“God grant that before I fill another diary that us poor, miserable fellows will be enjoying ourselves in peace and luxury.”

So wrote Edmond Silas Randall (1845-1924) in the final entry of his 1864 diary while serving in Co. C, 13th Michigan Infantry. He enlisted on 19 November 1861 at Oakfield for three years when he was only 16 years of age. He reenlisted as a corporal on 18 January 1864 at Chattanooga, Tennessee and mustered out of the service on 25 July 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.

Edmund’s death certificate informs us that he was born in St. Lawrence county, New York on 16 October 1845. His father was Silas Randall and his mother was “Not Knowen” (not known). According to Michigan records, Edmond moved to a farm in Cannon township, Kent county, Michigan, with his parents in May 1851. In 1870 he moved to Lawrence county, Tennessee where he farmed and engaged in lumbering. He returned to Michigan in 1884 and settled in Oceana county where he served as township supervisor and county board of supervisors. He served in the 42nd Legislature in Michigan in 1903-04.

During 1864, the 13th Michigan was stationed on the Chickamauga; engaged in picket duty and cutting timber for warehouses in Chattanooga till February 17, 1864. Engineer duty at Chattanooga and stationed at Lookout Mountain constructing military hospitals till September, 1864. Relieved from Engineer duty and pursuit of Forrest into Northern Alabama September 25-October 17. Joined Sherman’s army at Kingston, Ga., November 7. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Skirmishes at Dalton, Ga., November 30 and December 5 (Detachments). Siege of Savannah December 10-21. 

Note: This diary was donated to Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum and was offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent. It has never been previously published. John Beeler should be credited with preserving the diary.

Transcription

January 1864

1st—Very cold weather. Wrote a letter home. Officers had a dance tonight.

2nd—Very cold today. Have got a very bad eye. Went to the doctor today—the first time since I was at Shiloh.

Sunday, 3rd—Weather a little more moderate. Eye a great deal better. We had a meeting today in camp. Nothing of any importance today.

4th—Quite warm today. My eye is a great deal better Nothing going on in camp today.

5th—Pretty cold again today. On guard today. Do some washing. Feel pretty well today.

6th—Weather a little more moderate today. Receive some jewelry today from Philadelphia. Receive some certificates from Washington today. Send to Washington for a gold pen and pen holder. Calvin Morse and Walter Bullman send with me.

7th—Rainy today but freezes as fast as it falls. Feel like a fighting cock today. Nothing of any importance today.

8th—Pretty cool today. The ground is covered with snow—the first snow that we have had here yet. I was on fatigue duty today. Cut the end of my thumb pretty bad.

9th—Very fine weather today. Feel pretty well. Thumb is pretty sore. Nothing of any importance occurred today in or out of camp.

Sunday, 10th—Had meeting today. Very warm weather. Receive a letter from C. C. today.

[Missing entries for 11th through 14th]

15th—Was on fatigue duty this morning. Pretty cool weather today. Had charge of a squad of men unloading logs today.

16th—Very pleasant weather today. Was not on duty today. Expect the rebel cavalry in tonight. Nothing else of any importance.

Sunday, 17th—Pretty warm today. Was on guard today. Feel pretty well today.

18th—Cloudy today. My fatigue duty today was to dig a spring and sink a barrel and draw up some wood for headquarters. Great excitement today about reenlisting. I reenlisted this evening.

19th—Cold today but clear. Was put on extra duty today for not turning over my instructions to the new corporal of the guard. Expect the rebel cavalry in again tonight. Great excitement about reenlisting. A great many reenlisting.

20th—Well here I am again this morning and no rebels have come yet. My fatigue duty today was to haul up some wood for headquarters.

21st—Very pleasant weather today. Was sworn in to the Veteran Service today. Expect to go to a spree tonight if don’t get slipped upon it.

22nd—Well, I went to the spree and a hell of a time we had too. Had a very good supper but not very good dance. Broken up at one o’clock.

23rd—Very warm today. Was on fatigue today and it was the laziest day that I ever saw. The rebels are reported within three miles of here drawn up in a line ready for to give the Yankees what they don’t like.

Sunday, 24th—Pretty warm and the prettiest weather that I have seen this winter. There was meeting in camp today. Nothing of any importance today. Receive a letter from N. R. and answer it.

25th—Very warm and pleasant. There was six rebels came into our camp. There is more or less [deserters] coming in every day. There has 44 new recruits came into our regiment today. Three came into our company today and more is coming in when we get back.

26th—Very fine weather. Made a small mistake in my diary. It was today that the new recruits came in and the rebels came in also today. Had a very fine game of ball today and tonight.

27th—Very pleasant yet. Had another fine game of ball today. Had a stag dance in the hall this evening. Had my hair cut today. There is nothing of any importance occurred in or out of camp today. Feel pretty well.

28th—Awful warm and lazy day. Officers had a small evening dance. There was some more new recruits this evening. Expected to muster this evening or it has today but did not. Expect to start for home next Monday [on Veteran’s furlough].

29th—Warm as usual. Mustered into the Veteran Service today. Had a general time in tearing off the sergeant’s stripes. Heard that they was fighting at Knoxville. Nothing else of any importance occurred today.

30th—Cloudy today. Sprinkled this morning. Had a game of ball. Received a letter from home today and a lusty old one it was too. Sent a guard down after the paymaster but he did not come.

Sunday, 31st—Cloudy this morning. Went down to town and saw Lum Bishop and Cal Thomas. Found Captain Yerkees. He came to the regiment tonight. Had to go on guard after I come back. They are keeping a strict guard today. They caught a secesh spy last night.

February 1864

1st—Very fine weather. I have not had any fatigue duty today. I did settle up all my little debts. I received two hundred and six dollars and thirty-five cents. Nothing else of ay importance today.

2nd—Pretty cool and looks very much like rain. Had company drill this morning & battalion drill this afternoon & dress parade this evening. Feel pretty well today. Received some scrap books from Ohio.

3rd—Clear and cold today. Had company drill this morning & battalion drill this afternoon & dress parade this evening at five o’clock. Have not heard anything about coming home. Nothing else of importance.

4th—Made a mistake in my diary. Turned over two leaves. Clear and pleasant today. Had company drill, battalion drill, and dress parade today. Received orders to go to town to leave town next day.

5th—Pretty warm and pleasant. Lou Bickford and H. Clemmons and Frank Atkins came up to our camp today. Brought me a pair of boots from home. We went to town today and get ready to start for home tomorrow. Saw lots of the boys in the Engineers. Pretty cool this evening. Nothing else.

6th—Left Chattanooga this morning. Pass Whiteside, Bridgeport, & stopped at Stevenson. Left there at five o’clock. Passed through Anderson Station about eleven o’clock. Having very good times now do far. Nothing else of importance.

Sunday, 7th—Came into Murfreesboro this morning. Left there at seven o’clock, passed through Lavergne and came to Nashville at twelve o’clock. Are now encamped in the barracks. Expect to start tomorrow for Louisville. Feel first rate today.

8th—Clear and cold. Leave Nashville this morning at seven o’clock & reach Louisville at 6:30 o’clock. Passed through Gallatin, Cave City, Bowling Green, Mumfordville, & Elizabethtown & Scotchville. Boys feel first rate. Knocked over two or three niggers, &c.

9th—Laid in Exchange Barracks No. 1 today. Bought me some new clothes. Having a regular time running around town. Expect to leave for Michigan tomorrow at ten o’clock. Nothing else of any importance occurred today.

10th—Clear and cold today. Crossed over the river this forenoon. Had a grand old time in Louisville. Leave Jeffersonville [Indiana] at eleven o’clock. Had to take second class coaches. The boys feel pretty angry about it. Nothing else of importance.

11th—Still on the cars bound for Kalamazoo. Passed through Franklin, Indianapolis. Got supper at Lafayette.

12th—Reached Kalamazoo this morning at ten o’clock. We met with a very warm reception. Had a very nice dinner. The flags were thicker than flies on a lump of sugar. Are having the best of times. The boys are all in fine spirits.

13th—Was in town today all day & are having the very best of time. Nothing of any importance occurred.

Sunday, 14th—Got our furlough this morning & transportation to Grand Rapids. Stay tonight twenty-one miles from the Rapids & twenty-eight from Kalamazoo. Expect to eat supper at my own home tomorrow night.

15th—Left Chamberlain’s Tavern this morning at daylight and got to the Rapids at twelve o’clock. Left there at two and got to Cannonsburg at five. Left there at six o’clock & arrived hime at eight. Growing pretty cold. Nothing else of importance.

16th—Most awful cold weather now. Went down to Uncle Ward’s & had a good visit. Saw Sid & his woman. He belongs to Co. G of the 40th [48th?] Illinois. He has reenlisted. Wend down to the grandparents tonight. Had a good old visit.

