Breakfast attended to with much zeal, the company cooks cooking coffee
and sour meat, while privates and officers all crowded around with
skillets, cans, pans, kettles, etc., containing potatoes, onions,
crackers, fish, green corn, etc. After breakfast "Boots and Saddles"
sounded, and all were soon ready for drill. I rode the center team on
the first piece. Gunboats "Chillicothe" and "Eastman" passed down, as
also several light draft-boats.
On the Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 26. Cold night, but kept comfortable
in our "shebang" of "ponchos". H. W. Miller and Tommy Goodman returned
from home. Went out to drill as usual but soon returned with orders to
embark as soon as possible (which were indeed prepared for). Both of my
horses were taken from me and put in the teams, while a couple of lame
"crowbates" [crow-baits] were given me instead.
By 10 A. M. the 6th and the 12th Battery were all on board the "Julia",
a large passenger boat fitted up with great elegance, on her third trip
from New Orleans with several furloughed men and families fleeing from
the fate of the Confederacy, to seek protection in some Northern state.
Among these were two young females taking deck passage, and our mules,
horses, wagons etc., were stowed away upon all sides of them. Amidst the
oaths of soldiers their situation was truly pitiful. I felt thankful
that my sisters are where such trials will not reach them. At 12 M.
General Smith with his adjutant came aboard, and at 2 P. M. we started
up stream leaving the infantry regiments behind to follow as soon as
possible. Although the lower deck was very crowded we found plenty of
room and comfortable quarters above. The boat moved very fast and we go
very pleasantly. Night is closing in. I will lie down, hoping that when
we get to Memphis I will get some mail, as it has been a great while
since I received any.
Memphis, Sunday, Sept. 27. Awoke to find us tied up at the wharf of
Memphis with the "roustabouts" unloading the artillery as soon as
possible, having arrived here at 4 A. M. The boat hands unloaded all the
things without any assistance from us. Went to shore, cooked and ate our
breakfast and then harnessed my team. Found George Benedict and H.
Wheeler, B. Tutin and Wm. Dowden on board the "Eclipse" bound for
Vicksburg to join the Battery, but they were glad to find us here. Moved
up on the tableland. Came into "battery" where we stood two long hours
in the sun waiting, but at last we moved out, passed through the streets
of Memphis enveloped in a cloud of dust.
[Sidenote: 1863 Rumors]
Seven months ago, a bright Sabbath morning, we marched through the same
street to undertake a big job which we successfully achieved. 12 M. came
into park on a very pretty knoll with fine shade trees a mile above
town, the Wolf River a quarter of a mile to the front of us, 12th
Battery to our left, and the 15th Army Corps came in late in the evening
to our rear. Unharnessed and of course we were at home, no tents to
bother with. What care we with God's canopy spread over us _and it don't
rain_. Our destination is believed to be Rosecrans's Army, take the rail
to Corinth and thence by land. Osterhaus's Division of 15th Army Corps
is also coming. The flagship "Sultana" has arrived, at least so says
dame rumor, and it is highly probable.
Memphis, Monday, Sept. 28. Laid quiet all day with no shelter, very
pleasant. Water our horses in Wolf River about a mile up stream, the
bank not admitting other places. There is much speculation as to the
future, the 16th Army Corps is under marching orders, and it is believed
by many that we stay to hold the post. In fear of which the citizens
have petitioned that we be sent off. They don't like us.
Memphis, Tuesday, Sept. 29. Hot and sultry, road very dusty. Expecting
our things from Vicksburg. Lieutenant Clark arrived from Wisconsin with
his wife. He has taken boarding at a citizen's house close by. The
anxiously looked for letter from home came at last, the downward mail
having stopped here. Written by Ellen dated the 20th inst. Relieved my
anxiety much, notwithstanding it brought the news of Margaret's and
Orren's sickness.
