Andrew M. McMoore Diary, 1863
[scribbles]
Hospital No 13
John Ray Capt
Respects to Capt Vorey
AMcMoore
E. D. Depuy
Paid to Apr30th
T. C. Jones [?] 30
Mack Apl 30
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June 11th 1863
Parole word
Sherman
Countersign
Gordensvill
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July 14th Pickett
27 Privates
6 Non Commission
3 Com
Relieve Capt
Vorey at 8½ oC
Station No 3
2 out Posts 6
Sentanal
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July 18th Pickett
27 Privates
6 Non Commision
3 Com Missouri
Relieve Cap Vorey
at 6½ oC
Station No 3
2 out Posts
6 Sentanals
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2 Sentanal
R Foster
Sidney Meriman
Killed at Murfreesboro
29th Stacys gun in
Bad order
Sargt & 6 men
Corpr 4 men
" 4 men
" gun guard
Capt Gortimer
84 Ills
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Black Boy
Name Samuel Watterson
2 miles south of
Winchester
Ann Watterson is the
Mother of this boy
he come into our lines July 27th 1863
ten yrs old
[short memorandum of expenses stricken]
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Capt Johnson 59 Ks V
[figures]
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July 27th 1863
I sent home by Chaplin Smith the sum of two Hundred Dollars
AMcMoore
Nov 21st 1863
I sent home by the Chaplin Smith the sum of four Hundred Dollars $400.00 AMcMoore
and ten Dollars in a letter to Mrs Moore the sam day
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Received Winchester Tenn July 27th 1863 Five Dollars $5 in payment for Clerkship in Co D 75th Regt Ill Vol Infty
$5// John W. Sheaffer
Received at Whiteside's Station Tenn
November 21st 1863 $5 in payment for Clerkship Co D 75th Regt Ill Vol Infty
John W. Sheaffer
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Aug 10th 1863 on Review
Patric Dailey talked in the ranks after being told to quit & on the same day Wm Stacy & N Darrow also talked and in the evening Patrick Dailey quarrelled with C Hewett
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[Memorandum of articles purchased for the Shebang Aug 24th 1863, list of food stores stricken]
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[short credit account stricken]
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L. Curry Milatary PO
Hd Qrs Army of Cumberland
A. D. Tathworth Chicago
115 Lake
Sunday Morning Sept
27th 1863 7 oC A.M.
This morning Wm Little struck Marion Spalsbury cutting him over the eye. Present Sargt T.W. Shaeffer S.C. Osburn John Goodell & John Hanover
Called [?] says—
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Mrs Morgan Etna
I wish rations
Mrs Ester Etna
want Rations
1863
I have paid my Servent Ed Cuningham
to Novr 21st 1863
AMcMoore
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Benton Barracks Mo
Tusday June 2nd 1863
To day we are loading the teams and preparing for a start to rejoin our respective commands in the army of the Cumberland
12 oC we are now going on board the Steamer Meteor. there is about four hundred excha men
3 oC PM we are off for Caro. 8 oC PM we are now landing the boat to stay all night the watter is two low to run with safety We can get good meals on the boat at 50 cts and to night I have the best bead I have slept in since I entered the service Long may it wave
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Wednesday June 3d 1863
Noon we are now at Cape Girardeau and are taking on board one hundred Cavl as an escort We have no guns. this is a town of 4 or 5 thousand inhabitants on the Missourie side
2½ oC we are now off for Caro. We leave the Steamer City of Alton at the dock She has just got off a sand bar. She left St Louis on Monday with Copperheads and ammunition on board. the Rebs go over the lines and the powder to Vicksburg. There is several She adders on board they will have it rough or I am no judge
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7½ oC PM We have turned in to the Ohio River and landed at Caro it is dark. I cannot see the city to advantage
Thursday June 4th 1863
We are off at daylight from Caro. at ten oC AM we land at Paduca on the Ohio River this is quite a town but looks the worse of the war the chimney tops are off & it needs painting on the side next to the river 2 oC PM we are now at Smithland where the Cumberland River enters the Ohio it is raining we pass Shawnee Town in the night
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Friday June 5th 1863
Clear & cool this morning wind east 9 oC We are now passing Henderson & the day is growing warm 11 oC AM we are now leaving Evensvill Ia this is a fine town
Saturday June 6th 1863 3 oC
we are now in sight of Louisville 4 ½ oC we are now unshipping the horses & wagons of the Cavelry. this is at the foot of the cannal & two miles below the city The soldiers stay on the boat all night. We had the barr closed most of the way up the river and then the men was none two sober
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Sunday June 7th 1863
