15 May 1864: “received a flesh wound through the calf on the left leg. Hobbled back to surgeon; no ambulance being at hand.”

Item Description: Diary entry, 15 May 1864, written by G.W.F. Harper, describing the Battle of Resaca, a wound he sustained, and casualties among his troops. George Washington Finley Harper (1834-1921) of Lenoir, N.C., was a merchant, Confederate officer, railroad builder, banker, and entrepreneur.

[Item transcription available below images]

18640515001 18640515002

Item Citation: From Volume 15 [folder 40] of the G.W.F. Harper Papers #313,  Southern Historical CollectionWilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription:

Sun 15. Clear, Pleas. A.M. Brigade in line in front of breastworks about 2 P.M. advanced to support other brigades who were holding advanced works from the repeated charges of the enemy. About 6 p.m. Stewart’s Division on our right charged the enemy and the 58th now ordered to cooperate on their left flank. Moved under the breastworks, under heavy fire and formed and advanced on the enemy, our lines not connecting with Stewart (who by the way was repulsed about or before this time.) We were compelled to withdraw to the entrenchments. In this charge received a flesh wound through the calf  on the left leg. Hobbled back to surgeon; no ambulance being at hand. Wound dressed and was sent on foot to the Division hospital which I reached after dark without difficulty about two miles southeast of Resaca on R.R. Refreshed with drink of spirits and lay down on my blanket on ground to rest. Slept until nearly daylight when a train was at hand to carry off the wounded. Have been under fire many times today. Thank God I have suffered no worse. Casualties in Co H. 58th NC Killed Priv Austin Smith (my cook) Wounded – Pvts. A.J. Bollick and Saml McLeod (Shoulder severely) Capt G W.F. Harper, Cpl. W.L. Crisp (hand), W.F. Bumgarner (Shoulder, by shell)

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One Response to 15 May 1864: “received a flesh wound through the calf on the left leg. Hobbled back to surgeon; no ambulance being at hand.”

  1. Buck Lawler says:

    Item transcription skips the following after “58th NC”: “Killed Priv Austin Smith (my cook)”