before daylight. Prepared to march, and started at 7 A. M., the 48th
going on the railroad, and we took the south road. The roads were very
muddy, the frequent frosts had made them soft, and we had very hard work
to get along with the balky horses that we had. Came into camp at 12 M.
about a mile southeast of town on a hill covered with trees, very
handsome. Busy in building racks and "shebangs". All the lumber under
guard.
Memphis, Monday, Feb. 9. Hitched up the team and got a load of bricks
and boards from a burned building one and one-quarter miles from camp.
Weather very sultry, warm, indications of rain. Signed the pay roll for
September and October.
Memphis, Tuesday, Feb. 10. A fine spring rain fell nearly all day,
nevertheless we covered our shanty and built our chimney.
Memphis, Wednesday, Feb. 11. Warm and sunny. Ball playing and building
shanties the order of the day. We completed ours. It consists of an
excavation of one foot, then walled two feet with rails and logs, and
banked; covered with a double roof, a brick chimney in one end, and door
in the other, with the floor boarded. Such is our house.
Memphis, Thursday, Feb. 12. Slept in a wet bed, our door being open, a
storm coming up of rain, wind and thunder. Health worse than it has
been for two months. Diarrhea and pain in bowels.
Memphis, Friday, Feb. 13. A bright, sunny day. Everything looked
cheerful. Standing gun drill. Milton Campbell, 23rd Regiment, made us a
visit from the hospital. Health better.
Memphis, Saturday, Feb. 14. Six months in the service. Another rainy
day. Signed the pay rolls again, the first ones being objectionable and
returned.
Memphis, Sunday, Feb. 15. Warm and pleasant. Health good. Two horses and
three mules stolen last night. Guards doubled.
Memphis, Monday, Feb. 16. Was called on guard last night, second relief.
While on the last relief, the sounds of the drum and bugle were heard
upon all sides. A foraging expedition to be sent out, one section of the
12th Wisconsin to accompany, but when the bugle sounded most of the men
refused to fall in, as there were some sixty of the recruits of last
August, these having been by neglect not mustered in the U. S. service,
hence a remonstrance was sent to General Quinby. Meantime the men
refused to do duty.
[Sidenote: 1863 Sight Seeing]
After watering horses, G. Thomas, E. W. Evans and myself visited the
Elmwood cemetery half a mile distant. It contains forty acres and is
certainly a beautiful "City of the Dead", handsomely divided off by
evergreen shrubbery, with the spacious vaults of solid marble. From the
white obelisk to the little lambs at the heads of once sparkling
innocent babes, all was beautiful. But on one side were four hands
busily piling up the rounded graves in close compact. They held the
bodies of the unfortunate soldiers, averaging twelve a day. On the other
side were the like victims of the Confederate States of America.
Memphis, Tuesday, Feb. 17. Wet and cloudy. A dismal and dreary day for
me. Kept inside nearly all day. Burnt up all my letters which by this
time had accumulated, so as to encroach too much on the room of my
crowded valise. It was a difficult task. They seemed to be a connecting
link between me and the dear ones. I read the anxious words over, and
then with a sigh consigned them to the flames. Burnt up 17 of T. L.'s,
18 of J. L.'s, 11 of M. L.'s and 15 from Albion.
Memphis, Wednesday, Feb. 18. Raw and windy. Health not very good.
Memphis, Thursday, Feb. 19. Warm and dry, though windy. Suffering with a
very bad cold. Captain Dillon read an order from J. B. McPherson,
commanding 17th Army Corps, relative to going to Vicksburg. Patriotism
raised the spirit of the boys fifty per cent. Played ball in the
afternoon.
Memphis, Friday, Feb. 20. Health better but very sore throat. Beautiful
day.
Memphis, Saturday, Feb. 21. Rain and thunder all day. Health not very
good. Sore throat.
Memphis, Sunday, Feb. 22. Cold. Froze the mud in the morning. Excused
from duty, being on the sick list. Cold.
