The Journal

The journal appears here as a transcription of the original document. Alcander's spelling and punctuation have been maintained. Any questionable or illegible words have been clearly marked in brackets. To facilitate the ease of reading the journal, it has been organized by year.

Progress

As part of my on-going research of Alcander and his journal, I have begun providing annotations with contextual information where necessary. I have also started adding page images of the original journal.

History of the Journal

Various generations of Alcander Morse's descendants have contributed to the preservation of his journal over the years.

Following Alcander's death in 1894, the journal passed into the possession of his youngest child and only son, William Morse. In 1925, Charles A. Nash, Alcander's grandson through his eldest child, Amy, borrowed the journal and undertook the painstaking task of transcribing it on his typewriter. He distributed various abridged versions of this copy of the journal amongst members of the Nash family. For example, see this 1963 letter to his cousins, attaching an abbreviated version of the journal.

In 1995, Charles Nash's grandsons, Robert and Chuck Nash, began to input the typewritten copy of the journal into a word processor. A small booklet was made and donated to the library at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Arkansas, where it has been referenced in numerous published works. The current location of Charles Nash's original typed copy is unknown.

Growing up, I was fascinated with this particular piece of family history, and as my research in the Civil War era began to focus upon the personal narratives of soldiers, my thoughts would frequently return to Alcander's journal and its present whereabouts. In 2010, I attempted to track it down. Through of a bit of genealogical research, I was able to locate the descendants of the last known possessor of the journal, and eventually, the journal itself. Not only had it survived the wear and tear of three years of war, but it had successfully made the postwar journey from Illinois to South Dakota and Iowa, finally settling in Northern California in the hands of its author's great-great-grandson.

Upon examining the original volume, it was immediately clear that the version of the journal I had been analyzing for years was incomplete. During his 1925 transcription process, Charles Nash had evidently taken certain liberties to make the text of the journal more readable. Punctuation had been added, repetitive passages regarding the weather had been removed, grammar had been corrected, and a surprising number of words and sentences were omitted. The original also contained many pages of poetry, presumably written by the author during his wartime travels. It seemed that not only had I found the original journal, but I had also uncovered the author's original voice.

One peculiar trait of the journal is its size. The journal in the possession of Alcander's descendants is ledger sized, while most journals of this era are much smaller, pocket-sized books. It is possible that this version of the journal may not be the physical copy Alcander carried with him throughout his war service. It may be that the worn condition of the original led Alcander to pen an exact copy in a book that he already had in his possession. If that is the case, he took special care to create an identical copy, right down to the mysterious notations in the margins. I am inclined to believe that it is the original that survives, and that the size of the book is what made it necessary to leave the journal behind, prompting one of my favorite passages: "this afternoon we have to march leaving everything except what we can carry on our back in our knapsacks therefore my dear old journal (over which I have passed many a lonely hour) you & I like all friends in this weary world must part not knowing whether either may survive the ravages of war I bid you a sorrowful adieu." Regardless of the journal's history, its authenticity remains unquestioned, as does its usefulness to the field of Civil War studies.

 

1862

 

1862

1863

Jan 1^st   In camp at Prairie Grove once more rain at night it is New years day & now let us look forward to better success this year

2^d   march to Fayetteville 15 miles roads very muddy

3^d   weather fine our C. (Black) is doing well also the boys that were wounded from this Reg.

4^th   the W.S.C. is caring for our boys here

5^th   General review today by Gen. Schofield he tries to take our Blanket team away but is not quite smart enough still we have to carry our Knapsacks

6^th   march 8 miles S.E. camp on White river.

7^th   march 4 miles camp on the banks of Richland creek weather fine a little cloudy

8^th   weather beautiful camp named after Gen. Rosecrans the Hero of Murfreesboro

9^th   Reg. in good Health & spirits weather fair

10^th   this morning we break up camp & march East 14 miles through a beautiful valley to the once beautiful but now desalate town of Huntsville Ark. Gen. Herron's (3d div'n) has left today for Carrollton East Gen. Blunt's (1st) Div'n is at Elm springs thus leaving one div'n in a place

11^th   weather beautiful just cool enough for comfort this is a fine town & the County seat while here Herron shot 9 bushwhackers mostly leaders of bands

 

Jan. 12^th   this is a beautiful morning the roads are good it is very mountainous [illegible] here

13^th   a rainy day orders to march but they are countermanded & we lay in camp Gen. Schofield has come from Fayetteville where we left him the 6th [illegible]

14^th   We are weather bound have had orders to march for two days & all the time it has rained so we cannot move

15^th   last night the rain turned to snow & now that is 4 inches deep rather cool

16^th   this morning it snowed & blowed but now it is warmer

17^th   A very pleasant morning roads excelent but like to be very muddy soon

18^th   march at 3.P.M. train ahead almost impossible to get along but we go to go 7 miles

19^th   rainy day lay 7 miles north of Huntsville for the roads to get better

20^th   cloudy weather roads impassable & we still lay mud bound

21^st   clears off train commences to move there is a prospect of proceeding at once to Missouri where it will be easier to get rations & clothing to us for we are greatly in need of both at present Reg. good Health

 

1863

Jan. 22^d   March 6 miles north teams take the wrong road & go to the War Eagle 5 miles cloudy, rain in the P.M. roads very bad

23^d   weather fine teams come in & we pitch our tents on a beautiful Hillside 6 miles south of White river in Madison County Arkansas

24^th   march north cross the White river over bridge erected for the occasion by the 26th Ind. strike the telegraph road at Mudtown pass through Crosshollows & camp 1/2 mile north of there we are now on the old familiar road with our faces turned Springfield marched today 16 miles

25^th   march 13 miles along the telegraph road & camp on the very ground where we made our last charge at the Battle of Pearidge march 8th/62. the effects of the battle are to be seen on every side here a tree splintered by a shell in another place a score of bullets are embedded in the trunk of some giant oak it is cloudy & looks as though we might have a shower

26^th   march 10 miles along the telegraph road & camp in camp Sigel last night it rained all night & the roads are very bad we are again in Missouri

 

1863

Jan. 27^th   lay in camp clears off is a beautiful day roads are getting better mud is drying up we shall soon have good roads one of Blunts Brigades is at Springfield receive mail

28^th   weather fine roads are getting excelent the Regiment is in excelent Health & spirits expect soon to resume our march northward or it may be we shall turn back from here

29^th   break up camp at daybreak march 16 miles north along the wire road pass through Keatsville & Cassville & camp on flat Creek nearly all the Houses on this road Keatsville & Cassville included have been burned to the ground by our (miserable) Missouri troops this a beautiful creek on which we are camped & winds through a beautiful valley crossing the road nine times in twelve miles

30^th   march 7 miles along the wire road and camp at what is known as the three widows 45 miles S.W. from Springfield

31^st   camp named after our present com'd'g Gen. (Schofield) or as he is termed here Buell No Two for all believe he lacks the courage to risk a battle

 

1863

Feb. 1^st   Weather pleasant clean up camp & prepare to live once more Reg. in excelent Health

2^d   this is a beautiful day

3^d   weather fine. roads good boys in good Heath & spirits

4^th   this morning the snow is three inches deep & still snowing very cold O. Serg't. Merrill kills a fine Deer

5^th   very cold. snow six inches deep in the woods Cap. starts for Springfield

6^th   very cold this morning but this afternoon it is peasant & the snow is fast disappearing under the influence of a warm sun Lt. F. J. Abbey kills two fine deer

7^th   a beautiful morning snow melting fast & the roads are becoming bad again

8^th   weather warm and pleasant

9^th   cloudy with some rain roads very muddy

10^th   pleasant weather Uncle Jimmy on another spree & every body has to fly around it is very muddy which makes it very disagreeable dodging for him

11^th   cloudy very muddy & disagreeable today

12^th   still in camp Schofield cloudy, muddy & very nasty generaly our wounded arrive from Fayetteville stay over night with us & then pass on to Springfield where they can have better care some look very well some very bad

 

1863

Feb. 13^th   Splendid weather roads are better

14^th   last night it rained but it is a beautiful morning we march two miles into a more suitable Camp we are now encamped in a beautiful valley 40 miles S.W. of Springfield on the wire road it is St Valentines day but we are too far from civilization to procure anything worth sending to our friends

15^th   beautiful weather Reg. in excelent Health. this is the Sabbath day we have no Church to attend, as we have no Chaplain. this is a beautiful camp in a magnificent valley close to a large clear spring at which we get out water

16^th   this morning we have our second dress parade since leaving Ozark Nov. 16th/62 this P.M. it rains which prevents Co. drill which we must have hereafter by Order Brig. Gen. Jm's. Totten Com'd'g. Schofield being absent in Springfield

17^th   Camp Bliss. cloudy some rain have drill

18^th   this is a beautiful morning but it clouds up at night & rains some

19^th   snows some today the days are long and lonesome we have so very little to do & not much to read at present

 

1863

Feb. 20^th   Weather fine dress parade twice per day drill three times Regiment in excelent Heath

21^st   rain & snow roads very muddy so bad we cannot drill today

22^d   weather fair rather cool sign the Payrolls

23^d   this is a beautiful morning roads are excelent

24^th   beautiful weather

25^th   rainy day go to Mt Vernon with a forage train a pretty town but nearly ruined by the ravages of war. the 76th Enrolled Militia are guarding the town they are a pour excuse for Soldiers

26^th   leave town go down Spring river six miles load our teams & come back & stay over night again in town

27^th   last night five of our men deserted taking four good Horses one mule saddles &.c. with them come back to camp Bliss weather fair roads good &.c.

28^th   another rainy day in camp & another month has gone & still the Southern Confederacy seems to be in a thriving condition as ever & for all our power we lack in some one thing it must be wisdom in our leaders we have men enough now in the field to wipe out the Reb's at a single stroke why should we go groping about in the dark

 

1863

March 1^st   this morning (Sabbath) we break up camp & march 15 miles northeast along the wire road Camp McCullough spring roads the worst we ever passed over weather good

2^d   today after marching six miles on the telegraph road we leave it & march directly East cross James river camp in Ozark very windy roads some better than yesterday 28 miles

3^d   march 12 miles East and camp at White Oak springs weather fair roads very bad

4^th   March 25 miles East through Hazlewood camp on small but beautiful stream roads bad weather fair

5^th   lay in camp in waiting for part of our train which could not keep up cloudy

6^th   rainy day

7^th   on guard at Gen. Tottens Headquarters very strict very disagreeable weather

8^th   it is breaking away this morning and now I guess we will see better weather it has rained for three days & the roads are almost impassable

9^th   this is a very beautiful day all Nature looks smiling & Happy go out with a forage train. travel over a very mountainous country camp at night in a beautiful valley with a magnificent creek running along its in its center roads bad

 

1863

March 10^th   load up & start for camp come five miles lay over night roads very bad weather good the people are very ignorant in this part of Missouri they have beautiful farms but they are so very indolent that they look very bad

11^th   this is a splendid day we come into camp the grass is springing out green & beautiful

12^th   it is cloudy this morning the roads are gaining fast Camp Bloomington

13^th   beautiful weather every thing looks lovely our Regimental forage train has just come in & we have orders to prepare for a march the roads are getting quite passable & I guess Uncle Jimmy can urge his horse along fast enough to keep out of our way at least I hope so for it is disagreeable to be bothered with him along the road

14^th   this is a fine morning warm & clear we break up camp & march 15 miles northeast Camp in beautiful valley with a lovely stream running through it one of our team lay back four miles

15^th   march (at 7.A.M.) 15 miles over gradual sloping hills through beautiful vallies over ragged bluffs & camp on Elk Creek 60 miles from Rolla weather fair roads passable

 

1863

March 16^th   We have a beautiful camp five miles from the Gasconade River it is a lovely day

17^th   this has been a splendid day a detachment has been clearing off camp & a parade ground we have a magnificent camp on a beautifully sloping hill covered with small trees shrubbery &.c. in front (north side) in the valley lies Elk Creek beyond is high bluffy Hills in the rear (south side) in the valley murmurs a small rivulet leaving us on a hill & still in a valley for beyond the rivulet is high Hills. Batery E. 1st Mo. Light Artilery joins us, Gen. Totten has procured two small pieces (58/100 Calibre) to go with his Body Guard Union preservers I believe he calls them but if the Union is to be preserved by them we shall be obliged to wait some time yet before peace is declared.

18^th   weather fine roads are getting quite passable commence drill again the Gen. Com'd'g. (Totten) visits us quite often of late but is not quite as severe as he has been heretofore he is a splendid disciplinarian & an excelent provider that is two good traits in his character

19^th   Corporal Jones of this Co. is detailed to help work the Union preservers

 

1863

March 20^th   this is a beautiful day the roads are gaining

21^st   drill three hours per day fine weather

22^d   last night we had quite a shower but it is clearing off & is like to be a fine day after all inspection of arms today

23^d   this is a fine day. men in find spirits the Regiment was never in better Health

24^th   Gen. Totten leaves us today weather beautiful

25^th   weather fine roads excelent

26^th   our forage train comes in part of it empty forage very scarce weather fine roads good

27^th   cloudy with some rain no drill today

28^th   weather good forage train goes out again Col. Wickersham (of the 10th Ill. Cav.) is in command of our division a very fine appearing man we have a large Garrison flag up on our parade ground men in good Health & spirits & under excelent dicipline & pretty well drilled what there is left of us.

