Preface
This book beginning with the 14th of September and ending with the 13th of October consequently contains just one month of time and nearly 1 half of the time since I enlisted, lacking but 2 days and two months. Yes, 2 months of the life of a soldier. How much has transpired in that short space of time. Short! it certainly does not seem long to me as many might be lead to suppose. To me time has flown swiftly by, though probably if I had lain on a bed of sickness, it would have seemed an age of duration. But I have been blessed with tolerable health & have enjoyed myself a well as I ever anticipated that I should.
Generally speaking I had ample opportunity to make my notes and observations each day as they transpired, though some few items I have inserted as I was reminded of them afterwards. Most of leisure time has been spent writing. Very many might have written volumes having the opportunity that I had, but my ideas flow as slowly as “molasses in winter.” I have occasionally made attempts at “moralizing” or “sentimental reflections.”
How well I have succeeded, I will leave it to the better judgement of others to decide, but to me they are deficient. I have frequently felt a desire to soar aloft in the ethereal regions of thought but inability has kept me down.
September 14th. 5 o’clock p.m. & on board of the cars. We broke camp & got ready to take our final leave between 3 and 4 o’clock. I worked an hour os so at cleaning up the kitchen utensils; the tents were pulled up and rolled up and tied up. Rations for three days had been cooked & the men filled their haversacks [with] bread, cheese, & pork & beef. I misunderstanding the arrangements, got my sack packed with the other duds so I done up some cutter crackers in my handkerchief. Then we carry our blankets & canteens with water. I packed up my old cloth and other articles that I didn’t want to take along into my old satchel. A man living near Niman’s Mills agreed to take it as far as he went along with three or four others. I also entrusted him with $25—my bounty money—to take home. Paid him 25 cents for services not yet performed. I don’t know but I shall regret the act but the other boys have trusted him & I don’t see as I can do any better. He is an entire stranger but does not seem a rascal. I sent a note by him for Father.
Monday morn, 15th. The sun is about half an hour high. Have just stopped at a little station named Clarkville. A good many of the boys have got out to fill their canteens but I guess they are “sucked in.” I rested very well last night considering. We are now going southeast. We get along to Lafayette about 4 o’clock & stopped till daylight. The country is open, mostly prairie since leaving Michigan City.
Almost every soldier seemingly as we were getting aboard the cars was engaged in taking leave of their friends and relations. These sights struck me in my condition with a double force & had it not been for the novelty of my surroundings, &c, I think I should probably have succumbed to my grief, for I had so confidently looked for their coming that all was lost, perhaps forever! “But God, who holds the destiny of Nations in HIs hand, overruleth all.”Tis now too late to recall the past. My solace now is in the transmutation of thought & feeling by the means of the pen to pen.
11 o’clock a.m. We are now stopping at Indianapolis, Indiana, at the present moment waiting the motion of the engine which has gone off somewhere. We have passed about a mile beyond the town, stopped by an engine house. There are several engines within being repaired. There is a fine apparatus for filling our canteens of which we have availed ourselves. The cars stopped in town just long enough for all to get out that wanted to which most did. Many of the men went to filling their canteen with certain drinks. Others with myself went in for eatables. I got 25 cents worth meat and cheese, We stopped there 15 minutes, then went on after the train.
Half past eleven we are moving again. Ho for Cincinnati! The steam had got down so in our engine that it took another engine to get us started. Riding in the cars is an indescribable pleasing sensation—so commodious & easy. Concerning the City of Indianapolis, the capitol of the state of Indiana, I didn’t have much time for observation but there were many very fine buildings, a great many eating saloons next the railroad. There were two or three regiments of cavalry and infantry and one of artillery there. The railroad depot and freight house &c. were very extensive, built of brick and stone. There are several railroads which meet here.
6 o’clock, Stopped at a small place called Shelbyville, 28 miles from Indianapolis, 20 minutes of 2 o’clock. Have just stopped at a village named St. Pauls waiting for other trains to pass. Three has already. Have passed 2 or 3 stations. 3 p.m., just halted at a town of considerable importance styled Greensburg; waiting for trains to pass. About 5 p.m., we have been going at a rapid rate for the past 10 or so miles & that too without steam on. It has been a down grade & crooking about among the highest and stoniest hill I ever saw. Most picturesque country yet, but few inhabitance. The stones are all flat, making a good many fences of which there are many. Have stopped for wood and water.
Half past 5 o’clock, I think passing through the town of Lawrenceburg. Seems to be a large place. Buildings mostly brick. [ ] miles to Cincinnati. Growing dark. We are now going slowly along on [ ] bank of the Ohio river. It’s but a few rods below. Only 1/8th as big as I supposed. We have just passed several encampments of soldiers. They are quartered in boarded tents. It actually seems that we are on the eve of a battle. The guerrillas are in marge numbers across the river a few miles.
We arrived in Cincinnati about 8 in the eve. Then got outthe cars, formed in line with our duds upon our back, and marched I should think a mile into the town with great tall brick buildings on each side of us, to supper, & sleeping department. The supper was arranged in a fine long structure built expressly for the purpose. Had bread, meat & coffee.
After supper we were marched a few rods to the sleeping quarters. It can hardly be called a house but a sort of amphitheater. The accommodations are not very comfortable. There are benches for a few but most have to lay on the ground which is very nasty of course. We are crowded very close. I made out to get a bench part of the night. I was called on to guard. The lights are burning bright & I am improving the time by writing. I have to see that our arms which are stacked are not disturbed, &c. The best part of the arrangement about this establishment is a large fountain built near the entrance. The water is river water, I suppose, but is clean and good for washing purposes, a constant stream of water is poured by a pressure apparatus & one for surplus water. The basin is about 12 feet in diameter.
