CIVIL WAR JOURNAL OF JAMES B. LOCKNEY

WIS. 28th REGMT., CO. G

March 1865

Copyright © 1986, 1997-2018 [James R. Shirey]. All rights reserved.


Jump to:

1863
1864
January 1865
February 1865
March 1865
April 1865
Lee's surrender
Lincoln's assassination
May 1865
June 1865
July 1865
August 1865
September 1865
Letters and "Stray Thoughts"
Index of names

Home


Camp at Fort Morgan, Al.
March 1st, Wednesday 1865

Last night was rainy a part of the time.  Just before dark a detail of 12 or 15 men was made to guard the goods of our Sutler!!! for he had only a fly or roof of canvas or tent stuff & certainly there was danger that some ill disposed person would take advantage of the darkness & take --gobble-- or in old phrase-- steal --as they could do so without breaking through any walls!  For this reason one guard was placed at each end of the tent or fly while two fine gentlemen Sutlers securely slept within upon their valuable stores.  Last evening for the first time in my soldier days did I sign my name as debtor on a Sutler's books & I would not have done so then if my friends were not all gone, & the state of my health less robust, & my spirits not so buoyant, as they were during most of the 2 1/2 years past.  I only hope that I may not be sensibly damaged in health, or constitutional vigor till I reach the land in which healthy food as potatoes, vegetables, fruits, Milk &c abound for I feel the bad effects of the unwholesome quality of food or of the articles that must ever constitute the great staples for the subsistence of Armies in active duty as salt pork & beef, hard bread, poor water generally, & very great deficiencies of fruits, vegetables, &c.  I would however that this was the only disadvantage against which I labored, for there is another & perhaps a greater.  I signed for $3 for two of which I got a can of cranberries & a can of blackberries, which leaves me checks for $1 on hand.  Had I money I could buy what I need at more advantage.  Some of the boys owe Tichenor during the short time he has been sutler from $10 to 25 dollars.  I am glad I do not use tobacco!! for this alone costs some in our Regt. enough to buy me quite a library in days to come.  There are rumors of the fall of Charleston, Wilmington, &c, but I think them premature.  Day was cloudy & foggy mostly.  I saw a double turret Monitor PM & had a wash & swim in the Bay.

 

Camp at Fort Morgan, Al.
March 2d, Thursday 1865

Last night like most nights here was foggy & were this morning & evening.  I feel weaker & more dispirited today than I did for a long time past.  I went down to the Pier this AM with Hinkley, as I thought a little exercise would help me for I had eaten a strong hearty breakfast.  We sat there awhile wondering how small boats were driven by a sail in contrary directions, & by a slight change in the small sails made to run almost against the wind.  After that we went into the fort & ascended the Parapet by the 20 high & heavy stone steps that form 6 or 8 stairways to the top.  King was with us--he had a shake or chill last night--& we both soon wished ourselves below & in camp which we reached after a hard struggle, for a short walk in the light white sand will tire almost any person, much more one this weakly.  After that I lay most of the time in our tent & moved about but once.  In the PM I went to the shore of Mobile Bay to get a view of a monitor that had lain alongside a sail vessel--as some said Coaling.  I saw her there yesterday for the first time, but could see nothing distinctly owing to the thick fog that covered the surface of land & sea.  I saw & spoke to two of the crew of the Monitor Milwaukee which was the one I saw.  They said there are four double turreted monitors here in the bay & all are ready to advance to salute Miss. Mobile & to scatter terror & Death within her walls if her people prove obstinate.  The guns of the Milwaukee are 11 inches in diameter of bore.  The crews of those vessels care not for shot or shell.  Torpedoes being the only danger apprehended.  One is named the Winnibago, both Wis. names.  The Steam Frigate--having three masts--Hartford, has lain at anchor on blockade & in sight since we came here.  Yesterday the excitement in camp was gambling among the officers, among whom I believe Lt. Col. Gray was chief.  This held a large crowd gathered for a time.  This PM a fight took place in Co. K.  I finished a long letter to Anthony, begun yesterday.  How I long for sweet sweet Home.

 

Camp at Fort Morgan.
March 3d, Friday 1865

In our present campground we find much more sand than is at all desirable.  So plenty is it that it finds its way into everything to eat or to drink and gets on our clothes.  As we have no place to keep things, it gets into our bread & meat & it is not at all pleasant to grit it or grind it between ones teeth.   A ration of soft bread was issued today from Post Bakery, to our Regt.  I believe we get as much more during these 10 days.  Fresh beef was drawn PM & boiled for supper.  The sugar that we now draw is whiter than any we drew for a long time past.  I was surprised to see it packed in boxes--instead of bbls--each containing 450 to 600 lbs.  Such are very clumsy to handle & are not so secure for transportation or for the protection of the contents.    I have felt weaker & more dispirited today I think than any other day since I left home, more than two years ago.  I did not move about much, got out to roll call in the morning & lay down instantly & slept till noon, when I ate some & lay in our tent nearly all the rest of the day.  The cause of most of this is I think a bad habit contracted before I was 1/2 my present age & continued till too well established, partly from the effects or because of Ignorance & in part because of early passion.  How heartily I may curse the day--or rather regret the occasion that I ignorantly, yea, thoughtlessly learned vice from one that was trained up in the most debasing influences, when I should have fled from his presence faster than from that of any serpent.  Well, while Life lasts there is hope of amendment.  I long for a return to civil life, where the advantages for health will be so much greater than here.   There was Battalion drill this PM but Dr. Smith & Lt. Col. Gray excused me.  Day was bright & breezy.  I wrote some to fill up my diary.  We got N.O. Times & the Independent of Feb.28.  It is stated our Flag floats over Ft. Sumpter & Charleston, Columbia, &c & it was inferred from tone of rebel papers that Wilmington was being evacuated.  Terror, confusion, & dismay seemed to prevail among our foes.  Amen.

