cars on their way to Nashville. Packed up in great haste with the report
that Madison Station was in the hands of the rebels, ten miles distant
from here. The long rolls were immediately sounded in infantry camp.
Orderlies hastened with orders. First Section in moving order in ten
minutes. Soon both Batteries hitched up. 12th Battery went up to the
fort. We waited for orders. Impression prevailed that it was the onset
of Forrest for Huntsville. 11 A. M. the 59th Indiana went out on the
open cars towards the Station in high spirits and deafening cheers. 18th
Wisconsin called from Whitesburg and two companies of 10th Missouri from
Flint River.
4 P. M. our Battery ordered aboard train, three days' rations, one
blanket. Raining very heavy ever since noon. Guns were put in flat cars,
horses in freight cars, and at 5 P. M. we started under Colonel
Alexander. As the train left the depot, loud cheers arose from the
soldier boys. Returned by the waving of handkerchiefs from windows. At
dusk we halted at the smouldering ruins of Madison Depot, burned down
and occupied by stragglers of the 13th Illinois. The 59th and four
companies of 13th followed the raiders towards the river. Rain fell in
torrents while we hurriedly unloaded. Got in moving condition at 9 P. M.
and started. Very dark. I was left with forage that was to go back to
Huntsville on train. Expecting to return to camp soon, I allowed E. W.
E. to take my blanket, but after they left, 10 P. M., was told the train
would not return till morning. Closed the car and lay on the wet sacks
with only a rubber over me. On guard night before. Quite sleepy.
Madison Station, Wednesday, May 18. Awoke before daylight, numb with
cold. Sought the fire around the ruins. I found the 59th Indiana lying
sleeping, having returned at 1 A. M. after travelling twenty-six miles
since they started through the rain, and no rations or rest. Skirmished
with them two miles, driving them on to the river, but as they had no
artillery they had to return. Alexander lost the road, consequently did
not meet them. Picked up my breakfast from scraps of hard-tack
scattered.
Train went on to Nashville and had to unload the forage. The rebel
forces that came in yesterday, under command of Patterson, crossed the
river in the night and surprised the post, having them almost surrounded
before they were aware of their presence. They estimated fifteen hundred
mounted men, four pieces of artillery. The Regiment precipitately made
for the woods to escape. Lost everything, clothing, etc. and knapsacks.
The affair was no credit to the officers and men of the 13th Illinois.
Their time was out on the 24th inst., expecting to go home daily. About
thirty of them are now on their way to Southern prisons.
10 A. M. Alexander returned with the troops, having been on a wild goose
chase. Marched all night nearly, to find the bird safe. The raiders made
good their escape across the Tennessee after having taken four mule
teams and wagons, twenty to forty prisoners, a lot of good clothes,
"Yankee blue", supply of blankets, and killing two or three, one sick
man shot after surrender, with a loss of sixty-four in our hands. Took
his killed and wounded with him. On the other side they fired a salute
of defiance.
12 M. Battery started by land for Huntsville. Infantry and the artillery
came on train. Arrived at Huntsville 5 P. M., being gone twenty-four
hours. Marched thirty-eight miles. Tired and sleepy. All hands enjoyed a
hearty supper and a good night's rest.
Huntsville, Thursday, May 19. A day of quiet rest to all that would.
Sultry and cloudy. Health is good, but felt dull. Eyes pain me
considerable. Advance of the 17th Corps, 4th Division, arrived and
camped near our old camp on Russell Hill. Corps is to rendezvous here,
reorganizing before they take the field. No train expected from
Nashville for two days. A bridge is to be repaired, an unwelcome
occurrence in these exciting times when all are breathlessly waiting
for news. Five companies, 59th Indiana, went to relieve the 13th
Illinois to go home. Expiration of term.
Huntsville, Friday, May 20. On guard, third relief. Gave the day up
willingly for its duties by lying low all the time not on post, which
was rather monotonous. No papers or mail. Large party went out on pass
this afternoon with Sergeant Hauxhurst to visit friends in 14th, 17th,
and 33rd Wisconsin Regiments.
[Sidenote: 1864 A Camp Pond]
Huntsville, Saturday, May 21. Mail distributed, giving me three fat
letters which did me much good. Good news from Sherman. Boys busy in the
afternoon damming up the creek in front of camp to make swimming pond.
Had a refreshing bath in the evening.
Huntsville, Sunday, May 22. Inspection 8 A. M. Attended Sabbath school.
