Samuel C. Wheadon Diary
From
Sept 21—1862
to
June 23—1863
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Sunday 21 I am on guard it is a pleasant day going to be very warm and not very well
Monday 22 a very pleasant day think some we will hafto march but do not know big battle at Mumfordsville five hundred killed and there---wounded
Tuesday 23 had a hard march of 2 miles to the pitts or fortifications are expecting an attack shortly had a hard time last night marched 3 miles and dug entrenchments we are all well but hungry There is 45 thousand now in Louisville
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Wednesday 24 have been on water duty to day and about 5 Oclock we had a great scare we were all brought out in line of battle and took to the entrenchments but were soon brought back to quarters the report is that there is 300 prisoners taken [?]
Thursday 25 had a great time this morning at 3 Oclock we were routed out of quarters and marched down to the entrenchments and came back at 6 this morning it was rather cold Friday 26 changed our camp and marched about 8 miles expect to march right along now
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28 went out on picket for the first time had a good time went to a house and got our breakfast a kettle of coffee and 25 [?] for which we paid 1.00
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Diary of War
from the 8 of Oct
commenced to fight at 3 A.M. seased firing at seven
F 9 marched 2 or three miles 10 marched a short distance and camped for the day
11 mooved a short dist camped near a creek clost to a Sesesh hospital 12 we mooved about three miles and camped near a sesesh hospital Harrotsburg was the name of the town 13 mooved in the morn formed in line of battle mooved a short distance and camped went 4 miles during the day
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14 got up at 3OC got our breakfast started to march at six marched 20 miles just got a fire built then had to go out on picket cannon in front
15 had a good breakfast started on march about seven W & I carried kettles marched 12 ms
16 A clowdy fogy morn we stayed in camp all day and rested after our forced march and battle
17 a nice morning I suppose we shall stay in camp all day changed camp marched about half a mile built booths
18 A delightfull morning
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Fri 17 A fine day we had company drill in the morning I went to do our washing in the afternoon had Brigade drill our Brigade were marched up to Sheridens headquarters to see the nice presents they were fine report says we go on picket tomorrow
S 18 A very warm day had company drill one hour in the morning in the afternoon went down to the river had a nice swim and a glorious wash the forests are in full leaf everything looks nice expect to go on picket to morrow Sunday I hope it will be pleasant
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19 A delightful morn but looks like rain on picket a short distance from camp had a nice shower which refreshes everything I wrote part of a letter to my Dear Wife how I wish I could call on her to day suppose I can in a little over two years
20 Returned to camp about nine Oclock went down to head quarters found Robins sick took his place cooking for a few days for the General and staff it is most to hard work to suit me have 113 to cook for I would rather be with my company
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F 7 A fine but cold day marched 10 miles camp at Nashville in the woods
Sat 8 A cool day in camp I was excused from duty
Sun 9 A fine day W & I were excused from duty had Service in the morn
M 10 A fine day I was in my tent all day W was about the same
T 11 A fine warm day W was about the same my leg is almost well I think it will get along now
W 12 A fine warm day I did not do any thing W is some better no news from home
Th 13 A foggy morn but a fine day our regt went out on picket
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F 14 A fine warm day W & I went to the river & washed ourselvs and some clothes
Sat 15 fine & warm I am on gard had a nice day.
Sun 16 A rany day I washed up well went to meeting rote a letter to H Gage
M 17 A clowdy morn and a rainy day I did not drill much cut some wood
Tu 18 A rainy bad day I was detailed to go cook but went to Mitchelville
We 19 A rany bad day Stayed in W rote a letter home
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Th 20 Stayed in Mitchelville a clowdy cold rainy day I felt kind of lonesome
F 21 A fine day but cool Stayed in M I wrote a letter to E & C. C. & E
S 22 A fine sunshiny day I am still at M think we shall return to morrow
S 23 A fine day went down to the Depot loaded up our load & started for Nash came to Tillee Springs 15 ms
Mon 24 A lovely day started from camp at sunrise went to M found our camp mooved 6 ms south got to camp before sundown
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T 25 A fine but cool day I was detailed to cook this week found the boys all well on my return but F.M.H.
W 26 A fine day I cooked did not do much duty went out of camp to get some things for thanksgiving up
Th 27 A fine morning got up at 3 had to fly around & get ready to go out skirmishing went out 7 ms returned at 3 Oclock had a good supper.
F 28 A fine but cool day drilled a little in the forenoon in the afternoon kept thanksgiving
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Sat 29 A fine frosty morn got up at 5 went out on picket marched a mile acted as reserve at head quarters I took my portfolio to write some letters W darned his gloves & mended his pants Stuck the needle in his knee
Sun 30 A fine morning got got up every two hours all night started for camp about six I got a quart of milk & a sparerib rained in the afternoon had two prair meetings in the eve
M Dec 1 A clowdy cold day I cooked did not drill much we went out on skirmish drill in the afternoon had a nice time each man marched in with a rail for wood
Tu 2 A clowdy gloomy day W was detailed to appear at General Sheridans headquarters at 4½ I was detailed as camp gard did not do much.
