CIVIL WAR JOURNAL OF JAMES B. LOCKNEY
WIS. 28th REGMT., CO. G
August 1864
Copyright © 1986, 1997-2023 [James
R. Shirey]. All rights reserved.
Camp in the Woods
August 1st Monday 1864
Last evening we lay down about 8 1/2 P.M.& at that time a heavy cloud
was rising above the horizon & from it issued fitful flashes of lightning & low
mutterings of thunder. The sky was covered with the dark rain cloud at 10
O'clock & I was waked from a sound sleep by Hinkley, for he & I lay on the
ground having no bunk made. We soon got our things under cover & where we
were dry & the rain fell in torrents & flashes of lightning were vivid &
frequent. The rain fell at intervals till after daylight. I got
enough of sleep, though under difficulties to satisfy & refresh me. The
clouds passed slowly away & the sun began to shine about 9 A.M. The rest
of the day was clear & moderately warm. This P.M. 7 from our Co were on
fatigue where Co C is camped on the bank of the river. We made a front of
logs & threw some earth against it as a part of 12 to 15 rods of breastwork to
be made there & where there is one brass 12 lb gun of the 5th Kansas battery.
Our supply of rations today was rather limited, as the bl. in which our bread
was kept was left uncovered last night & nearly all was spoiled. Last
evening some of the boys got a good hog, which made a good supper & breakfast
for us. This P.M. we got 1/4 of beef that Co C butchered & the 5th Kansas
boys with the gun took 1/4. H- & I made a bunk this A.M. & I read several
Epistles to that of 2d Peter. Owen Findley, whom we left on daily or
detached duty at Saw Mill, came out today & brought word that
Safford died last night
of congestive fever. I suppose he was buried this P.M. but not by his
own comrades, for there are not enough of our Co in camp to make a buriel party.
This will be sad news for his young wife & their one little baby. He was
quite a hopeful & enthusiastic soldier, very industrious & saving, though not
thoroughly educated, nor of the highest principles though I think he was honest
in dealings. May our Kind Father deal with him in mercy.
Camp at Pine Bluff
August 2d Tuesday 1864
Last evening I wrote the preceding page & the gnats so annoyed me
as to make it a very great trial to finish it. Muskittoes & jigers added
to the troubles & toward dark we built slow fires or smudgy around our
respective bunks to drive the vermin away. Katydids & idn't with other
insects made a music not at all disagreeable during the whole of every night &
this was rather soothing by its sofness & strange regularity & might help to
lull one to sleep. I think even the most sensitive sick person would not
feel annoyed by the singeular chant kept up. Who knows but that it is
ordained that irrational creatures should sing praises to the Creator while
sinning mortals sleep--or alas! revel in darkest shame. How strange it is
that such things without mind or education should so perfectly keep time as
birds & insects do when we consider how hard a task it is for man to master
those parts of study. Before I la down I washed all over
in cold water & also this P.M. I slept well till late this morning
at 5 1/2 when I was waked for breakfast. After that Hinkley & I & Griffing
went for a sack full of green corn, to a field nearby & when we returned, Co I
had come to relieve us. Co H was out & took the place of Co C on river
bank. We fired off or discharged our guns on the bank of the river before
we starte for town. We got to the old barracks about 9 1/2 A.M. & the heat
being considerable, many were quite tired. I think I & many others are
better for our seven days in the wilderness' as the boys call our stay in the
woods. This P.M. Safford's clothes were sold among the boys. I
bought his old over coat for $2.50 & his razor strap &c for $1.50 If I can
send my over coat to Matt, this will do me next winter. McKee was sick
with ague, Ira Woodcock has Chill fever. Moore does not feel well.
Tho's Edwards is in hospital again. Day was warm as usual. I read 'Boilly
the Bowl' in Gift last night. I am well.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 3d Wednesday 1864
Last evening I read the 2d Epis of Peter. I expected to be
on guard, but was detailed on Picket, though I have been on Picket the two last
times. It was finally settled last night that Sergt Albert D Foster is to
be our next Orderly. Foster made out the details & Griffing said [?] was
sent from Regimental Headquarters to the effect that Foster was considered most
fit for future promotion in the Co & for such cause must be advanced now.
It is a fact that Foster was the only one in our Co that Gray & Co could think
of for promotion to a Lieut with any favor. That is of all in our own Co,
so F- was quite a strong competitor with Gilbert. This was by him & his
friends kept mysteriously secret so that things were far in his interest ere
many in the Co knew of it. Thank God for the rule of the people in our
land, for our Co voted its choice for officers & our wish was heeded even in the
State Capital at Madison & the would be dictator Gray's designs were baffled
most signally. Foster has a quick turn which many will mistake for ability
& native power, but on the contrary he has a presumption of his powers that most
will upon acquaintance set down as sheer conceit or pride. He has large
self respect, rather than pure high principles for, while he is not so filthy as
many others, he is willing to be in Co & take part with them, while if in good
Co he would be well behaved. I shall not be surprised if he rise in the
world for he has not too much conscience to prevent him from rising that means
will help him fastest at least of ordinary means. He has a higher opinion
both of his abilities & attainments than I think is fair or correct.
The day was pleasant & breezy. Capt Williams is officer of Picket Guard.
I heard drum beat for roll call this morning but Foster did not wake up in time
& so there was none. Duty is heavy on Co's in our Regt. Stephens Co
H is well & about camp. Byron fears Co K is dead. Boat came down
P.M. & brought mail. I got two letters from Matt, mailed June 29& July 13.
In last was Matt's photograph. The first he had taken. Matt's health
was not first rate, all others well.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 4, Thursday 1864
Last night I was on post from 6 to 8 P.M. & I had a good sleep till 12.
The night was cool & muskittoes did not disturb us much. There arose a
heavy thunder cloud during the first half of the night or from 12 to 2. There was
a high wind & the clouds scattered & passed over without rain. There were
clouds of dust & much lightning. I slept well from 2 to 6 A.M. The
boys had quite a free talk last night about the merits of officers in the
different Co's of the Regt & Staff. It was granted by all that 1st Lieut
Coates Co A in drill is equal to any now in the Regt & in kindness & affability
of manner as well liked & as popular with all the boys as any other. He is
strictly temperate & of better principles & practices than common. The
boys, Sergt & privates of Co F set
Capt Monteith down as one of the most
regardless [reckless?] of the health & interests of the boys of his Co than any other in the
Regt. He has not too much principle about him to constitute him a man.
He was a private in Camp Washburn. Capt Billings Co K was once a private
in 8th Wis Inf for 13 months. He is a good & kind officer, his chief fault
being drinking occasionally too freely. I found Capt Williams Co A is not
on so good turns of friendship with our Adj Kendrick as a year ago for then they
were fast friends. How uncertain are human friendships that change as a
cloud or snaps as easily as a spider's web. In fact the Adj is able to gain
the dislike contempt of nearly all officers & men in the Regt.
Capt Tichenor
relieved us today & Pickets brought us word of
the death of Ira Woodcock at 9 or 10 O'Clock last night of Congestive Chills. He was taken to
Regimental hospital yesterday A.M. & I & his cousin in 5th Ohio battery saw the corpse or body this A.M.
He was buried at 4 P.M.
