Morning,                    

Foot of Kennesaw Mountain, June 22, 1864.

 

Dear Mother:

                        Events crowd upon each other in such rapid succession here, that I have concluded to keep a diary of each day's incidents, which I will forward home at every opportunity, as I know you will be anxious to hear from me as often as possible. Before beginning I will make one request lest I forget it. Send me some paper and stamps immediately, as I am nearly out. I shall be under the necessity of writing with pencil as my ink is out and none can be procured here.

 

Monday 20^th                      

            This day's incidents begin with 12 o'clock noon. Up to that time you have my account in my letter to Jerusha. I had scarcely finished that letter ere the orders came to move. Advanced about one third of a mile, to a high ridge facing Kennesaw, distant about 2 miles. Fixed up our shelters. About half past five a furious cannonading began upon our right. The roar of the artillery was deafening, and the concussion caused the air to tremble. The most furious cannonading I have ever heard. A momentary lull rendered audible heavy musketry. Cannonading becomes general along the line. The rebs. or "Johnnies", as we call them open a battery from the top of Kennesaw, and a smaller mountain to its right. Each discharge of their battery plainly seen. Our shells burst in close proximity. They soon stop firing. Evidently we have made the place too warm for them. About dark the noise partially lulls. About 9 / o'clock heavy musketry heard on the right. We have a rumor that Hooker is killed. Don't believe it. About 11 fierce musketry again upon the right.

 

Tuesday, 21^st                     

            A comparatively quiet day. The us Nothing beyond the usual bang-bang of the skirmishers save a little cannonading on the right. Johnnies quiet in our front. Earthworks are plainly visible on the crest of Kennesaw, and men can be seen walking on them. About 6 P.M. move forward about a third of a mile, tow into the valley in front of Kennesaw. Immediately set to work and throw up rifle pits. Are ordered to be ready to repel a charge at any moment. Thick woods and underbrush in front and rear. Very little sleep all night. Working and moving around most of the time. Hooker's death contradicted.

 

Wednesday 22^nd                               

            Morning opens quietly. Nothing but the usual clatter of the skirmishers, and an occasional cannon on the right. Strengthen our breastworks. Don't think the Johnnies will venture to charge them.           

 

Must close. Mail closes immediately.

                                                           

Your aff. Son,

George

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