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

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“I saw several hundred Rebel prisoners yesterday, among then one colonel.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

May 17, 2014

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

May 17, 1864, 10 a.m.

Our regiment moves in rear of the division to-day and we are still waiting for the trains to pass. We can hear firing in front occasionally, and although we have seen fighting enough to satisfy us for a time, still it’s more disagreeable to be away in the rear and hearing, but not knowing what’s going on, than to be in the field. I saw several hundred Rebel prisoners yesterday, among then one colonel. The country is much more level this side of the Coosa, but the pine woods spoil it. Our advance, from the faint sound of the artillery firing, must be seven or eight miles ahead. We will make it very warm for Johnston.

Ten p.m.—Have just got into camp, made12 miles to-day. Heavy firing on our left, which I hear is a division of Howard’s Corps.

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