asked me to-day if I was fit for duty. I told him I was too weak for
much duty, but would do all I could. Feel quite bad to-night. Bones and
head ache, could eat but little supper. Wrote several letters.
Nashville, Thursday, Feb. 9. No warmer; feel no better. Received a
letter from the Valley with the sad, sad news that my dear mother had
again been very sick. But thank kind Providence she was improving. I
pray that she may be wholly restored ere this.
Nashville, Friday, Feb. 10. Last night I had another visit from that
evil genius that seems to hover over my very existence, the ague. I
shook briskly for about an hour and a half, but it was not followed by a
very heavy fever. Got up to breakfast. Found that Keeler had called my
name for supernumerary guard. I did not feel able for duty, but as the
boys have such heavy duty on every other day, I could not refuse to do
all I could, so I went and drew me a musket and turned out to
guard-mount. Oh! how ferocious I did look with my brass plates and fixed
bayonet. Griff gone to town on guard. The mail has just brought me a
letter from John which says Mother is improving, but yet suffering
severely.
[Sidenote: 1865 A Young Recruit]
Nashville, Saturday, Feb. 11. Felt very well this morning. Heard
yesterday that Benj. Hughes formerly of Spring Green, was a member of
Co. E., 44th Wisconsin Infantry. Sergeant Hutchinson going there on
pass, David Evans and I went along. Found the camp on College Hill three
miles off. With little difficulty I spied him building a chimney. When
last I saw him he was just big enough for a cow boy, but in the last
four years he had goaded nature along to satisfy his patriotism so as to
serve his country. Yet he was very small, but round, tough, seventeen
years old. He looked much pleased to meet us, and returned with us to
camp to see the rest of the boys. After dinner Griff and I visited
smallpox hospital. Heard from D. J. D. but could not see him. He is yet
in bed.
Nashville, Sunday, Feb. 12. Very cold to-day again. Had inspection of
arms at 8:30. On supernumerary guard again. Wrote John. No mail. Another
report afloat that we are to march or prepare for the field. Hope it is
so.
Nashville, Monday, Feb. 13. Quite a cold night, fair day. Mounted the
usual number of guards for town, but were agreeably surprised in about
an hour to see them return, having been relieved by infantry guards.
Bully news for us. It is known now that we are to equip for the field
as horse artillery. Drilled two hours after dinner with muskets, then
carried them up to headquarters and turned them over without a sigh. So
they are gone. Gone to those that delight to use them, and we are once
more in our natural element, "walking musket company" no more.
Nashville, Tuesday, Feb. 14. Day commenced cold and gray. About noon it
commenced raining very heavy and continued till night. All quiet in
camp. We are to draw full equipment here except horses. Report to
Chattanooga for them, where we are to be held in the active reserve. No
mail. Wrote a letter in the afternoon. I am steadily improving. Have a
ravenous appetite, which I find difficult to control. Have plenty of the
good bread and butter with the onion pickles from home. I eat no meat
and feel better for it. Thankful should I be for a home that sends me
such things.
Nashville, Wednesday, Feb. 15. A damp, rainy day. On guard, third
relief. Very busy all day turning over condemned stores, and drew new
equipments. Ten pair spurs, whips, scarlet blankets, and to-morrow we
draw harness and sixty-four McElellar's saddles for cannon. General
Barry, chief of artillery of Military Division of Mississippi is in
town. Very anxious to get us started. Promised Captain to give him
plenty of men from infantry regiments when needed. Good! New life and
animation seems to be infused into camp with the prospect of once more
being a Battery, worthy the name of one, ready to fight or to march. All
anxious for the spring campaign. But great dissatisfaction exists
because the paymaster stays off so long. Officers and men are all
without money. D. Evans and I visited smallpox hospital. Were sorry to
find Dan abed yet. Saw his nurse who said Dan had had a "back set." I
fear he grows disheartened and lonesome, and when the spirit sinks it is
hard for nature to do her healing work.
[Sidenote: 1865 Smallpox Epidemic]
Nashville, Thursday, Feb. 16. Cleared up and the day closed very
beautifully. Harness and saddles, etc. drawn. Captain Hood reported
ready to go, and sure enough, a little after dusk the word came to move
early in the morning, report at Chattanooga Depot for transportation.
All hands are packing up, getting ready for the morrow. I wrote a letter
to T. L. Visited smallpox hospital again to-day. Found poor Dan in bed
yet. Our fears are many in regard to him. He is apt to get discouraged.
