A Journal containing my Experience as a soldier in the War of 1861 against the confederates Commencing the 1st of Sept 1861 Sept 1st I staid last night at Uncle Henrys and this morning I took the cars with Seargt Shedd for Detroit. William Maudlin also went with us. Frisbee and his men got on for Kalamazoo. Al Miles the rest of his Co got on to go there with him. Spenc Lansing is the Capt. Mackenzie got on at Buchanan for the same place. At Marshall we met some bound for there also. Home of the 3d Cav got on at different places for Detroit Barracks We arrived at Detroit about 7 PM and Shedd and I got Supper at the hotel. We then took a cab and rode to the barracks which is between two and 3 miles from the depot and is down the river from the city. Here we got a bunk in the lowest barracks. The barracks and ground occupy some 10 acres of ground. there is a high board fence on three there sides and infront [crossed out] [where] is a picket fence On each side of the yard are two rows of buildings. One row is used to live and sleep in the other for eating, Hospital and other purposes. Teus, 2nd – I had to lay without any blanket last night. Bill Maudlin slept with me. For breakfast we had potatoes pork and coffee I eat with Shedd and he had in addition some honey and butter. I had nothing to do to day except to enlist which was done by Capt Robbison who made out my papers and swore me in. Wed. 3d I had an examination to day by the Dr. who told me to strip which I did and he examined me critically and pronounced me sound. He would not pass several while I was there from various causes which made them unsound. Thurs 4th I went on guard to day. I went on at 1 PM and stood two hours and then was free for 4 hours I also drew my clothes, they consist of two shirts one pair pants one dress coat and a fatigue coat or blouse and a pair of shoes and cap. Fri 5th – I went to town on a pass lasting from 10 A.m. to 1 P.m. and I bought a towel, 2 pair of suspenders a portfolio and a book for a diary etc. After I came back I found I had still some time left so I went to the cemetery and looked around a little and then went into the 4th Cav. Camp which is on the other side of the street from our barracks and got inside of our camp about 20 minutes before my time was up. Sat 6th I helped move a parcel of boxes this morning This PM I have been drilling some for exercise. The drill was in marching and facings, wheelings etc Sun 7th I went on police duty this morning and helped clean up the front yard. It rained some last night and this morning, I went to catholic [chrch?] this forenoon with a squad of about 30 or 40 soldiers. It did not do me much good as I could not [illegible in original – looks like some type of shorthand] understand a word. I slept the most of the time the rest of the day. There is a little Dutchman here that was sun struck and he does not seem to have but very little sense left but I think he is getting better. Mon. 8th I was detailed for guard to day A man was put in the guard hose for being drunk, through the night. The day has been very pleasant and the moon is near its full which makes it better for standing on guard. Teus, 9th = I came off guard this morning at 9 Am I sent off a letter for home and also received one from the same place. I helped clean up the table at noon to day. A man died at the hospital this morning that belonged to the 4th Cav. and at evening they come and took him off in a hearse. 10th Another man died in the hospital last night. Wm Maudlin is on guard to day. [135?] men came into camp yesterday all for the mechanics and fusiliers and 6th regt. Col. Sept Brodhead of the 1st Cav was buried to day in Greenwood Cemetery. They had a splendid hearse drawn by black horses and they had the top of the hearse covered with black [plumes?] There was a band and a number of the 4th Cav also some regulars from down town. The cav fired a salute of 3 volies over his grave with carbines Thurs 11th= I was put on guard to day as a supernumary and I did not have to stand this forenoon but in the PM I took a place on the 2nd relief. There was a light shower this P.M. There was a good deal of wind with it which raised the dust in immense quantities and it darkened the air greatly and filled us all full of dust. Friday 12th A man in the guard house had fits and has been taken to the hospital I hear that he had 30 fits during the night. He is better this morning. I received a letter from mother this Am and I wrote one home afterward. About 200 men went off to night to their regts. They all went east. Sat. 13th Col Smith mustered in about 80 or 90 men for the 5th regt. He threw out several on account of their being so small and they had to put on their citizen clothes again One of them was thrown out from some trouble in his leg. About 10 PM last night a company of near 100 came in from mackinaw where they have been guarding 3 rebel Gens. They are expecting to be mustered out of the service soon and then reenlist in a new Co. They turned us all out of the barrack and we had to move ourselves and traps into the 2nd barracks. Benton Stearnes lost my knife for me to day. I am all out of spending money for the present Sunday 14th= I am on on guard to day and it is very pleasant as the weather is so fine. There is dress parade over in the 4th Cav in the P.M. and a good many citizens were there to see it. The “Mackinaw [Front?]”, as the Co is called that came in the other day, were out on parade this PM and they are excellent at drilling. They have been drilling for about 4 [hours?], Sept Mon 15th I have written a letter home to day. I was mustered in for pay and shall get it I think before long. There was a slight shower about 1 PM. The “Mackinaw [Front?]” went to town to show their proficiency in drill and did not get back till after dark. William Maudlin went to town this evening Teus. 16th= I have been fixing up my clothes and marking them to day I also washed a shirt this P.M. Wed. 17th I bathed myself this morning in some bathing tubs that are put up for that purpose in one building. I found that some one had stolen the shirt that I washed yesterday and which I left hanging out on a tree last night as it was not dry. I was called into the paymasters to sign the pay rolls of which there were 5 or 6 and in the PM the us pay master paid a lot of ^ new recruits. There were 4 of us for the 12th. He paid me $60.00 [with?] $25 Gov bounty town 18 State bounty one months pay and 4 dollars premium I gave Shedd $3. for enlisting me and [50 or 56?] cts to peddlers. I came across my knife in a peddlers basket. The woman that had it said that her man brought it over in the Cav and gave 18 cts for it and I gave her that amount and took it. We could not find out certainly whether we were going to leave the barracks