Wilson Nevyus Diary, 1864
Wilson Nevyus Journal
161st N.Y. Vols
March 1864 – Dec 1864
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List of Cloathing 1864
When Drawed and Price
Janu 26 1. pr Pants 3.10
do " 1. pr flannel
Drawers 1.
Marc 16 1. haversack 3.50
do " 1. piec tent 3.50
May 9 1. Forage cap .65
July 5 1. pr Bootes
Sewed 220
do " 1. pr Flanel
Drawrs 1.
do " 1. Poncheo 3.10
do 26 1. Reg Hat
Oct 8 1. Knit shirt 1.42
do " 1. pr Pants 3.10
Nov 9 1. Woolen
Blanket 3.60
do " 1. pr Bootes
Sewed 2.20
do 20 1 pr. Flanel
Drawrs 1.
do " 1. pr. In.Boots
sewed 3.85
do " 4. pr. Socks 35 .70
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Tuesday 1864
March 1st
rather rainey to day & cold snowed some
Wednesday 2ed
cold yet there was 77 new recruits came last night to day Co A gets 7 of them W A Hess was a mong them
Thursday 3ed
a little warmer the new recruits drill some to day
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March 1864
Friday 4th
Pleasent Co Drill in the forenoon & Batalion Drill in the afternoon
Today Lieut Fairchild goes as an aid on Col Loves Staff he has command of the 1st Brigade
Saturday 5th
Pleasent to day Drills as useule
Sunday 6th
Pleasent we went Downtown to meeting the 8 Vermt starts home to day
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March 1864
Monday 7th
Pleasent Drills
as useule
Tuesday 8th
Pleasent Brigade Drill this forenoon the 13th main regt came here to day we sent of our knapsacks to day
Wednesday 9th
cloudey this morning this afternoon we had our tents haversacks & canteens condemned & will get new ones in there Plais
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March 1864
Thursday 10
very Fogy this morning
We got a mail today
Friday 11th
Pleasent Co Drill in forenoon Batalion Drill afternoon
Saturday 12th
Brigade Drill this forenoon
Sunday 13th
Pleasent we had Brigade Inspection this forenoon ready for a march
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March 1864
Monday 14th
Pleasent the Cavilry Starts we got orders to march in the morning
Tuesday 15
We start at 7 oclock
[?]
marched 14 miles
Wednesday 16th
to day we marched through New Iberia and encamped at camp Prat.
Thursday 17th
to day marched to vermillion bayou 16 miles
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March
Friday 18th
Started again at 6 crosed the bayou then Co A & F was gard for the wagon train marched 4 miles beyond carion crow bayou 19 miles
Saturday 19th
Started again at 6 marched through Opalousas at 12 and reached washington at night & crossed Bayou coquet marched 18 miles
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March 1864
Sunday 20th
To day we lay over the 13 A.C pased us
Monday 21st
rained last night we start at 6 it was very muddy rained some all day marched 18 miles encamped a long Bayou Beoff
Tuesday 22ed
rained in the night Started at 5.30 it rained some we marched to holmesville 14 miles found lots of Sugar
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March
Wednesday 23
Pleasent we marched at 6 marched to Cheeneyville 15 miles Pased the Solomon Northrop Plais to day
Thursday 24
Started at 530 rained rite Smart to day marched 16 miles to day had a heavy Shower when we Stoped
Friday 25th
Started at 7
Pleasent rather mudy reached
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Alexandria at 1
15 miles encamped back of the town the fleet of gunboats of 12 was here & 21 river boats
Saturday 26
Pleasent I went down town & saw the boats quite a Stir in town we got a mail & Sine the Pay rolls Gen Dewight takes command of the 1st Brigade
Sunday 27
Pleasent in the morning we got two monthes Pay I Sent 20 dollars home
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March 28th
Monday
it rained hard last night we marched 7 oclock marched 16 miles
Tuesday 29th
to day we marched 8 miles over ridges & through guleys the timber is fine soil is Sandy
Wednesday 30th
our regt is rear guard we did not Start untill 10 we marched about 6 miles encamped in the woods Pine
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March 1864
Thursday 31st
to day we crosed the Kane river & through Cloutierville in all about 18 miles it was dusty
Friday
April 1st
did not march until 11 oclock & marched about 16 miles it was very dusty & the wind blew hard
Saturday 2nd
to day we marched through the town of Natchetoches about 12 encamped 1 miles beyond marched 6 miles
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April
Sunday 3d
we lay in camp to day it rained a little
Monday 4th
we had inspection we received a mail & 80 new recruits 5 of Co A boys that had bin at fort Livingston
Tuesday 5th
Pleasent wrote some letters had monthley inspection in afternoon the mail goes out this afternoon
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April
Wednesday 6
we marched at 9 marched through pine woods all day was advanse guard went on pickit at night we marched 16 miles
Thursday 7th
marched again at 6 through the woods again marched 19 miles & encamped at pleasent hill the cavilry had a Sharp fight to day but drove the rebels & held the field Lieutenant Draper has command of Co A
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April
Friday 8th
we marched at 7.30 marched 10 miles & halted hurd some canading ahead we Stoped 1½ hour then got order to move ahead again the 4 right Cos of the 161 was ordered ahead as advanse guards we marched 7 miles on quick time we met the 13 Corps & cavilry retreating on double quick in a perfic Stamppeed the 161 was ordered to forme a line & hold the rebes in check untill the Brigade
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could form a line Co A & F was deployed as scirmishers on the right & we met the rebes in the woods & commensed fireing as soon as we was deployed we held our ground about 20 minits then fel back across a field formed a line again held it about 20 minits or more then fel back to the Brigade line & held our ground we lost 112 kiled & mising Co A lost 6 the wounded was 1st Sargent Color Sargent & Corprel 2 privates & 1st Lieutenant Gibson
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April
Saturday 9th
