Joseph R. Ashmead Diary, 1865
Capt J R Ashmead
Co E 42d Ind Vols
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Sunday, January 1, 1865.
In camp near the city of Savannah Georgia the 42d Ind Vols being on duty under the orders of Col Beck with Chief CS Mil Div Miss at the present engaged in guarding contraband nearly all the men in Co E being on detail Very cold Mustered for pay by Capt Kellerman I went to church
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Monday, January 2, 1865.
Nothing of interest today very cool
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Tuesday, January 3, 1865.
In camp nothing of interest to record more pleasant to day
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Wednesday, January 4, 1865.
In camp nothing of interest today
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Thursday, January 5, 1865.
In camp cool weather
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Friday, January 6, 1865.
In camp Lt Rutledge went to Hilton Head I took charge of contraband camp pleasant day
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Saturday, January 7, 1865.
In camp the Chaplain who had been absent since November returned to the Regt cold day
Capt Scammehorn who had been a prisoner escaped & returned this day
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Sunday, January 8, 1865.
In camp went to church to day cold disagreeable weather Went to church to day
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Monday, January 9, 1865.
In camp cold day nothing special
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Tuesday, January 10, 1865.
Moved our camp to day and fixed up quarters 2d Div 15th AC marched Rainy day I had a hard days work
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Wednesday, January 11, 1865.
In camp Lt Rutledge returned and relieved me from duty very cold & unpleasant
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Thursday, January 12, 1865.
In camp nothing special today
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Friday, January 13, 1865.
In camp Orders to be ready to march cold day
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Saturday, January 14, 1865.
In camp cold day
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Sunday, January 15, 1865.
In camp Inspection in AM Chaplain preached in PM received notice of assignments of recruits & of Lt Col McIntires resignation Cold day
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Monday, January 16, 1865.
In camp had an election for field officers Capt Scammehorn elected Lt Col & Capt Palmer Maj Cool day I was at Brigade Division & Corps Hd Qrs
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Tuesday, January 17, 1865.
In camp received orders to report to Brigade was in city to day cool & clear
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Wednesday, January 18, 1865.
In camp under orders to march was in city pleasant day
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Thursday, January 19, 1865.
In camp rainy day under orders to march at 10 AM to morrow
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Friday, January 20, 1865.
Marched this morning about seven miles over a very bad road very wet and unpleasant day camped in the woods rained all night
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Saturday, January 21, 1865.
In camp wet and very disagreeable got letters from home army completely mud bound
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Sunday, January 22, 1865.
In camp Wet disagreeable day no movements
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Monday, January 23, 1865.
In camp still wet but cleared up after dark Our camp very disagreeable
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Tuesday, January 24, 1865.
Changed camp in AM & fixed up Sent D Roll to T J Givens no news of interest fine clear day rumors of march tomorrow
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Wednesday, January 25, 1865.
Marched at 7 AM traveled about 15 miles found the roads good cool cloudy day nothing of interest occured camped in the woods about 4 Oclock PM
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Thursday, January 26, 1865.
Marched about ten miles to day over a very bad road this was one of the coldest days of the season camped at night in the pine woods
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Friday, January 27, 1865.
Moved out at 9 Oclock AM Marched a short distance & returned to our old camp the delay was occasioned by the trains crossing a creek I went on picket in the PM very cold day & night
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Saturday, January 28, 1865.
I came off picket this morning after a very cold night marched at 12 Oclock Marched about nine miles & camped very cold day
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Sunday, January 29, 1865.
Marched about 2 miles & camped about one mile from Sister Ferry put up tents & wrote letters home cold day
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Monday, January 30, 1865.
In camp made out Ordnance Return for 4 Quarter of 1864 & QMs Return for January 1865 Sent J K McGary to Savannah turned over one Sprgd Rifle & Set acct to Maj Kellams cold day
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Tuesday, January 31, 1865.
In camp went to the river in the AM Saw several acquaintances, several men hurt with torpedoes while at work on the road Made out monthly return Present Off 2
En men 25
Absent
on Det Duty 6
Sick 6
with leave 3
42
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Wednesday, February 1, 1865.
In camp I rode out about two miles to see a friend but failed to find him there is nothing of interest transpiring the troops busy fixing up the road on the South Carolina side of the river cold day
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Thursday, February 2, 1865.
In camp went to the landing & got some newspapers got letters from Home a pleasant day
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Friday, February 3, 1865.