to day or not until about 2 min. before we started. There were about 200 of us I think. One of them was so drunk that they had to put him on a [drag?] to take him off. The left all the convalescent soldiers of the 12th behind and I should not wonder if B. [Jandlin?] got his discharge. We had rations of bread and bacon which we carried in our haversacks. We left Detroit about [8?] pm. They took on or crackers a [illegible in original] or two of bread ^ and meat for our use when our rations that we had with us gave out I did not sleep much. Thurs 18th We made a good run last night and made ourselves comfortable though it rained quite hard outside It was light when we passed Three Oaks & New B. but did not see any of the folks that I knew at T.O. as soon as the the cars stopped at NB I jumped of and going to the depot and found a package for me and also found Mr. Leland and gave him a letter containing $40.00 for father. At Mich City we had to wait 3 hours and we had a chance to get out and run about a little They gave us some coffee there. When we started again we took the New Albany and Salem RR Out a little ways we come across an engine that had run off the track and they had turned the track out to get by. We also passed one place where the lightning had struck the telegraph wire and shattered 5 or 6 poles. We changed cars at Indianapolis and went on to Jeffersonville where we remained in the cars till daylight Fri 19th This morning we took a ferry and came here to Louisville across the river where where they put us into an old house and the boys grumbled a good deal because everything looked so hard but I guess they feel pretty well satisfied now. We have a chance to run about a little but have to stand our chances of being arrested by the Provost Guards After supper the Leieut who had charge of us told us if we wished to write home he would take the letters to the office. We wrote 25 for him to take. The one I wrote was for home. About night the 34th and 36th Ill and Cav 2nd Mich ^ came in. There was a old man who said his name was [2 words illegible in original] came here this eve. He said he had been a provost marshall in Shelby Co. and had been driven from there by the rebs, He says that the only way to bring this rebellion to a close is to free the slaves, I had a good sing this evening with some of the boys Sat. 20th There were a few mosquetoes around last night but did trouble us much. I went to the river this morning which is only a short distance off. There were some 10 or 12 Transports there loaded with soldiers from Cincinatti. They come here to defend this place as the rebs are reported as being only about 40 miles from here. About 9 Am we packed up and went out east of the city near 4 miles where the 5th Mich Bat. is stationed It is also called Andrews Bat. It is a pretty place being high and rather hilly and close by we get a good view of Louisville, Jeffersonville, New Albany and Portland. In a house close by there is an old man living said to be a 2nd Cous to Gen. Pope and is supposed to be a strong secesh. We got some tents about night and we had a busy time for awhile in putting them up. We had “hard tack” and coffee for supper. The battery has but few ^ no horses or guns and but a limited number of men having lost them at Richmond K.Y. The rebels taking them prisoners and capturing their guns etc. Sun 21st I slept very well last night. We had to cook our own breakfast which consisted of crackers pork and rice and we and it went very well. After this we were called out by the bugle for roll call and the Capt detailed two out of each mess to cook 3 or 4 for hostlers and some for Corprals and we have all got to drill to- morrow Mon 22nd The bugle called us up between 4 and 5 Am At rollcall we were assigned a Seargt each to the Cav and Inf recruits of which 23 Cav and 16 Inf. The Art have two Seargts About 10 Am the Capt rode into camp and gave orders to strike tents and pack knapsacks and in about an hour we started and went to the river where we took a ferry and come back to Jeffersonville we then sit down on the sidewalk and staid awhile and then after falling in [illegible in original] 4 times we finally went out near the west part of the city on the bank of the river. I think we were here to be safe from the rebs. A great many people are leaving Louisville to day from an apprehen ded attack on the place and the ferry is loaded every time it comes this way. I felt pretty tired for a while after got our tents pitched as it was very warm and dusty but I feel better this evening. A woman come to the camp to see whether the sick soldiers wished for anything and I went with her and got some toast, peaches, and tea. Teus 23rd 3 weeks ago I nlisted. The weather has been very fine since we have been here and there has been no rain for a good while and the river is very low. I went in swimming in it this Am The bottom is very rocky and rough the water having cut away the limestone rock in troughs running in the same direction as the water. I did not make out to get in to my middle although I went out 8 or 10 rods. I went on guard to night Wed 24th= I came off guard at 1 P.M. There are 6 guards to each relief. There was a [large?] movement of troops across the river last night The rebs are supposed to be near Louisville and a battle is expected soon. It is said that 10,000 men have crossed the river. I heard to day that the 18th and 25th Mich had come into town. I saw a regt cross the river This Pm. We were called out at 8 Pm and they disposed with all the guards except 3 so there was not men enough an effective guard around the camp I wrote a letter home this P.M. Thurs 25th= We were all called out for drill this morning and assigned our places on a [gun?] (supposing we had one which we had not) My no. is 7 on the piece. Gen. Buell came into Louisville last night with his body guard The boys say they saw 45 secesh prisoners pass through town captured by him They are building a pontoon across the river just above here. The boys some of them went over the river to day to get some horses for the battery This Pm we got some soft bread for rations today. I went to the prison in this place with a lot of the boys this Pm and they took us through two wirk shops, one a wagon shop, the other a cooper shop Friday 26th we drilled awhile this Am. After dinner Brown and I went down town and got our pictures taken and cost 75cts with the cases The boys went after more horses this Pm. The bridge across the river is pretty near finished. We can see Buells camp down below [L.?] and across the river from us and after dark the lights in camp look nice. Soldiers keep pouring in here all the time. Sat 27th= A Capt of the mechanics & fusillir, came and took away the boys belonging to his regt which is across the river. There were 14 of them. Brown and I volunteered as cooks and we had peas and coffee for dinner. It has rained most all day which made it very bad to cook Some of the boys said they heard the long [roll?] sounded through the night. Sun. 28th One of the officers place a guard around the camp this morning and I stood one trick in the Am. The pontoon bridge is finished and there is a constant stream of travel across. A lot of the boys went over the river after horses again this PM. About noon a train of wagons passed here number [186?] with 4 mules Sept to each wagon. 