and this morning. Relieved at 9 A. M. Days busy settling up, paying,
dunning, changing, etc. I have no such work to do. Sergt. Alba Sweet,
veteran, ordered to Kingston to take charge of a section of artillery.
His men to be detailed from infantry, he to drill and organize, the
position of a lieutenant. A good boy and a true soldier, best drill
master in the Battery. D. L. C. a recruit, detailed as clerk to
headquarters, which caused a little surprise among some of the old
soldiers, but he was a brother Mason.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Aug. 7. Very heavy rains last night, river raised
two feet this morning in a very few hours. Company inspection at 7 A. M.
Took sick man's team to graze. Wrote letters in the afternoon. Very
warm.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Aug. 8. A pleasant day of clouds and sunshine in
pleasing variety. Cannoneers called out this morning for standing gun
drill. I went out with a team. Two wagons sent out in brigade train for
forage ten miles. Returned by 3 P. M. Two negroes came in this morning
from McCook's disaster on the Macon Railroad, having been eight days in
the woods, subsisting upon blackberries, peaches, etc. Having tasted
freedom once, they will not succumb to the degradation of slavery again.
P. G. a big reckless dare devil, who had been tied up the last five days
for persisting in doing as he pleased, was released, and a tender youth,
unaccustomed to the hard buffeting of a heartless world, tied instead
for trespassing upon the dignity of our stable sergeant.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 9. Rainy day. Drilled one hour on gun this
morning. Issued clothing for the month. I drew a hat in which to brave
the storms of another campaign (maybe). Infantry had regimental
inspection in the afternoon. No news. Heavy artillery, caissons and
carriages going to the front in large numbers.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Aug. 10. On guard, second relief. Two men
under arrest again. Such cases getting frequent. Rainy afternoon. No
mail nor papers. All healthy, corn and peaches in plenty.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Aug. 11. Slept most of the afternoon after
coming off guard. Trains of wounded came from the front, one of them
stopped on switch. Had a long talk with the wounded. They belong to the
Army of Tennessee. Severely wounded on the 22nd ult., the day our loved
leader fell, of whom they speak most feelingly. Cheerful, in hopes of
seeing home soon. One little drummer boy lost his right arm. Helped him
out of the car. Young and beautiful, crippled for life, yet very
light-hearted, buoyed up by knowing that he lost it in a good cause.
Rumor that we are soon to go to the front.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Aug. 12. A pleasant day. Health good. Spirits
ditto. 9 A. M. the lead of McCook's Cavalry Brigade hove in sight. Went
into camp near town, composed of the remnants of four regiments, one of
which is the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, a large number of which are still in
the woods or captured after the recent disaster on the Macon Road. It is
supposed by many that they will relieve us. They have been constantly on
the move since last April, and are in need of rest and clothing. Casper
and others of the Battery got up a dance this evening down town, which
attracted most of the gay young men (and old men). They did not come
home till daylight. A secondary affair I guess.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Aug. 13. A very quiet, warm day. No news of
interest. No mail. A feeble effort is being made upon the part of some
of my comrades in the Battery ($400 men) to get out of the service of
the old Battery, agreeable to promise at the time of enlistment. H. S.
K. written to ex-Lieutenant Fancher for certificate to that effect. But
I doubt not the effort will be fruitless. A large corps of employees
from New York City at work on the railroad here, repairing track, etc.
Etowah branch taken up. Ties and rails sent to the front. Battery
passing on evening train.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Aug. 14. Inspection of men, knapsacks, haversacks
and canteens this morning. On guard, easy work. Very hot and sultry.
Wrote home as usual. Negro Anthony, the faithful old cook that has
followed us for two years, preached on the parade ground this morning.
He had a large audience and spoke for nearly an hour in his illiterate
brogue, the burden of his words were quotations. Though improperly done,
was evidence of a wonderful memory. Rebs reported fighting at Dalton.
Demanded surrender. Captured large number of cattle at Adairsville. 5th
Ohio Cavalry and 59th Indiana went up the river early this morning in
order to be ready to fight.
[Sidenote: 1864 Communications Threatened]
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Aug. 15. Cannoneers called out this morning at 3
A. M. Stood by their guns till daylight. Some anxiety felt as to affairs
at Dalton and vicinity. Wheeler's Cavalry is in the vicinity, reported
on all sides, nothing reliable. 59th Indiana recalled last night.
