Furman Morris Diary
Furman Morris
Furman Morris
His Book
Camp Nevin Nov 2nd
1861
In case of the Death
of the owner of
this Book . . . . .
Please send it to
Dixon Lee Co, Ills
Box 185
[page torn away]
A glimpse
Part
I was born
of New
on the
1837,
noth
about
than
person
age.
of an
impo
during
with
in my
state /
rived
ge of
one year
my Father
into the
lls and
th him
bought
in Lee
Ills
bout
from
small
bout
tents
ith
working
nd for
till
August the 21st 1861
Then I enlisted in the United States army as a volunteer to fight for my country and the preservation of the goverment endangered by southern traitors and rebles who avowed it as their intention and purpose to desolve & overthrow Which caused the war between the North & South
and it is of this war and a few of its incidences which came under my special notice that I intend to write
the present
On the 2nd of Sept. we started for camp Butler that is I mean by saying we our Regt. the gallant 34th of Illinois commanded by Col Kirk . . . . .
Camp Butler is situated in Sangamon county Ills about seven miles from springfield the capitol of the state . . . .
After going through the usual ceremonies
that is generaly proformed upon the parting of so many friends Probaly never more to meet in this world we start amid the cheers waving of kirchiefs flags and the prayrs and blessings of our friends and were wirled away for the purpose of pitting ourselvs to meet our countrys enemy upon the field of Battle
We arived in camp Butler on the 3rd of Sept. Went to work & pitched our tents & commenced our military life of which I intend to give you a brief account
There was about six or eight thousand in camp upon our arrival Some of them green recruits like ourselves and
some partly drilled
We stayed in camp Butler about one month & during the time we were visited by the Govenor of the state once or twice & many other distinguist persons visited the camp to see us drill
The govenor gave us the name of being the best Regt. in camp & while I have a chance I will name the field officers
Col E. N. Kirk commanded the 34th.
A. Bosworth Lieut. Colonel and Charles Levanway Maj
and
I belong to Co. D. High private in the front rank the regt. drew one suit of cloths while at camp But. and as I said before after staying a month the orders came for the 34th Ills to pack napsk & be ready for marching within two hours after notice Then amidst the noise and confusion of packen and
striking tents we at last got ready & got under march. But the great question among the boys was where was we going to this seemed to trouble & perplex them more than any thing else We got aboard the cars at Jimtown a small place about 2 miles from camp. The cars started
east for Decatur still we could not solve the question where we was going After ariving at Decatur we staid part of a day then pushed on to state line city which lyes between Indiania and Illinois.
From here we pushed on through Indiania it was here that the boys thought we were bound for
Washington to help defend the Nationial Capitol which was endangered by the Rebles from Virginia Hurrah for Washington was the cry among the delighted Soldiers. But to make a long story short I shall be brief as possible We arived in Cincinnati crossed the ohio River from that place over to Covington
upon the opposite shore
We now saw that our destination was some place in Old Kentuck
From Covington we took the Ky central R.R. Direct to Lexington From the first moment of our landing upon the soil of Kentuck untill reaching Lexington we saw nothing from the natives indicating
their displeasure by our presens
But quite the contrary for upon first landing in Covington we were received with shouts of joy & manifest delight from the citizens They made it manifest in a good substantial way that is by spreading tables with everything in the eatable line that would tempt the
palate of the soldier They seemed as if they could never tire in giving & expressing their thanks and appreciation of our endeavors to aid them in putting down the traitors and Rebles in there state Iff I live to a hundred years I shall never forget the kindness & hospitality of the loyial citizens of Kentuck
When we arrived at Lexington we took up our line of march through the city or that is after receiving the remainder of our arms for the whole Regtiment had not been supplyed with arms untill now. A part of us while on the way between Covington & Lexington were call upon in the midt of the night
