J. T. Curtiss

Otter Creek

Jersey Co

Illinois

Nov 20^th 1862

 

            On the 8^th of Aug 1862 I fully determined that the state of the war, the reverses the Federal side was suffering & the turn or apparent turn of politics in respect to guarding Rebel property made it my imperative duty to actively aid in punishing the traitors

            Spent the P.M. of the 8^th in Jerseyville & from this till the 15^th of Aug I worked with J. W. Terry & J. I. White in getting volunteers for the Templar Regt. On the 11^th I rec^d a letter from Dr. Willard of Bloomington asking me if I would go with him as Hospt'l Steward if he could get me the place. I spoke to Terry to get his assistance in getting a transfer from the Templar Company in case I heard no satisfactory news from Dr. Willard & joined the company. Rec^d letters from Dr. but nothing satisfactory so I joined the Company on the 15^th Aug the last day allowed for volunteering. From this to the 25^th I spent my time in riding about having put aside my books, my mind being too much excited over the state of affairs to permit me to study to any advantage.

 

            On Monday the 25^th at 1 o'clock A.M. Lafe Hegans George Rutherford & myself with Miner Gowins joined the other boys from Otter Creek & after getting the boys of Jerseyville together rode to Shipman in time for the 9 A.M. train going to Springfield. At noon we were in Springfield. Stopped at an eating house where several of us took meals only buying beds elsewhere

 

            On Monday P.M. the three squads, one from Otter Creek one from Springfield & one from Mechanicsburg met in Carpenters Hall & elected officers; viz: Henry Fields of Springfield Captain J. W. Terry of Otter Creek 1^st Lieut. &                  of Mechanicsburg 2^nd d^o I obtained promise from the Captain to give me a note of transfer to Col Rutherford of the 97^th Ills. Vol. the regt. Dr. Willard expected to & did get the position of Surgeon in.

 

            97^th Ills Aug 26 On Tuesday morn I got the note. Early in the morning I saw Dr on the train and spoke with him. About ten o'clock I took my luggage & walked to Camp Butler six miles from the city & meeting friends in Capt Slatens Company spent the time pleasantly till 4 P.M. when Dr. came & he getting a tent from the Quartermaster I helped him to put it up. got some straw & with his bedclothes we made a good bed. I ate with Capt Slaten's Company and after a few days was assigned to that company with the understanding that I was to be detailed as Hospt'l Steward in case Dr. Willard got me the place.

 

            There was at this time a dark show for me for these reasons. A Dr. Barry was working hard to get the place of 1^st Asst. Surgeon, and several were working for my place in dark prospect. Dr Smith a brother in law of the Col's was the one most likely to be Steward as he had the influence of the Col in his favor. I knew that Barry was not a strictly temperate man and happened to mention the same to Dr Willard who immediately set about to oust Barry & get Smith as one Asst Surgeon  a Dr Chas. Davis of Alton being chosen as the other Asst. By good engineering on the Dr's part this was arranged to my advantage and after being mustered in in as an enlisted soldier I was mustered as Hosptl Steward. This last was on the 8^th of Sept, and on the 16^th I rec^d my warrant as Steward. Only from this date do I draw pay as Steward ($20.^— per month)

 

            I spent my time acting as Steward so far as there was duty for me to perform. This was in preparing prescriptions & getting necessary medicines from the Post Hospitals This work took up but a part of the time & the rest I spent reading & visiting the various regts & particularly the boys I left home with They were joined to the 124^th Col. Sloan of Chicago. I took a walk almost every day & often a swim in the Sangamon which ran ¼ of a mile east of the camp. I had for 3 weeks as good health as usual but then began to be unwell first with diarrhoea & soon ague.

 

            The ague I had every day for four or five days when I had continuous fever for 4 days. when breaking up this I again had ague every day and had to be patient till I could stop it with Fowler's Solution This I effected by the 12^th of Oct.

 

            Dr. was as usual very kind & at one time when Mrs. W. was in camp on a visit they planned to have me go to Bloomington & stay till I recovered but as we were under marching orders no one was allowed to leave the regt.

 

            I rec^d as usual letters from Lina & a good photograph. I was to send her one but I was so long in getting my warrant & thus in being sure that I was safe in trimming my uniform that I was sick before I was ready

 

            I had an ambrotype taken in Covington, Ky & sent her.

 

            The regt. left Camp Butler on Friday the 3^rd of Oct, bound as all thought to Louisville going by the way of Alton thence to Terra Haute & Indianapolis and on Sunday morn at 4 o'clock we were at a depot in Cin'ty Ohio

 

This was Oct 5^th.

            About 8 o'clock teams were got to transport the sick men, I among them to a place to encamp. Didn't see much of Cin. in our ride through it. crossed the river & passing through Covington we encamped in the southern part, where we found a good hearted loyal man—Mr. Croninger. His wife made tea for all our sick men as long as we staid here. Owing to some excesses many of the men were sick. On Tuesday the 7^th 144 men were unfit for duty.

 

            On Thursday the 9^th we rec^d orders to march no one knew how far we were to go. I was still having ague every day but had to go with the ambulance with sick men to the hospital. I went four times on Thursday, once to Washington Hosptl & 3 times to Marine Hospital in Cincinnati, taking in all some 25 men. This was my first days work & after working thus all day I walked with Dr^s Willard & Davis & Chaplain Baker to our new camp—Ft Mitchel about two miles & all the way up hill. Was completely given out when we got there & had more fever than usual & the hard exercise made my ague worse for several days again At this camp we had good water & plenty of wood. Dr. selected Max Joachim as cook & W. H. Heddan as Ward master while here We staid here till Friday Oct 17^th. I went to Cin. several times with sick men & on Friday P.M. I had to go to Washington Hosp. with five sick men from Company "C", then followed on till we overtook the regt. at the fair grounds

 

            We bivouaced at night near Florence Boone Co and had a cold sleep of it.

