CIVIL WAR JOURNAL OF JAMES B. LOCKNEY
WIS. 28th REGMT., CO. G
April 1865
Copyright © 1986, 1997-2021 [James R. Shirey]. All rights reserved.
In the trenches in front of Spanish
Fort on Mobile Bay
April 1st Saturday 1865
Last night we wrote by candle light till past 9 o'clock. Hinkley & I carried some pieces all the [way] from Ft. Morgan, for we had no rations of candles furnished since we started on the march. We lay down expecting a full night's sleep, but we were waked about 2 1/2 this morning. We were given but little time to prepare for starting, so that some who had letters had not time to mail them. I had none ready for I wrote but 1/2 of one written last night. We started with rubbers, rations, canteen of water &c. for stopping all day. A spade was taken with us for every two men this was given to those in the front ranks, so one fell to me. It was a long handled shovel, unhandy to carry. We soon were on our way while the bullets flew whistling & hissing through the air for the fire from our skirmishers & the return from the rebels was quite brisk. We were soon in the deep & winding ditch which was dug for a passage to & from the rifle pits in front, this afforded great safety, but it was but about 1/3 or 1/2 the distance to the front. Then we reached a low ravine through which runs a small stream & in which lies the timber as fallen by the rebels some time ao. There was quite a scramble here some went under the logs where this could be done, but I & others went across on the logs went across on the logs, thus I was so fortunate as to pass over with dry feet which is so pleasant & important to me. Then we passed up a steep bank just in rear of our skirmish line, & entered a narrow ditch, which we were to make 6 feet wide & from 2 to 3 1/2 ft. deep. We worked actively & had all done by daylight. All the day we lay low for the bullets passed low over us both from font & rear. Some of our men in our rear annoyed us, so that some of our boys took their funs to shoot back. I slept several hours in the A.M. while shells burst & cannon shot blew over us. I forgot taking out any meat, so Moore gave me two pieces for dinner. He went t o camp before M. Many cooked coffee, roasted meat & c. We read newspapers of an old date, brought by last mail. Day was bright & warm. Co H. had two killed & one wounded yesterday. I am well.
Before the Rebel Works
April 2d Sunday 1865
Last evening we were relieved by a detail from our Brigade at about 8 o'clock. While we made a hasty retreat firing was not very active so we did not get down into the sap or ditch on our return to camp. The night was beautiful & clear, the moon gave a mild light & to the pleasures of the scene was added the twinkling of the bright stars. Many got supper, but Hinkley & I preferred a good sound sleep, so we ate none. Well we had a good sleep & it was sunrise ere we waked this morning. I slept with my clothes off, so great a luxury is this to me, but few venture to do this fearing a sudden ball in the night. The day was bright & pleasant, but how little like the Christian Sabbath day at home. Here it passed with the roar & storm of battle on all sides, the dull rumbling of shells thrown by mortars, bursting high above & around us, but so high as to be quite harmless. Again we hear our own well directed mortar shells as they burst in the rebel works, throwing earth &c . in all directions much to the delight of our boys who stand eager & deeply interested spectators of the wild havoc & sport of war. Many of the boys go far along our lines to the right or left to satisfy their curiosity in regard to the progress of our preparations, which go on day & night. One saw 100 men hauling a heavy siege gun to our right, & many such & mortars are going daily into place for the duties which such alone can perform. I have had no time to go about much & I think it a needless exposure & one that can be of no real advantage to us for such is within the sphere of an Engineer's duties, & should be attended to by such. I should very deeply regret the loss of a limb which might occur as the result of exposure to satisfy idle curiosity & to meet Death so I would think but little less than Suicide. W.H. Smith got a requisition for a bushel of Irish potatoes from Lieut. Gilbert & a bushel for me, but three of the boys who went to get them did not find the commissary of our 3d Div. & there seems little chance of any being here. They saw 200 rebels captured at Blakely & some say 320 were captured. Those were the best dressed & cleaned rebels our boys ever saw. They felt merry & sociable. We heard heavy firing on our right & rebs said Steele attacked Blakely today.
In front of Spanish Fort
April 3d, Monday, 1865
Yesterday Co. E. was out from our Regt. as skirmishers. Corp. Bloodgood was shot in the leg below the knee. This was caused by an act of carelessness on his part for he exposed himself & so was soon hit. This was the only casualty in the Co. during the day. Co. D. went out last night at 8 O'clock to relieve E. During the night fires were made in our camp & soon 3 or 4 shots or shells were thrown by the rebel, one of which hit & stopped in the breastworks in our front, while the others fell not far from our camp. I slept so soundly that I heard nothing of the tumult. There was a detail for fatigue from each Co. in our Regt. 7 or 8 from our Co. they came in about 4 this morning. Hinkley was one. I did not wake till Cook came with coffee. They stop back about a mile where all is silent & quiet. W.H. Smith & I went back with them each taking a tent in which to carry our potatoes if we could get any. At their camp we saw Surgeon Smith who has been surg. for our division since we started from Mobil Point, he being the senior one in our Div. We found Div. Commissary but they had no potatoes so instead we bought each a $1.00 worth of canned peaches at 50 cts. A can or less than 1/2 Sutlers prices, I got one of peaches & one of tomatoes. We also got 8 lbs, good dry apples for $1.00. H. and I take 1/2 & McKee the other 1/2. Now all this to me comes from the money that Matt sent from home, & which I would send back as I said I would were it not for the great & pressing necessity for something to eat that will have some healthy effects to counteract the unholesomeness of such food as is constantly furnished us on the march-- viz, hard bread, bacon, & salt pork & beef. I sometimes think of the doubly sever effects of wounds to which we are exposed always with our systems deranged & in bad state. About 6 P.M. a shell burst near our camp & a part of it or a ball in it struck Thos. Edwards about the kidneys. He may be severely hurt. We got one ration of a new kind of biscuit. J. Heckers I wrote a part of a letter to Maria. Our Co. goes out on skirmish line at 7 P.M. Day was bright.
