William H. S. Burgwyn, the son of a wealthy and influential planter in North Carolina, enlisted early in the war and rose to the rank of captain, commanding Company H, 35th North Carolina. In late 1863, Burgwyn’s father secured him an appointment to General Thomas Clingman’s Staff. The young captain was wounded at Cold Harbor and captured at Fort Harrison.
This page contains excerpts from Burgwyn’s diaries while he served in Clingman’s brigade. The original diaries are part of PC.4 in the North Carolina State Archives. Digital images are available online. Burgwyn’s diaries and letters have also been published in A Captain’s War: The Letters and Diaries of William H. S. Burgwyn 1861-1865 by Herbert M. Shiller (1994), available on Amazon and on Archive.org. Another book published a few months ago, From Boy Soldier to Confederate Captain by Valentina Acosta is a complete fraud and not worth the paper it’s printed on.
Transcripts by Kirk Ward.
[Reported to Clingman on January 21, 1864, in Petersburg.]
Monday [January] 25th 1864
… Had a most pleasant evening till about 11 PM when news came to Genl Clingman that the Enemy were burning up a farm (Lower Brandon) about 25 miles below on the River & for him to take all of his Regts & drive them off and start as soon as possible. Weather fair & pleasant.
Tuesday 26th 1864
The Genl, Capt White, Capt Blake & myself started about 6 AM for Lower Brandon. About 7 miles from Lower Brandon the general sent Capt Blake & myself ahead to see how much devastation the Yankees had committed, but we had not been there more than half an hour when the General & Capt White arrived. We returned about 5 miles to Brandon Church & camped for the night. Was very much exasperated at the great destruction the Yankees committed at the farm. They destroyed everything in the house & all the Barns and Corn &c &c. Weather fair and very pleasant.
Thursday 28th January 1864
… About 7 PM orders came from Maj Pickett A. A. G. of this Dept ordering Genl Clingman to be in town with his Brigade at 8 AM tomorrow. Weather most delightful & warm.
Friday 29th January 1864
Started at 7 AM for Petersburg to take the Train for Weldon … Started about 10 AM for Weldon which we reached about 7 PM. Remained there till 10 PM & then started for Goldsboro. Weather fair & pleasant.
Saturday 30th January 1864
Arrived at Goldsboro about 2 PM. Took dinner at the Griswold Hotel & was much surprised at the good fare they gave me. About 3 ½ PM started for Kinston which we reached about 6 PM. Bivouacked about 4 miles from Kinston on the Dover road. Weather fair and pleasant.
January 31st Sunday
Started about sunrise for Newberne as we had by this time found out that we were going to attack Newberne. Genl Hoke’s Brigade marched in advance. Marched to within about ten miles of Newberne & halted for the night. Weather fair & pleasant, moderately cold.
Monday 1st February/64
About 2 AM we recommenced our march so as to arrive at Newberne about daybreak or sunrise. About 3 ¼ AM we attacked the Enemy’s outposts at Bachelors Creek & lost Col Shaw of the 8th N. C., one of the very best Cols in service & though we only had about a hundred & fifty men at the crossing owing to the dense fog & mist & we did not force a crossing till about 7 AM. Genl Hoke, immediately on crossing, pushed his men forward as fast as they could go intending to reach the R. R. in time to cut it & also cut off the Enemy’s camp at Deep Gully & a train with an iron clad car attached, but the troops being very much exhausted, they only came in view of the train as it passed with the iron clad car & about 400 yankees. Our Brigade was then put in advance and we marched down the county road till we came in view of Newberne. Genl Corse’s Brigade followed after Genl Hoke’s but at Bachelors Creek, he marched cross the country to the RR to cut off the Enemy’s force in camp at Deep Gully.
After arriving in sight of New Berne we remained quiet for some time, but about 2 PM we moved about a mile from the road to the right & made a demonstration in front of a body of Cavalry that were maneuvering on the Trent road. We arrived in above ½ mile from them & formed in line of battle as they had the appearance of preparing to charge us, which they attempted, but the fire of our skirmishers alone drove them back. They then fired some five or six shots from a light field piece, one of which shots, a shell exploded & three shrapnel balls & a piece of the shell struck Genl Clingman, but having hit the sand before striking him, he was only bruised.
About 5 PM we returned to the rail road 3 miles from N & bivouacked for the night. Genl Barton commenced his attack on Briar creek at 12 M but we heard very little firing and anxiously awaited his attack on Newberne after destroying the RR communications as was the plan. Weather fair and pleasant till about 3 AM next day when it rained a little.
