Monday, 5th–Clear and quite pleasant. All things are quiet.^[1]

[1] Men were leaving every day for the front and but few were brought to our hospitals, since the Union army was in possession of Atlanta, where hospitals were being established, while those at Rome were to be closed just as soon as the sick there were able to go to the front.—A. G. D.

September 5, 1864.

News of the capture of Fort Morgan. Orders to march at 8 p.m. I was detailed to bring off the pickets, which was accomplished without trouble. Rebels did not know when we left, as we heard them shooting after we got back in our old works at Jonesboro. The whole army moved into the works we built the 30th. I, with my pickets, got back just before day.

5th. Monday. Moved back to B. last night. Rained. Drivers and dead-beats got scared and pulled out very quickly before we moved. In line on left of infantry. Skirmishing soon after daylight. News of fall of Atlanta. All jubilant. Lay in camp till P. M. then went on picket. Rainy and very unpleasant. Boys suffered. Sat upon their horses and at the foot of trees all night.

SEPTEMBER 5th.—Clear and warm.

Gen. Lee has called for 2000 negroes (to be impressed) to work on the Petersburg fortifications. Gen. Lee has been here two days, giving his advice, which I hope may be taken. He addresses Gen. Bragg as “commanding armies C. S.” This ought to be an example for others to follow.

The loss of Atlanta is a stunning blow.

I am sick to-day—having been swollen by beans, or rather cow-peas.

September, Monday 5, 1864

I cut my foullard Silk and we have all been buisy sewing on it all day, Lou the skirt, Ellen (Lou P. maid) the flounce, Mrs. Reynolds and Mary Lou the Rosettes and I finished the waiste , we did not half finish the dress. Lou, Mary Lou & I went in the Pond early, I swam across with Lou’s assistance, and got a terible ducking at floating—Heard from West Point, Eddie and Maj. Crump will be down tomorrow. Maj. Cheatham & Mary Lou played against Lou and I and we beat them badly. Mrs. Johnson & Hamilton went to sit up with Billy Burt, who I am happy to say is much better, received a letter from Maj. Price & Therese Blennerhassett—

September 4th. About midnight last night I was called up by the Adjutant to take a detail of ten men, go to the rear, find the ammunition train, obtain five thousand rounds of cartridges, five boxes. It was estimated the train was about a mile in the rear, owing to the enemy’s firing from field guns very late in the night. The boxes were very heavy. The detail ought to have been twenty men, as we had so far to carry the boxes. It was a fearful dark night. Going back we lost our reckoning. Began to think we were approaching the enemy’s line. I ordered a halt. Told the boys I would go forward and investigate and locate the regiment if I could. Going forward carefully, listening, looking in all directions, believed I was approaching the enemy’s line. I knew when darkness came on both lines were very close to each other. To the right I could see the outline of trees. Approaching them I saw horses, and men sleeping on the ground. Owing to the darkness I could not see who they were. Putting on a bold front I called out “What regiment?” For answer I received a glorious reply, “The 18th Connecticut.” Overjoyed I near dropped to the ground. I ran back to the boys and the ammunition was delivered to headquarters in safety, for which I was very thankful. On our return from the ammunition train we had worked off to the left, approached the regiment from the south instead of from the north side, where we left. Lay down for a rest. Had a talk with some prisoners captured last night on the charge. They were from Mississippi. Claimed they did not know we were in their front. They were on their way to cross Snicker’s Ford and the Gap. It seemed to be a surprise all around. We are now under the command of General Sheridan. The enemy won’t fool him. At daylight the ammunition was given out and the line of battle was changed. Ordered to fall back and change our position. Passed the 12th Connecticut, in the 19th Corps. We are under the command of Captain Tiffany. Owing to severe service for the past eight months our regiment greatly reduced in numbers. Less than one hundred men fit for duty and not a field officer except the Adjutant. Our regiment detailed to guard the wagon train. Don’t like that kind of duty. Must take our turn at it. Guerillas keep us busy. As many of them dress in blue uniforms we cannot tell them from our own men. Sometimes they manage to cut out of a train three or four wagons loaded with supplies. The drivers will most generally obey orders, whether from friend or foes, when they see a gun pointed at their heads. Sometimes it is most impossible to keep the teams close together, but at this time the train is parked, so we stand guard around it. All is quiet at this time along our lines at Berryville.

Sunday, 4th–It is cool and quite pleasant. No news of any importance. The boys in my ward are all getting along fine, with the exception of two or three, and it is doubtful whether they will ever again be well.

