Intro

My Journal of Everyday Life Book, 1863
Almon J. Pierce, Steamer Adams

Preface [written later]

Here is now another book containing my experience with the incidents and doings of the MMB during the latter 3 months of the year 1863. A period of time though not marked by any striking event of interest with us, still is scarcely less important taken as a whole than any previous time of the same length. In it we performed more real active service and endured the most hardship, I think, than in double the time previously; that is, we performed more menial exercise, but the results were unimportant, though we did a big job in the confiscation of mules & had a few brushes with the enemy.

Thursday, 1st October 1863. The day was passed with usual quietness. I was detailed with several others that were on duty to go to town [Vicksburg] with the ambulance to draw rations for the Brigade to last 10 days. We drew a pretty good assortment of the common army rations. Tinkered around through the day, finished a letter to Ir. and sent out. Bought a set of shaving tools for $1.25. We came out on Dress Parade 5 o’clock p.m. There were regimental orders read to the effect that there should be drill three times a day, the “Manual of Arms,” & “Co. Drill,” and Dress Parade. Capt. Hughes is now in command of the Battalion. The Major is absent visiting with a brother in one of the surrounding regiments. Col. Currie being in command of the Brigade is therefore excused from appearing on parade.

Our Marine caps are our principal mark of distinction and are sure to attract notice whenever we are out. Are frequently interrogated as to our nature &c. whenever we go on shore. The peculiar caps first attracting attention & exciting curiosity. I want to draw one on purpose to take home. They look right well so long as they don’t get wet. Some fade out and look horrid. The weather has come off pleasant again.

Friday, 2nd. Well, according to last eve’s orders, we have drilled as directed; immediately after breakfast or from 7 till 8 o’clock, we drilled the Manual of Arms. Then from 10 till 11 o’clock Company Drill. In p.m., from 2 to 3 o’clock, drill again. We undertook the skirmish drill which is entirely new to a portion of us. Some have practiced it before. The Captain does not understand it so one of the sergeants took it in charge. I like the evolutions very well for a change. We were getting quite awkward and ungainly & very properly required some training.

I am intending to try to go to the theatre tonight [Apollo Hall?]. Yes, I want to see how much a professional City Theatre exceeds the performances that we backwards, countryites used to enact in the unassuming village of South Haven & other places equally devoid of distinction. Evening (written after ward) The Orderly & 5 of us started for town to attend the theatre a little after dark. Got there in due time. The was such a crowd around the ticket office that it was several minutes before we could buy our tickets. We went in for the dollar share. The other ticket was 50 cents. We soon got in and secured a seat rather on the back side of the “box” though we were not crowded during the eve. Still, it was by no means worth 50 cents more than the front seats of the “pit,” not 5 cents worth offence [?]. The room was but little larger than our South Haven Hall and not near so filled as I have seen that sometimes & nearly all soldiers at that, including many shoulder strap. Noticed three or four women going in but did not perceive any among the audience. The audience were tolerably quiet considering the many hard nuts assembled. The military guards were stationed about quite thick to keep [order]. The play began at 7:30 o’clock entitled, “The Stranger“—a tragic & comic piece. Several male and three female actors. I have one of the Bills which I want to preserve. The contrast between the pleasure to be derived from an attendance at this popular instation and our insignificant performances in the backwoods was very slight—at least to me who had been exceedingly gratified there at. I give it as my unbiased opinion & to the credit of our unpretending tiras that I have seen the assumed characters of stage just as well personated by our friends and neighbors at home as by these distinguished professionals. It was a very good piece and had a good moral tone. I saw nothing improper during the eve. The entertainment concluded with a “farce”—quite amusing. The interval between the plays was devoted to music on the violin. There was some of the most excruciating oddiculous fiddling that ever I heard. Did not play any regular tune but tried to see how many different noises could be extracted from the instrument. Closed about 11 o’clock.

Saturday 3rd. Drill as yesterday which with our other necessary duties keeps our time pretty well occupied. The boys who were not interested in the potatoes in the mess previous clubbed together and got a barrel for the mess. So we are honored to live. Spent my leisure in cutting out [ ] from a magazine. Cleaned up our guns preparatory for inspection tomorrow. Capt. [Thomas Crane] Groshon acted as commanding officer on Dress Parade. Our company are encamped on a very favorable part of the campground as regards cleanliness, it being smooth and grassy, which a good portion of the rest of the ground is bare and dusty. Our tents are the handiest, best and most convenient kind used in the service, being walled on two sides, 4 feet high, and resembling a cabin or house. They are the kind generally used for hospital tents about 14 or 15 feet square.

Sunday, 4th. I was detailed on fatigue duty but have not had much of anything to do. Clean up the camp a little in a.m, and pump the barge a short time in p.m. The company come out on inspection. Jo. Huggins, who was one that was detailed to guard the prisoners of war up to Cairo returned by steamer this morning with several others on furlough, but none from our company. They report the B. J. Adams and Baltic 15 miles below Helena & the Diana at Griffin’s Landing loading with wood. The Autocrat and Jo. Raine at Cairo. Twenty from each company gone home on furloughs. The Generals at Washington. The Brigade encamped just above us “drummed out of the service” one of their number this eve guilty of desertion. The process differed somewhat from our mode. The weather is clear and pleasant through the day and cool at night.

Monday, 5th. Today, the 3rd monthly anniversary of the day since I enjoyed the exquisite pleasure of reveling among the notorieties of the renowned Vicksburg. I have again been favored with a fine chance for observation and satisfying a long desired intent. All who were on duty, either guard or fatigue, were entitled to a pass to town today if they wished it. Five of us accordingly procured the necessary document and started about 10 o’clock. I first went to a picture gallery and had 4 likenesses of my homely countenance taken—not exactly photographs, but something similar. The picture only includes the face and half the body or less. Price $2. The countenance is quite perfect but the picture looks bad on account of my having the top button of my jacket buttoned. If I had left it opened, it would have looked better.

At 11 o’clock I started with another of the boys to the rear of Vicksburg to inspect the fortifications &c. thereabouts. My partner soon “played out” but I went on. I went out directly to the rear of the Court House, had a notion to stop and pay that a special visit, but the appearance of the guards scared us out. The workmen are engaged in repairing and improving its appearance, both internally and externally. A man was on the tip top fixing that. The material of the edifice is apparently composed of a white limestone but is, I believe, of brick with a thick coating of lime & penciled to represent stonework. there were a lot of blacks collected around as though it was a sort of headquarters of theirs.

From here I took my way directly to the scene of once deadly strife. The road was in good order, had been worked a great deal, and led through several hills where it was graded deeply down and into the banks on each side were the caves so well known. Came to the line of Reb works and 1.5 or 2 miles from the river. The country was wild and desolate, very rough and undulating. Trees and bushes are scattered about. Many ruins of buildings, fences, &c. are played out long ago. I saw members of the 45th Illinois—the first regiment that entered the city after the surrender. Also the 23rd Indiana in the same brigade & others who bore a conspicuous part in the siege. They were doing picket and guard duty & working on the new fortifications. The line of pickets extends along on the Reb line of fortifications. No one could go any farther than here without a pass from headquarters. There was quite a large squad stationed here on the road. I then turned to the left with the intent of visiting the famous “Fort Hell.” The entrenchments are the same as below where I visited three months ago, unlike as then, fresh with the recent effect of the struggle. The weeds and bushes have sprung up and grown quite large since. On every prominent eminence were embrasures where a cannon had been—all removed now to the city arsenal.

Fort Hill was to be seen a half or 3/4 of a mile to the left of the road. I reached it in due time passing several cannon embrasures where were picket posts. The Union line of fortifications averaged 1/4 or less of a mile apart, but at Fort Hill, they came together in one sense of the word. The ditch by which the Union army advanced to the fort was mostly obliterated in making the road. The Jackson road passed by here but more particularly concerning the said fort, it rather fell short of the idea I had formed of its importance. The size of the celebrated spot did not exceed 3 or 4 rods in length and breadth—just large enough to mount two guns. Had been repaired greatly by our army since it was blown up. The effects of the explosion was quite evident. Dirt was thrown in every direction, pieces of shells and wrecks of all description discerned where the mole was dug to get under it. There were men on picket here who participated in the work of destruction. They told me many interesting items. Said that an immense number of men were slain in this vicinity on both sides. A great number of Rebs were buried at the time of the blowing up. About thirty rods to the right and a little to the front stood the tree under which Gen. Grant and Pemberton met and capitulated. I went and visited it and procured a splinter of it for preservation. It was a very appropriate place. The tree had suffered severely fr the effects of the memorial content. The few scattering trees and brushwood most eloquently testified to the severity of the contest, being scarred and riddled in a manner almost inconceivable. The trunk of each tree would be completely peppered with bullets as though it had been the particular center of the fire, & the ground beneath would be covered with the twigs and branches cut out of the top by the “leaden hail.” Partly severed limbs would be hanging suspended throughout the top. If musket shot were thus so plentiful, the larger class or cannon shot were not wanting.

On the outer face of the embankment of the rifle pits I could pick up the bullets like picking up potatoes, without having to hunt for them. They were generally more or less battered. I came in on the Jackson road. In a deep valley on my right was the cemetery. It looked very beautiful. I stopped on the way to view the new fortifications being erected just outside the corporation limits; are stronger and more extensive than any of the Rebel works. Heavy batteries to be planted on the several hills. The works are to extend so as to command the whole rear of the city. The soldiers and negroes both at work on them—not together. I got back just in time for dress parade.

October 6th. This day is Irving’s 19th birthday. I hope this eve find him in as good health and circumstances as myself. Though he is nearly two years my junior in years, his physical and intellectual capacities are superior in many respects (the first in particular) to my own. We drilled company, or properly Squad Drill in a.m. All that we could get out were 6 privates and the same number of noncommissioned officers; total 12. This is all that could be got on drill but what were excused. There are six on guard & police duty today and those that were on yesterday were excused and went to town. Three or four are sick—one quite so. [Isaiah] Landis. In p.m., battalion drill—more properly company drill as there were but 98 in the works, 12 in our company as at a.m. the Major took command. The Fairchild has returned from a trip to Natchez, discharged most her stores there. Tis said she is “turned over” to be used as a mail boat. Also said that the Woodford is turned over. Suspected that we are soon to make another move. [Weather] pleasant.

October 7th. Nothing particular to record tonight except that I am on guard for the first time since we have been out here. Come very near coming on fatigue instead again. Guard duty here is quite different from what it was on the boats. They are quite strict and exacting. 13 men of relief. When not on post, we have to remain at the guard house two hours. A part of the men under arrest were court martialed. Don’t know what it resulted in. Battalion drill in p.m. It rained hard last night but cleared off again by sunrise. Quite cool tonight. There was a Grand Review of the troops about Vicksburg yesterday. Generals McPherson & Logan were said to be present and other distinguished personages. There are contradictory reports concerning Gen. Grant’s being here or elsewhere.

Thursday, 8th. I meant to have gone to town today after coming off guard but got cut out of it. Took a good wash. Did some extra writing. Drilled in p.m. company drill/ Gen. U. S. Grant passed through our camp to inspect the battery, it’s presumed. Unfortunately and just my luck, I did not get a glimpse of the notable personage. Wouldn’t have begrudged a quarter. Sent a couple of our company to the hospital—{Isaiah] Landis and [Perry] Durbin.

Friday, 9th. I got a pass again to pass the day, or a portion of it, in town. Got away about 10 o’clock and got back at 3 o’clock. Did not amount to anything in particular. We went up to the hospital (Marine) and Gen. Grant’s Headquarters which comprises a spacious old brick mansion of a sort of dun [grayish-brown] color, and the grounds attached, filled with the headquarters of the different officials in the various departments. There was a map or diagram of the premises which was very useful to those doing business there. Did not perceive any notables. I spent most of my time in the news depots reading the papers and magazines. There has lately been a great battle in Eastern Tennessee between Rosecrans and Bragg. The rebs finally repulsed but the Union side has suffered immensely. I should like to know how the old 19th [Michigan] came out!

I had a notion to get “Casey’s Tactics” but it come most too high. Bought Merry’s Book of Puzzles 35 cents & got me a good substantial dinner for 30 cents—usual price 50 cents. There was no nicknack but common home fare, very ell got up. I’ll bet I ate the worth of my money. The merchants are not allowed to sell anything besides books and papers for some military reason. One of the plays at the theatre tonight is “Toodles.” I should like very well to attend. Dress parade in eve. I drew a new pair of shoes—the 3rd pair worn. Only worn two pairs since entering the service. Doing pretty well, I think.

Saturday, 10th. I was detailed on fatigue duty. Worked at drawing rations for the next ten days. We drew from the post commissary. The new government store houses by the levee are very extensive & pretty well filled. The old B. J. Adams returned this p.m. She met with quite a severe accident when going up. She run onto a big snag in the night damaging her deck and casemates considerably. Scared two men so much that they jumped overboard and drowned. Also hurt others. Some of the boys that visited her say she is in an awful dirty condition. She is going down to Natchez tomorrow. Going to bring a Division up from there. Seems that this place is threatened by an attack and thought to be too weakly defended. Therefore, intended to reinforce the garrison for its protection. There has been akirmishing near the Big Black in the rear.

Sunday, 11th. Inspection as usual at 9 o’clock. I wrote a letter for one of the boys & began one home. Some interesting items concerning the Brigade came out in one of the Memphis papers. It says we are transferred from the Navy to the Army Department. At Dress Parade an order was read prohibiting passes to be given in the future after sundown. Some of the boys couldn’t contain themselves but must cut up some diabolical rusty & consequently restrictions have to be established for all. Divided the ration out to the messes. There was a pretty good supply of our old ration left—sugar, coffee, hominy, rice, &c. being divided into squads. There is not much wasted. Will sell or trade off the surplus. Weather very fine.

Monday, 12th. Drill as usual three times during the day. Occupied my leisure time at finishing a letter home. Enclosed my likeness. The Horner arrived this morn with the mail and Lieut. [Onesimus W.] Whitehead. There was mail for most every one of the boys but nothing for me. I am quite disappointed. We learn that several of the boys that were furloughed have been discharged. Just at 5 o’clock, a wind and rain storm came up—quite a severe one. Lasted about 15 minutes. One of the officers went before the wind. The water run inside notwithstanding the ditch and made it rather uncomfortable for us. Thunder and lightning still. Prospect of a wet spell. Col. Charles Ellet is back here. Don’t know what he intends doing.

Tuesday, 13th. No drill today except the Manual of Arms this morn. This is election day for the Ohio boys. They were collected together and proceeded to vote for Governor of Ohio. Vallandigham is not very popular in the army adn will run a pretty slim chance among the soldiers. As our squad cook is sick, they have put me in [as] “cook & bottle washer.” Get along first rate with dinner and supper. First I ever undertook. Don’t know as I shall continue at it long. Will keep me pretty busy. Spent what little leisure [time] I had in writing for one of the boys. The Fairchild and several other boats went up last here loaded with troops this morn. the Adams came up but without troops this eve. Stopped. (written afterwards) The troops brought up were landed here in town, reinforcements. The Adams went up to Goodrich’s Landing to get a cargo of black troops but somehow that flushed out. She did not get them.

Wednesday, 14th. Drill again as before this morn. We commenced the first principles of the bayonet exercise. Co. C are getting quite proficient. It’s a very interesting exercise. It tries a person’s nerve somewhat. Our cook resumed his vocation. In p.m., we drew 40 rounds of cartridges apiece or enough to replenish their old supply, and had orders to hold ourselves in readiness to repel a not improbable attack of the enemy. There appears to be considerable excitement in the rear towards Black River. All the troops here with those that the Fairchild brought up have gone out there. Also two guns of our Marine Artillery. There are no troops left here now but two or three negro regiments and us and it is a request from the Commanding General that we be ready to hold the trenches in case our forces are repulsed. Of course we can’t refuse to do that much if it really becomes necessary for our own safety. This by degrees, we will gradually be drawn into the regular land services.

At dress parade, the trial and sentence of H[enry] S. Lane, 1st Sergeant appointed and acting 2nd Lieutenant of Co. I Infantry, was read to the Battalion, charged with insurrectionary conduct, found guilty and has to forfeit one month’s pay and henceforth to serve his time in the ranks. He took it very cooly. He is rather small potatoes any[how], I think. Two pieces of artillery were sent above the city on the road to Haynes Bluff. A couple pieces below here a mile or so on some road. The other two pieces remain here. Weather has been cool and cloudy.

Thursday, 15th. I was detailed for guard. Companies C & D or 25 men from each, were sent out on picket duty or more properly, I believe, to support the lower battery. I expect our turn will come next. I understand that one man from each company was detailed to go & guard Gen. McArthur’s Headquarters on town. Our boats are back here again—Adams, Baltic, and Fairchild.

Friday, 16th. This has been quite an eventful day with us and me in particular, though I do not wish too much importance attached to the expression as nothing beyond the consistent order of things has transpired. Companies I and H were ordered out to relieve those companies that went yesterday. Co. E were detailed for fatigue duty to load and unload army supplies at town. Co. F were left to themselves today to prepare for action tomorrow, whether to work or go on picket, i don’t know. The guards were all taken off but three posts—one at each commissary establishment and at the guard house. Those just come off of duty were allowed passes to town. I improved my opportunity for going and had a tolerable good time. First went and paid my respects to the Old B. J. Adams. She was in tolerable good trim—much better than I expected. That snag tore her works wickedly. I understand that they were ordered down the river again. No immediate prospect of getting aboard [her] again. Next, went up in town and about Market House—quite a place for dealing in petty articles. I bought nothing but a lunch.

I then visited the old Printing Office of the veritable Vicksburg [Daily] Citizen. No one present but a member of the 45th Illinois who was setting type doing some job printing only. This had been quite an extensive concern one day though a good share of the material has been removed to another office. Here was where the local paper, the Citizen was published by the rebs up to the day previous to the surrender. Date of the last No. July 2nd. For the last few weeks of its existence, it was printed on wall paper for want of better material. I gave 25 cents for a copy of it at one of the news stores to preserve as a curiosity. It is a very gritty and spicey specimen [of] southern chivalry. The editor is still about town. The printer presented me with a book that belonged to the establishment entitled, “Great Facts.”—a history and description of the great inventions & arts—very interesting. Tried to procure some pictures of the Court House but missed of it. Price 50 cents.

