The following diary was kept by James Houser Bolens (1843-1921), the son of Lewis J. Bolens (1819-1860) and Rebecca Houser (1825-1855) of Lewisburg township, Preble county, Ohio. At the time of the 1860 US Census, 16 year-old James, recently orphaned, was employed as a day laborer on the farm of Henry Young near Eaton, Ohio. A year later, 17 year-old James enlisted as a private in Co. F, 17th Indiana Volunteers. On 11 November 1862 he was taken prisoner at Silver Springs, Tennessee by Gen. John Hunt Morgan’s men and later paroled and sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was exchanged. He was wounded at the Battle of Hoover’s Gap, Tennessee, on 24 June 1863 and also wounded at Pumpkin Vine, Georgia, in the same year. He was discharged from the service on 8 August 1865 and settled in Logonier, Indiana, where he earned a living as a farmer and merchant. He died at Oxford Retreat (an asylum for the insane) in August 1921.
The 17th Indiana was organized in Indianapolis in May 1861 under Gen. Milo Hascall and arrived at Parkersburgh on July 1. “In 1862 it moved to the West under Lt. Col. John T. Wilder where it gained the reputation as the most feared unit in the Union Army.” Later in the war—early in 1863—the 17th Indiana was mounted and became part of Wilder’s Lightning Brigade, known for its swiftness and endurance. The units that comprised the brigade were the 17th and 72nd Indiana Infantry Regiment, the 92nd, 98th, and 123rd Illinois Infantry Regiments, and the 18th Indiana Battery of Light Artillery that was commanded by Capt. Eli Lilly of Indianapolis. Because they were issued hatchets instead of sabers for close, hand to hand combat, they were sometimes called the “Hatchet Brigade.” Bolen’s diary informs us that on 16 May, 1863, his company was issued Spencers Rifles to replace their old Enfields. These Spencer rifles could fire seven shots without reloading within about 15 seconds, giving them a superior advantage over the enemy.
To read letters by other members of the 17th Indiana posted on Spared & Shared, see:
William Henry Harrison Lancaster, Co. A, 17th Indiana (1 Letter)
Jacob D. Row, Co. B, 17th Indiana (30 Letters)
William Farquhar Keay, Co. D, 17th Indiana (1 Letter)
[Note: This diary is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
James H. Bolens
Co. F, 17th Regt. Indiana Vols
Mounted Infantry
Wilder Brigade
Huntsville, Alabama
December 9, 1863
MARCH 1863
1—Commence my diary keeping an account of every day’s proceedings. Out with forage train. Were out two days. got on a [ ] of corn and fodder.
2—[Lander and John Conley] came to regiment. They look well. Drum a fellow of the 75th Indiana for conduct unbecoming a soldier and gentleman.
3—Regiment out on scout. I stay in camp and go on picket. Weather fine and pleasant. Reading March number of Atlantic Monthly. No letters.
4—Cold and clear. Pay 15 cents for a little apple. Cheap. Tremendous rain all night. We get a small ducking. Full bad after one drenching.
5—Showery. Rain most all day. Buy biscuits 30 cents a dozen. Worth 5 at home. Reading and writing letters. Nothing of importance.
6—Showery. Laying in my bunk. Reading Independent, [ ], and other religious documents. Have a fine chat with Lieut. [George] Hayden.
7—Go on picket. Out as vidette on the Manchester Pike and Woodbury Pike. Very particular post on ahead of style. 3 gay, festive fellows.
8—Came off picket 8:30 o’clock. Had a fine time. Was at Triune, Carthage, Rome and [ ]. Brought in a number of prisoners. Had several small skirmishes.
9—Start for Woodbury. Get there 2 p.m. Co. F has a grand fight. Hand to hand encounter with the rebs. They cover themselves with glory.
10—1st Sergt. Wm. B. Edwards captured yesterday. He fought them like a hero. Bill Wright had his gun shot off. Some of us have sore heads from our hand to hand affair yesterday.
11—In camp writing letters to Uncle Joel. Bad time for horses. Have scratches and [ ] heal. Policing quarters. Fixing up camp. No letters today.
12—On guard. At the commissary guarding commissary stores. Plenty of grub. We go out on scout soon.
13—In camp. Pleasant day. we go out on scout tomorrow for horses. Scouts organizing under the supervision of Sergt. who killed [Col.] John A[ugustine] Washington.
14—Regiment starts out on scout for horses. I ride a mule. [Christan] Mangold’s mule make a charge through company and sends him whirling to the mud.
15—Charge on some Rebs. Make then get up. Capture some prisoners. Camp on Stones river for the night.
16—Start for camp early after eating a good breakfast. Make an imposing display as we march through town. I have a fine horse, formerly Lieut. Hayden’s.
17—In camp at 6 p.m. last night. Down to the creek and take a fine wash. Reading. Time passes off pleasantly. Bunk mate [Michael] Cavenaugh on guard.
18—To town in forenoon. Have fine time. On picket at 2:30 p.m. Lieut. Hayden in command co. Capt. [John R.] Fiscus on duty in camp.
19—Still on picket. Reading Union Press and other periodicals. Came in camp 4 p.m. and unsaddle, curry our horses.
20—In camp. Like spring. Beautiful. The violets and other posies. We wait for the putting forth of the beautiful leaves.
21—Still in camp. On fatigue duty at town. Loading commissary stores. Beautiful day.
22—Sunday. In camp. Hall’s Brigade fights Morgan near Milton [See Battle of Milton, also known as Battle of Vaught’s Hill, on 20 March 1863] Thrashes him badly. Morgan’s loss three hundred men.
23—In camp on fatigue. Hauling provisions from headquarters for regiment. Reading in afternoon. Having good time in general.
24—In camp writing and reading. No news of importance. policing quarters. “All is quiet on the Potomac.”
25—Regiment out on a 5 days scout. Have a fine time. Camp at Franklin. Have a fine time with Granger’s boys. Captured a number of horses.
26—Scouting and scouring the country for bushwhackers. Scouts came up on some but did not get to fire at them.
27—Start for camp. In camp 9 p.m. Clean clothing, cavalry jackets. Grand Review tomorrow.
28—On Grand Review. Make a splendid display of Mounted Infantry. Drill. We being the only mounted infantry MI army first started by Col. Wilder—inventor of mounted infantry.
29—On picket all night on the Manchester Pike. All quiet. Rebs not stirring much. Reading Byron.
30—Off picket. Inspection and drill forenoon. Regiment goes on a scout. Cold snow squall.
31—Brigade on Grand Review by Jaj. Gen. Rosecrans. Five Divisions. Generals Garfield, Reynolds. & Thomas present. Rosy gives us great praise. Says we will make a good fight.
The month of March spent in numerous scouts, several small fights, and grand reviews. Inspections & drills. Army of the Potomac spend all their time in reviews and no fighting, but we manage to do a little.
APRIL 1863
1—Wednesday morn., start out on scout. 10 days. Camp at burnt bridge. Get a number of fine horses. Have fine time. All goes pleasant.
2—Scouting around the country. Get a few prisoners and some horses. Get some bridles.
3—Pleasant time. Capture a lot of Rebs. Camp at Rome on Cumberland river. Boys get too much whiskey. Bad.
4—Camp at Carthage. Have a hard fight with them. Skirmishing and dashing. Killed several Rebs and loss is small considering our chance.
5—Scouring the country, capturing a number of horses and a number of Morgan’s men. Boys got some ham. Have fine time with ladies.