 

Camp at Mobile Point
March 4th, Saturday 1865

Last night the wind changed suddenly to the north & before daylight quite a heavy shower fell which wet us a little through our tents.  I slept pretty well , & felt much livelier, stronger & more comfortable today than for some days past.  Soon after breakfast I went to the shore of the bay where the North Wind made the fierce waves to beat high & foaming, I followed the shore till I passed to that of the Gulf where the breakers wore away & chased each other afar toward the coast of South America while they may tire on the way & mingle with others larger & wilder than themselves.  In the distance to the southward, I saw the high whitecaps as they rolled on the tops of grand huge waves of deep blue waters, & a steam vessel passed toward the east bound probably for Havana, New York, or some other port.  I was all alone,  & was musing on the happy prospect of a speedy end of the War, so that then we may all in joy go home.  I thought of some with whom I would so gladly be & to whom my presence might afford as much joy.  I picked up a few tiny shells which I might enclose in letters as trifling mementoes of me while here so far, far away.  I returned invigorated by my walk, & found that during my absence, the Co. had gone out on Co. drill.  Had I been here it is not likely that I would have gone out.  I ate three times today, though I wished before roll call that I had eaten no supper.  This PM we heard a painful rumor that Sheriden had been severely cut up in Shenandoah Valley by Lee or a detachment from his army. & rumor said this force was advancing on Washington.  Last part is less likely, but last papers said Sheriden was advancing on Lynchburg, & Lee may have trapped him with a greatly superior force.  Sky was cloudy all day, but air was free from fog & mist.  Wind blew cold & fresh all day.  I read & wrote some.

 

Mobile Point, Alabama
March 5th, Sunday 1865

Yesterday was the day for the inauguration of President of the U.S. by the will & at the choice of the great majority of the truly loyal people of the nation.  What great joy to all who love the free & the right that so far the War has only developed the firm purpose to yield not a title of right Principle, nor a single point of Freedom for the sake of so-called Peace!  But on the contrary the eyes and minds of vast numbers of the people who in times past always sympathized with the Slavemasters, & aided their cause at all times, & in every way possible have been opened, & they have renounced all sympathy or countenance for the terrible monster of Slavery;  that alone in times past made great divisions among our people, & during these four yrs. past changed the whole face of our land into one vast camp & cast ruin & death over the Southern 1/2 & made tearful eyes, & vacant firesides so numerous in the northern 1/2 of our land.  Yet who could believe at the time of the first inauguration of Pres. Lincoln, that the war would have lasted so long & that so great changes would take place in the public sentiment of the people & in the Legislation of the Congress of the U.S.  Many who in the past from motives of selfish policy thought slavery should be tolerated have since felt that all gains that can proceed from such sources of gain must sooner or later be paid back in blood and suffering.  Glory be to the most high God for his guiding Providence that has kept our nation from overthrow & complete ruin, given us able & faithful men to command our brave Armies of devoted men, for our Noble & Liberty-Loving Chief Justice of U.S. Supreme court for our Purified Congress & the exclusion from it of traitors & their friends, & the improvement of the various State legislatures of the Free States.
Last night was cold & a stiff north breeze blew all night & also all the day.  There was sunshine about noon rest of the day sky was cloudy.  There was Regt'l Inspection at 9 AM.  I was not there.  I feel tolerably comfortable, but not strong.  We long for mail but get none.

 

Camp at Ft. Morgan
March 6th, Monday 1865

Last night the wind blew cold from the North.  We lay in our clothes on one rubber & our two wool blankets over us. This exposed us to some damp & coldness from the ground, but otherwise--- & on the whole it was much the warmest way.  I had the good fortune not to be compelled to rise in the night, & today I felt rather better & livelier than most days past.  I ate no supper last evening, but I think I erred in eating three times today.  The day was clearer & brighter than most days we have been here.  The sunshine was bright from about 9 AM to 5 or 4 1/2 PM but rose & set cloudy.  The wind changed before morning to NE & during the day to SE.  There was a circle of considerable size & distinctly defined round the moon & the boys wondered last night how nearly vertical the moon was, saying they never noticed it so high at Home.  We expect to see the sun very nearly vertical during the summer, should we stop as far south as we now are.  I sold what sugar Lewis, Coons, Hinkley & I drew for 6 days.   2 lbs. 10 oz for 65 cts.  Coons got a requisition for us & others for 20 loaves.  H.-- & I got 4 1/2 loaves for our share.  We had tea for dinner & I saved enough of it for supper for I like it much better than coffee.  There was battalion drill two hours in AM as long in PM.  I was not out either time.  I wrote two pages of letter interlined to Matt & mailed a letter to him & one to Anthony this PM the mail was sent away.    The talk is that only three wagons will be allowed to each Regt. on the march & we 'turn over' 6 wagons tomorrow AM.  Also that officers of the line--Capts. & Lieuts. will be allowed no transportation in wagons, so some say those in some Regts. have procured knapsacks for their own use.  I doubt this.    There was a detail from our Regt. working on the R.R. today.  No mail yet.  There was heavy cannonading upon [?] the Bay today.

Camp at Mobile Point
March 7th, Tuesday 1865

I had a good sleep last night, & did not get out to roll call, nor did I leave bed till breakfast was about ready.  We had some soaked crackers fried & good fried pork & soft bread for breakfast, of which I ate heartily, for my full appetite seems to have returned to me & my food tastes good again.  I was busied about personal matters, sewing buttons on my clothes, &c & mending my wool blanket, &c.  Before this latter was completed dinner was announced.  Boiled pork & beans, bean soup for all, & ere this was fairly begun.  Word was passed around 'to strike tents, & all get ready to move'.  This always excites more or less stir & on this occasion, more activity was required at my hands than usual for my mate--Hinkley--was on fatigue & each of us-- Coons & myself had our own & our mate's things to pack.  The order seemed as if issued by lightning & so great was the bustle that it  seemed as if intended to be executed with similar speed on our part.  Each one had his things loose & lying scattered about & this greatly increased the labor of packing them up.  I had not yet quite finished eating having previously packed everything--when the drums sounded to 'fall in'.  All were called & no. off by two's when I slung my knapsack & long ere this the boys of 35th Wis. who marched down from Navy Cove to camp with the others of their Brig. were about picking up boards & boxes that we could not take with us, much as we wished to do so.  Mullen of Co. B & I walked along the beach of Mobile Bay & found a better path than that in the loose dry sand over which the Regt. marched.  By resting often, we gained the new campground about 4 miles from Ft. Morgan & near the Cove, where we found many vessels lying.  3 or 4 Monitors, 6 tin clads, & many sail vessels.  We have a better campground.  We got an old mail PM.  I got one letter from Matt.  All were well.

