An Artilleryman's Diary
by Jenkins Lloyd Jones · English · Gutenberg #33211 · 801,626 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: An Artilleryman's Diary
Author: Jenkins Lloyd Jones
Release date: July 20, 2010 [eBook #33211]
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ARTILLERYMAN'S DIARY ***
Produced by David Edwards, Stephen H. Sentoff and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
(This file was produced from images generously made
available by The Internet Archive)
AN ARTILLERYMAN'S DIARY
[Illustration: Jenkin Lloyd Jones]
Wisconsin History Commission: Original Papers, No. 8
AN ARTILLERYMAN'S DIARY
BY JENKIN LLOYD JONES
Private Sixth Wisconsin Battery
WISCONSIN HISTORY COMMISSION
FEBRUARY, 1914
TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED COPIES PRINTED
Copyright, 1914
The Wisconsin History Commission
(in behalf of the State of Wisconsin)
Opinions or errors of fact on the part of the respective authors of the
Commission's publications (whether Reprints or Original Narratives) have
not been modified or corrected by the Commission. For all statements, of
whatever character, the Author alone is responsible.
DEMOCRAT PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTER
CONTENTS
PAGE
WISCONSIN HISTORY COMMISSION ix
AUTHOR'S PREFACE xi
AN ARTILLERYMAN'S DIARY:
First impressions 1
Up and down the Mississippi and Yazoo 35
Encircling Vicksburg 48
The siege of Vicksburg 59
A well-earned rest 78
At work again 92
En route to Chattanooga 102
With Grant at Chattanooga 132
In winter quarters 148
On to Atlanta 221
Watching Hood 268
Wintering at Nashville 289
Garrisoning Chattanooga 303
Victory 318
Awaiting discharge 338
Homeward bound 358
Home at last 363
INDEX 369
ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Portrait of the Author _Frontispiece_
A Group of Comrades 128
A Group of Officers 250
Entry in diary, December 20, 1864.
Photographic facsimile 290
Portraits of Author taken in 1862, 1863, 1865 358
Group of Sixth Wisconsin Battery, taken in 1897 364
WISCONSIN HISTORY COMMISSION
(Organized under the provisions of Chapter 298, Laws of 1905, as amended
by Chapter 378, Laws of 1907, Chapter 445, Laws of 1909, Chapter 628,
Laws of 1911, and Chapter 772, Section 64, Laws of 1913)
FRANCIS E. McGOVERN
_Governor of Wisconsin_
CHARLES E. ESTABROOK
_Representing Department of Wisconsin, Grand Army of the
Republic_
MILO M. QUAIFE
_Superintendent of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin_
CARL RUSSELL FISH
_Professor of American History in the University of Wisconsin_
MATTHEW S. DUDGEON
_Secretary of the Wisconsin Free Library Commission_
* * * * *
_Chairman_, Commissioner Estabrook
_Secretary and Editor_, Carl Russell Fish
_Committee on Publications_, Commissioners Dudgeon and Fish
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
Whatever value this publication may have, lies in the fact that it
offers a typical case--a small cross section of the army that freed the
slave and saved the Union.
The Editor of the Commission's publications has asked me to state
briefly something about myself. I am one of the multitude of
"hyphenated" Americans, born across the water but reared under the flag.
I am a Cambro-American, proud of both designations, and with abundant
heart, loyalty, and perhaps too much head pride in both. Introduced to
this world in Llandyssul, Cardiganshire, Wales, November 14, 1843, I
celebrated my first anniversary by landing at Castle Garden, in New York
City. My parents were sturdy "come-outers" who, after the manner called
"heresy", even among Protestants, worshipped the God of their fathers.
They came from what in orthodox parlance was known as the "Smwtyn Du"
the heretical "black-spot" in Wales. I am the third Jenkin Jones to
preach that liberal interpretation of Christianity generally known as
Unitarianism. The first Jenkin Jones preached his first heretical sermon
in his mother's garden way back in 1726, ninety-three years before
Channing preached his Baltimore sermon (1819), from which latter event
American Unitarianism generally dates its beginning.
My father was a prosperous hatter-farmer--making hats for the local
markets during the winter months, tilling his little ten-acre farm
during the summer time. My parents were lured to America by the
democracy here promised. In our family, freedom was a word to conjure
by. Hoping for larger privileges for the growing family of children,
they brought them to the New World, the world of many intellectual as
well as material advantages. The long sea voyage of six weeks in a
sailing vessel, interrupted by a dismantling storm which compelled the
ship to return for repairs after two weeks sailing, brought them into
the teeth of winter, too late in the season to reach their objective
point in the West. So the journey was suspended and the first winter
spent in a Welsh settlement near Steuben, New York.
May, 1845, found us in the then territory of Wisconsin. The broad,
fertile, and hospitable open prairie country in southern Wisconsin was
visited and shunned as a desert land, "a country so poor that it would
not grow a horse-switch." And so, three "forties" of government land
were entered in the heavy woods of Rock River valley, forty miles west
of Milwaukee, midway between Oconomowoc and Watertown, which then were
pioneer villages. The land was bought at $1.20 an acre, then were
purchased a yoke of oxen and two cows; and when these were paid for,
there remained one gold sovereign ($5) to start life with--father,
mother, and six children.
Trees were felled for the log house which for the first six months was
roofed with basswood bark, for the shingles had not only to be made, but
the art of making them had to be acquired. In this log house were spent
the first twelve remembered years of my life. In it four more children
were born. In the log school-house, built in the middle of the road
because it was built before the road was there--we had arrived before
the surveyor--I learned to speak, read, and love the English language.
My first teacher was a Cambro-American who could by her bi-lingual
accomplishment ease the way of the little Welsh immigrant children into
English. I think I can remember crying when the teacher would speak to
me in the then unintelligible English.
In 1856, my thirteenth year, the family began to realize that they had
chosen a hard place in which to make a home. The battle would have been
a grim one, with the tall trees and their stumps, the "hardhead"
boulders, the marshes, the mosquitoes, and the semi-annual attack of
ague, had it not been lightened with the blind hopes and the
inspirations that bring to frontier lives the consolations and
encouragements of the pioneer. So the home in Ixonia, that had welcomed
the coming of the first plank-road and witnessed the approach of the La
Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad as far as Oconomowoc, was sold, and in 1855
we moved to a farm of 400 acres in Sauk County.
The next year this was reached by the old Milwaukee & Mississippi
Railroad and the village of Spring Green was established, adjoining the
farm. Here I worked on the farm in the summer time, and during the
winter time grew with the growing village school in Spring Green. During
the spring term of school, in 1861, the boys were organized into the
Spring Green Guards. "Billy" Hamilton, a clerk in George Pound's store,
was excused by his employer during the noon hour and the recesses, to
come over to drill us. The tresses, black or golden, were sacrificed.
Our hair was "shingled" and we wore cadet caps. Of course the boys had
been stirred when they heard of the humiliation preceding the
inauguration of Lincoln, of the firing on Sumter; and in the autumn all
of the Spring Green Guards who were ripe enough heard and heeded the
call of Father Abraham. Captain "Billy" Hamilton went out as sergeant in
the 6th Wisconsin Battery, and four years later came back as colonel at
the head of the 36th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.
I was too young to go out in 1861. I cannot say that I panted for the
fray. I dreaded the coming of the dire moment when conscience, not the
government, would deliver me into a service that had no charm for me.
Another winter's schooling in the Spring Green Academy, another sowing
and harvest time, then leaving unstacked the hay that I had mown, and in
the shocks the oats that I had cradled, I obeyed this "stern daughter of
the voice of God"--to use Wordsworth's phrase--and turned my face to the
South. I joined my old comrades of the Spring Green Guards in the 6th
Wisconsin Battery, nine months or so after their first enlistment.
I was a "mother's boy", and with the exception of three months'
district schooling at an aunt's house in Watertown, when a little lad,
had never been away from home over night. I had not then and have not
since, owned a firearm of any description. As I approach my
three-score-and-ten, I can say that I have never sighted a gun, or
pulled the trigger on anything smaller than a cannon, and that only when
ordered.
It seems necessary for me to state further, that throughout the three
years of camp life, as through all the succeeding years, I have been a
total abstainer from all forms of liquor and tobacco. The strictures
throughout the Diary concerning the over-use of intoxicants were written
from this standpoint, and perhaps were over stated. At least truth
requires that I should at this distance testify that the bulk of the
Union Army, so largely made up of boys, was of stern stuff, with their
lives rooted in seriousness and committed to sobriety, as the subsequent
careers of those who were allowed to return amply prove. Many things set
forth in this Diary were necessarily untrue to fact, but there is
nothing but what was true to the thought and feeling of the writer at
the time. The simplicity of the narrative and the lapse of time, will, I
hope, take all the barbs out of any random shafts that may have been
fired by a battery boy.
The monotonous story of this battery boy is told in long metre in the
Diary here published. The only remarkable thing about the record is,
that it exists and is still available fifty years after the writing. Of
course every soldier lad started to keep a diary. Very few persisted to
the end; rare is the private who did not outlast his own diary. And then
again, the vicissitudes of the camp, the hopeless carelessness of the
American people to contemporary history, have carried to oblivion most
of such records. These ten little memorandum books would doubtless have
suffered a like fate, were it not for the vigilance of the home folk, to
whose care the successive volumes were promptly consigned. And then many
years after, there was the loving, unsolicited persistency of a
faithful amanuensis, who, unbeknown to me, in the "cracks of time,"
patiently and faithfully transcribed the entire story, which was fast
becoming illegible in the original camp- and battle-stained little
books, to the clear, typewritten sheets which made them available to the
Wisconsin History Commission. To Miss Minnie Burroughs, now Mrs. Herbert
Turner of Berkeley, California, belongs therefore the basic credit for
this publication.
Further acknowledgment is due to the Editor of the Commission, and to
several of his able assistants on the editorial staff of the Wisconsin
Historical Society. They have with great painstaking verified every word
of the transcription with my original gnarled manuscript, have corrected
(so far as possible by the official rolls) the names of the persons whom
I have mentioned in the Diary, have read the proof, and in general have
put the book through the press. This has involved an amount of labor
which under the circumstances I could not have given, and without which
the publication would have been inexcusable. It is the Editor's
intelligent hand also that furnished most of the geographical
date-lines, the paragraphing, the folio headings, the sub-heads, and the
countless other editorial embellishments so essential to a presentable
publication. * * * Technical work of this sort is entirely lost on the
reader, of course, but it is profoundly appreciated by at least the
present grateful author.
The post-bellum story of this journalizing private of the 6th Wisconsin
Battery does not belong in this book. Should anyone be curious to
connect the soldier in uniform with the militant citizen, who, with more
pacific weapons, has continued his contentions for freedom, justice, and
union, let the following suffice. There was a year's work on the new
farm in Iowa County; then a winter of teaching the common school at
Arena, Wisconsin, with ninety children, ranging from the little German
child grappling with her English A. B. C.'s, to students in algebra and
geometry. During one year there was an honest attempt to accept the path
apparently laid out for me--that of an honest, hard-working farmer. And
then the hunger for books, the blind push on thought lines, the
half-unrecognized leadings towards another career, broke beyond control,
and I left the farm. Then came four years' study at the Theological
Seminary at Meadville, Pennsylvania; a pastorate of a year at Winnetka,
Illinois; nearly ten years of similar work at Janesville, Wisconsin, and
lastly a thirty-two years' ministry in All Souls Church, Chicago, which
I organized and in which I continue to work. For the last eight years I
have been head resident of the Abraham Lincoln Centre, which I founded
and which I still direct. For thirty-two years I have been Editor of
_Unity_, a weekly independent religious magazine, devoted to "Freedom,
Fellowship, and Character in Religion."
In 1890 I secured possession of a tract of land which was once the site
of the prosperous early Wisconsin village of Helena, on the banks of the
Wisconsin River in Iowa County, where in 1863 ex-Governor C. C. Washburn
and C. C. Woodman, two young men, founded a shot-making manufactory. The
old shot tower gave name to the summer encampment known as Tower Hill,
where, in connection with the little farm adjoining, I have found
vacation rest and renewal for the last twenty years.
Two graves have touched me with peculiar tenderness, and suggest the
unwritten and too often cruelly-neglected pathos in the life of the
immigrant pioneer, much of which I have seen, a part of which I have
been. A little sister, two years my senior, a fair blossom, wilted on
the journey and the little body was left in a roadside grave in Utica,
New York. I was too young to remember her, but through all the
succeeding years that unmarked and unvisited grave has left a hallowed
touch of tenderness in the home, and given to the missing one a potency
perhaps greater than abides with the unburied that remain.
Scarce a year had elapsed after the arrival in the "big woods" when the
fatherly uncle, the bachelor-partner whose name I bear, fell before the
relentless attack of fever--so easily controlled now, but so fatal then.
He died in a saw-mill at Oconomowoc, and the first grave in the
settlement was hollowed by the hands of his brother at the foot of a
great tree in the deep forest. The father and brother, who was "priest
unto his own household," read and prayed and woke the forest echoes with
his own voice, as he sang a sustaining old Welsh hymn. Perhaps this
devout tradition lying back of my memory has had much to do with what
faithfulness may have characterized the services of the private whose
Diary is here recorded, and the ministry whose career was bargained for,
to a degree that cannot be estimated in the sombre forest and the tented
field.
Perhaps another word may be pardoned. On the way to Camp Randall, the
tears which had scarcely dried from the heart-break that followed a
mother's last embrace, started afresh at the sight of the dome of the
old University building at Madison. For the months preceding the
enlistment, the struggle had been not choosing between home and camp.
No! not even between danger and safety, life and death, but what seemed
the final choice between a country to save and an education to acquire.
For in the dim haze of the farmer boy's horoscope, the University
outline was shaping itself. In choosing his country's cause it seemed to
him that he was relinquishing forever the hope of the education of which
he dreamed. Forty-seven years after the campus was dimmed with his
tears, the University of Wisconsin invested this private of the 6th
Wisconsin Battery with the degree of LL. D.
A great thing was done for humanity in America, between 1861 and 1865.
If it could not have been done otherwise, it was worth all it cost. And
if this same dire predicament were to come again, I would do my past
all over again. But Oh! it was such a wrong way of doing the right
thing! May the clumsy sentences of a boy's diary, so lacking in
perspective, so inadequate in expression, contribute a few sentences to
the Gospel of Peace.
[Illustration: Signature "Jenkin Lloyd Jones"]
Tower Hill, Wisconsin, September 9, 1913.
THE DIARY OF AN ARTILLERY PRIVATE
_A Journal of daily events during my campaign in the war to crush the
rebellion in 1861. If in the battle I may fall, or die away from the
withering hand of disease in the hospital, this favor may I ask, to send
this and what may accompany it to my aged parents. Addressed to R. Ll.
Jones, Lone Rock, Richland Co._
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Spring Green, Wis., Thursday, Aug. 14, 1862. I enlisted under Lieutenant
Fancher for the 6th Battery, Wisconsin Artillery.
Madison, Wis., Monday, Aug. 25. I bade good-bye to friends, relatives
and companions most dear, and at 8 o'clock embarked for Madison to begin
my soldier's life. Arrived at camp at 12 M. and slept my first night on
the lap of mother earth with Uncle Sam's blanket for a coverlid and a
few rough boards raised about four feet in the center for a roof. I laid
down; my eyelids were heavy and demanded sleep but the mind wandered and
the stars shone bright and it was long ere sleep threw her curtain over
the scene.
Madison, Tuesday, Aug. 26. I got partially rested by my short sleep, but
I was awake long ere the rising of the sun. I awoke to a different scene
to which had hitherto been my lot. Instead of the lowing of cattle and
the bleating of sheep, was the rattle of the drum and the "hooray" of
the volunteers. To-day we were examined by the surgeon and went up-town
for the purpose of drawing our bounty money, but the press of business
was too large, and we were put off till the next day. In the evening I
had to bid good-bye to my brother John, who had accompanied me to camp.
It was a difficult task--my constant companion in labor, my adviser and
counsel in everything. I had to part. It seemed as if I was like a ship
on sea without a compass, without other safeguard than my own firmness
and weight.
Madison, Wednesday, Aug. 27. I had to pass through the regular
scramble-game for my rations, and drew the bounty in the afternoon, went
around town and bought my outfit, ready to leave.
Enroute, Thursday, Aug. 28. To-day we were informed that we were to be
sent on in the evening. I wrote my first letter home and in the evening
we started for "Dixie" at 10 P. M. It was dark and we could not see
anything to attract our attention so our minds had free scope to wander
home to loved ones, and it was a saddening thought that we were to leave
all of these, to meet at best a very uncertain fate. We passed on to
Milton where our car was uncoupled and taken up by the Janesville R. R.,
and off we rocked for another four or five hours' ride, half asleep, and
by this time somewhat fatigued. At Janesville we changed cars for
Chicago, it being about 1 A. M.
Enroute, Friday, Aug. 29. The day dawned just in time to see the suburbs
(Chicago). We being about five miles from town received a magnificent
view of the Western metropolis. The immense clouds of smoke issuing from
the massive stacks of manufacture, and the countless rigging of the
vessels lying at the dock were great sights to my country eyes. We
arrived at the end of the line at 6:30 A. M. We were immediately formed
in line, and forward march to the depot of the I[llinois] C[entral] R.
R. about a mile distant. We were no sooner there than the shrill whistle
told us we were again on a ride of three hundred and sixty-five miles to
Cairo, without intermission. We crossed an arm of Lake Michigan having a
fine view of the lake. Of our travel across the almost boundless
prairies of Illinois I will not try to describe, but suffice it to say,
we arrived at Cairo at 4 A. M.
Cairo, Ill., Saturday, Aug. 30. We were astir early to catch the first
sight of the far-famed city of Cairo (Ill.), and certainly an unhappy
surprise we found it; the combined medley of filth and disorder, the
streets rough, the sidewalks torn and tattered, rendering it dangerous
to travel, lest they should throw one headlong to the ditch.
Rienzi, Miss., Tuesday, Sept. 2. We went out in the morning to drill on
the field but did not see much into the wild scampering way. I wrote to
Sp[ring] Gr[een]. Had no time to write home before mail went out. Was
drilled on foot by Corporal Sweet in the evening.
[Sidenote: 1862 Camp Routine]
Rienzi, Wednesday, Sept. 3. Woke by the bugle at 3:30 A. M.; went out to
roll call and drill. The weather fine. Washed shirt and stockings for
first time. Wrote home. Drilled by Syl. Sweet in the evening on the gun.
The enemy skirmished our pickets, wounded three; our horses were
harnessed ready. I felt a little flushed.
Rienzi, Thursday, Sept. 4. Acted as No. 6 on drill to-day. Made a
galloping time of it. Did my first sweeping. Saw the first nigger dance;
watered horses in the evening; fell in with clothes on.
Rienzi, Friday, Sept. 5. Went out as No. 6. Was a little unwell.
Infantry preparing to move. Bad news from the Potomac.
Rienzi, Saturday, Sept. 6. Went through the usual routine of drill and
camp life. Received my first mail since my arrival, consisting of two
letters and a [Milwaukee] _Sentinel_. Changed mess. The 2nd Missouri
Infantry left. Wagons moving, fires burning all night.
Rienzi, Sunday, Sept. 7. Arose to the sound of the bugle at 3 A. M.
Prepared for a general inspection, but Captain, apprehending a move, did
not call us out. Drew good bunks from the old camp of 2nd Missouri.
After roll call at 9 P. M. I went to bed hoping to have a good night's
rest, but I was doomed to disappointment, for ere two hours had elapsed,
we were awakened by Corporal Dixon telling us to pack up all our
clothing and be in readiness to march. We of course obeyed and waited
for further orders, when about midnight, "Strike your tents" was given.
This done, the mules began driving in, loading was commenced, the horses
harnessed, and by one o'clock all was ready to march. That which could
not be taken was piled up ready for the march, but the order did not
come, so we were obliged to pick our place and lay down for a short and
uneasy sleep.
Rienzi, Monday, Sept. 8. To-day was spent in anxious waiting. I stood
guard for the first time while we were momentarily expecting orders to
leave; slept in the open air.
Rienzi, Tuesday, Sept. 9. Another day dawned without any orders. Some of
the boys pitched their tents. I went out foraging in the afternoon.
Rienzi, Wednesday, Sept. 10. This was another day of idle waiting; most
of the boys slept in tents last night, and it was supposed we would have
to stay here. I went out foraging in the morning.
Rienzi, Thursday, Sept. 11. I answered the summons of the reveille, but
I did not feel very well; had an attack of the ague but got over it by
dinner. Nothing to break the monotony of camp life. Reinforced by one
regiment of infantry.
Rienzi, Friday, Sept. 12. Spent the morning as usual in suspense of
leaving, but finally the orders came to send all the baggage train to
Clear Creek, a distance of ten miles to the west, and that we were to be
stationed as an out-post. Detailed to go a-foraging, brought in two
loads of corn from the south. The 1st Section were ordered out to the
front. Had the first rain storm in the evening, and ere the morning I
had a regular old shake of the ague.
Rienzi, Saturday, Sept. 13. The 3rd Section, Lieutenant Hood, went out
in front and the first fell back to its old grounds. Foraging party
brought in two loads of corn, three neat cattle, one sheep, twelve
geese, seven hens, two or three bushels of sweet potatoes.
[Sidenote: 1862 Strategic Moves]
Rienzi, Sunday, Sept. 14. Was begun with another of the "strategic
moves". We were told to hitch up with the greatest speed--all our
baggage, knapsacks, etc. were put in a wagon, nothing was left to
encumber us from a rapid and a desperate fight [in] which we were
expected to share. The 3rd Section, two regiments of infantry, one of
cavalry, started at 3 A. M. But all rumors of the enemy's presence
proved false, and after lying in the shade, horses hitched, for an hour,
we returned, unharnessed and lay quiet all day. The 3rd Section returned
at 4 P. M. without seeing any enemy.