6—Sharp fight with the rebels toward McMinnville. They won’t stand. Travel on tops of mountains. Beautiful. Pleasant.
7—Off for camp at Murfreesboro 20 miles. Have a pleasant time. Capture a few rebs. Have a small skirmish with them. Charge them—put them to flight.
8—Came in camp last night. On fatigue duty today. Hauling rations from Brigade commissary sergeants. Reading in the afternoon. Poems.
9—In camp reading. Writing letters to the dear ones at home. Building fortifications at town. Everything goes pleasantly.
10—To town. Very warm. Buy war map. Reading Atlantic Monthly for April. Muster for pay for four months.
11—Start on scout at [ ] Today’s scouts have a small skirmish with rebs. Whip them out. Camp there for the night.
12—Sunday. Pleasant. Delightful vegetation. March. Pass through Nolensville. On to Franklin. Have a fight yesterday with Van Dorn’s cavalry.
13—In Franklin. Prospects of a fight with Van Dorn. Boys ready yp give him a battle. May God be with us in all our perils and bring us into His heavenly kingdom.
14—Still at Franklin with Granger’s forces. Leave for camp tomorrow. Have a fine time. Wilder’s boys–the bullies of the Army of the Cumberland. Good.
15—March to Murfreesboro. Rebs clear out. Arrive in camp at 2 p.m. Have fine times on the road. All’s cheering.
16—In camp. Read to march at moment’s warning three days rations. Having fine times. We are all right for another scout. Go tomorrow.
17—Start out on scout toward Liberty and Alexandria. Find nothing. Came to camp in evening. Reading. Had dusty time.
18—In camp. Very hot. Reading Byron and other poems. Delightful. Elegant. All goes pleasant.
19—Sunday Inspection of guns, equipments & horses by Col. Wilder. Boys came out in good trim. Fine appearance.
20—Start out on scout at Readyville. Two brigades of our forces there. Have fine time with Alkanah Galbreath of the Old 9th Indiana [Co. G].
21—Make a dashing charge on McMinnville. Four regulars in advance. Capture town. Capture Dick McCann, the great guerrilla.
Lucy Virginia French of McMinnville kept a journal during the Civil War and wrote of the Union cavalry’s arrival on 21 April 1863: “I was combing my hair—and I remember my face turned pale as I looked in the glass.”Where are they?” “In a few miles.” I went and gathered up my fine books, silver, etc., land put them in my trunks…It was too late for us to move anything if they did come, so I assisted…in hustling a few things out of sight into our trunks and all we could do was “sit deep and stay where we were.” Presently…the blue line appeared coming down the hill they rode off in a gallop towards town. Our pickets were driven in. The Yankees threw out their skirmishing on both sides, those to the left dashed all around our house and down to the river, where they captured John Paine and another soldier who were down there fishing. The first sight of them made me mad—I did think before they came that I could treat them politely-but “my goodness!” (as Gen. Morgan says) how hard it was for me to be commonly civil to the thieves and scoundrels! Soon they were all round the house—off their horses, and after the chickens, fussing and flying in every direction. The little Ting came running in, crying and screaming “oh! they’re going to kill Mammy! they’re going to kill Mammy!” I ran to the back door, 6 or 8 of them were at the smoke-house taking out the meat. They rode up and presenting a pistol at her head, ordered her to show them the meat—Ting was standing right by her side, and thinking they would surely kill her mammy she flew wildly into the house screaming to me to save her. Poor child! how frightened she was! All this while their column was moving on into town— some pausing on the hill-side between our house and Colonel Splurlock’s [a neighbor]. Soon the porches were full of them—we were surrounded on all sides—they took this battery certain. They crowded to the doors, some wanting one thing and some another, all talking at once, until one imp of darkness started into the house swearing he had heard we had meat hid and he was going to search the house for it. Just as he was about to pass me I laid my hand on his shoulder and looked him right in the eyes—(the devil was just about as tall as myself and one of the most repulsive countenances I ever recoiled from,)—I stopped him and asked “Are you a man?”—he hesitated a moment—seemed surprised that I should dare interfere, and sail “Yes.” “Are you a gentleman?” he did not reply—but Mr. French who was standing just by smiled and said “of course child”—”Well,” I said, “if he is a gentleman he will show it by going out of this house,” and turning to another of the men who had a rather pleasant face I asked “do your officers permit you to search houses without orders?” He said not—it was strictly against orders—adding “You are loyal people?” “Yes,” I replied, “all our sympathies are entirely with the South.” His countenance fell in a moment—but by this time the wretch who had sworn to search the house had “fallen back” among the crowd. By this time I saw them breaking into Mammy’s house and sent Jessie flying to the kitchen to tell her. By the time she reached there the cabin was full—her drawers, trunks, and boxes upside down and inside out—half of their contents on the floor. Lee’s Sunday hat and pants were gone and one of them had two coats making off with them. She gave them a regular “blow out” and made them give up the coats, but when she had come to clear them out and look about her she found they had taken her spoons, her flour and sugar, her silk apron—bucket—Lee’s shaving apparatus—Puss’ breast pin collar, handkerchiefs, stockings, and a pink tarleton party dress! The idea! I had all my jewelry, etc., under my hoops, and so had Mollie. We had made enormous pockets and filled them with our choices valuable, before the came. I really felt weighted down. The man who prevented that hateful wretch, McKenzie, from going up stairs, I found out was a Scaright, and a relative of the Scarights of Pa —of whom two, Tom and Jennie, were great friends of mine at school. He was the only one among the whole 2500 that I saw that had the slightest claim to be considered a gentleman…After some conversation it appeared that the notorious Dick McCann, whom they had made prisoner the day previous, and who was confined with the rest of the prisoners at the stable, had made his escape, and they were all furious about it. Soon after, here they came to search the house for Dick McCann—one man swearing that he saw him run from the negro house to the big house. I laughed at first at the idea of their being such fools as to think McCann would stop here right in the midst of them—but soon my attention was called to Mollie who had fallen aback on the bed almost fainting when she heard the head of that armed ten men say in a bullying insolent tone, “I have orders to search this house for that man, and I don’t find him I shall set fire here, sir.” “Very well,” said the Col. quietly, opening the dining-room door and showing them in [and saying] “proceed with your examination. Your prisoner is not here and I beg you will satisfy yourselves.” Poor Mollie she as pale as the pillow she lay on. I was working with her when the two of them burst into the room—looked in the wardrobe tossed up the children’s bed— looked under mine, but as good luck would have it did not make Mollie rise— seeing her critical state I suppose. They went over the house like a thunderstorm—looked in the dirty clothes basket even….Everywhere, and in everything, they went with a rush, tossing and turning up everything, before them, and left, after tearing out the under-pinning of the house, and finding—a setting hen! They then fired the stable buildings where the prisoners had been kept and stood round it for awhile with their guns, looking for Dick McCann to jump out at them from a corn-shuck. Two came dashing up to the kitchen and smokehouse and after cursing and snorting round there awhile came to the house—and went thro’ the search again. I am not certain that they expected even that McCann was here—I think sometimes their object was to search the house for plunder. The looked in wash-stands—safes, and twenty places were a man could not possibly be hid, and even climbed up the posts of my bed-stead to look on top of the canopy! After they were gone the sight that this house presented was awful—and Mammy’s house—no pen can describe. The stables burned all day—Darlin’ save about one half of one poultry-house after they left. . . They had boasted so over the taking of Dick McCann that when he escaped them, they were perfectly furious, and it is a thousand wonders they didn’t arrest the Col., as he escaped here, or burn the place—-Anybody would have laughed to have seen the supper I gave those officers: biscuits, batter-cakes, hand and wheat coffee—voila tout!. . . All the wretches were from Indiana and Pennsylvania,—Great Caesar! How I did hate them! That imp of the devil, McKenzie, after he had been up stairs and searched for provisions—met Mollie in the hall and said to her in the hatefullest, taunting way, “is that all ye got? if it is I pity ye!” Oh how I did want to kill him—the reptile! [See Capture of McMinnville by Federal forces; a woman’s account.]
