The following journal was kept by Reuben Cross Norton (1838-1920), the son of Hoel Buell Norton (1797-1876) and Margaret Cross (1799-1866) of Rockford, Illinois. Reuben’s father was born in East Bloomfield, New York; his mother was born in Sligo, Ireland. The Norton’s were residing in Bridgewater, Michigan in the late 1830s when Reuben was born. They moved to Rockford, Illinois, in 1852. It’s noted that Reuben’s father’s name is spelled “Hoel” on his grave marker and in the cemetery records. Upon his death in 1876, he was remembered by his friends for his “strict integrity and probity.”
Reuben first entered the war in September 1861, enlisting in Co. G (the “Northwestern Rifles”), 44th Illinois Infantry, with his brother Marcus Norton. Reuben rose in the ranks and was commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Co. G in April 1862 but resigned in January 1863. Though a veteran, he was drafted into the same company on 30 March 1864 and served in the ranks of the 44th Illinois as a private throughout the Atlanta Campaign. After he was wounded in the Battle of Franklin in late November 1864, he was transferred to the Field & Staff (F&S) to serve as a hospital steward with Dr. Emery Merrifield. He remained in this capacity until 25 September 1865 when he mustered out of the regiment at Port Lavaca, Texas. At the time of his enlistment he was described as a dark-haired, dark-eyed mechanic who stood just shy of five and a half feet tall.
After he returned to civilian life, Reuben married Miss Flora M. Holbart in 1874 and settled in Rockford where he worked as a pattern maker in the Love Manufacturing Company. He died of pneumonia in 1920.
Several years ago I transcribed a couple of other letters by the Norton family. One was by Samuel Norton (1839-1926), Reuben’s younger brother who became a druggist in Rockford. He was a frequent correspondent with Reuben. See—1865: Samuel Norton to Reuben Cross Norton.
Another brother, Robert (“Bob”) F. Norton (1836-1918) moved to Minneoah, Minnesota, in 1854 and then enlisted in Co. B, 7th Minnesota Infantry, during the Civil War. See—1865: Robert F. Norton to Katie Hinds.
The journal, 1865 letter, and cdv of Reuben C. Nelson are all from the collection of Allen Cebula and made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.
Sunday, September 25, 1864—Left Atlanta by rail for Chattanooga where we arrived safe on the 26th September. Went into camp at [ ] Crutchfield. From this date until the 18th of October we were on the wing along the railroad and I had no opportunity to write.
October 18, 1864—Broke camp at Bridgeport and took the cars for Chattanooga. From here we marched w3 miles and camped at dusk on the Chickamauga battleground.
19th—Broke camp 7 o’clock and marched a distance of 15 miles. Camped at Lafayette.
20th—Marched at 6. Went 15 miles and camped only 10 miles from Lafayette. Went 2.5 miles out of the way.
21st—Broke camp at 6 and marched to Alpine, a distance of 12 miles and camped for the night.
22nd—Laid by today. Did some foraging in the way of apples and sweet potatoes, pigs, sheep, and chickens were brought into camp by the thousand.
23rd—Still in camp. Forage wagons gone out again. Don’t know what we are laying here for. At noon I, together with about a dozen of the 44th, went to a mill about 6 miles from here and got a wagon load of flour. I rather like raiding. It brings a change of diet which is very beneficial to health.
24th—Still in camp. Orders to take anything that we need to eat. Our policy seems to be to clean this valley completely of forage so that the Rebs never can take advantage of it again to slip from our grasp.
25th—On picket today. Quiet.
26th—The 44th left Alpine and went to a mill 12 miles distant with orders to run it and live on the country during our stay. The mill is a good one with two run of stone—one for flour and the other for meal.
27th—Busy today inn fixing quarters. Forage teams out. Are going ot built a fort for protection against guerrillas who are very plenty around here. Two men were killed a day or two ago by some of Gatewood’s men—a notorious band of bushwhackers and cutthroats. Woe be to them if they fall into our hands.
[Editor’s Note: John Pemberton Gatewood (b. 1845) was a controversial guerrilla fighter from the Fentress county, Tennessee, raised amidst the conflicting loyalties of Confederate and Union supporters. During the Civil War, paranoia tore communities apart, leading to brutal rivalries. Known as the “Red-headed Beast of Georgia” for his size and wild hair, Gatewood’s ferocity stemmed from his family’s deep Confederate roots in East Tennessee, an area of Union sympathizers. He joined Champ Ferguson’s guerrillas when he learned of his family’s mistreatment by Union soldiers.]
28th—On guard over a bushwhacker taken during the day by our pickets. Regiment marched at noon. Went to Lafayette 12 miles.
