front, and at 10 A. M. we came up to the scene of action. They were
engaged by Osterhaus's, Hovey's and Logan's Divisions. We were
immediately called forward and took a position on a knoll where we had a
good view. They were in thick timber. Logan's Division managed to get on
their right flank, driving them with rapidity, but at the same time they
were driving the line on the left and came near penetrating our center,
many of our men having used all their ammunition, and the amount of
stragglers falling back without order becoming dangerous. It was a
dangerous moment. All eyes were anxiously looking, almost trembling, for
the result; but at last there comes Colonel Holmes with his Brigade on
double quick, which soon checked their progress, and the artillery were
brought into position, McAllister's 24-pounder howitzers on the left,
with Quinby's on the right and center. The infantry fell back at double
quick as we opened fire on them, shelling the woods--38 pieces in all,
belching away in fearful rapidity. Kept it up for one hour. When we
ceased firing, they had left and all was still. The fight continued
about five hours, the musketry having been exceedingly hot. We took
seventeen pieces of artillery and about 2,000 prisoners.
After the battle intelligence reached us that Vicksburg was occupied by
our forces, and that the troops of that place had met us in force with
the hope of saving Jackson, which was met with cheer after cheer,
although it was almost too good to believe. We marched after them, and
going across the battlefield it was a sickening sight, many of the
regiments having been literally cut to pieces. For four miles the road
was scattered with dead rebels and caissons etc. Came into camp at 11 P.
M. and soon dropped asleep after a clear victory. We suffered no loss
save one man wounded by a premature discharge of piece.
Near Clinton, Sunday, May 17. 8 A. M. We are packed up ready for orders
to move. Cannonading is heard briskly at times. Captain Williams's 1st
U. S. Battery of heavy siege guns drawn by oxen and mules are passing.
The enemy reported to have crossed the river and posted themselves
behind cotton bales. Some of the troops have been furnished with
hard-tack, but we have not seen any yet. While waiting, we have received
mail up to May 3. All well. 9 A. M. moved out through the thickly packed
trains about four miles, then lay in the shade until 5 P. M. went into
park in an orchard. Gen. McClernand has driven the enemy across the
bridge at the railroad, capturing a brigade of prisoners.
Near Black River, Monday, May 18. Crossed the Black River on bridge
built of cotton during the previous night, and marched through a cypress
swamp for two miles without any roads. Other troops concentrating from
other points as they are crossing in many places. Went in camp very
late, after which obliged to ride three or four miles in search of
water. Very tired.
THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG
[Sidenote: 1863 Before Vicksburg]
Before Vicksburg, Miss., Tuesday, May 19. We are lying in the reserve of
the battle line before Vicksburg, having been pushed forward at double
quick. General Grant gave them till 11 A. M. to surrender, but they did
not avail of it. Firing is going on with Parrott pieces in front but not
very brisk. 1 P. M. The 1st Section (Rifled) have gone to the left with
Lieutenant Clark. The other pieces were brought into action in front,
and laying in the reserve. Brisk cannonading all around with sharp
musketry at times--McArthur has taken a fort and guns. Sherman drove
them about a mile on the right. McClernand holds his own on the left.
Both wings said to have joined the Mississippi. Pontoon train passed to
the right in great hurry at 4 P. M. to be thrown toward the Yazoo.
Darkness closed hostilities and we limbered up and passed to the front
about a mile, and planted our battery on a hill, very steep and high,
doubling teams to go up. Relieved the 11th Ohio who had been engaged all
day against a fort, using up all their ammunition. Cannoneers silently
set to work levelling off a position; the horses unhitched and tied
under a gin house. We lay down on the bare, rough ground, clothes all
on, but it prevented not our sleeping.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, May 20. Long before day we were silently
aroused (cold and stiff, chilled through by the dampness of the night)
to find a line of arms at "stack" and a squad of men busily engaged in
front. They were the pioneer corps, which had been at work nearly all
night digging a position for the pieces in the hillside. Hitched up our
horses as soon and as still as possible, and waited for the coming day
with nothing to eat whatever.