It is just reported 400 of the men which we passed were captured by the rebels in fore part of the night. In all probability we will have to go into battle tomorrow though perhaps this report may be circulated for the purpose of trying our nerve or pluck.
Tuesday, September 16th. 11 o’clock a.m. I have been roving about town all the morn & as a matter of course, have seen sights and sowed my money somewhat. Have been most the time engaged in getting my likeness taken & it has been a pretty dear job, I think. I got one put in a case for $1 & engaged 4 on pasteboard for $1 more. I got two for the case. I don’t like either very well. For the case, I wore my dress coat buttoned up with cap on & belt. The other with cap in hand. E. Gilfin accompanied me around. We then went around to a hardware store & I bought a 40 cent knife. I lost my old one in Camp Wilcox. Bought 10 cents worth of fruit. Also 25 cents for a “dream book.” Concerning the sights, they were nothing more than I expected to see in a large city. I saw a great many nice things too numerous to mention. The buildings are mostly brick and stone, and some are exceedingly high, stupendous! The streets are paved with cobble stone making it very hard; not very smooth. Street lamps all throughout. There are railroads running through every street. The cars are something like a stage & drawn by horses. The houses extend as far as I can see every way. Lots of soldiers in the city.
Roll call this morn. All our company present. We expected to start immediately for the seat of war but at 8 received orders to remain where we were till noon. Any could go out but be back by 11 o’clock. 10 men were detailed for guard. Only 5 or 6 companies were quartered at this place. I don’t know where the rest are. Our future is dark yet.
Wednesday, 17th. This morn finds us occupying the spot for offensive or defensive operations. We got orders soon after dinner to get ready for traveling. This was son done & we marched by companies to the depot about one mile. The weather was very war and having so much to carry, we nearly melted. Got to the station, then waited some time. Finally got aboard the cars and at 4 o’clock started for our destination on the bank of the Ohio, 18 miles below the city & on the railroad where we came. We arrived just at dusk. It is one of the encampments which we passed when going in, 3 miles from Lawrenceburg. There were less men here which left as we came in. They were quartered in tents made of boards & straw but we stacked our arms, took our blankets, & laid down on the ground till morn. The weather was warm & we suffered no inconvenience. The encampment is situated on a sort of table land which extends all along the [Ohio] river, between the channel and the bluffs. It’s about 40 rods wide generally. The railroad runs along at the foot of the big hills. An old canal runs by the side of the railroad about 15 miles from the city. I can hardly believe that this can be the great Ohio River. It’s only about 50 or 60 rods across the channel and only about half of that is occupied by water. I went down this morn with a lot of others & went in swimming. We could wade almost across except in the middle. Many swam that. The river is wider here than generally. The water was very warm.
We were busy all the a.m. setting the tents and other wise. It has been quite a job. We have good high ground, very hard ground. Our greatest trouble is for water to drink. I went back over a mile with some others to get some water—very poor at that. Some others went down the river near two miles and got some better. The guard is mounted as usual. Expect my turn tomorrow. There are two small cannons here. They have been breastwork constructed, facing the river. They are not very extensive. Dress parade as usual tonight. We received very strict orders about leaving the encampment. This post is designated Camp Gravel Pit as there is one on the opposite side of the railroad. There are two or three steamboats that stay near us. They are armed with but one cannon.
“I am 18 miles west of Cincinnati. We started from Dowagiac last Sunday evening at sundown & landed in Cincinnati Monday evening at 8 o’clock. We were marched about one mile up in the city & stacked arms, then marched to a building I think about 800 ft long & tables in this building the whole length & there we had a good supper. Then a part of the regiment was marched to the Commercial Chamber & put up for the night. This chamber is a splendid hall about 150 long & 50 wide, 30 high. We stayed in the city until Tuesday at 4 o’clock. We was not wanted there so we took our back track 18 miles to a place called Gravel Pit, to keep the rebels from crossing from the river [at] a very shallow place. We have a very pleasant place—the railroad on one side of us & the river on the other. Steamboats are passing up & down all the time. We have 2 ten-pounder cannons & expect more. I have seen Kentucky but have not been in it yet. We have about 140 thousand of Union troops in this vicinity & the rebels are about 25 or 30 thousand strong…
Cincinnati is a dirty, black-looking place, but [has] some splendid buildings,. The country is some like the Allegany country in N. Y.—very hilly, stoney, & clay soil. Our water is not very bad to drink—better than that at Dowagiac, only it is not very cold. We can bathe every day, are but a few rods from the river. When we came, we was heartily cheered & I overheard a number say that we was the nicest[-looking] regiment that they had seen. We carry a good name wherever we go. Last night I slept on the ground in the open air for the first time. The weather is very warm. Monday night [the] mercury stood at 83° at 9 o’clock & yesterday we marched 6 miles in the hot sun, & sweat so that I could ring out a quart of water from my clothes…
I am the bass drummer for the regiment & don’t have any knapsack to carry on my back; that goes with the Company baggage. I dont have but little to do. The rest have to pitch tents….I heard some good music this morning. It is what is called the Calliope or steam organ on the steam boat as it pass by us. Dave & I got one likeness taken yesterday in the city but come away too soon to get it finished. We get 6 for a dollar. I will send it you when I get it. I have not got the money from the regiment for the drum yet but hope to send you some soon….This regiment is guarding the railroad between Cincinnati & Lawrenceburg, 18 miles. We have one very large railroad bridge to guard over a small river at Lawrenceburg. It is some 6 or 8 hundred feet long [and] 30 ft high…. There has been 24 steam boats up the river, & about as many trains of cars by here this morning [18th]. They are loaded with horses, muskets, soldiers, provision &c, all for the war. We shall not go into action yet awhile. [Source: Charles H. Prentiss, Co. B, 19th Michigan (Band member). Letter from Camp Gravel Pit, 17-18 September 1862, to his wife. “My Dear Wife: The Letters of Pvt. Charles H. Prentiss, 1862-1865” by Nancy N. Jordan]
Thursday [September] 18th 1862. We were called out three times last night, principally I suppose to see how quick we could do it & to see what effect it would have though hte report was that the bridge which a part of our men are guarding was in great peril. The 2nd time we were given our cartridges and we [ ] our guns. The said bridge is 2 miles and a half below us—a railroad bridge. Two other companies went down there and another went up a piece at sundown. A couple regiments passed here for the city—the 22nd Wisconsin and the 25th Michigan.
