cheering down on our left at 12 M. and soon General Smith and staff rode
through camp, who was joined by Captain Dillon, and immediately orders
were given to march a gun detachment to the guns immediately and fire a
salute in honor of the 59th and 48th Indiana, who were about to start
for home as veterans. The three Batteries were soon ready, "cocked and
primed". Captain Dillon as usual in quite a flurry. Ordered Lieutenant
Simpson to his quarters in a passion, then told us the salute was to be
commenced on the right, each gun to fire in succession, at the raising
of the flag for a signal, "and boys, I want you to give three of the
d----st cheers you ever gave between each gun". After a little waiting
the heroes marched along in the valley below, headed by the Brigade
band. Up goes the flag and a volume of dense white smoke is emitted from
the gun on the right, accompanied with the thunder, then another and
another, and all have fired in rapid succession, fourteen in all. Our
guns were fired for the first time, giving a crack which almost
demolished my "tympanum". Act No. 2, cheer after cheer arose from the
homeward bound veterans, and by the Batteries hat waving, etc. Well do
they deserve the honor, and gladly was it given. Together we have
struggled on every field of strife and won. They have the wishes and
gratitude of the comrades they leave behind. May they have a happy time
of it at home with relations and sweethearts. Retired to parade ground
on double quick, and broke ranks full of sunlight. H. S. Keene, chief of
artillery clerk, is going with them on furlough. A fortunate man. A
shoulder strap for a friend.
Huntsville, Wednesday, Feb. 3. Colder night than we have had for two
weeks. Water frozen a quarter of an inch and obliged to tuck up close
to sleep warm. Instead of the usual drill this morning, was general
policing, ground to be swept from rear of quarters to behind the guard
house, about five acres. Guard house and kitchen whitewashed. A well
started. I climbed Russell Hill for evergreen boughs for brooms in
company with a couple of others, and managed it so as not to return
until nearly recall; that is soldiers' strategy. "Do no more than you
can" is the motto.
Huntsville, Thursday, Feb. 4. Cold night but pleasant day. Nothing of
importance to mar the general routine of camp life. Had to put in our
regular drill under Sergeant Hood. Camp was inspected P. M. by the
medical director of the 15th Corps, seeing after the sanitary condition
of the troops. A short drill at parade and got through without incurring
the displeasure of the commanding officer. Broke ranks to receive an
unusually large mail, which was soon dealt out to the eager soldier
boys. Some went away light-hearted, others sorely disappointed.
Huntsville, Friday, Feb. 5. Rainy day, consequently no drill. Laid in
quarters all day reading papers received from home. No mail, no news.
Poor fare makes such days as these hang heavily and moodily, and I found
it uncommon hard to keep a cheerful face upon it. All the disagreeable
things seemed to be heaped up for my particular benefit. But I did not
allow my feelings much sway and amused myself in reading, which always
has a charm for me, and went to bed at night with a satisfied but a
homesick heart.
[Sidenote: 1864 Novel Reading]
Huntsville, Saturday, Feb. 6. A wet night and muddy morning. On
guard--to appear on guard mounting with polished boots, all things
accordingly. Spent the hours not on duty reading Ned Buntline's
thrilling tale of the times _Ella Adams_. One hundred horses distributed
to the three Batteries by chief of artillery, having received them from
Nashville. We had thirty-two beautiful animals, large and fat. ---- and
J. Keller returned, the former after five months' confinement in
military prison at Vicksburg, the other from hospital, wounded at
Champion Hills. They were gladly welcomed.
Huntsville, Sunday, Feb. 7. Rough night for the guard. Rainy and cold.
The countersign "Vicksburg" which gave rise to musings which aided in
forgetting time. Relieved at 9 A. M. Attended church in company with
Griff, E. W. and D. J. D. Service was held in the Methodist,
Presbyterian and Episcopal churches at the same hour (10 A. M.)
Curiosity prompted to attend the latter, an elegant furnished church of
unique construction, Gothic style, poorly arranged for sound. The
civilians were apparently of the aristocratic class, mostly women,
equalling the military in numbers. The white-robed minister was a young
intelligent Irishman, I should judge. A good choir with the deep-toned
organ opened the service with fitting music, after which prayers were
read and ceremonies performed for nearly an hour and a half, which to me
was mere mockery of religion, reading their desires to God from an
established formula, but careful always to omit the prayer for the
President of the U. S. A. It was not worship. Ah no! the heart was cold.
