CIVIL WAR JOURNAL OF JAMES B. LOCKNEY

WIS. 28th REGMT., CO. G

July 1864

Copyright © 1986, 1997-2023 [James R. Shirey]. All rights reserved.


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July 1st Friday, 1864

Last night I slept well, nor did I wake at roll call as Gilbert had to wake me after the fatigue call at 1/4 to 5 A.M.  How sweet was my sleep!  How calm & dreamless!  I came on the first half of the detail of 100, whose duty it is to chop, but owing to some mistake or blunder all the detail went to the woods, a part of whom returned to camp & many did very little duty.  McKee continues to give vent to his ill temper, declaring that we others have no right to be interested in his performance of duty or if he shirk it!  Now as he is one of us, we think very naturally that the less some do, the more others must do.  He appears to be quite reckless about going to the guard house, or having his pay stopped.  Till lately, the fatigue party had drink commissary whiskey, but lately I heard the supply is more limited.  The boys got it twice each day, after coming off duty.  Some of the boys change their place in the ranks as they fall in & thus get two or three drinks.  Others wonder how it is that others, as I do not use the awful stuff, while I wonder as much that they rise it....King has not yet been on duty, though he goes about apparently well.  Since Beardsley left us, he is the oldest man in our Co, being about 43 years old.  I wrote some letters for him to his wife & only daughter, he being unable to read or write.  His daughter wrote to him for consent to marry the nephew of K's brother-in-law.  This he would not give at present, as she was but 14 yrs old.  He lately got two letters the same day, one asking his advice & consent, the other written less than a week later informing him she was married!  He regretted it much as he should, for no girl can marry so young for her own advantage.  King was born & raise in Canada East, & as showing the ignorance of some, it was long before he could admit that Canada was in America for he thought the U.S. only was America!  He is a person of high notions of duty & honor & it is a loss [of] his native good sense was not improved by education.  I had a pleasant full wash, this morning.  Weather is dry & hot.  Thermometer ranges about often above 100 degrees.  Walton for a week or 10 days had been unfit for duty.  I am well.

 

July 2d Saturday, 1864

Last night I had sat down to write & soon one of the boys called my name & said there was a man wishing to see me. I was pleased to find it was my old school mate & at present my fellow soldier for the Union, Mr Teal.  He stopped till late in the evening & he & Gilbert & I had some pleasant talks.  He told us that when he came into the army he had favored Slavery, but since he has learned to hate it & wishes its entire destruction in all parts of our Land....I am on camp guard today.  We do not have to be on duty at all during the day.  This is about as easy as reserve picket.  This A.M. from 350 to 500, Infantry went up on the Steamer Miller.  We heard that a body of guerillas was reported about 12 miles up the river last evening making depredations, on some Plantations that are worked by men friendly to the government, and that our Cav. had the rebs so surrounded as to make escape difficult.  The boat came down in the P.M. so I judge nothing was accomplished.  The day was hot & dry in AM .  A thunder storm came up in the P.M. & a strong wind was followed by a heavy shower of rain.  Fatigue duty goes on as usual.  I read some & wrote a part of a letter to Maria & Thos.  In the evening I bought a blank book containing 3 quires.  I paid $2 for it.  The price was $2.25  This is much higher than such would cost in Wis. I think, but I do not pay any gambling debts or buy packs of cards at $1.00 or $1.50 apiece.  Now I must have some means by which to employing time & I know of nothing bitter than to exercise my mind as best I can, in reading, writing, &c as I do have some leisure time.  True it is this costs something, for in the course of my lifetime should I live till I reach 70.  I must use quite a considerable sum of money for pens, ink, paper &c and yet besides the preservation of ones habits improvement of mind & high pleasures afforded during life, it is hardly probable I shall use as many dollars as many spend for strong drinks, cigars, & tobacco &c.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 3d Sunday, 1864

Last night I was on guard at the Adj's guarding Commissary property as old tents, spades, axes &c.  I went on post at 8 O'clock & was relieved at 10-40.  I felt sleepy so that as I sat down I often nodded.  I got to sleep at about 11 & rested soundly till about 7 1/2 this A.M.  If seems a trifling matter to note that one has had good sleep, but I think it one of those common gnat blessings that Heaven grants us & which we are too apt to neglect appreciate duly & to account of but small value..  During the last few days we have drawn a considerable quantity of fresh beef, so we have a full plenty to use.  This A.M. Gilbert & I went to the Presbyterian Church.  I noticed the small No of those living here that attend at any of the churches.  Fans were used by many even by effeminate officers, though there was a good cool air in motion in the church.  The A.M. was hot, though not so much so as usual.  A thunder shower came up in the P.M. & a gentle fall of rain lasting about an hour blessed us.  Gilbert wears a long brown linen coat such here costs $6.00.  I should sometime mention that last spring I heard that $3 apiece was charged in this town for making fine bosom shirts such as may be made for 1/10 to 1/20 as much.     Though it was the Sabbath day yet work on the fortifications and chopping in camp &c goes on nearly as on other days-all but gambling.    I read St. Louis Paper, M or Democrat of 22 inst.  It appears there was very severe fighting before Petersburg, Va about 18 & 20 ult.  The loss on our side must have been very great as we had to charge the enemy's works.  In two days our total loss was about 8,000, while that of the enemy was comparatively small.  At last accounts our men were within 1/2 mile of the city & one more line of works to take.  There is yet much terrible work ere Richmond falls.  How I wish our Regt might be part of 100,000 that would be with Grant by the 20 inst.  A year ago this moment we were on Outpost at Helena.  Now Goelzer & I sit & write at the same table in P.Bluff.

 

July 4 Monday, 1864

I had a good sleep last night as usual. We were waked early this morning to roll call & I lay down & had a sleep after.  The A.M. was cool & pleasant.  We had dress parade at noon.  Capt Williams acted as chief in Com. after closing Co by Division right in front.  He read the Declaration of Independence, but it was too much like reading it to his own Co for the left half of the Regt could not hear the half of it.  The proper way would have been to form a square when all the Regt would have had an equal chance.  During the A.M., Peter Darling was away from camp & returned so drunk he could not stand up.  Some of the boys forced him into our barracks, much against his will.  He stumbled about & was making trouble with others of the boys, when Capt Tichenor came in & ordered him to go  lie down in his bunk or else he must go to the guard house.  Darling is very excitable when drunk said he would go to his bunk when he got ready to.  Soon after Corp Church & Peck & McKee were ordered to take him to the guard house.  He was ugly & tried not to go so the boys had a hard task to perform.  Many of the boys drank a great quantity of liquor, so that while a few are drunk, or many, very many are hearty or bordering on drunkeness.  Alas, what will society suffer when the boys get home!  What sorrow will many of the daughters of the North have in their long-expected cups of bliss.  Alas! Alas.  There was a salute of 34 guns fired at noon.  I read some Chapt's in Cor & some of White's Melancholy Hours.  Leonora came down A.M. & went up P.M. she brought no mail.  Memphis papers to 24