On my return, I visited a portion of the new fortifications this side located on the site of the old French Castle before mentioned. It has been totally demolished as it commanded a more elevated position than any place around and the once beautiful grounds completely uprooted. The work is not half done yet. At preset the work is entirely suspected as the troops have been sent out to the rear to fight, if may be. It is intended for a pivot gin [to be mounted] in the center of the work. I saw a regiment of blacks start out. They made a very commendable appearance, officers and all. The companies contained 42 or 50 men, perhaps more. Believe they were from Milliken’s Bend or elsewhere up the river. The more I think of it, the more I believe I could do very well in a Negro Regiment. Believe I [could] secure the office of Orderly Sergeant without much trouble. There are several vacancies I hear. If I were in the old service, I think I would go in for it but don’t believe I would do better myself much here. I got a letter from home. Has been laying around for two or three days. Smart piece of business! Good news. Owen Thorman [or] “Sharp Shooter”—the chap we drummed out last summer is here in town driving government team at $35 per month. Several have seen him.

Saturday, 17th. (written afterwards in consequence of a continual run of stirring events) Our company or 9 men details from one or two other companies were ordered out on picket. Got ready and started as soon as possible, taking blankets and one days rations. Reached the fort about 9 o’clock a mile or so below camp right on the bank of the river. The two pieces of artillery are stationed here. Capt. Groshon was in command of the detachment. We were divided into two divisions, one half in the rear of the battery as a reserve, the rest 12 were posted in two squads in advance. One man out of each post relieved every hour throughout the day, [ ] at night [ ] hours. In p.m. a party went out a couple miles on a reconnoissance; discovered nothing. A colored company came in towards eve. Several teams passed through with fire wood. All required to have a pass signed by the Provost Marshall. The flat between the river and high bank about 3/4 mile was here grown up yo brushwood and vines almost impenetrable. The day was cloudyt and threatening rain.

Sunday, 18th. The past night was anything but agreeable & pleasant. It commenced raining though not very capriciously about [ ] and continued off and on till 3 in the morn. Those not saving India rubber blankets or coats got wet through though not soaking wet. I did not sleep more than an hour or so before 3 o’clock. Then the relief was relieved & it stopped raining after which we took a good nap. It cleared off pleasant little after sunrise. At 9 o’clock we were relieved by Co. D & details and we returned to camp. The General Picket Officer who brought us the countersign last eve gave a very glowing account of the efficiency of the colored troops on duty; was extremely afraid to encounter them. Had been shot at several times while making his rounds in the night. They are remarkably vigilant and strict to obey their orders.

We found on our return that there had been quite an uproar connected with the Brigade during our absence & the final issue had not come yet. Seems that Col. Currie had given Andy Ferril, the commander of the Baltic in the absence of Capt. Mulburn, positive orders not to move his boat without orders from him: by order of the Commanding General of this Department (Gen. McArthur, I believe). The boat was loaded with flour & started Saturday a.m. down the river. The Colonel hailed her and ordered her ashore and “Old Andy” under arrest. He was brought up just into our guard house and came near being heavily ironed. As soon as the affair became known at headquarters, the Colonel himself was ordered under arrest. They say he flew up to town in a towering rage doing some “tall swearing.” It was settled somehow & he was released as was Andy also. The Colonel now seems determined to cut a seperate and independent swath & have the sole authority over this part of the brigade or this detachment, not to be bamboozled around any longer. Old Capt. Mulburn arrived this morning so he has a little more help in the matter. We had hardly got through dinner when we were startled by the unexpected order to get ready to go on board the boats. At first we were only to take things most necessary for comfort, leaving the rest and tents with the sick and unfit for duty. A report was rife that a boat had been fired into up about Paw Paw Island and that we were going on a sort of scout to return again. Finally the wholesale order came to take all & everything, tents, &c., making the impression that we were to hunt a new campground to get out of the authorities at Vicksburg.

Men were detailed to go and unload the B. F. [Adams]. The camp equippage was put aboard the Fairchild. one or two companies went onto the Baltic. The Adams did not get ready to take us on till [ ] o’clock. Meantime we had moved our trumpery to the bank and taken a short nap. I was detailed in the eve to help strike the hospital tents. We were busy and hard at work from 9 o’clock till after 12 o’clock in getting our company stuff on. Had it all to carry 25 or 30 rods. It was hard work nearly as to get them off, but we were all generally glad to get home again. There was no grumbling or hanging back when the order came that I heard of. A general willingness with a hope to remain on board while we remained in the service. Besides the three former companies on this boat, Co. D of cavalry and infantry battalion are on in consequence of the absence of the Diana. It seemed little like Sunday today, as much so as 3 weeks ago when we moved off. Co. B cavalry on the Fairchild.

Monday, 19th. We were roused up in good season to finish loading on the regimental baggage, hospital stuff, rations, musket & artillery ammunition &c.—a no light task taking into account the amount the number that the work devolved onto as there is always a good proportion on the “playing off” list. I am stiff and sore yet from the severe exercise. A portion of bread came out already baked for the next 10 days in the shape of hard tack. It seems double tough to have to come down to that again after living so long on the best of light bread. While on land, we have exchanged our flour for baker’s bread which is excellent.

We got all aboard about 8 o’clock. Then the signal for starting sounded and we struck out. No one knew definitely how far or what for our course—at any rate, up the river. Various rumors but I have not taken much notice of things through today. At 7 o’clock eve we landed at Goodrich’s Landing. Just before we all got orders to get our haversacks and fill with two days rations & prepare generally for a big scout on the morrow. I don’t know what the rip is. There is quite a number of Black troops here anyway. There is considerable dissatisfaction among the boys in prospect of expedition. What it will amount to, time only will develope. It is late. I must stop in order to get a little rest to meet the contingencies of the times. Have written three pages this week. Spent the day selling scrap mostly.

Corporal Grunt, one of the noys furloughed over a month ago, returned yesterday. Just two or three others belonging to other companies also. He is the only one out of the dozen or 15 that have received furloughs and this time was all up long ago. A very favorable freak for the rest to get a chance, I should judge. Several have sent certificates of disability to “perform their rows.”

Tuesday, 20th. Our great meditated scout for today seems to have flushed out for the present at least as far as the infantry is concerned. One company of cavalry and one or two pieces of artillery, I believe, started out last night some time and the rest of the cavalry this morn. They have not yet returned at 8 o’clock. The calculation was if they discovered anything & it was necessary to start out the infantry. I heard a report that there are 10,000 rebs back here. I suspect it is somewhat overestimated if not more. There are three negro regiments quartered in wooden shelters.

I have been busy arranging things in the quarters and helping to give a general cleaning out, applied the hose. Wrote a letter home enclosing it with my “curiosity relic of Vicksburg journalism.” Our fare is rather rough again consisting of hard tack, sow belly, and coffee & beans. So must it be, I suppose. We almost wish we were back in camp. There is soft bread for sale on shore, 12 cents a loaf.

Co. B Cavalry is on the Fairchild. Cos. D of Infantry and Cavalry on the Adams. They quarter amidships. Our company have to concentrate on the starboard side entirely. The Mississippi water is getting remarkably cool and quite delicious. I would not credit such a change in but a week or so and at this time of the year, it is clearer and one-third cooler than last summer. Wrote a letter this eve for one of the boys.

Wednesday, 21st. Quite a little stir was occasioned by the arrival of the General last night on the Ram Dick Fulton. Lieutenant Snyder and several furloughed boys too, none of our company. The old Gent is the same old six pense in appearance & corially greeted many of the boys. He remained here till near night, then started down to Vicksburg. He and the Colonel had considerable transactions together with the commander of the Blacks here—Col. Hawkins. The cavalry did not get in till 3 o’clock this morn. They did not make any very important discoveries, I believe. Have not heard any particulars. Captured a man who professes to be a Unionist but circumstances are quite unfavorable in this respect as it appears he was instrumental in an attempt to kill one of the black soldiers that were out yesterday also. The soldier was beset by a couple rebs and was heroically defending himself & would have quite vanquished his assailant had it not been for the interference of this man who happened to happen about just then. The Black had a pretty rough time of it, being shot twice & stabbed & slashed badly with a knife. He broke off one of the men’s arm & his head also; was finally rescued and is in the hospital. James Dunn, one of the cavalry boys, got a leg badly injured by his horse falling with him when under full headway. I am on guard today. Had the honor of escorting the reb prisoner up to headquarters and back. He will have something to do to prove his loyalty. There are save to have been seven paymasters that passed on their way down. One, however, stopped to pay off the boat hands of this fleet. The negroes receive $10 per month. Several new ones were taken on today. Weather cool and cloudy

Thursday, 22. Still remaining at the location of yesterday. The cavalry started out with two days rations early this morn. I expect they will develop before they return whatever there is in the reports of rebs in the country. The hands are engaged in giving the boat a general cleaning inside and out. The police detailed assisting and cleaning up the cabin. The carpenter is also engaged in making repairs. An inspector was around through the boats. Great alterations and improvements are in contemplation from what I can learn. It will need a good deal to make them comfirtable for winter. A.M.. I was taken up mostly in studying and investigating some certain principle which had arisen in a dispute. Some of my numerous books came very handy to refer to. In consideration thereof, I bought another ponderous volume for 40 cents/ It is the 1st Volume of the three which comprise Gregory’s Dictionary—most an excellent work though somewhat out of date, published in 1816. English work an American edition. This p.m. occupied in resuming my letter to Miss Hattie. Weather cloudy and decidedly cool.

Friday, 23rd. About 9 o’clock last night there was quite an excitement kicked up by a report coming in that the “rebs were coming” to make an attack. We were accordingly called out just as we were dropping into a comfortable sleep and mustered on deck with arms. The hun squads prepared to move their guns. After slamming around half an hour or so with no appearance of an enemy nor prospects, we were dismissed—the fight evidently having been postponed ad infinitum or until a more favorable season when the weather is calmer and less inclement as last night. The origin of the scare was, I believe, some firing among the negro pickets for some real or imaginary purpose. The cavalry have not yet returned (now 6 o’clock). They had a severe time of it last night as it was windy, cold, and stormy. None too comfortable for us here and today we have suffered all the miseries of winter. Rained hard through the night. Cloudy all day. Cleared off just at night. Even the overcoats and steam pipes were insufficient for comfort. The General returned from below last night and started in up the river in p.m. They say that he is going to Nashville to see Gen. Grant about the Brigade. I expect we will leave here as soon as the cavalry return. Another of our company, John Roe, has returned.

Saturday 24th. Another day of frigid temperature though the p.m. was clear and warm where the sun struck & the wind didn’t. As the fires are down, the quarters are cold as a burn. There is but one stove that can be got at by the men & but few can get around that as the sick occupy the room so we have to huddle up, grin and bear it.

I took a stroll out on shore [at Goodrich’s Landing*] in a.m. Visited a cotton gin in operation nearby. This was a novel affair to me. The cotton is put through a revolving cylinder similar to a common thrashing machine for the purpose of separating the seed out. The cotton goes through beyond into a large room, flying every way, for all the world like a snow drift, In the press on the other side, two cylinders in operation. The other two stopped in order to do some grinding of corn. Attached was a saw mill [which has] not been used lately. There is another gin in sight above. Both run by steam. There was a large plantation of cotton growing about here last spring. I expect this is the proceeds cultivated by the government.

[*Goodrich’s Landing was a cotton plantation owned by Henry Goodrich of East Carroll Parish, Louisiana. Situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River, the landing served as a shipping point for area cotton planters. When Union forces invaded the region in early 1862, they seized the plantation and established it as a base of operations in their advance against Vicksburg. As hundreds of escaped slaves flocked to the Union camp, neighboring plantation owners abandoned their properties and evacuated to the west, into Confederate held territory. The U.S. Government subsequently confiscated these properties and leased them to Northern entrepreneurs, who employed former slaves to grow cotton. By the summer of 1863, Union forces under the command of General U.S. Grant, had surrounded and besieged the city of Vicksburg. Confederate troops in Louisiana and Arkansas believed that by raiding Goodrich’s Landing, they could disrupt Grant’s supply-chain and relieve their compatriots at Vicksburg. In June 1863, Confederates from Gaines’s Landing, Arkansas, undertook an expedition to Lake Providence, Louisiana, in an effort to disrupt the Union assault on Vicksburg. The Union had constructed fortifications, on top of an old Indian mound about five miles northwest of Goodrich’s Landing, guarding a military supply depot. The Confederates planned to attack the fort on June 29, but decided to demand an unconditional surrender first, which the Union forces accepted. Later in the day, Confederate Col. William H. Parsons encountered companies of the 1st Kansas Mounted Infantry and routed them. The Confederates then seized Union Army supplies stored at the landing, and began burning cotton on surrounding plantations (the Governor of Louisiana had issued orders for all cotton crops within the state to be destroyed, thereby keeping it out of Union hands). By the next morning, U.S. Naval boats had landed the Mississippi Marine Brigade, under the command of Brig. Gen.Alfred W. Ellet, at Goodrich’s Landing. At dawn, he set out with Col. William F. Wood’s black troops to find the Confederate raiders. Ellet’s cavalry encountered the enemy first and began skirmishing. The fight became more intense as Wood’s forces approached. Parsons eventually disengaged and fell back, taking his captured supplies with him.]

The Blacks here are engaged in building themselves winter quarters, splitting cypress slabs that are most equal to sawed boards. The camp looks quite cleanly and orderly ad they seem to be doing well. They say they drill tip top. The report comes that another boat has been burned at or near Austin, done by a band of guerrillas. I have not learned any particulars. Spent part of the p.m. trying to continue letter to H. M. Poor progress. The cavalry and the two pieces of artillery returned just at dark. Say they have traveled 150 miles while out. Brought in three prisoners with their horses and arms. Run them down, got after a large party of Rebs, but except these, they were too smart for us. A couple Blacks which were taken and were considered all right on our side, in the night took it into their heads to escape, accordingly took a couple of the best horses of Co. C & Major Kellogg’s pistols & “cut stick.”

Sunday, 25th. The day has been cool but moderated towards eve. I was detailed on guard. There was inspection of arms this morn. We are getting pretty well run-a-shore in respect to food for both man an beast. Meat is entirely out so we are confined to beans, rice, hard tack and coffee, but not these all at once either. But it is worse yet for the poor horses that have been so jaded down by the severe exercise of the past few days. Hay and oats are both played out. The Horner is momentarily expected from below with a supply. Spent my leisure at writing my letters.

Monday, 26th. Weather greatly moderated. (see note on last page of this book, a joke on you officers!) The officers had a great jollification among themselves according to accounts, and there is abundance of testimony, though I saw nothing particularly out of the way. They got a supply of “the do good” or ardent spirits from some quarter & all hands even to the stern old Colonel, so far lost theit dignity as to conduct themselves in a manner quite disgraceful & highly detrimental to the future order and discipline of the men. It will be a harder matter than ever to restrain the [ ] and intemporate when such an example is set by those who are supposed to possess superior minds and profess to condemn the degrading practices. But alas, poor human nature! The boats are taking on wood. The Baltic has dropped down a few miles to get wood. They managed to rake and scrape up biscuit for supper. I have lent $6 of my money to four different persons till pay day to receive 15 cents usury per dollar. Spent my leisure at writing.

Tuesday, 27th. Considerably moderated today but cloudy. About 7 o’clock this morn we began to get under headway again—the boats bows pointing northward. A few miles above Lake Providence, we stopped on the west shore, took on a pile of wood occupying half an hour or so, then proceeded on halting at Skipwith’s Landing long enough to fasten onto our old cattle barge left here by the Fairchild. We—that is, Co. F were engaged most of the p.m. in cleaning out the barge and fitting it for a habitation for our mules. Yes, it seems that the authorities have determined to mount us again but this is not the worst of it. We are to bestride the obstinate, stubborn, and derided mongrel animal denominated the mule instead of the mild, docile, and deserving horse. It’s a prospect I don’t much covet. Don’t at all strike my fancy. If I had preferred the cavalry service, I should have enlisted as such in the first place.We will not likely be transmogrified immediately or until after muster. Don’t know whether it is intended to capture the animals or to draw them at some Military Post. The saying is that we are going to Cairo as soon as convenient.

The Horner arrived from below last eve with a supply of rations & horse feed. The Adams takes the lead followed by the Baltic, Fairchild, and Horner. Met several boats. Saw some of our Marine boys on one just returning.

Wednesday, 28. This has been a day of pretty severe exercise. We landed at our old stopping place—viz: Griffin’s Landing, at about 9 o’clock last eve. This morn early the cavalry got ready and put out on a scout. Not returned yet. Soon after breakfast, we—Co. F—rigged up for a grand mule capturing expedition. About twenty of us with Lieutenants Whitehead and Dean, took our arms and a rope apiece, got aboard a couple ambulances and struck out. Followed up the road towards Greenville about five miles from one plantation to another, gobbling in 8 or 9 mules on the way. At one place, found 6 mules hitched to a wagon with no one in sight of it. The proprietors of the menagerie doubtless getting wind of us and beat a peremptory skedaddle. Deeming such valuable property deserving of better care, we took them all into our “charge.” The mansion here—which was a noble piece of architecture—was painted a grained imitation of marble. At another place farther on, two or three of the boys got a glimpse of some chap mounted flying for dear life in the distance. Suppose they were rebs. A company of rebs were said to have been in here last Sunday. Come across a darky on a mule on his way somewhere with a lot of personal duds. Took his mule, three spurs, and a couple curry combs. We then commenced to retrace our steps. It was about 2 o’clock at the time. Came back to the fine house, then the ambulances with 6 or 7 men, took the direct road to the boats, intending to stop on the way and fill up with corn, while the rest, 8 or 9, took off to the left to see if we could light into some more riding stock. I had picked up an old good-for-nothing piece of rusteebones which I exchange here with one of the boys not able to ride & accompanied the latter party, all mounted. We had snatched in bridles enough to equip the troop with one saddle and old sacks for the rest. Soon came where were several of the horse kind, but only one really fit for our purpose. The old overseer begged hard for the rest to do his grinding so that they could live. At the next place we made a good charge & lit out a fine little drove, all penned up. The owner came out with a passport for their safety given by a Col. Hicks but it availed nothing with us so we “snarled” six of them. I got myself a pretty likely little black ginny. Next made our way to the boats which we reached about 7 o’clock eve. Had some difficulty getting the stubborn things onto the barge. We have brought in something over 20 today. Co. E went to a place that we passed and seized 6 or 8. The majority of those we have got are rather undersized but are quite maneagable and may do very good service, but confound the critters anyhow, either horse or mule. I would like right well to be excused from the operation but I suppose there’s no use of whining. Not half the boys fall into the notion very readily. Tis said now that its to a permanent institution as long as the Brigade lasts—worse and worse! We are to draw a complete company outfit except sabres.

