Gideon M. Miles Diary
[in another hand]
Millikens Bend La.
Aug 13—put one soldier in guard house
Aug 14—Rebs sighted
Aug 16—Reb disappered
[newspaper clipping]
Death of James Miles.
James Miles, a resident of this city for more than forty years, died at his house on North High street, last Friday morning, after less than a week's illness of pneumonia, aged 66 years, 1 month and 21 days.
Deceased was a native of Pennsylvania, a son of Gideon and Ann Miles, and born in Chester county, December 10th, 1812. In his early days he was an intimate friend of Bayard Taylor, late Minister to Berlin, when the latter was working at the printing business at West Chester, and long before he had a reputation as an author, traveler and diplomate. He emigrated to Zanesville, about the year 1834, but soon after returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained sometime, removing again to Ohio in the fall of 1836 and settling in this city, where he lived up to the day of his death. In 1838 he married Mary E. Cordy, who, at the advanced age of 62 years still survives him, respected and loved by all who are honored with her acquaintance. Eight children were the fruits of this union, of which four boys survive, viz: Wm. Y. Miles, the well-known notion dealer of Columbus; Gideon Miles, of Clarksburg, Ross county; Jno. P. Miles, the fish dealer of this city, and George W. Miles, of Columbus. The subject of this sketch was inclined to the adipose, was one of ten brothers whose combined weight was over two thousand pounds, and at one time he weighed over three hundred pounds.
James Miles was a quiet, sober, industrious citizen, and while he went through the world without the "hurrah" that invariably attaches to the characters of some men, he fulfilled his mission in his own moderate way, and died at peace with all mankind. He joined the M. E. Church at an early day, although born and raised in the Quaker faith, and was a constant attendant upon its services until the infirmities belonging to his large size and weakness in his limbs, made it impossible for him to do that public homage to his God that he wished. He died in full assurance that it would be well with him in the great Hereafter.
The funeral services took place from his late residence, Sunday afternoon, Rev. C. M. Bethauser delivering a touching and appropriate discourse. The remains were interred in Forest Cemetery. Peace to his ashes.
April 13th 1866
Amos Ramburt Dr
Two cakes Ginsger Bread " 20
½ Pounds cheese " 25
1 sundries " 15
Augusted Watters April 15, 1866
Ginger Bread " 10
April 14th 1866
Amos Ramburt
3 cigars April 14th 1866 25
1 Pound Bacon " 25
1 can Salmon " 60
Glass Mints " 20
April 16th 1866
Amos Ramburt Transfered to H Medcalf
4½ lb [?] Transfered H. Medcalf account 90
1 Peck Corn Meal Account " 75
April 16th 1866
By Cheese & Cake Stroune 96
Mr. Stroung Mr Stroung
April 17th 1866
Som
Sox ¾ Quart Whiskey 75
First Lieut Gideon M Miles 53rd U.S.C. Infy. in account current
Dr of January Febuary
Date From what Sourse Recieved $ cts
January 1st 1866 Total amt. on hand carried forward 24.40
January 2nd 1866 From the Company for "Co" Savings 33.90
Febuary 15th 1866 From the Company for Co Savings 22.85
Total Recieved 81.15
Total Expended 38.80
Total amount on Hand and Turned 42.35
over to Capt E L Buchwalter
I certify on Honor that the above
Examined and approved
O. C. Risdon
Col Comd
Regt
count current with Co. Fund. Co H 53 USC Infantry
November and December 1865 lgr
Date How Expended $ cents
1865 By
Oct 15th Eighty six Pair of Gloves 50cts per pr 43.00
" nailes to build Company Quarters 15.25
" Locks and Keys for Co. Quarters 1.05
" Blacking for Co—four dozen 6.90
" One set Hinges for Co. .75
Nov 11th One Co. Roll call Book .75
" Co. Account Book 5.00
Dec 2nd One White [?] 1.50
" 12th Bricks—400—to build Co cook range 6.00
78.20
That the above account is correct and just
Gideon M Miles
1st Lieutenant 53rd U.S.C. Inf.
Commanding Co. H.
No '1'
Mr Medcalf Dr to firm from Mr's
April 13th 1866 $ cts From
By Cash Apr 13th 66 50 Date
Date Apr 13th 66
Apr 16 1866 4½ lb Pork & 1 peck of meal [?] 1.65 "
" " 9 lb Bacon 2" sundries (Alex) 2.67 " 14 "
" " 2 sundries (Dawson) .30 " "
" " 2 Plugs Tobaco Allex .20 " "
" " 2 loves Bread ½ lb Cheese (Amtree) .45 " "
" " 1 Pint Molasses 2 L. Bread (A Ramburt) .45 " "
" 17 1 Loaf Bread (Cartier) .10 " "
" " 2 Loaves Bread (Ramburt) .20 " "
" 18 1 sundries (Dawson) .15 Apr 16th
" " 1 plug tobaco (Cartier) .10 " "
" " 13 of Flower & 5 of Meet (Nathan Hill) 2.35 " "
" " 3 plugs tobaco (Cornell Russell) .21 " 17 "
" " 2 Sundries (Dawson) .30 " "
" " 2 Loves Bread (A Ramburt) .20 " 18 "
" 20 Cash From Drawer
" 20 3 Loaves Bread A Ramburt .25 " "
" 21 1 Peck C. Meal 2 lbs Sugar 1 Sundries 1.75 " "
" 23 2 Sundries & Cakes (Allex) .40 " "
" " 4 Lbs Meat 8 Lbs Flour & 1 Pint Molasses 1.85 " 19 "
" " Flour Meal Molasses Tobaco (Russell) 2.00 " "
" 23 Tobaco Cornell Russell .25 " "
" " 3 Lbs Flower 1 Peck Meal 6 Candies Cakes 4.00 " "
" " 2 Sundries 1 box Saddines (Alex) .90 " "
" 24 1 Plug Tobaco (Amos Ramburt) .10 " "
" 2 Candy (A Ramburt) .10 " "
21.23 20.03
No 1
Mrs Woods account with prices
From April 13th 1866
Date Name of Artical $ Cts
April 13th 66 Three Bottles Ale .90
" " 2 Loves Bread & 1.4 Pound Tea .70
" 14 By 1 Quart whiskey & 3 Pounds Bacon 1.75
" " " 1 can tomatoes Gibbs Miss .50
" " " 3 Loaves L Bread .25
" " " 1 Doz Eggs .50
" " " 1 Pound Brown Sugar .25
" " " 3 Candles .25
" " " Ham & Bread .50
Apr 16 " " 1 Quart vinegar 1 Pint Molases .40
" " " 1 Pound B. Sugar .20
" " " ½ Peck Potatoes & ½ Bacon .38
" 17 " 3 Plugs tobaco .25
" " " 1 can tomatoes & potatoes .75
" 18 " 3 Loves Bread & 1 Pound B Sugar Cheese & .75
" " " 1 Doz Eggs cake .50
" " " 1 can Oysters .50
" " " Bread & Potatoes .25
" 19 " 2 Candles .20
" " " 1 Pound Sugar & 1 Pint Molasses .75
" " " 1 can Plums Bread 2 Candles .95
" 20 " Potatoes 1 Pound B Sugar Bread & Sope .60
" 23 " 1 Pound Sugar .30
" " " Potatoes Bread 1 Pound Sugar Candles 1 Doz 1.50
13.88
Edward L Buchwalter Captain Co. H 53rd U S C I
Dr. U.S.C. Infantry for Months of February
Date From what source received $ cts
1866
February 15th Of Lieut. G. M. Miles Co Fund 42.35
I certify upon honor that the above
Examined and Approved
O C Risdon
Co. 53rd USC Infy
Commanding Regt
In account current with Co Fund Co H 53rd
U S C Infty March and February 1866
Date How Expended $ Cts
1866
Feb 16 One Box W Gloves 6.00
" Four doz Box Blacking 6.90
" 25th Potatoes One Bbl 5.50
" "Fresh" Meats 22lbs 5.60
" Pickles Two Gals 1.00
March 3/66 Potatoes one bbl Onions 1 Bbl Meats &c 17.35
Total Amount Expended $42.35
Total Amount Received $42.35
Amount on hand 00.00
account is Correct and Just
Gideon M. Miles
1st Lieut 53rd USC Infy.
Commd Co "H."
Vicksburg Miss
March 13th 1866
Re'c'd of G M Miles four hundred and Sixty dollars in full for mules Two Sorrell Mare Mules one Black horse mule and one Mouse colored horse mule
Fully Guarenteed
S. Laurence
I certify that the above is a true copy of the origenal.
G. M. Miles
Vicksburg Mississippi
1866
Recieved from Thomas Folia. One light sorrell horse for one sorrell mare mule and Twelve & one Half Dollars in the Bargain
Vicksburg Miss
May 1866
Received from G M Miles One sorrell mare mule. with for one light sorrell horse and Twelve & Half Dollars in the Bargain
with the Company Fund, Co H 53rd USCold Infy, for M[paper torn]
1866
Date How Expended $ cts
1866
January 8th By Blacking W Gloves Per Bill 16.00
" 12 " Mason work for Company 5.00
" 17 " One pair snap hinges & nails 1.00
" 20 " Four Doz Boxes Blacking Small 4.80
" 28 " One Doz Pair Gloves 50cts Per Pair 6.00
Feb. 12 " one Doz pairs Gloves @ 50cts Per Pair 6.00
Total Expended 38.80
account is correct and Just
Gideon M Miles
1st Lieut Co "H." 53rd U.S.C. Infy
Commanding
1st Lieutenant G. W. Miles 53rd U.S.C. Inft in ac
Dr. For September October
Date From what source received. $ Cents
1865
Oct 15/65 From the Co .For Co. Savings 54.50
Nov 19th From the Co. For Co Savings 16.60
Nov 24th From the Co. For Co. Savings 31.50
Total Received 102.60
Total Expended 78.20
total Amount on hand 24.40
I certify upon honor
Examined and Approved
O. C. Risdon
Col. 53rd USC Inf. Commanding Regt.
June 13th 1866
65 Henry Lenner Cakes .15
June 15
25 Mrs Jones Starch .25
40 Alex Slaton Box Sardines .75
June 18th 1866
45 Frank Stears 7 Cakes in Kind .25
60 Lumber in Kind 21
25
50 Lime 50
80
20 Lumber 140.07
10
10
10
50
65
45
80
My employment For Mr A Wygatt Dr
Comenced on the "7" day of Dec 1866
Date $ Cts
1866
Dec 9th Dr. By Cash 2.00
" 13th Dr By Cash 9.00
" 18th Dr By Cash 8.25
" 20th Dr By Cash 5.00
" 25th Dr By Cash 10.00
" 29th Dr By Cash 1.00
" 31 Dr By Cash 3.00
Jan 1 67 Dr By Cash .25
" " Dr By Cash 3.00
" 3 Dr By Cash 11.25
" 5 Dr By Cash 4.50
" 7 Dr By Cash 5.50
" 10 Dr By Cash 5.00
" 12 Dr By Cash 1.50
" " Dr By Cash 1.35
" " Dr By Cash 5.00
" 23 Dr By Cash 3.00
" " Dr By Cash 2.00
$80.60
Carried Forward to Next Page
Gideon. M. Miles
G. M. Miles By Cash Cr
From 7 day of December 1866
Date $ Cents
1866 Money for safe Keeping 25.00
Dec 13th Cr By Cash 1.50
" 14th Cr By Cash .75
" 18th Cr By Cash .25
" 20th Cr By Cash .60
" 21st Cr By Cash .45
Jan 2nd 67 Cr By Cash .30
" 7 Cr By Cash 1.35
30.20
Carried Forward to Next Page
Gideon. M. Miles
Gideon M Miles Dr To A Wygatt
By Cash! Commenced Clarking on the 7th of Dec. '66
Date $ cts
Total Cash from the 9th day
Dec 9th of Dec to the 23rd day of Jan '67 80.60
Jan 26.67 Dr By Cash 10.00
Jan 30 Dr By Cash 5.00
Feb 2 67 Dr By Cash 8.00
Feb 4 Dr By Cash 3.00
Feb 6 Dr By Cash 5.00
111.60
5.00
116.60
Gideon M Miles By Cash Cr
From the 7th day of Dec 1866
Date $ Cts
1866 In Hands For Safe Keeping 25.00
Dec 7 to Jan 7 By Cash for change 5.20
Jan 26th 67 By Cash for one Shirt (Alex) 1.25
31.45
Circleville Ohio
March 12th 1867
The following is the list of Names, Residences and place of birth of Mr James Miles & Mrs Mary E. Miles Family from the oldest to the Youngest and I am satisfied that it is all True and Just.