Tuesday 2nd February/64
Did not attack Newberne, but awaited for Genl Barton to make some attack on N from his side of the Trent river, but as he never did attack N on account of being unable to take the works on the opposite side of Brice’s creek to where he was. Genl Pickett, after communicating with Genl B through Capt Bright of his staff who crossed the river & back the same day, ordered us to pull back & about 2 the next day we fell back to the Kinston side of the Core creek, about 13 miles from N. Night before last Col Wood with some boats attacked most gallantly a Yankee gunboat in the Neuse& boarded her and burnt her right under the Guns of Newberne. Weather fair & pleasant.
Wednesday 3rd February 1864
Remained all day in bivouac a mile this side of Core creek, that is from the time we arrived about 8 AM. Weather fair but very windy.
Wednesday 4th February 1864
Resumed our march in the direction of Kinston about sunrise, our Brigade being next to Hoke’s in line of march. Reached Kinston about 3 PM & were very anxious to go on immediately to Petersburg but transportation could not be furnished immediately and Genl Ransom’s Brigade was to leave first … Weather fair & pleasant.
Friday 5th February 1864
Remained in camp all day, transportation not being as yet furnished for Genl Ransom’s Brig. … Weather fair & pleasant.
Saturday 6th February 1864
Remained in camp all day. Part of Genl R’s Brigade did manage to get off today. Weather fair & pleasant.
Sunday 7th February 1864
Marched into town as we wished to be near the tarin when she arrived and were in hopes that she would arrive during the day, but Genl Clingman was informed in the PM that the trains could not arrive till late in the night. Bivouacked for the night about mile and half from the RR in a woods behind a Mr. Washington’s house. Weather fair & pleasant.
Monday 8th
Started about 5 ½ AM & did not delay on the road longer than was indispensably necessary till we reached Weldon about 2 PM, and we remained there till 9 PM.
Found on arriving in Weldon that the Enemy were reported advancing on Richmond & that part of Genl Ransom’s Brigade had gone as far as Petersburg, but before we left W the news was contradicted or rather the Yankees went back to their starting place.
Left Weldon about 9 ½ PM & reached Petersburg at 5 AM the next day. Went immediately to Camp at Dunn’s house. Weather fair but cold night & as we had no fire in the camp, suffered very much from cold.
Sunday 21st February 1864
… Orders came last night from Genl Pickett to Genl C to make his headquarters at Ivor Station & leave his 2 Regts here, but Genl C made an application for a leave of absence for two weeks and delayed going till he could hear from it … Weather fair & pleasant.
Monday 22nd February 1864
… Genl Clingman heard from his application for leave of absence which was granted him. Weather cloudy but warm.
Thursday March 3rd 1864
Did not go into the city in the AM. About 1 PM I heard that the Enemy had approached near Richmond in heavy force & in about a quarter of an hour Col McKethan, Comdg the two Regts, wrote saying he had been ordered by Genl Pickett to take his command immediately to the Richmond Depot & that if any of the Staff felt so disposed, he would be pleased to have them accompany him. As Maj Erwin & Capt White were in town, I waited for their return so we all should go on together.
We started for Petersburg at 4 ½ PM & after saying good-bye to a few friends, left for Richmond at 5 ½ PM, which we reached about 10 ½ PM. Reported at Genl Elzey’s Hd Qrs but could get no information of the whereabouts of the Brigade, so we put our horses in a Livery Stable & went to the Spotswood Hotel.
Friday March 4th 1864
After breakfast we heard that the Enemy had gone & in fact it was telegraphed not to send the Brigade, but it did not arrive in time.
I started about 11 ½ AM before the rest of the Staff & reached Petersburg at 4 ½ PM & after leaving a note for Miss Bettie Branch asking her to let me accompany her to the Lecture, I went to Camp … Weather yesterday fair & pleasant & also fair today but a little cloudy.
Sunday March 6th 1864
Heard positively today that we would leave for Ivor Station tomorrow morning, a thing which we have been fearing for some time since Genl Clingman’s furlough only delayed it … As we were riding out of the city about 11 PM for Camp, Lt Col Jas. Branch met Capt White & told him Genl Pickett had ordered him (Col B) to order Genl C to remain till further orders in view of the fact that Col Jordan had fallen back to Ivor Station. We were all very much gratified at the revoking of the order. Weather fair & pleasant.
Tuesday March 22nd 1864
About 12 M I was very much surprised to see it snowing, though the weather for a day or two had been much like it.
