DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1863

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1863-05-17

killed.  Took to colored men under my charge, they had fled from their masters.  We marched very rapidly during the night, as late as 1 ½ A. M. when we came into Camp general Tuttle informed us that General Grant had repulsed the enemy this side of Big Black River, had taken 1.500 with 18 pieces of artillery, the enemy is 38.000 strong at the bridge, we must whip him there, onward was the cry of the men, though most of them could hardly stand on their feet before they received this cheering intelligence of general Tuttle.  

Sunday 17.  Sunrise greeted us on the march this morning, we travelled quite fast expecting a battle every moment.  Today was very severe on us.  Saw a number of rebel prisoners who were captured at the battle of Champion’s Hill, where a battle was fought today, the rebels were badly whipped.  The 24th Iowa of Hovey’s division suffered a heavy loss here.  Arrived at Big Black River, where our troops built a pontoon bridge and crossed over very rapidly.  We remained in Camp tonight.  Capt Wm Keeler formerly provost marshall at Cairo joined our regiment today.  Looks well.

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killed. Took to colored men under my charge, they had fled from their masters. We marched very rapidly during the night, as late as 1 ½ A. M. when we came into Camp general Tuttle informed us that General Grant had repulsed the enemy this side of Big Black River, had taken 1.500 with 18 pieces of artillery, the enemy is 38.000 strong at the bridge, we must whip him there, onward was the cry of the men, though most of them could hardly stand on their feet before they received this cheering intelligence of general Tuttle. Sunday 17. Sunrise greeted us on the march this morning, we travelled quite fast expecting a battle every moment. Today was very severe on us. Saw a number of rebel prisoners who were captured at the battle of Champion’s Hill, where a battle was fought today, the rebels were badly whipped. The 24th Iowa of Hovey’s division suffered a heavy loss here. Arrived at Big Black River, where our troops built a pontoon bridge and crossed over very rapidly. We remained in Camp tonight. Capt Wm Keeler formerly provost marshall at Cairo joined our regiment today. Looks well.