Cape Fear N.C. Febr 65 /

 

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Page                Co. 112^th Ills

70                    Were discharged

            see page 170 (?) /

[torn] While [torn] in [torn] saw the Provost M[?] corporelling Led andy Johnson's men. A majority of the Confederate Soldiers cannot write thier own name [?] here in camp. I was [att]act with Intermittent fever but remained in my tent. was hardly able to sise the cars to Chicago but did go with four hundred and six enlisted men. Five hundred men who enlisted with the [Reg]t did not return with it [torn] Chicago Arrived on the [torn] day of June and were finally discharged July 6^th 1865 /

 

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Mill Springs Kentucky

                                                                        June 20^th July 4           63

[?] was ordered to take a squad and proceed to Mill Springs a distance of 20 miles from the main army. we were mounted at the time.

[page looks to have been overwritten by someone trying to pull up the faint text, obscuring the original text and providing gibberish in its place]

had a detail of fifteen men and was proceeded to Grove Spring a distance of winter miles from any seaport his object was to guard our men as Morgan was mastering Kentucky. [?] 70^th were I dids over[?] ordered he General Zolicoffer occupied and lost his life and in army terms it is naturaly a strong position. as is n r takes a sharp hand with guns to stop us Yanks Pr s in ed re s out ten days Robtas usuial hand ed out Cap & requested the Citizens to prefer a 4^th of my dinner or us you man his share that we celebrated it in fine style fifteen loyal men in the rest of the enemy. on ground where but and had time ore men were in here som [?] /

 

Remained here until the 22^nd. Then we were orderd to Lexington. Three Regiments wer soon on the march and had a team of 100 wagons We found it a fine rolling country On arriving in sight of Lexington the first object that met our eye was Henry Clay's monument Thirty six prisonors that had been captured near Georgetown were lodged in prison.

There appeared to be many loyal people in Lexington. One old black woman jumped, swung her arms, and shouted Oh Law dars nuff yanks to kick de wold. Went in camp South of Lexington. Last week all the troops except 400 cavalry that were here left just at break of day. Morgan 3000 strong made a dash in their camp. our men killed 30, but were all taken / prisonors. Morgan parolled and returned all the others

Oct 25^th I sleped comfortable yet there is now 4 to 5 inches snow on the ground. It thawed today and three of Morgans men were captured today.

26^th I am Corporal of guard. pleasant. snow melting. I dined today on pork, crackers coffee sweet potatoes. We must get a pass to go ½ mile after water.

27 Was up nearly all of last night. Seven Regiments came now in camp. 100 prisonors captured yesterday, 50 from Co. "A". went on picket today took blanket over coat and provisions for one day Remained in Lexington all winter. Drilling and doing picket duty

 

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            Aug 1^st 1864 During this month the 112^th were in many hard places doing duty constantly. And a few days before Atlanta fell we were sent South in advance and struck the R.R. at Lovejoy station 20 miles South of Atlanta and were there on the night of the evacuation of Atlanta. Then moved to Decator East of Atlanta 8 miles. Rested drew clothing and prepared for the campaighn against Hood's raid North

 

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[?] about two miles halted & lay down for the train for the [?] here a few days. Then started to Lexington Kentucky. We all learned much in three years Went out many of us many not to return to our homes.

Arrived at Big Eagle Oct 20^th 1862

Today we are resting and on the look out for an attac. This evening [torn] men came in camp one was [torn] under guard while being confined he stated he was one of Morgans men and to guard his horse to release him. Evening have orders to move in the morning at 5 I am Corporal of the guard tonight at 12 oclock tim allen came to ma[?] immediately we were soon on the run /

 