W 3 A fine day after our rain last night I have not drilled any all day drew rations got some flour for the first time W & I got several letters from home brought by Mr Stevens was glad to hear from home
4 Th Quite a fine day i did not
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drill much went to bake biscuit in the afternoon fixed up a box to send home in the eve then got ready to go on picket next day
F 5 A stormy cold day our Regt went out on picket started about seven we were the reserves there was a purty reconnoitering they said they saw some of the rebs
S 6 A fine but cold day we returned to camp there was a total eclipse of the moon last night it being clear it looked nice
Sun 7 A fine but cold day had dress parade
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in the morning did not drill any had meeting in two tents in the eve
Mon 8 A cold day we had a good fire in the tent all day received orders to be ready to march at any moment
F 9 Got up early ate breakfast at half past three fell into line & stacked arms at five had dress parade at eight heard cannonading on our right the long roll sounded we fell into line and marched about half a mile the firing soon ceased we
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formed in line of battle stayed in line until sundown then marched back to camp
10 W A fine day we got up very early took tea at three fell into line at five thirty went out on the pike & stacked arms stayed for a short time then went out on picket stood on picket on the outposts for the first time
Th 11 A fine warm day as warm as summer we returned from picket found our houses all mooved a mile and a half and all
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rebuilt our shelter tents came the boys are determined not to cary them our Colonel says he will not give up the Siblies I did not get one of those good letter from home on my return from picket as some others did
Fr 12 A fine day drilled some & fixed up the camp we went out on skirmish drill I coffed so I had to fall out.
Sat 13 A beautifull warm day almost like summer we had dress parade in the morning then cleared up the ground and scowered our buttons & brest plates
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14 Sun A very warm but clowdy day we had dress parade at 8 inspection of knapsacks at nine I attended church at 10-30 wrote a letter to E in the afternoon we had a good prair meeting in our tent in the eve
M 15 A rainy bad day we did not drill much I finished my letter to E. Cracked some nuts in the eve
Tu 16 A clear but rather cool morning we drilled all day until noon then all were called out to see where the Rebs were I did not go being detailed to go out
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foraging I was dismissed and returned and done my washing
W 17 A midling cold but clear day it freseses some nights we drilled hard all day had Battallion drill in the afternoon General Sill was presant
Th 18 A fine warm day we had a fine drill I finished a letter to my wife and mailed her a paper we are making calculations to go out on picket tomorrow
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Fr 19 A splendid day our Regt went out on picket were the reserve had a nice time
S 20 A warm lovely day returned from picket did not drill any the boys had time to wash their clothes and slick up jenerally
Su 21 A beautifull day I did not go to Church read some went to prayr meeting in the eve
M 22 A warm nice day our Regt went out fora
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ging got a host of stuff I tell you got out on the pike at six stoped & had a good play spell
T 23 A warm day I tell you. I was detailed to go out foraging had a nice time I got some sweet potatoes cabbage & a nice lot of persimmons
W 24 Rather moist in the morning was called up at four was ordered to get ready to march at five every thing packed
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all was confusion we started at daylight for where we could not tell a battle was expected orders came to draw three days rations in our haversacks
Th 25 A nice day we slept out dores last night returned from picket found our camp all right got a letter from H a good long one
Fri 26 A rainy bad day we struck tents and started to march on the Rebs towards Murfrees
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boro at seven had some sharp firing at Mumfordsville Nolans slept out all night in the rain got up at three got our breakfast and got ready to march
Sat 27 A foggy rainy morning started at ten the ball opens quite briskly we marched all day in the rain mud up to our knees I saw two Rebel prisoners our men took a Rebel gun
S 28 A delightfull day we stayed in camp all day the boys got lots of forage had
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preaching I mailed a letter home went out & got some dryed apples & Irish potatoes had some firstrate pancakes for supper we had a lieut & orderly Sesesh prisoners
M 29 A splendid day we started to march at sunrise marched through some beautiful country and some very rough we passed through a splendid cedar swamp then stoped on a hill to rest marched within six ms of Mumfreesboro & slept all night in the mud in a corn
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field started to the field of battle about nine next morn
Tu 30 A cold rainy day we marched in front in line of battle all day laid in a cotton field all night on our arms was on picket four hours in the night had some quite warm work
We 31 A cold but clear morning we commenced a desperate fight with the Rebs just at daylight our Regt was attack by the Rebs after a hard fight we drove them back then they
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made another charge we had to retreat with the loss of our orderly F. M. Holton & others wonded
Th 1 Jan 1863 A fine day we were drawn up in line of battle and stayed all day on our left not any hard firing untill near night
2 A fine day stayed in the same place nearly all day marched down to the brestworks works just at night it soon commenced to rain and rained all night
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We got up as wet as rats
3 Rained all day we got up at four got over breakfast then mooved our brest works about ten or twelve rods farther back so as to occupy better ground then fixed up some shanties to protect us from the storm
4 A fine Sabbath morning we got up as wet as rats I tell you soldiering is plesant there was no fighting all day
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it cleared of in the forenoon I sent a line home
M 5 A fine day it rained hard last night but cleared off this morning I went to help bury the dead buried F. M. Holton with eight of his brother soldiers a hard sight I tell you
T 6 It rained hard last night it is clear this morning but cold
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our Regt mooved from the battleground through Murfreesboro & camped in the woods two miles the other side
W 7 A fine day W. & I slept well last night we mooved our traps a short distance & piched our tents. W. went out foraging got some [?] & a hog I wrote a letter to Mr Holtons folks
Th 8 Quite a cold lowery day I fixed up my clothes some put on a clean shirt & drawers helped clear up the grounds at head quarters W. went out for a [torn]
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Fr 9 A cold clowdy clowdy day we went out on picket it turned quite warm in the eve & raned nearly all night we had a chance to try our rubber blankets I did not feel very smart wrote a long letter home.
