Civil War Journal of James B. Lockney

CIVIL WAR JOURNAL OF JAMES B. LOCKNEY

WIS. 28th REGMT., CO. G

1864

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There are two versions of this portion of James B Lockney's Civil War Journal. The short entries were copied directly from his field diaries. The more lengthy journal appears to have been composed by Lockney after the war, based on the uniform penmanship and cleanliness of the paper.

February 1st 1864

Now a member of Co. G 28 Regt Wis. Vol. Inf. A resident of The Township of New Berlin Waukesha Co. State of Wisconsin, U.S. America

PineBluff, ArkansasFeb 6 Sunday, 1864

Thermometer 10 A.M. 54 P.M. 70 Day waspleasant & bright. I was on guard on 3 relief A.M. I wrote a letter to Mother & mailed it. We ate but two meals. I am well.

March 7 Monday, 1864

I came off guard this A.M. day was clear & sunny & warm. Mail went this A.M. on Gunboat No. 37. I sawed some of my clothes this P.M. Dress Parade at 4 PM Capt Renyon & 2 M Wiley are is charged. Boys are at Theatre tonight.

March 8 Tuesday 1864

This morning was beautiful & the day warm, clear & bright. I wrote in my books that I am about to send home. Our Co. was relieved from Provost Guard duty at 6 P.M. Co. E. takes our place. Col. Gray is the cause of it. I bought two books today for 75 cts. one for Anthony & one for Catharine. All our Co. is in Camp tonight

Pine Bluff, Ark. March 9th Wednesday, 1864

I slept well last night. This morning our Co. was out to roll call very heavy rain fell from 7 1/2 to 10 1/2 A.M. At M. sun came out. P.M. was clear & pleasant. Col. Gray ordered Lt to have Cullen reduced to ranks. No drill today. I wrote some today. I am well March 10 Thursday, 1864 Some rain fell last night. Day was sunny & high wind this P.M. I was on fatigue duty till 1 P.M. Ira Woodcock was along. Com. & non Com. Officers had drill this P.M. Steamer Chipawa came down with mail this P.M. I got none. Our boys come.

March 11 Friday 1864

I went on Picket today We have a good post W. of town. Three privates & sergt. Foster are on picket, two privates & a Corp on guard. I read 66 pages in Agnes Grey & finished it. Pleasant day I am well. March 12 Saturday. 1864 Last night I was on post two times four hours. The night wind moaned among the Pines so as to excite sad & melancholy thoughts. I slept four hours. Today is pleasant & clear I wrote a letter to Myron & mailed one to Matt. Yesterday. Regt. drilled today Pickets do not drill. 10 or 12 are in our mess

Pine Bluff, Ark. March 13, Sunday, 1864

Today was clear & sunny. Inspection was at 9 A.M. Dress parade 5 P.M. Capt. Myer Co. H. & Lt. Davis Co. B. are discharged. Yesterday I got a box of pills for .50 cts. We drew hats today. I got one. We had dinner at 3 P.M. I am well.

March 14. Monday 1864

Day was cool, windy & clear P.M. Drill in bayonet exercise was at 2 P.M. Dust blew about on our drill Ground. Voting goes on in the Court House. Three steamers & Gunboat 37 came up & brought a mail 77 Ohio Regt. aboard March 15 tuesday, 1864. This morning was cloudy but the day was clear. I & 4 or 5 others went for two loads of wood outside Picket line. The 77 Ohio we saw on the march for Li. Rock. We drilled P.M. by division in bayonet Ex. Yesterday Thornton [Thomton?] got a recruit for our Co. I am well

March 16th Wednesday. 1864

This morning was clear & sunny day was bright & a cool wind blew nearly all day. Air is clear & healthy I am on guard, stood 1 1/3 P.M. drill P.M. I sold 4 lb. Coffee. I got for $3.00 for $4.00. Sold 10 lbs. of our mess for $10. from this I go[t] $11.0 but paid .70 for mess expenses. Voting goes on today I well March 17th Thursday. 1864 Last night I was on guard from 11 P.M. to 2 A.M. Night was clear & cold. I slept till 9 A.M. Day was clear & sunny. Drill P.M. skirmishing. Yesterday I drew a Ponchio Rubber. $12.75 & today a lined blowse. $ I mailed a letter to Anthony at noon. I am well

March 18. Friday 1864

This morning I was asleep at roll Call for which I was detailed on Picket. There were three pri & one Corp. on Picket. Day was warm & dry. Two boats came down the River with no mail. Chas. Wicket drew me a rubber blanket. I am well. March 19th Saturday 1864 Last night Wells & I slept together evening was warm but Night turned cold & windy Day was cloudy & cool. Mail came last night by escort I got two letters from Matt. & my watch. He wrote 1st & 2d inst all were well. I did no drill No dress parade.

March 20th Sunday. 1864

Day was cool & cloudy. I was in Presbyterian Church A.M. Mail went to L. Rock A.M. In P.M. I

mailed a letter to Matt. Last night we expected a fight, so we discharged our guns & each filled his cartridge box, so as to have 40 rounds. Roll call was at 15 min to 5. No fight today. Pine Bluff Jefferson Co. Ark. March 21st Monday, 1864 today I was on Picket on Little Rock road. Moore & McKown are on. Day is cloudy & a cold wind blows. I have some Cold & am likely to increase it. Lt. Like is officer of Grand Guard. I read some in Knickerbocker Lover's Shamus Obvine's Hanging in 1798.

