The following diary was kept by William H. Hogan (1846-1900) while serving in Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry during the American Civil War. He was the oldest child of James Hogan (1821-1862)—a carpenter residing in Sheboygan Falls, and his wife Rosannah. William’s father died in March 1862 when he was 16 years old.

On 2 November 1863, when he was 17, William enrolled himself in the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry where he served for the next two and a half years as a corporal. This regiment was originally organized at Racine as the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and mustered in on July 2, 1861. It moved to Baltimore, Maryland, July 15-22, 1861, then to Virginia en route to New Orleans, Louisiana.

As the 4th Wisconsin Infantry it fought at the Siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Port Hudson, and the occupation of Baton Rouge in 1862 and 1863. On September 1, 1863, it was reconstituted as the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry and spent the remainder of the war policing occupied territory in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

The 4th Wisconsin Cavalry returned to Madison June 3-18, 1866, almost a year after the war had ended. The regiment lost 431 men during service. Eleven officers and 106 enlisted men were killed. Three officers and 311 enlisted men died from disease.

[Note: This diary is from the personal collection of Mike Huston and was transcribed & published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Three members of the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry from the collection of my friend, Jim Rivest. The image of Howard was taken early in the war before the regiment was converted into a cavalry unit and shows the original gray uniform.

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January 1864

Friday, 1st—Thus began the year 1864. Got up at 8 o’clock and ate breakfast and then staid in camp all day. It is very cold here. was on camp guard last night from 8 o’clock until 12. Then was relieved. Wrote home. Thus began the New Year. May it always be prosperous.

Saturday, 2nd—Encamped at Baton Rouge, La. Went out to the picket post on Port Hudson Road. Went in the afternoon to carry out their supper. Nothing more worth note.

Sunday, 3rd—Wrote home to Mother & Dell. Went out to the picket post on the Port Hudson Road. Went out for some meat that the boys had killed but failed to get it. Brought in some wood to camp .

Monday, 4th—Drawed one pair of shoes $2.05. It is a very rainy day in camp. Mike Benson arrived in camp. Reported some recruits at Natchez waiting to come down.

Tuesday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing worth writing of. It is very cold.

Wednesday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. It is very cold.

Thursday, 7th—James Knowles & Mr. [George H.] Hill, [William] Hanford & [George W.] Honey, Charley Brown and 6 other recruits came from Sheboygan county. Received from Mother by Mr. Honey 1 pair of boots, 1 pair of socks, and 1 towel. Was relieved from camp guard.

Friday, 8th—Staid in camp until 10 o’clock & then James Knowles and Charley went down town 2 hours and a half and then returned to camp & at 5 o’clock went out on Port Hudson Road with pickets.

Saturday, 9th—Went down town twice—once in the forenoon with Mr. Hill & Hanford and in afternoon with Tommy and Johnny. It is very pleasant overhead but muddy underfoot.

Sunday, 10th—Write home & wrote to Wilson Matherson. Staid in camp all day. Charley left our tent and went to tent with Glover. Nothing more. Was on horse guard.

Monday, 11th—Went out to picket post on up river road with dinner and in evening on Greenville Springs Road with supper. It is reported that Lt. Earl and 18 men were taken prisoners. Only two returned yet of Co. I. Two companies go to relieve them if possible. ¹

¹ While returning from a raid, members of Lt. Earl’s group found themselves surrounded and most of them were captured. Earl and four others, however, eluded capture by galloping through the woods toward Baton Rouge. They managed to cross several small streams before arriving at the deeper and wider Comite River where Pvt. Miles Stanford of Co. I was captured. Earl and Co. D.’s Sergeant George Bailey managed to get across the river became separated from their horses and were soon apprehended. Only Pvts. Pharus parker and Charles Bush of Co. D made it back to Baton Rouge. (Source: “The Notorious Isaac Earl and His Scouts” page 103.)

Tuesday, 12—Went out on Clinton Road 2 to carry the pickets meals out. It is a very nasty day. Nothing worth note.

Wednesday, 13th—Staid in camp all day. Our company went on a scout and returned with one prisoner and horse. Nothing more heard from Lieut. Earl & men. I am on horse guard.

