The following diary was kept in 1862 by Lewis W. Thompson (1839-1918), a bugler in Co. H, 4th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry (OVC). Lewis enlisted on 13 September1861 and was discharged from the service on 10 February 1863.

The company roster for Lewis states that he enlisted as a 21 year-old bugler and that he was capture and paroled on 18 October 1862 at the Battle of Lexington, Kentucky. He was discharged on 10 February 1863 by means of his enlistment in the Mounted Service, USA.

After the war, in 1880, Lewis was married to Velma Harvey.

[Note: This diary is in the private collection of Greg Herr and was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Transcription

February 1862

Sunday, February 9, 1862—I and a squad went down to Green River this afternoon. Had a fine time of it. It was quite cool.

10th—[Gen. Ormsby M.] Mitchell’s Brigade left Camp Jefferson about 6 o’clock and crossed Green river about one p.m. We encamped about a mile from the river.

11th—It was a pleasant day. I was orderly bugler this day…

12th—Our regiment was out scouting today. Our company was out on picket. We got marching orders.

13th—We left camp at daylight, come through Cave City at noon. We encamped about 18 miles from Green river in Barren county.

14th—We started at daylight and got at Bowling Green 11:30 a.m. Commenced shelling it at noon. Struck our tents on the rebel’s camp.

15th—We went into Bowling Green. I took my dinner in a hotel. We’re now in Hardee’s quarters.

16th—Our company went out on picket about five miles from Bowling Green. It was a cold day.

17th—We come off picket at noon and in the afternoon went for some rebel horses. We got five.

18th—We come back from capturing some horses. I rode a rebel horse into Bowling Green. Got marching orders.

19th—It was raining all day and I was sleepy all day. We’re now encamped 15 miles from Bowling Green.

20th—I wasn’t doing anything today. We got marching orders.

21st—We took up our march at daylight. We came through Franklin about noon. Cross the line in p.m. into Tennessee. Cross through Mitchellville 2 p.m. First night in Tennessee.

22nd—We take up our march at daylight. It was raining all day. We marched all day in the rain. We stopped 9 miles from Nashville.

23rd—It was a pleasant day. I was sleeping very near all day. We’re encamped 9 miles from Nashville.

24th—We left our camp this afternoon and struck our tents. Two miles from Nashville. We was in [  field]

25th—It was a fine day. I wasn’t doing anything today. We got marching orders.

26th—We started from our camp of 8 a.m., crossed the river at dark into Nashville. There was a teamster drowned.

27th—We were very near all day in Nashville. This afternoon went 8 miles from town. The bugler of Co. E was shot in the side.

28th—I wasn’t doing anything today. This evening our company went on picket and I with them.

March 1862

Saturday, March 1, 1862—Our company was on picket till night. Part of our company was out scouting and captured several things.

2nd—I wasn’t doing anything today. It was raining in the afternoon and all night.

3rd—It was a fine day. I wasn’t doing anything.

4th—Our company was out a scouting. We captured a lot of clothing and some cattle.

5th—We was out drilling in the afternoon and in the forenoon we wasn’t doing anything.

6th—I wasn’t doing anything today. It was all quiet in camp.

7th—Our company was on guard today. I wasn’t doing anything. Our pickets was drove in at night.

8th—We was out fighting this afternoon. 8 killed and wounded and two on our side wounded.

March 8, 1862 in Nashville, Tennessee – On March 8, a detachment of Confederate cavalry, commanded by Col. John H. Morgan, raided the suburbs of Nashville. There was not much damage done but this let the Union army know that the Confederate cavalry raiders were still active in the area.

9th—We was out scouting today all day. We caught two more prisoners. I am tired tonight.

10th—We was out scouting. Took two prisoners. Rode all over creation.

11th—Our company was on picket today and I was out bushwhacking in the night.

12th—I and captain and 14 men was out scouting. Capture a black horse.

13th—I wasn’t doing nothing till evening when we started to give Old Morgan a fight. We met Old Capt. Morgan & [___wood] and their escort which [ ] out of our fight.

14th—It was raining very near all day. Our pickets was drove in about 10 o’clock. We was called out in the night.