Day was bright & hot. Moore is sick & Hinkley
is not very well. I sent letters to Matt. Gilbert did not come down
on boat. Today, 6 lost women were sent up on the boat. They will be
imprisoned in L. Rock. I am very well.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 5th, Friday 1864
Last night a violent storm of wind & rain rose & passed over
between dark &10 O'clock. Many of the tents that the boys have to cook in
others for sleeping were blown down & torn. I was going to sleep out &
as I had all my things out ready to read &c. I came very near getting them
wet, but I fortunately escaped & had nothing damaged. Hinkley was sick
yesterday & today he had a severe fever. Moore & Clark were sick today,
both with fever, which is accompanied by violent headache. Hinkley felt
his stomach sick this P.M. & I got some warm water for him & attended him while
he vomited some, a large share of which was green liquid. Today there were
8 or 10 excused from duty [due to] a sick call in our Co alone & the No. is
daily increasing. E.B. Smith who came to camp sick last week with ague is
now better & was not sick for several days. This morning I felt as if I
could not believe the sad fact that Ira was dead, but it must be so for I helped
to cover the coffin, deep in the dark grave. Alas, that it is not a
midnight dream & not a fact. But I must not rail against God's ways.
Many are suddenly taken sick & there is no medicine, that is no quinine, to give
them & this is supposed to cause many deaths. We hear the rebels are
tightening their lines around us, either to fight us or to cut off supplies for
us here. I hear orders are issued against sending supplies to merchants in
rebel states except sutlers of Regiments. This is right or at least many
officers & soldiers think so. Early in the week, Co D moved across the
river as they have charge of the pontoon bridge. The storm last night
damaged it so no teams crossed it today. About 10 ult rebels went within 5
miles of Washington.
Gen Geo P Morris,
the poet died ____ ult [July 6] aged 64. I was on fatigue from
7 1/2 to 12 M. We did the day's duty in A.M. I wrote 1/2 page & read
little. I am well.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 6th, Saturday 1864
Yesterday P.M. I was in Capt's room & he asked which one of
the Corp's would I prefer to have promoted to the post of Sergeant. Of
which two are to be appointed in our Co. I expressed my good opinion of
Snyder, but Capt said I had not go ahead enough about him. S- is probably
better liked or less disliked than any other member of our Co. I wish he
would give up cards, all drink, & an occasional use of profanity, & he then
would be almost perfect. He is gentl & inoffensive as a lady. Geo.
Church is likely to be the other new Sergt for he does not lack go-a
headativeness. Unlike the other, C- has been drunk a few times but Capt
told him if this happened again while he commanded Comp, Church would be reduced
to the ranks. Alas, that men have no more restraint on self, no more
Principle. I spoke to Capt about Vosburgh being made Corp. as he often
acted Corp at Helena. Capt told me he never thought of appointing Vosburgh
to be Corp for he has not a high opinion of his worth. Griffing now is Co
Commissary.Sergt.
We had inspection of arms &
accouterments at 5 1/2 A.M. by Lieut Leffler of 5th Kansas Cav. Each Co
was inspected separately, so there was little show or unnecessary parade.
He is Ordinance Officer of their post. Many of our Co recognized him as
one they saw gambling on the boat between this place & Little Rock & last
winter & he lost heavily. This A.M. I was on fatigue. I went about a
mile from town & I & another loaded & unloaded two loads of cord wood for our
Regt Hospital. As I was on yesterday I think this is pretty often, but
there are not many fit for duty. Turner is excused from duty, his ankle
being much swelled because of his sprain several months ago. I read
Cincinnati Com this P.M. of 16 inst, the latest paper I have seen. . Read 50 or 60
pages in Cudjo's Cave today. It was late last night when I lay down.
I lay on the table in barracks as H-- was sick. I had sweet visions of Joy
in my dreams of safe return home & happy meeting with friends & loved ones.
I read the three Epis of John last night & Jude & 1 chap of Rev today. I
saw Thos Edwards in hospital.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 7, Sunday 1864
Last night it was past 9 O'clock when I lay down. I had a
good sleep. Roll call was early, so I lay down & had a good nap after it
this morning. I & Jones are on guard & Corp Walton. We are the first
Co & so we have a choice of the several places in town in which we do duty.
An equal No is detailed for Pickets. I went to Presby Church early & read
several chapts in Rev. I heard two hymns sung & as the discourse began I
came away. In the P.M. I went into the Baptist Church while the negroes
had service there. There was a large No present and all generally in
regular Sunday suits, all tidy & clean, while many were dressed in costly silk
dresses & of an ancient style & many wore costly modern bonnets & hats trimmed
in a profusion of ribbons flowers, &c. I could not think highly of the
preaching of a negro man I heard. He was ignorant, & not much as a man.
I recognized him as one that came into our Qrtrs & paid Jones 25 cts for what
whiskey he drew from Commissary at one time when he was on fatigue. Were
there no right & wrong or had I no conscience I could have save & sold my
rations for much money. Well thank God! there is something in the world
better than money. There were three white men present & I think some of
them preached.
Yesterday I was made sorry to see several
of the 5th Kansas ordered into the jail or guard house for refusing to go on a
scout. Their term of three years has transpired & they are not yet
discharged. We hear orders were issued to detain all those whose term of
service has transpired for 90 days additional service. The Gov should
have made a draft in time to prevent any such need as it could have done so.
They served faithfully & well & are still willing to comply with such orders if
properly notified. I was in hospital this P.M. Clark was taken to
our hosp[?] this A.M. I saw many of the boys & spoke with some.
There are 30 to 35 at present in Regt Hos besides some from 28 in Post Hos.
Lewis & Hinkley cooked today. Moore is quite sick yet. Dress parade
at 6 P.M. Boat came down with Mail , Paymaster, Gilbert &c. I had a
full clean shave this A.M.
Camp at Pine Bluff
August 8, Monday 1864
The mail last evening brought me three letters, one of which was from
Matt dated 18 & 19 inst. They were then all well. Heavy rains had
fallen & some things were taking a start to grow. What remains of some
crops, the
Chintz bugs
ate, so little, if any oats, barley or wheat would be
raised. My new correspondent near Watertown said crops were not so bad as
people feared. Wheat on her father's would yield over 8 bushels an acre.
What a sad reflection it is for me far away to know that my efforts or labors in
the past are only the cause of hard feelings & angry disputes among those who are
my relatives, but who care too much for money & property to be my friends.
How happy might they be had I never been born, or else had I died ere the War
began or had I been an idiot or more impossible yet if I did just as my dear
relatives wished & thought as they desired in religion, politics, money &c.
Well I hope the time will come when they will be happy & I with another far
away.
Last evening I saw Martin McCall [Sergt Co B] in our hospital.
I never saw any one so bad with
Bloody Flux. He spoke to me but
he was
dead at daylight this morning. He was a member of Co B & one of our gentlist boys. He was buried about dark this
evening. I suppose when
I am dead, a war will begin about trash & dirt I will leave behind. We got
6 months pay this P.M. to July 1st $84. We squared up debts some & they
were heavy with many. Fatigue duty today is heavy. I bought
Harpers
Weekly of 30 ult. I drew a pants & shoes today.
Camp at Pine Bluff
August 9th, Tuesday 1864
I slept well last night & waked at 5 A.M. just as I heard the drums beat the call for fatigue. I went & reported & after a while waiting, we fell in & I & others on the 2d relief stopped in camp till we had breakfast.
I worked out my time right along without stopping & then came to camp & wrote a letter of two sheets to my new
correspondent Miss A_D_. Day was bright & warm. I felt so well I did more work digging than some three or four
others of the party for very many do not feel well. Many seem to wonder &
make many remarks at my good health & the uniform good & hearty strength & ease
& ability to work, which are given me always. Many skulk & lie about &
nurse the fade &c trying to while the time away. Some told of the sprees &
drunken joys that were theirs last night & of the dullness & sickish state
in which they are today.