3 or 4 of the boys have been put on double duty for being off from the camp. Mon 29th It rained a little this morning but the rest of the day has been very warm and pleasant John [Corban?] came into camp to day. He was our Corpl, at Detroit. He said He said that all the old soldiers left there last Monday and arrived here on Wed. There is a report in camp that Gen Nelson was lately killed by one of his Capts. because he struck the Capt on the mouth. There is a quite a number of soldiers come into camp lately [crossed out] [that have straggled from their regts]. They come in squads of 3 and 6 and have been in the fight at Mumfordsville and were taken prisoners there. They tell a pretty hard story about there fare while in that conditition. They Say they only had one days ration for 4 days. We had a firstrate sing last night. I took an expression of the politics in our tent to day and they stood as follows 9 Dem. and 6 Rep. Teus 30th A pleasant day. This morning at breakfast Oct I proposed to the mess to put in 10 cts all round to go for the benefit of the mess. They raised $1.70 and we got permission to go to town, (I mean the cooks) and we bought a paper of cinnamon, red pepper, Soda, cream tartar, molases and vinegar, I sent home my picture which cost 18 cts, We went to the depot and staid a few minutes and then came back by the river and had a good view of the pontoon bridge. We had rice and molasses for dinner. This Pm I went to the river to wash off and examining my pants I found 9 big Gray backs and a lot of nits. The lice I destroyed and the nits I put into some boiling water and I guess shall get rid of them for awhile any how. Jim Clark one of the 15th boys is at work now in the blacksmith shop shoeing horses It is just one month do day since I left home Oct 1st= Our rations are likely to fall short for a day or two on account of their being so large an army in [Louisville?] One of our men was thrown from a horse and hurt pretty badly in the breast Fairbanks was pretty sick this morning and the Dr. came and gave him some medicine Thurs 2nd Oct= The sick men are better this morning but I hear that there is a man belonging to the Bat is not expected to live through the day. I heard last night that 5 soldiers had been shot while trying to run by the provost guard. It rained just about dinner time and it troubled us some about getting it. It has rained in squalls all the PM. Fri 3d It has been a very pleasant day. The boys got a goose last night and we had it cooked for dinner to day. We have been put on half rations of pork. As we were getting dinner a brass band came near the camp and began to play and we soon found that they belonged to the 25th Mich and that the regt was in town and after dinner I saw some of them pass so I left Brown to wash the dishes and I put out with Jim Clark and followed them [illegible in original] until I came to their camp which is about [illegible in original] amile down. the river. I soon found Kelly Collins, Isaac Smith Otwell, the Sheridans Leieut Frisbee and some others that I know, I staid some two hours with them and had a good time They left Kal. on Wed. and got here this morning, John McKie said his cousin James had got married the day before they left They told me that 3 of the regt got poisoned when they were coming and one of them died. My work at cooking to day was small, the Batmen are divided into two messes and talk of making another mess still. Sat 4th It rained this forenoon and made it bad about cooking. We drew no meat. We had some peas to day but did not use them. We [bought?] or got a [1/2?] bush potatoes which were got by shar ing a bbl of four and exchanging it for two bbls potatoes and this was our share. I had some some trouble in getting a grocery [keeper?] to change a $1.00 bill that received from him last Monday in pay for some molasses that we got there as [crossed out] [change] cooks. I paid him [$9.00?] and got this as change and proved to be bad, and I found last night that was the fact. I have got to be more careful in taking money hereafter as I may get taken in badly. This Pm I went to the camp of the 25th and found them just getting ready to leave and I came along with them back to our camp They crossed the river and I guess will camp near where we did when there The 18th went by just after them. There was a Leieut of the 3d Cav here this P.M after his boys and they got ready and went with him. I lent my oil cloth to Dan [Mcmillen?] while on guard and he forgot to bring it back I guess and I suppose carried it off Sun Oct 5th We had potatoes for breakfast and we put on some beans a cooking for dinner and then [50?] of us started to go to meeting but before we had gone far we were sent for to pack up and start for our regt so we went back and put up our things and I filled my canteen full of molasses then I went and took back my blanket The 12th and 15th all went but one who was sick. We went over the pontoon bridge and when we were part [way?] across we had to stop to let some boats pass there, they push out one of the scows and then the boats pass through. We went to the barracks and staid about two hours and got our dinners I got a letter from home. I saw Wm [Weill?] I found out by the boys that my oil cloth had been left in camp after all so I have missed it altogether It turns out that one Farbanks stole it and suppose considered that he wanted it more than I. After we left the barracks we went to the Portland and crossed the river again to New Albany here I got a good supper for 95 cts at the hotel At 8 Pm we took the cars on the N.A. & Salem R.R. and went as far as Mitchell [61?] miles Oct 6th Mon. We laid about the depot last night on the floor. I made out to sleep pretty well. I lost my pencil and I bought one for .05 cts. There is no rubber on it so I cannot write so well. We took the cars about 11 Am and when we had gone a short distance we had to stop for them to get an engine on the track run off. It was on a freight train a head of us. We changed cars about 9 Pm at Odin (I think it was) and took the Ill. Cent R.R. I made out to get a seat by myself so I slept pretty well. 7th Teusday Oct. We arrived in Cario at day light and staid around the