[diary] March 22d Tuesday, 1864

[diary] Last night was cloudy & cold. I had a good sleep from 2 1/2 to 6 A.M. Today was clear & sunny. Thermometer at 78 Scout brought in two of Webb's men this P.M. with their arms and horses. I saw them. I & A. Monroe were in the jail P.M. There were 5 or six rebs in & some soldiers

[diary] March 23d Wednesday, 1864.

[diary] This was a sunny & pleasant day. I had a good full wash before breakfast. We had drill in bayonet exercise A.M. & Bat. drll & field movements P.M. outside town near the Picket line. This evening Ira Woodcock was here Daugherty is sick & Hinkley is not well.

[diary] March 24 Thursday, 1864.

[diary] Last night I finished a letter to Matt, & mailed it this morning. Escort took mail to Little Rock. Day was dark & cloudy, a shower fell in the P.M. We had a short drill A.M. Lieut. Tickenor is on Picket. This P.M. I read a part of Wayland's Moral science, Pub. 1835 it is a good work. we had fish for dinner I am well. Lt. Col. Pace 1st Ind Cav went to Little Rock

[journal] March 25th Friday, 1864 Camp at Pine Bluff, Ark.

[journal] Last night I slept well till after roll call. As the morning was rainy we did not fall out in line. I & 4 others went out at 9 AM for a load of wood. We were delayed till noon by a misunderstanding about the team. I had nothing to read with me, so I felt the time longer than I otherwise would. This seldom happens with me. Hinkley is on Picket today. I went for wood in exchange with Bowers as it was his turn to go. There was no drill today. Lt. Col. Gray is officer of the day. Capt. Montieth Co [?] is on Picket. The no. of pickets now is about 36 & camp guard 30 from the Regt or 9 Co's. Last week 20th inst. our co. drew rations for 50 men & Co B. for 54. Our Regt. draws rations for about 550 men.
Last night several of the boys began to talk about McKee as he was absent in St. house. I was a little surprised to hear the estimate which some of his mess mates as well as others expressed of him. Few persons can be long in his company without observing his inordinate self-esteem or self conceit. His carriage or gait is more striking than pleasing, being a strut rather than a walk. Others, not in our Co noticed it to me. His is a way that would impress green & ignorant mammas & very impressible young ladies in the last half of their teens as peculiarly brave, manly, & dignified; but those well informed & experienced would detect very soon what was the truth in the case. Such is his opinion of his abilities that he told me more than a year ago while we were in camp near Helena, that he considered himself capable to occupy & fulfill the duties of any position in the army. I can believe that he meant all that he said. Yet, I heard some of our Co state their preference for him rather than Gilbert stating the reason that he was more open & honest, as he would not work underhanded as G-- would. This evening at supper the boys spoke of the case of Gilbert buying a book & a measuring tape from a citizen here in town in which the seller made a mistake of $1.00 or 1.50 in making the change. G-- told how he got such an advantage in the purchase, boldly stating in self justification that the man was a rebel & on this account he thought it right to take any advantage of them that happened in our favor. Since supper I thought how much this is like the principle or theory & practice of some tribes of Indians in N. America that think it right & meritorious to steal all they can from strangers & enemies. G-- often said that in his judgment no intelligent rebel was or could be honest; as he contended that Man's natural instinct, or inherent sense of right could not be so perverted or changed by education, as that he would think Slavery & War for it, right. The fact is that even against my will, I am forced to conclude that G--'s interest so vitiates his judgment as to blind him more than is common with other people. --- McKee tried since New Year's to get a commission in some Negro Co., but I heard lately his projects failed. I do not know what position he sought. I think if he held a Com. he would use it as a means to quit the service as soon as a plausible cause or excuse was found for I think his fidelity or devotion to the principles for which the War is prosecuted by the North is very weak & unreliable much more so than if he were raised from early childhood in the U.S. instead of Lower Canada. Sometime McKee will begin and open a battery of exceedingly heavy artillery on the rebels, as if it were to make up for some small shot that he sometimes lets fly at the cause of the North & that of Abolition as he calls it. G-- tells me that McKee sought an orderly's place, with the hope of promotion to a Lieutenarry.
Lately, I was more instructed than pleased to hear the boys refer to the strife between McKee & Donaldson for the post of orderly of our Co. should Gilbert be promoted to a Lieut's place. I am glad to know that I have no ambition to run this race of jealousy & envy at brake-neck speed; being perfectly contented with the responsible position I first chose & now occupy & which I am determined to fill if able till the end of my term of service. This PM I counted 16 at one time playing cards at our two tables. Smart lost $5.00 on one hand this evening.

[journal] March 26th, Saturday, 1864 Pine Bluff, Arkansas

[journal] Last night I slept alone, well & refreshingly till roll call this morning. I went on guard at 8 or 8 1/2 A.M. & was on post four hours at the house or store in town used for storing corn. The day was sunny, clear & warm, and pleasant. There was no drill nor dress parade. A member of Co. C died yesterday P.M & was buried this P.M. Steamer Chippewa came down from Little Rock & brought us a mail. I got a letter from Matt dated 7 to 10 inst. He said thy were all well. Father, Mother as usual. He had made a few gallons of molasses & some sugar, with good success & little trouble. Sometimes he had difficulty selling hay in town. The weather was breaking up as it usually does there in spring. Roads bad & muddy. He & Mother had been at church 6th inst. Father did not go because of the Cold. This was wise. It seems that town meetings were had to vote a bounty of $200 each for 30 vols. which was the quota for New Berlin. They paid the tax on 80 at home which was 27 dollars & in Muskego on 120 acres the tax was $34 or $35. Matt sent me N.Y. Tribune of Feb 27. In New Berlin 46,000 was voted for bounty fort 30 vols.
Word was brought down of the discharge of Lieut. Goff, Co. H. he having requested to be discharged. The Sergt Major of our Regt came down from Little Rock whither he went about a week ago. News came that our forces started from Little Rock on an advance toward Red Riv. during the last 2 or 3 days. It is understood that our Regt. will stop here for the present at least if not all summer. Rumor says Gen. F. Salomon who commands our Division tried to have our Regt. recalled from this place, so as to form a part of his command. I wish he had succeeded as we would see more of the country & of the war than to stop in this hum-drum place. But His will be done. Picket detail is now pretty heavy while we stop here we will have but drill & picket. The 18 Ill is quartered here in the brick Baptist Church. Several rebs. bush whackers &c are brought in by scouts. I am well.

