Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/120

 of a rail on such occasions being more luxurious than any patent spring contrivance of to-day.

July 4th. On this day, made glorious to all this goodly land by the forefathers of both the blue and gray, was celebrated by the issue of full rations of hard-tack, s, bacon, and coffee, and wonderful feats of gormandizing ensued. To make the day something of a reminder of the Northern anniversary, with its tearing headache of the 5th, General "Joe" ordered an issue of liquor to the men, the first of the campaign. About 4 o'clock we broke camp and marched towards the left, but soon came to a halt for the night.

At dawn on the following day we pushed forward and took possession of a line of works the rebels had only evacuated on our approach. They are now crossing Chattahoochie river. The advance is continued until within about one and one-half miles of the river, where we encounter a second line of rebel works, occupied by the enemy to cover the retreat across the river.

July 6th we occupy the position of yesterday. During the forenoon our regiment was support of Bundy's New York battery, engaged in shelling the rebels from a fort. About 2 we returned with the battery to the main line, and one hour later moved with our division to the left and formed line of battle, in which position we passed the night. On the day following we marched to the left and assumed position in line between the Fourteenth and Fifteenth corps. Sharp skirmishing was kept up nearly all night. This position is maintained by our regiment, with daily skirmishing, until the early dawn of July 10th, when the Twenty-ninth Ohio is pushed forward on a reconnoissance. We discover that the enemy have retreated across the Chattahoochie. On reaching the river we deploy as skirmishers along the north bank,