Thursday, 14th—Went down town with James G. in forenoon & then carried out pickets’ dinner on Clinton & Port Hudson Road. Received orders to have our arms ready for use at any moment.

Friday, 15th—Staid in camp all day. It is a cold day. Was detailed for 3rd relief to clean up around camp. Johnny was on horse guard. Tommy relieved him tonight. Drilled in saber exercise. Lt. [Aaron C.] Bush drilled us. Did not feel well today yet [ ].

Saturday, 16th—Mistake. Look to January 22nd.

Sunday, 17th—Wrote home. Our company was detailed on a scout. Went to church to hear farewell sermon of the 128th New York Regimental Chaplain. Was detailed on 2nd relief horse guard.

Monday, 18th—Staid in camp at Baton Rouge all day. Nothing of importance occurred during the day. Wrote to Chloe today. It is quite warm weather.

Tuesday, 19th—Was detailed to go with the wagon train for a guard after wood. Mail came but no letter for me. Went down town. Order was read in reference to enlistments. The Indiana boys gone home on a furlough.

Wednesday, 20th—Received my horse today. Lieutenant Brooks drawed 10 horses for the company. Was detailed for camp guard. Our horses belonged to the 7th Kentucky Regiment who have dismounted.

Thursday, 21st—Staid in most of the day. Went down town with Charley to get a box to feed our horses in. Went to a prayer meeting inside of the fort. Let my horse go on a scout. [Zadoc] Thrasher rode him.

Friday, 22nd—[actually January 16th—went down town with James & Johnny. There was two Kentucky regiments arrived here in Baton Rouge & an Illinois Battery. 10 men from our company were detailed on scout at 3 o’clock in the morning.] This is a mistake in date. Turn back one week from today.

Saturday, 23rd—Was detailed for camp guard. Drawed 1 saddle, 1 blanket, 1 bridle & 1 watering bridle., 1 pair of spurs. Staid in camp all day. Nothing more worth note for today. Received letter from Chloe.

Sunday, 24th—Staid in camp until evening. Then went down to hear the 128th New York Brass Band. Went to meeting on the parade ground. Was relieved from camp guard. Mr. Honey to preach next Sunday at 3 o’clock.

Monday, 25th—Detailed on a scout for the first time. Charley was detailed to do the Lieutenant’s writing. Turned his horse over to Johnny. Drawed 10 cartridges for my carbine. ²

² According to 1864 Ordnance Returns now available on ResearchArsenal, Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry had 47 carbines issued. These were specifically 0.54 caliber breech-loading Burnside Carbines. Ambrose Burnside designed and patented this rifle in 1857. It was the third most popular carbine of the Civil War; only the Sharps carbine and Spencer carbine were more widely used. Members of the company also carried 0.44 caliber Remington Revolvers.

Tuesday, 26th—Went down town with Johnny. We raised a Liberty Pole on our parade ground. Had a detail from our company to clean the ground.

Wednesday, 27th—Was detailed for picket on the Clinton Road. It is the first time I was on. Johnny was on Greenville Springs Road for the first time. Received letter from Nervie.

Thursday, 28th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9 o’clock. Slept about 4 hours in the afternoon. Nothing more worth note. It is very warm today.

Friday, 29th—Was detailed on a scout this afternoon—Johnny & me, Tommy got his horse and equipments. Nothing more, only it is very warm.

Saturday, 30th—Staid in camp all day. Wrote to Nervie . Tommy was detailed out with a scout and had to leave his horse for he was sick. Rode in a ambulance. It is warm and pleasant weather.

Sunday, 31st—Was detailed for picket on the Clinton Road. Johnny was detailed on the Greenville Springs Road. Tommy’s mule died this evening on account of not being properly fed. It is warm with a little rain.

February 1864

Monday, 1st—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9 o’clock. In the afternoon went in the woods and got some poles and built a stall for my horse. It is warm and cloudy.

Tuesday, 2nd—Staid in camp until evening. Then went to a Union Meeting held at the City Hall for the purpose of electing a State Governor. Received a letter from Ella West & Uncle George. It is war, weather.