29^th   a cold windy day no drill this afternoon forage train goes out & comes back well loaded Commissioned Officers mail comes Ladies smoke & chew tobacco about here

30^th   weather beautiful roads in good condition

31^st   very windy day inspection of arms by Major Payne, Com'd'g. Reg. at present [illegible] another month has passed

 

1863

Apr. 1^st   clear windy day last eve Col. Black came back to us exchange our team for a six mule team

2^d   the weather continues clear & windy roads good

3^d   Cav. march at 7.A.M. Inft. at 8.A.M. cross the Gasconade river & proceed N.E. 14 miles camp on the Rubudue Creek it is a beautiful day for marching just cool enough for comfort.

4^th   march N.E. 14 miles to the banks of the big Piney camp on the left bank & build a bridge to cross in the morning roads excelent weather beautiful men in good Health & fine spirits

5^th   break up camp at 7.A.M. Cross the big Piney & march N.E. 12 miles camp on Spring creek roads excelent weather fair not much water on the road today for the last three days we have followed the ridges most of the time we have a good kindhearted leader (Col. Mc E. Dye of the 20 Iowa) & we have had an easy march this time we expect to over take the Cav. & Artilery on the little Piney tomorrow night

6^th   march twelve miles & camp on the little Piney find the Cav. & Artilery here weather fair we are now ten miles south of Rolla

7^th   weather fair roads excelent mail comes in once in two days Reg. in good Health

8^th   Grand review by Major Gen. Herron who has now assumed the command of the army of the Frontier Brig. Gen. Van Dever assumes the command of the 2d Div'n both were formerly of the 8th Iowa Inft.

 

1863

Apr. 9^th   this is a beautiful day the roads are in excelent condition trains arrive daily with clothing Rations forage &c. from Rolla.

10^th   beautiful morning clouds up at night

11^th   rained some last night but has cleared off now & is likely to be a pleasant day

12^th   pleasant day men receive furloughs for thirty days

13^th   weather fair roads continue good

14^th   it rained most of the time last night & is still raining Health of the Reg. good.

15^th   beautiful day, Serg't G. H. Merrill starts for

16^th   Home on furlough, windy day

17^th   a clear beautify day Boys in excelent Health & spirits Col. Black assumes command of the Reg. Major Payne to do the field duty for the present until Col. Blacks arm is well

18^th   pleasant weather

19^th   Sabbath no drill company inspection of arms

20^th   today we have had our first Battalion drill in this camp (Totten) & the first under Col. Black since he was wounded (Prairie Grove Dec. 7th/62) he is now Col. of the Reg. thus far our Div'n commander is well liked

21^st   all the available cavalry & one batery have gone on a scout under Gen Van Dever taking fifteen days rations with them weather fair roads in favorable condition men healthy

22^d   weather fair

 

1863

Apr. 23^d   this afternoon we have to march leaving everything except what we can carry on our back in our knapsacks therefore my dear old journal (over which I have passed many a lonely hour) you & I like all friends in this weary world must part not knowing whether either may survive the ravages of war I bid you a sorrowful adieu

Eve_ here is a mistake instead of marching south as we expected to we march north 10 miles to Rolla camp just north of town for the night

24^th   Embark on board the cars & run to St Louis (110 miles) arrive at 7.P.M. & march to the south side of the Arsenal 3 miles where we bivouac for the night beside the Arsenal wall

25^th   march one mile south to Fort No 1 & lay there until afternoon when we march back to the Arsenal our tents are brought to us we pitch them & get ready to live once more. This morning (at the fort) the 37th Iowa (Greybeard Regiment) cooked & brought us coffee (in barrels) boiled Hams & bakers bread enough for our breakfast it was a kind act of them & deserves all praise at 10.P.M. we receive orders to march in thirty minutes things are packed in a trice & off we go for the arsenal levee Companies A. & B. embark almost immediately and are of the transport that is to take us has to take on coal from a coal Barge which lies here & there & delays us a long time

 

1863

Apr. 26^th   Embark at 3.A.M. on board the transport Francis Ficher & start down the river arrive at Cape Girardeau at 2.P.M. just as the skirmish there is ending we take our position on the right & lay there until midnight waiting for the Rebs to renew the conflict but they donot come they have withdrew

27^th   soon after midnight marched to Fort C. (near the centre of the line) where we lay until about 3.P.M. when we march (without arms[)] to the levee load our tents messboxes &.c. come back & while we are pitching our tents it commences to rain still we are quite comfortable as we have our tents to shelter us & our blankets to keep us warm

28^th   rained most of the night but it has cleared off this morning & is quite pleasant at one P.M. move out of the fort & pitch our tents nearer the river the Cav. & part of the Artilery have gone in pursuit of Marmaduke we receive orders to march with three days rations in our haversacks no tents one blanket at 7.P.M. we take a macadamized road toward Bloomfield S.W. march until midnight over good roads when we lay down

29^th   march at two A.M. pass through a very bad swamp until 10.P.M. (40 miles) when

 

1863

Apr. 29^th   We bivouac for the night during the day we have crossed white river

30^th   march 11 miles into Bloomfield cross the Gascon on a bridge built by the 32d Iowa (a splendid Reg't.) here we join the main force (Van Devers cavalry scout) 5,000 Cav. 22 pieces of Artilery & about 600 Inft. under command of Brig Gen Vandever Brig. Gen. McNeil 2d in command Col Black (ours) com'd'g our Brigade here the Secesh had made great preparations to receive us in style but before we came came up they run as usual and we take peacable possession of the place & lay here over night the town has been a beautiful one but it has been ransacked by the Reb's, & strange as it may seem the people are rebel sympathisers still the Officers of the Rebel Army have allowed their men to pillage this town they have even taken the dresses bedquilts & pillows from the Ladies and in some instances they have taken the victuals from the houses so that the people have to go hungry it is hard telling what they are to do until grain can grow well another month has gone into eternity & we are here 50 miles into the swamp & like to go farther before we go back there is a little chance yet of getting a fight out of them yet at St Francis river

 

1863

May 1^st   The Cavalry are reconnoitering ahead we march at 8.A.M. road bad march 32 miles & bivouac for the night

2^d   march 8 miles to the St Francis River near which we begin to come up with the cavalry line after line of cav. & artilery are thrown accross the road all these we pass & march to the front a spirited skirmish of about 30 minutes lost one 1st Lt killed one Serg't & one Corp. several wounded the secesh take to their heels & as they have destroyed all means of crossing & the river being deep & swift all we can do is turn back which we do & march 12 miles rations is becoming scarce & it stands us in hand to travel

3^d   march 28 miles & bivouac in Bloomfield out of rations get a little pickled pork of the 32d Iowa who has guarded this place while we were out the roads are very bad rain

4^th   bury our Lt this morning & then march 14 miles rainy afternoon roads bad have fresh beef only for tonight

5^th   march 20 miles over very wet swampy roads ran start of the day

6^th   march 16 miles & arrive at the Cape glad to get Home once more find all things right it has rained every day since we left here 8 days ago we have marched 180 miles & have driven Marmaduke once more from Mo. it is considered the hardest scout the 37th ever made such Horrible roads so little

 

1863

May 6^th   to eat, so much rain together with marching night & day made it pretty hard but I donot see[?] but[?] we stand it pretty well after all

7^th   Arainy day but being in camp we donot mind it much this is a splended little town the inhabitants are mostly Germans

8^th   this is a beautiful day the first one for a long time P.M. after writing the above we have orders to march pack up & march to the Levee Embark on board the transport J. C. Swan for St Louis

9^th   a beautiful morning arrive at 12.M & march to Camp Gamble (3 miles) have inspection pitch our tents &.c.

10^th   pleasant day this is indeed a beautiful camp no wonder the Secesh chose this for their camp of instruction two years ago

11^th   this has been a magnificent day this morning at 10 Oclock we marched to Washington Avenue where the procession was formed for the celebration of the taking of Camp Jackson (now Camp Gamble) two years ago today here we received Major Gen. Curtiss as he passed our Reg. he took off his hat & bowed (a thing he didnot do to any other) as he recognized the old 37th who followed him to victory at Pearidge he is deserving more praise than he receives by far then we marched down Washington Avenue to 6th street followed that to Olive St up Olive St to Camp Jackson where the celebration was conducted in peace & Harmony

 

1863

May 11^th   I may safely say there was more Shoulder straps here than the Army of the Frontier could ever boast of but the City is much pleasanter than the field where a soldiers life is real not fancy parades & Sham Battles toward night a few drunken Home Guards have a quarrel among themselves

12^th   weather fair

13^th   This has been a beautiful day. I have visited the Wesleyan Cemetery it has once been a beautiful yard but for want of care (like everything in Mo.) it is sadly dilapidated still there is some magnificent Edifices left untouched by the hand of decay[?] as yet the flowers are in full bloom nearly one half has been used as a burying place for Soldiers they are burried in rows a short board at the head of each grave with the initials of the soldiers name & his No then a Register is kept by the Sexton bearing each Soldiers description all for the benefit of his friends it is a sad sight to see so many young men pass off but it is the will of an alwise & almerciful Creator who knows what is for the best & we have no right to complain they are at rest gone from a world of sin & sorrow gone to a last long rest gone to that bourne from which no traveler returns

 

1863

14^th   this is a beautiful morning break up camp at 6.A.M. march four miles to the Iron Mountain R.R. Embark at 9.A.M. run to Pilot Knob disembark march one mile bivouac for the night today we have passed over some very rough country & through some beautiful little towns Desoto among the rest with a beautiful though small Church the people along the R.R. seem to be intensely Loyal flags were flying at almost every House

15^th   this is a fine day we move into a suitable camp draw shelter tents turn over our others we have pontoons here for quite a long bridge & now we are prepared for an active Campaign in Dixey & expect soon to have one every thing goes to show for it

16^th   today I have been over the mountain to Ironton it is a pretty little town beautiful day roads are excelent the country around here is very Hilly

17^th   fair day draw soft bread have Regimental inspection

18^th   it is a beautiful day all Nature looks smiling & gay the summer is upon us in all its beauty, the Spring is fast going, but we gladly exchange it for beautiful summer with all its shady bowers & handsome flowers Excelent fruits &.c.

 

1863

May 18^th   Oh, sweet, indeed, the jentle spring,
When the Earth is robed in flowers;
And beautiful, the summer day,
With all its leafy bowers.

Evening_ this afternoon Serg't. Sands & I have been to what is called the Knob it is a picturesque place, from the top one can look round upon the Hills below for miles around then the Iron works it is quite a sight to see them lower the car-loads at lightning speed by means of pulleys

19^th   "Camp Illinois" this is a beautiful morning

20^th   the weather is fair our Camp is cleared off so it looks quite decent our (2d) Div'n is all here now except one Batery, the 3d Div'n Brig. Gen. Orme (formerly of the 94th Ill.) Com'd'g. is still at Rolla where we left them the 24th of April Gen. Van Dever has his family here & seems to be making preparations to stay some time

21^st   Changed "Camp Herron" weather fair Reg in good Health

22^d   this morning Srg't Sands & Tripp start Home on furlough weather fine

23^rd   weather fair

24^th   weather beautiful roads Excelent rather dusty

25^th   still it is fine weather lay in Camp Herron drill twice per day dress parade once per day

 

1863

May 26^th   this is a splendid day roads are in Exelent condition

27^th   weather fair Health of the Regiment Excelent

28^th   a beautiful day

29^th   rain part of the day, go to Ironton & the Knob Geo. Kennicott has been our 2d Lt three weeks 1st Serg't Wm B. O. Sands 2d A. J. Higgison 3d G. I. Tripp 4th T. J. Stow 5th D. H. Jones Serg't Geo. H. Merrill has been promoted to 2d Lt of Co. H. of this Reg.

30^th   rainy disagreeable day Lt Geo. H. Merrill is detailed as A.S.P.M. of this Div'n 2d Army of the Frontier the 24th Mo. Inf't & the 34th Iowa Inf't. have been attached to this division Gen Van Dever is here & in command Gen. Herron in command of this Army of the Frontier but is now Home (Pitsburgh P.a.) to bury his Father who has suddenly died Gen. Orme is temporarily in command in the absence of the Com'dg. General for the past two weeks we have had beautiful weather until yesterday now it is rainy & the roads are muddy & slippery

31^st   very heavy rain last night but this morning it has cleared off & is now a beautiful day Spring has surly left us & now comes summer with its rich Warmth[?] & its beautiful flowers [illegible] &.c.