Soldiers' class large and interesting. Before returned to camp, listened
to an eloquent and scientific discourse by Dr. Ross, Presbyterian
Church. Wrote letters in the afternoon. Very warm. Traded sugar for
milk. Made a fine bread pudding for dinner, great rarity for soldiers. A
train of thirty cars loaded with "grey backs" captured by Sherman passed
North; very dirty and filthy-looking clothes.
Huntsville, Monday, May 23. Very warm, sultry day. Performed the
pleasant task of signing pay roll, expect a month's soon. Change getting
low on all sides. Heavy columns of troops arrived all day. Leggett's
Division, 17th Army Corps expect to reorganize ere leaving for the
front. I anticipate that we will soon be relieved to join our Corps in
the front with gallant Sherman, who is doing much. Expects to be in
Atlanta by the first of June. Terrible uncertainty hangs over Grant. A
heavy mail arrived this evening. I received two good ones from T. L. and
E. L. 63rd Illinois returned from veteran furlough.
Huntsville, Tuesday, May 24. Our quiet camp is very busy to-day by the
bustle occasioned by the presence of the 17th Corps. Wagons driving in
hot haste, drums beating, bugles blowing, etc. The boys as of old are
doing steep jay-hawking, breaking into gardens, cheating sutlers, etc. A
long march has invariably a demoralizing effect upon troops. Guards
stationed on every corner. Blair has ordered our Division to the front.
Smith telegraphed to Sherman for orders. Paid off 4 P. M., $52.00. The
rest of the day was spent very busily, settling debts and crossing out
old scores, trading, etc.
Huntsville, Wednesday, May 25. The 17th Corps took up the line of march
early this morning but did not get under way, all of it till 11 A. M.
They go back towards Decatur, supposed to cross the river for Rome. As
they marched out with bands playing and colors flying, it was a grand
sight, and to any man an incentive to patriotism to watch the firm,
measured step of thousands of brave men, marching cheerfully to the
hardest of deaths, many miles away from home and its endearments. As
they march through this traitor land, do not their hearts beat quick as
they think of those behind. Would that they could but behold the
cheerful and willing countenances of those they love this morning as
they left Huntsville to seek the foes of this country. Wisconsin, my
beloved State, has many interests centered in the 17th Corps, six
regiments true and brave. Their moving eased our minds as the
probabilities of our moving thereby lessened.
The guards that were posted at every corner were relieved, and the by
this time quiet 3rd Division allowed to go at will and come when they
pleased. They carry themselves as honorable men with but few exceptions.
On guard, first relief, after returned. At 10 A. M. went up town. Sat
for half a dozen photographs.
[Sidenote: 1864 Allotments Home]
Huntsville, Thursday, May 26. Felt quite unwell. Have a very severe cold
and bad headache. Expressed $40.00 home in J. Lester's package. Battery
drill of two hours this morning, first since we reached this camp. Long
list on extra duty this afternoon for absence at roll call, etc. The
looseness in which things were allowed to run in camp for the last week
will now be overbalanced by unscrupulous severity. Good news from Grant
read anxiously 9 P. M. from the only paper received in camp.
Huntsville, Friday, May 27. Suffer a severe cold. Dull, cloudy day. Lay
in my bunk most of the day. Expressed $40.00 of my money home per J.
Lester to-day. Went to town afternoon, received my photos.
Huntsville, Saturday, May 28. A hot day. On detail to go outside pickets
after wood. Reported in town 8 A. M. to go with division train. Train
did not go, waited to see brigade guard. Loaded with forage and returned
to camp. Drew two new mule teams to draw battery wagon and forge.
Glorious news from Grant--within a day's march of Richmond.
Huntsville, Sunday, May 29. A calm, quiet, Sabbath day. Company
inspection 8 A. M. 9 A. M. had to go on post. Could not go to church,
but enjoyed myself well. Wrote home in the afternoon. Camp very quiet,
boys mostly gone out. My musings were undisturbed. In the evening a bevy
of staff officers visited camp, but were so beastly drunk as to be
unable to carry themselves with propriety, racing their horses after
negroes, etc. Their conduct would be disgraceful to a private. One of
the staff officers of Sherman among them. Such are the examples our
superior officers set before us. Can we expect anything but
demoralization?
Huntsville, Monday, May 30. A very warm day. Mail train did not come in
last night. The camp is anxious for news. 12th Battery veterans arrived
11 A. M. in gay colors. Expect ours daily. 13th Indiana Cavalry equipped
as infantry, without horses, arrived from Nashville, and gone to relieve
our Division at Madison Station. More expected soon when we will go to
the front.
