July 9th. This fine morning finds me on picket near Cherry Run, Maryland. Nothing important occurred so far. Late this afternoon relieved from picket. Ordered to join the regiment, it having left Cherry Run and advanced east along the line of the railroad, towards Martinsburg. After pushing along from six to eight miles, found headquarters located at Back Creek, the regiment having reached here in the early morning. Companies A and C were out on scout duty in the direction of Martinsburg. They returned late tonight without having found the enemy. The railroad is badly damaged. Business on the line is suspended east of Cumberland, as far as Harper’s Ferry. This is an important railroad through to the west. It has met with great losses on account of the war.

Friday, 8th.—I. L. got fifteen days’ furlough; gone to Social Circle. Papers filled with news of Confederates invading Maryland and near Washington City. Marching and marching and falling back, until, [next entry July 22, 1864]

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

8th. Barber was sick so Bob and Thede got dinner. Very warm day. Did very little. Read some.

Friday, 8th–The weather is quite pleasant today. Wounded men are coming in from the front every day. Our men are strongly fortified in front of the rebel works, and within about a mile of the Chattahoochee river.

JULY 8th.—Clear; hot and dusty.

The news of the falling back of Gen. Johnston on Atlanta, Ga., causes no uneasiness, for the destruction of Sherman’s army is deemed the more certain the farther he penetrates.

There is nothing of interest from Petersburg, but there are rumors of demoralization and disaffection in Grant’s army. His men suffer for water.

Still we get no letters from the South, beyond the point on the Danville Railroad reached by the raiders, who tore up 18 miles of the track.

We have nothing definite from Early’s column yet, but no doubt there is alarm enough in Pennsylvania and in Washington City by this time.

July, Friday 8, 1864

We all were at our work early this morning, and would have finished the shirts but had orders to move, Mr. Pugh came for us with two Ambulances and a baggage Wagon. We packed and were off in ten minutes time. Arrived in Tupelo at 1 o’clock, went to Gen. Forrest’s Hd. Qts. every thing was in bustle, and hopeful in the comeing campaign. Met with Gen. Lee,¹ who had just arrived on the cars, I am perfectly delighted with him, if I had a heart to lose, I think it would be in danger. God bless both of them, spare time to our Country, and crown them with Victory, in the battle which awaits them. We ate supper with Maj. Rambeaut, it was delightful. We spent a very pleasant evening. Maj. Leverson, Maj. Rambeaut, Mason, Beaumont and many other friends are as kind to us as Bros. We came up to Col. McCarty’s, put the children to bed, our friends spent the evening. Maj. Crump and Eddie came to see us, we bid them all good bye, and will not see them again until after the battle. God grant they may all be spared. The Yanks are at Ripley, moveing down in force. We have no idea where the battle will be fought—

1. General Stephen D. Lee

July 8th. A bright morning in the mountains. Up to last evening we were two hundred miles from Parkersburg. At nine o’clock this morning we arrived at Cumberland after a very slow journey. We are now in Maryland. A great coal mining country. Here we left the cars. Could not proceed any farther, the rebels having destroyed the railroad on beyond this place. Many bridges cross the mountain streams. Later in the day we march on to Cherry Run. Go into camp. Reported that the enemy, in strong force, are at Martinsburg. Late this P. M. I am detailed for picket duty.

7th. Got clothing and issued. Not very well today. Have had several good games of chess with Major. Wrote to Roxena yesterday.

Thursday, 7th–It is quite warm. Still skirmishing and cannonading. The wounded in the hospital are getting along fine.

July 7, 1864.

The shooting still continues in our front, but hear no Rebel artillery. The water here is excellent, and everybody seems to get a few blackberries. We also stew grapes and green apples, and everything that ever was eaten by anti-cannibals. There is so much confounded fighting to be attended to that we can’t forage any, and though fresh beef is furnished to the men regularly there is some scurvy. I have seen several black-mouthed, loose-toothed fellows, hankering after pickles. Teamsters and hangers-on who stay in the rear get potatoes, etc., quite regularly. I do not believe the Johnnies intend fighting again very strongly this side of the river. Our scouts say that between the river and Atlanta the works run line after line as thickly as they can be put in. Per contra, two women who came from Atlanta on the 6th say that after we get across the river we will have no fighting, that Johnston is sending his troops to Savannah, Charleston, Mobile and Richmond, except enough to fight us at different river crossings. Our scouts also say that the Rebels are deserting almost by thousands, and going around our flanks to their homes in Tennessee, Kentucky, etc. I have not been in a house in Georgia, but several citizens I have met in camp said they had heard many soldiers say they would never cross the river with Johnston since the charge of the 27th.

