Chapter XVIII: Leaves From My Diary

That starry banner blazed afar,
The ensign of the free;
The beacon light of millions past,
And millions yet to be.
Thy father loved its shining folds,
He followed where they waved,
Thro’ tangled wood, or frowning height,
As battle’s storm he braved.

_Mrs. Ralston._

_May 1, 1864._ Was relieved from picket last night, broke camp,
went within one mile of Rappahannock Station. To-day crossed the
Rappahannock river, and marched to Brandy Station. Corporal Tuttle
left for home.

_May 2._ In camp near Brandy Station; sent letters home. Several of
the boys left us, having exchanged into the navy.

_May 3._ Broke camp at one o’clock P. M. Camped near Culpepper.

_May 4._ Broke camp last night at eleven o’clock; marched through
Stephensburg, crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford at eight A. M.;
camped at one P. M., after marching fourteen hours.

_May 5._ In the Wilderness. Left camp, advanced half a mile, and
threw up breastworks; skirmishing began, and we advanced into the
fight, which was very hot work. Fell back to our works at night.

_May 6._ Left our line at three A. M. and went to the front; heavy
skirmishing from daylight till dark. There has been some hard
fighting on our left. At dark we went to the rear, then back to the
front, where we stayed until midnight, then returned to our works.

_May 7._ Was awakened about sunrise by heavy firing all along the
line. Our brigade made a charge over the works; some fighting all day.

_May 8._ Sunday. We moved to the right at ten P. M. last night. Came
up with the enemy at eight this morning; heavy fighting. We are
driving the enemy. Our regiment supported the Fifth Mass. battery.
Our brigade charged the rebs works, with a loss of three hundred men.
Fighting near Spotsylvania Courthouse.

_May 9._ Started at ten o’clock last night, and went to the front.
This morning threw up some works, and laid in them all day. No
fighting in front of us, only skirmishing until sunset, then we had
some hard fighting. Volunteered, and went out skirmishing. Erskine,
of my company killed today. We were attacked twice, but the enemy was
repulsed.

_May 10._ Our regiment supported the First New York battery today.
Fighting began at half past eleven, and lasted until night. John Tidd
and E. B. Hewes of my company wounded. Received a week’s mail; no
letters for me.

_May 11._ Still supporting the First New York battery. Sent a letter
home written on paper picked up on the battlefield.

_May 12._ Went out skirmishing at three o’clock this morning. Flint
of my company, badly wounded. Later charged the enemy’s works.
Wellington and Dowd of my company killed.

_May 13._ Was relieved from skirmish line, and went to the regiment,
then we started for somewhere; stopped in the woods. Lost my knapsack
and everything I had.

_May 14._ Up in front; staid here all day, but not much fighting.
Within a mile of Spotsylvania.

_May 15._ In front; no fighting. Formed in line of battle in advance
of our works, expecting to charge the enemy’s works, but did not, for
some reason to me unknown.

_May 16._ Laid in line of battle all day and night; no fighting. On
guard.

_May 17._ Laid in line of battle until dark, and then advanced, and
worked all night throwing up works.

_May 18._ Shelling began early this morning. Laid behind works all
day and night. Received seven letters from home, the first I have had
since we broke camp at Liberty, and they are very welcome.

_May 19._ Laid behind our works until about sunset, then fighting
began on our right. Packed up and moved to the right. Commenced a
letter to father.

_May 20._ Laid in line of battle behind our works. Sent letter to
father.

_May 21._ Laid behind our works until one P. M. Packed up and moved
to the left; camped at eight o’clock P. M. Received letters from home.

_May 22._ Broke camp at four this morning, but did not start until
ten o’clock. Came up with some of the enemy about two P. M. Stopped
for dinner at four o’clock, then went on picket.

_May 23._ We started this morning at six o’clock, and crossed the
North Anna river near Hanover Junction. Skirmishing began as soon
as we crossed, at three P. M.; fighting began about an hour before
sunset. Smart fight.

_May 24._ Threw up some works and laid behind them until five P. M.
Packed up and moved to the right, then front, and threw up some works.

_May 25._ Started this morning at half past four, and advanced about
two miles, then skirmishing began. Threw up some works.

_May 26._ Laid behind earthworks until dark, then started, and
marched until eleven P. M., when we stopped for rations. Atwood
wounded today. Two years ago we left Fort Warren for the front.

_May 27._ Marched all night until half past six this morning, then
stopped for breakfast near Reed’s Church. Stopped there two hours,
then marched until half past five P. M. Marched for twenty-two hours.

_May 28._ Started this morning at half past five. Crossed the Pamunky
river, and went about a mile; stopped for breakfast, and then threw
up some works. Received letters from home.

_May 29._ Advanced two miles, rested two or three hours, then
advanced another mile, when skirmishing began. Threw up some works,
and stopped all night.

_May 30._ Packed up and started at seven this morning; skirmishing
began as soon as we started. Advanced two miles, fighting all the
way. Our regiment charged the enemy, with a loss of thirty men.

_May 31._ Regiment relieved, and sent to the rear for a brief rest.
Received letters from the dear ones at home.