Diary of the Rebellion

                                                                                                by William [?]

of [faded]                                                                                Danville, Ky

                                                                        July 25th 1863.

            I enjoy one of the greatest blessings God has bestowed on man, that is health.

The day is pleasant and warm most of Co A. are on guard, the health of the Reg^t is very good. Nothing of interest transpired today.

July 26^th

To day is the Sabath the Reg^t has inspection of arms & usual [?] with military order. A nomber of teams loaded with rifels guns and amunition came into camp at about 10 Oclock.

warm and pleasant with a light rain

over /

I attended the place of worship this afternoon herd an excelent discource delivered by Chaplain Williams of the 2^nd Tenn Reg^t his text will be found in Romans 14^th Chapter and first verce. At 5 Oclock 150 of the Reg^t Co. A. included recieved orders to collect 3 days rations, saddle their horses and be ready to march in one hour. we mounted (was commanded by Major T.T. Dow) and filed by and passed out of camp with the cheers and good wishes of the remaining boys. we marched on through the stillness of the night, arrived within one half of a mile of Lancaster at 12 Oclock P.M. dismounted and fed our horses one quart of oats each. we often conjectured where we were winding our way at about 10 Oclock A.M. we arrived at Richmond Ky. July 27^th / we passed on until we were one mile south of the vilage then filed right in a timbered field. here we had some rest, stoped all night although rumors were rife that the enemy were within a few miles of us I slept very well.

July 28^th I was arroused at day break by an order, fall in. we were soon in our saddles. this morning I find that the Union forces ar 400 consisting of 150, 112^th 150 2^nd Ohio and a part of the 10^th Ky. Commanded by Col Sanders and without artilery. the report is being sirculated that one of the Union picket posts of 40 men has been gobbled. we marched ½ mile south and skermishing commenced. we saw that the rebs were like swarms of bees when compared with our force It has proven since that the rebs / 2000 strong and were commanded by Col Scott, the noted Cavalry commander also that they had 8 pieces of battery. But the Union forces held them at bay for one hour under severe fireing of small arms and shell. At this juncture it was discovered that the rebs were flanking our hand full of men. Co A. was dispached to return through town to intercept the flank move being made on the Lancaster pike. Soon after we took our position we herd shouts and fireing in town. we soon saw that (as we were but ½ mile distance) our forces were retreating, and the rebs had gained a position on the north of town and the Union force were obliged to cut their way through. by this retreat we were cut off from the main force. our retreat was cut of on the Lexington pike and Lancaster. there was a by road that was unoccupied by the rebs our instinct taught us to leave as we was now nearly surounded and the only Union forces now in Richmond. It was 22 miles to Camp Nelson situated on the Kentucky. we marched very hard / arrived at about 6 Oclock P.M. We knew not where the force were that left Richmond. I made a little coffee, stewed some apples and broiled a little pork. it was very good, as I had nothing to eat during the day. the part of the 112^th that stoped in camp at Danville passed through Camp Nelson. just at dark we were obliged to fall in after resting one hour. we arrived at Lexington at 2 Oclock A. M. of July 29^th. we spread our blankets on the grass and slept soundly until the rolling of the carriages on the pike awoke us. had nothing worth mentioning for breakfast. Stoped until 3 Oclock P.M. in the mean time we drew rations. we were soon marching through the dust / almost to suffocation. I should have stated that while we were at Lexington the forces arrived from Richmond with a loss of a few in killed, wounded and missing. the Citizens say the rebs lost most in killed. We moved on towards Winchester arrived at dark. as we entered the rebs left we captured 10 our advance guard pushed on and overhalled the rear guard exchanged shots and killed 1 horse. we pushed on all night it rained very hard just before day so much so that we could not proceed any farther with our heavy Battery as it was very hilly and slipry. our advance guard were skermishing frequently during the night. we arrived at Vianna, situated on Green River at about 6 Oclock A.M.

