Tuesday, 31st–We broke camp in the early morning and started on another day’s march, our brigade leaving at 7 o’clock and taking up the rear. We climbed the mountains again and after marching sixteen miles went into camp on the very top. This has been a hard march; the men are suffering as never before from sore feet and some, giving out, had to be hauled in the ambulance. Then, too, we are on two-thirds rations because of the lack of transportation.

May 31, 1864.

Generals Sherman, McPherson, Logan and Barry visited our position yesterday. Sherman looks very well. Logan smiled and bowed in return to my salute as though he recognized me. During the fight of the 28th I was standing, when he was riding along our lines on the inside of the rifle pits (with a hatful of ammunition), just over my men. He stopped by me and said: “It’s all right, damn it, isn’t it?” I returned: “It’s all right, General.” The Rebels were quite busy last night running troops and artillery along our front both ways. Some think they planted a number of guns opposite us. I hear some of the officers talking as though a fight was expected to-day. Their sharpshooters are making it quite warm here this morning; several men have been struck, but none hurt seriously.

Seven p.m.—The Rebels have just finished throwing 126 shells at us, only 19 of which bursted. We expected they would follow it with a charge, but they hardly will attempt it this late. I think we have lost none to-day in the regiment. Their shell hurt no one. Logan was slightly wounded in the arm yesterday. Colonel Dickerman died this morning.

May 31st. This morning still finds us in camp on the battle-field, near New Market. Orders from the General’s headquarters. Details have been made to forage and sent out from headquarters. Inspection and battalion drill by our Colonel, Ely. The first since his return from prison. The Colonel, on the quiet, restored to their former rank the non-commissioned officers reduced by General Hunter for foraging. They were all good boys, and driven to it by hunger. I often wonder why we must have this awful war. This is a beautiful country, at this time quiet and peaceful, but the horrors of war liable to come at most any time.

31st. Saddled up and moved at 3 A. M. Crossed the Pamunkey and took Hanover Court House. About two miles from town began skirmishing. At noon 2nd made a charge, driving the enemy and capturing some prisoners, skirmishing till about sundown, when the brigade formed and charged the rebel position about the court house. I was on the left. Rode my horse. Firing very hot indeed. Rebels held a fence along a sunken road and several houses. 2nd charged this position. The number of dead (rebs) left upon the field told plainly the work we did. Rebels gave way. Came near capturing two pieces of artillery which played upon us till the last minute. Our regiment lost 25 in killed and wounded. Remained in position during night. In the morning moved on towards Ashland.

MAY 31st.—Clear, with hot sun.

Last evening there was some fighting on Lee’s right, and 125 prisoners were sent in.

This morning cannon and musketry could be distinctly heard east of my dwelling; but at 3 P.M. I have not been able to learn the extent of it or the result.

But the GREAT BATTLE is imminent. Troops have been coming over from the south side (Beauregard’s) for twenty hours, and marching down Main Street toward the Williamsburg road. It is doubtless a flank movement of Beauregard, and an attack on Grant may be expected any hour; and must occur, I think, tomorrow at furthest.

I have not learned that Butler has retired from his position—and if not, our communications must be in peril. But no matter, so Grant be beaten.

All the local troops are ordered to be in readiness to march at a moment’s warning, this evening or night.

May, Tuesday 31, 1864

I slept very late this morning—very buisy until dinner was ready packing and drawing off the pattern on Nannie’s swiss. Aunt Patsy sat in my room, just as we were going to dinner an Ambulance with Yankee escort rode up to the gate, Mrs. Perkins comeing for Nannie—Nannie and Helen with Laura ran to the Woods, then followed a scene which I trust I may never witness again—such excitement and confusion—they scoured the woods for them, but no where to be found—Nannie has not been back since – and I expect is in Senatobia tonight—God guide and protect her. The Yanks staid about two hours & I think left disgusted with their trip, thinking, until we told them, they had come for a little child. Mrs. Perkins left in anger, swearing vengeance on Tate and Helen—Poor Father, it has broken him down, he is sick in bed. They are all ready and hope to get off by daylight—have mercy my dear Savior and spare my poor old Father any more excitement—guide us aright—and protect and shield our household—

Monday, 30th–The weather is getting quite warm and the roads are dusty. Our advance guard broke camp at daylight, while our brigade did not get under way until 10 o’clock. We crossed a ridge of mountains this afternoon and this evening went into camp in the valley close to Warrenton. The mountains are heavily timbered, mostly chestnut, and the soil is sandy and rocky. There are only a few small farms here and there. The men have gone to war, while the women and children remain with scarcely anything to live on.

