1862 July 20 near Harrison's Landing, Va.

 [from the diary of Samuel Johnson of the 1st Massachusetts Independent Light Battery]


    July 20^th

During the past week every thing has been as

quiet as usual.  On the 14^th Gen Burnside

arrived at the landing;  his command is at

Fort Monroe.  One of our men was discharged

on the 15^th.  On the 19^th the Vermont Brigade

commenced to throw up a line of breast works

in front of the batteries.  To day were inspected

by Capt Platt, after which we had a long

and severe brigade drill.  During the past

week, the rebel sharpshooters and their flying

artillery have greatly annoyed our transports

in their passage up and down the river,

We have had some very heavy thunder showers

this week.  On the 16^th we had the most severe

one I ever witnessed, the rain fell in a

perfect torrent for over an hour completely

deluging the ground.  During the day time

of this week the weather has been pleasant

and warm but most every evening it has been stormy.

 [transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493