[diary] March 27th, Sunday. 1864

[diary] This A.M. I went to church. I enjoyed the singing & music. I shaved off my moustach & around my mouth this morning. Day was breezy & sky a little cloudy. At 3 1/2 OClock we got orders to march which we did at 5 P.M. A. F. D. I. H. & G. Cos are along 18 Ill, 5 Kansas, 1st Ind. & 7 Mo. Regts. March 28th Monday, 1864. Last night we marched till about 10 P.M. when we lay down in the woods. Hinkley & I slept well together. a little shower fell before daylight. We ate coffee & crackers for breakfast & dinner We had our blankets carried after 9 or 10 A.M. We moved 6 or 7 miles last evening & at sunset got to Mt. Elba on Saline River 30 miles from Pine Bluff. Some of the boys got rebel letters. I saw school house. Mount Elba on Saline River

[journal] March 27th, Sunday. 1864 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co, Arkansas

Last night I read & wrote till about 10 o'clock when I went from camp to the corn house where I & others were on guard. Moore & I lay down together, and had a comfortable & refreshing sleep till daylight. The Corp. [Moore] was a good sensible & unpretending fellow with whom I had a talk about the state of the country &c. He was of the same opinion as myself in regard to slavery & the best interests of the world & our own Nation requiring the destruction of the whole system. I came off guard at 12 N yesterday having stood four hours & so finishing my share. All of us guards & Corp. slept during the night, having secured the door. I went to Church this AM & very much did enjoy the singing & music. One tune, which I thought was "Nettleton", to which the words "Come thou fount of every blessing &c" are sung & in which nearly all present joined , pleased me very much. The words were different from any I saw before & some of the boys said the tune was not the one I thought it was. I had no Hymn Book, else I would have joined my feeble voice with the rolling swell of melody, which filled the whole room. The Old Sesesh [??] Minister was not more entertaining than usual & before the discourse he requested a contribution from the congregation, some few gave something. A.A.C Rogers, Member of Congress elect from this congressional district was present & some of his family. There was a larger number present than I saw any time before, soldiers chiefly also shoulderstraps & many ladies. We had two meals today--dinner about 3 O'clock PM--
One year ago today we went up the Tallahatchie River 12 or 15 miles & on steamer, & marched out to McNutt some 10 miles & back before dark. That was one of the most tiresome tramps I had so far while in the service. The next one like it was the night we crossed White River last August & marched in the mud 6 or 7 miles till 11 at night.
At 3 1/2 PM we very unexpectedly received orders to get ready to march at 5 O'clock--All the pickets on duty from Cos. A, F, H, G, I & D were relieved so as to join their respective Companies as those six Co's. are to go, leaving the rest to do duty in town & camp. Lt. Col. Gray stops in camp & Capt. Smith of [Co] I commands the battalion. Day was pleasant till 4 PM when sky clouded over. I am very well

[journal] March 28th, Monday, 1864 On the March to Mount Elba

[journal] Last evening we fell in about 5 O'clock, marched a short distance when we waited nearly an hour for the 8 Co's of the 18th Ill Inf. to join us. There were 8 wagons having pontoons on instead of the box, those were filled with corn for the use of the teams &c. The train consisted of about a dozen other wagons loaded with rifle & artillery ammunition & a short supply of crackers & coffee for rations as we were dependent on what meat we could find on our way. Of this we found a plenty in quantity, but the animals were all so poor as to make poor beef & pork. When all was ready our Regt marched in the advance of the train, while the 18 brought up the rear. We reached the picket line a little before dark & moved till 10 or 10 1/2 when we stopped for the night after marching about 6 or 7 miles. We were detained 1/2 to 3/4 hour for some of the wagons that got off the bridge while crossing a stream. We made fires & cooked coffee which we drank with our hard tack and soon we lay down & were safely sleeping wrapped in our over coats on our rubber blankets, while our pickets with sleepless eyes vigilantly watched around us. I & Hinkley slept well together till near daylight when all were again astir. A light shower of rain fell before daylight, so that H. & I moved our bed & lay down under the wagons. Soon we started on our way & about 9 AM we halted while the 7 Mo. Cav., 5 Kansas & a part of the 1st Ind Regts. with 4 brass 12 lb howitzers and two steel pieces passed us. A part of the 1st Ind. went around toward Monticello & found a part of the enemy and taking a few pickets prisoners reached Mt. Elba the same day. The country through which we passed was all timbered pretty heavily with pine & oak with undulating surface & many streams of water a few of considerable size. Soil is sandy & light , easy to work & entirely free from stone, but with some gravel. A very small extent of the surface has been ever cultivated & that part not very well as the decayed trees stand in nearly every field. No good well water is found, as there is no stone to wall the sides, so the water smells & tastes of the wood used to curb them. We passed a few large plantations with several hundred acres that once were cultivated. All seems deserted as we saw but one or two pieces of plowed land. I am well.

