Diary of James W. Hoffman
April 21, 1861; I went down the river to Monongahela City -- miles distant (from
Belle Vernon) and enlisted in Captain Coopers Artillery Company. Came back in
the afternoon with a soldiers cap and jacket and they commenced to believe that
I was going which they didn't before. Settled up with Boman. Paid me in Missouri
money that would not pass. Would not give me any other. Went back to Monongahela
City the next day. Slept in the tavern. Early in the morning got on the boat and
started down the river (after some speeches) while canons fired a parting salute
--.
Arrived in Pittsburgh at 3 P.M. A good many recruits marching through the
streets. We were formed in line and had thirty men taken out of the Company draw
cuts to see who would have to go ----at the guard house. The Captain had us give
three cheers for a brass gun the City was going to give us. Went to the City
Hall and got arms -- muskets that had not been made but a couple of months.
Commenced to think that we were not ----to be artillery. Slept on a Steam boat
at night. Got up early in the morning, marched over to Allegheny? and was
organized as the 12th Reg. Sv? in the 13th and part of the 16th was organized.
Got on the cars. A good many thousand people bid us gods speed.
Arrived in Harrisburg about 3 A.M. Went in a church to sleep. Could not get any
breakfast until 11 AM so many of the soldiers went to the Capitol and were sworn
into Service. Ate dinner there, had boiled beef, bread and coffee. We had to
stand in the sun so long it made about 30 faint away. When we got back to the
Capitol after being out in the street in line. Several were from our Company.
Went to the railroad, got in freight cars; a train of them just came with air
holes in them. Put us in mind of them-took the buts of our guns and made holes
in ours¬ made an awful noise. Went to Camp Scot York, Pa.
When we arrived at Camp scot about 9 PM went to sleep in an old building. Had to
lie close together; one of the boys got to dreaming and made a fuss in the
night. About half of us wanted to know where to run, line up and draw rations in
the morning. Had nothing to cook in but an old coffee pot with the snout
knocked off. We staid in that place about a week - then moved to another part of
the camp so as to have the regiment together. Had bad quarters. It was about
three weeks before I got a blanket. Had to drill a good deal. We were divided up
in messes, six in a mess, Joseph Rison, lsaac Beasel, John Merlc?, Theopolis
VanCurk, Andrew Elliot and myself. There was another man but he was discharged.
Drilled from 5 AM to 11 Ali:. Dress parade after dinner. Drilled out on the
commons from 2 till 5. Stayed in Camp Scott five weeks. The left wing got orders
to march one morning - Did not think we were going but at noon .we got orders to
march in two hours (rain) -- Went toward Baltimore. The cars passed some of our
regiment in squads along the road. Knew what we had to do then. Commenced to put
out ---------- We got out at the Riley house six miles from Baltimore. Took the
water? house for quarters. A Secest [Sesesh] Captain came to visit our Captain
the first night we were there. Stayed there two weeks then we went back farther
from Baltimore while another Company took our place so as to make guard duty
easier.
The Captain got out with 25 men at Gunpowder’s bridge. 27 of us got out 4 miles
farther with the first Lieutenant at Saint James Switch a mile beyond------- The
rest got out 5 miles farther on. Had a good place, men got plenty of milk for
nothing and butter, guard duty easy, a good place to bathe. Stayed there our
time out and volunteered to stay 10 days longer but stayed only 5 more. Relieved
by the Fourth Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers. The Pittsburg Grays and the Suaves
went home the same day their time expired. We started at noon The people made a
grand turnout along the road. Fired salutes in some places.
Arrived at York about 10 o’clock in the evening, grand turnout, stayed an hour,
arrived at Harrisburgh at 3 or 4 o'clock, did not cross the river but went on
all that day. The next morning arrived at Pittsburgh 3 AM. Went to Camp
Wilkins?. Stacked arms. I went to the City but did not find anybody I knew and
went back to Camp. Heard a fellow say that was the darndest regiment he ever
saw, said they even had monkeys and all kinds of animals on their backs. Some of
the boys had tame wood chucks, pet dogs and game chickens on their knap sacks
that they were fetching home.
At nine o'clock we started for the City Hall, it was hot and dusty, we stacked
arms and went to the hotels to board. Had the privilege of staying in Camp and
drawing our rations but we would not do it. I put up at the Guard house. On
Friday - Sunday we went up the river; paid full fare going up to come back free.
My old friends were glad to see me. Had to go back to Pittsburgh Monday. Arrived
there just in time to be mustered out of Service.
In the evening I went to the boat and in the morning went up the river again (no
doubt Belle Vernon). Stayed there two weeks, had a good time then started for
home.
Made a bargain with Jim Luis and Uriah Bliss if they would come to the City on
the next day I would enlist in the Cavalry with then. They did not come. After
waiting two days I started for home. Had to go down the river 40 miles because a
freshe t had washed away a large railroad bridge. Missed the first boat; had to
take another one that started in the afternoon; saw a good many oil wells. Boat
arrived where the car passengers were to get out at 7PM. Slept in the car with a
2nd Wisconsin soldier who had got his discharge. He had been shot through the
leg at Bull Run.
At four in the morning the cars started. Arrived in Cleveland 3 PM.
boat for Detroit in the evening. The Ocean Queen started 8 o’clock;
Cleveland started an hour before but got to Detroit an hour earlier
morning. Had to part with my fellow traveler. Took the car for home
Took the
the City of
the next
at 6 AM.
After breakfasting and visiting with the family I went over town and found it
had not improved the two years I had been gone; only a new front had been put on
the Court House and a couple of dwelling houses had been built. In two weeks
there was a grand excursion to Port Huron. Went up there Sept. 20th to enlist.
Went downtown on the ferry. Found a man by the name of Driscoll that was trying
to get up a Company. He put my name down as 4th Sergeant. Went back home
promising to be back in two days on the morning train. Missed the morning train;
took the evening train. Put up at the hotel. When I arrived found that two or
three of Driscoll’s men were boarding there in the morning. Went over to the----- he was glad to see me and said he thought we would have enough men to send.
to White Pigeon in the afternoon. He was expecting eleven from Canada but they
did not come. After three or four days did not get any recruits so he went in
with Blackman. What men they had (both) only amounted to 12 officers and all
Blackman said he expected ---- from Lexington. Hard to get recruits in that
town.
Blakeman came to the conclusion that he would send us to the port. Took the
evening train and went to Detroit. Went to the Western Hotel got supper and
lodging at Blakeman’s expense. They went up town, came back and told me to get
up early in the morning and go to the port with what men I had and to get a tent
and draw rations. They said it would be alright. When they found that I could
not get any tent or any rations they got a little mad. Told the rest they might
go when they had a mind to and I would do the same. Capt. Fucays boys gave us
breakfast - wanted to go to the city- could not get out of camp with out a C--Officer. Thought I would not trouble any of them and slid down the fort(?) in
the ditch . Could not find Blakeman or Griscoll. Heard they had gone home. Went
to the fort, slept with Fucays boys. After breakfast the rest enlisted with
them.
October 1 - was offered the same office in another Company but would not take
it. Went up to the City, thought I would go home. Paid out all my change for
dinner, went to the depot but did not have the brass to get on the cars without
money to pay my fare. Saw a handbill calling for volunteers for the Mississippi
Gun Boats. Thought I would go up and see about enlisting. Set down on a snubbing
post to think about it when along came a man who wanted to know how I would like
the Cavalry - did not know -- he offered me Sergeantship - Thought I might as
well enlist and told him so. He took me to an office and administered the oath
which I afterwards found out he had no right to do. Took me down to the engine
transfer close to the depot. Saw the Second Lieutenant of the Company. He asked
me what proposition the recruiting officer had made me. I told him-- he told me
I might have the office of Corporal but could not be a Sergeant. Said he did not
want any of his men enlisted under false pretenses. I told him I would like to
have time to think about going with him. He told me to come to the Braggs hotel
and get supper. While I was washing he came and asked me if I had made up my
mind yet. I told him I would go but would not accept a Corporalship. A fellow by
the name of Hicks came there shortly after. Slept in the Hotel.
October 2 — Took the cars for Grand Rapids with the Lieutenant Wallace Hicks,
Sidney Case, Joe Nettle, and Henry Kuncz(?). Started at 740 AM and arrived at
Grand Rapids 3 PM. Started for Camp Anderson immediately - two miles distant.
Found the Camp to be a Fair Ground with barracks built for our use. About
9900(?) men there as the Lieut. had told me. 2nd and 3rd Cavalry and 2nd and 3rd
Artillery. About 500 horses had arrived. Hard work to get us blankets to use -Took a bunk with Case. The barracks were poor and let in cold and snow. Had a
long shed with three long tables running through it where we ate. About 1600
could eat at once. Built another afterwards about a third as large. ----------¬Had to drill 4 hours a day. I used to play off on drill by being at some other
part of the Camp. Went up to 2nd Reg. and visited Stout Backes often.
Went home a couple of days after we were sworn in. Had the promise that I might
go home in a week after I went there but we were not sworn in as soon as
expected and I had to wait. Made me mad and I would not be sworn to the States
Service on the day a squad of us went down for that purpose. Went a couple of
days after and took the oath. Went down to the depot for the purpose of getting
on the first train and going home but it commenced to storm bad and I went back
to camp.
Nov. 14 1861-- Company F. mustered into service. Second regiment left for Camp
Benton, St. Louis, Mo.
Nov. 28 1861--Our regiment left for Camp Benton St. Louis, MO. -Started for the
cars at 8 AM but did not leave until 2 PM. Had a few refreshments at Owasso got plenty to eat at Fentonville thirty miles from Owosso.
Nov. 29th--Arrived at Detroit about 2 AM. Would not let any of us go out of the
cars which we did not like very much. Both trains were put together at the
Junction. We then took the Mich. S. R.R. --Arrived at Adrian 3 AM. At White
Pigeon were saluted by music and the firing of canon by the 11th Infantry.
Arrived at Elkhart about noon. The ladies made a great turn out and we were
supplied with chickens, pies, cakes, etc without number. We gave three times
three (cheers) for the girls of Elkhart. Arrived at Chicago at 6 PM, pretty
hungry but did not get anything to eat but half cooked beef. The Papers said we
got plenty three grows(?) for Chicago. We would throw hard cracks out at them
and say if they are so hard up for provisions take that .
Nov. 30th-- Sunrise found us at Mattoon Illinois on the Illinois Central R.R.
out of site of timber on a prairie. Arrived at Lichfield in the afternoon. As
soon as the cars were seen coming, the women run out of the houses with
something in their hands for us to eat. A good many jumped out of the cars and
had a race to see who would get what they had, first. 6 PM. arrived opposite St.
Louis. Slept in the cars that night.
Dec. 1 (Sunday) - In the morning crossed the river on ferry boat.--Our Major mad
a speech while we were crossing. We started for Camp immediately. A cloud of
dust all the way. We were passing a house just outside of the City - two girls
and a young one stood in the gate as we passed. One of them took the rag doll,
the little one had, and swinging it over her head gave three cheers for the
Union. After a good hearty laugh we gave three cheers. The 2nd regiment had some
of our rations and had dinner cooked for us when we arrived at Camp. We went in
the Center row of Barracks and had things comfortable by dark.
Dec. 2 - Two inches of snow fell during the night - it all melted away through
the day- the first snow that had fallen here.
Dec. 8th -- 400 horses, some of us were detailed to go after them.
Dec. 9th 33 horses to be picked out for each Company. The ------- picked them
out. Each man had his turn. We drew cuts in our company to see who would have
one, I did not get any.
Dec. 12 - Early in the morning saw a large fire on the south side of the
barracks. Went to ascertain the cause - found out that during the night a man on
guard had been stabbed. It was laid to the man that lived there and his house
was set fire by the regiment the stabbed man belonged to. The regiment had
marching orders and were going away that morning.
Dec. 20th. The artillery belonging to both lieutenants arrived with two
Companies of our regiment that had been left behind to take of horses with 400
more of them. The horses were given out in the morning. This time I got one.
Dec. 25 Most of our Sabers arrived with tile canon for the artillery. We got up
an extra dinner and supper, (Christmas)
Dec. 7--Saddles arrived.
Dec. 29th Some more horses arrived.
Jan. 1, 1862 --Equipment given out.
Jan. 7, 1962 -- Came out on mounted drill for the first time. We had been used
to drilling on foot from 9 AM till 11 AM and from 2 to 5 PM.
Jan. 8 -- Received two months pay $26.00 The Captain gave us an oyster supper.
Feb. 9th Removed to another part of the Camp.
Feb. 10- ¬Went down to the City with 2nd regiment and the Artillery and 3rd Iowa
Cavalry for Grand Review.
Feb. 22 – Washington’s Birthday--Our Brigade went to the City to true part in
the celebration. A number of infantry regiments that belonged there fell in
behind us, the came the citizens, Free Masons, Coopers union. Some other
societies were represented but I can not remember them. Then after those on foot
came wagons, omnibuses, etc with models of ships-steam boats-printing offices
and C. & C. We marched through all the principal streets about six hours and the
end of the procession was not found. Salutes were fired from the different
fortifications. We got back to Camp at supper time. Next day the papers said
that it was the greatest celebration they had ever had there.
Feb. 25, 1862--Got orders in the evening to be ready to march. The next morning
pistols and ammunition were given out. Some were foolish enough to stay up all
night and not let the rest of us sleep.
Feb. 26th-- Went to the city. Our platoon went on board the steam boat
Continental and started down the Mississippi. About 5 PM the boat laid up during
the night, it being so dark the pilot could not see.
Feb. 28th -- Arrived at Commerce in the afternoon. Left boat and pitched our
tents for the first time. Mustered for pay about 9 o’clock that night.
March 1st -- Pulled up tents, started for New Madrid. Arrived at the Hunter farm
late in the evening. Hunter was a colonel in the Rebel Army. Our baggage with
our rations could not keep up so we made old Hunter fry Chickens for our supper.
I had a severe pain in my stomach on the boat and eating so much fresh meat
without salt or pepper made me sick. Slept out doors in a hard rain all night.
March 2nd-- took up our line of march in the afternoon. Still raining. Stopped
for the night, the rain had ceased and it commenced to grow cold.
March 3rd--It had frozen through the night. Took up our march to Madrid after
having four hard cracks apiece given to us out of some other companies wagon
that had come up through the night. Five miles from there, heard shooting
canons. Started on a gallop, passed a good many regiments of infantry before we
got there. We were placed in an open field by Divisions(?) Gun boats threw
shells at us but did no harm. Colonel Minty took some of the 2nd Regiment to
make a. recognizance. Was put on the wrong road by a citizen. Went so close to a
gun boat that they could see the men loading. One man had his arm shot off. We
went out on a scout to the left, took four prisoners and a mule team.
March 4th - Our company went out on picket. Were relieved about 10 o’clock that
night. When we got back to Camp found our tents put up by the boys that had been
left behind, which made us feel glad allover. The rebels did a good deal of
firing at our scouting parties every day so we soon got used to the sound of
canon. I was taken sick with the camp disease and in a few days was hardly able
to get out of the tent. The doctor would call around and see me but all he would
do for me was to give pills and oil. I could hardly eat anything.
March 12th - had some heavy canons and mortars arrive. All the old barrels had
been picked up and timber cut to make fortifications and they were made 300
yards from the rebel fort, through the night.
March 13, 1862 - At daylight our guns opened fire on the rebels to their great
surprise as we afterwards learned. They soon sent back two shots for one. The
firing was kept up all day until dark. A canon ball knocked the nose off one of
our guns.
March 14 - The rebels left during the night. There being a hard storm their
flight was not discovered until morning. Their gunboats five in number went down
the river. They left most everything. They had 25 canon, horses, wagons,
ammunition, tents etc. General Pape then wanted to get in the rear of No. 10
Island. Boats were sent down the river. The water being high some of the
transports and a gun boat were sent through the woods - The rebels seeing boats
running on dry land evacuated their stronghold but a good many were taken. Our
boats went by the forts with a barge of hay on the side. They would shoot at and
we would have the hay for our horses. It was about this time that Colonel Mizner
took command of the regiment.
April 12th - Orders to get ready for a march as soon as possible. Went to the
river the next day. A good many of the houses had canon holes through them.
Hardly anybody lived in the place.
April 14th - Got on the steamboat Henry Vonfaull. Had barges each side of the
boat to put our horses in.
April 15th - On the boat yet some of the troops that had gone down the river two
days before came back. We could not find out what it meant then but afterwards
found it was a feint movement. The next day more came back.
April 17th--Started down the river in the forenoon. 9 o’clock in the evening
tied up at a small bayou. A good many troops going up the river that had come
down the day before.
April 18th -- Started up the river early in the morning. Two horses got
overboard coming up. Arrived at Madrid about six PM. Stopped a few moments then
went on. Passes No.10 about 10 o’clock.
April 19th-- Passed Columbus towards daylight - arrived ,at Cairo about nine in
the morning. Stopped tor a few moments. The Captain had resigned at Madrid and
received his discharge. Coming up on the boat tried to get off at Pautuka(?)
without saying a word to us. We thought he might make a farewell. He got off at
Ft. Henry during the night. When we left New Madrid I was very weak but a
woman’s that had been with the regiment since we started from Michigan used to
fetch us coffee and tea, light bread etc. and the sick used to sleep in the
cabin so gained considerable in health and strength but my hands would cramp
from morning till night.
April 22nd--Arrived at Pittsburg Landing about 4 PM. The boat staked up to land
but was sent up the river four miles farther to Hamburgh Landing. We got off the
boat. That night I slept in an old house, had all the captains blankets to sleep
on, they were left in my care - he slept on the boat.
April 23rd--Put up our tents about 80 rods from the river. Next day struck camp
and moved up the river a mile and a half. Encamped on the bank. I had a good
appetite Had gained eight pounds since we started from Madrid.
April 28--Took up our tents, moved six miles toward Corinth
April 30 -- The regiment went out on a scout and had a skirmish with Secests one man in Company C and his horse were killed - they came back with 8 or 10
prisoners. I was too weak to go out scouting.
May 2nd - -Moved 6 miles toward Corinth. The ride made my health a great deal
worse - towards night the next day received orders to march in the morning with
two days rations. Heavy canonading to the right.
May 4th -- Health better -- Orders to throwaway or leave behind all but one
change of clothes. Some of the boys threw away about all they had, Some put
their clothes in a knapsack together I burnt up a lot of old letters.---------¬
May 5th -- Orders to march with two days rations. Just drew the rations but did
not give us time to get much of them. Left about noon with Company A .Was going
on picket but could not get across a creek, the bridge had been swept away. The
Major crossed and one of our Corporal's named Marcum went to cross and his
saddle came off and he got ducked in all over. Lt Addinson got wet also - Went
back to proper(?) Headquarters and reported -- Set in the saddle an hour or two
then went to where Colonel Minty was with the 3rd Battalion. Unsaddled and slept
around under the trees. It was about four miles from our camp.
May 6th -- Not much to eat-the next day the same, all we done was lay around Weeden went with me one time when we went to grass the horses and we picked some
greens and cooked them with bacon. Got some vinegar somewhere and we had a
pretty good dish.
May 8th -- Nothing to eat -- Reveille at 4 in the morning - A portion of the
army advanced toward Corinth. Drove in their pickets and engaged a party. We
went along but took no part in the engagement. One Major that was killed and
some wounded were put in a house where we stood in line. When we went back at
night passed the Mich. 10th and they gave us some hard cracks and raw pork which
we were very glad to receive. One fellow gave me some fried potatoes [sic]. I
kept mine and ate them by myself.
