Oct. 1st. Took the cars at 1 P.M. for the left, a terrible storm was raging; layed in a mass all the afternoon.
1st. Saturday. My birthday. Would I could see Ma and sisters. God bless them. Gen. W. relieved by Gen. Custer. Gen. W. ordered to Gen. Sherman, Chief of cavalry.
October 1st.—Raining and cold. Horrible for the troops in the trenches!
The battle, yesterday (on this side of the river), was an attempt of Gen. Lee to retake Fort Harrison, near Chaffin’s Bluff, which failed, after two essays. Gen. Lee deemed its recapture important, and exposed himself very much in the assault: so much so as to cause a thrill of alarm throughout the field. But it all would not do; the enterprise of the enemy had in a few hours rendered the place almost impregnable. Judge Lyons, who came in to-day (from a visit to the field), estimates our killed and wounded at from 700 to 1000.
But we have better news from other quarters. Generals Hampton and Heath attacked the enemy on the south side of the river, yesterday, and captured 900 men.
Gen. Early sends word that the whole force of the enemy (Sheridan’s army) is in full retreat, and he is in pursuit.
Gen. Echols, West Virginia and East Tennessee, reports several successes to our arms in that region.
This has been a terrible day; a storm of wind and driving rain. Heavy guns are heard at intervals down the river.
At 4 P.M., while writing the last line, a furious cannonade has sprung up on the southeast of the city, and seemingly very near to it. It may be a raid. The firing increases in rapidity, mingled, I think, with the roar of small arms. We can hear distinctly the whistle of shot and shell, and the detonations shake the windows. It may be that the atmosphere (dampness) and the wind from the east cause some deception as to the distance; but really it would seem that from the apparent proximity of the enemy’s guns, some of the shells must reach the eastern parts of the city. After thirty minutes’ quick firing, it ceases in a great measure. At 5 P.M. it was resumed, and continued until dark. Some think it but a raid, others report 40,000 men engaged. If this be so, to-morrow will probably be fought the great battle for Richmond. Doubtless, Grant is eager to hold some position from which he can shell the city.
September 30th. At Harper’s Ferry with the prisoners, having been on duty all night. Had a great time talking to the rebs over past experiences. Met one, formerly from our old home town, Norwich, Conn. Turned the prisoners over to the commander of the post, when we returned to Martinsburg. As soon as we arrived went right on duty, after being up all last night. Picket duty and working on the railroad. The guerillas are at work. Old Mosby keeps us busy. They managed to steal horses, and get the best. Our boys are kicking over the hard work on the railroad. Trains are running regular again over the road. This is an important line, through, on to the west. Business is improving, judging by the number of trains.
Friday, 30th.—Crossed Chattahoochie River at Pumpkin Town Ferry at 9 A. M. Camped for the night seven and one half miles from Villarica.
Friday, 30th—The weather is quite pleasant. Nothing of any importance. I have made loans to the boys of my company as follows: Samuel Bain, $5.00; John Ford, $5.00; Samuel Metcalf, $5.00; Burtis Rumsey, $3.00; William Green, $3.00, and Monroe Blazer, $1.00. I also loaned $5.00 to John Hemphill of Company I of the Sixteenth Iowa. All loans are to be paid back on next pay day. I paid a debt of $5.00 to Thomas Armstrong. I bought a gold pen from Jason Sparks for $5.00. All is quiet on the post.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 30. Rained all night but cleared off this morning. D. J. D. and myself washed our clothes out and did other woman’s work. Grazed in the afternoon, taking a guard’s team out. Detailed to go after corn. While horses eat, three of us filled a wagon in a pocket three miles from camp. Troops still going to the rear. Wild rumors afloat as to Hood’s movements and whereabouts. No mail yet.
September 30.—To-day the “Benjamin” of the family reached home under the care of Dr J. Byron Hayes, who was sent to Washington after him. I went over to Mr Noah T. Clarke’s to see him and found him just a shadow of his former self. However, “hope springs eternal in the human breast” and he says he knows he will soon be well again. This is his thirtieth birthday and it is glorious that he can spend it at home.
Friday, September 30. — Meade received a letter from home, saying that Captain Williams had called, and said that the exchange had been effected. Day pleasant. In the evening 100 sailors came up from Charleston. They are to go on to Richmond to be exchanged. Major Gist was here on an inspection tour. He said that the exchange would be resumed in a few days. Wrote to General Ripley and Dr. Marks.
September 30 — Rained hard all last night, but I slept in the dry, by stowing myself away among some tobacco hogsheads under an old warehouse. We remained in Lynchburg all day, ready for business and waiting for orders, but have not heard one word about Yankee raiders since we have been here. Our guns are still on the cars.