I had a severe headache all a.m. Sometime during that cold snap there was a severe frost about here that cut vegetation and used every green thing up generally.

(About midnight) Going to bed about 8 o’clock & being very tired & sore, I soon was asleep and “knocking it off at the rate of 12 knots an hour” when about 12 o’clock I was roused with the rest to get saddle, bridles, &c. and equip ourselves throughout for a super grand scout. Have been engaged for the last two hours i getting them out and arranging the thing. Fitted out partly with captured articles & by borrowing of the cavalry, have got all things ready, waiting for word go. Expect to start in a short time.

Thursday 29th. 11 o’clock a.m. I snatch a few moments amid the confusion & excitement to note a few items. Just as I was writing the last sentence last night, the order came to “unsaddle and go to bed”—a very sensible turn of affairs. Don’t see why they couldn’t have come to that wise conclusion 4 hours ago. This forenoon we have been busily occupied a rearranging matters, returning the borrowed articles and drawing their cast off things as before. There is a complete saddle in the whole 25 that is tucked onto us fitting out a party to go out this p.m. I went with a few others this a.m. & got a couple loads of corn fodder with the ambulances. The fodder is excellent feed. Composed of corn leaves and stacked up all so nice.

The cavalry came in about 9 o’clock last night. Brought in a lot of miles and five or six prisoners. Run a lot of the, We are drawing 30 days rations. Stephen McMew, another of the furloughed boys, arrived last night. There is a storm a brewing. It commenced a slow drizzling rain at 12 o’clock and the proposed scout was partly given up but finally about 1:30 o’clock as it did not rain very hard, a dozen or 15 of us fitted up and started, Lieut. [Albert] Dean in charge. It rained most of the time. I wore my India rubber coat which protected me very well. Wouldn’t take double what U gave for it. After perambulating around awhile directly back, we struck up the levee towards Greenville. Went five miles & seized five more mules. I got a good drink of milk with several others here. Then came in, and reached the boats at dusk. My riding animal is a very easy one and easily managed. Don’t have any trouble leading it on and off the boat as they do with most the others. Some are so contrary that they have to be literally carried on. The greatest fault with mine is that its so small I am afraid it won’t stand it. Hate to give it up for fear of getting a worse one. Several of the boys have got kicked by the critters though none very seriously, I believe. I expect nothing else but I shall be crippled by some of the brutes. The barge is badly contrived for our purpose, being not wide enough to allow passing behind them, or to feed them handily. Heads together, manger down the middle. It is about as full as it can hold now. About 40 in it. The carpenters have been engaged in repairing the hull. Leaks badly.

Friday, 30th [October, 1863]. Nothing of special importance today. It has rained off on on about half the time. The weather quite cool and disagreeable generally. Discharged our guns this morn and cleaned them up ready for inspection and muster tomorrow. Several more furloughed boys returned today. None of our company. They say that the Jo. Raine is at New Albany undergoing repairs again. Met the Diana above Memphis going up. The Baltic came down from a little cruise that she started on next day after landing here. Don’t know exactly what she went after. We have 8 reb prisoners under guard now—two of them officers. One said to be a captain and the other is called both a lieutenant and major. Reckon its the former. None of them have any uniform part of them & I don’t know but all are regular “old coons” & have seen the elephant.

Saturday, 31st. Last night was a severe cold night. A heavy frost & ice formed over water quarter inch thick (or less; day clear and pleasant. Tonight quite cool.) The day occupied in arranging the mule matters, equipping, &c., preparatory to taking a jaunt out into the country tomorrow, to start at 7 o’clock. Intend to pay that force of rebs said to be in camp on Deer Creek some 30 miles distant. It may turn out to be a dear expedition to some or many of us. I expect that the relative pluck and fighting grit of this portion representing the two great antagonistic parties is to be tested within the next 48 hours. All is hurry and confusion now. I sat up late tonight finishing my letter to Hattie M. The letter comprises 4 pages large sized paper & 4 of small sized. Enclosed one of my photographs.

NOVEMBER [1863]

Sunday, 1st. (Written afterwards) Well, I am back again in my old place safe and sound though the fate of the larger part of my company is still involved in a mystery/ But I must go back to yesterday, or Sunday morning. The preceding night was very cool, another heavy frost, clear in the morn, rest of the day cloudy. We got ready as previously intended and started at 7 or 7:30 o’clock. About 26 of our company and 6 or 8 of Co. E which joined us on mules. The three companies of cavalry struck out ahead, one piece of artillery and all the artillerists mounted next, and Capt. Groshon’s command bring up the rear. We took two days rations and blankets and overcoats with us. We took the road to Greenville. About two-thirds the way there, then turned to the right into the rear of that place, the same way that the cavalry were out on the other day. Crooked about considerable going through a heavy piece of timber. At noon we stopped at a plantation and baited. Must have traveled near 15 miles. Stopped half an hour or so, then proceeded and about 8 or 10 miles further at 4 o’clock, came to the said Deer Creek.

A large plantation here and any amount of negroes who came out in battle array, both male and female, attired in their Sunday tuggary, making most a grotesque appearance. The rest stopped here. The battery unlimbered and shotted for action for we ere certainly in the enemy’s country. The darkies saying that several had been around there that day, were encamped by a lake some 8 or 10 miles off. Our company dashed on across the creek a mile further to another plantation where were a drove of ogs that it seems was a preconcerted plan to gobble in were found here the other day, all penned up, suppose to be kept up for the benefit of the rebs. Well, we drove out 25 middling sized hogs leaving 1o or a dozen for the family consumption. The “Old Lady” of the place plead long and loud for her swine asserting that though the rebs had taken most of them, they would not get any more. In returning one of the hogs, having occasion to pass under the bridge across the creek, discovered one of our kind of carbines and a blanket hid under it. It was here that the cavalry caught those rebs the other day. One of their horses was disabled here and the rider forced to quit it his gun and all, which someone finding hid under the bridge. There are various stories concerning the officer but this seems most creditable. Returned with our stock to the first plantation and turned them into a yard & hitched our riding animals under a shed surrounding a corn barn & prepared for the night. It was sundown by this time. The cavalry having their supper ate, stationed pickets about in every direction. We got a couple pots from the negro quarters, started a fire, caught two or three chickens, potatoes &c. and cooked and ate a tolerable good supper. There were turnips also in abundance. Slept that night on the corn in the barn. The night was comfortably warm. I brought with me double the clothing that was absolutely necessary. The night passed in quietness. THe pickets however bringing in three suspicious characters in the eve, were mounted claiming to be noncombatants on their way somewhere.

Some 15 or 20 of the infantry accompanied us riding in the four ambulances taking bridles and saddles with them intending to capture riding stock but was not very successful. The squad of Co. E were sent just before night with a message to the Monarch at Greenville. This Deer Creek is the first clear running stream that I have seen in the Confederacy. It is about the size of our Butternut Creek. It empties into the Yazoo via Sunflower. Any amount of ducks in it.

Monday 2nd. (written after wards) Next morn we arose betimes, fed our animals and took a snack ourselves. Got ready to start again at 6:30 o’clock. It was concluded that Co. F should guard the before-mentioned prisoners and drive the hogs in. The cavalry started some 15 minutes before we did, intending to extend the scout further out. The artillery accompanied us intending to return to the boats. A small party was sent ahead to close the gaps and guard the lanes. Took the road leading up the creek going to Greenville 8 miles as it was intended to drive the hogs there and leave them in charge of the Monarch. We had gone about two miles [when] a courier from the cavalry overtook us with an order for the artillery and all of our company except what was absolutely necessary to attend to the hogs, to return post haste and join them as skirmishing with the enemy had commenced. Some say that they could hear the firing then. I was busy with the concerned hogs and did not get the hang of affairs at the time, or I should have tried to have been included in among the fighting party, but unfortunately got elected for drover—a less glorious and dangerous vocation. We heard no more from the “scout of war” till late at night. The full particulars of the day I have not yet learned so I will confine my observation to the proceedings of the hog drovers. There were 9 of us under command of Lieut. [Albert] Dean, 5 drove the porkers, the rest guarded the prisoners and went in advance. We also had an ox team and wagon of three yoke in charge. The darky driver was a real black rebel. Said he had just taken a load of tobacco middling well. Still it was a slow and tedious job. They were in middling good order, average about 150 lbs. apiece. Not more than three or four that would [ ].

Reached Greenville without incident worthy of note at 2 or 2:30 o’clock. Turned them into a yard and left ’em in charge of the Monarch boys though the boat was five miles above here. A report that a boat had been fired into up here somewhere. Stopped half an hour and struck out for the boats which we reached 5:30 o’clock. Went the road through by the plantations. The greater portion of the infantry that were not with us were absent on the Horner on a raid below here somewhere. They started yesterday son after we did. A lot more of the furloughed marines had returned during our absence. two of our company, Rissell and Owens. Strange we don’t get any more mail. Not had any in three weeks. The day was warm and pleasant.

Tuesday, 3rd. The rest of the boys all—yes all, came in about 9 o’clock last night, not having yet learned a full and reliable account of their yesterday’s doings. I will defer my official report for the present.

Well, concerning that skirmish, there isn’t much to be said. It was all over with by the time our company & the artillery got back there. The rebs had skedaddled but are known to have lost one man killed. Co. D Cavalry engaged them. They (Co. D) lost one horse killed. The artillery, however, fired 6 or 8 rounds into the cane brakes & a barn, followed them three miles when fearing of getting into an ambush, we turned back. They are no guerrillas but belong to the army—thought to be a whole Brigade. We had to return to their owners several of our mules today. The widows and professed Unionists are allowed to retain a certain number. We had taken them most too close. Got a lot of corn from the crib nearby & at 3 o’clock the boats started up and landed at Greenville at 6 o’clock. Don’t know what next is contemplated. The Horner rejoined us just before we started. They got a few hogs. Was too late to gobble in a big drove. Rebs was too smart. Haven’t done much of anything today but fuss with the mules & pump the barge. Don’t like it pretty much. I sold my cot again. Done some better than before. Got $3 for it and was not anxious to part with it at that.

Tonight at roll call we were directed to prepare for another Reb hunt—to be ready at 5:30 o’clock with one day’s rations. We may look out for serious business if fate so directs. What it will result in, time must unfold.

Wednesday, 4th. Another day scouting over & no blood spilled or bones broke. Had a pretty hard day’s ride. At a little past 5 o’clock this morn, the Baltic hitched to our mule barge, we being all ready to start, and dropped down the river nearly within sight of Griffin’s Landing on the opposite (Arkansas) side and landed. Soon got ashore. Two ambulances loading with Co. H men and a portion mounted, all under the command of Major Tallerday, Lieutenants Whitehead and Dean in command of our company, Capt. [Thomas] Groshon having a leave of absence & going home soon. Landed at no particular landing but soon struck a track & crossed the head of Old River Lake, consequently throwing us on the outside of the bend in the lake. There was a splendid old plantation here. A Lieutenant, myself, and another (Oren Root) was detached to make a circuit around by another plantation to get what might be there in the shape of riding stock. Rode near 2 miles as fast as the critters could go. Tired me considerably. At the place—which was a fine one—we found 7 mules though part of them belonged to a couple families that were there visiting. The women interceded for them quite overpoweringly which being of no avail, they wished us all sorts of bad luck. I expect we will have to give them up in a day or two. Overtook the rest of the Battalion a couple miles further. On the trip. I happened to get all the sweet milk I could swallow.

We kept on around on the bank of the lake—the lake on our right hand, stopping at every house and picking up saddles, bridles, and a mule occasionally—Co. H mounting them as fast as caught. About this time we got in sight of Lake Village. The advance guard got sight of a Reb Lieutenant but he was so far off that he got away. He was known to be about here & by his dress we are sure it was him. The rest of the way, about two miles to the village, we went on a charge as it was reported that there was a party of rebs there. This was what tried the bottom of our animals and ourselves too somewhat. We scattered and cut through every street but found nothing but 2 or 3 paroled prisoners—paroled at Vicksburg and Port Hudson, but lately being exchanged are subject to arrest when found. This is the place that we passed the first scout that we went on after being mounted the fore part of September. There are some half dozen families trying to make a life of it here. Got no mules here, I believe. Arrived here about two o’clock and stopped about an hour and a half or so and fed and rested. We left at 4 o’clock and started down tthe lake to Luna’s Landing & reached the boats which had moved up here during the day just at dark. Have traveled about 25 or 30 miles today, capturing mules enough to mount Co. H—about 25, and 5 prisoners.

Between here and the village we came onto a carriage with a couple suspicious characters in it including a lady or two. Took them all in but expect [we] do reckon the females as prisoners of war. The cavalry have not been out today but have orders to be ready in the morn. We got sight of several persons on the opposite [side] of the lake & I expect there will be a scout on that side tomorrow. Peter Walters, another of the furloughed boys of our company, returned today.

Thursday, 5th. We left Luna’s Landing sometime in the night & landed at Gaines’ Landing at 5:30 o’clock. The Cavalry and Co. E soon got ready and went out for a scout. After awhile we started up & at noon came in at “Watremelon Landing.” Co. E came in in a couple hours. The cavalry, at night, took one prisoner and one of Co. C is missing. May come in after a while.

The steamer Von Puhl stopped on her way going down and left a couple furloughed boys belonging to the Brigade. No mail but they say that there is a dozen bushels of mail matter on board the Autocrat at Cairo for us. I wish they would make some arrangement to let us have it—either come down here with it or order us up to it. Hope the latter. Accordingly, there being no use of waiting for letters, I concluded to write one home. Then wrote two more for the boys. The Emerald went up p.m.. stopped and took on Capt. Groshon & [Stephen L.] Doty, the fifer, and [Henry A.] Weaver of our company on furlough. It rained most of last night and several showers today. Very muddy.

Friday 6th. Another 30 mile scout & all on the square though we have accomplished nothing worthy of notice but it takes Co. E to perform deeds of valor so praiseworthy. But of their exploits, more hereafter. I will give my company the precedence in the record anyhow. We got orders last night at bedtime to be prepared & on the levy for a scout at 7 o’clock. We were promptly on time but had to wait as usual for others till it was near 8 o’clock before we got off. I don’t know of any more than our company [F], Co. E, and Co. H being out, We were to operate separately—the other two companies to go up the river & out in the country, and we go down four or five miles to an old mill before mentioned in a preceding chapter, then strike out back. Most a miserable prospect to begin with & where the company had been only yesterday. Don’t see what they could expect we could amount to if we tried ever so hard. [With] Lieut. Whitehead in charge, our orders [were] to search every house and gobble in every horse or mule & white man we found. Our company [consisted of] 24 [men]. The day was clear and pleasant but the roads were bad from the recent rains. The country was most low & covered with timber with occasionally a settler in rather poor circumstances. From the said sawmill, we followed an old railroad that ran from the pine bluffs to Eunice Landing just below here. The land being very low, it was elevated or trestle works, the water marks showing on the posts and trees 10 feet from the ground. The water had washed away considerable of the railroad. The next place we came to was about 3 miles out. Was where we touched at the time we made the raid before breakfast two months ago on the Bayou Mason. Found a boy here going to mill on a mule. Told him to go with us. Here turned to the right, crossed the bayou, went a couple miles and came out at a certain Widow Bulwer. Stopped here and baited. An old man here not considered dangerous. The cavalry had passed here yesterday and took the two mules belonging here. Bore off to the right more & kept on 5 miles farther to a Mr. Tripp’s, who finding at home, we took under our protection. He claimed to be a citizen but sympathizer with the Rebs. We got some milk to drink here & sweet potatoes. Got a shotgun here. Mounted Mr. Tripp on the boys mule and left him to shirk for himself. Being late or about 4 o’clock, we commenced to return. Had to come back the same way we went or go round 30 miles. True, we had little to show besides bespattered garments of the result of the expedition; nothing to recompense us for the trouble and expense but there was no help for it.

When we reached the place where we stopped for dinner [when] we came out, a man that had been paroled at Vicksburg who now, being exchanged, we just took in—his pony and all. It was a touching sight to see his little brother cry for him but war respects no tears! With a few chickens at the last house, this was the amount of our day’s ride. By no means a paying business. Got back to the boats at 8 o’clock. Co. E came in about the same time. Their day’s work was prodigious to hear them tell it. Still it paid right well, being 6 or 8 horses and mules, 6 prisoners—most of them soldiers, & a large mail, the mail carrier, and several others got away. Brought in a whole family of niggers and all with their goods.

Lieut. [Gershom] Markle & 5 of his company performed a pretty new maneuver last night capturing a Lieutenant and five men, three horses. They received information of their whereabouts just at night by a darky & immediately started in quest if the chaps. There was another one they let be. He was sick abed.

Saturday 7th In a.m., we did not expect to have to go out today but about 6 o’clock ws ordered to be ready at 7. Got ready but have not yet gone. A little before 7 we crossed over a little alone & landed the cavalry same place that we went out at once before. We are now moving up the river, suppose to Bolivar’s Landing, and there we will get out. They are putting us through pretty rough. I feel as thouh I would like to rest a little & repair damage & arrange matters some. The boys not able to ride have torn all the bunks out and are putting them up differently—standing across the boat instead of lengthwise [to] make more room to get around—a better way every way. Since selling my cot, I have no regular place to sleep. Think I shall buy a hammock that is for sale and make me another cot or else swing it. The great objection to a cot is that in cool weather, it is most impossible to keep warm in one. But I like something of the sort as they are so much cozier. The soft side of a board is too hard to suit me. I can take no comfort living on boards. I can get a regular sailor’s hammock for a dollar which I think will be a safe investment.

Well we landed yesterday about a mile above Cypress Creek, Arkansas, below Bolivar Landing. We immediately lead off & were in motion by 11 o’clock, Co. E going in the advance, [Co.] F next, and [Co.] H bringing on the rear, Major Tallerday commanding. It was quite a pretty place where we landed but woods back, low ground. We proceeded down the river half a mile or so, then struck back onto the levee through wood without much vestige of a road. The levee was much broken up by the high water. We noticed a fresh wagon track in the road & keeping on found in the bottom of Cypress Creek the said wagon lying bottom upwards. The banks of the creek were quite steep & irregular ensuring mishap. It proved to be a mover on his way to Texas fleeing from the land of turmoil & vexation to one of fancied peace & security, but we gave him one more piece of sad experience to add to his misfortune & former trials. Besides the two mules attached to the wagon, he had in tow another, and five splendid mares on which his wife and various members of his household rode. The mares were worth probably in this country a thousand dollars apiece to him. As the animals just suited us in our present roving propensity & deeming him incapable of taking proper care of such valuable stock in this dangerous region, we very naturally condescended to adopt four of the mares under our more powerful guardianship. We left him four animals to continue his journey to the Land of Promise with “Jordan for a hard road to travel” & all the way up hill at that. Poor fellow. I reckon he isn’t very peaceably inclined toward the Marines. He crossed the river last night one of his darkies said. Said also that some rebel soldiers crossed soon after. The Orderly took one of the horses to ride. She was a colt & quite fractious & in some of her antics, she fell with him & hurt his leg pretty bad. Cripples him temporarily in walking.

