Mr. E.. R .. Osband Perrinsville Michigan E.R. Osbands Book of the War of 1861 & 1862 Oct 23. 1861 I enlisted in Capt M Grants Company of 1st Mich Regt Enges & Mechs in the City of Marshall Mich. I went home the same day and stayed a week after which I returned to Camp and attended to drilling and every thing else pertaining to Military. I was mustered into the W.S. Service on the 29th of Oct. The 1st day of Nov I was elected 2nd Sergeant of my Co. Nov 25th I rec’d a Telegraph dispatch informing me of Fathers death. I went home in the afternoon & attended his funeral the next day. I remained at home one week and then returned to Camp Owen again Dec 5th. I went twelve miles N.W. or N.E. of Grand Rappids after James M. Lohr a deserter. I was only gone two days from camp. It is a beautiful Country between Kalamazoo & Grand Rappids & from what I saw of the two Cities I think them both smart towns. The former I think the handsomest town I ever saw. We received most of our cloths before we left Marshall the which are the dress of the Enges & Mechs branch of the Service. The Paymaster came to pay us before we left but refused to pay us anything but Infantry. We were told by by our officers that if we would take the $13. we would receive the balance some future time. We refused to a man to take it & thus ended the 1st pay day. On the 14th of Dec we were all ordered to prepare to go to Kentucky as we should start on the 17th. The 15th & 16th were spent in making preparation to leave Indianapolis Dec 17 1861 Tuesday At an early hour this morning we commenced arranging things to Start for Dixie Land. At Sunrise we were all in line an starting for the Depot. We received a thousand God bless you’s while passing through the City on the way to the Cars. This is the first time I have had all my rig on and I feel very much as through this load will pest me a long time. I console myself however by thinking if others can carry so much I certainly can. We had a splendid view of Lake Michigan at New Buffalo. I think that western Michigan is a poorer place for farming than the eastern part is. The e. towns are small and anything but handsom^ We crossed the line into Indiana a little before Sundown. The Northern part of Indiana is low and has but little timber. The moon is so bright that although it is night we can see the country for a long distance on both sides of the R.R. The Cars Stoped at LaFayette about 9 oclock in the evening. We remained here about an hour. The good Ladies of the City furnished us with some hot coffee the which was very acceptable. They also gave us apples and their best wishes for success. It is prairie on both sides of the City and excellent farming land. LaFayette is just what I have often heard it called a smart handsome place. There are lots of handsome girls there too, the which is nothing against the place. The whole Reg’t was on one train until we left here & then it was divided and two trains run through. I am on the rear train. There are lots of Soldiers encamped here The country is better as we go South. There are some small places on the road-but none of importance until we got to Indianapolis where we arrived at near Midnight. This is a larger place than LaFayette but I think it not so clean & handsome. There are many Depots here and much business done. A large inland Town Wednesday City of Louisville Kentucky Dec 18 1861 We stayed at Indianapolis nearly two hours, after which the cars made good time. I never before saw such a dirty ugly lot of women as was to be seen in almost every door. It is a good and well timbered country but the inhabitants all seem to lack enterprise. They live in poor old log houses. Fences are poor and they dress miserably We arrived at Jeffersonville soon afternoon & after having something to eat “for we were as hungry as dogs” we loaded up, and then marched on through the city to the river. I saw the States Pris^ as I passed along the Streets. Shafer is very sick & some of the boys carried him across the river to the Hospital. We crossed the river Set and just as the sun was setting we ^ [crossed out] [stoped] our feet on the soil of old Kentucky. We were marched about one & ½ miles & then we encamped on the farm of Gen Buckner a Rebel. Jeffersonville is a dirty looking place & Louisville is but little behind. The latter place does lots of business just now as the supplies for the army of the state passes through here Thursday Louisville Ky Dec 19th 1861. Last night for the first time I enjoyed all that I could in sleeping on the cold damp ground without any straw at all. I was clear tired out from my long ride & then had to put up our tents after dark & then go to bed with a cold supper. After breakfast I commenced writing a letter when the orders were given to strike tents. We knew not where we were going, but obeyed the order & soon marched a distance of ½ mile & then went into Camp again. There were eight or nine Reg’ts besides ours came in here yesterday & more came today. We bettered ourselves for a camping ground by moving, for now we are on a ridge and have a better view of the city than before. There are tomany of the Colored population here to suit my fancy. As we passed through the City yesterday I saw from one to to a dozzen at each dwelling of any size Friday Louisville Ky December 20. 