Sunday, 19th–It rained hard all day. Cannonading commenced early this morning and was kept up all day, being very heavy in the center. We have outflanked the rebels’ right and they have fallen back from their first line of rifle pits and have placed their heavy guns on high points of ground. It is supposed that they are on the retreat towards Atlanta, as it is reported that they have fallen back from two to four miles and are building strong earthworks. The First Brigade of our Fourth Division has now formed a line of battle beyond their former first line of rifle pits. The Thirteenth and the Fifteenth Iowa Regiments moved out in the front this afternoon.

The rain today has been a great benefit to those who are wounded. May God help them and stand by them, and may they return thanks unto Him! May they ever look unto Him for their support and help.

June 19th. Last night, by a forced march, we overtook the army. It was a fearful night. Dark, a part of the time marching over rough roads, through lots, wading small streams, fighting back the rebel cavalry. Glad when daylight came, but no time to stop for rest this hot Sunday morning. Tired, foot-sore, hungry, and about played out, but must keep pushing on or be taken a prisoner. The cavalry are now covering the rear. Again passed through Liberty. A few miles from town, our regiment ordered to lie down behind a hill in ambush, to support the cavalry, they having got in the rear of the enemy. After a sharp fight they were routed, and many made prisoners. After these events we had a short rest and a feed of fresh meat. Detailed for guard with the wagon train for tonight.

19th. Sunday. Bathed and washed shirt and drawers. Read some in the Acts of the Apostles. Went to headquarters with Purington.

June, Sunday 19, 1864

A delightful day we have had, although it is Sunday. Jim, Decatur and John went over to see Hal this morning, Nannie came in with John Duke and went to Church, returned and spent the day with us. Robert came over and spent the day also—the boys came back to Dinner and we all had a gay time. Mr. Wilson came over after dinner, he and Helen went out to Aunt Mary’s to tea, Jim and Decatur went out to see Tate, but returned to Tea. John, Decatur, and Jim all left for Tupelo about 9 o’clock, a beautiful Moonlight for their trip. Mr. Wilson staid very late, 12 o’clock, he, Helen, Mary and I sat out in the moonlight and enjoyed it very much, he leaves at daylight for Oxford. Lt. McC. did not return from Tupelo. We are hourly expecting Maj. Crump & Eddie. Wrote home today, sent letter by Mr. Wilson, I hope to hear from home before leaving for Ga. God smile upon our Sunny land, bless my dear Father and Bros.

JUNE 19th, SUNDAY.—Hazy and cool.

We have no details this morning of the fighting yesterday, and some doubt if a battle was fought. I presume assaults were made on our intrenchments in diverse places, and repulsed.

Beauregard’s battle, Friday night, is still in smoke, but it is rumored the enemy lost 9000 killed and wounded.

Firing is heard to-day. There may be good policy in keeping back accounts from the field, until it is all over and something decisive accomplished. We have not met with serious disaster at all events, else there would be consternation in the city, for bad news flies fast, and cannot be kept back.

There was fighting yesterday at Lynchburg,—no result known yet.

Every Sunday I see how shabby my clothes have become, as every one else, almost, has a good suit in reserve. During the week all are shabby, and hence it is not noticeable. The wonder is that we are not naked, after wearing the same garments three or four years. But we have been in houses, engaged in light employments. The rascals who make money by the war fare sumptuously, and “have their good things in this world.”

The weather is dry and dusty; the hazy atmosphere produced perhaps by the smoke of battle and the movements of mighty armies.

Eight P. M. The city is still in utter ignorance of the details and result of the battle yesterday—if there was one. If the government is in possession of information, it is, for some purpose, studiously kept from the public, and why, I cannot imagine, unless there has been a disaster, or Beauregard has done something not approved.

I do not think the people here appreciate the importance of the contest on the south side of the river. If Lee’s army were broken, I doubt whether it would even attempt to regain the fortifications of Richmond, for then it might share the fate of Pemberton’s army at Vicksburg. And the fall of Richmond would involve the fall of the State, and Virginia would immediately become a free State.

June 19, 1864.

