May 20th. Nothing important has transpired since the last date. Weather warm and fine. Getting rested. A soldier must obey orders, not ask questions, keep his eyes open, be on the alert ready for the call to duty. Our company, C, loss at New Market, twelve wounded, five prisoners. General Sigel relieved of the command. A good officer. Kind to the men under his command. From a soldier’s view we need more men in this, the Shenandoah, valley. Major-General David Hunter now in command. Dark complexion, black moustache, stern looking. We don’t like his looks. We are doing picket duty and drilling as the days come and go. Writing many letters. We manage to keep our writing paper dry.

20th. Birge got in last night with oats. Went out to Regt. Considerable excitement on account of report that Ewell had flanked our army and was about to attack Fredericksburg.

Washington May 20^th 1864

We do not get much direct news from the army today but there has been some fighting at the Front. All the news that is reported from there is always “a Victory” or a “great success,” “The Rebels defeated” &c. Such was the news with which we were regaled day by day a week or two ago, but notwithstanding the numerous “retreats” and “defeats” of Lee and our Victory^s and “pursuing,” the Rebel Army is still in our front strong and defiant. Those terrible Battles are to be fought over again. It does seem as though the rebels do intend to die rather than yield, but the Leaders are fighting with halters about their necks. They are desperate and will fight to the last. The great struggle is now in Virginia and this season or year must virtualy end the war if we are successful now. We shall be, we must be successful in this War. The great question is now to be forever Settled. Whether this is to be a great, Free, and Glorious Union bidding defiance to the rest of the World in arms against us. Or, whether we are to be classed with the other petty powers of this Continent, disturbed by constant broils and annual revolutions &c. No. If the War takes twice the men and twice the money it has already cost to prosecute it to a successful result, the sacrifice must be made before we can think of “Peace” upon any other terms. Gen^l Grants army is now stronger than it was when he crossed the Rapidan three weeks ago, and it is the intention of the Gov^t to keep his forces up to the present number and settle the question now. I wrote to Julia today, sent her a pair of riding gloves (“ladies gauntletts”) by mail. Sent her also a letter from her cousin Will Taft (from Cincinnati Ohio) dated Fort M^cHenry Baltimore. He came out with one of the Ohio Reg^ts “100 day men.” He supposed that Julia was here. He is a son of D^r J Taft of Cin. The weather has been most delightful today. There has been no wind, but the atmosphere seemed to be moveing imperceptably. Every leaf was in motion. Everything was vibrating and every blossom was sending out its perfume. Everything in Nature is beautiful now. The squares of the City and the public Grounds are perfect “Illysiums.” The air is loaded with the perfume of flowers and the birds are carroling undisturbed in the trees. But O this horrid war, it is here, everywhere.

MAY 20th.—Fog; then sunshine all day, but cool.

Troops have been marching through the city all day from the south side. I presume others take their places arriving from the South. Barton’s brigade had but 700 out of 2000 that went into battle last Monday. Our wounded amount to 2000; perhaps the enemy’s loss was not so large.

Col. Northrop is vehement in his condemnation of Beauregard; says his blunders are ruining us; that he is a charlatan, and that he never has been of any value to the Confederate States; and he censures Gen. Lee, whom he considers a general, and the only one we have, and the Secretary of War, for not providing transportation for supplies, now so fearfully scarce.

I read an indorsement to-day, in the President’s writing, as follows: “Gen. Longstreet has seriously offended against good order and military discipline in rearresting an officer (Gen. Law) who had been released by the War Department, without any new offense having been alleged.—J. D.”

Mr. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy, wrote a pungent letter to the Secretary of War to-day, on the failure of the latter to have the obstructions removed from the river, so that the iron-clads might go out and fight. He says the enemy has captured our lower battery of torpedoes, etc., and declares the failure to remove the obstructions “prejudicial to the interests of the country, and especially to the naval service, which has thus been prevented from rendering important service.”

Gen. Bragg writes a pretty tart letter to the Secretary of War to-day, desiring that his reports of the Army of Tennessee, called for by Congress, be furnished for publication, or else that the reasons be given for withholding them.

We have no war news to-day.

Mrs. Minor, of CumberlandCounty, with whom my daughter Anne resides, is here, in great affliction. Her brother, Col. Rudolph, was killed in the battle with Sheridan, near Richmond; shot through the head, and buried on the field. Now she learns that another brother, a cadet, just 18 years old, was killed in the battle of Gen. Breckinridge, in the valley, shot through the head; and she resolves to set out for Staunton at once, to recover his body. Her father and sister died a few months ago, and she has just heard of her aunt’s death.

A lady living next door to us had two brothers wounded on Monday, and they are both here, and will recover.

Gen. Breckinridge is now marching to reinforce Lee. It is said Butler will set sail to join Grant. If so, we can send Lee 20,000 more men, and Beauregard’s victory will yield substantial fruits.

