Joseph Shaw Diary, 1863
Amanda
Hilton Head
see back part
of this book
 
Poorman
Portfolio          1.00
4 [faded]         2.00
 
Knapsack  Straps
 
Conrad
Poorman
 
                                                           
 
Sergt Joseph Shaw
Com F 62nd Regt O.V.
Camp Suffolk Va
 
            If I should be so unfortunate as to fall on the field of batual I hope I may be picked up by some honest Reb who will take good care & steal my clothes & every thing else but I hope he will forward this book to the address of
Mrs Amanda A Shaw
            Dresden
                        Muskingum Co
                                    Ohio
& oblige yours truly
                        A Federal Buckeye
turn over
 
                                                           
 
For fear you wont find it I will tell you where I keep it; In the left breast of my dress coat pocket you will find a small pocket with a flatend button or fastening trim that off run your hand into it if you can & draw this book forth
                                    your Enemy
                                    Sergt Jos Shaw
 
                                                           
 
1st Sergt Jos Shaw
Morris Island
            South Carolina
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, January 1, 1863.
Norfolk Va
We left our pleasant camp at Suffolk yesterday afternoon arrived here just as the old year went out we have had a very pleasant newyear Norfolk is a very pleasant city
 
Norfolk           Friday 2           Va
to day Sergt Cole and I visited the navy yard marine hospital & portsmouth—the latter is the most beautiful city of the two (Norfolk) the navy yard is a vast ruin
 
Norfolk           Saturday 3       Va
I am Sergt of the guard We are quartered in a very large warehouse. Expect to leave tomorrow. we went to the Oprod House to night and they played a piece called The French Spy
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, January 4, 1862.
on board ship out in the ocean
We left Norfolk about noon on board a very large ocean steamer We passed Cape Henry about the middle of the afternoon no land visible the boys are all sea sick
 
Monday 5
on board ship out in Atlantic.
We have been approaching land all this afternoon. We anchored off some lighthouse. We passed Cape hatteras about four oclock this morning We will make land tomorrow all sea-sick
 
Tuesday 6
Newburn                     North Carolina
We run to Beauford this morning & landed on the oppisite side at Morehead arrived here a little after dark & camped in a pine forest Newburn is a city of about eight thousand a pretty place weather pleasant
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, January 7, 1863.
Newburn North Carolina
The 58th PV arrived this evening Our Regt made coffee for them this is the fourth Regt of our Brigade two more to come yet
Weather clear slightly chilly nights very cold. hard crackers and fat meat—wrote to my wife—
 
Newburn         Thursday 8      N.C.
Nothing of interest transpired we fixed up our camp & cleaned our streets ours is a beautiful camp in a pine grove. weather cool but not uncomfortable. wrote to my brother—
 
Newburn         Friday 9           N.C.
have been footing up the clothing account of our Comp so that our pay rolls can be sent in for approval
weather cool. My partner went to town & traded for some bread & butter. Weather cool have seen no newspaper since we came here.
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, January 10, 1863.
Newburn N.C.
Weather mild We have just finished our pay rolls & added up the clothing account I have not drawn what is allowed me by the US by ten dollars Most overdraw by thirty dollars. Drew soft bread & molasses.
 
Sunday 11
I am suffering from the effect of the sun pain over the left eye Weather mild nights cold My clothing act amts to 40.13. the US owes me 10.59 for clothes not drawn also for ten months service at $17 per mth which amts to $170
 
Monday 12
The pain in my forehead is very severe Received a letter from my wife written in Dec—
Genl Ferry has command of our Division & Col Osborn of the 39 Ill has command of our Brigade
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, January 13, 1863
wrote a letter to my wife have had no paper for ten days it is rumored that our division is going on a secret expedition
The country is low & sandy with numerous small swamps the products is corn sweet potatoes & onions
it is mostly nown for it turpen-
 
Wednesday 14
tine forests. I was in town this afternoon it is a large place with fine shaded streets but the buildings are of the poorest kind mostly one story frames it is principaly ocupied by negroes & turpentine manufactors—things sell more reasonable here than any southern city that I have seen—
 
Newbern         Thursday 15    N.C.
Capt Hirst arrived to day & brought Chamberlins commission & me a box of sugars from wife I also received a letter per mail Hirst brought the Regt a state flag we have orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march within twelve hours notice
 
                                                           
 
Friday, January 16, 1863.
Hurst & Parkman arrived—Brot
I was promoted to first Sergt Cole 2nd Kain 3d Geo Hirst 4th & F M Lank 5
Weather cold & windy
 
Newbern         Saturday 17     NC
I entered upon my duty as 1st Sergt our promotions were read in dress Parade with several other orders in regard to our pay meeting &c We also chrisened our flag
Weather cold left Ohio one year ago to night
 
Sunday 18
Weather cold changed our old muskets for for Springfied muskets. wrote a letter to wife & one to brother George
 
                                                           
 
Monday, January 19, 1863.
Weather moderating quite comfortable to day to morrow we are to be reviewed by Genl Ferry
I have not been away from camp except to town but what I have seen of this state would not pre-possess any one in its favor nothing but sand swamps & pine
 
Newbern         Tuesday 20      NC
Chilly & rainy we formed for division review but owing to the inclemency of the weather was dismissed to our quarters drew five days rations of coffee sugar beans rice molasses meat Get bread & green veges every other day
 
Wednesday 21
weather rainy we have had no papers since we have been here the boys are building log houses
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, January 22, 1863.
Weather fair the Company has been building log houses I & my partner put one up We are being drilled twice daily on the [?] & bayonet or skirmish—there is not many Regts that can beat us—
 
Morehead        Friday 23         N.C.
Was aroused & ordered at two oclock to be ready to leave by day light took the cars about three oclock and arrived at this place about seven. Got on board the steam vessel Convoy. This is a small town oposite Buford which is situated on island
 
Saturday 24
on steamer in Buford harbor weather mild the rest of our brigade has just embarked on vessels It is the prevailing supposition that we are destined for Charlestown S.C. & it is rumored that Genl Butler has command Kinsey Irwin is sick and has left at Newbern
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, January 25, 1863.
On board steamer Convoy anchored in Beauford harbor took on twenty days rations. running troops on board transports as far as they can be loaded
Weather mild & pleasant do not know when we will leave—
get no letters or papers
 
Monday 26
On board steamer anchored in Beauford harbor. Weather very pleasant. heard that Burnsides was whipped again & that we have taken Vicksburg with seven thousand prisoners Com I & A was transfered to another boat more troops arrived from Newbern & took boats
 
Tuesday 27
in Beauford harbor
the sea very rough air cold took a sail boat & visited some islands below ft Macon gathered a lot of shells would like to send them home but do not think I can had our boat cleaned from one end to the other will sail first favorable wind
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, January 28, 1863.
in Beauford harbor
sent a package of sea shells to my wife. The suttler brought a box of tobacco on board & issued it to the captains of companies our company got one sixth of a lb for twenty
 
Thursday 29
out on the ocean
this afternoon our fleet of fourty or fifty sail moved out of the harbor it was a grand sight all around us as far as we can see we see some of our fleet. Most all sea sick
 
Friday 30
on the ocean, on the same parallel with the city of Charleston blowing a perfect gale our boat rolls violently first on one side & the the other not fifty out of our regiment that is able to sit up I have not been sick yet the ship is in a very filthy condition
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, January 31, 1863.
on board steamer Convoy in Port Royal harbor made land at ten & up the sound & anchored off fort Walker at twelve fort Beaureguard is on the opposite side 'right' of the sound The day is very pleasant & warm the air balmy. we have run two hundred & fourty miles since thursday evening. we are sixty miles south of ft Sumpter & fourty miles north of Savannah Georgia
 
Sunday, February 1
at anchor off Hilton Head in Port Royal The rest of our steam fleet arrived this morning they number twenty five the weather pleasant. Crackers & salt pork for dinner the same for supper wrote letter to wife & one to brother
 
Monday 2
Port Royal weather warm & pleasant We are very tired of being kooped up on board this vessel but have no hopes of landing until we arrive at our destination
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, February 3, 1863.
very high & cold wind the harbor very rough some fifteen of our transports arrived this morning
our vituals are cooked on board by steam we have crackers & meat & beans or potatoes the [?] once per day
 
Wednesday 4
Port Royal the wind still blowing we moved up the harbor a little further am not very well caught cold last night the weather cold
 
Thursday 5
Port Royal weather cold & rainy We have five hundred & thirteen of our Regt on board Com I & part of Com A being on another boat also nineteen men belonging to the boat & eighteen negroes
I broke the ring given to me by my wife by scrubbing
 
                                                           
 
Friday, February 6, 1863.
Port Royal Weather cold & windy do not know when we will leave here or where we are going I guess the Genls do not know either Genl Foster wants to take command & Genl Hunter wants to too & they neither one will give up rice for supper
 
Saturday 7
Port Royal the crew says we land tomorrow weather cool am not well but am doing duty the report is that we will be paid off next week
 
Sunday 8
Port Royal to day all the companies but ours went on shore opposite Hilton Head we scrubbed the boat & handled the baggage we will land tomorrow
Weather very pleasant drew four days rations of sugar
 
                                                           
 
Monday, February 9, 1863.
Island of St Helena
South Carolina
We were landed on this island this morning It lies just opposite Hilton Head It is a cultivated island & abounds with sour oranges. I have caught cold & it has settled on my left lung & is very painful
 
Tuesday 10
Island of St Helena
South Carolina is a large one—by what streams it is surrounded I cannot tell except the south east which is by the Atlantic ocean Port royal partly surrounding it on the west & I think beaufort harbor
Wednesday 11
partly on the north east it is to very sandy and is cultivated principaly with sea island cotton innumerable small swamps abound & are inhabited by alligators snakes & other reptiles oranges grow in a wild state of uncultivation
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, February 12, 1863.
the Palmetto & pine are the principal trees. The sand is full of prickly pear which covers the ground & grows very large where not disturbed
The Palmetto is a small tree ringed from bottom to top the leaves (which grow fanlike with the exception the the ends
Friday 13
are split up into small blades like corn leaves are very stiff with a very sharp thorny point) grow in rings around the tree & as the tree grows the lower rings of leaves drop off leave a few circular rings at the top of the tree which has no limbs or branches
 
Saturday 14     (see March 13)
and an ohio officer who is QM on Hunters staff he made a few remarks we then gave three cheers for the departed Genl & went on with our drill after drilling awhile we halted & this Ohion passed before us as he came to Capt Hirst he remarked that he was very happy that we were in this department & assured us we should have everything to make us comfortable
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, February 15, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
The day is beautiful & hot. So also has been the previous day my cold is nearly cured the Chaplain preached us a good sermon wrote to my wife Mother & Edwin Boyce are expecting our money
 
Monday 16
Island of St Helena S.C.
received & signed our pay rolls only six companies will be paid the officer went over to Hilton Head to draw the money for us. the weather comfortable very windy
 
Tuesday 17
St Helena Island S.C.
Capt Hirst returned with money to pay our company to Oct 30th I received eight months pay which amounted to one hundred & thirty six dollars my suttler bill was six dollars which left me one hundred & thirty weather fair
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, February 18, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
this morning the rain poured down in torrents but the afternoon was pleasant the ground became as dry as though it had not rained. We made up our express packages of money I sent one hundred & twenty dollars it was sent to the Branch Bank Zanesville
 
Thursday 19
St Helena Island S.C.
Weather very warm had battalion drill.
J. Cole took our money out to the Express office Hilton Head. first Lieut. P. B. Johnson reported under arrest for drunkenness. heavy cannonading all day toward the Savanah river.
 