1861. I am feeling tiptop today as I rested good last night and am getting over the fatigue of my journey. Jacob Shafer died today in the Hospital & was buried here in the city. Joel Deterrow our wagoner fell of the cars on the way & has just been found by some of our men in the Hospital. He cannot live they say. Our Artillery Company left today. They gou out six miles for the purpose of drilling. Louis Coldwater Battery from Mich are there in Camp Saturday Louisville Ky Dec. 21st. 61. There is much confusion in Camp today, for the Regt has been divided into four divisions Co. C & H from one division and will be commanded by Major Hopkins. We dont know where any of us are going. The officers are more strict here than in Mich. I sent two letters home today one to Louise & one to Luther. Deterrow died today. I was excused from farther Guard duty today and now have the writing of the Co to do. C.P. Freman is Quartermaster of our division. “I am glad” Sunday Louisville Ky December 22nd, 1861. It is very rainy today. The Ohio Regt struck tents this morning and after standing around four or five hours & getting nicely wet through they pitched their tents again. It is cold this evening and they must necessarily suffer tonight as they have no straw. I wrote two letters today one to Louise & one to Miss Jennie Bartholimew. I also wrote one to Melvin. The war news is favorable from Missouri, also from S. Carolina Monday Louisville Dec 23d.. 1861 It is quiet in Camp today. Cartridges were furnished us today for the first time & we commenced practice ing with our guns. We are only allowed five tents to a Co & I am to live in tent No 2. There are 20 of us in this tent. & Co cooks have been appointed and all goes well. This far I only see one objection of any importance to soldiering. That is there is so much profanity & wickedness practiced among the soldiers. Almose every man in the Regt is a profane person. The weather has become settled and Company drills come regularly again. Mid [?] is plenty yet however Tuesday Louisville Ky Dec 24th.. 1861 We are hourly expecting marching orders and I think the most of the boys will be glad when they are given. I understand today that our division is going to New Haven about fifty m miles south of this. We exchanged our Belgiu^ muskets for Harpers Ferry muskets which are a very good looking gun. I wrote to Sape Merison Today Wednesday Louisville Dec 25. Christmas Fifteen of our boys lay in the Guardhouse “which is under an old beech tree” all night for going to town without permission. One division left this morning for Lebanon. Corporals Hotchkin & Simpson were reduced to the ranks today Thursday New Haven December 26, 61 We bid farewell to Camp at an early hour & marched to the L.&N. Depot. We started about 9 oclock A.M. for New Haven. On the way for the 1st time I saw a plantation. The big house as it is called and darkies Quarters surrounding it. Plantations look very much as I supposed they did from the various descriptions of them which I have heard & read. The R. R. passes along through a valley the greater part of the way. These mountains or bluffs are very beautiful being covered with evergreens The RR itself is a rough uneven concern. We passed one large Iron smelting works. We arrived at New Haven after noon a while when we took dinner, and then started for a camping plase. There is a Stone Turnpike passes through here that lies between Lou- isville & Nashville. We marched about two miles and went into Camp on the bank of Knobb Creek a beautiful mountain stream Friday New Haven Dec 27th.. 1861 Our Camp is on the farm of an old slave holder. There are beautiful mountains on all sides of us & the best water here I ever saw. I had a good time climbing today. There are many fine specimens of petrifaction on the bluffs as I ever saw. We have drill in afternoon. We also shot at Target some. I wrote to Louise & Edgar Saturday New Haven Dec 28th.. 1861 There was two Corporals elected today Brown & Shirmway. We are going to stay here until next week when we will go on up to Camp Wickliffe. The Major is very good to us for we have no guards through the day. We have lots of time to climb these high hills and to do what we wish to. Major furnished us two Turkeys to shoot at. One of them was killed the 2nd shot at a distance of forty rods. We hear heavy firing off to the S.E. of us Sunday New Haven Dec 29th.. 1861. It is a warm & pleasant day. Capt Grant & the Major has gone up to Camp Wickliffe today I wrote to & in afternoon went walking. I had a good chat with some old fellows. I saw the place where A. Lincoln the President was borne. This is a beautiful place for one to spend a week or two in climbing around and seeing the various that are to be seen We have marching orders for tomorrow and I expect we will be brought to teams [?] immediately. I am prepared for the worst I hope Monday Camp Wickliffe Dec 30th.. 1861. We left New Haven in good season for this place. For the first four or five miles we followed the valley which is certainly beautiful. There is almost all kinds of timber here that I ever saw. I have seen considerable Chestnut , Cedar & BrickEye. In the distance the roads comes up the moun- tain which presents a fine appearance. There are places where on the one side of the road the rock is an hundred feet high and on the other it is more than a hundred feet down to the level. Gen Nelson called around tonight & gave us a going over. He is a cross looking man but may be a good Officer. We will have to keep close now & I am glad of it too Tuesday Camp Wickliffe Dec 31st.. 1861 I am quite unwell today. I was sick all night. We pulled up stakes [?] this forenoon & mooved a short distance onto a higher piece of ground This is ten miles from New Haven. The 41st.. Ohio Regt came & encamped just across the way from us. I suppose we are attatched to that Regt. They have a splendid Brass Band Wednesday Camp Wickliffe January 1st. 1862. I am feeling pretty well now. & have been over and drilled with the boys of the Ohio 41st.. I now