About 1 PM orders came to Genl C to hold himself in readiness to move with his two Regts tonight or tomorrow morning … Weather commenced snowing a blowing about 12 M & continued all day & night.
Wednesday March 23 1864
… Weather a little warm & the snow melted very much.
Tuesday April 19th 1864
[Burgwyn returned from leave]
On walking down the street about 9 AM met Maj Erwin who told me the Genl Staff had gone to Ivor Station, was not surprised to find that they had gone as I expected they would be. Weather fair.
Wednesday April 20th 1864
After taking breakfast at Dr R, Maj Erwin & myself started for Ivor Station about ¼ 9 AM, which we reached about 1 PM. Found that Genl C was on his return from Suffolk & he arrived about 4 PM. Weather windy but fair. Genl C found or saw nothing of interest on his march to Suffolk.
Thursday April 21st 1864
… Weather fair but little windy & cool.
Friday April 22nd 1864
In accordance with a previous determination viz that he would go to Petersburg today if he did not receive any contrary orders, Genl Clingman and Staff started for the City about 2 PM & arrived at 6 PM. When opposite our Hd Qrs I left the train & walked to Camp & after changing my traveling apparel, I went to the City, took tea and spent the evening at Mr. Thos. Branch’s. Weather fair & very delightful.
Sunday April 24th 1864
… Heard from Genl C about 4 ½ PM that we were ordered to Ivor Station tomorrow morning … Weather fair & warm till about 5 ½ when it rained in April showers & rained some during the fore part of the night.
Monday April 25th 1864
Did not go to Ivor as expected but remained as Maj’s Erwin [and] Gays could not get their business arranged in time … Weather fair.
Wednesday April 27th 1864
Started for Ivor Station [on] S & P R. R. Arrived about 12 ½ PM, had a tent put up near the R. R. for my quarters … Weather a little cool & turned cool towards night.
Thursday April 28th 1864
About 7 AM started with Genl C and Col Radcliffe to visit the Picket post. 1st post Blackwater bridge, Capt Clements, Hd Qrs of Col Taliaferro’s Cavalry Regt (7th Confed Cavalry). Blackwater bridge from Ivor 10 miles. Capt C’s command about 40 men & 1 Com Officer. 2nd post Ely’s ford, 4 men and 1 NCO, about 3 miles from b. w. b. 3rs post Joyner’s bridge, Lt Fennel, Capt Keith’s Co, Col R’s Regt (61st N. C.) 1 Sergt and 9 men distant from Ely’s ford. The way we went by a Mr Bowsin’s at whose place we dined. 6 ½ miles. 4th post Lawrence ford, 2 ½ miles from Joyner’s bridge, Capt Keiths in command with about 20 men. 5th post Spivey’s ford, 4 men and 1 NCO about 10 miles from Lawrence ford. From S ford returned to Ivor at about 8 AM about 7 miles from S ford. Weather cloudy and a little cool.
Friday April 29th 1864
Started again with Genl C and Col R. 1st post Broadwater ferry, 4 miles from Ivor, 1 S & 15 men from Col Taliaferro’s Regt. 2nd post 1 S & 5 men, 1 mile from b. w. ferry. 3rd post 1 S & 6 men on Smithfield road, 5 miles from b. w. f. 4th post Smithfield but no pickets on the way, dined at a Col Thomas, very hospitable gentleman. S from Ivor 16 miles. 5th post Wilson’s mill, Lt. Cross, 3 NCO & 13 men, from S about 2 miles. 6th post Rock wharf, Lt Woodley & about 15 men of his corps (Signal corps). Col Taliaferro 3 post also at Rock wharf, 1 Com O, 3 NCO & 20men. R. W. from Smithfield 10 miles. Passed the night at Col Reed’s, 3 miles from R. W. Weather little windy & little cloudy.
Saturday April 30th 1864
Started about 7 AM from Col Reed’s. 1st post Berrel’s bay, 4 miles from Rock wharf, 1 corpl and 6 men. 2nd post Bacon Castle, Hd Qrs of Col Taliaferro’s command, Capt Morse Co “A”, 2 Com O & 37 men, Capt Philips Co “K”, 1 Com O & 33 men, Lt Mathews detachment of 12 lb mountain howitzers, 3 pieces, 1 Com O and 30 men. Distant from Rock Wharf, 10 miles. On the way from B. C. to Ivor a Courier met the Genl with two telegrams from Genl Picket ordering him to make a reconnaissance below Suffolk to find the Enemy’s strength at Portsmouth & Norfolk. Reached Ivor going by P[?] ferry, a distance of about 20 miles from Bacon Castle, about 9 PM. Weather fair but rained a little towards dusk.
