DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-04-24

of Kane river, on a high bluff to command the ford where we must cross.  What it will all end with is difficult to say, but we are between two fires.  It is rumored that Gen. Grover has attacked the rebels in their rear near the crossing and that the latter are in a trap.  I don’t believe it.  We are waiting .  I not not for what.  Did not wait long, orders came to move toward the enemy on the double quick.  We advanced to the timber near the town and formed on our 2d Brig.  Was scarcely formed when my co, was ordered to advance as skirmishers in front of our regiment, which lay at the edge of the timber.  My co. advanced and took its position near a small lake ½ of a mile from our regiment.  Firing was very heavy on our left, tremendous volleys were delivered and it appeared that our men were falling back, but I was mistaken, our men drove the rebels the firing receded more to the left.  I saw but one rebel in our front apparently reconnoitering our position.  We have been lying here now for several hours and have not fired a shot.  The firing on our left is constantly growing less distinct.  I think the rebels have been whipped.  At four o’clock we left and as soon as the rebels ascertained that we were retreating they again attacked our rear.  We marched 1 ½ miles and rested for the night in line of battle.  The wind blew heavily, slept in the field.

Sunday 24.  At 3 ½ A.M. our cannon opened fire, and we prepared for action.  The rebels kept quiet.  Took our breakfast and now at sunrise we are still waiting.  Shelling is going on by our guns near us.  The rebels have opened their battery on us and a few shells exploded near us.  Our right is on the extreme right.

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of Kane river, on a high bluff to command the ford where we must cross. What it will all end with is difficult to say, but we are between two fires. It is rumored that Gen. Grover has attacked the rebels in their rear near the crossing and that the latter are in a trap. I don’t believe it. We are waiting . I not not for what. Did not wait long, orders came to move toward the enemy on the double quick. We advanced to the timber near the town and formed on our 2d Brig. Was scarcely formed when my co, was ordered to advance as skirmishers in front of our regiment, which lay at the edge of the timber. My co. advanced and took its position near a small lake ½ of a mile from our regiment. Firing was very heavy on our left, tremendous volleys were delivered and it appeared that our men were falling back, but I was mistaken, our men drove the rebels the firing receded more to the left. I saw but one rebel in our front apparently reconnoitering our position. We have been lying here now for several hours and have not fired a shot. The firing on our left is constantly growing less distinct. I think the rebels have been whipped. At four o’clock we left and as soon as the rebels ascertained that we were retreating they again attacked our rear. We marched 1 ½ miles and rested for the night in line of battle. The wind blew heavily, slept in the field. Sunday 24. At 3 ½ A.M. our cannon opened fire, and we prepared for action. The rebels kept quiet. Took our breakfast and now at sunrise we are still waiting. Shelling is going on by our guns near us. The rebels have opened their battery on us and a few shells exploded near us. Our right is on the extreme right.