[diary] March 29th Tuesday, 1864.

[diary] Last night was cloudy & wind blew Cold. I & Hinkley were cold in the night. Last night the boys killed many hogs, so most had fresh meat. Cav. had some skirmish & took 8 rebs prisoners. Cav. lay pontoon bridge & cross river. Day is cold & cloudy, with wind. Washed my feet last night. P.M. We moved camp near the River. I am well

[journal] March 29th Tuesday, 1864

[journal] Last night pontoon bridge was laid & Cav. crossed this morning about daylight. Last evening we reached our campground a short time before dark & stacked arms on a road which runs along a wood in the edge of which we made our beds for the night. The 18 Ill. formed the other line of an L or Right angled triangle with us and we were about 100 rods from the Saline River. Very many hogs were butchered by the boys & I helped one to drag a hog to camp. H & I helped to dress it of which we had 1/2. Some had frying pans in which they cooked the meat, while others broiled it in the fire. All had kettles along so we had a plenty of coffee & I ate very little meat as it could not be cooked very well. A stream ran near our camp in which we got good water--- Yesterday PM we passed a school house into which I went & in it I found a rebel letter written near Ft. Smith last June. It was for a brother in Pine Bluff. The letter was badly written & the spelling very incorrect. The school house was the best one I ever saw in Dixi, having a large chimney in the middle with a double fireplace in which was fire burning. It was past four O'clock, and it seemed that a school was going on that day. The room was well supplied with seats & several tables for desks in which were drawers. I looked in two books, one was McGuffy's Second Reader, & the other was Smith's Old Grammar. There were a few slates &c lying about. It was altogether the most like a Wis. School house that I saw since I left the state, being so like the better class of country school houses there as to transport me temporarily in fancy to the home of Free Men & Schools. I had a strong desire to see the teacher, who probably is a woman. I could not look about much as our Co. was the rear guard 1/4 to 1/2 a mile behind the Regt. & Lieut. Tichenor called to me to come on. Soon we passed a church perhaps 20x30 or 35 ft & two stories high. It was a framed building & unpainted, the upper part was probably for some lodge or other society. About two miles from Mt. Elba we passed a post office into which some of the boys went & found a box of letters from soldiers in the Rebel army. I read one of those from Canton, Miss. Sept. 25. Some of the envelopes were made of wallpaper. This PM we moved camp to the bank of the river in the wood. Day cool, sky cloudy. I am well.

[diary] March 30th, Wednesday, 1864.

[diary] Last night I lay with Henry Smart. Cav. brought in 21 Prisoners. This morning I & others with Lt. Tichenor were going on Picket at 7 1/2 delayed till 8 Pickets were driven in by rebs. We had a fight with 1500 or 2000 from 8 1/2 to 10 1/2 or 11. Cav followed them toward Monticello. We lost 3 killed.

[journal] March 30th Wednesday, 1864 Day of Battle, at Mount Elba, Bradley Co, Arkansas

[journal] Last night I slept with Smart. I waked twice in the night by the cold as we had no wool blankets over us each time. I warmed at a good fire & laid down again. I & Lewis had a long & pleasant talk together about various matters, but chiefly of domestic life & social relative and our won chances, hopes, preferences, & fancies of the partners of our peace & happiness & days of the raptures of bliss yet to be. He told me many of his experiences & of the trickery & treachery & petty jealousies of some of his former associates, who are now members of our Co. but not present & belonging in New Berlin. Also of some of his acquaintance with young women , all of which I believe was true & honorable on his part. His manner is very retired, still & unpretending. He told me of his disadvantages for study as he had to work at his home with his step father Monroe, as if he were in a strange place, doing chores late in the night & early mornings till after school time. He attended school one winter in Minnesota about the year '57 where he learned more than in many winters at home. He went to Minn. in 1855 and got 1/4 section. He is older than I & so fortunate as to have the promise of the heart & hand of a Waukesha Co. school mistress in Brookfield. She is a talented & gifted singer & worker, brave, & gay lady. This I say from what I heard & saw of her. I wish I was so favored, so blessed with a cheering prospect in promise, but I can trust to Him who rules the future. The night was clear & starry calm, but a little chill. Lafford cooked some beef & a chicken making soup which we had for breakfast. Lt. Tichenor ate breakfast with our mess. I & Lewis, Moore, McKown, Reamer, & Sergt Foster with Tichenor was detailed on picket. We fell in at 7 1/2 AM but were detained till 8 O'clock by some misunderstanding or mistake. Before the 1/2 hour passed firing was heard along the picket line. Soon this became so rapid that orders were given for all the infantry to fall in line of battle to meet the enemy if he advanced. The force present was all Inf. so about 225 or 250 of 18 Ill. & as many of 28 Wis. V. Inf. total 450 or 500. Soon the firing ceased & the train was moved nearer the river on low ground. Blankets were piled in heaps, as in fight they would be cumbersome. The Lt. Col. of 18 Ill. commanded & Capt. Smith Co I. 28[th Wis.] was second in commanded & acted as cool & collected as on Dress Parade. Soon Co's G. H. & I on the left of Co. 28 were ordered to go to the extreme left of the position to prevent a surprise to the left flank which would cause the loss of our pontoon bridge & expose our whole force. We went on the double quick & were soon again in line. 15 from the left of G. were ordered forward 20 or 30 rods as skirmishers under command of Sergt. McKee. 13 privates (of which I was one) & corps. Church & Snyder went forward, most of us in the woods along the river but 5 or 6 on the right were in a field among a few old peach trees. Those few last got some few shots at the foe while the rest of us advanced & retreated many times but failed to see one during the fight. About 9 O'clock or soon after the fight again raged & heavy volleys of musketry were returned from for the scattering fire of the Rebs. Shot was fired from a steel piece & shells from one or two 12 lb brass howitzers. Again there was a liell[??] of a few minutes duration, when the rebs again advanced yelling as rebels only know how to yell when round after round of shot & shell together with repeated volleys of musketry was hurled against them for a welcome from the Goddess of Liberty. At the time we noticed, & rejoiced they had no artillery. This gave us a strong hope of victory whatever might be their numbers. About 10 1/2 or 11 AM they gave up the fight & beat a hasty retreat toward Monticello being the same way they had come. As soon as the fight began, one or more messengers were sent across the river to Clayton, distant to some 8 or 10 miles. Before the end of the fight, the cavalry began to arrive & cross the bridge leaving their horses on the other side in the woods. As soon as Lt. Col. Jenkins came he assumed command & soon came Col. Clayton & the pursuit of the enemy began. We heard heavy volleys of the Cavalry carbines & some shell was fired. Soon began the flood of captured prisoners to pour across the bridge & continued till 283 had crossed with about 200 horses & mules. Those were taken after crossing their pontoon bridge near Monticello on their way to Camden. About 50 wagons were destroyed by Lt. Greathouse of 1st Ind. & 1st Lt. Young of 5th Kansas. The enemy mistook them for some of their own men that had our uniform. Our loss was three men killed & not one wounded. Thomas Greene of our Co. G was mortally wounded & died about 2 PM & was buried there on the battle ground. Obrine of Co I was driver in the battery & was killed. Also one of 5 Kansas. The enemy lost 20 to 30 killed & 50 to 75 wounded. The wounded Rebels said their attacking force amounted to 1500 or 2000 men. Day was sunny & pleasant.

