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Civil War Drummer Boys Diary
Civil War Drummer Boys Diary
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REYNOLDS HI55TORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
Gq
DRUilMER-BOY'S DiARY:
COMPKISINQ
Mii^|ENL.MiMMTA_\:nERil
VOLUNTEERS.
1861 s^ 1865.
ST.
WILLIAM BIRCHER.
ST.
PAUL, Mixy.
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PREFACE.
effort
to the
As some
nation's
literature
of the
great
Civil
War,
it
may be
profitable
to
my
themselves long-forgotten, or
but imperfectly-remembered, scenes and expeIt was not my origiriences in camp and field.
of
nal
the
veterans
intention
to write
my old
its
hoped that
humblest memit
i-^
PREFACE.
Q
bers
may
tfe
"Recollections
permission of
Co., publishers.
WILLIAM BIRCHER,
Company K.
South
St.
Paul, 1888.
vr.t.'
;.i
'
V-
ir.i
ij.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
"Fort Sumter,
"
S.
C,
Sib,
we have
fire
Beauregard, com-
you that he
will
open the
this time.
We
"
Your obedient
be,
very respectfully,
servants,
CHESNUT,
"J AS.
^^Aide-de-camp.
"STEPHEN D.LEE,
''
*'
Robert Anderson,
United States Army, Commanding Fort Sumter."
]SIajor
"
All
readers of
American
history will
remem-
Without a doubt
was expected. It
prepared to
Beauregard
found General
keep the appointment of his representatives with
this issue
at lea.st
sufiicient punctuality.
and the
batteries
were
slowly by,
..
:,''i
A DBUMMFE-BOY'S DIARY,
another
iive
completed,
when
the flash
and the
came from the battery on
Sullivan's Island. The unconscious shell
went up
shrieking and wailing along its fiery curve,
and
lingering reUictantly before its downward
plunge,
bui-sting as it fell directly over the
doomed fordull roar of a mortar
tress.
No
sky
civil
it
millions of
was
men
to scatter
were
among two
to
to
it
to
west with
the
and strew
graves
of
its
it
from
citizens,
man to own and use another as his propbut to the e.iger neophytes in
war who
manned the Cliarlv.4..n l)utteries this
of one
erty;
shell was
beginnin- of a bombardment in which they expected t^o run
some
for the
r;._.r.;
"9
iheir
food.
They
enough
to
its
and
of the political
bvcn able
to cau.-e
misunderstand
of
predominance of the
social
slave-holding oligarchy
so well
had
politicians
eacli
other
The
firing of
Committed
to
a Virginian,
untiring
this
signal
hands of
the
mortar was
Edmund
Euffin,
efforts
bring
to
about
the
fitly
his
struggle
but momentary.
day.
spite
actually
of
four
came with
all
i.-i
A DEVMMER-BOY'A mARY.
10
In
prise.
fact,
it
men
of the republic
from a state of mingled confidence and bewilderment, which had almost the seeming and all the
effects
It
of stupor.
was
to
some time
by combinations
by
five
tions.
of the
Fir.-t
Second Ktgiment
l.>egan,
and
in
July had
its
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
quota,
as colonel,
During
Washington.
this period, of
July up
to
fifteen years of
after
to
the consent of
On
my
parents.
and received
many
my new
efforts, I
walked
so
need
to
my country
be.
12
vfQ
In October we received
army
on the Potomac.
October 14 we embarked on
steamboats and proceeded down the river to St.
Paul, where we disembarked at the upper landing and marched through the city.
Here we
found the streets crowded with people waving
their handkerchiefs
the band played^ the flags
;
men
and
fell
the
old people
became much
excited.
Even
As we
'
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
13
ing, the
and we were off, with the band playing the StarSpangled Banner." We proceeded down the
river to La Crosse, where we were transferred to
cars, and on the morning of October 16 we ar*'
rived at Chicago,
wam where
in the Wig-
ctf
pork, beans,
and
coffee
we again
loyal citizens,
Gray's Hall.
who
escorted us to the
Here we found
several
The
of the city.
Duquesne
tables,
down with
patriotic
young
ladies
cherished in the
proceeding
to
Washiijgton we were
to
go
to
Ken-
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
14
to
it
tection
ni!3:ht.
from
it,
we were
pretty
well
soaked.
We
remained here
at this
Camp
camp
(which, by the
Anderson, in honor of
troo['s.
Our
dress parades
it
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY,
had a great
effect in
I5
man
thought
tliat
many young
try to do
he was the
ladies
who
We
had rumors of
prospect of a battle.
all
kinds in regard
to the
that
Green.
Each
was reported.
march
at
securely stowed
excellent condition,
burden
to us,
and
Ijefore
we marched
ten miles
we
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
16
first
We
passer-by.
fill
our can-
teens
and
coffee
to eat
'
and then we
from our colonel, and
there was a rush and commotion in the ranks.
Knapsacks were quickly slung, and in a very
A half-hour soon slipped around,
We
marched
until
halting occasionally to
off tlie
fill
and on
it
p.ii.,
a few minutes.
turned
the other
a desirable camp-ground.
A squad of men
were detailed
weary
went
to
provide wood
for straw
on which
binlies to rest.
Now, we thouglit, the campaign has commenced we bolicved tliere was somethinsr to be
;
done.
It
was no
we
A DEUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
I7
but we thought
movement
that in this
of
movements to be
would insure us victory.
We had great confidence in ourselves and our
generals, and looked forward to the end of our
march without a doubt of our complete success.
u small force there were other
made
that
Our second
day's
march
left
and here we
to go back
and also to take
Lebanon
teams
commissary stores
with which we could dispense.
Our route thus far had been through rough,
hilly country, with but few good farms.
From
appearances, there was more rain than would
to
back some
for
articles
of climate
as the rose.
tries in the
itd
is
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
18
west,
and
tlie
ning through
from everv
is
The
and hay.
hill-sides,
best quality,
abundant
Cattle can
ber.
woods
winter,
all
obt;iin
and
beef,
command good
readily
broken.
Cultivation
of fruit, while
tlie
is
<2;ood
livinsr
butter,
prices.
in
the
and cheese
The land
is
climate
is
particularly adapted
to fruit-raisin 2;.
straits,
Log
ence.
sometimes
hou.-es
the exception.
There
this
is
liold
nature,
as
it
were, while
other
States,
with
'
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
The mind
at
19
crippled
institution
the
This
energy and
whom
came in contact.
On the morning of January 7 we struck tents
While in camp
again and resumed our march.
near Campbells ville, we had partly passed from
autumn to the wintry weather. For the past
three weeks the weather had been very pleasant
the people with
it
we had
Bii:.
off
on to a
built a
place
it
^ DEUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
20
On January
guard.
11 we
Camp
left
Columbia,
As
it
was
late in the
a conse-
evening before we
man and
satis-
turned our
Here we took
our situation
miii;ht
uncomfortable than
have been a
it
"-reat deal
more
not arrived.
to eat
for shelter.
Plavinc; a
we made an extra
shared with
warm,
On
kettle of coffee
and
heart-felt
thanks of the
artillery boys.
A DRVMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
turn of the road, so that,
if
we saw a
21
force of the
commander
know it, and if a body of the enemy should be
in front of us, we could discover them in season
to prevent a surprise.
We saw no enemy, however, worse than the mud, through which we
had to plod our way, and at night we encamped
let
the
and
had
another
AVe
forage
and
provisions.
collect
rest of
Rain
fell
incessantly
particularly
that
greatest
Noah, returned
furlough.
of soldiers'
stalled in a
mud-
Louisville, Ky.,
on sick
W. W. Woodbury
assumed command
We made a long march, and
at night found ourselves in the wild woods without food or shelter, and a long distance in advance of our wagons, while our pickets were
Lieutenant
of the company.
We
I>03ted within two miles of the enemy.
had had a heavy rain the night before, and it
>-
'>'
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
22
to
somewhat
The night
sons.
Our
bid fair to be
still
and cooL
Necessity
is
dull
hew
ofif
the
dampened
surface,
and
still
more
to
icrnite
and
!^
As
I lay rolled
up
my
in
for
a while to find
comfort, and
position in
to
find
definition of the
out
if
word
there could be a
A DBUMMER-BOY'S JDUEY
utterly
be
Snelling
While
miserable.
we grumbled
bill of fare,
living
23
at
Fort
we had
lengthy
many
quite a
all
the
might be counted
On arriving in Kentucky, and having
luxuries.
some of the latter articles cut off, we grumbled
again, and thought that we were making our
stomachs suffer martyrdom for the good of the
cause, but amid all these afflictions we looked
forward with dread and dismay to the time when
we should begin our march and have nothing
but hard-tack, pork, and coffee to eat and drink.
This, we thought, was the worst we could endure
but now we ^ivould have received our rations of
hard-tack and pork thankfully indeed, we would
have taken a deal of trouble upon ourselves to
have procured them in any form.
that
Such
is
human
nature.
Man,
at times, can be
all
as
my
my
it
is
sions as
^
he Ikls accomplished a
commendable. Such were
I lay before the tire drying
lectual ones,
for
concluclothes,.
my
sit-
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
24
uation
much more
before the
fire
comfortable than
it
had been
As
musing
in this way, I
I lay
down
worked myself
would not have
to
into
dis-
all
in
good
arrived,
We
unloaded the
spirits.
kettles
our colonel.
We filled
coffee.
!"
from
our haversacks with hard
We
encamped
guard and picket duty. Saturday night Company A, Captain J. W. Bishop, went on picket,
and on Sunday morning, January 19, the rebels,
under General Zollicofior, attacked the Tenth
Indiana Kegiment, and our regiment was quickly
ordered
to
We
marched
mud
^^J^^-^*-!?*^;
;'
.-
"\'^
^^^^:
,'^*
^-
>
iMli*MMiMMiMMa
25
enemy.
wa3
In a
that
it
was impossible
to see
then
made
I think, that
vrar.
The
all their
connnissary stores.
We
marched
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
26
We
hill.
"VYe
had some
coflee in
our haversacks,
it
took but
without anything
to eat
we
On
felt
and
they
energies.
soon
recuperated
their
exhausted
how we
know
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
27
While on the
we were on quarter rations.
march, James H. Huges, of Company K, rupand felt very badly the next
February 11 we resumed our march.
day.
February 12 it snowed and made the roads still
more tiresome to travel. On the loth we arrived
at Crab Orchard, and the roads were no better
but heard from the farmers along the road that
we would soon strike the turnpike. We were
now sixty miles from Louisville, and on the 14th
we moved forward again, with two inches of snow
on the ground and the air fresh and crisp. We
marched that day twenty-one miles, and at night
were compelled to scrape the snow from the
ground to get a place to put up our tents, but we
had plenty of straw and wood, and were very
comfortably fixed.
On the loth the sky was
clear and cloudless, the air a great deal warmer
than yesterday, but the little snow that laid on
the ground made it very hard marching.
tured
himself,
Some one
we were
to
be
marched
the
afternoon,
jjy.r
>.7
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
28
arriving at
Lebanon
(the village
we
started
left
number
of sick and
from
miles.
disabled,
and overcoats. We lay at this camp with thousands of rumors flying around us, some to the
effect that we were to march to Munfordville;
another that we were destined on a forced march
to. Xashville
and each one created more or less
excitement.
