forenoon. Late papers brought into camp. A great treat. After dinner
"Boots and Saddles" was sounded and in thirty minutes we moved out
towards Stevenson. One of the caisson drivers sick. I had to take his
team. Proceeded to load upon the cars as soon as possible. The track was
crowded and it was difficult to load the horses, which were unharnessed.
At about 5 P. M. the train started, amid the cheering of the troops and
music by the 1st Brigade band from the piazza of the Soldiers' Home.
Leave all the wagons to come through by land. At Bridgeport three long
trains from the front passed us, and it was dark before we crossed the
Tennessee River bridge. I rode on top [of the] freight, and in spite of
myself slept most of the time, while we dashed on through the darkness,
over precipices, around curves, etc. in danger of being rolled off. To
prevent which locked arms with the comrade on the other side. Was awake
while we passed under the majestic wall of Lookout, the Tennessee
beneath us, a very beautiful scene. Arrived at Chattanooga at 11 P. M.
Slept on cars till morning.
Kingston, Ga., Thursday, June 30. Arose to find ourselves enveloped by
cars and engines. Chattanooga is thriving under the military. Buildings
are going up, roads repaired, etc. and an immense amount of stores are
kept at this place. After breakfast and morning papers read, we were
mustered for pay. Inspected at 8 A. M. Two [extra] engines attached, and
with difficulty we reached the tunnel. Passed through it when extra
engines left us, and we rode on some time, very fast, but often obliged
to halt, trains blockading us in front.
[Sidenote: 1864 The Friendly Poor]
Road very lightly guarded. Engineers' camps frequently seen in the
dense forest, busy at work getting out timber for bridges, etc. Steam
mills running, etc. Country very thinly settled and poor land covered
with pine shrubs. Tunnel Hill, a small town totally deserted in a
mountain gorge, could be seen, Johnston's winter quarters. Passed
through a tunnel three-quarters of a mile long here, nearly suffocating
us with fire and smoke. Dalton, next important place, found deserted and
crumbling to ruins. Looks old, no new buildings. Disappointed at its
appearance. Resaca on Oostanaula River, the strongest fortified position
on the line, all cut up in rifle pits and forts, and large enclosure of
graves tells of the fearful struggle it required to take it. The
railroad bridge was a curiosity, made of round timber without bolt and
rod, all wood. Calhoun we reached 4 P. M., the prettiest place on the
line, neat houses, pretty yards and inhabited. At the tank we were met
by battalion of secesh ladies with blackberries, huckle-berries, pies,
milk, etc. to sell. Adairsville next station. A few houses. Women
cheered us and boys returned a hearty response. Wheat and oats growing
all along the road mostly harvested, but poor crop. Have seen more small
grain to-day than I have since I left Wisconsin. Mostly poor people live
here. Reached Kingston by dark. Went to the depot 11 P. M., and had to
unload the horses and water them.
Kingston, Friday, July 1. Unloaded leisurely in forenoon. Went out a
mile to graze horses. Headquarters arrived 2 P. M. and ordered us into
camp. Harnessed up. Camped on the bank of Etowah River, a ridiculously
small creek to be called a river. Received a portion of our back mail. I
only received one. This was once a pretty station but now deserted.
Strongly fortified position. Garrisoned by 3rd Cavalry Division. Expect
to be relieved by our Division. Did not get around to write home to-day.
Bathed in river at night. Caught in a terrible rain. Soaked to the skin.
Kingston, Saturday, July 2. Rained very heavy all night and nearly all
day. Dried my clothes and my knapsack, and commenced writing a letter.
Finished by night. Three regiments, 2nd Brigade, left last night, back
to Calhoun and Macon to guard railroad. Two regiments of 3rd Brigade,
left this afternoon, to be stationed on the Rome railroad, eighteen
miles long. This infantry is going to guard road. Rumor says artillery
goes to this point. A long train of wounded from the front, among whom
was A. Silsby shot in arm and hip severely. Is full of pluck. Was with
him a long time. No letters by mail for the Battery. How provoking!
Kingston, Sunday, July 3. Moved position this morning a few rods.
Unharnessed and went to work to build quarters, when we again hitched up
and moved on to a hill one-fourth mile from town, overlooking it, and
strongly fortified. This new camp was vacated this morning by the 10th
Wisconsin Battery belonging to Cavalry Division. 48th Indiana Infantry
stationed right behind for support. All hands busy erecting shelters
from the hot sun. Spencer and D. Evans joined with E. W. E. and myself
and built a cozy little "shebang". Went out grazing three miles this
afternoon, into a splendid clover field. Blackberries in all abundance.
