17th. Lay in camp all day. Played whist with Seward and Abbey.

IN LINE BATTLE NEAR SPOTTSYLVANIA
COURT HOUSE, VA., May 17, 1864.

My Dear Mother:
Again by kind Providence I am permitted to write you a short letter. There has been no general engagement since I last wrote you. Fights and skirmishing are kept up along the line. Our brigade is now the extreme left of the whole army. Cavalry joins us on our left. What Grant is waiting for it is impossible to say. It is rumored through camps that he has gone to Washington to consult with Lincoln. I do not think it is possible to have any harder fighting than we had last Thursday. Our brigade did some of the hardest fighting that day and night that has been done during the war. It is hard to realize what our brigade did actually accomplish that day. That morning at day break the enemy attacked Johnston’s whole division and took their breastworks from them, together with fifteen or twenty pieces of artillery, which endangered the whole of Evill’s (Ewell) corps, owing to the nature of the position which he held. Our brigade after, we had charged and run the Yankees from their works, was not long enough to cover the line held by Johnston’s division, so the Yankees held a position on our right, upon a hill which enabled them to keep up an incessant enfilading fire upon us; two thirds of the men which we lost were done in that way. Men were killed while squatting just as low and as close to the breastworks as it was possible for them to get. Tom Atkinson, poor fellow, was shot through the head, right by my side, another man in Company “E” was killed on the other; the man in front was shot through the body. I did not realize then what a hot place we were in. It was a wonder to me that the last one of us was not killed. We were exposed to that fire for twenty-two hours. Gen. Rodes sent word to Gen. Ramseur he would send his reinforcements, but Gen. R. sent him word that he had taken the position and he was confident his brigade would hold it. All he wanted to let us alone and send us ammunition, which he did. I shot away 120 rounds of cartridges myself, three cartridge boxes full.

Friday morning about an hour before day, we evacuated the works, which had been thrown up during the night by the entire pioneer force of the whole army. I don’t suppose there is any man that can express the relief he felt after getting out of such a place. Our rations were out the evening before and we had orders to be ready to move next morning at 3 o’clock. We did not have time to fill our canteens, so we did not have a mouthful to eat or drink when we went into the fight. The ditches behind the works were from three to six inches deep in mud and water, and in addition to it it was raining incessantly from light that morning until we left the works the next morning after.

You can form some idea what our feelings would have been, putting all these privations together, had there been no danger attending, but add to all this the thought that the next minute may be your last, is another thing altogether. There is not a man in this brigade who will ever forget it. I forgot to mention in my last that Burton’s leg was broken and he fell in the hands of the enemy. Pat Wooten was also wounded on the leg. Hoping that kind Providence may spare me to see the end of this great struggle, I remain, as ever, your sincere and affectionate son,

WALTER.

Letters from two brothers who served in the 4th North Carolina Infantry during the Civil War are available in a number of sources online.  Unfortunately, the brothers are misidentified in some places as Walter Lee and George Lee when their names were actually Walter Battle and George Battle. See The Battle Brothers for more information on the misidentification.

MAY 17th.—Sunshine and showers.

The battle yesterday decided nothing, that I am aware of. We captured 1000 prisoners, stormed some of their intrenchments; losing altogether probably as many as the enemy. But we drove them back to Bermuda Hundred, behind their fortifications, and near their ships.

Gen. Johnston was attacked at Dalton by 80,000 men last week; accounts, some five days old, say he repulsed the assaults of the enemy.

The Departmental Battalion is out yet; the city being still in danger. The government is almost suspended in its functions. The Secretary of the Treasury cannot get money from Columbia, S. C., whither he foolishly sent the girls that sign the notes.

Some of the idle military officers, always found about the departments, look grave, and do not hesitate to express some apprehension of the success of Grant in forcing Lee back, and spreading over all Northern and Northwestern Virginia. The Secretary of War is much secluded, and I see by a correspondence between him and the Secretary of the Treasury, relating to the million and three-quarters in coin, belonging to the New Orleans banks, that the Secretary of the Treasury can make no “valid objection to the proposition of the Secretary of War.” I do not understand what disposition they propose to make of it.

A list is being prepared at the War Department (by Mr. Assistant Secretary Campbell) for Congress to pass, authorizing the seizure of all the railroads in the Confederacy. Also one establishing and reorganizing the Bureau of Conscription.