May, Friday 20, 1864

Mrs. Perkins went to Memphis this morning in an awful state of mind. Col. Perkins came up to see her before she started, but I do not think she was much relieved by his visit. Nannie would not go, she did not come back tonight, although she said she would be certain to come. I am entirely weaned from any affection I ever had for her, any Southern woman to talk and express herself as she does, I have no use for her. I wish to heaven she would never come to our house again. I went over to Mr. Clayton’s, on old Grey, took Peter with me, did not get to see Hal, arrived at home safe, but very much fatigued. Laura and I had a very quiet, pleasant night all alone. Joanna tried our fortunes with the cards, if they are true I do not think we will have a very exciting life for the next few days—

Kingston, May 20, 1864.

Our cars got here this morning; the whistle woke me. One of the most improbable rumors afloat is that letters will be allowed to go North to-day. I know you are anxious, so will not lose the rumor of a chance. Billy Fox returned to-day. My things are all right at Chattanooga. I’m in excellent health and all right every way. The news from Grant encourages us very much, but if he gets whipped it won’t keep us from whaling Johnston. We’re now about 50 miles from Atlanta. Will probably take a day or two here to replenish the supply trains, and let the men recruit a little after their twenty-day march; don’t know anything about Johnston; it is not thought he will give us a fight near here.

Thursday, 19th–We started our drove of cattle early this morning and the brigade broke camp at 8 o’clock and followed. We reached Pulaski at 2 o’clock, a distance of sixteen miles, and went into camp. Our road, rough and rocky, followed a winding creek which I think we had to wade twenty-four times during the day. I was corporal guard last night and having had no sleep, the hard day’s march has almost worn me out.

Good news came from the Eastern army, also from the Cumberland army. The report is that General Grant has had a six days’ fight at Richmond and that the rebels are whipped and on the retreat.

Thursday, 19th.—Got to sleep all night last night. Formed in line of battle in front of Cassville. General Johnston had circular read that we will now turn and fight. Big rumors from Virginia that thirty-one Yankee general officers had been killed, wounded, and captured. Loss in all, 45,000. (Don’t ask me what battle that was, for I don’t know. We are getting accustomed to such big rumors when they think a fight is coming on here.) Can see the Yanks forming in our front very plainly. 3 P. M., ordered back to Cassville; had gone but a short distance, until we were ordered back to our old line. While we were gone, Federals got a battery in position and shelled us very heavily. Just our brigade here. Out in an old field. Yanks advancing in sight on our front and both flanks. Lieutenant Park’s left hand shot off, and James White’s leg nearly so. I began to think we were about gone, but just as they were coming within rifle range, we were ordered to fall back, and I was “mighty” glad to hear it. We did not wait for a second order. Fell back in rear of Cassville, where our troops are fortifying. 5 P. M., Federals advanced to the other side of town, when an artillery duel was kept up until dark. We afterward learned somebody blundered and gave the wrong order, that sent us back to the old line, and came very near getting us all captured.

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

19th. Went down with Thede to Spottsylvania. Visited all the fortifications. Went to the picket line. Could see the rebs very distinctly in rifle pits and works. Our fortifications only 1200 yds. apart. Train captured and recaptured.

MAY 19th.—Sunshine and showers, the former predominating. Gen. Lee sends a dispatch saying the enemy’s attack yesterday was repulsed easily—our loss very light.

It is said, however, that the enemy have Guinea’s Station, 12 miles this side of Fredericksburg.

Gen. Beauregard intends shelling Butler in his fortifications to-morrow.

From the West, in Georgia, and beyond the Mississippi, all seem bright enough.

Congress has passed a resolution to adjourn on the 31st inst., in obedience to the wish of the President. He has a majority in both Houses, it seems; and even the bills they pass are generally dictated by the Executive, and written in the departments. Judge Campbell is much used for this purpose.

Gen. Bragg sent in a manuscript, derived from a deserter, stating that of Gen. Butler’s two corps, one, the 10th, is from the Southern coast, no negroes in it, leaving only negroes in the Southern garrisons. We learned Butler was in command, and dismissed all apprehensions—and one day we had but 5000 opposed to his 40,000!

May, Thursday 19, 1864

It seems that trouble and misery will never cease. Miss Em almost killed herself with chloroform last night, did not get up until late this evening, and is still very feeble and miserable from the effects. Nannie has been in bed all day, seems to be quite sick tonight—poor old Father, he is almost prostrated with trouble. I wish I had some influence, oh! that I could be the medium of reconciliation & peace between Miss Em and the family—there is a breach which can never be healed—she is raving mad whenever she speaks or thinks of Tate and Helen—poor little Emie, the child is miserable. Heard from Dashiell last night, but do not dare to show the letter to his Mother. I think the scriptures are truly fulfilled in this war, Child shall be against Parent, and Parent against Child—Col. Perkins did not come—We have heard nothing deffinite from our Armys. Joanna got back last night with Helen’s cotton.

