THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1861. Found that there were seven of the boys
enlisted yesterday--Curtis, Frost, Wyse, High, Norcross, A. G. Miller
& Reed & Bull[24]--but High was not accepted being under 17.
A meeting of citizens being called for tonight to provide for the
maintenance of the families of those enlisting, we attended it at the
Assembly Chamber, the chamber was crowded as full as they could stand,
& the most enthusiastic meeting I ever attended. They commenced the
meeting with singing the Star Spangled Banner, & then received
subscriptions. Men would get up & offer various sums as they were
able--$500, 400, 200, 100 50 25 & 10 $7,490 were subscribed
altogether. The citizens then escorted the Gov. Guards to their
Armory, under the marshalship of Gen. Atwood.[25]
FRIDAY 19. In the Prep. Rhetorical Exercises this P. M. I read a
composition--“America & Italy”--John--“The Discovery of the
Mississippi”--& Will a declamation--“The true vigor in government.” In
the Hesperian Soc. tonight the question was, “Res. that expatriation
is a natural right.” decided in the aff. While the Debate was going
on, Curtis, Bull & Wyse, of the University Volunteers entered the room
& were greeted with tremendous applause--After the Soc. had adjourned
it was organized into a meeting, to express the feelings of the
members on the war question,--Norcross having just entered was loudly
called for & rec’d with uproarious cheering. The other volunteers,
Bull, Curtis & Wyse also expressed their feelings in regard to the
cause in which they had engaged, after which the principal members of
the Society were called upon--Clawson, Allen, Ball, H. Vilas, M.
Leahy, Parkinson Jr.,[26] two from town--Brush & Lockwood,
Wallace,[27] and another volunteer belonging to the Atheneans--E. G.
Miller--spoke, & the enthusiasm was roused to the highest pitch. Then
went into the Athenean where the same kind of exercises were being
held, & heard Bull, Leahy, Ball, Church & Silverthorne[28] speak after
which the meeting adjourned at 12½ o’clock with three rousing cheers
for the University Volunteers.
SAT. 20TH. The boys held a meeting at 4 P. M. for the purpose of
organizing a military company here, but as we went fishing, we could
not attend. Curtis has left the Gov. Guards, having rec’d a letter
from home forbidding him to go. Wrote a letter home.
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1861. Got ready to go to the Presbyterian Church
yesterday A. M. but it was so late when we got ready that we concluded
not to go. Wrote a letter to Uncle Edward. In the evening went to the
Baptist Church & heard Wm. Henry Brisbane, Jr., preach. Mr. B. is one
of the volunteers in the war, & as he is going with his company this
was his farewell sermon--His text was--St. Luke 22:36. & his subject
our duty towards our government. He is a mere boy and his sermon was
not remarkably sound. He wore his military dress in the pulpit Attack
on Ft. Pickens--news came 21st.
22d. Meeting of Univ. Guards this P. M. at 4 o’clock, when we U. G.
boys joined it. They are about giving it up however, as it is not
likely that they can get drill master from town. Drilled a while on
the grounds by Campbell, a volunteer & Marsh,[29] a student.
TUESDAY 23. The Univ. Guards again met this P. M. & the committee
appointed at the first meeting, having reported yesterday that they
had been unable to procure the services of a drill-master or arms, but
that there was a company of young men organizing down town in which
the students would have the first chance in joining &c.; they were
instructed at yesterdays meeting to ascertain the terms of enlisting
&c. & report today. They reported that the Co. would be organized
there, and the boys could join without expense. & the boys having
nearly all previously joined it, the Univ. Guards were disbanded. The
Volunteers will start tomorrow & it was voted that we go to the depot
in a body and see them off.
WEDNESDAY 24. On going to the Geometry recitation at 11 O’Clock, John
& I found that we were the only ones there the rest of the boys having
gone down town to see the soldiers off. We also got excused then. &
went to the Capitol Park, where we found the Artillery Co. with their
guns, & both the Fire Co’s preparing to accompany the soldiers to the
depot. At ½ past 12 the procession started. The Madison Guards were
accompanied by the German Turner Society, the Gov’s Guards by a
procession of citizens & the sidewalks were crowded with a dense
throng the whole length of the procession. Arriving at the depot the
soldiers were addressed by Judge Vilas,[30] & Gov. Randall[31] & the
Star Spangled Banner was sung by Miss Susan Denin,[32] actress. Three
cars were standing on the track which the soldiers filled about 10
minutes before the time of starting & then bid goodby to their
friends, Norcross & Bull of the Univ. boys stood it well, but Miller,
Wyse & Smith were much affected. The boys drilled down town this
evening, but as we could not get our supper on time to go with them,
we did not get there till they had got through.