We commenced our march in a
terrific rain and thunder storm.
The water
came down in torrents, and streams of mud
and water ran along the turnpike, through
which we were compelled to wade and plod our
way and we saw that a soldier's life was not so
fine as we iis school-boys saw it pictured in our
We marched twenty-one miles, and
histories.
encamped on the Jackson farm, a brother of the
Jackson who sliot Colonel Ellsworth at AlexanA short time before this a few of our
dria, Va.
boys stopped at this place and asked Jackson
His answer
for some forage for their nuiles.
was, " Yes, I will give you some forage, you
b
Yankee s
s," and commenced firing
upon the boys from his front-door. Sergeant
Reed and Charley All, of Company I, had re;
wards he
wa=j
arrested
;.u
:->
li
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
civil
authorities,
29
preserves, of
hearts' content.
arrival until
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
30
we marched
pomp
in a
marched
ofl'
to the
At this
tlie
regiment
to the boat-
landing
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
we came
to
31
to
field.
floatinir
on the
tried to
March
prize.
sailors,
we arrived
and
and
all
of the
com-
missary stores.
were a great
capitol, a
of town, and
Pike Road.
We
entirely of marble.
Our
lay at this
camp
three weeks.
numbered
six
hun-
dred, and
pa.sses,
visiting
and amusement.
the
dilferent
On
April
places of interest
1,
1SG2,
we com-
~"v'l /.
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
32
blankets, and
tents or ruhber
rains were
cold
and
that
to the
after
all
our
Savannah
the battle.
1.>V7
33
mud, mixed up witli sacks of grain and government stores, some lyinir in the water and others
trampled entirely out of sight in the deep mud.
This was where the great stampede occurred,
and no pen can picture the horrors of this part
of the fieki.
We disembarked and marched up
the hill to Shiloh church, where we went into
bivouac.
Having no shelter of any kind, we
peeled the bark off the gum-trees, and took half
of it and laid it on the 2;round and crawled
under it a small place, but it sheltered us from
the elements.
While here I saw the spot where
General Albert Sidney Johnston, the commander
of the Confederate army, fell, and where he was
temporarily buried until his body could be sent
;
The
battle-field
up
in
fellows
hii^torian
field.
alive to a crisp.
in
No
all
over the
field
Squads of men
dij:trinir
trenches,
'\'\
i'J
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
34
by the
first
bones to be
Such
is
the
terror of war.
fell
I beheld
it
my
boyish imagination
It
artist.
Scattered irregularly
results,
relating
battle
and
its
there a
man laughing
as he held
up
his
Yonder knots
of
men
coffee
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
on
all sides
fresli,
35
a tree, on w^hose
smooth bark the names of two Confederate generals, who fell here in the gallant charge, had
been carved by some thoiighlful fellow. The trees
i ^f>SO.S<'^
But sights more fearful awaited us as we stepped
We picked our way
out beyond the front line.
carefullv amons; the fallen timber and down the
The
As
ghastly.
and
all
much
more
of the
field as
we beheld
if there
Horses
hundreds.
A[ost of the
knapand accou-
field in wildest
poor creatures
Dis-
caissons,
sion.
the
confu-
all,
Union
soldiers
..
'I
36
^
-4
DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
tlie
As we
fellows in gray.
to observe
how
How
firmly some
had
summer
time.
the coun-
solemn
sleep.
my
was too
comrade to come away, come
awful to look at any more. Even the rudest and
a^vay.
It
and
would be shed araon2: the mounNorth and the rice-fields of the far-
tears that
tains of the
off South.
to
tlien
called
liad a
it.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
of rest
and
rain,
37
miles in a drenching
camp were
detailed
build
any
fires.
As
night without
all
fire.
and returned
relieved,
From
mile,
camp
by General
commander.
inspected
to
outfits.
W.
Here we were
new
T. Sherman, our
or a
two,
them evacuated.
The boys
cari*vinfr
for
the
last
three
weeks,
expecting
battle
was a sight to see them unloading themselves nnd scattering the ammunition
every day.
It
As
a cen-
eral
a failure
army
of forty thou-
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
38
them escape
On May 30,
we were ordered to the left, towards
and went
at 3 a.m.
on the
31st,
to
to
unload
into bivouac.
extra ammunition
all
was unnecessary,
as the boys
At
9 a.m.
we
con-
June
1, at
We
M.,
found a
and cooked
way known
ated,
soldiers' culinary
it
in every
art.
We
to the
remained here
all
twenty-five
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
39
Irom the
wells,
to
be a perfect
The young
apples
much green
march
to
fruit.
After
we went on
Arrived
On
On June
east.
we marched
2S we marched
six miles
fifteen miles to
very hot.
cumbia, Ala.
where
it
feet deep,
We
and
it
and as cold
fifteen
as ice-water.
drilling.
Fourtli of July
we spent
in the
Generals
)
:
40
-4
From
here
On
the
following
sixteen miles
all
night as
day, the
and went
if
we went
olst,
to
Athens,
on the oOth.
at 3 p.m.
we marched
into camp.
It rained
open.
Au2;ust 1
Eo2;ersville.
miles.
We
marched
On
Not being
well,
he
to lie
when
and
characters
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
to
PelLam Gap.
41
days,
tember 3 we arrived
at
On
Sep-
Continued our
roads, with
the
this
camp
enviable;
;
:
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
42
September 9
camped.
We
marched
five
fine
We
marched twenty-three
September 10
We were now
four miles from
Nashville.
September 11
Marched to Nashville and encamped on the
Lebanon Pike. Keraained there three days, then
miles.
the large
fort,
where we
re-
all
of the quartermaster's
arrival,
The supply
all
September 16 we marched
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
43
twentv-two miles.
up
mv
feet,
shirt
to
suffocating
it
commenced
Ohio.
all
barefooted,
in the river.
.-y,**l^-
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
44
off
condition.
Embarked on steam-
we arrived
in the
on the
flags
and
streets to see us
time
Handkerchiefs and
were waving from every window and roof-
to c^ive us a roval
welcome.
at luka, Miss.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
45
We
Found
it
through our
October 5
it
dirty,
sweaty handker-
first
good water
for a
week.
October 7
Marched
eight miles.
engaged until 3
p.m.,
46
DRUMMER-BOTS DIARY.
-4
forward
to
who
We
note of
this, for
the
rv
>i
If not,
47
at the ex-
why
not
This
me.
tled- in
took what
blins:
we could
did no
get,
October 14
o-ood.
We
We
forward.
rests
passed through
of
it,
by.
We lay at
on the
General Gilbert.
October 19,
at
p.m.,
we marched
four miles
went on picket.
October 20 we were relieved from picket and
marched twenty-one miles, within tvro miles of
north of Crab Orchard and
Danville,
march.
resting
but
October 21
and encamped
tliree
times
during our
march
^ DEUMJfER-BOY'S DIARY.
48
of sixteen miles.
Passed through
October 31
Green River.
Greensburg and encamped ten miles beyond.
November 1 Marched sixteen miles to Cave
City, occupying the same camp-ground we did
:
in September.
It
seemed
be overrun by soldiers,
to
November 2
Marched
camped
there.
sixteen miles
and en-
in an open field
mile distant and plenty of dry rails. The next
day we left Bowling Green eighteen miles behind
;
us,
to us.
November 8
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
at Mitchellsville
Depot.
49
for cook-
Nashville Eailroad.
We
remained
at this
camp
and received
and raw. We
heard every day the distant boom of cannon
nel.
cold
towards Murfreesboro'.
we again
23,
Encamped
Marched
November 21,
at 3 a.m.
we moved forward
for
two
again, stop-
and
at
Marched
miles more and countermarched, and encamped one and a half miles from the river.
Marched twenty-three miles.
five
^ DEUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
50
November 25
Weather cool and cloudy.
We broke camp at 9 a.m., and inarched five miles
;
seemed
to be most all
hickory and wahjut, and the trees were very large.
November 26
Teams went back
AYeather
stores,
to
cool
and
clear.
nonading in
27th:
We
sick
heard can-
of Lebanon, Tenn.
and clear. 28rh The men
chopped wood and had a general cleaning-up in
camp.
2yth: Mail day.
Drew overcoats and
clothing. We now found out that we were watching John Morgan we heretofore had an idea
that he was watching us.
30th: Had inspection.
We had a terrific rain and wind-storm,
and limbs of trees Hew throusrh the air to the
Weather
tfe fiirection
still briiiht
discomfort of
December
all.
NothDecember
2 to 5 Nothing occurred to break the monotony of the camp, except that one of our camp:
guards built a
through and
fell
to
the earth
tree,
and
it
burnt
with a
cra.'-h,
making
a report
it,
of
f\
:!
qfiT.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
51
and with
dressed,
'*
Fall in
fall in
fall
iu
!"
and such
to find
tent, half-
a scrambliuir
gone
it
drummer
until
to their
after.
In the evenins;
watchfulness.
December 6
Had company
drill.
my
beiran to snow.
it
Captain
He
had
December 7
:
new
our colonel
It caused
to
We
at four o'clock
December
22,
and
when
dress parade to
:>
f.
j"
r.
:'i:;:t'i
^ DEUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
52
of
color line.
2Sth
so.
had inspection
29th
Nothing new occurred.
us.
Weather fine. December 30 I was ordered to
beat long roll at 1 a.m., and remained in position
until 10 A.ii., expecting a skirmish with the
While standing in line the boys sufJohnnies.
greeable
north
of
was
cold,
made
and the
The weather
Wc
if we had
had new clothing
December 31 Weather
Taking advantage of it, the
and warm.
oliicei's had a grand review of the troops and
general muster, and the boys looked very well
in their new uni forms.
January 1, 1803, New Year: Cold and disabout as quiet a Xew Year's day
agreeable
Our New Year's dinner
as I had ever seen.
grand
as
it
su
miglit have been, but
was not
then it could have hvxnx a great deal worse.
issued to us that day.
clear
We
liad
and the
delicacies,
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
and he who was fortunate enough
money
53
to possess
any
pretty often.
my comrades of the
spend with
compelled
to
company, but
at the
wiis
guard-
much
niirht.
It
the regiment
easier if
mers that
had
to
left
Minnesota in
'Gl,
drum-
and, of course,
While sitting
up the miles we had
marched
in
kept, as follows
Febru-
April, 158
May, 36
August, 101 September,
December,
258 October, 343 November, 98
29 total, 1493 miles for the year. January 2
ary, 149
March, 52
June, 129
July, 39
Weather
shine
in
rt:i
-!
54
-^
cuffed
Had
We
battalion drill.
didn't
2;et
many
drillit
was
the best.
January 6
main in the
Kained,
tents
were
night.
Keceived our
compelled
January 7
day.
all
fine
to re-
Cold,
Company on
picket
three
first
for
.:;
'[
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
55
back
to Gallatin.
the day,
roads most of
twelve o'clock
Remained
in
January 16
camp
:
all
day.
then
it
to 11 a.m.,
all night,
cleared
up
drummer
of the
guard.
tinued
all
day.
