Part 2

_6th day, 5th mo. 6th._ Nine o'clock A. M. At one o'clock yesterday we advanced as a forward guard centre, we being the third regiment in line from the position we occupied at 12 M. Kept on through woods for a half mile, then the other regiment halted and deployed, and helped us on the second line, with our right resting on the turnpike. The front line was busily engaged as we advanced--the bullets flew thick and fast around us, mostly high. About two o'clock we advanced the second time, about two hundred yards, and lay down under a heavy fire where we remained until six o'clock. All the time we lay under a fire from the rebels, who were less than a quarter of a mile off. They had a battery on the left of the pike which occasionally threw shells and solid shot in good range over us, cutting off the limbs of the trees; only a few were low enough to come near us. One solid shot lit in the centre of our company, and plowed the ground up under Audenreid's feet, bursting his canteen and throwing the dirt over the men around him, without doing any more damage. At six o'clock P. M., an officer, I do not know who, came up and gave us the order to "advance with the 39th Massachusetts." After the order was repeated twice, we started, going over dead and wounded who had been slaughtered by hundreds, and lay thick on the ground we went over. The rebels did not fire a shot until after we got out into the open plain, and then they opened with grape and canister and volleys of musketry. After going to the bottom of the hill and up halfway towards the enemy's battery, the Colonel gave the order to "about face." I had stopped to cap my piece, and before I got it done the regiment was going back on a double-quick. I followed in the rear, and coming to a ditch, fell into it, and on looking up saw our fellows going up the hill towards our line. The bullets flew so thick that I thought it next thing to getting shot to get out of the ditch, and after a few moments concluded I had better stay where I was until after dark, and then get up the hill into our lines. I soon noticed that the ditch was full of men. After hallooing to those above and below me, I found that Griffith, Edwards and Fry of our company, and one of company B's men were near us. We all thought we had better stay where we were until after dark. I went to Edwards and there found a man who told us to lay still and he would take us off after a while. Edwards asked him who he was. He said he was a Confederate officer. On looking up the ditch, which was deep above us, I saw some of the enemy's sharp shooters and skirmishers, and it was plain to be seen that we were in their power. The officer ordered us to disarm ourselves and it would be all right. We were taken about half-past seven o'clock into the Confederate lines, to the pike, then to the rear for about half a mile and kept under guard. As we were going off I found Sergeant M., of company --; picked him up and took him with us. He had been knocked down but was not hurt. Sergeant Riley I also picked up. I told him how we were situated. Griffith gave him a canteen of water, and then we were ordered to come on. He was trying to play it, I thought. I am certain half our regiment was lost. Griffith and I went to work and made some coffee in a pot that I picked up in the morning. About nine P. M., twelve of our company and some more of the 90th were brought in. Everything, while I was awake, was quiet. Griffith and I made a bed and slept together. I did not get to sleep until after twelve o'clock. At day-break this morning I was awakened by artillery firing. I got up and went to the creek, got a pot of water and made some coffee, and then awakened Griffith and we took our breakfast. At six A. M. we were ordered to fall in; we got our things, and were marched to Robertson's Tavern, where we are at present. From seven to half-past eight there was some very sharp musketry up the pike. The guards are busy trading with the boys; there are about fifty of us here. Ten A. M. All seems to be quiet in front. Night--Lay under guard all day; heard no fighting of any account to-day. Things appear to be quiet in front. The ambulances brought in a great many wounded men all day.

_7th day, 5th mo. 7th._ Were marched, some two hundred and seventy of us, to Orange Court House, then put aboard the cars and taken to Gordonsville.

_1st day, 5th mo. 8th._ Kept here all day. Where we were last night we drew one day's rations of corn meal, beef and salt. I was commissary for a squad of twenty-five men. Sent a letter home. The sun was burning hot.

_2d day, 5th mo. 9th._ We were put into a house forty by fifty feet square last night and came near smothering. We were taken out this morning. Made mush for breakfast. Had to stay out in the sun all day. Part of us were sent to Lynchburg yesterday--some more came last night. Griffith and I laid down after supper to rest for the night. Drew one ration of corn meal and herring--three of the latter to each man.

