Four miles southeast of Van Wirt, Ga.,
May 24, 1864.
Short march to-day—because it is a full day’s march from here to water. At Van Wirt we turned east on the Atlanta road. Will pass through Dallas to-morrow. My company was rear guard to-day for the brigade. One of my men spilled a kettle of boiling coffee last night, filling his shoe. All the skin on the top of his foot that did not come off with the socks is in horrible blisters. The surgeon said he would have to march, and he has, all day, don’t that seem rather hard? You remember how I used to detest fat meat? If I didn’t eat a pound of raw pickled pork to-day for dinner, shoot me. Things don’t go nearly as well as on the march from Memphis. ‘Tis much harder, though we don’t make as many miles per day. One reason is the weather is much warmer, and another thing, each division then marched independently, and now all three of them camp together every night. Dorrance is nearly sick to-night. I thought I heard some artillery firing this morning, but guess I was mistaken. The cavalry report they have not found any force of Rebels yesterday or to-day. Small-pox has broken out in the 6th Iowa—some 20 cases.
Tuesday, May 24.— Remained on the north bank of the river [North Anna] until about 12 M. We then crossed by a ford. Our brigade formed in line of battle, and about 3 P.M. advanced into the woods. The banks on both sides of the river are steep and woody. We gained the crest on the south side, and formed line in an open field. Our brigade was in three line, the 35th Massachusetts being deployed as skirmishers. We advanced about three fourths of a mile without opposition. The skirmishers soon became engaged, and soon ours were driven back. I then ordered my men to rise and give a left oblique fire, which they did, driving Johnnie Rebel. Came near being hit in the ankle. We then charged to within a hundred yards of their works, receiving grape and canister on the way. Here we remained two or three hours, the sharpshooters picking off our men all the time. Major Putnam received a scalp wound [from which he afterwards died. A brave officer]. Baker of A Company was killed while fighting bravely.
About 6.45 a thunder-shower came up, and during it the enemy charged on our right flank and front just as we received an order to fall back. While I was trying to rally my men, I got a bullet through my coat, scratching me on my side. Colonel Chandler of the 57th was mortally wounded at the same time, and died in the enemy’s lines in two hours. We lost 8 killed, 38 wounded and 24 missing. General Ledlie lost three of his staff and his brigade flag-sergeant. Wallace was taken prisoner, Sergeant Cosgrove wounded through both legs. The enemy thought it was an attack on their centre in force. General Ledlie made a botch of it. Had too much on board, I think. Rained during the evening. General Crittenden placed me in charge of the brigade, as General L. was sleepy and tired.
[After we were driven back on this day, Chandler stopped me and said, “Weld, what are you going to do?” I said, “I don’t know.” He said, “I am going to rally my men and try to make a stand.” I said, “I will join you.” He got about 50 or 60 of his men together; I had my colors in my hand getting my men together, and when I had collected about the same number, General Mahone came up within forty yards of us and gave us a volley. I was turning, calling some of my men back at the moment the volley was fired, and got a bullet through my coat that scratched my side for about three inches and drew blood and raised an enormous welt, from which I was sore for a week or ten days. The same volley seemed to me to knock over all the men I had got together. Chandler was mortally wounded, and altogether it was an unpleasant little time. My only idea was to try and get inside our lines before I dropped. As soon as I got behind the temporary works we had thrown up, I pulled up my shirt and found I was only scratched, and I felt quite happy. At the moment I was hit it felt like a red-hot iron on my side.]
May 24 — We remained in camp all day. The Yankees are on our side of the North Anna in great force, and from all accounts the country along this side of the river is thick and full of them.
Huntsville, Tuesday, May 24. Our quiet camp is very busy to-day by the bustle occasioned by the presence of the 17th Corps. “Wagons driving in hot haste, drums beating, bugles blowing, etc. The boys as of old are doing steep jay-hawking, breaking into gardens, cheating sutlers, etc. A long march has invariably a demoralizing effect upon troops. Guards stationed on every corner. Blair has ordered our Division to the front. Smith telegraphed to Sherman for orders. Paid off 4 P. M., $52.00. The rest of the day was spent very busily, settling debts and crossing out old scores, trading, etc.
May 24th. Nothing of importance has taken place in camp since the last date. Marching orders received in the shape of general orders. Advance up the valley. Four days’ rations to be issued, with instructions to make it last eight. That puts us on half rations, and we are also put in light marching order. All extra baggage, with knapsacks, sent to the rear, at Martinsburg. Regiment on skirmish drill. Our company, color company, remains on the reserves. When the regiment forms in line the formation is made on center company and the colors. All things are now ready for the advance. Waiting for orders.
24th. Read in “Villette.” Saw Lt. Bennett, 44th N. Y. Heavy firing in the distance nearly all day. Train moved out in the evening. Crossed the Mattapony. Went one and one-half mile? and camped at 1:30 A. M.
May 24—One of yesterday’s wounded died to-day. This negro company was taken away to-day, as there is no telling what even men without arms will do to such devils, although they have got guns.
May 24, Tuesday. Nothing especial at the Cabinet. The condition and position of the armies canvassed. Chase was not present. He seldom attends of late.
Seward urges the departure of the Niagara. I have no doubt that Sanford, our Minister at Belgium, one of Seward’s pets, who is now here, has been instrumental in urging this matter. He wants a public vessel to carry him abroad, and has cajoled Seward . . . to effect this object. I do not like to be bamboozled, as Colonel Benton says, by such fellows as Sanford.
There are, however, some reasons to influence action.
Seward sent to my house on Saturday evening a bundle of dispatches from Mr. Dayton, and also from Mr. Bigelow, our consul at Paris, relative to the conduct and feelings of the French Government. That breaking through the blockade for tobacco looks mischievous, and one or more vessels ought doubtless to appear in European waters.
Bigelow, in his confidential dispatch, tells Seward that it was not judicious to have explained to the French Government in regard to the resolution of our House of Representatives that they would maintain the Monroe Doctrine.
by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 24TH.—Clear and warm.
No fighting yesterday besides small collisions near Hanover Junction. It is said to-day that Grant threatens the Central Railroad, on Lee’s left. This is regarded as a serious matter. We want men.
An armed guard is now a fixture before the President’s house.
Peas were in market on the 18th inst.; price $10 a half peck. Strawberries are $10 per quart. There has been no meat in market for a long time, most of the butchers’ stalls being closed during the last three months. Unless government feeds the people here, some of us may starve.
[May] 24. Tuesday. — Finished Jenkins trial. No definite news lately. Charlie Hay, Sergeant Heiliger, and Sergeant Clark returned. Hay and Clark get from Casey’s Board captaincies of first class. Heiliger gets second lieutenant of second class. A queer result. The three are probably nearly equal in merit. Major McIlrath reported near with detachments for all regiments. Captain Hood sick.