have charge of the desk. I call the roll detale Guards & make out the morning reports. Things begin to take a sensible shape and soldiering is all right. I wrote a long letter to Uncle Lyman today Thursday Camp Wickliffe Jan 2nd.. 1862. As our stove was taken from us & put into the Hospital yesterday I slept very Cold last night. An alarm was beat last night and the boys all fell out in line of battle but the Orderly & I never heard a thing & of course lay still. I have been helping Capt & Lieut make out payrolls all day. I realy hope we will get our pay now. Hathaway had a Lawsuit [?] tonight Friday Camp Wickliffe Jan 3d. 62 Lieut Frary is quite unwell & talks some of resigning. It is awful muddy here & this evening it is raining all sorts. Kentuck abounds with mud I think from what I have seen since I have been here. Saturday Camp Wickliffe, January, 4th.., 1862. In spite of the mud we drill daily. Gen Nelson has gone to Louisville to answer to a Court Martial. It appears that he undertook to pass a guard that knew his business & the guard undertook to halt him. He refused to stop drawing his pistol at thes same same time threatening to shoot him. The Guard cocked his gun and pointing it at him told him to lay his pistol on the ground and hold up both hands or he would blow him through. He did so. I wrote to Olive Dickerson today Sunday January 5th 1862 It is some stormy today. I take a walk all alone today in the woods back of the Camp. I wrote a letter to Henry & Luther today The Brass Band played Old Hundred tonight on Dress Parade. It was the best thing I have heard since I enlisted. The prospect now is that this division of the army will make an advance before long. We are daily hearing large stories about the prospects of the war. Camp is the greatest place I ever well. was in to hear stories. All’s well that ends ^ Monday Camp Wickliffe Jan 6th 1862 Col Hazen drilled Co H. today & I like him very well. I think him a Military man Capt Coffinberry with a lot of his men has gone to New Haven to repair the bridge. Last evening one of Co C Men shot off his gun accidentaly & it went through one fellows cap & the the side of anothers head. The weather is warm & pleasant. I enjoy the climate tip top here. I never was much of a friend to Mich winters Tuesday Camp Wickliffe Jan 7th.. 1862. We went out on battalion drill today with the 41st.. Ohio Regt for the first time. We had a good time but would have done better if we could have understood the commands given by the officers. Four Regts came today Wednesday Camp Wickliffe Jan 8th.. 1862 We are in the 19th Brigade. The 46th.. & 47th Ind. Regt, the Ky 6th.. & Ohio 41st.. form the Brigade Major has gone to Louisville today and we are all expecting some letters when he returns as we have had none yet in the State Thursday Camp Wickliffe Jan 9th 1862 I was on Guard last night. Stanton / came in tonight. He was left in the Hospital at Louisville. I had a good old time washing today. I washed my shirt, drawers socks & Towel.. I saw the two Rebel prisoners today that the Ohio 41st.. brought in when on picket. The signs of of the times now indicate that the war will not be of long duration. Report says that our army is now within six miles of Charleston. Secession is fast being cleaned out in Virginia. Our army is also doing a noble business in Missouri. In Kentucky the army is not idle for already there are fifty or sixty Regiments on the other side of Green River. I still think what I told my folks when I left home will take place. That is that I will be home before the 4th of July next. It now seems that Government has means enough and is determined to prosecute the war to the end with the same vigor v that it has so far. England although she is blowing awfully will keep out I think Friday Camp Wickliffe Jan 10th 61 Both Companies listened to the reading of the articles of war today by Capt Coffinberry. Major Hopkins came from Louisville today & bought a large lot of letters. I received two from Louise & one from Melvin & another from Luther, I tell you I was glad to hear from Old Michigan once more for I consider her as much a head of Kentucky as an Oyster is better than a Puffball. Capt Grant read us a letter from Capt Withington Prisoner in S.C.. I wrote Louise a long letter Saturday Camp Wickliffe Jan 11th 1862. It is getting to be very sickly here in Camp & lots of soldiers are being sent to Hospital. Sergt Roberts is quite sick. We practiced loading & firing kneeling for the first time today. Sunday Camp Wickliffe Jan 12th 62 I am Officer of the Guard today. I am staying in Guard Tent all day and will probably be up all night. There are plenty of visitors in Camp as usual. Kentucky people all dress themselves with Butternut colored pants, and write & are as ignorant as horses. But few of them can read^ Monday Camp Wickliffe Jan 13. 1862. We had Brigade drill today for the first time. It is awful cold & I came near freezing my long ears. This is the coldest day I have seen in Kentucky. Henry Fullerton came in today. We left him in Michigan sick. I wrote to Luther today. Tuesday Camp Wickliffe Jan 14 1862. There is some snow on the ground today. I had a good time drilling a Squad of sick fellows. I wrote to Edgar & Lucia Straight. There is service. some talk of our being mustered out of the ^ Wednesday Camp Wickliffe Jan 15 1862 Camp lifte is becoming agreeable as the boys are getting used to it now. There is however some that dont like it as is always the case with every undertaking. I am pleased with it for it is steady business & if the weather is fair I know in the morning what the duties of the day are & if it is not fair there are no duties to do of importance. If we could only have our pay so as to buy a few little Notions occasionaly I think it would go better with all of us. Mud is plenty here. Thursday Camp Wickliffe January 16. 