 

Camp at Navy Cove
March 8th, Wednesday 1865

In our mail there were many papers, but all of so old date as to render them of little value.  There were also many letters in the aggregate but  those were so unequally divided as to afford many no pleasure. While some got one, two, or three each, a few got  8 or 10 apiece & a few got not one.  I got a note from Harpers Bro. of 6th Feb in answer to an inquiry I sent in Nov. from Pine Bluff about the non receipt of the Weekly.  They say they sent it to O. Findley & myself regularly, though we do not get more than a No. of it once in two months.  Capt. Tichenor said to me that he thought it was taken by some of those who gain admittance to our Adj. room during the distribution of the mail.  Some Capt. Lieut. or Sergeant for as the rule is & has been that no private--unless he be a favorite-- may enter any such Sanctuary for the Privileged!!  Thus, though none of those have so small wages as I--a private--still may they, without any increase of their present debasement or rather without any inconsistency filch that for which I paid out of $16 a month.  While at Little Rock I sent for the Jany. No. of 'Atlantic Monthy' & 'Our Young Folks', & today when on Brig. review, McGill--the Sergt. Major, came to me & inquired if I took the Atlantic.  I said I should have a Jany. No.  He said he got such a No. & that it got wet last night.  I judged it was mine, so I got it.  He said it came without a wrapper!!  After Midnight came up a heavy shower with a strong wind.  The rain beat in through our tents, & one corner of our tent broke loose, & let H-- & me get some wet on our blankets.  We managed to keep dry by doubling up our feet.  I slept well & with very little interruption.  the day was bright & pleasanter than any other since we came here, air balmy, skies bright.  Our Brig. was inspected PM by Maj. Gen. Osterhaus & Brig. Gen Benton.  Latter commands on this point.

 

Camp at Navy Cove, Ala
March 9th, Thursday 1865

We had a good sleep last night, but this morning broke misty & very foggy.  The day continued so throughout & no sunshine was to be seen all day.  In the PM we had a Co. drill, part of it skirmishing in which there was but little real gain for the boys cared little, & Capt but little more than they.  The breeze blew brisk & the great waves broke wildly along the Gulf shore, so sandy & white as to look almost like snow on the ground.  A detail was at work digging wells in the sand at a distance of some 20 to 30 rods from the Gulf shore, & at an elevation of 10 or 12 feet.  Barrels are put in to prevent the sand from filling them & in those a supply of water of fair quality is obtained.  water of a poorer quality lies on the surface in great plenty.  This is fresh & very good for washing &c.  This is a very great advantage to our forces here, for in its absence, fresh water would have to be carried in vessels from distance which would make a vast amount of work, & almost forcing all to do with a short allowance.  The supply of water in Ft. Morgan is very plentiful & is easily obtained, & secured in many huge cisterns & in great casks or vats of boiler iron.  Those latter are above the surface, in the interior, while the former are below it.  I wrote a part of a letter to Mr. Brogan, to whom I have not addressed one in a long time.  We cooked a mess of soaked crackers for dinner & one for breakfast, as H-- & I ate no supper, for we did not feel hungry.  We get a great plenty of hard tack, salt beef & pork, coffee, of the latter I use but little for I do not like the taste & for dinner I cooked a little pot of tea for myself.  As Matt's letter was so short I read it again today & may do so again, for then I try to imagine it almost as if I had rec'd a new letter or at least this makes it seem a little longer.  I had a chat with Coates of 27th Wis. this PM.  I was on Co. drill.

 

Camp at Mobile Point
March 10th, Friday 1865

Rain began to fall yesterday PM about 5 O'clock & continued far into the night.  It was accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning & rolling, rumbling thunder.  The wind blew so hard as to drive the rain through our tents so that we had to spread & fasten our rubbers on the outside of them to keep rain out.  We expected but very little sleep, as the rain, wind, & cold seemed combined to make a high old storm.  I once thought we should sit awake all night, but we fixed things & about 8 PM lay down with hope of rest.  We succeeded in keeping dry & we had a very good sleep.  During the night the storm abated & the moon shone in the last of the night.  This morning the air was almost frosty & the wind blew from the north very much like a March morning in old Wis.  The word with all was "how cold it is" & "is this your sunny south?"  Those were thought peculiarly fortunate that had Great Coats & gloves or mits were of value though not so much missed as the coats.  All were astonished at the coldness of the air all day for the wind blew cold till sun down.  Some of the boys stood about a little fire outside, told stories, wrestled after every fashion, commonly rough & tumble.  Others lay down in the tents covered up in the blankets & tried to be comfortable in that way.  It was too cold to write, so I read some in my No. of Atlantic Monthly.  A few days ago I read the message of Gov J.T. Lewis of Wis. sent to the Legislature Jany. 12th, 1865.  This was sent to me by M. Gilbert from Madison & I was very glad to have it for though I saw it in papers at Little Rock, yet I failed to read it till now.  The message if very satisfactory in details & covers 20,800 pages.  In it I find our State has furnished exclusive of 3 months men--75,133 men for support of the national cause.  Amt. of State debt $2,005,000 all for U.S. except $100,000 used for building State Capitol.  There are 64 State Banks with outstanding circulation of $2,560,000.

 

Camp at Navy Cove, Ala.
March 11th, Saturday 1865

I follow the review of Gov. Lewis' message.... Hospitals have been established at Milwaukee, Madison, & Prairie du Chien....State prison is not self supporting as in some other states older than ours.  No. confined in State Prison since its organization-  906,  discharged- 786.  No. in prison Oct. 1st--64,120.  No. of persons between ages of 4 & 20--329 of those 163 are females & 166 males.  No. engaged in teaching during the year: 7,585.  Average No. of mo. schools have been taught 5 1/2.  No. of schools in state: 4,930.  Value of school houses: $1,487,495.  Average wages of male teachers $32.39..of females $19.43.  No. of pupils in attendance during year: 320,591.  Amt. raised for teachers wages $415,800.  Total tax for school purposes: $613,892.  State University is entirely free from debt & is in a prosperous condition.  No. students in attendance during last year: 368.  Average attendance: 185.  State reform school is prosperous.  Amt. current expenses for year $12,500.  Appropriation asked this year: 16,000.  No. recd. since opening of school: 246...during last year: 83.  No. now in school: 137...discharged during year: 18.  Wis. State Hos. for Insane does well.  50 per ct. of cases recd. last year have been cured.  Liquor in its excessive use causes over 50 per cent of cases of insanity!!  No. of patients now in Hosp. for Ins: 170...admitted during year: 112... discharged: 130.  Admitted since opening of Hosp: 469.  Expenses for support of Hosp. last year: $38,000.  Institution for Blind, Deaf, & Dumb is prosperous.  No. blind in attendance last yr: 59...of Deaf & dumb: 80.  Expense of latter: $18,800.  Gov. recommends to the removal of Indians beyond limits of state.  "Their presence retards settlement & thus prevents development of the country."  "Their ignorance & their wild roving natures unfit them for a residence among civilized people."    The enrolled militia consisting of all subject to military duty, not incl. in organized militia, is 82,981.
Day was bright & clear.  Sun shone bright all day, rose & set grand & clear.  Wind was steady from N or NE.  This PM rations were drawn for five days & an order sent round to have rations-meat-cooked on hand for three days ahead, for use if we move aboard of transports.  This is a significant!!