We have now disimbarked and are marching up to Louisvill the city looks well and prosperous I stop at the Louisvill Hotell a fine house and in this city I find L D Malory & Henry Toby they are on the Hospital Train between Louisvill & Nashvill & are at this time having the cars repaired Malory ordered a carrage and showed me thrugh the city there are many fine residences and the army Hospitals are in some of the best of them I also visited the Soldiers Home and with Malory attended church in the home there ware more citizens then soldiers present
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Monday June 8th 1863
We left Louisvill last evening at 7 oC for Nashvill I took dinner & tea with Malory & Toby They ware verry kind to me & Toby as the cars was leaving come runing to me with a quart of tea loaf of bread a pie and a slice or two of ham. we road all night and had breakfast at Bolingreen and at 3 oC to day we reached Nashvill. we passed along by the Ground we marched over last fall the country looks better now and there is more grain on the ground then I expected to see but fence is a scarce article. we lay to night in Barracks No 1 Nashvill
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Tuesday June 9th 1863
6 oC AM off for Murfreesboro by the Rail Road. Passing over a rich country that has suffered from the war but there is some grain & grass along the road and a verry little fence until we get within 8 or 10 miles of Murfreesboro. then we it is all soldiers fortifications tents wagons horses mules muskets & big guns. As soon as the train run inside the line of fortifications I began to see old accuaintances & they ware coming to the train to shake hands with us I am now seeing lots of my Libby friends that rtd before me to their commands
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Murfreesboro June 10th 1863
To day I spend visiting the different camps and the defences also the Hospitals to see my sick boys. the works are verry strong. I have been on some parts of the battlefield but not yet on the spot where I was captured The timber and ceder brush are cut off which changes the looks of things very much I find it warm runing around and will report for duty in the morning Col Bennett has kindly permitted me to run around as long as I wish
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June 11th 1863
I report for duty and go on pickett to the front have a pleasant day and night am stationed close to a stream there is a splendid spring near by & lots of large shade trees and a few farm houses and here I get some rose flowers to take back to camp. no fighting to day at this point We can wash our feet but cannot bathe as we dont dare to lay down our arms or leave them day or night To night I take the sacred soil for a bead & a dog tent for a cover and sleep pretty well & at 9 oC next morning ret to camp
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June 12th 1863
To day we are in camp and I am trying to get Lt F. A. Caughey a leve of absence he is sick and runing down fast I think he will get 20 days absence and go home.
June 20th 15th 1863
We have been in camp for the last 3 days and not doing much but eating sleeping & drilling but to day we move at an early hour with the whole Brigade to the front for outpost picket duty and halt 4 miles out on the Shelbyvill Pike & go imediately on pickett
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June 16th 1863
To day we are off duty but dont return to camp
June 17th 1863
To day we advance on the pike and mill and are in reserve less then one mile from the enemys picketts. I went out on the pike & with my glass I can see the enemys out posts plane no fighting yet on this part of the line but we are wide awak as it may take place at any time I think this is better for mens health then to lay in camp. we teams tents & all here with us
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I think this is Saturday
June 20th 1863
We are still here on the front. Orange Brittell & Chas Goodell have just borrowed my glass to look at the Rebs The sun scorches at noon it comes strait down at this point but we have had several fine thunder showers since the ninth & I tell you that heavens artilery sounds clear among these limestone rock it is not so warm today We are very much troubled with bowel complaints not serious but general
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Sunday June 21st 1863
The 75 Regt is out on the verge of danger we can see the enemy plain our Battery (5 Wisconsin) is with us on the pike, the orderly says Lt Cobbey took home with him several articles that did not belong to him. here comes an ambulance load of citizens over the lines to our side I guess they are satisfied with the Confederacy there are frequent cases of citizens passing each way I suppose it is the different kinds of Copperheads
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June 24th 1863
