Diary, 1863
January, Thursday, 1. 1863.
There is nothing very important going on today the boys are all very merry The weather is very pleasant
Friday, 2.
Our Company is on Picket to day but as there there was enough without me I did not go out
Saturday, 3.
The boys had a very bad time on Picket last night it rained all night. They wer relieved this morning
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January, Sunday, 4. 1863.
The weather is very cold to day nothing of importance going on
Monday, 5.
General Steel was brought up from Vicksburg dead to day he was killed in the recent battle at that place
Tuesday, 6.
The Regt was called out last night about mid night to catch some guerrillas We went out to the Picket line about a mile from Camp, on double quick & formed an ambush and laid there untill day light but nothing in the shape of a butter-nutt made its appearance so we returned to Camp
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January, Wednesday, 7. 1863.
Our Company is on Picket to day nothing else worthy of note
Thursday, 8.
We wer relieved from Picket to day
Friday, 9.
The weather is nice and warm. nothing of importance is going on
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January, Saturday, 10. 1863.
We recieved marching orders to day. There was one prolonged shout went up from the entire Regt when we rec'd an order from Gen Gorman to "cook rations" and be ready to moove. We got on the boat about 9 oclock P.M.
Sunday, 11.
We laid at the wharf all night last night and this morning at 7 oclock we mooved across the river opposite town to wait till the ballance of the fleet got ready. the signal for the fleet to start was given at six oclock P.M. and we steamed down the river 'mid the cheers of those who wer compelled to remain behind Our Regt led the ban
Monday, 12.
We got to the mouth of White River this morning at 3 oclock which is 100 miles below Helena. but as this river is to narrow for boats to run after night we had to wait till day light. We started on up the river early this morning. We stoped at Prarie Landing which is 30 miles from the mouth, at 6 oclock P.M. for the night Our Company was sent out on Picket about half a mile from the boat
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January, Tuesday, 13. 1863.
We wer ordered to the boat at day light this morning and started on up the river We got in sight of St Charles about 6 oclock and tied up for the night I expect we will have a little fighting to do befor we go much father. the report is that the Rebels are fortified at St Charles
Wednesday, 14.
Scouts wer sent out early this morning to ascertain the position of the enemy. They returned about 11 oclock A.M. and reported the place evacuated. We then mooved on up to St Charles and landed there about noon the town (consisting of 25 or 30 houses) was burned on account of the wickedness of its people. there was two of our gun boats overtook us about 2 oclock P.M. It has been raining.
Thursday, 15.
We resumed our journey up the river early this morning our destination is Devalls Bluff the Rebels are said to be strongly fortified at that place. We wer very much surprised to find the ground covered about 10 inches deep with snow this morning we got to Clarendon about 7 oclock P.M. and tied up for the night
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January, Friday, 16. 1863.
We left Clarendon about 9 oclock A.M. & got to Devalls Bluff about 3 P.M. But as usual when we got there the Rebels had departed to some other point more congenial to their health & happiness. We captured two 64 pound cannons & 50 stand of arms consisting of shot guns & Enfield Rifles & 60 prisnors.
Saturday, 17.
We laid at Devalls Bluff last night and all day to day. I dont know what point we will make for next but I think we will return to the mouth of the river. the weather is stinging cold the snow is 8 or 10 inches deep the Cittizens say they never saw as much snow on the ground as there is now.
Sunday, 18.
We are still at Devalls Bluff we recieved an order this evening to go on up the river to Jacksonport in the morning
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January, Monday, 19. 1863.
The order to go to Jacksonport was countermanded this morning and orders given to return to the Helena. We passed Clarendon at 11 A.M. and got to St Charles at 4 P.M. and tied up for the night it has been raining all afternoon.
Tuesday, 20.
We left St Charles at day light and got to the Miss about 4 oclock P.M. We did not stop but kept on up the river We had to stop at dark it was so dark the boat could not run
Wednesday, 21.
We resumed our journey at day light this morning We passed a fleet of 14 boats a few miles below Helena they wer all loaded with soldiers I guess they are bound for Vicksburg We arrived at Helena about 4 P.M. and staid there untill dark and then mooved across the river opposite town
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January, Thursday, 22. 1863.
We got off of the boat this morning and laid around all day we expected to have to pitch tents but we did not get them and about nine oclock P.M. the boat came back and we got on board again
Friday, 23.
We mooved across the river again this morning and marched about about ½ a mile west of town and camped on the side of a large hill We did not get our tents until nearly night and we had to stand out in the rain all day
Saturday, 24.
It has been raining all day the mud is six inches deep all over camp
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January, Sunday, 25. 1863.
It still continues to rain as hard as it can pour down nothing going on worthy of note.
Monday, 26.
Our Company is on picket to day it still continues to rain
Tuesday, 27.
We wer not relieved from picket untill nearly dark to day
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January, Wednesday, 28. 1863.
Nothing of importance has transpired to day the weather is clear warm
Thursday, 29.
Nothing worthy of note
Friday 30.
Nothing of importance
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January, Saturday, 31. 1863.
It has been raining ever since 2 or 3 oclock
February, Sunday, 1.
Our Company is on Picket to day the weather is clear and warm
Monday, 2.
We was relieved this morning from picket
Weather clear and cold
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February, Tuesday, 3. 1863.
nothing going on to day of any importance
Wednesday, 4.
Our Company was ordered to report to Gen Gormans Head Quarters this morning at 7 oclock with two days rations in our haversacks to go down the river. We reported at the time we was ordered to and he ordered us to go down and open the Yazoo Pass. We got on to the boat but before we got started the order was countermanded and we returned to Camp it commenced snowing about two oclock P.M. and is still at it the snow is 3 or 4 inches deep
Thursday, 5.
There is nothing of importance going on it is still snowing
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February, Friday, 6. 1863.
Nothing of importance to day the weather is very cold
Saturday, 7.
Urias Winger was buried to day
Sunday, 8.
We was aroused this morning long before day light and ordered to prepare two days rations and get ready to march to the boat at 7 oclock. We marched to the boat & the right wing of the Regt embarked on the Steamer Evansville & the left wing on the Mattie Cook we wer then ordered to proceed and clear out the Yazoo Pass so the boats can run through to Cold Water. the Rebs have cut it full of timber We got into the pass about 12 oclock we did not go to work to day the Gen went back to Camp after some more men and tools
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February, Monday, 9. 1863.
Our rations of meat run out this morning and foraging parties wer sent out to get more they returned with a good supply of beefe and pork. The Gen got back about 10 oclock with the 33rd Iowa and some provision. One of our boats went back to Helena. A part of the 33rd on board of the Steamer Henderson have gone on down the pass they are going at pretty good speed
Tuesday, 10.
Our Regt was ordered to moove on this morning & overtake the 33rd. We caught up with them about 9 oclock. Our advance Cavalry had a little scratch with some bushwhackers that wer cutting timber into the river this evening we came to a large drift about 5 oclock P.M. which blockades the river for about ½ a mile it will take 2 or 3 days to clean it out.
Wednesday, 11.
Another foraging party was sent out this morning to get meat they went out 2 or 3 miles from Camp and went to killing hogs and cattle & a party of 1st Ind Cav hearing them shooting & not knowing they wer out there supposed them to be guerillas & attacked them there was two or three vollies exchanged before the mistake was found out fortunately no one was hurt
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February, Thursday, 12. 1863.
We got the drift cleared out to day so that boats can pass and mooved on about 1½ miles & came to whear the Rebels have been at work with pretty good effect they have got the river blockaded for 2 or 3 miles with trees from 4 to 5 feet through cut across about evry 10 or 15 yards
Friday, 13.
