150 Voices for 150 Years: An Autobiography of Us William O. Norrell was a member of the 63rd Georgia (Walker Division, Hardees Corps) and was a prolific diarist during the Atlanta Campaign. The following entry describes his disappointment in the destruction of the landscape of the deep South. May 17--Tuesday. [1864] Encamped near Adairsville till around 4 oclock p.m. having a rain in the meantime. Toward the evening the enemy began to approach our locality and a great deal of skirmishing was kept up till about night, between our Cavalry and the Enemys Cavalry, warm enough however to cause the army about 4 oclock to be drawn up in the field. While writing the cannon is playing on the Yankees and the skirmishing is going on on both however faintly compared to what has been going on a portion of the time. Think we will hardly have a Battle here but will know tomorrow. We are now at dark lying in a large wheat field, the Army drawn up in several lines, Cavalry in front of us. The fences have been torn down to make a sort of Breastwork by the men. The destruction of property is awful, this part of the country beautiful and very productive and fine land and healthy. I forgot to mention that on our march to Calhoun one of our brigade fell down and his gun went off and shot one of his company in the hip. Severe wound. Today (2nd time) since I left home I had an opportunity to wash all over and change my clothing and did a little washing socks, handkerchiefs, and towels. Slept none last night and very little today. My feet very sore from last nights march and my heel badly blistered. About 10 oclock we were ordered to move again and our steps directed toward Kingston, about 12 miles from Adairsville which we accomplished by next day about 10 oclock. We found the village a neat one all commotion as we expected to pass through and leave it in possession of the enemy. Every family seems to leave their home as the Army approaches knowing we will leave them behind to the mercy of the Enemy. Some fine residences and beautiful plantations. The distress and the destruction of property is awful. We encamped a few miles beyond the village which we heard the Yankees had possession of before morning. More of Mr. Norrells observations will be shared in future posts, so please return for more #150VoicesOfUs and #HashtagHistory.
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 10:00:00 +0000
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