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

Transcribe
Translate

1863-10-17

Saturday 17.  Passed through the customary preliminary preparations for the march this morning.  Advanced slowly.  The rebels have chosen a magnificent position, a high ridge, before which lies a vast open field over which we must have advanced, covering a distance of half a mile.  Cannonading is still going on, our battery (Capt Mueller’s) is going to the front.  If the rebels intend to make a stand anywhere in the vicinity they will certainly do it here.  We waited till three P.M. when Gen. Logan came up with his division, on the enemy’s flank, and the rebels retired.  We took possession of their camp, and remained there during the night.  We had scarcely selected our position, and camped before the soldiers visited some of the plantations in the neighborhood, and set the houses on fire, and plundering them generally.  Some of the residences are described as having been magnificent buildings.  One in particular was beautifully decorated, and well furnished, splendid carpets, furniture, pictures and libraries, with statues, all were consumed by the fiery element.  Two ladies who were found there were left without shelter.  The heavens are lit up with the fires of burning houses.  I do not think it right to commit these acts.  It rained very hard tonight.

Saving...

Saturday 17. Passed through the customary preliminary preparations for the march this morning. Advanced slowly. The rebels have chosen a magnificent position, a high ridge, before which lies a vast open field over which we must have advanced, covering a distance of half a mile. Cannonading is still going on, our battery (Capt Mueller’s) is going to the front. If the rebels intend to make a stand anywhere in the vicinity they will certainly do it here. We waited till three P.M. when Gen. Logan came up with his division, on the enemy’s flank, and the rebels retired. We took possession of their camp, and remained there during the night. We had scarcely selected our position, and camped before the soldiers visited some of the plantations in the neighborhood, and set the houses on fire, and plundering them generally. Some of the residences are described as having been magnificent buildings. One in particular was beautifully decorated, and well furnished, splendid carpets, furniture, pictures and libraries, with statues, all were consumed by the fiery element. Two ladies who were found there were left without shelter. The heavens are lit up with the fires of burning houses. I do not think it right to commit these acts. It rained very hard tonight.