1862 I wrote a letter to Henry today stating that the prospects are that we shall go home ere long. Pay matters are not satisfactory. Friday Camp Wickliffe Jan 17 1862 There is much loud talking today. We hear for the First time that the Mich Engrs & Mechs have never been recognized by Congress. I think we have been nicely humbiyed [?] & we will probably get but infantry wages Saturday Camp Wickliffe Jan. 18. 1862. Pay matters still continue to agitate the boys. Many of them say we will go home sure. None of them will take Infantry pay unless they are mustered out of the Service. Sunday, Camp Wickliffe Jan. 19.62. Major Hopkins and Captain Grant have gone down the pike today to see where the road wants repairing. I suppose we will have to go through to Green river & repair the road for the probability now is that this whole division will go that way when they make an advance movement. Monday Camp Wickliffe Jan 20. 1862. I am not very well today. Chapel has taken six or eight men & gone to New Buffalo to build a bridge & repair the road. The Major has gone to Mumfordsville to see the Col. The Paymaster paid the 41st boys today and offered to pay us if we would take $13. pr month. The men have done lots of blowing today & every one of them raised their hand for $17. pr month or nothing. I wrote to Henry today & received a letter from Uncle Lyman. Tuesday Camp Wickliffe Jan 21st 1863 I am not very well today and feel rather cross to think our officers have fooled us so long all unknown to us until now. Some of the boys declare they will never march a foot in any other direction but Louisville. We hear there has been a big fight at Cumberland Gap. Zollicoffer was shot and the Rebels were all routed out. Col Huntoon was close at hand and his division buried the killed on both sides. Our men fought bravely Wednesday Camp Roadside Jan 22. 62. As I feel quite poorly today Chapel goes on Guard in my place. The 2nd Indiana Cavalry Regt passed here this forenoon. Major returned last evening from Green River & today at 10 Oclock AM ordered us to prepare for a march Not knowing how far we were going we stuck our tents and was soon ready for the march. We marched down the Pike 9 miles in 2 ½ hours. Where we are now staying the land is good and we have a good place to live. There is plenty of good water here & plenty of Straw. We passed three or four lines of picketts on the way. Men are suffering here from the war for they cannot even go to mill [?] without having a pass from the Gen. Thursday Camp Roadside Jan 23. 1862 I am tired tonight for I have been working on the road all day. We have lots of visitors here and they bring in lots of pies to sell. The Chaplain came here today. He says he battle. was on the Battle field a few minutes after the ^ Friday Camp Roadside Jan 24. 1862. I saw a piece of Zollicoffers shirt that was still wet with his blood. He gives us a glowing description of the country & inhabitants on the other side of Green River. He traveled forty or fifty miles & only saw two houses with Glass in the windows. By the by the dwelling houses here are poorer than Mich Cow stables. A family would certainly freeze to death in such houses if they were in the State of Mich. Stock of all kinds is poor so far as I have seen. Horses in particular. The people all talk regular Nigger talk and are uneducated. The Chaplain what asked one man ^ the population of the State is. Well “said he” There is a fine chance of beech & Maple & I allow there is some oak, and there is a right smart sprinkling of Basswood. Now from the comon appea- rances of the people I should think this would be about such an answer as one s would get from almost any of these fellow Tobacco & corn are the principal crops raised here. Negros are plenty here. Saturday Camp Roadside Jan 25. 1862. It is 12 miles from here to Green River. We are all working on the Pike daily now. Jones & myself caught a Rabbit today but I spoiled my share of it in cooking. Report says that Bowling Green has been Evacuated. Sunday Camp Roadside Jan 26th 1862 Soldiers life & Camps appears to be a new thing in this vicinity. We have lots of Lady visitors. I wrote Louise & S helen today. Major & Captain has gone to Camp Wickliffe this forenoon. We are having very good times in this camp. We are trading off shoes and such things for pies & Sorgum Monday Camp Roadside Jan 27. 1862 Gen Nelson with body guard came along this morning going to Mumfordsville Sergt Young & myself went out this eveng to See if we could not find a Schoolmarm [?]. We did not know exactly where she lived & started off with knowing. We did not find her but found somebody else. We went to store & Post Office. Had a good walk. Tuesday Jan 28 Camp Roadside I recd a letter from Louise & Oscar. We are still working on the road. Major came back from Mumfordsville tonight bringing a pile of Letters Wednesday Camp Roadside Jan 29. 62 We expected to have moved today but the rain is so bad that we donot. I had a bad turn of billious cholic. I received a letter from Olive Dickerson. I sent $1. to Oscar to buy stamps Thursday Camp Roadside Jan 30. 