August 3d. Called out very early this morning. Left camp and on the march at 3 A. M. Enjoying the march through this fine country. After a time we began to ascend the mountains. Said to be the South Mountains. A fine view of the surrounding country. Peaceful and quiet. The inhabitants along the line of march seem to be very friendly. Maryland has regiments on both sides, Union and Confederate. After marching along the top of the mountains for a few hours, we began to descend, coming out on the Frederick City Pike, which we had traveled before. Passed on through the city, out on the Monocacy Junction Pike, which we reached after a short march. Crossed the Monocacy River, going into camp near the river. Here we were surprised to see the 19th Corps, just arrived from New Orleans. In the corps was the 9th, 12th, 13th Connecticut Regiments. Pleased to meet the Connecticut boys. Our record for today’s marching is estimated about twenty miles.
August 2014
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Aug. 3. Kilpatrick’s Cavalry, two brigades of which were camped below town, moved out early this morning for the front with their division train. Cavalry makes a big display, and it took them till nearly noon to get under way, occupying as much road as a corps of infantry would. 93rd Illinois also moved by to relieve 18th Wisconsin at Allatoona, to allow them to take their veteran furlough, so long and patiently waited for. Sixteen picked mule-teams from the Division went to Sherman’s headquarters. Rode out grazing this morning. Brought in a bag of peaches. Had sauce and pies, very good. Lucky enough to buy a paper upon the train to-night. Good news from Grant. Commenced his old game of blowing up as at Vicksburg.
by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 3D.—Cloudy, but no rain.
The press dispatches last night assert that still another raiding party, besides Stoneman’s, was dispersed or captured.
It is rumored to-day that Beauregard has sprung a mine under Grant’s fortifications. This may be so. Later. It was not so.
Tuesday, August 2d.
In camp all day except when temporarily detailed on fatigue duty.
2nd. Finished a letter to Sarah. My eyes are so weak that I can use them but very little.
August 2d.—Sherman again. Artillery parked and a line of battle formed before Atlanta. When we asked Brewster what Sam meant to do at Atlanta he answered, “Oh—oh, like the man who went, he says he means to stay there!” Hope he may, that’s all.
Spent to-day with Mrs. McCord at her hospital. She is dedicating her grief for her son, sanctifying it, one might say) by giving up her soul and body, her days and nights, to the wounded soldiers at her hospital. Every moment of her time is surrendered to their needs.
To-day General Taliaferro dined with us. He served with Hood at the second battle of Manassas and at Fredericksburg, where Hood won his major-general’s spurs. On the battle-field, Hood, he said, “has military inspiration.” We were thankful for that word. All now depends on that army at Atlanta. If that fails us, the game is up.
Tuesday, August 2. — Reached Danville at about 6 A.M., it being distant about one hundred and forty-eight miles from Petersburg. We were placed in tobacco warehouses, which constitute here, as in every other place, the military prisons. We have very poor quarters and rations, being thrust into a lousy, dirty room, badly ventilated, and with no conveniences for washing, etc. Passed a very unpleasant day.
Aug. 2nd. Working at Head Qrs.
Camp Near Wolfsville, Maryland, August 2, 1864.
My Darling: — We are having a jolly good time about sixteen miles north of Middletown, resting the men, living on the fat of the land, among these loyal, friendly people. We are supposed to be watching a Rebel invasion. Our cavalry is after the Rebel cavalry and I hope will do something. Averell is a poor stick. Duffie is willing and brave and will do what he can. Powell is the real man and will do what a small force can do. I suspect there is nothing for us to do here — that is, that no [Rebel] infantry are here.
I saw Colonel Brown. — Hayes Douglass was, I am told, to be in our division. I am sorry he is not. I have not seen him.
The Rudys I saw Sunday. They were so kind and cordial. They all inquired after you. The girls have grown pretty — quite pretty. Mr. Rudy said if I was wounded he would come a hundred miles to get me. Queer old neighborhood this. They sell goods at the country store at old prices and give silver in change! Dr. Joe bought good shoes for two dollars and twenty-five cents a pair.
We are in the Middletown Valley, by the side of a fine mountain stream. We get milk, eggs, and good bread. All hope to stay here always — but I suppose we shall soon dance. We have campaigned so long that our discipline and strength are greatly deteriorated.
I read the correct list of killed, wounded, etc., of [the] Twenty-third this A. M. It contains scarcely any names you would know. With two-thirds of the regiment composed of new recruits and Twelfth men this would of course be so. — The band astonished our rural friends with their music last night. They never saw Federal soldiers here before. They have twice been robbed by Rebel raiders and so are ready to admire all they see and hear. — Love to all.
Affectionately ever,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
Tuesday, 2d—We had a refreshing rain last night. Governor Stone of Iowa arrived at the hospital this morning, having come from the front, with an order from General Sherman granting a thirty-day furlough to the sick and wounded from the Iowa regiments here in the hospital. Those able for duty are to be sent to the front. News came from the front that the Iowa Brigade was badly cut to pieces in the battle of the 22d of July. Many of them were taken prisoners, including almost all of the Sixteenth Regiment. Among the killed are the major of the Thirteenth and the lieutenant colonel of the Fifteenth.[1] There is no news from General Grant’s army.
[1] Later I learned that while the brigade’s loss was great, yet Company E’s loss was light. By a flank movement the brigade advanced a short distance upon Atlanta.—A. G. D.
