to prepare pay rolls. 6th Battery minstrels made their first appearance
in public this evening. The troupe was taken to the old hall in town
where the 1st Platoon is. Curiosity prompted me to go and see what they
could do, so I fell in with a large squad of the Battery boys. Found the
room well filled, a large stage erected, an old tent-fly for curtain,
red horse blankets for scenery. Troupe consisted of eight players, and
Corporal Dziewanowski manager. They appeared blackened and dressed in
imposing style. They sang, played and danced with desperate efforts at
the nigger, but their songs were stale old jokes, still the execution
not bad. They need more originality; however, they did well for "green
'uns" and it pleased soldiers.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Sept. 21. An old-fashioned rainy day, thick
and heavy, did patter on our roof all day, gathering in wild torrents
rushing down the hillsides. On guard, third relief. Signed pay rolls
before breakfast.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 22. Wet and dreary, but little life
manifested till 3 P. M. when the news came that order releasing the old
boys was at headquarters. Received with a cheer and everybody moving.
Lieutenant Clark busy taking names preparatory to turning the Battery
over.
[Illustration: A Group of Officers in 6th Wisconsin Battery.]
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 23. At morning roll call Lieutenant Simpson
announced the new appointment of non-commissioned officers, viz:
1st Sergeant, Alba Sweet, a moral man, deserving.
Quarter-Master Sergeant, S. E. Sweet, also good appointment.
1st Gun Sergeant, Fred Malish, will make strict disciplinarian.
2nd Gun Sergeant, H. P. James, very pleasant, easy fellow.
3rd Gun Sergeant, M. Dziewanowski, a favorite of the boys.
4th Gun Sergeant, L. N. Keeler.
Corporals, D. Goodwin, C. Hutchinson, Frank Parish, D. Stewart, John
Eagion, A. Ray, J. W. Proctor and Ed. K. Hill.
Landen and Spencer, artificers.
The appointments were duly criticized during the day. No great objection
raised against except ----, his previous conduct "changing around the
officers", seeking position, and overbearing spirit has created much
dislike for him. Headquarters are filled with rebel prisoners.
[Sidenote: 1864 A Lonesome Parting]
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Sept. 24. Another rainy, disagreeable day. The
public property of the Battery is now turned over to Simpson and
everything is ready to start for home, only waiting for transportation.
Captain Dillon came to camp at noon. He takes command of the old Company
on their way home. Capt. G. J. * * * relieved him as chief of artillery.
Monthly inspection by Division inspector at 1 P. M. He found the camp
rather upside down, after which a champion game of base-ball was played
on the flat between the non-veterans and veterans. The non-veterans came
off victorious by 11 points in 61. The day passed sadly for me at
thought of parting with my loved companions.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 25. The boys expected to get off early this
morning, but the Rebs burned a train near Big Shanty last night,
obstructing the road so no train could come up.
12 M. Capt. Zickerick of the 12th Battery came up from Allatoona with
about thirty of his boys to bid good-bye to the old 6th boys, and
reported a train due in an hour. The wagons were loaded with their
baggage, and they immediately started for town. Now came the
leave-taking with many. I with others had to bid adieux to our old
messmates, beside whom we had marched through many a rough campaign,
slept under the same blankets, eaten from the same plate, stood together
on many a bloody battle-field, watched and nursed each other while
sick. How close had our lives twined together in less than three years'
service. Many a stout heart that had met death with a calm brow, could
now hardly choke down the bitter tears, yet they were no cowards, but
throbs of a manly heart. They return but a small band of those who
started. Many of them have bleached their bones in Southern clime, and
thirty-two of them are brave veterans staying behind to complete the
work they enlisted for. Friends at home, you can little realize the
trial they underwent to-day in bidding good-bye to their original
comrades. You should not call their anxiety for their phototypes,
autographs or anything as a remembrance foolish. I walked with friend
Evie to train, intending to see him off, but the train did not come, and
I too had to say good-bye. It was the hardest task I have performed
since tearing myself from the arms of a dear mother on the threshold of
my old home in Wisconsin. But I took their kind "Take care of yourself"
and turned my back. I must say a few tears did fall, but not from any
regret at staying behind. I return to camp cheerfully to do my duty. But
oh, it did look very lonesome.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Sept. 26. Everything was so very still this
morning that I did not wake up till roll call, and then there were but
very few to be seen, only thirty-four for duty, which will be very
heavy. Worked hard all day cleaning the stables. Boys have not left yet,
as no train came from the front. Griff and I were down with them this
evening for a while.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Sept. 27. Was happy to learn that the boys got
off last night. On water detail this morning, then went and stayed with
R. L. Booth in the hospital, who is very sick. His brother had to leave
him, did not know whether he could live an hour or not as he was very
low. Cousin Griff and Dan Davis both put into the same platoon as myself
and stay in the same shebang, making a very cozy little circle.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Sept. 28. On guard, second relief. Everything
so very quiet that it was very lonesome. Lieutenant Simpson is steadily
but firmly tightening the reins, and instituting strict discipline.
