Monday, 29th—Fighting is still going on and our guns around Vicksburg seem to be making a new onslaught today. Our men blew up another rebel fort, but did not attempt to rush in, since the guns from the other forts are so arranged as to defend any other point along the fortifications. Everything on the outer lines has been quiet. I came in from picket this morning. The boys of my company are all in fine spirits, and although the blackberries are getting scarce, peaches and apples, which are plentiful around here, will soon be ripe.
June 2013
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 29. Came off of guard to assist my messmate in enlarging our shelter so as to be cooler, and put up bunks of cane, which is a good deal more comfortable. The health of the Battery is on the decline, I am sorry to state. Seven or eight cases in hospital; Griff down with boils. D. J. Davis and W. Hamilton shaking with the ague. My own health is not too good, troubled with diarrhea more or less continually. I am daily falling off.
June 29. — We started early this morning, moving in a drenching rain, which continued most of the day, for Emmetsburg, some 23 miles off. We passed through some magnificent farms near Frederick, the fields of grain being ripe for the harvest, and looking as if they were ready to bend to the ground with their golden fruit. We passed through Mechanicstown and Catoctin Furnace, and finally reached Emmetsburg about 2 o’clock. I managed to get a feed for my horse, and some bread and milk for myself, and then started for Middleburg, 10 miles off, with a note from General Reynolds. I met Newhall[1] on the way, with General Gregg. I arrived at Middleburg, and found headquarters in a hotel. I had to wait until 10.30 for orders, but the time seemed less tedious from the music of the cavalry band, which played almost all the evening. Came back to camp and found our headquarters in the town. We passed on our march to-day St. Mary’s College for young men, about two miles from Emmetsburg, and St. Joseph’s, a convent where the Sisters of Charity “hang out.” I travelled between 40 and 5o miles to-day and did not get to bed until nearly one o’clock. Obtained General Howard’s orders, and brought them to him. Every one felt better to-day as General H. was away.
[1] From Philadelphia.
June 29 — This morning we left Snickersville and crossed the Blue Ridge on the Berryville road. We forded the Shenandoah River early in the day, came through Berryville, and are camped this evening on the Charlestown pike four miles below Berryville. A heavy fog hung on the Blue Ridge this morning when we crossed.
June 29, Monday. Great apprehension prevails. The change of commanders is thus far well received. No regret is expressed that Hooker has been relieved. This is because of the rumor of his habits, the reputation that he is intemperate, for his military reputation is higher than that of his successor. Meade has not so much character as such a command requires. He is, however, kindly favored; will be well supported, have the best wishes of all, but does not inspire immediate confidence. A little time may improve this, and give him name and fame.
Naval Order No. 16 on the death of Foote and the congratulatory letter to Rodgers have each been well received. The allusion to the character of the monitors was a questionable matter, but I thought it an opportunity to counteract Du Pont’s mischief which should not pass unimproved. Some of the Rebel sympathizers assail that part of it, as I supposed they probably would. Of Foote I could have said more, but brevity is best on such occasions.
Monday June 29th 1863
The very atmosphere has been full of rumors today in reference to the movements of the rebels in P.a. & Maryland. Yesterday they captured a large wagon train (170 Six Mule Teams) within Ten Miles of this City. The train was on its way To Frederick M.D. The Rebels are probably in Harrisburg by tonight. A people which will refuse to turn out en mass to repel the invader deserves to have its capitol taken, and their Country laid waste. If nothing Else will “wake up” the inhabitants I hope that fire and plunder will. Genl Hooker has been superceded and Genl Meade is now in command of the “Army of the Potomac.” It is said today that Mr Stanton has been superceded as Sec’y of War by B. F. Butler. I hope it is so. This morning a Squad of Rebels came within six miles of Washington and came near capturing P M Genl Blair as he was coming to the City from his Country residence. They got his horse, which he was riding, he escaped in the woods. A Negro Regt (one thousand Strong) passed through the Av’e yesterday. I never saw a new Regt march better. We are expecting that communication will be cut off (with Baltimore) by tomorrow morning.
JUNE 29TH.—The 4th of July is fast approaching, and if we do not get our prize by that time, we will have a little celebration out here in the woods, for we have flags, drums and plenty of spread-eagle speakers, and we can omit the cannon, of which kind of music we have had a surfeit. Yes, we have all the material for a patriotic celebration, but I had hoped we should waive the old flag in Vicksburg that day.
I was sick last night, and up many times before day; and as I walked among the sleepers, I was astonished at the snoring; the variety of sounds made was as great as that of a brass band.
A rumor circulates that Pemberton has made an attack on our lines at Vicksburg, trying to cut his way out, but failed of his purpose. From a prisoner brought in, I have learned, by questioning, that the rebel authorities have made numerous drafts for young and old, to refill their ranks, and I think their army now must be as strong as it can ever be. By conscription and terrorism they have forced into the field every available man. With the North it is not so, for the old song, “We are Coming, Father Abraham, Three Hundred Thousand More,” is being sung there yet, with good will, and volunteers are still pouring in to fill up what may be lacking in our ranks. We can thus throw renewed forces against failing ones.
Monday, 29th—I was detailed to go to the shop; came on to town, found Stroud and came out five miles to shop. Still raining. We spend the night at the shop.
June 29 — Sharp shooting today as usual. Mathisas of Co. F. died in the trenches this morning of cramp. He did not live more than ten minutes after he was taken. King Stalcup of the 31st Tenn. Regt. was killed last night by some of our own men. The Yankees made a charge on our right this evening but were repulsed. W.R.C.
June 29th. The command marched at 6 A. M. and made the longest and most severe march in its history. We passed through Liberty and Jonhsville to Uniontown, a distance of fully thirty miles. Some say thirty-five. The roads were good but fearfully dusty. We rested occasionally, perhaps three hours all told, and went into bivouac in fair condition, although there were many stragglers. The day was beautiful, but the sun much too hot for comfort. Riding at the head of the column the general suggested that every man be required to contribute something for the amusement of the party. I unexpectedly made quite a hit by relating a lot of Ovid’s metamorphoses, which some of them had never heard of before and thought very wonderful. Occasionally we dismounted and walked, and at times rode out of the column to neighboring houses to have a chat with the natives, get a cool drink of water, and perhaps a chat with the girls of the establishment. How one does enjoy a stretch on the cool green grass after the day’s march is over, and what an immense appetite one has at night. Nothing can be more delightful and interesting than campaigning in a civilized country at this season of the year. Uniontown is a pretty secluded village, patriotic, but paralyzed just now by the nearness of the rebel army.
In passing through these towns, we usually resume the regular step, and with bands playing and colors flying make a stunning appearance. The Fifty-second, as in days gone by, although now with fewer voices, sing their memorable songs, which creates more enthusiasm than do the bands.