Gideon M Miles
Wrighter
Nomber of the Family! & Place of Residence!! State
(1) James Miles ! In good Health S Circleville Ohio!!
(2) Mary E. Miles ! In good Health S Circleville Ohio!!
(3) W. Y. Miles ! In good Health S Gallipolis Ohio!!
(4) J. H. Miles ! In good Health S Watterford Ohio!!
(5) G. M. Miles ! In good Health S Circleville Ohio!!
(6) Ann M. Miles ! Dead S In Heaven above!!
(7) J. P. Miles ! In good Health S Circleville Ohio!!
(8) G. W. Miles ! In good Health S Circleville Ohio!!
Wm Y Miles moved away from Circleville Ohio to Gallipolis then he got married to a young Lady by the name of Miss Irene McCormack he still remain in the latter City and is in the Dry good Business
James Miles Esq.
Was borned on the 10th day of Dec. 1812 at West Town Town Ship, Chester County Pennsylvania. Moved to Ohio in the Year 1836 and made his residance at Circleville Ohio Pickaway Co up to March 12th 1867
Mary E. Miles
Was borned Sept 28th 1816, in Sussex County near Lural Daleware and moved to Ohio in the Year June 1834. First landed Yellow Bird, Ohio and moved to Circleville Ohio Nov 1835 and still remane in the City of C'ville, Ohio, Pickaway, Circleville Town Ship.
William Y. Miles
Was borned July 8th 1838 in Circleville Circleville Town Ship Pickaway County Ohio. Remained in the city untill April 1862. when he went to Gallipolis Ohio and got married to a young lady by the name of Miss Irene McCormack and then moved to that City and went into the Mercantyle Business
James H Miles
Was borned in Circleville, Circleville Town Ship, Pickaway Co Ohio in the Year 1840 5th of May and remained in the City untill Aug 1862 when he enlisted in the 114 O.V.I. was mustered out of the Service of the U.S. and returned home. He served honestly and faithfuly a as a Soldier, and came out with out a wound.
Gideon M Miles
Was borned May 5th 1845 in Circleville Circleville Town Ship, Pickaway Co Ohio and remained in the City untill Aug 6th 1862 when he enlisted as a Soldier in the 114 O.V.I. A Company. Remained in that Regt untill July 1863 and was promoted to orderly Sergt in the 53rd Infy. Promoted 2nd Lieut 53rd U.S.I. on the 22nd Febuary 1863 & then promoted to 1st Lieut on the 22nd day of June 1864 and remained the same untill he was mustered out of the Service of the U.S. He was wounded at St Charles Ark. Nov 25th 1864. the ball passing the Head exterminating the left Eye.
Ann M. Miles
was borned Aug 26 1848 in Circleville, Circleville Town Ship Pickaway Co Ohio and remained in the City When she was called away from this world by Death on the 5th day Feb. 1863. She was a good girl and it beleaved that she has gone to Heaven.
John P. Miles
was borned Aug 9th 1853 in Circleville Circleville Town Ship Pickaway Co Ohio and to this date has not been out of the City but is agoing to School. C. Union
George W. Miles
Was borned Jan 26th 1856 in Circleville, Circleville Town Ship, Pickaway Co Ohio. He the youngest of the family has not been out of the City up to the preasant date, but is still young going to the Circleville Union School and I hope that he will improve his time as so that he will make a good mark in the world and community that is before him
Transfered from Family By the Son & Brother Gideon M. Miles
Late 1st Lieut 53rd USCI Comd Co H
Married
On Thursday evening March 20th 1862 at the residence of the Bride's Mothers near Gallipolis Ohio. By the Rev G. W. Isamunger
Mr William. Y. Miles, to Miss Irene E. McCormick of Gallia County Gallipolis Ohio
Wm Y. Miles formerly from Circleville Circleville Town Ship, Pickaway Co. Ohio
where he was born and raised to the age of and then left the City and took one Dear one to his final abode
Death's
Lovy Cordry Departed this life on the 18th of July 1858. She was the Mother of eleven children, all of whom died before but three Whith christian fortitude she saw them all borne to the silent Tomb. She was a Member of the M E C for nearly or quite a half century The Fueral Surmon was preached by C E Felton from 1 Cor. 15th Chapter 57th verse.
But thanks be to God which giveth us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. She was when she died 70 Years of age 1 month 13 days old. Though dead she still lives.
Ann M Miles Daughter of James and Mary E. Miles died of inflamation of the bowels on thursday Eve Feb'y 5th 1863 at 11 O'clock She left the evidence to her friends that she was reconciled to God. She had been a member of the M. E. Church in Circleville Ohio for about two years. Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. Crooks on Sabbath after after-noon Feb'y 8th 1863 and was buried by the attension of her sabbath school Her Text Now when He came nigh to the Gate of the city, Behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of His Mother, and she was a widow, and much people of the city was with Her. C 7 St Luke & 12 verse
Millikens Bend, La.
Aug 10th 1863.
This is a fine day and nothing of importants going on. I went up to the Sutlers (Deek N) in the morning. then went back to my Quarters and attended to my millitary affairs.
Millikens Bend La.
Aug 11th 1863
A fine day and I felt vary well. went up to the sutlers of the 11 La. and spent $1.75—so much gone for nothing at the sutlers of the (11) Eleventh La. the Regt is leaving for Goodriges landing to day.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 12th 1863
I am well. I received three letters. one from Cousin Mary Y. Miles. Brother Wm. Y. Miles & Lizzie Soper. all brought good news. The Rebbles are reported eight miles in our rear. did not actack to night.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 13th 1863
I was detailed as officer of the Guard went through prety well. went the Grand Rounds and took all of the muskets from the Guards except one man. Had a prety good time and plenty of fun. I put
one man (Soldier) in the Guard House for sleeping on post. day passed of well I wrote three letters. Cousin Mary Miles Lizzie Soper & H. L. Doughty.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 14th 1863
A nice day and I am well. Just came off duty. Still at Millikens Bend, no sight of moveing. Rebbles reported in our rear but no sighn of an actact from them.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 15th 1863
I am well and all wright. Nothing going on. I have command of Co H 53rd USCI as the Capt. is on duty and and boath Lieuts are sick.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 16th 1863
All is well. I wrote a letter to A Company to Mr E. Moore. Had some rain in the after noon. it stoped raining about supper time and looked nice. But soon rained and then turned nice & cool Rebbles reported to have vanished from there former posision at Richmond La near Roundaway Bouyou.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 17. 1863.
Morning pleasant but cloudy. Capt S. P. Newcomb & Lieuts Buchwalter & Hewitt are sick and I was in charge of the Co all is well. Well Me! Nothing going vary puticular! Weather vary hot sun out bright. No news from Home.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 18th 1863
I am all wright to day. times are good Well & Harty. No news from enny point
Millikens Bend La
Aug 19th 1863
I commenced to build a shanty for my self. did not get it done, and then came a rain. But did do no serious danger or damage. Nothing going on at preasant All is well with me.
Millikens Bend La
Aug 20th 1863
Morning Cloudy and weather cold. Had some vary hard rains before noon. No rain but cloudy up to 3 o/c P.M. Capt Newcomb vary sick Lieut Buchwalter on Picket. I am vary lonesome to day. I am all wright yet.
Vinicity of Vicksburg.
Vicksburg, Miss Feb. 16th 1867
Saterday Night. 6 o/c P.M.
I went on Board the Steamer Emerald at 4 o/c P.M. But the boat had to lay at the warf on account of loading old iron and bales of old rags. But on or about the hour of nine (9) o/c P.M. we started from V.Burg and bound for Cincinnatti and in the mean while, I did not get to see Miss W. or any of the family. So I do not think that there is much loose on either side. And while the boat was lying up at the warf I was helping Mr A. Wygatt weigh a lot of cotton seed on board the A & M. S. S. Warf Boat and when I got through that I went on board the Steamer Emerald and remained there untill the boat her final disaperance and felt vary gloomy. But I think it is better for myself and family and hope I may never see this place until I am better fixed for business.
The boat is about the bend of the Miss River. First bend from Vicksburg. The distants is about three miles from V.Burg and we are still going on and without any fear of danger, that is that I know of. Later. the boat is still moveing
forward and I am vary satisfied with the Capt & crew. In my estimation they are all gentlemen in fact with me and through the influwance of M E. Benjamin got my fare for at least 15 Dollars cheaper than any other boat could of taken me. so I am well treated by boath parties. I will close for a short time.
It is about ½ 9 o/c P.M.
Now I commence again. it is nearly 11 oclock and it is too dark for me to tell how far we are from V.Burg or in what place we are at. But before morning we we will pass Millikens Bend Goodriges landing, Lake Providence, and many other landing, all of which I would like to see vary much, to report the condission at preasant, and like it was one year and a half ago. But understances I can not report the facts as I should. We have not made any landing since we left V.Burg. My spirits are good and no danger in sight.
It is Bed time
I went and took a good night repose in State Room "Y" all of which was vary comfortable. I had a room mate but he was unknown by me.
Sunday Morning
Feb 17, 1867
I got up early, went out and washed and got my self and primped up of course then the breakfast bell rang. I then went ate my breakfast and then went upon the Hericane Deck to take notes. It was not long before we came to lake Providance, the place is some what larger than I last seen it. there is but one Church there, and there are several brick homes and more frames than bricks, and the acual lake its self has a vary fine apperence from the river. a short distance above the Lake on the Miss River is a landing called 'All Right' and a beautiful seanry it affords. it being Sunday the people were all standing arounding. there was a large gin (cotton) on the place. as we went along we passed a steamer named Lexington She was vary heavly burdened. We still kept on our way, and a short distance above that steamer we came to another landing named Easton, a plantation that was beautiful and well fix. and on our way from that landing I saw
a greate fine plantations, and all under cultivation. and about 10 o/c A.M. we came to a plantation landing called Vista. it was also beautifuly situated. there are some portions of the country that looks that looks vary lonesome, that is in my estimation. We are now passing a small Island to our wright. the productions there on are brushes & trees there is a small house upon this island which I did not see. the persons that live on it are choping wood for steamboats, I suppose as I did not see any farming implements. As we passed on I saw several plantations and stoped at at but one and there we took some pasengers on board. Had some children with them and as they were moveing had some chickens and they were of all sizes. some that was not out of the shell. there was some prety good looking girls with the family.
Twelve 12 o/c M. just came out from dinner and to satisfy myself I am seated on the extream front of the Herecaine Deck looking at the situation of the country as I pass and every few miles I see houses and the most of them are new.
I have seen but vary few churches through this country.
I see wild ducks fly up every few miles. Now I just seen a vary large crane fly up from the river and light down on the bank and when the boat came up close to it it made its disaperance and was seen no more. 2 o/c P.M. I have seen nothing of importants only the large amount of drift wood floating down and it was impossible for us to go vary fast. the river is very hight. We are just passing a large Byouh or a small river as the case may be. But I do not know its name & about five miles from the latter Byouh we are just passing one of the same & I do not know its name. and a little distance from it I seen a large flock of wild geese, a man (country man) which stood close by me shot at them but did not take any affect on them. We are just passing another large steam boat. it seems to be a new name—St. Charles—She is a vary prety boat all so vary heavely loaded to. we are now passing a large plantation immediately on the rivers edge and one small brick quarters has all ready caved in to the river. there there is also a large gin on this place but there is no body a living on the place. it seems so desolate
A few miles from this place we come to Grand Lake all of which was a large body of watter. and as I suppose a small town is situated there upon or a large plantation landing. at all events, there was a good many white people. There was a good many horses hitched there. We took some three or four passengers on board. It was situated vary finely and immediately on the [?] of the river. and also the lake can be seen from the boat on which I am traveling. it covers a prety scope of land.