to come out and receive our arms Some of us were considerably alarmed think that the rebles had torn up the track and posted themselves along the rout so as to give us a warm reception upon our attempting a southward march But our fears proved vain and it turned out to be mearly a precaution on the
Col's part for fear they might try such a game If they had we would have been prepared for our Rifled Muskets where the best the state of Illinois could furnish & many sayied they excelled the Minie Rifle were loaded with the mine ball and many a Reble would have bit the dust if they had come in contact with us
But to return to my story for this may be considered a digression on my part
As I were saying we took up our line of march through the city of Lexington and it is here that I can say I heard the first cheer for Jeffs Davis and it proceeded from the lips of a woman
We learned at this place that our destination was camp Dick Robinson but a few miles from this place to oppose old Zollicoffer with his troops which threatend to overrun that part of Kentuck by his plundering crew
We stoped about a mile & a half or two miles from the city for the
purpose of recruiting & rest the weary soldiers who had been broken of their rest more or less ever since we left Camp B in Illinois
While yet at this place our Regt. received orders to repair immediately to Louisvill and wait further orders we did so passing through Paris & Frankfort the Capitol of the
State and many other beautiful places on our way there. After ariving in Louisville and enjoying a splendid supper of broiled ham hot coffee &c prepared by citizens of Louisville we then took up our aboad in the R.Road Depot & enjoyed a comfortable sleep nothing transpiring
to mar the beauty of the scene excepting along towards morning the axidental discharge of one of the guns
the Ball passing out through the roof of the building causing no further damage than to shock the nerves of the timid who probaly thought some of our number shot
The next day we got on the Louisvill & Nashville R R and started south we saw the 19th Ills on our way down and also saw many deserted houses which had been left by the rebles and prefering to flee from their homes and seek the socity of rebles and traitors than remain
peaceably at home & loyial to this goverment
We got out of the cars and march about 8 miles to a camp called Mulgrove hill stayed here about one day then took the cars for our present place Which is called Camp Nevin we have been here about a month there is some fifty
thousand here at present
And it is now my purpose to give a slight sketch of the acts scenes & incidense of camp life as it comes under my observation
This is the 16th of Nov & our Regt. is all out on picket guard excepting a fiew on the sick list and on duty in the camp
Nov 22nd To day it is dull and rainy there is no drill this forenoon
For the last few days I have felt unwell & for that reason I have not writen any thing in the meantime
There has not much happened of late on the 19th our Regt received their blue suit from the goverment & on the 20th were all out at Brigade review and inspection
General McCook & General Buell and Brigder Gen Johnson and several other distinguished officers were out to see the performance of the troops
23 It is very cold and blusteren to day. The boys goes double quick with out grumbling it makes us git up and dust for the union with a will
Nov
24th Sunday morn cold and cloudy nothing of importance to day
25 The 34th Regt. all out on picket quite cold and windy the secesh rails will have to suffer to night and a good many of K'ys neutral rails also will help keep the boys warm to day New trality dont pay here any more
Co. B caught a Secesh a regular Jeffs Davis man He had a secesh flag with him & two sons in the Southeren army he can neither read nor write
Nothing more happened of importance while on picket except a few shots fired at random at objects in the dark &c
Nov
26th It nice and pleasent to day Brigade Drill this after noon
27 Rainy & disagreeable very mudy under foot cleered of in the after noon and one of the men of co. C meets with a slight axident He was drawing the ball from his gun the cap being on & the hammer up Somthing hit the tricker
and off goes the gun carring ball and hammer through his hand without hurting him in the least This is what I consider a wounderful escape. In the eving signed our pay roll some prospects of receiving pay before long
Nov 28th Uncle Sam has just payed of the boys of our Regt. the boys feels quite flush. It is still raining and very mudy under foot.