D. Evans and I picked three quarts, a rich supper.
Kingston, Monday, July 4. 'Tis Independence Day but there is nothing
unusual to remind us of it. Yet it is not forgotten. We remember with
enthusiasm how gloriously it was spent one year ago in beholding our
country's enemy succumb to our Chieftain Grant, and we know the time
will come when all traitors will meet a like fate. The train from the
front tells us that Sherman's headquarters are on the summit of Kenesaw
Mountain. If true, good news enough. Hurrah for Sherman and our Union!
Went out grazing both forenoon and afternoon alone, three hours each
time; while out picked blackberries. Brought in as many as mess could
eat, very rich and nice. Camp policed by cannoneers, which makes it look
very much better. It is a pleasant spot, high and airy, broad view
before us.
[Sidenote: 1864 "Home Sweet Home"]
It is dusk, everything is dreary and still, I write alone. Below is
Kingston, wholly deserted, no sign of life except a few wandering
soldiers. The band at Brigade headquarters has been playing "America"
and is now giving "Home Sweet Home" in touching strains that go to the
hearts of all the rough and quiet listeners. How did they spend to-day
at home? Would that I could but have one glance. I feel that their
uppermost thought is "Where is Jenkin to-night." He too is thinking of
you. It is well with him, but longs to hear from home. It is three weeks
since the last mail reached him. The day is spent as all others are
spent. He has nothing to read or amuse himself with here, and he will go
to bed early to enjoy sweet slumbers and pleasant dreams.
Kingston, Tuesday, July 5. A hot day. Evie took out my team to graze
this morning. While gone three large armsful of mail was distributed to
the Batteries and greedily seized by the mail-hungry Badgers. I received
three good letters from home. After dinner took out horses and brought
in fresh supply of berries. Found another big batch of mail for us. Two
were for me. Our back mail is all up now and all are satisfied. What a
manifest difference is to be seen to-night compared with last night. All
is life and hilarity, songs sung, jokes cracked till late in the night.
Kingston, Wednesday, July 6. Up early, groomed my team before roll call.
Drew forage for them this morning, first time for two days. 8 A. M. went
to graze in an oat field. Heavy crop all headed. It seems almost wicked
to allow animals to destroy it, but it was sowed for Confederate
purposes and the owner is with the fleeing "Johnnies". Every shady nook,
stump and stone occupied by somebody. Writing to-day, answered the heap
received yesterday. The guns put in position on the works. Harness racks
erected, brush shade put over caisson and racks. Everything indicates
that we are to stay for awhile.
Kingston, Thursday, July 7. The day was exceedingly warm. Grazed only
once to-day. Drew rations. No sugar to be had. Just the time we need it
with blackberries. Waiting all day for train from North. Rebels took a
train last night near Dalton and mail. Afraid they got my letter. The
citizen that led the guerrillas in (for they are nothing else) was
unceremoniously hung by the citizens of the place. Camp is full of
rumors. Atlanta is taken several times during each day. One thing is
certain, they are dogged. From Kenesaw Mountain train after train of
prisoners go to the rear.
Kingston, Friday, July 8. Went to graze in a different direction this
morning, being warned by citizen that guerrillas were prowling around to
pick up our horses where we went before. Disappointed when I returned in
not finding any mail. Day was very, very hot. Camp is in just the place
for such weather, cool air always. Took a walk to town in the evening
with D. Evans. Talked with prisoners.
Kingston, Saturday, July 9. Drew sugar last night, as could be known by
the large number anxious to ride out grazing so as to get berries. E. W.
E. went out with us. Picked two gallons. No mail or news.
Kingston, Sunday, July 10. Company inspection at 6 A. M. Grazed 7 A. M.
Met wagon train moving in, they had had pleasant journey. Returned to
camp by 10:30 A. M. with our dishes full of the rich blackberries. They
are our staple diet. Hard-tack and "sow belly" dessert. No mail to-day
again. No news. Reading matter very limited, the effect of which is very
apparent. Three or four squads to be seen gambling at one time in camp,
notwithstanding it is the Sabbath day. I have never known more open
gambling in the Battery. The only checking influence is withdrawn when
the letters cease to come from home, parents, sisters and brothers.