Rienzi, Monday, Sept. 15. To-day we began business in the old way. We
had to sweep up for the first time in a week. I stood guard for the
second time.
Rienzi, Tuesday, Sept. 16. We were aroused this morning with the same
story of march and ordered to cook three days' rations and be ready to
march at 1 P. M., but did not go and all quieted down again. The 3rd
Section went out in the afternoon and stationed itself at bastion No. 5
at 9 P. M. Dispatches were brought around to the effect that McClellan
had captured the rebel army of Virginia including General Lee. Nothing
could induce us to restrain our joy but the fear of its being false.
Rienzi, Wednesday, Sept. 17. Was begun by a heavy shower of rain at
about 9 A. M. I joined the foraging party and we started on the Corinth
road. We had scarcely started before it began to rain and a perfect
torrent poured until we returned, pretty well drenched. The rest of the
day was spent inside of the tent as the rain continued nearly all day.
Rienzi, Thursday, Sept. 18. We awoke in a wet bed, it having rained very
hard the latter part of the night. We received orders to march for
Jacinto at 3 A. M. but countermanded before doing any harm save the
usual harnessing up by the drivers about 9 A. M. The prisoners captured
at Danville, twenty-three in number, including two captains, were
marched to headquarters.
Rienzi, Friday, Sept. 19. On roll call the Captain told us that Burnside
had captured the whole of Longstreet's command at Harpers Ferry after
their first capturing the place and the whole army under Colonel Miles.
Three cheers were given with a spirit. No mail. Went after berries in
the afternoon.
Rienzi, Saturday, Sept. 20. There was nothing to break the monotony of
camp life. Wrote two letters. Washed clothes. In the evening news of
another battle at Iuka. They cleaned Price out and chased him four
miles; 400 killed on both sides.
Rienzi, Sunday, Sept. 21. Was another repetition of that a week ago only
on a little larger scale. The horses were harnessed at 1 A. M. and we
went out on the Ripley road three quarters of a mile, laid there half an
hour waiting for the enemy, then filed left on our drilling ground,
drilled half an hour, then came home and unharnessed. Received new
gun-carriages and caissons in the afternoon. Report of another great
battle at Iuka in which 1000 of our men were killed in twenty-five
minutes. Colonel Murphy of the 8th put under arrest for withdrawing his
men. Stood guard duty.
Rienzi, Monday, Sept. 22. To-day I felt very weak, there was no local
pain, but a general debility.
Rienzi, Tuesday, Sept. 23. To-day I felt but a little better, got some
milk and corn bread. With the secesh [women] had an encounter before I
left.
[Sidenote: 1862 Battle of Corinth]
Corinth, Miss., Sunday, Oct. 5. As it is seen from the last date, I have
not written any for some time and I must write of the past from memory.
Not getting any better, I went to the Company hospital on September 24
and there was treated for fever of which I had but a very slight touch.
On the morning of October 1 every man that could not join his platoon
was to be sent to Corinth as the Battery was going to move, so I and
four others were put in the ambulance and driven to the depot, but the
cars did not come till 2 P. M. When they came, they loaded all the
commissary stores in the rooms. E. R. Hungerford and myself were lucky
enough to get into the box car. We got to Corinth in about two hours,
and after waiting an hour we were taken in a mule wagon to the Seminary
Hospital situated on a hill about one mile and a half from Corinth.
We were put in a comfortable tent and lay there unmolested until the
3rd, when early in the morning heavy firing was heard and continued all
day. We learned that the cannon had been attacked by the rebels
consisting of Price, Breckinridge, Van Dorn and one other commander. In
the afternoon we had to move down under the hill, we being right in the
range of the guns should they open fire in that direction at night. We
were ordered to have everything packed so as to leave at a moment's
notice. At about 12 o'clock at night we were ordered out on the road,
while the tents were struck and cots piled. Presently the teams began
driving in and loading men and cots. At last our turn came, but not
until the rebs had opened fire on the town with three guns throwing
shells. We had to pass under the fire. The shells whistled over our
heads in every direction, while off went the mules as fast as they could
trot. It certainly was a rough ride. They drove us through town and left
us on the east of it about 1/2 mile. By this time it was nearly daylight
and the guns used by the rebs throwing shells were taken. About 9
o'clock the engagement became general. The noise of the musketry,
occasionally broken in upon by the loud peal of artillery, made it truly
terrific. The fight lasted about three hours, when the rebs were obliged
to skedaddle.
All of this time we had heard nothing from the Battery. We supposed that
it had been engaged, when at 12 o'clock Dr. Miller came around and told
us that the Battery had been engaged that morning, and had been taken
and retaken, but he could not give us a list of the casualties. We heard
nothing more from the Battery until to-day, G. M. Spencer came with a
list of casualties. He informed us that the sick and wounded were
gathered in a company hospital about a quarter of a mile to the south.
We remained in the general hospital until
Corinth, Tuesday, Oct. 7. The doctor came to take our names to be sent
to a Northern hospital as they had no room for us [in the general
hospital]. I asked permission to join the Company hospital, which was
granted, so in the afternoon we joined our comrades; found the wounded
all in good spirits.
Corinth, Saturday, Oct. 11. The Battery returned from its chase after
the retreating rebs, of a week in length. In the evening the Captain and
Sergeant Simpson rode into our camp, the Battery being in camp two and
one half miles out.
Corinth, Sunday, Oct. 12. To-day it was a little warmer, the rain of the
last two days having cleared. My anxiety to visit the Battery was such
that I was induced to start out on foot in order to see them. The walk
was rather fatiguing as it was rather warm, but we found them at last on
a ridge in a shady grove. But it did not look much like the camp of the
6th Battery, as they had no tents pitched and were quartered in brush
bivouacs or under tarpaulins; I found them all well but somewhat reduced
by the march. I remained with them for an hour, then retraced my steps
alone through the solitary woods. I enjoyed pleasant thoughts of the
good times to come. I reached camp by sunset well pleased with my walk
and not as fatigued as I expected.
Corinth, Monday, Oct. 13. The troops on the outskirts of the town were
all moved in, among which were the 6th Battery. They passed our
encampment at about 8 A. M.; their designation was unknown but supposed
not to be far. Quartermaster-Sergeant Simpson brought new clothing to
camp in the afternoon. I drew one jacket, pair of pants and a hat.
Corinth, Tuesday, Oct. 14. Having learned the locality of our Battery,
it being encamped on the south side of the town, the wounded men were
removed to the general hospital, and the sick were taken to the Battery,
with the exception of N. B. Hood and Byron Babcock.
Corinth, Thursday, Oct. 16. I joined my Platoon, went into tent with E.
W. Evans and T. J. Hungerford as before. Owing to my weakness I was not
put on full duty immediately, being excused from mounted drill, etc.
[Sidenote: 1862 Memorials for the Dead]
Corinth, Friday, Oct. 17. Resolutions relative to those who fell in
battle on the 4th inst. were offered by H. S. Keene and unanimously
adopted by the camp on roll call P. M.
Corinth, Saturday, Oct. 18. Roll call in the evening. ---- made an
explanation as to his whereabouts on the day of battle, and the orderly
read a certificate from the commander of the 11th Ohio Battery,
corroborating his statement.
Corinth, Sunday, Oct. 19. To-day we were told the sad news of the death
of one of our number, John Haskins, who died during the night of chronic
diarrhea. We had an inspection at 9 A. M. and in the afternoon we paid
the last tribute of respect which one man can pay to another, to the
remains of our comrade, Haskins. He was buried by the side of the brave
five that fell in the battle of Corinth.
Corinth, Monday, Oct. 20. To-day we had to police the entire camp ground
as it was reported that General Rosecrans was going to inspect camp. The
ground was shoveled and swept over, but no Rosecrans came.
Corinth, Tuesday, Oct. 21. Finished policing around the guns. In the
afternoon after the Company was formed for drill, as Orderly Hayward was
returning after reporting to the Captain, his horse stumbled, falling on
him, spraining his right ankle and fracturing the cap bone.
Corinth, Wednesday, Oct. 22. While on drill in the afternoon, I, in
attempting to mount, lost my balance and fell, the hind wheel of the
caisson running over my left ankle, luckily without any dislocation.
After drill I was taken to the hospital, my foot being very painful
during the night.
Corinth, Thursday, Oct. 23. The weather turned very windy and cold,
water freezing in the night 1/4 inch in thickness.
Corinth, Friday, Oct. 24. My foot was a little easier. Dr. Arnold of the
12th Wisconsin Battery dressing it and keeping it cool by water. The
weather still cold.
Corinth, Saturday, Oct. 25. We were moved from the tent this morning to
an old deserted house a quarter of a mile from camp. In the afternoon
it snowed and by night the earth was clothed in white.
Corinth, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. The troops were
engaged in fortifying. All the buildings on the outskirts were torn down
regardless of worth and hauled away by the troops to build stables,
barracks, etc.
Corinth, Saturday, Nov. 1. Orders were given to Battery to cook three
days' rations in their haversacks and three days' in the wagons, all
ready to march on the following morning.
[Sidenote: 1862 Hospital Cases]
Corinth, Sunday, Nov. 2. I walked up to the Battery, the farthest I had
walked since my lameness. Saw the boys off; they left their tents
standing, their knapsacks etc. under charge of Lieutenant Simpson, and
those unfit for the march. The inmates of the hospital were taken to the
general hospital under Dr. Arnold, nine in number, viz: Orderly J. G. S.
Hayward (fractured ankle), Corporal G. B. Jones (chronic diarrhea;
waiting for discharge); W. W. Wyman (waiting for discharge); G. W.
Benedict (diarrhea); E. W. Evans (fever); David Evans (convalescent);
Alex. Ray (convalescent); E. R. Hungerford (chronic diarrhea); Jenk. L.
Jones (bruised ankle), remained in the hospital until
Corinth, Sunday, Nov. 9. Learning that the Battery had gone to camp at
Grand Junction, Tenn., Sergeant Hamilton was sent back to bring forward
the baggage, etc., etc. and was to start by train in the morning. E. W.
Evans, David Evans and myself procured a dismissal from the hospital and
bade good-bye to our comrades (who were all doing well except E. R.
Hungerford, who was very low) at 6:30 A. M. and reported at the depot.
We found the boys and baggage on the platform, but owing to the rush of
troops we could not get off to-day. We laid around all day, exchanged
our tents, drew some quartermaster stores.
Corinth, Monday, Nov. 10. We were again disappointed, the train leaving
us behind and nothing to do but wait another twenty-four hours. In the
afternoon E. W. Evans and I went to the hospital where we learned that
our comrade E. R. Hungerford had died at about 2 P. M. Sunday, and was
to be buried in the evening.
Corinth, Tuesday, Nov. 11. Lay on the platform all day, and at night we
were furnished a car to load our baggage. We loaded it by 12 P. M.
Grand Junction, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov. 12. It having rained during the
night, the dust was converted to mud. Ate a breakfast of cold beef and
bread, filled our canteens with water, when we scrambled on top the
freight cars in order to procure transportation. It was raining, and
when the train was in motion the smoke and cinders were torturing.
Arrived at Jackson at 1 P. M. Waited an hour for dinner, then took
Mississippi Central R. R. for Grand Junction. Remained at Medon Station
till 6 P. M. when G. M. Spencer and I spread our blankets and laid down;
awoke at Grand Junction at 3 A. M.
Grand Junction, Thursday, Nov. 13. Lieutenant Simpson went in search of
the Battery early and left us to unload and guard the baggage. The teams
arrived from the Battery 3 P. M. We loaded and started out about three
miles and encamped where the team that left Corinth on the 8th had
bivouacked for the night.
Davis Mills, Miss., Friday, Nov. 14. Reached the Battery about 10 A. M.,
it being situated one mile south of Davis Mills in an open field; church
and cemetery hard by.
Davis Mills, Saturday, Nov. 15. Heard from home. Received two letters,
from John and Thomas, which eased my anxiety. Listened to the first
sermon [in camp].
Davis Mills, Sunday, Nov. 16. 10 A. M. we had a general inspection by
U. S. Grant and General Quinby of the 3rd Division.
[Sidenote: 1862 On the March]
La Grange, Tenn., Monday, Nov. 17. Awoke to hear the rain pattering
briskly on the Sibley [tent] above me. We were called out, and with
expectations to march, we drew three days' rations in our haversacks. 8
A. M. the rain cleared off and the column of infantry began to move by
on the road leading to Holly Springs. At 9 A. M. we fell in rear of
column. We marched west about three quarters of a mile, then turned
north toward La Grange; travelled through very pretty country. We halted
at Wolf River to water our horses, fill our canteens and ate a dinner of
hard crackers and sugar. Ascended a steep hill, half a mile in length,
on the top of which was situated La Grange, when we turned westward and
travelled until 7 P. M. Encamped on a hill. Killed a beef for supper.
Moscow, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 18. Up at 4 A. M., cooked our breakfast and
again on the road by 6 o'clock, and after a four hours' march through a
broken country, well cleared, persimmons plenty, we arrived at Moscow,
where we went into camp for the time. Rode to water through a town
completely deserted, no trace of a citizen. I, as could be expected, was
bothered on the march by my foot and could not have kept up, were it not
for S. E. Sweet, who allowed me to ride his colt part of the time.
Moscow, Wednesday, Nov. 19. To-day, ordered to pack our knapsacks, mark
them preparatory to turning them over, and take them to be stored until
we were to be permanently camped.
Moscow, Thursday, Nov. 20. Mail arrived to-day. Received two letters;
weather rather cold. Went foraging in the morning; returned with fresh
pork, beans, corn and fodder in plenty.
Moscow, Friday, Nov. 21. Weather cold and frosty. 2 P. M. bugle sounded
the assembly, "Fall in", when we were given orders to prepare to march
immediately. The horses were harnessed, everything packed ready for
further orders which after an hour waiting, came, to unharness. It
proved to be an alarm caused by a party of guerrillas making a dash upon
our foraging train, capturing some seventy mules, then skedaddling
before the escort could come up.
Moscow, Saturday, Nov. 22. Griffith Thomas, E. W. Evans and myself went
to the spring in woods, washed our clothes and returned by one o'clock.
Weather warm and pleasant during the day but very cold nights.
Moscow, Sunday, Nov. 23. Laid in tent all day. Mail arrived in the
afternoon. Received two very welcome letters from home and Thomas L.
Moscow, Monday, Nov. 24. I felt rather unwell, having had a lusty old
shake with the ague. In the night went to the doctor, had four pills and
an excuse from duty. Foraging party brought in twenty-five bushels sweet
potatoes, four hogs, a hive of honey and two loads of corn.
Moscow, Tuesday, Nov. 25. Orders were sent to Captain to have two best
non-commissioned officers to report at Colonel Powell's headquarters by
8 A. M. Sergt. A. J. Hood and Corporal Hauxhurst were sent, acting as
orderlies. Tent moved back. The whole camp policed. 2 o'clock the
howitzers (3rd and 5th pieces) were ordered out on picket duty without
caissons, one extra horse.
Moscow, Wednesday, Nov. 26. Cold and chilly. Troubled with diarrhea;
felt rather bad.
Moscow, Thursday, Nov. 27. Our boys returned in the afternoon having
been out to Collierville, eighteen miles distant, burned a bridge, came
upon a party of rebs, capturing three. Weather cold and clear. Health
improving.
[Sidenote: 1862 Facing the Enemy]
Moscow, Friday, Nov. 28. Awoke before daylight with orders to prepare to
march. All was ready by 6:30 A. M. Started at about 7:30, fell in rear
of the column and marched toward Holly Springs; traveled all day with
the exception of the necessary halts in the train. Passed through Early
Grove 4 P. M., Hudsonville 7 P. M. Traveled until 9 P. M. Encamped near
Coldwater River for the night. The country was all woodland except the
cleared plantations; after dark the air was illumined, the raging fire
caused by the dry leaves and fences, running for miles, it being set out
by the advance. Came into park in a grove, made a "shebang" of shakes
and laid down about 11:30 P. M.
Holly Springs, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 29. The bugle's notes awoke me in
the same position as that I fell asleep in three hours before. Prepared
for march and started with the sun, in advance of the artillery; passed
through Holly Springs about 11 A. M.; passed through the streets where
twenty-four hours before the last of the rebels skedaddled. Holly
Springs passed my expectations in size and beauty, being the largest
place I have seen in Secession.
We traveled on in a southward course towards Waterford. General Hamilton
and troupe passed us about 4 miles beyond Holly Springs. Two miles
farther on we heard two guns discharged and heard rumors of a battle
ahead. On the brow of a hill we were shown the grounds where the cavalry
were engaged in the morning with the Rebs' pickets, killing a Michigan
boy and three Rebs. Ascended the hill which overlooked Waterford,
consisting of a mill and a small creek, branch of Coldwater River. Here
the enemy opened fire on our troops in the morning with two pieces which
were taken. We forded the stream about 5 P. M., went into camp on the
banks, got some flour from the mills (ground by the secesh for supper),
and laid down under the gun on soil twenty-four hours ago occupied by
Rebs, seven miles south of Holly Springs.
Lumpkin's Mill, Miss., Sunday, Nov. 30. This was a dark and sultry
morning, and about 8 A. M. while sitting upon the ground, I felt the
earth shake a kind of a dull roll, which was felt by many. Firing with
siege guns was commenced at about nine o'clock and kept up briskly
through most of the day. While listening to the firing, expecting
momentarily to be called upon, the orders came to hitch up, get two
days' rations in haversacks, and ready to march in half an hour. 11 A.
M. At this time L. N. Keeler rode up for one man to go foraging.
Sergeant Hamilton detailed me. We started with two teams and three men,
Bowman, Leffart and myself. We went to the northeast one and one fourth
miles, crossed the railroad, found our corn in an old log barn. We had
to turn around before loading in order to be ready to leave in case of
necessity, as the pickets close by were expecting an attack. We loaded
our corn got three quarters of a barrel of salt from the smoke house and
returned in a hurry. Found the Battery still there, unharnessed and
cooled down. The firing gradually ceased, and by night was heard no
more. We went to bed without knowing anything of the result in the
front.
P. S. This place represented as Waterford proved to be called Lumpkin's
Mill.
Lumpkin's Mill, Monday, Dec. 1. Awoke to find it a muddy morning, it
having rained very hard in the night, blowing the fifth tent to the
ground. Our tent leaked considerably. Laid quiet all day. No firing
heard. Evie went foraging, gone nearly all day. In the evening ordered
to have two days' rations ready to march at sunrise.
Enroute, Tuesday, Dec. 2. Advanced about five miles, starting at about 8
o'clock, marched south, leaving Waterford on our left. Halted some three
hours on the road, it raining continually. We were passed by General
Hamilton and staff, also General Grant and suite. Came into camp at 4 P.
M. some three miles from the Tallahatchie in open field near large
mansion used as Quinby's headquarters. Stretched our tarpaulin and slept
sound.
Enroute, Wednesday, Dec. 3. A sunny and bright day, dried up the mud and
made things cheerful. Hitched up at 8 A. M., stayed harnessed until 3 P.
M. We then moved out to the river and went to camp in sight of the
rebels' fortifications. Some of the boys crossed the river while
watering [horses]. Pitched our tents.
Enroute, Thursday, Dec. 4. We remained quiet all day. Rained in the
evening. Pitched Quartermaster's tent. Felt symptoms of the ague, felt
rather bad.
[Sidenote: 1862 Taking Prisoners]
Enroute, Friday, Dec. 5. Took up the line of march through mud and rain
early. In the morning the rain that was continually falling made the
road almost unpassable for the artillery. Crossed the Tallahatchie with
difficulty, passed fortifications which might have given us much trouble
to pass had they been held by their builders. Met thirty prisoners.
Halted at Abbeville about two hours at noon, then pushed on. Night
overtook the train while crossing a lagoon [Herrington's Creek], which
was very difficult. Stood in the road till 8 P. M., when finding it
impossible to cross, we came into park on the roadside in an old
cornfield, slept on the tarpaulin, no shelter.
Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 6. Awoke with an unpleasant feeling, a
racking pain in back and head. Started out early, the road having frozen
hard enough to bear footmen, marched without much difficulty. Reached
Oxford by noon. Neat place, two-thirds the size of Holly Springs;
compared favorably with it in building but not in situation. Went into
camp on the southern limits, saw some 700 prisoners marched in from the
advance. Price still ahead. One darky reported him almost to hell.
Oxford, Sunday, Dec. 7. Nothing new. Laid in camp. Many rumors afloat of
Richmond taken, Bragg defeated, etc. Health improving.
Oxford, Monday, Dec. 8. A lazy day for the Battery. Nothing transpired
to excite the drowsiness of the soldier. Received a paper of the 3rd
containing the President's Proclamation.
Oxford, Tuesday, Dec. 9. Warm and pleasant, Quinby's Division inspected
by U. S. Grant and suite. Troubled with diarrhea.
Oxford, Wednesday, Dec. 10. Warm and pleasant. Health improving.
Diarrhea checked by abstaining from all eatables except hard crackers.
All teams sent foraging. 3rd Platoon had 1 hog, 2 geese.
Oxford, Thursday, Dec. 11. Rumors of march. Logan's Division left
to-day. Troops passing in the afternoon. Had standing gun drill. Ordered
to have five roll calls in a day. Order No. 1 from Colonel Marsh, 20th
Illinois, post commander of Oxford, read.
Near Oxford, Friday, Dec. 12. Orders given at roll call in the morning
to be ready to march at 7 A. M. 3 days' rations. Took up the line of
march back towards town much to the dissatisfaction of all, which was
relieved by turning south and once more on the track of old Price,
travelled six miles, then went into park. Took a team to drive, the
center team on the gun formerly driven by A. Dearborn.
Near Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 13. All quiet. Foraging party started out at
6 A. M. Gone all day. They report a poor country, with much more loyalty
apparently than could be expected. Citizens refuse to take Confederate
scrip as heretofore, many exhibiting a white flag on their dwellings
upon which was inscribed "Union". Received letters from John from
Jefferson, Wis.