Our Company was detailed to work on the drift to day we dont make very much headway it will take us a week or 2 to get through this drift
Saturday, 14.
Our whole Regt was at work on the drift to day The Lieut Col went to Helena to day to see if he could not get some Regt to come down & relieve us so we could go up & get a change of cloths
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February, Sunday, 15. 1863.
We wer relieved to day by the 34th Ind and returned to Helena got to Camp about noon and found evry thing just as we had left it
Monday, 16.
There is nothing of importance going on to day it has been drizzling rain all after noon
Tuesday, 17.
We signed the pay rolls to day I guess we will get our pay before long there is nothing of importance going on
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February, Wednesday, 18. 1863.
We recieved two months pay today nearly evry man you see has his hand full of "green back"
Thursday, 19.
There was 150 men detailed from our Regt to day for Picket fortunately "for me" I was detailed I was down in town and like to have never got back the mud is knee deep all over Camp town
Friday, 20.
The pickets wer relieved this morning the weather is nice & warm nothing part particular going on
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February, Saturday, 21. 1863.
There was 150 men detailed from our Regt again for picket it has been raining all day as hard as it could pour down Gen Prentis took command of the forces here to day
Sunday, 22.
To day was celebrated as the birth day of Washington. Gen Prentice delivered an eloquent address to the soldiers He says if we will be patient a little longer he will lead us on to victory
Monday, 23.
We recieved orders to prepare to go to the boat at 3 oclock to go down the river but the order was countermanded on account of the boats not being ready I guess we will go in the morning
the weather is butiful
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February, Tuesday, 24. 1863.
We recieved orders about 4 oclock A.M. to strike tents pack knapsacks and get ready to go to the boat We marched down to the wharf and laid there untill noon and the boat did not come & we went back to camp to wait till 3 oclock P.M. We then marched down again and got aboard of the boat
Wednesday, 25.
We laid at the wharf all night last night & started down the river at day light this morning we got into the pass lake about 7 oclock we laid in the lake all day and at dark we started down the pass we got down the pass a mile or so and the boat got fast on a snag & we had to stop
Thursday, 26.
We got the boat loose about 7 oclock A.M. & started on down the pass We only got down 8 miles the boats are so large they cant get along very fast
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February, Friday, 27. 1863.
We have only mooved about 4 miles to day nothing very important transpired to day
Saturday, 28.
Nothing very important transpired today we wer mustered for pay we only mooved about three miles today
March, Sunday, 1.
We mooved about 2 miles today nothing worthy of note took place
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March, Monday 2. 1863.
We got into Cold Water about 1 oclock this morning and then we stoped to let the gun boats & rams get in advance of us we have been carrying rails all day to set up around the sides for breastworks
Tuesday, 3.
Our Company and Company D was detached from the Regt and put on board the ferry boat Luella to forage for the fleet. We wer put in advance of a nearly all the other boats we stoped at a plantation about 2 oclock P.M. and killed a couple of hogs for our selves and cooked our suppers and then started on
Wednesday, 4.
We passed 6 boats to day There is only 3 more ahead of us we have not seen any thing like a plantation today Nothing but one continual cane brake on either side of the river we tied up about dark
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March, Thursday, 5. 1863.
We resumed our journey at day light and passed the rest of the fleet except one ram We came to a plantation about 10 oclock and stoped and killed 30 head of cattle and took them on board & then started on & went 4 or 5 miles farther to another plantation & got 29 bales of cotton & placed them around the side of the boat for breastworks & then started on evry farm we passed to day had a flag of truce hanging out
Friday, 6.
We resumed our journey at daylight we stoped at two plantations to day once to get cotton & once to get some cattle We wer ordered back to the Regt about dark the Gen said that we had forage enough for the fleet
Saturday, 7.
We got into the Tallehatchee River this morning nothing of importance has transpired to day
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March, Sunday, 8. 1863.
We have mooved about 25 miles to day & have not passed a single plantation nothing but a vast wilderness on either side of the river we tied up about dark
Monday, 9.
We passed several nice plantations to day at all of which they wer burning their cotton to keep us from getting it We made the best time to day that we have made since we left Helena
Tuesday, 10.
There was a man fired into one of our boats to day & wounded one man We passed a boat this afternoon that the Rebels had set afire and abandoned she was loaded with cotton We got within 4 or 5 miles of the Rebel Fort at the mouth of this river about 4 oclock & tied up for the night
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March, Wednesday, 11. 1863.
We mooved down a mile or so this morning & then our Regt & the 46th Ind was ordered to get off & march down to the fort we marched down about a mile & a half & halted & one or two Companies of the 46th was sent on to reconoiter. They went on 3 or 400 yards & came to a bayou & while they wer preparing to cross they recieved a volley from the enemys pickets several vollies wer exchanged & then our Regt was ordered up on the double quick when they saw us coming they broke & run we could not follow them on account of the bayou the gun boat then opened out on them & exchanged several shots when a shell from the Fort struck one of ours just as the men wer quiting it into the gun both shells exploded killing 4 men
Thursday, 12.
Our Regt was called out this morning with 1 days rations We marched down to the battery that our men had planted last night & stoped for the gun boats to get ready but it took them all day to repair damages therefore there was nothing done Our Regt was ordered on picket and we had to go without our blankets or over coats as we did not know we would have to go on picket when we left the boat
Friday, 13.
They opened out on them with 8 pieces this morning 2 from the land battery 2 from the gun boat Chillicothe & 3 from the gun boat DeKalb & one mortar & kept up a heavy firing all day but apparently without any effect it was responded to by several guns from the Fort 2 or 3 men were killed on the DeKalb We wer relieved from picket & returned to the point
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March, Saturday, 14. 1863.
Our Regt was ordered out about 12 oclock to take a battery that the Rebels wer supposed to have planted last night close to ours we went down to the battery and halted & a detail was made to cross the bayou & find out whear the battery was situated they returned & reported that that there was no battery there & we returned to the boat
Sunday, 15.
Our Regt was ordered on picket again this morning the 43rd Ind took a 64 pound gun off of the DeKalb & hauled it down to the battery & planted it it has been quiet all day
Monday, 16.
The ball was opened again this morning the Chillicothe mooved down with the intention of runing right under their guns but before she got down a 64 pound ball struck one of her port hole slides & mashed it so they could not work it & she had to drop back they kept up the firing from the battery untill night a man from the 46th Ind got his arm shot off we wer relieved from picket by the 43rd Ind
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March, Tuesday, 17. 1863.
The pickets brought in two prisnors to day one of them was a first Lieut He says we will all be paroled prisnors before two weeks
Wednesday, 18.
Nothing of importance has been done to day Our Regt has sliped from picket again to day
Thursday, 19.
Our Regt was ordered on picket again this evening nothing else of importance
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March, Friday, 20. 1863.
We received orders about 12 oclock last night to leave the post at 3 oclock & go to the boat as silently as we could. When we got to the boat we found our tents had been struck & evry thing was on board the boat the Regt was marched on & we laid there untill day light & then started up the river for Helena. We passed a squad of Rebel Cavalry about noon but they wer too far off to shoot at
Saturday, 21.
We met Gen Quinby about 4 oclock P.M. coming to our assistance with 5 or 6000 men & we had turned around & started back we did not go very far till we tied up for the night
Sunday, 22.
Nothing of importance transpired to day we tied up about dark
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March, Monday, 23. 1863.
We arrived at our old landing place two miles above the Fort about 3 oclock P.M. the 46th Ind was sent out to reconnoiter as soon as we landed & they returned with 15 prisnors one of them is a Lieut They are as saucy as they can be
Tuesday, 24.