29th—Marched 24 miles and camped 4 miles out of Chattanooga.
30th—Marched through town and camped on Lookout Creek at the foot of the mountain. Laid in this camp all day worked on Pay Rolls.
31st—Laid in same camp today. Pay rolls signed by the men.
November 1, 1864—Took the cars this morning at Chattanooga, Tennessee, for Athens, Alabama, where we arrived about two o’clock on the morning of the 2nd.
2nd—Left the cars and marched 3 miles and went into camp for the night.
3rd—Broke camp at 12 M and marched 10 miles. Rained all day. Slept cold all night.
4th—Broke camp at 7 o’clock and marched 17 miles. Crossed the Elk River. Had to ford it. Water four feet deep and cold as Greenland. Twas hard on the little ones. After crossing the river, we struck a good turnpike road.
5th—-Marched 5 miles. Passed through the city of Pulaski and camped in a hill 1.5 miles from town.
6th—Moved camp on the other side of town. We are to fortify our position. The Rebs are reported advancing on this place in force. Let them come. They will find the old 4th Corps ready for them. Wrote to Sam first letter in two or three weeks. Had no stamps to put on them. The weather is quite cold. Need three or four blankets over us at night. Will soon have to go into winter quarters.
7th—Commenced work on the breastworks. Worked four hours on the fort. Went on police guard at night. 7 reliefs.
8th—More work. The heavy work on the fort is nearly done. The rest is to be done by detail. Moved camp inside fort.
November 9, 1864—Worked very busily on our quarters. Got them up in good shape. Rain all day. Went on police guard at night.
10th—Put up a chimney and fireplace to our tent. The weather has come off clear and cold and a fire in the tent is a great luxury.
11th—Received our pay from the government. $118.30. Buck paid me $5.50. Al Hobart $2.50, N[at] Ramsdell $1.00. Paid sutler $10.50. Paid [Wilson] Johnson $3.00. Paid Sebastion $2.50. Paid Zack 10 cents.
12th—Weather growing cold fast. The wind has dried up the mud in the roads and the going is quite possible. It is rumored that we leave this place for Nashville or Columbia. How much reliance we may put in this grape vine, I cannot say. Time will tell. Are we never to have rest? Ever since the first of May we have been on the wing, not being in one place long enough to was our clothes hardly or at least we dare not commence the operation of washing for fear that we would be obliged to march before they would have time to dry and for us to carry wet clothes in addition to our load is out of the question.
13th—On picket guard today. Very strict orders. Are not allowed to sit down on post. Have to carry our guns at shoulder arms or right shoulder shift. The weather is very cold.
14th—Nothing unusual going on today. Had a mail but I got no letters. The recruits of the 36th Illinois came up today. Got a Spencer gun yesterday. Paid $25 for it.
15th—Rained all night last night. Lowery and black today. Wrote to Mac and Eliza. On police guard last night. Rain quite hard.
16th—Rain all day just for a change. Mud up to knees or less. Dress parade at 4 o’clock. Twenty men from the regiment in the line. The rest on guard.
17th—Rain. Rain. On police guard last night. Weather growing cold.
18th—A very material change in the weather. Rain just for a change. Nothing unusual going on. The usual camp routine.
19th—Rain, will it never cease. The mud is getting something to be dreaded. Up to my knees or less. Not much less either. Have no letters from home yet. It has now been over 6 weeks since I have had a letter from any of my friends or relatives. There is a report that there is a large mail for our Corps at the depot. Hope there will be some for me as I am quite anxious to hear from home. The regiment is nearly all drunk today. Well let them drink. I was no whiskey on my plate. Coffee or cold water will do very well for Rube. I have seen too much of the evil arising from the too free use of liquor. It makes a beast of a man [and] unfits him for the duties for which he is here. It promotes quarrels and discord and I verily believe that the death of one quarter of our soldiers are occasioned through the agency of liquor.
20th—No rain today but the sky is overcast with clouds and weather is quite chilly. That large mail arrived at camp safe but there was none for me. Al stil receives from one to three a day, yet he writes but half as many as I do. Stamps are played out and none are to be had in this place. The indications are that we will soon be on the march again. On police guard tonight.
21st—Orders were received to march this morning but for some reason we did not go. Snow today quite hard.
22nd—Marched this morning at 8 o’clock. Our regiment led the division. Went 12 miles and camped at Linnville. Very cold. Freezing all day. On picket. Cold comfort.
23rd—Very cold today. Relieved from picket at dark this eve.
24th—At 12 M, broke camp. At 4 o’clock this morning marched to Columbia, a distance of 23 miles. Formed line of battle and got coffee. Slight skirmishing near town. Two hundred recruits joined the regiment today.