I am detailed with others for camp guard today 9 o’clock. I am in 2nd relief to come on soon. We have just been discharging our guns. A good many don’t go. Mine went at 2nd trial. We shot at a stick 2/3 the way across the river. I made next to the best shot that I see made. I think the fault is mostly in the gun or cartridge. We were given five rounds apiece last night. The cartridges are about two inches long. The powder is in one end and very course. The ball is what is called a slug & concave at the larger end. The balls are generally too small for the bore. Does not fit tight enough. The cap are larger than common caps and resemble a straw hat—more properly a fur hat. It is generally thought that there is not powder enough according to the ball. The loading gun be performed pretty tolerable quick.
The 2nd Michigan Cavalry has been all this a.m. passing up the river. About 25 [?] steamboats took them.
Friday, September 19th, 1862. Standing guard here is not particularly different from what it was at Camp Wilcox. I sent an order to town for those card plates of mine. Finished a letter & sent home. Also sent my likeness case home. We had not trouble whatever while on guard last night. We had to sleep out in the open air. After coming off about 9 o’clock, we all went a few rods beyond camp to the gravel pit & discharged our guns. Got up a target about 15 rods distant. I made an average good shot. The gun pulls off rather hard which caused it to turn some. The guns do not recoil much as it was thought they would.
After this exercise was over the old guard had to go on police duty—that is, to cleaning up the ground, had to move the old boarded tents or shanties and rubbish which was left by the former companies. It took all a.m. and part of the p.m. Then drilled a couple hours. Dress parade at night. Co. F went off on the railroad on picket duty. We are not allowed tables on which to eat now. Have to take our plates into our laps. It’s near time now! Still the cry is for good water to drink. The men have dug holes about 2 feet deep in the river bottom. The water soaks in which is but a little better than the river itself. I would give a considerable for some home water.
Saturday 20th [September 1864] A sutlery has been established on the ground again. They ask a double price for everything. I paid 10 cents for a small bottle of ink. At 7 o’clock, over 50 of our company went out and each shot at a mark 26 rods distant, too far I think, and it was not right no way. Unless we hit the mark exactly, we would not know how near it did come. The hospital is established in a beautiful litle locust grove have a mile below us. I believe there is but two in this company sick. After we got back, Capt. told us to clean up our guns and get ready to move tomorrow, This company alone to guard a bridge. After dinner I went down & washed a shirt & other articles in the river. The water is very warm next to the shore. There is a man fixing our guns. Many of the guns pull off very hard. I resumed the continuation of my letter to W. The weather continues exceedingly pleasnt yet.
Sunday, 21st (about noon). We have today taken another step in the modern mode of warfare. 50 men of our company which includes nearly all that are able for duty & not otherwise engaged were ordered to pack up our duds and get ready for marching at 8 o’clock. Everything that such one possessed was strapped to his back, such as overcoat, blanket, the two other coats, change of underclothes, & the personal effects with canteen of water & haversack of 1 day’s rations which makes a pretty good pack with gun. The rest of the men are to bring along the tents, &c. during the day. We started along down the river shore, relieving and stationing pickets about every 15 or 20 rods. This picket duty has just got around to us. Other companies have done heretofore. Three men are left at a post. Their business is to watch the river & allow none to pass without proper authority. It did not happen to coming my turn to be left till the last at bridge. We kept along down our company gradually diminishing as we advanced till we arrived at the mouth of the Big Miami river. Here are several large springs of most excellent water. We improved the opportunity and filled our canteens. It is the best water I have seen inn a week. There is a sort of fortification here—quite an interesting spot. Several more men were left here. We here turned and went up a quarter mile to the railroad bridge of which we had heard so much. Four more men were left on the east end and the rest, a dozen including myself, passed through to the west end. This bridge is surely worthy of protection as it is quite an extensive work, over half a mile long I should think from embankment to embankment. The river is about as big as Black river. It has a wide channel like the Ohio river & a wider bottom. The bottom is planted to corn which is very heavy corn. The bridge over the channel is framed up in the manner of trestle work & four great arches. The rest is open & being about 30 or 40 fet from the ground, it makes a pretty ticklish place to walk on. Ten of us & the 2nd Lieutenant Stafford are stationed at the beginning of the embankment which continues quite high yet.
This is pretty lazy business. Five of us have to stay by the track and the rest can ramble around though nearby. We are to let no soldiers to pass without a pass from the colonel & to closely inspect all suspicious citizens. Several trains have passed, mostly on government purposes. The 99th Ohio Regiment has just passed. They were going down in a steamboat which ran aground. They are going to Louisville. We are within sight of Lawrenceburg though two miles distant. Several have passed to meeting. I am getting tired and must stop. While not on duty, we get down into the cornfield under a large tree. Very warm.