[Sidenote: 1864 Letters From Home]
Kingston, Monday, July 11. Evie took my team out to graze. Spencer and I
built, lower in park, shebang with table, etc. Boys hard at work putting
up houses, sheds. 4 P. M. on detail hauling brush for sheds. Orders
received to march 3 A. M. in the morning. All work on quarters ceased in
an instant, our dreams of cool shade and easy time gone in a moment.
Hurriedly washed dirty shirt in the stream, and prepared for the moving.
Received a letter this evening. Health good. Expect to go to the front.
Cartersville, Ga., Tuesday, July 12. Reveille sounded in the small hours
of the night, and with the first rays of the morn we descended the hill
and were on the way. After more delay we started, seven regiments, two
batteries and division train. Most of the 2nd and 3rd Brigades left
behind on the roads. Marched steady and fast. Passed through Cassville
at 10 A. M., a very pretty country town hid away among the hills. Four
mills on the road. A large college used as general hospital by rebs
here. Ascended to the observatory, had a splendid view. A large library
filled with books going to waste. As we marched, country improved. Land
more arable, much less stony. Passed most excellent corn fields,
although they received no care or protection. Marched through
Cartersville 3 P. M., a place of some pretensions in time of peace,
occupied by the cavalrymen relieved at Kingston. Camped a mile below in
a pretty grove, a good ways from water. Slept in an old house that
threatened to demolish us by tumbling over.
Etowah Bridge, Ga., Wednesday, July 13. Up early. Moved 6 A. M. 4th
Minnesota, 18th Wisconsin, 80th Ohio and 12th Battery moved on to
Allatoona, four miles further on. We went into a fort on a steep cliff
or point on the Etowah River and commanding the railroad bridge seventy
feet high, erected by Sherman's Construction Corps. Found everything
ready for us, a luck we never before met with, strong fortifications
already built, good and neat shebangs, horse-sheds for most of the
horses made of lumber, stalls and mangers all ready, and in a few
minutes we were as much at home as though we had worked a week. The
scenery here is romantic and I hope we may stay here for a time at
least. Bathed in the river early evening. Pretty stream.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, July 14. All still and dull, the monotony of
camp settled down upon us very soon, a few new shebangs and fixing up
around quarters. No mail or news found us in this wild mountainous
locality. Country people very ignorant.
[Sidenote: 1864 Blackberry Hunt]
Etowah Bridge, Friday, July 15. Grazed in forenoon. Detail and three
wagons sent out after oats. Harvested it and brought it to camp. Fed to
horses in evening. Found plenty four miles down the river. Brought back
piles of apples. No break in the monotony of camp. Evans obtained pass
for himself and eight men to go outside pickets to pick blackberries.
Spencer, Evans, D. Wallace, Hayes and myself started one morning,
followed the secesh railroad running up south side of river to iron
works. Walked about five miles, saw a large flouring mill and rolling
mills, two of the largest water powers I ever saw, all the works
completely destroyed.
Crossed over mountains, through gorges, till at last found blackberries
with no ending. Eyes could not wish for more. Surrounded by the wildest
of hills, but little trace of civilization. We picked our dishes full. I
picked nine quarts in about two hours. Awful warm, sweat more than I
ever did in August field. Reached camp but little before retreat. Tired
and loaded down with berries. Our mess at night ate nearly one-half
bushel of berries. Ate till nearly sick. Whew! what a country.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, July 16. Had a long ride on south bank of river
to graze. Stopped in a beautiful field of "red top". Wagons out hauling
grass into camp. Yankees running an old McCormick reaper as mower with
mule teams, doing big business. Weather very, very hot. Felt nearly
exhausted when we reached camp, but a healthy reaction took place upon
finding a big "foolscap" letter, all from home, also the likeness of
sister Margaret and her two little boys. Sweet little ones. It brought
to memory the time I was with you, and how I delighted to ride you upon
my knee.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, July 17. Another quiet, still, hot Sabbath day,
the dullness of camp life felt in all its might. Could not drive it
away, but by writing letters. Inspection 6 A. M. Grazed afterwards. Did
not return till noon. Boys loaded with apples, berries, etc.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, July 18. All well. Morning passed off in usual
way. Grazing, etc. Great scarcity of news. For variety we went out on
blackberry hunt in the afternoon with Corporal Evans. Went five miles,
picked dishes full. Visited the ruins of rolling mills, called on
several secesh women, returned by sundown, had a gay time and good
supper.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, July 19. The usual routine of duty unbroken. Our
camp and position inspected by Major of Artillery, General Steedman's
Chief, who set us to policing after supper. Slicked up in general.
