fires and comfortable quarters, very essential to keep warm. Captain
Dillon arrived from Nashville, reports battery [of new guns] on the way.
Enlistment yet the talk. I have serious thoughts upon it. I am confident
that it is the best thing for us recruits. Griff, Dan and others in the
same way; if one goes, all go. A dance held down town by "Alabam" gals
and Yankee soldiers. Running rumor afloat that we are to leave our
quarters soon for Huntsville. Don't like it.
Larkinsville, Sunday, Jan. 3. Little warmer to-day. Stormed a little. It
is hoped by many that a sufficient number will enlist so as to return to
the state and reorganize. Forty-eight on the rolls now, ninety-eight
required. Y---- returned to the Battery, having been under guard at
headquarters ever since we left Gilbertsboro. Court-martialed and
punishment read at evening roll call, the loss of two months' pay for
offering violence to superior officers and slandering. Dillon received
orders, it is said, to allow Battery to stay where they are if they are
comfortably quartered.
Larkinsville, Monday, Jan. 4. Rained heavy all night. Cloudy and misty
all day. Many to-day expressed their willingness to re-enlist, if
allowed to return to the state and elect their own officers. At evening
roll-call Lieutenant Simpson called all those desiring to return to the
state under their old officers to step to the front. But none desired to
under those conditions, as they desire to choose their own officers.
Mail arrived. I received news of the 27th ult. from Brother John. Quite
ill, but true to his custom wrote on the last Sunday of the month,
having not missed one through the year.
Larkinsville, Tuesday, Jan. 5. Rain of yesterday ceased and it is a soft
sunny day, everything calm and quiet in camp, it being the last day
allowed for enlisting. But nobody goes forward. 12 M. assembly sounded
and a telegraphic dispatch from the war department stating
three-fourths of the actual number present would take the organization
home, etc. If Captain Dillon would express his determination to command
the Battery, a sufficient number would go in, to go home, as the boys
would rather have him with all his faults, than ----, incompetent to
command.
Larkinsville, Wednesday, Jan. 6. Cold and freezing. Everything quiet,
the theme of the last five days having been dropped since the time
expired. At evening roll call marching orders were read to us to leave
at 8 A. M. in the morning. All extra baggage, harness, etc. loaded on
cars and a detail of twenty men to accompany them. Camp was still at an
early hour. All felt bad at being obliged to leave their comfortable
quarters, so recently built by hard labor, and face the stern, hard
march. None of the quarters were to be destroyed as they were to be
occupied by troops coming in to occupy the place.
[Sidenote: 1864 "Merciless Drivers"]
Near Paint Rock River, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 7. Reveille woke us to
prepare for the march at 4 A. M. Breakfast cooked and eaten. Tents
struck and loaded in due time. I was detailed to stay with the wagons,
and did not start for half an hour after Battery left. The roads are
frozen and very rough, the weather extremely cold, the air damp and
filled with frozen mists, covering our clothes with ice and sleet. The
troops marched fast and kept warm, but the train moved slow and tedious,
wagons sticking in ruts, mules giving up, lying down in the road; to
receive beastly cruelty from merciless drivers, and horrid oaths from
impatient wagon masters. Often obliged to put our shoulders to the wheel
to get along. Suffered severely from the cold with bare hands.
2 P. M. came upon the officers' wagon on side of the road, axle-tree
broken, where we had to stop and take on the load, and it followed in
the rear, with a pole for wheel. A little farther on passed the battery
wagon and forge, both wheel teams having given out, and abandoned and
waiting for men to be sent back. Passed through Woodville at 4 P. M.
Crossed Paint Rock River at dark, having yet three miles to camp through
a low wet bottom, timbered thickly with large tall beach, and it grew
very dark. Sergeant Runyan drew his wagons one side to wait till
morning, but Lieutenant Clark ordered them on.
I reached camp with our wagon at 9 P. M. after much trouble. I never was
out in a darker night. Boys were scattered along the road for miles
doing the best they could to keep warm and escape the storm, as it began
to snow very heavy. Found a bedfellow and joined a squad in an old field
where we made shelter between two old corn cribs from the shakes. Built
a roaring fire. Received mail, and I was happy to read by the light of
the rails of home. Made our beds on the rough frozen ground and slept
well till morning.
