July 1st. This hot morning finds us still in our good camp on the banks of the Great Kanawah River, surrounded by lofty mountains. We have been informed of a fine spring of water over the river, upon a mountain. Some of the residents wish that we would try it and drink of its good waters. They offered us the use of a boat. We rowed over, taking a number of canteens. After a good drink from the spring coming out of the side of the mountain, we had a most wonderful view of this fine valley from another point. The pleasure we had paid us well for our trouble. At this point the river is very wide and deep. We were informed by old residents that soundings had been made and failed to find any bottom.

Wrote many letters from here. Weather fine for camp life. Shelter tents are all right in fine weather. Since the battle of Piedmont, June 5th, our company has been under the command of a sergeant. Two of our officers are prisoners, and one absent on account of wounds.

Marching orders received. Must leave this ideal spot early tomorrow morning. Here we have plenty of good rations and a good rest. Late this afternoon a hard shower came up, a regular mountain shower. The clouds broke loose right over this spot. So hot we don’t mind it very much, will soon dry up. It all comes in the life of a soldier.

July 1, 1864.

This campaign is coming down to a question of muscle and nerve. It is the 62d day for us, over 50 of which we have passed under fire. I don’t know anything more exhausting. One consolation is that the Rebels are a good deal worse off than we are. They have lost more men in battle, their deserters count by thousands, and their sick far exceed ours. We’ll wear them out yet. Our army has been reinforced by fully as many as we have lost in action, so that our loss will not exceed our sick. You notice in the papers acounts of Hooker’s charging “Lost Mountain,” taking a large number of prisoners, and the names of officers. You see they are all from the 31st and 40th Alabama. It is also credited to Blair’s 17th Corps. Our brigade took all those officers on the 15th of June. I wrote you an account of it then. It hurts us some to see it credited to other troops, but such is the fortune of war, and soldiers who do not keep a reporter must expect it. Colonel Wright starts for home to-day.

JULY 1st.—Clear, hot, and dry; my snap beans, corn, etc. burning up.

The papers this morning fail to confirm the capture of as many prisoners, near Petersburg, as were reported yesterday. But the dispatch (subjoined) of Gen. Lee renders it certain that the enemy was routed. There is a suspicion that our exasperated men refused quarter to some hundreds of the raiders, on the plea that they ravish, murder, burn, pillage, etc. It may be so.

“HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
“June 29th, 1864–8.30 P.M. “

HON. SECRETARY OF WAR.
———“SIR :–Gen. Hampton reports that he attacked the enemy’s cavalry yesterday afternoon, on their return from Staunton River bridge, this side of Sappony Church, and drove them beyond that point.
———“The fight continued during the night, and at daylight this morning he turned their left and routed them.
———“When they reached Ream’s Station, they were confronted by a portion of Mahone’s division, who attacked them in front, while their left flank was turned by Gen. Fitz Lee’s cavalry.
———“The enemy was completely routed, and several pieces of artillery, with a number of prisoners, wagons, ambulances, etc., captured. The cavalry are in pursuit.
—————————————————————“R. E. LEE, General.”

Gen. Early, with perhaps 10,000 men, is believed to be in Winchester to-day. He will probably be soon playing havoc with the enemy’s railroads, stores, etc., and perhaps may threaten Washington or Harrisburg, or both; and so have Grant called off from his “siege of Richmond.”

We were paid our salaries yesterday, and Custis, after his campaign and his sickness, resolved on a little indulgence. So he had a couple of small saucers of ice-cream—one for his mother, costing $6; quarter pound of coffee and two pounds of sugar, $25; and to-day a rice pudding, two pounds of rice, $5; one pound of sugar, $10; two quarts of milk, $5; total, $51!

Col. Shields, Commandant of Conscripts, etc., informed me today that he received only yesterday the order to proceed to the enrollment of Maryland and foreign residents. Thus the express orders of the President are delayed in the execution, and in such an exigency as this! I know Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, more than a year ago, attempted to interpose grave constitutional obstacles; but surely he can hardly have had the temerity to thwart the President’s wishes, so plainly expressed. Nevertheless, the delay has been caused by some one; and Col. S. has apprehensions that some wheel within a wheel will even now embarrass or defeat the effective execution of the order.