15th—Our company was on guard today. It was a raining very near all day.

16th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Company C brought in three of Morgan’s men this afternoon. All quiet in camp.

17th—I wasn’t doing anything today. I am sick and lay in my tent all day. I wrote a letter to Mills.

18th—We got marching orders. Started from camp Andrew Jackson about 9 a.m. Stop about 5 miles south of Lavergne. I was sick all day.

19th—We started at daylight this morning. It rained till noon. We got in Murfreesboro 8 o’clock in the night. I slept in a barn.

20th—We left our camp at Murfreesboro at 12 a.m. We’re now in camp and south of town on Stone river.

21st—I wasn’t doing anything today. I laid in my tent all day. I am not well.

22nd—I am [not] doing anything. I am not well. Our company went out scouting. I wrote a letter to Mills.

23rd—I was Orderly Bugler today. All was quiet in camp.

24th—I wasn’t doing anything today. It was a fine day. Co. C brought in four of Morgan’s men.

25th—I wasn’t doing anything till about 6 o’clock. Then we started on a scout. We crossed the Cumberland Mountain at 11 o’clock at night.

26th—We started and come into Shelbyville at noon. Then started for Tullahoma. About 6 p.m. got into town.

27th—We left Tullahoma at one o’clock and stayed near Shelbyville that night. I was taken prisoner. Didn’t stay long.

28th—We left there about 8 a.m.. Got back from Shelbyville 6 m. when our company and Co. E was ordered back toward the town and crick.

29th—I was a fishing in the morning. I and six of our [company] went out scouting about 2 p.m. We raise a flag on the Court House.

30th—I was fishing in the forenoon and in the afternoon I wasn’t doing anything but sleeping. Very warm.

31st—I wasn’t doing anything. Only fishing till 8 o’clock. I went on picket. We look to be attacked.

April 1862

Tuesday, April 1, 1862—I am off picket this morning and in the afternoon made our quarters.

2nd—I wasn’t doing anything, only shushing some. It was a pleasant day. All was quiet in camp.

3rd—I wasn’t doing anything. All quiet in camp.

4th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Was fishing in the forenoon. Got scouting orders. Three days rations.

5th—We left camp 8 a.m. on a scouting expedition. Come into Tullahoma 2 p.m. Traveled on till midnight. Encamp 10 miles from Tullahoma.

6th—We started at 4 o’clock in the morning. Cross the Cumberland Creek in the afternoon. Capture a locomotive and take 22 prisoners.

7th—We started at daylight from the mill and feed about noon. Got back in camp at 5 o’clock p.m.

8th—I wasn’t doing nothing today. We got marching orders.

9th—We started from Camp Halleck at daylight. March to Fayetteville at 7 p.m. and cross Elk river and encamp there. Shelbyville to Fayetteville 25 [miles]

10th—We left Fayetteville about 11 a.m. and marched till 10 at night. Encamped in a clover field. We got in Alabama at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

11th—We started before daylight. Got in Huntsville at sun up. Take 17 locomotive, 273 prisoners, and a lot of sugar. From Fayetteville to Huntsville 30 miles.

After destroying the buildings, the 4th OVC advanced to Huntsville, Alabama, where the command captured a train with seventeen locomotives, multiple railroad cars, and eight hundred enemy soldiers as passengers. The regiment next moved to the Alabama communities of Decatur and Athens, before returning to Huntsville.

12th—We started for Decatur and took possession of it. Capture a rebel camp and a lot of cotton.

13th—I wasn’t doing anything today, being sick all day.

14th—I started for Decatur this afternoon. Went on the cars. I could not stand to ride. I am sick.

15th—I am sick; hardly able to be out.

16th—I was sick; hardly able to be out.

17th—I am sick. Wasn’t doing anything all day. Quiet in camp. Was on the battle ground.

18th—I am some better but I wasn’t doing anything, It rained in the evening.

19th—I wasn’t doing anything. It was a raining all day.

20th—I spent Easter Sunday by laying in my tent all day. It was raining all day.

21st—We started from Decatur at daylight and arrive in Tuscumbia at night. It rained all day. From Decatur to Tuscumbia is 40 miles.

