswell ant much better But I hope he will rise in a few days

Mr Reaves got hear a few days ago & I got that letter and was mighty glad to hear from you

Barey sends his Best Respects

August 13th 1862 MC letter Richmond, Va. Co. D

there ant now chance to get furlough now

our Regt is Gone on Picket now I think they will come in to morrow

we had a Rite smart storm hear yesterday of wind But not much Rain

August 22nd 1862 W T letter Orange Court House, Va. Co. C

The Company are generally in pretty fare health we have moved some 80 miles north west of Richmond and aint Settled though we are staying at This Place and has (been) here the last three days though I think we will move in a day or two and move this evening though I don’t no where our Wagons are at Gordonsville 10 miles Back nearer Richmond the Yankees here Lately has been in this Settlement and a Little fight in This Town and one in a ten miles Two _____ ago one 21 miles of and today I saw 65 prisoners taken in the Last fight It seams that they are falling Back from This Section. The Prisoners Tell many tales they say they are fighting for the Stars and Stripes They said a good deal a Bout Abe Rail Splitting and they are as tired of the War as we are and wonder why we Don’t come on there Soil they could fight us as hard again There are Some of them hard Cases and hold they are Right. They generally Say They have quit volunteering Serving and Abe is Drafting They all seam to no Stone wall Jackson and his foot Cavalry

The most of our forces has moved from Richmond here and her a Bout Jackson’s forces and Longstreet’s are in front of us there some Eight Thousand Troops camped in this Town Some thinks we will Be sent to Nashville Tenn. But I think we will go Back near Richmond and I has Just as Soon go any other coarse this is pretty country here and fine people and we are Eating Them out fast But we give them our money The Peninsular is a Low Swampy Pore country and no Place at all in fact I have been over so much of it I don’t what (want) to sea it any more here I can look at the Blue Ridge an mountain and fine farms

See Pretty hard times But are getting use to them I have in my Haver Sack 3 days rationing and It is crackers and a Pound of fat Bacon my gun and Equipments wais 35 to 40 pounds and I may have to tote it 20 miles a and Some Times march all night though I am well and in good Health and when It Rains we take on a marching and we never now one hour where we will Be the next when we are Sorty Stationed we have Some tents

September 1862

Col. Alfred H. Colquitt's Brigade crossed at Cheek's Ford (Mouth of Monocacy, south side);

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay [Sept 4th 1862]

Our march from Richmond to Maryland was a long one and we were all footsore and weary. We waded the Potomac at Leesburg and became the rear of Lee's army, McClellan, who had again been put in command being on the same side of the river following close behind.

September 7th 1862 MC letter Frederick, Md. Co. D

well J Mc Just Got to us to day we have bin marching for 3 weeks we are over in Mari land I don’t now how wee will come out yet

these are Union dead at Gettysburg

this is the kind of site the 23rd would have witnessed across the 2nd Bull Run Battlefield

We missed the Big fight at Manassas which was a hard fight there I saw one awful site on the Battle field of dead and wounded Yankees, Bary and Boswell is both left behind not dangerous

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay

Our division was the last to leave Richmond and was in none of this, but we passed over the Manassas battle field while many of the dead were yet unburied.

September 7th 1862 TPF letter Frederick, Md. Co. E

You be some what surprised to hear from me in Maryland, but we are here. Our Brigade crossed the Potomac night before last. I crossed yesterday morning with the wagons being in charge of them. Part of our forces have advanced 16 or 20 miles into the state.

Gen Jackson’s army is at or beyond Frederick City some 4 or 5 miles from here we are 10 or 12 miles from the River

We have met with no opposition yet but have had some accessions to our forces, some 4 or 5 Companies are said to have Joined us since we crossed and that more are coming

the people generally received us very cordially

the weather is very fine now though rather warm, I am in good health so most of the Company I regret very much to say that Capt Loveless. Lieuts. Ferguson and Kelly are all behind sick. I am detailed with the wagons so that our Co. has no officers of their own, though one is appointed to take charge of them, to day is Sunday and we are resting the first rest we have had in two weeks, we will move on in the morning. I don’t know what direction we will go but I suppose toward Baltimore at least I hope so

to day is Sunday and we are resting the first rest we have had in two weeks, we will move on in the morning

I don’t know when I will have a chance to send my letter back to Orange, as we have no mail from there only as wagons passes and it is 70 or 80 miles.

The picture is at the Hist Soc of Frederick Co. Md

This is Confederate troops heading west on Patrick St. at Market St. in Frederick, Md. July 12,1862

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay Sept 13th 1862

We rested one day at Frederick and continued our march to Hagerstown where went into camp. This was Saturday the 13th of September 1862, and that evening the cavalry reported the enemy not far away.

September 14th thru 17th 1862 From Heroes and Martyrs of Georgia, in the words of, Col. James H Huggins & Maj. William Barclay

The next active service performed by the regiment, was during the world renowned campaign into the state of Maryland.

The march was executed without any incident connected with the regiment worthy of notice, until the Battle of South Mountain, or as it is perhaps equally called, the Battle of Boonsboro, at which place the Twenty-third Georgia acted a very conspicuous part.

It held a very important position on the left of the turnpike, where it winds through a pass in the mountains, against very heavy odds, and inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy.

This position was held in the face of an overpowering foe, when our ammunition was so nearly exhausted that we could only keep up a show of fight by an irregular, scattering fire.

As evidence of the heat of the engagement, the loss of this gallant regiment, amounting to ninety men killed and wounded, out of three hundred carried into action, will sufficiently testify.

In this fight at least seventy thousand Yankees were beaten back and kept back for many hours by major General D.H. Hill’s Division alone.

.. After the death of Colonel Barclay, Lieutenant Colonel Best was promoted to the rank of Colonel, Major Huggins to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain M.R. Ballenger to Major. All of these officers having been wounded, the command of the regiment devolved upon a captain for several months, during which time the regiment marched with the army from the Potomac near Shepherdstown, to Fredericksburg, the men suffering extraordinary privations upon the march, which was almost equal to the horrid retreat from Yorktown.

Many of the men without a murmur, walked barefoot through the snow for days, until they were ordered by General D.H. Hill to make and wear raw hide moccasins, to which however they were very much opposed, as they were exceedingly uncomfortable

Following is first hand information from witnesses describing South Mountain at Col. E.F. Best’s Court Martial

September 14th 1862

Capt. J.P. Patton

there was a detachment of the Companies of my regiment under command of [Lt. Col. Emory F Best]. My Company was one of the companies of that detachment, the detachment went up the mountain to support a battery about the time in (that is the detachment) got up on the mountain where the battery was, the bullets of the enemy “were coming pretty thick” We were then scattered about a good deal. It was a very warm place, and the men broke ranks, but did not go off very far, but sheltered themselves

When in first went up the mountain to the battery I seen [Colonel Best]within about twenty yards of it. The enemy was firing pretty terribly upon the battery at that time. Perhaps fifteen minutes afterwards, I again seen [Colonel Best]he was then near me. This was after the ranks was broken. As soon as we got on the ground in range of the Yankee Sharp Shooters, our men became scattered. The accused came up to where several of us men were standing and lying down, scattering our men behind rocks etc. This was right at the battery about fifteen yards right behind it. [Colonel Best]then ordered us back, and we started back to the Regiment. We got back about half way (We had been about a mile from the Regiment) when we met.

Genl Longstreet and our Adjutant General. [Colonel Best]was present with us. [Colonel Best]was ordered by that officer to take his detachment back on the ____ of the Mountain “where we had first left” The officer told the accused that it was by order of Genl Longstreet for him to go back to the place I have spoken of. At that time our detachment was a little to one side of the road having given way for a Brigade which was passing.

The road was full of troops. I was with the detachment. Long afterwards either the same or another officer came up and said something to [Colonel Best]to which [Colonel Best]replied that he was ordered to report to his Regiment. This was to the best of my recollection, but a very few minutes after the first appearance of the staff – officers as mentioned.

On the Mountain, I saw no courier or staff officers having any orders to [Colonel Best]nor did I have any during the march back towards the Regiment except as I have stated. The detachment then went back to the Regiment.

I saw Colonel Barclay and [Colonel Best]together some fifteen minutes after the return of the detachment to the Regiment, but I heard no conversation between them.

The battery on the Mountain fell back before our detachment. When we fell back, the detachment was not in very good order, but we were in ranks.

I do not know what battery the accused as ordered to support at South Mountain, that is I don’t know the name of it. I don’t remember that [Colonel Best]gave orders to the detachment when we came to it, while supporting the battery at South Mountain. I think the entire command was sheltered while near that battery. The Commanding Officers of the battery and his detachment were right in front of us. I think some of them were sheltered. The men of our detachment were more scattered then usual in action; but I don’t suppose they were so much as not be under control of [Colonel Best]or their immoderate commanders. Company E was more scattered then any of the rest. I can not say whether the officer who presumably commanded that company during the Maryland campaign was efficient or inefficient. I do not know who commanded it at South Mountain. I did not see Genl D.H. Hill while the detachment was at the battery.

[Colonel Best]had the ______ control of the detachment at the time it halted by the side of the road as stated. There was no part of the detachment deployed as skirmishers.

On our retreat over the mountain, as far as I know I remember that he gave a call in of the battery as had been supporting, _______ and that some of the detachment were away in turning it to fight at the place where I have stated our detachment halted by the road side. I think the enemy was concealed. I could not see them.

Lieut. A. Worley Co. E

I was with the detachment of four companies of my Regiment sent under command of [Colonel Best], then the Lt. Colonel of the Regiment;

On the 14th of September 1862 at South Mountain, up to the top of the Mountain to support a battery there.

This was about a half a mile from our Regiment. It was I think a little after 12 o’clock in the day when we started from the regiment. We got to the top of the mountain and formed in line, and were ordered to lie down, some twenty yards in rear of the battery. We were under a pretty considerable fire of musketry, but none of artillery then. A very short time after we got there the battery limbered up and retreated. Our battery detachment ______ some three or five minutes, after the battery moved ; when Capt. Patton about faced us, and marched us down the mountain in retreat.

About the time the detachment got to its position on the top of the mountain and lay down. we had marched down the mountain in retreat some sixty or seventy yards,

My Company did not scatter to take shelter. Officers and men lay down but they had nothing to shelter them. They down in line of Battle. There was some scattering growth some severely there where my Company was. On the left of the growth was perhaps thicker, and at some distance from the left there were tall rocks. until [Colonel Best]repositioned the command in the retreat, as stable. After we got some seventy of eighty yards from our position on the mountain, we came to when a caisson was turned over, and we halted until it was “righted up”. Which then “Longstreet’s men” came up, and the officer in command asked for the officer in commanding our detachment, and gave [Colonel Best] orders that we should go to the front with them.

We did not go to the front but went back to our Regiment. I was wounded at South Mountain.

My opinion is that my Company was not scattered on the top of the Mountain, at South Mountain. That they were in regular line after they got on the mountain. While on the mountain, Capt. Patton’s Company was on the right, mine next, I think Capt. Steel’s was on the extreme left. I don’t remember what other Company was with us. I did not see the commanding officer of the battery to know him. I saw Genl. Hill

When we retreated, we were first about = faced and marched off in line of battle. I did not know there was any line of skirmishers behind us on the retreat from the top of the mountain. I think the right of the detachment was right about opposite the battery. The detachment did not occupy but our position that I know of while we were on the mountain.

Capt. R.N. Groves Co. B

we were lying down on the top of the mountain

We marched down the Mountain, some eighty or one hundred yards to where a caisson was turned over in the road. We then met some of Genl. Longstreet’s command. At that place an officer told [Colonel Best] to fall in with the detachment at the head of the Brigade. The officer had asked [Colonel Best] about the detachment before, and [Colonel Best] had told him that we had been sent up to support battery “and how it was” other Officers ordering [Colonel Best] to fall in with “the Brigade” [Colonel Best] said that he had orders from Genl. Hill to return to his Regiment. I don’t recollect that the Officers said anything in reply.

Lieut. J.R. Pritchitt Co. I

I was with the detachment under [Colonel Best] at South Mountain. [Colonel Best] with the detachment was on the top of the Mountain. The orders have been given to lie down. The men and some, but not all of the officers were lying down.