May 9, 1862 -- The Rebels came out with a large force and attached some of our
troops and sent then flying back in disorder. When the firing commenced we
saddled up got out to the road just as they came running back. Some cavalry that
had been dismounted were mud from head to foot –Ambulances with dead and wounded
Secest prisoners so drunk they hardly knew anything. Our troops were drawn up in
line of battle and more went out and drove the Secest back. The Cavalry that was
with Minty went to Camp. The Camp had been moved up. I was pretty sick and went
back to the rear where some of the rest of the sick of our Company stopped Stayed there three days and got no better - Went back to Camp on the 13th AM
with the rest. The ride made my health worse. The next day I felt a little
better and washed some of my clothes -- It was a hard job but it had to be done
to kill lice, they grow so large in this part of the country that they have
wings and can fly from one man to the other.
May 15 -- Orders to march with two days rations but did not go. The next day
moved camp back half a mile to a better camping place -- Orders to march in the
morning -- health gaining.
May 17 -- Reveille at three in the morning and ordered to put two days rations
in haversacks, boots and saddles. About six o'clock the horses stood saddled
about three hours then the boys unsaddled them- we struck the tents and put them
in wagons then had to take them out and put them up again - then the boys
saddled up took all the shovels and axes and went away. I was excused by the
doctor and stayed behind. The next day got orders to strike the tents and send
them on to the boys with the cooking utensils. We thought we would have to go
along and sent away the rations so we had nothing to eat. Bacon and Young were
on guard over the Commissary Dept. When they came for dinner there was nothing
to eat so Bacon goes over and begs some rice from the quartermaster(?) and I
cooked it -- Went to where another Company had left some beans in a barrel -Picked some over and put them to cooking for morning.
May 19th -- Health gaining -- got up in the morning and found that Woodard who
had come with the teams had built a big fire under the beans and burned them
black through the night. The teams came back early in the morning -- were
loaded and we started for Camp which we found about a half mile beyond
Farmington. The boys went out on a scout the same day. Had a skirmish with
Secest -- Woodard had his horse shot through the head but strange to say it did
not kill him --Capt. Bothon(?) had his Company out on picket -- towards night he
came in making a great fuss, saying the whole rebel army was coming. We saddled
up in double quick time but it turned out to be a false report.
May 20, 1862 -- Company went out on picket, divided in two squads. I went with
the squad that went with the Captain. Stood at a log house that had been
deserted. Found some good beef there which we killed. Six of us went out with
the Captain(Ruse?) and another officer - went most to the railroad, took a man
prisoner, fetched him into headquarters. ¬We were relieved from picket the next
morning.
May 22nd - Started on a scout with three days rations - Went back two thirds of
the way to the river then made a right turn into the woods when we had traveled
about 20 miles stopped
for the night. No fires.
May 23rd - got up about four o'clock - ate and fed the horses the grain we had
fetched in our feedbags. Saddled up, went 10 or 12 miles - reached our
destination which was a place called Burnsville. There was a railroad there but
Secest had destroyed things and left. I suppose we went there to see if they
were running cars there - There had been a good many troops encamped there. We
went a round about way but came back direct. Was at our old picket post before I
knew we were going back.
May 24 - Hoffmans birthday
May 25th - Our Chaplain preached his farewell sermon - Co. F did not make much
of a turn out - It was the first time he had preached. to since we left St.
Louis so we did not care much about him -Next day traded my mare for a sorrel(?)
horse.
May 26th - Fine weather went on skirmish but did not see any -----(?). A good
deal of firing to our right - We had some more men come out to stand picket with
us - Heard artillery or cavalry traveling from Corinth through the night and
drums beating marching time.
May 29th - Quite a heavy fight on our right. Come in from picket - the 2nd batt.
went out and had a skirmish with Secest 2 or 3 men wounded.
May 30th -- Went on camp guard - the Regiment got marching orders, the Rebels
were leaving Corinth -- l tried to get some one to stay in my place but could
not -- No one to relieve us from guard after we had been on 24 hours. The guards
detailed out of our Company were Sergeant Wallace, Hunce(?), Minnow, and Mr.
Hoffman. Hunce(?) was sick and he was falling in with his ----. he fainted away
- taken to hospital
June 1st – When I was relieved at 11 o’clock, I went to Hdqts and slept until
morning. Some of the rest had done the same thing so there was nothing said
about it - Orders to strike our tents - we sent them all to the campaign(?) but
one for us to sleep in – Floyne(?) and Davis who were unable to go with the
Company staid with us. They went to the Suttlers and bought some butter and
eggs. After we ate the eggs Davis took some of the shells back and told them
they were rotten - he got some more. About half of the soldiers used to make
lemonade and peddle it around camp.
June 2, 1862 -- Some more of the teams came in - We loaded up the rest of the
things and went about 10 miles to where our camp was. The regiment had gone on
15 miles farther - Orders came to send them some cooking utensils and three days
rations - some of us were anxious to get with the Company and five of us went on
that night, Sergeant Wallace, Nittie, Minow and Davis - We arrived at dark - The
Company had been out on scout. Come on some Secest - Made after them but the
first thing they knew came on a whole regiment and had to run back. Would have
been taken but the Company had been divided in two parts and the other part
under Adamson was just coming out on the road. The Secest thought it was a
regiment coming and came to a halt - Gave Reesex time to get back on the right
road for he had taken the wrong one that led into the Secest Camp.
June 3rd - The regiment went out on scout - stopped at Boonville ----- some
hard cracks - Saw where the Michigan 2nd and Iowa 2nd had burned a train of cars
that belonged to the Rebels, loaded with ammunition, arms, and commissary stores
- when we had advanced about four miles -------found what we supposed to be
artillery tracks but afterwards found a man had been there with a lumber wagon
getting out logs - Sent word back and was ordered to go forward. The Lt. had
changed the flankers six on each side of the road. I was on the left side,
Goodrich first, Davis, myself, Mongeer, Flynn, Sgt. Wallace - Had gone but a
little ways when our ears were saluted with the report of about a dozen guns,
the bullets and buck shot whistling by our heads. Goodrich fires his carbine at
them and run back to the Company - Davis and Mongeer both started without
shooting. I tried to stop them but they would not-- told them I would have a
shot before I run -- Saw some of them in the road but did not know if they were
our men or not. Went to ask Marcum who was in the road but seen him taking aim
at them – I then took good aim of some that I could see peeking around to get a
shot at us but my carbine would not go off. I put on three caps then but no go.
Raised old carbine up to hit it around a tree but thought I would only have to
apy for it and did not break it. Went out to the road - while I was going there
had a hole shot through my surcingle and a bullet hit my horses hoof - When they
first commenced to shoot - asked Marcurn to give me a pin to prick the trap(?)
of my carbine - he did not have any. I then found some in my jacket pocket while I was getting them out my horse was shot through the left fore leg. I
snapped two more caps at them and then fell back with Marcum - found Woodard
behind a big tree - We were the only three that stood our ground. When we were
going back Capt Bothon who had command was foolish enough to order some of the
boys to fire at us. He said here they come, hear their talk, don’t you hear
their sabers rattle, when we all knew they had no sabers. He wanted them to fire
at random through the bushes(?) but they knew better than to do it. We did not
find it out until after I told him there was not more than thirty there and he
ordered the boys forward.
June 3rd, 1862 Cont. At first he had sent Wells back to report - Wells started
off on a walk - Bothon wanted him to hurry up and he hollered at him to gallop,
but Wells did not hear him so he said pass it along "gallop”, so along the
companies it went - when it got the last one they turned around and made a break
at full speed, the rest followed, they went a good ways before old Bothan could
get them stopped. The Lt. told me to go back to camp. My horse bled very fast, I
thought he would bleed to death. About two miles back found Granger with some
artillery and infantry. Told him how things were - Went a little farther and the
horse farmers(?) of Co. C tried to stop my horse bleeding - he fussed around
half an hour but as soon as I started off again the bandage he put on came
loose. I had to take it off and throw it away. After awhile the blood clotted up
and after leading my horse 2 miles got back to camp about dark. The rest got in
about 10 o’clock - Tom Flynn and horse were shot dead - His saddle arms and
boots taken. A little farther on they had come on at least 300 Secest Cavalry.
Drove them 3 miles killing and taking prisoners. Hinshaw and Wells both fired at
an officer of some kind and he fell Hinshaw got his sword. Wells the rest of the
things - the wagons had come up with the baggage.
June 4th. - Three of us were detailed for extra duty- we went over a field
opposite us into the woods and cleared a place to our tents - had them up by
noon. Co A and I went to Jacinto - Drove a few Rebels out and took a flag they
had up there.
June 6th - Our Company with the 3rd Battalion went to Black Land distance 10
miles - Some of us dismounted as skirmishers and drove in Secest pickets about
one mile. Killed one of them then went back to camp.
June 7th - The regiment went out, found the pickets a little farther back,
played the same game with them. Came to a house, the occupants said that a dozen
had just left there. Most of our Company were dismounted. While we were mounting
the secest got ahead of us - went a little farther seen a lot of them running.
Co K was ahead - we made a charge, the Secest fired at us from all directions
but their horses were running so fast the buckshot missed their mark. lf they
aimed at us. They threw away their guns, canteens, blankets, etc. on the run.
Came to a small creek - they had torn up the bridge. Co. H. got across the best
way they could through the channel. Some of our boys had down in there when a
most terrific volley was fired at us but our being down in a hollow and the
Secest firing; before they ought to the balls went over our heads. They only
shot four horses and wounded two men slightly. Of course we had to fall back the
boys that were up farther on the hill came back on a rush and nothing could have
stopped them. I thought there was no hurry - dismounted and picked up one of the
guns that they had thrown away. Went to mount, my carbine bothered me and I got
the gun under me on the saddle thought it was about time for the Secest to be
coming and I was in a bad fix but soon got things fixed right - Caught up with
the rest
June 7, 1862 - Cont. – Bill Woodard asked me what I wanted that gun for - told
him I did not want a Secest to get it and I bent it around a stump. (it was a
pretty musket, made to order I would think) Charley Horton followed my example
picked up a nice rifle and broke the stock off - this was half a mile beyond
Black Land. When we got back to the place we were placed in line and waited for
Secest but they did not come - We started then back to Camp. Lt. Colonel Minty
had command - the Camp had been removed two miles - We took 9 prisoners 15
horses
June 8th Sunday rested.
June 9th - Laid around -- I had been cooking since the fourth. Water was scarce
where we were now encamped. The boys would not fetch me enough to cook with so I
quit the next day, went on picket where we found plenty of new potatoes, black
berries and ripe plums the firs first we had this year -- we came in the next
day about ten in the morning, the rest of the battalion went to Black Land - we
waited until the next morning before we went. The rest of the regiment there
encamped there when we left with the Michigan 2nd Cav. but a short distance from
there.
June 13th - Each man passing the time away to suit himself - We thought the
Secest had left -- An alarm was given - we all saddled our horses but it turned
out to be some fellows shooting hogs without permission. Co A and I went out on
picket to Baldwyn about 12 miles distant.
June 14th -- Company A & I was attacked at Baldwyn and were nearly taken
prisoners. Secest came in from all sides and they had to fight their way
through. Co A four men missing Co I 3 -- One of Company A men taken prisoner
after wounding Secest and they thought the wounded man shot him -- we went
scouting through the woods around Camp but found no guns Came back in camp -When we had been there but a short time we were ordered out again -- Went toward
Baldwyn - had gone about five miles when we came on Secest pickets. Colonel
Mintz was in command - He said take after them boys and away we went. Had rode
for half a mile then came out on an open field alongside the road -- The Capt.
commenced to shoot at the pickets, I think 5 in number. We were gaining on them
fast and thought they were our meat when we came to 20 Mile Creek -- Some went
across the bridge, I followed the Captain down through the channel -when I got
in the road again there was a good many of us abreast - ¬Came to where two posts
stood just our side of the road. So many horses around me that I made mine turn
outside. He cleared the post himself but my left leg fetched up against the post
and brushed me off my horse - How the rest of the horses got past without
treading on me I do not know but I got to one side as quick as I could. My horse
went with the rest – thought I would go after him and started -- had got about
half way up the hill but a short ways from where I fell when the boys were fired
into by Secest at the top of the hill. It was a large valley and the Company
came dashing back down the hill. I started back too but they stopped and
hollered at one another to halt. I thought if they was going back I would not
run but the Capt. gave the orders to retreat.
June 14th Cont.- I hollered for them to hold on but it was no go. The Secest ran
to the top of the hill and told me to halt but I thought they did not get their
clutches on me if I could help it and started won the hill on a run -------(Comment Dec. 23, 1897: I said you will not get me in your rebel dungeon, they
said come here you S.O.B) ---------- They said halt but I kept on and they
commenced shooting at me. One ball went between my legs while I was running.
Some more struck close to me in the road and some whistled by me. I got to the
bottom of the hill, snapped my carbine at them and jumped into a ditch on the
left hand side of the road - I did not know if the Colonel would stay and offer
fight or not. I followed the ditch about 90 rods when I found the rest of the
boys drawn up in line to my great joy. Secest fired two shots at the Colonel
from the top of the hill but they fell wide of their mark. Our Company had been
sent ahead while the rest were drawn up in line where they now stood. I found my
horse alright, one of Co M men had him. Some men with revolving rifles were sent
out on the right dismounted. Some that were mounted went out on the left (about
12). When the Secest saw that we were in for a fight they run. 100 of us and we
afterwards found that there were 700 of them. They only shot three of our
horses. If we had had as good a chance we would have strewn the ground with them
They run four miles but after we got them started good we went back home. It was
the first time I had rode my horse since he was shot at Boonesville. The run we
had made his wound bleed. Heard that the two Secest were killed. We got one of
their horses. When we got in camp some of the boys told me that my carbine went
off when I got knocked off my horse but I did not believe them until I went and
looked and sure enough it had -- the ball liked to hit Davis’ horse. There was
shooting all around me when I fell and I did not distinguish the report from the
rest under the circumstances.
June 15th -- Called for volunteers (20) from C. F to go to 20 Mile Creek - I did
not go -- horse lame and had no pistol.
June 16th - Our Company went through Baldwyn to the railroad which was 2 or 3
miles beyond but saw nothing but ---- ¬worth looking at but a pretty girl where
we stopped to get a drink of water. It rained hard on our way home, the first
rain we had in a month.
June 17th -- Laid around -- we had plenty of fresh pork, geese and chickens -At Black Lands went out past pickets that night -- came pretty nigh shooting a
nigger that did not stop. He knew enough to stop when I told him to.
June 18th -- Home in from picket in the morning. Inspector General of the Rebel
Army came in with a flag of truce. Had about 25 men with him. The picket let him
and one man pass. He held a conference with the Colonel as soon as he was gone.
The Colonel sent Pesinger(?) to Ricnzy(?), I suppose it was reinforcements. Two
Secest had given themselves up to one of our pickets in the morning. They had
got a pass to get their horses shod -- Went to the blacksmith, told him to shoe
them while they went out to get something to eat, then came to our camp on foot.
June 19, 1862-- A Battalion of the 7th Ill. Cav. came in for reinforcements got my horse shod in the afternoon.
June 20th
Gave up our carbines and received Whiting rifles.
June 21 --There was a false alarm about 12 o’clock in the night. We saddled our
horses and stayed up till morning -- Slept most all day and went on an inside
picket at night. Secest fired at our outside pickets through the night -- The
boys in camp went out after them but did not find any of the bugars. I stood
guard about four hours without being relieved. The relief was in camp and went
out with the rest. Some of the boys that went out foraging saw some Secest Cav.
Said there were about a hundred of them -- Had a good nights sleep that night.
June 23, 1862 – Our Company went to Booneville with the Lt. Colonel - The third
Batt. had been sent there about the time our Battalion had been sent to Black
Land. I found Harve Ormsby of Co. B. He informed me that Mr. Packes(?) soon
after the evacuation of Corinth. They both enlisted from the same place I did.
June 24th -- Co F went on scout - took grain sacks along to get corn. Got none
and saw no Secest. In the afternoon we removed Camp four miles back -- I went on
picket that night without supper. Corp Wilson, Carr, Bishop, Mr. Hoffman. The
next morning got some buttermilk and corn bread at the house where we stood.
About noon I went in Camp to see what I could get for us. Got some goose and
turkey - when I got back the rest had been to dinner in the house. At supper
time we all ate -- Carr paid for it - had a good supper -- One man that relieved
(said) five days rations had come.
June 26th - Heard that a Company on picket beyond Booneville had been attacked,
eleven men missing-one had come in wounded. One was a commissioned officer - Do
not know if that was the time the 2nd Mich. and 2nd Iowa Cav were sent there or
not but think it was.
June 27th - I was detailed for camp guard but our Batt. received orders to march
immediately with three days rations. Went to Ripley 25 miles distant, before
dark, Ripley is the nicest place I have seen in this part of the country. Quite
a number were in the streets when our advance guard went there, but in five
minutes couldn’t see any but darkies who came grinning around as soon as we got
in. A nice looking Secest Captain came riding by with his Lady - Our Captain
saluted him and he stopped. They had some talk together and he drove on.
Afterwards found he had been paroled - Slept in and around the Court House.
After unsaddling our horses, I, poor fellow, had to go on picket with Sergt.
Wells, Bacon & Berson. A wagon went through town with some caky pies etc. for
the Secest.
June 28, 1862 -- The boy took what was in the wagon for breakfast - we were on
picket and did not get any. Went 22 miles farther to Salem - Expected to find
Secest but did not. Made the citizens think we belonged to Jackson’s Army – I
was on the advance guard - In the afternoon a fellow came along with a mule and
said you had better look out for the Yankees. I told him I was not afraid of
them. After feeding we came back toward Ripley 10 miles then stopped for the
night about 11 P.M.
June 29th - Fed our horses out of a corn crib close by about 4 in the morning
and started for Ripley - When within six or seven miles of there came across a
Darky carrying a message to the Rebel Army at Tupelo. He reported about a
hundred Secest in Ripley. We came across a white man that told us the same. We
made a dash into town by three or four different streets. The man that Minty was
with seen some soldiers and made a dash at them but it turned out to be one of
our Generals and his body guard. who had just fetched his Brigade in that
morning. The infantry and Artillery commenced to come in by large numbers. Every
regiment had a band there and about everyone of them played Yankee Doodle. Had a
good sleep Whelan and I slept in an old turning mill and carpenter shop. The
turning concern was fixed so the Darkys turned it - Put horses in livery stable.
June 30th -- Removed from the livery stable
we would stay for sometime. Drew three days
- Some time before we got ahead of the rest
about 14 miles stopped for the night. I was
to the fair grounds where we thought
rations - started toward Salem again
of the troops - When we had gone
a horse guard at night.
July 1 -- Started back towards Ripley - Did not have time to get our breakfast.
Arrived at Ripley about 10 o'clock. Put our horses in the livery stable and got
our breakfast - Fried some bacon on a stick and made some coffee and had some
hard cracks. We had just had dinner when the infantry and artillery came up. We
saddled up and went twelve miles farther on the Rienzi(?) road. All the troops
were coming back. The movement was a feint on Tupelo. We got some corn for
horses at a widow womans. She wished the Secest would take us all prisoners. The
infantry came up in the evening and set up such a hollowing that we could not
get to sleep until late.
July 2- Started early in the morning - did not have time to feed ourselves or
horses until we had traveled 10 miles then we ate breakfast - 4 miles farther
got corn for horses. They did not have time to eat it before the troops came up
and we had to go ahead again. Arrived at Rienzi about four in the afternoon.
