James M. Tracy Diary
J. M. Tracy Sergt
of Urbana Illinois
J. M. Tracy Esqr
3rd Sergeant
Co. K.
Capt E. Boyden
Colers Independant
Regiment (25)
Illinois Volunteers
from Urbana
Champaign County
Illinois
August 3rd 1861
If I should be so unfortunate as to loose this book which would be of little value to any other but of considerable importance to myself: I say if I should acciden- loose it, the finder will confer a great favor on the undersigned by returning the same to me, and greatly oblige me.
J. M. Tracy
3rd Sergt Co K.
25 Reg. (Col. Coler)
Illinois Volunteers
Sunday, January 1st, 1860
H. Thompkins
2.10 north
5th St
St Louis
or 109
Wednesday, January 1st, 1862.
Fell tolerable well, yellow janders. done some writing then went up to Rolla, Mo. a dist. of 2 miles with Unc. Chas. Twyford, Corp Twyford, & Corpl Jane. eat a hearty dinner at a duch eating soloon Stole a dog & retd to camp done some writing &c.
Thursday 2
Storming & sleeting, very disagreeable all day. Twyford & Mahannah started back to Illinois today. sent 2 letters, one to my wife & 1 to the "Union" Recd. a letter from my wife which gave me much joy & relieved my anxious mind.
Friday 3
Rained hard this morn cloudy & sprinkling rain all day spent the day in my tent, tried to get a leave of absence to visit my family
Saturday, January 4, 1862.
All quiet, nothing worthy of notice, trying hard to get a leave of absence to visit home. no go. Stormy & disagreeable
Sunday 5
Still storming went out today to see an old puke by the name of Lee eat a hearty dinner of mush & milk, Capt Boyden told me tonight that I could have a leave of absence to visit home
Monday 6
Sunday Evening Jan 17th 1862
J M Tracy
I started back to camp this evening at Rolla after a leave of abcense of twelve days
Saturday, August 3rd 1861
This day left Urbana Illinois wife babe a comfortable home & all that is near and dear to a man in this world for the St Louis, a volunteer in Co K. 25 Reg. Ills Vol. to fight the battles of the glorious Union. Arrived at the city in the eve & proceeded to the Arsenal.
Sunday 4
Took breakfast at 10 A.M. of sea bread & bacon, the first food eaten for 24 hours. At noon we got our tents, pitched them & had comfortable quarters. Spent the day in viewing the grounds & buildings in the Arsenal. Saw many curiosities it embraces about 60 acres & is a beautiful location.
Monday 5
Rose early was appointed 4th Sergt partook of a hearty breakfast & went out to drill a squad. The day was pleasant but rather hot. Wrote a letter to my dear wife which gave me much pleasure.
Tuesday, August 6th, 1861.
Nothing of importance transpired, worthy of mention
Wednesday 7
Struck our tents & moved into the park a distance of 40 rods, found a pleasant camping ground.
Nothing more worthy of notice.
Yes. marched to the Arsenal & was sworn into the U.S. Service by Capt Tracy for 3 years unless sooner discharged
Thursday 8
Nothing more than the regular routine of business such as drilling standing guard &c.
Friday, August 9th, 1861.
Rube Cleveland & myself took a ride up the city in the street cars, which was very pleasant; rode all over the city for 5 cts found it to be a much nicer city than I expected to see. had a very nice time & 4 glasses good soda. how I engoyed the excursion! Shaw!
Saturday 10
All quiet as usual
Sunday 11
Rose early as usual. got breakfast. went to church Bro Minear preached an excellent sermon. Adgt Ellington read a part of the articles of war which seemed rather strict.
Monday, August 12th, 1861.
Drilled in the morning at noon got dinner and in the evening got my blanket hemed & marked it it gave me much pleasure to get it for I needed it badly, not having brought a heavy coat with me.
Tuesday 13
Nothing worthy of notice. Yes. I counted 50 steamers lying at the landing Also, bout 100 Army wagons.
More delighted with
the city than ever.
Wednesday 14
All quiet till 10 A.M. the news came for us to strike our tents which was done in double quick time. partly moved into the Arsenal when the order was countermanded & we again pitched our tent in the park. quiet the remainder of the day. Muskets brought in for 8 cos. of our Reg.
Thursday, August 15th, 1861.
Got a letter from my wife which gave me much pleasure. it was read with tears in my eyes. to think of the dear ones left behind me. Companies A. & K. armed with rifles.
Friday 16
Lou Higgins & Dan Manning left us for home Sent a letter to my wife Also a package.
Saturday 17
Nothing of importance worthy of notice—except was detailed for to hall wood from Arsenal
Sunday, August 18th, 1861.
Still nothing worthy of mention. Yes. at 7½ we were put through inspection of arms. then marched to the river and bathed
Monday 19
Everything calm. some rain & air moderately cool. This evening the Band boys came from Urbana. John L. Sample brought me a letter from my dear wife, it was read with more pleasure than usual. she sent me a cake the band boys eat it.
