June 1—Go to Regiment and find many of my men in Winder Hospital. Busy and very weary. Return and spend an hour with Rev. Dr. Rosser. Spend night at wagons.

June 2—Meet Revs. Hines, Power, Webb, Plyler and others.

June 4—At hospital.

June 5—Preach to my Regiment and hear Patterson and Brown at hospital.

June 6—Ride into Richmond and hunt up several wounded at sundry hospitals and greatly fatigue myself.

June 7—Walk, walk, walk. Secure Pell’s transfer. Find Burroughs dying. Visit many wounded. Return to wagons.

(NOTE—Found Wm. E. Pell, son of Rev. W. E. Pell, of N. C. Conference, at Chimborazo Hospital. He told me he wished to get to some other. He was well cared for, but was the only N. C. soldier there and was lonely. I secured his transfer to N. C. Hospital in the same city. He lovingly reminded me of it frequently in Raleigh after the war. )

June 8—Preach to my Regiment. Messing with Dr. G. L. Kirby.

June 9—Rev. N. B. Cobb preaches for me. Division moves and he and I go to Richmond at midnight.

June 10—Visit wounded in two hospitals.

Sunday, June 12—Rev. Best preaches for me, and Dr. Brown for 4th Regiment.

June, Sunday 12, 1864

Our news from the front today is glorious, Forrest’s victory is complete, captured 250 wagons, the Yankees in full retreat, Bell’s brigade close on the rear, capturing straglers by the hundreds. Willie Pope, ad’t of 7th. Tenn. & Capt. Tate of same, both killed—no other casualties mentioned. Raining all day, no Church. Hal has had the blues all day, we both had a long nap before dinner. I have spent most of the day reading,—Lay of the last Nibelungers,— which was loaned me from the University Library—Emma & I alone in Parlor when Mr. Wilson came, spent the evening—just at dark Helen and Nannie came riding up. John & Lt. McConnell with them, they stoped at Mrs. Barr’s. John returned to Camp with Lt. McC—after tea Mr. Wilson and John came over. We all have had a delightful evening. Lt. McConnell & Capt. Wormely came late—they all staid very late, 12 o’clock. We had a nice lunch after we came to our room. Nannie and Helen are sleeping on a pallet. Mrs. Barr is so kind—we think of going on tomorrow—oh! ’tis so happy to be in Dixie. Poor Father, I wish he had all the good news tonight. God bless him. Tate & Bro. Geo. broke down in Panola.

June 11th. Up and on the march by daylight. After a few hours marching, judging by the cannonading, there is hot work going on. We are pushing on for Lexington. Find the town is located on the south side of the James River. The enemy burned the bridge, delayed our crossing. The Engineer Corps provided a way for us to cross on the ruins of the bridge. The cavalry and artillery crossed at some other point. The Engineer Corps used lumber from nearby buildings to make the bridge safe for us to cross.

At this point we received a great surprise. A wagon train overtook us with supplies. Our rations at this time were very low. The enemy were run out of town. We go in camp on the east side. Lexington is a beautiful town. The scenery grand. Reported to us that the sound of Yankee guns had never been heard here before, or until today.

Stonewall Jackson and many prominent rebel officers lie buried here in the town’s cemetery. The Washington Military Institute is located here, the pride of old Virginia. Governor Letcher resides here. Many other fine residences are located here. The weather clear, but hot. Scouts are bringing in prisoners. Detailed for picket duty tonight.

11. Wrote to Fred Allen, and Watson Jones. Big mail came. Whole month. Big feast.

Saturday, 11th–Had a light shower yesterday, while today it rained nearly all day. We formed a line of battle this morning and moved forward. There was some sharp skirmishing, and our cannons were active, but the rebels did not reply. We advanced about a half mile and the rebels fell back inside of their rifle pits, a mile distant, at the foot of Kenesaw mountain. Each regiment then went to work throwing up its own rifle pits. There was some more sharp skirmishing, the rebels attempting to turn our left, but we drove them back. The railroad is now in operation up to our army, and the first train came in to Big Shanty^[1] today. News came that Lee had evacuated Richmond, but we could not believe the report.

