Samuel C. Wheadon Diary, 1864
Saturday, February 6, 1864.
A cool rainy morning cleared up before noon I worked on my shanty went out in the country and got some lumber I went over to Louden just at night to get something to eat but could not make the riffle this is the first I have written in my new diary I was offered two dollars green backs for it There is not much doing in this department at presant I wish they would quit altogather and let us go home there is a gooddeal of recruiting
Sunday, February 7, 1864.
A splendid Sabbath day I would like to beat home to go to church the Capt went over to Louden to church heard an Episcopal minister preach I done my usual routine of duty went out in the country and got some milk fried some cakes in the eve wore a pair of boots for the first time in 18 months I would like to get a letter from home how good they are
Monday, February 8, 1864.
A delightfull day sargeant Chapin and I worked all day on the Captains shebang I received two letters and two papers sent to Wilbur the weather is fine and rations more plenty I think we will get full rations soon our Colonel is going home in a few days I wish we could all go how I long to have this cruel war end I suppose it will have an end.
Tuesday, February 9, 1864.
Most a lovely day I think this will pass for a mild winter we are having fine weather both days and evenings I suppose the boys up north are having fine times sleigh riding but no such fun for us it will come our turn after a while I worked on the Captains house to day finished it and we both mooved in I went over to the commissaries in the evening.
Wednesday, February 10, 1864.
A glorious day I have been buisy today fixing up my tent and cooking I made some hash the first we have had for some time my Dear Brother has started for Camp Chase OH there to stay untill exchanged I wish he could stop at home I have written a letter to Ne this evening & would like to write one to Father but time will not permit
Thursday, February 11, 1864.
A glorious day I went over to Louden crossed the river in a ferry boat I must say it looked rather pokerish I got a doz and a half of eggs and a lb of butter for one lb of coffee which cost 40 cts our baggage came up to day and Lieut Colonel Chandler started for home the Captain commands the Regt I wrote a letter to Ne this eve I hope it will find her and folks well all things look as though we were going to stop here a while the Iron horse came in here to day
Friday, February 12, 1864.
How fast the month is flying it will soon be summer again farmers are plowing and sowing the weather is lovely I was out in the country to day about 27 miles got three quarts of nice butter milk and three doz eggs milk ten cts a quart and eggs 25 cts per dozen. I took the first sleigh ride of the season to day on bare ground on a Tennessee sleigh drawn by a Tennessee Nag I learn that Brother Wilbur has gone to Camp Chase
Saturday, February 13, 1864.
As fine a day as I would wish to see I have been buisy to day I went over to Louden in the forenoon in the afternoon I drew rations and fixed up my tent I got no letters to day but got a pair of gloves and socks which were sent to Wilbur I would like to see the boy to night the cars runn in here daily from Chattanooga and from Knoxville the buds begin to swell on the trees and all looks like spring
Sunday, February 14, 1864.
Valentines day rained nearly all day and was a gloomy Sunday I read a good deal took a little knap read a letter from father to Wilbur which was interesting wrote a letter to Hattie in the eve looked all day for one from her but it did not come I wish it would hurry up they dont come fast enough to suit me
Monday, February 15, 1864.
A cold rainy day I worked all day at shoemending Lieut Rae and Laurence came up I shall have them to cook for I earned 1.15 cts shoemaking pretty good I think we got payed off to day I got six dollars two months pay without the allotment I got no letter to day I cant see why Hattie dont it has been nearly two weeks since I got a letter from her I think they would write if they knew how anjious we looked for letters may be they do and we dont get them
Tuesday, February 16, 1864.
A cold windy but clear day I have been as buisy as a bee today fixed the Lieut tent in the forenoon in the afternoon baked a loaf of light bread and two loves of cake stewed some peaches in the eve and read a letter from Ne to Brother Wilbur which I shall send him as soon as I know where to direct I should like to see him but think it was best for him to go to camp Chase
Wednesday, February 17, 1864.
A cold day I was buisy went out on the picket line twice to take out grub baked some pies and cakes got no letter from home what can be the matter I worked at shoemaking in the eve half soled one pair of boots and one shoe earned eleven shillings there is strong talk of marching soon I wish they would let us stay here untill cold weather is over.
Thursday, February 18, 1864.
A clear cold day it did not thaw but a little the folks here think it is intensely cold I went out in the country about four miles had a fine walk got a canteen of milk six doz eggs and one lb of butter Eggs 25. butter 50. milk 15 cts a canteen no letter from home yet I guess there are some on the way
Friday, February 19, 1864.
A beautifull day I was buisy drew some rations went out in the country got a doz and a half of eggs and a fine load of lumber I got a letter from Wilbur he has arrived at Camp Chase and says he had quite a pleasant trip I get no news from home yet no letter since the fourth
Saturday, February 20, 1864.
The last day of the week and a fine one too I have been as buisy as a bee to day fixing up my house and cooking I have now got a gay house it is plenty large enough for two we have one woman in camp it is the Dr wife how fine to Soldier and be situated so you can have your Wife with you Disappointed again to day no letters from home.
Sunday, February 21, 1864.
A splendid day I worked about as buisy to day as usual got supper all ready then had to wait untill it got cold before there was any one to eat it and then some funny boys came to partake what a shame for Officers to get drunk I wrote a letter to Hattie this eve
Monday, February 22, 1864.
Washingtons birthday there was some big guns fired at M to day to his memory it has been a splendid day I sent Hatties letter my Diary & 40.00 by Johnson I settled with the Captain he payed me 47.75 cts in full to this date It has been a fine day I made some fried cakes and cooked all day
Tuesday, February 23, 1864.
A delightfull day the Lieut both went on picket I went over to Lowden bought 2.40 cts worth of tobacco made 4.50 on the lot we have splendid weather now. I earned 1.40 this eve mending boots I have earned five dollars all togather I received a letter from Hattie and a good one to and as welcome as it was good
Wednesday, February 24, 1864.
It has been a lovely day I have been buisy to day did not get up untill after sunrise got breakfast about nine made some light biscuit and sold some tobacco we had drill to day the first time for months there has been an order issued to let 5 per cent of the troops have furloughs but I think there will be no chance for me as our portion have allready gone
Thursday, February 25, 1864.
This is as fine a day as one would wish to see I went out in the country got some eggs some candles and some milk payed 10 cts a piece for the candles on my return to camp I found a good letter from father would like to get them oftener we hear good news to night
Friday, February 26, 1864.
I was as buisy as a bee to day fixing up my tent laying a floor and making a table Calef has got his furlough and starts home in the morning I wish I was in his boots for a short time say 30 days I wrote a letter & sent by him with fifty dollars in it making a total of $120.00 I have sent home this month.
Saturday, February 27, 1864.
A glorious day day the last in the week and nearly the last in the month I went over to the Depot with Cohn baked some cake and pies wrote a letter to mother and father Gage in the eve I keep buisy and get quite tired I had a call from the Captain to night.
Sunday, February 28, 1864.
A fine day I was buisy to day baked bread wrote a letter to Father in the eve it looks like rain or storm of some kind we are on the last half of our time I wish it was the last day it is time this war closed I think no letter for me from home to day
Monday, February 29, 1864.
Rained all day & rained nearly all last night I got a load of wood to day baked some beef for dinner & had some baked potatoes the first I have had for some time I would like to get a letter but none came for me to day
Tuesday, March 1, 1864.
It has rained all day I have been as buisy as a bee I have done my cooking and earned 2.00 mending boots I have earned seven dollars all togather I got the mail to day but no letter for me. it has cleared off but is cold some of the Indiana boys came up last eve
Wednesday, March 2, 1864.
Cleared off and was fine to day the Lieut both went on picket I done some shoemending earned 2.25 worked untill late went out on the picket lines twice some stir in camp about marching I hope we wont go from here for two months or more I would like to get a letter from home.
Thursday, March 3, 1864.
A splendid day I have not done much to day fixed a boot and sold some tobacco I got a letter from Hattie she did not write much news the folks are all well how I would like to see them all I will have a chance after a while almost 19 months of my time gone
Friday, March 4, 1864.
A very windy day I went out in the country got four doz eggs and one and a fourth of butter had a fine ride on a long eared horse I saw two women in my journey if they could be called such that was a lible to the name they used more profane language than I ever new a man to such is your southern shivalry I say deliver me from all such outlaws
Saturday, March 5, 1864.
A splendid day got a letter from home and wrote one in the eve to send by D Colman tomorrow he is going home on a furlough I wish I could get one but guess I will have to stay untill my time is out I baked some nice bread to day and some cookies I will send some home if I can
Sunday, March 6, 1864.
Most a lovely day I took my letter over to Colman this morn and sent some cookies I have been buisy to day baked cake and pies had four to supper all a little sprung what a shame for officers I think they ought to set a better example for the men but how different it is no one knows much about real army life untill they have tryed it
Monday, March 7, 1864.
Warm and fine most of the day high wind and showers in the afternoon and eve I went over in town to the post commissaries to get some rations got some butter and desecated potatoes also a few pickles borrowed five dollars of Mr. Renolds there is a gooddeal of thieving and whiskey drinking in the Reg now but I guess they will get none of my help at neither
Tuesday, March 8, 1864.
It has been a splendid day I got a good little letter from my Dear wife which I was glad to get I can tell you she got the things I sent all right and saw Mr Johnson the Colonels baggage came to night I suppose he will be here tomorrow he has made a quick trip there is some talk about marching I hope we will not go at presant or for two months I will commence a letter to Hattie this eve.
Wednesday, March 9, 1864.
A rainy day I got two letters from W. to day and one from sister the Colonel came back this eve and the Capt will return to his command I have been buisy to day mending shoes and cooking I wrote two letters this eve one to H and one to Wilbur I wish I could see them both
Thursday, March 10, 1864.
A fine day but did not bid fare to be this morn it rained very hard last night I have been buisy to day drew rations and settled up my mess account with Rae took his note for thirty seven dollars & five cents in full for all demands had a candy pull in the eve
Friday, March 11, 1864.
A fine but cool day. the captain has been quite sick all day I have nursed him done my cooking settled up with the old mess I earned one dollar shoemending got no letters from home we had some fine music this eve in the open air it is moonlight and nice
Saturday, March 12, 1864.
A splendid day I went out in the country got some eggs maple sugar butter and [?] did return untill dark found my knapsack had come up with a fine lot of cleen clothes in which will come just in play at the presant time I did not get that letter to day but I looked for it I would like one every day we have no news here of note the captain is better another week has gone
Sunday, March 13, 1864.
It has ben pleasant but quite windy I have been buisy to day reading cooking and tending to the captain I commenced a letter to H this eve Mr Grenel came up to the Regt yesterday looking strong & healthy no meeting to go to the sunday seems long I will be glad if I can ever have a chance to go to church again
Monday, March 14, 1864.
A fine but cool day I took care of the Capt went over to town worked a little at shoemending I was quite tired & did not go to bed until late there seems to be but little signs of a moove at presant I dont hardly know what is going on we dont get much news there is a good many vetrans returning I guess they will have something to do after all
Tuesday, March 15, 1864.