Again under way we met with nothing special till about 2 o’clock, Traveled on the levee part of the way, apparently down the river but some how it made not to be the direct way to Napoleon which is above where we landed. Finally came to a small plantation away up the creek, Here we crossed it again. There were 3 or 4 farms adjoining. Picked up three or four chaps here—one, though young in years, is I think a veteran in evil. He is said to have fired on our advance with a little pistol. None of them claimed to be soldiers now nor knew anything of the whereabouts of any. They were put under our cavalry’s charge and I was one of the guards appointed over them. The Major gave orders to us that if we got into an engagement that day, the guards first business was to shoot a certain two of them right down. This made them tremble a little. Still they protected their ignorance of an armed force in the neighborhood. Went on half a mile further & halted by a house. Found nothing here of importance but sent a couple squads off in the direction to reconnoiter. In about half an hour, one in [ ] a one-horse establishment containing a box and trunk full of material for a carding machine that I suppose was going to set up somewhere in the country. It was thought best to retain the two proprietors as prisoners of war. Likewise their valuable cargo. One had a small pistol with him. Awhile after the other squad came in with six more men. several firearms. two or three government pieces. One of the men was a mail carrier who had left his mail at a certain house not far distant, which the party sent in quest of but failed to find. He appeared a jolly old inoffensive chap of 200 weight or more. Two or three of the others were undoubtedly soldiers. Got mules enough to mount all. The Major then sent Lieut. Dean with 10 men of Co. H and one of the men for guide after the said mail & “to get it if it week a week.” The mail man said there was a 110 barrels of it. Pretty good country this is for mail matters but some of it directed to us though I expect. There is something about us

Eight of the prisoners were then portioned off with a man by the side of each and our company sent to find the boats, I had charge of the mail carrier. The Major had got information of other rebs in the vicinity & concluded to not quit the country just yet but it was near night [so decided] to stay through all night & try our luck on the morrow. It was near sundown before we got started. Was to go to Napoleon 12 miles distant, most of the way through woods. Went through pretty fast and reached the river where the Baltic lay between 8 and 9 o’clock [ ] somewhere below Napoleon. Put our mules onto the barge newly fitted up for her and took supper on board. In the meantime she run down to near Bolivar Landing where the other boats lay so we got around all right tight at last. I think we traveled about 25 miles today & had pretty good luck as to prisoners & property—some 10 or a dozen mules and horses, saddles, &c. The mail if it’s found may be of incalculable value. The cavalry did not amount to much beyond robbing a negro of some of his gold and silver—quite honorable business. Day pleasant.

Sunday 8th. We have spent the day in recruiting our energies and arranging matters generally. I was busy all the a.m. tinkering and repairing & collecting odds and ends too various to mention. Had my pants to mend for one thing. In p.m.. wrote the account of yesterday. About two o’clock the boats started up the river & landed just below Napoleon at sundown. The [USS] Conestoga lying off here. Found the remainder of the boys here. They came up just as we did. The expedition turned out very profitable. Had the hardest work yet to find that mail. Did not succeed in the search till middle a.m. they had to threaten to hang the chap that went as a guide. he took them from house to house all over the country the night before. Pretended that it had moved since he last knew where it was. The Major finally forced him to get it or swing. They got three more men & more mules during the day. The barge is packed fill and a dozen or more out on shore. There is said to be $700.000 in money in the mail bags for the payment of some certain troops. They were not opened of cource but the Col. is probably dissecting them now.

Monday, 9th. We laid at the landing till noon, then moved up to the mouth of White River & stopped. We did not get a chance to go up into town before leaving, took our mules out on shore awhile to arrange them. I have been wanting to exchange my little chap for a heavier one but haven’t yet found one that possessed as good qualities as him. He is very good & being so manageable I hate to part with him. There are 7 horses allowed to a company for the officers and advance guard. Several mules got away last night that were on the bank. There are about 60 animals on the barge now—just as full as it can hold.

Soon after we landed here, the steamer Pringle landed here bring a pretty big mail for us. I got only two letters from Jr. and home. Nothing special. My diary that I sent from Vicksburg had been received which is good news. I bought another pocket knife today—a bladed thing for 65 cents. Also bought a swing hammock for $1. I hear that that captured mail has developed some important information concerning the boat burning business that has been going on so briskly. Well, that’s worth something if not more. I don’t know what the object is in stopping here. We must go foraging for our animals tomorrow or go without. The mules are the plagueist things yet to chew their ropes and halters up. Will have to capture chains for m as fast as possible. Trace chains are quite common.

Tuesday, 10th. This has been a day of action with us & a memorable day to one certain enemy & his family to the Government. They will long remember the day of their great misfortune, but a calamity that was meted out to them in retaliation for a deed of similar character which they perpetrated not long since. Retribution has overtaken the vandal chief sooner than he expected. But to begin at the commencement. About 5 o’clock this morn the boats commenced moving down the river to Napoleon, then turned up Old River & landed four or five miles above Napoleon—a good piece above where we landed the day that we caught the Reb paymaster. in the meantime we had been ordered ready for a scout—the cavalry and three companies of mounted infantry.

It was near 8 o’clock before we got ashore. The bank was very steep & had to be graded down before we could get the animals up. Col. Currie assumed command of the expedition. Immediately struck out into the country in a road considerably traveled, going through woods & plantations following a bayou part of the way. About 10 o’clock we came to the spot where we committed an [ ] act of house burning with authority from the commander—the colonel himself touching the match. The job seems to have been a premeditated plan by the officers. At the negro quarters a short piece this side, they said that a company of rebs had crossed the “Boge” which was a bayou as large as White River which run along by there only day before yesterday. They had a camp somewhere on the other side. The cavalry, which was in the advance, went half a mile or so beyond the said house and fired four or five shots at some fellows on the other side of the bayou. Then, posting strong pickets, we concentrated in front of the doomed mansion. The colonel had intimated his intention when first coming up, and the darkies were busy toting out the things. Before I [ ] further, it will be necessary to explain notions of the enmity & spite against this particular place as near as I can ascertain the facts of the case. The was the home of a certain Mr. Montgomery—a captain of a guerrilla band. His son also a leader of a party. The initials of one or the other is W. E. — Eugene. It is also the headquarters of a Brigadier General Clark. It was this Montgomery’s band that captured & destroyed a stern wheel steamer (a mosquito gunboat some say) up near White River not long ago. Then I believe the Colonel ascertained by one of the captured mails something relative to his dastardly doings. All this was enough to bring judgement upon his head.

But the Colonel was willing to grant them a little grain of privilege which ’tis doubtful if the same respite would have been given to us if the circumstances were transposed as there were but few blacks in the place, they all having “run off to the Yankees” as was averred, and they, making slow progress in removing all the valuables, our company were ordered to dismount and every 4th man holding the mules, the rest to proceed to clearing the house of the furniture and everything of value. I was lucky enough to be include in this party. The mansion was a two-story building of moderate size and with some pretensions to elegance and beauty. The pillars of the front veranda were iron with ornamental iron railings. The occupants were a couple ladies—one te wife of said Montgomery, and the other, I think, was the partner of the General. Then a young Miss of 14 or 15, a Clark [?] also. They were perfectly resigned to their fate taking it as a military consequence, the young lady only begging that her piano, which was a magnificent piece of furniture, might be saved. We immediately set to work to take out their domestic merchandise which was no small quantity or mean quality. Everything was of the first class—chairs, tables, beds, carpets, and all things complete, costly, and grand. But what took my eye the most was the books. There were three large cases crammed full. In fact, the largest private library I ever beheld, & the first best quality of works too. A splendid collection, being histories, biographies, travels, & practical work and essays, with scientific works on all subjects, including several dictionaries & encyclopedias which took my fancy in particular. Oh how I coveted them. Then there were volumes of the Edinsburg Review and the Waverly novels without number. Medical works also, he being a physician. Here was the largest family bible and biggest blank books I ever saw, the latter being near three feet square. A good load for a man to carry. He was certainly a man of education and good taste; a more useful or interesting assortment cannot be found. Also there was a fine sewing machine of Wheeler & Wilson make.

But we had little time to admire or inspect things. The Colonel was anxious to get the thing a going. The rock cases were too ponderous to be got out without at first taking out the contents, & among other matters of importance found was Clark’s commission. We worked hard for an hour or more & got out all of intrinsic value. the the Colonel applied the match in the chamber & in a few minutes the white smoke rolled in majestic clouds over the ill-fated home, then broke out in a roaring flame. When we started, it was sad to think that such things must be, property destroyed & homes devastated by the insatiate result of war. But with a true Christian spirit, I heard the old lady say she wished no such calamity to befall the family of the Colonel. Said that they had been the making of that country and had lived in log cabins and could do so again. Bravo!

“Captain Eugene Montgomery and his wife, Mary Clark Montgomery, daughter of General Charles Clark, lived during the war in a beautiful new home on Bogue Plalia, which, with its furnishings, was a wedding gift form General Charles Clark to his daughter. One day, the Federal soldiers, under Colonel Currie, came out to this home looking for Captain W. E. Montgomery. When they failed to find him at home, the burned the house in spite of the pleadings of Mrs. Montgomery and her sister, Annie Clark, who was visiting her. There was a handsome piano in the home and one of the soldiers suggested that if Miss Clark would play for them he would have the piano saved. What was his chagrin when she immediately sat down at the piano and played’Dixie.’ They, however, admired her audacity, and true to their word saved the piano.” [See–History of Bolivar County, Mississippi, p. 59]

As to robbing and plundering by the boys, it was slight considering. It was not allowed tho’ of course many valuable little articles happened to slip into the boys’ pockets as might be expected. They fared better, I’ll warrant, than if any other company had been assigned the task. I took nothing of note—only Vol. II of Hardee Infantry Tactics (I don’t know what became of it), a bunch of harness pegging awls which I thought would come handy to mend our trappings & my pockets full of nuts. Some got many of his instruments of surgery. The Colonel took a fine, large spyglass. We had all the preserves, milk, and honey we wanted. I should have taken more of the books if I could have carried them. Oh, but won’t the chivalrous Capt. be raving when he learns his loss? It won’t be healthy for any of us to fall into his hands, I reckon, after this. If ever he meets us with his company, we may expect to have to fight. We were afraid if an attack while engaged here. Those were probably his pickets that we fired onto, We destroyed the ferry boat that was here, a [ ] on a yawl.

We kept on out a few miles further, struck onto a road we went at a time of the Paymaster’s capture. Here about 7 o’clock we stopped & fed our animals not having eaton scarcely anything since yesterday. No one here but two or three negro families. Caught all the chickens on the place, some 15 or 20, the Colonel giving a $10 Confederate script in recompense. Took the road and came out to the boats near Bolivar’s Landing at sundown. Picked up several individuals on the last stretch. Don’t know of what consequence. About two miles out we lit onto a yawl loaded onto a wagon and about to be taken to the river by a darky for the accommodation of his master. The Colonel soon relieved him of his obligation by ordering him to pile wood under it and set it afire, which order was soon obeyed. Also relieved him of his mules. On reaching the boats a party was immediately sent out on the track of some suspected chaps in the neighborhood of where we landed this morning. There was a report that a squad of rebels took out quartermaster prisoner or he was strolling about there and paroled him but this dispatched party has just returned with luck, I hear. Near 11 o’clock I am tired and sleepy & must stop. There was heavy frost last night. Freezing tonight. Dry cool and pleasant.

(Written afterwards) That expedition that went out tonight turned out partially successful. They run onto a small squad in camp. They started to run when we fire & one chap “rounded to.” He was shot through the shoulder pretty severely. Done up his wound and left him there. Got some mules. “Hard Tac” has played out and we get tolerable good wheat bread, cornbread occasionally.

Wednesday 11. We have laid by today though have been on a continual go tinkering with our mules. In a.m, we took them out so as to give the barge a good cleaning, applied the hose, then put them on again. Then after noon had to take them off again to have them branded or administering them the oath of allegiance to the Union (S). All the mules and horses worth anything were marked. Our company has 30 mules & horses & Co. E has 31. They hopped around considerable as the operation was performed. We have got in a lot of corn & fodder today also. Finished my letter to Arthur & sent it out. Don’t know what is next to be done. A detail of six men from each of the cavalry, companies, went out to where we had the skirmish on Deer Creek. Found nothing more than boys ans cattle. Drove in 6 or 8 head. Sold my new knife, 70 cents.

Thursday, 12th. We get orders late last night to be ready for another scout by 7 o’clok on the morrow. About 6 this morn the boats commenced to move up the river & not long after landed above on the Arkansas side, same place where the Baltic took us on last Saturday night. We got ready & started near about the appointed time—the cavalry & infantry mounted, the Major [Tallerday] commanding. We struck out on the same road that we came in on before. About a couple miles out we came onto a couple men that pretended to be hunting wild geese. They were mounted and had a deer quartered on their horses. As the rickety old rifle was enough to condemn them, they were taken along. Reached Mr. Thomas’s—the place at which we made headquarters at before between 11 and 12 o’clock. Got word here that a party of soldiers under the command of Lieut. Reed had passed them early this morn, went out on the road across Red Fork Bayou towards where we got the mail.

The cavalry started out in pursuit & we stopped & fed. Started a fire, borrowed a pot, got some sweet potatoes & cooked all we wanted. The officers had a dinner got up in style. The cavalry returned after a couple or three hours unsuccessful. Stopped half an hour longer for them to feed. In the meantime, the pickets in the woods towards Napoleon brought in a man, wife and family traveling in a carriage. He produced various papers of protection & passes, but the Major finding arms among his things, took him prisoner, leaving his crying wife and children at the Doctor’s.

About 4 o’clock we started for the boats, coming part of the way the same way we went, then took to the left the road to Napoleon. Reached the boats at the place of landing Sunday night just as dusk. This has been quite a poor day scouting—by no means a paying one, only bringing in three men and none of them of any importance to us. The cavalry gobbled in a good number of chickens and turkeys as we were coming in. They do pretty much as they have a mind to & they are disposed to do it in style “right smart.” We had a pig for supper that we took the liberty to kill. Got orders just now for another scout tomorrow.

Friday, [November] 13th. Well the thing is over with & turned out worse than yesterday.. The country was barren & of course our raid has been fruitless. The boats dropped down this morn to our former landing of last Saturday morn above Cypress Creek. Kept to the left along the river a piece, Then struck out into the country again through a total wilderness meeting with but two or three little hovels till near night. Did not see a white man during the day. (The Fairchild started up the river or somewhere else.)

We passed by the place where Co. E made their great haul last week, passed through a great deal of oak and hickory timber, got a horse [that had been] shut up in a pen out in the woods. Got nothing more than a couple little mules from a poor widow woman just at night. Reached the boats at “Watermelon Landing” by dusk. Have traveled about 25 miles. Did not go much off of a walk. It’s rather dry and dull business doing such scouting. But a certain wealthy personage made his advent today that will have a cheering effect on us all; his ever welcomed donations will soothe many an aching bruise & have a beneficial effect through the system generally. You must all know by this time that I have reference to the Pay Master who came down on the Switzerland. The other companies are signing the pay roll tonight; expect that we will all be paid tomorrow. More mail came also. I got three letters from home, Ir. & Willie. All well. Father has sold my steers for $60, a very small price I think when everything else is so high. But I suppose it was the best that could be done. Ir. has left Un. M. to go to school. He does not [write] very encouragingly of his prospects. By Willie, I am afraid that first book of diary that I sent him is lost. He says he started it home & they say it never arrived. Now that’s provoking. Two or three of my old school mates were killed at the late Battle of Chickamauga. I began a letter home last night.

Saturday, 14th. We have laid by today to recruit & the cavalry have taken up the hunt. Have not come in yet. We signed the Pay Roll in the a.m. Report is that we are to be paid off yet tonight. Had quite a job cleaning up our quarters. Worked awhile p.m. getting on hay though our mules are not to have any—only the horses. Occupied what little leisure I had writing to Ir. Drew clothing today. I got a pair of socks and drawers. Have orders for another scout tomorrow. No rest even on the Sabbath. Today completes 15 months in the service. [Weather] pleasant.

Sunday, 15th. The Sabbath day is over but how little has it been respected. There has not been the slightest regard paid to any of the rules established by civilized society for this day by us in this unchristian war. About 10 a.m. we were paid off, my company served first. $26 as usual to all good & faithful soldiers. Not having any debts to pay & a considerable coming in, I am quite flush just now—something over $37. I bought or gave $2 for $20 Confederate script. Got it to speculate on out in the country—two $10 bills. I deposited $25 of my greenbacks with Lieut. Dean for safe keeping. I was detailed on guard. Went on at 11 o’clock. Guarded over the prisoners. There are 25 in number now in custody—one a lieutenant, the rest are all sorts.

After being paid, we were ordered to get ready for a two-days scout, to take a trip on the Switzerland [but] not take our mules. Got aboard of her at 1 o’clock. I was relieved [from guard duty] barely in time to get off with the rest. The party comprised the three infantry companies on this boat—F, E, and D. We did not know what was in the wind when we started but it seems now that they meant us to work getting a lot of lumber at a certain mill near or on Cypress Creek. We ran up to the said place and the officers went out to inspect the thing. The mill was about 3/4ths of a mile back and there was not near so much lumber as we calculated on, and there was no means for transporting it onto the boat so the job was given up & we returned to the “B. J.” Adamsell, which we reached at dark—a perfect humbug expedition. Well, we got all the hickory nuts we wanted at ten cents a cap full & the [ ] to boot. There are 40 men detailed from some Indiana regiment to stay on the craft. They have things done up in style, live well, and have things in order.