29th Rains hard to day and cannot drill when it is so wet. Co. D which I am a member sent home to their friends
some $1360.00 to day this is quite a compliment to the boys of our Company
30th
Had a little snow storm to day
Dec 1st
pleasent to day very
2nd It is snowing quite heard kind of a sleat
3rd cold & windy after the snow
Sick to day taking with intermitant fever in the hospittal
4th
Regiment changes qrs about two miles farther south
34th Regt. is assigned to another Brigade
General Woods fith Brigade
5th Pleasent to
6 day in fact
7 warm & pleasent right along on the 7th we poor fellows in the hospittal are moved over in the new qrs of the 34th
have a great deal better place took possesion of a secesh house for a Hospittal good frame house good place
for the sick the old widow woman & two sons live in one end of the house they keep very mum about our coming in
8th
Sunday morn feel better to day. In fact have been so I could sit up a little every day
Ninth & tenth
Still in our house enjoying ourselves first rate there is ten in the room besides myself very agreeable fellows most of them from my own company so I am not lonesome
11th
There is a general order through the camp for a forward
movement this morning
I can sit and look out of my window & see Regiment after Regiment march past the gallant 34th Ills with the rest away they go collors flying in the air marching for green River towards the Rebel army
It makes me feel heard to be left behind & see my Regt march off and leave me behind But I suppose it is all for the best as I am not yet able to stand the march
12th To day they tell us that we will be sent to Louisvill Hospittal. I do not know how true it is
But they say in a day or two we are to be moved
13th to day they take all who are able to be removed to the depot to be taken by the cars down sougth to our Regt. arive in the camp of the 34th about dark take up our aboad in a large log house
14th Pleasent to day
Our guard took up some 40 odd prisoners who stole out from the camp and whent rambling
through the country stealing every thing they could lay their hands on & everything that would come in the reach of their Bayonets in the line of pigs sheep calves geese chickens & so they were court marcheled & put on extray duty & fined
Stayed in log house 15th 16th 17th and on the 18th orders came for the army to take
up the march again which it did and we fellows who were gitting puty smart walked to the cars and took a ride down to green river this being as far as the cars could run south for the Bridge which crosses the stream at this place being burnt & blowed up by the Rebels Our men were to work upon it thick as flys in dog days
The very day of our arival one of our Regt. crossed the river to act as picket guard they were fired upon by the Rebels & drove back But our boys ralied and drove them back & compleatly thrashed them out so the Secesh pulled up stakes and run before any of our reinforcements arrived to their aid
There was 3 or 4000 of the seceshionist and but the one Regt on our side engaged Our loss was 11 killed & 20 wounded they lost some 60. One of their Colonels got killed in the skirmish
The Brigade in which our Regt. forms a part took up its quarters on the north side of green river. Our camp is called camp Wood in honor of
General Wood the general of our Brigade
We staid in camp untill the 25th
cristmas
whent on picket to day Our officers bought a lot of oysters & treated the company for a chrismas dinner took a secesh spy while on picket to day It is warm and pleasent like spring of the year
26th warm & cloudy looks somthing like rain to day
27 Rains to day very hard
28th There is a report that the Rebels are advancing the whole camp is under arms every Brigade in the division is preparing for a fight
It turned out to be a fauls alarm and we had our tramp & excitement for nothing
29th warm and pleasent Regt. rest to day after the allarm
30th saw a party of secesh last night they were discovered by our out side picket and scout they scour the country in every direction were they think they will not be discovered and plunder the union citizens and burn their houses
From 31st untill the 4th of Janr there was nothing of importance transpired mearly the usal drill &c
On the 4th one of our company died. His name was George Burdick He caught cold while the measels was broke out on him & it settled on his lungs & killed him
5th of Jan a cold chilley rain storm no drill to day for it Sunday