Monday, May 30, 1864.

At dark last night I was put in charge of our brigade skirmish line of four companies; by 9:30 I had everything arranged to our notion. About that time the musketry commenced fire on our left and continued for a half hour; it was very heavy. Some three or four pieces of artillery also opened on our side. That thing was repeated eight times during the night, the last fight being just before daylight. When I was down on the right of the line I could hear the Rebels talking about the fight and saying it was a mighty hard one, and “I wonder whether our men or the Yanks are getting the best of it.” These night fights are very grand. I understand this fighting occurred between Hooker and the “Johnnies.” Attacks were made by each side, repulses easy. I guess from what little I hear there was a good deal more shooting than hitting on both sides. I think it was the intention for us to move to the left last night, but so much fighting prevented it. I don’t know when I have been so used up as this morning, and the whole command is not far from the same condition, but a few hours’ sleep made me all right again this morning. The Rebels are much more tired than we; they have had no rest since leaving Dalton. One of their wounded, a captain, told me that one of their surgeons told him their loss since leaving Dalton in killed and wounded would amount to 25,000. That’s pretty strong, the third of it or 10,000 I could believe. I was relieved at dark to-day from skirmishing duty.

May 30th. Owing to our rations running very low some of the boys took the liberty to go foraging, going without a permit from the General’s headquarters. They were rounded up by cavalry scouts, placed under arrest, taken to headquarters, where they received a severe reprimand from General Hunter. All were punished. Non-commissioned officers reduced to the ranks. Privates made to carry a heavy fence rail over the shoulder and walk a beat for four hours. The lack of rations and seeing the boys undergoing a severe punishment made a gloomy time for us. The life of a soldier in the field is no picnic. We can stand most anything but hunger. It did seem very strange to us that we could not forage in the enemy’s country. We are seventy miles from our base of supplies, which must be brought to us in wagons under a strong guard. Cavalry must do that duty. Reported that they have much trouble from the guerillas under Mosby and others. They keep concealed in the woods along the pike. From the hills they can be seen far up and down the valley. Weather cloudy and muggy.

30th. Remained in camp till 5 P. M. when we were ordered to march. Went out one mile and dismounted. Soon received orders to return to camp. Artillery firing commenced early in the morning and continued all day–terrific towards evening. A continuous roar. What suspense. God grant that we may be successful. May He give wisdom and grace to our leaders, strength and nerve to our men and victory to our cause. We must be successful, for it must be that the right is on our side. I would give anything to know and witness how goes the battle. A very warm day.

MAY 30th.—Fair and cool; hot at noon.

It is rumored that Mr. Memminger will resign. If he does, it will cause much rejoicing. Mr. Foote censured him severely in Congress; and moved a resolution of censure, which was not laid on the table—though moved, and voted on—but postponed.

Gen. Lee has been a little ill from fatigue, exposure, and change of water; but was better yesterday, and is confident.

Messrs. Cardoza and Martin, who sell a peck of meal per day to each applicant for $12, or $48 per bushel, flour at $1.60 per pound, and beans $3 per quart, are daily beset with a great crowd, white and black. I do not think they sell for the government, but they probably have facilities from it. The prices are only about half charged in the shops.

But Messrs. Dunlop and Moucine are selling meal (on their own account, I believe) at $25 per bushel, or 50 cts. per pound, allowing each white member of the family about five ounces per day; and selling them twice per month, or nine pounds per month to each. The rule is to sell to only the indigent, refugees, etc. My friend James G. Brooks, Clay Street, informed me this morning that he got half a bushel there. He is rich!

