foraging with two days' rations in haversacks, blankets and overcoats,
etc. Fell in at 8 A. M. to go with brigade teams thirty in number, all
to be loaded by artillerymen. A ride of nearly twenty miles in a mule
wagon brought us to the corn field at 3 P. M., two men to a wagon.
Jerked it from the rows, and in about an hour we started back, crossed
Beaver Dam Creek and drove hard till sundown. Crossed at Liberty Point,
eleven miles from camp, near a few out-buildings. No rails allowed to be
burnt by Lieutenant Eddy in charge. Those that were prepared cooked
their coffee in their cans and we all ate. It was very cold and
blustering, not in the least enticing to sleep out of doors, but
necessity compelled it. Three of us made our beds together and slept
quite warm until midnight, when we awoke to find it sprinkling and the
wind driving threatening black clouds over us. Not wishing to get
soaked, we pulled out, rolled up our blankets, etc. and sought shelter.
The storm passed harmlessly over, but we found but little sleep. I
rolled in my blanket on the stoop of the dwelling house, where I slept
some. Dreamed of being buried in snow drifts and surrounded by ice.
Awoke to find it nearly a reality. Benumbed with cold and clogged
throat, I sought the fire to wait for the dawn. Long and anxiously did
we watch the coming of the morning.
Huntsville, Tuesday, March 15. Teamsters and boys up early. Those that
were not scared out of bed had a good night's sleep. Felt quite dull and
severe cold settled in throat. Went into a citizen's house to procure my
breakfast. Had warm biscuit, buttermilk, etc. for 50c, and started with
the train. Walked nearly all the way to camp where we arrived at 11 A.
M. Found three letters to me bearing date of the 6th, and all the
disagreeable was soon forgotten in the joy of the present. Mother much
better and in her own room. Sergeant Hauxhurst after a long period of
arrest put on duty. His court-martial read at dress parade. His sentence
by the court was reduction to the ranks, but was modified by General
Matthies to the loss of one month's pay, for previous meritorious
conduct as non-commissioned officer. He suffers from a jealous clique.
Huntsville, Wednesday, March 16. A very cold and blustering day. All
feel pinched as in January. Tommy Hungerford continues quite ill. Fever
has left him, but he suffers from inflammation of the lungs. Confined to
his bed all the time, and kept drowsy all the time by noxious drugs.
Byron Babcock taken to the post hospital last night and M. Murphy
to-day. He is very bad with measles. Hauled wood in the afternoon with
D. Wallace and Milton Hungerford, ash-wood from the hill which is needed
to keep warm. Bought _Atlantic Monthly_ of J. Lester. Good reading.
[Sidenote: 1864 The Sick and Dying]
Huntsville, Thursday, March 17. Day very fine. Cold night. Heavy frost
in the morning. Policed camp in the morning. Inspected in the afternoon
by Captains Lee and Dillon. T. J. Hungerford none better. His brother
detailed to nurse him and I to take care of Milton's team. Michael
Murphy died in post hospital last night at 3 A. M. No mail or papers.
Reported capture of the train near Tullahoma with all on board, burning
the cars and tearing up the track. Much anxiety is felt, as Generals
Grant and McPherson were expected on it. If they should be captured it
certainly would be a calamity.
Huntsville, Friday, March 18. A beautiful day. Sick none the better.
Tommy is very low, unable to be up, while he is kept strong by medicine
all of the time. 111th Illinois Infantry marched in from Nashville
direct from the State, the largest regiment I have seen South, said to
be attached to our Division. Matthies is commanding Division. Smith on
furlough.
9 A. M. Formed procession and marched to the funeral of Murphy, fourth
piece leading the procession. A chaplain officiated at the grave.
Received mail in the afternoon. Reports of the guerrilla raid not as
hideous as yesterday.
Huntsville, Saturday, March 19. Very cold night. Cloudy day. Appearance
of rain. Have not felt well since I was out foraging. A bad cold settled
on my lungs, a dull headache. Excused from guard this morning because I
took care of team. Tommy very low. I fear he is fast approaching
consumption. He has eaten hardly anything for a week. I made some farina
gruel this afternoon of which he ate a little. Kept constantly under the
effects of medicine, sleepy, mind wandering. All that we can do for him
is done willingly, but it is far from being like home.
Huntsville, Sunday, March 20. Awoke with bad cough and sore throat.
Attended church at 10 A. M. The Presbyterian Church was crowded to
overflowing by citizens, but few soldiers could gain admittance. I was
up in the gallery. The funeral sermon of Mrs. Jordan was preached, very
effective and eloquent. Jackson Moss and colored Henry were taken to the
smallpox camp this afternoon.
