John Garland Diary, 1863
Camp Maine East N.Y.
January, Thursday 1, 1863.
Turned out as soon as the drums beat. Found the snow which come the night before and the ground froze hard. The air cool & bracing. Spirits good Detailed with two others to do police duty about the baracks. No drilling today. The boys all in the baracks and as snug to the stove as they could get some writing others making rings and others still making boxes to put in their knapsacks all seem to be enjoying themselves well as could be expected Dinner made of fresh beef pot [paper torn] hard buiscuit it went well
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Camp Maine East N.Y.
January, Friday 2, 1863.
Arose as usual at the beat of the drum. breakfasted on coffee & hard bread Dined on stewed beans Suped on hard bread & tea. Drilled a short time in the forenoon under Lieut Pinkham. Had a pretty good bat drill in the afternoon by Col Stanley he did not get lost but once caused by injuries received in the battle of wednesday night. Went down to the city in the eve with Sam Hersom & Smart went into Barnams great show saw a great many wonders & some things that was'nt so wonderful. Sam & Hi left us about nine Got home about 12 found a performance not down on the program
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Camp Maine East N.Y.
January, Saturday 3, 1863.
Turned out at the first tap of the drum breakfast as usual on hard bread and coffee went out & drilled three hours in the forenoon Came in and ate a very little dinner. Sam & Hi returned about noon they got picked up by the Provost guard and kept all night and returned in the morning Tramped in about the middle of the afternoon and did not get up till morning. Had a pretty hard night of it. Received a letter from EJS. The last of the horses were put on board ship
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Camp Maine East N.Y.
January, Sunday 4, 1863.
Did not get up till into the afternoon on account of being sick. The day was quite warm and springlike Thare was a knapsack inspection in the forenoon No meeting on the ground during the day. In the afternoon about twenty of the boys went outside the lines to the Dutch reform church and would have gone again in the eve but could not get a pass In the evening Pinkham was detailed to go down to the city and take account of the provisions as they are loaded on board the vessel which it is said is to take us South No dress parade today. Retired early
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East New York
January, Monday 5, 1863.
Turned out some half an hour before the law requires ate sparingly of the breakfast which we had. Went over to the hospital and got excused from all duty for the day Came back and sat around a short time and then got out my writing material and went to writing to Ellen S. The day is one which is seldom seen in this latitude at this time of the year Very little news agoing some rumors about leaving but nothing definite No drilling today no dress parade. The evening was warm and pleasant with the full moon Retired early but not to sleep on account of the performance by a[?] received a letter from Sarah G
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East New York
January, Tuesday 6, 1863.
Turned out in time to answer to my name at roll call. Ate sparingly of beans for my breakfast Went over to Doctors and was marked Quarters for the day he also gave me four powders to be taken one in four hours. Laid about the barracks all day. Thare was not much drilling, the day was quite warm and muddy. At night it set in and rained all night Turned in early. Received a letter from A.G. Ricker Spent the evening in friend Wms bunk and in the Captains office hearing Woodcock
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East New York
January, Wednesday 7, 1863.
Turned out early felt rather hard. After breakfast went over to the hospital was excused from all duty for the day The day was cold and the ground froze with the wind at the north west Went to bed with Clifford and layed all day. Was the sickest I had been for some time. Thare was a company drill both in the fore and afternoon but no dress parade. Turned in early but not to sleep for my head ached to bad. Had a hard night of it
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East New York
January, Thursday 8, 1863.
Did not get up till after dinner although I felt better than the night before Thare was a Co drill in the forenoon in the bayonet exercise Also a bat. drill in the afternoon Sat around the barracks all the afternoon and evening In the eve heard that six Companies of our reg were to go on board the ship Onward on the morrow. The day was cool but not so windy as the day previous rec a letter from James after I had gone to bed Every thing quiet in and about the camps
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Camp New York
January, Friday 9, 1863.
I was awoke by the beat of drums and cry of the Ordily to turn out to roll call After rubing my eyes and looking out to see if it was realy ment I tumbled out and hauled on my outside garments and was soon ready to say here, when my name was called Six companies of our regiment marched down to the city and embarked on the ship Onward bound for N.O. Capt Hubbard is left in command of the four remaining companies It dont look as if we shall leave under a week or so
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East New York
January, Saturday 10, 1863.
Did not get up untill after nine on account of not being very well The day rather gloomy Sun obscured all day Flakes of snow came straggling down to the ground Ground froze hard Co [?] of the 24th Reg marched down to the city and went on board the ship Onward There was only a short drill in the forenoon At about four it commenced raining and rained all night Went to bed early but did not succeed in getting to sleep on account of the noise which the boys made
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E.N.Y.
January, Sunday 11, 1863.
Turned out in good season washed and cleaned up before breakfast There was no knapsack inspection and no meeting on the ground nothing going on but the same monotonous round of camp duties. The day was fine over head but nothing but mud mud under foot There was nothing going on outside our own barracks worth mentioning untill when Zeek Perry kicked up a row and got into the guard house where he raved round and kicked the boards off the backside as usual which collected quite a crowd
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East New York
January, Monday 12, 1863.
Turned out in season to answer to my name at roll call Everything was noise and confusion caused by the 24th Regt making preparation to leave which they did at about nine oclock. We had nothing to do except to help them off and arrange things about the barracks. After they had gone orders came last night for the 28 to leave on the morrow which will leave only the four Co's of our regt here I should judge that we should soon follow but still we may stay some time Received a letter from E.S.
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East New York
January, Tuesday 13, 1863.
Was up in season to answer to my name at roll call Did not do any thing all day but loaf about the enclosure The 28th regt left about noon for the city to embark for the scene of active operations on the Gulf. The men all seemed glad that they were going with the exception of one or two who had been trying to fortify themselves for the event by the use of whiskey and they were quite loud in their denunciations against being forced down where there is danger in every bush
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East New York
January, Wednesday 14, 1863.
