in my tent all day reading Parton's _Life of Aaron Burr_, a man of many
faults but large brain. Finished it, very interesting throughout. At
morning and evening, the volleys over the graves of the departed are
growing more numerous. I heard four to-day, all from the infantry
regiments.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 9. Spent the day pleasantly, reading aloud most
of the time _Covenant_ and _Enquirer_. David Wallace very sick in camp,
not expected to live. Bathed in pond in the evening.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 10. Took my team this morning and reported at
roll call, having been off duty thirteen days. 10 A. M. Coulter Campbell
died in the hospital, the first death of the season, a strong, healthy
man. A burying party went over at 4 P. M. to consign his earthly remains
to their last abode. His death had but little effect in camp, so
estranged is the soldier's mind. But some hearts have been wounded and
are bleeding that have been patiently waiting his return for many hours,
never to be realized in this world.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 11. Warm--yes, hot. Lay in camp with no
excitement; notwithstanding I whiled the hours away without much trouble
with plenty of papers and captured books to read.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 12. Received mail. I got two letters from
home bearing date of July 12th and August 2nd, the first being detained
at Memphis. What a source of comfort these weekly messengers from home
are to me. How anxiously I wait for the week to roll around so as to be
the recipient.
[Sidenote: 1863 "Wild, Jovial Scuffle"]
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 13. Boys in good spirits, those of them that
are blessed with health. At twilight they had a general gathering in our
street, and held a wild, jovial scuffle of an hour, such as none but
soldiers can partake in or enjoy. An eye witness would call it
foolishness, but it is well that they spend it innocently rather than in
some worse game. "It is all in three years" they say. Very true.
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 14. The anniversary of my military life. One
year ago to-day I took the oath to serve faithfully Uncle Sam. What my
hopes and fears were then were far from being true. I have passed a year
of hardship and danger from home and kindred. Instead of returning home
in half the time with peace triumphant, I am away down here, and I
expect nothing else but to serve another year--God willing. It is a
bigger and more tedious job than I anticipated, but I am not
disheartened, I will do my duty as near as possible.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 15. Evie and I did our washing before
breakfast. Swam my horse in the pond this morning with fifty others.
Good fun. David Evans and myself rode over to the hospital in the
afternoon; most of the boys doing well with the exception of G. R.
Jones. He is very low, weak and emaciated. I am afraid he will not live
long. Poor boy, he is very anxious to go home. After supper sent by
Sergeant Dixon in search of my off horse, having strayed while I was
sick. Had a pleasant ride over the hills and through gorges, but no
event.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 16. Weather very warm and heavy. Health--not
sick, not well. Feel dull--a headache. Completed Sparks's _Biographies
of Gen. Chas. Lee_ and _Joseph Reed_. Read also a sermon of H. W.
Beecher in the _Independent_. Wrote home. 4 P. M. we were suddenly
startled by a loud peal of thunder, others followed, and in ten minutes
the sky so clear and blue, was enshrouded with black frowning clouds and
a heavy storm of wind with heavy rain followed. It rained nearly all
night. A Southern storm comes unexpectedly and leaves the same.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 17. On detail after hay. Got out fifteen bales
of new hay from the "Laurel Hill." Heavy work. Returned by dinner time.
Cloudy and rainy in the evening. _Why don't the mail come!_
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 18. On guard, first relief. A heavy rain fell
during the afternoon and nearly all night. Much like fall weather in
Wisconsin. Rather disagreeable on foot. Kept dry by the aid of rubber.
Mail arrived, with a good amount for "Jenk".
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 19. Health tolerable. Went to see the sick
boys. They were disheartened in hopes of obtaining furloughs. Rained and
thundered in the afternoon.
[Sidenote: 1863 Furloughs]
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 20. Medical Director examining
patients--granted sick furloughs to all the applicants, twenty-nine in
number; some of them were in much need of them, others "played off" so
as to go home. The time of the last furloughs has run out, but not any
of them seen yet. 1 P. M. a terrible explosion has occurred on the
levee. The "City of Madison" loading up with ammunition for below was
blown to fragments. Nearly 200 lives were lost, and much damage done to
the "Ed. Walsh" lying alongside her. It was a sickening scene, human
bodies torn and burned into shreds thrown high in air. Many bodies not
found. Colonel Powell, chief of artillery on McPherson's staff, and
Lieutenant MacMurray, Battery M, reported to be on board the fated boat.
