with two days' rations. They go up into Cherokee County. Our horses have
nothing, only what is foraged for them and grazing once a day, but the
grass is getting dry. McCook's Cavalry that have laid here for several
weeks, broke camp this morning and marched northward. Worked this
forenoon. In the afternoon wrote to my old comrade E. W. E., but there
is no prospect of it reaching him soon. Weather beautiful.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Oct. 19. Day passed very quietly. Our quarters
are all done except chimneys. Principal work done was playing chess and
eating walnuts, which is the only game I indulge in at present. We have
wild rumors that Hood has split his army, two corps retreating. One
going north. Sherman following both, but nothing definite. Kilpatrick's
wagon-train and convalescents reached here to-day. His headquarters are
at Stilesboro, fifteen miles west. Took a pleasant walk to town with
Griff after retreat. Enjoyed myself well. But there is an aching void in
my heart, which cannot be filled without news from home.
[Sidenote: 1864 Camp Rumors]
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Oct. 20. To-day is ration day and we begin to
feel the effects of the blockade. Only half rations of everything except
hard-tack. No salt. Heavy trains of supplies are being taken north every
day from Allatoona. The winds, I guess, waft the tidings of noble
Morton's election in Indiana with 4,000 majority to us. Hope it is true.
The Indiana soldiers in camp here seem highly elated. Band played till
after midnight last night.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Oct. 21. After dinner our Platoon harnessed up
three teams to a wagon to go after brick for chimneys. Before starting
Dan Goodwin brought a big mail from town in which were seven for me.
Hailed a lot of stationery sent by Evie. Read my letters on my way after
brick. Went about three miles from camp. When we returned found
Lieutenant Simpson and fifteen of the boys gone to Nashville for horses
to fill up the Battery. Marching rumors again afloat. All convalescents
not able to march ordered to Chattanooga. Dan went out of our tent, five
out of the Platoon, leaving me a team to take care of until they return.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Oct. 22. A council was held this morning to
know whether we should put up our chimney or wait to see whether we
would leave. Decided to do all we could for our comfort, and let
marching take care of itself. By night we had the satisfaction of
sitting by a fire and knowing that the chimney smoked out of the right
end.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Oct. 23. The forenoon was occupied by grazing
horses, etc. The afternoon, in writing. The prevailing topic is
marching, when and where. It is supposed we will join our Corps. Logan's
headquarters reported at Cedar Mountain in northern Alabama. Details are
still at work on the defenses. Double lines of palisades are set on the
crown of the hill. The timber all felled on the mountains in our rear.
Park at Brigade headquarters made a strong artillery position. We can
now successfully resist ten times our number.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Oct. 24. Was on detail to go on a two days'
foraging expedition but Charlie Pickard took my place, and both were
better suited. Wrote to John in the afternoon. No mail or news whatever.
We are fast becoming accustomed to this state of things.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Oct. 25. On guard to-day. Drew half rations of
everything except hard-tack. Had no corn for horses. Took out sacks as
we went grazing. Husked some in a field where a woman swore in a
terrible manner, made a desperate onslaught on us with words, but I got
some corn. Forage train returned into camp 4 P. M. Charley brought in
two ducks, and a lot of sweet potatoes.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Oct. 26. A windy, cloudy day, indications of
rain. When we came in from grazing, found mail awaiting us. Received a
good home letter. Several through trains from Chattanooga passed to the
front last night. Late this evening a portion of the 48th Indiana
started for Resaca by rail. Rebs tearing up the tracks again.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Oct. 27. Rained all night and cloudy through
the day. Grazed forenoon as usual. Wrote to sister Hannah in the
afternoon. A small mail received. None for me.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Oct. 28. Weather is most beautiful. Health
excellent. Plenty to eat and not too much to do. Consequently the day
passed off very pleasantly, playing chess and reading papers about a
month old, but new to us. Notified at retreat to prepare to go foraging
to-morrow morning.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Oct. 29. Rolled out early, fifteen of us going
foraging to load fourteen wagons from division train, all going for corn
for the battery regiments at Cartersville. 6 A. M. an escort of seventy
armed infantry came along and all unarmed men turned back, including
Battery detail. None of us sorry. Arrived in camp in the afternoon, and
built corn crib. We have the satisfaction of knowing that our "cracker
line" is once more in running order. Trains have been passing every
half hour through the day. An unexpected order was very quietly received
5 P. M. from Major Stolbrand, Corps chief of artillery, ordering us to
turn over our horses, guns and necessary equipments to the 12th Battery,
take their guns in exchange, and hold ourselves in readiness to report
at Chattanooga immediately.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Oct. 30. A very beautiful Sabbath spent in the
usual commonplace way. Grazed in the forenoon. The afternoon occupied in
writing to Brother John. Walked to town in the evening. No mail or news,
although trains are passing in great numbers.
