And you, ye sons, as here you tread,
And on our graves your tribute lay,
That ye be worthy of such dead,
Forget not till the latest day.
M. J. Savage.
June 1, 1864. Sunset. Another battle has begun, and brave men are now falling for their country and their homes. Ah, many a heart will mourn when they hear of this hour’s history, but may the thought cheer them, that their dear ones fell like heroes, as they are, in the holiest cause for which man ever fought.
June 2. Five P. M. Again has the battle begun, and again we hear the hum of lead and iron, like hail in a storm. Oh, how terrible is the conflict of arms among men of one nation!
June 3. The battle began early this morning, and now many of my dear comrades are cold in death. Many others are suffering with pain from wounds received while facing traitors to their country.
At six o’clock this morning we charged across a field about a quarter of a mile; fighting began, and we had it hot and heavy until dark. Our loss was very heavy, and of my company, Warren P. Locke, and Makepeace C. Young are killed, and Hazen, Kennison, Robinson, Melvin, Parsons, Beals, Uffindale, and Fuller are wounded. Oh, may their names be ever honored by those who love their country!
June 4. Went out skirmishing; relieved at noon, and joined my company. Started for some place, and went about one mile, then back we went to the front, and staid all night.