Friday 20
St Helena Isand SC
This has been a very beautiful day We are having very easy times not much drill Inspection of arms & ammunition & Dress Parade once a day put pockets in my pants. It is reported that  Burnsides with the 9th Army Corpse are is on his way here reports say we took a fort on the Savanah yesterday get no papers
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, February 21, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
got a pass from the Capt for Fell & I and went to Hilton Head. I got me a new cap & a very good dinner of warm biscuit hot coffee sugar & milk green apple pie &c Hilton Head is a town built by the government & suttlers but is the busiest little place I ever was in can get anything you want
 
Sunday 22
St Helena Island S.C.
wrote a letter & sent a paper to wife and a paper to brother Washingtons birthday passed off very pleasantly had a Gen. Inspection. All the vessels in harbor were beautifuly decorated with all kinds of flags. Weather warm
 
Monday 23
St Helena Island S.C.
Weather warm & pleasant nothing of interest has taken place in this Department since we have been here we are to be reviewed by Genl Hunter tomorrow. I am well have received no mail since we landed
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, February 24, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
was reviewed by Maj Genl Hunter he closely inspected us he was dressed magnificently with a three cornered revolutionary hat with a fine feather in a superb cloak thrown over his shoulder a gold mounted sword hung by his side &c &c
 
Wednesday 25
he had a very high forehead a broad face black hair & mustache a keen eye & altogether looked like a blood of the royal Artillery he put on more style than any Maj Genl I have yet seen & I have seen nearly all of our Eastern Genls
weather warm two regts of our brigade has marching orders
 
Thursday 26
St Helena Island South C.
The 116 PVM left for beaufort. we fixed up our tent made us a good bed stead & covered it with sea grass made a cupboard & a stand carpeted our floor with pine boughs fixed an awning with our shelter tents and are living in style. drew potatoes & onions had a potato pastrie for supper weather hot
 
                                                           
 
Friday, February 27, 1863.
St Helena Island SC
had flour pan cakes coffee with sugar & cream fresh onions fried pork Drew some fresh beef weather very pleasant Isaiah Poorman detailed for Brigade butcher have a very sore throat Weather warm & pleasant.
 
Saturday 28
St Helena Isand S.C.
handed in our pay roll for Jan & Feb & was mustered for pay.
Weather very pleasant have had no letter from home yet. drew five days rations are ordered to keep our knapsacks packed & ready to move at any time
 
Sunday, March 1
St Helena Island S.C.
received a very large mail this morning I got one from my brother & three from my wife Oh it is pleasant to receive epistles from our friends
wrote a letter to my brother & another to my wife
Weather warm—drew 20 rounds of cartridge which make up 60
 
                                                           
 
Monday, March 2, 1863.
St Helena Island SC
This has been a busy day we were all the forenoon cleaning our guns & preparing for inspection & all the afternoon on inspection & drill I never heard of such every day inspection as we have had in this Department. The weather comfortable.
 
Tuesday 3
St Helena Island S.C.
Weather pleasant but high winds prevailing & it is about impossible to cook for the sand which hangs as a cloud over everything Drew clothing for the Company pair shoes for self Received my warrant or appointment from the Col approving of my appointment to be 1st Sergt of Com F 62 Regt O.V.I.
 
Wednesday 4
St Helena Island South Carolina
Very windy heard that our monitor Montauk had taken ft McAlister near Savanah & burnt the rebel gun boat Nashville Expect to go on board transport the last of this week & sail for ft Sumpter or as near as possible
we report fifty men present for duty I am well & hearty
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, March 5, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
We were thoroughly inspected by a United States inspectoring officer our persons clothing guns & cooking utensils and also our efficientcy in drill we were on our feet all day
weather  warm & pleasant
 
Friday 6
St Helena Island
It is reported that the monitor Montauk has reduced ft McAllister & also blown up the pirate Nashville. I suppose it is true weather warm am enjoying good health
 
Saturday 7
St Helena Island S.C.
A genl order from Hunter was read to us stating that it was settled that should form part of his (10th) Army Corps & that an opportunity would soon be offered us to win laurels in the field &c &c
Weather warm Capt Edwards drill the Sergts one each day
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, March 8, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
This has been a beautiful & quiet Sabbath had inspec of guns knapsacks & quarters wrote a letter to my wife had the regulations read to us this afternoon by Hirst Our Company have all fixed up their bunks &c & are very comfortably situated on this barren spot
 
Monday 9
St Helena Island SC
our regt was excused from dress parade for the purpose of allowing us to bring boughs to plant in our street and before our tents which we did & transformed our Company into a shrubbery grove
weather hot
 
Tuesday 10
St Helena Island SC
Weather very warm I went to the woods & got some boughs & planted them before my tent which gives it the appearance of a fairy bower we are now coming down to strict discipline which goes awkward but will be easier in the end
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, March 11, 1863.
St Helena Island SC
had brigade drill by Osborn. We have Sergt drill every evening by Capt Thomas who is a splendid military man we take great interest in our meeting Weather warm & pleasant received a letter from my wife.
 
Thursday 12
St Helena Island SC
Lieut P B Johnson was tried for drunkenness no decision yet
The day has been cool and windy hear that Vick'burg was again attacked by our men hope it is true & wish them success
 
Friday 13
St Helena Island SC
This has been to me the most interesting day of my soldier life at noon word came that Mrs Genl Lander would visit us so everything was got in order at two o'Clock we were called out on battalion drill after having passed through some maneuvers we halted & Col Pond introduced Mrs Genl Lander—see Saturday 14th
 
[Refers back to the entry under Saturday Feb. 14th]
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, March 14th 1863.
St Helena Island Sc
This morning early Fell & I with Capt Johnson of Com G took a boat & went over to Shell Island & gathered some very nice shells which we intend to send to Ohio our trip was very pleasant weather warm but comfortable
 
Sunday 15
St Helena Island S.C.
Fell & I packed our shells & have them ready to send to the Head. This has been a very warm day had preaching this afternoon wrote a letter to my wife am in good health
 
Monday 16
St Helena Island S.C.
had Brigade drill & it was so hot & dusty that we almost suffocated I have had no chance to send my shells weather very warm. no news as to the movements of our army. have Sergt drill every evening.
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, March 17, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
Weather still very warm had Company drill in the forenoon & Regimental or brigade in the afternoon Our regiment is improving very much in drill rumor says there has been another fight on the Rhappahannock & that Hooker whipped them
 
Wednesday 18
St Helena Island S.C.
went to the bay to drill on surf boats but the tide had commenced going out & had left the boats on shore so we returned to camp very well pleased. Col Pond presented me with a hansome orderly book
 
Thursday 19
St Helena Island SC
weather very pleasant practiced at target shooting our company came but second best in fact we went far ahead of the companies that was no better armed than we the companies that hit the mark the most were armed with Springfield rifles
 
                                                           
 
Friday, March 20, 1863.
St Helena Island SC
Drilled on landing in surf boats in the face of an enemy & made the best time of any Regt in our brigade I got very wet but had a dry change when I reached my tent The weather is very chilly today heard that Hooker had taken Petersburg
 
Saturday 21
St Helena Island SC
today we turned over the last of our old prussian or old Camp Goddard guns & we were not sorry to part with them but New Yorkers who took them from us cursed everything about them. we will get other guns tomorrow
 
Sunday 22
St Helena Island S.C.
We received our Springfield guns—they are second handed but good The Springfield gun when in good order is the best gun in the service
wrote a letter to wife, received one from her & another from brother yesterday Weather pleasant
 
                                                           
 
Monday, March 23, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
Weather very warm
This is the anniversary of the battle of Winchester & the 62 O.V. is having a gay time drinking ale & making speeches
 
Tuesday 24
St Helena Island SC
Weather pleasant rain last night & all this forenoon Hirst treated that part of his Company which reached the field of battle—field of Winchester Capt Thomas made them a speech
 
Wednesday 25
St Helena Island SC
Weather warm but pleasant. nothing of importance has happened in this Department We have detailed two men for Company cook which is much better than for every man to cook for hisself.
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, March 26, 1863.
St Helena Island SC
had a grand review Genl Hunter with his keen eye desired once more to look upon his reinforcements Genl Ferry has command of all the troops on this Island in place of Naglee who has been ordered to report to New York
 
Friday 27
St Helena Island S.C.
Col Howells (85 P.V.) regiment was attached to our brigade & as he is Senior officer takes command of the brigade vice Col Osborn—he inspected our regiment thoroughly to day & expressed himself highly pleased. he is a good looking old man with white hair & beard & is about six feet high & a very pleasant man
 
Saturday 28
Weather pleasant no news of interest Genl Howell is moving his head quarters & Col Osborn is removing his camp furniture back to his regiment
Received a letter from Hon Jno Ash
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, March 29, 1863.
St Helena Island S.C.
it commenced raining this morning and has continued up to this time the air is very cold & disagreeable. Wrote three letters one to Jno Ash one to my Brother & one to my wife
 
Monday 30
St Helena Island S.C.
Still raining & weather cold The paymaster is paying of the 67th Regiment to day
Received a letter from my wife The mail is being irregular we did not move our camp as was intended.
 
