Samuel C. Wheadon Diary
Samuel C. Wheadon
88 Illinois
Volunteer
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Sept 1863
Sat 19 our brigade did not go in but were plased on picket on the extreme right near a large grist mill Wilbur & Lieutennant Ray and I slept togather I am afraid for the last time
Sun 20 A beautifull day we were called up at three drew rations got a cut of coffee then were called into line mooved our possition farther to the left lay near some old huses which Old Rosy had occupyed for his head quarters the day before where we fortefyed ourselves as well as we could and lay untill about noon when we were attack by the Rebs we were doubled quicked down the road right into the fight
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which lasted but a few moments when we were repulsed with great slaughter poor Wilbur was mortally woonded and I expect taken prisoner there were ten wounded and missing in our company and 81 in the Regt the battlefield and a good many of our wounded were left to the mercy of the enemy poor Wilbur is among the number I would give worlds to see him
M 21 Pleasant and cool we marched a short distance towards Chattnooga built a long string of brest works out of rails lay behind them all day the Rebs threw some shells clost to us there was some quite hard fighting on the left I got a quilt to sleep on
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of an old man near where we were no news from Wilbur
Tues 22 We were called up at one ordered to pack up every thing and get all ready for a march fell in and started abou 2-30 on the Chattanooga which place we reached just at daylight I got some breakfast then went over to the hospital to take care of Rae & the captain found them both doing well got them into the ambulance to go to Brigport I went across the road an stayed all night to a private house I was lonesome enough and longed to go back to the company I want to write home but there is no chance to send letters
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Wedns 23 Remarkably pleasant we usually have a heavy storm after a battle I am still in town I wrote a letter to my Dear Wife but felt but little like conveighing the sad tidings but suppose it must be done how hard are the fortunes of war
Th 24 A fine day I went back to the Regt today was glad to see the boys I went around the lines found Neglies Division but found no Richard he is among the missing how hard it is but I suppose it cant be otherwise I happned to escape without injury but had some clost calls I think our fight is about over at enerate I hope it is
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we had some shells throwed clost to us to day there was one man wounded in the 21 Mishigan a Regt in our Brigade we are strongly intrenched here
Fri 25 We mooved out of our trenches this morning mooved down right in the edge of town did not do anything all day I went through all of the hospitals to see if I could not find something of some of our boys but alass not one could I find I went down town a little while got me two good shirts and a lot of fine nuts we commenced some more intrenchments and worked on them a part of the night
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Sat 26 A fine cool day we worked on the ditches two hours went down town got some rusk had a good supper got word just at sunset that the mail would go out in the morning so I sat down and wrote a letter to my Dear Wife and I tell you I was glad of the chance for I know how anxious they have looked for a letter
Sun 27 As fine a day as I ever saw but appears but little like Sunday how I wish I could be at home to day so I could go to church I have to do something far different I have to work on the ditch so that we can have something to protect us from the bullets of the enemy
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Mon 28 A fine day we had some sharp firing on the picket lines this morning soon after midnight we were all called in to line and took down into the trenches report says we are to moove camp a short distance to day I guess I must write a letter home I wrote and mailed a letter to Father how I wish I could write something deffinite about Wilbur.
Tues 29 A beautifull day I got a pass and went downtown looked for Wilbur but without success found Harry Ellis wounded in the foot saw a good many ambulances from the front but none of our boys they have suffered beyond all account.
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Wedn 30 Clowdy has appearance of a heavy rain we were called up at four half of our Co had to go to work on the ditches at five and the other half at seven we are building some strong works it seems lonesome enough we get no mail I have read some of my old letters twice or three times think of going over to Neglies Division Went over to Neglies and all through the hospitals but did not find Richard when I got back to the Regt they had heard from Wilbur I went down and saw him found him in rather a bad state but I think he will get along he is now a parolled prisoner I hope he will be able to go home
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Oct 1 Raned all night and nearly all the forenoon I went down to see Wilbur this morning found him doing as well as could be expected he is in good spirits which is half of the battle we have had a powerfull rain to day no news from home how much I would like to get a letter stayed with Wilbur nearly we both wrote a letter to Ne I went to the regt about dark the boys all seemed glad to hear from W.