Guards instructed to walk their beats. If caught seated to be punished.
Only ten minutes allowed to turn out at reveille. Heavy details at work
all day cleaning out stables, etc. Camp policed. Griff left us to cook
in hospital. Railroad again severed somewhere. Our Brigade ordered to
erect winter quarters. Long train sent out for lumber ten miles down the
river. Our teams went along.
[Sidenote: 1864 Watching Hood]
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 29. Damp and disagreeable to stand guard
last night. Felt dull, ate no breakfast. Went to picket post this
morning, bought a quart of buttermilk, 25 cts. per quart, which with
bread at 15 cents per loaf, I made a homelike dinner. Took our team to
graze in the afternoon. Found Chattanooga papers of to-day in camp on
return, but nothing from the North. Hood's whole army reported to be on
their way north to sever Sherman's communications, which seems very
probable, as several trains heavily laden with soldiers passed north.
Another lumber train out.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 30. Rained all night but cleared off this
morning. D. J. D. and myself washed our clothes out and did other
woman's work. Grazed in the afternoon, taking a guard's team out.
Detailed to go after corn. While horses eat, three of us filled a wagon
in a pocket three miles from camp. Troops still going to the rear. Wild
rumors afloat as to Hood's movements and whereabouts. No mail yet.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Oct. 1. Company mess instituted this morning
instead of platoon. Uncle Henderson, cook, two negro assistants. Drew
soft bread for supper, which was duly appreciated after grinding
hard-tack for fifteen days. Troops still going to the rear, while we are
kept in blissful ignorance of all passing events by the non-arrival of
Northern trains. I sometimes wish old Wheeler was dead, so I could get
my mail. On guard.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Oct. 2. After a rough tour of guard last night in
rain with thunder and lightning, I feel somewhat drowsy to-day, and am a
little impatient for mail and news. G. M. S. received a few Chattanooga
papers from Lester, also a note saying they were at Chattanooga on the
30th. I expect they are getting impatient by this time. Wrote to John as
usual but have little hopes of it reaching him for some time. Raids!
Raids! again. No up-train from Atlanta. Road torn up at Marietta and Big
Shanty.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Oct. 3. Rode Sweet's horse out this morning to
get muscadines. Caught in an awful shower, got thoroughly drenched.
Storms are very frequent and come with more vehemence here than any
place I have ever seen. The last two weeks past heavy rains every
twenty-four hours, deluging camp, sweeping down the hillsides, raising
the rippling Etowah into a turbid torrent, even leaping its banks and
carrying everything in its way like an infuriated monster. A large body
of earth and rock fell from the side of the railroad cut in this hill,
filling the track. Fifty men of the 48th at work most all night clearing
it out. Our lower bastion also fell in, in consequence of the heavy
rains.
[Sidenote: 1864 Preparing for Attack]
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Oct. 4. Heavy rain last night again. Three teams
and twelve men out foraging in division train. On guard. Detailed to
take a team out after guard mounting. We are completely isolated from
all other forces. Only one engine and four cars on this piece of the
road. The enemy is on this side of Big Shanty, successfully holding his
own and moving up the track, tearing things as they go. We have good
reasons to expect them here soon. They will find us weak in number, but
strong in heart, ready to punish traitors any time. 63rd Illinois gone
to Kingston to meet a force reported to be moving on that place.