Brig.-Gen. Gardner, successor of Brig.-Gen. Winder, has not yet assumed supervision of the passport business, and it remains in the hands of Judge Campbell and Provost Marshal Carrington. Very many persons are going to the United States via the Potomac.

July, Friday 1, 1864

It has been quite pleasant all day, a nice breeze, we spent it alone until this evening, several of our friends from Camp called, Col. Rucker, Col. Overton & Lt. Rodgers from Rucker’s Brig, Capt. Leverson, Capt. Mason, Johnie and Decatur from Forrest’s Hd. Qts. Maj. Crump arrived from Oxford, he left Helen at Mrs. Goodman’s, she has a delightful home, and a nice horse to ride every evening—they all went back to Camp before night except Maj. Crump and John & Decatur, they staid until bed time. We had a delightful time, I am charmed with my new Bro. in law. Oh! my poor weary heart, how I long for some one to sympathize, to advise me, God have mercy. Bless my dear Father and protect his household, bless my dear Bros and Bros in law. I wrote to Shallie Kirk today, the 7th. Tenn and McDonald’s Bat’n have orders to move on an hour’s notice, the Yanks are very strong in numbers—but God will bless us and crown us with Victory, save our poor boys from privation and danger—

Friday, 1st–All is very quiet along the lines today. The rebels have built a strong line of works out along Nick-a-Jack creek, and it is reported that they are planning to retire from Kenesaw mountain and Marietta to their new line of works.

June 30th. Up very early this ?ne morning. A good bath in the waters of the Great Kanawah. A good place to dry our clothes on the bushes. We remain in water for a long time. So refreshing and good. At this point a great battle had taken place when General Rosencrans drove the rebels out of West Virginia, who were under the command of General Robert E. Lee. The bed of the river was covered with shells, solid shot, pieces of exploded shells, and bullets. I never saw anything like it before. This battle took place the ?rst year of the war. I have a bullet picked from the bottom of that river by myself. Received orders to clean up for inspection, and muster for pay. Having a good time and a much needed rest. We are all in good health in our company. Wonderful what men can endure. Thankful for a good rest in this quiet, ideal place where there is so much of interest.

JUNE 30th.—Clear and cool afterward warm and cloudy. Our people are made wild with joy to-day, upon hearing of the capture of a whole brigade of the raiders on the south side, the same that have been tearing up the Danville Road. The details, with Gen. Lee’s dispatch, will be in the paper to-morrow. It is said we have the general commanding the raid, etc.

Judge Reagan said to me to-day, when I told him the news, his dark eye flashing, that sooner or later, but inevitably, these raiders must be killed, and not captured. And Mr. Seddon says he was always in favor of fighting under the black flag; but, I believe, he never proposed it.

Thursday, 30th—The Seventeenth Army Corps have removed all their surplus baggage to the rear for the purpose of making a flanking movement on the rebels, who are reported to be falling back from their lines around Kenesaw mountain. Our artillery in the front is still in action, but the rebels make no reply.

June, Thursday 30, 1864

Well, we have managed to exist through another terible warm day. Eddie and Jake spent the day with us again, Hal’s Bro. Frank also. Gen. Forrest reviewed the Artilery this morning, we did not get to see them. Capt.—now Maj. Morton, and Lt. Blakemore called to see us. Bruce arrived today from the Army of Tenn. Gen. Johnston, he was slightly wounded and has a thirty days leave. Hal was delighted to see him, and saved a trip to the Army—as he will take Eddie’s things to him. Robert went to Hd. Qts. with his Paper today. Hal and I took extra pains this evening in our dress but had no calls. We heard the sad fate of two of our friends in Henderson’s Scouts, the Yankees hung them near Moscow,—Mr. Bonner and Lt. McConnell. Oh! this horible , horible war—our poor boys are looking for a battle every day, and expect to go in under the black Flag—Oh! heavenly Father we pray and beseech thee to hear our prayers—drive the enemy from our soile and give us peace—

June 30, 1864 8 a.m.