22nd—We was out scouting today. Drove in their pickets. Take one prisoner. Fine day.

23rd—We was out scouting today. Went some twelve miles from here. Didn’t see anything. Fine day. Got wounded.

24th—We went out scouting. Had a skirmish with the rebel cavalry. Retreated from Tuscumbia in the evening about six o’clock.

25th—We was on our retreat. Had a fight with the rebel cavalry. Had one wounded and four taken prisoner of our company.

26th—We left Cortland about 1 p.m. Got in Decatur at dark. Got a horse 2 miles on this side of Cortland.

27th—I was roving all over the country all day. Our company left about 5 p.m.. I was left behind.

28th—Started away from Tennessee river at 8 a.m. Got in camp about 5 p.m. Got a letter from Mills & wrote one back to him.

29th—I wasn’t doing anything today till 9 o’clock at night. We was ordered out on a scout. Travel till two in the morning.

30th—We started at daylight. Scout the country through. Got back in camp about 4 p.m.

May 1862

Thursday, May 1, 1862—We left camp at 1 p.m. March till night. Stay in a meadow three miles from Athens.

2nd—We got in Athens little after sun up, Follow the rebels till about 12 o’clock when we got on to them. Had a heavy fight with them.

In May 1862, the 4th helped defend Athens from a Confederate cavalry attack, driving the enemy soldiers from the town. The regiment’s division next advanced towards Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the 4th leading the advance. 

3rd—We stay all night two miles this side of our battle ground. Got in Athens about 11. Came on to Green River Creek. Traveled about thirty miles.

4th—We left Tennessee river creek about 7 a.m. and came along the railroad. Got in camp about 4 p.m. 25 miles.

5th—I wasn’t doing anything today. We caught about 100 prisoners today.

6th—I wrote a letter to Mills. I wasn’t doing anything. It is a fine day. All quiet in camp. They was firing salutes in the morning.

7th—I wasn’t doing [anything] this forenoon. This afternoon we made our camp in a pine grove.

8th—I was Orderly Bugler this day. All quiet in camp. Our company was down this evening to serenade Old Gen. Mitchell.

9th—I wasn’t doing anything today. We were ordered back to Athens. Started at 8 p.m.

10th—We got in Athens at 7 a.m. Wasn’t doing anything. There was a great excitement in town.

11th—I was scouring the country through, I and J. M. Darmond. It was a warm day. Was a man killed accidentally.

12th—I and two of our company was to Morrisville 15 miles from here. It was a warm day.

13th—Our brigade started from Athens 2 p.m. For at Elk River at sun down. Our company across the river at 2 p.m. Travel till two in the morning. One member of Co. K drowned.

14th—We stay 4 miles from the river last night. Gen. L______’s Brigade cross Elk River about 11 a.m. Came back in Athens at night.

15th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Warm day.

16th—We started from Athens 8 a.m. Got in camp 2 p.m.. Was a warm day.

17th—Wasn’t doing anything this day. Warm day. I got a letter from my stepfather. I wrote one back to him.

18th—Our regiment was ordered out. I was a raining near all day. We went to Winchester, Tennessee.

19th—I was Orderly Bugler this day. I wrote a letter to Lewis Mills.

20th—I wasn’t doing anything today. It was a pleasant day.

21st—I was Orderly Bugler this day.

22nd—I wasn’t doing anything today. It is a warm day.

23rd—I wasn’t doing anything today. It rained in the evening.

24th—I wasn’t doing anything this day. It was a fine day. The regiment got back from Winchester.

25th—I wasn’t doing anything this day. It was a warm day. All quiet. Our regiment went up the mountains.

26th—Ten out of A Company went to Shelbyville with Gen. [Ormsby] Mitchell. Quite warm.

27th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Quite warm.

28th—I was orderly bugler today. Warm day.

29th—I wasn’t doing anything all day. Quiet in camp. I wrote two letters. One to Mill & Murphy.

30th—I wasn’t doing anything today. All quiet.

31st—I was orderly bugler this day. We got the news of Corinth being taken. The cannon fired 24 rounds.

