Official Diary of First Corps, A. N. V., while Commanded by Lt.-General R. H. Anderson, from June 1st to October 18, 1864.
June 1st—It was our intention to-day to make a strong movement by our right—Hoke towards old Cold Harbor, and Kershaw towards Beulah church from the position to which he had gone last night—and orders were given to that effect. Hoke did not become engaged, but took a line on the right. Kershaw puts in his own brigade supported by another. Keitt's big regiment gives way, and in the effort to rally it Keitt is mortally wounded. Pickett is closed into the right on Kershaw, and the latter on Hoke. Field closes in on Pickett. In the afternoon a furious attack is made on the left of Hoke and right of Kershaw, enemy penetrating an interval between them. Clingman's brigade gives way. Wofford's, on his left, being flanked, does the same. The Fifty-third Georgia, on Wofford's left, ditto. Kershaw brings up the Second and Third South Carolina regiments and regains Bryan's lost ground and captures prisoners and a stand of colors. Hunton is sent to Hoke's support. Field sends Gregg's brigade to aid Wofford in retaking his position. The effort, however, is not made from Kershaw's direction, but Hunton assumes Hoke's left nearly on Clingman's original line, Wofford bending back his right to connect with him.
June 2d—The preceding is the condition of affairs to-day, and we await the expected attack of the enemy. Kershaw's salient is weak, but is supported by Anderson's and Law's brigades of Field's division. Heavy skirmishing continues during the whole day on our line. In the evening the Second corps under Early moves out by its left, except Ramseur's division, and attacks the enemy's right. He gains some advantages and forces back the enemy's right. In the morning Breckinridge is posted on the heights to the right of Hoke, and A. P. Hill, with two divisions, moves to that point by Gaines' mill. The enemy gives us a furious cannonade late.
June 3d—The expected battle begins early. Early renews his attack, but appears to cease in about two hours without gaining much. Meantime the enemy is heavily massed in front of Kershaw's salient. Anderson's, Law's and Gregg's brigades are there to support Kershaw. Assault after assault is made, and each time repulsed with severe loss to the enemy. At eight o'clock A. M. fourteen had been made and repulsed (this means, I suppose, fourteen lines advanced). Law wounded. At dark a final and furious
