Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-08-30
Interesting Accounts Taken
From Diary Of the Late
G. M. Slayfon


We got up at four o'clock, and
went to work. We were in an open
field and could see up the valley for
two miles and could see rebels on
horse back and with wagons moving
around at their leisure. We worked
until noon, then got orders to quit as
we would soon move. At 1890 we
started and marched to the right,
then around to the front, and form
ed in position as follows: End brigade
in two lines facing the front; 1st brig
ade i'm two lines in rear of the right
flank of the second brigade at right
angles to it and facing out as flank
ers. The second brigade marched by
the left flank. A heavy shirmish line
was in front of both brigades. At
2:30 p. m, thus formed, we started
out of the field into the woods, march
ing fast and circling around to the
left. We soon came to the rebel line
which was behind rail piles, but as
we came against them exactly end
ways, the rails done them no good,
and our skirmishers drove them away
on the double quick. We followed up
until we came to large open field
where we could see a mile or two, and
the rebels having two batteries in
position, we deem it safest to stop;
so forming in a semi-circle or horse
shoe shape, so as to protect our
TANKS, went to digging again. The
rebels shelled the skirmish line some,
but none of their shots reached us.
We were in the thick woods, where
the timber was small, so had good
place to throw up works. Worked as
usual until rather late and then turn
ed in.
Wednesday, August 10, 1916.
We spent the forenoon in working
by detail on the breastworks, read
ing, writing and cooking beef. At
noon we got orders to put up flank
ers, as we were lying end-ways to
the rebel batteries. / had to go and
draw rations. Got back with them at
2:30. The boys had just finished
their flank defence, and before we
had time to half divide the rations
we got orders to get our traps on,
take our guns and intrenching tools,
leave everything else, and be ready
to fall in as quick as possible. Div
ided about half of the rations, then
had to leave them charge Of our r.
NJ, and march off towards the right.
We went about hundred rods, then
formed in line and went to fortifying
again. The 25th are in position in
rebels garden. The owner is doc
tor and has r-e-t-i-r-e-d-, guess, as
he has left bottles, medicine and medi-
cal books by the bushel behind, with
out any protection. / also saw a hui
man skeleton in his office, but it was
not together, but lay kicking around
on the floor or used as props to hold
up the windows. | guess he will
think there has been some paddles"
here when be gets back, for there is
a ditch six feet wide and three feet
deep, with a bank of earth four feet
high and four feet thick at the top
running right through where his cab
ages and squashes were. We tore
down blacksmith shop, his log barns
and outhouses, some half a dozen in
all, besides picket fence and other
fence, to use for revetting and floors
to our tents, etc. Worked as long as
we could see; got our knapsacks.
pitched tents, ate supper and turned
in. Malon Abbey came up today We
now have fifteen present for duty
and were told that we would probab-
ly rest here for a few days, so we
put up good works and pitched our
tents at least ten feet back from the
ditch.
Thursday, August IL, 1864.
We are southwest of Atlanta.
Two years ago to-day placed my
name to the enlistment papers as a
u. S. soldier, and during the past two
years, have seen a great deal and
passed through many dangers, but by
the blessing of God | am still safe,
sound and healthy; for which / feel
exceedingly thankful to my Creator
and Preserver. One year more re-
mains, which looks like long, long
time, but if our country needs it, /
intend to serve it faithfully until the
end of my enlistment, trusting in God
for protection, and will go home, sat
isfied that / have done my duty.
This forenoon we finished our
breastworks, it being the 32nd line we
have built since the Goth of May.
Worked by detail, reading, writing
and cooking beef, when not at work.
In the afternoon / read, wrote, drew
and divided beef, cooked, etc. We
drew clothing tonight. Some of the
boys went out foraging today. They
went two or three miles and got some
green corn, apples, beets, fresh meat
and one rebel prisoner.
Friday, August II, 1864.
Got a six-quart pail of the stew
ard this morning and did my wash
ing in it. Washed shirt, pants,
blouse and vest; boiling them all to
kill the graybacks. We think more
Of gettin grid Of the lice than we do
Of the dirt. They give us the most
uneasiness. Wrote in diary and wrote
letter home. Done up my patch
ing and read in the afternoon. Very
warm. The third division went OUT
four or five miles today reconnoiter-
ing and returned after dark They
found small bodies of rebels and
drove them to their works. Had two
men wounded. The rebels shelled us
some today, but none struck in our
regiment. The compliment was re-
turned and they skedaddled from
their advanced works.