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May 18, 1863. Left the camp on Chickasaw Bayou last night and went into intrenchments in the rear of Vicksburg. For the last two weeks I have heard nothing from home; my anxiety is very great. Skirmishing commenced about 1 o'clock today. Two guns of the enemy's artillery firing. 6 o'clock. Heavy skirmishing on the left of our line.
May 19. Skirmishing brisk part of the night. Hard fighting anticipated today. 10 o'clock. Skirmishing in front of our lines. Some heavy pieces firing on our left from our side. 45 minutes past six. We have fought the enemy very hard today and held our position well along the line. It is with deep regret I have to record the wounding of three of my company -- Sergt. M. W. Payne, privates Landthrop and Middleton. I am proud to have it to say that my company behaved nobly. Report says the enemy's loss is very heavy on the left of our line. I thank Almighty God for his protection through the past days. The fight commenced about 1 o'clock.
20th. 5 o'clock a.m. Skirmishing along our lines. Sharpshooting and artillery firing incessant since morning up to this time. 10 o'clock. Adjutant Ward wounded in both legs by a sharpshooter. 6 o'clock p.m. Firing heavy in the right since 2 o'clock and on the left since 4 o'clock. I am certain we have held our position all along the line. We have not been engaged up to this time but have been under a heavy fire from the sharpshooters, and in range of the firing on the left. Five or six men in the regiment wounded and one killed from Co. I. Reports have had Gen. Johnston coming to our assistance for some days -- hope he may come soon, but our men seem confident of holding Vicksburg. One man from my company slightly wounded -- D. Y. Legust. I forgot to mention yesterday the wounding of Lieut. Lainhart, said to be mortal. He was a good officer and popular with his fellow officers. In him the regiment has lost a good officer. Night has set in and it is with greatful feelings I return thanks to God for his protection and victory to our arms for this day. Spirited conversation between the pickets along the line.
May 21. Heavy skirmishing along the right of our lines and some opposite us. It is hard to say what the program is for the day. 6 o'clock. Nothing done along the lines today except brisk skirmishing. We still hold our positions well. None hurt in our regiment today, for which we are thankful to God.
May 22. Heavy artillery firing during the night and up to 8 o'clock this morning. 7 o'clock p.m. The enemy made a desperate charge on line commencing at 10:30 o'clock and was kept up around the lines until dark. The enemy made tremendous exertions to force our lines but with God's assistance, we have been able to hold it. Only two companies in our regiment have been engaged today -- my company and Co. E. One man from my company badly wounded, private I. Ritchey. Three men killed in the regiment and three wounded. The enemy's loss was certainly very great. We are nearly worn out lying in internchments. Gunboats shelling Vicksburg.
May 23. All very quiet along our lines last night and up to present time -- 6 o'clock -- except some sharpshooting. We are called upon to regret the loss of Capt. Gravis. He was killed early this morning by a sharpshooter. He was a clever man and good officer. 5 o'clock p.m. All has been quiet along the lines up to this time. They have commenced heavy shelling and will keep it up till dark. 6 o'clock. Four men wounded in our regiment, one severely, one from my company, Geo. Burford, slightly. The enemy have planted artillery in many places and we may look for heavy shelling. We are having many men wounded, principally from shells. Tomorrow will be Sunday and we may look for hot work.
May 24. 8 o'clock a.m. All quiet this morning except the sharpshooting on both sides. Had my company at work all night throwing up embankments to prevent the enfilading fire from the enemy. Today is Sunday, the day usually selected for fighting. We can hear nothing very reliable from our reinforcements. Major McCay is very sick at the hospital. Lieut. Smith went to hospital sick yesterday. 7 o'clock p.m. Today has been unusually quiet. Sharpshooting and artillery firing all day. No one hurt in our regiment. Sunday has been more quiet then usual when we take into consideration that two armies are lying so near each other. We thank God for his continued protection of our lines.
May 25. All quiet this morning. Nothing heard but the firing of sharpshooters and occasionally they throw in a few shells, but do very little harm. One man killed in Co. D by sharpshooter this morning. Shelling in Vicksburg from gunboats very severe. 4 o'clock. The enemy have sent in a flag of truce to bury their dead, which was granted. Hostilities on both sides ceased during the time. It was a grand sight to see two large armies within speaking distance of each other and in full view, many conversing with each other, seamingly very friendly. Their dead, many of them, have been lying on the field three and four days. Such are some of the horrors of war. One poor fellow was picked up last night who had been wounded two days before; what must have been his sufferings! Night has set in and the time allowed the enemy to bury their dead is past. It has been a period of recreation to us all. We have been permitted to come from the ditches and walk about an relieved from the continuous firing of the sharpshooters and cannon, but it will soon be resumed, to continue I suppose until there is another lot to bury. How tiresome it is to lead such a life, and what is worse, not able to hear from our loved ones at home. It has now been about three weeks since I heard anything definite from them. May God protect them and watch over them.
