given and the division was soon on the move towards Jackson, the
capital of Mississippi. We had to march up a very high hill and kept
going from one hill up another until we had gone about two miles, and
then it became easier marching.
We did not suffer for want of bacon, hams, sugar or molasses. Some of
it was found hid away in the brush. This was taken by the soldiers and
very little was left for the owners to use after our forces had passed.
Our advance had a short skirmish with the enemy on the march to
Raymond, and five men were killed and wounded on our side. They met
with no more opposition until they arrived near Raymond, when Greggs'
brigade encountered our advance, and after a desperate resistance they
were forced to give way and leave us in possession of the ground.
The loss was about equal as they occupied a ditch. The 20th Ohio
and 20th Illinois charged upon them and drove them from the ditch
at the point of the bayonet. They fired a volley into our advance
as they were marching past a heavy piece of timber and took our men
partly by surprise, but they soon recovered and drove the enemy from
the timber. They could not stand cold steel, as our men rushed with
impetuosity right forward, and drove the rebels wherever they tried
to make any resistance to our advancing columns; they were bayoneted
in the ditch without mercy. Our division did not arrive in time to
participate in this battle as the rebels had torn up a bridge we
had to cross and burned it, and here we were delayed several hours
waiting for the bridge to be repaired. At length the division got
started again but the battle was over before we could get to our men's
assistance. After passing through Raymond there were indications of an
enemy being in advance, when the 5th Minnesota regiment was ordered
in front to examine the timber. A line of battle was formed and the
advance commenced, the 11th Missouri following the skirmishers. They
soon gained a heavy growth of timber. It was with difficulty we could
proceed. We had advanced but a short distance into this timber when the
order was given to halt, and it being evening, the regiment remained
here all night. Some rain fell during the early part of the evening,
but it did not last long. As most of us had rubber blankets we did not
suffer from the rain, and after preparing our coffee we lay down and
slept until morning. Next morning very early the brigade was ordered
to fall in, and we were soon on the way towards Jackson. We expected
the rebels would dispute our possession of a certain spring, but they
did not interfere with us here, as there was a force of cavalry here
when the brigade passed in the morning. We halted here long enough to
fill our canteens with good cool water. The roads were quite good for
marching, as the rain had settled the dust. The bugle was sounded for
the command to move forward, and every regiment was soon in motion.
On to Jackson, was the word, where the rebels were supposed to be in
strong force.
May 14th, the morning was cloudy, and had every appearance of a
storm--Our forces had proceeded within about six miles of Jackson,
when the rain commenced falling in torrents, and the roads soon became
almost impassable, but still they moved onward until they arrived
within about two miles of Jackson, when the 5th Minnesota regiment
was ordered to halt, and the 11th Missouri was put in advance, and
company B and F were sent in front to act as skirmishers, and some
of the 47th Illinois. Company F, commanded by Captain Clealand, and
company B, Lieutenant Weber. They deployed as skirmishers and Clealand
ordered them to advance. The rebels had opened from one of their
batteries and were getting the range pretty well, when the 2d Iowa
battery was ordered forward, and they opened with shot and shell and
soon silenced the rebel's guns at this place, and killed the Lieutenant
of the battery. They were shooting at our men at a long range and the
order was given to advance, and they had to cross an open field, when
a volley was fired from the rebel skirmishers and the balls whistled
pretty close to us, but did no injury to any of the company. As fast
as the skirmishers advanced the rebels fell back until they reached
a very deep ditch in front of the rebel's works, and here they had
a pretty good position, when the order came to fall back to the
reserve, which was steadily advancing. A sharp fire by artillery was
kept up on both sides, but their shots passed over our heads, doing
but little injury to us. The order was given for the skirmishers to
advance again, and they moved forward again and held their position
until the 95th Ohio regiment flanked the rebels and found but few men
inside the rebel works, and the rebels had fled. There were but few
prisoners taken. The citizens of the town engaged in the defense of
their capital. There were about one hundred prisoners taken and several
pieces of cannon, with all the equipments belonging to them. Our loss
on the left was severe, and it was here that the rebels had advantage
of position.--Logan's division charged a battery and in spite of the
heavy fire from the rebel guns drove them from their guns at the point
of the bayonet, and for fear of being surrounded they left everything
and fled, leaving nothing but a few artillerists to defend their works.
