An unidentified Sergeant from a New Hampshire Regiment (Dave Morin Collection)
The following letter was written by Charles Gammon (1841-1921), the son of Phillip Gammon (1812-1887) and Maranda Southgate King (1810-1854) of Raymond, Cumberland county, Maine. Charles enlisted in July 1861 to serve in Co. K, 3rd New Hampshire Infantry. He rose in rank from private to sergeant before being wounded on 16 August 1864 at Deep Bottom Run, Virginia.
We learn from the letter that Charles received a leg wound the 2nd Battle of Deep Bottom when the 3rd New Hampshire, part of the 10th Corps, was ordered to assault a Confederate position near Fussell’s Mill. After initial success, they were ultimately turned back when the Confederates counterattacked.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Grant US [General] Hospital [at Fort Totten] Willett’s Point, New York Harbor October 20, 1864
Dear Father,
Tis with pleasure that I now take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. I am getting along pretty well and my wound is a healing up but I don’t know what to think of it. The doctor looked at it this morning and then got his knives and lanced and set out to cut into my wound but he did not. I think he thinks there is some broken bone in my leg but he won’t tell me whether there is or not. I think if the doctor will let my wound alone, it will soon be healed up but I am afraid he will cut it open again. If he don’t, I shall go to the front as soon as it is healed over. I am tired of staying here.
I got two letters from my regiment yesterday. They all want me to come back as soon as I can. Charles Tauton sent me the rest of that money you sent me when I was first wounded. My regiment is within 6 miles of the City of Richmond but there is but a few of them left. I think it is rather hard that I can’t come home after getting shot but I shan’t moan about it if I do not get sick or get shot again. I shall get home sometime.
Father, I hope I shall be spared to get home safe again for I have got a good many things to live for. I have suffered enough and I would like to have a place of my own and settle down and take some comfort. But all I can do is hope for the best and take what comes. I am afraid we have got to have 4 more years war and it will be hard if we do.
Received your kind letter today and my friend’s letter. Please write soon for I shall try and go to the front of some of you send me the money I wrote for. As I have no news to write, I will close with love to all. From your son, — Sergt. Charles Gammon
The following letter was written by Stiles Smith Twitchell (1838-1877), the son of Bennett Twitchell (1807-1853) and Polly Caroline Smith (1806-1892) of Bethany, New Haven, Connecticut.
Stiles enlisted in Co. H, 15th Connecticut Infantry in late August 1862 and remained with the regiment until 1 August 1863 when he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. The 15th Connecticut saw action at Fredericksburg before being sent to Suffolk in March 1863. This letter to a friend, describes the actions of the 15th during the Siege of Suffolk in April 1863.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Suffolk, Virginia May 7th 1863
Dear friend Charles,
Since writing you last, I have received your kind answer but owing to amount of duty that fell upon us at the attack of the enemy upon this place some three weeks & more since, I have delayed answering until now, which I know you will freely forgive. And now as I begin, the news I write may perhaps be old to you, still I will give a short account of it as near as my knowledge extends.
It is four weeks tomorrow eve since we first fell in line to await the threatened attack and for over two weeks lay under arms behind the breastworks on the south front in anticipation of the attack, doing only such duty as such occasions require—namely, picket & fatigue duty. The enemy meantime occupying themselves or the time in throwing up breastworks, digging rifle pits, &c. preparatory to a siege, and only disturbing our quietness on one occasion by throwing a few shells near to & over us, but their batteries were soon compelled to retire by the opening of one of the forts upon them and no damage done to us.
I have since learned that on that day, the enemy had drawn up in line of attack twenty-five thousand men to rush upon us but by feeling cautiously along discovered to their surprise our well defended lines and abandoned the attack. But things were not to remain in so quiet an order long, so a reconnaissance in force was made on both the Edenton & Somerset roads to discover the position and strength of the rebels on the south front. Ours—the 2nd Brigade—led the advance on the Edenton road and discovered the enemy some three miles out. Skirmishing commenced with the rebel pickets and sharp shooters by the 11th Connecticut Vols. on the right supported by the 13th Indiana and by the 16th Conn. Vols. supported by the 15th Conn. Vols. The batteries got in position in the meantime and played with effect on the fortified works of the rebels to occupy their attention while the infantry advanced and drove their skirmishers, pickets and all, and reached a point beyond a strip of woods and within 200 yards of the rebel works. There we lay full 20 minutes during which time the shells of the opposing batteries played incessantly over us going in both directions.
Having reconnoitered their position and gained quite a knowledge of the extent of their works and not wishing to bring on a general engagement, we retired in order, and reached our former position behind the breastworks at dusk. It was during this time employed in driving in the rebel skirmishers and while marching in battle front towards them and close behind our skirmishers that the late Frederick L. Dougal received his fatal wound & Elijah Williams was wounded in the side. Corp. W. J. Abernathy was struck on the left shoulder with a spent ball which perforated the cape of his overcoat & and only raising a bump on his shoulder, but not severely injuring him. Two others of our company were also struck with spent balls but not injured.
One week ago last Tuesday we moved and now are encamped to the northeast of the town with the Nansemond river on the north front of our line. Last Sunday we were ordered out and attacked the rebels again in their works again on the northern bank of the river. The fight lasted all day and terminated with a terrific cannonade by our forts, gunboat’s batteries for an hour or more before dark, or rather moonlight, for it was clear and bright moonshine out then upon the quiet scene. Our troops withdrew in order on this side of the river by moonlight & turned their steps to their several camps.
About noon our regiment advancing into action across a corn lot in front of the rebel works, lost one killed & two wounded. Long before this time, their sharpshooters had been driven in by the 25th New Jersey & 103rd New York. Companies A, B, F & G relieved the skirmishers of the aforementioned regiments as their ammunition (60 rounds) gave out. While the rest of the 15th lay in the woods and protected by a rising knoll over which the fire of the enemy ranged, several shells bursted over us and bullets went whistling overhead continually, but only one man was wounded where we lay. Fatigued by the heat of the day & suffering with a headache, I lay upon the ground and sought relief by sleep or a nap of some two hours in length, and awoke to hear the strife still going on. And soon at or just before sundown, the cannonade set in its hideous roar & doing terrible execution among the foe. Our whole loss does not exceed one hundred in all while that of the enemy is calculated at 1,000 killed, wounded, besides some three hundred prisoners.
Monday the rebels retreated in great haste (leaving their pickets which were captured on their posts) either through fear of a greater assault or more probably to help intercept Hooker’s advance which has struck terror to their minds in his great success so far undertaken and which will continue to do so, or so to be I most earnestly hope. All is quiet now here and the firing of forts and gunboats which has disturbed the stillness of both day and night for over three weeks has ceased for the present. The rebels have gone beyond the Black Water as reported by stragglers & deserters.
Captain Stevens has a colored waiter now who came into our lines Monday. He was in among the rebels during the fight. He says our shells at night made fearful havoc among them and they were obliged to fall back as fast as possible out of range. By the papers I see that Fighting Joe [Hooker] is doing a big thing beyond the Rappahannock completely outgeneraling Lee and we earnestly hope & believe he may succeed in capturing or destroying the whole rebel army in Virginia. If the important movements in the great drama meets with brilliant success at every point, the rebellion will be nearly terminated, I think. I have seen enough to satisfy my curiosity of beholding a battle, but I do not wish to turn away from it if not ended with our wishes until all is effectually settled for the good of all. I would like to return home as well as anyone of us here but I want it to be at the close of this bloody strife.
I wish to remain in health and strength until it is ended. Let us hope it will not be long in so doing. Yours truly. From your friend, — S. S. Twitchell
The following journal was discovered in an office desk at Riverview East Academy in Cincinnati’s East End in June 2018. The story of its discovery was published in the Fox19Now daily newsletter on 21 June 2018. [See Civil War-era diary found at Ohio school…]
“Our staff secretary was cleaning the drawer,” said Jason Dearwester, the school’s assistant principal. “She noticed the diary in the very back of the drawer.” Dearwester started turning the pages of the weathered book and said it felt like he was like turning back in time.the book once belonged to John Hawkins. The diary indicates Hawkins wrote in it from September 1864 to August 1865, while he was a 16-year-old member of the Navy. In the journal, he documented his time in the Civil War.
“It kind of sends shivers down your spine,” Dearwester said.
How the diary got to the school is unclear, but Dearwester suspects it may have once been on display at another building and was lost in the shuffle when schools were combined. Dearwester and his wife used social media as a tool to search for connections to the journal and ultimately made contact with Don Perry, who is part of the Anderson Township Historical Society.
The diary was kept by John S. Hawkins (1847-1914), the sixth of eight children of born to Carvil Hawkins (1813-1891) and Achy Shinn (1815-1896) of Anderson Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. In the 1860 US Census, the Hawkins family took their mail at the Cherry Grove Post Office, not far from where Carvel worked his 250 acre farm and earned income in the coal industry.
On joining the U.S. Navy in September 1864 as an Ordinary Seaman, Hawkins served on the boats USS Nymph and the ironclad USS Benton in the famous Mississippi River Squadron, also called the Western Gunboat Flotilla, which operated on the rivers in the western theater. After leaving the Navy in August 1865, Hawkins returned to Anderson Township to farm and raise a family. He died on July 13, 1914 and lies buried in the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery on Forest Road, Anderson Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. [Diary of John S. Hawkins, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
John S. Hawkins, U. S. Navy Residence, Cherry Grove, Hamilton county, Ohio
September 17th 1864—Saturday. I, John S. Hawkins enlisted in the US Navy for two years. Went aboard of the U. S. Receiving ship at 5 o’clock p.m. and drew my uniform.
Sunday 18th—We cleaned ourselves up for inspection and I spent some time in reading the Testament and wrote a letter.
Monday 19th—There was six of us detailed to scrub the outside of the Grampus. I left the Grampus for the Great Western Receiving Ship. There was 30 of us. We took the cars and left at 6 o’clock p.m. on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad.
Tuesday 20th—We spent all day on our way to Cairo. Arrived at Odin at 8 a.m. and changed cars and took breakfast at the Odin House. Arrived on board the Great Western Receiving Ship at Cairo, Illinois, at 6 o’clock p.m.
Wednesday, September 21st—I was examined on board the Great Western at 11 o’clock a.m. and wrote a letter. A grand fight took place between two negro women on shore and they fell in the river up to their necks. They tried to drown each other but they took them out and took them up in town.
Albumen photograph of the U.S.S. Great Western docked along between a barge used as a floating barracks for Marines and the U.S.S. Siren. The U.S.S. Great Western (1857), a sidewheel steamer, was built at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1857 and was purchased by the U.S. War Department 10 February 1862. She was transferred to the Union Navy 30 September 1862, but had been used since her purchase by the Western Flotilla. Used as an ordnance boat for the Navy on the western waters, and in that capacity operated from Cairo, Illinois, to various points on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. She supplied ships at the mouths of the White and Arkansas Rivers with ammunition and ordnance. She provided support for the joint attacks of December 1862 above Vicksburg, and remained in the area until the Confederate stronghold fell in July 1863. In July 1864 she was sent back to Cairo, Illinois, to act as a receiving ship (as seen in this photo). Great Western was transferred as receiving ship, Mound City, Illinois, in March 1865, and was subsequently sold at auction there to John Riley 29 November 1865. USS Siren (1862) was the 214-ton wooden-hulled, stern-wheel steamer WHITE ROSE launched in 1862 that the Union Navy purchased in 1864. The Navy outfitted Siren with two 24-pounder howitzers for use in bombardment and assigned her to operations on the Mississippi River. The Navy sold her in 1865 and new owners returned her name to WHITE ROSE. They abandoned her in 1867. (The Horse Soldier)
Thursday 22nd—A draft of 50 men went on the [USS] Siren gunboat at 6 o’clock p.m. The Jewess is playing her calliope most beautiful just before leaving.
Friday September 23rd—Another drain of 15 men off the Great Western for the [USS] Essex left here for the Essex on the Springfield No. 21 at 4 o’clock p.m. Two men were put in the brig for getting drunk.
Saturday 24th—Clear and cool. A man and horse and wagon fell in the river while getting water but they got out safe. There was quite an exciting time last evening. There was an awful hard rain at 11 o’clock. Us boys that sleep out on the forecastle skedaddled in for shelter. 35 men arrived here from the Grampus at 6 o’clock p.m.
Sunday 25th—The Christian Commission presented the boys with testaments and other religious books and papers of several kinds and writing paper and envelopes. We had preaching by Rev. Stewart at 2 o’clock p.m.
Monday, 26th—A regiment of infantry [possibly the 136th Illinois Infantry?] arrived at Cairo at 6 a.m. on their way home. The river has fell about two feet since morning. At 6 p.m. at night, two men danced while one played the flute out on the forecastle. They drew quite a crowd around them.
Tuesday 29th—Cloudy and rainy. Two horses ran away with a wagon and tore the wagon all to pieces. A man fell overboard but some of the boys seen him and they let a rope down and he took hold of it and was saved.
Wednesday 28th—100 sailors arrived here at 11 a.m. Some were discharged, others were paroled. I got a letter and answered it.
Thursday 29th—Some rain and cool. The river is still falling. The Mosquito No. 29 is now lying alongside 5 o’clock p.m. at night. We had social dance out on the forecastle.
Friday 30th—Rain and cool a.m. I was drafted with 9 others for the Gunboat Nymph at 4 o’clock. 68 men arrived here from the Grampus at Cincinnati arrived here at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 1st 1864—Cloudy and some rain. Left the Great Western at 4 o’clock p.m. on the Gunboat 39 for Mound City. Met the mailboat Gen. Lyons just below Mound City and went aboard of her and started down the river for my boat. It is o’clock p.m. and we have just passed Columbus, Kentucky.
Sunday, 2nd—We anchored just above Island No. 10. We passed the island at 8 a.m. We had to stop one of her wheels. The shaft got broke. At 8 o’clock p.m. we anchored just below Fort Pillow and come pretty nigh losing her anchor.
Monday, 3rd—The boat caught fire last night at 2 o’clock [a.m.] but they put it out before any damage was done. We started at 10 a.m. and met the gunboat Carondelet at 1 p.m. and James Ward and several others went aboard of her. She towed us to Memphis. We got there at 8 a.m.
Tuesday, 4th—We are still at Memphis. We are a getting the shaft of the wheel fixed. We are a laying alongside the Essex gunboat. We left Memphis at 11 a.m. and arrived at the Hasting at 2 p.m. We anchored at 9 p.m. at Helena [Arkansas].
[Editor’s note: Hawkins was being transported to his assigned boat, the USS Nymph, aboard the US Mailboat Gen. Lyon as she traveled down the Mississippi delivering and picking up mail from the crews of the various US gunboats and transports on the river.]
Wednesday 5th—Started at 6 o’clock a.m. but it got so foggy that we had to stop running at 8 a.m. We started again at 9 a.m. [and] arrived at the Lexington, Silver Cloud, Juliette & Tyler gunboats at the mouth of White River at 3 p.m. Arrived at the Romeo at 5 p.m.
Thursday 6th—We run all night. Arrived at the Prairie Bird gunboat at 4 a.m. We passed Vicksburg at 1 o’clock p.m., stopped at the Vindicator at 3 p.m., arrived at the Rattler at 5 and the Mound City at 7 p.m.
Friday, 7th—We anchored at 1 o’clock last night. Started at 8 a.m., arrived at the Benton at 9 a.m. and the Judge Torrence at 11 o’clock a.m. At Natchez, arrived at the Berry [?] at 12 noon. Arrived at the Avenger and the Fort Hindman at 2 o’clock p.m. and the Chillicothe at 4 p.m., the Naiad at 5 p.m.
Saturday, 8th—We all was ordered to get up at one o’clock and coal ship. We coaled till 6 a.m. A negro fell overboard wheeling coal and was drowned at Bayou Sarah. We arrived at our own gunboat Nymph at 9 o’clock a.m. We was put to Gun No. 4 and each man given his station and we drilled some.
The USS Nymph on the Mississippi in 1864
Sunday, 9th—We went down to Baton Rouge early in the morning and had general inspection and some of the boys got liberty to go ashore and they come back drunk some of them and raised quite a fuss.
Lobdell’s Stores can be seen on the west bank of the Mississippi River 15 miles north of Baton Rouge.
Monday, 10th—We had general quarters. We left Baton Rouge 2 p.m. and went up the river to Lobdell’s Stores (a distance of 15 miles) and went ashore and went in a very large house where some rebel used to live and tore the windows and blinds, doors, &c. all to pieces, and we drilled ashore with small arms.
Tuesday, 11th—A negro pulled the train wheel over another negro’s hand and hurt it pretty bad. He was put in double irons. We drilled about two hours with small arms.
Wednesday, 12th—We went down to Baton Rouge a.m. and there was a fog and the artillery fired for us to answer but they did not hear them so they fired a ball at us but it did not hit the boat. Then we blowed the whistle and loud. They could not see anything but our smoke stacks and they did not know what boat it was. We went up the river to Lobdell’s Stores and we heard 5 or 6 shots from shore so some of the boys went ashore. They saw three or four rebs on horses. They fired at them but they were so far from them that they did not hit them. So we went out in the river and anchored.
Thursday, 13th—We got a nice hog from shore and killed it and had fresh pork for dinner. I drawed some clothing and small stores and drilled with oars in the cutter.
Friday, 14th—We had general quarter’s and painted some. We had fire quarters at night. The boys catched two large fish. One weighed 60 and the other weighed 71 pounds.
Saturday, October 15th 1864—A man and a negro fell overboard. They were a leaning on the life line and it broke. The white man held on to the piece of the line and was saved but the negro drowned. The white man’s name was Ira Hinkley. He come aboard when I did. We went down to Baton Rouge and anchored.
Sunday, 16th—I and several others got liberty to go ashore in Baton Rouge and I and Thomas Upperman got our miniature taken and then went to church. We stayed from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. We took a look over town and went aboard.
Monday, 17th—We all scrubbed our hammocks. The boatswain mate and gunner mate got permission to go ashore and they come back drunk and raised quite a fuss.
Tuesday, 18th—Clear and warm. A regiment of cavalry arrived here and come down to the river to water their horses. We are still at Baton Rouge.
Wednesday, 19th—Washed clothes and Holystoned decks. We left Baton Rouge and went up to Lobdell’s Stores and went ashore and drilled with small arms and then we went up the river to Waterloo and anchored.
[Editor’s note: Holystone is a soft and brittle sandstone that was formerly used in the Royal Navy and US Navy for scrubbing and whitening the wooden decks of ships.]
Thursday, 20th—We went on up the river to Bayou Sara and coaled up. We took on 600 bushels and then we went down the river and anchored just below Port Hudson.
Friday, 21st—We went down the river and found an old wooden barge. We took the barge down to Lobdell’s Stores and they left 10 men to guard her and then we went up to Port Hudson to see what the barge went there and they found a tug just below Port Hudson and the men on her claimed the barge so we went down and got the barge and took it up to Bayou Sara and then anchored. The mailboat New National came down and I received 5 letters.
Saturday, 22nd—The Naiad gunboat was alongside and she anchored and we left and went down to Baton Rouge and anchored.
Sunday, 23rd—I got permission to go ashore in Baton Rouge and then in the evening we left Baton Rouge and came up to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Monday, 24th—The Naiad came down and the paymaster’s boat [Alfred] Robb come down. I received my bounty of $375 and had $335 expressed home and we went down to Baton Rouge and anchored.
Tuesday, October 25th—Cloudy and some rain. We are still at Baton Rouge. The ram Avenger is here and a boat from the Gulf. I wrote a letter. I had $15 stolen last night. The river is rising.
Wednesday, 26th—The commander of this division Corn[w]ell was aboard and we fired 9 shots as we went up the river to Lobdell’s Stores and the Naiad was there and the division commander went aboard of her and she went up and we anchored.
Thursday, 27th—We had general quarters and shot at a target with the large guns and then we went ashore and drilled with small arms and then came aboard and drilled with cutlasses. The Naiad came here and went on below.
Friday, 28th—We had general quarters in the night last night. We lashed our hammocks and was at our guns ready for action. We went up to Bayou Sara and coaled up. We took on 600 bushels and then came back to Waterloo and anchored.
Saturday, 29th—I was excused from duty on account of the mumps. We took two men that we supposed were rebels and fetched them aboard but we could not find anything to show that that they were so we sent them ashore. We left Waterloo and went down to within 5 or 6 miles of Baton Rouge and anchored.
Sunday, 30th—Some rain and warm. Went down to Baton Rouge in a.m. and then we came up to Lobdell’s Stores. We all got liberty ashore. We anchored.
Monday, 31st—The Captain [Patrick Donnelly] saw three rebs ashore so we slipped our anchor and landed and 20 of the boys went after them. They saw them and shot at them but they skedaddled and we got one of their horses and fetched it aboard and then we went up to Profit’s Island and took the horse off there and we come up to Waterloo and anchored.
Tuesday, November 1, 1864—Returned to duty. We left Waterloo and went down to Lobdell’s Stores and then went on down to Port Hudson and anchored.
Wednesday, 2nd—Rained very hard all day. The carpenters worked till 12 o’clock at night a moving the case maiden [casement] in front of the boilers so as to make more room for to put coals.
Thursday, 3rd—We went down to Baton Rouge and I got permission to go ashore and I bought some things and came a board. We left there and went on up the river to Profit’s Island and anchored.
The US Red Rover Hospital Boat
Friday, 4th—The US Red Rover Hospital Boat was alongside. We went up to Bayou Sara and coaled up and then started on up the river and we met the Magnet—a sutler boat. She came alongside and we went aboard of her. She went up to Morganza and the Magnet went on down and we anchored.
Saturday, 5th—We went on up to Tunica’s Bend and coaled up and took a prisoner aboard off of the Ozark that they had captured. Then we came down to Bayou Sara and come alongside of the coal barges.
Sunday, 6th—We spent all day a coaling up. The Choctaw is here and Gen. Bragg—a Gulf boat.
Monday, 7th—Excused from duty on account of having the mumps. We left Bayou Sara and went down to Port Hudson. Then we went up to Waterloo and anchored.
Tuesday, 8th—Warm and cloudy and high wind. We are at Waterloo. I feel still worse today.
Wednesday, 9th—High wind and heavy rain and warm. Still at Waterloo. The boys went ashore and searched the houses. The found three double barrels and one single barrel shotguns.
Thursday, 10th—The boys is still searching the houses for arms. There was quite an exciting time just at dusk. We saw a lot of our cavalry and they were coming very fast and the officers though that they were rebs so we were ordered to our guns but we soon found out different. I guess they were fixing the telegraph wires.
Friday, 11th—We are still at Waterloo. We went just below Waterloo to a place called Cook’s Landing and killed a beef. We took it aboard and then went up to Waterloo and anchored. The US Hospital Boat Red Rover came up and was alongside.
Saturday, 12th—Clear and warm. Twenty or thirty jayhawkers come to Waterloo and the officer came aboard. He said that there was about 500 rebs after them and they came to us for protection. We went down to Port Hudson and then we came back to Waterloo and anchored.
Sunday, 13th—Clear and warm. We are still at Waterloo. The Pierce was alongside. She is a passenger boat. A man named Johnson had $115 stolen. They found $100 down in the port hole. Who ever had stolen it threw it down there for fear that they would be found out.
Monday, 14th—Very windy. Still at Waterloo. The boys, some of them, went ashore to kill a beef but they were so wild that they could not get within gunshot of them. The ram Avenger went up the river.
Tuesday, 15th—Rainy and cool. We shot at a target with large guns and went ashore and killed a beef and brought it aboard. Then we went ashore and drilled with small arms and at night we had a social dance out forward. Returned to duty.
Wednesday, 16th—Cloudy and some rain. The Belladonna and Grey Eagle passenger boats was alongside. We drilled with cutlasses.
Thursday, 17th—Clear and warm. We left Waterloo and went down to Lobdell’s Stores and went up to Bayou Sara and coaled up and then come down to Waterloo and anchored.
Friday, 18th—Cloudy and some rain. We took up the anchor and went to the shore and took 4 men that were strangers to the place so we took them aboard and sent them to Baton Rouge on the Thomas, Q.M. Division boat. We supposed they were rebs.
Saturday, 19th—Cloudy and rain. We left Waterloo and went down to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored and stayed three or four hours. Then we took up anchor and went to within 5 miles of Baton Rouge and anchored.
Sunday, 20th—We started down the river early and went to Baton Rouge. We had inspection and when the roll was called, one man was missing. His name was MacDonel. They supposed that he had swam ashore and skedaddled.
Monday, 21st—Cool and windy. We are still at Baton Rouge. The time we was down here before one of the master’s mates was ashore and did not come aboard so we left him. His name was W[illiam] W. Hosea. So some of the soldiers captured three hundred rebs and he was found amongst them so they fetched him aboard and put him in his room and placed two guards over him.
[Editor’s Note: Acting Mate William W. Hosea eventually (in April 1865) stood court martial for this absence without leave. We learn from the court records he missed getting on the USS Nymph because he was at Andrew David Lytle’s Photo Gallery. He was later arrested with Confederates and held prisoner in the jail at Baton Rouge. He was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, discharged from the Navy dishonorably.]
Tuesday, 22nd—Quite a frost last night. It’s very cool and windy. We left Baton Rouge and went up to Bayou Sara. Then came down to Baton Rouge and anchored.
Wednesday, 23rd—Still at Baton Rouge. The mail boat New National arrived here. I received 4 letters. Some of the boys went ashore and come back drunk.
Thursday, 24th—Clear and cool. The mail boat came up. They appointed six of us to stand guard over the prisoner Hosea. The river is rising very fast.
Friday, 25th—Clear and pleasant. We left Baton Rouge and went up to Lobdell’s Stores and went ashore and drilled with small arms. Went up to Profit’s Island and three young ladies came aboard and then went ashore again. Then we went on up to Waterloo and anchored.
Saturday, 26th—We left Waterloo and came down to Lobdell’s Stores and we got liberty ashore. We came aboard and went on down to within 5 or 6 miles of Baton Rouge and anchored.
Sunday, 27th—Very foggy. We went down to Baton Rouge and then we left about 2 o’clock p.m. and came up to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored. The river is still rising.
Monday, 28th—We came on up the river to a place called Cook’s Landing just below Waterloo and went ashore and searched the houses for guns and ammunition, &c. We shot at a target with huns and revolvers and killed a beef and then we went up to Waterloo and anchored.
Tuesday, 29th—We went up to Bayou Sara and coaled up. We took on 1300 bushels. Then we came down to Waterloo and anchored. The river is till rising and the weather pleasant.
Wednesday, 30th—Clear and warm. A tow boat with 6 large barges of coal came down the river at abuot 9 a.m. and it was dark and run into this boat and sank one barge. It had 47,000 bushels of coal in it but no damage to this boat was done. Capt. of the boat said that he thought we was coming up and that we would get out of the way.
