McCready Civil War Diary

William Stuart McCready Civil War Diary Wisconsin 11th Volunteer Infantry Regiment

William Stuart McCready Civil War Diary Typed transcription located at the Sauk County Historical Society Actual physical diary location unknown William Stuart McCready, son of John and Elizabeth McCready, was born in County Down, Ireland, May 27th, 1836, and died in Portland, Oregon, May 12th, 1913, aged 76 years, 11 months and 15 days. The deceased came to America with his parents in 1850, at the age of 14 years. He immediately worked out and helped his parents in making a home here in the town of Troy. When a young man he attended the school in Prairie du Sac for a few terms, then taught school near Dane county until the war broke out, when he enlisted in Company G, 11th Regiment, in September, 1861. He was appointed corporal October 30th, 1861, was promoted to sergeant March 20th, 1862, to color sergeant from March 20th, 1862, to April 20th, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant from first sergeant March 22nd, 1864. Later he was appointed captain. In the action of Bayou Cache, Arkansas, July 7, 1862, he was wounded and carried a bullet in his leg throughout the rest of his life. He could tell of many a wounded and dying soldier he had cared for during and after different battles while on those duties, faithful soldier in all of his duties. [From his Obituary]

On the morning of Monday, the 16th day of Sept. 1861, I was up early and to speak truly somewhat nervous for on that day I was going to enlist to fight for the Union, and I hope for the destruction of Slavery in the Nation. Breakfast was eaten without much conversation, then came the tender scene of parting from my mother, sister and from my four brothers. My father took me to Spring green where I took a train and went to Arena. There I found a company of about 30 men, called the Constitutional Guard, drilling under the command of Wm. H. Brisbane, Jr. he is to drill the Company far better than the others, so I a son of Dr. Wm. Brisbane, the noted abolitionist, and think that he speaks the truth. A few days after a he was three months in the 1st Regt. of Wis. Vols. The young man about twenty one years of age named Wilmen were enlisted by George W. Ashmore a student bur F. Pelton came to Arena. He was in the Uniform of our State University, he is sick with fever now, but of Captain of Inft. and he stated that he had a compais to be Capt. of our company. I joined the company at ny partly raised, and he proposed to join his men to once and I was soon drilling with the others. We heard our Company, Ashmore to be captain, himself first of a small hotel kept by one Jerry Adams at the ex- Lieut., and Wm. H. Brisbane 2nd Lieut., which was pense of the state. agreed by Ashmore and Brisbane, and he went away. A few days afterwards we were joined by Edwin. At the request of Ashmore I spent a few days in Sauk D. Partridge, a total stranger, a man about forty four Co. trying to enlist more men, I did not succeed. I years of age. He said that he had served about seven- spent the night of Sept. 27th at home, and returned to teen years in the regular army of the U.S.A. He is able Arena the next day. In the afternoon we marched to 1

Dover about two miles east of Arena, where the ladies Captain, who I think is a very bad man. There are a had an excellent dinner prepared for us. number of men quartered at Jacquish’s Hotel called We enjoyed the dinner and also the patriotic songs the Vulcan Light Guard, who are commanded by a they sung. In the evening Capt. Pelton arrived with sailor in a 2nd Lieut. uniform, named Henry Blake. less than a dozen men when we all proceeded to the Farewell to Arena, Iowa Co. Wis.

Camp Randall at Madison, Wisconsin residence of Mr. Ashmore to elect officers for the Madison company. Geo. W. Ashmore was unanimously elected st captain. The vote for the 1 Lieut. was a tie between Our duties here are not very onerous. We are called in Pelton and Partridge which a vote of Thomas Gillbert- the morning by the beat of the drum, then roll call, son in doubt. He is a Norwegian and his English is so then breakfast, next drill for one hour, then dismissed until dinner time, drill in the afternoon for one hour. I broken and it is so difficult to know whether he voted have purchased a copy of military tactics which I find for Pelton or Partridge. Ashmore who is Pres. of the very useful to me. I have visited Camp Randall and meeting decided that Tom voted for Pelton, and de- saw the 8th Regt. on battalion drill. I have also visited clared Pelton elected 1st Lieut. This so angered the the Capitol Bldg., and the State Historical society, friends of Partridge that they went away in rage. which ____ ____ ____ ____ and also the state UniverBrisbane was elected 2nd Lieut. On Monday Sept. sity where I spent half an hour with an acquaintance, 30th on order from the Adjt. General of the state com- James L. High, who is a very promising young student manded us to proceed to Madison the following day there. Things are generally very patriotic here, espewhich we did. Before leaving Arena, the company cially those things prepared for sale to soldiers. A sheet of letter paper before me has the following lines held a new election and elected Wilbur F. Pelton printed on it : Capt., Edw. D. Partridge 1st Lieut., and Nathan Downs 2nd Lieut. We were quartered in Madison at Jaquish’s Down with the Traitors Serpent Hotel. Gov. Randall refused to recognize either of the Flag. Death float o’er Freeman’s elections held by our company. Ashmore is still conhomes and Traitor’s graves.” Anfined to his bed with bilious fever, (A medical diagnoother sheet has “Not all the earth sis of fever associated with excessive bile in the blood could yield a foe, that dared defy stream and tissues, causing jaundice. The most comthe Stars and stripes. Treason mon cause was malaria.) and the excitement of the alone hath struck the blow, and last few days will probably kill him. It was very unchallenged the field of wars.” manly of Pelton to accept the captaincy of company in such a way. Ashmore incurred the enmity of his men through his friendship for Pelton. The whole arrangement was made by J.C. Pelton who is Uncle of the 2

An envelope has the following words printed on it. when they are on battalion drill. They have named him “For right is right, as God, and right the day must win. Old Abe. We eat in companies in a large mess house. To doubt would be disloyalty – to falter would be sin.” We are well fed and we sleep in tents. Ours are round Another motto is: “On to Victory, - Cocka-doodle- and are called Sibley tents. Each one is intended for 20 men. doo.” With the picture of a large red rooster crowing. On Sunday morning Oct. 13th the articles of war On the Sabbath I went to were read to the men, and when finished many of the the Presbyterian Church; men said if they had known of these rules called the Rev. Green is pastor. “Articles of War” being in force for the government of There is no change in the army, they would never have enlisted. Many of the our daily routine of duties young men thought that the army life would be kind of until Oct. 8th when our a pleasure excursion for them. They soon found out th Co. united with the Vul- their error. The 8 regt. left us Friday and arrived at can light Guard and St. Louis Mo. to day. We daily draw some of our outfit and apparel, camp or garrison equipage. We have formed one Co. called the dress parade, Co. and batRandall Zuaves, [A Zou- talion drills every day that ave was distinctive in his the weather will permit. uniform which included a We are Co. “G” in the 11th pair of baggy trousers, Regt. Wisc. Vols. Chas. L. short open jacket, a sash Harris is our Colonel. He Uniform of a Zuave and an oriental headgear. was once a Military Cadet Based on a French military unit.] out of the two at West Point. Our Major squads of men, and we elected Wilbur F. Pelton Capt., is Arthur Platt, an Englishman who was an officer in Edw. D. Partridge 1st Lieut. and Henry Blake 2nd the English army, and he Lieut., and on the next day, Oct. 9th, 1861, we marched was severely wounded in into Camp Randall and we were mustered into the action while serving in InCol. Charles L. Harris Military Service of the U.S. by Capt. Lamont of the dia. regular army. All of our men were accepted and musThe 11th Regt. is called tered except one who had been the most talkative man the Dane Co. Regt. but only Cos. “A” and “B” and and who had said more fine things to the young ladies parts of “F” and “G” are from Dane Co. “C” is from than all of the other men in our Co. When we formed Jefferson Co. “D” is from Richland. “E” is from Minin line before the mustering officers and doctors, our eral Point. “F” is part from Dane and Sauk. “G” is composed of men from Dane Iowa, Sauk and Juneau. Hero? took off one of his shoes and stockings and then “H” from Columbia chiefly, but some from Adams, standing on one foot and holding the big toe of his foot Sauk and Juneau counties. “I” and “K” are from the in his hand, he began to beg to be excused on account Fox River country. On Oct. 24th our nonof the pains in his big toes. The officer did not notice commissioned officers were appointed to Co. g. by him until they had mustered in the Co. when they told Col. Harris, namely 1st Sergt. Nathan downs. 2nd Sergt. J.A. Peaslee, 3rd Sergt. A.R. him to go, and he was soon out of camp Wynn, 4th Sergt. James Law, 5th Sergt. Chas and off to his home, scorned by all his old Bywater. The corporals are Jacob Dodge, Geo. comrades. th M. Dodge, Elias Billington, S.L. Stickle, Wm. The 8 Regt. commanded by R.C. S. McCready, Sylvester W. Jones, Henry A. Murphy is in camp and we watched its Baxter and Jerome Calkins. They rank in order revolutions when on drill, with much innamed. Our uniforms consist of dark blue sack terest and profit to ourselves. We are coats, light pants, dark blu (sic) forage caps, learning many of our duties about drill, sewed shoes, and good woolen stockings. Eveparade, guard mounting, manual of arms, ry man has a heavy woolen blanket, water etc. from the men of the 8th. Their uniform proof blanket of India rubber and a rubber covis gray, and they have a live eagle which ering for the cap, called a havelock. is carried on a perch beside their colors 3

We are armed with old U.S. Muskets train parted, leaving ten cars standing on the track. that were used in the war with Mexico. The engineer soon found out that he had only a part of They have been changed from flint to perthe cars attached to his engine, when he returned a cussion locks, and when fired, kick furinew pin was put in place and we proceeded without ously. Our flags were presented to us by further accident. We reached Janesville at noon and A.W. Randall. Our chaplain is Rev. James partook of a hot lunch of very good coffee, cold ham Britton, an Episcopalian Minister. He and crackers. We sometimes on Sun. afternoon has service arrived at Chicago up town in the Episcopal church, when soon after dark when the Regt. marches up there in a body. we marched about a Since receiving our uniforms and arms we mile through very have marched on several occasions up to muddy streets to the the Capitol and around the square and depot of a railway back to camp. We are visited by thouthat is to carry us to sands of people who come to see relatives St. Louis. There we or just to see the soldiers. soon received coffee, Civil War Cracker or Hardtack ham and crackers for Our 2nd Lieut. Mr. Henry Blake has become a benedict. He married his wife super. The commissioned officers of the Regt. eat supagainst the wishes of his parents. It is now per together at some hotel. Day cloudy. We passed the middle of November as we have many through Belmont, Ill. at sunrise of the morning of the in the Regt. who have been in the Ameri21st of Nov. and through Springfield at noon, and we can, English or German armies, we are arrived at Alton on the Mississippi River at dark and making rapid progress in learning the duthen went on board of a steam boat. We arrived at St. ties of a soldier. All of us who wish, have been home Louis at 10 o’clock P.M. Our rations during the day on a short furlough, and parting from home now is not was cold beef and very poor crackers. The men of Co. so tying as it was at first. The ladies in Madison have “G” are all well, except John W. Anderson who was treated our Regt. to a very good basket dinner. Geo. taken with fever during the day and he is in care of our W. Ashmore is dead. Gen. stevens, Inspector general doctors. They are Henry Strong, Major Everett, and of the state has inspected the Regt. and pronounced it C.C. Barns, assistant sergeants. The latter is paid by ready for the field. We are ordered to St. Louis. The the state of Wis. Companies from the 12th Regt. Are now in Camp and We landed from the Steamboat at about 9 o’clock have received their blue uniforms, but no arms yet. a.m. Nov. 22nd, and then stood in the street in St. Louis Geo. Bryant is the Col. until 3 o’clock, then went on board a train of flat cars Nov. 19th is a rainy day and and were taken about 22 miles down the Miss. River, also pay day. We were paid in where we went into camp. The men did not straggle squads in twenty dollar pieces. any in St. Louis. The city is under Marshall Law, so We found it very difficult to get they were afraid to leave the ranks. I saw little of eithe changed in Madison. Small ther Chicago or St. Louis. As we came through Illinois change here is very scarce. Our the people every where seemed to be very patriotic. rubber blankets and our have- This station is called Sulphur Springs. It is a station of locks were well tested in the the Iron Mt. Ry. and it consists of a Railway depot, rain to day and they kept our one store, and a few dwelling houses. It takes its name clothing dry. from a spring in the neighborhood which has a taste Wed. morning, the 20th. We arose at 5 o’clock and odor of Sulphur. Our camp is named Camp Curtis. and soon had tents struck, and everything packed up We have a nice grass field for drill and parade. Our ready to put on the train. Then we ate breakfast. At 8 chaplain preached to us Nov. 24th. We all stood in o’clock we went on board the cars and we were soon front of Headquarters during the sermon. Our Chapgoing at a rapid rate towards Chicago on the C&NW lain acts as postmaster of the Regt. Walnuts and sweet Ry. There were the usual scenes when parting from potatoes are plentiful here, and we are in good spirits. relatives and friends. We were more than one thou- The 8th Wis. with Col. Murphy in command arrived on sand strong, and all appear to be in good spirits. We Mon. Nov. 25th, and they are in Camp near us. The left Cor. Geo. M. Dodge sick in the hospital and the weather since our arrival has been cold and cloudy. 4

The Miss. River is full of running ice. On Nov. 26th caused by one of our men on picket guard firing at the first Steamboat passed up the river since we came some noise that he heard in the under brush. here. River traffic seems to be stopped. The soil hereaDec. 10th I visited the public school a few miles bouts is more suitable for fruit growing then raising from camp to day. It is taught by a lady. She had only grain. There are some of the grandest oaks hereabouts ten pupils the school house is very small and built of that I have ever saw. logs. The people of this neighborhood were alarmed A slave tried to pass the guard to day and come in- when they saw two Union Soldiers coming into their to camp without success. He then carried potatoes school house. Some of them came to see what we from some house to the guard line and gave them some for our men. Nearly every mess in our Regt. is wanted. We told them that we came to visit their to satisfy them. now supplied with potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions school which seemed th Thurs. Dec. 19 . Two men came into our camp to and cabbages, which have been pilfered from farms in day looking for a run-away negro-___. They did not the neighborhood. One large spring here furnishes the find him, for some of our soldiers had ferried him whole regt. with an abundance of good pure water. Thurs. Nov. 28th (1861) is Thanksgiving Day, we across the Miss. River into the state of Illinois. An old are on dress parade. The Proclamation of Gov. Ran- Negro named Phil visited our camp often. He belongs dall was read by our Adjt. Daniel Lincoln. Chaplain to an estate awaiting the settlement and he is to be sold Britton preached at half past two, and Capt. Pelton by orders of the Court of Probate as soon as the war is treated the company to an oyster supper in the even- over. Perhaps war will free all the slaves. We expect it will. There are steamboats loaded with war material ing. nd About two inches of snow fell on Mon. Dec. 2 daily going down the river. The weather is pleasant, and lay on the ground until Dec. 5th when it all melted. somewhat cold to night. Much ingenuity has been Col. Harris has returned after two days absence at St. shown by the soldiers in building fireplaces and chimLouis. Private Michael Bender of Co. “E” died of lung neys. Fri. Dec. 20/1861. Regimental inspection today. fever on Friday night, and he was buried with Military th Weather very cold, making over coats and mittens honors on Sunday Dec. 8 . Our Chaplain read the Episcopal funeral service for the dead at his grave. needful. In the evening about twenty of the men of Co. “B” each with a loaf of bread fixed on his ___ This is the first death at our Regt. marched to the tent of our quartermaster, Lt C.G. Mayers, and they complained of the loaves being too small. They soon returned to their tents, when Lt. Col. Wood went to them and said that they should have complained to Col Harris, and he would have redressed their grievance, if any existed. Col. Harris is displeased for the matter has caused the Captain to resign. Tuesday Dec. 24th. Our regt. was inspected to day by Gen. Van Rancellar. He has been on short rations for several days which has caused much dissatisfaction in the Regt., besides the weather has been quite cold. I am one of the color guards of our regt. conseGun Boat quently I am not required to do any guard duty. My Some gun boats have gone down the Miss. River comrade is Corporal Samuel L. Stickle. A republican recently. One carried eighteen cannons, all large ones. in politics, a presbyterian in religion, and a temperWe have been joined by a squadron of Calvary. They ance man, so we are in harmony. Wed. Dec. 25th. Three hundred men of the 8th regt. number about one hundred. Co. “D” Capt. J.S. Miller commanding, left on Monday Dec. 9th to guard a rail- did not get out to roll call this morning and they were put on extra duty until 2 o’clock p.m. Today we reroad Bridge. A little slave boy visited us at our camp to day. He ceived a present of a bunch of black thread and four is as white as any boy and very intelligent. There was rows of pins to every man, and a roll of fresh butter to an alarm given in camp last night which caused us to every tent, from the ladies of Wis. Adjt. Dan Lincoln form in line on the Color line under arms. It was made a mistake on parade when detailing the guards and he treated the Regt. to Almonds. 5

Thurs. Dec. 26th. Soon after dark Lieut. Partridge mawick. We are quartered in a large brick house and with 38 men was sent to Kennewick to guard the town we have a snug little frame building with a stone wall and bridge, which he did, and remained there until for a guard house. There is a house about a mile out of next morning, when we were relieved by a detachment the village whose owner has gone south and joined the of Co. H. I was stationed with nine men at the Hotel. I rebel army. He took his family south with him. He left played checc(?) with the landlord nearly all night. On about one hundred bushels of potatoes, many cabbagretiring to the camp we learned that Robt. A. Tollard es, etc. in his cellar. The soldiers have nearly used all had been shot last night while on picket guard by one the stuff that he left and brought the cooking stove to of our men. Tollard did not answer the challenge of camp to cook on. Slaves come around and take our the Sentinel quickly enough and the guard fired, washing. They wash for us for 3 cents apiece. They shooting through the body. He died soon after our re- also sell pies and cakes to the soldiers. They seem to turn and was buried the next day at 2 o’clock. His know what the war is about, for they are always ready death is regretted by every one who knew him. He was to hurrah for Massa Lincoln. Privates Calvin, Rood, one of the best men, and an only son and support of an and John J. Smith were taken with measles on the 23rd. aged mother. The flag was placed on his coffin and the Co. “B” has elected officers again. 1st Lt. E.S. Oakley whole Regt. followed his remains to the grave. Corp. was elected Captain – Hubbard resigned, and Otis S.W. Jones with eight men fired the salute at his Remick 2nd Serg. A.J. Warren of Co. “B” died Jan. grave. Our chaplain dwelt on the danger of a man 30th. There was very little sunshine in Jan. the weather leaving his post and then applied it to the careless, and was chilly with snow, sleet and rain, and some days indifferent and profane. His remarks were very appro- were very cold, nearly all of our officers who are marpriate for the occasion and they appeared to have a ried have their wives with them here now. great effect on the men. We were mustered on the 31st February began by the arrest of 2nd Lt. Blake on by Col. Harris. John W. Anderson was taken to Regi- charge preferred by Capt. Pelton. Orders have been mental Hospital to day, sick with fever, and George received to build block houses at all the bridges along Stroud was taken to the guard house for sleeping on the Railway, so many of our men are at work hewing logs in the woods for the buildings. Sergt. James Law post. Many of our men are now ill with mumps. is now in command of the detachment at Kennewick. Weather is changeable, rain, sleet, frost and snow, and The Miss. River is now full of running ice and it is mud will average 4 inches in depth. certainly the muddiest stream that I ever saw. The waJan. 7th, 1862. We were paid to day by Major R. ters of the Missouri are the cause of the defilement of Cheny to Dec. 31st. Lieut. Partridge is absent, having the waters of the Mississippi. Troops are now going gone down the river for a few days, and Lieut. Blake down the river daily on steamboats and some of the has gone to Wis. A few cases of measles in camp have steamers returned with prisoners taken at Ft. Henry. Feb. 14th. It is very cold with about 4 inches of caused a pest house to be prepared at a distance from the regt. and those sick with measles are then removed snow on the ground. A battery of steel guns was taken toward Pilot Knob on the railways to day. Orders have to it. Private Henry Brill of Co. F died on Jan. 13th. been received to build six new gun boats at Corondelt Weather here is now cold enough for Wis. The Steam- on the Miss. River about ten miles above Kennawick. er “Continental” with the 7th regt. Iowa and 20 pieces Fort Davidson, Tenn. Was captured by the army of of Cannon on board was frozen up in the river. The ice Gen. Grant about the 15th inst. and more prisoners of is strong enough to bring the cannon on shore. The 7th war are going up the river on steamboats. Great bodies Iowa and the 8th Wis. left by railway for St. Louis, on of soldiers and great quantities of war material are the Iron Mt. R.R. guarding bridges. Co. “A” remains now moving on both river and railway. The block at Sulphur Springs. Co. “B” with the 2nd platoon of houses that we are building are 25 feet square on the Co. “G” are at Merrimac Bridge. The first platoon of inside, and two stories high, with two rows of port holes for Infantry. They will not be quite finished this Co. G is at Kennawick and was commanded by Lt. month. Many of our men are sick with soar(sic) Partridge, until he was arrested on charge preferred by throats. The last days of the month are chill as ever. Capt. F. Pelton at the urgency of Lt. Blake. The latter is now at Kennawick in command. I am at Kem6

March 3rd/1862. I am detailed to day with six men two trip hammers to day in one of them, which will to set at the polls at our election held here to see that each strike a blow of twenty tons. Great quantities of no one votes without taking an oath to support the pig iron are corded up around here like wood. There is Constitution of the U.S. Only 26 votes were polled out an iron mine on the top of Pilot Knob. The ore is of over 200 legal voters in the precinct. Those not vot- brought down to the furnaces by wire cable railway. ing were too disloyal to take the oath. The judges of The cabins of the workmen are not as well built nor as election were all dead drunk before night. I could not comfortable as many of the cabins of the negroes. Edprevent this for the election was conducted under the ward Sprecher and Samuel Partlow of Co. “G” are delaws of Missouri, except the oath of loyalty. tailed as teamsters. Serg. J.A. Peaslee and Private Jerry Shea and Mike Gallagher are sent off on sick furlough for 30 days, and Allen Huey is sick in hospital. We are preparing to march. The 16th Ohio Battery of Field Artillery has joined us. Sat. March 22nd. We drilled today with our knapsacks on. This part of Missouri seems to be chiefly valuable for its minerals. Sunday, Mar 23rd, we packed up everything this morning and with three days rations in our haversacks

Wed. March 12th we were relieved to day and the 5 Regt. Missouri Infantry and our Regiment by midnight had assembled at Sulphur Springs, and on the 13th we loaded everything belonging to the regiment on the Railway train and we were taken to Pilot Knob, Mo., the terminus of the railway. The train was a large one. Our quarter master, Lt. George C. Mayers has 36 th

Haversack and Canteen and seven days rations in our wagons we marched at 10 o’clock A.M. under Brig. Gen. Frederick Steel for Beeve’s Station on Little Black River, Mo., 65 miles wagons, drawn by either six mules or four horses, distant from Pilot Knob where we arrived Thursday, these with saddle horses, officers and men made a the 27th, crossing the river on a log bridge, rafted tolong train of cars which required three locomotives to gether. We were accompanied by a battery of Artillery pull it. Lt. Blake is now a confirmed drunkard and our and about 1200 Cavalry. There is quite a large force Colonel has caused him to resign his commission and here now, well supplied with artillery and cavalry. The leave the regiment. Lt. Partridge has been restored to roads which we marched over were so poor that our duty without trial by Court Martial. Lt. Col. Wood wagons seldom reached us at night. The farmers are and Major Platt both stood by him during his trouble. will supplied with fruit, their orchards are large and Pilot Knob is surrounded by hills mostly of iron ore. they look healthy. The forests of timber and the Some of them are fortified and some cannon are in streams of water are first class. 1st Sergt. Downs has position on the forts. There are Iron works here. I saw been promoted to 2nd Lt. vice (?) Blake, resigned. 7

Capt. Pelton and Lt. Partridge are now each contend- and then a placard with the word “thief” was pinned ing for the promotion of his favorite Corporal to be the on his breast when he was forced to march through 5th Sergt. of the Company. Colonel Harris gave the every regiment in Camp to the tune called the “Rogues promotion to myself, Wm. McCready refusing both of March,” which was played by a fifer and drummer and their men, and he also appointed me Color sergt. of accompanied him. He was then marched out beyond the Regiment, Vice Serg. Wallace Day of Co. “B” the piquet guard and by order of Gen. Steel, he was who will hereafter be a duty sergeant of the Company. forbidden to return. Mr. Reeves owns 3200 acres of March 28th. The whole command to day was land here in a body, which he purchased many years reviewed by Gen. Steel. I heard him say to our Colo- ago for a shilling an acre. He would sell enough now nel that his Regiment looked well after their march. to make several good farms for a dollar an acre. The We have changed our old cartridges for new ones, Iron Mt. Railway has made a good survey through to each one of the new has three-buck shot on top of the Memphis, Tenn., where their line has been built round bullet, and an extra quantity of powder. We are through this place. Reeves will be in a good location. put in a Brigade with the 33rd Ill. Infantry. It is called We have about 30 rebels under guard. In general they the Normal Brigade, because it is composed chiefly of are very ignorant, but a few of them can read, they all school teachers. Its Col. C.E. Hovey was, before the protest about our violation of the Constitution of the war, a professor in a Normal school in Illinois. He is U.S. Our wagons have been going to Pilot Knob for to command our Brigade. The weather is now warmer. supplies but they can do little more than supply our The orchards are in bloom and the fields are green. Lt. daily rations. Dewitt C. Benham of Co. “I” has been promoted to 2nd April 18th. Orders are to put two day’s rations in our Lt. – 1st Lt. William Hill of Co. “D” has resigned. haversacks and be ready to march to morrow morning. April 3rd.Private Isaac Moore discharged to Sat. April 19th [1862]. It rained all of last night. day on Surgeons certificate of disability. The first Missouri Battery of Light artillery has been assigned We marched from Reeve’s Station at noon. At one to our Brigade. We were paid on the 6th inst. by Major o’clock it began to rain again. At three o’clock we Hutchens. Rev. Britton has gone to St. Louis. Many of halted until the artillery and wagons would arrive our men are unwell from vaccination for small pox, by which they did at 6 o’clock, and we then camped for our Regimental Surgeon. The reports of the battle of the night, having marched five miles. We remained in st Pittsburg Landing and the capture of Island No. 10 by this camp until Mon. morning, April 21 , when we our troops has reached us and they are satisfactory to marched for Pitman’s Ferry on Current River, where we arrived on the 24th inst., thirty-six miles from us Reeve’s station. We now have only half rations issued to us, but the men kill sheep, hogs and chickens, notwithstanding Gen. Steels orders to the contrary. None in the camp are suffering from hunger. So many of our men seized horses and mules on our line of march that General said that he had papers to show that the 11th Wis. is a Regiment of Foot Soldiers, and not a mounted Regiment, so he caused the men to turn the animals, which they had seized, in to the quarter master. Current River well named for its current is very swift. The stream is not wide here and is about 40 feet, but it is very deep. The country improves as we march south. We can now procure plenty of forage for our horses and mules. Wild land of good quality can be bought for a dollar an acre, and improved land for $5.00 to $6.00 an acre. The land is good, with plenty of good timber and good water. We crossed Current River April 28th at Pitman’s Ferry. There were some earthworks made by the rebels for the defense of the crossing which were abandoned by them before we arrived. On April 29th we encamped on the Hors Ceda Meaux Creek, on a large farm beside a grist mill, and Smallpox Vaccination Kit saw mill. The water power is an excellent one. We A soldier was drummed out of camp for stealing a re- reached Pocahontas, Arkansas April 30th. It is a thrivvolver from a comrade. His head was partly shaved ing little town of about five or six hundred inhabitants. 8

