good. David E. and myself volunteered to go out to the hills to load
logs for a change. Took our dinner along so as to reload the teams in
the afternoon. We crossed the first ridge where the Army of the
Cumberland once won immortal fame. Had to lift hard on the logs and then
we had to wait for the return of the teams. We wandered over the hills
and came to a house filled with children. Could not tell what they lived
on. Borrowed a cup and ate our dinner by a pretty little brook. Long ago
I would have called it romantic, but romance has long ago "played out."
General Thomas inspected the camp and post yesterday. To-day he has gone
to Knoxville. 4th Army Corps is passing on railroad. This is his only
veteran force, but recruits are coming thick and heavy.
Chattanooga, Thursday, March 16. Rained furiously last night and blew a
hurricane. Several of the tents blown down to-day. I was detailed to go
to the hills (I ought not to have volunteered to go yesterday) with
three men to load three post teams with logs. Road very wet and muddy,
and when we got there we were hardly able to lift the logs, as we were
very small men. Coming back, upset one wagon in a puddle many feet deep.
Another wagon broke the tongue and we left it. Reached camp 2 P. M. very
hungry and very dirty. Some of the reserve batteries have marching
orders to report at Washington.
Chattanooga, Friday, March 17. A very pleasant day. Feel excellent.
Keeler missed my name for guard this morning but found me in time to go
to the woods. A citizen carpenter with help from the Company is at work
on the stables. Spring is opening. To-day I saw the first flowers of the
season. They grew way up Missionary Ridge.
I must not forget to say that twenty-six men from the 8th Wisconsin
Battery arrived here this morning with description lists of about as
many more, some of them in N. C., others on detached duty. Captain Hood
has been to see General Brewer about it. He refuses to receipt for men
not to be had. Captain of the 8th sent all of his one-year men and those
whose term of service is about out, relieving the veterans of the 3rd.
Hood asks to send all the 8th men back and receive the 3rd. They are a
good-looking lot of men. Among them one orderly, two sergeants and a
corporal.
Chattanooga, Saturday, March 18. A very beautiful spring day, and I did
not go out to the hills, but have been on duty all day, scoring in the
forenoon and nailing shakes on the houses in the afternoon. Quit early
and policed camp nicely for Sunday. We have got three shelters covered
and three more ready. The new men have been put on duty and seem well
satisfied with the change.
Chattanooga, Sunday, March 19. A beautiful day. Had full inspection at 8
A. M. Company makes good appearance now. Attended church and Bible
class, and the afternoon passed by very quiet and pleasant, writing,
reading, and thinking. No mail.
Chattanooga, Monday, March 20. Did not sleep much last night owing to a
terrible toothache. This morning orderly wanted me to go to the woods
again to pilot the teams there. Helped load sixteen logs. One wagon
capsized. Reached camp 3 P. M. hungry and quite tired. Found Milt H.,
Marden and Reed just from furlough. Look as fresh as recruits.
Chattanooga, Tuesday, March 21. Health good. All runs smooth in camp. No
startling news. All hands have been working all day. I was under
Simonds. Put up the logs of one shanty in the morning, roofed another
one in the afternoon. No mail.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, March 22. A very windy day, dust flying, water
rising. On guard, first relief. Mail came in the morning but did not
bring any from home. All hands busy. The homesick ones of the Company
are anxious to know whether they are to be counted in on the next batch
of furloughs. Five to go, and I know of some forty-five applications.
Benoit and R. Dye are due from last time. Gymnasium pole has been put up
to-day, and the muscular systems will be developed.
Chattanooga, Thursday, March 23. Quite a pleasant night to stand guard
in last night, but to-day it has blustered very disagreeably, filling
our eyes with dust. Did not work to-day.
Chattanooga, Friday, March 24. Wind still continues. Health good. Mail
brought me this morning my long-looked-for letters from home. On detail
under Sergeant Goodwin all day siding up the stables. George T. Hill
started home on sick furlough this morning. Poor man, he has been
running down for the last four months. R. Grey's and Bancroft's
furloughs returned approved. They start to-morrow. Two returned
disapproved.
[Sidenote: 1865 Camp Gardening]
Major Mendenhall is starting a garden for the reserve artillery.
Sergeant Hutchinson is detailed to take charge of it. He is to have one
man from forty-three different batteries to help him. He is to till
about seven acres of land. Sergeant Proctor relieves him in the woods,
this being queer work for soldiers.
