The following diary was sent to me for transcription by Sarah Prathers of Ringgold, Georgia, who found it among her great-grandmother’s possessions. She did not know who wrote it. Circumstantial evidence derived from the diary in question leads me to assert that it was maintained during the American Civil War by William Henry Hughes (1846-1917), the progeny of Dr. James Neville Hughes (1804-1874) and Louisa Adaline Russell (1805-1856). Henry’s father, a graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington in 1824, served as a surgeon for the Confederacy. By 1850, he was residing in Louisville, where he practiced medicine and held three enslaved individuals within his household.

From the diary and Confederate Muster Rolls we learn that Henry enlisted in Co. H, 1st Louisiana Cavalry while Bragg’s army occupied Frankfort in mid-September 1863.

Seeking additional corroboration, I asked my friend Dan Masters to read the first few pages of the diary after I had transcribed them, which included the Battle of Stones River, and he told me that, “the accounts seem consistent with a trooper in the 1st Louisiana Cavalry which was attached to General John Pegram’s brigade during the Stones River campaign. They also marched into Kentucky with Kirby Smith’s army in August and his diary accounts square with a soldier in mid Kentucky, likely with Kirby Smith’s army. His mention of witnessing the inauguration of Richard Hawes [in Frankfort] cinched it for me.”

The following obituary was found for Henry, written by his sister: “He was born at what is now Pendleton Station in Henry county, Kentucky in February 1846. At the age of 14, he left the home of his brother in Evansville, Indiana, and went to reside with his oldest sister on the Hughes Plantation in Jefferson county, Kentucky. The unhappy war between the states was then imminent, secession ordinances having been passed by several of the Southern commonwealths, and we were all ardently in sympathy with them—none more than William or “Billy” as he was always called in the home circle. He sought permission to join the Confederate army, but this my father refused, saying that when the services of mere boys were needed old men would would likewise be in demand and they, father and son, would enlist together. The youth did not regard this as very emphatic prohibition, or perhaps he felt that with or without parental consent he must emulate his ancestors and let his country’s call take precedence of every other. At all events, he left Kentucky in the first regiment of volunteers commanded by Colonel Blanton Duncan, and was in a camp of instruction at Richmond, Va., when the first conflict between the armies took place at Big Bethel. His term of enlistment was for one year, and the end of which time he was discharged and made his way home alone and on foot, from Abingdon, Va., a distance of four hundred miles…The only engagement in which he participated in Virginia was at Dranesville, hostilities then having been practically suspended after the defeat of the Federal forces at Bull Run until June 1862. He remained in retirement for several months—for in defiance of her proclaiming neutrality Kentucky had been occupied by U. S. troops for some time and wearers of the gray were by no means safe there, while breaking through the lines into the Confederacy was extremely hazardous.

He re-enlisted during the Bragg invasion of Kentucky, this time in the First Louisiana Regiment of Cavalry, and remained in the service until the end of the war, though he was transferred by request into the First Kentucky Cavalry Regiment in _____, his officers being Col. William Campbell Preston Breckinridge of Williams’ Division; Wheeler’s Corps. He participated in the Battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dalton, and Atlanta and was with Breckinridge’s and Ivison’s command when they captured the Federal Gen. Stoneman—a brilliant feat, beside the smaller engagements at Saltville, where he received a slight wound, and at Bentonville, the last conflict of the shameful, because unnecessary conflict. He was among the very youngest soldiers in Southern army being only a little past nineteen when mustered out of the service. Col. Breckinridge pronounced him and my cousin, George T. Smith, the best soldiers in his command.”

Though the account predates Hughes’ enlistment in the regiment, readers are referred to an article published by Derrick Lindow entitled, “Riding with Scott’s Louisiana Cavalry” on 6 December 2022.

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Diary

September 16, 1862—Joined with B. Russell’s Company cavalry regiment, Gen. Humphrey Wright’s Brigade. Heard the rumor that Stonewall Jackson had been defeated 3 times with a loss of 15 thousand killed and wounded and prisoners and had been driven from Maryland. Gen. Lee wounded. Gen. Reno killed. Also that Gen. Buckner had been defeated at Munfordville with a loss of 800.