Harrow has kept our brigade in reserve, and I think he will continue to do so unless a general battle is fought. We have suffered more heavily than any other two brigades in the army, and when we started we were one of the smallest. I am willing to see some of the others go in a while, though I want to help if Johnston will stand a fair fight in open ground. The chigres are becoming terrific. They are as large as the blunt end of a No. 12 and as red as blood. They will crawl through any cloth and bite worse than a flea, and poison the flesh very badly. They affect some more than others. I get along with them comparatively well, that is, I don’t scratch more than half the time. Many of the boys anoint their bodies with bacon rinds, which the chigres can’t go. Salt-water bathing also bars chigres, but salt is too scarce to use on human meat. Some of the boys bathing now in a little creek in front of me; look like what I expect “Sut Lovegood’s” father did after plowing through that hornet’s nest. All done by chigres. I believe I pick off my neck and clothes 30 varieties of measuring worm every day. Our brigade quartermaster yesterday found, under his saddle in his tent, a rattlesnake, with six rattles and a button.

This is the 68th day of the campaign. We hope to end it by August 1st, though if we can end the war by continuing this until January 1st, ’65, I am in. Reinforcements are coming in every day, and I don’t suppose we are any weaker than when we left Chattanooga. The Rebels undoubtedly are, besides the natural demoralization due to falling back so much must be awful. My health is excellent. Remember me to all the wounded boys of the 103d you see.

JULY 7th.—Hot and dry, but a light shower at 2 P.M., laying the dust.

A letter from Gen. Gilmer states that the Danville Railroad will not be fully repaired before the last of this month. But there is a good wagon road, and the army can be supplied by wagons when the cars cannot run, some 25 miles.

There is an idle rumor that Wilmington has been taken by the enemy. This, indeed, would hurt us. But we get neither letters nor dispatches from beyond Petersburg.

Last week, when the local forces were recalled, one of the clerks in the Treasury Department, upon being dismissed, fell upon his lieutenant, who had insulted him while in the military service, and as a civilian, gave him a beating. To-day the officer, after consulting his lieutenant-colonel commanding, and, it is said, the Secretary of War, sent a subaltern to the department to arrest the clerk, who resisted. The subaltern said he acted by authority of the lieutenant-colonel and the Secretary of War, and would arrest him and throw him in prison, if he had to come with force enough to pull down the building. To all this the Secretary of the Treasury demurred, and made a formal complaint to the President, who most indignantly indorsed on the paper that the conduct of the officer was “very reprehensible,” that if when the offense was committed, the battalion had been dismissed, the military authority of the officers ceased, and as civil officers, all were on the same footing. He ordered the Secretary to make this known to the officers, etc. None believe now that the President ever threatened to turn the clerks out of office, as represented, nor wished them put in the army, as hinted.

July, Thursday 7, 1864

All up this morning to breakfast—a very warm day. Capt. Ferd Rodgers came this morning, we were delighted to see him, he is looking better than I ever saw him, although he is just recovering from a terible sickness. Maj. Rambeaut & Maj. Leverson also Bruce came out this morning to see us. Capt. Rodgers went into Tupelo with them. Tate cut out Maj. Leverson’s shirts, so Hal and I missed our nap this eve and sewed on them. Tate is makeing Capt. Rodgers. Maj. Crump came over this morning, Robert went to Tupelo with him, they came back this evening. I received a letter from home and one from Helen, all well. Capt. Mason and Mr. Beaumont came out this eve. Tate and Mr. B. went riding on horseback, they staid until after Tea.

Our news from the Enemy is rather exciting, they are advancing in force, and our Armies are not many miles apart, the command is expecting orders every hour. God grant they may check the wicked foe, and drive them from our soile . Answer to flag of truce, no black flag, but as near to Christian warfare as is possible. Oh! God have mercy on our Army—crown them Victorious.

July 7th. Rain this morning. Late last night the train got under way. Kept running all night. Soon after daylight a number of us climbed to the top of the cars. I always did that when I could. It relieved the packed condition of the inside. I have slept many miles while riding on top of the old box cars. The B. & O. R. R. leads through a mountainous country, West Virginia. As we rounded a curve we saw a large hole in the mountain. There came a shout for every man to lie down as the train entered a tunnel, a long one. We lay face downward. Thought the heavy smoke from the engine would smother me. A fearful experience. Before I could get down into the car we entered another. As soon as we passed through the second one, I made haste, got inside. That was tunnel riding enough for me.