In camp went to 58th Ind Received $15 from Lt Viesling on old [?] Rumors of a battle in South Carolina Genl Kilpatricks Cavalry crossed the river Got orders to march at seven Oclock in the morning damp cloudy day
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Saturday, February 4, 1865.
Moved to Sisters Landing S.C. about 3 miles & camped & relieved 1st Brig 1st Div 20th A.C. the 2d Div 20th went on immediately rumor of battle near Branchville cloudy warm day sick all night
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Sunday, February 5, 1865.
In camp sick all day Nothing of interest 4 Div 15th A.C. & 14 A.C. passed us today warm day under orders to march to morrow McGary returned to Co
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Monday, February 6, 1865.
Marched about noon came 12 miles 1st Brig in advance passed through Robertsville which was in flames found the road blockaded and swampy Rain in afternoon & night (Cold)
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Tuesday, February 7, 1865.
Marched 8 miles from the road blockaded with trees I was on pioneer duty to day A Pritchett detailed on escort very wet & unpleasant day Camped at Lawtonville town burned
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Wednesday, February 8, 1865.
Got ready to march at 7 Oclock AM orders countermanded Lay in camp all day Sent out large foraging parties Cool clear day
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Thursday, February 9, 1865.
Marched at sunrise on the McKerys Bluff road marched 20 miles & camped near the Savannah hard days march very cold & blustery
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Friday, February 10, 1865.
Marched about 17 miles to day toward Barnwell C House & camped about 8 miles from there was quite unwell got letters from home during this march nearly all the buildings were burned cool clear day
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Saturday, February 11, 1865.
Marched 15 miles passed through and took dinner near Barnwell Court House a pretty little village a number of houses were burning as we passed through camped about 3 miles from the A&CRR cool clear day
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Sunday, February 12, 1865.
Marched 16 miles struck the Augusta & Charleston Rail Road 34 miles from Augusta tore up the track & burned the iron & ties for 4 miles in the PM came back & camped very fine day
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Monday, February 13, 1865.
Marched at 7½ AM marched 14 miles on the Columbia road Crossed the South Edisto River camped about 40 miles from Columbia moved very rapidly cold day
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Tuesday, February 14, 1865.
Marched 18 miles crossed the North Edisto River at Big Horse Bridge camped within 19 miles of Columbia the Company foragers captured a Rebel cool & in PM very wet & disagreeable one of the most unpleasant days of the Service
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Wednesday, February 15, 1865.
Marched about 18 miles camped & again moved after dark & camped at Lexington found Genl Geary at that point Our advance skirmished all day with rebel cavalry cool & damp day 8 miles from Columbia
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Thursday, February 16, 1865.
Marched about 9 miles leaving Lexington at 12 Oclock During the AM Regiment was on Provost Duty crossed the Saluda River after dark very fine day
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Friday, February 17, 1865.
Marched on the Newberry road about 16 miles made a very rapid march camped 20 miles from Columbia was in pursuit of rebel wagon train found large quantities of forage the country being very good Columbia reported evacuated there was a general devastation along the road very fine day
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Saturday, February 18, 1865.
Lay in camp all day & night rumors of an attack by Cheathams Corps had a very good rest pleasant day
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Sunday, February 19, 1865.
Marched about 10 miles crossed Broad River moved on the Waynesboro Road rumored that we were trying to overtake Cheathams Corps orders to burn surplus baggage Grant successful at Richmond very fine day sent Al Decker to Hospital
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Monday, February 20, 1865.
Moved about 4 miles crossed Little River at Ebenezer Church & camped went through the cemetery saw several fine monuments Rebels reported at Winnsboro 12 miles distant preparing for fight fine day
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Tuesday, February 21, 1865.
Marched 18 miles our Regt having the advance of the Div passed throughWinnsboro & camped 6 miles north of that place the 20th & 14th A.C. Men had a difficulty in town some men being killed the Rebels went to Charlotte very fine day
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Wednesday, February 22, 1865.
Marched 14 miles & camped near Black Stock Station was engaged destroying the Rail Road passed through fine country bad roads very pleasant day
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Thursday, February 23, 1865.
Marched 15 miles to day & camped about 4 miles from Rocky Mount Ferry on the Waterrie River the 17th & 20th A.C. on the advance Rumors of the evacuation of Richmond Rainy PM & night
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Friday, February 24, 1865.
Lay in camp all day Nothing of interest transpired Lt Rutledge went out after mules in the PM wet cold day rained all night
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Saturday, February 25, 1865.
Lay in camp all day Nothing of note to record weather wet. Cold and very disagreeable Heavy rain at night
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Sunday, February 26, 1865.
