out at 5 A. M. A clear cold morning, the roads very muddy. We soon
struck a range of hills which we rode over. They were of solid rock
broken off in ledges, very hard to travel with artillery, especially
with the wheel horses. For six miles it was a continual stony bed, very
steep hills and rocky declivities. Eight miles on we struck the
Nashville and Decatur R. R. at Prospect. Followed it north for two miles
through a very fertile valley well laden with corn. I got a handkerchief
full of Irish potatoes from under a farm house, satisfied the negro for
them, the master not at home. The track was in good running condition,
built of "T" rails bolted together at the ends and the filling is of
crushed stone. Turned east, leaving the R. R. to our left. Climbed a
very high hill or mountain, a mile long, stopped an hour for dinner on
the top. The wheel was locked for over a hundred yards going down, over
the roughest road man ever travelled. Struck Richland Creek at the
bottom, a stream as large as Big Black Muddy, unlike all other streams
of this country. Followed it up stream for two miles, a fine stone wall
built along the other side of the road, three feet at the bottom, two
feet on top, and five feet high, of quarried limestone, inside of which
was a beautiful cornfield. I got a feed for my team out of it. Forded
the creek below Tom Brown's Mill. The regiment halted, stacked arms,
took off shoes, stockings and pants, then waded in it. It was a rare
sight, several hundred men walking through at once, bare legged, their
unmentionables thrown over shoulder and musket high in the air. The
water was waist deep and quite cold. To any but soldiers it would be a
serious necessity. They took it very as a lark, each one vieing with the
other to make the more noise by the way of singing, hooting, plunging,
etc. Came into camp on the bank of the creek in a pretty grove half an
hour of sundown. 2nd Brigade here ahead of us. Y---- tied to the gun all
day with two feet of rope, for mutinous conduct and offering violence to
officer.
[Sidenote: 1863 A Rich Country]
Near Fayetteville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 7. 2nd Brigade started at 6 A.
M. We followed at 8 A. M. struck a macadamized road a mile from camp
which we followed five miles. The road runs from ----, a beautiful road
high and dry. Extensive fields of corn on all sides. Most wealthy
country we have seen. Elegant houses of frame and brick. Left the road a
quarter of a mile from Elkton and struck north along hilly ridges, very
stony and rough. Came into camp at 5 P. M. on a high point, five miles
from Fayetteville in Lincoln County. Drew fresh meat from commissary,
but we had no salt to cook, no salt in the Division. The timber to-day
was mostly beach, grew very tall and large, beautiful timber loaded with
nuts, and we ate many. Sugar cane of sorghum kind raised on a small
scale by nearly all, I suppose to supply the deficiency occasioned by
the Confederacy. Small wooden mills. Vertical rollers used to press it.
Slept in the open air, not thinking it worth while to put up tent.
Fayetteville, Sunday, Nov. 8. A chilly cold night. Froze half an inch of
ice on water, but we slept warm. Moved out early. Had a very long and
steep hill to climb. Several of the teams failed, but ours came out all
right. My off horse was put on the wheel in place of the one there,
whose shoulder had been worn raw. Marched weary and slow through a hilly
country. Most of the valleys were all under cultivation and very full
of excellent corn, but a small proportion of it husked. I think the corn
crop here will far exceed the best of Wisconsin's in number and quality.
It is perfectly sound and untouched by frost. The road was very winding
but not as rough as before. Came into camp two miles from Fayetteville
before sundown, with materials for a good supper and plenty of corn for
horses. 2nd Brigade camped here, and the 3rd Brigade came up late.
Fayetteville, Monday, Nov. 9. I laid in camp all day. 2nd Division came
up on another road. One day's rations of crackers issued to us. The
infantry regiments are entirely out. Mills were worked all day grinding
cornmeal. Lieutenant Amsden of the 12th Battery went out with squad of
Battery boys to pick up horses by order of Captain Dillon. Returned late
at night with twenty mules and ten or twelve horses, but mostly too
young for team purposes. We got one very pretty horse for our Platoon.
They report abundance of all good things off from the road where
"Yankee" vandals have not reached, with no end to come. No wonder that
the rebs are making a desperate effort for the recapture of this
country. We are in their very granary and without it they cannot live. A
report is rife that Thomas has evacuated Chattanooga, but I trust it is
not so. I would write, but there is no communication open yet.