Chattanooga, Saturday, March 25. Night quite cold, day is pleasant.
Bunks are being put up in the new houses to-day. Many of the boys have
moved in. I did not do much to-day but read _State Journal_ received
from home. Griff has gone to cooking instead of Bob Grey. Sorry for it,
I fear he will work himself sick again. Five trains passed to-day loaded
with from twenty to thirty ambulances apiece, each one with the triangle
of the 4th Corps painted on its side. They go to Knoxville and look
ominous.
Chattanooga, Sunday, March 26. A pretty spring day. On guard as
supernumerary. Had preaching by one of the Christian Commission agents,
10 A. M. Wrote letters in the afternoon but received none. I think I
feel a little lonesome to-night.
Chattanooga, Monday, March 27. Two men took sick on guard last night, so
I had to stand four hours. Our sick list is increasing a little, three
men off duty from sore eyes. Fixed up our bunks in the forenoon, in the
afternoon was detailed "daubing." We moved into our new home after
supper. Six bunks put up each end of the house, which is 12 x 18 ft.,
but there are but fourteen in ours yet. Bunks made of shakes, no boards
given us. Griff and I occupy the middle berth.
Chattanooga, Tuesday, March 28. Last night when darkness spread her
protecting veil over us, Griff, D. Evans and myself started out and
appropriated some of Uncle Sam's lumber for Uncle Sam's benefit, or at
least his boys. Returned with enough to make our bunks. Makes no
difference where we got them. Cloudy and rained a little this forenoon.
On duty all day with Sergeant Goodwin covering stables. Somewhat tired.
Have caught a bad cold, mouth and throat sore. Sergeant James and Van
Brocklin taken sick very sudden about 4 P. M. James will not live long
if no change takes place.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, March 29. Rained last night. Feel no better with
my cold. Sergeant James some better this morning. All the men not on
duty ordered out to police the country round. Was out with the crowd in
the forenoon. Cleared and leveled off the ground in our front, forty
rods around. This afternoon detailed with the house builders, put up the
logs for Captain's house. Rained heavy toward evening. Houses shed rain
well.
Chattanooga, Thursday, March 30. No rest for the wicked, for the present
at least. Was on the inevitable detail as usual working on Captain's
house. I and another man sawed out the door hole and corner blocks in
the forenoon, roofed it and fixed ready to move into it in the
afternoon. Rained till I was wet through before quitting time. Feel
tired and somewhat sick from my cold. Dye finally reported from
furlough, six days behind time. David Carpenter also joined us, having
been relieved from duty at 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps headquarters.
He left the good old command at Pocataligo, and came via Savannah and
New York. News is splendid all around, would like to have a little from
home though.
Chattanooga, Friday, March 31. Felt much better after a good night's
rest. A very cold morning for this season. Notified by Corporal Ray to
get my breakfast early and go out to the hill to chop and load logs.
Gone all day. I found four letters when I returned, and in them I was
surprised to find the familiar faces of Sisters Mary and Ellen. Look as
they used to three years ago. I assigned them a prominent place in my
album, which is a precious treasure to me.
[Sidenote: 1865 "April Fool"]
Chattanooga, Saturday, April 1. This is "All Fools Day" as I was very
forcibly reminded this morning by a cutting "April Fool." Many besides
myself were victimized in camp. But there was no April Fool about the
morning detail, and I must come on. Nailed shakes on the stables till
dinner. After dinner, stable detail was not called out, but left to
police camp. I staid indoors and wrote two letters which I ought to have
done before, but could not find the time. Lieutenant Sweet's house
finished to-day and they have moved in. Rumors of leaving are already
afloat, generally the case when once we become comfortably established.
Good news and plenty of it.
Chattanooga, Sunday, April 2. A beautiful sunny day. On guard, but by
virtue of a little blacking on my boots or something else, appointed
orderly for the day, which is an easy thing. Carried down the mail and
brought a little back. Had all the rest of the day to myself, which I
passed very pleasantly reading and writing. At evening I felt there was
much happiness in this life if one is disposed to receive it.
VICTORY
[Sidenote: 1865 "Richmond Is Taken"]
Chattanooga, Monday, April 3. _Richmond is taken. Victory! Victory!!
Victory!!!_ After three years of long, anxious and prayerful waiting for
this crowning news, it at last comes with the verifying signatures of A.