The next landing is Eggs Point a place I suppose is of no importants or mere plantation landing a matter of business for the surrounding inhabitants. and some distance above this is the Rooss landing and that is the same as the above. and the next landing is a small landing called Greenville. it is a place for boats to land, boath up and down the river. Greenville is the place that I heard of the greate steamboat (David White) disaster. This boat blew up about 8 eight miles above the said place but previously I seen the reck of a boat but did not know any thing of the loss on board. But vary soon after, I heard the loss or
or nere near the nomber as some of the pasengers that came of the lossed steamer told me all about the whole affair which was vary distructive. The nomber lossed was about (50) fifty more or less. The former Captain (& part owner) 1st Clark 2 Clark & 3 Clark besides several of the other officers & crew & pasengers are included. It was a terable thing to behold. As I seen the reck, barrells, boxes & churess floating down the river and at the above mentioned place. There were several dead and some of them expecting to die every minute left at Greenville Miss I had a long talk with several of the misfortunate pasengers that was on board of the boat when she was blown up. the whole boat was a total loss. The next landing from this Garnes Landing. Just a mere place to transact act business for the surrounding plantation. I did not get to see this place on account of conversation with those men that was in the greate disaster. There fore I am unable to tell the situation of the place. The next place of stoping was the mouth of White River where we are to land some pasengers I know the situation of that place for I have been there and also camped there. Well as it is about the hour of (12) twelve
O'clock Mid night I will close.
Monday. Feb 18 1867
I got up prety early and found that the river raised about thirty four inches last night. We were all right and the boat did not make any stops that I know of. And on our way we passed a small town by the name of Napolione. We stoped but did not stay long, and soon proceeded on our way home. the next landing we stoped at was White River landing and where we stoped took on board 200 bushels of coal & while lying at that point I and my room mate went ashore to look for the last time at the ground that I once was on. we went in two or three stores to see the Southern style and found it in prety good condission. prety soon we went on board & amused our selves to the best advantage and about the hour of "12" Twelve M. we will see the city of Hellenia Ark.
At preasant I see nothing but the large river and the dence forest. not a house is to be seen, that is from the river, where I am at preasant, things look so dreary and solitude and the sky over whelmed with large clouds and with the apperance of a
hard rain. 3 o/c P.M. We are about fifteen (15) miles from "Hellenia Ark" & no rain has made its apperance yet. But in the distance it looks vary foggy and dismal and all most a shure sine of rain. But to think of the greate disaster makes me feel bad but not at all affraid of our Steamer (Emerald) blowing up. The drift is vary bad & is coming down very fast such as large logs & brush & many other articals of earthly matters of the earth. I am now on the Hericane Deck and it is drisling some harder than when I came up & I suppose I must go down in the cabbin. (25 minutes) it is now raining hard. I close for the preasant.
Four (4) o/c P.M. It is coming down vary hard and the river is so vary foggy that the boat cannot make more than (3) three or (4) four miles per hour and the river is intensly full of logs & brush that it is vary dangerous for the boat to run. There has been a greate many large logs goin square under, that she has to stop for a short time for fear of danger she whistles every (5) minutes for her own protection. And if the weather remaines in this condision much longer we will have to lay up for the night or untill the fog leaves the river. She goes vary slow but there
is some Body on the watch all the time. There are some two "2" or three "3" persons on board of our boat that was wounded on the (David White) and one boy (I do not know his name) got his arm broke simply by [?] a wild mule. the latter is in bad condiscion. Nine (9 o/c) P.M. it got so intence dark that the boat had to lay up for safty. We layed by a large wood yard. I got off and went on shore to see how things looked & was getting along. Found no body. then but one (1) white man & one (1) negro that was running the place. I remained out on land for some time and then went on board on account of the cold air. We then proceeded at some of our social amusement, it did not last long, when the boat launched of from shore and going up the middle of the Miss. River just merely moveing moveing along on account of the heavy drift floating down the large stream and as we are but little distance from Hellenia Ark. and we are still afloat for the said place.
Well as I am vary tired and weary and a greate deal of sleep about me I suppose I must close for the night. the boat is still going No news from any point
Tuesday, Feb 19th 1867
Earley in the morning I arose from my weary couch and found that we were landed at island No 96 Takeing on coal to keep the steam strong to make the boat shove her wheels through the dashing waves. After I had washed and fixed my self up a little, I went on shore to see what my eyes could rest upon. And as nothing of importants came to my view but the observation of a young cub of a bare (black) and that amused me for some time as I played with him a little while and then went aboard the boat again. We did not stay at that place long, but soon went sailing up the Miss River for Hellenia Ark. and arrived there about two "2" o/c P.M.
While passing that place I went out on the guard of the boat to look at it for the last time probaly for a greate while and in a few moments we left that point and on our way to memphis, Tenn. all of which we are a greate ways from it. But we have not passed any principle landings since we left the city of M. Tenn. We have passed a greate many nice plantations but could not see much work done on them although they are all inhabited by some body I know not who they are
During the day I have been amuseing my self by playing a social game of cards
with a few gentlemen that I had never seen before they came on board the boat and had a good time. We are now about (50) Fifty Miles from Memphis, Tenn. We will get there in the night some. it is about 5 o/c P.M. The river is vary high here now and by drift comeing down that it is still raising. The weather is getting some what colder here I can feel it vary quickly by going out on the deck. Well I will close untill after supper! S
11 o/c P.M.
Pryor to this time we stoped at a wood yard and I donot know what the name of the landing is. staid there some time. then my room mate and my self went on shore and talked about personal business and many other things to numerous to mention and then went up in the cabbin and amused our selves by playing a game of cards—did not play long when I had to stop—and after that I comenced to play with some other gentlemen and I came out best during the night, and as the rules are to stop playing at 10 o/c P.M. we did—There is no news of importants—the drift is still comeing down the river. We have had no serious news of danger on our boat yet. Well it is getting late and I must retire for the night as my pardner is in bed and asleep and I must go there myself.
Wendsday Feb 20th 1867
I got up just before breakfast I washed and fixed up, and waighted for my B.fast bell to ring. it soon came we were then at the City of Memphis Tenn. We arrived there during the night while I was in my and finly reposing—and after I ate my B.fast I went up in to the city to see how things looked and found them about the same as they were two (2) years ago. I did not stay long on account of the boat going away and leaving me in a fine condision there. But while we were lying at the warf I went on the adjoining Warf Boat to see Captain Kinney & the Bar Keeper Boat of the 'David White' Steamer, and found them in a dreadfull condision. the Capt. was burned vary badly. But the Bar Keeper was in a greate deal worse condision than the former.
By the way when we left the City of Memphis I seeted my self on the Hericane Deck to see what I could and also to see any thing new, but found nothing more than the watter that was getting in to the City—so we passed on up the river and preasently we came to Fort Pillow—But it did not look varry natural this time on account of the bank caveing in to the river and and the weeds & trees growing up in greate quantity. We landed at a small place just below Fort Pillow but I did
not know the name of the landing it was vary small and did not amount to any thing.
We are passing on up the Mississippi River but I do not know what point we are at at preasant on account of the darkness of the night. it is about Ten (10) o/c P.M. and I feel prety tired so I suppose I will retire for the night. But by the way, as we left memphis the first landing we came to was Riddles Point, the place where we took wood on board, and it being in the state of Mo, I went on shore. staid there few minutes, then the bell rang. I then resumed my posision on the boat. soon we pushed off and proceeded up the river. The next was new Waddren a small town. But we did not stop but went of from the place as fast as time could pass. I seen a greate many vary fine plantations all in opperation. and the next stoping place was a small town called Hicks. it was a prety large place but it was so dark I could not see how the place was and between those places I was vary much amused by talking & playing a plasure game of cards with my room mate. But soon plaid out. the next station will be Columbus Ky. we will come to that place while I am in bed taking my nights repose. We will get to the city in about one hour and from Columbus Ky the next station will be
Cairo, Ill. Nothing special to night that I know of—more than all that I am vary sleepy and I must and I must close for the night. it is just ½ 10 o/c P.M. So I will go to bed—
Thursday Feb 22nd 1867
Just as I went to bed the boat whistled for Columbus Ky—but we did not stop. We was just twenty "20" miles from Cairo "Ill"—then so as we passed forward and through conversation I went to sleep and did not know what time it was when we arrived at Cairo. But at any rate I got up, washed, dressed and went ashore. But I did not remain there long on account of the boat leaveing the port and soon we made a strike for Cin Ohio. on our way from said place we passed a small town called Mound City but did not stop. on we went and a few miles from there we came up to a small town called—but in fact I could not find out what the name was (Later) We are still on our way we are still on our way up the Ohio River and entering the old Ohio River at Cairo Ill—Later—we are passing some vary nice houses & frames. something that is worth my notic and not only mine but every body elses The river is vary high here at this point
(Four) 4 o/c P.M. The boat remained the there about "3" three While we remained there my friend "Jas"K." went up in to the city and staid there some time. Then I went back to the boat and found that it is was not a going to leave soon. I had nothing to interest my self and that was the only pleasure to walk back to the City for to amuse our selves. and then we returned back to the boat and soon we pushed off for Cincinnatti, Ohio. Through exertion we made it all wright. But while in the City seen that it had was something like a large City. The population of the same was told me about 35.000 but I dont think is so many people there. But after we had went aboard the Steamer we went in to some scotial amusement playing a four (4) game of Ucher. We did not play long—later! We are still bringing up the Ohio River and by the way it is vary high the watter is runing over the fields and in barns & houses but has not done much damage yet that I have seen. I have never seen it so high before that I know of. On our way I have passed a greate many littel hous town & plantation, but do not know who lives in them or who the plantations belongs to. We left the latter place about (4) four oclock P.M. and on our way up I only watched the extent of the why high watter & the houses barns corn cribs and
a greate many other things to numerous to mention Wider the gushing river got and as we passed we came to a place called Prinston Ind. it was not a vary large place but on account of the high watter the business of the town had almost ceased and as we passed on up the crick it seemed that it got larger all the time and that the people was suffering vary much on of the watter and I beleave the inhabitants was in a suffering condision. I have seen so much that it is to much to explain in such a short time that I had not enough room in my pocket diary. and in fact it takes to much room for the full history of what I have seen. Well as we pass along we come to another landing call Plantation landing Henderson. this was a prety large place. I suppose they call it a city. We went up and took on board some pasengers and now on our way up the booming stream seeing & takeing notice of all that was in my view, and passing on up several miles we came to a city called Evensville Ind that was out of the watter on account of the large leavee surrounding the City. there were some stores under watter but did not amount to anything. we stoped there for about one hour. While there I went up into the City merely to see it and found it quite a business place but I did not
Aug "4"
remain there long. then went on board the steamer and soon we started for cincinnatti O. and as it were on my way from there to take good notice of the country seeing how distructive things were in this part of the country. so passing on we came to a house, as it were stood in the midst of the watter, and we seen several people or persons there so as we neared them they began to wave there hankerchiefs to hale us. the Capt seeing this brought his boat in to them and took them on board and we had to wait a long time there to take them on board. then started on had not gone far then the Capt was haled again by a man and asked the Capt if he wanted any wood Yes! was the reply, so the boat haulted and went too, and in getting the barge load of wood hiched to the steamer the Second Mate was pulled over board in the river and he went far beneath the waves. it was vary frightful at first but he recovered in a few minutes and was brought aboard the boat all safe and he went to work just as usual. so on we went and have not made any more stops since more than watching the destructive waves of the booming Ohio River. and just after dark it began to rain and storm and it excited the women so that they thought the boat would sink. No but on we went and was soon haled by two (2) men that got aboard the
Boat and came on up the river with us but before we could get away from that point we pulled off the Warf Boat from the land on account of our boat pushing it on the land and then our boat got aground and had a hard time to get away from that point. so finley we heaved too, and started for destination and it being so dark I then went in to the cabin and in a short time retired for the night, in Room "D" with my room mate.