This A.M. Corps Geo Church & Cullen &
Privates Mucky & one or two others were drunk in camp & the first went about
blaspheming & swaggering in a way he thought brave, swearing he would be stopped
from getting drunk by nobody or nothing. Capt came where I was & I asked
him how he was a thing common with him & me. He said he was mad, telling
me of Church & the others & declaring C-- would be a private in punishment for
drink. Capt is easily confused & agitated & many of the boys that is the
most serious & considering think his judgment or knowledge of Human Character or
nature, very poor.
I have written many letters so mostly
all my stamps are gone. I sent two on which I paid 6 cts each to Matt one
to Mrs E. Wood & one to Harpers & Brothers, for Weekly & Mag, one to Miss A_ D_
& Maria. I presume some of those may think so much writing a bore or
nuisance but I will write foolishness & nonsense now to keep from mischief & I
may like to have it when I get home. Who but loves his own offspring
however deformed or deficient even so with me.
August 10, Wednesday 1864
Last night Griffing & I had a good wash before lying down to
sleep. I & Lewis slept together, but we had a long talk before we went to
sleep about 11 O'clock. We spoke of things past & events to come. He
and I agree so well or disagree so pleasantly that we seem to find new pleasure
every time we have a new talk on the same old subjects. Well, the subjects
are such as interest us most vitally & will be of interest for ever.
Sometimes the faults & foibles of persons we know are the things we talk of, but
most frequently life in its various relations & marriage most of all, for we
both have hopes of homes & loved ones more dear than we ever knew before.
As some 10 or 12 from our Co & as many or more from Co C were detailed to go
with the forage train for corn & two of those are from our mess & this is my day
to cook, I was waked at 3 A.M. to cook breakfast for the boys as they were to
report at 4 O'clock. Hinkley was up to help me & we cooked coffee & cod
fish, gravy. Some of the mess did not eat till 6 O'clock & I was busy most
of A.M. arranging things & cleaning up in our mess room, others having the
faculty of not noticing such things. I do not like cooking, but I find it
is not so dreadful a thing as one might fear.
Great is
the woe & many the changes made by the old curse, drinking, as newly
practiced. Last evening Corp Geo Peck, after full warning of the
consequences went down town & got gloriously drunk for which offernce he was made
a private this A.M. Corps McNeill & Snyder are made Sergts & Privates Moore &
Edwards are appointed Corps. Those tow last are now sick & hav been for
some time past unfit for duty, but are getting well. I heard a sergt of Co
___ was made a private for getting drunk. I washed many articles of
clothing this A.M. Foster helped me & I washed some for himn. A
thunder strom blew over with high wind this p.M. I was detailed on Picket
at 4 1/2 P.M. to report to Catp Murray on Little Rock Road. Patrick Felie
of Co H got drunk & lost $___ last night. Sky was cloudy A.M. & bright
P.M.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 11, Thursday 1864
Yesterday P.M. when on Picket, I was surprised to hear the manner
in which Capt Murray & some of those on Picket spoke of dark & shameful ways.
I wonder how he can do so & yet act & profess to be a member of the Catholic
Church. Well, I wish the members of the Church were what they should be &
I might, with advantage, continue to be a member. I had an easy time on
Picket, being on Post from 6 to 8 P.M. & from 12 to 2 this A.M. I had 7
1/2 or 8 hours of good sleep for the muskittoes so troublesome to some others
did not disturb me much. The night was lit by frequent flashes of
lightning & many stars. About 20 from our Co were out foraging & got back
about 4 P.M. Meals were irregular today as Wells, whose turn it was to
cook, did not feel very well. Hinkley feels better & I hear Clark was up
in camp yesterday. Lt Gilbert was on Picket on Monday & today on Forage
detail. I heard Walton told Capt yesterday he was determined to pull his
stripes off & so vacate his place as Corp. Capt told him he might do so if
he -Walton- made out his papers to that effect. What papers he had
to make out is more than I know. I think he did not mean to do it when he
said so, for I think he is not brave enough, being too much of a place seeker,
or attaching too much value to the place he occupies to give it up.
Today Higley of our Co got his detail as mail agent or carrier between this
place & Little Rock. (I shall be much disappointed if Corp. W- vacates his
place). Corp Moore was out today in his new style. There was a
thunder shower this P.M. I. Forward of Co B caught a fish yesterday for
which he got $_.00 & smaller ones today. This A.M. I had a good wash &
wore my new shoes & this P.M. I fixed up some boxes with lids & leather hinges
to hold my things. I read or wrote but little. I bought a pants &
blouse nearly new for $2.25. This is less than the price of either one
new. One year ago this P.M. we started from Helena. I am well.
Camp in Pine Bluff
August 12 Friday 1864
Last night Hinkley, Galzer, W.H. Smith, & I sent for gold pens &
three of us sent for silver extension cases, but W.H. S-sent for a desk holder.
We sent $15 in a letter to A.Morton, N.Y. I wrote till past 10
O'clock & while I was writing, I heard the shouting & noise made in the theater
120 rods below our camp. It is an old building used last winter for a
cotton store room, but was since fitted up with seats &c. The
entertainment tonight is the first since early summer. One of the chief
actors is an infamous character noted & well known among most of the people &
especially many soldiers, who know her by sight at least, if not more
intimately. I never saw her that I know of. I heard of her going
about the town under spirit's influence that made her head unsteady. Yet
many of our Capts, Lieuts, & even Lt Col Gray signed papers expressive of their
approval of this theatre. I slept well & did not wake early this A.M. (The
price paid for admission at the theatre is $1.00 & lowest rate .75). This
morning Steamer Annie Jacobs & J.H. Miller went up the river, taking the mail &
veteran soldiers from Co's of 3d Minn & 62d Ill Inf Regts. A large No. of
the 5th Kansas whose time is up also left us as the latter passed our camp they
gave us three cheers which were returned & good byes were exchanged & hands &
hats waved as expressions of farewell. The force now left here is quite
small & soon many of the 1st Ind Cav will leave us. Samuel Kellogg of Co K
died early this A.M. & was buried at sundown. He was taken to Regt Hos day
before yesterday. I saw the hospital attendants dressing the body for the
grave. I saw Clark & Thos. Edwards today in Hos. They are
getting well. Higley went up on boat in charge of the mail. A week
ago Vosburgh was detailed to drive a post team & R. Doeurs to work in Carpenter
shop. I am well.
Pine Bluff,Ark
August 13th Saturday 1864
Yesterday P.M. I took some supper out to Hinkley & two cuts of
pie for him & Capt Tichenor. Day before, several of our Co were with the
forage train & some of our mess got a lot of Alder Berries, which we picked.
This A.M. & I Foster made some pies of them. Some of the pies were
pretty good. Griffing was cook. We drew rations from Post Commissary
& today G- divided them in our Co today. When I got to the picket post I
urged Hinkley to come to camp & I would stand in his place in the night & he did
so. I slept pretty well about 7 hours. We got back to camp at 8 1/2
this A.M. when I had a pleasant full wash before I ate breakfast. This
P.M. I was detailed on fatigue in place of Smart, who was on this A.M., but was
not well enough this P.M. We draw but one load with each wagon so I had a
short job of it. The day was changeful from shady to hot & bright.