[Sidenote: 1864 The "Nigger Question"]
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Oct. 31. Weather still continues enchanting. All
quiet. Expecting the 12th Battery down after our horses. Invoices taken
of ammunition, cannoneers and equipments, preparatory to being turned
over. Mustered for pay at 12 M. Four months' wages now due us. We hope
we will receive it soon. In the evening a general discussion took place
on the "nigger question", politics, etc. All agree on "Old Abe" for
president. Further than that we cannot go. I was in it on the start and
was getting earnest. When everybody began talking together, I pulled in
my teams and retired.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Nov. 1. In the forenoon we went out grazing
about two miles to a clover patch. In the afternoon on detail for beef.
12th Battery took twenty-three of our best horses and six sets of
harness. They bring their guns down to-morrow. A large mail came to camp
4 P. M. I received five good letters, doing me much good, one of them
from my old messmate Evie. He is now enjoying the sweets of private life
"ad libitum". The forage train that started out yesterday morning not
heard from yet. Fears entertained of their safety. Three of our wagons
with it.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Nov. 2. A very severe night. Rained and
stormed continually. The day not much better. Should have stayed in
doors, if I was not on guard, which is not at all pleasant. Lieutenant
Simpson and boys returned from Nashville, failed to obtain any horses.
Had a rather hard trip throughout. Nothing new. Much speculation as to
our destination.
9 P. M. the forage trains came in, and all rumors as to being captured a
canard. Ordnance taken off, much of it.
Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Nov. 3. Another very cold raw day. 12th Battery
took six more horses. Lieutenant Jenawein detailed on duty with the 12th
Battery. Boxes made to pack up the harness.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Nov. 4. Sergeant Sweet returned to the Battery
this morning and resumed his duties as orderly. Weather continues very
cold and disagreeable. All we can do is to keep warm. All the loose
stores belonging to the Company boxed up to-day. The remainder of the
Division is making preparations for a severe campaign, only two wagons
to a regiment. We may be lucky in being counted out after all. It is
expected that the columns will move through the Confederacy and emerge
on the other side, and rest on the Atlantic coast. I would like to be
with them. The sights and satisfaction would amply repay the fatigue and
hardships.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Nov. 5. A pleasant day once more. Camp somewhat
astir this morning from the fact that Lieutenant Simpson read dispatch
from Stolbrand last night directing him to go to Marietta and draw
horses if possible to enable us to take the field, but it was again
countermanded before any harm was done. He went to Allatoona in the
afternoon to inspect their guns. Trains pass in plenty but no mail.
Infantry turn over all their wagons but one to-day. Drew rations for
those in hospital. It is to be broken up.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Nov. 6. Cold, disagreeable and rainy. Ordered to
prepare for inspection, but were visited by the paymaster before it came
off, a welcome visitor too. Paid us for July and August. Tickets were
circulated this afternoon for the election next Tuesday, none for Iowa
County. I wrote off such, and wrote a letter to John.
Etowah Bridge, Monday, Nov. 7. A fine day. Health good. Received letter
from home. On duty in the afternoon. No news. Trains passing in great
numbers, taking stores to the front. Artillery and wagons, etc. to the
rear. Walked to town in the evening. Met Mother Bickerdyke on the
hospital train going North after supplies. Shook hands with her and had
a motherly chat. Noble soul. Thy memory will remain bright when that of
traitors and rebels lies mouldering in oblivion. Thy smiling face is a
cordial to the lonely soldier, better to the aching heart than money or
medicine.
[Sidenote: 1864 A Vote for Lincoln]
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Nov. 8. To-day is the day granted Americans to
exercise their highest rights as members of a republican government, the
right of suffrage, each man having a voice in the choice of his ruler.
And thanks to the just laws of Wisconsin, this right is not withheld
from us while far away from home battling for the right. And the issue
is understood in all its momentous importance. Shall this Union be
preserved, the war prosecuted to a successful end, with honest Abraham
at our head, or shall we resign our object after such a sacrifice
already offered to the faction that seek to place McClellan in office.