It was but Phariseeical affectations. A short sermon on charity was read
at the close. Very good, the effect of which was tested by passing the
plates which were returned well laden with "soldier greenbacks". The
money of that government they will not pray for is very acceptable. I
returned to camp, although not pleased with the exercise, yet I trust,
benefited. The solemn notes of the organ had awakened feelings that are
too apt to lie dormant in the soldier's breast, those that raise the
mind above the din of common life, and look to a future of immortality,
purity, which all hope to obtain ere long. "Heaven is my home".
Huntsville, Monday, Feb. 8. Fine sunny day. Signed payroll in the
morning, which was a pleasant duty as the "locker" is getting light.
Several articles were stolen from camp lately and a guard was detailed
to watch the quarters after night. 3 P. M. assembly sounded and all men
forbidden entering their tents, while Lieutenant Jenawein, Sergeant
Hauxhurst, and Corporal Neefe searched the quarters. One revolver was
recovered in the Battery; 12th Wisconsin Battery, under the same
process. Dillon very angry.
Huntsville, Tuesday, Feb. 9. Called on before finishing my breakfast to
go foraging with Baker. Two wagons from the Battery fell in with a train
of 150 wagons. Drove fast nine miles south where there were one hundred
negroes at work for the government, husking. Protected by infantry.
Entered a field of 1,000 acres. Corn already jerked. Soon loaded and
started back at the head of the train. Arrived in camp by 3 P. M.
Unloaded. Not very tired, but exceedingly hungry, having had nothing
since morning. Peter Green returned. Mail arrived. None for me.
[Sidenote: 1864 Discipline]
Huntsville, Wednesday, Feb. 10. A pleasant warm day. Nothing of interest
in camp to write about. Health and spirits of the boys very good. But
the mind chafes under the fetters thrown around it by military
discipline and style, which results in a goodly amount of cruelty by
many, while the officers too often seek but to irritate such feelings
the more. Twelve guards are detailed every day, six of whom are to watch
the quarters after taps. No use, and intended only as punishment, which
causes the just to suffer, bringing us on every five days instead of
seven.
Huntsville, Thursday, Feb. 11. Very cold night. Heavy frost. Owing to
the heavy guard details, I was on guard, consequently exempt from other
duties. A long and tedious day in the guard house and on post. 3rd
Brigade broke up camp this morning and have gone to Knoxville, it is
said, which reminds us that we likely will soon follow. 4th Minnesota is
on the Tennessee River at Whitesburg, ten miles south, where
preparations are being made to throw a pontoon bridge across. Cavalry
ever on the move to and fro. Clothing issued. All compelled to dress up
for parade, etc. Caisson, etc. arrived.
Huntsville, Friday, Feb. 12. The caissons that were brought up late last
night were dressed in their proper position, completing our park. They
are rifle caissons and will have to be remodelled before ammunition can
be packed. Several boxes of ordnance stores arrived, but some yet on the
road. Cloudy, foggy day with signs of rain. Feel unwell. Feverish,
headache, from a slight cold caught on guard. 12th Battery went to town
this afternoon to draw their guns. Did not return for parade, which was
hastily dismissed.
Huntsville, Saturday, Feb. 13. Nights very cold, day warm and cloudy.
Assembly sounded at 8 A. M. with orders to "turn out" and police the
park and grounds speedily, as we expected to march to town for pay at 10
A. M. No drill or parade, but we did not get paid off. Camp unusually
lively during the day. Ball playing and the boxing gloves in constant
use. At night a merry dance went on in the open air with music from the
fiddle and bow. Ladies dispensed with from necessity. Mail arrived but
none for me.
Huntsville, Sunday, Feb. 14. Raining heavily most of the day. Clothing
inspection at 8 A. M. by Lieutenant Simpson, with the reading of Sunday
orders. Weather prevented our attending church. 3 P. M. two agents of
the Christian _Enquirer_ and _Covenant_. 3 P. M. two agents of the
Christian Commission held divine services under the tree in front of the
tent to the members of the 6th and 12th Batteries. The afternoon was
disagreeable but a large crowd turned out to listen. Preached from the
parable of the Sower, and advanced ideas that to me were inconsistent
and offensive.
Huntsville, Monday, Feb. 15. Raining and disagreeable. On guard again.
Five men in guard house for changing off on guard duty. Sixteen guards
detailed. Health very good.
Huntsville, Tuesday, Feb. 16. Weather quite cold and windy.
Court-martial convened with Dillon for president, to try the case of
---- and others. In session all day.
Huntsville, Wednesday, Feb. 17. Weather cold--freezing hard. Seventeen
recruits and T. J. Hungerford arrived this afternoon from the State.
Thirty-six more expected soon. Two hours' drill as usual in the morning.