This is the second anniversary of that bloody day at Corinth, when so
many of the 6th Battery bit the dust while gallantly doing their duty.
Is this remnant of that band soon to pass through a like ordeal? I pray
not, but they will be true to their memory if called upon.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Oct. 5. 8 A. M. heavy cannonading has been
distinctly heard in the vicinity of Allatoona for an hour, telling us
that they are coming. Simpson had the drivers harness up to get their
horses straight. Cavalry scouts gone out. Camp is very quiet, but all
are in earnest. While I write, guard mounting is going on as
deliberately as ever. Many of those that go out on out-post to-day may
never return.
Evening. This has been a busy day for us all. Terrific fighting has been
going on at Allatoona all day. Occasional shots are still heard. Brevet
General Raum, commanding Division, and Captain Zickerick, chief of
artillery, started to go into the pass early this morning, but were
intercepted by rebel pickets and narrowly escaped capture. Captain
Zickerick immediately came into the fort and vigorous measures were
taken for defense. Deeming the lower bastions where the third and fourth
pieces were stationed a poor position, the range being very limited, he
immediately sent for pioneer corps. Shacks and headquarters shanty were
torn down, and a half-moon work was erected with sand bags on the brow
of the hill with three embrasures commanding all the south and east.
While Captain McBride and his pioneers were hard at work on the new
work, the Battery boys worked hard fixing up the embrasures on the old
work, raising it with sand bags, etc. Not knowing what moment the enemy
would appear, detachments were numbered off and everything ready for
action. 59th Indiana Infantry was up in the afternoon, erecting benches
around the work so as to sharp-shoot over the parapet. About sundown the
works were so far completed as to be used if necessary, and the guns
and caissons of the left Section were hauled up by ropes, the whole
Company taking hold as gay and gleeful as if they were preparing for a
4th of July celebration. Our kind-hearted Chief of Artillery was with us
all day, coat off, hard at work, often with shovel in hand, displaying
at once a sympathetic heart and skill as a military officer. He left us
late in the evening with instructions to do the best we could, he would
be with us right away if he heard firing. My number is 6, to deal out
ammunition.
We have heard nothing from the fight. General Corse is commanding at
Allatoona, having reached there about midnight last evening with the 7th
and 27th Illinois and 38th Indiana as reinforcements; more to come from
Rome, Georgia. Another train with three regiments steamed carefully into
the pass at 7 P. M., leaving them in their supposed rear near the
woodshed. Played an interesting game of four-handed chess by candle
light before retiring.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Oct. 6. Reveille sounded at 4 A. M. but nothing
unusual transpired. Couriers from Allatoona report the enemy whipped and
retreating. Pioneer corps came up early to work, but the rain fell in
such torrents that they left their tools and went to camp.
[Sidenote: 1864 A Hard Fight]
This afternoon Captain Zickerick returned from Allatoona, bringing us
authentic reports of the yesterday's battle. The enemy was about 5,000
strong, being French's Division of Lee's Corps. Our force, all told,
1,500. So confident of success were they that a flag of truce was sent
in in the morning demanding our surrender in five minutes to prevent the
unnecessary spilling of blood. But the gritty little general, who was
bored by rebel bullets at Mission Ridge last winter, couldn't see it. He
replied that he was prepared to commence "the unnecessary spilling of
blood" at once. And the ball opened. Three distinct times did they
charge the works where the 12th Wisconsin Battery was stationed, but in
vain. Every time they were forced back with terrible loss. One time
they forced the 93rd Illinois from a small work, but the 12th Battery
turned their guns on them, double shotted with canister, obliging them
to abandon it at a terrible loss. They opened on us with eight pieces of
artillery, doing no damage, when our guns played on them so close that
the cannoneers had to be kept at their post with fixed bayonets. They
made desperate efforts to take the large amount of commissary stores
kept there. Many of them pinched with hunger, brought the boxes of
hard-tack to fill their haversacks while under a murderous fire. They
were accompanied by 300 empty wagons to haul off the hard-tack, but the
tack they got was not very welcome, and a little before sundown the
whole company broke, and retreated toward Dallas, a defeated army,
leaving their dead and wounded in our hands, about 2,000. But many of
our own brave men lost their lives. The 93rd Illinois alone lost 80.