Friday, Feb 23rd 1867
I got up prety early went to the toylet, fixed up, and then went to my breakfast. After breakfast I and my pardner I and my went out on the guards of the boat to walk and exersize our selves and while there looked at the country as we passed and found several houses under watter—and several small town or plantation post offices as they are termed in this country as the country is vary thickly settled along the Ohio River. I have seen in Kentucky a greate many sheep. Things along the Ohio River looks so beautiful. I have seen wheat out of the ground about two inches high. I also seen coal mines on the Ohio River in Ind. We stoped there and got two or three hundread bushels of coal. as soon as the coal was loaded we pushed out for Cin. Ohio—Later—we are now going and as we glide up the River and as I go I see
nice farms now continualy and they are all under cultivation. Some of them are beautiful & some of them not so beautiful. I have have seen some fine houses high & dry, that is above watter level. We just passed a small town called Owens Burro Ky. it was a prety large place. I did not go up in the place I did not have time—4 o/c P.M.—as we went on up the river I seen a greate many fine farm houses and some of them, as it were under watter, and the people moved out of there houses for safety. and preasently we came to another town called "Levensworth Ind" and by the way it was under watter or the princle part. some few houses was out of the watter. there was but one (1) church in the place and I did not see any body around it. We did not make any stop there but proceeded on—of course we passed houses, some of them on hills and some of them in valleys, and finely situated. But by the way as it was cloudy all of the time it began to rain. But we kept on going
10 Ten o/c P.M. it is vary dark and the rain is poreing down. We are still on our way up the river about (50) fifty miles from Lewisville Ky. We will get there about (4) four o/c A.M.—I will return in a few minutes—By the way I and my Pardner was vary busily ingaged in regular & interesting conversation on religeon. My Friend took the ground of Catchlickism & I took the Prodison side of the question. I dont know exactly how it stands as neither one would give way to each other
We still remain as personable Friends and I think that he is a vary good boy that is in my estimation "10"
But for argument I think it is good on one subject. They was one man sitting near to whom I did not know & he decided with me. the balance had nothing to say on the subject, therefore I do not know the feelings of any person that heard the conversation. Well I am tired & I must retire for the night, as I am worn and sleepy
February
Saturday 24th 1867
I got up prety early, washed and dressed, and then went out on the guards of the boat, as we had stoped to get coal the name of the place was
New Albany, "Ind."
We did not remain there vary long, not long enough for me to go ashore so I remained on board the steamer and and took breakfast. and while eating we shuved off from shore and then bound for Lewisville K.Y. While in the cabbin the boat went over the falls and I did not get to see them properly. But I finished my task & then went out on the deck to watch the landing at Lewisville. When the work was done I then went up in to the City to see there style. I went to the market. it was about 9 o/c A.M. I seen there style there, from there up to the Depot—Rail Road. There I seen the situation and
style, and from there over several of the principle streets and seen the situation and condision of the City in general and then went down to the boat for fere they would go away and leave me. after I returned from the city I and my friends went and played a scotial game of Ucher togather. we did not stay at port vary long, then started for Cin. Ohio. Just above the city I saw a large shot manufactory. it is [?] on the Ohio River. on we passed & looking at the naboring houses and made all things look beautiful & grand. the next town was
Evensville, Ind
a small place. But looks vary grand from the river. on we went and soon came to another small town called Jefferson Ind, and in all of its granjurer there I saw the Penetentary and many other large works. But we did not stop there, and a few miles from there we came to another town called Uticca Ind. But it did not amount to any thing we did not stop but on our way we met several fine houses & other things. Leaveing the latter place we passed another small town but I could not find out the name of it. so on we came and preasantly we came to a small town called
Madison Ind
it was a large place but as it was night I could not see much of it, it was light up with
gass and made a fine apperance. We merely landed and then shuved out in the stream, and came on up the river. on the way too Madison Ind I seen from the boat close to the edge of the watter places where they had burned lime & the hill from where they got the rock to make it, and several other little tragics to numerous to mention
Sunday, Feb 25th 1867
I got up prety early and there being no body up I went back to my room and layed down again—and by the way. I did not get up in time to eat my breakfast with the balance of the pasengers. How ever I made the point, and after breakfast I went up on the Hericane Deck with my pardner, to look at the surrounding country and we soon came to the tomb of the good old man—Genl Harrison—and after gazeing at it, seeing it situation, I then walked the deck talking of different things & subjects, & then soon went down in the cabbin to sit by the fire waghting the arrival to Cin. Ohio. I see on the banks of the Ohio River a nice and large vineyard and many other thing that makes things look so beautiful. we passed a small town but I could not find out the name of it. Just in sight of the queen city of the west every thing looks so
subblime and beautiful. the City is large and from the emence fires of the City every thing looks black, on account of clouds of smoke over it all the time, and makes it vary disagreable. We soon came in sight of the large wier brige and when the steamer Emerald lowered the smoke stacks and took the steam pipes and then we started under the large bridge, and soon the Capt made the landing and then I went up in the City—that is my room mate and my self. We was not long togather when we parted & I started Uncle J.J. Cordrys house. after looking for him a long time (that is in surch) I found his house, and by the way I found them all well and seen a little cousin that I had never seen before—His name was
Charles Gideon Cordry.
I remained with him several days, went to the City several times, and seen the order of the day and seen a greate many of the boys from Circleville O. I took supper with Young Wolfley and I had a gay time in genral. these few lines does not tell all that I have seen in the City they are to numerous to mention, and as I staid in the city a long time, I found it would be more proffitable to return to my home where I had not been for nearly two (2) years. so on the sunday after I was in the city and on Monday morning I started home in company with E. Fletcher, a young man that yus used to live in Circleville Ohio when I went in the Army. and on our way up on the cars we had a good time talking of old times and other matters. But soon we came to my birth place, Circleville O.
May 1 1863
We had a bloody contest at Tomsons Hills a hard fought fought Battle—lasted all
My self and four boys—Soldiers—names 1 Wm Prought, 2 Gideon M Miles, 3 E. Moore and two more I can not remember there names took Twelve "12" prisners of War to the rear of the Battle ground, and through misfortune I and my pardners did not get back to the Regt untill the next morning. when I returned I found the Boys all right and in there wright place. on my return Capt Lynch told me he thought I was killed, but I told him that I turned up again safe and sound. I seen a greate deal of blood spilt on those hills and a greate many good men around there as we are a going to march I must close.
August 13th 1863
detailed as Officer of the Guard and I went through this inspection vary well. went the Guard Rounds by night and by day and I took all of the muskets from the Guards but one—he was a good soldier. I had a prety good time and plenty of fun. I put one of the Guards in the Guard House for sleeping on Post. day passed of well. wrote three letters, persons to whom I wrote, Cousin Mary Y. Miles, Lizzie Soper, H. L. Doughty. I remained on my Post all night, had no danger
August 14th 1863
This morning came beautiful and I am well Just came of duty. Still at Millikens Bend La and no sign of moveing yet to day. Rebbles reported in our rear, but no sign of an actact from them they are supposed to be at Richmond "La" and a prety good force.
August 15th 1863
I got up in good cheer and am well & all right. there is nothing going on of importants. I have command of the Company—viz—Capt Newcomb is officer of the Day & Lieuts. Buchwalter & A.B. Hewitt are sick. I watched over them and drilled the Co. H 53rd U.S.C. Infy Every thing went of well and I had no trouble.
August 16th 1863
after arising from my lonely couch I found all things was well. I wrote one letter to Company A 114 O.V.I. they were then at Warrenton Miss. Morning was nice but in the after noon it clouded up and rained. but did not last long and then turned out nice untill supper time, and soon after supper it rained again, and in the course of (2) two hours, and then it cleared off and turned cool. the the Rebbles have retreated from Richmond La they went from there to Monroe La.
August 17th 1863
Morning pleasant but cloudy. Capt Newcomb & Lieuts Buchwalter & Hewitt are sick and I had charge of the Co. (H 53rd USCI) all is well with me. nothing is going of importants weather is vary hot. sun is vary bright and no news from home or friends.
August 18th 1863
I got up prety early and found every thing all wright. times are good. I am well & harty. I had some sport with the Officers and retired at bed time in good cheer
August 19th 1863
I got up prety early and soon commenced to build me a small shanty for my quarters and did not get it quite done on account of a hard rain. But it did not do any damage to my mansion. Nothing going on at preasant all is well with me and my Company. Capt Newcomb is sick. Lieut Buchwalter is on Picket. Hewitt is with the Company.
August 20th 1863
Morning cloudy, weather cool. Heard rain before (12) twelve oclock and then it cleared up some what. But seen flying clouds up to "3" three oclock P.M. Capt Newcomb is reported very sick
the Company is all wright to day. I am vary lonesome to day although I am all wright yet
April 15th 1865
I received a detachment just on duty in Draft Rednvous, in Madison Wis. from the Secretary of War ( E. M. Stanton). When I got there I reported to Major Smith. I remained in the City untill the 20 Twenth day of said month. then I ordered my things to be taken out to camp and then I began to board with Fread Willace. He was Sutler of the 1st Wis. Permt Ball. While I was on duty there I had a good time in general. I was not there long before I was sent to Fortress Monroe with a squad of prisnors. Ninteen the nomber. and on the way two of them deserted me one of them was named Smith and I did not know the other one's name.
I arrived sate at the Fort delivered them and then started back for my Post. I arrived there safe and made a written report of my travels and where those men deserted me at. When I got back to Chicago Ill I understood that Our Beloved President Lincoln body would come through and I remained in the City to see the prosesion and found it most
magnificent. Genl Hooker commanded the prosesion. all the troops in the city turned out under arms and it was most magnificent and beauty. There I seen more people than I ever seen in one body in my life. I did not have time to go and see his body so I went on back to my place of duty
Thursday December 8th 1864
This day I embarked on the Steamer Star Marcella to go to Vicksburg Miss to get transportation to Cairo Ill. My servent aroused me from sleep about midnight and after I went on board I remaned awake untill we arrived at port VBurg. I got there early, disembarked, went up to the Washington Hotel, stade there a short time, and soon a boat came from below. we went down and embarked for Cairo Ill. Cost me sixteen dollars. the name of the boat that I came up the river was the
Lumanary
She was a prety fast boat
Saturday Jan 16th 1864
Millikens Bend La.
It was on the evening of Jan 16.64 I arrived at Millikens Bend La from home. it was a vary dull days ride untill after dark and then we landed and then disembarked. found the Officers all right and in good cheer. and then I received my appointment as 2nd Lieut. 3 Miss Infty and then was put in Company I. commanded by Capt J. J. Detwilder. He was from Harrisburg Penn. I soon acknoladged the acceptance there off. Was mustered in to the service of the United States Survice of America. and by the way I had a gay and festive time with my fellow Officers but the night soon came and I headed to to more of the plasures of that day and I went to my final repose for the night where I rested in peace and tranquility untill the morn broke forth its beautios rays up on my lonely tent, and I then arose with all the vigor of life.
Sunday Jan 17. 1864
Millikens Bend La
It began raining on the night of the 16th of Jan 1864 and continued untill night. The storm was vary hard and although it rained vary hard I had a jolly time concidering all that passed during the day. I received no news from any Point
Millikens Bend
Monday Jan 18th 1864
The weather is getting pleasant. The Officers went out in the suburbs to catch rats. during our stay we kild "58" fifty eight in a short time sport in time of loneliness is a fine institution Nothing transpired of importants, no news from any of my friends, either from far or near—
Millikens Bend Thursday Jan 19th 1864
The morning was clear and the day has past vary pleasantly away. I was detailed for to serve as Picket Officer of the Guard. Between the hours of one & two o/c P.M. the camp was allumined and the report came that the Rebs was comeing and was a going to make an actact on the Post of Millikens Bend La. the Colonel had the Regiment in line of Battle and awaiting the bloody contest. But no Rebs came to affect our comfortable homes. in the after noon I fixed my shanty up nice & prety. Night came on. I went the grand rounds at 2 two oclock and found the Guards in fine condision and awaiting there pray from the out side of our millitary limits. and fortunately the report of the musket was not heard. But I could see the bright bayonets shining through the glimmering light while the guards was performing there duty and
in fine style. and as the night was vary cold I returned from the Grand Rounds and seated my self by the side of a nice warm fire, thinking over the past and of the future to come. No news from any point and I retired with a cheerful expectation of a bright morning.
