War Between the States

Today all is quiet so far. I hear sad news of the death on the battlefield of my most intimate friend in Lee’s Army but is not confirmed. (Allen Jones) God grant it is not so. [INSERTED] I am glad to say this is a mistake, he is unhurt. Beauregard’s whole command here in good spirits, and confident of success. My boy, Henry, comes in every evening to our breastworks to bring me something to eat. I forgot to state in my account of the battle of Howlett’s Farm that our General W.W. Walker was wounded and taken prisoner by the enemy.

At dark last night we left the trenches for the rifle pits in front for picket. We passed half the night very quietly but about 1 o’clock, the firing commenced and was pretty well kept up until daybreak. We could only fire at the flash of the enemy’s guns, but two or three were killed. I did not fire often for I wanted to see more than a flash to fire at. We were relieved at daybreak and slept nearly all day in the trenches. Hear good news from Lee’s Army. He has been entirely successful so far, but it is saddened by the loss of many friends killed.

May 22nd - All night our fellows keep up a constant fire and don’t allow us to sleep a bit. The enemy have been making demonstrations on our right and left all day, but are always driven back after sharp fighting. Awful hungry, can get nothing today but dry corn bread and some ice that we found in an ice house.

About ten o’clock in the morning we were ordered to march. We knew not where, but which soon proved itself to be a battle. We passed thru a little thicket of black jack scrubs into an old field planted with care, directly in the rear of Mr. Howlett’s house. Around the house the skirmishers and the Yankees were hotly engaged and we marched up to support them within forty yards of the house, directly in front of us was our extreme line of fortifications, and about a quarter mile distance we saw the Yankee line. These were to be taken by us.

Eventful day. Last night about 9 o’clock, we were ordered to take up line of march immediately and report to General Beauregard’s¹headquarters, 14 miles away. We started and trudged along, awful tired and sleepy, reaching the neighborhood of headquarters about 2 o’clock in the morning. Just as we got there ours and the Yankee pickets were actively engaged firing very heavily about quarter of a mile distance. We knew that stirring times were coming. We lay down in the woods and slept ‘till day soundly. At daybreak we marched out to take our position.

We are now in the vicinity of Petersburg, and have heard our and the enemy’s pickets firing all day. Had a terrific battle here two days ago, a complete victory for us. We expect to go into battle any moment. I am now in one mile of my Grand Uncle John Avery, General Lee has so far whipped old Grant. We got a thorough wetting today from rain. In coming here on the train we saw the effect of the Yankee raiders on the P&W Railroad. Houses burned, track torn up, dead horses, etc. General Walker is now in command of our Brigade, four regiments all together.

May 8th - On guard today, a blockader ran into this port this morning. No news form Virginia. Corn bread and water for my meals today. Two cases of small pox at hospital.

May 9th - Relieved this morning from guard. All quiet today.

May 10th - Colonel Miller of 12th Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers was killed in the battle. He was from Yorkville and a brave, courageous officer. So far we are entirely victorious in Virginia. The wires were cut by the Yankee raiders and we will get no more news until they are repaired. No news in camp.

The battle still progressing. No orders for us yet, nothing new. Hard up for something to eat. Living on corn meal and spoiled bacon. We have just received the lamentable news of the death of General Micah Jenkins¹ of Yorkville. He was the pride of South Carolina, one of here noblest sons and should be consecrated by fame as an immortal hero. I was tenderly attached him, having been his pupil for three years at the military school of York, and he was particular friend of the family.

All quiet. Still on Provost Duty in the City. The big fight is begun in Virginia between Lee and Grant¹. The enemy is advancing on Richmond from every direction. Terrific battle going on. Great excitement prevails, except amid the soldiers who look on the thing as a necessary consequence, and thank their stars they are not as yet participant, but we look for orders constantly to leave for the scene of action.

May 1st - Today is the Sabbath, sleep all morning to regain my lost sleep. This evening hear an excellent sermon by our Chaplain, Mr. Morse. Find a great relief in getting something better to eat than hard crackers which we had been eating for the last eight days.

May 2nd - Nothing new in camp. Drill today, the first in a long time.

May 3rd - On guard duty in camp today. Orders to conduct some prisoners (deserters) to prison in Wilmington, which I did without trouble.