Friday, 27th.—About 4 A. M., very heavy cannonading began and continued for some time. Orderly Harmon struck in side with spent ball. P. M., Federals shelled Baker’s Brigade just to our left, very heavily, tearing down their log fortifications and killing good many of their men. 5 P. M., 39th having long-range guns, was ordered to support Baker’s Brigade and sharp-shoot batteries. Very dangerous place; two of regiment killed and several wounded; silenced the batteries in a short time; eulogized by General Reynolds and also by the division commander. During the hottest of the fight, a mere youth, probably not over sixteen or seventeen, was by my side, a handsome boy and brave. He said to me: “Pretty hot place, but we will put our trust in God and do the best we can.” The last words he ever spoke. As he raised to fire over the works, a minnie ball struck him fair in the head, and he fell by my side. What a pang pierced my heart, and how I wished I could tell his mother his last words; but I don’t know who he was. I only know he was with Baker’s Brigade, and suppose he belonged to it. We were relieved after dark and returned to our place in the second line, but were soon ordered to be ready to move at once.
May 2014
Friday, May 27. — Held the ford until half-past eight A.M., when we were relieved by the cavalry. We then marched down towards Bethel Church. During the day our corps formed the rear guard, marching after the trains. We marched until about 10 P.M., making about 10 or 11 miles, one of the most fatiguing marches I have ever made. We had to halt every few feet. Went into camp just after striking the Bowling Green Road. Ten stragglers.
May 27 — Last night the enemy abandoned their position in our front and are still moving by the left flank, and to-day we moved farther to our right in order to keep an eye on the enemy’s base-changing operations. We crossed the South Anna, one of the principal headstreams of the Pamunkey, draining the southwestern portion of Louisa County. The North and South Anna unite and form the Pamunkey near the southern point of Caroline, about three miles, the way the bird flies, northwest of Hanover Court House.
We were on the march and prowling around until midnight. Camped near Hughes’ Cross Roads, about ten miles from Richmond, and near the Chickahominy. We passed through Ashland to-day, a beautiful little town pleasantly situated on the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad, sixteen miles north of Richmond. To-day we passed long trains of General Lee’s army wagons, moving toward our right.
Huntsville, Friday, May 27. Suffer a severe cold. Dull, cloudy day. Lay in my bunk most of the day. Expressed $40.00 of my money home per J. Lester to-day. Went to town afternoon, received my photos.
May 27th. Rain. Regiment ordered out into line about 3 A. M. This is done to guard against a surprise while we are in the enemy’s country. Remained in line about two hours, then stacked arms and were dismissed and allowed to get our breakfast. This is a dark, rainy, dismal day in camp. Late this afternoon a battalion, 5th New York Heavy Artillery, came into camp, they having made a forced march, being ordered to join the army. We were old friends, having been in the same brigade during the winter of 1862-3. We greeted them with hearty cheers which they returned, while our Colonel and their Lieutenant-Colonel, who was in command, were shaking hands, while on horseback. Our company detailed for picket duty. Located on the extreme right of the picket line.
May 27.—News from Fitz Lee’s fight; it was not disastrous as at first reported; many were wounded, many captured, and but four killed. But four desolated homes by this stroke! but four widows, or broken-hearted mothers, in addition to the bereaved of the land! God be with them to comfort them! Nothing farther of the bayoneted wounded: I trust that it was all a fabrication.
We returned to the office yesterday, which had been closed for a week. It is pitiable to see how the rations are being reduced by degrees. The Government is exerting itself for the relief of the soldiers. God have mercy upon and help us!
27th. Orders to hitch up about 11 A. M. Moved about 3 P. M. Read one volume of “Marble Faun.” Marched all night.
by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 27TH.—Clouds and sunshine; cooler.
Nothing additional from the West. Several thousand Georgia mounted troops have arrived during the last 24 hours, in readiness to march to Lee. One Georgia regiment has 1200, and a South Carolina regiment that went up this morning 1000 men.
Lee’s army is at Ashland—17 miles distant. The enemy are marching down the Pamunky, north side. They will doubtless cross it, and march through New Kent and CharlesCityCounties to the James River, opposite Butler’s army. Grant probably intends crossing his army to the south side, which, if effected, might lose us Richmond, for the city cannot subsist a week with its southern communications cut. We should starve.
But Beauregard means to make another effort to dislodge Butler, immediately. It will probably be a combined movement, the iron clads co-operating. It is a necessity, and it must be done without delay, no matter what the cost may be. If Butler remains, the railroads will be cut. If the city be taken, not only will the iron-clads be lost, but a large proportion of the army may be cut off from escape. Immense munitions would certainly fall into the hands of the enemy.
The Whig and Enquirer both denounced Gen. Bragg to-day.
Senator Orr’s assault in the Senate on Gen. Bragg was followed by another from Wigfall, who declared there was a want of confidence in the President. Mr. Orr said his appointment was discourtesy to the Secretary of War, whereupon the Secretary fell ill yesterday, but to-day he is well again. Nevertheless, the Senate voted Gen. B. the salary, etc. allowed a general in the field.
And Gen. Winder has been treated as cavalierly as he treated me. Retribution is sure.
The city is excited with rumors. One is that Beauregard, when about to engage the enemy last week, was ordered by Bragg to evacuate Petersburg—certainly an insane measure. Gen. Beauregard (so the story runs) telegraphed the President (who was with him, as I heard) to know if such an order had his sanction. The President replied that Gen. Bragg’s orders were authorized by him. Beauregard disregarded the order and fought the battle, saving Petersburg. Then Beauregard tendered his resignation, which was not accepted. It is also said that the order was directed to the commandant of the garrison; but the courier was stopped by Generals Wise and Martin, who gave the paper to Beauregard.
There is another rumor that Bragg’s orders caused Lee to fall back; and, of course, the credulous people here are despondent; some in despair. There may be some design against the President in all this.
[May] 27. Friday. — Read Colonel Gilbert’s pamphlet on Governor Brough’s rule as to promotion. I do not quarrel with it as a general rule, but Colonel Gilbert and the Forty-fourth should have had their officers as desired. To make such a rule inflexible is very foolish.
Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
May 26, 1864.—Granger’s brigade is ordered to picket the north bank of the Tennessee river from Stevenson to Decatur, about 100 miles. In his arrangement of troops we will be about in the center, with headquarters at Claysville, which is in the extreme southern bend of the river, opposite Gunthersville, and about 45 miles from Stevenson. It is barely possible that my regiment may be swung around on the river right here, in which case headquarters will probably remain here or near this place, but I do not expect it.
Everything seems to move right in front and on the Potomac; and when we hear of successes there to our arms, visions of peace and home and family and loved ones become very bright. Now do not worry about our moving. We are in a great deal more danger of being struck by lightning than by bullets this summer.