25th—Considerable skirmishing today. Our regiment took no part in it. Built breastworks at night. Our division moved round to the right.
26th—Battle commenced in earnest this morning. Worked last night on breastworks. No general engagement in our front. Rained nearly all day quite hard. Had orders to move this eve but did not march.
27th—Cloudy but no rain this morning. Skirmishing quite brisk. Fell back across the river. Mud knee deep in places. Crossed the river on pontoons.
28th—Moved about thre e miles to the left and formed our lines near and parallel to the river. Here we had orders to out up camp and make ourselves as comfortable as circumstances would permit. A sharp artillery was kept all day at the river. Also considerable skirmishing.
29th—Fell back at 8 in the morning to Spring Hill where we had a severe skirmish with Reb cavalry. They were going for our train but did not succeed in getting at it.
30th—Rear guard today. Marched in line of battle to Franklin 10 miles, Rebs close at our heels but very cautious of our artillery. Fell back to our breastworks. Rebs came for us about 3 o’clock but were repulsed. They made 7 or 8 charges and were repulsed every time. I received a slight would in the left shoulder about 5 o’clock. Do not think it will lay me up a great while. This was one of the most severe fights of the war. It is estimated that the Rebs lost 10 times the men that we did.
December 1, 1864—Wound quite sore today. Walked from Franklin to Nashville last night, 18 miles. Saw Doc this morning. Joined the regiment as soon as it came in. Rebs did not come on us today.
2nd—All quiet this morning. Moved camp about 1 mile to the right. Skirmishing still continues along the lines.
3rd—Appointed hospital steward to rank from the 15th September. All quiet today along the lines. Moved on to the front lines. Strengthened the works. Rebs showed themselves in considerable numbers in our front today. Wound doing finely. Got a letter from Mack with $4 worth of stamps.
4th—Wound getting better. Saw 7th Minnesota, Al Huff and Tom Hanly.
5th—Saw Waterhouse Battery. George and Charley Manlove. Saw Hank Ballou.
6th—Everthing is lovely and the goose hangs high. No unusual demonstration in our front today. Considerable firing kept up by the pickets on both sides
7th—Reported for duty.
8th—Wound almost well. Suffer no inconvenience from it.
9th—We are having quite a snow storm today. Two inches now on the ground. 2 p.m. and no prospect of a cessation in the storm.
10th—Nothing unusual today.
11th—Cold as Greenland today. Snow still on the ground. Sent three men to Division Hospital—Miller, Dutchman, and a man from Co. C. Had a letter from Sam yesterday. Al Haugh was here to dinner.
12th—Little warmer today. Sent 6 men to hospital. Harned from Co. G.
13th—Cold again/ Snow still on the ground.
14th—Went to town today. Nothing unusual on the lines.
15th—Broke camp at 6 a.m. Brigade formed in front of the works. 44th as skirmish line to cover the Brigade inside the works. I went forward with the Brigade in company with Doc. [Emery A.] Merrifield. The Johnnies were driven out of their works. A large number of prisoners were taken and several pieces of artillery.
Battle of Nashville
16th—Regiment came up this morning. Went on the front line. There is a large number of or regiment wounded. How many it is impossible now to tell. The fight raged with great fury until night came on, shutting out the Rebs from our view. The 44th lost heavily owing to its being on the front line. The number lost was 35.
17th—Rebs in full retreat today. We are after them hot. Cavalry took in a large number of prisoners. Rebs lost in this battle 56 pieces of artillery and some 6 or 8 thousand small arms. Camped for the night near Franklin.
18th—Crossed the Harpeth River and marched 18 miles and camped in a cornfield, mud up to knees.
19th—Found the Johnnies at Duck Creek. Went into camp for the night.
20th—Marched at 12 M. Crossed Duck Creek and went into camp 3 miles.
21st—Lay in camp all day. Snow and cold as Greenland. Received two letters from Eliza. Also from [ ]. Wrote an answer to both.
22nd—Laid in camp all day and at night marched about 4 miles and crossed Duck River. Passed through Columbia.
23rd—Marched at 2 p.m. Went about 4 miles and went into camp. Cavalry had a brisk skirmish with Forrest’s command.
24th—Marched 16 miles and went into camp. Our Brigade led the Corps. Cavalry skirmishing all day briskly. Passed through Linnville today. Christmas eve. How different from last year at this time. I remember that at about this hour of the evening I was enjoying myself hugely with —— in a horse an cutter [sleigh] “two forty on the pike. But here we are in camp after a hard days march with nothing to shelter us but the blue canopy of Heaven. Yet I would not exchange places. I am content knowing that we are fast winding up the Rebellion and when that is accomplished, we can all go home and enjoy ourselves at our hearts content.
