The weather is still very warm. To-day we hear heavy cannonading in the direction of Sherman's line. This evening we advance towards the rebel works; our batteries gaining a position, they throw some shells into their midst. We hold our position, and soon commence throwing up breastworks; the army keeps working on them nearly all night; the Seventh finish their space by two o'clock in the morning. We now have another strong line of defense. If Beauregard stands, we anticipate a general engagement soon. All day we hear heavy cannonading along Pope's line. Would that that restless spirit whose dogs of war are continually barking could be let loose at this very hour; we know he would go sweeping like an avalanche against the fortified walls of Corinth. But it is not deemed best, and for what reasons history will show; and if it be a mistake, the world will see it, and he who is responsible will receive the censure. To-night the Seventh is restless; the men are anxious to leap those works and carry the old flag on. Their hearts long to see it flying over yonder, but they are held in check. Somebody is cautious; perhaps somebody is fearful that his name, like the name of another, will be handled harshly in the northern hotels; perhaps fearful that somebody would say he was drunk.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 74-5
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