This part of Arkansas is far superior to the part of Mis- ton has resigned. He was twice arrested by Col. Wood, souri that we march through. We have just heard of who is a friend of Lt. Partridge, and he has forced Pelthe death of Gov. Harvey of Wis. by drowning in the ton out of the company. Pelton was arrested for playTennessee River at Pittsburg Landing while caring for ing cards with private soldiers. Peasles who visited the wounded soldiers there. last winter in Missouri by a son of his, and he has anst May 1 . We are resting to day, though it is not other son in the army. When there is another opporvery fatiguing to us to march as far as the criminals tunity in our Company those men who have always can follow with the canon and wagons. We are once been such good workers for Partridge will find to their more on full rations. Coffee is very abundant. We re- sorrow that he will try to get one of his own sones into ceived more of it than we need, and we sell the surplus the vacant Lieutenancy. Our Chaplain resigned at for 50 cents a pound, and as we can buy flour for Black River. The Chaplain of the 33rd Ill. usually $5.00 a hundred pounds. Much of the improved land preaches for us on Sunday. Batesville is situated on here is without a crop this year. The white men are Black River, and it has a population of fully a thounearly all in the rebel army and the negroes left to sand, and it is a place of some importance. Our supthemselves are not injuring themselves by over work. plies are brought in army wagons from Rolla, Mo. We Pocahontas is 22 miles from Pittman’s Ferry. We receive plenty of coffee, hard tack and salt pork one left Pocahontas May 2nd and marched about 12 miles day in the week. On other days we receive fresh beef. down the Big Black River, and crossed the river next Sickness is increasing in the Regiment . morning and continued on march to Bird’s Point where we arrived on the fifth night and remained there until May 10th when on a very hot day we marched 15 miles to Jacksonport, Ark. Jacksonport is at the junction of the White River and the Big Black River. It contains nearly one thousand inhabitants. Our first Brigade left us and marched for Cape Girardeau, Mo. It is commanded by Col. Curlier. Nearly all of the inhabitants left the town before we arrived. There is a large quantity of cotton stored in town. We crossed th Supply Wagons or Supply Train over Big Black River May 16 and camped nine miles from the crossing. The following day we continued June 3rd a pontoon bridge arrived from St. our march to Batesville, Ark. The country through On th which we marched is rolling. Wheat is the principle Louis. On the 4 we were paid off by Major Chenoy, he is a Wisconsin man. There is some skirmishing in the surrounding country, and some prisoners have been brough in by our troops. Quite a number of citizens have taken the oath of allegiance to the U.S. There is a printing office in town which was abandoned by the owner at our approach. Some of our men who were printers published a little paper in the office, which whey sell for 15 cents a copy. Wheat and oats are cut and they are a poor crop. Corn is about two feet high. A company of Union men are forming here now to fight for the Union. Batesville is in a very healthy location, and supplies could be brought to us by White river eight months of the year. So it should crop. I saw a McCormick reaping machine as we be held by our forces and not abandoned. Since we left came. It is the third reaper that I have seen in the Sulphur Springs in March 16 men have died in the regiment, but none from our company. Jeremiah Shea south. The army of Gen. Curtis is here in Camp “C” and who was sent to his home in Arena, Wis. on sick leave we have now become a part of it. I should think from died there this month. The Regiment marched from Batesville on the 22nd appearances that he has between 30,000 and 40,000 recrossed the Big Black to Jacksonport on men. We are in camp on a ridge near to a stream of inst. And th the 24 and marched to Village Creek on the 28th. running water. The location is healthy. White River is th covered with a seed that has a white flower. Capt. Pel- June 30 Regiment took about 40 wagons and marched 17 miles east to the large plantation, loaded 9

loaded the wagon with cord and returned to camp fighting under a tree. He was shot through the shoulcompletely exhausted with fatigue. The next morning der and in his leg. I told the wounded rebel to sit down the entire command marched over the same route and beside the Lieutenant, which he did, and I left him went into camp on the plantation where we got the there and returned to my post. Col. Elliot of the 33rd corn on the preceding day. Illinois was close behind. At this moment firing was th July 4 was extremely hot, and the regiment heard at the forks of the road in our rear, and we were formed at 10 o’clock P.M. to have a special from Gen. ordered to fall back. Lt. Partridge with Co. “G2” was Benton, after marching around in the hot sun for an ordered to bring up the cannon which was done, and hour without finding him we returned to quarters not a almost the whole of the four companies in the 11th little disgusted with our march. Wis. went back to Hill’s House, where there they July 6th we were marching towards Clarendon and found out a company of pioneers had arrived and saw at night encamped on Cache River in the Canebrake. a company of rebels advance on the road from ClarenThere is a long blockade of fallen timber across the don. A few rounds were fired and the rebels fled. Our road in our front that the prisoners will have to cut men then returned to where some were yet fighting. through before the army can advance in the morning. Capt. Elliot had posted most of his men mostly under There is some fighting across the stream by the infan- cover and was keeping up the fight, when Co. “G” try and artillery. caved the little cannon. Cor. Wm. Haydon of Co. “D” July 7th. Col. Harris is ordered to take four of his was killed, and Jerome Calkins, Leonard R. Parks, Jacompanies and force the blockade, and he is to be sup- cob Shadal, S.B. Jacobs, Sylvester Hones, John S. ported by Col. Hovey with three companies of the 33rd Welch and myself were wounded. I had received a Ill. Col. Harris ordered companies D – G – H and I to bullet in my right leg and we got back as best we accompany him. I asked permission of the Colonel to could. At one time when we were firing kneeling accompany him, for it is my duty as color Sergeant down, a bullet came and cut the fingers off the right when the regiment is to advance in line of battle, to hand of Jones. At one time I saw John Welch with a step six paces to the front and as the men of the regi- cloth tied around his leg, and he was still firing at the ment advance, keep step with the color Sergt., so I enemy as briskly as ever. Our companies soon rewanted to be under the fire of the enemy once at least, turned and my Company came past me when Private before that I carried the flag before the Regiment in John F. Bradley and A. Wolf were ordered to help me battle, which I expect will happen to day. If I do not off the field, which they did, and assisted me back to get shot myself. He told me to come. I gave the flag to the house of Col. Hill, which was soon full of woundCorporal Phillips of the color guard, and taking his ed. The rebels joined us. Major Clendenning of the musket and cartridge box I went along with my com- Regiment was severely wounded and he lay beside me pany. We waded across Cache Creek or river. The wa- at the house of Col. Hill. Col. Harris was wounded in ter was breast deep. We held up our muskets and car- the leg and shoulder, and his horse was shot from untridges and kept them dry. We then crossed perhaps a der him. The Doctors and the men who are detailed for quarter of a mile of blockade. The prisoners continued nurses are doing everything in their power for us. The to cut a road through it. Col. Harris with his four com- doctors cannot extract the bullet from my leg without panies of Infantry and a small steel cannon belonging making a very deep cut which they declined doing. to the 1st Indiana Cavalry advanced along about five They think the bullet will lanist (sic) if left alone. Our miles to where the road forked, one branch going to loss in the battle is four killed and forty-eight woundCotton Plant and the other toward Clarendon. There is ed. 1st Sergt. A.A. Bacon of Co. “K” was killed. The a large plantation there owned by Col. Hill of the rebel others killed I have named. The army is marching to army, and his negroes were cooking dinner for him Clarendon on White River, where we are to find and his officers that day. We ate the dinner then ad- Steamboats with supplies. vanced along the road to ward Cotton Plant. We met On July 8th toward evening all of the wounded the enemy who returned our fire with choerd (sic). We have been put into wagons and we were moving tohad not more than two hundred muskets, but our mus- ward Clarendon where we arrived on the 10th, but the kets and cannon were soon all employed against the Steamboats had not returned to Memphis Tenn. Chas. enemy. We were soon fighting in close quarters. One D. Cleveland of our Co. “G” died of disease here on of the rebels who had been grazed on the side of the the 11th of July. The army marched for Helena on the head by a bullet surrendered to me. I took him a few Miss. river to day. We are short of supplies. The last steps to the rear where I saw Lt. Duane of Co. I rations were issued to the men before marching. It was 10

little more than enough for one day, but it had to last Fish is in charge of the hospital. Every ward has a until the 13th when the army reached Helena. Water doctor in charge. Our ward is “L” and in charge of Dr. was very scarce on the line of march. The men were Allen. Mrs. White is matron and Uncle John and his very much exhausted and the heat was oppressive. wife are principle nurses they are Manx people from Men fought for a drink of water. The army was almost the Isle of Man. We are much better here than we demoralized. A steamboat was passing Helena when would be in our homes. The St. Louis ladies visit us our Army arrived here, but [they thought] that our dust nearly every day and bring us flowers, writing paper, covered men were rebels and the Capt. bailed off to and many other things. Their visits are very pleasant. Memphis. On the following day July 14th, the fleet Our Chaplain is a Presbyterian minister named Petticame down from Memphis, and we were soon sup- grew, an Irishman. The daily papers reach us every plied with the necessary food and clothing. The morning from St. Louis. We have a library in connecwounded men in the wagons were much better off tion with the hospital. I drew McCauley’s history from than the men who were able to march. Our regt. had it and read the first two columns before the last day of marched over 500 miles this summer. Half of our men July. We now hear from our friends from home reguwill never recover from the campaign just ended. The larly, which is much more pleasant than tramping fighting is a small part of a soldier’s duties or troubles. through Missouri and Arkansas on a hot summer. Aug. 1st. I am now able to hobble around on crutches. It is better than lying on a cot continuously. Many of the patients die very suddenly with congestive chills. There are about one thousand sick here and less than a hundred wounded. Wm. Romney(?) a Georgian who came north at the outbreak of the war and joined the Union army and was wounded at Pittsburg Landing is here. He will soon have a foot amputated. His wound is in his foot and heel and it will not heal. Muster roll was made of the patients to return to my company. The monotony of life in the hospital was varied th July 17 put on board of the Hospital Steamboat in September by visits to St. Louis and the carondelct D.A. January, and sailed up the Miss. River at 3 (?), where six Iron clad gun boats were being built, o’clock p.m. Doctor Hough is surgeon in charge. We and also by the pay master. from whom I received four months pay. I was discharged from the hospital on Mon. Sept. 22nd and came to St. Louis Tues. the 23rd and sailed down the Miss. River on the steamboat John J. Row. There are about 150 soldiers on board who are returning to their regiments. The steamer has many cases of medicine on board and also 600 breach loading sharp rifles with cartridges, bales of hay and stacks of oats for cavalry. A german(sic) named Hills who is are well supplied with everything required for sick and with us was shot with 15 balls in a battle last summer. wounded people. We arrived at Memphis, Tenn. Fri- His wounds are all healed and he is returning to his day morning, July 18th, where we took on board ice regiment. Soon after we passed Cairo Ill. over a hunand other supplies, and then continued up the river and dred of the sailors had gone ashore at different places. arrived at Cairo, Ill. Sunday July 20th. We reached Jef- At Ashford Point some rebels fired on us. I then ferson Barrack, Mo. At 5 o’clock p.m. we were taken opened some of the cases and armed forty soldiers ashore, received a bath and clean clothing and were with Sharps rifles therein, and took a supply of careach given a clean cot to sleep on, a good supper fol- tridges for each man. Only one of the steamboat men lowed and we slept a refreshing sleep until morning. took a rifle and offered to defend the boat. Soon after July 22nd. The buildings here are well arranged for a Hospital. The wounded men are all kept in one ward. a rebel battery on shore with some infantry fired on us. There are eleven other wards for the sick men. Doctor We returned their fire and passed their battery 11

unharmed. The [boat] was struck in more than a hun- there, and we arrived at Patterson, Nov. 4th, 34 miles dred places with grape shot and musket balls. At from Ironton. We hold an election in the Regt. after Memphis we were ordered to return our arms until we our arrival here, and there was a republican majority arrived at Helena, which we did without further an- of 175. We marched from Patterson Nov. 24th and noyance. At Helena, we went ashore and hired a negro reached Little Black River on the following day, havwith a mule and wagon to draw our knapsacks to ing marched 19 miles. The 1st Regt. Wis. Cavalry is in Rabb’s Plantation ten miles below Helena, where we with us. Col. Harris commanded our Brigade. General found our regiment. Benton the Division, and Gen. Davidson the army of On Sund. Sep. 28th after an absence of two months, South East Missouri. Company was out Nov. 29th and but not the regiment that we left for there are only 300 30th on a scout. We crossed the river in canoes which men for duty in this regiment, and men are not ex- some times turned over wetting the soldiers. Crops are cused for ague [malaria or some other illness involv- good hereabouts and the people are friendly to us. Deing fever and shivering]. During my absence they have tails of men are building bridges and otherwise repairbeen employed in making excursions in H___ippis ing the roads, and others are collecting forage. Wm. H. and stealing cotton for some of the officers. Col. Hov- Mueller, R.D. Wilson and Charles Wella of our Comey and Lt. Col. Wood have profited most by these ex- pany have died in Hospital at St. Louis and Anthony cursions. The men do not speak the truth. Col. Harris Dever has been discharged for disability. There are about 6000 men in the Regiment now fit for duty and has recovered from his wounds and has returned to we are enjoying good health. We have plenty to eat. duty. He put a stop to cotton stealing by his regiment The water here is excellent and the weather is pleaswhen he returned. ant, nights are frosty. Gilbertson has died of disease in Oct. 5th 1862, We packed up and went on board of hospital at St. Louis, Mo. December is rather a rainy the steamboat White Cloud, and sailed up the River month here. One night about the middle of the month and arrived at Sulphur Spring, Mo. On the 11th inst. the river rose rapidly and soon a stream about 100 Gen. Steel’s body guard came on the steamer with us. yards in width ran between our camp and the hills. We As we passed St. Genevieve, Mo. yesterday we saw arose, packed our baggage over the hills to a place of the Division command by Gen. Osterhous landing safety and made the horses and mules swim over. We there. A number of trains are moving soldiers toward marched from Little Rock River Dec. 22nd and enPilot Knob. Partridge is now Captain; Downs is 1st Lt. camped at Van Buren. Dec. 24th having marched 26 and Peaslee 2nd Lt. The Proclamation of Pres. Lincoln miles Xmas has been very quiet with us. The Bushdated Sept. 22nd is now freely discussed and very gen- whackers make things hot some days for the men in erally approved in the army. It will no doubt be the charge of the supply trains. The recent rains have means of emancipation of the slaves. made the roads very bad, so that the men could march Tues. Oct 14th, We went to Pilot Knob by railway, twice as far as mules can draw our wagons in the same then marched 3 ½ miles to Arcadia and encamped on line. good ground near to plenty of good water. The nights are frosty and they seem to us to be very cold. Eighteen of the Co. “G” are sick in quarters or Regimental Hospital and 11 are sick in General Hospital. The other companies of the Regiment have fully as many sick. The diseases are chiefly ague and Jaundice. When I was gone from the company in the hospital, Calvin Rood died of Congestive Chills, Aug. 22nd and Josiah Hazen, George Dodge, Michael Gallagher and Chas. H.B. Greene were discharged on Surgeons Certificate of disability and Darwin Heaumont and Warren A. Hathaway were received as recruits. James Marray died in Regimental Hospital Oct. 30th. We have drawn clothing and new tents. The latter are smaller than our old ones. There is one tent for four men. Henry Sanders is another recruit for us. Marched from Ironton Nov. 2nd, leaving ten of our company sick in hospital 12

-1863Thurs. New Years, Jan 1/63. Our supply train left for Pilot Knob. Capt. Partridge gave a canteen of whiskey to every squad in the company. The old gent is nearly as drunk as Blake used to be. Partridge will not be much longer in the Company. His son-in-law, Wm Fisher has joined the company and he has been made a Corporal. Gen. Davidson is very strict. He has arrested several officers and men for not obeying orders promptly while on duty. Last night he arrested all the men on our piquet post for permitting him and some of his staff to approach the post unchallenged. His activity and discipline are having a good effect on Gum rubber blanket which all soldiers carried. this army. There was some firing of Cannon across the rd Current River on the 3 day, cause unknown. Van BuAdams of Co. “K” received communications ren consists of a mill and a few houses. There is some Atrums nd as 2 Lt. to day. Jan. 12th, we moved across Current fighting with Bushwhackers every few days. Last week twelve watons(sic) with their guards were cap- River today and encamped on new ground. A petition tured by a band of Guerrillas under one Stearns, from signed by all of Co. “C” except six, was presented to the Missouri regiment about nine miles from us. Capt. Partridge to day, asking him to resign. A copy of it was given to Col. Harris. Weather is rainy. On Jan. 5th the Company “G” went 25 miles to Tues. Jan. 13th Capt. Oakley of Co. “B” and Lt. Barnesville guarding a supply train for some supplies Brown of Co. “G” have resigned and departed for which are stored there. For some days we have been Wisconsin. drawing only 3/5 ration. Today we killed some hogs Wed. Jan. 14th. Last night was very rainy. At nine and skinned them. We built fires of fence rails at we marched. The roads were very bad. At 2 o’clock Barnesville which brought an officer from the Wis. we halted, having marched seven miles in the rain. We Cavalry who reprimanded us for burning the rails. left Corporals Samuel L.S. Sticklin and Wm. MasterCapt. Partridge _en a son of his cooking in the Cavalry man and Privates Chas. Bywater and Geoggs _ulb which angered him, for he has been trying to have his back at Van Buren. They will be taken to Pilot Knob son transferred to Co. “G” from the Cavalry and he with the supply train. It consists of 300 wagons. Our represented the son of a Sargant in the Cavalry. One wagons did not arrive and we built large fires among Hall Spink was greatly enraged by some one taking the pine trees on a ridge and lay down on the ground one of the hog skins while he slept and putting it under and slept until morning. In the morning there was his blanket. Hall approached Jack Walsh for doing it, about 3 inches of snow on the ground. Snow fell all as having seen him do it. Jack declares it happened day. Our teams arrived at 10 o’clock a.m. When we while he stood guard, but once Hall turned over in his pitched our tents and got food cooked and felt better. sleep and said “Oh my country, my country how I suf- The afternoon is very cold, but we have built good fer for thee.” This produced so much merriment that fires of pine knots outside of our tents and we are now they stopped threatening. fairly comfortable. Jan. 7th, We loaded our wagons and were soon on Friday Jan. 16th Marched at 7 A.M. over frozen the way back to Camp Van Buren. The ground is fro- ground. Our train kept in our rear for seven miles, zen which is a relief from the mud of the last month. when we camped for the day. Private John T. Bradley Some wagons sent from Camp met us in the evening promoted to Sergeant. Capt. Partridge while intoxicatand took part of the provisions in our train, and we ed told that he loved us all and he did not care whether arrived at 3 o’clock A.M. at Van Buren on the morn- we loved him or not. We resumed our march on the ing of Jan. 8th. Some one stole both my rubber and day following and after marching 15 miles we enwoolen blankets. camped at Falling Spring. The spring issues from a th Sun. Jan 11 Capt. Partridge is off with his com- high bluff and falls perpendicularly 35 feet and drives pany to day in charge of a forage train. I did not go. a mile. The land is sandy, the timber mostly pitch There was divine service to day in the 33rd Ill. Infantry pine. by their Chaplain. Sergt. Wallace Day of Co. “B” and 13

Sun. Jan. 18th. Marched at 7 A.M. through a very try and on Jan. 30th we reached West Plains at noon rough country for 10 miles and then camped during and we united with the forces under Gen. Warren the day. We sometimes marched up the beds of which came from Rolla Mo. The supply train arrived streams not over 20 feet wide and the hills rose some- before night. West plains contains a court house, one times 100 feet perpendicularly on each side of us. We store and perhaps a dozen of dwelling houses. There is captured 11 guerrillas during the day. some farming done in the vicinity so that we are on Mon. Jan 19th, we marched nine miles to Alton half rations. On Jan. 31st our supply train left for Roland camped. I went back with 8 men and got our com- la. It is rumored in camp that a soldier has died of pany wagon through to camp at dark. The supply train small pox. will not be in until sometime to morrow. Alton is only Sun. Feb. 1st 1863. Division drill to day. Monday, a country court house. first Division marched away. Tuesday paymaster arJan. 20th, we had nothing to eat until 10 boxes of rived. A flag of truce came in. St. Louis dailies a week Pilot bread [hardtack] were carried forward on men’s old are sold through camp at 25 cents a piece. They tell of the defeat of Sherman’s army at Vicksburg. Toshoulders, when we had dinner. Jan. 22nd. The 3rd Ill. Infantry has gone back to day is cold enough for Wisconsin. There are now help the supply train forward. Gen. Benton drilled the about 8 inches of snow on the ground. Some of our whole division to day. men burnt wood for ashes and then made lye, and Sat. Jan. 24th. We moved about four miles to day hauled corn and cooked it, then we ate a good hearty to Cave Springs and camped. The spring rises at the supper. Feb. 6th. We were paid off to day by Maj. Pope, side of the cave and falls into it. We descended on a pole about 30 feet and there entered an oblong cham- and we drew full rations, the first time since New ber about 80 feet long by 50 feet wide and 50 feet in Years. heighth (sic). We found a number of intricate passages Feb. 8th we marched 16 miles towards Eminence, leading from the chamber. The largest that we saw without seeing a house. The land is one continuous was 100 feet long, and 10 feet wide, and 4 to 6 feet bed of gravel. Rain has been falling all day and the high. The country here is more open than any that we snow is nearly all melted. Half of our men are almost have seen before since leaving Little Black River. barefooted, their shoes have been worn out by the There is some farming done here. gravel over which they have marched. Hundreds of our men gave out on the march to day. The ____ences are at work bringing men into camp. All of Co. “G” were in camp soon after dark, except Jacob Langennechard. Mon. Feb. 9th. We marched five miles and camped by a stream of pure water. Jacob Lips of Co. “F” died in camp this morning and was buried by the roadside. We marched 12 miles to Jacks Fork on Current river where we over took our supply train. We are once more amongst the high hills and pine trees and good water. Jacob Langennechard joined us to day. He fell behind us through fatigue and he took a horse from a civilian which he mounted and soon overtook us. Marched again on the 13th and we reached Eminence on Current River on the 16th. We made a bridge Cave Springs as it looks today of our wagons and crossed over the river. Eminence th On Tues. Jan. 27 Companies “B” and “G” were or- consists of a log court house, a log dwelling house, dered out to find some food for the Regiment. They and a large spring about 100 feet across and had to be soon returned with 60 fat hogs which were soon killed 400 feet deep. There are several caves in the neighborand skinned. We do not now draw half rations from hood. One of them had been explored for a distance of the government, for it is impossible to move the sup- 1 and one-half miles. We continued our march on ply trains. Rain falls nearly half of the time. Jeff Tues. 17th through a very rough country. The Infantry Thompson’s men never appear except to fire on some had sometimes to pull the cannons and wagons up the wagon train. hills with ropes. We crossed over Little Black River at Jan. 28th we marched 15 miles to day to Worm Centerville on the 18th and we encamped at Belleville Forks, through a hilly country, and on the following Valley on the 20th at evening, all very much fatigued. day we marched 18 miles through good farming coun14

We have been 13 days coming from West Plains. with the “Peace at any Price men” and our Regiment Yesterday we forded a large deep creek nine times has adopted a series of resolutions to that effect and during the day. My leg which was wounded was very sent it to Wisconsin to be published in the newspapers painful to day. We received orders to draw clothing there, and we have also written to our relatives and and rations and be ready to march to St. Genevieve on friends to that effect. The men of our Regt. enjoy far the Mississippi river and go to Vicksburg Miss. As better health while on the march than while in Camp. soon as possible. A large mail was received soon after Marched from Middlebrook, No. March 10th and our arrival and by a letter from a friend I learned that arrived at St. Genevieve March 12th, a distance of 65 my brother Samuel was killed in an assault on Ft. miles. Our march was over a plank road which was Hindman, Ark. on Jan 11th. He was 19 years and 6 built and used for drawing mineral from Iron Mounmonths old on the day of his death. He was on Co. tain, to the Miss. River, before the Iron Mt. Ry. was “K” 23rd Reg. Wis. Inf. Our wagon train did not arrive constructed. Capt. Partridge is quite sick. St. Geneso we slept on the ground without tents. vieve is a town of about 1000 inhabitants, mostly Sat. Feb. 21st [1863]. Our train arrived at 10 French. It is one of the oldest towns on the river. Capt. o’clock A.M. I then went to Pilot Knob 10 miles dis- Partridge resigned to day and left us. tant with some wagons and brought rations for the March 16th. In the company with the 33rd Illinois Regiment. Many of the soldiers go to the Knob or to Inf. and the 1st Indiana Battery of Artillery we went on Iron Mountain and are soon intoxicated. Many people board of the steamboat Illinois and sailed down the continue to furnish intoxicating liquors to soldiers not- river on the 17th inst. We landed a few soldiers of the withstanding the severe penalty for so doing. On Sun. 1st Nebraska Inf. at Cape Girardeau. We arrived at Cuevening near to midnight a sick mule came into our rio Ill at 2 o’clock PM. The 25th Wis Reg. Inf. are here Company street and fell down there. He soon worked on duty. We sailed down the Wisc. River at 9 o’clock his head under the canvass into one of our tents and p.m. and arrived at New Madrid at day light on Wed. moaned very loudly, and it awoke the 4 soldiers who th were sleeping in the tent. They felt the large ears and the 18 . Passed Fort Pillow at 4 o’clock p.m. and arTenn. at midnight. heard the moans of the mule, and they thought that it rived at Memphis th March 19 . Our cooks are cooking three days rawas a ghost and they began to pray so loudly that the officers on duty in the Regiment came running with tions for us and we have changed from the Steamer the guards. The cause of the noise was soon ascer- Illinois to the White Rose. I met some men from the th rd rd tained. The four soldiers were greatly chagrined at 12 – 23 and 33 Regts. Wis. Inf. and I also visited what had happened. They wanted to fight the team- Fort Pickens which is now occupied by troops for the sters for letting the mule stray off. The teamsters defense of Memphis. We sailed down the river during t__oated and that seemed to satisfy them. On mon. the night and awoke at Helena, Ark. on the morning of Capt. Partridge and Sergt. Dodge were in Pilot Knob Friday 20th. We sailed 8 miles down the river where and while intoxicated they changed coats. Capt. Par- we found the 8th Wis. Inft. And the 6th Wis. Battery of tridge soon found himself in the guard house. He was Artillery in Camp Yazoo Pass. We changed steamreleased during the night by the officer of the day who boats to the Metropolitan and then steamed up the is acquainted with him. Helena where the steamer took a supply of coal and On Friday the 27th we moved camp to within two miles of Middlebrook. I have for several days been we returned to Yazoo Pass and then back to Helena preparing our Bi-monthly Muster and pay rolls, and and tied up the thnight. We remained at Helena until we were mustered Saturday by Col. Harris. During the Tues. March 24 and drew new rubber blankets of winter fully one third of our horses and mules died good quality, and sailed down the river and tied up for five miles above Lake Providence where from lack of food and fatigue or over work. Gen. E.A. a few hours th we saw 14 – 16th – 17th and 18th Regts. of Wis. Inf. in Carr has arrived and taken command. He appears to be about 30 years old. On Tuesday he reviewed our com- camp. We sailed down the river to Thompson’s landmand at Iron Mt. on Monday March 9th our First Divi- ing where we landed, and then ordered onboard again sion marched for St. Genevieve. Our sick men are all and sailed down the river to Millikan’s Bend. We sent to Gen. Hospital preparatory to our marching to landed here and went into Camp on Friday March 27th. morrow. 2nd Lt. Peaslee to day received a commission We have met many acquaintances here belonging to as 1st Lt. and Sargt. Wynn is 2nd Lt. Since our arrival the 23rd Regt. Wis. Inf. There is much sickness here. here we are better informed of the way that the war is There is a large army in camp here commanded by conducted by the government and of the doings of the Gen. U.S. Grant, nearly all our tents were blown down peace party. We are of the opinion that the war should on the night of March 29th by a furious wind accompabe pursued with the utmost vigor. We think we should fight it out with the South now. We have no sympathy nied by rain that wet all of our things in a few minutes. 15

The 23rd Wis. has a sheet iron bake oven mounted on “G” for duty. Review and inspection on April 2nd and wheels which they take along with them, and when on April 3rd. nearly all of the Regiment is on fatigue they draw flour rations they are able to bake soft duty unloading military stores from the boats weather bread. Our Regiment is now 600 strong and in general is pleasant. Many of the fields here are fenced with the men are very badges of courage signage. On the night of Sunday strong and robust, af- April 5th, a settler’s store was pillaged by a mob of solter our long and toil- dier[s]. On Tuesday April 6th we held an election in some march during our Regt. for Chief Justice of Wis. the Regt. gave 374 the winter. Privates Majority for Dixon, the war and Union candidate. We Wm. _. Price of Co. were reviewed by Gen. Mc Clernand on the 9th and “G” whom we left mustered by Col. Wood on the 10th. sick in Hospital at Sun April 12th, We marched ten miles to RichPocahontas, Ark. May mond. The roads are muddy as any that we ever 22d 1862 was taken marched over. We left our tents behind. The country is prisoner by the rebels level and it is drained by numerous bayous. Cotton and paroled soon after and corn are the principle crops. There are more fleas our departure and he than grains of corn and threads of cotton combined. is now in Wis. wait- Richmond has perhaps 100 inhabitants, a court house, ing to be exchanged. two stores and a printing office. We remained in RichCorn hereabouts is mond until Thurs. April 16th when we marched twelve about 6 inches in miles towards Carthage. On the way we passed a large heighth (sic). We plantation belonging to the Rebel Gen. Holmes. We Oven similar to this. have received copies encamped on Smith’s plantation on Roundaway Bayof the Madison Patriot ou. The rivers and beyond here have a large bank of and some other newspapers, which are printed in Wis. earth built along each side to keep the high water from condemning our regiment and especially Col. Harris, over flowing the land. These are called levees. These for the resolutions we adopted at Iron Mt. Mo. Mr. levees have been cut in places and the whole of the Pump Carpenter may just as well learn now that we country is nearly covered with water. We appear to intend to fight it out with the South to a finish and we be crossing the peninsula from Millikens Bend to the expect the voters of Wis. to sustain us in our resolu- river at New Carthagen where we will cross the Miss. tions. River in some way, and attack Vicksburg from the Wed. April 1st 1863. We have been re-organized. rear. All attempts from the Miss. River and the Yazoo We are in the 2nd Brigade 14th Division 13th Army river have failed. On April 17th we signed our payrolls Corps. Major Gen. U.S. Grant commands this army, and there was a heavy cannonade in the direction of called the Army of the Tennessee. Maj. Gen. A.J. Mc Vicksburg during the night. On Wed. April 22nd Lt. Clernand commands the 15th Army Corps. Brig. Gen. Peaslee received his commission as Capt. 2nd Lt. A.R. _. A. Carr commands the 114 Division. Brig. Gen. Wynn as 1st Lt. and Sergt James Law as 2nd Lt. Benton commands the 1st Brigade which consists of I am now appointed 1st Sergt. of Co. “G” and Sergt. rd th th the 33 and the 99 Regts. Ill. Inft. and the 8 and the John T. Bradley has been appointed Color Sergt. Of 8th Regts. of Indiana Inft. With one battery of six piec- the regiment in my place. We marched down the levee es of Artillery. Our 2nd Brigade is Commanded By Col of Bayou de Ville at 5 o’clock p.m. for two miles, we C. I. Harris which is composed of 11th Reg. Wis. Inf. then crossed over the Bayou in a barge, and then and the 21st - 22nd and 23rd Regt. Iowa Inft. Sergt marched half a mile on a levee and then went two James Law was appointed 1st Sergt. and myself 2nd miles on little flat boats down a slough through a large Sergt. Co. “G” has now two commissioned officers Cypress Swamp. We then landed and after marching and forty four enlisted men for duty, two teamsters, 7 men sick in quarters 8 absent sick, 2 absent in Pio- about half a mile on a levee we lay down and rested neers and Artillery and one pioneer of War. Total until day light. There was a terrific cannonade towards night. We marched into New strength of co. is 66. We left Wisconsin with 84 men Vicksburg during the rd in our company. We lost one man shot while on piquet Carthage on the 23 and in a short time five steamguard, one man killed in battle and one man dis- boats and eight barges came down the river. They ran charged on account of wounds received in battle, past the batteries at Vicksburg which was the cause of hence there have been fifteen who have died of dis- the cannonade last night. The Steamboat Henry Clay ease or have been discharged on surgeons certificate was sunk in passing the batteries. The steamers and of disability. We are now beginning a campaign barges are all loaded with rations. On the 24th we against Vicksburg with 46 officers and men in our Co. marched about five miles down the levee and camped 16

nal for the fleet to return. At 2 o’clock the fleet returned except the Tuscombia which is floating down the river and the rebels had the last shot at the fleet as they fired the first shot in the morning. At 3 o’clock we commenced our march down the bank of the river on the levee, and soon after dark we encamped for the night on De Shron’s Plantation. The Tuscombia is tied up to a tree at the river bank.