Thursday, December 1st 1864—Cloudy and misty. We went down the river to within 5 or 6 miles of Baton Rouge. Then we come up to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Friday, 2nd—We left Lobdell’s Stores and went down to Baton Rouge and then we came up to Waterloo and anchored.
Saturday, 3rd—Clear and warm. We left Waterloo and went down the river and met the Millie Stephens—a passenger boat. Then we went up a little piece with her and then we left her and went to turn around to go down the river and it was dark and we run into the bank and ran against a snag that was near the bank and broke 4 arms of our wheel. Then we ran out in the river and anchored.
Sunday, 4th—We fixed our wheel and went down to Baton Rouge. Stayed till 2 o’clock. Then we left and come up about 8 miles and landed and found two skiffs. We tore them to pieces and went on up to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Monday, 5th—Clear and pleasant. A man fell overboard but he held on to the life line and was saved. We got aground but we got off without much trouble. We went up to Waterloo and anchored.
Tuesday, 6th—Clear and pleasant. The mail boat Gen. Lyons came down. I received 6 letters and wrote three. We are still laying at Waterloo.
Wednesday, 7th—We left Waterloo and went down to Profit’s Island and took five ladies aboard and went down to Baton Rouge. We left there and left one of the Engineers (Mr. Harner) and come up to Profit’s Island and anchored and sent those ladies ashore.
Thursday, 8th—We left Profit’s Island and went up to Waterloo. Five or six boys got drunk but where they got the whiskey, I do not know. We anchored.
Friday, 9th—Clear and cool We are still at Waterloo. The Engineer, Mr. Horner, come up from Baton Rouge on the Olive Branch—a passenger boat.
Saturday, 10th—Clear and cool. We left Waterloo and went down just above Baton Rouge and anchored.
Sunday, 11th—Very windy and the river is very rough. Wewent down to Baton Rouge and then we come up to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Monday, 12th—Clear and cool. We scrubbed our clothes bags and cleaned the ship up for inspection. We went down to Baton Rouge and came up to Lobdell’s Stores again and anchored.
Tuesday, 13th—The Naiad came alongside and the division commander [John J.] Corn[w]ell came aboard. We left the Naiad there and we went up to Bayou Sara and Cornwell went aboard of the Choctaw, his own boat. We put in 1,00 bushels of coal.
Wednesday, 14th—We finished coaling up and Cornwell and 7 seaman off of the Choctaw and we run on up the river to Morganza and it was dark and we run into a snag and tore our port guard pretty bad. We went to shore and made fast to shore.
Thursday, 15th—We left Morganza and went up the river. We went up the old river about 30 miles. There was four gunboats and two transports loaded with soldiers. The gunboats was the Ariad, the Gazelle, the Kenwood, and our boat. We landed at a plantation and we went ashore and burnt two large sugar mills and several hogsheads of sugar and barrels of molasses.
Friday, 16th—We killed a beef. We took chickens and plundered everything. Some of the soldiers found a lot of gold but I do not know [how] much that was hid. We come down the old river to the mouth, then we went down to Bayou Sara and anchored and Cornwell went on his own boat and the 7 men.
Saturday, 17th—Clear and pleasant. We left Bayou Sara and came down to Waterloo and anchored. The Naiad came down. We saw a man a driving cattle on the opposite side of the river from Waterloo with a white flag so we fired a shrapnel or shell at him. He skedaddled.
Sunday, 18th—Very foggy in the morning but clear and pleasant in the afternoon. The Belladonna—she is a transport—was alongside. Some of the boys went over where we saw that man that we shot at and found a hat and pocket handkerchief. It had some blood on it.
Monday, 19th—Clear and warm. We are still at Waterloo. We slipped anchor and shot two rounds with each one of our large guns at an old barn. Only one shot hit it. We was [ ]. We anchored.
Tuesday, 20th—Cloudy and misty and chilly. Still lying at Waterloo. The Surgeon Stewart and R. B. Cook had quite a fight. The river is falling.
Wednesday, 21st—Clear and cool. We are still at Waterloo. We painted the case maiden [casement] of the ship and two or three other practice pulling oar in the cutter.
Thursday, 22nd—The mail boat came down and the captain’s wife came on board off of her. I received 3 letters. 10 of us went ashore on a scout and came aboard.
Friday, 23rd—We left Waterloo and went down about 1 mile and went ashore and killed two beeves. Then we went on down to Baton Rouge and anchored. I wrote two letters, The mail boat come up.
Saturday, 24th—We are still at Baton Rouge. A little misty. The division commander Cornwell came on board. It is Christmas eve now but there is no fireworks—only shooting crackers.
Sunday, 25th—Christmas. Clear and pleasant. We are still at Baton Rouge. All of the starboard watch got liberty to go ashore. I went to the Christian Commission and got a lot of books and papers but the most of the boys got tight. Come aboard all of us.
Monday, 26th—Clear and pleasant. Still at Baton Rouge. The port watch all got liberty ashore. They all got tight nearly. The officers went to a large ball back of the town.
Tuesday, 27th—Clear and cool. We are still lying at anchor of Baton Roiuge. The Naiad was alongside. I spent some time in reading.
Wednesday, 28th—Clear and windy. The Colonel [William Jennings Landram?] of the 19th Kentucky Regiment Infantry came aboard. Also the Captain of the Naiad. Our Captain went aboard of the Naiad [Harry T. Keene?] and went down the river and come up on a passenger boat.
Thursday, 29th—Clear and cool. We are still laying at Baton Rouge. The ram Avenger come up here from below. Two young ladies come aboard and stayed awhile and went back. The river is rising very fast again.
Friday, 30th—Cloudy and windy. The river is very rough. We had general quarters. There is considerable of drift in the river. The Belladonna was alongside. We sent our steam pipes to New Orleans to get them fixed.
Saturday, 31st—Cool, windy last night. There was a very hard wind and it dashed the waves over our forecastle. We dragged our anchor and was blown up against the wharf boat and we made fast to her.
1865
Sunday, January 1st 1865—Still laying at Baton Rouge. There was a negro baptism here. There was two men and 11 women, black. The starboard watch got liberty ashore. We had a very nice time. The Captain and his wife started for New Orleans on the Grey Eagle passenger boat.
Monday, 2nd—Cloudy and was still at Baton Rouge. The first part of the port watch got liberty ashore. The river is still rising.
Tuesday, 3rd—Clear and cool. There is considerable of drift in the river.
Wednesday, 4th—Clear and pleasant. We had quite a time last night. The drift got on our bow and we drug anchor for we had out two for nearly a mile.
Thursday, 5th—Cloudy and some rain. The Captain came back. He come up on the Grey Eagle. We washed paint work on the quarter deck.
Friday, 6th—Very pleasant. The Gen. Lyons—or mail boat—come down. I received 4 letters and wrote two. The Sutler boat Magnet was alongside.
Saturday, 7th—We got our steam pipes last [night]. They come up on the Belladonna. The mail boat came up. The Naiad was alongside and towed us up to our old anchoring place.
Sunday, 8th—Cloudy and some rain. Some of the boys got liberty ashore. Still at Baton Rouge. I spent some time in reading.
Monday, 9th—Cloudy and very heavy rain. We got up steam. Still lying at anchor off Baton Rouge. The river is still rising.
Tuesday, 10th—Clear and pleasant. We left Baton Rouge and come up to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Wednesday, 11th—Clear and cool. We went out on a scout but it did not amount to anything. We went up to Profit’s Island and found two horses and three mules that two or three negroes had stolen from a man in Lobdell’s Stores and they had made them swim across to the island.
Thursday, 12th—We took a raid through the island. We captured 12 muskets and them negroes too that stole them mules and horses. We went up to Waterloo and anchored.
Friday, 13th—We went up to Bayou Sara and coaled ship all day. Come down to Waterloo and anchored.
Saturday, 14th—Clear and pleasant. Still lying at anchor off Waterloo. The river is falling some.
Sunday, 15th—Cloudy and warm. The Joab Lawrence—a passenger boat—was alongside. The Magnet was alongside. The Captain’s wife and her sister came on board off of the Magnet. We all went aboard of her.
Monday, 16th—Cloudy and warm. Still laying at anchor off Waterloo, Louisiana. We tore the old canvas off of the quarter deck and put on new.
Tuesday, 17th—We drilled with small arms. Some of the boys went ashore in Waterloo on a scout but saw nothing.
Wednesday, 18th—We went out on a scout on the opposite side of the river from Waterloo. We went up along the shore to see if we could find any skiffs and back apiece. We were up as far as Bayou Sara and our boat went up there so we went aboard and come down to Waterloo and anchored.
Thursday, 19th—The mail boat come down. I received six letters and wrote one. Mr. Smith, the pilot, came on board. He had been gone over a month He went home.
Friday, 20th—It is very pleasant. Still laying off Waterloo. I wrote 4 letters.
Saturday, 21st—Foggy in a.m. and misty. The Atlantic, a passenger boat, was alongside. The paymaster, Mr. [Arthur] Sibley and [Z.] Brickell, one of the Engineers, came aboard off of her. He had been down to Baton Rouge.
Sunday, 22nd—Cloudy and some rain. The mail boat come up. We sent a man to the hospital at Memphis. His name was Hard. He went on the mail boat.
Monday, 23rd—Cloudy and cold. We went down to Lobdell’s Stores and went out on a scout. We got a negro boy that they supposed was a waiter to some spy and brought him aboard and put him in double irons. We anchored just below Lobdell’s Stores.
Tuesday, 24th—We went on down the river and found a negro in a skiff. We broke the skiff to pieces and took him on down to Baton Rouge and those three negroes that stole them horses and mules and took them up to the Provost Marshal’s Office and left them, and come up to Profit’s Island and anchored.
Wednesday, 25th—We went out on the Island and drilled with small arms and cutlasses or sword. We went up the river. Stopped at Port Hudson and brought aboard potatoes and flour. Went on up to Waterloo and anchored.
Thursday, 26th—We are still laying at anchor off Waterloo. The “Flag Ship” Black Hawk of Mound City, Illinois, come down. She is the Admiral’s boat.
Friday, 27th—Cloudy and cold. We had general quarters. There was considerable of stuff or trade fetched from shore. Lay at anchor all day off Waterloo, La.
Saturday, January 28th 1865—We painted outside ship that is the case maiden [casement] and cleaned everything up for inspection. I think that the Admiral will stop when he comes up.
Sunday, 29th—We seen three persons on horses on the opposite side of the river from Waterloo so we fired 1 shell at them but did not hit them so we sent the cutter over and found out that they were negroes that lived close by there on the hunt of some cattle.
Monday, 30th—Cloudy and some rain. The Little Reb, a gunboat, went up considerable of trade from shore. Still lying off Waterloo, Louisiana.
Tuesday, 31st—We went up to the Choctaw at Bayou Sara and then came down to Waterloo and anchored. We scrubbed our clothes bags.
Wednesday, February 1, 1865—Cloudy and some rain. The Joab Lawrence was alongside. The Captain’s sister-in-law went aboard of her and started for New Orleans. The Grey Eagle and the Marble City, passenger boats, was alongside.
Thursday, 2nd—Cloudy and rain. Still laying off Waterloo at anchor. The Pierce was alongside—a passenger boat. I spent some time in reading the Testament.
Friday, 3rd—Cloudy and some rain. We left Waterloo and come up to Bayou Sara and coaled up. Took on 700 bushels.
Saturday, 4th—We finished coaling up. Took on 500 bushels, then left and went down to Port Hudson and met the flag ship Black Hawk. Then we came up to Bayou Sara with the Black Hawk.
Sunday, 5th—Cloudy and rainy all day. The Admiral Lee come aboard and the division commander Cornwell and then they left on the tug for the Black Hawk that lay just above us. We came down the river to Waterloo and anchored.
Monday, 6th—The mail boat come down and I received a box of things that Father sent me. Also four letters. Seven new men come aboard off of the mail boat. I wrote three letters.
Tuesday, 7th—News came aboard that there was a rebel captain ashore so a lot of the boys—six or eight—went ashore and took him prisoner. He had two Navy revolvers and a carbine. We took him down to Port Hudson and that negro boy that we got at Lobdell’s Stores and sent them ashore where they were received with a guard. We went up to Bayou Sara and anchored. The mail boat came up.
Wednesday, 8th—The Choctaw went down to Baton Rouge and we stayed here in her place till she came back. The Grey Eagle was alongside. Mr. Hosea, the prisoner, was released of his guards over him but still is confined to the ship.
Thursday, 9th—Clear and cold. We are laying at Bayou Sara. We went on the island that is at this place and killed a beef. The Captain, P. Donnelly, went down to Baton Rouge on the Little Reb, a gunboat.
Friday, 10th—40 of us went ashore in Bayou Sara and got after 69x or eight rebels on horses. We shot at them but they went so fast that we did not hit them so they skedaddled up the hill and was soon our of sight. So we were all in line and one made his appearance on the top of a hill 9a distance of 300 yards) so I took aim and thought I would like to have a shot at him so the Captain said for someone to fire at him. As I had [already aimed], I thought I would fire so I did. He broke over the hill and was soon out of sight so we started back for the boat and we saw a rebel coming down the hill with a flag of truce so we started back to meet him. He said that he had 75 men but had orders not to fire at us unless we come inside of their pickets. During this time some ten or fifteen men on horses made their appearance at the top of the hill. The rebel officer said all he was stationed there for was to keep them from bringing cotton in. The Captain got back last night in the night.
Saturday, 11th—The Scioto—a trading boat—come alongside and twelve of us got muskets and went aboard of her to guard her. We landed at Bayou Sara and they sold produce and stuff to the people. They sold flour at 35 and 40 dollars per barrel, &c. We stayed till night, then she took us out to our boat and she went to the Island.
Sunday, 12th—Still lying at anchor off Bayou Sara, Louisiana. The Scioto came alongside and six men went over to Bayou Sara with her. The Grey Eagle was alongside at night. Them six men came aboard.
Monday, 13th—Cloudy and warm. The Scioto come alongside again and six armed men went ashore with her, Come back again at night. The Choctaw came back from Baton Rouge and anchored here.
Tuesday, 14th—We left Bayou Sara and went up to Red River Landing at the mouth of Red River and went alongside the Lafayette, an ironclad boat, We passed the Ozark at Tunica.
Wednesday, 15th—We went up to the Tompson, a blacksmith’s boat, just above the Lafayette and then we left and come down to Bayou Sara and come alongside the Choctaw. Then we left and come down to Port Hudson. Then we come to Waterloo and anchored.
Thursday, February 16th—We are still laying at anchor off Waterloo. In morning, considerable of trade from shore. We left and went down to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored late in the evening.
Friday, 17th—Clear and pleasant. We left Lobdell’s Stores and come down to Baton Rouge. I and Tom and several others got permission to go ashore. I got my photograph taken and Tom got his picture taken, Then we came aboard.
A carte-de-visit of Acting Volunteer Lt. Thomas B. Gregory, USN, taken in the studio of Andrew D. Lytle in Baton Rouge, possibly while he commanded the USS St. Clair (Ron Field Collection)
Saturday, 18th—Clear and pleasant. Some of the boys got liberty ashore. We left Baton Rouge and come up to a plantation called New Stores, just below Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Sunday, 19th—We went up to Lobdell’s Stores and we all got liberty ashore all day. We came aboard and come up to Profit’s Island, stopped awhile, then went up to Waterloo and anchored.
Monday, 20th—The mail boat (New National) come down. I got three letters and wrote three. Considerable of trade from shore. Still laying at anchor off Waterloo, Louisiana.
Tuesday, 21st—Cloudy and some rain. We are still laying at anchor at Waterloo. I wrote a letter. There was 32 transports of soldiers and supplies went down last night in the night and this morning.
Wednesday, 22nd—We left Waterloo and went down to Baton Rouge. I got my photo (13 [carte-de-visites]) and sent five home.
Thursday, 23rd—We left Baton Rouge in the night but night had fore quarters and called the roll and found out that a man named Davis had deserted. He went ashore in the night with the cutter with three or four others to get some flour and stuff and he give them the slip. We come up as far as Ozark at Tunica. The mail boat come up. I expressed 60 dollars home to Father.
Friday, 24th—About 9 o’clock last night it was very dark and there was a hail from shore. There was four or five men on shore and they said they were rebel deserters and wanted to come aboard so the Ozark sent away the first and second cutter with armed crews but the men could not see them because they were on the water so the rebs fired at them but did not hurt any of them. The Ozark fired two 9-inch shells at them. We come up to the mouth of Red River and anchored just below the Sampson.
Saturday, February 25th—Cloudy and some rain. Two rebel transports loaded with Union prisoners came down Red River to exchange prisoners under a Flag of Truce.
Sunday, 26th—Cloudy and very hard rain. Them rebel transports exchanged prisoners and went up Red River again playing the Bonnie Blue Flag on a brass band. Some of our boys went down in the cutter to see the ram Tennessee.
Monday, February 27th—Cloudy and some rain. We had general quarters. I wrote a letter and we scrubbed paint work. I also spent some time in reading. Still lay at anchor near the Sampson.
Tuesday, 28th—We are still laying at the mouth of Red River. The Manhattan monitor, the Lafayette ironclad, Kenwood, Mosquito, and Champion the same, and the ram Tennessee and the Sampson, a blacksmith boat are getting repaired.
Wednesday, March 1, 1865—Still clear and pleasant. The Magenta passenger boat was up. There was some sailors on board of her. They had been prisoners, exchanged and was on their way home.
Thursday, 2nd—Cloudy and some rain. Still laying at anchor near the Sampson. The Clara Dolsen come up the river and the paymaster went up on her.
Friday, 3rd—Clear and warm. We cleaned out the hull of the boat. Took out all of the lumber and placed it back neatly.
Saturday, 4th—Clear and pleasant. We still lay at Red River Landing. Wrote a letter.
Sunday, 5th—Clear and warm. The river is rising some. The mail boat came down, Received 7 letters and wrote three.
Monday, 6th—Clear and pleasant. We painted ship. The Magenta passenger boat was alongside. Mr. [Arthur] Sibley, the paymaster, came aboard. The Magnet came down and come alongside. We all went aboard and got what we wanted. Then came aboard of our boat.
Tuesday, 7th—Clear and warm. The mail boat come up. Three men off of this boat—got their discharge. Their names was Welty, Brickell, and another person.
Wednesday, 8th—Clear and windy. Still laying at anchor off the mouth of Red River. The river is still rising. Commenced mess cooking for one week.
Thursday, 9th—Still laying at anchor at Red River. We drilled with small arms. I spent some time reading.
Friday, 10th—Got up steam, coaled ship. Took on 1000 bushels. Left Red River Landing and run down to the Choctaw at Bayou Sara and then took on 800 bushels more of coal. Went on down to Waterloo and anchored.
Saturday, March 11th, 1865—Clear and cool. Lay at anchor all day off Waterloo. Painted case maiden [casement]. The Naiad was alongside. The Surgeon’s steward was disrated to Landsman and put in double irons for refusing to do duty.
Sunday, 12th—Cloudy and some rain. Still laying at anchor off Waterloo. We had general inspection and I spent some time in reading.
Monday, 13th—Cloudy and some rain. We went up to Bayou Sara. We was alongside the Choctaw. The Alf Cutting (a tug) come alongside. She came from Morganza and she had the corpse of a woman which they buried at St. Francisville. They went over with a Flag of Truce. Run down to Waterloo and anchored. Totten was rated Surgeon’s steward.
Tuesday, 14th—Clear and warm. Took up anchor and went ashore on the opposite side of the river and killed two beeves and then come on the same side that Waterloo is and killed two more beeves. Anchored just below Waterloo.
Wednesday, 15th—We went up to the Choctaw at Bayou Sara and give them some of our beef that we had. Come down to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Thursday, 16th—Cloudy and warm. We went down to Baton Rouge and anchored.
Friday, 17th—Clear and pleasant. We left Baton Rouge and went up to Port Hudson and then come down to Profit’s Island and anchored. Left one of our officers at Baton Rouge. His name was [William C.] Williams. The Naiad was alongside.
Saturday, 18th—We went down to Lobdell’s Stores and a lot of us went along the shore and found an old flat. It was about 15 feet wide and 50 feet long. We brought her down to the boat and tore her all to pieces. Run down to within 5 miles of Baton Rouge and anchored.
Sunday, 19th—We went down to Baton Rouge and a lot of us boys got permission to go ashore. Tom and I went to church. Then we cae aboard. Then we left and went up to within about two miles of Lobdell’s Stores and anchored. The mail boat came down. 25 new men came aboard off of her on the boat. I received 3 letters and wrote [ ].
Monday, 20th—Cloudy and rainy. I wrote two letters. The mail boat came up and four men and one negro got their discharge and went aboard of the mail boat. Their names were [L.] Gardner, Dumont, Reed, and Cook. Still lying at anchor below Lobdell’s Stores.
Tuesday, 21st—We got up anchor and run up to Profit’s Island and went ashore and drilled with small arms. A man named Pat Hart fell overboard but we got him out. We went down to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Wednesday, 22nd—Clear and warm. We went on the opposite side of the river from Lobdell’s Stores and made a large target. Then went out in the river and shot 8 shots from each one of our large guns. Several of the pieces of shell hit it. Run up to Profit’s Island and we all got liberty a show. Come aboard, run out in the stream and anchored.
Thursday, 23rd—Clear and warm. We saw a alligator along the shore laying on a log. The officers shot several times at it but it went into the water. We went down to Baton Rouge, then came up 5 miles and anchored.
Friday 24th—We had general quarters. Went up to Lobdell’s Stores and went ashore and drilled with small arms and single sticks. Then we came down to within 5 miles of Baton Rouge and anchored.
Saturday, 25th—We went on down to Baton Rouge and came up to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored. I spent some time in reading.
Sunday, 26th—We left Lobdell’s Stores and went up to Profit’s Island and we got liberty ashore. Run up to the head of the island and anchored. I spent the most of my time in reading.
Monday, 27th—We went up to Port Hudson and stopped. Then went on up to Bayou Sara. Took on 200 bushels of coal. Then we went down to Waterloo. Thence we started to Red River. Went up as far as Morganza and anchored.
Tuesday, 28th—We left Morganza and went up to Red River Landing. We tore down our smoke stacks and got the new ones ready to put up. We got them on the hurricane deck.
Wednesday, 29th—Cloudy and some rain. We took on 700 bushels of coal. Still laying at anchor off Red River Landing.
Thursday, 30th—Clear and pleasant. Took on 600 bushels of coal. Raised our new smoke stacks. Mr. Hosea was put under guard again. They say he comes to be court martialed on the 8th of next month. Got up steam at night.
Friday, 31st—We left Red River and come down to Waterloo where we saw 28 rebs on horses. We shot a shell right down the river to hail them but they turned out on a road that led from the river so we fired another shell and it bursted just the other side of them. They skedaddled. Then they come back with a Flag of Truce. They had issued an order of armistice but we had not heard it. It was done so that the rebs might come in and capture all of the guerrillas which was a doing our forces as much hard as they were the rebs. We left and went on down to Baton Rouge. Left about sundown and started up the river.
Saturday, April 1, 1865—We arrived at Morganza, Louisiana, at daylight. We started back. Come down to Waterloo and anchored. We saw some rebs but we dare not fore at them between Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara for ten or fifteen days.
Sunday, 2nd—The captain’s wife started for New Orleans on the Grey Eagle. We left Waterloo and come down to Lobdell’s Store and anchored. I was excused from duty by reason of that I had the billious fever coming on me.
Monday, 3rd—We come down to Baton Rouge and anchored. The Choctaw is lying just above us. Hosea was court martialed on her. It commenced today. I feel worse today. Some of the boys went ashore.
Tuesday, 4th—The court martial still continues. We left Baton Rouge. Let Capt. [Patrick] Donelly and [William C.] Frost, Master’s Mate. Started up the river in search of the gunboat Perry to get an officer that is on her to plead Mr. Hosea’s case.
Wednesday, 5th—Run all night. Passed the mail boat in the night. Arrived at the Perry. She was 10 miles below Natchez. We got the officer. He was the Executive Officer of that boat. Then we started back. Stopped at the Lafayette at the mouth of Red River and got 13 rebel deserters that had given themselves up. Then came down to Baton Rouge. Received four letters. Wrote two. I felt very bad in the afternoon. Anchored.
Thursday, 6th—Cloudy and some rain. Still laying at anchor off Baton Rouge. The court martial still goes on. Sent them rebs to New Orleans on the Lord Hill.
Friday, 7th—Cloudy and some rain. Still laying at anchor off Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The court martial still continues.
Saturday, 8th—Still at Baton Rouge. Last night in the night news come that Richmond was taken. We fired 24 blank shots and the Choctaw fired several and the heavy artillery ashore fired several. We also run all of our signal flags up and the Choctaw done the same.
Sunday, 9th—Still laying at anchor off Baton Rouge. Returned to duty. I and several others got permission to go ashore from 1 o’clock p.m. to sundown.
Monday, 10th—Clear and pleasant. The court martial ended. I wrote a letter. I spent some time in sewing. News come that we had captured Mobile and [Gen.] Lee and 25,000 of his men.
Tuesday, 11th—Clear and pleasant. Mr. Hosea still under guard on the Choctaw and we went up the river. We anchored at Lobdell’s Stores. The Choctaw went on up. I wrote a letter.
Wednesday, 12th—We left Lobdell’s Stores and come up to Profit’s Island and went ashore and drilled with small arms. Then we come up to Waterloo and anchored. The Gen. Price come down here and anchored an we went up to Bayou Sara and anchored just below the Choctaw.
Thursday, 13th—They hoisted a signal on the Choctaw for us to come alongside of them so we answered and got up anchor and went alongside. Capt. [John J.] Cornwell come aboard. Had general inspection. Went up to Morganza, Louisiana. Went alongside the Naiad. Capt. Cornwell went aboard of her. We anchored.
Friday, 14th—Cloudy and warm. We left Morganza and come down to Bayou Sara. Took on 550 bushels of coal. The 50 or Gazelle was alongside. I wrote a letter. Capt. Cornwell went to Cairo.
Saturday, 15th—Cloudy and some rain. We finished coaling up. Took on 550 more bushels of coal. The Ohio Belle, a government transport, was alongside and a new Engineer come aboard. The Bella Donna, a passenger packet, was alongside. We run down to Waterloo and anchored.
Sunday, 16th—Clear and pleasant. Five of us went ashore with a lot of officers. We had quite a nice time. I saw corn a foot high and peaches as large as quail eggs. I wrote a letter and spent some time in reading in the Testament.
Monday, 17th—Clear and warm. Laying at anchor off Waterloo. Twenty armed men went ashore on a scout with the Captain. They got a reb soldier that was home on a furlough. White washed boat inside.
Tuesday, 18th—Clear and pleasant. The 53 come down here. We signaled to her. She answered and signaled to us. We answered. THat reb took the oath [s] we sent him ashore. We left Waterloo and come down to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Wednesday, 19th—We had general quarters at 12 o’clock last night. The mail boat (Reindeer) come down. I received three letters and wrote three. We got news that the President was shot and died and Secretary Seward wounded. We hoisted our ensign or flag at half mast. We run down to Baton Rouge and anchored.
