Transcription of the Diary of Edward Hill, May 15, 1864 - May 20, 1864

Sunday, May 15

Rained all night. Moved rapidly to the right, and formed a junction with Gen Burnsides forces. Visited Lieut Richards AAAG on Gen Wilcox staff. Also visited the 80 & 17 Mich Infty, made a demonstration of charging the enemies works.

Monday, May 16

Rained some last night the order for charging the works in our immediate front countermanded-   News that the forces under Genl Butler had captured the outer works of Fort Darling (&) Gen Averell has cut the Tenn & Va RR. on the New River   3 ocl orders to fall in line

Tuesday, May 17

In the rifle pitts adjacent Corps Head Quarters   ordered at night after strong reconoitering by Genls Griffin & Warren to advance our lines in front of the enemy   We marched noislessly to the front   took up position at once and went to fortifying

Wednesday, May 18

The fog rolled off this morning and disclosed the Rebels with their strong works in front. we have thrown up through the night a massive breastwork. to day the batteries on the right opened and our lines advanced. a terrible shelling along the whole line occurred.

Thursday, May 19

Rest and quiet to day. Some picket firing in front   Yesterday was occupied in mail the first in about 2 weeks   the boys heart are made glad again   I rec’d no letters from home   hard fighting this P.M. on our right.

Friday, May 20

Bought a mule yesterday from Lieut Newell for 100$ Capt Partridge Eddy & self. brought him up to day--    a general appearance of quietude along the lines today. No news of interest to day.

-- Next Diary entries: May 21 - 26, 1864