At 4
roll,
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
56
our regular
Janu-
large mail
in, it
was
to
to the first
if
clear sky.
Kemained
of the regiment
left for
in
camp
all
day.
few
24:
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
of lard buried,
57
detail the
next day
his assertions.
bank to be sent to Nashville by flatboat. January 27 The pioneer corps loaded the
lard on a barge and took it down the Cumberland
Biver to Nashville. We had a snow-storm that
day, but not as heavy as we generally had in
Minnesota. January 28 Orders were given to
be ready to march at 4 p.ii., but were countermanded.
January 29 Bright, clear, and dry, but cold.
We were loaded on the cars at Gallatin and went
to Nashville, and marched out on the Nashville
and Chattanooga Bailroad, and found our brigade.
Januarv 30 Weather fine. At 12 m. we marched
ten miles to Stone Biver, and encamped on a
January
hill with plenty of wood and water.
31
Marched six miles and halted, and went
into camp, and received orders to be prepared
to march all night, but orders were countermanded.
at the river
58
February 1
Rained all day.
Marched
eleven miles and encamped on the Wilson Pike.
February 2 Marched ten miles to Mill Creek
and went into camp. Very poor water, but
February 3 In camp all
plenty of cedar rails.
February 4:
day, brushing and cleaning up.
Four companies went out foraging, and in the
:
afternoon
potatoes.
From
we lay
in
continued
all
night.
While
Christian Kersamair, of
my
for
an anvil
gettinoj throu2;h
and
rolh^d
it
It rolled
down
and in a few
moments an explosion occurred that awoke the
It scattered the lire in such a
whole camp.
into the lire in front of the tent,
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY,
shape that
was impossible
it
stick of the
59
to find a coal or a
there, and,
most
to say,
February 17
Wilbur F.
From
Rained
all
day.
in
to
work building
fortifications.
Company
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
GO
Tennessee
into
action.
Colonel
Cavalry,
but he,
-with
Ever}'tliing quiet
prevented
regiment,
his
up
to the 13th,
them.
when we were
Saturday,
day,
in
marching
to reinforce
Bragg
in our front.
From
to enliven us or
life,
19th,
which
troubles.
On
always
seemed
to
lighten
our
out
foraging to
26th
General
plantation,
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
61
Sent
to
drummed
29th: Kegimeut
and
new
the boys felt that
they were better armed than ever. March 30
Light fall of snow, which made it very muddy
and disagreeable in camp. March 31 Colonel James George arrived from Minnesota and
looked hale and hearty.
Teams arrived from
for theft.
Enfield
received
rifies,
April 1
Creek
Went
after foras-e.
2d
and repleasant.
and
turned at 12 Jii. April 3 Warm
Marched sixteen miles to tlie Murfreesboro' Pike
and repaired the road. April 4 Returned to
in line of battle.
camp.
At
we took
turns
In the mess
to
cook
it
it,
and I
it
{)roniised
up,
him
and put
it
would.
into the
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
62
an expert
at cook-
and cleanse
inside out,
it
At noon
from
it
in
all
foreign
its
whole
it
to cook.
He
dish, and,
it
in one mouthful.
But shortly
as
you?"
cook, ain't
so to see
The next
to Eagleville
a reiriment of rebels.
"
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
by a
rebel
gg
to rain
Encamped near
a supply train.
the outskirts of
Marvin Emery returned to the regiment that day. April 17: Marched back to camp
and signed the pay-rolL April 18 Received
four months' pay, amounting to forty-eight dollars.
22d and 23d Warm and pleasant. Kemained in camp all day. 24th regiment went
foraging. Marched sixteen miles.
25th K. G.
the city.
Khoades, of
Company E,
first
time.
2Gth
From
derfully,
and
to the regiment.
provost
health.
i\[ay 1
us.
We
had the
They were
little
dog-tents issued to
quite a novelty,
wonderful difference in
the
and made a
movement
of the
;;
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
64
army, as each
and
it
made
man
number
2d
heretofore used.
Sunday,
^Nlay
Had
Rain
brigade
drill,
and
little tents.
fell
in the forenoon
Had
had
inspection.
drill
4tli to
the 14th
brigade
twenty-five miles.
gage back
to
Sent
all
Luverne.
for
marching orders.
down
At
in
torrents
A DUmiMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
(55
it
tinuous order,
regimental
forenoon,
drill in the
The men
liad long
to commence,
had become very monotonous.
as steady
camp
and prepare
A.M.
for
We
re-
at 7
an aggressive campaign.
With
left
and skirmished with the Confederates. Our entire march was eleven miles.
June 26 Rainy and disagreeable. Drove the
27th: ^larched
rebels through Hoover's Gap.
:
twenty miles
ter.
28th:
to
Encamped
Warm
and
an abandoned
pleasant.
6*
cotton-field.
Marched
six miles;
A DRUMMER-BOY- S DIARY.
and
all
29th
day.
Rainy
disa2:reeable.
line.
One of
who was
courier
beins: shot,
carrying
despatches.
After
small
bits,
30th
Lay
quietly in
to
find a large
they supplied
them a
Ions; time.
July 2
Hot and
last
our
crossed
Elk
We
and very rapid stream.
liad no pontoons, and therefore were compelled
to stretch a strong rope over the river and use
River,
it
on
wide
as a support.
troops held
but we
all
less wet.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
band,
swam
QJ
tlie
Saturday, July 4
on account of
My
seventeenth birthday.
hundred guns
salute of one
my
"was fired,
not
July 8
the
city
of Yicksburg
near a ravine,
where
there
were twenty-five
the
hill,
We
and
writing.
of arms
paidotr.
sutler
19th
Very
hot.
Had
20th
inspection
Regiment
21st: AVarm.
The
G3
brigade commander.
July 25
Warm
and
pleasant.
After dress
who
left
him bon
voyage.
July 26
Had general inspection. Colonel
Bishop started north. 27th Sam Gould, of
Company, a deserter, was brought back to the
regiment from Indiana, where he had been found
:
A DRUZniER-BOY'S DIARY,
69
We
as
^yith us ahvays,
means of improving
we again
After a long
five
went
into
Cumberland Mountains. We
18th
had plenty of corn and green beans.
Weather hot. Marched up the mountain six miles
and encamped on the site of the Southern EpisNothing had been built excopal University.
cept the foundation, wdiich was very massive, and
showed that the structure that was to go on its
at the foot of the
Before the
the
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
70
diet
now
21st
Hot
in that
Went
vicinitv,
so
out forao'ino;
it
and
a few vams.
Thev
did well to
a few apples
Illinois
Wagner
27th
timber
felt
jubilant.
army over
;'V>
ji
1
.
/.i
A DEVMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
7I
the river.
the
rafts.
29th
Warm,
mountain in our rear, and after a long and tiresome walk we found ourselves on the summit, and
the view that met our gaze was something grand.
At our feet stretched for miles away like a thread
the Tennessee Kiver, winding its way at the foot
of the mountains until it dropped out of sight,
as it seemed, into some hidden valley.
August 30 Warm and pleasant.
Crossed
the Tennessee River on the rafts that the boys
had been making during the last few days, and
encamped in a dense forest four miles from the
:
Georsfia line.
down
31st
Warm.
all
and
fresh pork.
September 1
Weather pleasant and warm.
At 2 P.M. we broke camp and marched three
miles south to the foot of the mountains and
encamped. We found plenty of forage, such as
We were still
green corn and sweet-potatoes.
:
We
(y.K
..!
//
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
72
prohibiting
as
tlie
after
10
a.m.,
sick,
and
culinary
curiosity.
purposes.
At one
This cave
is
quite
6th
Marched
five miles
to the
top
In
tlie
named Baxter,
down
for
many
it
horribly.
The
at a
height
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
Ga.
73
in the direction
of Chattanoo2;a.
September 8
Weather still remained very
The band serenaded General Van Cleve.
The general was then in command of a division
in Crittenden's corps.
The men and of&cers
of our regiment held him in great respect and
veneration.
The sutler of an Ohio regiment arrived from Huntsville with a large amount of
beer, and there was a perfect stream of soldiei-s
going and coming with canteens to have them
filled.
He was very Hberal (the sutler, I mean).
He charged the boys fifty cents a quart or a
canteenful.
There was a certain class who would
have paid one dollar, if that had been the price,
although we did not see any drunken men.
September 9 Very hot and dusty. We received orders to march the next day with two
days' rations and knapsacks.
We were very
short of rations. We had not had a bean or any
salt pork issued to us for a month, and with those
articles cut off from the soldiers' bill of fare life
was not worth living, and patriotism and love
:
hot.
^i
74
DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
water had to
At
road leads up
tlie
mountain.
tain-side.
Still very hot and sultry, but
September 11
the niirhts were cool and refreshinir. We marched
nine miles alons; the base of the mountains and
encamped in a beautiful piece of timber, where
we found plenty of sweet-corn and green beans,
of which we made succotash, and we found that,
even witliout pork, it made a very relishable dish
for a hungry man.
September 12
With very dusty roads and
hot weather we marched twenty-five miles to the
position where General Xegley's division was
engaged with the rebels and was driven back,
and were ordered out on a reconnoissance to the
:
Marched
that
We
were fortunate, however, to find, a short distance from camp, an orchard with the trees
1 'ailed
down with peaches and apples, of which
we
.-trip{('d
overy
tree.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
received
orders
to
75
to
make
September 17
The
sultiy.
rebel cavalry
and
as
if
soon as
it
We
We
marched eight
miles.
along,
we saw
troops
falling
into line
on the
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
76
right of
tlie
road
to
guns,
their
and every
forest, before
rebel skirmish-line.
We
heavy
roll of
we
wounded
and
the
wounded
field, tlie
help,
At
nisfht
cry of the
all in their
We
and on
renewed
with
Sunday, the 20th, the battle was
Towards noon
terrible slausfhtcr on both sides.
scarce.
'N
5?r^^!T35^
:*-->*
S^.
^H^''
r*
**-
"*'-
"i
.%-
'IJ'""
-v'
i'
r^
5
L ''^
->,
.^^.
"^Lir^>
'
-t-^
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
'j;
we
retired to Kossville.
posted Negley's
77
right, stretching
Dry
the
to
Reynolds's
and
riirht
Dry Valley
On
20tli.
Thomas
ville.
position
there
nearly to Chat-
tanooga Creek.
night of the
McCook's
rear, while
army
against our
felt
on the
to follow
at
Ross-
against
the
Confederate army.
Though
at 6 p.m.
army had
Our
on the 20Lh.
battle-field
we
was his
to
unknown
to
me
The
show
Our
nt tliat time.
A DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
78
An
inspection of our
morning of the
counted
21st,
for.
September 22d:
detailed
to
We
filled,
still
"^.'^r^*
s^^A.
r'^-s=^^''^'S3e^=
jCl: 'v*im.
S'^i^^^^t
'iff
'..C
>
.i
fe.,'
ii
t:
^-~.
t^
li
^
'f'
"
ltflll
'J:2!L1
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
delicacies of every kind,
to
cheer
and did
occasion, a
they could
all
suffering.
miss of sixteen,
pretty
79
On
one
who came
distributing reading-
ment
to those
"
the intrenclmients.