[Sidenote: 1864 Sleeping in Cotton]
Brownsboro, Ala., Friday, Jan. 8. Arose in good time, while it was broad
daylight, and found that one of the party had his hat burned up during
the night. An inch of snow on the ground, and it was chillingly cold.
But a small portion of the train came up last night, therefore did not
move until nearly noon. The roads were slippery and hard to travel. E.
W. E. and I took the R. R. After a hard march of ten miles we reached
Brownsboro at 4 P. M. on Flint River, the terminus of the R. R.
communications as yet. Here we found the boys that had come through on
the cars. Cooked our supper by their fires and went in search of shelter
for the night. Seven of us in the squad found a cotton patch in the
middle of a dense forest with a cotton pen. Built a crib of rails,
crammed a foot of cotton into it and covered with the rubbers. The wagon
road seen on the opposite side of a range of mountains, and the Brigade
had not yet come up. Nigger Henry had kindly taken my blankets on his
horse in the morning and was now with the Battery. We could hear the
rattle of the wagons coming in from a distance, and as I was in much
need of my blankets I started to meet them, but found they had camped
three-quarters of a mile back. Climbed a little hill and the hundreds of
fires burned brightly in the distance, whither I turned myself. Wandered
through the city of lights some time before I found the Battery, found
my blankets, thanked Henry for carrying them, and turned my steps
towards my bedfellow in the woods. Taking a bee line, I thought to find
them there. I tugged through a dense thicket of briar and underbrush,
scratched my face, tearing my clothes, and in water to the tops of my
boots most of the time. It was very dark, but still I kept on certain of
finding them. Suddenly the light blazed up before me and I found them
going to bed at 9 P. M. I was tired out and footsore.
Huntsville, Ala., Saturday, Jan. 9. I felt very good on our "downy" bed,
so good that I did not wake up till broad daylight. Rolled up our
blankets in great haste and started toward camp, as we were out of
rations, but we found the Battery moving and were obliged to "fall in"
with an empty stomach, as a reward for our straggling. Flint River was
crossed on mule wagons, which were very slow, obliging us to stand on
the banks for nearly an hour. It was freezing very hard and all were
chilled through. The natives say it was the coldest day known for years.
Animals and wagons covered with ice. Cooked coffee on the other side
while the remainder of the Brigade crossed. By that time we were ready
to follow with our breakfast eaten. Marched very fast through a
beautiful country interspersed with a low range of bluffs of the
Cumberland Range. Good timber and beautiful water. Sun shone in the
afternoon making roads muddy and slippery, very tiresome walking. Met
John A. Logan and staff going back afoot from Huntsville.
4 P. M. Coming around the point of the bluff we could see Huntsville in
the valley below three miles distant. And weary as I was I could but
enjoy the beautiful scenery before me greatly. The sun shone brightly
on the snow-covered roofs of this beautiful town with their tall church
spires raising their snow-capped peaks to the heavens as a witness of
better and happier days gone by. On either side broad fields with
beautiful mansions were spread to view, the whole enclosed by the
frost-covered range of low mountains. Marched through the town with
colors flying and bands playing, much to the satisfaction of the large
crowds of contrabands that flocked at every corner. Came into camp a
mile north of the town on Russell Hill. Old quarters here were soon
taken possession of by the boys. I was very tired.
Huntsville, Sunday, Jan. 10. Notwithstanding that all were very tired
from the fatiguing march of the past three days through severe weather,
the camp reverberated with the sound of axe, saw and lumber, erecting
quarters for the third time this winter. Teams busy and in great demand
hauling lumber and brick, of which there is plenty. Our tent is back
with the boys on the R. R.; therefore E. W. E. got a load of lumber and
built a hut in accordance with our means, and by night had it up and
covered with shakes. Slept in it but it was quite cold.
Huntsville, Monday, Jan. 11. Worked quite hard all day building
fireplace. Had to carry much of the brick on our shoulders twenty rods,
but we had completed it by night, and had the satisfaction of sitting by
the fire in the evening. Draws well.
