CIVIL WAR JOURNAL OF JAMES B. LOCKNEY
WIS. 28th REGMT., CO. G
July 1865
Copyright © 1986, 1997-2018 [James R. Shirey]. All rights reserved.
Camp 3d Brig. 3d Div.
Clarksville, Texas
July 1st Saturday 1865
We are quite fortunate in many respects we are near water & our camp ground is so high as not to be subject to overflow, as the ground is on which 29th Iowa & 27th & 35th Wis are camped. The boys in those Regts. who have no bunks raised off the ground must have had a rough time of it last night for the water was deep over the levee on which they are camped. Many of those moved early this A.M. to the sand hills near us. This always is very disagreeable & laborious & increases the labor of which a soldier has always a plenty. The day was so still & sultry in the A.M. that I went to the Gulf about 9 O'clock & had a pleasant wash. The water was very muddy cooking owing I think to the rain so affecting the river. The flow of the water from the river after entering the Gulf is very strong toward the North. I had a pleasant but lonely walk along the shore & river bank. While in the water I could not but admire the grand appearance of the breakers as they successively followed each other toward the shore & like a fierce cataract rolled their foaming crests in never ceasing play. One is impressed when standing on the shore with the sublime power of the Creator's words--"Thus far & no farther" I was told by one of Co. R who came from the water before I went into it that he saw a shark only one & a half or two rods from him. The body was exposed in the shallow water. I saw Coaco [sic] Nuts sold for 25 cts each. Bread sells at 12 & 14 loaves for $1.00 in Greenbacks. This P.M. Sergt. McKee & Private Draper from our Co & others from Regt. were detailed for duty in Post Commissary which is about to be established here. Pri. S.R. Turner is appointed Co. Commissary. I saw a lot of commissary stores--sugar in boxes of 450 to 600 lbs--bacon &c at the landing in heaps without care of cover all in wretched plight. Toward evening sky was obscured & a heavy shower fell. Thank God I am well!
Clarksville, Texas
July 2d Sunday 1865
Day before yesterday P.M. my gold pen fell from my portfolio &
got covered in the sand so that for some time I thought it was lost. Just
as the storm came on I looked for it but could not find it & great was my joy
when Wm. H. Smith found it & gave it to me. I have had it nearly a year &
as I have so much use for it & it is somewhat difficult to get such here, I
would not be without it, nor lose it for $5 in gold. I much regret having
lost my block tin match safe since we landed at Brazos Santiago as it was one of
the few things I took with me when I started from home. I neglected till
now to record the loss when on our return last Feb. from the Saline River to
Pine Bluff of the nice handkerchief that was sent a year before from home &
which I got in Fe. '64 at Pine Bluff. I lost it while resting I took off
my accoutrements to reasrange them & I forgot to pick it u when starting.
I did not think of it or miss it till our next rest, some 1/2 - 2 miles
distant, & then I had a strong inclination to return, but that others in our
rear might have picked it up. I often missed its use, for I did not have
one till I bought one here for 50 cts as I did not like to pay Ark. or Mobile
pricess. I was on fatigue about an hour this P.M. being
one of 20 to unload 10 or 12 wagon loads of rations that came from Brazos
Santiago. Very small loads are drawn on enorrmously heavy wagons--the
heaviest I ever saw anywhere-- by 10 mules of rather small size. Loads of
cotton that comes from Brownsville are taken by those teams to Brazos. The
train mules are let loose here to graze & they pick up the scattering growth of
grass with avidity. A steamer came from N.O.
Camp at Clarksville It was about 11 O'clock last night when Doughirty & others in
our tent stopped talking. He has a habit of exaggerating everything in
favor of the city of Boston where he happened to be born & to live 'till his
early teens. This is quite amusing in him for one would think with the
good general stock of information that he possesses he would not be so
prejudiced as on can readily see he is. I am glad that I wish all parts of
the world well, but am not prejudiced in favor of any place except it be the
U.S. on account of Freedom & just privileges that are accorded to all the
people. We cannot regret to sincerely [take?] the blasting & damaging
consequences of the too frequent abuse of these great blessings!! Clarksville, Texas At length has come the birthday of our Nation when she stands
forth purified from the sin that she has nursed for centuries. Now as the
strongest relic of barbarism is dead & cursed too by a larger proportion of our
people than ever before, the fate of polygamy is not doubtful , nor will its
extinction be long delayed. Thanks to God that I have lived to see such a
blissful day. Surely our bliss is not more than 1/2 complete for
drunkenness & sensuality are not broken, but alas! have they not gained strength
while the struggle for freedom raged? Clarksville, Texas The consequences of drink could be seen very plainly yesterday & by many it must have
been quite severely felt. Many quarrels took place & many negroes were
abused & roughly handled. Sometimes a whole crowd would start after some
unoffending negro & shameful to all who try to defend so gross outrages were the
acts that were done.
Clarksville, Texas Joy came today at noon for then was mail received. I got
three letters. One from Matt. In this was the rather sad
tidings that on the 10 or 11 inst. Father had a return of that old dizziness &
weakness from which he suffered in spring. It seems he had partially
recovered from it & that it was not very severe. He must have been quite
weak as he declined being shaved as was usual with him. All others were
well as usual. Mother being about the same as when I left home. What
thanks are due to God for this preserving her health, strength, & life. How
she must have suffered in so long a life, soon will end 54 years of married
life, nearly all of which was passed in hard but honest struggle against want &
for acquiring a competence which was secured at last in the free wilds of the
West, & I hope with the help of Heaven, this will not fail in her days. To
this I am pledged, whatever may be the wishes of wife or others. Camp at Clarksville Who can but wonder at the glorious bounty of the evenings, so bright the moon,
so numerous the stars that bespangle the sky. The breeze is constant, fanning
us alike when asleep as waking. Today was bright & pleasant as usual.
How many joys & pleasures come to someone every day. Today for the first
time has Foster worn the apparel of a commissioned officer & feels his title to
the privileges of such rank. He went to Brazos Santiago this A.M. & I
believe was not mustered in & will not be till we reach N.O. so he has his rank
now only by Brevette. His promotion excites but little enthusiasm in the
Co. & some speak & feel curiously about him for trying to get mustered so near
the end of our term of service, but this is very natural, for aside from the
imagined honor the position, the various privileges are & not to be despised.