July 30^th we arrived just as the / rebs were leaving. quite a no of prisonors were taken there as they fought about ¾ of an hour a few were wounded. we pushed on towards Erwin. skermishing is now becoming frequent and heavy we ar frequently passing squads of wounded and prisonors. horses have not escaped the slaughter. we arrived at Erwin situated on the Ky. river. it is a flourishing little villiage of about 100 inhabitants up to this time we have taken 84 prisonors. arrived at 2 Oclock. Our battery is now shelling the rebs they in turn ar trying to do the same to us but they cant come in. just before night they commenced a hasty retreat and we in persuit. just before day of July 31^st our advance charged on a battery and took 2 cannon. one fellow would not / leave the gun until he recieved a tremendious saber cut on the forehead. early this morning we came to the forks of the road here the rebs divided their force the 2^nd Tenn went in persuit of the cut off, and we the main force. we soon captured a part of the rebel train. during this time we were constantly urged to double quick a part of the time our horses were on the full run until we were within 4 miles of Lancaster. here quite a fight occured many prisonors were taken but they pushed on until they came to Lancaster here they mad a stand. we opened with shell on them and made a flank move with the Cavalry. the Cavalry were supported by the 112^th they made a charge on the rebs as they passed on the pike towards Stanford. but here was sights. they soon crossed over Dix river and made a stand commenced shelling us. but the 112^th / formed a line and deploied as skermishers to charge on their battery. as soon as the rebs saw our move they skedadled. we soon arrived to Stanford. here we halted to fead. we stoped one hour the last 24 hours we have traveled 100 miles. we were so cloce to the rebs that they did not halt to eat. they think marching is more congenial to them. we marched all night arrived at Sommerset. on the morning of Aug 1^st we were so cloce to the rebs that they passed right through Somerset. the Citizens expected that the place would be burned. they had their fire engine in the street and ready for use. they passed on to Smiths ford / 3 miles above Stigalls ferry on the Cumberland River. a considerable fireing was done on the river after the rebs crossed the 112^th were deploied as skermishers and I know that the rebs ar great hands to dodge. The union forces after Scott this time was 1500 and Scotts 2000 they were so completely routed and whiped that Scoot returned to Dixie with about 500 men. The prisonors say that they were never whiped before, and that they did not like it much because they had no time to eat or rest. We left them on the opposite side of the river and retraced our steps it was about 9 Oclock when we passed through Somerset. the Citizens were in sweet repose but not so with us / we marched until 2 Oclock then stoped and laid down until morning. about 15 miles north of Somerset we passed a large force on their way south probably to gobble what we left. We arrived at Stanford. Aug 2^nd stoped all day and night and returned to Camp at Danville on the 3^d. We were much worn out. our horses were much jaded. We were in the saddle 3 days and 3 nights and a part of the fourth night in succession without sleep only what we took from passing time as we were on the march it is surprising how well a man can sleep while riding a horse.

Aug 4^th I am detaled as picket today before starting on my duty I drew an Enfield rifel. while on picket the / Officer of the day visited the picket post as is his duty to do twice a day. he sed that he saw just before night on the Stanford pike a squad of 50 Refugees from Tenn. they stated that another squad of 100 were in the rear many had passed before. the day is warm

Aug 5^th Nothing of interest transpired today.

Aug 6^th This day is a very special day, it is the day that the President set a part as a National thanks giving day he isued an order that the armies should observe the day. The 1^st Brigade, 4^th Division 23 Army Corps ar composed of the 112^th Ills 103 Ohio 1^st & 2^nd Tenn and 32^nd Ky we met as a Brigade, Officers and all we had Exertations, reading of the Scriptures, prayrs, and music by the band. Never did this Nation as Rulers, Sodery, and Sivilians take such a noble stand. May God hear and bless us. another meeting was appointed at 4 Oclock but it rained very hard which interfered. The Regimental Officers addressed us in the evening. /

Diary continued

Stanford Ky. Aug 17^th 1863.

We were called up at 15^m past 3 Oclock A.M. and orderd to be ready to march at 6 Oclock we were in line ready to march at 20^m past 6 while the band struck up the appropiate tune Dixie. It is a cool and pleasant morning the forces arrived 1 mile east of Crab Orchard at 11 Oclock A.M. Crab Orchard in size is about as large as Annawan although some of the buildings ar of a finer style it is a favorite resort for the Sothern nabobs as the place abounds with mineral springs

Aug 18^th we ar still where we stoped yesterday. I have just finished my breakfast consisting of Lincoln coffee sweetened broiled salt pork, crackers, sweetened blackberries. I was just called on to stand guard. while I was on / guard near head quarters General Burnside came in camp no particular demonstrations were made except a salute was fired by the battery

Aug 19^th We expect to recieve orders at any minut to march the 3^d Brigade commenced the march early this morning it is very warm.

Aug 20^th This day is very pleasant the sun is about withdrawing its pleasant face and we have just recieved orders to march tomorrow morning.