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After the fall of Atlanta and Sherman had started on his march to the sea General Thomas was left in command with head quarters at Nashville and Hood prepared to invade the North. The 112 wer constantly on the march. We were South of Columbus on the lookout and fell back with much skermishing from Huntsvill Alabama. One morning early we commenced a race with Hood, he going North and our Division going the same, but a few miles apart our forces arrived at Columbus Tenn. just in time to throw a heavy line to check Hood. by the rapid fireing we held him until dark After dark the forces fell back across the river that is near the viliage Our forces blew up the fort, burnt our pontoon bridge also the R.R. bridge at this place. Early the next morning Hood tried to lay pontoons but he did not succeed in the mean time Hood sent one A. Cor to our left a few miles and crossed the river and / presently we saw some of our troops double quick out and start North. we soon herd canon to our rear on the only road for us to use North. It proved to be one of Hoods A.C. had attact our small force at Spring Hill thirteen miles to our rear. we held our ground at the river until ten at night then withdrew quietly. In time we arrived at Spring Hill The Confederates had gone in camp about eighty rods from the pike and parelell to it. their camp fires made the streets so light we could see small objects at our feet. we that had just arrived pood when our men said they were Johnies In the course of an hour the troops had arrived and as we had a train of one thousand wagons we moved slow. The General said aloud to Colnol Henderson of the 112 Colnol I expect the enemy have fortified across the pike North but I want you to go to Franklain and I will back you with the whole force. Our guns were loaded. Order fall in close up forward. we started rapidly went to Franklain without hearing / a shot. made the distance from Columbus to Franklain twenty six miles by daylight. we halted outside of the viliage, threw down our blankets and lay down tired but thankful. At about 9 Oclock the trains commenced to arrive. it was after noon before our lines were being formed the river here makes a sharp curve the viliage lays in the bend and about ¼ of a mile outside of Franklin we commenced to throw up works with either flank at the river. And about 4 Oclock our train had crossed the river and Hood had formed his men in colum about two miles East then started without skermishers. moved up to our works under a hail of led and iron. broke the line in two places then stoped. they were simply mowed as the ground was levil We held them until about 10 evening. Then quietly withdrew. On the next day arrived at Nashville /

The troops pressed Hood back. the 112 went as far as Clifton on Tenn river embarked on a steamer went down the Tenn up the Ohio to Nashville, then took cars to Alexandria Verginnia. Remained there about two weeks.

While her On arriving here the boys created much comment as we had just come from a rough and hard campaign. we were raged but clean on after arriving at Alexandria we felt at liberty to do prety much as we pleased to the great annoyance of the city patroll guard. Every day squads were arrested, not for misconduct but for runing over the city without a pass. At one time the guards brought a large squad to Colnol Bond. by this time the regiment had gathered around the guards so that Colnon Bond said I will receipt for them show me your prisonors the guard looked around and [line cut off] / [?] as all wer lost on the croud and such a cheer I think those guards never herd. The next morning the city Provost Marshal issued an order to allow the Western troops to have the freedom of the City without molestation unless they making were creating disturbing the peace There were no arrests after that. I was sleeping on the floor. I thought a gunny sack stuffed would be a good thing. I procured one then went to a large shed where there was baled hay and guarded by a dandy. I explained to him my desire Cant do it it is against orders. well said I the loose stuf scatterd around is of no use to the army. said he I know it. if I do not see you it will be all right. as soon as he would start from me I scrached lively kept my ey on the guard. about the time of his arriving at the end of his beat I would be standing gazing in the distance. I slept after that fine. On one of the days I went to a fort. I asked to be admitted The sargent in charge said do you belong to the W are you one of the Western troops. Yes / said he come in. We wont be quartered with Eastern troops. We were quartered in a large building. the lower story was used as kitchen and dining hall colord kooks did our kooking in large koldrons on arches. In due time we were ordered to draw rations. pork was kooked for us and put in bbls placed in the open yard. we went to the bbls with haversack. some of the pork looked black and actuly stunk. well we picked it over cut in, looked and smelt of it and if judged passible slid it in our haversacks. over one half I think must have been rejected. but we had seen hard times before. turned fell in and marched /

 

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in hostility to our country and on top of that they will say we or I got $600, or $900 as the case may be and do you think it goes down well. I have not herd a soldier say that. it is just or shows any regard for our rights. And as the war is virtualy closed we say let the big bounty and Negro men serve their time as one gets the money and the other his liberty and release us I do not wish to follow soldiering did not come out for money but for the triumph of justice. yet we may be obliged to stop until September. How can I feel cheerful I cannot. it [paper cut off] / sick when he last herd from home. Jol Joseph Dow's son Charles is now in Raleigh. I think it would have been much better if you had sold the corn last winter. yet perhaps I should have done as you did if you can get 40 cents pr bushel you will do as well as I expect. Will Can you get help to hawl it away this summer.