In camp until noon moved 4 miles & camped on the Waterrie River at the mouth of Stony Creek The foragers from the Brigade had a skirmish with the Rebels to day I had a fine view of the country which is very hilly & the river rapid Weather quite warm & the sun shone part of the day
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Monday, February 27, 1865.
In camp on the River our foragers were driven in by Rebel cavalry I went to the 88th Ind & saw them laying pontoons Made out monthly report for 28th pleasant day with rain at night on short rations
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Tuesday, February 28, 1865.
Started out foraging Orders countermanded & Brigade returned to camp Commenced to cross the river Cos E & H on picket duty the Rebel cavalry attacked our pickets had lively skirmishing all the afternoon Camped about half mile from the river
very wet disagreeable day
Present
Comd off 2
En men 23
Absent
Det Duty 7
Sick 6
on Leave 3
41
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Wednesday, March 1, 1865.
Marched 13 miles over a very hilly country & horrible muddy roads 1st Div guarding train weather very cool & disagreeable
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Thursday, March 2, 1865.
Marched 15 miles crossed Lynch Creek in AM bad roads During the day found sandy road wet day & unpleasant
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Friday, March 3, 1865.
Marched 16 miles over a horrible road crossed Lynch Creek & found good road on the east side of the creek I was on picket at night with Cos B & F Wet in AM Sun shone in the evening fine night
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Saturday, March 4, 1865.
Marched 18 miles over a very muddy road camped in North Carolina the 3d Div had a sharp skirmish in the evening. Moving slow & laborious on account of bad roads Day wet & disagreeable
Inauguration Day
Report of the capture of Wilmington with 80 pieces of artillery & 2000 prisoners & the defeat of the enemy at Cheraw S.C. with 18 guns & a number of prisoners
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Sunday, March 5, 1865.
Marched 12 miles & camped near the Pedee river near Sneadboro heard some cannonading toward Cheraw passed the 20th Corps in camp Fine day
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Monday, March 6, 1865.
Marched 3 miles to the bank of the river & remained until after midnight awaiting the completion of the pontoon bridge & the passage of the Cavalry great smoke & explosions in the direction of Cheraw Fine day
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Tuesday, March 7, 1865.
Marched at one Oclock AM 2 miles & crossed Pedee River camped moved again at 11 Oclock marched 16 miles on the Fayetteville road very fine day
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Wednesday, March 8, 1865.
Marched 21 miles crossed Drowning Creek & camped 3 miles from Fayetteville Had a very hard day's march in consequence of the Rebels trying to seize a bridge in our front very wet disagreeable day
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Thursday, March 9, 1865.
Marched 11 miles being in rear of the train we did not get into camp until 10 Oclock PM Day cloudy with heavy rain in evening Some very bad roads & short rations
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Friday, March 10, 1865.
Marched 9 miles & camped our progress being delayed in consequence of the burning of a bridge by the Rebs Genl Kilpatrick had a sharp fight on our left a heavy force reported in our front Damp disagreeable day Sun shone in PM
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Saturday, March 11, 1865.
Marched 14 miles & camped near the city of Fayetteville the enemy retreated across Cape Fear River in the direction of Raleigh I went down to the city in the evening and made a very pleasant acquaintance Rumor of a battle at Kinston Day cool & clear
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Sunday, March 12, 1865.
In camp all day I went to the city in the afternoon & spent the evening with Mr Glover Chaplain preached at night under orders to march Day very fine sent a letter home
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Monday, March 13, 1865.
Marched 4 miles Crossed Cape Fear River & camped found the enemy in a strong position about three miles in advance there was some skirmishing & several men killed Day very fine
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Tuesday, March 14, 1865.
Lay in camp all day wrote a letter home went to the river & got some late papers no news of importance Day very pleasant Orders to march at ten Oclock tomorrow
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Wednesday, March 15, 1865.
Marched 10 miles & camped the 20th Corps in the advance heard some cannonading to our right Moved on the Raleigh road Rations very short Rainy day
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Thursday, March 16, 1865.
Marched 7 miles the 20th Corps had a sharp fight in the morning Considerable loss on both sides Our Brigade went on the line relieving the 1st Div 20th Corps was under a pretty heavy skirmish fire Roads horrible muddy Day wet & extremely disagreeable
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Friday, March 17, 1865.
Marched 8 miles & crossed South River in afternoon the Rebs having retreated during the night our destination seems to be Goldsboro the fight of yesterday was severe the enemy is estimated to have lost 1000 men our loss falling under that number.
