U. S. Christian Commission | Spared & Shared 23

This diary was kept by Rev. James Templin Holliday (1810-1881), the son of David C. Holliday (1786-1831) and Mary Kennedy (1791-1859). If Kansans find his last name familiar, it’s because his much younger brother Col. Cyrus Kurtz Holliday was one of founders of the City of Topeka, having come to settle in Kansas in 1854 in the free state movement. James was married twice, his first wife being Rebecca W. Wamsley (1815-1861), and his second wife being her sister, Angeline McCutcheon Wamsley (1833-1880).

*I could not find an image of Rev. James T. Holliday but here is one of his brother Cyrus K. Holliday of Topeka fame with whom I assume he bore some resemblance.*

James was filled with the spirit and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1827 when he was 17 years old. Settling in Adams county, Ohio, he became the leader of a Methodist class and later licensed to exhort by Rev. James Gurley. He began to preach about 1835, filling the office of a local preacher until about 1840 when he was admitted into the Ohio Conference as a traveling preacher. He was ordained a deacon at Zanesville by Bishop Soule and two years later ordained an Elder by Bishop Morris. He filled the pulpit in various small towns in Ohio, receiving new appointments by the Conference every two years until 1857 when he was transferred to the Kansas Conference and stationed at Topeka (near his brother) and also at Auburn.

After his first wife died in 1861, his children were “scattered” as he termed it, and he left Kansas to offer his service as a delegate in the U. S. Christian Commission. He saw duty in Nashville (TN), Cowan Station (TN), Bridgeport (AL), Cairo and Mound City (IL), Memphis (TN) and finally in Little Rock (AR) where he took up residency for more than half a year and served as the chaplain of the 77th Ohio Infantry posted there as well as taking a leadership role in meeting the needs of the resident Methodist African American population. After this, he returned to his family in West Union, Adams county, Ohio, where he asked to be reinstated in the Ohio Conference and served once again in a number of small communities until superannuated. He suffered a stroke in early June 1881 and died later that month at the age of 71.

Rev. Holliday’s diary provides us with a rich insight into the profound responsibilities shouldered by members of the Christian Commission. It also offers a poignant glimpse into the personal connections he formed while ministering to those enduring hardship in refugee camps, convalescent camps, and even prison camps. His fears, frustrations, disappointments, feelings of inadequacy, as well as his moments of triumph and euphoria, are all vividly captured within the 81 pages of this diary. This invaluable account belongs to my friend Rob Morgan and has been graciously made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared with explicit consent.

Transcription

Rev. James T. Holliday, Delegate to the Christian Commission, Nashville, Tennessee

Residence: West Union, Adams county, Ohio

Was commissioned on the 4th December 1863. Reached Nashville, Tennessee at 6 o’clock 5th. Visited the Rebel prisoners that night.

Sunday, 6th—Preached to the Rebel prisoners, 5th story Zollicoffer Building at 10 a.m. 18th Michigan 2 p.m., 90th Ohio 4 p.m. Opened prayer meeting 2nd Presbyterian Church 7 p.m. Met with the following singular and pleasant incident. While preaching for the Rebels as above stated, my son James, a member of the 90th Ohio, was passing on the opposite side of the street, heard my voice and knew me, came up, and introduced himself but I did not know him. Thank God that after passing through so many battles, he yet lives.

December 7th. Met with [Sergeant] A[lpheus] A. B. Caveness of the 1st Kansas Battery [Light Artillery]. Distributed 8 testaments, 360 page tracts, 8 small books among the guards at Military Prison. Visited Hospital No. 12 in company with Br. Pitcher and conversed with 11 men.

December 8th 1863—Appointed to the Barracks. Distributed among the Union soldiers 6 testaments, 8 hymns, 544 page tracts, 15 papers, and preached once. At night, visited Rebel prisoners and distributed six testaments, 300 page tracts, 35 papers, 7 books, and attended daily prayer meeting.

December 9th—Visited Rebel prisoners and distributed 100 papers, 20 testaments. Visited Union men in barracks. Distributed 6 testaments, 6 hymn books, 30 papers, 8 pamphlets, 802 page tracts, and 10 small books. Preached once for company with Br. Pitcher. Visited Convalescent Camp and distributed 29 papers, 264 tracts, 6 hymn books, 6 pamphlets. Preached on the barracks at night.

December 10th 1863—Labored in the barracks all day. Distributed a large number of paper, tracts, &c. Preached at night to a serious and attentive audience.

December 11th—In the barracks today. Distributed a large number of papers and tracts. Preached twice.

December 12th—In my old field of labor today. But few men in the barracks now. Some 150 Michigan conscripts sent out to the drilling camp. Appear to be a fine set of men. This day closes my first week’s labor under the Christian Commission and find that I have preached nine times, attended four prayer meetings, and distributed 54 testaments, 49 hymn books, 71 small books, 29 bound volumes, 3,944 page tracts, 400 newspapers, and 19 pamphlets.

Sunday, December 13th 1863—Was appointed to preach at Hospital No. 21 [McKendree Methodist Church, Church Street] at 11 a.m. and at No. 12 [Broadway Hotel on Broad Street] at 2 p.m. Attend prayer meeting at 3:30 p.m. in 2nd Presbyterian Church. Had a very comfortable time at Hospital 21. Was indisposed at night. Did not go out.

