Joseph R. Talley Diary, 1864
We expected to start for Springfield Illinois to day Aug 8th 1865
In front of Marietta June 23d
JRT
Two miles from Atlanta
Aug 9th 1864
Friday, January 1, 1864.
We are fifteen miles from Knoxv near Blains crossroads.
The wether is the coldest of the winter. wind is in the NWest. Nothing of interest from the front. Longstreets Army is at Bulls Gapp.
Saturday [February] 20
Longstreets Army left Strawberry Plains and retreated towards Virginia and destroyed a great deal of his camp equipage Genl Schoefield is pursuing.
Monday 22
Longstreet is retreating from Knoxville. part of his army is going to Va and part to Dalton Ga. they fired the bridge over the Holston but it was not destroyed. they also left their pontoons and many tents and camp equipage
Tuesday 23
Our army fowled the retreating Rebels as far as Strawberry plains where they crossed the river and fowled up as far as Dandridge on the French Broad River. The wether is warm and pleasent.
Wednesday, February 24, 1864.
News from the front is encouraging it is reported that Genl Palmer is marching on Dalton Ga. and has ocupied Ringgold.
Genl Sheridan has started for his home on a leave of absence.
Thursday 25
No news from the front. The wether is warm and pleasent The large and high bridge over the Tenn here is being rapidly rebuilt and the cars will be running over it in fifteen days.
Saturday, February 27, 1864.
I was on picket. The wether was warm and pleasent. Nothing of importance transpiring here. nothing new from the front.
Monday 29
I with fifteen others was on fatigue in town unloading cars. Nothing of importance transpiring. 1500 men are at work on the bridge here.
Tuesday, March 1, 1864.
our Regt mustered for pay. The wether is very wet and disagreeable it rained all day and night and was quite cold. A train of cars ran off the track near Cleveland. no damage was done.
Wednesday 2
The 2nd Brigade went to Charleston Tenn I was on guard in town guarding ordinance and commissary stores ten deserters of Longstreet's army came in. they say he is going to Va. or to reinforce Joe Johnson at Dalton Georgia.
Thursday 3
I was relieved from guard at 10 oclock AM. The Regt was inspected at two oclock PM by Col Harker. The wether continues fine
Friday, March 4, 1864.
Our Regt is on fatigue in town unloading provisions and quarter masters stores from the cars. am putting them in the depot.
Sunday 6
I was on picket. The wether is mild and pleasent for this time of the year. Nothing of importance transpiring here
Monday, March 7, 1864.
I was relieved from picket at 9 oclock in the morning. The Company are on fatigue in town unloading cars. The wether continues fine tis warm and pleasent
Tuesday 8
There is nothing of importance transpiring here. The boats are running up as far as Strawberry plains. The river is rising fast. began raining in the evening.
Wednesday 9
The wether has cleared off warm and pleasent.
Monday 14
Nothing of interest transpiring here
Tuesday 15
Col Miles started for home
Captain Bosarth is in command of the Regt. in the absence of the Col.
Thursday 17
Seargt Shore started for home on thirty days furlough. The Regt is out target shooting in the afternoon.
Friday 18
All is quiet here, there is nothing unusual being done the Regt is target shooting in the afternoon.
Thursday [April] 7
Our Brigade was reviewed by Col Harker its commander in the afternoon. Our Division is commanded by Brig Genl Wagner.
Sunday 10
Genl Wood's Division is crossing the river on their way to Cleveland. Genl Howard commands the 4th A.C. a forward movement is expected to be made soon
Monday 11
Our Brigade was reviewed by Genl's Howard Granger Wood and Wagner. it presented a fine appearance. We expect marching orders soon to go to Tunnel Hill Ga
Saturday 16
Received orders to be ready to march next Monday morning
Monday, April 18, 1864.
Two Brigades of our Div left London at 7 oclock AM and marched to Sweet Water a distance of fifteen miles and camped for the night.
Tuesday 19
Marched early in the morning. marched about thirteen miles and camped at Athens.
Wednesday 20
Started on the march early in the morning and arrived at Charleston at noon where we remained until the next morning.
Thursday, April 21, 1864.
we received orders to march for Cleveland where it is likely we will remain for a considerable length of time. Went in to a permanent camp
Saturday 23
An order assigning Genl Newton to the Comm of our Division. on dress parade.
Tuesday, May 3, 1864.
Started on the march at noon and camped for the night at Beckley.
Wednesday 4
Marched 5 miles and took a position on the high Ridge at Ca[?] Spring
Friday, May 6, 1864.