S 10 Rained quite hard in the forenoon in the afternoon it cleared up nicely we returned from picket in the rain drew rations soon after we got in camp drew some sugar
S 11 A splendid day we went out on picket our hole
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brigade we went out on on on the Shelbyville pike about 3 miles had an easy time the Rebs had some cavalry & a section of artilary they gave us two shots
M 12 Most a lovely day we returned from picket got in camp about ten drew four days rations after they were divided W. & I went over to see if our box had come Chaplain Dill had not returned
T 13 A fine warm day we are well I went out foraging there was a large train
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I got some sweet potatoes and two chickens which made us a good stew I tell you W. got two letters from home I look anxiously for one
W 14 A windy cold rainy day I am on gard today W. went over to the 89th to see if the box had come but did not get it I commenced a letter home we are getting along well I hope the war will soon end I have been in service five months to day.
Th 15 A rainy cold day snowed in the eve the river very high we hardly went out of the tent it is hard
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weather for Soldiers our tent was overflown this morning
F 16 A cold winter day snowed all day made one think off Illinois I finished and mailed a letter home
17 A cold but clear day I was quite unwell hardly went out of the tent the Dr called to see me & said I had the chill fever Mr Moody was here W. & I sent our letters home by him
18 A fine day it is getting quite warm we had no preaching our Chaplain went to Murfreesboro to preach to the poor woonded Soldiers
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Wilbur went over to the 89 Ill to get his box but was disapointed
19 A fine day I was not very well I did not drill our regt fell in for battallion drill & Lieutennant Ball was called to the front & discharged from the Service the boys all felt bad it commenced to rain about five the Regt is out on picket
20 to day I got excused it has rained some to day & is raining to night
Th 21 did not rain but is clowdy and rather cold the Regt returned from picket I had dinner all ready
Th 22 drilled in the morning
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morning a clowdy disagreeable day it is very mudy
23 Rather a fine day I went with the wagons to get forage got a large lot of stuff I had to drive the team in the teamster getting his leg broke
[margin] a letter
24 We went out as an escort with a forage train had a bad time it rained all day we did not return until after dark got some wet
Sun 25 Quite a fine day we had no preaching sent a letter home we had no drill had dress parade at half past four
M 26 Fine in the forenoon rained in the afternoon
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so we did not drill much just got out when Gen Greusel[sic] told us to go home W was gone over to the 51 to get some writing paper I suppose we shall write to all of our friends now I suppose we shall receive news this eve Sargeant Brown has got a Tribune of the 15 of Jan which is relished in camp
[margin] the rain is pattering on the tent
T 27 A cold stormy day rained a part of the day and then commenced to snow we did not drill and had orders to be ready for picket at half past six
W 28 A cold clowdy day we got ready for picket early got up at four had a cold time I tell you it frose the hardest it has yet in Tenn
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Th 29 A pleasant but cold day we returned from picket had a rest W. & I took a nap we do not have a chance to sleep much while on picket W got a letter from E. anouncing the marriage of F. H. H. Ballard which was startling we had a challenge from the 36 to play a game of ball
Fri 30 A fine day we drilled company drill all day I cooked in the afternoon had some beef for supper
Sat 31 Rather fine in the morn rained in the afternoon I cooked all day made some hulled corn which was firstrate was short of rations. nothing but coffee without sugar & Pilot bread
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Sun Feb. 1. 1863.
clowdy rainy disagreeable day we had no preaching the day went off slow I tell you I wish I could enjoy one sabbath as I used to at home but alas the contrast I hope the wheels of time will soon bring changes which will change our fortune in life I should like to see my Dear Wife and little boy Willie to day
M 2 A cold windy W. & I stood picket had a cold time I tell you I had to stand two hours extra our Regt had orders to be ready to march to Nashville to morrow morn at seven
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Tues 3 A cold day snowed in the morn our Regt went to Nashville I did not go on the account of being sick W. was taken sick last night so we both stayed at home
Weds 4 A cold winter day stayed in my tent pretty close had not much apetite made a few fried cakes and boiled a mackerel which tasted good I tell you
Th 5 Cold but clear it rained in the night looked for the Regiment but they did not come I went to the Dr and got some pills
Fr 6 A fine day W. & I went to the river and washed
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our clothes the boys returned from Nashville hungry and tired they had a hard time walked 18 miles before two oclock
S 7 A fine day our Regt went out on grand gard on the Salem pike about five miles from camp we camped in a nice place in the woods we did not do much I was cook
Sun 8 A fine day we had nothing to do I had no paper to write so I had to content myself by thinking of home and the dear ones there
M 9 A clowdy day and rained a little in the night our company done picket duty I was on
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the reserve had nothing to do I borrowed the Capt testament read eight chapt took a nap I boiled some beef for the bois
Tu 10 A rainy day we were relieved from duty though rather late on account of expecting to be relieved by another brigade they did not come so we have to stay out two days longer it is pleasant I had rather be out here than in camp if I could get a letter from home I should like it
W 11 A warm day just like spring our regt went out as an escort for a small forage train consting
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of five wagons we had to go some ways which made us swet as much as in mid summer up north I stood gard in camp at night
Th 12 A fine day we were not on duty I went out of camp about a mile and a half beyond the pickets got a canteen of new milk a roll of butter a nice ham and shoulder we drew rations expect to return to camp tomorrow mail comes no letter for poor me one for Willie with a V. in it from father
Fr 13 A fine day we returned to camp was relieved by the 3 brigade did not get into camp until after dark I was detailed
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gard some straglers from davises division there was 15 or twenty negroes came in in company with us I stopped to the 36 Ill suttlers and got a dimes worth of onions which was all of four I think onions are onions down here