Three companies of the 18th Wisconsin, stationed in a block house, were
surrounded early in the morning, but held their own in spite of
artillery and musketry until 5 P. M., when the besiegers, failing every
other way, built a fire all around it, telling them to come out or
suffocate by smoke. All these brave men fell prisoners, but not until
sixty men lay dead around to attest to the valor of the eighty-four
within. General Corse was wounded in the face, and all of his staff
killed or wounded. Colonel Tourtellotte of 4th Minnesota and many
others. The 12th Battery won great laurels, losing more men than ever
before. Lieutenant Amsden wounded, appeared to be fatal. Four killed and
two others wounded fatally. Fifteen wounded slightly. All their horses
nearly gone. They were the best in the Corps too. Our total loss was 722
men. Had the reinforcements come up at noon, which they would, had not
the train run off the track, a large portion of them would have been
captured. The main charging column of the rebels was the famous Missouri
Brigade that fought them before at Iuka, Corinth, Champion Hills, and
occupied Fort Hill during the siege of Vicksburg. Many of them came into
our lines, tired at last of war. I don't think there has been more
desperate fighting done this year than yesterday at Allatoona.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Oct. 7. Called up early to go a-foraging.
Swallowed a hasty breakfast and started while it was yet dark, but did
not start from Cartersville till 9 A. M. The train consisted of about
ninety wagons. After the usual amount of halting, crowding and swearing,
by mule drivers and wagon masters, we started west, three armed men to a
wagon. Traveled ten miles through much more beautiful country than I
expected to find in the Etowah Valley. Saw some palatial mansions with
beautiful surroundings. Here our advance saw, or thought they did, "them
guerrillas" and they dared not go any farther. Turned out into a field
of about four hundred acres, but the corn was very scarce, not having
had any care, and choked with weeds. We succeeded in getting half loads.
Many returned empty.
Reached camp by 5 P. M. Boys had been at work all day on fort. The
Etowah River higher than it has been since we have been here. This
morning a large field of driftwood came down, threatening to sweep off
the railroad bridge. Displaced several boats and the track sagged about
two feet in the center. Pioneers at work all day keeping off the
float-wood. Several of our boys went up to Allatoona yesterday. Returned
to-day, having been engaged in dressing wounds, etc. all night. They
bring the usual accounts of suffering that follows every battle. Many of
the wounded lay out in the cold rain of yesterday. A train loaded with
them for Rome, lays at the end of the bridge, failing to cross. The
wounded are being transferred to cars on this side by means of
ambulances. They must suffer terribly to-night.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Oct. 8. Last night was very cold, slept
uncomfortable. How the poor, half-naked wounded in the box cars at the
foot of the hill could stand it is more than I know. Lay here till 1 P.
M., when they were taken to town by land. No engine around. I am on
guard. All hands hard at work. It is slow work digging in rocky
formation. Pioneers at work taking out the drift in the river to try and
save the bridge. Two hundred fifty men of the Construction Corps tarried
this evening to repair the bridge. They come from Resaca. That bridge is
nearly all out, broken by rafts, supposed to be started by the rebels.
No mail.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Oct. 9. It is the Sabbath day, but one cannot
realize it in the busy whirl of duty. Came off guard at 7 A. M. All the
rest of the day worked very hard with all the rest. Everything else is
neglected. The day being decidedly cool, a big job was accomplished.
Never did men work more cheerfully. Buglers, corporals and sergeants
down to mule drivers turn out of their own free will and work.
Some hopes were entertained that we would receive mail to-night, but
none came. Played a game of chess by candle light, and now I will retire
to my hard but inviting couch.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Oct. 10. Hailed the coming day with gladness this
morning as it was so very cold we suffered from it. More like Wisconsin
than Georgia. Found the infantry under arms since 3 A. M. and another
"scare" prevailing. Fell out to work at 7, pioneers helping us. Ordnance
train came up from town this morning and deposited their stores inside
of the fort, filling our magazines with artillery ammunition; 90 boxes
of three inch rifle; 40 12-pounder guns; 150 boxes of infantry
ammunition, guns, sabres and other stores piled up inside the works
covered with tarpaulins. A sergeant and seven men with them as guards,
to guard our guns also, which lightens our duty greatly. Only three
guards on duty.