17th—Cold as ever today. Went over to Mr. Bickford’s & to Mr. Smith’s. Had a pretty good visit. Went down to Mr. Closes’ in the evening. Had a very good visit. Stayed to Mr. Closes’ house all night. Was having first rate times.

18th—About as cold as ever. Went up to Hannah Smith’s & went from there to Mr. Bickford’s & had a good visit. Saw Mr. McArthur’s folks & Mr. Climmon’s folks. Went home just before dark and went & took a ride with Judson Bond and girls.

19th—Weather a little more moderate. Went down to Mr. McArthur’s to get some potatoes & some sheep. Went down to Gilley’s [?] and saw all of the folks. Came back and found John Smith’s folks here. Went down to Mr. Brooks in evening.

20th—Made a small mistake in my diary. It was today that John Smith’s was here. I went down to see Sid today. Also he starts tomorrow. Went down to Mr. Cook’s this evening. Had a pretty good time. Nothing else today.

Sunday, 21st—Went up to meeting this forenoon & brought home a whole load of girls—Ludie Cook, Sarah Cook, Ette Cook, Mary Watson, & some more. Went up to meeting this afternoon or rather evening.

22nd—Went down to the rapids today. Pretty warm weather for this time of the year. Went to the theatre and had a pretty good time. Stayed at the Eagle. Saw Albro Atkins.

23rd—Done up our trading today and started out of town about one o’clock. Got up as far as Mr. Brooks’ and stopped and stayed all night. Had a good visit with the boys.

24th—Left Proviso this morning at six o’clock and arrived home at noon. Went over & saw Sam Brooks about going to Greenville Friday next & went over to Mr. Closes’ and around home.

25th—Judson Bond stayed with me last night. We went a hunting today. Did not kill anything. Went up around home & went up to Mr. Abner Ashley’s and stayed in the evening.

26th—Got up this morning and got ready to go to Greenville to the dance. Went over to Bickford’s and Sam came along. Had pretty bad luck. Broke a buggy and hitched on to our wagon. Got into Greenville at five p.m.

27th—Left Greenville at four o’clock and got home at noon almost tired out. Did not go over west to school because we was so late coming home.

Sunday, 28th—Colder than usual. Went up to meeting today and came back home and found John Randall here. Had a good visit & went up to meeting in the evening. Went home with J. R. Calculate to go up Mr. Watson’s Friday night. Nothing else of any importance occurred.

29th—Pretty cool weather. Went down to Mr. Bush’s & had a very good visit. Hear of a dance at Mr. Brown’s next Friday night. Nothing else of importance.

March 1864

1st—A little more pleasant today. Went out on the farm in Cannon and looked at the wheat. Went down to Isaac Bush’s this morning and went down to Cannonsburg today to see the boys & they had gone to Rapids.

2nd—Went down to Mr. Cook’s. Had a roast turkey in the afternoon & warm sugar in the evening. Lydia came back home with us. Had a splendid time. Had music. Joel came up from the corners. Had a skate in the ice before going to Mr. Cooks.

3rd—Went down to Mr. Green’s today and came back home and went up to Mr. Watson’s in the evening. Had a splendid time. Lydia & Jetora, Saphina, Flora, Mary Jardeson, and myself went in the load together. Got back home at twelve o’clock at night.

4th–Laid around home till about noon and then went and took Lydia to Mr. Brooks’ & went down to Cannon to a party to Mr. Brown’s. Had a splendid time. Saw Bill Wall and all of the young folks. Left my horse at Mr. Brown’s.

5th—Started for home this morning at seven o’clock & went up to Mr. Brooks’ & got Lydia and took her up to Mr. Pond’s and came home & then went down to Mr. McArthur’s and had a baked goose. Came back up to Mr. Pond’s & got Lydia in and came up to our house to stay all night.

Sunday, 6th—Pretty warm and pleasant. Went up to meeting this forenoon & Sarah Cook and Detora Reid came home with our girls. Had a pretty good visit. Went to meeting this evening.

7th—Very warm & pleasant this morning. Went up to town meeting today and came back and stopped to Mr. Potter’s and took dinner & then came up to Dick Welles’s & took supper and then came home & I am pretty tired.

8th—Start for the Rapids this morning. Got into town at 3 p.m. Saw Cran Kenyon. Put up at the Bronson House.

9th—Start out of town this morning & go as far as Plainfield. Stop and feed my horse one peck of oats & it began to snow. Have a great time going up to Cannonsburg. Stay to the dance.

10th—Find myself on the floor dancing this morning at daylight. Go up to Henry Broom’s and get breakfast and go to bed sleepy until ten o’clock. Get up them and get out my horse, settle up my bill, and come home. A whole load of young folks came here on visits tonight.

11th—Rained all night most. The young folks stayed here all night. I did not sleep much. Had a first rate visit. They went away this morning at daylight. I went to bed and slept until one o’clock. Got up and went down to Squire Watkin’s & got some money. From there to Tom Reds and from there around home.

12th—Went down to Mr. Caukin’s and to Mr. Welles’ and back to John Davies’ and came around home & then took the horse and went to Mr. Fuller’s and then to Uncle Ward’s & bid them goodbye. Came back home and our folks was gone over to [ ].

Sunday, 13th—Went to meeting today and then went down to Mr. Cook’s and stayed until evening & then went out to meeting and from there home. Bid farewell to all the young ladies. Expect to start tomorrow.

14th—Leave home this morning and bid farewell to the girls—that is, my sisters, and get to the Rapids at two o’clock this afternoon. Find all the boys & they are having a good old time. Stay at Courtright’s.

15th—Pretty cold this morning. Bid farewell to Father and Mother and start for Kalamazoo at six o’clock. Had a very fine time. Nigger got drunk & fell off from the top of the stage coach three times. Reach Kalamazoo at seven.

16th—Started from Kalamazoo last night at twelve o’clock & reached Jackson at four. Stayed in the cars till daylight. Went up to camp, run the guard and went down town. Stayed a spell and came back. Saw Lewis S____.

17th—Got up this morning at nine o’clock & went down town & stayed until quarter to twelve and then came back to camp.

18th—Stayed in camp all day waiting & laid a bed. Had a dinner & supper on Uncle Sam’s expenses—the first meals that I have had since I left home. Wrote a letter to E. T. tonight.

19th—Cold as fury today. Am on guard & they put on more style than a little. Have got two prisoners in the guard house for deserting. Snowed some today. Nothing of any account occurred today.

Sunday, 20th—Cold as ever. Was relieved this morning and laid in camp all day. Wrote a letter to Alice today & wrote one to Mother this evening. A lot of the boys went down town this evening to meeting. Nothing else of an importance occurred in camp today.

21st—Nothing of any importance occurred in camp today, The boys are going down town in hacks pretty freely and I think that I will try my luck tomorrow.

22nd—Laid in camp all day today. Did not go to town today. Getting lonesome here [with] nothing to do. I will desert if we have to stay here a great while.

23rd—Warm and pleasant here today. Received a letter from home. It said there was a good sleighing there & knew there would be as soon as I got away. Well, there is no news to put down.

24th—Pleasant today. Went down and drawed fifty dollars state bounty. Expressed thirty-five of it home. Stayed in town till evening and went to the theatre. Had a fine time.

25th—Laid around camp today. Was on fatigue duty this forenoon and went down town in a hack & bought me things and back to camp. Stayed in camp this evening. Nothing else of any importance.

26th—Was on guard today. Left Jackson at five o’clock this evening. Reached Kalamazoo at eight this evening. Reached Michigan City at three o’clock on Sunday morning.

27th—Left Michigan City at 9:30 o’clock this morning. Pass over a very nice country. Reach Lafayette, Indiana, at eleven. Cars got stuck. Broke and engine & was delayed one hour. Reached Indianapolis at three p.m. Got dinner.

28th—Got to Jeffersonville at ten this morning. Crossed the [Ohio] River immediately and went into barracks. Some talk of our leaving tomorrow. Don’t know whether there is any truth in it ir not. Feel first rate.

29th—Wrote a letter to Sophina today. Do not leave here today. Got a boil coming on my face. Don’t feel very well. Went down town to the Theatre this evening. Did not have a very good time.

30th—Feel pretty hard up. Have orders to leave here today. Stew a cup full of berries and have to throw them away. Face most awful sore. Leave here at ten and ,arch down to Portland seven miles. Get on to the boat to cross over to New Albany/ Stay all night.

31st—Commence to load the boat. Go up town & buy a box of cigars to peddle out. Feel awful hard up. Leave here at dark. Pass by West Point about ten in the evening. Hear that there is some rebels at Smithville, Kentucky. Nothing else of importance.