Returned by 10 P. M. No trains going either way. Two trains of wounded
came up yesterday, were unloaded at Cartersville. One of trains sent to
Kingston to carry reinforcements; other back to the fort. Infantry under
arms all day. First piece under Lieutenant Jenawein ordered 2 P. M. to
report at Division headquarters. 3 o'clock a train loaded with infantry
(homeward bound) came up from the front. Will reinforce our troops at
Dalton if necessary. 5 P. M. 93rd Illinois arrived on train from
Allatoona, stopped here, took on the 48th. General Smith going back with
seven regiments.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 16. A heavy uncertainty rested upon the
camp all day, no trains from either way. Headquarters expecting an
attack at this place momentarily. First piece is in town there awaiting
the foe. About 3 P. M. an orderly dashed into camp reporting sixteen
regiments of the enemy crossing the river three miles below, but they
did not come. Sherman sent 300 muskets back this evening to arm
convalescents, etc. Seven hundred head of cattle (the remainder of the
drove that the rebs captured at Adairsville) stopped on the flat over
night. It is supposed that the rebs will try to destroy the railroad
bridge if possible. Notwithstanding war Lieutenant Clark and squad of
armed men went out to peach orchard ten miles and returned with a big
load of delicious ones. Packed my knapsack preparatory to going South if
necessary. Doubtful.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Aug. 17. Night passed undisturbed with us, but
all was activity at Cartersville nearly all night. Wagon trains loaded,
standing hitched up ready to move any moment. On fatigue duty this
morning. Went out after two loads of corn fodder, returned by 11 A. M.
The day was spent with anxious glances for the train from the North, but
none arrived. Although nothing formidable presents itself to us, a
feeling of weakness fills the mind when the single thread that connects
us with home and supplies is broken. Wheeler is reported to have been
repulsed at Dalton with heavy loss, and General Smith is following, but
Gen. S. D. Lee is supposed to be moving north towards this line with a
heavy force of infantry, estimated from ten thousand to thirty thousand.
Ditches, works were cleared out this evening. There are muskets at
Brigade headquarters. If we should be pinched the extra men would be
supplied with them.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Aug. 18. Very quiet night, followed by as quiet
a day. Mail train reported to be coming in at 10 A. M., anxiously
looked for to-day, but it did not come. Rebels seem to be leaving us. We
hear nothing of them to-day. All we want is news and mail. I feel as
though I was 2,000 miles farther away from home this week than last.
[Sidenote: 1864 Alarm Passes]
4 P. M. Startled by the shrill toot of the engine, followed by a
prolonged yell that would do honor to pandemonium, and we knew the 3rd
Division is coming home. 48th and 93rd returned without firing a gun,
chased the rebels across the Oostanaula River. Reported to be 3,000
strong, going towards East Tennessee.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Aug. 19. We passed a quiet night and a pleasant
day. Infantry was up most of the night felling trees and building an
abatis on the other side of river. Five hundred cavalry reported in
vicinity. Would not let horses out to graze. Went on guard at 9 A. M.
Road expected to be repaired so trains pass by night. Several trains
passed about sundown. Anxiously looking for mail. A small package at
last arrived, but to my disappointment there was none for me.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Aug. 20. We were up in time to see an
expedition start down the river, consisting of 900 cavalry and three
regiments of infantry. They laid under arms all night, and were going to
ascertain if there was any force in this vicinity. Infantry returned in
six hours. Cavalry went. Lieutenant Clark went out scouting with armed
squad. Twenty-six guerrillas and conscripters are all he can hear of.
Brigade of troops from Rome arrived yesterday but returned immediately
not needed. Went to town after being relieved from guard. Back mail gone
to the front.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Aug. 21. A very wet and rainy day. Kept all hands
in doors as much as possible. Washed off the hill, raising the river
very fast. Two small packages of mail received, but none for me. Wrote
home. Uncle Lester received a new supply of reading matter, monthlies,
etc. Very welcome. Bathed in the evening. Captain White, A. A. G. of
the Division, died to-day, the most loved of all Smith's staff, a bright
and promising young man.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Aug. 22. To-day has been a dull, quiet day.