Parade P. M. Report of the court-martial read at parade by Adjutant
Simpson. Honorably acquitted, as they did it by consent of corporal of
the guard. Corporal ---- arrested for granting such consent.
Huntsville, Thursday, Feb. 18. Camp policed early. 9 A. M. Company
marched down town to receive pay for the months of November and
December, 1863. Returned at 2 P. M. Camp and park inspected by Captain
Budlong, I. G. of the Division.
Huntsville, Friday, Feb. 19. Weather continued raw and cold. On guard.
Suffering from a severe cold and the hours passed slowly and heavily. No
drill. No mail.
[Sidenote: 1864 "A Confiscated Fence"]
Huntsville, Saturday, Feb. 20. As soon as breakfast was over I hitched a
new team and drove out to a confiscated fence, a mile off, for a load of
lumber, as the two Hungerfords were desirous of coming in with us, and
we must build a larger one [hut]. After we were all loaded, a guard
commanded us to unload, but after some talk allowed us to leave in quiet
with our lumber. Tore down our "humble cot" and six of us went to work
in earnest to erect a more commodious one. Had no tent. Built it
entirely of lumber. Had it almost completed by night. Was quite tired,
with a settled cold on my lungs, almost sick.
Huntsville, Sunday, Feb. 21. Weather a little milder. Milton Hungerford
and I attended the Methodist church in the forenoon. Service in the
Battery in the afternoon by agent of Christian Commission. Mail arrived.
Received a long looked for letter from Hannah. Twenty-one days on the
road.
Huntsville, Monday, Feb. 22. All the house on foraging detail. T. J.
being unwell, was excused, so he stayed at home to take care of family.
Train in charge of Lieutenant Jenawein travelled in southwesterly
direction fifteen miles. Walked most of the way. Jerked our corn from a
five hundred acre field. The 2nd and 3rd Divisions' train out storing
corn at Madison Depot. Returned by sundown, awful tired, and with severe
sore throat. Evie was mounted and procured four chickens and a hog in
exchange for coffee. Also got a mutton for shebang.
A salute of thirty-six guns was fired by the Battery during our absence
in honor of Washington's Birthday. Sorry that I was not present. At
night a grand ball was to be held by shoulder straps in town, but they
failed to find but four ladies to join in their festivities. They ended
in a drunken carousal, their maniac yells rending the midnight air. The
enlisted men met with better success I understand, and had a gay time.
They could not obtain the liquor owing to the restriction on trade. When
will such corruption among military men be stopped?
Huntsville, Tuesday, Feb. 23. To-day we were all on guard again, having
had but three days' rest. I was third relief. P. Green for misdemeanor
(noticed by none but ----) at guard mounting was put under guard, and
sentenced to hard labor digging stumps for five days, a piece of cruel
despotism and tyranny. Lieutenant Hood returned, having come in charge
of a squad of infantry recruits. Ours were left in Camp Randall.
Sergeant Hamilton had a recruiting commission for the 36th Infantry with
good show for commission. Throat swollen and very painful. Caused a
heavy fever and it was difficult to keep moving on my beat.
Huntsville, Wednesday, Feb. 24. Weather once more very mild and
pleasant. Laid in tent all day. Throat pains me severely. Tonsils much
swollen. Did not go out to drill, equipments enough having been
received, the standing gun drill instead of squad, much more profitable
especially for the recruits. A skirmish is reported having occurred at
Whitesburg with the 4th Minnesota Infantry and others, killing four,
wounding fifteen. Two infantry regiments started to their support.
Artillery ordered to be in readiness.
[Sidenote: 1864 Camp Medicine]
Huntsville, Thursday, Feb. 25. Slept but little during the night,
deglutition being very painful and throat much swollen. Reported at sick
call (the first time since I left Vicksburg) and was excused from duty.
Four desperate big powders of quinine, opium, etc. to be taken. Retired
to quarters, burned the powders and went to bed with cold water
application to throat. Could eat nothing whatsoever all day. Had a
raging fever, all throat very painful. Bathed in the evening. Fever a
little lower.
Huntsville, Friday, Feb. 26. Felt very much better than yesterday. Could
eat a little with pain to-day. Off duty and laid in tent all day, most
of the time alone. Boys all on duty, Hungerfords foraging. Carriages
washed preparatory to painting. Sergeant Hauxhurst under arrest for
refusing to obey Sergeant Hood's orders on drill.
Huntsville, Saturday, Feb. 27. Throat better. Tumor broken. Bad cough
yet. Excused from guard, it being my turn. Camp policed. Lieutenant
Clark's wife arrived. No parade. Mail. Carriages all painted over with
olive paint. Twelve on the sick roll this morning. Weather exceedingly
changeable.