Found our camp removed there which made us feel glad all over. The paymaster had
come and had commenced to pay some of the companies in our regiment. When we
left for Ripley, Co. A was left on picket at our camp. They had 9 men out Secest drove them in. Lt. Wilson some of the Illinois boys with his own Company
and killed six of them and drove them 15 miles. Co A had two men wounded, one of
them was taken prisoner. The 2nd Mich. and 2nd Iowa had a fight with the rebels
at Booneville and gave them a good thrashing - They run and left their dead and
wounded in the field.
July 4, 1862 -- At Reveille in the morning a National Salute was fired in three
different parts of the Camp. In the afternoon the same - All the Fourth of July
we had --- peaches but hard crackers -- Two days after the fourth received. four
months pay.
July 7th -- Had a severe pain in my stomach through the night felt bad in the
morning -- The Company went out on scout towards Ripley and Blackland but saw no
--July 8--At roll call in the evening 16 men detailed to go on picket - It went
pretty hard on the boys for they expected to get to bed. For the pickets were
usually sent out in the afternoon.
July 9th--I went on camp guard. The boys came in from picket I felt bad in the
morning but grew better through the day.
July 10th - Health all sound-rained hard in the afternoon.
July 11. Drew five days rations - drew some flour, the first we had since we
left the regiment for Blackland.
July 13 - went four miles out on the Jacinto road and baited(?) our horses Found plenty of blackberries and green corn for dinner.
July 15th - Went on camp guard. Drew five days rations - ¬Drew sugar molasses,
coffee, tea, rice, flour, prepared soup, ---, potatoes, bacon, pork, beans and
beef. - Company went out on picket two days rations rained a little in the
evening.
July 17th - Rained very hard all night - Steady rain until about 10 o’clock
unsteady the rest of the day -- The Company called in about 10 in the evening.
July 18th -- The rain had raised
Young to bathe -Coming back went
water in it - horse fell in head
of plunges he got us both out -and went around. Whelan staid to
the creek considerably. Went with Wheeland and
to cross a ditch that had about four feet of
first, I got wet up to my waist. After a couple
Young said you don’t catch me crossing there
do some washing.
19th Went on camp guard again - Heard that we were going away on Monday -Before I came on guard the next morning one of Co. H men came in from where they
had been on picket and
Reported all the Company but him prisoners in the morning.
July 21 - Marching orders – struck the tents at 8 o’clock, did not start till
four in the afternoon -Arrived at Jacinto about seven miles distant - went three
miles further, encamped for the night in the woods - a good nights sleep.
July 22-Started early in the morning-arrived at Iuka about noon - went over on
the other side of town and unsaddled. Tents did not come up and we had to sleep
on the ground all night in a hard rain.
July 23, 1862 - Tents came, put them up close to town - Went with Bishop Giro
and Potter to escort a division quartermaster to his division which had left
there that morning, he said he would have five miles to go-started without
supper - Went 12 miles bad road and had to get past all the baggage wagons Went
towards Tuscumbia.
July 24th Started back, stopped four miles from Iuka - Paid 50¢ for breakfast had some green corn, rice, pork and coffee - no sugar and no milk.
July 25th - Was detailed to go on scout but did not go - ¬went on picket in the
afternoon with Mongur and Giro(?) no Corporal. Stood on the Jacinto road Eleven Secest came in and gave themselves up.
July 26th - Came in from picket. We always went on a scout in the morning and
fetched in apples, corn, potatoes, etc.
July 28th - Went on picket in the evening with Bacon and Nettler, no corporal Stood on the Jacinto road two miles out.
July 29th-Came in from picket in the morning after making a scout.
July 31st - Went with Weeden, Demot and Young with some men detailed from the
other companies , nine in all, to drive some cattle to Cane Creek bridge(?). We
drove the cattle 14 miles and turned them in a pasture with the intention of
stopping for the night -- A rich planter owned the place and he was a division
quartermaster in the rebel army. We had put our horses in the stable and fed
them corn. The drover made up his mind to go 4 miles farther to where another
planter lived. We gathered a few peaches and went on - we had gone about that
distance when we came to a pretty nice place - They told us they could get us up
something to eat but had no place to put the cattle. We went on two miles
farther, found a good place to put the cattle in - Put our horses in the
stables. There was about twenty of them around in the barnyard - Could put two
horses in some of them, the others but one -- So we each had a stable for
ourselves - Fed our horses some corn and hay then went to the house. The family
consisted of a young man, his mother, three sisters and an uncle - They were all
sitting on the front steps - Our sergeant who was from Co. D asked them if they
could get us supper - The old woman said that they had nothing to get for us but
when she saw we were bound to have something, she said they would do the best
they could for us. The girls were Secest and we had quite an argument, the old
woman got raving mad etc. The young man had been away somewhere and had just
come back. He told us that supper was ready – we went around to the shed where
the cooking was done - Our supper was placed on the table - they washed dishes
on it and it was very dirty - All we had to eat was some corn bread and butter some milk that was two weeks old - chairs to sit in - We ate, made up our minds
to be better served in the morning. The darkies told us they had plenty of bacon
and flour but they said they hadn’t any. Went in a straw house to sleep - So
many flees that Demot and I went out under a shed and slept in an old wagon-Had
a good nights rest.
August 1, 1862 - The Sergeant went to the cook and told her to get breakfast and
cook us some meat, wash off the table etc. She said that Massa said you could
have some meat this morning. After waiting quite awhile the Sergeant went around
to see what was up. Found the old woman giving it to the young men hot and
heavy because he had told. the cook to give us some meat. Said she owned the
property and would let him know she was not going to let then soldiers have any
of her meat to eat. Everything else was ready and the drover had eaten his
breakfast in one of the nigger huts and was waiting for us. So we went around to
the table and ate. The young man went to handing some chairs. The old woman
stopped him - The sergeant ordered her to hand some of the chairs out, in a
pretty loud tone and it was done. The table was washed off and we had corn bread
and butter, sweet milk, coffee, plenty of each. When we were most done eating
the old woman asked if we weren't going to pay for what we had. The sergeant had
just got done eating and told her that he would be back in a minute and left. We
all done the same - The old woman liked to have a fit. We saddled up and went
the rest of the way with the cattle which was seven miles farther- the Sergeant
gave with the Commanding Officer at Corn Creek Bridge a dispatch and he had men
detailed to take the cattle the rest of the Army to Tuscumbria 8 miles farther.
We had driven them 20 miles. Started back to Iuka immediately. Stopped in the
old watermelon patch and got what we wanted and went on to the Seccst
Quartermasters put our horses in the barn, fed them, went to the house, told his
wife we wanted dinner - She said we couldn't have it. The Sergeant took command
and made some of the darkies cook corn and potatoes and bake us some bread. He
then went in where she was to see about getting some butter. She said it was
dearer butter than we would want to eat. He told a colored gal to take the
butter alone we did not care what she charged for it. We ate dinner and went our
way. Stopped about three miles out and got some butter milk - The folks were
poor so we gave them five cents apiece - when we went by the place we started
from with the cattle, the butcher gave us a liver which we had for supper with
green corn and biscuit which we always had on hand. Eleven men were detailed to
go on scout after a guerilla. They were guided by a couple of the men that gave
themselves up. Did not get Secest.
August 2nd - Was detailed. to go on camp guard - Swapped with Potter and went on
picket, he had a sore hand. Stood on the Jacinto road. Corp. Robins, Starns and
a man from Co. D - Scout in the morning, got some green corn - Robins bought a
half gallon of milk. We both drank it up. Storms went in the house and got
breakfast. The other man stood at the post - relieved about 8 AM – Report that
the rebels had threatened to take the place before Monday morning. Some of the
bays were detailed to go on a scout after dark. Went where the Secest were
reported to be- They had been there but had left. We kept our horses saddled all
night - About 3000 troops here (Iuka) at this time.
August 3rd. In the afternoon removed camp to the opposite side of the town Traded saddles with Demot - Mine hurt my horses back - Not as good a place as we
had before (weather very hot)
August 4th - Went on picket - Corp. Henshaw, Doge and a man from Co. I - Some
cavalry came in from Jacinto with a message - we let them pass.
Aug. 5th- Before coming in from picket bought three quarts of milk for Carr,
Wells and myself - six men were detailed at reveille to go on scout from each
company - our six volunteered. The scouts came in about 12 o’clock at night –
While examining a Secest house found a lot of sutler goods which came in pretty
handy. A peddler came in with a wagon load of vegetables and chickens. We
charged a pretty high price so they stole everything he had.
Aug. 7th - A swelling that had started on my right hand the night I was on
picket with Henshaw caused me much pain. An infantry doctor put some
lunacostic(?) on it. Our doctor stayed with some other part of the regiment.
Aug. 8th Did not get any sleep until morning - Doctors stuff did not do any
good. Mitchells Div. came in from Jacinto. They had come a round about way. Made
90 miles in three days.
Aug. 9th Had my hand lanced. All the companies went out with the wagons - Some
infantry went with them.
Aug. 10th - The boys came in 2 PM. They had gone 15 miles south - came back with
10 ten bales of cotton and 60 darkies. A man there refused to show them where
the cotton was Inft. Cornell ordered two men to fix bayonets and march him till
the cotton was found - soon found - Some stole a watch from the house - my hand
was better
Aug 11 - went on camp guard.
Aug. 12 - About all the boys rolling ten pins - nobody claimed the alley - The
boys rolled for cigars.
Aug 13 - Sgt. Major Anderson died - he was our orderly when we came to St. Louis
- died 8 AM -four men from Co. I went out foraging on the Jacinto road - Were
fired into by Secest - run and left their horses - one of them hid in the grass,
heard them say that they were going to burn a bridge and drive the old rascals
away - They had captured a couple of sutler wagons on Sunday and had come back
to burn them - Had them hid in a by-road about two miles from our camp. As soon
as Co. I men got in a detail from each company was sent out in search. I was
asleep and didn’t know anything about it until the rest told me. Secest had
left before they arrived, the wagons were on fire but not all the Sutler stores
- the boys came in with oysters, canned fruit, etc. Co. D men fetched in the
largest cheese I ever saw. We buried the Sgt. Major about dusk with full
military honors.
Aug 14 - Marching orders in the evening - started about eleven o’clock, took the
Tuscumbia road by mistake which put us behind about an hour. Horse walking.
Aug 15 - Daylight found us 12 miles out on the Fulton road in the state of
Alabama. Four miles farther came to Dr. Larguos(?) plantation. Our advance guard
surrounded the house - the old lady locked one door and put a chair in the other
and placed a bible on it - Woodard picked it up and went in - Said he used to
read such a book once in a while.
August 15, 1862 (cont.) When she found we were after cotton she got mad - threw
a looking glass through the window and broke two frames of glass out sash and
all - Then said she would not have anything that came from the North in her
house - threw out a lot of tumblers, crocks, jars and a variety of other things,
swearing every time she threw anything out. Found 70 or so bales of cotton hid
in the woods - mile and a half from there found enough more to make up 175 bales
– 40 wagons went with us – two or three companies of the Kansas 8th and six
companies of infantry. Our ambulance arrived in camp 10 PM.
August 16 - Quite unwell
Aug. 17 - Most of the boys went to church
Aug. 20 - Some men detailed from each company to go on scout
Aug. 21st went on picket with Fowler and Ganard, Corp & 8.
August 25 - Jayhawkers (17th Kansas) burnt 15 houses because guerillas shot two
of our guides -killed one and wounded the other. They had gone to their homes to
get some of their things and had got shot close to the house of one of them.
Every house was burned within a mile of there.
August 26th – Went out where our guide was shot to fetch in Union mans things
and family and another mans family. Our wagon went on to the other mans place
about 3 miles distant to get his family - Six men went with it. I was down in
the field digging peanuts and heard the Captain hollow fall in. Thought they
were going home because I heard the wagon going that way. Butler and Weeden were
with me --- Butler had his horse with him and went up to the road - We went back
to the house and found that the wagons and men that had gone on had been
attacked. The rest had been gone some time but we started on with two or three
other fellows after them - Got most up to the place and found our coming back
with the wagons. Then the wagons were loaded two men were sent on ahead for
advance guard, two behind for rear guard- The rest stayed with the wagon which
had two girls, the old man, some small children in it. Secest came out on
another road from the right and headed through. As they were coming back they
had selected a place where thick brush grew on each side of the road which took
a short turn. When the advance guard came up Secest set up a great hollowing
only thing distinguishable was “Surrender you dam S.B.” – Museman(?) run up
there with the rest from the wagon - told them that they didn't do that kind of
business - when some shots were exchanged Secest then went to giving orders to
make our boys think they had considerable force .Marcum says yes get into line
and come ahead we are ready -Commenced to shoot at them with our guns and
pistols and they fell back - The wagon stayed longer than expected and Woodard
was sent after them with Whelan, Post , Burson and Young. They had got about
half way there when the firing commenced - Berson was sent back - he had Paul’s
horse and run him so fast he gave out when he got back. When the boys got there
Secest had left - When the attack was made the driver got down from his seat
with a revolver in each hand ready to hold his own - One of the men had a man by
the name of Thorp prisoner he went to help - None of our boys were hurt - a man
in Co. D had
Aug. 26, 1862 (cont’d) his horse slightly wounded. We afterwards heard that one
of the Secest died of his wounds and two more were wounded bad. About a mile and
a half back on the road was a house that our advance guard had seen some men
leave on the run when we first came up. When we came back there was a horse in
the yard with a saddle on but everybody else had left. The boys went in and took
what they wanted. I got a fiddle which I traded off for a Dirk knife - Let some
of the citizens ride the horse into camp, the horse was not worth much. Our
squad had three chickens that we had caught at the union mans house. Some
infantry was sent out on the Jacinto road as a reserve if we had been driven in.
We went about ten miles on that road then took a left hand road and went six
miles farther.
Aug. 27 – I went on camp guard.
Aug. 28th - Camp off camp guard - fifteen men detailed to march with two days
rations. Some men from the other companies started at 8 PM - went to Eastport(?)
8 miles distant, went down the river and stopped for the night.
Aug. 29 - Some of us went in swimming in the old Tennessee. We then went with
some cattle to Dixon's Station - turned them in the same pasture we did the time
I drove other cattle to Cane Creek Bridge - Went to Buzzards Roast and stopped
with Co. A - ¬Went in swimming again - they gave us supper and a feed for our
horses
Aug 30th – Breakfast - another feed for our horses – We then started for home
where we arrived just in time for dinner. At roll call in the evening had orders
read against stealing on our men –Hook(?) thought it would not make much
difference.
Aug. 31-Inspection and muster for pay.
Sept. 1 - Marching orders (at retreat) with two days rations. Struck tents at 6
AM Boots and Saddles at seven - Started a few moments after - Went to Buzzards
Roast - Stopped fed horses and went in swimming. The Major (Grey) had a case of
whisky he had left in the wagon - The boys found it and stole it all - Major was
tight-sent for the darky that drove the team -- hit him on the head with the
empty jug that David his waiter had carried up to him. Slapped his mouth( the
darky), gave him a blowing up and sent him back to the wagon. Started again
about 5 PM. Went to Cherokee where we arrived about seven - five miles from
Buzzards Roost.
Sept 3. Twenty men from each company to go on scout, two men that were
acquainted with the country for guides. The Guerrillas had made them leave their
homes - Part of us sent one road and the rest another - was to meet at Dixon's
13 miles distant. About five miles out came to a house, asked them if they had
any arms and got a revolver; stopped at another house and got a old fashioned
Colt revolver, a little single barrel pistol and a shot gun - Left the shot gun
- Got some apples and peaches -- Old folks scared, ask us if we took everything
from people they had. They felt glad that we used them so well. Went to Dixon's,
stopped in a house, they were union people and gave us a good dinner - The rest
did not come so we started back - went another road some distance before we
Sept. 3, 1862 (cont'd) struck the old one. Stopped at an old woman’s that had
two sons in the Rebel Army - She was so scared she said she would give us
anything she had if we would not harm her any - Gave us all the sweet milk she
had and some buttermilk - Got back in Cherokee 7 PM, the rest got in about half
an hour later.
Sept. 4th - the boys scouting in every direction.
Sept 5th - Some of the boys went out and got horses and mules. Went out on
picket with Young, Flague(?), Corp. Wilson.
Sept 6th - Some women came in to get their horses but didn't get them - Orders
to march the next morning with one days rations.
Sept 7th - Reveille at the usual hour, half past four o’clock, Boots and saddles
one hour after. Went to the river; on the way went past a plantation - the
Darkies had lots of watermelons. Got a big one from one of them, told him I
would pay when we come back. Didn’t come back that way. Went to the river, had a
good swim, got back about 3 PM.
Sept 9th - Evacuating Tuscumbia - Troops going past Co. D & I left in the
morning - We were to stay until the cars took all the cotton and things away.
Somebody set a large store on fire. The cotton was rolled away out of danger.
Struck tents in the afternoon. Mongeer was sent out to tell some safe guards to
come in as the troops had all got past. He was fired at by some guerillas. He
was dismounted, jumped on his horse hollowed at them and left the safe guards
come away and left their blankets etc. The man they had been guarding brought
them in to camp for them after the guerillas had left. The Captain took some men
and went out but they had left. Went on picket with Earl Depew, Corp Norton. Mr.
Carr did not come.
Sept 10th - Some troops came back - 8th Wisconsin came first. They had an eagle
they always carried with them. Two batteries of artillery D(?) Battery was one.
Sept 11th - Great many of the colored population about. I was sent out to tell
some pickets to come in. On the way out met them coming in. They had some
preserves(?) etc. Asked where they got them. They said the first house west of
there but it was not this one - Went back to camp - found out the place. Gob
Burson to go with me. We got two crocks of preserves, a large coffee pot full of
pickles, knives and forks, some butter etc. Some of the rest came there and took
what they wanted. We heard that Malone(?) had evacuated but he came home while
we were there. He was a very rich man and had everything nice in his house. All
his negroes but one had left. He had made three fortunes fetching Negroes from
Richmond in irons and selling them. As we were coming back, the cars came in and
took a load out. Sometime after we got back. Went to Buzzards Roost in the
afternoon, the rest of the troops came up in the evening.
Sept. 12, 1862 - Started early in the morning - went to Iuka. Drew some hard
cracks. A good deal of stealings going on by all hands. One man was drugged(?)
while the boys took everything he had in the store. 3 PM left Iuka, arrived at
Burnsville eight in the evening, stopped for the night.
Sept. 13 -- Boots and saddles at 7 in the morning - Went on a hill for
inspection. The Colonel of the 7th Ill. Cavalry got our companies wrong and
first when we started off-- Mile and a half from Jacinto came up with the rest
of the rest of the regiment, the first time we had been with the rest since we
arrived at Iuka. (The first time arrived there about noon). At five o’clock the
regiment started. Went on the main road towards Iuka. Went past the infantry
camp about a mile from ours. About seven miles from Iuka the rebel pickets fired
on our advance guard, killed one man and wounded another. After advancing a half
mile we fell back to the where we were first fired at and encamped for the
night.
Sept. 14 - In the saddle at day light. The guards thought they heard artillery
traveling through the night over on the Fulton road, fell back three miles, fed
our horses some corn that we fetched from camp, then took a road that led over
to the Fulton road. Went five miles and stopped. Co. E. & I advanced a short
ways and came back with two prisoners they had found at a house getting
something to eat. Got another but he had been paroled. When we started back, fed
our horses at a place about a hundred rods from Jacinto road. The citizens told
us that our advanced guard had killed one Secest and wounded 3 others the time
they fired at them. Arrived back in camp 2 PM, our horses pretty nigh worn out.