Fri 2 A very rainy day I went down about nine to see W. found him feeling well after a good nights rest I think he is going to get along firstrate I do realy hope he will I stayed all day & night
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with him was up nearly all night taking in wounded from the front they have suffered beyond all accounts some lying on the field nine days their wounds not dressed the regt went on picket for five I saw Wil Streblow to day he is wounded in the leg
Sat 3 Cleared off and had a splendid cool day I went up to the Regt just at night stayed with Wilbur all day got some washing done Wilbur is thinking strongly about going home I got a letter from Hattie written the 13 of Sep the first for a long time
Sun 4 A slpendid day I got up quite early fixed up all of Wilburs things ready to go to Stevenson
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and mine to go to the field hospital to take care of the Adjutant Miller Wilbur is doing fine and likes the idea of going home I hope the poor boy will get along well
Mon 5 A fine but cool day I got up early dressed some wounds and done some washing in the forenoon in the afternoon wrote a letter to my dear wife and took care of the poor wounded we can hear some cannonading at Chattanooga I cant tell how it will result but think it will be in our favor
Tues 6 A fine but cool day I feel rather poorly I would be sick if I were at home I helped dress wounds
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this afternoon went down to Chattanooga got two letters from my dear wife and one from Sister Ne to poor Wilbur I am very lonesome without him I hope he will get home safe I am still in the hospital all quiet in front report says the Rebs are leaving I hope it is true wrote a letter to Hattie this eve
Weds 7 Rained this morning but cleared of before noon I mailed my letter to Hattie went down to the suttlers and got some things for the Adjutant am setting up as usual to night with the wounded and dying the man with the amputated leg I dont think will live untill morning
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Th 8 A fine but cool day the Adjutant and some of the rest of the boys went to Bridgport & I returned to the Regt found them all well and glad to see me I hear no news from the front I would like to hear from Wilbur to night I hope he is doing well no news from Richard I hope the poor boy is well
Frid 9 Most a splendid day I did not do any thing all day our men fired a few shots at the Rebs I learn that the Rebs have fallen back and we have extended our picket lines no letters from home or news from Wilbur the prospect is now that we shall lay here some time
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Sat 10 A splendid day we did not do anything all day I took a good nap went down to the river and took a good wash no news from home how I wish I could get a letter there is no news from the front a few rounds fired every day I dont know what our enemies intend to try and do they will meet with a warm reception here our defences are strong
S 11 Most a glorious day I took a walk down to the river and a nice wash then went over to the 42 Ill and heard a good sermon how I longed to be at home where I could go to church in a house in quiet and listen to those good sermons once more never mind this war cant last always
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Mon 12 Fine in the morn looked some like rain in the afternoon It rained nearly or quite all night I went downtown in the afternoon bought two pies for 50 cts 3 lbs fresh pork 50 a fine price $8.00 per 100 lbs but thats nothing for Dixie no letter from home yet and report says the road is torn up so the prospect is poor
Tues 13 A gloomy day it has rained all day some of the boys came near drownding out we expect a mail to night but I dont think it will come how I wish it would and bring me two or three long letters from home how I would like to be there to night
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Wed 14 A rainy cold bleek day I did not do much to day went down to the butcher yard saw them kill a lot of beef got some tallow the mail came in in the morn I was disappointed in not getting a letter but in the afternoon I was made to rejoice by the reception of four good letters two from Sister & two from my Dear Wife we go on picket to morrow morn at four
Th 15 Rained all day we went out on picket this morning had a wet time and not only wet but mudy I mailed a letter home this morning I hope it will find the folks all well such weather makes me sigh for home
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I wrote part of a letter to Father & Mother Gage which I will finish tomorrow night if all is well
Sat 24 Did not rain but was clowdy all day I went down town in the forenoon in the afternoon I built me a nice fireplace I tell you it was grand and is comfortable I did not go over to the 104 but will go soon I got a letter from Wilbur he is getting along well
S 25 A fine day and quite warm I have been quite buisy to day if it was sunday I went over to the 104 saw John Bowers did not hear anything
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from Richard I went down town with John Bowers & John ford we are short of rations but I think we will get plenty soon I finished a letter to Hattie & one to Mother Gage also wrote one to Wilbur.
Mon 26 A splendid day I made my chimney a little higher mailed my letters then went over and got some rations it is a delightful evening I would like to see the folks at home to night report says the Rebs are leaving our front I hope it is true I wish they would leave for parts unknown they tore down a house to day on the picket lines one man had his leg broke
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Tues 27 This is tuesday evening Oct 27th I am thirty years old to day it seems hardly possible but such is the fact there was some hard fighting to day on our left result not known yet I learn there was quite a number of our boys brought in wounded it has been a fine day no news from home no news for me.