In the extreme front works
April 4th, Tuesday, 1865
For some time past we heard rumors that rations of tobacco were to be furnished our soldiers in somewhat the same way as clothing. This was glad news to many who for weeks or months past had but a very small supply if any. Last evening what is called Navy plugs were distributed among the men, the share for each is too small for many, but as many in each Co. do not use it. Such dispose of their shares to the others who thus secure enough. Moon takes H's. share & mine. --- We started for the skirmish line about 7 P.M. & had no difficulty till we reached the line of works in which we worked a few days ago, but here began our danger. Firing was brisk & none of us knew the ground beyond, nor the distance yet to go. We made our way for a short distance making our way creeping along while the balls whistled over us, very sharp & numerous. Capt. & Lieut. kept back with the rest of the men, while Sergt. McKee, Edw. B. Smith, L. King & myself in this order made our way into the rifle pits. McKee & I got into the extreme right, but were after sent to the extreme left. I was in the extreme left pit with Jacobi & Stutsman. The rebels kept up quite an active fire through the night & we returned it with energy, though perhaps with little effect or accuracy. The night wore away so fast that daylight came sooner than I expected. To me it was a welcome sight. I thought sometimes that I saw rebels in our front as if they were digging a pit nearer to us. At those I fired several shots but with what effect I know not. It was very difficult to get sight of any of the rebels during the day & most we could see was the smoke from their guns. We often fired back in answer. Some of us slept during the day while others watched. We found the duty very fatiguing & severe. During the whole day the clouds threatened rain, but luckily none fell. At 5 P.M. a terrific cannonade was begun & was continued till 7 P.M. Shot flew over us & shells burst on all sides of us. Wicks of Co. I was instantly killed by premature explosion of a shell from 21st N.Y. Bat. I am very well.
Camp on South side of Spanish Ft.
April 5th Wednesday 1865
It was midnight were we were relieved on skirmish line & two O'clock when most of the boys got asleep or so as to lie down. The first thing we did was to vote for Co. Judge & S. Randals the present incumbent was the Union Candidate & for him all our Co. from our Co. voted. Jason Downer was the candidate on the same ticket for Associate Justice of Supreme State Court. Many of the[m] moved into the strong bomb proofs that many in other Co's. had built. Those were left vacant by the removal of the Regt. toward & near the extreme left. Most of the boys had such made which were proof against rifle shots & fragments of shells. Blum, Hinkley & I made one that was not so strong, but more healthy than others. We started about 8 A.M. & joined the Regt. We went into our new camp about noon. Here most set their tents though some built proofs of logs & earth. Day was sunny & warm. I went to the shore of the bay where for the first time ever I saw Ft. Spanish. It looks to be nothing more nor less than a large earthwork in a commanding position. I had a good view of the front of the city of Mobile. For the first time I saw our monitors about two miles south from the fort. I spoke to some members of 20th Wis. & 11th Mo. We hear much about torpedoes which are said to be set just under the surface so as to be out of view. I feel my arms quite sore & heavy & pains in most of my joints. This is caused I think by my taking cold the night out & the cold I felt them. Blum is with us in the tent. I felt very little like doing anything.
Camp near Spanish Fort, Al
April 6th Thursday 1865
I was one of 13 detailed from our Co. for fatigue duty. We reported soon after dark & traveled some two miles, so as to report at two or three Headquarters. All this was to get to our place of work some 1/2 mile from our camp. Our work was to dig a deep passage in rear of a strong work for six guns. When we reached the place of work some shells were thrown by a small mortar so as to fall among the men ere we had stacked arms. Such a scattering was seldom seen among a flock of sheep as was them presented. Only three were thrown & none of those burst. I worked till midnight & slept till morning. During the night nearly all our Co. was on duty. I was on fatigue today.
In Camp
April 7th Friday 1865
Those of our Regt. who were left on detail at Little Rock with the exception of Lieut. Schroumb or Scrum. Adj Kendirck, Maj. White came to our Regt. yesterday. This is the first time since we left the state that the Capt. of each Co. in our Regt. was present for duty with his Co. Cowing has been commissioned Capt. of Co. K. Surely great changes have taken place in all the Co's. for many have their 2d & some their 3d Capts. I mailed a letter to Matt today. Higley has been appointed mail carrier in place of Weaver of Co. B. A shower of rain fell about 4 P.M. As a specimen of the talk some have in camp I give this: One of the engineers says the troops of '62 may be mustered out ere we take the works in our front. To say the least this looks very improbable; for considering the vast amount of cannons, mortars, &c. that are gathered about, it would seem that no works could long stand such force. I wrote some today & I find my gun very rusty. I am well.
On Skirmish Line.
April 8th Saturday, 1865
Last evening we fell in & joined Co. D. for duty for 24 hours on the skirmish line in the extreme front. We started from camp at 8 P.M. & after waiting to load our guns we followed others on similar duty to our place. We had very good protection all the way in for deep passages lead in many ways, so that one had a difficulty to find his way. Such is the intricacy of the winding ways. All of us slept more or less during the night & at daylight I felt refreshed with what sleep I had. During the day we dug some to widen the ditch. Most thought we were from 60 to 80 rods from the Fort. There was much firing of solid shot from a 20 lb. battery directly in our rear & from two mortars were many six or 7 inch shells cast; & in P.M. about 4 O'clock the cannonade was very furious. Some fired over 100 round. I less.
April 9th Sunday 1865
Marching to Blakely
We were not relieved as promptly last night as we expected for it was 9 1/2 or 10 O'clock when we got to camp. After that we cooked supper which made it near 11 when we lay down. I slept soundly till near daylight when I waked & was asked by Hinkley if I knew that Spanish Fort was ours. This surprised me not a little, & he went on to say the rebels evacuated the works during the night & they were occupied by our men. But few prisoners were found anywhere at first, but afterward a considerable no. was found secreted in many places. Yesterday P.M. furious charge was made on the extreme right by the 16 Corps.--Smith's in which a considerable no. of rebels were captured. This lasted till after dark when [it] was still again except the usual fire along the line. This morning was rainy. I & H. went over Spanish Fort & saw the rifle pits in which we were. We marched to join Steele at Blakely starting about noon. P.M. was dry & warm. We heard of Lee evacuating Richmond works at Blakely were carried by assault P.M.
