Monday, 27th.—Heavy skirmishing all day. Very heavy cannonading on right; reported Federals charged Cleaborn’s and Cheatham’s divisions in seven lines of battle, and were repulsed with heavy loss. One thousand killed and five thousand wounded. Good many prisoners, and two stands of colors that were stuck in our works. (This was the noted charge and repulse on Kenasaw Mountain.) One colonel found dead in front of our works; said to have had a memorandum in his pocket up to the time of the charge. He seemed to have been very sanguine of success, but alas for him. Here is what he says: “June 27th, 8 A. M., moved out in front of Kenasaw Mountain. 9 A. M., advancing to charge Kenasaw; will take it like a d–– “so ended his memorandum.

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

June 27th. Again on the march. I will be thankful if I can hold out until we get rations. Progress is very slow over these mountains. Roads are badly washed by the heavy rains. This is no time to repair roads. They are very dangerous, not only for the men, but also for the poor horses and mules drawing the cannons and heavy army wagons. Very few houses and not much settlement along these mountain roads, so that we see very few people.

After a forced march, about eighteen miles, came to a halt at the foot of the mountains. In the distance we saw what looked like wagons coming towards us. It proved to be farm wagons. The farmers offered their services to bring us rations. How thankful we were to meet them. Each man received two hardtack and a small piece of fresh meat. We were a foot-sore, hungry, ragged, dirty crowd of Uncle Sam’s soldiers. Our suffering has been intense, over the mountains. The farmers informed us it was reported that Hunter’s army was starving in the mountains. Raining very hard tonight.

June 27, 1864, daylight.

The battle comes off to-day. It will be opened on the flanks at 6 a.m. We do not commence until 8 a.m. Our brigade and one from each of the other two divisions of the corps are selected to charge the mountain. The 17th A. C. will try the left hand mountain. If we are successful with a loss of only half our number in this mountain charging, I will think our loss more than repaid. I believe we are going to thoroughly whip Johnston to-day, and if we fail I do not care to live to see it.

27th. Moved out early in the morning. Encountered rebs about noon. Encamped an hour. 2nd Ohio on picket. Moved nearly all night. Stopped from 1:30 till 3. 8 miles from Lawrenceville.

JUNE 27th.—Bright and hot–afterward light showers.

By the papers we learn that President Lincoln has been on a visit to Grant’s army. If Grant does not accomplish some great wonder in a few days, his campaign will be noted a failure, even in the North.

We learn to-day that gold is now at $2.15 in the North.

The raiders are beginning to pay the penalty of their temerity; besides Hampton’s fight with them, on this side the James River, we learn that W. H. F. Lee has struck them a blow on the south side.

June, Monday 27, 1864

Hal and I did not get an early start, she and I came in the Ambulance with John to drive us. Decatur and Capt. Rodgers came in my Wagon, we had a very pleasant trip, arrived at Mrs. Sample’s about 1 o’clock. She took us in, and we feel very fortunate in getting here, our room is very warm and disagreeable, but she is the nicest person about her household I ever saw, plenty to eat. We had a delightful time this evening, our friends came out from Tupelo to see us. Maj. Allison, Capt. Ewing, two Mr. Dunns, Thulus Beaumont & Jim Titus, we had a happy time, they all left before Tea. Bro. Geo. Tate, Nannie, Hal and I did not have a very lively time, it was entirely too warm, all came to our room early, and I feel that I will sufocate . Eddie and Jake have not arrived yet. Poor Mary and Bro. Will and the little boys I know are lonely tonight. God bless my poor old Father, My dear Bros, and oh! have mercy on our brave Soldiers—Crown them with Victory and give us peace—

Front of Kenesaw Mountain, June 26, 1864.

