George R. Gear Diary, 1863
Thursday, January 1, 1863.
Remained on the battle field of Parker's Cross Roads until about 11 o'clock AM Then marched to Lexington, Tenn. distant about 11 miles.
———————————————————
Friday, January 2, 1863.
Marched towards the Tennessee River, making about 26 miles. Rained all night.
———————————————————
Saturday, January 3, 1863.
Marched to the river and back:—about 13 miles. Rained all day. Horrible roads. A march long to be remembered.
———————————————————
Sunday, January 4, 1863.
Rested all day and dried our clothes. A beautiful day.
———————————————————
Monday, January 5, 1863.
Started back and marched about 18 miles. Heavy thunder storm during the night.
———————————————————
Tuesday, January 6, 1863.
Marched about 14 miles over good ridge roads. Stopped at a mill where we got plenty of meal.
———————————————————
Wednesday, January 7, 1863.
Marched about 13 miles. Camped for the night at Bethel on the railroad. On grand guard. No fires.
———————————————————
Thursday, January 8, 1863.
Started about 11 o'clock and marched 12 miles toward Corinth. No rails for our fire at night.
———————————————————
Friday, January 9, 1863.
Marched 16 miles bringing up at Corinth. Completely exhausted at night.
———————————————————
Saturday, January 10, 1863.
Beautiful day, but spoiled for me by a severe cold, which settled in my eyes.
———————————————————
Sunday, January 11, 1863.
Another nice day. Wrote a letter home.
———————————————————
Monday, January 12, 1863.
Received our mail the first time for three weeks. Two letters from home, one from Merwin, one from Haswell.
———————————————————
Tuesday, January 13, 1863.
A pleasant day. Nothing of particular interest
———————————————————
Wednesday, January 14, 1863.
Very wet, disagreeable day. A horrible mud hole for a camp.
———————————————————
Thursday, January 15, 1863.
Still raining. A bad cold in my head. Terrible disagreeable.
———————————————————
Friday, January 16, 1863.
Snow and sleet. Regiment went out on a foraging expedition. I remained in camp.
———————————————————
Saturday, January 17, 1863.
Clear and cold Orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march.
———————————————————
Sunday, January 18, 1863.
Regiment returned. Pleasant day, but cool. Wrote a letter to sister.
———————————————————
Monday, January 19, 1863.
Rain and mud. Received a box from home sent by Lieut. Smith
———————————————————
Tuesday, January 20, 1863.
Nothing of special interest. Wrote two letters, one to L., one to G.
———————————————————
Wednesday, January 21, 1863.
Right wing of Regiment paid off for two months. Wrote a letter to brother.
———————————————————
Thursday, January 22, 1863.
Rest of the Regiment paid off. Wrote a letter to E.
———————————————————
Friday, January 23, 1863.
Nothing of special interest.
———————————————————
Saturday, January 24, 1863.
Rainy. My day for squad cook.
———————————————————
Sunday, January 25, 1863.
On Brigade guard.
———————————————————
Monday, January 26, 1863.
Nothing noteworthy.
———————————————————
Tuesday, January 27, 1863.
Wrote a letter to Tenney
———————————————————
Wednesday, January 28, 1863.
Received a letter from home by Capt. King. Wrote a letter to Maxwell.
———————————————————
Thursday, January 29, 1863.
On camp guard
———————————————————
Friday, January 30, 1863.
Brigade drill.
———————————————————
Saturday, January 31, 1863.
Wrote a letter home.
———————————————————
Sunday, February 1, 1863.
A rainy morning but pleasant afternoon
———————————————————
Monday, February 2, 1863.
On grand guard. A beautiful day
———————————————————
Tuesday, February 3, 1863.
Regiment went to Jacinto for lumber A cold morning.
———————————————————
Wednesday, February 4, 1863.
Regiment returned. Snow and sleet.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Saturday, February 7, 1863.
Wrote a letter home.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Tuesday, February 10, 1863.
Wrote a letter to Wm Cunningham.
———————————————————
Wednesday, February 11, 1863.
Brigade Drill.
———————————————————
Thursday, February 12, 1863.
Received a letter from sister
———————————————————
Friday, February 13, 1863.
Wrote a letter to sister. Orders to go out foraging for lumber
———————————————————
Saturday, February 14, 1863.
Marched 18 miles stopping at a mill three miles beyond Burnsville. A rainy day and a muddy march.
———————————————————
Sunday, February 15, 1863.
