July 23d. Routed out early this morning. Picket firing has commenced. Our boys are driving the enemy. We advance in line of battle for quite a distance through the open lots, coming to a halt at Kearnstown, going right at work digging rifle pits and throwing up earthworks. Our regiment ordered out on the skirmish line. Later, orders received to fall back and prepare camp for the night. At this time I am barefoot, shoes and stockings worn out. No prospect for any more as we are on the march about all the time. My feet are very sore as I must go through stubs and briers, cannot pick my way, must keep in line. Many of the boys are also in the same condition as I am, no shoes or stockings. Try to keep up courage.

July 23, 1864.

The fight came off the 22d, and a glorious one it was for us. Lieutenant Blair of our regiment was killed, also Charles Buck, of Company F, and John Smith of my company. There were seven wounded only. Our brigade gets credit for 400 prisoners. They took us in rear and every other way, but the repulse was awful. Everybody is wishing that they may repeat the attack. Generals McPherson and Force are killed. (Force was not killed.) Our regiment gets credit for its part, though we were very fortunate in losing so few. Our skirmish line is within one mile of the town.

JULY 23d.—Clear, but a smoky atmosphere, like Indian summer. A dispatch was received to-day at M. from Gen. Hood, dated last night at 10 o’clock, stating that Gen. Hardee had made a night march, driving the enemy from his works, and capturing 16 guns and several colors, while Gen. Cheatham captured 6 guns. We took 2000 prisoners. Also that Gen. Wheeler had routed the enemy’s cavalry at Decatur, capturing his camp. Our Major-Gen. Walker was killed and three brigadiers were wounded. Whether the battle was resumed to-day is not yet ascertained. All are now anxious to get further news from Atlanta.

And the local forces here are ordered to be in readiness; perhaps Lee meditates, likewise, a night march, and an attack on Grant.

The Danville and the Weldon Railroads are now in active operation, and I hope supplies will soon come in abundance.

Our government blundered in sanctioning the schedule of prices fixed by the commissioners on impressments for the next two months. The prices are five times those hitherto paid. The whole country cries shame, and a revision is demanded, else the country will be ruined.

July 23, 1864.

I have been left in my home all day with no one but Sadai. Have seen nothing of the raiders, though this morning they burned the buildings around the depot at the Circle [Social Circle, a near-by town]. I have sat here in the porch nearly all day, and hailed every one that passed for news. Just as the sun set here Major Ansley and family came back. They heard of the enemy all about and concluded they were as safe here as anywhere. Just before bedtime John, our boy, came from Covington with word that the Yankees had left. Wheeler’s men were in Covington and going in pursuit. We slept sweetly and felt safe.

July, Saturday 23, 1864

I was never so sleepy as when awakened this morning, after breakfast got my sock and knot all morning. Maj. Rambeaut and Mr. Pugh came up in
Tate’s room and sat. Cousin Frazor came for a while. The news this morning is glorious, Hood has attacked Sherman, and driven his force across the River, with heavy loss on Yankee side. Hardee is the rear, and will give them a warm reception. Did not get the evening Telegrams before leaving Columbus. Bro, Kate, and Nannie came in, I returned with Bro. I am perfectly unhappy at the way in which Hal has treated me. I have no plans, nor no idea when I will see one of them again. God be with me and guide me to do what is right. Therese & Capt. Triplett called this eve, Col. Laynard also, Decatur arrived. Nothing reliable as to Grant’s death. Bro, Kate and I had a very pleasant ride out. Sister Amirilla and all the Children glad to see me, all sat up late. Mrs. Smith and I occupy the same room. I am so undecided and unhappy. May God give us Victory, spare so much bloodshed, and give us peace.

Saturday, 23d–All is quiet. No news from the front. A great many sick and wounded are coming in from the front. Deaths occur here at the hospital every day.

Friday, 22d.—Fell back to Atlanta before daylight. Soon after day, Federals approached our picket line, and skirmishing began; cannonading on our right. 9 A. M., heavy fighting on our right. 12 M., Hardee’s Corps driving Yankees back. 4 P. M., fighting still continues; ordered to be ready to move to right. Drew ten rounds cartridges extra. Again reported that Hardee is driving Federals back. Federal General McPherson killed. Reported three or four thousand prisoners and eight pieces of artillery captured. Federals driven back half mile. This was the battle of Peach Tree.

