Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Bryce Suderow and is included in a collection of articles from the Detroit Free Press. His transcription of this article is published here with his written permission.
FROM THE SEVENTH INFANTRY
Near Petersburg, Va. Aug. 2
“Coming events cast their shadows before.” If that be true, we are to have lively work this coming fall. This last week the corps to which we are attached has been marching and countermarching, skirmishing, fighting, building breastworks, assisting gun boats as well as monitors to pelt the enemy.
This would be very pleasant if it were not for the intense heat. We left camp on Tuesday at 4 p.m. July 26th, marched to the James River, a distance of 20 miles. After crossing the river we immediately formed in line of battle, from which the 7th was sent forward as skirmishers. We followed the enemy into the woods and through them across an open field, into their line of breastworks, where we kept them all day. The loss of the 7th was very slight, two men being severely wounded, (Sergt. John W. Williams and Henry C. Foster of Co. H). I was in hopes that our march would be for Richmond, but the Johnnies came down in too strong force.
After changing from one or two positions to an interior line of breastworks over one night and day, we recrossed the James River, and marched at a double quick for Petersburg…
G1
Source:
- “From the Seventh Infantry,” Detroit Free Press, August 9, 1864, p. 3 col. 3 ↩