[Sidenote: 1863 Hard Going]
Camp in Oak Barrens, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 10. Prepared for an early
march. Moved at 9 A. M. as we had to wait for the 2nd Brigade to move
ahead. Passed through town, which is an old fashioned place of quite a
size. Looks as though it was the same twenty years ago. Of course it was
perfectly dead, no sign of trade or purchase of any kind. Crossed Elk
River two miles from the town on the best bridge I ever saw. It is built
of solid stone all hewed, five arches, with a foot path on top of each
side wall. It is but a single track erected in 1861. Poor country!
After we left the river valley, nearly deserted fields lie idle. About
noon we entered the Oak Barrens, so called from its sterility. It is a
perfectly flat tract of land with a yellow clay soil. Oak openings, no
underbrush, the oak not very large. It lies lower than the surrounding
country and covered with pond holes which we rendered bottomless with a
little travel, the wheels cut down so. No houses or fields to be seen.
Went into camp in the first field we saw for five miles, and that was
deserted. 4th Platoon wheel horse fell dead to-night before it came to
camp. He was the biggest and best horse of the Battery, supposed to be
overdone. Train of cars passed out on the Fayetteville branch loaded
with crackers for our camp. It was escorted by two regiments of Slocum's
Corps, the New York and Pennsylvania regiments. Mail received. I got
letter from home of the 25th ult., so we are once more approaching the
Union lines. No news or paper seen save wild camp rumors which are
conflicting. No corn to feed our horses to-night. I am on guard.
Winchester, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov. 11. Called up at 4 A. M. Harnessed
before daylight. The horses covered with frost. Cold work for bare
hands. Started as soon as daylight; about seven miles more of barrens
without a house or trace of civilization. Slough holes very often, the
pioneer corps bridging many of them while we waded through the others.
Four or five horses gave out before we got through. Three left behind.
Came out of there by noon on higher ground, well settled, but not very
productive. Citizens look decidedly Secesh. Passed Salem at 2 P. M., two
overshot waterwheels and a tower. Came into camp within two miles of
Winchester at sundown. We are within our own lines. The Army of the
Cumberland has a force stationed here, among which is the 1st Wisconsin
Cavalry. Drew one day's rations of crackers.
Winchester, Thursday, Nov. 12. Lay in camp all day. 3rd Brigade came up
early. The weather very raw and blustering. Forage trains went out
seven miles and returned loaded with good corn. Wrote two letters but no
mail came in. To-morrow we are to start across the mountains. If half of
what is said of it be true, we will have hard times to cross it with our
teams. The cavalry say we will not be able to cross it in two days. 1st
Brigade of Stanley's Cavalry Division is here. Winchester is the county
seat of Franklin County and a good business town as large as
Fayetteville. Mr. Lester brought Nashville papers of to-day into camp,
the first we have seen since the 22nd of last month.
Camp on the mountains, Friday, Nov. 13. Broke camp at Winchester before
daylight and moved out in advance of the other brigades. Crossed the R.
R. south of Decherd and kept along the track southeast until we reached
Cowan Station, when we travelled toward the hills. Halted half an hour
to strip the chest of all knapsacks, the cannoneers being obliged to
carry everything after the style of infantry. At about half past twelve
o'clock we mounted and started up the mountain. The foot was covered
with white large stones smooth as ice. Both of my horses fell the first
pull, but soon gathered and we made the ascent in about two hours. The
road was very stony and most of the horses poorly shod, very steep in
places, but we made it without an accident or a balk, although four of
our teams had a span of mules in. The General and staff were very much
scared, it is said, and thought it not safe to ride up so they
dismounted, lamenting our fate, but our horses did it all right. The
road followed the summit which was perfectly level, rather sandy. Passed
two or three houses inhabited, but I know not how. Came into camp; old
camping ground, first rebel and then federal. Had but one load of corn
for to-night and to-morrow morning, so we had but eight ears to a horse.
Drew two little crackers in the morning which was all we had till the
wagons came up late at night, and we were a set of very hungry boys. Sow
belly and hard-tack went as good as the best of suppers at home. Camp
as merry as ever, singing and cracking jokes by the bright camp fires,
although we were weak in the center.
[Sidenote: 1863 Over the Mountains]
Sweden's Cove, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 14. Reveille sounded at 5 A. M. A
very dark and cloudy morning, not a star to be seen or ray of daylight.
Fed our hard-worked horses a scant feed of twelve ears of corn to a
team, cleaned them off and harnessed. Coffee and crackers for breakfast.
2nd Brigade stationed in front. Followed the 2nd. Camped at the foot of
the hill last night. Commenced to rain very heavy as we hitched up and
it continued until noon, with loud peals of thunder and vivid lightning.