Saturday 7
Started on the march at 5 ocl Skirmished for several miles. Tunnel Hill was taken by Genl Stanley's Division. the Rebels made but little resistance.
Sunday 8
heavy skirmishing was kept up all day our Brigade camp is on top of Rocky Face Ridge
Monday, May 9, 1864.
heavy skirmishing began at daylight the 27th Regt is deployed as skirmishers and loosed heavily
Tuesday 10
We still remain on Rocky Face Ridge and heavy skirmishing continues We can plainly see the enemies camp and fortifications Two Regts charge the Rebel fort and are repulsed with heavy loss
Wednesday 11
Skirm
Thursday, May 12, 1864.
Skirmishing all along the line It is thought the Rebels are preparing to evacuate as large trains of camp equipage are moving South. The Rebels left at night
Friday 13
Our Army marches in the works early in the morning in persuit of the retreating enemy who succeeded in getting every thing of value away with them
Saturday 14
Skirmishing with enemies rear guard it is thought he will make a stand on the Jacooseh River 10 mi from Dalton
Sunday, May 15, 1864.
found the enemy in front strongly entrenched east of [?] resting on the river and the line encircling Resaca heavy fighting took place along the whole line
Monday 16
Heavy fighting along the entire line. our army is entrenched within two hundred yards of the Rebel fortifications. They evacuate at night
Tuesday 17
Our army is in persuit cross the river at Resaca and drive their rear guard to Calhoun where we camp for the night.
Wednesday, May 18, 1864.
heavy skirmishing with their rear guard. we pass through Adairsville and camp three miles beyond. Supposed the enemy will fight at Kingston; Rome taken.
Thursday 19
Start early in the morning and find the enemy in force one mile from Kingston. we drove him from our line of works and then camp for the night
Friday 20
We moved one mile to the rear for the purpose of resting and washing our clothes. The whole army is lying still
Saturday, May 21, 1864.
We are still in camp and expect to move next Monday with 20 days rations in the direction of Macon Georgia.
Sunday 22
Nothing of importance going on. We are resting for the long and tedious march and are preparing for anything we will move tomorrow.
Monday 23
We marched at 12 oclock in a southern direction crossed the Etowah River at dark and marched [?] mi Camped at midnight
Tuesday, May 24, 1864.
Resumed the march at 7 oclock and marched until 7 at night. passed through pine timber and stoped for the night at 8 oclock
Wednesday 25
found us on the march at 9 oclock. one Division of Hooker's Corps is heavily engaged with the enemy and our Division is hurried up to their support.
Thursday 26
Our Corps takes its position and fortifies. there are two lines of works. Our Regt is on the skirmish line & looses 18 killed wounded & 1 killed
Friday, May 27, 1864.
finds us in line of battle with heavy skirmishing in front. heavy cannonading on our part of line but the enemy [?] until late in the afternoon. an advance is expected
Saturday 28
Heavy skirmishing begins at daylight and is kept up all day along the entire line. occasionally a cannon is fired from each side doing but little injury. no probability of our moving.
Sunday 29
heavy skirmishing along the entire line all day and a good part of the night The enemy attacked our lines [?] and were handsomely repulsed
Monday, May 30, 1864.
Heavy skirmishing and cannonading all day and about nine oclock at night the Rebels made an attack along the entire line and were repulsed.
Tuesday 31
Heavy skirmishing continued throughout the day along the entire line.
Heavy cannonading in our front in the afternoon.
Wednesday, June 1
Skirmishing began at daylight and is kept up all day with Ames commanding the 15 & 16 Corps moves from the right to the lefty and relieves Hooker.
Thursday, June 2, 1864.
Heavy skirmishing along the entire line. the right wing fell back almost two miles.
Friday 3
Skirmishing as usual along the entire line. Our Regt went on the skirmish line at dark
Saturday 4
The Regt was relieved and took up position on the left. heavy skirmishing and cannonading During the night the Rebels evacuated.
Sunday, June 5, 1864.
Part of the army started in persuit of the retreating Rebels. Our Division remain expecting a cavalry raid by the enemy.
Monday 6
We march at six oclock AM marched about 7 miles and went into camp where we probably will remain three or four days Hooker is persueing the Rebels
Tuesday 7
Resting in camp about two miles from Acworth west of LR R.R. there is nothing transpiring in our front.
Friday 10
We started on the march again at noon. The 22nd Ills Regt started for the reas their term of service having expired.