Monday, 16th. Well, we have been excused from a scout another day but had to work enough to make up. Co. D were sent by land to the said mill with teams to get the lumber to the river; its lot about three miles across. Several of our company were detailed to tear a lot of lumber off a cotton gin near by. The object of all this lumber is to rig up one of the coal barges for our mules like the Baltic concern. In the p.m., the B. J. [Adams] with us went up to the place of visit yesterday where the lumber was & all hands of Co. F & E turned out to get it aboard. It is mostly narrow stuff and light cypress lumber, I think, similar to pine. I expect tomorrow we will have to all turn carpenters. At 7 o’clock we started down to our old landing where we have just landed. The steamer Metropolitan halted here coming up & took in several furloughed boys and two or three discharged ones. Lieut. [Samuel] Carlisle [Co. C, Cavalry] resigned. We are looking every day for the Raine. When she comes, it is calculated that we will go up. I did quite a driving business at book trading today. Traded first my Grey’s Dictionary for a blank book so the latter which I paid $3.25 for finally met me about $2. Gave the Poems away soon after. The weather is fine.

Tuesday, 17th. We were duly warned to prepare for a scout on the morrow last night. Accordingly this morn early the boats moved across out the opposite side the river where the cavalry went out the other day. About 7 o’clock we were off. It was here too that we went out once last September. We went out on the same road for 4 or 5 miles that we did then. Then instead of turning to the left as then, we kept to the right on the road to Greenville [Mississippi], 19 miles distant. About 10 o’clock we stopped and got four mules. In catching them, I got knocked endways by one of them. Struck me in the bowels but as I was quite close, it did not hurt me much. I caught a big one & rode it in anyway. My little “Jack” is too small to stand it but they won’t allow changing. At another place we got a dozen more & a couple Rebs, two rifles & shotguns, pistols. Got 5 or 6 more at another place & treated to milk all around. At 4 o’clock we reached the boats at Greenville. We passed by several large mounds, one 60 or 80 feet high & covering about two acres. We got about 25 mules & horses during the day—doing pretty well. Three companies out, the Major in command.

I went out to view the ruins of the place again after coming in. Visited the [Greenville] jail. It is enough to chill the heart of even a confirmed criminal to view the grim & seemingly impregnable edifice & banish all inclination to commit a deed that would endanger confinement in such a horrid place. The jail yard is about 8 rods square surrounded by a brick wall 15 feet high and four thicknesses of brick thick, & towers every 15 feet of four more thicknesses. The top is built thus and overlaid with plaster. In one corner of the yard was the broken down gallows. The jail is 15 or 20 feet square divided into four apartments, two above and two below. Two little narrow windows with heavy cross bars over them. The inside was all overlaid with plates of iron. The brick walls were over a foot thick but the horridest thing of all was the iron cage in one of the rooms above. It was about 8 feet square, constructed of heavy iron bars laid crosswise & riveted together. There was some tow inside for bedding as though it had once been occupied. The whole reminded me of accounts of the dark ages—the work of some inhuman tyrant for the gratification of brutal passions.

I hear that we are just ordered to go down to Goodrich’s Landing tomorrow. They have had another scare down there and out presence is required to restoration of peace & safety.

We hear that Col. Ellet is dead—died from the effects of chloroform.

Wednesday, 18th. Started at 5 o’clock this morn and at 5 o’clock this eve rounded to at the said [Goodrich’s] Landing but we are of no use here now. It was a week ago when the order was given for us to appear here & it’s all over with long ago. One of the gunboats—the Carondelet, they say, was lying here with her “Bull dogs” sticking out. An ammunition boat also laid near. I don’t apprehend that the Rebs will contemplate an attack here while they are about. In the a.m., with the assistance of one the boys (J. Owens), I made me another cot bed—a pretty good rig it is too. Used my hammock for the spread. Made a stool in p.m.

Thursday, 19th. We have tried hard to get up an excitement but as yet have only partially succeeded. Last night at 11 o’clock we were called up (excepting me self, didn’t wake me) & were going to start out then but that finally flushed out. Then this morn before breakfast we had to file out again, formed in line out on shore infantry style, stacked arms, & laid around with nothing to eat till near noon. Then sent to the boats which had moved up apiece & got a little grub. About 2 o’clock, the Major came to the conclusion that we could as well wait for the Rebs to make their attack on board the boats as on shore & accordingly went aboard. We have one piece planted on the levee. The cavalry went out at midnight last night. A rumor came in that the enemy were advancing with an advance guard of 160 strong but I guess it will flash out as all others have. A darkey spy was caught last night sometime.

The negroes [46th, 49th, and 51st USCT] here [at Goodrich’s Landing]—what are not on picket—are at work strengthening the fortifications, digging a trench 8 feet wide and 6 deep on the outside of the levee & throwing it onto the levee. It seems an impossibility for an enemy to charge over such works. They have cannon planted on the corners. The Commissary Department & valuables are situated within the works. The blacks are now quartered in very comfortable barracks, have brick chimneys built, & everything arranged permanently. Quite an amusing incident occurred this a.m. while we was lying out there. We were strung all along the levee patiently waiting for the appearance of the rebels when some of the boys unwittingly made some sportive remarks on the performances of a couple companies of Blacks maneuvering nearby which made their “putchickey” spindle-shanked Adjutant awful wrathy. who calling a squad of his ebony guard ordered them to “drive us over the levee” which order they attempted to obey but only succeded in pushing us as far as the top of said embankment of earth where they stood at bay, it being highly repugnant to our feelings being bamboozled about thus. The boys still giving him provocation, he came up and seized several threatening to punish them when two or three of our officers politely informed him that he was getting out of his place considerably & making an ass of himself generally. He finally subsided & fell away amid the jeers of the Marines. Ass one of the darkies said, “It is nothing new for him to do.”

The cavalry came in during the p.m. Saw nothing. The rebs have flashed out again. Weather warm

Friday, 20th. We have had this day quite to ourselves. Rained hard last night, some through the day. I have spent my time variously, cyphering some, reading and writing, sewing, &c. &c. The boats have lain quietly. Heard nothing of any enemy. The darkies raised a flag staff towards evening. Our barges with the mules are tied [ ] mile above. The hospital boat R. C. Wood passed. The South Wester stopped this eve. Daily looking for the Jo. Raine. Sold one of my big blan books for $2; the same I gave. Gambling is all the go now while the money lasts, though it is practised the least in my company of any.

Saturday, 21st. Still lying here. The Baltic went down somewhere this morn to forage. Some say that we will start to Vicksburg soon. Steam has been down & they have been cleaning out the boilers. The steamer St. Louis stopped going up & took on several furloughed boys but none from our company. Seven from Co. C. We moved the barge up along side. I having sold my knife that I bought a while ago, not being good for anything, I bought another today for one dollar—two bladed, splendid stuff. Have spent part of the day writing, copying diary. Our soft bread has played out again; hard tack twice a day, cornbread once.

Sunday, 22nd. Another hard spent Sabbath. We started at sunrise this morn. The cavalry, 4 companies infantry mounted, and two pieces artillery, the Major [Tallerday] commanding. I rode one of the other boys mules, one much bigger and stouter than mine. We took the road leading directly out from the landing—not the one we went out on last summer. Reached the bayou that we had the skirmish on before at 9 o’clock. Stopped awhile & reconnoitered, then went on. Come to another bayou a few miles further and several deserted plantations. Between 11 & 12 o’clock we came within a mile or so of a little place known as Floyd. Here the pieces were unlimbered, the infantry remaining to support it while the cavalry went forward to prospect. In about [ ] hours time, they sent back 5 or 6 prisoners which they had taken—soldiers with their arms too; reported that they had lit into a picket post of the enemy, capturing part of them & putting the rest to flight. They had set fire to a house or two in the said town, the smoke of which we could see. After awhile we were ordered forward, going about a mile we met the returning cavalry & turned about. The fighting was over with for today. The rebs had wounded one of Co. B’s horses & another threw its rider & got away. One of Co. C boys carbine went off accidentally coming home, wounding another horse. A couple or 3 women woman that came in with me say that there has been no rebel force near here besides those few pickets since about three weeks ago. About 800 passed through Floyd then. It’s all a [ ] their making an attack here. Get in little before 8 o’clock. Traveled slow. Were out about 15 miles, I think. The Fairchild went down to Vicksburg today. Took down our prisoners. Heard tonight by one of the discharged boys just come down that the Jo. Raine will be here in a day or two. Frost last night. Cool.

Monday, 23rd. We still continue here but apparently we are on the eve of some great overture or crisis. The absentee Jo. Raine arrived or rejoined us. 9 o’clock a.m., she brought four more of the furloughed boys—Messrs. Hale, [Edward] Dalton, Bennett, and Sergt. [Harry] McCollum. All in tolerable health. She also brought a pretty large mail. I got a good long letter from home containing L’s likeness—a perfect little gem/ Snow 15 inches deep at home. That’s nice. They have got the idea by these insignificant brass pieces in my coat that I have raised to the rank of a shoulder strapper in the army & want me to explain matters. I have commenced a letter refuting the impression. I claim no rank beyond my sphere. There is talk of our being transferred into one of the other boats or something else done with us. We will probably know for certain tomorrow. Co. D cavalry moved off of this [boat] onto the Raine. She has been repaired somewhat—the hull in particular. She leaked badly before; newly painted. It has rained much of the day.

Tuesday, 24th. Nothing of importance today except that the boys have been having a general time spreeing it. The Jo. Raine‘s boys brought down a lot of liquor & all the trooper have largely imbibed the beverage. There has been some good times among themselves & with the officers. Several fights & much quarreling. I am on guard. The cavalry drilled awhile p.m. I got kicked again on the leg this morn. Lamed me some. Weather fair.

Wednesday, 25th. Nothing special a. m. but in p.m., we came out and drilled. Cavalry drill under the supervision of Major Hubbard. We went through the various evolution quite creditably. Our Co., Co. E, and H only. We were drawn up in line on the river bank in front with the mules a few paces in the rear & discharged our pieces three or four times to accustom them to fire. They did not make much fuss/ Then to try them still more, we mounted and “fired by fours.” They still made no serious demonstrations. The mules are not very firery anyway. Nothing but corn to eat and they got clyde on that and are running down every day. The artillery also drilled and fired several rounds for practice. A couple mountain howitzers were also tried p.m. Fired shells across the river. I gave 65 cents for a pair of spurs tonight. They are very needful things. We capture good many and the boys got the blacksmith to make them. A boat stopped & took several Marines on up the river. Orders issued at roll call for preparations for a two-days scout on the morrow so if there are any rebs in the vicinity or near it, they have got to catchit or dodge it. Capt. Brown of Co. C Cavalry went up the river too.

Thursday, 26th. (Written afterwards) Well, another expedition is over with and nothing special to record as the result thereof. We were roused up about 4 o’clock in the morn and fed our animals a little fodder & corn—precious little too as we were just about out. I went to a cotton gin a mile off and got some feed which operation put me behind considerably in getting things ready. We took bread and hard tack unless we were so disposed to purchase the former for the two days consumption. Took salt a plenty so as to have fresh meat as the meat is running short on board. By sunrise the four companies mountyed infantry & the four companies of cavalry and one piece of artillery all under the command of Major Hubbard were on the bank. The object of the expedition was affirmed to be that of moving in a certain loyal citizen his goods and merchandise who resided out beyond Floyd somewhere. I suppose that what made him a more particular object of attention was that he was a brother Freemason. The Battery in crossing the bridge of the first bayou five miles out, which is Henshaw Bayou, accidentally run off in one side upsetting the piece & one of the horses got its leg broke. It was a splendid animal but as it was ruined, they shot it. It took half an hour or so to get things righted again. Old Major Hubbard stripped off his coat and pitched in and lifted as hard as any darky. Ah! but hard work does not care him. Again on our way, we dashed into the little village of Floyd at about two o’clock. Bayou Mason which about two miles this side more resembles a small river. It is a clear running stream with high banks. The land on the other side is quite elevated. Saw two high hills. there had once been a camp on each side of the bayou whether Reb or our negro camp I did not learn, but think it was the former. After we had crossed we were told by the darkies that a party of ten rebs had passed there an hour before. We found nothing in the village, however. Only stopped a few minutes, but the mounted infantry & part of the cavalry passed on through intending to proceed to the said citizen’s place some three or four miles beyond. We had gone but about a mile when a couple of cavalrymen from one of the companies remaining in town overtook us running at full speed with the word to “countermarch and get back to town as quick as God will let you!!” which order was obeyed to the letter, the donkeys doing their best. My “little Jack” fell back some as he is too small to keep up with the rest. We expected that a bloody fight was on hand immediately, and in fact, many were considerably scared. But on entering the place, we perceived no material destruction before us & that the excitement was only a hearsay report. A company of Blacks had went out ahead of us & had taken another road leading out from toen and I suppose they had discovered a Reb picket post or something of the sort & sent back word to the Major in town that they were engaging a large force of 3 or 400 or more & wanted reinforcements. That was the rumor when we came flying in. Taking the said road, we went at a pretty lively gait a mile or so when it was ascertained that matters were not of so serious a nature as had been anticipated & we checked up. Took a Vicksburg paroled lieutenant prisoner at a house on the way. We were not much of our way going to the place of destination & we reached it by 4 o’clock. Proceeded immediately to killing large chickens and preparing for the night. Plenty of feed for our animals & sheds enough for nearly all to sleep in.

Procuring pots & kettles &c., and cooking our meat, in due time we made out a tolerable supper. A goodly number of pickets were stationed out in different directions to prevent surprise by any rebs that might be in the vicinity. The night was not so cool as it had been for several nights past, so with our overcoats only we did not suffer much. Ice formed the night before. Nothing transpired through the night to interfere with our rest except the Major’s watch had got out of kilter & he had the bugle sounded for starting in the morn when it was really but half past 11 o’clock. Most of us got up and fed our animals but ascertaining the state of things, we again laid down to rest.

Friday, 27th. We were again on the move. The guards and personal effects of our friend had been loaded onto the teams that had come out with us during the night. There were two loads of things, and one of cotton. Took everything of value that was moveable expecting that as soon as he was gone, the rebs would destroy all that was left. He had already suffered a great deal from them and they had threatened his life. Intend talking up his abode at the landing now, i believe. We came back on the road that we first started out from town on. This said village seems to have one day been quite a little business place. It contained a very fine large court house, several empty stores, shops, &c., a hotel & a couple dozen dwellings, most of which were vacant. Did not stop any to speak of. It was about 7 o’clock when we passed through a mile or so this side. Made a couple chaps prisoners, leaving the women crying and taking on most pitifully. Came in with 7 in all.

At about the place where we countermarched & turned back the other day when we were out, a darkie soldier accidentally terminated his career of existence. There are different stories about, but at any rate, his gun went off shooting him through the head & killing him instantly. Some say & I think rightly that he was punching a hog that he was driving with the butt of his gun and the lock caught in the [ ], exploding the cap & away it went & his life with it. He was loaded onto one of the wagons and brought in. About three miles from the boats, we met a train of 10 teams loaded with either paroled, discharged, or reb prisoners held for exchange, under an escort of ten or a dozen cavalrymen with a flag of truce, bound for rebel lines, I suppose. The Major recognized one of them as an old scamp that had figured in former times. We arrived at the boats just at dark and marched our animals onto the newly fitted up barge for the future accommodation. The old one is to be occupied by Co. B Cavalry. Our new barge is a very handy and commodious concern—just the thing we want. It is arranged with an alley through the center lengthwise and a passage across the middle. The mangers and everything that the blamed critters can get at to knaw are overlaid with strap iron. Then we have plenty of room for saddles, feed, &c. We drew hay to feed tonight and corn from the Baltic. Our barge is fitted up better I think than the Baltic barge. Day cloudy and growing warmer preparatory for a rain.

Saturday, 28th. They had fired up and were ready to move once more by daylight this morn, proceeding up the river. Reached Skipwith’s Landing where we now are at 2 o’clock in the Mississippi side, a dozen miles or so above Lake Providence. This quite an important little place—viz: a military post. A detachment from the 4th Illinois Cavalry & the greater part of the 1st Mississippi Colored are stationed here. The gunboat Conestoga, an ironclad & two Mosquito boats are anchored here. Though I do not understand that the place is in any particular danger, however, the cavalry are ordered to be ready for a scout in the morn & I am in momentary expectation that we will receive a similar notification. I have employed my leisure at catching up with my writing of yesterday and day before. It rained last night cooling the atmosphere & rendering overcoats quite welcomed.

Sunday, 29th (Written afterwards) Disgrace, infamy, shame! This day witnessed the first and most disgraceful scene of my experience yet in the army. I was today made the victim of shame fully through my own impudence & the caprice of the officers, casting an odium on my hitherto untarnished name. Still the occurrence has not lessened one whit the respect of my fellow soldiers towards me; its only the initiation into another phase of the soldier’s life, indeed quite necessary for the full perfection of the accomplished soldier. Yea, he is not entitled to a mention of his name on the historic page nor his noble deeds be emulated or become illustrious until he has passed through this inglorious ordeal—an ordeal which, however, I do not wish to pass through again. The affair happened on this wise: I was detailed for guard & went on post after the boat landed about 2 o’clock, stationed on the passage leading ashore with instructions to allow no soldiers to go off without either the Officer-of-the-Day passed them off or they had a pass from the Colonel. Well, at feed time as had hitherto been the custom, I passed off a sergeant with several men from my company & Co. E to go to the Baltic & get feed for the mules. Also another sergeant with a detail to go and get rations, the same as he had done every day & at any place heretofore. Particularly as we were landed in a perfect “howling wilderness” & not in a city, I could see no possible harm in so doing—especially when they were on necessary business. But the Colonel (Currie) happened to be out on shore when the men went off and seeing that no officer had passed them off he naturally came down on me & enquired into the matter. Being conscious of a slight deviation from the strict line of duty, I was of course awe struck and dumb-founded & could say nothing in y defense, but it was enough for him. “Orders were orders” and “disobedience was disobediabce.” He therefore notified the Officer-of-the-boat,” Lieut. [Deloss E.] Wilson of Co. D, Infantry, who immediately ordered me under arrest and clapped me into the guard house to keep company with the other lawbreakers, ruffians, and criminals of various dye. There were six or eight rebel prisoners confined at the time. Also a deserter held for trial & a couple rough scuff of Co. C for drunkenness and disorderly conduct. It was, in fact, much pleasanter in three than outside for there was a good warm fire while the weather was freezing cold. Many would consider it a good joke & congratulate themselves on their [good] fortune.