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

22nd. Transferred forge to 3rd Jersey. Thede and I rode to City Point. Bigelow and we took dinner with John. Pleasant time. Visited Capt. Dorsey. Enjoyed the ride.

July 22d. Early on the march. After a march of about five miles, passed through the town of Berryville. A raid was made on bee-hives that looked inviting near the town. Honey for a change. The boys could eat most anything. Pushing on along the Winchester Pike, fording the Opequon Creek and a wide brook, entered Winchester from the east. Passed through the main street, out on the Strasburg Pike, came to a halt at the Union Mills, about four miles from Winchester, having marched about fifteen miles. For rations tonight we had pancakes (toe-jam) and honey, brought from Berryville. From observations we think we are near the enemy. It don’t take us long to catch on. We watch the movements of the Signal Corps. They seem to have plenty of work when the enemy is near. The 6th Corps has left us, having been ordered to Washington. Only the 8th Corps left here. Greatly reduced in numbers owing to its severe duty for the past three months. Reported that General Early and his forces are still in the valley, and they number about thirty thousand.

July 22, 1864.

[The day of the battle of Atlanta]

We have heard the loud booming of cannon all day. Mr. Ward [the overseer] went over to the burial of Thomas Harwell, whose death I witnessed yesterday. They had but just gone when the Rev. A. Turner, wife, and daughter drove up with their wagons, desiring to rest awhile. They went into the ell [a large back room] and lay down, I following them, wishing to enjoy their company. Suddenly I saw the servants running to the palings, and I walked to the door, when I saw such a stampede as I never witnessed before. The road was full of carriages, wagons, men on horseback, all riding at full speed. Judge Floyd stopped, saying: “Mrs. Burge, the Yankees are coming. They have got my family, and here is all I have upon earth. Hide your mules and carriages and whatever valuables you have.”

Sadai [Mrs. Surge’s nine-year-old daughter] said:

“Oh, Mama, what shall we do?”

“Never mind, Sadai,” I said. “They won’t hurt you, and you must help me hide my things.”

I went to the smoke-house, divided out the meat to the servants, and bid them hide it. Julia [a slave] took a jar of lard and buried it. In the meantime Sadai was taking down and picking up our clothes, which she was giving to the servants to hide in their cabins; silk dresses, challis, muslins, and merinos, linens, and hosiery, all found their way into the chests of the women and under their beds; china and silver were buried underground, and Sadai bid Mary [a slave] hide a bit of soap under some bricks, that mama might have a little left. Then she came to me with a part of a loaf of bread, asking if she had not better put it in her pocket, that we might have something to eat that night. And, verily, we had cause to fear that we might be homeless, for on every side we could see smoke arising from burning buildings and bridges.

Major Ansley, who was wounded in the hip in the battle of Missionary Ridge, and has not recovered, came with his wife, sister, two little ones, and servants. He was traveling in a bed in a small wagon. They had thought to get to Eatonton, but he was so wearied that they stopped with me for the night. I am glad to have them. I shall sleep none to-night. The woods are full of refugees.

JULY 22d.—Bright and dry again. Gen. Johnston has been relieved. It would seem that Gen. Hood has made a successful debut as a fighting general in command of the army, since Gen. Johnston’s removal.

A dispatch from Gen. Bragg, dated yesterday, states that the enemy is withdrawing from Arkansas, either to operate in Mississippi, or to reinforce Sherman.

Gen. Lee is opposed to retaliating on innocent prisoners the cruelties committed by the guilty in executing our men falling into their bands.

July, Friday 22, 1864

We all were ready for Columbus quite late, rather late in our breakfast after last night’s dissipation. I was really sad at leaveing , so much happiness for my lonely life crowded into one short week. Met Col. Porter of Gen. Cheatam’s Staff at breakfast. We did not tarry long after our meal was finished, had a very dusty, disagreeable, warm ride to Columbus, and my heart was indeed sad to part with dear “waverly”—Lou came in with us, oh! that dear, sweet girl, I do dearly love her. Therese alighted first—we then came to the Hotel. Lou came and sat with us a while, I gave her my Photograph Album. Telegrams—Hood has fought and whiped Sherman—Grant has at last been relieved of his command, by the interposition of our divine Father. Flags all at half mast over the eventful news. God in his Wisdom will do all well. Went walking this eve with Therese and Lucy Harris. Company after Tea, and sat up very late. I am so unhappy—and no one to confide, oh! God, have mercy—