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1861. All Wis. bills are refused today. I do not
know yet how many will actually be thrown out It is said that a
meeting of bankers will be held tomorrow to determine on their future
course. I do not lose anything. Received a letter from Couse yesterday
with $1.25 enclosed, being what I lent Rose. The boys had a drill
again tonight but _John & I did not attend_
FRIDAY 26. In the Rhetorical Exercises of Division A this P. M. I was
appointed Gen. Critic, not belonging to that division--The exercises
consisting mostly of Compositions & were generally very good. The best
was by Black--“The Wrongs of the Indians.”--The Athenean Soc.
discussed--“Res. That the U. S. ought to coerce the seceding
states”--Heard on the aff. Green, Heathcock, Wallace (called up) &
Hall (sen.) on the neg. Holt, Black, High (called up) & Waterman[33]
decided in aff. The Hesp. discussed “Res. that party spirit is
beneficial to a country.” Did not hear much of it.
SATURDAY 27. Will, Muir & I. got a boat & went out on the lake this P.
M. Lake quite rough. Rowed over to Picnic Point & washed out our
towels &c. then rowed around the shore to the west & got back at
sundown. Received a letter from Libbie.
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1861. Went yesterday to the Presbyterian Church. Mr
Green[34] is a very entertaining preacher--His text was from Ps.
104:34 Wrote a letter home in the P. M. From the Presbyterian went to
the Cong. Church to engage in Prof. Conover’s Bible class exercises.
Went down town this morning with John to deposit letters in the P. O.
& also went down town again in the evening.
TUESDAY 30. Bought some potatoes this morning & had them roasted for
dinner--a rare treat--Received a letter from Sarah.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1. Went to the depot at 5 o’clock & saw two companies
of soldiers who have arrived to rendevous with the 2d Regiment at Camp
Randall (the Fair Grounds) They were the La Crosse Light Guard & the
Portage Light Guard. They were both partially uniformed & armed, &
seemed pretty well drilled. They marched to camp, selected their
quarters, then marched to the general mess room & partook of a warm
supper.
Purchased a copy of the Wkly Journal & sent [it] home.
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1861. The Beloit Guards arrived today They are
without uniform or arms but a very fine looking company. Followed them
to the camp but there was nothing going on there.
Before they came, Will & I went to the depot, expecting them but as
they would not come for some time we walked on south from the depot &
visited the ridge between Lakes Monona & Wingra This is a very high
ridge & the top is covered with Indian mounds of all kinds & sizes.
The Roman Catholic Cemet[e]ry is on the side hill, & we also visited
it. Saw an Indian canoe in a dooryard on the way. Was told it belongs
to Dr. Hunt.
FRIDAY 3. On awakening this morning found that it was raining smartly,
& it continued to do so until about noon when it turned into snow &
did not clear off until nearly evening. In the Rhet. Exercise today I
declaimed the extract from Judge Story’s oration, “Our duties to the
Republic,” Will read “Letter from Jef. Davis.” John spoke “Men always
fit for freedom”--Macauley--Going down town after school we learned
that the “Belle City Rifles”[35] arrived this morning at 4. but
we could not go to the camp after the late hour at which we
returned--Athenean--Universal Suffrage question--Hesperian--Polygamy,
laws against--
SATURDAY 4. We all visited the camp this A. M. Saw the Belle City
Rifles & was very much surprised at seeing _Geo. Lincoln_[36] in the
ranks. He is the only acquaintance with them. Fat Sheldon,[37] whom I
have often seen before, was with them however.
The Oshkosh Guards and the Citizens Guards of Fox Lake having arrived
this P. M. went to the camp to see them. Staid till 8 O’Clock & had
considerable difficulty in passing the guard.
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1861. Attended church at the Methodists to day. Did not
hear the name of the preacher. Text--Romans 14:7. Rained during the
whole of the service & we had a fine run through the rain to the Cong.
Church to attend Bible class. Visited the camp in the P. M. George had
been on guard most of the day. Were kept there by the rain until
nearly dark. & thereby were again made prisoners of war.
MAY 6TH. Went down to camp again this P. M. Nothing of consequence
occurred only that we were stopped by the guard again and had to be
passed out by the corporal. They are very strict after 6 o’clock.
TUESDAY 7. John and I went down town after school, & Will went to Camp
Randall. When we came back we went down there too, but were refused
admittance as they had made a rule that no one should be allowed in
after 6 o’clock. While we were standing there, Will & George came to
the gate and we shook hands with G. over the soldier’s bayonet.