September 18, 1862—Nothing unusual. Conflicting rumors with respect to the movements of the armies. Lieutenant James McGimsey [Co. H, 1st Louisiana Cavalry]

September 19, 1862—Nothing definite with regard to news from Virginia. Number of killed at Munfordville 36, wounded 241. Capt. said 4,000 prisoners, arms, accoutrements, and camp equipage. Federal loss unknown. Succeed in having the old engine to go and getting her ready for use. Called on Uncle S. Sneed and [stayed] to dinner. All strong now aside from that very agreeable people.

September 20, 1862—First train started for Lexington at 9 o’clock. Took supper with cousin Billy Russell [illegible]

September 21, 1862—Nothing unusual today. Supper with cousin [ ] Russell.

September 22, 1862—Heard rumor that Stonewall Jackson had been defeated with a loss of 19,000 killed and wounded and 20,000 prisoners. Federal loss unknown. Talked with a young man from Florida—very patriotic indeed. Col. Jesse returned from New Castle with two prisoners [and] about small arms, accoutrements 23 and paroled about 45 prisoners and lost two men killed, 5 wounded. Attended the hop at the ___pitch Hotel. All the southern ladies of Frankfort present.

September 23, 1862—Preston Smith’s men pass through town on the way to join Bragg.

September 24, 1862—Read Lincoln’s proclamation of the [date] to free all the slaves in [illegible]. Heard in town that Lee is on Arlington Heights with his army and the white flag is flying over the Capitol at Washington.

September 25, 1862—Started for Christian [ ] with [ ] Russell and John Rodman. Took supper in…with a clever Southern Rights man. Had a wagon and two horses. We arrived to Christian 10 o’clock at night.

September 26, 1862—Stayed with an [illegible]. Took dinner with a Mr. Hall and supper also. Found several person who were formerly acquainted with—Pa amongst them. Mrs. Hall who was a Miss Merrick. Made the acquaintance of Miss Marshall, an ultra rebel and gloried in the name. Visited Thornton Meriwether [Shelby county]. Staid in [ ].

September 27, 1862—Lodged last night with Mr. Hall in [ ] Left about 8 o’clock…on the way with [ ]. Mr. Hall did not go…I was today presented with a little black mule formerly the property of Uncle Sam.

September 28, 1862—Stayed last night with Mr. Levi Smith, and old acquaintance of us. [ ] Mrs. Garrett, an old friend of M____ also, Miss Smith—a very good looking young lady. Went over to the valley in the evening.

September 29, 1862—Rode over to [ ] on my little black mule. Left [ ] for [___ville] and arrived there about dark. Found Uncle…

September 30, 1862—Lodged at Uncle J____’s again last night. Skirmished… In the evening, left Simpsonville for Frankfort and rode until 4 o’clock and stopped at [ ].

October 1, 1862—Arrived at Frankfort about 2 o’clock. Collins and Stevensons’ Divisions passed through the town. Citizens held a [ ], eating well; addressed by Juda [?]. John Rodman, S. I. ___ and Capt. G_____, about 25 new volunteers amongst them… Gen. Kirby Smith, Stevenson, _____ and William P. arrived from Lexington.

October 2, 1862—Gen. Bragg and staff arrived in town.

October 3, 1862—Witnessed the inauguration of the provisional government at the State House and heard Harris Marshall speak [ ] on which…

October 4, 1862—Arrived at Versailles.

October 5, 1862—Ate breakfast in town….turned on the Harrodsburg Pike.

October 6, 1862—Camped last night under the “broad canopy of Heaven.” Got breakfast with a Mr. Hill and started. Forded Kentucky River. Passed through Pleasant Hill, the seat of high society called ____.

October 7, 1862—Lodged last night with Dr. Campbell four miles from Hebron.

October 8, 1862—Wednesday. Starting for Camp Dick Robinson.

October 9, 1862—Thursday. Arrived at Camp Robinson. Was aroused from our slumber to find the Federal….

October 10, 1862—Nothing unusual. Cold rain.

October 11, 1862—Saturday. Returned to camp. Nothing unusual.

October 12, 1862—Sunday. Talked with some Yankee prisoners…

October 13, 1862—…parts unknown….night and camped…two miles of Crab tree.