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 21. Lieutenant Fancher started home, his
resignation having been accepted. He was very low. Another awful hot and
sultry day, with rainy, foggy nights. Several troubled with ague.
Prepared a mess of mushrooms for supper.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 22. Health good, but severe headache and bad
digestion. Butter all gone, no more to be found. I don't feel much
disposed to eat "sow belly"; had grape sauce bottled and charged.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 23. The warmest day of the season, I think. My
shirt was wet with sweat while lying on my bunk. Very quiet and one
could almost imagine the calm of a Sabbath day was spread around as of
times past. Felt rather lonesome, mused away most of the day in a waking
dream, thinking of home and by-gone days. Mail arrived--none for me.
Wrote to T. L. All looking for the return of the furloughed men. They
are six days behind.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 24. Health very good to-day. Very warm and dull
until it was broken at noon by the intelligence that "the furloughs were
coming", and sure enough, they did come direct from home. Everybody
rushed out to meet them, anxious to speak to one that was from home.
"Did you see any of our folks?" "Have you got anything for me?", etc.
were heaped upon them. Many of the boys were the recipients of packages
from their folks, but I was not one of the lucky ones.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 25. This morning twenty-seven men started home
on sick furloughs, some that were in great need of it, others who were
"a little sick" so as to go home. The remainder of the day "furlough"
was the theme, and many were a "leetle" homesick. On guard. Third
relief. Day wound up with a fight.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 26. The time passed very pleasantly while on
post last night, but it was very chilly. Slept cold under two blankets,
while to-day it is very warm. Bad weather for ague. Feel much like it
all day. Headache.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 27. Did not get up for roll call. Did not feel
well. Headache and rheumatism quite bad in limbs. Feverish all day.
Cleared off in the afternoon, fine and pleasant in the evening.
[Sidenote: 1863 Box From Home]
Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 28. Felt pretty well. Fine day. Just before
dinner I was informed that there was a box for me at the express office.
I immediately obtained the necessary papers from Lieutenant Clark;
George Spencer and myself hitched up the team and started down. Found it
"a good large one", but just as I got in the wagon it commenced raining,
and did rain all the way back, giving us as good a wetting as ever a
soldier had. Found my tent nearly immersed in water, a large stream
running between our bunks and the rain pouring in from above. Obliged to
lay the box away for two hours before the storm abated so as to open
it--was Job ever tempted so? But at last it stopped and we found lots of
good things, butter, cake, dried fruit, cheese, etc. Much obliged to
you.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 29. Mail arrived. Received a letter. John
enclosed the receipt of box from express office. Express one day before
mail. Nineteen furloughed men left for home on the "J. C. Swan". On
detail in the afternoon for foraging. Loaded 166 sacks of oats and 21
bales of hay after dark, when we returned rather tired.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 30. Calm and quiet day. Spent the day in writing
home and perusing _Covenants_ received from home. D. J. D. quite sick.
Slept with him during the night. Administered medicine.
Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 31. Very cold last night. Slept uncomfortable.
Got up before daylight and cleaned out my stable. 9 A. M. we had mounted
inspection and muster for pay. The old harness was stiff and scattered,
in poor condition for active service, as were also some of the horses
(or at least so is my old gray charger, a secesh horse farm bred). Warm
during the day. D. J. D. a little better.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Sept. 1. Did our washing before breakfast, Evie
doing the rubbing and I built fire and "toted" suds. Lieutenants Hood
and Simpson returned. One year ago to-day I joined the Battery at
Rienzi, a raw recruit. Little did I think that in one year I would be
away down here in Vicksburg. On the contrary I hoped long ere this to be
quietly at home with peace o'er all the land. Where will I be one year
from to-day--God knows.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Sept. 2. On guard, third relief. As I did not go
on until 12 M., E. W. E. and myself took a ride along the line to Fort
Hill, which is about three miles distant, and took another look at the
ditches, holes, abatis, and bastions, from behind which many savage
little balls were hurled at us two months ago, but now they are empty
and grass grown. Uncle Sam is fixing up all the important forts with
gabions. Fort Hill entirely built over, very pretty. Returned through
the hollows. Two letters from home awaiting me.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Sept. 3. Was not relieved from guard this morning
until 9 A. M., having stood an hour over time. (Orderly slept too near
whiskey keg I guess). Suffering from severe cold. Rev. Mr. Fancher and
Miss Calkins arrived here in the afternoon in search of son and father,
both of which were happily disappointed, as they had gone home before
they arrived. Mr. Fancher addressed us at evening roll call, after which
three Badger cheers were given him.