22—Morgan saved his bacon by flight yesterday. We captured a number of commissary stores, tore up railroad. March 40 miles. Camp on the farm of Virginia french an authoress.
23—Reveille 4 o’clock. March to Smithville—a poor little town. Had several hard skirmishes with rebs. Camp for night near Liberty.
24—March for Liberty. Camp at Alexandria. On picket. Rebs keep from Wilder’s Brigade. Don’t like us.
25—Still in Alexandria. Principally Union. Fine place. Received letters from some of my old girls. Fine chat with some ladies.
26—March for Lebanon. Citizens fear we are going to burn the town. Some very pretty ladies there but haughty secesh.
27—Leave Lebanon. Scout towards Nashville. Jim Smith, captured by bushwhackers. They try to kill him. Did not succeed.
28—Camp near Lebanon. Back to Alexandria. Showery time. Hard time on horses. So some hard riding. Get a number of good horses.
29—Showery but beautiful. Camp at Bryantsville. Headquarters of Morgan. Start to camp tomorrow. Have fine time.
30—To camp. Showery. Have comfortable time. Glad to get to camp, In camp at night—beautiful.
MAY 1863
1—In camp. Pleasant. Up in town viewing fortifications. A strong position. Quite a number of heavy guns mounted of all calibers.
2—Move camp to Boiling Springs 1 mile from Murfreesboro on the Woodbury Pike—a nice and beautiful place. Draw new tents—small dog tents.
3—Sunday. Nice day. Reading testament and poems. Col. Hall’s Brigade were up on our line tomorrow.
4—To town after forage. Get five hundred sacks of corn, 50 bales of hay. Writing letters for the boys.
5—Showery last none. Our dog tents do finely…Up to sutler’s. Have a glass of beer. Fine times at our house.
6—Regiment out on three days scout. Horse unshod. I stay in camp. Fixing up camp…
7—On horse guard. Have a jolly at 18th Indiana Battery Sutler. Have too much old bourbon. Cheap $2.50 per bottle.
8—In camp. Chaplain Layton gives us tracts & testaments, and after reading, digging wells for water to give our horses. A dry time.
9—Some of the boys go with the Provision Train out to the brigade at Alexandria. Have a chat with some rebel prisoners.
10—Laying in camp. Received a letter from Miss Adora, a great girl. Too much talk of love for this here chicken. And also from A. A. Yost. Glad to hear from him.
11—All goes pleasantly. Go to [Thomas E. G.] Ransom’s Division to see Sammy Thumber. Did not get to see him. Had a letter from Miss Mary K. Glad to hear from all my old gals.
12—Regiment comes in. Had great success. Captured a number of prisoners…
13—Had fine time last night. Our string band played and sung some beautiful songs. Went at 12 o’clock and serenaded Generals Ransom, Negley, and Wilder. They invite the boys to come round often.
14—Writing letters—one to Miss Mary K., one to H. A. Yost. Bought some tobacco and other notions. Sutler coining money for soldiers.
15—Good time with Dr. L. Rebel General Van Dorn killed. Jackson taken. Gen. [Joseph] Wheeler arrested by Bragg. Our armies are invincible. Bully.
16—Hurrah for our Spencer Rifles, 7 shooters. We draw rifles and new outfit. Now we will make the rebs git. They will find that we have not the old Enfield.
17—Hot. Chaplain Layton preaches a good sermon in the evening. Most all the boys attend to preaching. They all like him and respect him which is more than they ever done to any other of our chaplains.
18—Building sheds for our horses. Hot work. Finish in the evening. Have fine time at night. 72nd Indiana. Have a dance.
19—Box up our overcoats and send them to Nashville for storage until next winter by order Gen. Rosy. Making preparations for summer campaign.
20—In camp. Laying around and reading. Cleaning up our Spencers/ A number of the boys have bought Henry rifles, sixteen shooters. Scouts all have them.
21—Gayce [Gayle?] comes over to see us—Correspondent of Commercial and other papers. He was once Borgs [?] Spy—a sharp little one from the Emerald Isle.
22—Make a dash on the enemy toward Wartrace. Scouts capture two rebel colonels and a number of other prisoners. Had a sharp skirmish. Went in sight [of] reb camp and then returned to camp.
23—On duty in camp. Nothing of importance going on. Writing letters.
24—Start on scout to McMinnville. Camp at Readyville for the night. Meet some of my old chums in the 9th Indiana.
25—Pass through Woodbury. Met the rebs pickets two miles from town. Scouts have a hard fight. The pickets make a strong resistance. Scouts charge then take 12 prisoners. Bully for scouts.
26—Came back to Readyville yesterday. Camped for the night. the rebs run yesterday but we took 10 prisoners. They were Col. Breckinridge’s Mounted Infantry but they could not compete with us.
27—Arrive in camp at 4 p.m. Corn up knee high. Reading dime novels. Have nice time reading Rebel love letters—too much we’uns and you’uns.
28—Cool and raining. Finish reading [Edward] Bulwer’s Zanoni. Gen. [August] Willich, Reynolds came down to visit. Had fine times. Willich is a German.
29—Laying in camp. Plenty of peddlers around today. I buy some. Bread and pies 25 cents as price. Cheap.
30—On horse guard. Have fine chat with 11th Ohio boys about their Virginia Campaign.
31st—The last of May. A little over three months since I left home, sweet home, and all me charming Lucks O the darlints.
This month was spent in numerous fights and me still unhurt.
JUNE 1863
1—In camp on guard. Nice music by our string band last night. Went over and serenaded Col. Wilder, Gen. [George] Crook of the Virginia Brigade.
2—Inspection of horses, arms and equipments. Making preparations for a raid on some of the southern railroads. Reading novels.
3—Start out upon a scout toward Liberty. Had a skirmish with a few rebs under Gen. Wharton.
4—Col. Wilder makes his Headquarters at Liberty while we scout the country. Got after a squad of rebs and run them six or seven miles.
5—Scouting on the Lebanon Alexandria Pike. Capture 150 mules from rebs and a wagon loaded with five hundred dozen eggs, 150 of butter, and a rebel mail.
6—Went out toward Middleton, burnt a mill called Smith’s. Same hard words between the rebel girls and we’uns.
7—Start for camp at Murfreesboro. Had a successful time. Brought in a number of prisoners. Weather cool and pleasant. Flowers abundant and so sweet.
8—On guard. Reading novels. Co. has the boys planting cedars round camp. Have fine music by our string band. They go to serenade Gen. Rosy.
9—Col. Wilder trying his machine for tearing up railroad track. Witnessed by Gen. Rosecrans, Ransom, McCook, Willich.
