Abiel A. Livermore Diary, 1863
Abiel A. Livermore,
Wilton,
N.H.
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From Catholic
Cemetery
Opelousas
Receipt for making Ink.
76 grs Biciomate of Potash
38 " Prussiate " "
3 oz Extract of logwood
1 gall, Water
Copras about a teaspoonful to a gallon.
Gum arabic
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January, Thursday, 1. 1863.
Friday, 2.
Our boys had a dance last eve in the dining hall. had a very good time about 20 or 30 of the noble damsels present.
Saturday, 3.
Wrote to K
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January, Sunday, 4. 1863.
Went down to Aaron's grave with Charly to put up a headboard. Received a box fm Abbie. Attended service at the Presbyterian church
Wrote to Abbie No. 20.
Monday 5
Emerson & Preston go to N.O.
Tuesday, 6.
At work on Quarterly Returns.
Rather dull and lonesome Emerson & Preston being at the City.
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January, Wednesday, 7. 1863.
Abbie A Dascombs birth day Aged 25.
Wrote to Mary.
Emerson & Preston got back from N.O.
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January, Saturday 10. 1863.
Wrote to Henry Holt.
Rainy in morning but cleared off in afternoon
Sunday, 11.
Got ready to go to church and orders came to be ready to leave Packed up knapsacks and in afternoon went over to Nelson's station and in evening started for Brashear City. Was packed into a car which has been lately used for horses Got to Brashear City at 1 o'clock P.M. routed up a man and had him clear a room for us in which we streched our selves. 4 or 5 Reg. came up to day. Flag of truce came down the other side of the bay. Not a very high opinion of Brashear City.
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January, Tuesday, 13. 1863.
Left on a boat in morning on an expedition after reb. gunboat Cotton. Cavalry surprised reb. pickets captured two chased them through Pattersonville, could see them run as our boats and land forces kept together. Put for the night in some neg. huts.
Wednesday, 14.
Rainy by spells
Our forces attacked the reb. drove the Cotton back and also the land forces. Gen. Buchanan was killed. Co. "B" was kept in rear to look after the killed and wounded
Put up for the night in a sugar house
Thursday, 15.
Was started out this morning by a big noise and fire, which was supposed to be the winding up of the reb. boat Cotton. Morn. rainy and after breakfast turned our heads towards Brashear city, road rather muddy and weather cold. Reb. cavalry follow up in our rear, chased back by our cavalry. Expect that some of our boys are prisoners. Arrive at our quarters just after dark feeling some tired.
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January, Friday, 16. 1863.
Troops leaving to day. we got ready early and had the pleasure of waiting until afternoon before we got aboard the, after sunset before we left the place, a cold ride on an open car, and a tramp of 4 or 5 miles brought us to Thib. at half past 12 P at night.
Saturday, 17.
Cleaning up, something of a job, as we were pretty well covered with mud. Expecting to leave for Baton Rouge in a few days but would rather stop here.
Making new Muster & Pay Rolls
Sunday, 18.
At work on Rolls
Wrote to Abbie No. 21. Rather cold.
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January, Monday, 19. 1863.
Rainy and mud up to our knees. Lt. decides not to start until to-morrow.
Wrote to Alma
Tuesday, 20.
Went down to New Orleans another cold ride on an open car, dark before we got in, put up at austin house
Wednesday, 21.
Went up to Camp Parapet and saw the Wilton boys in the 16th N.H.V. Some of our boys got drunk ought to be put in the lock up Went to the Varieties. Received letter from Bub
Abbie No. 32
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January, Thursday, 22. 1863.
Rec. Nos 33 & 34
Three of our boys slept in the caboose last night quite a number feeling pretty tight. Went aboard the Eastern Queen and started up the river about 5 o'clock P.M.
Friday, 23.
Arrived at Baton Rouge about 1 o'clock. Went up, yes up on to our camp ground it is on quite a bluff near the city river. A very good camp ground, got tents up and feeling a little at home
Saturday, 24.
Fixing up and getting ready for to-morrows inspection.
"Writing to Foster."
Our camp is on the edge of a bluff which rises rather precipitously from the river A very good camp ground
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January, Sunday, 25. 1863.