The 7th Ill. had started out the same time we did on the Burnsville road. Had
got in that place but run out again with the loss of some prisoners. Went on
picket in the evening with Denot (Denew) Case and Corp. Norton
Sept 15 - About ten in the morning the regiment came along. We fell in - the
company encamped a short distance from there. The poor house was close by, had
one woman 107 years old. She had fell from the doorstep and put her hip out of
joint and the people she lived with turned her over to the County, although she
had worked for them a good many years.
Sept 10 - Went beyond Jacinto half a mile and encamped in the woods.
Sept 11th - Boots and saddles at 4 in the morning - Went towards Iuka - 17th
Iowa Infantry, a battery of artillery and 2nd Iowa Cav. went with us. Our
Batallion went off on the Fulton road, the rest stopped there. I don’t know if
the rest of the Cavalry went anywhere or not. When we came to the Fulton road we
found 4 Secest at a house, two captains and two privates which we gave a polite
invitation to mount some horses and come with us. A short ways further came to a
good blacksmith forge that belonged to the artillery. Tried to set it on fire
but couldn’t the rain had web it so. Short ways further came
Sept. 17 (cont'd) to a Secest six mule team and I was sent back to camp with it
with some of the rest. Got back in camp safe after dark. Caught up with some
infantry and artillery when they were 5 miles from camp. The rest got in about
an hour after we did. They got three more wagons, one loaded with guns and
ammunition- Another with apples(?) 2 more commissioned officers and ten more
privates. Came very near catching colonel who had just left one of the wagons rained hard all day.
Sept 18th - Removed camp back where we had camped first. General Rosecrans
stopped there in the afternoon. Some infantry and D--? Battery that had been out
toward Booneville came past on the way to Jacinto. Heard Rosecrans say give the
boys a good rest they have a good days work tomorrow.
Sept 19th - Started early in the morning with part of the army under Rosecrans.
Our cavalry went ahead, our company in advance. Found the Secest pickets where
they had been before. Exchanged some shots and they fell back. I was out in the
brush on the right with Young and Demot to watch a field. Co. A & C and our
Company dismounted and went on foot. When we saw them going we came out and took
our horses and went after the skirmishers as the pickets fell back. A good deal
of shooting and nobody hurt. The pickets would no stand till our boys got up
close enough. Got Wallace to hold my horse while I went ahead but I was too late
to get a shot for we were ordered to halt (we drove the pickets 4 miles). Half
an hour later some infantry came and took our places. A short ways farther was a
house which the Secest got into and made quite a stand. Shot an officer of the
7th Ill. Cav. through the right breast but did not kill him. Fed our horses at
the house. Some artillery and some regiments of infantry went past us, then went
all in a huddle. Some infantry would pass us then some artillery then we would
pass them. All at once some ---- terrific valleys of musketry in front. It was
kept up for some time. When our artillery got up and gave them some grape and
the little boys ceased back - we then all moved forward. (Frank Corbin shot a
horse Marcum shot a dog because he kept barking and jumping at him. One of Co. C
men shot a rebel off his horse. Got the horse but the man was carried off). An
officer came most to us and hollowed “10th Iowa forward. Away they went on the
double quick. I think it was the 26th Missouri that came up on the rebels
advance about a mile and a half from the house and got cut up dreadfully. When
we got up to our old picket front they were planting the 11th Ohio Battery and
getting ready for action. Everybody was cool. Some infantry was in line to
support the Battery. We stopped there for a short time while the rebels fired
six rounds of grape. The balls came flying around us over and under our horses.
One ball came close to my head and made my neck ache until the next day. Our
Company, A, E, & K went on the right to watch flank movements. Four companies
went on the left, the rest stayed back to watch baggage wagons. We could see the
Secest forming for a charge. Saw them coming forward. Marcum went to the
infantry officer (advising) they were coming. Hardly had time to get out of
their way before they opened fire. On came the enemy. Volley after volley was
fired into their
Sept. 19 (cont’d) ranks but on they came. Came up to the Battery where a hand to
hand fight took place. The rebels trying to pull the guns away and our men ---.
The rebels came up with a force six times our owm as all our troops had no yet
got up. Everything was so quick, the battery was taken and our troops had fallen
back about a hundred yards. At this critical moment some more troops came up and
the ground was held. A fresh regiment run up and poured in the most terrific
(fire) I had ever heard and recaptured the battery. The rebel bugle blew the
recall and the fighting ceased for the night.
Our part in the fight.
The first rebel that showed himself, Frank Corbin dismounted and fired at him
but did not hit. They fired a few shots back and came on, we were on the top of
a hill that sloped on both sides. We fell back about 20 feet, turned and gave
them a volley but on they came. The bullets came like hail, our horses jumped
around in all directions. We gave them another volley but on they came in
regular line five or six deep. Our falling back as they came up was all that
save us. Our hides for a whole brigade was firing at only four companies. It was
folly for us to hold the ground any longer so the Captain ordered a retreat. I
had a load in my gun and did not go with the rest when they went for I wanted
another shot but could not see any Secest the smoke was so thick and they were
down in a hollow so I came away with a loaded (gun). I ought to have fired(?)
but I then thought it would do no good. A corn field in our rear close to the
woods where our boys went through, I went there but could not see them anywhere.
Had got about fifty rods from the woods and where some of our infantry lay in
the corn field when the Secest came out to the edge of the wood. Although I had
run my horse as fast as possible, more troops were coming up as far as possible
with a great churning(?) Found the rest of the boys over in the woods on the
other side of the cornfield nest to the road. We stood there sometime watching
the fight. The Secest did not come any farther than the edge of the field. If
they had they would have gone back again quicker than they came. They stood
there about 15 minutes firing but did not know where our bays were hiding and
dare not come on. The rebel bugle sounded the recall. We took a road off on the
right with the rest of the companies that had been with us and went back through
the woods about a half mile to the rest of the regiment. The only man hurt in
our Co. was Shooner. He was shot through the left arm without injuring the bone.
Bursons horse was shot through the neck. Stevens horse fell in a ditch going
through the cornfield and died there . We slept good all night. Some of the
infantry and artillery had to stay in ranks up front. The rebel loss was upward
of 1200, ours 600
July 20. Pierce(?) retreating - Early in the morning our regiment went past the
battleground, took a road that went over to the Fulton road. Saw some Secest on
a road that turned to the left from that which went to Iuka. We went with Co A.
down it a short ways to Guard while the rest of the regiment went over the
Fulton road to see Secest. They saw Pierces troops marching on both sides of the
road with the wagons between them.
July 20, 1862 (cont’d.) They were on a couple quick. A few shells were thrown
over in town to help out. We then went on a round about way to the old Tuscumbia
road which went to the Fulton road. We found some other cavalry at the fork of
the road. Stopped some time until infantry and artillery came up on the regular
road. We then went on after Pierce. Went two or three miles when we heard canon
in front. We thought some of our Generals had got the other side of them and
headed them off. We went on a gallop, found that the 2nd Iowa which was in
advance had run into a masked battery. They had. seen some Secest and made a
charge at them and some of them had got past the battery before they opened fire
on them. They soon got out of the way. Had some horses shot and one man wounded
in the neck. Our troops came up and formed in line of battle where remained
about two hours. The troops then encamped for the night. We fell back about a
mile and encamped in a corn field off from the road that ran over to the Jacinto
road.
July 21st All the troops falling back. Our company went on scout in Pierces
rear. I and Gero went as advance guard of the advance guard. Neltley(?) was sent
out with the advance but he had always gone in the rear himself. So he sent us
ahead -------- he had somewhere and he staid behind when we all ought to have
gone together. Went a short ways , saw a soldier in the road. Fetched my gun
down to shoot if necessary and he ran in the woods. We had just stopped at a
house for information and I had gone on before Gero got ready. Looked around for
the Secest but could not find him. The company came up - the Captain told me to
go ahead and let him go a short ways farther. Saw two coming towards us so we
galloped up to them. I said boys where are you bound for they said for town
meaning Iuka. When old Notty(?) came up he made a great fuss he was so excited.
Mile or so from there found one in a house close to the road side getting
something to eat. When we got in site of the house I thought I saw somebody run
across the road so we galloped up to the door. Found a musket leaning up against
it and a knapsack on the steps. Asked the woman who came to the door who they
belonged to. She said a man in the house. Told her to tell him to come out which
he did looking rather sheepish. Nettler did not make so much of a fuss this
time. Went on some ways farther. The Captain sent some men off to the right in
the woods where they found seven. Got them all but one. We went some ways
farther but found no more. Went about 10 miles in all. Just before we turned
back came to a house with an old hat on the door step. The house was all locked
up. Went around to the back shed, looked in the window saw some -- fixed up
against the door(?) which I knocked through with the but of my gun but found
nobody inside but everything was in good order - Broke in the inside door, went
to the bureau and took out a pair of stockings . Coming back to camp got some
sweet potatoes at a place we stopped to feed our horses. One man called to us
from the side of the road where he hid so nobody else could see him and gave
himself up. He had been taken and forced into the rebel ranks. Got back in camp
about 4 p.m.
September 22, 1862 - Went to Patons Mills. Were going to camp there but got
orders to go back to Jacinto. As soon as we got there some of Co. A went out on
a scout and found some infantry boys that had been prisoners under some Secest
Cav. They had got lost, did not know where. First a man had heard some of our
boys fire a gun and had left to find out what it was and told the prisoners to
stay until they came back but they left and came to us. Went to our old camp in
Jacinto where we arrived about five PM.
Sept. 23rd Took things as easy as possible.
Sept 24th Had to go about four miles to get feed for our horses. I took a grain
sack and fetched enough to last my horse three days. Started with Paul and
Mongeer. I stopped to see and have a talk with that old woman and they went on.
Went two or three miles on the Burnsville road then turned around, come back
most to the poor farm and took a road that went to the left going out where I
found corn by going a couple of miles.
Sept 25th Six companies drew revolving rifles - two companies had them. Co. I
drew some sabers and went as Wisnors(?) body guard.
Sept 26th - Went to Corinth where our camp had been moved from Cherokee. The
regiments baggage went there from Tuscumbia.
Sept 27th Drew some horses and saddles , had some old ones turned over. I got a
saddle.
Sept 28th But few knew it was Sunday.
Sept 29th - Removed camp - mile and a half west from Corinth
Sept 30th – I went on camp guard. Stood at the commissary. A darky that cooked
for the commissary men gave me my breakfast, some mashed potatoes, bakers bread,
ham and coffee.
October 1, 1862 - Removed camp three miles in a northwest direction, which
brought us about the same distance from Corinth over on the east side where we
arrived about dark.
October 2nd - Put up our tents and fixed things as usual - good.
October 3rd. Co. F & L saddled up at one o’clock – A guide from CO. D(?) but he
missed the road and we turned back went on another one half a mile and turned
back again. We got on the right road. We waked up a citizen and he piloted us
where we wanted to go to where a squad of our men were guarding the railroad
about 10 miles from Corinth towards Memphis. I suppose we went there to see if
every thing was right. We had just got there when we heard cannonading towards
Corintn - did not know what it was for. We came back on a different road from
the one we went. Had got most to Corinth when we saw that the firing was about
three miles out and knew something was up. Met a Battalion of infantry coming
out to guard the road and reinforce the pickets. We went to our camp.
October 3, 1862 (cont.) Firing all day, our troops were in entrenchments. The
Secest made a charge on them, When they were most up our troops made a charge on
them and drove them back. Loss about even on both sides. After that our troops
fell back to Corinth and went out on the north side. We struck our tents about
seven o’clock at night and had them sent inside of the breastwork. Some of us
built a fire. The Captain thought it was wrong and while he was putting it out
he fell into a slush hole where we used to throw the dishwater etc. Saddled up
our horses and laid down for some sleep.
Oct. 4th - About three o’clock in the morning cannonading close at hand. Could
hear the long roll beating at Corinth. Got up half past four, ate some hard
crackers and drank some water. Had no grain so we took our horses out in a field
and let them ---. Cannonading all the time. Could hear heavy musketry quite
plain. Sometime about nine o’clock got orders to go to Corinth and take position
on the right rear to watch flank movements. Willcocks had command of the
regiment and had to send ------ where the right rear was. The firing became
mightier every moment. Some of our boys that went out in our front as pickets
saw the rebel flag fall twice and saw one of our regiments make a charge. It was
but a short time after that the rebels got close up to a battery, the only one
on that side of the town that was behind breastworks which they took. We could
see that they were most in town by the smoke but could not see any men. Things
looked dubious. All at once the siege guns that were in town opened. We could
hear the balls go through the trees with great force. A short time later the
firing was all on our side and we could tell by the cheering that the victory
was ours. Our troops went in pursuit. We were placed along a road that went of
on the right. Two or three companies in some places (while the battle was in
progress). Our company was alone close to the town. Towards night some of us
went over a portion of the town. I counted 45 dead rebels before that battery
they took where there was but five of our men. The wounded had all been taken to
the hospital. About dark we, went back t o the railroad where our baggage had
been taken and stayed for the night. Had some biscuits for supper which went
pretty well. We heard afterwards that it was 6000 of the Secest that made the
charge in town but 800 of them reported back.
October 5th - The regiment started with three days rations on the road towards
Little Hatchet. Had got two miles when our Company and Co. D were ordered back
to Misner’s headquarters where we stayed until about 3 PM. I went over to the
fort(?) on the other side of the town where I counted 110 dead rebels and eleven
of our men . Among the rebel dead was Rogers and ,Foster, they both lay close to
the fort. The weather was hot and the dead smelled bad. They were being buried
as fast as possible.
Oct. 5, 1862 - We were ordered out on the Iuka road to scout as some rebel
cavalry had drove in the pickets. Went a half mile when we were ordered back to
go on the Jacinto - Reinz road west past a fort. The men were all at the guns.
The troops had all gone but a few and it was a good time to make a dash in and
take the place. About five miles out was an infantry camp with a few sick
soldiers in it. Some guerillas made a dash thinking to drive them out and get
some plunder but the sick boys turned out and drove them back. One man wounded
some other five or six prisoners and shot five or six horses. We got there a
couple of hours after. After scouting a little some pickets were detailed. I
went on the Reinz road with Wheelan, Lawrence(?), Paul Eldred, Bishop and Corp.
Marcum. Some men from Co. D guarded a road that went to the left. Some more from
2nd Ill. Cav. went on the road over to the right where they had the skirmish.
Oct. 6th - The regiment went past with the 2nd Ill. Cav. and some artillery. We
were relieved about dark by the Captain. Ours and Co. D’s tents were put up by
the railroad about a mile back from where we stood picket.
Oct. 8th got inside
to. He ran
came. They
The weather warm in the daytime out cold at night. Some Secest Cav.
the pickets and asked one of Co.D. men what regiment they belonged
to get some of the rest to come and the Secest left the way they
had heard that Corinth was taken and thought we were Secest.
Oct. 9 - Went on picket with Bishop, Samons, Wheelan, Burson Stevens and Sgt.
Wallace.
Oct 10 A cold stormy rain lasted all day.
Oct. 11th Two days rations, went on a road toward Ripley to a place (10 miles
distant) called Kasooth. Stopped for the night. Slept with Whelan in a dog
kennel. A good many fleas.
Oct. 12. - Went about 10 miles further and tried to find some horses that had
been hid in the woods where the brush was very thick but did not find them.
Started back for camp. Me(?) and Gero, Fowler and Post went to Corinth with one
horse and three mules that we had found while looking for the drove of horses.
The captain went with us and some of the men of Co. I that had gone with us for
guides - turned the animals over at Mizners headquarters. The Captain went in
the house to talk with him and staid about three hours. Post and Fowler left as
quick as he went in and went to camp. Told us to tell the Capt. that they had
gone to get some tobacco. When we started back we missed the road there was so
many camps outside of the town and got just behind another house - the troops
had come back from following --------. Got back in camp about 11 PM .
Oct. 13, 1862 - Went on picket. Our camp was removed to Corinth close to the
place where we were encamped the time of the battle. We again went to Corinth
but as soon as we ate dinner had to go back again to our post .
Oct. 14 - Relieved. from
place to sleep but C, F,
arrived there about 8 PM
moved a half mile to the
picket – worked hard all day to fix up a comfortable
D, B, and L had to go to -------. Five days rations –
– it was ten miles distant – The rest of the regiment
eastward.
Oct. 15t~1-Out after feed for the horses
Oct. 16th Went with some of the rest and got two wagonloads of corn.
Oct 17th Cars from Corinth with hay and grain for our horses.
Oct. 18th - heard that Rosencrs went with a flag of truce to the rebel army.
Found out afterwards that it was a colonel. Some of the boys of our regiment
went with him. They all had their boots blacked, had revolving rifles, and were
mounted on grey horses, the best that they could find. The rebels said if they
could be clothed so nice and have such nice horses that is would only be fun for
them to fight.
Oct . 19 – Sunday
Oct. 20th fine weather
Oct. 21 same
Oct. 22nd - Went out after corn with a detail fron each company and picketed and
husked 2 loads - hard work. We were relieved by a detachment of the 2nd Ill.
and went back to Corinth. Our tents had all been put up by the boys that stayed
behind.
Oct. 24th - Drill twice a day
Oct. 25th I went to camp guard, weather cold and cloudy with a hard wind. It
stormed in the afternoon.
Oct. 26th – I was relieved in the morning about half past three .After standing
half an hour of my last trick and told to go to the Company . Found that they
were coming to march at five with three days rations. A report that the Sesest
had driven our boys out of Shemlah – Went to Shemalah but as soon as we fed our
horses our company was ordered back to camp. We were sent there as
reinforcement. Some rebel cavalry had been close around there. A squad of men
were left every four miles along the road to carry messages. Some of our boys
were left at one of the posts. I gave them what rations I had on the way back.
Got back about 4 PM.
Oct. 27 - Most of the Co. went on picket - I had to go onagain stood on the
Reinz road.
Oct. 28 Came off picket, weather pleasant cold in the night time .
Oct. 29 Drill
Oct. 30th The orderly made another blunder and put me on picket again - stood on
the Farmington road with Guard .The rest were from other companies, 12 in all.
Nov. 1, 1862 - To march with three days rations. Went to Eastport where we
arrived about dark. Our Co. to go on picket again. We were about two miles from
the place and came to the forks of the road that we were on the Iuka and
Eastport road. Larance took some men and went towards Iuka and the captain went
with some of the rest of us to the left towards Eastport. We had gone but a
short ways when we heard a gun go off. Galloped back, found Lawance had been
fired at. The Captain sent word to Colonel Lee who had command that they had
been fired at on the Iuka road. Just then Carr, who had gone down the Eastport
road to watch, came up and reported a body of cavalry coming. Captain told him
to back and halt them and if they were Secest to shoot at them. It turned out to
be Co. A who had been down that way on a scout (Co. A had seen a wagon
on the way out to scout and after they left us went back after it) they had left
some men towards Iuka to guard while they went to Eastport and they had told
Lawrance to halt but he told them to
surrender and they had fired at him and hit his horse, which died a short time
after. Got hay and corn at a house on the corner for our horses. Carr then took
Strong, Young, Ganard, Weeder, Minow, and myself and went about a half mile
toward Eastport . Woodard came along about 12 o'clock and we went to Eastport
with him. Stood two hours off and two on. Got about an hours sleep through the
night - the rest the same.
Nov. 2 - In the morning found that Co. A had got the wagon with three Secest in
it. It was a Sutler wagon that they had captured. The Sutler was driving it.