September, Sunday 4, 1864

Another warm day and much excitement in our family, for sympathy with a neighbor and friend whose only son was wounded at Atlanta, and after four week’s suffering, this morning had his leg amputated, reaction has barely taken place, and very little hopes of his life. Lou is much distressed, and her exclamations of sympathy for poor Billy Burt weigh heavily on my spirits, although I am not acquainted with the young man. Mrs. Hamilton received a note from her husband at West Point, he had seen Eddie and Maj. Crump, said Eddie would be over today, but alas, I was sadly disapointed . No news from home yet—Maj. Cheatham arrived from Atlanta today, seems very hopeful. God grant our Armies may be victorious.

4th. Sunday. Moved back by road. Rebs at Berryville and in our rear. 2nd Ohio train guard. Custer’s brigade suffered some. Train moved to Rippon. Parked.

September 4, 1864.

Received a half official notification to-day that the campaign and fighting are over. Orders to clean up arms came also, and the boys, showing their contempt of the enemy’s power to do harm, took their guns all to pieces and set to polishing the should-be bright parts, right in view of the enemy’s pickets.

(excerpts)

MACON, Sept. 4th, 1864.

        ” . . . I have no news to give you and must confess that things just at present look rather blue. The intelligence that comes from the front is all confused. We know that Hardee attacked the enemy and with his one corps held his position till night, when he was flanked and driven back four miles… Hood, with the rest of the army, is in Atlanta; the army thus being cut right in two. Reports came yesterday and to-day that Atlanta has been evacuated. I have heard nothing from Brother, but suppose from that fact that he is all well. Every face looks anxiously expectant and we can only hope for the best. Before this reaches you it will be decided, I suppose.

“Genl. Johnston received a very flattering letter from the citizens of Macon not long ago, offering him the house, in which we now are, for as long a period as he desires it. The old General was very much gratified at the compliment, but of course signified his refusal.”

SEPTEMBER 4th.—Showery.

Atlanta has fallen, and our army has retreated some thirty miles; such is Hood’s dispatch, received last night.

The cheering in Grant’s camp yesterday was over that event. We have not had sufficient generalship and enterprise to destroy Sherman’s communications.

Some 40,000 landowners, and the owners of slaves, are at their comfortable homes, or in comfortable offices, while the poor and ignorant are relied upon to achieve independence and these, very naturally, disappoint the President’s expectations on momentous occasions.

Saturday, 3d.—Camped three miles south of McDonough. Am afraid our wounded were captured at Jonesboro.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

September 3d. Routed out very early this morning. On the march by daylight, moving slowly on towards Berryville. Reached the town at noon. Stop for rations. Sharp cannonading to the west, in the direction of Winchester. While waiting, orders came to camp on the west side of the town. Put up our shelter tents. Weather very cloudy and windy. While preparing rations orders came suddenly to strike tents immediately and get into line. Our pickets on the advance were attacked. A hot skirmish was on. After a hard run for about a mile, line was formed and we were in a hot engagement. Making a charge, orders came to halt. The battle continued until darkness, when we ceased firing, but the artillery kept up their work long after dark. Both lines are very near each other, while we are under arms, ready for a call at any moment. When the firing ceased it did not take us very long to drop off to sleep.

Saturday, 3d–A report^[1] came in today that General Sherman has his headquarters in Atlanta, and that the rebel army is in retreat with our army after them.^[2] News came also of the surrender of Fort Morgan at Mobile, Alabama; also that General Grant is shelling Petersburg with fifteen-inch shells. All things are quiet here at Rome, Georgia.

[1] The information was gathered from a poster or news sheet about four inches wide and twenty-two inches long, printed on one side and sold among the soldiers at the hospital. Mr. Downing purchased one, which he has preserved, and thinks he paid ten cents for it.—Ed.
[2] General Sherman finally took Atlanta by a bit of strategy. He withdrew his army from the rifle-pits in front of Atlanta, and placing the Twentieth Army Corps across the Chattahoochee river to protect his base of supplies at Marietta, moved with the remainder of the army in a wide circuit by his right flank and got into the rear of Hood’s army. It is said that when Sherman made this move, Hood, taking it for granted that Sherman had given up the siege, proclaimed the fact, and he and his army, together with the citizens of Atlanta, began celebrating the event with a great jollification. But when Hood, in the midst of their rejoicings, learned by courier the truth about Sherman’s move, and that the Union army was in his rear in full force, he sent orders throughout his camp and the city, calling every man to arms. He immediately began the evacuation of Atlanta, destroying the ammunition and all army supplies.—A. G. D.

3rd. Saturday. Soon after daylight moved out. Passed through Millwood and White Post, two miles, and returned to M. and camped. Rained. Moseby has gathered up quite a number of our men within a few days.

September 3, 1864.