[Sidenote: 1863 Shot and Shell]
At sunrise our skirmishers advanced toward their line and soon commenced
their "popping". We found ourselves in plain view and range of a strong
looking fort. Within half a mile of us we could see the cannoneers
around the guns. They seemed to have no anxiety to commence, and
batteries were brought into position at every available point, but as
Bolton's Battery was coming in on the left, they opened and the shell
went flying over our heads. We responded with two shots, when we were
ordered to cease firing until ordered to the contrary. The pioneers busy
at work throwing up a bastion, which was occupied by two siege guns,
30-pounders, which came up this morning. A steady firing was kept up
all day by most of the batteries, but as we could not fire without
raking our skirmishers, we had to lie on the dusty hillside in the white
clay, only to "duck" close to mother earth as the shells came flying. A
solid shot rolled at our feet, harmless. We fired about twelve rounds,
other pieces about the same. The first Section in the same position as
occupied yesterday, to our left, used up all its ammunition. Our
sharp-shooters advanced under cover of the hill within 50 yards of the
fort, and managed to keep the cannoneers down nearly all the time.
DeGolyer advanced with his Battery to the next hill. Night came on and
firing ceased. Camp fires lit, and at 9 o'clock we were relieved by the
12th Wisconsin.
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, May 21. Last night we fell back near the
place occupied day before yesterday in the reserve line. Unharnessed and
tied to the wheel. Laid down in the corn field and slept sweetly till 9
A. M. Harnessed and fed our horses. Our haversacks were empty and no
grain in the quartermasters' department. Our last meal was brought us
yesterday by our cook, which in fact was a small portion. But we kept as
good cheer as possible. One of our men managed to find about a half
bushel of coarse meal (for which we paid a dollar) and a beef killed,
which with a good cup of corncob coffee made us a good breakfast, and
all were satisfied. Unharnessed; drew two days' rations hard crackers,
rare things. Lay still all day. A slight sprinkle of rain settled the
awful dust.
Firing kept up steadily from early dawn until dark, not fast, though
still bombarding the fort. A flag of truce sent in by Pemberton,
offering possession of the city if allowed to pass out with side-arms,
which Grant respectfully declined, as a complete chain from one river to
the other is thrown around them, Hurlbut coming up with 40,000 fresh
troops, also Banks. Communication opened from Young's Point with Haynes
Bluff, so as to make it an easier matter to obtain provisions. Steele
reported to have reached the town on the right, but compelled to fall
back to his entrenchment by superior force.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, May 22. First Section of caissons have gone to
the landing for ammunition. Howitzers ordered out. 8 A. M. Advanced to
the line of caissons, when we were ordered to prepare to support a grand
charge to be made at 10 o'clock all along the line. Two of McAllister's
24-pounder howitzers to go with us. The limbers were stripped No.'s 5
and 7, to have charge of canister in haversack. It was a warm place to
go, and we anticipated hot work. At the hour the infantry advanced. Most
of the enemy's guns had been silenced for the time by the unceasing
cannonading kept up from all points for an hour before the charge, but
when they came up to the front of the fort they met the infantry in
force, and then a terrible struggle ensued until darkness put an end to
the scene. Both parties stubbornly held their own. Our line was right
under their fort with the flag stuck on the corner and neither party
could remove it. On the knoll by the siege guns was a sight truly
sublime and terrible. For miles to the left the field of conflict could
be seen extending to McClernand's Corps, artillery smoke rolling in
volumes from the brow of the ridge a quarter of a mile to the
fortifications, and the sharp crack and puff of the musketry immediately
under them. At sundown our line was obliged to fall back for the night.
Doubtless many a poor fellow lay on the field groaning from pain. 8 P.
M. ordered to return to our camp and report to the same place at half
past five in the morning. First Section still in their old position,
having been actively engaged all day.
[Sidenote: 1863 Entrenching]
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, May 23. 8 A. M. We are lying in the road as
yesterday, but little fighting yet except with artillery. Rumor says
that pioneers are undermining the forts to blow them up. A gentle shower
has fallen which has lightened the air and settled the dust, "God-sent"
for the poor wounded, of which there are a great many. While writing,
the ambulance is waiting for the remains of Colonel Dollins of the 81st
Illinois and Colonel Boomer, commander of the 3rd Brigade, both of whom
fell yesterday, gallant officers and accomplished gentlemen. 12 M.
Cannoneers ordered to the front with entrenching tools, and in an hour
the pieces followed into a secreted position on the brow of a steep and
rugged hill. A stockade dug for the pieces, into which they were drawn
by hand. Limbers put under cover of the hill, and the horses unhitched
and tied to the trees. The guns commanded the right. A slow fire was
opened which was kept up till dark, of shell and shrapnel, mostly to
keep the rebel sharp-shooters back. Drew rations of coffee, ham and hard
bread which gave us a supper of good cheer and light hearts.