In his diary, Col. John Beatty of the 3rd Ohio Infantry wrote that on 2 June 1863, he accompanied Rosecrans and others to witness the trial of a machine, invented by Wilder, for tearing up railroad tracks and injuring the rails in such a manner as to render them worthless. Hitherto the rebels, when they have torn up our railroads, have placed the bars crosswise on a pile of ties, set fire to the latter, and so heated and bent the rails; but by heating them again they could be easily straightened and made good. Wilder’s instrument twists them so that cannot be used again.”
10—Start am on five day’s scout. Charge through Alexandria. Scouts have a sharp fight with two hundred rebels under Capt. Ellison.
11—Scouting the country, picking up a number of bushwhackers. Co. I on picket in Alexandria. A number of good-looking ladies in the town.
12—March for Lebanon, distance 18 miles. Join part of our brigade that went by Beard’s Mill. Came to Beard’s Mill and camp.
13—Passed the house where I was paroled by John Morgan [on] November 13, 1862. The boys have a plenty of nice hams.
14—Came in camp at 2 p.m. tired and dusty. Took a good supply of beer from sutler. Over to 18th Indiana Battery to hear them play on the band.
15—On guard guarding some rebs at the Female Seminary in town. Two haughty females give me thunder for not letting them in seminary.
16—Came off guard at 8 a.m. Had a fine time on guard. Nothing of importance.
17—On vidette, as courier for Gen. Ransom’s. Lewis [?], our old chum, 26th Ohio, was over last night. We made the beer fly and danced and sung all night.
18—Thursday. Very hot. Written some letters. One to Izora Horace. Miss Sophia. Was glad to hear from them.
19—Moved camp to Stones River, five miles from Murfreesboro. Written one letter to Miss Lizzie Layton and received one also. Glad to hear from her.
20—Cleaning up camp, fixing up our bunks. A nice grove. Very hot. Down looking at the cave springs—a nice and cool place. Out grazing our horses.
21—Sunday. On guard reading Testament and other useful books. On Brigade guard.
22—Inspection of horses by Col. Wilder. Army ready for a grand move which we make soon. Boys in good spirits for a game of ball with the rebels.
23—Washing and drill in forenoon. Orders to march tomorrow with 13 days rations. Bully. We want to try our Spencers on the bloody rebs. Everything in good trim.
24—Grand advance begins—our Brigade in advance of 14th Army Corps. On the Manchester Pike. Drive in the rebs about 1 p.m. Their pickets make no resistance and we make a dashing charge and take their fortifications . Scouts drive their cavalry beyond their camps and drive out two wagons loaded with rebs out on inspection. Battle of Hoover’s Gap. The enemy with two brigades [Brig. Gen. William] Bate’s and [Brig. Gen. Bushrod] Johnson’s attacked our four regiments in three columns. They flank us but we drive them back. They charge us three times. We repulse them. Our loss in the Brigade yesterday was sixty. Our regiment lost 28 killed and wounded. We were in the hottest of the fight. I was wounded in the hand. Cannonading heavy all day. Rosey moving his troops in the Gap for a grand assault. They evacuate in the night. Gen. Rosy and Thomas give us great praise for our gallant conduct at Hoover’s Gap. [See Battle of Hoover’s Gap]
29—Reach Manchester without any resistance. Make preparations for a raid in rear of the rebels. Destination supposed to be Decherd. Start tonight. Five days rations. 100 rounds ammunition.
30—Some of our famous raid into Alabama to tear up two railroads. Captured Decherd, burn a large amount of ammunition and other stores.
JULY 1863
1—Tuesday. Lay in camp. Good & tired. Need rest. Strolling around amongst other regiments. We move camp tomorrow on some creek.
2—Move camp on a small creek. Get in camp about one hour when we receive orders from Gen. Rosy calling us back to Tullahoma.
3—Our forces pushing for Chattanooga. Bragg’s forces greatly demoralized. Awful hot. Rain in the afternoon.
4—Celebrating this glorious day by getting forage for our horses. Living well, Roads very muddy—almost impassable for wagons and artillery.
5—Laying in camp. Sutler brings a new supply of goods from Murfreesboro. Beard’s Brigade here with us. Cars soon run to Tullahoma. Nice camp is Wartrace.
6—Letters from my duck. Wants mr to come and see her when my time is up. How very delightful it would be. She’s a beautiful picture–a noble loving soul.
7—To Mary. Write letters for boys. Have fine tome. Showery. Raining most all day. Henry Haman, Harry Paulson. Sergeants reduced to ranks by order of Col. Jordan.
8—I am detailed to take horses to Murfreesboro and turn them over to convalescent pen. Roads muddy. Horse can hardly trail.
9—Back to camp 3 p.m. Find the regiment moved over Duck River to a little town called Roseville. Fine place to camp.
10—Hot day out gathering blackberries. Have a fine dinner. Glorious news from all our armies. May this unholy rebellion surrender.
11—Fixing up camp over at Col. Wilder’s Headquarters. Cleaning up guns to give to the new regiment in our brigade. I think they ought to clean them theirselves.
12—Start on a 7 days scout. 17th 123 in charge of Col. Monroe. Pass through Shelbyville, Bedford County. All Union. Splendid county. Fine faces. Camp at Lewisburg. Get horses.
13—Get to Columbia—a rebel town. On picket at night. Lieut. Hayden, Sergt. Birney of scouts take company out to Polk’s estate for fine horses. He is trying to run them south.
14—Got $40 worth of stock off toward Centerville, turn out my old mare and take a beautiful sorrel. Glass eyes. Call him Gen. Bill Lucius Polk.
15—Polk’s, Pillow’s estates are beautiful like the cultivated parks of England. Skirmish near Centerville by the scouts.
16—Still morning. Got a large number horses. Private Steward, Co. H, killed by bushwhackers. Passed through Connellsville, Eagleville. Camped at Petersburg.
17—Came to a small town by the name of Richmond where rebel Col. Smith lives. Turned a Union man. Was a scout with us and acted as guide.
18—Came to Shelbyville, thence to camp. We captured over one thousand fine horses and quite a number of prisoners.
19—Laying in camp. Resting ourselves. I like my charger, Billy Lucius, first rate. He is worth $500 at home. During our raid we captured the famous horse Commodore belonging to John Boots, a Union man in Virginia.
20—Miserably hot. cars now running to Tullahoma. On courier post at General Rosecrans’ Headquarters. S. Laird, chief of couriers. Fine to see currier. Get up all times in the night and pack dispatches.
21—Still on currier line. Have a fine hotel in Tullahoma. Plenty of papers to read. Rosy makes his headquarters to Winchester tomorrow. Then I go to camp.
22—Came to camp at 2 p.m. One of the teamster’s teams run off, killed mules, came near running over me. Chase promoted a corporal. Reading in Harper’s.
23—Laying in camp. Reading. Rosecrans campaign with the 14th Army Corps. A very interesting book. Corp. Daniel O’Brian back. He was taken prisoner while on the Columbia scout.
24—Still in camp. Out grassing our horses. A lot of Company H boys arrested for stealing while on the Columbia scout. Col. Jordan found in a hat laying at his tent one gold watch $250 in gold.
25—Still in camp. Waiting for pay. Signed pay roll today. The fellow that laid the money and watch at Colonel’s tent must of been afraid of being caught with it.
26—Hurrah for pay day. I received $65 and the sutler twenty dollars. Pretty steep. Chase and me talk about pieces in Byron. Received no letters. March tomorrow.
27—Strike tents. March at 5 o’clock a.m. for Decherd. Pass through Tullahoma. Would like to see the 93rd Ohio but had not time. Get to our division and camp.