June 1862

Sunday, June 1, 1862—I went over the mountains on a scouting expedition.

2nd—I got back into camp in the forenoon. Wrote a letter to John F. O’Neill.

3rd—I was orderly bugler today. Warm day.

4th—I wrote a letter to Mills. I wasn’t doing anything. Our regiment was ordered out. The boys was first onto. Killed 2 and 8 wounded. We was paid off. $65 was my pay.

5th—I was orderly bugler today. We buried [Corp.] George McConnell. He was killed at Point Rock on the 4th. [Editor’s note: The company roster only states that he “died 4 June 1862” without any further details.]

6th—I wasn’t doing anything. I was all over town in the afternoon. I wrote a letter to Augustus Coffman. Warm day.

7th—I was orderly bugler. Buried a member of Co. A shot accidentally. Warm day.

8th—I wasn’t doing anything today. We buried a member of Co. A. Died in the hospital.

9th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Only wrote a letter to Mills.

10th—I was orderly bugler. Quiet in camp. Warm day.

11th—I wasn’t doing anything today. It was a warm day. One member of Co. I was killed and one of Co. F wounded in the head.

12th—I wasn’t doing anything today. It is a warm day.

13th—I was out scouting today. Took two bushwhackers and four shotguns. It was a warm day.

14th—I was orderly bugler. Warm day.

15th—I was not doing anything today. All quiet. Very warm.

16th—I was orderly bugler. Warm day.

17th—I ain’t doing nothing. Fine day.

18th—I wasn’t doing anything this day. Fine day.

19th—I wasn’t doing anything this day. Cool day.

20th—I was orderly bugler. All quiet. Very warm day.

21st—I wasn’t doing anything today. Very warm day.

22nd—I wasn’t doing anything today. Very warm. The boys got back from Chattanooga, They [were] fired into again.

23rd—I wasn’t doing anything today. Not very well. Warm day.

24th—I got a letter from Mills. I wrote one back to Mills and one to W. Crook. Rain in the afternoon.

25th—I wasn’t doing anything today. It was a warm day.

26th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Very warm. All quiet in camp.

27th—I was orderly bugler today. Warm day.

28th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Very warm. I was digging for some money this morning.

29th—I wasn’t doing anything this day. Very warm. I got a letter from A. Koffman this morning.

30th—I was at the 1st O. V. Seen some of the old boys. Warm day.

July 1862 [From this point on I will only transcribe entries with something significant]

2nd—I was orderly bugler today. One of the Co. G was killed and one wounded.

14th—I was orderly bugler this day. Gen. Rosecrans takes command in our Division in Mitchell’s place. Buell had three rebels shot. One of the 24 shot Buell in the [?]

15th—I wasn’t doing anything today. It rained in the afternoon and blowed hard. Blowed our tent down and several other tents. Very war, in the forenoon.

23rd—We left camp 5 o’clock. Crossed the river Tennessee at 8 a.m., got in Tuscumbia 2 p.m. Pass through Luka 4 p.m., got in Corinth 6 p.m. Got supper at the hotel.

24th—We was laying all day in Corinth. 16 of our company got a keg of ale. Had good deal of sport. very warm day.

25th—We left Corinth 9 a.m. Got in Luka at 11:15 a.m. They boys was fighting among themselves in the afternoon.

26th—We left Iuka 7 a.m. Got our horses at Eastport. Cross the river at 2 p.m. Stayed ten miles of Florence.

27th—We started at daylight. Got in Florence at 10 a.m. Left own at noon. I was at the 35th OVI. Saw some of the boys.

28th—We started at daylight. Cross Elk River at noon. Got into Athens at dark.

29th—We started from Athens at sun up. Got in camp 1 p.m. Had inspection of horses in the afternoon and got our horses in the evening.

August 1862

8th—We left camp 6 a.m. Got at Elk 11 a.m. We run four hours to Pulaski. Got in Pulaski after dark. Very warm.

9th—We left Pulaski 1:30 p.m. Had bad luck. Run two cars off the track. Broke two mens legs. We got in Nashville 2 o’clock at night.

