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

Friday, July 18, 2014

Monday, July 18. — We were moved to the rear and were inspected together with the 57th and 100th Pennsylvania. We then marched in review before Captain Hovey. In the evening we marched to the second line again and took position on the right of the 57th Massachusetts, who were on the extreme left.

18th. Relieved the 1st N. H. on picket near Cox’s Mills. Major Nettleton, while relieving pickets, had horse shot. Lt. 1st N. H. killed by his side. Guerrilas in ambush. Hdqrs. in a pleasant shady yard.

July 18.—Since the last note in my diary we have been pursuing our usual course. The tenor of our way is singularly rough and uneven, marked by the sound of cannon, the marching of troops, and all the paraphernalia of grim-visaged war; but we still visit our friends and relatives, and have our pleasant social and family meetings, as though we were at peace with all the world. The theme of every tongue is our army in Maryland. What is it doing? What will be the result of the venture? The last accounts are from the Washington papers. Early, they say, is before Washington, throwing in shells, having cut the railroads and burnt the bridges. We are of course all anxiety, and rumour is busier than ever. The army, it is said, has driven innumerable horses, beeves, etc., into Virginia. I trust so; it is surmised that to supply the commissariat is the chief object of the trip. Grant still before Petersburg, sending transports, etc., with troops to defend Washington.

Near Stone Mountain, July 18, 1864.

Osterhaus (or his division, for I hear that he resigned and yesterday started for the North, en route for Mexico, where he formerly resided, and that he intends entering the Mexican Army to fight “Johnny Crapeau”) was ahead to-day, and only lost a dozen or 50 men. Our brigade has been train guard, and we did not get into camp until 11 p.m. This night marching hurts us more than the hottest day marching. We camp to-night near Stone Mountain, and the depot of the same name 16 miles from Atlanta. It is evident to me that the Army of the Tennessee is doing the “flanking them out” this time. The 1st Division cut the railroad effectually. A train came from the East while they were at it, but discovering the smoke, reversed the engine and escaped. The 17th Corps I hear is close behind us protecting the commissary trains and forming our rear guard.

by John Beauchamp Jones

            JULY 18TH.—Clear and dry.

            It is believed that a battery sent down opposite to Harrison’s Bar in theJames River sank two of the enemy’s transports, Saturday, and drove back five others to Grant.

            It is rumored that Gen. Johnston has been relieved atAtlanta, and Lieut.-Gen. Hood placed in command. I doubt.

            It is said Mr. Trenholm, firm of Fraser, Trenholm d Co., bankers,Charleston, has been appointed Secretary of the Treasury. Mr. Seddon holds on to the office he occupies.

            A letter from Gen. Lee (“Headquarters Army Northern Virginia”) says Gen. Early has recrossed thePotomac, and is at Leesburg, safe, —I hope with his captured supplies.

            The following is a synopsis of Gen. Kirby Smith’s brilliant campaign of 1864; official report. Enemy’s losses.

            InLouisiana, 5000 killed and wounded, 4000 prisoners, 21 pieces artillery, 200 wagons, 1 gun-boat, 3 transports.

            InArkansas, 1400 killed, 2000 wounded, 1500 prisoners, 13 pieces of artillery, 900 wagons,

            Confederate losses, 3000 killed, wounded, and missing.

            Enemy’s losses, 14,000.

            Confederate strength, 15,000.

            Enemy’s strength, 47,000.

            InGeorgia, 35,000. InArkansas, 12,000.

Etowah Bridge, Monday, July 18. All well. Morning passed off in usual way. Grazing, etc. Great scarcity of news. For variety we went out on blackberry hunt in the afternoon with Corporal Evans. Went five miles, picked dishes full. Visited the ruins of rolling mills, called on several secesh women, returned by sundown, had a gay time and good supper.

Monday, 18th—The weather is quite pleasant. There is nothing of any importance. All is quiet.