Teams came up about 3 o'clock P.M. when we loaded up the lumber and started back. Marched two miles and then camped for the night.
———————————————————
Monday, February 16, 1863.
Crossed a very bad swamp reaching Burnsville about 3 o'clock. from there took the Farmington road and marched until after dark when I fell out with others and stopped at a house for the night. Hard rain during the night.
———————————————————
Tuesday, February 17, 1863.
Marched to camp in the morning it being 8 miles. The Regiment came in singly and in small squads. Received a letter from brother.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Thursday, February 19, 1863.
A very blustering day. On brigade drill. Sent home my tippet.
———————————————————
Friday, February 20, 1863.
Wrote two letters—one to Merwin, one to brother. A fine day.
———————————————————
Saturday, February 21, 1863.
A rainy disagreeable day. My day for squad cook.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Monday, February 23, 1863.
Received a letter from G. A pleasant day
———————————————————
Tuesday, February 24, 1863.
Wrote a letter to G. Pleasant Received a letter from home.
———————————————————
Wednesday, February 25, 1863.
On Brigade guard. A very rainy day.
———————————————————
Thursday, February 26, 1863.
Still raining.
———————————————————
Friday, February 27, 1863.
A pleasant day.
———————————————————
Saturday, February 28, 1863.
On grand guard. Pleasant. Wrote a letter to Mrs. L.
———————————————————
Sunday, March 1, 1863.
A beautiful day. Heard a sermon in the Musical Hall in Corinth by a returned missionary from Japan. First sermon I have heard since leaving Cincinnati.
Received a letter from E.
———————————————————
Monday, March 2, 1863.
Pleasant. Received two letters,—one from L. one from C.P.
———————————————————
Tuesday, March 3, 1863.
Fair but cool. Wrote a letter to mother.
———————————————————
Wednesday, March 4, 1863.
Pleasant.
———————————————————
Thursday, March 5, 1863.
Cloudy but no rain Went on a foraging expedition after brick. go to Monterey, Tenn., some 11 miles.
Received two letters,—one from sister, one from Tenney.
———————————————————
Friday, March 6, 1863.
Showery. Wrote a letter to Tenney.
———————————————————
Saturday, March 7, 1863.
Regiment paid off for two months. Cloudy but no rain.
———————————————————
Sunday, March 8, 1863.
Showery. Received two letter a letter from mother Wrote one home
———————————————————
Monday, March 9, 1863.
Wrote a letter to L. Made a tour of the breastworks and visited the battlefield of Oct. 4th. Saw the first company of black soldiers.
A pleasant day.
———————————————————
Tuesday, March 10, 1863.
Rain. Wrote a letter to Bosworth.
———————————————————
Wednesday, March 11, 1863.
Pleasant. Commenced cleaning up the camp Wrote a letter to Edw. Dale.
———————————————————
Thursday, March 12, 1863.
Pleasant. Commenced work on our log house.
———————————————————
Friday, March 13, 1863.
Pleasant.
———————————————————
Saturday, March 14, 1863.
Pleasant. Teams ordered away, consequently stopping work on our house Received a letter from Wm Cunningham Wrote one to Register.
———————————————————
Sunday, March 15, 1863.
Pleasant. Preaching at 2 o'clock by the Chaplain of the 81st Ohio.
———————————————————
Monday, March 16, 1863.
Warm, sunny day. Hauled the logs for our house. Wrote a letter to mother
———————————————————
Tuesday, March 17, 1863.
Another beautiful day. Raised and shingled our house Received a letter from brother.
———————————————————
Wednesday, March 18, 1863.
Pleasant and warm.
———————————————————
Thursday, March 19, 1863.
Pleasant. Wrote a letter to Wm Cunningham
———————————————————
Friday, March 20, 1863.
Pleasant. Company on Grand Guard. Wrote a letter to Mr. Ewart.
———————————————————
Saturday, March 21, 1863.
Pleasant.
———————————————————
Sunday, March 22, 1863.
Cloudy but no rain General inspection.
———————————————————
Monday, March 23, 1863.
Rainy
———————————————————
Tuesday, March 24, 1863.
Rainy. Wrote a letter to Maxwell Received a letter from home.
———————————————————
Wednesday, March 25, 1863.
Pleasant
———————————————————
Thursday, March 26, 1863.
Pleasant. Wrote a letter to mother
———————————————————
Friday, March 27, 1863.