Tuesday 31
St Helena Island
The weather is more pleasant to day We expect to leave for Charleston or some other sea port within a few days where we will have a chance to test our heroism
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, April 1, 1863.
on board Steam Ship Chaseur
Port royal harbor
Was ordered to be ready to go aboard vessel but did not get on board until 8 P.M. We expect to leave tomorrow morning for Stone inlet near Charleston very windy
 
Thursday 2
on board Steamer Chasuer
on Atlantic ocean
weighed anchor at sun set and are now on our way for the vicinity of Charleston. the sea is very rough we expect to make land by daylight. The 2d brigade of our Division left a week before us
 
Friday 3
Anchored in Stone inlet
a perfect storm has been raging all day last night our vessel got into a trough of the sea & rolled over on her side but soon righted and no harm we layed in this harbor 13 hours for a pilot & had to run in  without one came very near being wrecked on the breakers & was saved only by the coolness of the capt
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, April 4, 1863.
Coles Island SC
we landed this morning This is a very small island & is seperated from James Island only by a small stream we are in sight of the rebels our piquets are not advanced more than two hundred yards from our camp our Division is all here
 
Sunday 5
Coles Island S.C.
to day we move our camp before the old rebel breastworks & fort we can see the rebels building a fortification & saw them run out one brass piece wrote a letter to my wife but had no chance to mail it
 
Folly    Monday 6        Island
12 o'C am in a wood on Folly Island watching the rebels & their fortification we left camp at 1 o'clock this morning for a scout 8 P.M. moved up to a farm house 100 yds on the north side of Folly Island the most pleasant place I have been in since in this department found no rebs on this end of the island
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, April 7, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
We fell back about 300 yds from the house, it being too exposed
heavy firing commenced in Charleston harbor at 2 o'clock & continued until sunset it was one continual thunder we are within 5 miles of the harbor
 
Wednesday 8
Folly Island South Carolina
we went back to Stone Inlet & drew up a battery of 12 Pdrs
heavy clouds of smoke was seen rising both in the direction of Charleston harbor & in the large rebel camp opposite us. weather pleasant
 
Thursday 9
Folly Island SC
called our regiment together & formed a camp about an hour ago the pickets gave the alarm by firing of guns & our Regiment formed in line of battle but was soon dismissed it being a false alarm sent a letter to my wife
 
                                                           
 
Friday, April 10, 1863.
Folly Island South Carolina
All quiet occasionaly we hear the report of cannon in the harbor Col Howell has returned to his regiment & Genl Vogdes [sic] has command of our brigade We sent out a scouting party but they found no rebs on the island weather beautiful
 
Saturday 11
Folly Island 4 P.M.
have orders for the right wing to move up to the east end of the island to do picket duty a company of rebels came over the river & captured two of our pickets at that place all quiet on this end of the island weather fair
 
Sunday 12
Folly Island 4 PM
was up all night our & the rebel pickets were within stone throw several false alarms & a great deal of excitement Saw the light on fort Sumpter last night can see ft Sumpter's flag this morng also three large forts on Morris Is. within gun shot the rebs walk up & down the opposite beach unconcerned fired on us several times
 
                                                           
 
Monday, April 13, 1863.
Folly Island SC
got to sleep a little last night our pickets are very close we have no hope of being relieved for some time the men have not slept since we have been on picket are wore out
weather rainy a hard storm on the ocean
 
Tuesday 14
Folly Island SC 4 PM
Was alarmed last night at 11 oclock got in line word was sent to us that the picket had shot Capt Rugins was alarmed again at 3 the alarm was false weather rainy & looks like a bad night this is the fourth night without sleep
 
Wednesday 15
Folly Island SC 5 PM
The reserve got to sleep all night not more than half of our Company were on post. a company from the 39th relieved Com I we have moved up opposite Morris Island the reb's line the oposite shore no firing on the pickets has occurred
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, April 16, 1863.
Folly Island 5 PM
last night threw up some works in front of the pickets to protect us from shell I was up all night watching the pickets all passed of quietly the rebs are busy building breast works are within easy musket range—expect to be relieved soon have been on picket five days & nights without sleep
 
                                                           
 
Friday 17
Folly Island SC
was relieved last night & fell back to the left wing which is encamped about two miles from the harbor of Charleston our blockaiding gun boat has been going at the rebs on Morris Is all day weather pleasant
 
Saturday 18
Folly Island SC
were called out into line twice last night but the alarm proved false
mailed two letters one to my wife & one to my Mother
Weather very pleasant like a sea bath every day
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, April 19, 1863.
Folly Island SC
Weather pleasant
The paymaster arrived & will commence paying our brigade tomorrow We have to guard a battery to night have received no letters or papers for over a month
 
Monday 20
Folly Island South Carolina
Signed the pay rolls will get our pay tomorrow weather fair all quiet to day the rebs have been firing salutes all day do not know what for unless they are visited by their chivalrous Boureguard received a letter from wife two from Mother
 
Tuesday 21
Folly Island South Carolina
We were paid off to March first 1863 by Maj E. Moore
weather beautiful
all quiet on the island to day our gun boat in Folly River occasionaly shell the rebs who undertake to throw up forts to near this island
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, April 22, 1863.
Folly Island SC
To day we expressed our money I sent fifty dollars to my wife we moved our camp further up the island behind a line of breastworks which we had been throwing up weather fair
 
Thursday 23
Folly Island SC
cannonading was heard in the direction of Wilmington last night. The rebs & our navy passed a few shots. we are throwing up heavy entrenchments.
weather fair
 
Friday 24
Folly Island SC
wrote a let. to E F Boyce
weather beautiful our blockading Squadron captured an english vessel. No news of any thing
Weather mild our Regt is very healthy take a sea bath every day
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, April 25, 1863.
Folly Island SC
Received a mail I got a paper for my share Money is plenty the boys are all Suttlering Do not know what Hunter means by leaving us on this island so long without reinforcing us detail the whole Company daily for picket & fatigue
 
Sunday 26
Folly Island SC
wrote letter to wife & Mother All quiet weather fair half of our company detailed for Picket every day are throwing up entrenchments all around us. felt perfectly safe from an attact & so may the rebels at present
 
Monday 27
Folly Island S.C.
nothing of note to chronicle to day we are building a bombproof fort & fortifying the island as strong as possible
Weather mild
Regiment healthy
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, April 28, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
A storm has been raging all this afternoon not much rain but an abundance of wind All quiet between us & the rebs I was up on the lookout & took a good view of Charleston harbor the forts & rebel gun boats
 
Wednesday 29
Folly Island S.C.
Our pay rolls are made out & we will be mustered tomorrow nothing has been heard from the monitors which left here two weeks ago we hear that they are having another layer of steel plating put on their deck. Weather mild
 
Thursday 30
Folly Island S.C.
This month opened with good prospect for a fight & of taking Charleston or getting whipped but neither one has happined & our brigade is the only one that has dared to get within rifle shot of the traitors We have been very friendly with each other since we took the [?] place on [?]
 
                                                           
 
Friday, May 1, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
This morning went to the point of island or Stone Inlet all is quiet there no monitor or transport at anchor We are getting our ration of whisky every morning the 9th Connecticut & 4th New Hampshire landed & will move to this end of island which will make our duty lighter
 
Saturday 2
Folly Island S.C.
The tide is very high all the men in the hollow place have had to move up on higher ground we are cut off from the point as the water has surrounded us but no danger is apprehended.
Weather mild & beautiful
Genl inspection tomorrow
 
Sunday 3
Folly Island S.C.
no news from this Department all quiet on this island we are fortifying heavily
Weather beautiful
had inspection this morning
I am enjoying excellent health
 
                                                           
 
Monday, May 4, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
All quiet received our tents
one man out of every twenty from our Regt are allowed to go home on a thirty day furlough
weather beautiful
 
Tuesday 5
Folly Island S.C.
have been pitching tents and fixing up our quarters. Our gun boats have been chasing a blockade runner that was trying to get into Charleston harbor
All quiet
 
Wednesday 6
Folly Island S.C.
to day I received an order from Col Pond to report to Q.M. Williams to act as Quartermaster Sergt Vine Hatcher goes home on furlough
all quiet
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, May 7, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
Have been rather busy like my new position very well for the first day all quiet in this Department
Weather lovely
 
Friday 8
Folly Island SC
Made myself a bunk All Quiet A schooner arrived with twelve very heavy Siege guns & some mortars also a lot of pontoon bridges this looks like an attact by way of James Island
 
Saturday 9
Folly Island S.C.
Have been very busy to day make out invoices for clothing are building four heavy forts at this end of the island everything appears to be in motion to day teams are busily rolling cannon & amunition to the other end of island
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, May 10, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
I received three newspapers & three letters dated Mar 30 Apr 6 & 13th
sent a letter to wife yesterday by Mr Ross who is going home on ferlough things look indication of another attact on Charleston by land & water
 
Monday 11
Folly Island S.C.
Nothing is talked of today but Hooker & his operatives in Va. We all hope but fear for his success. no news in this Department wrote to my wife & to Mother
 
Tuesday 12
Folly Island SC
This has been a very windy Thermiter 82 in the shade three fine forts are nearly finished and the guns ready to put in position it is rumored that Hooker has met with a repulse it is from the rebs. mailed a letter to my wife & one to Brother
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, May 13, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
more heavy ordnance were landed to day Isaiah Poorman to day was bit by a shark the tide had gone out & left it in a tide pool & Poorman got hold of its tail when it whirrled & bit him in the leg it was killed & weighed 300 lbs I have a joint of its backbone
 
Thursday 14
Folly Island SC
All quiet No news from Hooker it is reported that Jackson is dead & Lee captured
Am well.
Weather dry work building forts is the order of the day
 
Friday 15
Folly Island SC
packed my shells intending to send them home by Corp Colins but he did not go
weather rainy & air cool
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, May 16, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
A heavy 44 pounder James projectile was mounted to day in the lower fort it is a dangerous looking piece
Weather rainy
 
Sunday 17
Folly Island SC 120C
Fell & I had our pictures taken to day & I had one taken full size by myself All quiet. I am going up to the Rgt this afternoon
 
Monday 18
Folly Island SC
returned from the Rgmt the boys up there are kept prety busy Kain reported Cole & had him courtmartialed but the charge was false & could not be sustained & Cole was honorably discharged Another gun was mounted to day
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, May 19, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
Received a letter from my wife—with important news of the 16th April—Guns are mounted in two lower forts the Steamer Nelly Baker leaves in the morn with Corp. Ogle & Colins I sent by the latter two likenesses & letter &c All quiet
 