Nothing worth mentioning has occurred since my last. The usual amount of artillery and musketry have kept us sure of the enemy’s still holding his position. I have sent you, piecemeal, a journal of every day since May 1st, excepting the last four days, which were stupid. It promises to be interesting enough now. We received orders yesterday p.m. to be ready to move at dark, and were all glad enough. When we are in the face of the enemy I believe one is better contented in the front line than anywhere else, though, like every other good thing, it becomes old. At 7 p.m. we moved out and it took us until 2 a.m. to march three miles. We relieved Jeff C. Davis’ division, which moved farther to the right. It is right at the foot of the west one of the twin mountains. The Johnnies shot into our ranks with impunity. They have to-day killed one and wounded three of our brigade that I know of, and more in the 1st Brigade. Dr. Morris’ brother is the only man struck in our regiment; he is not hurt much.

26th. Kautz left the Staunton just before daylight. Passed through Christianville, getting a good supply of corn and oats. Crossed the south fork of the Meherrin river and camped. All quiet.

JUNE 26th.—Hot and dry, but breezy.

A dispatch from Gen. Lee, 9 P.M. last evening, says nothing of moment occurred along the lines yesterday. Our loss in the unsuccessful attempt of Gen. Haygood to storm a portion of the enemy’s works, on Friday, was 97 killed and wounded, and 200 missing.

Gen. Hampton dispatches Gen. Lee that he attacked the enemy’s cavalry in Charles City County, Friday, and drove them out of their intrenchments, pursuing them eight miles, nearly to Charles City Court House. The enemy left their killed and wounded on the ground, and strewn along the route. Gen. Lee says Gen. H. deserves much credit. The enemy (a portion of Sheridan’s force) are still prevented from forming a junction with Grant.

Flour fell yesterday from $500 to $300 per barrel.

An official report shows that we lost no arms or ordnance stores of consequence at Staunton. Communications will be restored in that direction soon. The Valley and Western Virginia, being clear of the enemy, the fine crop of wheat can be gathered.

Beauregard is in disgrace, I am informed on pretty good authority; but while his humiliation is so qualified as not to be generally known, for fear of the resentment of his numerous friends, at the same time he is reticent, from patriotic motives, fearing to injure the cause.

It is stigmatized as an act of perfidy, that the Federal Government have brought here and caused to be slaughtered, some 1600 out of 1900 volunteers from the District of Columbia, who were to serve only 30 days in defense of the Federal city. At the same time our government is keeping in the service, at hard labor on the fortifications, Custis Lee’s brigade of clerks, who were assured, when volunteering, that they never would be called out except to defend the fortifications of the city, built by negroes!

June, Sunday 26, 1864

We had a late, and rather quiet breakfast, comparatively speaking, the little boys went to Sunday School and to our great joy and surprise Eddie and Jake Anderson arrived—came up to the Wedding, and knew nothing of its having taken place until after they came, both were greatly disapointed , and poor Eddie was really grieved. Oh! I can never cease to regret his not haveing notice of it. Jim Titus, in his usual way, I fear was not punctual in sending the Dispatch. Eddie is very anxious to go over and see Helen but will not have time, goes to Tupelo with us tomorrow. Jake went visiting after dinner, has not returned yet. John & Decatur arrived from Tupelo this eve, after baggage, but we had sent it on in a Government Wagon. No late news from any point. I feel real unhappy about leaveing Bro. Will and the children, it will be so lonely—however the Children leave for their Grand Ma’s Tuesday. Oh! God, have mercy on my Father and his household. Bless my dear Bro.

June 26th. Lewisburg, West Virginia. Very early on the march. Nothing to eat except a cup of hot, black coffee, on a hot morning. Dragging ourselves along. Trying to keep up our courage. Our next stopping place will be Meadow Bluff, where we expect to find rations. After a slow, tiresome march over mountains, we came to a halt at Meadow Bluff.

Rations of fresh meat were given to us. Remained here six hours. Very little water and very poor. Late this afternoon we again began to march. After dark, small fires were made along the roadside. It made us think that the advance was in camp, so the boys would take courage and push along. Fifteen miles from Meadow Bluff, along in the night, we came to a halt, dropped on the ground, and were soon asleep.