Sunday May 1st 1864
Started with Genl C to overtake the troops which had marched 5 miles below broad water bridge. About 5 AM overtook the command which consisted of about 100 Cavalry under Lt Col Claiborne, 1 Regt Infantry under Col McKethan, 1 Battery Artillery, Capt Sturdivant at Providence Church about 6 miles from Suffolk & 20 from Ivor.
Started for Suffolk at 11 AM. After remaining at S till about 5 PM, the Genl ordered the troops to return, that is, Artillery & Inftry. The Staff left about 6 PM, followed by the Cavalry. Had a very little skirmish with the Yankee Pickets at a run 1 ½ miles below S, where they had their advance picket post & drove them off. Halted for the night about 8 miles from Suffolk. Weather rained pretty regularly till about 2 PM …
Tuesday May 2nd 1864 [days/dates do not match]
At 6 ¼ AM, started for Ivor. Breakfasted at Windsor & then obtaining permission, I rode on in front of the troops … Weather a very April day, but not rain but about 5 ½ PM. It clouded up & for about ¾ hour it blew & rained a very hurricane.
Thursday May 4th 1864
… About 12 ½ PM a telegram came from Genl Pickett ordering Genl C and one Regt to come to Petersburg immediately. About 6 PM the train, having arrived, we started for Petersburg which we reached about 8 PM. Moved out shortly after arriving in Petersburg to our old Hd Qrs at Dunn’s farm … Found that the Enemy had landed in heavy force at Bermuda hundred with the intention of marching for Petersburg or Drewry’s Bluff.
Friday May 5th 1864
About 9 AM, Genl C started with 1 Regt & some Artillery (Capt Owens Co) to take position on the turnpike & fort Clifton roads which the Enemy were reported advancing on, halted about 2 ½ miles from Petersburg, distributing the force on both roads. AT 5 PM, part of Genl Hagood’s Brigade arrived and were sent on the RR to port Walthall Junction, about 5 miles off, where they met the Enemy & had a severe fight with them. 2 regiments only confronted their whole force = about 2 Brigades. Weather fair & warm. The result of the fight was about a drawn one.
Saturday May 6th 1864
Genl Bushrod Johnson (Tennessee) having arrived with his Brigade from Richmond & making a junction with Genl Hagood the[y] fought the enemy who attacked them about 10 AM but after a sever fight, were forced to give up the possession of the Rail Road to the Enemy & after dark he (Genl Johnson) retired to Swift Creek about 3 miles. Our Brigade remained inactive, guarding the Fort Clifton road & acting as reserve. Weather fair & warm.
Sunday May 7th 1864
About 10 AM, Genl Clingman received orders to go with his Staff but leave his Regt (51st NC) behind & take charge of the lines east of the City. About dark, reports came in from all quarters that the Enemy had made their appearance in 3 miles of the breastworks on several roads leading to Petersburg. The reports caused us some anxiety till we heard that reinforcements were arriving from Weldon & that Hoke’s old Brigade had already arrived. Weather fair & warm.
Having heard several reports that the Enemy were advancing in heavy force up the City Point road, I went down to see & came upon our advanced pickets under Col Scott, who were slowly retiring in front of a large body of Yankees, who were advancing with their skirmishers in front.
After retiring for some time slowly in their front, the Enemy sent some Cavalry ahead which unexpectedly charged us, who as there was not more than 8 & as only 3 were armed with Rifles & the Enemy, about 20 or more, we fled so as to keep a respectable distance ahead of them, but after they had charged us once, not thinking they would do so again, we went along slowly & they came upon us so suddenly that they got within some 200 yards before we perceived them.
They followed us so rapidly that they ran into our line of pickets, who fired into them, wounding one horse which I afterwards, about 13 minutes, going out to reconnoiter came upon & captured a saddle, bridle &c.
May 9th 1864 Monday
In accordance with orders, Genl C with part of his Brigade & Hoke’s Brigade & Sturdivant’s Artillery made a reconnaissance towards City Point & started about 2 PM. At 2 ½ miles from City Point, came on the Enemy’s picket which after observing for some time, we turned back & reached our Head Qrs about 9 PM. Weather fair & warm.
May 10th 1864 Tuesday
About 10 AM, on returning from a mile along the works with Genl C, he received an order to report with his Brigade on the Richmond Turnpike to Genl Hoke. After unavoidable delays, the Brigade left Petersburg about 5 ½ PM to join Genl Hoke … Stopped for the night about 6 miles from Petersburg & joining Genl Corse’s Brigade. Weather about 6 ¼ PM commenced to blow & rain & rained hard for some time but about 9 stopped.