Wednesday 20
Folly Island S.C.
All quiet the Nelly Baker left this morning with about 2 hundred furloughed men for Hilton Head we are all very impatient to hear from Hooker. We hope he will succeed & many believe he is not inside of the Rebel Sebastopool
 
Thursday 21
Folly Island SC
No news arrived to day we have three fine forts finished & ready for action & fourth nearly ready
We are ordered to move back from before the guns tomorrow
Weather beautiful
 
                                                           
 
Friday, May 22, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
We moved our tent back of the forts on a knooll from which place we have a fine view of the ocean & inlet
wrote a letter to my wife. I have not been up to the Regt since last Sunday—
 
Saturday 23
Folly Island S.C.
wrote a letter to my Mother received a mail but no letters for me the Arago arrived in the Department yesterday we will get her mail tomorrow weather very warm no news
 
Sunday 24
Folly Island S.C.
This day passed away very quietly about a dozen shots was fired from ft Moultrie to day do not know what for Hooker has been whipped glorious cavalry raid through Miss. & another in Virginia Grant in the rear of Vicksburg very warm
 
                                                           
 
Monday, May 25, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
everything is very quiet not even a vessel came in to disturb the Sabbath-like quiet that prevails on this end of the island.
All sick soldiers are to be sent to Washington & vicinity to relieve able bodied men
 
Tuesday 26
Folly Island SC
An awful storm set in this morning & is at present raging with great violence no vessels can get in or out of harbor
 
Wednesday 27
Folly Island S.C.
Storm still raging considerable talk and excitement has been occasioned by an order for all Regiments below the minimum number to be formed into Batalions of five or six companies I think when our drafts leave order we will come under the
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, May 28, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
Storm still at its hight blowing very hard the air is full of sand it is as much as I can do to keep my tent from blowing away
 
Friday 29
Folly Island SC
The storm has partialy subsided our mail wet when it arrived at Hilton Head one week ago
arrived here to day
Grant has taken Jackson the Capitol of Miss.
 
Saturday 30
Folly Island SC
received one letter from my Brother wrote a letter to Brother & one to wife all quiet on the island a schooner arrived with commissary stores Col Pond is sick & will leave for Hilton Head tomorrow Capt Edwards received his commission as Maj
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, May 31, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
the one hundredth N.Y.V. & 39th Ill went over to James Island on a scout but found nothing new going on among the rebs our gun boats went up Stone River & shell the wood Steamer Lee Collins arrived brought news that Vicksburg was ours—
 
Monday, June 1
Folly Island S.C.
it is rumored that all the men in this Department except enough to garrison it will be sent to the Army of the Potomac
Hunter has issued an order drafting all citizens in his Department after the twentieth of this month if they still remain here. weather beautiful
 
Tuesday 2
Folly Island S.C.
No mail came in to day all quiet Weather exceedingly warm to day Iron left in the sun a few moments becomes so hot that you cannot handle it
this evening we were visited by a thunder storm which has made a change in the air
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, June 3 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
All quiet no vessels arrived to day
((See August 17th))
Ft Gregg had two guns playing on our navy all the forenoon one solid shot struck a bolt on one of the monitors knocking it across the inside of the pilot house
 
Thursday 4
Folly Island SC
all quiet The Steamer Delmane arrived but brought no mail
((See August 17th))
& instantly killed her Captain (Rogers) but very few men of the army were hurt none killed that heard of
 
Friday 5
Folly Island SC
to day we received our clothing from the Rgt & went up & issued it
The boys at Rgt have moved their camp and are more comfortably fixed they are building shelves & porches &c it begins to look very much like home
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, June 6, 1863.
Folly Island SC
A heavy mail came in to day most of the boys got five turns to six but I got but one that from my wife it also brought news of the fall of Vicksburg
 
Sunday 7
Folly Island SC
An order was issued the other day to the Regts to put in their requisitions for musqueto berms & stress hats. all quiet the gun boats were all drawn up in line of battle in front of Charleston harbor as if they expected the rebel rams
 
Monday 8
Folly Island SC
all quiet Sergt Smith & I took a scout boat & went over to St Johns Is & gathered some very nice shells
Weather very warm
wrote a letter to my wife & sorted the papers from this Department
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, June 9, 1863.
Folly Island SC
I have been very busy to day making out requisitions & invoices. no mail has arrived yet we are looking every day for the Aragos mail
 
Wednesday 10
Folly Island S.C.
a boat arrived to day with dispatches for the Genl but no mail. All is peace & quiet now plenty to eat & plenty of work have a good cool breeze all the time
 
Thursday 11
Folly Island SC
the mail boat arrived to day with the largest mail we have yet received
My mail went to the Regt to be distributed I will get it tomorrow
a heavy thunder storm came up this evening & it is storming while I write
 
                                                           
 
Friday, June 12, 1863
Folly Island S.C.
nothing of interest has transpired I received a letter & two papers from my wife & one letter from George. A rebel blockade runner grounded near the head of the island last night & as the crew was leaving Col Stuts gave them a few rounds
 
Saturday 13
Folly Island S.C.
our boys have been busy getting some goods off the prize but the rebs fire on us whenever they see us so we have to step out after dark it has an assorted cargo of clothing & provisions both us & the rebs watch it closely they shot some shells into us to day
 
Sunday 14
Folly Island S.C.
Steamer Mary Benton arrived with our new Genl Gilmore the rebs opened out with shot & shell this afternoon but they fell short of our fortifications one shell from their gun boat came into our camp cutting the top off of a pine & wounding one man.
 
                                                           
 
Monday, June 15, 1863.
Folly Island SC
Heavy firing has been heard all day at the head of island. I suppose it is the rebs shelling our pickets We have sharp shooters in every bush & sand bank to pick off those that [?] their heads they have the same
 
Tuesday 16
Received a letter from Lee Wallace & a pen from George. the board of examining Sugeons have commenced examining applicants for discharges.
the rebs keep shelling us night & day but they killed only one nigger
 
Wednesday 17
Folly Island SC
the 7th New Hampshire arrived to day a large force of mechanics & work men with the engineers went to the head of the Is. to construct batterries to bear on Morris Island things look bright for active campaign
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, June 18, 1863.
Folly Island SC
The force on this island was brigaded to day the 4th & 7th NH & the 67th & 62d Ohio Regt form our brigade under command of Col Putnam of the 41st NH they have scattered the old western brigade all to pieces the 13th Ind at Suffolk & 39th Ill is in Howels Brigade
 
Friday 19
Folly Island SC
a heavyest storm I have witnessed took place to day the commotion in the heavens was terrible. It did not last more than an hour
 
Saturday 20
Folly Island SC
two steamers arrived to day with horses and artilery Genl Gilmore is on the island looking to things personaly.
We all think we have made a very good exchange
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, June 21, 1863.
Folly Island
Some five cargo steamers & four schooners arrived at this harbor to day wrote a letter to my wife our batteries at the head of the island is progressing rapidly am enjoying the best of health
 
Monday 22
Folly Island SC
the wharf presents a busy scene to day unloading boats some two hundred pounder rifled guns & several mortars arrived
we will move up to the regt tomorrow
 
Tuesday 23
Folly Island
moved up here to our regt & the musquetos are so thick and savage that they bite through everything
we were paid off to day
all quiet Several rebs have given themselves up since we have been here
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, June 24, 1863.
Folly Island SC
We moved again to day. James Steward of our Company was killed to day & Corp James Henderson was badly wounded our fortifications are progressing rapidly & secretly
 
Thursday 25
Folly Island SC
James Steward was buried to day.
all quiet the rebs have not shelled us to day
weather very warm.
 
Friday 26
Folly Island SC
All quiet to day we issued clothes musquito bars &c. Shot & shell are coming up by the boat house
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, June 27, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
Weather very hot & uncomfortable.
All quiet heavy guns came up from the port & will be sent up to the forts after dark
Hirst has received his discharge Pond left for the on furlough wrote to wife
 
Sunday 28
Folly Island SC
The regiment moved their camp & pitched their new tents our Regt is nearly worked out half of the Regt are on the sick list
 
Monday 29
Folly Island SC
have been very busy making out quarterly papers &c our comp on fatigue we will be mustered for pay to morrow.
Guns & ammunition go up to the head every night all quiet
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, June 30, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
one of the most severe thunder storms I ever witnessed is raging at present our Regt is out in line ready to march to the head on picket duty they have just come of fatigue for the [?] on picket
 
Wednesday July 1
Folly Island SC
a monitor is laying out with the blockading fleet all quiet to day we will open on the rebels within two weeks say this is progressing rapidly
 
Thursday 2
Folly Island SC
One man died from Co B with fever
all quiet. the men work day & night
very sickly
 
                                                           
 
Friday, July 3, 1863.
Folly Island SC
one man from Co I. died this morning with fever.
This makes four men for us two shot & two died of fever
a monitor is lying down in Stone
 
Saturday 4
Folly Island SC
at noon the blockading fleet fired a national salute a very quiet fourth every man on the island at work our Regt returned to camp they say we will be ready to open in a few days
 
Sunday 5
Folly Island S.C.
all quiet wrote to my wife. preparations are progressing for the comfort of those who may be wounded weather very warm
 
                                                           
 
Monday, July 6, 1863.
Folly Island SC
Six discharged men of our company left for home this morning. Every sick man is to be sent off before the battle which will take place soon
 
Tuesday 7
Folly Island SC
The drafted men of our Regiment left for home to day Eight more Rgts have landed We have been rebrigaded all our western Rgts are together & the 85th P.V. & 100th NY cmd by Brig Genl Vogdes
 
Wednesday 8
Folly Island SC
about one hundred sick left the Rgt this morning for Hilton Head ten from our company our company has but ten men for duty more than half the Regt are sick we expect the ball to open tomorrow
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, July 9, 1863.
Folly Island SC
Our forts &c are ready and the monitors are laying out side the bar the ball will open tomorrow all of our brigade went up to the head of the island at dark.
 