[1] This is the station where Andrews and his band captured an engine with tender one Sunday morning and started up North, but he and his men were all captured, and some of them were executed, while others were set at liberty. —A. G. D.

June 11, 1864.

Colonel Wright and I rode out to the front to-day. The Johnnies are about one and one-half miles from us, and occupying what looks like a very strong position. Rumor says that Sherman has said that he can force them to leave here any moment, but will wait for supplies and the roads to dry up. The cars got to Big Shanty about noon to-day, and indulged in a long and hilarious shriek. The Rebel locomotive about two miles further down the road answered with a yell of defiance.

I hear to-day that the 23d Corps took 2,000 prisoners and two cannon. I guess its yes. Rosencrans is actually coming, they say. I don’t think we need him. Sherman moves very cautiously, and everybody feels the utmost confidence in him. I saw him yesterday–seems to me he is getting fleshy. He don’t look as though he had anything more important than a 40-acre farm to attend to.

It has rained almost all day. You musn’t expect me to write anything but military now, for it is about all we think of.

11th.—Just heard from W. and S. H. Both places in ruins, except the dwelling-houses. Large portions of the Federal army were on them for eight days. S. H. was used as a hospital for the wounded brought from the battle-fields; this protected the house. At W. several generals had their head-quarters in the grounds near the house, which, of course, protected it. General Warren had his tent in the “shrubbery” for two days, General Burnside for a day or two, and those of lesser rank were there from time to time. General Grant was encamped at S. H. for a time. Dr. B. was at home, with several Confederate wounded from the battle of “Haw’s Shop” in the house. Being absent a mile or two from home when they arrived, they so quickly threw out pickets, spread their tents over the surrounding fields and hills, that he could not return to his house, where his wife and only child were alone, until he had obtained a pass from a Yankee officer. As he approached the house, thousands and tens of thousands of horses and cattle were roaming over the fine wheat fields on his and the adjoining estate, (that of his niece, Mrs. N.,) which were now ripe for the sickle. The clover fields and fields of young corn were sharing the same fate. He found his front porch filled with officers. They asked him of his sentiments with regard to the war. He told them frankly that he was an original Secessionist, and ardently hoped to see the North and South separate and distinct nations now and forever. One of them replied that he “honoured his candour,” and from that moment he was treated with great courtesy. After some difficulty he was allowed to keep his wounded Confederates, and in one or two instances the Federal surgeons assisted him in dressing their wounds. At S. H. the parlour was used for an amputating room, and Yankee blood streamed through that beautiful apartment and the adjoining passage. Poor M. had her stricken heart sorely lacerated in every way, particularly when her little son came running in and nestled up to her in alarm. A soldier had asked him, [continue reading…]

June, Saturday 11, 1864

Hal and I ready for breakfast, Mr. Wilson and John came while we were eating for us to go out to the University, we had to waite some time for Mr. Cummins. Lt. McConnell, who has just returned from Helena with a Flag of Truce came to see us, I was very glad to see him—did not stay very long, before we had to start to fulfill our engagement. Mrs. Hilgard gave us some delightful Music, the Labratory , Librarys &c. were a great treat. Capt. Scales accompanyed us, also Lt. McConnell. Mr. Wilson & Mr. Cummins staid to dinner with us, left soon after. Hal & I went round to call on Mrs. Goodman, met with Capt. Scales, & Mrs. Toomy there, spent a delightful evening. Hal went to bed soon after supper—poor Hal, she is so easily discouraged, and has the blues tonight. Mr. Barr and I sat up quite late, had a very pleasant time, although the rest had all retired. I found Hal non talkative , and rather cross, when I arrived in my room.

Good news from Forrest, he has captured the Wagon train, and completely routed the raide, which left Memphis two weeks ago. God bless our dear Soldiers and my poor old Father.

JUNE 11th.—Sunshine and cloudy—warmer.