[Colonel Best] when he came up ordered the detachment back. We met an aid to Genl Longstreet, who ordered [Colonel Best] to take his detachment back to the top of the mountain

Lieut. M.A. Collins Co. E

At South Mountain

When the detachment was marched up, up on the Mountain, we had orders to lie down, by [Colonel Best].

When the detachment first got there, a part of it was exposed, and the other part was protected by the crest of the mountain. Afterwards the exposed position was ordered to fall back, and took shelter behind some rocks.

Serg. D.C. Roberts Co. I

I was with the detachment at South Mountain. [Col Best] marched us up to the top of the mountain, and went to the officer Commanding the battery. He then came back, and marched the detachment farther forward. There the detachment lay down.

While we were lying down, [Col Best]came up and lay down behind my Company. I am certain I noticed him there one time.

Priv. W.H.T. Lewis Co. D

I was at the Battle of Sharpsburg, I was wounded at the third halt of the Regiment. Just before I was wounded, [Col Best] and Col. Barclay passed over the line, and went toward the right, I was on the left.

Lieut. T.T. Moss Co. G

At Sharpsburg Capt. Sharp was the third Senior Captain of the Regiment. His Company was the third Company from the right, and the right Company was skirmishing.

sunken road and stone wall at South Mountain

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay [Sept 14th 1862]

Next morning, Sunday the 14th, we marched back a few miles to South Mountain, formed line of battle and waited the coming of McClellan's advance. About 3 o' clock in the evening the pickets began firing, the position of the 23rd Geo. Was about half way down the mountain to the left of the road, seven companies of which were behind a rock fence and the other three companies D.E. & B, exposed, my company B. one of them. The Yankees advanced in great force, and seemingly with much assurance. For a while we three companies made it as warm as possible for them, but soon we were shot out. In fifteen minutes with 32 men in my company, 23 were killed and wounded, five dead on the field. The other companies, D & E, suffered in about the same ratio. I have never been able to account for my escape. We were lying flat on the ground and upon our knees to shoot. Sergent Price by whose side I was lying, and who is now, if living, a Baptist preacher, in North Georgia, received several wounds, and a man on my right was shot in the forehead, fell dead across me. When my company was shot out, I got behind a big rock which was in line with the regiment behind the rock fence and there I found Lt. Steel of Company D. We were lying side by side looking at the blaze of fire from the men behind the rick fence and listening to the hurrahs of the Yankees who made charge after charge when an occasional bullet came up the line our way. Lt. Steel remarked, "They have flanked the regiment on their right and we will be captured". I told him I thought not or hoped not, when just then I heard the dull thud of the bullet that hit him, and he said "I am killed". He never moved, and the bullet that hit him, must have entered his heart. It must have gone over me or under me for I was nearest the direction from whence it came.

.. This battle, much of it, was at night, as late as 9 o' clock it must have lasted. The regiment behind the rock fence were about out of ammunition, and fortunately about this time the Yankees ceased firing. Our troops away to the right were giving away and word was passed up the line to quietly slip away which the men did, and the regiment escaped capture. The loss here to the regiment was confined principally to the three companies. Away to our right we suffered considerably, losing many men and officers, and among the latter, my brother, E.S. Barclay, Lt. Col. Phillips, Geo. Legion who was seriously wounded, and though he lived a year or so thereafter, never recovered.

.. The enemy, some of our men said who were wounded and captured said the Yankees loss in front of the rock wall was about 300 killed, including the Federal General Reneau.

This is Main through the village of Sharpsburg, Maryland the 23rd marched through after South Mt.

.. All that Sunday night we marched, passing through the village of Sharpsburg and went into camps on the banks of the Potomac.

.. After the close calls I had in this battle, it would seem I never should have been scared thereafter, but such was not the case.

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay [Sept 16th 1862]

.. We remained in this camp until Tuesday morning when we went back towards Sharpsburg and took up our position in line of battle.

.. All day long the armies were gathering in position and there we stood until about 4 o' clock in the evening, when there was a little skirmishing all along the line at places, but no serious fighting. As night came on, our regiment fell back a 100 yards from the brow of the hill upon which we had stood and lay down in an old road. We all knew and felt there was bloody work for tomorrow.

Remains of the Mumma's House, that burned by Confederates to deny Union Sharpshooters a position

Mumma's barn

This is the remains of the burning barn the 23rd hurried past a little to their left

Reminiscences of Hugh W Barclay

Brother William passed about among the men and I heard him say "The man who survives tomorrow, will never forget the day", and with me it has been true, for never since has the 17th of September come and gone, and I have forgotten it or the memory of the great battle of that day. Both armies ready just at the break of day the battle commenced.

Our regiment was hurried a little way to our left, passing a burning barn and in the yard were dead men, hogs, turkeys, and so on, killed in a skirmish in the evening before; the sight was awful. In a hurry, double quick, a little farther on we fronted towards the enemy and were ordered to charge. With our faces to the enemy and the rebel yell we went for them, three columns deep to our one.

At every discharge of our guns I could see great gaps in their lines, but they would close up. It was terrible fighting. When in about thirty steps of their lines, our men began to waver. It was more then mortal man could stand and they were at least three to one. It was just then that Sergeant Roberts of Floyd County cried out the Colonel was killed. It seems to me now I was so near that I just turned around, and there he lay dead. By this time our men were falling back, turning occasionally and shooting. Sergeant Roberts caught hold of his shoulders and I of his feet to bring him out, when Lt. Prichett came to our relief and caught hold with Roberts when a bullet went through his dead body and wounded Prichett. Roberts and myself then carried him a short distance and laid him down near a little clump of bushes, in an old about which was a little pile of rocks. The Yankees all about, we ran to keep from being captured. I have wished many times since, I had lain down by his side and been captured, but we don't know what we would do under such circumstances.

The enemy drove us back that day some distance, and if he was buried, they or some citizens did it. Had one of our wings given way that day, the Potomac river, just in our rear, Lee's army would have been in a bad fix, but it may be called a drawn battle.

This is The Battle of Antietam, the only known photo of a civil war battle in progress

Following is first hand information from witnesses describing the Battle of Sharpsburg at Col. E.F. Best’s Court Martial

September 17th 1862

Sharpsburg

Lieut. B.B. Moore Co. K

In the Battle of Sharpsburg, I think the 17th of September 1862, Barclay being in command. When I saw the accused, our Regiment had been advancing but had rather halted, had stopped at that time, a good many of the men lying down, some of them engaged and firing Col. Barclay was killed in the Battle of Sharpsburg.

I heard an order to advance. My company was on the extreme right of the Regiment. The Regiment advanced about one hundred yards after this, and was engaged about a half hour. The Regiment then fell back.

.. I heard no orders from any one to the Regiment, and no one seemed to be in command of it.

The Major was not in the battle

the 27th Geo regt. was on our right. Col. Colquitt (I think he was their Colonel) Commanded the Brigade. Col. Smith’s left was only few steps from our right. When the Regiment fell back, I started back with my Company. The Regiment was falling back, before I knew anything of it. I was wounded while the Regiment was falling back,

Private W.M. Bishop Co. G

During the Battle of Sharpsburg, my Regiment was advancing when the colors having got farther ahead than the left, there was some little confusion and the Regiment halted. We were in a cornfield, the fire of the enemy was very heavy.

The colors as well as I could judge was about seventy five yards ahead. The colors having moved more rapidly then the left. The right had moved on with the colors. I was with the left wing. It was when we halted and commenced.

At this time Col. Barclay walked up to the left and called to us of the left “Forward men, Forward”, and we moved up and came in line with the right wing.

I am certain that Col. Barclay gave the order. I do not know _____ at what state of the fight he was killed I did not see him after the advance of the left. After a while our Regiment fell back mabe a mile, and then reformed and Capt. Boston, Senior Captain present, took Command of the Regiment.

An officer, I think a Captain or lieutenant of some other Regiment passed near our left just before we advanced to support the right; and asked “What is the manor that the left is not following the colors”. It was there that Col. Barclay gave the order mentioned. There was right “smart confusion in the Regiment.

I think the 27th Geo. was on our right and that the 13th Ala was on our left, but I am not certain.

Capt. W.J. Boston Co. A

.. The next morning there were only about thirty some men that could be got together as the Regiment. I took command of them that morning. No one had been in command from the time of the fight to that time. [Col Best] was officially reported “Missing in action”, as well as I remember. I reported it. It was known that he was wounded

Priv. Drewry M. Sosebee Co. E.

At Sharpsburg, the Regiment in advancing upon a high fence into an open field, and then halted and formed. We went on from there some thirty or forty yards, and we halted again. [Col Best] was to the left of the Colors I think my Company was next to the Color Company.

He was standing up, and the Regiment was lying down having gave orders to do so. When we advanced from that point I saw Capt. Gratton Col. Colquitt’s Adjutant, pass along the lines. I heard Capt. Gratton inquired for Col. Barclay. He was on the left of the Regiment. This was before Col. Barclay was killed. Capt. Gratton told [Col Best] that the orders to “Forward”. He told them to “Forward” two or three times, before they started. They then were twenty or thirty yards further

Private Russell Bryant Co. E

I was in the battle of Sharpsburg. [Col Best] went right on behind my Company from the field where the Regiment lay the night before the Battle. He stayed close behind the Company until Col. Barclay told him to go to the right of the Regiment. This was after we crossed the high fence and formed and advanced, and halted, and started again. A few minutes afterwards I was wounded.

while we were marching I think it was about a hundred yards from the high fence that we halted; but I was fighting so that I don’t know much about the distance.

September 1862 War Record of Samuel Tate Hammontree Co. E

We must have many hardships and tiresome marching around Harpers Ferry

September 1862 War Record of Samuel Tate Hammontree Co. E, only time I could find them where they would have fought along the Potomac River Sept 1864

I fought all day along the Potomac River and we had to wade it three times in one night when our clothes would freeze in a moment after we were out

Reminiscences of Hugh W Barclay(Sept 18 1862)

Next day, Thursday, we stood all day in line of battle, confronting each other, both armies seemingly having enough; Lee in the meantime, getting his trains across the Potomac.

Our loss in this battle was very heavy, Captains came out in command of regiments and Sergeants in command of companies. We had more straglers here then we had in all the war before. It had been a constant march and fight since leaving Richmond, many were barefooted and ragged, while all were worn out, dirty and lousy, yet we laughed.

Our miserable condition seemed to furnish a source of amusement. I, myself contributed no little to the fun. I had a pair of shoes from which the soles had taken their departure, and walking along, the uppers would climb up my legs and at this they would laugh and make remarks.

Anything out of the ordinary that would make us laugh was a blessing, and there was always some fellow that had ready the appropriate word to show it up in the right way.

Reminiscences of Hugh W Barclay (Sept 19 1862)

We crossed over into Virginia at Shepardstown about 2 o'clock Friday morning and the water of the Potomac was rather cool to be pleasant. The Yankees followed in the morning, some of them crossing the river where A.P. Hill lying in wait, it is said, about filled the river with their dead.

Our army, after Sharpsburg rested a while near Winchester, cleaned up as much as we could, and supplied our numerous wants as much as possible. I got a pair of boots there from a returned soldier, for which I paid $50.00, but many of the men were as good as shoeless.

October 1862

October 5th 1862 MC letter Bunker Hill, Va. Co. D

I can say to you the Best friend I had in this army was killed that Col Wm Barkley

Grandeson Mass cooks for us and I sleep with him and dock Talley

I can say to you that we have had a powerful time we have lost a grate many of our boys I will give you there names or as many as I can think of James Steel was killed and John Thomas Columbus Jones and one of the Clonigers But Bradley and Silvers now I will give you the missing that wee lost now But what was killed and V H Hilloms and James Long is dead now comes the missing the first one Frank Bailey GW Davis one of Mose Jones Boys this is all that I can think of now

Now I will give you the wounded M.A. Collins hand mashed G.C. West head and E.H. Davis now in Thy J.M. Camp in the thy Wm Stakes in the Bowels J.A. Roland in the thy W.H.T. Lowis in the side slightly and our Col killed, Lieu Col wounded and taken prisoner Major wounded in the leg and gone home

I can say to you that Bary has come to the Regt and is lot bet well I was mighty Glad that he was with us in the fight for it was Bad enough as it was

October 21st 1862 MC letter Camp Richmond Va.

