Washington June 8^th 1864

Fighting almost every day now before Richmond. Gen^l Grant is loosing a great many men but is also getting re-inforcements enough (perhaps) to make up for his losses. The Rebels loose probably more than we do as much of the fighting has been where they have been the attacking party. I do not think Grant has made much progress for a week towards Richmond, but has repelled all attacks and gained some favorable positions. It is said that twenty or thirty heavy Siege guns have been sent down to Grant this week. The Battles of the Army of the Potomac for the past two weeks have been no “skirmishes” from all I can learn from the “official” and other reports. Grant has lost in killed and wounded & prisoners within that time near twenty thousand men. The Hospitals are about full but I am told that orders have been sent up from the army to make room for twelve thousand more wounded immediately. I have spent considerable time in Hospitals this week, have visited a number of them. The same sad scenes of a year ago are witnessed in all. I spent a couple of hours in the “Stanton” this evening after dinner. It is realy hard to leave the poor fellows, some of whom cannot help themselves. They love so to be faned which keeps off the flies, and makes them comfortable comparatively speaking for the flies are extremely anoying this warm weather. Some that I sat by and faned on Sunday last were not there tonight – gone. A Lieut (Buel) from an Ohio Reg^t cannot last till tomorrow morning. He was insensible. A Sergeant from Penn^a will die in a day or two, I judge from the change since Sunday. He is a victim of bad surgery on the field. I have felt much interested in a badly wounded boy (Gilbert Smith) of Romulusville NY (Seneca Co) shot through the body. I think he may recover but, very doubtful. Mr Lincoln was unanimously re-nominated today by the Union National Convention at Baltimore. The “race” for the Presidency as it now looks will be betwen Lincoln and Gen^l Fremont, who was nominated the other day at Cleveland Ohio by a section of the Republican Party. From his letter of Acceptance published in the Washington Chronicle today I have no doubt but the Democratic Convention which meets soon at Chicago will nominate him also. This movement may combine strength enough to make Mr Lincolns election not a very easy matter especialy if our armies should be unsuccessful in the field this summer. Should we put down the rebels or virtualy close the war before election there will be no doubt of Mr L^s success in the contest, perhaps there is none anyway, but.

June 7th. Called up very early this morning. After a light breakfast, ordered to fall into line. All sorts of reports are in circulation, that guerillas and bushwhackers infest this section. We are one hundred miles from our base of supplies, right in the enemy’s country. Our work today is to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad by burning bridges and other property. It is hard work, tearing up the track and ties. After being out on the line all day we did not see any armed rebs. A guerilla chief, known as Mudwall Jackson, is reported to be in this vicinity. Late this afternoon we returned to town and camp for the night. We put in a hard day’s work and were glad to have night come, for we needed the sleep and rest. The ground makes a good bed.

7th. Our wagons came up. Went down again to train. Took four mules to draw forge. Q. M. away, so failed. Have worked pretty faithfully for a forge but yet without success. Saw Col. of 2nd N. Y. this morning and borrowed a forge–temporarily. Got some clothing and shoeing tools.

Tuesday, 7th–The weather continues warm. Our corps drew fifteen days’ rations at Kingston this morning. We left the place at 10 o’clock, carrying five days’ rations, the balance to be hauled by the supply trains. We marched twelve miles to Cartersville and went into camp. Our troops control the railroad, which is in running order to this place, but the rebels burned the bridge just before evacuating the town. Our men will soon have it rebuilt, using the old piers, which are intact. It is three hundred feet long and one hundred feet above the water. The rebels were very strongly fortified here at Cartersville, but they left the place without fighting because of our troops flanking them. Cartersville will be used as a base of supply for Sherman’s army.

Same place, June 7, 1864.

Our brigade has to-day been on a reconnoisance, supporting Girard’s (formerly Kilpatrick’s) Cavalry Division.