It has rained nearly all day Our Regt was ordered on picket this evening We got on the same old post that we wer on when we wer here before
Wednesday, 25.
The Rebels have been throwing shells at our pickets about evry half hour all day When ever they seen a squad of 5 or 6 together they would blaze away at them We wer relieved from picket by the 43rd Ind about dark
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March, Thursday 26. 1863.
We got off of the boat this morning & pitched tents we have got a very nice Camp nothing else worthy of note
Friday, 27.
4 Companies of our Regt under comd of Major L H Goodwin started on an expedition to break up a Rebel Camp at the County seat of this County our Company did not go. We wer ordered on picket this evening
Saturday, 28.
The Companies that wer on the expedition returned this morning with a few prisnors We wer relieved from this evening about 5 oclock
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March, Sunday 29. 1863.
A sad accident occured in Company F of our Regt last night It commenced raining & blowing very hard about 12 oclock at night & blowed a tree across one of their tents killing 4 men almost instantly & wounding 2 more very badly
Monday, 30.
two hunderd men was detailed from the Regt this morning to go up the river 3 or 4 miles to load the boat with rails They returned about 4 oclock P.M. Nothing else worthy of note
Tuesday, 31.
Our Regt was ordered on picket again to day we relieved the 46th Ind Our Company was held as reserve
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April, Wednesday, 1. 1863.
We wer relieved from picket this morning by the 43rd Ind Nothing else of importance
Thursday, 2.
Our Company & Company E was detailed to go up the river to cut a boat load of cane for breastworks we got back about one oclock P.M.
Friday, 3.
The Regiment was ordered on picket this morning We relieved the 28th Wisconsin The Rebels have been throwing shells at us all day no one has been hurt yet very seriously
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April, Saturday, 4. 1863.
We wer relieved from picket this morning by the 46th Ind the Quarter master of the 46th got his arm shot off by a shell We wer ordered to load the boat with rations this evening & about 11 oclock P.M. we received orders to strike tents & get on board the boat all of which we accomplished very quickly
Sunday, 5.
We started up the river at day light this morning nothing very important transpired on our way up the river the whole fleet is ordered to report at Helena in 1 day we stoped runing at dark
Monday, 6.
Nothing of importance transpired to day we stoped at dark & pickets wer thrown out 100 men was detailed from our Regt for pickets
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April, Tuesday, 7. 1863.
We started at day light this morning & got into Cold Water about 7 oclock AM & about 6 oclock PM we got into the Yazoo Pass
Wednesday, 8.
We got into Moon Lake about 4 oclock P.M. & about 5 oclock we we got into the Miss we got to Helena about half past six as soon as we landed we wer put into General Hoveys Division and ordered to Vicksburg the Col got permission to remain at Helena long enough to get our pay
Thursday, 9.
We staid on the boat all night last night & this morning we wer ordered off & marched up to our old camp & went to work fixing up our pay rolls & signing them
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April, Friday, 10. 1863.
Nothing very particular hapened to day We expected to get our pay to day but the pay master was paying the 55th Ohio & did not get through untill nearly night & he said he would pay us in the morning
Saturday, 11.
To day has been a very busy day with the 47th the pay master was paying us off & we received orders about noon to strike tents & go to the boat as fast as we got our pay our Company was the last one paid & therefore we wer the last on the boat we got 4 months pay
Sunday, 12.
We started down the river about 10 oclock AM with 15 other boats all loaded with troops We passed the mouth of White River about 3 oclock P.M. & about 5 oclock we passed the mouth of the Arkansas We stoped runing about 12 oclock PM
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April, Monday, 13. 1863.
We got to Millikens bend about 3 oclock P.M. & disembark & in a few minutes the order was countermanded & we embarked again & laid on the boat all night
Tuesday, 14.
This morning we mooved up the river about 5 miles & disembarked & pitched tents we wer then ordered to cook 4 days rations & get ready to moove we are encamped in a clover field we have got a very nice camp
Wednesday, 15.
About 2 oclock P.M. we received orders to strike tents & carry them on board the boat & also all of our camp equipage & cook 3 days rations
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April, Thursday, 16. 1863.
We took up the line of march about 8 A.M. Our Regt brought up the rear of the Division. Co A. D. & F. wer detailed for rear guards We halted in a nice shady grove about noon for our dinners. We started again after dinner We got into Richmond about dusk & encamped for the night. We marched about 12 miles to day through the finest & richest country I ever saw
Friday, 17.
About 5 oclock we wer ordered to fall in our Brigade was in the advance & our Regt was the advance of the Brigade Companies B. G. & K. wer advance guards We went into camp about 11 oclock A.M. after marching about 9 miles We got one of the nicest camps I ever saw
Saturday, 18.
Our teams started back to Richmond this morning after rations Our rations run out this morning & we have to fast untill they get back We had Dress Parade this evening
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April, Sunday, 19. 1863.
The teams got back late last night & we got 5 days rations this morning. After we got our Rations we received orders to get ready to march about 1 mile & a ½ to the next plantation We got about as nice a camp there as we had before our Brigade is all that mooved down
Monday, 20.
We had Company Drill this morning from 7 untill 9 & Battallion Drill in the after noon from 2 untill 4 Nothing else of importance has happened to day
Tuesday, 21.
We wer aroused this morning about 1 oclock & ordered to cook rations & get ready to march by 6 oclock We passed the 8th Ind about 9 oclock & several other Regts belonging to General Carr's division About 3 oclock P.M. we came to a bayou which we cant cross untill there is a bridge built & we went into camp before we got our sheds built it commenced raining & drenched us through to the skin before it stoped after it stoped we fixed up very comfortable quarters
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April, Wednesday, 22. 1863.
The Pioneers are busily engaged at building a bridge across the bayou Nothing of importance has happened the mud is 9 or 10 inches deep all over camp
Thursday, 23.
Our first Lieut James Perry got back from home to day he has been at home sick
the heat has been almost suffocating all day Nothing else of importance
Friday, 24.
We had Company Drill this morning from 7 untill 9 & Battallion Drill from 2 untill 4 P.M. Nothing else of importance
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April, Saturday, 25. 1863.
We had Company drill this morning from 7 untill 9 The Pioneers got the bridge finished this evening
Sunday, 26.
Inspection at 9 A.M. Weather warm. Rained in the evening. Orders to march tomorrow at 5½ oclock A.M.
Monday, 27.
Took up our line of march according to previous orders. March very tedious on account of having to cross 3 pontoon bridges and haul the trains over by hand Rained A.M. & cloudy P.M. Route very muddy and disagreeable. Halted for the night at 8 P.M. on Perkins Plantation 2 miles from the Miss. River. Made our beds on rails lain on the ground. Distance marched 7 miles.
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April, Tuesday, 28. 1863.
Weather clear this morning We marched from Perkins Plantation at 1 P.M. and halted on the Miss. River until dark. Distance marched 2 miles. Got on board transports and lay on board during the night. Orders to attack the enemy tomorrow.
Wednesday, 29.
Mooved down the river 15 miles & tied up on the La. side opposite & north of big black river Gun boats mooved down 9 A.M. & opened on the [faded] & kept up a steady fire utnill 3 P.M. We then disembarked & marched down the river a few miles & went into camp below the Rebels batteries
Thursday, 30.
Was roused up early this morning and embarked on transports & gun boats. Our Regt. embarked on the gunboat Pittsburgh & landed at Rodney Junction Miss 8 miles below Grand Gulf. Took up our line of march 3 P.M. for Port Gibson We are ordered to march all night
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May, Friday, 1. 1863.