Wednsday Jan. 20th 1864
The weather is vary pleasant. there is some talk of moveing away from Millikens Bend La to some point down the river. Had a good time. there are no news as yet from any point. The Rat Corps was out again but I did not know how many they caught today
Millikens Bend La. Thursday Jan 21st 1864
There are no news of importants there is nothing of interest going on here to day
More news of our marching away from the Bend
Millikens Bend La Jan 26th 1864
No news of importants has occured since the 21st 1864. When this morning about 2 o/c A.M. Col Ballinger came around to our quarters and ordered us to pack and ready to move at day light. we then got up and pack up our Company goods, stored them
away on the steamer Brazil. it was then about "3" three o/c A.M. then went back to our quarters, took some blankets, made our bed on the floor in front of the fire, all of which was vary hot. Was there a few minutes and that time I went to sleep. Notwithstanding I heard some one call me. I awoke up and found my bed all on fire. I got up carried my things out and from that time I went around camp untill day light. the damage of the blankets was not vary greate.
Morning has come and we are embarking on board the steamer Brazil. we did not tarry long before we was on our way down the Miss. River, untill we came to the mouth of Yazoo River went about 13 thirteen miles and then landed at Haines Bluff, Mississippi. we proceeded at once to disembark. Got our things all of the boat. Got things all fixed. I made our bed and I not feeling vary well went to bed early, slept vary well untill morning. There was nothing troubled me during the night and I received no news from any point, neither from home or any part of the army, so I retired in my little tent.
Hains Bluff Miss, Jan 27th 1864
I got up early, packed my bed, ate my breakfast, and was ready to move at any time—Latter—The sun is hot & bright and is favorable for a nice day. Nine "9" o/c A.M. and no movement yet. Still on the banks of the Yazoo River. it was about noon. we commenced our line of march to the rear of the River. Marched about "3" three miles went into camp with the Brigade commanded by Brigd Genl I. Shepheard. there put up our tent and prepared to stay a few days. things in millitary business are all write. We have no tent. the day passed away with out any bad weather or rain. as we was marching I received no mail from any point nor good news from any part of the army.
Haines Bluff Miss
January 28th 1864
The morning is vary bright & nice. We are in camp and fired up vary well, only we have not got any tents for ourselves yet. But expect one to day. We are encamping in the Yazoo Valley surrounded by large hills and on those hills are large fortification & rifle pits. Had a skermish about "10" ten miles in our rear of snyders Bluffs. We are encamped on snyders Bluff working heard all day. nothing more of importants
no news from any point as yet received from. I am sitting in my lonely tent thinking But to smoke the pipe of peace.
Hains Bluff Miss. Jan. 29th 1864
A gloomey morning to me and there is some signs of rain. Twenty "20" minutes after Eleven "11" o/c AM no rain but vary cloudy. I have superintening hard work, resetting my Company (H. 53rd USCI) tents, and am now prety near done—Later—Still in camp and have no tents but to our greate supprise we have received tents for our selves—Officers—to day. no news of importants up to this time except I was detailed as officer of the Picket Guard.
Haines Bluffs Miss. Jan 30th 1864
It is yet gloomey But when it will rain I cannot tell. Ten "10" o/c A.M. I am wrighting this on my Post from camp on picket guard. it is upon a large hill well fortified. the hills are natural fortifications. it could not of been taken from this side if it would be half protected—Later—Just ate a good dinner and light a fine cigar. How nice these things are when a fellow is out on Picket Guard. Night came on and the clouds look black and thick, and in the far off the lightning could be seen, although vary dim, and could be seen every few minutes. My supper soon
came and was brought by my little servent. I ate it and it done me much good. and the darkness of the night was upon me and the rain also fell. it was then the gloomey hour of ten "10" o/c P.M. and I sat alone be side the picket fire thinking of home and all other good things. soon drew from my pocket a box of nice sardines, took my pocket knife and severed the lid there off and then partook freely of the small fishes untill I was filled. The rain was fast falling and the night was gloomey in the hills of Mississippi & on my Post I stood with patients untill the morning dawned upon me. What time I had while it was not raining was in an old wheel barrough wh with out any any wheel. the rain seased about two "2" o/c A.M. so from that time on it was not so disagreeable as it was in the fore part of the night.
The officer of the day was Lieut Doland and he put on more style than was needed, that is to my notion. it may be all right but I cant see it in that light Rank and Duty in that line is a solumn thing but there is some officers that can not sustain there offical and millitary duty as well as they should if they would look out for no. one (1).
Haines Bluffs Jan 31st 1864
This morning is cool and still cloudy and I think the rain is about over and my time is about up. as it is nearly (8½) eight a half o/c A.M. and I heard the drums beatting for Guard Mounting—Later—
Now they are in sight comeing over a large hill. it will be some time before they get here. I will will stop writeing untill get into camp. Got to camp a little after (9) nine o/c A.M. washed and then eat my breakfast, put on some clean cloaths, it being sunday, then laid about camp all day. Nothing of any consequences going on—Later—it is now 8½ o/c P.M. and the rain is falling thick and fast the watter is gushing down the hill besides our tent with violence. it has not been raining very hard but in the mean time vary hard at (10) ten o/c P.M. now it is raining vary hard and the wind has been blowing with a terable rate it almost blew my tent down but not quite as luck would have it.
During the day I enjoyed my self vary well. had a social chat with the officers of the regiment—53rd U.S.C.I.—things past off vary comfortable. But now it is becomeing vary late. I will retire to my couch. my bed fellows name is Capt J D Detwilder, Duchman from Penn, City of Harrisburg. Now I go to Bed.
Haines Bluffs Feb 1st 1864
The morning is varry bright after a hard rain. No news from any point as yet heard from—Noon—day is still bright. weather delighful—Late in the night—day passed of vary beautiful I seemed to enjoy it vary well. No news from any point.
Haines Bluff. Feb "2" 1864
Got up early. after eating I rambled the camp. there is nothing of importants. Camp still quiet. No news from any point as yet heard from
Haines Bluff Feb 3rd 12864
Morning is bright and beautiful. Nothing of importants untill noon. Then we recieved orders to go on a three days scought. I had but twenty minutes to get ready in and I did not have time to prepare any thing to take along with me in that short time. We started at noon and marched untill after dark. We then put up for the night. the road over which we marched was vary hilly. occasionly I seen a small stream running among the hills
Later—going to march. on our way I seen a prety hard time. Stoped again at Macanicsville Miss. Had a little skermish. Drove in the rebbles Pickets. Took two prisners one of
them was wounded and the other unhurt. they belonged to the Sixth (6) Texas Rangers. Besides about one half dozen sitizen prisners. Cannonading is hard in the distants. No news heard from the rebs. A flag of Truce is permited to enter the cavelry is going out to recieve. I do not know what it means.
There was no Flag of Truce when our cavelry got there. the Rebbles fired on them. the Cavelry returned the fire and then returned back to camp. the Pickets are fighting constantly—about (2) two P.M. we started back to camp and on our way we found one of our men lying by the road side dead, and he was killed by some Guarellies who followed us up. this Union man (Soldier) was a stragler of [?] Regiment Company A. 53rd U.S.C.I. in the meantime we took two Rebbles prisners while we was skirmishing. And the commander of the Colored Forces whoes name was Col Woods of the First Arkansas of A.D.—and for retalliation the Colonel sentenenced the two prisners to be shot. it was just as the sun was going down when the awful execution was put in force it was a gloomey time. the seen was greate nevertheless it was just. Retalliation two Rebbles for one Union Soldier. After the awful sight was
over the sun had just gone down behind the horizon and the life of two confederate prisners was taken. one of them was a man of family, and the other was a young man posesor of no wife to morn his loss. he had a Father & Mother and he said that they were christians. The Chaplain of the 53rd U.S.C.I. held a consultation with them and pray'd before there execution came off. After divine survice was over the prisners was blind folded and led to the spot where the dead Union soldier layed they then recieved orders to kneel down. they did it with out saying a word. Ten soldiers was there ready to do the work. The Commander—Lieut. Copic Co—First (1) Arkansas soon gave the word of comand and every gun went off and down the victums fell. one of them was shot dead and one of them was not wounded. The young man was killed instantly and the other was not. Lieut Copic called out an other file of men—soldiers—and shot them again. When the Surgeon pronounsed that one of them was not dead Col Woods said that he must be killed, and the prisner last words were "Oh God." The old one said he did not mind dying, all he minded was the here after. I suppose he was a wicked man. After the excitement was all over with we took up
our line of March towards Haines Bluffs Miss. We marched very late that night and the Col. Commanding put us to camp in to an open field. We then spread beds in order to have some rest. But the pickets kept fireing and we did not rest vary well. The night passed away vary silent. Nothing later than 12 o/c Mid night.
In the Rear of Haines Bluff Miss
Feb 4. 1864
We arose about 4 o/c A.M. and made our line of march towards the Bluffs. We marched about 2 hours when one of our wageons brok down. there we was dedained for some time. being there so long, we builded fires and ate our breakfast. Hard tack & sow belley. after we dined we started again on line of march. We traveled untill about noon time. We stoped, took dinner, rested about one hour, then started again, the day being vary hot & we much fatigued made our march to Haines Bluffs, Miss. where we now are at rest
Haines Bluff, Miss
Feb. 5 1864
The morning is bright and pleasant Camp is all quiet. I feel a little sore
on account of marching. no news of any importants as yet heard from. this is a lonesome old place among the hills of Mississippi. Times with the officers are prety hard—all are broke. Creadit is our best holt & friend.
Haines Bluffs. Feb. 6th 1864
The morning is clear but rather cool. wind blowes vary hard ever since mid night. it is moderateing vary fast.—Later—Major Dickey is here & paying off the Regt name Third "3" Miss. A.D. I got my pay at two oclock P.M. then Lieut. Wright & G. M. Miles recieved orders to go on a three days scought. got my ration and blanket and started—Later—I have command of 30 thirty going to guard a wageon train to Big Black River, to turn them over to Genl. Little's Division. The road over which we traveled was vary rough, hilley and many valleys not many small streams. arrived at Colonel Heburns plantation about 9 o/c at night. [faded] my men in a good place. there I put down my [faded] and had fine repose. all went on well through the dreary night
Col Heburns
Plantation Miss Febuary 7 1864
as I sit here I have a fine view of the landscape. it is slightly elevated and over [faded] covered with troops. the weather being pleasant it makes a splendid senery. This is about 4 miles from Big Black River and about 5 miles from home (Haines Bluffs). Staid here untill about noon and then was ordered to report to Genl McCarthers Head Quarters stationed in Vicksburg, Miss about 10 miles from Heburns Plantation. We got in the City in the afternoon early then fixed our men in quarters and then went around the place. nothing going on of any notice. went to bed in an old saw mill layed down and slept prety well untill morning. no disturbance in the City to night.
Vicksburg, Miss. Feb 8th 1864
Got up prety earley as I had a prety hard bed last night although slept prety well. Soon went and got my breakfast then roamed over the city untill one & half oclock P.M. when we took up line of march for Haines Bluffs. the road was rather hilley and ruff there are several fine springs running from the hills. the day was prety hot but we made it through about dark and I being vary tired went to bed [faded] early.
Haines Bluffs Feb 9. 1864
The day is calm. no important moove is yet discovered. times are dull and lonesome but I content my self vary much notwithstanding. I have not got any word from home or any where since I returned from. the mail comes vary regular. When I ask they say nothing for Lieut Gideon M. Miles. I then I return to my tent in silence. Have not written for a few days.