Went to church.
Wrote to Henry
Monday, 26.
Quite cold and rainy
Writing for the Capt
Tuesday, 27.
An inspection was intended for to-day but it was to rainy, cleared off in afternoon
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January, Wednesday, 28. 1863.
Fair but cold.
Had inspection, writing some for the Capt.
Rec. letters from Abbie (No. 35) Mary & Henry
Thursday, 29.
Fair and cold.
Our squad put in an heating app under ground furnace to day in our tent, rather smoky and disagreeable.
Had brigade review to day a march of 4 or 5 miles.
Friday, 30.
Fine weather
Writing our Capt.
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January, Saturday, 31. 1863.
Another review and inspection.
February, Sunday, 1.
Cloudy but not much rain. Usual weekly inspection
Wrote No. 22
Shower in afternoon
Monday, 2.
Rainy and uncomfortable in forenoon
Wrote to Uncle
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February, Tuesday, 3. 1863.
Opened bright and cold, grows cold as New Hamp. before night
Did my washing this morning. "Oh! who wouldn't be a soldier?"
Wednesday, 4.
Cold and windy
Several reg boats have come up with troops.
Thursday, 5.
Expecting to move
Cold, rainy and uncomfortable as a N.E. winter day
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February, Friday, 6. 1863.
Rec. letter from Abbie (No. 36) Nell and Hody.
Pleasant but sharp Struck tents and went aboard the Iberville, late in evening before we got started Was detailed to go with Emerson to look after baggage. Icesickles were hanging from the sides of the boat when we went aboard
Saturday, 7.
Got a short nap last night in a chair found ourselves this morning at Placquemine. Place is old looking now and then a good house. Started at 2½ o'clock down bayou Placquem. very crooked and narrow which made it slow progress. Arrived at Indian village where we found our Reg and got our tents up before dark
Sunday, 8.
Had to pitch tents again to day for our camp was not regularly laid out.
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February, Monday, 9. 1863.
Wrote to Nell.
Did my washing.
Splendid day, quite warm.
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February, Thursday, 12. 1863.
Morning bright, shower in afternoon.
Writing to Mary.
Received letter from K.
Friday, 13.
Went out on drill in forenoon, to learn the skirmishing drill, but got taken in as they did not drill in skirmishing. Did some writing for Capt. Helped Emerson make a cook house in afternoon. Heavy thunder shower in evening.
Saturday, 14.
Cleaned up haversack &c for inspection to-morrow. Morning cloudy but mist soon cleared away and the day was warm and pleasant.
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February, Sunday, 15. 1863.
Usual weekly inspection.
Warm and pleasant a shower bout dark. Melendy and myself made some fritters for the squad
Wrote to K.
Monday, 16.
Cloudy. The gun-boat Barataria came down the bayou and stoped by our camp. Reported that Charleston S.C. has surrendered to our forces.
Tuesday, 17.
Rainy which put off an inspection which was in store for us.
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February, Wednesday, 18. 1863.
Fine weather did washing in forenoon. Inspection at 1 o'clock P.M.
Thursday, 19.
Wrote to Bub.
Fine day. Reported that we are to leave for down the river.
Friday, 20.
Received letter from Foster Had to scour our rifles bright to day. the Company were excused from duty by the Col. for that purpose
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February, Saturday, 21. 1863.
Finishing up my rifle
Pleasant day.
Sunday, 22.
Inspection. Wrote No. 23
P.M. 4 o'clock orders now to pack up and go where to as soon as we can get supper. Marched up to Plaquemine in evening and went aboard boat. Splendid evening. Went down the river. Piled myself and knapsack on a table and tried to get a nap.
Monday, 23.
Stoped at Carrollton, a guard put on to keep all but officers from going ashore, fraid they would get tight but dont think they would have got any more drunk than did some of the officers. Went down to Algiers where we landed, stopped on the wharf to guard our baggage.
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February, Tuesday, 24. 1863.
Rec. letter from Abbie
Wrote to Foster.
Patching our tents over so that we may have a regular camp.
Wednesday, 25.
Rec. letter from father
Making Wyatts & Perrys discharge papers. Brook's Descrip. List & giving out Can. H[?]. N.
