Officers of the Sixth Sept 1, 1861 F.W. Curtenius Col T.S. Clark Lt. Col E Bacon Major Company Officers Co A. Capt. E.A. Griffin 1st Lieut W.W. Thayer 2nd “ Craig B. W.W. Wheeler, Capt Chapman 1st Lieut L.W. Perce 2d Chapman as 2d L C. G.J. Spitzer Capt. Roberts 1st Lieut [illegible in original] 2d Lieut D. [illegible in original] Clark Ellis E. Winters Cogswell Heine F. Cordon Esse Guam Videri Henry Bostock Co E 6th Michigan Infantry Baton Rouge Louisiana July 4, 1862 Journal, Private Wednesday. Aug 28. The citizens of certain towns on the line of the M.C.R.R. gave a pic- nic to the 6th Regt at Kala- mazoo, where it was en- camped for instruction Friday. 30. The regiment left Kalamazoo for Washing- ton. Arrived in Detroit about sundown and embarked on the steamers Ocean & May Queen, for Cleveland Saturday 31. Arrived in Cleve- land about day light. in Pitsburg about 10 oclock in the evening. The citizens had pre- pared a good meal for every man. Their conduct was greatly unlike that of the cit- izens of Harrisburg, who man- ifested a stolid in difference 2 September Sunday Sept 1. arrived in Harrisburg bout sundown Monday 2. arrived in Bal- timore this morning. It was expected that we would immediately go to Washing- ton. and indeed we got in the cars for that purpose but finally it was announ- ced that we were to en camp in the city. Our camp was in the North western part of the city, called Camp [McKim?] after the rebel who formerly owned it, and was obliged to fly on account of his fur- nishing war supplies to the rebels, and otherwise assis- ting them 9 Friday 25. The admiral on the British ship laying in this Pass visited our ship to-day The proper respect was shown to his rank. Thursday, May 1. The regiment was transferred to gun boats and river boats, and started for New Orleans. Friday. 2. Arrived in New Orleans. To-day. The city was very quiet. The stores were all closed no demonstra- tion of a hostile character were made Thursday 9. Companies B. C.D.E. and F. and I got on board the Ceres Friday. 10. Got off about 20 mile from N O. Marched about 2 miles to a swamp which the Wis- consin Regiment and our own traversed four miles of to [Frewin?] station. Arriving about 9 at night. This station was on the New Orleans Opelousas and Great Wes- tern, the track of which we tore up for two miles. A handcar with four men on it all emptied to pass towards Jackson. They were commanded to halt sev- eral times, but refusing 2 were killed, 1 wounded. Being unwell, I did not get in this night but slept in the swamp. Saturday 11. Marched back on the railroad to Kenner station where we met the boats. Sunday May 12. A detail was sent back this morning to destroy the trestle work through the swamp sever- al miles in extent. Thursday 14. This afternoon arrived at Baton Rouge. Stopped over night and cooked provisions. Thursday 15 Arrived at Natchez. Stopped opposite the city and cooked Sunday 19. Last night the Ceres came in contact with a gun boat, and cut off a man’s legs. He died this morning and was buried 15 miles from Vicksburg Tuesday 21 The Laurel Hill came up this afternoon, bringing the balance of our regiment and the 4th Wis- consin. Sergeant Clark and Corporal Lyle of Co. F. went ashore this afternoon to see if they could not buy something to eat, provisions being scarce on the boat. They visited a plantation 2 miles back & were fired on. Sergeant Clark was severely wounded. They did not come in at 9 o’clock PM. and a party went out and brought them in Thursday 22. Ordered by Gen Williams that all the sick shall go to New Orleans. Saturday 24. Last night Each commander of a company sent a letter to Gen. Williams. representing the condition of the men, that they were des- titute of food money and clothing, and nearly all were unfit for duty. At noon to-day after running about an hour and a quarter, met the Laurel Hill coming. Followed suit. Three frigates frigates came up to-day and anchored above this