Sinking of the Henry Clay on Merkin’s Plantation. Many of the buildings here were burnt by their owners on the approach of the Union Troops. Our 1st Brigade had a short fight on Sunday, which was witnessed by Gov. Yates. of Ill. and Generals Mc Clernand and Carr. I heard the first sermon preached today since Jan. 11th. Our flat arrived to Some of the sailors are on the levee digging graves for day with our tents and cooking utensils. April 27th a furious storm last night blew my tent down. I got up in the sailors who were killed to day in the battle. Gov. Yates of Illinois is here with our army. Soon after dark the rain and put it up again. Eighty rounds of ammuniour fleet of gunboats and transports sailed down past tion were issued to each man to day. At 6 o’clock p.m. the rebel forts and tied up at the river bank by our we marched to the river and went on board of a steam- camp. The fight in the night is beautiful. Every soldier er or barge which was tied to the Steamer Marizon. was out on the river bank when our boats were passing The bands played “Hail Columbia” and the men the rebel forts. The shells flew from the ports to the cheered. The whole country seems to overflowed ex- boats and from the gun boats to the forts. Every shell cept the levees. The Divisions of Osterhouse, A.J. resembled a comet as it flew through the air. The day Smith and A.P. Hovey have joined us. Privates John has ended with the most beautiful fireworks that any Behm, Wm Lockwood and Abraham Wolf have been of us have ever seen. Thurs. April 30th. At 4 o’clock we were aroused discharged. Tues. April 26th 1863. Last night two men were and after a hearty breakfast from our haversacks of taken on the river in a boat and heavily ironed and tak- hard tack and pork, we prepared to cross the Missisen to head quarters. They are probably spies who have sippi River. The artillery was put on the decks of the been inside the rebel lines and were put in irons by our steamboats. The Infantry was put on the hurricane guard to conceal their real character. Gen. U. S. Gran- decks of the steamboat and on barges which were tied thas joined us. About 10,000 of our army are sitting on to the sides of the steamboats, and were towed by the levee on the Louisiana shore. At 8 o’clock our them. The cabins were reserved for the commissioned fleet of gunboats sailed down the river towards the officers. Colonels and all officers below that rank have forts. The rebels first fired at the fleet, in a few not been permitted to bring their horses over the river minutes both sides were firing all of their guns and the with them on accounted of the limited means of transbattle became general. The gunboats sailed up to the portation. At 6 a.m. we sailed down the river, all in the forts and sometimes used grape shot. The army took best of spirits. Col. C.L. Harris has command of our Brigade, conno part in the battle, but were very much interested as sequently he has a horse on board. The Colonel is very spectators. If the fleet can silence the batteries, then unwell, but he sticks to his post. About noon we landwe are to cross the river in transports and attack them ed at Bruinsburg, Miss. and the 11th was deployed as on land. Gen. Gant is watching the battle from the litat the rear of our tle orderly steamboat about a mile from the forts. At skirmishers, and we took position th one o’clock neither side has yet gained any ad- Brigade. Col. Bailey with his 99 Illinois Infantry is vantages. Soon after the Gunboat Tuscombia hoisted a marching behind us. He is helping his men to carry signal of distress. Gen. Grant soon after gave the sig- some of their burdens and he is grumbling about 17

having to march on foot. He thinks that the General higher ridge behind the 11th Wis. Inft. We faced toought to be afoot too. Soon we reached a stream where ward Magnolia Church, near which a rebel Battery the bridge was destroyed. The pioneers were soon at was firing towards us, but as we did not return their work building a new bridge. We were then ordered to fire, they were not able to locate our position correctly send six men to the landing at Bruinaburg, about five and they did us little harm. The 21st, 22nd and 23rd miles, for rations, which was done. The men remain- Regts. of Iowa Infantry were on the left hand road and ing in the companies took the arms and accoutrements the11th Wis., Inft. And the two batteries were on the to those men who were detailed on this special duty, to right hand side of the road. About 3 o’clock we were carry in addition to their own. The men who go back ordered to rest and we lay down and in a few minutes will have to carry 50 lbs. of coffee each, hard bread we were all asleep and when we were called up soon and other things, until they over take us. We had a after day break on May1st 1863 the rebel shells were good supply of coffee made, and just as it was poured screaming over us. The two batteries by us opened on into our tin cups, we were ordered forward and we had the rebels and there was an artillery dual for perhaps to throw our coffee away and move on. This is as three hours. Between 7 and 8 o’clock Col. Harris good a specimen of the “beggar on horseback” as brought the three Regiments which had been relieved could be exhibited. A column of men who will have to on the left hand road by the Div. of Gen. Osterhous, march all night should have had 10 minutes to have into the field and formed them on our left. Col. Harris eaten a little food before beginning a whole nights was now very ill, and Gen. Carr ordered Col. Stone of march and a battle, but nobody in command of our the 22nd Iowa to take command of our Brigade. Col. column said “no”. We continued our march toward Harris remained with us on the field of battle all day, Fort Gibson, Miss. until after midnight, without any but seldom able to sit on his horse. Now we heard the alarm except when a horse ran away, a little excite- report of Foster’s 1st. Wis. Battery of 20 pounder rifled ment followed. The 21st Iowa relived the 22nd Regt. as Parrot guns which had been put in position on the left skirmishers and we were all drowsy and fatigued when about one o’clock the rebel piquets fired on our advance. This put away all of our sleepy feelings. In a short time a rebel battery of artillery opened on us. After lying in the road for a short time we moved forward to Dr. Shafer’s plantation, where the road forks.

20 Pound Parrot Rifled Gun hand road. Our first Brigade and Hovey’s Division were all in action with us soon after 9 o’clock and the Infantry firing was deafening. It drowned the roar of the Artillery. At 10 o’clock a.m. we crossed over some low ground which was covered with canebrake and vines and some timber, when we came to a large cornDr. Shafer’s house as it looks today. field which rose gradually for perhaps 100 rods, when st The 1 Iowa Battery of Artillery was put in position it terminated on a high ridge. There the rebels had on a ridge in a field east of Dr. Shafer’s house. Our planted a battery which was shelling us. A strong line regiment was then formed in the field beside the bat- of troops came into the cornfield on the right and they tery. When 1st Missouri Battery was stationed on a were followed by another brigade on their right. The 18

troops on our right captured the battery. We struck the field where we left them this morning under guard. rebel line to the left of the battery, and captured Col. Carr learned our position and soon found us. We were Wilinson and the colors of his regiment of Alabama soon after ordered to go after our rations, etc. which troops, took some prisoners etc. about 500 in total. we did. On the way we met an old de camp who said Our line began to cheer when we charged up the corn- that Osterhous had driven the enemy three miles and field, and it continued until we had carried the ridge had lots of prisoners. We passed by Magnolia church. and captured the battery, when three cheers was given with a will. Capt. Whittlesy of Co. “E” in acting quartermaster of Carr’s Division and to day he is acting as Aid de Camp. He is very brave and is everywhere. He is attracting attention. We followed the retreating enemy for fully a mile over very rough country of high narrow ridges, and narrow ravines between them. The latter is full of canebrakes. We found some water in one ravine that we crossed which tasted the best of any that I have ever drank. We soon came to a more open country, when on a high ridge across the valley we saw three bodies [groups] of rebels on the ridge. They were re-enforcements of Vicksburg. They were formed into three hollow squares when the men would throw up their hats and cheer when a general and his staff rode from one square to another. They soon The Doctors have taken it for a Hospital and it is full planted their artillery on the ridge and opened fire on of wounded. We found blankets, rations etc. and were us and then formed their Infantry in three lines of bat- soon in our assigned positions for the night. Our loss tle on their side of the valley. Our troops were soon in to day is about 800 killed and wounded and the rebel the same formation on our side of the valley. We were loss including prisoners, is about 2,000. Port Gibson is ordered to remain on the ridge and support the artil- only about three miles away. A part of the battle was lery, which we did. For about an hour we stood by the fought on Anderson’s Hills and there was some hard 1st Iowa battery and watched the battle as we could not fighting around Magnolia Church. Our right shoulders fire on the enemy from our position. The battery oppo- are so painful from the kicking of our muskets that we site to us had heavier and larger guns than the 1st Iowa. can scarcely rest any to night. Our regiment had had When we drew up two guns from the Chicago Board three killed and 18 wounded to day. of Trade Battery which soon silenced the best rebel Sat. May 2nd, 1863. We were up and advancing in battery on the field. Col. Landrum of Gen. A.J. line of battle at Sunrise this morning. We soon found Smith’s division marched his Brigade up to us and he out that the enemy had returned during the night. We rode forward along over a ridge towards us on left and soon entered Port Gibson and we were put on patrol rear so that he could look over into a valley full of duty. We find 400 of the rebels wounded in town and heavy timber. He was fired on by perhaps a thousand about 1,000 stand of arms. The rebels threw away rebels who were coming up through timber valley un- many arms etc. during their retreat. They burned the observed, to take us in flank and capture our battery. bridge over the Bayou Pierre, but our pioneers had a Landrum was unhurt. He had probably more shots new one built and McPherson’s Corps had crossed fired at him there than any other man that I ever heard over it by 4 o’clock p.m. the rebel general Tracy was of. The 11th Wis. and Col Landrum’s own Regt. of killed in battle yesterday and he was buried in the Kentuckians charged front and opened fire on this new cemetery here last night. Our Regiment had eighteen foe in less than two minutes. In five minutes the other killed. The weather is now very warm. Port Gibson is Regts. of our two Brigades came to our help, but the a beautiful town. The flowers in the dooryard are the foe had been repulsed. Col. Landrum rode from Regi- most beautiful that I ever saw. During the afternoon ment to regiment looking for a doctor, but he could we were ordered to fire off our muskets into a hill by not find one. They were all further in the rear, away our camp and clean up our arms. In doing so some of from the front. I have not learned who had been so our men fired over the hill, and the bullets went into severely wounded that caused the colonel to rush the town wounding some of the people. Gen. Grant around so for a doctor. Now for nearly an hour there occupied by Col. Rawlins galloped up and stopped the was a sharp contrast with the same rebel sharp shoot- firing. The general was furious. His words just gurgled ers which lasted nearly an hour. Our men whom we out of his mouth, when he demanded to know by what sent back to the landing yesterday joined us. They authority we were out there firing off our arms. found their arms and accoutrement in Dr. Shafer’s 19

We told him by order of Lt. Col. Wood. “Where is command at Jackson. Gen. John Mc Clernand has he?” he then asked. We pointed to Col. Wood’s quar- command of the troops in or column. There was a ters under a rubber blanket that was fastened against a heavy rain this afternoon which wet us from head to fence. The general rode up to him and was told that foot. We camped for the night a few miles from RayCol. Harris, who is again in command of the Brigade, mond in a plowed field. We pulled some boards off of had ordered the firing. I saw the general then ride up fences on which we slept during the night. Since leavto Col. Harris, when the blame was laid to the chart of ing Port Gibson we have been through a rolling hilly Gen. E.A. Carr, who was soon called, and he was told country, fairly well improved. Water has been suffithe general that the firing was by order of Gen. Mc cient for our needs, chiefly from wells and cisterns. At Clernand, who was just gone out nine miles to the ad- Willow Springs and at Rocky Springs we had spring vanced posts. Gen. Grant then rode out to the center of water. our camp and called out that yesterday we were callThursday May 14th. We were early on the march ing for more ammunition and to day we were wasting to Raymond where we found the division of Gen. Osit. It is somewhat remarkable to see two men in such a terhouse. The rain fell in torrents all of the forenoon. great rage as Gen. Grant and Col. Hawkins were in We continued our march to Miss. Springs where we today and neither of them used any profane words. I halted for two hours. Our regiment and another found hear to night that Gen. M.K. Lawler was assigned to shelter in a house from the rain during the halt. There command our Brigade. We have taken some powder, is a large hotel here which will accommodate several corn meal and bacon. A number of stragglers from the hundred guests. The springs here are said to be medirebel army have come and given themselves up to the cal which makes a kind of a health resort of this place guards, and are now held prisoners. We marched away for invalids. The houses are low, unpainted and the from Port Gibson on Tues. May 5th a 4 o’clock p.m. A dooryards are devoid of flowers. The grounds are all troop of rebels made a dash and captured five of our unimproved. The places look poverty stricken. At 2 ambulances that were loaded with sick men and which o’clock p.m. we marched towards Jackson. There has were following us a few miles in our rear. After been a continuous roar of Artillery in that direction marching nine miles through a hilly country we since 10 o’clock. Rain is falling gently and the mud on camped at a Bayou which is crossed near by us by a the road is about 4 inches deep, and quite soft. We suspension bridge. have little to eat, but what we can pick up on the planOn Thurs. May 7th we marched at 3 o’clock A.M. tations. The firing ceased when we were about 7 miles and camped five miles from Big Black River. We ate from Jackson. We advanced about 3 miles further. An the last of our rations for breakfast this morning. To Aid de Camp rode up and stated that the town was taknight we feel like eating some more. On Friday we en with about 400 prisoners and 17 pieces of canon were reviewed by Gen. Grant and we received some captured. He brought an order for us to camp where flour. Our victory of May 1st caused the rebels to evac- we were for the night. We immediately formed a line uate Grand Bluff. It is now our base of supplies. A of battle, faced to the rear, stacked our arms, and soon train loaded with ammunition arrived from Illinois to had good fires of pine knots burning and though supday. On Sunday we marched 8 miles towards Jackson. per was rather scant we were fairly comfortable during To day has been warm and water scarce. We contin- the night. ued our march towards the east at 5 o’clock a.m. and camped for the night in the edge of a wood near a creek. Our advance done some skirmishing to day, and the troops south of us fought quite a sharp battle at Raymond. We are now in front of the rebel army under command of General Pemberton who has brought nearly all of his troops here out of Vicksburg. Wed. May 13th 1863. Marched at 5 A.M. towards Raymond. We withdrew from Pemberton’s front unobserved. The corps of Sherman and Mc Pierson are marching towards Jackson the capital of Miss. Our advance towards Edwards Depot was a feint to deceive Gen. Pemberton who thought that we were going to attack him on or near to Baker’s creek. We appear to be taking a position so that we can either support the column of our army which is advancing on We have the heavy siege train with us. It consists of Jackson or check the advance of Pemberton if he at- five rifled 30 pound Parrot guns. Our division was in tempts to assist Gen. Joseph E. Johnston who is in the rear to day. When on the march the division 20

changes every day. The one in advance to day will be Brigade and Carr’s division formed in double column in the rear to morrow and so continues until every di- and in this formation we advanced and the enemy was vision has been one day in advance, and one day in the driven off of the open ground, and into the woods that rear, when the same order is repeated. The same order covered a long ridge of hills on the north of the plantaof march is maintained in the Brigades in a Division tion. Osterhouse followed them into the woods with and amongst the companies in a regiment. We have his division and the firing soon slackened. Gen. Mc been expecting an attack on our rear by Pemberton all Clernand is with us, and he is ordering the movements day, but there is not a rebel in sight as we retire for the of Gen. Carr and Osterhouse. Gen. A.P. Hovey and his night. Gen. Grant has done nobly during this cam- are on the road a few miles to our right. About 10 paign. When we crossed the Miss. River at Rruins- o’clock we were ordered to stack arms which we did burg, Gen. Sherman was landing his corps on the Ya- and rested. We do not know what this means. Pemberzoo and threatening an attack on Vicksburg from the ton with his army is certainly not far from us and we rear, which bewildered Pemberton so that he did not cannot understand this delay in making an attack on know where we were going to make the main attack, his army. The two batteries of Osterhause’s division so he dared not send a large force to Port Gibson on are here with us. We remained in the same position May 1st, so we defeated their army there with ease, until nearly noon when a furious battle began on our and compelled them to evacuate Grand Gulf. Now front and right on the road occupied by Hovey and Pemberton has again been muddled so the Gen. Joseph Logan with their divisions. The battle seemed to inB. Johnson’s army at Jackson has been defeated to crease in furry for a long time. Twice Gen. Carr orday, the capital taken and we are sleeping in line of dered us to take arms which we did and he going to battle to night ready, and probably will fight Pember- assist our troops that were so hotly engaged with the ton’s army within 48 hours, and he will surely be de- enemy, but each time Gen. Mc Clernand rode up and feated for Johnston to night is not in any shape to give countermanded the order. About 2 o’clock P. M. him any assistance. Soon after dark to night a messen- Carr’s division with the exception of the 11th regt. of ger from Johnston was captured by some of our men. Wis. Inf. and two batteries of artillery and the two batHe carried an order for Pemberton to come away and teries of Osterhause’s division went to the front. Our attack our rear and if possible join forces. It is too late Brigade battery is now the Peoria Battery from Illinow to think of joining their forces. They should have nois. It has only four guns, though three other batteries been united at the beginning of the campaign. So far with us have six guns each, making a total of 22 canthey have been whipped in detail. Tomorrow we shall non here with us. Why so many cannon and a regibe on the march to find Pemberton’s army. He need ment of Infantry of over 500 strong are here in the rear not be at the trouble to look for us. From the glare in and not at the front where we are needed so much, the heavens, Jackson appears to have been fired in a some general must answer. Soon after we were left number of places, and it is burning down. with the artillery we saw a column of three Brigades Friday May 15th. We were up to day at day-light in one body or column and two brigades some dislooking for an attack, but no enemy appeared. We tance in their rear, advancing on a road about two soon began our march over the same road that we miles on our left and running parallel to the road that came on yesterday. The day is pleasant and the mud we were on. They showed no colors and it was imposhas partly dried off the road. In the evening we sible to decide from what army they belonged. If they marched through Raymond and we camped for the belonged to the rebel army the result of todays battle night about 2 miles from the village on the road to- is uncertain. Col. Harris rode off towards them to aswards Edwards Depot. We have not seen nor heard of certain who they are. He rode up to them and in a few the army under Pemberton all day. He does not appear minutes we saw him returning when we knew that to know anything about our movements of the last they were our troops. He returned and told us that they three days, nor of Johnston’s defeat, nor anything are the Division of F.P. Blair and Gen. Andrew J. about our present position. I am mistaken if he does Smith. We are not now uneasy about the result of the not find out something about us before this time to battle. A burly negro mounted on a horse has been carmorrow. rying water for us all day from a well about a mile in Sat. May 16th. We were on the march towards Ed- our rear, for 25 cents a canteen. Some of these black wards Depot soon after sunrise. Osterhause’s division fellows are very shrewd in their own way. About 4 was in advance, and Carr’s Div. following. We soon o’clock the 17th Wis. Inf. (The Irish Regt.) came up came into an open country and when crossing some and we were ordered to go forward with the four batlarge plantations about 8 o’clock the advance of Oster- teries of Artillery. The road passed over a number of house commenced firing, and the firing increased in high ridges and through some narrow ravines all covintensity for some time when one Brigade of Oster- ered with timber and thick underbrush. We soon hause’s division formed in line of battle. The other crossed over some field that was thickly strewn with 21

dead bodies of the enemy. We passed the 12th Wis. tion on our left and front and opened fire on the eneBattery of Artillery. Capt. Zichrick, who is a minister my’s works. In a short time one of the rebel guns was in the German Evangelical Church in Wis. The enemy discounted by our Artillery. Lat. Lt. Freeman of Co. is now retreating in general disorder towards Edward’s “A” was soon taken off the field severely wounded. Depot. We were ordered to follow which we did, pick- He was soon followed by Capt. Chrystie of Co. “H” ing up many prisoners by the way. The road is strewn who was shot in the abdomen, but a silk shirt that he with arms and accoutrements thrown away by the re- wore kept the bullet from piercing the intestines and treating rebels. At one place we passed several cannon saved his life. When the shirt was pulled back by the with their horses and drivers all lying in a heap dead. surgeon the bullet was pulled out of the wound. It had Gen. Ludrum with his brigade followed us in our rear. not gone through the shirt. Our Battery has two rifled Once during the pursuit of the enemy he said, “This is James Guns that Gen. Freemont brought with him war.” And repeated the words several times. The ene- from England that have done good service here to day. my blew up many of his ammunition wagons and de- About 10 o’clock A.M. we received the order to adstroyed every possible thing to prevent it from falling vance which we did on a run, and we were going tointo our hands. Many of the rebels threw away their wards the rebel works around the open field with all letters from home and friends, to lighten them in their possible speed. Col. Harris was on foot. Capt. Witeretreat. At Edwards Depot we found some box cars on olaby and Lt. R. E. Jackson were wounded and waved the railway filled with a good supply of corn meal and their hats and cheered and shouted as they trotted their bacon which furnished us with a good supper. The horses in our front until we reached the enemy. A flashes from the Cessions and Ammunition wagons fierce bloodhound from a plantation near by was nearthat were blown up by the enemy during their retreat ly frightened to death by the noise of the battle. He ran was a scene that we can never forget. The battle among our feet until some one put his bayonet through fought here to day was without doubt decided the fate him. Cor. C.S. Mather of Co “Y” kept well to the front of Vicksburg. We lay down in a column across the in the charge, he was in his shirt sleeves and cheered Highway and were soon asleep. Had Carr and Oster- and waved his hat until he reached the enemy’s line. house been permitted to advance with their divisions He was mistaken by some for Gen. at the proper time our victory to day would have been Lawler. His home is on Sauk Prairie in far greater. I hear to night that Hovey’s loss is, killed Wis. Our battery took their two James and wounded 1600. We have taken many prisoners guns and came with us across the field and I hear that we captured 37 pieces of cannon. The on a trot. We found the bayou in front losses in killed and wounded to day is now estimated of their works difficult to cross, but we at 3000 on each side. were soon inside of their works and Sun. May 17th 1863. We were ordered at 2 o’clock about 400 surrendered. They were takA.M. and after making a breakfast of cornmeal mush en in charge by the 22nd Iowa, which and bacon which satisfied our inner selves we was close behind us. There was some marched at 3 o’clock A.M. toward Black River, skir- palisades about 50 yards inside of the mishing began about sunrise and continued until we rifle pit which we had taken and from arrived at Big Black where we found the enemy them a brisk fire was opened on us. strongly entrenched in earth works with a bayou in We made a dash on them and either front and both flanks rested on big Black river. The captured or drove out the occupants. railway _____ to cross about the center of their main We now saw the 22nd Iowa, which had fortification and it crosses the river over a bridge. Our crossed the field and entered the firepit Brigade formed in line of battle on the right of the on our right, dashing forward toward road with our regiment in advance. We crossed the the R.R. Bridge. At the same moment bayou on fallen trees which reached across it, and then a large body of rebels came out of the advanced through a strip of timber to an open field cane breaks on our right and appeared which is about 500 yards wide. The rebel line of earth to the 21st in the rear. We charged works runs along the far side. The rebels arose and from there to the right and advanced fired at us. Capt. Hugh of Co. “A” fell fatally wound- on this new force of the enemy that we ed and some of our own men were killed and wound- had not seen before. They surrendered ed. Col. Harris moved us by the right flank until we to us without firing a shot. It was Marwere under cover of the bank of a creek which protect- tin Green’s brigade of Missouri. We ed us from the fire of the enemy. The 21st Iowa inf. took about 1706 prisoners there by took position on our right. The 23rd Iowa formed in the actual count. They were armed with rear of the 21st and the 22nd Iowa formed in rear of the new Winfield rifles from England. We 11th Wis. the Peoria Ill. Battery of Artillery took posi- threw down our old muskets and took 22

their new rifles. As we had about three times as many the works unopposed and destroyed everything. Those prisoners on our hands as we had men in our regiment heavy guns and ammunition etc. should have been we were soon marching out of the works with our saved. If we had to take Vicksburg by a regular siege prisoners, feeling rejoiced at the success of the charge, they would have been of great value to us. The officer and at our getting new improved arms to fight with. that caused the destruction of that property should be The rebels set fire to the R.R. Bridge and burnt it. The severely punished or cashiered [relieved of responsiloss in our regiment is small also in the 22nd Iowa, but bility]. Last evening every man in our Brigade rethe 21st and 23rd Iowa suffered severely, Col. Kinsman ceived hard tack, which is a quarter of a pound in of the 23rd was fatally wounded. He captured over weight. It is very acceptable to us and was a change of 3000 prisoners and 18 pieces of cannon. diet. The cornmeal, bacon and beef and mutton that Our artillery men after crossing the field with us to we foraged on the march were good enough if we the bayou rolled some bales of cotton from the works could have had plenty of them, but except once diviinto the bayou and then got their guns over on the cot- sion is in the advance he can gorge but very little and ton bales, and as we came out with prisoners they those in the rear get nothing to day. We march for were firing across the river at the enemy who had Vicksburg to morrow morning. some guns over there from which he was firing on two Tues. 19th, 1863. Marched from Big Black river st companies of 1 U.S. Inf. brought forward the siege toward Vicksburg at 7 o’clock a.m. We heard the train and shelled the fortifications on the other side of booming of the cannon all day. We arrived in front of the river, all of the officers and men who had anything the rebel works before 3 o’clock p.m. Their forts apto do with the charge are in ecstasy. Gen. McPherson pear to be chiefly on a succession of hills which are appears to be delighted. Gen. Grant soon after rode connected by rifle pits on a succession of ridges. We over the field and he was heard to say several times, advanced a little to the left of the Railway where we “Too quick, to quick.” He is displeased about some- remained until morning when we marched about three thing. I hear that he had Sherman’s corps crossing the miles to our left where we remained all day or rather river twelve miles above and it was to come down be- night. Most of our supper to night was brought from tween the Big Black River and the Yazoo, and if pos- the plantations by negroes. sible between Pemberton and Vicksburg, and prevent Wed. 20th. We returned to the Railway this mornhis forces from re-entering that place. If the report is ing where we remained during the day behind a ridge true he has great reason to be offended at the one who which protected us from the direct fire of the enemy, ordered the charge to day. Just after the charge to day, but the rifle bullets which were fired into the air above Gen. Grant rode up to Jesse Mather of Co. “F” and fell among us and some of our men were killed and asked him what Col. led the charge. He answered that wounded by them. Soon after dark we moved forward he did not know, but he thought that it was that one to a ridge about 400 yards in front of the rebel fort that lying therein the field with the crowd of soldiers we have named Fort Beauregard and during the night around him. That was Col. Kinsman who was sur- we made a riflepit that conceals our whole regiment. rounded by some of his men who had hurried back to We worked so silently that the enemy did not hear us his assistance as soon as the charge was over. I heard or know of our presence until daylight on the 21st the order to charge given by Lt. Jackson. I think that when they saw our riflepit, which we have named Fort no General ordered the charge of to day, but Capt. Harris in honor of our Colonel. We saw the rebel gunWittelsy and Lt. Jackson were the ones who are re- ners put something red into the muzzle of their cannon sponsible for it. No blame can attach to the officers which we knew was a charge of powder. We then who participated in the attack or charge. Our regiment commenced firing through their embrasures [an openis ordered to clean up the field of battle. We found a ing with sides flaring outward in a wall or parapet of good supply of English cartridges in the rebel quarters a fortification usually for allowing the firing of guns] which are much better than ours so we have filled our boxes with them and turned in our own. Our loss to day is estimated at 300 killed and wounded. Mon. May 18th. We finished cleaning up the battlefield to day. The dead were buried at sunset when we crossed over the river and camped on the west side. We are informed that Sherman entered the rebel works at Haines Bluff on the Yazoo river to day and found them abandoned, the guns all spiked and the magazines blown up. It is stated that the rebels in their haste left everything unharmed and retreated to Vicksburg from Haines Bluff, and that the boat men entered 23

with our rifles sending such a shower of bullets into too tired to fight much. We have many regiments in them that they were unable to rain a single cartridge the rear that got their meals today and rested which we home in their guns in the fort all day. Some of their did not. If they were in our place to night we could gunners lay down and by holding up their arms tried have rested and got a decent supper and a breakfast to to load their cannon, but we could see their hands and morrow morning and have gone into battle tomorrow aimed and shot at them so successfully that not a sin- with some strength and spirit. gle shot was fired from a gun in their fort to day. Fri. May 22nd. Black Friday. 10 o’clock came at Some of their gunners lay down and by holding up last but no breakfast for us. During the morning the their arms tried to load their cannon, but we could see 97th Illinois and the 120th Regt. of Ohio came to us and their hands and aimed and shot at them so successfully some others. We are about to assault the works to the that not a single shot was fired from a gun in their fort left of the fort that we fought yesterday, which is madto day. The Peoria Battery has entrenched their guns ness. Troops that just came to the front will be more about 200 yards in our rear on the ridge which is some afraid of the fort and the connecting rifle pits, but higher than our riflepit and from it they are firing shot these latter slope at such an angle from the fort that we and shell into the rifle fort. The 1st Wis. Battery has shall have to go fully 300 yards under a front ere we entrenched its guns to the right of the Peoria Battery. reach the works that we are to assault. The 97th Ill. is The 16th Ohio has its guns entrenched to the left of the to support us, and the 22nd Iowa is away in charge of Peoria. Foster of the 1st Wisconsin Battery has en- prisoners. Our artillery have kept up a furious bomtrenched his guns on a ridge about 200 yards in rear of bardment of the rebel works since day light. Most of the Peoria Battery and Major Ealloney’s regulars have the 11th Regt. are too hungry and tired to fight to day. the siege train under command of Lt. Robinett en- A few minutes after ten o’clock A.M. Col. Harris trenched on a ridge about 300 yards in rear of Foster’s stepped out in front of the Regiment and waved his battery. All of these guns 27 in number are firing shot sword. Instantly the Regiment advanced on a run and shell over us into the rebel fort. They conceal down a hill for about 100 yards or more, then across a themselves as much as possible and have given up or narrow ravine for about 50 yards. While we were abandoned all attempts to reply to our guns. About 10 crossing the ravine two small cannon in the fort on our o’clock a box of hard tack army crackers was carried right fired on us with grape shot which killed and over to us. They were a glad sight. During the day we wounded some of our men. We then ascended a ridge lost only four men in our regiment. We had plenty of for about 200 yards through timber which had been hard tack to eat. Lt. Col. Wood who has not been with cut to retard our advance until we came out in an open us much since the battle of Port Gibson visited us this space in front of a foot on a hill. Here we received a afternoon. I hear that he has resigned. At dark we were fearful fire of small arms chiefly from the rebel forts put on guard which is rascally. Some regiment that and riflepits in our front, right flank and right rear. was not up all of the last night entrenching or fighting Festus Daily fell, Jacob A. Michael fell across Daily all day should have been put on guard to night. There and Capt. J.A. Peaslee fell across Michael. John Marare plenty of them in the rear. Some of our men fall quardt dropped his rifle and threw his arms around me asleep standing. with a death grip saying that he was wounded and begged me to save him. I got him to release his hold of me and I laid him down in a deep rut that had been washed in the hill side by the rains. Jacob Langennechard was shot in the bowels, he called me to pray for him, and to tell his father how he died for this the last of him. Jacob Shadal caught him and laid him down in the washout. I saw Lt. Col. Wynne and Law Lying down in the rut. Major Platt and Lt. Smith were standing together near to me when Lt. Smith was shot dead and Major Platt lay him down in the rut. I looked behind us for our supports but they had run, and they were just going out of sight over a hill. I saw three flags planted on the Superior slope of the fort on our right and rear, and there were less than a dozen of our men lying on the slope beside them. The line of men had halted a few rods from the fort and were firEvery one of us in the Regiment is now fatigued so ing kneeling. In a few minutes they broke and fled to that we need rest to night. We are to assault the rebel cover. Their flags remained on the fort until they were works to morrow at 10 o’clock a.m. when we shall be shot off from their flag staffs. The 22nd Regt. Iowa. 24