They were trying to take it to Cherokee. Went through Eastport and went towards
Cherokee where we expected to find Rowdy’s(?) rebel cavalry. The 7th(?) Kans was
in advance, we were in right of Dixon's Station where we came to a halt. A
fellow came back and said there was fresh signs ahead they had been driving the
pickets about three miles but we had not known it. A little ways farther came to
a dead horse that had just been shot. A hundred yards farther cane to a dead
Sesest and came to a halt. A short ways farther could see t he advance guard
shoot once in a while. On the other side of the railroad Co. A. dismounted and
went on foot as skirmishers. We then fell back about half a mile to a ---.
Coming back they had seen some cavalry drawn up in line ready to fight but we
had orders not to fight them and had to fall back which we did not like much
after traveling so far. The advance guard killed three of the pickets and took
four more prisoners. We fell back about four miles on a different road from what
we came and stopped for the night at a plantation. Found plenty of corn in a
crib for our horses.
Nov. 3rd - Started early in the morning for camp. Took a by-road through the
woods which came out on the Tuscumbia road between Buzzards Roost and Iuka, we
went through Iuka. The place was Nubria(?) and there was plenty Secest there
taking care of their wounded. Some talked pleasant and when I asked them how
they got along, they said first rate. Others said if Pierce was here, you would
not come skulking around here in this way. Old Pierce ain’t dead yet and you
will find it out and other similar phrases. About a mile from other side of town
we
Nov 3,(cont’d.) stopped a short time and rested. Arrived in camp about 5 PM.
The roads had been very dusty and the wind blew hard and cold. A good many
troops had left Corinth and gone towards Bolivar and Grand Junction.
Nov. 4th - Reveille at three o’clock in the morning to march with three days
rations in our haversacks. Started about six towards Grand Junction. Stopped at
Chawalla and ate dinner. Stopped. A short time at Big Hatcher, went about 13
miles farther where we arrived about 12 PM which made about 45 miles we had
travelled. Corn close at hand. Leaned some ----- up against the fence and put
our ponchos over them for me and Wheelan to sleep under. Cold weather. The
fences and woods were all on fire around where the infantry had camped the day
before.
Nov. 5th. Started about the usual hour, arrived at Grand Junction about ten
o’clock. A citizen had a barn full of corn and we went up there to feed. Had a
good deal of fun with the old fellow. The boys wanted to get in his provision
barn. Some guards were stationed on each side to prevent it. Some of them went
on the opposite side and made a noise as if they were getting in. The guard went
around to help that one and the boys made a rush and broke the door in. The
first one that came out had a large jar of preserved plums. As he came out I run
my hands in and fetched out about three pounds. He did not like it and told me
to take my hands out in an angry tone but he could not let go of the jar ¬with
either hand and I was not afraid of getting hurt. The rest then followed my
example and I do not know if he got any himself or not. About five miles beyond
the junction found the rest of the troops encamped. On the way there had to run
between two fires a rail fence on fire on one side of the road and brush and the
woods on the other. Ganard and Weeden went in with me and Wheelon and got some
--- and made a filnce(?) for us all to sleep under.
Nov. 6th - The Company were all out foraging but a few of us. Six men for picket
were called for. Lawance told me to go as one. Went to tell him that I had been
on three or four times now more than I ought to and he told me to shut my mouth
but he found my mouth was made to talk with. Woodard said if he had been there
he would not have detailed me to go and some more from other companies. I went
with Mongeer, Storms, and Corp. Davis out beyond our camp, the rest went the
other way. 12 privates a corporal and sergeant were on our post. Plenty of corn,
sweet potatoes and fresh pork.
Nov. 7 - Came off picket in the afternoon, the weather was cold at night, not
very cold in the day time.
Nov. 8th - Marching orders with thee days rations. Went toward Holly Springs.
Came up with the 2nd Ill. Cavalry about four miles out. We had traveled about 15
miles when we heard that the advance guard had kept in sight of the rebel
pickets as they were falling back for the last :five or six miles. A short ways
farther came up with the 7th Kans, 7th Ill., and 2nd Iowa. They had turned out
on the side of the road and we went past them two or three miles
Nov. 8th (cont’d.) farther. Could hear the advance guard firing at Secest. Some
of them dismounted and went as skirmishers and some of our regiment that had
revolving rifles and some of the Ill. boys got in line in a corn field to charge
on them but the Secest run like sheep. When our boys got up in sight of them.
They all fired at them enough to kill fifty men, but the Sesest were so far off
that none of them got hurt. They were afraid to fight and would not let our boys
get out close enough to any hurt. We then rushed on into a small place called
Judsonville. One horse that had just been shot lay dead the road . One of our
boys got wounded is all the casualties I knew of. Our Co. had to go on picket.
We had no Colonel and three other Colonels would not have any of their regiment
50 on picket when they could get anybody else was the reason we had to go on
picket so much. The 7th Kans and the 7th Ill. went into town on a road to the
right of the one we came in on. About four miles from the place three regiments
of cavalry were drawn up in line. Two companies of the 7th Kans. and three of
the 7th Ill. made a charge on on them. Took eighty prisoners and killed and
wounded about 30 of them without losing a man or horse. A man that lived close
at hand said that there were three regiments of them and they told him that they
were going to learn the Yankees how to fight when they cane up. Hudsonville is
about six miles from Holly Springs and the whole rebel army was encamped between
us and that place. Our boys who were on the outpost could hear them chopping and
giving commands all night. They thought our army was on the them when it was but
five regiments of calvalry. Darkies said that five regiments of cavalry hold the
place and when our boys came in they ran in all directions. Seven or eight that
came on our boys though the night had got lost and did not know where they were
until we got hold of them. One fellow had a fine horse that he had been offered
$400 for. Bill Woodard took it. We were all ordered not to sleep but some of us
that had been on picket a good deal of Iate were allowed to stay at headquarters
of the pickets post and we got in a house and snatched a few hours sleep.
Nov. 9th - About 3 in the morning the outposts fired four or five shots, Marcum
who had stayed. awake hollowed pile out boys. You ought to have seen us skiting
for our horses that were tied up to the fence. The rebels had sent out a squad
of men to see if we were ---- as not. Found that we were there a little after
daylight. Woodard, Frank Corbin, and Ganard with three others found six rebel
pickets but a short ways beyond ours. Took after them and they turned and run..
About eight o’clock some of the boys of our regiment went towards Holly Springs.
Dismounted as skirmishers about a mile from where we stood picket. A darky told
us that 6000 of them with four pieces of artillery had been in line there all
night but had fallen back a mile not more than an hour ago. He had not more than
got through speaking when the rebels fired a canon and followed it up with three
orders. Davis went out on the left and looked over the hill and could see them
in line. We then all fell back about a mile beyond town where we stopped about
three hours then started for camp. Stopped for the night when within 12 miles of
there a planters house had come past the place where 7th Kan and 7th Ill. had
made their charge. Saw 2 dead Secest and horses
Nov. 10, 1862 – Arrived in camp about noon.
Nov. 11 – Rested - had orders read that the cartridges must be counted every
retreat and if we could not account for any we lost we must pay fifty cents a
piece for them. This was to stop so much shooting but I could not see that it
stopped it any. Some of the boys hid some of theirs ---------------------------.
Nov. 12 - It had rained all night. To march with three days rations. Thought we
were going to move camp. Went toward Holly Springs. Stopped for the night at the
place beyond Hudsonville where we had stood when the Secest fired canon at our
advance guard. Some of our boys that had come there before us that Holly Springs
had been evacuated.
Nov. 13 - Got up about one o’clock went toward Holly Springs about a mile, came
to the 7th Ill. They fell in our rear. Went about three miles farther and saw a
light by the roadside. I said there is the pickets but did not think they were
pickets. We had gone but a short ways farther when we saw a flash and heard a
gun. Three or four more followed it in quick succession. A messenger was sent
back that we had come to some pickets. The rest of the regiment stopped. Our Co.
went on with Co. A. When we got up to the fire found that one of the advance
guard from Co. A had shot a Secest and he lay sprawled out in the road. Co. A
dismounted and went ahead. The three Secest that had got away stood behind a
small hill and when we came up fired a few shots at them. Some of our company
held Co. A’s horses, we followed the Company close up. Co. A fired a few shots
back and our Company made a charge on them. We set up a great hooting and
hollowing. They fired some shot, the balls came past close to the side of their
ranks (Co. A). The horses run very fast. I was not ready when they started it
was done so quick and got one foot out of the stirrup. My horse had got ahead of
some of the rest but I slacked up to put my foot back and got behind. Lost my
poncho. Thought I would dismount and pick it up as the rest were so far ahead
and all the arms I had was a rifle and I could not do anything with that with my
horse on the run. My horse was about tired out, he had traveled so much lately
and had a sore back but he had stood it pretty well for a little fellow. He was
the smallest horse in the Company and weighed 170 lbs. I hurried him up. Just as
Strong(?) who had a horse that could not run faster than mine came up with
me.Going past a hotel some women had run out to see what was up. I said the
Yankees come in a howling – don’t they - one of them said, “I guess they do”.
When we got up to the Court House. Wells was in the yard and told us to
dismount, that there were some Secest in the Court House and go in after them.
Went to the Court House steps. Saw a couple of nice sabers laying there that
some of the pickets had left in a hurry to get mounted and leave. I should think
there had been fifteen or twenty-three. I went to buckle one on and Wells told
me to put that down and go and find that Secest. I went around to the door on
the side of the building. I wanted Strong(?) to go in with me for I thought they
might be as stubborn as the pickets we first came up on and make a hole through
me.
Nov. 13, 1862 (cont’d) Strong said there might be a dozen in there and we had
better wait until the rest of the boys came back. I went in a hall that ran
through the building and said if there is anybody in here come on out - no
answer. There was a door to the front of the building but the door but the door
was fast. I thought there might be some in there. Took the butt of my gun and
knocked a whole through it but nobody in there. Thought I would get Strong to go
in the hall. Called him because he had gone to the front of the building again
He came around but said I wasn't going to get him in there and went away. It was
just getting daylight but it was as dark as pitch in there and I hated to go in
alone, but I cocked my gun and went in looked behind the first door, thought I
saw something, went up close and saw that there were two men in there. I said
what are you in there come out. The first one picked up his blanket that was
down by his feet and came out where it was light. Then I saw that one of them
was a soldier and the other was a negro. They said that they did not know what
we might do and they thought they would get away if they could. They said that
there was no more of them in there . The darky wanted to talk in private with me
but I told him if he had anything to say to say it where he was. Told me he had
been sold handcuffed and he had broken the hand cuffs with a hammer and got away
from his owner and had been trying to get to our lines. Said he was mighty glad
we had come etc. The boys soon came back. They had driven the picket past the
first one at the Court House and on cut of town a short ways. About a hundred
men in all. Davis came back with four prisoners, Monger one, , Frost one, Toby
one, Henshaw and Bishop one, and the one I got in the hall made eight. If there
had been more Companies with us we might have got fifty of them as well as not.
Henshaw and I went all through the Court House but found nothing but books. I
had just finished the back door that opened into a nice room with pictures,
carpet etc. in it when Colonel Lee of the 7th Kans. came in and asked me what I
was doing there. Told him I was looking for prisoners and had found two in the
hall, which made things all right for he looked mad. The big man used to call in
little fellows so that they used to think. Some of the boys said that they had
been fired at from the windows as they went through town. Bush Ganord had his
horse shot through the ear. Post had his shot through the leg and smashed the
bone. Gamias(?) had a hole shot through his overcoat under the arm. Davis had a
hole shot through his cape .
Colonel Lee had come up with the rest of the Cavalry, two more regiments. We
tied our horses to the posts and trees along, the sidewalk, the rest around the
court house fence. I got $3.00 of Sutler money from Demot . It was printed on
paper like notes but was not worth anything. I told him I would give him Secest
scrip for it for 12 cents on a dollar. I went around to the darkies and told
them I would trade some of our honey for southern money. Even found a fellow
that took a dollar(?). A short time after another took the rest. Gave Demot .265
and kept the rest. I went with Burson to a house and got a colored mommy to make
us some pies. Went to give her some scrip but she did not want it but I could
not do any better and gave her 35 cents. Burson gave her 25 cents in silver. She
looked at it some time before putting it in her pocket.
Nov. 13, 1862 (cont.) About two in the afternoon had orders to bridle up and
mount. We went on a gallop to the edge of the town. Could see a line of men
about a mile and half from us on a hill. Didn’t know if they were our men or
not. Heard a doctor, who sat in his ambulance looking at them with a spy glass,
say that he thought they were our men. When we got there found that they were
our men but could see some Secest Cavalry struggling along through a big field
and a long line of them in the woods, the other side of the field. Co. A and
some of the other companies that had revolving rifles dismounted. I asked
Larence if I could go with them as that was the only way I could fight but he
would not let me. The field was to to the left of the road. There was some
woods on one side of the field. They boys that dismounted and went down through
there until they got opposite the Secest Cavalry that were acting as skirmishers
and let them have a few rounds. Some of them run but one fellow stood his
ground. All at once his horse went to jumping around and fell down. It was
comical to see him take across the field. Our boys came up to the brow of the
hill and went to advance on the Secest in the woods but as soon as they saw that
we meant fight they commenced to fall back. Colonel Lee came along and took our
company as body guard and went down through the hollow up into the field. One
boy, as soon as they saw them leaving gave it to them pretty sharp. As soon as
we came up in the field we started across on a full gallop and the men on foot
run as fast as they could. The Secest thought we were after them and you ought
to have seen them skighting. We then went back and stopped on a hill in a
cleared field. We could see the Secest about a mile and half in the valley.
Could see some of the Kans. 7th advancing on them but they left before they got
up to them. We then started back to town. Heard some canon shots in the rear but
could not find out what it meant. I think they were trying to throw some shells
at us but did not make it. Out at the edge of the town saw some of our infantry
drawn up in line each side of the road and two guns planted in the road. We did
not know that there were any infantry around but we had passed them about five
miles from our Camp they had followed us. It was Sullivans Brigade with a
section of Artillery. They had camped at Hudsonville. When the Secest were
reported coming they were sent with our regiment. Had come through town with the
artillery. Then after three regiments had stopped at the outskirts of town we
stopped at our old place and fed our horses. Some corn had been fetched in a
wagon. We went over to the east side of town and stopped for the night. It was
dark when we got there. (PS insert) (Our skirmishers were sent down in the woods
a short ways and we were in line when they came back. They said they had killed
4 Secest and 13 horses, the wounded were carried off. Some said three Secest –
shooting ----- on the other side of the road but did not find anybody killed.)
Nov. 14 – Got up about one o’clock and started for home where we arrived about 4
PM. The captain and Adamson had come with the baggage. The most of us left our
clothes at Corinth and had not changed a shirt since we left.
Nov. 15, 1862 – Everybody lousy – I found two on my shirt sleeve. I put on the
shirt I had bought at Hudsonville and washed and boiled every piece of clothing
I had. Went in ------.
Nov. 16 – Removed camp five miles northwest which fetched us about two miles
nearer the Junction. Put up the tents with 2nd Iowa in a large field. We had
come up with them on the road and after stopping a short time both regiments
went on a short ways farther and put up the tents in the same field.
Nov. 17 – Rained through the night, cold and damp all day.
Novs. 18 – Rained all day lightly.
Nov. 19 – Detailed to go on camp guard with Bacon. It rained hard in the
morning. We went on the first relief. It stopped raining before we came off. We
had stood about two hours when we were relieved and told to go to the Company.
All guards were taken off. The regiment had orders to march with three days
rations. I couldn’t go, my horse’s back was so sore. Woodard told all the boys
that did not have pistols to go down to the commissary and get them. I went down
on foot and told the Captain I didn’t have any and got one. He then thought I
was going with the rest. In the morning they had got some Sharps carbines.
Woodard took the one that he have to Charley Butler (?) and gave it to me. I
traded with Perkins for his Sharps rifle he had and got at our other camp. Heard
the boys went to Ripley. 2nd Iowa was with them.
Nov. 20 Nothing but write in this great book.
Nov. 21. The boys got back about 7 PM. They had been to Ripley. Made a charge in
town and took three Lt. Colonels, one Major, some captains and lieutenants and
about 20 privates prisoners. They were getting up some companies to go to the
rebel army but didn’t make it out. They then went 6 or 7 miles beyond to a small
place but found no prisoners.
Nov. 22 fair weather but cold at night
Nov. 23rd Went on camp guard with Weeden. Stood at the Comissary Dept.
Novs. 24 – Code
Nov. 25th fine weather cold at night.
Nov. 26th – The company went out after forage with 18 wagons. Went in Southeast
direction about 7 miles. Some of the 2nd Iowa teams started with us. We went a
mile and a half farther than they did. Arrived in camp about 3 PM. Fetched some
fresh pork with us. Drew five days rations but got no flour as we usually did.
Sharpened up our teeth to eat hard crack.
Nov. 27th Some of the officers got drunk Thanksgiving Day.
Nov. 28th Reveille at one in the morning. Found that my horse was dying. Got
breakfast. Struck tents, etc. Started for Holly Springs. The 7th Kans was in
advance. They came on some pickets about four miles from the place and we
galloped all the way in. Went to the other side of town and had a skirmish with
some cavalry. Killed one of them, found him lying one side of the road. We may
have killed more but they carry all their dead and wounded with them they can.
Came a short ways farther.
Nov. 28, 1862 - Came out of the woods and saw the Secest in line about a half
mile off. Looked at them a short time and went back to Holly Springs. It was
getting dark. It rained some at night.
Nov. 29th - Reveille at the usual hour. Started south with all the cavalry and
one gun of D’s(?) Battery half mile from our pickets came on the Secest pickets.
Some of Co. A dismounted . The Secest after firing a few shots fell back about a
half mile to where there was a deep gulley. When we got up to them they
commenced to fire at us and sent the bullets pretty close. One went just over
our heads. The whole length of the ranks, every¬body stooped down but it was
after the ball had passed. A couple of companies dismounted and went as
skirmishers. We were ordered to charge through them. There was but twenty of us,
the rest of the Company had been left behind. We were ordered to draw sabers and
charge. The Secest smelled a mouse and run without firing a shot. We had gone
but a short ways when we came up to the top of a small hill and had just started
down it when we saw a long line of them in the woods dismounted. They opened
fire on us. We stopped, they kept firing. Some of us commenced to run back over
the hill. I then said this is too hot for me and ran back with the rest. The
Secest ran for their horses. I got Minrow to hold my horse while I got a shot. I
saw one running up the hill and fired at him but he didn’t stop. I then ran on
with the rest of the skirmishers, who had just come up on a run and left Minrow
with my horse. Heard some of the boys say who is that laying in the road. I
thought somebody had been shot but did not know for certain. Paul got some¬body
to hold his horse and went with me. If we had used our carbines or pistols
instead of our sabers we might have captured some of the Secest or if there had
been two companies of us. We went with the skirmishers about five miles and had
some pretty sharp skirmishes. We had driven them about three miles when some
shots from the canon was fired at them. We had to travel some time before we
found them again two miles farther. Came to a valley. It was about 60 rods to
the other side and some Secest were in the woods. One started down the hill
towards us on a full run without any arms. We thought he was going to desert and
told him to come on. When he got to the bottom of the hill he bent down behind a
stump and raised up with a Secest on his back. We all fired at him but he was
not to be hit. A battery about a mile off commenced to throw canisters and some
solid shots at us. The canisters struck all around us but we got behind the
logs, stumps and trees and none of us got hurt. The Secest got pretty bold at
this and we had a good chance to shoot at them. Our canon came up and fired a
few shots and the Secest left. I then tried to find the Company but heard that
they had gone out on the left with some other companies on a scout. Bishop and
Will Eldred came along and told me that Henshaw had been shot when we made the
charge. He was liked very much by us all.Spackes and Nettler had their horses
shot. Nettler’s fell on his leg and hurt him so he was unserviceable for some
time. Henshaws horse ran on and the Secest got him. Sparkes horse was shot in
the breast but he got up and went with Henshaw’s and so did Nettlers. I found
Paul and we went over where the Secest had their battery. All the skirmishers
horses were fetched up and they were mounted.