this morning we move south & 4 miles out the scurmishing commences the firing is heavy in front this is close to Fosterville 4 oC we are now in camp by the ceders & the firing is less frequent we advance it is raining fast & verry muddy our loss to day is about one hundred men in killed wounded & missing all in Johnson division we take 90 prisoners & hoald the ground This is near Liberty Gap
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June 25th 1863
it rained all night we take the advance to day (Davises Division) it is raining hard yet and the marching is horrid but before noon we halt as it rains verry fast we are now on the ground where the fighting was yesturday part of the familys left their homes and all their property and our boys are helping them selvs to what they want such as chickens pigs beads & quilts &c &c we are spoiling the Egiptians their harvest is now ready to gather and we will drive them off this they cannot afford
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25th
5 oC PM we are in line of battle & our scurmishers out & pecking away at them it is hot but the enemy is giving back a little sundown the firing is less frequent & will soon close for the night the ambulances are now runing two & fro picking up the wounded this is a hard place for us the narrow defiles hills & timber is all in their favour but I think they have got to yeald. Chas Goodell showd the white feather this afternoon it is now nearly dark & the scurmishers are still firing we expect to be on picket to night
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June 26th 1863
We are this morning still on the pickett line and no fight yet there was 8 or 10 shots fired last night
Col Miller was killed yesturday & our loss in killed wounded & missing is about one hundred as we as I can learn. It is now 8 oC AM & the firing to our left is heavy I think in Thomases Division. The firing on our line is moderate this morning I think we have an army Corps out here. Our Brigad has advanced leaving us to 75th to the right on pickett there is brisk work to the left I am having a fine dish of black beans to day
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Saturday June 27th 1863
We ware relieve from pickett last night and lay down where the mud was shoemouth deep. we put our oil cloths down and lay on them & slept pretty well. We are still close to the rebel line I have be inspecting them this morning with my glass. we can see a few of them from where our Regt is lying to day we have made heavy march the rain has made the roads verry bad. we halted in the afternoon but had to pull up & march to quite late and all tired when we reached Belle Buckle & to night for the first time drew whiskey
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June 28th 1863
We leave Belle Buckle this morning and with more rain the roads are bad Coats & Richards is sick We start out in a heavy rain again & the roads are aufull. we send Reb prisoners to the rear to day Rosey is peging it to them & they are falling back & we advancing. We are smashing up things generally Wagons break down and up set & the mules & horses give out also the men We dont get into camp until midnight & after & not all come up yet. for the last 5 miles before we camp the men are laying all along the road & the wagons are thick
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June 29th 1863
8 oC A.M. the men have all got in or nearly so but the pontune train is in the mud along the road the boats are two heavy for these roads but they are now coming in with 12 mules to one wagon Also the beef cattle are close up & we will have fresh beef now we are getting hundreds of cattle as we go along. The roads are so bad that we are not likely to get off from here to day & as our feet are sore we want to stay although the mud in camp is over shoe top & many of us sleep in the water
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June 30th 1863
No rain this morning 7 oC A.M. we are still in camp & verry muddy no grain for the teams I dont think we can get out on account of the bad roads neither can we get feed for the mules & we are on half rations up to 8th of July this is to save transportation the pike is literally used up and still it rains you can scarcely ride a horse along without getting in out of sight We mustered this day for pay we are on the Duck River close to the falls where the fall is 12 feet & the cenery is very romantic
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July 1st 1863
This morning the sun shines and it is quite warm I hope the rain is over. I was on patrole last night with 25 men and the lower end of my ground was the falls we ware not disturbed at all. But this morning two girls came up to the lines to pass. I sent them of & the boys said it was rough. There is more whortleburys blackburis dewburries & all kinds of stuff. the Rebs can live here pretty well We are picking burys killing cattle hogs sheep & takeing things out of the houses
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I am sending you another flower that I plucked at the Falls of Duck River also the leaf it is a kind of a vine with a brier on this is the Sensative Plant.