As I have yet some time left ere taps or retreat, why may I not write a few more notes in such a way & on such subjects as only a private soldier in US Army can have for his own!  Yesterday I ate the last morsel of soft bread that remained of what we got early in the present week.  For a few days past we--in our tent--were saving our sugar with a view to sell it & with the proceeds to buy bread.  Hinkley cares less for soft bread than Coons, Lewis, or myself, & so is more apt to use his sugar, or a part of it.  Capt. agreed to give me--or us-- for many were interested--a requisition for bread--but one for the Co. mess, he wrote this morning.  This according to recent orders must be signed by Officer Com. the Regt. in person.  (Lately this was done by the Adj.)  For some cause, Lt. Col. E. B. Gray did not rise till past 10AM.  This delayed the approval of my requisition as well as orders pertaining to Regt.al. matters.  The next action this military scene was to repair to the tent of the Brig. Commander Critz, Col. of 27th Wis. Inf.  After a short time waiting during which he was busy signing other papers, he approved mine & thus another advance step was completed.  Soon I had the 70 cts. from one for his 10 loaves from another, 50 for the seven rations he needed for us four 14 loaves, a part of which was to come from the sugar yet to be drawn today.  This brought noon & soon the five days rations of sugar was divided making 1 1/2 lbs. for every two persons.  Requisition was for 48 rations & the distance to carry it some 4 miles.  I asked Capt. to allow 2 others to go to help carry it.  Clark & Inhre were glad to go & thus escape the 3 hours drill in PM.  To me the walk to Fort Morgan was tiresome.  I carried 4 lbs. sugar for us & 3 for Gelzer & sold it at 25 cts. a lb.  I went to Brig. Gen. Benton's office to get a fourth signature to my little scrap of paper which was soon in place.  I next went to commissary to get my order--the final document & pay $3.36 when lo! they would not issue but on Orders for an Officer's mess.  Capt. was there soon after & I appealed to him for an order for an Officer's Mess which he refused to give.  Beaten after due perseverance, hungry, disappointed, chagrined.  I hoped for the day when I can eat soft bread with out thus beggin & paying for it too.

 

Mobile Point, Ala.
March 12th, Sunday 1865

Yesterday, most of the gunboats here & all four of the Monitors went up the Bay early in the AM.  It would seem that they went to do some work.  Of this we were all convinced soon after for about noon the sound of heavy cannonading far up the Bay was heard like the roll of distant thunder, & this was kept up quite actively all the PM till dark.  This seemed heavier than any firing I had ever heard;  & today we were told by some of the crews of the monitors that two of their boats were those whose fire we heard.  They engaged some batteries on the west side of the Bay.  One of those was at Dog River, where the enemy have some 10 inch rifled guns mounted.  Most of those they dismounted, so severe & accurate was their fire, & only in one place did the foe dare to return our fire from his batteries, our vessels being beyond the range of his light guns.  'Twas said some of the vessels were within 2 miles of the City.  We hear rumor--the statements of deserters whose story some of us heard, that the No. of rebel troops in & about Mobile is not far from 2000 & a few thousands of conscripted citizens or militia armed for service.  Yesterday I heard the report of the capture of the city of Wilmington, N.C. as stated in Official dispatches copied in N.O. Papers of 8 inst.  Capt. told me he read it.  I was first incredulous, much as I hoped it to be true for great victories come so [in]frequent that we can scarce believe all true.  What hearty thanks we owe our good Father--God!!  I mailed a letter to Matt at Ft. Morgan last PM.  Last evening I began to hear Peter Coons read & at his request corrected his mistakes in pronunciation, & the same pleasant task was mine again this evening.  He enjoyed few advantages in the past, but now improves fast.  I saw Moon set early, just about the time of the clear bright sunrise.  Day was clear & breezy.  We had Regt. Inspection at 9 AM.  Hair ordered cut short, most have it so.   Capt. read part of Art. of War in presence of Co.  Drew in Co. three day's rations [of] boiled pork.  Washed some, PM.  Feel Well.

An Old Story
By Fitz. James O'Brien

The snow falls fast in the silent street,
And the wind is laden with cutting sleet,
And there is a pitiless glare in the sky,
As a fainting woman goes wandering by.

The rags that wrap her wasted form
Are frozen stiff in the perishing storm;
And she is so cold that the snowflakes rest
Unmelted upon her marble breast.

Ah! who could believe that those rayless eyes
Were once as sunny as April skies;
And the flowers she plucked in the early spring
Loved to be touched by so pure a thing

"Tis past--and the fierce wind shrieking by
Drowns the faint gasp of her parting sigh;
And lifeless she falls at the outer gate
Of him who has made her desolate.

Silently falls the snow on her face,
Garbing her form in its stainless grace.
As though God in his mercy willed that she
Should die in a garment of purity!

Alas! that this same o'er true story & so old-- should be as true today as a thousand years ago. This thought has always made me sad. Thank God, I say truly that I never in any degree sought to deceive a woman by any means whatever. With the lines above, I fondly cherish the memory of the author--an Irish man--who died, that our Land & Liberty might live.

 

Mobile Point, Alabama
March 13th, Monday 1865

We slept warm last night & did not like to be waked by the drums for Roll Call this morning.  The sky was clouded all day & a strong breeze blew, making the Gulf roar as the wrathful waves beat against the sandy shore that everywhere confines it.  For breakfast we had softened crackers & some boiled beans which made a passable mess, the same for dinner, with some cold boiled pork to eat with the other.  This & coffee & dry hard tack constituted the variety with which our lives are to be sustained.  Strength preserved, both of mind & body & health retained or lost as the case may happen.  This is a desolate place at best & extremely so for one sick or weakly.  Jacobi has had chills several days past & he goes about but little.  I fear he may fail, though there are few in the Co. whom I wish more to return safe than he, so slight, young, & devoted!!  For supper we had tea.  I often express my surprise that the cook for our 1/2 of the Co.--Gelzer-- succeeds so well, laboring as he does at so great a disadvantage for lack of implements with which to cook.  Moore did a large washing for the boys & our Co. Officers today & on this account was excused from drill this PM which was from 1 to about 3 O'clock.  I feel surprised the boys run in debt for their wash bill while they have so much leisure to do this for themselves, but they let such accounts run till pay day & then may feel surprise at the amount.  Gilbert went to Ft. Morgan to buy rations for their--Officers--Mess.  I followed him a few rods to ask him to include in his purchase of soft bread a few loaves for me, of which I had the price.  I was soon stopped by the thought: why will I be such a beggar, having to pay beside?  Oh! how humbling is the condition of a Private.  Well, 213 days yet remain to be dependent. [this being proof (?) that this was written AFTER the war]