Tuesday 20
Forenoon quiet, afternoon drew knapsack, cap & canteen. packed "my kit" & was ready to march. had the diareah very bad today & yesterday. Marched to the Pacific Depot at dark. carrie my load & Corp Janes gun. Slept in the Freight house on the hard floor. Slept well.
Wednesday, August 21st, 1861.
Rose early, washed, went to a stand in the market drank a cup coffee. took the train with the regt & started for Jefferson City. Stoped at Herman 2 hours in afternoon eat peaches & aples till I was tired. Went to the house of a kind old german got some some supper, free of cge. Arvd at Jefferson at 9 P.M. Slept in Freight house. Slept soundly.
The above events took place on Thursday instead of Wednesday.
Friday 23
Rose early, tried to make my breakfast of sea bread & peaches, couldent come it, went up in town to a restaurant, eat a hearty breakfast, paid 25 cts. & was glad to get it at that. At 9 we started for our new camp which we found at 10, pitched our tents in a fine locality; here Bro. Graves was taken sick. Got a qt milk & eat a hearty dinner at 3 P.M.
Saturday, August 24, 1861.
Went to the river bathed myself. Nothing worthy of notice. Had a good time with the boys as I always do. Wrote a letter to my wife, &c.
Sunday 25
All quiet.
Sent another home to my wife by Lieut Flynn. Slightly cloudy, but very pleasant.
Monday 26
As usual nothing worthy of note. Today Lieut Flynn returned to Urbana, carried a letter to my wife, &c. have already sent not less than 6 or 8 letters to her, which is always a pleasure
Tuesday, August 27th, 1861.
All quiet till about 10 A.M. when the word came that Bro. Graves was about dying, and at 3½ in the afternoon he bid farewell to this world & his spirit took its flight to the other world. for the first time in my life I shed tears over a dieing body.
Wednesday 28
Wednesday poor Graves was buried by Co. K. by the honors of war. The Band played a funeral dirge which was very melancholy. Corp D. Richards with 8 men fired 3 volleys over his grave. The remainder of the day quiet.
Thursday 29
This day I went on picket with 6 men, had a good time eating wine grapes, pears, peaches, aples, cabbage &c. At 12 at night I was told a band of rebles was marching on me & the camp was in a state of excitement, all under arms. Any amt of fun with B. Walls & C. Twyford.
Friday, August 30th, 1861.
Came off picket loaded with fruits, &c. Word came to camp that Manasas Junct. was taken which caused great excitement.
Today the muster roll was arranged so we could draw or money.
Saturday, Sept 31st
Nothing to day of importance
Sunday 1
Rose early as usual after breakfast got a pass Corporal Jane & I went to Seceshers & got grapes, pears, aples, got back sent a box of grapes to my wife by Mr Park to Urbana In the afternoon, sherman Twyford & myself went out & had a treat of the same kind at Seceshers.
Monday, September 2, 1861.
Helped to carry a bread box up the city. bought this Diary by cheating Unkle Sam out of enough postage stamps to buy it. returned in the eve & had an excellent supper. At dark it begun to rain, & the wind blew very hard knocked Doc Thompsons tent over. had lots of fun with him
Tuesday 3
Morning Still raining, till 7 Oc. Corp Jane got breakfast which we ate in our tent. In the afternoon went out on battalion drill. Corpl Jane was taken violently sick, is quite flighty Looks very much like rain again Uneasy about Corpl Jane. Got a stich in my hip & was compelled to stop drilling.
Wednesday 4
This morning Lieut Burt left for home, having received some bad news from that locality. Was cloudy but very pleasant. drilling a squad, but did not feel much like doing so. This afternoon saw a gent run over by a large wagon got up & said be God an Ill. wagon could not kill him
Thursday, September 5th, 1861.
This morning thought I was going on a scout, but the result was I went up the river on the Steamer War Eagle, loaded 500 bushels corn had a good time foraging from "Secesher". Sawed wood in the boat for my supper returned to camp at 9 at night feeling first rate.
Friday 6
Drilled early in the morn. After drill went for water & my washing at a german womans. Clear & pleasant. In the afternoon Lieut Flynn returned to camp from Urbana bringing with him 7 recruits and 4 ladies, also brought a letter & cake from my wife. Amen
Saturday 7
Felt rather unwell this morning Capt gave me a pass, I went to city. passed the forenoon agree. in company with Lieut Flynn Sergt. Richards & Al. B. Miller took dinner at a restaurant which reminded me of home & a spoon accidentaly slipped in my pocket. Returned to camp and got my overcoat. feeling much better.
Sunday, September 8th, 1861.