October 14, 1862—Tuesday. Rose early. Fed my mule and started on the way again…

October 15, 1862—Wednesday. Left early in the morning . Stopped a few miles of town and fed our horses.

October 16, 1862—Thursday. Henry Hughes

October 17, 1862—Friday. Started back on the same…well before day, took on foot. Passed through town a little before dusk. Found the country underused.

October 18, 1862—Saturday. Left camp early for Montville. Still on foot. Pass through Stubenville and Montville and camped a mile…

October 19, 1862—Sunday…in the afternoon.

October 21, 1862—Tuesday. Passed through Livingston on the way to Sparta.

October 22, 1862—Wednesday. Marched about 15 miles and camped.

October 23, 1862—Thursday. Nothing unusual.

October 24, 1862—Friday. …Capt. Robinson and Lt. Harper. Archibald Rober[ ]…

October 31, 1862—Friday. Started early and arrived at camp about..

November 1st. Marched about 5 miles and camped near Winkertown [?].

November 2, 1862—Sunday. Relieved from guard…

November 24, 1862—Monday. Started for South ___ville. Arrived in there at 4 o’clock p.m. Had a brush with the Federals, took one prisoner and returned to the camp last …marched 35 miles.

November 25, 1862—Tuesday. Started at [ ] o’clock for Burkesville…

November 25th 1862—Wednesday. Crossed the…on the edge of Monroe county, Ky.

November 27th 1862—Thursday. Marched about 20 miles and camped.

November 28, 1862—Friday. Detailed for picket guard. Alex Laughlin.

November 29, 1862—Saturday. Marched about 20 miles and camped.

November 30, 1862—Sunday. Marched about 9 miles.

December 1, 1862–Monday. Rained all night.

December 2, 1862—Tuesday..

December 4, 1862—Thursday. Cold and clear. We marched through a fine country…Camped within two miles of Murfreesboro.

December 5, 1862—Friday. Through Murfreesboro and camped two miles on the Nashville Pike.

December 6, 1862—Saturday. Went back to N and turned [ ] the Lebanon Pike.

December 7th 1862—Nothing.

December 8, 1862—Nothing happened unusual.

December 9, 1862—Moved camp 5 miles.

December 13, 1862—On picket.

December 16, 1862—Tuesday.

December 17, 1862—Still on picket.

December 19, 1862—Friday. Passed by the scene of a recent skirmish between 4 thousand Feds and 1 company of Wheeler’s cavalry.

December 23, 1862—Tuesday. Heard the glorious news from Virginia. Buoyed us up considerably.

December 25, 1862—Thursday. Passed off quietly. Heard heavy firing towards Lavergne on the 26th.

January 6, 1863—Since date of last [ ] we have been in a constant whirl of excitement. Only two nights of sleep and the whole time the rest spent on picket [ ] in time of battle. Ominous silence prevailed along the whole line on the 29th and on the 31st our cavalry made a charge on the Federal camp capturing 9 army wagons which with provisions, two ambulances and about 280 prisoners with the loss of 9 men wounded and three horses.

On Friday the 2nd the company was on picket and while we were out, the regiment engaged the enemy for about two hours, losing about 6 men wounded. In the first part of the engagement, the Federals were driven about a mile leaving the corn field covered with overcoats, blankets, &c. but they received reinforcements and forced the Rebels back to the former position. On Saturday night 3rd, the army commenced retreating. It is impossible to give an estimate of the loss of either side during the different engagements. It is said that we captured 48 pieces of artillery in all and 4500 prisoners and if this is approximately the truth, we have gained a brilliant victory on the whole.

January 6th. We encountered [ ] Mullin’s regiment or we learned from a party [. ] taken afterwards [ ] with him. We had a smashing little fight yesterday about 6 miles from ____ow lasting over three hours. In our regiment, [ ] killed, 9 wounded, 13 taken prisoners…3 good shots at them about 2 [pencil smudged and illegible]…that about 300 Fed. Cavalry were between us and our army but it turned out they are not scott free.

January 7th [1863]—Ordered to East Tennessee.

January 22nd [1863]—Thursday. Have been at Kingston, Tenn. nearly a week. Crossed two ranges of mountains on the way here. Forage is very scarce for horses. Nearly starved. Men living on corn bread and beef.