Now he can come & go without lit or hindrance, can get what he wishes from
commissary &c. I think were I in his place I would do as he does, for
truly his elevation is from the ranks. I hope he will not be degraded by
too close contact with the older ones who have command in our Regt. Clarksville, Texas The muskittoes were so troublesome last night that very many of the boys
slept but very little. I was but very little disturbed & my sleep
was not at all disturbed by them. We heard yesterday that there was good
reason at headquarters at Brazos Santiago to believe that orders for the three
Regts of '62 troops here to proceed to N.O. were now in that city & would
come here by next mail. But this may prove without foundation like all the
rain hopes that have deceived us during the last two months. I
should have stated long ago that Co. E were left back at the bridge that we
crossed coming here nearly mid-way. About two weeks ago Co D went there &
have not since returned. Clarksville, Texas For many days past, a large steamer having two smoke stacks & masts lay
at anchor in plain view about 1/2 mile from shore. We often heard rumors that
when she was unloaded some of the troops here would embark on her for N.O.
This is now all scattered for none of the troops have gone (she sailed last
night). This is only another cheat that we have had to bear. We can
bear about 100 such, how many more? We hear a mustering officer has
been appointed for this post. He is a Capt. of 7th Vermont vet. Inf.
I heard there are several Ord. Sergts to be mustered out, & mustered in as
Lieuts. Next will come about 100 men of 7th Vt whose time is nearly
expired. We hear that all the one year recruits whose time is nearly
expired are to be mustered out immediately. The recruits for three years
having 1 1/2 years yet to serve are to be transferred to other Regt. having more
than a year to serve. Those in our Regt are to be transferred to the 35th
Wis. Last evening McKee came back to the Co from Post Commissary.
Capt. Tichenor required him to come back though against his will as he preferred
his place as clerk to the post of Co. Orderly. It surprises me that Capt.
did not allow him to retain his place as that would be ferry much to his
advantage, as he could get employment at good wages after his discharge. [July 9, 1865] Fellow Soldiers
Clarksville, Texas Last night I was detailed on guard & as before I was so
fortunate as to be on first relief, so that I was relieved about 10 1/2 or 11
P.M. While many of the boys could not sleep from the torment of the muskittoes,
I was quite dozzy so that I with difficulty kept from sleeping.
The moon so full & grand rose just at the close of day & the faint murmur of the
gentle roll of the breakers was heard from the shore to which many of the boys
went to sleep, trying thus to avoid the muskittoes. There was Co. drill
this morning. It did not amount to much for the Co. only fell in &
executed a few movements in the manuel[?] of arms, then guns were stacked &
drill was over. Today I spoke with a member of 127th Penn. Inf. of
negroes. He said their Regt. was for one year. Organized near
Philadelphia last Sept. I saw one negro soldier who was greatly
incensed because an ill-mannered white soldier called him a d--n black nigger.
The latter dared the other to fight, promising to remember the offender in times
to come. Who can tell how much trouble & bloodshed will yet ensue as the
bitter consequences of slavery!! The troops here from Virginia tell us of
considerable insubordination among them when ordered to go aboard at Fortress
Monroe. Some of them thought Texas was not in U.S. & others had the
impression they would be kept five years, so they refused to go aboard.
White troops were brought to compel them to submit but this failed & cannon was
turned upon them, but they charged the guns & this failed. At last they
yielded to explanation & persuasion. I had a long walk by the shore
looking for shells. I found many, but none of rare beauty. This was
when the tide was low about 4 P.M. River transports come from Brazos
Santiago into the river. Large supplies of Q.M. & commissary stores
come for 25th Corps.
Clarksville, Texas The trial by Court Martial of some of our Regt. for violence on July 4th
was going on yesterday & today. The result is not yet made known.
Capt. Williams is Chief Q.M. on Gen. Hack's staff. I heard he is counsel
for some of those on trial. He has such a keen soft-soap manner, being --I
think-- capable of being "anything you please" at last as well as many persons
that I know, that he is able to ingratiate himself into the confidence of those
in power so that he has some place of importance that a better man might never
be given. Today some 250 men came from Galveston on
Steamer --- They were transferred from 19 & 20th Iowa Regts. to the 29th
Iowa in our Brig. So far as we can judge this does not look much like
going home very soon. The boys of the 29th will think this a rough joke as
they were daily expecting to start home. Still this may not be the cause
of any delay to them or to us. A few days ago I bought a pair of
suspenders for $1 & today I got a nice pocket knife for $1.00. I have had
no knife since our march to Fish River. Thus goes the money!! Gen.
Steele went up to Brownsville on the boat last evening. We hear he will
have his headquarters there & I fear we will be soon ordered to march up there.
I would not wish this to be so for any consideration for aside from the labor of
the march, there & back. I think the place is much more sickly than this
place.
Camp at Clarksville Last evening it was said there would be no roll call in our Co.
for some time to come if the boys would be up in time for duty. This morning we
waked & were up about 1/2 hour later than usual. The day was quite warm.
I walked down to the landing twice during the day. I read & wrote some.
I finished a short letter to Maria, the most of it was written last month & I
delayed it expecting a letter from her, but none has come for nearly six weeks
or more. One gets tired sitting so much on a bunk & lying down is little
better for it is difficult to read in that posture. We had a lot of pork &
bacon lying about our tent that we did not use today. The boys traded it
for 10 loaves of bread together with a lot of candles that we could not use.
This was for the four in our tent.
Clarksville, Texas We rose soon after sunrise & had a sultry fore noon.
Toward noon the breeze began to rise & the P.M. was as cool & pleasant as usual.
I went down the landing after noon, as the boys said the French were leaving Bagdad on the
lighters that took them out to the vessels at anchor off the mouth
of the river. I did not see any depart, but I spoke to a citizen about it.
He said they were leaving, going to Tampico or Vera Cruz. He also said the
Imperial forces were leaving Matamoras & the place was expected to be soon in
the hands of the Liberals. This is very good proof of the failing
fortunes of the hated Empire, at which every lover of freedom will rejoice.
July 14th Thursday 1865 Today no French or Imperial flags are seen floating in the town
across the river. We still hear the discordant wailing of their bugles
which are blown every morning & evening. The day passed without our
expectations being realized of seeing Cortanes & his band of Liberals enter the
place. So far as we can learn there is but a very small No. left to occupy
the town & we have reason to believe it would be suddenly evacuated upon the
approach of the Republican Army.
