Left bank of Stony Creek, Va., 20 miles from
Pittsburg,
May 6, 1865.
About 20 good miles to-day. No sign of war yet. Have not had a very good road to-day. Crossed the Nottaway river this morning. Small affair. During Kautz and Wilson’s disastrous raid last summer they threw their last piece of artillery into the Nottaway from the bridge on which we crossed. One of the officers says he noticed bullet marks on trees that indicated a pretty sharp skirmish having taken place where we stopped for dinner. We are fairly on classic ground. I hear that the 17th A. C. lost a number of men yesterday by a bridge falling.
Chattanooga, Saturday, May 6. No rain yet to settle the dust, which has been flying in blinding clouds all day, very hot and sultry. Policed camp and stables this afternoon instead of drill. “What is the news” is yet the cry, and stray bits of rumors are caught and devoured with avidity.
Saturday, 6th—We started at 5 a. m. and soon struck the Boydton plank road, which was quite good except at places, where it was a poor makeshift of a road. We marched twenty-five miles and went into bivouac for the night. I was sick all day and in order to keep up with the command I had to have the doctor order my knapsack and accouterments carried for me. Weather fine.
6th. Newhall friends went yesterday. Has been a very stormy, dreary day. Called at Dr. Steele’s. Visited with Aunt Rhodilla and Alonzo. Read some. Got Mrs. Charles’ writings. “Cotta Family,” “Early Dawn” and “Kitty Trevellyn’s Diary.” Also coarse Testament for mother.
May 6th. About 9 A. M. I was relieved from duty. Turned the prisoner over to the relief guard. The prisoner asked me to shake hands with him, and thanked me for my kindness. Said that he had been used very kindly by the boys of the 18th Connecticut. After being relieved returned to camp. I was excused from all duty except dress parade. Turned into my bunk, had a good sleep and a fine rest. Cleaned up and took part in our dress parade. A fine evening. Visited among the other companies.