we retreated back to pleasent Hill at Sunrise the rebels followed us we loded 24 pieces of artilery to day the rebes fired thear first cannon at 2 oclock & at 5 we had a general engagement the 161 was on the right a while then held as a reserve we did not fire a gun had one man wounded in the leg H garvy the rebels lost heavily to day
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April
Saturday 10th
we was formed in line at 1 oclock at night & Started back for Natchitoches or Grand Ecore at 2 oclock marched 21 miles & encamped on our old ground had half rations
marched again at 5.30 back to Grand Ecore landing 15 miles encamped on a high bluff on the river bank
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April
Tuesday 12th
lay in camp to day formed in Batalion line & was adressed by Gen Dewight he gave us prais for our good conduct
Wednesday 13
all quiet in camp hear the gunboats up the river onse in a while
Thursday 14
all quiet in camp the transports came down the river all right
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April
Friday 15
Pleasent the darkeys are clearing off the woods in front of our camp
Saturday 16
quite warm Co A is on fatig unloading boats of amunition I hurt my foot
Sunday 17
pleasent had Co Inspection and received a mail
Monday 18
pleasent we go on pickit all quiet
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April
Tuesday 19
Pleasent I go in to camp this morning my foot is very Sore we got orders to be ready to march at an hours notice
Wednesday 20th
pleasent the 16 & 17 AC moves out to Nachitoches
Thursday 21st
we got orders to march at 5 I go on board the transport E W Ewing for Alaxandria it is loaded with wounded & Sick
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April
Friday 22ed
we Started last night the army Started at 2.30 this morning by the way of Natchitoches we move down the river all quiet
Saturday 23
our boats was fired in by the rebels two Shots went over our boat the Hastings Struck a Snag & Sunk we had her in toe had to leave her took of her load
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Sunday 24
we reached the rapides about noon & had to lighten up up the boats we walked to town halfamile the boat came down at night Staid on her at night
Monday 25
this morning I went around town the troops came in this afternoon & I went up to the regt found the boys very tired
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April
Tuesday 26
pleasent lay in camp to day go Swiming in the river can here the gunboats up the river Shelling the rebes
Wednesday 27
very warm we build a Shade over our tents Co Inspection at 5 pm
Thursday 28
very warm our pickets are atacked the 161 goes out to Support them the Brigade moves down back of town we exspect an atack
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April
Friday 29
we layed in line all night very warm this morning we formed a line this afternoon & went in camp
Saturday 30
pleasent we fixed up our tents was mustered for pay
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May 1864
Sunday 1st
pleasent all quiet Inspection this morning preaching at 5 at the Chaplains
Monday 2ed
we was caled in line at 6 & went out a foraging 8 miles the rebes atacked the cavilry we got some corn
Tuesday 3ed
pleasent the boys that was at headquarters as guard came back to the Co
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May
Wednesday 4
it is very warm but every thing is quiet
Thursday 5
Pleasent and all quiet in camp
the cavilry are out on the left drove the rebels some
Friday 6th
pleasent there was some prisiners came in that was taken yesterday
Co Drill to day
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May
Saturday 7
pleasent the regt goes to work on a fort to day
Sunday 8
pleasent inspection as useule had church down town to day
Monday 9
pleasent to day 4 gun boats crossed the rapides when the dam gave a way the 161 goes to work to repair & build a new one above the other
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May
Tuesday 10
it rained last night we work on the dam yet cuting brush & logs
Wednesday 11
Still working on the dam a little tug goes through the dam
Thursday 12
pleasent the 114 relieved us we got three boats over the rapides they all got over this afternoon three came through the dam at night
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May
Friday 13
we Start at 7 down the river 10 miles & encamped
Saturday 14
Started at 3 this morning marched 2 miles halted the cavilry had a Scirmish with the rebes but we advansed again we pased where the rebels took one gunboat & transport with a mail we marched 17 miles and encamped on a plantaion & got sugar
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May
Sunday 15
Scirmishing ahead the fleet pased us the 161 scirmished along the right flank of the train through some woods in the forenoon & about 2 we came out on a plain & the rebes formed a line the cavilry had quite a brush it lasted untill dark we layed on the plain that night
Monday 16th
we started at 5 oclock pased through marksville & formed a line & marched about 2 miles
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May 16
then we came up in Site of the rebel line of battal had a heavy artilery fire the rebes dismounted three guns for us but we drove them Co A & F was sent out on the left as Scirmishres we marched about 2 miles then came where the cavilry was having a time with the rebels but they had to dig out when we came up after fireing severel rounds then we followed we pased mansarde we marched 10 miles
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May
Tuesday 17
Started at 6 pased through quite a fortifycation on a little bayou crossed on a phontoon & came to Sims fort on the Chafaliah the cavilry had quite a fight in the rear the garrilleys fired at Gen Smith along the bayou when some of the boys was in Swiming Co A & F went out & fired Severel rounds but got no reply & then went to camp
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May
Wednesday 18
pleasent Gen Smith has quite a fight with the rebes. the report is that we kiled 6 rebels yesterday across the bayou
Thursdy 19
our train is crossing the Chafaliah & we crosed at 1 on a boat caled Liberty & marched 4 miles up the river & camped.