May, Monday 30, 1864

Began the day quite early—drew off the pattern on Nannie’s dress first thing—Tate asked me to fix the Machine, she sewed for me while I did it—Father went over to Mr. Farrers to see Mr. Hodge, and try to trade for his Spring wagon—he asked so much for it, I hope Father will not get it. I and Peter went over Nonconnah to try and get one from some place, failed three times, when Joe, Mrs. Clayton’s gardener told me of a Mr. Smith who had one. Dink and I went over to Mr. S. we soon made a trade—only $75.00 for the wagon, tied the buggy behind, started for home again—stoped at Mrs. Duke (Seymour) saw her and Hal—no news—had a rough and troublesome trip home. Arrived safe, Father likes the wagon very much—so I am all ready for Dixie, don’t know what day Hal will be here. Laura finished my dress and hemed three handkerchiefs—I don’t know what I would do without Laura—

Glorious news from the South, we have been successful in all battles—Lee whipped Grant, Johnson & Sherman—and Forrest old Dutch—Bless my dear Father and Brothers, take care of, and guide Laura—

May 1—Hear Brother Power in his chapel, and commune with about one-hundred in a. m. Meet my Bible class in p. m., and preach in my chapel at night. Receive two into the Church.

May 3—In Richmond. Hear Bro. Christian in Clay Street at night. Good work there.

May 5—See over a thousand Federal prisoners enroute to Orange Court House.

May 6—Meet many wounded. Pleasant worship with my Regiment. Sizemore of Co. G. killed.

May 7—Not much fighting. Spend day nursing wounded Federals. Find a son of Rev. B. H. Hedge, of Detroit Conference, M. E. Church, of Co. I. 24th Michigan Regiment. Wounded through left thigh. Did he get home? Is he still living?

May 8—Marching and fighting. Capt. Mark Moore fearfully wounded. Sergeants Wells, Morrison and Whitehurst killed.

May 9—Among wounded. Visit Rev. W. B. Owen, Chaplain 17th Miss. Regiment, who is wounded. Left elbow joint taken out.

May 10—Terrible fight for Dole’s and Daniel’s Brigades. Col. Hall of 5th Ala., lost left arm.

May 11—Visit Capt. S. A. Sutton of 45th N. C. Regiment, who is wounded and was my college classmate. He died there. Lieut. Eubanks, 32nd N. C. Regiment dies in peace.

May 12—Terriffic fighting. Many are wounded and many killed.

(NOTE—Nine years of married life. How many more?)

May 13—Send off the slightly wounded. My wife’s birthday—27 years! John Hagler dies suddenly.

May 14—Among the wounded.

Sunday, May 15—Ride to Brigade and take a shelling. Pray with 2nd and 30th Regiments. Suddenly they are ordered off.

May 16—Send off a few wounded.

May 17—Send worst wounded to a new corps hospital. Womack and Ross die.

May 18—Send more wounded off to Railroad.

May 19—Second Corps has a fight. Many are wounded and some killed. Spend part of the day at General Hospital. Am up nearly all night.

May 20—Very unwell all day. Take medicine.

May 21—Rev. Evans and I, too unwell to march, report to Dr. Black at corps hospital and receive kind attention.

May 22—Dr. Black puts me on ambulance. His train moves till in the night.

May 24—Move on. Get three letters from my wife.

May 26 – Ride through wind and rain to wagon train.

May 27—Walk past Ashland. Rest and receive kindness from Mrs. Charles Stibbins. Halt at midnight below Hanover Court House.

May 28—Walk on rapidly and spend some time with my Regiment. Fight begins at twelve.

May 30—Go to Richmond. Capt. Freeman, Lieut. Lemay and George Stanback are killed.

Sunday, 29th–It was 9 o’clock before we got started this morning and though the country here between two mountains is very rough, we covered fourteen miles and went into camp in the mountains for the first time. Large foraging parties were sent out this morning to secure meat. Our advance lines had a skirmish with the rebels this afternoon. The health of the men is good, but many have sore feet from the hard marching.

May 29, 1864, 4 p.m.

Have been in the rifle pits all day. We’re now expecting a charge from the Rebels, that is, our division commander is. I think they will lose an immense sight of men if they attempt it. News to-day of Davis moving his capital to Columbia, S. C, and of Grant driving Lee across the Savannah River.