Wednesday, 3rd—Went with the regiment over to the 128th New York Volunteers. They raised their regimental flag. Had orders to start on a raid over the river. Start at 2 o’clock. Write home today. It is warm.

Thursday, 4th—Started according to our order. Took passage on Blackhawk. Went up the river 10 miles, then landed and went to the town Rosedale. Took Reb’s wagon train & 12 prisoners & one Major. Went to guard at a bridge 10 miles back. Lost two of our men prisoners.

Friday, 5th—Started from depot for the river. Staid till boat came up. Then went aboard John Warner. Went back to camp.

Saturday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. Slept about 4 hours. Was tired and sore from the effect of my ride. It is quite warm & pleasant. Nothing more worth note.

Sunday, 7th—Was detailed for picket. Was on Highland Road. Received one letter from Dell and one from Nervie with a picture. Was warm and pleasant. Nothing more to take note of.

Monday, 8th—Was relieved from picket this morning. Lieut. [Aaron C.] Bush started on a scout. Got about 5 miles when he was fired at and wounded pretty bad with one private. Went out on a scout with Lieut. [Henry] Brooks.

Tuesday, 9th—Went on a scout. Started at 5 o’clock in the morning. Capt. [Nelson F.] Craigue [of Co. F] had 8 men taken prisoners and two wounded in the arms. They were on picket. Got back from scout at 7 o’clock.

Wednesday, 10th—Staid in camp all day. Felt some tired from riding. Got up very late in morning. Got a letter from Dell & I wrote one to Nervie Stewart. Nothing more.

Thursday, 11th—Was detailed to go on picket on the Highland Road. We had a very good time. We had no vedette so I slept most all the afternoon. Nothing more transpired.

Friday, 12th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock. Staid in all day. Slept most of the afternoon. Lieut. Bush got up and wrote a letter which made him worse.

Saturday, 13th—Went out on a scout with Lieutenant Williams of Co. A. In the evening, Johnny and I went to the theatre. We made some tickets ourselves so it cost us nothing.

Sunday, 14th—Went to meeting at 3 o’clock in afternoon. [Chaplain] Honey spoke. Then after meeting I wrote to Mother & Dell. Nothing more worth note.

Monday, 15th—Was detailed for picket on the Blind Road. ³ It rained most all day but was pleasant in the evening.

³ I can’t find a “Blind Road” in Baton Rouge. William was probably using the word interchangeably with the Highland Road which ran in front of the “Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Asylum” on the south side of town. See map above.

Tuesday, 16th—Staid in camp until noon. Then went down town. Received a letter from Josey Knowles & a paper from Dave, two from Mr. Thomas & I received 2 unknown. It is quite cold weather.

Wednesday, 17th—It is a very cold day. Nothing very special occurred today. Was out on regimental inspection mounted without anything more to note. I close with saying I got my horse shod.

Thursday, 18th—Went on a scout over the Comite River [east of Baton Rouge]. Caught one Reb. Lieut. Brooks was in charge. Our regiment—all but three companies—were ordered to get 3 days rations ready to go on a march.

Friday, 19th—Was detailed on picket for the Blind Road. Nothing more transpired worthy of note.

Saturday, 20th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock. Part of our company went on a scout and caught one Reb. My horse is quite lame.

Sunday, 21st—Wrote two letters—one to Ella West & [one to] Dave. Received one from Dell. My horse was excused from picket for he is lame. Johnny and Tommy is on picket.

Monday, 22nd—Staid in camp all day until [afternoon]. Went down to the circus with Charley. Paid 75 cents to go in. Got back to camp 11 o’clock. It is quite warm.

Tuesday, 23—Went over to camp and drilled mounted in the forenoon. In the evening went to the circus with Johnny and paid nothing to get in. Nothing more.

Wednesday, 24th—Staid in camp most of the day. Then went down town with Johnny. Got a mail in camp. I received a letter from Mary Jenkins stating that my friend, Wils Matherson was dead. He died the first of this month.

Thursday, 25th—Was detailed for picket on Clinton Road. Stood third relief. Was very warm and dusty. Lieutenant Meadows came in with a scout. He had one prisoner. Nothing more.

