Aug. 7th. Have been working on papers; in the same position. Almost starved to death, but fun if the boys have any grub on hand.
Leverett Bradley: A Soldier-Boy’s Letters (1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.)
Aug. 2nd. Working at Head Qrs.
Aug. 1st. Started back for our old camp in the woods at 9 A.M. I was detailed to report at Regt. Head Quarters.
July 31st. Drew rations as soon as we arrived in camp. Layed in camp all day and night.
July 30th. [Explosion of the mine.] A regular artillery battle began at 4 P.m. The shell flew thick; were relieved at 10 P.m., marched to our old camp. Burnside blew up a rebel fort, and 500 Rebs and 18 guns were buried.
July 29th. Layed in the woods all day (the 3rd div.), at night relieved; some of the 18th corps in the trenches. Rebs began shelling us. The siege of Petersburg has begun in earnest.
July 28th. Layed in the woods all day. Saw some of the 26th regt. At 9 o’clk P.M. we started for the front of Petersburg; marched till morning, about 20 miles.
July 27th. [Battle of Strawberry Plains.] Skirmishing began almost as soon as we got to the north side of the James. Captured 4 guns. Johnnies were surprised to find that we had got out to intercept them.
July 26th. Started at 6 P.M.; marched towards City Point, turned off and crossed the Appomattox and James. Rested but twice the whole march, about 20 miles; the corps straggled very badly.
July 22nd. Layed in the same place for a week. Moved to the left today about a mile. Are now protecting the flank of the army.