Rain part of the day
———————————————————
Saturday, March 28, 1863.
Cloudy but no rain On Grand Guard Received a letter from sister.
———————————————————
Sunday, March 29, 1863.
Fair but cool.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Wednesday, April 1, 1863.
Wrote a letter to sister.
———————————————————
Thursday, April 2, 1863.
Wrote a letter to E.R.
———————————————————
Friday, April 3, 1863.
Wrote a letter to C.P
———————————————————
———————————————————
Sunday, April 5, 1863.
On Grand Guard. My post was at a white house two miles from camp. A beautiful day.
———————————————————
Monday, April 6, 1863.
Received two letters one from mother one from Wm Cunningham
———————————————————
Tuesday, April 7, 1863.
The anniversary of the battle of Shiloh There was a celebration in Corinth. An oration was delivered by Col. Bayne of the 50th Illinois. The exercises were concluded by a Grand Review of all the troops by Brig. Gen. Dodge.
———————————————————
Wednesday, April 8, 1863.
Wrote to mother.
———————————————————
Thursday, April 9, 1863.
Received a letter from brother
Orders to have our guns and accoutrements in order for use, as a raid was apprehended during the night.
———————————————————
Friday, April 10, 1863.
"Nary" raid yet.
———————————————————
Saturday, April 11, 1863.
Wrote a letter to brother.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Monday, April 13, 1863.
On Grand Guard Rainy A letter from mother
———————————————————
Tuesday, April 14, 1863.
Distant cannonading heard in morning. Our Brigade had orders to march, but after going out about three miles we were ordered back. Pickets only on the roads.
Two letters—one from sister, one from Maxwell
———————————————————
Wednesday, April 15, 1863.
Gen. Dodge left in command of 12,000 troops Nearly all the picket duty performed by one Brigade
Wrote to mother
———————————————————
———————————————————
Saturday, April 18, 1863.
On camp guard. Wrote to Wm Cunningham
———————————————————
Sunday, April 19, 1863.
Beautiful day Preaching in camp A very good sermon Received marching orders with three days rations at night.
———————————————————
Monday, April 20, 1863.
18 miles marched.
Started and marched to Burnsville passing through Glendale. At Glendale we were joined by the 43d Ohio and by our pickets, attempting to cross a swamp just beyond Burnsville after dark but were compelled to back out. Wrote to mother.
———————————————————
Tuesday, April 21, 1863.
18 miles marched.
Marched to Bear River in Alabama. Passed through Iuka and drank of its fine water. There was heavy rain in the afternoon and the roads were very bad To add to our discomfort we were in the rear of the train. We crossed Bear River on a pontoon bridge. Camped on a side hill Camp fires exceedingly beautiful.
———————————————————
Wednesday, April 22, 1863.
Remained in camp all day. A good deal of private skirmishing, resulting in the capture of several hogs, chickens, etc.
———————————————————
Thursday, April 23, 1863.
14 miles marched
Passed through a very beautiful country. Most of the land now however lies idle. many houses have been burned. Our company on picket. Skirmished up a steep hill thickly covered with underbrush. Captured a spy concealed behind a tree on top of the hill. A beautiful view of the Tennessee River from the hill
———————————————————
Friday, April 24, 1863.
7 miles marched
Marched to Tuscumbia the cavalry scouring the hills as we advanced. Tuscumbia is surrounded by a beautiful farming country. Immense springs abound. A large creek is formed by them. The largest one discharges a volume of water 6 by 4 feet. Cannonading heard; supposed to be the gunboats on the Tennessee
———————————————————
Saturday, April 25, 1863.
Lay in camp all day Nothing of interest
———————————————————
Sunday, April 26, 1863.
Ascended a hill commanding a beautiful view of the town and surrounding country. Showery day. A beautiful fair ground building torn to pieces by the boys for shelter from the rain.
———————————————————
Monday, April 27, 1863.
10 miles marched.
Started from Tuscumbia about 10 o'clock A very sultry, warm day Passed over a bad swamp Tuscumbia is an old looking town containing but few nice houses. Received a mail at night. A letter from mother
———————————————————
Tuesday, April 28, 1863.
5 miles marched.
Received orders to be ready to start back at 5 o'clock. Countermanded. Cannonading heard ahead. About 11 o'clock advanced to Town Creek 5 miles, and went into line of battle on this side the creek. Occasional cannonading. One Brigade crossed. We remained all night on this side
———————————————————
Wednesday, April 29, 1863.
