The age-herald., 1898-01-30

gunners. There is a great deal of mortif- cation felt at the result.
 On Picket Duty.
 We went on picket last evening to watch while our guns were removed from position on the river. We were exposed to se- were shellng Little could be obtained amid the bursting shell and the fall of cold rain. The guns were brought to the rear. This morning revealed the fact that the Yankees had evacuated the fort, leaving eleven or twelve prisoners for us. We have had much less shelling than usual today. I wrote to Benagh and l.. The lit- ter corps have gone out; what for know not
 The Eighth Day.
 Four companies of the Fourth and two of the Forty-eighth Alabama have been de- tached to do picket duty on the river. To- day Company G is on picket. R. and are sitting in rife pit where we have to re- main all day for safety. Two shells have been fired at us; one, spherical case, bursting so close that the sulphur fell on us. The riflemen the shore keep up a constant firing; we have done no firing. Notwithstanding it is so late in the season. 1t has been chilly almost all day. The sky is almost clear thin, wavy sheets of cloud are floating about
 April 2S.
 A man, not a soldier, was killed night of the 18th in the Fourth regiment. This morning, Lieut.. H. Oaks, Forty fourth had his foot amputatetd from wound. Two men of the Forty-eighth were killed to- day. A thing, though not of frequent oc- currence yet too frequent happened today: Adjt Gen. Tyrrell and Cussons met the colonel and adjutant of the Fifty-fifth North Carolina "after the manner of gen. tiemen." Cussons and the adjutant ex- changed shots; neither hurt The others dropped it. So may the world drop such barbarous practices, since the guilty as often escape as the innocent.
 Last of April.
 This is the last day of April. This morn and they have been shelling all day. H. H. M. and were arrested by the provost guard and carried to headquarters.
 First of May.
 We are on picket at the point where we first stood picket at this place. We have been shelled several times today. Yester- day there was considerable cannonading. ketry and artillery are heard rapidly and distinctly. Many poor fellows have doubt less already fallen. O God, fl may be permitted to ask,. grant us the victory Thy will be done! M
 We have ducked our heads so often that my knees feel the effect There is Hull in the storm of battle.
 Eleventh Day.
 This is Sunday one of the most beauti- full days the earth ever saw. The sun is shining bright and beautiful. The newly springing buds are nodding to the laughing breeze, and nature is smiling in gladness. Thank God for such days! But alas! man, resolved to undo the beauty created for his happiness, is making every effort to dye the newly sprung grass with the blood of his fellow man.
 Even now our brigade is having a hot skirmish, and has been so engaged for the last hour. The Yankees have effected a crossing. God be merciful and help us! Be our shield and our abiding place! How the muskets crack! Company c is lying in badly constructed rife pit
 May 4th.
 We lost about f1fty-nine men in the skirmishing. They threw several thou sand shells across the river While we were returning to the regiment, we were under heavy shelling. No one hurt. We left last night and are now at Franklin I am sleepy and cannot sleep The night of the Sd we left Suffolk and, after march, ing all night, arrived at Franklin about Il a. m. Monday; cooked rations and re- newed the march toward Ivy Station at sunset Slept about four hours.
 Protecting Hoods Division.
 On the last day. which was Sunday, that