62 I was sick all night last night. I had a hard chill. It is snowing some today but melts as fast as it falls. I commenced a letter to Louise this evening. This is a fair farming country here but the farmers are such ignoramouses that they entirely destroy the soil in a few years & then throw it out to the commons & make no farther use of it. It is so poor that it will not bear pasture. I think it is all soil through the ignorance of the men. It is rich ^ Friday Camp Roadside January 31st. 62 Early this morning we had orders from the Major to prepare from a march. When nearly ready to start the Capt told me I must at Camp. The boys except myself that were well went off in the direction of Green River. Some of the boys that stay with me have been out today & got some milk & cabage, so I allow to have a good time tomorrow. Capt Grant is sick & stays here. Lieut Grant has command of the Company. Saturday Feb 1st Camp Roadside I had been busy all day making out the monthly report of Co H. for January Freman & Laizdere [?] got some more milk today & the Old wench made us a Rice pudding & when I cooked the cabbage we had a feast. This afternoon we went out & gathered about a bushel of Walnuts that are tip top. This is the best soldiering I have seen. I think small Companies have the advantage of large ones. I wrote a letter to Miss Frankie Benedict & commenced one to Louise. Sunday Camp Roadside Feb 2nd 1862 I finished my letter commenced yesterday & sent it to Camp Wickliffe. The boys came back from Green River about noon today. They refinished the road to the River. They saw some Rebels & Ed Winters shot at one. The Pickets had a smart skirmish with them but no body was hurt on our side. The boy say they lived well as the Major bought them some chickens. The boys about know everything but Secessionists now since they saw one Monday Camp Roadside Feb 3d 1862 The Major was intending to march back to Camp Wickliffe today had it not been so muddy. It is rainy today. Miles Jones carries a rail on his shoulder rather than to stand guard. There appears to be some- thing up among the Officers today for they are holding a long meeting. I think they are trying to arrange matters about our pay. I realy hope we shall know before long wat we are. Tuesday Camp Roadside Feb 4th 62 We dont march today. We had a good drill today both company & Division Wednesday Camp Wickliffe Feb 5. 62 We marched from Camp Roadside today I recd a letter from Louise & four papers from Luther. The roads are still muddy. Thursday Camp Wickliffe Feb 6th 62 I wrote a letter to Luther & Martha today. I suppose the Personal property at home is all being sold today. Lieutenant Frary started home today. He has suffered very much for a long time. I think he is glad to get away as he has been trying sometime. ps I let the Major have some money to get Stam^ with. He is going to Louisville tomorrow. It has been expected for weeks now that this whole division “consisting of four or five Brigades” would make an advance somewhere but it is not known which way they will go when the departure takes place. Friday Camp Wickliffe Feb 7th 1862 The 19th Brigade had orders to march today but last night at midnight the order was countermanded by Gen Buel. His excuse for so doing was that the march could not be made in two days & he was opposed to their marching on the Sabbath. I went over to the Indiana 47th today & had quite a chat with the boys. They like us have had no pay. Saturday Camp Wickliffe Feb 8. 1862 I was detaled with a lot of our boys to go to New Haven today to work on the road. There are some bad places to repair on the rolling Fork. I had to stay at home. News came today that Fort Henry has surrendered on the Tennessee River. This Glorious Victory was achieved by the Cairo Expedition. Brown the Sutler is in full blast again. The boys are trading considerable with him. Our boys are generaly feeling pretty well thinking the will go home ere long. Sunday Camp Wickliffe Feb 9th 62 I wrote to Mrs. Dickerson Louise & Sape Marison. It is again reported that Bowling Green is taken by our forces. I think the news is doubtful, but it may be true. I have written a letter to the Detroit Tribune stating the facts relating to our Regt. Monday Camp Wickliffe Feb 10. 62 I recd a letter from Lucia today & a paper from L. The Boys have a report that Major was arrested when at Louisville & that cannot come back. Tuesday Knobb Creek Feb 11. 1862 It appears that the Major has not been arrested for he came back last night and ordered all the well men of Co H to go to Knobb Creek & help the boys repair the road. There was considerable snow on the ground when we started but was gone before we got here. I realy admire this place. It is where we encamped six weeks ago. These mountains are beautiful & if I get a chance I will try and climb some of them Wednesday Knobb Creek February 12. 1862 I have been shoveling gravel all day & am very tired. It is very warm. After supper Joseph Hawkins & myself took a trump up the mountains. We lost considerable by not going earlier. We had however a splendid time. Soldiers have been passing New Haven from Lebanon. I think they are going to Bowling Green. Thursday Knobb Creek Feb 13. 