Saturday, 25th–We remained out in the rifle pits till this evening, when we were relieved by the Fifteenth Iowa. John Esher was shot through the face this afternoon by a rebel sharpshooter. The shot was fired through one of the “portholes” under the head log of our defenses, where he was at the time loading his gun. The ball struck his jaw bone, knocking out some of his teeth, but it is thought that he will recover.[1] There is no news from Richmond.

[1] Esher said to me, “I’m going to see what I’m shooting at,” and walked up to peer through the porthole, when all of a sudden a ball crashed in, knocking him down, and as he fell back his heels kicked up. He was right by my side when he was struck and as he fell he cried out. “Oh, boys, I’m killed!” After he recovered, we laughed a great deal over it, at his expense, for he thought that now he was really killed. But although Esher recovered from the wound, yet he was deformed for life. His head was drawn down on the side of the wound, since the cords of the neck were shorter than on the other side.–A. G. D.

General Orders, No.2

Hdqrs. Dept. of W. Va. and E. Tenn.1 Abingdon, Va., June 25, 1864

I. The brigadier-general commanding is informed of the disgraceful manner in which straggling soldiers, deserters, absentees, and parties grouped together under the name and guise of “independent scouts” have been depredating upon the private rights and property of peaceful citizens of the Confederate States, and desiring to rid to service of the cowardly miscreants who are skulking from the presence of the enemy and who take advantage of the unsettled condition of the laws to abuse and prey upon the families of brave men who are now absent battling for their country, it is therefore ordered:

1. All authorities granted to form organizations of “independent scouts” are hereby revoked. The officers commanding companies of this character will report with them at once to these headquarters. Those who fail to do so will be proceeded against the same as for desertion, and all officers of the department are authorized and commanded to arrest them as soon as a reasonable time has elapsed, and they have neglected to report as indicated in this order.

2. It is made the duty of every commanding officer in the department to arrest and send to these headquarters under guard every officer or soldier who may be found absent from his command without the regular leave in writing prescribed by regulations and general orders.

II. The soldiers who will not remain at his post, and who is not obedient to the orders of his superiors, is a worthless incumbrance, and where such men have committed larcenies and outrages upon the private property of citizens, the brigadier-general commanding desires, when it is practicable, to turn them over for proper disposition to the civil authorities, believing that they can render more service to the country in the workshops of our prisons than it is possible to derive from them as soldiers in the field, and he calls upon all good citizens to aid and assist him in bringing these malefactors to justice. Whenever the name and command of one of these lawless marauders can be ascertained, and the citizens will forward a statement of the offence committed, with a report of the witnesses, the general commanding will use every endeavor to have them brought to a speedy trial.

III. The commanding officer of each mounted encampment will send out daily scouts, with instructions to search the country for all stragglers and deserters, and where it comes to their knowledge that the parties arrested have been offending against the laws of the land, they will investigate the facts thoroughly and forward a statement of their cases with the prisoners to these headquarters; where the soldier has been guilty of absence without leave, or desertion, and the fact can be ascertained, he must be forwarded to these headquarters for immediate trial.

IV. All officers, of whatsoever grade, are charged with the discipline of their respective commands, and where a commanding officer is called upon for protection to the private rights of a citizen against the depredations of any soldier of his command, he will grant it immediately, and, if he fail to give it, proceedings will be instituted against him for neglect of duty and violation of this order.