28—Sent to Uncle J. A. Bolens the sum $17. Over looking at the large springs near Decherd—a beautiful place. Good time with the boys. Enjoying myself.
29—Down in the tremendous town of Decherd. Great talk of Wilder’s Brigade—the brag boys of the Army of the Cumberland. Talk about our raid we made on Decherd while rebs were at Tullahoma.
30—Laying in camp. Policing camp. Some of the boys have more old bourbon than they can digest. A letter from Izara.
31—On guard. Guarding prisoners at guard house. Lieut. Buttermilk, Wagoner officer of the guard. He is a case of buttermilk and old woman. Jolly time.
AUGUST 1863
1—Saturday, Pleasant day. Lying in camp. Shoeing our horses and fixing ready for any emergency. Received a letter from Liza Layton. Glad to hear from her.
2—Fine time with our Chaplain—Lafety Layton. Drs. Kemper and Larkins. Inspection at 9 o’clock a.m. of clothing, arms, and exquipments. Nice day.
3—Laying in camp. Took horses out to grass on rebel Captain Wagner’s Plantation. Have a chat with his daughters.
4—Corporal [Cyrus P.] Wick returns to company from Murfreesboro, well of his wounds. Reading papers. Telescope Press, Harper’s Weekly. Our grazing my horse.
5—Went to Decherd. Had a fine time. Get some photographs taken. Sergt. [Lafayette] Carnes and [William H.] Thompson go along with me. Went to 42nd Indiana Regiment.
6—Writing letters to my ducks and to Miss Angeline, Marysville, Ohio. One to Uncle J. A. Bolens, and one to sister Mary.
7—Reading. Delightful. Col. Wilder returns from home. Boys cheer him glad of his return. May God bless him and keep him with us always.
8—Company F on a drunk. Most half of company drunk. Lieut. Hayden scolds. Orders them to guard house and takes three bottles of whiskey from them. Breaks them in front of company at roll call. Says he will court martial all that get drunk.
9—Company all sober this morning. Went out to grass our horses. My famous charger Billy Lucius polk throwed himself and strained his hip. Noble steed.
10—Our advance begins tomorrow. Negley’s Division starts for Stevenson, Alabama. Doctoring my famous charger, General Billy Lucius Polk. I fear he is gone up.
11—Send two of my pictures to Izara and two to Janis P. Henkler. Give one to Frank Sullivan. Cousin from 75th Indiana comes to see me. On fatigue.
12—Very hot day—the warmest day I have felt in Dixie’s sunny clime. Reading Independent lying in the shade. Written one letter to Horace.
13—Awful hot day. Down in town. Bought some notions. Reading papers—Journal, Nashville Union, Harper’s Illustrated. On guard in the evening.
14—Inspection of horses and equipments, saddles at 10 o’clock a.m. by order Co. Wilder. On fatigue building fence to pool convalescent horses in.
15—Marching orders—ready to march at 7 o’clock tomorrow, Written one letter to my duck—beautiful Jennie, me heart’s delight.
16—Strike tents. March at 8 o’clock for Chattanooga, distance 40 miles. Camp on top of the mountain. A beautiful view of the country. Can see 30 miles the ridges where Tullahoma lays.
17—Marched at 6 a.m. camped for the night at Tracy City—a small town up on the Cumberland Mountains noted for its beautiful coal mines. People mostly secesh.
18—Traveling up and down the steep mountains. Camped in a valley between the lofty mountains. Had a splendid supper—roasting ears, potatoes, & hard tack.
19—Came down the mountain over an awful road, it being so steep we dismounted and walked down. Camped in Sequatchie Valley near Dunlap. Scouts had a small fight today. Killed some and took prisoners.
20—Left Dunlop for Chattanooga, distance 29 miles. Crossed Walden’s Ridge sixteen miles from one foot to the other foot. Met no opposition. See no rebs today.
21—Up at 5 o’clock for a dash on Chattanooga. We went a flying for Chattanooga. Reached the river in sight of town and commenced shelling them.
22—Our scouts gobbled up their pickets nicely yesterday. The rebs think hard of our brigade—especially Col. Wilder for shelling them in time of fasting and prayer, it being Jeff Davis’s Thanksgiving Day.
23—Down shelling Chattanooga. Had a fine time shooting across the river with our Spencers. Make the rebs skedaddle. I learn we killed two women and wounded some while we were shelling the rebs on Thanksgiving day. Bad affair.
24—On scouting expedition up the river at North Chickamauga Ford. Scouts fire into a boat full of rebs. They all jumped out and took for the shore.
25—Out after forage. Peaches and apples. Have a fine talk with Mrs. Williams down at Williams’ Island, 7 miles from Chattanooga. Fine lady. See rebs across the river.
26—Cool morning. Strolling around the country in forenoon. Cleaning up camp. Have a fine dinner. Peach cobbler. Go on picket tomorrow.
27—Down bombarding town. Several rebs swam the river last night and came to our pickets. We go over this evening at Colwell’s Ferry.
28—Came off picket 2 p.m. Went after forage. Mail came in. Letters from my ducks. Have fine sermon in evening by Chaplain [Lafety] Layton.
29—Laying in camp. Sergt. [Lafayette] Carnes builds a log house for himself and Seabolt up on the lookout looking at Chattanooga. Can see rebs moving around.
30—Sutler comes up. I buy a lot of paper and envelopes, a portfolio, one plug tobacco. Written several letters to the dear ones at home.
31—Went for forage. Wash my clothing. Reading Ledger, Independent, and rebel papers. Pass time finely. Plenty to eat. Living on peaches.
Have done all duty this month and not much fighting.
SEPTEMBER 1863
1—Tuesday. On picket. Talk with rebs across the river. Good time. I take three men and picket cross the North Chickamauga. Nothing of importance occurred during the night.
2—Came off picket. Came in camp. Down at Chattanooga, up in arms. Supposition that the rebs are making demonstrations to cross the river. Let ’em come. We will give them a dose of Spencers.
3—Out after forage. Get an abundance of peaches. The Tennessee Valley is lined with peaches—thousands of bushels. A plentiful country.
4—On picket at Becks Ford, seven miles above Chattanooga near the mouth of North Chickamauga. Rebs keep moving, We picket right under their guns.
5—Still on picket. Hazen’s Brigade comes where we are on picket with a lot of bugles and drums and four guns. They made a big fuss and scared the rebs. They suppose we have a big force here.
6—Rebs badly scared last night. They outened all their picket fires on the other side of the river. They throw a few shells at us this morning. Hazen replied.
7—On picket. Hazen’s Brigade go to their camp 12 miles back on the mountain. See some handsome ladies. Have a fine chat with them. People mostly Union around here.
8—Down bombarding Chattanooga. Find the place evacuated at night. 92nd Illinois of Wilder’s Brigade the first in town. The rebs cut their [ ].
9—Move camp up to Beck’s Ford and ready to cross the river in the morning. Have a fine supper. Reveille at 4 o’clock.
10—Cross the river, pull our wagons up by hand, the river bank being so steep. The brigade all across by 1 o’clock. Go about fifteen miles. Drive in rebel pickets. Skirmishing all day.
11—Our brigade captured Ringgold, Georgia. After a sharp fight, the rebs retreat in direction of Tunnel Hill burning all the railroad bridges. Camp near Tunnel Hill for the night.
12—Retreat back to Ringgold. Co. F attacked the rebs 5 miles from Ringgold at Rock Spring. Our scouts surrounded. They cut their way out. We charge the rebs horseback.