This is the 50th day of the campaign. Our brigade has been under musketry fire 12 days, artillery about 30. We have as a brigade fought three nice little battles, in as many days, repulsing two charges, and making one which was a perfect success. We have captured all told about 650 prisoners, and I think 1,000 a very low estimate of the number we have killed and wounded. I think Cheatham’s and Bates’ Rebel divisions will say the same. We have thus cleared ourselves with a loss to us of nearly 300, or fully one-fifth of the command. The other nine days we were on the skirmish line, in the rifle pits or front line.

This morning an order was read to pursue the enemy immediately and in ten minutes the “assembly” was sounded. The enemy had fallen back on his flanks, and maybe was intending to evacuate, for our right had swung around him further than I, if in his place, would consider healthy. But he had not yet left the Twin Mountains. The line now runs from right to left by Corps 23d, 20th, 4th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th. The 14th Corps lost heavily to-day, but drove the Rebels four miles. The 23d Corps was still going at last accounts. The artillery firing to-day was beautiful. Our division advanced about one-half mile only. The Twin Mountains are right in front of us, and I have seen the Rebels shooting from six batteries on the crest and sides. Our batteries on a line 600 yards in front answer them promptly.

Only one shell has burst near us, and that 100 yards to our right.

The 55th had one killed and two wounded just in front of us, by shells. All parts of the line advanced from one to five miles to-day, the right swinging forward farthest, a-la-gate. Osterhaus’ headquarters are 30 yards to our right. A solid shot from the mountain went through one of his tents yesterday. It has rained hard all day, but nobody minds it a particle. The general feeling is that the Rebels have fallen back to their main position, although they have abandoned ground that we would have held one against five. I can’t hear that any line of battle has been engaged to-day, but the force on the advance skirmish lines was probably doubled at least. You would not smile at the idea of sleeping on the ground allotted to us to-night. Mud from six to eight inches deep.

June 18th. Not much sleep and rest for us last night. Pickets kept up a ceaseless firing, with an occasional shell dropping in our midst. Could also hear the trains running into town all night. Beating of drums, pounding and hammering, and much noise. Estimated our lines are formed within three miles of the town. Our regiment holds the extreme left of the line. In the early morning the enemy dropped a shell in our midst. Two of our boys were severely wounded, one having his leg shattered, from which he later died. With us on the left was Captain Snow, with his Maryland Battery, which we had to support. The enemy made two attempts to take the battery. We charged them and drove them back into their earthworks both times. That battery did good service, as we could see, when the shells exploded in their works.

Lieutenant Robert Kerr, Company A, had command of our skirmish line. A cool, brave man in charge of a responsible duty, which he performed well. Our national flag was made fast to the roof of a large barn, in plain view of the enemy. They tried to dislodge it. It afforded us some amusement as we watched them waste their ammunition. Later, when they ceased firing, it was taken down. Our Colonel was wounded in the neck by a piece of shell. While painful, it was not very severe. He left the field, putting us under the command of Major Peale, our Lieutenant-Colonel being a prisoner at Richmond. At this point, on the left of the line, in our rear, was a peach orchard. So severe was the firing of the enemy that hardly a tree escaped the enemy’s shells, some being cut down and others had limbs cut off, while many bore marks.

Our regiment, when not called up to protect the battery, was lying down in a road, which afforded us protection. We did lie close to the ground and were protected by a two foot knoll of gravel. At one time the enemy tried to sneak through a ravine to get our battery. We were ordered to charge them. As they fell back we followed them, until we were under a cross fire by our own men and the enemy. Our boys, seeing our colors, ceased firing, as we came to a halt, when orders were given to right face, and forward, by file right, double quick, which soon brought us in our position, just in the rear of the battery. We put in a hard day and were only holding our position, nothing gained. Supplies and ammunition running very low. No prospect of help as far as we could learn, and night coming on.

Orders received that we fall back tonight. We are a sick, tired, discouraged lot of Yankee soldiers. After dark the army began the return march. Our regiment detailed for the rear guard. We cannot leave our position until the army is well under way. Our duty is a very dangerous one.

Saturday, 18th–A light rain yesterday was followed by rain most of today, and all was quiet along the lines until late this evening, when there was heavy cannonading till late in the night. We were ordered to keep all accouterments on and our rifles at our sides during the night, for it is expected by our officers that the rebels will attack our left or evacuate. Deserters report that their men have orders to that effect. There has been some very hard fighting on our right this afternoon, and General Thomas has turned the rebels’ left and pierced their center.^[1] The news from Richmond is that General Grant is on the south of Richmond, that he has taken Fort Darling, and that he is going to change his base of operations.