January 31st [1863]—Saturday. Camped out of the world in East Tennessee.

February 5, 1863—[smudged and illegible].

March 31st, 1863—Tuesday. Got a terrible whipping at Somerset [Kentucky]. [See Battle of Somerset (or Dutton’s Hill)] Escaped with about 100 others and after roaming through the woods about an hour, found ourselves cut off.

April 1, 1863—Wednesday. Crossed the [ ] River after [ ] all night and marched to the South Fork.

April 2, 1863—Thursday. Crossed the South Fork and marched to within [ ] miles of Monterey.

April 3, 1863—Friday. Arrived at camp on foot much to the surprise of all.

April 5, 1863—Sunday. Looked over the diary of the war up to the battle of Galveston Front… to be 24,000 at Fredericksburg, 21,400 at Sharpsburg. 20,241 [ ], 14,555 Shiloh. 19357 2nd Battle of Manassas, 15,600 at Seven Pines, 10,667 at Berryville, 6100 Boonsboro Gap, 6600 Corinth, 5770 Manassas, 5052 Fort Donelson, 4438, and Vicksburg 1170. From this it appears that the battle of Murfreesboro is the bloodiest one of the war thus far.

April 6, 1863—Monday. Difficulties between Gen. Pegram and Col. Scott. Col. Scott goes to Knoxville today to be tried by court martial trial. ¹ On guard today.

¹ After the Battle of Dutton’s Hill, General Pegram ordered the arrest of Colonel Scott, court-martialing him for cursing a superior officer. Although found guilty, Colonel Scott received a light reprimand from General S. B. Buckner before being returned to command a brigade of cavalry.

April 9, 1863—Thursday. Moved camp 10 miles. Got on a bender and thereby received punishment in the shape of double extra duty.

April 11, 1863—Saturday. Marching up again yesterday. Still….on guard…

April 16th 1863—Thursday. Moved camp again yesterday.

April 18, 1863—Saturday. Had a mess of ____tion for breakfast.

April 21st, 1863—Tuesday. At Albany on the retreat from Kentucky on foot with my feet blistered and in bad spirits.

April 22nd 1863—Wednesday. Bought a horse for 900 dollars and lost him in less than four hours. On guard.

April 27, 1863—Monday. Heard firing in the direction of Celina [TN].

April 28, 1863—Tuesday. Left Albany [KY], Marched about 12 miles and camped. Mr. Dyer came into camp. Brought letters from home. First since leaving there.

May 1st 1863—Friday. Was a beautiful day. The birds caroled sweetly from trees…Madam Rumor says the great battle which was ended last January by the retreat of the Confederate forces has been reversed. We all have confidence in Bragg’s abilities and are expecting every day to hear good news from Murfreesboro and Virginia.

May 7th 1863—Thursday. Camped at Clinton, Tenn. Rumored that our armies in Virginia had gained a glorious victory [at Chancellorsville]. Stonewall Jackson and [ ] wounded.

May 12, 1863—Tuesday. Entered Kentucky. The following appeared in the ____ville Register of March 24th.

SOLDIERS and SURGEONS of Hospitable. Please notice my son William Henry Hughes, a lad of 17, left Louisville, Kentucky, and went to Frankfort in September last to enlist in the Confederate Army since which time I have heard nothing of him. He is doubtless in the army somewhere unless he has been killed in battle or has gone into some hospital. I could never learn what regiment he joined. Any friend of mine or person who can give me any information of this boy will do me a great kindness and relieve the anxiety of an affectionate mother and sister by writing to me concerning him and directing to Ringgold, Georgia. — Jas. N. Hughes, Asst. Surgeon Bragg Hospital

May 15, 1863—Friday. Encamped within 13 miles Monticello. Living on corn bread and bacon.

May 19th, 1863—Tuesday. Reading “the Ruby Cross” by Emma Gamon [?]

May 20th 1863—Wednesday. Various rumors are afloat in camp which are all too good to be true. One is that Lee has given the Yankees an awful drubbing, that “Stonewall” is dead, and that the federal loss was 40,000 very moderate. I wish it had been 140,000. Another rumor says that Price whipped them soundly in Missouri. The latest says Kirby Smith defeated the enemy at Alexandria.

