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

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1864-05-18

silent.  After the firing, part of our cavalry, the 3d Maryland made a charge along a narrow lane up to a house where the rebels lay concealed.  As our men reached them, they received a tremendous volley of musketry, which killed and wounded many of their officers and men.  The rebels pressed them so heavily that they were compelled to return almost as fast as they came.  Leaving many of their men in rebels hands.  It was very dusty, and our own men covered with dust could scarcely be distinguished from rebels.  We remained in position there a short time, then retreated gradually.  Taking up new position -------
 
Here the journal ceases.  The next day May 18th 1864 my dearest friend received the fatal wound from the effects of which he died June 16th 1864.  After receiving the wound at Yellow Bayou La. he was taken to a Hospital boat and transported to a hospital at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, where he remained until his death.  At his own request, he was brought to Muscatine and buried with Masonic rites.  Two of his brothers Chas. an Henry came with the remains arriving the 20th inst.  The funeral services were held at Episcopal church 22nd inst.  Dr. Vale officiating. Henry went to Homestead Iowa  the 20th inst. starting the first train after his arrival in Muscatine, for his parents, brothers, and other relations, who returned with him the 21st , save his father who becoming alarmed at not hearing form Geo. had gone to St. Louis to learn his fate.  He did not return until after the funeral was over.

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silent. After the firing, part of our cavalry, the 3d Maryland made a charge along a narrow lane up to a house where the rebels lay concealed. As our men reached them, they received a tremendous volley of musketry, which killed and wounded many of their officers and men. The rebels pressed them so heavily that they were compelled to return almost as fast as they came. Leaving many of their men in rebels hands. It was very dusty, and our own men covered with dust could scarcely be distinguished from rebels. We remained in position there a short time, then retreated gradually. Taking up new position ------- Here the journal ceases. The next day May 18th 1864 my dearest friend received the fatal wound from the effects of which he died June 16th 1864. After receiving the wound at Yellow Bayou La. he was taken to a Hospital boat and transported to a hospital at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, where he remained until his death. At his own request, he was brought to Muscatine and buried with Masonic rites. Two of his brothers Chas. an Henry came with the remains arriving the 20th inst. The funeral services were held at Episcopal church 22nd inst. Dr. Vale officiating. Henry went to Homestead Iowa the 20th inst. starting the first train after his arrival in Muscatine, for his parents, brothers, and other relations, who returned with him the 21st , save his father who becoming alarmed at not hearing form Geo. had gone to St. Louis to learn his fate. He did not return until after the funeral was over.