Two of our Lt sick and Capt with 7 other commanders of Companies under arrest, as they are responsible for boards taken by members of their Companies
Thursday, 26.
Did my washing and writing for Capt. 4 officers of the 8th tendered their resignations. Lt. Camp came down to day. The officers were relieved from their arrest this morning without a court martial.
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February, Friday, 27. 1863.
Rainy. Making out Muster Roll. Dr. Clarke took the Descrip. Lists of Connor, and Davis. Brooks and Flint.
Saturday, 28.
At work on Muster Rolls.
Rainy
March, Sunday, 1.
Worked on Muster and Pay Rolls
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March, Monday, 2. 1863.
Finished Rolls. made out G. H. Flints papers
Received letter from H.A.H. and No. 38.
Tuesday, 3.
Made out J. O. Connors discharged papers, and Co. savings for Feb.
Wednesday, 4.
At work on clothing book.
Wrote to Abbie No. 24
Cooking up three days rations to night as we have orders to be ready to move to-morrow
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March, Thursday, 5. 1863.
At work on new clothing book. Orders came in afternoon to pack up, strike tents & went aboard the Eastern Queen and started up the river.
Friday, 6.
Rainy. Made Baton Rouge about 5 o'clock. Stoped on board all night.
Saturday, 7.
This morning found that some one had relieved me of my rifle. Went ashore and pitched tents near our old camp ground. Several regiments came up yesterday and to-day Think there must be something on foot
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March, Sunday, 8. 1863.
Wrote to Hodgman
Went to Catholic church
Monday, 9.
Went down to the N.H. 16th about 3ms. Got back at M. and found them all busy getting ready to leave tonight
Tuesday, 10.
Expecting to get orders to leave. rainy now and then. James Bridges and D Mahony came unexpectedly to day Reported that the bridges have been burned by the citizens
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March, Wednesday, 11. 1863.
Waiting for orders to leave
Drew shoes for the boys
Thursday, 12.
Had Div. review by Maj. Gen. Banks.
Friday, 13.
Recd letters from H.A.H. No. 39 Stubby, Bub
Brig. drill in afternoon when we got in found that orders had come for us to be off 10 minutes was given to eat supper. Marched about 5ms and bivouacked.
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March, Saturday, 14. 1863.
Splendid morning
Started about 4 o'clock this morning, got a drink of coffee. Turned into a field about M. made coffee. reported gurrillas in the neighborhood. boys shot a beef, had to start before we had a chance to cook any, took some raw to wait an opportunity. bivouacked again 11½ P.M. heard the guns at Port Hudson. were started out but returned again and finished out our nap 3ms from Port Hudson
Page 1 Cash Acct.
Sunday, 15.
Splendid Morning. Felt "lean, lank and hungry"
made some coffee and roasted some meat, was all right again, firing was not heard this morning. picked some flowers. 10 A.M. started towards B. Rouge gone about 10ms. and looked like rain stopped and prepared for it, soon came in a deluge. was on guard at the Genl quarters curled up under my rubber blanket didn't get much wet
Monday, 16.
Rainy. every thing wet. Fixing up for another night, and drying ourselves. mud ankle deep. Sun came out warm in forenoon, fine day.
Our forces were close onto the rebels when they came into this place.
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March, Tuesday, 17. 1863.
Was woke up this morning at 5 o'clock by the Col. calling for the Drum Maj. to beat the Reveille. big shout went all through the forrest "turn out." Morris (our colored boy) had got coffee all ready. Several Regs. passed by our camp 16th N.H. among them
Wrote No. 25. Went over to a plantation which had been sacked by our troops.
Wednesday, 18.
Pleasant day waiting for orders. The troops came back to day that went up yesterday looked as if they had been in the mud. Boys killed some pigs for a change
Wrote to H.A. Holt
Thursday, 19.
Wrote to Mary
Fine day. waiting for orders
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March, Friday, 20. 1863.
11 A.M. orders to move and towards Baton Rouge went some 3ms. below the city and bivouacked, went down to the old miss. glad to get a drink once more. boys hooted Maj. Smith as it took him some time to get them in position. Col. said he'd take command. received a ration of whiskey washed my feet with mine
Saturday, 21.