May 21, 1863—Thursday. Report of the capture of Port Hudson and Jackson, Mississippi by federals.

May 25th 1863—On picket at Newell’s Ferry. Yankee pickets in sight on the opposite bank of the river. reported capture of 14,400 prisoners at Jackson by Joseph E. Johnston.

May 28, 1863—Thursday. Relieved from picket and returned to camp.

May 29, 1863—Friday. Read the federal account of the battle at Vicksburg in the Cincinnati Commercial. Also heard that a dispatch arrived to Gen. Pegram stating that 16,000 federal prisoners had been captured and that Grant’s army was hemmed in closely on all sides. Don’t know which to believe.

May 30, 1863—Saturday. Yankees crossed the river and captured about 20 of our pickets.

May 31, 1863—Sunday. Started for East Tennessee.

June 3rd 1863—Wednesday. arrived at Kingston.

June 19th 1863—Friday. Marched to Lenoir Station in pursuit of the federals. They captured about 75 prisoners and burnt the depot commissary stores and ammunition. About 10 o’clock a gun was fired in front which frightened the horses and men being nearly all asleep. A stampede ensued the like of which I never seen or heard of. About 50 men were thrown and the rest run about a mile before they could be rallied. It was the first time I lost my gun on the [ ].

June 20, 1863—Saturday. Marched to Knoxville. arrived there after the fight was lover. Left Knoxville after dark and camped about 8 miles from town.

June 21st, 1863—Sunday. This morning I found my horse back to man in Knoxville to proceed so started back to Kingston. Stopped for the night with Mr. Maroney, one of a few Southern Rights men in this country.

June 22nd 1863—Monday. Arrived at Camp worn out.

June 29, 1863—Left Kingston for [ ] in the wagon.

July 19th 1863—Released from the [ ].

July 22, 1863—Heard that Richmond had fallen into the hands…

July 28th 1863—Monday. Encamped at ___ord, Tenn. Thhe regiment left Jacksboro on the 17th for Kentucky via Big Creek Gap.

July 30, 1863—Heard of Nancy’s death. Also of a fight at Manassas Gap.

August 7th 1863—Started for Rville. Left Russellville for Sneedville.

August 9th, 1863—Sunday. Arrived at Sneedville. Do not know the object of our trip.

August 14, 1863—Thursday. Left Sneedville. Arrived at Russellville.

August 16, 1863—Marched to Morristown.

August 17, 1863—Took the cars for Knoxville and arrived there at dark.

August 18, 1863—Took cars for Concord and marched from [ ] Spring and stopped for night.

August 19, 1863—Arrived at camp. Casualties on the last trip in Co. H, wounded 20, missing don’t know who among the missing are killed and wounded.

August 25th—Tuesday. Moved camp to Robertsville.

August 26th—Wednesday. Started for Loudon. Crossed river at Black’s Ford. Camped near Campbell’s Station.

August 21st 1863—Turned my horse over to the government.

August 30th 1863—Heard a sermon from Mr. Swindle [?], our chaplain.

September 1st 1863—Monday. Passed through Sweet Water and Athens.

September 2, 1863—Arrived at Charleston 3 o’clock in p.m. Loudon Bridge….skirmishers.

September 3rd 1863—Drew a horse and reported to the regiment 7 miles from town on the Athens Road.

September 5th, 1863—Saturday. Regiment in line of battle all night. Detailed as sharpshooter.

September 6th 1863—Sunday. In line of battle again last night. Fell back to Charleston. Col. Scott skirmishing with the Yanks at Sweet Water.

September7th 1863—Monday. In line of battle till 12 o’clock last night. Hear that Scott was falling back [ ] place.

September 8th 1863—Tuesday. Burnt the [ ] bridge at Potylock [?] this morning and retreated to Cleveland. Fall back to U____ and laid in line of battle till 12 o’clock. Detailed as artillery guard. Marched to Georgeville Gap [?].

September 9th. Detailed as courier for Gen. Johnston. Carried a dispatch to Gen. [Alexander] Stewart.

September 10th, 1863—Thursday. Reported to the regiment. Found the Yankees ahead of us.

September 11th 1863—Friday. On picket last night. Had some heavy skirmishing with the enemy.

