Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, July 15, 1863

Nothing out of the common routine took place during this day. Skirmishing continued and some shelling.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 279

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, July 16, 1863

Every thing went on quite smoothly until 9 o'clock A.M., when, to our surprise, the enemy ceased firing entirely. The cause was soon made known. In clear, lively tones their bugles sounded the "Forward," and in a short time a strong line of skirmishers was seen advancing on the run-ours falling back to the ditches. Following these came their main line, also at a double

quick. Our impatience got the better of our judgement, and we began firing on their skirmishers, while the artillery threw a perfect torrent of grape and shell into the main line. The consequence was, they were scared back before we could do them much injury. They took refuge in a ravine some five hundred yards off and remained until the afternoon, when General Gregg determined to drive them away and re-establish his skirmish lines. To effect this, the batteries shelled the place furiously for a half hour, when several of our regiments advanced, and, after a spirited fight of fifteen minutes, routed the party and recovered the lost ground. While the picket fighting was in progress, our Orderly Sergeant, Joe English, was badly wounded in the leg, and Dick Smith and I carried him off the field. Nearly all of the regiment was on picket during the evening and night.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 279-80