 

1863

June 1^st   a pleasant summer day with occasional showers Health of the Reg. excelent

2^d   it rained nearly all night & part of today our tents are not much protection from the storm but then they are better than no tent

3^d   this has been a beautify day we have marched 20 miles east [of] the Knob roads passable but rather muddy to day we have crossed the St Francis River passed through Farmington a beautiful little town 18 miles east of Pilot Knob. This is the best part of Mo. we have ever been through it is generaly well cultivated & almost every farm has a vineyard & some of them beautiful ones the people seem to be mostly Germans

4^th   march 22 miles pass through valley forge & cross many little creeks & camp in a beautiful valley for the night roads good

5^th   march 7 miles to the Mississippi River (St Geneveve) & embark at 10.A.M. on board the transport Hannibal lay until afternoon when they run accross the river take on wood & lay over night eat supper in Illinois

6^th   this is a beautiful morning on the Mississippi we start down the river pass Cape Girardeau run to Cairo lay over night

7^th   start at daybreak down the river pass Columbus Island No 10 New Madrid & land at Point Pleasant clean the boat reembark run 20 miles lay over on the Tenn. farm for the night

 

1863

June 8^th   proceed again down the river at daybreak land at Memphis two hours this is a beautiful city & is kept in good order I should judge by appearances that the Comdg. Gen (Hurlbut) was doing his duty well run about 40 miles below Memphis & lay up for the night on the Tenn. shore

9^th   start at daybreak run to Helena land to clean the boat this is a filthy little town or Huddle it should be called a large scout has gone from here today in search of Marmaduke leave Helena run about 5 miles & lay up for the night

10^th   during the night the 3d Div'n have joined us & now there is ten transports in the fleet. all our Cav. was left in Mo. & one Batery (L 1st Mo) with them at New Madrid we exchanged the 24th Mo. for the 38th Iowa (850 strong) they are the largest Reg. in the two divisions but they have neither marched or fought yet

11^th   start at 3.A.M. run to the mouth of the Yazoo up that to Chickasaw landing lay an hour return & proceed down the river to Youngs Point land just above the Mortar fleet on the L.a. bank lay over night in plain sight of the City. the mortar & gun boats (below town) are at work all night

12^th   march 3 miles accross the little neck of land & now we lay below town but still in plain sight still both fleets keep constant firing in to the works about town

 

1863

June 13^th   this is a lonely morning rather too warm for Comfort it is true there was sharp fighting on the Centre yesterday afternoon with what results I know not there is heavy canonading in that direction this morning we cross the river on some old shattered transport that has run the Blockade and march up the river three miles camp for the night on the side of a sand Hill

14^th   weather beautiful but very warm march three miles & take position on the extreme left next to the river shelling & sharpshooting is constantly going on in our front (Rear of Vicksburg)

15^th   it is a beautiful day we are now the 1st Reg. (Col. Chas. Black com'd'g.) of the 1st Brigade (Col McE Dye comdg Brigade) of Van Devers Div'n of Herrons Command two cos. from Each Reg. advanced as Piqiuets (called sharpshooters here) our Major (Payne) is detailed as Project Officer for Herrons Corps. Blackberries & Plumbs are ripe & plenty.

16^th   called out at daybreak to support our Piquets while they ocupy the Rebel rifle Pits a pretty sharp time but they take the works now our sharpshooters can easily pick off the rebel gunners in the outside forts weather fair very warm

 

1863

June 17^th   still the seige continues with unabated fury O, they must have the Horrors in there, the shell & shot flying about their ears continualy & on short Rations at that I am sure if I had to pass through what they do I should want a full stomach to steady my nerves. I go to the 85th Ill. (7 miles to the right of us) see very many schoolmates & acquaintances. they are closer to the Reb's than we are

18^th   come back to camp go to the 38th Iowa find a cousin (Orson Morse Co. K.) that I have not seen for a long time. the seige continues our lines steadily & they must give up soon or be driven into the Heart of the City.

19^th   weather fair and war roads very dusty seige still continues nothing of importance occurs

20^th   had a sharp artilery duel this morning the Reg. is called out to support the Bateries but donot get a shot at the Reb's. the seige continues as heretofore a few are wounded & some killed each day

21^st   a light shower this morning. very warm Health of the Reg. continues Excelent

22^nd   last night our Piquets had quite a skirmish but lost nothing by it this morning we go out to support our sharpshooters while they advance our lines it is handsomely done with but little loss on our side it is a beautiful day.

 

1863

23^d   last night our sharpshooters took possession of the Rebel rifle Pits with but little opposition & now our lines lay very close together it is a beautiful day we are all ready with two days Rations in our Haversacks to leave here for no one knows where or if they do they will not tell

24^th   all was quiet last night except an occasional gun it rained just Enough to lay the dust this is a beautiful day quite cool after the showers it is unusualy quiet today the Reb's donot deign to reply to our guns at all

25^th   last night the Reb's would not answer to our guns at all fine day go after Blackberries have a pleasant time Eating berries come back & find no Reg. it had gone to the front to support the Bateries while they shell the Rebel works they are not answered, therefore we return to Camp at 10.P.M. a heavy artilery duel commences which lasts about 10 minutes when the Reb's cease firing we go to the front but as there is nothing to be done we return & turn in for the night but Expect soon to be called out all however remains quiet until morning prisoners are taken almost every day & some deserters come in almost Every night very warm today

 

1863

June 26^th   fine morning all is unusualy quiet this morning this afternoon Orderly Sergeant Sands & I go to the front to see the Boys fire at the Reb's. our Rifle Pits are just close Enough to their front so I can fire in with my old five shooter with the 100 y.d. sight raised it has been a very warm afternoon

27^th   last night all was quiet Except artilery it looked very much like rain this morning but has cleared off & is a beautiful day

28^th   weather is very beautiful the seige continues but not quite so fierce as heretofore last night all was quiet the beseiged seem loath to part with their amunition & the beseigers seem willing to let them keep it for we are satisfied that the want of food is more than the want of amunition with them deserters continue to come in very warm this P.M.

29^th   it is beautiful weather last night all was quiet today scarcely a gun can be heard up to this time M

30^th   this last day of June is a beautiful day all seems unusualy quiet, still the seige continues & will most likely until the Stars & Stripes float in all their magnificence over Vicksburg the stronghold of the Reb's we have U.S. Grant at our head a man that never tires & with him at our head we know that Vicksburg is ours

 

1863

1^st   last night it rained a thing we very much needed to preserve the Health of the troops all is quiet up to this time 6.A.M. later at 8.A.M. a fierce cannonading commences & is kept up for about two hours then all is quiet as before

2^d   beautiful weather all is quiet go the 95 Ill. visiting have a pleasant visit come back in the Evening

3^d   splendid morning all are preparing for a grand charge on the Rebel works on the morrow (Ever Glorious 4th of July) new Bateries are being planted nearer their works & all is being done that is possible to insure our success ten A.M. all is quiet not a gun is to be heard an armistice has been agreed upon at 3.P.M. the two Com'd'g. Gens (Grant & Pemberton) are to meet we all go half way & meet the Rebs & have a chat they look rough Enough still they will own nothing but without doubt they must give up soon on account of food

4^th   the Ever Glorious fourth has dawned but what do we hear the heavy boom of cannon the fierce rattle of musketry the shouts of charging Legions; O, no it is the shout of victory it is the booming of cannon in honor of the Great Victory acheived

 

July 4^th   by U.S. Grant the Pet of the Army of the Tennessee a man that prepares to do a thing before he does it or commences & then goes unfalteringly forward never once halting until his end is is accomplished this is indeed a glorious day to the Arms of the U.S.

5^th   we are now camped inside the Rebel works the prisoners are still inside of us Gen. Grant with his untiring zeal left with all the available forces for the Big Black to try & take in Joe Johnston if possible if not to drive him off. he just waited long enough to fulfil his promise (of eating supper in Vicksburg the 4th of July) then he started off post haste

6^th   weather fair 1.300 prisoners come in from the big black

7^th   weather good this has indeed been a Glorious victory such a vast amount of amunition arms artilery (Heavy & light) together with prisoners & the position have gained. now let the Iron Hearted Gen. with his New England Herves[Nerves] take Port Hudson & the great River is opened & we are free to traverse it whole length

8^th   nothing as yet from Gen. Grant weather fair

9^th   weather fair prisoners are being paroled Health of the Reg. begins to fail & what the Reb's have failed to do that I fear desease will do for us but let it be so it is better thus than to have our Glorious Union severed

 

1863

10^th   We have good news from the Army of the Potomac also from Helene the weather is beautiful but so warm one can scarcely imagine the lassitude & disinclination that creeps over a man in these sultry climes it needs more than common Energy to induce one to Exercise Enough to in sure good Health this afternoon go to the 95th Ill. & 14th Wis'n. have an Excelent visit

11^th   this morning come back through the City to the camp find the Reg. ready to march Embark on board the Satan Expect to go to Port Hudson but Just as we are ready to go a boat comes with news that Port Hudson has surrendered therefore we have no business there we lay over night ten men from our Co. is left are left sick it is hard to leave our Comerades but such is the fortunes of war & what right have we to murmur C. A. Anderson is among the sick

12^th   On board the transport Satan off Vicksburg Miss. it is a beautiful morning our Artilery are Embarking & again there is a prospect of going but this time it seems to be up the river Evening_ we have passed Chickasaw landing & Haines bluff & are now far on our way up the Yazoo river we have left behind a beautiful City (Vicksburg) but it is well garrisoned beside we are going toward the Enemy from it we are now laying up for the night Expecting to Enter Yazoo City tomorrow

 

1863

July 13^th   our little army has been reorganized & is now only one Division Major Gen. Herron comd'g our (1st) Brigade is composed of the 20th 34th & 38th Iowa 26 Ind & 37th Ill Inft Bateries E. & F. 1st Mo. Light Artilery Brig Gen Van Dever comdg. Brigade the 2d Brigade is composed of the 18th Iowa 20th Wis'n & 94th Ill. Inft & Batery B. 1st Mo. Light Artilery Brig. Gen. Orme com'dg. Brigade we proceed at daybreak at one oclock P.M. we lay two miles below Yazoo City (one Hundred miles up the river) here our Reg. lands Companies K. & I. (ours) were thrown out as skirmishers & our Reg. advanced toward the town about one mile when the Reb's open on our Gunboats (which are oposite us) with a single gun we are ordered to halt lay in a cornfield & roast corn until nearly night when we are ordered back the Reg. to the boat us two co's. down the River on Piquet the boats move back one mile we pass along down the bank to the bayou & commence crossing about one half cross (on flood wood) when it becomes so dark we cannot see to cross thus leaving part of our guard on Each side of the bayou in a bad position but we do the best we can which proved to be well enough about 8.P.M. the boats advance again the best one (Dekalb) of 13 guns & our canonade is blown up by a torpedo then the Inft land & charge

 

July 13^th   into town take 250 prisoners 6 peises of artilery one transport (obliging them to burn their splendid steamers) we also took quite a No of Horses mules wagons cotton &.C. &C we have good news from the East especially from the Army of the Potomac

14^th   come aboard this morning the Reg. lay in town they are busy at the DeKalb raising her guns her works are old therefore it is not so much of a loss after all this had been a flourishing town and is the beautifulest one I have ever seen in Secesia the Reg. came aboard this Eve. weather fair but very warm there is plenty of Peaches Pears Apples Figs Blackberries Mellons &.C. here

15^th   this is a beautiful morning we are on shore for the boat to be cleaned they are preparing to take on the Artilery which was captured here about 20 of our Co. is sick & the remainder is not very well the water is so very poor

16^th   weather fair orders to march at 12.M. light marching orders five days rations in our Haversacks march six miles bivouac for the night in a beautiful grove

17^th   march at daybreak there is 7 Reg'ts (about 1.500 men) & four peices of artilery (from Batery F.) we march S.E. through Benton & on toward Canton (on the R.R.) about 11.A.M. we hear canonading ahead & we hurry forward at a rapid pace

 

July 17^th   for an hour when the firing ceases & we lay down for a couple of hours then march to the big black Col. Bussey's Cav Brigade has ocupied Canton (8 miles in advance of us) & we have no business there we biovuac for the Night in line of Battle the shape of a half moon the flank resting near the river which we have just crossed

18^th   turn our faces toward Yazoo City at 3.P.M. march 10 miles & biovuac for the night in a fine little grove, water scarse

19^th   march Early arrive (15 miles) at Yazoo City at 1.P.M. roads very bad on account of dust weather fair but very warm

20^th   weather fair busy raising the guns of the DeKalb & loading cotton

21^st   run down the river to Vicksburg lay on the boats over night

22^d   disembark & march to our old camp find the boys (that we left) on the gain except one now (7.P.M.) we expect to take the boat again tonight

23^d   didn't leave last night but expect to go tomorrow

24^th   Embark on board the transport N.W. Thomas run down the river as far as Warrenton & lay up for the night only leave one sick man behind but we have many aboard weather fair

 

1863

July 25^th   the 91st Ill. Inf't is attached to Gen Orme's (2d) Brigade we start down the river at day break run to Port Hudson arrive in the night

26^th   On board the transport N.W. Thomas Off Port Hudson L.a. we now lay off the work that the Noble Gen. Banks has been battering down it is now occupied by what is called the New England Div'n & three Reg'ts of western boys cleaning boat & drawing rations this morning Gen's. Herron & Van Dever start start for New Orleans

27^th   we lay here awaiting orders from below us we are now in Gen. Bank's Department weather fine

28^th   still waiting it is a beautiful day but too warm for comfort

29^th   weather continues beautiful still waiting for the Gen. to come back or send us orders what to do.