September 12th 1863—Saturday. Rear guard again. Marched into LaGrange and…

September 13th 1863—Sunday. Whipped [Thomas L.] Crittenden out. Heard that [Alexander M.] McCook was on the Rome Road.

September 14, 1863—Monday. No fighting.

September 17, 1863—Thursday. Left camp and marched 10 miles on the Chattanooga road.

September 18, 1863—Cavalry of our….

September 19, 1863—Hard fight at Chickamauga. Lost two horses in our regiment and several men and horses struck by spent missiles. Heard gen. Preston Smith was killed.

September 20, 1863—Sunday. Fighting again. Gen. Hood lost a leg. Gens. [William B.] Bate and [Helm?] killed. Gen. Garland mortally wounded. Captured the enemy fortifications.

September 21st 1863—Monday. No fighting. Guard prisoners to the rear. Enemy retreating.

September 22, 1863—Tuesday. Enemy making a stand at Chattanooga. No fighting. Skirmish near Chattanooga.

September 23, 1863—Wednesday. Camped in same spot.

September 28, 1863—Monday. Started on a hunt for stragglers. Camped near Ringgold.

October 1st 1863—Thursday. Marched to Villanova.

October 3, 1853—Saturday. Camped near Fulton.

October 5, 1863—Monday. Returned to camp on Missionary Ridge.

October 8, 1863—Thursday. Detailed courier for Longstreet.

October 10, 1863—Saturday. Escorted President Davis on a review of the Army of Tennessee.

October 17, 1863—Went to Dalton to drive cattle.

October 20, 1863—Sunday. Returned to Tennessee with 400 head.

October 28, 1863—Wednesday. Gen. Jenkins engaged the enemy for three hours and a half. Finally repulsed losing [ ]00 men.

October 29, 1863—Thursday. Shelled the enemy from Lookout Mountain.

November 5, 1863—Thursday. Reported to the regiment.

November 12, 1863—Thursday. Heavy firing towards Chattanooga.

November 13, 1863—Friday. Paid off.

November 23, 1863—Monday. Reported to Gen. Bragg.

November 24, 1863—Tuesday. Sent to Gen. Hardee for duty. Picketed on the Cleveland Railroad.

November 25, 1863—Wednesday. The Yankees charged our position and were repulsed three times but finally forced us to retire to the top of the hill. Loss two men wounded. Fell back to the station.

November 26, 1863—Thursday. Marched to Ringgold.

November 27, 1863—Friday. Drove the Yankees back with a real loss variously estimated at 1500 to 2500.

Saturday and Sunday on picket between Ringgold and Tenn. Hill [?].

November 30, 1863—Monday. Marched to Dalton.

December 1, 1863—Tuesday. Went to [ ] to recruit our horses and have them shod.

December 25, 1863—Saturday. Passes away with unnatural. Chicken and biscuits.

December 29th 1863—Wednesday. Joseph E. Johnson took command of the Army of Tennessee. Moved camp and went into winter quarters.

January 29, 1864—Ordered to saddle up and be ready to march at a moment’s warning. Yanks were advancing in Rome.

January 30, 1864—Friday—Still in camp awaiting orders.

February 9, 1864—Left camp for the [ ] to [ ] our horses.

February 10, 1864—Wednesday. Passed through Calhoun. Voted for members of Congress. Passed through Adairsville and camped 4 miles below…

February 14, 1864—Saturday. Camped within two miles of [ ].

February 15, 1864—Sunday. Left M. for Jackson, Alabama. Camped in a wayside village, name unknown. On guard.

February 16, 1864—Monday. Granted a furlough for six days starting tomorrow.

February 17, 1864–[ ]

February 19, 1864—Left [ ] for camp.

February 20, 1864—Saturday. Around camp.

February 21, 1864—Sunday. Entered Alabama. Crossed [ ] river.

February 22, 1864— Rested all day.

February 23, 1864—Marched about [ ] miles, crossed Big T. river. J. W. Hughes had my clothes, saddle and blankets [ ]

February 24, 1864—Marched to the foot of [ ] Mountain.

February 25, 1864—Crossed [ ] Mountain. Are 5 miles of [ ].

