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

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1864-05-08 -- 1864-05-09

Sunday 8. Remained in camp all day without any special excitement. Rumors are prevalent that the rebels have captured several more of our transports, and two of our gunboats of the musketofleet, one of which they are using to patrol the river with. The opinion of the rebels is, that they have us effectually surrounded, and that is impossible for us to escape. It is true that we are in a bad situation and will probably have to fight our way out. We are cut off at present from all communication with the miss. Our position is by no means an enviable one, but we must look our danger squarely in the face, and do the best we can to extricate ourselves. The rebels have captured a large mail coming up the river for us. They are doubtful having a merry time reading the correspondence of our friends to us. Well it will be our turn next to laugh at them.

Monday 9. Smoke and dust, wind and a little rain this morning all agreeable things in camp without shelter. Several orders from department headquarters reached us, informing us what preparations should be made for our intended retreat, which I suppose will be commenced as soon as our gunboats are over the rapids. To effect this a dam has been built over the rapids to raise the water, but it broke after several boats came down. It may be a week yet before we bid adieu to this country.

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Sunday 8. Remained in camp all day without any special excitement. Rumors are prevalent that the rebels have captured several more of our transports, and two of our gunboats of the musketofleet, one of which they are using to patrol the river with. The opinion of the rebels is, that they have us effectually surrounded, and that is impossible for us to escape. It is true that we are in a bad situation and will probably have to fight our way out. We are cut off at present from all communication with the miss. Our position is by no means an enviable one, but we must look our danger squarely in the face, and do the best we can to extricate ourselves. The rebels have captured a large mail coming up the river for us. They are doubtful having a merry time reading the correspondence of our friends to us. Well it will be our turn next to laugh at them. Monday 9. Smoke and dust, wind and a little rain this morning all agreeable things in camp without shelter. Several orders from department headquarters reached us, informing us what preparations should be made for our intended retreat, which I suppose will be commenced as soon as our gunboats are over the rapids. To effect this a dam has been built over the rapids to raise the water, but it broke after several boats came down. It may be a week yet before we bid adieu to this country.