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George C. Burmeister diary, 1863

1863-05-18 -- 1863-05-19

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Monday 18 Crossed the river this morning and are now travelling in order of battle, ready to receive the enemy’s attack in any form at a moment’s warning. We are marching towards Vicksburg, God grant that we may be victorious. We met with no resistance until we came within three miles of Vicksburg where the enemy’s pickets gave us due notice in the shape of leaden messengers that thus far we might come but no farther. The troops were soon engaged but it did not come to a general engagement. The fight commenced about 4 P. M. and continued till dark, when we lay down on our arms to rest. The firing between the pickets continued all night. Tuesday 19 I counted the number of my men this morning and found that I take sixty five muskets into battle. O may God grant that I lead them back safe! We are not much troubled by the rebel shots, we lie in a ravine. This morning our brigade went out to the Chickasaw Bluffs, near the river in order to dislodge, the rebels there, but unfortunately came a little too late, their camp was found deserted, the tents and their contents had the appearance of having been deserted but a short time, previous, caught
 
Civil War Diaries and Letters