Memphis, Monday, Feb. 23. Very pleasant. Health little better. The long
looked for "to-morrow" at last arrived and the paymaster paid us off.
Rec'd $13.80. $20.00 sent per allotment, being up to Oct. 31, 1862.
Memphis, Tuesday, Feb. 24. Very pleasant spring day. Boys busy settling
their accounts. Captain H. Dillon started home on a furlough. Lieutenant
Simpson also went with a discharge.
Memphis, Wednesday, Feb. 25. Rained in torrents all last night and
to-day, with thunder and lightning. Health better. No mail from above
since Saturday.
Memphis, Thursday, Feb. 26. Cleared off a little but drizzled part of
the day. Received a needle case from home, a loving tribute from sister
Mary. No mail down the river.
Memphis, Friday, Feb. 27. Pleasant day. Oiled our harness in the
afternoon. Troubled with diarrhea severely. Rec'd a letter from home,
they being in great anxiety about me, as my letters did not arrive at
their destination. Poor mother. I have thought much of you since reading
it, and may I spare no pains keeping you easy, is my prayer.
Memphis, Saturday, Feb. 28. The last of February, consequently mustered
for pay at 9 A. M. by Lieutenant S. F. Clark. Then opened ranks and
inspected by Lieutenants Clark, Hood and Simpson, the latter being
reinstated. Ordered to prepare for an inspection to-morrow.
UP AND DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI AND YAZOO
[Sidenote: 1863 Embarking on the Transports]
Memphis, Sunday, March 1. To-day we were ordered to prepare for an
inspection by Major Maurice, chief of artillery, but instead of that
came marching. We broke up camp at 9 A. M. and marched with the whole of
Quinby's Division into Memphis. There was a busy scene. Infantry and
artillery and baggage and wagons, all in a rush embarking on the
transports. 6th and 12th Wisconsin Batteries were ordered on the "Robert
Campbell Jr." but we could not get out on first Section, it being too
crowded. The 2nd and 3rd Sections with the battery and forage wagons
were pushed in front of the "Tecumseh" and there guarded for the night.
Memphis, Monday, March 2. Cloudy in the morning but cleared off sunny.
Failed to get the carriages on in the forenoon. After dinner four men of
each platoon were left to load the pieces, while the boat dropped down
to load with coal. Felt rather weak; troubled with diarrhea which had
rendered me rather weak. Got forage on board for horses.
On the Mississippi, Tuesday, March 3. Raw and cold on the boat. Laid at
the wharf all the forenoon, waiting for the word. 2 P. M. the fleet
"tied loose" and headed down stream, the "Campbell" being fourth in the
procession. It was an interesting spectacle, fourteen boats all laden
with troops and munition and ammunition of war, leaving the clayey
bluffs of Memphis on one side, and the blackened ruins of Hopefield on
the other to plan the final destruction of all that harbor the enemies
of our country. But notwithstanding, it was a sad thought to me as I
looked to the distant North, where there are anxious hearts for me, and
I was still going farther, and I may never again return. The river was
very high, nothing but water in sight, the willows putting on their garb
of green. The "Campbell" soon took the lead and arrived at Helena by 9
P. M. ninety miles distant. Tied up till 2:30 A. M.
[Sidenote: 1863 Racing on the Mississippi]
Grand Lake Landing, Ark., Wednesday, March 4. When we again started, the
air was very raw and cold. Hailed at the mouth of White River by a
gunboat and we had to come to and report at 9 A. M. Passed Napoleon at
11 A. M. which was nearly inundated. In the afternoon a race took place
between the "Campbell" and the "Louisiana" which came up, and after
about half an hour took the lead. 5 P. M. the fleet landed at Grand Lake
Landing, eighteen miles above Providence. We immediately commenced
unloading; got everything off except the horses. They were harnessed,
but were again unharnessed. Slept on the boat.
Grand Lake Landing, Thursday, March 5. Up early; got the horses; then
got the carriages off the "Tecumseh" which was rather tough work. Came
into park right by the levee and stretched our picket rope and put up
the tarpaulin. Very wet all around. On guard. Health very good.