Waiting for orders, either to be off or pitch tents. Went down to Miss. river.
Received letter from Uncle
Sunday, 22.
Expecting to move to another camp ground, Showery.
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March, Monday, 23. 1863.
Big showers last night. tent leaks got some wet.
Wrote No. 26th
Tuesday, 24.
Changed camp ground up near the deaf and dumb asylum, fine place
Wednesday, 25.
Hard at work on my rifle which had rather got ahead of me. Strolled down to miss. river in afternoon. it is pleasant to look upon its broad waters.
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March, Thursday, 26. 1863.
Some 8 or 10 of us went down to river, built fire and did washing, wished I was where "marm" could look after my clothes. In afternoon looking over the Co. books and finishing charging
Friday, 27.
Made out 6 sets of discharge papers.
Commenced on the Quarterly Returns
Recd. letter from "K"
Saturday, 28.
At work in forenoon on Returns. In afternoon changed camp ground about 2ms. off, near the battle ground
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March, Sunday, 29. 1863.
Big shower last night and strong wind thought tent would come down At work on Returns.
Monday, 30.
Wrote to Uncle.
Quite cold, boys got a stove into the tent is good thing.
Tuesday, 31.
Wrote to Father & Mother. The 8th is off to day cutting trees, to give our batteries fairly [?] if they should try and come in
Orders came to be ready to move.
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April, Wednesday, 1. 1863.
Commenced on a new Receipt Roll.
Various conjectures as to where we are agoing, some think on to the Potomac, Texas, Mobile, &c.
Splendid weather
Thursday, 2.
Was on guard.
Friday, 3.
Packed up, went on board the St Mary's and started down the river.
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April, Saturday, 4. 1863.
Made Algiers 3½ A.M.
8 A.M. landed and piched tents not far from the river. Splendid weather for once while we move
Sunday, 5.
Went over to N.O. to church after inspection by Div. inspector.
Monday, 6.
Div. review by Gen. Emory
Orders come to have 3 days rations cooked Be ready to move at daylight to-morrow morning.
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April, Tuesday, 7. 1863.
Was routed out at 5 A.M. hurried of to the depot and had to wait till 11½ A.M. started on the G.W.&O.R.R. Landed about 3½ms. from Brashear city at 6 o'clock P.M. Soon had shelter made from an old rail fence for the night. Washed up and felt at home.
Wednesday, 8.
Went fishing in forenoon—it was all fishing and no fish
Rec'd letter from Alma
Several regiments came up.
Wrote No. 27
Thursday, 9.
Was called up early for we had got to start at daylight. got breakfast and marched up to Brashear city crossed over to Berwick Lt. Sweeney deliberately shot himself. he has been subject to turns of insanity. Boys broke into a building rolled out a
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hhd. of sugar broke in the head and all went in for sugar
April, Friday, 10. 1863.
Co "B" took poss. of an old bldg last night this morning we drove two calves in to our yard and killed them, an old lady came to the rescue for one but to late. advance into the field a short distance. Has been some skirmishing with cavalry to day one or two horses killed
Recd letters from Father, Mary & No. 40.
Saturday, 11.
Crawled under my rubber blanket and tried to sleep in forenoon, couldn't make out much Orders came to be off at 12 M. proceeded but a few ms. when the ball opened by driving in the rebel cavalry. Got settled down for the night in a cane field just above Pattersonville, when it came that Co "B" was detailed
Page 1 Mem.
Sunday, 12.
Moved up in line of battle, and in colum, through cane fields &c About 5 P.M. ball opened in earnest lasted till nearly dark Bivouacked, received letters from David & Henry. lighted a candle and had to keep it close so the rebs could not discover our position
Page. 1 Mem.
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April, Monday, 13. 1863.
Opened early, advanced a little and laid down in a ditch. Much whistling as they passed over us 3 P.M. in sight of rebel entrenchments. sharp firing, laying in a ditch close to a battery. grape shell & bullets pretty thick 2 N.Y. 1 of our boys wounded 2 battery men wounded 1 NY killed close to us.