WEDNESDAY 8. The Trigonometry Class in which Will is, procured the
instruments to day and were practicing surveying.
At 3 o’clock I went out with them and saw them take angles for
measuring the height of University Hall. It proved to be 115.838 feet,
if their work is correct.
Visited the camp again, Mr. Durand was there, and after the soldiers
supper the Bible [Belle] City Rifles were marched to the Fine Arts
Hall hill and drawn up in a line to hear a speech from him. He
endeavored to persuade them all to remain with the Co. as an order has
been recd that they must now enlist for 3 years or during the war,
which many refuse to do.
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1861. Will & I procured a boat after school and went
out on the lake to try & get some fish. After being out two hours we
speared one little _bull head_ which we gave to the owner of the boat
and agreed to go out with him to night and furnish light for him to
fish. Started at 8, was out till 10 & caught two fish both of which we
gave the boat owner.
Received a letter announcing the death of P. P. Taber.
FRIDAY 10. Our fishing excursion caused us to oversleep ourselves, and
when there was a loud rapping at our door about 15 minutes before 6,
it did not wake me enough to comprehend what it was: but in about ½ an
hour afterwards Mr. Wildish[38] again came to our room and brot a box
which he said a gentleman had left for me. I saw by the name on the
box it was Seth Rice who had brot it from home. Thus by my sleepiness
I missed seeing an acquaintance from U. G. John & I took a walk in the
N. E. part of the town, past Gov. Farwell’s Octagon house, & visited
the Cemetery. Attended Society’s meetings.
SATURDAY 11. Nothing particular going on until evening when the
Hesperian celebrated the anniversary of the Dedication of their new
Hall. Ball read a humorous poem, Baker declaimed “The Gray Forest
Eagle,” and Allen[39] delivered an oration. After these exercises,
speeches were made by Profs. Butler, Sterling, Reed[40] & Parkinson,
by a graduate, Hale, Hesperian, Ball, Vilas, Leahy, Tredway, Clawson,
Stewart, & Athenean Hall.[41]
George Lincoln was present until about 9 O’Clock.
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1861. Attended Methodist Church yesterday. Was too
late to hear the text. Mr Yokem preached. attended Bible Class. Wrote
letter home--took it to P. O. in the evening & attended Baptist
Church. Was again too late to hear the text but Mr. Brisbane preached
a very fine sermon. His subject was the natural depravity of man.
Nothing happened on Monday worthy of note.
TUESDAY 14. This is Library day. Took out Vols. 1st & 2nd of
Smithsonian Cont. to Knowledge, treating of Indian Mounds & other
American Antiquities. Had one of the same books last week which
contained I. A. Lapham’s[42] account of the mounds in Wisconsin which
was very interesting. Went to the P. O. but received nothing. Went
into the Assembly Chamber to try & find out if Mr. Bradford had come
but he had not. The Chamber is all ready to receive its occupants
tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY 15. Went to the Capitol at 3 O’Clk Assembly was in session,
but almost immediately adjourned. Mr. Bradford has not arrived yet. As
Will & I were Coming home again we were hailed from the opposite side
of the street and looking up saw H. Foster, T. Graham & Alex.
Adams[43] who have joined the B. C. Rifles in place of those who
refused to enlist for three years. they told us that W. White was also
with them & had [been] to the Univ. with G. L. to look for us. Went
home & found them there. They left the Grove Sunday.
Had a fish for supper tonight & borrowed Holt & Black’s cooker.
Wrote a composition for Friday.
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1861. Mr Bradford arrived on the 4 O’Clk train this
morning. He came to the Univ. at 7 & brot letters for all of us & told
[us] there were pkges at the depot for us. Went & got them at noon &
found there were cakes, pies, butter & a chicken, & a dressing gown
for me, which, however, proved too large. Went to camp after school,
and found that I Martyne & H. Ginty[44] were with the new recruits. 2
Zouaves were on the grounds (one, dressed in full uniform) who
entertained the regiment with specimens of their drill. Went down town
about 5. & met Mr. Bradford there.
FRIDAY 17. In the Rhetorical Exercises I read a composition--“Political
Parties”--Will a composition--“A Great Discovery” John obtained an
excuse, as he expected his mother on the cars. After school we washed
out the floor of our rooms, which took so long that, as we had to go
down town for victuals, I did not attend the Society’s meeting at all.
SATURDAY 18. Mrs. Goldsworthy arrived at 4 O’Clk this morning. Went to
the Capitol at 11. Assembly had adjourned & most of the members were
drilling on the park under command of Capt. Emery[45] of Portage City.