Aug 21^st We were drumed up this morning at 2 Oclock, breakfasted, saddled, and was ready to march at daylight, but we recieved orders to unsaddle and be ready at 11 Oclock at last we were under motion and arrived at Mt Vernon at dusk while on the march from Crab Orchard to this place I counted 281 muels each packed with 200 lbs of sugar and coffee

Aug 22^nd We rested all day /

Aug 23^d We were called at 3 Oclock A.M. and were ready to march at 5 Oclock A.M. and passed through the viliage I presume it has 100 inhabitants it was tedious marching this day as it was very warm and a large train was in the advance we passed through Loudon at 9 Oclock in the evening arrived in camp 5 miles east of Loudon at 12 Oclock P.M. and found no feed for our horses we marched 31 miles today

Aug 24^th I slept well we were orderd to march at 7 Oclock but did not leave until 12 Oclock A.M. it rained a little this afternoon it is very cool and pleasant we stoped at about 10 Oclock P.M. Aug 25^th We were on the march at 5^30/60 this morning it is clowdy and rains a little the forces arrived at Williamsburg situated on the South bank of the Cumberland River it is a small place of about 75 inhabitants. on arriving at camp we found 1 Brigade already there / it was 9 Oclock we drew rations and commenced the march at 1 Oclock. The forces halted early for the night and Co. A. were called on to stand picket Aug 26^th I presume the sun is up but I cannot see it as it is very clowdy we ar orderd to return to camp immediately all the forces are on what is called the big creek gap road that leads to the Cumberland Mountains distance 20 miles we have just recieved inteligence that the Rebs have blockaded the gap by blasting rock and letting the pieces roll down the cliffs in the road. The force were obliged to take another rout and while the force were being divided I recieved a letter from my companion at Galesburd am much pleased to learn that all my friends ar well The 112^th Ill and 45 Ohio take a rout by themselves with 60 Wagons and 4 pieces of artilery which lead directly over one of the spurs or short ranges of the Cumberland Mountains we marched but 5 miles until we struck this range and it was nearly sun down when we arrived on the opposit side it is 2 miles over we continued the march until 1 Oclock in the morning /

Aug 27^th All the force here were ordered to march at 4⁰⁰ in the morning but it is past the time horses sadeled and still in camp the forces were under motion at 6 Oclock A.M. at 7 minuts past 8 Oclock A.M. we crossed the State line we ar now treading the soil of Tenn. we stoped for the night at 4 Oclock P.M. forrage is very scarce our horses do suffer Col Henderson has just recieved a dispach from General Burnside (who is in the rear) that Forts Sumpter and Wagner ar in ruins also that Q.A. Gilmore is bombarding Charleston it is cheering news to peace loving men.

Aug 28^th We ar in Scott Co Tenn where we encamped yesterday the 112^th mustered for pay this morning. mustering for pay is only filling out a mustering roll and the Col calls the roll to / each company seperately and marks all absent. a man must muster before he can recieve his pay. We muster at the end of evry two months. At 5 Oclock P.M. orders came to saddle immediately. while we were preparing to march som of the forces brought in 48 prisonors that they had captured a few miles in the advance. And before we started it commenced to rain. it was easy to distinguish it from a fog it came in torrants.

Just before sundown Generals Burnside, Hartsuff and Carter with their respective Staff and body guard passed General Burnside is a corpulent man weighs about 200 lbs in dress is very plain wares a Burnside hat with the rim colapsed has on a check shirt with a wide collar and that turned over his coat collar. his features ar full and flabby. wears a heavy beard on each cheek and / has a very heavy mustach and chin bare. he is I think a dont care kind of a man and naturaly repulsive to the inward affection. General Hartsuff is a small neat looking man and General Carter is tall wares a heavy beard and is a pleasant looking man. We continued the march until 1 Oclock in the morning.

Aug 29^th We commenced the march this morning at 6³⁰ The troops have concentrated at this place. It is cool and pleasant. for the last few days we have passed through hilly and Mountainous Country although we have not passed directly over the chain of the Cumberland M^ts while passing through the hilly country we will at times pass through miles in extent without passing a house. the Country is heavy timberd. the inhabitants that live in the M^ts ar indolent. they live mostly on corn and have but little / of that they see nothing but poverty and ar not stimulated by enterprise The force halted at about 2 hours sun will stop during the night.

Aug 30^th The 112^th breakfasted before day and commenced the march at sunrise it would be much more pleasant if we all had overcoats to break off the Mountainous breeze. We arrived at Montgomery on the Emery River at 1 Oclock P.M. The force were obliged to stop at 12 Oclock at night as we were within 3 miles of Yeormans Gap. we expected a brush there but the butternuts took timly warning

Aug 31^st We made a forward move and halted ½ mile N. of the big Emry River at noon and kooked our dinner and fed our horses green corn. It is nearly sundown and one of the severest blows that we have ever felt has been given to Co A. this afternoon. we all feel it severly some of Co A. were in swiming in the Big Emry. Lucus Niles was in with his horse by some meanes the horse flounderd and threw Niles and he drowned. all efforts were made to save him but all in vain / it was 10 Oclock at night before we returned from the funarel.