           

Oct 18^th Saturday

            Marched to near Walton in Boone Co. at 5 o'clock Ground good. Water scarce

 

Oct 19^th Sunday

Left Walton at 8.30 passed Crittenden at 11.30, and south of the town turned east of the pike—& made a camp place on Grassy Creek by 3.30 after a march of 17 miles. Trask the nurse got some straw & we bivouaced, sleeping nicely. Our first march on Sunday. The troops did not stand the march well being soft from so much lying still. I grew stronger and was able to walk part of the day The boys strayed from the ranks badly

           

Oct 20 Monday.

            About 9 o'clock we left our camp & toiled on over the worst sort of roads where the trains stopped the men every few minutes. We reached Falmouth about 6 o'clock. Encamped in the river bottom where it was real cold. Here we remained till the 22^nd when we were awakened at 3 A.M. with orders to move at 5 but we were not off before 8 o'clock. Roads rough but men were off well in the morning but in the P.M. we looked like a crowd of men no order no nothing. We encamped about 9 o'clock on a dry ridge a long way from any water & a right tired set of men.

 

            Oct 23^rd Thursday

Moved at 7.30. marched 4 miles to Cynthianna by 9.30. Here we remained till Sunday morn Oct 26 when we had to pack up in a snow from 4-6 inches deep I went with a lot of men to the Hospital & the ambulance was driven off when I went for some water. I thought it had gone on & started on. Overtook the regt. in two hours, bust out my boots so as to utterly ruin them. We reached Paris by 3.30 being 7 hours on the road. Rolled snow balls to clear a place for a tent Remained here till the morn of the 28^th when we marched on the pike to within 2 miles of Lexington

           

Oct 29^th Wed

Moved this morn passing through Lexington to a camp on the Georgetown Pike

Ground pretty. Water scarce

 

Oct 30^th Thursday

            While some were off for water & the Surgeons prescribing orders came to pack up, which was quickly done Regt. moved at 10.30.

I went with men again to the Hospital as I have at every stopping place. We marched on the pike to near Nicholasville

           

Here we remained on good ground, having poor water till Tuesday Nov 11^th Three very curious cases of sickness occurred here. All were taken suddenly & all were affected alike, & the three died. I ate too many walnuts & made my self unwell. Recd letters from Lina & from home in good time while here.

           

Nov 11^th Tuesday

            The regt. moved about 8.30 in the direction of Louisville. I went with men to the Hospital & did not get started on the road till ten o'clock. Overtook the regt. at 12. We encamped about 1½ miles west of Versailles. Camped at 3 P.M.

           

Nov 12^th Wednesday

Moved at 7. In passing through Versailles a negro stealer tried to steal two negroes from our regt. It created some excitement I had the jaundice most beautifully by this time.

           

We reached Frankfort by 2 P.M. Camped in the river bottom. Night very cold.

           

Nov 13^th Thursday

            Left Frankfort early marching to within 4 miles of Shelbyville

           

Nov 14^th Friday

            Passing Shelbyville we came on to near a little town of Boston, marching 21 or 22 miles. Men very tired. Thought I had an ague.

 

Nov 15^th Saturday

On the road late. Marched well. Entered Louisville about noon & passing through we encamped at 2½ in the western part of the city. Water plenty

           

Here we remained till Tuesday the 18^th when we were ordered to go to Portland & embark on the packet Moderator 

I went to 7^th Hospt with two men & did not get to the boat till dark All the room was taken & the driver & I slept in the ambulance. Rain fell all night horses  & mules all out in the rain

 

Nov. 19^th Wednesday

            In the cold rain & wind the men worked to bring in the loads, take to pieces the wagons & bring on the mules. I bought some cheese, butter & crackers for my own eating, my jaundice being worse than ever before. At 4 P.M. the boat swung off leaving the Major Adjutant & two Captains on shore. We only ran down 14 or 15 miles before dark & laid by the river being too low to allow running with safety by night

 

Nov 20^th Thursday

Left our landing at 6 o'clock. passed Brandenburg at 8½, Fredonia at noon and stopped near Rome at night

Run very slowly all day. The cooks went ashore to cook rations & 19 men from Comp "D", Capt Wisner, deserted.

 

Nov 21^st Friday

            Got to Carrolton opposite Hawesville by 9½ A.M. The other boat was waiting us here to get some rations. We stopped a long time to put on coal. passed Rockport & Owensboro & tied up 20 miles above Evansville During the afternoon the Major Adjutant & other officers came on board coming up from Evansville whither they had gone by Rail-Road.

 

Nov 22^nd Saturday

            Stopped at Evansville about 11 o'clock. The Chaplain & I went ashore to put in some letters. I sent one to Lina & one to Ron. The river being low & sand bars thick we only ran as far as within ten or twelve miles of the Wabash

 

Nov 23^rd 1862 Sunday

            Left our landing by 6½ A.M. passed Shawneetown at 8½. I am better of my jaundice & would feel right well if I could eat little enough. Our fare is poor owing to the cooks having no good place to prepare anything The officers eat at the table paying $1.^— per day. I can't afford this after getting some things to eat on & then it is more than my pay for the same length of time. I'm glad to see the soil of Illinois once more. At Evansville we saw 3 gun boats & one ram the Hornet, a regular secesh looking affair as she really is being a captured boat. The trees along the banks appear as they will in the deepest dead of winter. It is more dreary than the part of Ky we have just left. Mr Baker is unwell at present, not much. Didn't preach any to us. Passed Smithland about sunset & stopped just below at a bad bar. Was unwell at night.