The road ran along the summit for about five miles which was very muddy
and hard to travel. Commenced the descent about 1 P. M. which was not as
laborious but far more dangerous. The cavalry that crossed let the
wagons down by rope, but we locked wheels, and about two miles brought
us to the bottom, very stony and steeper than the other side. So we were
over Raccoon Mountain of the Cumberland Range, considerably higher than
Point Judith, and we crossed in the lowest point. We were now in a
narrow valley not a mile wide, all under cultivation, but now idle,
called "Sweden's Cove". The first trace of civilization that met the
soldier eye was a hog, the next a corn crib. Due attention paid to both,
the cannoneers charged on the pigs and the drivers filled their nose
bags. Camped at the headwaters of Battle Creek. Health of all good and
spirits also.
Camp near Bridgeport, Ala., Sunday, Nov. 15. Moved out in park this
morning. Kept along the bank of Battle Creek under the sunlit brink of
the mountain. 10 A. M. the Tennessee River appeared before us and we
entered the Sequatchie Valley. Followed it down stream. This was the
ford that Bragg retreated over, and where Rosecrans's small Division
were picked off from across the river. Extensive fortification erected
here but vacant. Telegraph line up here which communicates with
Chattanooga. The valley is narrow but apparently fertile. Neat houses
here, but the fences all gone and fields open. After passing through a
very bad swamp we came into "Camp Proper." At this point it is a mile
and a half from what is called Bridgeport. Good water, no rails. Put up
harness racks, tents in line, etc. Drew oats for the horses to-night,
but scant. A large mail arrived and to see the eagerness with which all
pressed around the pile would have convinced everyone that although
roughened by usage and inured to hardship, and mayhap contracted that
which is not befitting, yet their hearts are filled with the love of
home and friends. I was jubilant over the receipt of three letters, one
from my ever faithful correspondent John, the other from my sister Ellen
and the rest from an old schoolmate.
Bridgeport, Monday, Nov. 16. A beautiful sunny morning. Did not get up
till broad daylight, which was a strange thing. The first thing attended
to, now that we were in hopes of a few days' rest, was changing and
washing. I changed throughout, and Evie and myself passed to the creek
with ax, fire buckets, etc. My washing consisted of a pair pants, shirt,
two pairs of socks and towels. Quite a washer-woman. After dinner Cousin
Griffith, E. W. E. and myself took a ride down town. I mounted Rodney
and off we went. We failed to find a building but found Bridgeport,
which is certainly a city of tents. All of it is in tents. Sutler's
stores and bakeries are plenty, but so crowded by the soldiers that it
was impossible to get a hearing anywhere. I tried hard to get a pie, but
there were hundreds pressing in for the same, and I gave it up as a bad
job. Bought a blank book and started back to a large tent upon a hill
with the sign "Army Hotel" which furnished meals for 75 cents.
[Illustration: A Group of Comrades in 6th Wisconsin Battery]
The Charleston and Memphis Road crosses the river here, but the bridge
was destroyed by General Mitchel a year ago, and not yet completed. A
day force is at work on it and teams are hauling timber in all
directions. It is a patent truss-bridge like those across the Wisconsin,
the R. R. on top and wagon road below it. A pontoon bridge is stretched
across below it until the bridge is finished. The cars go no further
than here, which is the nearest point to Chattanooga, twenty-eight miles
by R. R. and forty by land. All supplies are hauled to camp, long way
yet, by mule teams and two small steamboats. A large number of artillery
horses have been sent back to be fed. Horses and mules look much worse
than ours after the march. The 11th and 12th Army Corps under General
Hooker are across the river from here, which makes a total of three
corps within supporting distance of Chattanooga. Heavy artillery firing
could be heard this morning from that vicinity. Stevenson nine miles
west of here.
[Sidenote: 1863 Boys From Home]
Bridgeport, Tuesday, Nov. 17. In camp. Warm and pleasant morning. No
feed for horses. W. Hayes, Ed. Hayes, J. Ide, H. and D. Wallace returned
from furlough, having followed us up to Iuka, then being obliged to
return and go up the river by the way of Nashville. They came up on the
cars this morning with plump and rosy cheeks. The boys greeted them with
enthusiasm going to meet them from afar off. They were from HOME. Orders
received at headquarters to send a commissioned officer and
non-commissioned or private out on recruiting service. Of course much
eagerness was manifested as to who should go. Many applications made I
understood, but Lieutenant Hood and Sergeant Hamilton are the elected
ones. I understand a like detail is to be made from each Company, but I
doubt if they will bring back as many as go. The 4th Division crossed
the river to-day. It is reported that we follow in the morning, leaving
all wagons behind. Carriages were greased ready for the start. Wrote
letters to brother Thomas and sister Mary. Am very anxious to hear from
home. Ere this the draft has passed and I know not but the only stay and
comfort of my aged and invalid parents is rudely torn from them. If
such is the case, and I here in front of the enemy with my destiny
unknown, I fear it will bring their gray hairs to the grave. God forbid!