We marched all night & stoped at 6 A.M. for breakfast The Artillery opened on them about 7 A.M. Fought hard all day. Our Regt. in a very sharp engagement. One killed ( [?] ) in our Co. and 4 wounded 2 seriously & 2 slightly. Advanced our line 3 miles. Bivouaced on the field for the night.
Saturday, 2.
Fell in line at sunrise. The enemy had retreated in the night. We pursued them to Port Gibson and found they had crossed Black River and burned the bridges. Halted to make pontoons 5 P.M. Orders to be ready to march at a moments warning. Bridges completed
Sunday, 3.
The order was countermanded last night & we took up our line of march at 7 oclock this morning. We kept the main road leading to Jackson Our advance has been skirmishing with the enemys rear guards to day we marched 10 miles & went into camp at Willow Springs
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May, Monday, 4. 1863.
Weather exceedingly warm & sultry. Out of rations. Rumor of an enemy in our front at Black River. Army rested all day at Willow Springs. Got some meat in the evening but have no bread or meal. Josiah Nusebaum seriously wounded on 1st died 2nd. Other wounded doing well.
Tuesday, 5.
Rained last night and disturbed us in our quiet slumbers. Nothing to eat this morning and no prospect of getting anything soon. Total no. killed in our Regt. on the 1st 4 wounded 21, missing 2 Total 27. Orders to march tomorrow morning at 4 oclock A.M.
Wednesday, 6.
Marching this morning to a plantation about 8 miles distant where we found good camping ground and plenty of water but nothing to eat until evening when we got one meal of pilot bread coffee and beef also some molasses. Starvation stares us in the face but "still must we on".
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May, Thursday, 7. 1863.
In camp until 12 M. when ordered to move again on a half hours notice Marched 2 miles and camped in a cornfield in regular line and order, on Big Sandy Creek.
Friday, 8.
In camp. Genl. U. S. Grant reviewed his troops today and issued a complimentary order on their conduct on the 1st May, calling the Battle of Port Gibson "one of the most important of the war".
Saturday, 9.
In camp today. Drew rations. Dress Parade this evening.
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May, Sunday, 10. 1863.
Left camp on Big Sandy creek at 8 A.M. and marched 9 miles toward Jackson Miss. and camped for the night. Rations plenty. The march was exceedingly hard on account of dust and heat. One half of Co. B. mounted on old mules and horses. Camped in the woods.
Monday, 11.
In camp all day. Weather fine. Jacob Winger wounded in foot by accident and leg amputated above ankle. Road in front blockaded by timber. Men at work clearing away obstructions. Will probably march tomorrow. turned over all the contraband mules & waggons
Tuesday, 12.
Marched this morning at 6 oclock. came up with the enemy's pickets and drove them in. Our Division (Hoveys) marched in advance of column today. Shelled back the pickets and camped on bank of creek for the night. Our Company pursued them until dark
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May, Wednesday, 13. 1863.
Crossed the creek again this morning and while our division engaged the enemy's skirmishers and pickets the balance of the army pushed on to Raymond and Jackson. Our Division left Edward Station and traveled on 6 miles and camped for the night. Heavy shower of rain drenched us to the skin.
Thursday, 14.
Marched 14 miles through mud and rain to a camp in the woods 2 miles west of Raymond and pitched on rails in the mud and to sleep all night once more. Our clothes all wet and no dry ones to put on.
Friday, 15.
Ordered to march at half after 4 oclock this morning for Jackson but before we got away from camp the word came that our troops wer in possesion of that place we then marched to Clinton 4 miles from camp and took the Vicksburg road We marched 4 miles was then ordered to [?] Station 3 miles distant and double quick. When we got there we encamped for the night
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May, Saturday, 16. 1863.
Started for Edward Station this morning. Came up with Rebels at 10 A.M. Cos B. G. & K. 41st Regt thrown out as skirmishers. Engaged the enemy for some time and assembled on Battalion and went into the engagement. Was badly cut up forced to fall back. Rallied again. 12 men killed and wounded in Co B. Drove the enemy.
Sunday, 17.
Bivouacked on the field last night ordered to march at 3 oclock P.M. to Edwards Depot & encamped for the night. First Lieut J F [?] Second Lt. E. W. [?] A. R. St. John & E. Meyers wer killed & Sergt J. B. Shuler John Speicher Ed. Flora A. Jeffrey M D Gardner & H. Whitsel wer wounded all of our Co
Monday, 18.
In camp at Edwards Station. Nothing definite from the front except that our advance is across Black River and captured 17 pieces artillery about 4000 prisoners and still advancing. Rebel stragglers coming in all day.
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May, Tuesday, 19. 1863.
Laid in camp untill noon at Edwards Station then took up our line of march crossed big Black River at dark & went into camp distance marched six miles Our wounded boys are all doing well
Wednesday, 20.
Ordered to march back 3 miles on the road we took yesterday to guard a bridge went into camp untill 3 P.M. when we wer ordered on to Vicksburg marched untill 12 oclock mid night & went into camp for the night distance marched 12 miles
Thursday, 21.
This morning we were ordered to march back to the bridge got here & went into camp about 11 oclock. It commenced raining about 2 oclock we wer ordered to go up the river 3 miles & destroy a bridge about 3 oclock we got back about 4½ oclock our rations have run out & we have nothing to eat
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May, Friday, 22. 1863.
In camp all day. Drew rations this evening
Saturday, 23.
In camp all day Received orders to get ready to moove at 4 oclock PM but the Cavalry that wer to relieve us did not come & the order was countermanded Camp guards wer put around camp this morning to keep the men strooling away from camp
Sunday, 24.
We wer relieved by the first Brigade of Austerhaus Division this morning. Took up our line of march for Vicksburg at 10 A.M. We got up to whear the first Brigade of our Division was encamped (about a mile & a half to the rear of Vicksburg) about 6 P.M. & went into camp
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May, Monday, 25. 1863.
We wer ordered to relieve the first Brigade from the rifle pits this A.M. A flag of truce was sent over by the Rebs at 3½ oclock P.M. for a suspension of hostilities. I did not learn what they wanted. We had a friendly talk with them shook hands & exchanged papers traded knives. We are within 250 yards of their breastworks & pick off their gunners so fast they cant load their guns.
Tuesday, 26.
Hostilities wer commenced again this morning at day light & kept up all day We have only had one man wounded so far in our Regt Our Company was detailed to dig new rifle pitts this it took us till mid night to get them finished
Wednesday, 27.
We wer relieved this morning by the 11th Ind & we returned to camp We wer busy all day fixing up shade to protect us from the broiling sun
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May, Thursday, 28. 1863.
Laid in camp all day nothing of importance going on Sharp shooters have'nt been doing much to day rained a little this evening Serg't Brown & Serg't Shuler wer promoted to first & second Lieut of Comp'y in place of Berry & Cole
Friday, 29.
We relieved the first Brigade from rifle pits at 7 oclock A.M. There has been heavy firing from both sides all day One man wounded in Company I in the head by a spent ball he was eating his supper when it happened
Saturday, 30.
Nothing of importance going on Another man in Company I wounded in thumb & finger
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May, Sunday, 31. 1863.
We wer relieved from rifle pits to day by the first Brigade of Osterhaus Division & returned to camp Weather is fine
June, Monday, 1.
laid in camp all day nothing of importance going on this evening about 11 oclock there was right sharp firing going on between the pickets & we wer called out in line & laid there an hour or so & then returned to our quarters
Tuesday, 2.
We relieved the first Brigade from the rifle pits this morning. the Rebels opened a small gun on us about 3 Oclock P.M. & throwed 4 or 5 shell when our Battery discovered it & silenced it no damage was done on our side. A couple of Cittizens from Huntington Ind arrived here to day on a visit to the Regt
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June, Wednesday, 3. 1863.
