Rodney R. Cooke Diary
DL0977
Rodney Cooke
Co. G, 57 Reg. O.V.V.I
1st Brig. 2nd Div
15th Army C.
Clinton Wednesday
Mar 16, 1864
My Dear Wife
In the follow
ing pages you will find a memoranda of my adventures in the service of the U. S.
Written at various and sundry times and places Up to the time of our depart from Col. you are posted.
Well we arrived at camp Dennison in due time. I remained all night and next day I went to Cin. took dinner at Helens. In evening returned to Dennison. The Reg. came in same eve
and we quartered in the Barracks and remained from day to day without any thing very extraordinary happening until Saturday the 26 when we started for Dixie. We took the cars and soon run to Cin. Had opportunity presented I should have been glad to called and seen Mother and Rest folks but could not.
Our Reg boarded the splendid Steamer Prima Donna which left same afternoon arrived at
Louisville on the morning of the 27. I do not think that I overslept myself that night for considerable noise was created by a portion of the Officers of the 57, they being slightly on a spree. But Mort and me being privates could not of course participate only as lookers on which was enough for new Recruits.
Here we were unloaded and marched to the rear of the city and quartered in Camp Taylor Barracks. In the after
noon Mort Savage and myself got a furlough for two hours during which time we strolled through the City and took a dish of oysters each. We then returned to camp.
Tuesday Morning 29 Mar
took cars and arrived at Nashville same eve at 6 O'clock where we were marched through the city with Stars and Stripes floating in a very cold breeze. we were quartered in a an old college building.
The Reg. remained here until Monday morn Apr 4 when they started on the march for Larkinsville Ala Mort myself and some others were left behind to go on the cars with the baggage an arrangement that suited me much.
Friday the 8 Apr
we started got to Huntsville 2 O'clock same night. Staid over till morning then took the cars for Larkinville, arrived at 10
O'clock, went into the old camp where we found those of the Reg that did not reenlist glad to see us.
The weather being quite severe Mort an me soon found ourselves with bad colds and myself a very soar throat which lasted for several days when I recovered and began to feel quite well But Mort instead of getting better took the measels
and in a few days he went into the hospital. I of course felt sad and lonely but the Capt and rest of the Co came in on Saturday evening Apr 16 after which I began to enjoy camp life quite well
Sunday 17 the two Brigades of the 2nd Div 15 AC which are camped here were out on review by their commander Gen Morgan L. Smith. This being
about the first time I had been out on duty of any kind it looked to me to be a grand affair more so as I was one of the number.
From this time until 5 O'clock on Wednesday Apr 27 I did not do much of any thing except attend to the wants of Mort in his last sickness.
Thursday
He was buried according to Honors of war
in an old cemetery west of town about one mile.
May 1st 1864
Sunday morn. We started on a march for somewhere but all seemed to be totally ignorant of the direction or point we were destined to go. But we soon got headed for the front and I began to have an inkling in my own mind that a pretty severe campaign and march was
beginning to stare us full in the face. A great many thoughts and feelings about a great many things seemed to be round bout me to day
The great wonder with me was whether I could keep up with the rest on the march. But at night we camped at Scottsboro and I was not behind an inch. My load consisted of my rifle musket cartridge box with 40 rounds of ammunition, knapsack containing a nice large woolen blanket one
rubber blanket and a few little trinkets that you were thoughtful enough to put up for me. next was my haversack filled with 3 days rations and last my canteen.
Monday noon
brought us in to Mud Creek camp hot & tired. At night we brought up at camp six miles of Stevenson and the night being cold and frosty seemed a long one.
Tuesday May 3d
moved at 7 O'clock this morning and after a severe hard march we reached Bridgeport about sunset very hungry and much fatigued but succeeding in getting a small slice of soft bread besides my regular hard tack and sow belly, I made out quite a hearty meal after which I laid my self down on my
accustomed couch of earth & stone. I think perhaps I slept a little but was terrible happy when day light appeared so I could get up and rest my old bones
Wednesday May 4
We left Bridgeport and crossed the Tenn. River on a pontoon the first I had seen. It was a curiosity to me
We went on south over what I call a poor country to be fighting for. after passing the Narrows we camped on the banks of the Tenn River where all were ordered to go in and wash off.