If Butler remains between Richmond and Petersburg, and is reinforced, and Grant is strong enough (two to Lee’s one) to push on toward Richmond, our perils and trials will be greater than ever.

Vice-President Stephens has not yet arrived. I do not understand that he is ill.

May, Tuesday 17, 1864

Oh! most miserable day—Mrs. Perkins almost made me mad at her deep distress—Poor, poor Nannie, my heart aches for her, would to God I might be the medium through which all could be made happy—Miss Em is so widely different in her political feeling, there will never be any happiness, I fear, with poor Nannie. May God guide the dear child, keep her firm to the cause she has espoused, may she never have her pure, noble Southern feelings polluted with Yankee treachery or tyrany—keep her firm and true to her noble Brother Dashiell and his Country rights—she dreams not, but oh! my heart trembles and bleeds for her in this great trial and affliction. I received a letter from Dr. Moses—Tate did also—Oh! why am I tempted—guide, oh! comfort me, my Savior—poor Father is quite sick—Joanna went to Hernando this morning—

May 17, 1864, 10 a.m.

Our regiment moves in rear of the division to-day and we are still waiting for the trains to pass. We can hear firing in front occasionally, and although we have seen fighting enough to satisfy us for a time, still it’s more disagreeable to be away in the rear and hearing, but not knowing what’s going on, than to be in the field. I saw several hundred Rebel prisoners yesterday, among then one colonel. The country is much more level this side of the Coosa, but the pine woods spoil it. Our advance, from the faint sound of the artillery firing, must be seven or eight miles ahead. We will make it very warm for Johnston.

Ten p.m.—Have just got into camp, made 12 miles to-day. Heavy firing on our left, which I hear is a division of Howard’s Corps.

May 16.–I have not written in my diary for a month and it has been the saddest month of my life. Dear, dear Grandfather is dead. He was buried May 2, just two weeks from the day that he returned from New York. We did everything for him that could be done, but at the end of the first week the doctors saw that he was beyond all human aid. Uncle Thomas told the doctors that they must tell him. He was much surprised but received the verdict calmly. He said “he had no notes out and perhaps it was the best time to go.” He had taught us how to live and he seemed determined to show us how a Christian should die. He said he wanted “grandmother and the children to come to him and have all the rest remain outside.” When we came into the room he said to grandmother, “Do you know what the doctors say?” She bowed her head, and then he motioned for her to come on one side and Anna and me on the other and kneel by his bedside. He placed a hand upon us and upon her and said to her, “All the rest seem very much excited, but you and I must be composed.” Then he asked us to say the 23d Psalm, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” and then all of us said the Lord’s Prayer together after Grandmother had offered a little prayer for grace and strength in this trying hour. Then he said, “Grandmother, you must take care of the girls, and, girls, you must take care of Grandmother.” We felt as though our hearts would break and were sure we never could be happy again. During the next few days he often spoke of dying and of what we must do when he was gone. Once when I was sitting by him he looked up and smiled and said, “You will lose all your roses watching over me.” A good many business men came in to see him to receive his parting blessing. The two McKechnie brothers, Alexander and James, came in together on their way home from church the Sunday before he died. Dr Daggett came very often. Mr Alexander Howell and Mrs Worthington came, too.

He lived until Saturday, the 30th, and in the morning he said, “Open the door wide.” We did so and he said, “Let the King of Glory enter in.” Very soon after he said, “I am going home to Paradise,” and then sank into that sleep which on this earth knows no waking. I sat by the window near his bed and watched the rain beat into the grass and saw the peonies and crocuses and daffodils beginning to come up out of the ground and I thought to myself, I shall never see the flowers come up again without thinking of these sad, sad days. He was buried Monday afternoon, May 2, from the Congregational church, and Dr Daggett preached a sermon from a favorite text of Grandfather’s, “I shall die in my nest.” James and John came and as we stood with dear Grandmother and all the others around his open grave and heard Dr Daggett say in his beautiful sympathetic voice, “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” we felt that we were losing our best friend; but he told us that we must live for Grandmother and so we will.

The next Sabbath, Anna and I were called out of church by a messenger, who said that Grandmother was taken suddenly ill and was dying. When we reached the house attendants were all about her administering restoratives, but told us she was rapidly sinking. I asked if I might speak to her and was reluctantly permitted, as they thought best not to disturb her. I sat down by her and with tearful voice said, “Grandmother, don’t you know that Grandfather said we were to care for you and you were to care for us and if you die we cannot do as Grandfather said?” She opened her eyes and looked at me and said quietly, “Dry your eyes, child, I shall not die to-day or to-morrow.” She seems well now.