Friday 20
march at 6 in the evening marched 15 miles & camped the force is all across
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May
Saturday 21st
we marched at 10 marched 15 miles & came to the mouth of the Miss river very hot to day
[margin] got a mail
Sunday 22
we marched down the river three miles & encamped on Morganzias Bend the rebels have had artilery planted all along the levy
Monday 23
very warm we are fixing our camp got some recruites
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May
Tuesday 24
pleasent fired of our guns ready for inspe
Wednesday 25
pleasent the boys are fixing Shades hurd that there was two garrilleys hung to day for Shooting two of our cavilry
Thursday 26
pleasent Brigade inspection this forenoon
Friday 27
a forage train goes out but was drove in received a mail
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May
Saturday 28
pleasent & cool there was a large transport came down with hard tack for us
Sunday 29
pleasent Sunday
inspection at 9 oclock
Monday 30
pleasent report that the rebes are out 10 miles Grovers Divis & cavilry goes out & Bring in 200 prisiners
Tuesday 31
pleasent this morning but cloudy afternoon
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June
Wednesday 1st
pleasent monthley inspection to day the darkeys are building a fort
Thursday 2ed
pleasent Some cloudy in the after noon
the report is that B. H. Stuart Died at Baton Rouge to day
Friday 3ed
it rained some last night & still rains Co Drill ½ hour morning & night
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June
Saturday 4
rained again last night rains again this afternoon a boat pased load with troops down
Sunday 5
cloudy there is a funeral one of Co B men died last night
inspections at 5
Monday 6
cloudy rains Some the 161 & 153 went out a foraging to fals river 14 miles got lots of corn & got in at dark
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June
Tuesday 7
it raines again & is very muddy
we draw clothing I get pants, Blows
canteen, Cap that is all
Wednesday 8
very warm the boys gets some exspress boxes I got a Shirt & Socks in W.A. Hess box
Thursday 9
this morning we move our camp out Side of the [?] it rained this after noon
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June
Friday 10
Showery to day & warm Co drill fore noon was to have Brig drill but it rained we got a mail
Saturday 11
pleasent this morning have a grand review By Gen Emery it rained very hard all the while we was passing in review but the gen Sat on his horse with his hat off they say there was 18 or 20,000 troops here
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June
Sunday 12
pleasent but warm inspection as useule got a Small mail
Monday 13
pleasent Co drill in the fore noon Batalion in the after noon
Tuesday 14
very warm & cloudy Co drill this morning Grand review this after noon by Gen Sickles he is a fine looking Gen we had a pleasent time
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June
Wednesday 15
pleasent the Col leaves this morning the report is he has gone or going to Vixburgh & is going to be on Gen Canby Staff Batalion Drill by the Magor
Thursday 6
warm & pleasent Drills as useule Brigade Drill this afternoon
Saturday 17
to day we got orders to report at Vixburg
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June
Saturday 18
we packed up our things & formed a line & started at 7 marched ½ mile up the river & loaded the things on the boat Col Cowles & started up the river at 9.30 reached red river at 1 Stoped ½ an hour there was 6 gun boats in all & some cole barges Saw some high bluffs on Miss side we pased fort Adams at 3 oclock & reached Natches at 10.30 Stoped 1 hour about 1 hour then Started again
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June
Sunday 19
pleasent we found our Selfs still going up the river we pased Severel nice plantaions one in La. that the hands on the boat Said was rebel Jo Johnsons gen & reached Vixburgh at 6 oclock it lays on a Side hill that is made of hollows and noles quite a Sitely plaice we stay on the boat all night
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June
Monday 20
pleasent we left the boat at 6 this morning went up through town over hills & through hollows back from town about 1 mile & encamped on a side hill Co H stoped at Gen Bailey Head quarters as provosed guard
Tuesday 21st
pleasent had a light shower I took a tramp over the hills & through town & went through some forts mounted with large 30 lb ders
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June
Wednesday 22
pleasent in the fore noon had a very heavy Shower in the after noon which tore down some of the tent & set them all a float
Thursday 23
pleasent & warm all quiet in camp I went down town in the after noon saw nothing very special
Friday 24
pleasent all quiet in camp there was a nigro Soldier Shot in town for Shooting his wife a ct regulation
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June
Saturday 25
pleasent & all quiet in camp B. Erls & T Spreg go to work in a saw mill
Sunday 26
pleasent but warm I am on guard there was some of the boys went down town to meeting
Monday 27
pleasent as useule I went down town to see the boys at the saw mill we received a mail I got 3 letters P & R.N. HD. Co Drill again
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June
Tuesday 28
pleasent & very warm
I am on fatig Lieu Fairchild came back from yazoo river but did not fech the timber all the way
Wednesday 29
pleasent had a lite shower in afternoon Srg Geo Brunson & J [overwritten] went up the river after the timber
Thursday 30
pleasent we was mustered for two monthes pay JHH Coryell is detailed as wagon master
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July 1864
Saturday 1st
pleasent & warm except we had a heavy shower in the after noon otherways all quiet
Saturday 2ed
pleasent & warm
I went a Blackberring got some for dinner had a heavy Shower in afternoon
Sunday 3
warm & pleasent Staid in camp all day Some of the boys went down town
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July 4
one gun fired at 4 & salute at Sunrise there was a little doings in town but I did not go down untill night then ther was 130 guns fired & there was two rockets one roman candle & 3 wherlegig fired at night a grand display the darkeys had a picknick they had a splendid table set but Smelt rather Strong
Tuesday 5
S.L. retan & myself worked at the Saw mill caring away lumber
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July
Wednesday 6th
warm & pleasent all quiet had a heavy Shower in afternoon we drawed cloathes I Drawered a pair of Shoes & a poncheon one pr Drawers
Thursday 7
pleasent Some cloudy
rained at night
Friday 8
warm pleasent all quiet to day a small mail one letter for Co A WA prentise got it
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July
Saturday 9
warm & pleasent we got a large mail I received A letter from JDN & one J.L.