Thurs May 5
at noon camped at the great Cave and went in to it some distance It is a great
natural curiosity It is said that explorers have went in and never came out. In the afternoon went within 6 miles of Chattanooga
Friday M 6
crossed the end of Lookout Mt. a somewhat noted mountain, Mission Ridge being visible on the left and also the great Chattanooga
We marched on 14 miles and and camped on the right of the noted Chickamauga Creek on the fighting ground of that great Battle. This evening rumors were to the effect that to morrow we would meet with some opposition
Saturday 7
we crossed Chickamauga
went 8 miles and camped
Sunday 8
marched all day until supper time took supper and marched some 5 or 6 miles and Co G. was put out on Picket on top of the mountains Orders were to march at 4 the next morning. Here Monday morning our waggons all
remained back for fear of capture and we moved on through a pass in the mt's some 6 miles in length expecting to find the Rebs at every moment to prevent our passing through But we got to the end and went on 2 miles and came to a stopping place, finding the Enemys
Pickets to dispute our advance. We were drawn up in line of Battle for the first time in the edge of the woods in front of which was an open field half a mile across on the other side was thick woods again in which the Rebs were firing at our skirmishers We stood there in the rain
ready for fight until dark when we fell back a few rods and camped. We laid down after supper and soon a terrible thundershower was upon us. It rained very hard for an hour or so wetting the most of the boys through. After the shower was over at 11 O'clock I heard our
Adjutant coming around giving orders for the boys to get up immediately and pack their knapsacks in and be ready to move at two O'clock. at that time we were routed out and got in to line to march forward as I suppose. But we took to the rear and
I concluded we were whiped. But went back to the mouth of the pass where we found breastworks thrown up behind which we were placed. It was now
morning May 11 and we laid there all day working on the breastworks. A number of
Regiments of Cavalry passed out to the front We remained here until
Thursday
noon 12th when orders were issued to be ready to move at a moments notice Soon we were moved out to the spot we had left and again brought up in line where we remained till
Friday May 13
Not much firing going on this morning the whole Army made an immediate advance. at noon we came to a stopping place and again drawn into line. Here the Rebs objected to our closer contact with them and the advance of both Armies done
considerable shooting at each other.
after a short time we advanced a quarter of a mile amid balls and again laid down We continued advancing by short intervals as the Enemy fell back until night when we got to the edge of the woods from which we could see their fortifications
For two hours now till 8 O'clock the balls flew thicker and faster and more of them. Both parties seemed now to be tired and the firing ceased for the night.
We fell back in the edge of the woods and camped. Our cooks brought us up some hot coffee after drinking which we laid down. As for
myself I could not sleep much for the thought of the morrow. I knew well enough that a severe fight would be the order of the day.
Saturday
morn May 14.
By the peep o day we had our rations in us and ready for biz. firing had already began and the
roar of musketry and cannon was distinctly audable for many miles on our right and left. We did not move until after dinner. We were then pushed out of the woods double quick down the slope a quarter of a mile, the balls whizing in all directions, hitting a man every little while
We got to the bottom of the ravine where we were not so much exposed and laid down for a few minutes. The next quarter of a mile was well covered with underbrush
We made several successive charges till we got to the end of the thicket. the next quarter of mile was an open
bottom greatly exposed to a cross fire. But soon we were ordered to double quick across the field. We started and had got but about 3 rods when my right hand man was hit in the leg which brought him to the ground. As he exclaimed O Jesus I turned round and saw him fall.
I stopped a moment, cannot describe my feelings so well as you can imagine them I knew it to be of no use to stop & expose myself unnecessarily so I ran a head as fast as possible untill I got half way cross the field when I tired out and come down to a walk the rest of the way. We
We had now reached the foot of a ridge where we were partially sheltered from the storm of balls But as soon as we could form in line we were hurried to the summit of the ridge in full view of the Enemys works from a quarter to half a mile right in front
Being to much exposed we were about faced and down the hill again we went. We were then marched to the right some 20 rods and mounted another still higher pt than the one we had just left. Here we laid down for half an hour with the ball and shell
coming thicker than ever. While there our Orderly was shot dead and Peter Snider severely shot in the back. At this it was the most splendid part of the fight, the sun having gone down and the moon shining, the bursting of shell over our heads made a continual lightning
Soon we were taken down hill toward the left and with the other Regiments formed a continual line from which the Rebs made several unsuccessful attempts to drive us. But our line was stubborn as a mule it would not give an inch
about 9 O'clock all was still as a mouse we had all we wanted. By daylight
Sunday 15
morning we were safe from the fire of the Enemy by getting into the ditch which we had constructed during the night. as soon as light they commenced
firing But it was all in vain for the balls passed over us.