Bathed in Etowah in the evening. Brigade band visited us, and discoursed
beautiful music under the pale, soft light of the moon. A long train of
wagons, consisting of Sherman's supernumerary teams left at Chattanooga
at the beginning of campaign, passed to the front. Convalescents
rejoining their regiments by every train.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, July 20. Cool day. Health good, but weigh
twelve pounds less than at Huntsville. Warm weather thins me out. Dixon
and Evie started early this morning on horseback to catch fish in the
numerous traps along the river. Returned by dinner with "nary" a fish. A
drove of 2,000 beef cattle driven by to the front by convalescents.
Monthly issue of clothing made. Drew flour rations. Reports are
prevalent of the capture of Atlanta. Hope it is so. Good bath in
mill-dam in the evening.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, July 21. Very cold day. Grazed as usual.
Returned to find all my tent mates gone berrying. Washed my dirty
clothing after dinner. A very heavy thunder storm came up, 4 P. M.
Deluged everything in my bunk and soaked everybody in our shanty, a
laughable time of it, though rather wet. The berry party had returned,
and we ate while it rained, having a jolly time. Late in the evening a
bouncing big mail arrived, nearly all served. I received one, from T. L.
and family's photograph. Very lifelike and acceptable.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, July 22. A pleasant day. Wrote in the forenoon.
Reading matter very scarce yet. About 10 A. M. a report was brought into
camp by Elston from headquarters dispatched by General Smith from the
front, that our troops entered city of Atlanta between 2 and 3 A. M.
this morning. Sundry attempts were made to raise a cheer with but a
feeble result. Past experience has taught us to beware of
disappointments, and the thought of many slain was saddening.
[Sidenote: 1864 Death of McPherson]
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, July 23. Charlie Pickard took his team to-day,
thereby relieving me once more from driver's duty. Went out on detail in
the morning after lumber for cook's shanty. Returned by noon. Heard the
sad news that Maj. Gen. J. B. McPherson was killed by the enemy this
morning, which spread gloom over all, yet we could not believe it as we
looked at the flag at Brigade headquarters still floating from the top
of its pole. But alas! it lowers and stops at half mast and droops
mournfully in sad significance. Ah yes, it is too true.
Our beloved leader has offered up his life--a martyr to freedom. In his
death the Army of Tennessee has lost a gallant commander, the cause of
freedom a true and earnest supporter, humanity a noble Christian
gentleman, and the private soldier one of his truest and warmest
friends. Never did I see such a gloom cast upon our camp. Every face
wore a sad and mournful appearance. One would hardly think the rough
unfeeling soldier would undergo such a change. But to one that had seen
the enthusiasm that his beaming face created in the bosoms of the men on
the bloody fields of Jackson, Champion Hills and Vicksburg, knows too
well the place he has taken in our hearts. Sleep, noble leader. We have
often watched thee in the thickest of the fight, and honored thy
heroism. We will cherish thy memory while breath remains. May we all
emulate his example. 3 P. M. a train from the front brought the earthly
remains of him and Gen. Giles A. Smith, the dashing brigade commander in
the 2nd Division, 15th Corps. Had monthly inspection 9 A. M. by Captains
Dillon and Budlong.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, July 24. All very still and dull in camp after
morning inspection. Anxiously listening for intelligence from the front.
From the last reliable information we received last night, Atlanta was
not ours, terrible efforts being made by General Hood, commanding rebel
forces to retake his lost position. Heavy cannonading could be heard for
an hour this morning, supposed to be in front.
2 P. M. While writing home, the long roll was sounded, and the infantry
fell in with arms, and we were ordered to be ready for fight. The
cavalry seen galloping over the hills. Waited half an hour, when the men
returned to their quarters, the scare being over. Proved to be a squad
of guerrillas, estimated at 150, which rushed upon one of our picket
posts west of town, capturing it and then skedaddled. No mail came in.
Track reported torn up. If they come and fool around here much, they may
get hurt. General Kilpatrick's headquarters in town. Two of his cavalry
brigades here, and one of ours. In the evening Griff and I took a walk
to town, the first time I have been in it since arrived. Old fashioned
and dilapidated.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, July 25. Had a very cold night. Suffered for want
of bed clothes notwithstanding the days are very hot. Great anxiety felt
for reliable news from the front. Chattanooga _Gazette_ reports capture
of Atlanta. Trains from the front deny it. Received two mails. Latest
came in 4 P. M. I received three letters.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, July 26. Not so cold last night. Cool day. I
spent it very quietly. Great dearth of reading matter. Health very good.