Tuesday, 14.
Started early before I could finish my breakfast with a hard tack and a piece of raw salt pork in my hands. advance in line of battle into enemys entrenchments which were deserted several prisoners. Arrived at Franklin 2 P.M. (see Page 1 Mem
Wednesday, 15.
Started at 6 A.M. in pursuit of the rebels towards Alexandria. The rebs got around Gen Grover at Franklin yesterday Marched 12 or 15ms and turned in to a field about 5 P.M. tired and foot sore. Had a good wash felt better. Hear popping now
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and then, some remnants left
April, Thursday, 16. 1863.
Started early in pursuit of the rebs passed through New Iberia. marched about 16ms. and camped about dark. tired, foot sore, and hungry. 9ms. from salt mines. Rebs skedaddled to camp Pratt. Big slaughter at New Iberia P. 2. Mem
Friday, 17.
Started early feeling rather stiff. Marched 15 or 16 miles. After crossing a bayou the country looked more like N.H. only wanted a few stones.
Went on picket.
After we got in for a camp had to move 1 ½ ms. back 7 P.M. when got on post
Saturday, 18.
Our post on picket was near a house & Lt. made the Nigs cook a sheep for our breakfast, also corn bread and milk Did not march to day the soldiers wanted rest. Soldiers ransacked a house near by
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April, Sunday, 19. 1863.
Big shower last night. got some wet. started early after a mile on the road commenced raining, came in a deluge, wet us through, muddy deep but on we go. Sun came out hot after 15ms. marched onward tired, foot sore and covered with mud. Several prisoners taken in to day. following rebs close.
Monday, 20.
Splendid morning. 6 A.M. on our way. Co. "B" detailed as rear guard Crossed a prairie covered with bogs which we had to wade Marched 13ms. passed through Opelousas the first where there seemed to be Union feeling An old who seemed to be partially blind was lead out by his daughter, and the old flag Pg. 2 Mem.
Tuesday, 21.
Having a day of rest. A lot of tobaco having been confiscated, it was rationed out I received 1½ plugs, plugs 1 foot long. Boys laying in a good supply of beef. A good N.H. July day the same yesterday.
Boots Pr. 8.75. Shoes $15.
cigars 50 cts. a piece
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April, Wednesday, 22. 1863.
Another resting day. Washed my clothes. Warm day. Inspection this morning
Received letter No. 42.
Thursday, 23.
Looked around the town of Opelousas, not much of a place went into a Tailor's who was getting up a coat and pants of doeskin price to be $70 paid in coffee 14 lbs at $5 per lb. In afternoon Emerson and myself went down to a spring and lay in the shade, hot as July
Friday, 24.
Review of Gen. Emorys Div by Banks. Changed camp ground. T. are rather tough 2½ hard crackers for this days ration. Banks good to work us but not a good feeder. Presume he likes a good dinner himself
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April, Saturday, 25. 1863.
Reports come that Alexandria is ours. Red river is open to us, rebs cut short from this way—to good to believe. Our forces are taking in cotton to Washington to send down the river.
Sunday, 26.
Moved at 2 o'clock P.M. 13 miles Texas way brought up about 10 P.M. in the woods tired foot sore and hungry. some of the way very dusty but most of the way across prairie land Expect they smell a bale of cotton. a tough march
Monday, 27.
The 4th Wis. having been mounted went out scouting brought in some prisoners. rainy in afternoon. Our camp was in a fine grove and near a bayou. Found some mulberry-berries, stewed them and luxuriated in some sauce—who wouldn't be a soldier!
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April, Tuesday, 28. 1863.
Started back for Opelousas at 9 o'clock A.M. A hot march, should call it a good hay day—got into our old camp about 5 P.M. found our shanties all as we left them.
Wednesday, 29.
Emerson, Melendy and myself went down to the spring 1ms. and did my washing.
Hear that we are to be mounted. J.C. Davis came to day and brought reports of our defeat at Charleston S.C.
Thursday, 30.
Fine day. Muster and inspection. Went down 2 miles to a plantation, swaped some hard tack and tobaco for corn cake and soap. Negros said the rebs were going to bring back Yankee heads tied to their horses tails & that we would burn their cabins &c if we got up here
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No. 41. 43. Hody, K, Nell, Mary, Bump
May, Friday, 1. 1863.