Weds 28 A fine day there was a good deal of firing on the picket lines indications of an attack. I got three letters to day one from Ne & one from Hattie to Wilbur one from E Lewis to Wilbur I mailed one to Annie it seems lonesome to me without Wilburs company I may get used to it after a while.
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Th 29 Most a lovely day nothing of importance has transpired there was quite a fight on our left last night and has been a gooddeal of firing there to day we could see some of the shells burst in the air the result of last night or to day we have not learned we are still on short rations I hope we may get more soon
Fri 30 A very disagreeable day it rained all day and nearly all night the Lieut went on picket I went out twice got as I could be I wrote a letter to Ne I wish I could go & take it but contentment I will have a chance after a while
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Sat 31 Cleared off this morning & we have had a splendid day I have been quite buisy cutting wood and getting ready for sunday the officers in the next tent have been gambling nearly all day thank God I have no desire for such amusement I some expected a letter from home today but was disapointed
Sun Nov 1 A splendid day I did not go to church but would like to have gone firstrate there was some firing in front I recd a long letter from Father how glad I was to hear from home once more but would have been more glad to have seen home there is no news here short rations and plenty of work
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Mon 2 A fine day I wrote and mailed a letter to Father there was a gooddeal of firing in our front the Rebs sent down a raft tore up our bridge so we could not get our rations across I got my hat from home to day just the thing needed.
Tues 3 A very warm day was buisy got a lot of wood went down to the slaughter yard got some nice tallow still on half rations no news from home or from Wilbur how I wish he would write and all the rest of the folks Lt Titsworth left to day
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Weds 4 A glorious day almost to warm for cumfort I got a good long letter from my Dear good wife I was so glad to hear from her once more her letter found me well I recd her photograph which was good and I tell you it done me good to look at it but I would much rather have looked at the orriginal I hope I shall soon have a chance I wrote and mailed letter No 15 to her to day I hope it may find the folks all well.
Th 5 A rany bad day the Lieut went on picket I went out in the rain and took his supper I got a letter from Wilbur he was at Indianapolis on his way home how glad I
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am that he has got a furlough I answered his letter to day mailed it to Rick[ink blot] we got a fine lot of rations to day
Fr 6 A splendid day after our hard rain I was buisy this forenoon choped some hash in the afternoon I went down town got my hair cut and got some nice rusk for which I payed 1.00.25 cts a doz got two candles 20 cts it is just five years tonight since I was married how quick the time has passed and how differently situated I am now surrounded with the cannons roar and the bugles blast and all the horrors of war
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Sat 7 A glorious day I have been quite buisy to day but not so much so but what I could read a good long letter from my Dear Wife I went down town this afternoon I saw General U. S. Grant he is a mild looking man & I think a noble and most eficient officer he does not put on much stile he had but one orderly with him. our mess was consolidated to day so there are six in the mess now
Sun 8 A fine but cool and windy I have been buisy today more so than usual have baked 4 pies some biscuit & three loaves of bread I shall have a mess of boar to cook for
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now I went down town a little walk this eve called on a citizen had quite a visit her husband is in the rebel army she said she had to get along the best she could her husband had been in service over two years.
Mon 9 A fine but cool day it is rather quiet to day I went down town sat up quite late to night writing a letter to my Wife I hope it will find the folks all well rations are still scarce I hope they will soon get more plenty
Tues 10 A cold day for the sunny south I kept buisy all day went down town in the afternoon it has been extremely quiet here to day I got our overcoats today
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Wedns Nov 11 A fine day I never was busier in my life than I have been today I baked beef and two loaves of light bread went down town just at night mailed a letter to my Wife I wish I could see her pacience a little while longer then I will go & have a visit nothing but quiet reigns here to day a flag of truce came in today from Rebeldom.