April 1864

1st—On our route as hard as we can go. Passed several boats today. They holler, “Look out for the Rebels.” Have orders to clean up our guns. Am pretty sick. Was sent up into the cabin yesterday.

2nd—Still on the Ohio river. Still rumors about there being rebels ahead. Pass by Evansville, Indiana. Are now on the Illinois shore. There is nothing going on on the boat & I am getting tired of staying here. Feel pretty bad. Sell all my cigars.

3rd—Very warm today. Made a mistake in my book. Being unwell, I neglected my diary for two or three days & when I came to fill up, I made a mistake. We came into the Cumberland [river] yesterday. Reached Nashville this evening.

4th—Rains a little this morning. I am on guard today. Leave the boat this evening & go up to the barracks. Was dismissed this morning & had to report again. Saw Lewis Thomas [and] Leroy Nesbit today. They beat us to Nashville. They leave these barracks this evening. Report that we are going back to Chattanooga.

5th—Was relieved this morning at nine. Now I have nothing to do but lay around. Saw Robert Howard. He is well. Went to the theatre this evening & had a first rate time. Col. Culver has gone to Chattanooga to get us transportation. Have not heard from him yet.

6th—Very warm & pleasant today. Makes me think of summer. Saw George Howard. I was asleep & he came and pulled me out of bed. He is as fat as a bear. He left & then came back. They are under marching orders. Wrote a letter to Judson B.

7th—Warm and pleasant. Have orders to march on foot to Chattanooga. Nothing else going on in camp.

8th—Leave this forenoon at ten o’clock & it rains like fury. Muddy as the old boy. March eleven miles today and camped on the right hand side of the road. Feel pretty sick. Have not felt well since I left Louisville.

9th—Got up this morning at sunrise. Feel some better. Start on the march at half past seven. March ten miles & then camped on the banks of the Stewart Creek on the right hand side of the road. Feel a great deal better than I did yesterday.

10th—Rained most all night last night. Got up this morning at five and marched at seven. Marched through Murfreesboro & three miles on the Shelbyville pike & camped on the banks of Cripple Creek on the left side of the road. Marched twelve miles today.

11th—Was awful cold last night. Got up this morning at four and marched at six. Went thirteen miles and camped on the left hand side of the road. Feel first rate.

12th—Rainy this morning. Got up at five. Marched at seven. Went eleven miles. Went through Shelbyville & camped in a cedar grove. Had pickets out tonight. Feel first rate.

13th—Got up this morning at five. Marched at six. very fine day. Marched twelve miles through a very poor country. Camped on the right hand side of the road. Feel well as usual.

14th—Cloudy this morning. Reveille at five and marched at seven. Went through Tullahoma this morning. Marched ten miles and camped on the bank of Elk river within four miles of Decherd Station. Sprinkles some this evening. Feel first rate.

15th—Cloudy this morning. Arose at five. Marched at seven. Marched eleven miles and camped at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains. Passed through Decherd Station. Drew rations at the station to last to Stevenson. Feel first rate.

16th—Arose this morning at five. Marched at seven. Marched 14 miles over the mountain & camped on the bank of Crow Creek. Was an awful cold night last night. Mountain was not high where we crossed over.

17th—Very cold last night. Arose this morning at five and marched at seven. Drew rations at Anderson Station. Marched three miles on the railroad. Marched ten miles and camped within two miles of Stevenson. Rains this evening pretty hard.

18th—Rained all night last night. Am on guard today. Crossed over the mountains, Cut off three miles. March through Bridgeport & cross the Tennessee river & camp about two miles from Bridgeport. Was up from ten until two this evening. Pretty cool this evening.

19th—Was relieved this morning. Start at seven and march thirteen miles & camp in Whiteside Valley. Expected to get some mail tomorrow. Only 14 miles to Chattanooga. Saw DeWitt Newton. He is in the 9th Michigan Battery. Feel first rate.

20th—Start this morning at seven. March to the point of Lookout Mountain & stop and get dinner. Then start and climb the mountain. Marched sixteen miles today. Got our mail. I got seven letters. Picked out our camp. Swept it off and pitched our tents. Expect to stay here quite a spell, &c. &c.

21st—Quite pleasant today. Are busy clearing off our camp. Lon and Silas came up here today & I sent some things by them to the boys in the Engineers. Tried to get a pass to go back with them & could not. Feel first rate. Nothing of any importance a going on today in camp.

22nd—Clear and pleasant today. Had four men to drill this forenoon & company drill this afternoon & dress parade this evening at five o’clock. Received three letters today—one from Mother, one from Sabrina, and one from N. R. Write one letter to Father. Nothing else of importance.

23rd—Was on guard today. Was not out on drill today. Drew rations this evening. Maynard Burgess came to the company this evening. Wrote a letter to David Randel & one to H. C. and one to E. T.

24th—Rainy this morning but clears off this afternoon. Was relieved at eight o’clock. Took the camp guard off today. Went to bed and slept until they woke me up to dinner. Went on inspection this afternoon & dress parade this evening at six o’clock. Nothing else of any importance occurred today in camp.

25th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Went out and drilled a squad this forenoon. Drilled two hours & then dismissed the squad. Had company drill at two this afternoon of two hours. Drilled in the flank movement & facings. The new recruits are getting along finely. Went on dress parade this evening at six. Wrote a letter to Nettie Rowlison.

26th—Most beautiful weather. Got a pass this morning and went down to Chattanooga to the Engineers. Saw all the boys. Lon cut my hair. Went over the river to the 21st Michigan and saw Dwight Fitch, Lew Thomas, Leroy Nesbit. Took dinner with Leroy and Lew. Reached camp at half past six.

27th—Very warm and pleasant today. Am on guard today, second relief. Quite a large mail came today but none for me. Drew one day’s rations. Hear that our company is a going to build a sawmill and run it. Do not know whether it is so or not. Feel first rate today but my eyes are pretty weak.

28th—Very fine weather today. Was relieved this morning at eight and had to go on fatigue duty. Cleaned out an old bakery and covered up some dead mules and cleared outa road for the regiment to march out on dress parade. Got done at noon. Had a little more in the afternoon. Fixed up our tent and fixed up a bunk. Drew two days rations. Dress parade this evening.

29th—Very warm and pleasant today. I help the captain make out the muster rolls. He puts a new man in sergeant. The boys do not like it very well. There is nothing of any importance going on in camp. Rainy and windy this evening. Write a letter to Samuel Brooks. Was up till eleven o’clock helping make out the muster rolls.

30th—Rainy this morning and forenoon. Nothing going on in camp today. Wrote a letter to Phin Brooks and one to Flora Bryan. Slept all the afternoon. Cooked a mess of beans this afternoon. Had quite a feast this evening with the Lieut. Williams, George L. Cathey & myself and some other boys.

May 1864

1st—Wet and rainy this morning. Strike tents, our company and Co. A, and go about three miles from camp and relieve. We are going to stay here until some troops move up from Chattanooga. Got a very nice place. Wrote a letter to Sarah Cook. Wrote one to [ ]. Rained this evening. Nothing else of importance.

2nd—Am not on duty today. Very clear and pleasant this morning. Had a considerable policing to do around our quarters this morning. Went over to the sawmill this forenoon and ground the axe and sawed out some laurel root to make rings of. Very windy this afternoon and pretty cool this evening. Drew two days rations this evening.

3rd—Clear and cold this morning. Was on guard last night here in camp. Only stood two hours. Some of the new recruits got pretty badly scared last night on picket. Two of them shot their guns off. Received a letter from Judson P. this evening. Went to bed this noon adn slept till supper time. Feel pretty well except my eyes.

4th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Am on picket today. Had some policing to do this morning. Drew two days rations this evening. Abner Martin came to the company today to do duty and George Baker came to the company today. There was no mail this evening. Commence standing post today. Reduced to ranks at my request.

5th—Very warm and pleasant today. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock and came in and done out some washing. The old pickets shot at the mark today at noon and I made the third best shot. Am having good times wrestling, jumping, and trying tricks. Feel like a fighting cock.

6th—Warm and pleasant today. Am on picket again this morning. Richard Chirgwin went outside of the picket this morning and did not get back today. He may be captured. Troops are on the move now. Seven Corps have went through Chattanooga since last Monday. Everything going on in camp all right.

7th—Warm and pleasant as usual. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock. Came into camp this morning and went and had a bath and changed my clothes and washed some today. There is nothing going on in camp. Received a letter from David Randel yesterday.

8th—Very warm and pleasant today. Had inspection this morning. Had a talk with the captain about my pulling off my straps. Shot at the mark today an noon with another man’s gun and did not hit the tree. Took a little walk this afternoon. Heard that our mail is to come in five days. Had a fine game this evening in leaping.