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 5 Tuesday, 1864

Last night I wrote till 1/2 an hour after tattoo.  Goelzer & I were together & we spoke of his state a year ago, that hour which he was a prisoner in the hands of the Rebels.  There was a feeling of joy & thanks for the better state of our Co last night than on the night after the Battle for we did not know what had happened to him & Cameron & now we are united & both shared to help each other in defense of the old flag.  Some were boasting of the quantity of liquor they drank during the day & others were longing for the beer, ale, &c they would have if they were in Wis.  Goelzer wished for beer.  I tried to impress the fact on his mind--which he was ready to admit--that he should secure safely total abstinence from drink.  He spoke of the use his father made of liquor & of him never getting drunk.  He was once a member of the Sons of Temperance & is convinced of the good & safety of abstinence.  Behold the evil effect of his father's example.
I had a good sleep.  We fell out to roll call at daylight & fell on in for fatigue at 1/2 to 5.  We went out & chopped one hour.  Hinkley & I then came in & ate breakfast & went back as each relief had to work an hour or 1 1/2 hours in the P.M.  H-- & I stopped while the 2d relief worked & so we did not go out in the P.M.  The others found fault as Moore, McKown &c, who did not do as we did:  Co B was very noisy all day.  I hear they had 7 gallons of whiskey yesterday besides all they got otherwise.  Our Co got none from the Commissary.  Lieut. Alword Co. C got into a fuss with & was knocked down & cut by the man that takes care of Lt. Col Gray's horses.  Lt. had some drink.  I read the last of 'Melancholy Hours'.  Darling is back in camp today.  Leonora took mail up A.M.  Thornton of our Co was taken to hospital yesterday or day before.  Layhee was sick last night & today.  Edwards is also unwell.  One of Co F was buried this P.M. an Arkansas man.

 

July 6 Wednesday, 1864

Last night I wrote a little & listened to late news from Grant &c in Memphis Bulletin of the 25 ult.  This is the latest paper I have seen.  I heard someone say he saw a Chicago Tribune of 25.  There is little else than accounts of the desperate fighting around Petersburg.  Hunter advanced near Lynchburg, but Lee sent reinforcements to strengthen the place.  Sherman works constantly but slowly on his way to Atlanta, Geo.  At last accounts of 23 he was about to cross the Chattahoochee within 8 miles of the place.  Sherman has the R.R. in working order to within a few miles of his rear, with no interruption to that date.  This is exceedingly good fortune.  All R.R. around Richmond are broken except that to Danville, N.C.  On the 20 of June, the National Debt of all kinds amounted to $1,719, 300,000.  I think we can pay all this in 20 years of peace.  In one week of June 16,000 immigrants arrived at New York.  This is without precedent.  About 9 O'clock last night, a large part of the bank just back of our & B's barracks fell off & made a great splash in the river.  As Clark was on guard I lay with Safford in our mess room & during the night I waked up & heard a very strange noise that of teeth harshly grating together.  I was somewhat bewildered & thinking it was a rat or some such.  I said "shu" to scare it away.  I soon remembered it was Safford that made the noise for he grinds his teeth in his sleep more than any one else I ever saw or knew.  Thos Greene of our Co killed at Mt Elba had the same habit, but not so much as S--.  I am on fatigue today.  11 from our Co & F. crossed the river & chopped some of the heavy cottonwoods which form a beautiful skirting along the opposite bank.  We also cut down a beautiful grove of small trees.  Wells & Lewis & I took some breakfast with us as we reported at 1/4 to 5 & reached camp at 11 A.M.  I liked the work, but not the effect.  John Thornton died at 6 A.M. in our Regt Hospital of Typho-Malaria Fever.  I saw all that was mortal of him at M.  While I write 5 P.M. I hear the three last volleys fired o'er his grave.  I much regret this, he was one of our best boys.  I mailed a letter to Matt & one to J. Progan[?].

 

Pine Bluff July 7
Wednesday, 1864

Yesterday P.M. I went across the river with the fatigue party, though Corp Snyder who had charge of our party said I need not if I did not wish to, as I did in the A.M. as much as was required to be done for each during the day, viz 4 1/2 hours work.  In the P.M. I went to our fish line where it was fastened when the flood was so high in the river, but I found it buried deep in the sand.  I then went to a pleasant & breezy place in the woods where I made a comfortable seat & desk or table of two flat rails sent in the fence, so I had a cool & pleasant time writing for 2 1/2 hours while the two reliefs worked their time.  Some of them were inclined to feel dissatisfied though they surely had no cause for I worked well in A.M.  The wind blew pleasantly where I sat, while the heat was severe in other places.  I was up early this morning and am on Picket today.  As usual, the picket from our Regt is 18 Privates & 3 Non-Com.  Capt Stephens is officer of the Post.  I & Lewis are on first relief.  The day is hot.  I sweat quite freely & the heat blisters my face and makes it tender & very unpleasant.  This is the first time I felt any trouble from this cause since I left Wis.  I do not feel blistered on my neck as I used to in harvest time in Wis.   There were two soldiers buried today one of 7 Mo & the other of Co D 28 Wis Vols.  There were 4 or 5 negro funerals.  Some days there were several funerals by the citizens for many die.  The 13th Ill. Cav have very many sick some say 300 are so reported & unfit for duty.  So many of them are young & inexperienced boys of 16 to 19 yrs that they do not take care of themselves or their horse of which very many die.  Safford took us dinner & supper in good order so we had as pleasant a time in that respect as if in camp.  I took out a good supply of reading & writing though someway I do not use such very much.  The time is too broken to accomplish much.  I saw one model [?] pass thus.  "Guards will pass two niggers to perform the last act of kindness to one dead nigger"  I am very well.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 8 Friday, 1864

Last night Lewis & I went on post at 8 till 9 when we were relieved & lay down two hours which we passed in pleasant converse.  The officer of the day came up during the time & he got to the post before the guard saw him or challenged- Halt.  We were on again from 11 to 12 & from that hour till two we slept very well.  The cheery day was born during the time we were next on post.  We slept from 4 to about 7 A.M.  The frequency of changing the reliefs & the annoyance of the Misskittoes [mosquitoes] prevented the enjoyment of much sleep.  I had a pleasant full wash in cool fresh water soon after we reached camp.  The boat came down about 8 O'clock & mail was distributed about 9.  It brought me one letter from Maria written 18 & mailed 22d.  Along with the letter was a photograph of Maria lately taken.  It is not very well done, but shows that she has grown & become developed much since I left home.  She says weather continued dry with some prospects of rain.  Her school goes on to her satisfaction with 30 in attendance.  We heard this evening that 9 or 10 of the 13th Ill were captured by the Guerilla Chief Jonas Well.  They were on outpost duty from 2 to 5 miles from town & 'tis said most of the part were off picking berries & getting milk at a neighboring house.  A few of the party escaped & came in .  During the past few days a party went out under a flag of truce & took in 14 of our wounded, all that remained.  (I believe) in the rebels hands of the fight at Moro Bottom 10 miles beyond Mt Elba last April.  The rebels brought them to Mt Elba & there gave them up.  I wrote a part of a letter today to Maria.  I am very well.  I thought how Mother would put cream on my sunburn if I were near her.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 9th Saturday, 1864