Dock Talley is going to start home in the morning

November 1862

November 16th 1862 MC letter Strausburg, Va. Co. D

we have been running Round and Round all the time

Lieut. Gleven staid at home so long that he was dropped from the Rolls which pangs him vary much he is trying fix it up, but I think he wont get it fixed and if he don’t I am running for Lieuts place and I think I will get it but I don’t now

it takes nearly all that I can do now to keep me going for wee cant draw enough provisions to live on wee have to buy

December 1862

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay Prior to [Dec 13th 1862]

The Yankee army having also rested were now on the road to Richmond by the way of Fredericksburg under command of Gen. Burnsides. Our army moved, and travelling in almost parallel lines, it was a race who should get first to Fredericksburg.

The weather was cold, the ground frozen, the men not too well clothed, and many of them barefoot. It was awful.

One night on the march, Gen. Hill issued an order that the sergeants of the various companies should go wether the beeves were being slaughtered, and get their compliment of the hides, that the barefoot men should make their shoes and if any soldier was found out of his place next day and not in line, the commanding officer would be put under arrest. It was late at night when we went into camp, and the men without eating, fell upon the ground and were soon asleep. I managed, however, to arouse the sergeant who went for the hides and after his return, proceeded to awake the boys which I found a difficult matter. I told the consequences as it affected myself but they would turn over, grunt and say, "Lt. we will keep up", and again fall asleep. One or two got up and worked all night at the job. Strips for strings were cut from the hide, when enough of the hides was cut out to cover the foot, the hairy side inside, and then sewed up. Next morning standing by the fire, the hide would commence to draw up, and there was more fun. The new kind of shoe was a signal failure, when in contact with water or fire. The next day when one of these wet would fall from the foot, the soldiers bowing their heads, would pass it around and bawl like you have seen cattle when one of their number was slain. It was lots of fun and while the shoes were of no account, it was really a benefit.

.. Gen. Hill had his aids at different points along the road, and when a man was found not in his place, his name, company and regiment was demanded. That night I was ordered to report to Gen. Hills headquarters, going there I found about 60 officers, Captains and Lts., who were told to march in rear of their companies until further orders.

In a few days we were at Fredericksburg, the Yankees about the same time, but who went into camps among the hills across the river from the city.

.. Our division went into camp near Hamiltons Crossing and there was a general order releasing us from arrest before the battle of the 13th of December when Burnsides right wing was almost annihilated. We were on the right of our army, and of course was not much in this fight.

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay [Dec 14th & 15th 1862]

On the fourteenth, the next day after the battle, all day long we confronted Franklins corps who stood in line, but not a gun was fired, and next morning, there was not a Yankee this side of the Rappahannock.

December 18th 1862 MC letter Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. Co. D

we have Bin in another fight and coming out safe But wee did get in the fight for they Yankees run before we Got there But we have had a hard time for we march day and night Cold and hot and when we do stop we lie like dogs around our fire and the whether is mighty cold hear we have had rite smart ground hear and has bin for several days

Talley has got Back and he left our clothes and we haven’t heard from him since he come and I suffered that we won’t get them

I think that wee will draw in a few days

Barey went to the hospital this morning he is sick and pretty Bad off and I am vary uneasy about him, but I hope wee will Bee better soon

there is grate talk of us going N.C. in a short time and I hope wee will for I am tired of this Country for I had bin hear sow long that I wont to leave hear

tell Mrs. Ives that L.S. well

December 19th 1862 TPF letter Camp below Fredericksburg, Va. Co. E

Well as you have perhaps learned before this reaches that the Yankees have again been beaten by the Rebels; I know you have all been very anxious to hear the results of this great fight, as all Expected it would certainly come on; One hard days fighting was however done though our Division was not engaged; notwithstanding they were on the front line Monday Morning the 15th just when a general attack was Expected to be made. At day light it was found that the Yankees had all or nearly all crossed over the River; that they did not intend to give us battle here; our regiment was ready the boys were all at their posts; and had determined to meet the enemy boldly I know they would have done I; But when it was found that the enemy had give back; a thrill of Joy seemed to run through every heart; and a yell such as I hardly ever heard ran through of our noble and gallant army upon the reception of the news: I am confident if they had fought us, we Should have whipped desperately; but would necessarily have lost many good men; as it is we have a Complete victory over them, but I hear this evening that they are again crossing the River and we doubtless may have to meet them again, if we do I am satisfied we shall give them a good brushing

James Roach to day received his discharge will start home day after tomorrow

The boys are generally in very good health and doing finely

December 28th 1862 MC letter Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. Co. D

I had a vary dull Christmas for wee was on Picket that day though wee got some bounty at seven dollars

I haven’t heard from Bary since he went to the hospital, But I hope I will soon, I feel mighty lost since he left for he had been piney for some time and I have to be looking after him But I did not think hard of it

we have the small pock in our company Wm Sta_d is the man that has the small pock and I expect that we will all have them But I had it put in my arm and it had a good affect I don’t now whether it still doing good or not but I hope it will

we have had some vary cold weather hear but this is awfully perty day

January 1863

January 7th 1863 MC letter Camp Fredericksburg, Va.

I also received them close that you sent by Talley and was vary glad get them

Bary ain’t hear, for he is at the hospital yet I haven’t heard from him since he left and I am mighty uneasy about him

Bill staid all night with me a few nights ago and he said that he was going home in a few days and he said that he would hunt for Bary and Rite to me

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay [Winter 1862/3]

We made ourselves as comfortable as we could for the winter, drilled some, stood camp guard, made details to watch the Yankees and played snowball patiently awaiting the coming of warm weather, and the drying up of the roads.

.. When idle, soldiers became restless and something must always be doing. Where the enemy would try to cross the river, whether above or below the city was always the question and all that winter we had pickets up and down the river for miles.

.. One bright moonshine night I was out with a squad of pickets overlooking the river, snow on the ground, the wind blowing a gale and bitter cold. We had gone into a kind of depression in the ground to protect ourselves from the wind, when along came General Jackson, who seeing our view of the other side of the river was all right, rode away. I can shut my eyes and see him yet. Here we were until May

January19th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

it is likely they were in winter quarters near Fredericksburg, Va.

at this time I would be improper here to relate the condition of our Army at this time. The Confederate Army at this place numbered about 120 thousand men, who were encamped or rather posted on a line of defense 28 miles in length, i. e. from Port Royal to Culpepper along the Rappahannock River . besides scouting parties for miles in each direction who were daily skirmishing with Federal Cavalry.

.. Our Army were well clothed and shod at this time and also received a reasonable allowment of rations, the troops were generally in good health and all in the finest of spirits and willing to meet the enemy at any time when they were called upon so to do – But there was one thing we lacked which were badly needed and that were tents, the weather was cold and disagreeable and we had to take it soldier fashion just like I did and a host of people only we could build large fires and stand around them when we were not on active duty. There was only their narrow stream off 150 to 200 yards wide which separated us from the enemy who were strongly entrenched on the opposite bank of the River but there were no picket firing going on and we were permitted to talk to our enemies at our leisure, there force at this place was much stronger then ours, about this time General Joe Hooker taken command of the Army of the Potomac.

January 20th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

The Yankee Balloon was raised for the first time since the Fredericksburg fight which caused us to suspect that an engagement was soon to take place

January 21st 1863 WLF diary Co. K

our Quarter Master, having awakened to his Duty and brought in our money we drawn 6 months wages today, besides some of us who have been absent for some time drawn much more I received $156.00 Dollars wages and fifty dollars bounty

January 25th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

We all having money plenty and nothing to do we spent a great portion of our time in foraging through the country and going to Guinea Station which was our nearest market and in a few days were all out of money

January 26th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Cannonading was heard very heavy at a distance off. Continual skirmishing was going on among the Cavalry and the Yankees had been selecting a place to lay a Pontoon Bridge which made us think we had something on hand to do, we cooked up Rations but no fight

February 1863

February 16th 1863 MC letter camp near Fredericksburg, Va. Co. D

Talley is to pay me to take care of his horse for him

there is some talk of peace hear now But I don’t believe one word of it I had rather think there would Bee a fight soon then to think there would Bee peace sow much for that

I will rite a few lines more for the cannons is roaring over on the river and we may have to go there soon to meet them I fear wee will I think the chance is good for a fight for wee have Bin still too long and doing too well

February 19th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

The snow melted fast. Some rain and mud from zone 7

February 20th 1863 WLF diary Co. k

We having got tired of cooking out of doors and coming to the conclusion that the best was as good as any, we laid today and built little chimneys to our tents which proved to be a cash piece of work

February 21st 1863 WLF diary Co. K

All reports from the front were very favorable which kept us in good heart the Yankees kept on their own side of Jordan, very well at present

February 22nd 1863 WLF diary Co. K

There fell today the deepest snow I ever witnessed at dark. It would average 2 feet deep

February 22nd 1863 TPF letter Co. E Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.

The boys are generally all well in the Company, Capt Loveless is well and speaks of resigning and going home I think there will be some chances for me when Lieut. Ferguson and Kelly both get back if there is no fight expected. The Yankees are now near all gone from hear some gone to Washington City, and others to Suffolk below Richmond, I do hope they will remain quiet another month as the weather is so bad to think of marching now. The boys are generally all well in the Company, Capt Loveless is well and speaks of resigning and going home. Jessee Berry is well and hearty

February 23rd 1863 WLF diary Co. K

We had a snow fight with Gen Rodes Brigade 2 of the 19th Ga. got their arms broke, several eyes were put out. The rest of the month we had bad weather and nothing of interest transpired

March 1863

March 1st & 2nd 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Beautiful weather over head. The Regt went out on Picket

March 4th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

I bought a load of sweet cakes and carried to the Regt on picket

March 6th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

A fine time for sitting around the fire Porching corn and telling lies

March 8th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

all quiet and peaceable. Both in front and rear

March 11th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

we draw 2 months wages again today

March 12th, 13th &14th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Fine weather camps were inspected a monthly report made and Brigade Drills were regular. W.L. Howard returned

March 17th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

there were a brisk skirmish up the river. The Yankees forced back with heavy loss considering our loss were slight none killed

March 20th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Another day of snow

March 21st 1863 WLF diary Co. K

The Regt on picket. All quiet

March 26th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Fine weather very much resembled spring. Heavy cannonading was heard a long ways off in the direction of the Ocean the result of which I never learned

March 27th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

This day was set apart by the President of the Confederate States for past time. Humiliation and prayer. All Military Duty was suspended with an All sermon was preached by Parson Higpen of the 6th Ga. Regt. Hoff our Co, Deserted for the first, since, we went on Thus the Ice was now Broken and Desertion became regular. An evil which could not be broken, here is the names of those four Deserters. G.H. Burnett, James Hix, Isaac Edwards, and N.D. Nicholson

March 28th 1863 MC letter Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. Co. D

I received a letter from you by the hand of Mr West

I sent you some money I sent it by Capt Pritchet he started home yesterday

Me and Bary and Boswell sent three hundred dollars

I was vary Glad to see Mr West when he come for he told me a heap that was going on in that Country

we are expecting a fight hear the weather brakes up, but I don’t now when that will be for it is raining now and has rained a heap now for a while but it bad on the Yankees as well as us and I am glad of it wee had 3 men leave our right last night with there guns and ammunition and is thought they are gone home But I don’t now whether or not

I don’t think I shall ever runaway from this army, but I don’t know what I may do yet, but if I can’t go home honorable, I wont go

March 28th to 31st 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Bad unsettled weather it was a hard case to keep warm and rations to hand. Nothing of any degree of importance transpired

February or March 1863 MC Co. D letter undated

Election hasn’t come of yet and I don’t know when it will, but I hope when my friends is all hear, I don’t now how the thing will go, if this gets there before Miles leaves tell him to come on, for wee hate James Readey so bad that we could not stand him much longer and we want him to come on, for some of the boys was mad when he was elected and they throw it up to me for his staying at home for they say they node it when he was pullin, I wont him hear My self for he will Back? Ready

April 1863

April 2nd 1863 TPF letter Co. E Camp 23rd Ga. Regt

Before this reaches you Squire Kelly and E.P. Price will have got home

the 27th of March, being first day we had preaching in Camps, had a very good sermon

I have been relieved as acting Quarter Master, but am on ____ other detail as Commissary of the Regiment it is now seven months since I have done any duty in the Company and I suppose will be two months longer yet The boys grumble about it but I am doing very well, and Col Best detailed me to act and no one can object to it properly, Col Best is a good friend of mine and I shall endeavor to keep him so.