Nov. 29, 1862 (cont’d.) Some fresh ones were sent on when the cavalry got over
on the other hill. There was a brick church there and I found Sparks there with
my horse and took him from him but did not know he was lame. His leg was hurt
some when his horse fell. I stopped and boiled some potatoes. Sparks went to see
if he could get in the ambulance. After supper I started on. I had been told
that my company had come out on a byroad and had gone on ahead. I met a good
many of the infantry coming back tobacco, shoes and all kinds of groceries that
they had got out of a suttler store. The infantry had come up just after the
canon had stopped firing and had come over on the hill while I was cook¬ing
supper. Paul came up on a run and wanted to know why I did not hurry up and get
some of the suttlers goods. When he got there everything had played out and he
went back. I went on about three miles and heard that the Company had gone on
picket. The mail carrier told me that they could not be found. I stopped at
night with some of the 7th Kans. Could hear skirmishing ahead.
Nov. 30- The rest got up early but I lay abed until late. I then got up boiled
some potatoes and ate breakfast and started for the regiment. Had gone but a
short ways when I came across the wagons. Nettler was there with ours. I saw
Major Mogers(?) and he told me that our company was on picket. Long and the
Necoralis(?) had some fresh pork, coffee which they sere cooking. I helped them
eat it. While we were eating Paul came up with Claypool, Bishop and Eldred.
After eating I borrowed a cheese bolt from the Sutler to carry some hard cracks
to the boys and we went after them towards where we were told we would find them
but some men coming from that way told us that they had come up from there and
gone to the regiment. A brisk cannonading had been kept up since we started.
Went up to the head of the regiment. Found that the Company had gone up to the
wagin for rations. Gave what hard cracks I had to another Company and went to
the Company. After the boys got rations we started back to the Regiment. On the
way back the Captain told me he wanted me to stay with the Company after this. I
kept mum. When we got up to the regiment we were sent of to the right to get
horses and anything else we wanted. We went to a house half a mile off and got
some horses and mules. Come back in the rear of the infantry and Artillery. The
Secest were throwing shells at them. We could hear them sing and stick in the
ground. It sounded as if they struck in among them but I didn't hear if any of
them were killed or not. After a short time we went on a scout again at a house
about a mile and a half off where we found three horses. The Captain gave me
one. We stayed there until dark and the Darkies were cooking us supper when we
were ordered to go in.
Dec. 1 - Our regiment made a recognizance, found the breast¬works on the other
side of the river. I was sent with a dispatch to Colonel Lee. When I got back
round the boys had been fired at by the artillery. Some of the boys had gone up
close and saw that there was but the rear guard of the rebels. Moyers(?) who was
in command of the Regiment sent a dispatch that a section of artillery the
opposite bank would soon be cleared. They moved(?) on this way. When we went up
and found they had left. So we were ordered back. Our Company was ordered to
swim the creek. It
Dec. 1, 1862 (Cont’nd.) was cold so I got out one side and hid like some of the
rest. Those that crossed staid there. We went back a couple of miles and camped
for the night. Some men were detailed to fix up the bridge so we could cross in
the morn¬ing.
Dec. 2 - Got up at the usual hour. When we got across the river found that the
boys had gone about three miles to a place called Abbeville. They ran into a lot
of ammunition that had been fired. Got up to it pretty close before they found
what it was and turned around and run just as some of the shells bursted. This
was about a mile from Abbeville. Our regiment took the right hand road, the 7th
Kans and the 7th Ill. went the other road. It rained all day and was somewhat
cold. Come on their pickets about two miles out, drove them about a mile when
they would not be driven any farther. Knew that something was in the wind. All
the companies dismounted but ours. The Rebs were on top of a hill laying down in
the woods. Some of our boys went on the right and left side of the road. When
they came on top of the hill Secests showed themselves. Our boys let into them
with a shout and we charged up the road. Made a deuce of a noise for about ten
minutes and drove the Secest back. Saw lots of them on the other side of the
hill. Some of them marching around to our left and right. It was getting dark
and the Major said it was too late to fight anymore that night. We fell back
about Four miles to a plantation and camped for the night. I saw three of our
men that were wounded. One from Co. I shot through the breast, thought he could
not live. Captain saw some soldiers to left, sent me back to tell major Secest
were flanking us. Found out it was our troops.
Dec. 3 - We got up at the usual hour. Went to Oxford, found that the other
cavalry had been there all night. I suppose the troops we were fighting sent a
dispatch that we were too much for them and made a feint movement on our right
and left to cover the retreat. The other cavalry followed the canon that had
been firing at them on a full run and captured a company of infantry that was
destroying a railroad bridge. About a half mile the other side of twon our
company were stationed along the road between Oxford and Abbeville to carry
messages. We had three posts three miles apart. Six men and a sergeant at each
post. The rest staid at Oxford. A brigade of troops went past about 5 PM. We had
a great time telling them how far it was to Oxford. Every man wanted to know. It
was three miles.
Dec. 4th - Came into town. Rained all day. We ------ in a printing We printed
our blankets with pictures of all kinds.
Dec. 5th Started for the regiment. Rained all day. Went about fifteen miles and
camped for the night. Major Moirs(?) was with us.
Dec. 6th About three in the morning our cavalry commenced. to come back. They
had come on the whole rebel army at Coffeeville who had set a trap for them and
said that there was four hundred of them missing that some whole companies had
been taken prisoner, out of the 7th Ill. Part of the cavalry camped with us
about 12 mile from Oxford. Our company went on picket in the afternoon. Adamson
came in with his company who had been reported as taken prisoners.
Dec. 6, 1862 (Cont’d.) Their horses had come away with the rest and after
walking 15 miles in the mud, they picked up horses and saddles of the citizens
to ride into camp. Some men came to relieve us at night but we had made
preparations for staying and did not go in.
Dec. 7th - Came in from picket. Our wagons came in but we did not put up our
tents. Made houses out of rails and put our ponchos over them.
Dec. 8 - Had mounted inspection. - a fine day
Dec. 9 Very fine weather - warm.
Dec.10th - very fine weather - Commenced to find out how the Coffeeville affair
turned out. The Secest took up their four mile post and put it within a half
mile of town, then got their Siloes(?) in the shape of a letter V and let our
boys come up the center. When they found what a scrape they had got into they
commenced to retreat. Secest came in on our lead horses and ordered them to haIt
and commenced to fire at them but it was no go. After the horses had got out of
danger they made for their horses and got out the best they could. Our losses
was about thirty killed, wounded and missing. When we went to Coffeeville
afterwards we were told that forty of the Secest were killed. Capt. Adamson was
surrounded and ordered to surrender. He told them that had played out and
ordered his boys to fire on those that were in his rear. They let into them with
their five shooters and got out with the loss of one man. Weeden of our company
who was orderly for Moyer had a ball hit his boot heel.
Dec. 11 - Went on camp guard. Removed camp to Spring Dale four miles distant.
Had road through swamp. Put up our tents and made preparations to stay sometime.
Dec. 12 - Started for Water Valley seven miles distant. Our co. on a picket. I
did not have to stand any trick. Slept on the tavern stoop. Some of the boys in
the tavern - Got potatoes and killed a sheep and had the cook get our meals. Our
wagons came with us.
Dec. 13 - Came in from picket. Cut small trees and made a place to sleep in. Was
just getting to sleep when somebody came along stumbled on our ponchos and
landed with both feet in my face. One of his spurs scratched my face from the
eye down.
Dec. 14 - Started for Coffeeville. Met a flag of truce about five or six miles
out. After waiting about an hour after the dispatch they had was sent back, we
started again. About a dozen of us were sent out to the left when about two
miles from the place to scout and get horses. Heard a gun fire soon after we
started. Went a couple of miles but did not get any horses nor see anything.
When we got back some of the rest were just going into town. A few rebels were
there who fired a few shots and left us in possession. Some of the boys got in a
large store and commenced crarnping(?) things. Some of them were arrested to
stop the same and were relieved again.
Dec. 15, 1862 - Went out on scout with three other companies. Major Moyer in
command; went seven miles towards Grenada. Found the trees felled across one of
the roads. It had been pleasant weather for the last ten days but the wind blew
cold and it rained very hard all day. Arrived in town again about 5 PM.
Dec. 16 - Got up at two o’clock, started back for camp. Went a road to the left
of the one we had come in on. Very cold. Arrived at Water Valley about 1 PM.
Found our camp removed about two miles off to the east of the town.
Dec. 17 - Company went into ---- to suit themselves.
Dec. 18th - Went on camp guard in the morning -10 men from our company went with
Co. I on a scout and got in a skirmish about 12 miles from camp. They came to a
place where some cavalry were camped and were shown the place by a negro. Lt.
Hickey was in command. He told Lt. Corbin to take ten men and charge in there,
which was done just before daylight. Corbin was fatally wounded. Eldred of our
company was wounded in the thigh and shoulder and a man of Co. I slightly. The
Secest then run leaving some horses and a good many saddles and blankets which
were thrown on the fires that they had been sleeping by. Hicks was sent in with
a dispatch and some more men were sent out when they got back. Reported that a
large body of Secest cavalry and mounted infantry were going around us. Some
more companies went out in an eastern direction. Most of the companies that came
in fetched in some prisoners that had straggled in the rear. Co F and M(?) went
on a scout and were coming back to camp when they were fired into by some Secest
that had concealed themselves on a high bluff. They let the advance guard pass
and fired into the-head of the column killing Lieutenant Macentee(?) of Co. M
Iowa and a private and wounded some others. The ambulance went out and fetched
them in. The Secest run as soon as they fired and our boys could not get at
them.
Dec. 19 - Company came off picket.
Dec. 20 - Got up at two o’clock struck tents and started on the back track.
Stopped and fed our horses at Oxford about noon. Camped a short ways beyond
Abbeville for the night.
Dec. 21 - Started again at two in the morning. The first thing that Whelan and I
heard when we woke up was the Capt. saying lead in. Some more slept as well as
we did and Sergeant Woodard staid behind to fetch us along. Had a hard time in
catching up. We got across the Tallahatchee then stopped and waited an hour and
a half. Suppose the Colonels of the other regiments that had fallen in with us
as we were coming along, were quarreling to see who would have command. It was
very cold and we had heard that the Secest had taken Holly Springs and we were
in a hurry. Stopped at Waterford, fed our horses and started for Holly Springs 8
miles distant. A couple of regiments of infantry went on ahead while we were
feeding. We went a road to the left of the one the rest went and run most of the
way. Got there about 10 AM; found the Secest gone and a good many of the finest
buildings burned down, shell and cannon balls laying
Dec. 21, 1862 (cont’d) around in the street. They burned the block that had our
ammunition in it. Blew the building. Several of the citizens were killed and
wounded by shells. Among them was a little girl. They took about 1400 prisoners
all $40. men and parolled them. They ramsacked all the stores but a few. The
suttlers told us that they never sold out so quick in their lives. We tied our
horses to the court house fence and made a break for plunder. Heard that a man
that owned a large store had hit a soldier with a club the day before. Got into
his store broke up a $1000. worth of china we broke clocks, looking glasses,
shoe cases etc. A lot of guards got around the building and would not let us
out. I had some hams, sugar etc in a box and was going to get one of the boys to
help carry it to the company. When I found out that they could not get out
filled my blouse and pockets with bottles of sweet oil to put on our arms,
razers, tobacco etc. in about a half hour a colonel came along and told us to go
to quarters. Put a can of sugar under my arms and got out. A guard went to stop
me but I jerked away. I found it wouldn’t do to let us stay in town and took us
out about three quarters of a mile. Somebody set some buildings on fire a short
ways from town.
Dec. 22 - About 3 PM started again. Went towards the Junction. heard that the
Secest had got whipped at Davis Hills .Crossed the railroad. The guards that
were on duty were scared a little think¬ing that we were the Secest. About 9 PM
saw large fires in a piece of woods back of a mans plantation. Wakened him and
he said that the Secest had left there yesterday morning. We then went back and
camped at Lamar Station. Some companies had been sent out scouting and I was
left by the gate. The regiment had gone to tell them where they had gone. About
an hour Co. 8 came along. Half an hour later the pickets came out and I went in.
Had some trouble to find the rest. Had to go three miles through the woods. Most
of our boys on picket camped 1 mile from Lamar.
Dec. 23 - Got up about four and started again. Some cavalry had gone on the road
ahead of us and set the fences on fire every two or three rods. When we arrived
at Davis Mills found that 200 of the regiment had whipped the whole file(?) of
them. They had an earthworks around a mound of earth about 12 feet high and 40
ft. in circumference. Vandorn came to a bridge about 30 rods from them with a
flag of truce and demanded a surrender. The colonel told him when he took the
breastworks he would surrender. They also had a block house made out of the mill
with cotton bales and plank. Secest made a charge and were repulsed. Came with
another flag of truce and received an answer similar to the first. Carried off
some of the wounded. Made another charge with the same result. Another flag of
truce which was not respected. Soon after the Secest fifteen of them that had
got across the bridge and laid behind a tank could not run when the rest did and
were taken prisoners. When we got there t hey had just finished burying 18 of
them and were hooking some more out of the creek that had been killed and fell
in. They killed 30 in all and had 40 wounded. Our loss 4 wounded. The cotton on
the block house was set on fire but the boys would draw water up of the creek
with a bucket and put it out. We went on to the Junction; found. the artillery
planted in the streets ready to give
Dec. 25, 1862 (cont’d) the rebs a good reception. Fed our horses got in line to
start. Had to wait while Col. Lee telegraphed to Grant at Oxford what we had
found out about the rebs and receive orders back. Went to Bolivar 25 miles
distant where we arrived about 12 o’clock at night.
Dec. 24 - About 8 o’clock in the morning an alarm was sounded and the soldiers
in town and what had come to see us made a rush for their quarters. We were in
ranks in no time. The sixth Ill. had six pieces of artillery 2 Ibs ---with them.
They were placed behind some breast works and we were all drawn up in line. It
was not long before the Union skirmishers came in view from the woods. They were
in a corn field and I could see them with spy glasses. We marched that way by
fours and they got out of the road in double quick. Went about a mile and saw
where the main column had gone. Went after them about a mile when we counter
marched and galloped all the way back to town. Heard that the Secest had come on
the other side of town but they only made a feint. Went after them after some
delay. (Heard that the Colonels had another dispatch. Girison(?) got command
this time.) About seven miles came on them. Got in line of battle. Our company
went out on left as flankers and had got up with the main column when rip went
the canon eight times and away went the Secest. They did not know that we had
canon before. Unfortunately they wounded one of their own men that had gone too
far ahead of the rest of the flankers. I believe he had to have his leg
amputated. Camped at Saulsbury. At about 11 PM our company had to go on picket
after we had unsaddled our horses and gone to bed. Some of the boys slinked. A
couple of companies went on a scout and found a place where the Secest had fed
their horses.
Dec. 25 - Started at daylight. Went past the place where Secest regiment had
fed. Found four or five of our men that had left their companies when we were
going to Bolivar to sleep in a house. They had been picked up when the Secest
came along. They were court martialed afterwards and had to pay for their horses
and equipment and other punishments. Our regiment was in advance. The rest of
the regiments went other roads but soon came up in our rear again all but the
2nd Ill. who arrived at Ripley before we did and drove some of the Secest out.
Went on through town. When the canon got to the top of a hill they went to
firing and made the old town ring and the citizens tremble. It was fun for us.
They moved on again in a short time about a thousand yards farther came to the
place where the canon balls struck. 5 or 6 of them went through a house knocking
things to pieces. We soon saw some Negroes coming up from a deep valley with
their young ones in their arms awfully scared. Only killed one mule that we
could see. Went on a couple of miles farther after feeding on the same spot the
Secest did and camped for the night at a planters. We had drawn no rations only
at the Junction in all that time so we always took everything eatable we could
find. Such as honey, potatoes and make the Negroes cook us bread. All the houses
on the road were stripped of most everything in them.
Dec. 26, 1862 - Started at daylight. Our Company went on road to the left of the
main one as far as far as New Albany. Had gone but a short ways when we took a
couple of prisoners, one of them tried to get away by running to the woods but
we overtook the Gent and found another one at the house. The woman and girls
thought it was awful for us to act so, especially the unmarried. The old man
said that was nothing to do for a company to take two unarmed men . He abused us
very bad. Old age saved us the trouble of laming(?) him over. Took some of their
horses and gave them some of ours. Caught another fellow on the road. Took every
horse we came across and made the rider go on foot. Broke all the guns we could
find. Came across an old man; he said he was a non-combatant asked him if he had
any horses - said no but he had some mules and told us where they were and said
we could have them if we wanted them. Asked him for arms he brought out a double
barreled level gun, one for bullets the other for shot. Said he only shot
squirrel with it - sounded to be a man of the right sort. Gave him back his gun
and took nothing from him for which he thanked us very much and gave us what pie
and cake he had cooked. Came out at New Albany about noon. The rest of the
cavalry had just arrived. Fed our horses and had our dinners cooked around at
the houses. Started on again. Awful hard rain. Turned back on the road-thought
it was because we had gone on the long one. Turned off on another one toward
Holly Springs. The Rebs did not go past Rocky Ford as we expected and got away
from us. After standing in the ranks for an hour and a half the whole crowd of
us set up an awful hollowing that brought the Commander to his senses. We then
marched back a mile and a half to place we had passed and camped for the night.
Had lots of chickens there in a large coop - kill them all and threw them out
doors. I and Whelan put some rails up against a cotton house - put our ponchos
over them and made a bed of cotton and slept good in spite of rain as we usually
did.
Dec. 27 – Rainy – Started for Holly Springs. Some of the regi¬ments had a good
many fine carriages that they had picked up along the road to carry provisions
in - commenced to leave them behind with preserves, meat, flour etc. in them but
took the horses (about 11 o’clock when we got there a good many carriages broke
up). Two or three of our boys thought they would do a good thing for our company
one day so they got a nice carriage, filled it up with provisions, hitched a
large mule to it. He wanted to run away, two of them got to his head, tried to
hold him but couldn't. He ran them into a place where a lot of small trees had
been cut down - hurt their shins and they had to let go. Away went the mule They said he run faster than they had ever seen a horse run. Broke the spokes
out of the wheels - down came the carriage and broke all to smash, and away went
the mule. The boys thought the fun paid them for their trouble. Camped at a
large plantation. Went to Jayhawking everything but the Colonel stopped it - not
until the honey etc had played out.
Dec. 28 - Went into town; fed our horses four miles out - Camped a short ways
from where the depot stood on the east side of town. Troops falling back from
the advance.
Dec. 29-30 Had to chop down trees and clear a place to put up the tents which
was done before night - quite cold - commenced to rain after dark.
Dec. 31 1862 - General inspection und muster for pay at 8 AM then started for
Jackson, Tenn. immediately. Cold wind. Fed our horses at Hudsonville. A woman
made a great fuss we fed her corn. Grandmother of the place got a club and stood
guard over the meat house. Boys bothered her . Camped near Lamar about a half
hour before sunset. Thought that was nice because we were used to traveling
late. Wagons came up. We got our kettles out, some sweet potatoes we had drawn
the night before and some meat and had a good supper.