There was a terrific fight on our right, commencing at 2 this morning and lasting until 3. I have not yet heard what it was.

Some deserters passed us this morning. I have lost just half the men I left Scottsboro with just two months ago, but what I have left, are every man ready to help. We have a good deal more than “cleared” ourselves. I had my canteen strap cut off by a bullet and a spent glancing ball struck my ankle.

June 29th. Up very early this morning and on the march. A hot, muggy morn. After being under way about two hours, we could hear in the distance the popping of guns. Sounded like skirmishing ?ring. We thought there was music ahead for us. We kept pushing on. After a time the road rounded a curve on the mountains, where we could see ahead for a short distance. We could see the men leave the road and some running back. As we came near the point, saw that it was a cliff, a great overhanging rock. We learned that it was known as the Hawk’s Nest, giving a grand view of the New River, the mountains and valleys. We were allowed a look and permission to shoot, and listen to the wonderful echo our old muskets made. The view was something grand and awful. Shall never forget that scene. We learned there was a legend connected with its history. Indian lovers jumped from the cliff because the father, a chief, would not let his daughter marry the man of her choice. The story was told us by people living near.

After a time we began to descend the mountains, which I learned were the Gauley Mountains. At the foot of the mountains we came to a halt at the Gauley River, the bridge having been destroyed at the breaking out of the war, when General Rosencrans drove the rebel General, Robert E. Lee, out of West Virginia. We went up the river a short distance, where we managed to cross. The New River and the Gauley meet at this point and form the Great Kanawah River. A short distance from the Gauley River, on the bank of the Kanawah River, an ideal spot, camp was located. At this point rations had been stored for Hunter’s hungry army. Good bacon, salt beef, salt pork, rice, beans, coffee, sugar, hardtack. Good water. Fine place for bathing. The Kanawah River was as clear as crystal. Plenty to eat, a chance to bathe, wash our clothes, rest, made a great improvement in our condition in a very short time. This is a very interesting point here, as we learn its history from the old residents. They seem pleased to meet us and give us all the particulars about the location. Great lofty mountains on each side of the rivers. More inhabitants here than we have seen in any place for a long time.

29th. By daylight, all our force save three Regts. and brigade for rear guard had moved out towards Ream’s Station. Heavy firing in rear. Soon heard that rebs had got between horses and men and captured nearly all. Reached Ream’s Station about noon. Rebels in heavy force, cavalry and infantry. Longstreet’s Corps being along the railroad to Weldon. Kautz went on in morning to take position. Sent back word that the command could not get through. Wilson said we must. Soon organized to charge through. Then this was given up. 5th N. Y. partly dismounted and part in reserve. Same with 2nd Ohio. Then mounted as reserve. Wilson got ready to leave by the road we came–burned the wagons and moved on. Soon rebs came on dismounted in our rear. Very heavy force. Moved off regularly towards the battery, which opened with grape and canister. Moved up to Kautz’ division through the woods. Col. absent–don’t know why. Kautz said the orders were to get out the best way possible. Columns moved near together. Moved to the southwest to near Stony Creek Station and crossed the R. R. Advance charged the rebs. Kautz had considerable fighting at first. Soon after crossing the R. R. rebs came upon our rear and we had a run of several miles–5th Penn. and Detachments of several regts.–Col. West in command. No advance or rear guard. Had I been a line officer, I should have organized a force rear guard. Did propose the thing to Capt. Easton, but he couldn’t see it. Held up and walked determined if there were any more firing to fall out and call upon 2nd Ohio and wait. Tom Wood, brave and true boy, fell out with several others and formed rear guard when almost within our lines. Rebs in ambush fired upon them and killed Tom. Poor fellow. How sorry I am for his young wife. Camped soon after passing our picket.