Memphis, Wednesday, Sept. 30. The threatening clouds of yesterday
evening resulted in a heavy rain commencing about midnight, raining all
night, and by daylight we were glad to get up from our wet blankets, as
the rubbers, stretched against the fence, did but partially keep out the
rain. After breakfast I was detailed to go down town after forage and
rations. The rain fell thick and fast. Got down there; the requisitions
being wrong, Quartermaster had to come back, and we were obliged to wait
on the street till 4 P. M. When he came we drew ten days' rations,
eighty loaves of bread at the post commissary. Reached camp by night,
wet to the hide with no place dry or warm to go to. The 12th Battery
being a little more active than our officers, drew their tents and they
kindly divided with us. We had nine wedge tents. Moved our wet blankets
in one of them and spread on the wet ground. Still raining. Lieutenants
---- and ---- on a grand drunk last night, fought with brickbats, etc.
Were they privates, they would be tied up. Shame! Shame!
Memphis, Thursday, Oct. 1. The rain fell all night. This morning it is
blustering and chilly. Arose shivering from our wet bed and put on our
dripping clothes and huddled around the fires waiting for the sun to
warm us. This is not pleasant work, but the infantry suffered much worse
than we did, many of them having nothing but a poncho along with them.
10 A. M. the king of day came forth in all his sultry glory and soon
righted matters. Drew twenty new tents. Received mail, morning papers,
etc. Looks like civilization a little now.
Memphis, Friday, Oct. 2. A fine sunny day. Six furloughed men returned,
also Frederick Baker who was wounded at Vicksburg. He has lost the sight
in one eye. Mr. Lester brought me a package of letters, papers and a
pair of boots, all of which is very acceptable, but most of all he has
been to my home, seen and heard them all, and says they are all in a
hopeful condition. Most of the Division baggage arrived from Vicksburg,
ours not yet arrived.
[Sidenote: 1863 A Scare]
Memphis, Saturday, Oct. 3. Raw and windy morning. Assembly was sounded
at 8 A. M. and an order read to us from General Smith to hold ourselves
in readiness to move at a moment's warning. No officers or men allowed
to leave camp. Ammunition to be inspected, etc. A scare is up, the
pickets were attacked last night and driven in. A story is told here
that Johnston with 15,000 was on the Tallahatchie night before last
moving on Memphis, all of which is not impossible, but highly
improbable. Heavy picket thrown out which will not let us go to water to
Wolf River.
P. M. The 3rd Brigade is moving all the baggage, loading on the cars.
The men go aboard early to-morrow morning. Destination said to be
Corinth. "Sunny South" arrived 5 P. M. with our things from below; too
late to move them up to-night. Tatoo in camp rolled with the big drums
to-night.
Memphis, Sunday, Oct. 4. To-day is the anniversary of that terrible day
when our Battery lost their guns at Corinth, and it is not forgotten.
The baggage was brought up as early as possible but in miserable
condition, most of the clothing destroyed by water, having been stowed
away in the hold of the boat which sprung a leak, and stood in two feet
of water. Three sets of harness missing or torn too badly for use, and
several horses lost. Two of the horses were found in the camp of the 7th
Wisconsin Battery. Harnessed up at 7 A. M. and an invoice taken of the
missing articles; the result reported to headquarters. The 1st Brigade
are moving their baggage on to the cars. We expect to go soon. I am
ready, but many of the boys are in poor condition to move. Many of the
boys drunk last night.
EN ROUTE TO CHATTANOOGA
Memphis, Monday, Oct. 5. I was on guard last night. It was very cold, a
heavy frost. Reveille was sounded in the infantry camp before dawn and
at 5 A. M. they moved out; also the 12th Wisconsin Battery. Our
quartermaster drew three sets of artillery harness, whips, curry combs
and leather buckets. Water call in the afternoon, after which hitched up
as soon as possible, struck tents and moved toward the depot of the
Memphis and Charleston road. Came into battery on the planked floor
which we found between the depots of about an acre in area. Unhitched
and stretched the picket ropes. Amused ourselves rolling cannon balls,
good fun for soldiers. Made our beds down in the open air, but dry
floor.
[Sidenote: 1863 Memphis To Corinth]
Corinth, Tuesday, Oct. 6. Had but a very poor night's sleep, having a
terrible toothache all night, in fact the last three or four days--a
decayed back tooth. If my teeth will decay as fast next year, as last, I
will have to go home toothless. The cooks were called up at 3:30 A. M.
and reveille at 4. Fed, harnessed, ate breakfast and immediately loaded
the guns, wagons, etc. on the open cars. The horses put in the box cars
with the harness on. By 8 o'clock we were all loaded, when to our
surprise Captain Dillon made his appearance, having come in by the boat
last night. 9 A. M. we started in two trains, infantry on top the box
cars and the artillery boys stowed away on their carriages. At the same
time it commenced raining and it continued all day.