place, which is within sight of Vicksburg Got back, to where we started from, in [4 ¾?] Monday 26. Started down stream to-day, and about 11 o’clock, as we were about to run into Grand Gulf for wood, we were fired upon by a battery of four pieces. Hastened down stream till we met the frigate and gunboats when we all went back. No 3. gun boat threw some shell into the town but no answer was given only two of the shots this hit us morning and they did no particular damage At dark the men all were let out, and broke into [word crossed out] store, and took every thing Other buildings were pillaged. Thursday 29. Arrived at Baton Rouge this morning, our regiment is quartered in the old Gov’t Barracks. The St Charles arrived this after noon with the sick from Ship Island and the mail. Monday, June 2 Capt Nim’s Battery of 6 pieces arrived here this after- noon. Wednesday 11. Isaac Wilder arrived here to day He brought a package from M [ichigan?] Saturday 21. At the present time the health of the command is very poor only about 20 can be mustered for parade. There is a funeral regularly every day. Lieut L. W Perce has been appointed [illegible in original] Saturday 28. Gen Butler and Pay master arrived this morning and paid us four months pay $22 Monday 30. Sent home by [illegible in original] Express Co. $61 Charges 75¢ freight in [illegible in original] 95¢ Borrowed $5 of [illegible in original] [illegible in original]. Payable on demand Wednesday, July 2, Col F.W. Curtenius having resigned started home to day. He made a fare well address to the regiment Friday, July 4, The day was more like Sunday in its quietness, than a national anniversary. A salute was fired by a field battery – Capt Cogswell arrived about sun-set. He brought a large package Wednesday, July 23. Six companies of our regiment went out as far as the Amite river. 18 miles from here They first surprised a rebel picket, and afterwards a small camp. The occupants fled precipitately leaving their worldly goods behind Saturday 26. Gen Williams ordered us to move from our barracks out in the woods, and let the 9th Connecticut, move in The Lieut Col. Major and Capt S Griffin and Wheeler re- fused, and were put under arrest. Capt. Spitzer obeyed Tuesday, Aug 5, This morning about 4 oclock the rebel forces under Gen Brecken- ridge. attacked our lines. The fight lasted about 4 hours, and ended by our keeping possession of the city. Early in the engagement John [Harker?] was killed. August 1862 Monday 11. Breastworks are being erected all around our lines. The negroes are kept at work nearly all the time Thursday 14. The buildings on the streets adjoining our camp, have been burnt so as to give free range to our artillery Sunday 17. To day, all the property of the companies was loaded on the boats, everything that was not needed for immediate use. Thus commenced the evacuation of Baton Rouge Thursday Aug 21. This morning (the commissary stores, and other Government property, having been put aboard) the troops were safely loaded on and we commenced our voyage October Monday 27. The steamer Cahawba goes out to-day Wilder, Raymond, Henshaw Hammond and Hadsell (Co E) will go on her. Wednesday Nov. 5 Dickey’s box with stuff for sick men arrived to-day. from Michigan. Sunday, Nov 23 Billy Wil- sons (6th) New York Zouaves arrived during the past week. A hardened set Monday. Nov 24. Received two months pay to-day. Lent my money mostly Tuesday Nov. 25 Sold my watch to-day to H.H. [illegible in original], for $15. December 1862 Thursday Dec 4. Col Clark arrived to-day He was presented on dress parade with a splendid sword by the non-commis- sioned officers and privates. It cost $265 Saturday Dec 6. The regiment moved to the city and took up quar- ters in a cotton press in the lower part of the City. Sunday Dec 14. A fleet of 150 vessels arrived this after- noon. bringing Gen NP P Banks division. Their destination is at pres- ent unknown He supercedes Butler, December 1862 Sunday 14. Yesterday Sergt. Beals (C.). Watson (E) Howe (G). Brainard (H.) and Sergt. Major Edwards, received commissions as Lieutenants Asst. Surgeon Mason, has been assigned to this regiment Hospital Steward. Milton Chase. has been commis- sioned as 2d Asst Surgeon Monday 15 Recd box from home containing butter 1 bottle of pickles. 