I have been unhappy all day, no one could be in this house at this time and not be—

Kingston, Cass County, Ga., May 19, 1864, 5 p.m.

The artillery has been working all day, but have not heard how much of a fight. That dead Rebel colonel was Iverson, of the Second Georgia Cavalry; we think he was formerly a M. C. of this State, and a secessionist. The citizens here have most all left the towns, but are nearly all at home in the country. The cavalry had sharp fighting in the road we have come over to-day. Many dead horses and a number of fresh graves by the roadside. I wish I was in the cavalry. This plodding along afoot is dry business, compared with horse-back traveling. I hear this morning that Wilder’s mounted infantry captured two cannons and 600 Rebels this afternoon. Also that 6,000 prisoners were yesterday started from Dalton for the North.

Wednesday, 18th–The troops in advance of us started early this morning, but our brigade did not move until 11 o’clock. We had a hard day’s march, having to cross a large swamp, wade four creeks, and cross one river twice: yet we covered fourteen miles with the cattle, and got into bivouac near Clarenceville^[1] at 9 o’clock at night. Many of the men got sore feet, as a result of being in the water so much and then having to walk the rough, stony roads. The town of Clarenceville, they say, is almost deserted, only a few of the meaner sort of people remaining.

[1] This must have been Lawrenceburg, the county seat of Lawrence county, and on a direct line between Waynesburg and Pulaski.—Ed.

Wednesday, 18th.—1 A. M., moved out. Halted near Cassville, where we are still at 3 P. M.

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

On The Sick List.

May 18. Since the affair over on the railroad, I have been on the sick list and have suffered severely with chills and fever and from other onuses. I am not yet able to do much and I fear I shall not be able to go on many more excursions with the boys. The regiment has been out nearly every day, and has suffered a loss of more than 200 men, killed, wounded and prisoners. In the fight at Drury’s Bluff, two mornings ago, we lost heavily, some 150 men being killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Heckman’s brigade was almost annihilated. He was taken prisoner together with Capt. Belger, who lost four pieces of his battery, and Col. Lee, with nearly the whole of the 27th Massachusetts regiment, besides a good many officers and men of the 23d Massachusetts and 9th New Jersey.

18th.—W. B. certainly captured. I thank God for it, as the least of casualties.

Generals Lee and Grant still fighting.

On the south side, Beauregard has driven Butler to Bermuda Hundreds, where he is under shelter of his gunboats. Oh! when will this fearful state of things end?

18th. Read Independents and “Night and Morning,” by Charles Leper. Hard fighting today at Spottsylvania, nearly a drawn game. Ours if either.

Washington May 18^th 1864

There has been quite a lull in military affairs the past few days. The rebels are still strong and defiant. Gen^l Grant has been receiving strong re-inforcements since the Battles of last week and is preparing for another forward movement. There has been a great deal of rain the past few days and the roads are in a bad condition. After we have had two or three days of dry weather we shall expect to hear of a forward movement. Perhaps the bloodiest battle of the war is yet to be fought, and that very soon. Gen^l Butler is investing Fort Darling at Drewry^s Bluff below Richmond. Gen^l Sherman drove the Rebel army from Resaca Georgia and was following them up at last dates. We hear today that Gen^l Seigel has been repulsed in Shanandoah Valley near New Market and has fallen back to Strasburgh. Gen^l Crooks has defeated the rebels in South Western V.A. near Newberne. All the old Reg^ts which have been occupying the Forts around Washington for the past year or two have been ordered to the “Front.” The “hundred day men” from Ohio and Indiana are taking their places. The wounded soldiers from the late battle fields are still arriving here. The runaways who came on with the first wounded are being sent back. Three hundred yesterday of this class were sent on with a number of officers who were marched in the rear, and some of the more obstreperous of them, who were too indignant to be orderly, had their wrists decorated with the “Bracelets,” and were marched fastened together. It is said that they will be degraded and made to fight in the ranks as a punishment for their cowardice. There was quite an excitement today on the Avenue when the Manager and operators of the “Independant Telegraph” were arrested and marched to the old Capitol under guard. It appears that they sent by that line what purported to be a Proclimation by the President ordering a Draft for four hundred thousand men. It was “bogus,” but it had the effect to raise the price of gold in NY 10 pc^t. It was telegraphed to the “N York World” newspaper. I understand the paper was immediately suppressed. The body of Gen^l James S Wadsworth has been recovered and arrived here today and will be sent North tomorrow morning, escorted by officers and members of congress. No one who has fallen in this “Cruel War” is more universaly lamented or, was more respected. I believe he was just my own age (58).

