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