Th Nov 12 A fine day I was buisy as usual there was some firing on the picket lines all quiet in camp Capt Opickering came up to day from Chicago
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Fri 13 A fine day all as quiet as a lamb in camp except a cene which took place which was fear & rending in the extreme I went with thousands of others to see two men shot one was out of our Regt Co D. the other out of the 44 Ill the latter was an old balled headed man and seemed to be penetent the one out of our Regt was about 30 years old had been married and left two children the 44 man had sent his family to canida what a death to die to be shot for desertion I could not help droping a tear or two for them as
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they came into the square formed for their reception they were attended by their chaplains their coffins were in their front they knelt & prayed with the chaplain then their sentence was read to them after which their eyes were blinefolded with a white piece of cloath and then were seated on their coffins where they were shot Daily of Co E 88 had three balls through his brest one through his head the 44 man had his head all shot to pieces worlds could not tempt me to dissert
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Sat Nov 14 A fine day I was buisy to day baked mutton beef & bread went down to the butcher yard got some tallow and got some candles moulded I saw Mr Bowers and heard from Richard he is in Richmond all quiet in front today.
Sun 15 A cool but pleasant day I received three letters from home this eve one from Hattie one from Ne & one from George to Wilbur I saw Arza Ball he is in the 89 and has been in the service about one month I wrote a letter to Ne this evening and N. 16 to Hattie did not retire untill late
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Mon Nov 16 A fine day I kept buisy to day as usual went to the commisaries and downtown got some candles mailed my letters home nothing transpired in front today worthy of note a few shots fired off from lookout.
Tues 17 A splendid day I recd a letter from Wilbur Streblow he is in Louisville went down town got some candles the boys are crasy for them nothing new to
W 18 An aufull foggy morn our Regt all went out on picket I was buisy went out and took their meals to them went down town sent a letter to Minnine
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Thurs 19 A splendid day the Regt came off of picket I did not get breakfast untill late went after a load of wood got a letter from Mother Gage it was good but short I was glad to hear from them Hattie has not got home yet she was to meet father at the Depot on the 16.
Fri 20 A clowdy rainy day I was buisy went down town got a good long letter from father wrote one in the eve to Hattie No 17 I hope it will find her well we have orders to march tomorrow morning but I dont think we will go
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Sat Nov 21 Rained all night & and all the forenoon I got two letters one from my Dear Wife and one from Sister they are all well I was glad to hear from them Wilbur in particular I hope he will get his furlough extended I went down to the butcher pen it looks rough the way they kill beef for the Soldiers right on the ground and by the time they get it dressed it is covered with mud & blood I saw a Soldier a german with a camp kettle full of blood for a pudding tommorrow is sunday how how quick the time flies we did not march to day
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Sun Nov 22 A glorious day and a delightfull evening we had orders to night to be ready to march at a moments warning with two days rations I would cook them if I had them we have just recd orders to go on picket at seven so I guess we shant march very far our Chaplain came to make us a call tonight he preached us a sermon I would like to have him stay with us
Mon 23 A fine day but rather cool the bugles were blown to fall in about noon our Regt were on picket in an almost incredible short time whole Divisions were on the moove all bound for the front I did not go out there was some hard fighting
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I am afraid many will fall on the morrow to rise no more how nessessary for each to be prepaired to to meet his God.
Tues 24 A cold rany foggy day we have possession of Lookout Mountain our boys are still out in front they have had a cold bad time of it I hope this fuss will soon be over and this war come to a close what a happy day that would be I wrote part of a letter to Hattie this eve
W 25 A cool but fine day our our boys have had a hard fight to day they charged on the Rebs brestworks drove them out took a large number of prisoners
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and 60 pieces of artillery I tell you they made a splendid charge took Missionary Ridge and drove the Rebs for several miles I helped take the wounded off the field I got to camp about eleven finished my letter to Hattie No. 19.
Th 26 A splendid day I did not sleep more than an hour last night got up at three went out to the Regt which were about five miles from camp I went over the battle field saw some hard sights I got to camp about noon got a nice Sesesh colt.