Friday, 26th—Was relieved from picket his morning at 10 o’clock. Came in camp and ate breakfast. Then got ready and went out on inspection. Our Adjutant inspected our arms.

Saturday, 27th—Staid in camp most of the day. 20 of our men were detailed to go on a scout. Johnny and Tommy went. The weather is quite warm and dusty. Nothing more.

Sunday, 28th—Wrote to Uncle Charles Chamberlain. The weather is warm and pleasant. Our company is detailed for a scout in morning at 3 o’clock.

Monday, 29th—Started on a scout. We went out to the stockade to get Capt. [Nelson F.] Craigue’s company. Then we went out to the Amite River capturing one Reb. They fired at us but hurt no one.

March 1864

Tuesday, 1st—Was detailed for picket on the Blind Road. It is very nasty weather, being rainy and cold. Nothing worthy of note transpired.

Wednesday, 2nd—Was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock. Returned to camp. Our mail came at noon. Received one letter from Dell & one from Chloe & Nervie.

Thursday, 3rd—Was quite warm weather. Wrote a letter to Adell and one to Chloe. Johnny and Tommy was out on a scout. Nothing more was the matter today,

Friday, 4th—Staid in camp all day. Wrote to Nervie Stewart. A part of our company was on a scout. It is quite warm today. Nothing more worthy of note.

Saturday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. In the evening went down town with Johnny. Had dress parade this afternoon. Tommy is detailed for a picket on the Blind Road. It is warm weather.

Sunday, 6th—I was detailed as a picket on the Port Hudson Road. Halted one carriage on my beat in the night. Two ladies and one young man were in it. They stopped at the reserve until morning.

Monday, 7th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock by Co. A. Tommy ⁴ was on a scout but saw nothing. Returned to camp at 5 o’clock.

⁴ William frequently refers to his comrade “Tommy” whom I believe to be Thomas Stewart of Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry. He enlisted at the same time as William in November 1863 and mustered out as corporal on 8 July 1865. He was killed in May 1870 while log driving on the Wolf River. William also mentions corresponding with Chloe Stewart (b. 1844) and Harriet Manerva (“Nervie”) Stewart (b. 1849). These were Tommy’s younger sisters.

Tuesday, 8th—Lieutenant [James E.] Williams of Co. A was shot dead out where Lieut. Bush was wounded. One of our boys was shot in the hip. The regiment was out. It is warm today.

Wednesday, 9th—Staid in camp all day. Received a letter from Nervie Stewart and one from sister Dell. Nothing more worthy of not. It is rainy and unpleasant weather.

Thursday, 10th—Was detailed for a picket on the Port Hudson Road. Tommy and Johnnie was detailed on the Greenville Springs Road. It is foggy and unpleasant weather.

Friday, 11th—Was relieved from picket at half [past] 9 o’clock by some of Co. A. Returned to camp at half [past] 10 o’clock. Tommy and Johny brought in a quarter of beef that they killed.

Saturday, 12th—Wrote to Nervie Stewart today. Was out on a scout in the command of Lieutenant Farnsworth. Captured two Rebs and returned to camp, arriving at about 6 o’clock. the weather is warm and pleasant.

Sunday, 13th—Staid in camp until after dinner. Then went down town. Wrote to Dell and Mary Jenkins. Our company had 5 men detailed on a scout. It is quite warm weather.

Monday, 14th—Was detailed for picket on Clinton Road. Johnny went out for me and I went on camp guard for him. drew hard tack today. It is quite war, weather.

Tuesday, 15th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Staid in camp until after dinner. Then went down town with James Knowles. It is quite cool today.

Wednesday, 16th—Staid in camp all day. Wrote to Mother today and to Josey Knowles. It is quite cold weather here today. Went on dress parade. Had some orders read, then was dismissed. [Christian] Schumann died at 8 o’clock. ⁵

⁵ Pvt. Christian Schumann of Moselle was a veteran who had enlisted in April 1861. He died of wounds on 16 March 1864. Though the regimental record does not state how and when Schumann was wounded, I presume he was the private who was wounded at the time that Lt. Williams was killed on 8 March 1864. In his diary entry of that date, William wrote, “One of our boys was shot in the hip.”