May 26. This is a beautiful quiet spring morning, all nature seems at peace, but this terrible war is still going on. Our men are all cheerful and are determined to contend for what they believe to be their sacred rights. One man killed accidentally or by mistake, while on picket by a man from 7th Bat. He belonged to Co. C of our regiment. 5:30 o'clock. No charge made by the enemy today. All quiet except occasional firing by cannon and continuous sharpshooting. I regret the wounding of one of my best men (Louis Segrest) who was shot just below the knee, causing a fracture of one of the bones; also one man from Co. E wounded at the spring while getting water. 6:30 o'clock. Night is fast approaching, firing still continues, principally from the enemy's guns. Nine days we have been confined to the ditches, only permitted to walk around after dark. All worried and tired, but still determined to endure all for what we believe to be our rights, and confident that an over-ruling providence will work all for our good. The enemy may be a superior force, overcome us for a short time, but God will never favor the persecutors of innocent women and children. They have passed by my home and I cried to hear the condition in which I fear they have left my wife and children. They have waged war against defenseless women and children. God will certainly visit them with terrible vengeance.
May 27. Another beautiful morning has rolled around and still the popping of guns from sharpshooters continues and occasional peals from the enemy's cannon. We will all rejoice when we can leave these ditches, but if we can save Vicksburg by it we are willing to remain here for weeks. No one can tell what a day may bring forth. 3 o'clock. Lively firing on the river this morning. One of the enemy's gunboats, a heavy iron-clad, turreted boat, came within range of our batteries and was sunk by our guns. Lieut. Harrington went to hospital today. I am the only officer left in the company. 6 o'clock. None wounded or killed from our regiment toady. The incessant sharpshooting still continues.
May 28. No attack has yet been made on our lines. 7 o'clock. Nothing unusual has happened today. The enemy still continue their shelling and sharpshooting. Johnston is reported to be in Canton on his way here. We will try very hard to hold Vicksburg until he arrives. God still continues to watch over our little army and I trust will finally deliver us from our troubles.
May 29. 6 o'clock. Very heavy artillery firing from the enemy this morning. We may have a warm time of it today. God be with us. 4 o'clock. No firing today so far. It seems to be their determination to starve us out and besiege the city. From 5 o'clock until dark the enemy's cannonading was tremendous. They opened all their guns on us, but no one was hurt that I heard of.
May 30. We expected an attack last night and had all things prepared, but that night has passed off and this morning the sharpshooters are popping away as usual, but we may have it today. We have now been in the ditches 14 days. For weeks have the enemy been hammering at the gates of Vicksburg and still she refuses to open unto them. 7 o'clock. Heavy artillery firing this evening, but so far as heard from no casualties. Another day has passed and Vicksburg still ours. The confidence and determination of the troops seems to grow stronger every day. We will hold our Hill City, cost what it may, with God's assistance.
May 31. The enemy opened on us with a tremendous artillery fire, commencing about 2:30 o'clock a.m. As usual no damage done. Tis the Sabbath again. My desire to be at my quiet home for a few shorts minutes seems greater than ever, to be rid of this everlasting firing. 6:30 o'clock p.m. Today has passed off unusually quite. One man wounded in our regiment, slightly. We came into the ditches, tonight will be two weeks ago. We are all very tired but will hold out as long as there is a possible chance to save our city.
June 1. Some artillery firing last night opposite our lines. Heavy on the right about 3 o'clock. Shell bursted in Co. A last night just after dark killing three men and wounding two. Their provisions had just come in and they were sitting around eating their suppers when a shell exploded in their midst, showing how little we know at what moment the summons of death may come and the uncertainty of life. 6 o'clock. Nothing unusual has occurred today. Enemy shelling rapidly this evening. When will this tedious siege come to an end? Our men still continue sheerful under their slim fare of one ration per day, and other hardships. No late news from Johnston.
2d. 7 o'clock. Brisk firing of musketry about 12 o'clock last night on our right. We expected a charge from the enemy. All quiet again this morning except the unusual sharpshooting and occasional cannonading. 5:30 p.m. Very heavy shelling from the enemy at present and for last half hour, but doing no harm that I can hear of. Today so far has been about as quiet as usual. 100 of the enemy's pickets reported to have been captured last night on our right by Gen. Green. We thank God there has been no casualties today.