Health good. No news. Got a lot of peaches, very nice. Heavy mail came
in to-night. I received two, very welcome.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 23. On guard, supernumerary. Very hot day.
Health good. Back mail found us at last, about a bushel of it
distributed 8 A. M. This afternoon went down town to attend Captain
White's funeral at 4 P. M. Most of the officers in the Division out in
full regimentals. One hundred and fifty infantry as escort. Formed lines
in front part of headquarters. Eight captains as pall bearers. Coffin
carried down the ranks enshrouded by a large national flag. Troops at
present arms. Body placed in an ambulance, 1st Brigade band playing a
sweet but mournful dirge. Procession started, viz:
1st, Chaplain in plain black uniform.
2nd, Band playing with muffled drums.
3rd, Infantry escort in four sections at reverse arms.
4th, Ambulance with coffin.
5th, Officers, lowest first, Smith and McCook in the rear.
The grave situated on a knoll neath large oaks. Infantry formed line,
rested on arms, while the Chaplain read a chapter and offered an
impressive prayer. All the Masonic brethren dropped a twig of evergreen
when the volleys were fired. Benediction pronounced, and we returned on
quick time, leaving a true soldier, who is at rest.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Aug. 24. Health very good but the day very
hot. Day passed pleasantly reading, etc. 59th Indiana left last night
towards Chattanooga, leaving us very weak at present. No citizens
allowed inside lines.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Aug. 25. Oh, to-day it is very warm. We can
scarcely muster energy enough to move. Wrote a short letter to T. L.
Drove off condemned mules to the river. No mail. Wm. Stewart and Andy
Wentworth missing. Fears are entertained about their safety.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Aug. 26. All the morning quiet in these parts.
Rebels very troublesome between Allatoona and Acworth, cutting up the
track, creating scares, etc. Efforts were made to hear of or find the
lost boys to-day but to no avail. The last heard of them they were in a
peach orchard, while the horses were grazing, where they were
undoubtedly gobbled. I fear they will be brutally murdered.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Aug. 27. Very warm. Went to town in the
morning. All were agreeably surprised by the return of our old comrade
and companion T. J. Hungerford from Nashville. Looks well and hearty.
Comes to be mustered out with those he served with. 1st Platoon went
into permanent quarters in a machine shop building in town. Mail in the
evening.
[Sidenote: 1864 Venturesome Foragers]
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Aug. 28. Health very good. Usual inspection at 7
A. M. On guard, third relief. Very hot in the middle of the day.
Sergeant Dixon with a squad of ten men went out on pass. Returned 4 P.
M. with a sack of ripe grapes from the vineyard, and a lot of butter,
for which we traded our coffee rations. Drink cold water altogether.
Came off guard at 9 P. M. to find two long letters from home which did
me much good to read, but was surprised to find them in great alarm over
my reported illness in Spring Green. All humbug. Why will they not rely
upon my own letters? Sister Hannah off to Albion again. Ellen teaching,
Jenn with the boys going to school. How different are my duties from
those of Thomas.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Aug. 29. A very warm day. Health good. Old man
Gordon, the oldest in camp, dangerously sick. Day spent very quietly.
E. W. E. and I took a walk to town after sundown, saw the mail train run
off the track, switch left open. Loaded with substitutes. Several jumped
off and broke their legs, setting the guards in great commotion to keep
them together.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 30. Very hot. Suffered from a cold. Felt
quite unwell in the afternoon, feverish and headache. Cousin Griff quite
sick, looks bad, can eat nothing. Felt very bad that I could do nothing
for him. A letter was brought to picket post this morning by a lady from
our lost boys, stating that they were prisoners in humane hands, going
southward. A gymnasium pole was put up this day. All hands required to
go over it. Force used if persuasion failed, causing much fun and good
exercise. Mis-sent mail arrived. I received one dated July 27.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Aug. 31. Awoke refreshed this morning but
suffered from severe pain over right eye all day. On detail in the
forenoon. Griff continues quite sick, unable to sit up. Made him some
toast for breakfast, but he could not eat much. Mustered for pay and
inspection at 12 M. The last muster of the kind for many of the boys,
over which they were quite jubilant. 1st Battalion of 1st Cavalry
mustered out of service to-day. John Colburn, a one-year recruit,
substitute for Senator Wilkinson, arrived from Wisconsin. Sergt. Alba S.