Evening. I am notified to be ready to start in the morning on a five
days' scout, my team going with the left Section. Drew two days' rations
of hard-tack.
Huntsville, Monday, March 21. Reveille sounded at 4 A. M. Fed and
harnessed before breakfast, and prepared for the march, two days'
rations in haversack, three days' in wagon. As soon as it was light,
hitched up on the sixth piece, the caisson to be left behind; seven
cannoneers. It was very cold, windy morning. Waited until 8 A. M. when
the order came to unhitch and unharness, the expedition over, which was
gladly obeyed by all except the recruits, they being yet anxious to
taste the poetry of war. The day continued very cold and very
uncomfortable for the sick, which are daily increasing. T. J. Hungerford
continues very low, yet the doctor speaks cheerfully. He was visited by
the medical director of the Division to-day. A heavy mail received, of
which I received two goodly ones. Corporal Dixon was to-day made
sergeant of our Platoon, vice Hamilton promoted. E. W. Evans promoted to
corporal to fill vacancy, in which capacity he had been acting for over
a year. Sat up with Tommy till 1 A. M., giving him powders every three
hours; stimulants, liquors, every two. All alone, a time for sad
reflections and longing thoughts.
[Sidenote: 1864 Welcome Snow]
Huntsville, Tuesday, March 22. All were surprised this morning upon
looking out to find the ground covered with pure, soft and downy snow,
and the air yet thick with the falling feathers. It continued till 9 A.
M., leaving eight inches on the ground. To the natives it was looked
upon as a strange occurrence in this territory, a phenomenon, but to us
from the stern and living North it was as good as a furlough, a sudden
transition to old Wisconsin. What a calm serenity it spreads on earth in
its pure, spotless white, covering over the disagreeable, the footprints
of suffering and wrongs that are so indelibly imprinted everywhere upon
the fair but wicked South. What a longing for home it created, as home
scenes and accompaniments were brought vividly to the mind's eye. Many
were the thoughts of sleigh rides, hills, girls, etc. by those that are
to enjoy such. One party I saw as I went to water. They had rigged up a
sled with young mules hitched, and a sonorous cowbell for music. They
paraded the streets of Huntsville and were looked upon by the native
fair as crazy, but they knew nothing of the fun. But this uncommon
visitor was not to last long, and the Southern sun soon made it withdraw
slowly but surely.
A bad day for the sick. Tommy very low all day and painful. Evie was on
guard, so I sat up with him till one o'clock in the morning, fed him
medicine regularly with a cold application to be changed every fifteen
minutes. He has not eaten anything for days, save what I have fed him
with a spoon. Fed him farina gruel twice through the night with the
spoon. Coughs severely. Chas. Hutchinson and J. McCann sick with the
same disease.
Huntsville, Wednesday, March 23. Warm day. Snow all gone by night making
it very slushy and muddy. T. J. Hungerford apparently a little better,
but very weak. Sat up long enough to make his bed and bathe him. Hauled
wood in forenoon, drilled in afternoon on gun. No mail. I have a bad
cold settled on my lungs. The right lung pains me considerably. Alex Ray
taken to smallpox hospital, making five in all. Lieutenant Clark and
Paddleford wholly recovered. Captain ---- got into a barroom row with a
citizen in town this afternoon, for which he was put under arrest, but
returned to-night. Hurt his hand.
Huntsville, Thursday, March 24. Weather warm and ground drying. We have
a very pleasant ride every morning to the big spring in town to water
our horses, and back, about two miles. Have to keep in the ranks, which
is not as agreeable as if allowed to go as we pleased. Tommy gaining a
little. Through the kindness of one of the boys' lady acquaintances, he
was supplied with a rocking chair in which he sat for some time. A new
hospital tent is being put up on the hill right above us for the
batteries, where he will be removed soon.
Huntsville, Friday, March 25. Rainy and disagreeable day. Wrote a letter
and read most of the day. Feel quite dull and troubled with bad cough.
Four more recruits arrived from Wisconsin, having been left behind sick
when the others came. Two horses died to-day, which is the same nearly
every day. They have a species of distemper, and will die soon unless
prevented.
Huntsville, Saturday, March 26. A warm, windy day. No drill or parade.
Washed in the morning. Policed camp and park in the afternoon, which
took us about two hours. Detail of seventeen went out foraging with
Lieutenant Jenawein. Will not return until to-morrow. Orders received to
put this Division upon a "field footing" immediately, which is supposed
to mean something. The train from Nashville to-day came in by way of
Decatur. Major Generals Sherman and McPherson were on board, and are now
in town where the headquarters are to be established.