[Sidenote: 1862 Negro Cooks]
Near Oxford, Sunday, Dec. 14. A day of excitement which came near ending
in a serious affair, caused by certain members of the 1st Missouri
Regular Battery assailing the colored cooks as they were going after
water. After dinner as Anthony [the colored cook] was passing by, he was
assaulted and abused. He appealed to the boys, when a rush was made, and
in an instant a crowd was gathered consisting of the 6th and 12th
Wisconsin and 11th Ohio against the Regulars, armed with clubs,
revolvers, knives and axes. The officers interposed, which closed it
with but a few bloody noses and several knock downs. Warm and heavy.
Near Oxford, Monday, Dec. 15. It rained nearly all day, making it very
muddy, hard for our horses. No mail for two days.
Near Oxford, Tuesday, Dec. 16. Pleasant and sunny. Health never better.
Lost my needle book, very sorry. Received three days' mail; had two
papers and a letter from home.
Near Oxford, Wednesday, Dec. 17. The day was spent in the common routine
of camp duties; drill in the afternoon by infantry and artillery,
presenting a lively scene. Received a [Madison] _State Journal_ from T.
L. Jones.
Near Oxford, Thursday, Dec. 18. Warm and pleasant. Health excellent. Dr.
Miller returned from Wisconsin in the afternoon, much to the
satisfaction of all. After roll call in the evening, he appeared before
the Company and made a speech, after which three cheers were given to
him. Seventy-five loads of cotton brought into headquarters.
Near Oxford, Friday, Dec. 19. Bright and sunny. The delightful weather
succeeded in enticing most of the boys from their well worn decks and
cribbage boards, bringing them out in ball playing, pitching quoits,
etc. Tallied for an interesting game of base ball.
Near Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 20. Weather still warm. Several of the boys
went to Oxford in the afternoon with Captain. Returned with eight new
horses, also with the report that the Rebs were in possession of Holly
Springs with 5,000 cavalry. Had taken several prisoners, one of whom was
Colonel Murphy, 8th Wisconsin; fears also were entertained that the
paymasters had been captured with their capital.
Oxford, Sunday, Dec. 21. Reveille earlier than usual; orders to hold in
readiness to march, such orders being anticipated. 7 A. M. the whole
Division took up the line of march back toward Oxford. Hitched up. The
caisson fell in the train, but the pieces with the 59th Indiana, Colonel
Alexander, were left for a rear guard. The Division passed by 9 A. M.
but as the train could not take all of the commissary stores and cotton
at headquarters, we had to lay there all day hitched up, waiting for the
trains to return from Oxford. They arrived at 4 P. M., loaded, and
started back as soon as possible. We were ordered to hitch up, as we
could hear the drums beat for roll call on the right of us; supposed to
be Logan's Division. We fell in rear of 59th about 8 P. M., leaving the
place all quiet, the Rebs making slight demonstrations upon the infantry
during the day notwithstanding. Pushed silently along towards Oxford,
proceeded toward our old camping ground. Brought into line by Lieutenant
Clark on the right of the road in the flat. Captain Dillon went up to
the old camp. The caisson drivers being already on the start, after
pitching their tents and again striking, we passed up the hill again, on
the top of which, countermanded again, unhitched and left the horses at
the bottom. Laid down at 1 A. M.
Oxford, Monday, Dec. 22. Awakened by Sergeant Hamilton, while the stars
were yet bright, with orders to feed. I, unsatisfied with the short
sleep, again laid down till daylight, until the orders to water aroused
me. Hitched up, drank a cup of coffee, ate hard bread. The blankets were
ordered off the guns and put in the wagon. Expectations of a fight
somewhere, but I know not where. The troops were moving out all night.
Evening. At 9 A. M. the troops that had been called out in the night
returned to their old camp with the intelligence that it was a false
alarm of the enemy advancing upon Oxford. 12 M. we unhitched,
unharnessed and pitched our tents.
Enroute, Tuesday, Dec. 23. Struck our tents and took up the line of
march northwards at 8 A. M. Followed the same road as that which we came
in on, passed through Abbeville at noon, recrossed the Tallahatchie at
night, coming into camp on the same ground as on the 2nd inst. To-day we
passed the 23rd Wisconsin Regiment, many of the boys met old
acquaintances; reported occupation of Jackson, Tenn., by the enemy.
Lumpkin's Mill, Wednesday, Dec. 24. A day of fasting to Quinby's
Division, the rations having run out yesterday and none having arrived.
I ate parched corn and drank coffee. Marched to Lumpkin's Mill, went
into camp 1 P. M. Drew rations in the evening. A heifer found.
[Sidenote: 1862 Christmas]
Lumpkin's Mill, Thursday, Dec. 25. Christmas! Christmas! resounded
through the camp this morning; everyone turning the gay reminiscence of
the past in their minds and hoping again to enjoy. Laid quiet during the
day. Ate a Christmas dinner of dumplings and unleavened bread. The
howitzers ordered to prepare to march, going in charge of a provision
train to Memphis. Troubled with bad cold.
Tallaloosa, Miss., Friday, Dec. 26. Aroused early to prepare to march.
High wind, appearance of a storm. We were hitched up with the rest of
the Battery by 7 A. M., when it began to rain heavy. The howitzers,
under charge of Lieutenant Clark, with two Parrott guns of the
Regulars, two howitzers of the 11th Ohio, started out with four teams on
the guns, two on the limbers of the caissons, the hind wheels having
been sent to Holly Springs the night before. We passed on towards
Memphis with the infantry of Quinby's Division paddling on the best they
could; marched on through very rough country till 4 P. M. Came into park
at Tallaloosa, a God and man forsaken place. Rained nearly all day.
Supped on confiscated chickens, geese and fresh pork.
Byhalia, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 27. Rained nearly all day. Hitched up in
the morning. The other sections took the road, but as we were to be the
rear guard, and the roads were so bad that teams could not all come on
for some time, we again unharnessed, laid in a good supply of disloyal
pork and beef and a few rebel chickens. 3 P. M. again hitched up and
fell in the rear of the train. It had cleared up and the roads
considerably improved. We were enabled to travel at very good time.
Travelled till 10 P. M. Came into camp at Byhalia, Marshall County,
Miss., having travelled about ten miles on a most beautiful evening. A
woman drew a pistol on one of our boys, driving him from the yard.
Near Memphis, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 28. Slept out-doors. Awoke at 5 A. M.
A beautiful morning. Byhalia, unlike Tallaloosa, was a bright and lively
little village, with a large school house, church, lodge room, with a
scientific laboratory, out of which the boys jay-hawked numerous books,
writing utensils, etc. etc. Picked up two horses and two mules. The
owner of the horses came and pleaded hard, but could receive no other
satisfaction than a receipt from Lieutenant Clark. He was reported to be
a rank Secesh, as well as everybody else.
[Sidenote: 1862 Brush with Guerrillas]
We started with the 1st Brigade in rear of the train at 9 A. M.
Twenty-eight miles from Memphis, passed a house where a woman stood in
the yard, bravely holding the Stars and Stripes in her hand (to protect
her chickens I suppose). Marched along quietly; nothing of importance
save the appropriation of considerable molasses along the road until
half an hour of sundown when a small party of guerrillas dashed up in
our rear, discharging some fifteen or twenty pieces, then legging it
before their fire could be returned. We halted, the cannoneers sprang to
their posts, got their equipments, when the 48th Indiana formed their
line. But it was all over with. They were gone, and we started on. Two
of the balls took effect, wounding two boys of the 48th Indiana in the
arms. An assistant adjutant general and surgeon [who] had wandered a
little from the train, were taken also by a few of Jackson's cavalry,
divested of their accoutrements and horses, then paroled.
7 P. M. Drew up three-fourths of an hour to feed our horses, then
started on, travelled till 10 P. M. Came into camp seven miles from
Memphis.
Memphis, Monday, Dec. 29. We passed into Memphis as fast as the
necessary detentions would permit, through a very beautiful country and
handsome buildings. Passed through the town at about sundown, came into
park alongside of the other sections on the south of the town. Watered
our horses at the wharves about one and one half miles north, passing
through the town. Memphis presented a more lively appearance than I
expected under the present circumstances.
Memphis, Tuesday, Dec. 30. Awakened by the morning gun at the fort; fell
in for roll call, Sergeant Hamilton acting orderly. Saw a Memphis
_Bulletin_ of the 30th, the first newspaper since that bearing the date
of the 12th. Watered my horses, then rode into the fort with Colburn.
Met Milton Campbell of the 23rd Wisconsin Regiment. The Regiment had
gone down the river, leaving twenty-nine convalescents behind. The boys
were furnished with a pass to go to town, others taking leg bail, by
night. Several heavy heads. Drew six days' rations.
Germantown, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 31. The train took up the line of
march back. Our Section being in the center started at 9 A. M., passing
through town up Main Street. It was an amusing sight, nearly two-thirds
of the soldiers were drunk, having run Memphis as they pleased almost
for the last twenty-four hours. We followed the Memphis and Charleston
R. R. Came into park at Germantown at dark, having travelled fifteen
miles. Partook of a soldier's supper, made our bed neath the starry
canopy of heaven, and laid down, ending the year as we began it, by
sleeping. Thus endeth the year 1862.
La Fayette, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 1, 1863. New Year's morning truly, but
hard to realize. There was no cordial face of a sister or blooming face
of a brother to greet me with a "Happy New Year," no stocking ransacked
for a Santa Claus present. But I was soon aroused from my reverie by the
blunt order from Lieutenant Clark "Feed your horses and rub them off
well." So I returned to a soldier's duties. Took up the line of march
early, passed through Collierville 1 P. M. 4 P. M. met Captain Dillon
and Lieutenant Hood, who told us the Battery was waiting for us at
LaFayette, two miles ahead. We joined them by 5 P. M. leaving the train
of hard-tack to take care of itself. The train coming up to the station,
we watered our horses in the Wolf River.
Near Germantown, Friday, Jan. 2. To-day we expected to rest at least and
made arrangements accordingly, but as the Company were on their horses
to go to water, the orders came to march at 10 A. M., so we were obliged
to water our horses double quick, and hitched up in all haste. Retraced
our track the day before, arrived at Germantown by sundown, but pushed
on six.... Went to bed 11 P. M.
Buntyn Station, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 3. Awoke to find ourselves snugly
lying in from two to three inches of water, it having rained very hard,
the water coming in under the tent while most of the others lay out
doors completely soaked. Hitched and took to the road with the hope
that we were to go to Memphis, nine miles distant. As Quinby's Division
was detailed to guard the railroad, the troops were strung all along. We
went to within five miles of town, then taking a position on the track
with the 48th Indiana at a station called Buntyn Station, Colonel
Alexander as acting brigadier general. Received stringent orders not to
molest anything, rails included. Put up harness, racks, etc. preparatory
for a stay.
[Sidenote: 1863 In Winter Camp]
Buntyn Station, Sunday, Jan. 4. A busy day for the boys of the 6th
Battery, as they were in expectation of staying in the place for some
time. Harness racks, feed troughs, shebangs, tables, etc. were put up
from lumber carried some forty rods, where it had been stored with the
intention of building. The tents were floored mostly. S. E. Sweet,
Sampson Beaver, E. W. Evans and myself built a house 6 by 8, 2 ft. high
lower end, with a fireplace in the side. Stood guard. Very pleasant
evening.
Buntyn Station, Monday, Jan. 5. Sabres were brightened for inspection at
2 P. M. Order read from General Hamilton stating that Van Dorn was
concentrating at Pontotoc for another raid on this railroad, and ordered
that stockades be built along the road, and that we be on the alert. No
parole to be taken from any cavalry force. The raid to be resisted while
there was a musket and cartridge left. 4 P. M. mail came in, a sack
full, the first for nearly 20 days. Oh! the welcome it received. Heard
from father, brother and four sisters. Welcome! welcome! indeed. 1st
piece planted on the track pointing south.
Buntyn Station, Tuesday, Jan. 6. Rained in the night. Rec'd some more
mail. Horses inspected by Lieutenants Clark, Hood and Simpson. Weather
fine. Health not quite as good. Troubled with dumb ague.
Buntyn Station, Wednesday, Jan. 7. A pleasant day but cold. All of our
sabres were turned over, Lieutenant Simpson taking them to Memphis,
also all the worthless horses. Our former orderly, J. G. S. Hayward,
bade us good-bye in the morning; left for the North with G. W. Giles and
John Campbell, all of which had been discharged. Infantry building
breastworks. Van Dorn reported to be at Byhalia. Pickets doubled.
Anticipation of an attack. Slept with our clothes on. E. P. Dixon, T. J.
Hungerford and Mikolay Dziewanowski sent out as scouts in the night.
Buntyn Station, Thursday, Jan. 8. News reached us of a glorious victory
at Murfreesboro by General Rosecrans. Rec'd hay for horses. E. Morrill
formerly of Sauk City, now of 23rd Wisconsin Regiment stayed with us.
Buntyn Station, Friday, Jan. 9. Rather damp and cold. Infantry still
felling trees and fortifying. Paymaster on the line paying off the
troops, giving them two months' wages. Scouts sent out several times a
day. Weather damp. Health impaired somewhat. Troubled with diarrhea. No
news from Vicksburg.
Buntyn Station, Saturday, Jan. 10. Warm and pleasant. Orders to hold
ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's warning. Went out with
Evans to forage. Got some sweet potatoes from a citizen. Drew soft bread
at the quartermaster's taken from Memphis. Sad news from Vicksburg.
Sherman's forces withdrawn to Napoleon. Health better. Drilled on the
piece.
Buntyn Station, Sunday, Jan. 11. Warm and rainy. Received a letter from
home dated the 2nd. Went out to exercise the horses in the morning. Went
on the once famous Memphis race course, passed twice around and
returned. Several races. Those who were present at the August muster,
signed the payroll to be paid to-morrow, two months' wages.
Buntyn Station, Monday, Jan. 12. The scouts Sunday were driven back, or
rather, hearing the noise of advancing troopers, they withdrew, and
this morning, 3:30 A. M. sixteen men, were mounted and sent out under
charge of Sergeant Hauxhurst. They scoured the country for nine miles
south and returned without seeing any armed person, but reported that
they had been seen. They returned at about 11 A. M. Men were detailed to
fell trees on the right to protect our flank. Rec'd four papers from
home.
Buntyn Station, Tuesday, Jan. 13. Cloudy and appearance of rain. The
health in general is not very well, several troubled with ague, etc.,
supposed to be owing to the water which is very bad, being taken out of
an artificial pond. Stood guard. Rained very heavy in the night.
Buntyn Station, Wednesday, Jan 14. This morning, while it was yet dark,
Sergeant Hamilton came to our door, calling upon Evans to harness and
hitch up team. I being on guard, coupled the horses, stood until 8
o'clock, when they were unhitched and unharnessed. Marched from 2
o'clock. Roll call. After [marched] to the headquarters of the 48th
Indiana to be paid off, the boys having two months' pay. I received
none. Raining heavy all day. Five months in the service of Uncle Sam.
[Sidenote: 1863 A Cold Night]
Buntyn Station, Thursday, Jan. 15. The rain of the day before has turned
into snow during the night, and I awoke to find the ground all white, my
head imbedded in a snow drift. Looked out to see the 4th Platoon boys
crawling out from under the snow, their tent having given way under the
weight and rolled aside. It was a little the hardest sight seen during
my campaign, but there was no murmur, all were jovial and contented. We
had to take the horses, who were trembling at the rack, out to exercise
to the race course, against a blinding storm of snow from the west. In
the afternoon it stopped snowing, leaving about a foot deep on the
ground. Many of the boys gone to Memphis.
Buntyn Station, Friday, Jan. 16. Clear though cold morning. S. Beaver,
S. E. Sweet, E. W. Evans, T. J. Hungerford and myself, having a permit
from Captain, started for Memphis at 8 in the morning, going afoot on
the railroad. Travelled briskly until within two miles of town, when we
were halted by a guard, with orders not to pass any officer or private
of Quinby's Division without a pass signed by officer commanding, but
suggested that we had been in the service long enough to know how to
pass a guard. Taking the hint we turned back about fifteen rods, then
going through the snow around a field, passed in to town undisturbed.
Stayed in town some four hours, went to the gallery, had my likeness
taken. Spent money. Returned by the evening roll call better off than
most of the boys, as we were able to walk straight as we had taken no
liquor. Considerable tired nevertheless.
Buntyn Station, Saturday, Jan. 17. Was spent in resting from the tramp
to town. Sunny but raw, did not take much of the snow off. Rebuilt our
chimney.
Buntyn Station, Sunday, Jan. 18. Most of the snow made its disappearance
to-day. Cloudy in the afternoon. Health very good. Anxious for mail.
Rec'd none since the 13th.
Buntyn Station, Monday, Jan. 19. Rainy and disagreeable. Logan's
Division passed on the R. R. going towards Memphis. Rec'd three letters,
four newspapers.
Buntyn Station, Tuesday, Jan. 20. Still rainy and muddy. Orderly
Jenawein gone to town. Sergeant Hauxhurst acting. Health good.
Buntyn Station, Wednesday, Jan. 21. One day without any rain, which
dried up underfoot somewhat. Health excellent. On guard. No news from
below.
Buntyn Station, Thursday, Jan. 22. Sunny and warm. All quiet in camp.
Exercised the horses on the course. Weighed 140 pounds. Read Parson
Brownlow's book in the evening.
Buntyn Station, Friday, Jan. 23. Spent the day in darning stockings.
Listened to Brownlow read in tent. But when night came there was a scene
at once ludicrous and deplorable. Music was started in the 4th Platoon
tent; Parker with his fiddle, Bill Bailey with the banjo, Day's
tambourine. Byness with the bones, and Goodman's clarinet. But
Quartermaster had brought some bottled whiskey into camp and it broke up
in a drunken row. * * * Deplorable, deplorable sight. Rec'd a letter
from Thomas and a Milwaukee _Sentinel_ of the 18th, mailed on the 20th
inst.
Buntyn Station, Saturday, Jan. 24. Rainy and dark all day. Health good.
Battery in general dull from the effects of last night's carousal.
_Price of army clothing, Oct. 1862._
Hats, naked $1.68
Cord and tassel .15
Eagle .14
Cross Cannons .03
Jacket 5.55
Trousers 4.60
Woolen shirts 1.46
Woolen drawers .95
Stockings .32
Sewed boots 3.25
Pegged boots 2.87
Overcoat 11.50
Woolen Blanket 3.60
Lined sack coats 3.14
Canteen .44
Knapsack 2.14
Haversack, glazed .56
Rubber pouch 2.90
[Sidenote: 1863 Home Letters]
Buntyn Station, Sunday, Jan. 25. Sunny in the morning, but clouded over
by afternoon and rained heavy while out on exercise; got beautifully
wet. Received the N. Y. _Tribune_ from John, mailed 18th. Letter from
Mary, Jen and James (his first letter). May he be permitted to live a
useful and intelligent life to comfort my aged parents. Prospect of
their once more finding a home in Dodge Hollow, Iowa County. May they
live to see their children once more gathered in the old homestead.
Buntyn Station, Monday, Jan. 26. Rain, rain, rain. Turned cold towards
night. Health not very good on account of the damp. Ague and rheumatism.
Buntyn Station, Tuesday, Jan. 27. Cold this morning. Came out sunny.
Buntyn Station, Wednesday, Jan. 28. Cold and clear. Froze hard in the
night. Went down to the 59th Indiana where there was a gallery. Took my
likeness for $1.00. Carriages washed clean for painting.
Buntyn Station, Thursday, Jan. 29. Warm and pleasant. Stood guard.
Health good. No mail.
Buntyn Station, Friday, Jan. 30. 4th Brigade of this Division passed
toward Memphis. Harnessed up in the afternoon in order to see if the
harnesses were in marching order. Indication of rain.
Buntyn Station, Saturday, Jan. 31. Sunny in the A. M. but clouded over
and there came a heavy spring shower. Rained nearly all night. Health
good.
[Sidenote: 1863 Sunday in Camp]
Buntyn Station, Sunday, Feb. 1. It is Sunday, but hard to realize it.
The same routine is gone through as upon the other days, the cards
shuffled with equal liveliness, the game of ball with the same noise.
And I lay in my tent never realizing that this is the Sunday that I used
to spend at home with such stillness, when the horses stayed in the
stable unhitched, all work laid aside. Ah, well I remember the first
Sunday spent in the army, how I used to recoil as I heard the boisterous
oaths and reckless sport of the soldiers as they were returning to their
comrades on that clear Sunday morning from Columbus to Corinth. It was
just five months ago to-day, and am I really so much changed? Can it be
that I am so much more vicious and wicked than then, that I heed not the
Sabbath? God forbid. But what does company have to do? Almost
everything. I flatter myself that it is not so very wicked. It cannot
be.
In the evening I went to Griffith's "shebang" and listened to sacred
music. It sounded as of old. "I'm a Pilgrim", "There is a Happy Land"
etc. But a soldier is a soldier, and the "Dixie" and "Gay and Happy"
were promiscuously mixed. Weather warm and sunny. Heard that the 2nd
Wisconsin Cavalry were at Memphis.
Buntyn Station, Monday, Feb. 2. Cold, and toward the evening windy. S.
Beaver went down town in search of his brother wounded at Arkansas Post,
but returned without finding him. Gone up the river.
Buntyn Station, Tuesday, Feb. 3. Very cold for this latitude, having
frozen water one-quarter of an inch in thickness. Detailed to go with
the teams down town. Got there by 10 A. M. Loaded four teams with hay,
having to take it out of a barge. Heavy work. After they were loaded,
Griffith and myself went around to do a little business. Meantime, the
teams started, thus obliging us to walk home. Came into camp by 6 P. M.
