June 4, 1864.
We have had a good deal of fun to-day. The firing has been brisker than usual on account of our advancing our works. We got up a mock charge this afternoon, which came pretty near scaring the Rebel skirmishers out of their boots and made a good deal of fun for us. Our regiment is on fatigue duty. We are working within 80 yards of the Rebel works. They cut a Company C man’s finger off when he raised his pick to-day. Another of our men was shot in the face. I, with my company, work from 12 to-night until three in the morning.
Huntsville, Saturday, June 4. Very wet, most of the day. Damp, drizzly day. On detail in the forenoon, hauled water. Hon. John Y. Smith, former state historian of Wisconsin, is supplying us with records of the 6th Wisconsin Battery. Filled out my certificate of membership. Sent it home.
In the field, near Bethesda Church, June 4, 1864.
Dear Father — Your letters of May 26th and 28th were received yesterday, and glad enough I was to get them.
We form the extreme right of the army, and are in strong fortifications. Yesterday our corps attacked the enemy in our front, and drove them about half a mile. The day before, we fell back from our line about two miles in front of our present one, in order to keep up our connection with the rest of the army, which had moved to the left. While falling back the enemy attacked us, but we held our own and repulsed them. Our brigade was not actively engaged yesterday, being held in reserve. We were started from one end of the line to the other, and then back again, being under heavy shell fire, and scattering musketry. I had a very narrow escape. I was sitting on a fallen tree, when a 12-pounder shell came along very nearly spent, and grazed my coat sleeve. If I had not changed my position about 15 seconds before, it would have struck me in my right shoulder.
The enemy made a heavy attack on Hancock’s Corps late last evening, and were repulsed with heavy loss. Things look well, although I have no idea what General Grant’s plans can be. I should think that he would endeavor to reach the James River, and join with Butler.
I am perfectly well, although pretty well tired out from this hard campaigning. You have no idea of what the men and officers have had to undergo for the last month. A good portion of the time I have slept on the ground without blankets or shelter during rain and shine. I have not caught cold, and have never been in better health.
Give my love to all the family.
P.S. I received my commission as colonel this morning.
June 4. — We were under orders to march during the whole day. Finally moved in the afternoon to a position between the Fifth Corps and the Eighteenth Corps. We were placed in reserve under the crest of a hill. Took tea with Captain Wright.
June 4 — We remained in camp to-day. Some cannonading in front, in the direction of Cold Harbor.
Meadow Bridge is five miles north of Richmond and is just above where the Central Railroad crosses the Chickahominy. The country around Meadow Bridge is low, wet, and swampy. About three miles north of the bridge is a small scope of country of very fertile, rich and beautiful land.
The Chickahominy is a small sluggish stream winding through a low swampy section of country; its banks are covered with trees and fringed with a dense growth of thickets. The water of the Chickahominy is of a rich tannish brown color, something similar in shade to weak lye; the color is caused by the drainings of the swamps which are its principal feeders.
Diary And Memoranda, 1864
June 4th. Arrived in N. Y.
June 4.—There has been skirmishing for some days. One day a fight at Ashland, another at Cold Harbour; but yesterday the heaviest cannonading I ever heard continued all day, until after dark. The fighting was between Bethesda Church and Cold Harbour. We were well fortified, and General Lee reports great success to our arms. “It is the Lord’s doings, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” We went to church this evening and returned thanks.
Saturday, [June] 4. — From the vicinity of Hot Springs to the east side of Warm Springs Mountain, beyond the alum-works, sixteen miles. My brigade in advance drove a small squad of Rebels from Warm Springs — said to be McNeil’s and Marshall’s Cavalry. No resistance offered but a few trees cut to blockade the road. Rumors of a fight at Harrisonburg; as usual reports are two-faced. Papers of the 27th to 31st inclusive [from] Richmond.
June 4, Saturday. Many delegates to Convention in town. Some attempts made by Members of Congress to influence them. The friends of Chase improve the opportunity to exclaim against Blair.
There has been continued fighting, though represented as not very important. Still there is heavy loss, but we are becoming accustomed to the sacrifice. Grant has not great regard for human life.
by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 4TH—Showers and sunshine. It is believed Grant has lost 40,000 within the last week!
To-day there has been more or less cannonading along the line; but it is not known if any infantry were engaged.
The battalion to which Custis (my son) belongs is at Bottom’s Bridge, some sixteen miles distant on the Chickahominy; and I learn that the enemy shelled it yesterday and last night, without injury, shells falling short.
It is suspected that Sherman will be ordered from Georgia to reinforce Grant! It seems Lincoln would give up his hopes of heaven, and plunge into hell, for the PRESIDENCY.
The Commissary-General says Lee must beat Grant before the latter is reinforced, “or we are gone;” for their destruction of the railroads, north and northwest, will ruin us—the southern roads being insufficient to transport stores for the army.
My nephew, Col. R. H. Musser, trans-Mississippi, I am told by Senator Clark, was complimented on the field of victory by Gen. Taylor. His brigadier-general having fallen, Col. M. commanded the brigade.
Last evening, about 6 P.M., a cloud nearly overhead assumed the shape of a section of our fortifications, the segment of a circle, with the triangle penetrating through from the north. These shapes were distinctly defined. Could the operations beneath have produced this phenomenon? was it accidental? or a portent of the future? God knows!