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Fri 27 A fine day but rather cool I was buisy all day our Regt came in from the front the prisoners keep pouring in from all quarters we have had another pretty hard fight with Bragg & have whipped him we have taken in all about 20 000 prisoners & from 50 to 80 pieces of artillery
Sat 28 A rainy bad day the Regiment had orders to march at seven but did not go untill afternoon I did not go they were ordered to take three days rations their destination is supposed to be Knoxville
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Sun Nov 29 Fine but very cold I was buisy to day baking up some things for Lieut Miller to carry along with him on the road home to eat he has resigned I sent some things home by him I went down to the boat with him but he did not go the boat will not start for a day or two
Mon 30 A fine day I went down town with Lt Miller got my picture taken for Hatties pin did not get back to camp untill about one Oclock no letters from home I wish I could get some never mind I will keep pouting I have just finished No 20 to Hattie & written one to E
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Sun 17 Most a lovely day we are doing provost duty in town our Co. F. A. K. & I are are quartered in a Seminary a fine large brick it is hard to tell how long we shall stay I hope it will be a long job I am going to write some letters to day
[remainder faded]
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Wed 20 A fine day we left camp this morning at an early hour in route for Knoxville a distance of 13 miles we got to [?] early and went into camp in an old camp I picked up a horse and rode all day a Cavalry gave me a saddle bridle halter and mule I sold the whole rig for $3.25
Th 21 A fine day we layed in camp all day the Capt & I did not get up very early I fixed up our tent a little and done my chores I baked some bread got two letters from home one for me and one for Wilbur how good [faded]
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Th Jan 21 A lovely day we layed in camp to day crossed [faded] and mooved in the woods about a from town in a pine [?] I got four letters last night one for me and three for Wilbur how I wish he was here to read them I wrote a short letter home last night I hope it will find them all well.
Fri 22 A splendid day we got all ready to march this morn at seven [faded]
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Sat 23 A delightfull day we started to march to Louden this morning marched ten miles through some as fine country as I ever saw and camped on a splendid stream in the woods went into camp early how I would like to get a letter from home I am quite sick with a bad cold.
Sun 24 A fine day we marched 15 miles but instead of going to Louden we are going to Kingstown the Tennessee River right where the clinch empties in we passed through some fine country to day it seemed but little like sunday
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Tues Dec 1 A fine day but cool night I was buisy to day went down town finished a letter a letter to Hattie & wrote one to Edward I was much surprised just at night to see Wilbur come up to the Regiment I little surprise it was to me I tell you I wish he could stay here but suppose he will be sent to an exchange camp
Wed 2 Quite warm and pleasant we hear nothing from the Regiment Wilbur & I went down to the butcher pen and down town did not go to bed untill late but sat up and talked about home and talked over old times Lieut Titsworth started for home today
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Th Dec 3 A delightfull I got up just at sunrise got breakfast then Wilbur and I went down to the butcher pen got some tallow which I rendred got dinner and then went to the commissaries we hear no reliable news from the front to day we hear our forces are engaged I hope they will be successfull
Fri 4 As fine a day as one would wish to see I did not do much to day got up quite late got breakfast then W and I went down to get some candles moulded they are worth from fifteen to twenty cts a piece rather steep
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Sat 5 A spendid day W and I had a pleasant time togather to day we went down town & to the butcher pen got some tallow how much quicker time passes off since brother came back I hope he can stay with me untill the close of the war
Sun 6 A glorious day Wilbur and I got up quite late after breakfast we got our things ready on the table to write after we had conversed for a short time with our absent friends we recd a call from our friend P Sherman belonging to the army of the Potomac we had a pleasant visit
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Mon Dec 7 A lovely day I helped butcher hogs all day for the Briggade we killed a fine lot of them just after I returned Captain Spalding came up the boys that were in camp were all glad to see him I had a good chat with him he looks well
Tu 8 Rained all day I was quite buisy got a letter from my Dear Wife and one from Father also a package of writing material sent by Hattie brought through by Captain Spalding I went to the Sanitary rooms to get his things we hear nothing from the Regt.
