It rained steadily all day. Our forces did not advance any
today, but they are still throwing up earthworks and planting batteries. There
was some shelling at a few points today by our men and the skirmishing at times
was quite lively on both sides. But because of so much rain the last two days,
and since we have worked so hard building rifle pits, we are glad to remain
quiet and get some rest. As we have no tents, the men have built “ranches” out
of their rubber ponchos, for shelter and for resting places in which to get
snatches of sleep. There are no tents except the hospital tents, and some of
the officers have “fly tents” in order to keep their papers and books dry. Our
wagon trains are kept in the rear for fear of our being suddenly shelled and
compelled to fall back. The earthworks of both sides are in plain view of each
other, all the timber between having been cut down, and the pickets are close
enough together at night to engage in conversation.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 196
No comments:
Post a Comment