_3d day, 5th mo., 10th._ Soon after we got to bed last night we were ordered to pack up. Left Gordonsville in a train of cars at eleven o'clock at night, and after a hard night's travel got to this place (Lynchburg) about ten this morning. Were put in a deep ravine with a stream of water running through it. A heavy guard of citizens, consisting of old men, "played out" soldiers, and boys were around us. Two pieces of artillery are planted in range of us. I was with the first one hundred of our squad that came in to-day. We were put in charge of a Sergeant-Major, who drew rations for us. There was about one thousand came here yesterday. I got seven "hard tack" and some bacon for one day's rations. There are about 2500 of us here. To-day was burning hot.

_4th day, 5th mo. 11th._ Had a good sleep last night. This was a very warm day. There were seventy-five loaves of soft rye bread, half a peck of rice, and a little salt issued to a squad to-day. There were one thousand men sent away to-day.

_5th day, 5th mo. 12th._ It commenced to rain about nine o'clock last night. Griffith and I had a rough night of it--had to sit up a good part of the time, till the after-part of the night, when we laid down under the woollen blanket. About daylight it commenced to rain rapidly. The water ran on us and caused us to get up and sit with the gum blanket over our shoulders. It rained pretty much all day; we had to sit most of the time with the gum blanket over us. With hard work we made some coffee for breakfast and some mush for supper. Carried some flat stones to lay on to-night. Drew seventy-five loaves of bread for the balance of yesterday's rations; also for to-day, six "hard tack," pork and rice, to a man, for two days' rations.

_6th day, 5th mo. 13th._ Had a rough night of it. Slept under our woollen blankets until daylight. It rained a great deal all night--got considerably wet. Showery all day. About ten o'clock A. M. we were moved out of the ravine to the cars and got aboard at twelve, and were off for Danville. We were stowed as closely as possible in burden cars. Passed through Fairville before dark. There are rebel hospitals at this place.

_7th day, 5th mo. 14th._ Traveling all night and until ten o'clock this forenoon, when we arrived at Danville. Here we were put into large houses. The house I am in is one hundred by forty-seven feet, three stories high. The two upper stories are only occupied by us, some five hundred in number. Here we were divided into messes of twenty each, and drawing two square inches of boiled bacon and a loaf of corn bread for two men.

_1st day, 5th mo. 15th._ Had roll-call at nine A. M. and were counted. Drew corn bread at ten o'clock and rice soup at four P. M., and soon after boiled bacon. Got a pint of soup to a man. Can do nothing but lay down, or walk, or stand, after going to wash. There are five hundred in this building. We hear no news.

_2d day, 5th mo. 16th._ Spent the day as yesterday. Drew some of our hard bread, Confederate bacon and rice soup. There was a fellow selling toilet soap at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents Confederate scrip, or two cakes for a one dollar greenback.

_3d day, 5th mo. 17th._ Lay about all day. In the morning darned the toe of one of my stockings and mended my pantaloons. Sent a letter home to father. We are to be sent to Georgia to-morrow. Drew a day's rations for to-day of corn bread, boiled bacon and black bean soup at three o'clock. At six drew a ration of corn bread and boiled bacon for to-morrow.

_4th day, 5th mo. 14th._ Got up at daybreak, left the prison at six, got on the cars at half-past eight and started at nine. At twelve came as far as the railroad was finished, (the Danville and Greensboro' road) then had to march six miles to where it commenced again, and then lay for an hour for three trains to come. After they arrived it took until long after dark to load them. I was among the last to get aboard.

_5th day, 5th mo. 19th._ Had a bad time of it last night--could not sit or stand with comfort. The rain came through the car so bad that I had to get out my "gum." We had only thirteen miles to go, and it was near daylight before we got to Greensborough, which was about six in the morning. Here we stopped about two hours, then went on, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, where we arrived at half-past six. The train went very slow all night, but after we left Greensborough, very fast. The country along the road was very, very poor. The only places of much note were High Point Station, Thomasville and Lexington. Greensborough is a manufacturing town, but like in all other towns and villages, business was at a stand still. Thomasville was the prettiest place. There is a seminary there. Some ladies came out to the train and threw two ginger cakes at us, also some bouquets. Crossed the Yadkin River. After we got to Charlotte, were taken off the cars and marched to the railroad crossing. Drew rations of crackers and pork; I got six crackers and a chunk of pork for two days. A thunder-gust came up which continued until ten o'clock. Griffith and I made out to kindle a little fire and make a pot of coffee. I was taken with a chill and fever of a bilious nature--can eat no supper. By eleven o'clock it cleared up and the moon shone out. Made our bed on the ground and were soon asleep.