[diary] March 31st, Thursday, 1864.

[diary] There was only 6 Cos. of 28 W.V. & 8 Cos. of 18 Ill. all about 450 men. About M. more than 300 prisoners & about 200 horses & mules came in this was yesterday They were captured on their way from Monticello to Camden & the train of 50 wagons was burned. P.M. yestrday we started with 355 prisoners.--- Today we started about daylight and marched about 30 miles getting to town after dark. Many of the boys rode on the Cap. horses. I rode 3 to 5 miles. My legs were very tired & my knees ached We buried Thomas Greene yesterday also O'brine of Co. I & a 5 Kansas man A shower fell A.M.

[journal] March 31st, Thursday, 1864 On the March to Pine Bluff, Ark.

[journal] Yesterday PM about 4 O'clock after all had crossed the bridge, Co's G & H which had orders to guard the bridge loaded the pontoons on the wagons & soon all was again ready to start for Pine Bluff. During 2 or 3 hours past nearly all the boys went to the Cav. men & got a saddled mule or horse to ride on the journey back, for which the Cav. required a promise to return the animal to him as soon as we reached Pine Bluff. At first or during all the PM word was given out & the impression nearly universally prevailed that we should go on to Monticello & give the Rebs a fight there, taking our prisoners along with us & if we beat the enemy as we hoped to do by uniting all our forces Inf & Cav. to bring all our trophies back at one time. Probably this was circulated on purpose that the rebels at that place should hear it & to keep them busy there preparing for the fight, so that we instead of going there would have time to reach this place P.B. without any disturbance from them. It seems really surprising how difficult it is to express any of our plans, without it reaching the enemy very soon after. When all was ready to start, Capt. Harrington of ___________ ordered some of our boys off the horses on which they were mounted so that 6 or 8 Rebel officers could ride & this was complied with, though not without curses & oaths on the part of the boys. -- We had the sad job of burying the body of Thomas Greene of our Co. before starting yesterday PM. Goelzer & he, Chas. Finley, & Gill were on picket when the rebs advanced, but all made their way safely to the command, Gill coming in early with out his hat before any of the others. Greene took his place in a corn house with others & was firing bravely, when a ball hit one of the logs, glanced & struck him about two inches below the left breast or nipple, nearly penetrating the body & said to go through the left lung. Some said his first exclamation was " O! Lord" & fell flat on the corn on which he rested while firing. I saw him after the fight about 2 hours after he was struck. He did not know me but was moaning faintly. I laid my right hand on his left one, rapidly growing cold & bloodless, & he died about an hour afterward. His last hours were occupied in part by the rapidly approaching future as Gilbert, who was near him most of the time, said Greene hoped that God would be merciful to him & that he would not be sent to that bad place, of which nearly all soldiers talk so much for hundreds of times daily is heard the disgusting expression "Go to Hell G-d damn you". This is repeated so often as to have become a friendly expression & alas poor Greene was not free from Blasphemy & vulgarity. May God grant him peace. He was a native of England & about ____ years old. He spoke of his two children & also his wife, with whom he seems not to have lived [with] in many years.
We marched toward Monticello about 6 miles & camped at dark in a field where the prisoners were guarded all night. Soon after dark a detail of 50 or 60 was made to guard them. I was on the detail. We built fires all around them about 20 or 25 ft. apart. Those & many fires were kept up all night as rails were nearby. I spoke to one of them who had been three yrs. in the rebel army & was determined to fight to the last for slavery. He was from Mo. I said to him that if he believed slavery was right, now was the time to fight for it, then another prisoner spoke & said he never did believe slavery was right & did not now think so, nor did he ever favor Secession for he said if it were allowed the confederate states would break up & divide & no permanent government could be preserved. This was the most reasonable person that I ever saw in the rebel army or at least that I heard express himself. The poor fellows had no rations for supper & but little at all during the day. Before daylight some crackers & meat was divided among them & sugar & coffee, but as they had no kettles, they could not cook it. We started very soon after day dawn but not toward Monticello. We returned about a mile & took a road through the woods & wound our way through a thinly settled section of open oak woodland having a light sandy soil. We stopped 3/4 or one hour for dinner yet 15 or 16 miles from Pine Bluff. A man told us that a party of rebs passed there at noon the day before. A thunderstorm came on about 3 PM. The lightning was vivid & thunder heavy. The shower was not very heavy. Some hail fell. I gave my horse at starting to King who rode nearly all the way. I rode about three miles. All well.