20 miles marched
Started on the back track about 7 o'clock. Houses could be seen blazing in every direction, set on fire by our cavalry. Camped for the night about 2 miles this side of Tuscumbia
———————————————————
Thursday, April 30, 1863.
16 miles.
Went to Bear River Camped on our old ground Great numbers of contrabands together with a number of white refugees were in the road.
Feet became sore and I took it barefooted for about 8 miles.
———————————————————
Friday, May 1, 1863.
16 miles.
Crossed Bear River on a raft. Kept in advance of the main force, reaching Iuka about 1 hour ahead of them. Went to Burnsville and camped on the old ground.
Barefooted all day feet very sore.
———————————————————
Saturday, May 2, 1863.
I came from Burnsville to Corinth on the train with the sick, lame and lazy.
Regiment came in about 4 o'clock. Very glad to get back into our old quarters, after an absence of 12 days.
A letter from Merwin
Wrote to mother
———————————————————
Sunday, May 3, 1863.
Preaching by chaplain Fry of the 63d. Two letters, one from Tenny one from L. Wrote one to G.
———————————————————
Monday, May 4, 1863.
On camp guard.
Wrote to sister.
———————————————————
Tuesday, May 5, 1863.
Regiment paid off for 4 months.
———————————————————
Wednesday, May 6, 1863.
Sent home $42 by Express. Received a letter from brother. Wrote to L.
———————————————————
Thursday, May 7, 1863.
Wrote to Maxwell and to E.
———————————————————
Friday, May 8, 1863.
On Brigade Guard. Wrote to Tenny and mother.
———————————————————
Saturday, May 9, 1863.
Marching orders to go to Memphis, taking garrison and camp equipage.
Wrote to mother.
———————————————————
Sunday, May 10, 1863.
4 companies left in the train in the afternoon
———————————————————
Monday, May 11, 1863.
Remainder of Regiment still in Corinth
———————————————————
Tuesday, May 12, 1863.
Left at 6 A.M. Arrived at Memphis at 5 P.M. Frequently cheered along the route by the waving of handkerchiefs. Resemblance of the country to Ohio. The Rail-Road defended by means of stockade forts.
———————————————————
Wednesday, May 13, 1863.
Moved to a regular encampment in a beautiful grove.
———————————————————
Thursday, May 14, 1863.
Camp guard greatly strengthened. Strict orders about leaving camp. On guard. Wrote a letter to brother
———————————————————
Friday, May 15, 1863.
Cleaned up our camp. Drew wedge tents, six in a tent.
———————————————————
Saturday, May 16, 1863.
Our Regiment furnished picket guard. Received a letter from Maxwell.
Isaac N. Adams a member of our company died and was buried to-day. He died the death of a Christian hero.
———————————————————
Sunday, May 17, 1863.
Preaching by the chaplain of the 43rd.
———————————————————
Monday, May 18, 1863.
Wrote to Maxwell Received a letter from mother.
———————————————————
Tuesday, May 19, 1863.
A letter from sister.
———————————————————
Wednesday, May 20, 1863.
Wrote to mother.
———————————————————
Thursday, May 21, 1863.
A letter from Wm Cunningham.
———————————————————
Friday, May 22, 1863.
On picket.
———————————————————
Saturday, May 23, 1863.
A letter from C. Wrote to Merwin.
———————————————————
Sunday, May 24, 1863.
On picket.
———————————————————
Monday, May 25, 1863.
Wrote to Mrs. Laughlin, Mr. L. F. Adams and home. Sent overcoat and letters by D. A. Plant, who went home on 20 day's furlough. Received a letter from mother
———————————————————
Tuesday, May 26, 1863.
A letter from E. R. On picket
———————————————————
———————————————————
Thursday, May 28, 1863.
On picket.
———————————————————
Friday, May 29, 1863.
Wrote to G.
———————————————————
Saturday, May 30, 1863.
Wrote to E. R., Wm C. and Express agent.
Anniversary of the taking of Corinth by the Federal forces.
———————————————————
Sunday, May 31, 1863.
Wrote to Mr. Leonard
———————————————————
Monday, June 1, 1863.
Received letters from brother and Mr. L. F. Adams.
———————————————————
Tuesday, June 2, 1863.
Wrote to Mr. Adams.
———————————————————
Wednesday, June 3, 1863.
Wrote to brother
———————————————————
Thursday, June 4, 1863.