Last night I slept well in our mess room with Clark.  We were waked early at about 4 O'clock.  This we think is not time enough for sleep from 'retreat' at 8 1/2 P.M. to so early an hour, as nearly everyone feels sleepy at the time of rising.  Directly after rising, I & 3 others from the Regt reported to the Com. Sergt & we went to the slaughter yard to draw fresh beef for our Regt.  The ration for our Regt was about 835 lbs.  There were four teams before us so we had to wait from before 5 till about 10 1/2 O'clock.  The cattle were small so it took many to make a supply for all.  I could not but think how repugnant to me would it be to practice the trade or occupation of butchering.  I had a book along with me so I was not idle nor tired of the long delay.  We helped to get bread from the Post bakery, from which our Regt & other Inf Regts get 1/2 rations of bread & have done so during the past 2 months.  Instead of flour for 1/2 of their rations the Cav draw hard crackers as those are best on outpost & scouting.
We hear ____ of the 13 Ill Cav were surprised on outpost today & captured.  We got about 600 loaves for our Regt Sergt Conant of Co K has been acting Com Sergt for 28 more than a month past.  Sergt Alex Rodgers of Co F Regimental Commissary during the last year was detailed for duty in Post Com Dept.  Last night I felt well pleased to be on fatigue today so as to be free from duty tomorrow & I had rather work two weekdays than one Sabbath.  Yesterday , Gilbert read me a letter he recd. from Miss Philena A Evans.  She teaches school at home.  Many others of his & my pupils teach in the neighboring districts.  This P.M. two boats came down from Little Rock.  Miller & Carrie Jacobs later brought a mail. letters to 27 or 8 & papers from Chicago, St Louis &c to 2d inst.  Drouth [sic drought] continues in Wis.  No rains to last date in Waukesha Co.  Poor crop prospects.  Fighting goes on actively about Petersburg.

 

July 10 Sunday, 1864

Last night I wrote till after taps or retreat.  We were waked at 3 1/2 O'clock for roll call.  The Regt fell in for Review at 1/4 to 5, but I did not feel quite satisfied with my sleep & I coughed often during the morning.  So I said to Gilbert I would not go on review with our Co.  I slept till the Regt came back at about 7 1/2 being waked by the drums.  The first thing I beheld was our beauteous flags waving at the head of the Regt in the bright sunlight & pleasant morning breeze.  What a joyous sight to view!  I told Capt Tichenor at noon about my delinquency, but he said it was all right.  He has no sympathy for such things as reviews & shows as he thinks the boys have duty enough to do without such things.  Capt was on Picket last night.  I was not at any church today.  I wrote a large sheet of letter full to Matt today, one half of it I interlined.  By papers of 24th we read John A Savage (our Adj a year ago) now Col of 36th Wis in Grant's Army was wounded in three places in the neck & head..  The Regt suffered severely having been in the severest of the fighting.  I read Chicago Tribune of 2d inst today.  Grant was still operating against the R.R. about Petersburg, with success.  Sherman still advances toward Atlanta slowly, for the enemy contests his advance & the weather is rainy.  Gen Canby left New Orleans late in June with about 25,000 men.  Their departure was so secret that no clue is known as to their destination which may be Mobile or to join Grant or Sherman.  I hope he will reinforce Grant.  Secretary Chase of the Treasury Dept resigned on the ____ & Senator Wm Pitt Fessenden of Maine has been appointed to fill the vacancy.  The bill increasing the pay of private soldiers to $16 & Corps to 18, Sergts to 20 a month from 1st of last May has become a law.  I mailed 3 packages of books today & one letter to Matt.  Day was hot & dry.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 11 Monday, 1864

As the boats brought loads of supplies for this post and it was desired to send some of the boats back, fatigue details were at work yesterday & last night.  There was no fatigue duty done on the 4th of July, so I regret to see the Sabbath treated or observed with less respect than Independence Day.  Thus it will be till men are better than they have yet become.  I slept well last night.  The evening was unusually hot, the air being close & still.  It continued so till morning as I lay by an open window till roll call with no blankets for covering.  I carried several pails of water this A.M. as Hinkley was washing & I helped him as he washed some shirts & a pants for me.  After noon, a high wind arose & a light shower fell.  Heavy clouds covered the sky, but there was not much lightning or thunder.  I went to a store in town where I had a long & pleasant conversation with an old resident who was here during all the years of Rebellion.  He is one of the kind that likes to have property scrupulously respected according to Military Rules...  I agreed with him in censuring the conduct of many of the soldiers who steal & destroy things in town.  He is willing that slavery should die that our Union may live.  He expressed his satisfaction with my opinions, radical as I am, as pleasing him better than the views of many other soldiers he spoke with...  He wished to have the negroes live among themselves with all rights & privileges, but heed the southern prejudice against associating with them on terms of social equality.  He told me his brother, Representative from this district, A.A.C. Rodgers, was not allowed to take his seat in congress.  Fishback, Sen. elect from this state was the cause of much trouble, as he took part with the rebel movement in the past.  I sent a letter to Matt today.

 

Camp at Pine Bluff
July 12 Tuesday, 1864

Yesterday A.M. the boat went up the river & took the mail.  Walden took leave of our Co about 6 O'clock as it was expected the boat would start at 7.  His hope was high & his spirits cheerful for he had little hope of getting well here as the climate seems not to agree with him.  When he passed our mess room where he so often ate with us during the past six months, he stood in his shirt sleeves, took off his hat,  returned our salutes.  If he could have good health, I wish he would join us next winter & stay with us till we return after the war or at the end of our term of service, but it would be much better [if] he would not come back rather than he should die of sickness.  The three years term of service of one of the Cos of the 5th Kansas expired yesterday.  I saw one of them this A.M. and another was bantering him, saying he was a citizen now & had no right to wear U.S. uniform.  I said I thought he had earned the privilege to wear it, by so long & faithful service.
I slept well & soundly last night.  I lay down after roll call, but did not sleep.  I was detailed with three others at about 10 A.M.  We worked with a similar No from each of the other Co's of our Regt, storing rations in Post Com building.  There was a detail from 3d Minnesota to help us.  The handling of barrels was managed better than I ever saw before in the army.  I spoke to one of the Minnesota boys who thought we--Grant could not take Richmond or Petersburg.  I hardly ever heard a person-soldier speak as he did & yet I do not think he is a Copperhead.  A shower of rain fell this P.M.  I read a part of fourth book of 'Young's Night Thoughts'.  There were some lost girls or women sent outside the lines this P.M.  We saw them on the opposite side of the river.  The picture I saw was sad.  Oh! how sad to my mind.  I shall fear sin more than death forever.  Oh, may my dearest die rather than to come to such an end.   I am well.

