Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

10th. Took the inspected horses to Quartermaster Stone and turned them in—79 to be receipted for by Lt. Spangler. Had a good bath. Read several articles in the Atlantic. My eyes are occasioning me considerable trouble. Have thought of home a good deal today. Many of the officers are thinking of going home when their three years’ term expires. Of course it would be pleasant to go home as soon as possible, but many officers promised their men that they would remain with them. I don’t know what I shall do. I could not go to Oberlin to stay and I have no desire to go elsewhere and I think for the present every man able should bear arms.

Sunday, July 10 — Jones took breakfast [with me], and then we started with Captain Sealy for Point of Rocks. We rode by General Smith’s headquarters, and reached the Appomattox. The country we passed through was very fertile indeed. We could see Petersburg and the batteries on both sides of the Appomattox. Crossed the Appomattox at Point of Rocks on a pontoon bridge, and went to the Tenth Corps headquarters, where we met Captain Hutchings. With him we went to Jones’s Landing on the James River, where we found Quartermaster Thompson. Had a pleasant time here, and then went out on a tug to the gunboat Mackinaw, which was anchored off Aiken’s Landing. We met Captain Beaumont here, and dined with him, and then rowed across to Aiken’s Point. This was the place where I was exchanged two years ago. After remaining here a little while, we went back to Thompson’s, and from there rode home. Day very warm. Roads very dusty. Regiment moved to the rear.

July 10.—We have had word of the death of Spencer F. Lincoln. One more brave soldier sacrificed.

18th Corps Hospital, Point or Rocks, Sunday, July 10, 1864. I have been here a little more than a week and begin to feel a little rested. I have not written a letter for more than a month and about everything has been neglected. I hung around the regiment as long as Ass’t Surgeon Hoyt would allow me to, and the first of the month he piled me into an ambulance and sent me here, saying 1 could have a much better celebration here than I could in the trenches. This was my first ride in an ambulance and I didn’t enjoy it worth a cent. I have always had a strong aversion to that kind of conveyance and have always clung to the hope that I might be spared from it. My health began to fail early in the spring. I said nothing about it, thinking I should improve as the weather grew warmer, but instead of improving I grew worse, until now I am unfit for anything. At first I was terribly afflicted with piles, then chills and fever, and now I have a confirmed liver complaint which no amount of blue mass, calomel or acids affect in the least unless it is to help it along. 1 reckon if I can keep pretty quiet and can hold out till I get home I shall stand a chance to recover from it, but it will be a slow job.

July 10th. Layed in the same place till afternoon and were relieved; went back to our old position.

Monday, 10th—The men of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps are raising a subscription for the purpose of erecting a monument in memory of the lamented Gen. James B. McPherson,[1] the old commander of the two corps, who was killed in the battle of Atlanta on the 22d day of July, 1864. I gave $5.00 myself, the whole company raising $75.00.


[1] Major-General McPherson was a noble man, a Christian gentleman, kind to the officers and men in his command, and the men of his two corps placed him equal to any of the generals in the army. East or West. —A. G. D.

July 10, 1864, a.m.

The Rebels evacuated last night, and our flags are on their works and our skirmishers at the river. A number of Johnnies were left on this side. I believe they have every time left on Saturday night or Sunday. Their works here are the best I have seen. Three lines and block houses ad libitum. P.m.— Every Rebel is across the river, and our 23d and 16th Corps are also over, away up to the left. It is intimated though that they will only hold their position a few days. We are expecting orders to join them.

by John Beauchamp Jones

            JULY 10TH. —The drought continues; vegetation wilting and drying up. There is no war news, save some shelling by the enemy atPetersburg.

            The raiders have caused many who were hiding and hoarding their meat and grain to bring them to market, for fear of losing them. This has mitigated the famine, and even produced a slight reduction of prices.

            But the gardens are nearly ruined, and are only kept alive by watering freely. Mine has repaid me. The tomatoes are growing apace, and seem to endure the drought pretty well; also thelima beans. We are now eating the last of the cherries. We began to pull them about one month ago.

            Some of the members of the Tredegar Battalion have been detected endeavoring to pass over to the enemy. It is said (maliciously) Jos. R. Anderson’s works (the Tredegar) would not be destroyed if the enemy were to capture the city, nor Crenshaw’s nor Haxall’s mills, all having an understanding that the party in power shall enjoy the benefits of them. The fall of Richmond would exhibit strange developments among men of wealth. The poor could not get away, and would have no alternative but submission. But Richmond will not be taken.

Kingston, Sunday, July 10. Company inspection at 6 A. M. Grazed 7 A. M. Met wagon train moving in, they had had pleasant journey. Returned to camp by 10:30 A. M. with our dishes full of the rich blackberries. They are our staple diet. Hard-tack and “sow belly” dessert. No mail to-day again. No news. Reading matter very limited, the effect of which is very apparent. Three or four squads to be seen gambling at one time in camp, notwithstanding it is the Sabbath day. I have never known more open gambling in the Battery. The only checking influence is withdrawn when the letters cease to come from home, parents, sisters and brothers.

July 10th. Back Creek, seven miles from Martinsburg. Some of the companies are out scouting about all the time. The enemy must be near. All sorts of rumors are in circulation. Our scouts do not run up against the Confederates. Bridge over this creek has been destroyed. When we cross it, must wade. We are well acquainted in this section, having done much duty along the line of this railroad.