30^th   Herron has returned & we have orders to march at 4.P.M. Eve_ we did not march today but expect to go in the morning.

31^st   march one mile into camp this morning it is a beautiful day I think the Health of the Reg. is improving, another month has passed & it has been a month of victory to us on Every hand the Reb's are fleeing before our victorious armies

 

1863

Aug. 1^st   this is a beautiful day the Health of the Reg. seems to be improving fast now. O, how I hope this may be as successful a month to our Arms as the past month has been then we may look for Peace joyous Peace

2^d   beautiful day but so very warm it almost suffocates one

3^d   the weather continues good roads very dusty it is so dry it has been so long since we had a good soaking shower to lay the dust very warm

4^th   weather fine go 18 miles into the country with a forage train plenty of melons & corn not much of any thing else load with corn and biovuac for the night

5^th   beautiful morning, drive back into Camp Reg't have moved into a more suitable Camp & now we fix up a little sick boys have come up from the boat & are now gaining very fast

6^th   this is a beautiful day have to draw our water from the Mississippi River (one mile) there is plenty of spring water about here but it seems to be unfit for use therefore the medical director has ordered that we use river water

7^th   a light shower just enough to purify the air & make it quite healthy here for all it is so far south

8^th   this is a splendid morning quite cool after yesterday's shower our sick are gaining fast many of them have already returned to duty Expect to move one mile tomorrow

 

1863

Aug. 9^th   beautiful day move Camp one mile farther back from the river roads very dusty

10^th   this is a splendid day just cool Enough for comfort that is Secession Comfort the Health of the troops is steadily improving

11^th   weather fair but very warm

12^th   occasional showers just Enough to cool the air & make the dust lay still

13^th   this is a beautiful morning our baggage is being drawn to the Levee where we Expect to Embark for .______. Eve_ On board the transport Argo we are nearly ready to leave down the river we Expect

14^th   it is a splendid morning on the Mississippi River we have run all night passed Baton Rouge & lay up for breakfast on the St James Plantation stay one hour & again we are going down the river run to Carlton lay up an hour run down & land 3 1/2 miles above New Orleans move back 1/2 mile & camp

15^th   it is fine weather we have a beautiful Camp under the shade of some large Live Oaks our sick are recovering very fast vegetables are very plenty here peddlars are swarming the camp like swarms of bees

16^th   this is a very beautiful day all nature looks lovely & calm as though nought was disturbing the serenity of this mighty Nation as though no blood was being shed upon its sacred soil

 

1863

Aug. 17^th   this is a beautiful day the remainder of our Brigade came down the river also part of another div'n plenty of peddlars come into camp mostly French and German one of Co. G died today the sick are gaining fast & I am in hopes the Reg. will be healthier here so near the sea with plenty of vegetables

18^th   rainy morning but looks as though we might have a fine day yet, two years ago today I Enlisted then the opinion was the war would End in six months two years of toil & pain two years of blood & slaughter have passed & alas for Human calculations it is not at all likely the war will End within six months "Man proposes, God disposes"

19^th   occasional showers just Enough to cool the air

20^th   this is a beautiful day our sick are gaining fast as a general thing some few have died but most of them will soon be well

21^st   weather fair grand review by Major Gen. Banks at 10 A.M. review does not take place today

22^d   the grand review comes off today it is beautiful weather vegetables of almost Every kind is continualy coming into camp but we Expect soon to be far away from here as grand review is always the forerunner of a campaign with us or at least it always has been for two years & I guess it will not fail us this time

23^d   this is a beautiful sabbath morning but we have no church to attend another of our men died last night but none from our Co as yet

 

1863

Aug. 24^th   the weather is fair but very warm more men are taken sick

25^th   this has been a lovely day I have been to the city & well may New Orleans be called the queen City of the south it is kept so clean it has no such magnificent buildings as some Northern Cities has still they look very pretty, the most magnificent structure is in the city is the Monument of Jackson his motto "The Union must & shall be preserved" is Engraved in large letters under him, & then such a beautiful yard so many pretty flowers & so many diferent kinds of shrubbery

26^th   it is cloudy this morning & looks as though we might have a shower clears off toward noon

27^th   this has been a beautiful day three men from the Reg. have died today

28^th   the weather is fair two more of our Reg. died last night Heath of the Reg. on the decline

29^th   it is beautiful weather her at present Health of the Reg. seems to be improving,

30^th   fine morning yesterday we had grand review by Gen. Banks com'd'g. this department (of the Gulf)

31^st   this is a beautiful day orders to march leaving knapsacks tents &.c. behind light marching order muster by Col. Black another month good news from Charleston today

 

1863

Sept. 1^st   this is a beautiful day Heath of the Reg. seems to be improving slightly more troops come almost every day until an immense army is collecting at this place

2^d   weather fair

3^d   beautiful weather Health of the Reg. steadily improving none have died for four days none have died from this company since the Battle of Prairie Grove December 4th /62

4^th   weather beautiful Grand review by Major Gen. Grant

5^th   fine day Embark on board the transport D. G. Taylor at 8.A.M. start up the river at 1.P.M. run all night passing Baton Rouge during the night

6^th   arrive at Port Hudson at 9.A.M. plenty of aligators here, take on wood & run up the river twenty miles tie up on the west bank for the night

7^th   three Reg'ts from the 2d Brigade march out at sunrise under command of Col. Day (Col. 91st Ill.) they march 12 miles & have a skirmish fall back & wait for reinforcements

8^th   our Brigade march to the front this morning & for the first time I am left behind being unable to march they go 13 miles & lay on the bank of a steep Bayou the Rebs oposite making it impossible to cross without Pontoons which we have now[?] at hand it is a very warm day thus making it very hard marching through the dust which is very deep, very thinly settled through these parts

 

1863

9^th   this is a beautiful day our Brigade also the 2d Brigade is coming in (13 miles) they have had no fight to amount to anything Piquet has been shot

10^th   Off Morganza L.a. the weather is beautiful but very warm- a scout goes out for Beef to gather information &.C. get plenty of beef we run 10 miles up the river & land with wood come back at night

11^th   weather fair, Health of the Reg. good what there [is] of us here,

12^th   this morning the 26th Ind. & 19th Iowa under command of Lt Col. Leak (of the 20th Iowa) run up the river 6 miles land & march six miles into the country the Cav. & one section of Artilery go with them they take their position as an outpost

13^th   fair weather no news from the outpost

14^th   one Packet comes up one down but no mail on Either, our sick are on the upward Bound boat four from our company going Home on furlough our 13th Corps has left New Orleans for Texas by land

15^th   the Ben Franklin goes up the river

16^th   our outposts have a little brush with the reb's but without any advantage on Either side

17^th   some of the 26th come in today but bring no news from the front of importance

 

1863

Sept. 18^th   No 8 (Missqueto) comes down from the mouth of Red river & goes down the river

19^th   nothing of importance occurs

20^th   weather fair run up the river 6 miles land & take our position beside the levee in the town of Morganza Coupee Parish L.a.

21^st   weather fine no signs of our Camp Equipage coming to us no news of importance from outpost

22^d   this is a lovely day so cool & comfortable that is for this place

23^d   weather fair no news from the outpost Health of the Reg. Excelent

24^th   on Piquet two miles up the river great Nos of people come in to see the Gen. (Herron)

25^th   weather fair the people here are mostly French & Irish

26^th   weather fair looking for a new Division Commander Major Gen. Herron is to leave us no one knows (or if they do they will not tell) where he is going to

27^th   weather beautiful nothing of importance from the front occasionaly a skirmish but without any advantage being gained by Either side the Rebel Piquets stand this side [of] the Bayou but their camp is the other where they seem to be strongly post & in quite large numbers under Gen. Green Major Gen. Dana is in command

 

1863

Sept. 28^th   morning fair rain at night no news

29^th   last night the Reb's crossed & surrounded the outpost & took them after a short but desperate struggle a few Escaped by instant flight the cavalry not being in the same camp Escaped & came into camp our loss in killed was 13 wounded 27 the Reb's burried 27 in one grave or ditch leaving them only partly covered it looks very cruel to leave them thus after they have fought & died on the Battlefield ours were brought into camp the 37th (ours) was called to the rescue but was too late & returned the secesh having retreated accross the Bayou as quietly as they came taking the two Regiments & one section of Batery E. 1st Misouri Light Artilery it has rained all day & there is no signs of clearing off very soon the mud is very deep & the stickiest I ever saw, men from the 26th and 19th keep coming in from the woods until there is quite a squad of them they were Noble Regiments but under a very incompetent commander & so every body thought & thought it very strange that Vandever should want[?] him in com'd

30^th   still it keeps raining as though it would never clear off

 

1863

Oct. 1^st   very muddy & rainy march 3 miles lay through the day while Col. Black goes forward with the cavalry to reconnoitre he is in command in front Cap. Kennicott is in command of the Reg. at night we march back one mile & lay in a Cotton Gin over night

2^d   march one mile to our old stand while Col. Black again goes forward at night march back to the Cotton Gin again a slight skirmish between the Rebel Piqiuets & our cavalry under Col. Black he fires upon them he is a brave Officer

3^d   go out one mile again this morning it is a beautiful day come back at night two miles & lay in an open field one mile from the river

4^th   march two miles to our old stand there is plenty of sweet potatoes here & we have fine times it is a beautiful day come back at night

5^th   lay still today weather fair

6^th   march one mile along the road turn & go south two miles & lay over on a fine plantation until Evening when we march two miles back to the road & three miles along it then lay still until morning one section of artilery comes to us & things begin to look as though we might make an advance in the morning we are now one mile from where those two Regiments were taken in the 28th of Sept.

 

1863

Oct. 7^th   march a[t] daybreak it rains in the forenoon making it very bad marching we go 8 miles to the Bayou shell accross it a little it is not returned, receive inteligence that the Rebs have gone to Simsport we return 12 miles & lay over one mile from the river

8^th   this is a beautiful day lay still

9^th   march into camp & are very highly complimented by Gen. Dana for our rapid marches & the style in which we done outpost duty, the Artilery are embarking & we expect soon to leave

10^th   Embark at 6.A.M. & start down the river it is a beautiful day we pass Port Hudson about ten A.M.

11^th   splendid morning land at 9.A.M. & march nearly one mile & ocupy a camp near our old one (when we were here in August) I obtain leave of absence & go to see our sick in the Convalescent Camp near Carlton, L.a.

12^th   weather fair in the morning rain at night very hard preparations are rapidly going forward to reorganize & refit the division for active field service we have a new chaplain come to us

13^th   weather fair went to the Convalescent Camp Boys doing well generally Company, Battalion drill & dressparade our new General takes well so far but we cannot tell much about him yet

 

1863

Oct. 14^th   beautiful day just cool Enough for comfort no news of importance

15^th   the weather is beautiful we are drawing clothing today Every thing but Jackets the very thing we need most

16^th   weather fair orders to march a[t] one hours notice no news of importance

17^th   weather fair donot go as we Expected to draw artilery Jackets & other clothing we have also drawn Shelter tents again which we turned over when we started up the river,

18^th   weather fair go to the Convalescent Camp find the Boys improving fast some are about to go "Home" some about to come to the Reg. the remainder Expect to go to New Orleans to stay for medical treatment the Heath of the Reg. is improving generaly

19^th   this has been a beautiful day Morton & I have been to the city & out to Lake Ponchairtrain also to the Picayune Cotton Press to see the "C.D.A." Commission's from this Reg. they are a gay set of Officers, the lake where we came to it (Milneburg) is a mere mud Hole the town looks as though it was built in the days of Washington & Jackson one is in danger of falling through the side walks into the lake a steamer was just in from Ship Island when we were there

20^th   beautiful day drill twice Company & Battallion bad news from Blunt

 

1863

Oct 21^st   weather fair no signs of moving as yet news is very drill two drills one dressparade per day

22^d   this is a beautiful morning three Eastern Regiments embarked last night they Expect to proceed to Matamoraz I believe

23^d   very rainy today revilee at 3.A.M. Embark on board transport Geo. Peabody run down to New Orleans lay over night

24^th   lay at the upper End of the city Expecting to move down the river soon very stormy weather

25^th   weather fair but cool take on coal for a voyage & run to the mouth of the river anchor in the middle of the stream

26^th   stormy this morning & looks as though we might yet have a bad voyage of it our fleet 23 Sail is nearly all here & we expect soon to run out to sea,

27^th   9.A.M./ once more we are under way & this time we cross the Bar & now we are at sea, but again we cast anchor it is blowing pretty hard at present 3.P.M./ here comes the Flag Ship (McClellan) the usual salute is fired & we file away on our course, W.N.W., & now we are fairly out at sea the wind is still raising Gen. Banks is along also Major Gen. Dana of New Hampshire in command of our division & now we expect to see what the Heroes of the New England States can do for we are on some Expedition of importance