We
remained
the monotony
in
to
break
Major Davis
us to return to his
left
home
in
Maysville,
Ky.
wound
the
in
a slight
down
^ DRmiMER-BOY'S DIARY.
30
Up
little
hope of
his
An
alties.
election
occurred
that day.
make
could
We
AVe
siderable grumbling
men had
the
all
they wanted
Tuesdav, October 13
Company C,
effects of a wound
to
satisfy their
happy.
Rained
all
dav.
Peter-
son, of
the
October 14
to the
nothing
to
create
in
A DRUMATER-BOY'S DIARY.
We
any description
81
Saturday, October 31
Sunday, November 1
and
us.
:
drill.
November 2
had
The rebs on Lookout
and it passed over our
it
cots
been more
serious.
doubt
We
it,
but, nevertheless,
it is
a fact.
sitting in
and
as
were
we
drifted to
if
g2
toothsome viand.
offered to go
and
hospitals,
try to
cattle
down near
division
the
quarter-
geon, and,
armed with
Jasper proceeded
to
to
that,
We
my
From November
rations,
and putting
83
in all of our
November 16
back
to
Colonel
George
us to go
left
us,
and
day.
Regiment went on
November 18 and 19
asrreeable.
o
picket.
:
Cold, cloudy,
and
dis-
ammunition.
Gilbert Jackson of
Company
died.
The men
Rained all day.
were still crowding the work on the forts. AVe
noticed that the rebs on Lookout Mountain were
also making preparations for an attack.
November 22 Warm and pleasant. We buried
Jackson.
Had orders to be prepared to march
November 21
^ DRmiMER-BOY'S DIARY.
34
the same
(and I
know
fix), sufiered
light.
Tuesday, jS'ovember 24
front.
troop's
"Were
in line in
still
We
The heavy
clouds which all day had enveloped the mountain's summit, and thus to some
extent favored Plooker's movements, had gradutain.
ally settled
was
'
literally
Thus
'-a
it
at times
above the
the valley.
By this time the darkness upon the
mountain rendered farther progress extremely
dangerous, and Hooker's troops encamped for
the night on the slopes, which they so gallantly
camp and
garrison equipage.
mained in hue
A DEUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
our
left
the
mean
by cooking a
lunch,
as,
kettle of coffee
from
in a short time
we were
all
and eating a
little
knew
engaged. At 4
appearances, we
we would
be
that
p.m.
in-
comm'and was
sfiven to
ploy their
a great
we occupied we could see every movement of the enemy in the first and second line
of works, and they were watching every move
the position
we made.
We
We had
sun
at
as one
man
not long to
from a signal-
entire
armv moved
first
line
the
rebels out.
first
line of
and
as
works we
we
left
our
A DR UMMER-B
86
ties.
Y'S
first
DIAR Y.
up the ridge
and charged over the second line of works.
Here our regiment captured a rebel battery.
After the capture of this line we had but
The
fighting.
little
rebel
towards Taylor's
fled
We
what we had
loss to the
total, 19.
On
army of Bragg.
November 27 Marched fifteen
of the retreating
:
gold, Ga.
Skirmished
all
miles to Einsr-
pieces of artillery.
Gap, and
into Taylor's
and
rain.
29th
three miles.
day.
We
clothing.
crackers.
We
marched back
30th
to
camp, twenty-
all
were
still
Had
without
.-^toekimrs
or under-
A DR UMMER-B
December
erals
Y'S
DIAR Y.
37
AVe had a grand review. GenGrant, Thomas, Hunter, and Reynolds, and
1
After
the
spected.
with
It
us.
We
of gray-backs, but
enough
fifty cents.
five-
^!/
<
-4
33.-
DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
comparing
this
pounds of tobacco.
he
basis,
five
got his
interest
should not we
question.
our
And
why
not
why
that was the
in
gold,
command ins;
come
and principal
Yes,
men
to
We
could
lie
But we had no
the gray-backs
were compelled
to
and
sit
at least.
":0
very interesting
affair
'
Wag,
boys.
89
to the
and
vrell-fed
About
this
first
December 7
to sacrifice
him with
the rest.
for
me
to
give a description
artist.
8*
of the
^ DRUMMER'BOY'S DIAMY.
90
rations,
and
and good
rious
and
to
underclotliins: asrain
but we were
coffee.
No
in great hopes
made us
feel glo-
on half-rations of meat
still
and
faith
From December
ing important occurred in camp, except the regular routine of our daily guard-mount
and picket
duty.
bury the
Chickamauga
dead, who had lain there
out to the
The
months.
and
quarter-rations of coffee
December 13
heard a
We
sugar.
returned to camp.
The
service.
half-rations of pork;
We
gi'eat deal
veteran
following rations
recruiting was
then in
progress.
A few
December 14
considerably
less.
Ql
would
re-enlist for another three years.
I was still
suffering with chronic dysentery, with no hope
of getting better if I remained down there but
I thought if I got north, with proper food and
good medical attendance, I would recuperate
quickly.
Crane, of Company F, died that day
I finally concluded that I
of dysentery.
December 20
The
body.
in
I re-enlisted
ered
I,
Company
in justice
to
really
myself, should
thought that
return
home,
Havins:
fifteen
left
years of age,
neglected.
At
my education
little
over
December 21
veteranizuig
fa^t.
be considered a regiment
The weather
re-
;/.
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
92
mained
scarce.
looked to
me
as
December 28
Christian
Kerseraier,
The boys
little,
in the
regiment
at
all
of
Missionary
remembered
short, fat,
very large
He
received a flesh-
wound
last
'
..
in heaven.
Our Father
is
not alone.
And
died,
"Waits to
an old-fashioned
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
93
it
was
all for
to
them
to re-
We
were compelled
to
all
December 27
Received a
larre
mail.
to us.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
94
December 30
fifteen rolls of
an escort
service.
some
and some
every description
term of
to
for
back
for
j)ay.
Charleston, Tenn.,
The Seventy-
to a wagon-train.
evolutions were
remarkably
fine.
Our
were
had no parade.
December 31
and orders
to
ofiicers
rolls,
so
we
We
disagreeable.
for
all
spectators.
for the
to
be com-
amounted
to
The
in
command
of Sergeant T.
<
\"t:>'''^:^
ijj
A DRUMMER-BOY\S DIARY.
officer to assist,
vates.
95
as
tlie
only
assigned as color-
made.
well,
war upon
As
this
prayed
to
death, desolation,
us,
battle-field.
Him who
doeth
this
all
entire armies be
happy homes.
Friday, January
very
cold.
1,
1864
to be paid off
ou the morrow.
Saturday, January 2
A much
more pleasant
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
96
in front of
it.
Our
flurries of
and our
we would be
suffering
would
January 8
We
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
97
River steamboats, the "Dunbar" and the "Kinirsand proceeded down the river to Bridgeport, Ala., where we arrived at 3 p.m., and were
ton,"
January 11
to
go into the
soldiers
We
city,
and who,
Among
like us,
the novelties
the ladies,
98
January 12
ing
We
The
cars.
ment moved
we found
were
still
Fifty-eighth
New York
Regi-
tliera
home.
Four of our band decided to have what a solAVe prodier would call a good square meal.
ceeded to find a restaurant which was capable of
any
ried consultation,
fiist,
and we
we decided
to invest in a
break-
should consist
it
In
we marched
sin2:le file
The party
tables.
consisted of R. G. Riioades,
Chamberlain,
Wm.
Wugner, and
Chas.
myself.
We
moments
a ilark.y
came
to
our
After a few
table,
and the
time than
it
takes
for four.
platter,
in
me
The
sausages
two deep
to write
di-^hcs.
it
In
the dishes
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
the middle of the table
one of us looked
marked
Each
refilled,
which was
the eight-
" $3.00."
with consteruatiori
at the other
99
fifteen
table with a
taurant."
January 14
We left these quarters and
marched to the Louisville and Nashville Depot,
where we were loaded into box cars, and pro:
was very
The weather
cold,
suffer-
houses at Nashville.
at
12
M.,
January
15,
We
arrived at Louisville
and marched
coffee.
inner
to
the No.
we were supplied
After supply-
Home
for the
night.
.'.uii
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
100
felt
marched
better,
was
his
duty to
make
better,
as splendid
it
an appearance
as possible, for
and he
in us.
re2;inient as
we marched
We
still
throusrh
marched
left
Chattanooga.
January 19
miles from
New
We
were
Albany.
still
The
railroad
company
Y'S DIA R Y.
A DR UMMER-B
101
flirted
good things
in!" was
"Fall
The command
have an end.
heard, and soon the tall form of Colonel Bishop
was seen forming the regiment into position to
board the cars, and three cheers were given for
While we were
the ladies of Crawfordsville.
with
the
young
But
girls.
all
you
Thursday, January 21 We arrived at Michio-an Citv, and were transferred to the Chicago
22d.
road, arriving at Chicago at 6 a.m. on the
imand
Had breakfast at tlie Soldiers' Home,
:
Hall.
At 9
p.m.
we were
We
and
arrived at Winona at G a.m., January
by
were furnished with a steaming-hot breakfast
23,
9*
':ri'"fi
..I.
102
performed a few
selections,
little
We
when we again
passed through
re-
all
of
and every-
home
to surprise
mother, and, as
it
my
was dark in
a lamp and
knew
up
it
that
close to
my name had
face
once,
all
tlie
perhaps, in
had
time
that
now,
as,
thanks for
my
When
safe return.
I lay
two
thanked
down
first
God
for
time
my
safe arrival.
On
January 25 the men received their furloughs, and each departed his separate way liome,
some to see their wivts, some their mothers, and
others tlieir sweethearts. I hoped tliat all wouhl
receive a heiirty welcome,
and
their stay at
home
filled
tell,
eiijoyiiient.
103
Who could
U3 would live to
Kemained
were invited
when we
Wins-
at the
all night,
and
Anthony.
and feasted,
St.
in a body,
at 7 a.m.,
March
we
1, w^e
made
fort.
We
ladies cheering,
and
to
"
God
bless you,
March
loaded on
Companies
I,
F, C, G, and
to St. Paul.
On
our
were
proceeded
that
Cliarlcs
main
in
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
104
March 4
H were
Companies D, A, B, E, and
and
resriment,
The band,
staff,
for the
also started
South.
remained.
March
head-quarters
stajS*
March 8
the guests of
Association,
should
let
We
tlie
who
the
arrived at
insisted that
Colonel Bishop
of the association.
The
colonel at
first
de-
clined, but
of US,
In the eveninir
v,-c
way towards La
2:ave
an instrumental
We
in the
v.K>:,
A DRVMMER-BOTS DIARY.
t..
105
God
we
will
Winona
always
!"
He
kindly
would not
have kept us, but, being in this condition, he
would make us a shake-down on the floor and
provide food for us, the best he had, and that
when we received our first pay we could pay
him all of which we faiihfiilly promised to
told us that if
(^^^y.
