4th October I received this morning from Charlotte the painful account of Papa’s death, he suffered at last very much, and passed away on the morning of the 30th September 1863, between 5, & 6 in the morning, he was very much swollen had parozisms of difficulty of breathing which were terrible, had been twelve [...]
OCTOBER 4th.—The major-quartermasters and the acting quartermaster-generals (during the illness or absence of Gen. Lawton) are buffeting the project some of us set on foot to obtain wood at cost, $8, instead of paying the extortioners $40 per cord. All the wagons and teams of Longstreet’s corps are here idle, while the corps itself is [...]
October 4th, 1863.—I saw something awful this morning; I wish I had not seen it. We were taking a box of hospital supplies to the depot, to ship to Richmond and, when we turned the corner by Fisher’s Green, a group of soldiers were standing there. It was early, the sun had been up but [...]
Griffin’s Landing, October 3, 1863. To-day one of the pilots and engineers induced the colonel and me go with them over to the Arkansas side. We went over in the yawl, and after a walk of three miles came to a most delightful place owned by Worthington. His son and daughter, bright quadroons, did the [...]
3rd. Col. blamed none but himself yesterday; said he had misgivings immediately and thought fortunate that all were not taken. Moved before midnight. Camped at 2 A. M. near a creek, “Muddy,” called, I believe. Five miles from Bull’s Gap. In P. M. alarm, and 2nd and 7th took positions and had some skirmishing. One [...]
Saturday, 3d–Orders have been issued to fortify Vicksburg so that a small force can hold the place against one five times the number; the fortifications are to be on the highest ground in the city. I was on duty at a picket post three miles below Vicksburg, on the east bank of the Mississippi. There [...]
OCTOBER 3d.—Nothing from the armies but from Charleston it is ascertained that the enemy’s batteries on Morris Island have some of the guns pointing seaward. This indicates a provision against attack from that quarter, and suggests a purpose to withdraw the monitors, perhaps to use them against Wilmington. I suppose the opposite guns in the [...]
October 2, 1863. Our foraging party brought in forty mules, fifty cattle, beef, twenty-one hogs and thirty sheep. They report a beautiful, rich country, and abundance of eatables within five miles of the landing. Went with party of bee hunters in the p.m. They had found the tree in the forenoon. They took two bucketsful [...]
2nd. After breakfast mounted and reported to Col. Purington, a mile ahead. Co. H had been to Greenville and discovered nothing but reports. Co. C, 23 men, ordered to go till we found whether the rebels were camped at Henderson, 6 miles east of Greenville. Things looked suspicious as we went along but nothing very [...]
Friday, 2d.—Left Atlanta 10 P. M. At Chickamauga Station after dark. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
Friday, 2d–The weather is quite cool for this time of year in the “Sunny South.” There is no news of any importance. Things are very quiet.
OCTOBER 2d.—Our 5000 prisoners taken at the battle of Chickamauga have arrived in this city, and it is ascertained that more are on the way hither. Gen. Bragg said he had 5000 besides the wounded, and as none of the wounded have arrived, more must have been taken since his dispatch. Every effort is being [...]
Griffin’s Landing, Miss., October 1, 1863. Clear as a bell this morning; about 8 a.m. we reached Griffin’s landing 125 miles above Vicksburg. Said Griffin has some 2,000 cords of wood ricked on his plantation, some 500 of which we propose to gobble for the use of our transportation. We found here a part of [...]
1st. Train all gone to Bull’s Gap. A drizzling rain all day. Had just got in with forage and provisions when several pickets were taken and camp alarmed. Fell back by companies for several miles to prevent a flank movement–reported. Co. C occupied a barn. Rained all night, very fortunate. My birthday anniversary (twenty-two). Would [...]
Thursday, 1st.—12 M.; all on train; at Atlanta, 4 P. M. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)
Thursday, 1st–We had brigade inspection this morning at 7 o’clock, by General McArthur. Colonel Hall of our regiment is in command. There were three regiments of infantry, one of cavalry and three batteries. In the afternoon I was on fatigue duty, and part of the time in a heavy rain; this is our third successive [...]
OCTOBER 1st.—We have a rumor to-day that Meade is sending heavy masses of troops to the West to extricate Rosecrans, and that Gen. Hooker is to menace Richmond from the Peninsula, with 25,000 men, to keep Lee from crossing the Potomac. We have absolutely nothing from Bragg; but a dispatch from Gen. S. Jones, East [...]
October 1st. Our duty for Sunday, besides picket duty and guard, was Sunday morning inspection, attend church in town, weather permitting. The day’s duty closed with dress parade.