The firing was kept up all day and most all night, but they were evacuating as fast as possible and
Monday 16
morning, we marched into Resaca with but little opposition.
Our first work was to save the RR Bridge across the Coosa which they had set on fire after crossing. At 10 O'clock a most glorious and encourageing view was presented. The Stars and Stri were flying in every direction
Thomas's whole Army marching through the place
At about noon we wheeled into ranks all hands and started in persuit and continued the persuit until Wednesday night fighting their rear every day.
We then went into camp near Kingston a station on RR and about fifty miles north of Atlanta
After resting and recruiting our muchly wearied bones and loading our waggon train with twenty days rations we again
Monday 23 M
continued our onward march into Dixie. We moved some 16 miles and went into camp after passing some fine country for the first time.
We crossed a river by the name of High Tower a splendid plantation was passed to day in which a nice garden was and O lord how the boys did go for the onions. I captured two fine ones went with a relish for supper together with some fresh
Pork that we just borrowed from a secesh.
Tuesday May 24
Remained in camp till 4 O'clock P.M. waiting for the train to get up. A rich old planter by the name of Calhoun lived here but when our advance came into view he fired into them and skedadled. His house was completely
riddled. We went slowly till dark when it rained very hard for 3 hours and we did not get to camp till 2 O'c at night. I felt most awful sick and did not get any rest to do me any good
Wednesday 25
up early and marched all day having
a bad spell I rode in the ambulance most of the day. After supper we had to go about 2 miles in order to form a line as the Enemy were giving us some trouble and some fighting was expected
It rained from 7 to 11 spoiling my rest for another night so that on
Thursday May 26 1864
I was in condition to be in bed if it had been possible to done such a thing, but I mustered all the courage and strength possible and marched with the Co. all day. The advance were skirmishing with the Enemy all day. at 4 O'clock we passed the town of Dallas
Yesterday Ugene called on me Sure I was glad to see him.
Went into camp at dark 1 mile beyond Dallas and staid till
Friday morn M 27
when the fight began. Being unable to do duty, I retired to the rear, met Ugene and gave him fifty dollars to keep for me
Brisk firing kept up all day, and most all night at 4 O'clock on
Saturday morn 28
we under orders went back some 5 miles with the waggon train and remained there all day and all night, the fight still underway The Rebs made a grand charge but were repulsed with a heavy loss
Sunday May 29
I started for the Regiment. Met Eugene got to the Reg at noon, another charge from the Rebs was soon expected to take place but they do not attempt it up to 6 O'clock at which time we are sitting behind the works with balls buzzing about in all directions bout 8 P.M. they began to
charge our works and continued to do so at intervals all night. Such a time and night as this I have never seen. Oh, that a description could be given but far from it. Truly a country like this must be valuable indeed for its cost of blood is at present infinite.
Monday morn 30
I find myself
much better than I could have expected. It is a clear and beautiful morning and the boys seem to have their usual appetites.
Skirmishing is incessant and we the 57 being on the reserve laid in the shade and rested ourselves. At 11 O'clock we had dinner of beef soup immediately after dinner I had the honor of seeing General Sherman for
the first time. He and Logan and McPherson and Staff's came along close to us, Logan having a wound in his arm
Everything now appears uncertain as to success. But a few days I think will tell the story. Sundown comes and no general attack is made.
Tuesday morning 31
Not much done
last night. the Rebs making but one attempt. In the afternoon our Reg moved back 1 mile and halted in order to be ready to reinforce where necessary. nothing occurring to disturb us we remained all night laying down with our accourterments on.
At daylight on
Wednes June 1
we were again
marched back a mile behind some more works expecting an attack every moment but should they come I think we are in a posish to do them much harm In half an hour were on the march went to left of our line to reinforce Hooker got there at noon. Co G was sent forward on Picket so that we had the duty to perform of
of shooting and being shot at. not much fun after all though I popped a pig over any how which will make my breakfast, if I am fortunate enough to need any.