Friday 10
Folly Island SC
Our batterries opened at 5 o'C. the monitors opened at 7 on Morris Island.
10 A.M. firing has ceased & a brigade of Inft. are across on Morris fighting our brigade will soon cross. 12 AM our Brigade crossed with the field artilery on a pontoon bridge Morris
(see Dec 1st)
 
Saturday 11
Folly Island SC
a charge was made at ft Wagoner this morn but we were repulsed with heavy loss we will have to take it by siege
We have about 200 Reb prisoners. The gun boats fire continualy on ft wagoner & battery B.
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, July 12, 1863.
Folly Island S.C.
not much firing to day our Regt is building batteries within 200 yds of Wagoner
Received a letter from wife one from brother ord Sergt of Co 'G' is the only man wounded in our Regt weather hot
 
Monday 13
Folly Island S.C.
The batteries will soon be ready to open again They will command ft Wagoner & Sumpter and Battery B.
wrote a letter to wife one to brother Weather exceedingly hot. water not fit to drink
 
Tuesday 14
Folly Island SC
all is quiet on Morris Island. we are steadily pushing ahead our batteries
Weather very hot a great many sick.
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, July 15, 1863.
Folly Island
I had an attact of the ague
The rebs attacted our boys about 3 o'Clock this morning We repulsed them their loss was heavy we lost two men I had a chill this afternoon
 
Thursday 16
Folly Island SC
heavy firing commenced on James Is. this morning & was kept up about three hours do not know what it meant we have two brigades over there our camp will be moved on to Morris Is. to morrow.
 
Friday 17
Folly Island S.C.
We were visited last night by as terriffic a thunder storm as I ever saw or heard the man on the lookout was stunned for nearly an hour I do not know whether any one else was hurt. all quiet we will open tomorrow
 
Saturday, July 18, 1863.
Folly Island 8 P.M.
our land & navy batteries opened on ft Wagoner & B at 1 P.M. & have kept up a terriffic bombardment to this time the shells burst directly over the fort every second or least besides those that burst over & around B & ft Sumpter. it still continues
 
Sunday 19
our brigade charged on ft wagoner last night the got in but could not hold it every officer but 3 were killed and wounded—killed—Lt Paul Co I. Lt Knape Co D. Lt Brownell Co C Lt Beadly Co G Lt Johnson Co F in our company was Corp Gossell killed & Geo Hirst James Cole (leg amputated) Corp Musselman Dan Gerrett Every man was hit but not hurt much it was terrible but the 62 Ohio stood while others ran
 
Monday 20
We are moving our camp over to Morris to day. Our batteries again opened to day. Vogdes in command. Genl Gilmore Strong & Seymore were wounded. the 67 lost almost all her officers & nearly 200 men we lost 150 men. I saw the doctors amputate Coles leg yesterday on Morris Island
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, July 21, 1863.
Sergt James J Cole died last night. Sent a letter to wife we have sent all of our camp but about four loads to the Regt on Morris Island I am very unwell had another chill to day but I have to keep moving sick or well
 
Wednesday 22
Folly Island S.C.
occasional firing is heard on Morris Island received word that Dn C. Leggett is not dead but doing well.
Port Hudson surrendered to Genl Banks on the 9th with 18,000 prisoners Vicksburg on 4th 31,000 301 pieces artilery
 
Thursday 23
Morris Island SC
got teams & moved the rest of our baggage over on this Is. all is quiet heard that Lt Forst is dead Capt Flag & Lt Pinkerton with some men left for Ohio after drafts. received a letter from wife
 
                                                           
 
Friday, July 24, 1863.
Morris Island SC
I got the last load of our baggage to this camp yesterday & feel greatly relieved we gave ft Wagoner a severe shelling this forenoon just before a boat with a flag of truce came down & we exchanged prisoners
 
Saturday 25
Morris Island SC
Drew six days rations. all quiet except the rebs who continue to burst shells over our batteries our batteries have been moved two hundred yds nearer Wagoner. we will not open for some time yet. weather very hot.
 
Sunday 26
Morris Is. SC
all quiet we are mounting two hundred pdr Parrots which will command ft Sumpter & all the batteries on this island I have a fever every afternoon Weather very hot
 
                                                           
 
Monday, July 27, 1863.
All quiet we have a correspondent for a new york paper stopping with us he has been busy writing about the charge of the 18th & the 62 will get justice done her weather very hot
 
Tuesday 28
considerable firing to day but we will not be ready to open for two weeks three of our monitors left to day the rebs must be making a demonstration at Hilton Head do not know. am very weak
 
Wednesday 29
considerable firing from both sides the rebs are very sick of this job we have two 2-hundred pdr rifled Parrots mounted
weather very hot
Recd our new flag tis a beauty
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, July 30, 1863.
Morris Isld
Drew some shoes & pants firing in front & with gun boats have all the 200 pdrs moved & some half dozen 100 pdrs. captured a lot of English guns from a blockader we will move them to the front the are 80 Pdrs. 8 sqr.-bore.
 
Friday 31
Morris Island SC
The rebels keep up a continual firing from one or two heavy guns. We have nearly all the heavy Parrots mounted & are mounting captured English guns
I have not been able to work for some time & will either go to Hospital or company tomorrow
 
Saturday, August 1
Morris Island S.C.
All quiet to day
The mail arrived & brought for me two letters & three papers & photograph of wife weather very hot I am very weak, can get no nourishing food for self
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, August 2, 1863.
Morris Is.
considerable firing between the rebs and our gun boats no harm done
wrote to wife am gaining strength very slowly.
Send our returns to Washington D.C.
 
Monday 3
Morris Island
I feel some better to day all has been quiet between the two opposing forces
Corp H. Ogle arrived here this evening he has been home on furlough.
weather very hot.
 
Tuesday 4
Morris Island S.C.
sent fifty dollars to my wife in an express package directed to Branch Bank Zanesville sent to Baltimore by Crowthers to be expressed
all quiet in front were paid of to day. weather very hot & sultry
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, August 5, 1863.
Morris Island SC
Geo. Hirst & Hen. Musselman returned to the company they have nearly recovered from their wounds which were slight. all quiet in front we will not be ready to open before the last of this month weather hot.
 
Thursday 6
Morris Island
Received a letter from wife. all quiet in front capt Paign (our Scout) & some men who were with him were captured while scouting near ft Gregg. weather excessively hot. have a fever every day about noon am weak
 
Friday 7
Morris Island
all quiet our Brigade was reviewed by Genl Gilmore this afternoon and aterwards inspected. Weather very hot some days it is so hot that every thing appears to be ready to ignite just from the heat of the sun
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, August 8, 1863.
Morris Is.
all quiet in front wrote a letter to my wife
Many of the Regt are sick our camp is in a very unhealthy condition there is no boards or noles to make bunk house they have to ly down in the sand
 
Sunday 9
Morris Island
all quiet in front we have our Brige over the marsh to Black Island completed & our batteries on that island are completed. Everything will shortly ready the rebs are strengthening their works. weather hot
 
Monday 10
Morris Island
considerable firing all day by the rebs. our batteries are almost completed we will have to open soon at any rate or the rebels will. each day gets hotter it is very hot. there is not so very much sickness in the Regt for the weather & climate am getting well
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, August 11, 1863.
Morris Island
The rebs opened from Sumpter Gregg Waggoner & Johnson at about 2 o'Clock this morning & kept it up until daylight all the Regts were out in line till daylight. all to day. weather very hot. one of Com E was sun struck insensible for three hours
 
Wednesday 12
Morris Is. SC
our batteries opened on the rebs this evening very rapidly for about 3 hours. received a letter from Mother 2 monitors arrived will open on the rebs Norm returned from hospital to day
 
Thursday 13
Morris Isld S.C.
the rebs keep up a desultory fire on our fatigue parties night and day but they do not prevent us from working wrote 2 letters to wife one to Brother weather awful hot received 15 bunks for our hospital sergt
 
                                                           
 
Friday, August 14, 1863.
Morris Is S.C.
our Regt went to the front this evening expect a fight in the morning. the rebs are firing prety brisk we will have another 100 pdr. Parrot to night.
 
Saturday 15
Morris Is. S.C.
we did not open our Regt returned at dusk was relieved by a Brigade of western men that have just arrived from the 11th Armp Corpse the 25th & 75th Ohio are here.
 
Sunday 16
Morris Isld S.C.
all quiet not much firing. more troops arrived this evening on transports We are getting quite a large army massed here. this island is a full as they can fill it and Folly is full of men
 
                                                           
 
(see June 3 & 4)
Monday, August 17, 1863.
 
The bombardment commenced this morning all our land & naval batteries opened on fts Wagoner Gregg & Sumpter. Sumpter is breached in a dozen places. we have kept up an incessant fire all day not a gun has been fired from either of the 3 fts since noon Sumpter is about done for the Rebs
 
Tuesday 18
The bombardment still continues A terrible storm is raging & many tents & berms blown down & undermined the sand is flying through the air in clouds & it is almost impossible to go outside of your tent cannot cook have eat a cold bite or do without air quite cool
 
Wednesday 19
The bombardment is steadily kept up the storm is still raging at sea one of our transports was blown ashore the air is darkened with clouds of sand we can cook nothing for the sand ft Sumpter is almost knocked to pieces
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, August 20, 1863.
Morris Is SC
are firing on Ft Sumpter with solid shot from all our heavy guns our 300 pdr opened to day She sends her shot square into the ft None of the forts on this Isld reply to our shots the sand storm is over
 
Friday 21
Our guns still keep a steady fire day & night The Regt are at the front one man from Com A was killed by a shell & a man from com E was wounded in hand & side from a rebel sharp shooter weather hot
 
Saturday 22
Morris Isld S.C.
our batteries keep up a steady fire on ft Sumpter Last night Gilmore sent a flag of truce to the Rebs & this afternoon a rebel boat with a white flag came down the neutral ground I do not know the import of its mission
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, August 23, 1863.
Weather very warm the bombardment is still kept up with visible effects.
I received my appointment as Q.M. Sergt this morning to date from the 1st of July
 
Monday 24
Morris Isl SC
this is a one of our rare rainy days. they are few & far between in this country we have not had a respectable rain for nearly two months Robt Fell returned to his company to day
 
Tuesday 25
12 M.
This morning Fell got the Col in the notion of building a bake oven & making him baker so the colonel ordered the QM to get oven arches &c so Fell & I were sent to Folly to get timber oven &c &c will start immediately
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, August 26, 1863.
went to Folly yesterday this morning I got teams to haul the timber & one for Fell & I to go to the point to get the oven &c returned this afternoon with everything required for building an oven for the Regimental
 
Thursday 27
had a heavy wind & rain storm last night which has caused the air to be very cool After dark last night the 24th Mass. charged the rebel rifle pits & took them with about 80 prisoners
 
Friday 28
Morris Island
the weather is very cool our batteries are very quiet have not fired any to day our engineers out in the captured rifle pits throwing up new fortifications we are now within 200 yds of Wagoner
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, August 29, 1863.
Morris Is. SC
weather still windy & very cool. All has been very quiet in front.
 
