Monday, October 31, 2016

Diary of Sergeant George G. Smith: June 1, 1863

First Louisiana relieved by the 8th Vermont Infantry. After dark it fell back to the rear about half a mile, into a ravine. The rebels shelled us tremendously all night, but did us no harm. Our business here proved to be to protect a mortar battery that was to be planted on high ground in front of us. Guard duty coming only once a week, eating and sleeping turned out to be our chief occupation. The trees in that camp were mostly large Magnolias, and being in full bloom at this time of year, the air was loaded with their fragrance.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 67

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