henceforth, therefore did not get our complement of blackberries. Grant,
evidently thinking that there was ammunition enough thrown away, issued
orders not to fire unless fired upon, consequently all was quiet except
when "whistling Jim" came over, when all the pieces returned the
compliment with a volley. Received letters from home and Helena. Little
anxious about us; received mine of the 24th ult.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 19. Very warm. But by keeping quiet as
much as possible not very oppressive. The enemy fired more to-day than
any day since we came here--the mortars once every thirty minutes, and
profiting by our example, they threw shells from light pieces, which
bursted directly overhead. No damages yet. Preparations being made for a
general shelling in the morning. Two hundred rounds of ammunition to
each piece. Put my shade over horses in the evening.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 20. Awakened this morning by lively
reveille from the muzzle of the 9-inch columbiads which opened at 9 A.
M., followed by the 30-pound Parrott, then light battery, and a
continued crash from all points for six hours, when, at 10 A. M. firing
ceased. Whether the stronghold was weakened or not by the process is
not known. Our piece alone threw two hundred rounds. The two regiments
of infantry were posted in the rear during the fighting. Logan's men on
the enemy's works digging. Three horses wounded and one negro in the
evening from sharp-shooters.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 21. Pleasant day. Not much artillery
firing, but sharp musketry. 3 horses wounded. Called on guard in the
afternoon; guarding five platoon drivers for grazing without permission;
they were put on extra duty. Paid off to the 1st of May. The officer
forgot his allotment roll. Received full pay here. Expressed $20.00
home.
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 22. Quiet, dull day. Very little firing
by artillery. Ammunition scarce. Eben Davis of 20th Iowa visited us in
the afternoon. Report says fighting on Black River with Johnston.
Ambulance gone back. 3rd Brigade of our Division under marching orders.
Wrote two letters which occupied most of my time.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 23. Reveille at 5 A. M. Drivers fall in
for roll call, then stable call. No horses to be taken from the picket
rope except at water call. Pioneer Corps put up a brush screen to hide
us from the view of the sharp-shooters, who of late became not only
annoying but dangerous. Heavy wind and rain in the evening.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, June 24. Cloudy and indications of rain.
Heavy firing on the left was heard last night. Cannoneers called to
their posts and equipments on. The rebels charged with two brigades on a
rifle pit, in which the 12th Wisconsin was stationed. They allowed them
to approach within a few rods of the pit, then poured in deadly volleys;
with the third [volley] they broke for their works, the 12th after them,
going [up] the heights. If they had had any support they might have
entered. David Evans's horse wounded.
[Sidenote: 1863 The Mine]
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, June 25. Our curiosity was awakened this
morning by an order to each piece to deposit all their slow-matches at
Captain's tent, we knew not for what purpose. But we soon learned that
it was to convey fire to the blast placed under the big fort to our
right (in Logan's line). A drift 37 feet deep was run under it with
chambers parallel to the fort. In this was deposited ---- lbs. of powder
(by the trusty negro). Orders were given to the several sergeants to
have the cannoneers at their posts at 2 P. M. at which time the fort was
"to be blown up" and a general cannonading to be immediately opened.
As the hour approached, all hands were anxiously waiting, each desirous
of witnessing the result. It was dull and very oppressive; all nature
seemed drooping, and ominous silence prevailed on both sides; not a
flutter of air, not a word was spoken, and you could hear naught but
your own silent breath. All at once a dead heavy roll, a hundred shouts,
and you could see nothing but a black cloud of dirt and powder smoke,
throwing the earth 30 or 40 feet in the air, and about half of the wall
rolled over the ditch as if turned by a ponderous plow. Instantaneous
with this was the crack of a hundred cannon, as if they were all pulled
off by one lanyard, and a furious cannonading answered, while the
infantry advancing with a yell that none but soldiers can give, rushed
up the breastworks, and a galling fire ensued between the rebs at the
bottom and at the top. Our men tried hard to dislodge them and take
possession of the fort, but it was too much. They lay on the ground
until night, elevating their guns above their heads to shoot, while some
obtained concealed positions, firing while those below were loading for
them. A stand of colors was brought up and planted. Hand grenades were
tossed back and forth with great briskness. Some were digging for a
piece of artillery, an engagement in which valor and courage are
signalized.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 26. Our men still claim their side of
the fort, nothing daunted by the stubbornness of yesterday. An active
engagement was continued during the night by grenades, all the surplus
shells of smooth bores taken to be used for such. The 5th Platoon driver
turned in with us this morning to dig a well to water the horses, which
we completed by 4 P. M., 15 feet deep, width 30 inches. At evening I
received my weekly letters.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 27. Rather sore from yesterday's
fatigue. The hot sun pouring his fiery arrows down with such force as
almost to overcome us. Rebs threw many 20-pound shells (Parrott) into
this hole or building, but they were uncharged, which took away much of
their terror. They were aimed at the disputed fort (which they look at
as much ours as theirs, I should judge). They also opened fire with a
heavy siege gun this morning, but were soon quieted. The 12th Wisconsin
Battery blowed up a limber while silencing it.
