by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 23D.—Fair and warm, with pleasant breezes.
Gen. Johnston, without a defeat, has fallen back to Calhoun, Ga. Gen. Lee, without a defeat, has fallen back to Hanover Junction, his headquarters at Ashland. Grant is said to be worming his way eastward to the Peninsula, the field occupied by McClellan in 1862. Why, he might have attained that position without the loss of a man at the outset!
On Saturday night Gen. Butler made the following exploit:
“On Saturday night the enemy renewed his assault, assailing that portion of our line held principally by Wise’s brigade. In some manner our men had become apprised of the intention of the enemy to make a night attack, and were fully prepared for it. The enemy were allowed to advance, our men deliberately reserving their fire until they were within 20 or 30 yards of them, when they poured into their ranks a most terrific volley, driving them back with great slaughter. The repulse is said to have been a most decided success; the enemy were thrown into great confusion and retreated rapidly.
“The enemy’s loss is said to have been very severe, and is estimated at hardly less than four or five hundred in killed alone, while we are said to have lost none in killed, and some thirty or forty wounded.”
There was an immense mail to-day, and yet with my sore eyes I had no aid from my son, still at the intrenchments. I hinted my desire to have him, but young Mr. Kean opposed it.
[May] 23. Monday. — Court martial continues. Prosecution closed yesterday. Defense opens this A. M. Adjourned until tomorrow, 9 A. M., after hearing all the testimony the accused had [to] present. Two captains and several men captured near here by guerrillas.
Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Stevenson, Ala., Sun., May 22, 1864.—The troops from the rear, which have been relieved by the 100-days men, are constantly passing through here. We keep hearing rumors that we are to be relieved in the same way before long, but I have nothing authentic on the subject. I should not be surprised, however, if the rumors turn out true and we go farther south; but as usual it will probably be after the fighting is over.
We get no particulars from the front except that Sherman is pushing on for Atlanta. I had a telegram from him yesterday, dated Kingston, Ga. The army, I learn, is some distance beyond there.
Sunday, May 22d.
At one o’clock in the morning we were ordered back over the road upon which we had advanced the day before, and after marching some distance were halted until 4 o’clock P. M., and then sent to Bowling Green, where we camped near Harrison’s stores. The distance traveled was not far from six miles, but why we were kept moving about in this way no one seemed to know.
Sunday, 22d—We started at 5:30 this morning and marched till 2 o’clock, when we again went into bivouac. Our brigade today was just in front of the rear. We passed through some very fine country with well-improved farms. Today we bade old Tennessee farewell and entered Alabama.
What a cruel thing this war is! May God hasten the day when it will be brought to a close and our nation enjoy peace once more. Here in the army we have to march on Sunday as other days. A soldier has to go through a great many hardships not thought of by others.
Sunday, May 22. — We marched until 4 or 5 this morning. We passed through Guinea Station, and halted in a ploughed field beyond it. We passed through the most beautiful and fertile part of Virginia that I have yet seen. The trees were all in leaf, and the corn and wheat well started. The country is rolling, with numerous streams intersecting it. I hear that we are the rear guard, with the trains. The army moves in three columns. Hancock is ahead. Lost my pistol last night. Met Holmes on the march. Day warm.
May 22 — This morning we put our guns in position on the Hanover Junction road about four miles from Milford. After we were in position about two hours the enemy advanced on the road slowly and cautiously, and we retired without firing, to the south side of the Pole-cat, and took a good commanding position near the little stream; but the enemy did not advance on us there. We remained in position until nearly night, then fell back to the North Anna, and camped for the night.
The North Anna is one of the principal head streams of the Pamunkey, and is the boundary line between Caroline County and Hanover. The Pole-cat is a little run-like rivulet in Caroline County, between Milford and the North Anna; the country along the little stream is level and the land is of good quality. Weather hot.
Huntsville, Sunday, May 22. Inspection 8 A. M. Attended Sabbath school. Soldiers’ class large and interesting. Before returned to camp, listened to an eloquent and scientific discourse by Dr. Ross, Presbyterian Church. Wrote letters in the afternoon. Very warm. Traded sugar for milk. Made a fine bread pudding for dinner, great rarity for soldiers. A train of thirty cars loaded with “grey backs” captured by Sherman passed North; very dirty and filthy-looking clothes.
22nd. Got into Guiney Station at noon. Stayed till the next day;
