Wednesday, 29th—There was heavy cannonading on our side today, but the rebels did not reply. Our company was out on the skirmish line again, but I could not go with them on account of sickness. I have not been fit for duty since Saturday evening, the 25th, but on last Monday, the 27th, I was taken quite sick, having contracted the intermittent fever while digging the rifle pits along a branch infected with malaria. The weather was quite hot today, which is hard on the sick.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Wednesday, June 29th.
All quiet along the lines to-day. Joe Solomon, my acting assistant bodyguard, fell over a stump and broke his arm, and promptly, and I may say very cheerfully, went to the hospital. Lieut. Edmonston returned from the picket line with his men at eleven o’clock to-night.
Headquarters 56th Mass. Vols.,
Near Petersburg, Va., June 29, ’64.
Dear Father, — We are all very busy indeed, making out our returns for the past month. We are now in the front line again, having relieved the 2d Brigade last night. We occupy the same position that we had when here before, by far the pleasantest on the line, as we have a skirt of woods in our front, which shields us from the enemy’s sharpshooters. I hear that heavy guns are to be mounted along our line to-night.
Everything remains “in statu quo.” There seems to be a head wanting somewhere, if we are going to have a siege. Each corps seems to be working on its own hook, as far as I can see.
I am detailed on court-martial again, and am President of the Court. We meet at division headquarters every day.
I suppose that James has got home by this time. Has he recovered from his fright yet? He was completely disgusted with the army when he left here.
I wish you would please send me the semi-weekly Advertiser once in a while, and at the same time enclose a nice cigar. I find a good many officers get occasional cigars in that way, to help them digest the news.
I think that we shall remain where we are for some time, unless the rebs drive us away, or we take Petersburg. I don’t see any likelihood of either event happening yet awhile.
I am afraid that Jarves will not be able to come back to this regiment. I wish him to hold his position, however, as I think he has lost enough serving his country to entitle him to the place, even if he cannot perform any duty.
We lose men every day from the enemy’s sharpshooters. I have lost but one or two, having been quite lucky.
What kind of a time did you have on Class Day? We were under almost broiling heat, which killed two of our men on picket. I would have given anything to have been at Cambridge then.
Our quartermaster, Captain Ladd, is going home in a day or two, he having been promoted. He goes home to give bonds, etc. I shall ask him to call and see you all. Please ask him to tea, if he comes. He is a very nice fellow, and is half brother to Mr. Upham of Spencer, whom you know.
Please give my love to all the family. I am perfectly well.
June 29. — Began to make out the monthly muster-and pay-roll, etc. Got hold of our regimental desk and baggage. Quartermaster starts for home to-day, his resignation, to accept promotion, having been accepted. Sent a letter to Father by him. Weather moderately cool.
Headquarters 56th Mass. Vols.,
Near Petersburg, Va., June 28, 1864.
Dear Hannah, — I am happy to say that I receive a letter from you every few days. Please keep on writing, as all news from home is very pleasant in this outlandish hole. . . .
We are still here in front of Petersburg, making preparations for a siege. I am glad of it, for I don’t care about charging any more breastworks just at present. It is rather unpleasant work, although it will do by way of pastime once in a great while.
We are in the second line of rifle-pits, but have to go to-night to relieve the brigade occupying the front line. I lose a few men by stray bullets coming over, but on the whole consider the regiment in quite a good position.
I saw John Jones to-day. He is on General Turner’s staff in Tenth Corps. He is very well. Am very well myself, as I have been all along. . . .
The rebels have been amusing themselves this afternoon by throwing mortar-shells at us. We have several going all the time. You don’t know how prettily they look at night. You can see a tail of fire after the shell as it describes an arc in its passage. “Distance lends enchantment to the view.”
What sort of a time did you have Class Day? We were almost melted. I never suffered so from heat in my life. Several men were sun-struck. . . .