Huntsville, Sunday, Feb. 28. Fine pleasant day. Attended church with
Cousin Griffith. Went to the Presbyterian church. A sermon fraught with
Southern principles. Services in camp this afternoon by Chaplain of 7th
Iowa. P. B. Moss, after a short illness, died very suddenly at 2 P. M.
It was wholly unexpected by all, and spread gloom over all the camp.
Huntsville, Monday, Feb. 29. Rained very heavily all night and continued
through the day without interruption.
10 A. M. the funeral ceremonies of Moss took place. The procession in
charge of Sergeant Hood, his former commander. Sixth piece in the lead
followed by the caisson on which the coffin was placed, the hind chests
taken off. The Company marched after it in column of detachments, his
own Platoon in front, officers in the rear. Mounted in this way the
procession marched about two miles passing through town. The roads very
bad indeed. Formed hollow square at the grave. Chaplain offered a short
prayer before the burial. It was a solemn but tearless scene, comrades
paying the last tribute of respect to a fellow soldier, leaving his
remains among the honored dead of Huntsville, over whose head no marble
slab and carved obelisk was reared in memoriam, but to him a rude
head-board was all that told of his resting place. What a consolation to
the bereaved mother in Wisconsin to see the place where he lay.
Mustered for January and February pay by Lt. T. R. Hood.
Huntsville, Tuesday, March 1. A dreary, rainy day. Huddled indoors all
day. Whiled away the heavy moments as best we could with dominoes, etc.
Mail arrived in afternoon with its usual supply of papers and letters,
and the evening was quickly passed in reading from the papers aloud. 4th
Minnesota returned from Whitesburg. Expected to start for home on
furlough but instead received orders to go to Chattanooga.
H. S. Keene returned from his furlough of thirty days in Wisconsin.
Huntsville, Wednesday, March 2. A very cold night, the wind whistling
through the cracks of our shebang. Slept almost cold. Ground froze hard
in the morning. The morning air dry and clear. On guard. Mounted at 9 A.
M. Third relief. No one put in guard house. L. Leach, under guard, who
has been confined for sixteen days in this miserable noisy hole for a
trifling crime, but he stood it with resignation. Obliged to watch him
in his slumber during the weary hours of the night. After relieved, lay
beside my charge and slept.
Huntsville, Thursday, March 3. A pleasant day. Off duty at 9 A. M. Did
not come on till six hours hence according to regulations. A very heavy
detail sent foraging with brigade teams, ours being allowed a short
rest. Policing in the afternoon. J. M. Hood was to-day appointed orderly
sergeant; Corporal Alba Sweet, 6th sergeant, vice Hood promoted; private
Malish, corporal, vice Sweet promoted; Sergeant Hauxhurst
court-martialed to-day; charges, refusing to obey Sergeant Hood's
orders. The result I have not learned. He is able to defend his case I
think, able to prove much that the officers don't like.
[Sidenote: 1864 Negro Schools]
Huntsville, Friday, March 4. Evie Evans and myself went to the city on
pass. Visited the Christian Commission rooms. Bought stamps. Also went
to the colored school under charge of Chaplain of 17th Colored. Had
school-teachers, being volunteers from the ranks, teaching the little
woolly-heads their "A. B. C.'s". One class of youngsters was taught by a
large negro. A class of young ladies was reading in the _Second Reader_.
All seemed attentive and anxious to receive the instruction but poorly
imparted to them. Harnesses were opened and distributed to the platoons.
I was given one set. No horses.
Huntsville, Saturday, March 5. No drill to-day. General policing.
Instead old harness being packed in the empty boxes in place of new.
Expect to get them off soon. 4th Minnesota started on their homeward
bound trip to-day at 12 M. with colors flying, and I dare say hearts
fluttering. About sixty were left, as they would not re-enlist. Smallpox
quite prevalent. Lieutenant Clark is down with it in an adjoining house.
Paddleford was sent off last night to smallpox camp. His case was quite
advanced. All broken out.
Huntsville, Sunday, March 6. A most delightful day. On guard. Second
relief. ---- still under arrest. Knapsack inspection at 8 A. M. as
usual. Preaching in camp at 2 P. M. Very good, by member of Christian
Commission.
Huntsville, Monday, March 7. A cloudy, dismal morning. Felt gloomy and
sad in spirits. After dinner in hopes of driving such feelings away, I
took my pen to write to Thomas. While thus engaged, I was interrupted by
a loud talking and cheering in front of the tent, which called me out.
