1862 April 17 near Yorktown, Va.

[from the diary of Captain Jonathan B. Hager of the 14th U. S. Regulars, as copied at a later date from the original]

Apr. 17 Firing heavy & the point of the explosion of
shells could be plainly seen by the little clouds
of smoke they produced--These shells which
came from the principal works of Yorktown,
generally went over our camp & fell beyond---
the casualties from this source being extremely
rare. Ignorance of the exact locality of the
Federal Camp was the cause of our freedom
from the visits of these monsters. One or two did
come unpleasantly near, but no uneasiness was
felt & after a while it seemed a little odd when
for a day or even half a day there was no firing
In truth we were lulled to sleep many nights
by the "Counterfeit of the immortal Joves dread clamor"

MSS 9044