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

Post image for “I tell you it waked them up when our boys opened upon them.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

“I tell you it waked them up when our boys opened upon them.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

June 2, 2014

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

June 2, 1864.

The 40th Illinois returned to-day, and I was right glad to see them back. We have lost no men to-day. The 17th Army Corps is beginning to come in. We advanced our works last night, commencing a new line in front of our regiment. The Rebels didn’t fire at us once, though they might as well killed some one as not. Colonel Wright and ten men picked out the ground and then I took a detail and went to work. By daylight we had enough of rifle pit to cover 50 men and had the men in it. I tell you it waked them up when our boys opened upon them. This is getting on the Vicksburg order. The troops are in splendid spirits and everything is going on as well as could be wished. I think this thing will be brought to a focus in a few days.

Previous post:

Next post: