Thursday, August 28, 2014

Return to Camp

Sunday, August 28, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire remained in the front rifle trenches which had dried up during the week as the rain ended and fairer weather returned. The Thirteenth was constantly exposed to front, rear, and enfilade fire during their time in the trenches. On Friday evening the Thirteenth was finally relieved by the Tenth Corps and began a night march to their old camp near Bermuda Hundred, arriving thoroughly exhausted at 4:00 A.M. on Saturday morning. Today the Thirteenth removed to a location near their camp position in May, between Batteries Three and Four. 1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 444-448.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

In the Muddy Trenches

Sunday, August 21, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire remained in the front rifle trenches all week, this time with new challenges from the weather. The relentless heat broke on Monday with heavy rain showers which continued intermittently for the entire week. Rain filled the trenches and the men were constantly at work to repair the damage done by the rain and ensuing mud. By the end of today the water in the front trenches was two-and-one-half feet deep. 1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 440-444.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Relentless Heat Takes a Toll

Sunday, August 14, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire was deployed the entire week at the front rifle trenches, building a small fort near the Ravine Camp behind the front lines. Since the end of July the temperatures had been holding steadily over 100 degrees during the day with minimal cooling at night. During this morning’s inspection several men of the Thirteenth were overcome by the unrelenting heat.1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 436-440.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Confederate Mine Rumors

Sunday, August 7, 1864

The Thirteenth New Hampshire experienced another excruciating week of intensely hot and dry weather, beginning in the rear trenches near camp and ending in the front trenches. Sunstroke took its toll on the men on duty in the trenches. The Thirteenth heard rumors of Confederates digging mining underneath their position at the front, but few believed them. 1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 434-436.