Went into the Senate they were debating a Banking bill & one to
provide for volunteer’s families. Heard Messrs Virgin, Hazleton,
Quentin, Maxon, A. I. Bennett, Gill, Hutchinson, and Worthington[46]
speak. Sen. Worthington was Chn. of Com of the Whole when I first went
in. At 7½ attended their evening session, with G. L., T. G., & H. F.,
from camp Sen Cox Ch’n. of Com. Bill providing for Volunteer’s
families & the 6 Rgt bill were up. Heard Gill, Hazelton, Joiner,
Quentin,[47] & another one speak
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1861. Yesterday commenced with a heavy [rain] which
continued till about 9 O’Clock when Billy White & Wm. Sheldon of
Burlington came from Camp Randall. On account of the very wet weather
and also because our visitors did not wish to go I did not go to
church in the A. M. & as it rained all P. M. I could not go then. The
boys staid till nearly evening. John was at Mr. White’s nearly all day
with his mother. Wrote a letter home last night & sent it with Mrs.
Goldsworthy today. Visited the Capitol in the P. M. but Legislature
had adjourned
TUESDAY 21. Visited the Assembly Chamber this P. M. Assembly were in
session, discussing the Military Bill; more especially the provision
for paying the soldiers, and requiring the war loan to be taken, in
coin. Heard Judge Spooner, Messrs. Bradford, Warner Atwood, &
Ramsey[48] speak.
After the adjournment went to the camp, & returning to the Univ. took
a bathe in the lake.
WEDNESDAY 22. The Sophs & Freshs got a rich joke on the Seniors this
morning. They had bills printed last night composed in Artemus Ward
style, purporting to be an advertisement for their lost cushions, and
this morning they posted [them] in the most conspicuous places around
the University & down town. Went to the Capitol immediately after
school. The Assembly were engaged in a very animated discussion on a
proposition that the enlistments should be divided proportionally
among the Cong. dists. It was lost. I went with Mr. B. to Camp &
witnessed the dress parade of the Regt. John & I subscribed for the
State Journal for 3 mos.
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1861. The Assembly this P. M. were discussing a
banking law, but it not being interesting I did not stay long. Went to
the Post Office & from there to the Journal to read the news. They
keep there a file of all the City dailies free to the public.
FRIDAY 24. Mr. Bradford visited us in our rooms at noon today. He said
the Milwaukee Zouaves, having arrived at 7 O’Clock this morning would
drill at 2½. and the Legislature had adjourned to witness it. He
attended our Latin recitation & then we all went down to camp with
him. The Zouave maneuvers proved very interesting & we staid till the
troops went to supper at 5½ O’Clock, then went to the P. O. George was
on guard at the gate. Judge Larrabee,[49] being on the grounds was
pointed out to us by Mr. B.
SATURDAY 25. Went to the Capitol at 11 O’Clock. The Senate had under
consideration the war loan bill, which originated in the Ass. 15
amendments adopted by Sen. 3 of them non-concurred by Assem. 2 receded
from by Sen. & the 3d. was that the loan should be taken & soldiers
paid in coin. Sen. Gill moved that the Senate _adhere_ to this
amendment. A. I. Bennett said this was unusual & would be very
discourteous to the Assem. as no Com. of Conference could be appointed
if it were adopted. Sen. Hutchinson moved to amend that they _insist_
instead of _adhere_. After warm discussion by Gill, Maxon, & Joiner, &
Virgin, Hutchinson, A. I. Bennett & Hazelton it was carried that they
adhere. On coming up in the Assem. this action of the Sen. was
denounced by Frisby, Webb, Atwood, Spooner, D. H. Johnson & Hicks[50]
& the Assem. _insisted_ on their non-concurrence & asked a Com. of
Conference, which was granted by the Senate & they proposed a bill
which passed.
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1861. Attended the Cong. Church yesterday. Mr.
Taylor’s Text was John III. 7 & I. 13., Also attended Prof. C’s Bible
Class, Mr. Bradford was also there. In the P. M. the wind blew from
the South a perfect gale. Wrote home & sent the letter with Mr.
Bradford.
To-day went to the depot at noon to see Mr. Bradford off. After school
went to the camp. The exercises on evening parade are changed today.
Saw the maneuvers gone through with by Capts. Strong’s & Randolph’s
Cos.[51] united but could not wait until the regular parade
TUESDAY 28. Nothing worthy of note transpired to-day.