 

Mobile Point, Ala.
March 14th, Tuesday 1865

We waked to hear the rain patter on our tent before daylight this morning, & it continued till after noon.  The wind blew strong & this caused the rain to patter through our tents.  Those shed the rain much better than we at first expected.  In order to keep dry we had to put our rubbers up inside, & under the tent & this made our part of the World's surface dry, but very limited in extent.  The sandy soil, which so freely absorbs all rain, was very favorable to us, for we lay on it & it was not damp or wet.  We lay & slept & waked & read till at length the rain stopped & all were glad to be able to stand upright & stretch & move about freely.  During the last few days I read several articles in last year's Nos. of Harpers Mag.,  Mrs. Gisborn's Way,  Dobb's horse, & others as Privateering in War of 1812, which I found quite interesting & instructive.  In my Atlantic I have read several articles & so have many others too, with both pleasure & profit.  One of those was the Memoir of Thomas Moore, in which high praise is given the poet for his tenderness & faithfulness to his filial & conjugal duties, so that so much the poet, he was none the less a man an instance so very rare in the long calendar of gifted & famous men.  In some of those stories, the Irish or German character is often introduced & made to form quite a part--minor of course--of the joints or hinges by which the whole is mad to hang together.  This fact forced upon my mind the thought or inquiry.  What would be the effects on our literature & on the various phases which society would present in the U.S. had there been no great influx of Foreigners during the last 50 or 100 years?  Surely the effects on the state of Society as well on the industry of the Country would be very marked.  Were those of temperate habits, how much happier might they be & how much more prosperous & happy our Country.
There was no drill today, owing to the storm.  I finished a letter to Brogan.  A small mail came to Ft. Morgan.

 

Camp on Mobile Point
March 15th, Wednesday 1865

I slept last night with my clothes off & this always is a great luxury to me, such as few can fully understand till they have tried it for several weeks at a time.  I slept warm & comfortably till Roll Call, which was about sunrise.  The sky was cloudy early, & I beheld with delight the sunrise from behind a thick dark cloud.  At first but the bright edge was seen & slowly the glorious scene increased till the whole great circle was scattering floods of light all around on every object.  Such a scene always affords me great pleasure & I always enjoy it with great satisfaction.  The day was clear & bright till about 2 1/2 or 3 PM when a storm of rain swept over, lasting about 1 1/2 hours.  I was on fatigue duty in the AM from about 7 1/2 O'clock. I & another of Co. H had a job at cleaning about 20 rusty guns, some of which were unserviceable, & were to be 'turned over' before we start from here.  From about 1/2 of those I took some of the lock springs, such as are most frequently broken in guns in use in the Regt.  I felt rather tired & weak, so I did not try to work very hard.  We left a part undone till PM so we might thus avoid the drill, in this we succeeded.  I got one of my boots patched today, by one of the 27th Wis.  Now both are tight & will last me some months.  There are orders for every one --enlisted men-- to have a pair of shoes in addition to what one wears, boots or shoes.  At this there is much complaint, some of the boys swearing they don't want them & will not have them.  Well, they are apt to have to take them even though they throw them away....  We had an excellent pea soup for dinner.  Officers can get no soft bread for their own use, so I can't for mine.  We drew 5 days rations today.  Ground coffee, pork,, hard tack, sugar, & pepper, candles, &c.  We hear rumors of great victory won by Sherman & Sheridan.

 

Camp on Mobile Point
March 16th, Thursday 1865

Little as we expected rain last night, quite a shower fell before daylight.  Our rubbers outside the tets saved us fully from it, so we slept soundly & sweetly.  The morning broke pleasant & breezy & the day was sunny & clear.  After breakfast, I went across the low marshy ground that lies between camp & the pier & I came very near getting my feet wet as I wore only my shoes.  I had a hope to get some bread, but it was all gone early.  I paid my last 15 cts. for a miserable apple pie, or rather a sort of excuse so called.  I had no trouble or need of help to put it out of sight in very few minutes.  I had no feeling of guilt as if I had eaten too much.  Hinkley & I decided to sell our rations of salt port for those four days --6 lbs.-- for 12 or 16 cts. a lb. & to use the money to get something else, as we keep our rations of sugar.  In the PM we were prevented from doing this, first by drill, & while out, by the receipt of Marching Orders, which made us to keep it.  Cook prepared meat for 3 days, or it may have to do us four!!  After drill we were all busy looking over our things & fixing for the move which, I heard, includes the four Brigades in our Division.  No intimation is heard of the place of destination, or how we will move, but probably afoot on E. side of Bay.  About 4 PM I & others of our Co. went in the Gulf & had some swim & a good wash.  Afterward the Brine smarted H-- & I , but we were very well pleased.  Last night 1st La. Cav. Whites, came here & I saw them this morning.  Orders were read reducing Sergt. Griffing to a private & promoting McKee to his place.  G-- is absent on duty in Wis.  Sergt. MacDonald of B returned two or three days ago from Wis.  While I write 9 1/2 PM I hear shouts of Mail!!  I feel pretty well.  I finished a letter to Mother.

 

[journal]
Marching toward Mobile.
March 17th, Friday 1865

Great were the bustle & excitement in the many camps last evening, & not less in ours than in others.  Mail came late about 9 PM & was not distributed till full 10 O'clock.  I crowded into the small space in which the valued treasures, so long & anxiously waited for were scattered, where stood about them some 8 or 10 persons, mostly Co. officers, each picking & selecting what was for each Co.  I spied two Harpers Weeklies & secured them for the owners O'Findley & myself.  The No. of letters was large & of papers considerable.  I got one letter of about 17 ult.  I had expected more than that, but was glad to get even that with the good news from home which it contained.  All were well & happy.  Father's health was good & Matt said 'some say Mother was getting to look young again'.  Matt had fallen from a load of hay, & felt pain in his side when he drew a long breath.  He was still able to keep at work as usual.  John was about busy as of old.  Our old neighbor Rooney had lately died.  Alas that families must be left as was his, so large in Nos. & so young & helpless.  He was always a Democrat & opposed to the noble spirit of freedom that I always so loved.  May he find Mercy with God!!
About 10 O'clock began the distribution of clothing in the several companies & as many had got asleep all were annoyed by the noise & confusion.  I drew nothing.  We were waked about 4 this AM & I felt not satisfied with my rest.  We started about 6 1/2 & were long delayed ere all things were ready.  We marched 3 or 4 miles along the Gulf & then crossed into a brushy section among a small growth of pine were water lies plenty on the surface & camped 8 or 9 miles from our starting place at 2 or 3 PM.  Day was pleasant.