A cold windy day I was so buisy I did not get cold went over to Louden to the sanitary Commission got a fine lot of things for the Captain & actually found out that the institution was not altogather a humbug got a letter and two papers from sister they were thankfully received I guess I will write her a letter tomorrow
Wednesday, March 16, 1864.
A cold day I was buisy all day baked bread and pies went over to the commissaries in the afternoon got a letter from Ne and finished one to Hattie in the eve Ne letter contained sad news the death of Louis Balla how she will be missed
Thursday, March 17, 1864.
A pleasant day but cold I was buisy as usual how quick time flies the old mess chest came up today there is a fine lot of stuff in it I quess we can eat off of white dishes once more I guess I will not write any more to night I did think I would write a letter to Ne I would like to get about three next mail
Friday, March 18, 1864.
A windy bad day I kept busy all day commenced a letter to Ne in the eve took a good nap in the afternoon the first for a long time the Capt has got quite smart again & I am glad of it I hope he will get entirely well no letters for me to day I papered my house a little to day it was so windy and the dust blew in so I could not stand it.
Saturday, March 19, 1864.
A fine still day did not drill any to day had dress parade I am still cooking get along well worked at mending boots this eve earned 1.00 I have earned about 20.00 dollars all togather the last of another week how quick the time flies that is with me I did not get that good letter to day but shall look for it untill it comes
Sunday, March 20, 1864.
A fine day the Capt and Lieut went over to Louden to church I could not well go I read and wrote a letter to Ne in the eve it does not seem much like sunday in the army you can hardly tell when it comes I did not get any of those good letters to day they the Rebs got our mail a few days ago
Monday, March 21, 1864.
A cold windy there was a high wind all day I drew rations choped wood got water and cooked upon the whole I kept quite buisy I got two letters from home one from father and one from Hattie wrote three letters in the eve one to Hattie one to Ne & one to H.G. Ballard all is quiet here the ninth Corpse are ordered to Kentucky it is likely we will march soon.
Tuesday, March 22, 1864.
This has been the most like winter of any day we have had for a long time there has more snow fallen than I have seen at one time for over a year it has snowed to the depth of about four inches and to night mother earth is dressed in a fleecy mantle I recd a ladies book from sister to day I think it is about time I had a letter from Wilbur I would like to know how he is getting along
Wednesday, March 23, 1864.
Cold in the morning and foggy snow about four inches deep cleared off about ten I went down the river & over in town got some potatoes butter crackers dryed fruit had a load home got a letter from Wilbur found he was well snow all went off to day the ferry boat sunk yesterday all quiet on the Tennessee
Thursday, March 24, 1864.
How fast the time does fly the peach trees are all in bloom and the weather is fine I have been buisy today was buing and cooking I am tired to night but not so tired but what I could write a letter to Wilbur. there was some boys of our company tyed up to day for missing Battallion drill I am glad it was not me they have got me to tye up or put on extra duty for the first time
Friday, March 25, 1864.
A rainy day I have been quite buisy drew rations baked some cake cooking keeps me buisy enough I dont hear any news about the war lately how I wish it was over so we could return to our homes and families but I cant see as it looks much like a close than it did a year & a half a go
Saturday, March 26, 1864.
Foggy this morn did not get up very early got breakfast done up my work got things ready and went out in the country crossed the river in a dugout paddled it myself turned around twice I had quite a tramp got some eggs milk & butter saw some of the country and some clever folks and some Sesesh how I would like to see them driven from the land and from sivalized sosiety
Sunday, March 27, 1864.
Most a splendid day I did not go to church but would like to have gone took a good long nap in the afternoon wrote some in the eve commenced a letter to my Dear wife how I would like to see her to night & have a little chat with her the time will soon rool around and we will soon go home if all is well we have plenty of good old fashion genuine singing in camp it sounds a gooddeal like a camp meeting.
Monday, March 28, 1864.
A fine but windy day I went over to the City got some apples orranges & lemons I did not see much to get nor many sights sent by one of our boys to Chattanooga after some things have not much to write about to night will have to leave a blank.
Tuesday, March 29, 1864.
Windy and cool I was not very buisy to day got a letter from home and one from Father J. Calef returned brought me a new hat and some envelops I finished a letter to Hattie this eve suppose it will be the orderlies turn to go home next I dont think my turn will come I wish it would never mind it will come soon shurely.
Wednesday, March 30, 1864.
A splendid day I was not as buisy to day as usual I recd a letter from Hattie and wrote one to her in the eve and one to Father Gage the Capt was quite sick to day I hope it will not last long Hattie writes that they have heard from Richard he is out of prison how glad I am
Thursday, March 31, 1864.
The last day of march how time flies our time will soon have passed away our boys are looking well and are in good spirits I have been buisy to day baking and cooking Mose Medcaff came up today war news is encourageing I hope they will soon wind this thing up Old Forrest is getting rather badly used I hope they will use him up.
Friday, April 1, 1864.
The commencement of another month it has been a rainy day I hope it is not an index to the month I recd a letter from Ne this afternoon and have written an answer to it this eve drew rations and took care of the Captain who has been quite sick I guess his resignation will go up soon unless he gets better.
Saturday, April 2, 1864.
A fine but cool day I went over to town this forenoon got some potatoes fish butter and milk times are quite lively in camp tonight the boys got a lot of whiskey and a good many of them got jolly drunk how thankfull I am that I am not a lover of the vile stuff there is no news of interest to day the prospect is now that they are soon to have a battle on the Potomac I think it is about time they done something.
Sunday, April 3, 1864.
Quite a fine day I was not very buisy today took a nice little nap in the afternoon took the cars at 4-30 for Knoxville had a good ride of 28 miles did not arive at K untill after dark saw some farms that were under a good state of cultivation but more that the building and fences were all destroyed and and nothing around dissernable but a few boys dressed in blue it commenced to rain just after I got to K.
Monday, April 4, 1864.
Started for Louden at seven had a pleasant ride got to camp about nine 30 found all quiet it is still raining and I should not wonder if it continued wet for some time I recd a Harpers this eve from sister I would like much to see her and all the rest of the folks but I suppose it will be some time before I shall have the pleasure of meeting them
Tuesday, April 5, 1864.
Clowdy the most of the day but quite warm I have been almost sick to day with a cold but feel some better tonight I have not done much today there is talk of mooving down within 40 miles of Chattanooga though it is not sertain I dont care if we do Old Buel has command in this department and I dont think much of him as a commander.
Wednesday, April 6, 1864.
A fine day I recd a letter from home was sick all day with a cold Dave Colman returned to day I saw him he fetched nothing for me but some maple sugar which was nice and quite a treat for a soldier the thermometer stood at 10° to day in the shade I will finish a letter to Hattie and then go to bed.
Thursday, April 7, 1864.
Most a lovely day I have been as buisy as a bee I went over to the 2 Missourie suttlers got a nice lot of stuff went over to the commisaries baked some cake & pie the officers all had a jolly drunk one of them got so beastly drunk he had to be carried to his quarters what a shame for those who ought to set an example our Chaplain was here today his familiar face looked good he raised $100 dollars to procure a library
Friday, April 8, 1864.
Rained nearly all night but has been rather a fine day I started to go out in the country but came back did not feel able to go had the toothache for the first time in my life but not very hard I think it is not a very delightful sensation. I think my cold is some better
Saturday, April 9, 1864.
Showery all day and is raining hard tonight I have been quite buisy today went down to the butcher pen this forenoon earned a dollar shoemaking in the afternoon I feel some better to day still have a little toothache though little altogather to much no letters for poor me to day Mr Sloan returned from home. Sunday tomorrow but no church for a soldier we are soon to march if reports are correct
Sunday, April 10, 1864.
Rained some I was not well but kept buisy most of the time troops were passing here all day [?] Ball called to see me I wrote part of a letter to my dear wife this eve vetran Soldiers are still returning I dont care how many come no letter for me to day but I guess there are some on the way no orders yet about marching we will likely go soon.
Monday, April 11, 1864.
I have been buisy to day went over to the commissaries & down to the butcher yard done a little mending the day was fine no news & not much doing some talk of mooving camp no news from home yet I think my cold is some better my toothache still continues.
Tuesday, April 12, 1864.
Had a right smart shower to day I done a little baking got two letters from home one from my Dear Wife and one from brother Wilbur who is at home on a furlough I was glad to hear from them I would like to get a short furlough myself and go home and see the folks I guess it will be my chance in fifteen months or so.
Wednesday, April 13, 1864.
A delightfull day I was going in the country but could not because I could not get a horse the cars crossed on the new bridge to night for the first time they ran very slow I am going to finish my letter to Hattie to night I have been buisy to day washing and shoemending I earned 1.50.
Thursday, April 14, 1864.
A fine day I went out in the country had a regular tramp but no luck got but one doz and a half of eggs walked about 20 miles but I was tired when I got home my cold is no better we will march in a day or two to Cleavland I hope it will not be untill my cold gets better.
Friday, April 15, 1864.
A fine day some windy I kept buisy to day cooking went over to the commissaries my cold is so bad I cannot do much I got no letters today Johnson has not returned yet but will be here tomorrow I will get all my things when he comes.
Saturday, April 16, 1864.
A cool day we had marching orders this morn to be ready to march monday & then to go sunday morn I was buisy all day getting ready cooked a whole ham which weighed 15 lbs I got two letters from home one from Hattie & one from Annie Johnson came back I got my things all right a splendid shirt thanks to my Dear Wife my cold is no better or rather worse.
Sunday, April 17, 1864.
A fine day we broke up camp this morn about nine crossed the river and passed through Louden and camped on a splendid plot of ground the grass was beautifull Lieut Gibson got drown crossing the R.R. Bridge he was pushed off by a scamp belonging to Co G shooting would be to good for him we are on our way to Charlestown my cold is no better I can tell you Soldiering is hard work
Monday, April 18, 1864.
Commenced to rain last night and rained quite hard I lay on the ground with Mr Grenell and coffed all night started for town this morn about eight to take the cars for Charlestown will stay in Lowden two or three days before we go I think my cold is better I got some licorice which will help it right away
Tuesday, April 19, 1864.
A fine day stayed in Louden all day I did not go out much felt rather poorly rested well last night stayed at a private house & slept in a good bed I wrote a letter to Hattie this eve I suppose we will go to Charlestown tommorrow where we will overtake the Reg. I wish I was well so could be with them never mind I shant be sick long.
Wednesday, April 20, 1864.
A delightfull day. I feel some better today we took the cars for Charlestown at ½ past ten and arrived at C a little after two we went to the Regiment which was camped on a high hill in among the pines some of the boys are pretty foot sore we will march again to morrow at seven going to Cleevland and how much farther it is hard to tell.
Thursday, April 21, 1864.
A splendid day the Regiment started for Cleveland I stayed back by order of the Dr and took the cars found Cleveland a fine little place had quite a walk to the Regiment am some better the Dr says I have got the lung fever and must keep quiet for a short time
Friday, April 22, 1864.
A fine day but so windy and dusty you could hardly see or breathe I am some better how aufull dusty it is the boys was buisy fixing up their houses that is the way a soldier has to do leave good quarters and then fix up new ones we are now within 25 miles of the Rebs I got a letter from Mother Gage to day Willie is well
Saturday, April 23, 1864.