Clarksville, Texas Yesterday many one year recruits were discharged from the
White Regts. here. Hinkley was acquainted with one of those from 7th
Vermont, who lived many years in Eagle, Wis. This causes much
dissatisfaction and complaining among those who have been out nearly three
years. Many complain of it as injustice to us, but this I think is caused
chiefly by our anxiety to get discharged even though our time of enlistment has
not yet expired. Still there is a strong feeling of insubordination in the
several Regts. the resolve being generally to refuse to do duty after Aug. 20th
if kept so long. I have felt in favor of this plan & have expressed myself
to that effect, but on reflection I am forced to make up my mind that obedience
is the path of duty. We came into the field to suppress rebellion & now
having so well done our work, we should not become rebels ourselves. I
will not join any such movement or anything like revolt. May God save our
national reputation from any such stain. There is a rumor that the 20th
Wis. stacked arms at Galveston refusing to do more duty as it was said they were
ordered into the interior of the state. It is also said the whole Regt.
has been discharged in disgrace or dishonorably. I hope this whole rumor
has no foundation for I would lose four month's pay & $75 rather than to be
dishonorably discharged from U.S. service. I was on fatigue today, helping
to draw rations for our Regt. We drew flour for two days, salt meat &c for
five days & a large bbl of pickles from 25th A Corps. Bannannas get more
plenty & cheap. I ate many today. We cooked pancakes. Day was
clear, bright & pleasant. I feel very well. .
Clarksville, Texas After a sound sleep last night we waked soon after sunrise.
We cooked some meat & soaked crackers with desicated potatoes for breakfast.
This over we had to work a little at our guns, for Inspection by Lieut. (?)
Foster was at 8 1/2O'Clock. After that--in which the young officer
observed all the formalities as if he had been a West Pointer & had 50 years
experience- I went down town & bought genuine bannannas six for 25 cts.
Then I went down along the river bank to the Gulf in company with Daniel
McNeill. We passed along the shore & went into the water, having our pants
& sleeves rolled up & tried to find rare shells, but in this we were not very
successful as we found but few worth keeping. I mentioned to Dan'l what a
way it was to pass the Sabbath day, but still we did not think it much sinful
situated as we are for what better can we have done as there are no religions
service to take apart in & this afforded us some exercise. How much better
it was for us both than games at cards. The water was quite roiled.
I went in along & had a pleasant wash. Again for dinner cooked potatoes
after which I began to read a tale "Marsonton of Dunoran" but before I read long
I fell asleep in which state I continued about an hour or more. After
waking up I read to 20th page. Last night I finished reading "India,
China & Japan".
Clarksville, Texas What have I to write of that can ever interest others or myself!
Simply the same tiresome dreary story of drills, tiresome idle days, rations of
--- & --- & sand freely mixed in for seasoning, & this latter too whether we
will or not. Some of the boys fix their tents as getting ready to stop
here six months. We raised ours this P.M. & greatly improved it. We
will be very comfortable till the weather becomes rainy, but this is not apt to
be till we are homeward bound! Surely this must be sometime for those who
may live. Today there was a soldier's burial, one of 28th Ill. who was
drowned in the river. A few burials have taken place here during the last
week. I have very little fear of sickness while here & the prevailing
impression is that we will not leave here till we start home. We heard
lately that Gen. Steele was about to establish his H'd Q'rt'rs at Brownsville, &
I much feared we would have to go there, but now there is less apprehension of
that taking place.
Camp at Mouth of Rio Grande River Day was bright and pleasant as usual. Mail came at noon.
I got one letter written 18 ult. It would appear that all were well. It
was written by Matt & was short & might be said also to be sweet, covering only
one leaf of letter size. Anthony & his family were over there that day on
a visit. The two little ones--Winnifred & Lewis were both well & happy.
Rain had come some days before & everything was in a flourishing state of
growth. The corn needed hoeing & they would begin to work in it the next
day. Mother had written me a long letter, but it did not come. He &
John were in Milwaukee on 17th & they saw the 26th Wis. Inf. land from one of
the Mil. & Detroit steamers. The 24th reached the city on 14th & the 25th
the same week. Well the glad day will yet come when many will say the 28th
Wis. Inf. returned on __ __!!
Clarksville, Texas Building goes on quite active on this side of the River & already are streets laid out,
which in some cases are much too narrow. A very few days ago I heard Capt.
Montieth of Co. F our Regt. say "he ran this town" & it surprised me that he or
some one in authority did not direct those putting up buildings so that some
proper order would be observed. But generally those who have the control
have too many favorite vices to nurse, to allow their minds to be troubled about
the conditions upon which may depend in some degree the beauty & healthiness of
this or any other place in long years yet to come. Today I read an order
issued from Gen. Slacks H'd qu'rt'rs prohibiting the sale of all strong liquors
in this place without special permission. This was dated 17th & signed by
Archie Montieth, as Provost Marshal. Capt. J.A. Williams is chief QM of
this post & though of considerable business capacity, still I think him unfit
for any place of trust.
Clarksville, Texas Today again have rumors been afloat, one to the effect that
the 4th Army Corps is coming from N.O. to relieve us!! This of course
seems worth but little, but we know not its source or worth. There was
considerable anxious talk among the boys about being so long detained here idle.
Many are the imprecations uttered against Gen. F. Steele as the boys blame him
as the cause of the disagreeable delay. Still of this there is no
certainty.
Clarksville, Texas Day was bright & breezy. I slept much better last night than the night before.
I am seldom restless as others in the Co. The day passed rapidly, as I had
to cook crackers & potatoes for breakfast & dinner, this in times past was
chiefly done by Hinkley but lately his health has been such that he does not
feel much like doing such. I think there is no other person in our Co.
with whom I could have so long associated so pleasantly & with so uniformly good
feeling on his part. There is scarcely any other person in the Co. so free
from obscenity & profanity & his disposition is very mild & gentle, but earnest.
He is very ardent in the projects of reform as that of temperance, freedom,
health & that of female costume [huh?]. His judgment is more than
ordinarily sound & correct, & his power of investigating & understanding the
operation of intricate machines & contrivances, as well as his reasoning
faculties are very good. He is very frugal in the use of money, yet he has
a good sense of its proper use & buys many things that others would overlook or
think of little use. He does not use tobacco, liquors, nor does he gamble,
or play games with cards &c. He is very diligent & industrious , never
wasting time in lounging. I would trust his word almost implicitly in
every case, for his regard for truth is very great. Still in argument he
would sometimes overstate a case, or place it in a little too strong light.