There is a calm in military matters, but a storm is gathering in the valley of Virginia. Both sides are concentrating for a battle. If we should be defeated (not likely), then our communications may be cut, and Grant be under no necessity of fighting again to get possession of Richmond. Meantime it is possible Grant will retire, and come again on the south side of the James River.

Congress is debating a measure increasing the President’s compensation—he cannot subsist on his present salary. Nor can any of us. Mr. Seddon has a large private income, and could well afford to set the patriotic example of working “for nothing.”

We have heard to-day that Lincoln was nominated for re-election at Baltimore on the 7th inst., and gold rose to $196. Fremont is now pledged to run also, thus dividing the Republican party, and giving an opportunity for the Democrats to elect a President. If we can only subsist till then, we may have peace, and must have independence at all events.

But there is discontent, in the Army of the West, with Gen. Johnston, and in the East with Bragg, and among the croakers with the President.

New potatoes sold to-day for $5 per quart, $160 per bushel!

Mr. Rhodes, Commissioner of Patents, told me to-day that Gen. Forrest, at last accounts, was at Tupelo, Miss., doing nothing,—Gen. Wheeler, his junior in years, superior in rank, to whom he is again subordinated by the potency of Gen. Cooper’s red tape, having most of his men.

Robert Tyler has been with the Departmental Battalion at Bottom’s Bridge, doing service as a private, though the head of a bureau.

This evening at 7 o’clock we heard artillery in the direction of Lee’s army.

June 10th. General Crook joined forces here with Hunter, coming into town from the west. It is now reported that the combined forces numbered about eighteen thousand and that we will advance on to Lynchburg. All sick and wounded who can be moved, including two thousand prisoners, will be sent with guards to Beckley, West Virginia, one hundred miles to the northwest. After they were well under way the army began its march, going to the southeast of the town. The day a hot one, and very dusty as we marched over the rough roads. The boys keep up good courage, taking in the points of interest, and at the same time going farther into the enemy’s country. All cattle and horses that can be found are taken in charge by the Quartermaster’s Department. Some of the cattle are butchered in the night, the meat given to us in the early morning. If we have time, we fry or broil it before we begin our march.

After a march of about twenty miles, we stop for the night. The next town that we are headed for is Lexington. We take notice and comment on the various movements of the army and can most generally tell when the enemy is near and in force.

10th. Friday. Cloudy this morning and a cool refreshing breeze stirring. Wrote a letter home. Would we could see the dear friends. Regt. relieved from picket. I feel happy and contented today. Would that these uneasy, dark, gloomy moments would never come again. Night of the 4th dreamed of a lost friend.

During the next month there was no specially heavy fighting, but the continual grind of marching, counter-marching, skirmishing round and about Lost Mountain and Pine Log Mountain, in rain and mud and mud and rain. On 10th of June report of death of Captain D. U. Fox and Lieutenant J. T. Brown. Just here a sad duty fell to my lot. A letter came to Lieutenant Brown after his death, and, as Lieutenant Brown was a special friend and neighbor of mine, I was requested to open and answer the letter. It was from his affianced, and opened with the despairing words: “Dear Tom, why do you not answer my letters?” and almost knowing he would never answer again, she added, “I trust no critic’s eye will fall on this letter,” and with endearing words, she closed. How could I answer that letter? I could assure her that no critic had seen nor would see it, and could only add what would bring such unutterable anguish, “The noble young man is dead. He was a true Christin and a noble boy.” Letter sealed, addressed and sent. I never kept the name, and to this day I can’t remember it.

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

Friday, 10th–Our entire army moved forward early this morning. The teams were all left in the rear. We advanced our division about ten miles and went into bivouac at a place called Big Shanty. Our front drove in the pickets and did some brisk skirmishing and cannonading. The railroad station at Big Shanty and the houses have all been burned. Our army is prepared for a big fight. There is no news from Grant’s army, but at last accounts things were working fine.

Near Big Shanty, Ga., June 10, 1864.