[Sidenote: 1864 New Quarters]
Huntsville, Tuesday, Jan. 12. Pleasant in the middle of the day, but
freezing severely at night. Eight teams sent back to Flint River after
the two pieces, also two loads of ammunition. Returned early. Busy most
of the time completing "shebang". Very small, but quite cozy for two
soldiers. It is 6 ft. by 8 ft., 4-1/2 ft. high on the side. Door is in
front, 18 in. by 30 in., by side of which is chimney--18 in. stack. Bunk
in back, 4 ft. wide. At the foot of it is the writing desk, opposite is
hard-tack box for cupboard, etc.
Huntsville, Wednesday, Jan. 13. Wrote letter home. Mail arrived. None
for me. Sadly disappointed. Camp is comparatively still. Quarters nearly
complete and look well. The boys' tents in one line of sight; tents with
non-commissioned officers in rear. Kitchens erected on the left for
company cooks. Remainder of men and things came up from the river to-day
on railroad cars hauled by mules. Dixon's Company setting up their tent,
but we will live alone.
Huntsville, Thursday, Jan. 14. Calm and quite warm. Spent the day in
writing and reading novelettes, an effective way of killing time, but
very profitless. On duty in the forenoon to haul bricks for section mess
shanty.
Huntsville, Friday, Jan. 15. Little rain last night and looks like more.
Quite muddy and disagreeable. Another large mail received, among which
was one for me from my aged father in his own handwriting and language;
gave me much pleasure to peruse. Cousin Griffith quitted the officers'
mess this afternoon and came in with us.
Huntsville, Saturday, Jan. 16. Warm and pleasant day. D. J. Davis and
myself ordered to report to Dr. Coleman at 9 A. M. He set us to work
building a chimney. Finished it by supper time. Camp and men inspected
at 10 A. M. by Captain Budlong, A. I. G. and Captain Dillon, chief of
artillery, giving orders that after reveille all tents to be swept out
and blankets doubled. A ball was announced to be held to-night in town
and many of the boys attended, but found to their chagrin that it was a
nigger dance. Some returned crestfallen, others enjoyed the joke by
"tripping" with the "colored sisters".
Huntsville, Sunday, Jan. 17. A pleasant day. Meeting was announced to
be had at 2 P. M. in the Presbyterian Church. Obtained permission and
went down, but found none, it being held at 6 P. M. Walked over town.
Visited the waterworks of the city, which is the largest of the kind
South, with the exception of one at Columbia, S. C. A large stream
gushes out of the solid rock under the courthouse, which is dammed about
four feet and propels a large water wheel which works a powerful force
pump that forces water all over the city, furnishing a hydrant at every
corner. Pump is enclosed in a neat stone house. Returned to camp for
supper and evening roll-call, then we walked back again. The church was
very neat and filled with soldiers, but one woman in the audience.
Chaplain of 18th Wisconsin officiated, of the Calvinistic school, and
but ill agreed with my views, but it seemed good to be once more
listening to an earnest speaker and hear the old-fashioned tunes swell
in the bass voices that filled the room. Returned to camp, if not
better, a more thoughtful man. It was the second sermon I have listened
to since leaving home, and in common with all soldiers, I have acquired
a careless and light way of passing time.
Huntsville, Monday, Jan. 18. An idle day in camp. Nothing of interest.
Griff and myself went to town on pass, made a few purchases. Camp
policed. Lieutenant Simpson went to Stevenson. Weather cold. No news or
no mail.
Huntsville, Tuesday, Jan. 19. Washing day, which duly occupied the
forenoon. Afternoon spent in writing letters, etc. Evening long and
spent in listening to old Welsh tunes, hymns and songs sung by Griff and
Evie.
[Sidenote: 1864 "Style"]
Huntsville, Wednesday, Jan. 20. Health good. Plenty to eat and nothing
to do. Foragers brought in several hogs. D. J. D. gave us a piece of
ribs which we roasted before the fire, a fine dinner out of it. ---- and
---- of our Battery in jail in town for robbing an old gray-haired
negro after dark while on his way home from the camp, where he had been
to sell corn-cakes. Special orders from Captain Dillon read to us at
retreat. Orders squad and battery drill each day from 9 A. M. to 10 A.
M. and from 2 P. M. to 3 P. M.; four roll-calls a day, 6 A. M., 11 A.
M., 6 P. M. and 8 P. M. all to appear in full uniform. "Style".