Before Vicksburg, Sunday, June 28. A Sunday is with us, but no one finds
any reminder of it as he looks about him. The same routine is gone
through with, and were it not for my memoranda I would not know it. When
I compare this with the Sunday at home, when all work is laid aside,
sister and brother that during the week have been absent, are at home,
all there, the quiet lunch for supper--all, all crowd upon my memory,
and I long for the time when I can again enjoy them, and the vacuity in
my heart be filled, and even to-day I can imagine I can see that
gathering, and I know that Mother's anxious heart looks upon my vacant
seat and wonders if her boy is yet spared. More than once the tears have
gushed to my eyes (I hope it is no cowardice) as I think of her
emaciated form in that old arm chair. Would it be any consolation to her
to know that her son is thinking of her, that he has not forgotten?
Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 29. Came off of guard to assist my
messmate in enlarging our shelter so as to be cooler, and put up bunks
of cane, which is a good deal more comfortable. The health of the
Battery is on the decline, I am sorry to state. Seven or eight cases in
hospital; Griff down with boils. D. J. Davis and W. Hamilton shaking
with the ague. My own health is not too good, troubled with diarrhea
more or less continually. I am daily falling off.
Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 30. Two siege guns, 32-pounders, brought
in last night to be mounted on the left and front of us, but the
carriages did not fit. Eight teams were sent to the landing for others.
Captain Dillon received the appointment of Chief of Artillery vice
Sands. Drivers called out 9 A. M. We policed the valley in the hot sun
(a whim of red tape). Mustered for pay at 5 P. M. by Captain Dillon.
Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 1. Nothing of importance during the
day, with the exception of another attempt at blowing up the fort. The
shock I felt while writing in my "shebang". A large volume was thrown
inside making a much wider gap than before. Siege guns played on it for
some time, but there was no reckless advance as before. Two rebs, one
negro, and a hound were blown over to the Yankees, the former dead, the
latter unhurt.
[Sidenote: 1863 Visiting in Camp]
Before Vicksburg, Thursday, July 2. Hearing that William Jones of the
23rd was wounded, I obtained permission of Lieutenant Clark, commanding
Battery, to go and visit him. G. R. Jones and myself found him in the
Division hospital with his leg amputated above the knee, wounded on the
30th ult. by a chance musket ball. Looked well under the circumstances.
Called upon J. Savage before returning. Rebs showed a line in front of
us in the afternoon. Several shots exchanged.
Before Vicksburg, Friday, July 3. 9 A. M. A flag of truce appeared
opposite Smith's Division, accompanied by General Bowen and Colonel
Montgomery, who were taken to Grant's headquarters, blindfolded. 12 M.
General Pemberton met U. S. Grant under a large tree on the road to
Vicksburg, to our right, with their staff on the outside of their
respective works. The parley was continued until dark, when they
withdrew. Orders issued not to fire until further orders. A strange day
to us, so quiet and calm.
But a gloom was cast on the 6th Battery notwithstanding the hopeful
indications of the truce. After the flag had appeared on the left and
firing had ceased on both sides, and the men carelessly exposed
themselves to view, a miscreant, yes, a brute in human form, took
advantage of the opportunity to deprive one at least of his life, now,
when unguarded, when under other circumstances he would have failed.