Since about the time we left Mobile his sight failed so he could see but very
little in the night. This still continues & lately his health is poorer
than usual!
Camp 28th Wis. Inf I read my letter last evening twice for myself & afterward I read it for D. McNeill &c.
He thought it a very good letter, containing so many items of interest & value
in regard to crops &c. The date on mine was as late as any other except
one or two in our Co. He said rains were frequent & abundant & crops were
looking splendid. Some of the wheat was lodging, so rich was the growth.
Oats & corn would yield abundantly. They had sold three loads of wheat 112
bushels at $1.41, 1.30, & 1.25. This I think was [better than] of the crop
of 1860!! He heard John & Matt Brogan had returned home from California on
28of June. It would seem he had not yet seen them, nor had they been over
to visit their aged Grandfather & Grandmother. 'Tis well indeed that these
are not dependent in any way on the others for comfort or support. We were
restless till late last night, so we talked till it was near 11 P.M. I think.
I afterward slept well. There was a detail of six men & one Sergt. from
our Co. & a similar no. from other Co's. for patrol. I am the last
one, five of those from our Co. were supernumeraries or surplus. I was one
of those & did my share of duty in the A.M. I guarded one of the prisoners
to the room of the Court Martial, where after waiting an hour the trial was
adjourned till Monday on account of the absence of the prisoner's counsel, Capt.
Williams. It is sad to see those wretched victims of drink & consequent
crime, shut up as they are in a small room with little freedom to move in the
open air. All this too when they might be so happy. Oh drink! we
ever shall curse thee!! Yesterday there was some cannonading--probably
target practice on the water & this P.M. a salute of some kind was fired in
Bagdad. Air was very still till M. when a breeze began to blow.
Weather seems to get warmer. Capt's health continues poor. I ate
many bannannas today. I am well!!!!!
Clarksville, Texas No parade last evening. I, like other supernumeraries slept
in camp, being free from duty after dark. We did not go down to the river
this A.M. as the guards go on duty early as 7 o'clock. The nights are warm
& calmer than usual & last night the muskittoes were very troublesome to
many. I am so favored as to excite surprise that I can sleep so soundly
while others are so wakeful. I spoke to Capt. last evening about getting a furlough
home on account of Father's sickness but he thought it would be difficult to
get such. He spoke as if he would resign on account of his health if it
were not for his wish to return with the Co. If he should do so this would
bring Foster in as Capt. if there would be time enough to get his commission
from the state. Very few in the Co. wish him to occupy that position in
the present organization. I never did seriously desire a furlough but on
account of Father's sickness.
Clarksville, Texas Last evening a boat came from Brazos Santiago on which was Gen. Sheriden on his way to
Brownsville. The steamer passed up when we were on parade as the Gen. did
not stop long. The boys that were left at Mobile with the teams reached us
last evening, many of them were sick while coming on the vessel. They
started on the 12 inst. They had seen nothing of our Q.M., Lt. Colier, who
left here several weeks ago, as we understood to go to Mobile or N.O. to attend
to Ret'al business. We heard that Lt. Alword Co C who was discharged at
Brazos ere we left there, wrote to Capt. Stephens that he saw the order there--N.O.--for
the discharge of our Regt & 27th. He was then on his way home.
Clarksville, Texas Last evening the new moon was seen in the west presenting a pleasant appearance.
I think it must have been visible for the send time since the last change.
How many of our friends view it & think of those so far away? But again how
many are now happy at home who for long years were separated by the fearful war.
Last evening, Sergeant Vanderpool of Co. B was very active getting the
signatures of the officers that would sign it. Those were Capts Stevens,
Tichenor, & Williams, & Lieuts Coates, Hopper, Worthman, Foster, & Dr's Smith &
Miller. Those who refused were Capt's Murray--as he was not a soldier &
did not like that word in place of privates--Smith, & Cowing & Slewson,
& Lieuts. Bennet & O'Brien of H. The two Drs. did their very best
feeling an active interest in the welfare of the boys. This A.M. the
document was endorsed by Capt. Stevens & I took it to the office of the A.O.O.G
[not sure of the two middle letters...]. Gen. Sheridan was expected back
today, but no steamer came down. There was a sprinkling of rain this A.M.
but no drill. This A.M. I went down to the Gulf intending to have a bath &
swim in the pleasant waters, but the breakers were dark & turbid, so I did not
go in. I did a little washing for H-- & I myself, this was the first that
I did in several months. Today Vosburgh was detailed as teamster in our
Reg. Stutsman was detailed several days ago as waiter or cook for some of
the hands or orderlies about H'd q'rtrs.
Clarksville, Texas Last night was cool & cloudy, vary favorable for sleep, there being no muskittoes. Today
was cloudy & showery. In the P.M. a boat came down from Brownsville & as
it was supposed Gen. Sheridan was aboard, quite a crowd of the soldiers gathered
on the landing hoping to see him from whom we expected the favorable decision
that more than any think else would cheer our spirits & for the present complete
our joys. After waiting awhile the boys scattered as nothing was seen of
the hero of so many splendid victories. There seems to be a change in the
weather during this moon.
Camp 28th Wis Inf Last evening I read by candle light at an admirably contrived lamp made from a bottle.
Those have got to be quite plenty in the several camps. The light afforded
is very good, in some cases comparing very well with that of some lamps. I
read in the sketch of Irish life called Fardorongha! or the Miser. It is a
powerful example of the force of the love of money which so sadly gets control
so complete of some persons. I often notice how slow a reader I am as
compared with those who make it a practice to read novels, as many such can read
from 3 to ten times as fast as I can. I have read so little of what is
termed "light literature" that I read it but little faster than an essay.
I am not sorry for this, as I think it better than their way--that is the
reverse of mine.
Clarksville, Texas For about two weeks past the negro troops here have been restricted to their camps
& for this purpose quite a strong camp guard is kept up. I think the cause
of this is the fear of trouble between them & the white soldiers, owing to the
abuse of the former by the latter. Thanks to God, that I have never abused
a fellow soldier because of his color or the section-East or West, North or
South--from which he came. Most of the 5th Mass. Cav. that are now
here--dismounted--were free before the War, but were scattered through many
states, some of them being from Wis., Pa. &c. Those feel their rights as
men & the abusive white soldier cannot scare those; almost in every
instance is the white the aggressor, but they are often met by such firmness &
manly [sic] a bearing that their cowardly spirits are taken aback & confounded.
