DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1861

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1861-08-02 -- 1861-08-04

Frid.2. 
formed in line of battle, the attack was made by the enemy, but our cannon spoke in thunder tones, and the foe was compelled to retreat although 4,000 choice troops of cavalry under Ben. McCulloch made the charge leaving 7' killed on the field, we took 15 horses 75 guns and some prisoners and numerous wounded while we lost four or five men, we were not engaged in the fight since we stood behind the battery, and the enemy did not come near enough for our muskets, we were constantly on the alert, and had very little rest.

Sat.3. 
Before daybreak we were again in ranks, had a good breakfast. We proceeded on our march in pursuit of the enemy, our company and Co. G. of our regt. acted as rear guard of the entire train of over 200 wagons. The main body had skirmished with the enemy and took possession of his camp, which was left by him in great haste, nothing valuable, save plenty of feed for our horses. We took one deserter who reports the enemy 22,000 strong. We camped near a large church, in a place called McCrilloch's P.O. where we lodged well.

Sun.4. We rejoiced this morning, as we turned our steps again toward Springfield, fearing an attack of the enemy upon that place, during our absence, and supposing this skirmish to be a ruse to throw us off our guard. The road was very dusty and the sun shone extremely warm, some poor fellows come near dying nothing more is heard from the enemy; we are on half rations.

Saving...

Frid.2. formed in line of battle, the attack was made by the enemy, but our cannon spoke in thunder tones, and the foe was compelled to retreat although 4,000 choice troops of cavalry under Ben. McCulloch made the charge leaving 7' killed on the field, we took 15 horses 75 guns and some prisoners and numerous wounded while we lost four or five men, we were not engaged in the fight since we stood behind the battery, and the enemy did not come near enough for our muskets, we were constantly on the alert, and had very little rest. Sat.3. Before daybreak we were again in ranks, had a good breakfast. We proceeded on our march in pursuit of the enemy, our company and Co. G. of our regt. acted as rear guard of the entire train of over 200 wagons. The main body had skirmished with the enemy and took possession of his camp, which was left by him in great haste, nothing valuable, save plenty of feed for our horses. We took one deserter who reports the enemy 22,000 strong. We camped near a large church, in a place called McCrilloch's P.O. where we lodged well. Sun.4. We rejoiced this morning, as we turned our steps again toward Springfield, fearing an attack of the enemy upon that place, during our absence, and supposing this skirmish to be a ruse to throw us off our guard. The road was very dusty and the sun shone extremely warm, some poor fellows come near dying nothing more is heard from the enemy; we are on half rations.