Inscribed in my diary :

.
“They are passing away, they are passing away,
Not only the young, but the aged and grey.
Their places are vacant, no longer we see
The arm chair in waiting, as it used to be.
The hat and the coat are removed from the nail,
Where for years they have hung, every day without fail.
The shoes and the slippers are needed no more,
Nor kept ready waiting, as they were of yore,
The desk which he stood at in manhood’s fresh prime,
Which now shows the marks of the finger of time,
The bright well worn keys, which were childhood’s delight
Unlocking the treasures kept hidden from sight.
These now are mementoes of him who has passed,
Who stands there no longer, as we saw him last.
Other hands turn the keys, as he did, before,
Other eyes will his secrets, if any, explore.
The step once elastic, but feeble of late,
No longer we watch for through door way or gate,
Though often we turn, half expecting to see,
The loved one approaching, but ah! ’tis not he.
We miss him at all times, at morn when we meet,
For the social repast, there is one vacant seat.
At noon, and at night, at the hour of prayer,
Our hearts fill with sadness, one voice is not there.
Yet not without hope his departure we mourn,
In faith and in trust, all our sorrows are borne,
Borne upward to Him who in kindness and love
Sends earthly afflictions to draw us above.
Thus hoping and trusting, rejoicing, we’ll go,
Both upward and onward, through weal and through woe
‘Till all of life’s changes and conflicts are past
Beyond the dark river, to meet him at last.”

In Memoriam

Thomas Beals died in Canandaigua, N. Y. on Saturday, April 30th, 1864, in the 81st year of his age. Mr Beals was born in Boston, Mass., November 13, 1783.

He came to this village in October, 1803, only 14 years after the first settlement of the place. He was married in March, 1805, to Abigail Field, sister of the first pastor of the Congregational church here. Her family, in several of its branches, have since been distinguished in the ministry, the legal profession, and in commercial enterprise.

Living to a good old age, and well known as one of our most wealthy and respected citizens, Mr Beals is another added to the many examples of successful men who, by energy and industry, have made their own fortune.

On coming to this village, he was teacher in the Academy for a time, and afterward entered into mercantile business, in which he had his share of vicissitude. When the Ontario Savings Bank was established, 1832, he became the Treasurer, and managed it successfully till the institution ceased, in 1835, with his withdrawal. In the meantime he conducted, also, a banking business of his own, and this was continued until a week previous to his death, when he formally withdrew, though for the last five years devolving its more active duties upon his son.

As a banker, his sagacity and fidelity won for him the confidence and respect of all classes of persons in this community. The business portion of our village is very much indebted to his enterprise for the eligible structures he built that have more than made good the losses sustained by fires. More than fifty years ago he was actively concerned in the building of the Congregational church, and also superintended the erection of the county jail and almshouse; for many years a trustee of Canandaigua Academy, and trustee and treasurer of the Congregational church. At the time of his death he and his wife, who survives him, were the oldest members of the church, having united with it in 1807, only eight years after its organisation. Until hindered by the infirmities of age, he was a constant attendant of its services and ever devoutly maintained the worship of God in his family. No person has been more generally known among all classes of our citizens. Whether at home or abroad he could not fail to be remarked for his gravity and dignity. His character was original, independent, and his manners remarkable for a dignified courtesy. Our citizens were familiar with his brief, emphatic answers with the wave of his hand. He was fond of books, a great reader, collected a valuable number of volumes, and was happy in the use of language both in writing and conversation. In many unusual ways he often showed his kind consideration for the poor and afflicted, and many persons hearing of his death gratefully recollect instances, not known to others, of his seasonable kindness to them in trouble. In his charities he often studied concealment as carefully as others court display. His marked individuality of character and deportment, together with his shrewd discernment and active habits, could not fail to leave a distinct impression on the minds of all.

For more than sixty years he transacted business in one place here, and his long life thus teaches more than one generation the value of sobriety, diligence, fidelity and usefulness.

In his last illness he remarked to a friend that he always loved Canandaigua; had done several things for its prosperity, and had intended to do more. He had known his measure of affliction; only four of eleven children survive him, but children and children’s children ministered to the comfort of his last days. Notwithstanding his years and infirmities, he was able to visit New York, returning April 18th quite unwell, but not immediately expecting a fatal termination. As the final event drew near, he seemed happily prepared to meet it. He conversed freely with his friends and neighbors in a softened and benignant spirit, at once receiving and imparting benedictions. His end seemed to realise his favorite citation from Job: “I shall die in my nest.”