[1] The final result of the demonstrations on the left the previous day—Ed.

18th. At 4 A. M. moved out on Sussex C. H. road and camped 8 miles from Petersburg. In evening drew rations and forage. In P. M. awful connonading and musketry, the most terrific we have yet heard. Already last night we held all but the inner line of works. Captured 22 guns and many prisoners. Report that the blacks captured one fort with 4 guns, and killed all the garrison. Yesterday was almost sick, am better today, but weak. Awful bad water for a few days. Oh the anxiety to know the result of the fighting today. God grant us success.

June, Saturday 18, 1864

Rather an eventful and pleasant day, we made preperations early for a visit to Mrs. Duke, but Bro. George is always slow, and did not go for the Ambulance until late. We were all very much surprised to see Lt. McConnell drive in it when it did arrive, we were delighted to see him, he drove us to where the prisoners were he was gaurding , at the barber’s shop. Bro. George then took his seat. Mr. Wilson was with him, we were delighted to see him, had on his new Uniform, they did look so nice. Two detectives were the prisoners, one I have seen up on the lines, they all stoped at Mrs. Duke’s on the way out, to Tupelo. Lt. McConnell, Mr. Wilson and Capt. Wimberly came in, did not stay long, John arrived from Tupelo, news Dashiell Perkins wounded, killed the Yankees who shot him, and saved his colors. John Harris & Joe Park killed, how sad—Capt. Henderson wounded. Tate, Bro. Geo. Nannie, Bettie and the children all went out to Aunt Mary Gordon’s this eve. Hal, Capt. Duke and Miss Miller were to see us.

JUNE 18th.—Clear and cool.

To-day, heavy firing is heard on the south side of the river. It is believed a general engagement is in progress. It is the anniversary of the battle of WATERLOO. If we gain the day, it will end the war.

It is now said Gen. Early (with Ewell’s corps) has reached Lynchburg, where a battle must occur.

Gen. Ewell has been assigned to the command of this department, Gen. Ransom going West.

We have advices (4 P.M.) of a terrific battle at Petersburg last evening, which raged until 11 o’clock at night. The slaughter of the enemy is reported as unprecedented. Our troops repulsed the assailants at all points but one, and that, which was carried by the enemy, was soon recovered.

At 11 P.M. Lee’s reinforcements came up, and it is supposed, from the sounds of cannon, that the battle was recommenced at dawn to-day, and continued all day. The result has not transpired. This tremendous conflict must be followed by decisive results. If Lee and Beauregard gain the day, peace must follow speedily, I think. If they are beaten, Richmond’s fall can hardly be averted. Our shattered army could hardly get back across the Appomattox, with Butler’s army interposed between—if he still has his army at Bermuda Hundred.

June 18, 1864.

It rained steadily until 4 p.m. and had hardly ceased a minute when our guns opened and the skirmish lines joined issue. General Harrow and Colonel Wright rode out to the left some 200 yards from the regiment and narrowly escaped a trip over the river, a shell bursting right under the nose of the general’s horse.