Sunday 10
pleasent I am guard for the wagon train had a heavy Shower in after noon
Monday 11
pleasent again I answered J.D. J.L.s letters had a heavy Shower at night
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July
Tuesday 12
pleasent and all quiet a heavy Shower at night or Evening
Wednesday 13
cloudy this morning raines a little at noon in afternoon we got orders to be ready to move at aney time
Thursday 14
warm & pleasent on guard at the wagon train I have a boyl coming on my right knee it is quite Sore
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July
Friday 15
very warm the wagon train is most all going to be turned over our new Dr comes here to day his name is Wm Murry the Col comes back
Saturday 16
very warm we form a line have inspection at 8 Dressperade at 7
Sunday 17
pleasent Inspection at 8 Dresperade at 7
Monday 18
warm pleasent and all quiet
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July
Tuesday 19
pleasent this fore noon Lieutenant Gibson came back to the regt and brought some things from home for me & some others the Paymaster came & paid us I received 78.00 Seventy Eight Dollars I addressed $40.00 fourty Dollars to Peter Nevyus by Adams exspress Co
Wednesday 20
warm I went down town had some photographs taken Spent about 10 Dollars
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July
Thursday 21
was on patrole last night warm to day Car dunn James Sinsbox come back to the Co the drummers all got new Drums
Friday 22
we have orders to move to white river it is a little cooler to day the quartirmastir is taking all the extry lugag down to the boat now
Saturday 23
we went down town at 8 loaded the boat Started up the river at 4 all quiet
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July
Sunday 24
pleasent we Stoped at 10 and took on some railes for wood Saw some rebels but they did not disturb us then we went ahead and at 5 Stoped again took on more railes Stoped until about 9 for the clarebelle She did not come so we went ahead again
Monday 25
pleasent this morning we pased arkansas river at 10 there was a small town caled Nepolien we reached white river landing at 12 and went in camp there was severel boats there and severel regt there the clare bell is missed
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July
Tuesday 26
was in camp all day and at 10 at night we went aboard the universe exspecting we would be up white river I was detailed to unload another transport and worked most all night then went on the universe we drew lots
Wednesday 27
about 8 this morning we went in camp again to day the Laviathon brought up the 4 comps of the 6 mich the clarebelle was sunk and burnt on the 24 by the rebels below where we got rails there was 2 kiled 6 or 8 wounded the 6 mich went up to St Charles
[margin] I wrote to Pete
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July
Thursday 28
it is rainey this morning I am on picket had a very good time but the mosketoes like to have eat me up at night
Friday 29
warm a little cloudy but all quiet the Col came up with some more tools at night there was some fireing down the river I wrote to J.N.
Saturday 30
pleasent we got a mail I rec a letter from Miss M.L.D. and answered
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July
Saturday 31st/64
warm and pleasent Gus printess & myself are on picket on white river road had a very good time but at night the mosketoes was very thick and of an enormous Size they like to caried us all off
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August
Monday 1st/64
I came in of picket at 9 and at 10 I had to go on fatig a toting wood on the white cloud untill 7 oclock the 6 mich came back at night
Tuesday 2ed
pleasent inspection at 5 oclock pm.
I wrote a letter to F Long & Ike D.