Lincoln, U. S. Grant and E. M. Stanton. It reached camp in the shape of
an extra about 2 P. M. in but a few hours after it was known in
Washington. And when it came I was hardly able to receive it, and I
still could but fear of a contradiction that hithertofore has been so
painful. Its effect on the camp was curious, each one moving briskly
aglow with animation. Organized cheers is played out amongst old
soldiers, but the broken, wild Indian-like whoops that pierced the air
nearly all the afternoon would almost be considered terrific by "tame
people". At 6 P. M. one hundred guns were fired from the surrounding
hills. Each boom called forth a hearty response from the many tented
hills and hollows of Chattanooga, and seemed to crush the last lingering
doubt in every bosom. Who will dare doubt that the end is to be
glorious?
Chattanooga, Tuesday, April 4. The morning _Gazette_ gives nothing but
a confirmation of yesterday's news. The day is pleasant and men to work
the engine of war are still being transported Knoxville-ward. Lee now
will look for a green spot in a Confederate oasis in which to rest his
weary limbs, I suppose. It aint East Tennessee, Sir.
This afternoon orders came to draw horses and we thought of marching
ahead, but were withdrawn, military usage. Some in camp are already
discussing when they will get home by virtue of the "end of the war".
One-year men think we will all be home by July. Some veterans think "New
Year's about the time." I wish they could all go when I go, but there is
much to do yet, ere harmony and peace can be restored, and the soldier
must do it.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, April 5. After reading the morning _Gazette_ to
find the painful "no news", when we knew there were armies in commotion,
the details came, and my lot was to police in front of batteries with
thirty others, post teams hauling. Worked all day but nobody hurt
himself. The mail has been very short for two or three days.
Chattanooga, Thursday, April 6. Very rainy and wet. No duty till noon
when orders came to draw horses immediately, so to-night we have one
hundred and forty-five horses in our new stables. Rather a poor quality
all through. Much curiosity is manifested by some as to what and where
they are to be. Drivers are anxious to receive the best teams. They will
not be apportioned till to-morrow.
Chattanooga, Friday, April 7. A very heavy rain fell all last night,
accompanied with vivid lightning and heavy thunder, which scared our
sentinel on the guns off his beat, piteously imploring the corporal in
tears to relieve him if he had any sympathy for him, which is the cause
of some merriment in camp this morning.
The forenoon spent in dividing horses to the different platoons.
Afternoon they were assigned to the men. Our teams are composed of good
horses, but the cannoneers' horses are the leavings, and a very
poor-looking set. We drew them by lot, and I drew a bony plug, not yet
of age, I should judge. Corporal Parish has assigned me to No. 3 on the
gun. My duty will be to "tend the vent." I would rather have another
number as it is a heavy responsibility in action.
Chattanooga, Saturday, April 8. A nice sunny day. Everything looks very
pretty, the little birds chirping a merry welcome to spring. On guard.
Received two letters. Artificers busy painting carriages of the Battery.
Ordered to have an inspection by Major Mendenhall as soon as ready.
Orders have been received to consolidate the 3rd Battery entire with the
6th Battery. Men looked for daily. 8th boys are afraid they will have to
go back.
Another big batch of news to-day. Phil Sheridan has whipped Lee himself,
capturing eight generals. Hopes to compel surrender, but I think he is
too confident. Some in camp go so far as to prophesy a formidable
movement of 6th Battery on Madison, Wisconsin, soon.
[Sidenote: 1865 "John Brown" and "Dixie"]
Chattanooga, Sunday, April 9. Notwithstanding a night as delightful as
could be imagined, to-day it rained nearly all day most desolately. Had
to ride to the river to water twice, got well soaked every time. We have
to go over a mile on account of steep banks. Wrote home. In the evening
the spirit moved all in our house and we had singing in variety, good
old orthodox hymns mixed in with "John Brown" and "Dixie" most
irreverently. It seems to relieve the spirits, but I do not know but it
is wicked.
Chattanooga, Monday, April 10. Wet and muddy day, but no one knew it
for we had such good news. 11 A. M. a bit of paper no bigger than my
hands was distributed with the words
"Lee has surrendered his army on terms which I dictated."
U. S. Grant.
It was enough.
1 P. M. the cannons spoke in thunder tones. Two hundred guns fired in
rapid succession, around us on all sides, which mingled with the huzzahs
of troops, reminded me very forcibly of more stirring scenes which I
have witnessed. God grant that we may know no more such. How the thought
of peace and tranquility throbs in each soldier's breast when he thinks
of the home and associates he left so reluctantly to follow the path of
duty, soon to be restored to him. No wonder his spirits should be
exuberant, aye, even intoxicated with delight. But pen and paper is
altogether too tame on such occasions. I'll write no more.