Another cause may be that the negroes sold many articles of clothing--often
new--at a very cheap rate--as they are short of money. The other two Regts.
of Colored troops here are scattered about--one at or near Brazos & the other
above us, both along the line of a new R.R. proposed to be built from Brazos
Santiago to Brownsville.
Clarksville, Texas Thanks to God say many that but 75 days yet remain of our three yrs. and 53 days of service in U.S. Army.
There was an order read on parade last evening to this effect, it was a decision
purporting to have been issued on 6 inst & by Gen. Canby & approved on 12th by
Gen. Sheridan. This settles the question under existing orders from War
Dept. There is hope that orders will soon issue that will relieve us even
ere Oct. 13th. I hear there are orders here for each Regt. to start home
30 days before the expiration of the term of service. If this be so, we
will leave here in about 1 1/2 month. How much I regret that I & so many
others must waste so many good days as the 75 yet remaining, in idleness &
waste, doing not a dollar's worth of good to the country or to any of ourselves.
The same orders apply to the 27 Wis. as to us. After parade was dismissed,
the boys shouted & groaned, thus showing their feelings that are not at all
sweet toward many of the officers.
Clarksville, Texas Here for the first time in my life did I see cigarettes, of
which I had sometimes read in books or papers. They are nothing more than
a little roll of tobacco rolled up in paper. The paper is of two colors &
the quality of the article is different in each that in the darker colored being
much the most costly & those in white are cheap. The Mexicans smoke them
almost exclusively, seeming to like them better than the large cigar, which I
think I never saw any of them use. They are about two inches long, & as
thick as common telegraph wire. Those are put up in papers or packages of
about 25 in no. & sold at from ___ cts to ___ a bundle.
Clarksville, Texas This A.M. the long dreaded movement to Brownsville was ordered,
to take place day after tomorrow. The first tidings came to us leaving
little doubt but that it would be soon confirmed. This followed at about 11
O'Clock & was to be executed in three days. As soon as I heard that the
orders had actually been received, I set about thinking what to do with my
surplus clothing & I soon approved the suggestion made by one of the boys to
express them home. Having cooked dinner, I started at 1 P.M. for Brazos
Santiago to find if an office were there & what were the charges &c. The
heat of the sun was quite strong, but it was little felt owing to the active
breeze that fanned me as I walked along the gently rolling waters of the Gulf.
It was pleasant to see the many ships anchored near the mouth of the river, &
some sailing vessels in front of Brazos. Ere I had traveled 1/2 the
distance a storm cloud rose & passed over me in its path. With it was a
strong wind that carried the clouds very rapidly & drove the rain, which fell
thick & fast in darkness & thickening gloom on the surface of the sea & on the
sandy shore. I had no rubber, having taken no other supplies along than a
canteen of water. I was wet clean through, but my clothes dried ere I got
back to camp. When I got to Brazos, I was surprised to see so many
hospital tents in long rows for the use of the many negro soldiers that are
sick. The men complain of the quality of the water & of the damaged rations
they get. There are no white troops there so no comparison can be made.
I saw men distributing a large mail that had just come. I found the
commercial express office. I am very well. No other news of
importance.
July 1865 Few Months in our soldier days have been so tedious & irksome,
so dull & monotonous as the past one. I have had no dates[letters] from
anywhere written during the month. The latest I had from Matt was June
30th but I was not so fortunate as to get those that I think he must have written
since. I much regret that the letter Mother wrote in June has so
long been delayed for I feel confident that it will yet come.. Surely I can ill
afford to lose such a labor of love as that, for who else but God can feel love
as a Mother can? The latest dates are to the 15th or 17th July. A
letter from Lisbon to McKee said winter wheat & rye were very good crops &
harvest was going on. Other crops, spring wheat, oats, corn, potatoes, &c.
were very promising. How I longed for word about Father, to say that he
was well say on 15th. Well, I will be hopeful!
Cameron Co, Texas
July 3d Monday 1865
This morning
early I went to the Gulf & picked some shells & again I went over before noon &
found a lot more. The last time I had my pants rolled up above my knees &
as the sun shone hot my legs got sunburned & felt quite hot all the P.M. I
wrote some & finished a letter to Anthony. Day was bright & pleasant.
I felt tired & weary this P.M. & what I wrote to A-- was in no cheerful vein.
I wonder really what we are kept here for, as there appears no good reason for
keeping us here now that there are so many other troops here. Thus I
sometimes feel impatient for I think we are doing no good. Yesterday Gen.
Steele went through this place on his way to Brownsville. The officers are
getting demijons filled with liquor & the boys are getting boxes of liqors for
use tomorrow. Some are drunk this evening & all count on a high time
tomorrow.
July 4th Tuesday 1865
I was awake at the early dawn this
morning , but lay down & slept again till reville which was a short time after
sunrise. I then started for the Gulf shore, along which I found some
colored Cav., some yet sleeping & others awake & up, surveying with curious gaze
the scenes around. About that time I heard the first guns fired for the
national salute. I then crossed the sand banks to where the two 12 lb. guns
were worked by colored troops. They fired another salute at noon. I
never before saw guns discharged as those were by a sort of match held in the
hand, constantly burning.
All the white troops here fell in at 11 A.M. &
marched to the extreme corner of the U.S. where a stand was erected on the deck
of a Sighter around which the Regt. stacked arms. Capt. Williams of Co. A
read the 'Declaration of Independence' then was prayer & oration by Chaplain
Worcester, music by three colored bands. Brig. Gen. Slack introduced
Gen. Cole of 25 A C both of whome spoke for a few minutes.
July 5th Wednesday 1865
Very few were those who did not feel very merry or
quite drunk & some who did not go deep in excess, today tried to make up for it.
Papers were made out today against Haverstein of Co B. for a murderous assault
with a knife on J. H. Gelzer of Co G. H-- was so drunk that he did not
seem to be able to realize what he did, thus has he been nearly all the time
that he has been here. Another of B. loaded his gun to have it ready for
use when his frenzy rose against anyone. Like the former 'he knew not what
he did'. Both were immediately placed under guard & are likely to have
long & wearisome days & months in which to repent the consequences of drink...
The details for Guard duty were very heavy. We hear today that Lt. Co.