Lucky Boys, we were relieved from Picket at dusk and rested all night.
Thursday 2
It rained a hard
shower making it more pleasant. We did not move till
Friday morn 3
when we went out and worked on some breastworks till noon then came back to camp. In the afternoon it rained quite hard.
Sat June 4
We are laying still but I have so much pain that I cannot enjoy myself
Sunday June 5 1864
The fact appearing this morning that Gen Johnson had made one more grand evacuation and again on the retreat. As a matter of course we were soon on the march after him, for it is our determination to follow to the last. Eugene called on me again to day. At 4 O'clock we went into camp
tired enough for the day has been one of the most hot and sultry of the season. I begin to think I fell better when on the march than laying in camp
Monday morn
the first thing we hear this morning is that Richmond is ours. How good if only true.
At noon after a hard march we
found ourselves sitting on the RR at Ackworth.
Eat a bite and went on 1 mile and went into camp.
Tuesday June 7
In the fore part of the day I had the pleasure of enjoying a visit with Van Little and towards night finding we were not going to move I went over to the 113 Reg and saw several acquaintances and staid all night with Van
Wednes. Ju 8 1864
Nothing but the ordinary scenes of camp life occurred to day If I were only well I could enjoy myself but I am on the contrary quite unwell, having the rheumatism and aching with pain all over causing me to get no sleep of any consequence To night we got orders to be in readiness to march at
6 O'clock in the morn of
Thursday 9
At 10 O.c. our marching orders were revoked and we remained in camp till
Friday morn 10
at 6 when we marched again for the front to find the Johnnys, Our Reg in the advance We had only gone some 5 miles when we had
to halt some 3 miles from what is known as Lost Mountain.
Here we shelled the woods in front of us to scare the Rebs out.
Remained here till
Saturday 11
Last night I went to see Virg. found him well and had a good visit with him
To day a grand shout was raised as the engine
passed us out to the extreme front and stopped and blowed loudly right in the Rebs faces It must no doubt annoyed them terribly as they beheld such an impudent transaction
Sunday 12
It rained all day. We made no move, went and saw Virg again
Monday M 13
At daylight we had to get ready at a moments notice in a heavy rain to move. We went 2 miles and stopped again where we enjoyed ourselves miserably in the steady rain till about night The night was very cold. I could not keep warm on my little bed of rails
Tuesday May 14
We did not move and I was truly glad for I could not eat and on
Wednes 15
I was quite sick and the firing in front is getting very rapid
Thurs 16
At 9 O'clock the Reg. went forward But the doctor said I was unfit to go and I remained
in the rear till late in the afternoon when I again went to the Reg It being only about 1 mile off
Friday 17 found
me feeling quite well and my appetite good. We had some beans for breakfast the first on the march and they relished splendid For dinner Cap got me some butter crackers and concentrated milk
to put in my coffee and some horseradish on my meat, which seemed to do me a power of good. I was out to day and had a good view of the skirmishers poping at each other At 3 O'clock our forces made a feint on the Rebel works which was a grand thing in the shape of a charge. We then resumed our old posish.
Sat 18
last night it rained all day as hard as it could conveniently making it very uncomfortably wet until
Sund 19
As the Johnnys are gone this morning (so the boys say) after breakfast the order came to be ready to march at a moments notice. As I lacked strength to stand
Sund June 26. 1864
At the Hosp't I had an opportunity of witnessing the bringing in of the wounded and their treatment. Such sights a person must see else he will not
be able to comprehend all the horror of war But I do not desire to see legs and arms sawed off any more To day I reported to my Reg. for duty again My book is filling up so fast I shall have to be more brief in my history of this Campaign I saw Eugene to day and got my money of him. At dusk we march and went till midnight and laid till morning
Monday morn was a warm one naturally and soon we were in readiness to go into a fight now we move, soon the firing begins. now lay down. now up and on, now fix bayonets, on and on midst a perfect shower of shot and shell. Now we reach the foot of the Mt.
The killed and wounded are thick all round me.
My Co are suffering One killed and seven or eight wounded Col Rice now falls wounded. What a scene. The Rebs works are just ahead of us on top of the hill—We now are piled two or three deep in a little ravine evry moment a ball strikes within a foot or two of me
Soon I hear the order to fall back. I lay a moment to see if tis so, but a perfect rush was the immediate result. I got up and put back ¼ mile. tired out. Set down wrote the record eat a bit and came back to the Reg.