Chattanooga, Tuesday, April 11. Lee has no doubt surrendered! but it did
not stop detailing in camp. I was one of the lucky ones to report to the
Inspector General (a man from each Battery) 8 A. M. And we went to work
on a miniature "Dutch gap canal", two large ponds of stagnant water
lying between the camps were to be drained and carried off to the river.
And by supper time we had the satisfaction of knowing that it was not a
failure like Butler's, but carried off ague and diarrhea with a rush. Am
a little tired but do not regret the labor bestowed.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, April 12. Another of the many rainy days that we
have to experience in this country, a continuous stream poured down all
day. Had to water the horses twice, doing which I got thoroughly soaked
each time, but it would not be military to change.
Received letters from home stating they had their wheat all in. Here
the trees are not in leaf yet, although spring has opened six weeks ago.
What little farming is done here goes on very leisurely, while Wisconsin
gives the husbandman but a short season, and he must go at it with a
rush. So give me the cold regions, that demand energy, in preference to
the balmy South that cultivates sluggish habits after all. This is a
great cause of the backwardness of Southern agriculture. As long as the
one-horse shovel-plow, made out of a crooked stick works, why should
they ask for better, they think. But the day of reformation is at hand.
Progression has vindicated her rights by the bloody hand of war.
Chattanooga, Thursday, April 13. A sunny day, but Chattanooga is sick
with its nature element, viz mud, thick and thin, wherever we go. On
duty all day. Did not work hard. Took our horses out grazing, outside
the picket this afternoon. Rather small picking. Gathered a beautiful
bouquet of delicate spring flowers, violets, forget-me-nots, sweet
williams, etc. I wish I could carry them to mother's sick room. Track
out of order somewhere. No mail. Six men from the works reported to
Captain Hood, formerly 3rd Battery men.
Chattanooga, Friday, April 14. On guard once more, and eight hours more
of the rebellion to be trod out by night. The day is very pleasant.
Grazed my horses and Griff's as usual. Men are scarce to take care of
all the horses. Those not on duty drilled an hour, foot drill, in the
morning.
12 M. Another salute of two hundred guns fired in commemoration of
raising aloft the stars and stripes on the ruined walls of Sumter, where
four years ago to-day the heroic Anderson was obliged to pull it down by
the traitorous crew. To him is the glory of replacing the good old
ensign over that work that now lies in ruins, the fate of all treason.
The soldier heart swells with the same emotion as now stirs the bosom of
our noble President and great Beecher. God bless them and our Country.
[Sidenote: 1865 Stern Thoughts]
Chattanooga, Saturday, April 15. 'Tis night, a beautiful day has just
closed. But alas! a dark pall hangs over our camp. The soldier mourns
the loss of the noblest American of the day. President Abraham Lincoln
has fallen by the hands of a traitorous assassin. 2 P. M. we started out
to graze, each and all light-hearted and merry. But lo! while out near
the foot of Mission Ridge, the stars and stripes over Fort Creighton
were seen to descend to half-mast, and the news reached us as if by
magic of the fall of our noble president. A gloom was cast upon every
one, and silently we returned to camp, still hoping for a contradiction.
But it was too true. The scene that followed was one very seldom seen in
the tented field. But a soldier is not, as many think, wholly void of
feeling. All regarded the loss of him as of a near and dear relative.
Terrible were the oaths and imprecations uttered through clenched teeth
against the vile perpetrators. The black flag of extermination would be
hailed with joy by the soldiers this moment as a just retaliation. Never
before did I feel in favor of such measures, but now I think they
deserve no other. The "extra" containing the short account of the
occurrence has gone the rounds, read in each shanty. Traitors everywhere
will rejoice over this, the crowned heads of Europe will greet it with
joy, but their joy will come to grief. Republican principles will
vindicate their superiority, and pass through this trial wiser and
better for the tribulations they undergo.
Chattanooga, Sunday, April 16. A very pleasant day. As we rode to water
this morning, Chattanooga wore a very solemn aspect. The whole town was
draped in mourning, flags tied with black, and white crepe exhibited in
all parts of the town, while the 100-pounder Parrotts high up on Cameron
Hill fired half-hour guns from 5 A. M. till 6 P. M. The gloom of
yesterday still hangs over the camp.