Monday May 11th 1864
Started about 5 AM but after the Division had left. Came up with it about the half way house.
Shortly after arriving at the half way house, news came that the Enemy were approaching & Genl Hoke formed his troops in line of battle.
Shortly after, our Brigade moved to the rear to occupy the front line of breastworks around Drewry’s Bluff & took position on the right of Genl Johnson.
Genl Ransom’s Brigade had some small skirmishing with the Enemy after we left & Maj Branch of Genl R Ransom’s Staff in command of some Cavalry fired on them with some Artillery & dismounted Cavalry.
Weather commenced to rain about 6 AM & rained about all day and sometimes as hard as I ever saw it rain.
Thursday May 12th 1864
About 2 ½ Genl Ransom, who had moved to the extreme right of the breastworks, was suddenly surprised by the Enemy who completely flanked him, forcing his men to jump on the other side of the works & fight. He lost Capt Durham acting in his Staff, hit Quartermaster 49th NC Regt seriously wounded & Lt. Johnson in his staff painfully wounded.
That line fell back about 1 mile & formed parallel with the turnpike & about ¾ mile from it. Weather rained off and on all day but not heavily. Our Brigade was smartly engaged all day skirmishing.
Friday May 13th 1864
About 2 AM our lines fell back to the inner line of entrenchments around Drewry’s Bluff about ¾ mile in rear of the first.
Our Brigade suffered some today, losing some men in skirmishing with the Enemy who had the advantage of a thick woods to approach our sharp shooters with. Our lines about 4 PM were driven back to within 150 yards of the breastworks.
Weather rained pretty heavily during the day.
Saturday May 14th 1864
The Brigade skirmished all day with the Enemy & lost considerably, about ¼ in killed and wounded of those that were engaged. The Enemy fired some Artillery but did not injure us much.
I forgot to state yesterday that Genl Beauregard arrived at Drewry’s Bluff about 2 AM with Genl Colquitt’s Brigade & Col Baker’s Cavalry Regt.
Our Picket lines, having been driven back during the day, they were advanced some 150 yards and pits dug for the men. Weather rained some in the afternoon & during the night.
Sunday May 15th 1864
Engaged all day in skirmishing with the Enemy but did not lose so many as the day before owing to the rifle pits. About 8 PM orders came from Genl Beauregard saying he intended attacking the Enemy early next morning. Weather fair and warm.
Monday May 16th 1864
About daybreak Genl Robt Ransom on our extreme left opened the fight with his division & succeeded in driving the Enemy before him & capturing many prisoners & some Artillery. Genl Johnson then engaged the Enemy, driving them before him till he reached our outer line we evacuated on the morning of the 13th. General Hoke then attacked the Enemy with our and Genl Corse Brigade about 9 A.M.
At the word charge our two Regts, the 51st and 31st NC Rs (the 8th and 61st being temporarily detached) & in concert with Corse’s Brigade but which shortly after the charge commenced, faced to the right to meet the Enemy on their flank, sprang upon the parapet & with a yell, started for the Enemy.
As soon as the word charge was given, I sprang upon the parapet, waved my hat & yelled will all my might. As soon as I could cross the ditch in front, I ran ahead of the Regt, waved my hat & called on the men to follow & nobly did they come though the Enemy’s sharp shooters fired as fast as possible from Rifles that shot 7 times in succession & though the line was considerably disorganized from crossing the ditch and going through the thick underbrush, not a man faltered.
About 300 yds from our breastworks & fearing that the Enemy’s fire & the bad ground might throw them into confusion, I seized the colors of the 51st NC Regt & called on the men to follow.
Running in advance, I came in about a 200 yds to the Enemy’s first line of rifle pits or breastworks made of rails, logs, &c. Mounting them & waving the colors, I jumped on the other side & pushed forward closely followed by the men with their Color bearer & their Colonel at their head.
About 50 yds from their first line a number of Yankees were behind pits firing at our men with most deadly aim. As soon as they perceived me, four aimed their pieces at me, but I falling down at the time, partly from sheer exhaustion & to prevent them from shooting me, their balls missed me but one passed through my hat brim. Rising again & with a shout I ran past the pits & the Yankees surrendered by crowds. I had just time then to hand the Colors to a Color bearer, when I fell down almost fainting, & a severe fit of vomiting seized me, but which by the time the Regt had got somewhat into line passed off & seeing a piece of Artillery about 250 yds off fire on our line, I again seized the colors & called on the men to charge the Battery. With a yell that must have made the Yankees quake, we started, passed by the gun & kept on in full speed to charge the Enemy’s main line of battle about 450 yds off, posted behind rifle pits & garrisoned by at least two Brigades.