25th—Christmas. Rainy and disagreeable. Marched at 9 o’clock. Our Brigade in the rear of the Corps. Went 14 miles. Passed through Pulaski. Here we left the pike. Roads very muddy. Afterwards cavalry had a very severe fight. Had to call on the infantry to recapture some artillery the Rebs had taken from them. They accomplished their object and report has it took a Brigade of Rebel cavalry. There is another report in circulation to the effect that the Johnnies took a regiment of our cavalry. How true these reports are I am unable to say. At all events, it is evident that the Rebs were hard pressed as they left large quantities of ammunition for both artillery and small arms besides some 20 or 30 wagons.
26th—Laid by today to draw rations. Drew three to last five. Some rain last night but none during the day.
27th—Marched at 7 a.m. Went 10 miles. Went into camp in a high hill at 2.30 p.m. The roads are very muddy, 6 to 8 inches deep. Hard on artillery. Almost impossible to get along. Our cavalry is pecking at their rear, pushing them hard.
28th—Our Brigade led the Corps today. Marched 13 miles and went into camp about 3 o’clock. Roads not quite as bad today as they were yesterday. The day was clear and pleasant.
29th—Laid in camp today. Foraging parties gone out. The report is this morning that the Johnnies are all across the river. The Pioneers were all ordered to take the back track to repair the roads. The rumor is that we will all move back in the morning.
30th—Laid in camp today. Nothing unusual going on.
31st—Division marched at 9 o’clock. Took the back track as far as Lexington where we took the road for Athens. Our regiment rear guard for the train. Did not get into camp until 7 o’clock p.m. Drew three days rations to last five.
1865
January 1, 1865—The new year was ushered in bright and clear, not a cloud obscured the Heavens. The weather is quite cold but just right for marching. Broke camp at 8 o’clock and marched a distance of 8 miles. This we did without halting once. Although we made the distance without a halt, I never marched the same distance with as much ease. There is plenty of forage in this vicinity and the boys are improving their time to good advantage. They are coming into camp with hams and bacon with now and then a hog.
January 2nd 1865—Laid in camp today. 1st and 3rd Divisions are building a bridge across the Elk River. We will have to lay here until it is completed when we will again resume our march. The boys are going in so “heavy on the forage” that Gen. Wood has issued an order calling for a roll call six times a day making it the duty of commanding officers to report all absentees and such will be dealt with severely. Passes are to be given to a sufficient number to obtain all the forage necessary for the companies. Well, it does look rather hard to take so much from the citizens but look at it in another light, it is all right. If it were not for some citizens we would not be here now and the sooner they are starved out the sooner we can go home. In that light, I look at it.
3rd—Orders to march at 2 o’clock. Went about a mile and a half for an ambulance to take a sick man from Co. I to the Division Field Hospital. Did not get it as the Lieutenant in charge of the train thought it would be useless to go up to the Brigade and back again as the ambulances would have to pass the regiment on the march and the patient could be taken in. Marched 6 miles. Crossed the Elk River on a bridge made of logs and rails.
4th—Marched at daylight this morning. Went 22 [miles] and camped at sundown. Passed through Athens.
5th—Marched at daylight. Went 10 miles and got into camp at 11.30 o’clock. Struck a splendid pike in three miles of Huntsville. Made one of the quickest marches today that I ever did. Went four miles in one hour over the muddiest kind of road. Cavalry is nowhere to the Flying Infantry of the 1st Brigade.
6th—Laid in camp today. Fatigue men sent out to chop logs for winter quarters. Sent two men to Division Hospital.
7th—Have not moved camp yet. Will not until the quarters are done at work on them.
8th—Still in our tents. Work on quarters is progressing rather slow.
9th—Still in same camp.
10th—At work on Shebang. Logs all cut. Will commence pulling up in the morning.
11th—Got the logs all at camp by night and in the eve put them up. Got the last log on at 10.30 o’clock.
12th—Work on the house. Get along slow on account of a scarcity of nails.
13th—Worked on the shebang. Put up bunks, built chimney, got the roof on so that we can live in it.
14th—Still at work on house. Moved in today. Weather mild and clear, Wrote to Eb and Colonel Bunnell.
15th—I wrote to Sam today concerning box. Sent for Spiritus Ter. &c.
16th—Getting somewhat settled down in the Brigade. Looks quite citified. There is about 500 houses in the Brigade, all built alike—or at least of the same size.
17th—Wrote to Dell. No unusual stir in camp today.
18th—Wrote to Pearly Sage, Rochester, Gambro county, Minnesota. The boys was inspected today by the Inspector, Capt. Layton. The weather continues fine. Reminds one of spring in the Northern States.