 

On the March near Pine Bluff
July 13 Wednesday, 1864

Last evening word was quietly sent about a move on foot.  The first we knew of it was that Capt ordered the Co to fall into line in the barracks & he quietly examined each of our cartridge boxes to find how many we lacked of 40 each.  About dark it was known the Cav were going out during the night or early this morning, & we were to go with them.  At roll call, Capt said we should all lie down as soon as we could get two days rations in our haversacks.  We had a busy time till about 8 1/2 O'clock when nearly all were ready to lie down.  Bass Drum was to beat at 1 A.M.  I slept soundly till I heard Orderly say 'Fall Out' when I suddenly awoke well satisfied with my sleep...  We very soon fell in & quietly marched away from camp, through town, taking the road down the river.  When four miles away it was clear daylight & there we reached the Pickets of our line.  We passed through a piece of woods where the road was 'greasy', that is, covered with a tough mud made by the shower that fell yesterday P.M.  Before 5 O'clock we stopped for breakfast & there the Cav reached us & after stopping a short time they went on & we soon followed.  Col Clayton's plan was to go on & make a feint of attacking the Rebels, for the purpose of coaxing them to pursue him on his retreat to a very good position that our Regt with 362 men & two steel guns, 6 or 8 pounders occupied.  This was where a deep ditch 10 or 12 ft wide & as deep, crossed a short neck of land about 30 rods in width that lay between two deep & impassible bayou's.  We leveled the fence in our front & rear about 80 rods.  The Cav found the rebels & tried to lure them on, but Clayton thought the game would not work.  At about 10 .M., the Cav passed in retreat & we followed leisurely in the hot sun.  All the famous scouters were out & one Co whose time had expired volunteered & were out with us.  The greatest distance we were out was about 10 or 11 miles, we marched back about 4 miles & camped.  The heat was very great & little breeze was felt.  Many of the boys fell out & the Ambulances were full.  I am well.

 

Camp at Pine Bluff
July 14 Thursday, 1864

We reached our camp ground near a bayou at about 3 1/2 or 4 O'clock.  The Cav was about two miles distant where were the 25 stragglers that were unable to keep up with us.  We soon found a house where we found water & some of the boys got green corn, not quite fit to cook, also a garden where the boys found onions, a few Irish potatoes &c.  I got two ears of corn & some water.  I saw only a white woman & one white little girl 10 or 12 yrs old & a part of a negro family-the feminine & infantile parts.  A house had been burned & they told me it was the Confederates that did it.  I smiled on the little girl & said to her 'there was a good time coming' for I wished to cheer her innocent spirits.  Soon after, I heard many from our Regt & 18 Ill Cav went about the place & into the house, taking everything in the house as they liked, even the looking glass & what clothing was for the family.  A negro woman complained to Col. Gray & I heard a guard was placed at the house.  Even some that I thought were the most conscientious in our Co dug potatoes & helped take [?] things in the garden or carried off onions, chickens &c.  Thank God my hands are clear of such things for I never took such things.  The soil is everywhere rich & deep with heavy timber, generally.  There was a beautiful lake or bayou two or more miles long & 80 to 100 rods wide.  In it were fish & we saw large, white cranes there unlike any I ever saw before.  It was as pretty a place as I have seen in this state.  Last evening I lay down about 6 O'clock on my rubber with my shirt drying & my blouse on instead.  I wore a pair of the new stockings Mother made & sent to me last winter.   I soon fell asleep & did not wake till 1 1/2 O'clock this A.M.  About 50 wagons went out for forage & loaded with corn & came in last night.  These started out yesterday P.M.  That was chiefly the object of our scout & the rest was to whip the Rebels if we got a chance.  They vastly out numbered us, so we were cautious in our movements.  We got back to camp about 9 A.M. having started at 3.  We stopped at Johnson's for breakfast.  I was not much tired or any blistered.  I wore my boots.  I finished 2d Cor today.  I am very well.

 

On Guard in Pine Bluff
July 15 Friday, 1864

While on the march, many of the were unable to march so great was the heat and 5 or 6 were carried in the ambulances who were members of our Co.  Corp Peck, Jacobi, King, Owen Findley & others.  Some of them heard Adj Kendrick say if the boys could not march better than that, they would have to be 'Toughened' after we got back to camp.  This means that more drill was necessary in addition to all the fatigue, Picket, & guard duty we have to perform.  For this & more like it, the boys & many of the officers hate him most heartily.  We often think & speak of him who was lately wounded in Va & who so well filled the place  now held or occupied by our "Official A.S...."  Soon after we got to camp yesterday what was my sorrow & surprise to hear that Nicholas Yeager, Sergt of Co H had died in hospital here at six A.M. also one of Co K named Crotty had died the same morning.  Both were members of the Regt at the time of its formation & members of the Catholic Church.  The former had been rather unwell for some time past & was taken to the Post Hospital last Monday.  Surgeon's report was that he died of ______.   The two bodies were taken to the Catholic church at 5 P.M. where a funeral sermon was preached.  The two Capts & the Catholic Priest went out with the funeral parties.  Ira Woodcock & I went out with the funeral procession, for we both felt as I remarked to him 'that it would be unkind' in us if we did not accompany the funeral of our early friend & devoted, faithful fellow soldier.  He was the youngest of a large family & with a noble & sublime Patriotism he joined the hosts of Freedom & notwithstanding failing health & a weakly constitution had did his best without complaining.  He was appointed Corp in Camp Washburn & a short time ago was promoted to Sergt.  His habits were retired, quiet & very free from show or strut, or pompousness which make so many disagreeable to us.  May his soul rest in Peace.  Steamer J.H. Miller went up river this A.M. & took about 100 of Co's A, F, & E of 5 Kansas who will be mustered out at Little Rock.  I am on guard in one of the forage storehouses.  We have a good place.  I am well.

 

July 16 Saturday, 1864

Last evening I took a pail down with me for I thought if I waked early this morning, I would milk a cow in part.  This is against orders I know & I would most times think it wrong, but I felt it might be justifiable as the people here are evidently benefited by the presence of us as soldiers of the Union armies.  Probably this is not sufficient reason to justify such an act & I now rejoice that I failed in my project as its justice was at least questionable.  We all lay down at 8 1/2 P.M. & we talked of the prospects of Peace of the past & the future.  S.A. Douglas &c, the other three were members of Co F & pretty good fellows.  I find our Co has been better treated in regard to Co fund then most of the other in our Regt.  The boys said their former Capt White, now Maj, never paid them any Co fund which must have amounted to several hundred dollars.  This Co fund is the price of the rations which a Co at any time does not draw from the Commissary.  When a Co or Regt is on short rations because of deficient supplies, there is ____ allowance for what is not drawn.  Our Co fund has been paid to us several timer in greenbacks, one or two dollars at a time.  Turner was vigilant & honest about this fund & Tichenor will do the fair thing, too.   I waked about 4 O'clock this A.M. & soon after went to camp and had breakfast.  I then went back & had a pleasant place to read & write till about 10 1/2 when I went to camp.  I read considerable in 'Woman's Friendship', & the Epistles of Paul to Gal. & Eph, also in 'Night Thoughts'.  I also wrote some in my diary & a letter.  I heard today no mail came to Little Rock since the 7 inst.  Work goes on actively upon the Pontoon bridge.  There are five now anchored in the stream.  Col Clayton personally attends to laying it.  Yesterday another of Co K died & today a new recruit of Co C.  Capt Tichenor yesterday began to board with our mess.  Day was hot.  I am well.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 17 Sunday, 1864