*Hospital No. 16 served African-American soldiers and contrabands. It measured 82 x 105 feet. It was located on S. College Street in Nashville.*

Monday, December 14th 1863—Visited Hospital No 12 and attended Chaplain’s Meeting at 10. Afternoon visited Camp Smith and distributed 6 testaments and 40 papers. Went to the barracks at night to preach but found the boys all in bed. They had to leave at 1 o’clock in the morning. In company with Br. Stater, visited the Colored Hospital in the afternoon.

Tuesday, December 15th, 1863—Visited Camp Smith in the forenoon. Distributed 12 testaments, 116 papers. At noon was informed I had to go to a place called Cowan [in Franklin county] some 89 miles on the way to Chattanooga. This is sudden and unexpected. I have to labor alone in what I fear is a hard field. Yet I hope the arrangement is in the Providence of God. At night I preached in Hospital No. 16 (the Colored Hospital) to a very attentive audience. Nine o’clock p.m., have just returned from service. I feel sad and oppressed in mind about my future work yet I try to hope and believe God has arranged this appointment and that He will go with me and bless me in my labors. This closes my week in Nashville, Tenn.

On July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army of Tennessee retreated towards Chattanooga, after its defeat in the Tullahoma Campaign, leaving Middle Tennessee under the control of the Union Army of the Cumberland. A military post was maintained at Cowan by Federal forces throughout the remainder of the war. The town was strategically important to both sides due to its proximity to the Cumberland Mountain Tunnel, which linked the railroads in the Midwest to those in the Southeast. This print depicts the soldiers’ dormitories and a defensive fortification contracted by the Union Army. A transport train prepares to leave the post. The name “Rosencrans” is written on the side, in honor of General William Rosencrans, the leader of the Army of the Cumberland.
The artist of the print was Nathan B. Abbott, a Union soldier from Connecticut who served in the 20th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and was promoted to first lieutenant when he rejoined his regiment. He most likely passed through Cowan while traveling to take part in Sherman’s campaigns in Georgia. The print was produced and published by Henry C. Eno, a New York City lithographer active for only a short period during the 1860s. Between 1862 and 1867, he was partnered with another New York lithographer, Henry A. Thomas. *[National Museum of American History]*

Camp Cowan, Tennessee, December 17th 1863—Yesterday morning at 4 a.m. I left Nashville in company with three other delegates. Two were going to Chattanooga and one to Knoxville. I reached the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station at 3 p.m. Met with a kind reception from Lieutenant [Henry H.] Crooks who is in charge of the camp. This morning I started out on my mission of mercy to the sick hospitals and found 40 men there. There is about 295 men all told in the Convalescent Camp at Cowan and the number is decreasing all the time. In the afternoon I visited the men in their tents and distributed. A large number of papers and tracts.

Lieutenant Henry H. Crooks was killed by a gunshot to the head on the 30th of August 1864 on a plantation near Jonesboro, Georgia, while reconnoitering with the 10th Ohio Cavalry. He was serving as an aide-de-camp to Lieut. Colonel Jones, commanding the 2nd brigade of the 3rd Cavalry Division at the time.

Last night I dreamed of being in Company with my brother John. He has been dead 38 years and I have no recollection of ever dreaming about him before. Nor had I thought of him for months. I thought we started in company to go to a railroad station to get on the cars. With some difficulty we got on the platform at the depot and found a large number of persons. I then noticed him sitting on a bench, and saw at once there was something the matter with him. I went to him immediately and said, “Why Hancy, what is the matter with you.” He pulled the pants off of the left leg and was showing me where he was suffering great pain in his thigh near his body when I awoke. Last night was cold and I slept cold, so I do not feel very well this morning.

December 18th 1863—I met with a young man named W. T. Adams who lives 12 miles from here. He says his parents are Methodist, that several of his neighbors are Secesh and left with Bragg’s Army. Visited the men at their tents and distributed papers and tracts. Conversed with many of them on the subject of religion. Last night was very cold and I suffered while in bed.

Saturday, December 19th 1863—Spent this day in visiting the sick in the hospitals and in their tents. Distributed papers and tracts. In the afternoon, was quite unwell. Wrote some letters.

Sunday, December 20th 1863—Camp Cowan, Tennessee. Preached in the hospital tent at 10 o’clock to a small congregation but attentive. In the afternoon, we had a prayer & speaking meeting. Three prayed and 4 spoke. Hope some good was done. Spent the evening in conversation with a Mr. [Eliphaz Cardwell] Porter belonging to the 73rd Illinois—a member of the Presbyterian Church, and [also with] a German named John Holtzhour, 46th Pennsylvania, Co. B and from Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Holtzhour has been strongly tempted to desert and go home sick, absent far from home and deprived of religious privileges and religious society. He felt he could not live without the means of grace. He is in a better state of mind now.