Jan. 1, 1863 - After a good breakfast started. Arrived at the Junction about
noon and fed our horses then went to Middleburg where the 12th Michigan was
camped. Some of the boys found their old friends. The 12th whipped Vandorn’s
command . We did not go past then when we were after Vandorn. Went a shorter
road, the 12th got in a cotton fort they had built on the platform of the depot
and in a brick building with holes punched through it. Vandorn came with a flag
of truce and demanded a surrender saying if they did not he would make a short
meal of them. The Colonel told him to come ahead and while he Vandorn was
getting his belly full he would try to get a bite. The result was that the
Secest got whipped with a loss of 60 men.
Jan 2 -- Started again about six o’clock in the morning. Went through Bolivar
about noon. Fed our horses about a mile from town. Camped about dusk 12 miles
from Jackson. (a barrel of persimmon butter, we all got some). Somebody robbed a
crippled negro of his money.
Jan 3 - Cold rain. Arrived in sight of Jackson about six. Had to build the
bridge up across the Forkadus. Took about two hours. The bridge had been torn up
to keep Vandorn out, but he did not come. I carried one plank from another
bridge 40 rds off, then got to a fire that some teamsters , that could not get
across had built. They belonged to some Ill. regiment. After we got across we
stood in line for an hour then went to hollering. Soon after we went to camp
half a mile east of town in the woods. Bad place, swampy and full of old logs.
Thought we were going to rest awhile but had no sooner fed our horses before we
had to go on the march again. All the troops were out of Jackson. Heard that
they had a fight at Cross Roads, whipped the Secest and captured nine pieces of
artillery, 500 horses, about that many prisoners and killed a large portion of
them. Found out afterwards it was so. Camped at Cotton Grove about 9 PM eight
miles from Jackson. Hard rain. Had a little flour we had fetched along. Three
men detailed to bake biscuits of it. Had three apiece.
Jan. 4 - Started for Lexington 20 miles distant where we arrived about noon and
fed our horses then went 10 miles farther and camped about sunset two miles off
the Battle Ground. Heard the rest of the troops were Going back to Jackson a
shorter road than via Lexington.
Jan 5th – 1863 - Our company with A and D went on a scout. Went past the battle
ground. Plenty of artillery wheel spokes laying around and dead horses. All the
men were buried. Co. D. went on a left hand road, went to Clarksburg five miles
farther, then a squad of us went on a scout with Sergt. Wells ½ miles farther.
Coming back Wells gave Young and I permission to stop at a house and get our
dinner. Union folks there. Girls there all got into a corner and commenced
whispering. We staid there sometime. The rest got most back to camp before we
caught up with them. After feeding went on through Lexington. Thought we were
going to Jackson. Camped about 12 miles from Lexington about 11 PM. I went on
guard to guard some hams. Hard rain, our blankets got wet.
Jan 6th - Started about six o’clock in the morning. We were traveling left
oblique from Jackson and were 12 miles farther from camp at night than we were
when we started. Stopped at a large plantation and fed our horses. Some very
large bee hives. Some of us took the honey. Lit a pipe of tobacco, stuck the
stem in the top of the hive and blew in the bowl . Drove the bees to the other
end. We got the honey easy. Arrived at Bethel about sunset. Camped for the night
Jan 7th - Drew some bread from the commissary at -----? a railroad station
guarded by our troops M.O.R.R. Started for Jackson fed at Montezuna at noon. Our
company to furnish pickets for the night. I got in a respectable. Was in the
first relief. Came off went to bed. When I woke up found a hive of honey on hand
that had been captured outside a short ways. Boys had some fun with the old
woman. She came out and said “Oh I see you sick em Dige?”
Jan8 - Went to town nine miles distant.
Jan 9 - Saber drill. Didn’t get out in time. Drilled five minutes. Had rain
towards night. Had orders to march but did not go.
Jan 10th Had rain towards night. Heard that we were going after some guerrillas
but did not know where.
Jan 11th Started about two o’clock in the morning. Went on a run. Had orders to
keep well closed up. Mizner was with us. He sent word back for the 11 Ill. to
turn off to the left hand road, the same as we did. One of our boys went back,
stopped to rest a short time. Had orders to dismount. Mongeer didn’t dismount. I
spoke to him about it --------------------------------------------------------¬------------ argument and scuffle with Mongeer about dismounting. Fed horses 14
miles from Jackson about 7 am. Made some coffee. Started on the run again. Eight
of our company that were not on the advance guard went with Lt. Osfgood. Went
ahead - We went through ---- and took the road to Shaws Mills half a mile from
there, had a man show us the place. When we got most there Osgood took four men
went through the woods to the left of the Distil(?) and told Wallace to take the
rest and go down the road. We told him we had all better go down the road but he
had his own way. So away we went, got there, saw a negro standing by the fence,
asked him if any Secest had been there, he said that three or four had just
left. We started after them. Earl Hicks, Sergeant Wallace and myself. I went
ahead thinking of course they would follow me. I had heard their bravery
disputed often before. When we came in sight of the Secest I said here they are
boys and hollowed for them to surrender, but they stuck spurs in
Jan 11, 1863 - the horses and run after rest. Were two or three roads behind me
and stopped when I hollowed. When Secest run I started after them. Wallace fired
a shot at them from where he was, the road turned to the left so he could fire
past me. I fired a couple of shots at them and came nigh killing one which
caused a couple of citizens that were with them to stop and dismount. I thought
the rest might take care of them when they came up and told them to stand still
or I would blow a hole through them. Went on, couldn’t gain on the soldiers, ran
them about a mile and a half and fired three more shots at them. Where I stopped
there were three roads went from that point, a church and empty Dealing(?)
house. I looked around the buildings to see if some of them had hid around
there. After a while Wallace came up and told me I was only endangering my life
by staying there and wanted me to hurry away, when there wasn’t any danger at
all. I looked back on the road and saw a horse all saddled coming towards us
through the woods. Told Wallace to go and see what it was. He went while I
looked around a little more. He took the pistol out of the holster, I took the
rest, a good saddle, a pair of large saddle bags with a couple of shirts, pair
of drawers, towel, letter paper, tobacco, a couple pairs of socks. When we got
back to the distillery found they belonged to a Secest Lt. by the name of Allen,
Morning Sun, Tenn. Shelby Co., which was written on the saddle bags. We got in
Brownsville about 9 AM. The regiment had gone on to the river after Richardson.
Found some of our company at the courthouse with Co. B. They couldn’t tell where
the rest were so we thought we would stay. The rest of the company soon got in,
they had been out scouting on the different roads. Went with Burson to --- and
got dinner. Towards night we all saddled up and went towards the river. Heard
that the regiment had been fighting all day. Met Mizner coming back with a
company. The rest of the regiment staid to the river. We went back with Mizner.
Learned that the regiment had burned up the ferry boat and had been fighting the
Secest across the river. Some of them were in a block house which our boys
slivered up pretty well. Allen of Company A swam the river and hitched a rope to
the ferry boat so as to pull it across and burn it up which was done under a
heavy fire. (a good many citizens were arrested and confined in the court
house.) Slept with Burson in a saddlers shop. Wheeland was on picket at camp.
Jan 12 - Fine day---------------------------- Ate supper with Burson at Mr.
Woods, after supper music on the Piano by his daughters.
Jan 13 - Took all the tools from the saddle shop I thought would come handy to
our saddler. Put them in my saddle bag. Started for Jackson about 11 AM with
about 15 prisoners, four soldiers, the rest were citizens. They were all a
jovial set. Stopped about 8 o’clock at night at a widow’s house four miles from
Jackson. Put the prisoners up stairs. The widow got some of us our suppers. On
guard with Ganard and Earl.
Jan. 14 - Came into Camp
Jan 15 - Snowed most all night and all day. Covered the ground 4 inches.
January 10, 1863 - Bacon and I were detailed to go to the corral to hold horses
and mules. Bacon took hold of one. It didn’t lead well, he gave it a quick
(jerk) and pulled the halter off the mules head. We went to catch him but
stopped at the sutlers store until the rest had done the business.
Jan 17 - Detailed with four others ,Sgt. Morton, to go on forage Some men from
other companies got on the wrong road. Did not intend to go more than half a
mile from camp. Had a guide from one of the companies that had been there , to
show us the place but the lieutenant that was with us was drunk - Went about six
miles out where they had plenty of corn. Stopped there about an hour then went
on four miles farther. The Lt. had a great time telling Norton how he was going
ahead to find a place to get corn. Wanted him to be particular when he came to a
house and saw his black horse standing at the gate. About three miles farther
came to the black horse. All the teams loaded up there but six which went on a
mile farther. Stood picket with a man from another company. Went to a house a
short ways distant and got a cold bite. The lieutenant came out there as we were
coming in and told us two that had been standing picket to stop at the next
house whether the other teams had loaded up and stand guard while he gave them a
receipt for the corn. Stood about two hours and it was dark, thought we would go
and see what was up ------------------- went up to the house found him blowing
away at the children. Told him we came down to see was the was the reason we
were not relieved. He was surprised, came out, got on his horse and away he
went. Couldn't keep up without being in great danger of breaking our necks but
did the best we could. When we got to the place where we had stopped first found
him dismounted examining a paper a Tennessee soldier had shown him, who had
stopped for the night and built a fire by the side of the road. Heard him say
“hell, this ain’t a discharge, nothing but a furlough.” Shortly after he mounted
again and away we went. Soon came up with the wagons which had got stuck. One
teamster ran his wagons off the bridge and liked to drown all the mules. Had a
hard. Time getting them out. Had to cut the tongue of the wagon and the harness.
It was cold and I was almost frozen when I got to camp.
Jan. 18 – I had the rheumatism all night in my ankles.
Jan 19 Started pretty early for Brownsville with Co. A and D. A cold rain all
day, sleet part of the time.
Jan 20 Went to Mrs Birisons(?), got supper and part of the evening hearing Miss
B playing on the piano and guitar.
Jan 21 - Went on stable guard, it was not much trouble, had our horses in the
livery stable. We could look it up and sleep in the office.
Jan 22 – Thawing fast.
Jan 23rd Went to ----with Burson and Demot and got breakfast. I went to McDuffs
and got supper. We was drunk and having a dispute with his wife about his going
into a house where they had the small pox.
Jan 24th – Someone fired a revolver in the night three times. Caused a slight
alarm. At daylight eight of us went to Woodard
Jan 24, 1863 (cont’d) on a scout. Found a soldier at a house. Said he lived
there and had a discharge - but lost it. Woodard told me to stay there until he
came back . Got my breakfast and quite a talk. Three girls there one of them was
O. R. The boys soon came back. They had come nigh capturing Secest Captain at
Dr. Johnsons they surrounded the house but he got wind of their coming and was
down to the stable getting his horse ready to start. Some of the boys went down
there but he got out of the gate and the doctors saw him shut it and there was a
large ditch they could not get across. He had a very fast horse and got away.
Went back to town. Went to Jim Woods and got dinner with Hicks.
Jan. 25-Breakfast at Mr. Clicies. Went to church in the forenoon, heard a good
sermon. Took dinner at the same place.
Jan. 26 Dinner at McDuffs Hard rain.
Jan 27. There was four stores broken open through the night. Potter and Goodrich
under arrest for stealing sugar. Some of the men from the other companies
arrested also . Went on guard over them in the afternoon.
Jan 28 - Went to Jim Woods and got dinner with Burson. He set the best table of
anyone in town. He was supt. of the M & Ohio railroad.
Jan 2 - All went to Jackson - My horse lame.
Jan 30 - Went on picket - Corp. Norton, Mettler, Bacon,Post, and Muselman in the
afternoon. Three men from Co, A relieved us so we could go in and get our pay.
Drew $26.00. Went back to post in two hours. Bacon, Post and Norton played poker
for green backs. Fine day, drying mud.
Jan 31 - Came off picket in the morning, built up a bunk in the tent - Raining
some towards night.
Feb. 1, 1863 - Wrote a letter to AS at Pittsburgh to C.H. Md. to cousin Mat 5 St
Gales D.C. - weather fine
Feb. 2 - Went with Whelan Post and Sgt Wells to cut rafters and stretchers to
build the stable.
Feb. 3 - Went on camp guard with Muselman and Corp Davis.
Feb . 4 – Didn’t have to stand my last trick of guar in the morning. Worked on
the stable half of the day. Snow towards night.
Feb. 5th - privates, two sergeants and three corporals to go on picket, so I had
to go on again with Corp. Wilson, Whelan, Strong and Buttler. Two men from Co. I
stood on the Mifflin road. Went on a short scout in the afternoon. Took supper
at a widows house close to the picket post with Wilson and Strong. Wilson paid a
dollar for the three of us. Snowed all day.
Feb 6 - Fine weather for making mud.
Feb 7 - Relieved from guard about 10 AM - Whelan and I split shokes(?) out of an
oak tree - put them in our stall in the stable for a floor.
Feb 8 - Pleasant weather - orders to march in the morning.
Feb 1863 - Saddled up at sick call – Started half an hour after the officers.
Were reprimanded for allowing us to come between the tents. The orders were for
us to go around always. Went to Denmark. 12 miles distant. Awful muddy. Arrived
there 1 PM. Put up in an old house. Co D went with us.
Feb 10 - Went on a scout with Toby Davis and Paul Vincent. Found a banner that
belonged to the Sons of Temperance in an old house. Got a wagon, loaded it with
corn at an old Secest house. His wife and daughter were very spunky and mean.
The latter had her intended shot at the battle of Shilo.
Feb. 11 - Went on camp guard, Ganard, Paul, Corp Davis on our relief.
Feb. 12 - rained hard.
Feb. 13 - Went to Brownsville 16 miles distant with part of the company under
Larence. Did not stay there but a short time over an hour. I was put on guard by
the lieutenant and stayed there until we left. Didn’t like it much. Turned off
the road. Went to Dr. Jones for the night. Had a most excellent supper.
Feb. 14 - After a good breakfast for all hands, we started for Denmark - Arrived
there about 1 PM, rainy all day.
Feb. 15 - Went to church twice - good sermons - in the afternoon preached
especially to soldiers.
Feb. 16 Fine weather -17th the same
Feb. 18 Went on picket.
Feb. 19 Came off picket - rain, 20th rain, 21st rain.
Feb. 22 Went to church twice - Went on picket
Feb. 23-Came off picket.
Feb 24th pleasant weather.
Feb. 25 - Hard rain then an awful rain.
Feb. 26 - Went on picket again, Goodrich came in from camp with orders for us to
go in tomorrow.
Feb. 27 - went to camp, mud about a foot deep on the level. Water in the river
very high.
Feb. 28 - Muster for pay and general inspection on horseback. Seemed very much
like Sunday. Rained towards night.
March 1, l863 - Went through Denmark with forage train twenty-two wagons. Loaded
them up at Reed's. Most of the boys got dinner, then some of us got dinner a
short ways this side of there. Stopped four miles from Denmark for the night.
Mar. 2 - Came back to camp. Did not have much trouble considering the state of
the roads. Most of the boys playing ball in the afternoon.
Mar 3 – Drill - Cold with a few flakes of snow.
Mar. 4 - Went on picket with Goodrich, Potter, Nettler and Whelan. Went with Co.
B. Had to go down town and report. Didn’t get on with any of our boys but
Whelan. We went on the Mifflin road with four men from Co. B.
Mar. 5th Came off picket.
March 6, 1863 - 0ur company to go on picket - Had to go on again. Five of us
stood on the Mifflin road with Sgt. Norton. Hard thunder showers, lightning
struck in the woods close by and made things crack.
Mar. 7 - Came off picket.
Mar. 8 – Sunday - Wrote a letter to Mat, home, and J. - Lewis Pa.
Mar 9 - Had a bad cold - coughed a good deal
Mar 10 rain all day.
Mar 11 The Co. to go on picket - I was excused from going - fine day. Bought
Earl’s fiddle
Mar 12-fine day
Mar 13 went on camp guard.
Mar 14 Came off camp guard.
Mar 15 - Very fine day - wrote a letter to father and brot11er.
March 16 - Company went out with forage train - went on the Nashville road 12
miles. While the rest of the boys were loading up the wagons, six of us went off
about a mile and got a good dinner. Got back in camp 4 PM.
Mar. 17th warm weather.
March 18 - Went on camp guard on the second relief. Had a couple of horse races
in the afternoon. One horse broke a vein, fell and knocked the negro insensible
that was riding him. Fetched the negro to Billey's tent close to the commissary.
Mar. 19 - Negro insensible yet - he was a small boy and was thought a good deal
of by the commissary. Men came off guard.
Mar. 20. Negro died - Went on stable guard at night - 10 men to go on picket in
the morning.
Mar 21 Co. A received pay. We were marched over but came back without any money.
Pay roll was not made out right.
Mar.22 - Sunday-drew pay. Had to settle up clothing bill. Had to pay $4.00 out
of my wages for clothing. A good deal of dissatisfaction among the boys on
account of this clothing not being charged to their weight(?). To march in the
morning with all the rations we can carry.
Mar. 23. Went to Mifflin - went a round about way through a swamp. Got there
about 4 PM. after traveling about 22 miles. Went on picket stood on the Jacks
Creek road. Got supper at the widow Furdies. She had a couple of fine daughters.
Rained all day.
Mar. 24th - Rain most all night. Didn’t sleep good - Got our blankets wet. Took
breakfast up to the widows house. Had quite a talk with the ladies - Thought we
wouldn’t go to dinner because several had eaten there besides us. One of the
boys threw some money in the old ladies cap when we left and made her take it
which she refused to do. Relieved about 4 PM.
Mar 25th Fine day - Whelan sick.
Mar. 26 - Went on picket - stood on the Lexington road. Took supper at a Secest
house with Bartholomew. The Secest was not afraid to speak what he thought. He
invited us to breakfast. The rest of the boys got supper a short ways up the
main road.
Mar. 27, 1863 – After breakfast, the old fellow wanted to draw us into an
argument. Gave him a few questions that mad him twist to answer. Took dinner
about three miles out at a union mans house where Davis and Earl got their
breakfast, while they ate close to the post. Relieved about 4PM. Two horses
stolen from Co. B one of them belonged to Capt. Adamson.
Mar. 28th Had a hard rain through the night.
Mar. 29 - Went on a scout with Capt. Andersons Co. They went on the straight
road. to Hacks Creek while our company went off to the left to meet at Jacks
Creek. Just before we got there met Co. C coming back to camp. They had gone out
the day before after the men that stole the horses. Got track of them and
followed them a good ways but the thieves took the shoes off the horses and went
through the woods and got away. Found Co. B in town. We had gone through the
town before when we went out to Cross Roads and came back to Jackson by way of
Bethel. Went about three miles beyond town over the large hills, then came back
to Mifflin.
Mar. 30 - Went on picket. Had been on about an hour, when all but one man on a
post was relieved so as to get ready to go to Lexington. After feeding my horse
went and relieved Bacon so he could get ready. Bishop told me he would come and
let ne know when the company started but he went away and left me there. Went to
quarters to see if they had gone, found that they had been gone 25 minutes. Had
a hard time catching up. Stopped in a house and got a canteen of milk for
Whelen. Got in Lexington about eleven o’clock. Went on guard with Burson, one
private and corporal from Co. B. stood over the rations in the wagons. Some of
the boys put up in the court house, some in an old dwelling house a short ways
off.