Inft. Commanded by Col. W.M Stone stood firmly to my has fired many cannisters filled with scrap iron its work on our right. We got nearly all of our wound- which has been cut into short pieces to day. I was ed men into the rut where they were safe from the fire struck twice during the day with some small pieces of from the enemy, our left Companies knelt down in the iron, but received no injury. Shortly after sun down we ruts and fired at men in a part of the rear of the rebel saw about a dozen rebels come out of the fort on our fort on our right, which was exposed to us, and they right and run inside of our lines. In the morning the were soon driven under cover. Our Artillery kept a right of the 22nd Iowa passed close to the fort as it adstream of shell going over us into the rebel works. vanced when a Sergt. named Griffith, and a few more About 11 o’clock a.m. several regiments came to- did not see why they should go so far before making wards us from the rear, but when they came to the an attack, so they left their ranks and jumped into the right from which we started they stopped there and fort which was near by, where they remained all day, came no further. Sergt. Jerome Calkins now came to and then persuaded a number of he rebels to accompaus. He had came (sic) back with the wounded to the ny them, they jumped out of the fort and reached our surgeons in the morning. I asked him if he knew men behind the Hunchback in safety. The whole regiwhere Gen. Carr was. He replied that he saw him in ment should have followed Griffith, a few steps would Lt. Robinett’s Battery of the Regulars as he came by, have taken it into the fort. Generals who are looking and that Gen. Carr was asking Gen. Mc Clernand for through their glasses a mile in the rear cannot always more help, and Mc Clernand was touching Carr on the place the attacking columns in the proper places. shoulder and saying to him, “Carr, to day will put two stars on your shoulder.” I next asked Calkins if he saw Gen. Lawler, “Yes,” he said Lawler was in the Fort Harris and peeping over the breastworks, he was saying if only he had his own regiment here that it would soon be in the rebel fort. This report was not very encouraging for us. Still we had no idea of retreating, though we cannot carry their works without help. The wounded consume much water as well as those unhurt. Alonzo L. Strand took a number of canteens and volunteered to return to the ravine and try and get some water. He made the journey down the hill in safety and returned with his canteens filled with cool water from a spring he found there. Samuel Shower next succeeded in going to the spring with a number of canteens and returned unharmed. An Indian of Co. “K” performed the same feat, then Lt. James Law tried it and did not return. I found him wounded and left At night fall we were all ordered back. We left the him in a tree top that had been cut down and which dead, but brought all of our wounded off of the field, screened him from the enemy. Sergt. Henry Toms of except John Marquardt, who was placed on his blanket Co. “D” assisted Highbanks down to the hollow and by four men of his company, but the rebel piquets then returned to his company. My cap was shot off in came out and drove them off before they could bring the morning and I soon had a fearful headache. About him off the field. 2 o’clock a shower of rain fell when I pulled some wet Our regiment today went forward in the morngrass and put it on my head and then tied a towel over ing with about 400 men and we had 18 killed and 106 it, and I felt better. During the afternoon some more re wounded, a total loss of 124. Co. “G” lost 4 killed and -enforcements arrived but only came to the ridge 15 wounded, total 19 out of 32, who were in the comwhich we have named the Hunchback, and there pany in the morning. The dead are Capt. Alfred John stopped. If some of our Generals would come forward Peaslee, Privates Festus Laily, Jacob Michael and Jaand form those fellows which are lying behind the cob Langennechard. The wounded are Corporal Geo. hunchback, they could easily take the front on our H. Baker, George Farwell, E.B. Borwell, and Leonard right. From the Hunchback to the fort is less than half H. parks, and Privates David Wingad, A.H. Woodthe distance we came over this morning. As I returned cock, John Marquette, G. Strand, James Nary, Eleazer from the ravine, I saw Capt. Remick, and Lang, we sat Moore, Henry Hay [or Ray], David Kocher, and down and talked a few minutes together. They had just Georg Kelb. Lt. James Law, and Privates Kocher, left the Colonel who was yet unhurt, but they had May, Marquardt and Strand will probably die. Privates nothing encouraging to communicate. Soon after I saw Kalb and Strand each have an arm amputated. Capt. Lewis bring some of his men into line. The ene25

We left our wounded with the doctors and soon found drive in the rebel pickets and bury our dead. We adour mess kettles which contained a supply of cold cof- vanced close to the rebel picket line when we were fee, cold bacon, potatoes and hardtack, from which we ordered to remain there on piquet all night. Some partook with a will. We thought that we had a good think that some of our officers drank too freely to give meal and it was our best one during the campaign. We commands and issue such orders. lay down on the hillside and we were soon asleep. Mon. May 25th. The rebels sent out a flag of truce to day. I took a few men and went over and buried our dead while it was out. Firing was not resumed until dark.

At night we were ordered to lie under arms in line of battle along the rifle pits, which we did and for some time we were interested in the shells which are fired from the Mortar boats on the Mississippi River. The shells rise high for about a mile then fall very rapidly. rd Sat. May 23 . I awoke this morning with a severe Some of them burst high up, others burst when falling head and eye ache, also my right leg which contains a and others burst in the ground. By the light of the fuse bullet which I received in the battle of Bayou La of the shell which we can see plainly the shells appear Cache, Ark. pains me very much. The fatigue of the to roll over and over as they ascend. They are very last week has been too severe for me. From appear- different from the shell which are fired from the canances we will now settle down to a regular siege, Ca- non. The latter as they rush directly towards the rebel ternaus with his division has gone back to Big Black works look like comets. River bridge to oppose Gen. J.E. Johnston, if he adWed. May 27th, 1863. This is my 27th birthday and vances to attack our rear. Gen. Grant sent a flag of it is very warm here. Nothing remarkable has haptruce out to day, but it was fired upon by the rebels. pened here to day. Gun boats and Mortar boats have He wished to suspend hostilities until the dead can be kept up a steady bombardment of the rebel works toburied. The sharpshooters and the artillery are firing day and our lines are being pushed forward and over our dead of yesterdays battle, and as the day is strengthened every night. Thurs. we received a large warm they will decompose rapidly. At night we were mail and the day has been well spent reading letters set at work on the rifle pits, and worked all night, but from home and friends, and in writing replies. we got some sleep and rest Sunday the 24th. Maj. Platt who was in command of our sharpshooters noticed through his glass that one of the men on the battlefield of the 22nd was yet alive. He called for volunteers to go to him. Lt. Sidney Shepherd and Private Kurata Shea of Co. E. and Private Robert Lend of Co. “A” volunteered to go to him. When they reached him they found him to be John Marquardt and they carried him off the field on his blanket. He said that the rebels gave him water, but they refused to carry him into their works, but they told him that they would not fire on any of our men who would go to bring him off the battlefield, which accounts for their not firing at Lt. Shepherd’s party. Sunday night we were ordered to 26

We have two lines of entrenchments enclosing the re- not fire on each others piquets during the night, nor bel works and on Friday morning there was a furious until we have gotten inside our respective breastworks cannonade from our batteries which are now all en- in the morning. Our piquet lines are a little way on trenched. We obtain our supplies from Chickasaw each side of the spring in the ravine, which supplied us Bayou on the Yazoo river. We receive plenty to eat. with water, during the assault on May 22nd. The th st Sat. 30 and Sunday 31 . I obtained leave of ab- guards of both armies are permitted during the night to sence for Lt. James Law so that he can go home. He go to the spring for water. Intercourses or conversation will probably die before he reaches home. The weath- between the piquets is forbidden, but there is some er is very hot here. I understand that our division has trading done every night with the rebel piquets. Chieflost 1235 men, killed wounded and missing during the ly coffee by our men to the reb for sugar, very often present month of May. We are now at work on our our whole line except in front will be firing at each third parallel of riflepits. The enemy will find it very other along our whole line except in front of our Bridifficult to cut their way out through our lines even if gade where all is silent. Gen. J.B. Johnston does attach our rear. It is now Thurs. June 11th and at day light we rest Mon. June 1 . Gov. Solomon of Wisconsin is now tired inside of our rifle pits and commenced firing our here looking after the Wis. men. He is accompanied rifles at an elevation of 40 degrees. During the day we by Maj. Gen. Gaylord. Our sick and wounded have all fire from 100 to 120 rounds per man over into the rebeen sent north to some general Hospital. On June 3rd bel works. Such stray bullets do us far more harm than the enemy fired many shells at us without doing us the shot and shell from their artillery. Deserters say much harm. He had used his artillery of his rear forts that our rifle bullets that are falling in the works and to day quite frequently. Our sharpshooters prevent his grounds all day are doing them far more harm than our using his guns of his front line of works, and our guns artillery. We took a great many rounds of English carare able to silence his guns of his rear forts in a short tridges at Big Black River Bridge which we brought time. To night Co. “C” is on the front piquet line, to- with us to Vicksburg. Here by test we find that the wards morning two deserters came over from the rebel English are as effective at five hundred yards as our but they do not give much information that is of value cartridges of American manufacture is which we use, to us. are at three hundred yards. Then rebels use the English th Thurs. June 4 . Our sick men, tents, etc. that we cartridges, which gives them a great advantage over left at Perkin’s plantation arrived here from Grand us. The rebel fatigue parties, which work at night now Gulf. We were relived at dark from the front riflepit have their works much stronger than when the siege where we have been all day. The trees have all been began. Today has been a cloudy day which has been a cut down so there is no shade in the riflepits or trench- great relief to us from the excessive heat of the last es, and as the weather is very warm with some rain two weeks, which was over 100 degrees in the shade. nearly every day, which makes it sultry part of the Our approaches are pushed up nearer to the fort every time, our duty is very severe and fatiguing. The heavy night. bombarding of the Artillery probably is the cause of Friday June 12th. Soon after daylight the rebel arsome of the rain. Sometimes the rain is quite heavy, tillery opened fire on us with more than their usual which washes away some of our breastworks and vigor. The dust arose in clouds from our works when gives us not a little extra labor to replace them. On the shell struck and burst, our Artillery was soon at Friday we were mustered for pay by Major Platt and work and for a time there was a very lively artillery on Saturday I finished making our muster and pay fight. The rebels soon stopped firing. This object was, rolls for March and April. we think, to learn if any of our cannon had been taken Sunday June 7th. Our assistant Surgeon H.W. away, which would show that Johnston was advancing Boyce has resigned. Deserters from the besieged ar- on our rear. Our cannon are all in position, and in a rive in our lines almost daily and report rations very few days we shall have a number of larger guns at short at Vicksburg. They report that we are doing work. We now have over thirty thousand men in our more harm to them with our rifles than by or Artillery. rear facing Johnston and the country to Big Black RivA great deal of work has been done in our rear prepar- er which is well fortified and if he tries to attack our ing to resist an attack from Johnston’s army. Col. Har- rear he could not reach us in a month. A strong force ris left us on Wed 10th on sick leave. Chas. Bywater of our cavalry is raiding through Mississippi which in was severely wounded this morning while standing at probability occupying as much of Johnston’s attention breakfast in our dug out quarters, by a bullet which as Vicksburg. Our regiment marched two miles to the had been fired into the air and it hit him while falling. rear to a large pond of water where we had a glorious Rain has been falling all day. We went on piquet bath and some of our men washed their clothes. Othguard at night fall. We have an agreement with the ers rested in the shade of some magnificent shade enemy in front of our Brigade, (_awlers) that we will trees. This has been the best day for us since we 27

crossed the river into the Mississippi, about six weeks rifle pit in front of a battery of six pounders which ago. We returned to the front at evening. Day has been were firing into their embrasure to keep them silent. very hot. We had little difficulty in doing so during the forenoon and midday while the sun was shining in their faces and not in ours. But about 4 o’clock p.m. when the sun shone in our faces and not in theirs they succeed in firing a few rounds at us with their cannon. One of their shells burst in the riflepit among us. One piece of the shell cut open the breast of Corporal Thomas Thierman, he will probably die. Another piece tore the breast of the shirt of Michael Murphy, another (balance of line is missing). Murphy, Fisher and myself were knocked down and stunned by the concussion of a shell so that those by us thought that we were killed. We soon recovered Sat. June 13th. Today has been more quiet than usual. and arose and continued firing again, apparently nothThere are a number of negro regiments being orga- ing the worse for the mishap. After firing six rounds nized here now. Their officers of the line are enlisted the rebel battery was silenced. The men while in the men from the white regiment and their field officers covered riflepits fight with their coats off and their are taken from the line officers of the white regiments. shirt sleeves rolled up. Today has been one of our hotAdj. Gen. L. Thomas of Washington who has been test days. The worst part of duty when in the front rifle with us during the campaign I understand has charge pit is after 4 o’clock p.m. when the sun is around toof their organization. First Sergt. List of Co. K. is now wards the west and shining in our faces. We are then captain in a negro regiment and Welles Righ of Co. weak after being up all night and fighting all day in “F” is Lieutenant, and Adjutant in another. The ne- the rifle pit. At night now our working parties are groes have worked very hard in our trenches. Many of growing very close together, ours are digging up their them walk very courageously into our approaches and works and their men working in the ditch in front of work better than one should expect. A negro at work their fort making it deeper, the two lines of piquet in our front was struck on his head by a spent bullet guards are only a few yards apart, but the one does not and stunned, after he recovered he arose and took up interfere with the other. At evening we were relieved his space and went to work again. and returned to our quarters.

Rifle Pits Jun. June 14th is very hot as usual. On our right there was a hot fight during the afternoon. We received a large mail and many have the good fortune to receive letters from home. At nightfall we went into the advanced pits on fatigue duty where we worked until morning when the rebels opened two new batteries on us. They were soon silenced before they did us any harm. We went on piquet at evening and in the morning of Tues. the 16th we took position in our front 28

Wed. June 17th. I made out descriptive rolls for our a hole in a parapet, but the next shell would fill it up sick and wounded men and forwarded them. We again. The enemy’s guns were silent all day on Sunopened fire to day with a new battery of 8 inch Co- day the 21st. The paymaster Maj. Herrick arrived on lumbias without making any impression on the ene- Monday the 22nd and paid us to April 30th. The men my’s works. At dusk we commenced work in the are flush with money and many of them are losing it trench that we are running up to the rebel fort and we rapidly at dice, and cards. worked all night within 40 feet of the rebel piquet and one of their working parties. There was a large fire in Vicksburg during the night. We rested Thurs. June 19th in quarters. The rebel works in our front are about one half a mile east of the town. Their headquarters appear to be in the court house on which there is always a large rebel flag flying. There is a large clock in the steeple of the courthouse. One of the faces points towards us. Our artillery men have tried probably several hundred shots and shell from their cannon at the face of the clock but they have never hit it yet.

Friday June 19th. Our regiment marched two miles to the rear today to the pond where we had another glorious bath and wash up, which we needed very much. While there we heard a missile coming from Vicksburg which had a different sound than any that we have ever heard before. It struck the ground and ricocheted over us where it struck the ground again and remained. We have gotten it and will send it to our State Horticultural Society at Madison Wis. It is a long round solid that with a twist in it apparently made to fit a rifled cannon, and we think that it was made in England to fire at our Ironclad Gunboats. It is very bright and it is the only kind that was ever fired at us. Sat. 20th. A furious bombardment of the rebel works began this morning at 4 o’clock and continued until 11 o’clock a.m. The rebels did not reply with their guns. Our guns seem to have done very little damage to their works. A shell would sometimes make

In rear of our regiment there is a valley in which there are a few springs of water and a goodly number of mulberry trees, which furnish an ample shade from the hot sun. Hundreds of soldiers who are off duty are setting daily in the shade of the trees in this valley playing games of some kind. At nightfall I went on duty again at the front. All was quiet during the night in our front except the cannon firing. Tues. June 23rd. I returned to camp and learned that Lt. James Law had died on the steamer Champion June 5th of his wounds while going up the Miss. River. He was a Scotsman by birth. He and Capt. Alfred Peaslee were both brave men and good.

29

USS Champion

A very brisk action began at dark to night to the left of our Brigade which continued about half an hour. Then the Mortar boats began the greater bombardment of the town during the siege. And it began to rain which continued until morning of Wed. the 24th. Which is fair but cloudy which is a great relief to us from the excessive heat, at night, as we sleep as usual under arms along the firepit. Many mules and old horses are turned out of the rebel works and when the brutes graze up near to our works they are shot and killed by our rifleman. Before night the stench from their carcass is very great. At night a detail of [rebel] men have to bury them which is an unpleasant job and causes Ambulance Crew much swearing by the rebels by those fatigue parties. There appears to be some thing unusual going to hap- piles of ammunition, food and clothing for the troops pen in our lines either tonight or tomorrow. and grain and hay for the animals are astonishing. We th Thurs. June 25 1863. Our Company G, marched have been well supplied with food during the siege. It into our front riflepits this morning. We were sharp consists chiefly of hard tack, bacon, coffee, sugar, poshooting until 1 o’clock when our whole brigade came tatoes, beans, peas, rice, tea and mixed vegetables. into our works in the front line. Soon after dark a fort Sun. is hot as usual. Mon. June 29th, and Tues. June in our center in front of John A. Logan’s division was 30th are as hot as any negro could wish for. Our apblown up and four of our regiments charged into the proach is now so close to the rebel fort that the piquets broken rebel line and held it for some time when they spread out a rubber blanket and the rebels sit on one fell back to our lines as they were driven out by the end of it and our union men on the other end. Our rebels. Private A.J. Strand was shot through his shoul- agreement made in early siege that we should not fire der this morning in the front rifle pit. We lay all night on the other at night, is yet strictly observed every in our front rifle pit and slept there notwithstanding night. But when we return to our respective breastour gun and mortar boats and artillery poured a contin- work in the morning, it is kill, kill, each other during uous stream of shot and shell into the enemies works the whole day. It is strange we are the only ones who all night. The weather in this place is now the hottest have an agreement with each other not to fight one that I ever experienced. another in the night. I think that our generals do not Fri. June 26th. Orders have been received from know of such an agreement or they would put a stop to Washington prohibiting the mustering of any more it. I made out our muster and pay roll to day. Second Lieutenants in companies reduced below 80 July 1st. Sergt. Major Dudley C. Wyman to day men rank and file, or Captains where the company is received a commission as Capt. of Co. G. he will comreduced below 50 men rank and file. This is very un- mand the company in the future. I have commanded it fair to the men in the field. The states continue to send during the siege since the death of Capt. Peaslee. Lt. new regiments into the field, chiefly officers by inex- A.R. Wynn has been sick in quarters during the whole perienced men, instead of filling the depleted ranks of time so that he could do little. the regiments in the field. In many of them the officers Thurs. July 2nd. We were called up at midnight and non-commissioned officers have had nearly two and soon after the march toward Black River started. years experiences and the men in the ranks have an At 7 o’clock we halted for breakfast and rested until opportunity to be promoted. Sergt. Major D.C. Wy- 11 o’clock when we continued our march about six man will take the place of Capt. J.A. Peaslee as Capt. miles further and camped for the night in the most of our Co. but I cannot be commissioned second Lieu- beautiful meadow that I ever saw. I think that the men tenant in place of Lt. James Law deceased. of our command suffered more today from heat and Sat. June 27th. Drew clothing for Co. G, today. fatigue than on any other day since we have been in New guns continue to be mounted on our lines but the army. Water was scarce and General Lawler did they fail to do much execution to the enemies works. not give us enough of rest. Many of the men were sun We have a small army of men in our rear some haul- struck. The heat tonight is oppressive. We can hear ing supplies from the Yazoo River, six mules on a our guns still thundering against Vicksburg. It cannot team, others driving ambulances with the wounded to possibly hold out much longer. The food of the garrithe hospital Steamboats at Chickasaw Bayou. Some son according to the report of deserters, consists mostcooking about a mile in the rear and carrying the food ly of mule flesh. We have seen nor heard nothing of forward to the men in the trenches. They are many Gen. Joe Johnston to day. saddlers, blacksmiths and carpenters at work. The 30

The Siege of Vicksburg

31

Fri. July 3rd. We marched back to our quarters in upon guard duty to day. During the siege ten of Co. G, front of Vicksburg during the forenoon and we were were killed in action or died of wounds, ten others are surprised to hear no cannonading as we came. All was severely wounded and four others slightly wounded still along the lines. We were informed upon our arri- but still on duty. At night we were ready to march. val that Gen. Pemberton had sent out a flag of truce, The next morning at four o’clock when we returned to offering a conditional surrender of the garrison. Gen. camp we found some of our men intoxicated with Grant had refused all but an unconditional surrender. whiskey that they had gotten in the city. I wrote a letWe gave three cheers for unconditional surrender and ter to my father after which I was soon asleep. then broke ranks. Preparations for another assault on Sun. July 5th. Marched at 6 o’clock a.m. and artheir works are a making. We will be ready for the at- rived at Big Black River Bridge at two o’clock and tack at 10 o’clock a.m. to morrow. The bombardment encamped for the night. So we have not yet seen the has not been resumed. Gen. Pemberton has requested inside of the fortification of Vicksburg. We are marchan interview with Gen. Grant this after noon which ing towards Jackson. Capt. L. H. Whittlesy of Co. E. has been granted and accounts for the continued inac- has been promoted to be our Lt. Col. and he is now tivity of our army. They met between the lines of commanding our regiment. Many of our men are breastwork in the shade of a tree. Grant smoked a ci- threatening to burn Jackson if we must return to it. gar during the interview. They think that if we had burned it when we were there in May that we should not have had to return to it now. Mon. July 6th. We remained in camp until 4 o’clock A.M. when we crossed over to Edwards Depot. The R.R. Bridge now and about 3 miles of the track have been destroyed by rebels. Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman is commanding this part of our army. Gen. Grant is at Vicksburg. Maj. Gen. E.C.C. Ord has our command of the 13th Army Corps. Brig. Gen. Lawler has command of our Division and Col. S.L. Glasgow of the 23rd Iowa Inft. has command of our Brigade. Day very hot and roads dusty. Tue. July 7th. One year ago today I was wounded at Bayou La Cache Ark. We marched towards Jackson at 7 o’clock A.M. and after marching 13 miles we enThey were attentively watched by both armies until camped for the night, which was well for soon after they separated. Soon after we were informed that it dark one of the worst storms of wind and rain, accomhas been agreed between them that at 10 o’clock a.m. panied by continued peals of thunder and flashes of to morrow the rebel army at Vicksburg will surrender lightening which were blinding, continued all night. by marching out of their works and stacking their arms Wed. July 8th. It is reported in camp that Gen. Dan on the outside and placing their colors on their sacks, Gardner has surrendered Port Hudson, La. To Gen. and then a column of men designated by Gen. Grant Banks with 8,000 prisoners. We remained in camp will enter their works and take possession of them. until evening when we continued our march for about The surrender is not conditional and we are all happy 5 miles and camped for the night. to night. Vicksburg is our Independence Day. July 9th. Marched through Clinton today and went th Sat. July 4 . Early in the morning Co. G was called towards Jackson for a few miles and camped within out to go on rear picket guard so we shall not witness hearing of the guns, which are at work bombarding the the surrender. It took place at 10 o’clock as agreed up- rebel entrenchments. on. I hear the Garrison surrendered to day, numbers July 10th. Jackson, Miss. To day we advanced to 32,000 men, stand of small arms of 60,000 and 227 our position in line. We passed Foster’s Wis. Battery pieces of cannon. When the mail was brought to camp of Artillery which had one of its timbers exploded by our letters were brought to us on the picket line, and a rebel shell as we approached. Its loss in men was not many of us had the pleasure of reading letters from great. We have yet thrown up no breastworks. We are home, still we are not pleased after we worked so hard in line to night and not permitted to lie down. and suffered and fought so much against Vicksburg July 11th. We were nearly all morning in a Peach that we were hindered by picket duty from seeing its orchard. Co. B. had two men killed and one wounded. surrender, and so many regiments of troops lay in the The artillery fire continued today and there was conarmy during the whole time and did not fire a shot. stant skirmishing by the infantry. We think that some of them might have been called 32

Mon. July 13th. This morning we were en- rebels would recognize its report and try to retake it. trenched, but had no tools, a report was soon current We acted on the suggestion at once and in a few that a troop of rebel cavalry had made a dash on our minutes the Lady price was run out on the lawn in train of wagons in our rear and captured our spades, front and was the loudest mouthed piece in our batmattocks [pickax, with an adze and a chisel edge], etc. tery. Every one in our Brigade was standing ready with loaded rifle and fixed bayonets to give the rebs a warm reception if they came out. What made the matter more exciting was a report that the troops in our front is a Brigade from So. Carolina, the state that began the war. We had only fired two rounds when we were ordered to cease firing the Lady Price and leave it on the lawn where it is and take our position in the woods about 100 yards in the rear of our breast-work, and other troops not of our division were ordered to take our position at the breast-works. We obeyed the orders but we were maddened to a fury against Gen. Ord, whom we blamed for giving the order. If the rebels had charged to the place assigned to us and Lt. Co. Whittlesey who is in command of our regt. ordered us to stack some arms which we did, and he then threw his rubber blanket on the side of a tree toward the enemy and ordered us to break ranks and he sat down. Every one of us seemed to change in an inin a very short time we tore down three large frame stant. Our Lt. Col. had read our feelings from our dwelling houses and built their material into a line of looks and without speaking a word had brought every breastworks. We carried out the nice furniture, and man in the regiment to a sense of his duty. We all sat libraries of books and built them into breastworks. The down on a side of the trees toward the enemy and reorgans and pianos were stuffed full of cotton and put mained so for several hours, and I did not notice one in the works and were probably spoiled. Our battery of of our regiment hurt by a bullet and some times they artillery is having a regular dual with the rebel battery flew amongst us in great numbers. I saw in the Iowa which is entrenched in our front. There is a very beau- Regt. which was sitting in our rear, some taken away tiful lawn about 200 yards across in front of our bat- wounded during the afternoon. The Lady Price and tery and breastwork. Some one suggested that we take Lady Bowen were two ten pound rifle Parrot guns which were taken from McClellan’s army in the Peninsular campaign in 1863 and they were retaken by us in the battle of Big Black River May 17th and taken to Vicksburg and planted in Fort Harris. It was then noticed that the Lady Bowen had been struck by one of our guns and slightly indented so that we could not load it with eight shot or shell, when it was taken out of the fort, but the Lady Price was kept in Fort Harris during the whole siege of Vicksburg and has been brought here to Jackson. On Piquet guard to night in the command of the guards of our Brigade. Weather is very hot. Along the front all is quiet to night. July 14th. A flag of truce was out part of the day, then the skirmishing was resumed with some artillery firing. Fortunately none of my guard was hit, though a part of the afternoon was spent in advancing our line, and we had to fight every inch gained. We were rea ten pound rifle parrot gun named the Lady Price of lieved at dusk and returned to our camp. At night we Belle of the gulf, and run it out on the lawn in front of lay down on a board and then threw our coats over our our works and open fire with it on the rebels with the bodies and slept quite comfortably until morning. Durview of having them come out of their forts and try to ing the day we go around with our coats off. capture it, for we had taken it from them in the battle of the Big Black River Bridge. It was thought that the 33

Wed. July 15th. We have had some sharp firing to loud noise when the houses were burning, but they did day, chiefly in our front and left. The rebs worked our men no harm. very hard all last night, strengthening their works, and their Brass band played Dixie, The Bonny Blue Flag and other tunes during the evening. Thurs. July 16th. Fighting continued and we are passing closer to their works. Within a few days we shall have them surrender. They will probably evacuate Jackson to day or tomorrow. We lost none, killed or wounded to day, which is a wonder. There was no stir or firing from the enemy’s works this morning.

