Cruger, Jefferson (fl. 1863-) 1863 Diary
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06160.01 Author/Creator: Cruger, Jefferson (fl. 1863-) Place Written: s.l. Type: Diary Date: 1863 Pagination: 1 vol. ; 8.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
[excerpts:]
[May 1] ...arrived at scene of action this A.M. about 6 when the battle commenced. Gen. Osterhaus division our Gen. Hovery was next we had a hard fight 3 hrs. when the rebels retreated
[May 2] The battle near Port Gibson was comenced yesterday morning...We silenced their battle& took a lot of prisoners & their flag....
[May 16] the rebels had some 40 to 50,000 men & received replacements but we drove them entirely off
[May 19] Gen. Grants army has captured 75 pieces of artillery & about 20,000 prisoners
[May 22] was ordered to fall in at 10 A.M. to support Gen Osterhaus division while they charge the enemy's works today they were repulsed with great slaughter
[May 23] Our batteries are trying to shell them out. Sherman is pressing the rebels pretty hard on the right.
[May 25] the rebles [sic] put out 3 white flags, beging an opportunity to bury their dead & take care of their wounded
[May 26] Our sharpshooters are at work doing good execution
[June 26] ...yesterday our whole line opened on the rebs with muskets & canon. Sherman attempted to blow up the big fort.
[July 3] Went up sharpshooting about 65 a.m., about 7 the Rebels sent in a white flag. Order was to cease firing along the line.
[July 4] This day is the anniversary of the nation's birthday and also the capture of the Rebel stronghold. Vicksburg surrendered unconditionally 8 o'clock.
[July 17] Soon after breakfast Gen. Shermans army corps enered the town & planted the flag on the statehouse & courthouse
[July 18] We spent all yesterday forenoon taking spoils from the enemy today details are made...to destroy public property, burning cotton, railroads
[Sept 4] Grand Review of our whole army Corps this forenoon by Gen. Grant & Gen. Banks and their staff
[Sept 17] One colored regt came in last night and another today the 1st La & 15th La they made nice appearance
[Nov 4] Col Gibbry of the 23rd Wis is wounded and taken prisoner the whole brigade sufford severely
[Nov 10] the rebs are retreating on the Sabine road
[Nov 21] Col [Burbers[ of the 7th Texas we took yesterday was the Congress man who shot a waiter at Hilliards Hotel some years since
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