His funeral was attended on Monday in the Congregational church by a large assembly, Dr Daggett, the pastor, officiating on the occasion – Written by Dr O. E. Daggett in 1864.

Monday, 16th–Reveille sounded at 3 o’clock and at 5 we started on our way to Waynesburg. We reached the place at noon and went into camp for the rest of the day. The troops kept coming in from Clifton all the afternoon.^[1] Our corps, the Seventeenth, is all together again, and now in command of General F. P. Blair. We have fine weather for marching, but the roads are very rough and stony, making it hard on our feet. The water is plentiful and very good, there being some healthful springs about here.

[1] They all left Clifton for Huntsville, Alabama.—A. G. D.

Monday, 16th.—Last night after dark everything moved out of ditches. Suppose the Yanks are flanking us again, while waiting “en masse” to get across the river, a minnie ball, nearly spent, came down among us, and struck one of our boys. With a groan, he caught the place, and the boys gathered round to see how badly he was wounded, but did not find any blood. After a time, some one noticed a hole in his havresack. Upon further investigation, the minnie ball was found lodged in a pone of corn-bread, and had never touched the man, but had jarred him considerably. Moved across the river on railroad bridge. 3 P. M., lying resting near Calhoun. Some fighting going on west of Calhoun.

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

May 16th. Last night we fell back to Mount Jackson, when orders were given to fall back, or to continue the march. I am about worn out for the want of sleep and rest. This is war and the life of a soldier. With all our troubles it continues to rain very hard and the mud is deep. Hard work to keep on the march. We surely are suffering for our country. Reverses will come, we cannot help it. We try to do our duty. I am so tired and worn out that I fell asleep on the march last night. This may seem almost incredible. These are true facts that I am writing.

After a continuous march we reached the town of Strasburg late this afternoon. Passed through the town, wading Cedar Creek, going into camp on the north side, close to the creek. As soon as we halted, dropped down on the ground and fell asleep, so tired and worn out. Thankful for the privilege. The ground for a bed and the sky for a covering. We are now thirty miles from yesterday’s scenes. Our scouts brought in a bushwhacker, a tough looking specimen of humanity. Not much mercy is shown to them.

16th. Moved down to the valley near Fredericksburg. Went into town twice and looked at the fortifications and city. It must have been beautiful before the war. Scenery along the river splendid. Went around with Nettleton and Seward. Town full of wounded.

Monday May 16^th 1864

It has been rather a still and quiet day. No exciting news has been circulated and it is understood that not much fighting has been done for the past two or three days. Lee is said to be now occupying a strong position south of Spotsylvania C. H. and I think is not so much weakened as we were hoping he was, his supplies cannot be cut off entirely or he would be compelled to retreat much farther than he probably has. Gen^l Butler is investing Fort Darling and fighting Beauregard. A great many troops have been sent to re-Inforce Grant. Thirty or forty thousand it is said. A Battery came today from Fairfax C.H., it is said in some haste. Do our military rulers here fear a “raid” by the Rebels? The Defenses have been greatly weakened by sending off the old Garrisons the past week.

MAY 16th.—Warm—sunshine and light showers.

Memorable day—not yet decided at 2 P.M. Early this morning Gen. Beauregard attacked the enemy on the south side of the river, and by 9 A.M. he had sent over to the city Gen. Heckman and 840 prisoners, the entire 27th Massachusetts Regiment. Subsequently it is said 400 were sent over. By 12 M. the firing had receded out of hearing from the city, and messengers report that the enemy were being driven back rapidly. Hon. Geo. Davis, Attorney-General (from North Carolina), told me that Gen. Whiting was coming up from Petersburg, in the enemy’s rear, with 13,000 men. So, at this hour, the prospects are glorious.

Gen. Pickett has been relieved—indisposition. Brig.-Gen. Barton has also been relieved, for some cause arising out of the failure to capture the raiders on this side the river.

Gens. Bragg and Pemberton made an inspection of the position of the enemy, down the river, yesterday, and made rather a cheerless report to the President. They are both supposed to be inimical to Gen. Beauregard, who seems to be achieving such brilliant success.