There I found that the recruits had arrived from Camp Randall, thirty
stout and hearty looking men with mouths wide open, gazing at their "to
be" comrades. Anyone could see that they were raw recruits, but nearly
everyone had friends to receive and congratulate, but I knew no one, but
was cheered by the handing of a package to me by a stranger. It was from
home. Hardly waiting to go to my tent, I tore it open, found a pair of
socks knit by the hands of my mother; she who so often in times gone by
has contributed to my comfort and happiness, had again remembered me in
her labors, while suffering severely under the ruthless hand of disease.
Oh how precious she is to me, and how fondly I will cherish her humble
gift. Also a number of the _Phrenological Journals_ bound in with the
calico strip as of old--my favorite paper, loaded with valuable reading
matter; also a gift from Brother John, a diary such as I need. The
whole so impressed me with the scenes of home and its endearments that I
could hardly refrain the tears. When the mail arrived I received four
letters--nearly enough for one day.
Huntsville, Tuesday, March 8. Rainy. Appearance of bad weather. Henry
Robson taken to smallpox camp, having been sick in camp for nearly a
week with varioloid. On duty, hauling wood for the cooks both morning
and afternoon. Recruits were drilled by Sergeant Sweet. Reports of
several court-martials read at dress parade, of artillery men. ---- of
our Battery, ten days hard labor after twenty in confinement in guard
house. News reached us of a terrible calamity having befallen the
homeward bound veterans of the 4th Minnesota. Cars running off the
track, killing eighteen soldiers, five or six wounded. Having braved
many battles, thus to die on the way to see those whom they loved.
[Sidenote: 1864 Dance in Camp]
Huntsville, Wednesday, March 9. Hitched up four guns and caisson and
went out for battery drill under Lieutenant Hood. Horses balky and
unused to work, had to unhitch one and returned with but little drill. I
rode on lead, third caisson. Standing gun drill and parade in the
afternoon. Rainy evening. Privates had a grand ball to-night in Alabama
Hotel to try to excel the shoulder-strap fizzle of Feb. 22. I understand
they had a grand time. No officers allowed, no one with shoulder straps
on. Forty ladies in all. Lieutenant Clark little better with the
smallpox.
Huntsville, Thursday, March 10. Had a very stormy night but a fine day.
I was on guard P. M., first relief, on horses in the daytime and tents
in the evening. Midnight tour very stormy and dark, but managed to pass
the time quickly in thinking of all but the present. Drills and parades
as usual.
Huntsville, Friday, March 11. Felt fresh this morning, notwithstanding
the guard duty of last night. At 9 A. M. took a stroll up Russell Hill.
Found violets in bloom, picked a bouquet of them with peach and plum
blossoms and put them on my desk. Evans out in charge of foraging train,
with fifteen men. General Matthies was seen in camp to-day. The last
time I saw him was leaving the field of Mission Ridge covered with
blood, a sturdy and honest old general, loved by all his command.
Congratulatory resolutions read at parade from Congress to Sherman and
his men, also an order from John A. Logan to protect fences and houses.
All advantages given to the citizens to raise their own subsistence.
Boys all jolly. Games of ball on all day and late in the evening.
Huntsville, Saturday, March 12. Very cold night but warm and beautiful
day. No drill to-day, it being general policing, which was done in a
short time. Games daily in camp, ball, etc. Spent most of the day
reading the _Phrenological Journals_ received from home. At night I laid
awake long and restless, thinking of home and its endearments. After
sleep came I dreamt of mother. T. J. Hungerford quite unwell this
evening, heavy fever. Exercised rather too much for his strength in the
morning, and his system impaired from previous illness.
[Sidenote: 1864 War Sermons]
Huntsville, Sunday, March 13. A delightful Sabbath morning. T. J.
Hungerford very sick, heavy fever and hard breathing. Afraid he is going
to have a fever. Bathed him, towels kept around him, and all we can do
for him is done gladly. After inspection 8 A. M. attended Sabbath school
and meeting at the Methodist Church with Booth and D. Evans. The society
was in deep mourning for Mrs. Jordan, principal teacher and
superintendent of the Sabbath school, who was killed in the railroad
accident of the 5th inst. Fitting resolutions were passed by the school
in memoriam. The minister preached from the 35th and 36th verses of the
fourth chapter of St. John, a discourse filled with hell fire and
eternal misery, with but little consolation to the many bereaved mothers
and sisters present who had lost their all in the Confederate army.
Although enemies, I could but feel for their distressing sobs, that were
audible all over the room. In the afternoon the day was so cheering that
I could not resist the temptation of another walk to town, where in a
crowded house of soldiers and citizens I listened to an excellent
practical sermon on the ten virgins, wise and foolish.