Wrote a letter to Bro. N. Suiter—pleasant. Spent the day in various ways. 1st by cutting Jonny Bulls hair 2nd by taking a knap 3rd by walking up town with Nick Coney. Stopped & spent an hour with 2 or 3 German girls. Came back camp at night in company with Corpl. Richards went out on a scout caught a goose came back about 11 Oclock
Monday 9
Sent a letter to Bro. N. Suiter Was detailed on guard as Sergt of the Same. was kept very busy during a part of the day, acting in the capacity of Capt of the Guard At night bunked under an oak tree near guard tents. did not sleep much. being troubled with the quickstep. was excused & went to my tent. Today helped eat the goose I captured.
Tuesday 10
Not very well, eat a little [?] for my breakfast. It is reported that we move our camp today. dont know where to.=to the South side of the city of Jefferson. Corporals Jane & Wizer & myself walked over a distance of 2 miles, had a good time pitched my tent. it rained all night. Went on a scout, captured some prizes. Came back & ate a hearty supper. feel good
Wednesday, September 11th, 1861.
This morning rose early. Still raining quite hard. took breakfast in my tent then wrote a letter to my wife sent it home by Jas Larned. Took a squad of men to bury a number of Co. B. Afternoon Corpl Richards & I went on a scout, captured 2 geese & a chair. Returned to camp & eat my goose for supper. Still got the diareah
Thursday 12
Clear & pleasant
After breakfast, went out, to a duch womans, washed a shirt & pair drawers & 2 handkerchiefs. Wrote a letter to Bro. Hays at Urbana. Eat a splendid dinner of apple dumplings prepared by Miller Twyford & Godspeed. it was hard to beat. fat living &c. Recd a letter from Mollie.
Friday 13
It begun to rain early in the morning. A beautiful rainbow at sunrise. it rained all the day, a part of the time very hard. went up town, in company with Walls, Richards, Twyford & Miller. Lieut Burt returned on 3 Oclock train with 5 recruits, all glad to see him
[margin]
Sent a brush, ring & pin cushion to my wife
Saturday, September 14th, 1861.
Warm & pleasant. big shower in the evening. Spent the fore part of the day in writing Afternoon went up city, on to the Depot. Met a friend told me all about Booneville, gave me a cigar Had a talk with Col. Coler Started home, got the mail for the Regt. Co. I. & Lieut Flynn returned to camp a slight brush at Glasgow, none hurt
Sunday 15
Went to Hospital got medicine took a dose. Went on up the city to the camp of the 22nd Ind. Regt with Jas Benner, conversed with Mr Coler M. B. Thompson & lady &c. went down to my wash womans, got a shirt & she gave me a dinner; went on up town, and on to camp. not very well. In the eve it rained quite hard. went out at dark and made coffee &c eat hearty
Monday 16
this morning cloudy & foggy Spent forenoon in writing home the 35th Indiana & 2nd Mo. Regts came to the city. Afternoon went up city Some excitement returned to camp at night Lt. Co. McLelland gave Corpl Richards & I the countersign which was Bunkerhill went up city Captured a lot of sweet potatos, returned to camp safe
Tuesday, September 17th, 1861.
Cloudy, went out to drill after breakfast, on the skirmish drill quite interesting. Afternoon drill again, quit & took the cramp colic, was quite sick at supper time. After dark eat with the band by invitation of M S. Gere Afterwards wrote a letter for Bill Gilgeese, went to bed quite well
Wednesday 18
Clear & pleasant.
Went out and drilled which fatigued me very much not being stronger than a yoke of oxen. Nothing worthy of notice.
Had a letter from Lieut Fauntleroy located at Birds Point.
Thursday 19
Rose early expected to get our pay. no go. Did not drill in the morning. Afternoon very warm went on battalion drill & dress parade. came in at 5 Oclock got a letter from my wife which was a very welcome epistle. Jumping by moonlight
Friday, September 20th, 1861.
A very pleasant day—nothing worthy of notice except severe drilling [?] guards went up town, had a very pleasant time, on my return I captured some sweet potatoes came in, cooked & eat them before going to bed.
Saturday 21
Saturday morning quite chilly, did not drill this morning. Afternoon had a pleasant drill by Maj. Cone. In the evening I got my uniform, was well pleased with it. Sent another letter home today to my wife.
Sunday 22
Very cool this morning After breakfast we were put through the inspection of arms. After which I took a squad of men and went to church up city heard an excellent surmon &c. Presbyterian. Afternoon went up city again. nothing worthy notice
Monday, September 23rd, 1861.
Clear & pleasant went up city early in the morning Spent the fore part of the day in visiting the penitentiary & State house, both of which are magnificent. Saw the 25th Indiana leave for Sedalia
Afternoon quiet. Friends & a letter came from home
Tuesday 24
Quite pleasant, rumors of marching orders &c. the 35th Ills left for Sedalia. Sent a letter to Bro. Hays. All quiet except the excitement prevalent when a regiment is anxious to march. Today got the stripes put on my arm, designating my office in the Company.