 

1863

Oct. 28^th   quite a stormy night was last & consequently very little Headway was made it rained nearly all night it still blows quite hard

29^th   clear but quite a heavy wind is blowing inspection orders to have sixty rounds of amunition & four days rations in our Haversacks & again it looks like Biz ahead the wind is still raising & is now (8.P.M.) blowing quite a gale

30^th   about 3.A.M. in a perfect gale our rudder chain gave way & for an hour or so the old ship rolled as though it was a cradle with a cross child rocking it, still it struggled on against the mighty waves as if concious of its precious burden & at last by persevering Efforts of our Noble crew the releiving takles were rigged & manned by part sailors & part from this Reg. & again we stood on our way at daybreak we come up with the fleet but being unable to stand before such a wind we are obliged to stand away S.S.W. all day we go flying over the waves, a storm at sea is a sight of fearful granduer to see the great waves come rolling up chasing each other as though eager to seize their prey & then to see them break together or against the ship & roll back to meet the next none but those who know by experience can imagine the splendor of those Grand old waves with their foam covered crest & then to see a ship go rolling over them half upsetting & then righting it almost seems as though they were things of life instead

 

1863

Oct. 30^th   of old hulks of wood & Iron but thus it is & we are here in one of these same old hulks with very little to keep her before the wind & nothing to keep her any other way & no knowing when this wind will die away still God is our Guide & if it is in accordance with his Holy will we shall land safley at last at night the wind is dying away at sunset we stand due north dead into the wind but it is so low that we can easily face it now

31^st   this is a pleasant morning we are again coming in sight of the fleet & now we hope to land near the mouth of the Rio Grande river at Point Isabelle if we can. the fleet is fast gathering & we are lying off & on awaiting them have our rudder chain repaired & now we are in better condition for a blow than we were yesterday muster for Pay by our Col. (J.C. Black) another month has gone into Eternity & we, where are we, far on our way toward the wilds of Texas & may this be a successful campaign as all others in which we have been Engaged in has been, we are under what is called Excelent Generals but to us they are untried still they may be better than those we have been under heretofore it is night the fleet is nearly all together the wind is increasing & we are again running out to sea before quite a gale

 

1863

Nov. 1^st   this morning it does not flow quite so hard & we again lay our course for the month the fleet has kept together pretty well during the night about noon we see land ahead on the starboard quarter & about 4.P.M. we cast anchor off Brazos De St Iago Island but cannot cross the bar to run in the little Bay while the wind blows so hard

2^d   the wind has abated some & preparations are rapidly going forward to cross the Bar. 2.P.M. too light draft boats have crossed Gen. Van Dever has tried twice & failed both times they have tried to swim our Cavalry Horses ashore but it has proved a failure nearly all drowned in the breakers

3^d   weather fair change boats to the Exact & lay over night near the Flag Ship

4^th   cross the Bar & land on the Island it is nothing but a sand hill go hunting shell some beautiful ones are found by myself and Corporal Dukitte also one oyster.

5^th   rainy day so we catch some fresh water but not much that is fit to use

6^th   we wade breast deep 3.00 yds to the mainland & march 9 miles to the Rio Grande where we have plenty of fresh water the first time for thirteen long weary days & most gladly have we marched these 9 miles anticipating a good cup of coffee made from the water of this grand old stream

 

1863

Nov. 7^th   this is a beautiful day we donot march so I take a stroll over the Battle Field of Palo Alto which lies close to our camp

8^th   march 7 miles up the Rio Grande valley & camp for the night our rations gave out at noon to day & as we have heavy knapsacks to carry it is very fatiguing work on an empty stomach

9^th   march 19 miles without food arrive at Brownville Texas where we draw rations once more but we began to think our Eastern tiger would starve us before we arrived but he has done well considering that the teams were nearly all unfit for service when we arrived at the Island

10^th   lay in camp weather fair this is quite a town for one built mostly of mud & cane we can look over & see the mexican Soldiers they look gay in their Sky blue over coats & large red cockades

11^th   very strict camp & Brigade Guard weather fair

12^th   weather good the people look very inferior very dark &.c.

13^th   no news weather beautiful

14^th   camp guard stricter than Ever they are in for dicipline here well let it come--- that is what makes good soldiers if they only know how to use them which I begin to doubt

 

1863

Nov. 15^th   two Maine Reg'ts & a colored Brigade have been attached to our division

16^th   weather fine.

17^th   the wind is blowing so one can scarcely see for the dust that is blowing about very disagreeable

18^th   still it is blowing a perfect gale I cannot see how the people enjoy life here but then I suppose they are use to it & that is half the Battle it is very cold too for this place or at least so I should judge by the way the Citizens go shivering about does not blow quite so hard as it did yesterday

19^th   calmer but still very disagreeable

20^th   orders to march tomorrow morning at 6 it is very cool today our Baggage is just coming up from the landing & it seems hard to start off again before having any good of our tents after being deprived of them so long but such is the fortunes of war & we must not complain or if we do it is no good for all a soldier has to do is obey without a word or a question whatever he is ordered be it ever so hard but this is right & there is no cause for complaint on that score our Reg. is in Excelent Health at present

 

1863

Nov. 21^st   this is a beautiful morning Embark at 10.A.M. on Board U.S. Transport "Mustang" three Co's. of this Reg. under Major Payne & the 1st Texas Cav. under Col. Davis proceed up the river the Intantry in wagons the Cavalry on Horseback, us seven Companies on the boat thus we proceed, run 70 miles & lay up for the night Cav. 3 miles above us 21 miles by land from Brownville

22^d   start at daybreak run all day & lay up with Col. Davis tonight weather fair

23^d   pass Edinburgh today progress very slow the cav. are far ahead of us tonight river very shallow & full of sand bars weather beautiful

24^th   this is a cold disagreeable morning stuck on a sand bar wood very scarce along this river people friendly

25^d   again we are clear & again we are fast

26^th   clear once more but only to run a short distance- when we come to a bar that forbids our further progress

27^th   here we lay our rations nearly out Col. Davis is in Ringold Barracks has taken 81 bales of cotton & other articles of some value

28^th   Even Col. Davis has just arrived his command is five miles out

29^th   this is a fair but cool morning Col. Davis with his command comes in the Infty come aboard

30^th   the cav. has gone on to Brownville we are to stay here until the cotton comes & take it on before we return to Brownville

 

1863

Dec. 1^st   weather fair the cotton is coming in & we Expect to start down the river soon rations all gone but fresh beef plenty of that for the killing

2^d   start down the river this morning run until about noon when we get stuck on a sand bar & go ashore cook our beef go back & l[a]y down for the night

3^d   get loose about day break run 20 miles take on wood start again & get stuck weather fine

4^th   this morning we land for the boat to get over the bar get rations go aboard & run a little way land for wood & lay over night

5^th   stuck on two Bars today progress very slow wood very scarce

6^th   donot make much progress today weather very fine

7^th   one year ago today the Battle of Prairie Grove was fought then we were on the north side of the rebellion now we have come down the centre & are preparing to go up the out side

8^th   this is a cool cloudy morning we are out of wood & cannot run until we pick up some in the woods

9^th   run a little way & get stuck as usual on a bar get loose but donot make much headway

10^th   very slow progress

11^th   we are nearly down now & have been out of rations for two days

12^d   arrive at Brownville land & go into camp in our old situation get rations & a large mail have been gone 22 days on 12 days rations but now we will have plenty once more

 

1863

Dec. 13^th   this is beautiful weather, we are once more in camp & plenty of rations to Eat

14^th   very windy Gen. review by Major Gen. Dana

15^th   very windy & disagreeable weather,

16^th   Brigade drill by Col. Black (ours) who is now comdg our (1st) Brigade, very windy,

17^th   the wind does not blow quite as hard we have wall tents now & are quite comfortable

18^th   this is a fine day Brigade drill at 2.P.M. by Col. Black a Mexican Col. (Berdan) visits us at Dressparade, he came to see the Ill. Boys because by them he lost one arm & was captured at Beuna vista 17 years ago, he seems to like our Flag very much now, for all it caused him so much pain at that time just nine months to serve in this three years term would that that might see this cruel war Honorably settled but I fear it will not & still the prospect looks bright at present U.S. Grant & Meade are victorious Gillmore is driving away at Charleston again & all seems to work well 3.00,000 more are to be in the field by spring & it would seem that with such an army under competent Generals we might sweep Every thing before us

19^th   weather fair no news of importance Except that Meade has sacrificed another thousand of his Army (of the Potomac) by following Lee & then retreating precipitately accross the Rapidan

 

1863

Dec. 20^th   beautiful weather preaching by our Chaplain at 3 oclock P.M. five of our Company that were left sick at New Orleans have arrived

21^st   cool & windy Brigade drill today our 3d one under Col. Black

22^d   weather fine.

23^d   go to town in the Evening with Lt Kennicott it is quite a town after all & will soon be a business place

24^th   Weather beautiful, the Health of our Reg. continues good, very strict on guard, no drill today Except a few moments Co drill

25^th   Christmas morning for the third time since we Entered the service, then it was thought by all that one Christmas would be all we would spend in the service & now the same question arises will we Ever spend another Christmas in the service of our Country.

26^th   very windy receive orders to prepare to march at a moments notice

27^th   weather very cool marching orders countermanded

28^th   this is a beautiful day it seems more like May than December

29^th   pleasant day

30^th   this is a very windy day nothing of importance occurs Health of Reg. very good as it has been for a long time, tomorrow one from Each company start for Illinois on recruiting service I go from our Co. therefore I must bid farewell to the old Reg. & the boys I love so well for a time at least how long I cannot imagine Major Payne goes in charge he is a noble Officer it is a bad time to cross the rough old Gulf but we can go through I guess

 

1863

Dec. 30^th   The Mexicans are fighting just accross the river but they donot work as though they thought to accomplish anything I donot think they would stand up & fight long if any one went at them in dead Earnest it is a very disagreeable day the sand blows so

31^st   we start about 9.A.M. for Point Isabelle it is so cool we are obliged to walk most of the way to keep warm arrive (22 miles) about 4.P.M. go on board the "Mustang" & take up our quarters there until we shall go down the Bay to Brazos Island where we shall ship on an Ocean Steamer to cross the Gulf__ another year has passed into Eternity & still this cruel war is waged with all the Eagerness of madmen by the southerners, why O, why will they be so foolish. they must see by the steady progress we have made in this past year that we shall soon subdue them by force of Arms, the St Mary is Expected in a day or two & then we shall go on her most likely as far as New Orleans, & then up the river which Grant & Banks has opened by their deeds of unsurpassed gallantry, though I must say I fail to see wherin Banks has done any thing Extra still perhaps I am an in competent judge, it is rough weather here today no steamer here at present Except the Exact & the lighters the Exact is an old tub of a thing

1864

Jany 1^st   wind is still blowing very hard see Lt Merrill of our Reg. he being here on detail

2^d   the St Mary is off the Bar waiting to come in with the tide

3^d   run down to the St Mary & Embark Gen. Herron came on her to take command of our division it is a long time since I have seen him before he looks quite well again

4^th   cloudy but quite calm this morning now we have to wait for Gen. Dana to come from Brownville before we can go he now goes to MataGorda Bay to take command of out 13th Corps

5^th   again it is windy & disagreeable weather no Gen yet

6^th   quite calm today

7^th   quite a pleasant day

8^th   the Gen is coming aboard & we Expect to start this Eve

9^th   the Generals Baggage did not come aboard therefore we did not go yesterday

10^th   now the Horses are being loaded & we Expect to go

11^th   got stuck on the Bar last Eve & did not get loose in time to run out now we cross the Bar at 9.A.M.

12^th   arrive at Matagorda Bay at 9.A.M. we are going on board the Clinton as that runs out today & this does not Eve by some mistake four of us are left be hind & shall have to wait for this boat skirmishing 7 miles from here

13^th   run out at 4.P.M. it is very calm this Eve for this season of the year

14^th   stand on our course finely today one of the boys seasick

 

1864

Jan. 15^th   weather beautiful Expect to run into the - Mississippi at Sunset tonight

16^th   arrive at 10.A.M. go to the Convalescant camp boys all doing well at the St Charles House

17^th   no signs of going up the river yet

18^th   times are lively here report is that the river is froze above Vicksburg

19^th   weather fair

20^th   Embark on board U.S. Transport J. S. Pringle & start up the river at 11.A.M.

21^st   pass Baton Rouge at 4.P.M. arrive at Port Hudson at 10.P.M. where we lay 2 hours see Capt Sands & Lt Tripp have a fine time & proceed up the river at 12 midnight

22^d   this is a beautiful day run to Natchez lay over to take on a Gen who is going to Vicksburg

23^d   fine morning see my cousin Albert Drake this has been a beautiful city garrisoned mostly by colored troops all but the 28th & 29th Illinois & 4th Ill. Cav.