A warm windy day we all kept buisy to day fixing up camp and arranging for a new mess I went out in the country about six miles with the team to get lumber saw some fine country in the rout some of the folks have hard times to get along it is sunday tomorrow. how quick time flies.
Sunday, April 24, 1864.
A fine day I did not go to meeting kept buisy fixing up camp we only stay here some time I wrote a letter in the eve to Hattie I hope it will find her well I am getting quite smart I hope I will get well
Monday, April 25, 1864.
A fine day I got a letter from Ne I kept buisy all day fixing up our new mess arrangement I think it will work well the Captain is quite poorly again I will write a letter to Ne to night I wish I could see all the good folks at home once more guess I will soon.
Tuesday, April 26, 1864.
A fine day the opening of our new mess it seems to work well I am getting quite well the boys are in good spirits but have a gooddeal of duty to do the weather is warm & the forrests are green how I wish I could be home and be my own boss go and come when I had a mind I think the time will soon come.
Wednesday, April 27. 1864.
A delightfull day I was buisy as usual to day went down town twice after milk and done some cooking we are to get pay soon this suppose four months I wrote a letter to Mother this eve no news from home I am looking for a letter every day how much I do like to get those good letters from home
Thursday, April 28, 1864.
A fine day we have got things fixed up fine if we could only stay to enjoy it but I suppose we will march again soon no letter from home to day how slow they seem to come our mess seems to get along well it is hard work and I think will be harder on the march
Friday, April 29, 1864.
A fine day we had a little shower I was quite buisy wrote part of a letter in the eve to Ne we had orders to day to send all surplus baggage to the rear preparatory to a march the report is that the Rebs are evacuating Dalton I think we will soon have another battle
Saturday, April 30, 1864.
The last day of the week and the last of the month I have been as buisy as a bee we are making large calculations for a big dinner tomorrow the Regt go on picket I wish it was for the last time during the war all is quiet now we will soon march I think I guess we will go to Atlanta
Sunday, May 1, 1864.
It was showers all the forenoon we was buisy to day getting our dinner we had 42 to feed I was tired enough at night we had a good dinner and enough of it I think we will leave here soon for parts unknown down in Dixie I wish we would get payed first but suppose we wont
Monday, May 2, 1864.
A splendid day I felt some tired after our hard days work I went down town and was buisy all day for we have orders to be ready to march at eight in the morning it was changed to twelve Oclock
Tuesday, May 3, 1864.
We started on the march this m and marched like fury marched 15 ms and went into camp before sundown I got a letter from Brother Wilbur. we have to cary 5 days rations and all our blankets officers and privates old Kentucky style settled with Rae Spalding & Co they owe me $8.25 which I will get at the next pay day
Wednesday, May 4, 1864.
A splendid day we started on the march quite early and marched 12 miles we camped in the woods in sight of the rebes I think we shall have a fight before long I wish this thing could be settled without any more fighting I get allong well on the march except sore feet
Thursday, May 5, 1864.
A splendid day we mooved a short distance and went into camp we camped near the Catooca Springs they are a curiosity and would be fine if they were fixed up I drew rations thinking we would go into a fight I hope it will not be the case
Friday, May 6, 1864.
A fine day we layed in camp all day I went up to Salem Church did not get back untill about eleven Oclock we have orders to march at four oclock we are to get up at two we are prepared for a big fight the weather is fine and dusty roads the boys are in good spirits and all ready to go to Atlanta
Saturday, May 7, 1864.
A splendid day we started on the march quite early marched about seven miles formed in line of battle several times heard some big guns took tunnel Hill we went into camp about three in the afternoon in sight of the hill and within seven miles of Dalton I think we shall have no trouble in taking the place the Rebs were in sight this morning
Sunday, May 8, 1864.
A fine day but it seems but little like sunday to me we have been skirmishing with the enemy all day I went to Ringold a distance of ten miles got a mule and rations I think we shall have some hard fighting about tomorrow.
Monday, May 9, 1864.
A warm dusty day I started from Ringold this morn about ten for the regiment we have word some hard fighting to day it is hard to tell how the tide of battle will turn I have had an aufull time today climing Rocky faced mountain our boys made several charges to day
Tuesday, May 10, 1864.
Rather a rainy day not any very hard fighting today I think we are gaining on the Rebs a little I wrote a letter to my Dear Wife to day
Wednesday, May 11, 1864.
It does not rain to day but it is cool we are still on the mountain I went to Tunnel Hill to day it is not much of a place we have had some sharp fighting to day I will be glad when it is over I got two letters from home to day
Thursday, May 12, 1864.
A fine day we stayed on the mountain all day had heavy firing on our left the Rebs are trying to get their train out I wrote a letter to sister to day I hope it will find the folks well the Rebs are leaving I dont care how quick they go I am shure I had rather chase them than to fight them
Friday, May 13, 1864.
A fine day we started from the top of Rocky Faced mountain about eight Oclock no Rebs in front we marched through Dalton about one and did not go into camp until about eleven PM the boys went through Dalton and cleaned it out we marched about 12 miles I got some fine roses in D which I will send home
Saturday, May 14, 1864.
A fine day we drew rations this morning were to start on the march at daylight but did not marched very slow stoped & took dinner then went into a fight the Rebs are strongly fortefyed I think if they dont skedaddle we will give them a threshing I hope we will whip them every time & close this war
Sunday, May 15, 1864.
A splendid day we had hard fighting to day I think we are having a big fight I hope we will be successfull we are hearing good news from the Army of the Potomac I hope we will close this rebellion this summer so we can go home we had hard fighting at 12 M last night
Monday, May 16, 1864.
A fine morning the Rebs have all left for parts unknown we have just crossed the Catooca River the rebs have burned the R.R. bridge and choped the wagon bridge nearly down we had some sharp skirmishing with the Rebs
Tuesday, May 17, 1864.
A fine day we have had hard fighting with the Rebs to day we passed through Calhoon this morn our Reg have been skirmishing hard to day we seven wounded in our company and one killed M. Chapin I got two letters from home I feel sorry for our poor boys
Wednesday, May 18, 1864.
We are having a hard march and some hard fighting It is a fine day we started on after the Rebs early this morning the weather is fine we halted in Adairville some time a little disserted town on the R.R. prisoners say the rascals will make another stand at Kingston we had a man all blown to pieces yesterday by our own shells
Thursday, May 19, 1864.
A delightful day we marched about ten miles had some heavy skirmishing with the rebs stoped at Kingston and got some coffee it was quite a fine place before the war but it is all disserted now the Rebs had all left before we got there I wish they would keep on the go I think we will have a big fight soon.
Friday, May 20, 1864.
A fine day we mooved about half a mile and went into camp stayed all day I went down to a creek & had a good wash came back and wrote part of a letter I think we will moove tomorrow I wish this campaign was over & in fact the war I think this summer will use it up
Saturday, May 21, 1864.
A warm day we are still in camp I dont know as we will go before day after tomorrow. I think there is a big thing on foot somewhere I hope we will be successfull in every moove
Sunday, May 22, 1864.
A delightfull day we stayed in camp and cooked all and got all ready for a march we have orders to march at twelve I wrote a letter to Hattie & drew four days rations we are getting along well I received a letter from Hattie today and was glad to know she was well how I do like to get those good letters
Monday, May 23, 1864.
A warm day we broke camp about noon we marched about 10 miles went into camp about two sleped two hours and then up and go to march on as before I will be glad when our marching is done the weather is warm and it is aufull dusty we crossed the Costecoo a nice little stream
Tuesday, May 24, 1864.
A warm day rained a little towards night we marched over some rough road traveled about ten miles it took us about one hour to get into camp but after climbing mountains and crossing brooks we arrived at the desired haven of rest just as soon as we got our tent up it commenced to rain as hard as it could pore down
Wednesday, May 25, 1864.
A fine day after our heavy rain we started on the march about ten had a hard march got into a fight just at night a good many of our boys got killed it rained untill about twelve I got as wet as a rat we are within 35 miles of Atlanta I will be glad when we get through with this aufull war all seems to be going well just now.
Thursday, May 26, 1864.
A fine day heavy firing this afternoon all along the line we expect warm work to morrow there are a great many of our poor boys wounded our communications are cut and we dont get any letters it seems quite lonesome I wish this aufull war was over so we could return to our homes in quiet I think this summer will wind it up
Friday, May 27, 1864.
I guess we will gain the day all is going well the horrors of war are aufull I will be glad when it is over I get no letters from home it seems very lonesome I think we will get into Atlanta about the fourth of July the time seems long to me I have not been well today I hope I will not be sick for it is an aufull place for a man to be sick
Saturday, May 28, 1864.
Quite a fine day we have had rather warm work to day have drove the Rebs about two miles on our left I have been sick all day so I could not do any thing we do not get much news from Grant I hope he will give them a good whipping it is just what the rascals need and what they will get
Sunday, May 29, 1864.
A fine day we had some hard fighting today it is hard to tell how the tide of battle will turn the fortunes of war are hard I will be glad when it is all over we had a hard fight last night we got every thing ready for a skedaddle the bullets flew thick as hail striking the trees on all sides
Monday, May 30, 1864.
A pleasant day we had hard fighting to day we did not gain much in the center but on the flanks the Rebs say they are going to give us Chickamauga but I cant see it yet I hope we will be successfull and end this war this summer we have got one HD & 86 men in the Regt.
Tuesday, May 31, 1864.
A beautifull day we had a good nights rest I got a letter to day from Sister Ne and am looking for one from Hattie tonight the boys are fighting some to day our Regt are on the front to day they will be relieved to night we have been fighting six days have lost a good many men we are making a burying ground of Georgia
Wednesday, June 1, 1864.
A fine day no hard fighting but some change in our line I expect this thing will soon be settled the 20 Corps have gone to the left Canefs old Co will give it to them soon on our left I got a letter today from Hattie and one from Mother Gage I was glad to hear from them and to know that my little boy was well
Thursday, June 2, 1864.
fine day we are still fighting with the butnuts this is the ninth day we have been fighting them here our boys are having a hard time in the brestworks it is so hot this is an aufull place poor water and little of it I will be glad when this thing plays out the lightning struck a tree right clost to where we were camped
Friday, June 3, 1864.
We had some hard showers to day we mooved camp just at night down by a good spring we drew rations and got but a small alowence I wrote a letter home to day our fight is progressing slowly I wish it was desided I fear there will be some hard fighting before it is accomplished
Saturday, June 4, 1864.
A rainy bad day we went out to the front in the rain they are popping the balls over quite fast and some of them comes quite clost we are looking for mail but I dont know as we will get any they say the Rebs are in our rear I wish they were out of existance
Sunday, June 5, 1864.
A rainy gloomy morning the boys are feeling well this morning the rascals have all gone where its hard to tell where. we moved just at at night and came back to our old place the boys built quite extensive brestworks to protect our rear I heard from the Captain and Rae to day the former is in Nashville and the latter is in Chattanooga
Monday, June 6, 1864.