After duly qualifying the judges, Lieutenants Simpson and Jenawein and
1st Sergeant Sweet, and clerks G. Dalrymple and Q. M. Sergeant Sweet,
the polls were opened at 9 A. M. and voting was soon over with. I cast
my first ballot, a straight through Union ticket. I am seven days too
young, but I voted with a clear conscience, thinking I had earned my
right. 2 P. M. the polls were closed and votes counted, giving the
glorious result of seventy-five for Lincoln with "nary one" for "little
Mac". This made me feel proud of the command to which I belong. It shows
the true principles. On guard. Weather raining. 14th Army Corps marched
in from Kingston. Camped 2 P. M. to allow the men a chance to vote.
Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Nov. 9. Misty and damp night. Caught a bad
cold on guard. 12th Battery took guns to town this morning, leaving them
there for us, and took ours off in exchange. All our harness is boxed
up. The infantry have struck tents, turned them over and expect to start
on the morrow. 14th Corps lay quiet all day. Trains are being loaded
with camp and garrison equipage, contrabands and refugees. From all
appearances this line is to be abandoned, and Sherman is about to strike
a telling blow upon the Confederacy. My knapsack is packed and I await
orders.
WATCHING HOOD
[Sidenote: 1864 A Busy War Town]
Enroute, Thursday, Nov. 10. A bright and beautiful day. On detail after
rations in the morning. Cartersville presenting a very busy appearance,
filled with teams. Our troops turning camp and garrison equipage over to
be sent. Refugees of every age, color and description are on every
corner. Now that a general abandonment of the line is apprehended all
are anxious to avoid further misery in the Confederacy. Returned to camp
to eat a hearty dinner, and then broke camp and went to town. Did not
get loaded till 9 P. M. Everything put up in the smallest space. After
we had filled our corner, several families of negroes and refugees
stowed themselves away. Horses sent by land in charge of Sergeant
Keeler.
Chattanooga, Friday, Nov. 11. Spent the night in broken slumbers stowed
away in the smallest imaginable space under a caisson, very cold.
Daylight found us near Dalton. Stopped an hour to await trains. Several
more families of refugees stowed their baggage away under our carriages.
Boys procured whiskey on Simpson's order, several becoming gloriously
tight. 11 A. M. ran into another train, throwing one car off the tracks
and frightening several women. Lots of the boys jumped off, slightly
injured, but not seriously. The road along here has evidences of Hood's
depredations, for miles bent rails, etc.
2 P. M. we entered the "Hawk's Nest", Chattanooga, busy as ever. Mule
teams and refugees so thick we could hardly move. Here we stopped,
having no orders to go farther. Simpson telegraphed to Major Stolbrand.
Had we the orders we would have gone to Nashville 5 P. M. but as it was
we must lay over. Met four recruits at Ringgold, took them along. Two of
them brothers to our 1st Sergeant and Quartermaster, four of them
together now.
Whiteside, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 12. Another night spent in our narrow
bed, but slept comfortable. Staid in town till 1 P. M. Strolled over the
town which showed evidence on every side of the great scale upon which
this war is conducted. A wagon bridge has been built across the
Tennessee here, near where we were hid from Bragg about a year ago, a
beautiful and expensive piece of mechanism.
D. J. D. and myself visited our old teacher, Professor, now Lieutenant
Silsby. Found him looking well and on duty as officer of the day. His
regimentals became him well. He received us cordially, but we could not
stay long. Ah, what different circumstances did we now meet, to those
which existed three years ago. The book and slate are laid aside, and
alas! almost forgotten, the bugle and sabre followed instead.
One o'clock we started on a heavily-loaded train, four more following.
Rounded the august point of Lookout in great haste, when we had about
ten miles of up-grade. Our engine was too weak for the load, often like
an overloaded team refused to try and stopped still, most of the time
going no faster than we would go afoot. Reached Whiteside 4 P. M. where
we had to lie over till morning, a train ahead of us having run off the
track on the bridge over Running Waters, one hundred thirty feet high. A
passenger car and hospital car were saved as by a miracle from going
over into the abyss. The sight of a car loaded with men and women
leaning over the terrible gulf was terrible. Working train sent for from
Chattanooga to repair damages. Whiteside was a small station in a
mountain gorge, garrisoned by the sturdy Scandinavians of the 15th
Wisconsin. Two companies of them being stationed in a block house on top
of the highest peak to be seen. They occupy a decidedly airy situation.