6th Raining still the boys keep closte to their tent cleeres of in the afternoon and I get a pass and go out with one of my mess mates By the name of George Ehrman clost by our camp there is a very high hill Moun
tain or bluff what you would call it
It was several hundred feet high There is a great many such in old Kentuck Well to this old Mountain we went for the purpose of getting some flat stone to build a fire place for I had forgot to tell you how a great many of the Soldiers
keep themselves warm in their tent when it is rainey or chilly nights They take flat stones and build themselves a fire place in one conner of their tent and it answers a good purpose. A great many of the boys would buy little sheat iron stoves this was better but when we come to move if we
march far at a time they have to through them away for the Soldier has all he waunts to carry without any extras Well as I said before we went to this hill and selected our flat stones and we had a good asortment to chose from for the whole bluff seemed to be composed of large rocks & flat stones of a slate collor
They seemed to be piled one above another in regular layers cleer to the very peak. After we had selected such stone as we waunted to take in camp with us we start to climb the hill side & after reaching a great hight we turned & had a beautiful view of presented to our gaze
all around the north side of green river the ground was dotted with tents as far as the eye could reach on eather side
and on another rise at about 1¼m distance we could see the glorious stars and strips waving in the breeze this was the Head qurs of the camp
We could see wa acrost the River the farm houses the hills & mountains and the very spot were the Battle had been fought afiew weeks before We concluded to return beliveing ourselves amply repaid for our labour of climbing We return to camp built our fire place eat our supper and
went to bed or to our blankets as the Soldier says
Monday Jan 7th Brigade drill to day the whole five Regts out on drill very mudy drilling to day, not mudy drilling but mudy underfoot & hard work to drill
From the 7th of Janr untill the 14th of march or rather untill 14th february we remained in camp at Green River going through the usal drills & fatigue duty have a little excitement once in awhile by having the rebels attact the pickets on the out lines & occationaly we
would hear of their advancing in force to attact us. we never put much faith in such reports believeing that the Rebels had better sense than to march onto their certain distruction
On the 14th of Feb. our Regt. with all McCooks Div started on a march under sealed orders
We started north following the pike along the Louisvill & Nashvill Rail Road untill we arrived with in a few miles of camp Nevin at night we rolled ourselves in our blankets and sleep on the ground soldier fasion Before leaveing this camp a dispatch from
General Buell stoped our farther progress in that direction & we ware countermarched & commenced our return trip travling the same ground which we came by the day before
This was all a mystery to us soldiers why we should be troted about in this way
But as becomes good disaplined Soldiers we has no right to ask the why's and wherefors or complain in the least at any thing that appeared strange to us But put all confidence in our officers
We afterwards ascertained that our destination had been
Fort Donelson on the cumberlain river and to get in the rear of the rebels at Bowling green
But the rebels surmising our intention cut sticks from Bowling green leveing their boasted stroghold to be took possesion of by our advancing columns
under General Mitchel who took possesion of the works driveing the retireing rebels before him Thus makeing it unnessary for us to proceed any farther on our intended march
We returned to Green river crossed the river
& continued our march for Bowling G. We marched on down the pike untill we reached Bell's tavern which is about 25 miles from camp Wood One time we came to a place where the road was not graded for 10 or 11 miles & the mud was ankle deep
This is the place where the boys
tired out & you could see knapsacks coats pants & blankets scatered all along the road The boys would generaly cut them to peaces to keep them from doing the secesh any good. At Bells tavern we halted & stoped for 5 days & helped fix up the Rail Road which the Rebels had torn up also a tunnel they