Capt Steel will hardly resign as he would be conscripted immediately, Capt. Loveless will resign and go home soon I think I shall then have as good a position as I want in the army that of 1st Lieut.

April 2nd to 5th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Bad unsettled weather it was a hard case to keep warm and rations to hand. Nothing of any degree of importance transpired

April 6th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Another snow

April 8th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Our knapsacks were Branded

April 9th 1863 MC letter Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. Co. D

We are still at the same plase yet but I don’t now how long we will stay we have some men to run away every night or two there was 4 runaway some 2 weeks ago and two last night out of our Regt not out of our Company I don’t think any of our boys will run off I shant I know unless my notion alters greatly

We had snow the fifth of this instant that was 6 inches deep and that of it on the Ground yet and you now that it ant warm hear

April 10th to 13th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

All Quiet

April 15th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Nothing strange

April 16th 1863 MC letter Co. D Camp near Fredericksburg, VA

I eat with B.M. and Boswell but sleep by my self in one of the Col tents

Boswell is well and harty

April 17th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

The weather now became so intensely cold that sitting by the fire was generally preferable to any kind of duty

April 19th 1863 MC letter Co. D Camp Near Fredericks burg Va.

B.M. and Boswell is well Boswell has got a sore thumb with fever or something like it they are both on Guard to day

April 18th to 20th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

All Quiet with the exception of Scourging around the fire

April 22nd 1863 WLF Diary Co. K

Nothing strange transpired

April 23rd 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Very strong indications of an early engagement now began to manifest themselves. Couriers were seen sailing at the rate of speed from one head quarters to another. Arms were inspected and fixed in order. 40 Rounds of Ammunition were issued to each and every man

April 24th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Everything progressed as usual

April 25th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Capt. Young tendered his Resignation

April 26th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

All went to Church

April 26th 1863 MC letter Co. D Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. Co. D

I don’t now what to rite that will interest you I can say that we are at the same plase yet and I don’t now how long wee will stay hear for the weather is drying off vary much and that is the time for Yankees to have at but I don’t think that we will fight hear thou wee may for what I now they made a little dash over hear a few days ago and they had to go back vary fast and I don’t think that they will come back any more soon

April 28th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

Early this morning even before Day the Yankees were crossing the river near Hamilton’s Crossings below Fredericksburg and against 9 o clock they had landed 20 thousand troops, over with their Pontoon Bridges we gave way and let them cross some cannonading was carried on today.

April 29th 1863 WLF diary Co. K

The Battle so long looked for now opened our Army were all placed in position and by 8 o clock the show was opened. The fight began about Port Royal and ascended up the River. The Yankees were all landing a large force. Below Culpepper near Wilderness Tavern thinking to flank our Army. But we were wide awake as you will soon see. Night left us on the Battle Field

May 1863

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay

Our regiment was with Jackson until we arrived at a certain point on the march when we were left and ordered to deploy as skirmishers, the wagons in the meantime following the movement, deploying as skirmishers some eight feet apart we moved through the woods some half mile or more when we struck Seigls corps. We fell back before the enemy's advance to a place called Catherine's Furnace, where were stacks of pig iron and here we fought quite a while and here Maj. Ballinger and fifty men were captured.

Modern Day Remnants of Catherine's Furnace at Chancellorsville

Ruins of the Chancellor House at the Chancellorsville Battlefeild

Chancellor House, Union HQ, where the 23rd were taken and counted off after their capture

The rest of us were captured soon thereafter; the Yankees in front and on either side, our wagons had passed safely on. The number captured about 250.

The Yankees were very proud and thought Lee was retreating and that we were the rear guard. They took us to Hookers headquarters, the Chancellor House, and proceeded to count us out preparatory to sending us across the river.

When about half done, away to their right was heard a continuos roar of musketry and shells, from Jackson on their right and Longstreet on their left were bursting all about us. I never saw such consternation and confusion.

They were not looking for anything of the kind, and troops for some distance were brought up to stop the stampede and restore order. The cavalry put us across the river as quick as possible and from the river hills we could see where the fighting was on.

May 2nd & 3rd 1863 From Heroes and Martyrs of Georgia in the words of Col. James H Huggins & Maj. William Barclay

Commanded by Captain Sharp, the regiment was in the Battle of Fredericksburg, but was not closely engaged.

the loss in this fight amounted to only five killed and wounded. Shortly after this Colonel Best returned to the regiment, and was in command at the Battle of Chancellorsville, which was fought May 2nd and 3rd, 1863.

The Twenty-third Georgia was detached from the brigade to protect a wagon train, while the army was making a flank movement.

The enemy discovering our movement, and thinking that it was a retreat of the entire army, ordered General Sickles to make a reconnaissance in force, to discover what our movement really was. He obeyed the order, and at the head of twenty thousand men, marched down upon the devoted Twenty-third.

He maneuvered to capture the wagon train, but after considerable skirmishing, pending which the wagon train escaped, he only succeeded in capturing one hundred ninety men and officers of this regiment.

By thus standing our ground firmly against the outrageously overwhelming numbers of the enemy, we saved the wagon train at the expense of the before enumerated prisoners.

These same were exchanged about three weeks afterward and returned to the regiment.

May 2nd 1863 War Record of Samuel Tate Hammontree Co. E

I was close to Stonewall Jackson when he fell Captured night he fell

His death cast a gloom over that was hard to endure

May 3rd 1863 War Record of Samuel Tate Hammontree Co. E

The most terrible days I had were at Chancellorsville. Here we had gone three days without food and I, with many more were captured and marched swiftly to Washington. Many fell out on this trip. When we got there, they gave us three crackers and a small piece of beef for the first meal.

I was kept a prisoner here three days and then sent to Fort Delaware where prisoners were exchanged, I was sent to Fortress Monroe

May 2nd & 3rd 1863

Following is first hand information from witnesses describing Chancellorsville at Col. E.F. Best’s Court Martial

Chancellorsville

Capt. J.P. Patton

I was in the Battle of Chancellorsville on the 2nd of May 1862. The accused was the colonel of my Regiment. We were in line of battle in the woods I went to the center of the Regiment from near the left, to see [Colonel Best], and I found him soon afterwards, the Yankees advanced on us and I went to my Company. I saw nothing afterwards of [Colonel Best]until the Regiment had fallen back a half or three quarters of a mile, to the Furnace. There were no other troops with our Regiment. We had him detached to take charge of the wagon train.

The fire of the enemy before we fell back was pretty tolerably heavy, I suppose about one hundred and fifty yards from us. Our Regiment fell back just about the time the Skirmishers on our left got back.

There was no orders to the Regiment to fire, but it had before that been ordered to fire, if the enemy advanced on us. A few men did fire, before we commenced the retreat.

We had none killed or wounded. Afterwards at the Furnace where we established another line we had one killed and two wounded. At the Furnace we had a pretty brisk skirmish. We fought there “a right smart while”. It was I suppose the same force of the enemy, that had advanced on us at first. I saw [Colonel Best] just before we got to the furnace before the enemy, that had advanced on us at first.

I saw [Colonel Best] just before we got to the Furnace before the enemy had opened fire on us again; but I did not see him afterwards during the skirmish at the Furnace. From that place we fell back about a half a mile, to a Rail Road Cut. I know of no order for the movement. The enemy followed us to the rail Road Cut.

Just before the enemy opened on us, I saw the accused in the cut with us. After the enemy had commenced firing again, and about fifteen minutes after I had seen him there, I missed the accused, and saw no more of him for some twenty days. I with all the others who were in the cut were captured.

We kept up our fire about a half hour after I missed the accused from the cut.

Portions of nine Companies of the regiment were captured. The remaining company “C” was detached as skirmishers and was not with the Regiment and hence was not captured. The Lieut. Colonel (Huggins) had been with the Regiment that day.

The Major (Ballenger) had been captured at the Furnace. Capt. Sharp was the senior Captain of the Regiment. He was at the Rail Road Cut . *the firing there commenced

The men were lying down, having orders to do so. I don’t know what orders the Colonel received in taking that portion in the woods. We was ordered there by Genl Stuart.

On the first advance of the enemy, our skirmishers engaged them but very little time, they fell back pretty quick of the regiment then were either four hundred and eighteen or four hundred and eighty captured. And the Company not captured had about forty men present. When the enemy first advanced, I think there were two of the nine Companies deployed as skirmishers.

Capt. J.J.A. Sharp Co. G

I am and was at the time of the Battle of Chancellorsville, Senior Captain of my Regiment. On the second day of May 1863 about nine or ten o’clock in the morning Major Genl J.E.B. Stuart gave Major Best orders. There was a plank road held by the enemy moving about _______ to a road over which Genl Jackson’s Army Corps (to which we belonged) was firing. These roads were about a mile and a half or possibly two miles apart and there was a neighborhood road extending from the one to the other. The wagon trains of the 2nd Army Corps was passing on the road along which the corps itself was moving.

Genl Stuart ordered Major Best to guard the neighborhood road against any advances of the enemy. He directed him, if the enemy advanced to deploy his Regiment and hold him check, and to send for reinforcements if he needed them. Genl Stuart left with Colonel Best a courier for that purpose and told the accused that there was a Cavalry picket in front of him. The accused, Genl Stuart directed particularly that the command of the accused should not advance but should hold the pass if attacked. Genl Stuart posted our Regiment about a quarter or half mile from the road on which the corps was passing and between that and the plank road.

It was _____, and Genl Stuart said the enemies Cavalry could not charge us, and we could fight there and hold the enemy in check as long as possible.

I heard an order from Colonel Best to take command of the left wing of the Regiment, the Lt. Colonel was not with the Regiment. I soon afterwards saw the accused who came to me and told me if I was pressured mainly to fall back to some point which he said was in my rear that which I had more men and that I should hold the position

Some two hours after we had been in position that is sometime about 12 or 1 o’clock in the day, the enemy advanced on us. They had previously were shelling our wagon trains, but I had not advanced. With this exception everything had been very quiet. When the army advanced. I think we had three Companies deployed as skirmishers along the front. After a very little firing from our skirmishers.

I heard an order for retreat. At that time I could see no enemy, and the skirmishers in front of me had not fallen back. There was nothing to make my boys retreat: but I looked and saw the right wing gone. It was a hundred yards ahead of us. The command came along the lines to or that my wing followed and I was told by the Acting Adjutant to come on form on their right wing up on the hill near the Furnace, this was near the road on which the train of wagons was then passing.

As I was moving with the left of the Regiment which was at the time advancing

the Regiment had reformed. I advanced with the left wing, I could not see the whole line in consequence of the broken character of the ground.

We had skirmished for some time on the left, having advanced about two hundred yards, when on information that the right wing was gone I ordered the left wing to fall back.

this was in the main road, we having fallen back to it and followed it for some little distance. Major Best directed me to detail ten men and deploy them as skirmishers. I stopped to do this and when I came up with the regiment again it was in a Rail Road Cut which ran across the main road about a half mile in rear of our position was the Furnace. As we fell back the cut was on the right of the road and did not reach quite to it. On the left of the road as we fell back, there was a considerable bank, just in front of us as we were formed in the cut, there was an open space for about a hundred yards, then there was a creek, and the ground near the creek was muddy. The cavalry came up in front. Probably our skirmishers had fired, but none of the men in the cut had fired. The Major and something like half our Regiment had been captured in the skirmish near the Furnace.

I was second in command when in the cut. I [didn’t] receive any orders for retreat from there. I think there about one hundred and ninety five officers and men captured in the cut. Some of the men went out of the cut, after we had surrendered, that is they escaped. We kept up our fire on the enemy about a quarter or half hour after [that].

During the day the Regiment lost but one killed and some four or five wounded. These casualties were received in the skirmish near the Furnace, except one in that case a man was wounded on the left of the cut, I think. The force of the enemy that captured us was I think a Brigade. It was an hour “by sun” or more when we surrendered. We left the force that captured us at the cut.