Put surplus boxes on the hives (except the weak ones) abot the last of May. I wrote you to get lumber to make your room or home as comfortable as possible. Also cann a good lot of fruit this summer. one gallon jugs with large mouths may do to put small fruit in yet there is from one to two qut jars made on purpose which is better. One oclock. The mail just came and I must read yours of Feb 13^th. The directions were to light. I am opposed entirely to any secret society. I think the church should be more opposed to it is an evil I think your hair will come [paper cut off] that I have /

 

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dream. It is generaly believed that we have been reinforced by Roseau of 20,000 or 30 000 We ar strongly fortified in some points & advancing clocer at others. the appearance is that Sherman intends if Johnny will stop at Atlanta he will put a ring guard around them so that they may live retired from picket duty Sherman will do all skouting and picketing. Our Cavalry made a great raid on the Augusta & Atlanta road a few days ago. Our Cavalry are now out on another raid. Some think / [top section cut off] will be to much trouble to quilt [paper cut] quilt like it but it would do for Adda to put in a crib quilt. We ar still guarding the train. it is a real good situation. Cap Dow told me to turn over my gun to the Ordnance Officer as I am commisary I will carry a spade and axe. Milton is still at the Hospitle with a sore knee. I must tell you about one of Shermans yankee tricks. Yesterday he moved 3 Corps from the left and put the 23 in position on the left while doing this he set 2 Divisions to marching around a high hill where only one side was exposed to reb view they thought that Sherman was massing his forces on the left when he was actualy sending them to the right

Marietta July 30^th Co A. came here yesterday after dark I slept by the side of the street. It is about 3 Oclock our teams ar being loaded. we expect to start for the front near Atlanta early in the morning. This place is about as large as Geneseo, and real pleasant. It looks like rain is thundering very hard. Dear Ina I do hope you and the little ones ar well I am yours ever and affectionately                 William /

 

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morning, rather old isent it I have answerd much later date. I wonderd why you had not wrote somthing about the donation. You raised much more than I expected. Tell Luretia that I dont blame any man for looking after the Ladies and especialy the war widdows, wish I could do it myself, at least ide try one. I am sorry that my brother Lewis does not take a little trouble at least to answer my letter to him I would much rather he would have written me about the land / [top section cut off] wish to have a good title. as it is I would not [faded] at present $10 pr acre. The last I wrote you was at Fortress Monroe. Our boat lay there all night and put to see early. about the time we got in sight of Cape Hatteras it was pretty rough. we found smoother surface after passing it until we neared Cape Look out which was during the night at about 10 Oclock it commenced to rain and blow and at about day light the sea spray came aboard (the Atlantic is a large boat) Did not I see some sick men I think I did /

 

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try to sing songs and call on his breathren as he called them to speak, which ar the swaring class. Most of the Co oppose him he told me a few days ago that he intended to reform. I hope he will One of your letters contained some thread and a slip of news paper. I think I wrote you some time ago that I had recieved the wax. I do not need any more thread I bought some. I am pleased to hear that William and Lady ar doing so well. I think Nelson Bowen [cut off] / [top section cut off] me Elizabeth's and Nettie's likeness to send to her Nelson. it was his request just before he died. he died sometime last summer. Giles died soon after. dates forgotton by the man. It is still raining it commenced on Friday. The Negroes keatch a few salmon in the river and sell at 25^¢ each. Cap Dow bought a few salmon yesterday and the Co nombering 31 drew lots for them my tent boys drew a fish Salmon at that. most of the Co done like the mans fifth calf did, looked on. I /

 

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[upside down]

Stoneman also was out with a squad of Cavalry in the rear of Johny Rebs. Meyerson last evening as Stoneman came in 200 prisonors 300 horses they destroyed 70 wagons and 3 RR trains

 

that suit you better after reflection act upon them perhaps I do not understand all the sircumstances. In regard to the rent of Nelsons house I with Walter think that $3.00 pr month is about right Elizabeth ought to loose $1.00. I have just finished my dinner. it is about 1 Oclock. Skermishing has been brisk all day. It is real warm. Walter has a severe head ache. The reports ar today that Petersburg and Mobial is in our possession and that we have 60,000 marching direct from Mobial. We can hear nearly any thing in camp that we wish. Perhaps before this reaches you there there will be somthing desisive taken place. I trust that it will be in favor of liberty. Hope you ar well Your William