11th—We stay all day in town [Nashville]. Got our horses in the evening. Good many of the boys was drunk.

12th—We started from Nashville at sun up. Got in Franklin at dark.

13th—We left Franklin 9 a.m. Stop 7 miles from town. Started 6 p.m. Travel nearly all night.

14th—We started at two a.m. Got on the [guerrillas?] 9 a.m. but left about five minutes before we got to them.

15th—We stay 7 miles this side of Centerville. Got in town sun up. We left town 10 a.m. and got in Williamsport 9 p.m.

16th—We left Williamsport at daylight. Got in Columbia 2 p.m. We stopped three miles this side of town.

17th—We left our camp this afternoon 3 p.m. Went till about 9 o’clock, then stop this side of Morrisville.

18th—We started 6 a.m. Got in Gordonsville 10 a.m. Caight 7 bushwhackers. Got plenty of whiskey. Start at 9 m. for Fayetteville.

19th—We got in Fayetteville 7 a.m. Started from there 11 a.m. Crossed the [state] line 3 p.m. Stayed all night ten miles from Fayetteville.

20th—We started 2 a.m. Got in camp 7 a.m. Moved our camp this day.

23rd—We moved our camp back to our old place this morning. Fixing all day. Was very warm.

24th—We had an inspection this morning. Got marching orders. Packed up and struck our tents but did not leave.

25th—We got marching orders but it was countermanded and pitch our tents again in the afternoon.

September 1862

In September 1862, the 4th joined the Army of the Ohio’s pursuit of Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s army, which had launched an invasion of Kentucky and was threatening Ohio’s southern border. Upon reaching Elizabethtown, Kentucky, officials ordered the regiment to Brownsville, Kentucky, where the organization escorted the Army of the Ohio’s supply train to the mouth of the Salt River. The 4th next advanced through the Kentucky communities of Shepherdstown, Frankfort, Harrodsburg, and Danville. At this final location, a detachment from the regiment accompanied a Union force towards Lexington, Kentucky. Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s cavalry captured 250 men from the 4th on this expedition. The remainder of the regiment advanced, via Crab Orchard and Lebanon, to Nashville.

Monday, September 1, 1862—We started at daylight. got in Futsvile 4 p.m. Stayed on the other side of town.

2nd—We stayed 6 miles this side of Futsville [?]. Started from there at sun up. Stopped 1 mile from Shelbyville.

3rd—We started at sun up and stopped in our old camp two miles this side of Murfreesboro.

4th—We stayed all day. Got orders to march but was countermanded. I went to 35th Ohio [infantry] and stayed there all night.

5th—I left the 35th OVI little after sun up. Got in Laverne 2 p.m. Pass our old camp and stop 3 miles this side of Nashville.

6th—I wasn’t doing anything today. Haven’t heard any from my regiment yet. I was at the 35th OVI this evening.

7th—I wasn’t doing anything today. I am 3 miles this side of Nashville with Co. G.

10th–I was orderly bugler today. We left camp 8 p.m. Cross Cumberland 10 p.m. March till four in the morning.

11th—we started 11 a.m. and got at the Big Springs 5 p.m. Stay there all night. they had a fight here in the morning.

12th—We started 7 a.m. and got at Mitchellville at dark. Stay there all night.

13th—We was on picket last night. Started from Mitchellville 11 a.m. March till after dark. Stop 12 miles from Bowling Green [Kentucky].

14th—We started at day light and stop at Sinking Creek. Stayed there all night. Warm day.

15th—We stay all night 3 miles of Bowling Green. Left there 7 a.m. Run through town 10 a.m. Went in camp 1.5 miles this side of town.

16th—I was orderly bugler this day. We got marching orders. Started at sundown. March till 2:30 a.m next morning.

17th—We started 6:30 a.m. Got into rebel’s picket 8 a.m. Killed one & took one prisoner. It rained very hard in the evening. Camp 15 miles this side of Bowling Green.

18th—We started for Glasgow early in the morning. Got there 11:30 a.m. Took 800 prisoners and part of a wagon train with flour.

19th—We stayed all night six miles from Glasgow. Paroled our prisoners. Left in the afternoon. Went two miles and encamped there.