The President rode over to Beauregard’s headquarters this morning. Some fear he will embarrass the general; others say he is near the field, prepared to fly, if it be lost. In truth, if we were defeated, it might be difficult for him to return to the city.

Gen. Breckenridge has defeated Sigel in the Shenandoah Valley.

Gen. Lee dispatches that he had no fighting Saturday and Sunday. To day Grant is retiring his right wing, but advancing his left east of Spottsylvania Court House, where Lee’s headquarters are still established.

May, Monday 16, 1864

Laura awakened me at daylight to see Cousin Frazor, John and Capt. Wormely leave for Dixie—they left early for fear they would meet a squad of Yanks later in the day. Miss Em and Nannie went to Memphis this morning, got back safe, no late news except Yankee lies, which say that we are beaten in Va. and I do not believe one word of it—never will hear the truth until we get the Southern account. Mr. Wilson came this evening, bro’t me a package of Southern papers (Mobile & Richmond) though not very late date—therefore nothing deffinite from Lee’s army—he had no late news, currier up yesterday—Nannie saw Mr. Harbut at the Provost Marshall today—he will be sent to Alton in a few days. Mr. Crawford came for Nannie today, was very much disapointed—I read all the morning, made me a dress waiste after dinner—Oh! how my heart has yearned for this visit from Miss Em, and how sadly disapointed , yet I have learned to bury my sorrow within my own breast—there is a terible gap in our social circle, we are so widely different in Politics.

May 16, 1864, 6 p.m.

The old story—the Rebels evacuated last night. They made two or three big feints of attacking during the night, but are all gone this morning. It is said they have taken up a position some five miles ahead. Prisoners and deserters are coming in. At Resaca we captured eight cannon, not more than 100 prisoners, and some provisions; don’t know what we got at Dalton. Some estimate our whole loss up to this time at 2,500 killed and wounded. Everything is getting the road for pursuit. The prisoners say Johnston will make a stand 40 miles south.

Six p.m.—The 16th Corps moved out on the Rome road, and while we are waiting for the 14th Corps to get out of our way word came that the 16th had run against a snag. We were moved out at once at nearly double quick time to help them. Trotted four miles and passed a good many wounded, but we were not needed. We bivouac to-night on the southeast bank of Coosa river. I hear to-night that our loss in the corps is 600 and that no corps has suffered less than ours. Some think the whole will foot over 5,000.

Sunday, 15th–We had regimental inspection this morning at 10 o’clock. Two regiments came out from Clifton as reinforcements for ours. We turned over all our tents, except one for every five men and this evening received orders to be ready to march in the morning at 5 o’clock for Waynesburg, Tennessee. Jason Sparks arrived this evening from Iowa to join our company. He is well and happy.

Sunday, 15th.—At 7 A. M., ordered to the new line we left last night, and were fired on very heavy as we were moving in. By 10 A. M., had pretty fair works, by digging with bayonets and throwing out dirt with our hands. Heavy skirmishing all along the lines. Lieutenant Hill, Company C, killed. Shelling and sharp-shooting us heavy… 3 P. M., assault on the right of our brigade and Brown’s brigade. 3:30 P. M., heavy fighting for some distance along our right front; seems to be a general charge; 5 p. m., Yanks repulsed. Started to charge 39th, but one volley sent them back to their works. Charged Brown’s brigade three times. Corput’s battery of four Napoleon brass guns were ordered forward to support the skirmish line; the Federals drove in the skirmish line and killed so many of the horses that the artillery was abandoned for a few moments, and the Federals took charge of the guns, but before they had time to remove them, Brown’s and Reynolds’ Brigades charged so impetuously on them, that they, in turn, abandoned the guns in double quick time. After a short interval, the Federals advanced again. Brown’s and Reynolds’ Brigades left the artillery and fell back to their main line, and as the Yankees came up to the guns, again poured such a heavy fire into them that they were compelled to retire and leave the guns. Neither party could go to the guns, and no further attempt was made that day to remove them. Loss in 39th heavy to-day. Captain Brady, Company K, killed; also Sergeant Hood of our company. Lieutenant Ruth and two or three others of Company C, mortally wounded. Have been shelled very heavily all day.

