Diary
[scribbling]
For Picket
11 men
2 Corporals
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November 13th 1864
Started from Camp near Acworth this morning passed the historic Kenesaw and arrived at Marietta about noon where we stopped for dinner moved about six miles and bivouaced for the night. Weather pleasant and roads good
Nov 14th Monday
Broke Camp about 7 oclock this morning and marched to Atlanta. Every thing along the route bears the marks of war Encamped tonight in the suburbs of the Gate City. Saw Gen Sherman about 10 A.M. My thumb is slightly sore, so I'll say no more of the day's events. Oh Well I must remark
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that I tasted of the Chattahoochie today.
Nov 15th Moved out from Atlanta this morning and are now resting. I am reclining against a stump and just wishing I had time to write all my thoughts I'd hesitate though to have every one know them.
Marched until 9 oclock Encamped about six miles from Jonesboro (North West) Did not get to lay down until 12 oclock midnight
Nov 16th Marched hard all day and encamped at night near McDonough, Henry County. Just as we were getting into town I saw Gen Osterhaus for the first time. Heard our Cavalry skirmishing with the Rebels about 11 A.M.
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Nov 17th Broke Camp this morning at 6 A.M. and are now in the advance of the Corps (I.E. our Brig) marching in front is decidedly preferable to the rear. The country is very fine and forage abundant Had fever in the afternoon and felt quite sick.
Encamped about 4 oclock 4 miles from Jackson, County seat of Butts County
Nov 18th Sunday Moved at six A.M. Our Regt in the skirmish line on the right, 3rd Division in advance again today. Weather continues very fine Roads in splendid order. We are now resting near Nutting's Factory on the Ocmulgee River
Crossed the Ocmulgee about noon S[faded]
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Encamped about a mile from on the bank Nuttings Factory
Oct 19th Quite warm and marching heavy. Made the usual day's journey and bivouaced for the night near Hillsboro, Jasper County.
Oct 20th Sunday. It don't seem much like Sabbath. Encamped for the night near Clinton.
Heard cannonading in the direction of Macon just as we were stopping
Oct 21st Rained all day but stopped for the night after marching about ten miles. Night awful cold for this country.
Had an awful good supper. Had sweet potatoes chicken beef pork (fresh) honey, &c
Nov 22nd Spitting snow and cold. Marched about 8 miles and struck
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the Rail Road at Gordon Junction the Regt. was called out this evening to assist in tearing up track
Nov 23rd Morning cold and clear. It is now almost noon, and we are still in camp near Gordon
Built fires of pitch pine rails and are smoked almost as black as Negroes. Remained all day in camp. Spent the time in fixing for further movements. Our foraging parties brought in plenty of fresh pork & yams. Nov 24th Thursday
Moved Camp north of the Rail Road. This is Thanksgiving day appointed by the President. Heard Chaplain Pipkin preach
Our Camp is in a dense pine forest
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Nov 25th Had orders to move at 8½ A.M. Hope we will get out of this miserable pine smoke. Weather very fine. On skirmish line today.
Have yet two hundred miles to march before we reach the coast. This Diary certainly bears marks of the pine forests.
If Providence only crowns this expedition with success it will have a great effect in strengthening the minds of the loyal and weakening the hopes of traitors.
Reached Irwinton about sundown and bivouaced for the night. This is the County seat of Wilkinson Co. We are still in the pine smoke, living not quite so good as during the past few days.
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Nov 26th Moved about 8½ A.M. Fine marching weather very favorable and roads good 3rd Div in the rear of the Army. Made about ten miles, and are now encamped four miles from the Oconee River.
Nov 27th Sabbath. Not yet day-light. Ate breakfast an hour ago. Had sweet potatoes and hard tack. Drank with them a quart of coffee. The country seems to be growing poorer. Houses are far between. This seems little like Sabbath. The band are playing, the boys are playing cards, and the routine of duty continues as on week days. 8 oclock and 20 min. A.M. (Barton's Watch) In a big swamp. Just such as I have many a time read of at home. A regular pine swamp it is.