Passed by Buntyn Station without stopping, but we saw where we lived
during the month of January last, but our shebangs were gone.
Raleigh--we stopped here for wood and water. We recognized this as the
place where we stopped the night before we reached Buntyn Station and we
lay in the rain. All the road to Germantown was familiar to us. Stopped
here fifteen minutes.
Collierville was our next stopping place, a large cavalry force being
stationed here. One of our mules dropped off here and we passed on and
left him.
Lafayette--as familiar as ever. We halted here nearly three hours. Four
long trains passed us. The switch was too short so we were obliged to
run up and down every train. The 66th Indiana were stationed and
reported guerrillas very troublesome. The road is patrolled the whole
length every two hours by cavalry, each patrol having six miles of a
beat. Two reb lieutenants were in the depot, caught yesterday cutting
the telegraph wires. They look like flashy desperadoes.
Started on at 1 P. M. Ran very fast thirty-seven miles from Memphis.
Stockades and block houses are to be seen all along the line, some large
enough to hold a regiment, but most of them are left vacant.
We passed through Moscow without stopping. The place looks decidedly
better than it did when we were here before, all the dirty wood-colored
houses having been burned down and the whole policed nicely.
Halted at La Grange a few minutes. This is the pleasantest place on the
whole line, very elegant mansions here, several stores running and a
large body of troops.
Grand Junction--forty-three miles from Memphis and forty-five miles
from here to Corinth. The Mississippi Central crosses here. The last ten
miles of the R. R. were very crooked. The three trains were coupled
together part of the way, and they crawled like a serpent, ran very
slow. Our train laid here two hours to steam and oil up, and it was dark
before it started, but when once under headway it endeavored to make up
for lost time, and it plunged into the darkness around curves and
through cuts at a fearful rate in the condition the road was in. The
carriages on the cars were loose, and they flew back and forth and were
in great danger of being thrown off, which would be a fatal catastrophe.
Our next halt was at a small station twenty-nine miles from Corinth
called Porter's Creek. Took wood and water. Talked with a member of the
118th Illinois who were stationed here. He said they had seen no trace
of civilization for six months. All they did was to hunt guerrillas who
were very thick and very wicked.
Pocahontas--fourteen miles from Corinth. We stopped here thirty minutes.
Several buildings to be seen. Tatoo sounded while here. We were now all
fatigued, sleepy, hungry and cold, the rain having fallen all day, and
it was quite chilly. There was no room to lie down and I sat on the
foot-board of the limber and bracing myself, went to sleep, but it was
broken. I dreamt of a warm room and a comfortable bed (tantalizing dream
that). I was next conscious at Corinth, where we halted, but we supposed
we were going right along. I crawled under the caisson and fell asleep
with no covering save my overcoat and poncho. Woke up at midnight
chilled through. Found us still at Corinth and fires lit on the
roadside. I sat up for about half an hour and warmed, when big drops of
rain commenced falling. I sought shelter under a warehouse stoop and
laid down between two infantry men in a space nine inches by five feet,
with my rubber over my head and slept.
[Sidenote: 1863 A Good Camp]
Glendale, Miss., Wednesday, Oct. 7. When next I opened my eyes it was
daylight and I felt thankful for it. I was cold and numb with a bad
headache. I got up, doubled up my poncho and found that I had escaped a
very heavy shower. The train stood on the east side of the town in a
deep cut. Fires were blazing all along the track, and I soon was by one.
Met my bedfellow Evie. He had slept down-town, but was wetter than I.
Had we known we were to stay here all night, we would have spread our
blankets and slept comfortably. The train backed up on the side track,
and I got some water and a handful of unground coffee, which I boiled.
We had soft bread drawn in Memphis, which made up my breakfast. It was 8
A. M. before we started out. The track was full of curves up and down.
Ran out seven miles and stopped at what is called Glendale. The only
building, a shed one story high, is graced with the name of "Saw and
Grist Mill". On the left hand side is the "Yates's Sharpshooters", and
1st Alabama Cavalry in neat barracks, encircled by a stockade. They have
been stationed here nearly a year. On the right are the newly erected
tents of the 7th Division and the part of our Battery having come
through last night were unloaded and waiting for us. The horses were
taken off, having been thirty hours without food and drink. Of course
they looked very bad. My team was taken off last night. The Battery was
taken into park by noon on a high knoll, but covered with oak brush.