Huntsville, Tuesday, May 31. Went out on drill this morning on the
outskirts of town under Lieutenant Clark two hours. When we returned to
camp we found our veterans direct from home. The reunion was very
cordial, and to see faces that had been to Wisconsin, brought us nearer
to the absent ones. The remainder of the day was happily spent in asking
and answering questions, with incidents and anecdotes. Visited Christian
Commission rooms in the evening, borrowed Jessie Fremont's _Story of the
Guard_, and read it with interest. No news from the contending foes.
Huntsville, Wednesday, June 1. No drill. General policing. Veterans were
assigned to platoons, giving about thirty-six men to a platoon and three
corporals. Very crowded. Seven men in our tent and mess. On guard as
supernumerary. Lieutenant Clark left on evening train for Louisville
with his wife, she going North in expectation of our moving.
Huntsville, Thursday, June 2. A warm sultry day. Did not go out
drilling. No mail, but big news from Sherman. Feel dumpish.
Huntsville, Friday, June 3. Cloudy, rained most of the day. Three
regiments of the 2nd Brigade came in and went into camp on their old
grounds. The railroad is now guarded from Stevenson to Flint River by
new troops, dismounted cavalry.
Huntsville, Saturday, June 4. Very wet, most of the day. Damp, drizzly
day. On detail in the forenoon, hauled water. Hon. John Y. Smith, former
state historian of Wisconsin, is supplying us with records of the 6th
Wisconsin Battery. Filled out my certificate of membership. Sent it
home.
Huntsville, Sunday, June 5. Company inspection at 8 A. M. Lieutenant
Hood and four of the boys as escort went to Whitesburg on a visit. Did
not feel well this morning, vomiting and headache, rather dyspeptic,
must be more careful as to diet. Fine wheaten bread and meat improper
diet, but it is all we can have.
[Sidenote: 1864 Camp Conversions]
E. W. E. and myself took a most pleasant walk to the graveyard. Walked
among the dead of the time that knew peace and tranquility, and others
whose lives had been wrecked by the cruel hand of war. The towering
marble erected by loving hands marked the resting place of one, while
the rude pine slab denoted where the other lay far away from his native
home and kindred. Did not attend service during the day, but attended
the army church with Cousin Griffith. Listened to an excellent and
liberal sermon from post chaplain, urging the importance of cultivating
religious principles, none other is genuine. Six soldiers were baptized
after service and the sacrament administered to a large circle of
soldiers. There were none others present. Reached camp by 10 P. M. Found
a long interesting letter from brother John awaiting me.
Huntsville, Monday, June 6. Very warm day. Went out drilling in the
morning. Lieutenant Clark maneuvered us in the streets, coming into
battery on the square, crowding citizens, and making ourselves generally
ridiculous. 80th Ohio returned to Scottsboro.
Huntsville, Tuesday, June 7. Showery again to-day. Camp is still afloat
with a loose report of moving in some indefinite time to some indefinite
place. To-day Louisiana and the lower Mississippi is the theme. On
guard, second relief. Health better. A squad of eight men under Sergeant
Dixon went as an escort to a picnic party composed of "shoulder straps"
and Southern ladies, to Bird Spring, six miles distant. Returned 6 P. M.
Had a good dinner, champagne in plenty and dancing. Enjoyed themselves
well although they went as menials.
Huntsville, Wednesday, June 8. Exceedingly heavy rain, completely
inundating our camp, which lies in a poor locality for wet weather.
Several of the boys attacked with ague, and more will follow if this
weather continues.
Huntsville, Thursday, June 9. Detailed to go after clothing this
morning. Returned by 11 A. M. Clothing issued in afternoon. Still
showery and cloudy. As seen by general order, General Logan is assigned
to the command of all the railroad line from Nashville to Stevenson,
which relieves Smith from his line.
Huntsville, Friday, June 10. Abraham Lincoln nominated for the
presidency by the Baltimore convention, and Andy Johnson for
vice-president which gives satisfaction to the large majority in the
army. _Hurrah for Old Abe._
Drilled under Lieutenant Hood. Condemned horses turned over. Drew
rations, "hard-tack" instead of flour. What does it mean? "Grant Negro
Minstrels" set up in town, many boys visited.
Huntsville, Saturday, June 11. Health very good. Eyes troublesome. Times
dull. Weather wet and muddy. News of several desperate engagements reach
us but none decisive, except Hunter in the Shenandoah Valley. A regiment
of 100-day men passed this morning to Decatur, Alabama. Had a rich dish
of raspberries for dinner, earliest of the season.