cars sometime and then went to the barracks close by. Brown and I went in the river and took a swim and got off some of the dirt and cinders. The town look rather hard I must confess, that is, so much of is as I have seen. It is very low and moist and in high water must be below the level of the river. The 81st Ill are stationed in the barracks and I guess they are the only troops in town. They have been drilling this P.M. There is two gunboats laying in the river close by and they have their guns in position so as to command the Ohio and Miss rivers. I am going to have a boil over my left eye. I have been tired and sleepy to day Oct 8th Wed. We cooked part of our rations to day, I slept in the soft side of a board last night and made out very well. Some of the boys amused them selves by trying to catch rats through the night which were very plenty, and about as large as a common cat. I saw a fellow that belonged to the 101st Ill that said he has 4 brothers in the rebel army and one of them is now a prisoner here. Thurs Oct 9th I slept on some cotton bales last night till it began to rain I then went and laid on the platform of a car till morning. The rain makes it rather muddy this morning. We made out to get some coffee and then took a boat at 7 Am and soon passed down the river to Columbus about 20 miles going by the battle field of [Belmont?] We had go into town we found that we had got to stay all day. Our Cav Lieunt has left us and we are now in charge of one of our own number. There were 4 cooks appointed and we drew rations and found a good place to cook at the soldiers home. This P.M. I went up on the top of the hill or bluff near the forts to see the 72nd Ill I found [Lewton?] [Eberknight?] George Willard and two others that I dont remember their names I staid most of the Pm with them and had a firstrate time. They have been there about 3 weeks. When I came back I went down over the bluff by the water batteries which had been built by the rebs, There was a large amount of shot and shell that they had left there. I saw a chain that the rebs had put across the river to blockade it but it is now broken. It runs to the top of the bluff and was fixed so that they could raise or lower it as pleasure. There are some water works near it that the rebs put up to raise water from the river to the fort on the top of the bluff and they are so well con cealed that it be hard work to discover them from the river. It commenced raining again this P.M. Friday Oct 10th It rained this morning when I got up and made it slightly muddy and it has continued so all day. Our cook room heated nicely and we had a splendid time getting breakfast. After that was over we took the cars for Corinth. We passed several cotton fields through the day and are the first I have seen. The cotton is ripe and I think I saw some darkies at work pickin it. We get to Corinth after dark. and we hard work to keep warm. We staid in a tent in the [illegible in original] Sharpshooters Camp and did as well as we could Sat Oct 11th I got my breakfast at the Corinth house. I then went to the [Tishimingo?] house and saw a shell that the rebs fired it went in at the front door and landed on the stairs and killed a wounded soldier on its way. The Corinth house was struck with a shell but it did not burst. I also went to the battle field The trees were scarred with balls as high as 20 or 30 feet and I saw one tree that was cut down by a can non ball There was blood on the ground in some places. We travelled about a good deal trying to find our regt but without success We went in the P.m to the camp of the 15th Mich and staid with them. Sun 12th This morning We went with a Leieut in the 15th to town and after going about a good deal I found a Dr who lanced my boil. I have got the trots and feel rather bad. The water is very poor and I do not think agrees with me. After our rambles about town we went to Capt Gilberts headquarters to report He has command of a [corell?] here and takes us under his charge at present Brown went back to draw rations and about night we found an empty tent just large enough for us six. We can hear nothing of our regt. The others have found theirs and the 15th boys 8 in number were put on duty as soon as they were fully in camp Mon Oct 13= I have not felt well to day as I have had the quickstep so much and I am a little afraid I shall get the dys entery. There has been a move ment of troops from here. They brought in a lot of cattle and mules this P.m that had been confiscated It has been a splendid day. We bought a peck of potatoes for 35 cts, Eggs are 30 cts a doz. Teus 14th I saw a rebel paper called the Chatanooga Rebel. I believe it was a daily Its price was $1.00 per month. It is printed on a small half sheet and there was not much news in it It is pleas ant again to day Wed 15th I wrote a letter to uncle William Thurs 16th A fine day I wrote a letter to Capt Bradley on Wed Friday 17th I washed my shirt and stockings to day. It has been very fine and pleasant. We drew 5 days rations and got some fresh beef and pota toes besides the other rations We drilled some this morning. I sold my barrel ink stand for 25cts one of Sat Oct 18th I let Hulse have ^ my towels for [illegible in original] cts We drilled again this P.M, and we make quite a show surely as there are all of 6 of us and one knows most as much about it as another. There 4 regts here that goon brigade drill daily. There are several batteries that practice also. They make a fine appearance in going through the different [illegible in original] changes of the drill Sunday Oct 19th It is a beautiful day. I got a pass from Capt Gilbert for Hulse and myself to look for a meeting. We went about among the camps around here but could not find any. When we came back we found Joclin here of the 3d Cav. he brought our descriptive papers which he has had charge of. The 56th Ill near which we have been camped left here to day and our tent is the only one left. In the morning there was an [illegible in original] tion near by and the Inf and [Art?] came out on the parade ground for that purpose. Mon 20th There was a light frost last night The day has been very fine. I will try and give a slight idea of our situation here. We live in a small tent that is just large enough for us 6 men. The test is near the road by a house. The open space in our rear has been a cotton field and must contain one or two hundred acres. We are about [1/2?] mile from water which we get in our canteens and an old Camp kettle (which we picked up) [3?] times a day unless we go very early in the morning we cannot get clear water for there are so many using from the springs Teus Oct 21st= A fine day. A baker moved in to the building near us to day and is going to set up [illegible in original] business