Thursday, 20th—In the afternoon, 42 of us went ashore with cutlasses to a procession over the death of the President. There was a grand turnout. Went through all the principal streets in the town. Had a speech and prayer. Then we came aboard.
Friday, 21st—Last night it being very cloudy and rainy. Three of our men took the skiff and deserted so we started down the river in search of them. About 7 miles below Baton Rouge we found the skiff so six of us and an officer went ashore and found out that they had went on down. The Nymph went on down [while] we stayed ashore and searched every house we come to. By and bye six cavalry our forces and an officer came up and told us that they had got two of them so we went down a good piece and the Gen. Price come up and the captain of her said that one captain told him to let us come aboard so we went aboard of the Gen. Price. We went up to Baton Rouge. She anchored at night. The Nymph came up. They got al three of them. We went aboard of our own boat. They were put in double irons. Their names were Carry, Hardiman, and Kelley. The mail boat come up. Our boat anchored.
Saturday, 22nd—The Gen. Price is still laying here. We left Baton Rouge and run up to Lobdell’s Stores. The Volunteer was alongside. We anchored.
Sunday, 23rd—Clear and pleasant. The Pierce come alongside. The Captain’s wife come aboard. The Bella Donna was alongside. I spent some time in reading. Lay at anchor all day.
Monday, 24th—Clear and pleasant. The rebel ram [CSS] Webb came down past us and several other boats. None of us mistrusted her. She run at the rate of 30 miles per hour. We did not know she had passed till morning when the Morganza tug brought the order. We lay at anchor in an eddy at Lobdell’s Stores. We run down to Baton Rouge [where] we anchored.
Tuesday, 25th—Still laying at anchor off Baton Rouge. It is reported that they got the [CSS] Webb below New Orleans, or rather burnt her.
On April 23–24, 1865, under the command of Charles S. Read, Webb broke through the Federal blockade at the mouth of the Red River, Louisiana, and made a dramatic run down the Mississippi toward the Gulf of Mexico. After eluding several United States Navy vessels and passing New Orleans, she was confronted by the powerful steam sloopUSS Richmond. Rather than face the veteran ship’s broadside, the Webb was run ashore and destroyed by her crew. The C.S.S. Webb, fired by its crew after running aground in the mouth of the Mississippi, April 24, 1865, artist’s impression.
Wednesday, 26th—The Carr__ arrived here, a passenger packet from New Orleans and brought full particulars about the ram Webb. The Holyoke (one of our ships that lay below New Orleans) fired a shell into her. It injured her so that she had to run into shore and then she set fire to herself and burnt up. The crew skedaddled. A soldier shot a large alligator that passed between us and it looked like it was about ten or twelve feet long.
Thursday, 27th—Cloudy and some rain. We fired blank shots every half hour all day. It was ordered by Admiral Lee on the 19th but we did not get the order soon enough. It was done over the death of the President. We left Baton Rouge and run up to Bayou Sara and coaled ship. Took on 650 bushels.
Friday, 28th—We finished coaling. Took on 450 bushels more. Left Bayou Sara and run down to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Saturday, 29th—Laying at anchor of Lobdell’s Stores. The Bella Donna was alongside. Painted case maiden [casement] outside of ship.
Sunday 30—Clear and warm. We run down to Baton Rouge, La., and anchored. I an several others got permission to go ashore. I and a man by the name of Shoemaker went to church. Come aboard. We run up the river five miles and anchored.
Monday, May 1, 1865—Clear and warm. A lot of officers and some of the boys went ashore on a deer hunt with some fellows that had some hounds. They got one deer. Brought it aboard. We run down to Baton Rouge. Went alongside the Gen. Price.
Tuesday, 2nd—We run up the river 5 miles from Baton Rouge last night and anchored. A lot of officers and men went out early this morning on another deer hunt. One undertook to swim the river just below us but we saw him and we took the cutter and went after him, We got him just before he got to the other side. We run up to Profit’s Island, then down to Lobdell’s Stores and anchored.
Wednesday, 3rd—We got orders to run backwards and forward on our beat all of the team and keep a sharp lookout for [CSA President] Jeff Davis. Sent the cutter out armed. Run down to Baton Rouge and started back. I wrote a letter. All the gunboats are on the look out.
Thursday, 4th—Still patrolling the river from Port Hudson to Baton Rouge. Keep the cutter out all the time from Lobdell’s Stores to Baton Rouge. Change crews in her every four or five hours. Stand watch and watch four hours on and four off.
Friday, 5th—Still patrolling the river from Port Hudson to Baton Rouge. The river is rising slowly. It has overflowed in a great many places. Still keep the cutter out and change crews every 4 or 5 hours, day and night.
Saturday, 6th—The mail boat come down in the night. I received three letters and wrote two. We run up to Bayou Sara and coaled up. Took on 600 bushels. The mail boat come up. Mr. Hosea went up on her. He got clear. Those deserters were released to duty. Run down on our beat as before.
Sunday, 7th—Very hard rain last night but it is pleasant now. Still patrolling the river on our old beat. Keep the cutter out all of the time nearby.
Monday, 8th—Still patrolling the river day and night on our beat. The steamer supply boat Magnet was alongside. We went aboard of her and got what we wanted. Then come aboard. She went on down.
Tuesday, 9th—We were obliged to anchor about 5 o’clock this morning, it being so foggy that we could not see to run. We anchored just above Lobdell’s Stores. Got up anchor at 8 o’clock and run as before.
Wednesday, May 10, 1865—Still patrolling the river as usual. We come up to Lobdell’s Stores. The 53 or Naiad was there. Capt. Cornwell come aboard. Run up to Bayou Sara. Left the division commander on his boat, then started back on our old boat as usual. The people at Lobdell’s Stores brought young potatoes aboard much larger than hen eggs.
Thursday, 11th—Cloudy and cool. Still running all of our tie slowly. I was out in the cutter last night from 8 till 12. I wrote a letter. Spent some time in reading.
Friday, 12th—Clear and pleasant. We run all night and most of today. We run up to Bayou Sara alongside coal barge. I wrote a letter.
Saturday, 13th. Clear and warm. We coaled ship. Took on 1350 bushels. Went down the river. Went alongside the Naiad which lay just above Waterloo, then run on down to Waterloo and landed. Took on some produce or trade. Then we started on down our old beat as usual.
Saturday, 14th—Clear and warm. Still patrolling the river between Port Hudson and Baton Rouge. The Pierce was alongside and she stoved in about twenty feet of our case maiden [casement], broke fenders, stansions and all. The pilot made a mistake instead of ringing the bell for to back on the port wheel, he rang the bell to go ahead. Upperman fell overboard but catched life line and got back all right.
Monday, 15th—Cloudy and warm. I wrote a letter. The monitor Manhattan and Little Reb come down the river. We run up to Port Hudson, took on some lumber, then down to Baton Rouge. Run across the river and landed in the evening. We got liberty ashore. had a game of town ball for exercise. Left and started on up the river.
Tuesday, 16th—Clear and pleasant. We run backward and forward from Lobdell’s Stores to Baton Rouge. Run all night last night. Landed ashore in the evening and had another gall of ball. Started up the river.
Wednesday, 17th—Clear and pleasant. We run from Lobdell’s Stores to Baton Rouge all of the time. I wrote a letter. A company of the 181st Illinois Regiment came aboard at Lobdell’s Stores and we took them down to Baton Rouge. Four young ladies came aboard at Lobdell’s Stores. Went down to Baton Rouge, then came back with us and went ashore.
Thursday, 18th—Clear and warm. We run all night as usual. Run down to Baton Rouge, landed and got the news that [CSA President] Jeff Davis and a lot of his men were captured by some of the boys in the 4th Michigan Cavalry. We run up to the Choctaw—our flag ship of this division at Bayou Sara.Then started down again.
Friday, 19th—Run most of the time from Lobdell’s STores to Baton Rouge. The Red Rover Hospital Boat came alongside. Sent four men on her to the hospital. Their names were Teel, Bishop, Holingfinger, and Shea. The mail boat come down. I received two letters and C. H.’s photo.
Saturday, 20th—Clear and warm. We lay ashore at Lobdell’s Sstores most of the day fixing our guard where the Pierce run into us. I wrote two letters. Run as usual after we fixed the guard.
Sunday, 21st—Clear and warm. We run as before. We landed at Lobdell’s Stores and while we were there, a negro from shore got drowned. We got aground but got off without much trouble.
The Nymph was a tinclad much like the Cricket (1863-1865), shown here. Note the identification number (6) painted on her pilothouse. The tinclad armor or “casement” protected the guns and the boilers just above the water line, only strong enough to protect against musketry, not cannon fire. Photo by Acting Assistant Surgeon George Holmes Bixby, MD, Chief Medical Officer, hospital ship Red Rover, now in the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
Monday, 22nd—Run all night last night. Run up to Waterloo. Stopped a while. Then run up to Bayou Sara and coaled till 8 o’clock at night. Took on 450 bushels of coal.
Tuesday, 23rd—Holystoned deck in a.m. Then took on 970 bushels of coal. A dispatch boat came down. We got an unexpected mail. I received two letters and 4 photos. Run down to Baton Rouge and anchored.
Wednesday, 24th—We left Baton Rouge about 12 o’clock in the night. Capt. Cornwell came and we run up to Bayou Sara and landed just below the Choctaw.
Thursday, 25th—It is the report that this boat is going out of commission. We left and run up to Red River Landing. There is several rebel transports out of Red River here under a Flag of Truce. It is reported that Gen. Kirby Smith’s forces is a going to surrender. We are getting our boiler fixed.
Friday, 26th—We lay all day alongside the Sampson—blacksmith’s shop. We disposed of all of our lumber. It is reported that all two and three year men will be transferred to other vessels but I hope not.
Saturday, 27th—We left Red River in the morning and run on up the river till we got to Natchez, Mississippi, where we stopped at the USS Benton, a turtle, and I and 38 others were transferred on her. Went aboard of her at 10 o’clock at night. The Nymph went on up the river.
Sunday, 28th—We had inspection and church at ten. The Captain here, Charles Peter Clark, is a fine man, I think. 39 men off the Chillicothe was transferred to this boat. There is 16 large guns on this boat, two that carries a ball that weighs 100 lbs. 8’9″ guns, 2′ 50 lbs. guns, 4′ 32 lbs. and 250 small arms.
The USS Benton. By the end of the war, the Benton was one of the heaviest armed vessels in the Mississippi theater.
Monday, 29th—The Chillicothe started up yesterday but she come back today and those 35 men that come aboard here off her went back onto her. She anchored just above us. 15 of our Nymph boys was transferred on the Forest Rose. We have 6 small boats, 3 cutters, 1 launch, 1 gig, one dingy and a tug. Her name is the F[ ]. 8 of us went aboard of the tug and went over to the coal barge and coaled her. Took on 200 bushels. Then came aboard again.
Tuesday, 30th—We left Natchez last night in the night and run down to Red River and anchored. Scrubbed decks. I wrote a letter. We was put in two watches. I was put in the starboard aft guard. There is 250 men aboard this boat.
Wednesday, 31st—Lay at anchor of Red River Landing all day. There is 7 other gunboats here besides this one. The Ida May, a transport, is here. She has a splendid brass band on her. They say the Gen. Kirby Smith is aboard of her.
Thursday, June 1st 1865—We lay at anchor off Red River Landing all day. Left in the evening. Started up Red River. Our boat and several others. The [USS] Ouachita is our flag ship on this expedition. Five transports with infantry and cavalry.
Friday, June 2nd—We run all night last night. Arrived at Fort DeRussy, Louisiana, at 12 noon and found it all deserted. The country for miles below is deserted, it being all overflowed and no end to the bends in this river.
Saturday, 3rd—We arrived at Alexandria, La., at 1 o’clock last night. It is 150 miles for the month. The Missouri rebel ram come down and surrendered. There is some 800 rebs in a fort here. It is reported that they are to surrender. We coaled the Missouri off of this boat from 8 to 12 at night.
Sunday, 4th—We took up anchor and started down the river. We passed Fort DeRussy at 8 o’clock at night.
Monday 5th—We reached the mouth a little before ten a.m. The mail boat, Gen. Lyons, come down. I received three letters. We anchored at the mouth. Took up anchor and started up the Mississippi river.
Tuesday, 6th—We passed the Peoria, a turtle, at Eliss Cliffs. At 8 a.m. reached Natchez at 1 p.m. and anchored. I wrote three letters.
Wednesday, 7th—Very warm. Lay at anchor all day off Natchez, Mississippi. Capt. C[harles] P. Clark give us his farewell address. He is resigned and the Executive Officer take his place. His name is J. W. Lees [?]
Thursday, 8th—Still at anchor off Natchez. Capt. C. P. Clark went up the river on the Ibex and us boys give him 3 cheers. A lot of boys got liberty ashore and they come aboard and raised quite a row.
Friday, 9th—Lat an anchor all day. We had general quarters. The Volunteer come down and brought our accounts from the Nymph. On watch from 8 till 12 p.m. Two men were put in double irons for coming aboard tight and raining a fuss.
Saturday, 10th—Heavy wind and some rain. Lay at anchor all day off Natchez. Scrubbed decks and washed paint work. Armed boat away
Sunday, 11th—Windy and some rain. We had general inspection. The ram Avenger is laying here still at anchor.
Monday, 12th—Cloudy and some rain. Still laying at anchor off Natchez, Mississippi. The Lady Gay, a passenger packet, arrived here. I was put in the 1st cutter. We pulled ashore twice during the day.
Tuesday, 13th—Heavy wind and some rain. I and several others got liberty ashore from 1 bell p.m. till sunset. I went up in Natchez. It is quite a nice place.
Wednesday, 14th—Cloudy and some rain. I was boat keeper. Upperman and others got permission ashore. The Gazelle or 501 was alongside. She went on up the river.
Thursday, 15th—Cloudy and warm. Still lying at anchor off Natchez. Several men got liberty on shore. They went to Vidalia, Louisiana, on the opposite side from Natchez and gathered blackberries and brought them on board.
Friday, 16th—Scrubbed the gun deck. The Ft. Hindman come up here. I was ashore in the boat several times. Brought 5 young ladies aboard. Took them ashore again. Still off Natchez, Mississippi.
Saturday, 17th—Cloudy and some rain. Armed away boats, mended clothing. The Robb come down with dispatches. Still laying at anchor off Natchez.
Sunday, 18th—Had general inspection. The mail boat Gen. Lyons come down and was alongside. I received three letters and a pair of boots which Father sent me on the 11th of March.
Monday, 19th—Still at anchor off Natchez. Several boats come down. The Brilliant come down and brought a barge of coal alongside of us. We coaled up. Took on 2300 bushels of coal. The Peoria come up and anchored here. She was towed by the Robb.
Tuesday, 20th—Clear and warm. Got up steam. There is several gunboats here and five transports. The Peoria went on up. I wrote two letters. The Brilliant is till alongside. They say that we are going up to Mound City, Illinois.
Wednesday, 21st—We got up anchor and started up the river at 12 noon. Fired one blank shot as we started up the river. The Brilliant and Little Reb is towing us along. Finished reading the Testament through since I have been in the service.
Thursday, 22nd—We run all night last night. The mail boat come up. Came alongside. We were at Grand Gulf, Mississippi, when she came alongside. We got to Vicksburg at sunset and anchored.
USS Benton anchored off Vicksburg, Mississippi (Vigo County Historical Society)
Friday, 23rd—We took up anchor and started on up the river. The Little Reb‘s rudder got out of fix and we had to come to anchor about twenty miles above Vicksburg, Mississippi. We got her fixed, took up anchor, and started on up the river. One of the crew died at 5 p.m. His name was W. Bloon. He was cared for by the whole crew. They laid him out and wrapped him up in the stars and stripes, the carpenters made a neat coffin for him, and put him in it.
Saturday, 24th—We run ashore alongside a coal barge at Shipper’s Landing, Mississippi. They took Bloon ashore and buried him in the honors of war. Put up a board with his name on it. The boat was coaled up. Took on 1300 bushels. Left. Started up the river. Anchored at night at Greenville, Mississippi.
Sunday, 25th—We started on up the river at daylight. The river is very low now and run till we got to Gaines Landing, Arkansas, and anchored. Our boat, the 1st cutter, went ashore. It is very warm and some rain in the evening.
Monday, 26th—Started at daylight. We come very near getting aground just above Gsines Landing. We passed Napoleon, Arkansas, at 4 p.m. and the mouth of White River at sunset.
Tuesday, 27th—We had to come to anchor at 3 a.m. Started at 7 a.m. Passed Delta at 8 p.m. [ ] at 10 p.m. Drilled with small arms in the forenoon.
Wednesday, 28th—Run all night. Last night some time the Little Reb‘s boiler got out of fix. and she come to anchor. The Forest Rose come down. Was alongside. Went on down. We arrived at Memphis, Tennesee, at 3 this morning. We anchored.
Thursday, 29th—We coaled ship. Took on 264 bushels. There is some 25 to 30 boats altogether laying here. Several are loaded with soldiers. The ram Missouri come up here towed by the Gen. Price and Brown [?]. The Little Reb come up and come alongside.
Friday, 30th—We got up anchor. Holystoned gun deck. We left one officer in Memphis. His name was Baily, Acting Ensign.
Saturday, July 1st 1865—We run all night. Passed Randolph, Tennessee, at 1 p.m., Fort Pillow at 4 p.m.
Sunday, 2nd—We run all night last night. Passed Island No. 10 at 2 in the night last night. Hickman, Kentucky, at 9 a.m. and Columbus, Kentucky, at 2 p.m. Saw a dead soldier floating down the river just below Columbus. Passed Cairo at 7 p.m. Arrived at Mound City at 9 p.m. and anchored.
Tuesday, 4th—Holystoned decks. Washed paint & worked. Fired 22 salutes from this ship. There was several shots fired from the Tempest flag ship and some in the Navy Yard. The flag ship run up all of her signal flags. We run up 4 ensigns or flags. Considerable of fire works at night from shore, Mound City, Illinois.
Wednesday, 5th—Lay at anchor off Mound City all day, There is about 125 gunboats laying here. They reach clear down to Cairo, a distance of 7 miles. We are making preparations for taking the large guns off.
Produced in 1864 by order of Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, this map illustrates the close proximity of Cairo and Mound City. Note the site indicated for a proposed naval depot close by Cairo, which was not used (arrow). The Naval Depot, Marine Ways, Hospital, and Iron Foundry are clearly indicated at Mound City. Farther upstream, and at a safe distance, lay the harbor for powder barges. Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division (Control No. 2008628264, http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3707o.cw0213500).
Thursday, 6th—Clear and warm. Still lying at anchor off Mound City, Illinois. I wrote two letters. Quite an exciting time here. Reports of every description.
Friday, 7th—Clear and warm. 35 men were transferred from this boat on the Brilliant. They commenced to take the guns off. I with 59 others were transferred to the USS Huntress. The first thing we was introduced to the coal barge, after we went aboard. We left at 11 o’clock for Carondelet [Missouri, near Saint Louis].
Saturday, 8th—We run the balance of the night all night. We are loaded with guns and gun carriages. We passed Commerce, Missouri at 10.
Sunday, 9th—Run all night last night. Passed St. Geneva, Mo., at 10 a.m. Run all day. Arrived at Carondelet, Mo., just below at 9 p.m. Landed at the place where they plan to make a Navy Yard.
Monday, 10th—We unloaded the guns and carriages. Took leave on shore for one hour at noon. To Jefferson Barracks. We worked till twelve at night, then we started back for Mound City. We left 8 men that belonged to this boat. The Admiral Lee came aboard before we left. Wet on the 32.
Tuesday, 11th. We run the remainder of the night. Passed Chester, Illinois at 10 a.m. Arrived at Mound City, Illinois, at 11 a.m. Landed at hte Navy Yard. I received a letter.
Wednesday, 12th—We washed down decks in the morning. Then run down to the coal barge, Coaled up. Took on 750 bushels, Run up again and landed at the Navy Yard. I wrote a letter.
Thursday, 13th—Clear and pleasant. We run up to the dock and took on one large gun and some shot and shell. Then went back again. Some of the boys went ashore on their own hook at night sociable dance. Out forward the boiler for two hours [?]
Friday, 14th—Clear and war. We commenced to load with heavy guns and carriages. I wrote a letter. The Siren came alongside. She took the Benton‘s guns up to Carondelet.
Saturday, 15th—We finished loading up. Three men went ashore last night without permission. Two come back and the other one left for good. We left for Carondelet. We left at 10 a.m. Had to tie up at Commerce, Mo., at night, it being so dark.
Sunday, 16th—Started at 3 a.m. Had general muster. Run all day. Passed several gunboats on their way back from Carondelet.
Monday, 17th—Run all night last night. Arrived at the Navy yard at Carondelet at 10 a.m. Took off all of our shell and shot and hand spikes and truck wheels.
Tuesday, 18th—Cloudy and some rain. we took off 11 guns and a lot of gun carriages. Several men took leave on shore last night. Some 4 or 5 has not got back yet.
Wednesday, 19th—We took off several guns—one that was a 11-inch gun, 15,895 lbs. We left at 5 p.m. for Mound City. We left six men that took french leave.
Thursday, 20th—Clear and warm. Run all night last night. Arrived at Mound City, Illinois, 9 a.m. Run down to the coal barge and coaled up. Took on 800 bushels. Run up to the Navy Yard and tied up.
Friday, July 21st, 1865—Clear and pleasant. we still lay at the Navy Yard. We dropped a barge down a piece. I received a letter.
Saturday, 22nd—Clear and warm. We lay at the Navy Yard all day.
Sunday, 23rd—Cloudy and some rain. Lay at the Navy Yard all day. I received a letter and wrote one. Spent the principal part of the day in reading.
Monday, 24th—Cloudy and warm. We went out to the Sibley and took six guns and carriages small the Collier and got 8 guns and gun carriages thence to the Gamage and got 9 guns and carriages thence to the Grosebeak and got 6 guns and carriages. Anchored astern of the latter.
Tuesday, 25th—Cloudy and some rain. Lay at anchor all day off Mount City. I had to of my teeth extracted. I received three letters.
Wednesday, 26th—Clear and warm. Lay at anchor all day. I received a letter and wrote two.
Thursday, 27th—We got up steam. Took up anchor. Run over to the USS Receiving Ship Grampus which lay at the Navy Yard and took on a lot of 24-lb. shell and shrapnel and canister. Then came out to a barge that lay at anchor and got some more of the same.
Friday, 28th—Took up anchor and ran down to the coal barge and took on 100 bushels of coal. The left for Carondelet at noon.
Saturday, 29th July 1865—Had to stop about two hours in the night, it being so dark last night. Run the balance of the night. Stopped at Versailles—a little village in Missouri for a few minutes to get some vegetables.
Sunday, 30th—Run all night last night. Passed the shot towers at noon, arrived at the Navy Yard below Carondelet at 6 p.m. The Reindeer is here.
Monday, 31st—Commenced to unload the shell, &c. The Fairy and the Forest Rose arrived here today.
Tuesday, August 1st 1865—Still laying at the Navy Yard at Carondelet. Still unloading.
Wednesday, 2nd—We took a mortar barge pretty near up to St. Louis and left it ashore for a lot of men that work in the Navy Yard to load with sand and we went on up to St. Louis and landed. Come back and got the barge and brought it down to the Yard tied up at the Navy Yard.
Thursday, 3rd—We finished unloading, then took on 200 bushels of coal. Left for Mound City at 4.30 p.m. We left three men. Their names were Flynn, Fisher, and Nelson.
Friday, 4th—We stopped at Cape Gordon [Girardeau], Missouri, in the night, tied up. Left early in the morning. Landed at Commerce, Missouri for a few minutes, then started on down. Arrived at Mound City at noon. Turned all our stuff over. I received two letters and a picture.
Saturday, August 5th—Lay at the Navy Yard all day. The three men that we left this last trip come aboard. The come down on the Ruth, a passenger packet.
Sunday, 6th—Cloudy and some [rain]. We still lay at the Navy Yard. The Sampson came alongside. They are discharging [men] very fast now.
Monday, 7th—They had one discharged. All made out and signed. The orders come not to discharge us. We went out in the river and anchored.
Tuesday, 8th—Lay at anchor off Mound City all day. Quite exciting times. Reports of every description.
Wednesday, 9th—Clear and warm. Lay at anchor all day. In the evening we were all transferred to the Receiving Ship Great Western. Went aboard the Grampus and two other barges is alongside. There is some 1,000 men on board. I received a letter.
Thursday, August 10th 1865—Cloudy and some rain. A man died last evening. He was buried today. The chaplain preached his funeral. The chaplain’s name was W. H. Stewart. I wrote two letters.
Friday, 11th—Cloudy and some rain. There was some 80 men discharged. Some come off of the Huntress. They were men whose time were nearly out. The flag ship Tempest left here for St. Louis, Missouri.
Saturday, 12th—There was three boats crew transferred to this ship.
Sunday, 13th—Some rain. We had preaching in the afternoon by the chaplain on the middle barge. The flag ship Tempest come back. She had her port wheelhouse all stoved in. She anchored. Spent some time in reading.
Monday, 14th—Clear and warm. They discharged some men that shipped during the war. I spent some time in reading.
Tuesday, 15th—Cloudy and some rain. Some 30 men were discharged. River falling very fast.
Wednesday, 16th—Cloudy and warm. Discharged some 70 men. I spent some time in reading.
Thursday, 17th—Clear and warm. This is the day that the government sells all of the mosquito boats. There is quite a crowd of men. I understand that they sold them all. Some 30 men were to be discharged.
Friday, 18th—Clear and pleasant. The report is now that they intend to discharge all men that has less than two years to stay. I received a letter.
Sunday, 20th—Clear and warm. There was 250 men discharged. I received two letters. We had preaching by the chaplain.
Monday, 21st—Clear and warm. 150 men were discharged.
Tuesday, 22nd—Clear and warm. I with several others were discharged from the Naval Service. Left the Great Western aboard the Catawba. Went down to Cairo, Illinois.
Wednesday, 23rd—We left Cairo at 2 o’clock this morning. Arrived at Odin at 10 a.m. Took dinner and supper at 7 o’clock p.m.
The following letter was written by James B. Dutch (1839-19xx) who enlisted as a recruit in Battery B, 1st Illinois Light Artillery (“Taylor’s Battery”) in Chicago in early August 1862 as a private. He was promoted to sergeant and then was selected a Lieutenant in the new Battery A after they consolidated with Battery B. The new consolidated Battery A and Battery H saw hard fighting before Atlanta and several member of Battery H were taken prisoner on 22 August 1864. They included John Thomas, John Frazier, William Scupham, William Heartt, Lewis Lake, Edward Ferry. Charles G. Siller, John F. Stranberg, Thomas Wilcox, A. C. Hall. F. Sweeney. William W. Cowlin, S. P. Coe. and Lieutenant Smyth. The Batteries were posted upon a high ridge on either side of a railroad cut that day and the enemy was able to approach the battery without notice due to the heavy smoke from skirmishing, attacking from both front and rear. Fortunately most of the members of the Battery were soon exchanged as mentioned in this letter.