Three of four of the men went to camp towards night and brought us our supper. For the night operations we were divided into three reliefs to watch alternatively. We had the privilege of sitting down. The night was pleasant though cool. Nothing occurred to break the monotony. About 3 o’clock we made a fire to warm by. I have another touch of the diarrhea.
Monday 22nd. About 8 o’clock, six others of our company came and relieved us with the 1st Lieutenant Ferguson. We went to camp, had breakfast, after which we discharged our pieces. Shot at a log in the river. There we could see where every shot struck. I made an average good shot. It fell short.
About our new camp ground. We have now secured a grand good situation as regards comfort. It’s a few rods from the mouth of the Big Miami river, east side. The tents are pitched upon a sort of shelf in the bank. Several cottonwood trees surround us which afford good shade but what is better, those excellent springs which I mentioned yesterday are but two or three rods below us or on the flat. There are four or five springs within a few feet of each other. They boil up out of the ground. They unite and form a large stream of water.
An incident happened last night which if I understand right is worthy of note. As a couple posts where the pickets were stationed on the river above here, the men at the one post made a move unbeknownst to the other so they, thinking it was the enemy, shot at them but did not hit them. But it had the effect to halt them. Jo[hn] Page shot and the ball passed near A. J. Nyman.
15 or 20 men from a couple other companies have been engaged in digging rifle pits today, one on each side of the mouth of the Little [Big] Miami river. They are trenches 4 or 5 rids long, dug in the stones and gravel. Some farmers are cutting and carry off the corn next to the bank just back of us. I believe the calculation is to set some cannons there. The cannons were moved there from the main camp just at night. I went up to the bridge tonight to take some things to the Lieutenant. I have been employed part of the day in writing to Willie. Done no other duty today.
The railroad bridge present a beautiful spectacle from the mouth of Little [Big] Miami river. It’s about half a mile above us.
Various items &c. thrown in promiscuously.
The 1st shall be concerning the crafts that navigate the river which consists of none but steam riverboats with occasionally from two to five scows attached to them. They are adapted solely for river navigation, being flat-bottomed and all, but two that I have seen have their drive wheels placed in the stern. These wheels are shaped like one of these large water wheels to a saw mill, being 10 or 12 feet wide (or long) and as many in diameter. It is propelled by two engines on each side of the boat. I have not as yet been nearer than 10 or 12 rods of one. A well finished and painted one is quite a beautiful sight. They are 50 or 60 feet long, four or five sometimes more pass daily expressly on government purposes transporting soldiers, army stores, &c. &c.
One or two boats which had occasionally passed were provided with stream organs. It is some kind of a keyed instrument so arranged that the music is produced by steam. A man will stand by it & by moving his hands will let loose most exquisite music. They will play most all kinds of tunes & do it up to the handle too! But the “whistle” of these boats is just the opposite of melody, towards more like the bray of a donkey or something worse—a horrid sound.
I lost my gold pen between here and Michigan somewhere. There goes another dollar to “David Jones’ Locker” or some other good country! I have literally thrown way over $3 of my money which never has nor never will do me any good, besides what I have ate up which has been no great benefit to me & I ain’t done yet. There are several articles which I feel as though I need and which will come up to four or five dollars so “that’s the way the money goes—Pop, goes the weasel.”
Tuesday, September 23 [1862]. I was detailed with three or four others to go on picket duty, on Post No. 6″ which happens to be situated on the point where those [rifle] pits were dug yesterday. [See Almon’s map above]. This picket business, that is the way we manage it, is abominable lazy work, or no work at all. We take three or four sticks and set up, spread a blanket over them & lay in the shade all day. A row boat came along up with two men in which we halted. I made them produce their passes. Several of our company are enlarging the trench across the [Miami] river. I pass my time reading, writing, and viewing the country through my spyglass. My glass is a very handy article. I have been offered [ ] for it but won’t take less than $2. I frequently have occasion to use it & that too very profitably. The Capt. has a bigger one & I have seen two others.
Wednesday, 24th [September 1862]. I was relieved at 8 o’clock. Nothing of strategic importance occurred last night. There were three of us & we took turns standing. We fixed a place in the trench for sleeping by spreading a blanket over. About midnight it clouded up & rained an hour. Cleared off in the morn. A steamboat ran aground opposite of where we stood. My gun fell short this. In the afternoon, myself and several others were called out to go and scour and clean up those said cannons. There are two brass 6-pounders with also the caissons which accompany them. The carriage wheels and everything about them are made very heavy and strong. A great deal of iron work about them. They are the same ones that were at Camp “Gravel Pit” brought down here by a yoke of cattle. They are intending to practice them tomorrow. They have been used some before, manufactured at Cincinnati. The ground has ben cleaned and everything made ready. They are stationed here more particularly for the protection of the railroad bridge.
Thursday, 25th. I was again detailed for picket duty at Post No. 6 this morn. As my diarrhea was growing worse & I was running me down weak, the Capt. allowed me to go to the hospital & have it stopped. I hated to go to the doctor but it was getting to be pretty serious & I couldn’t see as I could do any better. It keeps me running at night mostly, four or five times. Blood came last night. I went up & had to wait 2 hours or more before I could receive any attention. There are two doctors and they deal out the drugs by the whole sale. There are quite a good many sick. None are very dangerous, I believe. The doctor gave me four doses of some kind of horrid nauseating stuff to be taken every four hours & I toddled back. Before I started back, we heard the boom of Bigelow’s Battery. I don’t know how they were managed to be discharged. They were discharged four times at a tree for a target across the river, over a mile distant. They made some considerable of a noise; the sound of the ball is quite startling. They did not hit the tree exactly but fell near. These cannons are touched off by a novel method to me—a small brass tube filled with some kind of percussion stuff. This is stuck into the touch hole. Attached to it is a long string which is pulled with a sudden jerk & away it goes!