Washington June 18^th 1864

In looking back through the past ten days I can fix upon no very striking event that has taken place. Army operations of great importance have been undoubtedly going on, but no decisive Battles have been fought, if we except the victory of Gen^l Hunter in Western Virginia near Staunton. In ordinary wars it would be considered of great importance to defeat the enemy and kill wound and capture three or four thousand men. Now, so much attention is absorbed by the greater armies of Gen^l Grant an[d] Sherman that but little is said of the “little affair at Staunton.” Grant has during the present week “changed his Base” again and is now with his whole army on the South side of the James River. Petersburgh was captured on Thursday last. We may look for hot times now near Richmond. The defences are supposed to be weaker on that side of the City than anywhere else. If Fort Darling (Drewry^s Bluff) is taken our “Iron Clads” may go up and shell the City. It is supposed that Grant intends to cut all the R Roads and stop supplies to the City & not fight before the entrenchments. There seems to be less excitement in the City than usual when such important Army movements are going on. I think it quite possible that we may be “waked up” here before long. Washington is now in a more defenceless condition than it has been for the past two years. Gen^l Lee might well swap Richmond for Washington and nothing but means of transportation will hinder him from coming here if he finds that he cannot hold Richmond. I have no doubt but an army of fifteen or twenty thousand determined men could take this City. Nearly all the old troops have been sent to Grant and the Defences are now maned by raw troops from the West, mostly. A few thousand of the Invalid Corps and Veteran Reserves are still here. There is now no obstruction in the shape of an army betwen here and Richmond, and I think it quite possible that we may have a visit from the “rebs” yet. Congress is still in session, but it does not seem to be doing much. The Tax Bill is now the most important, and the the most important feature of that Bill seems to be whiskey, for what Tax to put upon it, has occasioned more discussion than all the rest of it. The two “Houses” remain in session late at night frequently. The light through the tops of the small Domes over each Hall shows plainly at my room and I can lie in my bed and tell when either House adjourns at night (if I only keep awake). The Drums are beating off towards the Depot, and more troops are coming in I suppose. Possibly some of the old Reg^ts are going home for they are going almost every day. Those whose time has expired which is the case with most of the early three years Regiments. But more or less of the men from all of them have re-inlisted for the war. Sherman is near Atlanta G.a. and means to take it and probably will. It is a very important point to the Rebels.

June 17th. A cornfield was a rough place to sleep for a night, and try to rest. Up early this morning. After a hasty feed, again on the march, along the main pike to Lynchburg. Our advance is slow most of the time, as we drive the enemy along. At times it is hot work. General Hunter, for reasons best known to himself, has ordered the burning up of many fine old Virginia mansions with all the contents. Many fine appearing ladies weep while their homes are burning. All they can do is to look on. One cannot help but feel sorry for them. That is cruel war. When told it was done by order of the General, I heard one woman say, “I would like to pull the General’s nose.” There were some great fires along that Lynchburg Pike. One report was that our men had been fired on from the houses that were burned. They were not all burned, along the pike. It is fight as we advance, at times, making a forced march. Late this P. M. we go into battle near Lynchburg. A hot one. The enemy routed, retire to their main earthworks, near town. We capture two field pieces and a number of prisoners. Darkness put an end to the fight. The battle is known to us as Quaker Church, four miles from Lynchburg. A line of battle having been formed, our guns were stacked, with orders to keep close in line. Getting a little feed, we dropped down on the ground to try and get a little sleep and rest. In front of Lynchburg, Virginia.

17th. Moved soon after daylight across the James River on pontoon bridges. River full of boats, splendid river. Camped till 3 P. M. Drew rations and forage. Moved to 4 miles of Petersburg, other brigade too. Camped at 10 P. M. till morning.

Friday, 17th–Our brigade was moved out to the left of the Fourth Division during the night, and General Logan’s Division occupied our former position. The Eleventh was at work nearly all night throwing up a new line of rifle pits, while the other regiments of our brigade occupied pits previously made by other troops. During the night Logan’s Division was twice charged upon, but both times repulsed the attack. Skirmishing began early this morning and continued throughout the day. Our entire left wing was ordered to fall in all along the line and make a demonstration, by cheering and by opening our batteries. This was done to compel them to draw reinforcements from their left, while our right would then charge their weakened left.^[1] During these demonstrations and skirmishing the captain of Company C was wounded by a sharpshooter, as was also a private in Company G.

[1] This is strategy of war.—A. G. D.

June, Friday 17, 1864

A stupid and unhappy day for me—the rest have all enjoyed it. I was in a sad mood, sat in the Parlor alone, sewing most of the time, made a Soldier’s shirt, none in particular, after finishing it, read three or four chapters in Macario, an delighted with it, there is one character in which I find much sympathy, will not mention until I live through it. I was never so oppressed in my feelings as in the last few days, I cannot define it, yet I feel I cannot rush quick enough to meet my fate, with a knowledge I will shudder when it overtakes me. God have mercy on my poor weary spirit, give me strength and patience to calmly see thy will not mine be done. Our news is not cheering today, oh! God we have suffered, we have endured patiently thy chastenings, if it can please the, crown our two Armys now in action, with glorious victory, let thy smile brighten the Sunny South with peace, soften the hearts of our enemies, and oh! bless my dear Father and Brothers—

JUNE 17th.—Clear and pleasant.