The Rebs opened on our Battery this evening with two or three guns from their Fort. Our Battery replye replied & after a sharp firing of ten of the Rebel guns heavy cannonading was kept up untill dark but without much damage on our side
Thursday, 4.
The first Brigade relieved us this morning about one oclock P.M. we were ordered to moove our camp we mooved it about ¼ of a mile nearer the rifle pits. One of our wounded boys (Ed Freshour) that was wounded at Port Gibson came up to day
Friday, 5.
We have been in camp all day nothing of importance going on
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June, Saturday, 6. 1863.
We relieved the 24th Ind to day from the rifle pits we had a first rate time shooting at the Secesh. Weather very warm
Sunday, 7.
We wer relieved this morning by the 28th Iowa about 4 oclock AM & returned to camp the weather is fine but rather to warm at mid day to be comfortable
Monday, 8.
In camp all day nothing very particular going on Weather fine
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June, Tuesday, 9. 1863.
Nothing of importance going on in camp We are to get ready to go into the rifle pits in the morning Weather still continues butiful
Wednesday, 10.
We went into the rifle pits this morning it commenced about 9 oclock & rained about all day as hard as it could pour down
Thursday, 11.
We wer relieved this morning & returned to camp & found it had all been overflowed so we had to go to work & build a new schebang which took us nearly all day
———————————————————
June, Friday, 12. 1863.
Nothing of importance has transpired to day we have been in camp all day
Saturday, 13.
There was one man killed this morning in Company C of our Regt he was asleep when the ball struck him
Sunday, 14.
We wer ordered on duty again this morning. Capt Rager got back from home this evening nothing else of importance going on
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June, Monday, 15. 1863.
The Rebels got range of our camp & throwed several shells which exploded directly over camp scattering the pieces in evry direction fortunately no one was hurt Our Batteries silenced them in a few minutes
Tuesday, 16.
The Rebs succeeded in getting their Battery in position again this morning & threw an occasional shell into our camp all day no one has been hurt yet but several narrowly escaped with their lives
Wednesday, 17.
We signed the Pay Rolls this evening & they wer handed in we will get pay in a few days nothing of importance is going on
———————————————————
June, Thursday, 18. 1863.
We relieved the 24th Iowa Regt from the rifle pits this morning nothing else of importance.
Friday, 19.
We wer relieved this morning laid in camp all day there is a rumor of a general assault to morrow
Saturday, 20.
This morning the Batteries all along the whole line opened & kept up a continual fire from 4 untill 10 oclock the troops wer all kept under arms during the engagement this evening it is reported that they shelled the enemy from two of their Forts & took posession of them on the right
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June, Sunday, 21. 1863.
Nothing worthy of note going on to day we are ordered to go into the pits to morrow
Monday, 22.
It is reported that they are fighting at Black River to day troops have been mooving in that direction all day. We have been in the rifle pits all day the Rebs fired two or three shots at us from their Battery but wer soon silenced
Tuesday, 23.
We wer relieved this morning nothing of importance going on to day
According to reports fighting is still going on at Black River
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June, Wednesday, 24. 1863.
Nothing of importance going on The Batteries are all very quiet on account of having men out of amunition
Thursday, 25.
We wer payed off for two months to day. The Regt was called out in line about 2 oclock P.M. we stacked arms & wer ordered to lay under arms untill dark at 4 oclock one of the Rebel Forts was blown up & very heavy firing was kept up all around the lines untill dark from both Batteries & musketry. the result I have not yet learned
Friday, 26.
I learned this morning that our troops took possession of one or two of the Rebel forts to on the right nothing going on in camp worthy of note
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June, Saturday, 27. 1863.
We went in to the rifle pits this morning relieved the 87th Ill
Sunday, 28.
We wer relieved this morning nothing of importance going on in camp
Monday, 29.
nothing of importance going on in camp Our Company was detailed on picket this evening in front of the rifle pits we wer with in 10 or 15 steps of the Rebel pickets
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June, Tuesday, 30. 1863.
We wer relieved about one oclock this morning & returned to camp to get ready to accompany the Reg which was ordered out on a reconoitering expedition towards Black River the order was countermanded this morning before we got started
July, Wednesday, 1.
Nothing of importance going on in camp to day. About 4 oclock P.M. we wer ordered to hold our selves in readiness to go into the rifle pits at a moments warning
Thursday, 2.
Our Reg relieved the 87th Ill from the rifle pits this morning nothing of importance transpired during the day
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July, Friday, 3. 1863.
A flag of truce was hoisted on the Rebel fort at 8 oclock A.M. the firing was ceased & the Rebs came over to make a conditional surrender but Grant told them that nothing but an unconditional would do & they went back & firing was commenced again at 11 oclock A.M. about 3 oclock PM the white flag was hoisted again & they came over Gen Grant went to black river this after noon & they are waiting for him to come back I understand they want to make an unconditional surrender
Saturday, 4.
At 10 oclock AM the white flag was hoisted on all the Rebel Forts & also on the C. house at 11 oclock our troops marched across to their line of fortifications & planted the stars & stripes on all the forts & then a party went into the City & put them on the Court House this was a glorious fourth with us. We are now under marching orders
Sunday, 5.
Took up our line of march this morning at 6 oclock marched to the same place whear we crossed Black River before & then turned to the left & marched about 1½ miles to Deer Creek & encamped in a butiful ravine with plenty of good water close by. Sherman & Army Corps crossed Black River yesterday & engaged the enemy handled him pretty severely I have not learned the particulars of the fight
———————————————————
July, Monday, 6. 1863.
laid in camp untill 4 oclock P.M. & then mooved to black river bridge & went into camp for the night our advance has been skirmishing with the enemy ever since noon rained enough to lay the dust this evening
Tuesday, 7.
Took up our line of march at 5 oclock A.M. marched to Bolton Station 15 miles distant passed over the old battle ground of Champion Hills The heat was almost suffocating all day It commenced raining about dark & rained for an hour or two very hard
Wednesday, 8.
Laid in camp untill 5 oclock PM then took up the line of march for Clinton our progress was very slow on account of skirmishing in front. About 11 oclock after marching 4 miles we bivouacked on the road for the rest of the night
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July, Thursday, 9. 1863.
We were routed up very early this morning & started on for Clinton we had to make our breakfast on hard tack as we marched along We had not time to cook any thing We passed through Clinton about 11 oclock A.M. We went into camp about a mile from Clinton on the road to Jackson Our advance has been skirmishing all day
Friday, 10.
Started on for Jackson at 6 oclock this morning. Marched 5 miles & went into camp Smith's Division the advance of our Army Corps is right up to Rebel fortifications within half a mile of town they had a pretty severe skirmish with them yesterday
Saturday, 11.
Laid in camp untill noon was then ordered to march. Marched about 4 miles in a south east direction from the main road through the fields Came upon the Rebel pickets & drove them in about a mile & then bivouacked on the field for the night one man was severely wounded in Company "D" rained about an hour this evening
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July, Sunday, 12. 1863.
Advanced our lines about ¼ of a mile this morning our skirmishers had a right sharp skirmish with their skirmishers one man of Company E mortaly wounded
We are very scarce of rations & have been for a day or two dont know when we will get any
Monday, 13.
We are ordered not to advance our lines any farther but hold our position if possible We slept on our arms all night rained considerable during the day. Drawed half rations for 5 days this evening
Tuesday, 14.