My station today is in the same place of the other day. It’s most a senseless business anyhow, I think. It don’t amount to shucks. There we lay in the trench all day long, nothing to see or nothing to do. Such idleness does more hurt than good. I took a dose of my medicine at noon. I ate no breakfast nor dinner. I do not feel very sick—only occasional distress and am quite weak. I have been expecting a letter from home every day for a week back. There seems to be something the matter of the mail arrangements but a favored few of the company have received letters so they have been a long time on the road.
Friday 26th. I felt very weak & unable for duty all day. I spent most the time while sitting up a writing. I wrote a short note of over 8 pages to Hattie Morehouse. Jo. Wilson received a letter from her last night in which she expressed a wonder why I had not written as I promised. I think I have now made up for my long neglect in the length of the letter. Those said photographs of mine finally arrived this morning in good condition. He was good enough to send me five plates instead of four. They are not taken very good. The worst feature about them is the position in which I sat. I sent one in my letter to Hattie M. I was beginning to think that I had lost that dollar. Now if I could hear from home, I would be all right.
Some 15 or 20 men from another company are engaged throwing up a breastwork in front of the cannons. Some resembles a fort. The Colonel comes down here every day. Today the Major was with him horseback. The Colonel intimated that we were to be removed from this place pretty soon. I suppose to go back to camp and drill. I hate to leave this good water for that miserable stuff. Towards night a boy came around with cakes. I got five and ate which is the first bit of food for nearly 48 hours. I did not feel very hungry then. I dislike the medicine I have to take very much. I guess the diarrhea is stopped on me. If I could enjoy the comforts of home awhile I think I should recover my strength speedily. But “there is no use of my fighting. I can’t blow a tune.”
Saturday, 27th September [1862]. I arose this morn feeling somewhat improved in health & spirits. I walked over to Mr. Harris’ Orchard and got 4 or 5 apples, ate a couple and took my medicine which is all I’ve eaten yet at noon. I am now on my post as picket as previously. A squad of men from another company are enlarging the trench. S. Shepard & G. Hinkley stand with me as before. Near night I get up a busting good dinner at my own expense. I took a couple of apples, cut them in slices, put them into a stew pan, put in a little grease for seasoning, and some bread, and stewed it down to order. It made a mess than I relished. Oh if I could only have all the apples and bread I wanted, I would ask no odds of anyone to live!
I drew a representation of the railroad bridge this p.m. It somewhat resembles the original. Day pleasant but clouded towards night.
Sunday, 28th. Sabbath in camp again but how little of it is observed by the soldier. There are about 40 sent out on picket at different points as usual on other days; many of the remainder do wash and change their shirts. A few only pass their time in playing cards. I began a letter to the Woods’ boys. Wrote two pages. At 9 o’clock we began & drilled 2 hours [in] the manual of arms. I stood picket one third the night last night. Cloudy, threatening rain. Cleared off in the morn. Gerry Evans came down with the measles, They have been some time in the hospital.
Monday, 29th. On picket with three others at Post No. 6—the station next to camp. A day spent in perfect uselessness to the cause. All we could possibly do was to occasionally take men back & forth across the Miami in a row boat. The current is so swift that it is frequently difficult to cross. The water isn’t more than four or five feet deep anyhow. Those not on duty drilled. Went to Camp Gravel Pit & drilled with the rest. I have been engaged pretty heavily all day on a communication to the T. Northerner for publication. I wrote 3.5 pages, detailing the proceeding of the regiment & our present situation. I am in hopes it will be published as it sounds quite readable.
Our rations are being cut down mighty short. For supper it consisted of a cup of “Java” and a “stone cracker.” It’s getting to be pretty tough. We have a change of cooks about every 2 weeks but there isn’t much difference in them. They are all lazy & dirty enough. We have not had potatoes but two or three means since we have been here. It has consisted principally of beans, cracked corn, or “homining” [hominy] which I can’t go, smoked ham, coffee once a day always sweetened, and baker’s bread which is very good, about half the time. The rest of the time the bread has ben what is called “sea biscuit” or “hard tack.” They resemble crackers, are about 6 inches square, and stamped with holes. Very hard yet do very well. Takes a great while to soak them. Are good to take on a journey.
Tuesday, 30th. As it grew dark, we moved our station to the mouth at the breastworks (reverse the reading). We were then reenforced by 2 more men. Two men stand guard at a time. Three turns of relief. Mine last. The night was warm and pleasant. On all the posts where the men expect to stay any time, they erect a sort of shelter to protect them from the direct rays of the sun & from the dew, composed generally of willow bushes, thrown across poles, supported by slender crutches. This constructed, they are but little protection from the cold, but we wrap up in our overcoats & blanket & sleep very comfortable.
We were relieved at 8 o’clock, went to quarters, had breakfast such as it was, after which we were ordered to put on dress coats and take our arms and march up to camp. When most there, we met the Captain. Had to come back and get our canteens and haversacks. Then back again for the purpose of “inspection” of arms & accoutrements. n officer from Cincinnati was in company with the regimental officers. Got back at noon. We came near going back to Battalion Drill without our dinner, there being nothing to eat, but rations arriving, the Capt. allowed us to remain & drill by ourselves. After a while, drilled the manual of arms.