3d. We were moved last night to a position toward the right. The men very much dissatisfied with the change. Everything more quiet than usual this morning. 7 o'clock. Shelling has been very heavy today and we again return thanks to God that no one has been hurt. I have just heard of the death of one of my wounded men in hospital (Louis Segrest). He was killed by the explosion of a shell while lying in a tent near the hospital. We all mourn his loss for in him we lost a brave soldier and his community a good citizen.
4th. Heavy firing on the right last night, cause not known. 7:30 o'clock. Shells falling all around us. Nothing but providential interference has saved some of our company from being killed, our position being more exposed than the other companies. 7 o'clock p.m. But little firing from cannon today compared to other days.
5th. Nothing has occurred today worth mentioning. The usual amount of shelling and cannonading has been done, but we have great cause to be very thankful to almighty God that no one in our regiment has been hurt for several days.
6th. One man from Co. I shot in the finger by a sharpshooter last night. Less firing from cannon this morning than usual. 7 o'clock. Today has been very quiet. Many reports about Gen. Johnston, but nothing reliable.
7th. 'Tis Sabbath day again. God's holy day and all is more quiet than usual, this morning. It appears that the enemy was disposed to keep the Sabbath holy; would that we would follow their example in this respect, but we may have a warm time before night. We were shelled up to a late hour last night. 7 o'clock p.m. All has been quiet on the line today, until now the enemy are shelling considerably. We have been in the trenches now 21 days. Our men have endured it all pretty well. God grant a speedy termination of the siege in our favor. How severe a trial to be separated from our loved ones at home and no possible chance to hear from them, and they perhaps suffering for the necessaries of life. Such indeed are the horrors of war.
8th. The enemy have been very quiet for several days past. The sharpshooters keep up a continual firing, for what reason they alone know for they can see nothing to shoot at. Shelling moderate; they seldom ever hurt anyone.
9th. The regiment on our left (the 3rd Louisiana) shot a fuse into some cotton bales the enemy were using as breastworks and set them on fire last night. Our sharpshooters fired into them rapidly. The cotton was burnt. One man from Co. E was badly wounded. 7 o'clock p.m. The enemy have been shooting very incessantly today, paying us up for what we did last night, but thank God we have had no one hurt. Two men from the 3d Louisiana killed today. Went into town today and took a good bath at Major McCardle's quarters. Saw Major McCay, Lieuts. Harrington and Smith, all improving.
11th. Yesterday was a miserable bad rainy day. It is very muddy and disagreeable in the trenches. The men are nearly worn out. Very heavy sharpshooting yesterday and this morning. 6 o'clock p.m. Our position has been very severely shelled today, but, thank God, up to this time none of our regiment have been hurt. We have been particularly blessed since we have occupied our present position. The parapet on our left has been nearly battered down with a 10-inch gun.
12th. The shelling has not been so heavy at our position today; we may have it this evening.
13th. The same old routine of shelling and sharpshooting still continues. We can do nothing during the day but eat and sleep, and but little to eat and that very common. We are all nearly worn out with the ditches, but will hold out as long as provisions last. I could endure it cheerfully if I could know how my dear ones at home are; it has now been six weeks since I heard from home; been in trenches 27 days and no prospect of being relieved at a very early date.
14th. Another Sabbath has rolled around and Vicksburg is still ours. Thanks to Almighty God our loss the past week has been very small. This is a beautiful morning and were it not for the incessant firing of the sharpshooters all would be perfectly quiet as it should be on this day. Gen. Hebert was around the lines last night. He spoke encouragingly to the men and seems confident or our ultimate success. 7 o'clock p.m. Heavy cannonading during the day. Our mortar has annoyed the enemy very much today. Another Sabbath has passed and we are again indebted to God for the preservation of our lives.
15th. The Feds have all their cannon along the line in use this morning. They have taken away several pieces -- to fight Johnston with, I suppose. 11 o'clock. Have been looking for Major McCay and Lieut. Smith all the morning. McCay and Smith came in this morning.
17th. Nothing occurred yesterday worth notice. Heavy shelling from the enemy this morning. Several pieces have fallen very near us, and several bombs exploded within a few feet of us, but, thanks to Almighty God, we have had no one hurt yet. We are putting up several heavy guns on our lines, so reported. Our men still keep cheerful, most of them, notwithstanding their rations are very scant and becoming smaller each day. 7 o'clock. Heavy shelling all day. One man killed by a sharpshooter in Co. I. I am feeling unwell this evening; hope will not be sick. We have now been in the trenches one month today.