Roads very wet & muddy Day fine but cool
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Saturday, March 18, 1865.
Marched 13 miles & went into camp at 3 Oclock PM in consequence of the burning of a bridge in our front Some skirmishing in advance 2d Div 14th AC we passed over very bad road camped 26 miles from Goldsboro Day pleasant & springlike
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Sunday, March 19, 1865.
Marched about 3 miles our Brigade in advance charged the Rebels from some temporary works & across a swamp where we found them in heavy force at 2 Oclock PM the enemy charged & broke our lines flanking us & compelling us to form new lines we were again outflanked & forded creek the battle lasted until dusk raging along the line with the greatest vigor our right repulsed the enemy & drove him The arrival of the 20th Corps turned the day in our favor our loss must have been severe the Regt had Lt Steele killed Lt Rutledge dangerously wounded Co E lost no enlisted men Loss in Regt one man & eight wounded the Brigade was withdrawn from the front after dark I spent the night getting Lt Rutledge from the field
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Monday, March 20, 1865.
Moved up to the line and in advance of it & built new works some little skirmishing along our front the enemy seem to have been severely punished yesterday a good many of their dead & wounded being scattered through the woods & I saw a large number of prisoners they seemed to be no wise anxious to fight unless in their works Rations of bread & coffee were issued in the afternoon rumors of a movement to the right the day was very fine
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Tuesday, March 21, 1865.
Lay in our breastworks all day the 2d Div 14th A.C. built works in our front I went to see Lt Rutledge in the morning found him better the wounded & sick were being sent to Goldsboro during the afternoon the enemy made demonstrations on our lines and a general engagement was expected about dark the afternoon & night was very wet and disagreeable
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Wednesday, March 22, 1865.
The enemy evacuated his works & retreated during the night we moved out and marched 10 miles camped near the Neuse River we found the 23d 24th & 25th A.C.s in our neighborhood from the different rumors current it seems the Rebels suffered not only a defeat but narrowly escaped destruction their loss has been very severe after leaving the swamp where this battle was fought the roads were good clear cool day
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Thursday, March 23, 1865.
Marched 13 miles & camped 1½ miles west of Goldsboro as we passed through town was reviewed by Genl Sherman found the 23d AC occupying the town I staid all night with 80th Ind learned of Brothers death which occured at Wilmington March 2 1865 after having been in our lines about nine days he was at the house of AVW Hewlett whose lady cared for him. Also the death of Lt Rutledge who died on the 22d & was buried on the road about 12 miles from town. Day very fine
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Friday, March 24, 1865.
Went foraging in the afternoon marched about 14 miles & loaded eight wagons had visitors from the 23d Corps a number of foragers were hung & shot yesterday by the Rebels heard some cannonading supposed to be Genl Terry Day very fine but cool
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Saturday, March 25, 1865.
In camp to day the enemy attacked our pickets doing considerable skirmishing I was out beyond the lines after lumber fixed up my tent very cool day
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Sunday, March 26, 1865.
In camp went to town with Capt Trimble & took dinner with Capt Wilson & Lt Kirkham received a large lot of letters from home & some newspapers had preaching in the evening Cool clear day
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Monday, March 27, 1865.
In camp was busy making up returns & issuing clothing Nothing of interest going on very fine day tendered my resignation this morning
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Tuesday, March 28, 1865.
In camp I went to town & got Lt Rutledges valise &c from the Hospital could not find his pocketbook haversack & memorandum book was very unwell to day cloudy & warm day
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Wednesday, March 29, 1865.
In camp made out muster & pay rolls had a visit from Capt Clark 85th Ind had orders to drill Cloudy day with appearance of rain
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Thursday, March 30, 1865.
In camp finished muster & Pay Rolls blustery day had news of fighting near Richmond Visited 33d Ind at night got letters from home
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Friday, March 31, 1865.
In camp was Officer of the Day Regt went foraging had a skirmish I was not out went to town clear day made out monthly return & other returns
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Saturday, April 1, 1865.
In camp cleaned up camp & arms & accoutrements for Sunday inspection fine day
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Sunday, April 2, 1865.
In camp had inspection at 10 Oclock AM preaching at 2 PM & Dress Parade at 5 Oclock PM fine day
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Monday, April 3, 1865
In camp made out Lt Rutledges Return for Camp & Garrison Equipage Drill today fine day
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Tuesday, April 4, 1865.
In camp orders for review at 2 PM postponed Genl Walcutt took command of 1st Div fine day Capt Scammehorn returned to Regt
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Wednesday, April 5, 1865.