We started the Johnnies not more than a mile from here, and skirmished with them, driving them to the Kenesaw range of mountains, about five miles. Our brigade lost nothing. Wilder’s mounted infantry did the skirmishing and had some eight to ten wounded. Four dead Rebels fell into our hands. Cousin James called on me yesterday. I am much pleased with him. He is a No. 1 soldier, I know. He has run some pretty close risks this campaign, but who would not for the sake of taking part in it? I shall always think it abundantly worth risking one’s life for. To-morrow night we can tell whether the enemy intends fighting us at this place or not. They left on the field to-day a dozen or twenty real lances. They are the first I ever saw in the service. The staff is eight or nine feet long with a pointed head of ten inches in length. They were a right plucky set of Johnnies.

Our battery burst a shell over the edge of a piece of woods and I saw some 20 Rebels scatter like a lot of scared rats.

JUNE 7th.—Rained in the night, clear and cool in the morning. Gen. Breckinridge’s division started toward the Valley early this morning.

All is quiet near the city, but firing has been heard in the direction of Bottom’s Bridge.

A man from New Kent County, coming through the lines, reports that Gen. Grant was quite drunk yesterday, and said he would try Lee once more, and if he failed to defeat him, “the Confederacy might go to hell.” It must have been some other general.

June, Tuesday 7, 1864

As usual, we had a very late start, a very nice drive to Mr. Wallace’s—arrived about ten o’clock, found all home folks there, Bro. Geo. and John Titus came for them in two Ambulances. Robie and Mamie both well, poor little Rob, I have been grieved ever since I passed them, haveing caressed Mamie and not him, I will make up when we meet again—they expect to leave tomorrow or next day. We have had few adventures in our travels today, rough roads. Mr. Wilson has been extremely kind—We had some difficulty in passing over Talehatchie—the ferry boat had washed away, and we had a bad affair to get over in. We are staying in Panola tonight with Mrs. Dr. Philips, a friend of Hal’s—she is very kind, and we were very fortunate in getting in. A very hard rain after we got here. Mr. Wilson went to Mrs. Moore to stay tonight. We have all made arrangements to start very early in the morning, however I ought not to record our daylight starts—Hal is suffering with tooth ache, has taken an opiate and sound asleep. God bless all at home, my precious old Father, and Brothers far away.

June 6th. Up early this clear, hot morning. During the night the wounded had been removed and cared for, and the dead buried. Our company’s loss, twenty killed and wounded. The loss in the regiment, one hundred and thirty killed and wounded. None taken prisoners. The color-sergeants and the guard were all killed or wounded except one. They were a part of our company, as we were the color company. Very sad over our loss. Such is the life of a soldier. Rations running very low.

This morning, fifty rounds of cartridges given to each man, forty for our boxes, ten for our pockets. Left the battle field. Again on the march, rather slow, through wood-land, wondering what was in store for us. After being under way for about two hours, suddenly, great cheering was heard. The regiment came to a halt as the cheers came nearer to us. Reports came to us by scouts that our cavalry was in possession of Staunton, where we expected to meet with stubborn resistance. We were soon pushing for the town, said to be twelve miles away, at the upper end of the Shenandoah Valley. The march takes us over a rough, stony, hilly road, sometimes through the lots, giving up the roads to the artillery and wagon train. As we marched along there was much to be seen by inquisitive Yankees. We entered the town from the north, passing through what seemed to be the main street, going into camp on the west side.

The scenery in this vicinity is grand. Town located on hills and hillsides. Reminds us somewhat of our home town, Norwich, Connecticut. We are soldiers, doing hard service for our country in a cruel war, but for all that we cannot help but take in the fine scenery. We are living close to the earth, as we eat and sleep on the ground. We try to improve every opportunity to take a bath, wash our clothes, and swim. At this time the weather is very hot, dry, and dusty, which seems to come very soon after the rain. Thunderstorms, in this valley, are very fierce at times.

6th. During the morning the corps fell back to “Old Church Tavern,” near Newcastle on the Pamunkey to rest men and recruit horses. I went on to the train to see about forage, etc. Took supper with the boys. Like Capt. Viall very much. A very pleasant man but of little principle, I guess. Tom came back with me. He returned to company.

Monday, 6th–It is quite warm. We started early this morning, and crossing the Coosa river on a pontoon bridge, passed through Rome for Kingston, about fourteen miles distant. We arrived at Kingston about 4 o’clock in the afternoon and went into camp. Kingston is on the railroad running from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Our forces routed the rebels from here about ten days ago. A large force of our men is stationed here. There is no news from the front. We are still in mountainous country, but there are some very nice farms in the valley with fine dwelling houses.