Thursday, 17th—Staid in camp all day. Tommy is on picket. I went to Schumann’s funeral today. Our company went. We were all mounted. There was 305 Rebs brought here today taken at Red River.

Friday, 18th—Was detailed for a picket on the Greenville Springs Road. The weather is very pleasant. A deserter came from the Rebs at about 5 o’clock and wanted to come in our lines.

Saturday, 19th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9 o’clock. Our regiment has gone on a scout. They went last night. The weather is very pleasant. Tommie is on picket on the Port Hudson Road.

Sunday, 20th—Staid in camp until 11 o’clock. Then got a pass and went down town. Had a regimental inspection mounted. Was inspected by Colonel Frederick A. Boardman. It is very warm today.

Monday, 21st—It is rainy and very unpleasant today. Was detailed for a scout. My horse fell down with me when out on the scout but did not injure me at all.

Tuesday, 22nd—Was detailed for a picket on the Clay Cut Road. It is a very warm and pleasant day. Nothing of any importance occurred during the day.

Wednesday, 23rd—Was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock by Co. K. It is very pleasant and warm today. Our company signed the pay rolls today, it being the first I ever signed in the service.

Thursday, 24th—Received four months pay up to the 1st of March. 52 dollars, 38 dollars and 10 cents cash. 13 dollars and 90 cents being taken out for the sutler. Received a letter from Dell and Mother. Also one from Nervie.

Friday, 25th—Was detailed a picket on the Highland Road. Nothing of any importance occurred more than the scenes in and around camp after pay day—a lot of drunken soldiers.

Saturday, 26th—Was relieved from picket this morning at 9:30 o’clock. Returned to camp. Received a pass to go down town and get my picture taken but could not get it. Went over to Capt. [George W.] Durgin’s to sit up with Lieut. [Aaron C.] Bush.

Sunday, 27th—Our company is on a scout. I was excused for my horse has a very sore eye. Tommy and Johnny went. Tommy came back quite sick. wrote to Nervie today and then went down town. It is warm and pleasant weather.

Monday, 28th—Was detailed for camp guard Number 6, 2nd Relief. Wrote home to Nervie Stewart. The weather is fine although rather windy. Nothing more worthy of note occurred.

Tuesday, 29th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Wrote home and sent my picture. Also wrote to Chloe and sent my picture. Had two pictures taken which cost $3. It is quite warm.

Wednesday, 30th—Tommy and Johnny was detailed for a scout. I did not go for my horse was not able. Joel [L. Stewart (a bugler)] and six more recruits came for our company. Nothing more occurred worth note.

Thursday, March 31—Went down town with Joel [Stewart]. ⁶ Staid until noon. Then returned to camp. Wrote to Nervie Stewart today. Went on camp guard for Rogers from 9 o’clock until 11 and he paid me 50 cents.

⁶ Joel L. Stewart (b. March 1843), was the younger brother of Thomas (“Tommy”) J. Stewart (b. 1840) who enlisted in February 1864 to serve as a bugler for Co. C, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry. Tommy and Joel ad an older brother named Silas E. Stewart (1836-1881) who also served in the Civil War as a private in Co. B, 8th Wisconsin Infantry—the “Eagle Regiment” made famous by their live eagle mascot, “Old Abe.”

April 1864

Friday, 1st—Staid in camp all day. We received a mail today. Received a letter from Dell and Chloe and Minervie. Answered Chole’s and Dell’s today. It is quite warm and pleasant.

Saturday, 2nd—Staid in camp all day. It is very warm. Johnny was detailed for picket on Perkins Road. Received a small mail today. Got a letter from Lot [Charlotte (b. 1852)] Stewart and Ella Wert. Answered Lot’s and Nervie Stewart’s letters today.

Sunday, 3rd—Was detailed for a scout. Went in command of Lieut. [Samuel C.] Mower of Co. K. Did not get any Rebs but saw two. They got away from us. It is very warm and dusty. Did not feel well when I got back.

Monday, 4th—Staid in camp all day. Tommy, Johnny, Joel and me began to build us a brick house. Drawed some brick and got ready. Had to drill today under [Sgt. Edward E.] Sharp.