Sat. July 18th. We marched south of the city this morning, and spent the day destroying the track of a July 17th. Some of our men advanced to them and railroad. Our whole brigade formed in line along side found them evacuated. We marched into the city and of the track. We then lifted one side of the ties and rail found some women and children in the streets and and threw it over into the ditch, broke nearly all of the their houses burning. They told us that they are Union ties from the rails. We then built the ties up in piles on people and that the rebel soldiers had fired their hous- the roads and balanced the iron rails on the piles of es before they retreated from the city. In a short time ties. We then set the piles of ties on fire which soon the city was burning in a number of places. Maj. Gen. heated the iron rail red hot and they bent so that they Frank Blair marched in with his division of their Bri- cannot be used again until they are taken to a roller gade and endeavored to extinguish the fires, but with- mill and rolled again. The after noon is rainy and we out success. encamped for the night about 5 miles south of the city. Sun. 19th. Maj. A. Platt resigned at Vicksburg and went home. Capt. J.S. Miller of Co. “D” has been promoted to the rank of Major and he commands the regiment to day. We continued to destroy the railroad track all day which seemed to please everybody. Soldiers enjoy the destruction of property. We returned to Jackson on Monday, July 20th and encamped near to the city. July 21st. We marched at 8 o’clock a.m. at Richmond at sunset having marched 18 miles over a very dusty road, and it has been a very hot day. The fire engines were brought out and houses were July 22nd. We marched miles to Baker’s Creek and blown up, but the city continued to burn during the encamped when we were refreshed by a brisk shower day and the night following. The rebel works are well of rain. We marched over a part of the battlefield of planned and built, and there are some dead men left in Campion’s Hill. We could see from the dead twigs them who were killed yesterday in battle. We buried and branches of dead leaves on the trees that most of them today. There was quite a large amount of confed- the men in both armies fired too high. At Jackson the erate money found in the capital. Some of it cancelled bodies of the trees where they fought were well and some of it uncancelled. It furnishes the men with marked by bullets, which shows that the aim of our something to win and lose at cards and it is of no vale northern army was much improving by the siege of now. The rebels buried and concealed torpedoes, Vicksburg. shells in some of the houses which exploded with a 34

Thurs. July 23rd. We marched at 7 o’clock a.m. privations, and many other things that we cannot forand encamped in the afternoon within six miles of get. We are consoled by the fact that we won in every Vicksburg, in a heavy shower of rain. At Black River engagement and the enemy is now so severely Bridge we met many rebel soldiers on their way to whipped that he shuns an encounter with our army untheir homes. They belonged to the Garrison surren- less he is behind a breastwork. We hear of rioting in dered at Fort Hudson, and they have been paroled. All New York City, where the authorities of the U.S. ofof the rebels taken at Vicksburg and Port Hudson have ficers is resisted with the apparent approval of their been paroled, and sent to their respective homes. The Governor Seyman. There was a great battle fight at rebel authorities at Richmond refuse to permit them to Gettysburg, Pa. in the first week of July, with heavy go to their homes, but they have ordered them to go to losses of both armies. The advance of the rebel army certain camps and remain there until they are ex- commanded by T.(sic.) E. Lee has been stopped by changed. At Big Black River Col. Bryant of the 12th our northern army commanded by Gen. Geo. C. Mead, Regt. Wis. Inf. rode up and talked to our officers a but the rebel army appears to have been permitted to while. retire to Virginia at its leisure and our army remained Fri. July 24th. We marched to our old quarters at inactive and did not make a single attack on the reVicksburg, packed up everything, got dinner, and then treating foe. Gen. Heron’s division has gone to New with our knapsacks which were very heavy on our Orleans, La. backs, we marched away south to our left, toward July 26th. There are a number of negro regiments Warrentown, and we continued to march all afternoon, here, and there is much sickness among the men. The from place to place, in search of some nice shady Mulattoes are more sickly than the blacks or even the place outside of Vicksburg and its fortifications for a whites. We hear the roll of the muffled drum daily in camp. It did not occur to our minds of our command- the negro regiments. Some of our troops have gone to ing officers to locate the camp grounds and then Helena and to Little Rock, Ark. Chronic Bowel commarch us to it. At evening when we marched into plaints and bilious fever seem to increase here daily. A Vicksburg and encamped on the banks of the Miss. number of men have been let go home on furlough River, there was no little muttering and swearing in chiefly married men. Second Lt. A.A. Chamberlain of our ranks. We have not carried our knapsacks during Co. D. in May received a commission of First Lt. and this whole Vicksburg campaign until to day, hence we First Sergt., Hiram Freeman received a commission as are more fatigued than usual. During the camping each 2nd. Lt. both refused to muster into their new rank and soldier carried his rubber blanket only and left his then went home and they have been reported as desertknapsack and contents in camp or under guard until ers, but I think that they cannot be brought back or our return or when they were brought to us. punished. Sergt. Henry Toms now commands the Company and he will soon receive his commission as 1st Lt. Lieut. A.R. Wynn is still sick and he will leave to morrow for Wis. on sick leave for thirty days. July 28th. We moved camp to day from the river bank up to the ridge between two of the stronger rebel batteries. The Division of Osterhaus has been made the 3rd Brigade of our Division and we are now the 11st Division of the 13th army Corps. Major Gen. C. Washburn is our division commander. Vicksburg is a small town and requires to be cleaned and kept clean, when it will be a healthy place. The drainage into the After super we took clean clothing and undressed and Miss. River is good, as the town is built on a ridge. washed in the river and put on our clean clothing, There are more negroes in it than whites. The latter are threw the clothes that we took off into the river, for utterly demoralized since the surrender of the place. very good reasons, and returned to our quarters where The rebel soldiers have all gone and many of our we retired and slept soundly until morning. It just troops have been moved to different towns on the rivlacks ten days of three months since we crossed the er. Traffic on the river has been resumed now from St. Miss. River, and in all that time we have slept with our Louis to New Orleans. clothes on and under arms. Sat. July 25, 1863. We awoke this morning at reveille much refreshed. It seems good to be where we can lie down without clothes and accoutrements or arms by our side, and rest comfortably after three months of such trials, fighting, fatigue and duty, and 35

July 29th. The largest gun that I have seen in the them about leaving temperance men on guard over rebel forts is a 300 pound Columbian. There are many liquor and said no more. caves made into the hills in town in which the women Aug. 1st. Our Division is ordered to go down the and children took shelter during the siege. From their river as soon as transportation arrives to take us. One number and size and conversation with citizens I think part of the Mississippi Campaign 1863 has terminated. that but a few of the non combatants were injured by We began the campaign in the battle of Port Gibson, our shot and shell during the siege. with 3 officers and forty-two men for duty in Co. “E”. July 30th and 31st were hot as usual, and were Today we have one officer and twenty-two men for spent in visiting other Wis. regiments and receiving duty, our loss has been great. Some of our men who visitors, etc. Settlers and other traders received sup- are sick or wounded will return to us yet, and our plies of edibles from the river towns and ply a brisk number will be somewhat increased. This Mississippi trade. campaign has done more towards destroying the rebel slave holding confederacy than any other campaign of the present war. The rebel generals were always defeated in detail. Had Gen. Joe Johnston brought his forces forward to the Mississippi river, and as soon as Grant with his army and boats got below Vicksburg he had destroyed everything in all the country from the river back to Jackson and in rear of Vicksburg, that would be of use to us for forage, destroyed the ponds of water, wells, cisterns, and bridges, and driven out all the cattle, sheep, hogs, horses and mules, and set all of the negro slaves to work fortifying strategic places and avoid fighting with our troops at Fort Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion’s Hill and Big Black River Bridge, and had the men that were lost in those battles for the defense of the state, he would have forced Grant to have gone down the river and united his army with the army of Banks, and as Banks Beer is sold surreptitiously to soldiers, it is mixed with was the ranking officer, and is only a political general, whisky to prevent it from spoiling in this hot climate. the whole plan of action would have been changed. It is very intoxicating, and many of our men have The confederacy would have been held together. It is found this out to their sorrow. A keg of beer was pur- now cut in two and it is possible that Vicksburg could chased by some of my company and brought into one have been defended successfully for another year. In of our tents, the men drank very sparingly of it until such an event their confederacy would have probably dress parade was over. The question was what would succeeded in gaining its independence. The rebel genthey do while they were on dress parade. They finally erals sacrificed men, and not property and they lost. decided that Sam Showers who had always been very Had they sacrificed property and saved their men, they temperate should come to me and request permission would probably have won. The war has now evidently to be absent from the company on parade, with the turned against them. Gen. Grant will doubtless soon object of seeing and watching the regiment on dress be promoted and become commander of all Northern parade, something that he had never done, except armies, with unlimited supplies of men and ammuniwhen he was in the ranks, and if I gave him permis- tions of war and the politicians of Washington will not sion he was to remain in the tent and guard the beer be able to interfere with his plans as they have been until their return. I knew nothing of the beer keg and doing with his predecessors. The total destruction of on Sam’s request, gave him permission to be absent Confederacy is now only a question of time. The confrom dress parade. Upon my return from parade with federates can not replace men that they have lost in the the company Sam was lying in front of the tent and as battle of the present war this year. we passed him he spoke to Wm. S___il his comrade, saying “Billy do you think I’ll die.” I dismissed the company to quarters without noticing Sam, and went to my tent where I was soon followed by a committee of two from the beer tent, who told me about the beer, and that Sam, when left alone tasted the beer and soon tasted it again and got drunk, and it made him feel so queer that he was afraid he would die. I cautioned 36

Wed. Aug. 5th. Regimental inspection to day by had to pay exorbitant prices to the settlers for everyCorps. Inspector and then paid for May and June by thing which we purchased from them for nearly two Major Frazer. We now have drill by company every years. day and battalion drill every afternoon, and dress paMon. 17th. We have made things as snug and tidy rade every evening. Sickness is increasing. Troops as possibly in and about our camp today. There is a were more healthy when marching than in Camp, es- breeze from the adjacent lakes, and from the sea or pecially in hot weather Golf of Mexico which makes this a more desirable place to be than in the states where we have been since we came south.

Thurs. 13th. Packed up everything this afternoon and we went on board of the steam boat Autocrat at 5 o’clock p.m. and sailed down the river at 8 o’clock p.m. and arrived at Hutchens Miss. At 8 o’clock next morning. The town is built on a high bluff and but little of it can be seen from the river. At 10 o’clock a.m. we sailed on down the Mississippi, we came to a barge in the after noon which was loaded with Government Tues. 18th. Went to New Orleans to day. It is under stores and towed by a small Marine Steamboat. The Martial Law and is kept very clean. There are a numbarge struck a snag and was rapidly filling. Our steam- ber of men of War Ships anchored in the river in front er was turned around and boats were lowered and both of the city. Their guns are run about half way out of soldiers and sailors went to the barge and saved nearly their port holes. There are some merchant ships tied all of its cargo. Our boat then tied to the river bank for up to the levees. The soldiers were greatly interested the night. Sat. Aug. 15th. Sailed at day light and passed Port Hudson at 7 a.m. where we saw some large guns in position. A large alligator followed our boat for a short distance. It was the first one I ever saw. We passed Baton Rouge at 9 a.m. We are now sailing past beautiful plantations on the Mississippi. The Planter’s houses are large and beautiful, the negro cabins are white and appear to be very clean. The sugar houses are large and mostly built of brick, with slate roofs. The plantations are protected from overflow of the river by levees. We arrived at Carrolton, La. At 9 in the ships. Some of them said that the sights of the o’clock p.m. and remained on board all night. ships more than paid them for their hardships of their Sun. Aug. 16th. We went ashore about 9 o’clock Military Service. They climbed up on the masts and a.m. and remained loitering on and about the levee all sat on the yards and went through the rigging of the evening when we marched about a mile out of town ships to the great astonishment of the sailors. It was and encamped. Many of our men drank freely of liq- with some difficulty that I got my squad of seven men uor which they obtained, several fights occurred and to leave the ships and go through the city. Canal street one man of Co. F. was killed. Carrolton is a suburb of is the fashionable one of the city. There is a bronze New Orleans. It contains a few thousand inhabitants. statue of Henry Clay in it. It is very wide with two We procured meal and well cooked food at reasonable tracks of street railway on its center, which extends for prices, which is something unusual for us. We have three miles to the cemeteries. We enjoyed this ride 37

very much. The post office and custom house is a Thurs. Sept. 3rd. Lt. C.A. Northrup of Co. F died large stone building with a number of cannon in the to day of Congestive chills. We were ordered to pack windows of the upper story. They were put there by up everything tomorrow morning, and be ready to Gen. Butler to shell the city in case of a rebellion. We march after being reviewed by Gen. Hanks and Grant. next visited the French Market and Jackson square, in Sept. 4th. Dr. Joseph Green from Wis. has been apwhich is a statue of Gen. Andrew Jackson, he is pointed assistant Surgeon of our regiment. We struck mounted on his horse and saluting with his hat in his tents and packed our knapsacks and left both with right hand. guard and at 9 ‘o clock a.m. we were reviewed by Gens. Banks and Grant. We received Gen. Grant with cheers. After the reviewing we were ferried over the Mississippi river to Algiers, a town opposite to New Orleans, where we went on board of the cars and were carried seventy miles to Bayou Boef where we arrived at Midnight and bivouacked until morning. We left our sick at Carrolton in charge of Dr. Green. Sat. Sep. 5th. Gen Grant was seriously hurt yesterday by a fall from his horse. Bayou Boef is about 200 yards wide and it is full of Alligators. Its waters are brackish and unfit to drink. We obtain enough water from cisterns on the adjoining plantations for drinking and cooking purposes. Some oranges and sweet potatoes are ripe and they are pillaged from the plantations by soldiers in large quantities, notwithstanding orders The square is surrounded with beautiful residences to the contrary. and churches. The roads and walks in the parks and Sun. Sept. 6th. Day rainy and cool, which is pleasthe lawns are made of sea shell and they are very ant for us. By taking cypress shakes from the fences good. The Marine Hospital is a very impressive struc- and using them and our rubber blankets together, we ture. We returned to camp in the evening, having en- keep dry and comfortable. The soil along Bayou Boef joyed a very pleasant day. The day was cooled by a is very deep and rich. The principle crop raised is sugdrizzling rain a part of the time. There are many or- ar. Our men continue to forage, though they are fully anges growing in and around the city, but they are not supplied with rations, some of them killed a goat the ripe yet. The words, “The Federal Union must and other day as we had goats flesh for a change. shall be Preserved,” are inscribed on Jackson’s monuFriday Sep. 11th. We marched about 7 miles to ment. Brashers City on Berwick Bay in a very hot day. A Aug. 22nd. Our 13th army corps was reviewed to row of orange trees grew along side of the road a part day by Gen. Banks. Troops continued to arrive from of the way. We pulled many oranges off the trees as Vicksburg. I visited New Orleans again on Friday 28th, we came along and eat them. This place is terminus of and completed our muster and pay rolls Aug. 31st. The the railroad from New Orleans. The steamboats run planters within our lines in Louisiana have generally from this place to Galveston, but they have been hired their ex-slaves for $5.00 a month and they are stopped by the war. There are large cisterns of fresh working their sugar plantations. Vegetables and many water here which were used to supply the steamboat kinds of fruit are plentiful and cheap, and are daily with water. They now supply us with water. It tastes hawked through our camps by French people of both of the shingles on which it fell, but rain water is the sexes, who can scold and curse in both French and only water fit to drink in Louisiana. The cisterns are English. The portion of the city of New Orleans below made of wood and they usually are about 20 feet deep Canal Street is nearly all French. Many of our officers in heighth (sic.), and they are open at the top. The wawho have been home on furlough are now returning. ter is warm, but we are glad to get it. We sometimes The health of our command has improved since we walk miles to fill our canteens with rain water at a ciscame to New Orleans. Now we have only sixteen sick tern. men in our regiment. Col. C.L. Harris has returned and he commands our regiment. A number of heavy siege guns have been brought down the river on steamboats. Gen. Grant has arrived from Vicksburg on a visit to Gen. Banks. He wanted to move his army from Vicksburg against Mobile, but he was over ruled by the War Dept. at Washington. 38

Sat. Sept. 12th. There are some gunboats and river increasing among the troops. Chiefly fever and ague steamers in the bay. The naval officers when ashore [chills, sweating]. seem to enjoy horseback riding. There is a strong miliThurs. Oct. 1st. Corporals George Powell, Geo. tary force assembled here now. Some negro regiments Parker, and Leonard Parks who were wounded at are with us, and are rapidly learning to march and per- Vicksburg returned to duty to day. form all of the other duties of a soldier. The soldiers Oct. 3rd. We marched at 6 o’clock a.m. along Baywhen off duty to day have been fishing in the bay. ou Teche. We soon passed the hull of a rebel gunboat They caught large numbers of crabs, which were a that has been sunk across the Bayou to stop naviganew kind of fish to many of the men. tion. We went about 14 miles and then encamped. Sun. 13th. Lt. Col. L. ___. Whittlesey departed for Bayou Teche is about 300 feet wide and very deep, Wisconsin today on a leave of absence. A fatigue par- and it is covered with a plant that has a white flower. ty that was unloading commissary stores at the R.R. The plantations are good, they supply us with oranges, depot raided some settlers tent and some of the party pecans, yams, sweet potatoes, turkeys, sugar for candy have been arrested. Breshers is a small town and it pulls at night, etc. was taken by a dash of a party of confederates when Sun. Oct. 4th. We marched at 6 a.m. and encamped th Gen. Banks was besieging Port Hudson. The 10 Ar- at Franklin, having marched about twelve miles my Corps is here now, nine Brigades of the 13th Army through a country that is well improved, but many of Corps, a passenger train leaves here every day in the the plantations are idle, no crops were planted on them morning for New Orleans, 80 miles distant, and re- this year. We continued our march up Bayou Teche turns at evening. There is an earthwork west of the Oct. 5th and 6th, to New Siberia, where we encamped. town named Fort Buchanan, which was built by the We are now in a prairie country which is high and dry. rebels before New Orleans was taken by our forces in There are large numbers of fat cattle grazing on the 1862. The inhabitants here are American, French, and prairies and the plantations are well stocked with horsEnglish. Nearly all of the American men who are able es and mules. There is a French flag flying on nearly bodied are in the rebel army. But a few of the English every house. There has been some skirmishing with or French are Naturalized and they are under the pro- rebel cavalry every day. We found 8 rebels dead and tection of their respective governments. For several fourteen wounded during the last two days, and we nights the soldiers have been visiting the plantations captured four pieces of cannon. Major Sallada paid us by going up the Bayou in boats and returning with for the months of July and Aug. on the night of Sept. loads of oranges, sweet potatoes, etc., which they 5th. stole, but they say foraged from the planters. By the Thurs. Oct. 8th. Private James H. Allen died to day Generals orders all of the small boats in town were and was buried to day. He was in Co. B. We are restcollected and kept under guard. One dark night a small ing to day in camp. Gen. Washburn is doing his best to boat was stolen from the guard and a number of sol- protect all of the property of the planters, without sucdiers went in it under the commissary store which is cess. The soldiers are well supplied with fresh beef, on the piles and part of the R.R. Warf, and bored holes but they will bury it and take turkeys and chickens up through the floor and into the barrels of whiskey, from the planters to eat instead of beef. and in that way they caught and wasted twelve barrels Oct. 9th. Marched at 6 a.m. and reached St. Martins of commissary whiskey. The general has ordered eve- at noon, having marched 15 miles, where we remained ry officer in the command to pay $5.00 and every en- until 4 o’clock p.m. when we marched six miles furlisted man to pay 50 cents to pay for the liquor. ther and encamped by a creek or Bayou. While we reWeather is warm but the gentle breezes from the gulf mained at St. Martins we were on Provost Guard. The of Mexico make it much more pleasant for us than steamboats are following us up Bayou Teche and they were Arkansas and Mississippi. Sugar is the principle are carrying the sugar found on the plantations, to crop raised on the plantations hereabouts. Lt. A.R. Brasher where it is sent by rail to New Orleans. Wynn returned from Wis. Some regiments and batterSat. Oct. 10th. Co. G is two years in the U.S. miliies cross over the bay to Berwick every day. We tary service today. We marched ten miles to Vermilcrossed over on Friday Sept. 25th and encamped about lion Bayou and encamped by the 19th A. Company a mile from the village. The latter is all destroyed ex- which was building a bridge over the Bayou in place cept a few houses. While on dress parade during the of the one burnt by the rebels as they retreated. Oct. 13th. We were inspected to day by Gen. Ord. He evening of Sept. 26th a runaway horse ran through our company and severely injured Private ____Whitmore, sent Col. Shunk to New Orleans under arrest for not preso that he had to be taken to the Hospital. Maj. Gen. venting his men for foraging on their own account. Washburn is now with us. He came to our regiment on the 21st and remained until Dress parade. The remaining days of September have all been rainy. Sickness is 39

Oct. 22nd. Lt. A.B. Wynn has resigned his commisNov. 3rd. An election for state officers was held in sion as 1st Lt. and I have been recommended to the the Wisconsin Regiments to day. Our regiment gave Governor for promotion in his stead. He lost his health the republican ticket, headed by James T. Lewis 264 and he probably will not live long. Capt. Wynn has votes and the democratic ticket, headed by Palmer 3 been on Staff duty since leaving New Orleans and I votes. Col. L. H. Whittlesey returned to day from have commanded Co. G. during the time. Gen. Ord is Wis., and assumed command of the regiment. There sick and he has gone to New Orleans. Gen. Washburn has been a battle of Carrion Crow today. The rebels now commands our Corps, and Gen. Lawler our divi- attacked A.J. Smith’s division by surprise and took sion. Hundreds of citizens have come into our lines many prisoners which they immediately paroled. Col. during the last week and taken oath of allegiance to J.J. Guppy of the 23rd Wis. Inf. was one of them. The the U.S. Government. The federal troops in our front weather while we have been in camp here has been retreat towards Opelousas as we advance. pleasant. Fri. Oct. 23rd. We broke camp at 5 o’clock a.m. Fri. Nov. 6th. We were early under arms and we and in a cold drenching rain made 12 miles to Carrion marched about two miles north of town and formed in Crow Bayou, and on Oct. 24th we marched 10 miles line of battle and waited an attack of the enemy, but further to Opelousas and encamped two miles from it. no attack was made. The enemy remained skirmishing As we marched along a mounted skeleton of a man with the troops far in our rear. was found in the residence of a physician. Some solNov. 7th. The wounded from Carrion Crow were diers carried it out and hung it up to the branch of a brought here today. I visited them and found Wm. H. tree and put a hard tack in its mouth and it remained Harris and Washington of Co. K. 23rd Regt. Wis. Inf. there while the Army marched buy. among the wounded. The report is that James Hilliard Oct. 25th. Sunday. Our advance piquet continues and Wm. Hilliard of their company were killed in the to skirmish with the army daily. Some of our soldiers battle of Carrion Crow. who straggled from camp to day were captured by the Nov. 8th. Broke camp early and reached Berwich enemy. We were inspected Monday by our division Tues. the 10th where we went into camp, having inspector. We here today that Gen. Banks will now marched over 250 miles since we left it on the 3rd day abandon this expedition. of Oct. through wet and stormy weather. We suffered th Sat. 27 . We marched 12 miles on the back track much from exposure as our knapsacks were left in to Carrion crow Bayou. Next day we rested and I com- New Orleans by order of our commanding General. menced to make our roster and pay rolls for Sept. and Had we had our tents and knapsacks along we could Oct. There was a rumor in camp today that the enemy have made ourselves comfortable during the chilly is pressing the 19th Army corps which is in our rear, rainy weather. As far as I can see our expedition has but it proved to be untrue. It was the reason of our re- been a fruitless one. maining in camp here today. Wed. Nov. 11th. The ground this morning is white th Oct. 29 . Marched back to Vermillion Bayou with frost. through mud and rain. The late rains have filled the Nov. 13th. A part of our 1st Brigade was taken away cisterns and we can now obtain a plentiful supply of to day down the Bay of the Gulf on Ocean Steamrain water to drink. A large mail was brought to us this boats. evening and I received both letters and papers from Nov. 14th. A portion of our Brigade crossed over home, which lessened the fatigue of the day. the bay at Brashear City to day and were taken by railOct. 30th. Marched 22 miles to New Iberia through road to New Orleans and went to Algers opposite to mud and rain. Many hundreds of cattle have been tak- New Orleans and went into camp. The weather during en on the prairies by order of Gen. Banks and taken to our stay at Berwick was fine. New Orleans for use of the army. Nov. 18th. We got our knapsacks to day and found st Oct. 31 . We were mustered to day by Co. Harris. that everything of value had been taken out of them. It Co. “G” has four sergeants, five corporals and 17 Pri- is quite a loss to some. The government will never pay vates present for duty, three presently sick, and 19 ab- us for what was stolen. I went over to New Orleans sent sick and wounded, on detached service two, on and noticed that it now has a brisk trade in cotton and extra duty one, total rank and file in Co. G. Oct 31st sugar. The 19th army corps is still in the Teche country 1863 fifty one. There are about 360 men for duty in forwarding large quantities of Cotton and sugar and our regiment at present. cattle, horses and mules for army use. Sun. Nov. 1st. A few of our soldiers were caught foraging this morning and they were placed under guard and compelled to carry their burdens of forage all day. 40

Thurs. Nov. 19th. Maj. J.S. Miller and one man were ferried over to St. Joseph’s Island and then from each company have gone to Wis. on recruiting marched after Gen. Washburn. I am to remain with service for the regiment. We went on board of the our baggage here until my company arrives from Point steamboat Thomas A. Scott and sailed across the river Isabel. At night fall a furious storm of wind and sleet to New Orleans. The 22nd regiment Iowa Inf. and a began. Our men on the island who have only their rubbattery of artillery are on the scout with us. The re- ber blankets to shelter them must suffer fearfully to mainder of the day was spent taking rations and other night. Military store on board. Many of the officers and men Nov. 28th. The storm last night beat down our tents. went to the Theatres at night and some got drunk and The rain and sleet ceased falling this morning, but the were arrested. wind blew a gale all day, it blew sand in clouds. When th Nov. 20 . It is two years to the day since we left we attempted to cook anything the victuals were Wisc. At 12 o’clock noon we sailed down the Miss. spoiled with the drifting of sand. Our only fuel is drift River and every one on board enjoyed the pleasant wood from the beach which is wet with salt water. sights along the river banks. We were all asleep when Nov. 29th. The wet sand was frozen this morning to our steamer passed out of the river into the golf. a depth of two inches. The norther continued until Sat. Nov. 21st. The steamer rolled enough to make Monday night, when it abated. nearly all of us seasick. The sea air rusted our gun barTues. Dec. 1st. The storm is over and all is quiet rels, our appetite took wings and left us. Long before and serene here today. I visited a rude fort today night many were asking if we could not return by land, amongst the sand hills which was built by the rebels to when we should have come back, they had enough of defend the Pass. It is of little value for such a purpose. the sea already. Night brought no relief. I gathered oysters and made an oyster stew, roast etc. Sun. Nov. 22nd. We saw a schooner to day and Dec. 5th. Co. “G” arrived from Point Isabel to day soon over took her, when a gun was fired and she on the Steamboat Alabama. We put twenty thousand hove to, when Col. Whittlesey was out on board and rations on board and remained at anchor all night. Day when he returned he reported that she was a prize has been windy. Our six companies reached Gen. loaded with cotton which had been captured by our Washburn after much suffering from exposure, after Blockade squadron, and she was going to New Orle- Fort Esperanza had been evacuated by the rebels. ans in charge of a prize crew Dec. 6th. The Alabama sailed at 6 a.m. and entered rd Nov. 23 . We arrived at the mouth of the river Rio Matagorda Bay at 2 p.m. and we were landed at Grande at noon to day and saw a large fleet of ships at Decrow’s point opposite to Fort Esperanza, and the anchor outside the Bar. The entrance is so shallow that extreme point of Matagorda Peninsula. We were glad passengers and freight have to be carried into the river to reach ashore again for the sea was very rough and on small boats. The little steamer “Can. Banks” was we were nearly all seasick. soon alongside and took Company’s A, C, E, and G, except four men and myself and our baggage with Col. Whittlesey, ashore and landed them on shore at Point Isabel, Texas. Before that the little steamer could return for us a norther sprang up and rolled around in the ocean all night and on Tues. Nov. 24th a gale was blowing which abated during the afternoon when a ship came to us with orders to go to Aransas Pass. Wed. Nov. 25th. We arrived at Aransas Pass at noon when a small steamer took us ashore with our baggage and landed us on Mustang Island. The wind Dec. 7th. The regiment was united today at is high and the ocean very rough. The coast of Texas Decrow’s Point, and we had Battalion drill and dress from the Rio Grande here looks to be a desert. parade on Wed. Dec. 9th. Which makes us feel like at th Thurs. 26 . Gen. Banks is here and there are more home again. troops here than at Point Isabel. Aransas Pass is the Thurs. Dec. 10th. When out on Battalion Drill toentrance to the Bay of Corpus Christie and it has Mus- day Gen. Lawler came and drilled us about an hour. tang Island on the south and St. Joseph Island on the He did it well. The weather is now pleasant. Watagornorth. Gen. Washburn with a strong force marched da Peninsula is about 60 miles in length and separates down the coast two days ago to attack Ft. Esperanza at Matagorda Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. It is very the entrance to Matagorda Bay. sandy and covered with scattering bunches of grass. Fri. 27th. The six companies of our regiment here There is some drift wood on the beach from which we took five days rations in their haversacks today and cut our firewood. 41

Sat. 12th. Moved camp about half a mile this forenoon. At dark the regiment went on board of the steamboat Alabama, which then anchored out in the bay all night. Sun. Dec. 13th. We weighed anchor and sailed 25 miles up the Bay to Powder horn and landed on a long wharf and then marched up town, to the tune of Yankee Doodle. We broke into the jail but there were no prisoners in it. The town has a population of perhaps 500 inhabitants. The houses are poor and wharves are mostly burnt. The inhabitants are apparently poor and seem to have very little to eat. The vicinity seems to be mostly tide marsh and many cattle were grazing over it. There is another town called Indianola about two miles from Powderhorn, but we did not go to it. We soon returned to our steamboat and sailed back to camp. On the Bay we passed the iron foundation of a light house that has in some way been destroyed. Day quite windy. We are now becoming accustomed to the rolling of a boat, so that we are not seasick in a gale. Dec. 17th. Another norther and a cold day. At night we often see the signal lights of the rebels across the Bay. The lights are of different colors and by changing their positions according to certain prescribed rules the rebels can communicate with one another, as far as their lights can be seen. Dec. 18th. Our regiment was inspected to day by Corps. Inspector. Dec. 19th. Unloading a steamboat today. Dec. 23rd. Our camp and quarters were inspected to day by the Medical Director of our Division. As all of our rations for men and animals have to be brought in small steamboats from the ships, which remain outside Thurs. Dec. 31st. Nearly all of our tents were of the bar at the entrance of the Bay, we are some- blown down last night. Today is very cold. We were times very short on rations and continued storm which mustered to day by Col. C.L. Harris. Food is very prevents our steamer going out to the ships. The water scarce, hard tack that we had thrown away as unfit for at the entrance is too shallow for large vessels to enter food, has all been gathered up by our men and greedithe Bay. Our men when off duty spend much time ly eaten. There is food in plenty on the ships in sight gathering sea shells on the beach. on the gulf, but the rough weather outside will not perFri. Dec. 25th. 1863. A number of settlers have ar- mit our small boats to go outside the bar. Some of our rived with goods such as are usually sold by them, soldiers have attempted to take the steamer planter which they sell at exorbitant prices. Christmas is pass- over the bar to the ships, but they were forced to reing very quietly. A flag of truce came in from the bay turn without accomplishing their object. To most of us the other evening, when a crowd of officers and sol- in the Regiment 1863 has been the most eventful year diers went over to it. Gen. Lawler called out a Regi- of our lives. Lt. Gen. Grant is now in Washington and ment and surrounded the crowd at the Bay and drilled he has command of all of our armies. Maj. Gen. W.T. it nearly all night. Sherman is now waning. It will not last much longer than another year. Maj. Gen. Banks began his military career a Maj. Gen. He is not doing much with this army and he never will. Troops from New Orleans arrive daily.