20th—We started from our camp 1 p.m. for Glasgow. Got there at sundown. Encamped at Cave City.

21st—We started at sun up, scouted all day. Got in Glasgow 5 p.m. Started after rebel train. Went near 20 miles. Got back in town at 9 at night.

22nd—We started from Glasgow at sun up. I was in the horse cave 10 a.m. Cross Green River after dark. In camp at Mumfordville.

23rd—We left Mumfordville 4 p.m. Got in our old camp Jefferson 8 p.m. Over now with Thas’ Division/

24th—We stared from Camp Jefferson at sun up. March hard all day. Come in Elizabethtown in camp 2 miles from town.

25th—We left early in the morning. Cross [ ] Creek 3 p., Got in Miller town 3 p.m. in camp on a creek for the night.

26th—We started at sun up and marched all day. Went in camp 20 miles from Bowling Green. Warm day.

27th—We started at sun up and got at Green River at slack water landing 10 a.m. Going to stay all day. Rained nearly all day.

28th—We started 7 a.m. and got at Brownsville sundown. Fine day. Meet our train at Brownsville.

29th—We was laying at the river all day. In the evening out company went on picket. Fine day.

30th—we started early in the morning and marched till dark. Stay 16 miles from Green river.

October 1862

Wednesday, October 1, 1862—We started at sun up. Got in Leitchfield [?]. Stayed all night two miles this side of town in field.

2nd—We started at sun up. March all day. Stop for the night 20 miles south of Salt River. It rained in the afternoon.

3rd—We started early in the morning. Got at West Point 5 p.m. Cross Sale River at night. Stop 1 mile this side of the river on the road.

4th—We started 6 a.m. Got in Shepherdsville 3 p.m. Went into camp this side of town. wrote a letter to Mills.

6th—We [left] Shepherdsville 6:30 a.m. March all day. Stay 4 miles from Taylorsville. March 3 a.m.

7th—We started early in the morning and got in Shelbyville, Kentucky, 5 p.m. We marched 25 miles. Very warm day.

8th—We left Shelbyville 10 a..m. Came through Clayville, Hardensville, and Bridgeport. Got at Frankfort after dark Had a hard fight with the rebels. Got in town after 12 o’clock.

9th—We was laying 1 mile of Frankfort all day. Pleasant day.

11th—We left for a scout. we came through Rough and Ready 10 a.m. Got in Lawrenceburg 3 p.m. Had a skirmish in the evening.

12th—We left Lawrenceburg 3 a.m. Got in Salvisa 9 a.m. Captured one cannon and 62 prisoners. Got back in Lawrenceburg 6 p.m.

13th—We got a lot more prisoners. We left Lawrenceburg 12 p.m. and got in Salvisa 5 p.m.. Fine day.

14th—We left Salvisa 9 a.m. Got in Harrodsburg 2 p.m. Stop all night half mile this side of Danville. Fine day.

15th—We went out scouting. Four companies of our regiment. Left Danville 7 a.m. came through Barbersville and got in Nicholasville 8 p.m.

16th—We was all day at Nicholasville. Was paroling prisoners.

17th—We left Nicholasville 7 a.m. Got in Lexington 2 p.m. Fine day.

18th—This is the day of misfortune. Was taken prisoner at daylight. Left town 5 p.m.

October 18, 1862 in Lexington, Kentucky – On October 18, Col. John H. Morgan and a force of Confederate raiders circled eastward and came to Lexington. They soon skirmished with a portion of the 3rd Ohio Cavalry before the Confederates captured the town. The Union garrison were composed of the 3rd and 4th Ohio Cavalry. 

The Confederates left before the end of the day. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger gathered his cavalry force and pursued Morgan’s men.

19th—I started 4 miles this side of Lexington. Come through Georgetown at noon. Stopped at Dr. Bonnet’s all night.

20th—I started at daylight. Got an ask [?] team. Went some 23 miles. Stayed 3 miles from Williamstown all night.

21st—Started at daylight. Got at Williamstown. From there I went to Falmouth. Got home in the evening.

23rd—I am at home doing nothing.

24th—I am at home doing nothing.