Army moved this a.m. Found the enemy again at this place, and have been in line of battle a dozen times, more or less. Our brigade is in reserve for the rest of the division. This is the Kenesaw Mountain; from the top of one peak the Rebels could see probably 25,000 Yanks. Some ladies were there in sight observing us. We are to-night in a dense wood some three-quarters of a mile southwest of the main road. The enemy does not seem to be close in our immediate front, but there is considerable firing about a brigade to our right. General Sherman’s staff say that a general fight is not expected here. A. J. Smith is starting for Mobile from Vicksburg. That’s glorious. We to-day heard of the nomination at Baltimore of Lincoln and Johnson. Very glad that Lincoln is renominated, but it don’t make any excitement in the army. The unanimity of the convention does us more good than anything else. I received a letter from Gen. “Dick” (Oglesby) last night. He is much pleased with his nomination and has no doubt of his success. Neither have I. If we had the privilege the whole Illinois army would vote for him. We are having a good deal of rain, say about 6 hard showers a day. The roads are badly cut up. The hour or two hours sun between showers makes the men all right. The Rebels have no oilcloths and must be troubled with so much rain.

June, Friday 10, 1864

We have spent a delightful day, did not get up in time for breakfast, Mrs. Barr sent it to the room. After breakfast I cut, of a piece of Calico I had, Emma a dress, and two Soldier shirts—did not sew any. Mr. Wilson came this morning—Mr. Cummins also, the latter staid to dinner. Mr. Barr and all hands have been buisy trying to get us a Wagon, have not succeeded as yet. Wrote to Father this evening, and fixed a bundle of late Southern papers to send him by Johnie. We had just dressed to walk out to the University when Mrs. Goodman and Capt. Scales came, Mr. Wilson & Mr. Cummins also. We spent a delightful evening, but I always feel how sadly changed, how demoralized we are on the border when thrown in any society. Mrs. Goodman is highly accomplished—I like her very much. Charlotte Ingram came over after tea, we spent a very pleasant evening. I think though she is too affected. No news from Tate, or any of the party yet. Hal & I have a delightful place to stay, and are content to await their arrival. Mr. & Mrs. Barr are very kind to us.

JUNE 10th.—Clear and cool.

All quiet round the city; but Petersburg was assaulted yesterday and successfully defended.

The battalion of clerks still remains at Bottom’s Bridge, on the Chickahominy. The pickets hold familiar conversation every day with the pickets of the enemy, the stream being narrow, and crossed by a log. For tobacco and the city papers our boys get sugar, coffee, etc. This intercourse is wrong. Some of the clerks were compelled to volunteer to retain their offices, and may desert, giving important information to the enemy.

I had snap beans to-day from my garden. I have seen none in market.

June 9th. This morning still finds us at Staunton. Called out early. Marched through the town. Destruction goes on. It certainly looks bad for this town. It seems to be a part of war. A large Confederate hospital is located here, also a retreat for the insane. Among the buildings destroyed are large tobacco warehouses, much of the contents thrown into the streets. Tobacco plenty. Many of our boys carried much of it into the Confederate hospital, giving it to the poor fellows confined there. They were pleased and thankful, some even saying they were glad we came, so I was informed by those who went to the hospital.

Our regiment scouting through the country along the line of the railroad, picking up horses and cattle wherever we found them. Also protect the boys of the 5th New York Heavy Artillery who were busy destroying the railroad. By the time we leave here there won’t be much left in this vicinity.

Our scouts manage to find some meal and flour. We are getting a part of our living in this vicinity. We use a half of a canteen for a frying pan, a stick for a handle, so we have pancakes, or, as the boys call them, toe-jam, and fresh meat. The buildings destroyed in town and along the line of the railroad were factories and warehouses, and some public buildings. To my knowledge no dwelling houses were burned up. In camp tonight.

9th. Read in “Queen Mab,” by Julia Kavanagh. Shoeing horses as rapidly as possible. A very sultry, oppressive day. A few drops of rain. Turned in to Capt. Viall 3 contraband mules temporarily. Hired David Brooks.

Thursday, 9th–The weather is fine—warm and pleasant. Our corps remained quiet and in its position all day. But orders have been given for the whole army to move forward in the morning. We commenced drawing full rations again today. I went out on picket this evening.