1862. I have been working on the road all day. The Ohio boys went back to camp this after noon. We have orders to march tomorrow. The whole Division it appears is to come by New Haven & we are to remain here and fall in when they come along. The teams have gone to camp to get the things. After supper Hawkins & myself climbed another mountain. We took a candle and went into a Cave that is some forty or fifty feet long & about twenty feet deep. We then call at a house & got some bread that a woman pr acre [?] was cooking for us. Land here is worth 45 to 60 ^ Friday night In Camp at Hadgensville Feb 14 At 1. Oclock this morning the teams came back from Camp Wickliffe & brough an Order to march to camp as the Division was to move today & go the other way. We prepared rations in the snow, as it snowed considerable last night. We loaded up & marched to camp before day light. We then loaded up the ballance of the tools & got ready to march just before noon. We was in the rear of the whole Division, as the others left in morning. We went down the Pike about two miles & then turned to the right on to the worst road I almost ever saw. We had to cut roads for the teams and do any way we could to get them along. We left on the road about two tons of tools. We are camped in a good place tonight having a stack of Oats to lie upon & plenty of good rail fence to burn. H. Gee is quite sick & I fear he will have to be left on the road. Houses are poor here. This ville is a small miserable looking place Saturday four miles North of Elizabethtown 15 I am awful tired tonight as I have walked nearly thirty miles. When the major ordered the boys to strike tents this morning I started back to Camp Wickliffe with a letter to the Quartermaster. I took both blankets expectin that I would not overtake the Company today. I walked very fast & made good time. I saw Camp Wickliffe in its lovely condition with none “save a few sick ones” to tell what it once was I soon made the distance to Camp and back again to where we staied last night. It was not long after that that I commenced o overtaking teams & men & I continued so to do until noon when I came up with our the ^ wagons where they were taking dinner. The men were in advance & after eating something I started on and came up with them on the Pike 2 ½ miles south of Elizabethtown. Here were the whole division waiting for the teams & provision. After a short rest we started up the Pike for this extends to West Point on the Ohio River. Elizabethtown is quite a place having some large stores & many fine dwellings It is on the Louisville & Nashville R.R. miles from Louisville At present all but two Companies of the Michigan 9th Regt. are stationed They are guarding the bridges here. I saw our old Drum Major & one Barton I used to know in Lansing I also saw some of our boys from Co A & K. The country is a little better here le than about Camp W. There is considerab^ wheat in this part & it looks well. Houses are very por and stock is scarce We marched out about four miles & went in Camp I think more than two miles of fence was tore down with in an hour Many of the Regiments dont put up any tents tonight but camp down by the fire on the ground I am very lame. I recd a letter from Oscar & one from Louise tonight that has over taken us I am tired of marching & shall be glad if I ever get through to West Point. Sunday West Point Feb 16 1862 We left camp this morning before sunrise I never was so lame in my life as when I started. We passed no towns today but came a distance of over twenty miles arrouing [?] in this place about 5 O clock P.M. This is a small place & has the appearance of all towns in this state that I have seen. There are twenty boats I should think here ready to take us on board. Some of the boys from the Fort came down to see us. I sent a line to Irish and he came down & is going to stay all night I had a good old chat with him. He appears to like Soldiering very well but says he is tired of staying in one place so long. The greater part of the Division encamped about one mile out of town. We are in the village just below the Fort on the flats I made out tomorrow mornings report tonight so I will not have to do it then. West Point is situated on the Ohio River and twenty eight miles below Louisville. Salt River the emties into ^ Ohio at this place. Monday West Point Feb 17 1862 After Breakfast this morning I went up to the Fort with Irish & had a good look at it. It is in a position to command the Ohio River also Salt River. It is on a high bluff directly in the rear of the town. There are seven guns mounted on the breastworks. The boys went down in forenoon & fixed the way for teams to go on the boat. After dinner we struck tents & prepared to go on the boat. Major came up soon & said we were not going. We again pitched our tents supposing we must stay. All were very much disappointed for all wanted to go. I had written a letter to Louise & one to Luther saying we were going & sent them to office by Jack. Gen Nelson came up soon & arrested the Major & Capt and ordered us on the boat on double guns. We went down & Loaded up & got done about ten oclock at night. We took our wagons apart & loaded them on the boat. Mud here is about 18 inches deep here. We left about 11 oclock. Tuesday On board the Landcaster Feb 18. 1862 At day light this morning the boat landed for coal at Hanesville about one hundred miles below West Point. I went on shore to buy some bread but could not find any. I have been on deck almost all day & have seen all that is to be seen. There are [illegible in original] small towns on the river but none of any size. This is a beautiful river. Boats run so close to the shore that the touch the bushes & find no snags. The water is very [illegible in original] as it always is. Wednesday on the Landcaster Feb 19th 62 We passed a fort today on the Illinois shore I am enjoying myself much today stormy as it is. There are some Islands in the river here. We stoped at Evansville today in Illinois which is the handsomest city I have ever seen since I left Lafayette Ind. We got to the mouth of the Cumberland River about noon. We had orders in about an hour after that to go back up the Ohio. A now at dark we are sailing up the Ohio river above Cum R. Thursday Feb 20 1862 It seems that this expedition was calculated to reinforce our army at Fort Donaldson. But when we got to the mouth of the river the Fort had been surrendered & we were not needed Fort Donaldson is about one hundred miles up the