Yesterday, I finished reading my Testament, & I bought a complete copy of Bible
for 25 cts. I began Genesis & read to 4th Chap today. I also read
some in a small Catechien of Health & in 'Night Thoughts'. More than a
month ago new drums & fifes were ordered by Col Gray for our Regt & he now
depends on each Co to pay a part of the entire cost which is much more than the
Gov price. This P.M. the Co officers had a high debate about it, some
declaring they would not pay any part of the cost as they had not been consulted
about the purchase till after it was made. It is strange, how such men
work their way through Life, so winding & dark & clouded with shame & dishonor.
Walton's resignation was accepted & Capt ordered him reduced to ranks & Darling
is Corp in his place. Only 14 months more to pass & 28 W.M.N.s time will
be out & some of the dear 500 friends may try Soldering. I am sad tonight.
I wish I had one or two friends.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 14 Sunday 1864
Yesterday P.M. I packed up a box about 20 inches square. In
it I put two new rubber blankets, one old wool one, & my great coat that I got
at Little Rock last Oct. I put my own blouse in the box and a new
pantaloons that I have not worn at all. I also put a book in, 'Footprints
of Truth' for sister Mary. In the evening, I wrote two pages of diary,
which took me till quite late. Lewis was up in camp & he took his things
to his new place of work. Hinkley & I slept together. I slept well
till roll call which was about 4 O'clock A.M. After that I lay down & had
a good sleep from which I was waked for breakfast. Griffing & Higley
cooked in the morning & it being my day to cook & with Hinkley's help, made
dinner & supper. Three of our mess, being on Picket, were sent out dinner
& supper. For supper we had some stewed Musk Mellon that was not ripe
enough to eat. It was the first time I ever ate cooked melon & it was well
tasted. Hinkley & I made a pie of apple for supper. We made pancakes
for dinner that were pretty good, but not first rate. There are but 8 or 9
now in our mess. It took about two hours from the time of starting fry
till all the dishes were washed and everything in place. We
had Inspection at 10 O'clock A.M., all the Companies being out with equipment &
haversack & canteens. It was tedious as Adj A.O. Kendrick was the only
Inspector. There is an enormous Picket detail from our Regt today & two
Com Officers, Gilbert being one. There was no fatigue detail today.
I was busy nearly all day at work. I had to chop some wood as I did not
know I would cook. I read to 5 chap of Genesis & finished reading the
'Gift'. Last P.M. I got my watch repaired for which I paid $3.00. In
winding up a month ago I broke main spring & since the crystal was cracked..
Clark came from Hospital today. I ate a share of rice pudding yesterday
Noon & that was what made me not to feel first rate last evening. Day was
breezy, some sunshine & some shade.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 15th Monday 1864
Yesterday, Co C moved to a saw mill in town which they are detailed to run.
Co E was relieved from Provost at Guard duty & Co F was detailed in the place of E with
Capt Montieth as Provost Marshall. Lt Col Gray broke favor with Capt Kenyon & for this
cause had his Co relieved. I think Capt M-- a poor man for the place as some say he
drinks freely & at best he (I think) is not a person of sound judgment or
comprehensive grasp of mind. Of all the officers in our Regt, I think Capt
Stephens is the fittest for the responsible position this placed in other hands.
I hear & believe he is strictly temperate in all his habits & of a high &
elevated character. I last night wrote till past 9 O'clock & I had a sound
sleep till 3 this A.M. when I was waked up by Orderly Foster as I was detailed
on forage duty. It was near 6 O'clock when we started from the other end of the
Pontoon Bridge, though we were hurried away about daylight & before any of us
could get breakfast. Thus it is often that we are hurried away & afterward
kept a long time waiting because of the carelessness or neglect & drunkenness of
Com Officer. We went out with some 50 or 60 wagons & loaded with corn 15
miles from town. The roads were bad going out & the country little cleared
or settled. Excellent timber abounds of various kinds. Soil is
strong, rich clay & no stones are seen anywhere. I picked a lot of
Alder berries for pies & a haversack full of Muscatines, yet green. I
never was on the same roads before, but little crop is growing of any kinds.
Peaches yet green are on some trees 1 1/2 inches in diameter. We had no
bread out with us so I was glad to get 2/3 of a hard tack from a Cav man.
We got back about sundown, & unloaded. I bought two hens for Clark for
$1.00. He wants them for soup. Day was warm, a light shower fell.
This is
Assumption Day.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 16 Tuesday 1864
It was late last night when I went to bed. The moon shone
with a soft mellow light & the air was cool & pleasant. There was no roll
call in our Co this morning & I was glad for I should not have answered, being
so often on duty. While I wish all were as well as I am always for duty, I
think I do all that one can do & yet snarling persons will sometimes find fault
& Capt is so far from being perfect as not always to be satisfied with what I
do. He is quite impulsive, but not ill natured. What a debt of
gratitude I owe God for my good health for while that lasts, I need ask no odds
or favors from anyone here.
Some of our Co have a very
strange opinion in regard to Walton's resolve to leave this place. It
appears the only cause was that McNeill was appointed Sergt above himself, W- having
been the first appointed (some say). It seems Corp E.B. Smith
also felt aggrieved for the same reason as Walton & had agreed to pull off his (W.B.S.) Stripes
or Chevrons if W- did & now has not done as he agreed to do . Some think
W- did a manly(?) thing while they think Smith acts cowardly in not doing as
they say he agreed to do. Those also feel aggrieved because Corp McNeill
was appointed Sergt in such a way as to out rank Corp Snyder, who is now Sergt.
I think in this they are right for Snyder is the best behaved of the two & one
of the few best boys in our Co. One thing greatly in McN's favor is that
he did not gamble, ie, game for money, which Snyder did. They are about alike so
far as I know neither totally abstaining from drink. Many think W-did a
foolish thing, but no better than I might believe from his pride.
I am on Picket today. There are but 3 Priv & 1 Corp from our Co. The
Picket line is now along the line of the outer works around the town. Peck
is quite sick with fever, Wells unfit for duty & others. Capt
Billings is on our Post & Capt Tichenor on Monticello road. We hear of a
fight at Helena, no particulars of it. Day is warm, some clouds P.M.
Camp at Pine Bluff, Ark
August 17th Wednesday 1864
Yesterday, some wagons having melons for load, passed our Post on
Sulphur Spring road & the boys took many for which they paid nothing. Some
were bought for 50 cts to $2.00 apiece, the latter of good size, but very dear I
thought. I ate one cut of Musk Mellon I got from one of the boys, but I
took or bought none for I like other ways better to use money.
It is to be
regretted that our soldiers speak & act so abusively & insultingly to any & all
persons of color & who were lately slaves, while the latter are so uniformly
silent, civil & well behaved. Day before yesterday I was speaking to the
driver of the wagon in which I rode & I asked him how he liked the way he now
had as being free? He was the first one that I found who had some regrets
for leaving his old Master, near the Saline Riv. & had it not been for the
Master's intention to carry his slaves off to Texas, they would not have left
him. He spoke of the abuse to which they were subject, as cursing &
threats to which they were subject from our men, which I know to be too true.
The Southern people do not act thus toward the blacks. I asked him a
question which I asked many others, viz, how he would like the plan of having
all those who were slaves given a place for themselves, where none others would
interfere with them & where they would be free & have lands & homes of their
own? He said he would like this very well & all others said the same.
This teamster said they got but $10 a month & this he did not think enough,
though furnished rations & (I believe) clothes free or in addition.