Wednesday 25
Cloudy, looks like rain. was detailed as Sergt of the guard. Commenced raining at 10 A.M. rained all day & done the work of the Capt of the Guard he being on a drunk. took guard off at 9½ P.M. Was up all night preparing to march early in the morning
Countersign Sumpter
[margin]
Foraged 5 chickens & a goose
Thursday, September 26th, 1861.
Never felt better—Eat breakfast at 3 A.M. Struck tent, packed knapsack & marched at sunrise. muddy walking in the road & streets. lay at Depot till 2 P.M. took Pacific R.R. for Syracuse, pleasant journey but quite cool. Stopped at Laramie Bridge, unloaded, pitched tent & eat supper at 12 at night
[margin]
Recd (40) dolls from U.S. Sent $30.00 & a picture home
Friday 27
Feel [?]—Took a good nap this morn in Lieut Burts tent. rose at 8 eat a hearty breakfast, smoke & a survey of the bridge & breast works on the east side. Moved tents about 200 yds Remarkably cool—Afternoon went ½ mile bought sweet potatoes, butter eggs, talked to the women & had a good time generally
Saturday 28th
Went up town with corporal Walls Otterville small village. Wrote a letter to my wife. Came back to camp took a nap. eat dinner. went down to the Laramie bathed & done some washing. In the eve Cap Boyden gave me 15 dols in part payment from Unkle Sam.
[margin]
Saw Gen Seigel today
Sunday, September 29th, 1861.
Quite pleasant, went out after breakfast for general inspection Company highly praised by all the higher officers, went out practicing with blank catridge nice time.
Nothing more worthy of notice except a few ladies some of whom visited us this eve
Monday, Sept. 30th
Spent part of the forenoon in drill. Afternoon went out on battalion drill. also the Regt went up to the village of Otterville, when we reced orders to march to Sedalia tomorrow. Went up town at night with Sherman, Baddey & Rule
Tuesday 1st
Went out on skirmish at 10 A.M. Came in & Corp Walls & I went up town, called to see an old friend Jane Brooks. Went to a hotel took dinner & 2 silver spoons. Afternoon spent in the woods with Corp Walls, Hindman & Glascock. Small shower. went in allright
Wednesday, October 2, 1861.
Passed off quietly with the exception of troops passing for Sedalia. Heavy rain at night.
Thursday 3
Pleasant, drill morn & eve, heavy rain at night
Friday 4
Wrote a letter to my wife. some rain today heavy rain at night Nothing worthy of notice.
Saturday, October 5th, 1861.
Still raining, rain all day, which I spent in laying around the tents, mud ankle deep, wet feet which feels very disagreeable. Report of Seigle being attacked at Georgetown & retreating back to Otterville. false report.
Sunday 6
Clear & pleasant
this morning, eat breakfast in the mud, aired my tent filled my pipe, sit down on Lieut Burts mess box & wrote three items, 100 men just going to work on the R.R. bridge to make it ready for a retreat. At noon had orders to move to Otterville which we did in double quick recd a letter from Bro Jim.
Monday 7
Clear & pleasant. Spent the day in making our tent comfortable which I did. built a cot for my own convenience put John Jones in the Guard house for drunkenness, carried brick to build an oven.
Tuesday, October 8th, 1861.
Nothing worthy of notice, clear and pleasant.
Wednesday 9
Detailed for guard Clear & pleasant. commenced raining in the eve, & rained all night. Countersign Germantown. Put Jim Ryan in the Guardhouse for quarreling & general disturbance.
Thursday 10
Disagreeable, raining & blowing, very chilly. Sent a letter home. took breakfast & supper at a hotel. never felt better in my life. Sunset clear, a beautiful night & plenty of frost & ice. did not sleep well.
Friday, October 11th, 1861.
Clear, but chilly, spent forenoon about my tent. Afternoon Battallion drill. very interesting At night singing and merriment generaly.
Saturday 12
Was routed by Lieut Burt at ½ past one A.M. he having orders, to report at headquarters with 2 men, I being one & Sergt. Badey the other. Started for Sedalia at 2 A.M. T. Jaques with us, made the trip 15 miles in 2 hrs on horseback Spent the remd of day waiting for 35th Regt to join us
Sunday 13
Our Regt, also 35th moved from Otterville to Sedalia Started on a scout at 3 P.M. Staid all night with Secesh after taking 1 of his teams He was a Cdt to Csh Convention Received 2 letters from Urbana Tallart & Hays
Monday, October 14th, 1861.
Pleasant, started early took breakfast at 7½, Orderly Scott & I went on our own responsibility took 3 mules 1 horse & 1 wagon Rode a mule 9 miles bareback, very tired got to camp at 8½ P.M. wrote a letter to my wife.
Tuesday 15
Quite unwell, went to write for the Col. till noon. Regt. struck tents & ready to march at 1 Started in high glee marched 10 miles, raining. Staid in Secesh house. not very well headache. took sup with Abv named Secesh.
