July 2, 1863
For fear of never being identified if soldiers die in battle, many of my comrades have sown their name within the uniform they will be wearing to fight. I have done the same, I have sown my full name Charlotte Swan Smith beneath the outer layer of my uniform.
12 Am- They had changed our commander, at the time I could not help to feel a little worried but it all seemed to work fine. The new commander has positioned troops in various hills and also has put a defense line in order to look like a hook. I believe this is a strong defense. I have drawn a picture to the best of my abilities from what I could remember about our positioning. The Confederates had cut our lines, we then had no communication with President Lincoln and other troops, and because of this the commander waved the flag back and forth signaling different codes by the way he moved the flag. Others were able to understand and respond.
4:30 Pm- At this hour the thunder of war broke out. I heard muskets firing people yelling near us but we were ordered to stand our ground and not fire.
6 Pm-The confederates had been trying to break through our defenses for hours. It had felt like we could not hold them off for much longer. Different union troops had broken our defense hook, putting many union soldiers at risk. Confederate men had started to approach cemetery ridge when our union commander had ordered to fire the cannon balls.
8Pm- Many thousands have died today. Much more so than other battles. The battle strategy of the union hook seems to still be intact, although battered, this has been taken ad a rise to victory for the union. I feel very upset for what I have seen today in battle. Many have been left to die while others fight. I have never seen such a detestable sight my eyes burn of tears from the memories. Brothers, sons, husbands, and friends have died today, I do not think I can take much more.