On
lie
host,
we proceeded
n:^-.
ir-yiMii
..'T.V
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
106
on our way
noon.
to
to
La
Crescent, where
to
we arrived at
make known
him promises
of good faith
made
man and
the one
who
it,
and I
will risk
and
my
life
on that."
After leaving the hotel, we were told that we
could not cross the river, as the ice was moving.
Not
to be frustrated in
We
and
which we em-
river to
La
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
we were
107
A couple of
to remain.
named Brown,
of
Company D, was
terribly cut
March 11
At 3
a.m.
into
food.
until
8 p.m.,
when
rest of the
to follow
was furnished.
and arrived
It
^ DumnfEE-BOY's diary.
108
Soldiers'
to the depot,
we
Through
Mark Hendricks, a
who came through from Minne-
the kindness of
railroad agent,
started
home on
when we
at
A.M.,
March
19,
We
again took
Arrived
at
Edge-
furlough,
while the
ofiicers
and awaited
in bivouac
us.
At G
A DR UMMEE-B
P.M.
we marched back
tered in a church,
Y'S
DUE Y.
109
We
ble.
We
raifs,
wewould
feel
better,
we would be more
keener, and
healthful
all
around.
three
Passed through the town, and encamped
great many of the recruits were
south.
miles
We
marched twelve
water,
miles and encamped near a clear stream of
situathe
of
where the boys took advantage
tion
after
which we
considerably refreshed.
T^rareh
25
rain.
felt
We
and
marched fourteen miles to
encamped on the "Ready" plantation, the owner
John M<ubeinjr the father-in-law of the rebel
^^lurfreesboro',
10
v/
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
110
We
found General
Van
wood and
water.
We
The
broke camp and marched twelve miles.
roads were very dusty and the wind blew a
it clouded up
and rained a little during the night. 29th
Weather cloudy. Koads in good condition. We
marched fourteen miles to Shelbyville and encamped on Duck River, on an old rebel camp-
ground.
tiful
northward bound.
We
heard
What
was a mystery.
we found plenty
April
We
of
wood and
water.
disagreeable.
Decherd. This
was not the distance, but the way we were marched.
Colonel
(Jeorge made stretches of from four to five
miltjs before he called a rest for the men.
They
were heavily loaded with all their new clothing
to
It
it
HI
At tlie end
out rest every two or three miles.
bad
of the day's march, with the roads in very
men
the
rain,
the
of
condition in consequence
were all played out.
April 2 Overcast, but pleasant. Marched nine
miles over the mountains into Stevenson's Valley.
Edmund Garrison, of our regiment, was sent ahead
keep up with
to Chattanooga, he being unable to
marching.
the 'command, having taken sick while
:
April 3
We
distance,
We were now
five miles.
fifteen
get
the
consent of Colonel
I,
He
in-
that if he
George he
The
instructions
cofonel gave his consent, with
that if a
man
severely
punished.
Allen returned
to
With
these
Le Due, who
instructions,
at once
had
the
distributed
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DURY.
112
Home
for the
night.
on our
We
re-
day.
11
We
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
April 12
camp
II3
remained in
day.
all
April 13
Martin Smith
camp
until
May
6, drilling
We
remained in
this
We
May
With
ward
six miles.
our
line,
We
and faced
all
day.
8th
ex-
in a different direction,
May
We
moved our
line
more
to the right.
Skirmished with the rebels all day, until it became so dark that both sides withdrew for the
night.
position
pass.
May
May
We
remained in camp
A
all day.
10*
Had
orders to
in
I'/i
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
114
be prepared
to
and
as Kttle noise
as possible.
May
12
We
marched according
to orders to
The
May
13:
Gap
We
they were
much
better.
received
We
May
14: Cannonading
We
east of us.
still
started
at
continued to the
May
IG
Warm
On
the
morning of
May
battle.
and pleasant.
The
rebels
Weather
fine.
May
19:
Weather
hot.
Passed
through
little
JT,
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
village.
Drove the
\\^
made
a stand.
Marched
thir-
teen miles.
May
Keport in camp
that the enemv were advancins; on us from the
southeast, but
it
W.
Tlie
The
separation
It
slip
on
under, and
sret
Nothing more
occurred to anv of
thom.
day
fj;ood
wettinsi
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
113
May
24
Still
The
very hot.
array marched
at daybreak.
supply
Colonel Bishop
train.
consideration, or severe
left to
guard the
punishment was
in store
for them.
May
Still in
cannonading in front.
May 26 Overcast but pleasant. "We marched
all day over a very hilly country, and were compelled to assist the teams with the wagons up
the hills.
We stopped at noon to cook dinner
and feed the teams, after which we proceeded on
:
our march.
work, but
We
little
We
made but
ten
miles.
May
it
he could.
After going
camp, Jasper had just finished a " doughgod," and was preparing to sit down on the
into
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
Hy
were
of the venomous
full
much
not sleep
at night
guard
23
on account of them.
Heavy skirmishing
May
29
We
to 31st
June
camped.
Rainy
Weather
1
Hot.
Heavy
all day.
all
Remained
Marched to the
hot.
in camp.
front
and en2d
on the skirmish-line.
Were
night.
all
30th
firing
camp from
and rainy
commenced
of battle and
Worked
in front.
marched back
A general
miles.
Balls flying
4th
the picket-line.
day.
The
to build breastworks.
3d: Cloudy.
Cloudy
the
did
May
over
We
little devils.
Two
boys of
Ohio, of the
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
118
miles,
Very hot
afteraoon
we had a
camp half
a mile.
refreshing shower.
Humor
in
camp
7tli:
In the
jMoved
that General
June 11
Disa^jreeable
and rainv.
five hours.
Marched
Moved
at
camp
all
Disi^rin";
Co O
day.
The
becomes almost an
It
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
119
v>'ere
arrived;
like
beaver.
front
in
massed on our
effective
IGth
our corps.
of
Rebels
such
back in disorder.
fell
June 17
built
Cloudy.
breastworks
in
field,
The mud
in
in
open
the fields
::.':.-:',''('
'<:>.;*
/'[^-^Py
i)t'<
120
-^
sides
were
boys, with
fire
We
'
I-
'a
L'l^iiT?:
A DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
attention,
121
be vacated.
The
flash of the
gun was
like
men
of
Company
F,
Thornton
Harris, Ains-
Colonel Bishop
men
in our regi-
ment.
June 23
non-veterans
years
having
expired.
June 24
We
artillery firing
the
From
y
rebels drove us
11
\Uii
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
;122
in front of
time
there
this
roar
of
artillery.
rebel
of the
On
nesota.
ordered back
to
W^e
marched five miles and encamped on Ex-Governor McDonald's place. This was the eighteenth
anniversary of
this
Tve
camp
my
birthday.
until the
returned
We
remained at
morning of July
13,
when
Atlanta.
We
July 14
received another batch of ninety-eight conscripts.
:
The
quiet.
It
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
123
Of
provisions
them
Sam
Uncle
the table
had
On
first
cies.
well.
little
and fewer
delica-
pany, and
it
and
bread
pork
But
stomachs.
to
hundred hungry
we had been
after
call,
in the field
" Fall in for your hard-
!"
a dozen men,
Much
of desiccated vegetables.
course, on
nished
the
At
us.
depended, of
we
tried a
company
cook,
" If
must do
others."
it
to
This applies
to courting.
We,
it to
knew how
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
124
to
took the
*'
field,
necessity"
tion,
which
is
soon taught us
hard-tack,
Wlien we
coffee.
how
to
It
is
a ques-
This
the cracker-boxes.
To
if
not, indeed,
heads
and
or
of
the
inspector
tliese
125
of supplies;
the
contractor
belief
was
widespread and deep-seated that they were without a doubt intended to set forth the era in
hard.
teetli.
fist.
We
couh]
Some we
Still, as
immense amount of
nourishment stowed away in them, as we soon
discovered when once we had learned the secret
of getting at it.
It required some experience and
no little hunger to enable one to appreciate hardtack rightly, and it demanded no small amount of
inventive genius to understand how to cook hardtack as they ought to be cooked.
If I remember
correctly, in our section of the army we had fifteen ditierent ways of preparing them.
In other
parts, I understood, they had discovered one or
two ways more, but with us
of the culinary
art.
fifteen
When
>\'r^!
tit.
C;
'J^i
126
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
times
''
; ;
<
iVC^i'ilC.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
127
it
for
possibilities
and a half
inch square hard-tack.
Three made a meal and
nine were a ration, and this was what fought the
battles for the Union.
The army hard-tack had but one rival, and
resided in this innocent-looking, three
army
bean,
a small, white, roundwas quite innocent-looking, as
was its inseparable companion, the hard-tack,
and, like it, was possessed of possibilities which
the uninitiated would never suspect.
It was not so plastic an edible as the hard-tack
nor susceptible of so wide a range of use, but
the one CD
2;reat dish which mioiit
be made of it
O
was so pre-eminently excellent that it threw
''Hell fired stew" and "Hard-tack pudding"
This was baked beans.
quite into the shade.
ish soup-bean.
It
No
before, but
baked
after
day
was in
the lumber regions, where the dish had no doubt
been first invented, said to me, " Come around to
Bill Hunter, of
)'
-l:Ii,ii;j
'i:l
^VC :
'V
O^i
.i'j
i'
,'.;
'
"i
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
128
around
to the
was then
"Get
our
tent.
is
ready.
Come
to
you never
to es-
A DRmiMER-BOY'S DURY.
tablisli
of the padding
more
far
129
The proof
Now, it is a
in the eating."
is
matter
difficult
to
ear,
The only
how
Where
to tell
it
anyhow
was
was something
like ]Mike Dalton's quart of drink,
an irrational
quantity, because it was too much for one and
did
it
get
to,
It
much
Still, too
of a good thing
is
too
much,
and
(ex-
however, I
health,
to
word,
"
Beans
Beans
Beans
Beans,
Very
for breakfast,
for dinner,
for supper.
hearts^
bkvns
!"
dissatisfiction
hot.
amoni;-
the
'H,':}1
130
-^
DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
police duty.
in cleaning
practising,
turning to their companies. The colonel in return said that the entire regiment was on picket
duty
relieve the
to
We
night.
to
all
our
companies.
to
23
Atlanta.
On
Chattanooga
as guard to eleven hundred prison2Gth and 27th Very quiet in camp, as the
regiment was still absent.
heard the distant
ers.
We
boom
of cannon at Atlanta all day, which reluinded us that there must be considerable activity
in front.
mand
the
We knew that with Sherman in comarmy was not liable to fall asleep or lie
inactive.
July 2S: Regiment returned from ChattaBand serenaded General Joe Hooker.
nooga.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
He
departed
for
AYashington
the
\2>1
next
day
as
to again.
been under
fire
considerable
works.
The
hundred yards
distant,
in
plain sight.
wing.
the 2oth,
when we
got orders to
march
at twelve
o'clock raidnisfht.
August 26
^ DRmniER-BOY'S DIARY.
132
following us.
We
We
lay
could dis-
southward.
of
it.
29
Sherman was
31st: Weather
tlie
very hot.
enemy cornered.
marched to the
We
nonadino; on our
Si;pteml)er
and drove
front
Heavy can-
risfht.