In camp had review at 9 Oclock AM Div reviewed by our new General warm fine day rumors of a move
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Thursday, April 6, 1865.
In camp received the official account of the capture of Richmond by Genl Grant there was a general rejoicing had Battallion Drill in evening was Officer of the Day Weather fine
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Friday, April 7, 1865.
In camp had Division Drill in PM I drew 3 Springd Rifles & 3 Sets accts from Maj Kellams news good from Richmond Rumors of further captures cloudy with a little rain Division Review ordered for to morrow
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Saturday, April 8, 1865.
In camp great excitement about Grants victories rumors of marching on Monday L Jordan sent to Hospital P Koch returned to Co very fine day
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Sunday, April 9, 1865.
In camp had inspection at 9 AM Preaching at 10 Oclock Oliphant & Wier returned to Company Ordered to be ready to march tomorrow morning turned over one Enfield Rifle & acts to Maj Kellams
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Monday, April 10, 1865.
Received our recruits last night Co E had 44 assigned [blank] of which was present W R Johnson & N Boagley returned to Co all had arms Marched at 7 Oclock on Raleigh Road 2d Div in advance Some skirmishing in front wet day Marched 9 miles
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Tuesday, April 11, 1865.
Marched 9 miles over a horrible road our advance occupied Smithfield enemy reported leaving Raleigh one recruit came up making 39 in all got into camp at 10 PM cloudy day
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Wednesday, April 12, 1865.
Marched 16 miles passed through Smithfield & crossed the Neuse river received the official report of the surrender of Lee with his entire army at dark a train came in under flag of truce from Raleigh said to contain Mr Vana Genl Butler & others ordered to march at 4 AM tomorrow
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Thursday, April 13, 1865.
Marched 14 miles & occupied the city of Raleigh at 9 Oclock AM the rebels retreating west the civil authorities surrendering to our forces Our Brigade being the first to occupy the city Citizens report Genl Jo Johnson gone to Hillsboro with about 30,000 men also that Stoneman was in his rear this is a very pretty city ordered to march tomorrow wet day
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Friday, April 14, 1865.
Our Brigade was relieved & marched at 2 Oclock PM Marched 11 miles & camped on the Greensboro R Road the road was very good the day was splendid we found Raleigh a very pleasant city I saw Dr Wilborn Capts Duncan & Epperson of the 80th & Capt Burk of the 91st Ind
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Saturday, April 15, 1865.
Marched 20 miles & camped 5 miles in rear of the Division passed through Holly Springs had some straglers captured by Rebel cavalry the roads were very bad had extremely hard march Heavy rain today rumors of the surrender of Genl J E Johnson to Genl Seridan
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Sunday, April 16, 1865.
Marched 7 miles & camped near Cape Fear River rumors that Genl Johnson had surrendered & that we would return to Raleigh very fine day
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Monday, April 17, 1865.
In camp awaiting orders & resting a great many rumors in circulation Had one Enfield Rifle bursted & thrown away Recd one Springfield Rifle & Set accoutrements from Maj Kellams very fine day
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Tuesday, April 18, 1865.
In camp received the intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln had drill and camp cleaned up fine day
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Wednesday, April 19, 1865.
In camp busy drilling various rumors in circulation received a letter from home day warm
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Thursday, April 20, 1865.
In camp received the official order announcing the suspension of hostilities & the negotiations for peace the news was received with great pleasure had drill in morning & afternoon Day quite warm
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Friday, April 21, 1865.
Moved & cleaned up a new camp just to the left of the old one no drill today rain in the evening very warm
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Saturday, April 22, 1865.
In camp busy cleaning up had grand guard mounting near our camp I was busy posting up my clothing books very fine day
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Sunday, April 23, 1865.
In camp had inspection at 9 Oclock AM & Dress Parade at 5 Oclock PM I was detailed on Court Martial Court met at 10 Oclock & organized & adjourned. visited 58th Ind very fine cool day
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Monday, April 24, 1865.
In camp I was on Court Martial in AM & was on drill in the afternoon rumors of another campaign very cool bright day
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Tuesday, April 25, 1865.
Marched about 8 Oclock AM crossed Cape Fear River & camped having marched about 4 miles various rumors afloat about our destination very fine day Court Martial was adjourned until further orders
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Wednesday, April 26, 1865.
Under orders to move at 6 Oclock AM Orders countermanded about noon received orders & returned to our old camp at Martha Vineyard reports that the rebel army is being disbanded Visited 58th Ind in PM rode out nearly to Haywood Day very fine
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Thursday, April 27, 1865.