Sunday 30
Morris Island
Still cool the health of the Regt is very good we have not lost a man by disease since we came on the Isld. all quiet in front our men are busy moving the battery further to the front.
 
Monday 31
Morris Isld
Our batteries opened quite briskly to day the monitors for the first time for 2 weeks were in and opened all is going on well but very severe weather quite hot again
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, September 1, 1863.
This month opened in regular fall style morning & cool our batteries are playing vigorously also the monitors it is rumored that we are going to mine wagoner.
We are now issuing equipment every day to the Rgt
 
Wednesday 2
Morris Isld
about ten o'Clock lat night our monitors run into the harbor & open the most terrific fire on wagoner & gregg I ever witnessed They went in to open the channel to ft Sumpter
all quiet—I turned out all my equipage
 
Thursday 3
all quiet our batteries are being moved from there to the front & within 500 yds of Wagoner. We drew [?] for our hosp pitched tents & will soon have a very fine Regimental hospital for our sick weather warm the regt in front
 
                                                           
 
Friday, September 4, 1863.
All quiet in front Received a letter from Amanda. States that my May & June money had arrived safe. a large number of surf boats were sent to the front on wagons this evening to be placed in a creek that leads toward Sumter. Look out for something soon.
 
Saturday 5
The bombardment was reopened this morning every gun of both land & navy was directed at ft Wagoner & one steady stream of shot & shell poured into the doomed fort. this is to be the final bombardment & it will be assaulted about Monday
 
Sunday 6
our fleet & land batteries kept up a terrible fire on Wagoner all night & have been steadily at work all day. the effects of our shot are visible all shape of the fort is demolished and she now looks like an ugly pile of sand
weather very hot.
 
                                                           
 
Monday, September 7, 1863.
Ft Wagoner & Gregg was evacuated this morning and our brigade marched in just before daylight & took possession the guns and ammunition were found in good condition took 80 prisoners Sergt Jos Parkiser & Corp Frank Gressel had their heads shot off many dead men found in the fort
 
Tuesday 8
The fleet commenced bombarding ft Moultrie yesterday & have kept up the main magazine of Moultrie blew up this morning with an awful report. when our fleet first ran in there was about 50 guns all firing on them & when they came out not more than 5 were used
 
Wednesday 9
all has been very quiet today the Ironclads have been filling their magazines with shell & have not engaged the forts to day Weather warm Received some vegetables from the sanitary agent for the Regt.
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, September 10, 1863.
Morris Is S.C.
all quiet our men are busy mounting guns on fort Gregg & building new batteries. I was in front to day & looked an 80 lb glas saw the City and all the rebel forts & guns also their boats & selves
 
Friday 11
Morris Island
Three guns opened on Ft Johnson to day. We are building new forts to defend this island from the rebs when we have to cross on [?] Received a letter from wife & one from Geo weather very comfortable.
 
Saturday 12
Morris Is. S.C.
all quiet. No new movement as yet we are fortifying this island & it is rumored that our brigade will be left here to hold the Is. while the rest moves by way of James Island
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, September 13, 1863.
Morris Is.
all quiet our Regt went to the front on picket. Weather very hot. we are [?] ice every morning from the sanitary agency also potatoes onions cabbages pickles cider vinegar &c once or twice a week
 
Monday 14
Morris Is SC
wrote to Brother George received a mail nothing for me. Was visited by a severe storm last night which sent our tents flying in every direction.
weather comfortable not any hotter than north
 
Tuesday 15
Morris Isld SC
several shots were fired from our heavy left batteries at the batteries on James Island which resulted in blowing up one of their (rebel) magazines weather very comfortable not much sickness wrote to wife
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, September 16, 1863.
Morris Isld SC
all quiet in front a detail from our regt went to the front on fatigue Capt Taylor of Com E has received a maj commission & has been mustered as such. Sergt J J Cole body was removed to the cemetery to day—
 
Thursday 17
one of the most violent storms sprang up last night & has been raging with fury ever since several regts were driven out of their tents the tide being so high. Lt Williams application for furlough was returned disapproved he has sent in his resignation
 
Friday 18
Morris Isld SC
The storm has cleared away and given place to a most lovely day the rebs are doing considerable shelling we mounted four 200 pdr Parrotts in fort Gregg to day.
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, September 19, 1863.
Had Regimental inspection to day we are building immense forts & fortifications on this & black island all is quiet Chattanooga & Knoxville is in our possession the news had a glorious effect on the army.—this Dpt.
 
Sunday 20
Morris Is SC
Part of the Regt went to the front on picket and some of our 200d Pdrs have been firing on Johnson to day they knocked the rebel lookout down near Charleston. Weather very cool we have to sleep under two blankets to keep us warm
 
Monday 21
All quiet our forts are nearly completed we expect to have another move as soon as we get the forts fixed so that a small force can hold the island
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, September 22, 1863.
one man of Co A died in our hospital to day the first that we have yet lost by sickness on this island
Genl. Gilmore received a Maj Genls commission to day which caused some rejoicing. he deserves all he can get.
 
Wednesday 23
Morris Island
There has been a steady noreaster blowing all day sending the sand through the air in clouds & making it very disagreeable for us. considerable firing in front from 2 to 6 deserters come into our lines daily.
 
Thursday 24
The whole force on this Island was reviewed to day by Maj Genl Gilmore.
it is rumored that Gen Gilmore has superseded Genl. Beauregard. the rebs keep up a steady fire on our works at Cummings Point & black Island
 
                                                           
 
Friday, September 25, 1863.
Morris Is SC
Weather cool—tides very high.
Genl Gilmore & Staff moved Hd Qtrs to Folly Island the rebs dismounted a gun for us their fire is pretty severe but we will soon be ready to return the compliment with interest
 
Saturday 26
Morris Is SC
All quiet in front Genl. Ferry has command of this island we received a mail but it contained nothing for me.
we will be paid soon as the pay master is on this island
 
Sunday 27
Morris Isld S.C.
This has been a very quiet sabbath. no excitement in the department at present Weather cool and pleasant
 
                                                           
 
Monday, September 28, 1863.
Morris Island SC
Our Regt were paid for the months of July and August. I received $42 & sent pr express to Branch Bank in Zanesville $50 our heavy guns on the left opened again on fort Sumter weather cool & pleasant
 
Tuesday 29
Morris Island SC
all quiet. work on our forts is progressing nicely it is rumored that Genl Rosecrans has been defeated Received a letter and some tobacco from George pr Dozen
 
Wednesday 30
All quiet
2 Regts left for Florida sent our retns to Washington.
our troops are enjoying good health
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, October 1, 1863.
our left hand batteries has kept up a steady fire on Sumter & Johnson
Received a letter from wife & one from G.A. Collins very warm to day. Sergt Maj. James Shoop received his furlough
 
Friday 2
Morris Is. SC
Geo Collins arrived to day & brought two shirts and a Photogra dagueretype for me from wife wrote to Dresden. everything is quiet but we are steadily working at some half dozen large forts which are nearly completed
 
Saturday 3
Reced an order to turn over all extra QM stores & public horses
weather very mild & comfortable
the Fulton sailed for N.Y. captured a blockade runner last night she is a large vessel & heavily laden
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, October 4, 1863.
Morris Isld S.C.
Two monitor devils arrived to day preparations for another bombardment are nearly completed. Wrote to George. Regt in front on picket weather very warm again
 
Monday 5
We drew our stationery. Weather pleasant all is as quiet as usual not much firing
it is getting very dull at this place.
 
Tuesday 6
Our Ironsides was boarded by a large force of Rebs about 10 o'Clock last night the rebs were nearly all killed their surf boats sunk or captured it was a pretty sight to us who witnessed the whole proceeding from the beach. the whole land force was called into line.
all quiet to day
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, October 7, 1863.
our left heavy batteries have kept up a steady fire on Sumter & Johnson Received a letter from wife & one from Fort Hamilton from G A Collins. Very warm to day. James Shoop received his furlough to day
 
[overwitten]
 
Mistake Wrong Page
 
7th Drew clothes for the Regt. all quiet
 
Thursday 8
Morris Is S.C.
Weather pleasant nights very cool all quiet in front have not heard any news from the north since the 26th of Sept. several of our men were killed at fort gregg to day by the rebs shells
 
Friday 9
Morris Is S.C.
a member of Co K died in the hospital last night the rebels are making fort Wagoner & Gregg pretty hot for us but it will be our time soon the forts are nearly finished weather pleasant our darkies caught a fish this afternoon which weighed 40 lbs
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, October 10, 1863.
Morris Is. S.C.
Three 100 Pdrs arrived to day & were sent to the front.
Weather very pleasant wrote to wife
an order for stopping Regt. batteries was received to day
 
Sunday 11
Six heavy guns were unloaded to day work on the forts is going ahead briskly heard that George Lenett was dead weather pleasant. Fell & I took a horseback ride down the beach.
 
Monday 12
Morris Is SC
all quiet weather fine no news from the north later than the 3d
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, October 13, 1863.
The election passed of quietly. 226 for Brough 41 for the traitor & 10 for no governor Total 277 votes polled.
Co F went 15 for Brough & 11 for Val.
The polls were sent north this evening by the agent.
 
Wednesday 14
Morris Is SC
Weather stormy no news from the north the health of the troops is very good. casualties in front are very few at present owing to the many good causeways & bomb proofs Gregg is finished & guns mounted
 
Thursday 15
Morris Isld S.C.
It has rained all day weather cool a mail arrived to day I received a letter from George news of the 8th give rumors of peace, but how many such rumors have not had
 
                                                           
 
in the service
Two    Friday, October 16, 1863.    Years
to day
weather beautiful all quiet in front received a letter from wife
I have been a member of this regt two years to day & in the U.S. Service 28 months. a member of Co H. died this PM
 
Saturday 17
weather warm I am suffering from a severe cold news from the north up to the 10th all quiet
 
Sunday 18
weather warm & pleasant. wrote brother George & Dr Cass. a member of Co I. died this P.M. Heard that Brough had carried Ohio without the soldiers votes
 
                                                           
 
Monday, October 19, 1863.
another Monitor arrived to day. Papers from the north with dates to the 14th arrived and report Broughs majority to be 60,000 exclusive of the soldiers vote
weather very warm Drew 10 days rations the regt on duty at Wagoner Seymore took command
 
Tuesday 20
This has been an exceedingly hot day The nights are cool & pleasant. quiet prevails in this department.
 