Giving the Colors to the Color bearer, I run in advance, took off my hat & waved it over my head, cheering as loud as I could, but which was not very long as I was as hoarse as a Raven.
The first to reach the works, I fell down again exhausted, but rising up again as the men commenced to mount the works. I climbed over them and started after the flying Enemy, but immediately in our front & on either flank, the Enemy were in tremendous odds & they opened on us with fearful slaughter, that is if they had not fired too high. Forced by the great force in front & on both flanks & with no support, we fell back, first to the last works we charged & then to the next & to the last of their breastworks. Not being able to rally the men there, we fell back to within about 200 yds of our breastworks.
After forming in line, Genl C saw the men were so thoroughly exhausted they could not oppose the Enemy if they advanced, so he fell back to the rifle pits.
There we remained till about 2 PM when we moved forward and occupied our former position in the outer line, the Enemy having in the meantime retreated.
About 5 PM, Genl Johnson with his Brigade & ours marched in pursuit of the Enemy along the road & halted for the night in ½ mile of the Enemy who were in the woods south of the ½ way house & immediately in our front.
The 51st lost during the day about 119 men and the 31st about 70. Weather fair and warm.
The Enemy left large quantities of Ordnance stores & Commissary stores besides those they destroyed. We captured some 3000 prisoners, Brigd Genl Heckman & Staff & some 6 pieces of Artillery.
Tuesday May 17th 1864
About 3 AM formed line of battle about ¾ mile from where we halted last night & about ¾ mile from the turnpike to support a Battery of Artillery which opened upon a woods where it was supposed the Enemy were but after shelling a half hour, found the Enemy had absconded.
About 12 N, having come in contact with the Enemy’s pickets about 6 or 7 miles from Bermuda Hundreds & placed directly cross the country from the James to the Appomattox river, we halted and formed in line of battle & sent forward our skirmishers & remained all day till about 1 AM, when a sharp fire took place between our pickets and the Enemy’s, but it soon ceased. Wrote Mother a letter. Weather fair and war.
Monday May 18th 1864
Remained fronting the Enemy all day, had some skirmishing with the Enemy … Weather fair and warm but an April shower about 12 N.
May 19th 1864, Friday
About 4 PM moved our lines forward about a mile, occupying the lines the Enemy were driven from during the day … Had some sharp skirmishing with the Enemy. Weather fair & warm …
May 20th 1864 Thursday
Had some skirmishing with the Yankees & I think Genl Ransom Brigade lost over 200 men charging some Yankee rifle pits. Weather fair & warm.
Saturday May 21st/64
Very quiet, comparatively, all day along the lines. Wrote father a letter. Walked back to where the wagons were with Capt White after supper, a distance of about 2 miles. Returned at 9 ½ PM. About 12 PM a sharp fire occurred between our pickets and the Enemies & some Artillery firing occurred but soon cleared … Weather fair & warm.
Sunday May 22nd 1864
Very quiet again along the front. Our men & the Enemy busily engaged in throwing up & strengthening their rifle pits. A Yankee gunboat fired some shells at us but did not damage or hurt anybody that I know of. Weather fair & very warm & also little cloudy about 3 PM.
Monday May 23rd 1864
Very quiet again along the lines. The Yankee gunboats shelled us some today, wounding some three or four men … About 12 PM considerable firing took place, believe our skirmishers and the Enemy’s. Weather fair & warm. (Yesterday walked again back to thre rear where the wagons were.) …
Tuesday May 24th 1864
… Weather fair & warm but rained hard during the night.
Wednesday May 25th 1864
Very quiet all day. Nothing stirred of any importance … Weather fair & warm but rained some during the night.
Thursday May 26th 1864
… Weather rained considerable during the early part of the morning but cleared up afterwards.
Friday May 27th 1864
… Weather fair & warm but clouded up towards night. Very quiet all day with some little shelling from the Yankees & a few responses from one of our guns.
Saturday May 28th 1864
Very quiet all day … Weather in the afternoon clouded up & rained some about dark.
Sunday May 29th 1864
Not a gun fired all day from the enemy & but one from our side … Weather cool for this time of the year & not very clear.