Huntsville, Sunday, March 27. Knapsack inspection 8 A. M. as usual.
Complimentary resolutions passed by the Wisconsin Legislature to the
soldiers in the field and the heroic dead were read to us, which is much
sweeter than Order "No. 6" which we have heard for months. Attended
church this forenoon. Text 23rd verse, 35th chapter of St. Matthew.
T. J. Hungerford so far recovered that he was able to go to the hospital
tent with the aid of two men. His brother Milton goes with him as nurse.
No mail to-day again.
Huntsville, Monday, March 28. To-day again was one full of
disagreeableness. Cold rain, windy, so that we could not have a fire
without smoking us out. Spent the long hours as best we could, playing
dominoes and checkers with Griff and D. J. D. etc. A very large mail
arrived, but unfortunately I was forgotten this time. Dress parade 4 P.
M. Complimentary resolutions to veterans received from Congress. I have
a very bad cold yet, with a wearisome cough. Bathed and wore wet
compresses on chest.
[Sidenote: 1864 Mother Bickerdyke]
Huntsville, Tuesday, March 29. Rained exceedingly heavy during the
night, but cleared off in the morning. Continued cool through the day.
Our camp was visited to-day by Mother Bickerdyke with four mule teams
loaded with good things from the North for the soldiers. Left us three
barrels of potatoes, turnips, carrots, etc., one barrel of sourkraut
with one of dried applies. _Noble woman._ I still remember with
gratitude the motherly interest she took in my welfare while lying in
the hospital at Corinth. Here again she comes with that which she has
gathered by her own labor in the North, not leaving it to be wholly
absorbed by surgeons, directors and officers, as is too often the case
with sanitary goods. She comes along in a mule wagon and delivers it
herself to the "good boys" as she terms us, without seeking the
officers. She drew a large crowd around her soon. Her glowing, welcoming
face, filled with cordiality, had a magnetic influence upon the hearts
of all, such a contrast to the haughty, disdainful looks we are
accustomed to receive from women in general. May God bless her noble,
self-sacrificing spirit, is the soldier's prayer.
Had a most hearty old-fashioned supper of potatoes and onions with
gravy, which was better for our grease-laden systems than loads of
cathartics. We had about twelve pounds of dried apples for our mess of
four. Suddenly this afternoon at 4 P. M. the left Section was ordered to
prepare to move. At 5 P. M., the two pieces left under Lieutenant Hood
with five days' rations. One of my horses sick so I did not have to go.
The other one was taken as extra horse. Lieutenant Clark assumed command
of the Battery and took us out to parade--considerably scarred.
Huntsville, Wednesday, March 30. A fine day, warm, the vegetable
kingdom springing fast. Turned my sick horse out to die this morning.
Obtained a pass of Lieutenant Jenawein to go to the city. Called at
shoemaker's shop, fixed my boots, and took a ramble through the town to
the cemetery, and spent half an hour in meditation among the sacred
dead. There lay, side by side, the rich and the poor. Here are coward,
patriot and traitor. Truly all earthly passes away and leaves but faint
traces behind. Visited an artist's gallery where I saw the most
beautiful works of art I ever saw, representing the human form so
lifelike that it needed but the speech to appear with life. The room was
filled with different scenes, and the cold white marble statuary by them
looked cold and expressionless. Returned to camp weary, but well pleased
with my morning's work. Dinner was over, but they left a rarity of
potatoes, etc.
At dress parade we were looked upon by four Northern ladies, one of whom
was Mother Bickerdyke, having ridden up from town in an ambulance. The
ranks, which before they came under the soft glances of women, were
irregular, steps broken, heads drooping, all carelessness, now closed up
and all moved with true military precision. A natural impulse to please
took hold of them, I guess. After parade they were conducted through
camp examining our quarters, with a pleasant smile and a kind word for
all, spreading sunshine as they went and filling the heart with fond
recollections and pleasing hopes. All were Northern women upon missions
of love, one I understood a Wisconsin one, a young lady of twenty-five,
the others elderly.
Huntsville, Thursday, March 31. Dark, cloudy day. Washed in the morning,
necessary but unpleasant duty, then staid in the hospital a little in
the afternoon while the nurse went riding for exercise. T. J. H. weak
but gaining. Herron has a terrible head from erysipelas--hair, eyebrows,
all coming out. Corp. Knapp rode into camp from left Section. They are
posted in a fort on the Tennessee River at Whitesburg, fifteen miles
distant, watching the enemy on the other side, fortified. Returned with
nine men; comfortably quartered in vacant houses. Played ball all of the
afternoon.