We were woke up this morning by the Sargeant Mj saying come boys march at six it has been very warm and frequent showers we marched but a short distance and went into camp saw lots of whortleburies but hardly ripe I would like to be at home to day I feel just as though I wanted to have a good talk with some one
Tuesday, June 7, 1864.
Most exsessive hot we had quite a surprise this morning our pickets were fired upon by the Rebs and some boys captured that were outside of the lines bathing one was taken naked but afterwards captured his captor and brought him in prisoner and I tell you he was badly scared
Wednesday, June 8, 1864.
A fine but warm day we had revalee at three this morning but did not start untill about eight the boys were all most starved we went to the train and got rations we expect to march in the morning we cant go far
Thursday, June 9, 1864.
A splendid day we layed in camp all day I wrote two letters one to Hattie and one home the 17 Corps have come some of the boys have been over to see them I hope we will get enough here to [remainder scratched out]
Friday, June 10, 1864.
A rainy day we were to start on the march at seven but did not go untill about nine after we had gone a short distance I saw Wilbur for the first time for a long time I was glad to see him we will be to gather now I hope untill the close of the war we did not march more than four miles all day
Saturday, June 11, 1864.
A fine morning but a little smoky we had some skirmishing to day got up quite early and got our breakfast mooved camp just at night it rained nearly all day and night I got as wet as a rat I can tell you this soldiering is hard buisness and I will be glad when it is done I will bid good by to soldiering
Sunday, June 12, 1864.
A glomy day and mud up to our knees Wilbur and I are writing letters home to the loved ones how much I would like to see them we draw rations to day it seems but little like sunday to me no church no sosiety and it seems as though I had no friends we heard of poor [?] death to day
Monday, June 13, 1864.
Rained nearly all day I wrote part of a letter to Hattie drew some rations of beef got half a liver and had a good supper we lay still all day had a good long talk with Wilbur there was but little firing to day I wish it was all over and think it will be soon if all goes well I know it is high time it did close we expected a large mail to day but did not get anything such is Soldiers disappointments
Tuesday, June 14, 1864.
Cleared off about ten and was fine all the rest of the day for a wonder I got a good letter from Hattie we advanced our lines this afternoon the Rebs did not seem to like it very well and to show their resentment gave us a few shell I finished a letter to Hattie this eve I dont know but what we are to have a big fight right here it has been quite lively this afternoon
Wednesday, June 15, 1864.
A splendid day we mooved a short distance camped near a creek I did not go to bed untill about twelve drew rations in the eve I think we shall have a big fight before we get through we have to fire over every foot of the ground and I suppose we will until we get to Atlanta this is a fine eve moonlight there was firing all night
Thursday, June 16, 1864.
Most a splendid day there has been hard fighting to day we are quite a ways in the rear but the bullets fly quite thick we are making slow progress to Atlanta our regiment went out to the front just at night and built new works while we were up with support the Rebs fired several rounds of grape at us but hurt no one we are looking for warm work tomorrow
Friday, June 17, 1864.
A clear morning but an aufull rainy day we mooved forward a little ways but soon found the rascals again I wish they would runn into the gulf we are giving the butnuts fits and we are going to keep doing so they have good pluck fight like dogs and live on mules meat hard fare but good enough
Saturday, June 18, 1864.
Rained all day as usual the mud is about knee deep it is almost impossible to moove we fought all day and I can tell you we had a hard time it rained so hard it rained so hard I went up with the meals and saw the Rebs flag and brestworks I think the Rebs will all be gone by morning I hope so at least we have fought them about long enough
Sunday, June 19, 1864.
A very unpleasant day we had hard fighting all day our regiment and the 36 Ill were on the picket line skirmish line there was a good many of our boys got hurt we had a hot place how glad I will be when this aufull war is over we found the Rebs gone this morning and we made for them if it was sunday I never saw it rain much harder
Monday, June 20, 1864.
Does not rain this morn but it is aufull clowdy I got a good long letter from Hattie how I would like to see her we got relieved lat night there was no one in our Regiment hurt but one and he was killed I think we will lay here to day the Rebs are using some artillery we mooved just at night
Tuesday, June 21, 1864.
Rained nearly all day we had orders last night to be ready with tents struck to to march at three A.M. I think we will moove to the left we started this morning at five started in a rain storm we lay part of a day behind the brestworks then mooved to the front our boys had quite a lively time I dont know as this thing will ever have an end
Wednesday, June 22, 1864.
A splendid morning we had orders to march this morning at six but have not gone at the presant writing and it is now about eight the bullets are still flying I am getting so so sick of the continual hum I dont know what to do
Thursday, June 23, 1864.
A fine day we lay behind brestworks where we could hear plenty of Sesesesh pills flying I dont like to hear the musick a bit our Regiment advanced their lines and lost a good many men we have been fighting here since the tenth and I am getting sick enough of the noise I wrote a letter to mother to day I hope it may find them all well
Friday, June 24, 1864.
Quite fine to day but as many bullets flying as ever I hope they will soon sease firing we have layed still all day just in our old posish I would like to get a letter to day but guess I will be disappointed W & I are quite well at presant and I hope we will continue well the Captain came up to see us to day he looks bad
Saturday, June 25, 1864.
A warm sultery day we lay in our old posish and did not do much there was a good many men wounded near us one man was shot through the head I wrote a letter to Father I hope it will find them all well how I would like to give them a call some fine morning
Sunday, June 26, 1864.
Quite warm our Regiment went out on the skirmish line they were lucky not having but three men slightly wounded I would like to go to church to day but dont suppose I will have an opportunity a Soldiers life is a hard life to lead we expect to make a charge soon all along the lines I hope it will be a success
Monday, June 27, 1864.
A hot day we were ordered to be ready to march at sunrise about seven oclock horses mules and noncombattents were ordered to the rear prepairatory to a charge which was commenced about ten preseeded by heavy canonading we were repulsed & met with heavy loss both in killed and wounded two badly wounded in our company Sargeant Coles poor boy is mortally wounded
Tuesday, June 28, 1864.
We returned to our old posish last night where we where we found all the Regiment that survived the charge it is extremely hot how long we will lay in our present position is hard to tell I recd a letter from H to day and one from Ne or Will Churcher
Wednesday, June 29, 1864.
A hot day we had quite a scare on the right last night there was some heavy firing but not many hurt we still occupy our old posish behind the second line of works our folks are strengthing our position I went down and had a good wash to day to a nice little creek clost to our camp no news & not much doing
Thursday, June 30, 1864.
Sultry I think this is the sunny south shurely a person will swet like a butcher sitting in the shade doing nothing it is a cool night so we can sleep pretty well if they would not keep up such a firing all the time nothing afloat to day in the shape of news that is reliable the last of June & muster day
Friday, July 1, 1864.
Almost to hot to live we are laying behind the brestworks in the sun where it is hot enough to roast eggs how glad I will be when this is played would to God the war would stop to day what a happy fourth it would be but not so it will not close in my opinion before another fourth
Saturday, July 2, 1864.
A fine day we occupyed our position behind our intrenchments untill almost ten Oclock in the eve when we marched about one mile to our left it was dark and looked very much like rain when we got up this morning our darkies were all gone so now we have to get along alone
Sunday, July 3, 1864.
Excessively warm the Rebs have all left again I am so glad I wish they would not stop this side of the gulf we marched through Marietta today passed Kenesaw Mt camped in the woods after marching about five miles we heard some skirmishing towards night
Monday, July 4, 1864.
A hasy morn the band played some national aires we could hear some cannonading but not such as we used to hear at home when we were selebrating the fourth we had orders to march at daylight did not moove but a short distance I wrote in my diary and a part of a letter home
Tuesday, July 5, 1864.
We have had a very warm day had orders to march found the Rebs had crossed the river we gave them a chase for it I guess they will make a stand on the other side we are in camp about half a mile from the river on its west bank our pickets are clost to the river I think we will cross before long
Wednesday, July 6, 1864.
Oh! how warm to day I have been quite buisy went up on a mountain clost to our camp saw a man hanging to a tree he was a sight to behold our Dr thought he had been there about three months I got two letters to day one from H one from Ne how I do like to get those good letters I commenced one to Ne. there is quite a gooddeal of firing
Thursday, July 7, 1864.
An excessive warm day we mooved camp about two miles to our left had to climb over hills and mountains camped in the woods by a mile clost to the Chattahoochee River we fixed up our ground a little I was tired come night finished a letter to Ne and wrote part of one to Hattie
Friday, July 8, 1864.
A fine but warm day we stayed in camp all day & went back to the train and got some flour no news of importance the 23 Corps are said to be crossing the river there was a gooddeal of cannonading last night but all is quiet to night I would to God the last gun was fired
Saturday, July 9, 1864.
A splendid day we had orders to march at half past four I stayed in camp all day and was buisy I baked some and done some washing how I wish I could be at home this sat eve and have a good chat with the folks the report is that have been having quite a fight on the right to day our folks are crowding them on the left
Sunday, July 10, 1864.
A fine day we look for the troops back to day we have heard that they were acrost the river we had preaching to day by the 36 Chaplain I have been buisy all day baking it has been an aufull warm day I will be glad when the hot weather is over no news to day all seems to be quiet
Monday, July 11, 1864.
The boys have not returned yet I went out about five miles today and got a fine lot of buries our Corps has recrossed the river and have gone into camp on this side we still remain in the old camp no news from the front some distant cammonading can be heard I think we will move up in the morning if the Reg. does not return
Tuesday, July 12, 1864.
An awfull hot day the boys came back this morn from Roswell there was a large lot of factories there and about seven hundred women and girls that worked there making Sesesh clothes we captured about four hundred I returned to the company for duty this morning on mistake am to go tomorrow morn I guess the big one is about played
Wednesday, July 13, 1864.
A fine but hot day we mooved about four miles today crossed the Chattahoochee River on a canvass bridge went into camp and built brestworks I went on guard last night wrote two letters today one to Hattie and one to the Captain I wish they would suspend operations untill the hot weather is over. I think this war is a humbug
Thursday, July 14, 1864.
We lay still behind our works all day I had a good sleep W got a letter from father we went down and took a good wash this afternoon had a heavy shower this eve we got some wet fixed up a bunk we have some curious moves lately I dont see what will become of them
Friday, July 15, 1864.
A splendid morn after a shower I was quite poorly all night last night we lay behind our brestworks untill about ten then went on picket had a good time could see the Rebs by getting up into trees did not get any letters to day
Saturday, July 16, 1864.
As fine a day as one would wish to see we returned to camp about ten thirty found all quiet I got a letter to day from Hattie how glad I was to hear from her again I wrote a little we fixed up our tent and lay still the same firing to be heard in front to day I wish I might never hear another shot fired
Sunday, July 17, 1864.
A splendid day but very hot we lay behind our works all day had inspection at one some of the boys went down to the river to take a swim I wrote a letter to the Captain and part of one to Hattie I think we will leave here in the morning but dont suppose we shall go far
Monday, July 18, 1864.
It was not very warm to day we had orders to march at six moved quite slow skirmished all day and pretty sharp some of the time the Rebs drove well we camped a little after noon and commenced to build works I dont think we will lay here longer than morn we are within six miles of Atlanta it may be some time before we get there
Tuesday, July 19, 1864.