In camp was busy to day making up non-veteran muster out roll Drill in morning & afternoon was Officer of the Day under orders to march at 6 Oclock AM to morrow fine day
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Friday, April 28, 1865.
Received the news of the ratification of terms of peace at two Oclock AM was roused by the firing of cannon & a general riot Marched 15 miles & camped very fine & warm day
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Saturday, April 29, 1865.
Marched 10 miles & camped at Morrisville 12 miles west of Raleigh we are to take the Oxford & Boydtown road to Richmond Trindle & Vanhallenben returned to the company Day warm & fine
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Sunday, April 30, 1865.
Marched at noon & camped near the Neuse River having made 16 miles moving on the Oxford road Day very pleasant
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Monday, May 1, 1865.
Marched at 5½ Oclock & camped at Oxford having marched 24 miles crossing the Neuse & Tar rivers the road was very good at Oxford Saw a number of Rebel officers & soldiers & a good many citizens all seemed anxious to see Shermans army Day very fine & cool
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Tuesday, May 2, 1865.
Moved at 6 Oclock & marched 24 miles pasing through Williamsburg Crossed the state line at 4.38 PM Camped on the Roanoke river in Mecklenburg Co Va Day very fine & cool
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Wednesday, May 3, 1865.
Was detained at Roanoke river until noon then marched 14 miles passed through Boydtown the county seat of Mecklenburg Co Day very cool & fine
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Thursday, May 4, 1865.
Marched at 6 Oclock Crossed Meherrin river passed through Lunenburg C House & camped on the Nottoway river in Nottoway Co Marched 31 miles the longest march ever made by the Regt in daylight was very tired & a number of men gave out fine in AM but rain in PM & night
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Friday, May 5, 1865.
Marched at 5 Oclock AM passed through Nottoway Court House & camped in Amelia County after marching 32 miles the day was quite warm the march extremely hard passed through some beautiful country Saw some of the Sixth A.C. at Nottoway Day rainy in AM clear & warm in PM heard from 20th A.C. 15 miles in the rear
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Saturday, May 6, 1865.
Marched at 6 Oclock AM crossed the Appomattox river camped within 9 miles of Richmond making 26 miles passed through a fine country Day warm
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Sunday, May 7, 1865.
Marched at 5 Oclock AM & reached the James River about nine Oclock 10 miles marched up the river about 3 miles & camped the city has a fine appearance & there is not so much destruction of property as might have been expected saw newspapers of May 5th & 6th
Day fine
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Monday, May 8, 1865.
In camp Boys busy cleaning up after their march nothing of interest going on warm day
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Tuesday, May 9, 1865.
In camp under orders to march at 5 Oclock AM for Alexandria Va Day rainy
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Wednesday, May 10, 1865.
Orders to march countermanded I went to the city of Richmond visited the Capitol the Statues of Washington, Henry, Mason, Jefferson & Clay, Libby Prison Castle Thunder went to Hollywood cemetery saw the tomb of James Monroe the city is the finest in the South the cemetery by far the finest I ever saw Orders to march at 8 AM tomorrow Day cloudy & cool
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Thursday, May 11, 1865.
Marched at 8 Oclock AM passed through the city & moved out on the Fredricksburg road Marched about 19 miles the troops at Manchester turned out to receive our Corps camped in Hanover County Day very warm Heavy rain & wind at night one of the most unpleasant sp[?] in the Service
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Friday, May 12, 1865.
Moved about a half mile & camped went into the country found the birth place of Henry Clay it is now occupied by a Mr Anderson had a chat with a rebel Cavy Regt moved at 5 Oclock PM Marched 6 miles passed Hanover Court House camped on Pamunkey river was up nearly all night trying to cross Day fine & cool
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Saturday, May 13, 1865.
Crossed the Pamunkey river at daylight & camped for breakfast & to wait the crossing of the horses pack mules &c the bridge being impassable for them on account of the rapid rising of the river Moved again at 10½ Oclock & marched 16 miles going in a westerly direction Camp in Caroline County Day very fine. Cool
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Sunday, May 14, 1865.
Marched 18 miles in the direction of Culpepper C.H. had good roads the 20th Corps passed to our right this morning Day very fine but cool
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Monday, May 15, 1865.
Marched 18 miles on the road leading to Raccoon Ford camped 7 miles from the Rapidan river was hindered by the train of the 2d Div the march has been very moderate Day very fine
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Tuesday, May 16, 1865.