Gray has made application for leave of absence. It seems he is unwell,
being unable to walk about. he was so once before since we came here.
I think drink is the only cause of his troubles. We hear Co. Benton of
29th Iowa is going home on leave of absence & that he said he would try to have
the Regt. follow him so soon that he will wait for it at N.O. It is said
our Col. said the same but I have little confidence in either story. I
heard a statement that some parts of the 18th Army Corps are at N.O. awaiting
transportation here. This is very improbable I think. Those are said to
be white troops, mostly veterans. Discharge papers for Peter Darling Co G
were started today. Dr. Miller is now Regt. Surgeon, Dr. Smith being
detailed for Post duty. I have a bad cough. Day was bright & breezy.
July 6th Thursday 1865
Crops are suffering for rain. Spring wheat & oats were wilting & turning
yellow. Winter wheat & rye were doing well. Corn was fit to hoe.
Shearing was on hand.
The other letters were from Myron Gilbert &
Seymour, both dated 10 & 11th. Sey-- mom was not able to go about much as
to visit. He had been under the charge of a physician from his arrival at
home. His arrival at home had convinced him that on fondest, brightest
dreams may there be realized. This I can easily believe. I
wonder why Marie never writes lately, her last was Apr 20th I think.
Can she be sick or dead, or can something or nothing made her tired of so
fruitless a correspondence? I hope she is well & doing better!! Our
Ord. Sergt. A D. Foster received his commission today as 1st Lieut. Day
was bright & pleasant. I have a cough.
Cameron Co, Texas
July 7th Friday 1865
Many of the negro troops here sell blankets, woolen greatcoats, jackets, &c at
very low prices. Those are from many of the northern states & were doing
duty at Petersburg & Richmond till the fall of those places, like ourselves at
other times they had orders to draw much surplus clothing. They now have a
chance to march some & fear they will be compelled to throw such away.
Orders were read last evening on parade for all in our Regt. who have any shops
or shares in them in the town to stop all traffic immediately. Col. E.B.
Gray & Q.M. Collier of Regt started today for N.O. Col. Benton of 29th
Iowa started home or for N.O. I finished & mailed a letter to Anthony.
July 8th Saturday 1865
Yesterday I got a pine apple that was not in good
order, the man sold them for 25 cts each but though I offered him a dollar bill,
he neglected to take change & went off in the crowd, so I saw him no more.
This was not designed on my part, but at it was spoiled I did not care so much
about it. Yesterday I sold out the last of my fluid & envelopes. I
had thought to send the envelopes home by mail, but this was better. I got
30 cts a package. Today I bought 1 1/2 queires of excellent writing paper
note for 15 cts apiece, also a blank book for 50 cts. Foster got those
beyond the river & sold them for what they cost. He said they charge 40
per cent for specie. I bought a wool blanket nearly new from a colored
soldier for $2. Some have bought great coats & jackets for $1.00 each.
My cough still continues. H-- & I got 6 lbs of desicated potatoes today.
20 lbs were for the Co. Day was bright & pleasant . Small mail came..
July 9th Sunday 1865
I wrote a sheet of note to Matt & two pages in my blank book. We had no
inspection in our Co. till just before parade. A sort of farewell address
was read on Parade from Lieut. Col Gray. He hoped to meet us ere we
reached the state. He refers to the shattered state of his health. I
hope he will soon learn to heartily hate the cause of his broken health.
Yet what can we do but pity those whom long habit has made the slave of vice &
sin.
The day was bright but was passed more like a day in Heathendom than a Christian Sabbath.
Below is a verbatim copy of Lieut. Col. E.B. Gray's Address
I am under the necessity of leaving
you for a short time to endeavor to recover my health. It is a most
unpleasant step for me to take and only the most imperative demands of [my]
exhausted physical condition could impel me to such a course. Our term of
service is so nearly out that you cannot remain long behind. I hope to be
so far recovered as to meet you on your way home, & yet go with you to the
State.
To you I have always endeavored to do
my duty as a soldier in such a manner as to render service as little unpleasant
as possible; to me, you as officers & soldiers have ever conducted
yourselves with the highest appreciation of your responsibilities & positions.
I shall ever be proud of the character which the 28th Wis. has won for itself.
I earnestly entreat of you all so to
conduct yourselves for the few remaining days of your service that you can
return to your State, possessed of the proud consciousness that you have not
only done your duty faithfully & well, but that you have done it all to the very
end as becomes men fighting for & maintaining as you have done the integrity &
honor of the noblest country upon which God's sun ever shone.
E.B. Gray
Lieut. Col. 28th Wis. Inf.
July 10th Monday 1865
July 11th Tuesday 1865
Today I wrote a letter to S. Gilbert in answer to his of 12 ult.
Hinkley & I had a pleasant wash & swim in the Gulf this morning.
Rations were drawn today--two days flour --all salt meat, coffee, &c. We
had a very short drill.
Cameron Co, Texas
July 12th Wednesday 1865
This evening I went to the Gulf
shore & saw the dress parade of one of the Regt. of colored troops. This
was after sunset. A white man, a Lieut. was leader of the band. The
music was very creditable & I wished we had such a band in our Regt. Our
drum corps has dwindled down to two drummers & as many pifers, the drums of all
the others are broken. When we reach the state we may not have a drum fit
for use. The drummers are careless as if on purpose, for when their drums
are broken they are free from duty.
Today I borrowed $15 from
Wm. H. Smith. I gave him a note for that amount. This is my second
note out, but I can pay all when we get discharged. We hear rumors of the
advance of the Liberals toward Bagdad. We sometimes heard through the day
heavy sounds like distant cannonading. Some said they heard volleys of
musketry during the last 24 hours. We hear of Thos. Edwards being
discharged. Day was bright & breezy as usual.
July 13th Thursday 1865
I have very nearly reached the end of Bayard Taylor's "India , China, & Japan".
To me it is more interesting than any novel might be for I find very much to
instruct in regard to the manners, habits and condition of the people, as well as
of the climate, soil, & productions of the countries through which he traveled.
One can not but feel surprised at the many difficulties through which he passed
& how greatly those were multiplied by the imperfect & primitive mode of
traveling that prevails in those distant lands. One can not but regret
that so large a No. of the world's inhabitants are in so wretchedly poor,
ignorant, & dependent a state. What a vast No. of ruins whose beauty &
splendor fill the mind with surprise, as well as regret that so such labor &
skill were used to so little purpose & all this for the palaces of the rulers
while the homes of the people are dingy, miserable huts.
