Friday, 22d.—12 M. Federals charged S. D. Lee’s Alabama brigade. Being on reserve, we were sent through a perfect shower of shot and shell to re-inforce. Heavy fighting; Feds driven back; captured three or four stands of colors and several prisoners. General Lee’s aid killed by shell, within twenty feet of us. D. Brown wounded. Gunboats attacked river batteries, but were driven off; pretty hot times on all sides; great many Federals killed to-day in the several charges made; not very many Rebels killed, but several wounded. 8 P. M., ordered back to our place on reserve.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
May 22d. We bid farewell to Fort Marshall and Baltimore. Marched across the city to the Camden Street railway station, Baltimore and Ohio R. R. After a long wait a train of box cars ready to receive us, into which we were packed and started on our journey. A slow tiresome ride in the old cars.
Friday, 22d — This morning we moved out a short distance from our bivouac and formed a line of battle. The rebels commenced throwing shells at us, and continued it all day; but as their guns were aimed too high, our greatest danger was from the falling limbs of trees hit by their shells. Four companies, including Company E, were sent out on the skirmish line. Company B had one man killed 1 and one wounded. We withdrew after dark and moved five miles farther on toward the right wing of the army and bivouacked in a cottonfield for the night. We were in heavy timber all day, which with the rough land, all hills and gullies, afforded us some protection. We are on the extreme left of Grant’s army, which almost encircles Vicksburg.
May 22. — Captain Wadsworth went down the Peninsula this morning. Day warm and sun shining. Lieutenant Smith of the t2th Infantry was here this afternoon.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 22.—A large party of us went on board a gunboat. It was very interesting to see how they work the guns.
May 22, Friday. Information is received that Grant has beaten Pemberton after a hard fight of nine hours. It is said to have taken place on the 15th inst.
Had an interview with Admiral Lardner, who goes out to take charge of the West India Squadron. He is prudent, but, I fear, not so efficient as the duty assigned him requires. Wilkes has accomplished but little, has interfered with and defeated some Navy plans, but has not committed the indiscretions towards neutrals which I feared he would, and of which he is charged.
Slaves hoeing cotton in the center with John C. Calhoun on the left and Columbia on the right.
The wording on the bill reads: “Six Months after the Ratification of a Treaty of Peace between The Confederate States & The United States of America The Confederate States of America Will pay to the bearer on demand One Hundred Dollars, with interest at two cents per day.”
22nd. After breakfast sleeked up. Charlie blacked my boots. Bill shaved me. Played two games of chess with Capt. N. Even games. Wrote to Sarah. Received two papers. Very warm day— uncomfortable. Major Purington’s horse died. Seems to have very bad luck.
Friday. 22nd—Came cross the pike to Meadows, fed our horses. I, Jim and Lamb started back to Kentucky. We came cross pike to Mr. Hodges and got supper, then cross railroad and out through Mitehellville to Norris ten miles from railroad; staid all day and to-night.
MAY 22ND. —Last night mortar-shells, fired from the boats on the river in front of the city across Point Louisiana, fell thick over all parts of Vicksburg, and at three o’clock this morning every cannon along our line belched its shot at the enemy. Nothing could be heard at the time but the thundering of great guns—one hundred cannons sent crashing into the town —parrot, shrapnell, cannister, grape and solid shot—until it seemed impossible that anything could withstand such a fearful hailstorm. It was indeed a terrible spectacle—awfully grand.
At ten o’clock we had orders to advance. The boys were expecting the order and were busy divesting themselves of watches, rings, pictures and other keepsakes, which were being placed in the custody of the cooks, who were not expected to go into action. I never saw such a scene before, nor do I ever want to see it again. The instructions left with the keepsakes were varied. For instance, “This watch I want you to send to my father if I never return”—”I am going to Vicksburg, and if I do not get back just send these little trifles home, will you?”—proper addresses for the sending of the articles being left with them. Not a bit of sadness or fear appears in the talk or faces of the boys, but they thought it timely and proper to dispose of what they had accordingly. This was done while we awaited orders, which at last came in earnest, and in obedience to them we moved up and took our place in the rifle pits within a hundred yards of Fort Hill, where we had orders to keep a diligent watch, and to fire at the first head that dared to show itself. The air was so thick with the smoke of cannon that we could hardly see a hundred yards before us. The line to our right and left was completely hidden from view except as revealed by the flash of guns, and the occasional bursting of shells through the dense clouds. About eleven o’clock came a signal for the entire line to charge upon the works of the enemy. Our boys were all ready, and in an instant leaped forward to find victory or defeat. The seventh Missouri took the lead with ladders which they placed against the fort, and then gave way for others to scale them. Those who climbed to the top of the fort met cold steel, and, when at length it was found impossible to enter the fort that way, the command was given to fall back, which was done under a perfect hail of lead from the enemy. The rebels, in their excitement and haste to fire at our retreating force, thrust their heads a little too high above their cover,—an advantage we were quick to seize with well aimed volleys. In this charge a severe loss was met by our division, and nothing gained. What success was met by the rest of the line I can not say, but I hope it was better than ours. Thus ended another day of bloody fight in vain, except for an increase of the knowledge which has been steadily growing lately, that a regular siege will be required to take Vicksburg. This day will be eventful on the page of history, for its duties have been severe, and many a brave patriot bit the dust under the storm of deadly fire that assailed us.