Tuesday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. Joel and I work on our house. Tommy being on a scout got some lumber for a roof. It is quite warm. Joel had to drill one hour.

Wednesday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. Worked on our house some. Could not much for it rained and Tommy and Johnny were detailed on camp guard. Got a mail in camp. I got no letter. Joel got two letters and Timmy one.

Thursday, 7th—Staid in camp all day. Our veteran boys is very busy getting ready to start for home as soon as the J. C. Swan steamboat arrives to take them. It is quite pleasant weather. was on horse guard.

Friday, 8th—Staid in camp until 4 o’clock. Then received orders to saddle up and escort the veterans down to the boat. The boys went on board and we gave them three cheers and then returned to camp wishing the boys success [on their furlough]. Wrote to Mother today and sent it by 1st Sergt. [Austin] Gibbons.

Saturday, 9th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of any importance occurred worthy of note. Wrote home to Mother and Dell. Tommy with 7 others were appointed to act as corporals until the veteran’s return [from furlough].

Sunday, 10th—Was detailed for a picket on the Perkins Road, Nothing of any importance occurred during the day. It is very warm and pleasant.

Monday, 11th—Was relieved from picket by some of the Co. H boys. Returned to camp and wrote to Ella West. Our corporal [Spencer A.] Hamblin was reduced to the ranks for not attending to his business keeping me on vedette 5 hours without sending me a relief.

Tuesday, 12th—Staid in camp until after roll call. Then Johnny and I went down town. Joel is on camp guard. Johnny was appointed corporal in the place of Hamblin. Our company received their Company Flag. It is quite warm.

Wednesday, 13th—Was detailed as camp guard, No. 2, 2nd Relief. Received a mail in camp. I got four letters—one from Chloe and Manervie Stewart, one from Uncle George, and one from Dave. Answered Dave’s letter. It is raining.

Thursday, 14th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. returned to camp and slept until noon. Got up, ate dinner, then sat down and answered Chloe’s letter. We have the report that the rebs attacked Port Hudson today. We can hear the cannons report.

Friday, 15th—Staid in camp all day. there was one regiment of Illinois Cavalry came here today. Was detailed on fatigue duty this afternoon. wrote home to Nervie today.

Saturday, 16th—Was detailed on picket on the Blind road. Nothing of any importance occurred. Received a mail in camp but no letters for me. It is very warm and pleasant.

Sunday, 17th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock. Returned to camp and wrote to Uncle George. Tommy is on picket on the Clinton Road. It is warm and pleasant weather.

Monday, 18th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of any importance occurred during the day. The weather is warm and pleasant. Reported that our veterans are at Memphis.

Tuesday, 19th—Was detailed for picket on the Clay Cut Road. The weather is fine. It is very warm. Nothing more occurred than the usual things on picket.

Wednesday, 20th—Was relieved from picket at 9 o’clock by Co. H boys. Returned to camp. Drilled in forenoon. Afternoon had dress parade. Got a mail. Received a letter from Con. Donohue.

Thursday, 21st—Was detailed for a scout in command of Lt. Brooks. Crossed the Comite River. Captured one prisoner. Returned to camp about 6 o’clock.

Friday, 22nd—Was detailed for a picket on the Greenville springs Road. Nothing of any importance occurred more than the usual duty of a picket. It is very warm and pleasant weather.

Saturday, 23—Was relieved from picket at 9 o’clock. Tommy was detailed to guard the telegraph that they are building through. He will be gone 4 days.

Sunday, 24—Wrote to Con. Donohue. Was detailed for a scout and to be ready to start at one o’clock in command of one of the Illinois officers and 40 men. Caught one prisoner. It is quite warm. Got a mail from Dell & Minerva.

Monday, 25th—Was detailed for a picket on the Greenville Springs Road. Nothing occurred more than usual on picket duty. It is very warm and pleasant.

Tuesday, 26th—Was relieved from picket at 9:30 o’clock by Co. B boys. Returned to camp and got my horse shod. It is the warmest day we have had. 22nd Kentucky Regiment have gone to Red River from here.