June 6, 1864.

I will try and send you this to-day. Our postmaster never calls for letters, though we could send them if he would. I will try hereafter to send oftener, though you must not feel anxious about me. I will take the best care I can of myself (and do my whole duty). I yet think that to be connected with such a campaign as this is well worth risking one’s life for. It occasionally gets a little old, but so does everything in this life, and altogether I don’t know but that it wears as well as any of life’s pleasures. Do you remember when I was at home how little I knew about good eatables? Here it is a great advantage to me. For five weeks we have been living on “hard tack,” pickled pork and coffee, varied by not half a dozen meals of beef, not even beans or rice. Nearly every one grumbles, but I have as yet felt no loss of appetite, and hardly the desire for a change.

Nearly all the prisoners we capture say they are done fighting and shamefully say, many of them, that if exchanged and put back in the ranks they will shirk rather than fight. It would mortify me very much if I thought any of our men that they captured would talk so. It seems to me that the Confederacy is only held together by its officers exercising at least the power of a Czar, and that should we leave it to itself it would crumble. Well, I am calculating that this campaign will end about the 15th of July, in [continue reading…]

23rd. Moved on the R. R. destroying as we went till noon, when we got dinner. 12 miles from Burkesville a rebel force under W. H. Lee as reported of about 2000 cavalry got between Kautz and Wilson. Fight commenced immediately and lasted till dark– our brigade in rear. Drove the rebs at dark in a charge–our regt. on picket and in support of a battery. Got a good night’s rest. Pickets firing all the time.

JUNE 6th.—Clear and hot, but with a fine breeze–southwest.

All is quiet around the city. Saturday night the enemy again penetrated Gen. Breckinridge’s line, and again were repulsed by the Floridians. Some of his regiments (as Mr. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy, who stopped in front of my house yesterday, told me) did not behave well.

Yesterday, I learn, both sides buried the dead, with the exception of some Federals piled up in front of Lee’s breastworks. A deserter says Grant intends to stink Lee out of his position, if nothing else will suffice. What a war, and for what? The Presidency (United States), perhaps!

I learn that the Departmental Battalion, near Bottom’s Bridge, has been moved back a mile, out of range of the enemy’s shells and sharpshooters.

We have met with a defeat in the Valley, near Staunton, which place has probably fallen. A letter from Gen. Bragg, this morning, in reply to Mr. Secretary Seddon’s inquiries, says it is too true, and he indorses copies of dispatches from Gen. Vaughn and Col. Lee to Gen. R. E. Lee, who sent them to the President, and the President to Gen. B., who sends them now to the Secretary. Gen. V. calls loudly for reinforcements to save Staunton, and says Gen. W. E. Jones, who commanded, was killed. Col. Lee says, “We have been pretty badly whipped.” Gen. Bragg knows of no reinforcements that can be sent, and says Gen. R. E. Lee has command there as well as here, and was never interfered with. Gen. B. says he had tendered Gen. Lee his services, but they had not been accepted.

Small heads of early York cabbage sold in market to-day at $3, or $5 for two. At that rate, I got about $10 worth out of my garden. Mine are excellent, and so far abundant, as well as the lettuce, which we have every day. My snap beans and beets will soon come on. The little garden is a little treasure.

June, Monday 6, 1864

After all of our agreements &c about an early start, we did not get off until 8 o’clock, a terible , terible day we have had. Cold Water almost out of it’s banks, and still rising—the slews swiming—Mr. Wilson picked the way or we never would have gotten through. Arrived at Cold Water Station in time to eat our dinner and feed. Met with a Negro man, coming to Senatobia, gave him part of our baggage, had to go twenty miles out of the way, by Luxahoma to cross Hickey Hayley—We missed the road to Mrs. Wren’s home, had to travel until 8 o’clock, through Senatobia bottom after night, oh, how terible to think of. We never would have reached here had it not been for Mr. Wilson’s kindness—found old Mrs. Arnold ready to receive us, where we are all now ensconsed , Mrs. Wren fast asleep—Hal taking Chloroform. I beged her not to, but to no availe—I am all alone. Mr. Wilson and John both retired. We have glorious news from Va. Gen. Lee has repulsed Grant, with heavy loss. God grant it may be so. Traveled two days and only 30 miles from home. God bless my poor old Father, and his household.