Cum- berland river & not far from the line between Kentucky & Tennessee. The boat stoped at noon today to repair the engine & while fixing it Gen Nelson came along & ordered us to turn down the river & go to Paducah. We had gone up the river 147 miles. I have seen plenty of cornfields today they are large ones too. This appears to be the main crop. Most of the way the banks are muddy but in some places the river presents [?] a bank hundreds of feet high. There are abundance of Duck & wild Geese in the river. Friday Paducah February 21st 62 At one place where we loaded on wood this forenoon I saw a Pecan tree. We passed the mouth of the Cumberland this forenoon having a good view at the forts. There are two forts here one commands the Ohio & one the Cumberland. Smithland a small town is situated here. I think the land is better as we go South. Paducah is situated on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Tennessee river. It is a fair looking town from the boat but Swift has been up town & says it is dirty with very narrow streets. There is a fort here that consists of heavy breastworks thrown up arround a building that has formerly been an Institution of Learning for Females. it is used for Hospital purposes now. Gen Buckner & Staff are on a boat by our side. I wrote a letter to Louise tody. I have rode on the boat 610 miles & like it far better than marching. Saturday Paducah Feb 22 1862 The Mule teamsters that unloaded their mules yesterday and wagons ^ had orders today to Load them again. We had orders to proceed up the Tennessee River to adg at 11 Oclock but they were soon countermanded. Swift went up town today & bought two blank books one for me. He says that business is dull in town That the streets are paved but very narrow & dirty. Sergt from Co C went to Hospital today I wrote a long letter to Melvin today. Sunday On the Landcaster sailing up the Cumberland River Feb 23 We left Paducah this morning about 8 oclock came up the Ohio River to Smithland & then turned up the Cum- berland bound for Nashville. There are two forths at the mouth of the Cumberland that commands both Rivers. The best farming country I have seen is along this river. Shumway & Johnson were appointed Sergts & Vanderwarker & Marvin appointed Corperals. It is a beautiful warm day. Monday February 24 1862. The boat stoped at Dover this morning about 2 oclock where it remained until after day light. We were in sight of fort Donaldson though we had a poor view of it. It is situated on the Tennessee River very nearly on the line between Kentucky & Tennessee. I would have engaged an hour or two spent in looking at the different fortifications there where but one short week ago the hardest battle of the present Campaign was fought. The battle at this place lasted three days. The mose effective fighting was done with the Gun boats the which the Rebels now call Black Devils. A Negro in discribing the the battle says that while the Shot & Shells from the Fort had no effect on them, their guns lifted shells up into the entrenchments without dificulty killing hundreds when they exploded. He said that Gen Floyd left the 2nd morning about three oclock with four Regiments while Buckner said fight. he would stay as long as his men would ^ The night before the fort surrendered one Indiana or Illinois I don’t know which had but two hundred men to Stack arms & they were more anxious to fight than ever before. The Union forces had completely surrounded the fort & at sunrise the signal gun was to have been fired when one solid rank surrounding the Fort was to march upon it and conquer or die in the attempt. But just before the hour arrived the flag was taken from the fort and given over to our forces. The signal gun was not fired, but the victory was won [?] and fifteen thousand Rebels surrendered & gave themselves as prisoners. The estimate is that 1500 of our men were killed and 3000 of the Rebels. It was a glorious victory but one that cost oceans of blood. Gen Bucksner & Staff were taken prisoners. We met the remains of a boat today that the Rebels had burned. I saw Major Gen Grant & Staff today. We passed Clarksville today where our forces now occupy one fort built by the Rebels also one battery of three or four large guns. It is one of the Indiana Regts that now occupies the fort. I saw three fellows catch and kill a pig. The Rebels commenced destroying the R R Bridge at this place but did but little damage before our forces were throwing shells among them and they very soon dispersed Clarksville is a splendid city. The inhabitants have taken much pains in [illegible in original] their residences. There is a large amount of army stores here captured from the Rebels. The citizens have nearly all left the town as Soldiers & darkies are all that are to be seen. One of our Guns Boats still remains here. She carries 14 guns & is a saucy looking engine of War. Tuesday Nashville Term Feb 25 1862 We came up to within seven or eight miles of here last night & then all the boats stoped & remained until after day- light. Soon after the boats started we passed Fort Beureguard. When Fort Donaldson fell the Rebels gave up all hopes of holding this position. So they blew up the fort Spiked all the Guns & run the small Canon of the bluff into the river. Many of them however lodged against the trees on the bank & were remaining there when we passed. One Rgt stopped there to guard the fortification. As we approached this City by water I saw one of the hand- somest places I ever saw. It is built on a hill side and a person has a sight of the whole City. The State house is a splendid building made of marble. We arrived in town at 9 oclock A.M. The