We are relieved from the Patrole at noon today & march thrugh Manchester on to Tullahoma 13 miles. the Rebs have left & we are glad of it if they had made a stand we would have had rough work
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July 2nd 1863
We have passed the breast work at Tullahoma & camped last night on the south side on the grounds the rebs left yesturday morning they had a large camp at this place & heavy guns part of which they burnt & left lots of stuff on the ground such as tents, mess chests and all kinds of camp equipage We start on early this with better roads and at noon we stopped for dinner close to 2 potatoe patches & we dug them all in double quick and took all the stuff about the premises We camp to night close to Elk River
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July 3rd 1863
This morning we start & wade the Elk River crotch deep with a strong current & rough bottom We also wade 2 or 3 other streams & it rains like shit & the roads are slippy making the marching verry hard We march thrugh Manchester rather a pretty town for this part of the country We are on ½ rations & are now camped & will probably stay until after the fourth it is a good camp watter is rather scarce for walking & they forbid us to forage
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July 4th 1863
We have a large meal this morning we have hash meat onions & potatoes cooked up together. We are getting in prisoners by degrees. We get the news today that Vicksburgh & Chattanooga is ours this is tall news if true the boys are getting pigs chickens onions &c making the rations fair. we have more rain to day as near as I can figure we have taken three thousand prisoners since we started from Murfreesboro and any amount of tents & camp equipage & 7 big guns part of them the carriages are burnt & part of them are spiked the work goes bravely on
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July 5th 1863
Things are all as usual I was out on the pickett post last night we took one nigger prisoner he had a basket of cherries. we sent him to Head Qrs I guess he got rid of his cherries
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July 7th 1863
More rain and things go on about as usual all on half rations & this is our best hoalt for the boys gather up lots of sheep pigs calvs chickens gees ducks apples berries &c This is a thin soil but crops look well but late
July 11th 1863
I was out on the pickett line again yesturday and last night. nothing of special interest happened. Major Shay of the 22nd Ia was officer of the day he put on a few ares & required the boys to stand pickett with their coats buttoned up in the hot sun
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Sunday July 12th 1863
Still in camp & feeling good over the news we hear from all parts of the Army but Morgan is making a raid on the Nashville & Louisvill Road he is a mischevious rascal & ought to suffer
July 17th 1863
We continued in camp doing picket duty as usual and we are now having Co Drill Battalion drill & Dress Parrade We are hearing good news from the Army all the time if true we have taken one hundred thousand prisoners
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since the first of July we learned yesturday that Gen Lee had got back over the Potomac. The blackburies continue plenty. Peaches & apples will soon be ripe & they are plenty here
July 22nd 1863
On out post pickett to day at Station No 3. Nothing of interest on the post but the news continues good all around. The Division officer of the day was here this morning and tells me that the morning dispatch is good Morgan is a prisoner. The weather is warm nights cool
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Sunday July 26th 1863
On pickett again to day wind SW cool & cloudy and raining a little at times. The 59th Regt recd pay a few days since & they managed to get whiskey & one man was knifed in the operation We look for pay tomorrow or next day. I hope none of our boys will get drunk card playing is two common in camp Some loose all their money in this way and others are verry flush
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Thursday July 29th 1863
on pickett again to day at the same station and the weather and dry
Aug 3d 1863
On pickett again with 27 men 6 non commissioned officers & 3 Commissioned officers the weather is verry warm and it is clear this is near Winchester Tenn
Aug the 6th 1863
This is the day set apart by the President to be observed as a day of Thanksgiving to God for the success of our Armies and we have had a glorious day here McCooks Army Corps assembled in
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a grove near a stream 2 miles from Winchester and all appeared to catch the spirit of gratitude & praise to God for the glorious victories given to our arms at Vicksburg Port Hudson & at Getisburgh. Also the rout of Braggs Army from Tennessee. There was several speakers, McCook Davis & others
We reviewed the past and speculated on the future and just as the exercises closed it commenced raining & poured down for an hour an we ware all well drenched
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including Gen Davises daughter & Gen McCooks wife and our pretty clothes was all wet and spoiled
Aug 7th 1863
On pickett to day again last night we recd orders to be prepared to march at a moments notice with 10 days rations
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Aug 11th 1863
I am on pickett line with 3 Commissioned officers 6 Non Commissioned and 27 men. Have 2 out posts and 6 sentanals.
Yesturday was a review of our Division Rosey McCook & Davis passed along the line front & rear The line was one & ¼ mile long on open ground and looked fine. Rosey was very pleasant and had a kind word for each man. The day was verry warm. I am out of sorts with my bowells drinking watter and other troubles
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Aug 17th 1863
At 2 oClock we fell in and marched on as before and tonight we camp 5 miles out among the mountains the day has been hot and many of the men fell out on the march but are now coming in by squadds a few was sun struck and the ambulances has to take them in We get plenty of corn & peaches to eat
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Aug 18th 1863
We are at 5½ oC about ready to start and now on the steapest part of the mountains all the troops are divided into squadds and lifting and pushing on the wagons yelling & whipping we canot get far today Gen Davis is now passing us on foot up the mountains. it is getting very warm. Here comes a batterry they have to pull heavy the stone & rock are round on the corners & composed of shells & insects. 3 oC we are now on the top of the mountain and it is level & the roads better & we are going 3 miles to night
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Aug 19th 1863
This morning we rise at 2 oC AM and march at 3 oC at daylight we are 3 or 4 miles on the road and get plenty of peaches & corn on the mountain 11 oC we now start down the mountain and here is 3 miles that is verry steep say 45 degrees descent. We had to use roaps to pull the teams up & now we use them to let the teams down again this day we make a forced march to Stephenson 28 miles the weather hot and lots of the men fall out by the way. we reach camp about sundown no dinner & we lay down on the ground to rest close to Crow Creek at a large spring
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Aug 20th 1863
This morning we change camp 2 or 3 hundred yds and commence fixing up our grounds & tents We have a good place to camp but there is a goodeal of work to do to put it in shape grounds to clean & bowers to build. I think it is hotter here then at Winchester & I fear the location is not so healthy and we are more crowded.