July 22^nd At the hour of 9 A.M. last evening Co A. were orderd out on detale in company with 2 other Companies from other Reg^ts. Commanded by Cap Dow. we arrived to camp where / there was a large train of ammunition a distance of 3 miles from where the Regt were in camp. we arrived at 12 Oclock, made our beds in an open field. I slept real well. how differently it seems today to what it did yesterday instead of a continual roar of musketry, and tuned by artilery. we hear nothing but conversation, laughfter commands of teamsters with a large share of orthodox pronunciations with an occasionly sharp crack of the lash that cuts and gives pain to the much worn and useful muels, but man is not at this point in much danger of haveing the life that all so tenasiously cling to cast in eternity We ar what is called guard to an ordnance train do not know how soon we will be relieved. Direct your letters as usual. We have just recieved orders to march in a few minuts as the train ar moving to the front / Here we ar again with our tents up we did only move towards the R.R. 1½ mile. I am enjoying myself as well as I can. We have been here but a very short time and firing is herd pretty sharp direct east. a general uneasiness pervades us all. it is advancing. there comes an orderly who gives the order, get out of this as quick as you can. there is a great commotion among the teamsters the whip lashes begin to crack like many fire crackers. in ¾ of an hour we ware in full retreat for the R.R. Our Brigade has just come in and formed bettween us and the advancing rebs. the train moved on the Atlanta road 1 mile and stoped. The rebels took Decator but our men (not our Brigade) our army raleyed and drove the rebels retook all the artilery but a few guns that they took from our men

July 23^d – 4 Oclock The reports ar very conflicting, but I will give them and / will not try to prove them (only that it is reliable that General Mcphersion was killed) Some say that we lost 200 and took from 1500 to 5000, and that General Hardy was wounded and fell in our hands. All is quiet as far as I know this afternoon We believe that General Hooker is on our extreme right, and General Hood Confederate (is in command now) and orderd a charge but Hooker was wide awake he repulsed the rebels there was a heavy loss on both sides. You will get the particulars I presume in the papers. Sherman has established a part of his lines within one mile of Atlanta. all seem to be working well. Atlanta must fall soon if Sherman can hold his posishion The troops ar being fed as well and better now than they have been since we commenced this campaigin. The country is not levil as we expected to find it but rolling and hilly. Walter is well. John Fuller, Walter Barton and Philip Meyer the latter now came to the company yesterday and today July 24^th It is the sabbath. Last evening there was but little fighting in hearing distance. It is nearly 1 Oclock and it has been very still except there was a little cannonading. The reports ar today that Hardy is dead. It has been very cool for the past 3 days except a part of each day last night was cold. how glad I am for the wounded they will do much better suffer less. There is much corn that is not in tassel yet. the cattle and teams belonging to the army ar cutting it clean from the face of Dixie July 25^th There will be a chance to send letters this evening. The mail came in this morning and I poor I did not get a letter. It is believed that our loss last Friday on the left was 4000 killed wounded & missing. the Rebels 8,000 lost. we took but 1100. I am well. It was real cold last night Hope you and the dear children ar realy enjoying yourselves. Does Adda appear more kind to Willy than she used to be. Yours ever Dear Ina

                                                William

 

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proving a great blessing to them. as wisdom is worth more than gold. One man that came from the country sed that the masters of the slaves were actualy laying out in the swamps while the darkey was living in the masters house. quite a change is it not. The Negroes ar our true friends. Let Jeff arm the slave if he dare. this crual war is playing out very rapidly. Oh blessed day hasten. It is quite warm peach trees will soon be in bloom.

Saturday 4^th

            Our mess have just finished breakfast and John Botton is washing the dishes. The mail will leave at 9 Oclock I will send a little blank. Our Reg^t expects to get orders / to march and may get them at any hour. I am sorry we do not like to leave. There were 3 that requested the prayrs of christians at our prayr meeting last evening. I hope and trust that my dear family ar well. I dreamed of being home last night. wish it could be so tonight. I am well and ever remain your true and loving

                                                                                                William Troyer

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