Went two miles to a sugar mill with Emerson to barter with the "colored" for corn bread. the Maj. of the 41st Mass. drove us away threatened to have us courtmartialed for leaving camp without a pass. Orders to be ready to move
Saturday, 2.
Wrote to Henry
Yesterday Grover's Brig. had a fight with the enemy 800 strong, took two pieces of Battery
Sunday, 3.
Emerson and myself went to Slager mill for meal all gone.
Orders came to be ready to move at short notice.
Wrote to K.
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May, Monday, 4. 1863.
Reported that 700 of Rosecrans cavalry has and a part of a Batt. has reached Baton Rouge
Wrote No. 28
Tuesday, 5.
Marched some 20 miles a good day for marching. Passed by some fine looking cornfields corn as high as your shoulders.
Wednesday, 6.
Marched some 20ms. Co. "B" advanced guard a good day for marching.
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P. 2 Mem.
May, Thursday, 7. 1863.
Reveille at 3½ A.M. on the move at 5 A.M. a march of 20ms. warm & awful dusty. passed splendid fields of corn. fine plantation. like the country, the best that I have seen. Turned in to a grove for the night near a R.R. station
Friday, 8.
Reveille at 3½ A.M. on the march at 5 A.M. a march of 25ms. 6 o'clock P.M. find ourselves on the bank of Red river at Alexandria. The gun boats here first by two days. 40 transports landed with merchandise run up the river by the rebs.
Saturday, 9.
Went on picket.
A member of Co. "A" was drowned in the river to day while bathing
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May, Sunday, 10. 1863.
Citizens say that there is many union men who have been looking anxiously for our folks ever since they came to N.O. Not a gun fired at this place, though we might have cut them of if we had come before the boats.
Monday, 11.
Stub, Emerson & myself went up town, not so much of a place as I expected to find it. Emerson called at a store for thread and needles, couldn't get thread, needles $1.50 per paper.
Rec'd orders to be ready to move at short notice. Recd. letters from Father, Mother, K. Aunt S, Bub No. 44
Tuesday, 12.
Wrote to Alma & Hody.
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May, Wednesday, 13. 1863.
Went down with foraging teams to Gov. Moores plantations about 12 miles got some corn cake, cabbage onions and sugar. Gov. left a few days before we come.—a beautiful place lived here some 37 years came poor b[?] sugar $100,000 year
Thursday, 14.
Wrote to K.
Friday, 15.
A hard 20ms. march mudd for a while—heavy shower last night
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May, Saturday, 16. 1863.
Another hot days march—20ms.
Sunday, 17.
Pretty good day for marching 20ms. a great many from the N.Y. Regs. fall out and from Mass Regts. Encamped in a corn field—corn 2 ft. high cut it to sleep on.
Monday, 18.
Reveille at 3½ A.M. marched about 5 miles and encamped to wait for the Div. ahead to cross the Atchafalaya at Simsport about 2 miles ahead. Div moving
News came that Richmond has fallen.
Rec. No. 45
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May, Tuesday, 19. 1863.
Started 8½ A.M. crossed the Atchafalaya and encamped
Wednesday, 20.
No movement to day Drawing clothing &c. cleaning up.
Thursday, 21.
Rec'd letters from H.A.H. & Uncle.
Broke camp at 9 A.M. came in sight of the Miss. river at 1½ P.M., seems refreshing to see and drink of its waters again just one year since we first saw the river at Carrollton on our arival from Ship Island
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camped near WmPort
May, Friday, 22. 1863.
5 A.M. under way, 12ms. reached the Miss. river, down the river on a boat 20ms. to Bayou Sara 2 P.M. commenced to rain, 8ms. tramp in mud towards Port Hudson and went into camp tired, wet and hungry.
Saturday, 23.
Fine morning on the way about 9 A.M. hot march about 6 miles, encamped. The Ill. Cav. has come to Baton Rouge proud and fine looking fellows. gave them three cheers. The hills like N.H. some gravel stones.
Sunday, 24.