In camp, rear of Blakely, Al
April 10th Monday 1865
Yesterday we did not march far till we stopped & drew three day's rations. There was a part of a barrel of preserved cabbage for each Regt. in addition to the usual articles drawn. I liked this for I think it wholesome, though so filled with spice & something that makes it very hot as not to be very pleasant to taste. Along the way, some 12 miles was like one continuous camp & lines of breastwork were often met. Those were all made by our men so far as we could judge. We passed near a space of about an acre or perhaps less, enclosed with a fence of pine poles in which are buried those of our comrades who fell in the fight. How quiet & peaceful may be their sleep in the forest in which will soon be heard only the songs of the birds & the gentle breeze as it sways the tall pines. That will be a low solemn wail for the noble faithful & devoted brave ones who so willingly died that Freedom might live. For a few days the echoes of the cannon's roar will be heard, but soon this will pass away & sweet Peace bear full sway. I got a letter from Matt Last night of 14th ult. It was but a deep joy with some cause for deep foreboding of sorrow that may come any day. All were well except Father, but he was weak & failing, dizziness in the head & loss of appetite with attacks of occasional vomiting were the symptoms of his sickness. Such in his advanced age now past 80 may prostiate him any moment & even ere I should be able to see him alive again. This is no cheering prospect for me but His Will be done on Earth as in Heaven. All else were well. On night of 13 & 14 there was a heavy snow storm of 8 to 10 inches & on 14th rain fell quite heavy. We hear many reports of victory in the east. One is that Lee in his retreat lost 10,000 prisoners besides killed & wounded. Some say he fell back to Danville. I saw some rebels captured here they looked well. Many of them were made to work digging out torpedoes.
Camp near Blakely, Al.
April 11th Tuesday 1865
Last night rations were drawn for three days. I wrote some in the evening by candle. I got many days behind hand with my diary, but I am now up with time & I hope will be able to keep so. I had a grand good sleep last night for I did not wake till near daylight when a detail went from our Regt. on some fatigue duty. I slept well this morning, so well that I did not wake till the boys were getting coffee. I ate a very hearty mess of soaked & boiled crackers so that I thought it too much afterward. A detail for fatigue left camp about 3 O'clock this A.M. Many wash clothes, this time it being the first chance we have had in some time, but I was too apprehensive of a sudden start for one of my shirts & my pantaloons, my only ones are quite dirty. Surely such life as we have is not favorable for cleanliness, so often in muddy or wet rifle pits doing our own cooking & some much grease in doing this & with many the habit is to sleep every night in their own clothes. This seems to one a very uncomfortable & filthy way & I only do so when on picket & such other times as it cannot be avoided. This A.M. I worked nearly two hours cleaning my gun, & I felt tired as soon as I got it in shooting order. The day was hot & sunny. I had my shirt sleeves rolled up & my arms got to look quite red from sun burn. Many of the boys have been to see the works in our front & some say it is a more difficult place to take than Spanish Fort. Yesterday our Capt. & others were not allowed to pass through the guard line. This was very proper as many have been hurt or killed by the explosion of torpedoes that are place in front of the works in great numbers. About 3 P.M.an order was sent round in our Regt. to prepare arms for inspection. At first I did not like this but in an hour I had it in good shape & then I was glad it was ordered. I wrote some today. Meat was divided early so about 1/2 of our Co. got all of it. I feel very well.
In occupation of Mobile City.
April 12th 1865. Wednesday
Last evening just before dark the order came to strike tents & fall in. This was quite unexpected, though some parts of our Div. had gone toward Ft. Spanish early in P.M. I expected a good sweet sleep, but now who could tell when or where we might first find repose! Soon after starting, we had a long halt while the 2d Brig. & a part of our Brig. Passed along. We took a shorter route to the landing below Spanish Fort than that by which we went to Blakely. We passed over a long section of Corduroy Bridge through a swamp where our fatigue party had been at work during the day. There was moonlight all night & a gentle breeze blew that was very refreshing. We knew not whither we were bound but most conjectured we would take boats at the landing, cross to the West side of the Bay & advance on the City. An old Negro man who cooked or baked for Gen. Canby told us the city was surrendered during the day & we were going to occupy it. Oh, glad good news if true!!! We marched on very fast till midnight when we had got far out of our way & we halted after nearly 1/2 had sat down to rest & fallen far in the rear. I felt provoked & could have cursed some who had commissions could that do any good!! Soon we started back being from one to three miles out of our way & having to go some 4 or 5 miles ere we got to the landing. This was a severe march for it was nearly all on very quick time & rests were few & far between. We reached the landing about 3 this A.M. & three saw a large no. of boats. This afforded a grand sight each with several lights exposed to view. We slowly wended our way aboard Tin Clad No. 46. All the boats were very heavily laden, the decks literally packed. Soon we started & I could not but admire the beautiful residences that line the E. Side of the bay. I could realize how true were all the descriptions of scenery &c in the story of Ser. Ser. [?]. A thick fog covered the waters till near noon. Before going aboard we had a sleep of about an hour. We landed about noon & slowly made our way to within 1 1/2 or two miles of City where we camped. Other troops passed on & occupied the City. We found a beautiful road of oyster shells on West side. This is the fifth anniversary of the Fall of Ft. Sumpter. Our Union never was stronger!!!
On the march through Mobile
April 13th 1865
This is the first day of the Fifth year of the War...Very few that I saw but wondered at the strength & completeness of the many heavy batteries that we saw as we approached the city. I think I never saw at any other place so extensive & strong works. Those would be stronger if the soil were less sandy but at it was nothing was left undone that skill could devise & labor execute. About Mobile there are no high hills, all is nearly a dead level with fall enough to keep the surface dry. Who will describe the grand majestic live oaks with their wide spreading limbs, the rich looking large Magnolias that are a fit type of this yet to be rich & happy part of our glorious land. I saw peas as high as myself & in blossom while flowers in countless numbers & vast variety abound on every hand. Oh with Freedom what part of U.S. will be so fit a type of the Garden which Adam was given to keep? I went part way around the works, which I heard extended 14 miles about the City. In all of those large guns were mounted, but all of those were spiked as was also a 10 inch mortar that I saw. The front of all the works was sodded, & the grass was starting so that this would grow into a tough surface or face. The cowardly foe did much to render useless, at least for the present, all the guns & many of the gun carriages. Many of the citizens left the city yesterday & day before with all their valuables. All the transports were used on the rivers for this purpose, much of the stock of the Mobil & Ohio R.R. & many went in wagons &c. We broke camp at 11 A.M. & marched through the City & took the track of the M. & O. R.R. which we followed a distance of some five miles when we reached Whistler a small station where there are machine shops & a few residences. But a short distance in our front was a party of rebels, who were sent back to burn the shops. Skirmishers were sent out & for a few minutes the firing was quite sharp. A few rebs were taken to the rear & soon all was quiet. We were all formed in line of battle & ready to charge the enemy if they were in force or had not retreated. Day was pleasant. I am well
Camp at Whistler, Ala.