had blown up After this McCook pulled up stakes & started his division for Bowling Green wich we arived at in good time here we found the bridges burned the turn pike & R Road bridge burnt by the rebels We waited for steam boats to come up the Big Barren River to take the troops acrost
When we entered Bowling Green General Mitchels Division entered Nashville tennesee there joined by other troops up the cumberland
I stoped at the city of Bowling green on account of ill health & the Regt. went on to Nashville I stayed in Bowling Green 4 or 5 days & visited the fortifications wich the
Rebels had thrown up they were well worth looking at they had a very strong possion & I think they would have made a stand if it had not been for fear of our forces getting in their rear After this I went on to the Regt and joined it 4 miles south of Nashville in camp Andy Johnson
Monday the 9th went on picket guard out side line during the night our left were attacted by their cavalry & we drove them back without any damage to our men
On the 16th we left camp & started south taken the road for decatur Alabama I saw a splendid country all along the road I think Tenn a very beautiful state from what I seen of it. splendid farming country good soil good water & plenty of timber
March 17th
We traveled about 19 miles to day & camped on the south side of the town of Franklin our cavalry had advanced to this place the day before & drove back the rebels who were preparing to burn the bridge at this place
our boys took a party of secesh
at this place found them hid in a barn a niger slave came & informed on them
18th Started on our march & went to within 4 miles of columbia then had to stop & build bridges which the rebels had burned Our advance guard of cavalry were a few minets to late to save them. the secesh had the briges
all soaked with turpentine ready to burn upon our advance
saw a great many old cotton fields & cotton mills with cotton bales packed within saw peach & plumb trees in full bloom all along the turn pike which reminded me that I had reach the land of Dixey I could se plenty
of Blacks at every plantation as high as 50 & sixty & more at some places
19th of March
raining to day & still to work on the bridge work night & day
I hear that our cavalry had a skirmish with the secesh yesterday on at collumbia the citizens got scart & sent over the mayor & surendered
the town to keep our forces from shelling the place
March 20th
Warm & pleasent to day still to work on the bridge the creek raised on account of the heavy rain & washed away part of the works so have to build it over I am on guard to day
March 21st Raining hard to day
The bridge is about finished will march soon Hear that the rebels are concentrating their forces at Decatur Alabama & intend to make a stand there
22nd March
Marched four miles to day & go into camp this side of Columbia waiting for the bridge to be finished
I am on guard again to day
Mar 23rd Sunday
Inspection of arms to day its cold & chilly with snow squalls
24th Still in camp commenced Battalion Drill
25th warm and plesent appointed copporal to day
26 On company drill are notified to cross
the river on picket guard round & about the city of Columbia
27th March.
To day we raised the stars & strips over the court house of columbia & it was hailed by three hearty cheers from the union troops also sung the star spangled banner in the public: The citizens in the mean while standing
with doful faces viewing the purformance
Columbia has a population of about 6,000 inhabitants all told Lying along Duck River in the county of Maury Tenn.
28th
Were relieved from guard by other company and returned to camp the weather very warm
29th & 30th March
The weather hot as July signed pay roll again & will probaly get our pay again very soon
31st
The army is moving about 30,000 troops passed our camp yesterday & today Our division will march very soon 2 Oclock P.M. orders to march immediately
April 1st /62
Marched about 12 miles to day & haulted to alow Critidens division to get ahead out of our way
Passed some splendid country this day Beautiful residences of slave holders Passed Gen. Pillow & Gen Polk's splendid estates. Boath are in the Southern army. looks as if they delt prity
extensive in the negro line judgeing from the numerous huts on one side of his mansion. Weather warm & dry
2nd March again to day have to go slow on account of the troops ahead
3rd
We marched some 26 miles to day. hot and dusty the country is very hilly and heavy timbered
4th April On the march to day again.