Chattanooga, Wednesday, June 29. Nothing important transpired during the forenoon. Late papers brought into camp. A great treat. After dinner “Boots and Saddles” was sounded and in thirty minutes we moved out towards Stevenson. One of the caisson drivers sick. I had to take his team. Proceeded to load upon the cars as soon as possible. The track was crowded and it was difficult to load the horses, which were unharnessed. At about 5 P. M. the train started, amid the cheering of the troops and music by the 1st Brigade band from the piazza of the Soldiers’ Home. Leave all the wagons to come through by land. At Bridgeport three long trains from the front passed us, and it was dark before we crossed the Tennessee River bridge. I rode on top [of the] freight, and in spite of myself slept most of the time, while we dashed on through the darkness, over precipices, around curves, etc. in danger of being rolled off. To prevent which locked arms with the comrade on the other side. Was awake while we passed under the majestic wall of Lookout, the Tennessee beneath us, a very beautiful scene. Arrived at Chattanooga at 11 P. M. Slept on cars till morning.
June 29, 1864.
There was a night charge made by the Rebels on our right last night. They got beautifully “scooped.” We have been laying quiet all day. Lots of artillery, though but few shots come near us.
29th. By daylight, all our force save three Regts. and brigade for rear guard had moved out towards Ream’s Station. Heavy firing in rear. Soon heard that rebs had got between horses and men and captured nearly all. Reached Ream’s Station about noon. Rebels in heavy force, cavalry and infantry. Longstreet’s Corps being along the railroad to Weldon. Kautz went on in morning to take position. Sent back word that the command could not get through. Wilson said we must. Soon organized to charge through. Then this was given up. 5th N. Y. partly dismounted and part in reserve. Same with 2nd Ohio. Then mounted as reserve. Wilson got ready to leave by the road we came—burned the wagons and moved on. Soon rebs came on dismounted in our rear. Very heavy force. Moved off regularly towards the battery, which opened with grape and canister. Moved up to Kautz’ division through the woods. Col. absent—don’t know why. Kautz said the orders were to get out the best way possible. Columns moved near together. Moved to the southwest to near Stony Creek Station and crossed the R. R. Advance charged the rebs. Kautz had considerable fighting at first. Soon after crossing the R. R. rebs came upon our rear and we had a run of several miles—5th Penn. and Detachments of several regts.—Col. West in command. No advance or rear guard. Had I been a line officer, I should have organized a force rear guard. Did propose the thing to Capt. Easton, but he couldn’t see it. Held up and walked determined if there were any more firing to fall out and call upon 2nd Ohio and wait. Tom Wood, brave and true boy, fell out with several others and formed rear guard when almost within our lines. Rebs in ambush fired upon them and killed Tom. Poor fellow. How sorry I am for his young wife. Camped soon after passing our picket.
June 29, Wednesday. Nothing from the army. We hear that the pirate Alabama is at Cherbourg. Is she to remain there to be repaired? Seward tells me he knows one of the French armed vessels recently sold is for Sweden, and he has little doubt both are; that the French government is not deceitful in this matter.
Congress is getting restive and discontented with the financial management. The papers speak of the appointment of Field, Assistant Secretary, to be Assistant Treasurer at New York, in the place of Cisco. I doubt if any one but Chase would think of him for the place, and Chase, as usual, does not know the reason. But Field has talents, and Chase takes him from association. Morgan prefers Hillhouse, and Seward wants Blatchford.
The closing hours of Congress are crowded, as usual, but I believe matters are about as square as usual. Our naval bills have mostly been disposed of.
by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 29TH.—Clear and cool—afterward hazy.
“MARIETTA, June 27th.”
GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG.
“The enemy advanced on our whole line to-day. They assaulted French, Cheatham, Cleburn, Stevenson, and Quarles, by whom they were repulsed.
“On the rest of the line the skirmishing was severe.
“Their loss is supposed to be great. Ours is known to be small.
“J. E. JOHNSTON, General.”
The dispatch from Gen. Johnston gives an encouraging account of the fight in Georgia. But a dispatch from the West states that reinforcements (20,000) for Sherman’s army are marching from La Grange. It is reported and believed that Gen. Early, at the head of 25,000 men, marched out of Staunton on Monday toward the North. I hope it may not prove a recruiting measure forLincoln!
A good deal of firing (cannon) was heard down the river this morning.
Judge Campbell is again “allowing” many persons to pass into theUnited States.