April 14th, Friday 1865
Last evening six, of whom I was one, were detailed from our Co. for picket & from our Regt. perhaps 45 or 50. It was dark before we got on post. Lewis & I slept together. I was on post from 1 to 3 A.M. We lay down & slept till about 6 O'clock. Soon after I went to a house nearby & got some 3 qts. of milk & a piece of a loaf of wheat bread, for all of this I gave her all the change I had, 50 cts. The milk was just a little tart, such as I would like best to drink if I were at home. The people we see here look healthy, much better & more enlightened than those we saw in any other part of the South & are vastly superior & more cultivated than those we found in Ark. During the days we have been here I have seen several persons bright-eyed clear in complexion & of an elevated, refined expression of countenance as many I ever saw in the north. In conversation their expression is much like the cultivated & refined of the Free States. As we passed through Mobile yesterday the corners were crowded with spectators, a good sprinkling of whom were white men, chiefly in which a foreign - often Irish - expression & look predomined. Many of those perhaps were freed from active military service by securing the protection of the agents of Great Brittain. The greater part of the crowds & those most jubilant were the negroes whose faces beamed with joy. Some of the fine ladies took their views of us from the upper windows, while many less pretentious women & perhaps more friendly to us & our cause mingled with the crowds on the sidewalks & smiled & seemed pleased as we passed. We saw few fine or costly buildings for business or residence, though I would judge that we passed through the finest parts of the City. The whole of the city was under guard early in the P.M. of 12th. We saw cotton in warehouses as we passed. We find the people here very civil & willing to give us of their scanty store often refusing to take any pence[?]. Many will take all they can get & yet will steal. Day was cloudy. I am very well. I wrote some today.
Camp at Whistler Station, Ala.
April 15th Saturday, 1865
As we came here with only one or two day's rations & our teams had not yet come up many teams & vehicles of various kinds were forced into our service so that by daylight yesterday there was a good store of supplies for distribution. thus were we able to secure one days rations which were drawn yesterday P.M. Many cattle were gathered during the first afternoon that we were out here & yesterday we got some fresh beef. This I cooked today & in the soup I boiled soaked crackers, so that Hinkley & I had a good hearty dinner. There is much complaint about coffee that we have made for us, but in all this I feel very little personal interest. I would much prefer to draw my coffee dry so that I could exchange it for milk, eggs, butter, &c. == We were relieved off picket at dark. A heavy detail was made late yesterday P.M. for forage & picket credit was given those on it, though they reached camp about 7 P.M. the party was in command of Capt. Stevens. they got but few good animals. orders are to take no cows giving milk though such are sometimes taken. Some of the people feel the loss of their cows quite severly, they having little else to depend on for supplies or sustenance. Oh! How much have people here been compelled to do that was against their will & how much they suffered against which complaints were of no avail! I heard today that Capt. Reddington Co. D. had secured the appointment of Supt. of the R.R. & Co. D. will guard the depot at this place. It is strange what a turn some men have for wire-pulling & place-seeking. Lt. Col. Gray has been absent from the Regt. since the morning of the 13th. We came here under Com. of Capt. J.A. Williams, & I believe he is yet in Com. I hope Gray is put in chase for anything that can be to his dishonor. == I wrote a part of a letter today for those at home. We had an engine & cars running to Mobile before daylight yesterday!! Many of the workmen remain & are anxious to go on with their work--now for the Union!!! A fatigue party was at work on the line of breastworks along our front. Day was sultry & air close till 4 P.M. when a shower fell. I am very well.
Camp on Mobile & Ohio R.R.
April 16th Sunday, 1865
Yesterday P.M. I saw the 4th Tennessee Cav. Regt. pass out by our camp. There were about 550 men in the 12 companies, & they all were able & tough looking, as if rised to war work, & able to perform much of it. Their horses were in good servicable order, not too poor to be strong, nor yet so fleshy as to be unfit for far & fast travel. The inquiry of many of them as they passed was if there were any Johnnies or rebels about? This was said in a way that evinced their winllingness or anxiety to meet our foes. I think this was the first Tenn. Regt. I ever saw. == There was a heavy shower last evening. it ceased just before we started on picket. Our camp is so low & level that the water stands on the surface. Had it not been for the boards the boys have to sleep on, we could not stop in this place. Last night the 27th Wis. came into camp on our left. Today they were very busy making foundations for their tents using boards that are near at hand for that purpose. Last night was damp, but the sky was clear & starry from 7 P.M. to 6 this A.M. I slept 7 hours. The morning & all the day were beautiful & grand. I mailed a letter home this A.M. we drew no rations yesterday, nor till late this P.M. though due yesterday P.M. We had no hard tack for breakfast, so I went to some in Co. A 27th Wis. & borrowed enough for Hinkley & me. As this was Easter day we cooked four eggs that I got two or three days ago. I fried them & they were so nice & fresh that they tasted just like some Mother may have cooked, & Matt eaten for breakfast & dinner. Cameron & I went out about a mile beyond the Picket line. We got some milk & each of us got a dozen of eggs; for the latter we paid 20 cts. A doz. We ate some bread & milk the first I had in some time. Tho people were Irish, from Western part & the old lady was glad to see one of my name it sounded so familiar, she said. For two canteens of milk I gave her 20 cts. I ate a fine large potatoe that Capt. gave me this evening. We had three eggs fried for supper. == A small mail came yesterday. I got none. I am well.