Yesterday P.M., a Runaway came in by our post & said he had run away from the
Rebs who were taking him off to Texas. He left them Sunday night on the other
side of the Saline. He was a bright looking mulatte with well shaped
features. His clothes were all in tatters as he had made his way all through the
woods. I slept well last night about 7 hours. Today was hot
with some breeze & thundering & cloudy P.M. Juhre (ewry) Peck, & Corp
Smith are in Hospital & O. Findley is sick in camp. Griffing, Jacobi,
Smart are weak & sick some in camp. I am well
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
August 18, Thursday 1864
Truth is stranger than fiction, and we live in strange times.
Yesterday P.M. we heard the rebels burned
the
[Steamer] Miller 10 to 20 miles above here
while coming down with the mail & loading of other stuff. Every one had a
different version, so no one knew that would tell. Reports were so wild &
conflicting that I credited none of them, though there was reason to fear
something was wrong. About 8 O'clock P.M. I heard many Cav cross the
Pontoon Bridge & some said with two or three cannons. I got to think they
were sent to find about the burning of the boat & if they could find the enemy.
I heard this A.M. the Cav returned at 11 P.M. & the forage train went out this
A.M. all of which helped to strengthen hope, but when I saw coals floating in
the river about noon, I felt the worst might be true. The Annie Jacobs
came down about 4 P.M. today, bringing word that the Miller was burned by three
Guerrillas that captured her, having taken off some goods belonging to citizens here.
They burned her. Soon after the arrival of the boat & while we had nothing
definite or detailed & while we knew only of the loss of the boat, all were
surprised to hear the name of Higley, who all supposed to be in the rebels hands.
We then had the whole story. The Miller started Monday A.M. & the
---Jacobs 12 or 15 hours later but the Miller stuck fast on a sand bar in the
river. After awhile, they got off & both boats were coming along cautiously
as the water was very low. Higley started with the Miller having four or
five bags of Mail in charge. Yesterday A.M. the Miller passed the Jacobs &
H- wished to get the mail on her as there was no guard on the Miller, but he
failed to do so & the Jacobs was fast aground, so the Miller got several miles
ahead & stuck fast on a bar. About 9 O'clock yesterday A.M. Higley
went on the bank while the others were trying to get her off. No sooner
had he reached the top of the bank than three rebels guerrillas, citizens, or
whatever else we may call them, approached him on horseback & with revolvers
cocked, ordered him to surrender, which he did as he had no arms. There
were two other soldiers (negroes) aboard, but they had no arms & the crew &
officers on the boat had arms but did not use them, nor would they give them to
the others to use. There were some 20 passengers aboard-some of them
women-all of whom were dismissed while H- & the 5 or 6 negroes aboard were held
prisoners. Higley was forced to help the robbers to carry the goods off
the boat, which he reluctantly did for a short time. He had some money of
his own & some $30 to $50 from our Co for stamps which he was to have bought at
Little Rock, but he failed to find any. He gave the money to one of the
women as he thought she would have a better chance to get to Pine Bluff than he
& less liable to search. After he was with them about 3 hours,
he got a good chance when he ran off unobserved & hid in the tall weeds.
Soon after he was missed, they mounted their horses, searched in the weeds &
passed within 8 or 10 feet of him. He lay still till late when a citizen
acted as guide for him & two or three others & left them last night at a
plantation 8 or 10 miles from here where he was with friends, as some of our
troops are there for guard. This guide is a resident out there & no doubt
runs much risk in acting friendly toward our men. They had a hard &
tedious time getting along in the dark, so as to avoid the rebels who are
scattered about. Higley says the boat was burned with the mail on it,
sacks of papers for the news office here, but I think he may not be so sure
about the destruction by fire of the mail, though the presumption is very
strong.
I had a promise by last mail of a letter this time & probably one from Matt.
Now all those are gone. Well, there's a 'good time coming'. Sent some
money for stamps which I gave up for loss.
Day was showery & misty &
rather dreary. I finished today 'Poems by Amelia' 260 pages. She is
a southern lady I think & writes pleasantly. I also read in Genesis last
night. I read last in Catechism of Health 16 or 18 mo. 195 pages.
I did some washing today.
Pine Bluff
August 19th Friday 1864
Donaldson of our Co came down on boat Annie Jacobs yesterday P.M.
& took down many boxes for the boys, some of which came in good order & in
others much was spoiled. Last night was windy & misty & cold. Clark
& I slept together & I felt the cold some during the night. I lay down at
20 min past 10 & was waked for roll call at about 5 A.M. well refreshed &
satisfied. Today was cloudy all day & misty & part of A.M. I am on
guard at Clayton's H'd Q'rt'rs. We have to walk our beat & salute officers
&c. (Some few days ago Capt Tichenor treated our Co to cigars & I took one
for a trick which I may present to him some time again. A citizen of Pine
Bluff loyal & very friendly ever since we came named Finnity gave me one today.
This is an easy way to spend money, for they cost a dime each or more.) A
citizen had a pass to go outside the lines today & Clayton ordered him to give
it up which he did. He was a young fellow about 20 or 23 healthy & strong
looking. C- asked him what he did for a living, but the other gave no
satisfactory answer, as that he did anything useful. Clayton ordered him
off & he did not go, but kept on talking . C- was angry & said the fellow
should be in either army & if he did not go away he would send him to the jail.
Finally the fellow was sent to jail. Alas, that slavery so cursed us &
divided us to waste our youth & strength & beauty all of which we had need for.
Alas! Alas! I wrote a part of letter to Maria. I read some in
Atlantic Souvenir & in Genesis. Details for guard are 8 from Regt, Pickets
24. There is a new Post Adj as Lieut. Harding is going home. The
present Adj is from 7th Mo Cav. Clayton feels angry about the loss of the
mail & spoke as if Higley would have charge of it no more. I must think he
is to become who should have had a guard on the boat. I am well.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 20th, Saturday 1864
Last night was bright as we often find it when the sky is cloudy,
but the moon is nearly full. The air was damp & a little misty. I
was on Post from 10 to 12, when I lay down & had a good sleep till 6 A.M.
In the evening Clayton & other officers were conversing about Gen B.F. Butler.
One of those was a Major of the N.Y. Regt who is Gen Camby's Inspector & who is
now here. He spoke highly of Butler's character & ability as well as of
his manner of treating the cunning traitors -female as well as male- who
infested New Orleans. In the P.M. of yesterday, Clayton asked Gray to go
with him to play billiards & they both went off. I thought what a No. of
better ways there are for using time & money than spending it thus. In the
evening the officers spoke of their experiences during the last year gambling.
Clayton said last winter he played poker for $100 a game & that $8,000 would not
pay all his losses in games. They spoke of Fars, as 'Bucking at Fars' &
all agreed the game was very much in favor of the keeper of the bank. In
the evening I went in the Adj's office & had a pleasant chat with Sergt Brown of
Co C who is clerk in the office. It was my first talk with him & I found
him very unassuming & affable & no way at all pretentious. I think he is a
person of good habits manners & principles & with all well educated. We
spoke of the prospects of the Presidency & the chances of different candidates.
He thought Lincoln's chances are best of all; Also that McClellen would be
the candidate at the Democratic or Copperhead Convention at Chicago on 29 inst.
We agreed they would have a storing ticket if they could get Sprague of Rhode
Island to run as vice Pres with Mc-. Day was clear & bright after 10 A.M.