Unhitched and watered. By that time the welcome sound of the bugle
called us to meat and coffee, and after dinner sufficient room was
grubbed out to stretch a picket-rope and tie our horses. Tents were
pitched in the thicket of oak and pine so that one could not see his
neighbor. Gathered pine twigs enough to make a fine bed and I laid down
to rest in this. A "lodge in some vast wilderness". A very pretty clear
brook runs close by under the hill with several beautiful springs.
Fences lay around so we have good wood and water. What more does a
soldier want?
Glendale, Thursday, Oct. 8. Cold night, but a beautiful day. As we have
no prospect of getting hay, we took our horses out to graze this
morning. Grazed in an old field on the road to Clear Creek where
government cattle are kept. The grass was dry and withered so the horses
did not relish it much. Lieutenant Hood and his citizen brother Wilson
went to town and on their return were fired into by a squad of
guerrillas.
Glendale, Friday, Oct. 9. Captain Dillon came into headquarters this
morning. Also Mrs. Lieut. S. F. Clark. And she has gone into the tent I
suppose to enjoy camp life. Grubbed out all the bushes under the Battery
and below our quarters, which makes a field of nearly two acres opened
by the 6th Battery. Drew clothing in the afternoon. Grazed to the north,
passing by the camp of the 1st Alabama Cavalry, 1300 strong, consisting
mostly of refugees from the rebel army, many of whom have their wives
and children along. Notwithstanding, they are doing valuable service
scouting. The train on its return is daily loaded with refugees from the
interior. Anticipating the presence of an army, they are leaving bag and
baggage, trusting to the tender mercies of Uncle Sam. Mail arrived. I
received two letters of the 27th.
Glendale, Saturday, Oct. 10. A very fine day and my health is very good
with the exception of a slight cold. Enjoyed myself pleasantly in this
rural retreat. I like the wilds of nature better than a mock at
civilization by the hand of slavery, such as we everywhere meet. Grazed
our horses in the woods to-day. Middling good grass. Our horses are on
half rations of grain, which after so much confinement and fasting on
boat and cars, look very bad.
Glendale, Sunday, Oct. 11. Fine day, cold night. Last night Griff slept
with us. Breakfast of coffee, hard-tack and sow belly, as we are now
reduced to the strict army-rations, but we have apple sauce and it goes
good. Company and knapsack inspection at 8 A. M. by Lieutenants Clark
and Hood. Forage train was sent out this morning, two of our teams went
out with eight men. Returned late in the afternoon with two loads of
poor corn, having been out eight miles towards Burnsville where the 3rd
Brigade is stationed. Report the country scoured of all forage by
Osterhaus's Division which has gone ahead. There is a report in camp
General Sherman and staff have been taken prisoners at Lafayette by
15,000 cavalry who made a dash on the train in which they rode. It comes
by telegraph from Corinth but not creditable. On guard, third relief.
[Sidenote: 1863 Agricultural Possibilities]
Glendale, Monday, Oct. 12. Very pleasant day and health good. Went to
graze at 10 A. M., returned at 12. We grazed in the middle of the wood.
The grass is dry and withered, but better than nothing. One from
Wisconsin would be surprised to find the season so far advanced, if he
were to come here. The corn is yellow and the leaves are sear and dead,
and everything looks much later than it usually does in Wisconsin. But
the change here is slower and it gradually falls into a healthy old age,
while there everything is green in the evening and next morning blighted
by the bitter frost. With proper culture in intelligent hands,
vegetation of all kinds can be brought to a higher degree of perfection
here than there. But instead of finding extensive fields waving with
clover and rich with beauty, we find but small worn-out patches with
deadened trees, standing as a monument of the enterprising race that has
so long inhabited these parts--ignorance and slavery.
Glendale, Tuesday, Oct. 13. Cloudy, with occasional showers and distant
thunder. A large division forage train took the road to the north. In
moving they go in charge of staff officers and heavy escort of infantry.