This [confinement] was too much for my sensitive nature to bear up under with fortitude but gave way to my feelings in unmanly tears. They were not to be restrained in this my first sad experience. Everyone sympathized with me & were indignant at the performances of the officers. The Sergeant of the Guard (McCullom) & I understood that Lieutenant Dean went and interceded for me, but nothing but imprisonment would palliate for the offense. I told the sergeant that I must be released in time to go on post at 7 o’clock. Finally, before 7, Lieutenant Whitehead & the Officer-of-the-Day came and released me with a severe admonition for the future. Thus ends the narrative.

The cavalry went out between 7 and 8’oclock this morn, taking a course up the river. About 11 o’clock, the boats started up the river about 25 miles & landed at a no-sort-of-place—the place where a couple companies of infantry came down on the Horner a month ago. The cavalry came in just at night, bringing in 7 prisoners—a rebel captain, a lieutenant, and an orderly. Did not understand whether in arms or paroled. The Mounted Infantry have orders to take a turn at it tomorrow early. Those able to go out that were on guard were relieved tonight. I finished & started a letter home today. The day has been clear but freezing cold. Froze hard last night. Tolerable comfortable in the quarters while the boat is in motion.

Monday, 30th. Another dull and unprofitable day’s work in the service of our country. We (the boats) started early this morn from our landing of yesterday & landed near Grand Lake Landing, Arkansas side. The four companies infantry under the command of Major Tallerday were on the bank by soon after 7 o’clock. Started up the river. Have not been out of sight of the river all day. Forepart of the day there was little or no road to follow—weeds and burrs in the greatest profusion. Passed three or four deserted habitations; traveled slowly and about 1 o’clock reached the Johnson’s Plantations. Here we stopped and had dinner got for all hands. Had corn cake, fresh meat, and milk. Made but one prisoner today. ‘Twas here that a couple of us got a lot of mules the day that we took the trip around the village. Got to the boats a little after dark. At Sunny Side, a little above Griffin’s Landing. [Weather] cool.

DECEMBER 1863

Tuesday, 1st. We have remained inactive today except that several of our company are detailed to work the mountain howitzers & have been engaged transferring them from the Baltic. There were four new ones brought down lately. Expect to have to take them out on every scout. Don’t know but we will go out tomorrow. I have busied my time today at fixing my vest & drawers & mending generally. We devoured several chickens and turkeys that was procured yesterday. I have more than half subsisted myself for the past9 weeks [on] nothing but hard tack and cornbread, with rotten pork & peas, while the other boats have wheat bread and the best kind at that. The Major (Tallerday) was over today to rectify it. The fault is in the Commissary Department somewhere. [Weather] pleasant.

Wednesday, 2nd. “All Quiet on the Mississippi.” Nothing worth mentioning has marked the day. It has been dull & monotonous. A supercilious act of the officers, however, deserves attention. To show the mean, overbearing, despicable nature of some men when they have the power in their hands: one of the boys happened to drop his glove overboard on the side next to the shore & the guard on the bridge (one of my company) allowed him to pass out and get it & immediately returned. Lieut. [Deloss E.] Wilson happened to see the performance & ordered the guard under arrest for it. ‘Tis a perfect shame. I have a severe cold which makes me half sick. The Baltic went up the river somewhere & got forage.

Thursday, 3rd. At 1 o’clock, the boats commenced to move down the river & about 3 o’clock landed at Skipwith’s Landing. There are various reports respecting the object of the movement. “tis said that we are going down to the Red River. There was a fight there lately, the rebs destroying a gunboat. They have a dozen or so pieces of artillery. We get a lot of corn from M. B. this eve. I finished copying from Book VI. Peter West started home on furlough. Weather moderating.

Friday, 4th. Started this morn about 5 o’clock & kept steadily down the river. Though the engines did not work at full power, yet we made very good time & rounded to at our usual landing a little below the City of Vicksburg, synonymous with a former occasion just five months ago. But the city presents a far different aspect to what it did then. It was wonderful quiet and unbusiness-like. There were but three boats lying at the docks. Noticed a regiment of infantry marching through town. On the bank where we landed at the time we landed, a regiment of cavalry were standing dismounted [and] soon after moved off. Suppose they will go down with us on those transports. The river has raised some since we were here. Judging by the way the officers had been carrying on for the past few days in regard to strictness of guard discipline, I hardly expected that we would be permitted to look ashore, let alone setting foot on, but this eve about 7 o’clock, we were surprised by the word that all, except the guards of course, might go up town who wished with the accompanying caution that if any of them got drunk & commenced raising cane, that they should suffer for it. The unexpected and agreeable permit was pretty generally approved. The Marine boats took a regular puke. I thought I might as well be in with the rest and see what was to be seen, but it was a poor sight in the extreme. The streets were dark and but few establishments were open, and the theatre in full blast. Meself and two companions took a glass of sweet cider apiece, got a few apples, stopped in the single open news office awhile & returned to the boats, sick and satisfied with the unattractive hole by night. Now about 9 o’clock [and] but very few of the boys have got back yet. I suppose that some will have high times tonight. The branch railroad from the depot to the river is completed.

There is quite a blow made about the proceedings below. The talk on the matters were assuming quite a serious nature. A regiment of Iowa cavalry—the Iowa 4th—and a battery, I understood, are to accompany us on board. Our mules were crowded together on the barge to admit a lot of their horses this eve. Several of the black boat hands are breaking out with the small pox. Also one of Co. E. The reb prisoners—14 in number—were set off here and turned over to the authorities.

Saturday, 5th. At 8 o’clock a.m., we received orders at roll call to prepare for a scout, three days rations in haversacks, ot be equipped & ready to disembark at 10 o’clock a.m. About the same time, the boat commenced moving down the river, several transports loaded with troops accompanying us. About midnight last night the boats crossed over onto the opposite side. The weather is cloudy with every prospect of a long wet spell. Very warm and mild now. The anticipations are that we will have some fighting to do before we get in again. Pretty certain that we will have the elements to contend with. (Just after noon) Well, we are still on board. Just passed Grand Gulf. A gunboat at anchor there, the Atlantic. Halted there and received word that the rebs are at Natchez [and] that we must look out on the Mississippi side. We are ready to move off at any time.

At 8 o’clock eve. We have just landed at Natchez. Our bloodless engagement of today has subsided for the present. There was a report that rebs were at Rodney. Accordingly, we held in readiness to repel an attack. All the artillery pieces were loaded—five in all—ready for action, but the little village was passed at 3 p.m. with no signs of any force of the enemy. Several individuals were seen on shore though this is a small place containing a church or two situated under the bluffs. At dark we unsaddled our mules; the scouting for this time being over with. I expect, however, that the scare will be resumed on the morrow. The Rebs are said to be in heavy force back from here six miles, expecting an attack on the city every day. Still more down on the Red River. There are two companies of the [4th] Iowa Cavalry on this boat—very few in number though. Not commenced raining yet but expect it will soon. There are five guards posted to prevent going ashore.

Sunday, 6th (At 1:30 o’clock) We were called up at 1 o’clock & ordered to “feed our animals & saddle.” Now waiting for further orders. The cavalry on the other boats are “leading off.” Expect we will soon follow. The programme now is “a two day scout.” I feel quite unwell this morn. My cold is so severe. Tried the water remedy last night.

Eve. Another battle killed, a victory wounded & a skirmish captured!!! We were bloodlessly disappointed again as usual. Did not start out so awful early this morn as was intended. After fooling around an hour or so after we had saddled & getting no further orders to move off, we most of us being very strongly inclined naturally laid down & slept undisturbed till daylight. Then roused up and commenced toddling, making our way slowly up through the town [Natchez], halting several times to arrange matters, besides the 4th Iowa [Cavalry] and 11th Illinois [Cavalry] also went out ahead. Have not seen them since. Col. Currie & both Majors were in attendance. Two pieces of artillery. We passed through the left ventricle of the town [and] passed a considerable body of infantry in the edge of town. There was no great stir or excitement in town & apparently little or no business done. The surrounding country is very rough & undulating though not so precipitous. The land is principally occupied by mansions of very fair proportions and their surrounding grounds laid out with shrubbery, &c., the original oak timber generally still standing. Most of the fences had been used for campfires. At 12 o’clock. Seven miles from the city we came to a halt. It was said when we started that the enemy were eight miles out. No signs of them as yet. It never struck me very forcibly that we should encounter any resistance to our rambles.

We had stopped about an hour or so quietly waiting for some symptom or some sign, I suppose, when a clattering of hooves was heard in the rear & who should dash into us but Old General Ellet & staff. We received him with three rousing cheers which I suspect gave him infinite pleasure. They had come from the boats at full speed expecting to find us dully engaging the enemy. The Autocrat reached Vicksburg only a couple hours after we left there, came on fast as they could.

We stopped half an hour longer, then proceeded onward. Four miles further we struck the other road leading from the city of Fayette, 16 miles beyond more direct. We had come a round about way, went a mile further, when seeing or hearing nothing in the fighting line, we halted & countermarched & took up our return. Came back through the little village called Washington on a creek. Reb pickets were said to have been there this morn. A large force there [on] Friday—600 as near as I can learn. By 7 o’clock we were safely on board once more. Traveled about 25 miles, saw nothing of particular interest or did anything to speak of. the Autocrat brought down some mail. I was favored with an epistle abounding with curt humor & sensible matter entire from friend Hattie. She also favored me with her “photo.” ‘Tis perfectly natural & recalls pleasant memories of the past. Horton returned by the Autocrat. Day clear and war, as summer.

Monday, 7th. 8 o’clock a.m. The boats started from Natchez moving down the river at sunrise. Don’t know how far or where we are going but we have orders to be saddled & ready to disembark at 10 o’clock [with] one day’s rations. I feel rather dumpish this morn. Have no appetite. We landed just below some bluffs on the Mississippi side just at 10 o’clock and immediately “lead off,” formed in line and dismounted. Seems that it was not decided yet what to do. The head officers had considerable consultation together. Finally we were ordered on board again but not to unsaddle. Rumored that there is trouble back at Natchez. Expect that we are going back there. Boats quiet now, however. Weather warm.

1 o’clock p.m. Just coming in sight of Natchez. Going out there again. Lieut. Wycoff went went out a mile or so from where we had landed and discovered where a large body of the enemy had just been [and[ had apparently left when we landed there. I have just ben fixing up my cot again—bolting it.

Evening. One more magnificent “combustification.” It’s a pity that our army can’t all always be as lucky as we are & be doomed to disappointment each time they have made up their minds to fight all so gloriously. I have been bamboozled till I’m tired for a change. A real bonafide engagement with the enemy would be acceptable as a relief of the tedium.

Well we landed at the City [of Natchez] and got ashore quick as possible. The infantry (foot men, I mean) were all got out, two or three pieces of artillery, five companies mounted now. ‘Twas 15 minutes of 3 o’clock as we passed the town clock. We went at a pretty lively gait, going on the road leading out from the right of town. We passed the 29th Illinois just outside lying under arms. Likewise several field pieces trimmed and ready for action. The report was that they were actually fighting ten or a dozen miles out or less for all I know, or anybody else. I think we had got about two miles out when we met the commander of the forces here coming in. The thing had fizzled out and we were not needed. Therefore, there was no alternative but to quietly return to the boats covered with glory—no dust. We took it little more moderate coming back. It was jyst 4 o’clock when we passed the clock coming in. It seems that there was nothing but a litle skirmishing going on anyhow. Only one man killed in the 4th Missouri Cavalry, I understand. Several of the boys got passes to go out this evening. I drew $5 on my bank. Have $20 remaining. We heard some heavy cannonading somewhere below on the river. Suppose some gunboat is shelling the woods.

Tuesday, 8th. We have remained at the [Natchez] Landing all day. Passes have been given to squads to go out to town though there is no particular attraction. Still most all have took their turn out. It came my turn at 2 o’clock. As before, I spent my two hours time at the bookstore. Bought three books at $4—vix: Book of Nature—a scientific work for $2. [John Henry] Newman’s Rhetoric & 1st Vol. Matthew of Jacob’s notes on the gospels. A very valuable selection of books, I think. I hear nothing more of the enemy in the rear. Several boats came down today. Hear that the Diana is at Vicksburg. I wrote home and sent out today. It rained last night. Cool.

Wednesday, 9th. The most important event today with us is the arrival of the Diana. The fleet, excepting the Hospital boat, is once more all together. She reached here at 3 o’clock. We expect the Captain only he did not come. [Stephen L.] Doty of our company came, however. She brought more mail. I got two letters from home, one from L. at school, and one from Ir. He is at school but writes rather unfavorable of his circumstances. He enclosed to me cousin Mary’s likeness. Looks quite natural—that is, most outrageously homely. Passes were granted up town but as I had no business there, did not go. The cavalry went out for two days scouting. Said to be going up to Vicksburg by land. We drew some hay for our mules. Hitched a mule into the fills [thills] of one of our mountain howitzers and drew it about to see how it would navigate. Cool. Growing cooler.

Thursday, 10th. We laid quiet till about 4 o’clock. Then moved up the river a dozen or fifteen miles adn are now busy taking on wood, Mississippi side. Co. C Cavalry have been busy moving off onto the Jo. Raine. There is talk of Co. F moving onto the Diana & [Co.] D Infantry going up on the Adams. Various speculations. Some pretend to say that the whole fleet is ordered to Cairo—very improbable. The Diana took our mule barge in tow this eve. Several men detailed to remain with it and take care of the animals. The Diana is a faster boat than this; therefore, gives her the extra luggage. The cavalry came in late last night. They went out to Kingston and back. Saw nothing of the enemy. All gammon about their going to Vicksburg. Several of the boys were left at Natchez as they were up town on passes & we left quite sudden. I have read and wrote.

Friday, 11th. (7:30 morn.) We had orders late last night to be ready for a scout at this time today. At present, lying a little above where we got wood last night. The delay is occasioned, I understand, by the Baltic‘s barge being in a sinking condition. They say that we are to go up 12 miles further and scout on the other side of the river as soon as things are rectified. Some prospect of a rain. It is a perfect wilderness where we are lying. The Autocrat and Fairchild are absent somewhere. Expect they are above.

Well the day is spent and we have accomplished quite an arduous task. We started a little below a small town known as “Waterproof” Louisiana about 10 a.m. Two companies of cavalry and four companies of mounted infantry under the command of Major Tallerday. None of the Autocrat, Baltic, or Fairchild‘s [men] went out. Passed through the said little town. It is principally built upon high blocks to raise it above the high water which gives rise to the name. Contains a church & hotel, &c. Pretty much deserted. Did not stop. Then struck out into the country & overtook a train of three six-mule wagons bound for the salt works for rebs purposes. Stopped at a house for some time. Soon after gathered up several rebs about here [and] a mail amongst other things, though I guess it was not a very important one. We took all the team mules & a few loose ones. There was [ ] towards the river. At a plantation adjoining the river, we lit into a big drove of 25 or 30 mules. Caught many of them & drove the rest along, picking up some more on the way. About sundown, seeing the boats coming up the river below, we stopped & in due time got aboard. It’s very unhandy for us, our barge being with the Diana. It was intended if we had not seen the boats to go up to some town 10 miles above St. Joseph I believe. We have traveled a dozen or 15 miles and it’s computed that we have captured over 80 mules and horses; shut them up in a yard nearby for tonight. We have heard a sight of cannonading somewhere above here. Don’t know what the rip is. The Switzerland fired three shots across the river where a signal light seemed to be operating there. They soon ceased to work them. We have got prisoners, two or three in [ ] and a sergeant belonging to a signal corps.

Saturday, 12th. This day is acknowledged as the 21st anniversary of my earthly existence. What an important & glorious day this would have been had I remained at home. With what a longing desire & joyous anticipations did I look forward to this day while I was under the paternal roof, when according to custom and legal usage, I should be free from the thralldom which then bound me. The responsibilities of life with the cares of the world would then lie on my own shoulders & I be socially as well as legally a man among my fellows. But that momentous day has come & passed and I have a most inconceivable small estimation of myself as being qualified to act my part of the drama of life. But I trust that an increase of years may save the effect to promote the development of man hood and add wisdom to maturer age. The old familiar appellation of “boy” seems yet the most appropriate of all titles.; seems that neither my physical nor mental organization had kept pace with the advance of years. My present height is 5 feet 8 3/4 inches in shoes, and weight 142 pounds. I don’t think I am any taller than when I left home, but somewhat thicker set. I was in a somewhat different situation & condition on this day a year ago but the “Lord is merciful and His ways past finding out.” I shall be satisfied if I pass the ensuing year as advantageously and happily as the past year.

Well, another big scout has been performed—the hardest one I think that we have ever made, crowded onto 35 miles pretty well. Got orders late last night to be ready for another trip on the morrow. We were out by sunrise on the bank, the mounted infantry and [companies] C & D cavalry under the command of the Colonel [Currie]. Started up the river and passed through St. Jo. eight or ten miles above. This is an unimportant little place, containing a church and court house. Captured a gray horse here which considering I had such a poor, miserable little thing of a mule to ride, it was decided that I should have the horse & let the “little Jack” go to grass. But just as I got it saddled, Capt. [Edward G.] Hughes [of Co. C] came up and wanted to trade with me. He had a frisky little thing which he couldn’t manage very well. Had thrown him once during the morn. As he was bound to have the gray, I concluded to take his at a venture. Thought it would be an improvement on the “Jack” anyhow. I was rather afraid to mount the pony but did and he proved a good bargain. I am very well suited with her & can now be a man among men. There are 5 or 6 horses in the company now. He go at the head of the company and in the advance when needed. She is small but trim built & a very good riding animal. We have made some pretty severe charges today & she came in all right.

From the town we struck out into the country [on] a good plank road the first four or five miles. About 10 miles out, we (our company) were detached and sent off on a road by ourselves. Went a couple miles, charged onto a house and caused one reb to skedaddle in a hurry. On account of a bayou that we had to go around, it gave the reb too much start for us to overtake him. We got all the milk &c. we wanted here. Charged onto another plantation a mile from here but found nothing and returned to the Battalion which had stopped at a certain Montgomery’s. Here we stopped and baited (about 3 o’clock). The Battalion here found two wagons loaded with plug tobacco; also a lot of salt. We started them all onto the boats but did not get in with all the salt. We were the rear guard. Came in slowly, Reached the boats landed at the said St. Jo. between 8 and 9 o’clock. I took my pony onto the boat, much handier not to get at. It is now about midnight. The weather mild. Had several showers of rain through the day. A Lieut. [Robert S.] Murphy [of Co. H Infantry] came very near getting captured today, I hear. Had four guns leveled ay him & commanded to surrender but help just coming up, the said rebs “lit out.” There were shots exchanged but none hurt. We brought in several prisoners of one sort & another. There is said to be a body of 500 or so back a few miles under the command of a certain “Harrison.” [Harris] Have stragglers scattered all through the country.