Wednesday 3ed
pleasent Capt B F Von and Sergt Geo. S. prentis came to the regt down the river well & harty
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August
Thursday 4
pleasent all quiet in camp in the after noon we got orders to be ready to move
Friday 5
pleasent I am on guard we got orders to move at 3 and went on board the Kenton at 4 the 6 mich regt goes on board of the St Cloud and polar Stair She is the flag ship the genl is on her we started down the river at 5 oclock the Kenton ahead the Stair & St Cloud
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August
Saturday 6th
pleasent the St Clouds engine gave out and the polar Stair took her in toe at 9 oclock at 12 we Stoped for wood the St Cloud is all right again we arived at Vicksburg at 7 oclock it rained rite Smart we coled up here to night
Sunday 7th
Cloudy we got on some things this morning that was left here we started down the river at 10 oclock as before we pased a vilage caled rodna 4.30 we stoped to wood at 8.30 above Natches
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August
Monday 8th
pleasent we left the wood landing at 12 oclock we pased red river at 7 we reached morgans Bend at 9 oclock and landed at 1 below all the other troops and went in camp Co A unloaded the boat
Tuesday 9th
pleasent we fixed up our tents it rained some at night
Wednesday 10
pleasent we layed in camp it rained in afternoon had dressperade at night. I wrote to PN
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August
Thursday 11
all quiet in camp we got a small mail it rained some I wrote to S. Bloomer I went on picket at night all quiet
Friday 12
it rained a considerable we did not get relieved untill dark
Saturday 13
cloudy we got orders to be ready to move with 2 days cooked raition this morning the prisiners of Co D joynes us this after noon
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August
Sunday 14
inspection this morning it raines this after noon we got orders to pack up and go aboard of the Steam boat white Cloud about 9 at night to go to NO we stoped at port Hudson at 1 it was very foggey so we staid til morning
Monday 15
we start at 5 this morning stoped at Baton Rouge at 7 and pased on pased Donalsonville at 12½ and got to New Orleans at 9½ all quiet
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August
Tuesday 16
pleasent this morning we find our selfs along Side the dock at NO and we Staid there all day with a guard to keep us from going up town at 5 oclock we unloaded from the White Cloud on the Laurel Hill and Started up the river again at 6 oclock
Wednesday 17
all quiet this morning at 6 we found our selfs at or near Baton Rouge they fired a gun for us to stop so we stoped and took on some pork we stoped at port Hudson at 11½ a few minuts
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August
Wednesday 17
we arived at morganzia at 2 and landed up near the uper end of the bend 5 miles above our camp before and went in camp and got a mail I rece a letter from H.D. LD
Thursday 18
pleasent this morning
the Col gave us a house to mak Bunks of and and we soon Demolished it it rained a little
Friday 19
pleasent I am on guard We have Inspection at 5 it raines a considerable this after noon
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August
Saturday 20
it rained very hard all fore noon. we was calculating to move camp but it rains to hard I wrote to JDN & Lib D
we got orders at half past 5 to pack up and go on the venus we loaded and Started down the river at 8 Stoped at fort hudson at 10 at Baton Rouge at 12 Stoped a few miles below on acount of fog anchered
Sunday 21
at 6 we weighed ancher reached New orleans at half past 5 and embarked on the cahauba
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Monday august 22
we are on the dock yet we Started at 12 the 23 Wis reg't was with us we went over the bar at the mouth of the river at 9 very pleasent
Tuesday 23
at 5 we are in Site of fort morgan but run out of our way some we anchered with the fleet at 8 we hear that the fort Surrendered at 4 gives posesion at 2 and we go in the harber when the Salute is fired from the gunboats at 9 we go on the Thomas and land 5 miles above the fort
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Wednesday August 24
pleasent we take breakfast and marched down the bay 1 mile and go in camp S L Retan and I go down to the fort it is a brick fort with 130 guns there was a good meney dismounted Some Spiked so they sent genl page of in irons. we all went in aswiming in Salt water our Sharp Shooters on land was up within 60 yards in one plaice there was one brich loading canon it was disabled they had taken a screw out of the Brich
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Thursday August 25
pleasent we have orders to be ready to move up towards the city the regt Startes at 12 Geo Lewis and my self stay with the 2 [?]
it raines at night some the regt found one gun in the woods
Friday 26
pleasent the boats come back at 10 we load on our stuff and start at 1 stop at fort morgan reached ceder point at 5 oclock where the regt lay on the Shell road
Saturday 27
I am on fatig in fore noon after noon Cos A & F go on pickit it rained some mesketoes very thick
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Sunday Aug 28
pleasent what is left most gon by mosketoes we are relieved by the 96 Ohio regt all calm in camp it rained hard at night blew down some of the offisers tents
Monday 29
pleasent we hear some firing up towards mobile I write a letter to P.N.
Tuesday 30
pleasent I went on an oyster expidision with Lieu Gibson & WA Hess we took a wheelbarrow and waided around in the bay got a load in about 1 hour
[margin] I write to RN JL
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Wednesday aug 31st
pleasent, we are mustered this morning at 6 oclock for 2 monthes pay So I went a fishing got enough for dinner
Thursday Sept 1st 1864
pleas and all quiet to day at night we got a mail and orders to be ready to move at Short notis I got 3 letters from A morton HD. & PN
I am on fatig carrying tools of the dock
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Friday Sept 2
HR Hess & I go oystering again and got a barrow load in ¾ of an hour we got orders to go a board of the Kate Dale and report at morganzia we go a board at 12 oclock and laid there untill 12 at night then we went out on the dock and tuged at a barge that was loaded with a battery and was aground and some 15 or 20 of the boys got in the water one lieut lost his Sheeth and Sword but got his Sword his name was Everet we did not get the barge off that night
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Saturday Sept 3rd 1864
we are here yet so is the barge at 6 the gunboat 48 & Transport Thomas hich on and hall and tug break too hawsers but they got her off 11 then we have a heavy gale and dare not leave the dock till half past 12 at 1 we got at fort morgan took on our mules and horses then go over to fort gains to get raitions and stay all night I went all through the fort it is a a double brick fort some thing like fort morgan but has not so meney guns
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Sunday Sept 4th 1864
we start for NO at 3½ and entered the Pass Olusier or South East pass at 5 oclock at night
Monday 5
we arived at NO at 5 this morning and land to cole up the hands leave at noon because she is condemned so they had to get new hands so we got a mail I received letters from PN. HD. EH. and answered PNs we started out at 8 run very slow
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Tuesday Sept 6
pleasent and things all right we report at Baton Rouge at half past 11 & port Hudson at 3 landed at morganzia at 7 laid on the ground Co A & F unload the boat
Wednesday 7
pleasent we pick our camp ground and put up tents get orders to clean up for inspection
Thursday 8
pleasent I am on fatig the QM Thomas came up with Col Guppy Commander we had inspection in after noon by vantz & pits
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Friday Sept 9
pleasent we got a mail this morning I receive 3 letters one from SB. MLD. & L.T. wrote one to EH
Saturday Sept 10
pleasent Co Drill this morning Batalion Dril in after noon I wrote to LT. MLD.