9th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went down to Summerville and had a good visit with the boys. Took some letters to put in the office. Got back at noon. Helped Lieut. Flint bring over a bedstead and I shot off my gun at noon [but] did not hit the tree. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet exercise this evening.

10th—Very warm and pleasant today. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet drill this evening. Received a letter from Father and one from Mother. They are getting along first rate at present. The letter was dated April 24th. Are having first rate times in camp, jumping, wrestling, pitching quoits, and all the rest of amusements. All quiet on the picket line.

11th—Quite cold this morning. Rained all night like fury. Am on picket today on second relief, No. 3 post. One of the boys saw a man and shot at him this evening. It is as cold as fury. Wrote one sheet to Father today. Had a little fight with John Storing—no one hurt. Hit him on the back with a hickory club. Nothing else of importance today. Hear good news from the front.

12th—Cleared off a little this morning. Was relieved at eight o’clock a.m. Everything going off alright in camp. Fixed up our tent some today. Received a letter from Philadelphia with twelve certificates in it. Had a good game of quoits—Blood and myself beat two of the other boys ten games out of twelve. Had company drill this afternoon.

13th—Very warm and pleasant today. Am on picket today. Had a quiet time in the night. The second relief was on post half an hour over their time. The third relief was on post an hour over time. The corporals got asleep. Everything else is going off alright in camp. The boys feel well as usual today.

14th—Was relieved this morning at eight. Very warm and pleasant today. Drew rations today for two days. Went to sleep this afternoon & slept until four o’clock. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet exercises this evening. Everything going on alright in camp. Shot at the mark today noon. Did not hot the tree.

15th—Very warm & sultry today. Am on picket today on second relief, No. 1 post. Signed the pay roll this evening. Everything going off alright in camp. Received some butter from home today. Some of the boys was up here from camp today. It is very lonesome here. Nothing going on in camp.

16th—Very warm, pleasant, and lazy day. Drew two days rations today. Received two letters from Michigan—one from Emma and one from Alice. Answered both of them. Nothing going on in camp. Feel pretty well except my eyes are not very well. Was relieved this morning from picket at eight. I sent to New York to get circular for gold pen. Nothing else of importance.

17th—Am on picket today again. Slapping me on every other day. Rained some this forenoon. Clear this evening. Am on second relief, post No. 2. Captain was around this evening & caught me sitting down. Expect to draw pay tomorrow. Received a pair of pants today from government.

18th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Feel first rate today. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock, the usual hour. Came into camp & done some washing. Cleaned my gun up first rate. Did not draw pay today but am going to draw tomorrow. Grubbed out the parade ground. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet drill this evening.

19th—Warm and pleasant today. Am on picket today. DRew pay today from government. Rained some today in little showers but cleared off today. Was on second relief, Post No. 1. We are having very good times, raising the old boy in general. There is not a reb in fifty miles of here.

20th—Was relieved this morning at the usual hour. There is some talk of our moving camp. Went to Summerville this morning and bought a box of cigars and straightened up and rode an old horse up here to camp.

21st—Very warm and pleasant day. I’m not on duty today. Lay around camp all day. Peddled out a box of cigars, Made two dollars and change. Sent my coat down to the regiment to a tailor to have a roundabout made of it. Feel first rate. Had company drill this afternoon and bayonet exercises this evening.

[As warmer weather approached, infantrymen had the skirts cut off their frock coats to make a shorter jacket. The roundabout did not meet regulations but it was tolerated by most western regiment officers.]

22nd—Very warm and pleasant. Am on picket this morning. Am having a very good time. Am on second relief, Post No. 2. Three men came into the lines at my post out of the 22nd Michigan this evening at eleven o’clock. Nothing else of importance.

23rd—Very warm and pleasant today. Was relieved this morning at eight o’clock. Moved camp about two miles & a half back toward the regiment. Fixed up camp a little. We are a going to cut timber for the hospitals upon the mountain here.

24th—Some windy this morning. Rained some this forenoon. Went down to the mill and piled out some timber for to fix up bunks of the boys in the company. Did not get a team to draw it up to the company. Went to Summerville this evening.

25th—Very warm and pleasant this morning. Received [ ] this afternoon. Laid around camp. Nothing going on. Got a Faro Board. Fixed up our tents some and got a box of cigars. Peddling out. Started a letter to Mother.

26th—Rainy and cloudy this morning. Was detailed to drive team today and hitched up and went down town. Had a pretty good time although got wet and the mules being green, I had a pretty tiresome journey. Nothing else of importance.

27th—Clear and pleasant this morning. Hitch up and haul loads of timber. Mules get pretty tired. Had a pretty hard day’s work. Got done at about four o’clock. Received a letter from Flora.

28th—Very warm and pleasant. Went down town and hauled up seventeen boxes of hard brick [?]. Feel first rate. Had a very pleasant day. Mules getting broke so that they drive first rate.

Sunday, 29th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went down around the point of the mountain and pulled two sacks of grass and came back. Did not feel very well and went to sleep. Did not wake up until 3 o’clock.

30th—Warm and sultry today. Went down town and hauled up some quartermaster goods and got back at about two. Run off into a gutter and broke the tongue of my wagon. Went over to the company and saw Charles Morse & George Fields. They was take prisoners at Chickamauga.

31st–Pleasant as usual today. Report to Captain [Silas Allen] Yerkes to haul timber. Haul [ ] and one load of lumber. Nothing going on. Don’t hear any news.

June 1864

1st—Haul timber for Captain Yerkes today again. Warm as usual today. Haul five loads of timber and come to camp and turned out and go up to the company.

2nd—Some cloudy this morning. Report to Captain Yerkes and haul two loads of timber and it commenced to rain and so I came to camp and turned out. Went down around the point of the mountain and pulled two sacks of grass and came back. It has not rained any since three o’clock.

3rd—Very rainy this morning. Go down and draw lumber. Haul lumber two loads and come to camp. Had a pretty wet, nasty time. Went down around the point of the mountain and caught a large grey mule and am a going to work him tomorrow in my team. Pulled sack of grass and brought to camp.

4th—Some rainy and wet this morning. Haul timber for Captain Yerkes. Haul three loads of timber and come to camp and raining. Rained all the afternoon.

5th—rained some today. Otherwise very pleasant. Did not do anything today. Went and got some grass for my mules.

6th—Lost one of my mules last night and had to put a convalescent in. Hauled a load of timber and turned out. Very warm and pleasant today.

7th—Hauled timber today. Everything going off very well. I worked four mules today. Feel very poorly today.

8th—Hauled timber today. Worked four mules. Feel very weak and poor today. Rained some today.

9th—Hauled some square timber from the mill today. Feel a little better than I did yesterday.

10th—Hauled timber for Captain Yerkes today. Rained some. Feel very well.

11th—Hauled lumber to Captain Yerkes. Feel first rate and got some wet today.

Sunday, 12th—Wet today. Went down around the point and got some grass for the mules. Went down town.

13th—Rained some this forenoon and did not go out to work until this afternoon and haul one load of lumber and go to camp.

14th—Clear and pleasant today. Hauled lumber.

15th—Haul lumber today. Received some letters today.

16th—Haul lumber today again. Received a letter from home.

17th—Haul lumber today again. Report to headquarters. Leave my team and expect to go to Co. A for duty tomorrow.

18th—Some cloudy today. Report to Headquarters of Co. A for duty. Go back to Bummertown [?] and get my things and return to company.

Sunday, 19th—Very rainy today. Am on picket today, second relief. No 6 Post. There was two letters sent up to me from the company and one was lost. The one that reached me was from New York—a circular giving the prices of gold pens.

20th—Some rain and wet this morning. Was relieved at seven o’clock. Came to camp and cleaned my gun. Wrote a letter to Watson. Went down to company…

21st—Am on picket today again. On third relief, No. 6 post. There was [illegible due to faint ink]

22nd—Very warm and pleasant today. [Faint ink]

23rd—Am on guard today again or rather picket. Feel very poorly. Do not believe that I can stand picket feeling as I do now. Am on third relief, Number one post. Was relieved this evening. Was not able to stand my trick [for] the first time.

24th—Feel pretty weak today. Go down to town and get some paper and pens, envelopes, and cigars to peddle. Took dinner with George L. Cathey. Came around to the company and take supper with the cooks and return to Co. A. Feel pretty tired.

25th—Am not on picket today. Feel pretty sick. Very warm and pleasant today. Good news from the front. Do not think that I will do duty as long as I feel like I do today.

26th—Very warm today. Am not on picket today. I feel very poorly today although better than I did yesterday.

27th—Am on picket today. Feel some better than I did yesterday until this evening. I have got the colic.