Jumped out of my bed at the first rap of the drum. Ate my breakfast and sat around a spell and then went to work with the rest of the boys cleaning up the barracks which had just been vacated by the regts which have left within the last week. In the afternoon we had a bat drill Capt Hubbard acting as Colonel and in the evening we had a dress parade inside of the enclosure which ended our labors for the day The day was the warmest we have had It rained at night
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East New York
January, Thursday 15, 1863.
Turned out according to military law breakfasted and then sat around a short time before getting ready to go on guard Went on at nine Thare was no drilling for the day on account the mud which was caused by the rain of the night before but in the evening they had a dress parade inside the grounds Went out in the eve and strolled all about the place Will Hersom was put in the guard house for leaving his beat Thare was considerable music made by the Capt taking a rum sweat which was example was followed by a large portion of his men
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East New York
January, Friday 16, 1863.
Went to bed after coming off guard at about five o'clock and did not get up till nine. Did not do any thing all day but play eucre It commenced raining at about four in the morning and rained hard all day clearing off in the night and freezing up solid Thare was a rumor the other day that we were to leave on monday next but thare has been nothing since substantiate the report It dont look as if we should leave for some time
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East New York
January, Saturday 17, 1863.
did not get up till between eight and nine The roll was call up inside the barracks by Sergent Dyer. Was detailed with four others to do police duty about the camp for the day. Thare was no drilling no dress parade nothing to do but to make themselves as comfortable as possible The day was the coldest except one that we have had as yet the ground not thawing any for the day Thare was considerable disapointment caused by the failure of the mail to reach us.
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East N.Y.
January, Sunday 18, 1863.
Did not hurry about getting up in the morning. We had a knapsack inspection at ten oclock after which I got a pass and went out and took a stroll up through Cemetery and around by the water works being gone a couple of hours In the afternoon I wrote to EJS. The evening was spent in the Captains office talking over the our future prospects and that of the country The weather continues cold Retired about nine slept warm all night
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East New York
January, Monday 19, 1863.
The orderly was out in good season for once since our Capt came to be commander of the post. The day was one of the pleasantest we have had for some time We went out to drill in the forenoon but spent the most of the time in play. We also went out in the afternoon and had about the same performance as in the morning Colonel Johnson was over to see us and was present at dress parade he brought the joyful news that we should leave in three days
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E New York
January, Tuesday 20, 1863.
Turned out in season to answer to my name at a late roll call Thare was no drilling in the forenoon by our company being excused to do our washing and other fixing up so as to be ready to leave when orders came In the afternoon thare was a short battalion drill and in the evening a dress parade The day was a fine one. After supper, which consisted of hard buscuit and tea I went up into Cliffords bunk and layed in the eve talking some but sleeping most of the time
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East New York
January, Wednesday 21, 1863.
Did not turn out very early The wind was north east and blowed a gale and at about nine o'clock it commenced raining and rained hard all day consequently we had nothing to do but to keep as comfortable as possible In the evening had a four handed game of euchre to pass away the time Retired at about nine after I had got to dozing was awoke by some of the boys making a hurrah and on opening my eyes and ears learned that we had orders to leave at an early hour in the morrow
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East New York
January, Thursday 22, 1863.
Was up in good season thinking although with doubt that we should leave today. We employed the greater part of the forenoon in mending my clothes At about one o'clock the commander received orders to send fifty men down to the city immediately for some purpose unknown to us As Co. G had about that number they were sent taking their guard It left six places vacant and as my name was the first on the list I was detailed to go on the rest of the 24 hours Had a provost guard out in it
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East N.Y. Brooklyn & NY
January, Friday 23, 1863.
We have at last got started for the south Left East New York at about twelve and arrived at south ferry at two and was soon aboard of the old hulk which was to take us to the steamer which is to take us south after waiting till sunset for the baggage of the 49 Mass we started on the said steamer leaving the baggage behind and succeeded in getting on board some time after dark where we found every thing all hubbub and not the first chance to lay ourselves away
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On board the steamer Ill
January, Saturday 24, 1863. P. 3 Mem.
Turned out earlyer than usual. Went up on the hurricane deck found the boys stowed around in various shapes and suffering from cold Ate my breakfast from the hard bread which I had in my haversack The forenoon and an hour and a half of the afternoon was spent in loading the baggage. We left our moorings at half past one. Had not got hardly outside when some of the boys began to be seasick and it kept growing on them till a large part on board officers well as men were sick
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On board the steamer Ill
January, Sunday 25, 1863.
(Page 3 continued in Mem)
Was routed out at about six o'clock by the hands on the boat who wanted to sweep out the walks in which we slept. We slept with all our cloths on overcoats & boots and all and slept cold at that Went up on the upper deck whare were the most of Co. B. still in their beds some stretched out on the deck, others in various positions but they were soon turned out by the sailors who were about to wash off the deck. The sea was not very rough but still thare was a sight of seasickness among the boys
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On board Steamer Illinois
January, Monday 26, 1863.
(Continued in memoranda (Page 4)#
We were up quite early as it made our bones ache to sleep on our iron bed found the boat headed for the south again and some whare near the entrance to hampton Roads The wind had nearly subsided and the weather was warm We reached Fortress Monroe at about half past ten and left about half past one We had not hardly got out of sight of the Fort when one of the fireman went crazy and threw himself overboard and although there was a boat
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On board Steamer Illinois
January, Tuesday 27, 1863.