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Aug 21st 1863
Our camp begins to look better as the work progresses
Aug 22nd 1863
The work continues on the grounds. Lt F A Caughey came up last night he looks well
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Aug 23d 1863
I am on pickett to day with 3 Commission officer 6 non " officers & 20 men my station is near the crick & spring & in the timber plenty of shade and about 1 mile from town
Aug 24th 1863
This day Col Wm M Kilgour returns to the Regt looking well & better then I expected to see him
Aug 25th
There is talk of mounting this Regt now I feel opposed to it I think it will make more work for the men
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Aug 26th 1863
Lt Caughey will probably be mustered tomorrow but there is but little probability of Monagans being mustered at present. The weather is cool of nights & I have no blanket The news is good from Charleston that city will soon fall and the gig is about up with the Confeds
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Aug Sunday 30th 1863
Off again this morning at daylight the teams was all loaded & tents struck ready for a start and it is now nearly 7 oC and that is the hour we start wher I dont know time will tell. We expect to move down towards the city of Chattanooga. Sargt Newton is not well
10 oC AM We have now marched 4 or 5 miles and halted on the bank of the surging Tennessee River it is a beautifull stream and about 13 hundred feet at this point several boys have swam across already
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The valley is narrow the mountains coming in opposite to us close to the water. This is called Kelleys Ferry but now the pontoons are in & the Army is crossing cattle horses mules men guns &c here we go the bridge weaves so that I take Monagan by the hand to hoald us on the bridge 6 oC we are now camped 2 miles below the bridge in the timber and close in against the mountains & getting corn pork mutton & peaches & honey
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Aug 31st 1863
7 oC AM We are about ready to march again & to day we will have to climb the mountains again these are not so dificult of ascent The boys are having a scurmish amongst themselves with corn cobs & hicory nuts for balls. they divide off and have warm times and now & then a man gets a hard knock in the face We have marched and it is now about sun sett We are at the summitt of the mountains where the pine begins to grow 2 miles yet to camp we have no watter in our canteens and it is as dry here as in a powderhouse We march on in the night & halt at 9 oC
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Ala. Sept 1st 1863
here we are on the mountain amongst the pines oaks and chinkepins. the Young pines verry plenty and from 10 inches to 10 feet high I dont know where we are going but think we are working towards Dalton this was rather a pretty town when I was last there to day our Regimental teams are cut down to three and they have to carry all our lugage or we can leave it on the mountains
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Sept 2nd 1863
Orders to march at 6 oC and 12 miles will take us off this mountain & then we have another Brackenridge is said to be in a gap ahead 15 miles
Sept 3d 1863
6½ oC AM we are off down the mountains over rocks & rills we pass a house to day where there are several women & one man We march 14 or 16 miles and camp at 5 oC in Sand Valley close to look out mountain this mountain runs to Chattanooga We are getting corn peaches pigs honey potatoes apples &c
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Sept 4th 1863
We are resting to day in this valley & waiting for the train at one ½ oclock we have orders to march and we move down the valley 4 or 5 miles on to a large plantation owned by Winston. Well we will soon have the corn apples & peaches &c to night I go on pickett with 75 men it is rather a squally place and there appears to be Rebbels scattered all thrugh these mountains & we are picking them up. all of Davises Division is here & Johnsons is close behind us We have the advance Thunder how the rails wilt & waste we dont leave enough for a calf pasture
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Sept 5th 1863
We are still on the picket line & had a quiet night & this is a pleasant morn we have no marching orders yet it is now near 9 oC I have recd a letter & paper this morning from home I read them close here amongst the pines The sun now shines over the mountain brightly. There are a few of the troops moving out now Here comes a Cavelry guard with 5 Rebbel prisoners going to Hd Quarters My station is on the road & I get to see who comes in to day
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Sept 6th 1863 Sunday
I am off picket line & the ballance of the Regt go on to day. Nothin of special interest only Cavelry moving and a few prisoners coming in
Sept 7th 1863 all as usual corn getting scarce
Sept 8th 1863
Still in this Camp
Sept 9th 1863
one whole division of Cavelry & mounted Inft passed out to day About noon we get orders to march up lookout Mountain it is now 4 oC and we are here yet at 5 oC we start and get up the mountain
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Sept 10th 1863
Lay on the top of the mountain last night and at three oC AM we ware called up & marched back on to the side of the mountains & aide the teams up & then went back to the foot of the mountain & went into camp close to the place we left yesturday
Sept 11th 1863