June 5th. Late last night our company detailed for picket duty. Located at the ford, near the town. It was a fearful, dark, rainy night. Every man was on duty and on the alert all night. By order of General Hunter a large woolen mill was burned this morning. I noticed a number of women were crying as the mill burned. It had been used to make cloth for the South. Death and destruction follows in the path of war. This is a quiet Sunday morning in old Connecticut. Here a battle is about to begin. Came off picket, ordered to join the regiment. After a forced march, about six miles, overtook the regiment, taking our position in the line. Soon skirmish firing began and grew hot. Our boys driving the Rebs as we advanced. About 7 A. M. the enemy opened fire on our line with batteries well posted on high hills, distance about two miles, getting range on our colors. At the time we were advancing by division front, when the shells began to come lively. Our Colonel’s voice rang out clear “By division, into line, right and left, half wheel, forward, double quick.” The command was quickly executed as the regiment advanced in line through the open lots, taking the extreme right of the line of battle. We could plainly see all that was taking place in the open country. The enemy’s line of battle was formed in a wooded field at the top of the highest hills. We were forced to jump brooks, some quite wide, and climb over fences, all this time under fire. We could not return the fire because of our skirmish line in our front, between us and the enemy.

Reaching the foot of the hill on which the enemy was posted, we were ordered to crawl up it on our hands and knees. Reaching the brow we were ordered to rise, at the same time the enemy poured a deadly volley into our ranks. A number fell, and the stock of my gun was shot off. As we started on a charge for the enemy in the woods they broke and ran. As we poured a sharp fire into their ranks, they left their first line of earthworks and fell back to the second. We continued the charge on through the woods, coming out into an open lot. Our Colonel being mounted, saw the second line of earthworks in the edge of another wooded field, commanded a halt, which was done after a while. Then we were ordered to fall back and re-form in the edge of the woods and to wait for orders. My gun having been shot and no good, I picked up another one on the field. I was very sorry to lose the old musket. A number of our boys had fallen. The enemy was strongly posted on another hill across an open field which we must charge through in order to get at them.

Orders came for us to take their works. A charge was again ordered, but we were ordered to fall back and reform. Another attempt was made to capture the works. Owing to our heavy loss the Colonel ordered us to fall back. Our regiment was holding the extreme right of the line. In the second charge across the field a bullet pierced my tin coffee cup, hanging on my haversack, making, as the boys said, two close calls for me. After the second charge our Colonel called for a battery, posted it in a good position on our right, where it did great execution. The enemy attempted to take the battery but we drove them back. A third charge was ordered across the open field. We were again obliged to fall back. The enemy’s fire was too hot for us and we were losing many good fellows. In the third charge the colors went to the ground, the corporal of the color-guard, who was carrying them, being shot down. I jumped and picked up the flag, waving it and holding it up.

Later, orders came to prepare for another charge on the enemy’s earth works. A desperate effort must be made to capture those works. As a signal, a cheer would ring out from the left of the line, extending to the right, for the entire length of the line, to charge. It was quickly done and the battle was won.

The enemy threw down their arms and were prisoners. In the fourth and final charge, the Confederate commander, Major General Wm. E. Jones, was killed. He was known as Billy Jones. I saw the dead commander lying on the field, he having been shot through the forehead. I also saw the flag of truce when the Confederates came for the body. I spoke to the escort, they telling me who the dead General was.

The day had been a long, hard one. We were under fire from 7 A. M. to 5 P. M. Sorrow came to us over our loss, but we must have something to eat in order to keep up. I carried several canteens over to the Shenandoah River, filled them. On my return I stopped to see a young wounded Confederate. Bathed his wound on his foot with the water from my own canteen. He thanked me kindly as he lay on the ground, patiently waiting for his turn to be cared for. After having rations I picked up a few blankets, visited the field hospital, and covered our boys over with them, as the nights were cool. It was a sickening sight to me. No more desire to visit a field hospital after a battle. I made my way back to our company in the dark. Lay down on the battle field for the night, for rest and sleep. Dead and wounded around us.