Last evening when I reached camp the word was that Lee--the Arch Rebel leader had surrendered his whole army & himself with it, that the officers were allowed to retain their side arms, horses, & other private articles. Also that the whole of this force was paroled. Officers on honor!!! & subordinates in the usual manner. These were the terms allowed or offered by Grant & accepted by our foes. The statement of the N.O Pater-Times of 14th is that Grant offered these terms at the moment when our forces were on all sides of the beaten foe as he stood at bay, desperate, defiant disdaining to sue for terms, but ready for battle to the end! It is said our Pres. has called a special of session of Congress to convene on or about July 4th. All this to me is the most humiliating transaction of the War on our part. The probability is that ere another April day Sec. Davis Beauregard, the haughty & insolent Toombs &c. will be advanced to the position of Citizens of U.S. on terms of perfect equality with our truest & most devoted ones who have fought & bled in Freedom's cause, whose blood has dyed a hundred balttlefields. Oh can this be? Can our loved comrades who fill so many, many, southern graves lie stll while those ten thousand southern leaders, the most desperate & devilish in design, of any like band that ever led a de*erded people in a desperate & bloody effort to establish a despotism in which all who were poor of whatever color were to be subject to the proud, wealthy & aristocratic. I have long said that I would prefer to fight out the whole matter in a dispute rather than that Davis, Breckenridge &c. should be admitted to the rights of citizenship within these U.S. The report of the late extension of Paroles of Honor to those of our foes most guilty threatens if the reports we hear be true to make this 17 day of April 1865 the darkest day of the long term during which we have nobly defended the cause of Liberty, avenged all insults to our Flag & made the result not doubtful. If all prove to be true U.S. Congress may yet restore Forrest to Citizenship & give him a gold medal bearing the mottoe Ft. Pillow! May God who has sustained us so long save us now from Disgrace.
Camp on M. & Ohio R.R.
April 18th Tuesday, 1865
Yesterday some of our officers were busy a long time laying out a new camp ground a short distance in front of our first ground. At last the order to move was given while some were cooking supper, others were eating, & still another part had but just begun to cook their evening meal. This caused much confusion, all of which might have been avoided had notice been given to the men an hour or two before the time to move. But this would not be military & I suppose if one tried to reason with Lt. Col. E.B. Gray on this subject his answer would be that a 'good soldier should be ready to move always at a moment's notice!!!!' The ground is better, being much dryer & rolling. My tentmates fixed our tent very conveniently & comfortably. I cooked some potatoes & soaked crackels & pork & ate a very hearty meal for supper. I expected trouble from this cause, but luckily experienced very little if any. Capt. bought a barrel of Irish potatoes at commissary for the Co., price $3.60. Each man had a share. those are highly valued by the boys, for nothing we get is more prized than what Paddy[?] likes so well. We had a fine sleep last night. Sky was starry & air was calm & close. Today was bright & pleasant. I had a fine full wash in a stream near camp before breakfast. Some of the boys took their clothes to a house near by & as means with which to wash are scarce. they left them with the woman who was very willing to wash for the soldiers. Today they took some pork &c. which she gladly received as pay. Everything for food is high & scarce among the people about here. It surprises me how officers will eat day after day with some of those poor people & give only memories of their Rank & empty thanks for pay. Hinkley & I ate eggs Sunday, it being Easter. Early in P.M. I & 4 others from our Co. & some 50 from our Regt. were detailed for fatigue. We were joined by details from all the Brig. We work on a road & a bridge.
On the March between R.R. & Mobile
April 19th Wednesday, 1865
Yesterday P.M. I went from the place where we worked to camp. There I ate supper & took some things out to the boys, parts of their rations that were drawn after we left camp. I heard a rumor that a flag of truce came to our lines, said to be from the Rebel Gen. Dick Taylor. Some said the object was to make an offer to surrender his command on the same terms as Gen. Lee. Others said it was for an exchange of prisoners. ==The orders to march yesterday noon were delayed till 6 O'clock this A.M. when the column came up & found the bridge all ready to cross. As is usual in such cases some of the timbers used were those of an out building that stood near by with those some logs & poles from the woods were worked in. The stream is about 4 rods in width & I think small steamers run up from Mobile river or Bay. Our course during the day was some to N.E. but chiefly & often directly Eastward, so that though at first we thought we were to advance along the R.R. line, the conviction changed that we were bound for some point on the Tombigby[?] or Alabama River. The country through which we passed some 10 or 12 miles during the day is covered with a scanter growth of Pine than that on the East side of the Bay. The soil is very sandy, but sweet Potatoes are said to yield well & corn -- if a little manure be applied. This is the only place yet in Dixie where I heard any use or even mention made of manure. Figs grow well & yield abundantly & the wonder is so few are seen or rather so few trees are growing here. The surface is quite undulating & if cultivated would wash & become gullied. Houses & people are few & far between & some of the latter deserted the former from dread of the wrath delayed from years & of which they had very exaggerated notions as compared with the conduct of our troops. Those that remain are & were poor, in fact none in this section were wealthy. Day was bright & hot. A pleasant breeze blew.
On the March to Tombigby River.
April 20th Thursday, 1865
As is usual on a march, the boys threw away many wool blankets, others Great coats & many articles were cast away or destroyed for the boys have a great care to leave nothing in a servicable condition lest it benefit our foes-- but I think it is more from a motive to do mischief. This was chiefly the case yesterday & even today. many things were cast by the wayside. Some that had thrown away things of their own took up others of better quality or more value, thus some left their blankets & picked up an overcoat. Along the way I asked some of the people to give me eggs in exchange for some ground coffee that I had. This they gladly would have done, but in some instances they had given all such to the cavalry who were in the advance of our column, in some cases getting some price in return, but again the words that were often too true were 'They took everthing that I had'. One man said to me they left me nothing for my children of whom there were several about. Yesterday we camped about 3 O'clock P.M. but long ere this many had given up & the wayside was lined with the weak & faint for miles back. I was tired & weak just able to keep up, but before the picket line was established I started out with my gun & equipments, determined if possible to find a house where I could get some milk, eggs or corn bread. The Cav. were in the advance, but how far I did not know & ere I went for I had my mind fully made up as to the chances of meeting a party of the enemy who might be prowling around. If there no more than three I felt that I would not know how to surrender. I followed the main road at least 2 1/2 miles when I came to a house where two boys-say 12 & 17 years lived alone with a likely colored woman & a black man, probably her husband & several colored children. The parents of the two boys were dead some years & a brother & sister were now in Miss. Attending school. I was not in the house better than most met here, but saw a picture of the Crucifixion like that Mother had years ago at home, so I judged they were Catholics. The oldest said they-he-were sorry when they heard of the fall of Mobile. I got back safely to camp & got but a small corn cake for which I gave them a 5ct bill. Day was cloudy & we often marched far without a rest....
On the March.