Grand Lake Landing, Friday, March 6. Cloudy and windy. General Quinby
went down on the "Superior" to Providence, returned in the evening. In
the afternoon David Evans and myself went down stream on the levee,
bareback about three miles, where the engineers were at work digging out
the levee. Took a drink in Louisiana and returned to camp with no better
impression of the sunny South.
On the Mississippi, Saturday, March 7. Ordered to reembark at early
dawn. Arose at 4 o'clock but did not get loaded till in the afternoon on
the same boats as before. Severe rainstorm and wind last night. Very
muddy. Part of the day the sun shone very bright. Health good. 2:30 P.
M. the fleet once more "swung loose" and headed up stream. The
"Campbell" was aground, so had to be towed out by the "Gladiator" and
"John H. Dickey"; after she got afloat we lashed to the former to get
some coal. As night advanced we kept slowly going, and by night were the
fourth in line.
On the Mississippi, Sunday, March 8. The boat had been steadily plowing
her way up the turbid water of the Mississippi. Rained very heavy, got a
wet bed to sleep on. Very foggy all day; passed the "Von Phal", being
next to the flagship "Superior". Passed the Yazoo Pass, 2. P. M.
4 P. M.--We have landed on the Arkansas side three miles below Helena,
where the troops were ordered ashore to cook and for recreation. The
flag ship went up to Helena, and returned with a good quantity of mail.
On the Mississippi, Monday, March 9. Went up to Helena after coal, took
on board 400 boxes; while there the boys were busy in buying a supply of
soft bread and other rarities. Many of the boys found acquaintances in
the 29th Wisconsin Infantry and the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry which were
encamped. General Quinby went down on the "Pocahontas" in the afternoon
to Yazoo Pass.
On the Mississippi, Tuesday, March 10. Arose with but poor rest, it
having rained all night, and lying on deck with the tarpaulin but poorly
arranged. Got very wet. Rained steadily all day. Amused myself best I
could reading what I could in the crowded cabin filled with the tobacco
fumes, and boisterous with card players. 4 P. M. mail arrived. Rec'd a
letter from J. L. and T. L. and three papers. All well. Brother James
lame by accident, poor fellow, but thanks to kind Providence, he is
under the nursing of a devoted mother and tender sisters. Priceless
boon.
Near Helena, Ark., Wednesday, March 11. Sunny and fine weather. Instead
of moving came the order to disembark, and by noon the whole of Quinby's
Division was on the sand bar of about two acres in one solid mass. It
was with difficulty that we got our battery in position and tarpaulin
put up.
Near Helena, Thursday, March 12. Fine weather. Washed my clothes in the
forenoon. In the afternoon joined in the funeral procession of a member
of Co. G., 72nd Illinois. Laid him in the swamp and left him in the
cheerless spot, a soldier's grave. Many of the boys in spite of high
water, went out foraging and brought in fresh pork and beef in plenty.
Near Helena, Friday, March 13. Health good. Fine weather. Drew thirty
days' forage for horses, per order. 1st Brigade embarking, loading in
the night. Stood guard.
Near Helena, Saturday, March 14. Health not very good. Seven months ago
I enlisted in the service of the U. S. Then I hoped that by this time a
different phase of the matter could be seen. But alas, it very dark
ahead, yet I do not despond, neither have I regretted my enlistment. I
can only do the best I can, and be satisfied. A hard tug is before me.
May God grant me health and courage to do my duty.
Near Helena, Sunday, March 15. Warm day. Ross's 8th Division landed a
little below from Memphis. 1st Brigade and 2nd Battery left for the
Pass yesterday. Received papers of the 13th--_Bulletin_ [Memphis].
Near Helena, Monday, March 16. A fine spring day. Still troubled with
diarrhea. All monotonous in camp. Spent most of the day patching.
Vaccinated by George Fisher, hospital steward.