WEDNESDAY 29. Seth Rice visited us today on his return from Richland
Co. where he has been about three weeks. The train on which he came
does not stop at the station (Stoughton) where he wishes to stop & he
therefore lays over at Madison till the 4 o’clock train tomorrow
morning.
He arrived about 4 o’clock & soon I went to the camp with him & we
staid till after the evening parade. The exercise at this time now
is--the companies form in line with their arms, come to parade rest.
The band plays a tune & marches in front of the regiment the whole
length of the line & back again--the gun is fired and the flag comes
down--The Adj. announces to the Col. “the Parade is formed” The Col
put them through the Manual. The Sergeants report they are dismissed.
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1861. Got up before 4 o’clock this morning to see
Mr. Rice off. As we were sitting in our room at noon, the door opened
and Charlie White entered without any previous announcement even the
ceremony of knocking. After attending our Latin recitation we went
with him to the camp. He had not previously heard that Billie was
here. We staid till after parade & then John & I went down town
purchased some meat, & when we got home borrowed a cooker & had a warm
supper.
FRIDAY 31. As we could not prevail on Charlie to stay here until
Monday we obtained excuse from recitations today, hired a boat and
went over to the Asylum with him. Visited all the places we had seen
when there before and also were shown into the lower ward, and women’s
ward. The wind having risen & blowing from the S. W.--almost directly
ahead--we concluded it would be impossible to row 4 back in the small
boat which we had, so John & Charlie went round the lake afoot and
Will & I rowed across. We went first to Sugar Bush point, where
sheltered by the point, from the wind we tried to catch some fish but
did not succeed. After starting for home the wind blew so hard that we
could not make an inch headway but a rain coming up the wind ceased.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1. Charlie went home at 10 o’clock last night, via
Milwaukee.
John & I took our hooks & went on the R. R. bridge to fish but could
catch nothing. But Will & I went out with a Dutchman in the evening
and speared 7 in all--1 pickerel, 1 sucker, 2 bass & 3 bull heads. We
took the sucker and pickerel & had them for dinner the next day.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2d Attended the Presbyterian Church today & Prof C’s
Bible Class. Mr. Green had one of the most interesting sermons I ever
listened to. He had four texts--Lev. X. 1. 2 & 3. The other three I
have forgotten. Wrote a letter home in the P. M.
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1861. Going down town at noon today we learned by the
dispatch on the Patriot bulletin board & by the crape hung around some
of the stores, the sad intelligence of the death of Judge Douglas.[52]
All of the flags in the city are at half mast and cannon are being
fired every half hour till sundown at the Capitol & at Camp Randall. A
meeting of the citizens was called for tonight, which we attended.
Gov. Randall was appointed Ch’n & made a very affecting & pertinent
speech. A committee was appointed to draft resolutions & speeches were
made by E. A. Calkins, G. B. Smith, L. P. Harvey, M. H.
Orton,--Gregory, & Col. Fairchild, & Chauncey Abbott.[53]
TUESDAY 4. Went to the camp after school, to witness the parade. The
boys say that a telegram was rec’d by Gov. Randall today from the
Sec’y of War ordering the 2d & 3d Regt’s. to Wash. as soon as they can
be got ready, and they will probably go Monday. They have commenced
having battalion drills today but, as they occur at three o’clock we
can never see them. The flags are still flying at half mast and the
com officers all wear crape on their left arms for 10 days.
WEDNESDAY 5. An accident occurred on the R. R. last night. An axle of
a freight car broke in crossing the bridge over the lake, threw the
train off the track, and tore up the track and ties for some distance.
It was a very dangerous accident as it occurred on the open bridge
over quite deep water; but, fortunately, no one was injured. We
finished the review of Geometry today, and now take propositions
promi[s]cuously anywhere in the book so as to be more thoroughly
prepared for examination. We also commence today to review Latin. Went
to the P. O. after school.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1861. Visited the camp this evening during parade.
Heard that they nearly had a mutiny last night. The sentry at the gun
challenged the “grand rounds” when the officer not giving the
countersign right he pricked him with his bayonet when his gun was
snatched away from him and he “pitched in” to the officer with his
fists for which he was put into the guard house, which the Capt. of
his comp’y (La Crosse) having heard, he ordered him to be taken out;
that not being done he ordered his company to charge bayonets & the
whole reg’t being roused they broke into the g. house & released the
man & also all other prisoners who were there.
FRIDAY 7. There were no Rhetorical Exercises today, as in the two
weeks before examination students are supposed to be preparing for
that event and cannot perform this extra duty. “Got stuck” on a sum in
Algebra today, but mean to stick to it till I get it out.