May 29th. Left camp early this hot morning. Pushing up the valley. Passed through Woodstock. Very few people to be seen. They still inform us that they hate the Yankees. Hope we will all be captured and be sent to Richmond. Came to a halt at Mount Jackson. Line of battle formed. The advance are having a hot time, as we can plainly hear the boom of the guns. Passing over the battle-field of the 15th, stopping near New Market. I am in the best of health. Rations running low. Would like more to eat. Hot, cloudy, muggy weather. Our march today covers twenty miles.

29th. Sunday. Reached the 3rd Div. C. C. little before midnight. 1st Brigade Col. McIntosh. Camped near Hanovertown on the Pamunkey. Crossed the Mattapony today and passed through Dunkirk. Like to remain with the Regt.

Washington May 29^th 1864

We have had no direct information from the Army for the past four days until today that has been of much importance. Today it is said that Grant is on Lee^s right, East of the Richmond and Fredericksburg R Road and within twelve miles of Richmond. The communication is not kept up with the Army through Fredericksburg. That City has been abandoned and the Army is now supplied from Port Royal on the Rappahannock and from the York River. The worst cases of wounded men were at Fredericksburgh but they have all been removed to this City, at least, those that lived to get here for many died on the way, some on the Dock (five or six) after they were landed from the Steam Boats, and some died in the Ambulances on they [sic] way through the City to the Hospitals. Some were taken from the Boats on “Stretchers” and carried by hand. It was a sorry sight. According to the Books of the Medical Director, the number of wounded men who have been admitted in to Hospitals from the late Battle fields (this month) is Twenty six thousand. The proportion Killed in these battles has been less than usual it is said, amounting to about five thousand only, but I think it is more. Today Cha^s called for me to go out with him to his home, “Clifton,” near Georgetown. So I got into his buggy with him and went with him on his “rounds” to the various ports which he visits as Medical Officer. Two places in Washington viz. the Head Qrs of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and the Guard H^d Qrs at the Medical Purveyors. Then we went to “Forest Hall” Georgetown where we were detained an hour or two as there were many there to be examined. All the deserters and Straglers are taken there where they are examined as to their physical condition. Some are sent to Hospital (the Stone Hospital). Some are retained for a few days till they get able to travel, but the greater portion are sent to their Regiments. Some however are discharged if found useless as soldiers in consequence of physical disability. Such was the case of a Private named Thompson from Chemung County NY today. He had formerly been a wealthy man and member a[t] one time of the Legislature, but got to drinking of late years and turned up a private Soldier and too much broken down for that. Cha^s was treated with much respect by the officers of the establishment and after the examination was over he dictated to two or three Clerks what report to make at H^d Qrs in reference to the men there. That is such of them as were to be removed. From Forest Hall we next visited the Signal Camp on Georgetown Hights where I had a splendid view of the Potomac and surrounding Country. I was informed at the “Signal Camp” by the Adjutant (Lieut Niles or Miles[?]) that they could convey information by signaling Twenty one miles. For long distances they use a Telescope mounted on a tripod, but for ordinary distances of six to twelve miles they use a much smaller glass. The Camp is commanded by Cap^t Russell. We arrived at “Clifton” just after noon where I dined and remained till near six this evening when I walked back to Washington. Cha^s offered to bring me but I prefered to walk. I came back through the North part of the City and on my way visited the grave of that excentric preacher Lorenzo Dow. He lies in old but interesting Burying Ground on Boundary Street (Corner of 21^st ), The Holmead Burying ground. A large stone slab lies over the grave. Born in /77, died in /32. The following is on the Stone “Slave to no sect. He took no private road. But looked through Nature up to Natures God.” I pulled a sprig from a rose bush growing by the Stone, remembering to have seen him in Lyons, once, preaching on the public Square.

MAY 29th.—Bright and quite cold.

There was skirmishing yesterday evening on the Chickahominy.

The armies are confronting each other, but Grant is moving gradually to the right of us, as if with an intention to reach the James River; but probably it is with the view of enveloping us with his superior numbers, and the GREAT BATTLE may occur at any hour. The train of cars, laden, in Broad Street, destined a few days ago to transport provisions, etc. to Gen. Lee’s army, are visited hourly by wagons from the army, now in the immediate vicinity.