Near Helena, Tuesday, March 17. Very warm, a forerunner of the burning
heat to come. Mail arrived. Heard from home. Oh! welcome letters.
Near Helena, Wednesday, March 18. Very warm. Felt a little better.
Nothing very interesting.
Near Helena, Thursday, March 19. Exercised and washed my horses. Health
in camp poor. Eighteen on the sick list.
Near Helena, Friday, March 20. The marine fleet of Colonel Ellet passed
down the river, consisting of the "Autocrat", "Diana", "Baltic",
"Alone", and the "E. H. Fairchild" with iron-clad ram. Boats gathering;
expecting to embark soon. 11th Wisconsin Infantry landed below here.
[Sidenote: 1863 Atlantic Monthly in Camp]
Near Helena, Saturday, March 21. Sergeant Hauxhurst, C. Campbell and
Shockley sent North to the hospital. Capt. H. Dillon arrived in the
evening, bringing many presents to the boys. I received a pair of
stockings knit by my dear mother, and the _Atlantic Monthly_ of June 2.
Rec'd mail in the night.
Near Helena, Sunday, March 22. Cloudy and indications of rain. Infantry
embarked. Ordered to be ready to go on at 12 M. but the boats did not
come. Drizzled rain nearly all day. Health none the best. Diarrhea very
bad. Water rising very fast.
On Moon Lake, Monday, March 23. Reveille at 4 A. M. At dawn we commenced
embarking, the left Section under Lieutenant Hood on the "Armada,"
center Section under Simpson on the "Jesse K. Bell." First piece on the
"White Rose." Second piece on the "Rose Hamilton." Rained heavy all day.
2 P. M. we swung off, I being on the "Jesse Bell." Laid off till 4 P. M.
when we entered the Pass, the fourth boat of the fleet. At the mouth it
was about five rods wide. The water shot through at a wild rate. The
wheel was reversed to check the speed of the boat. On we went, through
the woods and short turns until we reached Moon Lake, where it widened.
The Lake is about three miles long, half a mile wide, where we had
smooth sailing until dark, when we tied up near an old negro hut. On the
north side a squad of cavalry encamped close by. A member of the 93rd
Illinois (which is on board with us) was buried near the shore. Made our
bed under the wheels of the pieces, the boat being so crowded; had but
poor rest. Slept as close as "three in the bed and two in the middle."
On Yazoo Pass, Tuesday, March 24. Started at 7 A. M. and kept moving
slowly all day from one tree to the other, backing up nearly as often as
going ahead, often being obliged to tie in order to give room for those
ahead. A limb broke down our left smokestack close to the hurricane
decking notwithstanding they were cut off nearly to the half before
starting. Jack-staff broke twice. All the light-work of the pilot house
brushed off.
5 P. M. passed the foundered boat "Jenny Lind" sunk over the first deck.
She ran on shore and all the goods saved. There were a few soldiers
belonging to the 43rd Indiana with her.
6 P. M. ran afoul, so that we were obliged to tie up for the night in
sight of another wreck a few rods ahead. People may read of this Pass in
time to come, but they will never know what it is until they see it.
On Yazoo Pass, Wednesday, March 25. Awakened by the bell which indicated
that we were about to start. Curiosity soon found me on deck after a
good night's sleep. A beautiful morning. The "Steam Nigger" was set to
work trying to extricate us, and after an hour's tug we swung loose.
Passed the wreck of "Luella" a small screw propeller. She was nearly all
under water. Barrels and boxes of commissary stores all around,
floating.
9 A. M. passed a plantation with inhabitants, the first seen since we
started. A neat log house and spring in door-yard reminded me of the
home of my childhood
"How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollections present them to view."
Evening. Saw considerable dry land to-day on the right. Passed some
plantations, apparently wealthy. Colonel Putnam sent a detail out in the
yawl at 3 P. M. Brought in seven sheep, also in the evening brought in a
good beef. Gave a piece to the Battery boys. Tied up near the plantation
of the rebel General Elkhorn who had been paroled. Only twelve miles
from Helena by road yet. Six to Coldwater. Heavy picket thrown out.