Sweet down on a visit from Kingston, looks well. Railroad reported
broken between Chattanooga and Nashville. No mail. Felt lonesome and sad
to-night. It is not often I feel as gloomy.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 1. Cold night, rested well. On guard,
third relief. Pain over my eye continues very bad. Griff is improving.
Sergeant Hood went out with a squad on pass. When they returned, several
of them were too drunk to take care of themselves, having obtained
whiskey at Allatoona. Too bad. Forage train went out this morning.
While scouting, about 3 P. M. one of General Smith's body-guards,
riding a little in the advance, was shot dead by some cowardly
bushwhackers, stripped of all valuables, boots and hat, leaving the
corpse in the road, taking two other prisoners. It was the last day the
poor fellow had to serve, expecting soon to start for his home in St.
Louis. He was one of the brave men that once composed Fremont's
body-guard. His loved ones will wait for his coming in vain. The escort
started out in the evening with full determination to avenge the death
of their comrade, if possible. No mail. Wheeler is still in possession
of Nashville Railroad at Tullahoma. Captain Dillon acting chief of
artillery on General Logan's staff. ---- court-martialed by Division
court for old offence at Jackson.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 2. A hot and dull day. David Evans and
myself visited the picket post this morning with our coffee, rations and
liquor to trade with the female rebs that come with produce, guards not
admitting them inside the lines any more. Tried to get some butter, but
in vain, there being too many purchasers, who were returning as we went.
No mail or papers. "Old Wheeler" still holds the road near Nashville.
Rumors are afloat of the capture of Atlanta. General Sherman's army, not
known where it is.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Sept. 3. A hot, sultry morning. Severe storm of
wind and rain in the afternoon, threatening to tear our quarters to
pieces. Everything wet and damp. Sherman is fighting Hood southwest of
Atlanta. 20th Army Corps is in possession of that coveted stronghold.
[Sidenote: 1864 Atlanta is Ours]
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 4. Inspection as usual at 7 A. M. 8 A. M.
made glad by the arrival of Uncle Lester with bag full of mail and
papers. Received none of the former, but the news is glorious. _Atlanta
is ours._ Sherman routed his foe. Fort Morgan surrendered with
prisoners. Wheeler retreating. Hurrah! I say. Discouraging enough to the
cowardly party that has just nominated G. B. McClellan for president at
Chicago.
W. A. Gordon, one of the oldest members of the Battery, died at noon in
camp after a short but severe illness. He left a large family last
winter who will miss their kind father and protector.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Sept. 5. This morning at 8 A. M. we buried the
remains of Mr. Gordon, the coffin borne on a caisson followed by martial
band of 48th Infantry playing the dead march. His remains were consigned
to their last habitation on a pretty knoll neath large oaks, without a
tear or a sigh. He was left, the band playing a lively march as if to
drown all thought of the dead. Another poor soldier "off duty". The
sound of the reveille will awaken him to duty no more. May his ashes
rest in peace in a traitor's land.
On guard, second relief. Cloudy, but little rain. No mail. Two long,
empty trains passed to the front, supposed to go for prisoners.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Sept. 6. My health is very good. Weather very
oppressive. Little rain during the afternoon. No trains from the North.
Rations being hauled to Atlanta from Marietta to subsist the army on.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Sept. 7. Very chilly night. Continued cold all
the morning. A heavy train passed to the rear loaded with prisoners.
They will lay over at Chattanooga, the Nashville Road not open yet.
Seems strange to go without mail so long. All the news from Sherman
makes his victory more complete. Captain Dillon returned from the front.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 8. One detail sent out after two loads of
corn, cut it in the field. Five hundred more prisoners passed North.
Trains run regular from Chattanooga, carrying supplies of which there is
enough to feed the army for several months yet. Horses can live off the
country, but rather scarce picking for us.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 9. Three years ago to-day the first men
enlisted for the 6th Wisconsin Battery, a day never to be forgotten by
many. Rumors of marching soon are once more afloat. 4th Corps to guard
the line. It is said we are to join 15th Army Corps in camp, five miles
south of Atlanta to rest one month.