in it Wed. 22nd I wrote a letter to Wm Martin to day Thurs 23d I went down town this morning and took my letter This P.M. We got an order from Capt Gilbert to start in search of the regt once more. We sold our rations to the [baker?] for $1.20. We took our flour ration in Gingerbread and pies we then went to the provost marshalls and got transportation to Bolivar and expected to go right along but found we had got to wait till the next day so we took up lodgings on a freight car and after having been pulled backward and forward several times by engines in which opperation the boys would get up and jump out and stand awhile and then find the [car?] back there again all right they finally concluded to lay down and go to sleep and take whatever might come Friday 24th Oct. We took the cars this morning for Bolivar by way of Jackson and arrived there in the Pm and after looking [crossed out] [around] around some We finally found it camped in an old cornfield. It does not seem as though things were going on very well on account of the officers all leaving and in some Co’s they [illegible in original] have all gone home almost. Lieut Bradley has gone home on account of his health. I got two letters from home and one from aunt Martha. I drew two blankets from the Q.M I am to sleep with George Foster Sat Oct 24th They had a fire built in the tent last night so I kept very comfortable It has been a cold bad day and it snowed some in the Pm. I have written part of a letter home. They have not put me on duty yet. Sun 26th Geo. Foster went on picket to day It has been a pleasant but cold day Adjt. Bissel died last night. Orders came to have 3 days rations in our haversacks at 3 Am. The new Dr and Let Col came in to day I finished up my letter and sent it Monday 27th I [went?] after Hickory [nuts?] this morning & staid until afternoon & filled my haversack. The boys began to chop timber for barracks to winter in, beautiful day Tuesday 28th We had orders this morning for the whole regiment to go out foraging after breakfast got [orderlys?] [illegible in original] & accoutrements [illegible in original] marched after the wagon we went in a northerly direction from Bolivar about fifteen miles & went into a fine large cornfield and loaded our teams [illegible in original] corn & fodder we had quite a time keeping our fodder on our wagon but we returned safely__ we obtained a few sweet potatoes at the rate of 50cts per bushel, we got into camp a little after sundown feeling tired. I did not feel very well this eve so took some composition tea it acted as an emitis & I felt better The Col, had camp guards placed around us to day There are quite a number in Regt that think of enlisting in the Reg Service for the remainder of there term Wed.29th I have not done much to day It is a fine day as usual Thurs 30th I do not feel as well as usual to day In the afternoon I went to the Creek and washed my shirt & stocking I have a kettle in which to heat my water after finishing my [illegible in original] I washed myself and felt better for it Friday 31st A pleasant day. This morning we all went out for inspection & mustered for pay there was some over forty in our Co. In the afternoon the was a General review of the whole Division they made a fine show I have not felt very well for a day or so, received papers from home. Saturday November 1st I was detailed on fatigue at the Q M Dpartment this morning to unload flour and hard tack and put it in the Com sy building. We put away 303 bbls flour and 80 boxes of Crackers and was busy nearly all day, Sunday 2nd—I had to go out on inspection this morning and I was rather awkward but got along with it. I have the gun which Mr. Terwilliger turned over as he has been to the hospital and is not able for duty yet. After inspection [illegible in original] Broome Henry Alsplaugh and myself got a pass to go to town where we thought of going to church but we were not able to find any open and so after going through town we returned to camp feeling quite tired Quite a number of troops arrived in town last night and this morning but I believe they left again this evening. I wrote home this afternoon. Monday, Nov 3d It is a very pleasant day. I went down near the river this morning with George Foster and some others to cut some logs for a houses after cutting awhile a team came down and we loaded on a lot of the logs but before we got to camp the wagon got uncoupled and we had to unload to fix it and then the boys would not put it on again and we had to leave it. The Artillery which has been camped near us left this morning. They had several shanties which our boys pitched on to and made preparations to move them. over. Skinner was lucky enough to secure one and he and three others have been moving it over to stay in. Our tents that we are living in at present are poor things for cold weather or [and?] other for that matter as their shape is such as to preclude much chance for comfort, They are circular in form and the [illegible in original] are kept around the centre hole. In our tent however we have been putting up a kind of brick stove to warm up the inside somewhat. Teusday Nov 4th Last night after I was in bed an order came to move this morning, [illegible in original] George F. Was up all night cooking rations for the Co, This morning I was up early to cook my sweet potatoes which were left and made out a very good breakfast. After that was over I packed my knapsack and it together with the tents and cooking utensils were loaded on the wagons and we then “fell in” and took up our line of march almost due south from Bolivar and near the R.R. and went about 9 or 10 miles. The road was very dusty and the sun quite warm and before we got through I felt very tired. We went about 2 miles beyond Middleburg and went into bivouac near a very deep gully or wash and close to the R.R. The bridge or tressle work across the gully was burned by our men sometime since and there is a force of fusilur and mechanics are here rebuilding it and our object in coming here is to guard the road. The gunboat [illegible in original] is close by us. I am on guard to night and shall have to stand from 6 to 10 PM and then sleep till morning. The wash is very curious and in some places is 5 feet or more in depth, and the banks are so steep that they are impassible nearly all around and it bounds us on three sides so that we not fear anything but Arty but little. A planter living near here says that some 10 years since he dug a small ditch to drain the water off and this is the result Wednesday Nov 5th ---- The result of my marching and guard yesterday and last night are that I feel quite tired yet and disinclined to move about much. A lot of darkies came along in the morning and were bound for Bolivar where they will consider themselves free. They look curiously as they tramp along with the contents of their household on their heads, Some of the boys killed two or three hogs yesterday and also got some sweet potatoes so we live very well. I received a good letter from home to day, It rains a little this evening, Thursday Nov 6th ---- It is a fine cool day. I went this forenoon to Hickory Station, which is a little over a mile from camp, after hickory nuts, which are very plenty. I got my haversack full of nice ones. The station here has been burnt Co G and one other co went back to Middleburg to day. The boys are feasting on fresh pork. Friday Nov 7th 1862.