In the field at Altona Mountain

May June 4^th 1864

 

Dear Ina.

                        It is about 10 Oclock. We left that is our Corps, the position we occupied a few days ago and moved farther to our left which brought us nearer the R.R. the 23 A.C. came here day before yesterday, threw out skermishers, and advanced. our Regt soon found them. the rebel skermishers were driven about 1 mile, then they were found rather thick. our Brigade were then orderd to fix bayonet which was done and charged across a field drove the rebels and held the ground where the rebels were. the rebels fell back about ½ mile to back of a wood of timber scirting the field where we now lay they were strongly fortified. the 112^th occupied the front line and fortified while it rained very hard. their clothes were very wet. today is the second day we have been in this place. last evening preparations were being made to charge the rebels and take their battery which lay ½ mile from us But to our joy the rebels took timely warning and moved out. we thank Johnson very much we presume he does not feel thankful as we make so many flank moves on him that he is obiged to abandon some of his best positions. It has been raining today. our clothes ar wet my blanket is hanging by the fire. Walter and Milton was quite unwell. this morning they went to the hospitle. we expect to have orders to move any minut. As I have but little paper I must write short I should be very thankful if I knew that you and the children were as well as I am.

 

                        Sabbath at about 1 oclock

Yesterday the Yankees advanced to and took possession of the abandoned Rebel works. It rained last night but we fared very well as all had their tents up. This forenoon the forces left their affects in camp and started to recenoiter / they have been gone some time. I have herd no fireing. We expect that the rebs have fallen back some distance. I stoped in camp as I will be obliged to draw rations today. 7 new Reg^ts came in yesterday to reinforce us. The post master just sed that the mail will not leave until we get to the R.R. Hope it will be soon. we hold a position up the road. I presume you get the general news more correct than we do. Our lines ar a nomber of miles long. we often can hear heavy firing a few miles in the distance, and hear nothing of the results afterwards. But when our portion of the line moves we have an idea what is going on as we ar see and hear for ourselves. How happy I should be if I could sit by your side today and talk instead of writing. How I long to hear from you. 2 Oclock the 112^th have just returned they state that our force advanced about 3 miles found found extensive and very strong wo abandoned works but they could see rebs through a glass 4 miles in front occupying a high hill. But we believe Sherman will flank them out, that is much better than fighting. The troops ar in good spirits. we ar on our way to Atlanta should like to hear from Grant. The rebel papers give very encouraging news to their troops. If true we ar doing badly they claim great victories over Grant. Johnson must be a fine General, or he has fallen back thus far with but little loss of trains, camp or garrison implements. I have seen but few deserters in comparrison to what I have seen I will close with a kind remembrance to my dear family

 

Monday morning at 7 Oclock.

The day is pleasant. The P.M. just sed that the mail will leave in 15 minuts Walter & Milton came to the company last night. they feel much better. they may return to the Hospitle again as we expect to leave this place and follow Johnson. we suppose he is in full retreat for atlanta I dreamed much of home last night. wish I could see you. I am well. Hope you ar real smart again. Excuse this short letter. I am yours affectionately

                        William

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