seen about noon sunning themselves outside. Dan and Griff went to town
early, and returned with a small sheet iron stove, about the size of an
inverted camp kettle, $5.00 worth. But it is a prodigy of comfort. In
ten minutes we had it blazing and the tent so warm as to be
uncomfortable. About dusk a cedar rail mysteriously found its way into
our tent, and was speedily converted into wood, nobody knows how, of
course.
[Sidenote: 1864 Feeding an Army]
Nashville, Thursday, Nov. 24. A still cold night, froze very hard this
morning. I think it is ten degrees below zero. Boys skating on ponds,
like old times. Detailed early to go after beef. Had to go and obtain
post team, then to the slaughter yard located on the Cumberland River.
When we reached it we found there was a string of wagons twenty rods
long ahead of us, and we had to wait our turn, which did not come before
3 P. M. and we had a good chance to see the magnitude of the work
carried on here daily. About one hundred eighty two butchers at work all
the time, fifty-four beeves killed before 12 M. An animal would be
knocked down and nearly skinned before he was dead, it being weighed out
as fast as killed. One hundred thousand rations issued by the government
daily. Reached camp in time to eat a good supper and to find no mail for
me.
An opportunity offered Griff and me to attend the theatre where the
celebrated Alice Kingsbury (Maggie Mitchell) played the part of
"Cricket" in the drama called _Fanchon_. To me it was highly interesting
to observe how near art could approach nature. Stage scenery was almost
life-like, the grassy woods, shady woodland and bubbling brook, all
seemed more real than I could believe possible. As for Alice, she was
the principal actress for three hours, and well did she play her part as
a poor befriended orphan and an accomplished lady. Anger, sorrow and
love depicted with great truthfulness.
Nashville, Friday, Nov. 25. A very nice day. On guard once more. Battery
C, 1st Missouri, struck their tents right in front of ours this
afternoon. We cannot move camp to its proper place, because there are
other batteries in the way. Was happy to meet Knapp and Burnham, once
worthy members of the old 6th, in camp direct from Wisconsin. They came
to work for the government. The greeting was like meeting family
relatives.
Nashville, Saturday, Nov. 26. Ah! it rains again. Continued to do so
nearly all day, but by means of our stove and good cheer we passed the
day very pleasantly, writing and reading. 3 P. M. mail arrived. None for
me. Milton received notice that his folks at home had sent him a
Thanksgiving dinner per express. He obtained permission to go to town,
and see if it had arrived. I went along. Roads very muddy, but we found
it not. To-night a certain number of cedar rails found their way into
our stove very mysteriously. Of course it was honest.
Nashville, Sunday, Nov. 27. Very wet but did not rain much. Griff, Milt
and myself went to church, not acquainted with any one. Curiosity led us
into the Catholic Church, it being the first time I was ever in such,
and the mode of worshipping struck me very forcibly.
Returned to camp to find tent struck and moved behind the guns. Worked
in the evening, the remainder of the Sabbath day, ditching camp, etc. By
night we were in shape, and camp is in very pretty shape, each platoon
in line, sections facing, but the ground is very low for wet weather.
What a vast difference between this, and the Sunday they have spent at
home. Are we, the privates, held accountable for this disregard for the
holy Sabbath day?
Nashville, Monday, Nov. 28. A pleasant day. Company turned out this
morning. Carried down the army's boxes and wood to our new camp. Hard
work, but it dispensed with three guards. Wrote letter in the afternoon
and commenced reading _Jane Eyre_. A beautiful silk flag was to be
hoisted in our camp that we have bought by subscription for $75.00. May
its folds ever wave over us in victory. Hood with 30,000 rebels reported
moving on this place, and Thomas is below him. Gen. A. J. Smith is in
town. His command, 16th Army Corps, is arriving from Missouri.
Nashville, Tuesday, Nov. 29. An unpleasant day. Camp very quiet, the
usual number going to town on their passes. Camp policed and looks nice.
Detail gone out to fix up camp of the 10th Ohio. This is a good omen, as
their men will likely bring us lumber to pay for it. Captain Hood was
mustered this morning, now is in command of Battery, with straps on.