Weather very
hot.
About 4
all before
commander.
The
troops
"'U
l:
:r:
A DBUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
been heavily engaged
I33
battle
of Jonesboro'.
At 2
by General
Without regarding these tokens, Sherman pressed on the next morning in pursuit of
cating the evacuation of that place
Hood.
it
retreat.
(Slocum's)
September 3
when
it
commenced
to rain
We
could
still
camped
in a large cotton-tleld.
We
September 8:
marched nine
We
had this
Weather
very
place
fine.
Went
heavily
to
miles, within
town on a
played havoc in
and
hot.
it
tlie
principal
was riddled up
fearfully.-
Remained
in
camp
12
all
]):irt
day.
The
Our
shells
of
10th
0th
pass.
tlie city,
Weather
We
heard
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
134
On
John Morgan,
From September
we remained in
and regimental
this
drill
every day.
band instruments.
lough.
bat-
the
We
Hood was
11 to Oc-
heard
He
sorts
all
new
set of
had a twenty-days'
of rumors,
fur-
that
command.
October 3 we broke camp and marched
Colonel Uline in
On
eight miles
in
the woods
all
River,
in torrents.
and went
into
camp
at
9 p.m.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
October 6
it
135
all fore-
was ordered
tain.
Weather
pleasant.
to reconnoitre
Company
Our
division
north of Lost
Moun-
We
marched
fifteen miles.
October 8
Lay
in
camp
We
eifrht miles.
here
sfot
our
first
battle of Altoona.
news of the
<
We
rebel
army between
fight.
We
stopped
;.
hloO
:-
A DHUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
136
i:
fifteen
miles.
October 11
teen
miles
Weather
We
marched
and
Ga.,
went
fine.
to Kingston,
thir-
into
camp.
Remained in camp
during the heat of the day, and at 7 p.m. broke
camp and were on the road all night, making
October 13
Very
hot.
October 14:
twenty miles
to
Etowah Kiver.
October 15
Weather
pleasant.
We marched
Kocky-Faced Mountain,
and encamped on top. IGth Weather very
pleasant.
We marched down the north side of
the mountain, through Snake Creek Gap, and
encamped near Taylor's Ridge. 17th Lay in
camp all day, and sent back extra baggage.
18th Weather pleasant. iMarched sixteen miles,
Weather
19th
passing over Taylor's Ridge.
We
pleasant.
crossed
Chattanooga River.
tlie
Weather pleasant.
Passed through Somerville and encamped near
Marched
eight miles.
Gailsville,
Weather
Ga.,
on
pleasant.
20th
the
Coosa
Remained
in
River.
camp
21st
until 3
P.M., after
;><Il
'<.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
corn for meal
and others
to
137
Sunday, October 23 Weather pleasant. Remained in camp, repairing our clothing and doing
:
some washing.
October 24: Weather warm and pleasant. I
went out foraging and had quite a little adventure.
About
to look at
zip, zip
them.
On
looking
moment
About
make myself
to
took
it
me
Towards
made
mean time
this I
In the
stir
it
the rebs up a
had taken
in
up
to the
my
and
we saw
retreat,
men had
little.
as
we reached
more
that two
:l
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
138
My
rifles,
We
wikh
and
tliey
but, being
had
imso
tlie satisfaction,
my
I,
The Johnnies
fine
unarmed, was
firing at
killed.
2Gth and
27t]i
It rained
little shelter-tents.
fire
to
talk a
march.
natives.
October 28:
Weather
clear
and
cool.
As
A DRUMBTER-BOY'S DIARY.
we
expected,
dny
at
139
4 a.m.
determined
to
October 31
make
it
Warm
and
We
pleasant.
were
for the
regiment.
November
orders to wash up
the afternoon
We
had
In
pay.
We marched
where we ex-
November 2 Cold
:
pected to
Raining
day.
all
wind.
and cloudy.
our
Lay
first
5th
them.
Cold
from Chattanooga.
able.
3d
Gth
Rainy and
7th
disagree-
We
made
furor.
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
140
November 8
day of my life. I was eighteen years and four months old, and cast my
firet ballot, which was for Abraham Lincoln.
Our
Lincoln.
for
ballots, all
v,ere
scarce in
our reiriment.
O
November 9
11th, Colonel
On
the
Marched sixteen
12tli:
Weather
miles.
Marched eighteen
Sunday, November 13
miles
miles and tore up three
of the Atlanta
and Chattanooga Jlailroad. 14th: Marched
twenty-five miles from Big Shanty to Chatta:
hoochee River.
cloudy, but
warm
air
was
filled
with
tlvinir
burning;
cinders.
A DRmfMER-BOY'S DIARY.
\^\
the
machine-shops where
many
to
roof,
had
and
a brave
This
city,
any other
in the South.
left in
the town
were the
it.
That night I heard tlie really
band of the Thirty-third ^Massachusetts
playing " John Brown's soul goes marching on"
last to leave
fine
It
down and
the buihlings in a
more
17th: Hot.
We
marched eighteen
miles.
Destroyed
large
."'^Ct
!^"'(
:t;
Ui
^J
.,.,.
IJ
-M-ytiz
142
^I''
UMMER-B
much
Passed through a
finer
country than on
November 18
AVarm.
Our
cloudy
of Covington,
all
Weather
day.
tine.
19th
Ga.
Kainy and
21st
us.
P.M.,
and
Marched
covering
up
division tore
steadily all
twenty miles.
behind
day until 10
Weather warm
pleasant.
commander
ing party,
oriianized a 2:ood
we
called
command.
not refused.
at
all
times
to
command and
mitted
to
stock
we found.
To
>",-
'
'
'
''
'.11
143
was intrusted the gathering of proviand forage at any distance from the road
parties
sions
travelled.
November 21
miles
to
the most
extravagant prices.
citv.
Private vehicles
Only
The magazines,
fugitives.
removed
furniture,
his
taking
good
care,
the
November
2-1
Oconee River.
Tiie
Our
.i',vJi
if,r
>
^ DRUM3IER-B0Y\S DIARY.
144
guard.
November 25
We
lost
lowing us up.
and drum
to
saying to
my
eye
all
I tried to
a short rest he
I pitied the
I was afraid he would never live to
poor fellow.
return home.
November 26
sixteen
miles,
Warm
passing
nights
and pleasant.
through
it
Marched
Sandersyille.
We
crossed
the
small
village
of
Louisville,
pleasant.
:
Very
hot.
Ga.
29th:
Remained in
Heavy firing
A DRmBIER-BOY'S DIARY.
We
in front.
moved camp
145
a short distance to
the front.
December
We
hot.
most of
compelled
being
3d
the day.
December 4:
We
Marched
skirmish
to
Destroyed
gained.
some
eight
every
railroad.
acted as support to
miles,
foot
we
Sunday,
General
who drove
the
Marched twenty
having marched eastward
for two days, we turned and marched due south
eighteen miles through a poor sandy country.
5th
After
Marched
6th:
fifteen
heavy,
through
miles
8th
Hot.
and
forests,
pleasant.
siderable
One man
skirmishing;.
in
Com-
We
pany was -^v^ounded.
marched six miles, destroying some of the
Charleston and Savannah Railroad.
Sunday, December 10 We marched but two
miles, stopping to tear up a small section of rail10th
Pleasant.
road.
We
work that led over the rice- fields to the Savannah River, but a rebel gunboat made it too
a
li
/-;
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
146
where we first saw the process of threshing, hulUng, and cleaning rice, a mill being close
to where we were at work.
Colonel Bishop gave orders that the men
should not leave or go one hundred yards from
the stacks, as it was expected that the woods
in the near vicinity was a cover for the rebel
cavalry, who had been following us, gobbling up
our stragglers wJio had wandered too far away
from the main body.
Here
is
Not thinking
not
having
thou"rht
to
work on the
I would
expedition of
2:0
out
my own
railroad
on a
little
and
track, I
forajring;
very
their joy
good for
knew no bounds.
me; but knowing
thing
to eat.
The
Nothing was
that
my
too
time was
me
about two
'':'
!''C'
'5
i.'.\'\
v-'/.i
it
in
IiiO
ii(
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
^47
blanket over
asked, "
my
it,
and
.y
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
148
He
to
up the
aforesaid articles.
did not
Colonels
don't
eat
eggs.
it
knew
it
the colonel
of course not.
did
considerable
all
sufiering with
the last
hunger."
We
Anybody who
that
it
is
nicely curled
tent,
said,
my
when
" The
up
in
my
blanket, in
came
poncho over
my
my
shelter-
to
me and
Throwing
he had some
problem he wanted xue to solve.
But consternation was depicted on my countenance when he asked me if I had not told him
A DRUMMER-BOTS DIARY.
149
two nice
report to Lieutenant
McCoy, who
men
is officer
of the
besides yourself
and
rain,
and
I,
AVe fmallv
my
tellins: the
srot
started,
them through
the
orders,
For-
we had no
ropes.
Xow
here was
We
a quandary.
I"
'a A: '
'
,^
"
(r.aon
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
150
dark that
it
was impossible
to
see
being so
your hand
it
being
from the
it
my
rain, until
who was
this time
nel's
orders,
damning
received
another
cursing
and
Sam
to him.
Afterwards, according to
reported to Colonel Bishop, and "^in-
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
151
to a sitting
when
I give
it
of the re2;iment
member
cows
after the
may
He
tell
Bowler
you
to give
liver."
and yams
had
a bad
effect
When
on his
I gave
your
tent.
Aare
You
*'
Young
The cows
cows.
cows 'ave
liver.
got no business
bed
to kill 'em."
retirinc; I
fellow,
Nothing
So,
to tell
])ut
good
now, you
skip.
me Aout Aov
saw that
Before
Confederate
Union
liver.
Bowler the
mood
took
ofi'
ray good
my
to talk
all
warm
mv
wet clothes
boom
which continued
coast,
off
^ DRUMMER-BOTS DIARY.
152
14tli
all
We
day.
Kemained
in
camp
rations.
rice,
without
We
salt.
first
chopped a trough-
sheaves in
it,
and
until we had it
hulls, sand,
still
all,
rice,
in a tin plate
and blowing
from hulls
free
rice,
sunk
;
so
to the
we had
it.
we dared not chew it, but swalBy doing so we did not feel
the grit until we got through, then, after rinsing
the mouth, we soon forgot that we had been filling up on sand mixed with a little rice.
December IG
Warm and pleasant. The
In eating
lowed
it
it
whole.
in
camp.
Regiment
still
11th
to
absent.
trip.
IStli:
lUth
comfortably warm.
4 P.M.
wagons back all well loaded with forage.
20th Warm and pleasant. Remained in camp.
Nothing transpired worthy of note.
at
their
A DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
December 21
153
Warm.
Hardee evacuated
Savannah, leaving all of his artillery, amounting
to one hundred and twenty pieces, and seventeen
hundred bales of cotton.
December 22 Weather cold, witli a strong,
cutting wind from the coast.
We marched six
miles to within one mile of Savannah and went
:
into camp.