13—[Jackson] Denny of our company wounded yesterday. Sergeant [Lafayette] Carnes, Golland, [William] Black killed. The rebs gave us a hard fight but could not budge our Spencer rifles. I stood in the hottest of the fight. I never had cannon and small balls to fly round me so fast.
14—Join our division at 10 p.m. Boys very tired and want rest. We have been fighting and skirmishing for the last ten days. Wilder’s boys are the chaps to do it.
15—Laying in camp today. Charles Anders of the 18th Kentucky visits us. I would like to see my Uncle King in the 75th Indiana but am too tired to go there.
16—Laying in camp. Report that Negley’s Division of our Corps had a fight at Dugout Gap—a gap in the Pigeon Mountains ten miles from Lafayette, Georgia.
17—Move camp near Gordon’s Mills. Passed rosy’s Headquarters. Passed Woods’ Division. They cheer us. There is nothing like Wilder’s Brigade. Meet the old 26th Ohio—our old chums.
18—Lay along the Chickamauga until 3 p.m. Move camp farther up to Alexander’s Bridge. The enemy heavy in our front. A battle expected soon.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA
19—The rebs attack us at 11 a.m. Had a battle with them all day. We hold up Bragg’s army from crossing the bridge. They shell us—Co. F especially, facing the bridge—terribly. We stand our ground. Minty being driven back, Wilder returned to the hills.
20—General engagement. Great Battle of Chickamauga. As the battle rages terribly, we hold our line. It appears that neither side claim advantage. Many old and trusty regiments fail in the terrible fire. Wilder used his men well in action.
21—Things look murky. The great battle opens at 7 o’clock a.m. This morning wet throw up a breastwork and lay behind it but they dare not run on our terrible Spencers.
22—We made one of the most terrific charges yesterday on record and turned Longstreet’s right wing and routed his forces after Sheridan was thrown back in confusion. Our brigade came near being captured. We were cut off from army.
23—Crossed the river and went to Beck’s Ford. Building breastworks and planting masked guns for fear should the rebs try to cross the river. Pleasant day.
24—Lay in camp at ford seven miles above Chattanooga. Reading papers. Went with Capt. Lilly on scout to plant guns across Chickamauga.
25—Went as escort for Col. Wilder to Stevenson [Alabama], he being sick and going home on furlough. Arrived at Stevenson 8 at night. Rode 67 miles today—the fastest ride I ever made in one day. Company on picket.
26—Lay in Stevenson until ten a.m. Start for camp. Horse gives out. Camp five miles from Hasper on the Anderson Road. Met Bob Burns, a deserter from our regiment. Belongs to [ ].
27—March at sun up. Stop at an old Union mans house and eat dinner with him. Minor impression at Knoxville of his Union sentiments.
28—Camped at the foot of Walden’s Ridge last night with a division train. Started for camp at day light with Lieut. Col. 24th illinois. Got to camp at 2 p.m.
29—March this morning for Blythe’s Ferry, 40 miles above Chattanooga. On picket at Ferry at night. The Miserable [Minty’s] cavalry let Wheeler across last night.
30—Raining very hard this morning. Marching orders after Wheeler on account of Minty’s unreliable cavalry letting them cross.
OCTOBER 1863
1—On the march with the regiment. Our brigade crosses the Cumberland Mountains after the rebs on the McMinnville Pike. Crossed Walden’s Ridge. Col. [Abram] Miller in command of the brigade.
2—Went through Sequatchie Valley to the top of the mountain on the other side. A hard days ride. Came in camp about midnight.
3—Up at 3 o’clock. get down the mountain. Have a sharp fight at Thompson’s C___ at 2 p.m. Whip out [Maj. Gen. John Austin] Wharton’s reb division. Fight after fight, charge them out of woods.
4—Sunday. Drove them two miles from McMinnville. Our brigade, 17th, right in front. we killed and wounded a good many last night in Hocker’s rebel brigade. May God be propitious to us on this His hold day.
5—May God bless and prosper our arms. Sharp skirmishing. Get into Murfreesboro at dark. Find a number of troops here. Rebs have been in sight of town. Capt. [John R.] Fiscus calls on us. 2nd Kentucky Cavalry makes a fine saber charge. Routs the rebs for seven miles.
6—Get rations. Capt. gives us coffee. Bully. We move off toward Shelbyville. Roads are in good condition. Through Shelbyville toward Columbia. Rebs robbed and stole everything.
7—Came up on the rebs a few miles from town and charge savagely—17th in front. Rebs fight sharply. We dismount and in the hearty forward of Major [William Theophilus] Jones, sends us cracking along. We flank them. Put them to utter rout. I shot two rebs and do not know how many more. It soon becomes a rout—each man takes to the woods and fields for himself, throw away their guns. George Shannon killed by my side. Lieut. Hayden severely wounded. Our loss getting heavy. We fight Wheeler’s whole force. Our brigade makes a dozen charges. Co. F, G, & D charges a battery. Captures three guns. We shall take a number of prisoners suffer for wearing our uniform. They were going to fool the Yankees by wearing our blue but it was a sad trick for many of them. Sergeant Kelcher wounded as night closes the scene.
11—Pleasant day. Heaven helped us safely and successfully through it. Rebs fled precipitately toward the river. We came up on their rear at the pretty town of Pulski.
12—Cavalry get scared we were in the rear and ordered to the front. Delpoy as skirmishers. we get in sight of town. The rebs get scared and run away.
13—Pleasant day. So stupid is cavalry. They seem to think they are not enlisted for fighting but brave when out of danger. Wilder’s [Brigade] done all the fighting and deserves all the praise.
14th—Clear day. Hear of Roddy after him this morning. Run Forrest across the [Duck] river yesterday. If our cavalry had any fight about them, we would have captured him.
15—Marched in camp within 10 miles of Winchester. Ordered back to Flint river, Alabama. Camp for night. Stay at Salem—a little old village where Gen. [Robert Latimer] McCook was killed.
16—From Salem to New Market, Alabama. 17th to burnt bridge on Flint river. M. C. Railroad burnt by Roddy so we are in camp for the present. Glad enough to rest. Raining and muddy.
17—Laying in camp reading Byron. Glad enough to get a day’s rest. Pleasant day. Received no mail since October 1st. Would be glad to hear from the dear ones at home.
18—Little pleasant. Beautiful country. Foraging. Living on flapjacks. Only 7 months, then for home, peace, and comfort, for loved ones. God bless them.
19—Tuesday. I go with a squad up to Paint Rock Bridge [near Woodville, Alabama] for rations, Maj. Lucas of 98th [Illinois] in charge. Leave and start back. eat honey and hard tacks—the first bread for 15 days.
20—March in camp. Very rainy. Dr. [Samuel E.] Monford with wagons from Stevenson. Grant assumes command of the whole western department. Our company on picket. I stay in camp until morning.
21—Still on picket. [David H.] Chase about to write an article on our pursuit after Wheeler raid. He will do something at an early day request, my guess.
22—Miserably cold and raining. Off at noon on scout. It rains all day. Camp at Huntsville. Have a splendid fire. Get dry and warm. Plenty of flour. No mails.
23—Saturday. March and camp at Athens, Alabama at 3 p.m. Cold and muddy. Have a good supper. The winter of our discontent vanishes. Thus be our hearts forever bright.
24—Weather more mild. Reveille at 3:30 a.m.. Took breakfast. Feel well. Heaven send a happy and prosperous day and strength and spirit for any emergency.