By command of Brigadier-General Morgan:

J. L. SANDFORD,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

1. War of the Rebellion: Serial 078 Page 0664 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. Chapter LI.

25th. Up early and moved at 4 A. M. 2nd Brigade in rear. Passed through Keysville at 5 A. M. Took a detail of 20 men away from column for horses and mules. A great many men dismounted in the heat of yesterday. Went 6 or 7 miles to the right of the R. R. Passed through a very rich and beautiful country. Never saw more splendid crops. Went to Charlotte C. H. (Charlotte (Co.) C. H. is given as Marysville on war maps, and in Century Atlas as Smithville.) Detachment of 2nd N. Y. broke open stores, released two civil prisoners and did many things out of the way. Our boys did not indulge in one thing disgraceful to my knowledge. People complimented us very highly. Seemed very thankful that we were so kind to them. They seemed perfectly surprised that we did not burn and rob. What a shame that Southern papers should deceive the country so in regard to our army. Got dinner at Mrs. Smith’s, very pleasant and kind. Wanted my name, for she should always remember me with a feeling of kindness and obligation. Son in Wise’s brigade. Rejoined the column near Mossing Ford with about 25 mules and horses. All the stock and carriages had been run farther off. Many pretty girls in town, some refugees from Fredericksburg. Most of them had been north and had dear friends there. Dressed neatly, pleasant and educated. Pleased with the trip. Halted one mile from the Staunton river. Artillery firing. Rode up to the front with Col. Purington. Rebels fortified on west bank of the river. Heavy fort on one side of the R. R. and a battery on the other. Entrenchments right on the bank of the river. Our boys on the east bank without protection. Our batteries in prominent position commanding bridge and reb works. Quite a duel. Our boys suffered from grape and canister. Reb force supposed to be about 1000 militia and 300 regulars. At 11 moved by our batteries in easy range of reb batteries up the river R. R. crossing covered with hay to muffle the sound. Depot buildings full of wounded. Moved on to Wylliesburg, arriving at daylight.

June, Saturday 25, 1864

The changes of life, how sad, oh! my heart how sad. A lively time until after breakfast, our little crowd began to scatter. Tate, Bro. Geo. Nannie, Mamie, Rob and Bet all left for Tupelo. Decatur and Jim left with them, Ebb started for Camp below Aberdeen. Maj. Crump and Helen called for a few moments, on their way to Oxford. I felt that my heart would break, may God protect and guide them both—grant their life may be happy, and no clouds gather in future over the bright present. Oh! Helen, my Sister, farewell, farewell. I have loved you when you little dreamed, even a thought was for you. Mother, oh Mother, hover near us, bind our hearts closer—God bless my dear Father, and his household.

Mary and I have had a very lonely time, John left after dinner, failed to get a wagon. I ironed for the first time this evening. Hal and Capt. Duke came over this evening, we will leave Monday for Tupelo, poor Mary, she will then indeed be lonely. Bro. Will and the boys retired early, Mary and I will soon follow suite, it is very oppresive , and oh! so lonely, so lonely. God have mercy on me—

JUNE 25th.—Hot and dry.

Twelve hundred Federal prisoners passed our door to-day, taken at Petersburg—about half the number captured there during the last two days.

The news of the cutting of the Danville Railroad still produces despondency with many. But the people are now harvesting a fair crop of wheat, and the authorities do not apprehend any serious consequences from the interruption of communication with the South—which is, indeed, deemed but temporary, as sufficient precaution is taken by the government to defend the roads and bridges, and there seems to be discussions between the generals as to authority and responsibility. There are too many authorities. Gen. Lee will remedy all this.

The clerks are still kept out, on the north side of the James River, while the enemy is on the south side—the government, meantime, being almost in a state of paralysis. Such injustice, and such obtuseness, would seem to be inexcusable.

The Secretary has sanctioned the organization of a force in the Northern Neck, to capture and slay without mercy such of the enemy as may be found lurking there, committing outrages, etc.

The President still devotes much time to the merits of applicants for appointments on military courts, brigadier-generals, etc.