If he but be spared I will be satisfied, although I know not but that I
have another year to serve after the Battery is mustered out. It is hard
for me to think of the years going in this manner, when I had fondly
hoped a part at least would be spent in the schoolroom, but I believe it
is not lost. He that followeth his duty need not worry. His reward is
certain, and it is truly a noble cause in which we are engaged. From the
front I have heard nothing. It is reported that the rebs are withdrawing
but I do not credit it.
We started one month ago to-day. Twenty of these days were on the road;
240 miles have been travelled. We have been transferred from the Army of
the Tennessee to the Army of the Cumberland, and all of our record from
this on will be with them.
Sequatchie Valley, Ala., Wednesday, Nov. 18. Reveille sounded before
dawn and we were ordered to prepare to march, but they knew not at what
hour. All baggage that could be spared was ordered to be left with camp
guard. The knapsacks were to be left, but as the cannoneers did not feel
disposed to lose all of them as at Vicksburg, they all strapped them on
their backs to "tote 'em". Failed to draw but one load of forage, so a
vacant wagon was left and the knapsacks packed in, much to the
satisfaction of all. Hitched up at 6 A. M. Marched on to the hill where
the infantry were encamped. The 2nd and 3rd Brigades had started,
leaving tents standing. We were in the rear and compelled to lie in the
road until 2 P. M. In the meantime a large mail was distributed. I
received four letters, all from home, which of course were very
acceptable. Moved down to the river where our Division had been crossing
all day on the pontoon. No more than four wagons allowed on at a time,
hence a tedious job. 4 P. M. we moved on to it. It consists of a firm
scow boat anchored every sixteen feet and stringers laid across, over
which were laid twelve-foot plank. It was narrow and shaky, but a tight
rein and careful driving brought us over all safe. Had to cross two of
them, an island occupied by Hooker's men in the middle of the river. Men
busy at work on R. R. bridge, but not near finished. Came to a halt two
miles from the river and lay there over an hour to wait for the train to
cross. Large fires were built and the infantry cooked their coffee in
their little cans. It was quite dark before the bugle sounded and we
marched on at a brisk rate till 9 P. M. Our road lay through the
Sequatchie Valley, which was pretty well under cultivation, watered by a
large stream coming out of the solid rock a few yards above us, one
spring furnishing water enough to run a flouring mill. A large cave was
close by, which is reported to be a curiosity, thirteen miles long, out
of which saltpetre is dug, but I could not visit it. Unhitched our weary
and hungry horses having had nothing but two quarts of corn all day, and
but a scant feed last night. Made our bed in the open air and piled in
supperless.
[Sidenote: 1863 Under Lookout]
Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 19. Reveille woke us at 4 A. M.
Slept cold. A heavy frost covers the ground this morning. Marched before
the cooks got breakfast ready, so we had to take dry grub. Took the
Chattanooga road and marched leisurely down, coming to the end of the
valley; the mountains and the river coming together. Our road lay along
the bank, and the R. R. several hundred feet above us, sometimes running
over a precipice and then over stilty-like bridges. An engine ran by us
here. We next left the river and soon entered the hills, winding through
the valleys and crossing stony points, which was very slow and laborious
as our horses were jaded out and hard to keep up. A few inhabitants were
seen but they could not find much to live on. 4th Corps stationed
through the valley as guards, each squad already located in neat
"shebangs". Passed Sand Mountain at noon, a force being stationed upon
it, the very high bridge having been destroyed near by and not yet
commenced to be built. The R. R. is in bad condition and will require a
good deal of labor before it will be rebuilt. A large part of it is laid
with wooden rails, an iron plate fastened on top. Coal abounds in the
hills. We passed a large bed of nitre, out of which saltpetre was
manufactured for Confederate States' use.
Came in sight of Lookout Ridge about 4 P. M., and at sundown we were
directly under the enemy's line, their picket fires burning brightly not
more than half a mile off. Did they but have the artillery they could
soon shell us out. The roads are very bad, filled with slough holes some
of which were bridged. 8 P. M. halted nearly an hour to allow the
pioneer corps to repair the roads. Most of the boys made coffee.