Anniversary of Federal occupation of Memphis. A Union celebration by the citizens.
———————————————————
Friday, June 5, 1863.
Received letters from mother and Maxwell.
———————————————————
Saturday, June 6, 1863.
Wrote to Maxwell.
———————————————————
Sunday, June 7, 1863.
Went to Asbury Methodist Church. Heard an excellent sermon from text "What is man?"
———————————————————
Monday, June 8, 1863.
Wrote to mother.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Thursday, June 11, 1863.
Received letters from mother and Mrs. Laughlin and M.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Saturday, June 13, 1863.
A letter from sister. Wrote to same.
———————————————————
Sunday, June 14, 1863.
Attended church in the city, at Union Chapel
———————————————————
Monday, June 15, 1863.
On grand guard. A letter from Bosworth
———————————————————
———————————————————
Wednesday, June 17, 1863.
Received a box from home by Express.
———————————————————
Thursday, June 18, 1863.
Furloughed men returned. A letter and package from mother.
———————————————————
Friday, June 19, 1863.
Wrote to mother. Our Regiment ordered out. Went out 4 miles, lay in line of battle all night beside a creek and returned in morning.
———————————————————
Saturday, June 20, 1863.
A letter from mother. Wrote to same
———————————————————
Sunday, June 21, 1863.
Received three letters—one from C. P., one from E., one from L.
On camp guard.
———————————————————
Monday, June 22, 1863.
Received letter from brother.
———————————————————
Tuesday, June 23, 1863.
On camp guard.
———————————————————
Wednesday, June 24, 1863.
Orders to be ready to march at a moment's notice
———————————————————
Thursday, June 25, 1863.
Had photographs taken Sent one with a letter to Hiram and Cornelia.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Saturday, June 27, 1863.
On picket. Heavy rain.
———————————————————
Sunday, June 28, 1863.
Attended church in the city. Sermon from text, "The entrance of thy words giveth light."
———————————————————
Monday, June 29, 1863.
A letter from sister. Wrote to same.
———————————————————
Tuesday, June 30, 1863.
General inspection and muster. Wrote to L. and mother. Received letters from mother and G.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Friday, July 3, 1863.
Wrote to G.
———————————————————
Saturday, July 4, 1863.
Glorious 4th! Memorable forever afterward for the glorious victories of Vicksburg and Helena. Strict orders against leaving camp. A dull day. Skirmish between batterymen and provost guard. One batteryman wounded.
———————————————————
Sunday, July 5, 1863.
Received a letter from mother. Wrote to same. 1200 prisoners arrived from the fight of Helena, where Genl. Prentiss whipped three times his number
———————————————————
Monday, July 6, 1863.
In the afternoon came the news of the capture of Vicksburg. The news was communicated to the Regiment in line who received it with tremendous cheers. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed
———————————————————
Tuesday, July 7, 1863.
Wrote to Mrs. L. and M.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Sunday, July 12, 1863.
Two letters. One from brother, one from G.T.
———————————————————
Monday, July 13, 1863.
A letter from Maxwell Wrote to same
———————————————————
Tuesday, July 14, 1863.
Wrote to Tenny
———————————————————
Wednesday, July 15, 1863.
A letter from G. Wrote to same.
———————————————————
Thursday, July 16, 1863.
Wrote to Wm. C.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Tuesday, July 21, 1863.
Detailed to go to Alton with secesh prisoners. There were between 700 and 800 of them most of them men wishing to take the oath.
———————————————————
Wednesday, July 22, 1863.
Passed Fort Pillow in the morning, and New Madrid about 9 o'clock.
———————————————————
Thursday, July 23, 1863.
Reached Cairo at 9 A.M. and lay up until about 5 P.M. Lay up after dark.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Tuesday, July 28, 1863.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Sunday, August 2, 1863.
Returned to camp Three letters awaiting me; one from Tenny, one from Max, one from home.
———————————————————
Monday, August 3, 1863.
Wrote to Maxwell.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Saturday, August 8, 1863.
Our Company and Co G. detached from Regiment for depot and Rail Road guard. Moved our camp to a very pleasant locality.
———————————————————
Sunday, August 9, 1863.
Received letters from Mrs. L. and M.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Sunday, August 16, 1863.
Attended church in the morning in the city. A very good sermon on the character of man In afternoon attended prayer meeting at a little Baptist Church in Chelsea. It was a friendly homelike place!
———————————————————
Monday, August 17, 1863.