April 21st Friday, 1865
Yesterday P.M. I got the full of my little pail & some in my haversack of sweet potatoes. We passed by a house where I saw only some colored people so white as quodroons[?] I think- & I went & asked a man on the porch or stoop to give me some eggs for coffee, but he had none. I asked him if he had sweet potatoes? He pointed to a pit not far distant, where a crowd of soldiers were picking the roots & filling sacks, handkerchiefs, &c. with them. I gave them some coffee which they were very glad to get. Others in passing picked up chickens, &c. and shameful to every right minded person are often done. One of those I saw today. At a house near the gate of Mt. Vernon Arsenal is a house where I asked them for eggs instead of my coffee; this they were glad to get. I went into the house & was followed by 6 or 8 others. The woman got a bucket in which were her eggs. She suddenly left the room & no sooner was she gone than one sneakish ill favored person took the basket & started off with the eggs. I said to him that I wanted those & to pay for them. He went off some 10 rods when being called to several times he returned basket & eggs so for my coffee I got 13 eggs of which H- & I ate six this P.M. Yesterday P.M. we halked from about 4 O'clock till after dark during this time we cooked some fresh beef that was distributed to the several Co's. & H- & I boiled some of our potatoes which we ate with avidity. Cattle were picked up whenever found & some of those wholly unfit for use. After dark we started & marched about a mile when we reached camp in the woods. We lay down & slept till about 2 this A.M. when rain began to fall. We spread rubbers over us thinking we could sleep while it rained but we soon gave this up. Then began this one of our rainiest, dreariest days. We cooked breakfast & started in the rain & the rain contined nearly all day. Lightning flashes & sharp claps of thunder were frequent. All the water courses were flooded & we waded them, often knee deep. Seldom I saw so continuously rainy a day. About noon we passed through Mt. Vernon Arsenal, an old U.S. work & seldom if ever did I see so beautiful grounds, so grandly shaded with thrifty live oaks. The buildings are in good order & large & tasty. We heard our Cav. captured the garrison a few days ago. For the first time I saw the Tombigby River today.
Camp 3d Div. 13th A.C. Near Junction of
Tombigbee & Ala. Riv's..
April 22d Saturday, 1865
Yesterday we waited till tired ere our officers decided on a camp ground, all which time we had to stand in the rain & carry knapsacks &c. As soon as our guns were stacked there was a general rush for a fence some 30 ro 40 rods distant for the ground was so low & wet that rails must be had for a bed. Soon a dozen were laid together for a bottom & those covered with oak green leaves made a glorious bed. Soon fires were built & every one was drying his clothes &c. for few articles could be kept dry in so drenching a rain as that through which we had passed. Soon something was cooked & eaten with great relish for no time was given since daylight for meals, nor could it be made available if granted. The hard tack I had was all in my haversack & that was mostly soaked by the rain. H- & I fried six eggs & the last of our sweet potatoes, these with some hard tack I got from Sayhee[?] made us a meal. Some of the 20 extra cartridges I have carried since leaving spanish fort got wet, so I resolved to carry such no more on a march, but as others do to dispose of them as waste. We had a good sound sleep last night, though contrary to all our expectations a shower of rain fell, but it hindered us but little. This A.M. A. McNeill & I went to the river bank & saw a Cavalry man having large bunches of rich ripe strawberries which he got in a garden near our camp. Rations of bread, coffee, sugar & shouldas were distributed this A.M. first three for two days & the latter for today only, fresh beef being promised for tomorrow. There was much disatisfaction about the first & the latter did not hold out so those last--of whom H- & I were had a very small share of culls. This is apt to be made up sometime. At noon the detail for picket was made. I had just begun to cook dinner, but had to give it up. I waited long for the detail to fall in, but when all were ready Capt. Murray had to wait for dinner. This was provoking, for I had not eaten anything, so I went back & ate a part of it, but had not time to finish it till after I went on post on the picket line. We ate the last of our eggs for dinner. & in the evening I felt a slight headache & a chilly feeling. Day was sunny.
Ninnahubbah Bluffs,
Mobile Co, Alabama
April 23rd Sunday 1865
How pleasant a day has this been, sky so clear. Sunlight so bright & cool breezes so gentle & refreshing. But alas!! What saddening news comes to us of fiendish & premeditated assassination at our National Capitol but ten short days ago this very evening!!! This A.M. came the news that on the night of 13th inst. President Lincoln was shot dead in Ford's Theatre in Washington City, by Booth, the son of the famous tragedien of that name. Also that Wm. H. Seward, Sec. of State during the past four years was in a critical condition from having his throat cut in his own house by some member of the Hellish League that we have been fighting during the last four years. This P.M. official intelligence was received from Gen. Camby of Sewards death!! Ordering flags at 1/2 mast 1/2 the guns of each Regt. fired the day after the receipt of this order. There may be others of our truest & most tried ones in Council who have fallen under the assassins knife or deadly shot. Surely this is the greatest calamity that could befall our nation at this time, when the successes of our Armies had destroyed all hopes of the success of treason & slavery, & I think we could better have spared Grant or Sherman or any other of our War chiefs than even Seward & almost any dozen of our ablest men in civil or public life--not in the army-- than our Pres. So tried & true. How glorious will shine the sublimely honest character so cool, so devoted in the history of this our glorious & successful struggle for Union & Liberty. His name will be next to that of Washington, if second to any!! I acted as Corp. on picket last night & slept well. I ate no supper last night, nor breakfast till N. when I traded some coffee for a corn cake & less than a canteen of butter milk. Mail went this P.M. I sent one letter. I am well.
Nannahubbah Bluffs, Mobile Co.