Read all the forenoon and wrote to sister Ellen. Mail came in and I
received one from Jane, E. C., and John; papers from T. L. What kind of
a being would I be were it not for these heavenly messengers from home.
It is they that give courage in danger, cheerfulness in camp, and happy
dreams which I expect to-night.
[Sidenote: 1864 Awaiting Hood]
Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 30. 8 A. M. In position awaiting Hood.
Unexpectedly were ordered last night at 7 P. M. to pack up blankets and
knapsacks, ready to move at a moment's warning. Playfully did we proceed
to obey, thinking we would not move, only a "scare as usual". But
immediately we were ordered to strike tents and a host of mules with
their dusky drivers came, and we thought it was big enough to move us
this time. The other batteries were under similar orders. The
long-eared animals were fastened on. Our tents and "dear little stoves"
were piled up, and with but little delay we pulled up and started toward
town, the first battery out of Camp Barry.
Marched through town via muddy streets and dark alleys, till finally we
halted about a mile and a half north of town facing northwest with a
wide open plain before us, having come about five miles. Here we came
into line and our uncouth transportation left us. It was 11 P. M. when
we laid down 'neath a placid and beautiful, starry sky. The jests and
laughs went round for some time before the hilarious spirits were
overcome by sleepiness.
This morning we arose to find four more batteries in position and
everything quiet. Aligned our guns forming an obtuse angle, facing the
northwest. Two of the batteries have gone to camp. We have had our
breakfast. Long strings of citizens, government employees, etc. are
winding their way to the front with shovel, pick and wheelbarrow, to
throw up earthworks about half a mile in our front. As yet we have but
little expectation of fighting but they may come, and it is best to be
ready. I am to act as No. 6 and I will try to do my duty as well as
possible.
Twilight. The day has gone by quietly, no sound or sight of battle yet.
Some thirty transports have arrived from Paducah loaded with General
Smith's veterans, amongst them the glorious 8th and 10th Wisconsin. The
unanimous desire of all is that they come and give us fight. We are
posted on the middle reserve line, and it is doubtful for us whether
they could come within our reach, were they to try it. The orders are to
move four rods to the right, sleep at our posts and be up at 4 A. M.
Corporals Ray and Hill with detachments out of our Battery man two guns
of the 10th Ohio on our left. In spite of "war's threatening aspect" we
have had to-day a pleasing remembrance of home in the shape of roast
turkey and other goodies sent to Milt. for Thanksgiving dinner.
Fort Gillem, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 1. After a refreshing sleep in the
open air of heaven, we were again awakened 4 A. M. to wait and watch the
batteries. The day is exceedingly hot, more like September than
December. We hear of a heavy battle yesterday at Franklin, eighteen
miles distant. Reports say, that the enemy were severely punished, but
the maneuvering here seems to indicate preparations for fight. Night is
again with us after a day of inactivity. With the last rays of the
setting sun, a string of mules again came to move us, and we are taken a
half mile west, and left near Fort Gillem in disorder. Ordered to sleep
as best we can in places of our own choice.
Fort Gillem, Friday, Dec. 2. Slept on boards inside the fort last night,
guns outside. A gentle rain fell in the after part of the night, but not
enough to penetrate our blankets. All our camp and garrison equipage
brought here during the night, and pitched tents this morning. Luckily
our stove was saved, and it now gives us comfort. Wet and rainy all day.
The fort is garrisoned by 14th Ohio Battery and 10th Tennessee Infantry,
a splendid work.
We lay just outside yet. 10th Ohio Battery boys have come back from
river, thereby relieving us from their guns. We know nothing definite of
Hood and his forces. He is reported to be moving on to Murfreesboro. He
has thought it best not to try Nashville, after his signal defeat at
Franklin on the 30th. Our foes are fallen back and are now in line of
battle about three miles from town. Artillery firing has been distinctly
heard this afternoon. Mail received and "Good News from Home"; all well.
[Sidenote: 1864 Camp at Night]
After night I walked out and had a splendid view of our camp in the
dark, which is always to me a grand and sublime sight. About a mile and
a half from us the advance line string from one hill to another as far
as we can see on either side, stretching from water to water, with their
countless fires. Would that I had the artist's skill to represent this
scene with its seas of glittering starlike fires. And when I think of
the thousands of brave boys that gather around them, patiently awaiting
the foe, it becomes sacred to me and fills my soul with reverence to the
Supreme Being that holds our destiny in His hands.