Sunday, 5th. Rainy and cool this morning. Would that I could see some of the dear home friends. A letter from Minnie Friday did us much good. Hear the glad result of the fighting last night. Rebels charged our center from five to eight times and every time were repulsed. Passed the day mostly under the fly, visiting with the boys, reading my testament and thinking over old times, troubles, joys, blessings, etc. The phantom form still haunts me day and night. Cleared off before sundown. All the commissary corps here now. Gen. Wilson remarked today to Gen. Sheridan that the 2nd Ohio was the best regiment in the Div., that the 5th N. Y. was formerly but it had to yield to the 2nd now.

Sunday, 5th–Rain again this forenoon and clear this afternoon. We started early this morning, our regiment leading the advance division, and at 3 o’clock reached our destination, Rome, Georgia. The sixteen miles covered today was over very muddy roads, such as we have had for the last fifty miles, and all were greatly fatigued. Some of the men gave out completely and had to ride in the ambulance. News came that General Grant had surrounded Richmond, and that General Sherman was driving Johnston, but the report is too good to believe, yet I hope it is true.

June 5, 1864.

The Rebels run last night. Everything gone this morning slick and clean. Our regiment was the first in their works. I was over their works to-day and find three lines, two of them very strong. A number of dead men lay beween their lines and ours, which neither side could bury. They were killed during Hooker’s fight of May 25th.

Well, I expect another heat like this at the Chattahochie river and when we get them out of there, as we are bound to do, ho! for easy times!

My health continues excellent, and I hope it will until this campaign is over. I am making up for some of my easy times soldiering. The Rebels were awful dirty and the smell in their camps dreadful.

We got some 25 prisoners in front of our division. I think one more big stand will wind the thing up. They made no noise whatever in getting away. I was from 12 to 3 o’clock in the night working within 75 yards of them and did not hear them at all. At one place their works ran through a graveyard, and they had torn down all the palings inclosing graves, to make beds for themselves, and unnecessarily destroyed everything of beauty around. I am sure we would not have done so in our own country, and would not anywhere. I don’t give these Rebels half the credit for humanity or any of the qualities civilized beings should possess, that I used to. I estimate loss of our army here at 7,000—killed, wounded and missing. It may be more. Heavy reinforcements are arriving though, and the strength of the army is much greater than at any time heretofore. Spirits excellent. I could tell some awful stories of dead men, but forbear. We moved at 9 a.m. about four and one-half miles toward the railroad and have gone into camp for the night.

This is the first day since May 26th that I have been out of the range of Rebel guns, and hardly an hour of that time that the bullets have not been whistling and thumping around. I tell you it is a strain on a man’s nerves, but like everything else that hurts, one feels better when he gets over it.

June 5.—Our daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dr. ––, came from Charlottesville this evening. The regular communication being cut off, she went up to Lynchburg, taking that route to Richmond; but the Government having impressed the cars, she was obliged to take a freight-train, and was fortunate in finding a friend coming down in the same way, who acted as her escort. At Burkesville (shall I record it of a Virginia house of any degree?) she was treated with such inhospitality, that she was compelled to pass the night in a car filled with bags of corn, which the gentlemen fixed so carefully as to give her almost a comfortable resting-place. When she returned from her unsuccessful application for quarters, one of the soldiers said to her, (she was the only lady in the company,) “Lady, where are you from?” “The Valley of Virginia,” was her reply. He instantly sprang up: “Boys, we must burn that house!” he exclaimed; “they won’t take in this lady from the ‘Valley,’ where we have been treated so kindly.” Of course he had no idea of burning the house, though he seemed highly indignant. She came to us looking well after a three days’ journey, having borne her difficulties with great cheerfulness.

JUNE 5th.—Raining.

The sudden booming of artillery, shelling our department boys, intrenching at Bottom’s Bridge, was heard until bedtime. I have heard no results of yesterday’s operations.

All is quiet to-day, up to 9 A.M.

Received a letter from Custis. I have not heard whether he received the food and blanket sent him yesterday; the latter, he says, was wanted badly the night before. He charges Fanny, as usual, to be regular in feeding and watering Polly, his parrot; and never to leave the door of his cage open, for fear he may fly away.