Wednesday, 27th—Was detailed on a scout to go up the river to destroy all ferry boats found. we destroyed six, captured four prisoners. It is very warm indeed. Returned to camp at 6 o’clock. Tommy came from Port Hudson tonight.

Thursday, 28th—Was detailed for a picket on the Port Hudson Road. Nothin of any importance occurred. The weather is very warm and pleasant.

Friday, 29th—Staid in camp all day. Lieut. Earl that the Rebs captured escaped and came in camp this morning. ⁷ Was relieved for picket. Got a mail in camp. One letter from Nervie, Dell, and Uncle Charles.

⁷ When Lt. Earl returned to the regiment, he had quite a story to tell. After being captured in early January, he was taken to the Confederate camp near Clinton, Louisiana, where he was reunited with the other prisoners. They were stripped, abused, and threatened to be hung as horse thieves but Earl asserted his rights as a prisoner of war and, as an officer, he was taken to Cahaba Prison near Selma, Alabama. To lessen the chance that he might escape, Earl’s shoes were taken from him, but even so, he nearly escaped twice while enroute to the prison. After nearly three months in captivity, Lt. Earl finally made good on his escape from Cahaba Prison and made his way to Union-occupied Pensacola where he hopped a vessel to New Orleans and then was transported up the Mississippi to his regiment at Baton Rouge where he once again, almost immediately, started leading scouting parties. The details of Lt. Earl’s escape can be read in Gordon Olson’s book, published inn 2014, under the title of “The Notorious Isaac Earl and His Scouts.”

Saturday, 30th—Staid in camp until noon. Then went down town. Had regimental inspection. Also was mustered for pay. It is very warm. Our boys captured one Reb Sergeant today. Lieut. Earl has gone on a scout.

May 1864

Sunday, 1st—Was detailed for camp guard, Post No. 1. Tommy and Johnny are detailed for picket. Tommy on the Clinton Road and Johnny on the Clay Cut Road. It is very warm and pleasant. Wrote to Uncle Charles.

Monday, 2nd—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Returned to camp. Got orders to be ready with two days rations at 5 o’clock in evening to go out to Clinton. Got ready and started as ordered. Went out 12 miles and camped for the night.

Tuesday, 3rd—Started for Clinton at 5 o’clock in the morning. Drove in the rebs’ pickets. Came in contact with the main body about 150 in all. Had a pretty hard fight for half an hour when the rebs fell back. Colonel [Frederick A.] Boardman was shot. ⁸ About 4 o’clock the artillery shelled the woods and drove them over the Comite river when we began to fall back. Camped at Red Wood Bridge for the night.

⁸ Lieut.-Colonel Frederick A. Boardman (1832-1864) was leading a squad of soldiers outside the city when he was shot through the head by a Confederate sharpshooter. His body was returned to Milwaukee where his funeral was attended by large crowds.

Wednesday, 4th—Returned in camp this morning.

Thursday, 5th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of importance occurred. Went down town a little while. The 14th Maine Regiment came into camp here.

Friday, 6th—Staid in camp all day. Was detailed for horse guard today. It is very warm. Tommy is on picket on the Port Hudson Road.

Saturday, 7th—Was relieved from horse guard. Our company was ordered to be ready with one days rations for a scout. Wrote to Mother today.

Sunday, 8th—Staid in camp all day. Nothing of importance occurred. Received a mail in camp. Got a letter from Nervie. Answered it today. One of our company died in the hospital today—Ed Barnes [of Greenbush]. I went out on dress parade at half past 4.

Monday, 9th—Staid in camp until 12 o’clock. Then skedaddled up and went to Ed Barnes’ funeral. Returned to camp and wrote to Nate G____. Nothing more worthy of note occurred. Our boys are going on a scout. I can’t go. My horse is lame.

Tuesday, 10th—Was detailed for camp guard on 1st Relief, Number 4. Our boys returned from the scout. Nothing of importance with them during their trip.

Wednesday, 11th—Was relieved from camp guard at 9 o’clock. Do not feel well today. Tommy is on picket. Today we received a mail in camp. I got a letter from little Lottie Stewart.