Sept 1^st The force ar to leave at 8³⁰ at noon we forded the Clinch River distance from the big Emery 5 miles. we soon arrived at Kingston the Co seat of Rone Co. we passed through the viliage and stoped to kook dinner while John and I ar kooking some other Reg^t ar skermishing prety sharply at the river bank ½ mile distant from where I am watching my beans. I intend to have my dinner before I had eaten my dinner the battery opened with shell and Jeff's men withdrew. I think none were killed on our part. Kingston has about 80 inhabitants and is located within ½ mile of the mouth of the Clinch River which empties in the Holston and both forms the Tenn River. The C.S. were building / a river steamboat in Kingston I will give a mans statement made to me that run the steam saw mill that sawed all the material for the boat (the mill is within a few yds of the yard) that the rebs have been building 3 months cost $12000 they intended to launch her in 3 days from the time they left (they left as we went in and while crossing the Holston some of them drowned) I was on the boat she is 125 feet long 25 wide and about 11 feet to the upper deck. she was nearly calked no decks laid but a few stantions for the upper deck were in position. All of the rank Rebels have left the viliage General Burnside has been puting the confiscating act in force. he took a large lot of tobacco and divided it among the soldiers

Sep 4^th We the 112^th Ill and 9^th Mich Cavalry left Kingston and went in camp at Post Oak Springs a small viliage / of 50 inhabitants 7 miles west of Kingston.

Sep 6^th We have recieved orders to march at 7 Oclock A.M. and we arrived at Kingston at noon and stoped over night while the forces were crossing the Holston River.

Sep 7^th The 112^th crossed at in the afternoon and stoped for the night a few miles south of Kingston.

Sep 8^th The forces were on the march at 7 Oclock. we marched all day through the dust and heat and marched but 12 miles and went in camp on a wealthy secesh slave holders farm he felt very sore over it he had aplenty of hay, corn, potatoes, and baken the boys and horses were very hungry and the boys had been living on one half rations for a nomber of days so we walked in. the old man tore around and swore aconsiderable but he dident scare any one /

Sep 9^th This forenoon a company of Union ladies came to our camp with a large Union flag and walked up to the old mans house and waved the flag and our band serenaded the ladies. Many Confederate soldiers and rebel Citizens came in and took the Oath of alegience today. We commenced the march at 3 Oclock and went but ½ mile and stoped over night.

Sep 10^th The 112^th Ill 1^st Tenn and 9^th Mich left and arrived at Athens the Co seat of Mcminn Co it is a flourishing viliage of about 500 inhabitants. It is a decided Union place. The ladies were collected in large groups dressed in white and holding large and handsom flags. They invited the band boys to take supper with them that night.

Sept 11^th Co A. F. and a few of the 1^st Tenn were orderd to go on a scout in all 100 men at about 2 hours sun we arrived and crossed over the Hiewassee River just where the Ococe River empties in the Hiewassee / 20 men from Co A were sent in a different direction from the main force. we soon struck a trail and on we went we soon arrived at Benton the Co seat of Polk Co we 20 went in on a full run and saw 3 rebs throwing the dust behind by crowding their horses as fast as they could. we run them through the viliage but they were so cloce to the mountains that they escaped by leaving for us 1 horse 1 rifel 1 hat and 1 haversack with a little provisions in consisting of corn bread & onions as we returned to the viliage the women pled and cried. some came very near having catnip fits 20 Yankees the first that they ever saw wer a terible sight but behold no one was hurt. no buildings burned or nothing stolen. we stoped in the viliage until dusk. The secesh have an / idea that the Yankees ar women eaters as well as men slayers. we returned to the river after dark and found the other boys in camp at General Gamboels. he was a General in 1843. he is desidedly a Union man we all had our supper and horses fed at his place free of charge

Sep 12^th We ar still at the Generals Many union Citizens that have been hid in the mountains for a nomber of months came flocking in this morning with smiling faces. as we were marching yesterday one man commenced to jump, hollow, and swing his hat. sed I what is the trouble with you. Oh I have just got out of the bushes. and today a part of each company were orderd to go on a scout from here I was one that went. we were within 18 miles of N.C. and 12 of Geo and returned to within 3 miles of the Generals and divided off in squads of 10 / by the request of the Union Citizens and went to their homes and had our supper and breakfast. we discovered nothing new today. We ar faring on the best our friends can afford. While passing on the roads we ar often halted and presented with ginger bread and fruit it is alittle like going to camp meeting. The Union man often say to his Union neighbor I saw neighbor so and so as the case may be refering to Rebel neighbors he gave me the right hand of fellowship today. Those that have been rejoiceing begin to lament. you in the north know nothing in reality of war.