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Wed 9 Got up a little before sunrise went over to the Commisaries before breakfast and got some rations it has been as fine a day as one would wish to see I baked some pies and biscuit to day for a wounded Lieutennant which was in the Hospital he sent me his compliments for my trouble which amply repayed me
Th 10 A splendid day I was buisy all day baked some and cooked some for the boys in the hospital in the eve I finished letter No 22 to Hattie and sent 10.00 in it to her one of our boys are going home
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Frid 11 A splendid day Wilbur myself & orderly Kent went up on Lookout Mountain I think it richly payed us for our trouble although it was a long and tiresome walk we explored a saltpeter cave to the depth of a third of a mile or more we had candles and torches I got some Laurel and some evergreen also some curren cuttings to send to father I sent a letter to Hattie this morning with 20.00 in it letter No 22 we hear nothing deffinite from the Regiment yet
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Sat Dec 12 Disagreeable enough rained nearly all day I received two letters one from Hattie and one from Ne I was glad to get them I wrote one to Hattie had a good bathe got two meals and spent the evening in reading and writing it has seemed a goodeal like sunday
Sat 12 Raned all the afternoon I worked this forenoon building a chimney for the Captain was quite tired come night I wrote part of a letter to Hattie will finish it tomorrow if all is well
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Dec Mon 14 Cold and windy I have been quite buisy to day worked on my fireplace some went to the commissaries and got a barrel of flour baked some bread in the afternoon finished a letter to Ne in the evening
Tues 15 A splendid day I baked some pies drew rations and worked on my chimney our Post boy started to go to the Regiment with the mail I am looking anxiously for a letter from my Dear Wife how anxious I do look for those messages of love
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W 16 Rany and cold W. & I worked a little while on our tent this afternoon we had an aufull rain storm to night some as hard thunder as I ever heard and very high wind I wrote part of a letter to Hattie this eve Wilbur is also writing
Th 17 The sun shone most of the day but it has been cold and windy I baked some pies and bread & we worked a little while on our shebang which we nearly compleeted I think it will be fine and comfortable when done I hope we may stay here to enjoy it a while
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Fri Dec 18 A cold and windy I cooked some beans and went down town in the forenoon in the afternoon I packed up the mess box and the captain and I shiped on board the steamer Chattanooga for Knoxville I slept on some sacks of coffee last night a costly bed but not a very good one
Sat Dec 19 A clear cold day I did not not get up very early this morning finished a letter to Hattie as I was winding my way up the old Tennessee I think we will get to Louden tomorrow morn I hope we shall it is so cold on the boat
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Sun Dec 20 We got to Louden & got off the boat just at sunrise stayed on the banks of the old Tennessee untill about three P.M. when we took the cars for Knoxville where we arived a little after dark I slept in the car had a good nights rest
Mon Dec 21 A splendid morning we came off the boat took the cars as far as Knoxville yesterday yesterday then this morning started for Strawburry Plaines on the cars from there we footeded it to the Regt a distance of six miles
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Tues Dec 22 A fine but cool day we got to the Regiment last night a little before dark found them camped in the woods I put up our tent and it seems a good deal like home rations are short and the boys are poorly clothed some of them have marched miles without any shoes I sent a letter to Hattie and a few lines to Wilbur
Wed Dec 23 Clowdy and chilly I fixed up our tent some cooked and drew rations we still remain in our old posish where we are agoing or what we are going to do time alone will tell I hope we will return to our old camp
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Th Dec 24 A splendid day I went out to the cross roads foraging to get something for Christmass I had good luck got some dinner to a private house went out about six miles got some chickens 2 doz eggs cabbage & dried apples I done some baking in the evening.
Fri Dec 25 Milde but clowdy the Captain and I had a fine Christmass dinner 2 baked chickens lemon pie biscuit & butter cake cookies coffee with milk good enough for any body especely out in the wilderness sixty miles away from any one and away from friends we can get no mail here nor send any
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Dec 26 A rainy morning I did not get up very early got breakfast done up my work then wrote a few lines to loved ones at home I cant tell how soon I will be able to send it away there has been some excitement in camp today about reenlisting I dont know whether I shall go or not.
Sun Dec 27 Rained nearly all day the roads are almost impassible I hope we shall not moove untill they get better it has not seemed much like sunday today I finished a letter to Hattie this eve and wrote a few lines to Wilbur I would like to see the boy to night.
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Mon Dec 28 A clowdy windy day I went out a short distance from camp and got some straw made a nice bed choped a large tree right clost to our tent some excitement in camp about volunteering I dont think our Regiment will go I sent a letter to Hattie and a few lines to Wilbur.
Tues Dec 29 A lovely day I arose quite early went down to the brook got some water and took a good wash got breakfast went over to a citizens to get some washing done & get some milk no news to day
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Wed Dec 30 It was frosty last night but it is a splendid morn I dont know hardly what to do to day it is so lonesome here no news and nothing to read I wish we might go back to camp soon we are detailed to go out foraging tomorrow I fear we shall have a bad time.
Th Dec 31 We started out foraging about seven this morn it rained nearly all day we went out about ten miles got some corn and started back through the rain and mud stayed at an old barn all night it turned very cold in the night
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Fri Jan 1 1864. A cold tedious day we returned to camp to day I crossed Holten River in a canoo I got some chickens and some potatoes I got to camp about four dressed my chickens and got supper. I saw some hard sights while on our forage.