Prior to his enlistment, James was a captain of a tug boat in Chicago harbor. After the war, he began business on the Board of Trade in Chicago.
[Note: This letter is from the private collection of Nick Kaup and was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
East Point, Georgia September 25th 1864
Friend James,
Your kind letter of was received some time since but I have delayed the reply for the reason that I was daily expecting the arrival of our commissions and the permanent organization of the battery. The commissions have arrived. Lt. Smyth, Capt. Ed Wilcox, Sr. 1st, Harry Roberts, Jr. 1st, E. Colby, Sr. 2nd and myself as Jr. 2nd. We have all been mustered in except Smyth, who has not been exchanged yet, though his name was amongst those sent in for special exchange and agreed upon by Generals Sherman and Hood but for some reason or other, he has not been exchanged though we are expecting him every day. The boys captured on the 22nd have been exchanged and returned to the battery with the exception of Cowlan, Hatt and Sweenie for the old “H” boys and Davis, Chain and Grainge of the detailed men. Their appearance is proof enough of the hardship and suffering they have endured. But it is the same oft repeated story of barbarism and inhumanity. My only surprise is that they have lived through it.
Coe, Thomas, and Frazer have been discharged and have gone home feeling as happy as kings. By the way, you remember it was always a mystery to us how Coe happened to be taken. It was about the first question I asked him. He said when he arrived (with the limber of canister) at or near the foot of the hill, he halted the limber, dismounted, tied his horse and waited a moment or two expecting that we would send for the ammunition. But as no one came for it, he concluded that he was not seen and that he had better take up a couple of rounds and inform them of the arrival of ammunition. Opening the chest, he took out two cartridges and started for the guns and did not discover that the rebs had possession until he had arrived almost up to them when he turned and attempted to make his escape. But when he arrived where his horse was, he found a reb who with gun pointed, demanded his surrender, which he was obliged to do or be shot. He therefore surrendered and was marched to the rear.
Though they have suffered much and are still suffering from the effects of their treatment, still they do not regret their experience as it is something that [they] can be proud of. But, I assure you, they are not anxious for another occasion for pride.
With my kind regards to you, Chappel, and Bancroft, I remain very truly yours, — James B. Dutch
The following letters were written by James B. Myers (1837-1863) who grew up in Perry City, Wyoming, New York, the son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Abell) Myers. He was living in Farmington, Oakland county, Michigan, at the time of the 1860 US Census, and was married to Angeline Defenderfer (b. 1845) on 17 August 1862, two weeks after he enlisted in Co. I, 24th Michigan Infantry.
I could not find an image of James but here is one of William Houston who also served in the 24th Michigan Infantry and lost his life at Gettysburg in the 1st day’s action.
Shortly after the Battle of Antietam (September 1862), the 24th Michigan Infantry was assigned to the famous Iron Brigade in the Army of the Potomac. The brigade’s commander General John Gibbon had requested a new regiment be added to his command because its four original regiments (the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin and the 19th Indiana) had been severely depleted by combat action and numbered less than 1000 men total by October 1862. He said that ideally it should be a Western regiment since the others were from that part of the country. Gibbon’s request granted, the 24th Michigan joined the brigade and saw its first action at Fredericksburg taking on a nuisance battery of Confederate horse artillery south of the town. The regiment would follow up its actions at Fredericksburg with a raid on Port Royal,Virginia and fighting at Fitzhugh Crossing. The 24th saw no major action during the Chancellorsville campaign, but at Gettysburg it “Went into action with 496 officers and men. Killed & mortally wounded: 89; Otherwise wounded: 218; Captured: 56; Total casualties: 363. Nine color bearers were killed or mortally wounded and two wounded, of 13 men to hold onto the flag during the first day of the battle, and all the color guard killed or wounded, a net loss of 80%. The 24th Michigan alongside the 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment suffered the highest casualties of any Union forces that fought at Gettysburg.” One of those who gave his life at Gettysburg was James B. Myers of Co. I, killed instantly on the battlefield of the first day’s acton.
James wife later took Jacob H. Canfield as her second husband. He had served with James in the same company and was wounded severely in the left thigh during the third day of action at Gettysburg. Later, in the Wilderness, he received a gunshot wound to the right leg, below the knee but survived and served until the end of the war.
The Iron Brigade at McPherson’s Woods near Gettysburg on 1 July 1863.
Letter 1
Headquarters of the 24th Michigan Regt. Camp Shearer near Fort Baker Washington D. C. September 25, 1862
Dear cousin,
As I have neglected writing to you so long, today I have a little chance of writing to you. I am well. Have gained every day in flesh. I have just come off from guard and my nearest friend was my gun. I have just discharged it and cleaned it. We have been encamped in three different places way beyond Alexandria—most to Fairfax Court House. We were then in Gen. Hooker’s Division and we got marching orders to go to Leesburg so we started and when we got to Washington, we were put into Gen. Woodbury’s Brigade called the Engineer Division. We have not got to fight while we are in this brigade—only to defend ourselves. We have got to build a fort and work and so on but we may not stay in this brigade a great while.
When I left home, mother was quite well and my wife also. I hear from them every week. Perhaps you would like to know when I enlisted. Well it was on the 2nd day of August and I was married on the 17th. When I get out ofthe army we are a coming to see you. Mother is a going to come and see you this fall if she can. The Captain and 2nd Lieutenant are my cousins. Tell Homer’s folks that I wrote to them last and I would like to hear from them and all my friends and relations.
While the battle was raging at Harper’s Ferry, the cannonading could be heard distinctly here. We got the better of them every time since McClellan got command [again]. The prospects are here now that the battle [war] will not last a great while—not over sixty days. Deserters from the rebel army say that they lost about 50,000 men in the last battles.
I am getting sleepy and tired for I have got to sit on the ground to write and it is very hard. There is five of us in one tent and they keep a talking and bothering me. We have got to drill almost all day. We are a doing fatigue duty. Our company went out a chopping today. Sixty of us slashed about 30 acres [in front of Fort Baker] in one day.
I have just heard from the Colonel’s clerk that we can go into Berry’s Brigade if we want to. It lays with the Colonel to say. If we go, we have got to fight—what we came here for. So goodbye for this time. Write as soon as you get this for I may not hear from you ever again. Uncle, you must drop a few lines to me who is in our house now. Cousins, you must write to me. Direct to the 24th Michigan Regt., Co. I, Washington D. C.
A map showing the locations of the various camps of the 24th Michigan in the vicinity of Washington D. C. in September 1862. From Orson Blair’s History of the 24th Michigan.
Letter 2
Headquarters of the 24th Michigan Regt. Camp Penniman near Bakersville, Maryland 1st Army Corps, Gibbon’s Brigade October 23d 1862
Dear Cousin,
Your letter was received today and it found me well. I have not been sick yet.
Well we have marched a great ways from where we was when I wrote to you. We went from Washington via railroad [in cattle cars] to Frederick City and from there we marched on foot some four miles beyond Sharpsburg and last Monday we stared again for here about forty miles. We carry our tents and blankets & dishes and some other traps with forty rounds of cartridges and gun which makes a very good load. Our knapsacks are at Washington. Our haversacks and canteen we hang on to, of course.
Well cousin, I have seen a great deal since I have been down here. I have been on the battle grounds of South Mountain, Antietam, and other places where they have had skirmishing. At the battle ground of South Mountain, the secesh was not buried yet some 5 days after the battles. On one well, they throwed about sixty into it. The trees was all barked up. Some trees over a foot through the bomb shells went through them. The shells lay on the ground not bursted. I went on top of the mountain where Old Jackson had his battery. you could hardly get a horse up. They had one up there. I was where the lead about 500 ft. on the west side. I could look down the rocks about 25 ft. I crossed the Blue Ridge—that is a very high mountain.
But of all battle fields the Antietam [was] the worst. The trees and shot from the bottom clear into the top with shell and shot. Great limbs are cut off. One meeting house was shelled almost to pieces. The secesh was hardly covered. I come along to one where his bayonet scabbard stuck out of the ground. I took hold of it and I and the sergeant pulled it almost out of the ground. It smelled so we left it. Closeby was a secesh hat. The ball went through his forehead. His brains and blood was in it yet as I turned it over.
There was one grave that said on the headboard was 130 into it and some more & some less. It was in the cornfield. I shant have room on this sheet to tell what little I know but little to what some do that have been in the battle. But it is evident enough that we shall have to try it before long.
Whilst at Frederick City I saw President Lincoln. His likeness looks natural. 1
Well, I hear from mother quite often. She is quite composed about my leaving. She did not feel very bad. Well, my wife’s name before I was married was Angeline Duffer. We were married before a justice [William A. Smith]—a man that I used to work for when I made brick. Her father was a cabinet maker and I learnt my trade with him.
I enlisted on the 2nd of August and we were married on the 17th. The reasons why I done so after enlisting I will omit. I got a letter from Aunt Betsy last week. She is well as usual. I got a letter from my wife Ange today. Mother is a going to York State this fall. I guess in about three weeks she intends to start. Ange talked of going but whether she go or not I do not know. I wish you would end the money as soon as you can. I have never written a word to Uncle Asa’s folks yet. How they should know that I was in the Army, I do not know. Give my love to all—Uncle and family especially. Write as often as you can. I wrote to Heman’s folks before I enlisted. Have not heard from them yet. My chance of writing is a very poor one to what you have. I have to sit down on the ground adn lay down. No table. Hold the paper in my hand. We are about 8 miles from Hagerstown and 20 miles from the Pennsylvania line close by the Potomac. Goodbye. Direct as before. Your cousin, — James B. Myers
I have good health ever since I have been in the army. I have written this by candle light. I do not know as you can read this. The other day there was a battle about 20 miles from us. The cannons’ roar was heard distinctly yesterday. I was on guard. The wind blows here harder than I ever seen it before. The weather is very cold.
1 According to the regimental history, President Lincoln passed the camp of the 24th Michigan near the railroad at Frederick City on October 4th on his return from a visit to the Antietam and South Mountain battlefields. Early in the day he visited wounded soldiers at Sharpsburg with McClellan. Midday he traveled to South Mountain to visit Gen. Israel B. Richardson lying mortally wounded in a farmhouse. He arrived in Frederick City about 4:45 p.m. and went to see Gen. George L. Hartsuff suffering from wounds received at Antietam. He then gave a short speech to a crowd at the railway station before leaving for Washington D. C. where he arrived about 10 p.m. (source: Lincoln Log)
Letter 3
[Editor’s Note: The following letter describes the Westmoreland Expedition in which Colonel Morrow led 1200 men from the Iron Brigade through King George and Westmoreland counties of Virginia with the objective of clearing the peninsula between the Potomac and the Rappahannock of any Confederate troops. Upon the conclusion of this expedition and with the visit of the Governor of Michigan, the 24th Michigan were issued the distinctive Black Hats worn by other members of the Brigade.]
Camp Way, Virginia May 29th 1863
Dear Cousin,
Today I will drop a few lines to you to let you know that I am well & alive yet although I have been where danger was great. I was in the last battle the length of time it lasted. You know as well as I do we were very near used up towards the last, tired out with fatigue & traveling. And then such a scene I never want to witness again but will have to, I suppose, as we are under marching orders now to be ready in an hour’s notice to start.
Our brigade was called up last week Thursday morning to be ready to march in half an hour with three days rations. Well we hardly got our breakfast eat[en] when the word was (fall in) & we did so & we traveled 30 miles that day. Well we learnt that we was a going on a reconnoissance down the river Rappahanock. We we went some 60 miles & got our cavalry that was surrounded by the bush dodgers. We got the boys and the Rebel Colonel [Lt. Col. Critcher, 15th Va. Cavalry] & some others besides, bringing home some over one thousand mules & horses. I was very sick when I started, suffering with the bloody diarrhea but I had to go. Well, we lived first rate & a change of diet did me good—cured me. We went into every house we had a mind to & help[ed] ourselves to such as milk & butter, honey, flour, preserves, bread, chickens, turkeys, ducks, &c. &c. for they was secesh & took away their niggers & so on.
Pay master Gould is a paying us off today. He is the forerunner of another fight last night. Our Governor Blair of Michigan came to see us. We had dress parade at 6 o’clock & after that the Governor made us a speech. Oh, [regarding] our raid, we was gone six days & we traveled some 130 miles. Some of the boys was sun struck & fell in their tracks!
How is it about our rent? Is there no money a coming or become due to mother? She says she has wrote for it & you told me in your last letter that there was some money for her. Things look dark as long as that house has been rented & we get so little rent. Mother needs it very much. I am a going to write to Uncle Asa about this thing for the house may as well be burnt up as for the good it does mother. I don’t wish to offend any of you, but we do not get any satisfaction about the place nor hardly hear from you. I have written and written & no answer & now I will try it again. If there is any rent, send it, and if not, explain what has become of it. And furthermore, who is in the house now. Uncle tells us all. Write to mother or to me as you please. Mother’s health is not very good. My sister has been sick all winter and her health is very poor & henry has had the dropsy & they both have had the scarlet fever very hard. Give my love to all the family & friends if you see them. Direct to 24th Michigan Infantry, Co. I, Washington D. C., 1st Army Corps.
— James B. Myers
My wife is well or was when I last heard from her & that is almost every day. She is with mother now for company. I still remain your cousin. Our Colonel had charge of the brigade. He can do if anybody can. Gen. Meredith stayed at camp. Write soon & often & I will. Don’t wait.
These letters were written by Daniel B. Doxtater (1841-1864), the son of Solomon Doxstader (1811-1885) and Nancy Smith (1813-1882) of Oppenheim, Fulton county, New York. Daniel enlisted as a private on 14 August 1862 in Co. E 115th New York Infantry—nicknamed the “Iron Hearted Regiment.” He was with the regiment at Harper’s Ferry when it was captured by Stonewall Jackson’s men in September 1862 and taken prisoner along with all of his comrades. He was paroled shortly after but was detained in Chicago until the regiment could be exchanged in late November 1862. From Washington D. C., they were sent to Hilton Head where they joined the Department of the South in late January 1863. It is here, in Hilton Head, South Carolina that the first of five letters was penned.
Daniel did not survive the war. He was wounded in the abdomen on 20 February 1864 in the Battle of Olustee, Florida, and taken to Beaufort, South Carolina, where he died on 12 March 1864. According to muster rolls, Daniel stood 5′ 4″ tall, and was described as a light haired, blue-eyed farmer.
Other letters by members of the 115th New York Infantry transcribed and published by Spared & Shared:
I received your kind letter of the 13th and was glad to hear that you are all well. I am well and enjoying good health at present. But I have been sick part of the time since I have been in the army. You must excuse me for not writing to you before for we have been hat hauled all over the world. It was just two weeks after we got in Virginia that we was taken prisoners [at Harpers Ferry] and then we was taken to Chicago and there we had to do guard duty and drill. And we stayed there until the 20th of November and sent to Washington and we have moved five times since the 24th of November. We was at Camp Seward. We was at Alexandria just two weeks, then we went to Yorktown and stayed there almost four weeks and then we came here in South Carolina and how long we will stay here, I can’t say.
We left Yorktown on the 22nd of this month and got here the 26th. We came here on the New York Matangas boat. Our campground is located on the island of Hilton Head in a cotton field. I don’t like this place very well for it is sandy and makes very hard traveling and the sand flies when the wind blows like snow. It is pretty cold here and yesterday morning it snowed a little here and last night it froze quite hard. But the weather is moderating down now warm again.
Well, Mary, I think you do have a large school this winter but who is your teacher? I wish I was there to go to school too this winter. Mary, I am glad that my cousins do think enough of me to write to me for I do like to hear from old Oppenheim. But the worst trouble that I have in writing is to get stamps to send them with for there are as scarce as silver is here.
We have not got our pay yet and don’t expect to ever get of the government for when we left Chicago, our barracks was set on fire and all burnt to the ground. There was some rascal who set it on fire and the government has court martialed the whole regiment and stopped our pay so now we don’t draw any pay now and won’t get any. But if they don’t pay me, I won’t fight any more. I will be shot first before I will fight. And our officers say if they can’t have a rehearing about the matter and have their pay go on, they will throw down their arms and will die on the spot before they will do any duty whatever. The colonel is a going to Washington if he can get a furlough and try to have it tried over and they they can’t do anything about it then he says the men can then throw down their arms and he will help them So you see they will be at [ ] hear if they don’t do something.
Well, Uncle George, you must excuse me for not writing to you before but iti s rather late than never. This letter is for you all. Write as soon as you get this letter and oblige. Yours, — D. B. Doxtater
Direct your letter to Mr. Daniel B. Doxtater, Co. E, 115th Regt. N. Y. Volunteers, Hilton Head, S. C., in care of Capt. W. H. Shaw
Letter 2
Fort Mitchel, Skull Creek March 11, 1863
Dear cousin Mary,
I received your ever kind & welcome letter yesterday which I had expected this long time. I began to think that you had forgotten me but at last it came & I am glad to hear that you are all well at present. My health is not very good yet & somewhat so that I am not able to do any duty yet. I have not done anything since the first of February & I have been in the hospital part of the time since I wrote to you but I am with my company now which is my home & Company D are detached from the regiment to do picket duty and fatigue duty about five miles west of Hilton Head where the rest of the regiment are. And we are to work on a fort which is called Fort Mitchel. It is near Pinckney’s Island. It will take some time yet before it is finished. They have four large guns now ready for action anytime and when it is finished, it will be mounted with eight or ten guns and very large ones too.
The weather is as warm here now as it is any time in the summer out home and the Boys are going barefooted. It rains some here today and the soil is sandy and very loose and when the wind blows, the sand flies like snow. The timber is mostly pine and palmetto. The pine is like the Georgia Pine—very hard and full of pitch. The palmetto grows around the edge of the marshes about 15 feet high and the body is smooth and the top is in the shape of a vase of flowers. The Orange trees are planted like our Apple trees although some wild ones grows in the wood. There is three cotton plantations on this island but the owners have left them and gone in the Rebel army and the negroes are living on the plantations and they are to work planting their corn and potatoes, although some of their potatoes are up very nice. The plum and peach trees are out of bloom now & the grass is very green. The clover is about four inches high and everything looks as nice here now as it does in the month of May. This island which we are on is about 17 miles long and 7 wide. The fortifications extend from the dock across the island and mounted with 150 guns and there is about 6,000 soldiers here in all.
General Foster’s fleet is here yet, I believe, with 15,000 men and are expecting to leave here soon to make an attack on Charleston & Savannah. Our Colonel is at Washington now and our Lieutenant Colonel got a letter from him yesterday and he said we was all right now and [cleared] from all blame and we was exonerated and as soon as the pay master could get here we would be paid off in full. And now we are clear from burning the barracks at Chicago. A welcomer visitor never entered our camp as the pay [master] will be when he comes. But he can’t come too soon, I don’t believe, do you?
Well, Mary, I am thankful that I have got such a good friend & such a good cousin at home that writes to me and sends writing paper in their letters so I can write back. And I hope and pray that God will bless you and be with you in all duties and give you all strength to write to a poor soldier that is in the defense of his country for that is the greatest blessing that we can have is to hear from his friends at home. And I am thankful that God has given me a paying Captain so that he can lead us on to battle for our God as well as for our country. I have been a great sinner against God but thankful to God I am not anymore for I am trying to live a better life than I have been. But it is not long since I have started on this good cause. But so far I have enjoyed more comfort for the last week than I ever did. I hope you will pray for me that I may hold out faithful and if we are permitted to meet on Earth, that we may meet in heaven. My company are most all converts and in fact, so is the whole regiment. And last Sunday there was 49 baptized here and a good many more to be baptized yet.
I got a letter from Henry yesterday and he said he was as tough and fat as a bear and his weight is 185 pounds & he said they had a good many deserted out of their regiment and from out of his company. One was Lorenzo Snell and Martin Brown. John Dessure the other he did not name. And he said they has been paid off up to the first of November and the first of March. They were agoing to get the rest & he sent me four postage stamps in his letter.
We live very well here now for we can have all the oysters that we want for they are plenty and they are not over 15 rods from our camp and we can but them off the niggers for ten cents a quart if we had money. But as we have not got any money, we will have to go and get them and open them ourselves.
Afternoon. It has cleared off and it is very warm this afternoon & very pleasant. We have got our street all set out with pine trees & it looks like a small grove. I will put in some leaves of a fur tree and some berries and some peach blossoms and some palmetto reeds so you can see how they look. Mary, I would like to send you a nice bunch of flowers if I could for there is one of the nicest flower gardens here that I ever saw in my life.
Well, Mary, you say it was reported that I was dead but how did you hear of it or who reported that news? This is the second time that they have had me dead out in Oppenheim but as long as I can write, you mustn’t believe anything you hear unless I write it.
Well, Mary, we have enough to eat, such as it is. But I can’t eat everything they give us. But as long as they give me bread and coffee, I can stand it. Tell Granny that I send mt best respects to her and tell her that I wish I was as tough as she is & tell her I heard she was a going to be my aunt and grandmother too one of these days. Tell Martha Smith and Uncle John Smith that I would like to hear them answer that letter that I wrote to them if they want to hear from me anymore. Well, Mary, I guess you will say Dan had better stop writing for this time and so I will by bidding you all goodbye. I send my love and best respects to all whilst life remains, — D. B. D.
Write as soon as you get this letter and oblige your cousin, — Daniel B. Doxtater to Mary Smith
Direct as before. Co. E, 115th Regt. N. Y. S. V., Hilton Head, S. C., Care of Capt. W. H. Shaw
My love to all enquiring friends after receiving a share for yourself. Tell your Pa to write to me. Well, Mary, I will tell you here the niggers grind their corn about the size of a large grindstone and one of the stones are fastened down on a board and a lot of small creases cut in them and then there is a hole in the handle of top one and one on the side of the top and then they stick outside and then they turn it by hand put the corn in the middle of the top stone a little at a time. That the way they ground their corn and they don’t have anything else to eat in the bread line but they have some sweet potatoes to eat but no meat—only oysters. I just got a letter from home which was wrote the 19th of February. Henry said Jenett had left Joseph Moshier again and he had hung himself. But they found him before he was dead. Now it is so or not? You did not say anything about it in your letter.
I will send some cotton and some cotton seed in this letter.
Letter 3
Fort Mitchel. South Carolina Sunday morning, April 12th 1863
Dear cousin Mary,
I now take pen in hand to converse with you in the silent meditation of the pen, as it is the [only] means that we have at present. So let us improve the privilege that we have in writing, although I have not got much time to write for I am on duty every day now as we are all the men that is here now to work on the fort and they are in a hurry to get it done for they expect the rebels on us every day. So you see we are in some danger and for that reason we have to work very hard. But Sundays—we don’t work so I will improve the time by writing to you.
Your letter came in hand in due time and on the 8th of this month and I was very glad to hear that you are all well, which leaves me at present in very good health. And when this reaches you it will find you the same and enjoying the same blessing that I am enjoying now.
The weather grows better here every day—especially at midday. The heat is very oppressive and it is very dry for we do not have any rain to speak of. At night we have very heavy dew and it is quite comfortable at night. The trees are all leafed out very nicely and everything looks like the month of June and there is fruit of all kinds grows here and the figs are as large as a walnut. And the blackberries are getting ripe very fast. So you see we will live good if we stay here all summer which I think probably we shall if the rebels don’t take us prisoners again for our forces are very small now in this island for the men that was on this island have all gone to take Charleston. But I have not heard whether they have took it or not yet. But there is one thing certain, they will either take the city or burn it up. We have got orders tro be ready at any minute for we don’t know what or ow soon the rebels will attack us here for we can see them over on the west side of the river and it would not take them long to come over on us at night and take us all prisoners or kill us for they have blowed up the gunboat that done the picket duty on the river. The rebels are a ragg[ed]y set of fellows but they are tigers to fight.
We are a going to meeting at 3 o’clock this afternoon and I wish you was here to go and hear our chaplain preach. He is a very smart man, is liked very well in the regiment, and he has done a great deal for this regiment and about two-thirds of the regiment have professed religion and are serving their creator now instead of Satan which they have served in their days past.
Well. Mary, I will tell you what I meant by saying that I expected Granny would be my aunt. Sarah Smith wrote to me and said that Granny was a going to get married to my Uncle J. D.
That is a pretty name, I think, which you named your little sister and your Ma says she takes after me. Then if she does, she takes after a smart fellow then, don’t she? for the Small folks are a great deal smarter than the large ones, hain’t they Mary?
Tell Frances that I thank her very much for that gum she sent me and tell her I will speak a good word for her to a litle curly headed boy down South here and I send my best respects to her and tell her to be a good girl until I come home.
I have got my pay now. My share was $67.90 and I sent $60 home and kept the rest for spending money. The health of the regiment is better now than it has been since we left Fonda. There has not but one died in this regiment since we came here and that one that died was one of my company. His name is J[oseph.] Wood. We have not got anyone in the hospital now at present. I wish I was there when you get to making sugar so to have some warm sugar to eat. And if we ever get off this island, I will try to get a furlough and come home if nothing happens.
Well, Mary, you say it snows and blowed so there out North. And down South is is warm and nice as summer. I could not hardly believe that there was so much difference in the weather in the world as it is and while you fellows are suffering with the cold, we are suffering with the heat. The fleas and gnats are very bad here and there is all kinds of snakes here. We killed a black snake the other day five feet and seven inches long, and the other day they killed two more which was over 4 feet long. And there is lots of alligators. They killed one the other day and brought him in camp and he was over four feet long and about as large around as my leg. And the niggers say that there is some very big ones here. They are a savage-looking animal now, I tell you, and they can run very swift too you better believe.
Well, Mary, I can’t think of much more to write or much time to write this time. And I hope that this great rebellion will be soon put down so I can come home to my friends that I have left behind me. And I hope that God will guide and protect them in all their ways and if we never meet on earth, that we may live so as to meet in heaven where parting is unknown. So now I will close my letter by hoping to hear from you soon. My love to you whilest life remains. — Daniel B. Doctater to his cousin Mary Smith
Direct as before. Excuse all bad writing and spelling.
Letter 4
Hilton Head, South Carolina June 25, 1863
Dear cousin Mary,
Youyr long and expected letter came in hand on the 23rd bearing date the 8th and I was very glad to hear from you once more and more so to hear that you are all well and in the enjoyment of good health for that is worth more than property os to us. I am well and enjoying good health & feel better now at the present time that I have since we came on this island. But I don’t know how long it will last for it is very sickly here. My company numbers 87 men in all and out of that number, there is not only 30 men able to do duty and there ain’t only about 250 men in the regiment that is able to do duty. And when we left Fonda we had over one thousand able bodied men for duty. So you see that is the way it goes with the northern soldiers down here in the South. There is more men injured with sickness than by balls. They are dying off in our regiment very fast now. The disease is mostly fever here.
