Transcription of the Diary of Edward Hill, May 21, 1864 - May 26, 1864

Saturday, May 21

Warm this morning. The Rebels busy in our front all night. A mail this morning a sweet letter from Adelina   News of Jacklins [re]capture today by Sheridan   left our works at 1 P.M. and moved rapidly to the left. The Rebs attacking as we went. Bivouwacked 2 miles from Guinea Station.

Sunday, May 22

What will a day bring forth[?] in line of battle at 5 o clock   Sabbath after Sabbath and year after year the Holy Sabbath is made a day of murder   In command of the Picket this evening    the Brigade [to] the right of my line resting on the River Ny, the left on the Bowling Green road.

Monday, May 23

Fought the rear Guard of the Rebel Army all the afternoon yesterday. Captured about 200 prisoners. Corpl Norhern killed    I was left this morning with Co. K & H. to guard the Road crossing Pole Cat Corners   relieved by the 6th Corps   firing at the South Anna the Rebs disputing the crossing

Tuesday, May 24

Our Corps crossed the North Anna yesterday at 3 o clock and took up position at 6    furiously attacked by the Rebels. For one hour the firing of musketry and artillery was awful. The old 3rd Brigade did nobly driving the enemy from the field capturing 500 prisoners    Heavy fighting on the left today. A Hurricane tonight. Slept on our arms this night apprehending an attack.

Wednesday, May 25

Beautiful morning    moved at 5 oclock    Heavy skirmishing in front. We are near Hanover Junction    am sick and weak to day    tearing up the Va Central RR track. A thunder storm toward evening. Adgt Jacklin returned to day having been recaptured by Sheridan    Sent to the extreme front tonight for Picket and for digging Rifle Pitts. Wrote to Mother tonight.

Thursday, May 26

Heavy raining and heaving firing this morning. Building breastworks. Lost 3 men killed and wounded in the fornoon. Wm Edwards Co. I wounded. Russell Co. B. killed Thompson B.S.S. wounded   sharp picket firing all day. Fell in at 8 o clock P.M. for an all night march issued 2 days rations to the men at PM on the march.

-- Next Diary entries: May 27 - June 1, 1864