Jan Sat 2 Clear and cold froze hard last night I got a letter from Father to day with a letter on the battle of Mission Ridge written by B. F. Taylor it is splendid & describes the battle well
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Sun Jan 3 A fine day and some warmer than yesterday it looks like rain or snow I went over to Mr Smiths and got some milk got some bread and we had some bread and milk for tea a rare thing in the
Mon Jan 4 Rainy and sleety I drew rations to day got a good supply wrote a letter to Hattie how I wish I could receive one from her it seems so long since I have had one of those good letters it has been two weeks since we came here & still nothing done
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Tues Jan 5 A cool day snowed some just at night I cut a fine pile of wood had orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march at nine Oclock tomorrow morning I went over to a citizens and baked two chickens in the eve preparatory to a march stayed all night slept in a good bed the first time for a good many months got a letter from Hattie one from E and one from father.
Wed 6 A cold day snowed so the ground was covered we did not march I came to camp early got breakfast done my work went to the commissaries got some flour sugar and coffee baked pie and cookies wrote two letters in the eve
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Th 7 Snowed nearly all and most of the night but not very hard I kept buisy most of the day getting wood &c I wrote a little during the day there is no news how I wish I could get some letters my hands are very sore I dont know but what I shall have to stop cooking
Fri 8 A splendid day I went over to Mr Smiths and got some milk. It is just three weeks to night since we left Chattanooga I wish we would return soon or go some place where we could be more comfortable home for instance but I think it will be some time before I shall go there
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Sat 9 A beautiful day I wrote a letter or two choped some wood went over and got some milk got some straw & fixed up our tent it is rather cold living out in the woods but I hope it will not last much longer I got a letter from W. to day he stayed in Chattanooga and I am glad he did it is so much better for him
Sun 10 A splendid day how I did wish to be at home where I could go to church but how different the scene in a dreary camp in the woods where you can hardly hear the chipper of a bird I guess there will be a change soon
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Mon 11 As fine a winter day as one would wish to see got some washing done for the Captain and a little for myself there will be a chance to send letters tomorrow morn how glad I am I guess the folks will think I have forgotten them it is hard to get writing material and harder to send a letter after it is written.
Tues 12 A splendid day I chored around all day as usual the report is that we will soon moove I hope it will be to a better camp than this I sent two letters home to day one to Hattie and one to Ne I hope they will find them well and doing well
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Wed Jan 13 A splendid day I kept buisy wrote a little drew rations went over to Mr Smith's to get some bread baked no news from home the convalessents will be up to morrow W. is not coming I am glad I hope he will stay where he can be the most cumfortable the weather is quite warm and favorable for a winter campaign which campaign I wish would close the war.
Th 14 As fine a day as one would wish to see the convalessents of our Reg came up they brought no new report says we will moove tomorrow if we do I hope it will be as fine as it is today W. did not come up with the rest of the boys
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Fri 15 A splendid day I got up at four this morn had orders to march at seven destination Dandridge a distance of 25 miles we marched about 15 miles to day over some rough roads no chance to get any news from home it seems lonely enough without those good letters.
Sat 16 We got up at three and started on our weary march we went to Dandridge a distance of 10 ms got there about one Oclock P.M. found a nice little town the Rebs were in sight & our men Cavalry were with the skirmishers
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Fri 16 Clowdy and gloomy but does not rain I went up to camp a little while in the morn I have not heard from Wilbur but once since he left here I hope he is well wherever he is I will write a letter to Ne to day.
Sat 17 Has cleared off but does not look like settled weather yet we went out on the outposts before daylight this morning we can see the rebs plain and hear them talk we were on the reserve to day the mail did not come it looks as though we were coming in pretty close contact with the Rebs
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Sun 18 Quite rainy most of the day cleared off just at night we went out on picket this morn and stood four hours three Rebs came over and gave themselves up they were some of Longstreets men I wish they would all come over no letters for me to day we get up at four Oclock every morning
Mon 19 Returned to camp to day came in about daylight had orders to moove camp then it was countermanded again we were ordered to moove at two Oclock mooved at four we had a great time mooving our stuff it took us all the next day to fix up
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18 A fine day we started out early halted along the road did not march more than five miles went into camp quite early got things fixed up nice then had orders to go on picket had not been out but a short time when we were called in and had orders to get ready to march immediately fell in about eight and marched untill three in the morning lay down by the road side tired & hungry
Sat 19 A cool lovely day we started to march about nine A.M. heard a gooddeal of music in front marched slow got to where they were fighting a little
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all day marched twelve miles and camped right at the top of the mountain I stand the march first rate Captain & I went on the mountain brink to a lookout and saw one of the finest sights I ever saw in my life we could see Chattanooga a distance of 20 miles
17 A fine day we started to march early went back about two ms took another road and marched all day had a hard days march went 22 miles went down the mountain and camped at its foot tired and hungry the waggon did not come up so we had not much to eat
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Mon Jan 25 A delightfull day we marched 15 miles got to Kingston about two Oclock and camped in the woods for the night we are to moove camp to morrow and the report is that we are to go into winter quarters I hope we will for I am tired of this fun.