 

Nov 24^th Monday

            The morning being foggy we did not leave our landing till 6½ and soon ran aground where we stuck

Nov 24^th          Continued

fast nearly two hours. Passed the mouth of the Tenn & Paducah at 12½. Our tents being exposed to the coals from the chimneys I had to help fold them. Tenn. River narrow. Paducah scattered Water good, boat run faster than before. At Mound City by 3 P.M. Saw the gunboat Monarch & the captured ram Genl. Price a rafish looking affair & looked as though timber was scarce where she was built. At Cairo by dark helped to pack all our medicines but no change was made so our packing was for nothing. Got some bread. Saw more gunboats Run fast, made Columbus by 8 o'clock & laid by on the Mo. shore ½ mile below the Belmont battle ground. Read surgery till bed time. Mailed at Cairo a letter to Lina & Reuben & M. J. Swirl.

 

Nov 25^th Tuesday

            Left our landing early at Hickman by 9 A.M. & on the deck to view Island No 10. Saw the upper battery & the four other works on the main shore. Passed New Madrid at 11 o'clock. River banks low but they bear marks of the strength of the stream, trees upturned & logs piled up. Made a landing 12 miles above the Ohio river. Wrote a sheet full to Lina. A little unwell still.

 

Nov 26^th Wednesday.

            Left our landing early the pickets being called in by the boat whistle. [?] below the [?] River the boat met with an accident & we had time to get us some dinner. Passed Ft Pillow at 2 P.M. Noticed the batteries along the waters edge and the works on the bluff from 150 to 200 feet above the river. Passed Raindolph or the site of the [?] only the chimnies of the once [?] to mark the spot & Ft Wright below it All the ruins are high up on the bluff Landed at Memphis at 9½ P.M. So dark that I could not see the town to advantage.

 

Nov 27^th Thursday                              

 

Dr. Willard & I took breakfast at a restaurant. The troops were unloading when we returned. We packed up & got our things off. Came 1½ mile from the river & took the quarters of the 8^th Mo. Cav Hospt'l being a nice house of 3 rooms & out houses in plenty. Sent away a letter to Lina, W^m & a note to Milt Hull. Camp ground good. log houses with brick chimnies trees standing, & water in plenty.

 

            Nov 28^th Friday

Worked all day in unpacking & packing up our supplies so as to make fewer boxes. No letter from Lina. Weather pleasant. Wrote & read at night. Health of regt. good.

 

Nov 29^th Saturday

Up early Read surgery till breakfast. Packed supplies as on yesterday till in the P.M. Made a few pills. Moulded some candles. Four men in Hospital The Guirillas are very bad in all the country around here. Many soldiers are arrested & paroled

 

Nov 30^th Sunday

Packed a box in the morn early, then worked at various things among them making a pot of soup. Didn't write a word to Lina till late in the P.M. Went with Max to the Commissary and lost time by waiting there

 

Dec 1^st Monday

Worked at Morning Call. Marked 24 blankets went & poached half a bushel of sweet potatoes. One sick man Monk of "H" sent away & 3 more taken in. Those remaining are no better. No letter from Lina yet

 

Tuesday Dec 2^nd

Up late. Helped more at Morning Call, nurses gone & at 9½ A.M. I made breakfast & carried it to the sick. Washed some clothes. One man died in hospital. M^cKay. Even yet there is no mail for the regt. There is some dissatisfac- all around in the Hosptl force.

 

Dec 3^rd Wedn

Up late. Worked at various things till Morning Call was through when I went to Gen^l Hurlbut's Head Quarters on an errand. Saw the Gen^l A man of middle size & age no whiskers, light complexion blue eyes, pointed, upturned nose. In P.M. dug sweet potatoes with Bannister & took a walk Wrote to Lina some. Rain at night.

 

Dec 4^th Thursday

Helped at Call as usual then dressed the pig Dr. W. &c shot yesterday. Sent a letter to Lina In P.M. made pills [?] & P. H. Snow. at 5 P.M. Rec^d a letter from home

 

Dec 5^th Friday

Breakfast early. Snow 2 inches deep & more falling Not many sick. Wrote a few words to Lina. Helped Trask to get boards to make a table In P.M. Made some pills of Sulph Quinid grXX Sulph. Aromat, Acid gtt XV. Went to Hospital with W. W. M^cKee Ate a big supper.

 

Dec 6 Saturday

            Worked all through Call

Dr & Bannister went to town with the men to be discharged. I made some pills & after dinner helped distribute the letters. 8 letters for myself 4 Lina Read my home letters & one of Linas dug some potatoes. Worked & wrote till late Dr Davis went to the 77^th Regt.

 

Dec 7^th Sunday

Not a thing done but work at Call till after dinner. Read one of Linas letters & wrote a few lines. Wrote most of the P.M. Day cool. Ground frozen. Howser of "B" went from Hosp. & Gardner of C & Kingsy of F came in. Wrote a letter home.

 

Dec 8^th Monday

Finished and sent the letters to W^m & Lina. Moved our dispensary room. Lots of sick. Worked hard from 7½ till past 6 in P.M. Meader of "E" a very sick man was brought in at 5 A.M. Rec^d a letter from Ma & from Lina Packed partly a box. Bannister & I located some beets & turnips. Wrote some to Lina. Ground thaw during day so as to be a little muddy.