Marched at 5½ Oclock AM Marched 19 miles crossed the Rapidan river at Raccoon ford by wading the stream Camped about 2 miles from the Rappahannock river in Culpepper County I saw some of the finest landscape views in Rapidan valley the country seems to be nearly desolated by the war Day very fine
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Wednesday, May 17, 1865.
Marched 17 miles & camped on Elk River in Fauquier County one mile from the Orange & Alexandria Rail Road crossed the Rappahannock at Kellys ford had some fine scenery to day Day very warm with appearance of rain at night
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Thursday, May 18, 1865.
Marched 18 miles camped near Centreville Prince William County passed Manassas Junction the scenery was very fine saw extensive Rebel fortifications crossed & took dinner on Bull run near the battle field Day very warm with rain in PM & night
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Friday, May 19, 1865.
Marched 20 miles & camped about 4 miles from Alexandria Va the day was wet and foggy could not see the face of the country we made a very rapid march
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Saturday, May 20, 1865.
In camp I visited one of the forts on the Heights of Alexandria Daugherty received a commission & was mustered quite a number came in the Regt Day very wet & disagreeable our camp is a very poor one rain at night
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Sunday, May 21, 1865.
In camp in the evening I went to Washington city in company with Lt Jones made the acquaintance of Mr J B Dillon Col Sturm & others had a pleasant ride from Alexandria Day very wet and disagreeable
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Monday, May 22, 1865.
In Washington city received pay to Oct 31st 1864 visited the Capitol Building Treasury War Dept went to Gowers Theatre saw Uncle Toms Cabin with very fine scenery great preperations being made for the review Day very warm
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Tuesday, May 23, 1865.
Came to camp at noon Washington was crowded this morning the review of the Army of the Potomac took place to day Weather very fine
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Wednesday, May 24, 1865.
Moved from camp at 7 Oclock AM & marched to the Capitol grounds then formed & passed in review there was dense crowds along the line of march the Regt was cheered frequently the Co marched well Day very fine returned to camp about 6 PM
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Thursday, May 25, 1865.
In camp to day under orders to change camp to morrow nothing of interest to note
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Friday, May 26, 1865.
Moved our camp to the east side of the Potomac & about 3 miles from the Capitol on a very nice piece of woodland went into camp in regular order very rainy day & quite cool
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Saturday, May 27, 1865.
In camp busy fixing up the day was wet & gloomy
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Sunday, May 28, 1865.
In camp had company inspection at 9 Oclock AM Chaplain preached twice the day was very fine
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Monday, May 29, 1865.
In camp made out Monthly return of QM Stores for April received notice of the convening of Court Martial to morrow Day fine
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Tuesday, May 30, 1865.
In camp Court Martial met & organized & adjourned nothing of interest transpiring fine day
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Wednesday, May 31, 1865.
In camp Court in session tried several cases adjourned at noon went to the city in PM visited the Capitol & Patent Office saw a good many curiosities Day fine
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Thursday, June 1, 1865.
In camp court in session until noon adjourned until 3d inst Some of the members wishing to go to Mt Vernon Lt Jones detailed AAQM on Div staff Orders to muster out all men whose time expire prior to the 1st of Oct Day fine
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Friday, June 2, 1865.
In camp in company with Col Kellams I visited Mt Vernon the Tomb of Washington his residence & estate had a very pleasant trip the day very warm
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Saturday, June 3, 1865.
In camp in the afternoon Genl Thomas came to see the 14th A.C. he seemed quite pleased to see his old Command the troops received him with great pleasure Day very warm
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Sunday, June 4, 1865.
In camp Inspection at 9 Oclock AM & also preaching Gov Randall made a speech to the Wisconsin troops in the evening Day very warm
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Monday, June 5, 1865.
In camp Court Martial met very busy making out clothing returns Muster Out Rolls Day very hot
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Tuesday, June 6, 1865.
In camp Court Martial was dissolved this morning busy making out Muster out Rolls of men to be discharged Day warm
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Wednesday, June 7, 1865.
In camp very busy on rolls Day warm
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Thursday, June 8, 1865.
In camp under orders to move to Louisville Ky to morrow Weather very warm
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Friday, June 9, 1865.
Moved at 7 Oclock AM got on board the cars & left Washington at 2.25 PM took the Parkersburg road nine miles from Baltimore passed by a very fine romantic stream with a number of factories the view was very fine passed Harpers ferry just after midnight Day pleasant
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Saturday, June 10, 1865.