*Eliphaz and Lucinda Parrish Porter of Harrisburg, Saline county, Illinois*. *Lucinda lost three brothers in the Civil War, one of whom—John W. Parrish, was killed in the charge on Missionary Ridge just prior to the date of this diary entry.* *Eliphaz served from 21 August 1862 until 12 June 1865. He would have been almost 37 years old at the time he conversed with Rev. Holliday.*

John Holthour (Holshower in Roster) was drafted into Co. B, 46th Pennsylvania on 18 July 1863. He was a German immigrant, a shoemaker by trade, born about 1820 and living in Brothers Valley Township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, when he registered for the draft. He was among the 123 men in his regiment killed in action on 20 July 1864 in the Battle of Peach Tree Creek.

Monday, December 21st 1863—Camp Cowan. Spent the day in writing letters for some soldiers who could not write themselves. Visited a number of tents and distributed papers and tracts. The day warm and pleasant.

Tuesday, 22nd—Cowan Station. Spent part of the day in visiting the men at their camps and conversing on religious subjects. Visited two old and afflicted negroes who are in a suffering condition. They came with General Sherman from near Vicksburg and were left here on account of sickness. No person seems to have charge of them. One old man is entirely without bedding. The other has been cut off from his rations. The day was exceedingly pleasant—literally “as pleasant as May.” Preached to a large serious and attentive congregation at night in the hospital tent.

December 23, 1863—Cowan Station. Spent the day in writing letters and visiting the sick. Some of the poor contrabands spoken of above are suffering. May God help them. Something must be done for them or they die.

December 24th 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. Visited my two colored sick men. They will leave tomorrow. Hope they will fare better. Was requested to marry a young soldier. At three o’clock, in company with Lieut. Crooks and Dr. Kennedy, went to the head of the valley, [to a place] called Tally Cove, and at 4 o’clock p.m. December 24th 1863 joined in matrimony John Coons to Sally Ann Bowers. Lieut. Crooks of the 10th Ohio Vol. Cavalry, and Dr. Kennedy, Surgeon of the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station as witnesses of the fact.

Sarah A. Bowers appears in the 1860 Cowan, Franklin county, Tennessee US Census as the 13 year-old daughter of Abram Bowers (1809-1880) and Susan Sewall (1821-1904). In the 1870 US Census, she was still enumerated in her parents household in Dechard, Franklin county, Tennessee. Perhaps Sarah eloped with Coons and the father never recognized the marriage.

Friday, 25th December 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. The day was so stormy that we could have no religious services and done what could in visiting the boys at their tents.

Saturday, 26th—Day very wet and inclement. Could do but little in camp. Received a visit from Rev. Mr. Welsh, Chaplain to the Connecticut Regiment and engaged to preach for him tomorrow at 11 o’clock.

Sunday 27th [December] 1863—At 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. in the large hospital tent in Convalescent Camp. Day very wet.

December 28th 1863—Cowan Station, Tenn. All I could do today was to talk with the Boys as opportunity presented itself. Towards evening I was suddenly taken with a violent pain in my back.

Tuesday, December 29th 1863—Suffered greatly with pain in my back last night and all this day. Could do nothing. Preached at night.

December 30, 1863—Better this morning. In company with Lieut. Crook, went in the country some 4 miles to see a sick man. Met him on the road. Went to a Mr. Cowan’s. Had a pleasant time and good dinner.

December 31st 1863—Cowan Station. This is the last day of the year. Very wet. Have been to every tent on the ground and distributed newspapers in all. Back hurt me very much. In the night, it ceased raining and blew up very cold and snowed a little. Just as we commenced prayer meeting, the storm nearly blew the tent over and we had to suspend our meeting. This closes the year 1863—a year of great trial and many bitter disappointments and yet of many blessings.

January 1st 1864—Cowan Station, Tenn. Exceedingly cold this morning. I done but little today. I tried to review the past year and see many imperfections. May my Heavenly Father enable me to spend the year 1864 more to the glory of God than the past.

January 2, 1864. Cowan Station. The day was very cold. Could do but little. Distributed 5 pair of drawers, 5 shorts, and 7 pair socks to the men in the hospital. One case of measles in camp—a young man from Knoxville, Tenn. Very bad.

Sunday, January 3rd 1864—Cowan Station, Tenn. Weather moderated some but found we could not hold service on account of measles in hospital so I must spend the day as I can. Talked with the young man sick with measles. I think he must die. Says he never prayed. Pointed him to the Savior.

January 4th, 1864—This day very cold. Went to the hospital early to see the young man. Found him dead. Died about quarter past 12 o’clock. I greatly fear [him] unprepared. God help me to be faithful.

Thursday, January 5th 1864—An official order received to break up the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station immediately. Preached a funeral sermon at 11 a.m. and then buried the dead man. Weather very cold.

January 6th 1864—Was called up before day[light] to go and see a young man who was dying at the hospital. Wants me to take charge of his effects and send them to his mother. Found him very penitent. Prayed with him at the close. He responded with a hearty “Amen.”

Visited the young man again and tried to point him to the Savior. Mr. Cornelius Shook died at 11 o’clock a.m. I have hope in his death.

Cornelius Shook enlisted on 8 August 1862 at the age of 22 and was mustered into Co. C, 105th Ohio Volunteers. He died of disease on 6 January 1864. Cornelius was an unmarried carpenter working in Liberty, Trumbull county, Ohio, before entering the service.