Wednesday 21
All the transportation is being used for hauling shot & powder Dr Strahl received his discharge & Martin Scarbrough was made hospital steward in his place. Weather very hot again.
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, October 22, 1863.
Weather very hot no news.
 
Friday 23
Morris Isld SC.
two deserters came into our lines. they report that the north & South Carolina troops had a fight on James Is. & lost between them thirteen hundred
Weather stormy
 
Saturday 24
Received a letter from wife & one from George also a daguerotype of baby Pat. Hirst arrived to day. H S Williams received his commission as Capt so also did Chamberlin Pluck & Seagal others
Weather rainy but it is pleasant
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, October 25, 1863.
Received a letter from Dr Akeroyd by P H wrote to wife
weather cold & windy by a general order all labor ceases on Sundays hereafter. wrote to Mother & Brother George.
 
Monday 26
Morris Island SC
The bombardment of the defenses of Charleston began this day. forts Gregg Illinois & wagoner assisted by one monitor & the wood gun boat Paul Jones
weather cool Hirst & Pond went to Hilton Head
 
Tuesday 27
Morris Island
The bombardment progresses with visible effect most of the firing has been directed to ft Sumter. The intention is to perforate her & then sweep her lower tier of seaward guns which are supposed still to be effective
got frames for the [?]
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, October 28, 1863.
Had orders to strike tents & be ready by nine oclock to move onto Folly Island but the order was afterwards countermanded until tomorrow. The 67 OVI & 29th Ill moved across to day weather cool The bombardment is being pushed forward rapidly
 
Thursday 29
north point Folly Island
our camp was moved across the inlet this PM we are all piled in a heap awaiting teams to move us to camp the bombardment has been heavier than heretofore rumored that we have a hole through sumpter
 
Friday 30
2 miles north of Stone
Folly Island
got half of our baggage moved to day we are camped in the woods near Stone Inlet we will have a very pretty camp when it is cleared off
weather pleasant
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, October 31, 1863.
Folly Island
We were mustered for pay have been busy all day clearing off our camp ground received a letter from wife & answered it weather pleasant Col. Howell arrived.
 
Sunday, November 1
Folly Island
staked off our camp & squared it & will have a very pretty camp when finished H. S. Williams was relieved & ordered to Co I.
 
Monday 2
Folly Island
went to head of island & got transportation for the rest of our baggage. fort Sumpter is leveled as far as it ever can be Lieut C.W. Clowe was appointed to act as Rgm
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, November 3, 1863.
Drew forage for our horses The Regt are working at our camp ground weather very warm no news from the front on Morris
 
Wednesday 4
Folly Island
Commenced making out our returns & turning over the Regimental Q M. Department to C W Clowe
Weather pleasant
 
Thursday 5
Finished our returns & transfers tomorrow I commence anew with a new QM am pretty tired
weather pleasant
 
                                                           
 
Friday, November 6, 1863.
Folly Is
Clowe & I pitched our tent & fixed up a desk &c Received a letter from wife & answered it
no news from the front
 
Saturday 7
went to the head of island & got a load of boards for cover sand we are still pounding at Sumter have not yet taken it the rebs have raised a new flag on the ruins
 
Sunday 8
Folly Is
was up to lookout & got a load of lumber that was left there last night our batteries are pounding fort Sumter yet Arrago passed down to Hilton Head. This has been a very quiet Sabbath we have had no preaching since we were at Suffolk
 
                                                           
 
Monday, November 9, 1863.
nothing of interest has transpired to my knowledge.
weather very cold for this climate
 
Tuesday 10
Folly Island
weather cold
 
Wednesday 11
Folly Island
weather still cold was all over the island to get a stove but did not succeed
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, November 12, 1863.
Folly Island
Sergt F M Lank started for home to recruit for our regt took a letter to my wife for me Had Brigade Inspection
Weather more pleasant
 
Friday 13
Folly Island
All quiet. Our boat Inft returned from Morris Island they say that Sumpter is leveled & filled up & that no one stays in the fort as there is no place there for them these men have been on and all around Sumter
 
Saturday 14
Folly Island
one of our brigades & a battery of field artilery passed over to St John's Island on pontoons last night for the purpose of scouting the island
weather comfortable rained this afternoon no late news from the north
have drill each day
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, November 15, 1863.
Folly Island
Wrote to Mother & wife 50 men went to Kiawah heavy firing heard on St Johns Is. supposed to be between the rebs & one of our brigade which was sent on a scout 2 days ago
weather pleasant was to been preaching at 67 O.V.I.
 
Monday 16
Folly Island SC
It is rumored that Meade has garnered a victory over Lee Ft Sumpter is completely leveled & our guns are directed toward Sulivan Island & its batteries The bombardment has continued day & night without a minutes intermission for 22 days sent 3 men to St Augustine on sick furlough
 
Tuesday 17
Folly Island SC
The QM & I carried sod from the swamp & built a chimney to our tent which makes our wall tent very comfortable. The bombardment continues & get firing every day. Weather pleasant had brigade drill
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, November 18, 1863.
had Genl Inspection Received a large mail from the Regiment I got nine papers from north with dates of 14th give an act. of our victory at Rhappahannock Station & that Meade has driven the rebs across the Rapidan
bombardment still continues
 
Thursday 19
Folly Island
had Brigade inspection weather beautiful lovely as May. Drew clothing &c for the regiment Capt Brick received a furlough & will leave for Ohio tomorrow I drew a dress coat & pr pants
 
Friday 20
Folly Isld
We issued clothing to the regiment & drew another wall tent for ourselves. We have one for an office & one for a bed room weather pleasant & warm. Drew a new dress coat & a pr of pants
 
                                                           
 
Saturday, November 21, 1863.
Made a new floor & pitched our new tent upon it it looks very comfortable Drew some stoves kept one for our office
weather fair
 
Sunday 22
No news from the front all quiet slight fall of rain.
 
Monday 23
have been making out our papers for the month am pretty tired have a carpenter at work on a stand & desk for us
 
                                                           
 
Tuesday, November 24, 1863.
Weather pleasant
got my new desk finished & all my papers made up for this week
no news from the front a white Lady visited our hospital Lady is the first white woman I have seen for months
 
Wednesday 25
Folly Island
Our Regt was paid to Oct 30th I received 32.67 & had 9.33 deducted for clothing overdrawn rainy our regt went to Cole Island on fatigue will stay 7 days.
 
Thursday 26
Wrote to Mother & wife no news from the front Weather beautiful a deserter from Com. F arrived to day he was enlisted by Hirst over a year ago & never reported
 
                                                           
 
Friday, November 27, 1863.
Some rain fell to day weather warm.
no news
Received a letter from wife dated November 15th 1863
 
Saturday 28
our Regt returned from Cole Island they say the rebs told them that Grant had whiped Bragg in East Tennessee
rained nearly all day Sergt Major James Shoop was mustered as 1st Lt in Co B.
 
Sunday 29
all quiet. The weather has changed & is quite cold. froze some last night.
 
                                                           
 
Monday, November 30, 1863.
Received an order from Genl Gordon to fire a national salute at 12 M. to morrow in honor of our the recent victory which has crowned the arms of the U.S. forces under Grant & over Bragg
 
Tuesday, December 1
Island is ours with all the guns & gunners except ft. Waggoner & Gunnery Point battery (see July 10th)
Folly Is.
fired a salute at 12 M. is a day of rejoicing with the men of this command. were out in line & gave 3 cheers. had no particulars of the fight yet
 
Wednesday 2
Commenced making out our monthly returns & have been rather busy.
the Fulton passed down to Hilton Head this morning
weather pleasant no paper from the north
 
                                                           
 
Thursday, December 3, 1863.
Finished our returns Drew some tents for the regt had brigade inspection wrote to wife
weather lovely
 
Friday 4
Weather very pleasant received a letter from wife & one from brother Glorious news from Grant
all quiet here except our batteries on Morris.
 
Saturday 5
Received orders this P.M. to be ready to embark on board transports at dark as the whole brigade were to be at sea by daylight
 
                                                           
 
Sunday, December 6, 1863.
Port Royal
our whole brigade left Stone before daylight this morning I was left behind to bring the horses & forage. I left Stone on the Steamer Beaufort at 3 P.M. arrived here at 9.
 
Monday 7
Camp 1 mile from
Hilton Head
We disembarked this morning & found our brigade in camp as above—with their tents already pitched
weather cold have an awful toothache
 
Tuesday 8
Hilton Head
Got our camp straightened up wrote to wife weather cool
 
                                                           
 
Wednesday, December 9, 1863.
Hilton Hd
went to town got my likeness taken had a splendid dinner at one of the restaurants weather more moderate expect the Arago
 
Thursday 10
Hilton Head
the Arago arrived this morning & brought our first recruiting squad & a large mail which we will get in the morning got papers of 5th Meade has fallen back to Culpepper
 
Friday 11
Hilton Head
a drizly rain has prevailed all day Received a letter from wife & one from Mother wrote to wife sent Daguereotype all quiet. It is rumored that we will go further south in a few days
 
Good bye old diary
 
                                                           
 
[margin]
 
marked Dec 1863
 
Folly Island April 7th 1863
 
Captain P Hirst                       Dischd
 
1st Lieut           Johnson           Killed
2d         "          Chamberlin     Capt
 
1st Sergt           Joseph Shaw   Staff
2nd       "          J J Cole           Killed
3d         "          S D Kain         1st Sergt
4          "          G W Hirst       1st Lt
5          "          F M Lank        home
 
1 Corp             George Collins Private
2 Sergt             H Musselman
3          Killed  Jos Parkenson
4 Sergt             J H Ogle
5          Killed  J Cassel
6 Sergt             Saml Barstow
wounded         Henderson
 
