instead we took our horses off. Troops going down the river nearly all
day, about twenty transports loaded. Took a ride in the afternoon,
enjoyed it much, though all alone. On guard in the night. Quite cold.
On the Mississippi, Monday, April 13. Got all on board once more and at
12 A. M. started up to Helena, unloaded the cotton taken in the Pass,
and returned to find the boats all gone except the "Tempest" (commissary
boat) and at about 3 P. M., we started down the river. Detained most of
the night in extricating the "Duke of Argyle."
Providence, La., Tuesday, April 14. Cold and rainy all day, making it
rather disagreeable. Spent the day in our quarters over the horses. Read
the _Covenant_, mused and slept most of the day. At about 9 P. M. we
neared what appeared like a city with its hundreds of lamps, but proved
to be Providence with the lighted steamboats tied close.
Millikens Bend, La., Wednesday, April 15. A warm pleasant day. Awoke to
get hay from a barge, then strolled around to see Providence, which was
a neat village with several fine buildings, but most of the main part of
the town is inundated by the pass cut through the levee, connecting the
river to Lake Providence, about 80 rods long. And where used to be the
street, now is the bed of a rushing torrent. Found the 6th Division
(McArthur's) encamped here. McPherson's headquarters also here. Took on
600 boxes of coal and at 2:30 P. M. started on our way down the river,
being the last of the fleet. Wrote a hurried letter home. 5 P. M. we
arrived at Millikens Bend, the shore lined with steamboats, the troops
embarking as fast as possible. Got a part of our battery off.
Millikens Bend, Thursday, April 16. As soon as practical brought into
park behind the levee in an open field; very pretty grounds but no
trees, and before noon the field was covered with the tents of Quinby's
Division. Signed the payroll in the afternoon. Met Charley Finn and Wm.
Jones of the 23rd. who were left in the convalescent camp; the Regiment
gone to Richmond, La., three days. All the mule teams of the Division
ordered to take provisions and ammunition to them. Weather very fine.
Troubled with toothache very much. Health otherwise good.
[Sidenote: 1863 Contrabands]
Millikens Bend, Friday, April 17. Were ordered to prepare for general
inspection at 9 A. M. Got off from guard in time to mount my team.
Formed three lines on the plain in front, viz: 1st line, 3rd Brigade;
2nd line, 3 batteries of artillery; 3rd line, 1st Brigade. (2nd Brigade
not yet arrived from above). Were inspected by Adjutant General Thomas
of Washington and Colonel Sanborn (commanding Division in sickness of
Quinby) and staff. After inspection the troops were brought in a solid
square when General Thomas was introduced by General Grant, and spoke of
the policy of the administration in regard to the contrabands, which was
received with cheers; followed by Colonel Sanborn and lieutenant colonel
of the 72nd Volunteers.
Went to the convalescent camp of the 23rd, found Hugh Hughes very low in
body and mind. Returned just in time to receive my pay up to the first
of March, $13.00 here, $40.00 per allotment. Heard soon the tremendous
roar of artillery. Heard last night seven gunboats and two or three
transports run the blockade at Vicksburg, burning one transport.
Hospital cleared off as fast as possible, expecting to get some wounded
in soon. Great activity all around. 2nd Brigade arrived at night.
Millikens Bend, Saturday, April 18. Cloudy--indications of rain. Boys
busy expressing their money home, paying debts and some investing in
chuck-luck. Had battery drill in the afternoon of two hours.
Millikens Bend, Sunday, April 19. Had severe storm of wind and rain last
night, which gave us a wet bed. Had special muster at 9 A. M. Detailed
to go after rations in the tempest. Exercised horses in the afternoon.
Millikens Bend, Monday, April 20. Drill two hours in the forenoon. Got
sick and went to the tent before finishing. Nausea and vomiting. Very
warm.
Millikens Bend, Tuesday, April 21. Fine day. Six transports preparing to
run the blockade at Vicksburg. Volunteers called for from this Division
to move them. Many anxious to go. Quite an excitement. Received mail.
Millikens Bend, Wednesday, April 22. Heavy rain all night, making it
very muddy to drill. Standing gun drill in the afternoon. 4th Brigade of
3rd Division inspected on the drill ground and addressed by Governor
Yates of Illinois, inspiring and encouraging.