Huntsville, Friday, April 1. Although the day was wet and rainy the boys
played well the part of April fool, and it was one continuous jest all
day. The bugler blew the breakfast call half an hour too early, calling
out the men in the rain to awaken to the fact that it was April fool,
etc. A squad of eight men were sent off at 3 P. M. on horseback to
relieve the veterans at Whitesburg so they can return in the morning to
be mustered in. Evie went with them so I am all alone. 80th Ohio started
home on the 5 P. M. train.
[Sidenote: 1864 First Theatre]
Huntsville, Saturday, April 2. Dry day. No duty to-day except the
policing in the afternoon which was soon completed. 63rd Illinois
Veteran Volunteers started on their homeward-bound journey this evening.
As they marched out to the music of their fine martial band, each heart
bounded with animation at the prospect of meeting the familiar faces
once more. The 48th and 59th Indiana Volunteers marched into their old
camping ground which they had left two months ago for home. They had
marched all the way from Nashville in five days, one hundred and thirty
miles, footsore and tired with three years of service before them. In
company with Griff and D. J. D. visited the theatre, first one I ever
saw. Well pleased.
Huntsville, Sunday, April 3. The mail that came in last night was not
distributed till this morning. I received three goodly letters.
Inspection and reading of order No. 6, at 8 A. M. after which I went to
church. Attended the Methodist Sabbath School, took part in the
soldiers' class taught by a captain. Listened to a sermon in the elegant
Presbyterian church on atonement; poor and inconsistent. Wrote a letter
to brother John in the afternoon.
General McPherson rode through camp this afternoon at 3 P. M., the idol
of all soldiers. Had not seen him since we left Vicksburg before. A true
gentleman and noble patriot. Teams back from Whitesburg after rations
for men.
Huntsville, Monday, April 4. A cloudy, rainy day. Orders given us at 8
A. M. to put our tents in order preparatory to an inspection by medical
director. All filth to be removed. Dirty clothes were washed, etc. In
the evening the artillery boys listened to a stirring speech on the
parade ground by Rev. Collins, chaplain 57th Illinois, a spicy and able
speaker. Kept the crowd laughing much of the time, at the same time
encouraging and instructing each one in the duty of the hour, and had a
good effect. Sold several tracts.
Huntsville, Tuesday, April 5. Did not rain to-day but we had but little
sunshine. Watched in the hospital from midnight till 4 A. M. with Andy
Herron, suffering from severe attack of erysipelas in the face and head.
Changed wet cloths on his face every fifteen minutes. While drilling in
company in front of officers' tents, under the order of Sergeant, I and
David Evans were taken out of the ranks and Corporal Malish put over us
to drill us in front of tents for two hours by order of Captain. He was
sitting in front of his tent and said we laughed in the ranks. It being
the first time I ever was punished, I was much hurt in feelings, much
more so as it was for a crime that I am not aware that I ever committed,
and was not observed by any except Captain who was eight or ten rods
off. He was out of humor at the company drill and (it being very muddy)
as is customary, he must visit his wrath upon somebody. After two hours'
marching as culprits before the whole camp, we were dismissed, but I
felt no guilt, as my conduct was not improper.
[Sidenote: 1864 Camp Games]
Huntsville, Wednesday, April 6. A beautiful sunny day, so warm in midday
as to make it uncomfortable with coat on. Policed camp thoroughly in
morning, and company drills in the afternoon. Veterans were at last
mustered in at 2 P. M. by the mustering officer. Consisted of their
taking the oath together, thirty in number, two others being in pest
hospital. My horse brought back from the river sick. Keeler bled,
rowelled, physicked him. I guess he will be all right to-morrow. Ought
to. Played chess most of the day. New thing for me. Fascinating.
Huntsville, Thursday, April 7. A beautiful spring day, grass growing,
birds caroling. All nature seems to be putting forth new life. The
soldiers with the rest took up the spirit, and the camp was lively with
outdoor spirits all day. Horses turned out to picket, but little grass
for them, yet I was detailed to watch them in the afternoon,
consequently did not drill. Heard from friend Evie, my mate, carried up
by one of the boys. He is doing well and enjoying himself. I would like
to go out there to him. I don't like to live alone very well. Large
mail, but none for me this time.
Huntsville, Friday, April 8. A fine day. Drill as usual. Played ball
spare time in the morning. Wrote to brother Thomas in the afternoon.
Pleasant task when my mind is tranquil. 48th and detachment of 59th
Indiana went out at 4 P. M. to reinforce Whitesburg, it is supposed.
Deserters say that the enemy is reinforcing heavily and making
preparations to throw a pontoon bridge across the river some dark night.