When we first took position in the woods at Chancellorsville, in addition to the three Companies deployed as skirmishers, ______ ______ these men six men under command of a Lieutenant sent out on the left flank of the Regiment. Where Lt. Smith Acting Adjutant called to me and told me to form on the right wing, I was with the left wing about two hundred yards or more from the place when the Regiment afterwards reformed near the “Furnace”.

In falling back from the first position, no orders from me to retreat and ____ - _____, the left wing followed the right. I halted them before they got back to the place where the Regiment was formed, that is I halted some of them, and tried to halt them all. I suppose it was two hundred yards or more from the Furnace house to the nearest point of the woods.

The right wing of the Regiment was on the sides to where the Furnace house and the woods. I only know that the right wing proper was there

When Colonel Best ordered me to detail the ten men as skirmishers, he was about two hundred and fifty or three hundred yards from where we had skirmished on the second line we had established. I saw a couple of men leave the cut; on the right, but I saw none leave on the left I gave no orders to any one leaving the cut.

Lieut. B.B. Moore Co. K

I was in the rail road cut at Chancellorsville, while there I saw a man who I suppose was a courier, approach the Colonel, soon afterwards the Colonel “ran out of the cut” I did not hear the Colonel say anything. The remainder of the Regiment in the cut fought the enemy about a half hour after this and then surrendered.

At Chancellorsville I saw some men, but very few leave the cut. I gave no orders to them. I was on the right of my Company, and I stopped some of my men who started out.

Lieut. L.A. Smith Co. I

I was with my Company which was the next Company to the left: and was the extreme left Company after Capt. Sharp’s Company (the left Company) was thrown out as skirmishers.

. I was with my Company through the fight and fell back with it to the lines near the Furnace.

the Regiment made the stand on the line near the Furnace. I saw the [Colonel] leave the rail - road cut “He ran out” I suppose it was a half hour or longer after that, that we surrendered. The Regiment during this time was firing.

Capt. W.J. Boston Co. A

we were falling back near a little woods toward the rail road cut. When the enemy first advanced on us, Maj. Ballenger went some fifty yards to the rear, and called to [Colonel Best] and told him the enemy was advancing on our right, and asked him what he should do. I understood the [Colonel] to say, that we should fall back: and Maj. Ballenger extended that order.

My Company was either the third or forth, I think the third, from the left of the Regiment. When the order fall back was given, our skirmishers had not come in. When I met the [Major] near the woods as stated, some one asked him what he was going to do. He answered that he was going to take his Regiment to the rear, and that by the nearest way”. I said to him, that that would not do, that it would be shameful. That the wagon train was just on the top of the hill, and we had been put there to guard it, he said that we ought to do it. He asked where we could form, I told him there was plenty of good places to form. He then marched the Regiment into the cut.

Maj. M. Ballenger

I was Major of the 23rd Geo. Regt. in the Battle of Chancellorsville. The [Colone]l told me that Genl. Stuart had placed the Regiment shown him the position which the Regiment first took; and that his orders was not to bring on an attack, but if the enemy advanced to engage him, and call our army General that might be passing, for support.

After the Regiment had got in position some little time, the [Colonel] came from where he had been near the main road over which our wagon train was passing and when there was some cavalry, and told me to walk back with him to the Furnace and look at a place there we might take if it should become necessary to fall back.

There was some of our Cavalry picket’s in front of our Regiment, and also the skirmishers of our Regiment Our information received from a cavalry picket at that the enemy was forming lines in our front. I sent some to the main road for the [Colonel]. This received came up to where the Regiment was and told me that there was no troops passing the main road at that time – but that the wagon train was passing.

After a while Capt. Glenn reported to me that the enemy was passing nearer our right and over some distance from the right

Our picket’s had been firing on the right, that is our skirmishers. I don’t think a gun had been fired from our line that is our main body.

Some of our skirmishers had fallen back to within some fifteen or twenty paces on our right. I could not see what was going on, on our left, the timber was thick. There was no firing then. When I reported to the [Colonel] he told me to order the Regiment to fall back. I went to a position where I could be heard, and extended the order.

When the [Colonel] told me to to order the Regiment back, he got up and went toward the furnace. When we got back to the main road, a cavalry officer asked the [Colonel] whom I said their if he did not intend to make a fight there that if he did not, the wagon train which is very vulnerable would be lost. The [Colonel] then saw that we would form the Regiment then, and he and I formed it.

The left was then falling back. I think though I was not in charge of it, and the woods were thick so that I could not see what doing there.

After the Regiment was formed there the [Colonel] ordered us to advance in about thirty or forty yards to a fence. We did so. I was captured with forty two officers and men on the right. We had held the enemy’s left in check until our left got out of the woods.

Where the right was, it was open ground, but the greater part of the Regiment was in the woods.

Capt. Glenn reported to me that they were flanking us on the right.

My orders were to order the Regiment back in a report from Capt. Glenn that the enemy were passing ______ our right and the creek, but when I got this report, I saw us immediate danger and was not willing to take the ____________ of ordering the Regiment to fall back and hence reported to the [Colonel].

There is no doubt from what I know of the ____ion now, that the enemy would have flanked us, if we had remained, but I seen no immediate danger at that time the distance from our right to the creek was some five or six hundred yards in front of us.

Serg. Maj. J.E. Covington

I was present at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

The [Colonel] advanced the Regiment from the road by the Furnace, and formed it in line of battle and thru out skirmishers, on the front and flank. Some time after that, the dismounted cavalry reported that the enemy was advancing, and soon afterwards the enemy fired on our right flank, flanking our Regiment.

I heard Maj. Ballenger report to the [Colonel], that the enemy was flanking us. After the Regiment fell back then, the [Colonel] formed it in line of battle and advanced it to the fence, which was about fifty yards. When the Regiment halted the [Colonel] came to me and asked me if I could see the enemy I told him I could see them deploying in a piece of road opposite our right, I was in rear of the right.

The [Colonel] then gave an order to go the wagon train of the Corps and hurry it up. I went some afterwards the [Colonel] came down to the main road where I was, a few men came with him. The [Colonel] ordered the men to advance and give the enemy a flanking fire from where I saw him lay.

They fired a few rounds when we moved them to retire.

They retired, the [Colonel] ordered the men to help get off a caisson that was broken down. The Artillerists abandoned it right off, and the [Colonel] said he would go and get some of the artillerists who had gone over the hill, and come back after the caisson.

When I reached the Rail Road, [Colonel Best] was ordering the men dig holes in the bank with their bayonets so that they could ascend the bank and fire at the enemy. There were troops passing at the time our regiment was first attacked. From the pile of big iron to the right of the Regiment, the hill was rigged stiff.

Capt. W.G.L. Butt Co. K

While the Regiment was in the rail Road Cut, a courier came in near of us some hundred yards or more, and beckoned something, I could not hear what. The courier came nearer and talked to another man, who afterwards talked to the accused. I did not hear what was said in either case. [Colonel Best] afterwards gave orders for the Regiment to deploy as skirmishers and come out of the cut. [Colonel Best] after giving these orders started out of the cut he went in the direction in which I had seen the courier that is to the rear, a little to the left. At the time [Colonel Best] gave the order he was on the left of the Regiment.

I repeated the order. Some of my Company including myself, two Lieutenants and about ten or twenty men obeyed the order and went out of the cut. The Colors of the Regiment were also brong out of the cut by the color bearer, my Company was Color Company at the time. At the time I left, there was no danger in the rail-road cut. The fire of the enemy upon those who left was I thought very heavy.

The command, as well as I can remember was “to deploy as skirmishers and come out”. My Company was Color Company, and yet was the left _____ companies formed in the cut as they got there, and I suppose my Company happened to be second getting there.

When [Colonel Best] gave the order to leave the Cut, I suppose it had then been retired a quarter and a half hour. When leaving the cut [Colonel Best] “run”. Of these who left the cut there was one struck by a spent ball. I mean by saying that the firing was heavy, that there was a great many guns fired in that direction and balls came toward us.

The Colors where they were carried out were rolled, and carried out by the Color bearer, down in his hand, thirty could not see him by the rest of the Regiment; I gave the orders loud enough to be heard by the next Company; but none of that Company came out with me that I know of.

Those who came out with me were of my Company. I think where we were in the cut, my Company had about twenty five maybe thirty men. I think not more then twenty five. I over took [Colonel Best] about a half mile from the cut.

When I came out of the cut, [Colonel Best] was about seventy five yards to the rear. There was some of the men of the Regiment saw him and following him. There were some fifteen or twenty of the Company on my left, who had come out before I had done so. None of the men who came out with me were with [Colonel Best].

I can’t say whether all of the Company to my left went out of the cut. A good many went to the end of the cut, and went back into it. The firing there was pretty heavy.

Before the courier that I have spoken of came up, some ten or fifteen minutes. A man had ridden up and asked [Colonel Best] something about whether he could hold his position. [Colonel Best] replied that he could if his left was supported. The left was not supported, while I was there.

April 1864

April 1st 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp writing letters, very windy

April 1st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

W.E. Freeman left for home on furlough Saturday

April 2nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

No news dull, Col E.F. Best came in from Richmond tonight

April 2nd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp, very cool & windy

April 3rd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched from Balding to Regt. about 8 miles below, fair & cool

April 4th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp, rain

April 4th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

J.N. Underwood came in last evening under guard, cloudy

April 5th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

On fatigue

April 5th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

W.J. Hefley came in from hospital at Savannah

April 6th 1864 TPF letter Co. E Camp Milton Fl.

The order for furloughs has been Countermanded for the present

April 6th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp inspection

April 6th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

Sgt A.F. Smith come from Lake City where he had been since Ocean Pond waiting on the wounds

April 7th 1864 MC Letter Camp 23 Ga. Regt camp Milton, Fl. Co. D

I don’t think we will have to fight any more now how

I can say to you that G.W. Moss and Merick Jones and Don Caron has got back to this plase they was taken up near Atlanta Ga. and brought back hear under guard and they are under guard now and they ant aloud to go to the Company now way nor they don’t allow any body to talk to them nor them talking to anybody

Col Best he hear now but I don’t now what he has done for I haven’t had the chance of talking with him none

April 7th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Balding

April 8th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Trail Ridge elected 3 Sert, some rain

April 9th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At Trail Ridge went to Carters at night, rain

April 10th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At Trail Ridge

April 11th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At Trail Ridge

April 12th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

Warm, Prisoners sent off to day

April 12th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Mr. Brantley’s who gave the boys a candy party

April 13th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Brown & Saint John River Clay County

April 14th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

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 tonight

April 14th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At Green Cove Springs on St. John River taken 1 deserter & one who set deserter over the river to go to the Yankees, rain in the evening

April 14th 1864 TPF letter Co. E Camp Milton Fl

Everything remains quiet on the front lines, Yankee deserters are coming in almost every day, two came in yesterday. Last night our Regiment received orders to cook three days rations and be ready to move at moments notice.

The rations are Cooked and every one ready. Don’t know when it is to go, nor whether we will go or not such orders are not uncommon in the army

I am glad to learn that Capt Glenn is doing well . Hope he may be sufficiently recovered to rejoin his Command. Shall expect Capt Ferguson in ten or fifteen days

April 15th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched from Mr. Righ to Cooper taken Johnson at night, a deserter, some rain

April 16th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

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 Finnegan by midnight, this morning came on four or five miles farther and are now on extreme front, but all quiet

April 16th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At Cooper & drew, fair & pleasant

April 17th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

all quiet no news went on piquet to the Double Bridge.