The knapsacks arrived and were given to those who had not been furnished before. I now got mine. These knapsacks are made of oilcloth, painted black. They are divided into two apartments for under clothing & private articles & the other for overcoat or dirty clothes, The blanket is strapped in the outside. They are furnished with leather straps & buckles &c. so as to be strapped to the shoulders. When all the duds are put together, it makes a very respectable load for a sick man to carry. I have been long in need of something of the sort as I have had to meep my things done up in a coat or dirty shirt. Now I’ll have to pay five cents to have my name marked on it. I sent out my article for publication tonight after having it criticized by Jo. Wilson.
OCTOBER 1862
Wednesday, 1st. Picket duty as usual on that invariable Post No. 6. Well, I don’t know but it is as good as any, but it’s getting to be ab old story. Another squad of men are engaged still enlarging the trench by it. I have been at work on the letter I began Sunday. I feel unwell again. Could eat no breakfast nor didn’t need any dinner. Am weak and languid. Don’t know but something serious will turn in yet. Mr. Hubbard from our company has been taken from the ranks to detached service in te capacity of “wagoner” for the company or baggage master, &c. He drives a team of six mules. The mules are drove regular “horsie” fashion, viz: by one line only attached to them. To guide them, the driver shakes the line for gee and pulls steady for haw. They were never handled till last week & they behave as well or better than could be expected. The hsarness and wagon are good and strong nd well adapted for the army purpose. Mr. Hubbard bring us our rations, fuel, &c. I lent Mr. Hubbard my $5 bill. He only wanted part of it but could not make change and took all. It leaves me perfectly strapped; not a cent remains to disclose the dreadful fate of the rest. I have now $6 and 14 cents out. I owe four cents.
There are portion of men detailed to operate with the cannons—7 men from this company, I believe, and 7 from another company. Sergeant Wilson has charge of one gun. They drill on them every day but do not load and fore—only go through the motions.
“Picket regulations” are coming down out as a little tighter, particularly at night. One third of the post are to stand guard at a time, be it more or less. If caught sleeping while on the regular watch, the penalty is death or any other punishment that may be inflicted by a court martial. There were six men besides the corporal divided into three tours, two men at a time. I stood first three hours. I was not really able to stand.
Thursday, 2nd. Relieved at the normal time. We shot at a target erected upon a wide plank on the bank of the river so that we can see how the balls strike. I missed. The board was only struck by four balls, about 65 rods distant. We went on company drill a.m. Went out apiece on to a piece of mowing. I did not really feel able to drill but went out. I had a dish of bread and milk at a friend’s expense. It’s the first milk I have had since leaving home. Have either been unable to get at it before or short of change. It came very acceptable at present. I have no appetite to eat beans, ham and hominy.
I finished the letter to the Woods’ boys & sent it out. Wrote four pages. I am anxiously expecting a letter from home by every mail, but as often get disappointed. What can be the reason? Am I really forgotten by them? Jo. Ray got a letter from home stating that his family did not get that money that he sent home by that Dehaven for ten days after. The skesicks! That’s a pretty way of doing business. No knowing when that I sent will get through—if it ever does. That will do to go with the rest of my luck. The next money I get, I shall know enough to keep by me.
We were attacked by a shower of rain after dinner. Did not last long. Prospect of more. Several women or girls came into camp peddling song books, novel books, prize packages, &c. &c. I of course could buy nothing. There was quite an assortment. I got permission of the Captain to go to Mr. Harrison’s & procure permission to get of him a few apples for my own especial benefit. I got a couple dozen. He refused pay for them.
The hospital has been moved today. Placed back on the hills across the railroad. The sick were conveyed in the “army ambulance.”
Friday, 3rd. Picket as heretofore. I have had to cross the Miami [River[ several times in the boat. It’s quite a knack to go anything like straight across. I baked a couple of my apples in the Captain’s cook stove & feasted on them & a piece of bread. The plague diarrhea has not left me yet. I do not feel well. I fried a couple apples for dinner but the grease was so salty that it spoilt them for good eating. I have been engaged on a letter home. Wrote near four pages. Very pleasant.
Saturday, 4th. As there were seven men in my post at night, one more than needed, and I being unwell, was excused from standing. The forefront of the night was very pleasant. The moon shone brightly. Towards morn it clouded up and threatened rain. Did not rain much till about 8 o’clock. Showery till noon. Did not drill. I completed my letter home. Wrote 8 full pages. Enclosed another photograph for them. We were furnished cartridges today to amount to 20 rounds apiece. Mr. Hubbard returned bringing me $2 of that change. He has been to Cincinnati & got a new team.
But the crowning event of the day was the receipt of a letter from home. Oh! how cheering tis to the lonely heart of a wanderer, when long & dreary miles do intervene between him and his childhood home, & when surrounded by none endeared to him by the kindred ties of relationship. I say tis a consolation unspeakable to have passed into his outstretched hand these small tokens—small in themselves yet speaking volumes to his yearning heart—of love and friendship. It was with the most exquisite pleasure then that I seized that letter last evening. Irving wrote a page and L. a page, stating that they did not start Sunday morning to come to see me. They had started a few miles and was told that we had started in the morning so they went back. How provoking! They had finally got that money, &c. L. sent me some sublime poetry.
