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Letter written by J. Edward James, 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, on June 22, 1864, at Big Shanty, Georgia, to his sister Lizzie James Lamberson, Galena, Illinois.
"The enemy after fighting hard fell back from “Lost Mt.” (where they [page 2] where [sic] when I last wrote.) and are now at the base of Kinasaw [Kennesaw] Mt. and for the last three days there have been hard fighting, and some little advantage has been gained over the enemy.
I was out to the regiment last Monday with supplies, and while I was there the brigade was under orders for fight. The 96 was on the front line, and while I was getting my papers signed, two men were wounded not six feet from me. I got back to the train all streight [sic] though. The brigade was then in line at the base of a small hill, the enemy being on top. We got orders not to issue the Provisions until dark as at 4 there was a charge to be made with a view to take this hill, at 3 oclock 36 pieces of Artillery took a position and opened out on the main ridge, by way of feint [page 3] while our boys and another battery worked at the hill, and the charge was made and the point gained. Imagine if you can the noise of 48 cannon and a brigade of musketry the ground fairly trembled, but it only lasted for a half hour when all was partially quiet, but not long, for the enemy gathered and tried to retake their lost ground, when of a sudden all again was noise then thunder, on account of one regt (35 Ind) giving away exposed the rest of the brigade to a cross fire from the enemy, and sad work was done, but our boys held their ground and the enemy fell back, but soon came up again and for four time the[y] were repulsed so they quit. Our brigade lost quite heavy, the 96 severe but not so heavy as some of the other regts. I am sorry to say that Col. Champion was struck by a buck shot under the [page 4] left eye, the shot coming out through the temple it is thought he will loose [sic] his eye. Lieut Col Smith shot through the left bre[a]st under the sho[u]lder but only a flesh wound Capt. James (of Lake County) about the same place. Capt. Gilmore (Lake) through the top of the head, and thigh, not expected [to] live. Several men killed through the regt. but not accaqinsinces [acquaintances] of our, in the whole 38 killed, wounded and missing. Co. A. all right. Major Hicks was in the hospital sick at the time but took his place next day. Our brigade has not been engaged since but still on the front line. Hooker is engaging the enemy today on our right it is thought trying to flank the enemy and if successful, will end opperations [sic] at this point and we shall push on again for Atlanta."
Identifier
sc.0069.001_003.008
Date
1864 June 22
Keywords
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondents
Recommended Citation
"1864 June 22, J. Edward James to Lizzie James Lamberson" (2023). Documents. 6.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-jamesje1/6
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