24^th   Arrive at Vicksburg at 2.P.M. go & see my friends in the 95th Illinois the old Reg'ts here are nearly all reenlisting how I wish ours would go in for another term but I scarcely think they will under our present Col. (Black) Payne rec'd his commission as Lt Col. in N.O. if it had been as Col. the boys would all Enlist or nearly all I think.

 

1864

Jan. 25^th   Come back from the 95th change boats to the "Wm Ewing" & again we are on our way. it is a long long time since we left the Reg. at Brownville Texas & still we are far from Home

26^th   we are making very slow headway all we have is green cotton wood to burn & it makes a poor fire

27^th   weather fair

28^th   weather beautiful considerable Excitement on board this P.M. occasioned by the report (brought by a down river steamer) that the U.S. Transport Lady has just been captured at the mouth of the Arkansas river we prepare to defend ourselves as best we can by laying cotton bales around for Breastworks & to protect the boiler

29^th   meet a fleet going down the river to join the Expedition East of Vicksburg consisting of the 16th & 17th Army Corps pass Hellena at dusk

30^th   have run all night weather fair Expect to reach Memphis today shall lay over night there

31^st   draw clothing & go to the Soldiers Lodge to stay over night it is a small but comfortable place very good beds &.c. one month ago today we left Brownville Texas we Expect to start tomorrow Eve on the Bell Memphis it is a fast boat & will go through in one day therefore we will save time by waiting for her

 

1864

Feb. 1^st   Embark on board the "Bell Memphis" & proceed up river at 5. P.M. run all night

2^d   arrive in the night

3^d   land & take the 12. M. train run to Centralia lay over night

4^th   take the 3.A.M. train run to Decater & now we are to lay over until 5.P.M. when we Expect to take the train for Springfield there seems to be no connection at all with the trains on these roads (Irving House)

5^th   take the Evening train for Springfield put up at the Cheney House

6^th   see Gen White our first Col. he is very kind to us

7^th   take the noon train for Chicago where we arrive at 9.P.M. take supper at the Hatch House & then take the 1130 P.M. train for Belvidere arrive at three put up at the American

8^th   leave Belvidere at 9.A.M. arrive at Home at 10.A.M.

9^th   very cold but pleasant after all visit Charlse Cummings, L. L. Tongue, Cranes, Draper, &.c.

10^th   quite pleasant winter weather, report for duty (recruiting service) to Cap't Loop at Belvidere he is very kind sends me Home to recruit my Health (which was never better)

11^th   go to the funeral of Samuel Handy, O, where are the friends of my BoyHood, gone- all gone some to the defense of our Country & some to the last resting place of the Human family the Ladies only are left visit Cranes Tongues & in the Evening

 

1864

Feb. 11^th   at Warren Morses with my Mother Stepfather Levi & Adaline Alferd & Emma, Warren & Mary, Miron Avery & Lady Ruth, Henrietta, Mrs. Tongue, Legran &.c.

12^th   quite pleasant revival at the F. M. Church Eighty rods East of here not much success as yet visit at Mrs. Tripp & Jas. T. Sheldons have a pleasant time

13^th   beautiful winter weather visit at Asa Yates'es a very pleasant visit come Home at 2.P.M. Mr. & Wife ___ Haskins here very genteel appearing Lady & a very fine appearing boy

14^th   go to Warrens & Miron Avery's. pleasant day go to Church in the Evening

15^th   pleasant weather go to Church at the little Church & at the Red School House see plenty of my former acquaintances at both places

16^th   go to Marengo to visit M. L. Drake he is gone but I have a pleasant visit with Aunt Aunt Lydia & Cousin Hannah & return as far as G. Marvins when it commences to blow & I thinking it will be better tomorrow put up for the night

17^th   very _ very cold start for Home come as far as Cranes stay until P.M. & then proceed Home nearly freeze do freeze one Ear & one finger

18^th   froze in for today

19^th   pretty cool but I go to Mr. Haskins & to see Charlse Anderson of our Co. who is very sick at present

 

1864

Feb. 20^th   go to Belvidere quite pleasant again the Church continues in spite of cold weather_ go to Bonusville to the Union League stay over night with G. A. Kellogg

21^st   go & see Charley & to the funeral of Deacon Smiths youngest daughter

22^d   very warm snow is all melting off & I guess we are to have no more sleigh rides this winter have a pleasant visit at Mr. Hoppins another of Deacon Smith's children is dangerous

23^d   quite pleasant snow fast melting away go to Southprairie stay over night at Mr. Stodards very fine people

24^th   go to Belvidere see Cap't Loop he is a splendid Officer roads very bad

25^th   visit at Aunt Lydia Tripp's & sit up with the Corpse of Deacon Smith's only Boy

26^th   Funeral very pleasant day

27^th   go to see C. A. Anderson and L. N. Tongue &.c.

28^th   Church East of here go to Warrens A. Yates

29^th   this is a very pleasant morning I have spent 22 Happy days on Old Bonus & now for Dixey away, & for the End of the rebellion our successful Armies under Grant Sherman Hurlbut McPherson are marching forward & under such Generals we can look for nothing less than a successful Campaign the coming summer

 

1864

March 1^st   beautiful weather go to Belvidere report to Capt. Loop he sends me Home again until friday go to Rockford come back as far as Alfred Millers and stay over night

2^d   Come Home & go to Charlse Gardners and Mr. Browns have a pleasant visit go to spelling school at the Bonusville SchoolHouse in the Eve come back & stay over night with Edgar Haskins a very fine appearing family & very sociable (My Cousins.)

3^d   come Home at Eleven after a very pleasant visit go to Jacksons to see the sick people in the P.M. Lucy is very sick James Stow is gaining slowly.

4^th   go to Belvidere but get sent back good news:: our Reg. (37th) has re-enlisted & is on its way Home see one of our Co. that has just returned from New Orleans on sick furlough

5^th   go to Harvard on Business visit at Benjamin Whitmarshes, see Axtel & Wife & Oren Carpenter come back as far as his House (one mile) find Fred J. Abbey (formerly 1st Lieut of our Co (I) there & stay overnight have a pleasant time

6^th   come Home at noon go to Church in the afternoon at the Red SchoolHouse sermon (good) by Elder Gray very beautiful weather go to Church East of Here in the Evening

 

1864

March 7^th   weather fair go to Warrens & Joshua Marvins have a good visit

9^th   rainy day, stay at Home, no tidings from the Reg't go to Isreal Brushe's & Warren's

10^th   rainy

11^th   go to Warrens & Levi Tongues snow this morning roads very bad no tidings from the Reg. last day of School in this District, go to Mr. Haskins stay over night with Edgar

12^th   stay at Mr. Haskins's. a splendid visit go to Bonusville for the Mail with Edgar

13^th   come Home go to Church at the Red school House & the little church start to go to Bonusville to Church get as far as Mr. Haskins give it up & stay over night

14^th   Come Home go to J. D. Stow's to a sale it is so cold I have to come Home a very disagreeable day Ruth is sick,

15^th   start for town very cold get as far as Mrs. Tripp's stay all day & night have a gay time

16^th   go to town see Cap. Loop come Home again

17^th   Cap. Loop starts for Springfield Illinois I go to Andersons Cranes Chases &.c. &.C. weather fair but windy

18^th   weather quite fair but cool go to Warrens come Home & stay all day

 

1864

March 19^th   very cold & windy stay at Home today have visitors

20^th   a very disagreeable morning our visitor leaves comes off quite warm go to church at the white Church in the Eve

21^th   quite pleasant. go to Deacon Smith's Sale in the A.M. & to Garden Prairie at Evening

22^d   go to Warrens Avery's & Porters very cool wind our Reg. arrives at Chicago & receive such a reception as no other Reg. has received that has come back our Flag. is returned to the Board of trade with the Expectation of receiving new ones when we return to the field Speeches by Gen. White (our first Col.) Col. Fuller (State A. G.) Col. Sherman (88th Ill) Col. Black (of our Reg.) Lt Col. Payne (do.) Lt Col. Mann (39th Ill)

23^d   weather fair go to Belvidere with Edgar Haskins come Home & go to Church a gay time

24^th   go to Marengo call at Hannah Brown's (my cousin) see Aunt Lydia Drake have ^a good visit take the 12=45 train for Chicago our Boys are gay just receiving their furloughs & getting ready to start for Home Enlist or re=enlist for the term of three years unless sooner discharged

25^th   stay in Chicago boys nearly all gone but I am waiting to be mustered 15th Ill. arrives on their way Home

26^th   cannot be mustered therefor I take the 9. A.M. train for Belvidere quite pleasant weather roads good people commence sowing

27^th   very windy go to Church at the Red School House in the Afternoon & at the White Church in the Evening

 

1864

March 28^th   rainy morning Ruth has gone to Mr. Bailey's visiting this week

29^th   very disagreeable weather rainy & muddy rainy go to Canens also to Sheldon's & Tripps stay over night at the latter place

30^th   come Home cloudy weather go to church at the W.C.

31^st   go to Belvidere report to Capt. Loop come Home again & another month has passed & still the this Cruel War is raging with unabated fury no decisive battles have been fought but Sherman Hurlbut & Mc Pherson have made an important raid into Ala. & Grant is placed in command of the United States Army & with the Zeal which he has always manifested is with him yet he is reorganizing the whole Army & the "Army of the Potomac" in person which he is to command in the Spring Campaign & now we may Expect Success to crown our efforts but is is to be a long long time before we can be permitted to return to our Homes in peace one & one half or two years & perhaps three years for all our people are Expecting such an Easy conquest we have bloody work yet before us but let it come anything rather than an unhonorable Peace rather the last Loyal man should perish than find shelter in dishonor but we will have no such thing as God is just so he will [illegible] for the right & though our triumph be delayed it will be yet the more Glorious when it does come

 

1864

April 1^st   go to Newels Andersons & Warrens quite pleasant day

2^d   come Home from Warrens & stay at Home

3^d   go to Church East of Here in the Evening, rainy, night

4^th   rainy day, stay at Home.

5^th   go to Town meeting rainy day

6^th   rainy weather

7^th   rainy morning fair afternoon go to L. N. Tongues, & Cranes fine visit

8^th   rain

9^th   go to Belvidere cloudy

10^th   go to Church at the Red School House & East of Here at the White Church

11^th   Go to town & South prairie to Arven[?] Oakes[?] receive ($23) twenty three dollars for Lt Kennicott

12^th   Cloudy go to Harper H. Stows to see Lt Geo. H. Merrill return at noon & write

13^th   go to Warrens cloudy day

14^th   go to Harvard to see Lt Kennicott he has gone to the city, return & have Arthur take another Horse & go to Belvidere with me to bring back the Horses send him back & then find out that I cannot go find Henry & Mrs. Tripp ride up with them & stay over night at Mrs. Tripps

15^th   go to Newells Drapers Andersons Mrs. Henry Cranes go back to Newells & stay with Ben, decidedly a gay time

16^th   go to town come Home & go to Drapers Newells &.c.

17^th   go north 14 miles to hear the funeral sermon of one of our co. preached it is not preached beautiful morning but rainy afternoon

 

1864

April 18^th   go to Belvidere take the 7.A.M train for Chicago with Capt. Loop. report as my Order says at Camp. Fry. none there to report to & I return to Belvidere on the 4.P.M. train stay over night with L. N. Tongue who has now moved to this place

19^th   go to a quilting at C. D. Jacksons (to take the Ladies at noon & visit at A. Yateses in the Afternoon have a good visit as any one always does who goes there, in the Eve take the Ladies to Mrs. Andersons have a good visit & return Home

20^th   visit at Jas. F.[?] Sheldon's in the forenoon & at Mr. __ Jewett Sheldons in the Afternoon very good visit_ go to church in the Evening at the White Church_ Splendid time

21^st   go to Haskin's Warrens Cranes &.c.     X

22^d   leave Bonus to rejoin my Reg. at Chicago, get as far as H. H. Stows find Lt Merrill's he goes to Belvidere & he persuades me to stay with him until tomorrow when he is going in go with him to the Baltic Mills & make a call at Dr. Jones'es fine people George's Mother is a mother to all a Noble woman

23^d   bad day, some of the Bonus people down A Yates & others take the 12=10. P.M. train for Chicago arrive at 4.P.M. report to Col. Black & he grants us leave of absence until Monday (25th) & we (Lt Merrill & myself) return to Belvidere on the 11=30 train

24^th   it is raining this morning but we obtain a Livery & go to Bonus but before we get there I am shaking with ague for the first time since  

1864

24^th   last summer have a very hard day of it O, for this one day of good Health before leaving Bonus but why should I complain have not these past twelve weeks been Happy ones to me in this short period have passed the happiest moments of my life within this time I have been sadder & happier than I thought it possible for mortal man to be, but in the meantime where has the 37th been = when the Orders for re=enlisting came with one accord nearly the whole Reg. signed the Rolls & started for Home marching 22 miles to Point Isabelle they Embarked crossed the Gulf & after laying over in New Orleans 4 weeks came up the river to St Louis & by rail to Chicago where a warm reception awaited them, the warmest of any Reg. that has yet came back from the field our Reg. is 2.57 strong our Flag has a few stars left otherwise it is nearly all gone give it back to the board of trade who gave it to us with another both very beautiful when we return we Expect to receive two more from the Board of trade Prouder still am I to belong to the 37th Ill. Vol. Inf'ty than Ever before & our boys during these past 30 days at home have ^cast the lie in the teeth of the sneaking copperheads who say a man cannot serve his country with^out becoming demoralized., & now we are ready to take the field again for another three years unless sooner discharged which will be when the Rebels are whipped (the boat trembles)

 

1864

April 25^th   rainy day start at 9. A.M. for Belvidere very weak this morning but feel quite well bid adieu to Old Bonus for a long long time, leave Belvidere on the 12=10. P.M. train run into Chicago stay at the Matteson House.