JUNE 29th.—Clear and cool–afterward hazy.

“MARIETTA, June 27th.”

GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG.
——“The enemy advanced on our whole line to-day. They assaulted French, Cheatham, Cleburn, Stevenson, and Quarles, by whom they were repulsed.
——“On the rest of the line the skirmishing was severe.
——“Their loss is supposed to be great. Ours is known to be small.—————“J. E. JOHNSTON, General.”

The dispatch from Gen. Johnston gives an encouraging account of the fight in Georgia. But a dispatch from the West states that reinforcements (20,000) for Sherman’s army are marching from La Grange. It is reported and believed that Gen. Early, at the head of 25,000 men, marched out of Staunton on Monday toward the North. I hope it may not prove a recruiting measure for lincoln!

A good deal of firing (cannon) was heard down the river this morning.

Judge Campbell is again “allowing” many persons to pass into the United States.

Wednesday, 29th—There was heavy cannonading on our side today, but the rebels did not reply. Our company was out on the skirmish line again, but I could not go with them on account of sickness. I have not been fit for duty since Saturday evening, the 25th, but on last Monday, the 27th, I was taken quite sick, having contracted the intermittent fever while digging the rifle pits along a branch infected with malaria. The weather was quite hot today, which is hard on the sick.

June, Wednesday 29, 1864

Nannie and Mr. Pugh left for Aberdeen early this morning, Decatur came out, did not stay very long. Eddie and Jake spent the day with us again, the order for them to leave tomorrow has been countermanded, and they are all delighted, their horses are completely broken down since their march from Montivalo. Capt. Barber and Jack Doyle came to see us, we had a nice time. Hal’s Bro. Frank spent the day with us also. Hal & I made a Soldier’s shirt this morning—poor fellows I wish I could always have it in my power to gratify their wishes. It has been a terible warm day, and I have been unhappy, oh! so unhappy, so undecided about my movements. I believe Hal has concluded to stand still until the command is ordered to leave again. No news from home yet, Forrest has changed his plans for the present, of course we know nothing of their movements—

June 29, 1864.

There was a night charge made by the Rebels on our right last night. They got beautifully “scooped.” We have been laying quiet all day. Lots of artillery, though but few shots come near us.

Tuesday, 28th–There was cannonading and skirmishing today on both sides, all along the lines, but our men did not attempt to advance the line of battle. We have orders to be ready to march at a moment’s warning.

June 28, 1864.

The attack was not general; it was made by our brigade and M. L. Smith’s Division. We lost nearly one-third of the brigade. Our regiment’s loss is 17 killed and 40 wounded. My company had five killed and four wounded. Colonel Wright was shot quite badly in the leg, and Lieutenants Montgomery, Branson and Bailey were killed. In my company Corporals Whittaker, Myers, and Private Sam Mclntyre, Art. Myers, and Jacob Maxwell, were killed. Sergeant Breed, Privates Bishop, Frank Breed and James Williamson were wounded. We held all the ground we took (under our fire), but had to leave a few of our dead until dark.

On the p.m. of the 26th Colonel Wright told me that General McPherson and Colonel Walcutt (our brigade commander) had been out through the day examining the ground in front, and that it was in contemplation to carry the southwest spur of the mountain by a charge, and further, that it was not impossible that our brigade would be in as usual. This was kept quiet in the command. About 8 p.m. I was at Colonel Wright’s headquarters with several of the officers and we were talking the matter over, when an order came for the colonel to report at brigade headquarters. I believe every one present instantly concluded that we were to fight, and knowing the country before us to be about on a par with Lookout Mountain you can imagine we did not particularly enjoy the prospect. The colonel returned in about an hour. We had all, I believe, fallen asleep. He woke us and said: “Have your men get their breakfasts by daylight; at 6 a.m. the fight will begin on the right, and at 8 a.m. our brigade will, with one from the 1st and 2d divisions, charge a spur of the mountain.” I turned away and after notifying my orderly sergeant to have the men up on time, I turned in. Thought the matter over a little while and after pretty fully concluding “good-bye, vain world,” went to sleep. Before daylight in the morning we were in line, and moving a few hundred yards to the rear of our works, and stacked arms in a grove, which would hide us from the observation of the Rebels on the mountain. You know from where we have been for a few days, we could see them plainly. Cannonading commenced on [continue reading…]