Haines Bluffs Feb 10th 1864
The weather is vary cool. a fire fell feels prety good to day. Part of our Brigade is moveing towards V.Burg. 3rd Miss A.D. had orders to move but have not started yet. the weather is favorable to move now. no news to day. I wrote a letter W. Y. Miles. no news from any point.
Haines Bluffs Feb 11th 1864
The day is pleasant. Capt Myers shot a soldier for disobedance of orders. did not hurt him much. he is now bucked and gaged close to my tent he ought to have been killed—Fore noon. the man was tied up all day and is not loose yet. I got my discharge from my old Regiment and from this also from 1st Orderly Sergent 3rd Miss A.D. on account of promotion as 2nd Lieut. 53rd U.S.C. Infty
Company I. all quiet as yet heard from no news from any point. something wrong I suppose.
Haines Bluffs Feb. 12th 1864
Got up prety early. was not up long when we received orders to move our camp. I ordered the men to strike tents. it was not long before my Company had the things in the wageons and moveing. I staid at the old camp untill the Regiment was moved. it was quite dusty. things are prety nice. the Officers are all in fine spirits. it is about sun down and my Company is quite well fixed upon a small hill. we had a prety succesful time moveing I sold my gold watch to E. Landarmey for $34. No news from any point yet heard from
Haines Bluffs. Feb 13th 1864
Three miles from our old camping place on a raise of a small hill our camp is beautifuly situated the watter is vary good and is prety close to camp wood is handy to camp and take it all in all we have a splendid place for a camp the day passed of vary pleasant. No news as yet heard from any point Officers all in prety good cheer. all quiet in this part of the country.
Haines Bluffs Miss
Feb 14th 1864
This is on sabbath morning and by the way it is saint Valentines day. I am now ready to go to meeting if there is any. the morning was vary pleasant although the clouds hung vary heavy in the heavens and some rain has already desended from them. After noon—The heavens is yet over cast. but no more rain has fallen
I wrote a letter to James H Miles in Co B 114 Ohio Vol Infty. I sent him some postage stamps. I see the Chaplain looking for a place to have church. no news from any place. I had Company inspection to day They looked vary well. day past of vary nicely
Haines Bluffs Miss.
Feb 15th 1864
It commenced raining in the night and it fell in torrents that the watter gushed down the hills and made it vary muddy. it is raining yet. after sun rise the wind is blowing vary hard and amost blew some of the quarters down. it has already blew some of the quarters in the regiment above 53rd U.S.C.Infty My house is like their houses but was founded up on a rock The wind blew & the rain desended & beat upon that house & it fell not. I have just got up. have not eat my breakfast yet—Later—after noon quiet
The rain seased although vary mudy. I have resolved to go to Vicksburg Miss to get my discharge from my old Regiment accompined by Lieut M. H. Judd 2nd Lieut Co C 53rd U.S. C. Infty—Later—We got there in prety good time then got our horses put up. then resorted to pleanty of fun roaming around the City. it soon became night and went to bed in the Gault Exchange Hotell. Sleep vary. no important news.
Haines Bluffs Miss Feb 16. 1864
We got up prety late on account of being prety tired roving through the City the previous night. Eat my breakfast and then started around the City on business. Heard nothing from home or any point. Went and had my negative taken for some pictures and done a greate many things that was in the line of millitary business. roamed around the city untill (4) o/c P.M. and then ordered our horses and started for Haines Bluffs Miss. We arrived at our Regiment about dark. We brought the mail and Col Balinger one Dimojohn of good whiskey, a box of matches for Capt John Rhodes. on our arrival we had a prety good time had to tell the Officers the news and our time in Vicksburg, Miss. and several other things to numerous to mention. no news from home or [faded] the north.
Haines Bluffs Miss. Feb 17.1864
Detailed for Picket Officer. as soon as I arose from my couch I ate my breakfast and got ready for duty—Guard Mounting. the time soon came when we as guards could of been found on our Posts about one mile from camp and the weather being vary cold I had the Guards to build up some large fires which was prety comfortable. things passed of all vary pleasant during the day. night soon came on which was vary cold for this time of year.
I took some blankets along and there I spent the night in perfect silence untill about four o/c A.M. when to my surprise found it snowing and at day light the ground was lightly covered, and it put me in mind the time I had at Gallipolis, Ohio. New Years day 1864. I then waited vary patiently for my relief. it soon came it was a little after eight (8) oclock. as soon my Posts was releaved I started for camp. I went to my quarters dressed up then went to the office for the latest news but misfortunately there was not any. so I went away in peace to my quarters.
Haines Bluffs, Miss Feb. 18th 1864
The snow fell vary fast this morning that it looks some like winter here to me. Came to camp ground this afternoon a mail came to the Regiment but no letters for me yet. I beleave that my friends have [?] on me I can not tell why. things are all wright at the Bluffs. I am a little lonesome to day. no news from any point that I have heard from. Capt. Buchwalter and my self are haveing some good times to pass away time
Haines Bluffs Miss. Feb 19th 1864
The morning is getting more pleasant and warm. it has the appearance of a fine day—Later—The day has passed vary nice and pleasant. I am haveing some gay times to day. No letters from home or friends. I can not live always with some satisfaction. I am all wright with my millitary business.
Day is fair and I had nothing to do I thought how I would like to have a letter from some of my friends. It was about dark when I went to the Adjutant Office when an Officer steped in from Vicksburg Miss, pulled out of his pocket a large mail and began to read them over. When I heard the name Lieut. G. M. Miles called I answered vary promptly. While there I received three letters one of them was from H S [faded] and 2 of them from W. Y. M.
my Brother. it gave me much plasure to read them and gave me a greate deal of news. I that night had a greate deal of sport. All went well in camp.
Haines Bluffs Miss Feb. 21 1864
A delightful Sunday morning and after I had inspected my Company I then answered W. Y. Miles missive in hast. roamed about camp and enjoyed my self vary much. no more news of importants.
Haines Bluffs Miss Feb 22nd 1864
As I lay in my bed it was before day light I heard heavy cannonading in the direction of Vicksburg Miss. I lay awake for some time it was not long before the drums began to beat the Revalee. I then arose, called the roll, and then tried to find out what that meant. as they still kept on fireing, the thought soon came in to my mind that it was General George Washington, the father of this happy Country and oh! it made me feel that this Union was worth saveing and it will be saved if the force of arms will serve it. It was not long when I received a detail as Officer of the Picket Guard. I ate my breakfast and then the call was made for Guard Mounting [faded]
marched the Guards to there posts, where I am now writeing. It is a delightful place. it is situated in a large valley and as I sit under this large moss covered Oke upon two knapsacks revealing a little of my personal history it will be pleasant to think of if I ever live to get home. It is now that I am enduring the hardships of war but the time is not far distant when I can enjoy the plasures of home. The weather is vary pleasant this morning and it makes me think of home. My time is glideing a long vary fast it is after noon. I have had my dinner under the old Oke Tree. the Troops are haveing [?] times all are out on Regimental Drill. as i sit here i can see all that is going on. The sun was vary warm, the day is drawing to a close. it is now about 5 oclock P.M. and the troops are turning out for Dress Parade. I can hear the drums and fifes vary plane. The 1st Arkansas A.D. is within 300 yards of my Post. I can hear every command that is given. The sun has gone down behind the horizon and the night is creeping slowly over me. Oh what a beautiful scenery of the landscape can be seen from where I am sitting, the night was beautiful. the moon shows almost as bright as day, the which night I soon layed down
to rest upon the ground near the old Oke Tree and covered my self with my over coat. I rested prety well. As I have been out on Picket I have received no news from any point.
Haines Bluffs, Miss Feb. 23rd 1864
The sun witnessed my getting up this morning as I did not go to bed untill vary late. I was not in a hurry to get up. After I arose I prepared my self and then got ready for my releaf to come it will be here prety soon as the drums are beating for guarde mounting in about 20 minutes the releaf came. Then I was releaved. I then went to camp, staid around my quarters untill 2 o/c P.M. when the call was beat for drill. I went out in command of my Company H 53rd U.S.C.I.
Haines Bluffs Miss. Feb 24th 1864
The weather and vary warm. Had company drill done prety well. After drill recieved orders to strike tents and secure them—Later—the dinner call has just beat. No news yet. at 2 o/c P.M. we went on Batalion drill and we done fine it lasted about 2 hours and then we were dismissed for the day. it was vary hot and
the day passed away vary nicely. had a fine joke plaid on me by A. B. Hewitt 2 Lieut Co H 53rd U.S.C. Infty. day passed and I recieved no news from any point. I some times think that Soldiering is prety wearysome business.
Haines Bluffs, Miss. Feb 25th 1864
The day has passed vary quiet and the weather is most magnificent & beautiful. and things are all wright at this Post. at 2 o/c P.M. we commenced Batalion Drill and it lasted untill 5 o/c P.M. Had a prety good drill. When I dismissed my company I had to punish two of my men (Soldiers) Henry Jones & Harry Devenport for disobedient of Orders. they walked a beat with rail one hour. vary light punishment (Later) This is after Taps. the camp is quiet and all lights are out. I shall retire soon. no news as yet heard from.
Haines Bluffs, Miss. Feb 26th 1864
The day is vary pleasant and was spent vary pleasant although there was nothing going on of any importants it was spent mostly in my own lonesome tent. I received a Circleville Union from W. Y. Miles it gave me much news from home. I have had no news from any part of the Army. My health is good.
Haines Bluffs Miss
Febuary 27th 1864
The weather was pleasant. no news from any point as yet heard from. Things are going on all wright with me at preasant. I hope the time will come when peace will crown my path way things look prety gloomy to day.
Haines Bluff
Febuary 28th 1864
This morning the clouds began to raise and cover the sky as if the rain was agoing to fall in torrents. But ere (10) Ten o/c A.M. had come the sky was clear and it became a delightfull day, and it being in the hills of Mississippi of course I had quite a lonesome time of it although I passed it vary well. I received a Circleville Union from Bro W. Y. Miles it gave me some information from home. No letters from any place. no interesting news from this part of the country as yet heard from.
Haines Bluffs
Febuary 29th 1864
In the night some time the clouds came over vary thick and when I got up to call the roll in the morning, I found that some little rain had fallen, and also had
turned vary cold, so cold that the Officers have to keep them selves by the fire all the time. it is now about 3 Three o/c P.M. and our regt have marching orders to go on a scout up the Yazoo River to a place called Liverpool about 40 Forty miles from Haines Bluffs, Miss. the weather is vary bad to march as it is raining a little now and it is prety cold
My Company is ready to move at any moment, as it is the only company that is ready, I am hapy to inform the reader. we will march all night I think. Where you see a dash that you may know is my stoping place—Dash. It is now about (9) nine o/c P.M. and I am Officer of the Picket Guard and our posision is about the center of a vary large plantation. The weather is vary bad and cold. With some rain. But that is my luck on such expedisions as this. But it is my turn & my duty this time, I will not complain. I do not know what we are going out for but I heard they were fighting at Yazoo City and we are a going to reinforce our men.
The Description of My Post
The ground is vary level from my Post to the camp which is about ¾ of a mile. there is a small stream of watter between my Post and camp over which is a small bridge and then I have a man posted in towards camp on the front of my Post it is level
for a greate ways. on either side of me I have my Pickets posted on the lookout. out the road towards the enemy about (50) fifty yards I have a Videat placed to keep the enemy from supprising my Main Post. one of the releafes is just going out. I have a cavelury Post about (½) one half mile ahead of my Main Post to give me warning if the enemy approach or make an attact. I visited the Cavelary Post and could of captured them if I had of been there Enemy! they were all lying down by the fore side. They were not asleep but did not keep a good look out for the Enemy. I took and replaced them and told them to keep a better watch. the ballance part of the night—after staying a little while by the fire I started back to my Main Post—I being vary tired & took me a good while to walk back.—Later—I am here writting—I can see all of Pickets here all arround me & Oh! what a bad sight for being on Duty—Morning! and I had a bad old night of it, and I dont feel none of the best this morning. what little I slept was sitting up under an old cotton shed sitting up against the sistern top (Brick) While sitting under that cotton shed I kept more of a lookout my self because I was expecting an actact during that night.