[Sidenote: 1864 Army Clothing]
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Sept. 10. Drew clothing, the price of which is
advanced considerable. Notwithstanding the old boys lay in a good
supply. Uncle Sam gives it cheaper than New York merchants. Brigade band
visited us in the evening, discoursed beautiful music for about an hour,
when a still sweeter thing arrived--mail--lots of it. Seized with
avidity and devoured greedily after a week's fasting. Received three
from home. Found them in great anxiety on my account. Making strenuous
efforts to escape the draft, which overhangs them like a dark cloud.
Went to sleep with the happy conclusion that I was better off than any
of them after all.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 11. Inspection 7 A. M. after which, ----
as prisoner, was marched under guard to the left of the Company, while
Lieutenant Clark read the proceedings of the court-martial by which he
was tried on the 1st inst. and approved by General Smith. The old charge
of mutiny, committed over a year ago at Vicksburg, was brought against
him, for which he was confined in military prison for five months, until
released by the generous McPherson. Several other frivolous charges, on
all of which found guilty with one exception. Sentence--forfeit all pay
and balance to become due him, confined at hard labor in some military
prison for two years, after which to be dishonorably discharged. We were
all saddened at the unexpected severity of the sentence of our comrade.
He was immediately taken to town, where he will be taken to Nashville.
G----'s is one of those rough, unyielding, profane natures, capable of
much more good than the world credits them for. Officers always placing
themselves against him with an iron rule, while with different treatment
he might have been a pliable and good soldier, but as it was, frequently
in trouble, under guard. It was the first time I ever saw his reckless
spirit subdued. As he left his old comrades, large tears of anguish
rolled down his cheeks, and I could but shudder at the gathering cloud
upon his brow. What terrible resolutions might be formed under that
tumultuous breast. How necessary it is that the officers should
understand the science of the human mind. Until then such cases will
occur. Much of the day was spent sympathizing with him, etc. I wrote
home. No mail.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Sept. 12. Very quiet and pleasant day. On detail
to load forage. Harness oiled in the afternoon. Most of the mail taken
to the front. Politics the theme of the day. Considerable discussion.
The friends of the U. S. are like angel visits "few and far between" but
wonderfully in earnest.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Sept. 13. Sultry day. Health very good. On
guard, third relief. Mail arrived late in the evening bringing me five
letters with the good news that my dear brothers were exempt from the
draft, which made me feel perfectly happy and the hours passed
pleasantly on post.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Sept. 14. Spent the day very pleasantly
looking over the large pile of papers received in mail last night.
Bathed in the evening. The musical ones of our Company have put up a
small tent where every evening they congregate and produce a large
amount of noise, if not music. Fiddle, banjo, tambourine, triangle and
bones used with a will. They had a "gander dance" to-night on gun
platform till very late, seemed to enjoy it capitally.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 15. Health, spirits and weather very
good. A train of forty wagons with a heavy cavalry escort went to
Stilesboro, a guerrilla hole, two miles down the river. Returned loaded
with cotton. Rebs burning it as fast as possible. This will amply pay
for the mules they captured on the 13th inst. Went to town in the
evening with Griff.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 16. Last night was very cold, freezing a
little this morning. Hot enough in midday. No news or excitement. No
prospects of marching very suddenly now. The "'61 boys" are rather
apprehensive that their papers will not come around in time to leave on
the 20th. Interesting congratulatory order from General Logan read to us
at retreat to the 15th Army Corps saying that they fear not the enemy,
but punish and defeat him.
[Sidenote: 1864 Politics in Camp]
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Sept. 17. On guard, third relief. Mail received
8 A. M. Got a letter from Cousin John, wounded, lying in New York
Harbor. Doing well, full of pluck and patriotism. A sharp spice of
politics was thrown in to-day. "Macs" [supporters of McClellan for
president] growing fewer, several on the fence. Policed camp in the
evening.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 18. Rainy night, and continued cloudy
through the day. Contracted a bad cold while on post last night.
Received two letters from John and Hannah in the evening. Caused a sad
train of thought to come in my mind, and could not sleep, long after all
was hushed in camp.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Sept. 19. Fine day. Health not very good. On
fatigue in the morning. Teams go out in division train, bringing in
corn. Our horses will now have to live off the country for awhile.
Another request to be relieved was sent to General Howard's headquarters
to-day by Lieutenant Clark, the former supposed to have been
pigeon-holed somewhere. John Rogers started home on sick furlough.