1 Private Adams Frank
2 Private Alexander James
 
Hospital          Barron Emery
                        Hung Blak W
Corporal          Barstow John
Deserter          Barstow Levi
Corporal          Brown Wm
"                      Beeman A R
Corporal          Barton Edward
10        "          Conrad B
11        "          Collins Wm
12        "          Forrest Wm
 
                                                           
 
13 Corporal     Fell Robert
14        "          Garnett Danl
15        "          Gould S
16 Dischd        Grilich L
17 Killed         Gressle F.
18                    Hadkinson Saml
19 Dischd        Irwin Kinsey
20                    Johnson H
21        "          Kellmartin J
22 Dischd        Logan J
23 Dischd        McLees John
24        "          McNight Geo
25 Hospital     McVicker H. S.
26 Discharged Miller George
27 Detachd      Matthew F D
28 Corp           Martin M.
29        "          Muersy Isaac
30        "          Powers Gilbert
31 Detached    Passwater F
32 Dischd        Poorman Isaac
33        "          Palmer John
34        "          Ross J W
35        "          Rogers Q. M.
36 Dischd        Reynold John
37        "          Shroyer John
38 Corp           Stiner Joseph
39 Killed         Stewart James
40        "          Stanley Wm
41        "          Wyatt Frank
42        "          Wyatt Isaac
43        "          Wyatt George
 
                                                           
 
44 Private        Wortman J
45 Dischargd   Wood Wm
46 Hospital     Wright J
47 Dischargd   Walters J
 
Absent Sick
 
1 Campbell Jacob       Dis
2 Goodwin David       Dis
3 Shaw Saml
4 Sullivan Elijah         Dis
5 Wray George           Dead
6 Saffle George           Dis
7 McLees John
8 Reynolds John
9 Barstow Levi
Barstow Saml
Barstow Levi
J J Jos Shaw
            Joseph Shaw
 
                                                           
 
[account of purchases, stricken through]
 
                                                           
 
Geo W Collins            Dr
Geo sent checks          1.00
 
                                                           
 
December 1863
 
1          Capt P. Hirst   Dischd
 
2   Lieut P B Johnson  July 18th Killed
3    "    N H Chamberlin         Capt
Changes since April 7th 1863
4          Sergt J Shaw NonCom Staff
5          July 18th J J Cole Killed
6          "          S D Kain 1st Sergt
7          "          G W Hirst 1st Lieut
8          "          F M Lank
9          Corp    G A Collins Private
10        "          H Musselman Sergt
11 Sept 7th       J Parkinson Killed
12        "          J H Ogle Sergt
13 July 18th     J Cassle Killed
14        "          S Barstow Sergt
15 July 8th       J Henderson wounded
                                                in Hospital
16                    Gressel Killed Sept 7
17 Private        Adams Frank
18        "          Alexander James
                        Benton Edward
19 Hospital     Barron Emery
20 Hung          Blake Wm H
21 Corporal     Barstow John
22 Deserted     Barstow Levi
23        "          Beeman Andrew
24 Corporal     Brown William
25        "          Conrad Barnolt
26        "          Collins William
27        "          Campbell Jacob
28        "          Forrest William
29 Corporal     Fell Robert
 
                                                           
 
30 Private        Garrett Daniel
31        "          Gould Thomas
32        "          Goodwin David
33 Dischargd   Grilich Longin
34 Musician    Hodkinson Saml
     Dischd        Irwin Kinsey
35 Private        Johnson Henry
36        "          Killmartin James
37 Dischargd   Logan John
38 Dischd        McLees John
39        "          McNight George
40 Hospital     McVicker H.S.
41 Detached    Miller George
42 Detached    Matthew Fleming D
43 Corp           Martin Michael
44        "          Murray Isaac
45        "          Powers Gilbert
46 Detachd      Passwater Thomas
47 Dischd        Poorman Isaah
48        "          Palmer John
49        "          Ross John W
50 Mus            Rogers Isaac
51 Private        Reynolds John Dischd
52 Corp           Stiner Joseph
53        "          Shroyer John
54 Killed         Steward James July 11th
55                    Stanley William
56                    Wyatt Frank
57                    Wyatt Isaac
58                    Wyatt George
59                    Wortman John
60                    Wood William Dischd
 
                                                           
 
61 Private        Wright Joshua Hospt
62        "          Walters James Dischd
63        "          Wray George Died
64        "          Sheor Samuel Dischd
65        "          Saffle George Dischd
66        "          Sullivan Elijah Dischd
Aggregate 68
Very Truly yours &c
 
                                                           
 
My last diary closed with my furlough I left for my regt Aug 11th/'62 arrived in Washington DC on the 25 from there I was sent to Culpeper Va to report to Genl Pope My Regt not being there I was sent to Fredericksburg to report to Genl Burnsides he assigned me to the 4th Penn Reserves there to remain until it could be ascertained where my Regt was I left this place about the first of Sept (it being the design to evacuate this post by the Fedl forces) for camp convalescense at Alexandria at this miserable place I staid until about the last of Sept we were then ordered to Suffolk there to report our command
I arrived at Suffolk Sept 27th 62 where I have remained up to this time Dec 24th 62 We have good comfortable log huts build We visit the rebs at Franklin and every ten days have a little skirmish & then return this place is very strongly fortified indeed it may
 
                                                           
 
be pronounced impregnable We have orders to be ready to leave for parts known or unknown to morrow (Chrismas) at 8 o'Clock My health has been improving ever since I came here I weigh about twenty-five lbs heavier than I did when I first arrived Suffolk is a town of about five hundred inhabitants is beautifully situated on the Nansamon river in nansamon County of which it is the county seat two RRs the Petersburg & Norfolk & the Roanoke & Seaboard.
Since my last diary we have been defeated repeatedly the insurgents having at one time advanced so far north as Frederick M.D. whipping Genl Pope at Bull Run McClellan reorganize Popes shattered forces & marched into Maryland gave the rebels battle at Antietam where whipped & drove them back into Virginia about this time Harpers Ferry was surrendered to the rebs soon after the battle of Antietam Mc was superseded by Burnsides
 
                                                           
 
who immediately transferd his army to Fredericksburg and about the 25th of Dec 62 crossed the Rhappahannock had a severe fight with the enemy then successfully recrossed & occupied his position on the north bank where he still remains Genl Foster drove the Rebs out of Kingston N.C. & now occupies that place it is rumored that Kingston is our destination.
I have not been paid for ten months
 
Dec 24th 1862—weather pleasant ordered away from this place suppose we go to N Carolina Sergt Barton & Kinsey Irwin were reduced to the ranks [?] for disobedience of orders
 
Dec 25th 62
As lovely a day as could be wished for Chicken for dinner & oysters for supper orders to be ready to march at any minute
Dec 26th
will not leave until Monday weather beautiful do not need our coats
 
                                                           
 
[borrowing accounts, stricken]
 
                                                           
 
Contents of Sergt Shaw's
Knapsack March 1st 1863
            All what he has about his person
1 Dress Coat                           4.00
1 lined Blouse                         1.00
2 pair Pants                             4.00
4          Shirts                           2.00
3 Pr Drawers                           1.00
3 pr Socks                                 .75
2 silk Hankerchiefs                   .50
2 Testaments                             .50
1 Daguereotype
4 Qr paper                               1.00
1 Pk Envelopes                         .25
1 Gold pen & silver                1.50
1 ink stand                                .40
1 Box pens
1 Lousenife                               .50
1 Port Folio                               .15
1 Cap                                         .10
1 pr boots                                3.00
1 neck tie                                  .20
3 linen Collars                          .80
1 Diary                                      .50
1 Woolen Blanket                   3.00
1 Gum Blanket                       1.00
1 pocket Book                           .50
2 Gold Rings                         15.00
                                            $29.60
1 Cap                                       2.50
 
                                                           
 
Amt due for Clothing
from Oct 1861 to Jan 1863          50.72
Amt of Clothing drawn
from Oct 1861 to Jan 1863     40.13
Feb 15th pr socks                         .32
March 3d 1 pr shoes                  2.05
    "     3   1 pt socks                     .32
June 5th   1 pr Pants                   3.55
    "   5th   1 " Drawers                 .95
    "   5th   1 " Shoes                   2.05
 
July 1st 2 Shirts (1.30)Sold       2.60
  "   30th 1 Pr Pants                    3.55
  "   30th 1 "   Shoes Sold           2.05
  "   "     1 "      do   Sold            2.05
 
1863
Sept 2d            1 shirt                1.46
   "                   1 sash (1.84)
   "  10             1 Reg Hat          1.68
   "  10             1 Gum Blank    2.55
Oct 7th         6 Drawers @ .95   5.70
Nov                 1 Dress Coat     7.20
  "                    1 Great coat      8.75
  "                    1 Trowsers        2.50
 
"   30th 1 Pr Pants                      3.55
 
[overwritten]
 
Recd 19.60 from NC for Cloth
settled to June 5 1863
                                                           
 
[scribbles]
 
                                                           
 
For Sept Requisition
Co F    2 Pr Shoes
            2 "  Pants
            3 Knit Jackets
                Flan Shirts
 
Co. A.
            1 Pr Pants
            3 Knit Jackets
            8 Shirts (Flannel)
            2 Pr Socks
            3 " Shoes
 
Co B.
            1 Pr Shoes
 
[overwritten]
 
coppied
 
                                                           
 
For Sept Requisition
 
 
Hilton Head SC
Dec. 20th/63
 
Amanda
            I wrote you a long letter to day & will mail it with this book as a new years present
                                                J Shaw
3467
DATABASE CONTENT
(3467)DL1129Diaries1863

1863 Diary of Joseph Shaw, 62nd Ohio Infantry, re: details of the Battle of Fort Wagner on Morris Island, war news


Tags: Alcohol, Ambrose Burnside, Animals, Artillery, Battle of Chancellorsville, Blockade, Boredom, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Chattanooga Campaign, Clothing, Death (Military), Defeat/Surrender, Drilling, Elections, Fatigue/Tiredness, Fighting, Food, Fortifications, Furloughs, Illnesses, Injuries, Ironclad Warships, Joseph Hooker, Leadership (Soldiers' Perceptions of), Mail, Money, Nature, Newspapers, Payment, Photographs, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Promotions, Recreation, Reinforcements, Religion, Rumors, Ships/Boats, Siege of Vicksburg, Supplies, Victory, Weather, Work

People - Records: 1

  • (5224) [writer] ~ Shaw, Joseph
SOURCES

Joseph Shaw Diary, 1863, DL1129, Nau Collection