at midnight last night 4 Cos of our Regt was ordered to go onto the mountain imediately & Co D. F. H. & I started & located ourselves along the side of the mountain & built fires all along the road & in this way the teams ware going up the mountain
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all night & have been going day & night for three days & n I saw many of my prison friends as they passed me on the mountains & amongst them Gen Willich & I paid him the money he loaned me whilst in prison. Gen Johnson Sharenden & Davis are over the mountains and the advance is in Rome Ga & the train will all get over to day & tomorrow and then we will probably move on
Sept 12th 1863
We ware not disturbed last night & slept well Col Bennett is better this morning he has been quite sick Col Kilgour is well all the teams are up mountain
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About 5 oC orders came to the Regt to pack & march back over the mountain towards Stevenson until we met the wagon train Well we got off at sundown and marched until 3 oC next morning when we met the teams at Flat Rock Creek 20 miles from where we started & within 8 miles of Stevenson The march was verry hard over the mountains in the dark stumbling and falling over the rocks in the night & the dust in many places 5 inches deep It was supposed that the Rebbel Cavelry was going to attack our train & the 75 was sent to guard it thrugh the mountains
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Sunday Sept 13th 1863
Well we got here at 3 oC this morning and start back at day light with the train in charge & without breakfast and moved at a rapid jog and got back to camp making 40 miles in 21 hours from the time we started this is hard work in the night over mountains Many fell out by the way and some got on the wagons
Sept 14th 1863
We are resting to day and looking at the troops coming down the mountains on their return from Rome as that move was a feint whilst Rosey entered Chattanooga I am today meeting many of my old prison friends
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Sept 15th 1863
We did not march yesturday but we ware up at early dawn to day & tents struck and waited all day expecting to start each moment Well we did not start Here comes in again from the other way and camp close by us first they go up the mountain then come down & then go up & so on We are wareing this country out runing over it. Something must be going on.
Sept 16th 1863
Prepare to march Boys well we did march at 9½ oC up the look out Mountain and on 2 miles where we camped on a stream
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called little River on which is Catahoochie Falls at the very point where our camp is The caskade is grand The rocks 150 feet perpendicular The watter falls 80 feet at one place perpendicular and there are many smaller falls there is but little water passing over it now but in wet weather it must move in torrents I in company with Lt Caughey & J W Shaeffer & others tried to get into a cave that is under the falls but found it impossible unless we swam the stream. I then passed down the stream some distance examining the rocks & shrubery This is truly a wild place Nature has wild freaks
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Sept 17th 1863
We continue to linger at The Catahoochie Falls We are short of rations & forage both I therefore invited the boys down by the Falls to roll stone off this they enjoy and make a meal on it We cast one rock off that would weigh a ton it fell with a crash & brake all to bits it is good fun for soldiers. In the afternoon we fall back one or two miles and camp again. We are now in an open field and the sun comes down warm We are all talking about the chances of getting out of the service
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Sept 18th 1863
Well I am on picket with my Company again We are expecting a Cavelry charge on this side and are vigilent in our watch let them come on we are ready for them & will give them the best we have. Orders are in camp to be ready to move at a moments notice. 10 oC we are off we have 25 miles to go and the roads verry bad & 15 miles without water We have 60 prisoners with us and are now on the move & the wagons begin to break These prisoners look well & the most of them appear satisfied to quit the war Well
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at dark we had 12 miles yet to march & the night is dark & quite coald say frosty and windy and the Regiment is strung out 8 miles long laying side the road only forty men got in last night
Saturday Sept 19th 1863
Sunrise here comes in the straglers foot & horsemen We are getting breakfast. two & a half miles will take us off the mountains. We are now in georgia & can hear the canon in the valley So you can see we are hard on the enemy We remain all day. Guard the train well we will get rest & potatoes
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Sunday Sept 20th 1863
We march at sunrise and this is an awfull mountain to decend the perpendicular height must be two thousand feet The enemy has fallen trees across the road We enter the valley at McLemones Cove on the LaFayetteville Road My Company is ordered out for rear guard. The canonading is verry heavy in front we are now coming to where wagons are breaking down and men falling out. The fight continues at 3 oC we rejoin the Regt at the Widow Gordons Plantation this is a verry fine brick house and all the surroundings good
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Frost last Night