Papers sought for in vain this morning. Hon. W. H. Seward reported in a
critical condition. I tremble lest we be deprived of his services also,
when his great mind and ripe experience are most needed. Andrew Johnson
is to-day President of the United States. A nation in tears looks
towards him to-day for direction and guidance. God grant him power and
wisdom to discharge the trust placed upon him. I doubt not the man's
motives, but I fear that he has not the moral stability required. If he
will not set aside the public interest to follow party prejudices and
personal interest, I trust all will be well. One thing I feel a trust
in, and that is our armies are still led by the same brave and dauntless
leaders that "will conquer or die."
Grazed in the afternoon. Wrote a letter home. Sad news of the death of
Robert Banks reached us last night. Died in Hospital No. 1 yesterday.
Another void in a Northern home never to be filled on earth. A.
Trunkhill taken to the hospital late last evening very sick. No mail
yet, railroad out of repair. Trains promised to-morrow. The Tennessee
River flooding again for the sixth time this season.
Chattanooga, Monday, April 17. Splendid weather. Good appetite. Harness
and saddles unboxed and issued out this morning. Hitched up and went out
to drill. Captain Nicklin, inspector-general, was on the ground. Drilled
three batteries together. Brigade drill for two hours, did very well.
Noon by the time we reached camp. To-morrow we are to have monthly
inspection, everything being "slicked up" in preparation. A comrade took
out my horse to graze, so I had time to write to sister Hannah. No mail
yet.
[Sidenote: 1865 Drilling]
Chattanooga, Tuesday, April 18. Prepared for inspection early. Moved out
at 8 A. M. Formed west of the National Cemetery, a mile from camp, four
batteries out. After a close inspection by the Inspector and Major,
Captain Nicklin mounted his horse, and put us through brigade drill for
two hours, sharply much of the time on a trot. Our Battery was on the
flank, consequently had to "git" often. I like horse artillery well on
drill. 'Tis fun to ride a good horse through the maneuvers. "Coly" took
a team to-day and I am restored to my old position of No. 6, which I
like the best of any. In the afternoon, Inspector visited camp and
quarters, so the thing is over for this month.
Chattanooga, Wednesday, April 19. A very hot sultry day. Drilled from 8
to 9, battery drill. Returned to camp to receive a bouncing mail, four
letters for me, better than a furlough. News is still very uncertain and
exciting. Mobile and Johnston both reported to be captured, but it needs
confirmation.
Chattanooga, Thursday, April 20. A fine day. Spring is fast giving way
to summer. The trees are clothed in full-grown vegetation, and towering
Lookout with its surrounding hills, that a little while ago were sear
and brown, are now in living green.
Drilled an hour on the guns this morning, grazed all the afternoon. R.
Grey returned yesterday from a furlough. Takes Griff's place in the cook
house, which relieves me from the care of his horses. On guard mount,
guard in the evening instead of morning now.
Chattanooga, Friday, April 21. The day has passed, lowering and
threatening, however rained but little. Stood my guard very pleasantly.
Got off from going foraging. Relieved at night. To-morrow morning on
duty; this way they get six hours more duty out of us every guard day.
M. L. Bancroft and F. Benoit returned from furlough. Captain Hood is
quite sick.
Chattanooga, Saturday, April 22. The weather has taken an unaccountable
cold turn, fire is comfortable all day. Drilled an hour on the gun this
morning. Lieutenant Jenawein appeared in camp this morning direct from
the old 15th Army Corps. He left them at Goldsboro, N. C. He has been
acting as ordnance officer for the artillery of the Corps. Looks well
with his first-lieutenant straps on. He is now our ranking lieutenant.
George Hill who left us three weeks ago, a mere skeleton, on sick
furlough, has returned fat and plump. What a place Wisconsin must be.
War news is very uncertain. Johnston's army and Mobile are still in the
"bag," but I guess they'll soon come out of it.
Chattanooga, Sunday, April 23. Cold night but warm midday. Wrote my
usual letters, read, etc. Grazing in the afternoon took up most of the
time. No danger of ennui at present. Health very good.
Chattanooga, Monday, April 24. Heavy hoar frost on the ground this
morning. Drilled in mounted detachments this morning by Lieutenant A.
Sweet. It is quite pleasant, the horses learn almost as fast as the men.
Everything passed off very pleasantly. Harmony in the Company to-day as
well as every other day. Brotherly kindness exists amongst all, still
and quietly.