A dispatch from Beauregard states that two assaults of the enemy yesterday, at Petersburg, were repulsed with loss; and it is reported that he recovered all lost ground to-day. Yet Beauregard has an enemy in his rear as well as in his front.

When the battles were fought on the south side of the river in May, it appears that one of Gen. B.’s brigadiers (Colston) stopped some battalions on the way to Richmond, in an emergency, and this has certainly given umbrage to the President, as the following indorsement, which I found on a paper to-day, will show:

“No officer has a right to stop troops moving under the orders of superior authority. If he assumes such power, he does it at his hazard, and must be justified by subsequent events rather than by good intentions.

“Gen. Beauregard has, in this case, by approving and continuing the order (Gen. Colston’s) assumed the responsibility of the act. —J. D. June 16th, 1864.”

Near Big Shanty, Ga., June 17, 1864.

Has rained steadily all day, wetting everybody, but “drying up” all shooting. A very disagreeable day. I saw 83 Rebels come in to-day, about one-half of whom were deserters and the rest figured to get captured.

June 16th. Last night some member of our company started a small fire close to the root of a pine tree. It was decayed through the center, which quickly caught fire, the blaze shooting out at the top, like a high chimney. The tree being away up the mountain, the blaze could be seen for miles along the Lynchburg Valley. Attempts were made to put out the fire with dirt.

This morning finds us in the mountains, between the Peaks of Otter, the highest mountains in Virginia. Our signal corps climbed to the top of one of the peaks. We get an early start, on down the mountain over a rough stony road. At the same time we get a grand view of the surrounding country. It certainly is fine. Good growing crops in all directions. Passed through a large peanut field. The vines were fine but not much left of them after the army had passed through the field. The advance are skirmishing, as we can plainly hear. Fifteen miles from the Peaks of Otter, we pass through the town of Liberty, after a hot, dusty march. Out on the Lynchburg Pike we go. Hungry, tired, foot-sore, we stop for the night in a cornfield, near New London, after a march of about twenty-four miles. Sharp skirmishing kept up all day, showing the enemy is contesting our advance on Lynchburg. We hear it reported that the Yankee army has never visited this section of Virginia before. With us, it is now on for Lynchburg, which we seem confident that we can capture. We hope so.

16th. Engineer Corps came out and made fortifications. 2nd had strong works. Co. D left in a fort thing built by Co. in evening over night. Just at dusk before regt. fell back, rebels came out to open place and we gave them a volley. Co. D withdrew to works soon after daylight–rebs appearing in force. Great deal of sport. Rebs came down to mill. Our boys would fire and they would aim to kill. Dropped one horse and probably one man. Withdrew at dark to Charles City Landing, arriving at 3 A. M., horses having remained under the saddle 108 hours with no feed and little grazing, horses very weak. Report that Petersburg had been captured –false.

Thursday, 16th–Skirmishing commenced again early this morning. The rebel batteries off on the left would fire a round or two and just as soon as our guns would open on them they would stop firing. General Leggett’s Division on the left drove the rebels back about a mile, and there was some very heavy cannonading in the afternoon on the right, where it is reported that General Thomas made a charge on the rebels’ left, around the rear and got possession of Pine Hills. It was reported that at one point a rebel regiment, the Forty-third Mississippi, was ordered to make a charge on our lines and when they started their colonel ordered them to reverse arms, and they came marching right into our lines, surrendering themselves as prisoners of war. While our men were making demonstrations all along the line yesterday, about one thousand rebels were taken prisoners, some of them surrendering without firing a gun. They said that there was a great discontent in the ranks of their army around Atlanta: that they were tired of continually falling back, and that many had come to the conclusion that the war on their part could be nothing else than a failure. Company E is lying quiet today. The rough treatment we experienced yesterday was a hard blow to the company, for the loss of nine men from one company in a skirmish line, in less than four hours, does not often happen.^[1]

[1] Our losses were as follows: William Alexander, killed; Lieutenant Alfred Carey, mortally wounded; John Zitler, a thumb shot off; Thomas R. McConnell, a minie ball passed through thigh; John Ford, LeRoy Douglas, George G. Main and John Albin, slightly wounded. James Martin, it was thought at the time, had been taken prisoner, but on the fifth day after the skirmish his body was found by an Ohio regiment, lying with the bodies of two Confederate soldiers. They had made Martin a prisoner, it seems, but before they could get to the rear with him, a shell from one of our batteries exploded over them, killing all three. Then, as they were considerably back from our lines, the body was not found until the enemy had fallen back and our army had advanced; besides, our brigade in the meantime had moved two miles to the left.