Kings Ferry road, can see the

April 17th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Hamnet with Lieut Brook, fair & cool

April 18th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Wally up in the Senib Putnam County

April 19th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Found a pen of Com near Wall House in his _____ which he could not claim so we taken marched ti ***rton & stayed all night

April 20th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Mr. Brantley’s who gave the boys a party, I stayed at Mr. Sander, fair & cool

April 21st 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Stark left Sander, at one o clock left Sander about 10, taken the train for Balding where we joined the Co. & taken the train for Madison traveling all night

April 22nd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Arrived at Madison 7 o clock in the morning Marched out some 3 miles & camp

April 23rd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Quitman Ga. taken 2 Yankee deserters, rain at night

April 24th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Hunting Yankee deserters some 10 miles from Quitman

April 25th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

May 1864

May 1st 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Drawing clothes on Post at fort Johnson, rain at night

May 2nd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp drawing clothes, fair

May 3rd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp, fair

May 4th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp, fair & cool, order to be ready to march at a minute warning

May 5th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At Fort Johnson on guard 24 hours, fair & cool

May 6th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Came off guard at Fort Johnson, fair

May 7th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At camp ordered to ready to move, fair

May 8th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

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 tomorrow Camped

May 8th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Taken the boat at fort Johnson for Charleston then take the train for Wilmington NC, fair

May 9th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

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 arrived at Goldsboro, at dark

May 9th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Monday we arrived at Wilmington NC 6 o clock pm, fair & warm

May 10th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

Lay over here last night 13 miles from Goldsboro Wilson on account of no water for the Engine

May 10th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Left Wilmington for Weldon found the road on fire stopped and repaired it & went on

May 11th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

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

May 11th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Got to Weldon got off the train at a little station beyond Weldon & marched to Stoney Creek & taken train for Petersburg, fair

May 12th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

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

May 12th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched out 2 miles ______, rain

May 13th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

Remained in the ditches last night with a detail of men, the Regt went back to the woods

May 13th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched to Drewry’s Bluff, Marched through the enemy lines. Gen Beauregard along, Rain & very windy, got there one hour before day

May 14th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

Left Petersburg yesterday evening and marched towards Drurys bluff, having a slight skirmish at Chester C H to clear the way after night, this morning towards evening the firing ceased altogether

May 14th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched out to support some batteries. We was shelled very heavy double quick out & moved around on the right, rain

May 15th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

At the Breastworks still fighting on our ______

May 16th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

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

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay [May 16 1864]

We were ordered to Virginia in haste and arrived just in time to prevent Beast Butler, who had landed at the head of a considerable army, from cutting the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond, our only connection from the South with the latter city. We skirmished around a few days with the troops of Butler, and finally getting in between him and the river, turned his right wing and started him on the run. We never let him stop until cooped up between the James and Appomattox rivers under cover of his gunboats.

In this battle, Drewerys Bluff, we lost quite a number of men. The Yankees at one place had wire stretched in front of their works, and charging, a number of our men fell there and quite a number were killed.

May 16th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Left at 4 o clock am & moved round on the left our brigade being in reserve about one hour by sun we was ordered round on the extreme left some 5 miles (double quick) Come to the battle ground where we passed over the dead & wounded, some near ****** **** when we charged the Yanks & fought & drove them before us for 2 or 3 miles, them ordering us to surrender & our men ordering them to surrender, we fought until about 1 o clock then went into the breastwork. Serg. Bell killed, Wounded Joseph Garrett WR Wilson A***** Shamblee, men moved around in the left in the works at night. Our Co. was sent out on skirmish where we lay all night very much fatigued, some rain in the evening

May 17th1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

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

May 17th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Still pursuing the enemy some fighting in front

May 18th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

Skirmishing on the front all day no general engagement, our Brig still on the pike

May 18th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Guarding the turn pike road fighting on the front line, rain. **** double quick *******

May 19th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

Early this morning our batteries opened a heavy cannonade on the Enemy’s position which he did not reply to, a few picket guns this morning, not marching during the day. At dusk we were moved down to the works remaining till night, picket’s had two or three little fights during the night.

May 19th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

On the Turnpike road until night then marched out to the breastworks & lay all night, fair & warm

May 20th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

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.

May 20th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched back to the road & lay until 3 o clock when we marched back to the works & lay all night

May 21st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

Very little firing to day, moved out to the front this evening on extreme left, Gunboats on the river near by

May 21st 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Lay at the works until about 4 o clock then ordered to the front works, fair & warm

May 22nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

Gunboats threw some shells at our line to day, in the evening moved to extreme right.

May 22nd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Marched 6 miles down on the right in the pm, some rain & warm

May 23rd WHS diary Co. I Monday

No firing except occasional pickets, hot still on the right front

June 1864

June 1st to 3rd 1864 From Heroes and Martyrs of Georgia in the words of Col James H Huggins & Maj William Barclay

The next move of the regiment was to Cold Harbor, where on the 1st and 3rd days of June it nobly repulsed the desperate charges of the enemy, inflicting the most severe punishment on the drunken ramble of Grant.

The ground was literally covered with the slain of the enemy, with a very trifling loss on our part.

The regiment was here commanded by Major Ballenger.

This was the second time this command had met the enemy upon the field of Cold Harbor, and the position of the Twenty-third was nearly identical with that it occupied two years before, about the 27th or 28th of June, 1862.

June 1st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

.. 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 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 Enfield’s 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 Clingman’s 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

June 1st 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Lay in the ditches & building our works, fighting on the left near all day & night

June 2nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

.. To day sharp firing has been kept up from the trenches on each side 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

June 2nd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Still laying in the works & fighting a long the line occasionally, rain at night

June 3rd 1864 GWH diary Co. G

The enemy advanced on us at day light 3 column deep, we fought them 3 hours cuting them down at a dreadful rate killing one or more of them to one of our men & we lost but one killed in our Regt. one slightly wounded in our Co. T Hunt the charge of our lines for miles & some place they charge our lines severely times with heavy loss

June 3rd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

This morning early the Enemy began to show Symptoms 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.

June 4th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

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

.. nothing occurred to day of note, Sharpshooters kept busy all day, one man killed in Co. F, our lines remain the same

June 4th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Still lying in the breastworks, cloudy & some rain, lightning occasionally

June 5th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

Sharp shooting 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 very seriously wounded in the head

June 5th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Still lying in the works short firing after night, warm & damp

June 6th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

Nothing unusual occurred 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

June 6th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Still in the works sharp shooting

June 7th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

Sharp shooting 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

Reminisces of Hugh Barclay [Mar 31st to June 12th 1864]

At last Grant within a few miles of Richmond at Cold Harbor could see the spires of the city, concluded he would go in and here he tried it, which was the second bloody battle of this name and pretty much on the same ground. Six columns deep they charged our men who were behind breastworks, and charge after charge they made.

.. At last it is said, his men refused to go. The slaughter was terrible, you could walk on the dead and the stench was intolerable.

..Our men sent in a flag of truce that the dead might be buried, and I don't know but what they helped to do the job.

June 7th 1864 GWH diary Co. G

Still in the works sharp shooting & received a wound in the left arm, the ball passing through my arm near the elbow, bleeding until I was unable to walk or set up, carried to Richmond

June 8th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

Still resting, lines quiet no news from any quarter. except Hunters occupation of the upper valley

June 9th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

lines quiet no news, slight sharp shooting continues most of the time

June 10th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

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

June 11th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

all quiet as usual some sharp shooting

June 12th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

very quiet to day

June 13th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

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 McClellan’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.

June 14th1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

in the evening we moved back towards the Bluff Camped on the River Road about one mile from the Pontoons

June 15th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

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.

June 15th 1864 From Heroes and Martyrs of Georgia in the words of Col James H Huggins & Maj William Barclay

Grant’s move to the south side of the James caused another movement of the army; and Colquitt’s Brigade moved to Petersburg, where it held an important position in the line during the siege, and repulsed two assaults of the enemy upon the line. The labor and hardships were very severe here, but were well borne and endured with the greatest fortitude by the troops of a young nation struggling to be free. Colonel Huggins, who had recreantly been promoted to fill the vacancy occasioned by the dismissal of Colonel Best, commanded during the siege. The enlisted men borne their part most nobly throughout the war, and deserve the highest plaudits of their countrymen.

June 16th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

.. 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

June 17th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

Sharp shooting this morning, on Pickett last night. feel very dull, nothing of note occurred here, some considerable firing on some parts of the line

June 18th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

.. 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 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.

June 19th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

Heavy Sharp shooting 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

June 20th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

Sharp shooting the order of the day, the Enemy strengthened his works last night.

June 21st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

no change to day skirmishing not quite so heavy

June 22nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

No change to day

June 23rd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

Situation the same

June 24th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

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

July 1864

July 1st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday was relieved in the trenches last night by Martins Brig, our Regt remained as support

July 2nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

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

July 3rd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

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

July 4th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

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 5th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

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

July 6th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

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

July 7th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

Some sharp shooting to day nothing unusual

July 8th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

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

July 9th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

The firing yesterday evening was a chase gotten up by our men to discover the *strength of the Enemy, no news to day, still resting

July 10th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

Very quiet to day, J.N. Underwood left this evening supposed to be attempted to desert

July 11th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

Came back to the trenches last night on the Hill at the Ayers House, very quiet this morning

July 12th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

Very hot and dry in the trenches, very little shelling to day

July 13th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

Heavy mortar shelling this morning no body hurt yet, marvelous accounts of the success of out troops in Md. all rumor, some of it so perhaps, hope it is

July 14th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

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 specially 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 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.

July 15th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

was relieved by 27th Ga. last night and now resting in the ravine, no news this morning

July 16th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

no news to day, heavy artillery firing during the evening

July 17th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

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

July 18th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

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.

.. I still continue to find proof of my insanity it is bad enough to be troubled with a bad memory, but when a man attempts to preserve his thoughts on paper it is in detestable evidence that he is crazy

July 19th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

nothing of import to day on the lines. Tol Terrell killed in the evening by a Sharpshooter ball

July 20th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

relieved last night by Martins Brigade, Ditches very muddy, it having rained yesterday, resting in usual place

July 21st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

much cooler since the rain, still resting

July 22nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

no news to day, all very quiet since last night, Jisse is still in good health to day

July 23rd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

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

July 24th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

affairs are as usual, so far as can be seen

July 25th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

rained last night, Ditches very muddy + sloshy, clear this morning, Considerable sharp shooting this morning, in the evening a very heavy Artillery duel took place

July 26th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

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

July 27th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

firing again heard in the direction of Richmond

July 28th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

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

July 29th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

like our new position extremely well, 800 yds to the Enemy’s line, no sharp shooting, *targets out all day and friendly

July 30th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

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

July 31st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

.. very quiet again this morning and as it is Sunday, we give the Yankees credit for some respect for the holy day

August 1864

August 1st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

.. 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 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

August 2nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

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 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.

August 3rd 1864 From Heroes and Martyrs of Georgia in the words of Col. James H Huggins & Maj. William Barclay

The following are the names of the persons noted for their gallantry, but not the want of proper records, the peculiar acts of bravery by which they are distinguished, cannot be given.

.. Captain A. Young, Company K; Captain M.R. Ballenger, Company C; Lieutenant William F Smith, Company I; Joseph Adkins, Company B; Lieutenant J.M. Steel, Company I; Corporal J.M. Reeves, Company D; Privates R.C. Brock and John Hambrick, Company E; and Private E.D Cullence; at Seven Pines.

.. Privates R.H. Mcquire, H Elison, D.H. House, in the Battles before Richmond.

.. J.B. Fulton, B.C. Fulton, J.A. Cosner, and L.P. Parker, Company I, at South Mountain, Maryland.

.. A great many other officers and men have performed equally as gallant acts as those whose names appear above; but the officers commanding have usually refused to make any distinctions where nearly all act their part well.

October 1864

October 1st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

Cloudy & raining to day, had a chill went to the Hosp. Brig Entrenched ______ in front Fort Harrison

October 2nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

Still at Hosp feel better to day, no new move, some shelling between our Batteries & Harrison

October 3rd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

At Hospital yet taking quinine, no news ____ and cloudy and looks like rain, lines quiet as usual, had another chill to day

October 4th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

Cloudy & raining this morning still at Hospital, lines quiet this morning no special news

October 5th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

All quiet this morning in the vicinity at hosp, clear this morning, news encouraging from Gen Hancock *Points, but no special news from anywhere

October 6th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

All quiet at the Hospital feeling better improved and will return to the Regiment soon

October 7th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

Brig had orders to move last night, indeed our whole Div marched nearly all night, over to the Darbytown road.