We were woke up at four with orders to get our breakfast and be ready to march at six we did not moove untill just at night marched about two miles and lay down to rest for the night W and I lay down on the ground and took a good nights rest we would think it rather hard were we at home I will be glad when this cruel war is over
Wednesday, July 20, 1864.
A fine day we were call early to get our breakfast we took our hard tack and coffee then had orders to go on the skirmish line we went out deployed and advanced the line where we lay until about noon when we advanced and had a jeneral engagement W & I were fortunate not getting a scratch
Thursday, July 21, 1864.
A smoky morning we have no orders to moove and will likely lay in camp all day it rained a little just at night I got a letter from Gage it was pretty still to day in our front W wrote a letter to father I did not write was tired after our fight we made a gallant charge and drove the Rebs before us
Friday, July 22, 1864.
A fine day we had orders to march about nine we marched about 1½ miles stoped within two miles of Atlanta and commenced to fortify our position we worked nearly all night were in line next to a battery I am glad we have fine weather for our campaign we heard from some of the wounded boys the most of them are getting along well
Saturday, July 23, 1864.
A delightfull day the Rebs kept up a constant shelling our batteries did not open much I wrote a letter to ne and sent one to Hattie W got three letters I did not get any but am looking for one soon the last of another week how fast time does pass of I am shure I dont care how quick it passes
Sunday, July 24, 1864.
A fine day we lay behind our works all day the Rebs kept up a constant shelling I think they occupy forts I wrote a letter to W.M.C. to day we have seen the Generals riding around a gooddeal to day I think it will be as much as three or four weeks before we shall see Atlanta although we are in such a short distance of it
Monday, July 25, 1864.
A fine day we mooved out to work on the works at four this morning I was on guard at the time one of our boys got wounded last night by a piece of shell but not very bad they threw them in pretty thick I think they are demorallizing in their afffects I dont care how few they throw over here
Tuesday, July 26, 1864.
A fine day we lay in camp all day had quite a exciting time the Rebs made a charge and got finely repulced they met with a heavy loss the report is that they lost 10,000 our loss is 2000 thousand killed wounded and missing Wilbur went to the hospital I hope he will not be away long
Wednesday, July 27, 1864.
Rained a little last night and is raining this morn a little some talk this morn of a march we cant go far without running into the Rebs we did not moove to day but had to be ready to fall in at a moments notice it did not amount to anything
Thursday, July 28, 1864.
A fine day we had orders last night to go on picket at 1 OC this morn were ready in good time went out stayed on post four hours then were relieved by the second Brigade we went back a little to the rear and piched camp as though we were going to stay for a month or two but I suppose we shall not stay more than a day or two.
Friday, July 29, 1864.
A fine day we drew rations this morn it is quite warm I dont know what we are going to do we have good news from our right I hope it is all true I think if the jonnies lose many more their army will be small I dont care how small they get I wish this thing would play out I suppose it will they seem to be talking a gooddeal about peace
Saturday, July 30, 1864.
This is the last of another week and almost the last of another month how quick time flies it will soon be fall and then spring then we will be thinking about going home what a happy hour it will be when peace is declared we have got 449 [?] & seconds to stay in service yet I will be glad when we are on the last second I hope to get a letter today we are still in camp
Sunday, July 31, 1864.
We had a shower to day I wrote some read a little and slept a little we were called to fall in just after dusk and went out on the front line we lay all night behind the works only kept up a guard I got a letter from Hattie I was much pleased to hear from her once more
Monday, August 1, 1864.
We returned to our old camp about five Oclock this A.M. got something to eat then I wrote a letter to Hattie soon after dinner we were ordered to fall in with all of our affects we marched about four miles to the extreme left I two letters from home one from Hattie and one from Ne how glad I am to get such good news there was heavy cannonading on our right I wish they would settle this question soon I went to see W to day he is a gooddeal better
Tuesday, August 2, 1864.
A fine day we are in plain sight of Atlanta I went on the top of a large house and saw the first church spires I have seen for a long time I wish we were in town so we could go to church we mooved a short distance this morning it is hard to tell what we may do there will be some hard fighting here yet I think before we take Atlanta but we are bound to have it
Wednesday, August 3, 1864.
Quite cool and windy to day we had quite a heavy shower just at night we were called on to go out and support the picket line it was rather warm work but none of us got hurt Wilbur returned to day he is quite smart but not well I wish he was this war is an aufull humbug I will be glad when it is over wont it be a happy day for poor soldiers who have to prosecute it
Thursday, August 4, 1864.
Fine but a little clowdy I wrote a letter to father and mother Gage this morning I hope it will find them well it is extremely quiet in our front this morning we had orders about 2 P.M. to pack up for a moove did not go untill after dark and then only a short distance we had not a good place to sleep and I was glad when it was morning there was preaching to day it being a day set apart by the Governer
Friday, August 5, 1864.
Nothing of importance has ocured to day we policed up our camp this morning and fixed up our tents I went and got some boards and we made us a good bed we have had a change of Brigadire Generals Colonel Opedike commands our Brigade. I done some washing we heard some heavy firing in our front and were called to stand at arms. I wrote some to Hattie
Saturday, August 6, 1864.
Well we have been out to the front twice to day and stayed out all night the last time and Oh! how it did rain we thought it was a dark spot in a soldiers life we had to leave our supper & go out the last time we had just got it cooked wrote a little more to Hattie to day I would like much to see her the time is fast drawing to a close I wish this war would end
Sunday, August 7, 1864.
A fine day it cleared off nicely after our hard rain we were relieved this morning and went back to our old camp found all right I took a good nap helped draw rations had a good dinner then finished my letter to Hattie it is unusually quiet to day I have not heard a cannon I wish I was at home to day so I could go to church once more never mind the time will come
Monday, August 8, 1864.
We had a shower to day policed up our ground I got a letter from Ne it is unusually quiet to day I wrote to Ne our baggage waggon came up I wish we would get our pay soon for I would like a little money we have eight months pay due us how I would like to have this war close.
Tuesday, August 9, 1864.
We dont get up very early this morning we had a hard shower in fact it rained nearly all night W. has been writing some letters they are firing some with the big guns to day one near us is doing its part it fairly makes the ground shake I wish they would fight this thing out so we could go into camp once more
Wednesday, August 10, 1864.
A fine day we have layed in camp all day I can tell you it is lazy work I would be glad to have a chance to have something to do it is quiet except on the extreme right we do not get much news fron Grant I hope this summer will end this war it is a humbug and an expence to the Government which is not called for I think it is carried on for speculation more than for any thing else.
Thursday, August 11, 1864.
We had no rain to day there was not much firing and what there was was on the right there is no news I never have had such a lazy time since I have been in the service I have done nothing for three days I got a few lines from Hattie day she has just heard the sad news of her brother being wounded I am glad to know she is well although cast down by the misfortunes of war
Friday, August 12, 1864.
To day is pleasant with a cool wind I have done nothing so far but sleep it is remarkably quiet I have not heard from the right yet so dont know how they made it yesterday there seems to be sort of a lull now after our big storm I would to God the calm might be a long one I would not care of how short a duration this war was
Saturday, August 13, 1864.
On picket a quarter before six this morning I was sick all day did not stand on post but twice I tell you time seems long when a person is not well. there was some hard shelling to night both by the Rebs and our folks the shells could be seen going through the air what an aufull nois they do make
Sunday, August 14, 1864.
Well we returned to camp this morning I came in a little before the relief it has been unusually quiet to day but I suppose there will be nois enough tonight there was inspection at half past ten I did not appear being excused by the Dr I have been pretty sick all day there was a man in Co G killed last night by a shell he was in camp no mail to day
Monday, August 15, 1864.
A fine day we lay pretty quiet to day I feel some worse to day I was in hopes I should get better but this is poor place to do it nothing to eat and no place for a sick man to sleep I will be so glad when this aufull war is over what a happy day it will be we do not seem to be doing much just now we are to get payed off soon in about eight days
Tuesday, August 16, 1864.
Rather warm this forenoon but had a little rain and it turned quite cool we drew rations I got some flour and got some buscuit baked they were good we got no mail to day I ought to get a letter from home I look anxiously for them there is some cannonading today we have not got Atlanta yet nor do I think we will soon there was some refugees came in to day we mooved about half a mile after dark we had gone to bed when the order came
Wednesday, August 17, 1864.
A splendid day we went on picket at ½ past six I was not very well but am a gooddeal better there was heavy cannonading this morning we got no mail today it is so lonesome without mail I will be glad when this war is over then we can get our letters
Thursday, August 18, 1864.
Returned from picket this morning had a good time I had to stand six hours we had very heavy cannonading this morning W. & I done some washing killed all the graybacks I tell you this soldiering is great work I will glad when it is played we got no mail to day
Friday, August 19, 1864.
Well we have had a great day of it today we had orders at twelve last night to be ready to march at four this morning I got up at three we did not go out very early and then only into the works where we lay all day in the hot sun I can tell you it is enough to make a man sick We have not had any mail to day I hope we will get it soon I think communication is out at least that is the report
Saturday, August 20, 1864.
This is the last day of another week well so time goes soon it will be the last of another year so time goes and with it many dear friends I got a good letter to day from my Dear good Wife and answered it I got my pen it is good we have stayed in camp all day to day for a wonder the Rebs are [?]ing some in our rear let them go it
Sunday, August 21, 1864.
This has been quite a showery day and not very well improved by me sunday in the army seems but little more than any other day it has been remarkably quiet today and also the most of last night I was on guard it was as light as day there was two came up to the company today we have sixteen now all told we go on picket tomorrow
Monday, August 22, 1864.
A delightfull day Wilbur and I went on picket this morning had a good time did not stand but once we drew rations W. & I got three magazines sent by sister it still keeps quiet I dont know how long it will continue so this month is fast passing away it will soon be september we will soon be counting the months
Tuesday, August 23, 1864.
This has been a warm day I would like to see the folks at home and have a good chat with them we returned from picket this A.M. about eight Oclock no news how I wish we could get some good news about the close of this aufull war it must shurely have a close some time four days more we will be on our last year.
Wednesday, August 24, 1864.
We have had a warm day as usual it is rather quiet on the lines to day think a moove is anticipated Wilbur and I were on fatigue this forenoon this afternoon I wrote a letter to hattie and went down to head quarters we got a nice mail today two letters for W. and two papers Chicago journals the captain is going to resign he might as well for he is sick all the time
Thursday, August 25, 1864.
A warm day I was on picket went on at half past six Wilbur came out about three OC and said we had orders to march at dark we are to draw in the picket line at nine I suppose we are going to the right and may march all night no mail today
Friday, August 26, 1864.
Well we marched all night last night I tell you I got tired and hungry we stoped about daylight and got some breakfast then went into line of battle commenced to build works but got out before we got them done the Rebs shelled us some we marched on the Sandtown road went into camp about four Oclock I went over to the 104 to see or hear from Richard
Saturday, August 27, 1864.
Nice and cool we lay in camp until about four then the bugles blew to fall in so I suppose away we will go again we have not got our position yet. we marched untill along in the eve then our Regt went on picket we had a gay time did not get much sleep but enough for a soldier
Sunday, August 28, 1864.