Saturday, June 11, 1864.
Early in the morning we got on the march. the army takes position and fortifies.
Sunday 12
Skirmishing along the entire line our Regt went on the skirmish line at five oclock PM It rained very hard all day without cessation.
Monday 13
Skirmishing is still kept up but not very heavy. rained hard until afternoon. The Regt is relieved at four oclock
Tuesday, June 14, 1864.
Heavy skirmishing along the entire line. Genl Polk was killed by one of our shells. The left wing of the Rebel army fell back 1½ miles. it rained hard all day.
Wednesday 15
The army advances on the right and centre. our Brig is engaged all the afternoon and drives the Rebels in to their works and at night we entrenched ourselves
Thursday 16
Very heavy cannonading is kept up all day on our part. the Rebels made no reply until late in the afternoon doing no injury
Friday, June 17, 1864.
Heavy skirmishing along the entire line. Our right advanced several miles rained hard all day.
Saturday 18
The center advanced to within 350 yds of the Rebel main line of works and fought all day. our loss heavy. we built fortifications at night and the enemy evacuated.
Sunday 19
Started in persuit of the enemy found them in force about two miles from their former line. their line now extends up along lost mountain their center resting upon it
Monday, June 20, 1864.
We have three line of works the front line keeps up a constant fire upon the Rebel line but it is at too great distance so not much expectation We are relieved and go back one mile at night
Tuesday 21
Our Division moved to the right about 3 miles and relieved Hookers troops. Our Brigade advanced on the enemy and made two lines of works.
Wednesday 22
Heavy skirmishing in our front. an attack was expected to be made by the Rebels. they made a heavy assault on Hookers line and was repulsed heavy loss
Thursday, June 23, 1864
Our Corps advanced its lines at four PM to within 300 yds of the enemies works. The enemy come out and attacked Stanley and were repulsed with heavy loss.
Friday 24
There was but little skirmishing during the day. enemy [?] all night. There was heavy cannonading on our left in the evening
Saturday 25
There is but little firing on the skirmish line. The enemy opened with some heavy guns on the mountain on our left
Sunday, June 26, 1864.
Nothing of importance transpiring. Our Regt is in the front line of works but few shots are fired upon all sides our skirmishers having orders to not fire unless the enemy advances.
Monday 27
At sunrise our Brigade moved to the right and front of the 1st Div and with two other Brigades charged the enemies works and was repulsed. our loss very heavy. Genl Harker was killed we lost one flag it fell inside the enemies works.
Tuesday 28
There is nothing of importance transpiring more than usual. firing is still kept up by the skirmishers with an occasional shot from artillery.
Wednesday, June 29, 1864.
There is nothing unusual transpiring along the lines only picket firing has ceased in our front the skirmish lines are only about sixty yards apart.
Thursday 30
No firing in front. the pickets of each army stand up and walk almost as if there were no enemy near. Our Reg was relieved from the skirmish line at 8 oclock
Friday, July 1
both armies are still. Scarcely a shot is fired from either side a few cannon however are heard now right & left.
Saturday, July 2, 1864.
At dark we move to the left at daylight our batteries opened along the entire line. heavy skirmishing for a few minutes when quiet prevails again.
Sunday 3
We passed through Marietta at noon The enemy evacuated last night and our army was in place in the early morning. found the enemy in forts about eight miles from the river. heavy skirmishing with enemy.
Monday 4
Moved about one mile to the left and took position and fortified on the right of the enemies works The enemy evacuated their works at night.
Tuesday, July 5, 1864.
We started early in morning and pursued the enemy to the river. We can see Atlanta from the mountain. The Rebs are on the south side of the river
Wednesday 6
Remained in camp close to the river. nothing of importance transpiring the cars came in at 10 oclock at night
Thursday 7
We moved about 2 miles to the left and went in to camp supposed we will remain here two or three weeks
Friday, July 8, 1864.
We were busy with cleaning up camp ground and putting up tents The Regt is on picket.
Saturday 9
The Division excepting our Regt marched up the river 16 miles and crossed over on the other side. Our Regt remained doing the picket for the Brigade.
Sunday 10
The Regt is still on picket. Stanley's and Wood's divisions took positions in line on our left. we are expecting Division return
Tuesday 12
The Brigade returned from Rossville in the evening.
Wednesday 13
The Regt was relieved from picket. The Division crossed the river and went in to camp about three [?]
Thursday, July 14, 1864.