to day the fighting has been verry severe here The building appears to be filled with wounded and many tents are pitched for the wounded I noticed two arms and a leg thrown under the hog pen near the house. We are marched all day & all night and camped at daylight we halted back 4 miles and drew rations which we needed pretty bad
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Frost last night
Monday Sept 21st
We are now getting a little rest on McCullahs Plantation between Chattanooga and Rocky Creek. Not withstanding the last nights march was hard it was grand The road was lighted for miles by the burning buildings and fences. the fighting is going on today & this is the 4th day of the fight We are on the extreme right and protecting this flank we are in line but not fighting our right rests against lookout Mountain six miles above Chattanooga. The fighting has been verry severe on the left & center but General Rosey understands what he is at
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Tuesday Sept 22nd 1863
At 3 oC this morning we was ordered back 3 miles & now our wright rests against the mountains 3 miles above Chattanooga in line of Battle. we have had breakfast and the sun is now rising there is a large Division of mounted men passing in to Chattanooga and I see 24 ambulances with them. We have many wounded in the town When I get 3 miles farther I will be where I was on the first of Jany. The signal men are now at work on the high point that overlooks Chattanooga There is a fine hotel there the place is called Summervill I can see them
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10 oC AM we fell back at to within 3 miles of Chattanooga and found out that our Brigade was cut off by the enemy and the shot whistling about our ears we having only 40 rounds of amunition, we got backed up against the mountains in line and here we will give them the best we have It now looks as if we will all be killed or captured. here comes Davises Adjutant. We feel glad they now where we are & will help us thrugh 11¼ oC here we go with a prospect to go thrugh 12 oC We are safe for the present I guess we are all in a tight place. when we pass the lines they cheer us fine. We have been in a tight for the last three days but now we are delivered thank God
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as soon as we get in we commence to build breast works to protect us and work all night. This is going without food or sleep longer then is pleasant, all for the Union & that makes it easy to bare
Sept Weds 23d 1863
The enemy dont come at us so savage to day as they did yesturday & we are getting our work pretty good & are now resting a little & will get rations to day. very little firing as yet along the lines. at noon our fort opens on the enemys train and continues to shell them until night We begin to think that we can stand them a pull but we continue to work
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Thursday Sept 24th 1863
This morning the fort opened on them at daylight sharp and there is a little firing on the line but no general engagement yet The firing continues moderate all day we go to bead early as we are allowed no fire at night. But about 10½ oC at night the ball opens sharp. Infantry Batterys forts &c it thundered around Chattanooga that night for an hour or so I found myself going to sleep several times whilst the balls was falling around me I have lost much sleep of late. This is a hot country shure The sun is hot and the enemy is making it hotter. This is not much better then when I visited it before
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Friday Sept 25th 1863
At 4 oC this morning we fell back behind the work to rest and others took our place in front but here the shells lay around on the ground there is verry little firing this morning They shell us here a little to day but we have a place to hide at night we have another time fighting on the line but we sleep & they shoot
Saturday Sept 26th 1863
The firing is brisk this morning all along the line not many killed
Sunday Sept 27th 1863
All quiett to day. Flag of truce gon out. 10 oC night firing commences & all jump up to arms
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Monday Sept 28th 1863
Rise at 4 oC no fighting yet our ambulances are going out to bring in our wounded under the truce flag
Sept 29th 1863
all quiett to day this evening our ambulances are coming in with the wounded I count 110 and still they come but it is two dark to count from where I stand there is from 3 to 6 men in each wagon this figures up big
Weds Sept 20th 1863 do nothing that
I can think of or I have lost the run of it
Octr Thursday 1st 1863
Cos D F & I are sent on pickett and are close to the enemys lines we stand in squads & so do they. it rains awfull all day & night I exchange papers with them
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Chattanooga
Friday Oct 2nd 1863
Return from the pickett line this morning at 7½ oC and nothing to eat I borrow crackers from Col Kilgour We had an awfull night in rain and mud and the stream rose so that we had to draw in the pickett line or be cut off & that prevented an exchange of papers this morning our grounds are well washed off & sweetened.
Saturday Octr 3d 1863
This morning we move back to 2nd line of works to rest and another Brigade take our place
Sunday Octr 4th 1863
all quiet this morning My tent is now pitched in a lovely yard Roses in bloom and other flowers much prettier then D R Beaks lot John Lee is the proprietor
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Chattanooga
Monday Octr 5th 1863 This afternoon the Rebs shelled us from the mountain and continued thrugh the night.