---I went back to the station to day with some of the boys and helped kill and skin a pig and then gathered a lot more nuts, The boys last night got a lot of honey and to day brought in a fine sheep and a hog. I moved into the 2nd Squad. Saturday Nov 8th Our Co last night received orders to return to Middleburg to start this morning. We packed knapsacks and had them put on the teams. We then marched the distance of two miles and came to town. They gave us a log building for quarters and we were soon busy putting up bunks, and had them all finished before night but we had quite a time of bustle and confusion in putting them up as we had but one saw and hammer, The house has two lower rooms one of which we use to live in and the other for a cook room There is also a good loft in which some of the boys will stay. The first squad have gone into a building across the street as our house is not large enough to hold the whole Co. The Capt has gone into a house just below us. It is a nice day. I bunk with George Knowlton. Sunday Nov 9th 1862 I helped bring some brick from an old chimney nearby to build an oven and then wrote a letter to uncle. In the afternoon I went out on inspection I also drilled a little in the morning. In the evening I went to church and heard the chaplain of the [20th?] Ill preach. It seemed more like home than anything I have seen since I left there His name is Butts and is a Baptist. After I came back to the quarters two prisoners were brought in and staid with us. One of them was a reb soldier and had been home two months, but was not discharged. The other was also sesesh, Monday Nov 10th --- I went out this morning with Jim Hunt to hunt for chestnuts but found them scarce. We made up the loss however with [frost?] grapes and had all we could eat by climbing a tree. In the afternoon we went to a sweet potatoe patch and filled our havarsacks with them. A good many troops have passed through on the cars. The prisoners that stopped with us last night were sent to Bolivar to day. 10 of our regt have lately got their discharges and passed through on their way home to day Teusday Nov 11th 1862 -- I was detailed for guard [crossed out] [today] this morning but was excused as I did not feel hardly well enough and I was glad I did not go as it began to rain about night and those that are on guard will get wet through Wednesday 12th Nov I went on guard this morning. Jim Hunt [illegible in original] Shaffer and Tom Swobe [crossed out] [Broome] are with me. We were stationed on a road running past our quartes and about 80 rods from them In the morning two men of the 15th Mich (the regt. were passing through) went into a field and were going to take two horses but [Vol.?] went and told them to put them back which they did after some hesitation. During the day we got a tent and two doors and we passed the time very comfortably I received a letter from W. Martin last night and one from home to day. They were written the 12th of Oct and had been to Cairo twice =Thursday Nov 13th 1862 --- I do not feel very well to day and have not done much except to finish a letter to Millie I =Friday Nov 14th A fine day. After breakfast Jim Hunt and I started out to get some hickory nuts but we found some chestnuts and got what we wanted to keep our jaws going while were picking them up. We did not find any hickory nuts and came back with our havarsacks empty. just after dinner was over, In the afternoon we went out to drill, Cos K and G were out also and Capt [Rockwell?] had command. I had the first real drill that I have had since coming into the service. One of the men (Skinner) was sent from the ranks and tied up for taking talking while drilling. They kept him tied about an hour. I went over to Co Gs quarters to see Hulse. He has been sick and was in the hospital. He is much better now. He said that he received a letter from Louisville lately and I think I ought to get some too for I have written to them to forward them my letters to me and mother says that I have had some sent there. Some of the boys got themselves into trouble to day by bringing in fresh meat contrary to orders. I dont know what it will amount to. I feel better to day than usual. I got Noah (Col) to wash my clothes for which I am to give .15 cts. =Saturday Nov 15th 1862 I was expecting to go on picket post but for some reason was not detailed A number of us tore down a log house for the purpose of puting it up on our picket post. I found my cup, which was lost when coming from the [illegible in original] in the other squad. I received a letter from Capt Bradley also a firstrate good one from father and Henry and two papers. =Sunday Nov 16th 1862 --- Picket to day and Jim Hunt Col Phelps and Jim Adams with me. Our Post was down the RR towards Bolivar and near the Cotton gin. We had a near us flock of goats ^ to amuse us through the day We had a quiet time. It rained a little through the night and we took shelter under the gin house and in a bin of C cotton seed. The boys found a parcel of fine persimmons which I like well. Monday Nov 17th --- I waited awhile his morning after being relieved to see them gin cotton They put on 4 mules to the gin to work it. I went into the gin room and was very interested to see the process of separating the seed from the fibre I wrote part of a letter to the boys which I shall refer all for a full description. The owner (Mr. [illegible in original] of the plantation and premises has some 1100 acres 800 or 900 of which is under cultivation He has 60 acres of cotton this year all in one field and this is only about one third his usual amount. He had 38 darkies but 34 of them have left him and gone to Bolivar to shift for themselves believing that they are capable of maintaining themseves without his help his last picking is ready but is likely to remain unpicked for some- -time for want of hands. One of our boys while on picket last night let his gun go off woun- -ding his fingers and taking the top off of his cap. I do not think he will have his fingers taken off. =Teusday Nov 18th 1862 --- It rained last night We drew rations for todays this morning They have been putting