2 boxes sardines. 1 can sugar ½ lb tea. bottle PDavis Pain Killer, peppermint essence pepper sauce. cloves dried apples crackers, cakes bologna sausages. Tuesday 16. Received letter from William from Nash- ville. Tennessee. where his regiment has been shut up by the rebels They marched from Tus cumbia. Alabama. to Nashville Tennessee (200 miles) in 10 days Thursday. 25. A very dull Christmas. There are rumors of a negro insur- rection Friday 26. The pay rolls of our company (E have been made out The excess of clothing drawn over that al- lowed is deducted. My deduction is $8.44 1863 Anno Domini 1863 C.W. Hillborn, former- ly adjutant of this regt. & more recently acting as Provost Marshall in Baton Rouge, & Deputy PM here has been commissioned as Captain, and is temporarily assigned to Co I Thursday. Jan 8. To-day being the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans a national salute was ordered to be fired by all the batteries in this Department. Sunday 11. This morning our regt crossed the river and went on the [cars?] to Berwick Bay. Tuesday 13. The whole force here got on the gun boats & proceeded up the bay. Got off at Patterson- ville. Marched 2 miles. The advance had a slight skirmish. Wednesday 14. Marched further up to-day. The gun-boats on arriving at the blockade commenced shelling the Cotton which this expedition was to destroy. The batteries went up within range of her & bombarded her. The sharpshooters of the 75th New York picked off her gunners. She backed off twice. Lieut com’dr McKean Buchanan was killed by a piece of shell. The rebels had some entrenchments near here our forces January 1863 skirmished some with them. Thursday 15. Started back This morning at 4 oclock the Cotton blew up. We started back Saturday 17. Arrived in New Orleans Sunday 18 Lieut Chapman promoted to be Capt of Co K Lieut Hatch assigned to Co B. R R Thayer commissioned a 2d Lieut. Hospital Steward Scott reduced to the ranks Geo Moore. Co G appointed in his place Tuesday, Feb 3. Received orders to report at the Parapet above Carrollton To Brig. Gen Neal Dow February 1863 Wednesday 4 Captains Griffin & Soule arrived here today with 18 recruits Our Company was assigned 3 of them. Monday. Feb. 9. Received a Letter from William. He is at Nashville, Tennessee in the Seventh Division Army of the Cumberlands which was not in the late battle of Murfreesboro Capt [Nims?], Sanilac Co 2d Lieut. Avery Howard Thurday. Feb 12. Corp. Otis B. Conant, & Privates Charles E. Brownhill & S.F. Barnes. dis- charged, & went off to day on steamers together with Thomas Schofield February 1863 Tuesday 15. There is the hardest rainstorm to-night I have known since I have been in the South. There was hardly a dry spot in the camp. The water was over the tent floors. March 8 Sunday I Sent copies of the “Daily Era” to H. [illegible in original] & to [illegible in original] Thursday 12 Broke up our camp at Carroll- ton and marched to Kenner. Camped a little above the town. Sunday 15. The regiment has orders to be ready to embark at any moment for Baton Rouge March 1863 Monday 16. Admiral Farragut passed at Vicksburg with the loss only of the Miss- issippi. ([illegible in original]) which got aground opposite the batteries, and was de- stroyed by her commander to prevent her falling into Confederate hands. The Govt is running the cars on the N.O. I & GN Railway as far as Kenner Capt Wheeler is appointed Inspector Genl of the Division Saturday 21. Started from Kenner on the N.O. I & GN RR under command of Col Clark about three oclock this afternoon stop- ped at station [illegible in original] Branch about 19 miles from NO After sup- May 1863 two millions worth of rebel property was destroyed. Rail- road track were burnt [illegible in original] [stores?] destroyed. trains burnt Feb. 1 1863 Co A Capt. E. A. Griffin 1st Lieut Craig 2d RR Thayer B Capt. W W. Wheeler 1st Lieut Patrick [Scawler?] 