Wednesday 16
Eat hearty breakfast at secesh, struck tents. we started as advance guard. marched ten miles, Campd at noon, eat din, went alone to secesh caught 4 hens & got 2 k.sacks aples, 1½ miles from cp. Went into hen house, caught the hens, retd to camp safe
Thursday October 17th, 1861.
Started on march at 6 AM Comd raining at 8 & quit at 2 PM Boys feel in high spirits. Waded the Owen branch of Teba quite high. wet to the hips. Camped at 3 PM Capt pr mittens, went a mile with one other & captd a sheep retd to cp, dried went to bed &c.
Friday 18
Started to Belmont on a scout on the hunt of 2 men, 23 of Co K. & 40 of G. Marched 12 miles in 4 hrs. took several prisoners Co K. got horse piece, Co G quarreling with us because they could get none Marched all night got to camp (Warsaw) at daylight. Very sleepy. 3 of the boys fell in creek
Saturday 19
Clear & pleasant
Got to Warsaw at daybreak tied horse Slept an hour or 2, took a few bites breakfast
Clear & pleasant. Slept 3 hrs looked around camp got on my pony rode up town, then to country took breakfast supper with cesesh lady, retd to camp moved across Osage River pitched tents at 10 at night
Sunday, October 20th, 1861.
Clear & pleasant
Struck tents. Got on my pony & marched 8 miles, took dinner on the road pitched tents early in the afternoon at Fairfield PO on the Pomedeterrie at Alexanders Mills 8 miles South of Warsaw, rough country. A part of Seigles comd incld 1 battery of artillery moved further forward
Monday 21
Clear & pleasant
Northwestern Rifle Regt. moved forward this morning Capt Boyden started for Springfield Ills. sent a letter by him to forward to my wife. E M Munger arrived at noon from Urbana, brought a letter & picture from my wife
Tuesday 22ond
This morn, cloudy & cool had talk with Col. Coler. Clear in middle of the day. Afternoon cloudy, eve quite cool. Marching orders for tomorrow, busy cooking at night. reported guard at bridge. password Stony Point
Wednesday, October 23rd, 1861.
Clear, cool. heavy frost. Struck tents & marched at 7 A.M. Short delay after crossing bridge. boys busy picking grapes, all in fine spirits. Moved on Maj Gen Fremont, Lovejoy & Staff pased us before noon. afternoon marchd 11 miles pitched tents 9 at night awful tired
Thursday 24
Clear, heavy frost, wrote down 1 on stand which stood out all night. went on battallion drill in forenoon. Saw Gen. Segle, took nap.
In the evening went on dress parade. won dollar while out. at night Lieut Burt informed us of a victory of ours at Ironton
Friday 25
Clear & cool. After breakfast we recd orders to march at 10 A.M. which we did led by 35th Ills. Regt. also a battery of artillery. followed by 44th Ills. dont know of but 2 other Regts. in our rear but am informed of several thousand others. Passed over a stony broken country today. Had a good look at Fremont & Seigle. Cpd one by sun on a stony hill on a branch of Pomdeterre
[margin]
very dusty
Saturday, October 26th, 1861.
Marched at 8 A.M. Passed over some fine & some broken stony country no timber but brush. Advance of 35th led by 44th Ills. & 2nd Mo Regts & a battery of artillery Passed through Bolivar County seat of Polk Co. met with a hearty reception from ladies & men, Camped at sunset
Sunday 27
Rose at 2 A.M. marched at 3. cool heavy frost marched 5 miles before sunrise. rested eat a lot of black haws. moved onward over a stony rough country. at noon the dust begun to fly which annoyed us very much. boys laying all along the road had given out from hard marching. Got into Springfield at an hr by sun. 14 dead bodies lay in the court house killed in a battle on friday night great enthusiasm among the ladies
[margin]
Saw cesch flag 1st I ever saw
Monday 28
Detailed as Sergt. of the Guard.
Visited battle field where Fremonts Body Guard won a glorious victory on Friday eve. 280 of the Guards against 1500 Rebles. Washed went up to Springfield Saw Cesesh hospital 50 inmates since the battle of Wilsons creek. Next went to our own hospital Saw 40 or 50 wd Some at Wilsons creek, others wounded on Friday last. Village countd about 1200 men
Tuesday, October 29th, 1861.
Passed off quietly Sent a letter to my wife. Took dinner today with a good Union lady. 2 or 3000 troops came in today. dry & dusty.
Wednesday 30
Forepart of the day quiet at noon started up town found an old friend Hiram Frisby who was in the 3 Ills Service & in the same Co. at Joliet very glad to see him he took dinner with me. Aft. noon he & I went up town. In the eve Lt Burt brought some trophies from Wilson Creek battle field
Thursday, October 31st
Drill in the morning. after drill Bill Waters & I went out & got bag of apples. Aft. noon drew 2 days rations & the Co. was mustered for pay. In the eve orders came to hold ourselves in readiness to march at 10 minutes warning, that Gen Price was moving toward us. Expect a big fight—
Friday, November 1st, 1861.