25—Went to Triana—a little and rebellious village. Rebs on the other side of the river. Our squad of ten encountered 30 who run and did not fight. They fled to the mountains. Returned to Huntsville and camp.
26—Cloudy but pleasant. From Huntsville to camp near Maysville. Met Miss Hewett, a southern authoress. Lives in a brick [house] pained white near our camp. Beautiful Huntsville. Nice looking people.
27—Reading Burns’ poems. Moving camp across Flint river. Had a very comfortable day. Mail comes in. Receive a letter from Sophia.
28—Reading Butler’s Hudibras. Find it smart and witty. Nothing of importance today. Fixing up camp. Pleasant day. Have a good time.
29—In camp. Our wagons arrive at last from [ ] Creek. Hudibras quite funny. My health good. Glad to see boys with wagons. No mail today.
30—Hurrah for mail. Receive a letter from Lizzie Dayton. extremely glad to hear from Lizza. Reading papers—Commercial, Press, and Independent.
31—Cold and raining. Cut a big beech and have a rousing fire. Finish reading Hudibras—a mart book. Full of fun. Sutler comes up again. I lay in a good supply of paper and envelopes.
We received accounts of the battle. Our loss at Chickamauga battle in the paper is estimated at 16,000 killed & wounded. The enemy’s must be greater.
Our loss in Farmington Battle. Regiment loss, killed three, wounded 38. Brigade loss, killed 9, wounded 150.
NOVEMBER 1863
1—Went out with forage train. Brought in a hog. Went near Huntsville. Sutler received some new goods. It will be a caution the way the dimes will fly.
2—In camp. wrote one letter to [ ]. Talk of being paid off soon. Talk to Chase about writing a history of the 17th Indiana Mounted Infantry. No mail.
3—Written two letters, one to Miss Sophia and one to Miss Lizzie Dayton. Warm and pleasant day. Reading Lord Byron’s Poetry of Works.
4—Written one letter to Miss Jennie Langaster, Martin county, Indiana. On guard at forage pile. Have a fine chat with Chase. Warm and pleasant day. Sutler has new goods.
5—Written one letter to Mr. James B. Henkle. Warm and pleasant day. Nothing of importance going on in camp. Sergt. [Lafayette] Carnes goes home to recruit for Co. F.
6—Commenced building our winter quarters. Run out of lumber and quit work. Hauled one load of brick in the afternoon to build our chimney.
7—Written one letter to my copper nut friend on the war. Fine and pleasant day. Reading in the Independent—a religious paper, Henry Ward preacher’s organ. No mail tonight.
8—Went out with forage train after corn. Loaded all the wagons in the brigade but our regiment. Gathered out of the field near bell factory. Came in camp late.
9—Written several letters—one for Harper’s Weekly four months. one for Portrait monthly, three numbers sent to Cincinnati for two letter writers.
10—Written one letter to Indianapolis for the Journal for six months. One also to J. G. Packard for Silver Company. Been chopping wood for fireplace.
11—Written a peck of letters today—one to Izara and to Horace, one to J. B. Henkle, one to J. A. Boens for postage stamps. Chase out with foraging train.
12—Maj. Gen. Sherman’s Corps passes us on its way to Chattanooga. A fine-looking body of troops. Chaplain preached a good sermon in the evening.
13—On guard acting [ ] corporal. Raining all night. Seabolt, [Samuel] Faucett, [Charles] Harvey and bunk mate ]Michael] Woolf gone to the river to destroy some rebel flat boats.
14—Ousterhout’s Division of Sherman’s Corps passes on it way to Stevenson. Camped all night near our camp. Written one letter to Izara. Received one also.
15—Sent by Dr. Monford, our regimental surgeon, thirty dollars addressed to J. A. Bolens. West [ ]. On guard. Weather cool and clear.
16—Came off guard at eight o’clock. Chase writing documents related to our gallant conduct at the terrible Battle of Chickamauga. SEnt it to Commercial for publication.
17—Again on guard at forage pie. Harvey, Woolf, and Chase return from expedition on the Tennessee River. Wagon train gone to Painted Rock for provisions, stance 14 miles.
18—Came off guard. Received marching orders in the evening to be ready to march in an hour. Countermanded until four in the morning.
19—Regiment started out for Chattanooga, distance one hundred miles, with Col. Long’s Brigade to make a raid in rear of the enemy. Destination supposed to be Cleveland.
20—On guard. Drizzling rain. Received a letter from sister Mary. Written one to Uncle Eugene. Reading a book called Gleanings of Poets—a book for every man to have.
21—Rise very late this morning. Rained very hard all night. Our shanty leaked very badly. On fatigue duty taking mules to convalescent pen brigade headquarters.
22—News that we march tomorrow. Report came in camp that the 72nd had a fight at the Tennessee River. Written one letter to Mary. Reading Tribune and a few poems.
23—News from the regiment. Elijah Conely returned from Stevenson. Regiment on its way to Chattanooga. On horse guard. Corp. [Cyrus] Wick returned from Stevenson.
24—Out with forage train. Raining all day. Went in the direction of Meridianville [Alabama] 12 miles from camp. Came in at sun down. No hogs.
25—Marching orders move camp at 6 a.m. for the beautiful town of Huntsville. Hear cannon in the direction of Tennessee river. Camped on the Fayetteville Pike.
26—On mounted patrol duty around camp. Orders to arrest any man that is doing mischief. Went on picket in the evening on the Triana Road 1.5 miles from camp. No mails today.
27—Came in camp in the morning. Had a fine chat with a Southern lady. Took breakfast with her. Received a letter from Lizza Layton. One also from J. B. Henkle.
28—Out with forage train. Raining all day. Built a board shany in the afternoon. Got corn. A Burns Plantation five mules from Huntsville. Bought 25 cents worth corn bread from the darkies.
29—On fatigue duty hauling brick for Headquarters to build chimneys. Got through hauling at noon. reading Telescope in afternoon and testament. No mail today.
30—On fatigue with forage train. went out towards Whitesboro. Finished building fire place to my tent or shanty as the case may be.
DECEMBER 1863
1—On fatigue duty hauling logs to build Major Jones a log cabin. Mail came in today. Received some papers and company pin from New York! Clear and cold.
2—Out with headquarter wagons for forage. A mail came in this evening. Received one from beautiful Jennie. Went up to hear [41 year-old Stephen] Dennis [Principle Musician in Co. K] play on the flute in the evening.
3—Written one letter to charming Jennie Loogootee. Went to town after lumber. Reading Willdean—a ghost story. Had a jolly time with Jo March and Nick.
4—Out with division headquarter train after forage. Sullivan West gone to Nashville with wagon train after our overcoats we left last spring.
5—On duty at headquarters papering Major Jones’ house. Drawed some clothing. Drawed some new drums. Now we will have plenty of music. Received a letter from charming Sophia of E.
6—Taken from Chase’ diary. Started for Knoxville with 11th, 12th, 14th Army Corps. Camp at Vleveland. See our wounded boys in hospital.
7—Camp at Benton on Hiawasee river. Capture 800 hogs and a lot of prisoners. Have to march to Charleston. Not able to cross the river.
8—Detailed back to Charleston. Guard bridge. Had a gard ride to Athens last night. Camp at Athens. Fine place. Plenty to eat.
9—Report of Wheeler coming this morning. A grand scare. We march to Sweetwater. Capt. Wade in command, 98th Illinois.
10—Get up in morning. Find my [ ] gone. Foot it to Loudon. Camp for the night. 28 miles from Knoxville.