19th—Wrote to Eb. Also to R. F. Mercer, Nashville, concerning ballad, Battle of Nashville. Enclosed $5 for 100 copies. Also to [sister] Eliza. Col. Russell arrived in camp today. Dress Parade.
Huntsville, Alabama
January 19, 1865
Dear Sister [Eliza],
I am not in debt to you for a letter. Nevertheless will write. I make a practice when it is so that I can to write at least once a week to all my correspondents whether I hear from them or not. Our Division has gone into winter quarters at this place. We arrived here on the 5th of this month and immediately commenced the construction of quarters. We have them done and are in them. They are built of logs 7×10 in size, 6 feet high and covered with our shelter tents. Each house is calculated to accommodate 4 men, are furnished with a chimney large enough to do our cooking, and altogether are very comfortable. The house I am in is built a little larger (9×18). Five of us occupy it 9the non-commissioned staff). I have not heard from home direct since the Battle of Nashville so do not know how our folks are getting on. I hear from Eber quite often. He seems to be [paper torn] with his wife as well he may. I was somewhat acquainted with her before he married her and always thought her a very sensible woman. She was at the time of her marriage with Ebe a widow with one child—a very bright boy some two or three years of age. I am proud to claim her as sister Sarah.
I hear from Hattie once in a while. She was teaching school when I heard from her last. She don’t get married yet. More the wonder. Let me see. She is 25 years old, is she not? If this war does not end in the course of the year, her chances in the matrimonial market will be very poor. There are so many girls—so much younger girls—who when the war broke out were in short dresses that I am afraid her chance will be slim, especially as the young men are nearly all killed off. I saw Doc the other day. he is well. Had been laying back to Pulaski with the artillery but is now in town. The prospect is good for our laying here two months at least, perhaps three. I sent to Mother for a box to be sent by Express to this place. She is going to send butter cake and such like [paper torn] but I forgot to mention her [paper torn].
I lost all my traps when I was wounded at Franklin. Among other things, a new housewife which she had just sent me. It contained needles, thread, &c. and came very handy. I meant to tell her to send me another one. This same Battle of Franklin was the most severe to the Rebels of any since the war began. In ancient or modern history we find no accounts of as bloody a battle. In the space of two hours, some (7,000) seven thousand Rebels were killed or wounded while the Yanks lost some 2,000. While following Hood in his retreat, we passed over the battlefield. 3432 Rebel graves were counted and citizens of Franklin say that large numbers of the dead were claimed by friends and carried away.
My wound is nearly healed over. I suffer no inconvenience from it. I have got the ball that inflicted the wound. Will save it if possible until I get home. T’will be a good trophy of that battle at least. Will close. Write soon. Yours, &c. — Rube Norton
Hospital Steward, 44th Illinois Infantry, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Huntsville, Alabama.
To Miss E. J. Hinds, Aurora, Illinois
20th—Rain today and all night.
21st—Rain all day. Will have to pay for the fine weather we have been having lately.
22nd—Wrote to Hattie today. Nothing unusual in the wind.
23rd—Wrote to Monroe Carpenter.
24th—Nothing unusual going on in the regiment today.
25th—Ditto.
26th—Also ditto.
27th—Took our chimney down and rebuilt it. Draws like fun now. Weather still continues clear and cold. Ground froze to the depth of [ ]. Received a letter from Sam and answered it. [Fairy Bell poem]
The way a raw recruit was taken in and done for. The “Chappe” upon whom this trick was performed is a young man of German birth not overstocked with common sense but possessing self esteem enough for three common mortals.
We had been riding on the cars from one point to another for several days scarcely once getting off the train and had stopped at Bridgeport for the night. The Colonel let the boys get off the train and put up their tents. Consequently, they were in good spirits and rife for any fun. It was the first time Charley had ever been in camp and he was very much bewildered at the numerous camp fires and asked us a great many foolish questions in regard to them. To learn him a thing or two the “Scout” was gotten up.
Among ourselves it was arranged that a few of us who were in the secret were to leave the camp a short distance and act as Secesh guards while others would talk the matter up before Charley and get him in good spirits for the trial. Everything being arranged, Nat Ramsdell came up to the fire around which we were sitting saying he had a detail from Col. Russell for him and Charley to scout the Rebel camp and learn if possible the intentions of the enemy in regard to our movements. After much talk and considerable bantering, we got them started and we took our posts. We had not been long at our posts when we heard them coming along very cautiously. The sentinel discovered them and demanded them to halt and make known their business. Nat answered that they were friends with the countersign. He advanced until near enough for his purpose when he dealt the unsuspecting sentinel a blow over the head with the butt of is gun which laid him out.