28th—Came off picket this morning and I feel awful sick. Get a chance to ride down to the company and stay all night. Had the colic the worst way last night. Rained some this evening.

29th—Cloudy this morning. Feel pretty weak today. Got some medicine and am commencing to take it this evening—the first medicine I have taken since I was at Shiloh. Received a letter from Flora with a few lines from Sabrina. All well at home.

30th—Feel pretty hard up today. Nothing going on in camp today. The boys are all out to work.

July 1864

1st Very warm today. Went down to Summerville. Had a hard time to get back. Very dull times. Feel a little better today.

2nd—A little better today. Some cooler today. Took a walk to where the boys was to work. Rained a little this evening and rained some in the night.

3rd—Went to work today making bunks for the sick soldirs. Worked all the forenoon and then went out this afternoon after supper and worked until dark. I went over to Summertown and around to camp. Nothing else of importance occurred.

4th—Today is the Fourth of July and a dry one too. Went over to Summertown and had a speech or oration delivered by Col. Stanley, the Declaration of Independence read by Lieut. Barton. The officers had a party here on the mountain today.

5th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went to work laying floor in the cook room. Everything going off alright. Do not get any mail. Do not know what the reason is. Guess that they have all forgot me at home. Went over to the sutlers and had quite a spree. There was eight of us went. Nothing more.

6th—Very warm and pleasant today. Put up a tool house this forenoon. Did not feel very well this afternoon and so I did not work. Went and got some berries. Had a good game of Euchre and then sat and read until dark. Everything going on alright.

7th—Sent to New York for some books. Feel pretty hard up this morning. Did not go out to work this forenoon. Fixed some pockets in my pants. This afternoon I went out to work but returned to camp again, being not able to work. Do not get any letters from home. I do not know the reason.

8th—Very warm this forenoon. Feel some better. Go out to work laying floor in the Eating Room of the Field Hospital. Clouded up this afternoon but has not rained any yet today. Blood went down in the valley this morning and has not got back yet this evening.

9th—Warm as usual today. Go to work this morning over to the Field Hospital in the Eating Room. Making doors and hanging them. Made myself a box to put my things in. Do not get any mail yet. Guess that they are all dead. Grant orders a surrender of Petersburg.

10th—Very warm. Went down in the valley and got a large coffee pot full of black berries and took dinner at one of the houses. Paid twenty-five cents for it. Came back to camp. Got back at five. Rained some this afternoon but clear now.

11th—Very war, this forenoon but some cooler tis afternoon. My going down in the valley yesterday used me up so bad that I could hardly work. Do not hear from home yet. Sent after five books yesterday. Made tables for the hospital.

12th—Very warm today. Finish up the work over to the hospitals making tables. Feel a little better today. Clouded up this afternoon but did not rain any. Did not receive any letters today. Guess I am forgotten.

13th—Some cloudy this morn but it cleared off and was very warm. Go to work down on point putting up roof boards. Feel first rate today. Done a pretty hard day’s work. One of the men is sick tonight from the effects of the sun. He is out of his head.

14th—Most awful war today. Was detailed this morning to do washing for the company. Washed out forty-two pieces. Have got the toothache so that I am almost crazy. Went down to the doctor’s and he could not pull it. Got some stuff to put into it. Stopped it.

15th—Warm as usual today. Received a letter from Alvin Porter last eve. He is in the Convalescent Camp at Knoxville, Tenn. Finish washing today. Will not have anything to do tomorrow. Washed out forty-seven pieces today. Went and picked a few berries for supper.

16th—Very warm and sultry today. Haven’t got anything to do today. Went to sleep this morning at nine and did not wake up till noon and then went to sleep at one and did not wake up till five. Do not feel very well. I am as weak as a cat.

Sunday, 17th—Very pleasant although warm. Go out towards the west side of the mountain and pick some berries and then go and get some green apples and then come back to camp. There was meeting this evening at seven o’clock. Nothing going on more than usual on the mountain.

18th—Warm as usual. Do out a large washing for the company wash. Did half of them today. Looks a little cloudy this evening. Guess that we will get some rain before great while. Received a certificate from Hinsdale, New Hampshire for writing paper.

19th—Some cloudy today. Do out the washing for three bunks. Do not feel very well today. Went to sleep after dinner and slept till most supper time. Do not get any mail from home yet. Do not know the reason. Guess that I am forgotten entirely. Nothing going on today more than usual.

20th—Some cloudy this morning. Finish up washing this forenoon. The mail came in this afternoon and I received some books and some papers but none from home.

21st—Clear this forenoon but some cloudy this afternoon. Rained a little this noon. Bought some sugar this forenoon and peddled out some lemonade this afternoon. Received a letter from Alice Cranston today and answered it as soon as I received it.

22nd—Cloudy and windy today. Peddled out some lemonade and laid around camp. Do not get any letters from home yet. Nothing of importance occurred today in or out of camp. Heard of the fall of Atlanta. The news is confirmed.

23rd—Cold this morning and cloudy. Went down in the Valley and picked a pail of berries. Got back at one o’clock. Am some tired. Feel a great deal better now than I used to a spell ago. Do not get any letters yet. Am afraid they are unwell at home. Very warm this afternoon.

24th—Very warm and pleasant today. Went down to the regiment this forenoon and then back to camp and slept the rest of the day. Received a letter from Flora and Sophina and answered it.

25th—Went to washing this morning and washed the clothes for six bunks. Feel pretty tired. Received a letter from Father and answered it this evening. Went down to the sutler’s this evening.

26th—Clear and pleasant today. Done out the washing for four tents today and then went down to the regiment and stayed a spell and then came back to camp.

27th—Was ordered out in a line of battle this morning at three o’clock. Rainy this forenoon but cleared up this afternoon. Did not finish up washing today. Do not feel very well today. The boys worked this afternoon. I slept all the afternoon.

28th—Rainy today. Went up to the orchard and got some apples and then came back. Everything going off alright.

29th—Warm and pleasant today. Finished up washing today. Mahlon Abby came up from Chattanooga today to see me. He has been wounded and has just got out of the hospital. Nothing else of importance.

30th—Most awful hot today. Laid around camp all day except going over to the regiment this forenoon. I feel first rate now. The mail came in this evening but I did not get any letter. Have been expecting one this long time. Do not know the reason.

31st—Warm and pleasant this forenoon. Rained some this afternoon. Went down to the regiment this forenoon and again this evening. Feel pretty well this eve. Dwight Fitch was here this evening or rather this afternoon.

August 1864

1st—Very wet and rainy today. Washed out the clothes for four tents. Did not get any mail today. Wrote a letter to Clark Church. George Church got a box from home tonight. Feel pretty well today.

2nd—Rained some last night but cleared off today. Done out the washing for four bunks in the forenoon and laid around camp this afternoon. Received a letter from Jetora Reid. All well at home. Nothing else of importance.

Jetora Reid (1848-1919) was the 16 year-old daughter of Thomas Reid (1821-1907) and Malinda King (1821-1897) of Grattan, King county, Michigan. She was married to George D. Smith (1852-1921) in 1875.

3rd—Cloudy this forenoon but cleared off this afternoon. Finished washing this forenoon. Went down to the regiment this afternoon. Did not get any mail today. Wrote a letter to Jetora last evening. Expect to get pay tomorrow. All quiet here.

4th—Rainy this morning but cleared off this afternoon. Drew two months pay from the government today. Received a letter from E. F. today and answered it this afternoon. Wrote a letter to Mother this morning. The boys are all gone off on a bender.

5th—Wet this morning but cleared off this afternoon. Went down o Chattanooga today. Get back at about three o’clock. Nothing going on in town.

6th—Very wet this morning but cleared off some at noon but it is raining very hard this evening. Received a letter from Lucy Watson today. Answered it this evening. Went over to Summerville this evening or rather this afternoon. Nothing else of importance occurred today in camp or out of camp.

Sunday, 7th—Pleasant this morning and stayed so all day. Did not get any mail today. Went over to the 21st [Michigan] Regiment this afternoon. Had a very good visit. Came back to camp and stayed the rest of the day. Expect to have to go to washing tomorrow. Nothing happening.

8th—Clear and pleasant today. Done out the washing for four bunks this forenoon. Went down to the regiment this afternoon. Nothing going on in camp today. Received a letter from David Randel today. He is well. They are at Atlanta now. Answered it this evening. Nothing else of importance.

9th—Some wet today. Done out the washing for four tents and went over to the regiment. Nothing going on in camp. Wrote a letter to Father this evening and sent ten dollars for him.

10th—Very rainy this morning and all day. Went over to town today. Bought a lot of sugar. Everything going off alright in camp.