Sat 14 Fine in the morning commenced to rain about ten we started out on picket early this morning just got our shebangs built as it commenced to rain we stood picket all day and night or eight hours out of twenty four there was three reliefs releaving
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each other every four hours it rained all night Company C kept our relief on post four hours
S 15 Clowdy and misty did not rain much W. & I went and washed ourselvs then went and got part of a canteen of milk we were not relieved so our Company had to go out on post again stood 2 hours when the relief we started for camp about noon I got some corn to take back W & I shelled it I got it carried in the ambulance we had a good pray meeting in our tent this eve
M 16 it rainy day we did not do any thing all
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day had orders to go & wash ourselvs and clothes I tell you the boys were glad of the chance for we had none of us washed for over two weeks I tell you some clean clothes feel good got a good long letter from Will
Tu 17 A rainy mudy time rained all day had dress parade and such a pile of orders as were read several changes made in officers I went to mill got my corn ground traded it with Capt McClerg baked some cakes for supper
We 18 Still rainy the mud is shoe deep in the camp if it keeps on we shall have to have mud scows
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pretty quick we all drew high black hats they created quite a sensation among the boys
Th 19 Cleared off fine but windy we had battallion drill in the afternoon in the manuel of arms W. & I had some policeing to do when the mail came in it brought W. and I each a good long letter from Father we were glad to hear from home I mailed a letter to Edward and one to Wife. I hope they are as glad to get our letters as we are to get theirs
Fr 20 Most a splendid day we started out on picket at seven a little cool
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arived at the picket lines at twenty minutes past eight the meadow larks are singing the robins are chirping the grass looks green the buds are starting on the trees in fact all looks like spring we have just been to dinner had coffee onions cold boiled beef biscuit and butter we had a good game of ball this forenoon which gave us a good apetite for our rations no pay yet
Sat 21 We returned to camp commenced to rain about ten Oclock rained all day and a part of the night I got a letter from Mary
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they are all well I also got a letter from my dear Wife and one from Ne they were both over a month old nothing doing doing in camp today except letter writing the boys are all buisy writing to their friends
S 22 A cold clowdy day we had no meeting I wrote a letter to Ne we had an election of five men in our Company to go to help make up a Regiment of Cavalry they were picked out of the best men three of them only are going which are Lour Fields Halbertsma no news in camp some news in store for us which they say is good
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Mon 23 A splendid day we mooved camp had a fine time mooved only across the river crossed in wagons Wilbur went to mill I packed up the things had our tents all piched before night it dont take us long to moove our little town
24 A fine day we went out foraging had a hard time we went out about ten miles over some of the roughest roads I ever saw we got ninety rails returned to camp on the Salem pike got into camp a little after dark
25 Fine in the morning commenced to rain about ten W. & I were on guard W at McCooks head quarters myself at camp
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rained all night I had a very unpleasant time but I guess we will all live through it got a letter from Cornelia to Wilbur mailed a letter to my dear Wife
Th 26 Got relieved from gard at nine saw a boy from the 36 drumed out of camp his head was shaved and he was drumed out in the rain I should hate to have been in his place rained all day took off our bridge last night
F 27 pos the 28 went out on picket the day was beautifull we had a nice game of ball officers and all stood on post four hours there was some firing in front the going is bad it looks like spring
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28 pos the 27
A rainy day we cleared up the parade ground we have got a nice place I wish we might stay here untill the war closes
March 1 1863 A fine day we had no preaching to day I wrote a letter to father and one to Hattie we had no drill dress parade at half past four had no prayr meeting in the evening as usual
Mo 2 A splendid day had company drill in the forenoon in the afternoon
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had brigade drill for one hour was hurried into camp and received orders to have five days rations in our haversacks and every thing packed for a march I mailed a letter to Hattie
T 3 A fine day had orders to be ready to march at a moments notice with five days rations in our haversacks but the order to march has not come yet had company drill this afternoon
We 4 Most a delightfull day almost to warm for cumfort we were called up at three with orders to be ready to march at half past five with four days rations our Division started out
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on the Salem pike marched 15 miles camped near a Rebel camp for the night
Th 5 We were called up at four this morning marched about daylight went 2 or 3 miles passed through Eagleville went into camp as soon as we had stacked arms we stayed all day & all night W. & I taped some maple trees and got sap enough to make us some sap coffee for supper. nearly all the boys went foraging soon returned some with chickens some with hams & some with honey I tell you the Secesh have to take it wherever we go
6 started on the
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on the march quite early it commenced to rain soon after we started rained all day our company went out on picket it rained hard during the night we had a hard time standing post some of the boys brought in a sheep and some of them got hams
Sa 7 Clowdy today but does not rain we expected to go to camp to day but about noon we got orders to went towards camp as far as Triune then turned off and went across to Franklin the roads were very mudy we marched within ten ms of F then went into but like to have got drowned out it rained so hard
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Sun 8 Although we got some wet last night and feel rather lame this morn we had to march at six we marched through Franklin about noon F is a beautifull town as fine a town as I have seen in Tenn camped within one mile of Franklin after marching eight miles there was a rush made for straw W & I made us a tent out of our ruber blankets slept first rate