I being sick, did not march with the troops, and did not get over till 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

October 8th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

In camp all quiet not a word of news stirring to day, cool + windy *Greensboro

all quiet, still in camp this morning

October 10th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

moved half a mile to the front, near the New Market road and camped in the works, all quiet

October 11th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

all quiet this morning

October 12th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

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 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

October 13th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

had a fair Bank of earth this morning for our protection early in the morning heavy infantry firing was heard on our left, we had orders to be ready to move, was moved to the left our Div line, halted, formed in one rank, but were not attacked, in the evening, heard that the Yankees attacked our works on the Darbytown road, Fields Div and were repulsed in several assaults, towards night everything became quiet and we were moved back to our former position on the right of the Div

October 14th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

lines very quiet this morning, news from the left is substantially the same as we heard yesterday evening, no other news this morning strengthening our works to day

October 15th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

Went with the company on Pickett, our line of Pickett’s in a thick woods, no Yankees visible, but they make a great noise in their camp, no special news to day, some accounts of Hoods Army, a portion of it on the RR between Atlanta + Dalton look for some stirring news from that quarter soon.

October 16th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

Still on Pickett, unusually quiet this morning in the Yankee camps, I almost concluded they have aborted their position.

was relieved this morning by Co. F returned to our position on the line

October 17th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

all quiet this morning

October 18th WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

lines quiet this morning, no news

October 19th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

All quiet again this morning we still occupy the extreme right of our Division just to the left of Fort Gilmer

October 20th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

All quiet this morning, no news

October 21st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

yesterday evening a very heavy cannonade in the direction of Fort Harrison, quiet no news, inspection this morning by Gen Longstreet

October 22nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

Cold to day a slight sprinkle and now in the morning all quiet

October 23rd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

Clear & pleasant to day, on Guard till midnight last night, sleepy to day

October 24th1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

quiet no news this morning, much warmer then

October 31st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

line quiet, weather

November 1864

November 1st 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

very dull no news

November 2nd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

quiet *lines *heard *cannon weather pleasant to day

November 3rd 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday Petersburg, Va.

no news lines quiet

November 4th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

went on Pickett to day with the company all day very quiet no news to day, windy and cloudy

November 5th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

Came off Pickett no news

November 6th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Sunday

quiet Rev H. *MCreedy preached to our Brig to day J.T. Roberts came in from N.C. to day, arm still disabled from his wound

November 7th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Monday

raining to day no news all quiet on this part of our lines W.J. Hefley came in on a visit

November 8th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Tuesday

all quiet, no news, wrote a letter to J W Thomas Head Avery.

November 9th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Wednesday

not a word of news from any quarter, our lines on the north side, severely quiet, some cannonading heard on the right, Suppose to be our Batteries on the James River Shelling *Ditch loss severe

November 10th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Thursday

all quiet this morning

November 11th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Friday

lines undisturbed this morning --- Troops building quarters. wrote a letter to cousin Mat. on parapet guard from mid night last night til day. this morning ---- not a word of news this morning. weather fine and fair

November 12th 1864 WHS diary Co. I Saturday

January 1865

SGB Diary Co. A

Let. T.B. Davis Co A 23rd Ga Regt was ordered on duty as Cap on the 4th day of Jan 1865.

W,M, Dum Co A 23rd Ga Regt was elected 1st Sergt on the 6th day of Jan 1865 from 3rd Sergt.

J. Greyton (D.J. Guyton) was elected 3rd Sergt the 6th day of Jan 1865 Co A 23rd Ga

Sunday Jan 8th 1865

I was detailed on the 7th Jan 65 with 25 men and 3 Corpl for Police Gard and went about 2 miles on the plant (plank) Road from Camp Writinganeh (Camp Write on gaurd) and stad till the night of the 8th 1865 and was relived by Lt. Davis of Co A 23rd Ga regt.

Jan 9th 1865.

We had a review to day by General Bragg near Wilmington, S.C. taken Division.

Maj Baston with 3 company’s of 23rd Ga Regt got to Wilmington Va on the way from Richman, Va on the 27th of Dec 1864 and then taken the boat and went to Fort Anderson 15 miles below Wilmington, N.C. on the leoxi fear river, this Jan 5th 1865.

And stade at the Fort till the 29th and then came back to Wilmington, N.C. and went in Camp

Jan 11th 1865

I was in command of the Company to day Jan 12th 1865.

I drilled the Company to day near Wilmington, N.C. 18 men and 4 Sergt total enlisted 22

And from Wilmington, N.C. 125 at Calquidth Berigade left the Camp the night of the of the 12th about 2 o’ clock and came to Sugar loaf and lay the night of the 13th and the 14th. We went from Camp flowing the yankers.

The 15th we fell back to Sugar loaf.

6th Ga Regt men was killed the 15th Jan 1865.

We formed a line, the yankers charged again to our picket line. We had a fight on the 18th day of Jan 1865.

The body fell back that night and then the fight started 19 men were killed.

Jan 14th 1865

Stayed the night on the line, left the line to day and walked 2 miles of Wilmington to Co A was sent a head for guard to keep the men from going to Wilmington.

And then we came back to Sugar Loaf the 28th of Jan 1865.

I got a fular the 27th of Jan to go to Wilmington sign by Gen Calquitt Calersmith Lt estell aa G (A.A.G. Assistant Adjutant General) Jan 30th 65.

The yankers attacted our picket line to day but went back. We got 2 prisoners Jan 20th 1865.

I relived Co G 23rd regt on picket to day at Sugar loaf.

Capt Tarvis (Davis) of Co A 23rd regt was officer of the Brigade picket line Jan 21st 1865 at Bardeveel Com of Picket the 21st 1865 at Sugar Loaf.

February 1865

I, S.G. Burdett with Co A of the 23rd Ga regt off of picket the 2nd day of Feby 1865.

S.G. Burdett with Co A of the 23rd Ga regt relived Co G of the 23rd Ga Regt off the picket the 2nd day of Feby 1865.

Capt Neely of the 19th Ga Regt was officer of the Brigade Picket line and Co B of the 23rd Ga Regt relived me the 3rd of Feby 1865.

I was Brigade officer of the night, the night of the 4th of Feby 1865.

Near at Sugar Loaf I went the line one time the Order was to keep 4 men from each Regt at attission.

The Brest Works and to report all relarms.

I received the order from the Jackson A.A. Gen.

Suger Loaf N.C. Jany 4th 1865 the 23rd Ga Regt was on dress parade to day. Cap Oureis (Capt Davis) Card (Comd) the Camfellny (Company) and Col Sharp the 4th of Feby 1865. We were on dress parade to day. I went on with the Company and Col Sharp stade for the dress parade the 5th of Feby 1865.

Upson Cochrean of Co A 23rd Ga Regt returned to the regt from Gervass the 5th day of Feby 1865.

Co A 23rd Ga Regt Feby 12th 1865 relived Co G off of picket the night of the 11th 1865 and made new Rifle Pitts and was relived the morning of the 12th by Co B of the 23rd Ga.

I went on with Co Feby 11th 1865. The yankers attacked our picket line to day and drove our pickets in and 6 Crofilde (Killed?) and (on?) Old Picket line and run our (an) old Gun Boat up a guats (against?) on (our?) 7 works.

Sugar Loaf N.C. Feby 13th 1865. I was lourd (loured) in the ofter part of the night on the Parfit the C night of the 13th of Feb 1865.

The orders were to keep up one 2 tenth of the men.

Sugar Loaf N.C. Feby 15th 1865. We had orders on the line to be up at the Brest Works by 4 o’ clock, before day. Looking for a attack by the yankers.

Sugar Loaf Feb 16th 1865 we had to get up at the Brest Work this morning at 4 o’clock looking for the yankers to attack us fort. Anderson shot 4 shorts down the river at 5 o’clock Feby 16th 1865.

Sugar Loaf N.C. Feb 17th 1865 I was on duty to day in charge of a working party getting Brys to go in front of the Brest Works with 4 men by orders of Lt. Col Sharp 23rd Ga Regt.

Sugar Loaf N.C. 17th Feb 1865

The yankers run ther Gun Boats on the Cape fear river about 2 o’clock p.m. and fired on Fort Anderson and shelled verry heavy. One old Munertern (Monitor) Run up in one mile of fort Anderson and throwed several Shorts shots.

Sugar Loaf N.C. Feb 18th 1865 I was officer of the Guard for feastfit duty of the Regt the night of the 17th of Feb 1865.

Capt Graveh (Groves) Co B was officer of the night Feb 18th 1865.

Sugar Loaf N.C. Feb 18th 1865 the yankers run their Gun Boats up to day and shelled Fort Anderson heavy all day.

Sugar Loaf, N.C. We was e bacerated (evacuated) by our men on the 17th day of Feb 1865 on Sunday.

We fell back to the 7 mile Fort from Wilmington and stayed. And though the yankers was coming and flung up some lodgs and then Caley (Compy?) with Brigade left and went to Fort Camble on the Ceap (Cape) Fear river and lay there the night and the morning of the 20th of Feb. We formed a line of Battle from the river on the Left of the Brigade. Was east from the river.

Lt. Col. Sharp comedy Regt A Monday 20 Feb 1865.

Fort Camble Wilmington, Feb 21st 1865 I am on picket to day Co A Ga Regt I relived Co G of the 23rd Ga Regt of the 23rd Ga Regt on the 20th Feb 65.

Capt. Patton officer of the Picket line. Fort Camble Wilmington, N.C. Feb 21st 1865. Myself and Capt. Sharp with 16 men went out and scant (scout) to day. We were about one mile from our Brest Works but we did not see anything. But a while after we got back the yankers came on us with heavy force and we had to give back. Though we taken the picket line back. and stade on piket till dark and Co B relived us. Com (Commander) Bady (badly) hurt on the line.

Wilmington N.C. was ereaceated (evacuated) on the 22nd day of Feb 1865 by our troops and we moved to north east river and crosed hit about 1 o’clock pm and went about a half mile from the River and formed a line of Battle and flung up tempearaer Works and stade till 4 o’clock in the morning of the 23rd of Feb and left a 4 o’clock.

The yankers and our men Carvielle (Cavalry?) fought all the evening. the 22nd at the Bridg on north east river.

We left North East River at 4 o’clock in the morning of the 23rd day of feb 1865 and marched 18 miles and camped in a line of Battle though a Old field and left at day light the morning of the 24th and march 20 miles to Rock Fish Creek and camped. Hit rained all day on the day of the 24th Feb 1865 and we stade at Rock Creek

Where we first camped till the morning of the 27th and with 23rd Ga Regt and made Camp about 2 hundred yards from where we first made camp down in the Bend of the Creek 27th of Feb 65.

The day of the 26th of Feb 1865-ther was some men taken up for stealing from the Setisans (Sutlers) and ther Bucked them and the men lent (let) them Luse and then bucked them again and then lent them Luse Luat (Yet?) a gin so the Guards shot at the men for lusing them but was not hurt but a mess.

Lt Estell of Calquith of (abreviation for officers) Stafs (Lt. Harry Estill, Ordanance Officer on Gen Collquitt’s staff) Stueka Bayanetinane (Stuck a Bayonet in one) man. I got a call on the 28th day of Feb 1865 to go to the Wagon yard after some paper but I did not go to the Wagon yard. But I went out in the country after some potatoes. But I did not get anything only my dinner. I did not have to pay anything for dinner.

Datson Bently went with me this was in Dufling (Duplin) County N.C.

March 1865

I was detailed fore Guard the morning of the 1st day of March 1865 with 6 men and 20 CVF to guard the Bridg across Rock Fish Creek, N.C. and was relived the morning of the 2nd of March by Lieut Harris of Co F -23rd Ga Regt the order was to let no man cross the bridg without a pass from the Brigade Commander Wilmingtonson

Fleanasur County, N.C.

Dufling (Duplin) Country

Yesian “Hanarue (New Hanover) Co

at Rock Fish Creek

Flaker Division got to Rock Fish Creek on the 24th day of Feb 1865 and stade in camp at that place till the 5th of March 65 and left Rock Creek the morning of the 5th and went to Kinston, N.C. on the cars. We got to S Kinston about sun down 5th of March 1865 and we then went out from the town about one half mile to camp and we stade in camp till after the night of the 6th of March 1865 and we got orders to git ready to march and we fell in to lines about 1 o’clock and marched about 3 miles below Kinston and crossed the Noose River and camped in the woods 3 miles from Kinston the night of the 6th of March 1865. And went on the front line the night of the 7th of March between the railroad and the mill and flung up some works and lay till the morning of the 8th and we left a 4 o’clock and went on the left in the rear of the yankers and attacted them, and run them back about 2 miles. The night of the 8th. We flung up works on the road and lay there till the morning of the 9th and went on the left of the yankers to attach them but they found us out and we went and lay in the weads behind our works and the morning of the 10th we went on the left of the yankers and attacted them but did not take the works. Then we fell back BC to our works and lay the night of the 10th March 65 and then we fell back and crossed the river to Kinston, N.C. and on the 11th day of March 1865.