January 7th 1864—Preached the funeral of Mr. C. Shook today to a serious congregation. Today I received a letter from Mr. Ewing relieving me from the Station and appointing me to labor at Bridgeport [Alabama]. My successor is a Mr. Whitehill, a lay delegate from Franklin County, Ohio. Wrote a letter to Mrs. Sarah Shook [Churchill, Trumbull county, Ohio] informing her of the death of her son.

January 8th 1864—Spent this day in visiting the hospital. Found some men very sick. Think two or three will die soon. Tried to point them to the Savior. Was exceedingly sick all night with headache. Slept but little.

January 9th 1864—Confined to my tent nearly all day with headache. Went to see the sick in the hospital. Find them better.

January 10th 1864—Sunday. This was one of the most interesting days I have spent since I have been in the work of the Christian Commission. Preached in the morning to a large and attentive congregation. Had prayer meeting and speaking meeting in the afternoon. Enjoyed myself much. Hope good was done.

January 11th 1864—This day closes my labors at the Convalescent Camp at Cowan Station. I now go to Bridgeport, Alabama. Started for Bridgeport at 4 o’clock p.m. It was dark when we got to Stevenson and after waiting two hours in the dark & cold, we started in an open car. Reached Bridgeport about 10:30 o’clock, then had one mile to walk in the dark. Finally reached the camp of the 90th Ohio [Volunteers] and found my son. Stayed with Capt. Hitchcock who is now in command of the regiment and had a pretty goo night’s rest.

January 12th—Bridgeport, Alabama. Spent this day in the office. Was somewhat indisposed [but] feel better this evening. I find Bridgeport nothing but a station—no town.

January 13th—Bridgeport. Visited the 90th and 101st Ohio Regiments in the forenoon. In the afternoon went to the colored regiment [14th USCT] and had an interesting time with them. Distributed some half dozen testaments, 12 hymn books, and 12 primers. Was confined to the office the balance of the day on duty. Brothers Pilcher, McKee, and Erving called on their return from Chattanooga “homeward bound.” May the presence of our Heavenly Father go with them and His blessing upon them.

“McKee” may have been Rev. Joseph G. McKee (1832-1868) , pictured above, who established the “McKee School” in Nashville, circa 1865, to educate the contrabands congregating there under Federal protection in 1863. This work was sponsored by the Presbyterians.

January 14, 1864—Bridgeport. Visited the 90th Ohio, 101st Ohio, the Colored Regiment, and the Convalescent Camps. Distributed in the 90th Ohio 6 testaments, 18 hymn books, and 6 papers. In the Colored Regt. 12 testaments, 12 primers, 12 spelling books. Convalescent Camp 60 papers, 450 page tracts promiscuously, 50 papers, 6 testaments, 12 hymn books.

January 15, 1864—Visited the 2nd Kentucky on the hill and distributed one hundred papers among them, 600 page tracts, 12 testaments. Returned to camp and received a message from Capt. Hitchcock in[forming me of death of soldier in 90th OVI]. Was sent to preach the funeral of [Pvt.] James Moravy of Co. D, 90th Ohio at 4 o’clock p.m. Nearly the entire regiment was present and we had an affecting time. He was buried with the honors of war.

January 16th—Bridgeport. Spent the forenoon in Convalescent Camp. Gave away 529 tracts, 91 papers. Had the pleasure of meeting with Rev. L. F. Drake, Chaplain of the 121st Ohio but now detailed as Chaplain of the Field Hospital at Bridgeport. How pleasant to meet a friend far from home. In the afternoon was on duty in the office.

*A drawing of Rev. Lemuel Fordham Drake, Chaplain of the 31st OVI, preaching at Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky on 10 November 1861.*

Sunday, [January] 17th, 1864—Went to preach for the 90th Ohio in the morning. In the afternoon went to the Convalescent Camp to preach but circumstances were unfavorable and I did not. At night I preached to a very large and serious congregation to the Ship Yard. This will probably close my labors at Bridgeport, Alabama. Tomorrow I expect to go to Chattanooga.

January 19, 1864—Chattanooga, Tennessee. Left Bridgeport at daybreak in the first passenger car that has passed from Stevenson to Chattanooga. Reached Chattanooga at 9 o’clock a.m. Five delegates were on the train, some coming to this point, some going to Knoxville. Bishop Simpson of the Methodist Episcopal Church came on the same train. I find some 14 delegates here tonight from eight or ten states. In company with Rev. Holeman of the Maine Conference, I visited General Hospital No. 8 called Johnson’s Hospital. The Brethren appear to be united in their work. I hope God’s blessing will attend their labors.

January 20th 1864—Chattanooga. Preached the funeral of a young man named George E. Wolverton of Co. G, 21st Michigan Vol. Regt., aged 18 years. His home [was] Berlin, Ottawa county, Michigan. A large number of the men of the regiment attended the funeral. At night, Bishop Simpson was expected to preach in the Episcopal Church but failed to attend. I had to fill his place. 10 or 12 ministers of 5 or 6 different denominations belonging to the Christian Commission were present. A large number were in attendance and very serious.

January 21st 1864—Did not do much this day as I was quite indisposed. Visited hospital No. 8 and talked with all the Boys.