We soon began to dig works and by 4 O'clock we were nicely fixed behind works. At sundown the artillery of the two contending parties opened with shot and shell. The sight was sublime in the extreme. At 9 O'clock P.M. thanks to the Authority that relieved us from what I shall designate the Hottest Hole this side of Hell
We marched 2 m and camped and thus ended the work of a Monday long to be remembered in our history.
Tuesday Wednes
Thurs and Friday Ju 1
We rested—Nothing particularly important to write—But to our surprise about 3 O'clock on the morning of
Saturday July 2
we were aroused and at daylight found found ourselves on the march. At about 12 O'clock we halted after reaching a point some 12 miles to the right of our starting pt—Here we remained and enjoyed ourselves the best we could till 3 O'clock
Sunday when we were moved out some two miles. But soon returned to our former camp But it is Co Gs turn to go on picket. We get our supper at a moments notice and at dusk we went about ¼ mile and stopped at an old planters or farmers house and staid all night. We had a good time and considerable fun for me it was to see the boys search
the premises for every thing that was thought worthy of appropriating both eating and wearing. I secured a small shawl simply as a token of the time. But the next morning was
Monday July 4
Yesterday the good news come to us that the evacuation of the Kenesaw Mt had taken place.
The 17 AC
passed us to the right—I met
Virg and spoke with him only for a moment—To day for breakfast and dinner I had what I shall call a tip top soldiers 4th July dinner. it was all the chicken I wished and indeed we had quite a celebration until 10 O'clock when we were called to the Reg. the Reg then with the Division started of in the direction of Marietta went some 4 miles
through the hot sun and halted in the shade not more than half a mile in the rear of the firing by the skirmishers. We soon found we were not needed here so we went back to starting p't—
Tuesday 5
We marched the best part of the day and camped probably within 4 or 5 miles of the Chattahooche River
Wednes 6 all quiet
Thurs 7 Virg and Hoover come from the River 4 miles & spent 3 hours with me and took dinner
Friday July 8th
At 4 O'clock we started toward At
went about 4 mi and camped on a ridge near a small creek. Almost in sight of Atlanta—
Sat July 9—In the afternoon we built some works in case to be ready—But it not proving necessary we did not go into them
Mon 11 July
We marched 6 miles
At 9 O.c. Co G went out on Picket staid till 4 O.c.
Tues July 12
we were then relieved and started on a long steady
march which lasted without cessation till
Wednesday night
whence we found ourselves on the extreme left of our line near the Chatt. River. We marched during the 24 hours over 20 miles—the heat being excessive—We camped near Rossville and remained till
Thursday July 14
In the afternoon
we moved some 4 miles which put us some 2 miles on the Atlanta side of the Chattahooche—Here we formed a line and commenced digging
Friday July 15
We did not move—I took a good swim to day in the River—
Satur July 16—Same as Friday. at night we got orders to move
Sunday morn Ju 17
We marched all day
Monday the same and Tuesday we came to the RR running from Atlanta east—Burnt and destroyed it for some miles then marched round and camped at Decatur
July 20 Wedn
mor. at 5 AM we were started toward Atlanta the Dis
said to be but 6 m. we proceeded some half the distance with but little resistance & at noon I really began to think we were going into town before night but not so—Here we found our onward march considerably risky owing to the bark of the Enemys mad dogs and the [?] coming thick and fast into the midst of our ranks—
causing us once more to sorter hug the ground for our more safe protection from the desire of our friends the Jonnys
At 4 O'clock we moved a little to the right and the firing was not so severe.
July 21 Thurs
last night we were building breastworks
We remained behind them all day undisturbed—At sundown we were ordered
out on the skirmish line—here we worked all night in getting up some protection works—At daylight the skirmish line made an advance Soon we come to the Rifle pitts of the Enemy—On we go—in five minutes we mount a line of the Enemys works Here we found some Jonnys that had overslept themselves and we captured them
We still keep advancing through the thick woods—Now we come out into an opening and the great Atlanta presents itself. But at the same time heavy works are visible near the town and we are ordered to halt—Here we constructed a little protection of fence rails and lay untill noon during which time a 10 pounder
struck my little pile of rails giving me quite a little thump Soon heavy fighting commenced on our left and for a time I thought we were getting surrounded and about to be lost. In a short time the cry among the boys was—look at the Rebels in front of us on their works—In a few minutes they came upon us with a rush—We held our ground
for a few minutes and then fell back in the midst of the most terriffic fire possible.