Griff and Dave have gone with his knapsack to the Soldiers' Home to keep
it there until he comes out. R. Randolph has been taken with the same
disease. I must now close and retire to rest for to-morrow's work.
Nashville, Friday, Feb. 17. Very stormy night, and this morning was
blowing and raining, but military orders must be obeyed. The teams
commenced early with their work, hauling down the guns, boxes, etc.
After dinner "strike tents" was given and we were soon out of doors. We
have boxed our stove and keg of pickled onions, expect to take them
along. We are now lying in the Chattanooga Depot, 3 P. M., awaiting
transportation, expect to get off 6 P. M. A night's journey is ahead of
us. I am far from hearty, but feel confident that I can weather it
through.
While we were busily preparing to go to the front, M. Tennant and our
tent-mate Milt. Hungerford started home on a furlough. May they have a
happy visit of it.
GARRISONING CHATTANOOGA
Chattanooga, Saturday, Feb. 18. About 4 P. M. yesterday afternoon our
cars were brought up at Nashville and the depot hands set to work. They
loaded on all our things in a short time, and we got aboard for a ride
of 150 miles on open cars between the guns. But a soldier is full of
expedients. We cleared off a small space, made down our beds, and then
spread the tarpaulin over the pole of the limber, making a traveling
shebang in no time, and now ready to start. After the usual amount of
switching and hooting by the boys (the whiskey being at work in the
brains of several of the boys in spite of no money) we started off in
the second Section of the 6 P. M. train. We took a farewell look at
Nashville by twilight, then crawled into our house to avoid the chilly
air that was growing cold fast, to take all the sleep possible, tucked
in snugly, three in a bed. And we were soon warm as toast, but I will
not attempt to describe how we rattled and bumped like corn in a popper
on that old flat car, running over the roughest road in America without
any brakesmen.
In spite of the reported bumping I slept much of the time. Passed
through the big tunnel, over the mountains without my knowing it. But I
was glad to crawl out at the first dawn. Found us at Bass, 105 miles
from Nashville. Seven more and we stopped thirty minutes at Stevenson.
It was very cold. Washed at the Soldiers' Home and luckily went in with
a squad under Sergeant Proctor to take breakfast, which did me a power
of good, especially the hot coffee (getting old fogy). The remainder of
the journey without event.
Rounded the point of Old Lookout handsomely 12 M. and soon found
ourselves once more in the Hawk's Nest 3 P. M. Got to the "dumping off"
place, and by dark we were in camp on a pretty knoll east of town. Stove
up, fire in it and all hands merry as a lark. How jolly a life does the
soldier lead.
Chattanooga, Sunday, Feb. 19. A most beautiful day has passed. It seems
as though we have been suddenly transferred from midwinter to beautiful
summer. The sun shone in its softest mood, everybody outdoors to bask in
its rays, content to enjoy it alone. We are camped opposite the old city
cemetery. Many of both sexes have been paying their visit to the dead,
some to satisfy idle curiosity, others to view once more the spot where
lies some home idol. It is in a shocking state of repair, and bore sad
evidence of the ravage of war, fences all gone, graves overrun, marble
slabs misplaced and marble monuments broken. The soldiers have even been
carrying off the tombstones of the dead to be used in their quarters.
Thoughtless sacrilege. We have had a guard on all day to prevent such
proceedings by order of the pro[vost] marshal.
The soft twilight was too pleasant to lie still, so D. Evans, who has
come to stay with us, Griff, and myself started off for a walk. On our
way the peal of the church bell fell on our ears, calling us thither,
but we found the house overflowing. Returned to camp. Boys sang sweet
home music till taps, and lights put out.
Chattanooga, Monday, Feb. 20. Another enchanting day and great
exuberance of spirits is to be seen in camp, ball and other active
outdoor amusements being the order of the day. On guard. Do not have to
stand till night, watching mules, etc. We are surrounded by artillery
camps, batteries that have laid here all winter. Have beautiful camps
and excellent houses (not shebangs) to live in. Much more attention is
paid to the soldiers than at Nashville, all seem happy at the change.
The fever of example is wonderful. Our officers have already absorbed
the spirit of other batteries, and require everything done according to
"military", or in camp slang, "put on style". Right, a good sign of
discipline. Lieutenant Silsby, formerly my old teacher, came to see us.