Vicksburg, Friday, Sept. 4. Lieutenant Clark left on leave of absence
with Miss Calkins and Mr. Fancher, leaving Lieutenant Hood in command of
Battery. William Hamilton taken sick with fever and gone to the hospital
to-day. D. J. D. quite sick.
Vicksburg, Saturday, Sept. 5. Fine day. Health very good. Feel first
rate to-day. We have fine times of it. We bought lots of potatoes and
onions with butter, sauce, etc. and we live good for soldiers.
Headquarters serenaded in the evening by 3rd Brigade band--Avery leader.
Vicksburg, Sunday, Sept. 6. Warm and monotonous during the day. Felt
unwell. Mail arrived in the evening. None for me.
[Sidenote: 1863 Beyond the Lines]
Vicksburg, Monday, Sept. 7. To break the monotony of camp, Evie and
myself obtained permission to go outside the lines. We mounted our
steeds and passed through a port hole in the line to evade the guards,
as we had no pass. We rode out about three miles before we saw a house.
House No. 1, stopped to get a drink; three women, no men around. She had
lost four cows and wanted to know who stole them, suspected a one legged
nigger, she "would be dagged if she wouldn't cut off his other leg."
House No. 2. We were looking for horses, examined one tied at the door.
The old woman came out haggling, excited, claiming protection by her
papers. We told her it was all right and rode on, leaving her to hate
the Yankees.
House No. 3. Two fine looking young ladies there. Inquired for milk to
drink. A little black girl brought us some buttermilk--good, tasted like
home. Gave the blushing Confederate miss a quarter and left.
House No. 4. Examined a negro, pretending him to be a suspicious
character, but finally concluded he was all right. Found plenty of nice
tomatoes in the old secesh camp growing wild. Picked lots of muskatines
and grapes, and returned via old position. Arrived in camp 3 P. M. tired
but well pleased with our adventure. Company had received marching
orders.
Vicksburg, Tuesday, Sept. 8. Preparing to march. There are but four
pieces going, ten days' rations supposed to be enough. Oiling harness,
etc. On guard. Music by the fiddlers in the evening, who were not much
disposed to put their lights out at taps. Orderly Jenawein dictates,
which resulted in quite a row. Lieutenant Hood finally succeeded in
getting things dark, but the minstrels kept on with their fun till
midnight, quite sprung, some of them, by whiskey.
Vicksburg, Wednesday, Sept. 9. ---- and ---- drunk and noisy. Lieutenant
Hood endeavored to arrest ----, but he ran away. Corporal Neefe chased
him over the hills awhile and returned, when King, corporal of the
guard, with three men, tried it, but with no better success. They then
returned to camp. When ---- thought pursuit was abandoned, he returned,
when three guards with sabres arrested him, but he got away, putting
them at defiance, running over the hills yelling like a maniac.
Lieutenant Hood now mounted the guards, and after a good deal of running
and more excitement, he halted from exhaustion and attacked the guards,
Proctor and Richardson. At this time quite a mob of ---- sympathizers
made for the guards and interfered, but were finally subdued, and in the
afternoon Hood took ----, ---- and ---- to the Provost Marshal, and they
are to-night locked up in jail. Army regulations read at roll call.
Vicksburg, Thursday, Sept. 10. Very warm and quiet during the day. All
ready and awaiting marching orders. J ---- taken to the Provost Marshal
as being concerned in yesterday's riot. Mail arrived, brought the sad
news of the death of Alice, Evie's sister. After supper call, while
eating quietly in the dusk, a hurried order came to hitch up, and was
executed with more haste. Our piece was not going, and I knew not in
what capacity I was to go, but it was evident there was nobody to tell
me just then. And not wishing to be left, I hurriedly packed my blankets
and started with the column; nearly everything lying around, such was
the haste. We marched briskly until we reached the levee street, when we
halted, made a counter march and returned to camp.
AT WORK AGAIN
Vicksburg, Friday, Sept. 11. Reveille at the usual time, breakfast,
after which proceeded to move; hitched quietly and leisurely. I was
ordered to pick my team out of the Platoon and harness it as extra team,
which gave me an opportunity to take my valise along with me. Griff took
my butter keg and dried apples. Left my overcoat with E. W. E.,
knapsack in charge of G. M. Spencer and Piper, who are to stay behind.