Millikens Bend, Thursday, April 23. Very warm. Ordered to prepare for
park inspection at 8 A. M. Stood waiting until 9, when we went out to
drill. No inspection. Standing gun drill P. M. 11th Ohio Battery and 1st
Missouri left to-day. Boats ran the blockade last night.
Millikens Bend, Friday, April 24. Very warm. Drill in morning and
afternoon. Sergt. J. B. Jackson and P. Walport, heroes of Corinth,
returned to the Battery. Preparations to leave to-morrow.
ENCIRCLING VICKSBURG
Richmond, La., Saturday, April 25. Awoke early and at 6 A. M. we filed
off after the 5th [Iowa]. Travelled up the levee about two miles, then
turned to the west and passed through level country. Very pretty, the
roads lined with growing hedges of creeping roses, etc. which were in
full bloom, filling the air with their fragrance. And the flower gardens
were truly beautiful, notwithstanding their former admirers were engaged
in a far different object.
After travelling about five miles we entered a heavy timber, the road
running beside a bayou, through which we continued except when in
cleared openings all day. The day was excessively warm, equal to a
harvest time in Wisconsin. The men were all soft after nearly two
months' packing on the boat, and notwithstanding they were often rested,
the infantry fell back very many. At about 2 P. M. we crossed the bayou
(which is very deep) on a pontoon of pine boards, and came into camp at
Richmond, having come twelve miles. Many of the footsore and weary did
not arrive until late. On guard. I need all the rest possible for
to-morrow, but no grumbling, do the best I can.
[Sidenote: 1863 A Night March]
Near Richmond, Sunday, April 26. The Battery were awake at 2 A. M.,
while I was on post, having had but four short hours of sleep. The
horses were harnessed immediately and we started at about 3:30 which
gave us a good start before sunrise. Not quite as warm as yesterday.
Marched through apparently very old country and productive. 11 A. M.
went into park at Holmes's Plantation, eight miles from Richmond.
Unharnessed. Put up the tarpaulins. Got some fresh meat and water. At 1
o'clock the order came to be ready to march at 4 P. M. Logan's Division
marched by. Marched until sundown when we went to park at another
plantation just in time to prepare for a storm. Rained heavily all
night. Heavy firing heard in the night via Vicksburg.
Near Richmond, Monday, April 27. Started out at 6 A. M. went about
twenty rods, when General Logan rode up and by some means induced the
officer to turn back; we unharnessed and turned our horses out to grass.
Heavy rain came up and continued. Very disagreeable all day. No shelter.
The day seemed very, very long, but night at last came to relieve us,
and we went to bed in negro shanties.
Near Richmond, Tuesday, April 28. Took up the march at 6 A. M. The rain
of almost twenty-four hours had rendered it muddy beyond description.
We had seen deeper mud in Mississippi last fall, but none so hard as
this to travel; the soil being of a bluish clay, was made into wax, the
wheels clogging so as to hide all traces of spoke or felloe. The 2nd
piece wheel was locked by the mud and slid along. Slowly we worked our
way on, often straining our horses to their utmost. Ambulances, wagons,
etc. stuck all along. Rested one hour and watered horses at 11 A. M.
Came into park at 2 P. M. on rebel General Fisk's ground, who was killed
at Murfreesboro. Unhitched and swam horses to wash them, and fed them
freely on rebel corn, having made about four miles. Supped on fresh beef
and hard-tack, and laid down in the open air.
Near Richmond, Wednesday, April 29. Awakened at 2 A. M. with orders to
march before daylight. Everything ready accordingly, but did not start
until an hour after sunrise. Crossed the bayou about two miles from
where we started on a rude pontoon built across a barge. Marched through
a thick wooded bottom three miles, then recrossed the bayou on a similar
bridge. Open country once more. Encamped early within two miles of where
we crossed the river. Teams sent back after forage and rations. Very
tired. Gnats very bad.