General Sherman is in command of all of our forces, with General Thomas in command of the right wing, General Hooker of the center, and General McPherson of the left. We have a large force of cavalry on each of the flanks. The country about Atlanta being so hilly and rough, it is exceedingly difficult to advance in front of the rebels, they having by far the better position.^[1] They have a great deal better chance to kill our men than we have to kill them.

[1] Sherman’s plan was to get up as close as possible to the Confederates’ works, build forts and rifle pits, and then move our right around their left, or our left around their right, thus flanking them and threatening their rear. By that means they would be compelled to evacuate their strong works without having the opportunity of fighting from behind them.—A. G. D.

JUNE 9th.—Sunshine and clouds–warm.

No fighting yesterday. It is reported that the enemy’s cavalry and a corps of infantry recrossed the Pamunky this morning, either after Breckinridge, or to guard communications with the Rappahannock.

There is a pause also in Georgia.

Yesterday the President vetoed a bill exempting the publishers of periodicals, etc. He said the time had arrived when “every man capable of bearing arms should be found in the ranks.” But this does not affect the young and stalwart Chefs du Bureaux, or acting assistant generals, quartermasters, commissaries, etc. etc., who have safe and soft places.

My little garden now serves me well, furnishing daily in cabbage, lettuce, beets, etc. what would cost $10.

June, Thursday 9, 1864

A bright and beautiful day, yet the roads very heavy, 8 miles from Oxford, hills all the way, left quite early—were very fortunate in getting to the place we did—Mr. Wilson with his usual kindness, assisted us greatly, in fact we would never have succeeded in getting through had it not been for him. We arrived in Oxford about 10 o’clock, stoped at the University, where Henderson’s Scouts were camped, and put Mr. W. bundles out, he very kindly sent two Servants with us to take our baggage, and carry our horses back to Camp, indeed I do not know how Hal and I can ever repay him for his kindness to us during this trip. Lieut. Carman & Mr. Bacon came to the Wagon to see us, and get the late papers. Mr. & Mrs. Barr were very glad to see us, and have treated us as kind as our own relations. Mr. Wilson came round to see us this evening, we had a very pleasant time. John went to Camp with him. Mr. & Mrs. Barr, Emma, Hal & I spent the eve’ing alone. Hal & I slept all afternoon—

June 8th. Again routed out early. Into line on the march through town to continue our work of destruction. Piling up ties, place the rails on top, set fire to the ties. When the rails become hot in the center, they warp or bend, making them useless. The march out of town, along the railroad, destroying it, makes very hard work for us, as we put in a long day, and not very much food. We manage to pick up some corn meal and a little flour, which we make into pan-cakes, called by the boys, ToeJam. Some of the boys received bruises and jams in the work on the railroad. There is much kicking over the hard work.

In camp tonight, talking over the events of the day, wondering what the morrow has in store for us. Many buildings and much property in town have been destroyed by fire, by order of General Hunter. Many of the women look sad and do much weeping over the destruction that is going on. We feel that the South brought on the war and the State of Virginia is paying dear for her part. The loss of our good boys brings us many sad hours. We cannot help think, and wonder who will be the next one to give his life for our country.

8th. Got an order from Col. Hammond and procured a forge of the 5th N. Y., an old one, shoes and nails. 2nd O. V. C. went out on picket. Relieved 1st Conn. Firing still continues at intervals along the line. Grant is getting siege guns up to the front. Everything looks encouraging. Railroad in progress.

Wednesday, 8th–We moved forward early this morning, marching twelve miles to the little town of Ackworth, where we went into camp. We are now with Sherman’s army, our corps being placed on the left in front of Atlanta. Our front is about twenty-five miles north of the city, while my division is back about ten miles farther. Sherman’s forces now number about one hundred and fifty thousand men and it is thought that the rebels under Johnston have seventy-five thousand. Our army, in the main, is lying still today, though there is some skirmishing in the front. The rebels have fallen back about ten miles. The health of our men is excellent; they are in fine spirits and anxious for a fight.