Sunday, 5th. Again on picket in the usual manner. Day very pleasant. Rather cool last night. I was all the a.m. writing an additional four pages to my letter. I guess now it’s ready for transportation. It contains 12 closely written pages. I hope it will go through quickly and safely as it is of considerable importance. Three or four of the mule team belonging to the other companies have ben down here for water; six to a team every time, always drove by one line. They don’t have much trouble with them. The driver usually rides the nigh first span. A change of cooks this morn from E. Gilpin. All those not on picket duty today & a part of those detailed has picket today, have been called up for “inspection drill.” I did not happen to be called on. Another was left with me. They had to don every article of uniform and equipments, knapsack and all. They were taken upon the “cannon ground,” their arms inspected, and an inventory taken of all articles of equipment &c. still lacking. The Colonel, Major, and several of the officers were present. I don’t know how it is with the rest of the regiment. A man calling himself a deserter from the Rebel Gen. Bragg came along by the pickets at the bridge. He was taken by them & brought to camp, thence to the Colonel’s quarters. I felt greatly improved this morn in health and spirits generally, but I ate some beef fr dinner & was worse again towards night. I shall have to go and see the doctor again.
Monday, 6th. The night was a very pleasant moon light though somewhat cool. I watched the 1st three hours. As soon as I came off, I went immediately with 5 or 6 others to the hospital. The hospital with all the rest of the camp has been moved upon a table land directly back of where it stood before—a good location & several feet higher. A good many are sick and look very bad. Our corporal Shaw is very low with the typhoid fever. I learned for the first time here that a man had died here yesterday morn. Another from the Coldwater Company. He had the measles. I saw the man who shot his finger off. It was doing well. It was done while loading a pistol. The forefinger is cut close up. He belonged to Co. D. I made enquiries after those two letters but could get no clues to their existence. I was given powders of different ingredients to be taken every four hours. By the time I got back, I was pretty well tired out. At 11 o’clock, not eaten anything since noon yesterday, I baked a couple apples & a piece of bread. Made a dinner. I slept most p.m. The rest went up to attend the funeral. A sermon was preached. The corpse was taken to the grave yard three miles distance up the river somewhere.
My medicine is very disagreeable to take. I took two doses in sweetened water, The last near night. I vomited up again in half an hour. I saw that there was no use in trying to get cured by taking drugs so I just went and made an application of the Coldwater treatment. I washed and bathed my stomach and bowels thoroughly with water, then wet my towel and laid across me, putting an army shirt over it. Now this morn I feel as the saying is, “tip top,” considering how I have been long back. I ate quite a hearty breakfast of baked potatoes, baked apples and a piece of bread. So much for water. I sent my letter home out this morn. I borrowed a stamp of Capt. B.
Tuesday, 7th. As stated on preceding page, I felt so much improved both internally and externally that I had no objection to serving on picket as heretofore. I have continued well all day. Ate nothing for dinner but a piece of “hard tack” and a couple of apples. Thought I would abstain from pork and beans awhile longer. Have passed the time at writing in diary. Been reviewing &c. Began copying the forepart which is written with lead pencil. Also have sketched a steamboat on a piece of paper. It looks quite natural. Mr. Hubbard paid me another dollar. Toward night an opportunity presented itself & set my dainty appetite on fire. A wholesale pies and fruits establishment came around. I bought 5 pies and 3 biscuits. Gave 5 cents apiece. The pies were excellent. I gave away three to sick, &c.
Wednesday, 8th. I have been doing a driving business today. I have done more exercise today than I have done in a week all put together before. I stood last night the 1st turn. The night was exceedingly pleasant, bright moonlight and mild. As soon as possible in the morn, I applied for a pass to go to town which was reluctantly given. I got ready to start between 8 and 9. Went by the railroad, Several others sent by me on little errands, I took along just $4 of my own money by borrowing it. Mr. Hubbard had not returned $2 of what he got of me yet so I borrowed $2 of A. Bailey to pay him when I get it.
Well, I arrived within the suburbs of Lawrenceburg in due course of time, having so much to do. I had to proceed expeditiously in order to meet the requirement of my pass, which only extended to 1 o’clock p.m. I did the jobs for the others first, then served myself. It did not take long to rid myself of what little I possessed. I parted with $1.50 the first pop for shoulder braces again. These are somewhat better than the others, being braces & suspenders combined & fit me better. Then 25 cents for Spalding’s glue again. I have frequently had occasion to use this article or something like. I hope it will do me more good than the others did.
Next in order was for a article claiming the title of haversack. Away went $1.25 again. I am not nor was not at the time satisfied with this bargain. First place, it was not the right kind & priced too high at $1.50. I beat him down 25 cents and in making change, got a fice cent jewsharp to boot. Then I purchased a few smaller articles—a pocketbook like this 15 cents, half dozen pens 5 cents, penholder 5 cents, fine comb 10 cents, and 19 cents in postage stamps. Came back with 46 cents in change, 25 cents of which went as I shall attempt to explain. A Mr. Ben. Sails of our company had in his possession and India Rubber blanket which he offered to sell very reasonable as he wished to send home & get a bigger one that he knew of. It had been used one season & got considerably banged up but still is capable of enduring some service. I offered 12 cents for it a few days ago but thought I would not take it till I ascertained whether we were to draw any from the government. As to this the Capt. would not say positively. Nothing more was said about it till last night when he offered it to me for $1 which I accepted, paif him 75 cents on the spit, the rest as soon as I could make change, which I did tonight. I think I have secured a good article pretty cheaply. It is heavier & otherwise as good as those for $2.50 at Dow. It about 5 feet by 4 and made in the style of what is called a puncheon. Now the “stormy winds may blow,” &c.
There were several articles which my heart desired but “my bank” was about drained. My financial account now stands after liquidating all my little debts 21 cents in change, 13 cents in postage stamps at my command, 14 cents are due me from 2 different persons, and $1 of borrowed money of O. Letson. He is to pay me at next pay day so I am worth today, $1.48 all told.
Concerning the town of Lawrenceburg, it is rather a dirty, black looking place. Rather dilapidated. Still a good deal of business is done here. Another railroad from the interior of Indiana intersects with the Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad. I had a glimpse of the telegraph operation here for the first time. The explanations in the Am. Ag. gave me an idea how it worked.
