Aug. 14th. Disembarked at Deep Bottom. 1st and 2nd Divs. went into the woods and we layed in the sun. The 10th corps captured 6 guns. Layed here all night; rainy.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
August 14th. This morning finds us still in line near Cedar Creek, and skirmish firing continues, but we are reminded that every battle kills a soldier, some one’s dear friend killed, as we see them brought in from the skirmish line. We continue to watch one another from the hills. Sometimes the enemy will run a section of field guns up a high hill and throw a few shells over our way. A hot skirmish at Hupp’s Hill. Near our line is a very high hill. Our boys have a habit of going up it to watch the enemy. Guards have been placed there to keep us away, as we might draw the enemy’s fire. A shell coming over that hill would no doubt drop in the midst of our regiment. The weather is fearful hot, day and night. No trouble to sleep.
by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 14TH.—Hot and dry.
Rumors of a fight down the river yesterday, driving the enemy from Deep Bottom, and grounding of theRichmond. Guns were heard, and I suppose we made a demonstration both by land and water.
Cavalry (Hampton’s) still pass northward. They ride as if they grew to the horses. As they trot past, they can be seen cutting and dividing large round watermelons, and none are permitted to fall. Occasionally a staring negro in the street is astonished by the crushing of a rind on his head.
I never saw melons and other fruit so abundant; but they are held so high I cannot indulge.
Mr. Seddon draws 75 pounds rice per month, his family being fifty; and gets 12 pads cotton yarn from the State distribution. I shall get 10½ pounds rice, at 50 cents—retail price, $2; and perhaps 1 pad—5 pounds—yarn for $45; my family being seven.