 

Dec 9^th Tuesday

Up early. Put some dirty clothes in water to soak. Began work at 7½, finished at 2 P.M. Very many sick. One case of measles. Dr W. couldn't get it into the Hospt. down town Meader died at 10.5^m the Capt & Lieut being with him. Not conscious A Wife & three children left with no protection but the "Father of the fatherless" Marked blankets at night. Weather pleasant. All in Hospt. better. Wrote Lina a few lines

 

Dec 10^th Wednesday

Slept a little late. Morning Call lasted till 3 P.M. I worked fast and will but I could not keep up with Drs W & Smith Was so busy all day that I didn't get my washing done. Dr W. & I went to have the matter of rations for the Hosp. Attnds & sick understood by the Commissary Wrote to Lina. Went & got some turnips. Day cold, but ground thawed some Meader not buried yet.

 

Dec 11^th Thursday

Not so many sick but we were not through till late in the P.M. Most cases are of colds Rheumatism & Diarrhoea. No mail. Sent Lina a letter. Washed my dirty clothes Read of measles during the evening Meader buried. Promise of rain. Cistern nearly dry. Weather rather pleasant. I am too much pushed to feel well. Work continuously more than any one else in this department

 

Dec 12^th Friday

Up late. All tired & got to work late. Sick list not so large but we got through late. Rec^d a letter from Lina. Alvin Spurgeon of F died of a congestive chill at 5.30 P.M. Went to town with Capt Baker Wrote a letter home & played "Seven Up" with Bannister. Sherman's & Smith's divisions returned from out in Mississippi

 

            Dec 13^th Sat.

Less sick. Rec^d a letter from Milton Hull. Unwell a little still Went down town in the evening. Owing to a report that $60. & 60 days furlough would be given to any volunteers joining the Regulars several men went off this morn. Lt Titus & 13 men from Co "D" They were brought back this P.M. & put under arrest

           

Capt Wisner returned without any of the deserters

 

Dec 14^th Sunday

Divided the mess & we officers ate early. Got to work quite early. Wrote Lina some before noon. But hearing news of marching orders I began to pack our boxes. Worked till nearly 8 o'clock then wrote Lina all the evening Sick men in hospital a little worse. Rain at night & we need it for our cistern is dry. Dr Smith laid on the bed & told us big stories of the raids of the Kansas men in Mo Bannister helps me a great deal both in putting up prescriptions & packing. Have erysipelas in face

 

Dec 15^th Monday

Waked up late. Erysipelas better Much rain last night. Hard rain all the forenoon. Few sick     over  before noon, but someone coming all day. Rec^d a letter from W^m & Annie. Packed the medicines to go back Evening clear & colder. Plenty of water in cistern. Wrote a letter to M. J. Hull.

Dr. W. sick

 

Dec 16^th Tuesday, Memphis

            Morning cold. Our mess get along finely. Dr was up most of the night & is sick still. Plenty of sick men till Dr rec^d an order to send all men not fit for duty to the hospital, when we cleared the rooms quickly. Took to hospital Howser, Kingsy, Smith & Williams then two Gibbys, See page 61 &c went down & run all around in Ft Pickering to get place for two men but failed. No letter from Lina yet. Wrote her at night. Weather still cold for this place.

 

Dec 17^th Wednesday Memphis

            As there was no use of my going down with the ambulance I packed up & worked on the box invoices all the forenoon Put up a few prescriptions. In the afternoon I went with 60 sick men a few riding on a Regimental wagon & the rest walking to Ft Pickering. Had to get tents for them to quarter in but did not put them up A Review.

 

Dec. 18. Thursday

A light morning call. Put up pills till noon & worked at putting medicines from large to small bottles in the P.M. Rec^d a letter from Lina & sent her one. Several of the men came back from the Ft not liking the quarters. Wrote W^m a letter at night.

 

Friday Dec 19^th

A small evening call.

Made 400 Cooks P. & 200 other pills. Worked at packing most all day. Orders at night to be off tomorrow. Wrote Lina a few lines after 9 P.M. All hands are ready to move Weather warm, not even frosty of evenings. Heddan was discharged yesterday but is not gone home yet. Stimpson so sick that he can't go along

 

Saturday Dec 20^th 1862

At time of writing I am in the ambulance on board the Steamer Robert Campbell by Ft Pickering. Up early this morn & went to packing to get ready to move. No Call Bannister off all the men taking sick men to Hospital. All ready to go by 11 o'clock. Load heavier than before. M^cGerty took the stores away at noon Bannister took at one load the Hospt. cots to the Sanitary Commission & came for me & the baggage. I read Linas letter & wrote more in pencil in the one I began last night Left the house where we were so comfortably quartered at 2½ P.M. Found Dr down town & ran around with him Soon found our boat & got our things aboard. I can get no bed to sleep in so sleep with Bannister in the Ambulance Sent Lina the small letter Quite a number of boats are loading. This expedition is said to have 50,000 men.

 

Dec 21^st Sunday

We are now at 7 P.M. close to Helena Ark. We left our landing at 1½ P.M. being the 13^th boat from the front and 4^th from rear We are now under way it seeming to be the intention to [?] Helena. Have been unwell part of the day. Wrote Lina some & will write her more soon. Read some. Shores generally low & sandy, few dwellings, some ruins. Wind a little cool. Passed Helena at 11 o'clock & came to under 15 miles below at the appointed place of rendezvous. Other boats here besides Gen^l Smith's fleet.

 

Dec 22^nd Monday

Left our anchorage at Ferris Point at 9½ A.M. This boat met with a slight accident in the falling of all her spars. No one hurt but many scared. We run very slowly and tied up at six o'clock by a steep bank on the Arkansas shore Wrote some to Lina & sewed some in putting on my chevrons. River at good stage, water very muddy. weather warm & very good for our trip.

