MAY 21. Thursday. At daylight the implements of death and destruction were opened once more. I saw some splendid work done by our artillery and there were many little incidents worthy of note. Three shots came very near hitting me, one went between Doty’s head and mine, which were about a foot apart. Brisk fighting all day. Bill Stafford came here and I wrote a few lines home and sent them by him to mail. At dark the firing ceased and a lively chat was again opened by the contending parties. It looked singular to see men fighting with deadly aim during the day, and then spending the night in friendly conversation. I slept in the same hollow. Gunboats and mortars fired at regular intervals. MAY 22. Our line of skirmishes opened at daylight as usual. 7 o’clock--Scaling ladders are being brought around. 10 o’clock--Deployed for the charge. Terrific cannonading going on over our heads. Shells are prematurely bursting, wounding our own men. Night--The day has finally passed away. The 81st Ill. and the 7th Mo. made the charge and were repulsed. Charging was done along the whole of the lines, but it was not a concerted movement and proved a total failure, owing probably to the nature of the grounds. Our boys charged up to the works in splendid style but were not supported. The Confederates raised and poured deadly volumes among them and swept their ranks with grape. We left a good many killed and wounded upon the field. Among the officers, the Colonel of the 81st was killed and Humphries of the 95th. Our regiment made no charge, but advanced close to the works and acted as sharpshooters, and when our charging column was repulsed, we were ordered to retreat. J. R., fool-like, gave the order loud and distinct, and as we fell back they poured the musketry and grape among us. We finally returned to the old camp, having lost eighteen, killed and wounded. The Rebel works extend as far as the eye can see. They are a succession of forts and rifle pits. MAY 23. Saturday. Rainy. How I wish I had a clean shirt or time to wash this! We were up in good time and moved toward the scene of action. We again acted as skirmishers. No charges were made today. We lost two men. As soon as it was dark, Sweeny, Chester and myself dug a fort on the brow of the hill, and also a line of retreat. While we were at work the Rebels struck up a conversation. They were lively and sociable. They wanted to meet us half way and have a sensible chat. They appeared quite confident of holding the place. They made a great many inquiries after old friends and acquaintances. They are tired of war, generally and said they wish old Abe and Jeff Davis had to fight it out. They said they would give anything for a little coffee. The conversation became too general and our batteries opened and put a quietus on it by sending over a few quiet reminders.