up a water tank for the use of the R.R. and draw the from the little pond close by us. They have got it in working order. I have lost my pocket combs and can find no trace of them. I finished a letter for home this afternoon I sent $2.00 on the Exchange Bank Hartford Com. which I cannot pass here but which I think is good at home. I also sent for a pair of Boots. =Wednesday Nov. 19th 1862 – It rained hard last night. I was detailed for picket this morning to go in Jo. Holbrooks place as he is too unwell to be out. It proved to be a pleasant day Thursday Nov 20th It is a fine day but rather cool. I came off picket at 8 o’clock. I stood a trick of 4 hours during the night. I got into a little nap but did not stay so long and took good care not to get so again. we were stationed on the road where a good log building has been put up with portholes for defense in case of attack. I washed my clothes which were needing it badly. I received some mail this evening among [crossed out] [them] it was a photograph of father which I think is the best he ever had A good deal of cotton is passing by here on the way to Bolivar where it brings.50 [illegible in original] cts [illegible in original] We got some irish potatoes which will be quite a treat = Friday Nov 21st 1862 = We drew rations to day. The 72nd Ill, passed through on the cars this morning and I saw all the New Buffalo boys who was left in the Hospital at Columbus They belong to Co. C. They seemed to stand it well. They have been turning the new curch here into a hospital. A regt of [O?]. Can. passed through and the 109 Ill camped near us I received a paper from home this evening and as it was all that came to the Co I consider myself a lucky fellow. I am trying to learn Phonography to Jim Hunt and he is doing well The orderly has been making out a report of the present state of the Co compared with its standing when it left the state and finds that 57 have been killed, discharged, deserted and missing and have gained two recruits. =Saturday Nov 22nd 1862 -- I have done but little to day. This evening I went with Skinner to Co Gs quarters to have a sing I found McCurdy quite sick and he has been so for some days Sunday Nov 23d – On guard to day! was about the first thing I heard on waking this morning. My post was down the R.R. Parmenter being Corpl. In the afternoon orders were sent around the line for picket to exercise extra caution as a band of guerillas were reported as being in the neighborhood and they might attempt to come in on us. They are building a breastwork at the depot by tearing of the plank which forms the floor and putting them up on the sides making about 4 inches of oak wood which a ball will hardly pene- trate Monday Nov 24th 1862 -- We passed a quiet night and saw no signs of any enemy. A shot was fired on one of the other posts but did not amount to anything. I stopped to see them press a bale of cotton before going to camp. Its weight was 466 lbs. Teusday Nov 25th A fine day. I received a letter from Henry in which was a letter from Horace Hays, Johns Photograph of John which was very good. Sunday Nov 26th= Was detailed for picket this morning. went down the R.R. as usual. It is quite a cool day I answered Ellens letter. At night we built up a fire and brought some straw and made an excellent bed beside it consisting of a blanket to lay on and 3 blankets and two quilts to cover us and we were very comfortable through the night although I did not sleep much as I took a cup of tea tea which was stronger than my nerves and kept me awake. Thursday Nov 27th 1862= Thanksgiving day and no way to keep it. Wonder what the folks at home are doing towards it. I feel all out of sorts from loss of sleep. I thought some of trying to pick some cotton for [Shiners?] to day but did not get about it. He gives $2.50 per [illegible in original] for picking. Friday 28th Nov I have been hard at work pickicking cotton all day and hard work it is too for all it seemed so easy when I began. Upon having the result of the days work done I found that I had 48 lbs! for which he gave me [$7.20?] Parmenter had 38 ½ Noah 51 ½ and Dakin 66 lbs He had picked 33 yesterday and so received $2.50 The cotton is very short most of it and a good deal has washed out of the bolls. Saturday Nov. 29th 1862 --- I felt quite sore this morning from the effects of yesterdays work I and I think it pretty hard work even at present prices. Parmenter went to Bolivar to day as [witness?] on a court m artial At 10 A.m Cos E H & G went out under direction of the Col to shoot their guns. Jim Hunt made a centre shot just below the paper Out of 29 shots but 4 or 5 struck the tree This evening I am detailed to wait on the sick in the Hosptl till morning and am writing this in it. The 126th Ill which camped in the grove near us did not leave much that we could find like the 109th I have lost my picket knife. Sunday Nov 30th I did not sleep any last night except to fall into a dose near morning. [illegible in original] There were three men quite sick. I had to go upstairs for the Dr for one man. After I got to camp I went to bed and have slept all day except that at dinner I got long enough to eat. Monday December 1st 1862 --- 90 Days since I enlisted. How quick the time has passed. I have reason to be thankful for having my health so well and for the comfort I have taken while so many are enduring so much for their countrys sake Providence has bestowed his blessings bountifully upon me and I should be sincerely thankful to Him. Congress meets to day and I hope may be able to stem the tide of war and do something towards returning the country to a state of peace. There was a heavy shower of rain which lasted nearly all night and it has caused a change in the weather so that it is quite cool to day I have a bad pain in my stomach to day and I have not been out much in consequence The P.M. got the mail of two other regts in stead of our own and shall have to wait till next train for ours Teusday Dec 2nd 1862 – I have been writing some letters to day but but did not finish all of them as I had planned I have found my Knife again. It has been raining most of the day Wednesday Dec 3d 1862 I was detailed for guard this morning I happened to get on at Hd Qrs. We have two prisoners tonight. They are discharged men from the Southern army. One of them wears boots which he says cost him $30.00 At the north they are worth about $5.00 He also has a pair of boots pants which he purchased at Holly Springs and gave $15.00 for and a [illegible in original] hat which he ^ bought at Mobile at $15.00 Worth up north about $1.25 I drew a pair of draw- ers to day. A lot of socks came last night to the great satisfaction of the boys many of whom had none Thursday 4th Dec. -- I have done very little to day as I