R. Dicil Cantrell was wounded slightly on the arm on the 8th of March by a peace of shell.

Col Neel of the 19th Ga Regt was killed on the 8th of March by a miney ball near Kinston, N.C.

Colquiths Brgad left the works at the river near Kinston and went about 6 miles below Kinston and camped the night of the 11th

And then march back to Kinston the day of the 12th and formed a line of Battle in the old field at Kinston and lay there in line of Battle the night of the 12th of March 65.

Kinston, N.C. was evaceated by order of Gen Bragg on the 13th day of March 1865.

Col Calequitts Brigade left Kinston on the 13th of March and marched to Maze hall 11 miles from Kinston and camped the night of the 13th and left at sun up the morning of the 14th 65 and got to Goldsburg, N.C. about 3 o’clock on the 14th of March 65 and stoped one mile from Goldsburg to cook ratian.

Distents from Golds Barote (Goldsboro) to Maze Hall is 15 miles and from Maze Hall to Kinston is 11 miles total from Goldsburg to Kinston is 26 miles from Goldsburg to Morehead City, N.C. is 95 miles.

We camped at Goldsburg the night of the 14th of March and left at 6 o’clock the morning of the 15th and marched 17 miles.

From Goldsburg N.C. we within 6 miles of and ½ of Smith field and camped the night of the 15th left on the morning of the 16th of March 65. Marched about 15 miles past Smith field and camped the night of the 16th. We marched 12 miles the day of the 16th of March 1865.

The distant from Goldsburg to Smith field isn 23 miles and from Smith field N.C. to Raleigh, N.C. is about 30 miles by moggon (waggon?) road.

The Division stoped 5 miles from Smith field, N.C. the 16th of March 65 and camped ther till the morning of the 18th of Mar 65.

We left Smith field the 18th and marched about 18 miles the 18th of Mar and formed line of Battle about 3 o’clock pm.

One mile from Bentonville, N.C. to front General Sherman of the Yanker Army. And lay in line of battle till the morning of the 19th of Mar 65 and the Battle open about 10 o’clock am.

March 18 1865

Ther was man shot out at the 28th Ga regt forn turning a man lous that was bucked at Rock fish creek N.C. Nov 22nd 1864

Sergt Gus Wright and C. Marian Rance of Co A 23rd ga regt was killed on the 19th of March 1865.

Our men and the yankers fought on the 19th and on the 20th of March 65 our men fell back the night of the 21st of March 1865.

Gen. Joseph E Johnson was in command of the Army. We had got orders to march at 9 o’clock this the 24th day of March 1865. I was excused by the Doctor on the 18th day of March 65 and I came back to the camp on the 23rd of March 65.

We left Smith field the 24th day of March 1865 and marched about 10 miles back past Smith field and camped the night of the 24th March 1865.

Smith field, N.C. I had a pass the 30th of March 65 from Col Zachary the Jackson A Gen.

I was on guard around the Camp the 31st day of March 65.

April 1865

the Regt was inspected Sunday morning April 2nd by Col Ballenger and Mag Boston.

I was in charge of the Co Calquith Brigade Haved, camped on the 4th of April 65 at Smith field, N.C. hardeer (Hardee) Corps was relived on the 3rd of April by Gen. Johnson. Also hit was the 7th of April by barer Vance of N.C.

I was on Brigade guard the 7th day of April 65.

Richman was evaceated by our men on the 2nd day of April 1865. General Calquith Came back from Georgia to the Birgade on the 9th day of April 1865.

I was in command of the Co the 8th and the 9th day of April 1865.

Col. Balenger got back to the Regt on the 20th day of April 1865 from Georgia on furlough.

Johnson Army left Smith field, N.C. on the 10th of April and marched about 10 miles. Hardeer Corps went the road to works (towards) Raleigh. We marched about 16 or 18 miles the 11th. Went by Clayton, that is a little valley, between Smith field and Raleigh, N.C. on the Raleigh and Goldsburg Railroad and camped in 5 miles of Raleigh, N.C. and went through Raleigh on the 12th of April and camped 6 miles from Raleigh the night of the 12th.

We left Smith field, N.C. front line about 12 o’clock and was marching and had to fall back on the 15th April 65.

We heard that Johnson was comeing.

Was Sarnscdeah (Surrendered) on that day.

Surrender Bennett’s House, Durham Station, N.C. April 26, 1865

... No records have been found to show exactly how many members of the Twenty-Third Georgia Infantry were still with the unit when it surrendered in late April, 1865. It is known , however, that Hoke’s Division was one of the largest in the Army of Tennessee and it is probable that as many as two hundred officers and enlisted men were still with the unit when it finally laid down its arms.

. <div><strong><font color=" #6600ff"="">April 1865

April 26th 1865 War Record of Samuel Tate Hammontree Co. E

Turned loose at Bentonville N.C. Rode, walked to Gainesville Ga., rode with Sam Tate (Henry Edwards with me), to Tate Ga., spent night with Tate, next day walked home

Pension claim of J C Boling Co. K 23rd Ga. Regt.

In person came J C Boling before me who on oath makes this statement = while negotiations for surrender were in progress at Raleigh N.C. we all rank and file knew we would be surrendered = and not knowing on what terms = Our officers told all who wanted to could go home = therefore fifteen of us came together = and when we got home we found all surrendered = and not knowing on what terms = wherefore we were compelled to go to Kingston Ga. for Parole = I surrendered my gun to Federal garrison at Blairsville Ga. before going to Kingston

Pension Application of JJ Cagle together with T R Rutherford, Enoch Walraven, Judge Avery and William Reece

left the army when it surrendered near Greenville, and did not go to Greensboro for a parole, but started home at once. Where we reached Cow Pens South Carolina, we were taken in charge by the 12 Ohio Cavalry, and were given a parole by them, after being detained about one hour. We then came home. We did not leave Johnstons army until after the surrender, it was twelve miles to Greensboro and we were in no condition to walk there and back again before starting home

Left the 17th of April 1865. Myself and 7 more of Co A 23rd Ga Regt left the regt on the 22nd of April 65 to go home and we came 9 miles the first night to New Salem and the 23rd of April we marched 30 miles the 24th we went 25 miles, the 25th we went 23 miles from New Salem to staker ferry is 41 miles, from staker ferry to Concord is 26 miles from Concord N.C. to hagers ferry on Canagia (Catawba) river is 25 miles and from the river to Linconton to Cherahill (Cherryville) N.C. is 10 miles.

We went 20 miles the 26th of April and the 27th we went 26 miles. Layson Ft is in the Yadkin Risua river in S.C. We went 24 miles the 28th. from Cheraville (Cheryville) N.C. to Shelly (Shelby), N.C. is 12 miles. From Shelly to Eallesis ferry is 10 miles, from Ellesis ferry N.C. to Cowpens Battleground is 13 miles, from the Battleground to Fingerville is 14 miles.

We travelled 24 miles the 29th of April 65. Went 25 miles the 30th day of April hit is 36 miles from Fingerville S.C. to Greenville, S.C.

May 1865

From Greenville, S.C. to Perkinville, S.C. is 13 miles. We went 21 miles the 1st day of May from Perkinville to Rendleton (Pendleton), S.C. is 16 miles. We went 30 miles the 2nd day of May from rendleton, S.C. to Marewill Bridge and Sinity (Seneca) River is 7 miles fro Mare well Bridge to Knasenis Bridge on Tougaloo is 13 miles from Knase Bridge to Gainsville, Ga is 16 miles.

We went 30 miles the 3rd day of May honier is the county. Best of Bounkins Country Ga We went 28 miles the 4th of May from Carnesville lake to Gainsville is 43 miles, from Gainsville to Browns Bridge is 9 miles.

We marched 25 miles the 5th day of May. We went 27 miles the 6th day of May from Browns Bridge to Canton is 35 miles.

S.G. Burdett got home and went out of the Army on the 7th day of May 1865.

April 22nd 1865.

Myself and 1st Liet W.M. Dunn 1st Sergt A.B. Shinall 2nd Sergt, J.W. Bently Tn in Co A 23rd Ga Regt. A Lentres 4th Sergt Joseph Culver, P.N. R. Cantrell P.M. Y Shan, P.N. Hetson left the 23rd Ga Regt with me. Belanyedtos (We left today?) on the 22nd day of April 1865 to come home and we got home on the 7th day of May 1865 on Sunday. S.G. Burdett

From New Salem to Stakes ferry N.C. is 41 miles from Staker ferry to Concord N.C. 26 miles from Concord to hagers ferry on the Canagia (Catawba) River 25 miles, from hagers ferry (Hagers Ferry about 1-mile upstream from Cowans Ford). to Lincantas (Lincolnton) N.C. is 17 miles, from Lincantas to Cheraville N.C. is 10 miles from Cheraville to Shelly, N.C. is 12 miles from Shelly to Ellisis to Campers (Cowpens) Battleground is 13 miles from the Battleground Battle Grove to fingerville is 14 miles from fingersville to Greenville, N.C. is 26 miles from Greenville N.C. to Pickenville is 13 miles from Pickenville to Pendleton is n16 miles Pendleton, S.C. to Maxwell Bridge is 7 miles from Maxwell Bridge to Knoxes Bridge is 13 miles, from Knoxes Bridge to Carnesville, Ga is 18 miles from Carnesville to Gainsville, Ga is 43 miles from Gainsville to Browns Bridge is 7 miles from Browns Bridge to Canton is 35 miles from Canton to Stomp Creek is 15 miles

May the 28th 1865

Distent I traved as I came home from the Army.

the 1st day I went 9 miles the night stive

the 2nd day 35 miles

the 3rd day 25 miles

the 4th day 23 miles

the 5th day 20

the 6th day 26

the 7th day 24

the 8th day 24

the 9th day 25

the 10th day 21

the 11th day 30

the 12th day 30

the 13th day 28

the 14th day 25

Distent I traveled as I came home from the Army basue hasne the 6th day of May 27 miles, the 7th day 21 miles

The men who contributed to this regimental history source are listed below:

Maj. William Barclay

Col. James Howard Huggins both were interviewed for a unit history while they were in the trenches at Petersburg, Va. in 1864

Samuel Tate Co. E,

Thomas P. Forrester Co. E, Roll for Feb 1864 shows present, no further record for him

D.S.A. Griffith Co. C, died June 15, 1862 of Typhoid Fever

Felix W. Isreal Co. K, was discharged July 22, 1864 by reason of being elected to Civil Service as a Tax Collector for Union County Ga.

Miller Collins Co. D, survived the war, but sounds as if he died not long after in a scuffle with union men at thier church

Robert E. Lawhon Co. F, survivrd the war, had his right leg amputated 3 inches above the knee from a wound he recieved from a shell on while on Morris Island

William Thomas Co. C, died Aug 19, 1864

Step Roberts Co. I,

Hiram S. Fuller Co. H, survived the war, died Sept 14, 1926 at Hot Springs, Ark

Capt. R. M Mitchell Co. C

John Barnes Co. B, deserted Jan 1, 1864

G.W. Hunnicutt Co. G, shot in left arm by Minie Ball, he was furloughed for 30 days starting June 18, 1864, no further record

William H. Smith Co. I

Samuel G Burdette Co. A was born Feb 2 1841 in South Carolina, he married twice, first wife was named Sarah, to this marriage he had several children, most of which are listed below in the 1880 census. His second wife was Caroline Kay, born March 1850 South Carolina. born March 1850 South Carolina. I believe sometime after this marriage he moved to Lumberton, Lamar County, Mississippi. He was a Blacksmith by trade, and retired there in Lumberton.

He died Sept 1st 1925 and is resting in City Cemetery, Lumberton, Mississippi