Sep 13^th We have all collected at the Generals will leave for Athens and arrived at Athens at dark with 10 prisonors we captured a few horses and 50 sheep. about 100 Confederate soldiers arrived at Athens yesterday as deserters and took the oath / of alegience. They ar coming in our lines daily. One Citizen told me that he counted 50 deserters in one day The Vixburg parolled prisonors ar plenty in this state I think but few have taken up arms again The Confederate army cannot stand the drain very long that it is now recieveing. it is a very common thing to find a deserter and some carried with them their guns and amunition

Sep 14^th The 112^th ar now arranging and sweeping their camp.

Sep 15^th Companys A. Ill B 1^st Tenn were orderd to go on a scout we arrived at General Gamboels a little before sundown.

Sep 16 Today we located our camp 1 mile north of Benton 12 of Co A. 10 of Co B. went on a scout from this place were within 9 miles of Cleveland in Bradley Co on our return we captured 2 C.S. soldiers. 17^th I am on picket today

18^th Our force were orderd back to Athens when we arrived we found that the 112^th had marched to Clinch /

Sept 18^th Our force were orderd back to Athens when we arrived we found that the 112^th Reg^t had left for Cleveland to oppose a rebel force most of Company B. were taken prisonors their captain was killed.

Sep 20^th It was cold as usual last night. the ground is coverd in places with frost.

Sep 21^st The forces were called out last night at 11 Oclock we all marched to Athens a distance of one mile from camp. we stoped in the streets until daylight. it was very chilly. as soon as day made its appearance we discovered that Jack frost had made a charge on us but failed to dislodge us but sothern / vegitation qualed. The Yankees had stood him many a rough and tumble so we were not frightned. We returned to camp I presume the allarm given was a false alarm.

22^nd We remained in camp until evening. then all was moving as though there would be a swarm come off. all left but Co A. we were left in Athens to do provo duty. Co A. ar fareing well now.

23^d A large squad of Citizens came in Athens today from Duch Town near N.C. 2 more squads expected today they all intend to enlist many ar Rebel deserters. I am on guard guarding prisonors

26^th The force that left here went to Charleston 15 miles south of this place and today they were attacted by the rebes. Union force / 1500 Rebel 10.000 Our forces were obliged to fall back to Athens. here co A. rejoined our Reg^t here the forces made a show of a fight. stood in a line of battle until 10 Oclock at night then started for Loudon on the Holston River.

27^th It is nearly night and we ar in Philidelphia it is a small viliage situated on the R.R. 6 miles south of Loudon. here our forces took position the 112^th were placed in front of a battery as this piece of woods is a good position for the Rebs to pick off our gunners we stoped in our several positions all night.

28^th We remained here until noon the Rebels opened on a piece of timber to assertain / weather we occupied that position. we were not there. at this time they commenced to form a line of battle. then our battery that was just in the rear of the 112^th and situated on a hill opened on the rebels but onward they came. Our small force left for Loudon, a place made strong by nature. They followed us within a few miles of Loudon, then halted about faced and started south some of our forces followed them and harrassed their rear.

30^th We ar still at Loudon all is quiet today.

Oct 1^st All the mounted force commenced to retrace our steps towards Athens. it rained hard nearly all day. we halted just before night and fixed up /

 

            Oct 4 Our forces are on the right wing of Burnsides Command. The enemy occupy the R.R between us and Rosicran. About 1500 were at Charlston about 15 miles South. The enemy is supposed to be from 5000 to 7000 strong we were forced back to Louden on the Tenn River We held the enemy in check for a time, fell back to Athens went in camp

10^th I will quote prices here potatoes C.S. money $5 to $6 U.S. $1. Saleratus C.S. $5, U.S. $1. Salt C.S. $75. Flour C.S. $50 to $70 U.S. $5. Salt her is now worth $12 pr ½ bbl. Flour is plentiful as our miller is running a mill. I will not write how we kook it as this may be captured and the receipt divulged. but after we / swollow our gridle cakes it goes home with a bang. Our brigade are guarding the ford over the Tenn about five miles from camp 150 men have been on duty and 100 more is called for as the enemy are crouding. Our provisions are a little short at one end but tastes good when we get it corn is in abundance. The Regt voted wheather we shall keep our horses. a majority voted yes.

In camp near Louden Ten.

Oct 26. 1863. Co. A. fall in. Must saddle immediately

27^th Just after sunrise. We move to the front to renew the conflict that ceased last evening. Enemy in force 8 miles South. The 112 moved out on a walk. soon we troted and the last few miles our horses were on the run. Within ½ mile / of the enemy we filed to the left in an open field with our horses on the run. the regt formed quickly. Forward double quick. charged up a steep hill. enemy saluted by volley but the 112^th pressed right on. soon were in possession of the crest. We lost one killed, nomber wounded returned to camp before night.