He then beckoned the now terrified Charley to come up assuring him the guard was past doing them harm, that they were now inside the Rebel lines and must proceed with the utmost caution. Charley came up trembling giving the body of the supposed Reb a wide berth and the two passed on. They had proceeded but a short distance when they run directly on a Battery (an old barrel filled with oyster cans). A few commands given in a loud voice caused them to come to a sudden halt. Nat turned and caught Charley by the arm and told him in a tone that sent a chill of horror through the boy’s frame that they had run on a masked battery and their on;y salvation was in flight. They started off on the run, taking the direction of our own camp (Charley in his fright supposed the fires in his front were those of the Rebel camp). Our whole party started in pursuit yelling out to stop the Yankee spies. This scared Charley nearly out of his wits causing him to make greater speed. It was all Nat could do to keep within sight of him but by making almost superhuman exertions, he succeeded. Of course they distanced us and finally eluded us altogether in the darkness.
Nat, perceiving that they were not pursued, halted to take breath telling Charley that all danger from the guards was past and that they would now creep up to the fire and learn all they could and steal back to our camp with the information thus gained. They moved cautiously along when the boys around the fire, seeing them and thinking the boy had been through enough, called for Nat to come in. But Nat “couldn’t see it in that light” but proposed to see the thing through. So turning to Charley he said, “Now you see they know me and unless we can reach that house, we are done for. I got friends there and if we succeed in reaching it, we are safe. Otherwise, death is our portion. Now,” continued Nat,” in order to reach the house you see, we will have to pass close to that squad of men standing the fire, but if we take a run for it and go like the devil, I think we will make the siffle [?].”
Charley received these instructions with open mouth and beating heart and they started. They went with the speed of a whirlwind but twas no use. Just as they were opposite the fire, the squad charged them and succeeded in capturing Nat but Charley got away and would have reached the house had not Nat implored him in piteous tones not to leave him in that fix but to render him some assistance. Charley turned with the intention of helping him when the squad in a body made a dash for him at the same time, giving an unearthly yell. This was too much for Charley and he started off like a rocket. He made such speed that no attempt was made to capture him. In fact, t’would have been useless to have attempted his capture as a locomotive under full speed would have been a “slow coach” in regard to speed compared with his time made on that occasion.
After wandering around among the numerous camps, he finally found his company. At sight of him the boys gathered around him to hear his adventures. With eyes starting from his head he told his story, winding up by informing us that we were in great danger from a Rebel battery planted only a few hundred yards off and trained directly upon us and unless we got out of that place and that right speedily, we would be blown to the devil. Here the boys could hold in no longer but burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter while Charley sneaked off to his with a faint idea that he had been sold. This scrape furnished us material for a good laugh for a long time. Often I have waked up at night and found myself laughing at it.
March 5, 1864—Quite an amusing scene occurred in camp a day or so ago. It seems that one of the regimental horses had been missing for several days and it was generally believed that it had been stolen by some of the Darkies who are often seen prowling around camp with the evident design of confiscating whatever they could lay hands upon.
The Colonel [Wallace W. Barrett] had occasion to go to the rear of the camp for some purpose where he espied a couple of little Darkies in the act of hiding in a clump of bushes. He called to them in no gentle terms to come out which they did, seeing that further concealment was useless. By using terrible threats he learned the whereabouts of the animal. He then took them into camp and turned them over to the police guard giving the officer orders to shoot them upon the slightest show of resistance or any attempt to get away. One of the boys was sent after the horse while the other was left as hostage. Before starting, the little fellow was given to understand that unless he was back with the horse inside of two hours, his brother would be shot. And what added more to his discomfiture was him to thrown in [illegible] the boys that they were to be sacrificed anyhow.
Inside the allotted time, the horse was back in camp and the Colonel deeming it prudent to make an example of them led them out of camp under a strong guard giving them to understand that they were to be shot in some timber and told to kneel down with their faces to their homes which they were destined never to see more. At the same time the guard was drawn up in line awaiting the fatal word which would send them out of existence.
The cries of the little ones for mercy and their promises to do better in future if let off this time were truly ludicrous considering that it was not for a moment intended to carry the threat into execution. The Colonel. appearing to be softened by their entreaties told them he would give them a chance for their lives on the consideration that they would never be found within a mile of our camp again. They were to be given a start of 20 rods [110 yards] before a shot should be fired and then they were to trust their heels for the rest. This was enough for them. They waited to hear no more but jumped to their feet and started on the run. Lord how they did run. A shot fired over their heads tended to accelerate their speed and the last seen of them was their little woolly heads poking up and down as they made their tracks through the tall grass for the timber. I will venture to say they were never caught within the proscribed limits.