Bound for Savany, met with a number of loyial citizens waveing the star spangled banner & cheering us on the road
April 5
We marched onely 6 miles to day on account of bad roads
April 6th
We are on the march again to day are with in 15 miles of Savannah We can hear heavy cannonading in the direction of Savanna We all believe there is a heavy fight going on somewheres in that section
Savannah
7th April Daylight start on the river with boats go about 8 miles up the tennessee river land our troops the fight raging on both sides After marching till most midnight & then laying the remainder of the night in the rain We marched immediately in the fight and it continued raging all day or untill 4 or five
oclock in the afternoon then the rebles retreated leaving their dead & dyeing on the ground
The dead bodies & the wounded lay thickly scatered on the ground for a space of of 8 miles square it is the greatest Battle ever fought on this conntinent The rebels have retreated towards corrinth
8th go in camp & wait for farther orders some of our forces are after the rebels
From the 8th to the 20 we remaned in camp attending to our usal duties & have considerable burring the dead bodys of the soldiers & horses have all got to be put under ground
21st We go out on picket about 3 miles from camp & see where the rebels
had burnt their camp when they retreated after mondays fight of the 7th
Tents wagons gun carridges guns cartridges & harnesses all burnt & ruined
On the 25th our pickets fired on the pickets of the enemy & drove them back we discovered a camp of the rebels some said 20,000 strong & that the rebel army was approaching. The long roll sounded
and some 40 or 50 thousands of our troops went out to give them battle. After getting out there the rebels had all run & burnt their camp. Our cavalry took a dozzen or so of their pickets & this is all the expected Battle amounted to
After this we remained in camp untill the
29th Apr Then we pulled up staks & moved our camp about 4 miles farther towards corienth
On the 30th we went on outside picket duty our picket line extended within one mile of the state line of Miss
On May the 1st we returned to camp &
(signed pay roll the First)
received orders to have 3 days rations cooked ahead & be ready to march at a moments notice. May the 2nd
Still in camp
On the 3rd
We started on a march roads very bad hear cannonading in the direction of corienth
Sunday the 4 May in camp about 8 mi from corienth
5th Orders to march 3 oclock in the morning rains so hard orders countermanded. hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments notice. 2 oclock P.M. Started on a march went about 1½ miles towards corienth I then returned to camp came to a creek to high to ford
Apr 5th Near Corienth Miss
Dear Brother I have just returned to camp & finished my supper and hearing that a young man by the name of Williams has received his discharged and intends to start for home tomorrow morning Therefore I thought I would send you these few notes of camp life & probaly you will
find some few things to amuse you
You will perceive that I have not been very perticular in keeping a dayly record of all that passed for sometimes I would get carless & not note down anything for several days Being just upon the eve of a Bloody Battle I thought it a good time if ever to
get it to you We shall probaly have a fight here very soon I hear that Beaureguard has given our army till tonight to surrender
(Very good good so far as it goes . .)
We Shall See
Gen Hallec says he intends to capture there whole army in 7 days from this time. We shall see
Yesterday no the day before
Gen Popes advanced came in contact with some of Beaureguards forces licked them out killed some 30 & took 500 or so prisoners
The Battle may commence I know not when at any moment
Corienth is destined to fall & the rebels shall be defeated
Our force must be somewheres in the neighbourhood of 200,000 strong
I am well so are all of the boys
If I fall in Battle I hope to meet you in in heaven
Give my love to all all my friends & may god Bless you all. Your
Brother Furman
[page torn away]
Co. tent
Furman Morris
His Book
Nov 2nd
1861
Camp Nevin
Hardin Co. Ky
DATABASE CONTENT
| (4252) | DL1933 | X.1 | Diaries |
Diary of Private Furman Morris, 34th Illinois Infantry, August 21, 1861 to May 5, 1862; re: Shiloh, Rowlett's Station, skirmishes, Savannah, Unionists, camp life, prisoners, slaves, African Americans, Corinth, Union General Johnson, Bowling Green
Tags: African Americans, Animals, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Cavalry, Chores, Christmas, Cotton, Courts Martial, Death (Military), Defeat/Surrender, Destruction of Land/Property, Discharge/Mustering Out, Discipline, Drilling, Duty, Engineering/Construction, Enlistment, Excitement, Family, Farming, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, Guns, High Morale, Home, Hospitals, Illnesses, Injuries, Jefferson Davis, Loneliness, Marching, Money, Nature, Payment, P. G. T. Beauregard, Picket Duty, Planters/Plantations, Prisoners of War, Railroads, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Recruitment/Recruits, Reinforcements, Rivers, Robert E. Lee, Scouting, Secession, Siege of Corinth, Slavery, Supplies, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (4990) [writer] ~ Morris, Furman
SOURCES
Furman Morris Diary, DL1933, Nau Collection