Huntsville, Sunday, June 12. Inspection of transportation at 6 A. M. by
Division quartermaster. Mounted artillery inspection by Captain Dillon 9
A. M. I was not required to fill detachment, therefore attended church.
Listened to Dr. Ross, a peculiar discourse on "What is Man". A train
containing three hundred prisoners passed North this afternoon under
guard of 15th Indiana. Orderly arrived from Logan, reports him wounded
twice, but still commanding, the bravest of the brave, in the very
front, sleeves rolled up as usual. Attended evening service at post
chapel with Cousin Griff. Good sermon, but did want a good letter
waiting my return as last Sunday.
Huntsville, Monday, June 13. Cloudy! Rainy! Muddy! Are we never more to
have sunshine? I would wish that some of this would fall on the parched
cornfields of Wisconsin. But still it is very nice here, keeps the air
cool and is God-sent to our poor wounded in the front. Received a keg of
butter from our homes, i. e., Griff, Evie, D. J. D., Bailey and myself.
Butter very acceptable and quite an addition to our unwholesome fare. On
guard, first relief. Stringent orders in regard to skulking, etc. read
to us this evening from Sherman. Took a long and pleasant walk with G.
M. S. in the morning.
Huntsville, Tuesday, June 14. A sunny day without rain at last. Signed
receipt rolls for clothing. All the wounded and sick sent North from the
hospitals here. The long-expected order was at last issued this
afternoon. "Hold ourselves in readiness to march at any time." After
four days' waiting I [received] my letter.
[Sidenote: 1864 Soldier Brides]
Huntsville, Wednesday, June 15. Weather fine. Health very good. Weight
138. Mounted monthly inspection by Captains Budlong and Dillon at 10 A.
M. Green peas for dinner. Myself sick. Division concentrating at this
place. 63rd Illinois arrived at 4 P. M. Two soldiers, 2nd Brigade,
married to girls they found at Scottsboro.
Huntsville, Thursday, June 16. Pleasant day. All quiet. 10th Minnesota
arrived by rail 9 A. M. 3rd Brigade marched in from Decatur 3 P. M.
Roddey made a dash upon the place before they were barely out of sight,
driving the 100-day men inside their works, and the Brigade of Dodge's
Corps had to go back and drive them off. General hospital is being
moved, patients sent North and the stores and goods farther south.
Visited the pest hospital in the evening, where two of our boys are
lying. Had quite a homelike appearance compared with that I laid in at
Corinth, more clean, having soft beds and good treatment.
Huntsville, Friday, June 17. All well and quiet. Very hot. Spent most of
the day reading Pollok's _Course of Time_. Received _Covenant_ and
_Enquirer_ in the evening. Took a long walk in the soft twilight all
alone, enjoyed myself very much. Drew new horses, eight of them.
Huntsville, Saturday, June 18. On guard, easy but disagreeable. 18th
Wisconsin arrived from Whitesburg 10 A. M. The old and tried Division is
once more together. The infantry pickets were relieved in evening. The
time is at hand when they will have to leave.
Huntsville, Sunday, June 19. Relieved from guard 9 A. M. Staid in camp
all day reading papers received by mail. Four hundred rebel prisoners
passed through on their way North. One train staid at the depot most of
the afternoon. They were the same men that we dug out of Vicksburg last
summer. Plucky as ever. They will not repent until utter ruin overtakes
them. Citizens and soldiers flocked around to see the sights. Some
ladies tremblingly inquired for friends and relations, others pressing
forward anxious to bestow a smile upon those whom they sympathized with.
Huntsville, Monday, June 20. Quite warm. Health very good in camp. Seven
patients in hospital, recruits, one dangerous. Johnson, raving with
fever all night. Drilled from 7 to 9 A. M. Rode out to graze in a
fruitful orchard. Marching orders once more received, "Move Wednesday
morning."
Huntsville, Tuesday, June 21. Rained all day. Everybody is quiet but
busy, preparing for the morrow, packing knapsacks writing letters, etc.
Upwards of one hundred fifty letters left the Battery to-day. Enoch
Johnson died at 10 A. M. This young man leaves a wife and child to mourn
his loss, whom but a few months ago he left in the prime of life to do
service for his country. Alas! they will see his manly form no more in
this world. His disease was congestive chills and typhoid fever. Was one
of the detachment that late in the evening followed the corpse to the
grave. Silently, without a word of prayer, we buried him in a rude
coffin, and without a thought hardly, hastened back to camp to prepare
for the morrow. It is now dark and I go to an early rest in my homelike
bunk for the last time.