[journal] [in the margin between March 30 and March 31] April 7 sunrise. This is a pleasant morning. I am very well. Mail goes today. Yesterday I got yours of March 18 & 21. I was glad to read you were all so well. I am well.

[diary] April 1 Friday, 1864 Pine Bluff

[diary] I lay down to sleep at 8 1/2 last night & slept well till about 7 this A.M. At 2 P.M. all the Cav. were ordered out in line & all our Regt. went through town & picked up all horses & mules & brought them to Corrells. Day was cloudy. I am well.

[journal] [in the margin by April 1] April 6 Mail came at noon. I got a letter from Matt & Mother & one from Maria. All well & so am I. Pleasant weather.

[journal] April 1st Friday, 1864 Camp at Pine Bluff.

[journal] Last evening we reached the picket post about dark when our drums of the 18 Ill. had for some time beaten the music that we love so well to hear. At that time the prisoners, in the advance, nearly 1/2 a mile, were taken to the Methodist Church where they were guarded securely by a heavy detail from the four Co's of our Regt. B, R, E, & C that were not out with us. Having reached the centre of town our Regt. was kept waiting from 1/2 to one hour, while some of the boys were busy asking many questions about many things about our success, &c. I & many others felt anxious to start to camp, as I was never before so tired by any labor or exercise as by the march of some 30 miles we had made. We reached camp about 7 1/2 O'clock, when I washed my feet, drank a cup of coffee, made my bed, & lay down about 8 1/2 or 9 & slept well & soundly till about 6 1/2 or 7 this AM. We had no breakfast till about 10 O'clock when Safford & Hinkley made biscuit &c so that we had a good hearty meal once more. My feet were a little tender, but felt comfortable during the day. The time passed rapidly till 2 O'clock PM when all our Regt fell into line with side arms (waist belt &bayonet). All the Cav. in the place had been ordered out in line, where they stood till we had examined every stable, public or private, in town & taken all the horses & mules to two large yards (called corrells) where they were guarded & kept till the owners came forward & proved their ownership to all the animals they claimed. The cause of this search was that many of the Cav. men had held possession of several horses or mules, which they picked up on scouts, or bought for purposes of speculation and now, they as well as citizens, would be compelled to prove their title to them to the satisfaction of the commander of the post --Col. Clayton, else they would be held for the use of the government. Several hundred animals were thus collected. -- Lt. got a requisition for 2 gall's of whiskey for our Co. cost $2.00 which has been divided this evening. Its effect makes the boys no more civil, but the reverse. Day was cloudy & cool & windy.

[diary] April 2d Saturday, Pine Bluff

[diary] As many guards went from 18 Ill. We had no drill Parade or duty of any kind today. I & some others went for wood. Day was sunny & pleasant. This P.M. 308 prisoners were started up the River on Steamer Annie Jacobs. Lt. Tichenor & about 25 guards went from 28 [Wis.]

[journal] April 2d Saturday, 1864 Camp at Pine Bluff.

[journal] Last night I wrote till 9 1/2 or 10 O'clock when I lay down & slept well till roll call this morning. We fell out to roll call as usual, but one was non respondent, who will answer no more. The day was clear & pleasant. There was no drill nor dress parade. I & Lewis, Moore, & McKown, & Corp. Cullen went for a load of wood PM & got back about 3 1/2 O'clock just as some of our Regt. were falling in to guard the prisoners to Little Rock. Goelzer, Inhre (pronounced Ewry [?]), Sergt. Foster, & Lieut. Tichenor went from our Co. The detail from the Regt. was about 24 privates, one Sergt. three Corps. & one Lieut. There was also a detail of about the same no. from 18 Ill. The no. of prisoners sent up was 310 including one Col. & several other officers of lower grade. They were strongly guarded from the Methodist church through the town to the steamer Annie Jacobs. They bid good bye to several citizens, many of whom gave them many dollars in Greenbacks to purchase necessaries during their imprisonment. I heard one of them ask a man to take care of his little boy or girl. I do not know which, requesting that if he did not return any more, he should send the person (boy or girl) to school &c. Some cried as they started, while some women were about evidently filled with sympathy for their humbled heroes of secession & slavery. Several of them limped along, while many more must have felt the effects of their long march day before yesterday. Many more made a show of jollity & good feeling, tried to laugh & be merry. One of our officers on duty ordered the guards to bayonet any citizen that approached the prisoners to converse with them as any mingling of the Butternuts, whether citizens or prisoners, might afford the latter a chance to escape. I heard one of our boys say a woman gave one of them $200 in Greenbacks. I saw a man give another prisoner some, but I do not know how much Capt. Morse, Provost Marshal of the post here was busy. Col. Clayton was about superintending affairs. I also saw E.B. Gray. About 4 1/2 PM the boat started up the river. She came down this AM but brought no mail. I sent a letter to Matt. I am very well.