Frosty, cloudy & cool.
Severe drill in forenoon
Afternoon, went out on drill. Col ordered Lieut Burt to take us on skirmish, in presence of Gen Seigle who said we were the best skirmishers he had seen
Saturday 2
Clear & cool. went out on skirmish an hour. after drill went up town Henry Miller & I eat some peach pies. He pressed pr. buck gloves, I pressed Missouri D[?] returned to camp took a good nap & got supper.
Sunday 3
Forenoon quiet, which I spent in writing to my wife. In the eve I went up town great excitement about the rebles being at wilsons creek & that we might expect a fight on tomorrow. Aft night immense cheering for McLellan & many groans for old Ford
Music &c &c.
Monday, November 4th, 1861.
Everything quiet. no show for a fight yet.
Fremont removed & started for St. Louis this morn. accompanied by his body guard & a large train
Tuesday 5
Spent fore part of day in camp. Aft noon went up town, saw lane & his brigade. he is a very ordinary looking man about 40 years of age. returned to camp very tired. back ache & a very sore neck.
Wednesday 6
Rose early; at 7 marched 4 miles for Division drill not well our boys went on skirmish. went to house got a drink. came on quite tired. cleaned quarters drew rations in the eve feel well
Thursday November 7th, 1861.
Detailed as Sergt of guard
Warm & pleasant.
At night immense cheering at Sigles Head Quarters.
Friday 8
Went on battallion drill till 10 A.M. then got orders to hold ourselves in readiness for any orders that we might receive. ½ past 2 comd striking tents. Moved at 3 dusty marching. Arrived at Wilson Creek 10 miles at ½ past 8.
Saturday 9
Breakfast of crackers & coffee marched soon after sunrise. Took a view of the battle field where Gen Lyon fell. Saw various specimens of a hard fought battle such as human bones, carcasses of dead horses &c. found a pr. revolver bullet moles a trophy of the battle. Campd at noon Spent aft. noon in reqning cot for my benefit
Sunday, November 10th, 1861.
Rose at 5 this morn. Answered to roll call & went to getting breakfast having had orders last night to be ready to march toward St Louis at sunrise. Eat breakfast struck tents & was ready to march at the appointed time. Moved back to Springfield 12M & campd soon aft. noon at our old camp
Monday 11
Rose early cloudy & cool. today E. A. Munger left our camp in company with our sick & wounded bound for Rolla whither we follow in 2 or 3 day, thence to St Louis Went up town in the eve & bought a bedquilt
Tuesday 12
Battallion drill &c. Marching orders for St Louis.
Dry warm & pleasant. dust, for Godsake. Move tomorrow at 7 A.M.
Wednesday, November 13, 1861.
Rose at 4 this morning Struck tent & ready to march at 6. moved out at 7. Forenoon march very fatiguing, dusty & hot, made 11 miles before noon. rested 1½ hours. made 9 miles aft. noon Stoped at dark. rested then eat a hearty sup. & retired Hilly & rocky country brush timber
Thursday 14
Rose at 4 this morn & ready to move before six af eating a hearty breakfast. boys all feel tolerable well, though somewhat sore. Some delay in forenoon. Passed over a stony hilly country. Some scrub oak timber went into camp about ½ past one aft having marched 16 miles
Friday 15
Rose early, eat breakfast before daylight. moved out of camp at ½ past 7. Slow marching, being behind the train. Passed over a stony hilly barren country, destitute of almost everything. no timber worthy notice
Campd at dark after having marched 18 miles—
Saturday, November 16th, 1861.
Did not march today Had a very pleasant camping ground spent the fore part of the day in drawing rations, detailing guards, &c. Aft noon went out of camp & took a small survey of the surrounding country. feel splendid
Sunday 17
Rose at ½ past 3. Called roll &c. Struck tents & marched at 5. dark & raining. made 3 miles before daylight. Had a row with a duch Col. Marched 27 miles today over a stony hilly road, through a barren country Cloudy all day, cool & pleasant marching Campd an hour by sun
Monday 18
Rose at ½ past 1 this morn Called the Roll at 3. made out morn report. Struck tent & ready to march at 5. Moved out & with Co. G. were artillery guard, marchd 17 miles by 2 P.M. Went out and got a lot of [?] which I fried for supper. Passed over a stony hilly country, timber some little
Tuesday, November 19th, 1861.
20 miles today.
Rose at 5 this morn. called the roll. detailed guard eat breakfast. Struck tents & ready to march at 7. Still hilly, timber improving. at noon crossed the Gasconade River on a bridge made of wagons. Begun to rain at 2 P.M., contd an hour hard, went into camp at 6. had a fight with Corpl Wilson & went to bed
Wednesday 20
Rose at 6, roll call & I was put under arrest for fighting. Spent forepart of the day in washing my clothes preparatory to going to St Louis. aft noon cut Capt Boydens & others hair &c. went on dress parade at 5 in the eve
Thursday 21st
Was released before I was up this morn. Soon after breakfast I rode Burts pony up town bought a pr boots looked around a short time & went back to camp. went on dress parade in the eve—
Friday November 22, 1861.
