Samuel Johnson, 24th Michigan "Iron Brigade"

July 1, 1863

Today, upon arrival to the town of Gettysburg, we heard the booming of artillery, suggesting our men had made "hard contact" with the enemy. We were immediately filed to the left alongside our boys in the 19th Indiana. The skirmishers were told to advance in front of the main line, myself being included. We made contact with the Rebels quickly, and exchanged gunfire. One man, who was a deadeye shot, seemed to be very terrified in battle, despite his skills with a rifle. This being the case, it pained me very much to put this man in my sites. Upon pulling the trigger, the young soldier was hit very near to the heart, I suspect that the bullet made contact with his heart as he instantly fell, with much blood coming from the wound. I have not stopped thinking about this soldier, as he seemed to be no more than 19 years of age. A young life quickly ruined and ended by war. Our color bearer, Jonathon Taft, was shot in the stomach, mortally wounding him. Our Captain was shot in the thigh, and withdrew from the battle, I imagine he lost the leg to a surgeon's knife. We were able to push the Rebels back, our men hitting their marks very well. As we did inflict many casualties on the enemy, their numbers were too overpowering, so we withdrew from battle back to camp. I had 4 of my good friends killed today, and our Colonel wounded. It is now night, an quite far into it as darkness fell what seems to be about an hour and a half ago, and I still hear artillery firing from both sides, tomorrow will be another day of fighting, and killing. Some men have begun to sow their names onto their jackets, as to be identified in the case they are killed. I will not resort to this, as I am very determined to live to see my sweetheart back home.