[diary] April 3 Sunday Pine Bluff.

[diary] Today was dark & windy I was at Pres. Church A.M. The singing & music were very pleasant & such as "stir our hearts to our maker's Praise." I am very well. A light shower of rain fell this P.M.

[diary] April 4 Monday, Pine Bluff

[diary] I was on guard last night 3 1/3 hours I slept all the A.M. Night was windy & day also. Sun visible only at sunset. We had a fresh fish for supper. Boys caught it on the line. Walden & Griffing & Wells are unwell also Daugherty I am very Well.

[diary] April 5 Tuesday, 1864 Pine Bluff

[diary] Last night the commissary issued 1 gallon of Whiskey to our Co. & I suppose to each Co. Our mess drew 11 rations. Hinkley & I used none McKee passed it about among the boys. The Woods are green, also fruit trees. We had 1 hours drill with Capt. Smith.

[diary] April 6 Wednesday, Pine Bluff.

[diary] This morning we had a mess of potatoes one yesterday & one day before. There was no drill today & our Co. had no roll call. Dress Parade was at 5 P.M. & we had a new set of Banners for our Regt. On the stars & stripes are the names Yazo Pass, Helena, & Little Rock. Day was pleasant. State flag is beautiful

[diary] April 7 Thursday. 1864

[diary] Yesterday M mail came on the Annie Jacobs from Little Rock I got one from Matt & Mother of 18 & 21 ult. & one from Maria & Anna. She went up the River this A.M. I sent an answer to each by the return mail. Day was bright but some cloudy. I had a full wash this P.M. also Hinkley.

April 8. Friday 1864 Pine Bluff.

Mail brought me Merry's Museum. I am on Picket today. Day is cloudy & breezy. I went to Camp after 6 P.M. & ate supper. A soldier of 18th Ill. stabbed a negro soldier through the heart & killed him. Soldiers of 18 were to blame I wrote some on post & mailed a letter to Father. Yesterday I sent a letter to Sec. of State of Minn. I am very well.

April 9 Saturday 1864

The Soldier who killed the negro soldier is in Jail today. I reached camp at 8 1/2 A.M. Day was cloudy & a cold wind blew all day. River is rising some. I am very well. Discharged our guns this evening.

April 10 Sunday, Pine Bluff.

Last night was clear & moonlit & today was clear & bright. Inspection was at 9 A.M. I went to the Catholic church & read 11 & 12 Chapt of St. John's Gospel. Steamer Annie Jacobs came from Little Rock & brought mail. I got no letter. I hope for one next time. Pine Bluff,

11 Monday 1864

Today I & Lewis & McKown were on fatigue. we were storing rations in a warhouse. Mail went this A.M. I could send a letter but missed the chance A. Jacobs went to Little Rock. River is rising. I am well.

April 12. Tuesday, 1864.

Last night was rainy. Hinkley was on Picket. Gilbert & I lay in my bunk. I was detailed on guard but I & five others were not needed so we were dismissed. Today I bought Dick's Complete Works in two vols. for $2.50 also Atlantic Souvenir for 1830 .25 & H.K. White's Poetical works small Ed. 25 cts.

April 13 Wednesday 1864

I was up before roll call this morning at sunrise. The day was pleasant & sunny. We got our new Springfield rifles this P.M. Boat came from Little rock. I got a letter from Matt

March 30.

All were well. Tichenor got his commission as Capt. of our Co. 14 Thursday Pine Bluff. Yesterday a train of 131 wagons came from Little Rock. This morning rain fell. I am on guard in Camp. P.M. was sunny. Boat took mail up the River & a letter to Matt. We had two good messes of fish today. I am well

April 15, Friday 1864

I am well. Today was quite pleasant but changeful P.M. Three transports & Gunboat 37 came up the River No mail. Chippawa came down last night. No mail. Dress parade at 6.

April 16. Saturday 1864.

I am on Picket today. It is clear & pleasant. sun warm, nights cool. I got a letter from Matt datd 2 & 3d inst. Father Mother, & all were well. He sold hay for $20 a ton, butter for 28 cts a lb. Steamer Annie Jacobs come down. I am very well

April 17 Sunday. 1864.

I came off Picket at 8 3/4. Day was warm & pleasant. I was at Presbyterian Church. Mail took a letter up River. A detail from 28 W.V. & 7 Mo. Cav. worked unloading corn. We had apple pie for dinnner & supper.

April 18 Monday 1864.

Last night there was a thunder storm & vivid lightning. I took a dose of Pills & a powder of quinine Last night Officer of the day played in a strange way with pickets

April 19 Tuesday.

I slept well last night & was up to Roll Call Day was clear & sunny. We had

dress parade in the evening. I read a copy of Pine Bluff Reporter. our entire force Cav. & Inf. on the scout in last march was 1250 men.

April 20 Wednesday. Pine Bluff

Day was pleasant & sunny. I was on fatigue duty cleaning about camp. I had headache this P.M. I bough[t] Harper's Weekly April 16 for 25. Owen Lovejoy is dead, born in Maine Jany. 11, 1811. He had been a minister of the Gospel. I paid 25 cts for 5 small apples. I gave little Alameda 3 of them

April 21 Thursday Pine

I am on picket today. morning was cloudy but day was hot & sunny. Annie Jacobs came down & took a little mail Capt. Tichenor came down Many deserters come in. I went to camp in the evening.

April 22. Friday 1864, Bluff, Ark.

