GDG- Diary of a Lady - Sarah M. Broadhead

[Ginny Gage]

July 3‹

To-day the battle opened with fierce cannonading before 4 o¹clock A.M.
Shortly after the battle began we were told to leave this end of the town,
for likely it would be shelled.  My husband declared he would not go while
one brick remained upon another, and, as usual, we betook ourselves to the
cellar, where we remained until 10 o¹clock, when the firing ceased.  We
could not get breakfast on account of our fears and the great danger.
During the cessation we managed to get a cold bite.  Again, the battle began
with unearthly fury.  Nearly all the afternoon it seemed as if the heavens
and earth were crashing together.  The time that we sat in the cellar seemed
long, listening to the terrific sound of the strife; more terrible never
greeted human ears.  We knew that with every explosion, and the scream of
each shell, human beings were hurried, through excruciating pain, into
another world, and that many more were torn, and mangled, and lying in
torment worse than death, and no one able to extend relief.  The thought
made me very sad, and feel that, if it was God¹s will, I would rather be
taken away than remain to see the misery that would follow.  Some thought
this awful afternoon would never come to a close.  We knew that the Rebels
were putting forth all their might, and it was a dreadful thought that they
might succeed.  Who is victorious, or with whom the advantage rests, no one
here can tell.  It would ease the horror if we knew our arms were
successful.  Some think the Rebels were defeated, as thee has been no
boasting as on yesterday, and they look uneasy and by no means exultant.  I
hope they are correct, but I fear we are too hopeful.  We shall see
to-morrow.  It will be the 4th of July, and the Rebels have promised us a
glorious day.  If it only ends the battle and drives them off it will be
glorious, and I will rejoice.

Ginny Gage