July 2, 1863

Today I found myself exchanging fire with the Yankees. This was the worst day so far. The heat and humidity caused a feeling similar to being trapped in a fire, my lungs no longer giving me air. Bugs swarmed us, biting men over and over, I myself bitten over 20 times. My friend Joseph Donaldson was struck by a bullet just above the eyebrow, he was killed instantly. Another one of my friends, who was fighting next to me, narrowly missed a bullet, as it went through the brim of his hat. Billy Yank across the field from me, though, was not so lucky. I took aim, focusing with all my might, holding my breath to steady my aim, and pulled the trigger. My sites were accurate, as the Yankee soldier fell about 40 yards away. Then suddenly, as I was looking down to load my rifle, I heard terrible screams and yells, looking up, I saw Yankee soldiers, bayonets fixed, charging us. I hurriedly got up and ran for my life. None of us ever expected the Federal soldiers to charge with bayonets downhill, but I give them much credit, as it was an effective tactic, scattering our men in every direction. Tomorrow I hear we will be fighting once more, for the third day in a row, I do hope it's a successful battle, but I have no doubt in Generals Lee and Pickett, I do not believe I will be able to sleep tonight in my anticipation of the battle to come.