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About 9½ A. M. Now close to the Oconee resting. Some of the troops are shooting mules and horses which are unservicable. We find here the palm leaf of which fans are made. 12-40 P.M. (Gardner's time) Across the river resting in a cypress swamp. Got into Camp after dark—a short time. Came about 12 miles today. Now 8 miles from the Oconee and 4 or 5 from the Rail Road
Nov 28th Broke Camp at day-break. Very warm marched about 20 miles Almost midnight. Have been sitting up cooking sweet potatoes. Drew half rations of hard bread and no coffee or sugar owing to a detention of the sup. train in the swamps. Are only to draw half rations the rest of the trip
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Nov 29. Started at 8 A.M. Pines! Pines! Pines! Among the Pines! My boyish anticipations of pine forests are more than realized. Very warm this morning for the season of the year. Skies lowering, and betoken rain.
11 A.M. (at a guess) resting I was just thinking of how a Soldier lives. His stomach turns at no such thing as dirt. After his handkerchief is used for days and days to clean his nose and wipe his brow, he ties up his rations of sugar and salt therein as if it were a clean towel from his Mothers bureau. The sheet from his bed is used as a table cloth, and often his breakfast is taken without washing
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either hands or face. He butchers a hog and ere it is fairly dead he has a hind quarter sliced up to fry. Got into Camp very late. notwithstanding the cloudy appearance of the morning it cleared up and did not rain.
Nov 30th Moved at 7 A.M. Country swampy.
Marched through 16 miles of woods and are now encamped near Summerville County seat of [blank] County.
Dec 1st Started at 8 A.M. Route very lonely. Came across Rev. J. D. Vail. Camped in the wilderness.
Dec 2nd Orderdered out at six A.M. Marching slowly. Still among the pines and swamps What sweet relief it would be to get out once more
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Went into camp about 4 P.M.
Dec 3rd Resting today Spent the time in cleaning up. Brigade Inspection of Arms and Accountrements at 2½ P.M. Said to be sixty five miles to Savannah. Weather continues fine.
Dec 4th Sunday. Fell in about 7 A.M. 9h 15m Hear cannonading in the direction of M[?] Still among the bogs and fens. When will we get out
Went into Camp near Statesboro County seat of Bullock County
Dec 5th Pulled out early, marched about 18 miles. Our Brigade in advance two Comps formed in line of battle just before we went into Camp and
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drove off a few Rebs who were in our front. Two were captured.
Dec 6th Resting today. Our Division got too far in advance
Dec 7th Marched through bogs, fens, and swamps all day Got into Camp late
Dec 8th Regt advanced about a mile Co E went foraging three or four miles in the rear
Dec 9th Started at six crossed the Ogeeche after going about three miles. Heard firing nearly all day. Marched very fast until about noon, when we stopped until near dark and then moved across the Ogeechee and Savannah Canal and went into Camp
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A short time after going into Camp Corp Petry died in a congestive chill. We buried him by river light. Dec 10th Moved this morning on the tow path of the Ogechee and Sav Canal. After going about three miles we were ordered back to guard the Supply train. Foragers brought in this evening pork and poultry. Fighting has been going on most of the day. Dec 11th Another Sabbath of the Campaign. Still in Camp close to the Canal. Weather a little cooler than it has been. Living rich, decidedly rich. Dec 12th Very heavy firing heard this morning. Weather quite [faded]
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12 m now up with the Brigade. Coast in sight. On a big plantation. If the war would close right off I'd be satisfied to settle here Of course I'd want some Northern folks along. A very beautiful night. Where was I a year ago? How I'd like to step in there a few moments tonight.
Dec 13th Had a quiet sleep last night and sweeter dreams. Bombardment of Fort McAllister commenced about 1 o'clock this morning. About 2 P.M. going out to the skirmish line. Found out that we were sent to check the advance of the Rebel Regts.