28^th Called out this morning at 3 Oclock. have 50 extra cartrages one day rations. Skermishing has been a daily occurrance for a week. Last Sunday the 112^th were out alone. drove the enemy's pickets and watched the main force which is estimated at 20 000 under Longstreet.

29^th Louden was vacuated yesterday I do not know the reason. Burnside's forces are now six miles N.E. of Louden on the R.R. Longstreet forced Burnside back on Knoxville and nearly surrounded / the city We were cooped sixteen day and the only outlet was South. I have been out a nomber of times in company with forraging parties perhaps ten miles which was dangerous busines. but men and horses were on short rations. the risk was a necesity. Longstreet was forced to vacuate. as he left Burnside followed slowly. as we were leaving the city I saw a few loads of ear corn a little way from the road. I said to my brother John, there is some corn. he rode up to the guard and said, guard may I have two ears for myself and brother for breakfast. after some parleying with the Lieutenant he said yes, and get out of here as soon as you can as others will see you and in a few minuts the corn will all be gone. If that Lieutenant ever sees this I / wish him to know that we thanked him hastily for one good meal.

N.E. of Cumberland Gap Dec 14. 63

I have but a few minuts to write. Just returned from a forraging trip. Mail will leave in a few minuts. This is the first that I have written for a month as our communication North was closed. On the first day that Longstreet closed on Knoxvill the 112^th was on the front line and lost heavily. A Confederate Colnol that was captured said he never saw such reckless fighting as the 112^th did

Dec 20—18 miles N.E. of Knoxville

Yours of Nov 20^th and 25^th came to hand just as we had formed company to attac the enemy. firing had already commenced in front. I read them while in line and trying to dodge the rebel shell. We soon were ordered to support a battery / While in this position we lay on the ground on either side of the battery while the enemy bored holes in the ground with sollid shot We found that we were in front of Longstreets army. We fell back to a new position and the enemy pressing us so hard that some of the 112^th left their tents standing. the last stand a part of Co. A. made as rear guard. Comrade Dilts was a little to my left as ball struck him in the breast he fell on his face I rolled him over and he was dead We immediately fell back. as we started I said let us carry Dilts back three volunteered the ballance of the Co. left us but we carried him about one mile, then put him across a horse and was taken to the rear. If any one think it an easy matter to carry / one such experiance will thoroughly convert you to the contrary—

Later—The 112^th have become much scattered, in killed, prisonors and sick. Co. A. often goes in action with from 20 to 30. The Regt can stack about 300 guns and I have been in my place without one miss up to date yet have not had even my clothes damaged Wonderful, as balls have flew like hail—have been within fifty yds of heavy lines and have had volleys fired at me point blank

Dec 28—About 5 miles up the R.R. from New Market. This is a beautiful valey. It is miles in width. The forces came here last night. There has been fighting in this part of the valey nearly every day for a week The 112^th have been constantly on the move since we left Knoxville.

It has not been very cold / The ground has not been frozen more than about two inches Nearly all of the stock have been taken by the armies and destitution prevales. The people of the North have but a faint conception of the horrors of war.

I will give a sample. The 112^th of 300 men mounted did on arriving here last night. Halted in the timber. there was a log house here. owner gone. Regt Officers took posession. the men went to the barn. took winter wheat in sheaf-feed for horses, and our own beds. used water from a cistern and burnt 80 rods of fence 8 rails high. If the men did not take other things it was because they did not find them. yet the 112^th Regt is a modled Regt.

Order. Saddle. I may carry this some time befor there will an opportunity to send it /

Wednesday. The Division commanded by Wolford were called out at 2 in the morning. Arrived at Dandridge distance 7 miles. in the morning we herd cannonading at the place we had left. On arriving at Moss Creek station 1½ mile from our camp that we left the evening before, Enemy attacked took one cannon the 118^th Ohio charged retook it with a loss of 40. Enemy fell back last night

Moss Creek R.R. Station Tenn

                                                                                                            Jan 1^st 1864

The old year went out with a convultion at 11 Oclock eve it commenced to rain and at 1 morning the wind raged and as most of our shelter wer made by flatening rails on an encline and covered with tents, the wind made short work in raising the roof. During the rain storm we had lain rubers on top and / hung tents in front. when the wind struck us, the occupants in all four grabed hold of our house an hung on in about 30 minuts the storm had passed but we were wet and we lay down. In the morning we found our beding and clothing froze stiff. We made a fire and said there is better days in store Just before night I was orderd to take charge of a squad. was out until after dark. Clear and cold my ear is frozen. I thawed and thought of the better days coming. There was near a barn filled with wheat in the sheaf. The Officers placed a guard at the barn ordes where not to take any of the wheat. It is always granted that a guard cannot see behind him. our boys would stand near the guard and when his back was turned / would pass in geather up all he could (As the Sothener say) tote and start for his tent the wheat was all taken. I believe that wheat saved the lives of some of the 112^th

2^nd Today is clear and cold

3^d Morning we were orderd to be ready to move at any moment as the enemy is advancing. Seven deserters came in and report Longstreet's men short of amunition

4^th The 112^th are in the front and supported by a heavy force of cavalry. lay in line of battle all day. All quiet at dusk.