I slept well last night, but I did not wake up till after roll call this morning.  We have so much duty to perform that little notice is taken of such trifles.  This too is much owing to the kindness of the Capt.  The day was quite warm & about 2 P.M. the air was oppressively hot & heavy.  Shower fell about 3 O'clock.  Fatigue parties were at work today as usual.  Had one more man required, I would be the one.  It is very pleasant to me to have my time free on Sundays.  The boat came down this A.M. but brought no mail or late papers.  Little Rock papers of the 14 inst contain no later news than Chicago Papers of the2d before recd.  We are anxious to get new from Grant.  There is a report that Sherman has possession of Atlanta.  We do not know its truth.  I read many pages in My Borrowed Book.  I like it the more I read it.  I did not go to any church today as I delayed going early hoping to get mail.  During the P.M., I felt sleepy & the time was dreary & I felt anxious & longing for the good time when we may have pleasant times with true & loved ones at home.  Oh, what a longing I have that the war may end this season so we may all, North & South, hundreds of thousands may return to sweet Peace & Love & Joy....  We had dress Parade at 6 P.M.  An order was read from Gen Steele, dishonorably discharging Capt _____ of 13 Ill Cav for neglect on picket & conduct unbecoming an offer.  We had boiled corn for dinner yesterday & today.  It was cut off the cobs & cooked with beans & meat, & is called succotash.  We had roast or baked beef for dinner & supper.  Our supply of bread is a little short now as we drew two days rations of hard bread or tack the night before we started on the march.  Our cook s make biscuit that are pretty good.  We have save more than 1 1/2 bls of flour & 12 to 20 lbs coffee that we would sell.  We could get $14 to 16 a bl for flour.  Safford makes good pies from dried fruit.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 18 Monday, 1864

I slept well last night & we waked for roll call about 4 1/2 A.M.  I was on fatigue chopping on the opposite side of the river.  The detail from our Regt was 50 , of whom four were from our Co.  We fell in at 4 3/4 before any of us had breakfast.  Most refused to go till we had eaten a luncheon, so the party was given 15 minutes.  Moore & I chopped two large trees & then went to a corn field, where we got each a good supply of green corn for our respective messes.  We had a hearty meal for dinner of succotash &c.  Again we crossed over in the P.M. & worked about an hour.  The day was quite warm, but I did not feel the heat very oppressive, in fact, I rather liked to chop.
Steamer J.H. came down this A.M. but brought no mail or papers.  Work goes on to finish the pontoons as fast as may be.  The grass & weeds were very wet this morning with dew, so our clothes got some wet.  The nights are delightfully clear, calm, & moonlit.  Oh, how lovely, how exceedingly pleasing is the charming night in the south.  What a lovely land will this yet be when millions of Free men will cultivate their own farms & millions of happy children & youths of both sexes will haste joyously to school, the common Free School for all the People.  Today for the first time I saw the blossom of the cotton plant, when fresh & newly opened, it is white & rather small in size.  As it withers it changes to a light red color.  The plant is from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet high.
This P.M. McKown told me of a heavy trouble brought on his family at home, by his father taking an evil course & running away with Bence's wife & taking B's two little girls with them.  He sold his farm of 40 acres & left his own wife & family with very small supplies.  His son William thinks the change took place since he enlisted & liquor was the most cause.  Alas, what ruin rises in many homes!
I mailed two letters & two packages of books today.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 19 Tuesday, 1864

Yesterday died Capt Wilhelm of Co A, 1st Ind. Cav.  He entered the service nearly three years ago as 4th Corp & steadily rose to the place he occupied at the time of his early death.  He was a young man about 23 & unmarried.  What Joys are his, if he lived as becomes a man & Christian.  What crowns & honors brighter & grander than were ever worn by any even the mightiest of Earth's conquerors.  He was taken sick the day we started out on our scout.
This morning I went to see Ira Woodcock & found him well & washing the breakfast dishes. I had a very pleasant visit with him & a few others of his Co, including Sergt Barker who is a person of good sense, quiet & unassuming manners & free from all stuck-up & conceited ways.  We spoke of favoritism & bribery here among us & again of our hope of the future &c.  (Some of the boys in the room adjoining are telling obscene stories so that I must sometimes put my fingers to my ears to prevent me from hearing.  Oh! how will it be when we com to die, which may be any day or hour.)  How much I wish I was a member of the true Church & in the faith & friendship of God.  Some say a Christian may know beyond all doubt that he is in the perfect favor of God, but I do not think this can be so, not that we can know this till our Death when He will justly reward us.  How much I wish the Catholic church was such or rather the ways & habits of it members such as I could approve, for if the members were enlightened & lived but the pure & grand ways of the Gospel, I would be a member all the days of my Life!  Now, Alas, it may never be!
Stephens of Co H was taken sick last night very suddenly.  He was some better today.  Safford of our Mess was on fatigue duty this A.M. & was suddenly taken sick with ague & fever.  He had a high fever all day.  I read & wrote some.  Day was dry.  Boat with mail went up this morn.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 20 Wednesday, 1864

I slept well last night & was waked for roll call about 4 1/2 A.M.  Hinkley was detailed on Picket & I on camp guard, but as Safford was not strong enough to cook today, I changed with H-- which brings me on Picket.  Thus, for the convenience of our mess have I exchanged the easiest duty for the hardest.  Night Reserve duty was discontinued about the first of this month & may not be again resumed.  The day was pleasant & breezy.  I am on the 3d relief, my post is at the camp of the 13 Ill.  Today Co's A & K crossed the river & took with them five days rations & nothing but cooking utensils.  I do not know for what duty they went.  There were two soldiers buried today, one from 3d Minn.  There were 12 at sick call this A.M. from Co A.  None of those unfit for duty crossed the river.  I finished reading 'Woman's Friendship' this A.M.  The Book contains 55 Chapt & 357 pages.  I think it a good book & well calculated to do good & yet I think I notice faults in the execution of the work.  It is free from any moral blemish or defect.  I also read Paul's Epistle to The Colossians today.  About 10 days ago I weighed at the post Commissary 145 lbs.  Last winter I weighted 161 1/2.  I now am in a very good state of health.  My bill or account for clothing with U.S. to the present time is $32.24, the present year will end Aug 31.  I will need but little more during this & next month.  Many of the boys have drawn clothes during the last 10 1/2 mo. to the amount of $35 to $51.  A part of this excess is caused by them being charged for an over coat they drew last fall, while I got mine clear, as pay for that I lost at Helena on the morning of the fourth of July '63.
A large part of the 13 Ill. Cav. are sick, their horses also die off rapidly owing to ill treatment & the inexperience of the boys in the Regt, many of whom are much too young.  I am convinced boys are not the best material for War, especially in Cav. Service.  They do better in Infantry.

