after, sounds were heard in the supposed deserted rebel works, which we believed were our own men who had recently occupied them, and by reason of this supposed safety our whole command was soon in slumber deep and heavy from exhaustion of the day's labor.
At early dawn on May 26th the enemy discovered our close proximity, and at once opened upon us with artillery, and at about the same time advanced its infantry to attack us in our rear. This movement was discovered, however, in time to prevent its further progress. After a hot fight the enemy retired to his fortifications. During the day several attempts were made in the same direction, but without effect. Near the close of the day we were temporarily relieved and retired to a ravine a few yards in our rear, where we received rations, the first "square meal" in two days.
At an early hour the following morning (May 27th) our artillery took position at the breastworks and opened a furious cannonading, which is replied to with spirit by the rebel batteries. During the afternoon the enemy made a sortie on our line, a general engagement ensued, and the rebels were beaten back. The Twenty-ninth regiment loss was slight, we being well protected by rifle pits. The rebel loss in this attack was severe, their dead and wounded being thickly strewn in front of our works. During this attack General Sherman and staff took position in our rear. General Hooker is generally where the bullets fly thickest, and his utter disregard of danger has won the love of the "boys," who call him "Uncle Joe," and who are all, at any time, ready to go through fire if he so desires, knowing he will not ask them to go where he fears to lead.
The battle continues throughout the following day, with brisk infantry firing and heavy cannonading almost
