Wednesday, 22d—It has cleared off and is quite warm today. The rebels commenced shelling us this morning, but did little damage, as their shells fell short of our lines, on account of their insufficient charges of powder, we suppose, and because their guns are too small to stand heavier charges. Our batteries opened up and exchanged shots with them for about two hours. Our men commenced throwing up heavy earthworks this evening. Company C went out on picket this evening. There have been no trains coming in to Big Shanty for the last two days on account of the rebels’ destroying the railroad on this side of Chattanooga; but it will be repaired in a few days. Our army draws full rations with the exception of meat, of which we are allowed but three-fifths rations.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Wednesday, 22d.—Bought new book for my diary to-day, for which I paid six dollars. Hope the war will be ended before I get this one full.
Wednesday, June 22d.
The regiment moved back from the lines about a mile and camped. In the afternoon my company was sent out to make gabions for an earthwork which was being built for artillery, and while at work a little distance in rear of the position of McKnight’s battery, General Meade came riding along at a very leisurely pace and apparently alone. Suddenly a solid shot from the enemy struck the earth just in front of his horse, followed in a moment by another which landed close by the first, and laying himself along the neck of his horse, just as any private in a cavalry company might have done, he drove his spurs into the horse’s flanks and got out of range about as quick as that manœuvre could possibly be executed. Very soon after this incident the rebels made a charge and took some of Mc-Knight’s guns, how many I do not know, and came prettynear gobbling up Lieut. McPherson’s Coehorn Mortar Battery also, which was nearby, manned by Co. C of our regiment, and if they had come a little farther they could have captured my whole company too, for our muskets were stacked at some distance from where we were at work, and we were armed only with axes and jack-knives. Not long after the enemy had withdrawn with its booty, we were ordered to go to camp by a staff officer, and finding the camp deserted, followed the regiment to a point on General Barlow’s First Division line.
June 22.—Good news from all quarters. The gallant Forrest has gained a victory in North Mississippi, nearly capturing a whole command.
Morgan is again in the saddle, bringing dismay to the loyal Kentuckians.
We have gained a victory at Lynchburg, Virginia.
Grant has effected nothing at Petersburg.
The enemy have been defeated in Florida.
Johnston is teaching them a lesson up here, letting them know that they shall not pollute our soil with impunity.
Brownsboro, Wednesday, June 22. Keveille sounded at 2:30 A. M. and quietly we broke camp and marched at 5 A. M. with but one regiment ahead of us in the column. Marched through town in fine style, and soon beautiful and dreamy Huntsville was placed among the past. Roads heavy, weather warm. Marched slow, and reached Brownsboro by 12 M, Went into camp and rested the remainder of the day. Boys full of life and hilarity. The dread of starting (and of parting with some) is over and sutlers tremble. Bathed in the clear waters of the Flint in the evening.
Petersburg, Va., June 22d, 1864.
It is nearly two months since I heard from my loved ones. I cannot express my anxiety; words are too feeble.
The fighting continues around Petersburg. It has raged, without intermission, since the 15th inst., night and day. All their works have been carried by storm except their last, or inner, works, which seem to be impregnable.
In the different engagements around this place our —the Third—Division has lost in killed and wounded 1,500 men. I cannot describe—would not if I could —the scenes I have witnessed and passed through during the past six weeks. The sights of woe are enough to appal the stoutest heart. I have worked day and night since we arrived here, and cannot see that I have done anything, so much still remains to be done. Fast as possible the wounded are sent to City Point, and thence to Washington, to make room for fresh victims. City Point is about eight miles from here. Every possible comfort is there provided. Mrs. Brainard, Mrs. Wheelock and several other Michigan ladies are there, freely distributing to soldiers the people’s gifts. I have written my friends if they have anything to give the private soldier, to do it through the Christian Commission or Michigan Soldiers’ Relief Society. Tomorrow I go to City Point in charge of a train of sick; I will probably remain there for the present; at least, that is now my intention. My object is that I may the sooner hear from my loved wife, for this suspense is torture. My position is a peculiar one. I am left to take care of myself as best I can; am reported on company books as “Absent, prisoner of war;” can draw neither pay or clothing. For myself I care not, but the thought that my family may suffer—is suffering—is maddening.
June 22.—Captain Morris Brown, of Penn Yan, was killed to-day by a musket shot in the head, while commanding the regiment before Petersburg.
Wednesday, June 22. — Day warm. Second and Fifth Corps moved to the left. In the evening there was quite heavy cannonading on our left and right. Heard that Second Corps lost four guns and 1300 prisoners. Had quite a brisk skirmish on the left of our picket line.
June 22 — To-day we moved two miles in the direction of Richmond and camped. This afternoon I went to Richmond with the first gun of our battery and delivered it at Confederate States Armory as a worn-out gun unfit for further use in the field. After I delivered my gun according to order, I came to our wagon camp, about six miles northwest of Richmond.
Richmond, now the temporary capital of the Confederate States, is pleasantly situated on the left bank of the James River at the head of tide-water, and about one hundred miles a little west of south of Washington. The country around the city is nearly level and the land seems to be fertile and of good quality. The site of the city is an undulating slope, dipping gently to the southeast.
June 22nd. Moved forward about ½ a mile and erected rifle-pits. A Reb. battery annoyed us considerably. About noon, firing was heard directly in front. Soon after Barlow’s Div. came rushing over our rifle-pits, the Rebs followed. Engaged them a short time and fell back. Loss: Co. B 8 wounded.
