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

Post image for Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

December 3, 2014

Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills, (8th Illinois Infantry)

South bank of Scull Creek,

December 3, 1864.

We have laid here all day, being our first rest since leaving Atlanta. Had to wait for the 17th Corps and “left wing” to catch up. We laid a pontoon across the river this morning, and two of our brigade went over to tear up railroad The 17th Corps came up and relieved them about 2 p.m.

Colonel Catterson (our brigade commander) told me today that a dispatch from Bragg to had been intercepted yesterday, that stated that he was moving on us from Savannah, with 10,000 infantry and Dick Taylor’s Cavalry. See if he don’t “come to grief.” Two of our divisions are moving 12 miles to our right—the 2d and 3d— the 4th is with us.

Kilpatrick has gone for the Millen and Augusta railroad. If he hurts it much he’ll do more than cavalry usually do.

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