Looking well, glad to see him.
[Sidenote: 1865 Tracts Versus Literature]
Chattanooga, Tuesday, Feb. 21. Threatening clouds to be found this
morning instead of the beautiful sunshine, and the day promised to be a
long and lonesome one as we had nothing to read at all. So I obtained a
pass to go and see if the Christian and Sanitary Commissions could do
something toward relieving us from this really pressing need, and as my
mission was made known and I started, I was greeted with a dozen
different voices with "Jenk, bring me something interesting to read." I
first visited the Christian Commission rooms. Here I made my errand
known and the clerk immediately threw piles of papers down from the
well-loaded shelves with "make your selection", but my heart failed me.
Here was nothing but the _American Messenger_, _M. E. Advocate_, Sunday
School papers, etc. in abundance. It was with an effort that I choked
down my indignation, for I knew they were furnished by men who hoped
they would do good, but really, I could not admire their judgment. We
are not a lot of little children with minds too narrow to contemplate
anything deeper than these small "stories with a moral." I would not
take any of them to camp for I knew too well how my comrades were in the
habit of using such. Most of them have no particular religious
convictions, but all have an intellectual turn and are hungering for
something to satisfy it.
With some hopes I again sought the Sanitary [Commission] rooms. I stated
how we were situated and asked the gentlemanly agent for magazines.
"Certainly"--and he brought down from the shelves a pile of dusty
magazines which consisted by count of twelve _Genius of Christianity_,
three or four years old, one _Christian Luminary_ of '58, quite a
variety. Made my selection and started home with one Pittsburg
_Advocate_, one _Genius of Christianity_, one _Christian Luminary_, and
two tracts, disappointed in being obliged to disappoint others. But we
cannot expect much here.
Found on my return a _Christian Enquirer_, and a Madison _State Journal_
from T. L., which I devoured with avidity. No letters yet. The 6th
Badger boys have been playing ball with our next neighbors, Buckeyes,
this afternoon. We beat them three games out of four.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, Feb. 22. The rain has not yet come but it still
threatens, cloudy. A detail is put at clearing off a new camp ground,
where Hospital No. 2 is now. Axes sharpened, etc. To-morrow they say we
begin to put up permanent quarters. In the afternoon on wood detail.
Went three miles to Mission Ridge, got wood. To-day is the anniversary
of Washington's birthday, and a grand salute was fired in honor, 12 M.
Commenced from Old Lookout, followed by all the principal forts. A big
pile of mail received to-day, none for me.
[Sidenote: 1865 Camping in the Rain]
Chattanooga, Thursday, Feb. 23. Rain! rain! all night and all day
without intermission, very heavy, wind driving it through our tents
which are getting old, making it very disagreeable in quarters as well
as out. Passed the day closely around the stove, cracking jokes and
telling camp stories. At night carried sawdust in sacks to make our bed
dry, and rolled in. Who cares if it rains.
Chattanooga, Friday, Feb. 24. The rain ceased but it remained cloudy and
damp. Morning spent in attending to the domestic department, washing,
etc. Mail came, bringing me four splendid letters, one from my old
father in the good old Welsh tongue. I prize it above all others. Detail
made to go and begin to get out timber for quarters. Estimates made for
clothing, all required to draw full uniform. Three loads of troops
passed toward Knoxville. Enemy reported threatening that place.
Chattanooga, Saturday, Feb. 25. Found our tent collapsed this morning by
the big winds and heavy rains, which did not stop to let us stake it up,
but kept on raining all day in a most furious manner, relieved by
violent flashes of lightning and thunder. Everybody kept in doors, where
they became somewhat soaked.
Chattanooga, Sunday, Feb. 26. A bright, beautiful day, affording us an
opportunity to dry our clothes and blankets. On guard, second relief.
Had to stay in camp. Griff went to church. The day passed quickly. Read
_Christian Enquirer_ which the mail brought me, and wrote to John. In
the beautiful twilight the boys turned out to enjoy athletic sports,
jumping, running, etc. All apparently as merry as though a sorrow they
knew not, a picture for the weeping ones at home.