 

Camp at Pine Bluff
July 21 Thursday, 1864

In Little Rock paper of 14 inst I read that the rebel privateer Alabama, which, under command of Capt Semmes ranged the seas & destroyed a large No. of U.S. merchant vessels during the last 2 1/2 years, was sunk by U.S. War Ship Kearsage on the 19 of June. The Al. sailed out of the French port of Chuboutg & when 10 miles at sea the fight took place.  It is said one shot penetrated the boiler of the Al. & a break four yds long was made in her broadside under the water mark.  Semmes reached South Hampton.  He said the loss of Al. was 9 men killed & 20 wounded.  It is said of her crew & officers, the Kearsage captured 68.   A force of 12 to 15,000 Rebels were in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, about 5th inst.  Our forces under Siegel & Webber had concentrated to oppose them.  Some excitement prevailed in Md. & Southern Pa. Congress adjourned Sine die on 4th inst.   Last night I came off post at 8 & tried to sleep till 12, but the muskittoes troubled me a part of the time.  I was on again from 12 to 2 A.M. after which I had a good sleep till 6 O'clock when I was waked & again was on post till 8 when the relief came.  Although the orders from Head Qr't'rs are to relieve the guard or videttes, every hour during the night, we stood on Post two hours at a time was during the day.  The boys like this very much better as we get more sleep in doing so.  Lt. Chandler Co H was officer of the Picket & Capt Tichenor was officer of the day yesterday.  Last evening, Griffing took me out some supper & they sent me dinner by some other one.   Today was moderately warm & cloudy in P.M.  I read the whole of 5th book of Young's Night Thoughts.  One of Co H died last night & was buried this P.M.  All the boats for the pontoon bridge are in place & teams can soon cross.  It will be much better than the fury.  Layhee is getting well & is in convalescent camp, he was here this P.M.

 

July 22 Friday, 1864

Last evening, having filled my diary before dark, I went down in the town & on the pontoon bridge that is now laid across the river a distance of 200 yards.  There are five boats anchored above the bridge to which it is fastened & four below it to keep the wind from blowing it up stream.  There are about 30 boats in a straight line on which the bridge rests.  Each boat is about 8 ft wide & 16 to 18 in length.  They are strongly made of pine planks sawed at the two mills here.  The sides are about 20 in or 2 ft high.  The end of the boat upstream is with the Horizon, the rear end is perpendicular.  When dry, each I think would weigh more than a tun, or perhaps 1 1/2 tuns.  After that I went to the P.O. where the chaplain of 1st Ind Cav informed me he did not expect a mail till the Steamer Miller goes to Little Rock & returns.  This was not very satisfactory news, as we hoped for the mail this week.  We now hear the Miller will go tomorrow.  It is now, I think, two weeks since we had mail & papers.  I asked Lewis to go & walk with me, but he said he had just returned from a walk.  I felt weary in spirit & longed for something to cheer my mind & divert my heavy thoughts but I found it not.  The exercise was probably beneficial as I had exercised but little during the day.  After my return to Camp.  I read some with Griffing by candle light.  We stopped soon after retreat at 9 P.M.  I slept well on the table in our Mess room, but was walked up in the night for I want to sleep without any covering over me by the fresh breeze slow blowing.  This continued all today, so the heat is much less than usual & the air is bracing.  This A.M. about 9, Clark & I went over the bridge & dug up about 100 ft of our wire fish line, that was buried from one to 2 1/2 ft deep in sand at the last high rise in the river, we got 40 hooks.  We worked hard & got back to dinner.  The hooks are as good as new & I heard worth now $1.50 a doz.  Safford is about today, he is middling.  Muckey [Myron P Muckey, Co G 1806-1888] is unwell.  Fatigue duty is now quite light, but two on today.  Today I ate a ripe plumb tomatoe.

 

July 23 Saturday, 1864

The end of another week has come & finds me well.  What thanks I owe to God.  He only can know for it is more than I can understand during this life.  Yet how far I fall short of performing the wise & easy requirements of his high Law.  How strongly am I allied to the ways of the rest of men by which the world is deeply sunk in sin & consequent misery, for though I often am raised above the ways that prevail about me & which I loathe with all my soul, yet do I feel the sting of the flesh in my very vitals & I feel a strong power trying to force me the low & misery & broad way that leads to death.  All vices, like all virtues are closely allied & work together toward the same dreadful goals--eternal death.  There is how ever this great dissimilarity in the comparison of vices & virtues, viz, that while all virtues are in perfect unison & produce Peace, all vices are conflicting in their nature, except that all work together & unto ruin.  I often wonder that while the power of some evil ways which I felt at or before the age of 17 years as violent passion, swearing &c have lost all power over me or are now easily under control, others have grown with my years or still retain much of their former power & against these have I daily to wage war which alas, does not always give me the victory.
Last night was cool & breezy, the cold kept me awake for a short time even with a wool blanket over me.  Today was windy & the dust was blown about freely.  I was on fatigue this A.M.   I & four or five others swept up in front of our barracks on the Parade grounds.  It took us but a short time.  Safford had a shake of Ague & as H-- was on fatigue duty, I went in his place this P.M.  I read Paul's Epistles to Thess today, also in 'Night Thoughts' & some in 'Cudjo's Cave'!  No boat came or left today.  Adieu.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 24 Sunday, 1864

Last night I was thinking of a remark that I once made when eating with our mess.  The boys were speaking obscenely which was disgustingly disagreeable to me & then I said I wished if ever had to go to Hell that I would not be among such companions.  At the same time I felt a determination to try so to live that I might escape all chance of having to hear such talk during all eternity.  What a Hell that would be to me.  And who can doubt but that all the most hated ways of their companions will be exercised for the annoyance & torment of the lost, for all the ages of Eternity?  For sin of any kind must be so heinous as to deserve the severest punishments!  In some of the Protestant churches it is taught that person who is in the friendship & Favor of God may know as if by Inspiration that all his sins are forgiven & that he will be saved!  Now I think when we have once lost the favor of God by sin, we may never know till after death whether He has fully pardoned our crimes against his Son.
Today I attended the service in the Presbyterian church.  While waiting for people to gather, I read Paul's Epistles to Timothy.  During the discourse, I read a part of the short Catechism in Pres. Hymns & Psalms.  They have two Sacraments-Baptism & the Lord's Supper.  Prayer & Sacrament are defined much as by Catholics.  The explanation of the Ten Com[mandments] is similar, but not so detailed.    The day was breezy, the wind blowing from the N.E. as for many days past.  I was very fortunate not to be on duty today as it took the last one before me.  Safford is sick yet, able to be about but little.  Capt is on Picket.  I read some in 'Night Thoughts'.  Last night one of Co B caught a large cat fish which weighed over 50 lbs.  Last night was so cold as to make blankets very agreeable.  I think the hottest part of the season is past.  How lonesome everything appears without news in the last three weeks.  Well.