The day was bright, clear, & very hot till noon. I wrote three pages of letter to
Mother & some besides.
Clarksville, Texas
Last night the Pioneer Corps
attached to our ____ & numbering at present ____ men came here last night from
Galveston direct by steamer. This organization includes some men from each
of the Regts. in our Capt. Reddington of Co D of our Regt is chief in command.
He has enjoyed the Sobriquet of "Revolver" since the Expedition up White River
as far as St. Charles, Ark. in Jany 1863. It was thus acquired: Some
male fugitives slaves came into our lines from some neighboring plantations
bringing with them--as is usually the case--some horses & mules. Next day
the slavemasters came to camp demanding "their property" bipeds as well as
quadrupeds. This the old Democrat & Copperhead
Gen. W. A. Gorman in
command was willing to comply with, but not so the "Men of 62", who boldly &
loudly asserted the slaves should not be returned to bondage!! They hid
the negroes & cut the horses loose. About this time the camp was not the
coolest or safest place in the world for human tyrants, but Capt. R-- drew his
revolver & threatened to shoot the first one that interfered with the polite
treatment of the Rebel Slavers. But the men had revolvers & guns loaded &
dared him to fire. The incident that led to the name Revolver will not be
soon forgotten. I copied 3 or 4 pieces among them is Highland Mary.
Day was bright & pleasant.
July 15th Saturday 1865
July 16th Sunday 1865
We laugh joke very heartily, but beneath all this is
the deep strong longing for useful activity & home. Work goes on building
in town very much as weekdays. Some buy new pants from the negro troops at
about 1/2 price. I accomplished very little today having written none but
this page. Parade was at 5 1/2.
July 17th Monday 1865
Yesterday we saw some of the 26th N.Y. Battery that had
come from Brazos Santiago. They left their guns aboard to be landed at
this place. They said several of 21st NY Bat. were mustered out at
Mobile. Also that Gen. Benton had arrived at Santiago.
Last night
Donaldson & I had a talk about the justifiableness & general advantageousness of
a relative male taking it in his own hands to punish by death one who had
betrayed the Love of a maiden when the law fails to do so. He opposed this
& favored reformatory measures of a kinder nature. I said I would execute
such summary punishment as an effective means of correcting those not to be
reaches by moral means & I would justify such a course. The pioneer Corps
are at work putting up a temporary building for commissary stores. I read
several pages in my story, but wrote very little. Foster drilled the Co.
some this A.M. I am well.
July 18th Tuesday 1865
Owing to the late promotion in our Co a vacancy was made & also one by the
discharge of Geo. Peck, who reached home early in June. Today it became
generally known that those deficiencies were filled by the appointment of Corp.
E.B. Smith to be Sergt. & Privates S.R. Turner & Wm. Young to be corporals.
None was surprised much a this, for there are many who at this late day would
decline the honor (?) of such a testimonial of ones brilliant & signal services,
chiefly in this case at least rendered by the latter favored one to the Capt. as
Barber & general assistant. It might surprise many at home to know that
those appointments are seldom such as the Co. would elect, & that there have
always have been many who would refuse such distinction, even though two dollars
a month extra is paid.
I finished a letter to Mother 7 finished the tale
Marston of Dunoran [?]
July 19th Wednesday 1865
For some days past Capt. has been unwell. We
drew rations of fresh beef, it is said we will get such for the next four days.
This will be good as a change. We had a very gentle drill this A.M.
On Monday I tried to get a chance to work but I failed to do so. The one
year recruits in our Regt. whose time ends before Oct. 1st are getting mustered
out today. Of those there some 20 or 22. By late arrivals came N.O.
Papers of 12th inst. I saw Waukesha Freeman of ---- & in it I saw the names
of three in whom I am much interested--Thos. B Brogan, & Maria E.--also M.S.
Goff as qualified to teach.
July 20th Thursday 1865
Yesterday P.M. Clark, D. McNeill & Owen Findley & myself went
into the Gulf to seek shells, but after a hunt of about an hour we got but few
shells of value. We may think ourselves very fortunate in escaping all ill
consequence, as we heard that one of Co. E. died today from being too long in
the water yesterday P.M. He had the ague last evening & congestive chills
this A.M. from which he died. I think I shall not go in the water for any
such cause again. There is a part of the shore that the boys are not
allowed to pass as one of the Col's of the negro troops keeps a guard there.
Some say he does this to get the shells for himself.
Yesterday P.M. H--& I
went to the 2d Colored Regt. & there we bought some clothing. I got a wool
blanket for 41.40, two Cav. jackets for $1.50 & two great coats for $3.00.
All of those are in good order & have been used but little & cost many times
what I paid. H-- got one jacket about the same as those I got. He
paid as much a I did for my two. There was a short drill this A.M. by Ord.
Sergt. McKee. We had fresh beef for breakfast & dinner. Rations were
drawn this P.M. We got a pinch of potatoes for each. Day was bright
& breezy. I wrote but little or read.
July 21st Friday 1865 [long monologue about Pvt Edward G
Hinkley]
I wrote an essay of some four pages in my blank book, I wonder
how it will do to read when I will be 60 yrs old!! in 1895! There is a
rumor the 29th Iowa will soon start home, their muster being from time of
enlistment. Mail came this P.M. I got a letter from Matt of 30 ult.
All were well but Father, he continues feeble..
Clarksville, Cameron Co, Texas
July 22nd Saturday 1865
July 23rd Sunday 1865
The 29th Iowa started about 1 P.M. for
Brazos Santiago. They go direct to N.O. Their [?] Col. Benton has been
lately promoted to a Brig. & he as well as their Lt. Col. are to remain in the
service. I heard our brigade was broken up, each Regt. being entirely
independent. There was a slight sprinkle of rain at 6 A.M.
Inspection was about 8 A.M. by Lt. Foster. Guards were exempt from this.
The effects of idleness so protracted is showing itself among the boys in camp
for many owing to the lack of good reading in plenty & the absence of all sense
of duty have purchased books of s sensualizing character & those are read
sought after with avidity. Thank God I need no such pastime.
Day was
calm & hot in A.M.--clear & breezy P.M. My cough has left me. I read
news & wrote some.