Our Company was out skirmishing 2 hours this evening.There is nothing of importance going on except skirmishing. Our skirmishers are within 150 or 200 yards of the Rebs. We commenced building breastworks in front of our line of battle this afternoon
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July, Wednesday, 15. 1863.
Skirmishing going on as usual to day one man wounded in Comp "E" by a piece of a shell Our fortifications are getting along fine we will have them completed before long
Thursday, 16.
finished our fortifications this evening. The Rebs made two charges on the right this afternoon but were repulsed both times with heavy loss nothing unusual going on in front of our lines
Friday, 17.
Considerable fuss could be heard in side the Rebel lines all night & this morning at day light it was discovered that the bird had flown They evacuated the place taking evry thing with them I was all over the City to day
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July, Saturday, 18. 1863.
I was detailed to go foraging to day we wer out about 15 miles from camp got all the peaches & water mellons we could eat got back about dark had a very heavy rain. Jackson is very near all in ashes. the Rebs had torpedoes planted in the streets which injured several of our men their prisnors that we took here wer made to dig them out
Sunday, 19.
Nothing of importance going on to day in camp we received orders this evening to get ready to moove by morning in the direction of Vicksburg
Monday, 20.
The orders to moove to day wer countermanded untill to morrow nothing of importance going on in camp
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July, Tuesday, 21. 1863.
Took up our line of march at 3 oclock this morning marched to Miss Springs distant 10 miles stoped & cooked dinner & then mooved on to Raymond 5 miles farther & went into camp for the night heat almost suffocating all day
Wednesday, 22.
Started at daylight marched hard all day. heat almost indurable all day untill about 4 P.M. when it commenced raining & rained very hard untill dark The water was knee deep on the ground wich made it very hard marching we crossed black about dark went into camp one mile from the river distance marched 20 miles
Thursday, 23.
Took up our line of march at daylight for Vicksburg marched on the rail road all the way got into the City at 12 M went into camp on the bank of the river 2 mile abov below town
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July, Friday, 24. 1863.
We have been busy all day fixing up our camp We have got a very nice camp There is nothing of importance going on to day
Saturday, 25.
Nothing of importance going on in camp I was all over Vicksburg to day looking at the City
Sunday, 26.
They have been making preparations to day for furloughing the men three men from our Company have got the promise of furloughs I guess they will get them in a few days
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July, Monday, 27. 1863.
Nothing very important going on to day it rained very hard all last night. Oh, yes We signed the pay rolls for two months pay this evening
Tuesday, 28.
Nothing going on of importance.
We wer
Wednesday, 29.
We wer mooving our camp to day to give more room. Our furloughed men got their furlough this evening
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July, Thursday, 30. 1863.
Our furlough boys started this morning at 9 oclock there was nothing else of importance transpired to day. We had Dress Parade this evening & received orders to drill 3 hours a day
Friday, 31.
Drilled two hours to day in the four noon & one in the after noon had Dress Parade this evening
August, Saturday, 1.
Received orders to prepare to embark on boats at 5 oclock in the morning havent drilled any to day
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August, Sunday, 2. 1863.
We wer aroused this morning at 2 oclock & commenced putting our things on the boat we embarked at 5 oclock on the marine boat Autocrat rounded to at Natchez about 5 oclock P.M.
Monday, 3.
Laid on the boat all night & disembarked at day light marched about a mile north of town & encamped in a very nice place close to the river. We have been pretty busy all day fixing up our camp
Tuesday, 4.
nothing of importance going on in camp the 87th Ill (of our Brigade) went out on a three days scout & a company of them returned this evening with a lot of prisnors
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August, Wednesday, 5. 1863.
The marine fleet came down again to day from Vicksburg with the first Brigade of our Division Nothing of importance going on in camp
Thursday, 6.
I was detailed for camp guard to day
nothing worthy of note going on
Friday, 7.
nothing going on worthy of note raind some this evening
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August, Saturday, 8. 1863.
Nothing of importance transpired to day. No drill to day. Cleaning up for Inspection
Sunday, 9.
Inspection to day of arms & quarters nothing else of importance
Monday, 10.
We received orders about 4 oclock P.M. to get ready to embark on the boats. Our tents wer put on board about dark & the paymaster came to pay us off about 9 oclock & did not get through untill mid night Therefore we did not embark
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August, Tuesday, 11. 1863.
We embarked about 6 oclock this morning on the Steamer Iaton & shoved off about 10 oclock rounded to at Port Hudson at dark the Regt disembarked & slept on shore all night
Wednesday, 12.
Ordered to embark again this morning and moove on down to Carrolton. We rounded to at Carrolton about 10 oclock P.M. & disembarked
Thursday, 13.
Got our things off of the boat this morning & mooved out into camp about quarter of a mile north of town. We have got a butiful camp
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August, Friday, 14. 1863.
Drilled two hours in the fore noon & one in the afternoon nothing else of importance going on in camp
Saturday, 15.
Nothing of importance transpired to day no drill to day
Sunday, 16.
Inspection to day. Nothing else worthy of note
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August, Monday, 17. 1863.
Nothing going on rained all day
Tuesday, 18.
We wer ordered to prepare to moove camp tomorrow two miles below Carrollton
Wednesday, 19.
Mooved down to Camp Louis two miles below town to day. rained all day
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August, Thursday, 20. 1863.
Got our camp fixed up & drilled 3 hours two in the four noon & 1 in the after noon nothing else of importance
Friday, 21.
Battalion Drill two hours this four fore noon. nothing worthy of note transpired to day
Saturday, 22.
We had a grand review of all the troops to day by General Banks It took him from 9 untill 12 oclock to review all of them
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August, Saturday, 29. 1863.
Another grand review by Gen Banks to day about 50,000 troops present on review
Sunday, 30.
I was out to Lake Ponchertrain to day on a pass nothing of importance going on in camp
Monday, 31.
We had general muster to day for pay Nothing else worthy of note going on
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September, Tuesday, 1. 1863.
I am on guard to day nothing of importance going on in camp
Wednesday, 2.
Nothing worthy of note transpired to day
Thursday, 3.
nothing of importance going on to day in camp we are ordered to prepare for another grand review to morrow
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September, Friday, 4. 1863.
Had a grand Review to day by Major General U S Grant After the Review the General went up to Carrollton & was riding pretty fast through the streets when a carriage was drove out into the street before him & he could not stop his horse soon enough & he run against the carriage & throwed him down falling on to the General & knocking the breath out of him
Saturday, 5.
I was down to the City to day on a pass got back about 5 oclock P.M. had a fine time nothing of importance transpired in camp
Sunday, 6.
nothing of importance going on to day I was up to Carrollton on a pass two or three hours
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September, Monday, 7. 1863.
nothing of importance going on to day
Tuesday, 8.
nothing worthy of note transpired to day
Wednesday, 9.
nothing of importance going on
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September, Thursday, 10. 1863.
nothing worthy of note transpired to day
Friday, 11.
We signed the Pay Rolls to day for two months pay nothing else of importance going on
Saturday, 12.
Received orders this after noon to prepare to moove early to morrow morning We are to leave all of our tents & camp equippage behind
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September, Sunday, 13. 1863.
Struck tents & slung knapsacks at 7 A.M. & marched to the river & embarked on boat. landed at Algiers opposite New Orleans about 9 oclock A.M. Got on to the cars about 1 oclock P.M. & started for Brashear City whear we arrived about 12 oclock P.M. We got off & stacked arms for the night.
Monday, 14.
We marched out north of town about ¼ of a mile & went into camp at 11 oclock Water is very scarce & the men are suffering on account of it
Tuesday, 15.
nothing of importance going in camp We had Dress Parade this evening
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September, Wednesday, 16. 1863.
