July 16, 1864, 76th of
the Campaign.
I can hear no firing to-day, but we are so far from the
right or center that we could hear nothing less than a 13-inch mortar. I will
tell you all I know of the situation just to let you know how little a soldier
knows of what is going on. In papers of this date you will see twice as much.
The 17th Army Corps lies on the right bank of the river, and to the right of
the army, six miles below the railroad crossing, skirmishing with the enemy on
the opposite side. Next comes the 20th, 14th and 4th on the same side, the 4th
lying across the railroad four miles, further up the 23d crossed the river, but
probably only holds a position, as we do. Then the 16th Corps joins the left of
the 23d, and the 15th last, both on the left bank. Not being perfect in heavy
strategy, I can't exactly see the point, but no doubt Sherman does. I suppose
the 4th, 14th and 20th Corps will cross near the railroad bridge, and be the
first to occupy Atlanta. If we can't get to give Johnston a sound thrashing, I
don't care about marching another step until fall. Health of the regiment still
good, but we are expecting sickness soon. We have had a terrific thunderstorm,
killed five men and wounded eight in the 18th Missouri, and killed a teamster
and some mules. I never saw but one or two more severe ones.
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an
Illinois Soldier, p. 279-80
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