Fixed our beds under the brow of the hill just out of reach of the
little deadly missiles that went whistling over our heads every once in
a while in volleys. But we were in unusually good spirits, cracking
jokes 'neath the bright silver moon. No sooner had we begun to travel in
the "land of Nod", when the 3rd Platoon was ordered to turn out, quick
and still, hitch up and pull out. It is expected that the rebs will try
to cut their way out to-night and we want to be ready. In fifteen
minutes we were on the road, moving back toward our old place; unhitched
and lay down again with orders to be ready at half past three A. M. Thus
we ended another day before Vicksburg.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, May 24. Up and ready as ordered, but with the
sun we unharnessed, watered and fed, then lay quiet all day. Washed and
changed clothes, and Oh! what a relief. Truly water is a boon. Grant
seems to be willing to allow the inhabitants of Vicksburg the Sunday for
devotion. There has been but very little fighting to-day, little
artillery firing. 4th Division passed in from Haynes Bluff for
Warrenton.
Received a good mail which gladdened all our hearts. Oh! blessed
white-winged messenger, how my mind has been occupied all day by sweet
thoughts and hopes inspired by thy visits! Letters up to the 10th. Wrote
a short and hurried letter home. Learned through the _State Journal_
that a friend and former teacher, E. C. Hungerford, had fallen in the
fight on the Rappahannock. It is another severe blow to his brother
Tommy. How many, many more will this cruel war require to satisfy its
victims. Wounded passing all day in ambulances to the river. Sergt. J.
B. Jackson and L. N. Keeler gone. Sick.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, May 25. Awoke and harnessed at the usual hour.
With the sun we unharnessed and watered. 9 A. M. the four pieces ordered
out on the road the same place they had been for a part of the last four
days. Lay there till 1 P. M. Third and sixth pieces ordered to their old
position of the 23rd inst. Fourth and fifth back to camp. Double quicked
it out there as we were exposed to the fire of the sharp-shooters. Part
of the day they were exceedingly busy. Took our position, unhitched our
horses, threw a few shells at them slowly until 3 P. M. A flag of truce
was reported to have come out of the breastwork. It was met by General
Logan. A parley was held for an hour and a half when it retired. A
cessation of hostilities was agreed upon till 8:30 P. M. (to bury the
dead). Both parties came out of their entrenchments, conversed, changed
papers, etc. I was within forty yards of the fort, where the
sharp-shooters had dexterously hidden themselves.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, May 26. Returned to camp last night after
dark. This morning moved up a mile and a half to the left, put up
harness racks, stretched picket in a beautiful orchard laden with fruit,
which although not ripe we gathered and used for sauce. Mortar boats
busy throwing shells all day; not much artillery firing from this side.
Sergt. S. Hauxhurst returned from Memphis. Telegraph line put up from
the landing to the several headquarters.
[Sidenote: 1863 Midnight Alarm]
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, May 27. Called out a little past midnight;
hitched up with haste and moved out, took a position on the right the
best we could and in the road. The gunners were ordered to have spikes
ready so as to be able to spike their pieces if obliged to abandon them.
They expected am attempt to break through the lines. Put on my overcoat,
lay down at the head of my team, halter in hand, and did not awake till
broad daylight, within dangerous proximity to Jack's feet, but he would
not hurt his rider while asleep. Returned to camp, the scare being over.
Lay quiet all day, a heavy bombardment kept up all day. The
sharp-shooters busy picking off our cannoneers. Most of the
convalescents left at Millikens Bend returned to-day. 11th Ohio Battery
gone to Sulphur Springs with brigade of infantry.
