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28 January 1864
Johnston, Witter H., fl. 1861-1864
to Miss Sue Johnston
He received a package which someone else opened ('strange hands"). But he was able to find walnuts and butter untouched.
GLC02167.10
29 January 1864
He talks about all the food he has received, including jam, apple butter, cake and cookies.
GLC02167.11
31 January 1864
They are all detailed to go to Savannah but but will not leave until morning. He picked up his new coat.
GLC02167.12
5 February 1864
They are on Aiken's Island and the weather is very nice. He heard some shots one day. It turned out to be the general who had been unable to get their attention. He gave orders to move back into the tide.
GLC02167.13
7 February 1864
to Friends at home
They will make a diversion in favor of another movement under Gilmore. Her will let her know where they move as soon as possible.
GLC02167.14
19 February 1864
He took a walk on the beach for the first time in a long time. The weather has been very cold.
GLC02167.15
5 May 1864
He sent for the Eclectic Magazine. One of the gunboats was there the other day but he didn't know until it had left. Had he known, he would have gone aboard.
GLC02167.16
13 May 1864
Charlie came to visit and he is well. All the things they sent arrived in good condition. The new Colonel arrived. Unfortunately he is profane and drinks too much.
GLC02167.17
18 May 1864
One of the Colonels placed a truce flag on enemy lines today. He heard that the left wing of Grant's army was whipped. 17,000 men were taken prisoner. He refers to Banks' defeat.
GLC02167.18
13 June 1864
to unknown
He describes a rainstorm in which they set up tents. He talks about how they dealt with it and every mishap along the way.
GLC02167.19
29 June 1864
They have been ordered to go somewhere on boats with nine days rations. He saw Henry. Elliot and Charles are well.
GLC02167.20
4 July 1864
They marched for three hours before coming to a house that had been used by the rebels as a picket post. Some of the men destroyed furniture they found in the house. It was very hot.
GLC02167.21
6 July 1864
They marched for three miles until 2 companies were sent forward on skirmishes. They continued until they came to a bridge. After their skirmishes they drove some of the enemy from fence behind which they had become intrenched.
GLC02167.22
16 July 1864
He is no longer confident the war will end soon. Everyone is in good spirits mainly because they have been signing the payroll.
GLC02167.23
17 July 1864
He met with Capt. Griffith and told him they ought to have regular prayer meetings. Several other agreed.
GLC02167.24
circa 17 July 1864
They have regular meetings now and they are well attended. He saw Charlie and Elliot there. St. Graves' wife is ill. He heard the Rebels had over a hundred killed on July 8th.
GLC02167.25
1 August 1864
to Mother
He bought a camp chair which he is hoping he can take with him. He sees Henry snd Gilbert every day. Everyone is well and going to prayer meetings.
GLC02167.26
2 August 1864
They started drilling on the big guns again. The colonel has the authority to bring the regiment up to 1200 and if he does, they will stay where they are for some time.
GLC02167.27
15 August 1864
He is concerned because it looks Edgar will be drafted. Though he, himself, enlisted he has never for one moment regretted his decision. Later he describes getting attacked by mosquitos.
GLC02167.28
19 August 1864
There are no longer any colored men or dutchmen in his department. The colonel wants to change them to an artillery regiment. He is taking a trip to Beaufort with Lt. Hebbard.
GLC02167.29
31 August 1864
There is a recruiting agent whose job it is buy colored troops to fill up their qouta. He talks about the difficulties of the draft and the reservations of the one-year men.
GLC02167.30
12 September 1864
He is glad for the news about Sherman's grip on Petersburgh Farragut. Though he thinks it is unwise to enlist men for one year. Lt. Lohiske has been sick but is getting better.
GLC02167.31
22 September 1864
to Miss Johnston
He thinks Elliot has improved since joining the army and is now a man. Seymour Graves is going to have a comission in a negro regiment. He had dinner with some exchanged prisoners
GLC02167.32
18 October 1864
When he heard the glorious news that Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania went into the Union, he shouted outloud. He refers to some of the officers' wives. They are finally getting paid tomorrow.
GLC02167.33
27 October 1864
The weather is unpleasant and he has not gotten much mail lately. In the future he says she should see an improvement in his letters.
GLC02167.34
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