Sunday Sept 11
Sunday Inspection
we have a heavy Shower in after noon
Monday Sept 12
warm & pleasent
Co drill in fore noon
Dressperade at Sundown
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Tuesday Sept 13
pleasent I am on fatig unloading comisarys from a wharf boat worked all day there was a small mail I wrote to SB
Wednesday 14
warm & pleasent
Drill as useule
Thursday 15
pleasent & cool
we received a mail I got a letter from FL
Friday 16
cool this morning the rebes gobbled 30 La cavilry so they sent out a force the 161 & 23 Wis go out at sundown. I wrote to HD FL
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Saturday Sept 17
cool this morning
we hurd cannonading at 3 & 7 this morning in the afternoon there was target shooting by the Indiana battery and one other battery
Sunday 18
pleasent the regt come in at 10 this morning did see eney rebes but was very sore & stiff the Orderly came back at night all right
Monday 19
pleasent and all quiet in camp I am excused from Drill I have a sore ancle it is sweled bad
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Tuesday Sept 20 1864
pleasent & cool I am excused the regt got orders got orders for Brigade inspection to morro morning at 9 then we got orders to be ready to march at 11 to night with 2 days ration they go out to the chafaliah I staid in camp
Wednesday Sept 21
pleasent I am on camp guard all quiet in camp
Thursday Sept 22
Cloudy & cool we have not hurd from the regt all quiet in camp
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Friday Sept 23
all quiet it rained some to day we here that the regt is coming in they got in at 4 oclock very tired & sore they saw no rebes
Saturday 24
pleasent I am excused from Drill it rains some
Sunday 25
pleasent & cool
Sunday Inspection as useule, we got a mail I received 2 letters from Peter Nevyus and answered them
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Monday Sept 26
cool & pleasent Dressperade in the morning and Batalion Drill in afternoon
Tuesday Sept 27
cool & pleasent Dressperade this morning it rains in the after noon right Smart
Wednesday Sept 28
very fogey this morning Geline cars returned to the regt and I was Detailed to drive ambalance in Brigade amb corps I got a Span of Black mules
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Thursday Sept 29
pleasent to day we did not hich up but cleaned up around
Friday Sept 30
pleasent and the same as yesterday
Saturday Oct 1st/64
pleasent, all quiet around
Sunday Oct 2ed
pleasent we got our knapsacks I Bought a pair of gloves and pocket Book of Vanrunsbr Barret for 1.00 Dollar the Brig has orders to have 5 days rations and go out I go with my ambalance
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Monday Oct 3ed
we start at 6 the 161 ahead the 23 Wiss & 1st La follow I go with the 1st La on the Steamer Illinois we reached Bayou Say at 10 landed went up in town Staid in Mr James Frowers yard that night
Tuesday Oct 4th
Some cloudy we started at 6.30 the 1st La went out on the woodville road the 23 Wiss on the Jackson road about 12 miles we staid on a plantations oned By a Mr Sterling had plenty of chickens and corn for our mules
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Wednesday Oct 5
pleasent we hurd canading towards Jackson so we turned back to the Jackson road and met the 23 Wiss regt and cavilry coming the rebes after them there was some cannonading then we fel back to town then load things on the boats and the rebes came in town and the gunboat Lafayett fired 2 shels in town and the rebel Magor Taylor came down with aflag of Truce and said we had Broke our promis with Goviner and had kiled 2 children in town we reached camp at 8
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Thursday Oct 6
pleasent this morning the wagon master takes my mules and gives me a Span of horses & new ambalance I write to Pete
Friday Oct 7
pleasent this morning
to day the regt gets the papers filed out to vote but dont get the tickets
Saturday Oct 8
pleasent we draw clothing I get a shirt & pantes we get poles to build a cook house for Lieu Lewther
Sunday Oct 9
very coald last night but pleasent this morning we go out and get lumber for a cook house
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Monday Oct 10/64
pleasent this morning the Brigade goes up the river on a Scout, and we build a log cook house for Lieu
at 4 oclock we get orders to move ambalances, the Brigade ambalances goes on the boat Baltic with the Brigade camps
Wednesday Oct 12
pleasent this morning we start at 9.15 up the river and landed at 5 some 50 miles bilow Natches near where the Brig was we got some corn for our teams on a plantaion and lay all night
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Tuesday Oct 13
pleasent as useule
the Brigade came in at 7.30 and all came on the Baltic the 23 Wiss the 161 NY & 1st La and Start up the river at 10 and land at Natches at 4 oclock & took on some oats then we took a little Bayou Steamer in toe it had bin captured and was ordered to Vicksburg and Burnt but we run her under before we got in the middle of the river there was 3 whites and 2 nigroes they wer all saved the 2 mate on the Baltic and one nigro Staid on her untill she the Swan turned upside down and got on the keel all dry
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Friday Oct 14
cool & cloudy but all quiet we land at vicksburg about 11 took off some sick to the City hospital the regts got of & cooked 3 days rations and we start again at 9 oclock
Saturday Oct 15
Cloudy it rains some to night at 6 or about we had to lay too on acount of fog untill the moon come up & then the wind began to blow so it cleared off we started at once I wrote to PN
Sunday Oct 16
quite cool & windy but we run at a fair gate we land at white river I go in camp
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Monday Oct 17
pleasent this morning
there is quite a force here some of them go up white river to day the 23 Wiss are put in the 16th A. Corps the regt draws clothing
Tuesday Oct 18
pleasent the Brig thot the 23 Wis goes up to memphis the rumer is that Genl Forest is in the rear with 20 000