Moved up nearer Port Hudson, some cannonading went on guard.
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May, Monday, 25. 1863.
Some fighting, the 8th go through the woods to form a connecting line with the battery on the right some two miles—hard work getting through. our Co. B fire into Co. A. nobody hurt. Encamp in the woods on a bed of sticks Think our Maj. shows the white feather
Tuesday, 26.
Our Reg. laid in the woods nearly all day forming a picket line was relieved by the 175th about 8 P.M., moved onto our position for tomorrow. not much firing today. getting ready for next day.
Wednesday, 27.
Started early. Co. B was ordered to deploy to discover where a gun was that played upon us. came on the rebs many felled trees. gun was in their entrenchments. Co. B followed the retreating ones and got among the trees and when we could get a sight gave them a shot Pg. 3 Mem
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May, Thursday, 28. 1863.
Not much firing to day on account of a flag of truce which was down at 7 P.M. when the ball opened again. The 8th was ordered out to support Duryea's Batt laid down in the brush where we stopped all night waiting to repel any charge the rebels wanted to make.
Friday, 29.
Was ordered down into the rifle pits in front to pick off rebs and keep them from picking off our gunnery Corps. Geo. A. Luskin was shot in the head about sundown. Rebs gave us a few rounds of grape during the day
Saturday, 30.
Laid in the ditch last night. rather cold as we had no blankets and got wet by a shower towards night yesterday. Do not like this style of fighting
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May, Sunday, 31. 1863.
Put up a shade in our pit. fighting the same as yesterday—a sort of duelling. Our Batt. silencing the guns in front the rebs bring another to bear on us from a different quarter. Our Maj. has shown the white feather
June, Monday, 1.
We were relieved this forenoon by the 75 NY and went to the rear of a battery.
Some firing during the day but the foe is pretty silent in front.
Tuesday, 2.
Rather dull. The rebs got a big gun that throws a shell pretty near us quite frequently. it is behind the woods so that our Batt. can not get a good sight at it.
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June, Wednesday, 3. 1863.
Our Reg. laid close to a Batt. last night to be ready for a charge from the rebs, but nothing came but a few shells. About dark commenced to dig into the bank to protect us against the shells from the rebs which they pitched into us rather close. we laid low and no one hurt
Thursday, 4.
Dug out some more in the bank. got a good brest work. Orders came to move in the morning, only 110 fit to march, there being only 190 bayonets Co. G not counted, on Provost
in the fight 93 W. 12 K. Co. B 6 W. and one died from wounds
Friday, 5.
Got a pretty good shelling last night but no one hurt. Started at daylight towards Clinton as a rebel force has been out that way and had a skirmish with our cavalry and were to weak for them. A hot days march had to stop about 3 P.M. as many were falling out on account of the heat. started again at 6 and went some 4ms. to good water. Marched some 20ms in all
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Got a big lot of blackberries Made a halt for the night at 9½ P.M. pretty well played out
June, Saturday, 6. 1863.
Marched until 9 A.M. and had to make a halt, it was so hot that many fell out thought I should have to but lay up in the shade for a while but made out to keep along until they stoped. A house sacked by our Cavalry, woman saucy to the guard, and guard taken off
Sunday, 7.
Started at 12 o'clock last night went some 8ms. towards Clinton and heard that the rebs had skedaddled turned about and got back to where we started at 9½ A.M. a good Sunday morning walk. started again at 5 P.M. and camped near Redwood bayou at 9 P.M.
Monday, 8.
Started at 4 A.M. and marched until 10 A.M. a hot dusty road. turned into a wood 1½ from good water, no very complimentary remarks made about our commander by the boys. In evening our mail came Recd letters from K. No. 46 & 47. Henry. Mary
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June, Tuesday, 9. 1863.
Resting to day in the woods, a bully mail last night to pass away the time with. Had a big job mending socks got scorched
Wednesday, 10.
Scoured my rifle. Our guns continue to work on Port Hudson.
Thursday, 11.
Much firing last night. A fine rain this morning quite refreshing. On guard over the spring. Officers called to Gen. Paine, the expected asault on Port Hudson the 8th N.H. & 4 Wis. to go ahead as skirmishers. think it will about anihialate the 8th this time.