The Scene now—for the next two hours being indescribable I shall not undertake it I now learn that one of our Co is wounded and three missing Capt being one of the latter.
Saturday July 13
we were not attacked
to day but were momentarily expecting it.
Sunday July 24
Strategy movements are going on but we are laying still and continued still
Wednesday Mor Ju 27
When we marched round on to the right of Atlanta
Thursday Ju 28
After getting into camp about midnight we lay down some 3 hours and then
got up got our coffee started at daylight to get into line and position which took till noon. Soon our skirmishers were busy firing. In a few minutes the Enemy made an assault on us with a seeming determination to drive us—but we repulsed them—they kept forming all the afternoon to the number of 7 or 8 times and until after dark and
they were bitterly repulsed each time with terrible effect, leaving the field covered with their dead and wounded. Such fighting I have not before seen. I shot some 150 rounds and at the close I felt still like shooting more but was tired out After the firing ceased our Co went forward as skirmishers
and remained until
Friday morn
July 29 when we were relieved
Sunday 3 PM July 31
I have just finished writing a letter to you and tis now raining quite brisk
We advanced ½ mile yesterday into another line of works. We commenced digging yesterday after noon and got no relief for some 4 hours a thing that a soldier thinks altogether out
of order as two hours is the usual time to be relieved.
Sunday Au 7
Another week has rolled round and we are nearly in the same place as last Sun. But heavy fighting somewhere in hearing is constantly going on and I have been a participant in considerable of it. I must close this book and will send it soon yours &c
R. R. Cooke
Memoranda of Business with US
Feb 22nd Enlisted for 3 yrs was
1864 mustered in and rec'd Sixty Dolls Bounty and
$13 advance pay
March 25 Drew 1 wool Blanket
1 Rubber Blanket
1 Canteen
1 Havresack
1 Knapsack
Friday 13 knapsack
orders to move 5
Sunday 8 traveled after supper
Mon 9 Co G on Picket
Last night orders read to move at 4 O'clock all the wagon in rear the 15 C ahead some firing ahead near RR
Tues 10 no move till 10 when fire commenced 1st Div on left
Wed we called at 2 O.c. a heavy rain all night Snake Creek pass
Thurs 12 [?] fire
orders to move mo notice
Brig. Cav front
2nd Div went no firing
Monday noon Mud Creek
" night 6 miles Stevenson
cold rain
Tues 3 Orders move 7 6 c
Reached Bridgeport
Wed 4 warm dusty camp
at noon 4 miles from
Tenn River Narrows
brook River
Thursday 5 camped in 6 miles Chat
Friday May 6 crossed the end of L.M. 14m.
camped Chickamauga creek
Sat 7 16 Cor started at 2
morning traveled 8
miles and camped opposite
265
108
2120
265
28620
400
28220
R R Cooke
[figures, mostly stained]
Thurs June 8, 1865
This morning I ran the blockade and went to the City I saw the 6th Corps pass in review—I visited the Green Back Establishment The White House and Willards Hotel
Wed June 28 1865
Mustered out and received discharge and pay
Left at 5 PM
for Columbus—Ar at 9—remained til 4 AM
Thurs June 29
and took cars for Lewis Center
Mar 9 to
[remainder of page arithmetic figuring]
H W Bricker
Corn
[remainder figures]
13
Started out to sea again and after enduring sea sickness to our fill we anchored off Morehead City NC at about noon on
Sat 15 1865
where we lay through the night in a heavy storm and on
Sund 16 at 10 O.c. we were piloted in to the harbor at the mouth of the Neuse River
14
At 4 oc we landed at Moorehead City and went into camp for the night
The last few days have been rendered long and dreary ones to me owing to severe pain in my back together with sea sickness
15
Mon Apr 17 1865
This morning we were at our breakfast at 4 O.c. in camp in rear of Moorehead City Soon after Break we went to R.R. nearby & boarded the train for Newbern where we arrived and laid over till 6 PM—then we took the cars for Goldsboro N.C. and arrived in said place at 11 O.c. and camped near the depot
16
Tuesday Apr 1865
This morning orders were to remain here until further orders
Wednes Apr 19
Yesterday I wrote to wife with instructions to direct to me to the Reg.