Chattanooga, Monday, Feb. 27. A pleasant day, quite hot midday. Sergeant
Hutchinson and twelve men gone to Mission Ridge to chop timber for
quarters. The remainder of the Company clearing off our new camping
ground most of the day. I was exempted, being on guard. One hundred and
twenty new sabres for the guards and a load of quartermaster and
ordnance stores drawn. Griff having sold our sugar, it falls upon me to
invest it in bread to lengthen our rations. Lieutenant Sweet gave an
order on Sanitary Commission for ten rations which I obtained at six
cents per ration, cheap, plenty of bread now. No mail for me. Troubled
considerably with rheumatism.
Chattanooga, Tuesday, Feb. 28. A fine day. Company formed 12 M. in best
clothes for muster and inspection by regular inspecting officer. Quite
strict as to the appearance of the men. Orderly Sergeant ---- called the
muster roll while he looked on. Here as elsewhere showed his
incompetency, and the Company was heartily ashamed of him. Detail gone
to the hills, returned loaded with stakes which they had gobbled.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, March 1. Cloudy and looks like rain, but we
moved camp and by night we were all fixed. Our pleasant camp commands a
splendid view of the Tennessee River both above and below, which is now
very high. It used to be occupied by general hospital. Teams out all day
again.
Chattanooga, Thursday, March 2. Rained fine and constant all night and
all day, but we are dry and comfortable in our bed of sawdust. Read
Tennyson's new poem _Enoch Arden_ this forenoon, and think it one of
the finest poems I have ever read in English. Wrote to T. L. and read an
old _Atlantic Monthly_ in the afternoon. No mail for me.
Chattanooga, Friday, March 3. On guard. Very wet day. Rained all day and
night. Mail arrived with a letter from T. L. All very well with the
exception of dear mother. She still is suffering severely. How much
longer can her frail nature withstand it? It is hard to give her up here
and never more to see her loving face. Must she go without welcoming her
Jenk's return? But still I feel it would be better for her to leave her
troubles and sufferings, and go to the land where her treasures are,
there to enjoy endless day.
Chattanooga, Saturday, March 4. Heavy thunder and lightning last night,
with the rain pouring down while I was walking my muddy beat. To-day it
cleared up a little. Heavy detail after timber. Another to work in camp
hewing logs. Policed camp in the afternoon. This is the day on which
Abraham Lincoln is to be inaugurated. President for the second time.
After four years tempestuous sailing 'mid terrible breakers he has
carried the good old ship of state through. May his second voyage know
more sunshine, and be as successful as before. News is meager. Rumors of
the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg follow up the confirmation of
the fall of the rebellious Charleston.
[Sidenote: 1865 The "Higher Law"]
Chattanooga, Sunday, March 5. A most beautiful day, too good to lay in
camp. Attended church. Joined the Bible class in chapel of Christian
Commission, where we had a spirited discussion as to whether we are ever
justifiable in disobeying the divine law in order to conform with the
law of the land. Most took the old Abolitionist view of it. After class
listened to good sermon. Text, "What is Man", by one of the agents. Met
Lieutenant Silsby, very sociably inclined. Returned to camp to enjoy a
soldier's dinner. Wrote to John and read a sermon of H. W. Beecher, much
better than the delivered one.
Chattanooga, Monday, March 6. Quite cold and windy. Health is excellent.
Sergeant Hutchinson and five men left this morning to go to the hills,
and stay a week chopping timber for quarters and stables. Busy in camp
also, hewing logs and putting them up. One completed, six logs high, and
12 x 18 feet. Myself and two others sent with axes to Major Mendenhall,
commanding reserve artillery, to chop his fire wood. Worked about an
hour and were relieved.
There is but one source of discontent in camp, and that is short
rations. Bread does not near hold out, although I think that we get the
prescribed rations full. A day's rations is always eaten in two meals,
and as all are out of money to buy extra, it is severely felt. I
urgently recommend to Congress that it speedily rectify the mistake they
made when they reduced the soldiers' rations and raised his pay. But our
mess have plenty by selling sugar which we do not need and buy bread
stuff. Griff got a peck of meal to-day.
Chattanooga, Tuesday, March 7. A gray, cheerless day, and my feelings
were very much the same. Somehow or other a feeling of sadness and
seriousness settled upon me, that in spite of all my efforts I could not
shake. I am very severely troubled with such, and feel as though I ought
not to, but I suppose the great cause is the non-arrival of mail, none
having come in since Friday.
Bridges swept off north of Stevenson by the flood which is making sad
work here also. The Tennessee has risen above its high and rocky banks,
and throws its watery arm clear around Chattanooga, leaving us on an
island. Inhabitants on the banks have to flee to the hills for safety.