June, Sunday 5, 1864

This day has seemed a week to me—We had a very late start from home, Hal was first to wake, the sun was shining then, Laura sound asleep. After some delay we had breakfast, bid all the servants and home folks good bye and got off at 8 o’clock, poor Laura was greatly distressed. God guide her, and protect her from all harm—bless my poor old Father, and save him from such excitement as we are always exposed to—he came by Mr. Hudghins and got Hal’s things for her, met us at the burnt chimneys, came with us over Horn Lake Creek, to see us safe, then went on back to go to Church. Oh! how my heart ached to see my poor hoary headed Parent leave me. Oh! God have mercy, have mercy—We did not get to Mr. Boyd’s until 12 o’clock, rested about one hour, have traveled very slow all evening. Mr. Wilson is with us, we ate dinner at hurricane creek—have stoped for the night at Mr. Dennis’s, four miles below Hernando, a very nice place, and our horses well cared for. Sat up until 10 o’clock, very tired, and will certainly appreciate the nice, clean bed. God bless my Father’s household—

June 4th. Saturday morning. Up early and on the march, going on through the town. About ten miles up the pike is Mount Crawford, at which point the Shenandoah River crosses the pike. The enemy have the mount strongly fortified, a commanding position. About three miles out of Harrisonburg we file to the left over a dirt road. The intention seems to be to flank the mount. We are now making for Port Republic, near which we were obliged to cross the Shenandoah River. Owing to the recent heavy rains it was very high, running swift. A canvas pontoon bridge was made by drawing canvas over boat frames which had been made and brought along. The boats were made and placed in the river, when the bridge was completed like any pontoon bridge, except the canvas boats. (The first and only ones I ever saw, and was the only time I ever saw that one used.) It was a frail thing for an army to cross on. General Hunter sat on his horse very close to the frail bridge, anxiously watching us cross, and shouting, “Men, break step.” That would divide the weight while we were on the bridge. That seemed to be a duty that the General would not trust to any one else. (I well remember that scene.) As far as I know the army all passed over in safety. The cavalry crossed at some other point. A young cavalryman attempted to swim his horse across the river near the bridge, slipped or fell from his horse and was drowned. Many boys jumped in and dove for him. The high, swift running, dirty water was too much for them. The Shenandoah River was his grave, as it was the grave of many other Union soldiers. Some were members of our regiment, the 18th Connecticut. The enemy was driven out of Port Republic, losing a large wagon train filled with supplies, captured by our cavalry. The supplies were distributed to us. A number of packages of coffee came to our company, which gave to us a great surprise as they were put up in our home town by Selden & Willard, Norwich, Conn. Here we were, one hundred miles from our base of supplies, in the enemy’s country. It has often been reported that there are people in the North getting rich by running supplies through the blockade. These people are anxious to prolong the war when they should remember that every battle kills a soldier, and by the help they give to the foes. These soldier boys have dear friends at home. Passed on through Port Republic, camping near the town. Hunter forced the enemy to leave Mount Crawford and change front. Judging from what we can learn the enemy is in strong force in our front. Night sets in dark and raining.

4th. Soon after daybreak Regt. moved up. Packs ordered up and breakfast got near the church. Regt. dismounted and put into the breastworks. Rebel cavalry charged and drove our boys from the first line of works, by flanking them. Soon column came up and rebs ran back. Had one killed and two or three wounded in their scrape. Tom came up in the evening, going back to the company, would like to go myself. About sundown the firing on Burnside’s right was the most terrific I ever heard and continued for nearly half an hour. It must have been an assault. Am anxious to hear the result. Gen. Torbert’s division of cavalry arrived. Regt. nearly all on duty.

Saturday, 4th–We started at 8 o’clock and marched fifteen miles today. Have had rain for three days now, but late in the afternoon it cleared off. We had to wade a river, the water being only three or four feet deep, and the boys had great fun in trying to carry the powder on their heads to keep it dry. We were soaking wet from the rain so we did not mind wading the river. But the muddy roads make marching very hard, especially since we are kept on two-thirds rations when we might just as well have more. Large foraging parties were again sent out, but there isn’t anything in the country to be had, although we traversed a level country between two mountains the whole day.