[Sidenote: 1864 General Sherman]
General Sherman in Cartersville since this morning. The 23rd Army Corps
marching through all day, almost on a double quick. His whole army is
making a retrograde movement except the 20th Army Corps which is in
Atlanta, fortifying it so as to hold it against Hood's whole army, if
necessary. He (Hood) is now north of the Chattahoochee River threatening
some northern point. It is confidently expected that he will soon have
reason to repent of his rashness. The troops are somewhat disappointed
in being obliged to take the field so soon after the capture of Atlanta.
In the evening I walked to town with Ed. Hayes. Saw the great but
unassuming genius that holds in his hands the fate of the noble Army of
the West. He appeared in a brown study, constantly walking with his
hands in his pockets, more like a farmer than a general. The Etowah
bridge completed by sundown. Disappointed by the non-arrival of mail.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Oct. 11. This morning as we awoke the bugles of
the 4th and 14th Army Corps resounded through the hills, and the plain
in front of our camp was covered with camp fires, looking "as of old".
They had marched nearly all night, many of them very hungry. Opened ten
boxes of surplus hard-tack for those that came after them during the
night. They again filed out 6 A. M., many of them without a wink of
sleep. Advance of the old 15th Army Corps came in sight 8 A. M. having
marched ten miles before breakfast. Moving very rapidly. Pioneers
digging rifle pits. Battery boys worked on the old embrasure till 3 P.
M., when the assembly sounded and orders given to hitch up and prepare
to move immediately. Somewhat surprised we hastily made the necessary
preparations, stood harnessed up half an hour, when the order was
countermanded and estimate sent in of horses necessary to move the
Battery. Commenced writing to John but was interrupted by the arrival of
a heavy mail. I received but one.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Oct. 12. A very beautiful day. Worked the
forenoon on the embrasures. Policed camp after dinner. Marching
excitement has somewhat abated, but I expect to march before a great
while. The troops are all passed now, but the trains and beef cattle
pass all day. Artillery firing heard in the direction of Rome.
[Sidenote: 1864 Night Work]
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Oct. 13. Last night about midnight the whole
camp was aroused. I was out in a hurry thinking the Johnnies were
coming, but was somewhat disappointed upon finding the ordnance officer
there ready to put a 1,000 rounds of musket ammunition on my shoulders
to carry down the hill. Here a train was waiting to take it to Resaca,
where a collision was expected between the two armies. We had to carry
100 boxes infantry, 15 boxes cavalry, and 20 of 12-pounder ammunition,
which was done very quietly in about half an hour. I carried six loads,
by which time I was very tired, a little the hardest work I have ever
done. Went to bed again, did not get up till late. My left shoulder
pains me considerable from last night's fatigue. Pleasant day. Health
very good. Very big mail. I received five.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Oct. 14. A warm day and I felt first rate.
Policed camp and prepared for inspection at 2 P. M. by Inspector General
of the Division and Chief of Artillery, which came off in good style.
Made a good appearance generally. Still a great uncertainty hangs over
Sherman and his army.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Oct. 15. Called out at 4 A. M. to go
a-foraging. Went out on the Canton road about fifteen miles, through
broken country such as middle Georgia affords. Only about one-tenth of
this area tillable land. Loaded up in small pockets. Our wagon capsized
so we barely got off with half a load. On our way back the rebs hung in
our rear, but did not molest us. Reached camp 9 P. M., hungry as a wolf.
Found our shebangs all torn down and new quarters started.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Oct. 16. Another Sunday. Spent very busy in
putting up quarters which are put in one line. Wedge tents raised on a
wall fifteen inches high lengthened out to twelve feet. By night we had
them completed mostly. I am very tired.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Oct. 17. Volunteered to go out with Sergeant
Dziewanowski and twenty men, eight of them armed with muskets issued by
the ordnance sergeant for the occasion, to the rolling mills for brick,
stone, etc. Teams returned immediately, but the mounted men rode over
the country till late in the evening. I stayed and took a home-like
dinner with Grandma Williams for fifty cents.