Rec. two letters one from home one from G.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Friday, August 28, 1863.
Paid for 4 months Sent home $35 by State Agency
Wrote to Mrs. L. Received letter from home.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Sunday, August 30, 1863.
Wrote to sister
———————————————————
———————————————————
Thursday, September 3, 1863.
Wrote to M. L. and home
———————————————————
Friday, September 4, 1863.
Wrote to Wm Cunningham Sent home picture.
———————————————————
Saturday, September 5, 1863.
Wrote to mother
———————————————————
———————————————————
Monday, September 7, 1863.
Received a letter from G.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Wednesday, September 9, 1863.
Wrote to G.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Monday, September 14, 1863.
Wrote to mother
———————————————————
Tuesday, September 15, 1863.
Received letter from sister.
———————————————————
Wednesday, September 16, 1863.
Wrote to sister.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Sunday, September 20, 1863.
Wrote to M.D.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Tuesday, September 22, 1863.
A letter from sister and mother. Wrote to sister.
———————————————————
Wednesday, September 23, 1863.
A letter from L.S.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Friday, September 25, 1863.
Wrote to E.M.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Thursday, October 1, 1863.
Received letter from Wm C. Wrote to Maxwell.
———————————————————
Friday, October 2, 1863.
Wrote to E. Received letter from mother and brother Wrote to mother
———————————————————
Saturday, October 3, 1863.
Wrote to Brother
———————————————————
———————————————————
Saturday, October 10, 1863.
Wrote to Mr. L. F. Adams.
———————————————————
Sunday, October 11, 1863.
On escort. Track torn up in five places. Rebs at Collierville on our way back. Narrow escape from capture. Backed to Lagrange and remained till next day. Fight between Gen. Sherman, with 500 men, and 3000 rebs. Rebs compelled to retreat with out accomplishing a single thing.
———————————————————
Monday, October 12, 1863.
Received letter from mother.
———————————————————
Tuesday, October 13, 1863.
Received two letters one from G., one from Bosworth. Wrote to mother
———————————————————
Wednesday, October 14, 1863.
Wrote to G. and Wm C. Received letters from mother and M.D.
———————————————————
Thursday, October 15, 1863.
Received letters from mother and sister.
———————————————————
Friday, October 16, 1863.
Wrote to sister.
———————————————————
Saturday, October 17, 1863.
Received marching orders. Paid off for two months.
———————————————————
Sunday, October 18, 1863.
Marched 15 miles camping at Germantown.
———————————————————
Monday, October 19, 1863.
Marched to Lafayette, 17 miles.
———————————————————
Tuesday, October 20, 1863.
Started about 9 AM and marched to Moscow, 10 miles. Heavy rain at night. Wood very scarce. Very uncomfortable.
———————————————————
Wednesday, October 21, 1863.
Marched to Saulsbury, 21 miles. A rainy day, and terribly muddy roads Plenty of firewood at night
———————————————————
Thursday, October 22, 1863.
Went 17 miles, stopping at Pochahontas. Hard rain during the night. Camp ground all overflowed.
———————————————————
Friday, October 23, 1863.
I being somewhat unwell was sent to Corinth on the train. A chilly disagreeable day. Regiment marched about 10 miles crossing bad swamp
———————————————————
Saturday, October 24, 1863.
Regiment came into Corinth about 11 P.M. having marched a roundabout road. Traveled about 30 miles after 10 A.M.
———————————————————
Sunday, October 25, 1863.
Received orders to be in readiness to leave at 2 P.M. but did not leave camp
A letter from sister Wrote to same
———————————————————
Monday, October 26, 1863.
Took the train about 9 P.M. and went to Burnsville, 15 miles from Corinth, where we relieved an other Brigade, and went into camp.
———————————————————
Tuesday, October 27, 1863.
Still in Burnsville. On picket.
Received a letter from Maxwell. Wrote to sister. Expressed home $25
———————————————————
Wednesday, October 28, 1863.
In camp at B. Wrote to M.D.
———————————————————
Thursday, October 29, 1863.
Marched to Iuka. Our Company on picket. A letter from Mrs. L.
———————————————————
Friday, October 30, 1863.
Fired on while on picket. About 20 of the rebs. Fire returned. No one hurt
Wrote to Mrs. L. and mother.
A letter from mother
———————————————————
Saturday, October 31, 1863.
Wrote to Maxwell
———————————————————
Sunday, November 1, 1863.