11th—Wet all day today. Laid in camp today. There is nothing going on in and out of camp. Received a letter from Father today stating that he had sent me a box of eatables.

12th—Cleared off a little more today. Finished washing this forenoon. Laid in camp this afternoon. Nothing going on.

13th—Very pleasant today. Went down to Summerville today. One of the boys was at Chattanooga today and saw a box there for me. Am a going to get a pass Monday and go and get it. Did not get any mail today. Nothing going on in camp today.

Sunday, 14th—Very warm today. Rained some this afternoon. Went up to Co. A and from there around to the lake and then back to camp. Nothing going on in camp.

15th—Went to Chattanooga today. Rained some. Got a box out of the Express Office. Had a pair of boots and some sundry articles in. Got back to camp at four o’clock. Some of the things are spoiled. Dried fruit was alright.

16th—Pleasant this forenoon but rained this afternoon. Done out the washing for four shanties today. Went to sleep today at noon and slept all the afternoon. Don’t feel very well today. Am afraid that I am a going to be sick. Sent to Howell’s for paper this evening.

17th—Most awful warm today. Feel some better than I did yesterday. Done out the washing for four tents. Laid around in camp all the afternoon. Wrote a letter to Father this afternoon. Hear that the rebels are in possession of Dalton.

18th—Warm and pleasant today. Finished up washing. Went down in the point where the boys were at work and then came back to camp. Nothing going on today of any importance.

19th—Pleasant today. Rained very hard last evening. Blood went down in the valley after work and did not get back until three o’clock in the morning. All quiet on the Potomac.

20th—Pleasant today in the forenoon but rained this afternoon. Went down in tye valley today and brought up some peaches. Nothing going on in camp today. Blood went down in the valley this afternoon and brought up about a bushel of peaches.

21st—Wet and rainy today all day long. I went down to the regiment this afternoon and stayed a spell and then to camp. Everything going off alright.

22nd—Pleasant today—the first day that it has not rained this month. Went down to the Point to work today. Quit washing. Unloaded lumber today. Everything going on alright. The mail did not come in today. Heard that the tracks were washed away.

23rd—Pleasant today all day. Go to work down on the point. Unload lumber. Received three letters today—one from Nettie Rowlison, one from Emma Thomas, one from Jetora Reid. Do not have time to answer them today. Nothing else of importance.

24th—Warm and pleasant today. Went down on the Point to work. Scored for them to counter hew. Feel pretty well. Wrote a letter to Jetora Reid this evening.

25th—Hot as fury today. Worked down on the Point today. Scored again. Feel pretty tired this evening. Wrote a letter to Emma Thomas this evening. Heard today that the valley was full of rebels. Do not know whether to believe it or not.

26th—Warm and pleasant today. Went down on the Point to work today. Scored timber today in the forenoon and did not do anything this afternoon. Received a letter from David J. Randell. Also some writing paper and envelopes from New Hampshire. Went over to Summertown this evening. Got back at eight.

27th—Pleasant today but rained very hard last evening. Went down on the Point to work. Shingled all day today. Received a letter from Mother today and answered it. Everything going off alright.

28th—Pleasant today all day. Went up on the Point today—the first time that I was ever up there. Got back to camp at two o’clock. Stayed in camp the rest of the day. Wrote a letter to Miss Nettie Rowlison this evening.

29th—Went to work down on the Point. Feel pretty well. Shingling today. Did not get any mail.

30th—Warm today but some chilly this evening. Went down on the Point to work this forenoon but helped make out the pay rolls this afternoon. Did not receive any mail today.

31st—The weather is dry and windy today. Singled this forenoon. Helped make out the pay rolls this afternoon. Finished up this evening. Went down to the building this evening. The boys are having a little dance down there amongst themselves. The mail did not come in from the North today.

September 1864

1st—Pleasant today. Feel pretty hard up today. Have got a very sore mouth. Wrote a letter to David Randell today. Did not go down to work. The mail did not come in today. The reason I do not know.

2nd—Warm and muggy today. Feel about the same as I did yesterday. Did not get any mail today. Don’t know the reason. Hear that Wheeler is between here and Nashville. Perhaps that is the reason why we do not get any mail.

3rd—Warm this morning but rained some this forenoon and afternoon. Went down on the Point to work. Don’t feel very well. The mail came in today and I got some ink powder. Got a comical photograph from Hunter. Nothing else today except we hear that Atlanta is taken.

4th—Rained very hard last night but is pleasant and very warm today. THe mail came in today but there was not much. Only one letter and one paper. New is conformed that Atlanta was taken. I sincerely hope that it is so but am rather afraid it is a false report. Nothing going on. Had inspection this evening.

5th—Cool today. Rained some at noon. Went down on the Point to work. There was not much to do. Piled up some scantling and helped put up rafters. The mail did not come in. Everything is going on alright.

6th—Pretty warm today in the forenoon but cool this afternoon. Went down on the Point to work. Sawed logs for underpinning to a building. The mail did not come in today. Good news from the front. The mail comes in tomorrow.

7th—Cool today. Rained some. Went to work down on the Point but came up and build a sink and then rested the rest of the day. The mail did not come in today. The railroad is almost done and we will soon have some mail now.

8th—Went down on the Point to work. Carried up shingle. Cool and a good day to work. The mail did not come in today. Hear that there is seven miles of railroad torn up between here and Nashville. Hear that General Wood is severely wounded. He was our old Division Commander.

9th—Cool today and a good day to work. Rained some while we was at dinner. Fixed up some stairs this forenoon and carried shingle on the roof this afternoon. Everything going on alright. We do not get any mail and we will not get in quite a spell. Nothing else worth mentioning.

10th—Very warm today all day. Went down on the Point to work. Shingled today. The mail came in and I received one letter. It was from Sarah Cook. It stated that our folks was not very well. I am anxious to hear from them. There was not much mail came in.

11th—Very warm and pleasant today. Had inspection this morning. After inspection I went over to the 21st Michigan and from there to the regiment and from there around home. Received a letter from Father. He was not very well. There was quite a mail came in today.

12th—Warm today. Went down to the buildings to work today. Shingled. There was a dance in one of the buildings this evening. Went down. Had a pretty good time. Nothing else of importance.

13th—Cold last night and this forenoon until about nine o’clock when it began to get warmer and it was most awful hot shingling in the afternoon. There was some new recruits came to our company today. The mail came in but I did not receive anything whatever.

14th—Warm today. Shingling as usual. Received a letter from David Randell today. There is no news today.

15th—Shingled again today. It was awful hot today on the roof. The mail came in twice today but I received nothing. Guess that they have forgotten me at home.

16th—Most awful hot through the middle of the day. Lyle Ward was up here today. I expect to go to Chattanooga tomorrow afternoon and stay all night—that is, if I can get a pass.

17th—Cooler today than it was yesterday. Singled on the buildings this forenoon. Got a pass this afternoon and went down to Chattanooga and stopped with the Engineer’s, Co. D. The Boys are all well but Parm Stocking. He is not well. Am having a good visit. Received a letter today from Jetora.

18th—Looks a little like rain this afternoon. Clears off some this afternoon. Had a splendid visit today. Started for home at four o’clock. Got to camp at dusk. Am some tired. Found a letter there for me from David Randel. He is well. Saw about one thousand rebels in Chattanooga yesterday.

19th—Pretty cool this morning but awful hot this afternoon. Shingled today. Feel pretty well. Some sore from my journey to Chattanooga and back. Wrote a letter to Jetora Reid this evening. The mail did not come in today. Do not know what is the reason.

20th—Pleasant today. Singled all the forenoon and carried up shingles in the afternoon and then went to camp. Mail came in today and I did not get a letter. Have not got a letter from home in a long time. Guess I am forgotten.

21st—Very wet and rainy today all day. Did not work today. Went over to the regiment today and stood around a spell and then came back to camp. There is a great excitement in camp today or rather this evening about going to the front. Do not know how true it is.

22nd—Very foggy today all day. Wet and rainy this afternoon and evening. Did not work any today. Went over to Summertown this forenoon and from there around to camp. Went down to the buildings this afternoon and piled up some lumber and hewed up some. Nothing else today.

23rd—Rainy today all day long. Run around today till noon and then ate my dinner and went to sleep and slept till half past four and then was ordered to go on guard down in the buildings. There was a dance there in the evening. Everything all in a [ ].

24th—Some clearer today and very pleasant in the afternoon. Was relieved this evening just before dark. Quite cool this evening. I guess that we will have a frost. The mail came in today but I do not know the reason I have not received a letter from home since the 11th.

Sunday, 25th—Most awful cold last night but some warmer today. Had inspection at nine o’clock. There was preaching in this camp today at two o’clock. Then the company was formed at four and marched over to the regiment and had dress parade. Quite a fuss about supper tonight.