Alvah B. Page, gunner of the second piece, was shot in the left ear,
while sitting on the piece, instantly killing a noble life and good
soldier, much loved and respected by all, and one of the best shots in
the Battery. Many a time had he planted his missiles where they carried
terror to the enemy's heart. His last words were the hopeful ones "I
guess they are gone up". He lived to sight the last gun fired at the
enemy's stronghold. A siege gun was to be given him the very morning he
was buried in a soldier's grave, 2 P. M.
Before Vicksburg, Saturday, July 4. The National Birthday, and we awoke
to welcome it under favorable auspices. All was quiet and still and we
could hardly convince ourselves but that we were transformed to the
quiet home of Wisconsin and were ready to take a part in the grand
celebration. The truce was still held. Butternuts leisurely lounging
along their breastworks, our men the same, still we knew not what the
result would be at the national salute fired with blank cartridge.
[Sidenote: 1863 The Surrender]
9 A. M. orders came stating that at 10 A. M. the enemy were to march
out, stack arms on the outside of their works and return as prisoners of
war. What glorious news--the men all in ecstasy too great for cheers.
At the appointed hour white rags were stuck all along their line, which
were hailed with cheers from one end of the line to the other.
Commanding officers and staff rode out first, making the formal
surrender, after which all the troops formed in line and marched out,
colors flying, stacked their arms, equipments and colors, marching back
under their officers. Commissioned officers were allowed to retain their
side-arms. In the meantime our bands, which had been silent for so long,
struck up "Hail Columbia" etc., which affected the troops as an electric
shock, and they saluted with deafening cheers. As the last of the rebs
went in, General Grant and staff with body-guards, entered the tent.
Guards were stationed on breastworks and the surrendered prisoners
permitted to run at large.
So Vicksburg, the pet of the Confederacy has fallen, and that too, on
the most glorious day of the whole year, and long to be remembered by
the soldier boy who spent his Fourth there. He was happy, but still he
turned with longing eyes and wishful heart to the North. There was a
void there, a vacancy which triumphs and which military victory could
not fill, his home, never forgotten. I ended my Fourth on guard,
hopefully.
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 5. We were momentarily expecting marching
orders, while I wrote two letters, but at last we were told to prepare
to march at 4 P. M., and at the appointed hour all was packed up, horses
hitched up and ready. We entered Vicksburg in front of Carr's original
line, and after many halts among the broken ravines, amongst butternuts
swarming on every side, we came into battery of five yards intervals in
a little knoll, after dark.
A WELL-EARNED REST
Vicksburg, Monday, July 6. To-day we lay waiting all day for orders to
hitch up to go into permanent park, but for some reason or other they
did not come, and we were exposed to the burning sun all day, but well
amused, strolling over the scarred surface of Vicksburg, plowed
everywhere by raking shot and bursting shell, exploring the extensive
caves inhabited by the citizens during the siege, but now deserted, and
they once more were not afraid to walk in God's sunlight. Received mail.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 7. As we did not move to-day, we spent the day
amongst the prisoners who are by far the most numerous. Never has such
lenity been shown to prisoners of war before. They are allowed to go
anywhere within the lines and guard, their officers riding out in full
regimentals, sash and swords, with orderlies. And groups of both parties
are seen on every hand talking the matter over in a friendly way. A much
better effect will result from this than if they were strict and kept
them under guard. It opens their eyes to facts that before they were
ignorant of, and many will be induced never again to raise arms against
the stars and stripes. A brisk trade is going on. They sell their scrip
for ten cents on the dollar. Canteens traded, coffee etc. given them
freely. The best good feelings prevail. All are anxious to go home,
where they will stay if possible.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 8. No immediate prospect of moving. Boys busy
putting up tents, shades, etc. I strolled among the Alabams on the
right. Got a "fly" fixed for which we had use. Found some of the
greenest specimens of humanity I think, in the universe, their ignorance
being little less than that of the slave they despise, with as imperfect
a dialect. They "reckoned as how you 'uns all would be a heap wus to we
'uns all". They wished they could come back to the old Union again.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 9. The work of paroling the prisoners goes on
as fast as possible. Many of the Western rebs crossed the river to-day,
and many of the Mississippi and Louisiana are ready to leave in the
morning. Their officers have given up the hope of taking them into
parole camp. They all go to their homes, and will carry discontent and
repentance to many a hearthstone. Wells were sunk to-day in the hollow,
giving cool water, but not very pure. Rebs had been here for a year
drinking brackish water, everyone is that lazy.