March 28, [1865]—Left camp at Huntsville this morning at 10 o’clock. Took the cars for Chattanooga where we arrived the next morning at 4.30 o’clock.
29th—Left Chattanooga this morning for Knoxville by the same train. We got some three miles beyond Cleveland when the train ahead of us ran off the track, killing one man and wounding several. The cars were badly smashed up and will detain us a long time. The train was mostly loaded with baggage and horses. Only a few men were on it. If the accident had happened to our train, the loss of life and limb would have been fearful. About dar, the wreck was removed and the track repaired. We again started on our way, There were four smashups on this road today. All severe.
30th—When we woke up this morning we were within 25 miles of Knoxville. Arrived at the latter place at 11 o’clock. Laid around waiting for orders until 1 o’clock when we moved out on the K & L Railroad and laid by for the night.
31st—At 4 p.m. left for Bull Gap. Run out 29 miles and laid over for the night.
April 1 [1865]—Arrived at Bulls Gap about noon today. Left the train and went into camp on a ridge within sight of the railroad.
2nd & 3rd—Laid in camp.
4th—Marched 9 miles and went into camp at Midway on the railroad. Saw Dock.
5th—Put up a shebang and moved into it. Regiment went on picket guard. Remaining last report sick=2, wounded=3. Total 5.
April 15th—5 sick, 1 wounded.
April 19th—Left this camp this morning for Bulls Gap at 5 o’clock a.m. Boys in good spirits. Never did like this camp and it is rumored that we go to Nashville, there to lay in camp. We reached the Gap about 9 o’clock. Passed through and went into camp about 1 mile out. Whole distance traveled today 12 miles.
June 15, 1865—Left Nashville via Northwestern Railroad for Johnsonville on the Tennessee River. Got aboard the train at 2 o’clock p.m. Now crowded in our car. Arrived at JOhnsonville at 8 o’clock p.m. Stayed on the cars till morning.
16th—Got aboard the steamer National at 10 o’clock a.m. Drunken row on the boat about noon, very near being a serious things but was finally quieted down without anyone being seriously hurt although at one time it had a serious aspect. Laid on the boat all night. Boat tied to the shore.
17th—Boat moved out at 6 o’clock this morning. The weather is clear and beautiful. We passed down as far as Cairo without accident farther than getting aground once or twice. On our way down we stopped at Paducah to give the men a chance to cook coffee.
18th—This morning found us still at Cairo. The boat has yet to coal up. Strong guards are out on shore to prevent the boys from getting into town while on the river two monitors are laying to keep them from getting out that way. Notwithstanding all this precaution, large numbers are off. It’s impossible to keep men on board. Left Cairo at 2 o’clock p.m. Stopped at Island No. 10 for supper. Laid up for the night a few miles below New Madrid. About 700 men deserted the Division since we left Nashville.
[June] 19th—On the move early this morning. Fine weather. Passed Fort Pillow at 8 o’clock a.m. Arrived in sight of Memphis at 2 o’clock p.m. where we were put off on an island while the boat went to coal up. No signs of mutiny now. While laying here the bodies of some 7 or 8 of the victims of the [April 27th] Sultana disaster were picked up and buried by our boys. They were very much decomposed. We were unable to find the P. O. address of but one. His was printed on his arm with India ink.
20th—Boat came for us at 2 this morning and started down the river at daylight. The day is bright and clear—not a cloud to be seen. A gentle breeze blowing on the river which makes it quite pleasant riding. Cools the air off finely. Passed Helena about 9 o’clock a.m.. Not much of a town. Stopped at White River Landing for supper about 5 p.m. Passed Napoleon at dusk. This place was nearly all burned by our forces in retaliation for firing into our transports near the place. Laid up about four hours at an island.
21st—Weather fair as usual. Arrived at Vicksburg at 4 p.m. Laid opposite the town while the boat went to coal up. Wrote to Col. Bunnell. Sent a ring in the letter for Frank.
22nd—The boat run all night. At 7 this morning we passed Natchez, Mississippi. Little of the place is to be seen from the river. The most of the place is on a high bluff back from the river. Passed Baton Rouge about 4.30 p.m.—a very pretty place of about 6,000 inhabitants, 110 miles from New Orleans.
23rd—Arrived at New Orleans about daylight this morning after a 7 day trip. Distance traveled about 1400 miles.
July 16, 1865—Broke up our camp at New Orleans and shipped aboard the steamship Champion for Matagorda Bay. The vessel is a first class one and where we are is not overcrowded.
17th—This morning at 3 o’clock the boat started down the river. Arrived at the mouth at 1 o’clock p.m. As soon as we struck salt water, the boys were sea sick, myself among the rest though not as bad as some. It lasted on me only four hours while some were troubled three or four days.