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, May 28. Windy and cloudy. Spent the day in
eating mulberries, writing and sleeping. Mail came. Brisk cannonading in
the evening. Mortars working all day.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, May 29. The day was opened with a general
cannonading all along the line for thirty minutes, with as much rapidity
as possible. It was a sublime and terrible scene, the powder smoke
gathering in a dark heavy cloud overhead, with the shells exploding with
a continual flash over their forts, and now and then a mortar (shell)
high in air could be seen. A gentle rain fell in the afternoon. Received
twenty-five new horses from the landing. A repetition at sundown of the
morning's work, then all was quiet. Wrote to John.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, May 30. Warm and dull. Nothing to do and
nothing to read so lay down and slept most of the day. Awake at 10
o'clock at night with orders to hitch up, and at quarter to eleven
o'clock the pieces and limbers started to the left and front, down
through the valley, past sutler shops and baggage wagons, then up a
steep bluff, where it required five teams to haul the pieces up; then
passed through the advance line of artillery and through a passage dug
in the hill, hiding us from view for about six rods, then down into an
abrupt ravine. The cannoneers obliged to hold back with prolongs to keep
it [the piece] from running down unmanageable.
We were soon at the bottom of the ravine. On the top of the hill the
pieces were to be planted. It was 3 A. M. when the artillery on each
side and behind us opened a hot cannonading over our heads, grazing the
top of the hill so close that we dared not go in position, and we lay at
the bottom while they whistled and screeched over our heads. The fiery
track of the fuze-shell could easily be tracked through the dark, and
the roar of pieces as they echoed was deafening for half an hour, when
we put our pieces in position, took the limber under the hill and
unhitched.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, May 31. Awoke by the side of my team when the
sun was high. Went up the hill to see the pieces, but was timely warned
by a "whist" by my ear to keep low, as we were within 300 yards of the
enemy's fort, and at the first indication of a man's head a leaden
messenger was sent to him, and safety only existed in keeping out of
sight by lying low. Nelson brought our breakfast from camp. Unharnessed
our horses and went to water back to our old watering place, exposed to
the fire of the sharp-shooters. One of our horses was struck in the
neck.
Very warm. Built a shade and lay down to sweat and sleep. At 3 P. M. the
rebs opened a fire with a piece of artillery which was returned by a
dozen. One of the 10th Iowa killed in rifle pit by our piece.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 1. Cannoneers up nearly all night.
Advanced our pieces eight yards to the front so as to get better range.
Went to water horses, stopped in camp to feed hay in the forenoon and
afternoon. At dusk started out with both limbers after ammunition. Went
about two miles to Quinby's headquarters. Filled them from magazines and
returned by 10 P. M.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 2. Fired at intervals all day. At night
fired thirty minutes without ceasing. Caisson limber after ammunition in
the evening. Up till midnight helping on the bastion. The heat very
oppressive.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 3. Nothing of importance until about 3
P. M. when the enemy opened with artillery all along the line, which
soon brought the cannoneers to their post, and rapid firing of twenty
minutes convinced them that they had better quit. The shells flew very
thick for a few minutes. One 24-pounder dropped into the second piece's
bastion, taking out the eye of Fred Baker, the first man wounded by
rebs. Received mail.
[Sidenote: 1863 Dodging Sharp-shooters]
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 4. But little fighting done to-day with
the exception of sharp-shooting. Sultry and heavy. Battery drew
clothing. I got a rubber poncho.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 5. Fine day. Not very warm. Ordered to
fire once every five minutes during the day. Went with the gun-limber to
the magazine at noon. Fired twenty rounds in the evening. Occasional
firing all night.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 6. But little firing during the day.
While watering horses I rode about two miles into the country, filled my
haversack with ripe, juicy plums. Thought I'd like to take them home to
Mary and have a shortcake. But no--wait awhile. I'll take them to camp
and make some for supper, in hopes for something nicer in the future.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 7. Matters even here within hearing of
the enemy's voices are settling into a dull monotony. The crack of the
sharp-shooters fails to make an impression on the accustomed ear, and
the occasional roll of cannon is as a mother's lullaby to drop us to
sleep. Happily knapsacks at last arrived from Millikens Bend. The volume
of _Atlantic Monthlies_ sent me by Brother Thomas gave me much pleasure
in perusing.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 8. Unusually quiet during the day, our
ammunition being scarce, none at the arsenal, and we used it sparingly
for fear of an emergency. George Spencer, David Evans and myself
remodelled our shelving, which, for want of something else is this: a
shelf dug in the hillside, two feet deep above and long enough to lie
down, covered with a double roof of cane-thatch. And this is what we
call our home. Yes, it is filled with the dear ones here in mind if not
in body.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 9. A sharp engagement took place on our
right last night which almost approached a battle. General Logan was
advancing a cotton cased car under the enemy's feet with the intention
of running up in this a battery into the rebels' works. He had been
working on it for several nights and was progressing fine, but slow, as
he had to dig by the sharp-shooters. Kept the rebs down by discharging
frequent volleys in the dark, but last night they returned it with much
zeal, and threw rockets over their works which accomplished its aim and
burned the cotton to the ground. Our artillery soon made things quiet.