6 1st Ind Cav were busy today preparing to go home. About 250 of them
turned over all equipments, horses &c. About 100 or 150 remain. I
bought Slate & Ele Algebra & thru slate pencils for $1.30. Most of our
boys are at theater tonight.
August 21, Sunday 1864
Last night, I wrote & read till the boys returned from the
theatre, so I [it] did not die down till 10 1/2 O'clock. I heard many of
our boys regret having paid 75 cts, for all they heard & saw for as Walton said
today: One must not go to such a place if he wishes to hear nothing immodest.
Many went who were sick very lately as Clark, who has not been well enough yet
to do duty in the Co & thus exposing health & life. While at supper the
boys as Walton, were speaking of the prospect of indecent scenes & exposures
which would be presented in the play viz 'The Lady of Lyons' & they seemed to
find the greatest delight in such depraving anticipations. I said I
thought it could not be right for them to patronize such entertainments as these
by they hired other women -the actors- to do what they would not wish to have
others hire their own sisters at home or friends to do. But they tried to
deny that such was the effect of their patronage, though evidently they felt the
force of my remark.
Reveille was at 4 this A.M. & for some
reason we fell out with arms, which were stacked in sine. (The boys said
Col's Clayton & Gray were at the theatre last night. I judge they have
many similar traits of character common to both). I had a good sleep till
6 O'clock & after that a job cleaning my gun for inspection which was at 8 1/2
by Lt Gilbert. His awkwardness is very apparent in his manner on
inspection, though he in this & the manner of handling his sword he will gain by
practice. I had a good full wash after breakfast & I & Sergt Snyder went
early to Pres Church where I sat a long time & read in Genesis, so that I
finished it this P.M. I did not stop to hear the discourse, when the
singing was ended I came away & walked among some graves. I was in Regt Hos A.M. & saw Chaplain Peake of our Regt where he
was visiting. I saw
many of the boys, though there are not so many sick as were a month ago.
Inhre of our Co is quite sick & worn. I saw there two that were on Picket
with me last time I was on, they were then well & strong but are now quite sick.
One is of Co H & another Co -both Irish. On Picket they ate very heartily of mellons &
I ate but one small piece which was given me. The 13 Ill Cav are
more sick than any other Regt here & they eat all kinds of green stuff in excess,
which is very apt to affect them badly.
Last night Lieut
Tiell of the 13 Ill Cav was over to visit us but as I was busy, I left him to
Capt & Gilbert. He was at Little Rock more than a month ago & then got his
Commission as Lieut. I should have noticed his visit on an evening while
Gilbert was up at Little Rock. I think he is a very friendly person & of
good habits. He had a narrow escape from wounds or death about 3 or four
weeks ago when he went out with a party of his Regt & the enemy lay in a bush
near a bridge & fired on them, killing an Ord Sergt at his side. For some
time past he has been on duty in command of the Ambulance Corps at this Post.
We heard a rumor this A.M. that Clayton received a telegraphic Dispatchthat Ft
Darling was in our hands & also RPetersburg. I hope it si true. I
read the Chicago Trib of 30th ult, the latest paper I have read so far.
The latest news was to 29 from all points. I saw the statement from
Madison, Wis that Gov Lewis was authorized to form some new Regiments.
This is just the thing which above all others I hoped would not be done;
but that all our Old Regt's would be filled to the maximum. When I read
this it made me sad & almost mad to think that so many schemers & place seekers
will thus get Commissions in new & inefficient organizations, while we have a
plenty of old ones to absent the '500,000 more'. Again, I felt that if
swearing was any good, I would swear most heartily. If our Land & her
Liberties be lost, her Murderers will be many of her professed friends rather
than her rebel foes. By last dates, operations were resumed at Charleston &
in other Depts. The work was slowly but surely progressing. The boat
went up the Riv this A.M. & I failed to get two letters in mail. Day is
pleasant & sunny. I am well.
August 22d, Monday 1864
Last evening Lewis came up to our Co & McKee & Sergt Rodgers from
the Post Com, where they are both on duty & they have a good place. I felt
a longing for some pleasant social entertainment which is seldom found here.
I felt my whole being--my life-- as if seared & withering for the want of
sympathy, which is so plenty so wasting in the world, but of which alas! my life
has so far been so destitute. Here am I cursed as if it were for the abuse
other men make of the friendship, love & confidence, which are so much reposed
in them. But I certainly have faults of my own, though of a different kind
for which I must bear punishment either here or hereafter. About 8 O'clock
L- & I walked down to the shop at which he works & stops in comfortable quarters
& we had a talk on our condition & about the hopes of the future very much as
usual with us. We both agreed that such a way of living as we have is but
a lingering death. If people were right & well behaved what beneficial &
pleasant association we might have among the people here, which might in some
measure make up for some of privations of our absence from home. I had a
good sleep till 5 1/2 this morning. Roll call was about 4 A.M., but Foster
came & called me saying I must 'fall out' & stack arms. I said yes & went
to sleep again, so when I rose I put my gun in one of the stacks. Last
night I helped Griffing wash before he lay down. He suffers much from
sickness & is very lean, nearly as much so as Walden was. I have some
fears of his life if he is much longer ill. I heard this morning of the
death of J. Sullivan of Co I who was with me on Picket the last time I was
out & whom I saw yesterday. The remains were buried this P.M. He was
sick but two days. I heard some of the boys say he drank much since pay
day & this may be a part of the cause of his sudden death. I washed some
today, so I earned $1.25. This will pay for something. This P.M. two
boats came down with 106 & 126th Ill Regts to take the place of the Cav that are
about to leave. They No about 850 men. We expect a fight & are
ready. Day is pleasant. River is high & in good boating order.
I am well.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 23, Sunday 1864
Last evening was a pleasant one & I took time to visit Rev M.
Ferguson, Chaplain of 1st Ind Cav. He, with one or two assistants had
charge of the Post Mail Dept since our Regt came here last Nov & by his
affability, gentleness & uniform, kindness & familiarity with all, he won the
love & respect of those with whom he came in contact, except perhaps those
narrow minded bigots who might hate him because of his religious, opinions &
practices. No one wondered at his powers & abilities for they were not of
a high order, except such as are named above, but most or all learned to love
him. He was called by the familiar appellation of 'Uncle John', by all in
his Regt & they seemed to regard him with feelings akin to those of sons for a
father. I found him walking on the street & after a few remarks I bade him
good by, so we parted with shaking hands & mutually wishing each other well &
happy. He was not above speaking with the poor & ignorant blacks & treated
the private soldier with as much respect & attention as Com Officer.
I wrote a sheet of this size last night & sent it with more writing which I
failed to get in the last mail. We were waked at 3 1/2 this A.M. as it was
arranged our Regt should escort the 1st Ind Cav (which entered the U.S. Service
as 28 Ind Inf) to the boats Carrie Jacobs & Chippewa. About ___ of
the Regt marched after our Regt with their small Cav Flags -called guidons-
which they so often bore in the front of battle as they charged the terror
stricken foe. We fell in about 4 1/4 & led the way to the landing
where an (Immense) considerable crowd gathered & after the usual bustle of
starting a few taking with them Southern wives, the boats started up about 6 1/2
A.M. when cheer after cheer was given by those ashore which was returned with
vigor by those Homeward Bound. Some took their carbines to act as guards
to the boats. I am on Picket today on Little Rock road. Detail from
our Regt 18 Pri & 3 non Com. Lieut Bingam is in command. There is a
heavy Picket detail from 106 & 126 Ill Regts. Day is sunny & pleasant.