Sent a letter to my wife. Spent the fore part of the day in my tent. Aft noon made a wooden pipe, went on dress parade in the evening. At night I spent in reading the "Way to prosper" to day cool & windy.
Saturday 23
Built a fire in our furnace & went to reading. was soon detailed as Sergt of picket Went to Provost Marshalls Quarters as reserve guard & remained all day & night
Sunday 24
Came off of guard this morn very cool spitting snow. Spent the day in my tent, &c.
Monday November 25th, 1861.
Still very cool & cloudy Nothing transpired today worthy of mention. My old friend Lt. Frisby called on me at noon. glad to see him. Received 2 letters from my dear wife, which relieved me much
Tuesday 26
Sent a letter to my wife to day. spent forepart of the day in skirmish drill—weather moderating.
Wednesday 27
Clear & pleasant, though somewhat chilly—
Thursday, November 28th, 1861.
This morn Jesse Burt & Lieutenants wife came to camp direct from Illinois. Recd 2 letters from my wife.
Friday 29
Visited a cave which was 3 miles from camp it is one of the noblest species of naturs handiwork I ever saw, went in about 600 yds picked up some fine specimens as a trophy.
Saturday 30th
A slight mistake—what I recorded for yesterday occured today.
This day passed off quietly, received a letter from my wife.
Sunday, December 1, 1861.
All quiet, no news nor nothing else.
Monday 2
Got a pass & went up town, snow 3 inches deep. eat a hearty dinner at a restaurant which reminded me of home. Bought some cooking utensils for our new mess Jane, Walls, Twyford & myself
Tuesday 3
Spent the day in my tent reading "the ladies garter" &c. Pleasant day Organized a new mess. Composed of Corpls. "Jane", Walls, & Twyford & myself, with Lieut Burt.
Wednesday, December 4th, 1861.
Sergt. of Picket Guard with Lieut Cramer. Clear and pleasant, snow all gone of this evening.
Thursday 5
Quiet as usual
Friday 6
Nothing worthy of note.
Saturday, December 7th, 1861.
Raining quite hard this morning. This eve had to take the Company on dress parade & call roll at tattoo.
Sunday 8
Warm & pleasant. rose early. called the roll detailed camp, & picket guard.
Spent day in cooking &c. drew rations this eve. Quite an excitement today on account of the ill usage of Lt Burt by Boyden, Andrews, Coler & others
Monday 9
All quiet
Tuesday, December 10th, 1861.
All quiet. Nothing more transpiring in camp than the regular routine of business, calling rolls, detailing guards & drawing rations
Wednesday 11
Called the roll early, drilled in bayonet exercise in morn. Aft noon Capt Boyden took the Company up to Rolla treated us to 3 galls beer then we went & saw the fort which is a magnificent structure, quite impregnable. Sent a letter to Lt Fontleroy at B[?]
Thursday 12
Roll call at 6 this morn. detailed guard & saw it mounted, then went on bayonet drill. afterwards superintended the cleaning of the St & other duties pertaining to the Orderlys duties, drew rations, dress parade &c.&c.
Friday, December 13th, 1861.
Severe drilling all day very nearly. Wrote a long letter to my wife. Orderly duties &c. constituted the routine for the day.
Saturday 14
Sent my letter to my wife. Bayonet drill, washed shirt & drawers, Griggs had a box of J.D. whisky stolen last night I went to his tent to see if I recognized cap & coat left behind by the thief. Rest of the day quiet
Sunday 15
Company inspection &c wrote 2 letters one to my old friend Joe W. Somers the other to my wife. After noon recd pay from Unkle Sam. amounting to 23½ dols. At night some of the boys got on a rich old drunk.
Monday, December 16th, 1861.
Sent 2 letters home, one to my wife by James Brown containing fifteen dollars. Went on picket guard on post No 2. passed off a dull monotonous day Countersign "Mexico"
Tuesday 17
Came off guard at 10 A.M. feel quite unwell Spent day in Lt Burts tent on my lounge or cot. Clear pleasant weather.
Wednesday 18
Went to town, still unwell thought some exercise, eat a dish of oysters, didnot engoy the trip. returned to camp: was accompanied today by my friend Frisby.
Thursday, December 19th, 1861.
Still not very well. today at 11 A.M. we struck tents & moved our camp 1 mile north of the old camp 2 miles west of Rolla. Our new camping ground is a very pleasant one though quite obscure & monotonous. at night Lt Burt was released
Friday 20
Cool & cloudy. after breakfast Lt Burt, Corpls Jane, Walls & myself went a short distance from camp quarried out some fine stone & proceeded to build a furnace in our tent which makes it quite comfortable. dress parade in the eve, uncomfortably cool wrote a letter to Bro. Hays &c.