The 93rd Indiana Volunteers came to the station by rail and pitched
their tents alongside of the 48th.
Buntyn Station, Wednesday, Feb. 4. Cold and clear as a bell. Exercised
our horses for two hours under Sergeant Runyan. A. Goodman with two
others of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry made us a visit, they being encamped
within the limits of the town. Turned warm in the afternoon, and turned
into snow which fell heavy till dark.
Buntyn Station, Thursday, Feb. 5. About three inches of snow. Quite cold
all day. E. W. E. went to town; was called on to guard S. Sanger for
discharging a revolver. Very cold.
Buntyn Station, Friday, Feb. 6. Temperature what they would call quite
sharp, but indicative of a fine day. Most of the snow disappeared
during the day. Health excellent. Spelling school in the evening at G.
Thomas's shanty.
Buntyn Station, Saturday, Feb. 7. Quite cold in the morning. The frosty
air rather keen in our well ventilated house, but a brisk fire soon made
us comfortable. 4th Minnesota Infantry and the 12th Wisconsin Battery
passed by toward Memphis. We are to go in the morning.
Memphis, Sunday, Feb. 8. Warm and cloudy day. Reveille at one hour
before daylight. Prepared to march, and started at 7 A. M., the 48th
going on the railroad, and we took the south road. The roads were very
muddy, the frequent frosts had made them soft, and we had very hard work
to get along with the balky horses that we had. Came into camp at 12 M.
about a mile southeast of town on a hill covered with trees, very
handsome. Busy in building racks and "shebangs". All the lumber under
guard.
Memphis, Monday, Feb. 9. Hitched up the team and got a load of bricks
and boards from a burned building one and one-quarter miles from camp.
Weather very sultry, warm, indications of rain. Signed the pay roll for
September and October.
Memphis, Tuesday, Feb. 10. A fine spring rain fell nearly all day,
nevertheless we covered our shanty and built our chimney.
Memphis, Wednesday, Feb. 11. Warm and sunny. Ball playing and building
shanties the order of the day. We completed ours. It consists of an
excavation of one foot, then walled two feet with rails and logs, and
banked; covered with a double roof, a brick chimney in one end, and door
in the other, with the floor boarded. Such is our house.
Memphis, Thursday, Feb. 12. Slept in a wet bed, our door being open, a
storm coming up of rain, wind and thunder. Health worse than it has
been for two months. Diarrhea and pain in bowels.
Memphis, Friday, Feb. 13. A bright, sunny day. Everything looked
cheerful. Standing gun drill. Milton Campbell, 23rd Regiment, made us a
visit from the hospital. Health better.
Memphis, Saturday, Feb. 14. Six months in the service. Another rainy
day. Signed the pay rolls again, the first ones being objectionable and
returned.
Memphis, Sunday, Feb. 15. Warm and pleasant. Health good. Two horses and
three mules stolen last night. Guards doubled.
Memphis, Monday, Feb. 16. Was called on guard last night, second relief.
While on the last relief, the sounds of the drum and bugle were heard
upon all sides. A foraging expedition to be sent out, one section of the
12th Wisconsin to accompany, but when the bugle sounded most of the men
refused to fall in, as there were some sixty of the recruits of last
August, these having been by neglect not mustered in the U. S. service,
hence a remonstrance was sent to General Quinby. Meantime the men
refused to do duty.
[Sidenote: 1863 Sight Seeing]
After watering horses, G. Thomas, E. W. Evans and myself visited the
Elmwood cemetery half a mile distant. It contains forty acres and is
certainly a beautiful "City of the Dead", handsomely divided off by
evergreen shrubbery, with the spacious vaults of solid marble. From the
white obelisk to the little lambs at the heads of once sparkling
innocent babes, all was beautiful. But on one side were four hands
busily piling up the rounded graves in close compact. They held the
bodies of the unfortunate soldiers, averaging twelve a day. On the other
side were the like victims of the Confederate States of America.
Memphis, Tuesday, Feb. 17. Wet and cloudy. A dismal and dreary day for
me. Kept inside nearly all day. Burnt up all my letters which by this
time had accumulated, so as to encroach too much on the room of my
crowded valise. It was a difficult task. They seemed to be a connecting
link between me and the dear ones. I read the anxious words over, and
then with a sigh consigned them to the flames. Burnt up 17 of T. L.'s,
18 of J. L.'s, 11 of M. L.'s and 15 from Albion.
Memphis, Wednesday, Feb. 18. Raw and windy. Health not very good.
Memphis, Thursday, Feb. 19. Warm and dry, though windy. Suffering with a
very bad cold. Captain Dillon read an order from J. B. McPherson,
commanding 17th Army Corps, relative to going to Vicksburg. Patriotism
raised the spirit of the boys fifty per cent. Played ball in the
afternoon.
Memphis, Friday, Feb. 20. Health better but very sore throat. Beautiful
day.
Memphis, Saturday, Feb. 21. Rain and thunder all day. Health not very
good. Sore throat.
Memphis, Sunday, Feb. 22. Cold. Froze the mud in the morning. Excused
from duty, being on the sick list. Cold.
Memphis, Monday, Feb. 23. Very pleasant. Health little better. The long
looked for "to-morrow" at last arrived and the paymaster paid us off.
Rec'd $13.80. $20.00 sent per allotment, being up to Oct. 31, 1862.
Memphis, Tuesday, Feb. 24. Very pleasant spring day. Boys busy settling
their accounts. Captain H. Dillon started home on a furlough. Lieutenant
Simpson also went with a discharge.
Memphis, Wednesday, Feb. 25. Rained in torrents all last night and
to-day, with thunder and lightning. Health better. No mail from above
since Saturday.
Memphis, Thursday, Feb. 26. Cleared off a little but drizzled part of
the day. Received a needle case from home, a loving tribute from sister
Mary. No mail down the river.
Memphis, Friday, Feb. 27. Pleasant day. Oiled our harness in the
afternoon. Troubled with diarrhea severely. Rec'd a letter from home,
they being in great anxiety about me, as my letters did not arrive at
their destination. Poor mother. I have thought much of you since reading
it, and may I spare no pains keeping you easy, is my prayer.
Memphis, Saturday, Feb. 28. The last of February, consequently mustered
for pay at 9 A. M. by Lieutenant S. F. Clark. Then opened ranks and
inspected by Lieutenants Clark, Hood and Simpson, the latter being
reinstated. Ordered to prepare for an inspection to-morrow.
UP AND DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI AND YAZOO
[Sidenote: 1863 Embarking on the Transports]
Memphis, Sunday, March 1. To-day we were ordered to prepare for an
inspection by Major Maurice, chief of artillery, but instead of that
came marching. We broke up camp at 9 A. M. and marched with the whole of
Quinby's Division into Memphis. There was a busy scene. Infantry and
artillery and baggage and wagons, all in a rush embarking on the
transports. 6th and 12th Wisconsin Batteries were ordered on the "Robert
Campbell Jr." but we could not get out on first Section, it being too
crowded. The 2nd and 3rd Sections with the battery and forage wagons
were pushed in front of the "Tecumseh" and there guarded for the night.
Memphis, Monday, March 2. Cloudy in the morning but cleared off sunny.
Failed to get the carriages on in the forenoon. After dinner four men of
each platoon were left to load the pieces, while the boat dropped down
to load with coal. Felt rather weak; troubled with diarrhea which had
rendered me rather weak. Got forage on board for horses.
On the Mississippi, Tuesday, March 3. Raw and cold on the boat. Laid at
the wharf all the forenoon, waiting for the word. 2 P. M. the fleet
"tied loose" and headed down stream, the "Campbell" being fourth in the
procession. It was an interesting spectacle, fourteen boats all laden
with troops and munition and ammunition of war, leaving the clayey
bluffs of Memphis on one side, and the blackened ruins of Hopefield on
the other to plan the final destruction of all that harbor the enemies
of our country. But notwithstanding, it was a sad thought to me as I
looked to the distant North, where there are anxious hearts for me, and
I was still going farther, and I may never again return. The river was
very high, nothing but water in sight, the willows putting on their garb
of green. The "Campbell" soon took the lead and arrived at Helena by 9
P. M. ninety miles distant. Tied up till 2:30 A. M.
[Sidenote: 1863 Racing on the Mississippi]
Grand Lake Landing, Ark., Wednesday, March 4. When we again started, the
air was very raw and cold. Hailed at the mouth of White River by a
gunboat and we had to come to and report at 9 A. M. Passed Napoleon at
11 A. M. which was nearly inundated. In the afternoon a race took place
between the "Campbell" and the "Louisiana" which came up, and after
about half an hour took the lead. 5 P. M. the fleet landed at Grand Lake
Landing, eighteen miles above Providence. We immediately commenced
unloading; got everything off except the horses. They were harnessed,
but were again unharnessed. Slept on the boat.
Grand Lake Landing, Thursday, March 5. Up early; got the horses; then
got the carriages off the "Tecumseh" which was rather tough work. Came
into park right by the levee and stretched our picket rope and put up
the tarpaulin. Very wet all around. On guard. Health very good.
Grand Lake Landing, Friday, March 6. Cloudy and windy. General Quinby
went down on the "Superior" to Providence, returned in the evening. In
the afternoon David Evans and myself went down stream on the levee,
bareback about three miles, where the engineers were at work digging out
the levee. Took a drink in Louisiana and returned to camp with no better
impression of the sunny South.
On the Mississippi, Saturday, March 7. Ordered to reembark at early
dawn. Arose at 4 o'clock but did not get loaded till in the afternoon on
the same boats as before. Severe rainstorm and wind last night. Very
muddy. Part of the day the sun shone very bright. Health good. 2:30 P.
M. the fleet once more "swung loose" and headed up stream. The
"Campbell" was aground, so had to be towed out by the "Gladiator" and
"John H. Dickey"; after she got afloat we lashed to the former to get
some coal. As night advanced we kept slowly going, and by night were the
fourth in line.
On the Mississippi, Sunday, March 8. The boat had been steadily plowing
her way up the turbid water of the Mississippi. Rained very heavy, got a
wet bed to sleep on. Very foggy all day; passed the "Von Phal", being
next to the flagship "Superior". Passed the Yazoo Pass, 2. P. M.
4 P. M.--We have landed on the Arkansas side three miles below Helena,
where the troops were ordered ashore to cook and for recreation. The
flag ship went up to Helena, and returned with a good quantity of mail.
On the Mississippi, Monday, March 9. Went up to Helena after coal, took
on board 400 boxes; while there the boys were busy in buying a supply of
soft bread and other rarities. Many of the boys found acquaintances in
the 29th Wisconsin Infantry and the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry which were
encamped. General Quinby went down on the "Pocahontas" in the afternoon
to Yazoo Pass.
On the Mississippi, Tuesday, March 10. Arose with but poor rest, it
having rained all night, and lying on deck with the tarpaulin but poorly
arranged. Got very wet. Rained steadily all day. Amused myself best I
could reading what I could in the crowded cabin filled with the tobacco
fumes, and boisterous with card players. 4 P. M. mail arrived. Rec'd a
letter from J. L. and T. L. and three papers. All well. Brother James
lame by accident, poor fellow, but thanks to kind Providence, he is
under the nursing of a devoted mother and tender sisters. Priceless
boon.
Near Helena, Ark., Wednesday, March 11. Sunny and fine weather. Instead
of moving came the order to disembark, and by noon the whole of Quinby's
Division was on the sand bar of about two acres in one solid mass. It
was with difficulty that we got our battery in position and tarpaulin
put up.
Near Helena, Thursday, March 12. Fine weather. Washed my clothes in the
forenoon. In the afternoon joined in the funeral procession of a member
of Co. G., 72nd Illinois. Laid him in the swamp and left him in the
cheerless spot, a soldier's grave. Many of the boys in spite of high
water, went out foraging and brought in fresh pork and beef in plenty.
Near Helena, Friday, March 13. Health good. Fine weather. Drew thirty
days' forage for horses, per order. 1st Brigade embarking, loading in
the night. Stood guard.
Near Helena, Saturday, March 14. Health not very good. Seven months ago
I enlisted in the service of the U. S. Then I hoped that by this time a
different phase of the matter could be seen. But alas, it very dark
ahead, yet I do not despond, neither have I regretted my enlistment. I
can only do the best I can, and be satisfied. A hard tug is before me.
May God grant me health and courage to do my duty.
Near Helena, Sunday, March 15. Warm day. Ross's 8th Division landed a
little below from Memphis. 1st Brigade and 2nd Battery left for the
Pass yesterday. Received papers of the 13th--_Bulletin_ [Memphis].
Near Helena, Monday, March 16. A fine spring day. Still troubled with
diarrhea. All monotonous in camp. Spent most of the day patching.
Vaccinated by George Fisher, hospital steward.
Near Helena, Tuesday, March 17. Very warm, a forerunner of the burning
heat to come. Mail arrived. Heard from home. Oh! welcome letters.
Near Helena, Wednesday, March 18. Very warm. Felt a little better.
Nothing very interesting.
Near Helena, Thursday, March 19. Exercised and washed my horses. Health
in camp poor. Eighteen on the sick list.
Near Helena, Friday, March 20. The marine fleet of Colonel Ellet passed
down the river, consisting of the "Autocrat", "Diana", "Baltic",
"Alone", and the "E. H. Fairchild" with iron-clad ram. Boats gathering;
expecting to embark soon. 11th Wisconsin Infantry landed below here.
[Sidenote: 1863 Atlantic Monthly in Camp]
Near Helena, Saturday, March 21. Sergeant Hauxhurst, C. Campbell and
Shockley sent North to the hospital. Capt. H. Dillon arrived in the
evening, bringing many presents to the boys. I received a pair of
stockings knit by my dear mother, and the _Atlantic Monthly_ of June 2.
Rec'd mail in the night.
Near Helena, Sunday, March 22. Cloudy and indications of rain. Infantry
embarked. Ordered to be ready to go on at 12 M. but the boats did not
come. Drizzled rain nearly all day. Health none the best. Diarrhea very
bad. Water rising very fast.
On Moon Lake, Monday, March 23. Reveille at 4 A. M. At dawn we commenced
embarking, the left Section under Lieutenant Hood on the "Armada,"
center Section under Simpson on the "Jesse K. Bell." First piece on the
"White Rose." Second piece on the "Rose Hamilton." Rained heavy all day.
2 P. M. we swung off, I being on the "Jesse Bell." Laid off till 4 P. M.
when we entered the Pass, the fourth boat of the fleet. At the mouth it
was about five rods wide. The water shot through at a wild rate. The
wheel was reversed to check the speed of the boat. On we went, through
the woods and short turns until we reached Moon Lake, where it widened.
The Lake is about three miles long, half a mile wide, where we had
smooth sailing until dark, when we tied up near an old negro hut. On the
north side a squad of cavalry encamped close by. A member of the 93rd
Illinois (which is on board with us) was buried near the shore. Made our
bed under the wheels of the pieces, the boat being so crowded; had but
poor rest. Slept as close as "three in the bed and two in the middle."
On Yazoo Pass, Tuesday, March 24. Started at 7 A. M. and kept moving
slowly all day from one tree to the other, backing up nearly as often as
going ahead, often being obliged to tie in order to give room for those
ahead. A limb broke down our left smokestack close to the hurricane
decking notwithstanding they were cut off nearly to the half before
starting. Jack-staff broke twice. All the light-work of the pilot house
brushed off.
5 P. M. passed the foundered boat "Jenny Lind" sunk over the first deck.
She ran on shore and all the goods saved. There were a few soldiers
belonging to the 43rd Indiana with her.
6 P. M. ran afoul, so that we were obliged to tie up for the night in
sight of another wreck a few rods ahead. People may read of this Pass in
time to come, but they will never know what it is until they see it.
On Yazoo Pass, Wednesday, March 25. Awakened by the bell which indicated
that we were about to start. Curiosity soon found me on deck after a
good night's sleep. A beautiful morning. The "Steam Nigger" was set to
work trying to extricate us, and after an hour's tug we swung loose.
Passed the wreck of "Luella" a small screw propeller. She was nearly all
under water. Barrels and boxes of commissary stores all around,
floating.
9 A. M. passed a plantation with inhabitants, the first seen since we
started. A neat log house and spring in door-yard reminded me of the
home of my childhood
"How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollections present them to view."
Evening. Saw considerable dry land to-day on the right. Passed some
plantations, apparently wealthy. Colonel Putnam sent a detail out in the
yawl at 3 P. M. Brought in seven sheep, also in the evening brought in a
good beef. Gave a piece to the Battery boys. Tied up near the plantation
of the rebel General Elkhorn who had been paroled. Only twelve miles
from Helena by road yet. Six to Coldwater. Heavy picket thrown out.
[Sidenote: 1863 On the Yazoo]
On Yazoo Pass, Thursday, March 26. A fine day. Health poor. Nausea and
diarrhea very bad. Advanced very slowly to-day, the current being
swifter than before, so that we are just tossed from tree to tree.
Obliged to use the capstan continually. A limb took off one of the
escape pipes, another entered the cook room on the second floor. It is
with great trouble the men can save themselves from falling limbs. One
fell on two boys which came very near proving serious. Passed at 2 P. M.
by the "Hamilton Belle", dispatch boat.
On the Coldwater, Friday, March 27. Started early on our tedious
journey, being only four miles from where we stopped night before.
Passed by the packet "Wenona," had some mail aboard, could not get it.
Health still very bad, diarrhea, poor appetite. Got some biscuit (light)
from the cook, but could not eat much. Could I but get a good draught
of milk and good graham bread of Sister Mary, methinks I would soon
feel well. Better for my case than the opium pills, which is all the
doctor would give me. Felt rather homesick. Cloudy, some rain. Entered
Coldwater at 3 P. M. Little better scenery.
On the Coldwater, Saturday, March 28. Met six boats from below. Report
General Quinby's headquarters 190 miles at the mouth of Tallahatchie.
Boats badly seamed.
On the Coldwater, Sunday, March 29. Cold, disagreeable. Sleet and rain
part of the time. Health much better. Tied up near shore. Got our horses
off across the "White Rose"; gave them good exercise. Stretched a
picket, left them for the night. A solitary tent with two cases of
smallpox was to be seen, left by the Louisiana fleet. Wrote home.
On the Yazoo, Monday, March 30. Awakened by one of the boys telling that
the boats had started and left my team ashore, with five others, and the
Lieut., Runyan, Dixon and Ed Hayes. The boat was anxious to lead out,
hence the haste. 10 A. M. obliged to tie up and repair. A limb disabled
the wheel. Passed by the rest of the fleet. 5 P. M. entered the
Tallahatchie, Gunboat No. 5 lying at the mouth. Got my letter on the
"Alone". Tied up near a saw mill, which was soon in a blaze. Rain and
some snow. Strange.
On the Yazoo, Tuesday, March 31. Fair day. Started early but advanced
very slowly, doing much damage to the boat, notwithstanding the stream
being better. Very unskillful management. Broke the engines 3 P. M. Had
to stop for repairs, where we laid till next morning. Got our guns in
position for action. Music and dancing in the evening on the
"forecastle". Man died in the cabin.
On the Yazoo, Wednesday, April 1. Made good headway to-day with but
little stoppage. 12 M. landed to take on those left behind and some
forage left by the fleet, which had left about two hours before. Buried
the corpse and started on. Passed some beautiful plantations with plenty
of hogs and cattle, which naturally made our mouths water. Passed the
"Pike" at sundown, in a sinking condition. Foraging parties brought in
fresh meat in plenty. After tying up, cannonading heard at night. Had a
slight attack of ague.
[Sidenote: 1863 Burning Property]
On the Yazoo, Thursday, April 2. Very fine. Good country and fine
sailing. 12 M. a miscreant fired into the boat and wounded a member of
the 93rd severely, the ball entering his left breast. The boat rounded
to and tied up, and in an instant the whole regiment was in confusion,
running for their arms, etc., etc. Skirmishers were sent out, while
Colonel Putnam went with a force in a yawl in search, but returned in an
hour; failed to find him, but brought along the man of the house that
harbored him as prisoner, after reducing his house to ashes. Nearly all
the boats were fired into in a similar manner.
5 P. M. came up to the boats and tied up for the night, staging run out
and the horses taken off and exercised. It was at a large plantation of
several hundred acres. I rode the Lieutenant's horse. Foraging parties
out in all directions, and chickens, hogs, beef, onions etc. poured in.
Several negro villages were set on fire, also the cotton gins,
corn-cribs, within reach. The whole air was bright at night with the
fire.
On the Yazoo, Friday, April 3. Fine day. Arrived at the headquarters by
11 A. M. Disembarked, came into camp by night in an open field. O.
Eillinstine drowned. Body not found. Two and one half miles from Fort
Greenwood which is occupied by rebel forces.
On the Yazoo, Saturday, April 4. Fine day. Boys busy bathing, washing,
changing etc. in general, which was very necessary after thirteen days
confinement. 10 A. M. crossed the river to the 28th Wisconsin Regiment,
Ross's Division. Found an old acquaintance John Williams of Ixonia.
First Section went to the front in view of the fort, threw in a few
shells and returned. 7 P. M. ordered to harness up as soon as possible
with no unnecessary noise, which was soon done, and in half an hour the
center Section, much to their dissatisfaction, were reloading on the
"Jesse K. Bell." All loaded by midnight, and each one shifted the best
he could for a short rest. Evie rather unwell.
On the Yazoo, Sunday, April 5. Although late, arose very sleepy to feed
my team. 7 A. M. we started up stream with the rest of the fleet in
their proper places. The day was beautiful and we travelled very fast,
guns all ready for action. I enjoyed the scenery much, the air so soft
and balmy, all nature seemed to be at rest. The darkies on shore in
their Sunday suits met us with waving of rags and hats under their arms,
and once in a while a timid woman also, more from policy than principle
I suppose. 1 A. M. another shot was given us near the same place as
before, which was promptly returned by half the regiment. Most shot at
random to show their good-will. No one hurt on board. The ball passed
near the pilot house. 5 P. M. tied up to take on fuel from the fence.