Wroaches Plantation Miss
March 1st 1864
We are at our camping place yet. it is about 7 o/c A.M. and it is raining like old Harry there are no sighns of a move yet. or soon it will be awful marching—Later—We are about "6" six miles from our old camping grounds, H. B. the weather is cold and disagreeable—stoped for dinner on the same ground that staid all night when we was on the scought previous to this, when we went to Mechanicville, Miss.
Just eat my dinner & as good one as I have had for a good while. We will start in a few minutes—Stoped to rest. We have marched a greate distance, and I am much fatigued, as the mud was so deep and sticky. It is vary damp & cold. We are in a large woods and the surface of the country is vary hilley. vary frequent small streams are running through the country as we pass. We stoped to camp in the same woods I said. I eat my supper. I soon went to bed and slept vary well up on the ground. Mud could be found close to my bed. Captain Ed. Buchwalter, Captain Detweiler are my bunk mates to night. But before retiring I had a cup of hot coffee to satisfy my hungry body and strengthen the iner man.
In the Woods, Miss.
March 2nd 1864
I got up prety early (at 3 o/c A.M.) got my breakfast, then took a good smoke. then was ready for marching. it was not long before we got the word of command to forward. Then we started and marched several hours vary hard, when we arrived at a small village named Sartassia, situated on the Yazoo River. the place was about as large as Yellow Bud Station. We stoped there a few minutes and found that there was no person living in the place at preasant. There was a gun boat came up also a transport while we were there. about "9" o/c we moved on and marched vary hard and lenght we came to a place called LiverPool. We are sitting at preasant on the banks of the Yazoo River, where there was a hard fight not vary long ago. the Rebble Artilery sunk to of our boats it was then vary hard for a boat to pass through the chanel on account of those boats. I am a going to drink a cup of warm coffee and would eat something if I had it to eat. I am thinking of the times about Chrismas & New Years up there. But now hard times are on me. But I can suffer all for the restoration of the Union. But I dont want to suffer for the cotton speculators and as some of these scoughts does not amount to any thing
Only to get cotton for some of these Generals down here, when it dont do me any good nor any of my officer friends. It may do but I cant see it in that light and I wont do it again if I can help it.
LiverPool Miss
March 3rd 1864
The morning is most beautiful and the sun shines beating with briliancy upon us. the sun was up this morning before I was. I slept under a large Hickory Tree and it was covered with moss so that the due could not fall upon us or our bed. After I arose washed and Quarter Master Sweet and my servent told me that he had a cup of warm coffee a small peace of fresh meat, roasted on the coles coals, and a few hard tack for me. then I went and tried my hand & succeeded vary well. I have eaten my lunch and am waiting for orders. there are two boats comeing down the Yazoo River and are a going to stop. there was a gunboat stationed here all night for our protection we did not need her but we dont dout we would of been attacted during the night—Later—boats are passing down all of the time loaded with cotton—it is almost noon and the sun is vary hot. I have got the head ache prety bad and now it is dinner time
My Post is situated on a large hill I can see a greate distance over the country. The clouds are fast rising, black & heavy, & think it will rain to day.—Still cloudy I expect it will rain soon. We have been reinforced with with Three Hundred Soldiers. they were detailed (5) five days ago to go after corn up the Yazoo River. They arrived here to day. The Colonel Commanding ordered them of the boat to reinforce us. The Cavelry, Infintry & the two wageons that went out at my Post this forenoon have arrived and have the wageons loaded with fresh meet, consisting of pork & beef. In there scought they seen "3" Three Rebbles learking about seeking what they can find out about our expedision. When the rebbles seen our force they retreated in fast order—Later—It is turning some colder than it was in the morning. On the (2) Second of March we heard that General Sherman and his command arrived at Vicksburg Miss. We past within ten (10) miles of them. We heard some cannonadeing and yesterday I heard that the Rebbles in falling back got in to Genl Shermans rear guard and they gave him the best they had—night is fast approaching, rebs have been seen on our wright. the gunboats shot a few times at them and
they disappeared vary suddenly.—Night has now come upon me and the clouds are hanging heavy over the old Oak tree. it is covered so thick with moss that the rain can scarcely touch me. the seen is lonesome yet beautiful. I wish you could see me this eavening on my Post of duty. You would say that I was doing my whole duty for the government—Money would not hire me to stay in such a lonely place if it was not for the Old Stars & Stripes. It is so dark that I must stop writting for the night.—Later—No news as heard from to day. I sat up all night with out any fire and I got vary cold before morning and I dont feel any of the best.
Liver Pool Miss
March 5th 1864
Still at this point. No movement as I know of yet. still holding my posision on Picket. The Rebbles did not attact me to night. The morning is exceedingly beautiful. I captured a prety little mule while on Picket so I will ride some on the march back.–Later—the Col Commanding the expidision has taken my mule from me. it is about "3" three o/c P.M. and we have orders to go to Yazoo City as they are fighting up
there vary hard and we are to go & reinforce them. as soon as the order came we got ready to move. But there was a large train of wageons came in from Haines Bluffs on there way to Yazoo City. the wageons were empty. I expect they are to haul cotton to the river for transportation on boats.
The last news from Yazoo City they were fighting vary hard. the sun is just going down and we are not on our way. we are going up on boat. the Pickets were fireing a short time ago. We run them off, have not been troubled since. We embarked on the steamer Wallace it was after dark it was after dark when we started from Liver Pool, Miss. as soon as I got my Company fixed on the boat I took my blankets and layed down in the cabbin and slept untill morning. Nothing happened on our way up. had a hard fight at Yazoo City. there was vary hard fighting there.
Yazoo City
March 6th 1864
This morning when I awoke up I found my self on the banks of the Yazoo River which Yazoo City bordered there on, and at daylight we disembarked. Marched through the City. we was not long away when we was
ordered back to the boat landing. then ordered to stack arms and rest in place for fear of another attact. it is now about 10 o/c A.M. there has been no fireing to this time. We are gathering the dead & wounded up. I have seen some Union soldiers, also some Rebbles. Dead. they are hauling Rebbles through to the burring grounds vary fast—the City is prety well battered to peaces with musketry & artilery our troops had a prety hard fight here yesterday and we still hold the City. time run on untill night. then we were ordered to embark to leave the place. It was not because we could not hold it—it was because it was of no account to us as a millitary post. it was after dark when we embarked and on the same day we arrived there. We remained there untill about 9 o/c P.M. when we left the town. it was most all on fire. It was an awful sight to behold. It was some of the collored soldiers that set on fire. The times was excighting. The wimmin and children were runing and crying, and some of the citizens were trying to put the fire out. our transports had to change their posision to keep them from catching on fire and on account of the greate fire it detained us all night. it was not long when I went to bed and slept vary well
Yazoo City
March 7th 1864
This morning I woke up about day light and found that the boat had not left the City. When I arrose the boat was ready to move and it was not long when the boat was going down stream vary slow, becaue we had no fuel to make steam. We went about six miles was then ordered to take on some wood, some cotton, and wait untill the fleet would come down. It soon came in sight and after the Gun Boat No "5" and the transport Dilligent had past our boat, we pushed out and then proseeded down the river, the whole Fleet was following us. then Yazoo City was evacuated by our forces. We passed down to a small place called Sartarsia Miss and then the boats sounded too and the troops all disembarked to march through country the same way we went. after the troops had all disembarked it was then about 2 o/c P.M. We then started our march and continued untill dark. We was then ordered to halt and go into camp. after we stoped I eat some supper and soon after I went to bed. But during this time we marched vary hard and on our way down our Cavelry was after two Rebbles (I suppose they were spyes) but they did not catch them
Plantation
March 8th 1864
My repose during the pass night was vary sweet. When I arrose, eat my breakfast, and soon was on our march towards camp (Haines Bluffs) which was just "22" Twenty two miles distantce.
We started at day light and marched vary faithful all the time. We arrived at Haines Bluff about (2) Two o/c P.M. & being vary tired of course and after my arrival washed & ate my dinner which went vary good. While we we was on the scought we had nothing but hard tack & fat meet. after I had eaten my dinner I then put on some clean cloths and felt like tramping again, as my spirits were good and a stroung mussel a brave hart to battle for my Country. Later—no news from any point or from Rebble sorces, only that there is large force of the Enemy on Big Black River and the Genl Shepherd thinks that we will be attacted here soon—My supper is ready and I must go to partake thereof.—Later—as the expedision is now over and I am yet spared to seperate my wright arm for the restoration of the Union & to see the stars and strips in all portion of the United States where it once floated. time swiftly passes and bed time came and I being vary tired I must to my slumbers for the night
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 9th 1864
This morning I arrose vary late in time to get a late breakfast. I soon returned to my tent and was sitting vary comfortably when the Colonels Orderly came and handed me an order which said I supined on a case to be tryed on Court Marshall. I reported at once, was sworn and examined (it was the case of Capt Myers and a soldier that disobeyed orders on the (11) eleventh day of Febuary 1864
soon after I reported there it began to rain. Yes, pored down in torrents—time went on untill noon. I then went to Camp. it was raining vary hard. before leaveing I gave in my testimony and then my prisance was not needed any more at the Court.—Later—Nothing of importants past during the day it continued to rain untill the hour of my night repose and after that I knew nothing more.
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 10th 1864
the morning is cloudy vary little rain has fallen. I wrote one letter to Cousin Mary Y Miles while on Picket with my Company. We have just arrived from duty. I dont feel vary well and am not vary sick. I have not received any news from any point from the Army or from home. times are good but no money not paid off.
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 11th 1864
This morning was prety clear and cool. I called the roll and it was prety early in the morning. I received no news from the north. I wrote a letter to my Father Mr James Miles directed to Circleville Ohio and one to my Brother William Y. Miles Gallipolis Ohio. they were long and interesting missives.
Col R. H. Ballinger, 1st Lieut. Theodore Hammon, Capt A. J. Frazure, these three Officers have resighned there Commissions as Officers of the United States of America. There are a greate many of the Officers resighning. Getting dissatisfied from some course. I suppose it is on account of these cotton speculators and if it is not stoped we we will all of us get out of the Army that is not what we are a going to loose our hearts blood for. it is for a better cause. it is some to dark to proceed and as my couch is in readyness for me I will retire
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 12th 1864
The morning is beautiful. There is a greate stir in camp this morning about the Officers rezineing. Orders came this morning to have General Inspection at "2" Two o/c P.M. time soon came. I had my Company to fall in to line for me to inspect them
before the General Inspection came off. My Company made a fine apperance with the exceptance of 3 Three of my Soldiers that are in bad order. I punished those three men for coming out as they did. The General Inspection passed off vary well. the day passed away vary quietly of course I seen something new and some excitement I think that I am all wright as I came out in fine health & spirits. as it my bed time I will retire to my lonely couch in sillence.
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 14th 1864
A beautiful Sabbath morning. But many are the things I shall remember, and they are that some of my friends are gone. Colonel R H Ballinger, Major Chase, 1st Lieut Theodore Hammond, have all departed from our presents and gone home. the First & latter went home to stay. It made me feel like when I was left home to returned to the Regt and it has been a vary gloomy day to all officers left in the Batalion. and that is not all. the Officers are leaving all the time (Rezineing) not satisfied with the way things are going on in this Department. Cotton on the brain with some of the Generals but cannot say any thing about or we would
be casheared imediatly. My health has not been vary good. I have been under the weather some few days. such is the doing in times of War
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 15th 1864
I arrose from my slumbers vary early. Called the roll and then went to some of the Officers tents found a warm fire and remained there untill the breakfast bell gave us signal. It was not long untill breakfast was soon over. I then went to my tent, picked up a book and read untill a short time before dinner. I then took a short walk. as soon as I returned my servent told me that dinner was waitting for me. Soon passed and a lonely time to me.—Later—Detailed to take command of a Fatigue Party in camp. I worked prety hard done my prety so the Colonel (O. C. Risdon) told me after it was finished. that it made the camp look a greate deal better and suited him vary much.