July 24th Monday 1865
Last
evening the old matter of a petition for our discharge took a new hold on the
minds of the boys in our Co. & B. It was proposed and approved by nearly
or quite all that if --or rather as--the officers of our Regt. have as yet taken
no active interest to secure our speedy discharge as those of 29 & 33 Iowa had
done, we, the enlisted men of the several Co's should take the matter in hand.
It might do some good, it could do no harm. I went to some of the Co's &
passed word around so that due action might be taken today. The plan was
for one from each Co. to be appointed to draft a petition which would be signed
by each Co. Instead of this McKee wrote a form last evening & this was
amended this A.M. & was the only one drafted. This was signed with much
willingness & some hope by the boys & some of the officers. Dr's. Smith &
Miller--the only field officers with the Regt.--are the most anxious to get us
home. For this they deserve praise as they could get out of the service
anytime. A sprinkling fell this A.M. after which the air was still & very
hot. P.M. was breezy. I bought a Cav. Great Coat nearly new, for
$2.50. I am well.
July 25th Tuesday 1865
Today I read a notice of the
death of Mrs. W.H. Seward. I was sorry to see a notice of the death of Mrs. S.
H. Sigourney, which took place --I think-- May 9 at Hartford, Conn. Today
we hear the officers of the 27th Wis. Drew up a petition for the same purpose as
our own & signed it almost or quite unanimously.
July 26th Wednesday 1865
I think the weather is not near as hot as when
we first came here. It may be plainly noticed how the purchase of bread,
bannannas &c diminishes as compared with the quantities bought when we first
came & when money was plenty, & prices lower. One cause of this is the use
of desecated potatoes which we get for 12 cts a lb. & which I think are cheaper
at 40 or 50 cts a lb. than the three small loaves of bread we get for 25.
Today I bought six good bannannas for 25 cts. I like them so well that I
could easily eat 10 or a dozen daily. It is no trouble to eat from 30 to
50 cts worth of bread daily. As Hinkley's health is poor, we at present
have no Co. cook. Beans, peas &c are no longer cooked as before, & the
former as merely boiled are not whole some to use. I was told by one of Co
F. that they are not very anxious general about going home. The Co. is on
provost guard in the town & many of them find employment as assistant cooks,
waiters, & dishwashers in the eating rooms, & salesmen in some of the shops.
How I wish such might stop here, while we could start home. I feel very
well.
Mouth of the Rio Grande
July 27th Thursday 1865
Capt. Tichenor was officer of the Day & we heard the
tidings that were not unexpected to us all--(of the arrival of Gen. Sheridan
last evening) of the suppression of our petition!!!! Thus have all our efforts &
the hopes built upon them been lost, but not forever!! We have at least
forced some of our officers to show themselves for or against us us, the latter
we shall not soon forget. Just as I expected Capt. I. A. Williams erased
his name after the paper had been received at Post Headqrters. The cause
alledged for this is that he is trying to get a position on the Steel's staff.
Thus is he ever fishing & intriguing for place & power. Some day he & some
others live so extravagantly in liquors &c that he owes $500 to $700 for wines.
Brandies &c owing to the low place in which two sections of the 26 N.Y. Battery
were camped, they moved near our camp where the ground is dryer. The day
was showery & cooler. I wrote none yesterday or today. I am well.
July 28th Friday 1865
Today was showery throughout, with occasional
bursts of sunshine. Yesterday & today I was busy a part of the day
stitching my coats, sewing in buttons &c. From 20 to 25 of us were on
fatigue this A.M. Capt. Cowing was officer of the day, so he was in
command. We dug a sink in the front & cleared a parade ground in the rear
of our line. The boys get up all sorts of contrivances driven by
windmills. One of those is an obscene invention by Dr. that has attracted
very much notice. I feel sad for such a misuse of good abilities & also
thought of what is said in the Bible of those by whom scandal cometh! This
is but the natural fruit of reading the vile books so plenty in camp lately.
I wrote some in the P.M. I am well
July 29th Saturday 1865
The boys get boards in town at night to
make bunks, set up tents, &c. Those are chiefly on Uncle Sam's expense,
bust some is taken from private sources. Yesterday I got a small piece for
a bunk from the latter source. I now have three good over coats, that cost
me $5.00. We drew fresh beef today & soft bread. This is baked at
the bakery of 28th Ill. It is better than what we can buy at the high
rates charged by the peddlers. Today I ate a 1/2 of a small apple that
Hinkley gave me. Apples get more plenty & cheap, but are poor in quality.
We hear the 7th Vermont were paid during the last week. Today I saw a
biliard table in one of the rooms in town. 25 cts per 100 points was the
charge. I sold 3 lbs of coffee for 45 cts. Many said they bought it
for 10 cts. a lb. I am well. Parade was at 5 1/2 P.M.
July 30th Sunday 1865
I heard Lieut. Benket , Co. B was about to sign our petition when Capt. Slawson came in &
said to him not to sign it. I was once speaking with Lieut. Foster about
this & he thought B__ did right to comply with the wish of his Capt., rather
than to cause any hard feeling or dissatisfaction between them. I did not
think this for I contended the Capt had no right to try to control the action
of the Lt. I said I would not obey Capt. T__ if he ordered me not to sign
my name to the paper, he thought & should obey, but this is more subserviency
than I am ready for, as I consider this a personal right.
There was an
office open here a few days ago for enlistment into the 1st U.S. Regular
Artillery. Many who had from one to two years to serve in Vol. Regt.
enlisted for three years. Nothing could induce me to do this. We
hear the 7th Vermont Regt was paid lately & many of them were drunk in town
today. Day was bright. I am very well.
July 31st Monday 1865
General Remarks
But how grateful should I be for such good cause to be even hopeful as I may be.
I was made sad by reading a letter that one of our Co. received from his sister
in Muskego, about the infidelity of his wife, & rumors of the same came by
other letters to the Co. Alas! why did not his wife think that a
soldier's duty & hardships that were unavoidable were quite enough for him to
bear without such an addition to his daily discomfort & anxiety!
The latest papers we have seen are to the 15th of the month. We hear it
was expected that the Atlantic Telegraph Cable would be laid by the 20th of
July. We have high hopes of its entire success this time. It is
rumored the U.S. made a requisition on the British Government for reparation for
the losses to U.S. shipping by the Confederate cruiser Alabama & other vessels
of the same class. This may be refused now, but even in such matters, Pay
day must come at last. Nothing new to record in regard to Mexico.
last modified: 4/21/2018