Near Atlanta, Aug. 12, 1864

 

My Dear Sister:

                        Things are getting a good deal into a routine here now. There is cannonading occasionally all day, and the usual rattle of the skirmishers. Bullets fly around everywhere, and we have to keep close behind our works. This is by no means agreeable. To-day has been pretty warm. We have passed through the hottest season though already. Sherman has exploded the theory that it is impossible to carry on a campaign here in the summer.

 

Aug. 13.         

            I know of but one item of interest. About 250 men belonging to an Alabama and Tennessee Regiment concluded to desert to our side, and with their officers at their head, and their arms in their hands, came over and gave themselves / up. The rebels fired upon them, and they returned the fire and then ran for our lines. When will Atlanta be taken? It is hard to tell. It may not be for some weeks. It is well defended by a strong line of works. I hardly think Sherman will assault these. We need more men to operate to the greatest advantage.

 

Aug. 14.         

            Nothing out of the usual routine. Wm S. Morse in our Company was wounded to-day by a stray bullet. The wound is not serious.

 

Aug. 15.         

            Nothing noteworthy. Two years ago to day I first enlisted. What an eventful two years those have been to me. Through how many dangers have I passed unharmed. What cause of gratitude I have to God for His mercy toward me.

 

Aug 16.          

            We were relieved from the front / line of works to-day, and retired to the second line. The change is very agreeable. We are not entirely out of danger here. An occasional bullet and shell comes over, but we are not confined to our ditch all the time here, and can move around freely.

 

Aug. 17.         

            To-day I will send this if there is opportunity. I have received no letter from home for nearly 10 days. I know not what it means.

 

            I wish mother to send me four or five good steel pens. I have lost my gold pen. I believe there is nothing else that I need at present.

 

            Really this is rather a shabby journal, but there is so very little transpiring out of the regular routine that incidents for a journal are scarce.

                                               

Your aff. Brother

George

 

Remember me to Alice and Tommie. 

 

Marietta, Aug. 20.

            You will be surprised no doubt at this last dating. I am in Hospital here. Don't be alarmed now. I am not very seriously sick; am simply worn down and in need of rest. I came here somewhat unexpectedly. The day that I closed my letter on the other page, there came an order to march and as I had been unwell for several days, the Doctor concluded to send me to the Hospital. I am in a church; a quite handsome little church, containing a fine organ. Railroad communication has been cut off for a few days, or I should have sent this before. I hear that it is reestablished however now. We have pretty good fare here. It seems really good to taste soft bread once more.

 

                        Direct your letters as usual.

                                               

Your Brother,

Geo.

SOURCES