ON TO ATLANTA
Brownsboro, Wednesday, June 22. Reveille sounded at 2:30 A. M. and
quietly we broke camp and marched at 5 A. M. with but one regiment ahead
of us in the column. Marched through town in fine style, and soon
beautiful and dreamy Huntsville was placed among the past. Roads heavy,
weather warm. Marched slow, and reached Brownsboro by 12 M. Went into
camp and rested the remainder of the day. Boys full of life and
hilarity. The dread of starting (and of parting with some) is over and
sutlers tremble. Bathed in the clear waters of the Flint in the evening.
[Sidenote: 1864 Fast Marching]
Camp on Paint Rock River, Thursday, June 23. Aroused at 3 A. M. but as
we were in the rear of the column, did not move out till 6 A. M. Marched
fast, but obliged to halt frequently to let the 2nd Brigade train get
out of the way. Our road lay along the railroad, the same that we
travelled last winter, but nature's changes were so great that we could
hardly recognize the dismal beech swamp, once a dread to cross. But now
the deep foliage afforded a welcome protection from the burning rays of
the sun. Camped on Paint Rock 4 P. M. Found our advance having their
supper. There was hardly any straggling. Walked all through and feel
first rate. Bathed in the evening. Retired early. Disappointed in not
receiving mail.
Scottsboro, Ala., Friday, June 24. Started out in advance with the 3rd
Brigade at 4 A. M. after hasty preparation and half-swallowed breakfast.
The Brigade men in the advance for the first time, and they pulled out
in good earnest to show what they could do. The sun came out in all its
fierceness, but on we plodded over rocky hills and through shady glens,
greedily snatching cooling draughts as it gushed out from the rocks in
plenty. Reached Larkinsville by 11 A. M., a distance of fifteen miles,
with but three short rests, very fast, getting my toes all blistered.
Halted an hour here for dinner. I bathed my feet in cold spring water
and felt better. Started again for Scottsboro which we reached by 3 P.
M. Part of the road being very bad, waited for the pioneers to repair
it. No straggling allowed at all. All stand it well. I am very tired.
Marching isn't fun this hot! hotter! hottest! weather. Twenty miles, big
day.
Camp on the road, Saturday, June 25. The bugle notes aroused us at 2 A.
M. Reluctantly we arose from our sweet slumbers to answer to our names,
the failure of which would put us on guard the next night. 2nd Brigade
failed to come up with the rear last night, consequently we were in the
advance, and while the stars were yet bright we started. The sun came
out, if anything, hotter than yesterday. In the middle of the day halted
frequently to rest. Passed through Bellefonte. Many of the infantry gave
out. Came into camp on the bank of a creek three miles from Stevenson at
1 P. M.
[Sidenote: 1864 Straggling]
I am very tired, but feel not as sore as last night. The remainder of
the day was spent in resting at full length under the trees, all extra
appendages removed, cooking and eating supper, and bathing weary limbs,
etc. I was put on guard at 7 P. M. R---- remained back at Huntsville
when we left and did not come up till this morning. Was tied to the gun
and marched behind it all day. Is to be tied up for nine days, for three
days' straggling.
Camp on Mud Creek, Ala., Sunday, June 26. Our weary limbs were allowed
to rest undisturbed this morning till daylight. Found it hard work to
stand guard last night. Did not march as expected. Washed my shirt and
socks in the stream, going without any while they dried. The day was
well used by us all in writing letters and resting, but to our
disappointment no mail came and no papers seen. 2nd Brigade came up
before dinner. Expect to take the cars at 2 P. M. Platoon messes
organized. Four of our boys came in from Stevenson, having marched ahead
yesterday. They will be tied up as stragglers.
Camp on Mud Creek, Monday, June 27. Lay in our bivouac all day awaiting
transportation by rail to take us to the front. 3rd Brigade and 12th
Battery started at noon. Weather very oppressive. B. F. Runyan was
sunstruck this afternoon. Raved all last night in greatest agony. Will
be sent North to-morrow if he survives. Five of our boys and negro
Anthony tied to the wheels all day to-day for straggling. "The way of
the transgressor is hard". Wrote a letter to folks, waiting with all
anxiety for our evening mail, but it did not come.
Camp on Mud Creek, Tuesday, June 28. The threatening thunderstorm of
last night unfortunately passed away without cooling us and settling the
dust. Our spirits were revived this morning by securing last night's
mail. I received one from Hannah with her familiar countenance, a
precious gift. Our back mail has gone to Big Shanty. Day passed off
heavily. No reading matter and all shady places were monopolized by card
players, etc. I amused myself with checkers most of the day. No late
papers in camp. 2nd Brigade gone on cars. Leave wagons behind.