January 22nd—Chattanooga. Visited Officers Hospital with Br. Holeman but few men there. Afternoon went to see Rebel prisoners—some 150, mostly deserters [that] want to take the Oath of Allegiance. More intelligent than any I have seen.

January 23rd 1864—Bridgeport, Alabama. This day returned to Bridgport. Was detained at Whiteside more than two hours. Got to Bridgeport an hour after dark Found Br. Douglass had left to visit the 11th Corps. Chritchfield alone. Stayed on Sabbath.

Sunday, [January] 24th 1864—Preached at 11 a.m. to the 7th Pennsylvania. Had a large audience and very attentive. Afternoon preached in Convalescent Camp. At night at the Ship Yard. Heard Br. Merrell preach.

January 25th 1864—Some duty in office after visiting the 90th Ohio.

January 26th 1864—Leave today for Nashville where I expect to remain until Monday, February 1st. The Brigade of which the 90th Ohio forms a part, leaves today at 7 a.m for the front.

January 27th—Reached Nashville about 7 o’clock. Went to the Commission Boarding House and had breakfast. Visited Convalescent Camp in company with Br. Richardson of the Minnesota Conference. Preached for them at 6:30 p.m. I find not only Br. Richardson but also Br. Chauncy Hobart of the West Wisconsin Conference both good men and true.

January 28th 1864—In company with Brother [John V.] Farwell, visited Camp Smith some four miles from Nashville on the Lebanon Pike. This is a convalescent camp. A camp for new recruits and conscripts and also for broken fragments of cavalry regiments. Some 3 or 4 thousand men. We erected a large chapel tent in this camp where service will be held daily.

January 29th 1864—Nashville. Visited Baptist Church where the 3rd Ohio Regiment are quartered on their return home for reenlistment. Distributed 60 papers, 250 tracts, 14 testaments, 24 soldier’s books. Preached once.

January 30th 1864—Visited Camp Smith today, fixing Chapel Tent. Distributed a large number of papers, tracts, testaments, &c. Will have preaching tomorrow morning. Brother Farwell in company.

Sunday, January 31st 1864—Camp Smith, Nashville. Preached at 10 a.m to a large congregation in the Chapel Tent at Camp Smith. In the afternoon, had services, prayer and speaking meetings. Preached at night. Tent blew down at night.

February 1st 1864—at Camp Smith. Had service in chapel tent. Distributed a large number of papers, tracts & testaments.

February 2nd & 3rd. Same as above.

February 4th—Preached at night.

February 5th and 6th 1864—Still at Camp Smith. Nothing of special interest. Distributed [tracts, &c.] Lieut. McCormack sick.

February 7th 1864—Sunday, a day of great interest. Preached at 10 a.m to a large and attentive congregation. Prayer meeting in the afternoon of which we had a speaking meeting. Preached at night.

Saturday, [February] 13th 1864—Had preaching every night this week. The interest greatly on the increase. Some are enquiring what must I do to be saved and one man made a profession of religion and wishes to join the church.

Sunday, 14th [February]—This was a day of unusual interest. Many appeared to be deeply affected and we have strong reason to believe the Lord is about to reveal His work. Amen.

February 21st—Camp Smith. From the 14th to the 21st I have made no entries in my diary. Last week was one of great interest. Our congregation large and serious. Many feel a quickening influence and many are seeking salvation and a few have obtained pardon. For two nights we had to suspend our meetings on account of the extreme cold weather.

Sunday, [February] 21st, 1864—Our meetings were interesting today. Four ladies (Sister Smith and three others) visited our camp today and sand for us. At night our tent was crowded to excess and very attentive.

February 24th, 1864—Rev. Mr. Wright of the Baptist Preacher preached for us last night. Congregation very large.

February 25, 1864—Have a very interesting time at Chapel Tent, Camp Smith. Many are quickened. Many converted. Prospect of a general revival. This night I joined in marriage William Evans and Margaret Melissa West, both of East Tennessee. Had some doubts if I ought to have done it. Hope all is right.

A Tennessee 1961 death certificate for Fannie Belle Moore, wife of Arlie Otis Moore. She gives her parents as William Evans and her mother as Margaret M. West, Knox county, Tennessee. Could this be the same William and Margaret married by Rev. Holliday in February 1864?

February 26th and 27th, Camp Smith near Nashville. Had meeting each night. Many are serious and seeking salvation.

Sunday February 28th 1864—Preached this day at 10 a.m. Prayer and speaking meeting at 3 p.m. Preached at 6. The Chapel Tent was crowded to excess and I became very much excited—perhaps spoke louder than I ought to have done. Just after service closed, it began to rain quite hard. The tent got very wet and I caught a very bad cold. I feared all night I would lose my speach as many of the soldiers had done.

February 29th 1864—Walked to town this morning and intended to stay at home and care my throat if possible but in the afternoon, got word that the Tennessee troops were going to leave early in the morning so I had to go out to camp again, but returned to town at night. So I walked 12 miles today through the rain and mud. My throat very sore and my cold increasing.

Tuesday, March 1st 1864—Nashville. Confined to my room by indisposition. I will not be able to work for some time. Had the deepest snow today we have had this winter. Streets awful muddy.

March 2nd and 3rd 1864—For the last two days I have been confined to my room. My throat is still sore and I am scarcely able to speak above a whisper. I fear I will not be able to do much for some time. Br. Hunt has taken my place.