River rising.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 24, Wednesday 1864
While on Picket yesterday P.M. a mulatto woman came to the Post,
stated she had come from Little Rock, which place she left at 5 P.M. the
previous P.M. having traveled the whole distance 45 miles on foot & alone.
She traveled till midnight when she approached a camp, which she dared not
approach as she did not know whether they were rebels or our men. She lay
down (in the woods I believe) & started at daylight, when she traveled without
food till she reached this place about 4 P.M. What a heroine was there in
the person of that from ignorant, but devoted wife. Her husband is a sergt
in a Co of Colored Troops & was on the Miller when captured [see Aug 18].
He managed to get off the boat & was making his way swimming down stream when he
was fired on by the murderous robbers & wounded. He made good his escape &
reached this place where he was taken to hospital or cared for by some of his
own race. The true wife was encouraged to make the long, lonely &
dangerous journey, animated by God-given Hope & ere sunset her eyes were blessed
by the sight of him she so devotedly loved, maimed, but hopeful of Life &
Liberty. I would that all wives of the superior race or that at least
which has better advantages were true as many whose color is dark & whose past
life afforded few advantages.
Last night I slept about 5
1/2 or 6 hours & I felt very sleepy while on post. I was on from 10 to 12
& in the lone midnight hour. I looked on the spot where so many of my brothers
lie & I among them. Yesterday one of Co D [Charles H Simpson] was buried & today
Phely died
in Regt Hos & is buried P.M. I felt a little like fever yesterday &
today, but keep up & am comfortable. I washed 8 or 10 shirts & 3 prs of
pantaloons today. Day was very pleasant, bright & breezy. River
rises rapidly & is quite high. I had a shave & full wash this P.M.
This P.M. Maj. Hamilton of 36 Iowa Inf taken pris. in Apr reached this place
from Tyler, Texas. Many of our men are prisoners there.
August 25th, Thursday 1864
Last night I helped Griffing to wash for he did not feel well enough to do much
alone. This was the 1st or second time I did so & he felt very grateful
for what little help I gave him. He said he felt that I was so willing to
help him that it set him at his ease to ask me to do anything. There is
some talk of him getting a furlough & I hope it may be so, for I fear he may not
live if he has to stop [stay?] here as he is very weak & lean. I had
expected to lie down at roll call but it was 9 1/2 P.M. when I got to bed.
I slept well all the night & till roll call this A.M., so I again lay down &
slept till breakfast was ready about 6 O'clock. Last evening the sunset
was truly gorgeous & also this evening & I never saw a more rosy sunrise than
this morning. Day was bright & quite hot in the middle of the day with a
gentle breeze blowing. I attended sick call this morning, but Surgeon gave
me no medicine but told me to take all the quinine I could find. I felt a
little agueish all day, but had no headache. My appetite is quite good or
fair & my bowels moderately active, more so than usual. I told Dr Smith
that I was not much sick, but I wished to keep as well as I could. I took
one dose of quinine last night & one this morning. Last evening Lewis said
they had made 13 coffins for soldiers yesterday. There were many also
buried today. I read some in A.M. in Exodus & in Atlantic Souvenir & in
the
traitorous Milwaukee News of 26 ult. I wrote a part of a letter this
P.M. Hinkley cooked today. I hope I shall not be sick, for I had
much rather do duty & I hope I shall not die at least till all our troubles are
settled, though many thousands fall. The Post Geo P Norris died July __ &
also ex Gov Andrew H Reeder who I think was first Gov of Kansas in 1856. I
had a full wash A.M. No prospect of a oat. River is high.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 26, Friday 1864
Last night I took a potion of quinine & lay down about 8 O'clock.
I slept well till about 5 1/4 this A.M. for I had not waked for roll call.
I felt very well all day & was quite busy, for this was my day to cook. I
had but little time to read for I wished to do my part of our mess work as well
as I was able. I could have got through in much less time, by slighting
things & not cleaning up, as others neglect this. I believe all were
satisfied so far as my work could make them so. Our mess for a few days
past got some milk every morning, for which they pay 25 cts a quart & this they
think is watered largely. I will have no part in such purchases for use in
tea & coffee for I can use my money for something else better. We drew
fresh beef & bread this A.M. of the latter one loaf each man & of beef about 2
lbs apiece. We waste much meat & bread which in times past we would have
been glad to have to eat. We also waste tea coffee &c. Yesterday we
divided our candles & each share was 6 in. No. that we saved during the
summer. I bought Griffing's candles (7-1 for 25 cts. Yesterday &
today many were at work pitching tents for a hospital for our Regt. For
many days past, Vosburgh dyed many shirts a dark or black color for which he
charges 20 cts each. Those are white when we draw them, but for some
reason the boys like them dark. Many refugees or citizens have worked on
the streets for weeks past, so the condition of the streets is better than for a
long time past, or it would seem than they had ever been before. They are
paid by the charges on dealers & traders in the town. We hear that R.R. is
broken & controlled by Shelby's force for three days past. We are hoping
for mail soon. A house of hewed logs is building at the N. end of pontoon
bridge for sharp shooters. River falls. Day was hot & clear & breezy
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 27, Saturday 1864
Last night I read 19 & 20 Chap's of Exodus, the latter including
the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mt Sinai. Today I took my book,
Atlantic Souvenir for 1830 and finished reading it. We were waked at 3 1/2
or 4 A.M. & started from camp in less than 1/2 hour & from the other side of the
river in about an hour after we left camp. Lieut Col Gray & Capt. Stephens
were from our Regt & an officer from one of the Ill Regts. We went out
about 15 miles & filled 25 or 30 wagons with good corn. I spoke to the
woman or women -for there were two- & she was very sorrowful because we were
taking her corn, for she said they (our men I suppose she meant) took her cows &
it would seem she had lost many family relatives, children &c. It would
appear she came from some slave state east of Miss. Riv. for she spoke of Ark in
terms of execration. She spoke as if she had always opposed the War,
though I have not the least doubt that she & her people were & are rebels.
She spoke of suffering in all the land & I spoke of the outrages on peaceful &
unoffending & old men whose only crime was adhering to the old Government.
All this she admitted. They had no hope of a 'better time coming' of which
I expressed so strong a hope. She thought people would never forget
'Enmities' so as to live in Peace &c. The day was warm & bright & I felt
very well all day. An order was read this evening & retreat issued from
Post Headquarters by order of Col Clayton prohibiting playing games for money in
all the town & all camps of this post, subjecting all tables money &c so used to
seizure & confiscation. I am performing extra duty today or more than my
share, as my turn to go on fatigue came when I was excused by Dr or Sur. Smith.
No one can say but I do my share.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 28, Sunday 1864
Yesterday the driver of the team in which I rode was a negro man
not 20 yrs old, who said he came last fall from Texas about 100 miles from
Shreveport, where he had lived since he was a baby. He had a wife & said
she lived about 30 miles from the plantation on which he was owned. His
master owned two plantations about 10 miles apart. The overseer over him
must have been a hard one, for he told me about all the hardships of plantation
life to field hands nearly exactly as told in Frederick Douglass's
Bondage & Freedom.
The slaves went to the field before daylight, taking with them their food for
the day & always worked till after dark & often long after. They did all
their cooking & washing after work which took them till late in the night.
They ate their meals in the field & were not allowed in any case to go to their
cabins. (Perhaps the women who had young children to suckle were excempted from
this rigorous rule.) Sundays were used to hunt stock that were neglected
during the week & the rest of the day was spent in hunting , fishing &c.