26th—Clear and cold this morning but warm through the day and pretty cool this evening. Had drill this forenoon and afternoon. Went over to Summertown between drill ours. Tried to get my boots fixed but could not do it. Nothing else going on in camp today. The mail came in today but I did not receive any.

27th—Was aroused this morning long before daylight by the Orderly with orders to march. Picked up and went down the mountain and camped and about five o’clock came to Chattanooga and got on the cars. I went to sleep and did not know when we left. Received a letter from D. Randell.

28th—This morn found us in Stevenson, Alabama. We got off here and went into camp. Had drill this afternoon. Had inspection. Everything going off alright. We stopped here to guard the station. There was no troops here…

29th—Very warm today. Had drill this morning and drill this afternoon. At Stevenson yet. Nothing going on of any importance.

30th—Had drill this forenoon. There was a train captured this evening on the Huntsville Road and we was sent out but they was gone. Nothing there but the burning train. Got back to town at about nine o’clock.

October 1864

1st—Went out again this morning to where the train was captured and guarded the road while the workmen fixed it. We then came back to Stevenson. Met six trains loaded with troops going to Huntsville to cut off Wheeler’s retreat. We laid in camp the rest of the day. Went down town and got my dinner.

Sunday, 2nd—Had orders this morning to be ready to march in an hour. Got onto the cars and went to Tullahoma and from there to Nashville. From Nashville we started out on the Tennessee and Alabama [rail] road going to Franklin.

3rd—This morning finds us in Franklin, Tennessee. Got off the cars and stayed until the afternoon. Moved out of town and camped about one mile from town. Drew one hundred rounds of cartridges.

4th—Had reveille this morning at two o’clock. Went out on the road and was loaded into wagons. Expect to go on a chase after Forrest. Went to Columbia, twenty-eight miles, and camped. Rained like fury this evening.

5th—Very wet this morning and almost all day. Went about twenty-five miles. Camped and had a pretty hard time getting supper. Everything is so wet. Foraged like fury today.

6th—Clear and pleasant today. Went about 26 miles and camped. There is lots of shooting tonight killing hogs and cattle. Am on guard today.

7th—very warm and pleasant today. Was relieved this morning. Start on towards Florence. The boys have not anything to eat and they are killing hogs and sheep and cattle by the wholesale. Came through Florence at sundown. The 2nd Michigan Cavalry had a fight with the rebels. They lost one Lieutenant and three men killed and two wounded.

8th—Moved out in the open field this morning and stayed until noon and then went down the river about five miles and camped. Stayed there until evening and then moved out and marched down to the river about eight miles. Have had fresh meat and sweet potatoes to eat today.

9th—This morning found us standing in a line of battle. We did not have any fires last night and there was an awful hard frost. We almost froze to death. The pickets kept shooting and giving false alarms all night. Moved out and met the other regiments. Got into the [ ] and went on down the river apiece and then turned around came back to Florence.

10th—Laid in camp today. There was a forage train went out this afternoon and my messmate got some potatoes and fresh pork. Have nothing but potatoes and meat to eat. Have no bread.

11th—Clear this morning. Moved camp today. There is not much going on. Was detailed to go and help shell corn to be ground up in meal for the regiment. Went out this afternoon and got some sweet potatoes and sorghum molasses. Got back to camp at dusk.

12th—Clear this morning but cloudy this afternoon. Went out and got some molasses and sweet potatoes. Got back to camp at two o’clock. Received orders to march tomorrow at five in the morning.

13th—Arose this morning at three o’clock and marched at five. Went through Florence and then packed our things on the way, fourteen to the wagon. We rode all the time. Went till five p.m. and the stopped and fed the mules and then went until twelve o’clock midnight having marched forty miles.

14th—Arose this morning at four and marched at five. Went to Athens, Alabama, and went into camp and stayed until dark and then got onto the cars and I went to sleep.

15th—Moved out of Athens this morning at one o’clock and rode on the cars all day. Came into Chattanooga at dark. Went into camp and drew rations—the first time for twelve days. Received the mail for the first time since we left here. I got five and I was glad to receive them.

16th—Got up this morning at daybreak and got our breakfast and then went to fixing up camp. Lou Bickford came up here and made me a visit. Took dinner with me and then I went home with him and took supper. Got back at dusk. Saw Thomas Watson today.

17th—Pretty cold last night. Pleasant today. Cleaned up my gun this morning and then laid around camp till afternoon. John Baker out of the 25th Michigan came here. He is on his way to his regiment. I went over to his camp with him and saw Purdy and Berry. Wrote a letter to J. R. this evening.

18th—Laid in camp today. Nothing going on.

19th—Today there was not anything going on. Went over to the Engineers this evening. The boys are all well. Received a letter from Alice and one from Emma.

20th—Drew pay today. I expressed fifty dollars home. Run around town a spell and then went to camp. Nothing going on today.

21st—Moved camp about twenty rods today. Edward Howard came to this regiment today. I was asleep when he came and woke me up.

22nd—Packed up today and got in the cars and went to Cleveland, Tennessee and rode on the cars all night. They was afraid to run int the night. Was an awful cold night. Saw Tom Bickford and Ben Story this morning in cars.

23rd—Started this morning and went to Dalton, Georgia, and got something to eat and then marched nine miles and camped. Feel first rate with the exception of my feet. They are some sore.

24th—Very cold last night. Got up this morning before day break, got breakfast, and marched to Tilton Station and camped. Do not know how long we are a going to stay here. Nothing going on…

25th—Very cold last night. Had reveille this morning at day break and our company went out a foraging. Got some beef, pork, mutton, and fodder and then had to divide with the regiment. The boys are pretty made about it. Have not had any bread.

26th—Am on picket today. Looks a little like rain. Amon on No. 1 post today. Saw George Purdy and John Baker. They are going to the front.

27th—Rained all night last night. Was relieved this morning at nine o’clock. Went into camp. Had Battalion Drill this afternoon and got wet as sop. The railroad was finished today between Chattanooga and Atlanta. Nothing else going on.

28th—Pleasant today. Fixed up my tent today. Nothing going on. Drew rations today. Was pretty hungry.

29th—Fixed up my tent. We are under orders to march to Rome. Frew clothing today [illegible].

30th—Started out [illegible]

31st—[ ] this morning at day light and marched fifteen miles [ ]

November 1864

1st—[illegible due to faded ink]

2nd thru 5th—missing pages.

6th—Cloudy today. Had inspection this morning at ten o’clock and then I laid in my tent the rest of the day. Have to go about a mile after water in this camp.

7th—Cloudy today and rained some. Had company drill this forenoon and went and got my boots fixed this afternoon. Went over to the 21st Michigan. [remainder of entry illegible]

8th—Pleasant today all day. Went on company drill this forenoon and battalion drill this afternoon. Made a mistake. Got behind of my time. Today was the great day of election. [Remainder illegible]

9th—Busy ready. Had [illegible.]

10th—Had company drill this forenoon and battalion drill this afternoon. The mail came in today and I received a letter from Flora and Sophina. The folks are all well as usual at home.

11th—Went out on company drill this forenoon but did not [illegible].

12th—Had reveille this morning at four and [ ] at seven went down to the town of Kingston and stayed till one o’clock in the afternoon. Started out and marched to Cartersville twelve miles and camped about eight o’clock in the evening. Drew rations this evening. Expect to go on tomorrow.

Sunday, 13th—Got up this morning at five and started out of camp. Marched 18 miles today and tore up the railroad. I expect that we are going on a raid. Camped in Big Shanty tonight. Feel pretty well. Feel some sore. Awful cold nights now…

14th—Moved out this morning at eight and passed Kennesaw Mountain and through Marietta and stopped and got dinner and then went on to the Chattahoochie River and camped. Marched about 18 miles. Feel first rate except my feet. They are pretty sore. We are now nine miles from Atlanta.

15th—Marched out of camp at six o’clock and crossed the river and went into camp. Just our regiment to guard the bridge. Lay here all day. Are getting the bridge ready to burn. Expect to go to Atlanta yet tonight. Feel pretty well today. Nothing going on besides what I wrote.

16th—Burned the bridge last night. Left at twelve and went into Atlanta and camped. Got in there at four this morning and then drew rations and some clothing and marched at seven and marched twenty miles and camped in a little town. My feet are very sore but I am well otherwise.

17th—Started out this morning at six o’clock and went fifteen miles and camped and went to tearing up the railroad. We are in a good foraging country and we have got plenty of stuff to eat. Feel first rate today. There is bands of guerrillas and rebel cavalry following us and ahead and becoming…

18th—Pretty cold last night but very warm today. Started out of camp at six o’clock and crossed the Okechee river and pass through Covington and go about 12 miles and camp. Some of the Boys went out a scouting and found some arms that belonged to a band of guerrillas—also a keg of powder. Am on picket tonight.