March 6th 1864—Nashville. Have been sick for one week. Not able to do any work. Feel better today.

Tuesday, March 8th 1864—Am now at the camp of the 4th Tennessee Cavalry camped one mile north of the City of Nashville. Expect to start home in the morning. Leave this place and work with a great deal of regret. The past three months have been months of toil and suffering, yet of some success in the service of my Heavenly Father.

March 9th 1864—Louisville, Kentucky. Started this morning from Nashville, Tenn. in cars at 7 o’clock a.m. in company with Mr. Charles Douglass of the Sate of Maine and another delegate whose name I did not learn. Parted with them at Cave City. Reached Louisville just about sundown. Had on the whole a pleasant trip and a good night’s rest.

March 10th—Louisville, Ky. On board steamboat Major Anderson waiting to start up the river. Met Mrs. Bartram [?], wife of Rev. John Bartram and sister of Rev. J. F. Marley [?]. She came down to see her sick son in the hospital and found him dead. Started up the river about one o’clock and reached Cincinnsati about daylight next morning. Slept but little.

March 11th 1864—Cincinnati. Visited the Commission Rooms and found Brothers Charles Douglass and Lawrence. Seen Rev. J. M. Waldon. Found Edward S. Moore’s family all well. At 6 o’clock p.m. started up the river on the steamboat Izetta. A great many passengers on the boat. I have traveled a great deal on steamboats but I have never seen so much drunkeness or heard so much swearing on a boat in my life. Hope to reach Manchester in the morning in time for the hack to West Union.

March 12th—Adams county, Ohio. Reached home Saturday at 3 o’clock p.m. Found my wife in usual health but her father has been sick all winter. My daughter Ella quite well. Heard my first Father-inlaw was very sick.

Sunday, 13th March 1864—Rested this day.

March 14th—Am now sitting in the room where my first wife was born and where her and I were married, March 7th 1833—31 years ago. Here my oldest son, John, was born. Sad changes have passed over me and mine since that day. She is dead, My children scattered without a home. Yet I have many mercies to record, could my ungrateful heart but appreciate the goodness of God. After all the suffering I have witnessed down in Tennessee, I should not complain.

March 28th 1864—On board steamboat Bostona No. 3. After a visit of two weeks and one day, I this morning took leave of my wife and two little daughters Ella and Flora. It was painful to part with them. I am now returning to labor under the Christian Commission. Know not to what point I may be sent, and I care not if only God is with me and will bless my labors. I have some fears I may never see my wife again. I have very little faith in such impressions yet my mind is seriously affected. I may die. She may die. The day is exceedingly pleasant.

April 1st, 1864—Steamboat Telegraph, Ohio River. I reached Cincinnati last Tuesday morning and remained there until this evening. On Wednesday afternoon attended a meeting of ladies at No. 178 Vine Street, Cincinnati, for the purpose of giving them some information concerning the refugees in Tennessee. I am in a strait betwixt two, not knowing whether to go to Tennessee or Arkansas. I wish to go where I am most needed. May my Heavenly Father guide me by infinite wisdom. I wish to do right—to go where I am most needed and where I will do the most good. I have made some effort to obtain an appointment under “Refugee Relief Commission.” On Thursday night I attended the anniversary of the US Christian Commission at Mozart Hall. Have learned that the Refugee Relief Commission cannot employ any agents at present.

April 2, 1864—On board steamboat Telegraph, Ohio River near Hanging Rock. Last evening left Cincinnati at 6 o’clock, 24 hours running to Ironton. Have felt gloomy all day. Prospects look dark. Had this evening a sweet season of prayer. Oh what would suffering saints do if they had no mercy seat. After pouring out my fears and complaints before my Heavenly Father, I felt calm in mind with a sweet peace in my soul. Bless the Lord for the privilege of prayer.

April 6th, 1864—Portsmouth, Ohio. Reached this place just in time to miss the boat. Had to wait 24 hours, then took the Telegraph. Reached Cincinnati Friday morning. Stayed until Monday 7:30 a.m., then took the cars for ST. Louis, Missouri, which I reached Tuesday at 1 o’clock a.m.

Wednesday, 13th April—On board the good boat Belle St. Louis, Mississippi river. Left ST. Louis at 5 o’clock. But few passengers on board. A splendid boat. My room is No. 41. All very civil. Bound for Memphis, Tenn.

Horrible Affair, Cairo. April 14, 1864—The steamer Platte Valley has just arrived from Fort Pillow with 10 dead men and 30 mortally wounded. The Rebels were commanded [ ]. It is supposed we had some 500 men killed, mostly negroes. The Rebel force was some 9,000 strong. They killed all negro soldiers that surrendered and nearly all the whites. There will be an awful retaliation for this sometime.

*Massacre of Black Troops at Fort Pillow*

I find two delegates at this place—Osmer W. Fay and Rev. Wells. The harvest great, the labors few. No boats going below today. There is also two delegates here on their way to Vicksburg, Miss., waiting for transportation down the river.

April 16th 1864—Mound City, Illinois. This evening got on a government tug and came to this place. Soon found the chaplain of the post. There is a very large hospital here with some 700 patients. Those of Fort Pillow are brought here. Many of them badly wounded and mutilated.