18th—Out at sea. Saw shark, dolphin, and other saltwater fish. Nothing unusual.
19th—Out at sea. Nothing today.
20th—Arrived off the bay at dusk this eve. Dropped anchor 7 miles from shore.
21st—Still at anchor in sight of shore. No sign of getting to shore. Our boat can’t go over the bar. Draws too much water.
22nd—A propellor came this morning early and took the troops off the boat. Took us to Powderhorn on Matagorda Bay where we again shipped on schooners and went 14 miles farther and landed at a small fort at the head of the bay. From here we marched 6 miles into the country and camped for the night.
23rd—Marched this morn at daylight. Went 12 miles and went into camp. Tis supposed we will stop here about three weeks.
Out of Service
Sunday, September 24th, 1865—Our regiment was mustered out of service of the United States and Tuesday, 26th left our camp on the El Pulsador for Lavaca on the coast. Here we laid waiting for transportation until today, Sunday, October 1st. As yet there is no signs of getting off. The regiment have been quartered in houses during our stay in town.
For the last two or three days, I have been troubled with what the citizen doctors call Bonebreak Fever. Bonebreak it surely is for every bone in a person’s body is in pain. I have become very weak from the effects of the disease. Am now on the gain. Should be all right I think if I were away from this unhealthy shore.
[Editor’s Note: Bone break fever is another name for dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that causes symptoms like high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, and excruciating muscle and joint pain. While dengue does not actually cause bones to break, the intense aches and pains lead to its nickname. Most people with dengue recover in 1–2 weeks, but some develop severe dengue, which can be fatal.]
On the evening of the 1st, we got off from Lavaca via steamer Mustang. This boat took us to Indianola where we got aboard the ocean steamer Matagorda. The boat got under weigh at 11 o’clock a.m. and arrived at Galveston the next day at 8 o’clock a.m. She makes but poor time as her boilers are in poor condition. She runs under a ten pound pressure of steam making about 5 miles an hour. Arrived at New Orleans on the morning of the 6th at 2 a.m. Here we laid until the next day till 5 p.m. when we got aboard the U. S. Mail Steamer Elenora Carrol. Arrived at Vicksburg after a ride of 53 hours. Here we took on coal and again started on our way at 12 o’clock night. Today, Tuesday, we are about 50 miles above Vicksburg.
12th October [1865]—Thursday 12 M arrived at Memphis. Here we have a large freight to put off. Also to coal up. It is nearly three months ago that we were at this place on our way to Texas. How different our feelings. We have been just 95 hours coming from New Orleans 840 miles. We have yet 200 to go before we get off the boat.
Saturday the 14th October—At 12 M we arrived at Cairo after a trip of just one week. Distance 1040 miles. Left Cairo via Illinois Central Railroad at 4 o’clock p.m. same day for Springfield where we arrived at 4 p.m. next day. Went into Camp Butler. Here we laid until the 20th when we marched to town and got our pay and [ ]. Left for Chicago same night.
When this cruel war is over
no Irish need apply
For everything is lovely
and the goose hangs high
That young girl from New Jersey
Oh wilt thou be my bride
And off in the stilly night
We’ll all take a ride.
Let me kiss him for his mother
He’s a gay young gambolier
I’m going to fight wit Sigel
and de bully lager beer
Hunky boy is Yankee Doodle
When the cannons loudly roar
We are coming Father Abraham
Three hundred dollars more.
In the days when I was hard up
And my Mary Ann my Johnny
Was a shoemaker or any other man
The captain with his whiskers
and Annie of the vale
Along with Bob Ridley
A riding on the rail
On rock we used to sleep
Mother I’m going around the barn
I’m not myself at all, Mother
I’m a batchelor forlorn.
Mother is the battle over
What are the men about
How are you Horace Greely
does your Mother know you are out.
We won’t go home till morning
with the bold privateer
Annie Lisle and Zouave Johnny
riding in a railroad keer.
We are coming sister Mary
with the folks that put on airs
We are marching along
with the four and thirty stars.
You are way far away
So goodbye at the door
And did you see my sister
with the ring my mother wore.
Our Union starry banner
the flag of Washington
shall float victorious over
the land from Maine to Oregon.
Words to the tune of “Glory Hallelujah” about Jeff Davis
Items purchased from the sutler while keeping this journal.
Record of correspondence kept by Reuben C. Norton.
A ten dollar Confederate bill tucked into back pocket of Reuben’s journal.
A twenty dollar Confederate bill tucked into back pocket of Reuben’s journal.
Reuben’s Honorable Discharge Papers
Spared & Shared 23 