Sunday, 13th. We have remained at the boats today endeavoring to recuperate our failing energies & observing the Sabbath generally but it has seemed anything but a day of rest to us—myself in particular as I have been constantly busy fixing and cleaning my gun and accoutrements, saddle, &c. Spent a good deal of time on my pony, cleaning it up and doctoring its foot. After dinner Lieutenant Whitehead took the company and went out and patrolled the town & bring in all the boys that we found out. There were a good number out plundering & feasting and carrying on high generally. We made the circuit in a couple hours and returned. I understood that there was a lot of reb officers’ clothing and trappings, epaulets, &c. captured yesterday. The tobacco—about $2,000 worth—is to be distributed among the men which will be very much welcomed by most of them, but no advantage to me. There are various rumors of our future proceedings. Some say that we are not going to scout anymore on our mules. It rained last night and this morn.

Monday, 14th. (written afterwards) During last night the Autocrat and Fairchilds came down from Vicksburg. Likewise bringing our absent captain [Thomas C. Gresham], his return having been anxiously looked for by his grateful company. He is in good health and spirits & we have hopes of better management in the company hereafter. About 9 o’clock we (the boats) got up steam and dropped down the river about two miles or so & landed at Rodney. Co. B from the Autocrat immediately started out on a reconnoissance. In a short time a courier came back and reported that they had come onto the reb pickets. There were great stories of a large force of the enemy back of here. The rest of the cavalry and mounted infantry were immediately ordered out. By the time we had got out & in line on the bank, it was noon. The company of cavalry having returned, it was decided to eat dinner before starting. Accordingly, took a bite soon as possible and started on the road to Port Gibson, said to be 20 miles distant. The little village of Rodney is built on the table land under the hills. Back of it is high & exceedingly broken—all “hills and high hollows.” The road was very good but quite crooked, winding among the hills.

The country was sparsely settled & did not indicate much wealth in the inhabitants though there were a few tolerable fine residences. The Oakland College grounds comprising three very eloquent structures were situated hour and a half miles out. We did not see nor hear of any very recent presence of the rebels more than that two or three or less or more had been around at a certain place within a day or two, or perhaps an hour so prior to our arrival. We rode at a pretty lively rate, the advance somehow lit onto a said to be “Adjutant General” and a “Capt.” Three shots were fired by a squad that went out to a house who returned with a fine looking specimen of the “Chivalry”—an officer of some rank, I suppose. Passing a respectable looking church a few miles beyond, we got word by the darkies that a train of fleeing rebs moving to some safer part were just ahead of us. We spurred up and overtook three or four wagons loaded with household goods, &c. The two white men tried to escape but were caught. Searched this baggage but I believe found nothing in the way of destruction but an enormous butcher knife or cutlas. Between 6 and 7 o’clock when we had got within about three miles of Port Gibson, deeming the chase sufficient, we commenced our return. It was a pretty prospect before us with near 20 miles before us to travel yet tonight. We went at a killing pace much of the way, up hill and down, my little pony doing her part very well. Within about three miles of the river, an occurrence took place which I do not fully comprehend. It seems as near as I can learn that the advance with the Colonel came onto a squad of rebs. Some words were passed relative to the personality of the other when one of the rebs, said to be a Major, shot at the Colonel but missed him. He Colonel snapped twice at him in return. Then some say that Lieut. Wycoff shot the chap dead—he or someone else, at any rate. Many of our company say that they saw the body as we passed but I did not. We were going very fast at the time. I heard several shots—that’s all I know particularly about it. We reached the boats at 10:30 o’clock. Had good moonlight till just before we got in. I think we have traveled near 40 miles—the hardest ride we have yet made at any rate. The weather fair and cool at eve.

Tuesday, 15th. We have remained in—that is, have not scouted, but have been quite busy. Had an inspection of our riding stock in a.m. The four companies F, E, C, & H with their saddles & equipment & D & some of their company with their mules only. We mustered 28 mules & 12 horses. Drew hay and oats out in p.m. I have occupied y leisure with fixing up my accoutrements as usual. It takes all my time while not scouting to keep things in repairs. I ought to some writing but have not time. The Hospital boat came down this evening. Expect it has mail for the fleet now all together. Oh hurrah for another scout. Orders just now to be ready with two days rations, mounted at daylight in the morn. The talk that a fight is inevitable as we are going to Port Gibson at the Reb headquarters so the world goes in war times. [William] Hicks and [Ezra F.] Ellis of our company have returned by the Hospital boat.

Wednesday, 16th. (Late at night). Hi ho hum! Well, another bog ride over and I am left to narrate the adventure of the day. This remark does imply that there are none others to give in their testimony for I think that all has returned safe and sound as when we started this morn. It set in and rained very hard last night & by showers this morn, and as we were not called out early this morn as was expected last night, it was partly concluded that the proposed scout had been postponed to another day on account of the rain. But at 9 o’clock, the order came to get ready with one day’s rations immediately. In less than half an hour, we were out on the bank–the cavalry and mounted infantry, the Colonel and Major both along. Capt. Groshon & both lieutenants in charge of our company took the same road that we went out on Monday but turned to the right just this side of the college. There were several showers of rain during the a.m. I had my India rubber coat which protected me very effectually, About 9 miles out, Lieut. Dean with the horses, including myself, were detached to go and find a reb said to be out among the hills at one side. We rode hard over the roughest ground imaginable through ravines swollen by the recent rains & amounted to nothing at last. He dodged us as the ground was no uneven but was picked up by another squad.

A few miles further our company was detailed to explore a couple plantations back from the main road. Here we made a pretty good haul. Surprised and took prisoner—a Rebel Captain who had late come from the army at Chickamauga where he had been wounded in the shoulder. Was home on 60 days furlough. He is a very gentleman appearing man and takes his turn of luck as a matter of military consequence. He started to run out from the back side of the house as he saw us coming but we soon brought his flight to a termination. We also here got three or four good horses & at some insignificant building half a mile distant lit onto a regular little Confederate shoe factory. It likewise comprised a tannery where they tanned their own leather—a regular home-made article without varnish or color. The shoes were of very rough manufacture though I suppose quite durable. Price per pair was $8. There were about two dozen on hand which we started to bring in but I guess they were nearly all lost on the way. I got in with two pairs. There was a white workman or two which we brought in also. About 1 or 2 o’clock it rained down in torrents, wetting all hands pretty thoroughly. We went out to the Natchez & Port Gibson road, met the cavalry which came on another road, & come back in again. Our company has traveled about 35 miles, I think. It has been hard riding for the horses as it has been so awful muddy. The cavalry, I hear, were fired onto several times & they say that they were within a mile of a thousand or so, drove in the pickets. We were ordered to be ready for an attack at any moment at one time in a.m. & Col. [John Leroy] Logan and Capt. [William Wirt] Adams are said to have a formidable force out here somewhere. I suppose at Fayette. We got in a little after dark about 9 o’clock, all hands muddy and more or less wet to the skin. Brought in 8 or 10 prisoners, several teams, and beef cattle. I am getting pretty well seasoned to riding. Does not hurt me much. Weather growing cooler.

Thursday, 17th. At 9 o’clock we received orders to be ready for another scout as soon as the boats landed at St. Joseph. At 11:30 a.m. are now on the way there. I am all ready to start, one day’s rations. This is putting us through pretty rough, I think, though I do not think so much of it for myself but it’s hard on my “nag.” The weather clear and cool.

Eve. Well, the day has passed and not altogether inauspiciously either. Our company at least have had quite a active time & have made it pay too. Our boat—the Adams, and the Diana with the mule barge were all that came up to St. Jo. Our company and Co. E first ate dinner, then lead off and soon started out. Co. E went out on the plank road while we took up the river a mile or so to a plantation. There ran a couple niggers down who are suspicioned as spies. Then struck out into the country across lots &c. and charged onto another plantation near two miles back. Here two men on horses slipped us, but in the house surprised a reb Captain & his young wife. They were traveling around watching for an opportunity to cross the [Mississippi] river. He was the same chap that the cavalry had a chase after the other day at Montgomery’s. He eluded them by running into a swamp & lying flat on the ground, so he tells the story now. he is quite a fine young fellow—not 21 yet. Been married about six months. They and their baggage was put into the “Confederate” ambulance and we commenced our return. The object of the expedition was principally to get some teams and haul in corn at plantation No. 1. I was detailed to guard the said prisoners in while the company took another turn up the river farther.

They had according to accounts quite a lively & exciting time after this. Lit onto an armed band of the “varmints” & fired several shots. One reb is known to have been wounded as he screamed “bloody murder” but escaped. Seven or eight were caught, however, with arms of various kinds adn as many horses. Capt. [Thomas C.] Groshon got throwed and his horse cleared out. No further casualties, I believe. The company got in at about 6:30 o’clock. Co. E which came in s little before tell a big story. Say they went out five miles & came onto a company of 40 or 50 or more of the enemy “all drawed up in line of battle ready to receive them.” The advance fired a volley at the formidable foe and turned and came in fast as possible for fear of fatal consequences. But the day does not conclude here. The remainder of the fleet that remained at Rodney have also been engaged. The hospital boat [Woodford] came up to where we were about 4 o’clock and reported that they had been attacked and that a Smith of Co. D Cavalry was killed. The artillery jad went out & cannonading had been heard. At about 7 o’clock, we commenced to go down to rejoin the fleet but as we got in sight of the town, met the rest of the boats coming up, so we “about faced” and now near 9 o’clock have just landed a mile or so above St. Jo. on the opposite side. I expect another scout is on the programme for tomorrow. A company is said to be organizing within ten miles of here & I suppose we will make it our business to break that up soon. I expect the Gen. did not consider it safe to remain at Rodney tonight. I should like to know the result of the operation though today. We hear that at some place called Jackson, the rebs are planting a battery for our destruction so we have plenty of business on our hands. Weather cool.

Friday, 18th. We have remained here where we landed last night. I understand that a court martial has been held. Nothing else in particular has been done. I am on guard after being detailed the 3rd time but was always relieved to go out & scout before I went on post—one of the guards over the prisoners. there are 30 odd in number besides the 5 commissioned officers who quarter with our officers. They were allowed out on deck. the guard has been doubled over them now as a conspiracy was overheard among them this eve to make their escape tonight. Their plans are frustrated as their countenances plainly indicate. there are three or four sergeanrs, one belonging to the Signal Corps which has been operating about here, but which i think is well nigh broken up now.

I have entered into another revolver speculation. Have bargained for a 5-shooter, 6-inch barrel—a “Whitney” patent, rather an old thing, one tube busted, but generally said by all to be cheap at the price $12.50 mould & flask. Intend to draw on my bank book to pay the debt tomorrow. I think it is money very well invested while situated as at present. It may be useful tonight, for instance. I expect it will either save or take my life some of these days. There is talk that we are to transfer our abode from this boat onto the Diana in the course of a couple days. We will probably be up at Vicksburg by that time. Clear and cool.

Saturday, 19th. Nothing occurred last night to disturb our equilibrium or the momentum of our specific gravity in respect to an uprising among the captives. The guard is doubled however again tonight. Eight more were added to the list this morn from off the Raine. We, the Adams, are now on our way to Vicksburg to turn them over to the authorities there. Started at noon. Will probably reach it before midnight. The Rams turned over to us to transport up some 60 or 70 negroes that have been conscripted for the service. The mule barge was left with the fleet & several men detailed from each company to take care of the animals. The number of horses allowed to the company is 10. Of course, I not being popular, am deprived of my little nag and must bestride a mule in the future.

Spent my leisure in finishing a letter to Ir. & [ ] one home. Wrote one too for one of the boys. I drew the remainder of my money from my bank $15 & paid for my revolver. It’s a better tool than I had fooling with last winter. The larger size one being bought and sold at from $15 to $25. One bigger than mine of Colts [ ] sold for $22. I want to get a new tube put in and a box of caps tomorrow at Vicksburg. Capt. Fisher of Co. E was at Vicksburg on his way to rejoin the fleet. He came down with the [ ].

Sunday, 20th. We reached Vicksburg 11 o’clock last night. Landed on the opposite side. At 10 o’clock [this morning] the companies F & D were formed on the bank. The prisoners, 35 in number, were arranged between the files and marched to the Court House [and] from thence to the jail into which they were deposited to await transportation up the river. There were five or six retained on the boat to take back down again—citizens. The list of prisoners comprised one Major, 3 Captains, one acting Adjutant General, one Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants, and one Corporal. The rest were not all soldiers I believe, but suspicious characters. They were searched previous to their consignment and all valuables retained for safe keeping. Some of them had a good deal of Confederate money. I saw the Capt. Act. Adgt. Gen. count out ten $100 bills & any amount of 50s, 20s and tens. Did not stop in town any. Got back at 12 o’clock. Now at 9:30 o’clock we ar just shoving out on our return to the fleet. The Hospital boat is remaining here. I finished a letter to Ir. Wrote one home and enclosed in Diary Book VI which I started for home. Soft bread is played out. Have to put up with hard tack for the next 30 days so they say. Horrors.

Monday, 21st. (1 o’clock p.m.) We are just crossing the river to land at St. Jo. for a small scout. Got to the fleet last night at midnight. Nothing special had transpired during our absence except the capture of a small party of rebs as they were crossing the river. There were eight boxes of saddles, bridles and the accompaniments procured at Vicksburg for the mounting of the remaining companies. Enough for 40 men. Intended to be fitted out the companies in part with captured & old cavalry duds.

(Evening) Well! we went out and have returned safe and sound—the expedition being fruitless and without incident. Our company went out to the place where we caught the Captain the other day. From there to the next plantation beyond and returned. There had been by the negroes a few scattering rebs in the vicinity but we could get no sight of any. Got in about 6:30 o’clock. Co. E and C mounted infantry went out on the plank road. Found nothing that way but ’tis said that Lieut. [Enos] Snyder of Co. E got scared at his own advance guard and wheeled and started for the boats full tilt. Don’t know how much allowance there is to be made for it but it’s just like him. I rode my nag today but have a mule for future riding—that is, if it’s get-along-able. Appears rather lazy. I can very soon trade and get a better or worse, I suppose. The Orderly & some others will rest easy now for they were in perfect misery while I had the mare. A horse was apparently too good for me. The mare though is no very tremendous loss as she was too frisky & unsteady. She felt quite keen after lying still three or four days & when we went to start off today, she commenced raring and pitching which resulted in an unceremonious & inelegant dismounting. Did not last me, however, and was soon mounted again; a plagued kicking hting among the other animals.

One piece of the mountain howitzer has been rigged up to take out with us in the future. The wheels have been set apart the common width & a tongue for two animals put in. Had it out experimenting with in the p.m. The Baltic with us is lying at St. Jo. The rest on the [ ]. At roll call, ordrs for a scout on the morrow at daylight. One day’s rations.

Tuesday, 22nd. We moved down from St. Jo. and landed at Rodney about 4 o’clock. Well, we have had quite a lively time today and it came nigh to being a serious time for us & is in fact to an eminent degree for two worthy members of our Brigade are missing tonight—fate unknown. We arose in very good season this morn and prepared for the prospective scout. It was 7 o’clock before we got onto the bank. We then had to perambulate around for an hour before we got underway. There were six companies mounted infantry—viz: C, D, E, F, H & I and the Cavalry. The mountain howitzer was taken under the charge of Capt. Groshon, Sergt. Worcester and four of our company mounted on horses as gunners. Then each of the two span had a rider. Four of the biggest mules of the company were picked out to hitch into this. New and suitable harnesses provided so that the concern went off first rate. I rode my mule which goes tolerably well—rather rough. The Major (Tallerday) and the Colonel [Currie] both were in charge. We took the Fayette road leading out from the right of Rodney, following at the front of the hills for a mile of so, then struck off through the hills—rough as ever. Passed through two large covered bridges over deep ravines, kept on a moderate gait. About midway between Rodney and Fayette, picked up three persons who pretended they knew nothing of any reb force; made them prisoners. One is a deserter from the rebs. The other claims to be discharged from the Confederate service and in carrying the mail. The other claims to be a citizen. I had one of them to guard till we got in. As we neared Fayette, the ground became more rolling & pine trees became quite common. The soli as usual a sort of red clay loam. As we drew nigh unto the little village of Fayette, iy seemed apparent that the day was to pass without encountering any opposition or adventure worthy of record for this day. But just as we got in sight of the court house or 60 rods from it we heard firing in the rear andn that too in pretty lively succession. Immediately our battery was unlimbered & run by hand to the rear of the battalion in double quick time. I had no idea that it was going to be of the least bit of war; only a part of a “military movement.” The ground that we occupied was higher than back a little where we had passed; at our right hand was a deep hollow filled with pine brushwood & partly around which the road wound. The piece had not much more than got into position to repel an attack, should there be one made, before Co. E which was acting as rear guard came dashing in with the rebs following close at their heels—about 50 in number. The ball was opened and a sudden check put to their career with a charge of grape and canister. Three charges were given them with astonishing rapidity. Though it is not known that we hurt any of them materially, it had the effect of preventing their further course. There were several shots fired by them as they were coming up. Two bullets I heard distinctly whizz over our heads. We could not see any of them from our position; none but Co. E and the boys with the gun saw them. We did not dismount but had our guns unslung ready for action. The cavalry started in pursuit but the rebs were so badly scared that they were getting out of the way faster than possible. We knew nothing about the charge that the rebs had made till the battery boys came up.

But there is another tale to relate connected with the adventure. As before stated, Co. E under the command of the magnanimous [2nd] Lieut. [Enos] Snyder [(1839-1905) formerly of Co. G, 77th Pennsylvania Infantry], it was about half a mile in the rear of the Battalion as we entered the town and abouthalf a mile from town was a plantation with a fine mansion back apiece from the road. For some reason, the lieutenant sent a squad of four or five to the house to reconnoiter while the rest of the company went on. The squad had surrounded the house and were just returning when a party of rebs sprang out from ambush and fired into them. Atr the same time the boys commenced to “light out” & had a smart run to get back to the rest of the company without being gobbled in entirely. However, the fate of one of the squad is involved in mystery as it is not known whether he was hurt when they fired or was captured without harm. The person is Sergt. Ike McCoy—a first rate soldier and a good friend. His loss is deeply deplored by all that knew him. [In attempting to evade the rebels, Sgt. Isaac W. McCoy’s mule refused to jump a ravine and he was taken prisoner. Crandall’s History of the Marine Brigade, page 347, reports that McCoy died in Andersonville Prison some months later.]