MAY 18th.—Showers and sunshine, the first preponderating.

Our killed and wounded in Beauregard’s battle amount to some 1500. The enemy lost 1000 prisoners, and perhaps 1500 killed and wounded.

Railroad men report heavy firing this morning near Fredericksburg, and it is believed another battle is in progress.

From the West we have a report, derived from the enemy at Natchez, that Gen. Banks has surrendered to Lieut.-Gen. Smith.

It is rumored likewise that President Lincoln has called for 60,000 militia, to defend Washington.

A fortnight ago, Mr. Benjamin procured passports for one or two of his agents “to pass the lines at will.” They may have procured information, but it did not prevent the enemy from coming.

Attended a funeral (next door to us) ceremony this afternoon at 5 P.M. over the body of Abner Stanfield, a nephew of Mrs. Smith, our next door neighbor, who fell in battle day before yesterday, near Drewry’s Bluff. By the merest accident his relatives here learned of his fall (by the paper we loaned them), and Mr. S. had his body brought to his house, and decently prepared for the grave. His bloody garments were replaced by a fine suit of clothes he had kept with Mr. S.; his mother, etc. live in Northern Virginia, and his cousins, the Misses S., decorated the coffin beautifully with laurels, flowers, etc. He was a handsome young hero, six feet tall, and died bravely in his country’s defense. He was slain by a shell. The ceremony was impressive, and caused many tears to flow. But his glorious death and funeral honor will inspire others with greater resolution to do and to dare, and to die, if necessary, for their country. The minister did him justice, for the hallowed cause in which he fell.

May, Wednesday 18, 1864

When, oh! when will this wickedness and strife end—my heart how sadly, and how sorely, it has been tried. God have mercy and keep it pure, through all temptations—bless poor Miss Em, be with her in this affliction, guide dear Nannie in the right path—I pray that it may be all right—thy will, and I am content—Col. Perkins came this morning, Nannie had not decided to stay when he was here. Mr. Nelson took dinner with us, on his way to Dixie. Mr. & Mrs. Lake came down here to meet him, missed him only a few moments. Mr. Crawford came this evening. Miss Em sent a note to Col. Perkins by him. Mr. Huchins was here also—with all the arrivals of persons and newspapers, no reliable news. My dear redeemer I pray, oh! I humbly beseech thee to bless our brave little bands in Va. and Ga—crown them victory, oh! give thy blessing to our dear Sunny land. Give us peace, then will we praise thy great and glorious reighn , through all eternity.

May 18, 1864.

Our division has had the advance to-day, but no infantry fighting. At noon we get into Adairsville and meet the 4th Army Corps. Saw Generals Howard, Thomas, Sickles and a hundred others. We are camped five miles southwest of town and by the prettiest place I ever saw. The house is excellent, the grounds excel in beauty anything I ever imagined. The occupants have run away. Our cavalry had a sharp fight here this p.m., and on one of the gravel walks in the beautiful garden lies a Rebel colonel, shot in five places. He must have been a noble looking man; looks 50 years old, and has a fine form and features. Think his name is Irwin. I think there must be a hundred varieties of the rose in bloom here and the most splendid specimens of cactus. I do wish you could see it. At Adairsville, night before last, we lost 400 killed and wounded in a skirmish.

Nine a.m.—Rapid artillery firing on our left front. We are waiting for Osterhaus and Morgan L. Smith to get out of the way. Our division has the rear to-day. Our cars got into Adairsville yesterday evening and the last Rebel train left in the morning. Firing on the left very heavy.

Tuesday, 17th–We marched fifteen miles today. Our brigade had the cattle in charge and at 10 o’clock we had to stop and let them rest, the heat and rough stony roads being too much for them. The other brigades of our corps passed us, going on ahead. We started again at 4 o’clock, but did not catch up with our corps and go into bivouac until late at night. In the country we passed through, only now and then are there small clearings with log huts. The people are poor and schoolhouses are very scarce through here.

Tuesday, 17th.—Moved off last night about 12 o’clock. Army slowly falling back. Halted at 10 A. M.; some skirmishing on our left. 3 P. M., put under arms at once, and moved back one-half mile and formed in line of battle; heavy firing in our front. We are formed in three lines of battle, across a beautiful valley; we are in third line. Lay down to rest at dark.

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

May 17th. Near Cedar Creek. Took account of stock this morning. A requisition goes to the quartermaster for a supply of clothes, rubber blankets, shelter tents. Much of our luggage gets lost on the march and in battle. Captain Wm. L. Spaulding, Co. B, killed at Newmarket. Body brought along by members of his company. Buried today near Cedar Creek, with military honors, the regiment taking part. It is intended to send the body home later. I expect to sleep tonight in an army wagon, near camp.