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

May 15th. Rain. Rain. On picket, wondering why we do not get relieved. It is past time for the relief to show up. Lieutenant Kerr sends a detail to camp to learn the cause. Returned in a short time, reported the regiment had left for parts unknown. The Lieutenant called in the pickets to the reserve headquarters in the woods. Formed company and were ready for action as we marched out of the woods to the pike, expecting to meet the enemy’s scouts. Instead we met our own cavalry scouts who reported our regiment left in the night, going up the valley towards New Market. We started on after them, making a forced march, wet, tired, hungry, well used up. Some misunderstanding of orders was the cause of our being left on picket. It was a wonder to us that we did not meet the rebel cavalry and have a hot time, as they had been in this vicinity, scouting all around us. We were determined to put up a hot fight, had we met the enemy. Lieutenant Kerr kept urging us on, making a forced march up the pike. Duty having been so severe, and the lack of rations for the past few days, we were near used up. The last two miles of the march we ran, and joined the regiment as they were going into action, having made a march of sixteen miles with hardly a rest, and very little to eat.

Colonel Moore, Commander of our brigade, pushed our regiment and an Ohio regiment, with a section of a battery, two field guns, about six miles in advance of the main army, bringing on a general engagement. We could not hold the enemy in check as they advanced with a long line of battle. Our battery fell back. The Ohio regiment followed, when our commander, Lieutenant-colonel Peale, gave the command to our regiment, “By the right of companies, to the rear in column,” so we continued to march until we met the 34th Massachusetts Regiment, coming running up with a battery, taking a good position. The enemy was held in check, but for a short time. Sigel managed to get his main force in line, batteries posted, so the enemy was held in check. Our brigade suffered heavy loss. Some of the field pieces had to be abandoned as the horses had been killed and we were in too much mud to draw them away, or back to the main line. It looked to us like a case of mismanagement.

Sunday, 15th. Trains passing to the rear all night and today. Started teams for forage. Rainy night and cloudy today. Several from the Regt. down, Col. P.–Regt. under Maj. Nettleton had a fight with a brigade of rebs. Lost 15 or 20 horses, and four men were wounded. Rebs fell back as soon as the “dark cloud” made its appearance. Big reports came to the rear. Guess Button showed little pluck.

MAY 15th.—Clouds, sunshine, and showers.

The tremendous cannonading all day yesterday at Drewry’s Bluff was merely an artillery duel—brought on by the heavy skirmishing of pickets. The batteries filled the air with discordant sounds, and shook the earth with grating vibration. Perhaps 100 on each side were killed and wounded—”not worth the ammunition,” as a member of the government said.

Gen. Lee’s dispatches to the President have been withheld from publication during the last four days. The loss of two trains of commissary stores affords the opportunity to censure Lee; but some think his popularity and power both with the people and the army have inspired the motive.

I saw to-day some of our slightly wounded men from Lee’s army, who were in the fight of Thursday (12th inst.), and they confirm the reports of the heavy loss of the enemy. They say there is no suffering yet for food, and the men are still in good spirits.

Both the Central and the Fredericksburg Roads are repaired, and trains of provisions are now daily sent to Gen. Lee.

The Danville Road was not materially injured; the raiders being repulsed before they could destroy the important bridges. Supplies can come to Petersburg, and may be forwarded by wagons to the Danville Road, and thence to Lynchburg, etc.

Fresh troops are arriving from the South for Beauregard; but he is still withheld from decisive operations.

The Departmental Battalion is still out; the enemy still menacing us from the Chickahominy.

During the last four days correspondence has ceased almost entirely, and the heads of bureaus, captains, majors, lieutenant-colonels, adjutants, quartermasters, and commissaries, have nothing to do. They wander about with hanging heads, ashamed to be safely out of the field—I mean all under 50 years of age—and look like sheep-stealing dogs. Many sought their positions, and still retain them, to keep out of danger. Such cravens are found in all countries, and are perhaps fewer in this than any other. However, most of the population of the city between 17 and 50 are absent from the streets; some few shopkeeping Jews and Italians are imprisoned for refusing to aid in the defense, and some no doubt are hidden.

Most of the able-bodied negro men, both free and slave, have been taken away—in the field as teamsters, or digging on the fortifications. Yet those that remain may sometimes be seen at the street corners looking, some wistfully, some in dread, in the direction of the enemy. There is but little fear of an insurrection, though no doubt the enemy would be welcomed by many of the negroes, both free and slave.

At 1 P.M. to-day a train arrived from Guinea’s Station with 800 of our wounded, in Sunday’s and Thursday’s battles.

