1862 August 23 near the Rappahannock

[from the diary of Wesley Hammond of Co. E., 42nd Virginia (Dixie Greys)


Saturday 23rd,  Cannonading commenced very sud-
denly and heavy ___________ about 6 O’Clock.
10 O’Clock  I am now standing on an eminence
in some 3 or 4 miles of battle field in full view of
it.  Difficult to tell from the columns of smoke
the position of other force – seems to be in
½ mile of each other.  Yankees seem to be
giving back – line of battle is becoming
more extended – Something burning in their
rear- thought to be commissary stores-  Their
guns seems to be ceasing – [rest of line is lined through]
[Entire line is lined through.]
[One word lined through.]  Wagons seems to be moving back though
to the Yankees – Cannonading at this point
ceased about 2 O’Clock P. M.  Appearances of   more
burning.  Cannonading commences about this [-] far up
the River with another colum – move 5 or 6 miles