Was up in good season as I went to bed early as the deck did not grow any softer by laying on it. Was glad to see the first sign of daylight so that I might turn out. The weather was squally and it rained just enough to keep us wet all the time as the wind increased, seasickness increased in proportion. thare was so many of our boys sick I had to go on guard although it would not have been my turn for some time. Did not sleep any all night
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On board Steamer Ill
January, Wednesday 28, 1863.
After coming off guard and standing about the deck an hour or so went down into the lower cabbin if such a horrible hole can be called a cabbin and turned into Smarts berth and slept a few hours and then got up and came up on deck in time to partake of the late dinner which was furnished The wind seems to be on the increase and to blow colder than since we embarked. After dinner went back to the cabbin and turned in for the night
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On board Steamer Ill
January, Thursday 29, 1863.
Turned out and got upon deck just in time to get my hard bread and coffee our regular breakfast Sat around on deck all day although the wind blowed hard and it was cold as it was when we left N.Y. Did not see a sailor any thing else to break the monotony of old Ocean except a few cotton bales which had evaded the blockade and were drifting wharever the wind and waves carried them. As the evening was pleasant did not turn in very early. Somewhare off the coast of Georgia
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On board Steamer Ill
January, Friday 30, 1863.
Was up as soon as it was light. The wind blew quite hard in the morning but gradually died away so that it was the pleasantest day of the voige. All hands seem to be rid of seasickness and are crowded up on the upper deck. In the afternoon we of the 21 regt took our guns in hand and tryed to scour the rust off but it was a hard job and we gave it up till we went ashore. About sunset we saw smoke on the west indicating that we were off the coast of Florida
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On board Steamer Illinois
January, Saturday 31, 1863.
Turned out early Saw land to the west which we kept in sight of all day. Passed numerous islands and shoals Saw some sails of small craft. Also a vessel which had been wrecked said to belong to the Banks expedition The day was warm and almost without wind consequently everybody was out to enjoy it looking as though they had never known seasickness. Along in the evening it looked as though it would rain before morning so I went below to sleep
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On board Steamer Ill
February, Sunday 1, 1863.
Arose early for a sabbath morning. The weather has become almost oppressive from heat the last twenty four hours indicating that we are nearing the Gulf Pass Key West about eight o'clock in the morning and Tortugas about two in the afternoon after getting well by the steamer bow was turned north west shaping our course for N.O. The eve was delightful with the moon near full. Winslow and myself slept together on deck with only blankets over us and slept as warm as you please
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On board Steamer Ill
February, Monday 2, 1863.
Was up early Did not see any vessel for a the day It was warm and pleasant till towards night when it became squally and continued so till towards morning when the got around to the north and we had what they term a norther in this latitude which always brings cold weather
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On board Steamer Ill
February, Tuesday 3, 1863.
Got up unusually early on account of the cold which had set in during the night Had a rather tough day of it on account of the wind and cold About ten o'clock began to see driftwood of all description floating by indicating that we was some where near the entrance of the Miss. About noon began to see islands & smoke from the steamboats near the entrance about two a pilot was sent on board and we was soon over the first bar but stuck fast on the second whare we remained all night
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On board Steamer Ill
February, Wednesday 4, 1863.
Awoke in the morning and found they had not succeeded in getting the boat off from the bar whare it remained untill near five o'clock After several unsuccessful attempts they succeeded in swinging her around and took a circle and came up to cross the bar again but with the same result sticking fast in the mud. Spent the day cleaning my gun. Had a thunder shower in the eve Slept down in walk in the cabbin Succeeded in getting the boat off in the night and anchored her outside the bar for the night
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On board Steamer Ill
February, Thursday 5, 1863.
Turned out early as the boat hands wanted to sweep the alley whare we rested. After breakfast the anchor was weighed and the boat was run up into a place where she anchored in safety and remained all day and night The day was awfull windy & cold and we of the hurricane deck had all we could do to keep from freezing Thare was many bitter complaints made of the unnecessary suffering which those in command imposed upon us. Slept on the hurricane deck
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On board Steamer Ill & New Brunswick
February, Friday 6, 1863.
I hardly need state that I got up early for I sat up the greater part of the night it being impossible to sleep for cold After coffee and hard bread I went down & turned into Smarts bunk and slept till afternoon was awoke by hearing the noise made by the boys caused by the appearance of a steam boat approaching to take us off. We succeeded in getting on board and transfering the few necessary articles which we needed so as to get over the bar a few minutes before sunset
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On board Steamer New B
February, Saturday 7, 1863.
Awoke after a good nights rest and found myself near to the city of N.O. We tied up at the levee about seven in the morning Left about one P.M. and proceeded as far as Carollton whare we expected to go ashore and stop all night but for some reason did not It was quite a disapointment to us for we had packed all our things and stood anxiously awaiting the time to come for us to set our feet on terraferma The city appeared to be deserted by all except Nigroes & a few low whites In the eve saw several government wagon loads of nigroes coming into the city suppose they were contrabands
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On board the New Brunswick
February, Sunday 8, 1863.
Had another good nights sleep so did not hurry about turning out. After breakfast went up on the upper deck and stayed an hour or two enjoying the warm sun and sights on shore Then came down and got the Capt to pass me on shore for the first time since leaving N.Y. Did not come aboard again till night but could not leave to go a great ways for we expected to rec orders to go into camp here or else to go up to join our regt Went to Catholic meeting
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On New Brunswick & on shore at Carrollton
February, Monday 9, 1863.
Did not turn out very early as we had so much better chance than usual to rest thought we would enjoy it as much possible. The forenoon was spent scouring the rust off our guns Left the boat about one o'clock and marched out on the shell road a short distance & pitched our tents for the first time, although we have been in camp just five months tonight. As our two days rations which we took when we left the Ill. are all gone we are up a stump for something to eat succeeded in getting our supper about ten Slept on the bare ground but better than since we left New York
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In Camp at Carrolton
February, Tuesday 10, 1863.