Tuesday 6th 1863
all quiet to day we are still in camp in this garden
Wednesday Octr 7th 1863
raining this morning and nothing to eat this is the closest time we have ever seen for food
Thursday Octr 8th 1863
A few shells flying around to day
Friday Octr 9th 1863
75th Regt at work to day on a new fort on hill where we have a fine view of Chattanooga
Saturday Octr 10th 1863
in camp to day all quiett Still fortifying the place
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Sunday Octr 11th 1863
1 Brigade go out on pickett to day & this brings us close up to the Rebbel picketts again. This army is being reorganised I dont know where we will be next.
Monday Octr 12th 1863
I am sick in camp to day I am with the 15th Wisconsin Regt
Tuesday Octr 13th 1863
I continue in my shebang to day but I feel better
Octr 21st 1863
This army is being reorganised and we are having lots of rain there is verry little news of interest it is all bustle in moving about
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Monday
Octr 26th 1863
We are now on Waldens Hill on the march back 10 miles from Chattanooga and on the way to Shell Mound near Bridgeport there is chestnuts here lots of mules dead & dying Rebs in sight across the river
Oct 28th 1863
We are now in camp near the Tennessee River & out of rations I have a few dried currents in my haversack that Col Kilgour gave me at Chattanooga and that is all I have for supper this is light diet
Saturday 31st 1863
this is muster day and we muster on the march
Sunday Novr 1st 1863
We are at Whiteside Station
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Pattent Medicines are
To day Whiteside County
I am James A Sweet is th
To day we are ordered to march out This is the day the Lord has made he calls the hours his own
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Station No 1
1 out Post 3 Senten
6 men 2 non Com
22 Capt H[?]
74th Ills
July 22nd 1863
on Pickett
Station No 3
2 out Posts and
6 Sentanals
27 men
6 Non Commission
3 Com officers
Relieved Capt Vorey
at 7 oC AM
James
Your are hereby invited
Tuesday Jany 25th 1863 You ever
look for another this day
to say this is the only way
This is the only way to
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June 16th 1863
Station No 19
Three out Posts
No 1 on the right & 6 men & 1 non com officer
No 2 8 men 1 non
No 3 8 men 1 officer 2 non
I relieved Capt Fox of 101 Ohio Regt with 8th
60 men 12 non comm and 4 commissioned officers 2 sent out 1st Relief at 8 oC A.M. I have 48 men 8 non commission and 3 commissioned officers
Parole Word
Witzell
Countersign
Memphis
Capt Snodgrass relieved me at 7½ 22 Jan
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Pennsylvania
Maryland
Virginia
Ohio
Indiana
Kentucky
Misouri
Illinois
Iowa
Wisconsin
Mich
NYork
DC
Tenn
Alabama
Georgia
N & S Carolina
Mass
Connecticut
Vermont
Maine
N Jersey
Delaware
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Newton
Harris
Cohenouaur
Schaeffer
Johns
———————
Scott
Stauffer
Coats
———————
Arey
Stedman
Milroy Parole W
C Gettyville S
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Muster for June 30th
Monagan
Stearns
Harris
Newton
Cohghenaur
Carfiorals
J. W. Shaeffer
John Stauffer
Coats
Journey
Johns
Scott
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Station No 16
No 1 & 2
10 men 6 me
2 Corpl 1 Sargt
[upside down]
Station 19
3 out Post 123
1st on wright
6 m off n 2, 8
Relieve Capt
Fox 101 Ohio
60 men 12 non com
4 commissioned
1 on Bridge
1 gun guard
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[scribbles]
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15259) | DL1615.002 | Diaries | 1863 |
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, African Americans, Alcohol, Amputations, Animals, Artillery, Camp/Lodging, Cards/Gambling, Cavalry, Clothing, Copperheads, Crops (Other), Death (Military), Destruction of Land/Property, Drilling, Duty, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, Furloughs, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guns, Hospitals, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, Insects, July 4th, Leadership (Soldiers' Perceptions of), Marching, Medicine, Money, Nature, Paroles/Paroled Troops, Payment, Picket Duty, Planters/Plantations, Prisoners of War, Railroads, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Recreation, Religion, Rivers, Robert E. Lee, Ships/Boats, Siege of Vicksburg, Supplies, Thanksgiving, Victory, Weather, William T. Sherman, Work
People - Records: 1
- (5285) [writer] ~ McMoore, Andrew McIlwain
SOURCES
Andrew M. McMoore Diary, 1863, DL1615.002, Nau Collection