Fort Gillem, Saturday, Dec. 3. Our rest was unbroken. The day was very
wet and camp muddy. Still we await a general engagement, and active
preparations are taken to receive him, [the enemy]. Every hour he delays
renders his chances of success more uncertain. Strong forts are going up
on every knoll connected by rifle pits thrown up in genuine military
order, and all of the citizens are out at work. Government employees
arrive and drill daily. The rebel skirmish line is under Fort Negley
this afternoon and Hood's movements are still uncertain. A large force
has gone up the Cumberland, and if they don't look out, they will be in
their rear.
This evening we could see artillery smoke on the left about sundown.
Fort Gillem has been worked at all day and is fast approaching
completion. Every platform is ready, room for thirteen guns, only six
guns in now, but seven outside. Captain Hood is in command of the fort.
And now I cannot close to-day's record without a word of the disgusting
influence around us. Our camp is right by a liquor saloon, which is sold
indiscriminately. Nearly all of a neighboring regiment are beastly
drunk, and with their unearthly yells and maniac demonstrations are
making the air hideous. Our own Battery also presents a sad sight. Last
night ---- was helplessly drunk. To-day our ----. Both good officers
when temptation is removed. Oh, why will not our officers put a stop to
this demoralization, but on the contrary, a guard is furnished this den
of the devil to protect it in its wicked work.
[Sidenote: 1864 Night Firing]
Fort Gillem, Sunday, Dec. 4. It is now 9 A. M. Have had a restless night
of it. Scarcely had we closed our eyes to sleep, ere we were aroused by
the orderly, "pack up and get ready to march immediately". Thirty-five
men under Lieutenant Simpson going to move some guns somewhere. First
Section out as soon as possible. We start under Sergeant Malish with our
blankets and haversacks, leaving Sergeant James to come after us with
knapsacks and tents. After marching on almost double quick for nearly
two hours not knowing exactly where we went, we arrived at a
half-finished bastion on the second line near our original camp.
Lieutenant Simpson was there, but the guns had not arrived. Three of the
boys unable to keep up with us were yet behind, and of course knew not
where to find us. Men were appointed to pilot them hither, and the rest
laid down at 11 P. M. Had not gotten asleep before we were again called
out to unload forty-eight boxes of ammunition and get our knapsacks, the
wagons having come. It was now midnight and we saw the flash of
artillery firing, followed by the subdued report very frequently. Once
more we took our boots off (ordered not to take any more off) and slept.
A very little before this, guns arrived, five twelve-pounders, five
arsenals, three to stay here, two to go with Sergeant James a quarter of
a mile to the right. Rolled up blankets, slung knapsacks, and started
with him. It was dark and chilly, arising suddenly from sleep had
chilled me through and I shivered terribly. Still frequent reports of
cannon could be heard, but we hardly noticed that. Half past 2 A. M. we
again had our blankets unrolled and slept. Half past four, as near as we
could guess, I was aroused to take my turn on guard, one hour apiece.
Cedar rails were abundant and were used without compunction. I kept very
comfortable, meditating on the now dimly flickering camp fires, almost
ghastly.
While on post I heard the reveille sounded in an adjoining camp. Men
hastily hurried out, officers running to and fro, and they start out on
double quick, marching by our sleeping boys. Nothing could be heard but
the officers, big and small, yelling out "Close up, close up, boys,
double quick", and such hasty commands, I knew it was a new regiment.
Yes, it was the 142nd Indiana. They will get over that yet. Other old
regiments followed, but they went still and quietly. When I guessed it
was an hour I woke up the next turn, and for the fourth time crawled
close to my sleeping bedfellow. The morning sun shone brightly when I
again awoke, and I must be up, but ah! how sleepy I felt. Griff has made
some tea, and we have had bread and butter for breakfast. Workmen are
coming fast to throw up works for us. I have heard no firing yet. We are
but half a mile from Fort Gillem. We put up tents, etc.
It is now bedtime. The day has passed wearily, watching the employees
grudgingly throw up their works for our guns. Artillery firing has been
kept up all day from Fort Negley. We could not hear infantry firing.