_6th day, 5th mo. 20th._ Slept well last night, and got up at 6 o'clock A. M.; felt very bad and very bilious; got some hot water to make coffee, but could not find the coffee. The sun came out bright and hot this morning. At twelve M. were put aboard the cars. The cars moved past the town, backed, and moved forward and back, &c., until about six o'clock, when we were backed to the southeast end of the town. Each car load was taken off in separate squads of nineteen or twenty--drew rations for one day, three hard tack and a chunk of pork. I was sick all day with the chills and fever--no appetite; ate some _souse_, well peppered, but had to force it down. The day was very hot.

_7th day, 5th mo. 21st._ Slept well last night on the ground. The moon was full and the sky clear. We were ordered to pack up about six o'clock, and get on the same cars we got off. Griffith and I were so lucky as to get our old places in the stock cars; rode all day, and arrived at Columbia, South Carolina at sunset. After stopping there over an hour, we changed cars. We got larger cars but less of them. They crowded seventy-five men inside and on top, which nearly smothered us. The guard had orders not to let a man out, and to shoot the first person that attempted it. Our car is a close burden car, which was closed all around except one door. I was so lucky as to get near the door and have plenty of fresh air. By doubling up, made out to lie down, with my head next the door. This was a warm day, but we, being in such a good car, rode comfortably. The country for two days' journey was poorer than any yet passed. Did not see much of Columbia. I felt very well all day; my disease is better. Took two doses of "composition" in cold water.

_1st day, 5th mo. 22d._ I made out with difficulty to lay on my back all night. The guard, "the first half," sat on my head, and then laid down with his head on my breast for a pillow--could not sleep. My feet and legs were doubled up, and I was laying on them part of the time, while others piled theirs on top of mine. This morning got a good seat by the door; rode there until we stopped at Augusta. Changed cars at this place at 12 o'clock M. Did not pass any place of importance after Charlotte. Stopped at dusk and had a loaf of bread and a chunk of pork issued to us. I had been rather bad with the diarrhoea--was very weak and dizzy, with no appetite; but after drawing rations, felt like eating, and ate a bit of bread and pork; the bread is rye. When we changed cars I got a seat in the middle of the door. My door was shut at dark, so I had to set with my back against it.

_2d day, 5th mo. 23d._ Did not sleep much in the night, had to sit all the time. There were sixty-five men inside the box and some on top. At daylight the door was opened. I then rode with my legs out. Get to Marion about the middle of the day. Three trains were made of two, and we went at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour. Arrived at Andersonville, Georgia, at five o'clock P. M., when we were taken off the cars, counted off into squads with a sergeant, who took our names on a piece of paper which a rebel officer gave him. Then we were ordered into a large stockade and halted in the northeast corner of it. There we had the ground for our quarters. We concluded that it was hard to move about. Made our bed on the ground. Weather clear and hot. Yesterday passed Wanesville. To-day passed Fort Valley after leaving Marion.

_3d day, 5th mo. 24th._ Slept very well on the ground last night; arose at daylight, went to the run and took a good wash. Had roll-call and were counted by a rebel sergeant, whose name is warmer. There were ninety men in our mess. Drew rations at 5 o'clock P. M. Half a loaf of corn bread and half a square inch of bacon to each man. The bacon is excellent. There were three or four hundred more men put in here to-day. The place was too much crowded before. They brought them in on the main street and told them to go and find places wherever they _could_. Griffith and I having but fifteen cents in money, and that being mine, we are bad off. Bought two split pieces of pine, six feet long and two and a half inches square, to put up a shelter. These I purchased for my fifteen cents. These not being enough, I traded my looking glass for two more. Put up my woollen blanket over our ridge pole and now have a good place to stay in. This place contains about fifteen or twenty acres of ground, enclosed with a stockade twenty feet high, with a sentry stand every one hundred and fifty feet. There is a stream of water running through it with a hill extending up from each side of it. For thirty or more yards from the run the ground is swampy and has a bad smell coming from it.