(Page 5 Mem)
Arose early and feeling much refreshed after my first night in tent Did not get breakfast very early but made up for it by having the best since leaving NY After breakfast sat around a spell and then received orders to strike our tents and prepare to go up the river to join our regt. The boys marched down to the boat landing about eleven I was one of three who were left behind to load the baggage waited two or three hours before the teams came
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On board the Sallie Robinson
February, Wednesday 11, 1863.
As the fog of the eve before had sufficiently cleared away at four o'clock the boat was again started up the river Was glad that we did not come up in the night as we should have lost the fine view of the splendid plantations along the river They were the best I ever saw but seemed to be in some cases almost deserted The people were silent and seemed to be kind of resigned to their fate We arrived at Baton Rouge about eleven Stoped on the boat all night
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Baton Rouge
February, Thursday 12, 1863.
As soon as it was sufficiently light we packed up our blankets and went ashore and marched out to the back part of the town some mile and a half whare we found the rest of our regt. After a short delay our tents and baggage was hauled up and then we went to work and pitched our tents after that went to work on our guns In the afternoon we had a battalion drill and dress parade The weather was warm as summer Received a letter from EJ Suell
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Friday 13, 1863.
Had to turn out at six o'clock as we have our roll call at that time We had just as much as we could do all day scouring our guns and cleaning equipments building our Com. street drilling &c The weather was hot as summer In the night thare was a thunder shower but it did not rain enough to drown us out. Had to go to bed at half past eight as that is the general order in regard to having the lights out and all still Thare was a party went out foraging which succeeded in bringing in a lot of corn
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Saturday 14, 1863.
Was up at the early hour of six. The early hours were spent in cleaning up about the camp fix our guns and equipments At ten there was a brigade review by the Colonel commanding after which we had the rest of the day to ourselves to wash our clothes and clean up generally In the evening thare was a dress parade The weather was hot and sultry with showers all around but it did not rain only a few drops here
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Sunday 15, 1863.
Was up at the usual hour in the morning Was detailed with three others to bring wood and water for the day had the easiest days work since landing here Thare was a knapsack inspection in the forenoon In the afternoon the Co was called out to hear the army regulations read Spent a part of the day writing to Ellen J.S. Had no meeting as our Chaplain resigned in NY. There was nothing happened along our line of picket
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Monday 16, 1863.
The Sabbath is past monday morning brings the more active duties which the sabbath relieves us from The forenoon was spent after the smaller duties of the morning in Co drilling a couple of hours After dinner Sam & I went over about a mile and confiscated some boards from a fence belonging to a deserted rebel estate and carried them home to make us a bedstead In the afternoon thare was a bugle drill. Slept on our new bed
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Tuesday 17, 1863.
Got up to roll call after which I turned in and took a short snooze It was what they called a rainy day so we did not do any duty nor any thing else but keep in under shelter Spent part of the afternoon writing home Everything was quiet in and about our encampment
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Wednesday 18, 1863.
Was up at the usual time for roll call although it was cloudy and so dark that the sargeant had to have a light to see to call the names. Did not go out to the nine o'clock drill but stayed in to fix up about our tents. Went out to the eleven o'clock drill also to the brigade drill in the afternoon Had a dress parade. The day was a fine one
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Thursday 19, 1863.
Was up at the usual hour of six o'clock As soon as I had washed myself and ate my breakfast went to work and packed my knapsack so as to be ready for guard. Had the hardest day and night of it that I had had since entering the service The day was a fine one In the evening the band was round serenading the different Colonels of the brigade and of course they got treated up to the eyes Did not sleep any at night
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Friday 20, 1863.
Arose from my slumberless couch at half past six and went on guard at seven & came off about half past nine After fooling around till near ten was excused and went to my tent Found the boys just in the act fixing our old bell tents and putting up the wedge tents Went to work with them all though I had not had any breakfast we soon had our tents up but it was a work of time to lay the floor and finish up
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Saturday 21, 1863.
Was awaked from my morning knap by the beat of the drums to roll call. I as up and out in line in a minute After an uninviting breakfast of salt junk bread & coffee went to work widening the street in front of our tent Worked on it and other improvements about camp all the forenoon Saturday is the only day but what we have a battalion drill. we had it to ourselves Had a bad head ache in the eve & retired early
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Sunday 22, 1863.
Did not turn out at roll call as I did not feel very well After an hour or two got up & traveled around some which made me feel better. Our regt had a haversack inspection The three batteries at this place were out on the parade ground the men all dressed in their best. After going through some of their manouvers they fired a salute of thirty six guns in honor of Washington's birthday which was answered by the gunboats. The day was a little cooler than usual
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Monday 23, 1863.
Was up at roll call & feeling quite well again Had beans for breakfast of which I ate a full allowance. Went out to Co. drill at ten o'clock Thare was only about fifteen or twenty to go out after taking out the sick & those on extra duty. In the afternoon we had a brigade drill As the movements were all on the right, we of the left had an easy time Had an extra supper of hard bread and coffee The day was the coolest that has been
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Tuesday 24, 1863.
Was awaked from my slumbers by the shrill sound of the bugle & rattle of the drums warning all that it was time to be up & doing Had nothing but hard bread & coffee for rations all day. Lieut Pinkham took us out to Co. drill, but did not put us through very hard. In the afternoon the Regt done their first at firing blank cartridges. The weather was just cool enough to make it comfortable
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Camp Banks Baton Rouge
February, Wednesday 25, 1863.
Turned out early as usual. After breakfast went to work cleaning up my equipments packing my things &c to go on guard Went on guard at nine and came off at the next marking The weather was warm and pleasant and my duty was light so I had an easy time of it Tryed to write a letter to Ellen but the wind blew so I could not do much of it so I gave it up for some other time
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Baton Rouge
February, Thursday 26, 1863.