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 16th 1864
I got up prety early. Discharged my morning duties. Had a good drill this morning. Drilled the Company myself. I have a good Company except two or three that are lazy and
I am working them out of that spell. they are as bad as any Soldiers in the Regiment. the time is swifting vary fast away and I dont know what the day may bring forth as life is unsertain. No news from any point
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 17. 1864
The morning is calm and cool so cool that a fire does not do vary much harm. I had a vary fine drill in the forenoon—Later—3 o/c P.M. and the drum is beating for Batalion Drill. The Regt. was soon formed and then marched to our drill ground when the Colonel put us strong to for five hours and a half, and the Regt. done well while drilling. after drill was over we marched to our quarters ate supper, and soon the call was made for dressparade, which was conducted vary well. So when parade was over it came [?] and the weather being cool vary cool for this climate I resorted to where there was a fire, remained there talking over subjects of importants untill Revalee was sounded. I then went to my Company to attend Roll Call and after that work was accomplished
I retired to my lonely bed where I remained in fine repose. No news from any point excepting a Circleville Union from W. Y. Miles. it gave me some news from Circleville Ohio. No letters received to day. times are good but unfortunately no money. I can get along with it untill pay day. I must go to bed.
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 18th 1864
The morning came cool and bright and I was detailed for duty as Picket Officer from the 53rd U.S.C. Infty I arrose prety early called the roll and then went to hunt a fire that it is so cold here of mornings that a fire comes vary nice. But as the sun raises higher it makes the atmosphere warmer. The call for Guard Mounting has been sounded and I am one that must answer the call. Later—Guard Mounting is over and I am on my way to my post and am at the same post that I have stood on before. The Yazoo River is in sight and the seanry of the surrounding country is beautiful. Off toward the river there are some fine peach trees & they are all out in blossom. on some of the trees young peaches have made there appearance and there upon the hillside some of the trees are budding.
out vary nicely. all things look so beautiful from my posision. About one half mile (½) from me is the Post Hospital filled with small pox caces. The country looks from here that the war has made desolate. I am happy to say this morning that I am well and in good spirits although some things have gone wrong with me and are still going wrong yet. But I can face the storm through thick and thin.
Gentle Folks. I am now under the duty as the wrighter to inform you that the 3rd Mississippi A.D. as it once was has changed its name as the 53rd U.S.C.I. the order is now in the Adjutants Office. I am now as it is termed in the Regular Army and holding a posision in the same. My health is good as it is generaly. Dinner time has come. My servent has just brought my dinner. it consists of Greens! Fat Pork! Corn Bread! some Light bread! Stewed Apples! & Apple Pie! I ate it and thought vary good and such a dinner on Picket goes vary nice.
Later—the wind is high and cool. Two Companies of Cavelry just went by my Post, going to Roaches Plantation to guard it. it is about seven (7) miles from camp. the Rebbles was on the
Plantation last Tuesday and distroyed a great deal, almost broke the planter up. "Later" Our Cavelry attacted the Rebbles the same day and took all they got from Roaches Plantation. the Officer of Day has visited this morning. Time runs fastly by. Night has come and I am watching the lines for the safty of the camp. I had no troubble during the night. I rested well.
Picket Post Haines Bluffs Miss
March 19th 1864
The night was clear the moon shown beautiful. I layed upon the ground with Lieut A. J. Burns as his company was on duty a reserve Picket. he brought his company after dark and took it away at daylight. All quiet on my post. I am fixing to leave as the time for my releaf is prety near at hand. Yes! I can hear the drums beating for Guard Mounting.
Later—I am now in camp. it is about ten o/c A.M.
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 20th 1864
Last night late the weather began to turn warm and then it was not long untill it began to rain. The thunder and lightning was vary hard. after I had gone to my quiet repose the rain fell in torrents and it made me feel so good to think that I was not in that storm, as it is my luck to be in every one almost. the rain soon put me to sleep as it beat as it beat upon my tent, and the night past vary pleasant. By the way no news from any point. All of the Officers are well.
Haines Bluffs Miss
March 21st 1864
The morning is clear and cool. I arrose called the roll, and it being cold I resorted to a fire where Capt S. T. Newcomb and Lieut A. J. Burns standing. We staid there some time when my servent came and called me for breakfast. of course I immediately responded. the time is swiftly flying, and the weather is vary cold. I am now sitting in Capt J. Myers tent by a nice warm fire talking of the future time to come. the Captain
has resigned his Commission and is going home soon.
Now Readers
I will wi bring this Book to a close as I have written vary hard some days and have improved my lasure time while in the army of the United States as much as posible. I will send you this Book—Brother—and I want you to keep it untill I return and if I do not return, keep it and that in my memory. Send it to Father & Mother and let them read it and if God spares my life I want it to read when this strife is ore. I leave it now for the Readers and pray that I may return and enjoy the plasures of home once more.
Gideon M Miles
2nd Lieut Co I 53rd U.S.C. Inf
Haines Bluffs Miss
St Charles. Ark
Nov 25th 1864
This morning, being one of a winter month, Yet it is bright and beautiful. the bright beams from the sun makes the day vary comfortable and a day which was set apart by the Preasident (Abraham Lincoln) as fasting and prayer and thanks giveing to our God for his blessing and restoreing our armies through dangers and privations untill the preasant day.
The day being fine and as I was off from duty, I proposed to Capt C. N. Coats and Lieut W. N. H. Chase to take a musket a peace and go down next to the river and drill the bayonet exercise for our own amusement, all of which we did. We remained out for about two hours, by drilling and amuseing our selves with conversasion on different subjects. Time passed on, we came to camp and remained there the rest of the day in attending to our millitary duties, and hearing no news from the Enemy that day we felt in good cheer. Night came on and by not haveing Company Drill on such a day as this did not feel vary much fatigued but rested with ease waiting for an attact from the enemy. Later—It is now bed time and as the duties of day has passed I am yet spared for the next comeing combat.
St Charles. Ark.
Nov 26th 1864
The morning has come and the sun showes forth and the beams are bright and beautiful it was not long when the orderly came to my quarters and handed me a paper and went away. I of course opened it and found that it was a detale for me to go on duty as Officer of the Picket Guard. Time passed on and after breakfast when I heard the drums beat for Guard Mounting I responded to the call, soon inspected my Guards, and marched of to my Post, while the band was playing. It was not long untill I came to my post, releaved the old Guard and sent them to camp and then I was alone with my Pickets the rest of the day, to watch the Enemy and to keep them from entering our lines. The day passed away vary pleasantly (with one exception. it began to rain in the after noon and when night came on it was vary dark and of course I was lonesome being out on Picket with no other Officer near me than the Regimental Camp. Time past on my servant brought me my supper. it was vary late. About 7 oclock P.M. and being vary dark at that hour. Soon after I sat down to eat I heard some guns fired on the left of the Picket line, of which I was commanding and it being my duty, I responded to see where the fireing went and on going around
from Post to Post and they being vary far apart and it being cloudy & dark, I went through the Picket line and wandered about for some time and could not find any of the Pickets, and knew if I went out any farther I was in danger. so I started back towards where the camp fires could be seen. I had not gone more that fifty yards back when I received a shot from one of my Pickets, He thinking that it was one of the Enemy approaching our lines, as they tryed to do to shoot our Soldiers and to get in to camp to find out our Posision.
Corn Starch Cake
2 cups pulverised sugar ¾ cup butter
one cup starch disolved in one cup
of sweet milk. Two cups Flour.
Whites of 7 eggs 2 tea spoons of Cream
of tartar one tea spoon soda mixed
Thoroughly with flour. cream butter and
Sugar add starch and milk then add
the whites and flour gradualy untill
all is used. Flavor. Lemon or Rose.
For cureing Pork
For 1000 lbs of Pork 10 quarts of
salt 2 lbs of Pepper 4 lbs Brown sugar
and one pound of salt Petre.
dissolve in warm watter take up and
re-sub every other day. the meat will
be ready to hang in two weeks.
Two Coffee Cups pulverised Sugar. ½ Cup of Butter. beaten to a cream. Add ½ cup of sweet Milk 2½ cups Flour 2½ Tea spoons Baking Powder in the flour. Whites of 8 Eggs. Bake in Jelly tins and put to gather with icing. made by boiling a ½ tea cup of water and 3 tea spoons of sugar till thick pour it slowly over the well beaten whites of 3 Eggs and beat all to gather till cool. Best before puting on each layor. Sprinkel each thickly with greated cocoa nut and a hansome cocoa nut cake will result.
This is a
White Mountain Cake
Cash Paid out for Articals
From April 13th 1866
Date Name of Artical $ Cts
Apr 14 66 For Candy in Kind (Mariah) 2.00
" " " Cakes in kind (Gid) 2.00
" 16 " 2½ Eggs 1.25
" " " 5 of Butter (Gid) 2.50
" 17 " Crushed (Sugar) (Mariah) .50
" 18 " 5 Dry Eggs (Gid) 2.00
" 19 " Pop (Gid) now 1.50
" 20 " Cakes (Mr Medcalf) .50
" " " Cigars 1 Box 6 [?] Tobaco 4.70
" " " Eggs 1 Doz (Mariah) .75
" " " Butter (") 2.56
" 21 " Eggs = 5 Doz 1.26
" " " 5 Eggs .15
" " " 2 Lbs Butter (not paid for)
" " " Eggs (Edwards)
" " " Bread & Cakes (Lock) 2.00
" " " Ginger Cake = (L.Sturt) 1.00
" " " Pond Baker ( " ) 4.50
" " " Pigs Feet (Mariah) 1.00
" 25 " [?] & Ale (Gid) 3.50
" " " Bread & Cakes 2.50
" " " Sundries 1.00
" 26 " Sundries 4.00
Cash Paid Out 41.03
Articals in Kind
Mr. G. M. Miles Mrs E M Miles
Cash Paid out for Articles
Date Names of Articles
April 30th By Bread and Cakes from the 17th to 30th Apr 6.00
May 5 " Eggs Popp Butter 6.50
May 5 " Cash for Articals 75.00
" " " " " Butter 43.20
" " " " " Labor 12.45
" " " " " Eggs 82.10
May 15th " " " Horse & wageon 350.00
" " " Seven girls and men 45.00
" " " Ella & Miss Miles 100.00
Mary E Miles
Mary E Miles
History of Circleville in Modren Times
Circleville the County seat of Pickaway Co is on the Ohio canal and Scioto River 26 miles from Columbus and 19 miles from Chilothe.
It was laid out in 1810 as the seat of Justice by Daniel Dresback on land originaly belonging to Zeiger and Watt and the first lot sold on the 10th of September. The town is on the site of ancient fortifications one of which having been circular. Originated the name of the place. The old Court House built in the form of an Octagon and destroyed in 1841 stood in the centre of the Circle. Few if any vestiges remain of these forts, but we find them discribed at length in the Archaelogia Americana published in 1820. The description and accompanying cut are appended—
See Next Page
J J John B. Mohr
John B
[picture]
Anciant Fortification
at Circleville
[back cover, scribbles]
Gideon M Miles, Circleville Ohio
DATABASE CONTENT
| (3566) | DL1233 | Diaries |
Diary of Gideon M. Miles, 114th Ohio Infantry & 53rd United States Colored Troops, May 1863 to March 1866, CDV Portrait of Miles attached to diary cover
Tags: Animals, Artillery, Boredom, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Cards/Gambling, Death (Home Front), Death (Military), Discipline, Drilling, Executions, Family, Fighting, Food, Guard/Sentry Duty, High Morale, History, Homesickness, Illnesses, Injuries, Leadership (Soldiers' Perceptions of), Mail, Marching, Money, Nature, Payment, Prisoners of War, Promotions, Recreation, Religion, Rivers, Sadness, Ships/Boats, Supplies, Unionism, War Weariness, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (5292) [writer] ~ Miles, Gideon M.
SOURCES
Gideon M. Miles Diary, DL1233, Nau Collection