Here I find a Methodist preacher by the name of Elijah Littleton. Visited the hospital and distributed some tracts and books. At two o’clock p.m., preached in the chapel of the hospital to a small but serious congregation. I observe one thing here I have not seen in any other hospital—all the female nurses are Catholic nuns or sSisters of Charity, dressed entirely in black with a kind of white hood and long black vail hanging down their back half to their feet.

April 18th 1864—Mound City, Illinois. On board the United States. Spent the Sabbath in this place. Visited the hospital in the morning. Seen many of the wounded from Fort Pillow. There condition is horrible. Preach in the chapel of the hospital to a very attentive audience at night. Preached in the Methodist Episcopal Church to a large congregation. This is one of the finest fields for usefulness in this hospital for a chaplain I have ever seen anywhere. The Rev. S[tephen] S[argent] Morrill [1831-1878] is chaplain.

April 19th 1864—Cairo, Illinois. Still detained at Cairo but hope to get off this afternoon. Last night I preached to a very attentive congregation though it was small. Felt great liberty. Hope some good was done. Since writing the above, I have visited the “Refugees” quarters at Cairo. The Rev. W. C. Merritt is the Agent. I find about 400 refugees are received every week. Many are very destitute and have been robbed of all they possessed on Earth. Many are sick and dying. One very interesting came under my own observation—a Mr. Croaker from Buncombe county, North Carolina, with his family reached this place yesterday. He had to leave his home in the winter, snow 10 inches deep, no shoes, only old shoe soles tied on his feet. His wife and some small children with him. They had to find their way through the mountains without a road, had to lay out at night without shelter, all the journey performed on foot. God preserved him and his. He tells me he has five sons in the army. His brother [has] ten sons and his present wife, four brothers all in the Union army. He is 65 years old. Says his father is still living, one hundred and eight years [old in] Alabama. He left him in Bunscombe. Was a revolutionary soldier, wounded at Kingston.

Just heard of a case like this. A Mr. W. R. Allison from Mattoon, Illinois, was working a cotton plantation on the banks of Tensas Lake, Louisiana, when a party of Rebels came upon him and took 10 of his mules, 50 or 60 of his neighbors, and then made Mr. Allison dig his own grave. When they shot him and buried him in it. This information is obtained from the negroes who were working for him and escaped.

April 20th 1864—Mississippi river below Cairo. Last evebing got on board the C. E. Hillman. The clerk said he would give me a ticket but no room although half the beds were unoccupied. My feelings were much hurt, but after a season of prayer, I left more calm. A captain of artillery interested himself in my case and secured me a room. I slept sweet and feel refreshed. I was alone in a room with four beds. But few passengers on board. People are afraid to travel below Cairo. May my Heavenly Father preserve us all to our destination. When I think of the comfortable nights rest I had after a season of service, temptation and trial, I must say, “He giveth His beloved sleep.”

April 20th 1864—3 o’clock p.m. on Mississippi River half way from Cairo to Memphis. I find the woods begin to look green. Apple and plum trees are in bloom. We are wooding at an island. The stream between which us and the shore is very narrow.

April 21st, 1864—Memphis, Tenn. Reached this place this morning just before day. The trip from Cairo here was a very unpleasant one but like many other trials, it is past. I reached the Commission Rooms at No. 10 Gayoso House just after daybreak. Found it closed. Had to wait until 9 o’clock for the delegates to open. This is wrong. They ought to open at the earliest period. I feel at a great loss to know what course to pursue. May my Heavenly Father direct me with HIs spirit and word. I find two delegates here by the name of Burns and Boyington. The local agent, by the name of Ensign, is absent, So [too] the field agent Burnell. I find a little Miss ____ in the office exceedingly ____. I have yet to learn what use she is to the Commission except to play on the Melodion. I don’t like the way things are conducted at Cairo or Memphis.

April 23, 1864—Memphis. Visited Fort Pickering today with 265 papers, 400 tracts, 12 Soldier’s books, 12 hymn books. Called on Chaplain Price, 55th US Colored [Troops]. Made an arrangement to preach in the fort tomorrow. Two delegates arrived this morning by the name of Perrizine [?], Methodist, and Stewart, Baptist.

April 25th 1864—Memphis. Preached at Fort Pickering in the morning from 2nd Timothy, 4-7. In the afternoon 2nd Corinthians, 6-1 to very attentive congregations. Met with a Brother Wells of the Iowa Conference (a private).

April 29, 1864—Fort Pickering. The last five days have been very unpleasant to me and it seems as if I was doing but little good. I have had great difficulty in getting a place to board or lodge. Just at this moment, a man by the name of Martin Smith was hanged in Fort Pickering for giving aid to the Rebels. I learn he died penitent and in hope of pardon. May God have mercy on his soul.

May 1, 1864—Memphis. Friday night at 1 o’clock a.m., I was violently attacked with something like bloody flux. All day yesterday and today quite sick, under medical treatment, but better now. This is a beautiful Sabbath. Heard yesterday of the death of my brother George in Kansas.