Still in camp at Iuka. Received two letters; one from Mr. Adams, one from M.L.
———————————————————
Monday, November 2, 1863.
Marched to Eastport 8 miles. The town situated on a side hill. The place is nearly desolate.
———————————————————
Tuesday, November 3, 1863.
In camp at Eastport. Received letters from sister and Wm C. Wrote to Bosworth and sister.
———————————————————
Wednesday, November 4, 1863.
Crossed the Tennessee River on the steamer Nashville.
———————————————————
Thursday, November 5, 1863.
In camp near Eastport. Plenty of fresh pork and sweet potatoes. Wrote to sister and brother
———————————————————
Friday, November 6, 1863.
8 miles.
Marched 8 miles Heavy roads.
———————————————————
Saturday, November 7, 1863.
12 miles
Started about 12M and marched 12 miles, camping on Cyprus Creek. Plenty of sweet potatoes and fresh meat
———————————————————
Sunday, November 8, 1863.
14 miles
Marched to Lauderdale Mills. Crossed a large creek on which stood a mill. A very high hill on each side. Lauderdale Mills contains a large cotton factory and 25 or 30 log houses. Many women and children at home. Crossed Shoal Creek on a foot path. Not allowed to forage.
———————————————————
Monday, November 9, 1863.
15 miles.
Marched to the Tennessee line, passing through Lexington.
———————————————————
Tuesday, November 10, 1863.
20 miles.
Passed through a thinly settled portion of country. Camped within 6 miles of Pulaski A weary day's march
———————————————————
Wednesday, November 11, 1863.
11 miles
Passed through a very fine, fertile country. Pulaski is a pleasant town of some 3000 or 4000 inhabitants, contains a very fine court house and some elegant private residences. Camped on Buchanan Creek, five miles east of Pulaski. Company on picket. Saw jack o'lantern for the first time in my life.
———————————————————
Thursday, November 12, 1863.
8 miles.
Altered our course. Marched southwesterly, and struck the railroad at Richland, 6 miles from Pulaski. Crossed Richland Creek on a log, marched two miles and camped. Some quantities of pork were obtained
———————————————————
Friday, November 13, 1863.
4 miles.
March to Prospect Station, cutting a new road over a steep hill part of the way.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Monday, November 16, 1863.
Wrote to mother and Maggie L.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Wednesday, November 18, 1863.
Wrote to Wm Cunningham.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Friday, November 20, 1863.
Received mail for the first time in 16 days. Letters from mother, sister, G., L.S, E.P, and C.P.
———————————————————
Saturday, November 21, 1863.
Wrote to sister and G.
———————————————————
Sunday, November 22, 1863.
Company on picket.
———————————————————
Monday, November 23, 1863.
Wrote to mother and L.S.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Thursday, November 26, 1863.
Received letters from mother, sister and M.D. Wrote to sister. Thanksgiving day. Feasted on chickens, corn bread, peach sauce, etc.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Monday, November 30, 1863.
Wrote to M.D.
———————————————————
Tuesday, December 1, 1863.
On picket. Wrote to mother. Received a letter from same.
———————————————————
Wednesday, December 2, 1863.
Raised our tent and put in a fire place, making it very comfortable.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Friday, December 4, 1863.
Wrote to E.P.
———————————————————
Saturday, December 5, 1863.
Wrote to sister. Received a letter from mother.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Wednesday, December 9, 1863.
Wrote to Mr. L. F. Adams.
Regiment paid off for two months.
———————————————————
Thursday, December 10, 1863.
A Debating Society organized, called Union Debating Society of Fullers Brigade
———————————————————
Friday, December 11, 1863.
Received a letter from Bosworth.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Sunday, December 13, 1863.
Went on a foraging expedition to the plantation of Maples in Alabama. A very rainy day. Nothing received obtained but molass on private account.
Received letters from Mrs L., mother and Cornelia.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Wednesday, December 16, 1863.
A letter from sister. Wrote to Bosworth and Cornelia.
———————————————————
Thursday, December 17, 1863.
Wrote to sister
Our Company detailed to make gabions.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Saturday, December 19, 1863.
Received letters from mother, G. and Wm. C.
———————————————————
Sunday, December 20, 1863.
Wrote to mother.
———————————————————
Monday, December 21, 1863.
Company engaged in making fascines.
———————————————————
Tuesday, December 22, 1863.
Wrote to G.