Came off Picket at 8 1/2 A.M. Wind blows & sweeps the dust in clouds I had a good sleep last night as it was warm & a little sprinkling of rain fell. I saw Ritscel, 9th Wis. today

April 23, Saturday 1864 Pine Bluff

I & Lewis were detailed on fatigue today while at breakfast. We had a very disagreeable job loading boxes & bbls of bacon at the landing. Rain fell in the PM & AM.

April 24 Sunday Pine Bluff

Took a powder of quinine We had inspection at 9 A.M. went to Presbyterian church at 10 I read 21 Chap. Joh's Gospel in the Church----Day was Cool & breezy. Ritscel, 9 Wis. ate dinner with us. He went up on the Chippawa in the P.M. There was no dress Parade. I read Harper's Weekly of April 12. I have felt very well. Pine Bluff strange rumors in Camp.

April 25 Monday, 1864

This was a beautiful day. River rises very fast & is nearly as high as at any time since Nov. I am on Camp guard today. Bought fish hooks & line for 2.25 & books $2.00

26, Tuesday, 1864 Ark.

I am very well. River is very high. Day is pleasant. We hear rebels attacked our train 8 or 10 miles beyond Mt. Elba & being in large force cut up & scattered our guard of 77 Ohio. 43 Ind. 36 Iowa. 1 Ind & 5 Kansas & 7 Mo. Cav & captured the train of 200 or 250 wagons

27 Wednesday 1864, Pine Bluff

Today is very pleasant & quite warm Encouraging rumors come in but they may be unfounded. 18 Ill. came in today from Mt. Elba. a few Straglers & fugetives came in with them. One of 77 Ohio brought in one of their flags. Boat came down from little Rock 1000 or 1200 soldiers

April 30 Saturday

We started early this morning & stopped one mile from Mt Elba. We marched back 10 or 12 miles. rain fell A.M. & P.M. I went on picket at 5 P.M. Steele retreats from Camden. May 1 Sunday, 1864 Lewis, Snyder & I were together on Picket I slept well. We started early & reached Pine Bluff at 2 P.M. Day was sunny & pleasant. We met 8 ambulances & help going to our wounded at Moro Creek. I am well.

Tuesday 3, May 1864

River is very high. Days are pleasant. Flowers bloom in vast beauty & profusion but War blights all. I wrote some May 4 Wednesday. Pine Bluff Weather continues pleasant. Gun boat went down the River. I mailed letters to Matt & Maria. All well

May 5 Thursday 1864

Today was pleasant. Many are on fatigue duty. Some of the boys got tite Geo. Church was so

May 6. Friday 1864.

Day is pleasant. I am on guard in Camp. On dress Parade there were about 320 all told. strong works are made for cannon about town. I am very well.

May 7, Saturday, 1864.

All our force was waked at 3 1/2 to 4 A.M. ready for a fight. I am well. Dress parad[e] was at 5 1/2 I am very well. May 8 Sunday, Pine Bluff. I attended at Presbyterian Church A.M. & P.M. Chaplain Reake Preached last. Day was pleasant. I got a rose from a little Girl. I am very well.

May 9 Monday 1864

Little going on in Camp. I was on fatigue duty a short time in A.M. A light shower fell. Most of the boys got whiskey. 5 or 6 did not take it. our work was on breastworks. Rebels took Plymoth N.C We lost 1500 to 2000 men, Killed, wounded & Pris. & 20 cannons also two light gunboats.

May 10 Tuesday, Pine Bluff.

Last night I, Lewis, & Griffing were on Picket. 18 & two sergts were on the party. We got back to camp at 5 1/2. Night was showery. Day was cloudy & a shower fell P.M. I had a short nap. I am well.

May 11 Wednesday, 1864.

Slept well Last night. Day was pleasant. We caught some fish & ate some for dinner & breakfast I wrote some & am well.

May 12 Thursday, 1864

Day was pleasant & warm a detail of 95 men--8 from our Co--was at work on earthworks & a battery. I was one. We reported at 6 3/4 A.M. & worked till 5 1/2 P.M. Whiskey was given to the boys. Lewis, Hinkly or I took none. None were allowed in through the lines to go out again

May 13 Friday, 1864. Pine Bluff

Fell out early to roll call & stocked arms. Day was dry & pleasant A Heavy detail is on the Works. Yesterday flag of truce party returned but did not get Capt. Townsend's body. They were out four days. I wrote some birthday verses for Maria. I am well

May 14 Saturday 1864.

Day was pleasant & bright. A.M. mail came from Little Rock I got four letters one from Matt, one from Maria, Anna, & Catharine, one from M. Gilbert & a letter from Sec. of State, St. Paul. All were well 27 *** & 2 inst. weather had been backward.

May 15 Sunday, Pine Bluff.

Day is clear & bright with foggy morning. I was at Catholic service A.M. & on fatigue on breastworks P.M. 100 men were from our Regt. I am very well.

May 16 Monday, 1864.

Weather is pleasant. We catch some fish, so we have a plenty to eat some to sell. I & Clark & Turny have got our money back. I got $2.25 today. I am very well. I was on Camp guard.

May 17 Tuesday Pine Bluff

I came off guard at 4 3/4 this A.M. Sky is cloudy, but day was sunny & is pleasant. heavy details for fatigue are made each day. I keep on writing so as to be ready when Mail comes.

May 18 Wednesday, 1864.

I was on fatigue duty this A.M. May 26 Thursday, Pine Bluff. Morning Cool. P.M. hot. Day breezy. Grand Review by Gen. Steele & staff & Col. Clayton P.M. May 27 Friday. Day was breezy, & clear. sent a letter to Matt. & one to Thomas Brogar Gen Steele & staff went up the River.

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