Thursday, 12th—Staid in camp all day. Feel very sick. Tommy is sick too so we lay a bed most of the day. Johnny is on picket on the Port Hudson Road.

Friday, 13th—Johnny was relieved from picket this morning at 10 o’clock. Staid in camp all [day]. Feel very bad indeed. Lay a bed most all day. Nothing of importance occurred in camp.

Saturday, 14th—Was detailed for a picket on the Clinton Road. Got a mail in camp. Sent my letters to me. Got one from Chloe & Sam Patten.

Sunday, 15th—Was relieved from picket at 10 o’clock by remainder of our company. Returned to camp. wrote to Lottie Stewart. Nothing of any importance occurred.

Monday, 16th—Staid in camp until after dinner. Then our company saddled up and we went blackberrying. Johnny, Joel and I got about 4 quarts.

Tuesday, 17th—Twenty from our company of which Johnny and I were two was detailed to be ready at 3 o’clock to go and lay in ambush out about 8 miles from town but we saw no rebels.

Wednesday, 18th—After stopping at Mr. Caldwell’s until 12 o’clock. we started and went out on the Clay Cut Road 3 miles and ambushed again—all but two men of which I was one to go to a man’s house and take him.

Thursday, 19th—Returned to camp today. Felt rather fatigued after my ride and no rest. Nothing of any importance occurred in camp of note.

Friday, 20th—Received a mail in camp. Received a letter from Minerva. Also a piece of a letter from Mother and sister Dell. I have answered Nervies tonight.

Saturday, 21st—staid in camp until 4 o’clock. Then we all went out on monthly inspection. It is very warm today. I also went in the woods to cut brush to build a shade for our horses.

Sunday, 22nd—Was detailed to act as corporal on the Blind Road. Nothing of any importance more than usual duty of a picket. Lt. Mower was officer of the guard. It is very warm.

Monday, 23rd—Was relieved from picket by corporal of Co. H at 9:30 o’clock. Returned to camp. Slept until 3 o’clock, then wrote to Mother and Dell. Went in swimming in the Old Mississippi river. Very warm today.

Tuesday, 24th—Was detailed for [picket] on the Clinton Road. There was six rebs came down and fired at our vedette five times but did not hit him. He returned the fire, this being in the night.

Wednesday, 25th—We saw them this morning but they left double quick. Was relieved from picket at 9 o’clock. No more from picket. Got a letter from Dell.

Thursday, 26th—Started on a scout at 3 o’clock in the morning. Went to Greenville Springs. Drove in their picket post capturing their arms and about 600 dollars quinine and 600 dollars sutler’s goods.

Friday, 27th—Was detailed on picket for the Greenville Springs Road. Nothing of any importance occurred during our time at that post. It is very warm. Blackberries are quite plenty.

Saturday, 28th—Was relieved from picket at half past nine. It is very warm and dusty. Returned to camp and then slept two hours. Then went down town with Charley.

Sunday, 29th—Staid in camp all day being somewhat no matter. It is not often I slept most all day. At 5 o’clock were on dress parade. It is very warm.

Monday, 30th—My horse is excused from duty on account of not being shod. No news excepting it is reported 8 of our regiment are to be transferred to infantry but is uncertain as yet.

Tuesday, 31st—Our veterans arrived this evening and were received with many hearty shouts from the boys in camp. I received many a nice little thing from home by Austin [Gibbons]. It is very warm.

June 1864

Wednesday, 1st—The veteran presented to our 1st Lieutenant Henry Brooks a splendid sword costing $60.

[No entries for the balance of the month.]

July 1864

Friday, 1st [no entry]

Saturday, 2nd [no entry]

Sunday, 3rd [no entry]

Monday, 4th—Staid in camp all the forenoon and slept. In the after[noon], went on dress parade and at 4 o’clock went out for a little ride. Went up to the fight that happened at Morganzia.

Tuesday, 5th—William Hanford taken prisoner while on vedette 5 miles from Rosedale between 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning.

[No entries from 6 July through 17 July]

Wednesday, 18th—My birthday. I spent on regimental fatigue at Magnolia Grove in the Parish or county of Baton Rouge.