Near Grand Gulf, Miss., Thursday, April 30. Bugle sounded in broad
daylight, which led the boys to conclude that we were not to leave
early, so they lay quiet, but were soon aroused by Captain Dillon coming
in and telling us to hurry up, we would have to be on the road in less
than forty minutes; and in three minutes we were all in ranks to the
sound of the bugle. Ordered to have three days' rations in haversacks
and prepare to fight. Hitched up. Mustered for pay in the saddle and
then started out. Passed two steamboats where they used to take on
troops, but we marched on about thirteen miles and encamped within
hearing of the guns of Grand Gulf. Four miles off, heavy firing all the
afternoon. Our gunboats attacked them silencing all their guns except
three which they were obliged to leave. Such is the report. Travelled
through beautiful country which was all in full growth. Corn three feet
high. Blackberries and strawberries ripe. Peaches as large as a plum.
Looking like a July day in Wisconsin.
[Sidenote: 1863 Good Food and Fighting]
Near Grand Gulf, Friday, May 1. Awoke early to be soon on the march;
travelled down the levee four miles, when we embarked on the
"Silverwave" at Hard Times Landing. Seven gunboats and four transports
crossing troops as fast as possible in sight of the bastions of Grand
Gulf. Landed two miles below, and by 11 A. M. were on the march toward
Port Gibson. The flat of Louisiana was relieved by the broken surface of
Mississippi. Steep hills, and obliged to lock [the gun wheels] often.
Marched very fast, only one mule team along. Heard firing all the
afternoon in the advance. Encamped at sundown after travelling twelve
miles. Mississippi furnished plenty of sweet potatoes, fresh pork,
chickens, etc. All tired. Went to bed early.
Near Port Gibson, Miss., Saturday, May 2. Awoke at 2 A. M. In the saddle
at 3:30, and moved on. By sunrise we were on the ground of yesterday's
action. They met the enemy and drove them for five miles, disputing
every inch. Captured many prisoners and took one battery. The dead were
yet unburied in many instances, one lay on the roadside with the upper
part of his head taken off by a cannon ball. Many were wounded, as they
took the advantage of the unevenness of the country to attack us by
surprise. Passed the 1st Wisconsin Battery, which had done good
execution the day before. Finally we passed the brush hospitals along
the road and marched unmolested to Port Gibson. Enemy left two bridges
burned behind them.
Unhitched, watered and fed. Rested ourselves about two hours, when we
again started, crossed the stream over which was a chain bridge, crossed
on a rough pontoon of slabs which nearly sank under water under the
artillery. General Grant, careworn and nearly covered with dust, sat on
the bank watching the progress of his advancing army. Marched through at
double quick until very late, when the infantry laid down in the road,
and we turned to the right in the field for three hours' and a half
sleep, out of which we had to feed, water, etc. Laid down without any
supper and slept. Oh how sweet, but very short. Nine miles from Port
Gibson.
Near Black River, Sunday, May 3. Arose at 2 A. M. and as soon as
practicable hitched up with one day's shelled corn in our bags. Did not
leave until sunrise. Crossed a small stream on a chain-suspended bridge
which the rebs had set afire, but was saved. Our way was disputed about
a mile on by a rebel battery which threw shells at the advance, which
formed line and moved on. At 10 A. M. the skirmishers were hotly engaged
and sent back for a howitzer. The third (with which I was connected)
piece moved out on a trot, took a position by direction of Colonel
Powell within 200 yards of their sharpshooters, who were firing briskly
in a thick wood. Opened on them with canister, which soon had the
desired effect of "drying them up there." Advanced to the left a few
rods and opened fire on a log house where the sharpshooters were
working. Threw three shells, then retired to await orders, having shot
ten rounds in all, four spherical case, three canister, three percussion
shells. The litter-bearers report a rebel captain killed in front of the
piece by canister cutting him nearly in two. In the meantime the 1st and
5th pieces took position on the right to prevent three pieces of
artillery from taking position. Advanced about two miles when their
pieces opened fire with shells on us. The howitzers went forward but
were ordered back by Chief of Artillery, and two ten-pound Parrotts
instead. A brisk firing on both sides for ten or fifteen minutes. The
1st Brigade in line on right, 2nd on left, when they pulled up stake and
we marched without molestation within a mile of Black River; went into
park. All very tired and needed rest. Passed about seventy-five
prisoners during the day, many more being taken by Logan on the left.
Pickets firing often during the night, once with artillery.
[Sidenote: 1863 Earthworks]
Near Black River, Monday, May 4. Harnessed and hitched, but soon
received orders to unhitch and get fodder enough to feed all day. Firing
with artillery across the river occasionally during the day. Earthworks
thrown up on this side of the bayou, the rebels being on a neck of land
between that and the Black River, said to have received reinforcement.