Well, Mary, two companies of our regiment are out on the outposts doing picket duty. My company and Company F are the ones that are here on Jenkins’ Island and we are in sight of rebel pickets. The river is all that divides us from the rebels and we guard one side of the river and the rebels the other. So you see they can’t get over here unless they come in small boats and then our pickets will see them and fire into them. They they will put back to the shore again. So you see, they don’t like they way we use them. But whenever a steamboat passes down this way to go to to Fort Pulaski, they will fire on her with muskets but they know then what will come after the, so they will run for the bushes with some shells after them from the boats for every steamboat carried some cannons on board of them.
Well, Mary, I have been down in the State of Georgia to Fort Pulaski since I wrote to you last. I have been on an expedition since I wrote you last. There was 750 in all from the different regiments that is here. We went on the 3rd of the month and came back the 5th. We went up the May River in the boats Carroch, Mayflower, Island City, and convoyed by the gunboat Ann McDonough. We went to the village of Bluffton, but the infantry landed about three miles from the village and we skirmished up the bank of the river & the boat followed up the river but only once in a while we could get sight of two rebels and then a shower of balls would be sent after them but they seemed to run faster than the balls. Well so we kept on in that way until we came in the village when we had some fun. But the fun was all on our side for the rebels took to their heels as fast as they could go and only once in a while they would stop to make a stand. But their courage would fail them & run again. The village was taken and set fire to it and burned it to the ground but the rebels was not seen again until we had evacuated the place & had most all got on the boat when the rebel cavalry came down upon us very strongly enforced and made an attempt to draw us off but we soon sent them a flying in all directions. They only fired at us once but the balls fell short of us and we came off with a loss of a man one our side but we don’t know how many the rebels lost but they lost a good many thousands of dollars worth of property. 1
The burning of Bluffton
There is not any pigeons here but there is lots of fish and blackberries and all kinds of garden sauce. We had a nice lot of cucumber for breakfast this morning. Peaches are very plenty and they are most ripe now. I suppose we will get our pay today for they paid the regiment yesterday but we don’t get only two months pay this time which will be $26. Tell Frances that little curly head is doing very well now but he got to be to big now to put in a letter. No more at present so goodbye. Write as soon as you get this and oblige. Your cousin, — David
1 On June 3, 1863, Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont instructed Lieutenant Commander George Bacon to lead an expedition against Bluffton aboard the gunboat Commodore McDonough. By June 4, Union forces under Colonel Barton, transported by the gunboat Mayflower and an army transport ship, landed in Bluffton. They quickly took control of the town after Confederate forces retreated. Under Colonel Barton’s orders, most of Bluffton was destroyed by fire, although the church was spared. Confederate troops attempted several counterattacks but were repelled by Union forces and the firepower of the Commodore McDonough, which provided shell and shrapnel support. Approximately two-thirds of its 60 structures were destroyed. Afterwards, the Union troops reembarked without suffering any casualties and returned to Hilton Head.
Letter 5
Beaufort, South Carolina Sunday afternoon, August 2, 1863
Dear cousin Mary,
It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity to write a few lines to you to inform you that your letter of the 19th was duly received and I was very happy to hear that you are all well. I am well at present and in good spirits and I [hope] these few lines will find you the same. There has been a great deal going on here since I last [wrote] to you. First, they have been fighting on Morris Island and two weeks ago today they brought here a lot of wounded soldiers and we had to work night and day to unload the wounded and every building that was large enough to put soldiers in and they drove the niggers outdoors and put the wounded in. There was 600 in all that was brought here and they left a good many down to Hilton Head and they have most of our regiment in the hospitals as nurses to take care of the wounded.
I was in the hospital a spell and I had twelve wounded ones to take care of and they was wounded in all shapes and places. They have took one boat load of wounded soldiers to New York last week and as soon as the boat comes back, they are a going to take some more. We came to Beaufort five weeks ago today and have moved once since we came here. It is a very pleasant place here and I like it very well but it is hot that it almost roasts a fellow.
Well, Mary, I went in the city last Friday to have a dozen pictures taken on cards for you all but they have stopped taking them now so I can’t get them at present and they charged four dollars a dozen for them. But as soon as they take photographs here, I will have some taken and send you one as soon as I can.
We have lots to eat here now for the corn and potatoes are good to eat now. And figs, peaches, pears are ripe and watermelons are very plenty and they grow as large as good sized pumpkins. And we buy one every day. We had one to eat today and I wish you [could have] a lot of them to eat. I have got a lot of the seeds a drying and as soon as they get dry, I will send you some so you can try next spring and raise some of your own. And they are as red inside as cherry.
It is very sickly here yet and the Boys are dying off very fast. JamesBolster is dead and Simon Moshier they don’t think will live. The doctor says he can’t live and Levi Phillips is sick in the general hospital but he is getting better now. Our army is having good luck this summer so far and if Gen. Gilmore has good luck and takes Charleston this time, I think this war will be ended soon. And I do hope and pray that this rebellion will be crushed before two months more. Gen. Gilmore is gaining on Charleston all the time and we can hear heavy cannonading most every day to Charleston, and Rosecrans is coming up in the rear of Charleston and it must fall without fail.
I will close this letter now by sending my best respects to you all. Yours in haste, — Daniel B. Doxtater
Write as soon as you get this and oblige your cousin, Daniel B. Doxtater, Co. E, 115th Regt., N. Y. S. Vols. to Beaufort, S. C.
Tell Frances to be a good girl and my last to her.
A 21 year-old farmer from Hardwick, Massachusetts—the son of Alonzo Emmons and Abigail Lawrence—Marcus A. Emmons enlisted for three years’ service in August 1861. Joining Co. K of the 21st Massachusetts Infantry, he was mustered into federal service late in the month and shipped out almost immediately for garrison duty in Annapolis. As part of Ambrose Burnside’s expedition to North Carolina beginning in January 1862, the 21st took part in several major engagements, including the battles of Roanoke Island, New Berne, and South Mills, before they were sent to Viginia during the summer to join the main body of the Army of the Potomac. Emmons’ regiment sustained heavy casualties in the long succession of battles (Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg), but particularly at Chantilly in September 1862, where they sustained 35% casualties.
Between March 1863 and January 1864, the 21st Massachusetts Infantry served in Kentucky and eastern Tennessee, but they returned to the Army of the Potomac for the spring campaigns of 1864. Emmons performed exceptionaly well in the military, earning promotion to Corporal (Nov. 10, 1862) and then Sergeant (Sept. 1, 1863), before his reenlistment in January 1864. His regiment, however, suffered heavily. Around the time that Emmons was killed in action at Bethesda Church (Battle of Cold Harbor) on June 2, 1864, the 21st had been reduced from around 1,000 men to barely 100, forcing them to consolidate into the 36th Massachusetts Infantry.
Emmons was described by his comrade, James Madison Stone, as “an awkward, unsoldierly appearing man, “but a man of considerable intellectual ability and a man of splendid character, and, so far as I ever saw, he was as brave as the bravest, without any show or parade, but always did his duty faithfully.” [Source: Marcus A. Emmons Papers, 1858-1864. Special Collections. Amherst.]
I received your letter in due season and was glad to hear from you and the Hardwick people again that you were so well generally. Mrs. Frost I am sorry to hear is still blind. It will make it rather bad for Uncle Bill. He will have to set Henrietta his daughter to keeping house. It will come awkward for her for I guess she never was put to work much at housekeeping but there must be a beginning sometime and she had better learn now that 5 years hence.
I am also sorry to hear that Mr. [Martyn] Tupper is so unwell. I would like to come into old Hardwick some of these Sundays and hear him preach. I always liked to hear him preach or speak extemporaneously. Anyone can understand the meaning of what he says. C. L. Warner is bound to drive business this season. I understand he must not work his Carry [?] too hard in his haste to be rich. We live but one life and money is not the best aim for one’s life.
Willard Peck I understand intends to take Miss Bec to wife. I wonder if he is not a little like an impulsive youth. I hope however that the union may prove a happy one. Willard is an honest, faithful man in his labors for other people.
I have a chance to hear the war news about once a week now. The mail comes more regular now. George and I am taking a paper which is printed in Newbern by one of the 25th Regiment Mass. Vols. who now patrol the city. It was a rebel paper & is called the Pilgrim Progress. The rebels retreated in such a hurry that they left everything belonging to the Printing Office unharmed. The paper does not contain much but local news. We are going to send some of the papers to our folks.
We, the 21st, have been in the Battle of Camden [South Mills] since I wrote you before. We had a fatiguing march of 40 miles in 24 hours (besides the battle in that time). In coming back the roads were muddy owing to a shower which occurred after the battle. The road was more slippery than ice. Most everyone fell flat in the mud (which sticks to one like salve). It was the hardest march that ever I went. When we got back to the place where we landed, you would have thought we had been defeated, we came in such confusion and were so tired. There were some of the regiments in the enterprise together. Many of all the regiments were lying beside the road for the last two or three miles. Some of them did not much care of they were taken prisoners, they were so exhausted. But the rear guard brought them most all in. One of Co. B got taken prisoner and the rebels have released him on a parole of honor.
Co. K did not have to fight any though. They were in as dangerous a position for some time as the other companies. The balls—some of them—came as close to my head as I care to have them. One of them knocked some splinters into my face from a small twig nearby. Co. K was marched to the rear of the regiment to prevent the enemy from surprising us in that direction. The underbrush were so thick you could not see three rods in some direction. The enemy were in their own chosen position with a force of artillery, cavalry, and infantry and they were in the edge of a woods and set fire to a fence, the smoke of which covered them very much from our sight. But we whipped them through. The Hawkins Zouaves [9th New York Infantry] suffered severely for attacking them in front, contrary to orders. The 21st had 1 killed and 15 wounded.
Some of the wounded had to be left behind when we went back to the boats. The surgeons of the different regiments drew lots to see which of them should remain to take care of them. The lot fell on Dr. Warren of our regiment. He and the wounded were taken prisoners but the rebels took him and all the wounded that they thought would not get well to Ft. Monroe from Norfolk a few days ago and gave them up. Dr. Warren has got back to the 21st here. He says the rebels made him go down into the hold of the vessel when they were passing their works. They took all his surgical tools and his medicine case and many other things away from him. He thinks Burnside could take Norfolk as most of the rebels have gone to Yorktown.
We have had a Brigade Review today. We have been brigaded again. We are under Col. Ferrero who acts as Brigade General. Reno has command of the 2nd Division. Burnside has been promoted to a Major General and has command of the Department of North Carolina which consists now of three divisions. The 21st Regt. M. V. is on the right of the 2nd Brigade, the New York 51st next, then the Pennsylvania 51st, and the Connecticut 11th on the left. These regiments constitute the 2nd Division.
There has been quite a number of deaths in this regiment and considerable sickness since we have been in this camp but the most sickly time has passed. The 21st cannot report 500 men for active duty now, I don’t think. Co. K had only 88 men in the Battle of Camden. 51 started on the expedition but 13 had to fall out or remain on the boat. Four remained sick on the boat and the others fell out from fatigue before we come up to the rebels. The object of the expedition was to make a demonstration on Norfolk.
But I must close this long letter lest I lose your patience. Write soon and write the local news of Hardwick if not so exciting. From your friend, — Marcus A. Emmons
The following diaries were kept by 1st Sergeant Jesse Stoneman Clum (1840-1915) of Co. C, 118th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI).. According to his obituary, Jesse participated in the battle of Kingston, Tennessee; Mossy Creek, Tennessee, and in the Atlanta Campaign under General Sherman, and then in the Battle of Franklin and Nashville. He was later promoted to Lieutenant of Company D (January 1865).
Jesse was the son of George Clum, Jr. (1808-1862) and Mary Hannah Morrison (1815-1877 of Fort Recovery, Mercer county, Ohio. He was married to Sarah Mellesia McDaniel (1840-1923)—his “better half” as he called her—on 17 August 1862. A month later he enlisted in the 118th OVI.
“Our Regt is strung out for guard duty on the K.C.R.R. from Covington to Paris a distance of about seventy five miles. We spent the winter in building stockades for the protection of the numerous bridges along this line and in gathering up deserters, returned rebel soldiers, rebel recruiting offices, spies & and we done a very good business at it. We brought to justice some hundreds of the rebellious cusses. Those men that were executed on Johnson’s Island lately were formerly our boarders I knew them well.” — Lt. J. S. Parker, Co. B, 118th OVI, 4 June 1863[Source: WTCW]
[Note: These diaries are from the personal collection of Brad Emalfarb and were offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
December 8th 1862—Today we came to Paris [Kentucky] as Provost Guard—Dennis Kelley, George Hedrick & Charley Keck. Nothing unusual transpired.
9th— Have been busy all day writing but the hurry is now over and I expect some rest tomorrow. This is a very pleasant day. Has passed pleasantly but nothing unusual transpired. I got two letters today—one from Sarah and one from Jac___.
December 11th—Today took one prisoner. Has been in the Southern Army. Nothing else of interest transpired.
12th—Today I went to summon in witnesses for the man that I took yesterday. Have seen today’s paper which contains the news of Burnside’s Army having crossed the Rappahannock. Nothing of importance has transpired today.
13th—Lieut. [Charles] Gloyd was up from camp today. The Boys are getting along fine. Very warm today. Nothing of interest.
14th—Sunday morning. This is a very pleasant day. Have been indoors most all day. The church bells are ringing for church but I shall not go today. Are very anxious to hear the news from Fredericksburg, Va.
15th—Nothing of interest has transpired. Our armies has been successful both in the East and West.
16th—Today is very cold. Left Paris this morning for camp to bring provision. Nothing of interest at camp. The Boys are well.
17th—The provisions did not come until after dark. Was packed up this morning ready to start when the rest of the Boys came also. The Captain is ordered to his regiment. Last night Jones and the other Boys come from home. Captain has come back. I got the letters from home.
18th—We worked on the fortifications today. Captain [Stone] went to Lexington today and just now returned. Everything is doing fine. Weather is nice.
19th—The air is very cold today. Captain [William D. Stone] went to Falmouth and returned and six of us went to Paris horseback. Returned at 1 o’clock a.m. and almost froze.
20th—I am on guard today. The weather continues mild and agreeable. Nothing of interest has transpired but we finished our stockade.
21st—Sunday. Today was a very gloomy day—raining pretty near all the time. Nothing of interest has transpired today.
22nd—Worked on the blockhouse today. Looks very much like [rain] this evening. Nothing unusual transpired.
23rd—Rained some last night. Don’t feel very well today. Have not done anything. The first day that I have been unwell for some time
24th—Today Mr. Dunnwoody got to camp on a visit to see his son. Also Mr. Ellis. It is raining some today. Tomorrow is Christmas, One year ago tonight was at home and at a ball tripping the fantastic toe.
25th—A merry happy Christmas to all. It has rained pretty near all day. A very disagreeable day for Christmas—at least I would think so if I was at home. Got three letters today. One from my better half.
26th—Got our rations today. Rotten meat is the best. Rained pretty near all day. Got a letter from Sarah today. Do not feel very well today.
27th—I am on guard today. Nothing of importance to relate. Only a very disagreeable day.
28th—Sunday morning. Last night was rallied thrice but nothing very serious and very tired and sleepy today.
29th—Have been working on the stockade today. Lieut. Colonel [John] Walkup paid us a visit today.
30th—Captain [William D. Stone] has gone to Falmouth. Has rained all day. Col. [Samuel R.] Mott has come back with Captain Stone tonight.
31st—I am on guard today as [ ] duty an tonight. I will be on guard till the second hour of the year 1863.
January 1st 1863—Everything is very still and quiet today for New Years. Nothing unusual transpired today.
2nd—Mr. Dunwoody and Mrs. Ellis started home today. Worked on the fortification today.
3rd—Finished the fortifications today. This afternoon six men from Newport, relations of the Boys, came to pay them a visit. It is raining some this evening.
4th—I am on guard. We got our regulation swords today. Wrote home to Sarah tonight.
5th—Nothing of interest has transpired today.
7th—It is raining this morning. Lieut. [Charles] Gloyd has gone to Falmouth. Got a letter today from home.
6th—Has rained pretty near all day and everything looks gloomy. I did not get any letters today and am much disappointed.
8th—Snowed pretty near all night. There is about four inches now. Caught two rebels today.
9th—The snow is finally near all gone. Looks considerable like rain this evening.
10th—Rained very hard last night and until noon today. Captain [Stone] has gone to Falmouth. Got a letter from [brother] Hiram [L. Clum] this evening.
11th—Sunday morning. The weather is very nice and clear. Went to church today. Heard a very dull sermon preached.
12th—Nothing of interest transpired. Got a letter from home.
13th—Don’t feel very well today. Came off guard this morning.
14th—Has rained pretty near all day. Some of our boys are very sick with the sore throat. John Ellis and Tom Winn have gone to the hospital.
15th—Last night it snowed and rained all night. This morning the snow is about eight inches deep. The [Stoner] river has raised and is now bank full.
16th—It is very cold today. Snow about ten inches deep. The train has not come up for two days & we have not got our mail. Today George Mc[Daniel], Jim Johnson, & John Collins went out to get their dinner in the country and stole a setter dog.
17th—The weather is more moderate today. The train went up this afternoon. I got two letters from home this evening and feel very well pleased to hear they are all well.
18th—Sunday. I am on guard today. The weather is very cold. The guards have been in the quarters pretty near all day. Wrote a letter home today.
19th—Some warmer today and the snow is melting fast. This afternoon the pay master came. He only paid us for one month and the odd day so our pay now will run from the 1st of November. Amount of pay received today $22.65.
20th—Went out to get a beef but missed it. Captured a gun. Captain [Stone] does not get to go home as he expected. The sick is not much better. Got a letter from home tonight.
21st—Everything is quiet today. Snow is melting slowly. The [Stoner] river is very high.
22nd—Nothing happened today to interest us. George has gone to the mills. The sick is no better.
23rd—Nothing of interest.
24th—The snow has all gone and it is now very muddy under foot. The waters are very high.
25th—Sunday. Captain went to the Mills to church. Am very lonesome.
26th—Have the bloody flux this morning and feel very bad. My bones aches as does my head.
27th—Feel a good deal better today. Captain & the Boys has returned this evening.
28th—Nothing of importance transpired today.
29th—Captain went to Cynthiana and today I was to the Mills.
30th—Lieut. Rhodes took the teams and went for hay but did not get any.
31st—Lieut. Rhodes has gone to Cynthiana today. My health is excellent. Could not expect it better. Got a letter from Hiram this evening. He is well and hearty. Also got one from Will Topping.
February 1, 1863—This is Sunday morning and as usual is raining for keeps. Our sick is better.
2nd—Lieut. Rhodes has gone to Falmouth today. Got a letter from my better half. Was glad to hear from her once more. Have been working on the pay rolls today.
3rd—Today we received our Enfield Rifles. They are a very nice gun.
4th—Have been fixing the pay roll today. Joseph Kistner died [at Townsend Bridge] this evening of typhoid fever.
5th—Went to Cynthiana with guns and horses. Got three letters from home.
6th—Buried Joseph Kistner today in the Honors of War. We buried him near the stone fence some sixty or 80 yards south of the railroad shanty. I hope this may be the last one we have to bury while in the service.
7th—I am on guard today and the weather is very cold. Captain has gone to Cynthiana.
8th—Sunday. There is a good many of boys sick now. Nothing unusual transpired today.
9th— Have a severe cold and don’t feel very well myself. Got a letter from home and feel very much revived. The tender attached to the wood freight has run off the track on the fill at the north end of the bridge. No serious damage done.
10th—They have just got the tender on the track and are ready to start this morning. I feel pretty bad this morning with a severe cold. George Martin, Perry Clawson, Charles Keck, George Baker and Bernard Drees went to the hospital yesterday evening.
11th—Nothing of any interest has transpired to day. Don’t feel very well. Have a severe cold and sore throat.
12th—Got a letter from home and one from Hiram. Don’t feel so well today. My throat is very sore. Could not speak above a whisper this morning.
13th—Mess one went jayhawking last night. Got seven turkeys and one chicken.
14th—The same routine of camp life today. James Meeks came from the hospital this evening.
15th—Sunday morning. Had inspection this morning.
16th—I am on guard today and feel very well over it.
17th—Today Messrs. Johnston’s and women came to see their boys and pay us a visit this evening. J. W. McDaniel came from home. We was very glad to see him.
18th—This is a very disagreeable day. Raining pretty near all the time.
19th—Nothing of interest in camp today. Weather very pleasant.
20th—Went to Ruddells Mills to bury Capt. Pugles of the 18th Kentucky Vol. Infantry. I was one of the pall bearers. Storming very hard this evening.
22nd—Sunday—It is very disagreeable today. Underfoot is snow and mud some five inches deep.
23rd—There is a great deal of excitement today. Forrest is within a few miles from Lexington. They have taken Winchester, so reported this afternoon. Captain has returned from Cynthiana. Has orders to send 25 men to reinforce Lieut. [Abram] Wancop at Paris. They will take four days rations and start in the morning. Messrs. Johnston’s started home this morning.
24th—Have not heard anything of the rebels. The trains is not running on the road.
25th—The Boys got back this forenoon. They report everything quiet at Paris. The rebels are retreating. Our men following.
26th—Went to Cynthiana today. There is considerable excitement there. The report is that Breckinridge is coming in this direction with a large force.
27th—Capt. has gone to Cynthiana horseback. Gave been drilling pretty hard all day and feel very tired. Captain has returned. Got a letter from Uncle A. G. Morrison.
28th—[no entry]
March 1st 1863—Nothing of interest today.
2nd—Got several letters from home today.
3rd—Has rained pretty near all day today.
4th—I have not felt very well today. Weather very nice.
5th—Got a letter from my better half today.
6th—Captain has gone to Cynthiana this morning. Has returned and will proceed to Ohio immediately for the purpose of catching deserters. This evening John Blake came to see us on a visit.
7th—Rained pretty near all night. The river is very high. Mitchel McDaniel has gone to Cynthiana.
8th—This morning the river is higher than it has been since we have been here.
9th—Nothing of any importance has transpired today.
10th—H. went to press in some hay today and also pressed in some six turkeys and they came very acceptable for we was out of provisions.
11th—Weather very pleasant. John Blake started home this afternoon and Will McDaniel got here on this evening’s train.
12th—Today J. W. McDaniel & myself went and hunted up a stove for our fort and the boys took the wagon and went after it.
13th—Don’t feel very well today. Am on guard today.
14th—Will McDaniel and myself went to Paris today on the train. Nothing unusual.
15th—Sunday morning. Everything kooks like spring. Had the inspection this morning.
16th—J. W. McDaniel went to Paris today. Have been drilling. Got a letter from home.
17th—Have not heard from the Captain since he left us.
18th—Captain has got back this evening. Everything on a stand still. William F. McDaniel also started home today.
19th—Lieut. [John] Rhodes and Lieut. [Abram] Wancop has gone to Cynthiana. Has rained pretty near all day.
20th—I am on guard today. Has rained pretty near all day. Lieut. Rhodes returned from Cynthiana today. Wancop has gone to Lexington.
21st—Saturday, a very lonesome day. Was paid today by Maj. Beecher until the 1st of January.
22nd—Sunday. Had inspection this morning. Have been writing pretty near all day.
23rd—Went to Ruddells Mills for corn. Got twenty bushels. Has rained some today. No news of any importance.
24th—Has rained pretty near all day, Went to Cynthiana this afternoon. Got a letter from Uncle W. F. Morrison today.
25th—Have felt pretty well today for all it was gloomy and rainy all day. This evening was reinforced by two companies of the 115th Ohio.
27th—Have been in camp all day. Feel very tired. Have not got any letter from home for several days.
28th—Was at Cynthiana today. Everything is quiet at headquarters. Got a letter from home today.
29th—Sunday morning. Everything passed off pleasantly today.
30th—Nothing special today. No talk of rebels being near us now.
31st—I am 23 years old today. Got a letter from home last evening.
April 1st—Last night one of our pickets was captured near Cynthiana by guerrillas. They also murdered a Union man living near Cynthiana.
2nd—Was on picket at the Mills last evening. Everything passed off all right.
Clum’s Second Diary; mostly written in pencil and badly smudged in parts. The diary pages also seem rigid as if having been at one time totally soaked in water and then left to dry out. Some of the binding is loose but I think most of the pages are there.
[Editor’s Note: Clum’s second diary is in much worse condition than the first one and though there are entries in it at the beginning they are largely illegible. I don’t know when they began but hardly believe that they picked up just where the first diary stopped. I have started transcribing the second diary in September 1863.
Background: It was on 8 August 1863, authorities dispatched the 118th Ohio to Lebanon, Kentucky, Louisville and Lexington. The regiment remained in Lebanon approximately one week, before officials dispatched it to East Tennessee. They arrived at Kingston, Tennessee on 10 November 1863, where they principally performed garrison duty and protected the city from threatened Confederate attack. Following the Battle of Chattanooga and the Battle of Knoxville, the 118th advanced through Nashville to Mossy Creek, Tennessee. On 29 December 1863, Confederate cavalry attacked the Union position at Mossy Creek. The Northern forces held their ground, but members of the 118th Regiment had forty men killed or wounded.]
SEPTEMBER 1863
September 24, 1863—Left Camp Goring (or Loudon) this morning at half past 4 o’clock. Marched 13 miles and camped at 12 o’clock p.m. a quarter mile west of Sweetwater. Today for the first time in 18 month service I was hauled in an ambulance. I feel considerable better. Passed through the town of Philadelphia at 7 o’clock a.m. At 9 p.m., commenced retrograde movement back to Loudon. Passed through Philadelphia at 12 p.m. Arrived at Loudon at 4 o’clock. As I came back, stopped at Philadelphia and stayed all night.
25th—Got to Loudon at 10 o’clock a.m. Feed considerable better today. Are expecting to cross the Tennessee River this evening.
26th—Stayed last night with Lt. Rhodes at a private house. Regiment did not cross the river. 12 o’clock p.m. regiment commenced crossing to the north side of the Tennessee River. Air is very chilly. Report says the rebs are coming in force. I think it is only rumor.
27th—Sunday. In camp north of the Tennessee river. Considerable excitement prevails. Citizens are in by hundreds and report Bragg’s whole army is moving on us from the most reliable sources. Probably only a part of his forces are coming. 6 o’clock p.m. [Frank] Woolford & [Robert K.] Byrd’s Brigades have been skirmishing with the enemy for the last two days. Our forces are giving back. The trains belonging to the above named brigades came in this evening and crossed to this side. The general opinion is that we will have a fight here tomorrow. I feel better.
28th—Half past 9 o’clock, the ball has opened. They have commenced shelling our boys near Philadelphia 6 miles from here. Half past 10 o’clock have orders to march to meet the enemy. 15 minutes before 11, commenced marching. Went a mile south of town and remained in line of battle. Everything you [look] at proves that we will have a heavy engagement with the enemy in the [ ].