[diary]
On the March on Mobile Point
March 17th Friday. 1865

We started from our Camp about 6 A.M. having been waked about 4 1/2 Oclock. After much delay for the several Brigades & divisions to fall in we marched some 3 miles along the Surf-beaten shore of the Gulf & then crossed to the road that runs through the low growth of Crab Oak, & small Pines that grows on the sandy soil. Water lies in pools along the way. & the wonder is that it is found so plenty on every part of the Point, & so sweet & fresh, so near the briny Gulf. The day was bright & clear. the heat would have been severe, but for the breeze so cool that blew from the Gulf. We passed the camp of 20th Wis. 7 Vt. &c. about 4 miles out from our Camp. The boys started with full heavy loads & about N. began to throw many things away. Blankets great Coats & many trinkets were cast off by the wayside while their owners picked up others lighter or better instead of those thrown away. We went into camp about 3 P.M. having marched 8 or 9 miles. I threw nothing away, but felt tired & weak so I lay down in the tent & slept.

 

[journal]
Marching to Mobile.
March 18th, Saturday 1865

Last evening many of the boys went to the Bay about 1/2 mile distant & by going knee deep in the water, some of them got a large mess of Oysters for supper & breakfast. Perhaps to all this was the cheapest feast of this popular dish they ever ate. All wonder that I never eat them & as they like them so well & that I do not.  Some of our Co. & others found a pit of potatoes -sweet- near a house in which some negroes lived.  Those were soon carried to camp, cooked & eaten with great relish. I slept nearly all the time till dark & I had a good sleep during the night. Had I been awake I would gladly have given the promise of .50 cts. for a meal of them.  Just as we fell in this morning I picked up a few small ones that some one had thrown away & they tasted as more Life-giving than anything else I had eaten in a long time past.  I do not like anything we have to eat so I feel very weak.  I asked Capt. to have my knapsack carried, but this he refused to do, but Lieut. Gilbert had me put it on E. Thomas' wagon, so I marched with the Co. Day was sunny & warm.  In A.M. we came to an arm of the Bay some 20 rods wide, where we took off our boots, rolled up our pants & waded through the water which was about knee deep. Oyster shells lie in immense heaps along the shore. We saw Large Magnolia trees larger than any I ever saw before.  Some were 18 to 20 inches in diameter & 30 to 40 ft. high.  Roads were sandy & run much through the woods & bushes that thickly cover the ground.  Many of the boys notice & remark how we are overloaded with five days rations, three spades or shovels to each Co. an extra pair of shoes &c. while our knapsacks are full to busting with our clothing &c.  Tents, blankets, while the three wagons allowed each Regt. are filled with vast rolls of blankets, tents, large mess chests &c. so they march often without carrying a rubber, blanket.  Even two negro women--cook for Col. & Dr ride in the wagons.

[diary]
Marching on to Mobile March 18th Saturday, 1865.

Last evening many of the boys went to the Bay about 1/2 mile distant & there by going knee deep in the water many got a large mess of Oysters for supper & breakfast. To nearly all this was the cheapest feast of this popular dish they ever had. All wonder that I do not like or eat them at all. Some of our Co. & others found near a house in which some Negroes lived a Pit of sweet potatoes which were soon carried to Camp & cooked & eaten with great relish. I slept most of the time before dark & had a good sleep during the night. Had I been awake I would gladly have given the promise of .50 cts. for a meal of them. Just as we fell in this morning I picked up a few small ones that some one had thrown away & they tasted as more Life giving than anything we have to eat, so I feel very weak. I asked Capt. to have my knapsack carried which he refused to do, but Lt. G- had me put it on E. Thomas' wagon so I marched with the Co. Day was sunny & warm In A.M. We waded across some water knee deep. Oyster shells were in immense heaps along the shore. We saw Large Magnolia trees growing wild. Roads were sandy. road runs much in the woods.

 

[journal]
On  to Mobile, Ala.
March 19th, Sunday 1865

Again my knapsack is carried today.  Our line of march was along the shore of the bay at various distances so that we sometimes got a pleasant view of the beautiful expanse of bright waters.  Still we could not see the object of our labors...the City far away at the head of the Bay.  Toward noon we stopped to rest.  About this time an aged negro woman stood near the roadside in wonder & amazement, & as we passed she showed strange signs of joy by her actions as well as by her words.  She leaped & clapped her hands & shouted for Joy, Glory, & Hallelujah!! were Praise & thanks to God for the coming of the Yankees!!  Union & the Yankees!  She acted as if wrapped in joy at the scene before her eyes.  Some of the boys jeered & scoffed at this.  Poor woman!  I thought thou must have felt most bitterly the many wrongs & cruelties of slavery, & thy Joy is to me no wonder.

[Diary]
On the March to Mobile. March 19th Sunday, 1865.

Yesterday morning soon after we started we came to an arm of the bay at which we all had to take our boots off & roll our Pants up above our Knees & thus we crossed over dry. Vast heaps of Oyster shells were all along the banks showing that for long years past large quantities of this highly valued product of the sea had been found on the east side of the bay. The view afforded was wide & pleasing, but we could not see the object of our labors, the City far away at the head of the bay. After crossing & toward noon we stopped a short time to rest, & about this time an aged negro woman stood near the road in wonder & amazement, & as we passed she showed strange signs of Joy by her actions as well as by her words. She leaped & shouted Glory & Hallelujah!! Thanks to God for the coming of the yankees, Union & the yankees! She acted as if wholly unconscious, or so wrapped in the joy that seemed to fill her whole being as to be forgetful of all around her. Many of the boys jeered & scoffed at this Poor Woman! I thought then must have felt most bitterly the many cruelties of Slavery. & thy joy is to me no wonder.