Rumor says John Morgan was in town lately with a load of wood. If so, I
don't think our sixteen pieces on Russell Hill looked very encouraging
to him. Come on, John, we are ready.
Huntsville, Saturday, April 9. Cloudy and showery. A train of sixty
wagons started out for forage for the artillery, a detail of forty men
sent from each battery, having but a small squad in camp. What few
there were, on fatigue all the forenoon, husking and overhauling corn
pile, rain beating and spoiling it. Policed camp thoroughly in the
afternoon and I was sent with two others after load of wood. By night I
was quite tired. Received a large mail. I was blessed with two fine ones
from Hannah and Thomas. Did me a heap of good.
Huntsville, Sunday, April 10. Beautiful weather. A "big scare" up this
morning, expecting the Rebs in from the other side of the river.
Orderlies said to be running all night. Early this morning Captain
Dillon reported to headquarters for further intelligence, leaving orders
to allow nobody to leave camp. Teams from Whitesburg returned after
rations. The boys then were kept at their posts all night. Foraging
trains came in early half loaded. The roads very bad. Went to town in
the afternoon but there was no church. Returned and read Bartlett's
Sermon in _Covenant_, which was much better.
Huntsville, Monday, April 11. Spent the day in the usual way. Two hours'
gun drill in the morning, then game of ball; an hour company drill in
the afternoon; a game or two of chess, then parade 4 P. M.; reading,
writing, the remainder of the time till retreat at 8 P. M. when I made
down my cot. In the quiet of alone I lay down, a few yearning thoughts
of home, mother, etc. and all is oblivion till reveille calls me forth
from the land of nod. A little after noon we were startled by a terrible
explosion near the depot. A caisson of the Illinois Battery had exploded
while returning from drill, killing six cannoneers instantly and
wounding two. A very sad affair. Bodies torn to shreds.
Huntsville, Tuesday, April 12. Clouds and sunshine struggled for
supremacy all day, neither having possession long at a time. Drew
clothing. I got a new blouse and pants. Brigade guard was mounted
together this morning on our parade ground, infantry and artillery, by
the 1st Brigade staff officer, a band of fifes and drums acting as
Brigade band in absence of a brass one. All was ordered to be put slick
this afternoon again, dishes washed, cooking utensils scoured, etc. The
medical director of the camp inspected us at 4 P. M.
[Sidenote: 1864 Review]
Huntsville, Wednesday, April 13. A delightful day for the great review
that took place at 2 P. M. of the remnant of the 3rd Division that is
left here. We had no horses to take out our Battery, but went as drivers
on one of our caissons with the Illinois Battery to fill the place of
the one that was "blowed up" Monday. The imposing line was formed on the
race course consisting of five regiments of infantry and two batteries.
The bands rolled out their cheers as Generals McPherson, Logan and
Smith, with their respective staffs, rode down the lines, on gay steeds
glittering with their military embellishments. After they rode by, they
took a position in front, and we passed in review, artillery in front,
in column of sections followed by infantry in divisions. Returned to
camp, each impressed with the prospect of a move, which heretofore has
always been the result in this army.
Sixteen of Cogswell's Battery veterans left for home this morning. The
Nashville and Stevenson R. R. is abandoned, and all the transportation
runs through here via Decatur, upwards of ten trains each way. Mail
train arrives 9 P. M.
Huntsville, Thursday, April 14. The camps were aroused last night at
midnight, ordered to dress and be ready to turn out at a moment's
warning. I got up, lit a candle, packed up my knapsack and Evie's. Put
everything ready and laid down again. Did not wake till the breakfast
call sounded. Found the sun shining pleasantly and "nary" Forrest or
Morgan near. I know not the cause of alarm. Some of the boys say they
heard artillery firing. The other Batteries hitched up, but as we had no
horses I think they intended we should run if they came. We could do
little fighting if they came not in our front. But as we are on the
front such alarms are not strange. Evergreens were hauled into camp by
detail, and a row of shady pine is planted in front of the tents, adding
much to the beauty and comfort of the camp. I have a big tree in front
of my "shebang". This does not look like moving, but still there is no
reliance upon appearances. Two of our men and Henry returned from pest
hospital, recovered from smallpox.
Huntsville, Friday, April 15. The veterans of the 12th Wisconsin Battery
left this morning, thirty in number, with their beautiful flags, for the
State. Ours would go with them if Lieutenant Jenawein were here, but he
is at Whitesburg and will not be up till this evening. He will start
with them in the morning. I am on guard, pleasant through the day but
dreary during the night. My old chum Evie was up from the river after
rations. Staid all night. He is in charge of 3rd Platoon. Orders
received to reduce us to four-gun battery.