Vicksburg, Friday, July 10. Everybody busy preparing permanent quarters.
Tarpaulins spread over picket rope. Water the horses in the river twice
a day, passing through the center of Vicksburg. It is planted on very
rough ground, very scattering with the exception of the first streets.
Notwithstanding the lay of the country, it is made beautiful by
shrubbery and shade trees which are liberally and beautifully planted
along the street.
[Sidenote: 1863 Drinking in Camp]
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 11. Very warm and dull. Officers all drunk. In
the evening 1st Brigade band serenaded Captain Dillon, after which they
were seated, treated and played and played and drank. Songs were sung
and beautiful music played, but the demon of the bowl prevailed, the
leader of the band soon became unable to go farther, and a scene
befitting a groggery ensued. All seemed to have lost all respect for
best principles. Too bad. These men left home with great pretensions of
temperance; even now it would be difficult to convince those left behind
otherwise; but whiskey is used by our officers more freely than water,
and that too is what they draw for the men mostly. Many a dark thing
behind the curtain in this world.
Troubled with toothache all day and at night Dr. Brady took it out at
the third hitch. Oh!
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 12. Inspection of clothing at 9 A. M. the first
of the kind since we left Memphis, after which McPherson's General Order
No. 20 was read; also official information of the surrender of Port
Hudson on the 7th inst. and our victory in the East, which of course put
a hopeful aspect on affairs. Received a large mail. Signed pay-rolls 6
P. M.
Vicksburg, Monday, July 13. Heavy rain last night. Cloudy and stormy all
day to-day. Policed off all the grounds under the Battery. Evie and
myself went about two miles, to the right in the afternoon on horseback,
got cane enough for bunks. Prisoners all marched out to-day except the
sick; Colonel Sanborn, inspecting officer, taking all contraband
articles from them.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 14. All is quiet and still, everybody fixed up
comfortably, and an old Welsh farmer's oven built, so we have soft
bread, a great luxury. Trains run regularly to Big Black, taking troops
and provisions. Third Brigade of our Division gone back to the rear. A
few prisoners came in with the evening train. All is life on the river,
crowded with boats, the town swarming with sutlers.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 15. All quiet and sleepy. Very warm. No mail
or news.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 16. Now that we are fixed up and the officers
over their big spree (generally speaking) we broke up camp and went into
park about two miles to the right on a pretty slope. The battery parked,
the tents were put in its rear regularly by sections. All the shades,
bunks etc. were hauled over from the old camp, which was accomplished by
night, and put up.
[Sidenote: 1863 Bathing]
Vicksburg, Friday, July 17. Was on detail all day, putting up stable and
hauling brush. Many hands made light work, but it was hard to stand the
sun. Bathed in the Mississippi while watering horses, and returned to
camp to receive two goodly letters from home, and T. L.
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 18. Watered and sent team to camp. I remained
with others to unload hay from barge, but could not get any. Walked back
to camp by dinner time, and received pay up to first of July.
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 19. At reveille the gun teams of the third,
fourth and sixth Platoons were ordered to harness up, and we started out
with Lieutenant Clark before breakfast to haul in rebel guns from the
line destined for Helena, Arkansas. Rode all along the line to the left,
seven or eight miles, left two 30-pound Parrotts, four 10-pound
Dahlgrens, two 12-pound howitzers, two rifles (James). Did not get back
to camp till noon. Hungry and exhausted in the hot sun and dust.
Vicksburg, Monday, July 20. Sergts. J. M. Hood and W. W. Runyan; Corps.
Sam Beaver, Charles Neefe and S. A. Ferris; privates J. Neefe and J. L.
Bennett started home on a thirty day furlough. It caused many a longing
wish in the hearts of us all for the day when we should follow to stay
for good. Had a Battery inspection by Lieutenants Clark and Simpson. A.
M. a general invoice of all government property taken. Bathed in the
Mississippi in the evening. Mail arrived. None for me.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 21. Very warm. Considerable sickness. The
Battery is much reduced in numbers, there being but two or three
cannoneers to a platoon, which makes it heavy on the detail.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 22. Teams and men gathering rebel pieces and
caissons. Company cook started to-day, and all the Battery to be in one
mess, much to the dissatisfaction of the boys. No mail.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 23. Hot and monotonous. Evie troubled with
diarrhea for several days, very sick in the afternoon.