Monday May 30th 1864
Heard heavy guns in the morning & was informed by Capt Cooper, Genl Hoke’s Staff, that Genl Lee had moved up five miles last night from Mechanicsville to Atley Station with the intention of attacking Genl Grant this morning & that the guns we heard were from them in all probability … Weather fair but little windy.
Tuesday May 31st 1864
About dark yesterday afternoon orders came from Genl Hoke to be in readiness to move tomorrow morning at daybreak but about 2 AM today, marching orders came & the Brigade moved at once to Chester Station to take the train for Richmond in company with the remainder of the Division.
Was taken very sick about dark last evening with a sever attack of Cholera Morbus & suffered intensely all night & instead of accompanying the troops on the train, rode in an Ambulance to Richmond which we reached about 12 M. Having bought some paper, wrote Father a letter to Petersburg, care of McIlwaine Sons & Co. About 3 PM, having heard the Brigade had gone to Mechanicsville, I started in the Ambulance for the place about 5 miles from Richmond. After being there some time, found the Brigd had gone in the direction of Cold Harbor. On arriving at Gaines Mill, about 4 or 5 miles from C. H., about 8 PM, heard the Brigade had been in an engagement with the enemy & been flanked & forced to retreat & that Capt White, AAG, had been wounded.
Capt Blake, A & IG, who had joined me at Mechanicsville & myself immediately started for the Brigade about a mile & half distant, I feeling very badly & excessively weak. About ½ mile from Gaines Mill found Capt White who was painfully wounded in the back by a piece of shell. After seeing him out in an Ambulance & started off & having met Genl C who had come to see how Capt White was, we three returned to the Brigade, formed in line of battle, directly across the road.
We passed the night very quietly & I was very much refreshed by my sleep which was very uninterrupted, considering my state of health. Weather fair & warm.
Wednesday June 1st 1864
About daybreak our Brigd moved back about 70 yds to a better position & with their hands & bayonets, in a short time, threw up quite a good lie of breastworks. Some skirmishing during the day & about 5 PM as the skirmishers commenced a more brisk fire, everyone sought the entrenchments & it was not before long that the Yankees charged us and as our left was entirely unprotected by the moving of Hagood’s Brigade (which had been till a short time previous in front of us & on our left) to the right, the enemy got completely round our left flank & in overwhelming numbers. The 8th NCR on our left was almost surrounded but managed to get off, losing its Lt Col (Muchison) Comdg killed. Our line then had to be completely changed but as the enemy had entirely flanked us& were not more than 50 yds from our next left Regt to the 8th, the men fell back in some disorder. The 31st Regt, being behind the hill, had not suffered as yet & had not seen the Enemy owing to the hill & the very thick woods.
I by permission of the Genl ordered the 31st to file to the left out of the breastworks, front & charge the enemy while the 51st Regt next the enemy would lie down flat in the ditch & await till the 31st should charge & then the 51 would cooperate with the 31 & also charge the Yankees but as the 31 was somewhat long in forming, the enemy pressed up to the 51 & made them give way just as the 31 were coming to their assistance & the 31, being unsupported, had also to fall back.
Rallied the men somewhat about a 100 yds in rear & about the center of the 61st, which regiment still kept in the trenches though I had ordered its Col, J. D. Radcliffe, by permission of Genl Clingman, to fie also to the left front & stop the advancing enemy & act as a nucleus for our men to form on but which order as it was not obeyed, I imagine he did not understand.
A Regt from Genl Colquitt’s Brigade (27th Georgia) having come to our assistance & we having formed in a line with it, simultaneously charged the Enemy. We had not charged but about 50 yds (and I in front of the 51st Regt & near the Colors) when I received a tremendous blow, which struck me, I thought, about the knee, making me fall like an ox & suffering intense pain. I knew I [was] very painfully wounded & I thought my knee joint was shattered. Col McKethan grasped my hand & asked me how I was wounded & I told him I thought it might be mortally. He expressed great concern at my being wounded & ordered four of his men to carry me off.
I was put in a blanket and carried off some distance when we met Lt McAllister, 8th NC Regt, & some half dozen men who relieved the 4 that were carrying me. After a while, they obtained a stretcher & carried me to our Brigd Hospital, about 2 ½ miles.
About 11 PM Dr. Tamill, Div Surgn & Dr. Morrisey, Brigd Surg, put me under the influence of chloroform & probed & dressed my wound, which they told me had struck about a ½ inch below the right knee, [?] the bone & passed out making a painful but not dangerous wound.
Weather fair & warm.