19th—Rained some last night. Was relieved this morning at seven. We left camp at noon and marched 10 miles and got in to camp about eight o’clock. Pretty wet day. Passed through Sandtown this evening. Feel first rate today. Got some potatoes. We do not have any bread. More sweet potatoes and meat and coffee is our living.

20th—Pretty wet today. Marched 18 miles today. Am pretty tired this evening. Feel well otherways. Rains very hard tonight.

21st—Awful wet today but it cleared off some this evening. Today the wagons could not get along very well. Feel first rate today.

22nd—Most awful cold today. We marched ten miles today and camped eleven miles from Milledgeville. Have got plenty to eat. Feel first rate today.

23rd—Had reveille this morning at four and marched at six. Marched into the Capitol of Georgia today without firing a gun. Marched 11 miles today. Went out and got some sweet potatoes and chickens and some meal and some pork.

24th—Marched out of town this morning at six and crossed the Oconee river at the edge of town and marched ten miles and camped. Feel kind of sick today. Guess that I have ate too much.

25th—Laid in camp today till night and then went on picket. Am on with the 69th Ohio. Was taken away from our squad. Feel pretty tired. Have got plenty to eat and drew several hard bread and coffee and tea last night.

26th—Was sent to camp this morning at five and marched at six. Marched very slow today. Crossed Buffalo Swamp. Pretty muddy. Got into camp at ten o’clock. Marched about 8 miles today. Am well as usual.

27th—Moved out of camp this morning and crossed a swamp and marched 17 miles and camped. Passed through Sanderstown. Lots of forage here tonight. Build breastworks in front of our camp tonight. Pretty moderate weather lately. Our brigade is all alone on this road today.

28th—Very pleasant today. Marched out at six and joined the army at noon and camped about 17 miles from the old camp. Crossed a river and swamp. Camped at ten o’clock.

29th—Moved camp this morning at six o’clock about two miles and stayed all day and we were out a foraging. Have got plenty to eat. Potatoes, meat, molasses, and meal. Feel pretty well today.

30th—Most awful warm today. Marched at 6 o’clock. Marched about 22 miles and camped at dark. Was some tired this evening. Have got plenty to eat yet. Got some potatoes this evening. Did not stop for dinner.

December 1864

1st—Marched today at 6 and went five miles and camped about ten o’clock in the forenoon. Went out a foraging and got some flour meal, h___, potatoes, &c. The 20th Army Corps passed us this evening. The Engineers passed. Saw all the boys. Have got plenty to eat and drink. Some of the boys got some silver.

2nd—Very warm today. Marched at six. Marched about 16 miles and camped at dark. Stopped for dinner. Has been some skirmishing through this country. Found a man shot through the head by guerrillas today. Buried him. Feel pretty well today.

3rd—Marched today at six. Marched ten mile and camped about seven o’clock in the evening. Have got a pretty sore foot. Feel pretty well otherwise. Pretty hard up for grub tonight. Rained some this evening.

4th—Wad aroused last night at twelve and went on picket. Rained some but is very pleasant this morning. Guard the men today while they tear up the railroad. Marched at 1 o’clock. Marched 6 miles and camped at 7 o’clock. Have got plenty to eat. Our men had a fight this day.

5th—Marched this morning at six and went about sixteen miles and camped at dusk. Have got plenty to eat. Feel pretty well today. Stopped for dinner today. Pretty country today.

6th—Marched at six as usual. Marched twenty miles and camped at seven o’clock. I went about one mile off from the road and killed a hog and carried half into camp. Am some tired. Feet pretty sore. Feel well enough otherwise.

7th—Pretty wet today. Marched at six. Marched twenty miles and camped at eight o’clock. We are now within twenty-eight miles of Savannah. Feel well enough today but have not for anything much to eat. A great many men fell out today. I stuck through.

8th—Marched at six and went about 3 miles and stopped a spell and then formed a line of battle. Some skirmishing in our rear. Stayed here till nine o’clock and then crossed Ebenezer Creek and camped about 3 miles from the line of battle. Feel pretty well today.

9th—Marched this morning at eight. Marched about 12 miles and camped. Have got plenty to eat tonight. Heard cannon today. The rebels have sent a gunboat up the river to shell us. We are now nearly in the advance. Feel well today. Nothing else of importance.

10th—Marched today at ten o’clock. Marched six miles and camped at dinner and then moved camp about 40 rods and stop for the night. Have not much to eat. Hear some cannon today. Are within about ten miles of Savannah. Rained some this evening. Feel pretty well today.

11th—Marched this morning at eight. Marched very slow. Marched round to the right of Savannah about three miles of town. Relieved the 17th Army Corps in the pits. Are about three-quarters of a mile of the rebel earthworks. Some shelling today. Have nothing but meal to eat.

12th—Left Kingston one month ago today. Opened the ball today about ten o’clock. Shelling some and some picket fighting all day. Got two pretty close calls myself today. Five men wounded in our regiment today. One man in our company with a piece of shell. Drew rations tonight.

13th—Pretty warm today. Some skirmishing today. One man wounded slightly in the hand with a piece of shell today. Nothing else of importance.

14th—Warm and pleasant today. Fort McAllister fell into our hands today. Gen. Sherman went aboard the fleet. Also captured thirty-six pieces of artillery. We gave three rousing cheers for it today. Our men have planted three pieces of artillery out to the skirmish line and shelled the rebels like fury.

15th—Very warm today. Some skirmishing on the line and some cannonading. No one got hurt today. Was called out this evening to dig pits on the skirmish line. Worked till three o’clock in the morning. All quiet this evening.

16th—Got some behind in my diary. Laid in camp all day today. Drew rations of coffee, sugar, beef shoulder, salt, rice. Some picket shooting on the line today. Have orders to go on the skirmish line in the morning at 4 o’clock. All quiet today or rather this evening.

17th—Went on the skirmish line at four and have a fine time. Very warm today. [illegible]

18th—Was relieved this morning and went to camp. Have not got much to eat today—nothing but beef and poor stuff at that. Very pleasant today. Warm as summer. Wrote letter to Jetora last evening. Some skirmishing on the line today.

19th—Was relieved from the trenches this morning at five o’clock. Went for rations across the Oceebee [?] canal and camp. Then went foraging. [illegible].

20th—Laid in camp today and washed my clothes. Have got plenty to eat today—potatoes and rice, beef. Drew a few crackers today. There are rumors afloat in camp today that we are a going to charge the [illegible] tomorrow. Pretty wet and cold all day. Some skirmishing on the line today and cannonading besides.

21st—Woke up this morning and the rebels have gone. Left the town. We went over to the works and saw some artillery. The Twentieth Corps is in town now. Our men had a bridge built. [illegible]

22nd—Leave camp this morning and march within one mile and a half of Savannah and laid out a camp. Expect to stay here some time. Go down to town this afternoon and get some rice. The guard came pretty near getting us in the guard house. Git back to camp at sundown.

23rd—Laid in camp all day. Did not do much today. Got mail this evening. I received one letter from Sarah Cook. All well in Gr_____. Very cold today all day. Nothing going on today of any importance today.

24th—Very warm and pleasant today. Drew rations this afternoon. Two days rations to last four. Wrote a letter to Sarah Cook. Nothing going on in camp of any account.

Sunday, 25th—Had inspection three times today. It looks some like rain today. Had a very rusty gun to clean today.

26th—Fixed up our shanty today. The company had drilled but I did not. Have not got much to eat nowadays. Got plenty to eat of rice but it is a poor living.

27th—Some rain this morning but it clears off in afternoon. Had General Review of our Corps today. Was reviewed by Gen. Sherman in the streets of Savannah. Got back to camp at one o’clock in the afternoon. Wrote a letter to E. Y.

28th—Rained very hard today in the forenoon but cleared off in the afternoon. Laid in camp all day. Drew four days rations to last five. Hard bread, coffee, and salt pork and salt. Wrote a letter to Alice Cranston today.

29th—Very clear and cold today. Have got the toothache pretty bad today. Laid in camp all day today. Saw Dan Spring this morning. Nothing going on in camp today.

30th—Clear and cold today. Laid in camp today. My teeth ache as hard as ever. Saw Ben Tewes and Joe Morse today. Nothing going on in camp today. Two rockets were sent up this evening. The mail came in today but I did not get any.

31st—Today is the last day of what will be long remembered year of 64 and may God speed the time when we will be once more free and happy as times passed by. God grant that before I fill another diary that us poor, miserable fellows will be enjoying ourselves in peace and luxury—Farewell.