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After a little reccon nothing came back came out without the loss of a man. About four oclock Ft McAllister was taken by assault. The charge was terrific
Dec 14 Still on the beach. Rations very slim. Had for dinner water in which a few beef bones had been boiled and only a few bits of crackers. Havn't a crum left for supper. Are to draw rations tonight. Hope there will be a full supply. I am very thankful indeed that we are not worse off. The weather is about such as we have at home in Sept. Appearance of resting today.
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Skirmishing with the enemy continues though not so heavy as in the past three days. Dec 15th
Heavy firing on our left nearly all day. Weather fair. Troops in good spirits Rations short Had nothing but sweet potatoes for supper with a little coffee made of corn.
Dec 16th Nothing of note today. Weather fair Stomach full and all quiet along the lines
Dec 17th Got a very large mail today. Weather fair. Not much firing. Dec 16th Sunday
Dec 18th Sunday Rather a busy day for Sunday.
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Dec 19th Nothing today of note. Usual firing going on.
Dec 20th Cannonading quite sharp. Very busy at muster-out rolls of Hm Veterans.
Weather quite cool this afternoon.
Dec 21 Weather rainy and windy. Orders to be ready to move. Started about 12 M for Savannah, got into the suburbs this evening and went into Camp
Dec 22 Quite cool today. Remained in Camp near Savannah all day.
Dec 23rd Moved Camp closer to the City. Maj Skeels bid us farewell about ten o'clock. He and Fred B my cherished friend left on a steamer
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for the happy North. Was very sorry to see them leave. Have felt sober almost sad all day. Hardly know why. Dec 24th Day cold Company Inspection at 8 A.M. Grand Review at 9 by Gen Sherman. We were taken into town and paraded around until 2 P.M. without anything to eat. Came back to Camp and had no rations
The Review was a grand affair, I mean for lookers-on, and Officials, but for the foot soldier it was a grand torture. Saw across the Savannah River into the wretched state of South Carolina. Dec 25th Sunday Christmas. What a contrast between my situation today and this day one
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year ago. Last Christmas I was with Missie Arber at Theo's. Little did think a year hence would find her dead, and me in Savannah. The contrast is even more striking between the my dinner of that day and this. Had nothing today but crackers and a little salty pork then, everything almost. Hanover is a good town but the folks are better I realize it more every day. Where was I last Christmas well I can't exactly think about that old town somewhere
Dec 26th Nothing of note. Rations yet short Weather cloudy
Dec 27th Busy today at Muster and Pay Rolls
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January 1st 1865 Sabbath Cold day for this climate Whiskey was issued to the Regt after which the men were invited to go to town to hear the Chaplain preach
How much there is done in the Army that might be better done. There appears to be no regard at all for the Lords day. It seems almost impossible for one to do his Sabbath day duty.
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Thursday Jany 19th
Left Savannah. Day rainy
Jan 20th Resting [faded] awful
Jan 21 Awful
Jan 22nd Still marching Roads bad. Mud plenty
Don't know where we are going I am 23. Encamped near Pocotaligo
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January 30 Left Pocotaligo. Marched about five miles
January 31st Staid in Camp all day Went to see Capt Orla Fast of 1st Div in the afternoon. Feb 1st Started this morning marching bad, owing to the many swamps
Feb 2nd
Feby 4th Moving. Went
into Camp about 3 PM after marching seven miles Drew captured sweet potatoes and pork Regt was in advance of the Division
Feby 5th Sunday
9 A.M. Still in Camp but ready to move Troops are "pulling out". Camp is in a corn field
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Moved about four miles crossed the Combahee River.
Feby 6th Started early. Had a skirmish near Dickinsons Plantation, Crossing the Salkehatchie
Feby 7th Started after dinner Went four or five miles. Encamped for the night close to Loury Station on the Augusta and Charleston R.R.