It is reported that Grant has announced to his army that the fighting is over, and that the siege of Richmond now begins. A fallacy! Even if we were unable to repair the railroads, the fine crop of wheat just matured would suffice for the subsistence of the army—an army which has just withstood the military power of the North. It is believed that nearly 300,000 men have invaded Virginia this year, and yet, so far from striking down the army of Lee with superior numbers, we see, at this moment, the enemy intrenching himself at every new position occupied by him. This manifests an apprehension of sudden destruction himself

But the country north and east and west of Richmond is now free of Yankees, and the railroads will be repaired in a few weeks at furthest. Gen. Hunter, we learn to-day, has escaped with loss out of the State to the Ohio River, blowing up his own ordnance train, and abandoning his cannon and stores. So we shall have ammunition and salt, even if the communication with Wilmington should be interrupted. No, the war must end, and is now near its end; and the Confederacy will achieve its independence. This of itself would suffice, but there may be a diversion in our favor in the North—a revolution there—a thing highly probable during the excitement of an embittered Presidential campaign. Besides, there may at any moment be foreign intervention. The United States can hardly escape a quarrel with France or England. It may occur with both.

June 25th. After an all night’s march we stopped to rest at a place known as Dry Run, near the White Sulphur Springs. Another severe march over bad mountain roads. Up to this morning reported we marched eighteen miles. Passed many horses and mules down and out. Poor things must be shot. Must die for the need of a rest and feed. Many wagons continue to be burned up. Many of the boys drop out, weak and faint, who will be captured by the mountain guerillas following in the rear. So I was informed by a scout. The White Sulphur Spring was another fine resort ruined as the results of the war. I am often reminded that death and destruction follow the path of war. Our marching continues, on across the Green Brier valley. Waded seven rivers, as we supposed. Later we learned that it was all one river, the Green Brier, and a very zig-zag one at that. This is known as the Green Brier country. It is surely rightly named. I never saw such a quantity or such high green briers. We try to observe all these points of interest as we go pushing along but we cannot forget our suffering, and it is all for our country. It certainly is a fearful time as we tramp on, through and over these mountains.

Reported that the next town we are headed for is Lewisburg. It is also claimed the town is in possession of the enemy. Later reports come that our advance has the town. Four miles from the town we found General Crook’s division in camp. We file from the road and go into camp. Eighteen miles from Dry Run and thirty-six from Sweet Springs. Almost a continuous march. Foot-sore, tired, hungry. The lack of rations is getting to be a serious thing to men as near played out as we are. Report comes, supply wagons are on the way to meet us, We are glad to get out of that rough greenbrier country. I am detailed for picket duty tonight. It is a serious thing when one is so near played out. Well, this is war, we are in it until it closes, no matter how long it may last.

Friday, 24th–Our skirmish line was advanced late yesterday evening and the men worked all night building rifle pits to protect themselves today; I was on a detail that worked till 1 o’clock. The Fifteenth and Sixteenth furnished the skirmishers for the brigade, and the Fifteenth had two men killed. There was some skirmishing with heavy cannonading today. Our company with Companies F and G went out this evening after sundown to relieve the skirmishers, and we worked again most of the night throwing up rifle pits. Things are usually very quiet after night, though now and then skirmishing breaks out and arouses a little excitement.

24th.—I have been much occupied nursing the sick, not only in the hospital, but among our own friends; and a sad, sad week has the last been to us. We have had very little time to think of public affairs, but now that the last sad offices have been performed for one very, very dear to us, with sore hearts we must go back to busy life again. It is wonderful to me that we retain our senses. While the cannon is booming in our ears from the neighbourhood of Petersburg, we know that Hunter is raiding among our friends in the most relentless way; that the Military Institute has been burnt, and that we have nothing to hope for the West, unless General Early and General Breckinridge can destroy him utterly.

24th. At 3 A. M. breakfasted. Column moved out on Meherrin road–our Regt. the rear guard. Reached the station at 4 P. M. On picket. Troops destroyed the track as they advanced. Road made of stringers and bar iron spiked on. Destruction almost complete. Disturbed but little on picket.

