Robert M. Magill—Personal Reminiscences of a Confederate Soldier Boy, 39th Georgia Regiment of Infantry

Friday, 23d.—Detailed to go with Marshall’s Battery; had very easy time. Got to ride most of the time.

Thursday, 22d.—Overtook brigade five miles from Pulaski.

Wednesday, 21st.—Marched to Pulaski. Got good house to stay in at night. Snowing and very cold. Have very bad toothache.

Tuesday, 20th.—Brigade came back past last night, and left some of us behind. Marched eighteen miles. A Mrs. Lidle gave us her kitchen to stay in; treated us very kindly. Cold and rainy.

Monday, 19th.—Crossed Duck River and marched five miles. 2 P. M., Brigade ordered back to Columbia. Being sick, I did not go back, but turned aside and built me a fire.

Sunday, 18th.—Camped near Columbia.

Saturday, 17th.—This morning found us at Franklin, a badly demoralized army. 39th sent back to river. Soon Yanks came up.. Our corps in rear. Our brigade rear guard. Formed in line across the old battlefield at Franklin. Federal cavalry dashed after us, but a few shot from cannon sent them back. Then the retreat began, one line being formed and fighting until another could form in the rear and so protect while the other, the first line, moved back, and so that continued all day. Late in the evening came very near surrounding our division, but Clayton’s Division coming back, fired into them and saved us. While the two brigades were engaged in front, and the three pieces of artillery were moving back in the dark, about twenty Yankee cavalrymen dashed in the rear, cut the horses loose from the artillery, and cut one wheel down, so we lost the three pieces.

Friday, 16th.—This morning Brigade formed in line near where we were. I went to infirmary and was excused from duty. Brigade fortifying. 7. A. M., Heavy cannonading began and continued until 12 M. Federals charged right wing, but were held back. 3 P. M., Heavy fighting all round the line. 4 P. M., lines broken; 5 P. M., whole army in retreat, in wild confusion losing most of the artillery that was on the line. Have been in good many retreats, but this was the wildest I have ever seen. No semblance of order; every fellow for himself. Late in the night came to a point where some one was calling out: All who belong to a certain corps, come this way. Afterwards called for divisions, brigades, and regiments.

Thursday, 16th.—Sick to-day. Yankees would not exchange papers to-day.