Well we fooled around untill nearly night then we countermarched a ways marched untill after dark then went through the brush kiting into camp where I had a good nights sleep the weather is fine and cool
Monday, August 29, 1864.
We mooved a short distance this morning drew rations I went out and got some corn we fixed up as though we were going to stay a month but only to stay overnight I think we shall have a fight soon but we must make the best of it and try and take care of our selves I got three letters from home one from Hattie one from Ne and one from E
Tuesday, August 30, 1864.
Had revalee at four this morning was to march at six but it was a little after we marched a little distance then went on the skirmish line we had a hard time tramping through the brush charged through the open fields and slews were relieved about noon then we built works and lay behind them all night one Lieut missing
Wednesday, August 31, 1864.
I had a good nights rest last night we slept on cotton did not get up untill late had green corn for breakfast three days rations to do for four so you see we will have to forage some we started from our works about ten did not march far I was not much tired
Thursday, Sept. 1, 1864.
Well we have had a hard today marched about 13 miles tore up a goddeal of the Macon R.R. were formed into line of battle just at and had a hard fight there was one man killed in Com D Oh! what a horrid thing is war our communication is cut off with Marietta so we will get no more mail right away
Friday, Sept. 2, 1864.
A splendid morning I got up at twelve to help draw rations we had orders to get breakfast and be ready to march at four so I did not lay down again we mooved up to the R.R. where we saw some hard sights jonnies laying breathing their last some with their heads shot off we counted twenty right in one place what an aufull war the report is that we have Atlanta
Saturday, Sept. 3, 1864.
We lay behind our works until five PM then went on picket it was rather a scarey place we kept up a fire all night there was one man killed in Co. A he was shot through the head so they go one at a time who knows how soon it may be our turn to fall we had the official notice read today that we occupied Atlanta the mail went out today
Sunday, Sept. 4, 1864.
Two years ago to day we left Chicago for Dixie it is a fine morning after our rainy day & night the mail went out at six this morning the first for several days I wrote a letter to Hattie we are on picket and it seems but little like sunday we have been firing at the Rebs all day
Monday, Sept. 5, 1864.
A fine first rate day I went out foraging today got some nice corn and meal got in camp in time to cook it for the company before we marched we had orders to fall back at eight and we had the greatest march we ever had it was so muddy we marched through Jonesboro about a mile and camped
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 1864.
A fine cool day we mooved a few rods this morning put up light works and lay still all day had orders to march at seven in the morning are on our way to Atlanta I will be glad when we get there so we can have a little rest
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1864.
A fine morning we started to march about seven had a nice days march went about twelve miles and camped early I went out with some of the boys and got a fine lot of forage we got some fine honey the first I have had for a long time
Thursday, Sept. 8, 1864.
A splendid day we started on the march about eight this morning marched through Atlanta the place we have fought for so long such a destruction of property I never saw the Rebs had to burn five engines and eighty cars loaded with ordinance and amunition to keep us from getting it we camped nearly on our old ground
Friday, Sept. 9, 1864.
A beautifull morning we are not doing much towards fixing up camp because the rumor is we are going to moove I am going to take it easy so I thought I would go out in the grove by myself and write a letter to Hattie and I hope it will find her well
Saturday, Sept. 10, 1864.
Most a lovely day we lay still in camp all day I took a good sleep there is talk of furloughs again I would like to have one but suppose I will not get it we are not going to moove camp I am glad of that I hope we will have a good rest we need it bad enough at enerate
Sunday, Sept. 11, 1864.
A splendid day I would like to go to church W has gone down town I finished a letter to Hattie after we had had inspection I supose we will get pay soon I think it is about time at enerate no news to day of any account
Monday, Sept. 12, 1864.
A fine day we commenced to police early this morning and mooved our tents I got a letter from home there has been some change made in the Reg. I suppose they will do great things now Opedycke is in command I wish he would let us rest I got a letter from James Gage this eve.
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 1864.
Still policeing up camp and fixing our tents I do not feel firstrate today the weather is fine no news from the draft yet I wished they would send them down by the thousand the noncombattants are all ordered to leave Atlanta to go north or south
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1864.
Quite warm but cool I had quite a hard days work to day we went out foraging about twelve miles with a train of about 60 waggons got corn the country is cleared of every else we got up and started out at four A.M. got up at three I had the pleasure of reading a good long letter from Hattie after I returned
Thursday, Sept. 15, 1864.
Most a lovely day I have been quite buisy to day clearing off and fixing up camp we had inspection at ten I wrote a letter to Hattie and finished one to Ne we have cold nights and warm days very unhealthy weather I dont hear much about getting pay but suppose it will come after a while no news of interest strict orders about roll call and drill there is no rest for a soldier
Friday, Sept. 16, 1864.
A fine cool day I went down town and was gone all day got to boil some onions and potatoes saw some aufull work that the shells had made with the buildings nearly all the folks had little bum proofs in their gardens one woman told me she stayed in one two days without any thing to eat another month is over half gone
Saturday, Sept. 17, 1864.
A fine day I went out foraging to day did not get much went out about seven miles had dress parade for the first time for four months there is stile in the army well it will play out after a while in about eleven months there is no news from home
Sunday, Sept. 18, 1864.
Comenced to rain last night and has rained nearly all day I have been rather lazy made some good soup for dinner took a good nap in the afternoon got two journals from home and a Gody ladys book they are so interesting to us
Monday, Sept. 19, 1864.
A fine day I got a good letter from my Dear wife as all letters I get from her are I would like to see her and have a good talk with her we commenced to drill to day I dont think it will amount to much we have got up an oven and are to have soft bread
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 1864.
It has been quite rainy to day we had Brigade inspection at two Oclock by General Stanley he is a pleasant looking man our inspection did not amount to much on account of the rain we drew rations after we returned I will be glad when the Government gets through issuing rations to me
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1864.
It has rained all day we had no drill Wilbur went over to Briges Battery got some nice rusk there was a man by the name of Bresler came into camp today he was taken prisoner at Chickamauga just one year ago yesterday he had on Reb clothes and looked just like a Reb he made his escape the 10 of this month we got a fine lot of papers and magazines from home today I mailed a letter to Hattie with [ink blot] dollars in it
Thursday, Sept. 22, 1864.
We have had a rainy day we did not drill any had some good news read to us from the army of the Potomac five thousand prisoner taken 17 stand of cullors a large nomber of cannon no news from home to day how anxiously those kind letters are looked for and how eagerly they are perused
Friday, Sept. 23, 1864.
A fine morning but a little hazy W. & I were on guard last night did not drill this morning do not hear anything about getting pay yet I wish they would pay us off if they intend to I helped at Brig bakery this afternoon baked the first bach of bread dont know how long I shall stay
Saturday, Sept. 24, 1864.
A fine morning but rained about noon I helped at the Bakery untill about noon then was sent for by the Lieut and ordered to report to the Colonel where I was to cook for a month or two I guess I can make it go after a fashion I get along well so far I get no news from home the road is cut so we get no news for some time
Sunday, Sept. 25, 1864.
Most a glorious morning the finest day we have had for a long time we had today about 11-30 we had orders to be ready for Chattanooga at a moments notice about 12 we were on the moove that is soldier every time I cant tell what it all means but suppose we will know some time no mail to day
Monday, Sept. 26, 1864.
Stayed in our old camp until after noon then mooved a short distance and piched our tents again but perhaps for the night only such is soldiering good news again from little Fil I hope this war will soon close we hear that our Division are in Chattanooga I hope it is so
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 1864.
A splendid day we had to have all our stuff on the cars at five bound for Chattanooga so we went about it after dinner started from Atlanta about nine rode all night I did not sleep much had a big coast and went slow the road is cut so we get no mail I guess we are going where we can get news from home more regular
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1864.
Rained some this afternoon we rode all day today got to Chattanooga a little after dark I slept in the car after I had had a good cup of coffee we are to go to falling Water to guard a R.R. bridge chattanooga looks natural lookout in particular the trains have not run for four days through to Nashville they are going to try and go through tomorrow no mail to day
Thursday, Sept. 29, 1864.
A rainy day we left C at one.30 for falling waters did not get there untill just at night found every thing all right the train that we came up on was going to try to go through to Nashville so I suppose the communication is open I have a mess of nine to cook for now tomorrow is the last of another month.
Friday, Sept. 30, 1864.
A fine day I kept buisy today fixing up my kitchen and cooking my mess has increased to ten so it keeps me buisy to cook for them it seems lonely not to get any letters from home I will be glad when we can get our mail again we have a fine place to camp handy to splendid water
Saturday, October 1, 1864.
Rained nearly all day I have been buisy as usual was so sick this afternoon I could hardly sit up we are getting things pretty well fixed up I wish they would leave us here until our time is out somebody has got to stay and why not us we have got about ten months and a half to stay it will soon pass away
Sunday, October 2, 1864.
A rainy day it has seemed but little like sunday no meeting, no sunday one day seems as another the cars runn each day alike my tent is only a rod or two from the track we will soon get letters and somehow now the cars runn through I must finish a letter to Hattie this eve and write to Cousin Mary
Monday, October 3, 1864.
A rainy day it rains all the time it has rained every day for a week I would like to see pleasant weather once more I keep buisy all the time cooking and fussing around the boys have a good deal of duty to do here but it is not very hard
Tuesday, October 4, 1864.
Rainy as usual I have kept buisy to day went up to the bakers after dinner got some sider and a nice lot of bread the cars run through again now I got four letters two from Hattie and two from Ne how good it seems to get letters once more I hope we will get our mail regular now
Wednesday, October 5, 1864.
Well it has not rained much to day I have been as buisy as a bee we got orders to day to go to Chattanooga so I packed up our tricks once ready for a tramp I got some fine apples to day as good as I have seen this year we are going to stay in our quarters to night we have been here one week tomorrow about as long as I expected we would stay
Thursday, October 6, 1864.
We started for Cartersville at eight this morning went by the way of Cleveland had a great time the cars runn off the track before we got to Recica when we got there we found the bridge gone stayed all night and started back about noon the next day there was about ten killed and wounded in our accident
Friday, October 7, 1864.
A splendid day we started for Chattanooga about noon all went on smoothly untill we got within about one mile of town when the cars were thrown from the track again there was eight or ten hurt we got to C about ten P.M. tired and hungry I dont know as I want to ride on the cars if that is the way they act
Saturday, October 8, 1864.
Most a lovely day I kept buisy today had to clean every thing up in the house was tired when night overtook me my work is not hard but it keeps me buisy all the time we have had no frosts but it is cold enough for one to night I think there will be one soon. I got no letters from home today
Sunday, October 9, 1864.
This has been a fine day but I did not go to church but would have like much to have gone I done some baking bake some pies and cakes no news from home yet I look for a letter every mail but am doomed to disappointed most of the time.
Monday, October 10, 1864.
As fine a day as one would wish to see I went down to the market this forenoon This afternoon I went over to see the captain about mine and Rae's account but met with no success I am afraid I shall loose the money he is oweing me. I hope I will be able to get it I need it so bad.
Tuesday, October 11, 1864.