Suffered considerably from the cold.
En route, Sunday, Nov. 13. Griff and I made our bed in the open air, and
slept as of old while on the march, warm and cozy though our blankets in
the morning were stiff with frost. Had to wait till noon for the
wreckers to get the track in repair, when we started on our way
rejoicing, as it was very cold. Passed through Bridgeport without
stopping. Waited at Stevenson thirty minutes, when we took the Nashville
Railroad, 112 miles long. This route being new to me, consequently more
interesting. The first thirty miles was through a low swampy country
with but few traces of civilization. A few station houses, lightly
garrisoned, until we neared the Cumberland Range, which we had to cross.
Here on a sidetrack we found small coal-burning engines ready to help us
over, small driving wheels but capable of great power. Coupled on behind
us with vigorous puffs and dense clouds of coal smoke. It propelled us
up a grade of two hundred feet to a mile, through cuts in the solid rock
fifty feet high, now running along a narrow shelf hewed in the side of
an ancient slope with a deep canon below us and the eternal rocks above
us. Finally we entered the tunnel, three-fourths of a mile long, drilled
in solid rock. Three ventilating shafts run down from above. We could
see nothing, the hot smoky air tending to warm our chilled systems.
Daylight found us on the west side of the mountain, having passed over
one of the greatest pieces of internal improvement I have ever seen,
North or South. Darkness was fast approaching, and we once more crawled
into our den to seek rest and warmth in broken slumbers, regretting that
it was not yet daylight so I could see the remainder of the line which
was wrenched from traitors' hands by the gallant Rosecrans.
Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Nov. 14. Morning found us on a sidetrack in
Nashville, which we reached 4 A. M. Most of the boys were soon off in
town, and as every one's pockets were well filled, the morning was spent
feeding at saloons, restaurants, etc., too many indulging too freely in
the debasing cup. As we expected to unload soon, I did not leave till
after dinner, when I with Griff strolled through town, seeing sights.
Nashville is a busy business mart. Mounted the dome of the state
capitol. The scene from it is most picturesque, nearly three hundred
feet above the silverlike Cumberland, which winds nearly around the
city. This is spread over a large tract of ground, five miles long from
north to south.
4 P. M. We were drawn up to a platform and by night we were unloaded.
Made our beds down as best we could, and retired neath a frowning sky
which I fear will drench us before morning.
[Sidenote: 1864 Stringent Orders]
Nashville, Tuesday, Nov. 15. It was not yet midnight when the rains
fell, and the winds blew. By 2 A. M. I was thoroughly soaked so I had to
get up and the police admitted us into the depot. Read from Scott's
_Ivanhoe_ till morning by gaslight, rain still falling in torrents.
After breakfast six post teams came to take us to camp, Cogswell's
horses to take our battery. About noon we were left in an open field on
a pretty knoll two miles west of town, with instructions not to touch
board, rail or tree under penalty of court-martial. Here we were this
cold morning in a muddy field with nothing to strike a light or hardly
stake a tent. This was decidedly tough for "old sogers" who had been
used to draw comfort from blazing rail heaps in times like this. But
they say it is loyal Tennessee, and property must be respected. Very
well. But they should provide something for our comfort, if we are
privates. We stretched our tents, got a cold grub, no fire to cook
coffee. Late in the evening Sergeant Malish came with two loads of cord
wood. We drew it at the rate of 1/6 cord to a man per month.
Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 16. Slept warm in our wedge tents. One of the
batteries that camped here, gone up the Cumberland River with two weeks'
rations to get out lumber for quarters. We would have gone had we had a
commissioned officer to take charge of us. On detail this morning.
Carried a load of halters to town to draw mules but the "something"
failed as usual, and I had to carry back my load. Found mail in camp, a
goodly share for me which added greatly to my comfort. Tried to write a
hastily written letter home, but my fingers were cold and stiff. Drew
soft bread.