Passed through Clarksburg and Grafton. Nothing important transpired during the run so far. The train moved along very slowly with its human freight, packed in filthy old box cars, soldiers who were fighting for our country. Wonderful how patient the men are, and what we have to endure. In the filthy box cars we came in contact with an army of pediculers.

6th. Passed the day quietly in camp. Spencer here today. Very warm. In a shady place. Nice bower and shade trees in afternoon.

July 6th. A very pleasant morning. A good night’s rest. The boat pushed along all night. Must be getting near our journey’s end, or destination, Parkersburg. Soon after noon the boat grounded and held fast. We were again obliged to wade ashore, on the Ohio side. Later it was decided, we give up the boat and march on to Parkersburg, distance, from five to six miles. The march was over a good road through a fine country. The field officers, not having their horses, set the pace, which was very slow. We had them that time, for we could march right away from them. The horses and wagons were coming overland from Camp Piatt. During the march we were among friends. Some of the old settlers were from Connecticut. The old and young people were pleased to see Connecticut soldiers. We came to a halt quite often to talk to the people. One very old gentleman brought out an old powder horn which he claimed was once the property of General Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. He also made claim to be a descendant of General Putnam.

The march through Ohio was very pleasant, the people were so kind. Parkersburg was in West Virginia, we were in Ohio. Were carried over the river on boats. At this point, while waiting for a train, we received a large mail. I received two letters. A long time since we heard from home. Hunter’s army took train at this place. A train of box cars was made ready for us, into which we were packed like a lot of animals. At times we were made to feel that we were cattle. Hope I can live to see the finish up of the war. This is a strenuous life. It’s all for our country.

Wednesday, 6th–There is still skirmishing on the lines and some cannonading going on, but there is no general advance along the lines, except on the extreme left.

July 6, 1864.

I went down to our front this evening. Our advanced artillery is yet some 1,200 yards from the Rebels, but there is nothing but an open field between, and it looks quite close. The Johnnies have thrown up a nice fort, embrasured for nine guns. They have not fired a shot to-day. The captain of our advanced artillery told me the Rebels have 20 Parrott guns in the fort, and excellent gunners.

We moved this evening one mile to the left and relieved a portion of the 20th Corps, which went on further to the left.

We started on this campaign with 10 field officers in our brigade and now have but two left. Three killed, three wounded and two left back sick. I hear the Rebel works here are the last this side of the river, and but few hundred yards from it.

JULY 6th.—Hot and dry.

We have no news to-day, but there are rumors that Grant is preparing to abandon his position. He cannot remain where he is, inactive. There is a scarcity of water, and the location is unhealthy.

We had corn bread and gravy for dinner, with a tremendous dessert, the suggestion of Custis, consisting of whortleberry flitters, with butter and sugar sauce, costing about $16.

July, Wednesday 6, 1864

Oh! I never was as sleepy in my life as this morning. Hal and Miss Clara ready for breakfast, I was not—went in after the rest had finished and got a Cup of Coffee. We all seemed dull and lazy this morning. John came in the Ambulance for Bro. George and Miss Billie to go to Tupelo, Dr. Cowen, Lt. Dunn, & Bro. called. Maj. Crump & Lt. Rodgers came also, did not stay long—Hal and I came upstairs as soon as we got dinner and went to sleep—just dresed in time—Eddie & Bruce came over. Decatur and Bruce went to Tupelo, Eddie went back to Camp at Verona. Lt. Rodgers came over after tea, they all have marching orders at 5 o’clock in the morning, do not know which way they are going, the Yankees are moveing out towards Ripley—God grant that our poor Soldiers may be spared, and crown the Southerners with glory and success. Save my poor Bro. oh! grant that he may nobly do his duty, but return safe. Bless my dear Father and his household. Hal is waiting for me to tell her fortune—everybody retired early tonight, disgusted with every enjoyment except the soft folds of the Arms of Morpheus. No late war news, Answer to flag of Truce from Memphis, Washburn still refuses to have any understanding with regard to the black flag—

Columbia, S C, July 6, 1864.–At the Prestons’ Mary was laughing at Mrs. Lyons’s complaint–the person from whom we rented rooms in Richmond. She spoke of Molly and Lawrence’s deceitfulness. They went about the house quiet as mice, while we were at home; or Lawrence sat at the door and sprang to his feet whenever we passed. But when we were out, they sang, laughed, shouted, and danced. If any of the Lyons family passed him, Lawrence kept his seat, with his hat on, too. Mrs. Chesnut had said: “Oh!” so meekly to the whole tirade, and added, “I will see about it.”

