May 15, 1864, 1:30 a. m. At 11 p. m. went again on the
skirmish line with Captain Post and superintended the construction of rifle
pits for our skirmishers. A good deal of fun between our boys and the Rebels
talking only 50 yards apart.
Five thirty a. m. — At 3 a. m. moved and are now supporting
Osterhaus, who is going to charge the railroad. Will see fighting this morning.
Nine a. m. — The skirmishers are fighting briskly.
Osterhaus' artillery is on both sides and behind us. Sherman has just passed us
to the front. When we first came here about daylight the Rebels charged our
folks on the hill ahead, but were repulsed without our assistance. McPherson is
now passing. Osterhaus gained that hill last night by a charge, losing about
200 men in the operation. From a hill 50 yards from our position I can see the
Rebel fort at Resaca and Rebels in abundance. It is not a mile distant.
One thirty p. m. — Our artillery is beginning to open on
them. One man was killed and two wounded within 40 yards of the regiment by
Rebel sharpshooters.
Seven p. m.—No charge yet to-day, but has been heavy
fighting on the left. I have seen, this evening, Rebel trains moving in all
directions. We have a good view of all their works.
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an
Illinois Soldier, p. 241-2
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