Rebels still here. Congratulatory order from Sherman commences, “Slocum occupied Atlanta yesterday at 11 a.m.” We can see nothing of our position here. I don’t know where the 23d and 14th are. Our line here is very crooked, but generally faces southeast. Commencing at our right our line runs 17th, 15th, 16th and 4th. Kilpatrick is on our right or in the enemy’s rear. Can’t hear a word of Hood’s or Polk’s old corps or the militia. Hardee is in our front, and they are the only Rebel troops I know aught of. Cheatham’s Division faces us, and a S. C. Brigade is opposite our brigade. Captain Wilkinson was wounded in the arm to-day.

Sep 3

       Received letters from Lewis near Atlanta in the trenches. He was overwhelmed with distress at the death of his brother & says he has been confirmed & joined the Church. Bishop Ley is with the Army, Lewis has for some time been seriously impressed & then wavered before he joined the Church. This war has had a very chastening influence on the young men, and his brothers death no doubt assisted the feeling. I am truly thankful for the mercy.

SEPTEMBER 3d.—Slight rain in the morning.

There is an ugly rumor on the streets to-day—disaster to Gen. Hood, and the fall of Atlanta. I cannot trace it to an authentic source; and, if true, the telegraph operatives must have divulged it.

A dispatch from Petersburg states that there is much cheering in Grant’s army for McClellan, the nominee of the Chicago Convention for the Presidency.

I think the resolutions of the convention amount to a defiance of President Lincoln, and that their ratification meetings will inaugurate civil war.

The President has called upon the Governor of Alabama for the entire militia of the State, to be mustered into the service for the defense of the States. It is dated September 1st, and will include all exempted by the Conscription Bureau as farmers. Every farm has its exempted or detailed man under bonds to supply meat, etc.

I incline to the belief that Hood has met with disaster at Atlanta. If so, every able-bodied man in that State will be hunted up for its defense, unless, indeed, the Union party should be revived there.

There will be a new clamor against the President, for removing Johnston, and for not putting Beauregard in his place.

But we may get aid from the North, from their civil dissensions. If Lincoln could precipitate 500,000 additional men upon us now, we should be compelled to give back at all points. But this he cannot do. And the convention at Chicago did not adjourn sine die, and may be called again at any time to exercise other functions than the mere nomination of candidates, etc.

September, Saturday 3, 1864

Oh misery how warm it has been—heard this morning at the breakfast Table Gen’l Chalmers with his command would be at West Point today, and have watched eagerly to hear news from home, as Maj. Crump is with him, but alas have been sadly disapointed. I am very sad never to hear one word, it does seem they might find some way to send me word—Lou and I with Lizzie’s assistance finished Lou’s dress, and it fits really nice, and I am thankful.

Mrs. McGavrock and Mrs. Hamilton called this morning. We all had a delightful bath, after the scorching heat. Lou and I beat Mrs. Reynolds & Mary Lou badly at Cards. Mr. Chambers sent the Ladies two latest novels, in which we all expect a great treat—Joseph 2d Court—Ladie Audlie’s Secret—

Friday, 2d.—Atlanta has fallen. Started back at daylight in direction of McDonough. Reported Federals charged Hardee’s Corps yesterday, but were driven back at first, but finally massed heavy force in front of Govan’s Brigade, and, after desperate fighting, took part of the works and captured General Govan and good portion of his brigade.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

September 2nd. A very pleasant morning. Now wondering why we still remain in the woods. Believe the enemy must be in this vicinity in a strong force. Wrote several letters to friends at home. Later a surprise came when orders came to fall in for pay, the Paymaster having shown up in our camp. Too much money for a fellow to carry while in front of the enemy. The Confeds liked to get hold of greenbacks. We usually sent money home by the Adams Express Company. The men with families were very anxious to send money home. All I send home is banked for me. Men of families often worry and wonder how they are getting along at home, as they must wait for the money, which comes very slow and not very much of it for men with families.

Friday, 2d–Cloudy and warm–threatened rain. No news.^[1] I wrote two letters today, one to Lewis Elseffer and one to Mrs. Mary Ham, Iowa City, Iowa.

[1] On this day John Hilton of Company E was severely wounded in the right side at Lovejoy Station. This was the last day’s fighting in the siege of Atlanta. Crocker’s Iowa Brigade had been under fire eighty-one days out of the eighty-seven days of the siege—from June to September.—A. G. D.

2nd. Friday. At daylight fell back. Left the main road. Passed through Kabletown and reached the fortified position 3 miles from C. On picket two miles toward B. Nicely settled down, when ordered to march. Reached B. about midnight. 5th N. Y. had skirmish with pickets.