29th—The enemy retired during the night and has gone back the way they came. Ten o’clock have orders to return to the north side of the river and camp. Our cavalry was reinforced by 2500 last night. They will follow the enemy.
30th—We have heard heavy cannonading in the southwest. Think our cavalry has engaged the enemy. We still are encamped north of the Tennessee river. Got a letter from G. W. Mc.
OCTOBER 1863
October 1, 1863—Nothing transpired today of unusual nature.
October 2—Heard from G. W. R. M. [Henry] Poppleman went to the hospital Had battalion drill today for the first time. Our provost guard returned today. Dress Parade this evening.
4th—Sundsay and very lonesome it is too. Had dress parade in the afternoon. Made a very good appearance. No news of interest. Everything is dull.
5th—Weather very cool. Battalion drill this morning and at two o’clock this afternoon. Dress Parade at 6 p.m. No news this evening.
6th—Made our requisitions for clothing. Did not have Dress Parade this evening. Am very anxious to hear from home. Have not got a letter from my wife for seven weeks and it seems like seven years. Commenced messing with captain and lieutenants.
7th—Everything is dismal today. Has rained all day. Nothing of interest transpired.
8th—Had Battalion Drill at 9 in the morning and at 2 this afternoon. Dress Parade at half past 5. James Meeks, Charles Kline, Philip J. Millhoff and George Baker who was left at Lexington, Kentucky, Convalescent Camp returned this evening looking hearty.
9th—Charles D. Keck returned. No drilling today as it is set apart for the boys to wash and clean themselves. Weather cool.
10th—A day long to be remembered by the 118th as the first trial we have had since we left home. How gratifying it is to the soldier to know that he is not forgotten by those at home. Got eight letters from my wife. All are well at home.
11th—Came out on picket last evening. Was very cold last night. Feel very bad. Got a headache which pains me very much.
12th—Nothing special today. All is quiet. Gaining some.
13th—Election day. Our company voted 50 for [John] Brough and 23 for [Clement] Vallandigham. Everything passed off quietly.
14th—It rained all day. Charles Kline and P. Millhoff was detailed to go to the Elgin Battery.
15th—Went foraging but did not get anything. Rained in the evening very hard.
16th—Nothing transpired today worth writing. Wrote to [brother] Hiram & G. W. Mc.
17th—Wrote to my wife today. Was inspected by Capt. Spain. The boys are clearing off ground for winter quarters.
18th—Sunday has rained pretty near all day. Nothing of interest transpired worthy of writing.
19th—Have been busy all day making invoices and posting our clothing book.
20th—One o’clock cannonading in the direction of Philadelphia. 2 o’clock ordered across the river. Wolford’s Cavalry is [ ]. The whole brigade is either captured or have cut their way through. Bivouacked for night.
21st—[illegible]…Our boys have run the rebs beyond Philadelphia. Was on picket last [night]. Did not sleep any.
22nd—9 o’clock a.m. was ordered back across the river. Firing in the direction of Philadelphia. 2 o’clock was ordered back across to the south side of river. Was ordered to detail 32 men to [ ]. 7 o’clock p.m. was ordered back across the river. Are now snug in our tents. The 9th Army Corps came up today. Wolford’s Cavalry have been skirmishing with the enemy all day. Guard back to the north side of the river.
23rd—Has rained continuously all day. No news.
24th—Gen. Burnside and staff came on train last night. A forward movement has begun. Cannonading has been very [ ] this evening. We have orders to be ready at a moment’s notice. [ ] working on the railroad today laying the track.
25th—Quite unexpectedly the Rebs left us last night retreating in the direction of Sweetwater.
26th—There has been some excitement today. We are getting used to the reports of the enemy being upon us. Our men are in line of battle but we have [illegible].
27th—Nothing transpired [illegible.
28th—[Illegible] men have been crossing the river all night. Just as we started from camp the locomotive that we ferried across the river was run backwards of the abutment into the river. James H. Clawson, George Martin & Joseph Beckman [sent as [ ] to Knoxville for rails. Camped for the night 1.5 miles from Loudon near Gen. White’s [?] Headquarters.
29th—At ten o’clock, moved out on the Knoxville road one mile farther and camped. We have nothing to eat today. Captain & Lieutenants dissolved the mess arrangement. Capt. and I have gone into a mess of our own.
30th—Capt. went and procured some corn meal and fresh pork. Have plenty to eat. Has rained pretty near all day. Very disagreeable.
31st—Was inspected today by Col. Young and have been very busy making our payrolls.
NOVEMBER 1863
November 1st, 1863—Has been a very pleasant day. Our company goes on picket tonight. 6 o’clock on picket at B__’s Ford four miles above Loudon, Tennessee. The Rebels are on the opposite side the river on the same duty. We are close enough for to talk to them but have no shot at them nor will not. They are very friendly—talk to us pretty near all the time.
November 2, 1863—I have been very busy today making out our payrolls. Got them completed before dark. Jacob Flowers was sent to company to be reported as private, they having no more use for him as a musician. Weather clear and nice. Got a letter from my wife this evening. Milton Schroyer returned.
3rd—Went out foraging today. Got half bushel eat. Had to pay at the rate of $1.50 per bushel. I think it is rather steep. Was at Lenoir Station. It is considerable of a place for Tennessee as it can boast of a spinning factory & cotton mill.
4th—Everything presents the appearance of rain. Nothing new from the front.
5th—Finished making our quarterly reports. There is some hopes of our getting our clothing.
6th—Our company goes out on picket tonight. Nothing of interest has transpired in camp today.
7th—Was very cold last night as we was on picket. I had to lay out in the open air and it went pretty severe. Drew our clothing this evening but did not get half enough for the company.
8th—Everything is quiet today. No news.
9th—It is very cold today. At 3 o’clock received orders to be ready to march at 4 p.m. Started for Kingston, Roane county, Tenn. (Snowing some—the first we have had this winter.)
10th—The biggest part of our brigade was left on the road last night. About two hundred get to Kingston at 4 a.m. The balance is scattered on the road between here and Loudon. The 25th Michigan played out and camped on the road. About fifty of the 80th Indiana came through.
11th—Have laid in camp all day. Nothing interesting.
12th—Everything quiet. Went to mill today. Capt. [William D.] Stone was put under arrest today.
13th—Has rained some today.
14th—Our company was ordered out on picket at 3 o’clock. The report came that rebs crossed at Huff’s Ferry 1 mile below Loudon. Has rained wondrous today—got very wet. Our regiment crossed to Clinch river and camped on the hill above. Our company was sent with Co. E to guard the wagon train. Returned to the regiment at 9 o’clock. Raining very hard at the time.
15th—Have laid in camp all day. Rebs are reported coming this way from Loudon. They run against our pickets near town Kingston in the evening. At p.m., received orders to be ready to move at a moment’s warning with all the provision we have cooked.
16th—Left camp at half past 4 a.m., marched to Kingston, took position nesar town and threw out our skirmishers. Ten thousand rumors afloat as to the numbers of the enemy. Some say that we are nicely “gobbled.” Big thing, but I “can’t see it.” About noon our regiment relieved the 25th Michigan that was supporting one section of the Elgin Battery three-fourths of a mile from town on the Loudon road. Rumor says the rebs have crossed the Clinch River 12 miles above us and are trying to get in our rear. Capt. Stone was relieved from arrest this morning.
17th—No news of any importance today. This evening four men were detailed to report at 9 o’clock for special duty. We still occupy the camp on the west side of the Clinch River.
18th—Have lain in camp all day. Nothing exciting. Capt. Stone was ordered under arrest again by Col. [Thomas L.] Young, commanding the regiment. The four men detailed last evening went with an expedition commanded by Capt. [Rudolph] Reul, Co. F, 188th OVI to surprise the rebel picket post on the south side of the Tennessee river. They succeeded in capturing 6 men and 8 horses. The names of them four men is Joseph Stein, Andrew Wolfrom, Henry Tholemeir, and Bernard Scholtz. This evening we had rations of corn on the cob issued to us. It certainly ain’t far to the bottom of the meal tub when it comes to that.
19th—Received ordered at 6 o’clock to have all the rations cooked by noon that we have. At 11 o’clock p.m. was ordered into line and marched to Kingston, took position on the hill above and southeast of town.
20th—Remained there until 20th at 8 o’clock a.m., returned to camp and got our breakfast. At 12 p.m., received orders to fall in. Marched to town and took our old position above town. 5 p.m., returned to camp. Raining some.
21st—2nd Lieutenant Abram Wancop, 2 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 25 privates on picket today. It rained all last night very hard. Has cleared off and everything looks nice this evening. We remained in our camp without being disturbed today.
22nd November 1863—Nothing f interest has transpired today. Has rained some today.
23rd—This evening Lt. Amos J. Moore [Co. H] starts with the boat for Chattanooga. Wrote a letter to my wife and brother and sent by him.
[Editor’s Note: Clum’s following diary entry describes the repulse of Joseph Wheeler’s cavalry attack on the Loudon Road near Kingston, which was defended by soldiers commanded by Col. Robert K. Byrd. The Union forces were outnumbered by two to one but Wheeler supposed differently and retreated before noon.]
24th—Received orders at 8 a.m. to move. Crossed the pontoon and took position east of town. There has been considerable firing all morning. At 11 a.m. the firing increased. The Elgin Battery [Renwick’s Elgin Battery Illinois Light Artillery] has opened on them. Our cavalry is skirmishing with theirs. The Elgin does poor work. The shells burst soon after leaving the gun. They have now got one gun from the 5th Indiana Battery (Rodman Gun). It works finely. Towards the middle of the afternoon, the firing ceased and soon quiet was returned with an occasional shot from the battery at long range. At 5 p.m., received orders to return to camp.
25th—Left camp at 4 a.m. and marched to Kingston & took the position we had yesterday. At 9 a.m., received orders to return to camp as the rebs have left us. Our loss yesterday was one man killed and eight wounded. The one killed was done by our [own] battery, the shell bursting soon after leaving the gun and near our men. There is an eclipse on the moon this evening—almost total. Capt. [William] Stone got up a paper and got the company to sign it in reference to his arrest and to the charges contained therein. The Boys all signed it that was here.
26 November 1863—Last night our forces was all moved to the north side of the Clinch river. At 8 p.m. our regiment was ordered to move to Kingston. Took position on the Loudon road. Three rebs came in and gave themselves up. They report the enemy to have gone to Knoxville to reinforce Longstreet. They have Burnside surrounded at Knoxville.
27th—Company is on picket today. Weather very cold. No news today. Relieved by Co. H.
28th—Have been making a pip all day—a pretty looking thing it is too. Nothing from the front today. The report has come in that [George H.] Thomas has whipped Bragg badly [at Chattanooga]. A good many prisoners and several cannon.
29th—Made our monthly report today. The company is on picket. Wrote home to Mother. Very cold. The wind keen and cutting. The boys on picket suffer very much.
30th—Company was relieved by a company of the 16th Kentucky. Got to camp at 2 o’clock. Regiment was inspected by Col. Young. No news.
DECEMBER 1863
December 1, 1863—Weather has been very cold for the last 3 days. I think if I live to get home, I can appreciate the enjoyments. Regiment is ordered on picket at 8 o’clock. My health is most excellent. Never been any better in my life. Our company is posted on the Loudon road half mile from Kingston. Thomas Clawson went to regimental hospital.
2nd—The advance pickets was fired on in part of the night. We still occupy the same position. 5 o’clock p.m. everything quiet.
3rd—Still on picket on the Loudon Road half mile from Kingston. The 3rd Tennessee came in today and the 2nd Tennessee started for Lebanon, Tennessee today. At half past 6 o’clock was ordered to camp. Got to camp at 8 o’clock. Received orders to move everything cooked that we have.
4th—Received orders to march at 4 o’clock a.m. Started at 12 o’clock. Crossed the pontoon to the south side of Clinch river. Started on the Loudon road. [illegible] and at 3 o’clock we commenced skirmishing with the enemy. Our regiment led the advance. We soon brought up our artillery and gave them a few shells when they fled from this [ ] till dark. We continued our advance skirmishing as we went. At sundown we come up to their encampment just twenty minutes after they had left. From this time our advance was slow as they cut trees across the road to obstruct our advance. At 11 p.m. camped at a rebel city [by] the name of Locky. Did not get to sleep until after 2 in the morning. John Barker, Thomas Clawson, Thomas Winn, and Henry Poppleman left at Kingston.
5th—Left Locky’s at 11 a.m. Started on the Loudon road. Our regiment is in the rear today. The roads are very bad as it rained this morning. At 4 p.m., camped four miles from Loudon, distance traveled 7 miles. Everything looks dreary. Nothing to eat but what we brought in our haversacks and not any prospect of getting anymore. The Boys are very much down in the mouth as they never wanted to see Loudon again. It certainly is [the] most God forsaken country I ever saw. Joseph Beckman and William Bates returned to the company.
6th—Have been in camp all day. Nothing of interest. Corporals [William F.] Cary and Edward Huston returned from Chattanooga today. They report that Gen. Thomas has completely annihilated Bragg’s army and is driving them toward Atlanta, Georgia. Got ordered to be in readiness to move at daylight in the morning.
8th—Left camp at 7 a.m. Started on the Knoxville road. Weather very nice for marching. Roads tolerable good. We passed Lenoir at 9 a.m. Arrived [ ]. What property has been destroyed there. Wagons, ammunition and other property. Commenced raining at three o’clock. The roads very slippery. Hard traveling. As we neared Campbell’s Station we began to see evidence of their having been an engagement [see Battle of Campbell’s Station on 16 November 1863]. Then soon we came to where some of the boys were buried—some 8 in number. Here too we begin to see the damage done by our shot and shell. Just in the edge of town we saw a large [ ] some 3 feet in diameter that was torn almost asunder by a solid shot. One house had been pierced by 6 solid shot. They made sad havoc. At 5 p.m., camped for the night 9 miles from Knoxville. Distance traveled [ ] miles.
9th—Left camp at 7.30 a.m. Nothing of interest transpired on the road. Arrived at Knoxville at half past 2 o’clock p. m. As we neared the town we began to see the destructiveness of some houses burned, gardens plowed by the war horse and shell. In fact, everything outside of our rifle pits and fortifications was a heap of ruins. Not a fence to be seen as far as the eye could reach. As we got to the edge of town, George McDaniel met us. He seemed as glad to see us as though we had been parted for years and I was glad to see him. Josiah P. Burt joined his company at Knoxville today. 10 p.m. received orders to march at daylight.
10th—Marched at 7.30 a.m. on the Greenville road. Went 15 miles and camped in a field (camp called Camp Burnside)
11th—Are still in Camp Burnside. We look for the paymaster.
12th—Everything is quiet in camp. No news of any importance. Is raining some this evening.
13th—Weather cold. Can see the snow capped mountains. A very grand scene for one that has never seen them. Sergt. Joseph Marshall, Peter Clawson, and Perry Clawson returned to the company. The two former was on detached service in Mass., the latter in Ohio.
14th—Weather still very cold in Camp Burnside.
15th—Was paid off by E. Beecher for four months. At 12 p.m. started on the march toward Rutledge. Marched 14 miles. Was ordered back 4 miles where we went to camp at 10.30 p.m. I went back 2.5 miles after Lt. [John] Rhodes. Arrived in camp at 12 p.m.
December 16, 1863—Our brigade come to us from Rutledge [illegible] …the entire wagon train of 2nd Brigade and Wolford’s Cavalry was started in the direction of Knoxville. 2 p.m., our company is informed of [ illegible] on the road…was called in at 5 p.m. The entire brigade is [illegible] east from crossroads. We joined our regiment at 6 p.m. At 8 p.m., company was detached for picket. Rebs within two miles. [illegible]
17th—It rained hard all night and until 10 a.m. Very muddy. Cannonading commenced on our right and front. Was relieved from picket at 8 p.m. Our regiment was throwing up rifle pits all last night.
18th—It is getting colder today. Rations of bread [illegible].
19th—Capt. was released from arrest this evening. Weather still very cold.
20th—Moved our camp this evening nearer to woods & water. Weather still very cold.
21st—I went out foraging. Got two little pigs. Walked about 15 miles.
22nd—Been in camp all day. Still very cold.
23rd—Sergt. Enos Herrod returned to company from hospital.
24th—Wrote home today. Have been in camp all day.
25 December 1863—Christmas has come once more and finds me still in the service of Uncle Sam. Left camp at 6 a.m. Got to Strawberry Plains at 12 a.m. Left that place at 8 o’clock. Marched to New Market, distance traveled 18 miles. Got to New Market at 1 a.m.
26th—Moved out on the Dandridge road 1.5 miles and camped. Have had no provision for 2 days. The boys are killing hogs.
27 December 1863—Left Camp Hog one and a half miles south of New Market on the Dandridge road at 3 p.m. Marched to New Market and took the Mossy Creek road. Went four miles and camped near the creek. Raining very hard, Roads slippery & rough. Forage plenty.
28th—Our darky cook Lewis went home. Sun shining bright. No news.
This is an image of Pvt. George A. S. Apger of Co. K, 118th OVI; he was one of the regiment’s wounded at Mossy Creek. (Photo Sleuth)
29th—At 11 a.m., got orders to fall in as there had been heavy firing of artillery and musketry all morning. We expected to have hot work. Immediately we fell in. We was marched to the extreme front on the double quick—a distance of half a mile. We immediately took up position on the left of the road that leads to Morristown and in a strip of timber. The 18th Indiana Battery was about 200 yards to our left and rear. By this time the rebs had got their battery in position and commenced shelling us and they put them in thick & fast, falling around and among us. After remaining under fire for two hours, we was ordered to charge on them so we did, routing them and killing a good many. They now opened on us with grape and canister shot but the most of it went over our heads and doing but little damage.
After being under fire for 3.5 hours, we was ordered to fall back a half mile to the crest of a hill which we did in good order. As we fell back, our enemy withdrew, leaving us in possession of the field. Those of our regiment and wounded who was not gotten off the field when we fell back was stripped of all their clothing, even to socks. At 10 p.m. we was ordered to camp, All feel very tired. Our loss in the regiment was 32 wounded & 5 killed. In Co. [C], 1 wounded—Sergt. Joseph Marshall.
At Mossy Creek, the 118th OVI along with Eli Lilly’s Indiana Battery and three cavalry units fought two Confederate cavalry brigades and two batteries to a standstill. The Union claimed 109 casualties and said they inflicted 400, the Rebels admitted to 300.
30th—Have been in camp all day. Nothing [heard] of the enemy. Weather very cold.
31st—Weather awful cold and our Boys have but very little clothing to cover themselves. In fact, the most of them cannot cover their nakedness.
The following letter datelined from” Camp ten miles northeast of Knoxville” was written by Jesse to his wife Sarah on 11 December 1863. It duplicates most of the information from his diary (between the dates 13 September through 11 December 1863) so I won’t transcribe it again here but I will post photos of the pages so if anyone want to read details in the letter (there are slight variations), they can find them here.
JANUARY 1864
January 1st 1864—Today another in the New Year. A “Happy Pleasant New Year.” How I would like to be home to spend the day with my wife and friends. It would be happiness beyond conception. But it is an impossibility at this time but I hope the day is not far distant when I can return to home & friends to part no more. Nothing of interest has transpired in camp. Very cold indeed.
2nd—Was inspected today by Col. Young. No news of importance today.
3rd—Our cavalry has been in line of battle all morning. The rebs drove in our pickets. Some prospect of another fight soon. Started at dark for New Market in company with Sergt. Schwartz to see Sergt. Joseph Marshall who was wounded on the 29th ulto.
4th—Returned to camp this morning. Marshall is better. No news.
5th—Still in camp near Mossy Creek.
6th—Had a [ ] today, No news of interest.
7th—Weather very cold. Snowing some this evening. The boys are very near naked. If it don’t keep warm, I hardly know what we will do. Almost freeze, I fear. Some of the boys are bare footed.
8th—Last night was very cold. Nothing new today.
9th—Still very cold. Went foraging today.
10th—Sunday has come again. Moved camp half mile to west in the woods. Nice camping ground.
11th—Sun shines warm and pleasant.
12th—No news of importance.
13th—get two letters from home.
14th—Everything quiet.
15th—No news.
16th—Heard cannonading toward Dandridge today.
17th—There has been heavy cannonading in the direction of Dandridge. Nothing new in our front.
18th—Marched at 2 a.m. The roads are very slippery & bad. Got to Strawberry Plain at 11 a.m. Camped 1 mile up the Holston River. Has rained very hard and still continues. From every appearance, we are in full retreat towards Knoxville. It is currently reported in camp that Longstreet has been reinforced by 30,000 from Lee’s army.
19th—10 a.m. no news to relate. The same rumors are offered today that we heard yesterday. 12 M got orders to strike tents and load wagons. At 5 p.m. the wagons moved across the river. The regiment still in camp under marching orders.
20th—Still in camp ready to move at moment’s warning. Left camp at 1 p.m. Our Brigade went to forage 5 miles toward New Market. Got 200 bushels of wheat at a mill. The rebel pickets was near the mill. Had considerable skirmishing while we loaded the wagons. We captured one prisoner. Returned to camp by 8 p.m.
21st—At 2 a.m. was ordered to march. Crossed the river Holston and went two miles and camped. 11 a.m., left camp and marched on the railroad 9 miles toward Knoxville. Cannonading in the rear. Bivouac in an open field.
22nd—Sun shines pleasant. At 11 a.m., commenced falling back. Firing in front. The 9th Army Corps has come in. Moved in line of battle for 3 miles through woods over stone, rock, and everything. Halted at 4 p.m. 4 miles from Knoxville.
23rd—Bivouacked 4 miles from Knoxville. Has been very little firing this morning. This has been the longest day I have seen in Tennessee. Company on picket tonight.
24th—Sunday morning. Sun shines very pleasant this morning. At 3 p.m. company was ordered to join the regiment. Marched 4 miles in northwest direction. Camp was dark in woods 6 miles from Knoxville.
25th—Nothing of importance. Co. in camp 6 miles from Knoxville. Reported this evening that picket post of ours was captured last night. Wrote home.
26th—Rations short. Weather nice.
27th—Company on picket in command of Capt. [Edgar] Sowers [of Co. I]. Skirmishing southwest of us with the 13th Kentucky. Everything is packed ready to move. The rebs are lurking around.
28th—Co. was relieved on picket by Co. H and I. Sun shining pleasantly this evening. Moved camp half mile from here on Knoxville road.
29th—Everything quiet in camp.
30th—Nothing of interest today.
31st—Was to Knoxville. Saw the Boys. They are well. No news.
FEBRUARY 1864
February 1st 1864—Nothing of interest has transpired. It rained some. Lt. [Abram] Wancop started home today.
2nd—Was inspected by Capt. Mosier, 80th Indiana. Weather very nice. Company in good health. Joseph Shaffer sent to the hospital at Knoxville. Capt. Stone is Field Officer of the Day.
3rd—Moved or rather exchanged camps with the 13th Kentucky Our regiment is transferred to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 23rd Army Corps.
4th—Company on picket with Capt. [Samuel] Kennedy of Co. G and Lt. A. J. Moore of Co. H. Some told Rebs advancing on us soon. Hardly think they will. Weather nice for season of year.
February 5th—No news of importance. Looks like rain soon.
6th—Rained last [night]. Got word that the Confeds had sent a Commissioner to Washington. Ask [ ] towards their officers as has been granted their men.
7th—Nothing of interest has transpired. Capt. Stone placed under arrest.
8th—No news. Commenced Battalion drill.
9th—Joseph Stein returned to company from hospital for duty. Capt. Stone court martial commenced. I am witness vs. him. Gen. Schofield arrived at Knoxville. Takes command of 23rd Army Corps.
10th—Get a letter from my wife and one from mother. Am glad to report that things are all right at home.
11th—Nothing of importance transpired today.
12th—Went to town today. Weather was fine. Get word that Harvey Ellis of Co. C] is dead. He died the 23rd of January at New Market, Tennessee.
13th—Regiment was on Brigade drill. Wrote home to my wife and Mother this evening. Looks very much like rain. Weather warm.
14th—Sunday. Company inspection at 3 p.m.
15th—Very cold. No news.
16th—Was inspected by Capt. of 111th Ohio. Weather still very cold. Got a letter from home. Sergt. E. Herrod to hospital.
17th—Last night was very cold. Moved camp 1 mile east of railroad. Capt. Stone went to hospital.
18th—Wrote home to my wife.
19th—Had Battalion Drill in afternoon. No news.
20th—Saw Major General Stoneman at Corps Headquarters—a very plain man with the [ ] vanity about him,
21st—Was in line of battle by 4 a.m. Remained until 6.30 a.m. Struck tents and had everything ready to move by 9 a.m. The excitement had subsided. It’s reported that our cavalry had went out toward the Plains and got frightened at a few rebel cavalry.
22nd—Was reviewed by Lt. Col. of [ ]. of Gen. Grant’s staff. Drew several clothes today, Lt. Atchison has been assigned to our company. Looks loke rain. Do not feel well this evening.
23rd—[illegible]
24th—Marched at [illegible].
25th—Have laid in camp [illegible].
26th—Our boys that was left at camp day before yesterday came up this morning. At 11 a.m. was ordered to take our knapsacks to the railroad and be ready to move at moment’s notice. Weather nice and warm. Get two days rations last night.
27th—Marched at 5.30 a.m. Was ferried across the Holston River. At Strawberry Plains by 10 a.m. Marched 1 mile east of river and camped. Distance marched 2.5 miles.
28th—Laid in camp all day. No news.
29th—Was mustered by Maj. Lester Bliss. 19 absent. Marched at 3 p.m. Raining very hard. Roads very slippery. Camped near New Market. Distance 9 miles…
MARCH 1864
1st March 1864—Got Corp. {Harvey] Ellis’ miniature and other effects. Marched at 5 p.m. Raining Camped at 1.30 p.m. 4 miles from Morristown. Raining very hard.
2nd—Has cleared off. Sun shines very pleasant. 4th Army Corps returning. Moved camp 1 mile east at 10 a.m. Marched at dark on retreat toward Mossy Creek. Roads very bad. Got to Mossy Creek at 1 a.m.
3rd—Camped near church at Mossy Creek at 1 a.m. Bivouacked for night.
4th—Laid in camp all day. Had Dress Parade at 5 p.m. Drum Major Weis was taken prisoner while bringing up an ambulance from rear.
5th—Had Dress Parade at 5 p.m. The 3rd Tennessee had a skirmish with Rebs 5 miles. Our loss 23 prisoners, 21 killed, 3 wounded.
6th—Sent Andrew Kistner to the hospital Knoxville. Had inspection at 10 a.m. Sun shines very pleasant. No news.
7th—Mahlon Erwin on detached duty at headquarters. Weather pleasant.
8th—Had Battalion Drill in afternoon. Dress Parade also.