Nothing of importance transpiring We have erected breastworks
Friday 15
The Regt is at work getting out bridge timber. We expect to move forward as soon as it is finished.
Saturday 16
Nothing unusual being done. The bridge is finished and we expect [?] to move forward soon
Sunday, July 17 1864.
We received orders early in the morning for to remain in camp as we expected to march
Monday 18
The whole army advanced about five miles and fortified. Our Brigade was in advance of the corps and had considerable skirmishing to do
Tuesday 19
Wood's Division advanced early in the morning and ours late in the evening within a five hundred yds of the enemy
Wednesday, July 20, 1864.
The enemy fell back, our forces advanced and the enemy came out & fought us and were whipped leaving their dead and a great many of their wounded on the field.
Thursday 21
All is quiet in our front. We bury the dead killed in yesterdays battle. The enemy evacuated his works and fell back 1½ miles
Friday 22
Our army advanced and made fortifications The enemy opened artillery along the entire line McLearson fought a hard battle and was killed.
Saturday, July 23, 1864.
Heavy skirmishing & artillery firing along the line the entire day. Our Regt is on the skirmish line. the Rebels advanced twice upon it.
Sunday 24
Heavy cannonading by the Rebels. they are feeling for our batteries. they made an assault upon our right at midnight & were repulsed.
Monday 25
Artillery firing is kept up all day by the enemy upon our whole line. Hooker opened some heavy guns upon Atallanta.
Tuesday, July 26, 1864.
Artillery firing & heavy skirmishing kept up all day by both sides. No change in the lines. Our guns reach Atlanta.
Wednesday 27
The 15th 16th & 17th Corps moved from the extreme right left to the right. heavy cannonading all day along the entire line.
Thursday 28
Very heavy cannonading all day. the enemy made several demonstrations on our line. heavy fighting on the right
Friday, July 29, 1864.
Heavy cannonading & rocket firing all day in our front. no change in the position of either army.
Saturday 30
Not so much firing as there was yesterday the enemies skirmishers fell back in our front and we occupied their rifle pits. 27 is on picket.
Sunday 31
Picket firing is kept up all day but no firing from artillery on either side
Monday, August 1, 1864.
All quiet along the entire line until 3 oclock PM when our batteries began a furious cannonade upon the enemies works to which the enemy made but a weak reply
Tuesday 2
Nothing unusual transpiring. light skirmishing and an occasional shot from the batteries during the day.
Wednesday 3
Our batteries opened all along the line at 4 PM and our skirmish line advanced when the Rebels opened all their batteries upon us
Thursday, August 4, 1864.
The usual quiet prevails all along the line a few shots are exchanged during the day on the picket line
Friday 5
The right wing supported by the 3d Ky advanced the skirmish line and at dark our Regt relieved the 3d Ky heavy cannonading took place
Saturday 6
The Regt is relieved at 7 PM nothing unusual occurred during the day skirmishing is kept up and an occasional shot is fired by both armies
Sunday, August 7, 1864.
All is very quiet today along the line more so than usual. I dont think there was a cannon fired during the day.
Monday 8
No change in our lines and all is quiet in our front and along the entire line. The Rebels fired but few shots from their batteries.
Tuesday 9
Our batteries opened upon the city at nine oclock all along the lines and kept up a continuous fire until night.
Wednesday, August 10, 1864.
Nothing unusual being done. Some heavy guns came up from Nashville The batteries kept up a constant fire upon the city all night
Thursday 11
Our batteries keep up a constant fire upon the City they elicit no reply from the enemy
Friday 12
considerable cannonading by both armies The Regt went on picket at dark. all quiet along the line
Saturday, August 13, 1864.
All is quieter than usual along the lines. Scarcely a cannon is fired from either side. The Regt was reliev from picket at dark.
Sunday 14
All is quiet until late in the afternoon when heavy cannonading is heard on the right . we dont know the result.
Monday 15
Nothing of importance more than usual going on. Our batteries fire every five minutes upon the City
Tuesday, August 16, 1864.
firing is kept up all day. the enemy made a reply of a few shots it was expected the enemy would make an assault on our lines at night
Wednesday 17
June 23d
Our batteries continue to shell the City in the afternoon a demonstration was made by our pickets heavy firing took place
Thursday 18
four demonstrations was made on the picket line. The enemy opened a heavy cannonade at daylight upon our batteries
Friday, August 19, 1864.
Nothing more than usual going on The batteries keep up a constant fire upon the City.
Saturday 20
Nothing of importance transpired more than usual. They still continue to shell the City. The Regt went on picket at [?] ½ OC.
