Near Stone Mountain,
July 18, 1864.
Osterhaus (or his division, for I hear that he resigned and
yesterday started for the North, en route for Mexico, where he formerly
resided, and that he intends entering the Mexican Army to fight “Johnny Crapeau”)
was ahead to-day, and only lost a dozen or 50 men. Our brigade has been train
guard, and we did not get into camp until 11 p. m. This night marching hurts us
more than the hottest day marching. We camp to-night near Stone Mountain, and
the depot of the same name 16 miles from Atlanta. It is evident to me that the
Army of the Tennessee is doing the “flanking them out” this time. The 1st
Division cut the railroad effectually. A train came from the East while they
were at it, but discovering the smoke, reversed the engine and escaped. The
17th Corps I hear is close behind us protecting the commissary trains and
forming our rear guard.
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an
Illinois Soldier, p. 281-2