This is the second line being made very strong, but the works are lined
with cedar rails which I don't like at all. It is apt to splinter if
struck by artillery.
Every moment of delay lessens Hood's chances of success. This evening
mail came in. I received two from brother and sister. I am very sleepy
and tired. I hope we will not be disturbed to-night.
Fort Gillem, Monday, Dec. 5. This forenoon a repetition of yesterday.
Surrounded by dissatisfied employees who are working on our defenses.
They are completed, seven feet high and eight feet thick on top. When
settled will be proof against field artillery. The usual amount of
firing on our front, shelling working parties. They throw up works
within five hundred yards of our line, but never dare to reply to our
artillery.
2 P. M. a detachment of the 1st Missouri Artillery relieved us, and we
returned to our old camp. Guns are all in the fort. Very pleasant
weather. Health is good. The only trouble is we eat up our rations
faster than they come.
Fort Gillem, Tuesday, Dec. 6. A pleasant day. Nothing startling.
Artillery firing and skirmishing as usual. Some of our boys have been to
the post line, report the enemy still throwing up works for artillery
and infantry. Camp is full of wild rumors about Forrest's venture
against Nashville, but it is not reliable. Trains arrived from the North
as usual. Wrote to Hannah this afternoon. Captain Hood has received
orders to draw horses. This indicates work ahead of us.
Fort Gillem, Wednesday, Dec. 7. Gunboats fired very briskly last night
for a while. Washed my clothes this morning. 11 A. M. ordered to prepare
to go after horses, eleven men from each platoon to draw eighty-four
horses. But we could get only forty-five, being all there were, most of
them very good ones. I rode a young colt to camp. Others will take care
of them. Happily I am no driver now.
[Sidenote: 1864 A Moral Problem]
Having heard so much of the grand display of new scenery in the new
theatre, Griff obtained permission for us to attend. Arrived there
before the doors were open. The rush was very great, the street crowded
clear across. When the doors opened I was borne on other legs than my
own up two flights of stairs. Still the rush carried me on into the
gallery which was soon filled to overflowing. Many failed to get
admittance. Here we had to wait half an hour for the curtains to rise,
which were filled by the most boisterous and rude demonstrations. I did
not like it. But when the curtains arose all was silent. The play was
the _Naiad Queen_, or _Fairies under the Rhine_, a meaningless piece,
but the most brilliant and beautiful scenes I have ever seen. Dark
grottos with their rocks and caverns inhabited by beautiful fairy-like
creatures. Thunder and snaky lightning was wonderfully depicted. Water
with boats gliding back and forth, by means of glass. Scenery was truly
beautiful. Then came an army of Amazons. The best scene represented the
region of bliss, with hollows and fountains, on which was thrown a
dazzling light. This is the third time I have ever visited such scenes.
I came to judge for myself, is it right or wrong? Although there are
some things connected with these that are exceptional and unadvisable,
still I consider it not only an innocent amusement, but instructive,
much better for the morals of the young than the saloons, clubs,
meetings, etc. Liquor and tobacco fumes are apt to be the chief claim.
The only danger is that in the theater will be spent time, which ought
to be spent elsewhere.
Fort Gillem, Thursday, Dec. 8. The weather that turned cold last evening
is growing colder and colder. It is all we can do to keep warm. Clothing
issued and I failed not to secure a great coat and other comforts. Wrote
to John. There has been no firing of any consequence to-day. What does
it mean, is asked by all. Is the weather too cold to fight, or is Hood
gone? The latter seems to be the prevailing opinion in camp.
Fort Gillem, Friday, Dec. 9. It was difficult work to sleep warm last
night, and we pitied the poor boys in the front ditches last night
without fire or tents, with a foe in front.
As soon as breakfast was over I was detailed to go with Corporal Goodwin
after wood. It began sleeting as we started and continued all day. We
first went to the wood yard and found that surrounded by more teams than
could load all day. Sent us a mile further to the boat landing where we
found two barges nearly empty of wood, and about fifty wagons waiting,
so we had to go home. I walked back through town, stopped on business,
and returned after dinner, quite stiff with sleet, clothes all glazed
with it. It is now snowing very fast. Wagons went out and brought in two
loads of rails for fire wood.