I did not hurry about getting up as I did not have to go on guard till seven & come off at nine The Colonel had it planned for us to go down to the river with the rest of the regt to shoot at target As it rained a little they did not go. Put it off till afternoon In the afternoon, after forming out on our line it commenced raining again so it was put off till the next morning. Thus ended the day Finished my letter to Ellen
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February, Friday 27, 1863.
Had a hard time of it though was up at the usual hour of roll call After breakfast recd orders to clean up our clothes and equipments pack our knapsacks and have every thing in readiness for a general inspection That was all we had to do for the day After working till into the afternoon fixing up, six of us started over to a sugar establishment about a mile from our camp and one half a mile outside the pickets. Succeeded in finding a barrell of molasses hid away. Took the wheels and rigging of a wagon and brought whole away Did not get home till evening
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Baton Rouge
February, Saturday 28, 1863.
Got up at the first tap of the drum Felt quite well after my jaunt of the night before The rest of our boys arrived in the morning they were all well and hearty It rained so hard all the forenoon that we could not go out to the review and inspection. Cleared off about noon. Went out in the afternoon and had the said review but did not any inspection Was mustered in for pay
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March, Sunday 1, 1863.
Was awaked by the rub a drub of the old drums it was an unwelcome sound for a sunday morning but thare was no chance to squeak out of turning out so up I jumped and out with the rest of the boys. was soon out in our Co street After breakfast went to work cleaning up and packing up my things for inspection which came off about ten After that had nothing more to do for the day Co. G arrived about noon
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March, Monday 2, 1863.
Turned out as usual at a little after daylight. Went out at ten and had the usual Co. drill. In the afternoon had what they call a brigade drill In the eve had the usual dress parade which ended the labors of the day. The eve was spent at home in our tent playing euchre Retired early The weather was just cool enough and warm enough to make it pleasant Right off the stump into the water
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March, Tuesday 3, 1863.
Turned out as usual at the call of the drummer After breakfast went through the usual routine of scrubbing & cleaning and packing my knapsack for guard duty Had a pleasant time of it in the day time; but night was cool and chilly Had all I could do to keep warm by walking my beat Layed cold in the guard tent Doubled up blankets with Will Hersom which made it better than if I had slept alone
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Page 6 Memoranda
March, Wednesday 4, 1863.
Turned out of my guard house resting place in time to get my breakfast before going on guard at seven. Came off at nine or thare abouts Went to my tent & found the boys preparing for a review in the afternoon by Gen Augers [Augur] Without stoping to rest went to work cleaning my gun & equipments so to join them Went out about half past one after a gooddeal of marching by the left flank and right flank & file we succeeded in getting placed where we belonged on the left of the brigade continued in the back part
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March, Thursday 5, 1863.
Did not get out of my bed untill the ten o'clock Co. drill & should not then if the Capt. had not driven me and Will Wymore too to come out. We thought we were to sick to drill or any thing else but the Capt. said we must come out & his will is law. So out we came After calling the roll he repented & sent us back into our tent again whare we remained all day trying to comfort one another as well as we could
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March, Sunday 8, 1863.
Turned out soon after roll call and went down to the Doctors & got my regular quinine & was marked excused for the day on account of the mumps. The boys had got all ready for inspection & it was about time for it to come off when the Coln came around & ordered the tents on the east side of the street to be all moved to the other side which occupied this day to the exclusion of every thing else. Orders came before night to be ready in about twenty four hours to move
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March, Monday 9, 1863.
Did not get up at roll call I sent over by the sargeant the doctor & he excused me from duty for the day After the sun had got up a little I turned out & went to work on my gun & equipments which had not been touched for four or five weeks & fixed them up the best I could to be ready to march with the boys in the morning Gen. Banks & staff rode by our encampment. Did not march as the orders said Wrote two letters in the
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March, Tuesday 10, 1863.
Got word during the night to be up earlyer than usual so as to prepare to march early so we were up as soon as light & soon had our things all packed ready for a start After a short time struck the tents & rolled them up & turned them over to the QM After that waited around some time expecting to receive orders every minute to start but no such orders came & as it commenced to rain we went to work & pitched our shelter tents which we stayed all night
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March, Wednesday 11, 1863.
Awoke in the morning expecting soon to have orders to start on our march for Port Hudson, but instead of that had orders to pack our things & be out in the field at seven to be reviewed by Gen Banks & staff It was a short job as thare was only two brigades to be reviewed This was all we had to do for the day Still in suspense about when we shall leave Received the long looked for letter from Ellen Llewellyn Potter died today
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March, Thursday 12, 1863.
Was up at the usual hour of six. The day was one deserving more than a passing notice as it was spent in reviewing the troops which have lately come into the vicinity by Gen Banks Infantry Cavalry & artillery were all out to the number of fifteen or twenty thousand In the afternoon we had a Co drill which was all we had to do About two o'clock in the morning the second La & forty eight started up the river on some kind of an expedition
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March, Friday 13, 1863.
Arose at the usual hour in the morning Did not do anything in the forenoon. In afternoon we had a brigade drill had no dress parade on account of the anticipated march on the morrow The forty eight Mass & second La went up near Port Hudson on a reconnoissance They went up by boat and came back by land bringing turkey chickens & every thing which they could bring away
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March, Saturday 14, 1863.
Turned out at about four in the morning and soon had our things all packed before it was fairly light we were on the road to Port Hudson Our Co. & Co I were detailed for a rear guard to the wagon train Had to draw the wagons over the bridge & then to march at times at a double quick to keep up with them We halted & encamped for the night about ten miles from Baton Rouge Went out & killed a steer & had a good supper & enough for breakfast
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March, Sunday 15, 1863.