 

Pine Bluff, Ark
July 25 Monday, 1864

Last night I had been reading in 'Cudjo's Cave' when I began to fill out my diary and I then had a talk with Higley about some of the excesses & abuses of married life.  He has been married some 8 or 10 years & the statements he makes about cases of which he had heard & had cause to believe were such as to make me exclaim.  If those are facts they are almost enough to make me to be an Old Batch all my life.  There is some consolation in the fact that we are not obliged to follow the evil ways practiced by others.  Surely there is cause enough to make every right-minded man ashamed every time he sees a woman for all cruelty, treachery & abuses of which Poor Woman has been the victim for long ages past.  Oh speed the day when Earth's wrongs will be righted!
After roll call, Chas. Wicket of Co H came along & I felt compelled to be polite to him, though I wished to complete my diary.  It was however a pleasant time for me to chat with him, for he is one I rather like & respect & he is generally or rather universally liked by our boys who have become acquainted with him.  It must have been past ten O'clock when we parted.  He began to speak about Goff & said to me that he noticed that G-- did not treat his wife well & told how he found some mean & cowardly ways, which G- might have thought he-C.W- would never notice.  When we separated it was with a wish that we might meet in peace & health in our several homes after the War.  Thus we cherish hopes of the good time coming & this supports us during our long absence.
Today was bright & breezy, the air was smoky & the sun at setting  looked dark & blood-stained.  I am on Picket on my regular turn.  I read some in 'The Gift' for 1839 & 'Cudjo's Cave'.  Lewis brought me a pleasant dinner & stopped with me nearly two hours on Post.

 

July 26 Tuesday, 1864

Last evening, R. Griffing took me some supper & it was quite a good one, viz, a piece of apple pie, some good sauce & excellent biscuit.  He stopped with me till about dark & we had some pleasant talk.  I went on post at 8 & stood till 10 P.M.  I slept four hours till 2 A.M. & again from four till about 1/2 past five when I awoke well satisfied with my sleep.  I read Paul's Epis to Titus & Philemon.  I also read some beautiful pieces in 'The Gift' for 1839.  This was while waiting for the relief to come.  We got to camp about 9 A.M.  We heard last evening that our Co & C were to go out this morning to relieve Co's A & K where they went about a week ago.  They started at 8 O'clock with a wagon to take things out.  Wagons & teams first crossed the Pontoon Bridge yesterday.  Steamer Annie Jacobs came down from Little Rock about 10 A.M.  She brought papers to 13 inst from Chicago & St Louis.  I got Harper's Weekly of 16 inst.  It has many designs showing our Flag in the various positions it occupies as going to the War & returning with it torn & tattered in the field & on board.  In the centre is a female holding our Flag & in one hand she holds the links of a broken chain.  Above her are the words: 'All men are born free & equal!'  The whole is a glorious type of the struggle we are waging.  I got a letter form Anthony of 26 ult.  He said they were all well.  Winnifred, she said in her sleep--'Uncle Jas-away down South.--too bad!  too bad! he will come again by and by--Winny like to see him!'  Their little boy they named Lewis Guy.  He is a strong little fellow healthy & doing well.  He can almost creep on the floor.  The prospect for hay is so poor that all want to sell stock, but few buy & prices are very low.  Cows that month before brought $30 to $40 sold for $10 to 16.  Blue jeans were worth  65cts a yd.  flour $12 a bl.  Wheat 1.75 a bushel, hay $40 a ton.  Gold $2.00 &c butter is worth 25cts a lb.  Potatoes, corn & oats are likely to be a complete failure.  I heard one of 3d Minn Inf say his people at Lake City opposite Hudson, Wis had a good prospect of fine crops at least average.  Safford was taken to Post hospital today.  Blancherd came back today.  He left us at Helena a year ago.

 

Four miles north from Pine Bluff
July 27 Wednesday, 1864

Last evening six of our Co that were on duty & left behind in camp came out to join the Co where we now are.  It is a very pleasant place.  Our camp is in the woods bordering on a plantation which lies to the N of us.  There is a plenty of everything we wish for in camp, fresh beefy-green corn & some potatoes.  I got about a dozen plumb tomatoes in  a corn field on our way.  Yesterday morning or almost anytime I would gladly have given 25 cts for them.  I like them better than apples & those were the first I got this season.  The river makes a great bend & we occupy about the middle of the neck, thus [sketch of bend in river and dot where the location of camp was].  The distance across is about 1 1/2 miles & both banks are guarded by Cav.  Along with us are Co's G & H of 3d Minn & two pieces of the 1st Ind Steel guns.  We have no duty to do but camp guard at night, this requires but 3 or 4 from each Co.  This & to eat & forage are all we did so far.  Last night the two Minn Co's started at 2 A.M. & went back to the Pontoon bridge to go with a train for forage.  We took the mail out for some of the boys & in it was Gilbert's Commission as 1st Lieut of our Co.  This comes not withstanding Lt Col Gray's efforts to the contrary.  He soon started to town so as to be ready to go up to L. Rock on the boat today.  I also heard commissions came for 1st Sergt Bennett of Co B as 1st Lieut & 2nd Lieut Slawson, as Capt of Co B vice. Townsend deceased.   The boys of 5th Kansas that went to Little Rock about 2 weeks ago returned yesterday.  They have nearly a month yet to serve.  They were very much disappointed as they supposed their term of service had expired.  Our term will end on 13 Oct 1865, so we have about 14 1/2 months yet to work.  The boys sit in groups playing cards for chips--what they call grains-- of corn which they use to keep count.  Each chip is rated at .05.  Others are reading & some writing.  I have taken a complete outfit, viz, a bottle of fluid portfolio, & my other blank book, Testament, Night Thoughts & the Gift for 1839 also Harper's Weekly of 16 inst.  I wrote a letter to Anthony of four large pages.  The two Minn Co's started at 2 A.M. and went back to Pontoon Bridge & went 10 miles out with a forage train.  They returned about 1 or 2 P.M.  I am well.

 

Camp in the Woods
July 28 Thursday, 1864

Last night I slept well till about 1 1/2 this A.M. when Capt came along & waked us up & said we should rise & prepare to go foraging.  We & Co C started about 2 O'clock and with candles lit to light our way, we passed safely through the woods to the bank of the river when it was pleasant to march to the Pontoon bridge in town.  Day light came on the way & after we got to the bank of the river, Capt said four could go to Camp to get some bread to do us till we got back to our place in the Woods.  Hinkley & I were all that wished to go.  The train of 47 wagons, with 70 Cav of 13 Ill & a detail from 62d Ill & our two Co's of about 55 men started about 5 1/2 A.M.  We went out about 10 miles up the river bank & filled all our wagons with corn of last year's crop.  It was stored in rail pens & was in good order.  There was much dissatisfaction felt by the boys at the manner in which matters were managed.  The men were not distributed equaly among all the wagons, so some wagons had no men to load them.  Some of us had to go back half a mile to load several wagons after having done our regular share.  I & others were going to get some melons & an officer of 13 Ill followed us & ordered us back.  We went & I felt like swearing & would have done so if it could do any good---but from past experience I found it does no good-- When we were waked, Griffing said he was sick & did not feel well enough to go with us.  This made me think how necessary it is to have a healthy man for Orderly & the thought came to me that I should be orderly Sergt of our Co for I always feel so well that I am always on hand when called.  But this is not at all probable, for I have not got a start, as I have not been aspiring.  I think I would accept no lower place in Co but I do not expect any other place than my present one while in the service.  I hope for promotion after the War to the post of Husband man &c may she be worthy & in me not deceived.  We hear telegraph tells Sherman has Atlanta.  A light shower fell A.M.  We got back to camp about 3 P.M.  I mailed a letter to Anthony today.  I am well.