Mon 9 A pleasant day but a cool wind we did not march very early this morn passed through Franklin it is well located on a beautifull stream and a very fine place some of the boys said they would like to live there but give me old Illinois yet with its fine towns
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stoped a short distance from F and rested about one & a half hours marched six miles went into camp for the night
Tu 10 It rained hard last night & untill about noon to day when it cleared off and we started on the march again passed through the village of Spring Hill it used to be a nice place but now the houses are nearly all disserted it commenced to rain again about four we camped on a big hill I went about 2 ms to get some blades for a bed did not return until dark I then found our company had gone out on picket
Weds 11 It rained a good deal last night but we have got so used to it we dont mind it much Lieut Lane went out a little way
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after forage the Rebs shot at him but did not hit him we can see the Rebs quite a little way in our advance on a big hill they have a battery planted stayed in camp here all day are within four miles of Columbia which is situated on or near Duck River the Rebs have crossed the river and there is no chance of getting to them we done some cannonadeing but did not do any good I guess we will have to give up the chace
Th 12 Started for Franklin this morning reached there about three marching 21 ms in six hours to fast for cumfort I think we are going back to our old camp on Stone River
Fri 13 A fine day we had a hard days march through mud & over pikes there was some
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straggling but will be more to morrow as we have 25 miles to march to make our old camp I hope we shall get there for I am tired of this march
Sa 14 A very warm day I tell you we started on the march quite early at a breakneck speed there was only nineteen of our Company that got into camp to stack arms I was one of the number though tired enough I tell you we found our camp had all been torn up & we had a gooddeal of trouble in finding our things.
S 25 A fine day we read letters nearly all day got our tent & piched it it seems some like home got up late and lame we got our pay up to the first of January I got $13.80
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besides my allotment which is ten dollars a month got some boots and a number of other nice things from home we were glad to get them it is a good thing to have kind friends at home we had both of our portfolios stolen while we were out
M 16 A very fine day I guess we will not have any more rain at presant did not drill any had a good time to rest & wash our clothes which we had not had an opportunity to do for over two weeks such is a Soldiers life
17 A splendid day we had company drill this forenoon and Battallion drill this PM the first time for over a month we do not get
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much time to drill I wish we could drill more
We 18 A lovely day we were eating breakfast when we got the order to have every thing packed and ready to moove camp at nine A.M. we were ready in time tents all struck and loaded we mooved camp about 2 miles in a very nice place within half a mile of Murfreesboro the third camping place we have had since we came here
Th 19 A very warm day we were ordered out on picket at eight Oclock had a pleasant time the picket lines have been drawn in about a mile I dont know what it is for unless Old Rosy expects an attack I dont think there will anything more than a brush
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Friday 20 A fine day came in from picket got in about noon drew rations I got up a good supper did not drill had dress parade at four thirty cleared up the parade ground there is always enough for a Soldier to do
Sat 21 was called up at three this morning expected an attack there was a good deal of cannonadeing along the lines had three or four of our men killed and wounded I dont know how many the Rebs lost we returned to camp about noon and got ready for review which was at three it was grand I tell you our whole division was out I wish our friends in Illinois could have seen it if it could have taken place on one of those large praries how grand the sight
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Sun 22 A splendid day had company inspection at nine Oclock washed and slicked up as well as I could we expect a grand Review soon by Old Rosy I have not seen the man yet it will afford us all a good opportunity of a sight at the Hero of the West
Mo 23 A clowdy rainy day I and Wilbur are on gard we are having grand review we shall miss a sight at Old Rosy never mind we will have a chance to see him soon we are on gard at Brigade head quarters one of our company died about six his name was Swartout he was a good boy and will be much missed by us
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Tues 24 Fine in the morning we were relieved from gard at eight as soon as we returned to our quarters we got orders to fall in as quick as possible with one days rations in our haversacks we went out on picket it commenced to rain soon after we got to our station and raned all night we were stationed in what was once a nice house but torn all to pieces by the Boys everything is destroyed where the army moove
W 25 A fine morning we returned to camp got in about ten I came by the bakers and bought
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some biscuit W went & got his Deaguerreotype taken I wrote a letter & sent it to Father Wilbur did not get a good picture is going to have it taken over is going to send it to Mr Lewises girls
Th 26 Most a lovely day W. & I each got a pass to go to Murfreesboro did not see many sights saw plenty of hard tack piled up for the Soldiers M is quite a handsome place returned to camp found our Regt gone out on grand guard to be gone five days went out on the Salem pike 2½ miles we thought we would not go out untill morning I baked two nice pies & and a lot of biscuit to take out
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Fr 27 A fine morning W & I got our pictures taken to send home mine cost $3.00 W. cost $2.50 we are going to try and send them by Mr Meacham when he goes I send five & Wilbur ten dollars by him dont know whether he will take it or not untill we get back to camp we left it with one of the boys to send we came out to the Regt got out about noon it commenced to rain soon after we got to our company rained all the afternoon & all night
Sat 28 Is quite a fine day but cool we are standing picket on the out posts to day have to stand sentinal four hours out of 24 our relief goes on at one and stand untill five then at one Oclock
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at night and stand untill five in the morning we are relieved at nine some of the boys killed pigs and got tied up to trees as soon as they got back into camp I dont blame them I would like some fresh pork