Saturday 21st
Spent the day in my tent though not very agreeably. Snowing & sleeting all day which makes it very unpleasant. Copied an instrument of writing for Lt Burt.
Sunday, December 22nd, 1861.
Spent this day in my tent. not very well poor appetite &c. Sent a letter to Bro. Hays; quite anxious to see my little family.
Monday 23
Spent the day in my tent received a letter & paper from my wife, which done me so much good that I cant tell how good I did feel; immediately answered her kind letter. very cool today.
Tuesday 24
Sent a letter to my wife by Wm H Kable who was going to Tolono on a leave of absence. had rabbit for breakfast which was nice. Went hunting. caught 2 rabbits Aft noon target shooting. I was appointed a judge in Co. A.
Wednesday, December 25th, 1861.
Chrismas Day, not well spent the day in my tent reading, sleeping & cracking nuts. in the eve wrote a letter to my wife.
This is certainly the dryest Christmas I ever passed over thought a great deal about my little family, anxious to see them
Thursday 26
Spent the day in my tent. Mr Twyford & Mahannah arrived today from Tolono eat a hearty dinner brought by these gentlemen from home the turkey was certainly delicious & cakes & butter unsurpassed, feel better today. pain in my side at night
Friday 27
Nothing of importance transpired to day
Saturday, December 28th, 1861.
Went up to Rolla today did not feel well so I did not engoy myself went to a restaurant took some tea & sweet cake for dinner.
Sunday 29
Not well, spent the day in my tent reading & writing to my wife
Monday 30
No better today, headache—janders &c. In my tent all day reading, poor engoyment Today Unkle Twyford & Mahannah & some of the boys went today to see the cave below Rolla.
Memoranda.
December 31st
The last lingering rays of the old year break in upon me with a profound recollection of scenes so varied in nature & circumstances, that it brings to my mind fresh recollections of a happy past & the hopes of a pleasant future.
The old year has found me in employment as a teacher of a common school, next finds me in the U.S. service for 3 month, in Co. A, Capt. Wolfe, next with my family for a few weeks; next in 25th Regt. Col. Coler Co. K. Capt E. Boyden &c. & the end of the year I am encamped 2 miles west of Rolla, Phelps Co. Missouri, Dec. 31st/61
May Bills Payable.
Date. Name. Dolls. Cts.
John A Ritter
Co H 1.75
June Bills Payable.
Date. Name. Dolls. Cts.
Oct Uriah Brown Dr
6th To cash to pay Supt .25 Paid
Oct Saml Buchtel Dr
7th To cash pay lodging .50 Paid
Oct Jas R. Walls Dr
7th To cash .10 Paid
August Bills Payable.
Date. Name. Dolls. Cts.
Jane & Hineman
Paid on butter .10 each
7
Ed. Taylor .10 = 40
Receivable.
September 26th
recd of Unkle Sam 40.00
Sept 30th Recd of U.S. 21.20
September Bills Payable.
Receivable.
Sept 21st Recd
Jacket & Pants as
part of my uniform
Sept 22nd recd 1 cap
Sept 7, Recd over
coat.
October Bills Payable.
Cop Mahannah
R Graham
P. Glascock
W. Griffith
H. Miller
T. Powell
E. M. Williams
A. O. Wellman
— — — — — —
Welch
Beck
C Smith
T. Powell
Jas Torrey
Wm Wilson
C Moore
John Neffs
Statler
Tracy Torrey
guard Powell
Oct 28 Taylor
Welch
Sergeant
J. M. Tracys Book
of Co. K. Capt. E.
Boyden, (25th Reg.
Ills. Volunteers
from Urbana Ills.
Pomdeterre
Alexanders mills
Fairfield P.O.
————————
J. B. Patten
T. F. Patten
D. Patterson
J. Peebles
S. T. Stephens
J. B. Shirk
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15260) | DOT0136.001 | Diaries |
Tags: Alcohol, Animals, Anxiety, Artillery, Burials, Business, Camp/Lodging, Children, Chores, Christmas, Clothing, Courts Martial, Crops (Other), Death (Military), Discharge/Mustering Out, Discipline, Drilling, Engineering/Construction, Excitement, Family, Fatigue/Tiredness, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, Furloughs, George B. McClellan, German Americans, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guns, Home, Homesickness, Honor, Hospitals, Hygiene, Illnesses, Mail, Marching, Medicine, Money, Music, Nature, News, Payment, Photographs, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Railroads, Reading, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Recreation, Recruitment/Recruits, Religion, Rivers, Rumors, Sadness, Scouting, Ships/Boats, Supplies, Unionism, United States Government, Victory, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (3779) [writer] ~ Tracy, James M.
Places - Records: 1
- (3257) [origination] ~ Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois
SOURCES
James M. Tracy Diary, DOT0136.001, Nau Collection