 

[journal]
In Camp waiting for train.
March 20th, Monday, 1865

We stopped early last evening & a heavy detail was made to make Corduroy road.  They worked a part of the night.  The train is now many miles in our rear owing to the difficulty of getting it along over the soft, loose, sandy soil.  This is made worse by the troops in advance burning the grass that lies thick & dry on the ground since last year.  These fires are started at every rest, & those run for miles & fill the air with thick black smoke.  It was a cloudy day & passed in a dull lazy way.  Some wrote--I did not feel able to--others slept & many played cards.  I felt weak & spiritless.  Last night I thought I felt like a rag.  I read some.  I was glad we did not march today, for I could scarcely have marched.  The sun did not shine all day.  The wind moaned dismally among the pines.  I thought of Home as far away & of Mother.

[diary]
In Camp waiting for Train. March 20th Monday 1865

We stopped early last evening & a heavy detail was made to make Corduroy road ahead. they worked a part of the night. We lay all day in Camp for such is the difficulty of moving the train over the soft places in the sandy soil that the train has been left several miles in the rear. This is made worse than it would otherwise be by the troops in the advance starting fires & letting them run on the dry grass--the rich growth of last year--This burns over miles of the country & fills the air with thick black smoke. It was a cloudy day, & passed in a dull lazy way. some reading or writing, others playing cards & more sleeping. I felt weak & spiritless, & last night as I lay awake, I imagined that I was more like a worn old rag than any other thing. I would have written much of the time if I felt able to, but I did not touch a pen. I lay down on my blankets & read most of the time & slept a little while. I was glad we did not march today, for I could scarcely have marched. The sun did not shine all day. The wind moaned among the Pines.

 

On the March, Mobile-ward March 21st Tuesday, 1865.

Last night was rainy. I was on Camp guard from 1 1/2 to about 4 A.M. Oderly asked me to go on Picket, but I did not feel quite able so McKown was sent in my place Rations were drawn last evening & all were glad to get some meat of which we had all run out on the march. a supply for four days was drawn which makes a lot to carry but this is only that Officers may have huge piles of Blankets, Mess-chests &c. carried on the wagons. We fell in early this morning & marched on while the rain fell in torrents & so fast as to be several inches deep on the high ground & knee deep in the low places. The road had been Corduroyed with logs in many places, but those were all afloat, so that men or teams could not pass on them. About 11 A.M. & when we had travelled 5 or 6 miles we halted, fixed bayonets & stuck them in the ground. Our Brigade was sent back to help the train along. Sun came out at noon. We drew about a hundred wagons from one to two miles often when six mules could not draw them an inch. We used long ropes on which 50 to 100 men would pull. no one tried to deep dry. P.M. was bright.

 

In Camp waiting for train. March 22d Wednesday, 1865

Last evening a detail or rather many Companies started from camp at about 4 1/2 O'Clock to work at the train or on the road. I felt weak so I did not go partly because I had not supper when they started. Lewis did not go so he & I cut some logs 5 or 6 ft. long & made a bed of them to lie on for him & Coons & I. Hinkly was detailed to guard train so he stopped with the wagons all night. All the boys had their clothes wet & few had time to dry them & they had no change of clothes. I had an old pants & I lay warm & slept well, having also dry stockings that Mother sent me. There was a detail from all Reg't's to corduroy the road this A.M. 13 from our Co. I was one--felt weak, but chopped some. Others carried logs. We were ulior[??] at noon & another detail took our place. All were glad of this at least I was. We got all our things dry as we had orders to be ready to march at 2 P.M. This was delayed by various causes, the detail did not reach camp till late, & then we had to draw four days rations of crackers & meat. We started with B. Co. as rear guard & marched late in the night. P.M. was bright & night clear. I carried my knapsack.

 

On the March to Fish River. March 23d Thursday, 1865

We marched last night till about 10 O'Clock ere we reached our camp ground. As we had to wait for the wagons of our Brig. we went very slow, halting every 10 to 40 rods. The way was very smooth through the pine woods. Those had been cut on two sides to the hight of 6 to 8 feet high so as to make the pitch run that it might be gathered for turpentine. Those trees had been fried & the pitch made a great light as we passed along. It would appear that this was an extensive business here in times past. While we marched my boot chafed my heel & made it very difficult for me to travel so with joy I saw the camp fires. I or Hinkly did not eat any supper so we slept all the better. Cooks made Coffee. We slept well. Night was cool & sky clear. We were waked about 4 A.M. & were ready to start early. I wore a pair of Mother's stockings & my shoes & travelled with great ease all day. We had a long halt A.M. after crossing Little Fish River. Day was clear, bright, & pleasant. We marched over a higher & dryer section of country than any since we left the Point. We reached Fish river Landing about 3 P.M. & camped in a beautiful Pine wood 27 miles to Mobile.

 

Camp at Fish River landing. March 24th Friday 1865.

We slept well last night, & waked early in the first beams of the rosy morning light. The day was clear & beautifully bright. We had Regt'al Inspection at 9 A.M. by Lt. Col. Patterson of 33d Iowa Inf. he being chief on Gen. Benton's staff.:. I saw New Orleans Times of 21st inst. There was but little of interest in the way of War news. Rebel Congress had passed the bill for arming 200 or 300,000 slaves. P.M. I Hunter & others were personally opposed to the project, though he voted for it because instructed so by the State he represented--Va. One whole Co. of N.C. Cav. No. 60 men came in & their officers, & delivered themselves as prisoners, & marched into our lines with Stars & stripes above them. They were treated better than they expected, & said if such were known large No's. would desert the rebels.---I wrote a letter home this A.M. Mail went at noon. Last night I was at a meeting near our Camp in the woods. Logs were used for seats & fires of Pine Knots on platforms 3 1/2 of 4 ft. high for lights. A large No. of soldiers were present. I hardly liked the manner of the minister with the new converts. On my way to camp I Kneeled & prayed.

 

On the march in P.M. March 25th Saturday 1865

Last evening just as I had begun to fry some meat for supper I & McNeill & McKown from our Co. were detailed for fatigue. The party from our Regt. No. about 35 & our Capt. was in Command. We were joined by a similar No. from Our work was to unload about 200 large casks of bacon or clear sides, each containing some 450 or 500 lbs. After this came 1500 boxes of hard tack or Army Bread which was in the hold of the boat. For a time this was carried on shore at a rapid rate, but soon not more than 1/3 or 1/4 of the party would work, but skulked about. After this there were 35 boxes of sugar, each containing about 500 lbs. Some of the boxes had holes in them through which the boys got out some. I got about a lb. & others got more. We got some hams from broken barrels. I took care of a part of one, but some fellow saw where I put it & carried it off. We got some tack. On our way back A. McNeill & I had some trouble to find our Camp. We worked till 12 1/2 & lay down at 1 1/2. I slept well. Night was clear & cool. Day was bright & pleasant. At 3 P.M. we fell in & marched till 8 when we camped in the Woods.