I got back to camp “all right & tight” about half past 12 o’clock, fixed off immediately for “battalion drill.” Marched up to camp, joined the rest of the regiment and had a good drill. We formed into squares & otherwise maneuvered. I stood the labor much better than I had anticipated considering my weak condition. I must here state that while in town, I ascertained my net weight to be but 120 pounds—a decrease of 7.5 pounds since I enlisted and of 12 pounds since last winter. Well, that;s not very encouraging for a person that’s growing! As we arrived at the camp up there, the ambulance passed us bearing another corpse followed by the music & its comrades of Co. D. He died yesterday in the hospital, Remains to be sent home.
Yesterday a number of the sick at the hospital were taken to Cincinnati. Two men of our Co. G —Tittle & E. P. Shaw. Mr. Hubbard has returned to the ranks again. Mule driving does not agree with him. They are not broke yet, ad being headstrong & somewhat fractious, also he being a small light man, they are too much for him. Two or three others have tried it and gave out too. Lyman Sweet now has charge of them, trying to break them. He has been kicked by one of them already. Does not team around any, only operates simply. One of the other teams brings us our rations, fuel, &c. There are 7 or 8 more teams about the camp up there. I do not understand their organization. The day has been warm and pleasant.
Thursday, 9th. The same “old six pence” though this picket business has now taken a little different aspect. We are beginning to “come to Limerick” as the saying is. Only 3 can be on a post during the daytime & the six are to stand alternately each day. This is for the express purpose of devoting more time to drilling. With this arrangement, a man will not miss of drilling more than once a week if he is well. The same as before at night the rest went on company drill a.m. and battalion drill p.m. We are not to have it so easy as has been long back. I have spent most of the day in writing. I had occasion to go across the Ohio river with the Capt.’s cook to get provisions. Did not go ashore. It’s against the law—bad as deserting.
I have just been trying to convert my India Blanket into a house. Succeeded very well. Trying an experiment. If the wind did not blow hard, I think it would work first rate. There is a prospect of a storm.
The men on No. 5 have got into the notion of crossing the Miami river at the mouth by going around in the Ohio River. I went over with them at night to bring back the boat. I had never undertook to row a boat till today. I got so that I could manage it very well so I had perfect confidence in myself. But when I undertook it after fruitless attempts to propel the concern upstream, I landed on the other side [of the Miami river[ and got one of the men to help me across.
Friday 10th. I stood last night 1st watch with Lieut. Stafford, our corporal Watson being sick. The night was cloudy though quite light. A strong east wind blew making it rather uncomfortable. My India blanket came in good play. About two o’clock, a fire broke out in town and continued burning till 9 o’clock. I learned today that a dwelling house burned down. I have no particulars. This morn one of our company was taken up to camp to be “courtmartialed” the charge against him is for being caught asleep on his post while on picket. Name Ben. Sails on my post, & on 3rd watch. We are in hopes he will be punished lightly, but we cannot tell. The law is death. This is the first time that any of our company has been guilty of any misdemeanor that compelled them to go to the guardhouse. We all feel bad for the honor of Co. G. We did not drill in a.m. Went on battalion drill in p.m. as heretofore. All the other companies had been furnished with “blank cartridges” except ours, We were required to fire by companies & by files. Consequently our company did not make much noise. Had to go through the motions. We formed into all sorts of lines, and more too. We were today as we were called out given our number in the line. The tallest is No. 1, the next No. 2, and so on. A. Shaft is first, My number is “48.” I came about the middle of the column.
Saturday 11th. No drill today. The day is calculated to be devoted to cleaning up, doing odd jobs, &c. &c. A number of the guns were taken on to camp to be fired. I was out most the a.m. Nothing. Went to the strip of wood next the camp after hickory nuts mostly. They are twice as big here as in Michigan. Not many to be got till after the frost. Then there will be so many after them that few can get any. There are any amount of walnuts. When I got back, i was informed that a couple letters awaited me, Those two sent to Co. B has finally come to light. They were good long letters full of interest. I spent most all p. m. in writing and answer. Cloudy and cool.
Sunday, 12th [October 1862]. I returned to my picket duty last night. The moon shone brightly but the night was quite cool. After coming off this morn, we were occupied till 10 o’clock in cleaning our arms and otherwise brushing up, packed out knapsacks, &c. and at 10 we formed in line and marched up to the “cannon ground” and were inspected, arms, knapsacks, &c. For dinner we had cabbage soup, bread and meat which made a first rate dinner. Two men of our company arrived today. They were left at Dow[agiac]. 6 came in with the 25th Regiment. A camp report is rife today that we are to start for parts unknown sometime this week. It may or may not be true. It came in the paper Thursday that 241 men are to be drafted from the Van Buren Company. Irving is now liable to stand the draft.
Monday, 13th October 1862. This day I suppose terminates our duties at this post as the Colonel ordered us to be ready to march by 9 o’clock tomorrow. In a.m., stood picket at No. 6. In p.m., a man not fit for drill relieved me & I with the rest went on battalion drill. As we broke up, the Colonel imparted the above information. It was somewhat unexpected. We do not know exactly where we are to go. but we are to pass through Cincinnati anyway to Covington.
Our excellent drummer left us yesterday. He is no loss. No one knows nor cares where he has gone. Nothing but a nuisance in the company. Name Solomon Stone, 18 years old [of Decatur].
I am here cut short & have no time to copy any further in order to send it home before I go further south. I will here stop as it may get lost on the way.
Spared & Shared 23 