Thomas Wright's Diary

1864

Thomas War life moves into 1864 just after the Battle of the Wilderness. I thank you all for sticking with Thom and Betsy. Grant has taken over the Army of Potomac. The War is getting closer to it's climax. For better and worse, it changes the Country and it's people into a new life and learning curve. So shall we move forward.

 
8, May 1864

These few pass days, have set me ta thinking. Grant didn't turn tail an run, he turned towards those Rebs ta keep the fight goin. This man I think will do the job of endin this war. He showed the same drive in the west. As fer what happened in that forests just one day ago, back ta the 5th of May. Well I will recollect best I can.  I must say, I thought Stones River was bad; this was like a tangled nest fallen trees splintered like broke twigs. Heavy smoke death dense dark forest , smoke and fire filled. Many a brave men went in, never ta walk out.

We were the last ta cross the Rapidan River, we were part of the 5th corp near the Orange Turnpike. Our Regiment was tired and not truly fit ta fight. We made a long march the day befer, joining the 5th corp early mornin of 5, May. That Turnpike moves east ta west. The forest or wilderness made it hard ta move as a company or even platoon level. The 60th overall did a fine job considerin were a tired lot.

On the 5th we stumbled inta Rebel camp, my what a fight. Men firin within feet of each other. Didn't know if friend or foe were next ta ya. Philotis never left my side, few times he pulled me into the trees ta keep me from bein shot. We ended by chargin straight inta that camp. We took ta fighin hand ta hand. Bayonets, sabers, knifes, damn rifles were used like clubs. Never have I been so filled with rage, fear an the need ta kill ta live! Stone River weren't none like this! They took to runnin best they could run, small twigs an branches flappin about as they skedaddled.

Several fires broke out, heard our boys screaming as they burned.
We tried ta get ta the road, never have I seen such fierce musket an cannon fire! We were forced back. One of my boys tried ta run, I stopped him. Stood beside him an fired as fast we could. Philotis next ta me, an that boy,  never a moment he wasn't with me. That boy, that ran died next ta me. Dear I gots a man killed, one of my men! He wouldn't a got far off, maybe not even out of sight. 5, May was a rough day ta say the least. Yesum lost Jacob Masters.

We slept the best we could, considerin the smoke was thick in those trees. I checked my boys, they looked past the point of tuckered. They needed rest, I needed ammo badly sent Philotis over ta company ta see about cartridges. Him an fella from A Company brought back nough fer full cartridge pouch an few ta put in they pockets.

6, May 1864

We got a little rest, between the dyin in those small fires and little skirmishes through the night. Philotis managed to have coffee an hardtack, ready in the mornin just befer four in the mornin. Told him ta wake half the men have coffee an hardtack no other food.
Then wake the others after the first had coffee. I headed towards the Company HQ.

We, had no orders ta move. We were ta hold 2nd corp were ta attack we had few skirmishes. Cannon fire tore trees like they was brush. Splinterin them above our heads an droppin big hunks ta the ground. Some just bored inta the trunk. Small fires were all around. The day ended with us stuck in the spot we began.

7, May 1864

No true winner, both sides called it a day so ta speak. Although we didn't turn tail an run, we are moving forward. Grant is goin ta make thum fight when ever he can. I can feel it. He is like a dog after his chase, like my runner go until he gets his chase.

8, May 1864

It seems we are close ta takin on Bobby Lee again. This may go on till old Bobby Lee gets ta tired ta fight or we push him ta corner, an we fight like mad dogs. Best close up here.