We were turned out early & were on the march before it was light Thare was heavy cannonading about all night in the direction of Port Hudson. In the morning thare was a bright light which seemed to be floating down the river While we were falling in there was a bright flash which lighted up the sky every thing around for many miles & in a few seconds it was followed by a terrible explosion Instead of continuing up the river we marched back 6 miles went into camp again after we had pitched our tents we of Co B received orders to go on picket
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March, Monday 16, 1863.
Had a tough night of it on picket during the night as it rained a perfect shower all the time we were on guard which was from four till ten. After that we went into a nigger hut belonging to an old secesh lady near whare the reserve pickets were stationed We had to stay out four in the afternoon I did not go on guard for the day but went out foraging and succeeded in bringing in turkeys geese and other poultry enough for the Co's breakfast the next morning Had a good nights sleep
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March, Tuesday 17, 1863.
Had hardly got up when we received orders to pack up and be ready to march. After waiting an hour or two for orders to start we received another order to pitch our tents again which we did & spent the day and another night at our old camping ground. In the forenoon thare was an alarm given down on the Clinton road & the third brigade went down to see what was up but soon returned In the afternoon Sam & I and others went out foraging found a plenty of molasses & fowl
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March, Wednesday 18, 1863.
Rose at the usual hour & after roll call went to work and cooked our sweet potatoes & fried our meat which made an extra breakfast for us of mess No. one As we had no orders to move & had nothing else to do, a mumber of us started out foraging for fresh beef. We succeeded in bringing in a cow. In the evening had a dress parade after which we had a discussion about our cooks. Voted not to pay anything extra [?] Bates resigned & we detailed Howard. Carroll Farnham died
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March, Thursday 19, 1863.
Turned out at the usual hour & after roll call went to work & cooked our breakfast. After that had to fix up to go on picket guard. Had an easy time of it as our Co. was on the reserve. In the afternoon the Capt sent me & three or four others outside the lines to see what we could find to eat Found a plenty but the people all pleaded upon us with the exception one old lady & her two daughters who had nothing except a chicken or two a few pigs which we did not touch Had orders at twelve at night to go and join our Regt
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March, Friday 20, 1863.
Turned out before it was light as we had orders to march at six, in light marching order the first thing we had to do was to pick up our things so as to leave them in as snug a condition as possible. After breakfast we soon were out on the color line ready to march we knew not whare, but the head of the regt was soon turned towards Baton Rouge. When we had got near to it we found out that we were going on a foraging expedition. Went up some six miles from Baton Rouge found cotton & sugar which saved us some six miles At about six when we had got back to the pickets found that our brigade had moved back on our old ground near Baton Rouge
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March, Saturday 21, 1863.
Arose early & feeling quite well after my hard march & then sleeping across a potato row Did not do any thing till afternoon when our old tents arrived we went to work & pitched so that we could sleep in them for the night Soon after we got them pitched thare came quite a shower which would have wet us if we had been in our shelter tents In the evening sat down & had a few games of euchre while playing recd a letter from Ellen & another from home which broke up the game
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March, Sunday 22, 1863.
Turned out to roll call at the usual hour We spent the day in rest except a short time we were employed in pitching our tent over & toting boards to lay a floor with After we had fixed up we layed around & took it easy as possible reading the few newspapers that was received the night before Take it all together it was as much a day of rest as is possible with soldiers in the field
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March, Monday 23, 1863.
Turned out soon after the drums beat for roll call. The day was one of continued showers making it impossible to get any whare or do anything but the rain did not hinder Wentworth's battery from being out on duty Dow's Cavalry was also out scouting around In the afternoon commenced a letter to Ellen but as it was cloudy which made it dark earlier than usual had to postpone finishing it till the next day
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March, Tuesday 24, 1863.
Turned out at the usual hour. After breakfast went over to the doctors to get excused from picket guard as my heel was lame from a cut. He excused me from picket & gave me a pill & marked me for camp guard. Had easy chance of it as we of Co. B had nothing to do but guard a little old establishment belonging to a Dutchman who lives near our camp who of course is union At night we went into the house & slept all night Got news that Wm Bickford of our Co was dead.
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March, Wednesday 25, 1863.
Turned out before there was much stir among the soldiers in camp. Had the easiest day on guard since entering the service Slept from ten o'clock till morning. After coming off guard at nine rested till about one in the afternoon when we all went out for a brigade drill which kept us till four After that came dress parade. Wm Bickford was buried in the forenoon. A part of our Co went down to funeral
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March, Thursday 26, 1863.
Arose from my hard couch as soon as the drums warned us of the time to turn out & fall in. After roll call went to work on the road in front of my tent & finished it soon after breakfast After that was detailed with two others to go on fatigue duty around the encampment by that I did not have to go out on bat. drill In the afternoon the order was to prepare for an inspection on the morrow at twelve Wrote to Alf Ricker at noon
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March, Friday 27, 1863.
Was up & out in line before the drum had ceased beating to call all hands up to roll call. After breakfast went to work & got ready to go on guard. Had an easy chance guarding the buildings & fences of an old couple living near our camp After nine we all turned in for the night but did not succeed in sleeping much on account of the fleas & mosquitoes The great inspection did not come off on account of the weather
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March, Saturday 28, 1863.
Arose according to the law concerning soldiers turning out in the morning. The great inspection was again postponed because the weather looked threatening. As we never drill saturday afternoon we had nothing to do for the day but to be on hand for dress parade at half past four In the eve the threat of rain of the last two or three days was followed by a heavy shower which filled our bean hole full of water & therefore we had no beans for breakfast
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March, Sunday 29, 1863.