Hard-tack very scarce. I had none since dinner. After the roads were
fixed we moved out and marched about four miles right under the point of
the guns which could not be brought to bear on us. We passed by Joe
Hooker's headquarters. It was a very beautiful evening, bright
moonlight, and pleasant marching. Came into camp at 11:30 P. M., our
horses having nearly given out. When the wagons came up we fed horses
and drew crackers, but I was not as hungry as sleepy, so I laid down in
the open air with Point Lookout frowning in full view, on which is a
battery of heavy guns that at any moment could hurl terror to our Corps.
WITH GRANT AT CHATTANOOGA
[Sidenote: 1863 A Night March]
Camp in the pocket opposite Chattanooga, Friday, Nov. 20. Scarcely had
we closed our eyes to rest, before we were aroused again. Many of the
boys had not laid down. It was half past one o'clock in the morning. We
were ordered to hitch up in great haste. The rebs were crossing the
Tennessee River at some point, and we were to intercept them. Nothing
but a prospect of fight would have aroused the sleepy and tired
soldiers as quick, and 2 A. M. we moved out, all wagons, battery wagon
and forge left behind. It was clear and cold and I was chilled through
by my sudden rising from a warm bed. We gradually disappeared from Point
Lookout where the rebs' signal lights were dimly burning. The road was
mostly corduroyed and very good, but some places not finished very badly
cut. 1st caisson got stuck and it took nearly half an hour to extricate.
The cannoneers in mud and slush above their knees. While they were
getting out, the other boys took hold and completed the bridge.
As it drew near morning it became darker. Crossed the river on pontoon
two miles from where we started. It started right under the rock and it
was quite difficult to make the landing with six horses. 3rd Brigade's
camp was on the bank. They had just started. Head of column took the
road towards Chattanooga and obliged to come back as we left it to the
right. 2nd caisson lost the road in the dark, ran against a stump and
capsized. It took some time to extricate the horses and right it. It was
loaded with percussion shells, but luckily none exploded. Infantry got
the start of us and we drove very fast. Daylight found us travelling
east through a very pretty valley formerly used as a camp. No infantry
in sight. As smoke was seen in a pocket to the right, Lieutenant Clark
halted, and sent to see if it was not our Brigade, which we found to be
the case. We entered it, found the 3rd Brigade closely quartered. Went
into park and ordered to remain quiet and orderly. Cooked an early
breakfast, although we had travelled eight miles beside the other
exploits. Wagons came up at 9 A. M. and we fed the last of our forage,
four quarts of oats to a team.
The boys were soon scattered around making up for lost sleep, but I
thought I would see our position, so I climbed the bluff to the right of
us. Chattanooga could be seen very plain right opposite, near the other
side of the river. To the right of it was Lookout, towering high above
all others, with the puffs of powder smoke vomited occasionally from
their Parrott. To the left I could see smoky Mission Ridge crossed with
reb encampments. Those with glasses could discern long wagon trains and
pack mules climbing up Lookout. I returned well-paid for my labor,
although I afterwards understood it was forbidden. We are effectually
hidden. Guards are placed over all houses to prevent anyone leaving. A
pontoon train is passing. Heavy rain in afternoon. Put up tents and went
to bed early.
Near Chattanooga, Saturday, Nov. 21. Awoke to find it had been raining
very heavy all night. Our ditch overflowed and the water flowed into the
tent under the bed wetting the blankets, making sleeping a troublesome
matter anywhere. I got up, wrung my blankets and watched the rain. After
breakfast harnessed our horses. As we have no feed they look very bad,
indeed nearly all the halter stails on the rope were eaten off last
night. I got a set of chain ones from the Battery wagon. Company cooks
played out and rations issued to platoons. Boys all hail it gladly.
10 A. M. Two teams went to Chattanooga after forage. E. W. E. went on
detail. Tried to write a letter, but it is so very cold that I made but
little progress.
3 P. M. A circular has just been received from General Sherman to hold
ourselves in readiness to march at any moment. Three days' cooked
rations and one blanket is all that is to be taken along, the ambulances
to follow to the river and there await orders. The enemy have been
playing from Lookout all day and it is told that sharp musketry is going
on, but that general engagement will probably not come off until we
cross the river, which it is said we will do to-night if the rain will
not sweep off our pontoon. The crisis is fast approaching and it cannot
be long ere we meet in deadly contest; of the final result I have but
little doubt. I am confident in the ability of those contesting for the
right. But alas! many must of necessity close their eyes in death. It
is not for me to ask whom or when, but to trust to Him that noticeth the
fall of a sparrow, and endeavor to do my duty. I pray that strength may
be given me to meet my fate with courage.