April 24th Saturday, 1865
Last evening an order was made to draw three days rations & to be ready for an early start this morning. I lay down early & H- would draw his rations & mine, but luckily the supplies were not run till many had eaten a part of their breakfast. A supply was drawn for three days. This P.M. a small ration of fresh beef was drawn in lieu of what we should have drawn yesterday. That for our Co. was boiled, so we had beef soup & bean & pea soup for supper & others used coffee in addition. Since we were at Spanish Fort, W.H. Smith has been cook with Vosburgh because of the loss of sight at night, so that he was totally blind in the night & so was unfit for Co. duty. Lately his sight improves. Last night was very cool & I was very glad I had not thrown away my wool blanket. Today was bright & pleasant, & quite cool. An order to prepare arms for inspection was sent around this P.M. My gun has again got to be rather rusty but it will go off every time. Among the boys there is talk of a change in our brig. to include the 33rd Iowa, 50th Ind. & our Regt. In that case Col. MacKey of 33d would be in Com. & many would prefer him to Col. Cretz of 27th Wis. who has commanded since we left Nany[?] Cove. Last evening Gilbert & I took a walk up the bank of the river & we filled our canteens with the river water & drank of it for the first time. Some of the boys of the 27 Wis. dug out many things that some of the people here buried. Clothing, jugs of salt, money, &c. In Ark. many of the boys got into great trouble in consequence of having -often by aid of negroes- found where planters rebels had hidden their money & going secretly & digging it up. Officers take charge of such prizes, if they hear of it.
Steaming up Tombigbee River
April 25th Tuesday, 1865
Like others last night was too cold for comfort with our very limited supply of blankets. We have roll call quite regularly. Last evening I asked permission of Capt. to lie down before roll call & this he readily granted. This morning early Capt. gave four or five a requisition for 20 lbs. of desecated potatoes & Moore & I went for them. The price was 12cts. a lb. though we had expected to pay 15 cts. Hinkley cooked some for dinner, mixing them with soaked crackers & they made a good meal. I long for the time when our food will not consist almost wholly of crackers & grease -bacon- & pork as it has for the last three months, during which time we have been almost constantly on the move. We -I often wish now that we might be stationed in some good place where we could have flour, or better yet, soft bread, & where we could get things from the commissary. I often think how little we knew of the value of desecated potatoes, split peas, & white bread during the first year of our service. Then we did not know how to cook those articles, so that what we used of them were more injurious than beneficial. This A.M. orders were sent about at 10 O'clock to prepare for inspection at noon in heavy marching order, but at N. the order was to get ready to move onto the boat at a moment's notice. I had got my gun in order & so was all ready. We went aboard at about 2 P.M. on a U.S. Q.M. boat, in shape not much unlike the Belvadiere. I heard she was formerly a Gulf tug boat & she certainly had the largest engine I ever saw on a boat. On the deck were six boilers of immence size, & on each side was an engine of corresponding size. The smell on the boat was very disagreeable, so much so as to make me feel almost sick. The river is so high that in many places the country is submerged on both sides & everywhere on one side. We passed two or three flat boats loaded with fugitives from bondage mostly women & children. But with only enough men to manage the rude craft. A gun boat & the Jennie Rogers, a transport, preceeded us carrying the rest of our Brig. On our way up we passed very near a two-turreted Monitor. About 4 1/2 P.M. we landed on McIntoshe's Bluff on west side of river. I was glad to hear today that Sec. Seward is recovering!
McIntoshes Bluff
April 26th Wednesday, 1865
I often feel irritated by the ways of others & by the many inconveniences to which one is subjected by the way of life to which we are for a time compelled to bear. Aside from this I think I do little in my everyday conduct that is not nearly proper. Oh! what would I not give had all the days of the past 20 long years been sinless as those of my days of soldier duty!!! For thanks to Heaven my ways here are not such I hope as ever to disgrace those that Love me at Home, nor to bring a blush of shame & regret to the cheek of those whose love I value, & whose respect I would command. Thank God that I have not taken the name of God once in vain since I left home & I hope this will be the case till my last day. Vulgar & obscene words please me not & often am I saddened by hearing the abuse of the noble gift of speech with which Man alone is blessed & the deep degredation of the immortal mind or soul by practices of which the brutes[?] might well be ashamed. Still are not all my ways right nor all my actions pure. Last evening we filed into the woods a short distance from the landing & on rolling dry ground we camped for the night. The stars were bright, so we put up no tent, though others did. The night was not so cool as usual, so I slept comfortably with my day clothes off. We had some potatoes for breakfast which with crackers make a good mess. Yesterday evening I tried to buy a 1/4 dollar's worth of bread on some of the boats, but they would not sell me any. At last I found the 2d steward of one boat--a colored man & he would not sell me any, but gave me some scraps of bread & biscuit that were left after dinner. Those I was very glad to take & I would even have paid him for what he gave me. I find the negroes in every case more civil & accommodating than whites. The cook on the othere boat -Rogers- was a white man & though he could not sell any to me, he expressed his good will so kindly that the bread was little loss. He said we ought to have it for we were worthy of it. We moved camp about 1/2 mile at noon. I had fever for 3 hours P.M. Day is bright in A.M. but hazy in P.M.
McIntoshes Bluff
April 27th Thursday, 1865
Day was bright & sunny
Yesterday P.M the boat that took us up the river was up with another load of troops.
Some came through by land, the Pioneer Corps. in which is Heaton of our Co. & the wagons came with them.
Last evening I got a N.O. Times of 23d inst.
It contained extracts from Northern Paper to the 17th. The belief was prevalent that Gen. Johnson had surrendered his army to Sherman on terms similar to those accorded to Lee's Army.
At least his army was surrounded by Sherman's & Grant's armies, so that his escape was
hopeless. It was said Jeff. Davis was at Macon, Georgia with some $60,000 in gold deposited in a bank.
Gold in N.Y. keeps the range of 1.45 to $1.50
The long threatened inspection so often ordered, took place at 3 O'clock this P.M. It was not very tedious, & my gun passed through the inspectors hands without any comments.
Some remarks were made in reference to the arms of a few in our Co.
There is very great strictness in regard to foraging, especially on personal or private account & rumor says that all foraging parties are prohibited.
In consequence of many of the boys getting through the pickets, & preying on the poor people outside the lines-- for there appears to be no rich ones hereabouts--
Patrol guards range the country for five or six miles out. This rigor makes duty much more severe, & the transgressions of a few limit the privileges of the whole army.
Much as I wish for milk, my chances of getting any while here is thus made very small. I wrote some to Maria. Yesterday I prepared some papers, a magazine, & a book for mailing to Matt & Maria.
My stamps are all gone but four Gilbert gave me.
Camp at McIntoshes Bluff
Washington Co, Alabama
April 28th Friday, 1865
This morning I got a requisition for 10 lbs.
of flour for which I paid at Div. Commissary 50 cts. The next matter was
to find someone to bake it up into biscuit for me.. I asked one lady to bake it
for me, this would gladly do but the soldiers had borrowed her baking implements
& had not brought them back. Soon I found one that would bake it &
I was so fortunate as to be able to find some Salaratus, so that by noon had
some nice brown-covered round little cakes; but no sooner had I reached
camp than I lay down with a fever that continued till near sundown. I was
weak, & though I had no headache nor sickness of the stomach still I felt
rather worse than I had been before since I left home.