Friday, 22d–The citizens remaining in town, after so long a time, have become quite reconciled. Nothing new from the front.^[1]

[1] In the battle of this day the Iowa Brigade was on the extreme left of the Seventeenth Corps, and all four regiments suffered in the number killed and wounded, besides losing many as prisoners of war. George Sweet of Company E was killed and Aaron Pierce was missing. The Sixteenth Iowa lost over two hundred and thirty, who were taken prisoners. This battle, known as the battle of Atlanta, proved to be the hardest fought battle for our brigade during the siege of Atlanta. Major General McPherson was killed in this battle, and the loss of our beloved McPherson was a great blow to the Army of the Tennessee. He was a noble man and kind to all under his command.—A. G. D.

21st. 2nd N. Y. and 1st Conn. came out early and relieved us. Beat Col. P. a game of chess. Camped in the woods near our old camp. We have a nice place.

July 21st. The sun came up this morning bright and warm. The morning finds us in the same woods where we passed the night. A foraging party, sent out last night from our regiment, returned with flour, bacon, hams. The officers appropriated the best sugar-cured hams. Late in the night the hams were taken from the officers’ mess. No one seemed to know what became of them. Officers put up a great kick, were mad through and through. Of course the boys were all innocent. Punishment was in store for the rascals who stole the hams. A fine nice piece found its way into my haversack. I did not put it there but thought I could guess who did. I did not ask any questions. It sure was good to eat.

I visited the river to take a look at the place where we crossed during the battle of the 18th. Thought it another case of mismanagement, although it did seem at times that men must be sacrificed in order to find out the plans and location of the enemy. No troops should have crossed that river at the time without being well supported. That was the way we felt about it. The bed of the river was the grave of some of our boys. Marching orders for early tomorrow morning. Hope to get a good night’s rest.

JULY 21st.—Clear and warm. Bought fifty cabbage-plants and set them out before breakfast.

Gen. Early met Gen. Hunter at Snicker’s Gap, and whipped him.

All quiet at Petersburg. Grant must be dead, sure enough. Gen. Bragg left the city some days ago. The following is a verbatim dispatch received from him yesterday:

“MONTGOMERY,ALA., July 19th, 1864.

———“COL. J. B. SALE:—The enemy still hold West Point Railroad Forces are moving forward to dislodge them. Gen. S. D. Lee informs me 5000 (13th Army Corps) passed Vicksburg on the 16th, supposed to be going to White River. Reported Memphis, 19th Army Corps, Franklin left New Orleans on the 4th for Fort Monroe, 13,000 strong. Ought not Taylor’s forces to cross the Mississippi?
———“I hear nothing from Johnston.
———“Telegraph me to Columbus, Ga.

“B. BRAGG, General.”

July Thursday 21, 1864

Still my happiness continues, I do dearly love Miss Lou and Mrs. Reynolds both. Mrs. Hamilton, their Sister, invited us to Tea, we accepted, spent the day so happy—all retired after dinner for a rest, got up early, prepared for the pond. Mrs. Reynolds and Hal did not go in, it was so much like rain. Lou, Therese and I tried it. Therese got along charmingly—I, poor me, I am a greater fool than ever. A shower came up, so we had to hasten our pleasure—began preperations for our visit as soon as we reached the house. We all five went in the Cariage , I never have spent a more pleasant evening, the Supper was Magnificent—everything passed off so well. I have fallen in love with Mrs. Hamilton, she is almost as sweet as Lou. There is something I cannot resist in watching dear Lou, she is more like my Mother each day that I am with her. We staid until 12 o’clock, a beautiful moonlight night. Lt. Watts rode home with us—Gen. Johnston has been superseded by Hood, the latter haveing orders to fight immediately.

Thursday, 21st–The same thing over and over, again and again.^[1] All the available rooms in town have now been turned into hospital wards. We have single, iron cots with good mattresses, and the sheets and pillows are kept nice and clean.

[1] On this day the Iowa Brigade made a charge on Bald Hill, in front of Atlanta.–A. G. D.

20th. All quiet with the pickets. Played some at chess. Read papers and “Othello.” Wrote to Ella Clark.

July 20th. Called up early, this hot, muggy morning. The 6th Corps early on the move. Watching them cross the Shenandoah River at Snicker’s Ford. No enemy in sight. We follow on after the 6th Corps. As we wade the river I think it was never known to rain harder. We were soaked from head to foot. Crossing the river we filed to the right, going down the river into camp on the battlefield of the 18th, two days before. Looking over the field we were surprised to see that the enemy had not decently buried our dead who fell into their hands. Our boys gave them a decent burial.