DtTcember 23
city,
Went
park
little
at
the
crossing of every
street.
It
street,
one
parks.
I noticed in
who
fell
place,
memory
of Count Pulaski,
October
9,
1779.
The
sie^-e
of this
residence portion
Everything in
detail of
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
154
On
in filling one
What
a glorious camp-fire
together to think of
It
makes me rub
it.
under our
little
The
it
my
hands
was impossible
to sleep
and
so,
blazing good
an axe.
my
my
favorites,
We
at a
M'i!
-''.
'':/ -.i.-f
;7^m;'J,
.
:.
-J
"
vs."?'jir''WL' TBM'>;.*^!^"gry-^
"'^*j!^*?l*^f y^'^'J-ggJ^^^waif^itp^iVLi^^^^^
V.
y./!^-
'9<
ii.^^/
,tfc
,_r
^nfrMf'^-''
^'^****"'*'*i^'^<^^
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
155
old songs.
good
all
singers..
the blazing
fires,
nisfht-scenes of armv-life,
the
men
that
darkness of the
frost.
It looked quite
was some-
it
arsruino;
there,
and
iro
some
if we
wood,
it
in this snow-storm."
So saying, Kelsey Chase threw down the buttend of a pine-sapling, which he had been halfdraaijins:, half-carrvins; out of the woods in which
we were encamped, and, axe in hand, fell to work
with a
will.
'
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
156
but I suppose
if
we
call
writ of ejectment,' or
it
'
motion
to
quash a
something of that
Let
sort,
me now
ChiLse.
These
fracas, or
general
tearing-out.
The
result, of
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
I57
etc.,
camp
left to
the
cold
plaint
before
sitting
on
rights
'pro
petitions
presently
reinstatement in
bono publico
To
honorable court,
this
this pile of
prays and
humbly
his just
pluribus unum,
!"
was a matter of
few moments.
jivstice
Vandyke
it
was
full
one o'clock on
some
rolling
tliemselve-
to
up
drop off
in
to
their
fire,
to
'
;:
158
cold shelter-tents
their
pine-trees for
what poor
rest
they could
mas !"
December 25
Merry
Snow still
it warmed
find,
Christ-
dinner.
December 26
Keceived
new
otherwise nothins;
occurred.
27th
Weather
pleasant.
We marched to the city
and passed in review before General W. T.
Sherman. Regiment returned to camp at 2.30
28th
P.M., and immediately went on picket.
We
Cold and rainy and very disagreeable.
warm and
were compelled
remain
in our
shelter-tents
Warm
all day.
in
to
20th
General Grant.
in
building
little
in
llreplaces
en-
ting
as
if
to
A DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY,
December 31
Weather
Kemained in camp and tried
:
comfortable as
as
1864,
we
to
and wind v.
make
ourselves
January
Since
possible.
liad travelled
cold
I59
1,
January
1,
1865
came
who 'was
ing him
camp,
into
hospital steward,
all over,
After look-
marking,
"What
" Oh !"
down here
for?"
erates I should
come
across."
?"
body
" Oh,
lots
of
'em, sir."
You
you.
shooting people.
business
is
not in
see, I
It
my
line
to tell,
but I will
seemed
to
me
a barbarous
arras.
i:
10
160
DEUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
-^
found
I'd
have
enter
to
the
army, maybe,
pill dis2)enser,
wa5
to kill
have a 2;ood
swift horse, and as soon as things would begin to
look like fighting and the big guns would b<?gin
to boom, why, I'd clap spurs to my horse and
for
it
make
this
I always manai^ed to
And
me and in
hundreds and hundreds of
thousands of them, and all
way
that
I've killed
estal:)lisliing
prepar-
new camp.
erect
their
little
huts.
sprained
my
back,
\Q\
One evening
were returning
the "
Bonny
house before.
in that
Banner" ever
Spangled
sweeter than
sounded
grander or
it
still,
dark
streets of
They
raised the
January 15
tral
Depot.
We
tiie
tlie
Grand Cen-
quartered in the
We
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
162
^
:^
January
19,
left
behind.
made several inquiries in regard to his absence. The colonel knew his failings, and a reprimand when he returned would
Colonel Bishop had
and
The
time.
lands
all
rivers
more
punishment.
it
We
lay here
move
We
it
would be impossible
Warm
and
Sister's
pleasant.
encamped.
Januarv 29
at
He
that
it
marching with
was part of some
.'JiHiJ
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
gone north on
tlie Sister's
1G3
Ferry Road.
After a
but
still
his bugle,
January 30:
The
AYeather
foragers returned to
February
bad considerable
to
Remained
here, waiting
On
the 3d,
offi-
little
cei-s
left for
you boys
to destroy after I
have passed
On
The
general
feeling of
the
North towards
164
Charleston
may
Sherman, '' Should you capture Charleston, I hope that by accident the
place may be destroyed and if a little salt be
sown on its site, it may prevent the growth of
leek's suggestion to
and secession."
Poor South Carolina
She was sandwiched
in between two States who looked upon her as
!
the original
February 6
We
We encamped at night in a
burr-oak grove. The soil so far had been very
sandy.
7th Rainy and cloudy.
We marched
but slow progress.
Wednesday, February S:
Warm
and verv
fate,
but
felt
I almost
A DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
advance of
us,
'
165
the city.
We
day.
February 12
Marched twelve
De-
miles.
AYe
marched eia;ht miles to the South Edisto River
and encam[ted. The men were all more or less
worn out. AVe had some pretty heavy marching
Marched
all day.
Raine
14th
that week.
Crossed the South and North
sixteen miles.
of the
Encamped on
North Edisto.
were
stuck
Marched but
miles.
The
all
Edisto Rivers.
13th
loth
the north
and we
w^ere required to
we advanced.
along
roads
the
ten miles.
ItJth
bank
The wagons
for
miles.
Marched
sixteen
destroyed
every
road.
AVe lay
Cold and cloudy.
along the roads all day waiting for the troops
ahead of us to cross the Saluda River, and at
February 17:
7.30 P.M.
we commenced
to
move.
AA^e crossed
I/I
'
'
'
166
DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
very swift and
the Saluda, a
The
fences
and
muddy
stream.
Sabbath, February 19
sky, and so
warm and
Xot
a cloud
pleasant.
in
the
in the hellish
We
crossed the Broad Pviver and destroyed the village of Alston, the junction of the
Columbia and
roads.
miles.
February 20
Passed through a
fine
farming
ofiicer,
who warred
against
tlie
;:
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
British and
Tones
1^7
in
until 7 P.M.
bank.
In
" rout
steps" each
man picked
his
way,
168
and carrying
Even
marching
then,
when
it is
is
raining,
trains.
what
is
called the
March
nigger-pea."
."
We
marched twelve
miles.
The
we were compelled
wore on, night
set
in,
us to march
To make
dark and
all
feet.
march.
to
and we began
drizzling,
to
wonder,
night as well as
matters
Through this
The afternoon
still
we
all
day.
worse, as
left
the
night
fell,
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
1(39
one foot
down we could
out.
old
featured,
officer,
having an eye
to
it
is
no exag-
wonder
to
us
All alonjr
it
had been a
to
pull
throu2:h
o bundles on his
o so far with all those bir
back but, with strength far beyond his size, he
;
15
170
dru:jmer-boy's diary.
't
.raent,
over
hill
his misfortune.
able
to
became
At lensjth
it
so
then we
forded
creek
coffee.
To make
fire
notwithstaudimr the
March 2
twenty miles.
condition,
Kained
all
day.
and we lay
in the
We
in
woods
marched
horrible
all
night in
SI
r.Kv;
via
if
^^:lf:L!l
f-'J.'
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
YJ\
We
hud
but the clothes which were on our backs, and of
course could not change, so matters were mighty
uncomfortable until daylight of the 3d, which
brought us no comfort. The rain continued all
day.
^\^ith a cup of coff2e and a few black peas
for breakfiist, we continued our march northward.
\Ye passed over twenty-one miles of
Sou^h Carolina territory, and our camp at niglit
was a repetition of the night before. We were
cold, wet, and hungry.
our wet clothes, as
it
rained
all
night.
to
remain where we
somewhere
it.
we resolved to risk
we started, at a good
by the way, " Jasper"
pace, Billy
Wagner
or,
'
1,,
'
'
'
':.
172
and
'4
I.
We
far
when we
dis-
with a rope.
And
this
long-eared
animal, as
we
contraband, and
clare
him
forthwith
we impressed
Untying the
mule from the bush, we mounted, " Jasper" in
front and I on behind, each armed wicli a switch,
and we rode alons: 2;avlv enousrh, w^ith our feet
our bath, on our return to camp.
danfrlins:
For a while
all
went
We
well.
fell to
talking
about
countrv to
<ret
'
','.:\-
ii'..
'/
h'h'i
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
"
Where
we
are
On
ter E-aleidi
mine?
'Chir
And
goodness,
to
AVliy, we're
!"
going on to Raleigh
"
Sam ?
going,
I73
0'
can't
git
dar
soclgers,
mule!"
*
Whip
up,
liira
Jasper*
'
!"
shouted
I.
a mine had
if
road.
"Yi!
yi!
yi
git off'n
!"
mine? Yi yi yi
Laughing as heartily as the darky at our misadventure, we felt that it would be safer to make
for the river afoot.
We had a glorious plunge
in the waters of the Pedee, and returned to tlie
reiriment at sundown, j^i'eatlv refreshed and a
dat dar mule
0'
March
compelled
Warm
to lie
and
over here
1'.*
ple;isant.
We
were
!'*:. ^!,,
7;
.'
:i
;.
n;'
'
'-
rrr/
I,
.7-^
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
174
March
We
crossed
miles.
March 9
all
day.
Marched eighteen
it
miles.
It rained
rpads were so
muddy and
8th:
miles.
The
to
made up my mind
and had
up keeping a
diary.
After getting into camp on a day's
march like this I was too tired to write much.
March 10: Marched five miles and went into
camp to wait for the rest of the army to close up.
Weather fair and clear, but the roads were still
partly
to give
very heavy.
ville,
and
and tobacco,
Sabbath, March 12
thing was quiet.
The
Lay
in
tug-boat
arrived at
.'
ville.
arsenal
and
arsenal,
tlie
to
completely
I75
macliinery, wnich
Every
ruined.
March 15
orders
camp.
General
Rainy.
to destroy a
Bishop
large cotton-mill
had
near our
begged
there,
to liave it
saved, as
it
We
March 17:
In honor of
miles,
Day
Pat-
We
marched four
crossing the Black River, and encamped
in the
Morning."
Weather
fine.
The roads
and
-AVH
^ DRVMMER-BOTS DIARY.
176
ordered
to
the
front.
Corps, under
Twentieth
battle of Bentonville.
We
were wounded.
Slocum, fought
Two men
the
of our regiment
remained on the
field until
fell
to Goldsboro',
Sherman,
Sloeum,
Band
sere-
New York
Cavalry was
to
K/l
vr./Ti
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
The poor
who was
177
fellow
penalty of military
was
to
was
this
most
body wished
to see so
men begged
to
assembly
they said,
''
witness
to
the
unwelcome
sad a sight.
news.