The following prices are now paid in this city : boots, $200; coats, $350; pants, $100; shoes, $125; flour, $275 per barrel; meal, $60 to $80 per bushel; bacon, $9 per pound; no beef in market; chickens, $30 per pair; shad, $20; potatoes, $25 per bushel; turnip greens, $1 per peck; white beans, $4 per quart, or $120 per bushel; butter, $15 per pound; lard, same; wood, $50 per cord. What a change a decisive victory—or defeat—would make!

May, Sunday 15, 1864

This has been an unpleasant, unhappy Sabbath—oh! we differ so in politics from Miss Em—I am afraid her visit will be miserable. Helen and Nannie went to Church—Col. Perkins came home with them, spent the evening. Capt. Wormely came over to spend the night, preparatory to leaving at daylight in company with Cousin Frazor and Johnie, poor John, he has not got him a horse, or his clothes—Mrs. Titus, his step mother, has treated him shamefully.

Miss Em had a talk with Nannie this evening, and she has been miserable ever since—I do not know what it is, but they are so widely different in Politics—I pray that Miss Em may not insist on Nannie leaveing . I shudder for the results, she says she will not go. We heard our Army in Va. was victorious—I pray that it may be so, and this horrible war closed. No communication with the City today, Miss Em speaks of going tomorrow—she has a free pass—she is sick in bed tonight—all retired very early—

May 15, 1864, 1:30 a.m.

At 11 p.m. went again on the skirmish line with Captain Post and superintended the construction of rifle pits for our skirmishers. A good deal of fun between our boys and the Rebels talking only 50 yards apart.

Five thirty a.m.—At 3 a.m. moved and are now supporting Osterhaus, who is going to charge the railroad. Will see fighting this morning.

Nine a.m.—The skirmishers are fighting briskly. Osterhaus’ artillery is on both sides and behind us. Sherman has just passed us to the front. When we first came here about daylight the Rebels charged our folks on the hill ahead, but were repulsed without our assistance. McPherson is now passing. Osterhaus gained that hill last night by a charge, losing about 200 men in the operation. From a hill 50 yards from our position I can see the Rebel fort at Resaca and Rebels in abundance. It is not a mile distant.

One thirty p.m.—Our artillery is beginning to open on them. One man was killed and two wounded within 40 yards of the regiment by Rebel sharpshooters.

Seven p.m.—No charge yet to-day, but has been heavy fighting on the left. I have seen, this evening, Rebel trains moving in all directions. We have a good view of all their works.

Saturday, 14th–The weather is quite warm and pleasant. A large fleet of transports arrived at Clifton this morning, loaded with troops and supplies, the wagons and teams of the Seventeenth Corps being on board. We also received a large mail.

News came that General Grant had defeated the rebels in a two days’ battle before Richmond, though he lost about twenty thousand in killed and wounded. The news is almost too good to believe. All is quiet here in the West. We are still herding cattle, but think we shall soon be relieved.

Saturday 14th.—Federals advanced; some pretty heavy fighting just to our left. We have very dangerous position, being near a short turn in our works. Minnie balls and shells come very freely on our left flank and rear. Lieutenant J. T. Brown shot through the knee by minnie ball from the rear. 5 P. M., Companies A and F thrown out as skirmishers; ordered forward; just at that moment Brown’s Brigade, just on our right, charged and drove Yanks back some distance, capturing two pieces of artillery, but could not bring them off. Captain Fox seriously wounded in leg. About dark our division (Stevenson’s) being on right wing, moved round and formed new line; began fortifying, but shortly after dark ordered back to our old position. Several of regiment killed and wounded.

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

May 14th. Rain. Broke camp at 4 o’clock this morning. Again on the march, pushing up the valley. Heavy cannonading going on at a distance. By the sound, hot work must be going on at the front. Marching on, passed through the town of Edenburg. Go into camp about a mile from the town. Our regiment detailed for picket duty. Relieved the 12th West Virginia Regiment. I was detailed with two hundred others to go on post. The rest of the regiment formed the reserves. Lieutenant Robert Kerr in command of the outposts. Posted in the woods about one mile from headquarters. Hot, muggy, wet weather. We are very anxious about the morrow, as we listen to the heavy artillery firing. We are about fifty miles from Harper’s Ferry, our base of supplies, with no prospect of re-enforcements, if needed. The enemy have the advantage of railroads direct to Richmond. Report comes that our cavalry are putting up a hard fight at New Market, sixteen miles south of Edenburg, and about fifteen from our picket line.