Went ashore to cook.
On the Yazoo, Monday, April 6. Started early and troubled with but
little hindrance, made good headway. Tied up at night near a pretty
mansion with an air of luxury. As the boat struck shore a rush was made
for land, and they made for the door-yard, but they were halted by the
Colonel who put a guard to prevent their coming in, and put the anxious
ones to work carrying rails. Health good.
On the Coldwater, Tuesday, April 7. Warm and pleasant. Entered mouth of
Coldwater 8 A. M. Travelled well till towards evening. The channel grew
more crooked and difficult.
4 P. M. landed to take on rails, then went on. Tied up in a low swampy
cane-brake. Water much lower than when descending. An occasional darky
to be seen with mule and plow at work in the field, but in most cases
the darky had "hung up the shovel and the hoe." Music and dancing in the
evening. Washed.
P. S. I write this at the still hour of midnight, all is quiet and their
minds far away from here in the happy land of dreams. No sound save the
tiresome tramp of the poor pent-up brutes which have not laid down since
we embarked. What a time for thought. Two hours yet of guard.
On Yazoo Pass, Wednesday, April 8. Entered the Pass 7 A. M. Passed the
wreck "Luella" 4 P. M., the "Jenny Lind" having been removed. Landed at
3 P. M. at Reb. General Elkhorn's for rails. Mosquitoes made their
appearance in the evening.
[Sidenote: 1863 Cleaning Up]
On Moon Lake, Thursday, April 9. Warm day. Entered Moon Lake 7 A. M. and
at 9 A. M. we were once more landed on the sand bar from whence we
started 18 days ago. Accomplished nothing. What and where next? "Armada"
and "White Rose" are the only boats here beside our own. All the
horsemen came ashore in order to clean up.
Near Helena, Friday, April 10. Received a large mail. Boats all came
from the Pass, the two iron-clads bringing up the rear. The boats went
up to Helena to take on coal, nearly all of them. Health good. G. R.
Jones quite sick. Sat up with him part of the evening, an attack of
pleurisy.
Near Helena, Saturday, April 11. All busy in writing home and to those
left behind. Although we may be tanned and roughened by hardships and
exposures, the memories of those behind are still uppermost, and
although otherwise hardened, that is untarnished. Reloaded all the
horses, etc. Rainy.
Near Helena, Sunday, April 12. A fine day. Expected to leave, but
instead we took our horses off. Troops going down the river nearly all
day, about twenty transports loaded. Took a ride in the afternoon,
enjoyed it much, though all alone. On guard in the night. Quite cold.
On the Mississippi, Monday, April 13. Got all on board once more and at
12 A. M. started up to Helena, unloaded the cotton taken in the Pass,
and returned to find the boats all gone except the "Tempest" (commissary
boat) and at about 3 P. M., we started down the river. Detained most of
the night in extricating the "Duke of Argyle."
Providence, La., Tuesday, April 14. Cold and rainy all day, making it
rather disagreeable. Spent the day in our quarters over the horses. Read
the _Covenant_, mused and slept most of the day. At about 9 P. M. we
neared what appeared like a city with its hundreds of lamps, but proved
to be Providence with the lighted steamboats tied close.
Millikens Bend, La., Wednesday, April 15. A warm pleasant day. Awoke to
get hay from a barge, then strolled around to see Providence, which was
a neat village with several fine buildings, but most of the main part of
the town is inundated by the pass cut through the levee, connecting the
river to Lake Providence, about 80 rods long. And where used to be the
street, now is the bed of a rushing torrent. Found the 6th Division
(McArthur's) encamped here. McPherson's headquarters also here. Took on
600 boxes of coal and at 2:30 P. M. started on our way down the river,
being the last of the fleet. Wrote a hurried letter home. 5 P. M. we
arrived at Millikens Bend, the shore lined with steamboats, the troops
embarking as fast as possible. Got a part of our battery off.
Millikens Bend, Thursday, April 16. As soon as practical brought into
park behind the levee in an open field; very pretty grounds but no
trees, and before noon the field was covered with the tents of Quinby's
Division. Signed the payroll in the afternoon. Met Charley Finn and Wm.
Jones of the 23rd. who were left in the convalescent camp; the Regiment
gone to Richmond, La., three days. All the mule teams of the Division
ordered to take provisions and ammunition to them. Weather very fine.
Troubled with toothache very much. Health otherwise good.
[Sidenote: 1863 Contrabands]
Millikens Bend, Friday, April 17. Were ordered to prepare for general
inspection at 9 A. M. Got off from guard in time to mount my team.
Formed three lines on the plain in front, viz: 1st line, 3rd Brigade;
2nd line, 3 batteries of artillery; 3rd line, 1st Brigade. (2nd Brigade
not yet arrived from above). Were inspected by Adjutant General Thomas
of Washington and Colonel Sanborn (commanding Division in sickness of
Quinby) and staff. After inspection the troops were brought in a solid
square when General Thomas was introduced by General Grant, and spoke of
the policy of the administration in regard to the contrabands, which was
received with cheers; followed by Colonel Sanborn and lieutenant colonel
of the 72nd Volunteers.
Went to the convalescent camp of the 23rd, found Hugh Hughes very low in
body and mind. Returned just in time to receive my pay up to the first
of March, $13.00 here, $40.00 per allotment. Heard soon the tremendous
roar of artillery. Heard last night seven gunboats and two or three
transports run the blockade at Vicksburg, burning one transport.
Hospital cleared off as fast as possible, expecting to get some wounded
in soon. Great activity all around. 2nd Brigade arrived at night.
Millikens Bend, Saturday, April 18. Cloudy--indications of rain. Boys
busy expressing their money home, paying debts and some investing in
chuck-luck. Had battery drill in the afternoon of two hours.
Millikens Bend, Sunday, April 19. Had severe storm of wind and rain last
night, which gave us a wet bed. Had special muster at 9 A. M. Detailed
to go after rations in the tempest. Exercised horses in the afternoon.
Millikens Bend, Monday, April 20. Drill two hours in the forenoon. Got
sick and went to the tent before finishing. Nausea and vomiting. Very
warm.
Millikens Bend, Tuesday, April 21. Fine day. Six transports preparing to
run the blockade at Vicksburg. Volunteers called for from this Division
to move them. Many anxious to go. Quite an excitement. Received mail.
Millikens Bend, Wednesday, April 22. Heavy rain all night, making it
very muddy to drill. Standing gun drill in the afternoon. 4th Brigade of
3rd Division inspected on the drill ground and addressed by Governor
Yates of Illinois, inspiring and encouraging.
Millikens Bend, Thursday, April 23. Very warm. Ordered to prepare for
park inspection at 8 A. M. Stood waiting until 9, when we went out to
drill. No inspection. Standing gun drill P. M. 11th Ohio Battery and 1st
Missouri left to-day. Boats ran the blockade last night.
Millikens Bend, Friday, April 24. Very warm. Drill in morning and
afternoon. Sergt. J. B. Jackson and P. Walport, heroes of Corinth,
returned to the Battery. Preparations to leave to-morrow.
ENCIRCLING VICKSBURG
Richmond, La., Saturday, April 25. Awoke early and at 6 A. M. we filed
off after the 5th [Iowa]. Travelled up the levee about two miles, then
turned to the west and passed through level country. Very pretty, the
roads lined with growing hedges of creeping roses, etc. which were in
full bloom, filling the air with their fragrance. And the flower gardens
were truly beautiful, notwithstanding their former admirers were engaged
in a far different object.
After travelling about five miles we entered a heavy timber, the road
running beside a bayou, through which we continued except when in
cleared openings all day. The day was excessively warm, equal to a
harvest time in Wisconsin. The men were all soft after nearly two
months' packing on the boat, and notwithstanding they were often rested,
the infantry fell back very many. At about 2 P. M. we crossed the bayou
(which is very deep) on a pontoon of pine boards, and came into camp at
Richmond, having come twelve miles. Many of the footsore and weary did
not arrive until late. On guard. I need all the rest possible for
to-morrow, but no grumbling, do the best I can.
[Sidenote: 1863 A Night March]
Near Richmond, Sunday, April 26. The Battery were awake at 2 A. M.,
while I was on post, having had but four short hours of sleep. The
horses were harnessed immediately and we started at about 3:30 which
gave us a good start before sunrise. Not quite as warm as yesterday.
Marched through apparently very old country and productive. 11 A. M.
went into park at Holmes's Plantation, eight miles from Richmond.
Unharnessed. Put up the tarpaulins. Got some fresh meat and water. At 1
o'clock the order came to be ready to march at 4 P. M. Logan's Division
marched by. Marched until sundown when we went to park at another
plantation just in time to prepare for a storm. Rained heavily all
night. Heavy firing heard in the night via Vicksburg.
Near Richmond, Monday, April 27. Started out at 6 A. M. went about
twenty rods, when General Logan rode up and by some means induced the
officer to turn back; we unharnessed and turned our horses out to grass.
Heavy rain came up and continued. Very disagreeable all day. No shelter.
The day seemed very, very long, but night at last came to relieve us,
and we went to bed in negro shanties.
Near Richmond, Tuesday, April 28. Took up the march at 6 A. M. The rain
of almost twenty-four hours had rendered it muddy beyond description.
We had seen deeper mud in Mississippi last fall, but none so hard as
this to travel; the soil being of a bluish clay, was made into wax, the
wheels clogging so as to hide all traces of spoke or felloe. The 2nd
piece wheel was locked by the mud and slid along. Slowly we worked our
way on, often straining our horses to their utmost. Ambulances, wagons,
etc. stuck all along. Rested one hour and watered horses at 11 A. M.
Came into park at 2 P. M. on rebel General Fisk's ground, who was killed
at Murfreesboro. Unhitched and swam horses to wash them, and fed them
freely on rebel corn, having made about four miles. Supped on fresh beef
and hard-tack, and laid down in the open air.
Near Richmond, Wednesday, April 29. Awakened at 2 A. M. with orders to
march before daylight. Everything ready accordingly, but did not start
until an hour after sunrise. Crossed the bayou about two miles from
where we started on a rude pontoon built across a barge. Marched through
a thick wooded bottom three miles, then recrossed the bayou on a similar
bridge. Open country once more. Encamped early within two miles of where
we crossed the river. Teams sent back after forage and rations. Very
tired. Gnats very bad.
Near Grand Gulf, Miss., Thursday, April 30. Bugle sounded in broad
daylight, which led the boys to conclude that we were not to leave
early, so they lay quiet, but were soon aroused by Captain Dillon coming
in and telling us to hurry up, we would have to be on the road in less
than forty minutes; and in three minutes we were all in ranks to the
sound of the bugle. Ordered to have three days' rations in haversacks
and prepare to fight. Hitched up. Mustered for pay in the saddle and
then started out. Passed two steamboats where they used to take on
troops, but we marched on about thirteen miles and encamped within
hearing of the guns of Grand Gulf. Four miles off, heavy firing all the
afternoon. Our gunboats attacked them silencing all their guns except
three which they were obliged to leave. Such is the report. Travelled
through beautiful country which was all in full growth. Corn three feet
high. Blackberries and strawberries ripe. Peaches as large as a plum.
Looking like a July day in Wisconsin.
[Sidenote: 1863 Good Food and Fighting]
Near Grand Gulf, Friday, May 1. Awoke early to be soon on the march;
travelled down the levee four miles, when we embarked on the
"Silverwave" at Hard Times Landing. Seven gunboats and four transports
crossing troops as fast as possible in sight of the bastions of Grand
Gulf. Landed two miles below, and by 11 A. M. were on the march toward
Port Gibson. The flat of Louisiana was relieved by the broken surface of
Mississippi. Steep hills, and obliged to lock [the gun wheels] often.
Marched very fast, only one mule team along. Heard firing all the
afternoon in the advance. Encamped at sundown after travelling twelve
miles. Mississippi furnished plenty of sweet potatoes, fresh pork,
chickens, etc. All tired. Went to bed early.
Near Port Gibson, Miss., Saturday, May 2. Awoke at 2 A. M. In the saddle
at 3:30, and moved on. By sunrise we were on the ground of yesterday's
action. They met the enemy and drove them for five miles, disputing
every inch. Captured many prisoners and took one battery. The dead were
yet unburied in many instances, one lay on the roadside with the upper
part of his head taken off by a cannon ball. Many were wounded, as they
took the advantage of the unevenness of the country to attack us by
surprise. Passed the 1st Wisconsin Battery, which had done good
execution the day before. Finally we passed the brush hospitals along
the road and marched unmolested to Port Gibson. Enemy left two bridges
burned behind them.
Unhitched, watered and fed. Rested ourselves about two hours, when we
again started, crossed the stream over which was a chain bridge, crossed
on a rough pontoon of slabs which nearly sank under water under the
artillery. General Grant, careworn and nearly covered with dust, sat on
the bank watching the progress of his advancing army. Marched through at
double quick until very late, when the infantry laid down in the road,
and we turned to the right in the field for three hours' and a half
sleep, out of which we had to feed, water, etc. Laid down without any
supper and slept. Oh how sweet, but very short. Nine miles from Port
Gibson.
Near Black River, Sunday, May 3. Arose at 2 A. M. and as soon as
practicable hitched up with one day's shelled corn in our bags. Did not
leave until sunrise. Crossed a small stream on a chain-suspended bridge
which the rebs had set afire, but was saved. Our way was disputed about
a mile on by a rebel battery which threw shells at the advance, which
formed line and moved on. At 10 A. M. the skirmishers were hotly engaged
and sent back for a howitzer. The third (with which I was connected)
piece moved out on a trot, took a position by direction of Colonel
Powell within 200 yards of their sharpshooters, who were firing briskly
in a thick wood. Opened on them with canister, which soon had the
desired effect of "drying them up there." Advanced to the left a few
rods and opened fire on a log house where the sharpshooters were
working. Threw three shells, then retired to await orders, having shot
ten rounds in all, four spherical case, three canister, three percussion
shells. The litter-bearers report a rebel captain killed in front of the
piece by canister cutting him nearly in two. In the meantime the 1st and
5th pieces took position on the right to prevent three pieces of
artillery from taking position. Advanced about two miles when their
pieces opened fire with shells on us. The howitzers went forward but
were ordered back by Chief of Artillery, and two ten-pound Parrotts
instead. A brisk firing on both sides for ten or fifteen minutes. The
1st Brigade in line on right, 2nd on left, when they pulled up stake and
we marched without molestation within a mile of Black River; went into
park. All very tired and needed rest. Passed about seventy-five
prisoners during the day, many more being taken by Logan on the left.
Pickets firing often during the night, once with artillery.
[Sidenote: 1863 Earthworks]
Near Black River, Monday, May 4. Harnessed and hitched, but soon
received orders to unhitch and get fodder enough to feed all day. Firing
with artillery across the river occasionally during the day. Earthworks
thrown up on this side of the bayou, the rebels being on a neck of land
between that and the Black River, said to have received reinforcement.
Near Black River, Tuesday, May 5. A fine day. Health good. Lay quiet all
the morning until 2 P. M. Orders came to hitch up a howitzer and a rifle
piece; first and third pieces made ready and fell in with 5th and 10th
Iowa Infantry and four companies of cavalry on a reconnoitering
expedition. Colonel Boomer in charge. Waited three quarters of an hour
at the river to finish the bridge, when the cavalry crossed and started
on, the bridge consisting of three flat-boats tied together endways,
which reached across. Passed through a half mile of very swampy bottom,
then came into an open country with fine plantations. Marched briskly on
the road to Vicksburg, about four miles, then rested. General McPherson
passed to the front and returned in about an hour, ordering us to
retrace our steps as soon as possible as there was much need of us there
and the roads were bad. Returned on full trot and came into camp a
little after dark.
Near Black River, Wednesday, May 6. Remained quiet. Foraging parties
sent out bringing plenty of corn, fresh meat and many other things,
taken from the deserted houses of fleeing chivalry. Mail arrived. Rec'd
two letters from home dated 18th and 26th ult. Pontoon train of eighteen
wagons passed to the right.
Near Black River, Thursday, May 7. 1st Brigade and Battery M. relieved
General Logan's on the river. His Division marched to the right, moved
across the road into the shade.
Near Black River, Friday, May 8. Although in the land of cotton and
alligators, awoke after a cold night's rest under three blankets. The
nights very cold and chilly. The days in the other extreme. Assistant
Quartermaster Hamilton arrived with the baggage wagons and forge.
Cloudy, indicative of rain. Steele's Division came in the afternoon and
relieved the 1st Brigade at the river. General Steele's headquarters on
the opposite side of the road from here. His troops were old and tried
veterans of Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio.
Near Rocky Spring, Miss., Saturday, May 9. Reveille called us to receive
orders to march at sunrise, which took but little time. Took the road
leading to the right, travelled through a rough, broken, yellow clay;
very hilly roads, many of the hills covered with crabby pines. Very
dusty and warm; passed through Rocky Spring at 10 A. M. which consisted
of a store and ware-house buildings. Came into camp at 3 P. M. in a
poorly cultivated country. Plenty of fresh mutton, turkeys, chickens,
etc. brought in by forage forthwith.
Near Raymond, Miss., Sunday, May 10. Awoke, harnessed and fed horses at
3 o'clock A. M. 7 A. M. unharnessed and grazed our horses for an hour.
Lay in the shade until noon, when we hurriedly harnessed, leaving our
dinner half cooked, and marched over very dusty and sultry roads. Poor
country, covered with pine poles. Halted at Utica two hours and watered
horses, let the cavalry pass. This is a lively looking place of two
dozen houses, with frowning damsels in the windows and doors. May poles
still standing. They did not expect the Yankees so soon. Took the road
toward Raymond, eighteen miles distant. At sundown came into camp in
thick oak brush. All our cooking utensils in the mule wagons. "By
order" obliged to go to bed without our supper save hard crackers.
[Sidenote: 1863 At the Front]
Near Raymond, Monday, May 11. Harnessed and fed at 3 o'clock, it being a
standing order from Grant that all troops be under arms at that hour and
remain so for one hour. At sunrise we started out in the road and laid
by our horses until noon, waiting to move on. Logan's Division passed
by. At last moved on about a mile and went to park. Came to action front
[position known as "action" in tactics--ready for open fire if
necessary], stretched tarpaulins. Forage wagons sent out when there came
an orderly at full speed with orders to march immediately. All hands
were busy in a moment, but before half the horses were harnessed there
came another, and the order was countermanded and all was quiet again. I
was on guard. Went on at 1 o'clock in the night, to listen to the bugles
and watch the rising fires of the drowsy army just aroused from dreams
of better and happier times to come.
Raymond, Tuesday, May 12. Awoke at the usual hour, hitched up at
daylight and took up the line of march. Travelled slowly, stopping
frequently until about 12 M. When we neared the firing, the report of
which we could hear all day, we were ordered forward at double quick for
two miles, and formed in line of battle immediately under the brow of
the hill. But the work was done by Logan's Division. The firing
gradually ceased and at 4 P. M. all was calm and still after the leaden
storm, and the heroes were allowed to recite the startling events of the
morning. They commenced driving the enemy at sunrise and about 10 A. M.
they met them in superior force. The 1st Brigade suffered the worst. The
20th Ill. and 31st Iowa losing more men than in the five previous
engagements, Shiloh and Corinth included. Many were severely wounded.
Took about 50 or sixty prisoners.
6 P. M. we limbered to the front and marched into Raymond at double
quick. It was dark before we got in, and the dust was so thick that I
could not see the lead-rider. The howitzers were posted on the entrance
of the Jackson road in the public square, and stood picket. The horses
which had been all day without water or feed, obliged to stand in the
harness hitched up. Drivers lying by their teams.
New Clinton, Miss., Wednesday, May 13. Awoke from my bare bed on the
rocky pavement to find the sun high and bright, shining in my face, a
thing not known for a long time. Unharnessed and fed the poor, weary
horses. Two interesting Creoles and black wenches treated us with a
breakfast of corn dodgers, confiscated molasses. 7 A. M. the Division
moved out on the Clinton road, second battery in column; advanced as
fast as practicable, being obliged to reconnoiter and feel our way.
Infantry formed in line twice. At 4 P. M. we entered Clinton, a
respectable looking station on the Vicksburg road. Went into park two
miles from town, eight miles from Jackson. To-morrow we are to move on
to the attack, great advance in three columns. Hot work ahead and many
may fall. May I be able to discharge my duty.
[Sidenote: 1863 In Battle]
Jackson, Miss., Thursday, May 14. Considerable rain during the night and
indications of more. Moved on without much hindrance about four miles,
when we came upon them in force, the rain falling in torrents. The
infantry went forward and formed in line, a rebel battery throwing
shells from the right at them. 1st and 2nd Brigades on the right, 3rd on
the left. Batteries moved forward leaving the caissons behind. The 1st
Missouri Battery took a position on the right and was hotly engaged with
the enemy's guns for half an hour.
Meanwhile we were waiting in the road in range of their shells, which
were flying over us and dropping either side, but luckily none took
effect. The enemy's infantry in line in front doing sharp work, when the
whole line of infantry prepared to make a charge, 1st Section ordered
out to support them. They unslung their knapsacks and went in with a
shout, when the crash of musketry was terrific, volley after volley,
the bullets flying thick around, all lying as close to the ground as
practicable, when the cry "They run! They run!" was heard and after them
they went in all directions. We were ordered forward and we did go at
double quick across the charging ground. Dead rebels--and many of them
lay there wounded and bleeding. The infantry followed them up the hill,
then fell back and we came into battery, when Captain Dillon said, "6th
Wisconsin Battery, I am here--open fire on them". And we did. The six
pieces went off almost simultaneously, and we were enveloped in a cloud
of powder smoke, then another, until nearly all the shells were gone,
when we ceased firing, and they were gone. Cheer after cheer went up
from the infantry as McPherson went galloping by. I never before could
see how men could cheer on the battlefield, but I never felt more like
it in my life. Such is victory.