have not felt well enough Friday Dec 5th 1862 – It rained all night and at daylight began to snow and kept up quite briskly till near noon when it cleared up. About two inches of snow fell. George F. and I wrote a letter to Willi. I recived a letter from [mich?] and a paper from home Saturday December 6th I have scarcely any thing to write to day as news is a scarce article. I was up early so as to write a letter to send by the morning mail but before it was finished the Presidents message came in and I stopped so long that I missed getting it done. In the P.M I went with some others after a load of wood. We went to the grave yard in front of the Hosptl after it. Two of the boys and Lieut Crofoot cut the wood and helped load it and I went with the team to see to the unloading of it After I was through I got the belly ache and kept it all the afternoon Sunday December 7th I went on picket for the first time in sometime. I was on the post back of the Cols Hd. Qrs. I have never been there before. Jim Hunt and Bill [illegible in original] went with me. We had no Corpl with us. We read one of Buchers sermons to pass time Monday December 8th 1862 We got some flour to day A reb is staying with us to night He says that he is a deserter from Prices army He has been in the service 19 months. He reports the rebs as deserting by regiments! He says six regts left about the same time he did Teusday 9th It has been a very peasant day I spent most of the day in writing letters We had 3 kettles full of potatoes for supper and made out quite a feast on them Wednesday Dec 10th I washed my clothes this PM. I got hold of some of the cold potatoes and some beef and made a nice hash for my supper. [Havey?] Daken went out into the country and got some dried peaches which were nice Two prisoners came in yesterday and 5 to day Thursday December 11th 1862 I got on picket on the road to day with Jim Hunt Dingman and Al. Hoaegland We had to take the names, ages and number in family of all citizens that passed the post Jim and Al. stood the first part of the night and they kept up so much noise that I could not sleep. After we came on we tried to smoke them out but did not make out. In the morning they tried the same game on us and pretty near made it a success Friday 12th Dec Have felt very mean in the stomach all day. A large mail came in to night my share was two papers and one letter from Henry. The sheet was filled to its fullest extent I think I must answer tomorrow Saturday Decembr 13th 1862 It has been a cloudy day but quite warm I have ans- wred my letter of yesterday. I feel better to day than usual. The boys on picket done well to day down the road. A cotton buyer coming along asked them if they had any whiskey they replied in the negative and he gave them $2.00 and told them to buy some with it Sunday Dec 14th This forenoon I read Buchers sermon aloud. I feel better than I have for sometime. To night when the train came in from below they brought over 600 prisoners on their travels north. They were com- fortably clothed but looked very dirty We have 3 with us to night. Two deserters and one citizen. The soldiers were on their way home to Ky. as they are parolled Monday December 15th 1862 Before I got up this morning the wind began blowing very furiously for a few minutes and then commenced to rain and kept it up all day I was on picket down the road. Hunts etc Express came to day some of their dried fruit was injured and some had been taken out on the way Teusday Dec 16th A fine day – no news – Done my washing. 1860 Letters Written and Received [illegible word written vertically] 1861 ^ Oct 31 H.E. Crosby 1 Nov 12 1861 Jan 5 Ellen Crosby 21 Jan 4 Nov 1 L.B. Hanneford 2 " 12 H.E. Crosby 22 " 26 " 6 E.E. Martin 3 Nov 27 " 19 J.H. Martin 23 Feb. 22 " 7 C.L. Phillips 4 " 17 " 28 E.J.Jones 24 Apr. 8 " 8 Pheus Mason 5 Feb 23 Feb 4 H.E. Crosby 26 Feb 20 " 9 E.J. Jones 6 Nov 27 " 10 J.D. Crosby 26 " 13 " 10 Mary E Mckie 7 Dec 21 " 16 " " 27 " 14 " 12 J.H. Martin 8 " 29 " 17 Wm Chamberlin 28 March 2 " 9 E. Sheridan 9 " 23 " Martin 29 Feb 22 " 13 M.F. Crosby 10 " 15 " " H.E. Crosby 30 Apr 2 " 14 James Mays 11 " " J.P. Martin 31 Dec 1 William Martin 12 [inserted above] [Postage .06] Nov 27 March 9 Mary E Mckie 32 Apr 4 "18 H.B. & M.F. Crosby 13 [inserted above] [1861] Jan 11 " 31 Ellen Crosby 33 March 9 Nov 29 E.J. Jones 14 " 26 " 11 Mary Sawyer 34 Apr 5 Dec 3 Elvira E. Martin 15 Apr. 5 Apr 17 Mellen Chamberlain 35 March 13 " 22 Mary E. Mckie 16 Feb 22 March 18 H.E. Crosby 36 Apr 5 " 27 Henry & John Crosby 17 1861 Jan 4 Apr 1 Horace H. Hayes 37 " 9 " 29 William Chamberlain 18 " 12 " 20 William Maitin 38 " 2 [inserted above] [1861] Jan 4 William Maitin 19 Dec 31 " 4 Mary Crosby 39 " 9 March 7 Mellen Chamberlain 20 Jan 3 " 21 H.E. Crosby 40 " 25 Letters Written & Received [Written vertically] [New Buffalo] May 3 J.D. Crosby 1 May 17 " 4 " 2 " " " 8 Charles Howard 3 " 14 Mary Mckie 4 Expense Account [inserted above] [1860] Oct Fare from C. to B1 26 00 [inserted above] [1861] Jan 15 Candy 03 " 28 Apples 10 " " School Expense 07 " 29 Sundries 35 Feb 1 Cutting Hair 12 " " Sleeping Car 50 " 4 1 Pr Gloves 50 " 30 Oysters 13 While at Boston " " Coach Hire 25 " 5 Peanuts 03 " 31 Postage and Paper 44 " 6 Orange & [C?] 08 Nov 9 Fine Comb 15 " " Inkstand 25 " " .03 2 Sponges. 8c. 6 slate pencils 11 " 7 Dinner & [c.?] 20 " 13 Reader ([Uncle?] 83 " " Aquarial Gardens ([Uncle M.?] (25) " " Geography 90 " 8 Apple & [c.?] 04 " " Sundries 16 " 9 Dinner 20 Nov 14 Stamped Envelopes 80 " " Museum (Uncle [illegible] (25) " 24 1 Pr. Boots 4 00 " " Lozenges 04 " 14 Postage Stamp 03 " 11 Dinner 14 " 25 Contribution 11 " " Algebra 56 " 1861 29 Sundries 26 " " Sundries 05 Jan 9 Concert 15 " 12 Lecture Dr. [Winship/U.M.?] 25 " 12 Sundries 09 " 13 Bunker Hill 15 c. Book [06 c?] 21 " 24 Lectures 40 " " Toll & Dates 04 Expense Account [inserted above] [1861] Feb 14 Sundries 08 [inserted above] [1861] March 3 Sundries 12 " " 1 Game 25 " 13 Music Book (Ex .25cts) 2 50 " 16 Lozenges 07 " " Contribution 05 " " Fare 08 " 26 Cutting Hair 12 " " Paper Collars 25 " 29 Getting Shuttle 06 " " Car Fare 20 " 31 Contributon 25 " 19 Peanuts 02 Apr 25 Play things (by Aunt Martha 50 " " Blank Book 28 " " Picture (Uncle Josiah) [26?] " " Ambrotype 12 " 26 " " 25 " " Crayons 40 " " Picture 25 "20 Menagerie 25 " 25 Mending Boots .75 Shoes [?] 87 " " Fare & c. 11 " " [play 2.00 per time?] Music Lessons (Play & Sing) 9 7 " " Permit (Inst for Blind 05 " " Sheet Music 2 Peices 30 " 21 Cauliflower 50 " " 1 Pr. Shoes 1 50 " " Ambrotype 25 " " [Apr 25?] Ticket 26 00 " " Dinner 21 " " Neck Tie 50 " " Fare 06 " " Tooth picks and [illegible in original] 23 " 22 Ferry 03 " " Sundries 05 " " R. R Ticket 1 85 " " Expenses Home 1 05 " " Pop Corn, Apples & [Con?] Baggage Total Boston Acct. 19