Martin had both legs cut off by the shell. A captain from the Ohio regiment which had found his body, brought his silver watch, Bible, some letters and other articles found on his person, and turned them over to our captain, informing him how Martin, in all probability, lost his life.—A. G. D.

June, Thursday 16, 1864

Late risers this morning, but all ready for breakfast. John and Andrew went over to town after breakfast to get the Ambulances, we all spent the day with Aunt Mary Gordon, and a delightful time we had, her home is as beautiful as ever. Cousin Ginnie is so lovely, has a sweet little girl, Annie. I don’t know which enjoyed the visit most, the Children or grown ones. I carried a Soldier’s shirt to make, but did not get much done. Music and conversation the order of the day. Cousin Ginnie has a splendid piano. We had a hard rain and wind strom this eve, which delayed our return home rather late, arrived all safe and sound. After tea we all retired to our rooms, rather fatigued. No news from the Army today—and no news from home since we left. God grant that poor old Father’s life may be quiet, and spare him to meet his children once more. God bless my Bros, and Oh! my savior bless our Armys and crown them with victory.

JUNE 16th.—Clear and pleasant weather, but dusty.

The Departmental Battalion marched away, last night, from the Chickahominy (guarding a ford when no enemy was on the other side!) for Chaffin’s Farm, on the James River. They were halted after marching an hour or so, and permitted to rest (sleep) while the rest of the brigade passed on. When Custis awoke he was alone, the battalion having left him; and he was ill, and knew not the road. So he set out for the city, with the intention of going down the river road this morning. But he grew worse after reaching home. Still, he resolved to go; and at 8 A.M., having marched all night nearly, he set out again, and met his sergeant—who had likewise diverged as far as the city—who said if he was really too ill to march, he would deliver the captain a surgeon’s certificate to that effect, which would be a sufficient explanation of his absence. So, Surgeon C. Bell Gibson, upon an examination, pronounced him sick, and certified to the captain that he could not be fit for service for a week or ten days. At 3 P.M. he is in bed with a raging fever.

There was a fight at Malvern Hill yesterday, the enemy being repulsed.

There was also another assault on Petersburg, repulsed three times; but the fourth time our forces, two regiments, were forced back by overwhelming numbers from the outer line of defenses.

To-day it is reported that they are fighting again at Petersburg, and great masses of troops are in motion. The war will be determined, perhaps, by the operations of a day or two; and much anxiety is felt by all.

A letter from Hon. G. A. Henry, on the Danville Railroad, saying only 1000 men were there to defend it, with but two cannon without appropiate (sic) ammunition!

Soon after a dispatch came from Col. Withers, at Danville, stating it was reported 10,000 of the enemy were approaching the road, and only thirty-two miles distant. He called for reinforcements, but stated his belief that the number of the enemy was exaggerated.

I delivered these to the Secretary myself, finding him engaged writing a long letter to Gen. Kirby Smith, beyond the Mississippi!

In this moment of doubt and apprehension, I saw Mr. Randolph, formerly Secretary of War, and Mr. G. A. Myers, his law colleague, at the telegraph office eagerly in quest of news.

To-day the President decided that Marylanders here are “residents,” or “alien enemies;” if the former, they must fight–if the latter, be expelled. A righteous judgment.

Last night, as Custis staggered (with debility) upon the pickets at the fortifications of the city, not having a passport, he was refused permission to proceed. He then lay down to rest, when one of the pickets remarked to him that he was not “smart, or he would flank them.” Custis sprang up and thanked him for the hint, and proceeded to put it in practice.

The Examiner to-day says that Col. Dahlgren, a month before his death, was in Richmond, under an assumed name, with a passport signed by Gen. Winder, to go whithersoever he would. I think this probable.

At 3 P.M. the wires cease to work between here and Petersburg, and there are many rumors. But from the direction of the wind, we cannot hear any firing.