Tues 26 I went down town twice got a doz apples for which I payed 30 cts we mooved camp in the afternoon I got six letters for W & 2 for myself one from my Dear Wife how I would like to see her to night patience a few months longer
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Wed 27 A lovely day we did not do much to our camp to day I went down town got some milk and potatoes the latter 2.00 a bushel and the former 10 cts per quart I wrote part of a letter to W. I would like much to see him I think he will soon come up Lt Titsworth is going after our baggage
Th 28 A delightfull day Capt. and I went down to the mill to get some lumber got five Hd feet which will make us good quarters I wrote a few lines to W. and a short letter to Hattie I will be glad when we get settled so so I can do some writing
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Fri 29 It has been a fine day we have all been buisy to day building our quarters I went down town this morn got a saw and some nails we have milk to use now all of the time and some butter I got some brick for another chimney it is hard to tell how long we will have the good of it
Sat 30 Quite warm rained a little I went down town in the morning got some rations worked on my fireplace went on the picket line in the afternoon sent some letters to Wilbur the small pox is in town our Regt were all vaxinated
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Sun 31 The last day of Jan The Capt returned from picket we did not have breakfast untill he he came in I done up my work baked some bread &c. we had chicken and potatoes for breakfast quite a rarity for a Soldier I have got a Chanticleer who wakens me every morn with his charming music and makes me think of home
Mon Feb 1 A rainy morn cleared up in the afternoon I went down town the Captain was brigade officer of the day we got orders this afternoon to be ready to march at a moments notice such is a soldiers life go into winter quarters one day and start on the march next
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Tues 2 A splendid day we had orders last night to be ready to march at 5-30 this morn we got up at 4 Oc got our breakfast bid good by to new house and started on the march again after remaining in winter quarters one week we marched 13 on the road towards Louden the wind commenced to blow just at night & soon after dark it commenced to rain I am going to pencil a few lines to Hattie.
Wed 3 A delightful day we started on the march about daylight marched to Lowden a distance of five miles we got in camp early went into old barracks I got a letter No 25 from Hattie
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Th Feb 4 A fine day I made another fire place worked hard all day & was glad to retire after finishing a letter to Hattie No 31 the boys seem to be contented in their presant quarters I am but would be better contented quartered at home I think I will be there in 18 months if no sooner were it not for hope the heart would break.
Fri 5 A cool windy day I finished my chimney and fixed my tent went to the comissaries but did not get many rations I guess we will get more soon the small pox is all around us I was vaxinated again to day I learn that Wilbur is going to Camp Chase I would like to have him stay here but suppose I cant have my way
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15161) | DL0641.003 | Diaries | 1863-09-19 |
Tags: Amputations, Animals, Artillery, Battle of Chickamauga, Braxton Bragg, Camp/Lodging, Cavalry, Chattanooga Campaign, Chores, Christmas, Clothing, Death (Military), Desertion/Deserters, Destruction of Land/Property, Discipline, Executions, Family, Fear, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, Furloughs, German Americans, Guns, High Morale, Home, Homesickness, Hospitals, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, James Longstreet, Leadership (Soldiers' Perceptions of), Loneliness, Mail, Marching, Marriages, Money, News, Paroles/Paroled Troops, Photographs, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Provost Duty, Reading, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Reenlistment, Religion, Resignations, Rivers, Rumors, Sadness, Ships/Boats, Supplies, Ulysses S. Grant, Vaccinations, Weather
People - Records: 3
SOURCES
Samuel C. Wheadon Diary, DL0641.003, Nau Collection