Rained about an hour this morning nothing particular going on in camp There was two trains came in from New Orleans this evening loaded with troops
Thursday, 17.
There was more troops came in from New Orleans to day & crossed the Bay & went into camp nothing worthy of note going on in camp
Friday, 18.
nothing of importance going on in camp to day
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September, Saturday, 19. 1863.
nothing of importance going on in camp Our rations have run out & we have nothing to eat
Sunday, 20.
I am on guard to day drew five days rations this evening nothing else of importance
Monday, 21.
nothing worthy of note transpired to day
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September, Tuesday, 22. 1863.
nothing going on in camp to day
Wednesday, 23.
All quiet in camp to day
Thursday, 24.
A man belonging to the first Missouri Battery of our Division was drumed out of the Service to day for stealing the Division was formed in line & he was marched along the whole line the band played the rogue's march one side of his head was shaved
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September, Friday, 25. 1863.
Carr's Division of our Army Corps mooved across the Bay to day I guess we will go in a few day's nothing going on in camp
Saturday, 26.
nothing of importance going on
Sunday, 27.
General Ord reviewed our Division this morning nothing else of importance going on
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September, Monday, 28. 1863.
The order to get ready to moove was given about 9 oclock A.M. We mooved across the river (or Bay) & went into camp it commenced raining about 2 oclock AM & rained untill dark
Tuesday, 29.
Rained all last night & all day to day our things wer not got across the river untill this evening late
Wednesday, 30.
It has rained incessantly since yesterday evening The Boys were runing around camp all night last night hollowing "No Bottom" mud & water is knee deep all over camp
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October, Thursday, 1. 1863.
ceased raining & cleared up last night. the mud is nearly all dried up
Friday, 2.
The Pay Master came about dark to pay us off our Company was paid off about 9 oclock P.M. We are ordered to march at 8 oclock in the morning
Saturday, 3.
Took up the line of march at 8 AM marched very hard until 4 PM & went into camp distance marched 17 miles The roads wer very good we encamped on Teche River
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October, Sunday, 4. 1863.
We took up the line of march at 5 oclock AM & marched to Franklin distance 12 mile our Regt was put on provost we are to stay untill the Army has all passed through We are quartered in an old store room
Monday, 5.
The ballance of the Army passed through town this morning & we resumed our march at 10 A.M. We marched about 12 miles (through a very butiful country) & went into camp
Tuesday, 6.
We started at 6 oclock this morning marched 12 miles & went into camp we have got a very nice camp and plenty of good water
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October, Wednesday, 7. 1863.
We laid in camp all day to day I guess we will lay here for severel days waiting for our suply train to come up nothing of importance going on in camp
Thursday, 8.
I was out foraging to day was about 10 miles from camp got some chickens & returned nothing of importance going on in camp
Friday, 9.
Laid in camp all day nothing worthy of note going on the 4th Division of our Army Corps came up to day from New Orleans
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October, Saturday, 10. 1863.
We wer routed up this morning before day light & ordered to march started at 7 A.M. & marched hard all day went into camp at dark distance marched 25 miles
Sunday, 11.
Laid in camp all day nothing of importance going on
Monday, 12.
mooved our camp 2 or 300 yards to day nothing else of importance
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October, Tuesday, 13. 1863.
nothing worthy of note going on rained very hard last night
Wednesday, 14.
Had Brigade dress parade this evening General Ord was present nothing else of importance going on
Thursday, 15.
Our Company was detailed to guard cattle this morning the Regt was ordered to moove at 7 P.M. moove about 2 miles & stoped went into camp we followed them with the cattle
we are encamped about 1 mile from Vermillionville
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October, Friday, 16. 1863.
We wer relieved this morning & returned to the Regt Had Brigade drill this afternoon nothing else worthy of note
Saturday, 17.
Had Brigade Drill this after noon. nothing worthy of note going on in camp
Sunday, 18.
nothing of importance going on to day
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October, Monday, 19. 1863.
Had Company & Brigade Drill to day nothing else of importance going on
Tuesday, 20.
no drill to day nothing worthy of note going on in camp
Wednesday, 21.
nothing of importance going on received orders to moove to morrow morning
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October, Thursday, 22. 1863.
Col Mc's loud voice giving the command to "form the Companies" about 6 oclock this morning reminded us that there was a days march on hand we started at 6 AM marched about 15 miles through a very butiful prarie country & went into camp our Compy was detailed for picket
Friday, 23.
We had an awful bad time on picket last night rained from mid night untill morning. very cold all night. were relieved from picket at 4 oclock this morning & returned to camp resumed our march at 6 A.M. marched 12 miles & went into camp near Apolusas rained very hard to day while we wer marching
Saturday, 24.
nothing going on ordered to fix up to stay a day or two
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October, Sunday, 25. 1863.
nothing worthy of note going on
Monday, 26.
I was detailed with 4 men from our Company to gather corn for the mill there is 22 on the detail from our Regt
Tuesday, 27.
we hauled in two or three loads of corn to day husked it & shelled it & got the mill to runing we have to shell the corn by hand
———————————————————
October, Wednesday, 28. 1863.
we were out about 6 miles from the mill to day after corn got two corn shellers to day which will make it considerably easier on on us
Thursday, 29.
The mill is running to day & we are shucking & shelling corn nothing else of importance.
Friday, 30.
nothing worthy of note going on to day the mill is not runing
———————————————————
October, Saturday, 31. 1863.
nothing going on we are ordered to hold our selves in readiness to march at 6 oclock to morrow morning
November, Sunday, 1.
We left the mill at 6 A.M. & joined the Regt. marched untill 11 oclock AM & went into camp distance marched 15 miles
Monday, 2.
Laid in camp to day Our Division was called out to day to assist the rear guard which were attacked by Rebel Cavalry & reported to be falling back but the report was false & we returned to camp
November, Tuesday, 3. 1863.
The Rebs made a dash on the camp of the 1st Brig'd of the 4th Division to day about noon we were called out to assist them But before we could get to them they were all cut to pieces & one or two Regt captured we had a sharp little skirmish with them drove them back 4 or 5 miles. About a 100 of their Cavalry out flanked us & made a dash on our camp but the pickets & camp guards repulsed them
Wednesday, 4.
In the skirmish yesterday no one was hurt in our Regt & only two or three wounded in the Division nothing of interest going on
Thursday, 5.
We wer routed up at 3 oclock this morning & ordered to get ready to moove marched to Vermillionville distance 12 miles & went into camp rained nearly all day
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November, Friday, 6. 1863.
Laid in camp all day nothing of importance going on
Saturday, 7.
nothing going on in camp to day weather nice & warm
Sunday, 8.
nothing of importance going on to day
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November, Monday, 9. 1863.
our Regt was out with the forage train to day we were about two 5 miles from camp got back about noon
Tuesday, 10.
nothing of importance going on in camp to day
Wednesday, 11.
nothing of importance going on in camp
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November, Thursday, 12. 1863.
Our Cavalry has been fighting the enemy nearly all day I havent learned any of the particulars
Friday, 13.
nothing of importance going on
Saturday, 14.
nothing of importance going on in camp to day
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November, Sunday, 15. 1863.
nothing worthy of note transpired to day Received orders this evening to be ready to march in the morning
Monday, 16.
Started this morning at 6 oclock marched until 3 or 4 oclock P.M. & went into camp about 4 miles from New Iberia distance marched 15 miles
Tuesday, 17.
Resumed our line of march this morning at 7 oclock marched to New Iberia & went into camp Our teams were sent out directly after we got here after some wood & they were taken in by the Rebs one man from our Company made his escape by hiding in a brush heap untill they were gone & then sciped away corporal Eiler of our Company was taken
———————————————————
November, Wednesday, 18. 1863.
nothing of importance going on in camp to day
Thursday, 19.
nothing of importance transpired to day in camp
Friday, 20.
