Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Post image for “Will keep a diary and send every opportunity.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

“Will keep a diary and send every opportunity.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

May 5, 2014

Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills, (8th Illinois Infantry)

Between Chattanooga and Rossville, May 5, 1864.

It has been a very warm day, and the 16 miles between 8 a, m. and 4 p.m. counts a hard march. The dust in many places has been ankle deep.

We again crossed the point of old Lookout. I think since yesterday morning at least 20 trains loaded with troops have passed us while in sight of the railroad, with from 15 to 20 cars in each train.

We hear to-day that Dalton is not yet ours, but Sherman only waits for his old corps before attacking.

Have sent everything back to Chattanooga to store. It is estimated that we will have over 100,000 men at Dalton day after to-morrow.

Will keep a diary and send every opportunity.

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