Most a splendid day I have been buisy to day baking & we do not get much news now days all seems to be going well I hope they will leave us here this winter but suppose it will not be our luck to have such a good thing I got a good long letter from Hattie to day all are well at home
Wednesday, October 12, 1864.
Towards the middle of another month and I am still spared and well. we had a fine little shower to day W. & I went down to the market this morning got some apples 15 cts per doz it is reported that the Rebs are advancing on Dalton with 10 thousand strong let them come we are ready for them every time
Thursday, October 13, 1864.
A fine day I was buisy as a bee all day baked 10 mince pies had bread pudding and pie for dinner we had orders to march to night with three days rations but the order was countermanded I wrote a letter to Mrs Rae in the eve no news from home today the Rebs reported near here I say let them come
Friday, October 14, 1864.
I tell you we are having fine weather I bake beans for dinner and cake for tea so I was buisy all day the report is to night that the rebs have taken Dalton & our folks are evacuating Cleveland we are having great times I wonder how long it is going to last I it is not to be a great while
Saturday, October 15, 1864.
A fine day we had orders to pack up by ten a.m. and report to the Depot at twelve we rode all night we went to Ringold did not get off the cars started for Chattanooga at daylight we stoped there but a short time then we started for Brigport
Sunday, October 16, 1864.
we started for Chattanooga at daylight arived there about noon got some coffee then started for Brigport after we got to Whiteside we lay on the swich all night I did not get much sleep it is hard to tell where we are going I wish we could settle down & have a little rest
Monday, October 17, 1864.
A splendid day we started for Brigport I did not get breakfast untill we got here we unloaded all our stuff I dont think we will stay longer than morning I am getting tired of this fun I got a good supper and went to bed early have not slept much for two or three nights no news from home
Tuesday, October 18, 1864.
Most a lovely day we got orders at one last night to be ready to march at 4-30 we are to go back to Chattanooga we did not start untill nine got to C. about noon then started for Gordons mills which are on the Chickamauga battle field we got some papers from home Wilbur got a letter from Ne we took breakfast in Ala dinner in Tenn supper in Geo
Wednesday, October 19, 1864.
A fine day we marched 13 miles did not get into camp until dusk I rode a gooddeal of the way we get no papers nor letters we camped within one mile of Lafayette I dont know where we can be going we have orders to march at 5-30 in the morning how I wish I was through with these tiresome marches
Thursday, October 20, 1864.
It has been quite cool to day we marched about 16 miles went through Broom Town valley on the Broom town road I was tired and foot sore when we got to camp We have orders to march at six in the morning behind the drove of cattle we are not far from the Rebs
Friday, October 21, 1864.
A fine day we marched at six this morning I was some tired when we got to camp had a good supper we get plenty of forage potatoes and apples we get no mail and it seems lonely enough there is no chance to send letters home I guess the folks will think something has happened
Saturday, October 22, 1864.
We are camped on the same ground we were on one year and five days ago we then came in on friday and stayed untill sunday noon we have been in camp all day there was a detail made to go foraging and one to go on picket we are having a good time but no news
Sunday, October 23, 1864.
A fine day I did not feel very well to day got only two meals went out and got a nice lot of persimons we get no news neither from the front nor rear I wrote a few lines today to send home had a chance to send a letter we are still laying in camp I think we will soon moove I dont care how soon
Monday, October 24, 1864.
We are still in our camp I feel well today and have been buisy the colonel came up and Beck so I suppose I shall not cook any longer we get plenty of forage here but no news from home and it seems like death to me not to get any mail I commenced to write a letter home to night but dont know when I can send it.
Tuesday, October 25, 1864.
It is fine but cool I went back to the Company this morning but was detailed right away to cook for the line I will go in the morning I think I shall stay there this winter I did not go as I thought to but am with the company where I will likely stay
Wednesday, October 26, 1864.
A fine day but it looks like rain to night I wrote & mailed a letter home I would like to get one from there it seems a good while to wait U.S. motion we had a call from Eli Lewis today he is in the 51 Ill I was detailed to go on picket.
Thursday, October 27, 1864.
A fine day I have enjoyed myself well to day reading papers and letters from home am to go on picket at four there is some talk of our marching in the morning I think we will go to Chattanooga it is hard to tell where we will go from there they keep us on the moove to day is my birthday I am 32 years old today
Friday, October 28, 1864.
A fine day rather cool last night & I stood picket last night we have orders to march at eight we started at nine & I can say we did march we went 21 miles and camped just at dark my feet got sore and I was tired it was hard on new recruits we are on our way to Chattanooga
Saturday, October 29, 1864.
A cool nice day we had revalee at four marched at six we went 25 miles and went into camp before sundown such marching is hard we are at Rossville a place of two houses or there used to be two before the war there was only five of our Co came into camp with the Regiment some have to go in their stocking feet in order to get along never mind we are on our last ten months
Sunday, October 30, 1864.
A splendid day we started to march at eight marched down to the foot of Lookout and went into camp where we lay all day we got payed off I got all my wages in a check of 116.00 dollars which I sent home it has seemed but little like sunday to me I got five letters to day only two from Hattie I wrote her one which I am going to send the check in
Monday, October 31, 1864.
This is the last day of another month soon it will be the last of another year and soon our time will be out we had our breakfast at nine we had a good sleep we are going on the cars when we leave here or at least we expect to I mailed a letter to Hattie this morning with a check of 116.00 dollars I hope it will go through all right I have got the most of my depts collected I shall loose some
Tuesday, November 1, 1864.
A fine day we were to moove out at nine left camp about that time but did not leave town untill about noon I expressed 90.00 to Hattie we rode all night on the cars it is hard to tell where we are going I guess we will have to foot it after a while
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1864.
A rainy morning we slept in the car last night woke up at Athens a place 20 miles from Chattanooga we are to foot it from here to Palasci a distance of 35 ms the rain last night has made the roads muddy we pressed all the horses in we could find to carry our baggage I guess sitizens think we are hard cases
Thursday, November 3, 1864.
A rainy day we lay in camp untill about noon I wrote a letter to Hattie the report is that we are to take the cars but that is a mistake about noon we fell in & started for Pulake we marched nine miles and went into camp tired and foot sore this soldiering is hard
Friday, November 4, 1864.
We had a heavy frost last night had revalee at four marched at six we had a cold wind we crossed the Elk River at Elkmont it was high and ran swift I did not have to wade but most of the boys did after crossing the river we marched 10 miles went into camp about sundown after marching 14 miles
Saturday, November 5, 1864.
A very heavy fog this morning we marched at six W. & I lay in bed untill the bugle blew to strike tents marched to Pulaki before breakfast I stoped in town and got some peaches & milk we marched six miles took our position in line of battle on some large hills where it is cold and windy I hope we wont stay here long the report is that Hood is nine miles from here fortefyed at Florence
Sunday, November 6, 1864.
A cool windy gloomy day just seven years from today I was married Eli Lewis is here in our tent writing I must write some to the good folks at home I dont know as there is any chance to send mail I finished and mailed a letter to Hattie and got a good long one from her we had orders to moove bag and baggage and mooved on the other side of town from where we were camped
Monday, November 7, 1864.
A stormy bad day we were called up at four and ordered to get breakfast & got to work on the fortifycations at daylight it rained like shot and W & I lay in bed untill the call blew to fall in we went to work without our breakfast we are having an aufull wet time
Tuesday, November 8, 1864.
Rained all day I was on fatigue and between times I fixed up our tent we got no news neither good nor bad to day is election we will soon know who is to be president the road is out of order one of the bridges is washed away we get no mail
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1864.
A rainy cool day I went on picket at 8½ it was rainy all day but turned cold just at night it was cold enough for a big frost we get no news yet I presume we will not get any mail for three or four days I came off of picket at nine Oclock but did not sleep much
Thursday, November 10, 1864.
A fine but cold day I was relieved from picket at nine went to camp got my breakfast then went to work to build a fireplace got it nearly done built a fire in it it went off first rate a third of this month is gone soon it will be the commencement of another year
Friday, November 11, 1864.
A fine day I finished my fireplace wrote a letter to Hattie in the eve or commenced one we have a gooddeal of duty to do but it is not hard I will be glad when it is done such duty dont suit me only a little while longer and then I will be my own boss that is what is the matter
Saturday, November 12, 1864.
A splendid day I am on picket today and am having a good time we had guard mount this morning when we went on picket had a band of musick I dont care to go on picket such weather as this I learn we are to get some mail in a day or two I hope such is the case I would like much to hear from home it seems so long since I got a letter I do hope they are all well we have orders to fix up our quarters
Sunday, November 13, 1864.
I was relieved from picket did not sleep much last night had a good sleep today read some good stories and passed the day off quite pleasantly how I longed to be at home where I could enjoy life once more we got some mail to day Wilbur got a letter but I was disappointed I think there is some news on the road for me
Monday, November 14, 1864.
I did not do much today we are fixing up camp as though we were to stay this winter we got the news to day of Father Gages death also got the election returns Old Abe is elected I am glad of that I mailed a letter to Hattie I hope it will find her well it is rainy and bad to day
Tuesday, November 15, 1864.
A fine day I did not do much today wrote a letter to Hattie this eve sent it by Johnson it contained 20.00 I hope it will go safe all seems to go well here the boys are still at work on the fortifycations which are now quite strong I wish this war would close so we would have no need of them
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 1864.
A clowdy day and rained some I peddled some to day made nine dollars went to Division Head Quarters to cook got a detail think I will like it pretty well. we get no mail and it seems lonely I believe I shall get homesick soon if we can get no mail never mind I have only about eight months more to write
Thursday, November 17, 1864.
Rained nearly all day I went over in town and over to the Regiment saw the boys all are getting along well we are having bad weather I wish it would be fine once more there is little prospect of a moove I would like to stay here this winter I wrote a little this eve no news from home yet
Friday, November 18, 1864.
A rainy day I kept buisy went over to camp to see Wilbur he came back to Division with me we got no mail I do wish I could get a letter from home it seems so long to wait for those good letters I dont know how long I shall stay here I long to be my own boss once more
Saturday, November 19, 1864.
It rained all day to day the troops are mooving but the roads are bad I hope we will lay still untill they are better how I wish this was was over we get but little mail I do not get any lately I think there is something wrong with the mail.
Sunday, November 20, 1864.
We have had a sleety day it has seemed but little like sunday I went over to see Wilbur in the evening had a good visit but got no letters the was sunday school here to day but I did not get time to go it keeps me buisy most of the time cooking we get three meals these short days
Monday, November 21, 1864.
A stormy day it snowed to day for the first time this year to night is cold and freezing I finished a letter to Hattie we are to march at seven in the morning I would like to be settled in some place I get no news from home yet I fear all is not well I have been buisy today baking &c.
Tuesday, November 22, 1864.
We marched all day in the cold went twelve miles to a town called Lipmansville part of the town has been burnt it is not large the first Brigade is going to stay here I dont where we will go but think it will be to Columbia I wish we would for it is a fine place I would like to camp there for the winter
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 1864.
This has been a cold but a pleasant day I lay in camp all day we have a nice little brick house to quarter in I have been buisy I bought and sold apples made $9.00 which was doing well I think we will lay here a day or two then forward again so goes soldiering
Thursday, November 24, 1864.