There was another valuable soldier lost here too in some manner. He was last seen here at any rate. Carr by name. Has an office in the Commissary Department & I learn had papers with him granting permission to enroll men for a Black regiment. [William H. Carr and McCoy were both taken prisoner and taken to the jail at Grand Gulf. Crandall’s History of the Marine Brigade, page 348, claims that because Carr had the papers on him, he was taken out of prison on Christmas day and hanged. The purpose for stopping at the plantation mentioned by Pierce was to recruit Black soldiers for the Union army.]

It would seem that this rear guard was all the force that the rebs thought to be around of us & it was their purpose to capture the whole company until the brass Bull dog commenced barking. Their firing resulted in wounding the horse that one of the boys rode ([Robert] Onyet by name) shot through the hip so that he had to dismount & run for dear life. The loss of these two men adn the horse is all the casualties I believe on our side. After the enemy had been turned, we were marched into the court house square, dismounted, and prepared to fight on foot. I had to stop behind to guard the prisoners. They marched down to the gun, stopped awhile & come back.

We here stopped and rested an hour and a half & waiting for the enemy to make some more war-like demonstrations. After we got into town, we found that the place had already been possessed by our own troops this very day. Gen. [Walter Quinton] Gresham’s Brigade (the same that we brought down to Natchez) was in the vicinity & had had quite a severe skirmish with the rebs to get possession of the place. Several—I don’t know how many had been killed; the rebs under the command of lately promoted Brig. Gen. Wirt Adams numbered about 300. The 29th Illinois Mounted Infantry passed through the town while we were there.

This Fayette is like all other southern county villages—merely a county seat & comprising a few stores, a church, &c. There were a few scattering inhabitants, mostly negroes and old men, women, &c. We were not allowed to leave our animals. About 2 o’clock, commenced our return to the boats, not deeming it prudent to remain over night in so dangerous a locality. About three miles this side of Fayettte the road branched out to the right leading to Port Gibson. Here as plain as day was the tracks of the rebs, bound for their headquarters [in] Port Gibson. A darky here told us that they had passed two hours before and had one Yankee with them–either Carr or McCoy I suppose. We rode at a moderate jog and reached the boats without further incident at 8 o’clock. The results of the day being as far as is known rather more disastrous on our side than on the enemy’s, we having two sergeants with mules, saddles, &c. either killed, wounded, or taken prisoner, & a horse. The Confederacy one soldier, two citizens, and a horse—for we did kill one horse that I know of as I saw it. It being 16 miles from Rodney to Fayette by the mile boards, our [trip was] 32 miles in length. Pretty well put on too. Great blame rests on Lieut. Snyder in his conduct out there. It is thought if he had went with the rest of the company, he might have rescued the sergeant. He has stigmatized himself as a coward. The boys vow that they will never go out with him again. Day cloudy.

Wednesday, 23rd. Diana—yes! We have been very busy busily engaged today at removing our board, bed and lodgings from the old Bee Jay [B. J. Adams] onto the more staunch craft Diana. The four companies C. D, E, and F are to occupy it. All but C are now on. Our quarters comprise the larboard side of the “after part” or stern. The bunks are arranged quite conveniently and there is room for nearly all the company in the bunks. The rest have made bedsteads & placed amidships. It was quite a job to move all out traps but ’tis done. The boats were brought along side. In some respects this boat is better than the other; in others not. It is quite unhandy in getting out to the upper deck [being] the greatest fault. The Adams is intending to start up the river for repairs tomorrow, I believe. I received a letter from Uncle Marco & one from home today. All well. Four companies of mules are crowded on the barge now. The horses are on the boat. Weather cloudy.

Thursday, 24th. Quite a disastrous affair occurred to us last night. In fact, I think it mat be called the greatest calamity that has yet befallen us or at least it is not exceeded. Details from Companies I & G were made yesterday morn for picket duty & stationed out on the road leading from town. At 1 o’clock last night we were roused from our slumbers & ordered on deck with our arms immediately. The report then was that a part of the pickets had been captured which eventually proved more than true. After perambulating around awhile, our company only were ordered back to our quarters but to be ready to fall out at any minutes. The other companies from this boat went out and remained till morn, but there was no enemy to be found by the time they got out there. The account of the affair as near as I can learn was about this wise. The picket post that suffered so severely was all asleep but one man [Edwin Moon] who was standing at the time. The Reb cavalry made a dash & gobbled in the whole post of five sleepers before they were aware of the danger though the sentinel fired his piece as they advanced. He managed to escape, I understand, while the rest were compelled to march off shoeless and hatless. On another part of the field, a man was killed and another wounded, both belonging to Co. I. I have not yte seen any of the actual participants to learn the precise particulars of the affair. Don’t know but this statement may be incorrect though the results are true. We expect to have to make a scout today but somehow it has been deferred. Have not done much of anything. I have been engaged on a letter to Willie. The old Adams started up the river bound for Cairo, I suppose, at 4 o’clock. Sergt. Worcester goes up to recruit for the [Marine] Brigade. About 5 o’clock the fleet proper began to move up the river for some reason. Halted a minute at St. Jo., then proceeded upward and just now at 9 o’clock have landed somewhere, know not where. Expect likely that a scout is in the wind. Lieut. Dean goes up in the Adams on a furlough. Co. Currie likewise goes up.

Friday, 25th. Though ’tis the usually joyous Christmas day, it has not been a day of any special interest to us; only as it recalled food memories of the past & the associations therewith. We made an attempt to celebrate the day in the time-honored custom of a sumptuous dinner by having pickled pork in the place of the not overly palatably smoked side meat or what we soldiers technically term “sow belly”; let not the over fastidious blush at his expression. I claim this indulgence from society for ’tis the most expressive & appropriate title that possibly could be applied. We had an inspection of arms in the way of variety. This eve the boys, to commemorate the day, had a regular “stag dance.” I received a letter from Laurie at [ ]—very interesting. I have been engaged in answering it today. Now 10 o’clock [p.m.]. Order for a big scout tomorrow. Start at 7 o’clock. We are lying at an island a mile or so below Grand Gulf. Weather pleasant.

Saturday, 26th. (Late at night) Well, I manage to be present at my stand once more again & with a whole hide, though I with the rest have run considerable risk of life and limb this day. To tell the truth, it has been an exciting day with us, the result of an experience I have not yet fully ascertained. We were roused up early this morn & got ourselves ready and had to wait on others who were always behind time. It was near 8 o’clock before the boats had moved up and landed at Grand Gulf so that we could commence to get ashore. Then it took an hour to get out and form the battalion so it was just 9 o’clock when we started off. The Gen. [Alfred W.] Ellet accompanied and both Majors [Hubbard & Tallerday]. The cavalry and all our mounted force with our “brass bull dog” were along. Took the road to Port Gibson, distant 8 miles. This is another outrageous rough and uneven country like all the rest of similar places on this side [of the Mississippi] As we landed and went out somewhat below the secenes of those important events of last spring, we did not see much of the effects of carnage that here transpired—only noticed where had been a couple batteries & where had been extensive encampments. Judging by the numerous ruins, this had been quite a populous district. Ssaw but very few habitations between here and Port Gibson. A railroad connects the two places. At a house four or five miles out we picked up a chap who had formerly served a rebel commissariat—the only capture besides a suspicious negro that we made. About four miles from town we made a blunder by taking the wrong road, or a road that was not passable and had to countermarch a mile or more. I suppose ’tis well that Port Gibson is situated on what is called Bayou Pierrie which we have to cross going on this road about two miles this side of the town. Both the once splendid wagon and railroad bridges had been destroyed so that we had to go down the stream half a mile to ford it. It is a diminutive river and when the water is up, small steamboats run up to Port Gibson. When we reached the crossing, the Mounted Infantry halted while the Cavalry went forward to reconnoiter. It was supposed that [Wirt] Adams’ whole force were out here. We were then dismounted adn prepared to “fight on foot.” As I was No. 4, I had to stay behind to hold the animals. The Battalion then moved & aligned themselves along the bank of the stream, first gathering up what wood & old stuff there was in the vicinity & erecting a sort of breastworks, with the cannon in a good position to rake the rebs should they drive the cavalry back.

Soon firing was heard in the advance but not very frightful rapidity. It was kept up at intervals nearly as long as we laid there which was full two hours. Finally the word came that there was but a small force of the enemy & that they were on the retreat. Companies H and F & afterwards C with the battery advanced leaving the rest to hold the cover. We rode up to where the cavalry horses were half a mile this side at a lively jog. The men were ahed in town and we could hear occasional shots. We stopped a moment, the all dashed into town like a whirlwind but no opposition did we meet. The negroes and citizens were quite plenty but all appeared harmless. the cavalry boys who as usual were busy plundering mounted their horses and charged out beyond the town apiece, we remaining quiet. A few more shots were heard, then all became still. it was just half past 3 o’clock by the town time as we entered the place. Remained till after 4 o’clock when the cavalry coming in we commenced our return for the boats.

But our days work was not over with us as we had anticipated. Quite an important scene in the drama was yet to be enacted. We were crossing the bottom land of the bayou, the head of the column having just passed the railroad trestle work & the rear just emerging from the grade descending onto the bottom, when Bang! Bang! went several shots, picking away at our rear from the hills adjoining. Co. C Infantry were behind & Capts. Groshon and Fisher liesurely following after. We were about the middle with the battery. At first, the Major (Tallerday) ordered us forward in a gallup supposing I suppose that a heavy force was after us, but Capt. Groshon rushing up commanded the battery to unlimber and prepare for action which was soon did and we formed behind it, the rebs in the meantime pecking away at us. We could only see the flash of their guns as it was beginning to grow dark. As it was near a quarter of a mile distant and they did not advance from their cover of a willow jungle, we did not any of usexcept some of the officers with their revolvers try the range of our guns but waited for the brass piece to speak. It was but a minute before we had it in speaking order, charged with a shell which it threw in the most elegant style and seemingly just in the right place. i was standing directly behind it and could see the missile as it sped away in its mission. The first was immediately followed by a 2nd and a 3rd and so on in admirable style. Still it did not have the effect of silencing the saucy imps who still continued to bang away at us from different points. The cavalry what was ahead received a shot or two from a bluff nearby in front. They returned a whole volley which stopped that from that quarter. The enemy’s continued firing was not wholly without effect either. There was a pond of water a short distance before us between us and them and we saw several shots strike in that, directly in line of where we stood. One ball on it bounded along, struck one of the battery mules which stood a couple rods to the right of us. Struck it on the hip, did not penetrate the skin, but raised a lump. A pretty close call for one of our boys which ride it. (M[arion] Monroe). Several balls flew over us. After throwing 8 or 9 shells & the firing had about ceased, we limbered up & came on, joined the rest of the command at the bayou, placed the cavalry in the rear & struck out for the boats on a moderate jog for fear of another attack. We came on another road. No more trouble. Got in about 8 o’clock.

I have not yet learned our casualties, No one was hurt that I hear of during the skirmishing previous to the evening attack. One horse was run down and shot after in the chase after the rebs beyond the town. One reb is known to have been wounded at the time of the attack in the eve, Several of the cavalry boys, Co. D, were straggling along behind & are supposed to have been either captured or killed. They were engaged plundering in town when last seen. One I learn was slightly hurt in the side by a shot.

The town of Port Gibson is quite an important little place and not so very little either as it is the largest town next to Natchez that I have yet seen on tour. Contains the court house and three churches; the streets laid out & ornamented very finely. A mile from the town is the battle ground of last spring. There were not many signs of war’s devastation about the place except the destruction of the railroad [rolling] stock. Saw an engine turned off the track lying bottom upwards. In the distance on the road to Vicksburg, saw the remains of the suspension bridge across the bayou. The darkies told us that there had been but 30 or 40 rebs about there. Had not seen so large a force as ours there since Gen. Grant passed there. [Wirz] Adams’ command was located back further in the interior 25 or 30 miles. They said that a party with 5 or 6 prisoners passed through there a couple days ago. The men that were captured at Rodney Wednesday night. By a woman in town someone learned that the two we lost Tuesday had been cofined in the jail for a couple days and that one of them had been taken out and hung yesterday morning—probably this was Carr. The savages! That’s the way they inhumanly treat our men when they get them while we serve their men like gentlemen. Day warm and pleasant.

Sunday, 27th. All quietude today. We still lie here though the wind blew the Jo. Raine loose last night. It rained and the wind blew furiously. Cool and cloudy today. I have passed the time writing principally yesterday’s proceedings and finishing a letter to L. Sent her a good long one. Someone had the inexpressible goodness to relieve me of my gun last eve. Have spent a great deal of time looking for it but without success. It will be a pretty how do you do if it cannot be found. I don’t see what object anyone could have had for gobbling in such a dirty, rusty old piece. Order read at roll call this morn in respect to the order of coming to meals. Cos. D & C were to eat at the first table this week, and E & F next, changing alternates.

Monday, 28th. Still here. The officers are busy making out the pay rolls. The clothing bill is to be settled this pay day and that is quite a job. I hope that they haven’t put themselves to the trouble to make mine more than triple as big as it really is for I expect I have exceeded my allowance already. According to the way they charge for some of the things, I can reckon up $37 worth & it’s an easy matter for the officers to increase it 10 or 15 dollars. I expect the snug little charge of a gun will be marked against me if I don’t happen to find the old thing pretty soon. Have not done much today. I finished a letter to Willie. Sold my big blank book that I paid 75 cents for to one of Co. E boys for $3 on payday. I want one but not so large to begin in for the first of the New Year. Now I wish I could get rid of the other ponderous thing that is of the least value and cost the dearest. The boys are trying to get up an excitement about a rumor of an armistice of sixty days. Must have something to blow about. The Conestoga came down from above for something. The gunboat Pittsburgh lies at anchor off here. Weather quite cool.

Tuesday, 29th. Well, we haven’t moved yet. The boats have been engaged taking on coal preparatory to making a move, I suppose. I occupied the a.m. in writing to Uncle Marco. In p.m., we were summoned out on drill at 1 o’clock. Those on this boat drilled on foot company drill. The other four companies unmounted out too. The other E Co. mounted came out on their mules and drilled cavalry drill. Maneuvered around for an hour and a quarter, then formed in line on the bank and practiced firing awhile. The mules were brought up close by to accustom them to the fire, after which they fired from off them. The four pieces of artillery were out and practiced also, maneuvering & target firing. Shot across the river shell. I spent some time looking for my gun among the other companies but without success. It is said—I don’t know how the information was gleaned—that the rebs had a trap arranged for our complete capture had we returned by the road that we went on the day that we went to Port Gibson. They had a couple pieces planted in the road ahead with a full sweep of our advancing line, & a piece in the road that we countermarched on, calculated to come out on rear, thereby totally rendering our escape impossible from death and capture. If this be true, then we unconsciously foiled the inhuman wretches most magnificently. Also I hear that our shells that we terminated the nefarious proceedings of seven of the daring rascals & wounded several more, If this likewise be true (which seems too good to be so), it is exceedingly encouraging to us and paid them well for their impudence. A Union refuge who resides or used to out here somewhere is perfectly well acquainted with the country is rendering us very important service. He piloted us the other day. He gained this latter information, I suppose. I have bought a smaller blank book for diary to give $1 on payday. Weather mild. The Autocrat has gone up to Vicksburg on some special business. ‘Tis said that we are soon to draw carbines and revolvers & that Co. F is all to be artillerists—that is, have charge of the four howitzers as soon as they can be fitted up. Are at work making new axle trees, wider and coupling piece & caisson different.

Wednesday, 30th. A general preparation for a decent appearance on muster tomorrow. Yet failing in finding my old blunderbuss, I have cleaned up an extra one minus a rammer. It has rained pretty much all day and still falling though not very copiously. Mail came & I got a letter from home. Miss H. Pool also enclosing a few cheering lines to me. She writes a very modest & prepossessing letter. I must find time to reply to it.

Thursday, 31st. This day is conspicuous as the day on which the eventful year of 1863 makes his exit from the stage, busy and bloody scenes, a period fraught with remarkable transactions, memorable occurrences, and deeds of historical merit. Within this cycle of 365 days, how much has transpired & what characters have been brought to light and developed who will become subjects for the historian, the essayist, and writer of romance. ‘Tis an extensive field and the artist or writer will reap a rich harvest. How many have seized the golden opportunity and rendered themselves immortal, seemingly, or have grasped the standard of fame so firmly that ‘twould seem base ingratitude to contest their right to possess the highest title that men can bestow.

Well, the Brigade was mustered for pay, the operation being performed aboard the boats as before, the weather being so unfavorable. The ceremony was short and did not occupy more than 10 minutes to the company, merely falling in with arms & accoutrements & the roll called in the presence of the Major and Adjutant. The gunboats have been making a general move up the river today, 8 or 9 passing upwards. The Pittsburgh left this morn and returned to her anchorage this eve. Don’t know what it means unless there really is a Peace Operation in the wind as some of the boys are trying to make believe, or the enemy is making some serious demonstrations at some point above. The weather has turned most outrageous cold–almost intolerable tonight. I am penning these lines with gloves on. There is but one stove for our comfort so that most of us can hardly get the smell of a fire. A strong wind from the north which strikes square on the larboard (“port”) side making it quite uninhabitable, freezing fast. Our poor mules have it the hardest though as the barge is open & they have not half enough to eat. The boys are trying to keep up spirits at dancing this eve. They are “hoeing it down” heavy. Two or three of the officers have joined in with the men. Have got some whiskey between them & I expect are bound to make much of he old year while it lasts. I finished this eve my 3rd reading of the Testament. Intend to begin the New Year proper with “Jacobus’ Notes.” End of Diary.

An incident of December 11th. Explanatory. It seems by an article in Memphis Bulletin of the 15th that that cannonading which we heard was the gunboat Jo Raine shelling the guerrillas. The scamps having first audaciously fired into the transport Brazil, killing two women and a soldier, the paper stated that it was a gunboat shelling the woods, but it was the Raine as I afterwards ascertained. She was not far distant at the time of the outrage and went immediately to pay the rascals off in their own kind. They did not return fire on the Raine as I can hear. The occurrence was at Rodney.

Fried crackers or hard tack. Can be greatly improved by soaking them half an hour or so in cold water when if it ain’t too outrageous hard they will be rendered to a soft pulpy mass. Then out them into a spider or skillet and seasoned with grease and salt, fry ten or eleven minutes and ’tis a dish hardly excelled.