At daylight was near Hanover passed through Cumberland Md & over a high mountain range the scenery was wild & interesting the road creeps around the mountain with great chasm below reached Oakland just at dark had a good deal of fun a man of Co [?] fell off the train & was badly hurt Day rainy
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Sunday, June 11, 1865.
Daylight found us at Grafton 104 miles from Parkersburg passed through some fine mountainous country saw a fine number of pretty girls along the road the boys left their addresses with them all passed through about 20 tunnels made the acquaintance of G W Poston Parkersburg reached Parkersburg about sundown & camped all night Day fine
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Monday, June 12, 1865.
Moved at 4 Oclock AM went on board Steamer Lady Pisa with right wing of Regt changed boats [obscured] Officer of the Day passed several nice towns had rain Storm in the evening was very tired & sleepy Day very warm
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Tuesday, June 13, 1865.
Daylight found us 90 miles above Cincinnati Ohio passed Maysville Ky Passed Cincinnati during the evening had a jolly time during the evening
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Wednesday, June 14, 1865.
Daylight found us at Louisville Ky landed about 7 Oclock Marched out and camped about 4 miles from the city. the day was excessively warm & many had to stop & rest
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Thursday, June 15, 1865.
In camp came into town in the afternoon had quite a rain
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Friday, June 16, 1865.
In camp got a pass & started home in company with the Adjt at 9.20 PM was on the cars all night had a row on the train between the conductor & a soldier
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Saturday, June 17, 1865.
Arrived at Vincennes at 6 Oclock AM went to see Mr Sharp & took dinner with them leaving at 1 PM arrived at home about sundown found all well
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Sunday, June 18, 1865.
At home saw a good many negro slaves Spent the day very pleasantly with Mother & Nellie rainy day
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Monday, June 19, 1865.
At home in PM Mr Hollis came down & with Nellie went up & spent the night with them made arrangements to sell my property while at home
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Tuesday, June 20, 1865.
Left Princeton for Louisville at 11 AM Nellie came with me we arrived at N Albany at 8½ Oclock PM went to Mr John Babbetts to stay found it a very pleasant stoping place
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Wednesday, June 21, 1865.
In camp Nothing of importance transpiring I stay in town at night
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Thursday, June 22, 1865.
In camp Several of the boys got furloughs home nothing of interest to note
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Friday, June 23, 1865.
In camp made out muster & pay rolls for detached men
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Saturday, June 24, 1865.
In camp was paid to include 30 April /65 by Maj Williams a number left for home this morning
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Sunday, June 25, 1865.
Spent the day in the city the Regt was detailed on patrol duty & moved into the city at night & camped west of 15th St rainy day
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Monday, June 26, 1865.
Went to Paymaster & was paid sent to Mr Duneau $60000 for myself $25000 for J D Lownsdale & $15000 L Richardson by express went to camp & put up my tent
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Tuesday, June 27, 1865.
In camp nothing of interest to note
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Wednesday, June 28, 1865.
In camp sent up detachment rolls
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Thursday, June 29, 1865.
In camp Orders issued for the muster out of 15000 troops including the 42d Ind which made quite an excitement was Officer of the Day
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Friday, June 30, 1865.
In camp no news to day
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Saturday, July 1, 1865.
In camp Nellie went home to day Peter Koch went on a pass of three days very warm & hard rain
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Sunday, July 2, 1865.
In camp Officer of the Day
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Memoranda.
Lineament
Chloroform 1 oz
Aqua amonia 2 "
Oil Cad[?] 6 Dr
oil spike 6 "
Capsicum 4 "
Turpentine 4 "
For External use only
Recipe for Rheumatism
Dandelion [smudge] oz
Yellow Dock 2 "
Burdock Dock 2 "
Sarsaparilla 2 "
Iodide Potasca 3 Dr
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15301) | DL1563.002 | Diaries | 1865 |
Tags: African Americans, Animals, Anxiety, Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Camp/Lodging, Death (Military), Defeat/Surrender, Destruction of Land/Property, Discharge/Mustering Out, Drilling, Excitement, Family, Fighting, Foraging/Theft, Guard/Sentry Duty, Hospitals, Illnesses, Mail, Marching, Nature, Newspapers, Peace, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Provost Duty, Railroads, Recreation, Resignations, Rivers, Rumors, Ships/Boats, Ulysses S. Grant, Victory, Weather, William T. Sherman
People - Records: 1
- (5330) [writer] ~ Ashmead, Joseph R.
SOURCES
Joseph R. Ashmead Diary, 1865, DL1563.002, Nau Collection
