From the diary of Sgt. Henry W. Tisdale http://www.civilwardiary.net/diary1863b.htm

Were divided, four men to a post during the night, two required to be on the watch at a time-thus got four hours sleep during the night. Just as day broke the rebels opened fire quite savagely. At the same time, we were being relieved by the 7th RI. Many of this regiment were wounded, a few killed in getting their position. Has a very narrow escape viz. I was standing behind an orderly Sergeant John K. Hull of the 7th RI who had relieved me, both of us behind a tree, I giving him some instructions. I had my gun in front of me lengthwise of my body-felt a click upon my gun and at the same moment Sergeant Hull uttered a faint cry and fell upon his face at my feet. I sprang close to the tree and glancing at the body saw blood gushing from his mouth and that a bullet had passed through his body. He uttered a groan and expired. Looking at my gun I saw that the middle band was partially broken and the woodwork close to it dented upon the barrel, thus showing that the bullet after passing through his body had struck the gun and by it was glanced aside. Thus has God again preserved me in the day of battle. How strange the fortunes of war, all the day before I had been in the same spot and not always careful to keep behind the tree thoughtless of real danger. In fact not five minutes before, the Sergeant Hull was killed, I spread out my blanket in an open spot near the tree and folded it and yet not a shot was fired at me. Dropping upon my knees I crawled quickly to the rear and was soon out of danger once more. Felt sober the rest of the day. Feel that while God is thus almost by direct providence shielding my life I ought to render it all as an offering of gratitude to His service. Our regiment remained in support of the skirmish line the rest of the day. Were ordered to keep equipment on and ready to fall in line of battle at a moment’s notice. Twice we were thus ordered to fall in but it proved only a feeble attempt of the “rebs” to drive our skirmish line, which caused the order. It was amusing to see us scrambling to get into line as these orders came. Some would be cooking coffee, which or course would have to be dumped instantly; some semi-asleep. Visited the camp of the 7th RI and ascertained that Sergeant Hull shot before me was unmarried and was much esteemed in the regiment.

John K Hull