At 2 o'clock we moved forward, the infantry in line and the artillery in
column on the road. As we advanced, a man came from the right, where we
could see that Sherman had sharp work to-day, reporting that he had
entered Jackson and taken 5000 prisoners. It could hardly be credited,
but at last we were convinced of it as we entered their ineffective
earthworks with their pieces, caissons, etc. left uninjured; they had
left everything, Sherman's shells having scared them out of the capital
of one of the strongest states of the Union. If there ever was a
jubilant army, Grant's army at Jackson was that night. The papers of the
morning were found, which said that the Yankee vandals never would
pollute Jackson. The force we met were direct from Charleston, S.
C.--Eastern troops; but a wounded man told us they soon found out they
were not fighting New York troops. Went into park in the suburbs of the
town back of their breastworks. Lieutenant Simpson went down-town
foraging. Ordered to cook three days' rations.
Near Clinton, Friday, May 15. Awoke to prepare to march at 6 A. M.,
cooks having been up nearly all night baking the flour and meal.
Retraced our steps back, leaving one of Sherman's divisions to guard the
place and we were to go and partake in more stirring scenes. Passed
through Clinton in the afternoon and encamped at sundown four miles
beyond.
Near Clinton, Saturday, May 16. Started at 7 A. M. Heavy firing in
front, and at 10 A. M. we came up to the scene of action. They were
engaged by Osterhaus's, Hovey's and Logan's Divisions. We were
immediately called forward and took a position on a knoll where we had a
good view. They were in thick timber. Logan's Division managed to get on
their right flank, driving them with rapidity, but at the same time they
were driving the line on the left and came near penetrating our center,
many of our men having used all their ammunition, and the amount of
stragglers falling back without order becoming dangerous. It was a
dangerous moment. All eyes were anxiously looking, almost trembling, for
the result; but at last there comes Colonel Holmes with his Brigade on
double quick, which soon checked their progress, and the artillery were
brought into position, McAllister's 24-pounder howitzers on the left,
with Quinby's on the right and center. The infantry fell back at double
quick as we opened fire on them, shelling the woods--38 pieces in all,
belching away in fearful rapidity. Kept it up for one hour. When we
ceased firing, they had left and all was still. The fight continued
about five hours, the musketry having been exceedingly hot. We took
seventeen pieces of artillery and about 2,000 prisoners.
After the battle intelligence reached us that Vicksburg was occupied by
our forces, and that the troops of that place had met us in force with
the hope of saving Jackson, which was met with cheer after cheer,
although it was almost too good to believe. We marched after them, and
going across the battlefield it was a sickening sight, many of the
regiments having been literally cut to pieces. For four miles the road
was scattered with dead rebels and caissons etc. Came into camp at 11 P.
M. and soon dropped asleep after a clear victory. We suffered no loss
save one man wounded by a premature discharge of piece.
Near Clinton, Sunday, May 17. 8 A. M. We are packed up ready for orders
to move. Cannonading is heard briskly at times. Captain Williams's 1st
U. S. Battery of heavy siege guns drawn by oxen and mules are passing.
The enemy reported to have crossed the river and posted themselves
behind cotton bales. Some of the troops have been furnished with
hard-tack, but we have not seen any yet. While waiting, we have received
mail up to May 3. All well. 9 A. M. moved out through the thickly packed
trains about four miles, then lay in the shade until 5 P. M. went into
park in an orchard. Gen. McClernand has driven the enemy across the
bridge at the railroad, capturing a brigade of prisoners.
Near Black River, Monday, May 18. Crossed the Black River on bridge
built of cotton during the previous night, and marched through a cypress
swamp for two miles without any roads. Other troops concentrating from
other points as they are crossing in many places. Went in camp very
late, after which obliged to ride three or four miles in search of
water. Very tired.
THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG
[Sidenote: 1863 Before Vicksburg]
Before Vicksburg, Miss., Tuesday, May 19. We are lying in the reserve of
the battle line before Vicksburg, having been pushed forward at double
quick. General Grant gave them till 11 A. M. to surrender, but they did
not avail of it. Firing is going on with Parrott pieces in front but not
very brisk. 1 P. M. The 1st Section (Rifled) have gone to the left with
Lieutenant Clark. The other pieces were brought into action in front,
and laying in the reserve. Brisk cannonading all around with sharp
musketry at times--McArthur has taken a fort and guns. Sherman drove
them about a mile on the right. McClernand holds his own on the left.
Both wings said to have joined the Mississippi. Pontoon train passed to
the right in great hurry at 4 P. M. to be thrown toward the Yazoo.
Darkness closed hostilities and we limbered up and passed to the front
about a mile, and planted our battery on a hill, very steep and high,
doubling teams to go up. Relieved the 11th Ohio who had been engaged all
day against a fort, using up all their ammunition. Cannoneers silently
set to work levelling off a position; the horses unhitched and tied
under a gin house. We lay down on the bare, rough ground, clothes all
on, but it prevented not our sleeping.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, May 20. Long before day we were silently
aroused (cold and stiff, chilled through by the dampness of the night)
to find a line of arms at "stack" and a squad of men busily engaged in
front. They were the pioneer corps, which had been at work nearly all
night digging a position for the pieces in the hillside. Hitched up our
horses as soon and as still as possible, and waited for the coming day
with nothing to eat whatever.
[Sidenote: 1863 Shot and Shell]
At sunrise our skirmishers advanced toward their line and soon commenced
their "popping". We found ourselves in plain view and range of a strong
looking fort. Within half a mile of us we could see the cannoneers
around the guns. They seemed to have no anxiety to commence, and
batteries were brought into position at every available point, but as
Bolton's Battery was coming in on the left, they opened and the shell
went flying over our heads. We responded with two shots, when we were
ordered to cease firing until ordered to the contrary. The pioneers busy
at work throwing up a bastion, which was occupied by two siege guns,
30-pounders, which came up this morning. A steady firing was kept up
all day by most of the batteries, but as we could not fire without
raking our skirmishers, we had to lie on the dusty hillside in the white
clay, only to "duck" close to mother earth as the shells came flying. A
solid shot rolled at our feet, harmless. We fired about twelve rounds,
other pieces about the same. The first Section in the same position as
occupied yesterday, to our left, used up all its ammunition. Our
sharp-shooters advanced under cover of the hill within 50 yards of the
fort, and managed to keep the cannoneers down nearly all the time.
DeGolyer advanced with his Battery to the next hill. Night came on and
firing ceased. Camp fires lit, and at 9 o'clock we were relieved by the
12th Wisconsin.
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, May 21. Last night we fell back near the
place occupied day before yesterday in the reserve line. Unharnessed and
tied to the wheel. Laid down in the corn field and slept sweetly till 9
A. M. Harnessed and fed our horses. Our haversacks were empty and no
grain in the quartermasters' department. Our last meal was brought us
yesterday by our cook, which in fact was a small portion. But we kept as
good cheer as possible. One of our men managed to find about a half
bushel of coarse meal (for which we paid a dollar) and a beef killed,
which with a good cup of corncob coffee made us a good breakfast, and
all were satisfied. Unharnessed; drew two days' rations hard crackers,
rare things. Lay still all day. A slight sprinkle of rain settled the
awful dust.
Firing kept up steadily from early dawn until dark, not fast, though
still bombarding the fort. A flag of truce sent in by Pemberton,
offering possession of the city if allowed to pass out with side-arms,
which Grant respectfully declined, as a complete chain from one river to
the other is thrown around them, Hurlbut coming up with 40,000 fresh
troops, also Banks. Communication opened from Young's Point with Haynes
Bluff, so as to make it an easier matter to obtain provisions. Steele
reported to have reached the town on the right, but compelled to fall
back to his entrenchment by superior force.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, May 22. First Section of caissons have gone to
the landing for ammunition. Howitzers ordered out. 8 A. M. Advanced to
the line of caissons, when we were ordered to prepare to support a grand
charge to be made at 10 o'clock all along the line. Two of McAllister's
24-pounder howitzers to go with us. The limbers were stripped No.'s 5
and 7, to have charge of canister in haversack. It was a warm place to
go, and we anticipated hot work. At the hour the infantry advanced. Most
of the enemy's guns had been silenced for the time by the unceasing
cannonading kept up from all points for an hour before the charge, but
when they came up to the front of the fort they met the infantry in
force, and then a terrible struggle ensued until darkness put an end to
the scene. Both parties stubbornly held their own. Our line was right
under their fort with the flag stuck on the corner and neither party
could remove it. On the knoll by the siege guns was a sight truly
sublime and terrible. For miles to the left the field of conflict could
be seen extending to McClernand's Corps, artillery smoke rolling in
volumes from the brow of the ridge a quarter of a mile to the
fortifications, and the sharp crack and puff of the musketry immediately
under them. At sundown our line was obliged to fall back for the night.
Doubtless many a poor fellow lay on the field groaning from pain. 8 P.
M. ordered to return to our camp and report to the same place at half
past five in the morning. First Section still in their old position,
having been actively engaged all day.
[Sidenote: 1863 Entrenching]
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, May 23. 8 A. M. We are lying in the road as
yesterday, but little fighting yet except with artillery. Rumor says
that pioneers are undermining the forts to blow them up. A gentle shower
has fallen which has lightened the air and settled the dust, "God-sent"
for the poor wounded, of which there are a great many. While writing,
the ambulance is waiting for the remains of Colonel Dollins of the 81st
Illinois and Colonel Boomer, commander of the 3rd Brigade, both of whom
fell yesterday, gallant officers and accomplished gentlemen. 12 M.
Cannoneers ordered to the front with entrenching tools, and in an hour
the pieces followed into a secreted position on the brow of a steep and
rugged hill. A stockade dug for the pieces, into which they were drawn
by hand. Limbers put under cover of the hill, and the horses unhitched
and tied to the trees. The guns commanded the right. A slow fire was
opened which was kept up till dark, of shell and shrapnel, mostly to
keep the rebel sharp-shooters back. Drew rations of coffee, ham and hard
bread which gave us a supper of good cheer and light hearts.
Fixed our beds under the brow of the hill just out of reach of the
little deadly missiles that went whistling over our heads every once in
a while in volleys. But we were in unusually good spirits, cracking
jokes 'neath the bright silver moon. No sooner had we begun to travel in
the "land of Nod", when the 3rd Platoon was ordered to turn out, quick
and still, hitch up and pull out. It is expected that the rebs will try
to cut their way out to-night and we want to be ready. In fifteen
minutes we were on the road, moving back toward our old place; unhitched
and lay down again with orders to be ready at half past three A. M. Thus
we ended another day before Vicksburg.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, May 24. Up and ready as ordered, but with the
sun we unharnessed, watered and fed, then lay quiet all day. Washed and
changed clothes, and Oh! what a relief. Truly water is a boon. Grant
seems to be willing to allow the inhabitants of Vicksburg the Sunday for
devotion. There has been but very little fighting to-day, little
artillery firing. 4th Division passed in from Haynes Bluff for
Warrenton.
Received a good mail which gladdened all our hearts. Oh! blessed
white-winged messenger, how my mind has been occupied all day by sweet
thoughts and hopes inspired by thy visits! Letters up to the 10th. Wrote
a short and hurried letter home. Learned through the _State Journal_
that a friend and former teacher, E. C. Hungerford, had fallen in the
fight on the Rappahannock. It is another severe blow to his brother
Tommy. How many, many more will this cruel war require to satisfy its
victims. Wounded passing all day in ambulances to the river. Sergt. J.
B. Jackson and L. N. Keeler gone. Sick.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, May 25. Awoke and harnessed at the usual hour.
With the sun we unharnessed and watered. 9 A. M. the four pieces ordered
out on the road the same place they had been for a part of the last four
days. Lay there till 1 P. M. Third and sixth pieces ordered to their old
position of the 23rd inst. Fourth and fifth back to camp. Double quicked
it out there as we were exposed to the fire of the sharp-shooters. Part
of the day they were exceedingly busy. Took our position, unhitched our
horses, threw a few shells at them slowly until 3 P. M. A flag of truce
was reported to have come out of the breastwork. It was met by General
Logan. A parley was held for an hour and a half when it retired. A
cessation of hostilities was agreed upon till 8:30 P. M. (to bury the
dead). Both parties came out of their entrenchments, conversed, changed
papers, etc. I was within forty yards of the fort, where the
sharp-shooters had dexterously hidden themselves.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, May 26. Returned to camp last night after
dark. This morning moved up a mile and a half to the left, put up
harness racks, stretched picket in a beautiful orchard laden with fruit,
which although not ripe we gathered and used for sauce. Mortar boats
busy throwing shells all day; not much artillery firing from this side.
Sergt. S. Hauxhurst returned from Memphis. Telegraph line put up from
the landing to the several headquarters.
[Sidenote: 1863 Midnight Alarm]
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, May 27. Called out a little past midnight;
hitched up with haste and moved out, took a position on the right the
best we could and in the road. The gunners were ordered to have spikes
ready so as to be able to spike their pieces if obliged to abandon them.
They expected am attempt to break through the lines. Put on my overcoat,
lay down at the head of my team, halter in hand, and did not awake till
broad daylight, within dangerous proximity to Jack's feet, but he would
not hurt his rider while asleep. Returned to camp, the scare being over.
Lay quiet all day, a heavy bombardment kept up all day. The
sharp-shooters busy picking off our cannoneers. Most of the
convalescents left at Millikens Bend returned to-day. 11th Ohio Battery
gone to Sulphur Springs with brigade of infantry.
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, May 28. Windy and cloudy. Spent the day in
eating mulberries, writing and sleeping. Mail came. Brisk cannonading in
the evening. Mortars working all day.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, May 29. The day was opened with a general
cannonading all along the line for thirty minutes, with as much rapidity
as possible. It was a sublime and terrible scene, the powder smoke
gathering in a dark heavy cloud overhead, with the shells exploding with
a continual flash over their forts, and now and then a mortar (shell)
high in air could be seen. A gentle rain fell in the afternoon. Received
twenty-five new horses from the landing. A repetition at sundown of the
morning's work, then all was quiet. Wrote to John.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, May 30. Warm and dull. Nothing to do and
nothing to read so lay down and slept most of the day. Awake at 10
o'clock at night with orders to hitch up, and at quarter to eleven
o'clock the pieces and limbers started to the left and front, down
through the valley, past sutler shops and baggage wagons, then up a
steep bluff, where it required five teams to haul the pieces up; then
passed through the advance line of artillery and through a passage dug
in the hill, hiding us from view for about six rods, then down into an
abrupt ravine. The cannoneers obliged to hold back with prolongs to keep
it [the piece] from running down unmanageable.
We were soon at the bottom of the ravine. On the top of the hill the
pieces were to be planted. It was 3 A. M. when the artillery on each
side and behind us opened a hot cannonading over our heads, grazing the
top of the hill so close that we dared not go in position, and we lay at
the bottom while they whistled and screeched over our heads. The fiery
track of the fuze-shell could easily be tracked through the dark, and
the roar of pieces as they echoed was deafening for half an hour, when
we put our pieces in position, took the limber under the hill and
unhitched.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, May 31. Awoke by the side of my team when the
sun was high. Went up the hill to see the pieces, but was timely warned
by a "whist" by my ear to keep low, as we were within 300 yards of the
enemy's fort, and at the first indication of a man's head a leaden
messenger was sent to him, and safety only existed in keeping out of
sight by lying low. Nelson brought our breakfast from camp. Unharnessed
our horses and went to water back to our old watering place, exposed to
the fire of the sharp-shooters. One of our horses was struck in the
neck.
Very warm. Built a shade and lay down to sweat and sleep. At 3 P. M. the
rebs opened a fire with a piece of artillery which was returned by a
dozen. One of the 10th Iowa killed in rifle pit by our piece.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 1. Cannoneers up nearly all night.
Advanced our pieces eight yards to the front so as to get better range.
Went to water horses, stopped in camp to feed hay in the forenoon and
afternoon. At dusk started out with both limbers after ammunition. Went
about two miles to Quinby's headquarters. Filled them from magazines and
returned by 10 P. M.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 2. Fired at intervals all day. At night
fired thirty minutes without ceasing. Caisson limber after ammunition in
the evening. Up till midnight helping on the bastion. The heat very
oppressive.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 3. Nothing of importance until about 3
P. M. when the enemy opened with artillery all along the line, which
soon brought the cannoneers to their post, and rapid firing of twenty
minutes convinced them that they had better quit. The shells flew very
thick for a few minutes. One 24-pounder dropped into the second piece's
bastion, taking out the eye of Fred Baker, the first man wounded by
rebs. Received mail.
[Sidenote: 1863 Dodging Sharp-shooters]
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 4. But little fighting done to-day with
the exception of sharp-shooting. Sultry and heavy. Battery drew
clothing. I got a rubber poncho.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 5. Fine day. Not very warm. Ordered to
fire once every five minutes during the day. Went with the gun-limber to
the magazine at noon. Fired twenty rounds in the evening. Occasional
firing all night.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 6. But little firing during the day.
While watering horses I rode about two miles into the country, filled my
haversack with ripe, juicy plums. Thought I'd like to take them home to
Mary and have a shortcake. But no--wait awhile. I'll take them to camp
and make some for supper, in hopes for something nicer in the future.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 7. Matters even here within hearing of
the enemy's voices are settling into a dull monotony. The crack of the
sharp-shooters fails to make an impression on the accustomed ear, and
the occasional roll of cannon is as a mother's lullaby to drop us to
sleep. Happily knapsacks at last arrived from Millikens Bend. The volume
of _Atlantic Monthlies_ sent me by Brother Thomas gave me much pleasure
in perusing.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 8. Unusually quiet during the day, our
ammunition being scarce, none at the arsenal, and we used it sparingly
for fear of an emergency. George Spencer, David Evans and myself
remodelled our shelving, which, for want of something else is this: a
shelf dug in the hillside, two feet deep above and long enough to lie
down, covered with a double roof of cane-thatch. And this is what we
call our home. Yes, it is filled with the dear ones here in mind if not
in body.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 9. A sharp engagement took place on our
right last night which almost approached a battle. General Logan was
advancing a cotton cased car under the enemy's feet with the intention
of running up in this a battery into the rebels' works. He had been
working on it for several nights and was progressing fine, but slow, as
he had to dig by the sharp-shooters. Kept the rebs down by discharging
frequent volleys in the dark, but last night they returned it with much
zeal, and threw rockets over their works which accomplished its aim and
burned the cotton to the ground. Our artillery soon made things quiet.
The caisson gone to the landing this morning for ammunition. Geo. took
his team for the 6th Wisconsin.
I am here all alone to-day, a thing unusual. For awhile I found ample
company in reading the _Monthlies_, but my mind wanders way back to dear
Wisconsin, and a strange feeling of lonesomeness comes over me as I lie
here in this, what now looks like the hermit's retreat.
[Sidenote: 1863 June Weather]
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 10. A heavy rain storm came on early
and continued all day. The dusty valley was converted into a bed of a
wild rushing stream. Kept middling dry until evening, when we went to
help bring a limber down the hill, it being too slippery for the horses.
Got thoroughly drenched and slept in wet blankets and on the wet ground,
but it is all the same for soldiers. What would folks at home think? It
is well they are ignorant of it.
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 11. Pleasant day. The air light and
balmy. Dust settled by the rain of yesterday. Very steady and heavy
cannonading all day. A nine-inch gun was brought into position on our
right to-day and busily engaged in battering down the rebel wall. Its
huge missiles would bury deep in the earth, then explode, tearing up
many trees.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 12. Watered and grazed my team while I
picked a can full of blackberries, made a luxury for dinner. Called on
guard at 1 P. M.--third relief. Visited by Sergt. J. Savage of the 23rd
Wisconsin. Stayed nearly all the afternoon. Pleasant chat. Rebels opened
fire at about 4 P. M. with a mortar, throwing three or four shells over
us. Found to my sorrow that my needle book and Testament had dropped
through my side pocket where I always carried them. Too bad, for they
were gifts of two noble helpers, a mother and sister. I will much miss
them.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 13. A spirited day on both sides.
Mortar from the secesh playing all day, the shells passing over our
heads, two exploding over us, but did no damage. At 2 P. M. fell back to
the foot of the hill to allow the rear batteries a freer play to shell
the woods where the mortar was supposed to be. Kept it up for one hour.
The long looked for Lieutenant Fancher returned after nearly a year's
absence. Caused no excitement.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 14. Watered and grazed horses and picked
berries. Did not return to camp until after dinner. Sharp cannonading
all day. The rebels opened with several pieces of artillery on the left,
firing with zeal. Signed the pay-rolls in the afternoon. Received a
letter from home. Had not heard from me since the 6th ult. Great anxiety
for me. Could I but acquaint them of my condition, what a relief it
would be.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 15. Awoke to hear the rebel shells
breaking the timber of the opposite hill, as they rushed by, they having
opened with a piece of light artillery on the extreme right over their
fort, throwing solid shot; kept it up all day, and occasionally a
"whistling Jim" gave life to the cannonading that was not manifested
when it was all one sided. Two more large guns mounted on the right.
Battery wagon and forge moved over.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 16. Nothing of importance transpired
during the day. Capt. B. W. Telfair of the 20th visited the Battery in
the evening. Our howitzer was elevated mortar fashion by letting the
trail into the ground. The metallic fuze bored out and a paper fuze of
longer time inserted. The charge of powder diminished to about five
ounces, and they were tossed over and above the mortar, doing good
effect.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 17. David Evans obtained permission
from Captain to go in search of his brother to the 20th Iowa and myself
to accompany him. As soon as breakfast was over we mounted our horses
and started down through the hollow to the left, and after six miles
travelling through a continual string of bayonets and tents, we found
them [20th Iowa] with the 20th Wisconsin, direct from the Army of the
Frontier, encamped with the low white dog tents. He found his brother.