Nashville, Thursday, Nov. 17. Another cold, wet day. On guard. Rain fell
incessantly. My shoes being bad, feet wet all day. Sergeant Keeler and
boys that were left to bring horses up arrived. Turned over the plugs at
Chattanooga. ---- left the Battery at Whiteside. Went on to Huntsville
to visit his friends there. Returned and was immediately put under
arrest. Will probably be court-martialed. Batteries were still being
brought up, some 165 batteries camped here belonging to the Army of
Tennessee. Major Powell in charge. Detail out this afternoon staking out
the ground to align the batteries.
[Sidenote: 1864 Unnecessary Hardships]
Nashville, Friday, Nov. 18. Lay abed this morning as long as possible.
Last night was a miserable night to stand guard. Cold rain fell very
heavily all the time I was out, feet perfectly wet, in consequence of
which I caught a large amount of cold. Settled in my head in the shape
of catarrh. To-day was not an exception to the general rule, so of
course it rained in doors as well as out, mud unfathomable on all sides,
and we spent the day in the most comical manner. Cheerfulness like a
bright angel, made us forget the disagreeable, and we sung (or rather
bawled), read, talked, laughed and scuffled by turns with an occasional
recess "to rake shoulder straps" in general. And I don't think it is
misplaced. Here we are in Nashville where an abundance of everything is
to be had. Thousands of feet of government lumber lying in the pile,
thousands more of employees at work daily in getting out more, besides
hundreds of vacant houses crumbling to ruin untenanted and unowned,
which we would soon be able to convert into comfortable quarters. But
no, the officers will not permit it, and here we are left to the
inclemencies of the wet season, on the wet ground, wood to warm our
chilled limbs even refused us. I trust that my patriotism is now as
bright as ever, and I am willing and ready to undergo any hardships for
the sake of my bleeding and torn country, but this is unnecessary and
too much. They (the officers) are cozily quartered with some private
family, toast their feet and drink their wines without ever a thought of
us, who are engaged in a common cause with them. The world will do
homage to them, the future historian may paint in glowing pictures their
career, but the private soldier that bears uncomplainingly these abuses,
and seeks naught but to do his duty, deserves as rich a reward; aye, and
the God of Justice will reward each according to his merit.
Received a mail which was duly appreciated.
Nashville, Saturday, Nov. 19. I have no change to record in weather or
otherwise. In the afternoon the guns were moved by the adjutant of the
Brigade into proper intervals, bringing ours into a low, muddy ravine.
Our quarters will have to go in the rear, but we await a pleasant day.
Nashville, Sunday, Nov. 20. Happy to inform you, dear Journal, that it
did not rain a great deal to-day, but no ray of sunshine appeared to
warm our tents or dry our clothes. The Major seems to be very partial to
us, for yesterday he called for a detail to put up headquarters tents.
To-day again he has fifteen men hauling stone, etc. to build chimneys. I
wish he would like some other Battery as well. In the evening a few
scarlet tints could be seen on the western horizon, and our prophets
predict a pleasant day to-morrow. I sincerely hope it will be so.
Received a few papers by mail, no letters.
Nashville, Monday, Nov. 21. This morning was bright and clear, but
sunshine still forbidden us. Griff, G. M. S. and myself, wishing to make
a few purchases, obtained permission to go to town. Griff and I sat for
photo pictures, and sent them to Beniczky, New York, for photos.
Commenced snowing 10 A. M. but the wind blew it all away. Kept growing
colder and colder. Returned to camp 2 P. M. Found the boys in a
shivering condition. Managed to keep comfortable by means of an iron
skillet filled with coals. Banked our tent up as close as possible, and
prepared for a severe night. Captain Hood arrived and takes command of
the Battery. His presence is unnoticed.
Nashville, Tuesday, Nov. 22. Last night was a very severe night. Many
suffered severely from cold. We slept tolerably warm with the exception
of feet. Ground is all hard. Water frozen four inches thick. The day
passed, such a day as that which makes people draw close around the
family stove, in the warm rooms of our houses. 'Tis not strange then
that every means of warmth was resorted to. Many a fellow lay wrapped up
in his blankets all day, while we were huddled around our skillet of
coals, replenished as often as practicable from the few heaps of fire
out doors (the wood being very scarce). Dan on guard. Clothing arrived.
I drew a pair of boots. Boys went strong on overcoats. I would draw one
if there was one to be had. Many of them bought sheet iron stoves in
town, paying from six to ten dollars. We must get one to-morrow if
possible. Strict orders issued to us from Major * * * headed Camp Barry.
None allowed to go to town without his pass. Four roll calls a day.