26^th   a pleasant day Express our things Home & prepare to march. leave Camp Fry at two P.M. march to the "Soldiers Rest" receive two beautiful flags the Banner with the 37th Ill. Infty. Vols. on one side on the other is Pearidge Prairie Grove Chalk Bluff & Vicksburg inscribed in beautiful gilt letters the Battle Flag Dark Blue with a large spread Eagle &.c &.c. a nice little speech is made by a member of the Board of trade which is responded to by our Col. (Black) both are nessacarily brief as we are to leave at 5. P.M. break ranks wash for supper & reform for the occasion without Arms & march in where a bountiful repast is awaiting us prepared by the Noble Ladies of Chicago long may they live & much happiness be theirs is the Earnest desire of a Soldiers heart those who have of their plenty have supplied the wants of the Soldiers on their way to & from the field will be long & fondly remembered by the soldier in his wanderings & surely they will be rewarded in a fairer clime than this where war is not known where all will be Peace joy & Happiness O, will not that be Glorious, start at five P.M. run all night,

 

1864

April 27^th   rainy day arrive at Cairo Fruit trees in full bloom

28^th   1 O.C. A.M. such another mud Hole was never found I guess see James Timony, 15th Ill. Vols. also Serg't Anderson 95th Ill. Vols. nearly the whole 17th Army Corps is here & preparing to move in some direction they think to the Army of the Cumberland but they can tell nothing about it one thing is sure they would be stuck in the mud only for the boats & R.R. Embark at 6.P.M. on board U.S. transport Belle St Louis start down the river at 9.P.M. lay too at Columbus at 11.P.M. for Amunition & again we are on our way for the Sunny South, land of Chivalry

29^th   rainy, arrive at Memphis at 4. P.M. lay over night Expect to change Boats here the 9th Cavalry (on the boat with us) Expect to stay here as here is where they turned over their accoutrements when they started Home

30^th   rainy march off the boat at ten Oclock A.M. & half the Reg. is detailed for Piqiuet, the whole Cavalry & Artilery force have gone in pursuit of Forest & we are left to guard the town go out about two miles on Piqiuet Corn potatoes beans &.c. are up & looking finely Every thing looks lovely flowers in full bloom meadows looking green & beautiful, but what are our prospects at present dull indeed reverses await us on Every hand & still we may hope for the best our Armies are being reorganized & preparations are rapidly progressing for an active Campaign which will soon commence

 

1864

May 1^st   this is a beautiful morning & well worthy to be called the first of the smiling month of May nothing reliable as yet from the Cavalry Expedition that started yesterday morning Orders to march in the morning at five Oclock.

2^d   march at 5. A.M. to the Memphis & Charlseton R.R. Depot Embark run 35 miles to Lafayette disembark march five miles South East & bivouac on Wolf River for the night weather beautiful roads dusty

3^d   march at 4. A.M. 20 miles passing through Moscow and Summerville & camping one mile from the latter place on a splendid stream have passed over some beautiful country today Van Guard fired at near S[ummerville],

4^th   weather beautiful march at 4. A.M. to Boliver 18 miles & camp in the town for the night roads very dusty

5^th   march at 8. A.M. cross the Hatchie & march 18 miles into Miss. camp near Corinth Miss.

6^th   weather fair march 15 miles & camp near Ripley Miss.

7^th   march 19 miles through Salem Miss. to Greenwood on the line where we camp for the night a magnificent place

8^th   lay over to rest [illegible] today our Chaplain preaches

9^th   march at 4. A.M. 26 miles to Lafayette where we are to take the Cars to Memphis weather fair roads very dusty,

10^th   take the cars & come into Memphis lay in the Depot over night rainy day all this marching after Forest to no purpose only he has gone from among us but he went as he came almost without opposition for we were so far behind that we could not do him any great[?] harm[?]

 

1864

May 11^th   Embark at 10. A.M. on board U.S. Transport Mariner & proceed down the river at 1. P.M. weather fine we have left a pretty City with beautiful surroundings fine buildings (mostly Brick) & such splendid Gardens Pea's large Enough to Eat & the most magnificent flower gardens I ever saw but now we are bound for the Sunny South where Every thing in the vegetable line has come to maturity long ago

12^th   have passed Helena during the night & now 11. A.M. we are passing Napoleon (mouth of the Ark River) lay up on a beautiful Island an hour while the boat is cleaned & rations cooked for one day. come on board & proceed down the river weather beautiful.

13^th   have run all night arrive at Vicksburg at 9. A.M. change boats to the Gray Eagle Expect to start for New Orleans at 5. P.M. 26th Ind. arrive from the north at 11. A.M. start at 5. P.M. down the river

14^th   have run all night arrive at Natchez at 6. A.M. inspection of Arms at 5. P.M. good news from U.S. Grant Lee retreating Bank[s] on Red River is having pretty hard times, most likely we shall go to his releif tomorrow. go to the camp of the 58th U.S. Colored Infry. & see Albert Drake Orderly Serg't Co. A. it is beautiful weather here at present, the best part of this town was burned last night Sherman in Ala. is doing well Butler too has done his share cutting the Rebel communication between Richmond & Charleston still there is room for Bright anticipations.

 

1864

May 15^th   In Bivouac at Natchez Miss. move off the boat last Eve This is a beautiful morning in the prettiest City I have yet seen in Dixey, such pretty Flower Gardens Walks, Parks & so many Lovely Ladies still they are Southern Ladies Embark on Board Hazel Dell for Red River.

16^th   arrive at the mouth of Red River during the night disembark this morning_ 3. P.M. Embark right wing on Board U.S. Transport "Idahoe" left wing on Board U. S. Transport "Marmora" & start up Red River at 6=15. P.M. it is a beautiful day & it is magnificent scenery around us as we pass up the River which is a deep narrow stream, we are still in the old Channel of the Miss. River lay over in sight of the mouth of Red River

17^th   beautiful day proceed at 2.P.M. pass the Mouth of Red River, & run into Atchafayla Bayou & run four miles to Simmsport where we land on the left bank Banks with his Army is coming in on the other side, the 19th Corps is already in while our 13th 16th & 17th Corps of western Boys are covering the retreat three miles back it hard to see these men that have Endured so much and to no purpose,

18^th   A. J. Smith has had a severe Engagement today & has drove the Rebels three miles our Reg. has not been to the front yet & will not be apt to now that the Rebels have retreated & we are on the opposite side of the Bayou

 

1864

May 19^th   all is quiet to-day the Rebels have left for good I guess a bridge has been formed of Transports & the Army is crossing to this side the 16th & 17th Corps still lay at the front three miles

20^th   weather fair but very warm still crossing will take one or two days opt to cross the Army over to this side from here it is thought they will go to the Miss. for Transportation our Brigade under Col. Sheldon 42nd Ohio march at 4. P.M. taking the road down the Bayou toward the Miss. River

21^st   marched or rather laid along the road all night & still we keep on, now on the Miss. River going toward Morganza (down) camp 18 miles below ^Simmsport for the night saw the 95th Ill last night

22^d   march on down the river & camp 3 miles above Morganza, the 16th & 17th Corps are Embarking to go up the River we are forming Camp (our (13th) Corps & the 19th) 10 miles

23^d   we are now for the time being the 1st Reg of the 1st Brigade of the 1st Div'n. of the 13th Army Corps Gen. Banks has gone to N.O. where it is thought we shall follow him as soon as transportation can be furnished we are yet without tents or cooking Utensils. as we left ours at Brownville Texas when the Reg. left there as Veterans in Feb. & now we have no teams to draw them if we should march therefore it is useless to get at any at present

 

1864

May 24^th   weather fair but very warm go on Piquiet at 7. P.M.

25^th   fine day our Cavalry Div'n. & Train start for N.O. today overland

26^th   weather fair still no mail & not much sign of leaving this place

27^th   go to the 92d U.S. Regular Camp see Sands & Tripp

28^th   fair still no mail very warm & dusty in the roads

29^th   move camp one mile & now we have a beautiful camp pretty weather but very warm we now form a line of nearly five miles long in the shape of a new moon our (1st Divn 13th Corps) Div'n. is on the right of the line

30^th   March at 4. A.M. down the river two miles then back on the old Atchafalaya Road 8 miles turn to the left march two miles & lay over six hours then march 13 miles to Crow Creek Bayou where we bivouac for the night our advance has had quite a skirmish to-day a few were killed & wounded on both sides but our Cavalry Arm in this department is rather poor

31^st   turn back march 13 miles & lay over night in the same place where we lay over yesterday noon it is a beautiful day this last day of May & can it be another month as passed & what are our prospects now in this department Banks has been defeated in almost Every move, but Grant & Sherman are both successful as they always are the one is pressing forward on Richmond the other has Dalton & the Rebels flying before him

 

1864

June 1^st   beautiful day march two miles toward Morganza turn to the left (Atchafalaya road) march one mile lay over two hours march back one mile to the Morganza Road & bivouac for the night we are now the 1st Reg. of the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division of the 13th Army Corps U.S.A. Brig. Gen. Lawler of Ill. commands the division Col Sheldon of the 42d Ohio Infty commands the Brigade

2^d   rainy day march 10 miles into camp Every thing moved over the Levee

3^d   rainy, mail comes at noon. (5) Orders for Inspection at four. P.M. but rain prevents it & so we wait until a fair day.

4^th   fair weather Inspection at 4 P.M. no news of importance from the North or South,

5^th   go to the camp of the 92nd U.S. Inf'ty. Colored to See Cap't Sands & Lieut. Tripp weather fair most of the time occasionally a shower just Enough to lay the duct & cool the air.

6^th   weather fair Col. Black is going to New Orleans to-day the River is Blockaded at Island No. 82 by the Rebs. but I guess it will soon be open again

7^th   very comfortable to-day

8^th   pleasant but very warm a Division of the 19th Corps & the Cavalry start out on a scout go up the River all is quiet in front this morning, if we only had Competent Commanders we could soon drive these Guerrilla's off our track but now we must lay here & be dogged almost into camp if we venture out on a scout it is Great business this.

 

1864

June 9^th   beautiful weather in the morning but rainy in the afternoon mail comes this morning (3) the Blockade must be raised for boats come down to-day with late Memphis papers aboard

10^th   rainy forenoon quite cool to-day mail comes at 11. A.M. (N) the colored troops are building a fort two miles below here near the Levee

11^th   fair review at 4. P.M. by Brig. Gen. Lawler com'd'g. 13th Corps in the field

12^th   rainy afternoon quite cool to-day

13^th   very fine morning large mail comes (7) at 9. A.M. on Camp Guard today no news from either North or South of importance

14^th   Reg. marches out at 5 1/2 A.M. weather fair but rather warm am not relieved from Guard yet & do not expect to be until the Reg. returns tonight Reg. comes in at 1. P.M. brought in Cotton_ 14 miles,

15^th   very warm to-day move camp 1/a mile up the River & take position behind the Levee on the right of the line the 3d Divn having gone down the River to Baton Rouge or Carrollton L.A. our lines are becoming contracted until they are scarce three miles long. the Army (all Except this Brigade Excused to go out with the train) was reviewed by Major Gen Daniel E. Sickles. Company & Battallion drill & inspection at retreat

 

1864

June 16^th   weather fair drill 1/a hour in the morning Co. Drill but no Battallion Drill Inspection at Evening

17^th   Visit Gard & Og. two miles below here at the Morganza Sugar House, warm

18^th   very warm to-day nothing of importance occurs Drill twice per day mail 7. P.M. (4)

19^th   on Piquiet Guard very warm weather but fair this morning Grovers Div'n. 19th Corps go up the River

20^th   weather fair but very warm no drill to day our Brigade is now composed of the 22d & 23d Iowa 7th K.y. 42d Ohio 37th Ill. & 30th Mass. Infty & Batery No 2. Ohio Light Artilery Col. L.A. Sheldon (42d Ohio) Com'd'g. Brigade

21^st   Cap't Sands & L't Tripp go to Port Hudson today their Brigade (Colored) is to Garrison that Post weather fair & quite cool for Dixey. our Corps has all left here but this Brigade & one more ,

22^d   weather fair news good from A. J. Smith in Miss. & Tenn. Grovers Division (19th A. C.) came back yesterday or day before yesterday

23^d   mail at 10.A.M. (2) there is nothing of importance going on to-day Except Inspection at 9> A.M. & Review at 4. P.M. there is no signs of our two Brigades under Lawler leaving here very soon other troops are laving Every few days a Brigade at a time weather fine a light shower just to lay the dust

 

1864

June 24^th   weather beautiful Battallion drill at 7 1/2 Oclock A.M. by John Charles Black, Col. 37th Ill. Com'd'g. Light Shower in the Afternoon,

25^th   Review at six A.M. by Major Gen. Reynolds Commander of the defenses of New Orleans L.a. Prayer by Chaplain Bishop of this Reg in company quarters

26^th   beautiful day Sunday

27^th   weather fair, go out side the Piquiets after wood return at ten O.C. A.M.

