Transcribe
Translate
George C. Burmeister diary, 1863
1863-05-15 -- 1863-05-16
More information
digital collection
archival collection guide
transcription tips
Friday 15 The force which the enemy had here is estimated at 8.000 men, they retreated toward Canton Miss. Jackson is a fine city of about 4000 inhabitants. Some magnificent streets ad buildings, the Capitol and Court house are especially beautiful. Our command went out on the R. R. toward Canton, and destroyed about three miles of track; returned to Camp this evening very tired. The City seems to be on fire tonight, it grieves me that so much private property is destroyed, I can see all that taken or destroyed which will weaken the rebels, yet I can not see that private property will do it. It seems sinful to commit such a city into the hands of our soldiery, I heard that our general regrets the wanton destruction of the city. I almost feel ashamed of our army at this time. Saturday 16. Tried to get into the hospital, but was not able to do so. He is quite sick. He followed us in our ambulance. The buildings formerly used by the Confederate army were burned. Our army left the city about 10 A. M. on the road to Clinton. We marched very rapidly, arrived at Clinton at 4 P. M. here we rested several hours, were informed that our rear had been attacked by guerrillas and some of our stragglers had been killed by them. Also the Colonel of the 47th Illinois regiment was
Saving...
prev
next
Friday 15 The force which the enemy had here is estimated at 8.000 men, they retreated toward Canton Miss. Jackson is a fine city of about 4000 inhabitants. Some magnificent streets ad buildings, the Capitol and Court house are especially beautiful. Our command went out on the R. R. toward Canton, and destroyed about three miles of track; returned to Camp this evening very tired. The City seems to be on fire tonight, it grieves me that so much private property is destroyed, I can see all that taken or destroyed which will weaken the rebels, yet I can not see that private property will do it. It seems sinful to commit such a city into the hands of our soldiery, I heard that our general regrets the wanton destruction of the city. I almost feel ashamed of our army at this time. Saturday 16. Tried to get into the hospital, but was not able to do so. He is quite sick. He followed us in our ambulance. The buildings formerly used by the Confederate army were burned. Our army left the city about 10 A. M. on the road to Clinton. We marched very rapidly, arrived at Clinton at 4 P. M. here we rested several hours, were informed that our rear had been attacked by guerrillas and some of our stragglers had been killed by them. Also the Colonel of the 47th Illinois regiment was
Civil War Diaries and Letters
sidebar