The ground where Logan's men charged across was quite level, and the
enemy's batteries was placed to take any part of it, and it was in
crossing this that our forces met with the heaviest loss. Mowers'
brigade marched to the court house and stacked arms. It rained most of
the time and tents were discovered in a warehouse, and they were soon
appropriated to our use. Every regiment was supplied. This was a place
of great importance to the rebels, the capital of Mississippi, and in
time of peace contained nearly five thousand inhabitants, and a great
deal of business was done.
There were mills for the manufacture of cotton goods, an arsenal for
the making of arms, and everything requisite to carry on this cruel
war. Tobacco, whisky, sugar, molasses, and flour were found in great
abundance. Confederate scrip would pass for full value with the
inhabitants of the town. As soon as the soldiers gained possession
of the town commenced the work of plunder, breaking open stores,
everything of value was taken, and most every soldier in the brigade
was dressed in citizens' clothes. Whisky was plenty, and a good many
of the boys got tight. Guards were placed over the town, but they were
of no avail, and the soldiers distributed shoes to the citizens, and
almost every thing that could be got was given to them, as these things
were owned by speculators, and were sold to the people of the town
at the highest prices. But the soldiers did not long enjoy their new
suits, for the order came to wash and dry their uniforms, as they could
not wear citizens' clothes any longer than was necessary. They came
very acceptable, as our clothes were wet and muddy, having been in the
rain all day.
The brigade remained two nights and one day here, and I was detailed
to go as a guard to protect some citizens. One was a preacher, and
he treated the guard quite kindly; one was a retired merchant from
Massachusetts. He said if he was only able to handle a musket and bear
the fatigue of marching, he would be in the rebel army, and four of us
were protecting him from insult and his property from being destroyed;
The town was being illuminated, and there was a great deal of it on
fire, and many public buildings were being destroyed. The soldiers had
received marching orders to leave the next day, and the object was to
leave no building standing, but they were restrained by the guards.
When morning came we returned to our regiment, and the order was given
to burn the tents and break every gun not in use.
After everything was prepared the order came to leave the town, as the
rebels were advancing in strong force to drive us out. The railroad was
all torn up, and burned to the bridge at Black Water, by our forces.
We soon left the town with the bands playing Dixie. The Confederate
House, which had but recently been built, was burned down. The people
were glad to see us leave. A good many of the boys remained behind,
and the division had got but a short distance from town when a rebel
force of cavalry entered it, and all that had remained behind were made
prisoners and paroled or taken to Richmond to be exchanged. A Colonel
of the 47th Illinois went back to town on some business connected
with his men, when he was ordered to surrender, whereupon he drew
his revolver and commenced shooting, when he was shot dead. He was a
prisoner once, and said he never would be taken again.
The division marched until evening, when they were allowed a short
time to prepare some coffee; had barely time to finish drinking coffee
when the bugle sounded. The advance had to fall in, take arms, and
the command was soon on the move again. They came to a halt late in
the evening, and next morning were on the move again. By some mistake
we missed the right road, and after marching two miles the command
was halted. The heavy thundering of cannon and small arms could be
distinctly heard. The news came that our forces had driven the rebels
from the railroad bridge across the Black Water after an obstinate
resistence.
After halting here for a short time, the order was given to forward,
march, file right, and we had to retrace our steps until we got back to
where we stopped over night. There we turned to the left, and marched
until the heat of the day, and then halted for dinner. After eating,
the march was resumed until we arrived at Black Water, and after
staying here one night and part of a day before crossing the stream,
a fine horse was purchased by the privates of the 11th Missouri and
presented to Gen. Mowers. He had several horses shot while engaged in
battle. He made a few remarks--it was unexpected to him, and took him
by surprise. After this was over the division crossed the river on a
pontoon bridge, and the bridge was taken up as soon as we crossed.