28th. D. and L. companies extremes. 2nd Ohio in advance. Stopped at one rich plantation thoroughly secesh. Col. said to the lady of the house, “We are out foraging today and are coming down here to live soon.” She said, “I guess Gen. Lee will have something to say about that.” Crossed the Nottoway at the double bridge. After crossing Stony Creek encountered rebels in force. 2nd soon in. Charged–drove rebs. Rebs charged back again and drove us. Brigade dismounted and went into the woods and soon into the open fields and drove the rebs back some distance. 2nd Batt. in picket. After firing moved up to a house and lane and formed. Advanced. Soon close and heavy work. Night came on. Boys hastily built breastworks of rails 50 yds from rebs. Soon our Regt. was reduced to 50 or 60 men who lay upon their faces till midnight, when the line withdrew a little. I was mounted for some time in the lane and behind the house, firing and carrying orders till the line advanced when I dismounted and led forward with the line. Awful hot. Horse got away once. Before midnight my lungs began to bleed so badly that I mounted and went back to Artillery and then to a fire. Several very heavy volleys by the rebs–said to be infantry.

JUNE 28th.—Bright and cool—a little rain last night.

The Departmental Battalion is still kept out. They have built a line of fortifications four miles long—to Deep Bottom from near Chaffin’s Farm. The Secretary of War intimates that these clerks are kept out by Gen. R. E. Lee.

The superintendent of the Central Railroad informed the Secretary of War to-day that the road would be reopened to Staunton on Thursday (day after to-morrow), such is the slight damage done by the enemy. He asks that the bridge near Hanover Junction be defended, that being the only part of the road that can be much injured by a small raiding party. And he don’t want the papers to say anything about the reopening of the road.

The news from the North, that Congress has refused to repeal the $300 clause in their military bill—allowing drafted men to buy out at $300 each—and the rise of gold to $2.30 for $1—together with the apparent or real inertia of Grant, seem to inspire great confidence in our people to-day. They think the worst is really over, and so do I.

My little garden, during the month of June, has saved me $150. A single cabbage head to-day in market was sold for $10. Although the joint salaries of Custis and myself amount now to $8000 per annum, we have the greatest difficulty to subsist. I hope we shall speedily have better times, and I think, unless some terrible misfortune happens to our arms, the invader will surely be soon hurled from our soil. What President Lincoln came to Grant for is merely conjecture—unquestionably he could not suggest any military enterprise more to our detriment than would occur to his generals.

June, Monday 13, 1864

[The following entry is in a different handwriting]
Nice morning, clear, and rain ceased. Met Miss Belle E. Miss Hal R. Miss Hellen E. & Miss Nannie P. all looking pleasant and gay as larks. They are en route for Tupelo and other important points in Dixie. It is a gay party, and I would be delighted to accompany them, but duty &c admonishes me not. Miss Belle says she feels sad—wonder why? I wish her sweetheart was here to accompany her. This would make her feel cheerful I know. Who is the favored gentleman, I wonder. Wish I know, for he is destined to be a happy man. From indications I fear my hopes for Capt. H.  must cease. The ladies are now ready to start. Pleasant trip to you ladies, & may each one of you soon meet your sweethearts & have a gay and happy time, not only until you return, but through life. W.M. McConnell.

We are camped 6 miles from Lafayette Springs, nowhere to stay all night. Jim, Lt. McConnell’s cook, who is driving our baggage wagon, cooked us a delightful supper—fried ham and eggs, Butter milk & Corn bread. We threw heads and tails and decided not to go on tonight—10 o’clock, after tea, Jim cleaning up. Helen & John building a fire in an old store which we are to inhabit. Nannie & Hal sitting over the fire, I alone, writing the record of our adventures. Lt. McC. wrote for me before leaving Oxford, and I have no room —will recall all tomorrow.