42

-1864Fri. Jan 1st. 1884. The weather continues windy. or fuel, our situations are very disagreeable. People There was ice on the pools of water this morning. The say that this is the coldest weather in 19 years. 23rd Regt. of Wis. Inf. arrived from New Orleans to Wed. Jan 6th. We marched to Indianola Texas, this day. We now find it very difficult to procure wood to morning where we found a number of vacant houses cook the small quantity of food that we do have. in which we have taken quarters. Some of the poorer houses we pulled down for fuel. Indianola is between two and three miles from Powderhorn. Before the war it contained about one thousand inhabitants. There are two lone trees in sight far away on the prairie, which is good pasturage for thousands of cattle. The wharves are nearly all destroyed. The people are chiefly Germans. There are perhaps two dozen of small windmills on the tops of posts which are set in the ground. To every windmill there is a small steel mill about as large as a coffee mill, which grinds the corn for its owner. The able bodied men are away in the rebel army. Jan. 2nd Regiment in a rainstorm went on board of Sat. Jan 9th. Co. G. took a train of wagons and the Steamboat Warrior and departed to Maj. Gen. C. went on the prairie about three miles and pulled a C. Washburn at Fort Esperanza, who ordered us back large frame house to pieces and hauled it to town for to our camp. We obeyed. firewood. Co. “__” has been detailed to grind corn for Jan 3rd. A detail of men are at work in the rain the regiment, with the little steel wind mills. We remaking riflepits. ceived about half a pint of cornmeal per man a day. Jan. 4th. Our Brigade packed up and went on board We now have plenty of fresh beef, but no salt to seaof Steamers in the Bay. The 11th Wis. is on the Mata- son it. There are oyster beds in the Bay. Many of our moros. We sailed up the Bay to Powderhorn in a storm men borrow boats and tongs from the citizens and of wind and rain. The soldiers found the sailors hard- bring in large quantities of oysters. Regiments which tack and ate it so that the men on the steamboat had no are now in their third year of Military service are by bread for supper. The Matamoros got fast on a bank orders from the War Department at Washington pernear the end of the wharf and remained fast aground mitted to re-enlist for another three years. They are to all night. The cold was intense. Our men suffered se- be called Veteran Volunteers, to be discharged with verely with cold during the time, except a few of who pay to date, and receive one hundred dollars of bounty went down into the hold and slept comfortable until for their first term of service and to be paid four hunmorning. dred dollars as bounty for their second term of service, Tues. Jan. 5th. The storm continues. The spray and to receive a furlough of one month at their ____ from the large waves freezes when it strikes us. The respective commands in the field at the expense of the sailors succeed in reaching and climbing the wharf to U.S. Government. There is little talked about now by which they tied a strong ladder and also a block and the men but reenlisting. The weather is still cold. Lt. tackle by which the Yawl was pulled back and forth I.W. Hunt, our regimental adjutant commenced to day between the steamer and the wharf. Our regiment was to re-enlist each man of our regiment as desires to carried to the wharf on the Yawl, six at a time, when continue in the Military service for three years longer. they climbed up on the wharf by a ladder and went A regiment of rebels now daily, and sometimes in the into the town and found six sheep which they killed, night, ride over the prairie towards us, which keeps us cooked and ate. Lt. Col. Whittlesey gave a horse to the continually on the alert night and day, lest they will owner of the sheep to pay him for them. We are on make a dash into town and take us by surprise. We are half rations. Col. Whittlesey did not mention the mat- at Indianola alone on our post duty. The other regiter to his men. Gen. Banks is very severe upon officers ments of our Brigade are at Powderhorn. whose men take anything from the inhabitants even to Sun. Jan. 24th. Sergt. J.W. Dodge and Privates Anappease their hunger. He is good at feeding his men if son Calkin, Eleazar Moon, and Gulick B. Johnson rehe has a chance which the severe weather does not turned to Company from General Hospital. permit. He is no soldier, he will soon abandon this expedition without having accomplished anything. We are quartered in vacant houses and having little food 43

Jan. 25th. Maj. N. Dana now commands the troops marches in which we participated to gether will rehere, vice Banks, who has returned to New Orleans. main with us through life. At Powderhorn we went on Gen. Benton has command of our Division, vice board of the steamboat Planter which took us to Washburn. Col. Harris has brought our Brigade to- Decrow’s Point, where we bivouacked on the ground. gether at this place and established his head quarters Feb. 15th. We remained near to the 23rd Wis. Inf. here. We now have a Battery which can fire at the re- last night and I met some old neighbors in the regibels quarters here on the prairie, which keeps them at ment. At noon the left wing of our regiment, which, a safe distance. We some days followed them several with Lt. Col. Whittlesey in command, had gone on miles on the prairie, but as they were on horses and we board of the Iron Steamer Sophia, sailed for New Oron foot, we never got within rifle shot of them. leans. Our vessel was built to run on the Chesapeake th Jan. 29 . Over three hundred of the 370 men for Canal and is of 370 tons burden. There is a good sailduty in our Regiment have re-enlisted. Col. Whittlesey ing breeze but the sea is very rough. has gone to New Orleans to make necessary arrangeTues. Feb. 16th. A gale is blowing from the north. ments for our discharge trip to Wisconsin Etc. The Many of us are sick. Our vessel is light and sits high in 33rd Ill. Inf. has re-enlisted and it has gone to New Or- the water, which catches wind like a sail and we are a leans on its way to Ill. The following order was read to blowing out of our course. us today: Feb. 17th. The wind is now blowing a hurricane, and it increased in fury all day, and on Thursday Headquarters U.S. Forces Texas, Pass Cavallas, Jan. morning the 18th the oldest seaman on board said that 23/24. General order No. 21 The field officer of the he had never seen anything worse. We are now over a day for Jan. 23rd 1864 has called the attention of the hundred miles out of our course. Few on board expect Major general commanding, to the perfection of in- the Sophia to reach port. Fri. Feb. 19th. The storm is over and we are steamstruction discovered in the piquet line and guards of the 11th Wis. Vols. The command General acknowl- ing toward the Mississippi river, which we reached at edges in these soldiers, the qualities which he hereto- 8 o’clock a.m. Saturday the 20th of February, just three fore heard they possessed. Such proficiency reflects months after we sailed from it for Texas. Though the honor on the officers and proves the existence of an morning was foggy, we know by the little spots of Esprit du Corps, which not only makes their state, but muddy water that we saw floating on the surface of the ocean that we were nearing the Mississippi. Soon the northwest proud. the sea was covered with muddy water, but the propelBy order of Maj. Gen N.J.T. Dana ler of the vessel would raise clear water for a time and Signed B.O. Brown, Capt. And A.A.G. R.E Jackson, then all clear water disappeared from the stern and we Capt. and A.A.A. Gen Official. soon after entered the Miss. River, sailing past great st Mon. Feb. 1 . Gen. Hamilton, Military governor banks of clay as we entered the river. What a pleasure of Texas has arrived and established his capital for the it is to be sailing up the river after the great storm of state at Powderhorn. The rebel cavalry continually Wed. and Thursday. There is a little town called hover about us without ever making an attack on us, or Balize, at the mouth of the river. We passed Forts awaiting an attack from us. [If] We mounted horses Jackson and St. Phillip at 3 o’clock p.m. they have been greatly improved since they were taken from the too they could not escape from us so often. rebels. There are about two hundred guns mounted in Feb. 4th. On fatigue duty making rifle pits. Feb. 5th. Our first Brigade marched off toward Port then, many of them in casemates. The troops which we left in Texas are now being moved back to LouisiLavaca to day. As usual rebels in sight. Feb. 7th. We were reviewed to day by Maj. Gen. ana to go up the Teche country again and perhaps red River. Day pleasant. Ordan Dans. th Sun. Feb. 21st. We arrived at the Levee at New OrFeb. 8 . We are ordered to New Orleans. Commenced to make our muster and pay rolls. Those of leans at day break. At 3 o’clock p.m. we marched to our regiment who did not re-enlist are called non- the Factor’s press on Tchoupitoulas St. where we have veterans. They were transferred to the 23rd Wis. Inf. on comfortable quarters. Feb. 22nd. This is Washington’s Birthday and Wed. Feb. 10th. We had everything ready for muster th th and discharge on Friday Feb. 12 . Feb. 13 we were many salutes have been fired from the cannon in the mustered into the U.S. Military service as Veteran city, and from the fleet in the river. Also there is an Volunteers for three years by Lt. Minehold of the reg- election of State Officers in Louisiana to day, preparatory it entering the Union as a free state. We are alular army. Sun. Feb 14th. We marched to Powderhorn accom- ways happy when we can spend a few days in New panied by the 21st-22nd and 23rd Regts. Iowa Inf. where Orleans. Day pleasant. we parted with sadness. Memories of the battles and 44

Feb. 23rd. The right wing of our regiment arrived drums to the monster band of musicians, and forty last night. Went to St. Charles theater, at night to see a men beat upon anvils with hammers for cymbals. The panorama of the war. The following list contains the school children sang songs. Michael Kahn was then names of all the officers in Co. “G” that were mus- sworn in Governor of the state of Louisiana, and detered into the U.S. service by Lt. Minehol on Feb. 13th livered an address. He was followed by Gen. Banks, 1864 at Indianola Texas. Capt. Dudley C. Lyman who spoke more briefly. I could not hear a word of 1st.Sergt. Wm. S. McCready, 2nd Sergt. Elias _illington either address, from where I stood, the distance was 3rd Sergt. Jerome Calkins. Corporals Geo. Baker, Geo. too great. Then followed more singing and music and Farwell, Leonard H. Parks, Albert Fisher, Albert Bax- bell ringing. Our four regiments of Inf. fired a few ter. Musicians, Hall Spink, Stephen Calkins, and 18 rounds of blank cartridges and the grandest and greatPrivates were also mustered. est celebration that any of us had ever witnessed was Sat. 27th. Twenty-four recruits were mustered into ended. our regiment to day. The men are enjoying themselves every day in the unit awaiting their pay, and very often going to the theatre at night. Miss Emma Madden is the star at the St. Charles Theatre, Lawrence Barrett Jr. Mrs. Viola Barret and Dan Satchell at the Varieties. Nearly all of the plays in the latter are from Shakespeare. Sun. Feb. 28th. A number of us went to Sunday school at a Baptist Church, and then to Divine service in an Episcopal Church. In the afternoon we went to Vespers in a Catholic Church. Tues. March 1st to Thursday March 3rd. turning our arms and equipment over that are worn and drawing new ones instead, and drawing and issuing new clothing etc., has kept the officers busy. Many are buying presents for friends at home. Mrs. Beauregard, wife of the rebel General of note, is dead, and she will be buried in this city tomorrow. Michael K. Kahn will At night the whole regiment marched to the St. be inaugurated governor of Louisiana in La Porette Charles Theatre (above). It was benefit night of Miss Square here to morrow which will make to morrow an Emma Madden. The plays were of the “Little Treasinteresting day in New Orleans. ure,” and “The French Spy.” Lafayette Square was th Fri. March 4 1864. At sunrise a salute was fired beautifully illuminated. by artillery and nearly all of the bells in the city were Sun. March 6th. Went to a Baptist Church in Camp rung. At the eleventh hour we were informed that our street in the evening where was divine service, and an regiment must march at 10 o’clock to La Fayette ordination of two ministers. Square to the inauguration of Gov. Kahn, instead of an March 9th. We were paid off to day, receiving both eastern regiment that could not take part in the cere- pay dues and bounty. Col. Harris took off our Camp mony. All was hurry with us and get ready. At the ap- guard and told the men he would trust them not to pointed time we marched to La Fayette square where ramble through the city with money in their pockets we found a large platform erected and seats sufficient and lose it. He said that he took them all to be manly to seat about six thousand people bult in a semi circle enough to conduct themselves in such a way that when on one side of it, and about 70 pieces of cannon on the they arrived at their homes that their relations and outside of the circle of seats. The park is adorned with friends would be proud of them. Day rainy. Some regflags, laurel etc. about 5,000 children from the public iments when paid have been guarded until they were schools, in charge of their teachers, soon arrived and on board of the ocean Steamer and sailed for New were seated in the semi circle. They were followed by York. the 1st Regiment U.S. Inf. 13th Regiment Massachusetts Inf. and the 37th Reg. Ill. Inf., which formed be- *Telegraph lines at that time, were powered with the side the 11th Wis. A Mr. Gilmore has a Brass Band of use of batteries, and it’s entirely possible that a telethree hundred musicians selected from all of the graph key was hooked through wires to the cannon Bands of this department of the Gulf. Gen. Banks and fuse and when the key was pressed, a spark would igmany officers, Gov. Elect Kahn, and many others ar- nite the fuse and fire the cannon rived and were seated. The Band played, and cannon were fired by electricity* and there were the brass 45

Thurs. 10th. Day pleasant, and it was pleasant to go arrived at Cairo Ill at night and tied up till morning. on board of the Steamboat Empire City, and at 5 Sat. March 19th. At 8 o’clock a.m. we landed and remained in the town until 9 o’clock p.m. when we left Cairo for Chicago on a train on the Illinois Central Ry. The buds have not yet appeared on the trees. We feel the change of climate keenly. Mon. March 21st. We arrived at Chicago at 8 o’clock a.m. and marched to the Soldiers rest, where we partook of a good breakfast which we needed very much, as we were not very well supplied with edibles since leaving Cairo. We arrived at Madison Wis. at 9 o’clock p.m. and were received at the Depot of the C.&N.W. railroad by Gov. Lewis and others. They had a good supper prepared for us at the railroad Hotel. The right wing of the Regiment then marched to o’clock p.m. sail for home with every man in the regi- Fairchild’s Hall, and the left wing to the City Hall ment sober and with a goodly sum of money in his where we remained all night. It is just two years since pocket. Some of our men have no homes to go to, but we slept in Madison before. The ice is yet on the four if their conduct is good they will find friends. Henry Lakes, and there is some snow on the ground so that Armstrong of our Co. G. was taken sick and dis- we may yet have some sleigh rides. charged from hospital and sent to Wisconsin. He had Tue. 22nd. We marched to the Front of the Capital no home but he was found by Mrs. Carville Tayler, and returned our flags to Gov. Lewis and received sister of the three Calkins Bros., of our company, who new ones from him. He delivered an address to the took him home with her and tenderly nursed him until Regiment, the Sec. of the state, Lucius Fairchild, and he died. He was then buried by sympathizing friends Maj. Morgan each spoke briefly, we them returned to at Mazomanie, Wis. Henry May of Co. G was wound- quarters where we awaited our furloughs which have ed at Vicksburg, Miss. May 22nd 1863. He said that he to be countersigned by the Commander of the Post. I had no home to go to. He carried water forward to use received my commission as 1st Lt. of Co. “G”. Adjufor a few days, in the trenches, when he was taken ill tant Gaylord said that my papers had been mislaid and and sent to general Hospital at Memphis, Tenn. Where lost, and that was the cause of the delay. There is no he died and was buried at Memphis. mustering officer here so I have to await muster in my Fri. March 11th. At 9 o’clock a.m. we passed Ba- new rank until after we return from furlough. ton Rouge and Port Hudson soon after. The atmosWed. March 23rd. I arrived at home about 11 phere is cool this morning, but we are comfortable in o’clock p.m. after an absence of two years, two quarters on the Empire city. She is a fast sailor, and is months and ten days, and found our family all at one of the steamers that run past the Batteries at home, and well, except a brother who is buried in the Vicksburg, and at Grand Gulf and ferried some of our battlefield of Arkansas Post. My father met me at the troops across the Mississippi river to Bruinsburg Miss. Depot at Spring Green about 8 o’clock and we drove on April 30th 1863. The vegetation has changed great- home in the night. Our 30 days of furlough soon exly since we left New Orleans yesterday. pired. It seemed good to be at home again, visiting or Sat. March 12 1864. Passed Grand Gulf at 2 p.m. being visited by friends. No duty calls by a bugle or and reached Vicksburg at 8 p.m. where we remained drum. No revile in the morning, no taps at night. The all night and until Monday the 14th at 2 o’clock a.m. men who re-enlisted and returned on furlough are all when we again sailed up the river in that time our healthy. All who were sick were transferred to the 23rd steamer coaled and took on board horses, mules and Wis. Inf. We find the cool weather of Wis. quiet invigmilitary stores of various kinds, and soldiers in suffi- orating. We would all be but too happy to remain here. cient numbers to crowd us on the boat. I attended the Town Meeting of the town of Troy, and Thurs. 17th. We reached Memphis where we un- I saw more able-bodied men there than I have seen in loaded mules, horses and part of our cargo and the sol- one place during my service in the south. The town diers taken on at Vicksburg went on shore. We now votes money and hires substitutes from other towns to begin to feel the cold of the north quite keenly. All fill its quota of soldiers, so there are no drafts in Troy. vegetation was rank in the parks in New Orleans, where we left a week ago, here the buds are just bursting on the trees. Friday 18th. Sailed from Memphis at noon. Some of our men who stayed too long in the city got left. We 46

Thurs. April 21st. Parted from home and friends again today. The parting was not so tender as it was in 1861 when we were going to the war. Father took me to Spring Green where I took the train to Milwaukee where I arrived towards evening, and I stopped at the Newhall Hotel, now the best hotel in Milwaukee, April 22nd. Went out to Camp Washburn. It is low and wet. It is about two miles from the hotel, but few of this regiment were yet in camp. Michael Murphy of Co. “G” died during his furlough. Elias Billington, Geo. Baker and Hall Spink got married while on furlough. Angus McDonald of Co. “A” and John Sewright of Co. “C” received commissions as 1st Lts. April 25th. Left Milwaukee by railroad for Chicago at 5 o’clock and arrived there at 9 o’clock p.m. we then marched to the Soldiers rest where we got supper. We then marched to the Depot of the Ill. Central R.R. Pontoon Bridge and got on cars for Cairo about midnight. All of my company is present except Heigh Sharkey. The weather while in Milwaukee was rainy, so I saw but very are tired and footsore. little of the city. The streets were very muddy, so were May 4th. Marched 22 miles to Balwar over a very the streets in Chicago. dusty road. The day was quite warm and many of our Wed. April 27th. We arrived at Cairo Ill at 3 men, especially our new recruits, gave out. The couno’clock a.m. and remained in town during the day and try is well improved, crops look well, especially went on board of the Steamboat G.W. Graham at night wheat, which has been extensively sewn. One of Co. and sailed down the Miss. At 3 o’clock Thurs. April “D” was hurt by the wheel of a wagon going over his 28th. The steamer is crowded with soldiers and passen- foot. gers. We have gotten but little sleep or rest since we Thurs. May 5th. A number of our men who gave left Milwaukee so we are all very much fatigued. out yesterday were sent back to Memphis this mornApril 29th. We arrived at Memphis Tenn. At 6 ing. We marched at 8 o’clock and reached Middleton, o’clock a.m. Gen Washburn is in command at Mem- a city of one log house and a foundation of an old mill, phis. He ordered us ashore. We landed, drew new having marched 20 miles, going three miles out of our tents, and encamped on a very beautiful camp ground way. The land is rough and poor soil. about a mile from the city. Afternoon and evening Friday the 6th. Marched at 5 o’clock a.m. and were rainy. A man named Smith was hung here today reached Ruckersville, Miss. Where we encamped, for furnishing the rebels with supplies and smuggling. having marched 22 miles. We are not far from Ripley. April 30th. Resting today. Making muster and pay Country is poor. Land is covered with timber. Soil rolls, and we were mustered by Col. Harris. We are light. Water scarce and poor. Day quite hot. ordered to be ready to march on Monday with three Sat. May 7th. Marched 20 miles to day and endays rations in our haversacks. camped on Hall’s Plantation between Lamar and SaMonday May 2nd. We left Memphis by railroad at lem. We are now in a better improved neighborhood. 8 o’clock a.m. and at Wolf Creek, 36 miles from Cotton is the principle crop. Soil is sandy. On piquet Memphis, we found the bridge burnt and we left the guard tonight. train. Jacob Enadel got a foot badly crushed between Sun. May 8th. We are resting in camp to day in orthe bumpers of two cars and we sent him back to der to collect forage for out animals. Some of them Memphis on the train. We then marched about five have eaten no grain for 48 hours. Since leaving Memmiles towards Moscow, Tenn. and lay down on the phis we have found no corn until today. Every animal ground and slept until morning. We left our tents and of value and nearly all of the grain have been taken by baggage at Memphis. Forrest’s cavalry. They are hovering around us, but we Tues. May 3rd. We suffered with cold last night. are on foot and cannot bring them to an engagement. We marched at daylight and soon crossed a stream There is a negro regiment with us which is very well about 100 feet wide, on a Pontoon Bridge, that we drilled and make a fine appearance. Each man has a have with us. We marched through Moscow which is piece of red cloth tied to his musket as a sign that he nearly all burned. We marched all day and encamped asks no quarter [mercy] and will give none. They reabout two miles beyond Somerville, having marched member the massacre of Negro soldiers at Fort Ranabout twenty miles. Day has been very warm, and we dolph. Some of our men were mistaken for rebels this 47

afternoon and we formed in line of Battle. The 7th Bat- trict of La Fourche. Some of our piquet were driven in tery of Wis. Artillery is with us. this afternoon by a squad of rebel cavalry. Day very Mon. May 9th. We marched 22 miles to the Rail- warm. road at Wolf Creek and going on board of the cars arSun. May 22nd. Last night there was a lively fight rived in Memphis about midnight. Our expedition has between the two piquet lines. There the gunboats fired amounted to nothing, only mounted men should be a broadside of shell, which came near our camp going sent after other mounted troops. The country through too high to do any harm. An officer soon came on which we marched is very rolling and it is very much shore with apologies. He stated that the gunboats had washed on the hillsides. The soil is of a reddish color, turned with the tide unnoticed by the officer of the and it produces crops of good quality. Most of our deck, who ordered the wrong broadside of guns loaded men coming directly from home without army shoes and fired. The guns were aimed too high or the consewere not prepared for such a march. quences might have been serious to some of us. May 10th. In camp at Memphis. There are many Thurs. May 25th. Discharged to day per order beautiful residences near to our camp. Gen. Washburn from headquarters department of the gulf. has seized nearly all of the horses found in the city, for May 29th. Officers of the guard to day. Co. D has the use of the army. Gen. Banks marched his army up been at Bayou Louis since the 25th inst. The weather is Red River, and he has been defeated with great loss of very warm. Lt. Col. Whittles commands the regiment men and material, and he is retreating, but for Gen. and Col. Harris commands the post of Brasher City. A.H. Smith, his army would very likely have been de- Co. “E” was sent to Tigerville Monday. stroyed or captured. The fleet of gunboats was saved Mon. June 1st. There were some houses burnt over by Lt. Col. Bailey of Wis., who built wing dams on the Bayou last night. Our piquets had another fight the Red River and raised the water on the shallow so today. Day rainy. high that the fleet was able to float over them and esSat. June 4th. There was quite a brisk fight at the cape. So much for our American Political General. outposts last night. Some of our men killed an alligaToday has been rainy and unpleasant. There are many tor today. He had attacked a dog, when he was seen troops passing up the river to Cairo, probably going to and killed. He was eight foot nine inches in length. Sherman at Chattanooga. June 5th. Mustered into service to day to date May th th Wed. May 11 . We packed up everything and em- 16 by Lt. Daugherty of the Regular army. barked on the Steamer Ike Davis at 2 o’clock p.m. Our Mon. 6th. I was detailed to day as acting Regimenboat was a blockade runner and was taken by some of tal quartermaster. Co. K went to Tigerville to reour war vessels. I is the swiftest steamer that we have enforce Co. E for an expected attack of guerrillas who of our war vessels. It is the swiftest steamer that we infest the swamps in that vicinity. The 13th New York have ever sailed on. The Mississippi river is not nearly Inf. and the 33rd Ill. Inf. are here with us. There are so high as it was on this time last year. We passed negro troops in the fort across the Bay which have a Helena soon after dark. Napoleon at day light. Thurs- fight with rebels every day. We have been well supday, Lake providence at 3 o’clock p.m. and we arrived plied with new potatoes, black berries and oysters, at Vicksburg at dark and remained all night. since we came here. Lt. C.C. Mayer is at Terra Bonne. Fri. May 13th. We sailed at 8 o’clock a.m. and ar- All of our men are now furnished with muskets and rived at Natchez at 5 p.m. and at the mouth of the Red netting to protect from mosquitos at night. Last night River at 10 o’clock p.m. and we arrived at New Orle- and today has been rainy. ans at noon on Sat. May 14th, when we were ordered Tues. June 7th. Went to Terra Bonne to day. to Carrollton eight miles up the river where we landed June 9th. Gen. K___il reviewed the troops here tord th and encamped. Here we found the 33 Ill. 11 Indians day. Received the quartermaster stores belonging to and one half of the 22nd Iowa Inf. Day cool and pleas- our regiment to day, and went to Terra Bonne. ant. June 10th. About 700 Infantry which included sevth th May 16 and 17 . Were spent in New Orleans en companies of our regiment, 100 cavalry and a Battrying to be mustered as 1st Lt., but without success. tery of Artillery all under command of Col. Day of the May 18th. On camp guard. Regiment paid by Maj. 13th New York, embarked and were taken a few miles Sallada. up Bayou Tesha, where they landed and marched to May 19th. Struck tents and embarked on the steam- Pottersonville, skirmishing often with the enemy. In er Red Ray and were landed at Algiers opposite to the evening they returned to Barnahers. Day very New Orleans where we boarded the cars and arrived at warm. Brasher City, La. At 5 o’clock p.m. May 20th. We are encamped about half a mile west of Brasher near to Fort Buchanan, the old rebel fort. We were inspected to day by the Inspector of the Dis48

Sat. 11th. Our men who have been in the 23rd Wis. Inf. expedition to day. were transferred back to us, and they arrived to day. July 4th. All of the flags at the post are flying to Also some recruits joined us. John Bradley, John By- day and also on the gunboats. At noon a national sawater and Eleazar Moore, while serving in the 23rd lute was fired from Fort Brasher and from the gunwere taken prisoners and they are in the rebel prison at boats. Tyler Texas. Went to Terra Bonne on business. Wed. July 6th. Lt. Col. Whitley gave a party at th June 13 . Made requisitions for clothing, camp Regimental headquarters to night. Sergt. Major James garrison equipage to day. F. Spencer has been promoted to be adjutant and June 14th and 15th. [1864]. Went to New Orleans, Sergt. James S. Robinson of Co. D will be sergeant went on business to department head quarters, corps Major. Weather is very wet and hot. Our piquets have headquarters, and chief quartermaster and chief com- not been fired at by the enemy for several weeks. We missary on business. do not know what such quiet portends. We are always June 16th. Returned to Brasher. Lt. I.W. Hunt regi- on the alert for an attack from them. July 7th. Settlers are charging fabulous prices for mental adjutant has resigned. He was 1st. Lt. of Co. K and when Daniel Lincoln our last Adjutant resigned at their goods. Two years ago to day we fought our first Vicksburg, Lt. Hunt was appointed Adjutant in his battle at Bayou La Cache Ark. stead. Sun. 19th. The 131st regt. N.Y. Inf. departed for *What McCready and his troops probably saw, was a New Orleans. We moved camp to the one vacated by hydrogen observation resonance balloon. A man the 131st N.Y. *This evening an appearance resem- would be sent aloft, suspended in a basket, and with bling the moon, and about three times her size ap- the use of a telegraph apparatus, report to the ground peared in the eastern sky and remained there for a the location of the enemy. Hydrogen to lift the balloon, time, perhaps for fifteen or twenty minutes when it was produced in the field utilizing special “inflation gradually disappeared. Our 13th Army Corps has been wagons.” (See below) Charged with dilute sulfuric discontinued and its troops assigned to other Corps. acid and iron filings, they generated the gas. These This will put Gen. Mc Chenard out of command. It is portable gas generation wagons gave the Union balGrant’s act, as command General. He has been a foe loonists the ability to be deployed more freely in the of Mc Chenard’s for some time. field. Mon. June 20th. I have occupied the house vacated by the quarter master of the 131st New York. Drew clothing, camp and garrison equipment from Post quartermaster and issued it to the regiment and made the invoices and receipts on Tues. to the officers commanding companies. Drew lime to scatter about the camp. Melons and vegetables are plentiful and cheap. Heavy rains as usual. June 23rd. Dougherty returned from New Orleans today, and changed the date of my muster in as 1st. Lt. from June 5th to May 16th. Company B of the 11th on June 19th relieved Co. B of the 131st N.Y. at Fort Brasher and that company is drilled daily in artillery practice. Capt. Remick has command of Co. B. June 30th. Companies “A” and “G” and part of “I” under command of Major Miller went on board of the Gunboat Clyde and sailed up Bayou Long with orders to destroy all of the sailing craft found on their route, which they executed and returned to Post. Weather July 14th. Capt. Jackson of Co. F has gone to Wis. very warm and rainy. Some days there will be a great rain during the forenoon and it will dry so rapidly in on sick leave. A number of negroes were sent to Col. the afternoon that dust will be flying before night. Banks at New Orleans to be hired out on the plantations. Corporal Hiram Pohlman of Co. E died in regiCompanies D and E are yet at Bayou Louis. st Fri. July 1 . 1864. Our Co. “G” has now two com- mental Hospital, also Wm. Gugerty of Co. E. missioned officers 26 men for duty, 8 men on daily or extra duty, total present 34, absent 6, aggregate 42 in company. Companies “A” and “G” are off on another 49