All the boys drew soft bread, quite a rarity. Hard-tack getting
wearisome.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, July 27. Cloudy day, showery in the evening.
Health very good. On guard, the first time for a month. The moments
passed slowly while on post, and I was almost lonesome. 1st Ohio and 5th
Kentucky Infantry passed through on their way home this evening. They go
right from the front line of battle to homes that are awaiting them. But
a few of them left to represent the 1,000 that started. Report Sherman
surrounding Atlanta on all sides, expected to be engaged to-day. Major
General Steedman and staff gone to the front. No mail received.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, July 28. Dull, drowsy and dreamy. Nothing in
camp but speculations on the affairs in front and the future in general.
A few have hopes of peace from the Peace Commissioners in Canada, but
fear it is delusive.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, July 29. A very hot day. Hauled load after load
of water in the morning, afterwards went to town with E. F. H. to spend
the day. Saw General Kilpatrick, a young officer. Fighting Joe Hooker
sent to the rear with his staff on a "dinky". They go to Washington.
Hope they'll give him a chance to work.
[Sidenote: 1864 A Friendly Family]
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, July 30. After breakfast, waited to go with
Corporal Knapp and O. J. Burnham out after berries. E. F. Hayes and I
followed with pails. Walked about five miles to the romantic country
seat of Old Cooper. By 9 A. M. we had dishes full of the luscious fruit,
upon which we have feasted for the last month. Visited at a house
inhabited by an old couple called Williams, formerly of N. C. Very
social and friendly, apparently open-hearted and honest, but ignorant,
as was shown by the old man asking if Minnesota was a state. A pretty
young lady treated us to a drink of good buttermilk which tasted
home-like. And we started back. Jerked a load of roasting-corn out of a
corn field and returned to camp by 1 P. M. exhausted by the heat which
was very severe. Had green corn for dinner and felt better. Thus the
time passes.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, July 31. A calm, quiet Sabbath day. No excitement
or news. Spent the day as I do all others, reading and writing, etc.
Much gambling going on amongst a certain portion of the boys to-day as
usual.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Aug. 1. On guard, second relief. Health good.
Everything passed off smoothly with the exception of no papers came. By
order of General Sherman none to be sold this side of the front, his
policy being "those that fight shall read". Right, and we cannot
grumble, but hope they will furnish enough for both soon.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 2. Rainy forenoon. Hot, sultry in the
afternoon. We are once more effectually chained in camp by General
Smith. No passes to be allowed save those approved by him. Yet we can go
out grazing, etc. Had blackberry pies and green corn. Signed pay rolls,
a pleasant task in view of the pleasing anticipations of greenbacks.
Paper blockade still continues. 80th Ohio headed back from Acworth to
Resaca to relieve 10th Missouri. Going out of service, time expired.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Aug. 3. Kilpatrick's Cavalry, two brigades of
which were camped below town, moved out early this morning for the front
with their division train. Cavalry makes a big display, and it took them
till nearly noon to get under way, occupying as much road as a corps of
infantry would. 93rd Illinois also moved by to relieve 18th Wisconsin at
Allatoona, to allow them to take their veteran furlough, so long and
patiently waited for. Sixteen picked mule-teams from the Division went
to Sherman's headquarters. Rode out grazing this morning. Brought in a
bag of peaches. Had sauce and pies, very good. Lucky enough to buy a
paper upon the train to-night. Good news from Grant. Commenced his old
game of blowing up as at Vicksburg.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Aug. 4. The 63rd Illinois broke camp at the
foot of the hill and moved into town as provost guards. This forenoon
sultry. Sergeant Dixon took team outside lines after lumber. In the
afternoon we went to work to tear down our single bunks and put up some
double bunks on one side. Made cupboard, etc. More comfortable and snug.
Bathed in the evening. All merry way into the night before we could
sober down enough to go to sleep. Light-hearted and unconcerned about
all things. Such is a soldier if he lives.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Aug. 5. A pleasant day. On guard, third relief.
After waiting all day, paymaster came about 4 P. M. and in a few minutes
our greenbacks were counted out for the months of May and July, sixteen
dollars per month for the first time.
[Sidenote: 1864 Merit and Favoritism]