I find the people
very civil & accommodating, willing to lend even when it may be unsafe
to do so. It is truly shameful that some of our soldiers have no more
sense of duty or honor than if they were always thieves. This evening we
heard the good news that Gen. Dick Taylor & staff had gone to Mobile under a
flag of truce to arrange terms of surrender of his whole force. Thus one
by one comes the good & sure prospect of the joyous return of true &
lasting Peace. Today I heard a negro tell of the consternation of the
rebels when they here. We were advancing up this river. He said there were
some 25 boats here & such was the haste of the rebels that they did not wait
even to untie the ropes by which the boats were tied, but cut them. A
large quantity of timber, oak & pine, some squared & more cut bowing for
a gunboat which was nearly finished here, but which they burned before leaving..
The Pine timber is now being sawed into plank for use in an extensive fort
that is now staked out on the W. bank of the River. A detail was at
work today cutting off the timber on the ground. Citizens & negroes
run the mill & are glad to get employment. Day was bright & warm.
Camp at McIntoshes Bluff
Washington Co, Alabama
April 29th Saturday, 1865
Last evening, I was glad to listen to the
fiddle played by one of Co. B & again this evening I hear tones or tunes
that please me & which I heard many long years ago. How sweetly is
memory pleased & how fondly does it cherish the pleasant songs, tunes, &
kind words of very long ago.
Last night was a starry clear night, &
today was bright & moderately warm. The boys are very busy these days
fixing their tents & making cribs under them & putting bunks in.
Trees are set about the tents, & shady platforms are made, for the heat of
the sun is even now sometimes oppressive. Day before yesterday a new order
was sent around for roll call at 11A.M. I heard all absent without leave
are to be reported at Headq'rtr's & will have to do 20 days fatigue labor on
fortifications. A boat come up today from Mobile, having heavy loads of
meat & other rations for this post. I was aboard to buy salaratus or
soda, but they had sold all out ere I got there. She brought up a mail,
& some papers, the latest dates were N.O. 25th & Mobile 26th inst.
The chief news of interest was the run out of Red River, from Shreveport of the
rebel Ram Webb [?]. She passed down the river & passed New Orleans
City at a rate of 35 miles an hour. She passed by the City about 25 miles,
& there she met one of our war ships, but ere she was in range. She
was fired by her crew & deserted. All efforts to extinguish the fire
were futile. She had on board 220 bales of cotton, which it was desired to
sell at Havana, & return to Galveston. She could not run past the
Forts if they knew of her approach. While passing N.O. she showed the
Union Flag, but ran up the rebel rag when past. It was said Kirby [?]
Smith was at the mouth of Red River to settle terms of surrender of the trans
Miss. rebel army to Maj. Gen. Pope.
I was at sick call this morning. I got diarreah powders & felt pretty well.
Camp at McIntoshes Bluff
April 30th Sunday, 1865
I slept more comfortably last night than for
several night before, having to rise but once. The night was clear but
this morning was a little misty. The day was bright & clear after 9
O'clock A.M. We had Inspection at 10 1/2 & mustered at 11
O'clock. This is our fifth muster since last pay day, so that U.S. owes us
10 months wages. We read by the N.O. Times of 25th $16,000,000 were
received recently at N.O. for payment of the troops in this department.
This is very welcome news to all of us who have been so long destitute of any
money for the purchase of necessary articles.
Hinkley is on picket today, & had to
report at 6 1/2 A.M. Picket detail is very light, generally but one man
& a corp. or sergt. from each Co., but details for fatigue are & will be
heavy. Some work was done on the tents, or on the cribs, & with many
it was very little like Sabbath. Rations were drawn for five days.
Pork, crackers, coffee, & tea for supper, with a very good quality of
sugar. I was at sick call this A.M. I got no more medicine, but was
excused from duty. There were five at the call from our Co. Dr.
Miller now attends to our Regt. I believe Dr. Smith is surg.
Gilbert's health is not good those days. He is troubled by ague &
fever, sick headache & stomach. No tobacco has been drawn this time
& many have sorely felt the want of it already. How much so many
suffer for an old habit, formed so long ago as to be now a severe master.
Day before yesterday Heaton was here, & his feet & legs are
greatly swelled from scurvy. I have felt pretty comfortable all day.
For dinner I had some browned or scorched flour boiled into a porridge.
Mail went at 1 1/2 P.M. Yesterday I mailed a book, a mag. & a
package of rebel Mobile papers to Matt.
General Remarks for April 1865
The long-wished for fall of Richmond took place early this month, for it was
occupied by our forces at 8 1/4 A.M. 3d inst. There had been dreadful
heavy fighting during the four preceeding days & was evacuated the night
previous. Many of the chief buildings were fired & destroyed by the
rebels. Among those was the War Department in which probably were burned
all the records, although it is rumored the Archives were removed to
Danville. The infamous J.C. Breckenridge rebel ex Gen. & now Sect of
War, was one of the last officials to leave the place, doomed by its late
occupants to fire & destruction. The fighting that preceeded the fall
of the Capital of the bloody four-year-old Confederacy was evidently in our
favor.
This event was soon followed by the capitualation of Lee & the
surrender of his whole army prisoners of War on the ____
inst. The rumor that Johnson had surrendered his army to Sherman is not
confirmed at the end of the month.
On the night of the 13th inst. occurred the assassination of Pres.
Lincoln. It is generally believed Booth & perhaps a few accomplices,
were the perpetrators. W.H. Seward, Sec. of State & his son,
were recovering from the wounds they received. Large sums of money were
offered for the arrest of the murderers. The premium on gold has ranged
from 45 to 50 cts. The tendency of prices of all commodities tends downward
very rapidly. During the month had letters from home only once. I
have seldom been so long without hearing from Home. Toward the last of the
month my health has been poorer than at any other time during the last 2 1/2
years. There was but one rainy day during the month & we felt that
severe, being on the March. The hope of Peace soon is felt by all &
after that we wish soon to see Home
last modified: 4/21/2018