June, Tuesday 28, 1864

Mrs. Sample, our hostess, had us up very early. Bro. Geo. went to Tupelo after breakfast, taking Robert with him, oh! the heat is almost intolerable. John came and brot Hal’s and my bagage from Hd Qts. did not stay very long—Eddie and Jake Anderson arrived from Pontotoc before dinner, spent the day with us. I was never so warm and sleepy in my life as after dinner this day. Our friends from Tupelo came out early this evening—Mr. Galloway, John, Decatur, Bose Pugh, they left about sundown, Eddie and Jake went in also. Jim and Thulus Beaumont came out to Tea, we were haveing a nice time when Mrs. Sample sent for us to retire, this rather shocked us, but making the best of it, the boys in a laughing humor departed.

I am so undecided in my movements, Hal is flighty, never of the same mind two hours. God guide me in the right path. I know not today where tomorrow will be spent. Bless my Father, and Bros. Crown our Armys with Victory, oh! Give us success and peace—

Washington June 28^th 1864

In looking over my last “minutes” I see that I stated that Petersburgh was taken, but altho it was so reported it is not taken yet. Frequent attacks upon the defences have been made and some of the out works have been carried, but the City is still held by the rebels and is defended with as much determination as Richmond itself, and is said to be equaly as well fortified. We have nothing from Shermans army in Georgia of a decisive character as yet. He is not far from Atlanta and is meeting with strong resistance from the Rebels under “Joe Johnson.” The Rebel Gen^l Polk was killed there the other day. He who exchanged the Pulpit for the camp and battle field, but he was educated at West Point and undoubtedly imbibed his war spirit in early life. “Those that take the sword shall perish by the sword,” especialy Bishops and Priests who should preach only Peace on earth and good will to man. In the present state of the affairs of our Country matters do not look very flattering. What was considered an overwhelming army two months ago under Gen^l Grant has dwindled down to a force now near Petersburgh and on the James River (south) which is considered entirely too weak for extensive offensive operations and is at the Present time able to do but little more than hold its own. The loss of men since this campaign began has been enormous. The killed wounded and missing cannot be less than one hundred thousand. This loss has mainly been incured in efforts to carry by assault strong “Earth works.” Whenever the Rebels are found there will be found entrenchments, rifle pits, strongly posted Batterys behind earth works. In acting as they generaly have in this campaign on the defensive, this has given them greatly the advantage. If Gen^l Grant had landed his great army (where his small one is now) two months ago, and instead of fighting breastworks had cut off the R Roads leading to Richmond and fought on the defensive, what then? The weather for the past week has been extremely hot, the Mercury ranging from 90 to 96 in the shade every day. Yesterday there was a slight shower and today there is quite a change in the atmosphere. Many people are leaving the City for the summer and going north, anticipating much sickness here this summer in consequence of the extremely foul state of the City. It is in fact but a great Hospital. Aside from its other impurities, the worst of all is the Canal which is at low water a seething, sickening mass of corruption into which all the Sewers of the City empty. If it does not breed a pestilence in conection with other causes this summer it will certainly be because Washington is an uncommonly healthy City. I think seriously of getting out of it myself for the summer, if I can. Sea breezes and sea bathing never had more attraction for me than they do now.

June 28th. Again on the march this hot, muggy morning. Still climbing the mountains. After a march, about twelve miles, came to a halt. Do not know the name of this section of Virginia. At this point rations are piled up by the roadside. Waiting for our turn to be supplied, which was slow work. Becoming impatient and could not wait, some of the boys made a raid on the supplies, helped themselves. After a good feed of bacon, hardtack, and coffee, we felt much better. After a short rest we are again on the march, taking more interest in the mountains and scenery. After a march reported to be nine miles, we camp for the night well up the mountains. Don’t know the name of the place. Reported we are headed for the New River and Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.