The cavalry is very busy. A large squad left this morning on different
roads, while some go and come all day. The report of the Sherman capture
is contradicted but no particulars of the raid, which evidently designed
it. A small mail arrived with Wisconsin dates of the 6th, but I was
disappointed. Spent the day patching and putting pocket in my blouse
vice the old one worn out. Capital workman I. To-day was election day
for Ohio, Iowa and Indiana, and the troops from these states voted.
To-day the fate of Vallandigham is sealed, I trust, and those who would
henceforth seek him will find him in the grave.
Glendale, Wednesday, Oct. 14. A wet morning, raining heavily. Fed seven
ears of corn to team this morning, brought in yesterday by forage team.
Rained in the forenoon so that we did not graze, but it cleared off at
noon, and as we had no feed, we grazed two hours in the woods and gave
three pints of shelled corn to the team for supper. It is strange how
they live upon such fare. They are getting very poor. Train arrived from
Memphis this afternoon with paymaster but they say that we will not be
paid.
Glendale, Thursday, Oct. 15. Rained nearly all night, but cleared off
this morning and it was a very pleasant day. No feed for horses. Grazed
them in a dry field for two hours. Train came in this afternoon with a
little grain and hay for our Division. We drew half rations for five
days. A large mail came in on same train. Eight letters for our Platoon,
six of which were for Evans and myself, two of which bore dates of
September 7. Where the deuce have they been? But one was a long letter
from Sister Ellen of the 4th inst. How it stirred up my feelings. It
seems as though I was once more restored to the peaceful paths of life
after laying here in the wilderness for over a week without a word from
anywhere save from the soldier boys. Evie had anxiously waited for a
letter as his family were in a critical condition. He was growing pale
and sick. But when the letters came with cheerful news, he looked like a
new man.
[Sidenote: 1863 Review]
Glendale, Friday, Oct. 16. A very fine day, rather warm midday. Health
never better, weight 140 pounds which is six pounds better than on
September 30 at Memphis. Grazed as usual. After returning I washed a
pair of pants at the spring. After dinner received orders to prepare for
inspection, each man to appear in his best. 1:30 P. M. "Boots and
Saddles" sounded and we soon were ready to move with boots blackened
(those that could afford it), coats brushed, and the old 6th looked
middling fine after all the dust of the war it has gone through for two
years. The only drawback was the horses which looked terrible. Had the
bones sticking out so as to almost cut the harness. Moved out under
command of Lieutenant Clark, accompanied by his wife, who rode by his
side, but she was evidently a little scared. Passed by the cavalry
troops with the 12th Battery behind us. The two Batteries came into
"Action Front", when Captain Dillon with several of the staff rode up
and down on inspection, after which they took a position in front with
the beautiful flag of the 12th Battery posted, and we passed in review
in column of sections at walk, then mounted cannoneers, and passed on
trot. We then resumed our "Action Front", after which Captain Dillon
took command with his usual zeal, put us through on the double quick for
nearly two hours. Returned to camp quite tired. To-morrow we move.
Burnsville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 17. As instructed at last night's roll
call, reveille was sounded before daylight with orders to prepare to
march at 8 A. M., and also to take our pay before we started. The
paymaster soon arrived, and as soon as possible counted the $26. By
breakfast he was through and at the due time we were on the road. We
marched in center of 1st Brigade bound eastward, the column short and
roads good. We had but few halts. The road lay through an uncultivated
country poorly timbered with oak and pine, and hilly in latter end.
Arrived at Burnsville by 12 M. marched through the town (a small
village) with bands playing and colors flying. 3rd Brigade stationed
here. Went into camp a mile north of R. R. on Yellow River, with tops of
high hills and bluffs to be seen in the distance. Pitched tents, put up
racks. Lieutenant Simpson went to Corinth.
Burnsville, Sunday, Oct. 18. Was on guard last night, and the way it
rained while on guard at night relief was enough to drown one
inexperienced. 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps, commanded by Gen. G. A.
Smith, passed by at 9 A. M., also Major General Blair, who is in command
of Corps at present. Also a large wagon train with 5th I [Illinois?]
Cavalry as escort. Ordered to have 200 rounds of ammunition in chest,
300 now in train, and 30 days' rations. Mother very ill.