Here the division bivouacked for the night. Next morning most of the
division moved forward with the exception of part of the 11th Missouri,
which was detailed to guard some ammunition and artillery which had
been captured from the rebels. Soon after the ammunition and artillery
were removed, and we left the river to rejoin the brigade. Several
hundred confederate prisoners who had been taken in the late battles,
brought up the rear.
We rejoined the brigade, and quite late in the evening arrived in front
of the rebel works. Here the army stopped, and the lines extended all
around the city of Vicksburg. Here we remained until the evening of the
21st, when an order was read with reference to storming the rebel works
on the following day. Meanwhile several batteries were busily engaged
throwing shot and shell into the rebel works from morning until night,
and it was not safe to go within sight of the rebel works and expose
ourselves to their sharpshooters, as several of our soldiers were
struck over 800 yards from the fort.
From Black river there is a range of high hills, of deep valleys, and
heavy timber, until arriving within half a mile of the rebel works.
The timber had all been cut down, and there was no way of approaching
the rebel works except by roads, and these were well protected by
artillery, and the forts were so built that they commanded every road
with stockades.
The morning of the 22d of May, a day long to be remembered by many
was, dark and cloudy. Our lines were formed, and the brigade marched
a short distance from the enemy's works and ordered to stop; and here
they lay until four o'clock in the afternoon, when the order was given
to fall in line, and not speak a word, as the brigade was going to
make an effort to get inside of the rebel works. The 11th Missouri was
in advance. Up they went on double-quick to within 300 yards, when
the rebels opened on us with shot and shell, and their sharp-shooters
from behind their works were pouring volleys of rifle bullets into our
ranks as they advanced. Whole ranks were shot down, either killed or
wounded, and only about 30 reached the works. The Colonel of the 11th
led the charge, and reached the outer ditch. While there the rebels
threw a hand grenade and it tore off the front of his cap, doing him
no other injury. The colors were planted on the outer works, and there
they had to remain until evening, when, under cover of darkness, the
Colonel got away, with the men that had regained the works. At night
the brigade returned to our old camping place. It was a terrible day,
for the regiment was exposed to a heavy fire, failing back with heavy
loss without accomplishing any thing. The loss was over a hundred men
in killed and wounded. After remaining a few days after the storming of
the enemy's entrenchments, order came, and the 2d brigade had to move
again; and early in the evening our lines were formed, the command was
given, and every regiment was soon in motion--destination not known.
After marching until quite late, halted, and camped for the night near
a creek. The night being warm, we had a comfortable sleep with our
blankets and the sky above to cover us. We were not disturbed until
morning. Next morning after eating breakfast we resumed our march,
until we arrived at Snyder's Bluffs, and here we came to a halt, and
remained one night and part of a day. This was a strong position, held
by the rebels, but on the approach of our forces was vacated, as there
was danger of being cut off from the main army at Vicksburg. It was a
place of little importance, as there was nothing but hills and valleys
and some rebel entrenchments. A very small portion of the land could be
cultivated. There were some people living in these hills, and seemed
to enjoy themselves. But few men were to be seen at home, as they were
gone into the rebel army.
Orders came at last, and the brigade was soon in motion again on the
road to Yazoo City. After marching up one hill and down another, the
brigade arrived at Mechanicsburg, where our cavalry fell in with a
force of rebel cavalry and there was a short skirmish. The infantry
went to the cavalry's assistance, when the rebels broke and fled. Our
casualties were slight; not much loss on either side. The cavalry did
not pursue the enemy far, but returned and camped for the night at
Mechanicsburg, where the infantry had kindled fires. You could see
where each regiment was halted and were resting from their weary day's
march.