 

Dec 23^rd Tuesday

Started early in the morn. Passed the mouth of the Ark. River & the town Napoleon at 9½ A.M. Only a few folks to be seen and of these only 5 or 6 were white The boys went out last night to get some articles of food but the country was too bare. Run slowly all day and for some reason tied up at 2½ P.M. at James' Landing. More houses on the Miss shore than further up The levee has been seen at times all day. The boys ravaged things with a high hand. Geese. Turkeys. Chickens, Beef. Potatoes. Mules Wagons &c were brought in Wrote some to W^m & to Lina.

 

Dec 24^th Wednesday

Great excitement. Gen^l Smith wants to hang a man of 23^rd Wisconsin for firing a house & has Henry Whipple under arrest on his boat & threatens to hang him Geo Cockrell says the 2^nd man was hung at 4 o'clock

 

Gen^l Smith ordered all the mules delivered up but ours do not go. Left our anchorage at 11 o'clock the gun boats running ahead of us to reconnoiter. Made good time all day & at 10 o'clock are yet running. This is quite a Christmas eve for us soldier boys. This morn 54 boats were in sight All are gay and lively tonight.

 

Dec 25^th Thursday

Christmas breaks upon us at the upper end of Millikens Bend 25 miles above Vicksburg. All the boats of the expedition are here. We landed at one o'clock this morn. Early the boys struck out & soon were seen thick volumes of smoke issuing from a cotton gin It ended in Gen^l Sherman ordering the boys fired upon Only one man hurt. We did but little all the morn James Carter called on me & I walked with him a while. In the P.M. I took a walk with Hy Pentzer and got back just as the boat was shoving out to move up stream

 

As the boat came to land the Adjutant cried out "Fall in" The boys turned out but found only the welcome enemy of 175 beeves. Some of our boys are wounded already. The other divisions have gone down the river. All quiet to this time Sent my letter to Lina & W^m & Ma Wrote one to Jennie Ward.

 

Dec 26^th Friday, Milliken's Bend

Up late. No alarm. Morning warm & cloudy. No news from Burbridge. One man of Co E was found sleeping on picket and is under arrest. The cattle broke out last night & are not heard from by tonight

 

The 77^th captured some 40 head & some blacks, mules & other things Sickness increasing. Measles in most cases.

 

Burbridge brigade returned at 8½ o'clock

 

P.M. Successful. Brought in some cattle & mules

 

Dec 27 Saturday

We were ordered to move last night at 9 o'clock but some how all was not ready, & we only moved off at 9½ this morn. All our division came, landed up the Yazoo river some 10 miles at about 12 o'clock We were ordered to prepare for battle & for a march of two days I work all the forenoon getting the surgical implements ready & at 2½ o'clock all came ashore and taking position the men proceeded to cook rations for two days. We go prepared for hard work. Found Byron Sheldon & took a walk up the river with him. A very large number of men & munitions of war. Went up to Gen^l Johnson's plantation. It is on the Yazoo bottom & now in ruins. Yesterday the gun boats shelled at an encampment of rebels the trees show the passage way of many balls. A dead mule with one leg torn off by a shell. ground plowed up. The gun boats were engaged above with a fort which was surrendered at 4 A.M. with some 700 men. Chaplain's horse threw Dr W. & shook him badly. Dr Smith & I go on to the field of battle with Davis stop at Depot, bivouac near the river for the night.

 

Dec 28, Sunday

Yesterday we landed on the Vicksburg side of the Yazoo At 8 P.M. we rec^d orders to move on to the field at 4 o'clock in the morn. I was on the boat till past 8 o'clock when Bannister & I fixed our bed & read till bed time. Burbridge's Brigade went out at 9 o'clock to reinforce Steele

 

            The boys were up cooking at 3 o'clock A.M. but did not move till after six o'clock.

 

            Cash died about midnight.

 

            We heard firing before 7 and advanced by easy marches towards. At 8 firing was rapid. At times the cannon chimed in loudly & again the rattle of musketry could be heard. We moved at times facing now south & now east The rebels were put to pretty hard At 9½ the firing ceased & we heard cheering. In ten minutes our regt. was hurried up & took a position facing south and now at ten o'clock we are still, the 108 at rest, & the artillery is waiting some further development. The Col is moving down the line talking to the boys. There is firing on our front

 

            10-10 Cos A & B are just starting out on a scout. Firing plain in front. A & B are skirmishers. Firing is more plain in front.

 

Names of men taken to Overton Hospital Memphis Tenn. Dec 16^th 1862

 

Those checked have Descriptive Rolls.

 

                                                           

 

Peter Baker

Kingsy             √

Aug Williams √

Jabez Howser  √

Gardner           √

Jonath Gibby   √

S. J. Gibby      √

B. F. Smith      √

 

Dec 28^th—Continued

The musketry rolls are quite peculiar. Often a whole regt fires & then the fire dwindles down to a few scattering shots. our forces are now building a bridge. There is a report that Gen^l Morgan L Smith is wounded. Large guns are heard frequently.

            Major Horton Capt Willard, Lt Achison are yet at the boat, sick or getting over a drunk.

            10.30 Artillery & Infantry in large numbers (6,000) are going by marching to the scene of action.

            11.15 Gen^l M L Smith was carried by, wounded in the hip. Wound rec^d while crossing a bayou. Dr Smith comes onto the field. Drs Willard & Davis report to the steamer J. C. Stover for duty.