2d H. H. Hatch C Capt G. J. Spitzer 1st Lieut [Ellis?] 2d Beals D Capt S. H. [Pence?] 1st Lieut Clark 2d W. H. McLaine E Capt S Cogswell 1st Lieut W H Dickey 2d C. H Watson F Capt John Gordon 1st Lieut Howell 2d [Shumway?] G Capt H Stark 1st Lieut Hare 2d [Stacy?] H Capt P D Montgomery 1st Lieut Trask 2d J B Brainard I Harrison Soule 1st Lieut Fassett 2d Stoddard K AW Chapman 1st John Jacks 2d W J Edwards The brave man is not he who feels no fear For that were stupid and irrational But he whose noble soul it fears subdues And bravely dares the danger nature shrinks from Joanna Baillie Grant me Oh Heaven a middle state Neither too horrible nor too great More than enough for nature’s ends With something left for poor & friend January 31st 1863 Co A. E. A Griffin Capt Craig 1st Lieut Thayer actg 2d “ B. W. W. Wheeler Capt H. H. Hatch 2d Lieut C G. J. Spitzer Capt Beals D. Clark 1st Lieut Ellis 1st Lieut [McClaine?] 2d E. S. Cogwell Capt W. H Dickey 1st Lieut C. H. Watson 2d F. I Gordon Capt Howell 1st Lieut Shumway 2d G H Stark Capt Hare 1st Lieut [illegible line] Co H. P. D. Montgomery Capt Trask 1st Lieut J B Brainard 2d I Harrison Soule Capt Fassett 1st Lieut Stoddard actg 2d K Sgt Jacks actg Capt Wm J Edwards 1st Lieut H Hatch temporary assigned K A W Chapman Capt J Jacks 1st Lieut J M Edwards 2d Like a man without a wife Like a ship without a sail The most useless thing in life Is a shirt without a tail Col T. S. Clark Lt Col Edward Bacon Major Charles Clark Quartermaster C H Stone Adjt A. J. Ralph [illegible] Sergt C. Morrill Commanding Sergt S A Leighton Surgeon C. V. Mottram 1st Asst J H Mason 2d do Milton Chase Hospital Steward Scott [G. Moon?] 1863 Anno Domini Company E Jan 1st 1st Sergt Fredk Buck Segt William Leinnie “ Saul M Durand “ Henry Bostock “ John Carnes Corpl 1. J W Jackson 2. W B Blackfield 3. George A Welton 4. George Collins 5. William Kelly 6. Richard Austin Dischg Otis B. Conant 7. Joshua Buffum 8. H Rhodes [illegible] C. Naldrett A REMINISCENCE OF PORT HUDSON. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. I HELD his hand in mine that ominous night Before the battle's stormy ebb and flow, And saw tbe fitful shadows of the fight O'er his pale features go: And in his eyes a sad, prophetic fear Seemed burning out the hope or life's young dream, As ever and anon, and far and near We saW the vivid gleam, And heard the thunder of replying strife, Peal answering peal in loud, dissonant roar, Where burst the billowy mass of shouting life On war's wild, wintry shore. "The morn," he said,_"comes marching up the sky, The morn whose sun shall never set on me. Tell them, when I am gone" - and then his eye Grew humid with the plea- "Tell them I feared it not, but calmly went To strike one earnest blow for this fair land; Content to toil and suffer, and content To die a death so grand! "Tell her-oh tell her"-hut his quavering tones Died to a whisper, and refused the name; While sobs of agony and painful moans Shook all his boyish frame. He wrung my hand and left me. Once again, Where death's tornado fiercest swept the field, I saw him in the heart-break of his pain, Ere yet his lips were sealed. Ere yet his writhing limbs were laid asleep, And eyes gazed meaningless up to the stars, And dews of heaven fell over him, to weep The hero's cruel scars. Oh, pale, still face-ob, sadly mournful eyes, Which seem to look forever in mine own! I see ye still; and still I hear his sighs- His last expiring groan. Oh hero-spirit!-brave and patient soul! Too true that some must fall, as thou hast done! Rest, then, in peace; for thou hast reached the goal The victory hast won! Thibodeaux, Louisiana, August, 1863.