[Sidenote: 1863 On the Yazoo]
On Yazoo Pass, Thursday, March 26. A fine day. Health poor. Nausea and
diarrhea very bad. Advanced very slowly to-day, the current being
swifter than before, so that we are just tossed from tree to tree.
Obliged to use the capstan continually. A limb took off one of the
escape pipes, another entered the cook room on the second floor. It is
with great trouble the men can save themselves from falling limbs. One
fell on two boys which came very near proving serious. Passed at 2 P. M.
by the "Hamilton Belle", dispatch boat.
On the Coldwater, Friday, March 27. Started early on our tedious
journey, being only four miles from where we stopped night before.
Passed by the packet "Wenona," had some mail aboard, could not get it.
Health still very bad, diarrhea, poor appetite. Got some biscuit (light)
from the cook, but could not eat much. Could I but get a good draught
of milk and good graham bread of Sister Mary, methinks I would soon
feel well. Better for my case than the opium pills, which is all the
doctor would give me. Felt rather homesick. Cloudy, some rain. Entered
Coldwater at 3 P. M. Little better scenery.
On the Coldwater, Saturday, March 28. Met six boats from below. Report
General Quinby's headquarters 190 miles at the mouth of Tallahatchie.
Boats badly seamed.
On the Coldwater, Sunday, March 29. Cold, disagreeable. Sleet and rain
part of the time. Health much better. Tied up near shore. Got our horses
off across the "White Rose"; gave them good exercise. Stretched a
picket, left them for the night. A solitary tent with two cases of
smallpox was to be seen, left by the Louisiana fleet. Wrote home.
On the Yazoo, Monday, March 30. Awakened by one of the boys telling that
the boats had started and left my team ashore, with five others, and the
Lieut., Runyan, Dixon and Ed Hayes. The boat was anxious to lead out,
hence the haste. 10 A. M. obliged to tie up and repair. A limb disabled
the wheel. Passed by the rest of the fleet. 5 P. M. entered the
Tallahatchie, Gunboat No. 5 lying at the mouth. Got my letter on the
"Alone". Tied up near a saw mill, which was soon in a blaze. Rain and
some snow. Strange.
On the Yazoo, Tuesday, March 31. Fair day. Started early but advanced
very slowly, doing much damage to the boat, notwithstanding the stream
being better. Very unskillful management. Broke the engines 3 P. M. Had
to stop for repairs, where we laid till next morning. Got our guns in
position for action. Music and dancing in the evening on the
"forecastle". Man died in the cabin.
On the Yazoo, Wednesday, April 1. Made good headway to-day with but
little stoppage. 12 M. landed to take on those left behind and some
forage left by the fleet, which had left about two hours before. Buried
the corpse and started on. Passed some beautiful plantations with plenty
of hogs and cattle, which naturally made our mouths water. Passed the
"Pike" at sundown, in a sinking condition. Foraging parties brought in
fresh meat in plenty. After tying up, cannonading heard at night. Had a
slight attack of ague.
[Sidenote: 1863 Burning Property]
On the Yazoo, Thursday, April 2. Very fine. Good country and fine
sailing. 12 M. a miscreant fired into the boat and wounded a member of
the 93rd severely, the ball entering his left breast. The boat rounded
to and tied up, and in an instant the whole regiment was in confusion,
running for their arms, etc., etc. Skirmishers were sent out, while
Colonel Putnam went with a force in a yawl in search, but returned in an
hour; failed to find him, but brought along the man of the house that
harbored him as prisoner, after reducing his house to ashes. Nearly all
the boats were fired into in a similar manner.
5 P. M. came up to the boats and tied up for the night, staging run out
and the horses taken off and exercised. It was at a large plantation of
several hundred acres. I rode the Lieutenant's horse. Foraging parties
out in all directions, and chickens, hogs, beef, onions etc. poured in.