9th—12 M. Drew 3 days rations and marched at 3 p.m. on Morristown road. Bivouacked 2.5 miles west of Morristown. Distance marched 10.5 miles. Company on picket.
10th—[ ] Marched forward, our cavalry force of 20 men in advance. As our cavalry was entering Morristown, they was fired on by the rebel pickets (100 men). They immediately fell back to our regiment which was deployed to right and left of town. Our Co. C on the right. As we advanced, they fired a few scattering shots from behind the houses and fell back as we advanced. We followed them a half mile beyond town and were halted. Fell back at 12 M. Reached Mossy Creek at 4.30. Distance marched 17 miles.
11th—Laid in camp. Feel very unwell. Drew three days rations.
12th—Regiment moved at 7 a.m. Feel very sick. Was left behind. Train came up at 12 M. and went on to Morristown. 4 p.m. got on cars and came to Knoxville by 7 p.m.
13th—Stayed last night with George Mc[Daniel]. Went to hospital No. 1. Saw Capt. Feel a little better. Have a nice bed and everything to make a man comfortable.
14th—Still in hospital. Feel very bad.
15th—Some better. Weather very cold.
16th—Very cold. No better. Capt. Stone got muster and pay roll blanks for me & I made them out by memory.
17th—Was discharged from hospital No. 1 at 12 M. Boarded the cars and left for Morristown at 1 p.m. Arrived at Morristown 5.30 p.m. Found the regiment. The boys well.
18th—Left Morristown at 7 a.m. on cars. Got to Mossy Creek at 8 a.m. Regiment arrived at 4 p.m. Distance marched 13 miles.
19th—In camp on Mossy Creek, Tennessee. Finished payrolls.
20th—Dennis Kelley and Andrew Wolfrom appointed corporals. Kelley’s to date from January 25th, 1864.
21st—Still i ncamp near Mossy Creek. Nothing of interest.
22nd—Snowing very hard this morning. 4 p.m. regiment went up picket. Snow 10 inches deep. Company on advance picket. Relieved 23rd Michigan.
23rd—Sun shines very bright. Now melting very fast. Was relieved by 25th Michigan at 4 p.m.
24th—Capt. Stone went to hospital at Knoxville, East Tennessee. Skirmish and Battalion Drill. No news of importance.
March 25, 1864—Rained last night and at intervals today. Everything quiet in front.
26th—Raining some this morning. No news.
27th—Nothing has transpired worthy of note this morning. Major Beecher paid the company. Joseph Marshall, Enos Herrod, William Bates, I. Burk, William Clements, George Hedrick, Francis M. Hinton, Andrew Kistner, George McDaniel, George Martin, W. Preston, A. Soupp [?]. Joseph Shaffer, [ ], W. Joseph Stein did not get their pay.
28th—Sent our money home by State Agent. I sent $150. Company sent $1,585.
29th—At 4 p.m. regiment went on picket. Relieved the 111th Ohio. Turned very cold. Snowing some.
30th—Was relieved at 4 p.m. Drew two days rations.
31st—My birthday. 24 years old. Time flies fast.
APRIL 1864
April 1, 1864—The 3rd Division and cavalry left early this morning toward Morristown, Got orders at 9 a.m. to be ready to march at moment’s warning. Had inspection at 9.30 a.m. No news of interest. Received orders at noon to proceed with Sergt. George Black to Strawberry Plains and bring company desks. Got to Strawberry Plains at 7.30 p.m.
2nd—Left Strawberry Plains at 10 a.m. get to camp at Mossy Creek 12 M. J. C. Johnson & George Dunwoody detached.
3rd—No news. All is quiet. Raining some today.
4th—Rained all night and all today. Have orders to be ready to move at moment’s warning.
5th—Moved camp at 3 p.m. 1 mile north. Went on picket at 6 p.m. Relieved the 23rd Michigan. Raining some.
6th—Was relieved by 13th Kentucky at 5 p.m.
7th—One recruit came to our company by the name of Christian Baugher of Liberty township, Mercer county, Ohio. Battalion Drill in afternoon.
8th—Battalion drill at 2 p.m. I had command of [ th] Company. Drew rations. 1 recruit [ ]
9th—George R. McDaniel came up on train from Plains. I was glad to see him. No drill today.
10th—George went back on train, Got a letter from Sarah. One from mother.
11th—Battalion Drill in afternoon. No news of any importance from the front.
12th—Went on picket at 5 p.m. Relieved 25th Michigan. Lieut. Owens in command. Rained very hard.
13th—A very pleasant day. Was relieved by the 13th Kentucky.
14th—Nothing of interest.
15th—ditto.
16th—Samuel Austin [ ]
17th—H. Mann and E. Thompson came to company.
18th—No news.
19th—Nickerson took command of company.
20th—George Austin joined company.
21st—Everything quiet.
22nd—Sergt. Herrod, William Preston and Andrew Kistner returned to company from hospital.
23rd—Gen. Schofield reviewed our Division.
24t—Received orders to be ready to move in the morning. The ofer was countermanded at 9 p.m.
25th—Col. Young, Lt. Wancop and Lt. Robbins returned to the regiment. Have orders to move in the morning at 5 a.m.
26th—Marched at 5 a.m. Passed through New Market reaching Strawberry Plains at 12 M. Get dinner. Marched at 1 p.m. Camped at Flat Rock Creek at 4. Distance 14 miles.
27th—Marched at 5 a.m Arrived at Knoxville at 12 M. Camped 2 miles west of Knoxville, Distance marched 18 miles.
28th—Marched at 5 a.m., raining slightly. Passed through Loveland [?] and stopped at Campbell’s Station half hour. Arrived Lenoir at 4 p.m. Camped near Loudon at 6 p.m. Distance marching 24 miles.
29th—Marched at 5 a.m. Passed through Loudon at 6 a.m through Philadelphia at 9 a.m. through Sweetwater at 12:30 p.m. [illegible]. Capt. Myers, privates Thompson & Barker left at Loundon for transportation. Camped at 6 p.m. Distance marched 19 miles.
30th—Marched at 5 a.m. Passed through Athens at 10 a.m. Roads in poor condition for traveling. Water plenty of good. Camped at 5 p.m. within 1 mile of Charleston. Distance marching 21 miles. John Clements and Peter Clawson missing [?].
MAY 1864
1 May 1864—Rained all night. Drew rations in the morning. Trains have come up. Moved camp south 3/4 mile near Hiawassee River.
2nd—Made out muster tolls. Was mustered by Col. Young. Have orders to march in morning. Lt. Abram O. Wancop took command of company. Lt. Nicherson relieved.
3rd—Marched at 5.30 a.m. Crossing Hiawassee River. Passed through Charleston. Roads in good condition. Passed Cleveland at 12 M. Camped at 6 p.m. at Blue Springs. Thomas Ramsey returned from Corps Headquarters. William Preston started for [illegible].
4th—We started at 6 a.m. [illegible] good condition. Stopped at 1 p.m. at Red Clay, Georgia. [illegible]
5th—Laid in camp all day. Nothing of interest has transpired.
6th—Finished my muster rolls and signed it myself as commander of the company at this time. Capt. [William D.] Stone returned to company last night and assumed command of the company today. Have orders to be ready to march at 3.30 in the morning. Everything denotes that tomorrow the fight commences in the morning. I think it will be one of the most bloody of the war. How well I would like to see my wife but it is an impossibility.
“Everything denotes that tomorrow the fight commences in the morning. I think it will be one of the most bloody of the war. How well I would like to see my wife but it is an impossibility.“
7th—Marched at 5 a.m. in a western direction. Halted about 12 M at Snicker’s Gap 14 miles from Dalton. Camped near Snicker’s Gap. Distance traveled 8 miles.
8th—Marched at 6 a.m. Regiment was sent with artillery by Snicker’s Gap, then turned in a souther direction. Joined the Division at the foot of Rocky Face Mountain. Bivouacked for the night at same place.
9th—Moved south at 9 a.m. Our regiment in the advance next to skirmishers. Skirmished very heavy for 2.5 miles. The Rebs dispute the ground inch by inch. At 4 p.m. our skirmishers drove the Rebs into their rifle pits. Two of our regiment wounded today. At dusk, Co. C and D went on skirmish line as pickets and skirmishers.
10th—This morning our company skirmished very heavy. The Rebs was busy all night making rifle pits. Could hear them talking very plain. At 9 a.m. commenced falling back slowly. Been out on the Rocky Face Mountain.
11th—Laid in camp all forenoon. This afternoon went to see my brother [Hiram] in Co. K., 40th OVI. saw him for the first time in three years. Returned by 10 p.m.
[Editor’s Note: Hiram Clum died of wounds in a hospital at Chattanooga on 20 June 1864.]
12th—Marched at 7 a.m. Passed Tunnel Station. Marched 12 miles. Camped at 5 p.m.
13th—Marched at 4 a.m Passed through Snake Gap. Then moved north. Heavy cannonading all day. Bivouacked for the night.
“Judah’s Division attacks” from David A. Powell’s excellent book, “The Atlanta Campaign, Volume 1, page 294. Powell’s research of Judah’s attack of May 14th by Hascall’s Brigade concludes that the regiments were so intertwined in their haste to attack the Confederate position held by Kentucky’s Orphan Brigade that they were “little more than mobs surging ahead” into “a hurricane of fire.” When Col. Thomas L. Young of the 118th OVI hesitated leading his men beyond the creek, judging it to be impetuous to move forward, it was Brig. Gen. Henry M. Judah, himself accompanying the regiment, that personally ordered the 118th OVI to advance.
May 14th, 1864—Moved at 6 a.m. in northeast direction. Firing very heavy this morning. At 3 p.m. our Brigade was ordered to charge their rifle pits. Our regiment had to go down a steep precipice and then cross a creek [Camp Creek]. The order then came to forward. We had a field to cross some 20 rods [110 yards] to reach them but we never got more than half way across, they poured in such a murderous fire from entrenchments that no troops could stand. The casualties of Co. C is as follows—three killed and fourteen wounded, one missing. Bivouacked for the night near battleground. Names of killed and wounded for Co. C, 118th OVI:
Killed—George Baker, Pvt., Joseph Beckman, Pvt., and James H. Clauson [Clawson], Pvt.
Wounded:
Wm. D. Stone, Capt. Abram O. Wancop, 2nd Lt. George M. Thompson, 2nd Lt. James W. McDaniel, Corp. Dennis Kelley, Corp. George Austin, Pvt. Christian Baugher, Pvt. John Barker, Pvt. Perry Clauson [Clawson], Pvt. Stephen Johnston, Pvt. Charles D. Keck, Pvt. Andrew Kistner, Pvt. Henry Tholemeir, Pvt. Andrew Wolfrom, Pvt. Francis M___, Pvt.
Missing—Jacob Flowers.
Col. Young ordered me take men and go and get our dead and wounded off the field. Was all night at it—a mournful task.
May 15th, 1864—Marched at 10 a.m. in northeast direction to support Gen. Hooker. They charged the enemy’s fort and took it, captured 4 pieces of artillery. I have been very unwell all day. Fell behind the regiment at dark. Distance 5 miles.
16th—Caught up with the regiment this morning. The Rebs have deserted their works last night. Marched at 10 a.m. Passed through Resaca. Waded the Conasauga River. Distance 10 miles.
17th—Marched at 4 p.m. in southeast direction until 12 at night. Camped near a large spring. The enemy is still flying before us. Distance 12 miles.
18th—Marched at 5 a.m. on Atlanta road. Distance marched 9 miles. The boys went for everything that was eatable along the road. The country looks much better here than it did north of Dalton. All are Rebels here. Get two letters from my wife with several from others.
19th—Marched at 8 a.m. on Atlanta Road. The cavalry bring in quite a number of prisoners. Our forces are pushing them very fast. The prisoners say that they won’t fight us any more as their army is so demoralized but I cant see it. This afternoon rode in the ambulance. Feel very bad. Regiment camped at dark. Distance marched 11 miles.
20th—Passed through the village of Cassville this morning, driving the Rebels before us. They was pretty strongly entrenched here but we routed them. Skirmishing in front all day. Camped near a creek. Distance marched 8 miles. I have been very weak and sick all day. Feel very bad.
21st—The teams came up this morning. Get orders that we would stay here until day after tomorrow. Doubtful much after today. Surgeon says I must go to the hospital. Came in an ambulance to Cass STation this evening.
22nd—Sunday but it don’t look much like Sabbath to me. Still laying at Cass Station. No news today. Got in the cars in the evening but did not start until after midnight.
23rd—Get to Chattanooga at 3 p.m. Ain’t had much to eat. get my supper ay the Soldiers House. Also my breakfast.
24th—Came to field hospital No. 8. Feel very bad.
25th—Feel better today. Slept very well last night.
26th—Diarrhea set in last night. Feel very bad today. No news of any importance from the front.
27th—Sun shines very pleasant today. Rested very well last night.
28th—No news from the front. Feel some better today.
29th—Today is Sunday. Sun shines very pleasant today.
30th—Heard this morning that Atlanta was ours.
May 31st, 1864—No news today of interest.
JUNE 1864
June 1st 1864—Still in the hospital at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Feel some better today.
2nd—Had a very large blister put on the back of my neck last night. Pains me very much.
3rd—No news from the front. Only as we get it from the wounded that comes in.
4th—Wrote home today. Everything looks gloomy. Has rained for the last 48 hours incessantly. No news.
5th—A good many of the 20th Army Corps came in today. Mostly convalescents. No news from the front.
6th—No news.
7th—Rained all day.
8th—Still continues to rain.
9th—Was to have went to Knoxville but was too late for the cars.
[Editor’s Note: The following note was written in one of the back pages of Clum’s Diary]
Convalescent Hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn. June [ ] 1864 Yesterday morning a new doctor took charge of our Ward (20). Report says that he is a drafted man from Ohio. At any rate he is a “Green Un” as the boys say. Tries to put on more airs and show his authority than any Major General in the service.
10th—Rained all day.
11th—Everything quiet.
12th—Sunday. Write home today.
13th—Rained today.
14th—Weather nice and clear. My head pains me very much.
15th—No news from the front.
16th—The most of our tent mates was sent to Nashville. Soon after all the 23rd Corps was ordered to be ready to go to Knoxville.
17th—Left Chattanooga for Knoxville at 8 a.m. Arrived at latter place at 6 p.m. and put in Asylum Hospital.
Both sides used the Tennessee Deaf and Dumb Asylum and Knox County Courthouse as hospitals. The Civil War-era courthouse sat across Main Street from the current City-County Building. The forerunner of the Tennessee School for the Deaf, the 1848 asylum building still stands on a hill at today’s Western Avenue and Broadway and now houses Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law. It was the Union’s main hospital even when more than a dozen other buildings were needed in 1864. When other hospitals closed that year, federal forces put hospital tents around the asylum.Source: https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/state/knoxville-buildings-became-hospitals-for-both-sides-ep-361036237-357107911.html
18th—Feel very bad today. My bones ache very much. No news of any importance.
19th—Sunday. Feel very much better. Rained very hard this evening.
20th—No news of any importance. This evening quite a number came in from the front. William Bates of our company is one of them.
21st—Looks very much like rain this morning. How well I would like to hear from my wife.
22nd—Walked over in town today. Sun shines very warm.
23rd—No news.
24th—No news.
25th—Rained some today.
26th—Sunday evening. Weather cloudy and warm.
27th—Very warm and sultry.
28th—Walked out to the cemetery this morning. Air cool.
29th—My eyes are very sore. Can scarcely see at all. No news from the front. Was reported that a lot of sick and wounded were coming this evening but they didn’t come.
30th—No news of any importance from the armies.
JULY 1864
July 1st 1864—This evening 400 sick and wounded came up on the train. A good many of our regiment came—nearly all wounded.
2nd—Seen in the Chattanooga Gazette that my brother was wounded in Co. K, 40th Ohio. [He died on 20 June 1864 from his wounds.]
3rd—There is no news of any importance.
4th—July 4th 1864—a very dull day it has been. Had a dinner fixed up in the hospital.
5th—Everything is quiet today. No news from the front.
6th—Have not had a letter from my wife for 8 weeks. It seems that it has been 8 months.
7th—Get a letter from my wife. All well at home. Oh! how glad I was to hear from home.
8th—No news of any importance. Weather very hot.
9th—Rained a little last night. Weather still very warm. Got no papers tonight.
10th—Sunday, got two letters from home. They are all well. Nothing of importance.
11th—Heard that my brother was dead. See his name in Cincinnati Commercial among those interred at Chattanooga June 28th or 29th. His time would have been up in a short time. Hiram—it does seem hard to have to say farewell to one so young as you. For almost three years you crested the fierce tide of this rebellion only to fall a victim to the murderous foe and the deadly gangrene. Brother, it is hard to think of parting. My poor Mother—may God in goodness protect you.
12th—Nothing of interest.
13th—Rained last night. Air cooler.
14th—No news today.
15th—Don’t feel very well. My head pains me very much.
16th—No news from the front nor in the papers.
17th—No news of interest. Weather warm.
18th—Tried to go to my regiment but could not.
19th—Can’t get transportation this morning but could not.
20th—There is no news of any importance. Got the papers this evening.
21st—All is quiet. This is the warmest day I have experienced for some time. Feel very bad. Have a bad headache all day.
22nd—Send in my name for a furlough today. Feel some better.
July 23rd—No news of any importance has transpired here. Some few are going home on furlough. Telegrams from the front report that Atlanta has succumbed to our victorious army.
24th—Sunday has passed and a very lonely day it has been to me. Got the paper Cincinnati Commercial of the 21st. Reported capture of Atlanta with 15,000 prisoners.
25th—Did not get any papers this evening. Have no news of interest.
26th—No news.
27th—Get our furloughs today. Will start for home tomorrow.
28th—Left Knoxville by rail for home in company with John Myers and James W. McDaniel at 7.30 a.m. Got to Chattanooga at 5 p.m. Immediately got on a freight train and started for Nashville.
29th—Got to Nashville at 2.20 p.m. Got transportation and started for Louisville, Kentucky, at 4 p.m.
30th—Got to Louisville at 4 a.m. Got transportation and ferried across the Ohio river by 10 a.m. At 2.20 started to Indianapolis. Arrived there at 9.30 p.m. just in time to be too late for the Belfontaine train.
31st—Sunday. Have to lay here at Soldier’s House [near the Union Depot] all day. Have heard no news. Indianapolis is a miserable, poor looking city. The Capitol Building is a nuisance to the state.
AUGUST 1864
August 1st, 1864—Left Indianapolis at 4 a.m. Got to Union City at 8.20 a.m. Started for Fort Recovery at 9 a.m Arrived there at 4 a.m. Home once more.
[Diary has gap in entries while Clum was on furlough at home.]
August 22nd 1864—Left home for the front.
23rd—Got Louisville this morning. Started for Nashville. got there at 6 p.m.
24th—Left Louisville [Nashville] for Chattanooga at 9 a.m.
[Editor’s note: This draft letter was written in the back of Clum’s diary.]
Nashville, Tenn. August 24th, 1864 Dear Sarah,
We got here last night after dark and all right but very tired. We start for Chattanooga this morning. There is no news that I can hear of. My pet, you must keep in good heart & don’t get sick. Let me hear from you often. I will write as often as possible. I am well. Goodbye my sweet one.
From — J. S. Clum
25th—get to Chattanooga at 6 a.m. Left for the fromt at 9 a.m.
26th—Get to Marietta at 4 a.m. Found our regimental baggage wagon on the north bank of the Chattahoochee river and will stay with them.
27th—Left with the supply train for the front. Got to Corps Headquarters in the night.
28th—Found George McDaniel and James H. Johnson and have been with them all day.
29th—Got to the company this morning. Moved 2 miles tonight this evening.
30th—Marched at 12 M. to the southeast at dark. Threw up works. Laid over night..
31st—Marched southeast at 8 a.m. through a line of works. Some firing in the front this forenoon. Heavy cannonading this afternoon. Built breastworks.
SEPTEMBER 1864
September 1st 1864—Marched daylight in east direction. Struck the railroad at 11.30 a.m. then followed the railroad for 5 miles. The ties are all bust and the rails bent. Camped at 6 p.m.
2nd—There was a very heavy cannonading in the direction of Atlanta last night. All say it was the heaviest they have heard. Marched at 9 a.m. in southwest direction. Skirmishing commenced in the evening. I and company went on skirmish line.
3rd—Rained very hard in the night. Was shelled considerable today. Relieved from skirmish line in the evening.
4th—No news today. All is quiet except skirmishing. One man wounded in Co. A last night.
5th—Desultory firing along the line today. Marched at 8 p.m. in retreat for Atlanta. Rained very hard. Roads in a very bad condition. Mud knee deep.
6th—Camped this morning at 6 a.m Distance marched 5 miles.
7th—Marched at 9 a.m. on road to Decatur. Camped at dusk. Distance marched 8 miles.
8th—Marched at 6 a.m. Got to Decatur at 12 M and camped. Sergt. Samuel Schwartz and Priv. John Collins and August Saupp returned to company.
9th—Made out monthly returns. Also the monthly. The entire Corps camped near this place (Decatur). No news of importance. Feel very tired. Got my old letters of June. Wrote two home.
10th—Have been busy all day straightening our clothing account. It is quite a job. Wrote to Julia A. Hull.
11th—Sunday. Had an inspection. Very warm. Still at work in clothing account.
12th—Company came off picket and had to go on again. This evening made out a pay roll for July.
13th—Have been on picket all day. 1st Brigade went to Atlanta on a visit. No news. Got a letter from my wife.
14th—No news today.
15th—Regiment went to Atlanta. I did not go. Worked in the pay rolls.
16th—Nothing of interest.
17th—Moved camp today.
18th—Worked all day.
19th—Finished pay rolls and the men signed them.
20th—Made out final statements for [Enos] Herrod, [George] Baker, [Joseph] Beckman, James Clauson, and Thomas Clauson [Clawson]. [all killed in Atlanta Campaign]
21st—Nothing of interest today.
22nd—All is quiet.
23rd—Jack McDaniel and Sipps came to see us.
24th—A part of the company on picket.
25th—Sunday. Rained all day.
26th—Drilled today. Col. Yuung is out of the service.
27th—Not paid yet but we are expecting to be paid soon.
28th—Went to the Engineer Battalion to see George McDaniel. All is quiet here. Raining some.
29th—Drilled today. No news.
30th—Brigade went out to Stone Mountain for forage. Loaded 35 wagons. Plenty of sweet potatoes.
OCTOBER 1864
October 1st 1864—Rained very hard last night. Everything quiet.
2nd—Regiment or rather the Division went out on a reconnoitering expedition today. Returned this evening.
3rd—Received orders to be ready to march at 1 a.m.
4th—Privates. August Saupp and George Austin sent to Atlanta. Marched at 10 a.m. Brigade is guarding wagon train. Distance marched 14 miles.
5th—Traveled all last night or rather worked pushing wagons up the hills. Roads very bad. Got to Marietta at 10 p.m. Regiment is detailed to guard the wagon train.
6th—Marched at 11 a.m. Camped at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain 1.5 miles from Marietta.
7th—Still in camp at Kennesaw. Was on mountain top today.
8th—Marched at 11 a.m. Overtook the Brigade at Pine Mountain. Passed through Acworth at dark. Camped at Altoona at 10 p.m.
9th—Laid in camp today.
10th—Marched at 7 a.m. on the Cartersville Road. Passed through Cartersville. Camped at Cassville at 2 o’clock. Distance marched some 15 miles.
11th—Marched at 6 a.m. Passed through Kingston. Camped at 4 p.m. two miles from Kingston on railroad.
12th—Marched at 7 a.m. Got to Rome at 4 p.m. Marched 15 miles.
13th—Marched at 6 a.m. Passed through Rome on Cedar Bluff Road. Gerard’s Cavalry in the advance. Skirmishing commenced at 8 p.m. During the day captured two pieces of artillery and 75 Johnnies. Got back to Rome at dusk.
14th—Marched at 8 a.m. on road to Calhoun. Camped at 4 p.m. Distance 13 miles.
15th—Marched at 6 a.m. Passed through Calhoun and Resaca. Camped at dark. Traveled 20 miles.
16th—Marched at 6 a.m. Passed through Snake Creek Gap. Camped a dark 4 miles from Gap. Distance 12 miles.
17th—Laid in camp all day.
18th—Marched at 5 a.m. on road to Summersville. Stopped at dark. Distance 16 miles.
19th—Marched at 6 a.m. Passed Summersville at 8 a.m. Camped at dark. Distance 17 miles.
20th—Marched at 6 a.m on road to Gaysville, Alabama. Got into Alabama at 10 a.m. Camped at Gaysville at 1 p.m. Distance 14 miles.
October 21st, 1864—Marched at 12 M. Waded the Chattooga river. Got to Cedar Bluff, Cherokee county, Alabama, at 3 p.m. and built works.
22nd—Laid in camp all day. No news. The Coosa River runs near Cedar Bluff.
This scrap of paper was found in the back of Clum’s 1864 diary. It gives the burial location of his brother Hiram S. Clum, Section W., Grave 330, Division No. 1. and also his own address.
JANUARY 1865
January 1, 1865—Sunday morning, the 1st day of the week, the 1st day of the [ ], and the 1st day of the year. In camp at Columbia, Tennessee. Sun shone pretty all day. Some talk of us moving tomorrow…
Monday, January 2, 1865—Marched at 8 a.m. Passed through Columbia and up the Mount Pleasant Pike. Camped at 5 p.m. near Mt. Pleasant. 12 miles. Camp on a stream of pretty water.
Tuesday, January 3, 1865—Marched at 8 a.m. Passed through Mt. Pleasant—a very pretty little village. The roads was in very bad condition. Camped at 5 p.m. on Huckleberry Creek. Distance marched 15 miles.
Wednesday, January 4, 1865—Marched at 7 a.m. Passed through the town of Henryville. Roads in bad condition. Camped at 2 p.m. Have to wait for our supply train to come on. Distance marched 9 miles.
Thursday, January 5, 1865—Marched at 5 a.m. Ground frozen but soon thaws and becomes muddy. At 1 p.m. the 3rd Division came on the same road we was one. Camped at 4 p.m. Distance marched 16 miles.
Friday, January 6, 1865—Laid in camp all day 1.5 miles from Waynesborough. Snowed some. Turned very cold in the evening.
Saturday, January 7, 1865—Have laid in camp all day. Sun shone pleasantly. The mail came in but I was disappointed in getting a letter. There is no news of importance.
Sunday, January 8, 1865—Marched at 7 a.m Roads in good condition. Stopped for dinner. Camped at 4 p.m. two miles from Clifton on Tennessee River. Distance marched 14 miles.
Monday, January 9, 1865—Laid in camp all day. Rained very hard. Received orders to march at 6 a.m. tomorrow. J. P. Dowens drew apr trousers. Company went to river (Tennesee) to load barges.
Tuesday, January 10, 1865—Marched at 6.30 a.m. Camped at Clifton. Distance marched 2.5 miles. Rained all day.