Mar. 31 - Removed to
rations. Whelan went
nothing tut blankets
Some of us that went
the dwelling house. Co. C & D went off on three days
to the hotel not being able to lay on the floor with
for bed clothing. A good many ate breakfast at the hotel.
in to the last table had some onions and cold fried pork
and very bad biscuits for which we paid fifty cents. Found some fault which
caused the old lady to blow considerable.
April 1, 1863 - The citizens had a great time fooling one another they would
send out in the country and have men come in to see men that were not there.
Heard that Col. Moyer and Major Wilcocks were coming from Jackson to make a
speech tomorrow. Someone started a report that they only wanted to get the
citizens in there to take their horses.
April 2 - The Major came but the Colonel had to go to Brownsville with the
Regiment. The Major made a speech in the court house in the afternoon. He spoke
to the park - a number of ladies present. To go on scout tomorrow.
April 3 - Went to Decaturville about 20 miles distant. Heard that some guerillas
had been there the day before. Went to the river seven miles farther. Found a
saber in a Negros house that had been left there by some of the guerillas which
they had taken from a man that belonged to the Tenn. Cavalry. He was shot
through the legs. Went about
April 3, 1863 (cont 'd) five miles farther. Camped for the night at a
plantation. The Rebs had been there in the morning. Went with Davis and Long to
where a couple of old maids lived and got supper. Had White, a Tenn. man for our
guide.
April 4 - After breakfast at the house went to Buckeye then went over the
mountain to White’s house. Fed our horses. Four of the boys went over to White’s
cousin's house in sight and captured and one of his conscripts. He was captain
in the confederate army. I went over shortly after and got dinner. After dinner
went on towards Lexington. Camped 12 miles from there at night. Went to
different houses and got our suppers. Went on guard.
April 5 - Went to different houses and got our breakfast. Some of the boys went
most to town. I took breakfast with Bishop about four miles from where we
stopped. Arrived in camp about 10 AM. Took dinner at the hotel. Had a better
meal this time.
April 6 - Went on forage twice with Corp. Davis, Burson and Goodrich. Found a
hat that a drunken citizen had left in the road. Goodrich got it and gave me his
old one.
April 7 - Co C came in with five or six prisoners from Braggs army.
April 8 – To go on scout with Co. B, two days rations. Went out on the Clifton
road. Traveled until nine o’clock at night then put up at a plantation four or
five miles from the river. Went on guard. All got supper at the house. Co. B
parted from us 10 miles from Lexington.
April 9 - After breakfast started in a south east direction. Went about three
miles then waited for the captain to come up, who had gone to the river with a
small squad of men. Lt. Larance, White and Earl went into camp. Met Co. B in the
afternoon. Stopped about six miles from Jacks Creek. The other Company went on
farther, got supper at the place we stopped.
April 10 - After breakfast traveled northward until we struck the Lexington
road. Stopped at noon, fed our horses and got dinner at a plantation. Arrived in
Lexington about 2 PM.
April 11th very fine day
April 12th Went on picket - stood on the Jackson road. Corp from Co B Giro and
Bacon.
April l3 - All the companies were ordered out on a march. They all went
different roads. Adamson came past us, told us to fall in with his Company. He
would not let us go back and get the things we had left behind. Couldn’t think
what was up. After ho got us out half a mile put us in line and told us that a
building in Mifflin had been broken into and a safe opened and he had reason to
suspect that some of us had done it. He had fetched us out To have us all
examined. Didn’t find anything suspicious. Then they went back to camp. Citizens
thought the Secest were coming. Relieved in the afternoon.
April 14 – Rained all day – Nathan Young died about four in the morning.
detailed to help dig his grave and be an escort in
I was
April 14 (cont’d) the afternoon at four o’clock. Fired three volleys over him
after a preacher made a few remarks and a praise. Went to quarters while some of
the rest buried him. He was the seventh that died out of the Company. Death
natural.
April 15 – Jumped so much that is made me very lame. A report that we were going
to Jackson in the morning.
April 16 – Going to camp put off until another day. Went on picket. Stood on the
Mifflin road.
April 17 – Relieved at six in the morning. Started for Jackson about 8. Went all
the way through without stopping, 28 miles. Arrived there about 4 PM. Co. C went
with us the rest staid back.
April 19 – Fine day until towards night it looked squally. Just after reveille
a heavy thunder shower came up. The lightning played around pretty close and
made an awful racket.
April 20 – The company went on picket. What non-commissioned officers were left
went to Corinth on their horses with Co. I. I was excused.
April 21 – Went to doctor and got excused from duty.
April 22 – In the afternoon Charley Norton ran a needle in my boil and let the
matter out.
April 23 – fine day – better
April 24 – Received four months pay $52.00. A good many of the boys went to
town. I spoke for a pass but could not get one till the 28th. Two a day were
allowed to go down and eight had spoken before me.
April 25. Jim Luis got his discharge. Sold my fiddle to Carr for six dollars.
Rain towards night.
April 26 – Went on picket with part of the Company and part of Company C. Stood
on the Mifflin road with Corp. Wilson, Demot, Bartholomew, and a man from Co. C.
April 27th – Came off picket – Rainy.
April 28 – Went to town – got a couple of plugs put in my teeth. Cost $9.00.
Tried to get a photograph taken but couldn’t. Took dinner at the restaurant.
Went down with Davis.
April 29th another boil, not so bad as the other but nigh the same place.
April 30th – The Regiment turned out for general inspection, mounted. Mustered
for pay. Couldn’t ride and went on foot with some of the rest. Seemed like
Sunday. Capt. Pope Co. I was presented with a saber by his Company. He made a
short speech. It was a fine day. First a squad commenced to build a house out of
Stakes for warm weather.
May 1, 1863 – Fine day – Went to the doctor and got excused from duty. The boys
went out on mounted drill.
May 2 – Dress parade in the morning and drill.
May 3, 18~3-Hain in the afternoon - Excused from duty . A large tree fell down,
liked to smash the 4th squad shebang. Fell across their cookhouse, smashed
things, took up the shebang and carried it out of danger. Preaching in the
afternoon by the chaplain.
May 4th - Went on camp guard. Hard thunder showers Commenced towards night.
Stood at the commissary.
May 5 - Rained all night - Came off guard 8 AM. A report that we were going to
march in the morning. 10 companies to go out different places.
May 6th - Ordered to saddle up about noon and start immediately. Didn’t have
time to get any dinner. Went over to the Nashville road and went into town. Half
a mile to town. We went two miles to get there. We then went in northern
direction. Heard we were going to Trenton about 12 miles came to a creek - no
bridge - cold weather. Wells went to swim across, his horse made quite a fuss
and he was glad to get back. Ganard thought he would go across, his horse swam
well until he struck the opposite bank which was three of four feet under water
and he could not raise his horse, liked to went under, lost his saddle off and
came nigh being left in the water . Went in swimming after his saddle but could
not get it ashore the current was so swift. We then went down the creek three
miles, found a place we could ford without getting wet. Stopped for the night
about five miles from the ford. Got our supper at the place we stopped.
May 7 - Saddled up after breakfast - Went to Trenton 12 miles distant. Stopped
there a short time. The officers gave out some orders issued by General Kimbal
respecting guerrillas and taking the oath of allegiance. Took dinner about four
or five miles from Trenton. Stopped fop the night 17 miles from Trenton making
27 miles we had traveled. On guard with five others - supper at the house
May 8th - When we were getting in line Toby’s horse kicked him in the mouth.
Knocked six of his teeth out. He went back with a couple of the boys . We went
to Dresden 12 miles distant. Co E stopped a short ways ahead by a whisky shop.
Larence (Sam?) was drunk when we came up with them, staid in town an hour.
Larence traded horses with a citizen - Started back - took dinner four miles
from Dresden. Stopped for the night 11 miles from Trenton. Plenty of stable room
for our horses.
May 9 - After breakfast, started for Trenton. When within a mile of there was
sent with Corp Davis, Post and Paul to get a load of corn at a house in sight.
Wasn’t any corn there, went to another place, had but little. At another place
concluded we would take some, although the folks made some fuss. Had some
trouble hunting up a wagon. Got a dinner at house on the road to town. Took
supper at the hotel.
May 10, 1863 – Fine day – boarded at the hotel. Co G and H(?) went away. Heard
that we were going tomorrow.
May 11 – Saddled up as soon as we got up in the morning. Started after
breakfast. The Major was sick and went in a wagon with Co. E. We went in on the
Denver road until we came eight miles of town. Stopped seven miles from town,
fed horses and had dinner. Heard that Washington was taken. When we got in town
heart it was the rebel capitol. The road guard was dusty. Arrived in camp 4 PM.
Went on horse.
May 12 – The regiment turned out at 8 AM to hear Hon. H.G. Kellogg speaks -----flattered us considerable.
May 13 – The C. turned out for fatigue duty. Col Kellogg arrived to make a
speech in the morning.
May 14 – Went to town on a pass with Davis. Sgt(?) General Thomas arrived made a
speech. Said he had come to authorize men to raise negro regiments. Kimble and
Ogelsby spoke and endorsed his policy. It was received with great enthusiasm by
the soldiers. Bishop and Markham (?) put their names in for a commission.
May 15 – Drill ------------------------May 16th – Went on guard
May 17th – came off guard.
May 18th – Orders to march after breakfast. Heard we were going to cross the
river. Four companies of us going. Fed horses at noon. Went through Mifflin
about one o’clock. Went 15 miles beyond and stopped for the night at a place we
had stopped before when out on a scout from Lexington.
May 19th – Our Co. and A started at four in the morning. Went towards the river
12 miles. We then went to Coffee Landing 8 miles and then turned to the left and
went to Saltillo 4 miles. The first line had a skirmish there the day before.
Rebels on the other side with a battery of artillery. One man and a horse were
killed by shells. Fed our horses at a Union mans house. The lady of the house
had two brothers on the other side. Said she would like to see us hang them on a
tree in front of the house. Stopped an hour and a half, then went to Saltillo.
Few of Company A men there. We went with them a mile and a half from the river
to where the rest of Co. A was. Co. A got orders to go away and started but came
back again. Got supper half a mile off where we had to go to get corn. Travelled
32 miles.
May 20th – Went towards Clifton. Fed our horses at D. Whites. We found the Major
with the other companies at a house a short ways off. Four girls at Whites. He
was not at home. They got dinner for us. Early dinner, we then went back where
the other companies were. Heard that 40 Secest had got across the river. Four
regiments of them at the landing. Our company was sent ----- that many – Seven
of us detailed to go on scout. Went five miles on the road we had come in on.
Traveled 18 miles.
May 21, 1863 – Nothing to eat. White’s folks baked some biscuit but they did not
go around. Went down the creek to bathe. Heard the orders to saddle, left, had
to hurry some to get ready in time. Went on the Lexington road, within 14 miles
of Lexington, then turned to the left to go to McBrides store. Fed horses at
noon and got dinner served at the store at 3 PM. Travelled 20 miles to sleep.
Here until further orders. Took supper at the house. The old man was the father
of 12 children. One young lady, two boys 10 or 12 years old. The rest were six
or seven years old.
May 22 - Went to a house a mile off and got breakfast with three others. Moved
camp a mile and a half to Lincy’s house. Secest old woman and daughter. Got
supper where we got breakfast.
May 23rd Went four miles for dinner, did not get anything worth eating. Ate
breakfast at my old place.
May 24 - Sunday my 21st birthday. Moved in the afternoon five miles out on the
Mifflin road. Went with Nettler for supper, found a place. 4 of Co. A came
along. We ate up all the meat in the house. Paul, my bunk mate, sick.
May 25 - Breakfast at the house and dinner. Good meals. While I was eating the
teams came in with five days rations and lots of mail. Got a letter from home.
Vincent cooked supper for us all. Most of the boys staid in instead of going out
after grub.
May 2lth - 19 of our company started towards the river in the morning. Co. A
started before we did. Did not know where they had gone. Went towards Clifton,
when within mile and a half of there turned back then went to the right. Went to
the furnace. 25 Secest had been across stealing horses the day before. Traveled
towards Perryville until dusk, stopped for the night, traveled 35 miles. Supper
at a house close by.
May 27 - Went within a few miles of Perryville then turned back after talking to
some Tenn. soldiers we met. Went to Decatursville Col. Breckenridge was there
with some of his men. 1st Tenn Cav. Stopped half an hour then went over to the
Lexington-Mifflin road at Scotts Hill. Stopped a couple of miles from there for
dinner. Some of the boys went on a head for dinner. I went after them and missed
the road, started back but a couple coming out, went with them found the other
boys but the people were so poor they could not feed us all. Went to Scotts Hill
and got dinner. Davis and Wilson went down the road when the company came up. We
went towards Lexington. Crossed over to another road after traveling seven
miles. Expected to find Co. A there. They hadn’t been there. Went back and
started for Lexington. One of the boys that had ------- saw some of Co. A and
told Larence after we had traveled a mile and a half. So we went back and found
them boys where we expected to find them. The roads were dusty. Traveled 37
miles.
May 28, 1863 - Went to Bengens(?) after a load of corn. Did not have a wagon.
Had to hunt some time around his neighbors to find one. Found one at a union
mans house and at another union place found a lot of warm milk. Had an argument
with the Brigens(?). Caught him in a trap to draw some corn in the morning.
Filled a large black snake with a toad in his mouth.
May 29th – Hard rain towards night – went on picket.
May 30th - A dispatch came in during the night for us to go to Jackson via
Clarksburgh. Went to Lexington, 10 miles distant rained hard when we started. A
few miles came to a place where it had not rained any. Stopped at Lexington an
hour and a half. Fed our Horses went with Vincent to a Secest’s house for
dinner. Four of Co. A there. They tried to get rid of us but didn't make it out.
Started for Clarksburgh. Passed the old battleground of Crossroads. Horse did
not travel as well as usual. Thought he was sick. Stopped a couple of miles from
town to rest a while. Found it to be so. Bled him several times but he would not
bleed good. Went on ahead with him and Davis put salt on his back but couldn’t
make him any better. Put the saddle on again and rode him within a mile of town.
Got supper and took another old horse to ride in on. Gave him some soda and
water, left him in the stable yard. Slept with Davis under corn crib shed.
May 31st - Davis went out in the morning and took the old horse I rode in back.
My horse had died. The folks expected us both to breakfast and had got up a good
one. One dish was chicken pot pie. The Lieut Cuttler got me a little filly to
ride out a short ways until I could get a mule. A citizen went aloneg to fetch
him back. Got a little mule five miles out, a short ways from the main road we
were traveling. Caught up with the companies as they were resting. A sign board
said 23 miles to Jackson. Did not think we were going that way before. Stopped
to feed at noon. Co A went further on when we came up with them. The rest
stopped. I went ahead and got in camp half an hour. First dinner where we fed.
June l - Went down to the creek and bathed with Millard, Potter and Birson.
Heard that we were going to leave the place.
June 2 - Went on picket and an unusual number of pickets. Most of the infantry
had left for Vicksburg(?). Heard that the place was going to be evacuated. Stood
on the Montezuma road. 12 of our company and a corporal and sergeant from
another. Got two pails of milk, 80 cents a pail full. Fell back across the river
at night.
June 3. - It had rained very hard through the night. Slept with Paul on the
ground. Had two ponchos over us and did not get wet. Relieved about 9 AM. Saw a
couple of yoke of oxen fall off the bridge that were afraid to cross. They had
six yoke on one of their long wagon and wanted to cross to get a long ----- for
Memphis. Don't think they made it out.
June 1, 1863 – Struck tents at Shebangs at 2 PM and went downtown. Stopped in an
old infantry camp made --- for boards and bedstands. I got the latter. We soon
had to leave them and go down to the railroad hotel. Co. F and A. The rest of
the companies went to other parts of the town. Put our horses in the backyard.
Two trains of soldiers went out with a battery of artillery. Some soldiers
thought they had started and set up a good hollowing but the train backed on
another switch and they had to get out and stay. Most of the boys but ours slept
on the hotel stoop. Part of us got in the baggage room and office.
June 5 - Went on picket. Stood on the Trenton road with Nettler, Perkins, Paul,
Corporals Henry Eldred and Norton. Had a slight scare in the night. Paul went to
relieve Perkins on the outpost. Eldred was standing at headquarters. Perkins did
not come in so after waiting an hour, Eldred got us up and we went to sec what
was up. Found them back on post.
June 6 - When we came in from picket, found all the infantry gone. A large
amount of Negro baggage to go yet and more coming in. The suttler was selling
beer. Dan of Co. A got drunk and left his pistol laying on a bench in an old
bakery where of Co. A’s men was baking. A citizen picked it up and accidently
shot him (the one baking) through the stomach. The ball entered on the left side
and came out an inch and a half over his navel. Put the man under arrest, tiedup. Put the wounded man in a brick house close by where our boys had gone into,
and slept the night before. Don was untied half an hour after. He cried.
June 7th – The wounded man died about 15 minutes after reveille in the morning.
15 men on picket from our company. I had to go on again. Stood on the Montezuma
road with Corp. Davis and ---- men from Co. D, six of ours. A good many of the
boys came down and went in swimming. Two trains came in from Lagrange.
June 8th – it had rained through the night. Heard boots and saddles blow up in
the town about 7 AM. The baggage train came along. Some other regiments wagons
with them. Over a hundred wagons. Two hours after the regiment came along we
fell in with the company. Fed at noon 9 miles from Jackson. Hard up for grub
although there was plenty in the wagons. The cooks didn’t cook it. Stopped for
the night 4 miles of Bolivar. Heard some canon while on the road. The folks said
that they had fired 20 rounds there. Thought perhaps Vicksburg had fallen.
Traveled 24 miles.
June 9 – Went to Bolivar. Some of the boys stole hats, tobacco, etc. in a store.
Stopped an hour and a half. We then went towards the Junction. Horse fell down
wonder I did not get killed but I didn’t get hurt. Stopped at Middleburgh and
fed at noon. Stopped at a fine place for the night three miles from the
Junction. Travelled 26 miles.
June 10th – It had rained through the night and most of the boys got wet. I
slept with Bartholomew under some rails and our ponchos over them. Slept dry.
Went in sight of the Junction then turned to the right and went to Lagrange.
Stopped a half mile from town and
June 10th (cont’d) in an old camp. After waiting some time for the officers to
hunt up a camping place. Expected to camp somewhere soon.
June 11th Expected to camp on the other side of town. Did not move.
June 12 – Orders to go out with Co. A, three days rations. Went towards Bolivar.
Heard that we were going out to pick up deserters of the 2nd Tenn. Cavalry.
Stopped for the night nine miles from Bolivar. Warm day – 14 miles.
June 13 – Corp Eldred who was on picket came in the morning with two Tenn boys
that had run on him. They owned up that he was going home. Said he had not been
hom in two weeks. Went to Bolivar where we staid a couple of hours then started
back. The prisoners were put under ------ and spooners care. Stopped at noon to
feed at a widow woman’s. Her daughter and self made a fuss because they thought
take the old horse and mule. Gave them a good mule that we had picked up in
Bolivar. Went close in to camp. Travelled 32(?) miles.
June 14 – To move camp. The 6th Ill. boys moved over night to the south and we
took their old camp. A detail from each company to clean it up. I was one. Had
plenty of work to do. Didn’t like it much after we had been laying around a week
set us to work on Sunday. Had the tents up by night.
June 15, 1863 – All the company detailed to build a stable. Some of us who
worked yesterday had to go out and cut in the woods so we could get done in the
forenoon but worked well till one o’clock. Orders to march in the morning with
six days rations. Heard that some other regiments were going. Thought we were
going out to Jackson as we heard that the Secest had been out that way doing
mischief.