Sun 29 Clowdy and cold we got relieved this morning W. went to the Suttlers and got 25 cts worth of cakes and 25 cts worth of smoked halibut had them and some coffee for breakfast the Chaplain has just brought us some papers and tracks. W. got three letters in one this morn one from Maria one from Maggie & one from Eli Lewis they were all good I mailed a letter to Hattie hope it will find her well
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Mon 30 A fine morning had Battalion drill in the forenoon Brigade drill in the afternoon we are still on picket are on the reserve I think we will return to camp to morrow Wilbur is quite unwell did not go out on drill I do really hope he is not going to be sick he has some fever this evening it rained some this afternoon and is raining now
Tu 31 A clear but cold had company drill this morn had orders to get ready to go to camp at two oclock got to camp early found everything all right had dress parade Wilbur
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feels no better to day I hope he will soon get better I wish this war was over so we could all go home I am disappointed in not getting a letter today from my Dear wife I hope to get one soon
We 1 A splendid day but rather cool I am on gard to day I think Wilbur is some better we had inspection of the light Battalion to day went to Murfreesboro saw the boddy of our poor Lieut he died this morning his brother starts home with him at 2-30 this afternoon I sent Hattie my likeness gloves & five dollars by him W. sent his gloves ten dol and his likeness the prevalent
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opinion seems to be now that this war will close in four or six months my prair is that it may I would like to have it close sooner
Th 2 Very warm today I got relieved from gard at eight got something washed got something to eat took a nap Wilbur is some better today there was trial drill this forenoon of all the companies for a prize of $25.00 offerd by the Colonel to the company that should be drilled the best on the day of the
Co B took the prize we had Brigade drill this afternoon Old Frank drilled us us hard
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F 3 A fine day but rather windy & cool we are put right through on drill we drill six hours a day I wrote one or two letters I dont know as W. is any better to day the weather is spring like and the forrest looks nice the trees are all in bloom some nice flower gardens are all turned out to the commons I tell you it looks hard but I think it is fare if they will have war let them suffer the concequences
4 A splendid day we had company and Regimental drill in the forenoon in the afternoon fixed up and beautified
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the parade grounds we got a good long letter from Father and a few lines from E. was glad to hear from them we took up our tents and aired them the boys and officers played ball
Su 5 A beautifull day rather cool we had orders to go on picket at seven we paced up and was off at the appointed time we had a beautifull place to stand picket we were stationed on as fine a stream as I ever saw.
6 A fine day we got relieved from picket about nine came in camp had company drill in the afternoon I went to town got some potatoes and pies I dont think W. is some better
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had some good Irish potatoes for supper the first I have had in a long time
Tue 7 A delightfull day did not get up very early had Battalion company & Brigade drill drilled Brigade drill on the double quick and skirmish I tell we were tired W. got a letter from Ne was glad to hear from the folks
W 8 A fine day we had quite a heavy frost last night night we had company drill in the forenoon & Brigade drill in the afternoon Wilbur went out for the first time for some time I guess he will get along now I wrote a letter to E.
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Thursday 9 A delightfull warm day we were called up at 3-30 with orders to be ready to march at half past five with three days rations in our haversacks we fell into line stacked arms on the parade grounds where they remained untill nine then we had Co drill we did not march atall nor do I think we will soon
F 10 had revaree as usual were orderd to be ready for inspection at eleven A.M. had Brigade drill in the afternoon had orders to be ready for picket at seven in the morn it looks some like rain I hope it will keep pleasant untill I get back from picket
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Sat 11 A muggy warm morn we went out on picket according to orders I was on the first relief had an unpleasant time it commenced to rain about 7.30 P.M. I was on post a darker time I never saw It was hard to find our posts when we were relieved and there was a goodeal of danger of getting outside of the pickets and getting shot I dont care about standing picket many such nights
S 12 we were relieved about nine I read a good long story it is a delightfull day how much I should like to be home to day and go to church we have no drill today preaching this afternoon I sent a letter home satur morn hope I shall get an answer soon
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M 13 A splendid day we had no drill this forenoon the boys had a chance to do their washing had inspection of arms and got our pay for two months I got eight dollars some of the boys had high times as many as three were drunk in one tent O what a monster is strong drink I wish it could be banished from the world
Tu 4 Fine in the morning commenced to clowed up about ten and comenced to rain a little before twelve our Regiment went to work on the fortifycations had a gooddeal of fun it rained so hard we returned to camp about two Oclock I found a letter there from my Dear wife
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Tues 21 Warm and nice had a nice shower in the afternoon I sent a letter to my dear Wife I still cook at head quarters I dont think I shall stay long we have got a new Brigade commander appointed which will make a good many changes how nice the grass and [faded] look
22 A splendid day I came back to my company last night had Co drill this morn Battalion drill in the afternoon our new General was serenaded this eve & Colonel & Wife we had orders to be ready to march
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at five to morrow morn we were surprised last night by receiveing a call from R Gage Co D 104 Ill. We were glad to see him he came out from Nashville to guard a train we went part way down town with him and went over into the 24 Wis and found Henry Gage had a good chat with R
23 A glorious day warm and balmy cool nights we got up at three this morn got ready to march at five very warm we went a mile and a half from camp expected an attack the report is that there are 10 000 Rebs within four miles of here I think
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they will show themselves before long we are ready for them I sometimes wish they would come. no letters to day O I wish they would write often
