Macon Telegraph, Macon, GA, June 10, 1862
Headquarters of 14th GA. Reg., In front of Enemy, 4th June 1862: Mr. Editor: On Saturday evening, the 31st of May, the 14th Ga. made her debut into battle and for three long hours fought as Georgians can fight, until night closed the contest. Three times we charged upon the concealed battery through the thickest undergrowth imaginable, men falling down over the impediments, but rising, and with a yell onward pressed - towards that fearful battery that was raining shell, grape, canister and solid shot among us - but my God, what odds - three brigades of Yankees lay entrenched around that battery, and at thirty yards poured the most concentrated fire upon us ever witnessed on any field. Three times the 14th, supported by the three regiments - 19th Georgia, led by the gallant Lieut. Colonel Johnston, the 16th North Carolina, led by the noble Davis, their Colonel (who fell pierced by three balls), and Hampton's Legion, by the gallant Griffin, their Lieut. Colonel charged that battery and cross fired on - flanked partially - stood manfully until the order passed down the line, fall back, when, sullenly we fell back, formed new line, and bivouacked on the field, where they shelled us until the fight commenced Sunday morning. Every State in the confederacy was represented there but Kentucky, and all had to retire from before the enemy, and the heroes of Manassas all say it was the most awful and concentrated fire they ever witnessed. but our success was great and grand. We captured 28 pieces of artillery, tents, baggage &ct., innumerable and drove them three miles before us. The ground was strewn with dead and wounded - Yankees called - but really low Dutch scoundrels. Gen. Pettigru, Gen. Hatton, Col. David, Col. Lomax and hundreds of gallant sons of the South bit the dust there.
Col. Price had his sword shot from his side in the action. The 14th were crossfired upon. Just as the regiment moved up to the charge, Maj. Wm. A. Harris discovered a regiment of Yankees drawn up in line of battle on the left, prepared to flank us, and called Gen. Hampton's attention to it. The General could do nothing in regard to it, not having the force to prevent it, but ordered the charge. The boys with a yell went on, and as foreseen by Major Harris, that regiment flanked and poured a deadly fire upon our brigade. I cannot say who fought best, all fought well, and all we ask is a fair showing in an open fight, and not be led into an ambuscade again. General Hampton was wounded in the foot, and his brigade temporarily has been broken until he can resume command. The 14th is attached to the gallant General Archer's of Texas, brigade. Whilst writing the rain is pouring down in torrents and everything like battle is hushed, except occasionally the sullen roar of a cannon and bursting of shell.
We look for the big fight daily and feel satisfied we can whip it and we are anxious for it to come on.
One in the Fight
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Macon Telegraph, Macon, GA, June 16, 1862
Richmond, June 10, 1862: Mr. Editor: We have had two days of dry weather and are now enjoying sunshine as of yore. Speaking of the weather naturally brings up the all-absorbing topic - the next battle, which is so imminent that a mere skirmish may precipitate it at any moment. A detachment from the Texas regiments, numbering four hundred men, had quite an affair yesterday, resulting in the discomfiture of a large body of Yankee troops. In Sunday's fight, it appears to be generally vouched for by reliable men, that the Yankees lost four to our one. Some even state it higher. Many of our wounded, even after falling, continued to fire upon the enemy, and many a Yankee who thought himself doing finely in making his way to his own lines, was brought down by our men where they lay. Two privates of the 3d Alabama Regiment captured five prisoners while lying in this position. The process is exceedingly simple, yet none the less effective from that fact. It consisted in drawing a "bede" on any straggler by way of strengthening the request, and then ordering him to lay down his gun, also himself, so as not to attract the attention of a large party.
Our soldiers enjoyed themselves finely on the good things found in the Federal camp. I have no idea how our Generals and Quartermasters will like it, as it seems to be their plan to keep us on half rations while some of the depots are being crushed by the superabundant weight of army stores, and, in most instances, these stores are kept long enough to be destroyed before the Federals get them. The papers say this is all very smart, and it may be, but the old story of the boys and the frogs could be revived with fine effect, always understanding the soldiers to be getting the frog part of the game.
Gen. Toomas' Brigade was sent forward yesterday and now occupies an advanced position in the line. McClellan is entrenching himself in plain sight of our men. General Johnson said the other day that he would do no more ditching, but other heads have determined otherwise, and the probabilities are now that we will out dig the champion ditcher.
Atkinson's and John Hill Lamar's regiments left here yesterday for "Stonewall" Jackson's command.
Everything in Richmond wears an unusual placid appearance and were it not for the exorbitant prices which rule, and the continuous rattle of army wagons in the streets, no one would imagine that the city was environed by two hostile armies. I notice a great many registered at the hotels from Georgia and different parts of the South, having been drawn here to see relatives in the various regiments or in expectancy of a battle. Mere sight seers would save time and money by remaining at home, as they will hear more and see as much - as it is extremely difficult to get inside our army lines. The 2d Battalion are under orders to march at a moment's notice to Petersburg. All quiet at the Bluff and down the river today. K.
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Macon Telegraph, Macon, GA, June 18, 1862
Richmond, VA, June 13th, 1862: Editor Telegraph: Since the late battle near Richmond, there has been unusual quiet along the lines. The Yankees are either carrying out a profound game of strategy or shrink from a decisive contest. Very little more of decided purpose is manifest in our army. Thirteen days have elapsed since the battle, and there is apparently no progress made towards the conclusion of events about Richmond. The battle itself, though an unquestionable triumph of our arms, is devoid of results except in its moral effects upon either army. Had the battle begun earlier in the day, and reinforcements been sent rapidly forward, the victory would have been complete and decisive. At the close of the fight on the 21st May, the Yankees were giving back before our columns, and were abandoning the field in confusion. Prisoners that were taken say they were left behind in the race to the rear.
The 6th, 23d, 27th and 28th Georgia regiments mingled conspicuously and creditably in the fight. Col. Colquitt, of the 6th and Col. Levi Smith, of the 27th are said to have acted with great coolness. Col. Smith was wounded and had his horse shot under him. Col. Colquitt had several holes made by Minnie balls through his coat.
It is a matter of much regret that Gen. Johnston was wounded. Gen. Lee is now in command but is not considered equal to his predecessor - at least he does not command to the same extent the confidence of the troops. It is generally conceded, however, that very little depends upon commanders, if they will only give the troops an opportunity for active service. The secret of Jacksons successes is, that he omits no occasion to strike.
I have met many citizens from Georgia within a few days. They are here to look after the wounded and to weep over the dead. The ladies of Richmond are untiring in their efforts to relieve and soothe the wounded. Trooper.
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