May 9th 1864—Memphis. After being quite sick for some 5 or 6 days since which I have been laboring around the city. On Saturday I received a letter from Mr. J. Dalton, Chair Ex Com. of Refugee Relief Committee of Ohio in which they say they are sending me several boxes of bedding and clothing for the refugees at this place. On Sunday the 8th, received a letter from Christian Commission at St. Louis enclosing 25 dollars and ordering me to Little Rock, Arkansas. I do not know what to do. May my Heavenly Father direct me. I want to do that that will be most for the glory of God.

May 11th 1864—Memphis. Visited the 1st Miss. Cavalry. Distributed 110 papers, 6 testaments, 50 soldier’s books, 300 pages tracts.

In the afternoon visited the Colored School on the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. T. N. Stewart (Colored) of Columbus, Ohio, is teacher assisted by his oldest scholars. There are 280 scholars enrolled. The school commenced February 22, 1864. The 1st day he had 53 scholars, 2nd day 77. Some 40 who commenced in the alphabet are now reading in the 2nd Reader. He boards with a colored man by the name of Joseph Clouston whose wife is a scholar in theclass of 2nd Reader. 20 years ago Clouston bought himself for $2,250 dollars. He is now worth 50 to 75 thousand dollars. They raise almost any Sabbath from $35 to $50. The church is from $1500 to 2,000 in debt but they say they will pay it in one year. The church is some 75 feet in length, 45 wide, basement under the whole which is brick. The upper part frame, painted white and well seated, two local preachers.

May 19th 1864—After laboring in Memphis just four weeks, I started this evening just at sundown for Little Rock, Arkansas on the steamboat Tycoon. Fare 20 dollars. After a tedious trip, we reached Duvall’s Bluff Sunday morning at 4 o’clock. Started on the railroad for Little Rock at 6:30 a.m. We reached the halfway station in good time but had to wait four hours for the train to pass. We reached Little Rock at 6 o’clock p.m. sick and tired.

May 29th 1864—Little Rock, Arkansas. Have been here one week. Much disappointed in the place and things and think I will leave soon. Preached in the Colred Church at 10:30 o’clock.

June 9th 1864—Camp 77th Ohio Regiment, Little Rock. Since the above date (May 29th) I have been laboring very hard for the US Christian Commission for the Colored Church and the 77th Ohio Regiment, but yesterday and this morning I feel very much dejected and discouraged. I indulged a strong hope that a was was about to open by which I should find permanent employment by getting a position as Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regiment and by taking charge of the Colored Church in Little Rock. The last I can get and I feel I might be usefully employed, but I fear I could not get a support for my family. I expect my efforts to secure the Chaplaincy will (as usual) fail. And if it does fail, I must take it for granted that Providence designs I shall never hold the position of Chaplain in the ARmy and I will never make another effort to secure such a position. May God help me. Amen.

I can in truth say I earnestly desire to be useful, to please my Heavenly Father, and t air at doing His will in everything. But my way seems dark and mysteriously caged up in every direction. I cannot but feel if I was more Holy—had more faith in God, it would be better with me in my temporal matters. Oh Lord, I seek light and wisdom from Thee. Be pleased to help me “Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him, &c.”

June 15th 1864—Camp 77th Ohio Regt. Since writing the last in this diary, some important matters have taken place. I have been unanimously elected Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regiment and the papers have been forwarded to the Governor of Ohio for my commission. A commission will no doubt be granted but whether I will be mustered in is doubtful. [A note in the back of the diary indicates he began boarding at the sutler’s of the 77th OVI on this date]

In connection with the Chaplaincy, I have taken charge of the Colored Congregation in Little Rock, Arkansas. May my Heavenly Father help me so I may be useful. In this church, there is a large field of labor and perhaps usefulness. These downtrodden ones are to be enlightened, &c.

June 18th 1864—Little Rock, Ark. One week since I closed my labors in the US Christian Commission. I spent one week in Cairo, Illinois [and] four weeks at Memphis, Tenn.

July 5th 1864—In camp at Little Rock, Arkansas. The Fourth of July was spent very quiet. No public demonstration except firing 37 guns from Fort Steele. The weather has been intensely hot and sickness is on the increase. Nearly 20 in the hospital.

August 5th 1864—Little Rock, Arkansas. It is just one month since I made an entry in this journal. The 7th of this month I had, in addition to the regiment and Colored Congregation, to take charge of the rooms of the Christian Commission at this place. This has kept me constantly employed. Thayer and Stinchfield left sick. Allen left at the same time sick but being detained at Duvall’s Bluff, he got better and returned. 4 days after, he became very sick and has done nothing since. On Friday, July 29th, I received my commission from Governor Brough of Ohio as Chaplain of the 77th Ohio Regt. Vet. Volunteers, dated July 15, 1864. The next day I made application to be mustered in but found my papers were not right—or at least did not suit the mustering officer. This 5th day of August I applied again but fear I will lose one hundred dollars, if not all for two months. If so, I will not accept my commission at all. This is a source of vexation and trouble—a trial of my faith. May my Heavenly Father so enlighten my mind, so influence my heart, that I may know and do what is right, and so overrule these events as well promote His glory and my good for Jesus’ sake, amen and amen.

Some un-transcribed notes in the back of Rev. Holliday’s Diary with names and residences and/or regimental affiliations of individuals he encountered during the period he kept this diary.