_4th day, 5th mo. 25th._ Spent this day about the same as yesterday, laying in our tent, &c., &c. Drew the same kind of rations. More prisoners were put in to-day.

_5th day, 5th mo. 26th._ This was a very hot day. There are men here just like skeletons, they are so far gone with the chronic diarrhoea. The boys caught some of the raiders and punished them by shaving their heads. There are plenty of "sweat" boards in operation, and other kinds of gaming. Drew a loaf of corn bread, two-thirds of a pint of mush, and four square inches of bacon for two of us. The cornmeal is of the _roughest_ description, not being _sifted_. Went to the run this morning and washed a pair of drawers and a shirt, and then took a bath myself.

_6th day, 5th mo. 27th._ Spent this day like yesterday, doing nothing. Drew a loaf of corn bread, three bits of meat, and nearly a pint of boiled rice. The pork to-day was all boiled jowls. The sun was scorching hot. Sent a few lines home to father.

_7th day, 5th mo. 28th._ Was a very warm day. One hundred and eighty more prisoners were put in here to-day from Sherman's army, making in all sixteen thousand six hundred and fifty (16,650). There are sixty-one detachments of two hundred and seventy each, not including what came to-day. Drew the usual quantity of corn bread, bacon and mush to a man.

_1st day, 5th mo. 29th._ Was extremely warm. Lay in the house[4] most of the time. There were about fifteen hundred more men put in here to-day. Did not draw rations until sundown, when we got pork and corn bread.

_2d day, 5th mo. 30th._ This day is very oppressive. More prisoners came in to-day.

_3d day, 5th mo. 31st._ Weather as hot as ever. Was at the stockade where the rebels throw over their produce. Greenbacks are worth twice as much as "scrip." Peas, beans, tobacco, onions, turnips, eggs, cakes, groundnuts, &c., &c., are passed over in large quantities and sold at enormous prices. My disease seems worse and I am getting weak.

_4th day, 6th mo. 1st._ Was cloudy until the middle of the day, then had a heavy thunder-storm, and a little rain now and then until evening. I lay in the house most of the day--was very weak. We made some burnt corn bread crust coffee this morning. There were about four hundred more prisoners put in here to-day; none of them from the Potomac Army.

_5th day, 6th mo. 2d._ This was the same kind of a day as yesterday, with more rain. Borrowed the "Banner of Light" from Dr. Buckley this afternoon.

_6th day, 6th mo. 3d._ Was cloudy until towards sundown, when there came up a heavy wind, followed by rain. The day was very warm. More prisoners put in to-day, mostly sick and wounded, captured when we were. The place is getting crowded full. Diarrhoea no better.

_7th day, 6th mo. 4th._ Had a good deal of rain. I lay in the house. Two hundred more men came in to-day. There were a great many rumors about us being paroled or exchanged on the sixth. We split up the last of our wood with a musket screw-driver, and traded some corn bread for another stick.

_1st day, 6th mo. 5th._ Had a great deal of rain. Drew one and a half pints of corn meal and a half teaspoonful of salt instead of bread.

_2d day, 6th mo. 6th._ I am very weak. Same rations as yesterday. Cloudy all day with some rain. Made souse of the last of our crackers. More prisoners put in to-day--the place is over crowded.

_3d day, 6th mo. 7th._ Had considerable rain. Made a pot of mush which we ate with our meat to-day. About five hundred more prisoners were put in to-day.

_4th day, 6th mo. 8th._ Rain to-day, same as yesterday. A few more prisoners put in here. I undertook to make a pot of mush this morning; got it about done, when the jaw bone of a hog, which I had the pot resting on, gave way, and upset the half of it. We made a small breakfast on the remainder. This evening we mixed up some meal and baked some cakes on my plate. Our wood is nearly out. We get corn meal and pork, but are not allowed to go out for wood, and as yet have had none sent to us. My complaint gets no worse, but still sticks to me. Can get no news that can be relied upon.

_5th day, 6th mo. 9th._ Drew corn bread and had a heavy shower.