At the sound of the bugle in the morning every soldier seemed to spring
into life again, and were soon all interested in the work of preparing
their meal. This work was soon over, most of the boys being their own
cooks, and carried their cooking utensils along with them. Water was
not very plenty, and most of it cistern water.
Mechanicsburg was a small town with a few old houses in it, and no
business worth mentioning being done there. Everything appeared
desolate and forsaken. Next morning we left this place for Haines'
Bluff. Our road lay through a heavy timber; it was a road not much
traveled at this time. We followed this road until we came to a very
large plantation, and here the command halted for a short time. Finding
plenty of chickens here, the soldiers took most of them, and when the
command moved forward there was not a rooster left to crow on the
plantation. There were a great many negroes on this place, their master
in the rebel army, and he very wealthy, owning three large plantations.
After staying here a short time the command was ordered to move
forward, and each regiment was soon in motion again. After emerging
from the hills we struck a flat open country along the Yazoo river,
where corn was growing finely, and would soon make good forage. The
command halted for dinner, after which we moved forward again, and late
in the evening came to a halt near a creek of clear water; here the
command bivouacked for the night. Next morning the march was resumed
again, and then commenced the work of climbing a very high hill, and
leaving the Yazoo bottoms. At length the whole army reached the summit
of Haines' Bluffs.
The weather had become very warm and it was almost impossible to march,
but there was a cool breeze stirring on the hills, and if it were not
for this the command would have had to halt, as the heat was almost
suffocating.
Haines' Bluffs was on the Yazoo river and had been in possession of the
rebels, who, for some cause, had left. After blowing up the magazine
they went into Vicksburg, and our forces soon took possession. It was
a place of vast importance to us, as we could get our supplies from
the river, and provisions could be hauled by teams and wagons to the
besieging army very easily, as it was but a short distance to the
landing. The army got plenty to eat here, but we were not suffered to
remain long.
One morning early the brigade was ordered on board steamboats, which
were in waiting to receive us on board. There were several of them
in the river, and one was a gunboat which was to accompany us on the
expedition. This day was passed on the boat, everything ready and
waiting the signal to move. At last we got under way and the boats
moved up the river.
The Yazoo river is a long narrow stream, full of short turns; our
largest boats could not navigate it. Our destination was unknown to us
at that time. At daylight next morning the boats landed us at a place
called Setorsia, a small town, containing one church, a few stores
and groceries. As soon as the boats stopped the soldiers were soon on
shore, the stores plundered of everything they contained, which was not
much. Gen. Mower ordered them on board again. Returning to the boats
the order came to form in line on land. Signs of an enemy were to be
seen, and skirmishers were thrown out to see if the road was clear. The
8th Wisconsin was in advance, and had moved but a short distance from
the town, when the advance fell in with some of the enemy's cavalry,
and they commenced to fire on the 8th. The skirmishers and brigade
halted on the side of a hill, when the rebels fled before them as they
advanced, keeping it up all the way to Mechanicsburg. Two of the 8th
were severely wounded. Here they resolved we should go no further. They
formed their line of battle about one mile and a half from town, and
there awaited our approach. A battery was ordered forward, and they
opened fire where the rebels were supposed to be; after shelling them a
short time, the rebels returned the fire, doing no injury to our men,
as they shot too high. A battalion of the 5th Illinois cavalry was
ordered to make a charge, which was done in gallant style. They bore
down on the rebels with sabres glistening in the sun, rushing at full
speed upon the enemy, which was in line of battle to receive them; but
what could withstand such a charge? The sabre was the principle weapon
used. This was too close work for them, and they broke and fled, taking
their artillery with them. The cavalry took 70 prisoners. Their loss
in killed not known; a large number were wounded with the sabre. The
infantry moved forward to the support of the cavalry, but the rebels
were dispersed before the infantry could render any assistance. The
rebels were supposed to be about 3,000 strong, mostly mounted infantry.
They could not stand but a short time before the impetuous valor of
our brave men, fighting for the right. They made several ineffectual
attempts at resistance, but they were at last forced to flee and leave
us victors.