Feby 8th Staid in Camp all day. Feby 9th Moved west about five miles Tore up Rail Road track in the afternoon
Feby 10th In Camp but Moved Camp in the afternoon about four miles
Feby 11th Orders to move at 6½ A.M. Regt deployed as train guard
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Crossed the Little Edisto River at 9 A.M.
Feby 12th Sunday
2nd Division in front Skirmishing began in the morning Firing [?] Continued nearly all day Rebs abandoned their works about 4 P.M. Crossed the North Edisto after night.
Feby 13. Moved at six. Passed close by Orangeburgh.
Marched about 18 miles
Feby 14th
Marched about 12 miles Weather good Began to rain in the afternoon
Feby 15th Crossed a small stream about noon, and soon after met the "Johnnies"
1st Brigade engaged near the Congaree
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River. 2nd Brig. guarding Sup train
Moved out on the Columbia Road 10 miles from the City and encamped for the night
Feby 16th Moved up this morning toward the Capital. Most of the Army in line of battle Our Division in the Reserve Crossed the Saluda about 11 PM
Feby 17th Got to bed about 3 oclock this morning 8 A.M. vigorous firing going on Crossed the Broad River and passed the City of Columbia It is decidedly the prettiest City I have been in, in the South.
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Feby 18th 1865
Laid in Camp all day on the east side of Columbia. Visited the City on passing Found it a mass of ruins 'twas destroyed by Yankee incendiaries.
Feby 19th Sabbath
Still in Camp A portion of the City still burning Loud explosions of Rebel Ammunition heard. Cannonading heard in the distance.
Feb 19th 20th Marched 18 miles. Country poor.
Saw nothing of interest
Feb 21st Our Camp last night was one of the smokiest of the march Started after dinner and marched until 12 oclock midnight
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Feby 22nd Moved at 7 A.M. Rested. Crossed the Wateree after dark. Country barren and sandy. Am making this entry at midnight, sitting up baking corn bread. Are drawing out hard tack for flour. Our living is principally foraged.
3rd Division is to be in advance tomorrow
Feby 23rd Passed through Liberty Hill this morning
Feby 24th Miserable going. Rained all day
Feby 25th Staying in Camp today Orders to be ready to move Rebels said to be advancing on us in force 1st Brig had a skirmish
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Weather rainy. Country poor though better than some parts of the state we have been in. We are now and have been for several days living off the country with the exceptions of coffee and sugar. Our fare consists of corn meal, flour (small quantities) and bacon
Feby 26th Sabbath
My Birth-day—the second one that I have passed in the Army. Still in Camp this morning Camp on the Camden Road 14 miles from town (Northwest) Foragers captured a large quantity of wine yesterday which was issued to the Regt last night and this morning. The result was a general spree but few got very drunk. Started at noon and marched about ten
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miles. Encamped for the night about two miles from Lyches Park. Feby 27th Staid in Camp all day
Feby 28th Orders to move at 8 A.M. Morning like one in April at home. Got ready but didn't go Showery all day. Eatables scarce.
March 1st Remained in Camp until noon, when the Regt. was ordered out to build "corduroy". Now resting near the creek & waiting our turn to cross Weather cloudy and showery. Bridge gave way. Regt ordered back to old Camp
March 2nd Orders to be ready to move at 1 P.M. Had parched corn for
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dinner. Crossed Lynch Creek in the afternoon. The most troublesome stream we have come to. Saw [?] Paissler (a genial creature he is) He is an Aid to Col Jones, Commander of 1st Brig. 2nd Division
Have a raving appetite and nothing to satisfy it Been living on corn meal and bacon for several days. If we only had enough would be satisfied with the kind. Cos "E" and "K" were detached "to go to mill" Started at 9½ oclock P.M.
March 3rd Slept about three hours this morning. Our Division commenced
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grinding about 4 A.M. Division moved ahead this morning and left "us Millers" behind. We joined followed in the rear and joined the Regt about noon 14 miles without a [?] and marched ahead 20 or 24 miles and"turned in" for the night.