Near Black River, Tuesday, May 5. A fine day. Health good. Lay quiet all
the morning until 2 P. M. Orders came to hitch up a howitzer and a rifle
piece; first and third pieces made ready and fell in with 5th and 10th
Iowa Infantry and four companies of cavalry on a reconnoitering
expedition. Colonel Boomer in charge. Waited three quarters of an hour
at the river to finish the bridge, when the cavalry crossed and started
on, the bridge consisting of three flat-boats tied together endways,
which reached across. Passed through a half mile of very swampy bottom,
then came into an open country with fine plantations. Marched briskly on
the road to Vicksburg, about four miles, then rested. General McPherson
passed to the front and returned in about an hour, ordering us to
retrace our steps as soon as possible as there was much need of us there
and the roads were bad. Returned on full trot and came into camp a
little after dark.
Near Black River, Wednesday, May 6. Remained quiet. Foraging parties
sent out bringing plenty of corn, fresh meat and many other things,
taken from the deserted houses of fleeing chivalry. Mail arrived. Rec'd
two letters from home dated 18th and 26th ult. Pontoon train of eighteen
wagons passed to the right.
Near Black River, Thursday, May 7. 1st Brigade and Battery M. relieved
General Logan's on the river. His Division marched to the right, moved
across the road into the shade.
Near Black River, Friday, May 8. Although in the land of cotton and
alligators, awoke after a cold night's rest under three blankets. The
nights very cold and chilly. The days in the other extreme. Assistant
Quartermaster Hamilton arrived with the baggage wagons and forge.
Cloudy, indicative of rain. Steele's Division came in the afternoon and
relieved the 1st Brigade at the river. General Steele's headquarters on
the opposite side of the road from here. His troops were old and tried
veterans of Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio.
Near Rocky Spring, Miss., Saturday, May 9. Reveille called us to receive
orders to march at sunrise, which took but little time. Took the road
leading to the right, travelled through a rough, broken, yellow clay;
very hilly roads, many of the hills covered with crabby pines. Very
dusty and warm; passed through Rocky Spring at 10 A. M. which consisted
of a store and ware-house buildings. Came into camp at 3 P. M. in a
poorly cultivated country. Plenty of fresh mutton, turkeys, chickens,
etc. brought in by forage forthwith.
Near Raymond, Miss., Sunday, May 10. Awoke, harnessed and fed horses at
3 o'clock A. M. 7 A. M. unharnessed and grazed our horses for an hour.
Lay in the shade until noon, when we hurriedly harnessed, leaving our
dinner half cooked, and marched over very dusty and sultry roads. Poor
country, covered with pine poles. Halted at Utica two hours and watered
horses, let the cavalry pass. This is a lively looking place of two
dozen houses, with frowning damsels in the windows and doors. May poles
still standing. They did not expect the Yankees so soon. Took the road
toward Raymond, eighteen miles distant. At sundown came into camp in
thick oak brush. All our cooking utensils in the mule wagons. "By
order" obliged to go to bed without our supper save hard crackers.
[Sidenote: 1863 At the Front]
Near Raymond, Monday, May 11. Harnessed and fed at 3 o'clock, it being a
standing order from Grant that all troops be under arms at that hour and
remain so for one hour. At sunrise we started out in the road and laid
by our horses until noon, waiting to move on. Logan's Division passed
by. At last moved on about a mile and went to park. Came to action front
[position known as "action" in tactics--ready for open fire if
necessary], stretched tarpaulins. Forage wagons sent out when there came
an orderly at full speed with orders to march immediately. All hands
were busy in a moment, but before half the horses were harnessed there
came another, and the order was countermanded and all was quiet again. I
was on guard. Went on at 1 o'clock in the night, to listen to the bugles
and watch the rising fires of the drowsy army just aroused from dreams
of better and happier times to come.
Raymond, Tuesday, May 12. Awoke at the usual hour, hitched up at
daylight and took up the line of march. Travelled slowly, stopping
frequently until about 12 M. When we neared the firing, the report of
which we could hear all day, we were ordered forward at double quick for
two miles, and formed in line of battle immediately under the brow of
the hill. But the work was done by Logan's Division. The firing
gradually ceased and at 4 P. M. all was calm and still after the leaden
storm, and the heroes were allowed to recite the startling events of the
morning. They commenced driving the enemy at sunrise and about 10 A. M.
they met them in superior force. The 1st Brigade suffered the worst. The
20th Ill. and 31st Iowa losing more men than in the five previous
engagements, Shiloh and Corinth included. Many were severely wounded.