Where a week ago we could see four extensive saw mills erected and used
by the government, throwing out thousands of feet of lumber and shingles
per day, is now one watery waste, a turbid torrent rolling with
relentless fury to form with the mighty Father of Waters. Work is
plenty in camp. Policed ground for stables this afternoon, etc.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, March 8. Another dark day with considerable rain
but not enough to keep us within doors. Have been shoveling hard all day
leveling off stable grounds, and am tired. Will say "no mail" and then
good-night.
Chattanooga, Thursday, March 9. Weather unsettled. On guard, second
relief. Health very good, but there are no trains from the North yet to
cheer the drooping spirits. After guard-mounting, the camp assembly
sounded and the whole Company put to work. Kept at it all day, some
putting up houses, others setting posts for stables.
Chattanooga, Friday, March 10. Last night, 8 P. M., I was relieved in
heavy rain. At midnight I entered my tent white with snow, and this
morning 6 A. M. pinched through with cold, everything frozen hard and
very cold, but the sun soon warmed us up a little. Griffith gone off on
guard to Major's headquarters, the others on duty. I alone had nothing
to do all day, and I had some trouble to amuse myself without mail.
[Sidenote: 1865 Thoughts of the Future]
The forenoon I passed reading an excellent volume entitled _The Hills of
the Shatmuck_ a story in which the characters were noted for high
purposes and aims and pure moral interest, a rare exception among
novels, but the book was finished and all the afternoon was given to
thinking and day dreaming. I too once, like "Winthrop," longed to pluck
the precious fruits of knowledge and prepare myself for something high
and ennobling. But the time that I once wished to be spent in the school
room and among books, I have freely devoted to my country. But he, in
spite of obstacles, kept his aim towards the desired point, and
accomplished it nobly. Cannot I too learn much that is to be learned,
and is there not a niche somewhere in this free country that I may
occupy yet with profit to myself and others? "I'll not give up! No grim
despair shall ever forge a chain for me." And I'll try to do my best
though humble it may be.
Chattanooga, Saturday, March 11. 8 A. M. Assembly sounded and our work
apportioned out, I among the digging squad. Worked all day quite hard,
but I was not tired at night for the line was opened, and our mail came
10 A. M. with seven big letters for me, so many that I could hardly find
time to read them. Mother is much better, John writes. Clothing has been
issued, the prices of which have gone up wonderfully. Had to don a
jacket to the tune of $9.00 or more. We have also pup tents in the
Quartermaster's tents.
Chattanooga, Sunday, March 12. A very pleasant day. Inspection 9 A. M.
Company complimented by Captain Hood for their good looks, after which
Griff and I went to church together. Post Chaplain preached tolerably
well. Afternoon wrote three letters. Read Chadwick's sermon on "The
Great Amendment" in the _Christian Enquirer_, very good. J. Parker
returned this morning from home where he had been on sick furlough; as
fat as butter. Was hailed with delight. He is a favorite with all.
Randolph also came in from smallpox hospital at Nashville; reports Dan
Davis ready to come, but poor Uncle Benson died about the 20th ult. a
kind Christian man, leaves a wife and large family. Before I left there
I wrote several letters for him, and he gave me his pocket book to keep
and I have it yet. Must try some way to get it to his wife.
Military discipline took one of the sudden jerks in our camp to-day that
is so peculiar in the volunteer army. Like a wild colt, it makes a
fretful start, kicking the harness and getting over the traces. Two men
tied to the gun, another walking with the guard.
Chattanooga, Monday, March 13. A very beautiful day. On guard. Company
on duty as usual. Troops and provisions being forwarded to Nashville at
a rapid rate, and it looks much like business on hand. Ordered to
prepare to receive fifty men to-morrow. They are to be transferred from
the 3rd Wisconsin Battery. It has been cut for the 6th and 8th. That is
what we want now. Come on, horses, and let us march.
Chattanooga, Tuesday, March 14. Coming off guard, I was exempt from
work, therefore went to town on pass, General Thomas's special
headquarters train having just brought him in from Nashville. Called on
Lieutenant Silsby while returning, but he was not at home. Dan J. Davis
came in about noon. Very glad to see him, looks very well with scarcely
a trace of smallpox. There are five in the tent now, and we must keep
very still for want of room.
[Sidenote: 1865 Logging]