March 4th Moved at seven. Came up with the other Divisions at a creek. Had to wait our turn to cross Crossed and came to Cheraw where we encamped for the night.
March 5th Sabbath
Moved across the Great Pedee this morning and up the Fayetteville Road about three miles where we went into Camp. Foragers brought us corn meal
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Bacon molasses and rice. I almost forgot what day it was, so much is every day alike in the Army.
March 6th Staid in Camp. Weather fine. Went to see Capt Fast in the afternoon. Lived well today i.e. as far as physical wants are concerned. Had chicken fresh pork eggs molases and corn bread
March 7th Marched about ten miles. Was quite sick but fugged it through. March 8th Our Regt in the rear of pontoon train Weather rainy and roads muddy Crossed the line into N.C.
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Marching awful
March 9th Got into Camp at 2 A.M. Moved out about noon The days march was one of the worst I ever experienced About 4 P.M. it commenced raining. Rained until 9 or 10 o'clock. Got into Camp a little after dark. Had a terrible time starting a fire. Went to bed late Went to sleep and waked up in an hour or so with a burning fever It's no use to say anything of the rest of the night as I shall never forget it. March 10th Started out with the Regt but had to fall out after I had gone two miles. Alf Davis came along picked me up and mounted me
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on his horse. Went into Camp after going about six miles. Was very sick Had to go to bed early as possible.
March 11th Got into an ambulance this morning Rode and walked during the day. Made about six miles. Roads very bad.
March 12th Sabbath
Started this morning in a captured carriage. Weather favorable but roads bad, owing to recent rains. Passed through Rockfish village. Encamped for the night three miles from Fayetteville.
March 13th
Laying in Camp. Alf Davis and I went to town. All quiet. Rumors of all kinds abound
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March 14th Crossed the Cape Fear River and went into Camp
March 15th Weather warm. Appearance of rain. Orders to move at 1 P.M. Started about 3 and moved 10 miles. How can I describe the days march? It even surpassed the first day from Savannah, and the 9th ult.
March 16th Weather showers. Crossed Black River. Roads almost impassible. Some peaches here in bloom. Worked with the teams until midnight pulling them out of holes. March 17th Got into Camp at 1 A.M. Ate supper and went to bed and slept until after sunrise.
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Ran into the 20th Corps about noon.
March 18th Marched about 13 miles. Country growing better, encamped for the night 16 miles from Clinton and about 27 from Goldsboro Heard cannonading about noon on the left. Russell of our Company died this afternoon and was buried after dark.
March 19th Sunday Moved at six Came on the Rebels about noon Our Regt in the advance of the Corps Orders to stop Stopped to await orders from Gen. Sherman.
Fighting going on on the left. March 20th Our Brigade started out a little before day and engaged the Rebels
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Our object seemed to be to destroy a bridge across the Neuse. After a few hours fighting the bridge was fired by the Rebels and we then withdrew Started in the evening and marched up the river about 8 miles.
March 21st Brisk skirmishing going on this morning. From skirmishing the engagement grew general. the Army of the Tenn pressed the Rebels heavily all day and part of the night
March 22 Rebels gone Went over part of the Battle Ground in the afternoon. Saw many distressing looking sights though the dead were buried
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March 23rd Moved about 8 miles and bivouaced for the night Day windy and dusty Our Camp almost in a swamp. Ground almost covered with knees cypress &c &c
March 24th
Crossed the Neuse Passed through the suburbs of Goldsboro Encamped for the night near the town.
March 25th In Camp Weather fair and windy
March 26th Sabbath
Weather windy Drew rations last night and in consequence thereof have full stomachs today. Got a small mail March 27th Staid In camp nothing unusual going on
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March 28th Helped Capt "Cockey" to move his quarters. Weather fair, though it has the appearance of rain.
March 29th Dreamed last night I was home on furlough but wakened up to find myself here. Got a big mail this morning. Got eight letters,and after reading them felt as if I had been swimming in a sea of pleasure.
