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

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“We received orders yesterday p.m. to be ready to move at dark, and were all glad enough.”–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

June 26, 2014

Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills, (8th Illinois Infantry),The American Civil War

Front of Kenesaw Mountain, June 26, 1864.

Nothing worth mentioning has occurred since my last. The usual amount of artillery and musketry have kept us sure of the enemy’s still holding his position. I have sent you, piecemeal, a journal of every day since May 1st, excepting the last four days, which were stupid. It promises to be interesting enough now. We received orders yesterday p.m. to be ready to move at dark, and were all glad enough. When we are in the face of the enemy I believe one is better contented in the front line than anywhere else, though, like every other good thing, it becomes old. At 7 p.m. we moved out and it took us until 2 a.m. to march three miles. We relieved Jeff C. Davis’ division, which moved farther to the right. It is right at the foot of the west one of the twin mountains. The Johnnies shot into our ranks with impunity. They have to-day killed one and wounded three of our brigade that I know of, and more in the 1st Brigade. Dr. Morris’ brother is the only man struck in our regiment; he is not hurt much.

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