Sunday 21
The Regt was relieved from picket at 6 PM. all is quiet along the lines. there is nothing more than usual transpiring.
Monday, August 22, 1864.
Nothing unusual transpiring along the lines. Our batteries continue to shell the City.
Tuesday 23
The usual quiet prevails along the lines. The Cavalry has just returned from another expedition. they made a successful raid.
Wednesday 24
There is nothing unusual transpiring on our front. received orders to be ready to march at a moments warning
Thursday, August 25, 1864.
The Regt was relieved and started for home marched to Vinings Station where we remained all night
Friday 26
Got on board the cars at four oclock AM and arrived at Chattanooga at eight PM.
Saturday 27
Remained at Chattanooga until 6 PM when we got on board the cars and started for Nashville
Sunday, August 28, 1864.
and arrived at Nashville at 12 M. and put up at the Zollicoffer house.
Monday 29
We are still in the Zollicoffer building The officers are busy making out descriptive rolls for the veterans.
Tuesday 30
We would have started home had not an attack been expected by Morgan. Consequently the Regt was sent to fort Negley last night.
Wednesday, August 31, 1864.
Left Nashville on board Emma Floyd for Alton, passed under a tree in the night and broke both smoke stacks.
Thursday, September 1
Arrived at Fort Donaldson at daylight. Stopped to repair the boat. Started again at noon arrived at Paducah Ky
Friday 2
Stopped at Cairo four hours. Stopped at night at Cape Girardeau
Saturday, September 3, 1864.
Started again at daylight and laid up for the night 40 miles from St. Louis.
Sunday 4
Arrived at St Louis at 12 M. Stopped two hours and then started for Alton tied up three miles from the city [?]
Monday 5
Remained in Alton all day waiting for a train. An excellent dinner was given us by the mayor of the City
Tuesday, September 6, 1864.
We took the cars at dark and arrived at Camp Butler at three oclock PM
Wednesday, October 12, 1864.
Still on Rocky Face Ridge heavy skirmishing kept up all day. we can plainly see the Rebels fortifications and camps
Monday 17
Went to work at WA Tallys for two dollars per day
Saturday 22
finished the job until after the house is plastered
Wednesday [November] 9
Preparing to go to Lebanon to school Received 45 dollars of W A Tally on [?] account
Thursday 10
May 10th
Still remain on Rocky Face Ridge heavy skirmishing kept up all day. We can see the enemies camps and fortifications
Saturday [November] 12
heavy skirmishing kept up all day all along the line. It is thought the enemy is evacuating. the Rebels evacuated at night
Sunday 13
Our army started in persuit of the Rebels early in the morning. they succeeded in getting every thing of value away
Monday, November 14, 1864.
Skirmishing with the enemys rear guard
Tuesday 15
heavy fighting along the Rebel line. Johnson is strongly fortified his right and Regt resting on the Catoosa River encircling the town of Resaca
Wednesday 16
hard fighting along the whole line. the Rebels evacuated at night.
Thursday, November 17, 1864.
passed through Calhoun
Our army persues the Rebels who destroys the railroad bridge. we found the enemy in forenoon this side of the river. heavy skirmishing
Friday 18
passed through Adairsville. heavy skirmishing all day.
Cash Account. January.
Received in
money of
WA Tally $4.50
of JC Martin 1.00
Loaned to
A.T.T. $10.00
Cash Account. February.
Dr Jaynes Expectorant
Alternative
Cash Account. December.
Wanted to purchase a new invention which is used by every farmer pays 100 per cent to manufactures
N. B. Cooper Preble Co Ohio
$70 per month fifteen articles
Otis F Garey Biddleford Me
Summary of Cash Account.
[figures]
Memoranda.
[figures]
Costello & Co Box 638
139 S eighth St
Phila
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15278) | DL1686.001 | Diaries | 1864 |
Tags: Artillery, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Cavalry, Death (Military), Desertion/Deserters, Destruction of Land/Property, Engineering/Construction, Fighting, Fortifications, Furloughs, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guns, Hygiene, Injuries, James Longstreet, Joseph E. Johnston, Joseph Hooker, Marching, Money, Nature, News, Payment, Philip Sheridan, Picket Duty, Railroads, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Reinforcements, Rivers, School/Education, Supplies, Training, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (3845) [writer] ~ Talley, Joseph Rusling
SOURCES
Joseph R. Talley Diary, 1864, DL1686.001, Nau Collection