Wednesday Oct 19
Cloudy but all quiet here
No news of importance
Thursday Oct 20
the troops landed all safe Forest Backes off to some other place we draw our rations
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Friday Oct 21
pleasent but cool
Genl Ranelds comes up here to day and viewed some of the troops
Saturday Oct 22
Cool we go out and get some cane for our mules
Sunday Oct 23
pleasent we had a heavy frost we have inspection this morning by Lieu Baker the regt gets a small mail
Monday Oct 24
pleasent and warm we draw 2 camp kettles & 2 pans
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Tuesday Oct 25
all quiet the 124 Ill come down from Memph goes to Vicksburg the report is the Brig is on thear way to Paduca we got a mail I got 2 letters JDN. HD
Wednesday Oct 26
it rained some last night and more to day what men there was in camp sent thear votes to day I wrote to JDN & HD
Thursday Oct 27
more pleasent to day there was some troops come Down from White river I am on guard to night
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Friday Oct 28
pleasent there was a heavy frost last night I received a shirt pr socks & letter
[margins] from PN, MLD a letter
wrote to S Bloomer
Saturday Oct 29
rather rainey we cleaned up around it rained right smart in the after noon
Sunday Oct 30
it rained right Smart last night but is more pleasent to day
Monday Oct 31st
pleasent we draw forage and rations for 10 days and hire a cook for a dollar a piece a month all quiet in camp
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Tuesday November 1st
Some Cloudy we hear that the Brig is in Columbus Ky and coming back soon we draw some poles for a Shanty it rained most all after noon
Wednesday Nov 2ed
Cloudy raines some we got some house poles put up our Shanty the 23 Wiss goes up to New madrid where the Brigade are
Thursday Nov 3ed
Some rainey we got some Shakes for our Shanty and mud up the house and built a chimney
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Friday Nov 4
pleasent but cool we draw wood and finished the Shanty
Saturday Nov 5
pleasent to day there was some New recruites went up to the 161
Sunday Nov 6
pleasent we had Inspection by Lieu
Monday Nov 7
it rained very hard last night. we hurd that Genl Canby was wounded going up white river there is a lot of troops going up white river to day
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Tuesday Nov 8
it Stormed hard in the night and some all day there was one Brig came up from Natches otherways all quiet
Wednesday Nov 9
it rained some and I drew 1 pr Shoes, 1 Blanket woolen
Thursday Nov 10
pleasent but cool I hitched up my team and went after a bbl potatoes & appels for Lieu Baker at the landing we drew 10 days rations
Friday Nov 11th
pleasent there is 8 of us turned over to the 2ed Brig to go up white river
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we start at 2 on the RB Hamilton we pased the Comercial at dark on a barr we got 2 Beefs to day and land at St Charles at half past 4
Saturday Nov 12
pleasent we landed and got 2 more Beefs and landed at Duvalls Bluff at 5 and wen back in the woods and Corelled near the Brig the RR runes from here to Little Rock
Sunday Nov 13
pleasent this after noon we move our quarters South of the RR and the 2 Brig camps in our front
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Monday Nov 14
pleasent Lieu Baker came up with Divis Hd Quarters it raines hard at night
Tuesday Nov 15
Cool and cloudy the 21 Iowa camps close on our right and we get orders to move and clear off the ground
Wednesday 16
Cool & pleasent we hear that we are going to little Rock so we dont move there is but 2 Regt goes so we dont go I wrote to PN. & Geo C Dunn
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Thursday Nov 17
it commensed to rain at 3 and rained hard all morning we moved our camp it rained some all day the 23 Wis goes to little Rock
Friday Nov 18
it rained all night and all day Sargent & harve came up with the 6 mule team
Saturday Nov 19
Cloudy but did not rain we drew rations for 10 days
Sunday Nov 20
quite pleasent we got logs for a shanty drew hay & oats and cloathing I drew 1 pr Drawers 1 pr Boots 2 pr socks
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Monday Nov 21
Cold & windy we cut more logs & Shakes for our Shanty
Tuesday Nov 22
very windy this morning it froze quite hard we got to work at our Shanty then we got orders to go down the river again Sargent Storing, Dempsy readey & Benton go on one boat, Hastings falkner Lanew go on an other. Sargent Johnson Gray, Barrows & myself stay on the bank all night
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Wednesday Nov 23
pleasent we go on the Fanny ogden at 2 oclock and go up to the uper landing stay all day
Thursday Nov 24
layed here all day waiting for the 23 Wis & 47 Ill the 23 got in from little rock at 9
Friday Nov 25
pleasent the 47 got in 5 this morning and we started at 3.30 it rained some we stoped at St Charles at 2 took a rebel Capt morgan that was captured there yesterday we landed at the mouth about 10 oclock
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Saturday Nov 26
rather stormy this morn Lieu Hough & Sargent Johnson got each a horse and the Spring wagon & 6 mules from Luther and started at 10 stoped at Iland No 10 at 9 oclock for wood
Sunday Nov 27
we stoped at Helena at 3 took on cole started at 7 and landed at memphis at 12 mid night
Monday Nov 28
pleasent we got ashore at 10 took some sick to the hospital then went in camp one mile east of town near Brig HD Quarters
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Tuesday Nov 29
Cloudy & warm this morn I hiched up went after Mrs Slack
Wednesday Nov 30
pleasent the 3 Brig comes down the river I got a mail 9 letters and a shirt we drew 10 days rations & sanitarys I went to the Sircus at night
Thursday Dec 1st
pleasent I went up to the regt Borrowed $10 dollars from F W Gibson I got 3 letters From PN. JL. OFLong
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Friday Dec 2
pleasent we policed our camp Lieu Baker & squad came up.