_6th day, 6th mo. 10th._ Was rather warm. Drew bread, meat and wood. Made coffee for breakfast and supper. Commenced making a bone ring.

_7th day, 6th mo. 11th._ Was warm, with a thunder-gust in the evening. We got to work and finished the bone ring.

_1st day, 6th mo. 12th._ Cloudy, rain in the afternoon. I am as unwell as ever. Received corn bread and pork. There are many rumors of us being paroled and sent to Savannah. The news is that the officers at Macon are being sent away.

_2d day, 6th mo. 13th._ Was very damp and cold, with showers of rain; last night it was also raining. Griffith got sick yesterday and was very ill all last night and to-day. Had roll-call. All the sick and wounded were taken out for medical treatment. All the rumors about the parole proved untrue. Have suffered very much with the chronic diarrhoea, which gets no better.

_3d day, 6th mo. 14th._ This was a cold, drizzly day.

_4th day, 6th mo. 15th._ Took down our blanket and had it for a cover. It rained all night, and until towards the middle of the day, when it became much warmer. There were over twelve hundred more prisoners put in to-day from the Army of the Potomac. Sold a loaf of bread and meat for twenty-five cents, and bought an onion and made some soup with it. Had corn meal and pork for supper. Griffith is a little better. An old shoemaker, who had taken the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States, came in to-day to try to raise one thousand shoemakers, to go out and do as he has, and work for the rebel government. Some of the boys caught him, shaved his head and marched him around camp.

_5th day, 6th mo. 16th._ There is as much rain as usual. Am getting along in the same old style. Sold a loaf of bread for fifteen cents and bought an onion. Drew boiled rice and meat. The rice is so dirty and gritty that it is not fit to eat. About one thousand more men were put in to-day, mostly from the Army of the Potomac.

_6th day, 6th mo. 17th._ Rained all day--lay in the house most of the time. I made some thick corn meal soup for supper. One thousand more prisoners put in to-day.

_7th day, 6th mo. 18th._ It rained all night and was showery most of the day. My disease is some better--am very weak and losing flesh. The number of petty hucksters seems to increase in the main street. Cucumbers are from 37 to 50 cents; onions from 25 cents to $1.00; turnips from 12 to 20 cents; rutabagas, same price as turnips; squashes 25 to 50 cents; peanuts from 20 to 25 cents per half pint; beans 20 to 50 cents per half pint; flour at the rate of $1 per pound; four ginger cakes 75 cents to $1; rice 30 to 40 cents per pint; salt 75 cents per quart; soda 25 cents per spoonful; rations of meal for 20 and 25 cents; molasses, of the poorest quality, for $2.75 per quart; tobacco, 50 cents for a small plug. These are offered for sale on the main street at the above prices. A good many have got to making corn beer, at 10 to 25 cents per drink of half a pint. There are rumors that General Winder is here, and that three detachments and all the sick are to be sent away to-morrow.

_1st day, 6th mo. 19th._ Was up early this morning and went to the spring and got some good water, and washed myself. Took a walk up and down the street,[5] and then lay down and took a good sleep. It was cloudy most of the time. The sun came out hot occasionally. Had a heavy shower in the evening. Five hundred more men were put in the stockade to-day. Three men were shot and wounded by one of the guards. A man was on the _dead line_; the guard shot at this one, and missing him, shot the others.

_2d day, 6th mo. 20th._ Had the usual quantity of rain; was up early and got some spring water.

_3d day, 6th mo. 21st._ Was very warm and cloudy. I made some coffee and fried some meat on my plate for breakfast--had some gravy also. We did not eat more than half the extra bread we drew last night, and had half a loaf left, which I traded for some wood. A few more prisoners were put in to-day. The place is so crowded that it is impossible to travel without difficulty.

_4th day, 6th mo. 22d._ Was rather cloudy and warm. Drew mush and meat; the mush, like it always has been, was only half cooked; we did not get it until dark, and then went to work and baked it on my plate. To-day one hundred men had to fill up a tunnel which they had dug. It was eight to fifteen feet deep and commenced twenty yards inside, and run more than the same distance on the outside, and was ready for them to go out. Some of the crowd had informed on them.