Proceeded to the levee and loaded on to the "Illinois", a large freight
boat; guns put in position on the forecastle, the horses in the stern
unharnessed. All was stowed away tuck by 9 A. M. Infantry loading on
teams and mules all the remainder of the day, filling up the lower deck
so as to be impassable. Made our bed on the boiler deck and slept.
[Sidenote: 1863 Toiling Up the Mississippi]
On the Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 12. Early the "muskets" appeared on
the shore and filed on board, the 18th Wisconsin, 4th Minnesota and 63rd
Illinois took their quarters on this boat. At 11:30 A. M. the fleet of
the 7th Division put out, headed up stream in the following order:
"Emerald" Flagship
"Illinois" } 1st Brigade
"Kentucky" }
"John J. Roe" } 2nd Brigade
"Clara Bell" }
"Adriatic" } 3rd Brigade
"Kenset" }
Advanced very slowly, the river being very low. Passed Millikens Bend,
deserted and grass grown in appearance, at 4 P. M. Landed at sundown on
an island to take on fuel. A lot of negroes at work for government
chopping cord wood. All hands got off for fun. Bathed in the river and
went to bed.
On the Mississippi, Sunday, Sept. 13. Boat left the wood-yard at 10
o'clock last night, but lay on a sand bar most of the night. Slowly and
carefully, like a thing of life, our palace picked her way up through
bold sand bars. Motion was imperceptible and the banks but one
monotonous belt of cotton-wood with here and there a chimney which we
suppose is where some enterprising secesh is going to build. Struck
shore at Providence 11 A. M. Many of the boys, supposing her stay to be
more permanent, jumped ashore and put off, but the bell soon called
them back, and a race for the boat ensued, but some were too late. The
boat had swung off leaving them to the mercy of gunboats or guerrillas,
there being no troops after these.
3 P. M. met "Gladiator" going down. Lashed to her, took on passenger and
two hogshead of ice. Spent the day lying on deck amidst the muskets,
haversacks, blankets and men. Deprived of the pleasure of writing home
as usual.
On the Mississippi, Monday, Sept. 14. 'Tis evening, and I am seated on
the guard of the boat all alone, with no noise save the heavy breathing
of the steam horse. The sun has just set in the stern of the boat like a
ball of fire, throwing its long rays over the waters, giving it the
appearance of a golden pathway. The soldiers are all mute, gazing out on
the glorious scene, save here and there a group indulging in a quiet
game of cards. All day the boat has kept on its slow but steady headway,
passed Napoleon at 9 A. M. and yet we are many miles from Helena. You
will not wonder then that I have been day dreaming. Behind us lies the
parched city of Vicksburg, for which we underwent many weeks of weary
toil to capture, after which two short months of rest. And now we are
off again, we know not where, but we know it is for war, marching,
fatigues, battles and perhaps wounds and suffering, and that, while the
anxious heart of an invalid mother, an aged father, sisters and brothers
dear, are waiting my return. And I am comparatively alone, and the only
happiness I derive is in the indulgence of hope of the realization of
the good time coming.
[Sidenote: 1863 Breaking Loose]
Helena, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Awakened to find the boats tied up at Helena,
which point we reached at 3:30 A. M. Guards were placed to prevent the
boys going ashore; notwithstanding, the boys went and came. At 2 P. M.
swung out and after much trouble affected a landing where we could
disembark. Got off and into park by sundown. Indications of rain. (I on
guard.) Many of the boys down in the streets raising "ned", breaking
into saloons, drunk, etc.
Helena, Wednesday, Sept. 16. A cold, blustering night I had of it last
night on guard, threatening clouds passing over with high winds. The
boys lying around with no shelter, regardless of the coming storm, as
though they slept in the wealthiest mansion. It was a time for
melancholy thoughts for me. Day arrived. No rain. Wrote a hasty letter
before breakfast.
Orders were received to prepare to march to-morrow morning at 4 as an
escort to a large wagon train destined to Little Rock. Our Battery was
on the advance in the order of march, but it was countermanded before
night. I have very sore feet in the shape of boils, swelling so that I
am unable to put on my shoes. I on duty and it does no good to complain
but it is unpleasant. Division indulged in a general hallooing at tatoo,
half an hour in length--soldiering!
Helena, Thursday, Sept. 17. The long threatened rain storm came and it
rained heavy all day. We donned our ponchos and stood and took it.