I got mail of 3 letters PN. LD. JB.
Saturday Dec 3
it rained some last night but pleasent to day & the Boys was rather tight & I went to see a calf with 5 legs I wrote to JDN. AD
Sunday Dec 4
pleasent there was some frost this morning
Monday Dec 5
Cold & Cloudy the molisia Driled in town Lieut Luther came up with ambal
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Tuesday Dec 6
very pleasent to day I took Mrs Slack Down town
Monday Dec 7
Cloudy & cold wind all day
Thursday Dec 8
pleasent but cool I went down town and had my likeness taken
Friday Dec 9
very cold it stormed all night the ground was covered with Ice & snow I took 3 boys of the 47 Ind to a hospital the Boys Drew Clothing
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Saturday Dec 10
Cold yet it Did not thaw we Drew 1 cord of wood in the fort I got a tent of Lieut Baker
Sunday Dec 11
pleasent but very Cold we drew rations and forage I went to the regt got a letter from PN
Monday Dec 12
pleasent but cold yet the report this after noon is that the 161 are going to white river
Tuesday Dec 13
Some warmer but pleasent all the 161 boys are relieved with Lieu Luther we go down town and stay
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Clothing of 1864
Jan 26 1 pr pants
Drawrs
March Haversack
16 Sheltertent
May 9 one cap
July 5 1 pr Shoes
" 1 pr Drawrs
" 1 ponchoe
" 26 one regulation hat
Oct 8 1 Shirt, 1 pr pants
Nov 9 1 woolen Blanket 1 pr Shoes
20 1 pr Drawrs 1 pr boots 2 pr Socks
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Dec 14
Wednesday
pleasent went up to the regt I wrote to SB
Thursday Dec 15
warm and very fogey
Friday Dec 16
warm & rainey I rec a letter from Pete & answered wrote to SXB.
Saturday Dec 17
it stormed all night and to day we brok up camp go on the John Rain
Sunday Dec 18
rainey yet we layed here all day
Monday 19
it rained yet we start at 10 with 2 hay Barges
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Father Died
August 1863
Mother Died
May 1st 1864
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Tuesday Dec 20th
we anchered a little ways above Helena started at 5 it is clear & cold we landed at the mouth of white river at 5 Pm and Co A had to help unload the mud was very deep
Wednesday Dec 21
it froze very hard last night it is pleasent we go in old quarters
Thursday 22
clear & cold froze it thawed a little to day pleasent &
Friday 23
I write to P.N. &
S. Johnson 23 wis
Saturday Dec 24
pleasent all quiet I got another [?] for 3 dollars
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Sunday Dec 25
it is Chrismus and Co A & F go out on picket
it was very foggy
Monday Dec 26
the same this morning
it cleared of at noon
Tuesday Dec 27
Some fogey but was pleasent I was detailed to cut wood
Wednesday Dec 28
very pleasent there was a detaile made to build a guard house shed and oven for the regt & we got a mail I got a letter from A Dunlap Jr
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Thursday Dec 29
pleasent it froze some
I wrote to PN & AD
Friday Dec 30
pleasent No News of importance
the river is rising very fast and it rains to night
Saturday Dec 31st
New's pleasent but cool we was mustered by Col Kinsey
we got a mail I got a letter from PN & JL
JH McConnell come back New Years eve the boys are some Noysey at 12 the Battery fired a salute and the galopede
DATABASE CONTENT
| (5791) | DL0527.068 | 85 | Diaries | 1864 |
Tags: African Americans, Animals, Artillery, Camp/Lodging, Cavalry, Clothing, Crops (Other), Death (Military), Drilling, Engineering/Construction, Fatigue/Tiredness, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Hospitals, Injuries, Joseph E. Johnston, July 4th, Mail, Marching, Money, Payment, Photographs, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Provost Duty, Racism, Religion, Ships/Boats, Weather
People - Records: 1
- (1680) [writer] ~ Nevyus, Wilson
SOURCES
Wilson Nevyus Diary, 1864, DL0527.068, Nau Collection
