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

Post image for “Our headquarter’s foragers brought in five Rebel deserters to-night, and five dozen eggs which I think were the most valuable.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

“Our headquarter’s foragers brought in five Rebel deserters to-night, and five dozen eggs which I think were the most valuable.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

April 14, 2015

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

Raleigh, N. C., April 14, 1865, 1 p.m.

We passed through town and were reviewed by Sherman, who stood at the south gate of the State Capitol grounds. Just as Colonel Wright saluted, his horse turned his heels towards Sherman and did some of the finest kicking that ever was seen. It was most amusing. Raleigh is a fine old town. Many beautiful residences, and the gardens filled with the choicest shrubbery

The 14th A. C. guards the place. Wheeler’s men sacked it. Division hearquarters received orders to save their rations. What we have is to last 30 days and maybe 40 days. That means a long march, though it is hinted that we do not follow Johnston. Some think we are going into East Tennessee. The citizens of Raleigh generally come to their gates to look at us, but make no demonstrations that I have heard of. The 14th A. C. is protecting them in all their rights. Not a thing disturbed.

High rolling country and large farms. The town is fortified all around, but works were old. I never saw so few negroes in a Southern city. Our headquarter’s foragers brought in five Rebel deserters to-night, and five dozen eggs which I think were the most valuable.

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