Was struck about 7 PM while charging and driving the enemy. Capt Blake, A & IG, was seriously wounded below the left knee while going for reinforcements & on his way back.
[Burgwyn returned to duty on September 21, 1864.]
Friday Sept 23rd 1864
The brigade was reviewed at 3 PM by Genl Hoke. It presented quite a good appearance …
Weather cloudy & misty.
Monday Sept 26th 1864
The Division was reviewed by Genl Lee at 4 PM. Lt Genl A. P. Hill also accompanied Genl Lee on the review. The Division made quite a fine appearance. Was busy all day inspecting the Camps &c. Weather fair & pleasant …
Thursday Sept 29th/64
Visited and inspected our lines this morng, found things in good condition. Inspected the Brigade Infirmary and on returning to wagon yard about dinner time heard from Capt White, A. A. G. that the Division had been ordered off for Chapins farm. About 6 PM took the train for Drewry’s Bluff from Dunlop’s house. On arriving at Drewery’s Bluff, marched immediately in to Chapin’s farm where we arrived about 10 PM. Stayed all night on the road about ½ mile from the farm. Weather very much like rain & sultry.
Friday Sept 30th 1864
About 6 AM moved up to our entrenchments 1 mile distant & waited till about 12 M, when we moved to take position in line of battle preparatory to charging the enemy out of the works he had captured from us yesterday. About 2 PM, Everything having been arranged & our Artillery having opened on the enemy, we started on the charge.
Genl Fields’ Division to charge at an obtuse angle to us & on our left & Genl Kirkland’s & Hagood’s Brigades & I think, Genl Scales Brigade also to charge in a line with us & on our right. Genl Colquitt’s Brigade was immediately in our rear & to act as our support, all the line to charge simultaneously as soon as we saw Genl Fields’ men charging. We were to start at 2 ½ or 3 PM. Genl Fields having once commenced to charge & been driven back, started again & word came for our Brigade to go forward.
I had been ordered by Maj Adams, Division Inspector, to take charge of a line of skirmishers in the rear to keep the men forward, but at my solicitation he permitted me to charge with the Brigade. We started slowly up the hill till we came on top then with a yell, we started on the charge, I with the 31st Regt having been sent towards the right by Col McKethan as he did not know how it would do as it was under new Regimental Commander.
As we started, the whole Yankee line opened up on us in plain view & about 400 yds & as I afterwards found, the Yankees had massed their troops in the works right in our front having entirely vacated the works to their left & I suppose they were 3 lines deep behind their works & as they were all armed with 7 shooters, the fire was awful. By the time we got in about 70 yds of their works, our line was entirely broken, not from any falling back but literally from the men being cut down by piles by the terrific fire & our supports, Colquitt’s Brigade, having retired behind the hill being appalled at the sight of the mortality & fire. What remained of our Brigade lay down on the ground somewhat protected by an undulation between the hill from where we started & the hill the enemy were.
I, though falling down twice from my spurs catching in the grass, kept up with the men, tho I would not go ahead as I generally do as I promised my Father I would not. From the time we lay down about 3 PM till dusk, there we lay about 70 yds from the Enemy’s line, some entirely exposed & some shielded from view by some weeds & grass but all entirely at the mercy of the Enemy, but they did not fire on us, knowing we could not get away (tho some did) except we faced almost certain death to do so.
About dusk as I was getting ready to run the gauntlet favored by the increasing darkness when the enemy sent forward a line of skirmishers who captured, almost without a single exception, all who had not surrendered. As I got up to see if I would have to surrender or not, I saw a Yankee about 10 yds with his gun pointed towards me, calling out to surrender or he would shoot. I then took out my handkerchief & and waved it & and gave up my sword to a Yankee Captain & was hastened to their lines & sent from there to Genl Weitzel’s Hd Qrs & from his to Genl Butler’s about 4 miles off. At Genl W’s Hd Qrs we were treated very gentlemanly & also at Genl Butler’s.
As I began to examine about me I found my clothes pierced through in several places & my haversack was shot off me. We stayed all night at Genl B Hd Qrs. Weather cloudy and rained at intervals till about 3 ¼ PM when it commenced to rain & rained off & on all night.
I think our failure to take the works was owing to Fields’ Division failing to drive the Enemy or turn their right flank & to Genl Kirkland’s and Hagood’s Brigades not charging on the right & to Colquitt’s Brigade not supporting us. I don’t know how much we lost, but I think our Brigd took at least 2/3 in killed, wounded & prisoners & I fear ¾. I think the other troops lost but inconsiderably few.
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