Our Company was ordered on picket to day to relieve the pickets of the first Brigade who started on a scout yesterday they come back this evening with 110 prisnors which they surprised & captured without the loss of a man
———————————————————
November, Saturday, 21. 1863.
We were relieved this morning & returned to camp nothing worthy of note going on
Sunday, 22.
nothing worthy of note going on to day
Monday, 23.
Our Regt & the 34th Ind was out about 12 miles east of camp with the forage train to day got back about dark rained nearly all day which made it very disagreeable marching
———————————————————
November, Tuesday, 24. 1863.
Rained very hard all last night It cold & blustered all day to day nothing of importance going on to day
Wednesday, 25.
nothing of importance going on
Thursday, 26.
Had thanksgiving to day several speeches were made by members of the Division
———————————————————
November, Friday, 27. 1863.
nothing of importance going on to day
Saturday, 28.
nothing worthy of note weather very cold & blustry
Sunday, 29.
the Regt went out to day to get wood was out all day
———————————————————
November, Monday, 30. 1863.
nothing of interest going on to day
December, Tuesday, 1.
nothing of importance going on to day We are ordered to build winter quarters here
Wednesday, 2.
nothing of importance going on
———————————————————
December, Thursday, 3. 1863.
Our Company was ordered on picket this morning nothing else worthy of note
Friday, 4.
Relieved from picket this morning by Co C of our Regt weather is butiful we built our quarters to day
Saturday, 5.
nothing worthy of note going on to day
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December, Sunday, 6. 1863.
nothing worthy of note going on to day
Monday, 7.
Our Regt was out with the forage train to day was about 6 miles from camp. Got some hogs & a lot of sweet potatoes got back & mooved camp in the after noon
Tuesday, 8.
We mooved our camp in side of the breast works The 4th Division of our Army Corps has mooved to Franklin & we mooved into their quarters We have been pretty buisy all day fixing up our quarters
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December, Wednesday, 9. 1863.
We have got things fixed up pretty well here & have got very comfortable quarters it very windy & blustery to day
Thursday, 10.
nothing worthy of note transpired to day
Friday, 11.
I was detailed for reserve picket to day nothing else of importance
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December, Saturday, 12. 1863.
I was relieved from picket this morning rained some last Our Company enlisted in the Veteran service except one or two. They are trying to get the Regt into it
Sunday, 13.
We have got about ¾ of the Regt enrolled for the veteran service If we can get off we will start for home in a week or two to recruit & reorganise the Regt nothing else worthy of note
Monday, 14.
nothing of importance going on
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December, Tuesday, 15. 1863.
Our Company was ordered on picket this morning nothing else going on
Wednesday, 16.
We were relieved from picket this morning by Comp A nothing of importance going on in camp rained hard
Thursday, 17.
nothing worthy of note
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December, Friday, 18. 1863.
Received marching orders this evening nothing else of importance going on
Saturday, 19.
We took up our line of march this morning at 8 oclock marched about 18 miles & went into camp my boots hurt my feet so I could hardly get along
Sunday, 20.
We resumed our line of march at sun up this morning passed through Franklin about noon went into camp about 4 P.M. distance marched 18 miles
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December, Monday 21. 1863.
2 oclock A.M. found us again on the road for Berwick whear we arrived about 4 PM distance marched 18 miles nothing else of importance
Tuesday, 22.
Our Regt was paid off for two months to day the first crossed the Bay this morning
Wednesday, 23.
Our Brigade crossed the Bay to day the first Brigade took the cars for Algiers this morning nothing else worthy of note
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December, Thursday, 24. 1863.
nothing of importance going on to day part of our Brigade started for Algiers to day
Friday, 25.
this is Cristmas we started for Algiers at 1 oclock PM Our boys & the Yorkers came very near fighting before we left
Saturday, 26.
I & three other boys of our Company went to the City to day had a jolly old time went to the theater the play was the Colleen Bawn or the Brides of Garryowen
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December, Sunday, 27. 1863.
I got back from the City this morning at daylight rained very hard all day nothing else of importance
Monday, 28.
We mooved our camp again to day we have got a right nice camp here now there is nothing of importance going on
Tuesday, 29.
nothing worthy of note transpired to day the 34th & a part of the 46th Ind got on board of a steamer & started for Texas this evening
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December, Wednesday, 30. 1863.
It commenced raining about 12 oclock last night & has been raining incessantly ever since nothing of importance going on we drew some tents to day
Thursday, 31.
I was over in the City all last night it was so wet & mudy in our tent that we could not stay in it so we had to find other lodgings & I took mine in the City nothing worthy of note going on in camp
Official report of the surrender of Vicksburg
14 Generals
3791 Commissioned Officers
37440 Enlisted men
total—41245
27000 new guns
42000 used guns
227 Cannon
60 rounds of Artillery Ammunition
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Memoranda.
[stricken through]
John B Shuler to [?] & picket 75
John Benge to paper, pd 25
John B Shuler to cash 1.60
" " " case of peaches 1.25
" " " Sardines 65
" " " two glasses of lemonade 20
J B Weidner Jacket 75
Christian B Rager Cr to one Coat $9.00
John Wolf " oilcloth .50
McCook " Shirt .75
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[stricken through]
J B Weidner Peaches
" " Fish
Wm Sloop Bread
" " Peaches
J B Shuler Potatoes
H. Mutsch Jelley
J M Wallace Peaches
Wm Sloop Apples
M Cook bread & butter
Henry whitsell
J M Wallace crackers
M Cook bread & butter
D M Frame milk
M Cook Apples
D M Frame bread
Whitcell Salaratus
Cook Bread
Wallace Mustard
Cook Bread
———————————————————
Cash Account—March.
Mess Dr to for
Michael Cook Mustard 35
J B Ridgley Bread 60
M Cook C'd. Milk 25
" " Sandpaper & oil 45
J B Ridgley Cheese 25
Wm Sloop Bread & Honey 1.15
" " " " 25
" " Eggs 40
" " Milk 75
J B Ridgley Peaches 10
Wm Sloop Onions 25
J B Ridgley Milk 10
" " Chickens 50
" " Bread 30
M Cook Cash 1.10
J M Wallace Cash 50
J B Widner Mellon 50
M Cook " 30
J B Ridgley " 10
———————————————————
Cash Account—November.
[stricken through]
Creditors
Wm Sloop 55
R Simpson 70
J Benge 1.00
H Whitcel 60
J Wolf 2.00
H Eiler 50
M Cook 50
Jim Frame 45
———————————————————
Cash Account—December.
Debtors
Joe Baker " 1.25
D Mowrer 2.65
A Ide 20
Wm Edmonds 25
C B Rager pr Shoes
D Wisell pr Socks 50
Wm Edmonds 2.75
Wm Sloop 2.50
John B Widner 1.00
DATABASE CONTENT
| (3351) | DL1007 | Diaries | 1863 |
1863 Diary of Unidentified member of B Company, 47th Indiana Infantry; re: battles along the Mississippi River under Grant, Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi
Tags: Artillery, Battle of Port Gibson, Boredom, Camp/Lodging, Death (Military), Defeat/Surrender, Destruction of Land/Property, Drilling, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, Furloughs, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guerrilla Warfare, Injuries, Marching, Nature, Payment, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Railroads, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Recreation, Reinforcements, Ships/Boats, Siege of Vicksburg, Supplies, Weather, Work
SOURCES
Diary, 1863, DL1007, Nau Collection