February 29, 1864—Monday. Left Talladaga for [ ]. Marched about 13 miles…

March 1, 1864—Tuesday. Crossed the Coosa river. Cold rain accompanied by some unpleasant wind. Almost froze to death. Paif $2 for a two bladed pocket knife.

March 2, 1864—Wednesday. Weather clear and cold.

March 3, 1864—Thursday. Had an [ ] change of “base” which we enjoyed “____”.

March 4, 1864—Slight rain.

March 6, 1864—Sunday. Washed and changed clothes.

March 7, 1864—Monday. Slight rain.

March 14, 1864—Monday. Attended the grand military ball at the Harpersville [?] Masonic Hall. 15 ladies present…

May 1, 1864—Sunday. Rained last night and today. Returned to camp.

May 2, 1864—Monday. Yankees advanced on Tunnel Hill but retired after a little skirmishing.

May 3, 1864—Tuesday. Firing in front.

May 4, 1864—Wednesday. In line of battle. Also on the 5th.

May 6, 1864—Saddled and awaiting orders.

May 7, 1864—Saturday. Had a sharp little fight at Tunnel Hill. Nobody hurt. Started in the direction of Lafayette. Camped near Dalton.

May 8, 1864—Sunday. Went to Dug Hollow Gap at ten o’clock. The Yankees attacked the Gap at about 3 o’clock with a largely superior force, ours consisting of the 2nd and 1st Arkansas, and [Breckenridge’s dismounted cavalry]. They were repulsed four times when night put an end to the conflict. We then marched to Resaca and from there on the 9th to Snake [Creek] Gap where we [ ] in large force and kept up a running fight of about two hours, we retreating upon Resaca, which place the Yankees attacked about 5 o’clock a.m. but were repulsed. Out on picket.

May 10, 1864—Tuesday. In line of battle 2.5 miles from Resaca. Heavy rain.

May 11, 1864—Wednesday. In line of battle all night in the rain. Marched 5 Res [?] about three o’clock unsaddled and rested all night.

May 12, 1864—Thursday. Yankees advanced in the morning. Heavy firing in the direction of Dalton. [illegible] Yankees advanced to the [ ] near Resaca. Unsaddled [ ] all night.

May 13, 1864—Friday. In line of battle near Resaca. Fight opened about seven thirty. Yankees charging our pickets. We fought them four hours and retired across the river, turned the Yanks over to the infantry. Lieutenant one one man in my company wounded. Heavy skirmishing in front of Resaca in the evening.

May 14, 1864—Saturday. Detailed to [ ]. Skirmishing in front. The Yankees were repulsed on the right by [Benjamin F.] Cheatham’s and [Patrick] Cleburne’s Divisions. Brigade on picket near Calhoun.

May 15, 1864—Sunday. Look about after stragglers through the wagon camps. Yanks captured [Gen.] Hindman’s [Division] Hospital.

May 16, 1864—Monday. Army on retreat. Light skirmishing near Calhoun. Yankees repulsed. Went to Adairsville.

May 17, 1864—Tuesday. Heavy firing in the rear.

May 18, 1864—Wednesday. Army falls back to Kingston.

May 19, 1864—Thursday. Went to Cassville [ ].

May 20, 1864—Went to Altoona and camped.

May 21, 1864—Saturday. At Altoona.

May 24, 1864—Tuesday. Left Altoona and arched in the direction of Dallas and Powder Springs. Heard firing towards the new front.

May 25, 1864—Wednesday. Went to [ ]. Skirmishing.

May 26, 1864—Thursday. [ ] prisoners.

May 27, 1864—Friday. Skirmishing heavily in the evening. Came near being [ ].

May 28, 1864—Saturday. Skirmishing again…

May 30, 1864—Monday. The enemy opened [ ] of artillery and musketry about 9 o’clock last night which was [ ]. Quiet reigned along the line all day.

May 31, 1864—Tuesday. Opened about 6 o’clock on the left but with unimportant results.

June 1, 1864—Wednesday. Brisk cannonading.

June 2, 1864—Thursday. Light skirmishing. Yanks moving.

June 3, 1864—Friday. Light skirmishing. Heavy rain…

June 13, 1864—Heavy skirmishing in front.

June 14, 1864—Gen. Polk killed by a shot.