Several negro villages were set on fire, also the cotton gins,
corn-cribs, within reach. The whole air was bright at night with the
fire.
On the Yazoo, Friday, April 3. Fine day. Arrived at the headquarters by
11 A. M. Disembarked, came into camp by night in an open field. O.
Eillinstine drowned. Body not found. Two and one half miles from Fort
Greenwood which is occupied by rebel forces.
On the Yazoo, Saturday, April 4. Fine day. Boys busy bathing, washing,
changing etc. in general, which was very necessary after thirteen days
confinement. 10 A. M. crossed the river to the 28th Wisconsin Regiment,
Ross's Division. Found an old acquaintance John Williams of Ixonia.
First Section went to the front in view of the fort, threw in a few
shells and returned. 7 P. M. ordered to harness up as soon as possible
with no unnecessary noise, which was soon done, and in half an hour the
center Section, much to their dissatisfaction, were reloading on the
"Jesse K. Bell." All loaded by midnight, and each one shifted the best
he could for a short rest. Evie rather unwell.
On the Yazoo, Sunday, April 5. Although late, arose very sleepy to feed
my team. 7 A. M. we started up stream with the rest of the fleet in
their proper places. The day was beautiful and we travelled very fast,
guns all ready for action. I enjoyed the scenery much, the air so soft
and balmy, all nature seemed to be at rest. The darkies on shore in
their Sunday suits met us with waving of rags and hats under their arms,
and once in a while a timid woman also, more from policy than principle
I suppose. 1 A. M. another shot was given us near the same place as
before, which was promptly returned by half the regiment. Most shot at
random to show their good-will. No one hurt on board. The ball passed
near the pilot house. 5 P. M. tied up to take on fuel from the fence.
Went ashore to cook.
On the Yazoo, Monday, April 6. Started early and troubled with but
little hindrance, made good headway. Tied up at night near a pretty
mansion with an air of luxury. As the boat struck shore a rush was made
for land, and they made for the door-yard, but they were halted by the
Colonel who put a guard to prevent their coming in, and put the anxious
ones to work carrying rails. Health good.
On the Coldwater, Tuesday, April 7. Warm and pleasant. Entered mouth of
Coldwater 8 A. M. Travelled well till towards evening. The channel grew
more crooked and difficult.
4 P. M. landed to take on rails, then went on. Tied up in a low swampy
cane-brake. Water much lower than when descending. An occasional darky
to be seen with mule and plow at work in the field, but in most cases
the darky had "hung up the shovel and the hoe." Music and dancing in the
evening. Washed.
P. S. I write this at the still hour of midnight, all is quiet and their
minds far away from here in the happy land of dreams. No sound save the
tiresome tramp of the poor pent-up brutes which have not laid down since
we embarked. What a time for thought. Two hours yet of guard.
On Yazoo Pass, Wednesday, April 8. Entered the Pass 7 A. M. Passed the
wreck "Luella" 4 P. M., the "Jenny Lind" having been removed. Landed at
3 P. M. at Reb. General Elkhorn's for rails. Mosquitoes made their
appearance in the evening.
[Sidenote: 1863 Cleaning Up]
On Moon Lake, Thursday, April 9. Warm day. Entered Moon Lake 7 A. M. and
at 9 A. M. we were once more landed on the sand bar from whence we
started 18 days ago. Accomplished nothing. What and where next? "Armada"
and "White Rose" are the only boats here beside our own. All the
horsemen came ashore in order to clean up.
Near Helena, Friday, April 10. Received a large mail. Boats all came
from the Pass, the two iron-clads bringing up the rear. The boats went
up to Helena to take on coal, nearly all of them. Health good. G. R.
Jones quite sick. Sat up with him part of the evening, an attack of
pleurisy.
Near Helena, Saturday, April 11. All busy in writing home and to those
left behind. Although we may be tanned and roughened by hardships and
exposures, the memories of those behind are still uppermost, and
although otherwise hardened, that is untarnished. Reloaded all the
horses, etc. Rainy.