Camp in the woods that were occupied by the enemy during the battle. Raining very hard. We build a large campfire which helps to keep us more comfortable during the night.

Hospital Life.

July 20. Thus far I have been unable to discover any .charms in hospital life. With fair health the active camp is far preferable. This hospital is divided into three departments. The first is the officers’ ward, the second is the hospital for the wounded and very sick, and the third is the convalescent camp. The first two are in large hospital tents and are furnished with cots, mattresses and other necessary conveniences. In the third are more than 600 men, quartered under shelter tents. I am in this department. It is not supposed that there are any sick men here. They are all either dead beats or afflicted with laziness, and a draft is made from among them twice a week for the front. I had been here only four days when I was drawn, but Garland of company C, who is an attache at Doctor Sadler’s office, saw my name on the roll and scratched it off. Although there are none here supposed to be sick, there seems to be a singular fatality among them as we furnish about as large a quota every day for the little cemetery out here as they do from the sick hospital. But then in a population of 600 or more, three or four deaths a day is not surprising. I have been here three weeks and have been drafted four times, but with my friend Garland’s help I have escaped. I should be pleased to be back with the boys if I was only half well, but I reckon I shall not be troubled with any more drafts. Doctor Hoyt sent a man back the other day. The next morning he was sent up with a sharp note to Doctor Sadler, saying that he didn’t send men to the hospital that were fit for duty and didn’t want them sent back until they were. That roused Doctor Sadler’s ire, and he says when Hoyt wants Irishmen he can send for them.

Doctor Sadler has the whole charge of the convalescent camp, and has several young fellows, assistant surgeons so called, on his staff. Some of these fellows I should think had been nothing more than druggists’ clerks at home, but by some hook .or crook have been commissioned assistant surgeons and sent out here. Every morning all who are able in all the ten wards go up to be examined and [continue reading…]

July 20, 1864.

Assembly has just sounded. In a few hours we will know if it is to be a fight. Frank says we are detailed for train guard. If the army marches right into Atlanta, I’ll think it d—d mean, but if there is a fight will not feel so badly, unless we can get a big battle out of Johnston. I want to help in that. We have moved up near the town the army has gone on. Can hear heavy guns occasionally, sounds about three miles away, half the distance to the city.

This little town is quite an old place. About half the citizens are still here. I saw a couple of right pretty girls. Some Confederate prisoners tell me that Johnston is gone to Richmond, and that Hood is commanding and intends to fight us at Atlanta.

The wheat and oats raised this year in this part of Georgia, if it had all been saved, would not more than have fed the citizens. Full one-half the cornfields will not turn out anything.

JULY 20th.—Cloudy and warm, but no rain up to 5 P.M. There is no news of importance; but a battle is momentarily expected in Georgia. The Examiner says the President bears malice against Johnston, and embraces an occasion to ruin him at the risk of destroying the country. That he was not allowed the aid of detachments necessary to success, and hence he could not fight; but all aids will he give his successor, Hood, who will be successful. And that this game was played on Johnston in 1862 in Virginia, and when Lee took command, every facility was afforded by the government. In short, Gen. Johnston cannot be vindicated unless our army be destroyed; and if Hood wins a victory, he is ruined. This is an unpleasant predicament for a general.

Planted some cabbage-seeds given me; no plants are for sale.

July, Wednesday 20, 1864

Another happy and beautiful morning. Miss Lou gave me some Cotton to knit Eddie a pr of socks. I began them, but did not get much done, most of the time playing Bagammon, Chess, or having some Music, learned Miss L. two pieces, “Brightest Eyes Quick Step,” “Rosebud Waltz,” she was very apt, but I fear her swimming scholar will ever be a drag to the art.

Our days are as happy as can be, her Bro. Lt. Watt Young came today on short leave, he is rather shy of Ladies, therefore we have not seen much of him. All went to the Pond again, Hal was sick, and could not go in. I believe I am a greater coward every time I attempt it. Therese is still gaining confidence, and improving. Mrs. Tom Young and Mrs. King came round to see us after tea, we had a very happy evening. Hal and I did not agree very well—I bet I would finish my sock, she bet I would not, so she put the Gas out. I lit it again and finished my sock.