Gathered in groups around camp fires and under trees, passing the time
as soldiers pass many days, heavily. 12 M. ordered to hitch up and move
camp below town. The order came while we were eating dinner, but in
fifteen minutes we were on the move, the infantry after us, colors
flying and drums beating. Went into camp about three quarters of a mile
below town between the river and the levee, with the infantry right
below. It is pretty flat but overgrown with weeds.
The Division is put in close quarters and a chain of guards thrown out
with orders not to pass anyone out unless furnished with a pass signed
by Brigade commander. We are effectually penned, like so many mules, the
first time this Division was ever guarded since we left Corinth. But the
7th Division never had a good name among sutlers and Secesh merchants,
and they have not improved here. They have not forgotten our
confinement on the sand bar here last spring, and are anxious to take
spite on the place. They patrol the town in large squads with pretending
officers, helping themselves to anything or everything they want and
march on, putting provost guard at defiance. I say "they" because I
always count myself out in such games.
Helena, Friday, Sept. 18. A very cold chilly night. We suffered severely
as we had no shelter save what we put up with ponchos. Had mounted drill
at 8 A. M. but as I felt quite unwell I did not go out. I have a heavy
fever. Went out on detail in the P. M. after wood, as there is none to
be had save what we haul about a mile. Infantry stole all of ours last
night to keep warm. Drew thirteen wedge tents after dark, which we put
up. I was fortunate to get in one of four.
Helena, Saturday, Sept. 19. Still very chilly, the wind being raw from
the river. Slept comfortable last night. The train which we were to
escort moved this morning with the cavalry, so the object of our
expedition is abandoned and we are lying here waiting orders. Mail
arrived at tatoo. I received one enclosed in E. W. E.'s but none from
home. It has been four weeks since the last I received from home. I am
very uneasy. I am afraid all is not well.
Helena, Sunday, Sept. 20. A fine day but cold night. Felt unwell and sad
all day. Wrote a letter home but received none. Evie is also unwell.
"Mars" arrived with the 9th Wisconsin which disembarked here. The "Thos.
E. Tutt" with the 4th Illinois Cavalry passed by to Vicksburg. Had
inspection at 9 A. M. Most of the boys were anxious to return to our
comfortable quarters at Vicksburg rather than stay in this deserted
place.
Helena, Monday, Sept. 21. Harnessed up my team this morning instead of
wheel team on five caisson. The first time I ever drove on the wheel,
but got along very well. I killed about two hours. Went on guard as soon
as I returned. Felt some better, but very sore. Times very dull and
passes away slow. Nothing to read whatever, not even a "Yellow Cover",
which is very plenty and juicy.
Helena, Tuesday, Sept. 22. Warm day. Drill as usual at 8 A. M. Watered
as soon as we returned. We have to go a mile in column over dusty roads
to water twice a day. Very unpleasant, the river bank being too steep to
approach it otherwise. Obtained an order from Lieutenant Hood for a
bushel of potatoes from Commissary. Got them for $1.00 per bushel.
Hard-tack of poor quality is all the rations we receive. All anxiously
waiting for mail. A large mail passed by for us to-day.
[Sidenote: 1863 Fever and Ague]
Helena, Wednesday, Sept. 23. Had a shake last night of about two hours
in length, followed by very heavy fever, and my head ached severely all
day. A small mail was received, but none for me. Sadly disappointed.
"Christian Commission" came into our camp this afternoon with wagon full
of tracts, "Child's Papers", "Tract Journal", etc. which were
distributed "without money and without price". A couple of our boys
crossed the river in a dug-out for fresh meat this evening, but were
sent back by guerrillas who chased them.
Helena, Thursday, Sept. 24. Health improving. Feel very good to-day. The
day was spent in idly waiting for the night, with the exception of meal
time which received its due attention. Potatoes cooked by turns, it fell
[to] my lot to cook some for breakfast. The rest of the day sitting on
the bank of the river watching the hundreds of soldiers in bathing at
all hours of the day, following the swell of the steamboats, making an
amusing scene. About a dozen dug-outs are flying up and down the stream
at all times which were stolen from the negroes on the plantations
around.
A larger number of boats passed down to-day than any day previous, most
of them stern wheelers with but little loads. It gave us fine amusement
in trying to read the names at a distance. Much to our dissatisfaction
none of them stopped to take us on. Our tents were unceremoniously taken
away this P. M. and we are out in the cold.