June, Friday 24, 1864

A bright and lovely day, but one of the warmest I ever experienced. We were all up at 8 o’clock breakfast. Hal, Nannie and I roomed together, tried our fortunes, and did not go to bed until day was breaking, did not feel like I had nay sleep at all. Helen was very composed, we went in her room as soon as Maj. Crump went down, we all met in the Parlor after breakfast. Lina, Tobe and Jack all came out, we had a nice time, Hal came home with them—Nannie, Mary, Robert and I came home before dinner, Decatur drove. I had a nap before and after dinner, therefore do not feel very sleepy, but I do think it is the warmest night I ever felt. Bro. Geo. and Tate came home this evening to pack up, prepareatory to leave in the morning. We have a house full tonight. Tate, Bro. Geo. and Rob in the Parlor, Nannie, Mary, Mamie and I in our room. Mary and I made a pallet in the hall for Jim. John, Ebb, and Decatur are enjoying it, from the way they are laughing and talking. Helen & Maj. Crump did not come over this evening, are going over to Oxford in the morning—poor Nannie is trying to fix her toe—the rest asleep. I am almost sufocated—

JUNE 24th.—Hot and hazy; dry.

The news (in the papers) of the cutting of our railroad communications with the South creates fresh apprehension among the croakers.

But at 12 M. we had news of the recovery of the Weldon Road last evening, and the capture of 500 more prisoners.

We have nothing from the south side raiders since their work of destruction at Burkesville, cutting the Danville Road.

Mr. Hunter sheds tears over his losses in Essex, the burning of his mill, etc. But he had been a large gainer by the war.

There is a rumor of fighting at Petersburg to-day.

June 24th. Did not have to hurry up this morning. After breakfast, orders were, we remain here for the day. I started out to find water where I could take a bath. While hunting for such a place I met Sergeant Samuel Lee, Co. A, who was on the same errand. Together we hunted for water through the lots. We were rewarded by finding a small brook with a deep hole, close to the foot of a high mountain. A good clean place. Water enough for a good bath but not for a swim. Remained in the water for a long time. After the bath we visited the springs. Drank freely of its waters. Walked around the grounds and in some of the buildings. The soldiers raised havoc with the place. It was a fine property, badly ruined. At the springs we met our Colonel and Colonel Rodgers, and Maryland. Our Colonel said, “Boys, you ought to find a place for a bath.” We informed him, “We just came out of the water.” “Where?” he asked. We pointed out the place across a lot. Thanking us, they made tracks for the place. We lay down under the fine trees for a rest. This is certainly a beautiful place. On returning to the regiment, orders had been given that we leave in the early evening for an all night’s march. It is done on account of the extreme heat. After a feed of fresh meat and coffee, line was formed and ready for the march.

Thursday, 23d–We were up all night throwing up breastworks, finishing them about noon today. The rebels opened up their battery on Little Kenesaw mountain, but did no harm. General Leggett on the right made a demonstration before the rebel lines, but was not engaged and soon fell back again.^[1] All is quiet on the right. The Sixteenth Corps was ordered out on an expedition with fifteen days’ rations, but we do not know their destination. We received orders to be ready to march at a moment’s warning, with two days’ rations. William Cross of Company E returned from the hospital after an absence of ten months.

[1] I remember quite distinctly seeing General Sherman with his staff officers riding along our lines, taking in the lay of the country. They had just passed by where I was stationed, when they halted near one of our batteries and began using their field glasses, taking a view of the enemy’s lines. At that same time a Confederate general with his staff rode out of the timber upon an open knoll to take a view of our lines with their glasses. This was too good a chance for our battery, so the gunners, taking good aim, fired five or six shots at the mark, and one of them hit and killed the Confederate general, who the signal corps reported was a General Pope. Our signal corps had learned the signs of the Confederate signal service and at once reported the facts. The Confederates claimed that General Sherman himself had aimed the shot which killed their general, but such is not the case.—A. G. D.