Vicksburg, Friday, July 24. General Herron's command returned from their
expedition to Yazoo City, having cleared the rebs out gloriously. They
captured several thousand bales of cotton and negroes innumerable. The
flat by the river as we go to water is covered with women and children
of all hues and sizes, a grotesque scene, the men having been pressed
into the service.
Eben Davis of the 20th Iowa visited us--was with us all the morning and
took dinner with us. Evie some better. Heard the news of William Jones's
death.
Vicksburg, Saturday, July 25. Troops returning from Jackson, their
expedition having been crowned with success. Notwithstanding the warm
weather they marched in good order and high spirits.
Vicksburg, Sunday, July 26. Several of our boys attended divine service
at the M. E. Church. Very warm and oppressive. Indications of rain, much
needed to settle the choking dust. Health is very good so far in spite
of wind and weather. Received mail.
Vicksburg, Monday, July 27. A severe rain storm visited us last night
preceded by a heavy wind which prostrated nearly half of the huts,
leaving the occupants to the mercy of the elements. Received a letter
from home but one week old; the latest yet received. Northern papers of
the 22nd inst.; good news from all quarters. "Oh! the good time's
a-coming". On guard. Troubled with a gathering on my right forefinger.
Very painful.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 28. Very warm and oppressive. Suffered
severely from my finger. I am afraid I am going to have a felon on it.
Did not take care of my team. Battery M, 1st Missouri returned from
their Jackson expedition, forty on the sick list, being obliged to use
their mule drivers to park their battery.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 29. Had but little sleep last night on
account of my finger and very painful all day. Showed it to our doctor
who wanted to lance it, but had no knife.
Vicksburg, Thursday, July 30. Finger a little easier. Slept while I kept
it in water. No mail. Very monotonous, especially when suffering.
Visited by Sergeant Savage, 23rd Wisconsin, he going home on a furlough.
Vicksburg, Friday, July 31. The Company is rife with grumbling and
discontent, owing to the Company cook operations; sour and heavy bread
and other rations uncooked, a barrel of the "infernal liquid" having
been drawn at headquarters. A shameful free use of it. Orderly too drunk
for duty.
[Sidenote: 1863 Camp Surgery]
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 1. Took a large core out of the swelling on my
finger. It does not pain me any more. A citizen took in a cartload of
peaches to-day, and upon order of Lieutenant Clark sold them to the
boys. They were the first I ate this season. If he would but come daily
it would be healthier. Cloudy all day. At night visited by a big storm
of wind and rain. Went to bed early with a very heavy fever and
rheumatic pain in all my bones. No mail for four days. Strict orders
down town. None admitted without pass from Provost Marshal.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 2. Awoke with a dumpish feeling. Corporal
Dziewanowski went with a squad to church. Evie and myself spent the
morning in reading the Testament, every other chapter. Read Acts. In
the afternoon I was taken with a sudden and severe attack of diarrhea
accompanied with fever and headache. Felt very bad. Wrote a short letter
home notwithstanding.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 3. Had a very heavy fever all night. In the
morning the fever subsided, and a cold clammy sweat followed. Reported
at the sick call. The doctor prescribed three large doses of morphine
and quinine, with two blue pills. Took the first dose, caused vomiting,
did not take any more. Felt very sick all day. Could eat nothing. Bathed
and put wet applications to head.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Felt much better, but have no appetite.
Griff brought me a dish of arrowroot which I ate. I think I am out of
danger of a fever, so I will not go to sick call. Received six days'
mail.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 5. Felt much better to-day, with good
appetite, had I anything fit to eat. Lieutenants Hood and Simpson have
gone home on a furlough. Dr. Miller returned, giving us a speech in the
evening.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 6. Health still improving. Corporal Sweet went
outside the lines with five men and a team after peaches. Brought in
several bushels. Had quite a treat for supper in the shape of bread and
milk, which Evie obtained from a private house in town, the first milk I
have had since I left home. "It was good".
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 7. Very warm in the forenoon, cloudy in the
afternoon, ended in rain and wind. Felt much like the ague. Mail.