Fri 21
Wrote to Rach
17
Sund Apr 23 1865
This morning at daylight we left on the cars for Raleigh arrived at noon & marched out two miles to the camp of Co G
Thurs Apr 27 1865
Gen Johnson surrendered this morning at 8 Oclock—The cheering through the different Regiments was terriffic
18
Frid Apr 28 1865
To day I wrote to wife
Sat Apr 29 1865
At 10 Oclock the Army took up its line of march northward We moved some dozen miles and went in to camp No 1 where we remained over
Sunday Apr 30
and was mustered for pay
19
May 1 1865
At 5 Oclock we resumed our march homeward bound at two oclock we reached Louisburg and went in to camp No 2 from Raleigh 33 miles
After the fatigue of the march to day it being a very warm one I was detailed as camp guard orders being to walk our beats, so on
20
Tues Morn May 2
I found myself very near played out but by riding part of the way I succeeded in making some 20 miles to camp No 3—10 mi to Warrenton
Wed Apr 3 1865
Left camp at 8 AM passed Warrenton at 11 O.c. where the niggers massed on each corner to witness the Yanks—they were all
21
Hurrahing for Sherman—At a little before sundown we were in camp No 4 on the left bank of the Roanoke River some some 25 miles from No 3
Thurs May 4 1865
Left camp at noon crossed River on pontoon bridge and at 8 PM went into camp No 5
At daylight
22
Friday we left camp No 5 and at 5 PM we were in camp No 6 having marched something over 30 miles The day was very warm and the country of the most civilized I have yet seen in the would be Confed. One house we passed which had in the front yard our flag—Each Reg as passed gave three hearty cheers
23
Sat mor May 6 1865
After getting into camp last night my tooth commenced aching severely and untill midnight I was compelled to keep moving from place to place getting no rest. At daylight we were on the move toward Petersburg. After marching 18 miles we camped in No 7—6 miles from Petersburg
24
Sund May 7 1865
To day we moved within 2 miles of the City and camped No 8 got soft bread
Mon May 8 1865
I went up into the City and bought some bread & butter and cheese
25
Tues May 9 1865
At 8 AM we struck our tents and moved slowly toward the somewhat renouned City of Petersburg As the Corps passed through the City it was reviewed by Gen Logan—The place compares favorably with the best I have seen in the South. After passing the City we crossed the Appomattox and on toward Richmond some 12 miles and camped in No 9
26
Wedn May 10 1865
Marched in sight of Richmond and camped in No 10
27
Frid May 12 65
Got in Amb and rode into the Rebel Capitol where we took boat for Alexandria at 2 Oc passed Ft Darling at sundown arri at City Point where we lay till 10 Oc
Sat May 13 65
When the Columbia pulled out and sailed down the James River just before sundown we passed Fort Monroe
28
and entered the Bay. Now on salt water—
Sunday May 14
To day is bright clear day and as we sail up the Potomac the scenery is delightful (To day all is quiet on the Potomac)
At 12 Oc passed Ft Washington
29
At 2 Oc landed at Alexandria Va and marched out some 2 miles & camped on the noted Bull Run
Sun May 21 1865
We pulled up & joined our command as they were passing by went some 12 miles & camped
Tuesday May 23
moved up and camped opposite Washington in full view of the City and its surroundings
Wed May 24
At sunrise we left our camp for Washington and the Grand review, After which we marched out some 4 miles & camped
Friday May 26 65
I visited the Capitol Building & the Pattent Office I took dinner at the Metropolitan Hotel
Sun May 28 65
was sent to Div Hopt
Wed 31 1865
was sent to Harewood Hospt Wash D.C.
DATABASE CONTENT
| (14779) | DL0977 | Diaries |
Tags: Artillery, Atlanta Campaign, Camp/Lodging, Death (Military), Enlistment, Fighting, Food, Fortifications, Guard/Sentry Duty, Illnesses, Injuries, Marching, Picket Duty, Railroads, Recreation, Supplies, Victory, Weather
People - Records: 1
- (5400) [writer] ~ Cooke, Rodney R.
SOURCES
Rodney R. Cooke Diary, DL0977, Nau Collection