18th. 9:30 o'clock. Shelling commenced later this morning than usual. Several bombs have exploded very near us. Corporal I Rush of my company wounded in the arm with a piece of shell, I hope it is only slight. One man from Co. K killed by sharpshooters. 7:30 o'clock. Shelling not so heavy this evening.
19th. Heavy firing last night on our right. One man killed by sharpshooter on left of our regiment; he belonged to a Missouri regiment. The enemy have been unusually quiet this morning. 7 o'clock. Today has passed off quietly.
20th. 6 o'clock. Very heavy shelling this morning. I think the enemy have planted more guns last night. The firing continued very heavy up to 11 o'clock. Three men in our regiment wounded by shells. 5 o'clock we were very unexpectedly called into our positions in the trenches at a double quick. The alarm was caused by two impudent Yankees crawling up and looking over our parapet. We are now lying in the ditches all ready, but I think it was a false alarm. 7 o'clock. No fight today but all quiet. I have just heard of the death of I Ritchey, of my company. He was a brave good soldier. He died in the hospital from a wound received in a charge on May 21. No news from outside our lines.
21st. Another Sabbath finds us still in the trenches, and I fear with but little prospect of a speedy relief. We will continue to thank God for his protection of our lives when we are exposed to so many dangers. W. T. Adair of my company, was wounded by a sharpshooter, I am afraid badly. Another day has passed off quietly. Many rumors very encouraging to us from Johnston. The enemy advancing on us rapidly with their ditches. Men from Co. D slightly wounded by explosion of shell.
22d. The enemy unusually quiet early this morning. Another man killed in Co. D form shell exploding. Today has been quiet.
23d. Left camp early this morning. Took breakfast before leaving camp. Called at city hospital, took another breakfast with Mr. Johnston and then another at Mrs. Lawrence's, where I got a good bath and put on clean clothes and consequently feel much better. Capt. Gilmer wounded today, I hope not seriously, by shell. I have enjoyed one day of rest and quiet and feel much refreshed. Left Mrs. Lawrence's after tea and got to camp after dark, found all doing well.
24th. Heard rapid firing from small arms about 10 o'clock last night on our right. We were called to our position in the ditches immediately, expecting a charge, but the alarm proved to be false. The enemy rather quiet this morning. They have ditched up very close to our breastworks. Another man killed in our regiment today from company I. We thank God that our loss has been no greater for each hour of the day we are exposed to great danger.
25th. We slept in the ditches last night in obedience to an order from Gen. Pemberton for every man to sleep on his arms as an attack was anticipated, but the night passed off quietly. God in his wisdom has been fit to take from us one of our best soldiers (Aleck Cameron). He was good in all that constitutes a soldier -- brave, noble, and true -- one who never shrank from danger or murmured at duty -- always ready to encourage the men under the greatest hardships and privations. He was shot by a sharpshooter in the left eye whilst looking over the parapet last night about 9 o'clock. His death has cast a gloom over our little company, and it will be long before we can realize that Aleck is no more. Major McCay went to town sick again last night. 7 o'clock p.m. The enemy attempted to blow up the parapet of the 3d La. and partially succeeded, and threatened us with a charge. We remained in the ditches all night. Two men of Co. C and one in Co. E wounded today by explosion of shell; another man in Co. C wounded by sharpshooters.
26th. We are looking for an attack from the enemy this morning. Very heavy sharpshooting in front of our position since last night, * * * * * * * * * *
(Seven pages of Capt. Faulk's diary are missing)
* * * * * * * * * * of my company was badly wounded by a shell today in the arm. It has since been amputated, which I regret very much. Another man killed in Co. I today by sharpshooters. We are losing men very rapidly.
July 3. We have had a quiet day of it. A flag of truce was sent over to the enemy at 8 o'clock this morning, which lasted about one hour, when another flag was sent over. We are very anxious to know what it all means. 5 o'clock. Three or four of our Generals are in front of our regiment with the same number of Federal officers holding a conference.
4th. Another meeting of the officers on each side about 10 o'clock last night and still another about three o'clock this morning, the result of which was our surrender at 10 o'clock today. How humiliating it is for us to be compelled to submit to such an enemy, and that too on the 4th Of July; but we have done all that men could do -- we held them 48 days on very scant rations and we would have continued to hold the place had our rations held out. The Feds and our men are mixing together and talking good humoredly.
5th. Today has been the only quiet Sabbath we have passed since we have been in Vicksburg. We are anxiously waiting for our paroles for we are very tired of this place.
9th. We have been lying in camp here since the 4th waiting for orders to leave. The Feds have issued an order prohibiting and negro passing their lines. It looks very hard for many of them are anxious to return to their homes.
Here ends the diary of Capt. W. L. Faulk, Co. B, 38th Mississippi Infantry.