Huntsville, Thursday, Jan. 21. As ordered yesterday, the drill call
sounded at 9 A. M. and we fell in. Lieutenant Clark drilled in infantry
drill for half an hour, and then had the chief of platoon drill them
until the recall was sounded. The same in the afternoon. Rather awkward
at first, but it is easier to remember than learn.
Huntsville, Friday, Jan. 22. Arose with a slight cold and swollen face
from the inflamed nerve of defective tooth. On fatigue all day, hauling
rubbish from front of Battery, till at night I was almost sick from
headache and cold. Escaped the drill to-day.
Huntsville, Saturday, Jan. 23. Did not drill to-day. In order to prepare
for inspection to-morrow all the old harness overhauled, and all
ordnance stores gathered preparatory to be turned over to the ordnance
officers. My face much swollen and very sore. Weather is most
delightful. The sun shines as soft and warm, birds chirp as lively as
they would in Wisconsin in the last of April. Policed all the grounds in
the afternoon. Inspector Budlong condemned the harness, and all marked
"C". Order from General Smith read at retreat in regard to desertion.
Huntsville, Sunday, Jan. 24. My face much swollen yet and exceedingly
painful. Was on guard, 1st relief. The weather was warm and I felt
unwell, sick headache and aching limbs, but I stood my guard. Clothing
inspection by Captain Dillon at 9 A. M. He was very particular, found
much fault with the service-worn clothes in which we have marched
through mud and rain, sleeping on the wet ground, etc. He seemed to have
but little sympathy with his privates, but is determined they shall
"look well". Most of the boys attended meeting two or three times during
the day.
Huntsville, Monday, Jan. 25. A delightful night to stand guard. Mail
came in while I was on, 10 P. M. I received one from brother T. L. which
I read by the pale light of the moon while walking my silent beat,
contrary to military rule, but the moments passed fleeting by, and my
mind wandered where it ever flies--to the home of my parents and
brothers and sisters dear, and methought that even then could I but know
their thoughts, they were wandering in the dreary land for me in the
mystical South. Did they see me then walking my beaten path in the still
quiet moonlight? Relieved from guard at 5 A. M. and as I felt very weak
and sick, went to bed. Did not get up till 9 A. M. Felt much refreshed,
a little better. All the Batteries' guard were mounted together and
inspected by the officer of the day of the "Battery Corps" with all the
paraphernalia of regulars. General Smith is making desperate efforts to
bring his headstrong Division to the standard required in description,
resorting to means almost tyrannical, but he never can make mere human
machines of the intelligent, strong-minded volunteers. They did not
leave their homes for holiday pomp and style, but to do their duty in
saving their country from ruin. All other objects to them are void of
interest and will not be pursued.
Huntsville, Tuesday, Jan. 26. Another beautiful day full of sunlight and
comfort, and I am in good trim to enjoy it. Drill call sounded as usual,
but instead of drilling we policed about three acres of ground by order
of Captain Dillon for two hours in the forenoon, and in the afternoon
the brush, paddle and broom were plied with industry hardly ever
equalled on such occasions. Teams sent to Flint River and returned at
night with the remaining four guns, and parked in proper positions.
Rumor of a rebel cavalry force advancing. Two regiments gone out, others
under orders.
[Sidenote: 1864 Camp Routine]
Huntsville, Wednesday, Jan. 27. Reveille sounded at 5:30 A. M. Roll call
at 6 A. M. Blankets to be hung out for airing, quarters swept out and
surroundings. Clothes to be brushed off and blankets to be doubled up
and laid at the head of the bed in time for camp inspection at 9 A. M.
by officer of the day, which to-day is Lieutenant Amsden, 12th Battery.
Guard mounted at 8 A. M. in front of headquarters by Lieutenant Simpson,
acting adjutant for the Battalion. 9 A. M. fell in for drill. Drilled
for two hours in company by General * * *. The grounds are getting
smoothed off and hard as a floor. 12 M. roll call. Dinner from the
section cooks. 2 P. M. another two hours' drill in squads under the
chief of pieces.
5 P. M. Formed in for dress parade in rear of the tents, in front of
Captain's tent, our Battery on the right, Cogswell's on the left, and
12th in the center. After it was formed by Simpson, Captain took us
through battalion drill for half an hour, very strict. When we broke
ranks I was quite tired and almost footsore from drilling. Indeed, it
gives us little time to ourselves. Cars came in this afternoon for the
first time, the whistle of the engine responded to by a hundred cheers
by the boys. Cavalry came in, reported the rebels repulsed.