Wednesday, January 11, 1865—Laid in camp all day. Sun shined pleasant but bad under foot. Got rations today.
Thursday, January 12, 1863—Laid in camp all day. Sun shone pretty and warm. Made out charges vs. Andrew Murray for desertion. No news.
Friday, January 13, 1865—Mr. Dunwoody drew pair trousers at company. Laid in camp all day. Weather pleasant and warm. No news of importance.
Saturday, January 14, 1865—Laid in camp all day. Twelve or fourteen transports passed up this morning. Gen. Thomas on board.
Sunday, January 15, 1865—Laid in camp all day. No news of importance.
Monday, January 16, 1865—Very pleasant all day. At work. Was ordered to pack up at 10 p.m. Got on board the transport H. Baldwin.
Tuesday, January 17, 1865—At day light left Clifton going down the river. 16 transports in the fleet. All the 2nd Division on board. Go to Paducah, Kentucky, at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 18, 1865—Weather cold. Ohio River in fine boating condition. Passed Ft. Adams on Kentucky side. Chickasaw on Illinois side. Also Golgotha. Stopped at Casytown at dark. Soon left.
Thursday, January 19, 1865—Weather cold. Passed Tray [?] and Tell City on Indiana side. Coaled at Cassvilletown [?], Indiana, 120 miles from Louisville.
Friday, January 20, 1865—Passed Albany, Indiana, through the canal to Louisville. Coaled at the latter place and drew rations. Will leave here for Cincinnati tonight or tomorrow.
Saturday, January 21, 1865—Passed Madison, Indiana, Rising Sun, Indiana, Toed up near Aurora, Indiana, for the night as it is so foggy.
Sunday, January 22, 1865—Started at 10 a.m. Got to Cincinnati at 3 p.m. Went immediately to C. H. and D Depot. Left at 11 p.m. for Columbus, Ohio.
Monday, January 23, 1865—Passed Dayton at 7 a.m. About six inches deep. Passed Columbus and on to Zanesville.
Tuesday, January 24, 1865—Got to Belair at 10 a.m. Crossed the Ohio River to Benwood, Va. Got on board of the cars in the evening.
Wednesday, January 25, 1865—Had a very cold ride last night. Snow knee deep. Got to Grafton, Va., at dark.
Thursday, January 26, 1865—Passed Piedmont in the morning. Passed Cumberland City in the afternoon.
Friday, January 27, 1865—Passed near Baltimore, Maryland, this morning. Get to Washington D. C. at 12 M. Was put in barracks north of town.
Saturday, January 28, 1865—Has been very cold all day. Went into the city today. Great peace rumors afloat but I don’t think it will effect much.
Sunday, January 29, 1865—Was in camp all day. Had [ ] Mc was in town ll day.
Monday, January 30, 1865—Have been quite unwell all day. No news of interest. Get a letter from Uncle A. G. Morrison.
Tuesday, January 31, 1865—Moved camp across the north side of the North Branch to Camp Stoneman. No news.
FEBRUARY 1865
Wednesday, February 1, 1865—There is no news of any importance. Got orders to make our pay rolls at 8 a.m. I worked until 12 M.
Thursday, February 2, 1865—I worked on my pay rolls [illegible]
Friday, February 3, 1865—Issued clothing. Lt. A. O. Maricop came up today.
Saturday, February 4, 1865—Drew clothing today. Very cold weather. No news of importance.
Sunday, February 5, 1865—Cold and windy. No news today.
Monday, February 6, 1865—Were paid by Maj. Farrish for four months through December 31, 1864.
Tuesday, February 7, 1865—Was over to the city today. Was through the Patent Office. Saw General Washington’s marque and furniture. Also Gen. Jackson’s uniform coat worn in New Orleans Battle, mess chest, &c.
Wednesday, February 8, 1865—Went to the city. A very cold day.
Thursday, February 9, 1865—Left Camp Stoneman. Took the cars at Washington depot for Alexandria.
Friday, February 10, 1865—Got orders to be ready to move tomorrow.
Saturday, February 11, 1865—Got on board the steamer Ca____ and shoved off the wharf at 9 a.m. Passed Mt. Vernon at 2 p.m. Mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Sunday, February 12, 1865—Sailed at daylight. Passed Cape Henry. Anchored at Port Hudson.
Monday, February 13, 1865—Sailed at daylight on the ocean. Passed Cape Hatteras at dark.Have been very seasick all day.
Tuesday, February 14, 1865—Came in sight of Fort Fisher in the afternoon and got orders to go farther south to another inlet. Have been seasick all day.
Wednesday, February 15, 1865—Anchored 10 miles from light house. A Brig lays off to our right (northwest). Col. Moore and 1st officer of ship went in life boat to shore. Have signaled for a pilot all day.
Thursday, February 16, 1865—Sergeant Jas. W. McDaniel died this morning at 4 a.m. Col. Moore has not returned yet. Three tugs came on and took us to shore at Smithville, North Carolina.
Friday, February 17, 1865—Buried J. W. McDaniel in the graveyard east of Smithville and in the west end by a small live oak tree. Brigade marched at 10 a.m. Camped in the Gum Swamp for the night. Distance marched 8 miles. We are 1.5 miles from Fort Anderson on the Cape Fear River.
Saturday, February 18, 1865—Our Brigade took the advance and moved forward in line of battle until we got within sight of the rebel works. They shelled us briskly. Company went on the skirmish line in the evening.
Sunday, February 19, 1865—The Rebels evacuated Fort Anderson early last night leaving all the heavy artillery unspiked. 74 pieces in all. Weather warm. Marched at 10 a.m up the Cape Fear River on the Wilmington Road after the Rebels. Camped at dark. Distance marched 8 miles.
Monday, February 20, 1865—Marched at 8 a.m. in north direction toward the C, J. River. Crossed a canal in a flat boat and moved west. Soon overtook the rebels. 3rd Division charged at 4 p.m. Took two pieces of artillery and 400 prisoners. Camped for the night at dark. Distance marched 6 miles.
Tuesday, February 21, 1865—Marched at 3 a.m. in northwest course for 6 miles to Charleston & Wilmington Railroad. At dark, got orders to march back to Town Creek. Got there at 12 M. Distance 8 miles.
Wednesday, February 22, 1865—Was ferried across the Cape Fear river in the morning. Drew rations and marched to Wilmington as the Rebels evacuated the above place last night. Got two letters from home and my wife’s photograph.
Thursday, February 23, 1865—Went to Wilmington in the morning. Did not move camp today. Everything quiet.
Friday, February 24, 1865—Rained all day. Very hazy. Got three letters from home. No news of importance.
Saturday, February 25, 1865—Rained all day. Nothing of interest transpired.
Sunday, February 26, 1865—Got our baggage today. Also the back mail. Got two letters from Sarah. Nothing unusual.
Monday, February 27, 1865—Rained all day. We moved camp a short distance.
Tuesday, February 28, 1865—Was mustered for January and February 1865.
MARCH 1865
Wednesday, March 1, 1865—Rained today. No news of importance.
Thursday, March 2, 1865—Went to town and to the Engineer Battalion. Sent in muster rolls.
Friday, March 3, 1865—Has been very pleasant out all day. Nothing unusual occurring. Some prospect of moving soon.
Saturday, March 4, 1865—No news of importance today. Got my discharge from the service as an enlisted man to accept a commission as 1st Lieutenant in 118th OVI.
Sunday, March 5, 1865—Was mustered today, 1st Lieutenant Co. D, 118th OVI. Orders to move in the morning at 6 a.m. Commenced messing with Capt. D[avid] M. Doty, Capt. S. F. Moore, Lieutenant S. H. Kennedy and A[nthony] Bowsher—all good fellows.
Monday, March 6, 1865—Marched this morning at 6 a.m. Camped at 3 p.m. Distance marched 15 miles. Roads good. [ ] put in command of Co. C.
Tuesday, March 7, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. Weather pleasant. Roads bad. Distance marched 15 miles.
Wednesday, March 8, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. The roads are in very good condition. Rained in the afternoon. Distance marched 21 miles.
Thursday, March 9, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. Camped at 4 p.m. Passed through the best country I have seen in North Carolina. Marched 18 miles.
Friday, March 10, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. Heavy cannonading in the afternoon. Roads awful. Camped at 6 p.m. Distance 12 miles.
Saturday, March 11, 1865—Marched at 2 a.m. Did not get to sleep any. The 3rd Division in the advance. Roads awful. Distance marched 15 miles.
Sunday, March 12, 1865—Marched at 10 a.m. A very pleasant day. No news of importance. Camped at 1 p.m. six miles from Kinston on Neuse River.
Monday, March 13, 1865—Laid in camp all day. No news of importance. Got our mail. Wrote ot my wife.
Tuesday, March 14, 1865—Marched at 8 a.m on road to Kinston.
Wednesday, March 15, 1865—Everything quiet today. No news. My leg pains me awful. Laid in camp all dsay.
Thursday, March 16, 1865—Capt. [John S.] Rhodes came up today. Left home the 22nd of last month. Brought me a pair of boots. My wife’s photograph in a pin. Lieut. [Anthony] Bowsher was mustered.
Friday, March 17, 1865—Had general inspection and Battalion drill. Wrote home to my wife and Fannie W. Everything works smooth.
Saturday, March 18, 1865—Was detailed to go to railroad in charge of wagon guards. No change today. Talk of moving tomorrow.
Sunday, March 19, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. on way to Goldsboro. Crossed the Neuse river in the morning. Distance marched 12 miles. Weather warm.
Monday, March 20, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. Roads in good condition. Our advance got into Goldsboro at 1 p.m. Cannonading to the west. Supposed to be Sherman. Got to Goldsboro at 8 p.m. Distance marched 19 miles.
Tuesday, March 21, 1865—In camp near Goldsboro, North Carolina. Nothing new.
Wednesday, March22, 1865—Weather pleasant. Nothing to make one feel alarmed.
Thursday, March 23, 1865—Gen. T[homas] W. Sherman came into town this morning. Also the 14th Army Corps. The 25th Army Corps came out on review. Gen. [Thomas W.] Sherman rode the lines.
Friday, March 24, 1865—Saw Wilson Stuter. Got orders to march in the morning.
Saturday, March 25, 1865—Marched at 8 a.m. on road to Kinston. Camped at 4 p.m. Distance 14 miles.
Sunday, March 26, 1865—Marching at 10 a.m. on way toward Kinston Hill. Camped at 2 p.m. in a very pleasant place. Distance from Moseley Hall 4 miles. Capt. Doty took the company and went to guard the railroad.
Monday, March 27, 1865—We have a very pleasant place for a camp. Cannot get rations. Regt. went on drill. Dress parade at 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28, 1865—Very pleasant weather. Rations short. Got our mail. Three letters from home. Got word in the evening that Hampton’s Division (Rebel) was hanging around. Dress parade in the evening.
Wednesday, March 29, 1865—Wrote home to my Mother today. Looks like rain. No news today.
Thursday, March 30, 1865—Went on picket 3 p.m. Raining. No news.
Friday, March 31, 1865—Today I am 25 years old. Was relieved from picket at 4 p.m. No news.
APRIL 1865
Saturday, April 1, 1865—Came over to the camp 1 mile from Moseley Hall. They are guarding the railroad.
Sunday, April 2, 1865—Capt. Doty went to Goldsboro. Lt. Bowsher came to camp. He has resigned his commission.
Monday, April 3, 1865—Visited an old lady by the name of Walters in camp with A. Bowsher.
Tuesday, April 4, 1865—Capt. went to Goldsboro today. No news of any importance.
Wednesday, April 5, 1865—Everything quiet. Came to regiment from railroad.
Thursday, April 6, 1865—Got word that Richmond and Petersburg was in our possession.
Friday, April 7, 1865—Talk of moving soon. Confirmed that Richmond and Petersburg are ours. Glory. Went on picket at 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 1865—Was relieved from picket by 111th Ohio. Have orders to move tomorrow. Weather pleasant.
Sunday, April 9, 1865—Marched 6 a.m. toward Goldsboro. Got there at 4 p.m. Marched 15 miles.
Monday, April 10, 1865—Marched at 4 p.m. Rained some. The entire army of Gen. Sherman is on the move. Some cannonading in front. The 14th and 20th Army Corps are on the left. 15th and 17th on the right and 23rd and 10th in the center. Distance marched 8 miles.
Tuesday, April 11, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m….Rained pretty hard. Distance traveled 10 miles.
Wednesday, April 12, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. Got a dispatch from Gen. Grant that Gen. Lee’s entire Rebel army had surrendered on the 9th at Appomattox Court House, Va. Crossed the Neuse river on pontoons. Roads good. Camped at 8 p.m. Distance marched 20 miles. Was hauled in ambulance.
Thursday, April 13, 1865—Marched at 6 a.m. Country is broken and hilly. The 20th Corps is in the advance of us. Rained pretty hard all day. Our cavalry is in Raleigh. Camped close to Raleigh at 5 p.m. Distance marched 20 miles.
Friday, April 14, 1865—Went into town today. It is a fair specimen of southern cities. The Capitol building is rather a fine thing. went on picket.
Saturday, April 15, 1865—Had orders to move his morning but it was countermanded.
Sunday, April 16, 1865—Rained all day. Rumored that Johnston is going to surrender.
Monday, April 17, 1865—Gen. Sherman went to have a consultation with Gen. Johnston (Rebel). Heard today that President A. Lincoln was assassinated on the 12th at Ford’s Theatre, Washington D. C.
Tuesday, April 18, 1865—No news from the army in front. Confirmed that A. Lincoln is dead.
Wednesday, April 19, 1865—Went to the convention at the Capitol for the purpose of….
Thursday, April 20, 1865—Everything quiet today. 23rd Army Corps will pass in review before Gen. Sherman tomorrow.
Friday, April 21, 1865—Broke camp at 7 a.m Marched at 8 a.m. [illegible]
Saturday, April 22, 1865—Went to town today and saw the 20th Corps pass in review before Gen. [William T.] Sherman. They presented a good appearance.
Sunday, April 23, 1865—Nothing of interest to relate. Weather very pleasant.
Monday, April 24, 1865—The 17th Corps was reviewed by Gen. Grant today. They made a very good appearance. Gen. Grant looks fine. Also Gen. Meade.
Tuesday, April 25, 1865—Have orders to march at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Gen. Johnston (Rebel) refuses to surrender unconditionally so we move on him.
Wednesday, April 26, 1865—One year ago today left Mossy Creek, Tennessee, for Dalton, Georgia.
Thursday, April 27, 1865—Have been busy waiting all day. Wrote to Fannie Henthern. No news of importance.
Friday, April 28, 1865—Have been busy all day. Wrote home to my wife. Also to Fannie Wallingsford. Received one from the latter. Gen. Joe Johnston surrendered yesterday. Feel impatient to hear from home and I understand that my mother-in-law’s house has fallen down or blown down. Tonight the boys are throwing up rockets.
Saturday, April 29, 1865—Had orders read to us in regard to President Lincoln’s death. Officers are to wear a badge of mourning on left arm forsix months. Regiment colors to be draped in mourning.
Sunday, April 30, 1865—Was mustered for pay by Col. 23rd Michigan. Went on guard.
MAY 1865
Monday, May 1, 1865—Came off guard. No news.
Tuesday, May 2, 1865—Made out C. C. and G. E. Reports. Worked hardr. Don’t feel well.
Wednesday, May 3, 1865—Marched at 7 a.m. Passed through Raleigh and up the road to Greensboro. Distance marched 18 miles. Weather pleasant. Roads good.
Thursday, May 4, 1865—Marched at 8 a.m. At 12M passed through Chapel Hill, a very pretty town. Camped for the night 10 miles southeast of Hillsboro. Distance marched 17 miles.
Friday, May 5, 1865—Marched at 6.30 a.m. The country very rough and broken. Roads in good condition. Rained some in the afternoon. Camped at 4.30 p.m. near the Haw River at Ruffin’s Mill. Distance marched 20 miles.
Saturday, May 6, 1865—Marched at 8 a.m. The face of the country not so broken. Passed through the village of Graham. Very dusty. Camped at 5 p.m. Distance marched 15 miles.
Sunday, May 7, 1865—Marched at 5 a.m. Roads good. The regiment guarding the Division wagon train. Passed through Greensboro by 1 p.m. Distance marched 12 miles.
Monday, May 8, 1865—Laid in camp. Went to town. Saw all of Johnston’s artillery that he surrendered to Sherman parked. Got a letter from home.
Tuesday, May 9, 1865—Got on the cars in the evening for Salisbury. Passed through Thomasville, Lexington, High Point, and other towns and then went back at Salisbury at 2 p.m. Went into camp.
Wednesday, May 10, 1865—In camp 3/4 mile from town. No news. Everythingquiet.
Thursday, May 11, 1865—Moved camp today. No news. The general supposition is that we remain here.
Friday, May 12, 1865—Nothing [illegible]
Saturday, May 13, 1865—Sent in my rolls for company.
Sunday, May 14, 1865—One year ago, Co. C left 19 men killed and wounded at Resaca, Ga.
Monday, May 15, 1865—Weather pleasant. Not very warm. Our cook went out and bought some eggs and butter.
Tuesday, May 16, 1865—Laid in camp all day. Nothing of interest transpired.
May 17, 1865 through May 20, 1865—[no entry]
Sunday, May 21, 1865—Went on picket this evening.
Monday, May 22, 1865—I went in the country a great distance after I came off picket. Had quite an adventure with a young lady.
Tuesday, May 23, 1865—[no entry]
Wednesday, May 24, 1863—Acted the part of Adjutant on Dress Parade this evening for the first time.
Thursday, May 25, 1865—Rained in the evening. Lt. Bowers and I went out in the country. Didn’t get back until 1 o’clock a.m.
Friday, May 26, 1865—Has rained pretty near all day.
May 27, 1865 through June 3, 1865—[no entry]
Sunday, June 4, 1865—Transferred all property pertaining to Co. F, 118th OVI to [illegible]. Was officer of the day in camp.
June 5, 1865 through June 8, 1865—[no entry]
Friday, June 9, 1865—Made out and forwarded my ordnance returns for this part of 2nd Quarter 1865.
June 10, 1865 through June 13, 1865—[no entry]
Wednesday, June 14, 1865—G. R. McD, J. H. Johnson, and M. Dunwoody returned from [ ].
June 15, 1865 through June 21, 1865—[No entries]
Thursday, June 22, 1865—The 107th Illinois Vol. Infantry started home today.
Friday, June 23, 1865—[no entry]
Saturday, June 24, 1865—Get on board of the cars and started for home. Got to Greensboro at 12 p.m.
Sunday, June 25, 1865—Got to Danville, Virginia, at 4 p.m. Stayed all night.
Monday, June 26, 1865—Got to Burksville in the evening. Laid over until morning.
Tuesday, June 27, 1865—Got to [ ] in the afternoon. Passed on to Cedar [ ] and laid over night.
Wednesday, June 28, 1865—Got to City Point in the forenoon. Distance from Salisbury, North Carolina, to City Point, Va. is 244 miles. Got on board the steamer Ballie and started for Baltimore.
Thursday, June 29, 1865—Got to Baltimore, Maryland, in afternoon. Distance from City Point is 250 miles. Started for Cleveland, Ohio.
Friday, June 30, 1865—[no entry]
JULY 1865
Saturday, July 1, 1865—Got to Cleveland, Ohio, at 12 o’clock M. Distance from Baltimore to Cleveland is…
July 2, 1865 through July 12, 1865—[no entries]
Thursday, July 13, 1865—Got home today from the army and feel very thankful too. Think that I have served three years in the lines and returned to my home safe and well.
This letter was written by Henry Elijah Alvord (1844-1904) of Co. K, 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry. Henry was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the son of Daniel Wells Alvord (1816-1871) and Caroline Matilda Clapp (1824-1846). He wrote the letter to his step-mother, Caroline Betts (Dewey) Alvord (1827-1893). He was educated at Norwich University and was given the degrees of C.E. and B.S. in 1863. He joined the Union Army in 1862 as a private, eventually reaching the rank of Major in 1865 through meritorious service. He became interested in the emerging western cattle industry while serving as captain of the United States cavalry near the close of the American Civil War. Alvord later lobbied for the passage of the Hatch Act of 1887 and the Morrill Act of 1890, which helped establish agricultural experiment stations. In 1872, he was appointed a special Indian courier. He served as Professor of Agriculture of the Massachusetts Agricultural College from 1886 to 1887, as well as the second president of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College from 1894 to 1895. He organized and became chief of the dairy division of the Bureau of Animal Industry of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1895. He died on October 1, 1904, in St. Louis, Missouri while attending the World’s Fair.
Headquarters Cavalry Camp Vienna, Virginia February 7, 1864
Dear mother,
I will try to answer the two letters of yours which I have on hand and to tell of my personal well bring but I shall do but little more today. I have just returned to my quarters after a trying scene which leaves me in no mood for writing.
One Wm. E. Ormsby of Co. E, 2nd Mass. Cavalry deserted from picket to the enemy some days ago—two weeks or more. Yesterday he was recaptured while leading a charge of rebels upon our men. A “drum head court martial” tried him last evening and finding him guilty, sentenced him to be shot to death in presence of the Brigade.
The order for the execution was issued this morning at 9 and the prisoner left with the chaplain till 11. At that hour the ceremony took place, the Brigade being formed on three sides of a square. Military law assigns to the Provost Marshal the painful task of conducting the execution and that duty I performed today. God grant that I may never be obliged to do it again!
It was a very trying scene and one of intense and sad interest. The procession which was the center of attraction was as follows: Provost Marshal, band, platoon for execution, coffin borne by four men, the prisoner and chaplain, escort, surgeon. The prisoner 1 was a noble fellow who probably never fully realized the enormity of his crime till today. He made an affecting farewell speech to his comrades and was firm and brave to the last. I feared my voice would fail me in the commands, “Ready!” “Aim!” and “Fire!” but I found myself strangely calm and all passed off well. Fortunately the first fire passed two balls through his heart so I was saved the much dreaded alternative of completing the work with my pistol which would have been my duty had he not died at once.
The occurrence caused the first real Sabbath I have ever seen in camp. Today has been very solemn and quiet. Nothing being done but the necessary guard duty. I dreaded my part which was very conspicuous and thank Heaven, it is over though I say it, who perhaps should not, I have been highly complimented for the manner in which I conducted the ceremony. It is a very slight satisfaction. I shuddered at the thought of being compared withe “the executioner who smiles at the neatness of his work.” But enough of this!
The execution of William E. Ormsby in February 1864
This week I have established myself finally at Headquarters—my private quarters opening into my office. Thursday and Friday and Saturday I was in town on official business. I received your last Sunday’s letter with Papa’s addition on Wednesday and replied to it the same day.
I am glad you are anticipating my leave as I am myself and hope it will not fall through. The only way in such cases is to make all arrangements for a success and if a failure is the result, a telegram will arrest the progress of preparations in time. I shall enter my application in a day or two and have no doubt it will go through. I shall then start for home the last of next week. Shall probably arrive in the morning Friday or Saturday. If it is thought best to have Carrie and Sarah arrive before I do, it might be well to have them reach Greenfield Thursday or Friday.
Your first letter (7th January—an anniversary) seems to call for no especial remarks. The autograph I will place myself in the album (D. V.) If I go home and Carrie is there too, I suppose business of importance will call Mr. Haven Greenfield the last of February.
I am glad Sarah’s engagement is so generally approved. I have long known of its possibility and although never having seen the Dr., from what I heard of him, I (unbeknown to him) have been doing my best to bring about the result which is now announced. I am glad I was in the right. I will write or telegraph when I shall arrive. I may through accident be one train late. Much love to all. Your affectionate son, — Henry E. Alvord
1 William Edward Ormsby—nicknamed Pony—“was a small man, only 5 feet 3 inches tall, with blue eyes, light brown hair and a fair complexion. He and his friend Harry Mortimer were called the “little fellows” of their cavalry company. Pony was a popular man, quick to laugh, always at his post, and “as good a soldier as any man need ever hope to be,”according to trooper George Towle. Every one who knew him testified to his bravery and steadiness in the face of danger.” This quote and the story of his desertion is chronicled by Steve Meserve in his article, “Young Man, before 12 o’clock tomorrow you die.”
The following letter was written by 29 year-old Capt. Albert Wood Bartlett (1832-1862) of Co. A, 8th Massachusetts Infantry Militia (3 months). This regiment was one of the first four regiments to respond to the call after the opening of hostilities. They gathered at Boston on 16 April 1861 and left for Washington D. C. two days later, traveling by way of Philadelphia and Annapolis. They were on duty there till May 15th and then sent to guard the railroad at the Relay House till July 29th, thus missing the Battle of Bull Run. They moved to Boston July 29-30, and mustered out August 1, 1861, seeing no action.
After he was discharged from the 8th Massachusetts, Albert offered his services again and was enrolled as the Captain of Co. B, 35th Massachusetts Infantry on 8 August 1862. He was killed in action a year later at Antietam and his bullet riddled body was returned to his home at Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was married to Harriet Boardman Stockman (1830-1902) and had at least one child named Hattie (b. 1852).
[Editor’s Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Nick Kaup and was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Capt. Albert Wood Bartlett stands at far left with some of his Boys from the 8th Massachusetts Infantry.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp Essex, June 12th 1861
Friend Green,
Your letter I received and I am greatly obliged to you for writing. I am surprised that Capt. Westcott should have done as he has in buying revolvers &c and hope that the matter can be explained to his advantage. It does not seem possible that the officers of the company that have been so well treated by the City Council and by the citizens should so as they have done without thinking that they were authorized to so do. I hope the honor of those who are now in the service of our country, and those who are about to be engaged therein, from our good old town, that such may prove to be the case. We who have been through hardships such as we could not have borne in a common cause, hungry, thirsty and nearly naked, sleeping with nothing but the clouds of heaven for a covering (63 out of 80 had no blankets) passed through all this knowing that it was for the good of our country that we were suffering, and that our friends at home would appreciate. I have thought that the city have spent too much money on that company and still think so. I contend that one half of the money has been thrown away, and all that when you had another company at home to look out for.
The weather is very warm. Nothing new to write about. We have everything that will make us comfortable, plenty to eat, and good at that. Give my respects to all friends. Truly yours, — A. W. Bartlett
Aunt Mary,
Your note I received and was glad to hear from some of my female friends. I hope to soon have the pleasure of seeing them all, and giving them a shake of the hand and a kiss to all that I can get a chance to. I think I am entitled to a few extra kisses. It is so long since I have had one, don’t you?
We are now having a nice time here. The weather is splendid, but warm. The boys all liked your cake very much. It put them in mind of home. We are much obliged to you and Sarah for it. Tell Aunt Hannah Marshall that I will write to her soon. Give my respects to Sarah, Lydia, Mary and Sam, and all other female friends you may meet. Respectfully yours, — A. W. Bartlett
Spared & Shared 23 