We may easily imagine how busy the women must have been taking care of the
clothing &c of their families on the Sabbath day. About the gardens
allowed the slaves. He said for hundreds of slaves a small patch about 1/2
acre was allowed. Douglass told just such a sad tale more than a dozen
years ago.
I felt some inconvenient from some cause last
night, perhaps my supper was the cause. I had a dream in my sleep, but it
was quite refreshing & sound. Roll Call was late this morning which was
very clear & rosy. Day was hot till noon, when the sky was overcast with
clouds & a shower fell after 2 P.M. I have some feeling of cold.
How I took it I know not. Luce [Charles D] of Co. A was buried P.M. I was not
acquainted with him. He was a member of our Regt from its formation.
I read to 30th Chap of Exodus & 6 pages in 8th Book of Night Thoughts.
Pine Bluff
August 29, Monday 1864
Last night I was on post from 6 to 8 & from that time till 12 I
had a good sleep. Again was I on watch till 2 O'clock & I had a sleep till
full 6 this A.M. The night & A.M. till 10 O'clock was misty & foggy, but
the P.M. was clear & quite hot. I washed many things for the boys which
exposed me to the sun so much as to cause me some inconvenience. I felt
very well all day & I think all my late indisposition & its cause are removed.
I hope I will be able to earn enough to pay my current expenses at least so long
as I can do it. Our eyes were gladdened by the coming of the Steamer
Hinds, with mail & papers. The latest Papers I saw are of the 19th inst &
letters to 15th. Many letters were old ones from May & June. I got
only one letter & that was mailed June 1st. It was from Matt. I also
got an album which Maria sent me that will hold ten photographs. This is
the first album I ever had, for I never bought one. It is not a costly
one, but is nonetheless valued as a Love Offering.
The
news is not so satisfactory as one could desire, nor so full. The
excitement in the north increases owing to the traitorous action of the
Copperheads there. What high carnival must exist there today as the
Copperhead convention meets at Chicago today. I wonder who will be
nominated! There was a fight on the north side of James River
of considerable magnitude. I fear the great want is that of men.
Mobile has been visited by Admiral Frarrragut with his fleet & a severe action
took place; We on the ninth inst had Ft Gains at the mouth of Harbor & Ft
Morgan still was held by the enemy. Report said we lost one Monitor &
another war vessel. There are strong Rebel Ironclads there, but the
prospect was cheering. There are strong apprehensions of an invasion of
the North by Lee with a large force.
Pine Bluff, Ark
August 30th Tuesday 1864
Last night I washed in cold water just before I lay down to
sleep. It was about 10 O'clock & I slept well till roll call this morning,
after which I had a good nap till about 6 O'clock. Night was cool & day
was cloudy & cool, a sprinkling of rain fell in the A.M. There was much
thunder & dark clouds threatening heavy rain. Sunshine burst through the
clouds just as sunset & a light as a smile from Heaven shone upon the earth. Hinkley cooked today & I was busy writing most of the day. I wrote some to
Matt & to Maria. I mailed 'Poems to Amelia' & 'Course
of Time' to Maria. There is an enrollment of the citizens within the
lines of this Post who will be required to drill & fight in defense of the Post.
They are examined by Surgeon Smith of our Regt & Capt Williams [who] we hear has
charge of the enrollment. Today very many in our Regt paid money to
Higley so he can buy stamps at Little Rock... for this purpose $63 was paid.
I sent three dollars with him. Lieut Gilbert was sick yesterday with
fever. He is about today as usual. There is a detail from our Regt,
two from our Co, to go up on the boat to guard prisoners. We hear the
rebel Gen Forrest made a raid into Memphis lately with a force of about 500 men.
He stopped but a short time & did little damage. Our Co gains in health
for many become fit for duty. Sergt Sawyer of Co A is in charge of the
Post Office here. I heard he was retained Commissary Sergt in his Co for a
bonus or bribe paid the Capt by his father.
August 31st, Wednesday 1864
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Last night I had a good sleep till daylight this morning when I
was waked by the whistle of the steamboat Roll Call, was about 5 1/2 A.M. & the
boat went up about 6 O'clock. The morning was foggy & the air was thick
with mist. For a few hours the air was clear but sky was cloudy, but from
10 O'clock the sky was clear & sunshine continued all the day. The sunset
was beautiful and all that could be wished for the last day of summer. A
year ago today we started from Deval's Bluff & camped in the early in P.M.
What changes have since taken place. Great gains have been made toward the
overthrow of the rebellion, while its losses have been steady & in no case
retrieved [or] have the rebels retrieved their losses, to any permanent extent.
But alas! all our gains were not without heavy sacrifices & the loss of many of
our noblest & best men. How many homes, even in North are shaded in sorrow
& darkness by the absence ever more of Fathers, Husbands & Lovers & promissary
Sons. How many hearts are sad & their beat made slow, cheeks are faded,
eyes dim & unused to glisten, voices once so musical & clear, almost angelic in
their sweetness & power to soothe & cheer are now never heard in tones of
gleesome gladness at the coming of loved ones whose presence will never more
cheer them. What gratitude such as I owe that have been spared, with a
strong hope of long years & health. I hope the last day of next summer,
1865 will be in such a peace as will last us for many generations to come.
I was cook today & I cooked some beans & salt pork for dinner. Aft breakfast we
ate all our bread & as bread for today was not drawn till 4 P.M. we had none for
dinner & but few had any. Many of the boys gain & grow well. I
washed some today & was very busy. I did no sin today that I know of. Oh!
that everyday I did as well. Regimental Muster was at 10 A.M. by Lt Col
Gray & took but little time.
General Review of August
Crops in many parts of Wis. will nearly a total failure. On
18 inst No 1 wheat in Milwaukee sold at 2.00 a bushel. The crop will be a
short one I fear all over the North. We sustained one of the great losses
of the War in the person of Gen. McPherson of Sherman's Army , he was killed __.
On 24 ult Col. Jas. A. Mulligan was wounded in a fight near Winchester, Va &
died on 26th ult. In the assault of Kinesaw Mt June 27 among others we
lost the good & brave Gen. Harker... Hood has superseded Johnson in command of
rebel army in Georgia. By latest dates Gen Grant & staff were in
Washington & a part of his army was moved from near Petersburg, as if to meet
Lee's Army on or No. of the Potomac. Rebels burned Chambersburg.
I read rebel comments on the situation at Mobile & they indicate a gloomy state
of affairs from their stand point. They say F.A. Gains was surrendered by
the treachery of the garrison or officer in command, with about 600 men.
Ft. Morgan was still held & said to contain a year's provisions (doubtful), but
is exposed to the guns of Gains & our fleet. It can be very readily
invested as it is situated on a long & narrow point. The pirate
Semmes is said to be perambulating in England & Ireland. Some reports say
will soon be afloat with a new war ship. The rebel Florida was recently
devastating our coasting vessels on the N.E. coast, but was shut up in Halifax
by two of our cruisers, so an action was probable to take place. A last
accounts we had not possession of Atlanta, though it was under fire of our guns.
All the males of Geo. from ___ to ___ are called on for service's strengthen
rebel army; that is surely the last call. This month will long be
famous for assemblage of Chicago Copperhead National Convention. I recd no
mail written this month. A conclusion of terms of peace between German
Powers & Denmark is likely to take place. Gold ranged from 2.50 to 2.78.
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