The caisson gone to the landing this morning for ammunition. Geo. took
his team for the 6th Wisconsin.
I am here all alone to-day, a thing unusual. For awhile I found ample
company in reading the _Monthlies_, but my mind wanders way back to dear
Wisconsin, and a strange feeling of lonesomeness comes over me as I lie
here in this, what now looks like the hermit's retreat.
[Sidenote: 1863 June Weather]
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 10. A heavy rain storm came on early
and continued all day. The dusty valley was converted into a bed of a
wild rushing stream. Kept middling dry until evening, when we went to
help bring a limber down the hill, it being too slippery for the horses.
Got thoroughly drenched and slept in wet blankets and on the wet ground,
but it is all the same for soldiers. What would folks at home think? It
is well they are ignorant of it.
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 11. Pleasant day. The air light and
balmy. Dust settled by the rain of yesterday. Very steady and heavy
cannonading all day. A nine-inch gun was brought into position on our
right to-day and busily engaged in battering down the rebel wall. Its
huge missiles would bury deep in the earth, then explode, tearing up
many trees.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 12. Watered and grazed my team while I
picked a can full of blackberries, made a luxury for dinner. Called on
guard at 1 P. M.--third relief. Visited by Sergt. J. Savage of the 23rd
Wisconsin. Stayed nearly all the afternoon. Pleasant chat. Rebels opened
fire at about 4 P. M. with a mortar, throwing three or four shells over
us. Found to my sorrow that my needle book and Testament had dropped
through my side pocket where I always carried them. Too bad, for they
were gifts of two noble helpers, a mother and sister. I will much miss
them.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 13. A spirited day on both sides.
Mortar from the secesh playing all day, the shells passing over our
heads, two exploding over us, but did no damage. At 2 P. M. fell back to
the foot of the hill to allow the rear batteries a freer play to shell
the woods where the mortar was supposed to be. Kept it up for one hour.
The long looked for Lieutenant Fancher returned after nearly a year's
absence. Caused no excitement.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 14. Watered and grazed horses and picked
berries. Did not return to camp until after dinner. Sharp cannonading
all day. The rebels opened with several pieces of artillery on the left,
firing with zeal. Signed the pay-rolls in the afternoon. Received a
letter from home. Had not heard from me since the 6th ult. Great anxiety
for me. Could I but acquaint them of my condition, what a relief it
would be.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 15. Awoke to hear the rebel shells
breaking the timber of the opposite hill, as they rushed by, they having
opened with a piece of light artillery on the extreme right over their
fort, throwing solid shot; kept it up all day, and occasionally a
"whistling Jim" gave life to the cannonading that was not manifested
when it was all one sided. Two more large guns mounted on the right.
Battery wagon and forge moved over.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 16. Nothing of importance transpired
during the day. Capt. B. W. Telfair of the 20th visited the Battery in
the evening. Our howitzer was elevated mortar fashion by letting the
trail into the ground. The metallic fuze bored out and a paper fuze of
longer time inserted. The charge of powder diminished to about five
ounces, and they were tossed over and above the mortar, doing good
effect.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 17. David Evans obtained permission
from Captain to go in search of his brother to the 20th Iowa and myself
to accompany him. As soon as breakfast was over we mounted our horses
and started down through the hollow to the left, and after six miles
travelling through a continual string of bayonets and tents, we found
them [20th Iowa] with the 20th Wisconsin, direct from the Army of the
Frontier, encamped with the low white dog tents. He found his brother.
Joyful meeting of course.
After two hours' stay we started back. Called at the 23rd Wisconsin to
see friends and arrived in camp by 3 o'clock, after having been within
three-quarters of a mile to the extreme left of the line. The line on
the left we found much weaker than here. No battery planted as yet in
formidable position. A 120-pounder opened this morning, dismounting one
piece as we watered. Called at the Battery hospital to see D. J. Davis
who was a little better. Mortar firing continuing; we replied with a
will. Not much damage done, I think.
[Sidenote: 1863 "Whistling Jim"]