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

Post image for Columbia burns.–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

Columbia burns.–Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, Charles Wright Wills.

February 18, 2015

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

February 18, 1865.

Two-thirds of the city burned last night. The colonel and I got up last night and rode through the streets until 3. At 4 this morning the 40th Illinois cleared the streets with bayonets and order again reigned. Our regiment is on Provost duty, and I have just been through the streets (8:30 p.m.) and it is as quiet as Sunday night in Canton.

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