11—Cross Little Tennessee river at Louisville. Regiments bound for Knoxville good. Some skirmish. Beautiful country is East Tennessee.
12—In camp at Louisville. I go with message to Gen. Howard. Fine specimen. Treat us well. All Union Bully for Wilder’s Brigade.
13—March at 5 a.m Camp at Morgantown. Longstreet runs. Army marching back as there is nothing for them to do. See Gen. Morgan & Smith.
14—Camp near Madisonville. See Gens. Blair, Ewing, Sherman. Fine looking men. One thing, the women all chew tobacco. Bad.
15—Near Tellico Plains. Camp for the night. Warmer. Having fine times. All goes pleasant.
16—In camp. Scouring the country. Some of the regiment go into North Carolina. State line 16 miles from Tellico Plains. Smith’s division laying here. Sherman.
17—Detail on scout. Two miles to rebel Iron Works. Bear skins plenty. Had a good dinner at Dr. steins. Back to camp.
18—Start toward Charleston. Camp on Swanee river. Good times. 3rd Regulars with us. Having fine times.
19—March to Charleston. Call on Miss Aikens. Have fine chat. Beautiful lady. Brigade go in camp at Charleston.
20—Sunday. Lord bless us and keep us all. Pour His benefactions upon all and the dear ones at home in the great and glorious North,
21—Leave regiment. Start for Chattanooga. Camp at Elk Fork. Have fine chat with ladies. Reach Chattanooga tomorrow.
22—Reach Chattanooga. Start for Stevenson. Want to get up with division soon for Huntsville tomorrow. Boys get little drunk.
23—Reach Huntsville, Alabama. Have fine time with my Southern duck, Miss Ann Williams. Fine young lady. Well educated. Came to camp 11 o’clock.
24—Marching orders tomorrow for Athens. Have fine time with Miss Jordan also.
25—Christmas. Cold and dreary. Five miles from Athens. Have hard tack for dinner. Bully for me.
26—March and camp on Elk River near Elkton. Rain during the night. Have fine time with friend Chase. All’s right.
27—Camp Pulaski. Have plenty fresh hog and parrolets [?]. Dodger. Rains all day. 81st Ohio here.
28—In camp. Very cold. Down in town in afternoon. See some of the 81st Ohio. Col. Martin’s regiment 7th Pennsylvania.
29—Out with forage train. Get forage 3 miles from camp. Raining, disagreeable weather. Chase gone to town.
30—On guard at forage pile. Cold and disagreeable. Reading papers.
31—Last day of the old year. A hard time, Have fought on many a hard field, 17th enlisting as veterans. Goodbye. Long will I remember some of my days.
JANUARY 1864
January 1, 1864—New Year’s Day. Close to town. Had a fine dinner. A Col. Jones make a stirring speech for veterans. We have beans and hard tack. Excellent.
2—In camp. A large number of the regiment enlist as veterans. I no go as veteran. $400 is no inducement for me. I go in [ ].
3—In camp reading. Col. Wilder came up last night. Made a fine speech. Boys glad to see the old chap.
4—In camp. Rained very hard last night. Return bounty raised to 500. I may go in yet. Regiment starts for Indiana tomorrow. Most all boys go.
5—Enlisted as a veteran yesterday. Start for Columbia. On our way to old Indiana. Camp for the night at D. Plain five miles from Columbia.
6—Rose at 4 a.m. March for Columbia. Pass through the camp at Spring Hill. See the house where Van Dorn was killed. Take cars tomorrow for Nashville.
7—Start for Nashville. Have a hard time. Get there at 12 midnight. Very cold. Came near freezing.
8—Stay in a large seminary, veteran headquarters. Boys on a tremendous drunk, fight with provost.
9—Down in the city, Had fine time. Buy some photographs of our generals. Boys go to the theatre.
10—Laying in barracks reading, writing. Sent one letter to charming Jennie of Lancaster. Happy was the house when first I beheld she.
11—Sunday in barracks reading. Some of boys go to church. 7th Iowa came last night.
12—To town. Have fine times. Down to theatres in evening. Miss Maggie Mitchell principal actress. Most excellent. Beautiful.
13—Help make out re-enlistment papers for re-enlistment. Down in the evening to old theatre. Miss Matilda Heron, actress. Very poor.
14—Received a letter from beautiful Jennie. One also from charming Sophia. Reading poem Two Millions by William Alen Butler, a fine work. Down to theatre. The Pet of the Petticoats [with] Maggie Mitchell.
15—Strolling round town. Buy some paper, envelopes, Boys anxious to get home. Tired of staying here. One had fight at Calhoun’s.
16—Report of another fight with Wheeler. Whip him bad….
17—In barracks reading. Making out muster rolls. Down to theatre. Maggie Mitchell.
18—Regiment returns from Knoxville. On fatigue. Take horses up to oen. Down to theatre, Fanchon the Cricket.
19—Talk of regiment going tomorrow. Would be glad to go home. Hurrah for 17th. Have a mass with 19th Michigan.
20—In quarters. Help make out muster rolls. Down to theatre in evening. Miss Maggie Mitchell.
21—In barracks. Help make out rolls, Muster in afternoon. Col. Wilder returned from Indiana.
22—Finish making out our pay rolls. Have orders to march tomorrow for Evansville, Indiana. Theatre in evening. Last appearance of Maggie Michell.
23—Start for Evansville on the first steamer Havana at 5 in the evening. Have pleasant trip. Fine sight to look at the silver ripples. Beautiful night.
24—Stop at [ ]. River full of ice. Hard on the boat.
25—Arrive at Evansville, Indiana. Grand reception of 17th. Have a fine time. Detailed for duty in afternoon. Start for Indianapolis at 10 o’clock. Boys drunk and me sober.
26—Arrive in the city 10 a.m. Grand reception of 17th. 20 thousand present. Great enthusiasm by the people. Speeches by Gov. Morton, Gen. Wilder, Harry Armstrong.
27—Quarter in the Masonic Hall, one of the finest buildings in the ciy. Boys anxious to get home. All goes pleasantly.
28—Running around the city. Making myself famous among the civilians. Help make out furloughs in the afternoon for captain.
29—On guard. At Hall. Anxious to get home to see the loved ones. Buy a new uniform in afternoon $60 at people’s store.
30—Start for home this evening. Received our pay $200.15. Boys are drunk. Me sober as usual.
31—Did not get my furlough yesterday and must lay over today. Go to church. A fine sermon. Stay at Bates House. $3.50 per day.
This has been a glorious month. The cause of me enlisting after all the trials and hardships I have seen. The hero of 30 battles.
FEBRUARY 1864
1—Arrive at home, safe and sound. Greeted by my friends. Well pleased with them. One butternut friend of mine says I am fighting for the Blacks. All right if so.
2—Rise early. Had a pleasant dream. I got to see the long cherished object of my affections this afternoon. (good indeed).
3—Lazing in the store telling my exploits of soldier life. Interesting indeed (have an inclination of going out to see some of the feminine sex. I am rather backward.
4—Running with my friends. Spend the evening at a social party at Dr. Protzinger’s. Enjoying myself very well. Pleasant time.
5—All right this morning. Feel exceedingly well over my time I had last night.
6—Loitering around town having a good time. All goes pleasantly.
7—Running around town. Having a good time in general. Had fine time with Hainse.
8—Made my first advance among the [ ] Read Hardee’s Tactics (advanced cautiously).
Spared & Shared 23 