April 10th Monday
This morning we leave
Marched about 12 miles Regt got into cam Co C was detailed to help Brigade train along. Weather bad and roads worse.
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April 11th Got into Camp this morning between 2 and 3 o'clock. Started out soon after about 9 A.M. Encamped after dark.
April 12th An Officer came along around 10 oclock bringing the intell
Started at six. About 10 oclock, while we were resting, along came an Officer, bringing the intelligence that Lee had surrendered to Grant. The boys don't seem willing to believe it. About then we heard fighting on our left. April 13th
Got into Camp about sundown.
April 13. Orders to move at 5. Marched very fast until 2 P.M. Were pressing Johnson to keep him from
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burning the bridge across the Neuse. Cavalry made some captures. Marched an 8 mile heat—fast time.
April 14th Moved w Started at 7½ A.M. Got into Raleigh about noon Encamped close to the City
April 15th Moved out at 6½ in a hard rain Drew two Sent back to town for two days rations, after we had gone about a mile. While rations were being issued orders came for us to go back to Camp Rumor said Johnson had surrendered
April 16th Was at Baptist Church in forenoon. Went to the Episcopal in
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the afternoon. Congregation almost wholly soldiers. Their conduct is bad. While waiting for the appearance of the Pastor a piously inclined soldier struck up and sung two hymns. The hymns were good and singing passable, but being out of place made it seem ridiculous. Soldiers kept up a very annoying running in and out
April 27th Gen Smith bid us good bye
April 29th Started northward this morning Marched about 11 miles Weather warm and
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roads dusty
April 30th Sabbath
Resting today
Started at 7 Passed through Roleville. Encamped near Louisburgh.
May 2nd Passed through Louisburgh. Crossed
May 3rd Passed through Warrenton. Encamped near the Roanoke River.
May 4 Moved across the river at noon. Marched 16 miles and encamped six ms. South of Lawrenceburg Va. Passed through Lawrenceburg. and encamped six miles South of Lawrenceville
May 5th Started early at day-break. Passed through Lawrenceburg Va. Traveled about thirty miles. Moved away off the road for Camp
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May 6th Started at 7 Passed Dinwiddie Ch C.H. Traveled about twenty ms and encamped near Hatchers Run May 7th Sabbath Moved up to the outskirts of Petersburgh.
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Received Nov 10th [faded]
from [faded]
Painful to
1864
Hd. Qrs. Dept
and Army of the Tenn
Irwin's Cross Roads
Ga Nov 27/64
Sp. Field Orders
No 179
III
Prvt Jos. J. Huston Co E 8th O. Inf. Vols is hereby detailed for special service in the Band at these Hd Qrs and will report accordingly
By Order of Maj Gen O. O. Howard
Saml. L. Laggart
AAG
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Hd Qrs 80th [faded]
Sp Orders Dec 4 Sunday
No 94
The following named enlisted men are detailed as follows
Guard for QM Dept
David Carey
[?]
Shie
Moshen
Wright
DATABASE CONTENT
| (2828) | DL0570 | Diaries |
Diary of H.W. Crisinger, CO. B, 88th OH Infantry
Tags: African Americans, Alcohol, Animals, Appomattox Campaign, Artillery, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Cards/Gambling, Cavalry, Christmas, Crops (Other), Death (Home Front), Death (Military), Defeat/Surrender, Destruction of Land/Property, Fighting, Food, Food Preservation, Foraging/Theft, Guard/Sentry Duty, Hygiene, Illnesses, Joseph E. Johnston, Mail, Marching, March to the Sea, News, Picket Duty, Planters/Plantations, Railroads, Religion, Rivers, Robert E. Lee, Rumors, Ships/Boats, Supplies, Thanksgiving, Trauma, Ulysses S. Grant, Weather, William T. Sherman
SOURCES
Diary, DL0570, Nau Collection