 

On the March to Mobile March 26th Sunday, 1865

Last night there was much confusion in forming the several Regts. in the desired positions in the dark with no light but a faint glimmer from the stars & torches of lit Pine Knots. Our Regt. had stacked arms, & built fires, a some lay down when we had to more some 40 rods farther to the front. There we lay down & had an excellent sleep, with no tent up but on the large growth of grass that lay dry on the ground. This is often set on fire by the soldiers starting fires each time we halt for rest & thus large sections are burned over & the air is made dark with the thick smoke from the large quantities of Pitch that is gathered on the trees that have been hewn in places on the lower part of the trunks. This is gathered & used to make turpentine. As the trains did not get up last night & the Officers do not carry rations or blankets, some of them or all were dependent on the 4 or 5 days rations which they compel us carry. The surface is beautifully clear & level. Soil is much better than any we passed water on surface not so plenty. Day was bright. Camped at sundown.

 

In front of Spanish fort. March 27th Monday 1865

As it was a little cloudy & threatening last night we put up our tents & had a good sleep. The night was dry & I saw stars about 4 A.M. at time of Reveille. Soon after day light we formed Regt's by division & the Brig. was marched in this way with a front of two Companies through the Pine woods a distance of two or three miles when we halted, moved by the left flank & lay down in a deep run for an hour or more. Batteries opened near us in front & on both flanks of rebel works. Rain began to fall at 10 A.M. & continued most of P.M. We moved still further to the right & front & lay in a deep run to support Batteries on our right & left. Shot & shell flew over & some burst & fell all around us. A piece of shell went through the rubber, & bent the bayonet of Jeremiah Carr in Co. B. Many limbs fell among us & hurt one of Co.-- A Piece of Shell went through the Knapsack & tore the shoulder of one of Co. E. making a severe wound. Skirmishing was active all P.M. Co's. A. & H. were detailed & went out once for a short time. Fatigue parties are busy chopping &c. I was not on duty.

 

Camp in Front of Fort March 28th Tuesday, 1865

Last night heavy details were made for Picket & Fatigue from our Regt. & I suppose from other Regt's, also. We put our tents up & slept well & warm till daylight. Coons was on Picket from our tent party & our Co. officers again were glad to make themselves comfortable at the expense of the boys, for not having their immense rolls of blankets along--the train being in the rear.-- Lieut. Gilbert took a room with us, & Capt. lay in Moore's tent. Some of the boys A. McNeill & especially R. D. Lewis complained the H. & I did not put up more of our tents & said L. if I did not we both might make a tent for ourselves anymore. Of course this we can do for each of us has at least as good a supply as he or most others. Considerable firing was done all day by the batteries, but this seems not to be very effective, as trees stand in the line. Our Camp is between two Batteries 800 yards distant from the rebel works. Heavy skirmishing was kept up all day. Several Co's. from our Regt. were out. Co. B. had one wounded in Great toe & one shot through the Body at the navale. this is supposed to [be] mortal. The greatest danger is in going out & returning. Day was cloudy & threatened rain. I am well & hearty. Thanks to God.

 

March 29th Wednesday, 1865

Last night the two McNeills, Lewis & Coons made their tent so as to cut H. & I out. We made a pleasant little nest for us both. Just as we had it done a detail of four for fatigue came along & I was one. We worked till midnight making a shelter for two guns which were to be placed some 60 or 80 rods on our left. This was to protect the guns from side shot from the rebel fort on our extreme left. We No. 25 & helped a detail from -- Ill. Regt. While we worked in the dark without lights the rebels & our Pickets kept up quite an active exchange of shots. I had a good sound sleep till after daylight. soon after breakfast our Co. went into the next 2d line of breastworks with all our rigging to support our line of skirmishers if the rebels should make a charge on them. Solid shot & shells & rifle bullits passed over us in plenty, the latter often very near our heads. I was busy a part of the day mending my tent & making the corners stronger. H. Draper & I are in one file. & so are mates. We heard Samuel Hogg Co. B. died at 9 A.M. He leaves wife & four children. He died a Soldier's Death for Freedom & Union" Rain fell toward night. Day was dark. Work is active on lines of breastworks & batteries.

 

In our Works before Ft. Fisher. March 30th. Thursday, 1865.

Rain fell during the early part of the night & we literally lay down to sleep in the trenches, though muddy & wet as there we were most secure from shot &c. We were divided into groups of four as skirmishers & two groups had to furnish one on watch or lookout for any emergency. About 11 P.M. all our troops were under arms for fire was very active all along the lines & it was supposed the rebels were trying to drive our skirmishers in for shouting was heard & there are rumors that at one point a few of our men were taken in. Co. I. is out today as skirmishers from our Regt. It is now so arranged that a Co. goes from each Regt. into the lines at about 4 A.M. & gets in the rifle Pits before daylight & stops till relieved next morning. This is much the safest way. Rebels have logs on top of their breastworks & they shoot through holes under the logs. This makes them very secure & hard to hit. Rebels throw some shells that burst among our skirmishers. Many shells & shot pass over our camp & burst around us. One in Co. A. was hit in Camp by a piece of shell it knocked him down but made no wound. After midnight sky was clear & starry. I had but little sleep. Day was clear & bright

 

In the Trenches. March 31st, Friday, 1865

Last night was cool but dry. Day was clear breezy & beautiful. We did not take our clothes off lest we should be called up in the night. All in camp were busy yesterday making places of safety by digging in the ground & building logs on the sides against the sides & over which a depth of earth is thrown from one to two feet in hight. Bloom or Blum, Hinkley & I made a good one which is comfortable & safe too. We were very fortunate to get an ax & shovel with which to work from the Battery boys near us. In some Co's. deep holes are dug & covered with heavy logs & earth. From about 8 to 9 A.M. & during the P.M. Connonading was quite heavy on our side but was feebly answered by rebels. Great preperations are going on along our lines. heavy guns & many Mortars are said to be going into place for use early tomorrow. 1/2 of 1st Regt Ind. Heavy Art. is said to be here & about ready for work. We heard Monitor Milwaukee was partly sunk day before yesterday by a torpedo, but today she is again ready for use & afloat. Mail came at noon. I got one from Anthony & 1 Maria, & 3 from Matt & Mother. Glory to God all were well on 12th inst. One in Co. I. was killed & one severly wounded.

 

[next]

last modified: 4/21/2018