The cavalry pursued the retreating rebels several miles, cutting them
down with their sabres whenever they overtook them. Some of the men
were quite old and gray. The infantry went about a half a mile from
town and there camped for the night.
Company B, 11th Missouri, and a company of the 47th Illinois, were
sent out in front to act as a grand guard; and here we remained for
twenty-four hours, when we were relieved by company C, and returned
to the regiment. Order was then given to draw two days' rations, as
we were to march next morning. At six o'clock next morning we made
preparations to march, drawing another day's rations, and began our
return to Haines' Bluff. Our knapsacks had arrived but were returned
again to the boats.
The 11th Missouri was rear guard and the advance moved quite slow,
owing to the extreme heat; it was almost impossible to proceed
sometimes; no air stirring, and some of the soldiers died on the way.
A great many were sunstruck. We marched back to Sertorsia, which was
destroyed, and Mechanicsburg was left burning.
After leaving the timber part of a division fell in with our brigade.
On this expedition there were three brigades of infantry, under
command of Brig. Gen. Kimble; also several regiments of cavalry, with
artillery. The Yazoo bottom road was taken. Corn had been planted by
order of Jeff. Davis, and it was growing finely on each side of the
road; some of the stalks were higher than our heads as we passed along.
It would soon make good forage for our cavalry. This road was dry and
dusty. There was plenty of water on the bottom, as there were cisterns
every few miles. The first day we marched until late, and came to a
halt near a creek of running water, and next day arrived at our old
camp early in the evening. After remaining here a short time we went by
steamboat to Youngs Point.
On the march from Mechanicsburg the 11th lost several men; they were
behind and were taken by rebel cavalry, who were picking up stragglers,
but did not get many, as our cavalry were protecting the rear, and they
did not venture up very close. All cotton was burned on this march,
also some corn and a few houses, one a very fine house occupied by a
rebel. Everything of value was taken because he aided in capturing some
of our boys by making signals to a party of bushwhackers. He was taken
and delivered as a prisoner to the General. The brigade marched to
Young's Point, established camp, where we were soon at home.
After resting for a few days orders were received for the brigade to
prepare for a move next morning. Everything was found ready on the
14th of June, and on Sunday every regiment was formed in line and soon
moved from Young's Point to go to Richmond, Louisiana, where the rebels
were said to be in force, throwing up entrenchments. We were sent out
to reconnoitre on the 15th, after a good night's rest. Our advance
fed in with some of the enemy's skirmishers when about two miles from
Richmond. The 5th Minnesota was acting as skirmishers. A line of battle
was formed, and then the order was given to forward, and the whole
line moved to the support of the skirmishers. When within a mile of
Richmond the skirmishers were saluted with a shower of bullets, but
most of them passed harmlessly over their heads. Two of the 5th were
slightly wounded, which was all the damage we received. Two batteries
were brought into play; one was handled by some men of the marine
brigade, and they did some good shooting. They came from Millikin's
Bend. The 11th Missouri was supporting Taylor's battery. The rebels
would send an occasional shot at us as we were laying down in front of
our artillery, and after firing over 100 rounds from the two batteries,
General Mower discovered where the rebels were. They occupied a strong
position on the opposite side of Wolf creek. He rode along the lines,
each regiment being in its place, and the command was given to move
across this creek and take the rebels in the rear. The marine brigade
was ordered to take our place to support the batteries. After marching
through a heavy piece of timber, we emerged into an open field near the
creek, and then we could see the rebels retreating, and our advance in
hot pursuit.
We soon reached the creek opposite the town and crossed over. There was
evidence of there having been a strong force there, as their shanties
were left standing, and deserters informed us that there were 7,000 of
Taylor's and Walker's men here when we attacked them in the morning.
They had dug some rifle pits and had several pieces of artillery,
but used them very little. One man lay dead in a ditch, and two were
wounded, one of them seriously. They were injured by a shell.