J. Rogers returned to the Battery. He left us at Cartersville. All quiet
on the lines. No mail. Health good.
[Sidenote: 1864 The Nashville Freeze]
Fort Gillem, Saturday, Dec. 10. Froze very hard last night. Two inches
of crust on the ground, very slippery and the air is very cold. On
guard. Post No. 1 in the front. Ration day. We only drew 3/4. Things
are very short here to-day. We have to buy a great deal. Many of the
boys are out of money too. No demonstrations on the line as we know of.
Perhaps it is too cold for the boys to fight as they have enough to do
to keep warm.
Fort Gillem, Sunday, Dec. 11. To-day was a terrible reminder of old
Wisconsin to us. Last night was the coldest night I ever stood on guard.
Did not suffer much though on post. Kept up a rapid motion. I could not
sleep much, tent too cold, having to sleep on the ground. The day was no
warmer. All hands lay close inside with roaring fires in the stoves.
Detail sent out this afternoon after more horses. Returned with
thirty-nine. We have now eighty-four, all we need, and may expect
marching orders next. Evening spent cheerfully reading, with cedar wood
plenty in stove. It is freezing very hard out of doors.
Fort Gillem, Monday, Dec. 12. By laying up snug we kept warm last night.
This morning the sun came out, and thawed a very little during the day.
As notified last night, Griff and I were of the ten to go after wood
with Sergeant Dziewanowski. Ate an early breakfast and started out.
Reported to Powell's headquarters. He sent us to a piece of wood on
Hillsboro Pike, which was once the woodland park of some church, now to
be cut down by the artillery. Permission granted by General Thomas. I am
not a big chopper, but I chopped "big" for a while. Teams took one load
to camp and came back for the others. Returned 2 P. M. Beans and coffee
disposed of by appreciative appetites.
All the pikes leading to the front are filled with cavalry, apparently
waiting for the cloak of darkness to hide their deeds. We hear of a big
fight at Murfreesboro. Rosecrans captured 6,000 prisoners, and is in
their rear eight miles from here. Our troops on the front line are under
marching orders. Two days' rations in haversacks, I think. The time is
near at hand when Hood will be beautifully, though terribly thrashed for
his insolence in thus invading Tennessee, at least I hope so. We are in
anticipation of moving too. The "fates" may miss us this time.
Fort Gillem, Tuesday, Dec. 13. On guard. The icy frost that encased
everything has been wholly removed, and we can now move around without
"slipping up". But it is getting very wet and muddy. Our horses are
having a bad time of it. They all grow poor fast without stables. Firing
on the picket line is once more heard, at times very briskly. Fort
Negley indulged in a few shots this evening. The cavalry have gone into
camp inside the line, three divisions of them.
A big mail arrived 4 P. M., the first in five days. I received one from
home. It brought commissions to Alba and S. Sweet as second lieutenants
in 6th Battery, merited promotion--and ratified by all the boys who will
now have two temperate officers at least.
Fort Gillem, Wednesday, Dec. 14. Reveille sounded this morning at 4 A.
M. and at daylight the whole Company was marched off on detail except
guards. I was on post. They went to unload shakes and poles for stable
from a barge. They worked hard all day without any dinner. Returned to
eat a hearty supper. Weather very foggy and misty all day. The mud is
unfathomable and camp is very disagreeable. It was expected that a
general engagement would come off to-day, but Thomas is waiting for more
favorable weather, it is reported, to move artillery. Considerable
firing from forts. Considerable curiosity manifested as to who will be
appointed in the vacancy caused by the promotion of the Sweet boys.
Fort Gillem, Thursday, Dec. 15. Much dissatisfaction was expressed this
morning by the Company when ---- entered upon the duties of orderly
sergeant. This is doing great injustice to the other sergeants that
were his superior in rank, and any of them better qualified, and would
receive more respect from the boys, none of whom like ----. The privates
of the volunteer army are men of judgment, and will use it in spite of
red tape and military discipline. Would it not be much wiser then, to
allow them to have a voice in choosing their officers? Certainly they
would be easier controlled. First Sergeant Malish is quartermaster
sergeant.
[Sidenote: 1864 Fighting with Confidence]