Took about 50 or sixty prisoners.
6 P. M. we limbered to the front and marched into Raymond at double
quick. It was dark before we got in, and the dust was so thick that I
could not see the lead-rider. The howitzers were posted on the entrance
of the Jackson road in the public square, and stood picket. The horses
which had been all day without water or feed, obliged to stand in the
harness hitched up. Drivers lying by their teams.
New Clinton, Miss., Wednesday, May 13. Awoke from my bare bed on the
rocky pavement to find the sun high and bright, shining in my face, a
thing not known for a long time. Unharnessed and fed the poor, weary
horses. Two interesting Creoles and black wenches treated us with a
breakfast of corn dodgers, confiscated molasses. 7 A. M. the Division
moved out on the Clinton road, second battery in column; advanced as
fast as practicable, being obliged to reconnoiter and feel our way.
Infantry formed in line twice. At 4 P. M. we entered Clinton, a
respectable looking station on the Vicksburg road. Went into park two
miles from town, eight miles from Jackson. To-morrow we are to move on
to the attack, great advance in three columns. Hot work ahead and many
may fall. May I be able to discharge my duty.
[Sidenote: 1863 In Battle]
Jackson, Miss., Thursday, May 14. Considerable rain during the night and
indications of more. Moved on without much hindrance about four miles,
when we came upon them in force, the rain falling in torrents. The
infantry went forward and formed in line, a rebel battery throwing
shells from the right at them. 1st and 2nd Brigades on the right, 3rd on
the left. Batteries moved forward leaving the caissons behind. The 1st
Missouri Battery took a position on the right and was hotly engaged with
the enemy's guns for half an hour.
Meanwhile we were waiting in the road in range of their shells, which
were flying over us and dropping either side, but luckily none took
effect. The enemy's infantry in line in front doing sharp work, when the
whole line of infantry prepared to make a charge, 1st Section ordered
out to support them. They unslung their knapsacks and went in with a
shout, when the crash of musketry was terrific, volley after volley,
the bullets flying thick around, all lying as close to the ground as
practicable, when the cry "They run! They run!" was heard and after them
they went in all directions. We were ordered forward and we did go at
double quick across the charging ground. Dead rebels--and many of them
lay there wounded and bleeding. The infantry followed them up the hill,
then fell back and we came into battery, when Captain Dillon said, "6th
Wisconsin Battery, I am here--open fire on them". And we did. The six
pieces went off almost simultaneously, and we were enveloped in a cloud
of powder smoke, then another, until nearly all the shells were gone,
when we ceased firing, and they were gone. Cheer after cheer went up
from the infantry as McPherson went galloping by. I never before could
see how men could cheer on the battlefield, but I never felt more like
it in my life. Such is victory.
At 2 o'clock we moved forward, the infantry in line and the artillery in
column on the road. As we advanced, a man came from the right, where we
could see that Sherman had sharp work to-day, reporting that he had
entered Jackson and taken 5000 prisoners. It could hardly be credited,
but at last we were convinced of it as we entered their ineffective
earthworks with their pieces, caissons, etc. left uninjured; they had
left everything, Sherman's shells having scared them out of the capital
of one of the strongest states of the Union. If there ever was a
jubilant army, Grant's army at Jackson was that night. The papers of the
morning were found, which said that the Yankee vandals never would
pollute Jackson. The force we met were direct from Charleston, S.
C.--Eastern troops; but a wounded man told us they soon found out they
were not fighting New York troops. Went into park in the suburbs of the
town back of their breastworks. Lieutenant Simpson went down-town
foraging. Ordered to cook three days' rations.
Near Clinton, Friday, May 15. Awoke to prepare to march at 6 A. M.,
cooks having been up nearly all night baking the flour and meal.
Retraced our steps back, leaving one of Sherman's divisions to guard the
place and we were to go and partake in more stirring scenes. Passed
through Clinton in the afternoon and encamped at sundown four miles
beyond.