 

            The regt. was quiet till 2 P.M. when it moved to the left a few steps & stood awaiting other orders. Firing at the front or bottom or whatever it is still continued. Took a good sleep.

 

All quiet till night & we bivouaced on the ground. Firing still continues at the bayous Trask & I went up to see what was going on. Saw some wounded & 5 dead. I went on & stood by a gun which was firing across the bayou, but at what they could not see. The battery was not charged upon. Slept in the ambulance.

 

Dec 29^th Monday

Did not get up till near 7. Ball opened as I dressed. Regt moved at 8 A.M. to relieve the 77^th which was on picket. Picket line over a mile long.

            11.15 A general advance was ordered and now at 11³⁰ our men are forming for the advance. Pickets come in on a run. Gen^l Sandman's brigade is to make the advance. Regt is off [?] double quick.

            12. M. Firing sharp on our right by 18^th Ky & 77 Ills

            12³⁰ Ambulances turn around twice for [faded] and we came to the left to avoid shot from the rebels. 12⁴⁰ a shell whizzed close over us, firing sharp at our left. 3 P.M. At close intervals the firing is sharp to the left  It is reported that Gen^l M L Smith is dead. Yesterday 7 captains & one Col were killed besides a number of privates. Rain fell during the P.M. and the Col & Lt Col sent for the ambulance & left our boys to sleep in the rain. Bannister & I put a bed down while the rain fell and I slept well till past midnight when we got up & changed our oilcloth putting the small one under & the large one over us but all to no good for we were sluiced with rain and at 5 A.M. got up the rain still falling and wandered around till daylight on the field.

 

Wet and in good spirits I went to work to get some breakfast making coffee in a tin cup & frying a piece of bacon on a stick. Dr W^d came up & saw us & I went up in front with him. Bannister & I made a pot of coffee & I filled my canteen. Our regt went to relieve the 19^th Ky & went 300 yds further than any regt had gone. At 2 P.M. the ambulances were ordered to the rear. No one hurt, though the firing was sharp I took a walk up in front & felt the shells very close. Slept on the ground at night

 

Dec 31^st Wednesday

Last night very cold. Had to get up twice to warm & fix the bed. Arose at 5³⁰ because it was too cold to stay in bed longer Made some coffee for breakfast in a tin cup & after breakfast went to the Division Hosptl, Depot & then went to the picket line with Drs Smith & Davis. The regt came in. Saw the dead rebels & looked into Vicksburg.

 

            Went to the boat with Dr W and made pills. Walked in & back. Wrote Lina at night To bed early. Dr Smith slept in the front of the Ambulance.

 

Regimental Roll of

97^th Ills Vol. by

Companies

 

Co. A

Capt W^m H. Willard

1^st Lieut R. H. Wood

2^nd  do  Alex Achison

            Geo. A. Apple

Al. H. Barnes

A. H. Barnes

Jos. H. Barnes

Ward Bauer

G. W. Barringer

Chas. T. Bannister

W^m E. Best

Leander L. Bird

Saml. P. Bird

Geo. Brebner

Jos. N. Broom

Jno. W. Broom

Rob^t. Brown

W^m H. Brown

Merritt L. Coe

Geo. W. Collison

W^m DeWitt

Dav. Dickie

Jese Dwyer

W^m R. Eddington

Rob^t T. Ewing

Elliot Griffin

Jno Gilliss

Hy. K. Gollikee

And. J. Gray

W^m H. Hamilton

Hy Huddleston

Jesse Huffman

Alonzo James

Chas W. Johnson

 

Hugh R. Johnston

R. B. Kelly

Geo. W. Lea

Aug Liebelt

John Lilly

Orlena Lukin

Benj R. M^cCleary

Payton B. M^cDaniel

W^m M^cDaniel

Johnson M^cGilvany

Willis              do

W^m W. M^cKee

Jno. B. M^cPherson

W^m H. Medlin

W^m Melcher

Rob^t Miller

 Jere Naughton

Jno. Oltmans

M. B. Opdyke

Steph. H. Partridge

51 

Rob^t E Patrick

W^m Patterson

Jno. W. Paul

P. H. Pentzer

Thos. M. Pentzer

Jas. Pope

Thos Pope

Newton Porter

Jas. Robinson

W^m F. Savage

Earnst Schreier

Hy. Shett

Perry Shurtz

Benj. F Smith

Rob^t. E. Smith

Stephen Smith

Saml Sprouse

Jas. T. Squires

W^m J. Stark

71

 

                                                           

 

Co "A"

Perry Stephens

Jno R. Stinnett

Thos. Swain

Geo. W. Trask

Rob^t H. Wallace

Saml Watson

Matthias Wendlin

Joel Wheeler

Hy. Wise

 L. D. T. Wood

R. H. Wood 1^st Lieut

            Total in Ranks 81 men

 

Capt Jas. G. Buchanan

1^st Lieut Jas A. Goodell

Co "B"

T. R. B. Adams

Jno. Albert

Chas J. Allen

Geo. W Allen

 

                                                           

 

Co

Jas. F. Allen

Geo. D. Armstrong

Yarpin J. Battson

Geo. H. Barnett

Francis W. Benefield

Jno. S. Benefield

Jas. S. Berry

Andrew Berry

Hy D. Boone

Chris. W. Bradman

Jno. W. Beuman

Branson Broan

W^m Burchfield

W^m B Burchfield

C. H. Campbell

Simon Cole

Jas C. Crookshank

Nathl Crookshank

Eleazer Davis

Peter Delp

24

 

                                                           

 

"B"