F 24 A fine day I was on gard last night did not get up very early are having a nice easy time on guard this time so far [faded] 6 oclock general [faded] fell back in a hurry went back to camp where we arrived about sundown had a nice little walk got some tired I am getting sick of soldiering I wish they would stop the foolishness and let us go home
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Sat 25 A lovely day I was appointed cook last night for the coming week I do not like the fun very well had Brigade inspection at three OC P.M. was inspected by our new General Litle I think he is a good man or at least I hope he is we have prayr meeting to night and preaching at 10-30 to morrow we have very interesting meetings
Su 26 A beautifull day I have enjoyed myself well went to church twice took a walk down in the grove wrote part of a letter to my dear wife had orders to be ready to go on picket to morrow morn at six forty five
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Mon 27 went on picket had a splendid day W & I did not go out all day were detailed on guard in the night at head quarters it is now about ten we are having a nice shower I presented Mrs Sherman with a nice boqut got a canteen of milk out on picket had some nice coffee when we returned
T 28 A splendid day Wilbur done some washing I went down and helped him some rote a letter to Hattie did not mail it had orders to pich our tents at two but it was contramanded
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We 29 A showery day we struck our tents had a rainy time of it received a call from Richard and Robbert was glad to see them they look healthy took dinner with us we were all in a muss. I went nearly to town with them.
T 30 A splendid day cleared up our old camp ground and piched our shelter tents they look nice I think they be cooler than the old ones and much healthier it is fine weather and the boys are in good health generally
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Fri May 1 A beautiful day the boys worked hard to day policeing up our new camp ground my time is up cooking for the company I guess will commence to cook for the Captain to morrow I dont know how I shall make it go put quick I get something for them to eat
S 2 A fine day I commenced to cook to day dont know how I shall like it if I had a stove I could get along first rate I got a letter from my dear wife to day was glad to learn all was well
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Sun 3 A glorious day I got breakfast done up my work went to church had a pretty good meeting wrote a letter to my wife and sent one in it to Ne report says the rebs are within ten miles of here in line of battle I sent a Nashville union home today
Mon 4 A fine morning the Regiment went out on picket I stayed in camp baked some nice buscuit & four pies, had a shower and high wind in the afternoon it rained hard during the night
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Tues 5 A splendid day the Regt returned from picket about nine I got a lunch for the boys they was hungry got a good letter from Ne was glad to hear from the folks to hear they were all well
We 6 A showery day the Brigade went out on grand guard had a rainy time I did not go out expect to go out in the morning mailed three letters this morning one to Ne one to Aunt A and one to M. Lewis it is raining to night I am glad I am not out in the rain
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Th 7 A clowdy cool day I made some bread in the morn in the afternoon went out to the Regt they seemed glad to see me they are stationed in a fine place I think it is much pleasanter than in camp. I made six mince pies day before yester they were nice they ate one as soon as I brought it out. the boys are having a nice time
Fr 8 We had orders to be ready to go out and picket at eight this A.M. the Regt has not been out on the lines yet
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Sat 9 A very warm day did not get up very early I went over to the old mans house where we were stationed and got some milk had quite a chat with the old man he gave me a splendid boquet I pressed some of the flowers to send to my dear wife it is a very pleasant place here
S 10 A cool and lovely day I wrote a letter to father received one one from him yesterday had mush and milk for dinner to day a variety in the army it seems
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but little like sunday how I wish I was where I could attend church we got relieved about five I stayed with the captains baggage and rode nearly all the way in camp did not get in untill after sunset
M 11 It has been a buisy day with me I baked some cake had Capt McClerg to tea I did not get my work done up untill after eight I was tired enough to call it quits and retired after I had written a letter to Hattie I hope it will find her as well as it leaves me
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Tu 12 A warm day I built me a fire place got something to the Brigade comissaries went down to the river and had a good wash baked some biscuit for tea have one more to cook for now our second Lieut.
We 13 A pleasant day I was buisy all day had some nice fish balls for dinner the captain hardly knew what they were I called them good they have strawburres down town I am going to get some and make a cake soon I was in hopes I would get a letter from home today but was disappointed
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Th 14 A lovely day had company drill quarter before seven Brigade drill at four in the eve I went down to Murfreesboro to get some Commisary stores did not have good luck I got a good letter from Ne it had Adies photograph in it I think it very fine indeed
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F 15 A glorious day the Regt went out on picket to day I am left alone & have nothing to do but brood over my sorrows I went over to the 73 Ill Regt to get some brick to the Divis Com twice & to Murfreesborough twice I was buisy after all
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Sat 16 A verry fine day but warm the boys were buisy all day getting and setting out evergreens in front of the officers tents had prayr meeting in the eve W and I sold some apples made quite well
17 A splendid day we have very warm weather I think it will be warm weather here this summer I did not go to church any to day nor do I think I can go this evening I looked for a letter from home but did not get any
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Mon 18 A splendid day I got breakfast early had Battallion drill at seven Brigade drill at at four after it got cool the Regt received orders to go on picket tomorrow there is a prospect of an attack they have orders to cut the timber all of for three miles around Murfreesboro
T 19 A delightfull day the Regiment have gone out on picket I did not go went down town twice got a barrel of apples payed $12 for them sold them for $27.00 gave Wilbur half the profits bought a pail of butter 26 lbs 30 cts per lb 1 lb Tea 1 [?]