Turned out at the appointed time after breakfast which consists of coffee & bread. We went to work cleaning our guns & getting ready for Co. inspection which came off soon after guard mounting. As we have no Chaplain we had the remainder of the day to rest Troops are shifting about here in various ways some going down the river & others coming up. The weather is cool again. The wind still
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Baton Rouge
March, Monday 30, 1863.
Was up and out in line for roll call at some minutes before six. It is my turn to go on guard again and this time for the first time while in Baton Rouge I had to go on picket guard Our post was some distance from the road along the edge of a forest of magnolias & was a very pleasant place as the wind was north & the woods kept off the wind. We did not but one of us have to stand guard at a time day or night. The night was cold & my pair gloves came in play
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March, Tuesday 31, 1863.
Awoke in the morning & found that I had slept till almost seven. Got up soon after & went to work & prepared my breakfast which consisted friend pork soft bread & coffee. We ought to have been relieved at nine but through the mismanagement of the officers we did not get into our camp till near eleven Found that our regt had all gone out on the Port Hudson road a short distance cutting trees Layed around the camp all the rest of the day In the evening had a letter from Ellen
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April, Wednesday 1, 1863.
Was awaked in the morning by the ordily singing out roll call was soon up & had my shoes & overcoat on & was out in line After breakfast had to help police up the grounds about our encampment which took from five to ten minutes Did not have any other duties to perform for the rest of the forenoon. Spent the time writing to Ellen. In the afternoon we were called out for company drill Couldn't muster more than a dozen men marched out a little ways & sat down & rested till time to go in.
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April, Thursday 2, 1863.
Turned out at the usual time for roll call after breakfast went to work & prepared for going out on picket guard. Was posted with four others on a road leading to the plantation of the rebel Gen Bernard The weather was warm & as the moon was nearly at a full & shone all night it was very pleasant Only one of us had to stand at a time. Old Bernard's wife son in law & four daughters live in his house The old man is in Texas
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April, Friday 3, 1863.
Was up at the usual time & went to work & fixed up a luncheon to last till after I should get in from picket Got in about ten Got some baked beans for my breakfast Had nothing to do all day in the military line. In the afternoon I went to work & washed my clothes, which took till near dress parade
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April, Saturday 4, 1863.
Got up as soon as the drums beat for roll call Every thing was quiet & we expected to have another day of rest but about eight in morning orders came for us to pack up & be ready to strike tents in half an hour so we went to work accordingly It was some ten oclock when we got started We marched down to the city near the fortifications After waiting an hour or so for the QM to have our tents & things came back & toted them on our
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April, Sunday 5, 1863.
Had to be up early as I had to prepare to go on guard again for the third time in the last seven days. The pickets were drawn in to within a short distance of the river Today our regt is stationed as an outpost guard some three quarters of a mile from the picket guard Had nothing to do but stand three hours in the road & watch for the approach of the rebels Slept about all night in my shelter tent
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April, Monday 6, 1863.
Turned out about the same time that I should if I had been in camp Went to work & made some coffee & drank it with a few hard biscuit for a lucheon to last till I should be relieved & get in to camp. Was relieved by some more of our regt at nine. When I got into camp the boys had gone out felling trees again. Loafed round the remainder of the day about my tent
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April, Tuesday 7, 1863.
Was up at the usual hour. After breakfast which consisted of hard bread & coffee we went to work fixing up our tent which was all we did till two in the afternoon when we had a sort of battalion drill which with a dress parade ended the labors of the day. Thare is any amount of news going about our going home & when & how we are to go. All of which we believe
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April, Wednesday 8, 1863.
Was up & had one shoe on when the ordily called my name so I stuck my head out of the tent door & answered to my name without coming out. After breakfast went out and took a stroll about the city & come back just in time to go out target shooting with the rest of the regt. We tried our rifles at the distance of a hundred & fifty yards & they shot rather wild
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April, Thursday 9, 1863.
This morning found me on the list for picket guard Had to go out on the outpost guard as usual. Every thing was quiet during the day but in the night as there was no moon till near morning it was very dark & the cavalry which was stationed a little ways out from us got frightened at their own shadow or something else & after firing their carbines at the supposed rebels turned and fled down to the reserve The consequence was no sleep for the night
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April, Friday 10, 1863.
This morning found me feeling rather hard from the loss of sleep the past night. Went to work & cooked my breakfast which consisted of coffee hard bread & some sweet potatoes which we dug the night before in a field near by which being fried made out a good meal for us. We were relieved so as to get into camp at eleven o'clock Found about seventy of our regt engaged in digging a rifle pit in front of our camp Spent the rest of the day laying in
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April, Saturday 11, 1863.
Was awakened this morning by the ordily sing out roll call in front of my tent. Was up & on the line in less time than it takes one to tell it. After breakfast the ordily seargent came around & detailed seven men to work on the rifle pits, but I escaped by only one from being detailed Had nothing to do all day except to go out on dress parade at five o'clock Thare was a mail recd in the forenoon but I received only a package of papers.
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April, Sunday 12, 1863.
Arose at the usual hour for roll call Spent the morning getting ready for regimental inspection which came off at nine After that we had nothing to do but keep as cool as possible untill four in the afternoon when we had to form into line and hear the army regulations read by our Adgt. which ended the duties of the day On the eve thare was a little shower just enough to lay the dust which had got to be very oppressive Wrote Ellen S. a few words after
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April, Monday 13, 1863.
Was up at the usual hour & after the usual breakfast I went to work preparing to go on picket guard again I was stationed with five privates & a corporal out on the road a mile & a half from town & opposite the mansion of Gen. Bernard who has left with the best of the negros for Texas leaving his wife & daughters at home. Had a pleasant day of it. Thare was two ladies that came up to the lines & wished to come in town. One of them was willing to take the oath the other was not so they went back Had an alarm about ten by one of the cavalry being fired upon, he returned the fire and the two mounted rebels fled
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April, Tuesday 14, 1863.