28^th   beautiful weather but very warm good news from Genls Sherman & Grant rather bad from Sturgis, he has made another of his grand moves & has been defeated & obliged to retreat to Memphis Tenn.

29^th   weather fair 30th Mass. leaves our Brigade & marches down the river to join another Division Evidently they donot like the western style, the 35th Wis'n attached to this Brigade the 13th Corps has been dissolved by special Order & we now belong to the 1st Brigade of the 3d Division of the 19th A.C. Brig Gen. Lee commands the Brigade Brig. Gen. Lawler the Division our whole Division is transfered to the 19th Army Corps

30^th   beautiful weather, mail comes at 9. O.C.A.M. (3) Muster for pay by Col. Charlse Black, another month has passed & what is the situation now although Sturgis has sustained a great defeat in Miss. & Gen. Banks in Louisiana has been driven back we have much to rejoice over U. S. Grant (a man that knows not defeat) is thundering away at the doors of Richmond while Old Ben. Butler is trying Petersburg W. T. Sherman is following Joe, Johnston into Atlanta & where will the Rebels carry the War next surely when those places are taken the Southern Chivalry must give up for there will be nothing left to continue the War for or if they donot give up we can soon sweep their whole teritory

 

1864

July 1^st   Weather fair on Piquiet Guard musquetoes very troublesome very [illegible] a Lieut from the 35th Wisn

2^d   weather beautiful but very warm, our Co. (I) is detailed to drill for a prize on the 6th visit & are releived from all other duty until that time Major Ransom Kennicott (our first Captain) to be drill master at the request of the company

3^d   move down the river two miles to a more suitable Camp part of the corps left last night on Transports

4^th   weather fair National salute of 36 guns fired at sunrise noon & sunset

5^th   weather fair

6^th   very warm but fair

7^th   light showers in the afternoon & Evening

8^th   moderate, Major Gen. Reynolds assumes the Command of this (19th) Corps in the field

9^th   weather fair orders to march at a moments warning

10^th   lay here ready to Embark as soon as Transports can be gathered to carry the Brigade (1) mail comes at 9. A.M.

11^th   & still we are waiting to Embark mail comes at 8. A.M. \ /[?] weather fair only our Brigade is to move at present, there is not much prospect of our leaving this place to_day

12^th   weather beautiful but A.[?] so warm 2.P.M. still we are waiting for transportation but I scarcely think we shall leave to-day for there is only three or four Transports here yet & we want (5) five to carry the Brigade, donot go today

 

1864

July 13^th   Reveille at 3. A.M. Embark at 8. A.M. on board U.S. Transport "Kate Dale", our Brigade of five Regts Infty & one Batery under Brig. Gen'l Lee on 3 transports & one Ferry Boat which runs very slow proceed up the River make slow head way, weather very warm,

14^th   Arrive at Natchez at 7. A.M. & three Companies (H. I. & K.) of our Reg change boats to the "Polar Star" & again at 12.M. we proceed up the River run all night,

15^th   still on the way but going very slowly on account of the Ferry Boat,

16^th   Arrive at Vicksburg Miss. at 6. A.M. & land to clean boat & take on coal, provisions & forage for a voyage lay all day very warm news of the destruction of the Alabama reaches us,

17^th   re-embark on board the "Kate Dale" & proceed up the River at Sun rise run all day & all night

18^th   arrive the mouth of White River at 10. A.M. land & now there is no knowing what we will do, or where we will go next, but most likely up White River to meet Gen'l Steele

19^th   the Transport to carry us up White River will soon be here we Expect & then we are off for Biz. again & this time in our old Haunts, (Ark)

20^th   weather beautiful, the Transports are here & we Expect to go tomorrow morning,

 

1864

July 21^st   Embark on board U.S. Transport "Omaha" at 7. A.M. 7 transports & 4 more musquetoes (Gun Boats) (28_ 30_ 37_ & 38_) transports_ "White Cloud" (Flag Ship) Gen. Lee & Staff and 23d Iowa Infty. "Venus" 42d Ohio Infty "America" (Ferry) 7th Mass. Batery (which is now attached to our Brigade in the place of the 2d Ohio Batery which we left at Morganza, L.A.) "Omaha" 37th Ill. & 4 Companies 7th K.y. Infty, "Monsoon" 6 Companies 7th K.y. Infty, "John H. Dickey" 39th Wis'n. Infty, Meppam Cavalry Horses & rations all the boats have more or less rations on board proceed up White River Ark. at 10. O.C. A.M. have to land near Sunset for the boat to cross a bar it does not get over & we go back on board to stay over night,

22^d   move ashore Early & the boat crosses the Bar & proceed up the river after waiting until noon for the remainder of the fleet to cross, anchor & send Piquiets on shore at night ^3 miles below St Charlse Arkansas

23^d   Ordered back down stream 20 miles to help the "America" she has broke down. get back to her & find her nearly ready to start & again we proceed up the River meet a fleet of 10. Transports & two Gun Boats & lay over for them to pass arrive St Charles at three Oclock, P.M. & land take position nearly one mile back from the River on the Ridge a very fine camp Earthworks in front of us thrown up by the Rebs I suppose weather fair

 

1864

July 24^th   Pleasant weather a large detachment from the Reg. Commence fortifying our position Marmaduke is reported near with 5.000 men our force is about 2,500 all told but I guess Marmaduke knows us too well to try us again

25^th   fine weather work on Fort No 3. St Charlses Ark. Gen. Marmaduke reported forty miles distant with from 8000 to 14000 men marching on this place our forces [illegible] 2.500 men or near that inclusive one six Gun Batery & five Reg'ts of Infty.

26^th   weather fair a squad of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry arrive from Duvals Bluff Marmaduke fever cooling a little to-day the Cavalry say there is nothing but a few guerrilla's in the vicinity we are nearly ready for them now if they wish to come as we are getting pretty well fortified, it is quite comfortable here to what it was at Morganza L.A. where one would almost suffocate laying in the Shade here we can do pretty good work Even in the middle of the day it has been a long time since we read any mail & is like to be a long time more, as the guerrillas interrupt navigation on this River almost as they please at present & I guess will for some time to come

 

1864

July 27^th   weather fair still at work on Fort No 3. Marmaduke is played out, Gen. Lee has run that scarecrow as far as he can at present.

28^th   Light showers 20 from this Reg. go out foraging mounted on Batery Horses we have a gay time, plenty of green corn, melons, apples, Peaches Eggs butter milk chickens &.c. &.c.

29^th   weather fair, this section of the State is very thinly settled & what there is are not very wealthy people, the men are mostly in the Rebel Army & the Ladies are very saucy to us Northern Mudsills, who came here (they say) to rob & burn their Houses & rob them of their rights,

30^th   weather fair another Brigade arrives commanded by Gen. Bailey mail comes (7) our Reg. works on the fort to-day, a Reg. at a time & then off four days before we have any more work to do the outside line is new complete & the reserve pretty well along will soon be finished,

31^st   beautiful weather, another month has passed into Eternity & the work of putting down this great rebellion is progressing Slowly it is true but the more sure & lasting must be the result no Official news but Atlanta Georga reported as captured by Sherman & his invincible Army of Veteran Volunteers Richmond must fall next

 

1864

Aug. 1^st   Weather fair no news of importance

2^d   beautiful day showers occasionally just Enough to purify the air & make it comfortable

3^d   weather fair on Camp Fatigue all day nearly have a well shaded Camp, but it is all artificial Shade Geo. H. Hovey very sick

4^th   weather fair George H. Hovey died at 8-45 PM

5^th   weather fair

6^th   mail 8 A.M. (1) move on board the U.S. Transport "Tree Stone" at 9. P.M. see the 95th

7^th   start down the River at 8. A.M. stuck on a sand Bar at 12. M.

8^th   arrive at the Mouth of White River at 10. O.C.A.M. but our fleet is not all here yet land & wait Embark at night mail (8) at 3. O.C.P.M.

9^th   still we are laying here waiting to coal the boats I guess preparatory to our voyage down the Mississippi River weather beautiful 3.P.M. still we are waiting orders or something Else I know not what good news from Sherman at Atlanta & from U. S. Grant at Peter Burg. no telling when we will go or how far we shall go before stopping when we start, start at 4. P.M. down

 

1864

August 10^th   run all night, fleet lashed together in couples make pretty good head way weather fair Expect to reach Vicksburg Miss. at 4. O.C.P.M. lay over 1.Hour & then proceed down the River run all night

11^th   pass Natchez at Sunrise, reach Morganza L.A. at 3. P.M. draw rations (3. days) lay over night. rain in the Afternoon, Gard. Tripp comes down to see us in the Evening their Reg. is in camp two miles above at the Fort

12^th   Ogden Sands comes down to see us weather fair all ready to start down to Baton Rouge we Expect to go,

13^th   still we are waiting Orders from below move on shore at 9. O.C.A.M & go into Camp to await our Orders

14^th   pretty warm on guard on board U.S. Transport "Free Stone"

15^th   weather fair

16^th   move camp weather very fine

17^th   very hard showers in the afternoon two mails come (0) in the course of the day

18^th   rain in the forenoon mail at noon (1) no news of any importance P.M. Capt. Black arrives from the detachment who are Expected here soon

19^th   Cloudy inspection to-day by Col. Black dull times here in Camp nothing to do,

 

1864

Aug. 20^th   very rainy morning but fine afternoon

21^st   weather fair Col. Black started for New Orleans yesterday

22^nd   weather fair Gen'l Inspection by Capt Huntley A, & I, G, visit the Camp of the 92d U.S. Inf.ty. see Capt, Sands & Lt Tripp have a gay time return at Evening

23^d   weather fair

24^th   weather Comfortable no news of importance,

25^th   weather fair

26^th   very warm to-day

27^th   weather fair but very warm move Camp one mile up the River & camp outside the Levee, Mail (2)

28^th   beautiful day march to Hd quarters 19th A.C. & report to Lt Col. Slocum PM. G.[?] for duty the whole Co. under Capt Kennicott

29^th   weather fair on Provo. Guard quite Easy duty

30^th   weather fine

31^st   Weather cloudy in the morning fair in the afternoon muster by Lieut. Col. Payne for six months pay. another month has gone & still we are gaining slowly I cannot be mustered as a Veteran, therefore must go Home the first of next month but only for a short time when I intend to return to this Regiment to serve another three years unless sooner discharged

 

1864

Sept. 1^st   weather fair on Guard at Corps Headquarters Mail at 3. P.M. (0) several prisoners are brought in,

2^d   weather fair Col Black returns from New Orleans

3^d   weather fair Col. Black starts for Illinois to get recruits for this Reg. the Reg Embark & proceed up the River part of two Divisions have gone

4^th   fine weather no news from the Expedition that that started up River yesterday

5^th   weather fair on Provost Guard at Corps Head Quarters

6^th   weather fair

7^th   very warm but fair

8^th   good weather no news of importance from Either way

9^th   fair D. H. Jones arrives from New Orleans

10^th   Non Vets of the Reg. arrive on board the "Paragon" & proceed up the River go with them, & now for a few days I am to be away from the Reg. as my papers have proved to be of no Account, shall go North & re-enlist for the same Co. as soon as mustered out

11^th   pass Natchez weather fair scenery beautiful finish the Muster Out Rolls of the Detachment of Co I 37th Ill Vol. Infty Pass Vicksburg at 4.P.M. Maj Gen Dana Com'd'g

12^th   weather fair nothing of importance occurs

13^th   Arrive at White River Landing at 9.A.M. lay over an hour & proceed up the River

14^th   weather fair still on our way up the River

15^th   Arrive at Memphis Tenn. draw Rations & proceed up the River

 

Sept. 16^th/64   pass Columbus Island No. 10. &. 6. weather cooler as we go north

17^th   arrive at Cairo Illinois at 5.A.M. cannot proceed to-day nor until tomorrow noon

18^th   start at 12.M. for Springfield Ill on the Cars run as far as Centralia

19^th   start at 4. A.M. run as far as Decatur & lay over until Six P.M. then proceed to Camp Butler Near Springfield Ill.

20^th   very filthy Camp the worst we Ever ocupied for all Camp Butler is a far famed place

21^st   Must Rolls to be made out again as the others are the wrong kind

22^d   Work (Mort & I) on the Muster Out Rolls very Dusty

23^d   rain, finish the M.O.R. go in the Country not very welcome, guess I will let the Cops try the field for a term if they think no more of A Soldier than they seem to here