No-
Some
of the
the "
member
;"
for
to see a
when
their
drums
beat
man
shot
down
as
like a dog."
On
took a number of
tell
to the
whom
could be at all
^J-
ot
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY,
178
and
ball or not,
selves of
At
tlie full
them could
of
all
gun contained a
benefit of the
avail
them-
doubt in the
case.
and took
surrounded on
all
They
by pine woods.
sides
were drawn up so as
to
open
my
when
ears,
Looking av/ay
in the direction
whence
measured
First
came the
ecutioners;
men
the
slowly to
fatigue uniform,
;
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
the open side of the hollow square,
to the
the
left,
left,
the band
still
I79
wheeled
it
to
The
to the
it,
The
started.
wheeled
escort
The
some
prisoner
to
had
his coffin,
who were
off.
open
it
man
took
position
twelve
Then
time.
tlie
bugle sounded.
The
prisoner,
brea>!t
officer in
then
as if
on
The
ItiiLrle
sounded
asjain.
The
heard
drill,
the
command, given
"IJeady!
Aim!"
as
cahuly
then, drown-
out the
third
:iHf
H-.l'E
180
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
tlie
that the
all see
doom
A^
sad sight.
see
many
the troops
moved
It
its
of the
was a
along, I could
whom
you would
hardly have expected any sign of pity, pretending to be adjusting his cap so as to screen his
eyes
the
firom
hand
and
and
sun,
trast
feet
Dead March"
sudden.
too
to the
The
transition
from
open
and
field
into
the
sombre
pine
woods
hills
heavy
known
New York
of
State,
among
the pleas-
when
it
was
the law.
April
played at
AVarm and
C(jr[is
six o'clock
pleasant.
The band
we had
dress parade.
2d
Warm,
'
..:>V.r,V
Tr
hK
.'.
.;ii''
i^'::}l,:'('
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
with a
all
clear, bright
day.
3d
Remained
sky.
number
arrived with a
X81
of recruits
in
camp
Major Uline
from Minne-
sota.
We
serenaded
also brigade
head-quarters.
until the
April 11
p.jl. it
all
was
day.
still
It
rained
all
raining.
We
were
day but our brigade drove them steadily back to Smith field,
where we went into camp.
April 12 We marched twelve miles to ClayThe
ton, X. C, and crossed the Xeuse River.
lieutenant-governor of the State came to General
all
Sherman on
April 13
Rained
all
We
marched fifteen
miles to Raleigh, and found it a very handsome
city.
We encamjKxl near the Insane Asylum,
out nice in the afternoon.
April 14
Very
hot.
We
marched fourteen
^ DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
182
April 15
Cloudy and
Our brigade
rainy.
was scattered along the roads with the wagontrain, lifting them out of the mud and making
roads.
Marched five miles to Chapel Hill College.
April 16
five miles
Warm
and went
and
We marched
Nothing worthy
pleasant.
into camp.
of note occurred.
Remained
had surrendered
we were informed
camp.
in
;
Rumors
Tuesday, April 18
Weather
pleasant.
it.
We
After
all
of our victories
and
the
life
Perished?
"Who
^vas
it
said
He
'
A DBUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
Ye winds
that
move over
the
183
the
mighty places of
requiem.
Yes, comrades,
many
Warm
but
so'it is,
and
good
full of
spirits.
and
men.
But
ment.
solemn hour of
a
battle, there
tents.
beguile
or some sport
Seldom was there
line,
for Ids
powers of story-
about the
in the
Few companies
among
could be
found
'.>
//
?'r^'
t.
184
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
enlivenment of
tlie
camp.
So the gloom of
they could.
The
infantry soon
followed
suit,
Warm
We met
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
185
troo})S of
General Lee's
to
got
you
last,
at
!"
We
hogs.
you had
One
go
if
let us."
Sherman didn't
What are we poor
I reckon
''
to
to.
leave us any
homes
knows where ?
ble
!"
And
April 29
ten miles to
Oh, war
it
is
horrible
horri-
Warm
and
pleasant.
We
into
marched
camp
at
ment.
16*
Cii1
,}^:<.i
:jf:
y\r-
:;Y
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
186
Sunday,
April
reigned over
tlie
woods seemed
to
30
Peace
happiness
land.
know
and
it.
balmy
five miles
north,
and encamped
May
Marched
Warm,
fifteen
with
clear,
bright
sky.
Koanoke
line, into
Vir-
ginia.
May
shore.
May
AVeather hot.
were sun-struck. We
burg and Nottoway
twenty-three miles in
May
Several of our
men
all.
Hot and sultry. Crossed the Appomattox River. Marched twenty-seven miles to
within three' miles of Richmond, two miles
south of the James River. We remained here
6
'tl^-.
'.
*'J
I.
_'i..
.;
...
/;
.<;
i.
j:
i"i-jj
v.i^
--M
A DRUMMER-BOTS DIARY.
187
time,
destroyed by
by General Ewell, of the Confederate armv, the 2;raud streets and avenues
were strewn with debris and plunder of every
description.
An old gentleman told me that
Caj^dtol Square seemed to be the safest place
from 'the conflaa-ration, and it was covered over
with piles of furniture dragged from burning
buildinirs
anions: which were huddled together
women and children, whose only homes were
now beneath the open sky. Among the beautiful statues that adorned Capitol Square I noticed
those of Patrick Henry, ]Madison, Jefferson,
Henry Clay, and an equestrian statue of Washfire
ington.
of
Jeff.
its
horrors than I in
my humble way
Mav
the
corps commanders.
May
Marched twelve
miles,
'''i-
)"
:VK.;
'
:':
35si)fi
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
188
Hauover Court-House,
Pamunkey River, and encamped.
through
May
13
Warm.
jMarched
encamped near
of the timber.
across
the
twenty-miles.
Ellis's
Ford, and
dis-
from appearances, I
should judge, if there had remaiued any gold,
the Confederate government would have worked
trict
Virginia
of
but,
May
14
camped
Marched
fourteen
miles
"Wilderness
the country
The few
habited.
seemed
to
sliot,
and
many
Vir2;iuia
be unin-
and en-
shell were
It
would
had
war.
May
15
crossed the
camped.
May
^lay
17
iMarched
seventeen
miles,
forded
The weather
hot.
Passed
"1
/*
/f:M
A DRU2IMER-B0Y'S DIARY.
tbroLigli Centreville
J 39
estate of
K. E.
Lee.
compelled
to sit
in our
Still
raining
little
shelter-tents
all
day.
May
21
the
May
Had rumors in
and drafted men were to be
immediately discharired, and the veterans were
to be organized into a veteran corj^s and sent to
Mexico. We were not prepared for anything
like this.
The rebellion was ended and now we
camp
22
that recruits
and
if
home
army
why
armies.
Vi
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY,
190
May
23
The Army
Now
viewed.
written,
blood was
and the scene of four years' carnage was
ended,
the
homes
that
soldiers
the
record
were
of
returning
to
their
uniforms
Many
an
absent one
which went
forth to defend their country returned now, worn
with the hardships of war but they had faithfully served their country, and their steps were
justly proud as they marched in triumph
battle-soiled.
faces
May
24:
who had
The armies
body
for
the
first
time.
first
recruits
rushed
threatened
to
its
and wheu
rescue.
They
;t,
.'i;iyii-.
t):iyr
{lUu'C'J
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
191
sublime spectacle
Did he
With one
accord
the
>
!"
..
/.
'i
l>t;,i
;^V
.i.-i'lv,
!,vi;
192
DRUMMEE-BOY\S DIARY.
-^
upon
blessings
We
its
tlieni.
we marched
to our
Potomac
review was twelve
camp.
Our march
in
miles.
May
25
pleasant.
Broke
(famp at
grounds.
coal-cai*s
poured down in
tor-
rents.
June 15
Passed
At
the last-
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
named
place
for a short
time to get
coffee,
the citizens.
hot.
we stopped
I93
We
in our
and
muddy and
filthy cars,
proceeded on our
It
these cars.
When
ing.
the train
when
we went down irrade. After arrivino; at Cumberland we procured axes and knocked out a few
boards from the bottom of the cars
we had a
little
after
which
more comfort.
same time.
On the afternoon of the 16th we arrived at
Parkersburg, W. Ya., and went into camp near
an oil refinery, where we lay until 11.30 on the
17th, when we embarked on transports and proStill on
ISth
ceeded down the Ohio Eiver.
the river, enjoying ourselves the best we knew
how. 19th
Arrived at Louisville, Ky., and
marched out on the Munfordville Pike, where
elled
at the
17
^ DRUMMEE-BOY'S DIARY.
194
we went
into
We
camp.
remained
at Louisville
The
parade.
which
were
rumors that we
dutv in the South for another
to
do s-urrison
.-
year:
"
*
"Gexee.ax
J. AV. Bishop:
" I have the honor to enclose to you a copy of
the order
relieving
Snelling.
" Until
knew how
in OLU'
the
time of
stronir
associations in hard-
Plis relations to
He
"
all
of the
members
of
to
the
of action.
l;;;)Y
A DRmiMER-BOY'S DIARY.
"
195
He congratulates
and dangers
are over,
Very Kespectfully,
" Your Most Obedient
Servant,
A. C. McClueg,
''Brevet Colonel, A.A.G.,
to Jefiersonville,
maiued over
niijrht,
tiie
xtu;)'
if!
;i[uu!
:.'-
>
'ii .V
/'.
!;
'lit'
.A
7!)1
ijo
,'
fl'vifiv/
^ DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY.
196
morning of the
people on the
come
At
16tli,
levee
us.
last
streets,
Bells
to wel-
'And among
land, the "
gladdest
Boys
of
all;
in
for
"
"
Dem
sodjers dar
dat's
sartin.
in all
my
basvn days,
ncbber
!"
and
acrain
hi-//.'
i\K
,Tjy
;.
,..'/
'-
ll.f)
'>.
'
'
i.ll
.'
[|i-:
A DEUMMER-BOY'S DIARY,
197
It
last
camp-fire of
panies or in squads
we were
our different
off for
thank God!
west, but,
sweet
Home
all
bound
for
!"
PEACE.
Oh,
faii-est
golden glory
fills
the
air,
We
And
blackly dotting
all
are
the
still
crack
rifle's
hiil,
And peace is
And sends
air
is still
of
war
hleuding on the
hill,
east,
some
"Home,
\^t
j'.'ui
':.
/ufiiii
.nctin
il.
TO
i-.->;nii<i
^ DEUMJIEB-BOY'S DIARY.
198
The
No more
What
away,
The wrong
No more
Come
And
peaceful light,
shadows
die.
Our
And
A
And,
while
we chant
thought
s})ite
And
of
tlie
steals in
all,
victory
upon our
hymn
souls
who
They won
.yd
i-i
;[>::!
.7^:',,-.^
ill.
{>.
-"ji
..;
-M
o-'.
.'
r.
A DRUMMER-BOY'S DIARY,
Fame
-u-rites
their souls,
belong to time,
THE END.
in
hand.
j^qq
cor
ff
-^
(/O
v^^":?
.c-a ..HT
5748