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June, Friday, 12. 1863.
Siege of Port Hudson goes on. some firing.
Saturday, 13.
11 A.M. the bombardment commenced in earnest we advance at 3 P.M. towards the front, expect to be in the advance. looks like a forlorn hope if I fall hope it will be doing my duty
Sunday, 14.
Got our position before daylight the 4th Wis & the 8th NH as skirmishers ordered to advance and enter their works was wounded in the thigh and elbow a few rods from their works. our men were repulsed laid in the hot sun until dark and was helped into Port Hudson by a Confed
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Page 4 Mem.
June, Monday 15. 1863.
Quite a number of our boys brought in to day—feeling rather sore
Tuesday, 16.
Some of our boys still lay on the field uncared for—a shame
A fine shower just at night
The con. very kind to our wounded [?]
Wednesday, 17.
Feling a little more limber. The same good treatment.
The Con. are short of provisions, but are bound to fight it out
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June, Thursday 18. 1863.
Some rain. Nothing new the seige still goes on.
Our folks sent over to their sick wine coffee salt crackers and medicine
Friday, 19.
A hot day thought the flys would surely took me off. much danger of their blowing you and the maggotts getting into the wounds
Saturday, 20.
Texan side of me, tete tete at dinner, arm of wished he could keep them off to pick his teeth kept them down with my brush
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June, Sunday, 21. 1863.
Minister came in and read from the Scripture
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Cash Account—January.
Glue—
To any quantity of glue use common whiskey instead of water. Put in a bottle and cork tight. fit for use in three or four days.
A strong solution of isinglass made in the same way is a good cement for leather
When mailing bank notes take the number, letter & date of each bill to aid in finding if lost
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March 15th 1
Cash Account—February.
Reported that the object of our coming had been accomplished. Gun boat Miss. run aground and burned. a part of the fleet had passed the Fort.
A rattle snake was killed by some of the boys, after water about 5 ft. long
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Apr. 11. for picket duty, my post came beside a fence in a cane field with three others. tried to get a nap but mosquitoes were to thick
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Apr. 12. Went down to bayou for water and wash just got a shoe and stocking off when the cry [?] steamer coming down unlimber came from the batteries close by, but I limbered up in a hurry and started.
Apr. 14. chickens turkeys mules and darkies had to suffer Diana was set on fire by the rebs and "went up"
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2 Cash Account—March
Killed a sheep while resting at New Iberia. [?] to Gen Banks that Charleston S.C. has fallen at our hands
Apr. 20. pointed out to him but he said he could not see it, and with tears in his eyes he turned and went back murmering I shall never see it again. Went half mile after we encamped for a canteen of good water, four cavalry boys after chickens, so went in my self and took one.
May 7 found large quantities of sugar marked C.S.A. we went in and helped ourselves. Gen. Emory came out and swore some because the boys wasted it
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Cash Account—April. 3
Wednes 27 The 8th went of to the right and we were separated. fought on our own hook, came out in afternoon to bring out Lawrence who had a leg broken, was going back but brush had got on fire, was told the 8th had got badly cut up and had been ordered to the rear, found them about 100 of them a hard days fight. Col. Lull was wounded while urging a charge but did not leave the field until he fell. No cowards blood was in his being he died before night. feel his loss heavily, our leader gone. Our Reg. had to guard Duryea's Batt Cos. were equalized and each contained 21 men, one Co. to
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4 a gun filing round it in double ranks, one rank to guard while the other sleeps
June 14 soldier had just as good treatment as their men, was covered with blood and fly blows and did
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15262) | DL1319.002 | Diaries | 1863 |
Tags: African Americans, Alcohol, Artillery, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Cavalry, Death (Military), Discharge/Mustering Out, Discipline, Drilling, Fighting, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, Guard/Sentry Duty, Hygiene, Injuries, Mail, Marching, Nature, Picket Duty, Railroads, Recreation, Rivers, Rumors, Ships/Boats, Trading, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (5295) [writer] ~ Livermore, Abiel A.
SOURCES
Abiel A. Livermore Diary, 1863, DL1319.002, Nau Collection