Colonel Urquhart and Edmund Rhett dined here; charming men both–no brag, no detraction. Talk is never pleasant where there is either. Our noble Georgian dined here. He says Hampton was the hero of the Yankee rout at Stony Creek.[1] He claims that citizens, militia, and lame soldiers kept the bridge at Staunton and gallantly repulsed Wilson’s raiders.

At Mrs. S.’s last night. She came up, saying, “In New Orleans four people never met together without dancing.” Edmund Rhett turned to me: “You shall be pressed into service.” “No, I belong to the reserve corps–too old to volunteer or to be drafted as a conscript.” But I had to go.

My partner in the dance showed his English descent; he took his pleasure sadly. “Oh, Mr. Rhett, at his pleasure, can be a most agreeable companion! ” said someone. “I never happened to meet him,” said I, “when he pleased to be otherwise.” With a hot, draggled, old alpaca dress, and those clod-hopping shoes, to tumble slowly and gracefully through the mazes of a July dance was too much for me. “What depresses you so?” he anxiously inquired. “Our carnival of death.” What a blunder to bring us all together here!–a reunion of consumptives to dance and sing until one can almost hear the death-rattle!

[1] The battle of Stony Creek in Virginia was fought on June 28-29, 1864.

5th. Marsh came down and stayed to dinner. Moved camp a mile. A very hot day indeed. Good visit with Marsh. Better camp.

July 5th. At daylight this morning the boat got under way, pushing on up the great Ohio. Passed the towns, Middlesport, Pomeroy, Syracuse, on the Ohio side, and Hartford, West Virginia. The farther up the river we go, have more trouble with low water. Sand bars are many. Again obliged to wade ashore. Later, go on board a smaller boat. It seems to make good time as it pushes along. Reported the boat will push along all night. This will close our second day on the water. A very pleasant and interesting trip. A good rest, good food, and very plenty. We are now in good condition, ready for duty. This will no doubt be our last night on board the boat. Another good rest, provided all things go well with us during the night.

July 5, 1864.

Can hear no firing this p.m. It seems the Rebels have got across the Chattahoochie. We are about 12 miles from Atlanta. The river will probably trouble us some, but we all think “Pap” will make it before August 1st. Johnston don’t dare give us anything like a fair fight. We are all in splendid spirits and the boys have made the woods ring with their Fourth of July cheers, tired as they are. We have lost no men since the charge of the 27th. I have an Atlanta paper, giving an acount of that fight. They say we were all drunk with whisky and fought more like devils than men.

p.m.

We have continued our march about four or five miles today. Osterhaus and M. L. Smith are ahead of us ,and I think we are on the right of the army again. The 4th Division, 17th Army Corps is engaged one-half mile ahead of us or rather are shooting a little with their big guns. I climbed a tree a half hour ago, and what do you think?—saw Atlanta, and saw it plainly, too. I suppose it is ten miles distant, not more than 12. The country looks about as level as a floor, excepting one-half mountain, to the left of the city, some miles. We seem to be on the last ridge that amounts to anything. We are, I suppose, two and one-half miles from the river at this point, though we hold it farther to the right. Very large columns of smoke were rolling up from different parts of the city. I suppose they were the explosions of foundries, machine shops, etc. Dense clouds of dust can be seen at several points across the river; suppose it means trains or troops moving.

Have seen but few wounded going back to-day. We are laying along some very good rifle pits, occasionally embrasured for artillery, which the 17th Army Corps took this morning. They were not very stoutly defended, though, and the artillery had been moved back. With some pretty lively skirmishing the line has been advanced this evening. Not much loss on our side; saw some one-half dozen ambulance loads only.

JULY 5th.—Cool and dry, everything suffering for rain.

All quiet about Petersburg, but later in the day a rumor sprung up that fighting had recommenced there. I doubt it, because by Northern accounts I see Gen. Early is destroying railroads beyond the Potomac, and will undoubtedly threaten Washington itself. If Grant fails to send troops there, Early may even throw shell into the Federal city.

Peter V. Daniel sends the Secretary of War a letter from Mr. Westmoreland, Wilmington, complaining that he is not allowed by government agents to transport cotton to that port, where his steamers are, in redemption of Confederate States bonds, while private persons, for speculative purposes, are, through the favor (probably for a consideration) of government officials, enabled to ship thousands of bales, and he submits a copy of a correspondence with Col. Sims, Assistant Quartermaster-General, and Lieut.-Col. Bayne, who is charged with the control of the exporting and importing business. Mr. Daniel thinks there is some “bribery and corruption” even in the South. But Mr. Seddon is incredulous sometimes.

The express company has an arrangement with Col. Sims, the Assistant Quartermaster-General, by which much freight is transported.

New potatoes are selling at $4 per quart in the market.