Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

by John Beauchamp Jones

            JUNE 21ST.—Clear and warmer.

            Gen. Beauregard has not been removed from his command,—it would be too great a shock to popular sentiment.

            The iron-clads went out this morning and proceeded down the river, supported by Custis Lee’s brigade of local troops, including the Departmental Battalion, marching a dozen miles in the sun and dust. More will be on the sick list.

June 21, 1864.

No variation to report to-day. Heavy rain yesterday and to-day. Some 350 prisoners were sent in from the right yesterday, and about 80 more that I know of to-day. Figure that we have taken about 3,000 prisoners at this place. Since the army went into position here the right has advanced about six miles, the center two miles, and the left three and one-half to four miles. The musketry from dark last night until 11 p.m. was very busy in front of the 4th Corps, though it may have been only a heavy skirmish line. I hear to-day that the 4th Corps took a strong Rebel position last night while that firing was going on and held it.