Had to turn out so as to go on guard at five I stood two hours & then had my breakfast Got relieved at about ten When I got in camp found our boys were at work on the rifle pit. It was finished today I passed the day in rest. I received a letter from Ellen when I got in Col. Johnson issued his great order prohibiting all officers & men from leaving the ground without a special pass from him. he & Capt H at this late day seem to be coming right down on them
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April, Wednesday 15, 1863.
Turned out at the usual hour Went over to the doctor's to get something for a sore mouth. Dr Balster gave me a couple of white coated pills the same as he gives for all other kinds of diseases and marked me duty I went to my tent and layed them on the shelf and went to the sargent & told him as our regt was going out choping trees to let me stay in camp which he did Wrote two letters one to Ellen & one home
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April, Thursday 16, 1863.
Was up at the usual hour of roll call which is half past 5 After breakfast went to work and cleaned up my gun & equipments. We had a Co. drill in the forenoon Capt Hubbard commanding he drilled us in skirmishing according to his new tactics. In the afternoon Coln. Johnson took us out and drilled us in street fighting about an hour and a half & then dismissed us with a dress parade
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April, Friday 17, 1863.
It is my turn to go on guard again. Was on picket as usual I was on the inside line this time. Had an easy time in the day time but at night it was pretty hard as I had to stand half the night and the other half could not sleep for the mosquitoes but I made out to live through it. Was relieved earlier than usual Capt H. detailed H. Allen as Commissary & water guard man of our Co.
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April, Saturday 18, 1863.
This morning found me at my post at an early hour. Was relieved some earlier than usual. When I got in found that the boys had gone out shooting at targets They came in about noon and thought they had improved some from what we shot before. In the afternoon a lot of us went over to the bayou bathing. Capt H had to get a special permit from Col. Johnson for us to go Recd a letter from Ellen & another from home We had orders to be ready to fall in at a moments warning as the officers expected an attack in the night
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April, Sunday 19, 1863.
Had to be up at the usual hour for roll call if it was sunday Thare was a shower before light in the morning and another between that and nine o'clock, which was a heavy one, running through our tent as though it was nothing but a strainer, and filling the ground so that we did not have any inspection. The day was a long one to me. Wanted to have written but could not seem to set myself about it. so I postponed it till some future time
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April, Monday 20, 1863.
The beat of the drum awoke me to the knowledge of another day & I was soon out in our Co street for roll call. After breakfast I sat around till time for Co drill We drilled one hour in the Co street In the afternoon Stanley took the regt out and drilled them a short time The Brigade drill which was to have come off early in the morning was put off on account of the report the night before that there was a large force of rebels
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Page one
1862 Memoranda. 1863
As the officers of our regiment and several of the Company officers were returning home from a spree some time in the middle of the night, with several geese and turkeys which they had won by raffling they were met by some Dutchmen who taking them for soldiers and thinking they had stolen the fowls pitched into them to get the booty The consequence was that thare was a tough fight in which the officers were considerably bruised and the Dutchmen put rout. So the officers saved their bacon
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Continued from 23
Page 2 Memoranda. Jan
After searching in vain from the top of the streamer to the bottom for a chance to sleep we went up on the upper deck and spread our blankets out and laid ourselves down in the open air for a nights rest I and a few others of our Co went down below and took possession of a state room whare we slept quite well till morning without thanks to anyone thare was considerable complaining by the boys for the neglect of our officers
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Continuation of 24th Jan
Memoranda.
Page 3
Went to bed early and by so doing, succeeded in getting a place in the walk on the floor between the staterooms whare the officers sleep But the most of the Co slept on the upper deck
Jan
Continuation of 25
but as it grew more smooth towards night they began to crawl out of their retreats and show themselves on deck looking as though they had been dragged through seven Cities Retired early
Hersom Winslow and myself fixed up a bed on the upper
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p 4
Memoranda.
deck on the skylight over the machinery whare we laid till light the next morning It was rather cold but the best we could do. In the night the boat was turned towards the north and the engine just kept in motion
#
Continuation of 26 Jan
lowered quick as could be he was drowned Slept on the deck Passed Cape Hatteras before light The weather was just favorable the wind only blowing a fair breeze from the S.W.
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Carrollton & Sallie Robinson
Feb Tues Memoranda. the 10th
(Page 5)
after we succeeded in getting the baggage to the landing had to wait till after dark before the boat arrived to take us on board. Succeeded in getting started for Baton Rouge at some half past seven or eight but had not proceeded but a few miles when the fog became so thick that the pilot considered it unsafe to run so the boat was tied up for the night Slept as usual on the hurricane deck should have got along well had it not been for the [?] from the [?] pipes which wet us completely
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Continued from the fourth
of Memoranda. March 4
(Page 6)
It took some time to get drawn up to on a line to suit our Conl. When we did so, it was time for review to commence The whole line of four regts was soon brought to the rear open orders and the Gen and his staff (who by the way had one lady in it) rode slowly down the front and up the rear of the brigade After that we marched around the field once carrying our guns at the shoulder which was very tiresome as we had already held them about an hour
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15204) | DL0986 | Diaries | 1863 |
Tags: African Americans, Alcohol, Animals, Camp/Lodging, Cards/Gambling, Clothing, Death (Home Front), Death (Military), Drilling, Duty, Fatigue/Tiredness, Food, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guns, Hospitals, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, Insects, Mail, Marching, Medicine, Money, Music, Nature, News, Oaths of Allegiance, Payment, Picket Duty, Reading, Recreation, Religion, Rumors, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (3403) [writer] ~ Garland, John
SOURCES
John Garland Diary, 1863, DL0986, Nau Collection
