Tuesday, August 2d.
In camp all day except when temporarily detailed on fatigue duty.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
2nd. Finished a letter to Sarah. My eyes are so weak that I can use them but very little.
August 2d.—Sherman again. Artillery parked and a line of battle formed before Atlanta. When we asked Brewster what Sam meant to do at Atlanta he answered, “Oh—oh, like the man who went, he says he means to stay there!” Hope he may, that’s all.
Spent to-day with Mrs. McCord at her hospital. She is dedicating her grief for her son, sanctifying it, one might say) by giving up her soul and body, her days and nights, to the wounded soldiers at her hospital. Every moment of her time is surrendered to their needs.
To-day General Taliaferro dined with us. He served with Hood at the second battle of Manassas and at Fredericksburg, where Hood won his major-general’s spurs. On the battle-field, Hood, he said, “has military inspiration.” We were thankful for that word. All now depends on that army at Atlanta. If that fails us, the game is up.
Tuesday, August 2. — Reached Danville at about 6 A.M., it being distant about one hundred and forty-eight miles from Petersburg. We were placed in tobacco warehouses, which constitute here, as in every other place, the military prisons. We have very poor quarters and rations, being thrust into a lousy, dirty room, badly ventilated, and with no conveniences for washing, etc. Passed a very unpleasant day.
Aug. 2nd. Working at Head Qrs.
Camp Near Wolfsville, Maryland, August 2, 1864.
My Darling: — We are having a jolly good time about sixteen miles north of Middletown, resting the men, living on the fat of the land, among these loyal, friendly people. We are supposed to be watching a Rebel invasion. Our cavalry is after the Rebel cavalry and I hope will do something. Averell is a poor stick. Duffie is willing and brave and will do what he can. Powell is the real man and will do what a small force can do. I suspect there is nothing for us to do here — that is, that no [Rebel] infantry are here.
I saw Colonel Brown. — Hayes Douglass was, I am told, to be in our division. I am sorry he is not. I have not seen him.
The Rudys I saw Sunday. They were so kind and cordial. They all inquired after you. The girls have grown pretty — quite pretty. Mr. Rudy said if I was wounded he would come a hundred miles to get me. Queer old neighborhood this. They sell goods at the country store at old prices and give silver in change! Dr. Joe bought good shoes for two dollars and twenty-five cents a pair.
We are in the Middletown Valley, by the side of a fine mountain stream. We get milk, eggs, and good bread. All hope to stay here always — but I suppose we shall soon dance. We have campaigned so long that our discipline and strength are greatly deteriorated.
I read the correct list of killed, wounded, etc., of [the] Twenty-third this A. M. It contains scarcely any names you would know. With two-thirds of the regiment composed of new recruits and Twelfth men this would of course be so. — The band astonished our rural friends with their music last night. They never saw Federal soldiers here before. They have twice been robbed by Rebel raiders and so are ready to admire all they see and hear. — Love to all.
Affectionately ever,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
Tuesday, 2d—We had a refreshing rain last night. Governor Stone of Iowa arrived at the hospital this morning, having come from the front, with an order from General Sherman granting a thirty-day furlough to the sick and wounded from the Iowa regiments here in the hospital. Those able for duty are to be sent to the front. News came from the front that the Iowa Brigade was badly cut to pieces in the battle of the 22d of July. Many of them were taken prisoners, including almost all of the Sixteenth Regiment. Among the killed are the major of the Thirteenth and the lieutenant colonel of the Fifteenth.[1] There is no news from General Grant’s army.
[1] Later I learned that while the brigade’s loss was great, yet Company E’s loss was light. By a flank movement the brigade advanced a short distance upon Atlanta.—A. G. D.
(From Horatio D. Jarves to Stephen M. Weld, Senior)
August 2, 1864.
My Dear Mr. Weld, — What was a little uncertain about Steve has been cleared up, and we have had definite news from him. One of our officers conversed with the captain who took him. It appears he and some few men were so run over and trampled upon by the colored troops in their stampede that they could n’t move until too late. It was in between two traverses of the rebel first line. The rebel captain says that Steve and the few men with him held out to the last, and was finally “taken like a soldier with his arms in his hands,” by an overwhelming rush of rebs. He was unhurt, and took it good-naturedly. His enemies could n’t help admiring him. I send you a lot of letters which have come for Steve, and have taken care of his things. I will take measures to send home his horses as soon as possible.
With regards to all your family,
I am yours truly,
H. D. Jarves.
August 2d. A fine morning. All is quiet in camp. Found a place where I could wash my clothes and dry them. Drew rations. Am feeling fine. A hot sun and dusty roads to march over, a fellow cannot keep very clean. Having a good rest in the good cool woods. We cannot help to wonder why we are in this section of the woods, unless the enemy are somewhere about here. Private soldiers are not supposed to know anything, but to obey orders.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 2. Rainy forenoon. Hot, sultry in the afternoon. We are once more effectually chained in camp by General Smith. No passes to be allowed save those approved by him. Yet we can go out grazing, etc. Had blackberry pies and green corn. Signed pay rolls, a pleasant task in view of the pleasing anticipations of greenbacks. Paper blockade still continues. 80th Ohio headed back from Acworth to Resaca to relieve 10th Missouri. Going out of service, time expired.