Joyful meeting of course.
After two hours' stay we started back. Called at the 23rd Wisconsin to
see friends and arrived in camp by 3 o'clock, after having been within
three-quarters of a mile to the extreme left of the line. The line on
the left we found much weaker than here. No battery planted as yet in
formidable position. A 120-pounder opened this morning, dismounting one
piece as we watered. Called at the Battery hospital to see D. J. Davis
who was a little better. Mortar firing continuing; we replied with a
will. Not much damage done, I think.
[Sidenote: 1863 "Whistling Jim"]
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 18. Very warm. Grazing forbidden
henceforth, therefore did not get our complement of blackberries. Grant,
evidently thinking that there was ammunition enough thrown away, issued
orders not to fire unless fired upon, consequently all was quiet except
when "whistling Jim" came over, when all the pieces returned the
compliment with a volley. Received letters from home and Helena. Little
anxious about us; received mine of the 24th ult.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 19. Very warm. But by keeping quiet as
much as possible not very oppressive. The enemy fired more to-day than
any day since we came here--the mortars once every thirty minutes, and
profiting by our example, they threw shells from light pieces, which
bursted directly overhead. No damages yet. Preparations being made for a
general shelling in the morning. Two hundred rounds of ammunition to
each piece. Put my shade over horses in the evening.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 20. Awakened this morning by lively
reveille from the muzzle of the 9-inch columbiads which opened at 9 A.
M., followed by the 30-pound Parrott, then light battery, and a
continued crash from all points for six hours, when, at 10 A. M. firing
ceased. Whether the stronghold was weakened or not by the process is
not known. Our piece alone threw two hundred rounds. The two regiments
of infantry were posted in the rear during the fighting. Logan's men on
the enemy's works digging. Three horses wounded and one negro in the
evening from sharp-shooters.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 21. Pleasant day. Not much artillery
firing, but sharp musketry. 3 horses wounded. Called on guard in the
afternoon; guarding five platoon drivers for grazing without permission;
they were put on extra duty. Paid off to the 1st of May. The officer
forgot his allotment roll. Received full pay here. Expressed $20.00
home.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 22. Quiet, dull day. Very little firing
by artillery. Ammunition scarce. Eben Davis of 20th Iowa visited us in
the afternoon. Report says fighting on Black River with Johnston.
Ambulance gone back. 3rd Brigade of our Division under marching orders.
Wrote two letters which occupied most of my time.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 23. Reveille at 5 A. M. Drivers fall in
for roll call, then stable call. No horses to be taken from the picket
rope except at water call. Pioneer Corps put up a brush screen to hide
us from the view of the sharp-shooters, who of late became not only
annoying but dangerous. Heavy wind and rain in the evening.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 24. Cloudy and indications of rain.
Heavy firing on the left was heard last night. Cannoneers called to
their posts and equipments on. The rebels charged with two brigades on a
rifle pit, in which the 12th Wisconsin was stationed. They allowed them
to approach within a few rods of the pit, then poured in deadly volleys;
with the third [volley] they broke for their works, the 12th after them,
going [up] the heights. If they had had any support they might have
entered. David Evans's horse wounded.
[Sidenote: 1863 The Mine]
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 25. Our curiosity was awakened this
morning by an order to each piece to deposit all their slow-matches at
Captain's tent, we knew not for what purpose. But we soon learned that
it was to convey fire to the blast placed under the big fort to our
right (in Logan's line). A drift 37 feet deep was run under it with
chambers parallel to the fort. In this was deposited ---- lbs. of powder
(by the trusty negro). Orders were given to the several sergeants to
have the cannoneers at their posts at 2 P. M. at which time the fort was
"to be blown up" and a general cannonading to be immediately opened.
As the hour approached, all hands were anxiously waiting, each desirous
of witnessing the result. It was dull and very oppressive; all nature
seemed drooping, and ominous silence prevailed on both sides; not a
flutter of air, not a word was spoken, and you could hear naught but
your own silent breath. All at once a dead heavy roll, a hundred shouts,
and you could see nothing but a black cloud of dirt and powder smoke,
throwing the earth 30 or 40 feet in the air, and about half of the wall
rolled over the ditch as if turned by a ponderous plow. Instantaneous
with this was the crack of a hundred cannon, as if they were all pulled
off by one lanyard, and a furious cannonading answered, while the
infantry advancing with a yell that none but soldiers can give, rushed
up the breastworks, and a galling fire ensued between the rebs at the
bottom and at the top. Our men tried hard to dislodge them and take
possession of the fort, but it was too much. They lay on the ground
until night, elevating their guns above their heads to shoot, while some
obtained concealed positions, firing while those below were loading for
them. A stand of colors was brought up and planted. Hand grenades were
tossed back and forth with great briskness. Some were digging for a
piece of artillery, an engagement in which valor and courage are
signalized.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 26. Our men still claim their side of
the fort, nothing daunted by the stubbornness of yesterday. An active
engagement was continued during the night by grenades, all the surplus
shells of smooth bores taken to be used for such. The 5th Platoon driver
turned in with us this morning to dig a well to water the horses, which
we completed by 4 P. M., 15 feet deep, width 30 inches. At evening I
received my weekly letters.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 27. Rather sore from yesterday's
fatigue. The hot sun pouring his fiery arrows down with such force as
almost to overcome us. Rebs threw many 20-pound shells (Parrott) into
this hole or building, but they were uncharged, which took away much of
their terror. They were aimed at the disputed fort (which they look at
as much ours as theirs, I should judge). They also opened fire with a
heavy siege gun this morning, but were soon quieted. The 12th Wisconsin
Battery blowed up a limber while silencing it.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 28. A Sunday is with us, but no one finds
any reminder of it as he looks about him. The same routine is gone
through with, and were it not for my memoranda I would not know it. When
I compare this with the Sunday at home, when all work is laid aside,
sister and brother that during the week have been absent, are at home,
all there, the quiet lunch for supper--all, all crowd upon my memory,
and I long for the time when I can again enjoy them, and the vacuity in
my heart be filled, and even to-day I can imagine I can see that
gathering, and I know that Mother's anxious heart looks upon my vacant
seat and wonders if her boy is yet spared. More than once the tears have
gushed to my eyes (I hope it is no cowardice) as I think of her
emaciated form in that old arm chair. Would it be any consolation to her
to know that her son is thinking of her, that he has not forgotten?
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 29. Came off of guard to assist my
messmate in enlarging our shelter so as to be cooler, and put up bunks
of cane, which is a good deal more comfortable. The health of the
Battery is on the decline, I am sorry to state. Seven or eight cases in
hospital; Griff down with boils. D. J. Davis and W. Hamilton shaking
with the ague. My own health is not too good, troubled with diarrhea
more or less continually. I am daily falling off.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 30. Two siege guns, 32-pounders, brought
in last night to be mounted on the left and front of us, but the
carriages did not fit. Eight teams were sent to the landing for others.
Captain Dillon received the appointment of Chief of Artillery vice
Sands. Drivers called out 9 A. M. We policed the valley in the hot sun
(a whim of red tape). Mustered for pay at 5 P. M. by Captain Dillon.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 1. Nothing of importance during the
day, with the exception of another attempt at blowing up the fort. The
shock I felt while writing in my "shebang". A large volume was thrown
inside making a much wider gap than before. Siege guns played on it for
some time, but there was no reckless advance as before. Two rebs, one
negro, and a hound were blown over to the Yankees, the former dead, the
latter unhurt.
[Sidenote: 1863 Visiting in Camp]
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, July 2. Hearing that William Jones of the
23rd was wounded, I obtained permission of Lieutenant Clark, commanding
Battery, to go and visit him. G. R. Jones and myself found him in the
Division hospital with his leg amputated above the knee, wounded on the
30th ult. by a chance musket ball. Looked well under the circumstances.
Called upon J. Savage before returning. Rebs showed a line in front of
us in the afternoon. Several shots exchanged.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, July 3. 9 A. M. A flag of truce appeared
opposite Smith's Division, accompanied by General Bowen and Colonel
Montgomery, who were taken to Grant's headquarters, blindfolded. 12 M.
General Pemberton met U. S. Grant under a large tree on the road to
Vicksburg, to our right, with their staff on the outside of their
respective works. The parley was continued until dark, when they
withdrew. Orders issued not to fire until further orders. A strange day
to us, so quiet and calm.
But a gloom was cast on the 6th Battery notwithstanding the hopeful
indications of the truce. After the flag had appeared on the left and
firing had ceased on both sides, and the men carelessly exposed
themselves to view, a miscreant, yes, a brute in human form, took
advantage of the opportunity to deprive one at least of his life, now,
when unguarded, when under other circumstances he would have failed.
Alvah B. Page, gunner of the second piece, was shot in the left ear,
while sitting on the piece, instantly killing a noble life and good
soldier, much loved and respected by all, and one of the best shots in
the Battery. Many a time had he planted his missiles where they carried
terror to the enemy's heart. His last words were the hopeful ones "I
guess they are gone up". He lived to sight the last gun fired at the
enemy's stronghold. A siege gun was to be given him the very morning he
was buried in a soldier's grave, 2 P. M.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, July 4. The National Birthday, and we awoke
to welcome it under favorable auspices. All was quiet and still and we
could hardly convince ourselves but that we were transformed to the
quiet home of Wisconsin and were ready to take a part in the grand
celebration. The truce was still held. Butternuts leisurely lounging
along their breastworks, our men the same, still we knew not what the
result would be at the national salute fired with blank cartridge.
[Sidenote: 1863 The Surrender]
9 A. M. orders came stating that at 10 A. M. the enemy were to march
out, stack arms on the outside of their works and return as prisoners of
war. What glorious news--the men all in ecstasy too great for cheers.
At the appointed hour white rags were stuck all along their line, which
were hailed with cheers from one end of the line to the other.
Commanding officers and staff rode out first, making the formal
surrender, after which all the troops formed in line and marched out,
colors flying, stacked their arms, equipments and colors, marching back
under their officers. Commissioned officers were allowed to retain their
side-arms. In the meantime our bands, which had been silent for so long,
struck up "Hail Columbia" etc., which affected the troops as an electric
shock, and they saluted with deafening cheers. As the last of the rebs
went in, General Grant and staff with body-guards, entered the tent.
Guards were stationed on breastworks and the surrendered prisoners
permitted to run at large.
So Vicksburg, the pet of the Confederacy has fallen, and that too, on
the most glorious day of the whole year, and long to be remembered by
the soldier boy who spent his Fourth there. He was happy, but still he
turned with longing eyes and wishful heart to the North. There was a
void there, a vacancy which triumphs and which military victory could
not fill, his home, never forgotten. I ended my Fourth on guard,
hopefully.
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 5. We were momentarily expecting marching
orders, while I wrote two letters, but at last we were told to prepare
to march at 4 P. M., and at the appointed hour all was packed up, horses
hitched up and ready. We entered Vicksburg in front of Carr's original
line, and after many halts among the broken ravines, amongst butternuts
swarming on every side, we came into battery of five yards intervals in
a little knoll, after dark.
A WELL-EARNED REST
Vicksburg, Monday, July 6. To-day we lay waiting all day for orders to
hitch up to go into permanent park, but for some reason or other they
did not come, and we were exposed to the burning sun all day, but well
amused, strolling over the scarred surface of Vicksburg, plowed
everywhere by raking shot and bursting shell, exploring the extensive
caves inhabited by the citizens during the siege, but now deserted, and
they once more were not afraid to walk in God's sunlight. Received mail.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 7. As we did not move to-day, we spent the day
amongst the prisoners who are by far the most numerous. Never has such
lenity been shown to prisoners of war before. They are allowed to go
anywhere within the lines and guard, their officers riding out in full
regimentals, sash and swords, with orderlies. And groups of both parties
are seen on every hand talking the matter over in a friendly way. A much
better effect will result from this than if they were strict and kept
them under guard. It opens their eyes to facts that before they were
ignorant of, and many will be induced never again to raise arms against
the stars and stripes. A brisk trade is going on. They sell their scrip
for ten cents on the dollar. Canteens traded, coffee etc. given them
freely. The best good feelings prevail. All are anxious to go home,
where they will stay if possible.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 8. No immediate prospect of moving. Boys busy
putting up tents, shades, etc. I strolled among the Alabams on the
right. Got a "fly" fixed for which we had use. Found some of the
greenest specimens of humanity I think, in the universe, their ignorance
being little less than that of the slave they despise, with as imperfect
a dialect. They "reckoned as how you 'uns all would be a heap wus to we
'uns all". They wished they could come back to the old Union again.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 9. The work of paroling the prisoners goes on
as fast as possible. Many of the Western rebs crossed the river to-day,
and many of the Mississippi and Louisiana are ready to leave in the
morning. Their officers have given up the hope of taking them into
parole camp. They all go to their homes, and will carry discontent and
repentance to many a hearthstone. Wells were sunk to-day in the hollow,
giving cool water, but not very pure. Rebs had been here for a year
drinking brackish water, everyone is that lazy.
Vicksburg, Friday, July 10. Everybody busy preparing permanent quarters.
Tarpaulins spread over picket rope. Water the horses in the river twice
a day, passing through the center of Vicksburg. It is planted on very
rough ground, very scattering with the exception of the first streets.
Notwithstanding the lay of the country, it is made beautiful by
shrubbery and shade trees which are liberally and beautifully planted
along the street.
[Sidenote: 1863 Drinking in Camp]
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 11. Very warm and dull. Officers all drunk. In
the evening 1st Brigade band serenaded Captain Dillon, after which they
were seated, treated and played and played and drank. Songs were sung
and beautiful music played, but the demon of the bowl prevailed, the
leader of the band soon became unable to go farther, and a scene
befitting a groggery ensued. All seemed to have lost all respect for
best principles. Too bad. These men left home with great pretensions of
temperance; even now it would be difficult to convince those left behind
otherwise; but whiskey is used by our officers more freely than water,
and that too is what they draw for the men mostly. Many a dark thing
behind the curtain in this world.
Troubled with toothache all day and at night Dr. Brady took it out at
the third hitch. Oh!
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 12. Inspection of clothing at 9 A. M. the first
of the kind since we left Memphis, after which McPherson's General Order
No. 20 was read; also official information of the surrender of Port
Hudson on the 7th inst. and our victory in the East, which of course put
a hopeful aspect on affairs. Received a large mail. Signed pay-rolls 6
P. M.
Vicksburg, Monday, July 13. Heavy rain last night. Cloudy and stormy all
day to-day. Policed off all the grounds under the Battery. Evie and
myself went about two miles, to the right in the afternoon on horseback,
got cane enough for bunks. Prisoners all marched out to-day except the
sick; Colonel Sanborn, inspecting officer, taking all contraband
articles from them.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 14. All is quiet and still, everybody fixed up
comfortably, and an old Welsh farmer's oven built, so we have soft
bread, a great luxury. Trains run regularly to Big Black, taking troops
and provisions. Third Brigade of our Division gone back to the rear. A
few prisoners came in with the evening train. All is life on the river,
crowded with boats, the town swarming with sutlers.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 15. All quiet and sleepy. Very warm. No mail
or news.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 16. Now that we are fixed up and the officers
over their big spree (generally speaking) we broke up camp and went into
park about two miles to the right on a pretty slope. The battery parked,
the tents were put in its rear regularly by sections. All the shades,
bunks etc. were hauled over from the old camp, which was accomplished by
night, and put up.
[Sidenote: 1863 Bathing]
Vicksburg, Friday, July 17. Was on detail all day, putting up stable and
hauling brush. Many hands made light work, but it was hard to stand the
sun. Bathed in the Mississippi while watering horses, and returned to
camp to receive two goodly letters from home, and T. L.
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 18. Watered and sent team to camp. I remained
with others to unload hay from barge, but could not get any. Walked back
to camp by dinner time, and received pay up to first of July.
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 19. At reveille the gun teams of the third,
fourth and sixth Platoons were ordered to harness up, and we started out
with Lieutenant Clark before breakfast to haul in rebel guns from the
line destined for Helena, Arkansas. Rode all along the line to the left,
seven or eight miles, left two 30-pound Parrotts, four 10-pound
Dahlgrens, two 12-pound howitzers, two rifles (James). Did not get back
to camp till noon. Hungry and exhausted in the hot sun and dust.
Vicksburg, Monday, July 20. Sergts. J. M. Hood and W. W. Runyan; Corps.
Sam Beaver, Charles Neefe and S. A. Ferris; privates J. Neefe and J. L.
Bennett started home on a thirty day furlough. It caused many a longing
wish in the hearts of us all for the day when we should follow to stay
for good. Had a Battery inspection by Lieutenants Clark and Simpson. A.
M. a general invoice of all government property taken. Bathed in the
Mississippi in the evening. Mail arrived. None for me.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 21. Very warm. Considerable sickness. The
Battery is much reduced in numbers, there being but two or three
cannoneers to a platoon, which makes it heavy on the detail.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 22. Teams and men gathering rebel pieces and
caissons. Company cook started to-day, and all the Battery to be in one
mess, much to the dissatisfaction of the boys. No mail.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 23. Hot and monotonous. Evie troubled with
diarrhea for several days, very sick in the afternoon.
Vicksburg, Friday, July 24. General Herron's command returned from their
expedition to Yazoo City, having cleared the rebs out gloriously. They
captured several thousand bales of cotton and negroes innumerable. The
flat by the river as we go to water is covered with women and children
of all hues and sizes, a grotesque scene, the men having been pressed
into the service.
Eben Davis of the 20th Iowa visited us--was with us all the morning and
took dinner with us. Evie some better. Heard the news of William Jones's
death.
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 25. Troops returning from Jackson, their
expedition having been crowned with success. Notwithstanding the warm
weather they marched in good order and high spirits.
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 26. Several of our boys attended divine service
at the M. E. Church. Very warm and oppressive. Indications of rain, much
needed to settle the choking dust. Health is very good so far in spite
of wind and weather. Received mail.
Vicksburg, Monday, July 27. A severe rain storm visited us last night
preceded by a heavy wind which prostrated nearly half of the huts,
leaving the occupants to the mercy of the elements. Received a letter
from home but one week old; the latest yet received. Northern papers of
the 22nd inst.; good news from all quarters. "Oh! the good time's
a-coming". On guard. Troubled with a gathering on my right forefinger.
Very painful.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 28. Very warm and oppressive. Suffered
severely from my finger. I am afraid I am going to have a felon on it.
Did not take care of my team. Battery M, 1st Missouri returned from
their Jackson expedition, forty on the sick list, being obliged to use
their mule drivers to park their battery.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 29. Had but little sleep last night on
account of my finger and very painful all day. Showed it to our doctor
who wanted to lance it, but had no knife.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 30. Finger a little easier. Slept while I kept
it in water. No mail. Very monotonous, especially when suffering.
Visited by Sergeant Savage, 23rd Wisconsin, he going home on a furlough.
Vicksburg, Friday, July 31. The Company is rife with grumbling and
discontent, owing to the Company cook operations; sour and heavy bread
and other rations uncooked, a barrel of the "infernal liquid" having
been drawn at headquarters. A shameful free use of it. Orderly too drunk
for duty.
[Sidenote: 1863 Camp Surgery]
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 1. Took a large core out of the swelling on my
finger. It does not pain me any more. A citizen took in a cartload of
peaches to-day, and upon order of Lieutenant Clark sold them to the
boys. They were the first I ate this season. If he would but come daily
it would be healthier. Cloudy all day. At night visited by a big storm
of wind and rain. Went to bed early with a very heavy fever and
rheumatic pain in all my bones. No mail for four days. Strict orders
down town. None admitted without pass from Provost Marshal.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 2. Awoke with a dumpish feeling. Corporal
Dziewanowski went with a squad to church. Evie and myself spent the
morning in reading the Testament, every other chapter. Read Acts. In
the afternoon I was taken with a sudden and severe attack of diarrhea
accompanied with fever and headache. Felt very bad. Wrote a short letter
home notwithstanding.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 3. Had a very heavy fever all night. In the
morning the fever subsided, and a cold clammy sweat followed. Reported
at the sick call. The doctor prescribed three large doses of morphine
and quinine, with two blue pills. Took the first dose, caused vomiting,
did not take any more. Felt very sick all day. Could eat nothing. Bathed
and put wet applications to head.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Felt much better, but have no appetite.
Griff brought me a dish of arrowroot which I ate. I think I am out of
danger of a fever, so I will not go to sick call. Received six days'
mail.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 5. Felt much better to-day, with good
appetite, had I anything fit to eat. Lieutenants Hood and Simpson have
gone home on a furlough. Dr. Miller returned, giving us a speech in the
evening.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 6. Health still improving. Corporal Sweet went
outside the lines with five men and a team after peaches. Brought in
several bushels. Had quite a treat for supper in the shape of bread and
milk, which Evie obtained from a private house in town, the first milk I
have had since I left home. "It was good".
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 7. Very warm in the forenoon, cloudy in the
afternoon, ended in rain and wind. Felt much like the ague. Mail.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 8. A very hot monotonous day. Felt well. Lay
in my tent all day reading Parton's _Life of Aaron Burr_, a man of many
faults but large brain. Finished it, very interesting throughout. At
morning and evening, the volleys over the graves of the departed are
growing more numerous. I heard four to-day, all from the infantry
regiments.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 9. Spent the day pleasantly, reading aloud most
of the time _Covenant_ and _Enquirer_. David Wallace very sick in camp,
not expected to live. Bathed in pond in the evening.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 10. Took my team this morning and reported at
roll call, having been off duty thirteen days. 10 A. M. Coulter Campbell
died in the hospital, the first death of the season, a strong, healthy
man. A burying party went over at 4 P. M. to consign his earthly remains
to their last abode. His death had but little effect in camp, so
estranged is the soldier's mind. But some hearts have been wounded and
are bleeding that have been patiently waiting his return for many hours,
never to be realized in this world.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 11. Warm--yes, hot. Lay in camp with no
excitement; notwithstanding I whiled the hours away without much trouble
with plenty of papers and captured books to read.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 12. Received mail. I got two letters from
home bearing date of July 12th and August 2nd, the first being detained
at Memphis. What a source of comfort these weekly messengers from home
are to me. How anxiously I wait for the week to roll around so as to be
the recipient.