We had orders to be ready to moove at four then did not leave our quarters untill after daylight started for Columbia a distance of 17 miles arrived there before sundown I peddled apples along the road made 40.00 got into camp with the rest we have a fine large house for our quarters with a good cook stove I get no news from home
Friday, November 25, 1864.
A fine day we mooved our quarters this morning we now have [?] a fly and cook out doors the talk is that we are to fall back I am cooking some this eve it looks like rain to night I get no news from home yet I hope all is well it seems so long to wait for a letter we have no chance to send mail
Saturday, November 26, 1864.
We had orders to march at daylight this morning did not get our breakfast before we left town I cant tell where we are going I get no letters yet it seems so strange we went about a mile from town piched our tents stayed untill night then went down to cross Duck River but did not get across untill next morning it has rained all day
Sunday, November 27, 1864.
It has seemed but little like sunday to me I did not know it was sunday untill evening we crossed the river this morn early on a pontoon bridge had a hard time crossing I guess we will fall back to Nashville before we stop three days more in this month soon it will be the commencement of another year we got a large mail today I guess there was some for me
Monday, November 28, 1864.
Lay in the place where we camped untill about 2 Oclock I made 14.00 today we mooved our camp up near the Division we had a good place to camp but it was a good ways to water I baked some we have orders to march in the morning
Tuesday, November 29, 1864.
We lay in camp a short time this morn The Division mooved out first I went over to the Regiment the 88 are consolidated with the 74 I guess I shall stay with the Division this winter I can have a warm place to sleep
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 1864.
We came into Franklin to day about eleven started from Spring Hill at two our train was out in two places only about eight or ten waggons lost there was a man run over just behind us by three waggons but I learn he did not die I helped get him out the Rebs lay behind a stone wall clost to the road and fired a volley into our train killing several mules and wounding and killing several men
Thursday, December 1, 1864.
It has been a fine but cool day we mooved our camp went through town I bought three pecks of apples made six dollars on them we do not get much news from the front or home I wish we might get some good news from Shermans Army I hope he will have good success I lost my purs last night with 105.00 in it we got to Nashville at eleven
Friday, December 2, 1864.
We had a rainy day and mooved head quarters twice expecting a fight we piched our tents on the same ground we left in the morning there is a gooddeal of firing to day and quite a stur we get no news of importance I would like much to get a letter from home
Saturday, December 3, 1864.
It rained last night but has been fine to day we mooved our camp to a brick house the house belongs to a man by the name of Gordon we loaded up all our baggage just at night expecting to moove but did not go Wilbur called to see me and brought a letter from Hattie I was glad to get it it has been so long since I got a letter from home
Sunday, December 4, 1864.
A fine day I have been buisy all day we lay still for the first day since we came here we got no mail the report is that the R.R. is cut between here and Louisville there is heavy cannonading on the lines the Rebs are fortifying and our men are shelling them every shot jars the house
Monday, December 5, 1864.
It has been rather quiet today I am alone and it keeps me buisy to cook I hear heavy cannonading along the lines we get no news today from the north to day I wrote a letter to Hattie this eve I hope it will find her and folks well
Tuesday, December 6, 1864.
A fine day we have had some fighting to day I baked bread to day and wrote a letter or commenced one to Edward there is a goodeal of firing on the lines one of our boys are going to leave us he is going to Department headquarters
Wednesday, December 7, 1864.
A fine but cool day the boys of our mess got a keg of beer and got jolly drunk the most of them I don see how men can make such fools of themselves but so it is may God keep me
Thursday, December 8, 1864.
As fine as you could wish I have been buisy selling apples and there are not much signs of a moove W. gave me a call to day I was glad to see him we had a good chat he is to go on picket to night poor boy I pity him
Friday, December 9, 1864.
A stormy day snowed all day and I can tell you it looks like winter it makes me think of home how much I would like to be at home to spend holyday next winter I will be with them if nothing happens
Saturday, December 10, 1864.
It has been cold to day rumors of a moove I have been buisy all day went down town in the eve stayed untill quite late it is rather squally to be in town after dark I wish this war would close so we could all go home
Sunday, December 11, 1864.
A fine but cold day I was buisy all day cooking had a call from E & O Lewis in the eve after they went away I finished a letter to Hattie the weather here is cold as it is at home I have good quarters so I am cumfortable
Monday, December 12, 1864.
A fine day it is some warmer to day than it has been I guess it is going to storm no news of importance to day I think we will moove soon I finished a letter to Hattie to night I hope it will find her well the time will soon slip round when I shall see her if all is well
Tuesday, December 13, 1864.
Quite warm it has been thawing all day I went down town this afternoon stayed untill after dark I went to the Hospital to see Henry Emerson but the poor boy was dead and buried it is sad to think of but such is life and it is true that a soldiers life is an unsertain and hard one.
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 1864.
A foggy morning looked like rain but has not made it out I went down to Nashville got a barrel of apples payed 16.00 for them a big price but they sell well I got a splendid day letter of ten pages from my dear wife how glad I am to get such good letters from one I so dearly love. there is talk of a moove in the morning
Thursday, December 15, 1864.
A fine day we mooved to day and had hard fighting there was a good many of our boys wounded it is so hard to see such slaughter we are driving the enemy I mailed a letter to sister this morning I hope it may find the folks all well I suppose we will follow the Rebs on their retreat
Friday, December 16, 1864.
Oh! what a horrid day we have had hard fighting all day I saw a great many wounded our boys made several charges and drove the rascals five or six miles it rained all the afternoon we did not get into quarters untill late had a good house I slept in a feather bed & slept sound
Saturday, December 17, 1864.
A rainy morning we got up at nine did not start out very early we are four miles from Nashville fighting still we have won some noble victories & got the enemy on the retreat I wish we could capture the whole army we marched about 18 miles to day
Sunday, December 18, 1864.
It seems but little we got up at three pulled out about eight but did not cross the H[faded] river untill about one oclock we marched untill about eleven I was tired and wet we are having a hard time I will be glad when my time is out we marched by the Franklin burying ground & battlefield
Monday, December 19, 1864.
A rainy day we marched about three miles to day went into quarters in a good house we cooked a gooddeal in the evening we have to halt to build a bridge I got a letter from my dear wife we had some hard skirmishing with the enemy we are loosing a good many men & taking a good many prisoners
Tuesday, December 20, 1864.
A cold morning we lay in camp untill late mooved but a few rods could not cross the creek the water was so high it has been a stormy day it snowed nearly all day we put up our wall tent and had a good nights sleep
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 1864.
A cold windy day we crossed the creek just at night went up where head quarters was established. the teams did not come over untill morning I slept without any blankets and it was cold enough
Thursday, December 22, 1864.
A fine but cold day we stayed in our quarters all day & night the teams left some time in the night we overtook them at Columbia we will be apt to stay here a day or two the advance are still fighting I will be glad when it is over
Friday, December 23, 1864.
Slept once more without blankets we started for Columbia about nine where we overtook the teams I went across the river stayed all night at a private house slept in a good bed and slept well sent a letter to Hattie I would like to get one from her
Saturday, December 24, 1864.
A fine day our train did not get across the river to today I stayed in Columbia all day crossed over to the train and found them still waiting to cross I am still at my quarters of last night they seem to be clever folk this is Christmass Eve how I would like to be at home tonight I will have to content myself by wishing them a merry Christmass
Sunday, December 25, 1864.
Sabbath morning we crossed Duck River at Columbia on a canvass pontoon after we had crossed I went up town and got my breakfast then started for Pulaski marched 28 miles it rained most of the afternoon I was tired and wet at night slept on two rails beside a campfire could not find H. D. Qers.
Monday, December 26, 1864.
Did not rain but was clowdy and misty I went up to our old quarters and got breakfast found some of our boys there after breakfast I started to the Regiment found our teams about four miles from town such roads I never saw before we get no news from home I saw some prisoners today
Tuesday, December 27, 1864.
Started on the tramp again this morning got stuck before we had gone 20 rods did not go but six miles all day stayed in some old disserted houses at night we get no news from front or rear I saw quite a lot of prisoners going to the rear today
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1864.
This month is almost gone & also the year we have traveled all day to get a little ways have not overtaken the division yet stoped for the night in an old log house folks as poor as could possibly be & live
Thursday, December 29, 1864.
A fine day we overtook the Division they lay in camp at Lexington I get no letters from home the mail dont come through regular we will moove soon I think across the river I hope we will go into winter quarters the last winter in the service for me
Friday, December 30, 1864.
A fine day we lay in camp all day Wilbur and E Lewis came over to see me we had a good visit Eli has got a detail to take charge of a medical waggon I get no mail now days I dont know as I ought to complain for I am not alone we will soon be on the tramp again I will be glad when we have taken our last march what a happy day it will be for thousands
Saturday, December 31, 1864.
A fine day I went out foraging got a fine lot of stuff we are laying in camp waiting to cross the river to day is the last one in 64 not quite eight months more and I guess I will go home and see the folks I will soon send this we are having a hard time I will be glad when it is over
Memoranda.
Ginger Cake
1 Cup ½ Sugar
½ Butter
2 Eggs Cup of milk
1 Teaspoon Saleratus
1 Tablespoon Ginger
Ginger snaps
Boil a teacupfull of molasses 1 spoon of ginger 1 of Saleratus stir flour in while hot bake quick
Suet Pudding
1 Lb suet [blot] flour
2 eggs beaten boil 4 hours with meal sift your meal chop your suet put it in the middle of the meal
mix stiff with boiling water then soften by ½ a cup or more of molasses dip the bag in boiling water
Dough Nuts No 1
2 eggs 1 cup of sugar
½ pint sour milk
a little Saleratus a piece of butter or cream mix one hour before frying
Dough Nuts No 2
3 cups of sugar 3 eggs
1 cut of butter 1 pint buttermilk one nutmeg saleratus enough to sweeten
Loaf cake Nice
1 Lb flour 3 eggs 1 cup of sugar 1 of butter 1 of raisins one of cream or sour milk nutmeg 1 teaspoon of Saleratus
Ginger bread
4 cups of flour 2 of molasses ½ a cup of butter 2 of buttermilk 3 eggs a tablespoon of ginger and the same of Saleratus
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15160) | DL0641.002 | Diaries | 1864-02-06 |
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Alcohol, Animals, Artillery, Atlanta Campaign, Battle of Chickamauga, Burials, Business, Camp/Lodging, Children, Chores, Christmas, Clothing, Death (Home Front), Death (Military), Destruction of Land/Property, Discipline, Election of 1864, Family, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, Furloughs, Guns, High Morale, History, Homesickness, Hospitals, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, Leadership (Soldiers' Perceptions of), Mail, Marching, Money, Music, News, Newspapers, Payment, Picket Duty, Prisoner Exchanges, Prisoners of War, Railroads, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Recruitment/Recruits, Reenlistment, Religion, Resignations, Rivers, Rumors, Supplies, Ulysses S. Grant, United States Sanitary Commission, War Weariness, Weather
People - Records: 3
SOURCES
Samuel C. Wheadon Diary, 1864, DL0641.002, Nau Collection