6. A light mail. We go after forrage every day. brother John goes every other day. We often go 6 miles from camp. return with corn, hay or corn leaves lashed to our horses and the rider on top

7. I am becoming an expert cook as it takes me so short a time to get a meal /

            The 112^th have not drawn soap for weeks, yet we wash our clothes and look quite respectable. Longstreet is still in camp North of us with a force estimated at 35 000. deserters are frequently coming in /

 

In the field near K[?] Ford Ten

After the siege of Knoxville our brigade were sent to find the position of Longstreet. On this trip there was not an ambullance of or piece of artilery. The 112^th were mounted at this time. The country around the ford is hilly and covered with heavy timber Our Brigade formed in line. the 112 being as it proved in front of a line of works, and I think our officers new nothing of it until they enemy opened Lieutenant Dow was wounded early and fell then Lieut. Williams was in command. we advanced without fireing. while advancing the enemy fired constantly and by some means I was in advance of the line perhaps four rods. I stoped that I might be in line while standing I noticed in particular how the dead leaves bark and twigs danced. bark and leaves flew it looked imposible for a man to live five minuts and by some means the line stoped and commenced dwindling. as I was in the advance all the time I herd no order. when we had remained but a short time here / when a ball passed through my gun stock and wounded brother John. he spoke to me of it in looking around I saw but nine of our men in line. four of us picked up brother John and the rebel line fired a volley at us at short range yet strange to say not one of the five were hit. /

been in under fire but a short time and all but nine were out of sight and fireing from the enemy ceased except an occasional shot. at this time I was behind a tree about as larg as my body and my brother John a little to my right. a single shot was fired from the left. my gun was in my right hand in front and cloce to my body. I herd no ball but my wrist was jarred severely. Just then John said come here William I am wounded. while steping to him I saw that the same ball that hit John had passed through my own gun near the stock and ruined it I struck the bbl over a log sprung the bb it threw it down called on three comrades to help me carry John. as soon as we came togeather the rebels opened on us by volleys. why we were not all killed I know not. we moved rapidly and they continued to fire but we escaped without a scratch as we fell back we found that / we were alone on the field we carried John perhaps one fourth of a mile to where our horses were put John on his horse. Major Dow said William you let a Lieutenant of Co. D. that had a scalp wound have your horse, of which I inwardly objected as the Lieutenants horse was not far away, but I submitted without a word I saw at once the officers were excited. all was bustle and orders were fall in and to the rear we went. It was nearly sundown at this time. I was left to myself on foot without instructions, but I followed the croud dodging cavelry any way to keep up and keep out of the way of the horses. a part of the time I was on the trot we kept up the retreat all night. the next morning I found Co. D. and called for the Lieutenants horse. As near as I could learn Longstreet tried to flank us and it was only by a long and sirticus route that we escaped him. The officers pressed citizens to take the wounded in wagons to Knoxville / We were about three days geting out of the nearly fatal trap. One incident which came to me was rather novil. on the second day I recovered my horse and we had stoped for the night in the timber, put up our tents it being a still night I was waken from my sleep by some one apparrantly walking softly in the dead leaves. I sat up in my bed and my sadle that lay at my side commenced to move. as soon as it was picked up I sprang out of my tent without my gun the theif was runing with my saddle. I said halt. halt halt. or Ill shoot. I presumed he believed me as he droped it and ran for dear life. the saddle served me until the Regt. a few weeks later turned over the horses to the Government and we crossed the mountains, went in camp at Sterling Kentucky Mar 8^th 64 /

 

April/May 1864 /

 

            While here, I with a few others were granted furloughs for 20 days. I went home but such visits does not give the satisfaction anticipated as there is ever present on the mind that a few days will soon pass and home life is so differant to camp. At this time I saw for the first my son of 14 months old which I was so soon to leave. I returned to camp in good health

Apr 6^th The Regt left Mt Sterling moved to Lexington an Infantry Regt.