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Weds 20 A lovely day the boys came off of picket got in camp about nine it was very warm and dusty marching in the boys look tired had to go on police as soon as they came in the Board of Trade man came to day we were much rejoiced to get two nice boxes well filled with everything nice how thankfull we were for them my Dear wife's likeness was broken how sorry I was how much I would like to see the original I hope I may be permitted to have the pleasure soon my dayly prayr is that this unholy war will soon come to a close
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Th 21 A glorious day the boys got cedars and set out through the camp I think they look nice we enjoy our selves looking over our things from home such nice reading and such a nice selection of dried fruit no one but dear ones at home could think of how thankfull we are for such tokens of love
F 22 A warm day had battallion company and Brigade drill Wilbur got a letter from Ne we were glad to hear from the folks and to know they were well I sent a letter to Hattie with Addies photograph in it how I would like to see the dear little thing
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Sat 23 A very very warm day so warm I was almost sick I was quite buisy made some pies and a cake I wish I could give the folks at home a piece of it I expect when I get home I can beat any of the women cooking I will just play I dont know how the Regt go on picket to morrow I got things all ready for to take they have to go out every three days
S 24 A splendid day quite cool I done up my work took a nap wrote a letter to Ne done up some things to send home I wish I could go & take them had [?] to day I am going to
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send this old book to my dear Wife tomorrow I have had it a good while it has been through one hard battle with me I hope it may be of some interest to her I can explain some thing to you when I come home that you may not understand now we are well I will send you my letters and a song perhaps some cake good by keep this book I will buy a new one and keep right on with my diary I leave in it a beautifull rose I will try and get a small root and send it home in a letter good by as ever Your husband S. C. Wheadon
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I was much pleased to hear from her I wrote her a letter and sent seven dollars in it I hope it may reach her safely it has been just eight month to day since I enlisted
We 15 A rainy day the camp is very muddy we did not drill any nor have dress parade W and I fixed us up a bunk which we found to be quite an improvement on the old one which was the ground I dont know how I should act were I to sleep on a good bed at home once more nor can I tell untill I try it which time I hope is not far distant
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Th 16 A lovely day got up just at sunrise had company drill in the forenoon in the afternoon the afternoon there was a presentation of a sword trapings two ivory handled six shooters a splendid wine service complete and a splendid saddle the whole was splendid in the extreme and presented by the officers of our Division to Major General Sheridan the whole cost one thousand six hundred I should prise the money they cost more than I should the articles
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got up at four stayed in camp all day and I tell you we drilled hard
19 Sunday a fine day had church in morn and eve
Mon 20 got up at three a fine frosty morn
Tues 21 on the march started at eight had a windy morn W & I traveled all day along
W 22 a fine we started from Lancaster at sunrise went 3 miles got breakfast and then started for Lebinon
Th 23 A fine morning started for Lebinon 11 miles to go passed through Faysville 9 ms from L W & I rode all day
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[faded] received from the government
Pairs of shoes ||
Blanket |
Shirts |||
Overcoat |
Dress coat |
Cap ||
Stickings |||||
Drawers ||||
Blows Blowse ||
Pants |||
Knapsack |
Canteen ||
Haversack |
a pair of Mits |
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List of pieces
Caps 1 $ .63
Uniform Coats 1 6.71
Blowles lined 1 2.63
Shirts 2 .88
Drawers 2 .50
Bootees 1.94
Stockings 4 .26
Overcoats 1 7.20
Blankets 1 2.95
Knapsacks 1 2.57
Haversack 1 straps 1 .48
Canteens .48
Pants 1 3.03
30.27
Up to Jan 27 31.9 worth of clothes drew haversack Canteen
Haversack inclusive
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[faded] 19 we are again on the go last night we went aground and did not get off untill we had bin [faded] hours and when we did get off we did not go far a [faded] came up and we had to ground and stay there untill morning the country is hilly and rough we have passed several [?] places but none of importance we had to get out of the boats and [?] about 2 or 3 miles there was [?] on the river and the boats could not pass with the load on them [faded]
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succesionists here but perhaps we are watched from the shore Columbia is a fine little town on the indianna side there is a church and several other large houses it is 50 miles from Louisville
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15094) | DL0641.001 | Diaries |
Tags: Alcohol, Animals, Artillery, Battle of Perryville, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Cavalry, Chores, Clothing, Cowardice, Death (Military), Destruction of Land/Property, Discharge/Mustering Out, Discipline, Drilling, Enlistment, Family, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Guard/Sentry Duty, Home, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, Leadership (Soldiers' Perceptions of), Mail, Marching, Marriages, Medicine, Money, Newspapers, Payment, Philip Sheridan, Photographs, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Reading, Recreation, Religion, Rivers, Sadness, Supplies, War Weariness, Weather
People - Records: 3
SOURCES
Samuel C. Wheadon Diary, DL0641.001, Nau Collection