30 of our Company enlisted as Veteran Volunteers, and chose Lieut. Rice as Captain, and Ely Stein as 2d Lieutenant
———————————————————
———————————————————
Friday, December 25, 1863.
Christmas, very different from the starving Christmas of one year ago. Plenty to eat. Chickens for our mess dinner.
Permission granted to the new men to go home on promising to reenlist.
All the new men in our Co. went, myself amongst the number.
———————————————————
Saturday, December 26, 1863.
Wrote to mother.
———————————————————
Sunday, December 27, 1863.
Permission granted to those who have served 16 months in the Ohio Brigade to immediately reenlist in the Veteran Corps with the same bounty as others. All the men in our Company were mustered in.
Received a letter from sister.
———————————————————
Monday, December 28, 1863.
Received a letter from Merwin.
———————————————————
Tuesday, December 29, 1863.
Started from Prospect for home. Marched 21 miles. Very tired at night.
———————————————————
Wednesday, December 30, 1863.
Marched to within 3 miles of Columbia. Passed through a good farming country. Regiment very much stove up in consequence of walking over a hard pike.
———————————————————
Thursday, December 31, 1863.
Marched through Columbia. Took the cars about 12 o'clock, six cars for the Regiment. A very poor locomotive, stopped at every up grade, compelled to cut rails to get up steam. Very rainy at first, then intensely cold. Many of the men frozen stiff. Stopped overnight in Zollicoffer House. Only 5 stoves, no glass in the windows. A terribly rough experience.
———————————————————
Cash Account. January.
Received. Paid.
From Louis Noe 1.00
" D. A. Plant 1.60
To Dan Pfaff 50
" sutler 25
" Forest 05
" Geo. Coon 05
For knife 50
" ink 10
To Forest 20
For pepper 05
To Hayes 10
" Forest 05
" Canes 05
From Forest 05
For sausage 10
" sundries 40
———————————————————
———————————————————
Cash Account. April.
Received. Paid.
Debts due pay day by me
To Wm Snodgrass 1.00
" A. B. Forest 25
" Sutler 2.00
H. Coleman 10
I am creditor by
Samuel Geffin 50
Due Parker 25
" Carpenter 10
Paid.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Cash Account. June.
Received. Paid.
Debts due pay day
To Geo. Coon 1.00
To sutler 1.00
Paid.
———————————————————
———————————————————
Cash Account. August.
Received. Paid.
Remember me when
This you see
Remember me with
A tone of Grace,
Remember, I will
Meat The at the
Throne of Grace
———————————————————
Cash Account. September.
Received. Paid.
11 Drew 1 hat, 1 blouse, 1 haversack, 1 shirt, 1 pr. drawers
25 1 pr. Shoes.
October 10—1 pr Socks
Nov. 1 1 pr Socks
Dec. 10 1 " Boots.
———————————————————
Memoranda.
Landy
I Geo
George B[faded]
———————————————————
Memoranda.
Autocratism—Poetry—Vocabulary—Human Nature—Nicknames—"Hifalutin
Amalgamation
Refugees—Familie Grocerie—Tos Hopefield
———————————————————
Memoranda.
Twin Regiments—Charge
Day's work on the march—
Political opinions—How we live—Effect of the emancipation proclamation on the army.—
A soldier's burial—Papers—Nicknames—Trip around the breastworks—Graves
Tobacco—School houses—Fruit, Paper Sugar—
Women of the South, Cemetery in Memphis
How the South was taken out—Pass System
Hotel—Frank Blair
———————————————————
Knife
Map
Sand Paper
Pens—Ink—Comb,
Pencil
15 verse 5 chap
Paper
Pail
Pen
spoon
———————————————————
[figures]
horses
company
locomotive
niggers
Sherman
overcoat
stockade
[?] of money
children
salt
persimmons
saw grass
———————————————————
go for it
clean out.
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15302) | DL1570.001 (2) | Diaries | 1863 |
Tags: Camp/Lodging, Christmas, Clothing, Death (Military), Drilling, Fatigue/Tiredness, Food, Foraging/Theft, Garrison Duty, Guard/Sentry Duty, Illnesses, Mail, Marching, Money, Nature, Payment, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Railroads, Religion, Rivers, Ships/Boats, Siege of Corinth, Supplies, United States Colored Troops, Weather, William T. Sherman
People - Records: 1
- (3310) [writer] ~ Gear, George Rufus
SOURCES
George R. Gear Diary, 1863, DL1570.001 (2), Nau Collection