Wed. July 20th. Companies D and E joined us to- phoid fever. Peaches and figs are now ripe. The latter day, having been relieved by two companies of the are not as good cooked or raw as when dried. Maj. 33rd Ill. Inf. Government has erected machinery here at Gen. Canby is now our commanding general he is in Brasher which condenses the water which we use for command of the division of west Mississippi which drinking and cooking. It has a peculiar taste which is included Louisiana. not pleasing to those who use it. It is more wholesome Aug. 10th. Lt. Col. Whittlesey has been detailed as than water from wells or Bayous. There is not suffi- assistant Provost Marshall at New Orleans. Maj. J.S. cient rain water caught in the cisterns here for all of Miller now commands the regiment. Issued clothing to the troops at this post. the regiment. Had a board of survey on the 11th to exnd Fri. July 22 . Our chaplain Wells preached to us amine some damaged clothing. this evening on the parade ground. Co. “B” of the 1st Sunday Aug. 14th. Elias E. Millard of Co. “A” was Regiment Wis. Heavy artillery arrived from Port Jack- found dead in his bed this morning. He is supposed to son to night. Capt. Beck commanding. have died of congestive chills during the night. 1st th July 25 . Gen. Cameron is now in command of Sergt. P. Knapp of Co. “C” died of disease. Reg. inthis district. Maj. Hutchinson of his staff inspected us spected by Major Hutchinson. to day. His headquarters is at Thibodaux. Co. “F” Wed. Aug. 17th. Nearly all of the officers of the commanded by Lt. McConnel embarked on the gun- army and of gunboats are at a party at head quarters to boat Glyde [Glide] and sailed about 30 miles up night. Grand Lake where they destroyed some flat boats and Sun. 21st. Our chaplain preached twice to us today. Mon. 22nd. Lt. Wm. Charleton and Wm. other small boats and then returned to Brashear. McConnell and one man from each company have been detailed to go on recruiting service to Wis. Sergt. E. _ _dington goes for Co. “C”. Aug. 23rd. Corporal Michael Flanagan of Co. “F” died in regimen Hospital to day. The lakes, Bayou and swamps around us are beginning to have a bad effect on the health of our men. There is not a hill or ridge or any highlands within many miles of Brashear, nor any good water except what is condensed or rain water from cisterns. Weather is very warm with occasional showers of rain, which makes it very sultry at times. Sun. Aug. 28th. Our Chaplain preached to us to USS Glide off Brashear City , La. January 1864 day. Some of the citizens have been taken with small pox. They have been taken to a tent far out in the Wed. 27th. Maj. J.S. Miller gave a party to night. fields where they are treated by our regimental surJohn Brennan of Co. E. died suddenly on Thurs. the geon. The Cotton crop has been nearly destroyed by 28th of congestion chills. Capt. Lewis with companies worms. The sugar cane promises to be a fair crop. E. and K. with a detachment of Co. “G” embarked on Much of the foliage on the trees in the swamps have the gunboat Carrabasset on the 27th and for two days been stripped by the worms. reconnoitered the country around Grand Lake and on Thurs. Sept. 1st. The rebels are skulking around again and firing at our piquets at night. Lyman H. Roberts of Co. “A” the adjoining Bayous without finding any enemy. [Tuberculosis]. Tues. Aug. 2nd. George W. Wright of Co. “C” died died last night of consumption Friday Sept. 2nd. Capt. R.R. Jackson returned from to day of congestive chills [malaria]. An officer on the Wis. He is accompanied by Mrs. C.L. Harris, wife of our gunboat 43 died of the same disease. Colonel. Major Miller is on the sick list. We occasionally rd Aug. 3 . Our men are generally healthy. Some of receive some religious newspapers from the Christian comthem are intoxicated today. It is strange that they can mission. Wm. Johnson of Co. “D” died of disease. obtain liquor. Sep. 5th Sept. 6th. A regiment of negroes arrived from New Friday Aug. 5th. Maj. Miller had another party last Orleans to build new fortifications here. Capt. Remmick night. Some more large guns are ________ in Fort and Powell and Lt. W_ _lcome have been detailed on duty Br____. Some of our officers have sent for their wives at New Orleans. which indicates that we shall remain here all winter. Our fortifications are being strengthened daily. Sergt. Alfred Titua of Co. “D” died of congestive chills. Sat. Aug. 6th. John Zirbel of Co. “A” died of ty-

50

Wed. 7th. Companies “B” and “G” under command of General. This morning was cold enough for frost. Two of Capt. Wyman embarked on the Gunboat Myanza and sailed companies of the regiment are away up the lakes on an exup Grand Lake and returned Sept. 9th with 20 horses which pedition. they captured from a troop of the 4th Louisiana Cavalry. Oct. 7th. On piquet guard to day on Grand Lake we went One prisoner and ten stand of arms, and some sugar, etc. up the Bayou on row boats to the main post of the Lake. Sept. 8th. John Barret of Co. “A” died today. The guard which we relieved returned to camp on the row Sept. 10th and 11th. Companies “A” and “F” have been boats. One boat is at the lake on which the officer of the out all day looking for a company of rebels, said to have guard makes the rounds at night. On every log and stump in crossed the Bayou about three miles above. Our men found the bay there was an alligator sunning himself. The men are no trace of them. John C. Brandes of Co. K died to day. not allowed to fire at them, or there would soon be some Sept. 12th. Companies C., R. and I. under command of slaughter of alligators. The night, though dark, I made the Capt. James Lang embarked on the gunboat Carrabassett round of the guards on post without difficulty. Some times and returned Tues the 13th. They found no enemy. The the lake was rough. wives of _ _kor Miller, Quartermaster Myers and Dr. EverOct. 10th. __. H. Olmstead of Co. H died in regimental ett arrived from Wisconsin to day. hospital. His term of service has expired and were he alive Sept. 15th. Capt. D.C. Wyman and a citizen named he would have gone with the non-veterans of our regiment, Aque had a fight to day about a girl Maggie Weber. Ruben about 60 in number. Bunhard of Co. A died of congestion of the lungs. William Oct. 11th On piquet on the lakes. Day cool and pleasant. Hill of Co. D died of disease and also Wm. A. Delap of Co. The men, when not on post, are fishing crab fish from the H. three deaths in our regimental hospital. lake. I made the rounds twice during the night. One of the Fri. 16th. John Stater of Co. A died today. Capt. D.C. posts were annoyed by the enemy. Edward Sprecher, WarWyman is under arrest. Capt. Fickett of the gunboat Glyde ren _. Hart, Allen R. Huey, David Wingad, Samuel Jenks gave a party to night. More piquet fighting to night. and Jason _arv, of Co. “G” departed for Wisconsin yesterSept. 20th. Capt. Wyman released from arrest. day, to be discharged. _._. Hunt, formerly adjutant of our Sept. 21st. Our right wing moved to a new camp. Our regiment is now collecting all of the old iron through the chaplain picks up a great deal of reading matter for us. He country taking it to New Orleans where it is sold. is very frequently in the hospital with the patients and all in Oct. 16th. Thomas March of the Co. D died to day in all there is no more useful officer in the regiment or at a Regimental Hospital. post than a chaplain. Monday Oct. 17th. Orders have been received for our th Sat. Sept. 25 . We are now in our new camp and we regiment to build huts for the winter. have graded our streets and hauled some brick etc. to cover Oct. 18th. Day chilly about 30 men of our regiment have them, but they are yet very muddy. An agent of the Chris- died here and at New Orleans this summer. An agent of the tian commission presented to us this evening. Weather wet Christian Commission is visiting and distributing literature and cooler than formerly. etc. many of our men now have chills and fever. Mon. 26th. A detachment of 125 men under command Oct. 19th. Herman Williams of Co. F died to day of of Major J.S. Miller and one of 75 men under of command congestive chills. His real name was Charles Ryder. of Capt. D.C. Wyman embarked on the gunboats Clyde and He was a miner and when his father refused to give Carrabassett and sailed for Grand River. Ada Karnes of Co. him permission to enlist in the army he enlisted under “L” died in regimental Hospital. the name of Herman Williams. His parents reside in Sept. 28th. Our troops returned bringing in a few prisoners, and a barge loaded with 220 bales of cotton. There was Madison, Wis. I have written about him to friends of his in Wisconsin who will notify his parents. Corporal some sharp skirmishing on our piquet lines. th of Co. K. died in the hospital. Thurs. 29 . Mathias Widner of Co. “D” died in hospi- James Conley st Oct. 21 . Edwin Waldbridge of Co. “E” died to tal. Went to New Orleans by railroad. Officers and soldiers day. The sound of the muffled drum is now heard in go free. Citizens have to pay the regular fare. It is a Military railroad. It crosses more bayous and swamps, which our regiment nearly every day. are peopled by snakes and alligators, that can be seen in Oct. 23rd. Capt. Wyman with five companies of dozens as the train rattles over the bridges. The cotton in our regiment went up the Lake on the gunboats. Thos. the fields along the route has all been killed by the army Powell of Co. E” died of chills he was an extremely worm. The cypress and other trees in the swamps have young man. He was not promoted, though worthy, bebeen stripped of their leaves by the same pest. cause he had a brother who was an officer in the comOct 3rd. Pickets are firing sometimes and rain is falling. pany, which was very unjust to Thomas. Our chaplain has been ill for some time and unable to Oct. 25th. Companies absent with Capt. Wyman preach. Made out my quarterly report of Public property and ordered to turn over all public property in my posses- returned. They seem to have pillaged some plantation sion to Lt. C.G. Mayers who will be quartermaster of both called Palfrey’s. I fear that there is trouble ahead for some one. Tobacco and sugar are very abundant in post and regiment. th Oct. 5 . Maj. Gen. Banks has gone to Washington and camp. We have not been paid for six months. Sweet Maj. Gen. Hurlbut has command of the department of the potatoes and oysters are plenty and cheap, but the men Gulf. Ole Bainson of Co. “K” died in hospital. have no money to buy with. The orange crop is poor. Oct. 6th. Inspection by Lt. Col. Stryker, Act. Asst. Insp. 51

November 1st. Capt. Wyman has gone to Thibodaux was turned over to me. Another expedition went up to answer before a Board of Inquiry relating to the ex- the lakes on the 17th and returned on the 18th. They pedition which he commanded from Oct. 23rd to 25th. had a fight with some of the enemy and one man of The gunboat men are concerned in the pillage of Pal- the negro regiment was killed and several wounded. I frey’s plantation also. I was fortunate to be on guard have been detailed to day to command the white Oct. 22nd. troops employed here in building fortifications. DeNov. 2nd. I visited Port Brasher. Capt. Campbell serters report that Capt. Wyman was shot and killed at has command of it. He has a company of Heavy artil- New Iberia La. By a Mr. Hare of Bayle, while trying lery. It is well supplied with victuals [food]. There is a to get through to Mexico. Maj. Miller and Capt. Parks deep well of water in it. There are eleven large guns and Toms, took an inventory of the personal effects of mounted and three more ready to be mounted. The Capt. Wyman and I then sold them and paid some of angles are crossed by traverses. It is a very good earth- the captain’s debts. Col. Harris ordered me to pay the work, and is all of the fortification required at this men that he was indebted to first, and then the settlers which I did. The latter will lose nearly $300.00. place. Daniel Shaw of Co. D. died. Nov. 5th. We received 40 recruits for the regiment from Wisconsin. They are enlisted for one year. Sun. Nov. 6th. Company inspection and reading of the articles of war. At night we met in a negro church when our chaplain preached. Monday, another expedition has gone up the lakes.

Civil War era sawmill Chaplain Wells is not stopping with me in my quarTues. Nov. 8 . At the election in our regiment to ters. Co. “A” went on an expedition Sunday Nov. 20th. day there was 318 votes for Lincoln for President, and I commenced work on fortifications on Monday with 82 votes for McClellan. Company D voted unani- 75 men. I have charge of a breastwork to be built from mously for Lincoln, 62 votes. Co. G gave Lincoln 29 Capt. Brasher to Bayou Boef. The streets of or Comvotes and McClellan 2 votes. The expedition returned pany are very muddy. in time for the men to vote. Capt. Upham, post comThurs. Nov. 24th. It is Thanksgiving. I wrote to missary which his clerks voted in my company with Mr. L. Wyman of Madison, Wis. giving him an acmy consent, as they are all from Wisconsin. He has count of his son Dudley’s troubles. Resumed work on furnished the men with liquor and many of them are the breastworks. Major Long of a negro regiment is in noisy. Many of the political arguments are very amus- charge of the fatigue parties at work on the fortificaing. Orders received from Gen. Hulburt at New Orle- tions. ans to place Capt. Wyman under arrest. Nov. 26th. Our recruiting party returned from Wisth Nov. 10 . We had both company and Battalion consin bringing 23 men. Some of our men are sawing drill to day for the first time in many months. Gen. logs at a saw mill, and some are gravelling the streets. Cameron inspected the Fort and Batteries, and he was Thurs. Dec. 1st. I still command my company. present at our Dress Parade in the evening. Deserters from the rebels confirm the death of Capt. Nov. 14th. Capt. Wyman disappeared last night. He Wyman. Lt. Adams of Co. K. has resigned. Compawas to appear before a Court Martial to day at nies A and E went up Bayou this morning and reThibodaux and answer to charges preferred against turned at evening. Chaplain Wells is trying to form a him for permitting the plantation of Madam Palfrey to Union Church in the regiment. He is preaching every be pillaged. He had deserted. other night. On account of the smallness of my comTues. Nov. 15th. A Board of Survey took an inven- pany I cannot be promoted to be captain in place of tory of all the public property in Co. “G” today and it Wyman. th

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Dec. 5th. The father of Corporal Ben. Pixley of Co. have not enough to eat. They have so much guard duty C. arrived from Wisconsin one hour after his son was in the town and on the lakes, Bayou and Bay and faburied. One hundred men are preparing to go on an- tigue duty on the fortifications, cutting logs, building other expedition on the gun boats up the lakes. There quarters, etc. that they should be well fed. A ration are two large schools of negro children taught here by sufficient for those lying around Washington is not lady teachers from the northern states. enough for our men. Sat. the 10th. Our expedition returned with two rebel Captains two Lieutenants, one private and six horses, which it captured. Our provost guard are arresting all able bodied negroes about town to go to Marg Anzia to repair a break on the levee. Dec. 14th. A gill (4 ounces) of whiskey has been ordered to be given to every man at work on the fortifications once every day. Our musicians were furnished with Brass Musical instruments, bought by the commissioned officers of the Regiment. They played a few tunes to us. They are good fifers and drummers, and they are going to be a good brass band. Friday, Co. “I” is off on an expedition. Dec. 21st. Commenced to build our new quarters in Co. G. They are built of green cypress lumber and got them completed before Xmas day. The regiment has not been paid all summer, so we have not much money now to spend at the Holidays. Co. “A” had a dinner at the r. r. depot, and some of the men gave a performance in the evening.

Wed. Dec. 28th. Four deserters from the rebels came in today. The work on the fortifications is progressing as rapidly as can be expected. When finished it will require at least twenty thousand men to garrison them properly. Civilian generals, military dandies for staff officers have not very good judgement sometimes. The daily rations of the soldier have been cut down by an act of Congress, consequently our men 53

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Sun. Jan. 1 1865. Our New Years dinner consisted thousand feet of cypress plank on board, and some of the capture of Savannah, Ga. by Sherman’s army. shakes of firewood. We then sailed up Grand River to Train from New Orleans was derailed yesterday, and where a number of Bayous meet. We then sailed did not arrive at Brashers until near midnight. through a narrow place to Bayou La Romp and sailed Tues. 3rd. Orders to sign Pay rolls which we did down it to Lake Myngelwan where we anchored and gladly, and on Wed. we received pay for four months. remained all night. Day cold and chilly. Wed. Jan. 18th. At daylight we sailed down Bayou [While white privates were paid thirteen dollars per month, black soldiers were officially paid three dol- Chien and saw Olivias Plantation which is the second lars less, and black soldiers also had an additional of value that we have seen since we left Brashear. We three dollars automatically deducted from each wage took a family with their household furniture on board. We took on wood at Martins. He professes to be a Unto pay for their clothing.] Jan. 8th. Orders from Pres. Lincoln suspend all ionist. At one o’clock p.m. we entered grand Lake unnecessary labor in the army on Sunday, hence Sun- where we had an exciting chase after a small boat. The day is a quiet day in camp. A sloop loaded with orang- gunboats fired a shot and shell at the little boat with es arrived and the fruit was soon all sold. Oranges and some will and with plenty of courage and they reached oysters are very plentiful and cheap, and they are the land, and escaped up a small Bayou apparently much better for the soldiers than liquor. unharmed. We passed through Cypress Pass at 4 Jan. 11th. Regimental inspection by District In- ‘clock p.m. and we arrived at Brushier at 6 o’clock p.m. spector. Sun. Jan. 22nd. The weather has been so wet since Jan. 12th. Received an order from War department dishonorably discharging Capt. Wyman from the Mili- we returned from our expedition that we could not work on the fortification. We captured four rebels who tary service of the U.S. Jan. 14th. A rumor is in camp stating that Gen. were placing torpedoes in the Bay. A draft is to be enSteel has applied to head quarters to have us relieved forced here now and it is causing consternation among the settlers and other fellows who have been keeping here and sent to his command. th Sun. Jan 15 . Ordered to be ready to move with with the Army on various pretexts. They have my company with five days rations. At 8 o’clock I em- thoughts that being down here they would escape the barked with my company on the Transport Camie. draft. Jan. 23rd. The capture of Fort Fisher in WilmingThere are three companies on the gunboats. Capt. A. ton Harbor N. Carolina with 2,000 prisoners and 72 Luther Park commands the expedition. Mon. 16th. Sailed from Brashear at 1 o’clock a.m. pieces of cannon is announced from head quarters at and at day light we were in Grand Lake. We then New Orleans. Wed. Jan. 25th. I am officer of the day again. Our sailed up Lake Forceport and some very narrow and crooked Bayous, into Bayou Bombrain where we took men have finished their quarters. Their little cabins are a few barrels of sugar from the plantation of a rebel, 8x7 feet each, built of cypress lumber which they Capt. King, and captured a Capt. Grove and two men, sawed themselves in a saw mill here. They ditched the and took on board some negroes. We then sailed streets in camp and brought gravel by railroad and though Lake Long and anchored for the night in Grand graveled the streets and brought shell also by railroad, River near Beanatee Arose. We destroyed all boats and covered the gravel with shell. We have now a that we found. The country is a succession of Islands good camp and were it not for the severity of the duty which are sometimes inundated by water from the Red here, they would be well contented to remain here unand Mississippi Rivers. The inhabitants are very poor, til the end of the war, but should we be ordered to go their houses are built on shakes split out of cypress to Mobile they would shout with joy. Jan. 26th. A Dr. Beals has a panorama of scenes in trees, on spots of high ground that are seldom inundated. They live by making shingles and cutting saw logs America on exhibition every night at the depot which etc. which they sell to the rich planters of the Teche is very well attended by the soldiers and it is worthy of county. It is a pity to destroy their boats, but we must patronage. I have a detail of 125 men on work on the cripple the means which enable the rebels to cross the fortifications to day. Weather rainy. Gen. Steele’s arLakes and Bayous. The plantation of Capt. King is the my has gone from New Orleans to Florida. Lt. Col. only valuable one that we have seen since we left Whittlesey is his Act. Asst. Adj. General. The negroes Brashear, a distance of 60 miles. At daylight on the are moving their house outside of the fortifications. 17th we sailed down Grand River and took a citizen Gen. Cameron and wife are here. They watched us on prisoner, and one hogshead [a wooden barrel holding the Battalion drill and dress parade. 54 gallons] and two barrels of sugar. We took a few 54

Feb. 18th. At 3 o’clock p.m. all troops at this post Mon. Feb. 27th. Regiment crossed over the Miss. assembled at post headquarters. The post flag was tak- River and encamped at Camp Calmette below the city, en away by the rebels in the summer of 1863 when near to Jacksons old battlefield. A gunboat blew up they captured Brashear, and it has been retaken by Lt. last night in the river about 20 miles from here. A few Earle of the 4th Wis. Cavalry, and returned to the post. of those on board were saved by swimming ashore. Gen. Cameron hoisted it on the flag pole amid cheer- Casualties unknown but supposed to be large. Troops ing and firing of cannon. He also made a speech, and are going off daily towards Mobile. then visited all of or picquet posts accompanied by his March 5th. Troops are still going off on the steamwife. er for Mobile. Gen. Gilbert with the 2nd Brigade A.C. left today. The Mississippi river is very high and the levee is threatened. If it should break our camp and the surrounding country would be flooded. March 7th. We are now in the 3rd Brigade; 2nd Division 16th Army corps. Col. C. Harris commands the 3rd Brigade. It is composed of the 11th Wis., 178th New York, Col. Gondolfs, 52nd Indians, Col. Main, 58th Illinois, Col. Healy, 34th New Jersey, Col. Lawrence, Gen. Garrard commands the division Col. Rinaker commands the 1st Brigade. Gen. Gilbert the 2nd Brigade, Lt. John Sewright of Co. C has been detailed to command Company G. in my absence as regimental and Brigade quartermaster. Wed. 8th. A great rainstorm last night made the road to the city impassible for loaded wagons. We are forbidden by general orders to drive wagons along levees. The animals of the Brigade are without forage unless the supply boat comes down from the city, no forage can be obtained for them today. Fri. March 10th. Regiment sailed for Dauphin Island. I remained in charge of the transportation until further orders. March 18th. Moved camp to Lake Pontchartrain. nd rd Feb. 22 . Weather is very wet. The 93 Regiment We were ordered to go on board of the steamer Peerof Negro troops received marching orders. It is said less, when we got about half of our animals and bagthat 60 men of that regiment were married to day to gage aboard the steamer moved to another landing black women. which made it impossible for me to load the remaining Feb. 23rd. The 93rd Regt. departed by railroad for animals and stuff. I saw Capt. Pope of thee 33rd Ill. New Orleans this morning. Upon their arrival at Al- standing, to whom I told my plight. He introduced me giers they were ordered to return to Brushier, which to Gen. Lippincott who ordered a detail of six compathey did and arrived at 9 ‘clock p.m. nies to be made to assist me, which was made from Friday 24th. We have received marching orders. I the 33rd Ill. they carried all of my stuff on board in a turned over all tools and instruments used in building short time. the fortifications. The men are sending all clothing that they do not choose to carry by express to their homes. At 4 o’clock p.m. there was regimental inspection by an inspecting officer from New Orleans. Day rainy as usual. A furious storm of wind and rain began after dark. Sat. 25th. We left Brashear by railroad before 8 o’clock this morning amid cheers by the men who were glad to leave the severe labors of the post behind them, though hard fighting at Mobile is before them. We arrived at and encamped at Algiers opposite to New Orleans. Before leaving Brashear I received a complimentary letter from Maj. Long, chief engineer Steamer Peerless at work on the fortification. 55

Then I discovered that during the confusion of load- and Maj. Gen. E.R.C. Canby has command of this aring, two of my best mules had been stolen. Search for my. I have seen more troops here than I saw at Vicksburg. them was made and they were found in the parlor of a March 25th. I sent the teams of one regiment of my nice dwelling house not far off. Had they not been Brigade to the front today. One army landed at Fish found they would have cost me $500.00. The 33rd Illi- river, and it is now besieging Spanish Fort. nois is on board. Our boat is heavily loaded. Monday 27th. Embarked on the Steamboat Tarasth Sun. March 19 1865. We passed Fort Powell at can and anchored out in the bay and awaited orders. daylight, and arrived off Fort Gaines on Daphin Island Towards evening the wind arose and increased during at noon. We found our division just embarked to go up the night and made the Bay quite rough. The 28th at 4 to Mobile Bay to Fish River. The private horses were o’clock p.m. we weighed anchor and sailed up the Bay transferred from the Peerless to the Transports. We and arrived at Stark’s Landing at 10 o’clock p.m. then sailed across the Bay to Navy Cave where we where we anchored for the night. landed at midnight. But there were three steamboats Wed. March 29th. There is a fleet of transports unloading the baggage of twenty different regiments here, mostly steamers from the Miss. There are two on one wharf at the same time and all of our baggage wharves built out into the Bay, made out of our Ponwas mixed up and we could not separate it in the dark- toon Bridge, at which all of our supplies are landed. ness, this put us all out of humor and we laid down in The landing is in charge of Gen. Bailey. He has a regithe wagon boxes or on the wharf and slept till morning. ment of negroes for wharfmen who land goods from Mon. 20th. Morning brought fresh quarrels. Team- the boats. The gunboat fleet is out in the Bay and it is sters in different commands had marked their wagons shelling Spanish Fort. The wind is strong and the rain with the same kind of mark, and so on, but before is falling, the sea is as rough that one cannot tie to the night all had gotten to their camps with most of their wharf, and we have to remain on board the Tarascan own property. I have lost 20 sacks of oats and 9 bales until Friday March 31st, when we landed and joined of hay and some pieces of harness. Our camp is 4 the Brigade towards evening. When we left the landmiles from Fort Morgen. We see little but sea and ing two of our gunboats had been sunk by Torpedoes. sand from camp. Eighteen steamboats loaded with They were called the ____ and the Milwaukee. The 3rd troops sailed up the Bay during the day. We noticed a Brigade is making Hurdley, gabions and Facines out Pontoon bridge on one of them. There are 19 heavy of cane for the fort and breastworks that our men are mortars here and some very large siege guns. Oysters making in front of Spanish fort. The rebels buried torare plentiful and sold at 50 cents a hundred. I went to pedoes on the roads and other places where they Fort Morgan and drew rations for my detachment. The thought our men would be. Some of them have exfort was not much damaged by our guns when it sur- ploded and killed and wounded some men, horses and rendered to our forces under Farragut. If properly de- mules for us. A train loaded with supplies was disporfended it would be hard to take by assault. So there is tioned (sic) to day under Conway to Gen. Steele who a bank of earth and sand about 100 feet through in is coming overland with the 13th Army corps from front and it would be hard to break with a cannon. The Pensacola Florida. The 13th Army is encamped in Pine fort is a Pentagon. There are three walls. The outer woods. The water is good. Many large cannon and wall is about 20 feet high. The second 30 feet, and the mortars are now in position and the rebels are replying inner wall 40 feet. The walls are made of brick, where with their artillery. I think it will be a week or perhaps exposed to cannon they are covered with earth. The two before the fort is taken. There are so many obstaspaces between the walls are commanded by cannon cles placed in front of their works that the loss of life so placed that they could rake every part of the spaces. will be great if the place is taken by assault. Gen. CanThe inner walls were covered over with a roof of shin- by is too cautious and careful of his men to order an gles which took fire from the shells fired from Far- assault. ragut’s fleet, and that probably caused them to surrenSat, April 1st. Went to the landing and drew forty der the fort. thousand pounds of corn and brought it to camp and Tues. March 21st. Sent one wagon for Brigade issued it to the different quarter masters for the public head quarters and one to each regiment in our Brigade animals. Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely are across the by the steamer Tarascan. There is a heavy cannonade bay opposite Mobile. They are in the form of the letter toward Mobile. Much rain fell last night and to day “B”. Spanish Fort is the lower part of the letter and our camp is sandy so there is no mud. Fort Blakely the upper part. Gen. Steele has arrived Friday March 24th. Two of my mules which had with his corps. Two Forts, Huger and Tracy, on the glanders [an infectious disease that is caused by bac- islands in the Bay will probably be bombarded by the terium among animals] were killed to day to prevent gunboats. Gangs of rebel prisoners are now marched the spread of the disease, which is very contagious. around under guard and compelled to dig up the torpeMaj. Gen. A.A. Smith commands the 16th Army corps does which they buried. 56

Mon. April 3rd. We marched this morning and Brigade. They crossed a space of about 400 yards covjoined Gen. Steele in front of Fort Blakely. Our divi- ered with fallen timber that had been cut down without sion is on the left of our line which reaches to mobile suffering much loss. Then the distance which reBay. We left our artillery at Spanish Fort. We are now mained, about 200 yards, was clear of everything exabout 6 miles from the position which we left this cept two lines of abattis [a field fortification consisting morning. We now know the marks where the torpe- of an obstacle formed of the branches of trees laid in a does [land mines] are buried. Our men dug up 16 tor- row, with the sharpened tops directed outwards, topedoes, and rebel fatigue parties which our guards wards the enemy. The trees are usually interlaced or marched around, dug up 118 torpedoes. Our division tied with wire] which had to be crossed and also some is about one thousand yards from the rebel works. wire that was stretched across the stumps in front of There is 37 cannon which they use continually assist- their works, to trip and retard our men. The loss was ed by gunboats in the bay. My company now has only great and continued to increase until the works were 24 men for duty. The torpedoes which are been found taken. Lt. Cadelle was killed and Lt. Charlatan was are only 11 inch steel, and they do much harm when wounded before they reached the works. Lt. A. they explode. McDonald was wounded inside of the fort. He cut Tues. April 4th. A train of wagons arrived with for- down two of the enemy with his sword. A rebel was age and rations for our division. The men are now re- thrust at the body of McDonald but the head of the one ceiving a ration of tobacco issued to them. We have no whom he held in his arm struck the bayonet aside, so cannon yet in our division and I think that Friday that it went through the shoulder of McDonald, who April 7th should ever be remembered by us all. The was now helpless. Sergt. Dan Moore of Co. E. now rebel cannon seemed to throw a continuous stream of thrust the rebel through with his bayonet then shot anshell into our lines. They are bursting everywhere, and other with his rifle and bayonetted a third man, which we have no cannon here to reply. There is only one saved McDonald’s life. The line of battle was now remark made here by everybody to day, that is, “We inside of the works and further resistance was useless. have never during the whole war received such a We have taken 40 cannon, 300 prisoners. Our regishower of shell as to day.” Strange to any not one of ment has lost 15 killed, and 45 wounded. Our total our men was hurt by them. I saw two man wounded loss is about 900. Co. “G” during the siege had only by rifle bullet, but none injured by shell. 25 men for duty. It has Daniel Mageean, Samuel Sat. April 8th. This morning a Battery of Artillery Partlow, Jerome Calkins, Bamford Dodge, and Steopened from the right Brigade. Gen. Gilberts—of our phen Calkins wounded. The first three will probably division—when a fierce artillery duel was fought die of their wounds. Two hours after the battle all of which kept many of the rebel guns off us. We have a our wounded were in the Division Hospital and they fort ready for a battery of six guns if we ever get them. were receiving treatment by the surgeons. If all acOur brigade wagons went to Stark’s landing for sup- counts are true we have probably fought our last batplies. There has been a furious bombardment of Span- tle. Probably Lee’s army has been captured by Grant’s ish Fort all afternoon. At dark fully one hundred rods army. of their line of riflepits on their left was assaulted and Mon. April 10th. Dan Mageean died during the taken by the men of our right, near midnight a second night. I procured lumber and nails and our men soon assault was made and Spanish Fort was taken. All of made rude coffins and our men were decently buried. the garrison but about 500 men escaped in boats to an island in the darkness. We have captured 25 cannon and many mortars, besides large quantities of commissary and ordinance stores. Our loss is not large the 8th Iowa Inf. led the charge. Sun. April 9th. Went to Spanish Fort by order of Col. Harris and made a diagram of the fort which such account of the assault as I was able to learn, and returned and reported to him. The Divisions of Generals Carr and MacArthur are coming to join us. Our battery of artillery arrived and was in position in our fort that we built for it, and it was briskly engaged with the enemy’s artillery at 5 o’clock p.m. The forenoon was wet. The infantry was ready soon after to assault their works. The regiments of our brigade were formed about 600 yards from the rebel line of breastworks. At 5 o’clock the line advanced, the 11th in advance of our 57