11^th The Regt drew new guns and refited for service

19^th Here the command was placed in charge of seventeen hundred pack muels and a large wagon train and started for Knoxville

May 3^d Arrived at Knoxville being the third trip across the Cumberland Mountains

May 6^th Early this morning we were orderd to take train at Cleveland but on arriving found the train loaded. Returned to camp /

 

Aug. 9^th – 13 1864 /

 

            Hedges and the forrest are looking fresh. The days are hot nights cold. Negro soldiers are now treading the streets of Knoxville. 50 ambulances passed for Cleveland.

8^th Arrived at Cleveland to join Sherman's army in Northen Geo.

10^th Before sunrise. I have just finished frying meat. Walter made coffee and fried broken crackers. It rained last night

Evening we are at Tunell Hill on the R.R. We are now face to face with Johnsons Confederate Army. Hed for Atlanta. Johnson has been driven three miles and they have lost Tunell Hill. Must draw and isue rations to the Company.

11^th I have no time to write any more. We now march to the front.

12^th In camp. The 112^th was assigned to the 1^st Brigade 3^d Division 23 A.C. Rained hard last / night. still fighting was continious. Our forces captured lasty night 2 Brigades and two siege guns. I have concluded not to send this until I have an opportunity. The P. Master told me that all mail communications North were closed

Revilee at one o clock on the 13^th Moved at two marched sixteen miles through Snake Creek Gap and joined McPherson near Resaca at noon. While on this march I was scarcely able to march was obliged to remain with the doctors. 14^th noon there was a general engagement. Our Brigade was at the extreme left. Fighting continued until after dark. I was in the afternoon at the 23^d A.C. Hospital and as soon as the wounded were brought back, the Surgeons commenced to amputate limbs in a very short time they had a pile of legs and arms /

 

May 15^th

June 1864 /

 

            Evening. I hope to go to the company tomorrow. am feeling some better

15 Johnson left Resacca last night 16. Have a chance to send this home.

17^th Detales were made to bury the dead. I went over on my own hook to see. It was a horible sight as the dead had lain from Sat til Monday I counted 50 dead most of them had been killed with canister as they lay in front of a fort.

Many of the wounded are being taken to Nashville. The Regimental Doctor told me to go I replied that I wished to report to my Company. he said you may if you think you can keep up. The doctor will leave with two sargents tomorrow I intend to try it /

65.—Sat. 21 I have just joined the Company.

June 1^st Our Brigad are waiting to draw rations. Today is 31 days since Sherman attac Johnson at Tunell Hill. The army have been constantly moving from right to the left and vice versa until we feel weary in well doing.

It is most imposible to get soap. Walter let me have a little suds and I washed my shirt

3^d Our rations now are short. I ate a light supper which finished my crackers. in the morning Walter gave me a piece of a soda cracker. I breakfasted on that with a little poor beef, Coffee, sugar and stewed green apples, which lasted until the next day eve then we drew full rations. Yet I keep well. We have always had soda crackers. It takes quick moves sometimes to issue rations. I have herd the order Co. A. fall in and the rations of crackers, coffee and sugar just unloaded / I would swing my hatchet down it would fall on the box and the cover would fly. as soon as my eye would fall on the crackers, I must determine by the size wheather it would take 12 or 14 for a lb each man drew 1 lb for a ration. I must know how many days rations were to be isued, and when we were short of rations each man wanted every crumb that belonged to him. I happened to be very fortunate in judging of quantity to make a lb. sugar was often measured in with a large spoon. I have cut one candle in four pieces. one piece to a tent. I do not remember of geting a cussing by any one while in the service. Co. A. were a grand lot of men.

While in camp at Lexington Ky There was a Regimental church form and the By Laws required that the aplicant should state that he wished to live a Christian / life We held many prayr meetings in the woods near the skermish line and frequently balls from the enemy would fly over our heads and fetch up against some tree with a snap God and the stars looked on us. Army life has a demoralizing influance even on many christian men. There were noble exceptions to this rule however that came under my observations. While in camp at Lexington a Regimental ord was given that there should be whiskey containing qunine issued each morning at roll call. On the first morning five in Co. A. said no sir when it was presented. A few mornings after, Cap. Dow said after roll call all that wish to fall out can do so. In every instant the same five withdrew, not either of them even tasted it. I think all five returned home. / On arriving in camp I prepare for supper, put up my tent, and often go one half mile for Company beef full ration is 1¼ including bone sometimes it has the appearance of being mostly bone. well I may have marched hard but the boys must have beef for supper. At it I go. Sometimes I am called up at any and all hours of the night to draw and isue rations. I never am obliged to coax men to get up after I am ready to hand out. I sing out Co. A. rations. I am cooking beans. after they are boiled we salt, pepper, then eat /

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