 

Camp in the Woods
July 29 Friday, 1864

Last evening I read a sketch in 'The Gift' called 'The Two Pirates' by Miss Embry.  It was one of the most thrilling sketches I ever read.  I sat by a fire & one of the 1st Ind Cav boys offered me a piece of candle which I might use.  I thanked him & declined using it.  I lay down early & had a good sound sleep till about 5 1/2 or 6 A.M.  The two Minnesota Co's went foraging, but did not start till near daylight.  They returned early in P.M.  The day was dry & warm & the air still & close, we feel not a breeze in the woods.  The flies muskittoes[sic] & gnats are very troublesome.  An order came today detailing A. McKee for duty in Post Commissary.  I have no doubt he has been trying for this place for some time past as he felt bound not to do duty in the Co as a private.  We may think he never was good enough to do so.  For some time past he has been acting as Co Clerk;  work which should be done by the Orderly Sergt or the person who plays with the duty of Co Commissary Sergt or Corp.  There are three non-Com Officers in our Co whose united duty in camp does not equal that of each private who does his share.  Rumor says Rosencrans supersedes Steele in this state.  This may give us quite an active fall campaign & we may see Red River before New Years.  Boys spend the day playing cards reading &c some write letters.  Blanchard came down on the boat after a year's absence & joined the Co yesterday.  Layhee is in our Regt Hospital as Ward Master.  This is an easy place & suits him for he is not fit for severe duty, though willing to do what he can.  I wrote a part of a letter to Maria today & read a part of 7 books or Night Thoughts.  Higley went up on the boat & he expects to get the place of mail Agent between this place & Little Rock.   We had sweet milk in our Co office for breakfast.

 

Camp in the Woods
July 30 Saturday, 1864

Last night I read the sketch by Mrs H.B. Stowe in the g Gift called 'Cousin William' & most of it by the light of a fire I made.  After that I washed myself before lying down.  I slept well till about 3 1/2 A.M. when I was waked by the boys getting ready to start with the forage train.  It was daylight when we started from Camp & we waited on the bank of the River for the train to come from town.  We loaded 50 or 60 wagons in the same field as last time we were out & there, yet remains many more loads.  The corn is in the husks & when covered it keeps well in bins.  The cotton is in blossom, that is in first blossom, for the plants continue to blossom while other boles ripen and are picked till late in the season.  I noticed a colored woman rode out in one of the wagons, that rode in to town day before yesterday.  I rode in the same wagon & some of our Co began to jest with her & spoke in a light way, as asking her to sing &c.  Her grave aspect & words soon stopped this & she said she was more than 40 yrs old & was a grandmother 5 yrs ago.  No one could look on that sad, stern face which seemed to possess a certain high & intellectual expression without feeling sympathy for the poor victims of oppression & hoping for the day of deliverance.  She lived in Mo. before the War & was a good hand at in or out door work.  She was once sold for $1,500 & had known some Abolitionists in that state, who told here the day of freedom was coming & she believed & hoped for it.  She had pretty kind masters & mistresses, but dared not let them know of her conversations with her secret friends.  Alas, that so many wrongs have been done to an inoffensive race whose only fault is their want of energy & forgiving gentleness of disposition.
We got back to camp about 1/2 P.M. & found the Minn Co's all packed up & ready to move to the lower bank of the river & we were moved up the river about a mile farther from town.  Co C is on the river bank & our Co are 3/4 of a mile east camped in the woods & bordering on a plantation.  A light shower fell.  E.B. Smith is sick & went to town today, Dagherty also.  I am well

 

Camp in the Woods
July 31 Sunday 1864

Yesterday P.M. while we moved to our new camp ground, Jacob Heaton told us his principle, viz, 'To do unto others, as they do to him', so he would be honest with those that dealt fairly by him, but to those that tried to cheat him he would take ten fold or more if he could at the first opportunity.  He spoke of many cases in which he had been concerned & he worked out best.  I said to him I thought the Old Golden Rule was the best & that I felt bound to try to live according to it, though I often fail to come up to the full measure of the God-like rule.
I & 5 or 6 others were detailed on picket about 3 1/2 P.M.  King, Hinkley & Corp Peck were along with me on Post.  In the evening, four cows came along & we stopped them & I milked about four quarts of milk from them.  This was the first time I had succeeded in getting milk from cows in Dixie & four of us had a good supper of fresh milk & good bread.  Some of the boys tried to make this a violation of my principles, but I can not think so.  We made a good bed & covered the rails with cans & spread our rubbers over for a roof as the clouds were heavy & distant thundering threatened rain.  No rain fell during the night, but the muskittoes, gnats, & jigers (the latter a very small insect that bites & makes a small red mark) prevented us from sleeping.  I must say I never was conquered before, but my rest was so broken that at day light I was fatigued rather than refreshed.  I had a sound nap from about day light till 5 1/2 O'clock.  We were relieved at 7 1/2 A.M. & soon after Peck & Snyder & I went to the river & had a good wash.  I carried a load of water to camp.  There were many of the boys out foraging, hunting hogs, calves, corn, tomatoes, &c.  All were disappointed in getting meat, but the two last were obtained.  I ate many good tomatoes that Clark found.  More than half the boys were ranging the fields & woods.  The former are covered with a high growth of weeds & the latter with short cane & vines.  The day is very tedious & rather irksome.  5th Kansas Cav are camped on our right 40 to 60 rods distant.

 

General Review of July

By last accounts from Europe, the efforts made to settle matters in dispute between Denmark & Germany by a conference of the chief powers at London proved a complete failure & hostilities were to recommence in the last of June or early this month.  There was a prospect of England & other powers becoming involved and no one can guess how widespread the flame of War may be, ere the present strife is settled.  Our sympathies are with Denmark & I heartily hope the War may end soon in their  favor, that is in favor of the rights of the people.
It is stated that Maximilian & his court arrived at the capital of Mexico, having Saint Anna along as 1st Marshal of the New Empire.
Military Operations in Virginia & Georgia progress slowly, but steadily toward the almost certain end.  Grant holds all he gains around Petersburg & seems to have tried most to destroy the enemy's lines of communication with S.E, S, & S.W.
Sherman has been operating against Kenesaw Mt. at last dates.  We heard lately by telegraph he had taken Atlanta.  News in regard to the destruction of rebel Privateer or Pirate Alabama on 19th ult seems reliable.   We hear of Fremont's withdrawal from the Pres. campaign.  The Copperhead or Northern Traitors Convention called on fourth inst at Chicago was postponed to 29 Aug.  Col J.A. Savage is dead.

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last modified: 17 April 2023