David Dove

T. W. Ellet

Hy. J. Estis

Jas. H. Estis

Cyrus K. Ewing

Phil. Feltner

Jno. Fitts

Zilman W. Fitts

Jno. W. Gross

Thos. R. Hancock

Demarquis L. Harris

Zeph. E. Hart

Jas. D. Hartly

Jno. R.    "

Saml      "

W^m C.   "

Jno. J. Holmes

Jas. W. House

Jno. Howser

46

 

                                                           

 

82                                                        Co

Jabez M Howser

Philip Huffman

Sampson H. Jay

F. M. Johnson

Allen Joseph

Jas. S. Joslin

W^m T. Joslin

Jas F Kelly

Jas H. Kilgore

Jno. A. Kilgore

Jno. H. Kimmery

Jno. W. Lanie

Jas C. Lemar

Pat M^cDonald

Alfred Miller

Paul H Markee

Jacob Murray

Jerem. N. Nees

Stephen Niecum

Perry H Nichols

64

 

                                                           

 

"B"                                                      83

Silas H. Nichols

Jas. W. Nicholson

Francis M. Northway

Jno. C. Orr

Jno. H. Orr

Jno Piles

Thos Jeff. Piles

Theod. Pridemore

Saml. Pursell

Jas. A Rawlings

Jno F Reynolds

Robt. G Reynolds

 Saml. S. Reynolds

Chas M. Sawyer

Benj E. Scott

Peter Sellars

Jonat. W. Shull

Robt. B. Shull

Otho Sparks

Orlester R. Tewell

84

 

                                                           

 

84                                            Co "B"

Jacob B. Sharp

Jno Trigg

Chas Trowbridge

Thos Vandercook

Ira Vanhauten

Jas. A. Wade

W^m R. Wade

Chas W. Wilcox

Jas. R. Williams

Jno B. Wilson

Thos B. Young

            Total in Ranks 94

 

Capt Jno Nairn                        Co. "C"

1^st Lieut J. Geo. Ruckstuhl

 

Hy R. Aderton

Alex Ashley

Chas. Bett

Green Bell

4

 

                                                           

 

85

Sylvester Bell

W^m Bervardy

W^m H. Blackwell

Benj Bowlin

Hyde Bond

Jno. Boswell

W^m Bowen

Hy. Bryant

Geo W. Bull

Gerard Bull

Nath Bull

Matthias Buddenburg

W^m Castleton

"C" Ab. C. Clark

Marshall A. Clark

Dav. D. Cockerill

Geo. C. Cockerill

Jno Delanny

Jas Devine

B Eberlin

24

 

                                                           

 

86                                                        Co

W^m M Edson

Theoph Euneau

Peter D Ferguson

W^m T. Flory

Dav C. Fulton

Alex Gardner

Jonah Gilby

Saml J. Gilby

Benj F Groves

Jas Hampton

Chas W. Hassel

Jas. H. Hassel

Sylvant W. Hassell

            Hasselton

Jno Hasson

Isaac Hays

Geo. W. Hill

Matthias Homer

Saml Homer

W^m Hutchens

44

 

                                                           

 

"C"                                                      87

Selah W. Jones

Alf. B. Jordan

Ernst Klemme

E. M. Knowlton

Jas Lynn

Geo W Macker

Jacob Martha

Francis Marshall

Jno M^cBride

Jas M^cLane

Selben B Miller

J. K. Minesinger

W^m H.  "

Phil. Mulky

Antoine Nevaine

Miller Newsome

Silas H Nixon

Ad. J Nordyke

Jas H N Pace

Francis M. Parker

64

 

                                                           

 

88                                                        Co

Joh. B Parmteau

Israel H. Philips

Joel Presse

Thos R Price

Jno M. Qualles

Jno. D. Red

Wesley Reed

Jno D Reeves

Hy. Shelten Reeves

Owen Reeves

Thos      "

Francis   "

John Robinson

Levi Roberts

Jno Rosa

Geo Sackett

Felix Senate

Lawrence Shaw

James Smith

Rich^d   "

84

 

                                                           

 

"C"                                                      89

Enoch Snelling

Dow F Steed

Saml. Swan

Jno Thomason

Lewis. A. Tollman

Jas. M. Turnbull

Alex Tyon

Saml White

Jno. A. Wigand

W^m           "

Hermann Zeitz

            Total in Ranks 95

 

            Omitted

Abraham Sarle

John         "

Edw. East

Horace Sisco

 

                                                           

 

90                                            Company

Capt Jas W. Wisner

1^st Lieut Henry Dulger

2^nd   "   Harvey S Titus

 

Geo. Adkins

Hy.      "

Jacob Arbogast

W^m Baker

Gusta D Beadle

Hiram Beal

Holland L Brock

James Bromly

Geo Bubb

David Canfield

Isaac Chapman

W^m J.   "

Anderson Colwell

G. D. Cornell

W^m H. Cottingham

Thos J. Cross

 

                                                           

 

"D"                                                      91

Jeff. Cummings

John    "

Dav. Dunbar

John L. Elder

Joseph    "

Josiah Elliott

Geo. W. Ely

Jas. M. Fairbanks

Saml Farmer

Mich Flood

Cyrus W. Floyd

Saml G. Garrett

Geo. Glasenor

Jno. S.  "

Wash L. Good

W^m Grant

Fr. M. Gregory

W^m H. Heddan

James Holdron

W^m      "

 

                                                           

 

92                                            Comp

James Huddleston

Jas. A. Huddleston

Martin Ingle

Vincent  "

John Ingram

John Kingsy

Adna Laws

W^m T Lewis

Mich Lidy

John Little

James Manning

Rich. Markland

W^m A.     "