During the siege one day the ammunition of Co. “G” through the pine and encamped after marching about was giving out. Bamford Dodge and Hugh Steward 16 miles. There are few inhabitants and but little land volunteered to go for more. The company was then in cultivated. Gen. A.J. Smith has command of our cola little riflepit that they made during the preceding umns. His headquarters were at Spanish Fort during night far in advance of the other riflepits and it was the sieges. He slept in a shelter tent like the private not connected with them by an approach. Dodge and soldier. He is more religious than military men usually Steward took their rubber blankets and ran with all are. speed to the riflepit about one hundred yards to the Sat. April 15th. We are in rear of the column today rest and reached it in safety to the wonder of our men and did not march until noon, when we marched about of the 175th N.Y. who occupied it. Dodge and Stewart 12 miles through the pines and encamped. Our supply proceeded to the rear and each took as many cartridges train is fast in the mud some miles in our rear and it is of the proper caliber as he could conveniently carry guarded by the 11th. and returned to the riflepit near to the front. The ofSun. the 16th. Continued our march for about 18 ficer in command there tried to persuade them not to miles. We saw few people. Forage for our animals is attempt to return to their own company until after running short and there is little to be found in the dark, but they replied that heir company needed the country that we are marching through. cartridges and they started forward on a run and 17th. We are in advance to day and marched 22 reached their own Co. in safety, though the rebels miles, still in the pines, but through a better country. fired hundreds of shot at them. A division of negro We obtained forage for our animals and took four pristroops commanded by Gen. Hawkins took part in the oners. assault yesterday, as well as many of the white troops. Wed. 19th. The column marched about 20 miles. I th Tues. April 11 . Our wounded men were taken in took a small detail of men and went out in the country an ambulance to Stark’s landing and sent to General to the left of the line of march and got 7 mules. On our Hospital at New Orleans. I noticed a recruit of Co. approach the people hide their cattle in the swamps or “B” named Bacon who was shot in his breast and drive them away. Seven negroes came to camp with lung. He breathed mostly through the wound. us. We have received the news of the surrender of April 12th. We are now ready to begin our March Gen. Lee to Gen. Grant on April 9th at Appomattox to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. It is said that Va. of all of the armies of the confederacy. I am Gen. Granger’s troops have occupied Mobile. Chap- very much fatigued to night having ridden about 40 lain Wells returned today from Hospital much im- miles to day on horseback. Thurs. April 20th 1865. Marched about 20 miles proved in health. th Thurs. April 13 . During the afternoon we toward Greenville. During the day I took eleven mules marched about 7 miles through a sandy country cov- and reached camp with 7, six were taken by Lt. ered with some pine. Continued our march on Friday Danien’s by order of Gen. Smith. A white slave came with me to camp. He was the property of Gen. Carter, a confederate soldier, who resides near to Pine Apple, in Wilcox county. He thought that I should not take any of his mules as he had given four mules to the confederates. I then took four of his seven for the Union army which would make it even. He could not see it as I did. I left Mrs. Carter her saddle horses. I gave Carter’s horse and saddle to the white slave. Carter says that he bought the boy when two years old in Georgia and raised him and that there has never been a whip on his back. Surrender of General Lee to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse 1865 58

He mounted Carter’s horse and came with me to into gunpowder. All of the houses and sheds pertaincamp. We had two skirmishes with Guerrillas without ing to it have been burnt. There are many beautiful harm to any of us. John, the white slave is blue eyed residences in the city. and fair haired, and I cannot see a trace of negro neiMon. May 1st. Full rations were issued to our men. ther in his form or looks. He says that he has been sold Then I went 6 miles to the Coosa River and got 14 five times. That he was first called John, then Theo- wagon loads of corn from a plantation belonging to dore, then Francis, then Railroad, then Augustus, that James H. Judkins. The white people have gone from his dad’s name was John Williams. I have named him the country. John Francis Williams. He is 22 years of age. The Tues. May 2nd. 1865. While out for corn today I poor whites are great enemies to the rich here, as else- found about 150 bushels of beans and potatoes. I where. They are also very ignorant. brought about 50 bu. of them to camp for the men of Friday April 21st. Rear guard to day, and marched our brigade. There are many brick wells standing near about 5 miles in rain. Wagons are heavily loaded but the river and railroad. They are the remains of the cotnone of them broke down. There are more confederate ton presses and stores and they were burnt when the soldiers here but we do not arrest them unless they rebels burnt the cotton which they contained. In other seem determined to continue the war. In general they respects the city has not been damaged much by the seem pleased to think that the war is ended. The wom- war. The 8th – 14th and 33rd Regiments of __. Inf. are en are bitter against us as ever. One lady burst into here. I found many good mules on our march from tears when I told her that Gen. Lee had surrendered his mobile Bay and branded. The U.S. Army train has betarmy to Gen. Grant. She said that the North is too ter animals now than when I started. Confederate solstrong for them. diers daily pass through the city to their homes. In Thurs. April 26th. There are parties out foraging general they are very sullen, but they are glad to return for the troops. We shall soon obtain supplies by the to their homes. Alabama river. The poor whites give us all of the inSat. May 6th. Lt. Col. Whittlesey visited us today. formation which they possess about their rich neigh- Some of our sick men are going home on furlough. On bors. They want us to take something from the rich Sunday afternoon the streets are thronged with the neand then they can forage some too and charge us with groes. The whites remain indoors. There is little in the it. stores except tobacco and some bad liquor, and old April 27th. Marched into and through Montgomery fashioned dishes shipped from England. and encamped about a mile east of the city. Before the Sun. May 7th Four steamboats with clothing, rawar it contained about 1500 tions and a large mail inhabitants, now it has not arrived to day. Letters more than half that number. A and papers from home citizen told me to say that the are always acceptable, rebels before they departed, as we had received none burnt over 200,000 bales of for a month, todays mail cotton. The city was occupied was better than usual. by the cavalry under command From the newspapers of Gen. Wilson, about a week received we learn for a before our arrival. He burnt a certainty that the war is large rolling mill. The inhabitended. Many negroes ants are rebels from head to are employed in cleanfoot, and they are very gloomy ing up the city. Gen. since they knew that their McArthur departed with cause is lost. The capital is on a his Division to Selmar. hill. It was in this building that Gen. Steele also departthe confederacy had its birth. ed with is 13th army It was here the congress first corps. I have not learned met, and that Jeff Davis was of his destination. inaugurated. It was their first capital and they moved from it Jefferson Davis was inauto the city of Richmond Va. gurated president of the Between our camp and the city, Confederacy on the steps there is a yard containing large of the State Capitol on heaps of manure from which February 18, 1861. the rebels make nitrate to make 59

Tues. May 9th. Thousands of negroes who have left At night the camps are illuminated, lighted the plantations are now lining along the side of the candles were placed in many of the fences and outhouses. They live chiefly on food fur- branches of the trees. Then a procession nished by the government. One old man was found was formed by the soldiers, every man dead by a fence, when an officer approached, his old carried his bayonet in his hand and there wife cried out that her old man was dead, but “Bless was a lighted candle in its socket, which the Lord, he died free.” Somebody has told them that made a significant torch-light procession. The U.S. Government will give every one of them 40 With Brass bands playing they marched to acres of land and a mule. They believe it and will be the head quarters of Gen. Garare and then disappointed. to Col. C.L. Harris, who made a neat little th Wed. 10 . Our sick men are sent off north now in speech. The colonel has been promoted to large numbers on furlough. Many are discharged. Provost Brig. General. It is time that his Business is beginning on a small scale in the city. The worth will be acknowledged. He received general market contains vegetables beef, fruit, etc., Military education at West Point. He was and some of our settlers have opened stores in the city. never known to make a mistake in hanMay 13th. Prisoners of the rebel army who have dling his men, besides he is an honest been paroled pass daily in large numbers. As they pass man, a good soldier and a gentleman, but along they eat nearly all of the food on the plantations. he would never work for promotion, and Gen. Bernhard Taylor has surrendered his army which the authorities at Washington usually recwas the last one of the enemy east of the Mississippi ognized the merits of those who have poriver. The only troops remaining at Montgomery now litical influence. are the divisions of Carr and Gerrard. We still depend Wed. May 17th. The trains between chiefly on the plantations for forage. The railroad to here and Mobile have commenced to run. Mobile will soon be repaired when we will receive May 18th. Regiment inspected by Maj. sufficient supplies for both men and animals. Robert Healy. Div. Inspector, and all of Tues. May 16th. Intelligence of the capture of Jeff our unserviceable equipage, etc. was conDavis by some of the first regiment Wis. Cavalry, demned by him. Capt. Herndon commanding, received, and the sol19th and 20th. About 150 conscripts diers are jubilant. were brought to the regiment to day and assigned to companies. My Co. “G: are numbers about 75 men. May 21st to 27th. Our conscripts work very willingly to learn and perform the duties of a soldier. As the mercury is 95 to 100 degrees in the shade every day, they must feel the change of climate very keenly. The Christian commission works very faithfully amongst the soldiers. Sheets of writing paper that they are distributing has the following words printed on every sheet, “Send this sheet as the soldiers messenger to his home. Let it hasten to those that wait for tidings.” The railroad to Mobile has been turned over to the company which charges full fare from soldiers who ride on its trains. As the soldiers of our army repaired the line, we think they should ride free. The southern people here denounce the killing of Pres. Lincoln. They detest Pres. Johnston(sic) as nearly all of the negroes are in camps and not at work on the plantations the corn [Davis fled to the farming community of Irwinville, in Irwin ground is uncultivated and the crops will be a failure. County, on the evening of May 9, and camped by a creek. The negroes should be set to work in the cornfields at Early the next morning the camp was awakened by a pop of once or there will be much suffering here for food the gunfire and within minutes was surrounded by members of coming year. There are some cases of small pox the First Wisconsin and Fourth Michigan cavalries. Not one among the negroes. shot was fired by the Confederates. Through some confusion Davis made a quick dash toward the creek. He had thrown his wife's overcoat, on his shoulders. This led to the persistent rumor that he attempted to flee in women's clothes.] 60

May 28th. I was 29 years of age yesterday. Our Wed. June 14th. Wells, our chaplain has resigned First Brigade was reviewed to day, and the 3rd Brigade on account of ill health. One of the 178th N.Y. and a was reviewed by Gen. Garard in a large cornfield in a citizen, were both murdered in the city last night. Maj. cloud of dust. Friday, our division was reviewed by Miller has resigned. Capt. Otis Remick of Co. “B” Gen. A.H. Smith. After the review, Brevert Maj. Gen. was elected Major in place of Miller. J.S. Williams, Gurard entertained all of the generals, Field and staff the white slave, has gone on a visit of his friends in officers of the division. Review was conducted in heat Wilcox Co. and dust as usual. Went about 14 miles into the counSun. the 18th to June 23rd. 1865. Maj. J. _. Miller try for forage. Some of the planters have gotten the has gone home. Before his departure he was visited by negroes to work by agreeing to give them a share of all of the veterans of the regiment and serenaded by the crop. the Brass Band. He is very brave, almost foolhardy, Sat. June 3rd. John T. Bradley, John Bywater and but very kind hearted, and he was always kind and Eleazar Moore, non-veterans of my company who good to his men. Our Co. “G” were taken prisoner while serving the 23rd Regt. Wis. adopted some resolutions of respect to the memory of Inf. at the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads in April 1864 the late Daniel Mageean, which I forwarded to his and who have been held prisoners of war at Camp Ty- brother at Milwaukee. Since any day many of the soller Texas since, have reached us to day. If we shall diers spend their money very freely, riding in hacks [a fight any more in Texas, they are ready to re-enlist and type of horse-drawn taxi] about the city, going in the go with us. theater, etc. settlers are reaping a rich harvest. There are thousands of poor whites, called sandhillers, dressed in homespun, who come to the camp and city with berries, vegetables, butter, cotton and other things which they trade or sell for clothes, groceries, etc., and then return to their home. Many of them are young men who have been in the rebel army and they have been married since their return. They come to town accompanied by their wives. The rich whites have no intercourse [dealings] with the sandhillers. They hold the negroes in more respect. June 27th. I received a commission of Captain from the Government of Wis., and was mustered captain on June 30th by Lt. A.P. Johnston, mustering officer. Jerome Calkins and Samuel Partlow are both dead of wounds received at the storming of Fort Confederate prisoner of war Camp Ford, Tyler, Texas Blakely. July 4th. There was a procession in the city by solThey were kept 13 months in an open lot without diers chiefly, but a few citizens took part, and in the shelter from sun or rain except each as they could afternoon there were races at the race course. At night erect from clothing etc. from men who died there. Lieut. Charles Johnson was killed at a dance by one of John Bradley being late at Roll Call one morning was the Provost guards of the 8th Iowa Inf. who ran his punished by having to stand on one foot for an hour. A bayonet into him. Col. Harris forbid all officers and rebel guard stood by with his lanced rifle to shoot him soldiers of his Brigade to go to a ball that was to be if he put his other foot to the ground. Capt. W.F. Pel- given in the city. Lt. Johnson borrowed clothes from a ton formerly of my company died there. settler and went to the ball as a citizen. He had a disth Sun. June 4 . The steamboats and R.R. trains are pute with a Capt. Harper of the 8th Iowa, about a womnow bringing quantities of squadron private account to an named Lizzie Arnold, the murder of a Lieutenant stores that are being opened almost daily in the city. was the result. Charles was the spy of the regiment. Some pay masters arrived to day which is good as we He was several times in Vicksburg during the siege, have ten months pay due us. dressed in rebel uniform. June 7th. Paid today by Maj. Kemble to May 31st. July 5th. Lt. Johnson of Co. “R” was buried in the A lot of potatoes and other sanitary stores were re- cemetery this evening. There are now 1100 sick in the ceived from Wisconsin by our regiment. This is the hospitals here at Montgomery. From the number of second time only that our regiment has received any newly made soldier graves now seen on the side hill of such gifts from the people. When at Sulphur Springs, the country, I think that the number of sick is not exMo. 1862 we received some cheese, butter, etc. Some aggerated. regiments often received such kindness. 61

July 14th. The 52nd Regiment of Indiana Inf. of our Aug. 17th. My company patrols a square of 6 Brigade has been detached and it has gone to Tuskeg- blocks each way, making 35 blocks of houses. Many ee Alabama. streets are made, mostly for drunkenness or carrying July 15th. Two of the cotton presses and yards are concealed weapons. being rebuilt by negroes. They are doing good work. Aug. 18. Gen. Garrard has arrived and will comMany of the planters are anxious to sell their planta- mand here for ten days until a general arrives who will tions. I asked one of them what he wanted to sell his be permanent commander, when Garrard will then farm for, and where he wanted to go and what he join Gen. Sheridan in Texas. Gen. Garrard called on thought of doing, he replied that he did not know. Col. Harris, and took an order that had been issued by They seem to be demoralized. The commandeered an- his predecessor ordering the discharge of six regiimals belonging to the government are being sold here ments, and he cancelled the name of the 8th Iowa and at public auction horses sell for about $45.00 ($722 wrote in the 11th Wis. As soon as the blank muster out today) a head and mules for about $65.00 ($1,043 to- rolls are received from New Orleans, we shall be mustered out and go home. Our men are rejoicing to the day) a head. July 23rd. The 11th departed for Mobile on the prospect of soon being discharged and at home. The Steamer Dord_ _ine. Nearly all who enlisted in 1862 8th Iowa howls and I can’t blame them, but the order will soon be discharged. for the muster out of a regiment is obtained by facor July29th. A Brigade of cavalry commanded by (?) with the General’s command. The general in comGen. Hatch arrived today. 150 Recruits from the 33rd mand here before Gen. Garrard came in, intended to Wis. Inf. has been transferred to the 11th before that keep the 11th Wis. here all winter, but the assignment of Gen. Garrard temporarily to this command, had regiment embarked for home to be discharged. July 31st. Have been ordered to turn over all sup- been the means of our release and discharge from milplies, and public property in my possession, preparato- itary service. ry to going to Mobile. Aug. 28th. The blank muster out rolls and discharge Aug. 6th. Our Brigade is now broken up. The offic- were received today, there is continued joy in the regiers at headquarters are Col. C.L. Harris, Capt. H.E. ment. Aug. 31st. My company rolls and discharges are all Jackson, Capt. Wm S. McCready, Capt. Cobbs, Dr. E. Everitt, Lt. Wright, Capt. Bolton and Lt. Compton. made and we are ready to be mustered out, but some July 7th. Went on board of the Steamboat Duke companies will not be ready until about Sep. 4th. Aland sailed away from Montgomery at 8:30 for Mobile. most every man in the regiment has written to his Thurs. Aug 10th 1865. Arrived at Mobile at 3 p.m. home, that he will soon be home to stay. It will be joy and went to regimental headquarters. Much of the city to many fathers, mothers, wives, and sweethearts. was damaged by an explosion of a large quantity of Many of the sick will not live to return home. ammunition on the 25th Day of last May. Perhaps 40 Sept. 4th. The 11th Wis. Veterans. Vol. Inf. includacres that was covered with well built houses of brick ing its entire force of veterans, non-veterans, recruits, are now a heap of ruins, and from the stench, there are substitutes and conscripts was mustered out today at probably people and animals yet buried in them. The Mobile by Capt. _. C. Howell, of the 31st Regt. of companies of our regiment are quartered in different Massachusetts. Our organization as a regiment is to be parts of the city doing patrol duty. maintained until we are paid off in Wis. Benj. Owen of Co. “G” died in hospital today. Sept 5th. Those men who choose to be discharged and paid here have that privilege, provided that they intend to reside here in the future. Private Calkins and Wagoner John Smith will remain here. All of the other men will go home with us. At 2 o’clock p.m. we embarked on the steamer Warrior and sailed down the Mobile bay, past Fort Heiger, and Tracy on the Island on our right, and we saw the hills on which stood Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. All is still. There were no thundering sounds echoing and re-echoing amongst the hills. Warrior is anchored in Grant Pass for the night. Sep. 6th Sailed at daylight up Miss. Sound, and arrived in canal near to New Orleans at 8 o’clock p.m. Magazine with 20 tons of gunpowder explosion in We remained on board of the steamer all night. Mobile, Alabama, killed 300 people. 62

Sept. 9th. Passed Fort Hudson, but we could not see coat and light blue trousers and dark blue forage cap. any fortifications from the upper deck. Wed. Sept. 17th. I returned to Madison. On Thursth Sept. 10 Devine services on board by an Episco- day I settled my accounts. pal Minister from Houston Texas. We saw nothing of Sat. Sept. 30th. Gen. Wm. T. Sherman visited war as we passed Bruinsburg, Grand Gulf. Hard times Madison to day and he received an oration, Major at Vicksburg. We took 200 soldiers on board at the Heyes in his speech of welcome said that next to God, latter place. Sherman had done most to suppress the rebellion. A Tues. Sept. 12th. Frank Hesseman of Co. G died part of the 11th men were paid off today and departed on board below Memphis. His body was left at Mem- for their homes. phis for burial. Oct. 2nd. Paid off today and returned home. My th Sept. 15 . Arrived at Illinoistown, opposite St. Military connection with the government was four Lewis, Mo. and went on shore and remained all night. years and fourteen days. The 11th Wis. had passed into Sept. 16th. We were visited during the forenoon by History and memory. some of the officers and men of the 49th. Wis. that is stationed at St. Louis. At noon we departed from Illisnoistown on the Terra Haute Railroad. There is one coach on the train for the commissioned officers. The enlisted men are all on freight cars, which is a shame. There is no water on the train. It is rascally to treat the men in this way, especially the men who have been four years in Military service in one of the greatest wars ever recorded in history. When remonstrated with the railroad officials said that all returning troops are carried in freight cars. Our train was transferred to the track of the Illinois Central R.R. Sept. 17th. At Freeport we obtained dinner about 3 o’clock p.m. and continued to near the Wis. State line, when Corporal Samuel Robinson fell between the cars and was instantly killed. His remains were gathered into a blanket and the train moved on now with both living and dead on board. The deceased was a veteran. He had served his country ten days over four years, and he was killed, as we may say, by the country that he helped to save, for he would now be alive if we had been provided with a proper railway carriage to ride into Wis. State. We arrived at Beloit Wis. at 10 o’clock p.m. The men slept in the City Hall and the officers at Salisbury’s Hotel. Salisbury was for a time a Suiters clerk in the 11th in 1861. Mon. the 18th. The ladies of Beloit brought a good breakfast to us which was served in the R.R. depot. At 6:30 a.m. we departed on the C. && N. W. RR and arrived in Madison at noon. Many friends awaited our arrival. My father was one of the number. Gov. Lewis met us and made a few remarks, complimentary to the regiment. We then partook of a dinner at the R.R. Hotel. We then marched to Camp Randall where many of the men slept all night, others found quarters in the city. Sept. 19th. Our last pay rolls were signed when we were dismissed until Sept. 29th when we will receive final pay. Those who choose to go to their homes can do so, but few will remain in camp. Many of the men are already in the streets in citizens clothes. They are as anxious now to don the citizens garb as they were in 1861 to wear the Blue. Our uniform was dark blue 63

Epilog from the Diary of William Stuart McCready The War was prolonged by incompetence and bad management. The states seldom availed themselves of the Military knowledge acquired by experience in the field. New regiments of troops were sent to the front in command of civilian officers, instead of filling up the depleted ranks of the older regiments that had acquired some knowledge in actual service. The men were seldom marched according to knowledge. If we had been attacked while on the march in the afternoon during the first year of the war, there would seldom have been more than one-fourth of the men of any regiment ready for action. The others worn out with fatigue had fallen out of the ranks and were resting somewhere. They often did not reach camp until midnight. If men who carry their knapsacks are marched 40 minutes and then permitted to rest 20 min. every hour from morning till night, they will march 24 miles with ease in 12 hours. In a forced march the rest may be lessened to 15 minutes an hour, when 38 to 36 miles may be reached in a day. In any case the rest must begin in the first hour and continue in every hour of the day in order to hold the men together in the ranks. The knapsack and bad management destroyed over 100,000 of our army during the first year of the war. The last year of the was better in this respect, fighting is a small part of the duty of an officer or soldier. The inhabitants of the mountains furnished over 100,000 men to the army that fought for the union. They were non -slave holders, and they were usually opposed to the ambition of the slave holders. The people of the mountainous part of Virginia formed a new state called W. Virginia and entered the Union of States. The Yellow Hammers, Tar Heels, Clay Eater, Sand Hillers, are names used in different parts of the southern states for the poor people who have been crowded into the bad lands of those states by their more wealthy slave holding neighbors. Those poor whites are very illiterate. They are despised by both slaves and slave holder. They were nearly all forced into the rebel army and those who have returned to their homes from that army are now more intelligent and more susceptible of improvement than they were before they were in the Military service. There have been many white men emancipated in the South by the war. We now hear only of the emancipation of the slaves (Black man) but the poor whites, were they educated, will do much towards changing conditions in the south. The power of the slave holder in the south and in the Nation is permanently broken, but the emancipation of the south remains. The border states and the state of Tennessee furnish more soldiers to the Union army than they furnished to the rebel army. Andrew Johnston, President of the U.S. is a poor white, born in the North Carolina state, who learned to read and acquired an education after his marriage. He settled in Tennessee and he remained true to the Union during the war. He was elected Vice-Pres, in 1864 and became Pres. at the death of Mr. Lincoln. The ex-slave holders hate him worse than any man in the world. Well they may, for to them he is “The Handwriting on the Wall.” The professional men as they leave the army have lost their practice at their former homes and they have to look for new locations or begin life anew. Many young men are going to school, especially to the Commercial college. The states of Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, and Nebraska are receiving large numbers of ex-soldiers as farmers etc., the south is greatly distressed. As we came on the Miss. River we saw little remaining of the beautiful homes that once stood upon its banks, but chimneys. Their houses, cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, horses and fowl were taken by both the armies so they are poor indeed.

Regimental colors of the 11th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers

64

Frederick H. Dyer’s Compendium of the War of the Rebellion P. 1677 & 1678 11th REGIMENT INFANTRY.

Organized at Madison, Wis., and mustered in October 18, 1861. Ordered to St. Louis, Mo., November 19, thence to Sulphur Springs and duty there and by detachments along Iron Mountain Railroad till March, 1862. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to March, 1862. District of Southeast Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, May, 1862. 1st Brigade. 1st Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, to July, 1862. District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. oi Missouri, to October, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District oi Southeast Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, to March 1863. 2nd Brigade, 14th Division, 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to August, 1863, and Dept. of the Gui! to May, 1864. District of La Fourche, Dept. oi the Gulf, to February, 1866. 8rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th Army v Corns (New), Military Division ‘West Mississippi, to September, 1855. SERVICE. —Ordered to Pilot Knob, Mo., March 12, 1862, thence moved to Reeve's Station, Black River, March 23-27, and to White River April 19. March to Batesvme, Ark., thence to Helena, Ark., May 25-July 13. Hill's Plantation, Cache River, July 7. Moved to Oldtown July 26 and duty there’ tlii September 20. Expedition after cotton July 30August 4. Action at Totten's Plantation, near Oldtown, August 2 (Cos. “C,” "E," "G," “H,” “I” and "K"). Moved to Sugar Point September 20, thence to Pilot Knob, Mo., October 3, and duty there till November 2. Railroad guard and patrol duty at Patterson, Van Buren, West Plains and Middlebrook till March, 1863. Ordered to Helena, Ark., March 11, thence to Milliken's Bend. La. Movementpn Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-3,0. Battle of Port Gibson May 1 (Reserve). Battle of Champion's Hill May 16. Big Black River May 17. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Advance on Jackson, Mime July 4-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Ordered to Dept, ot the Gulf August 13. Duty at Carroilton, Brcasher City and Berwick till October. Western Louisiana Campaign October 8-November 10. Expedition to New Iberia October 3-6, and to Vermmionviile Bayou October 8-30. Moved to Berwick City November 10. Expedition to Brazos Santiago, Texas, November 17-23. Duty at Matagorda Bay and Indianola till February, 1864. Regiment veteranised January, 1864, and remastered February 13. On furlough February 14-April 25. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., April 25-29. Sturgis’ Expedition through Western Tennessee and Northern Mississippi May 2-9. Moved to Carrollton, La, May 11-15, thence to Brashear City May 19, and post and outpost duty at that point till February, 1866. Company "D" detached to Bayou Louis May 26, 1864: Company "E" to Tigerville May 31, 1864. Company “K” detached to Tigerville June 6; rejoined Regiment June 23. Companies "D" and “E” rejoined Regiment July 20. Expedition to Bayou Long June 30 (Cos. "A." "G" and "I"). Expedition to Grand Lake June 25 (Co. “F"). Expedition to Grand Lake July 27 (Cos, "E," "D" and "K"). Expedition to Grand River September 8 (Cos, "B" and "G") and again September 18 (Cos, "A." “C,” "H" and “I"). Expedition to Grand River September 26-30. Non-veterans mustered out October 25, 1864. Expedition to Belle River October 22-24. Expedition to Bayou Portage November 17-19. Lake Fausse Iliver November 18. Bayou La Fourche, Ash Bayou, November 18-19. Expedition from Brashear City to Bayou Sorrel January 21-22, 1865 (Co. "D”). Expedition from Brashear City to Lake Verret February 10-11 (Detachment). Moved to New Orleans, La, February 26. Campaign against Mobile and its defenses March 17-April 12. Seize of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakelr March 26-April 8. Assault and capture oi Fort Biakely April 9. Occupation of Mobile April 12. March to Montgomery April 13-25 and duty there till July. Moved to Mobile July 23 and duty there till September. Mustered out September 5, 1865. Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 80 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 253 Enlisted men by disease. Total 373. 65

Obituary—McCready

knew him. Of exemplary life and character; a sincere William Stuart McCready, son of John and Eliza- Christian of true and open heart, loving the Word of beth McCready, was born in County Down, Ireland, God, the Day of God and the home of God. The ScripMay 27th, 1836, and died in Portland, Oregon, May ture passages with which his mind was well stored 12th, 1913, aged 76 years, 11 months and 15 days. The were a great comfort to him in all his times of weakdeceased came to America with his parents in 1850, at ness, and he expressed to me repeatedly his firm and the age of 14 years. He immediately worked out and sincere faith in God as his Father and Savior and helped his parents in making a home here in the town Guide. FRANK D. FRAYER, Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Portland, Oregon.” of Troy.

The funeral services were held in the Evangelical When a young man he attended the school in Praichurch in Harrisburg Wednesday at 2 p.m. Rev. P. rie du Sac for a few terms, then taught school near Bock, pastor of the Prairie du Sac Presbyterian church, Dane county until the war broke out, when he enlisted assisted by Rev. Hoppe of the Evangelical church, ofth in Company G, 11 Regiment, in September, 1861. He was appointed corporal October 30th, 1861, was ficiated at the services. The Evangelical choir renpromoted to sergeant March 20th, 1862, to color ser- dered songs fitting for the occasion and the church geant from March 20th, 1862, to April 20th, 1863; pro- was appropriately decorated in the national colors, a moted to first lieutenant from first sergeant March flag draping the casket. The acting pall bearers were Frank Schuknecht, Gustav Federman, Wm. Bonham, 22nd, 1864. Later he was appointed captain. Andrew Hosig and Albert Walster. Six of his old solIn the action of Bayou Cache, Arkansas, July 7, dier commanders were Present: E.J. Mabbott and E.W. 1862, he was wounded and carried a bullet in his leg Evans of Spring Green, Fred Barlen, Peter Schneller throughout the rest of his life. He could tell of many a and U. Braun of Harrisburg and Steve Bentley of Caswounded and dying soldier he had cared for during sell. Owing to the stormy weather a large number and after different battles while on those duties, faith- were kept from the services. ful soldier in all of his duties. The relatives wish to thank all who so kindly When he returned home he took an active part in helped in every way. all things which were for the good of schools, church, state and national affairs. He was always active in politics, being a Republican, and having attended state conventions as a delegate. Taking up his work of school teaching again, he taught in northern Wisconsin for a time and in a number of districts in and around his home. In hop times he raised hops on his father’s farm. In 1877 he went west to Washington and Oregon, where he again took up his old profession of school work. Many a young man can say he received fine training under his tutorship. In 1855 he came back to Wisconsin for a few years. Since then he has made his home in Portland, Oregon he was always active in some good work— teaching a mission class in the Chinese mission, gathering reading material for the Sailors’ Home; and other generous kindly deeds. He was baptized and reared in the Presbyterian Covenanter’s faith and following sketch handed to his brother George by his pastor in Portland testifies fully as to what his life has been there and elsewhere: “Portland, Oregon, April 30th, 1913. —Capt. Wm. S. McCready has been a member in good and regular standing in the Reformed Presbyterian church of this city; a man universally respected and loved by all who 66

William S. McCready, far right, with his sister, Mary McCready Gunning, on the left, and her husband, Mr. Gunning in the center.

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Union Grove Cemetery Plain, Wisconsin

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