This morning the Secretary’s time is occupied in giving audience to citizens who have fled from the vicinity of the enemy, but whose exaggerated accounts really furnish no reliable information. Of what benefit, in such a crisis as this, is the tale of desolation in the track of Grant’s army, the destruction of crops, the robbery of children of their silver cups and spoons, etc.? And yet these are the things which occupy much time.

May, Sunday 29, 1864

Today has been an eventful one in the dull pages of my life—Bettie awakened me, standing by the bed, with a hot cup of Coffee—which I enjoyed very much, after refreshing myself with a cold bath.

Mr. Wilson came by, with late despatches, letters and papers—the latter containing news which paralyzed me for a while, oh! such a shock, yet I had expected it—(At Arcola, Ala. April 27th. 1864, by Rev. Mr. Beckwith, G. A. Moses, P. A. C. S. to Miss Sallie S. Anderson, of Mobile, Ala.) there is a future, oh! thank God, thy will not mine be done—in thee I trust, in thee I shall be saved—

Father went over to Mr. Bray’s, but failed to get a conveyance for me to go to Dixie in—Helen and Nannie went over Nonconnah to get the bundles I forgot, and also to see Hal—she has not all arrangements made, and will not be ready before Wednesday. Our news today is very encouraging—thanks to the Almighty the day for our glorious Confederacy & independence is brightening. Packed today—Laura & I spent the evening alone—God bless my servant and take care of her. God bless and protect my dear Father and Brothers.

Saturday, 28th–We started at 7 o’clock this morning and dragging along slowly with our heavy trains, went into bivouac when we reached Somerville at 3 o’clock. Most of our road was over very rough country and besides we had to wade one river, the bridges being gone. Somerville is a mere village with a courthouse, a few stores and about twenty dwellings.

May 28, 1864, 9 a.m.

Still in rifle pits. We have been treated to a terrific storm of shells, spherical case, and solid shot. The batteries are in plain sight of each other, and the gunners call it a thousand yards between them. I don’t think either battery does very fine work, but they make it more than interesting for us. A conical shell from a 12 pound gun passed through a log and struck a Company C man on the leg, only bruising him. Two solid shot fell in my company works, but hurt no one. Seven p.m.—Talk about fighting, etc., we’ve seen it this p.m. sure, of all the interesting and exciting times on record this must take the palm. At about 3:45 p.m., a heavy column of Rebels rose from a brush with a yell the devil ought to copyright, broke for and took three guns of the 1st Iowa Battery which were in front of the works (they never should have been placed there); the 6th Iowa boys, without orders, charged the Rebels, retook the battery and drove them back. They came down on our whole line, both ours and the 16th A. C, and for two hours attempted to drive us out. We repulsed them at every point without serious loss to us, but I believe they are at least 3,000 men short. In our brigade Colonel Dickerman, Lieutenant Colonel 6th Iowa commanding, and Major Gilsey, commanding 46th Ohio, are wounded. Besides these I don’t think our brigade lost over 80. It was a grand thing. I did not lose a man and only three companies of our regiment lost any. When the musketry was playing the hottest, Logan came dashing up along our line, waved his hat and told the boys to “give them hell, boys.” You should have heard them cheer him. It is Hardee’s Corps fighting us, and he promised his men a “Chickamauga,” but it turned out a “Bull Run” on their part. It is the same corps our regiment fought at Mission Ridge. Our line is very thin along here, but guess we can save it now. I heard a 40th boy get off an oddity this evening, he said: “If they come again, I am going to yell if there’s any danger of their taking us, ‘Worlds by Nation Right into line Wheel!’ and if that don’t scare them, I propose going.”

Saturday, 28th.—Started marching rather in direction of Marietta; broke the main spring of my gun lock and had to hunt the ordinance train for another gun. Marched ten miles and came to where we passed this A. M. Reported Pat Cleaborn’s Division gained a complete victory yesterday.

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

May 28th. Nothing important occurred last night. All quiet this morning. In an open country where we have a good view. We are located west of the pike. Ordered to keep a sharp lookout for the enemy’s cavalry and guerillas. Late this afternoon we were relieved from picket duty. This is a fine country as we continue to see.