[Sidenote: 1863 "Wild, Jovial Scuffle"]
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 13. Boys in good spirits, those of them that
are blessed with health. At twilight they had a general gathering in our
street, and held a wild, jovial scuffle of an hour, such as none but
soldiers can partake in or enjoy. An eye witness would call it
foolishness, but it is well that they spend it innocently rather than in
some worse game. "It is all in three years" they say. Very true.
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 14. The anniversary of my military life. One
year ago to-day I took the oath to serve faithfully Uncle Sam. What my
hopes and fears were then were far from being true. I have passed a year
of hardship and danger from home and kindred. Instead of returning home
in half the time with peace triumphant, I am away down here, and I
expect nothing else but to serve another year--God willing. It is a
bigger and more tedious job than I anticipated, but I am not
disheartened, I will do my duty as near as possible.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 15. Evie and I did our washing before
breakfast. Swam my horse in the pond this morning with fifty others.
Good fun. David Evans and myself rode over to the hospital in the
afternoon; most of the boys doing well with the exception of G. R.
Jones. He is very low, weak and emaciated. I am afraid he will not live
long. Poor boy, he is very anxious to go home. After supper sent by
Sergeant Dixon in search of my off horse, having strayed while I was
sick. Had a pleasant ride over the hills and through gorges, but no
event.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 16. Weather very warm and heavy. Health--not
sick, not well. Feel dull--a headache. Completed Sparks's _Biographies
of Gen. Chas. Lee_ and _Joseph Reed_. Read also a sermon of H. W.
Beecher in the _Independent_. Wrote home. 4 P. M. we were suddenly
startled by a loud peal of thunder, others followed, and in ten minutes
the sky so clear and blue, was enshrouded with black frowning clouds and
a heavy storm of wind with heavy rain followed. It rained nearly all
night. A Southern storm comes unexpectedly and leaves the same.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 17. On detail after hay. Got out fifteen bales
of new hay from the "Laurel Hill." Heavy work. Returned by dinner time.
Cloudy and rainy in the evening. _Why don't the mail come!_
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 18. On guard, first relief. A heavy rain fell
during the afternoon and nearly all night. Much like fall weather in
Wisconsin. Rather disagreeable on foot. Kept dry by the aid of rubber.
Mail arrived, with a good amount for "Jenk".
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 19. Health tolerable. Went to see the sick
boys. They were disheartened in hopes of obtaining furloughs. Rained and
thundered in the afternoon.
[Sidenote: 1863 Furloughs]
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 20. Medical Director examining
patients--granted sick furloughs to all the applicants, twenty-nine in
number; some of them were in much need of them, others "played off" so
as to go home. The time of the last furloughs has run out, but not any
of them seen yet. 1 P. M. a terrible explosion has occurred on the
levee. The "City of Madison" loading up with ammunition for below was
blown to fragments. Nearly 200 lives were lost, and much damage done to
the "Ed. Walsh" lying alongside her. It was a sickening scene, human
bodies torn and burned into shreds thrown high in air. Many bodies not
found. Colonel Powell, chief of artillery on McPherson's staff, and
Lieutenant MacMurray, Battery M, reported to be on board the fated boat.
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 21. Lieutenant Fancher started home, his
resignation having been accepted. He was very low. Another awful hot and
sultry day, with rainy, foggy nights. Several troubled with ague.
Prepared a mess of mushrooms for supper.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 22. Health good, but severe headache and bad
digestion. Butter all gone, no more to be found. I don't feel much
disposed to eat "sow belly"; had grape sauce bottled and charged.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 23. The warmest day of the season, I think. My
shirt was wet with sweat while lying on my bunk. Very quiet and one
could almost imagine the calm of a Sabbath day was spread around as of
times past. Felt rather lonesome, mused away most of the day in a waking
dream, thinking of home and by-gone days. Mail arrived--none for me.
Wrote to T. L. All looking for the return of the furloughed men. They
are six days behind.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 24. Health very good to-day. Very warm and dull
until it was broken at noon by the intelligence that "the furloughs were
coming", and sure enough, they did come direct from home. Everybody
rushed out to meet them, anxious to speak to one that was from home.
"Did you see any of our folks?" "Have you got anything for me?", etc.
were heaped upon them. Many of the boys were the recipients of packages
from their folks, but I was not one of the lucky ones.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 25. This morning twenty-seven men started home
on sick furloughs, some that were in great need of it, others who were
"a little sick" so as to go home. The remainder of the day "furlough"
was the theme, and many were a "leetle" homesick. On guard. Third
relief. Day wound up with a fight.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 26. The time passed very pleasantly while on
post last night, but it was very chilly. Slept cold under two blankets,
while to-day it is very warm. Bad weather for ague. Feel much like it
all day. Headache.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 27. Did not get up for roll call. Did not feel
well. Headache and rheumatism quite bad in limbs. Feverish all day.
Cleared off in the afternoon, fine and pleasant in the evening.
[Sidenote: 1863 Box From Home]
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 28. Felt pretty well. Fine day. Just before
dinner I was informed that there was a box for me at the express office.
I immediately obtained the necessary papers from Lieutenant Clark;
George Spencer and myself hitched up the team and started down. Found it
"a good large one", but just as I got in the wagon it commenced raining,
and did rain all the way back, giving us as good a wetting as ever a
soldier had. Found my tent nearly immersed in water, a large stream
running between our bunks and the rain pouring in from above. Obliged to
lay the box away for two hours before the storm abated so as to open
it--was Job ever tempted so? But at last it stopped and we found lots of
good things, butter, cake, dried fruit, cheese, etc. Much obliged to
you.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 29. Mail arrived. Received a letter. John
enclosed the receipt of box from express office. Express one day before
mail. Nineteen furloughed men left for home on the "J. C. Swan". On
detail in the afternoon for foraging. Loaded 166 sacks of oats and 21
bales of hay after dark, when we returned rather tired.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 30. Calm and quiet day. Spent the day in writing
home and perusing _Covenants_ received from home. D. J. D. quite sick.
Slept with him during the night. Administered medicine.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 31. Very cold last night. Slept uncomfortable.
Got up before daylight and cleaned out my stable. 9 A. M. we had mounted
inspection and muster for pay. The old harness was stiff and scattered,
in poor condition for active service, as were also some of the horses
(or at least so is my old gray charger, a secesh horse farm bred). Warm
during the day. D. J. D. a little better.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Sept. 1. Did our washing before breakfast, Evie
doing the rubbing and I built fire and "toted" suds. Lieutenants Hood
and Simpson returned. One year ago to-day I joined the Battery at
Rienzi, a raw recruit. Little did I think that in one year I would be
away down here in Vicksburg. On the contrary I hoped long ere this to be
quietly at home with peace o'er all the land. Where will I be one year
from to-day--God knows.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Sept. 2. On guard, third relief. As I did not go
on until 12 M., E. W. E. and myself took a ride along the line to Fort
Hill, which is about three miles distant, and took another look at the
ditches, holes, abatis, and bastions, from behind which many savage
little balls were hurled at us two months ago, but now they are empty
and grass grown. Uncle Sam is fixing up all the important forts with
gabions. Fort Hill entirely built over, very pretty. Returned through
the hollows. Two letters from home awaiting me.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Sept. 3. Was not relieved from guard this morning
until 9 A. M., having stood an hour over time. (Orderly slept too near
whiskey keg I guess). Suffering from severe cold. Rev. Mr. Fancher and
Miss Calkins arrived here in the afternoon in search of son and father,
both of which were happily disappointed, as they had gone home before
they arrived. Mr. Fancher addressed us at evening roll call, after which
three Badger cheers were given him.
Vicksburg, Friday, Sept. 4. Lieutenant Clark left on leave of absence
with Miss Calkins and Mr. Fancher, leaving Lieutenant Hood in command of
Battery. William Hamilton taken sick with fever and gone to the hospital
to-day. D. J. D. quite sick.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Sept. 5. Fine day. Health very good. Feel first
rate to-day. We have fine times of it. We bought lots of potatoes and
onions with butter, sauce, etc. and we live good for soldiers.
Headquarters serenaded in the evening by 3rd Brigade band--Avery leader.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Sept. 6. Warm and monotonous during the day. Felt
unwell. Mail arrived in the evening. None for me.
[Sidenote: 1863 Beyond the Lines]
Vicksburg, Monday, Sept. 7. To break the monotony of camp, Evie and
myself obtained permission to go outside the lines. We mounted our
steeds and passed through a port hole in the line to evade the guards,
as we had no pass. We rode out about three miles before we saw a house.
House No. 1, stopped to get a drink; three women, no men around. She had
lost four cows and wanted to know who stole them, suspected a one legged
nigger, she "would be dagged if she wouldn't cut off his other leg."
House No. 2. We were looking for horses, examined one tied at the door.
The old woman came out haggling, excited, claiming protection by her
papers. We told her it was all right and rode on, leaving her to hate
the Yankees.
House No. 3. Two fine looking young ladies there. Inquired for milk to
drink. A little black girl brought us some buttermilk--good, tasted like
home. Gave the blushing Confederate miss a quarter and left.
House No. 4. Examined a negro, pretending him to be a suspicious
character, but finally concluded he was all right. Found plenty of nice
tomatoes in the old secesh camp growing wild. Picked lots of muskatines
and grapes, and returned via old position. Arrived in camp 3 P. M. tired
but well pleased with our adventure. Company had received marching
orders.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Sept. 8. Preparing to march. There are but four
pieces going, ten days' rations supposed to be enough. Oiling harness,
etc. On guard. Music by the fiddlers in the evening, who were not much
disposed to put their lights out at taps. Orderly Jenawein dictates,
which resulted in quite a row. Lieutenant Hood finally succeeded in
getting things dark, but the minstrels kept on with their fun till
midnight, quite sprung, some of them, by whiskey.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Sept. 9. ---- and ---- drunk and noisy. Lieutenant
Hood endeavored to arrest ----, but he ran away. Corporal Neefe chased
him over the hills awhile and returned, when King, corporal of the
guard, with three men, tried it, but with no better success. They then
returned to camp. When ---- thought pursuit was abandoned, he returned,
when three guards with sabres arrested him, but he got away, putting
them at defiance, running over the hills yelling like a maniac.
Lieutenant Hood now mounted the guards, and after a good deal of running
and more excitement, he halted from exhaustion and attacked the guards,
Proctor and Richardson. At this time quite a mob of ---- sympathizers
made for the guards and interfered, but were finally subdued, and in the
afternoon Hood took ----, ---- and ---- to the Provost Marshal, and they
are to-night locked up in jail. Army regulations read at roll call.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Sept. 10. Very warm and quiet during the day. All
ready and awaiting marching orders. J ---- taken to the Provost Marshal
as being concerned in yesterday's riot. Mail arrived, brought the sad
news of the death of Alice, Evie's sister. After supper call, while
eating quietly in the dusk, a hurried order came to hitch up, and was
executed with more haste. Our piece was not going, and I knew not in
what capacity I was to go, but it was evident there was nobody to tell
me just then. And not wishing to be left, I hurriedly packed my blankets
and started with the column; nearly everything lying around, such was
the haste. We marched briskly until we reached the levee street, when we
halted, made a counter march and returned to camp.
AT WORK AGAIN
Vicksburg, Friday, Sept. 11. Reveille at the usual time, breakfast,
after which proceeded to move; hitched quietly and leisurely. I was
ordered to pick my team out of the Platoon and harness it as extra team,
which gave me an opportunity to take my valise along with me. Griff took
my butter keg and dried apples. Left my overcoat with E. W. E.,
knapsack in charge of G. M. Spencer and Piper, who are to stay behind.
Proceeded to the levee and loaded on to the "Illinois", a large freight
boat; guns put in position on the forecastle, the horses in the stern
unharnessed. All was stowed away tuck by 9 A. M. Infantry loading on
teams and mules all the remainder of the day, filling up the lower deck
so as to be impassable. Made our bed on the boiler deck and slept.
[Sidenote: 1863 Toiling Up the Mississippi]
On the Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 12. Early the "muskets" appeared on
the shore and filed on board, the 18th Wisconsin, 4th Minnesota and 63rd
Illinois took their quarters on this boat. At 11:30 A. M. the fleet of
the 7th Division put out, headed up stream in the following order:
"Emerald" Flagship
"Illinois" } 1st Brigade
"Kentucky" }
"John J. Roe" } 2nd Brigade
"Clara Bell" }
"Adriatic" } 3rd Brigade
"Kenset" }
Advanced very slowly, the river being very low. Passed Millikens Bend,
deserted and grass grown in appearance, at 4 P. M. Landed at sundown on
an island to take on fuel. A lot of negroes at work for government
chopping cord wood. All hands got off for fun. Bathed in the river and
went to bed.
On the Mississippi, Sunday, Sept. 13. Boat left the wood-yard at 10
o'clock last night, but lay on a sand bar most of the night. Slowly and
carefully, like a thing of life, our palace picked her way up through
bold sand bars. Motion was imperceptible and the banks but one
monotonous belt of cotton-wood with here and there a chimney which we
suppose is where some enterprising secesh is going to build. Struck
shore at Providence 11 A. M. Many of the boys, supposing her stay to be
more permanent, jumped ashore and put off, but the bell soon called
them back, and a race for the boat ensued, but some were too late. The
boat had swung off leaving them to the mercy of gunboats or guerrillas,
there being no troops after these.
3 P. M. met "Gladiator" going down. Lashed to her, took on passenger and
two hogshead of ice. Spent the day lying on deck amidst the muskets,
haversacks, blankets and men. Deprived of the pleasure of writing home
as usual.
On the Mississippi, Monday, Sept. 14. 'Tis evening, and I am seated on
the guard of the boat all alone, with no noise save the heavy breathing
of the steam horse. The sun has just set in the stern of the boat like a
ball of fire, throwing its long rays over the waters, giving it the
appearance of a golden pathway. The soldiers are all mute, gazing out on
the glorious scene, save here and there a group indulging in a quiet
game of cards. All day the boat has kept on its slow but steady headway,
passed Napoleon at 9 A. M. and yet we are many miles from Helena. You
will not wonder then that I have been day dreaming. Behind us lies the
parched city of Vicksburg, for which we underwent many weeks of weary
toil to capture, after which two short months of rest. And now we are
off again, we know not where, but we know it is for war, marching,
fatigues, battles and perhaps wounds and suffering, and that, while the
anxious heart of an invalid mother, an aged father, sisters and brothers
dear, are waiting my return. And I am comparatively alone, and the only
happiness I derive is in the indulgence of hope of the realization of
the good time coming.
[Sidenote: 1863 Breaking Loose]
Helena, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Awakened to find the boats tied up at Helena,
which point we reached at 3:30 A. M. Guards were placed to prevent the
boys going ashore; notwithstanding, the boys went and came. At 2 P. M.
swung out and after much trouble affected a landing where we could
disembark. Got off and into park by sundown. Indications of rain. (I on
guard.) Many of the boys down in the streets raising "ned", breaking
into saloons, drunk, etc.
Helena, Wednesday, Sept. 16. A cold, blustering night I had of it last
night on guard, threatening clouds passing over with high winds. The
boys lying around with no shelter, regardless of the coming storm, as
though they slept in the wealthiest mansion. It was a time for
melancholy thoughts for me. Day arrived. No rain. Wrote a hasty letter
before breakfast.
Orders were received to prepare to march to-morrow morning at 4 as an
escort to a large wagon train destined to Little Rock. Our Battery was
on the advance in the order of march, but it was countermanded before
night. I have very sore feet in the shape of boils, swelling so that I
am unable to put on my shoes. I on duty and it does no good to complain
but it is unpleasant. Division indulged in a general hallooing at tatoo,
half an hour in length--soldiering!
Helena, Thursday, Sept. 17. The long threatened rain storm came and it
rained heavy all day. We donned our ponchos and stood and took it.
Gathered in groups around camp fires and under trees, passing the time
as soldiers pass many days, heavily. 12 M. ordered to hitch up and move
camp below town. The order came while we were eating dinner, but in
fifteen minutes we were on the move, the infantry after us, colors
flying and drums beating. Went into camp about three quarters of a mile
below town between the river and the levee, with the infantry right
below. It is pretty flat but overgrown with weeds.
The Division is put in close quarters and a chain of guards thrown out
with orders not to pass anyone out unless furnished with a pass signed
by Brigade commander. We are effectually penned, like so many mules, the
first time this Division was ever guarded since we left Corinth. But the
7th Division never had a good name among sutlers and Secesh merchants,
and they have not improved here. They have not forgotten our
confinement on the sand bar here last spring, and are anxious to take
spite on the place. They patrol the town in large squads with pretending
officers, helping themselves to anything or everything they want and
march on, putting provost guard at defiance. I say "they" because I
always count myself out in such games.
Helena, Friday, Sept. 18. A very cold chilly night. We suffered severely
as we had no shelter save what we put up with ponchos. Had mounted drill
at 8 A. M. but as I felt quite unwell I did not go out. I have a heavy
fever. Went out on detail in the P. M. after wood, as there is none to
be had save what we haul about a mile. Infantry stole all of ours last
night to keep warm. Drew thirteen wedge tents after dark, which we put
up. I was fortunate to get in one of four.
Helena, Saturday, Sept. 19. Still very chilly, the wind being raw from
the river. Slept comfortable last night. The train which we were to
escort moved this morning with the cavalry, so the object of our
expedition is abandoned and we are lying here waiting orders. Mail
arrived at tatoo. I received one enclosed in E. W. E.'s but none from
home. It has been four weeks since the last I received from home. I am
very uneasy. I am afraid all is not well.
Helena, Sunday, Sept. 20. A fine day but cold night. Felt unwell and sad
all day. Wrote a letter home but received none. Evie is also unwell.
"Mars" arrived with the 9th Wisconsin which disembarked here. The "Thos.
E. Tutt" with the 4th Illinois Cavalry passed by to Vicksburg. Had
inspection at 9 A. M. Most of the boys were anxious to return to our
comfortable quarters at Vicksburg rather than stay in this deserted
place.
Helena, Monday, Sept. 21. Harnessed up my team this morning instead of
wheel team on five caisson. The first time I ever drove on the wheel,
but got along very well. I killed about two hours. Went on guard as soon
as I returned. Felt some better, but very sore. Times very dull and
passes away slow. Nothing to read whatever, not even a "Yellow Cover",
which is very plenty and juicy.
Helena, Tuesday, Sept. 22. Warm day. Drill as usual at 8 A. M. Watered
as soon as we returned. We have to go a mile in column over dusty roads
to water twice a day. Very unpleasant, the river bank being too steep to
approach it otherwise. Obtained an order from Lieutenant Hood for a
bushel of potatoes from Commissary. Got them for $1.00 per bushel.
Hard-tack of poor quality is all the rations we receive. All anxiously
waiting for mail. A large mail passed by for us to-day.
[Sidenote: 1863 Fever and Ague]
Helena, Wednesday, Sept. 23. Had a shake last night of about two hours
in length, followed by very heavy fever, and my head ached severely all
day. A small mail was received, but none for me. Sadly disappointed.
"Christian Commission" came into our camp this afternoon with wagon full
of tracts, "Child's Papers", "Tract Journal", etc. which were
distributed "without money and without price". A couple of our boys
crossed the river in a dug-out for fresh meat this evening, but were
sent back by guerrillas who chased them.
Helena, Thursday, Sept. 24. Health improving. Feel very good to-day. The
day was spent in idly waiting for the night, with the exception of meal
time which received its due attention. Potatoes cooked by turns, it fell
[to] my lot to cook some for breakfast. The rest of the day sitting on
the bank of the river watching the hundreds of soldiers in bathing at
all hours of the day, following the swell of the steamboats, making an
amusing scene. About a dozen dug-outs are flying up and down the stream
at all times which were stolen from the negroes on the plantations
around.
A larger number of boats passed down to-day than any day previous, most
of them stern wheelers with but little loads. It gave us fine amusement
in trying to read the names at a distance. Much to our dissatisfaction
none of them stopped to take us on. Our tents were unceremoniously taken
away this P. M. and we are out in the cold.
Helena, Friday, Sept. 25. Awoke to find the rubber over us wet with dew.
Breakfast attended to with much zeal, the company cooks cooking coffee
and sour meat, while privates and officers all crowded around with
skillets, cans, pans, kettles, etc., containing potatoes, onions,
crackers, fish, green corn, etc. After breakfast "Boots and Saddles"
sounded, and all were soon ready for drill. I rode the center team on
the first piece. Gunboats "Chillicothe" and "Eastman" passed down, as
also several light draft-boats.
On the Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 26. Cold night, but kept comfortable
in our "shebang" of "ponchos". H. W. Miller and Tommy Goodman returned
from home. Went out to drill as usual but soon returned with orders to
embark as soon as possible (which were indeed prepared for). Both of my
horses were taken from me and put in the teams, while a couple of lame
"crowbates" [crow-baits] were given me instead.
By 10 A. M. the 6th and the 12th Battery were all on board the "Julia",
a large passenger boat fitted up with great elegance, on her third trip
from New Orleans with several furloughed men and families fleeing from
the fate of the Confederacy, to seek protection in some Northern state.
Among these were two young females taking deck passage, and our mules,
horses, wagons etc., were stowed away upon all sides of them. Amidst the
oaths of soldiers their situation was truly pitiful. I felt thankful
that my sisters are where such trials will not reach them. At 12 M.
General Smith with his adjutant came aboard, and at 2 P. M. we started
up stream leaving the infantry regiments behind to follow as soon as
possible. Although the lower deck was very crowded we found plenty of
room and comfortable
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