Martin Markwell

Saml. H. Martin

W^m J. Maynor

W^m A Maze

Asa M^cCullom

Jas. M. M^cDavitt

W^m Miller

 

                                                           

 

D                                                         93

Homer Mitchell

Nathan Montgomery

Rich. D. Morse

Aaron D. Morton

Hy Muckler

Jas Osborne

W^m L  "

W^m Owens

Saml. P. Pennington

John W. Pitts

Preston Plunket

Geo M. D. Polk

J. K.             "

Archibald Poore

Dan Radley

Smith Ray

John W D. Riley

John W. Row

Mont. M. Sybert

Thos H. Smith

 

                                                           

 

94                                            Comp. D

Jac. Spoon

Hiram Stainbrook

Geo. Stillwagon

Danl Swick

Jno. B.  "

Jesse Tate

Chas Titus

Abr. Turner

Chris   "

W^m     "

James P. Warren

Chas Wethers

Albino Williams

Jno W.         "

Simeon. A.  "

John M. Wilson

Joseph A.   "

W^m Winer

Jackson Woodson

 

                                                           

 

            Comp E                                   95

Capt. Jonath. B. Denman

1^st Lt Geo. C. Harding

2^{nd do} Fr. M. Denman

 

W^m T. Andrews

Jno. H. Aten

W^m H. Banta

Jos E. Barclay

Heman S. Beach

Geo M Bence

Hy. C. Brooks

Geo. M. Bull

Warren C Butter

 W^m D       "

W^m Cash

W^m W. Chapman

C. P. Cochran

W^m      "

Joseph Crumbs

 

                                                           

 

96                                                        Co

Paul Coons

W^m G. "

Jno F. Cummings

Sidney F    "

W^m D.       "

John Davison

Robert   "

Geo. W. Denman

Jas. K. Finney

Jno          "

Elias Girard

David Goswell

Madison   "

W^m C. Greve

W^m F. Guyton

Geo. C. Harding

Jas T.      "

Jno R.     "

Pyrrhus W.  "

Lewis Hendricks

Jno. G. Henod

 

                                                           

 

E                                                          97

E. P. Herron

Jos B.   "

David Holman

W^m. J.   "

W^m Hutson

Cyrus K. James

Saml T.      "

W. C. Jones

Marion Kelly

Isaac Kibler

Jac E.  "

Jas. C. Kilburn

Jus. H.   "

Geo W. Lemmore

Jac A List

Leonidas Long

Jno. T. Land

Jas Mayfield

W^m J. M^cComas

Geo M^cElwee

Hugh M^cGusty

 

                                                           

 

98                                                        Co

Isaac M^cKay—Died Dec 2^nd /62 x39

Hugh M^cElwain

Mart P Meader Died Dec 8/62 x39

Benj Mendenhall

Allen Merritt

Jos. M Nesbit

Chas R Noe

Jac G. Parker

Jno Ramsey

Francis M. Rice

Corwin Roberts

Solo       "

Jesse Saylor

 

                                                            Co

Capt John H. Welch

1^st Lt Geo. W. Bolt

2^nd And^w Ray

 

                                                           

 

E                                                          99

Joel Saylor

Jas V. Sefton

Danl Shadley

Silas M. Smith

Henry Sewers

Thos J. Stent

Hy. J. Sutherland

Jy M. Sutton

Benj Wheeler

Jno J. Yelton

Silas A   "

 

Chas P. Ross

 

F

Thos J. Allen

Saml Baker

Jno C. Beck

Silas A. Beck

 

                                                           

 

100                                                      Co

Hy A Bingaman

Elisha Blankenship

Jno Hillery Buckmaster

W^m H.             "

Jas M. Chandler

Quinton S.   "

Zadoe Clark

Nelson Clow

Rob^t F    "

W^m C. Coleman

Jno Cothem

Hy. Crotzer

Rich^d Davis

Benj Depew

Joseph A. "

Harvey Doxsee

Ransom  "

W^m Dull

W^m A. Evans

Thos. Fraley

 

                                                           

 

F                                                          101

Mart. Franklin

W^m Granfield

Jno R Grear

Saml Hadley

Benj Hall

W^m Swayze Hall

W^m R. Harris

Benj Hatchet

Israel Haynes

Albert O. Hiatt

Hardin Hinton

Marion G. Jackson

Patrick Kelly

Cyrus Knight

Rob^t P. Larimore

Jas. M. Leach

Jos. P.    "

Danl Logue

Thos B Lyles

Jac. Landers

 

                                                           

 

102                                                      Co

Jno M^cCasty

Thos J. M^cClanahan

Miles C. M^cKinney

Reuben            "

Jacob Metz

Herman H Meyerholtz

Jas. B. Moon

Saml Merns

Benj F Myers

Rich^d Nance

W^m L. Nicholls

Jas Nowlin

Elias S. Osborn

Rolla Benj Paschal

Robt. J.            "

Alex^r Peak

Nels. O. Perryman

Jas. M. Pickens

Geo. W. Pope

Levi Powell

Jas Ray

 

                                                           

 

F                                                          103

Jos Reynolds

W^m F Rice

Maston Ring

Dav. H. Rodgers

Phillip Sandys

Jas A. Shutt

Lewis Simmons

Geo Smith

Peter   "

W^m A. Southern

Alvin Spurgeon

W^m H. Stephenson

Sidney B Stent

Fred Ulrich

Dav. Milt Wear

Jno N.       "

Solomon Welch

W^m R. Wheeler

B. R. Whittington

Aug Williams

Lewis A Tolbert

Albert Young

SOURCES