Huntsville, Thursday, Jan. 28. Up bright and early as usual. Breakfast,
swept, brushed, washed, combed, etc. ready for the routine of duty, when
I was notified that I was on detail to go with the forage train, which
was then waiting. Fell in with a long train under quartermaster of 18th
Wisconsin. Went on the turnpike to the west, travelled about eight miles
through a somewhat winding road, but beautiful country. It was rolling
enough to make it varied, with good timber where not cultivated. Old
fields containing 50 to 600 acres lying idle, apparently for three years
or more, which was running wild into prairie. The general appearance of
the country was much like extensive farming regions. North of them were
wealthy Southern plantations, much more attention being paid to grain
raising than to cotton. Numerous stacks of wheat were stacked
unthreshed, and broad fields of corn unhusked, the land under a medium
state of cultivation. I could but think with Northern enterprise and
intelligence, with free and willing hands to do the work, what lovely
and fruitful farms could be built in such a delightful climate. Obtained
plenty of corn on a large plantation which all the whites had left,
leaving a large flock of negro women and children unprovided for, and
seemed delighted to see us until some of the boys took unallowed
privileges of the chicken coop, which they earnestly protested against.
Returned to camp at sundown well pleased with my ride of sixteen miles
and my observations therein, having also escaped the drill, etc. Camp
had again been swept up, ammunition packed in gun limbers. Lieutenant
Clark gone to Nashville after horses. Lieutenant Jenawein in command of
Battery and appeared to-day with shoulder straps on for the first time.
Looks fine and soldier-like.
Huntsville, Friday, Jan. 29. Drilled Company. Drilled under Jenawein in
forenoon and afternoon. Parade at 4:30 P. M. Captain put us through for
about thirty minutes on quick time and appeared well pleased with the
maneuvering. He is getting very strict. One of the boys on extra duty
all day for slight mistake at guard mount this morning. Weather still
continues beautiful. Rebel cavalry still reported in the front, very
active. Two regiments went out late last night.
Huntsville, Saturday, Jan. 30. Little rain to-day. Very fine, like
spring. No drill, and rain prevented parade in the evening. Orders to
prepare for knapsack inspection to-morrow morning 8 A. M. Lieutenant
Simpson at morning roll-call told us he was going to furnish us with
brush and blacking, and desired all to appear with polished boots and
equal our neighbors of the 12th, but could not obtain a second lot. Dr.
Coleman sent for D. J. D. and myself, and presented us with a can of
condensed milk for building up his chimney. His name ought to be written
in letters of gold as one of a thousand, the friend of the private.
[Sidenote: 1864 Sabbath in Camp]
Huntsville, Sunday, Jan. 31. Sunday morning dawned as bright and
beautiful as though it was in the spring of the year. Knapsack
inspection 8 A. M. by Lieutenants Simpson and Jenawein. 9 A. M. guard
mounted and I was on the first relief. Formed in front of headquarters.
Opened ranks and underwent a close inspection, after which we were
marched to the guard house in front of the Battery. Relieved the old
guards, where we were obliged to remain for the next twenty-four hours.
Most of the boys attended church at town, but with me the hours wore
heavily upon my hands. My comrades amused themselves in boisterous games
of cards. Profanity used in a fearful degree, thoughtlessly and
heedlessly. I endeavored to write a letter to sister Jane in the
afternoon, but met with poor success, and when I was called on to walk
my beat in calm twilight I felt relieved, and a thousand pleasant dreams
and anticipations crowded upon my memory. Received a letter from brother
John written one week ago. He was surrounded by the benign influence of
a quiet home and carried with it like feeling to my longing spirit.
Huntsville, Monday, Feb. 1. Very heavy rain last night accompanied with
strong wind, and my last turn from three to five was very uncomfortable.
Cleared off early and we had a fine day. Excused from drill in forenoon.
Dress parade and battery drill at 4 P. M. Put us through on quick time,
which was wearisome. Broke ranks to eat a supper of sour, clammy bread
and coffee, which of course caused dissatisfaction among the boys. Mail
arrived, but none for me.