Rail Road Bridge is still burning here that the Rebels fired when they left. s They also tore down a suspen^ion bridge that furnished a wagon road across the river. There were four hundred Texans Rangers stayed in the City until after we came in sight. They were prepared to fire upon us, but seeing the Gun Boats in advance concluded they would leave us alone. They jumped on to their houses & Schedaddled, but fortunately for us they stayed so long that our Cavalry overtook many of them and brought them in Prisoners. There are two Rebel Gun Boats sunk here in the river. The Rebels were building them when Donaldson fell, and they immediately sunk them. The cittizens distributed considerable Confederate money among our boys the most of which were 5 cents notes. Such a reign of teror as has existed here was scarcely ever known before in an enlightened nation. Prices had become very extortionate that a person could hardly earn enough to buy the necessaries of Life. Salt is worth $17 pr barrel. Boots worth $15. pr pair Powder worth $4.50 pr lb Coffee $1. pr lb. One man told me his Brotherinlaw was put under $10,000 Bonds to keep the peace for saying he believed the Stars & Stripes would be floating over Nashville within three months Wednesday Feb 26. 62 There are some secessionists here in town now that dont keep dark at all about saying the Confederates will succeed. In afternoon we unloaded and marched about 1 ½ miles and went into Camp for the night. It is so warm that grass is growing nicely. Flowers are in blossom. The City is full of troops of all kinds. Some of the Cittizens say we will come back an double quick for the Rebels will turn upon us and whip us beautifuly. The City is [illegible in original] under water. Benson went to Hospital. Thursday Camp Andrew Jackson Feb 27. 62 The boys are generaly going in on washing as we became very dirty by being on the boat nine days & nights as we were. Gee Decker and Dennis went to University Hospital. In after- noon we left the camp where we staid last night and marched to this Camp a distance of about 1 ½ mile. Where we encamped last night the Rebel Camp fires were still burning. We are now just in front of Gen Nelsons Headquarters & will have to keep night side up as he will swear at us. Capt Coffinberry is very much disliked as Commander by both Companies. Friday Camp Andrew Jackson Feb 28. 62 I have been making out Payrolls today with the Lieut. I dont expect pay but dont know but something will be done. In after- noon we were mustered for pay. Smoke Knowles & Noble came back today. There are some of the nicest kinds of dwellings here have been evacuated & the owners have left & gone with the Confederate army. Saturday Camp Andrew Jackson March 1st 62 It is all quiet again in Camp & the boys appear to feel well over the change from the Steamboat to Camp life again I am quite unwell & have been for five or six days. Perry Benson is very [illegible in original] & the prospect is that he will not recover. Sunday Camp Andrew Jackson March 2 In morning I took a walk all alone & went over through a Secession Orchard & Garden and then through the nicest kind of woods I ever saw. I saw a grape vine over one foot in diameter. I like Tennessee much better than I did Kentucky. Here the people appear more industrious & learned. The land is better here and it looks much more like living and enjoying life. I wrote a long letter to the boys at home. I wrote it on Secession paper. I also wrote to Lucia Straight. We have the best of spring water here and abundance of it. Monday Camp Andrew Jackson March 3d I hear that Perry is much worse today they think he is now dieing. Perry is a good boy & will be missed very much. A Regament from Western Virginia came in just back of us today. Tuesday Camp Andrew Jackson March 4 Perry is dead and in forenoon Orderly & J Braman are making the Coffin. In afternoon he was buried over back of Camp in the Corner of a field. He had a soldiers burial. Capt Grant came today. Wednesday Camp Andrew Jackson March 5 Adjutant & Capt Yales came here today and the Major came back Cos A & K passed here today. Much excitement exists here about pay. In afternoon the boys went Ohio 24 to see a fellow shot in the [crossed out] [Kentucky 6 Reg’t] The boys have returned & say the man had six balls shot through him. His crime was shooting at a Corperal. Gen Nelson ordered shot so says the boys. Thursday Camp Andrew Jackson March 6 Nashville Tennessee Pay matters are all the go now. The Colonel has been here today and says that Gen Bull has issued an order that all the troops under him that refuses pay now will forfeit it. We are offered Infantry pay & no more & all our officers are urging us to take it. The Col said the order was issued for our special benefit. I for one “& there are lots with me” propose not to be driven to take pay even if I forfeit the whole of it. But we all believe there has been no such [crossed out] [offer] order issued by Gen Bull. News comes today that Columbus has been evacuated. Troops are daily coming in here by the thousands. Quartermaster Innes & the Surgeon were here today. Some of Co H. take pay but the majority of them does not. I help chop a load of wood in afternoon. Friday Camp Andrew Jackson March 7/62 It is nothing but pay today. Capt Grant paid me twenty dollars yesterday. Lyon & Larzelere came to Camp today. They went to Cairo & then to Missouri. Lyon had both teams & wagons taken from him. The Paymaster is here today but the most of our boys hold to their first choice. I am quite unwell tody. I have not been at all well since I came of the boat. Lieut Colonel & Dr. DeCamp are here today. It is warm today but yesterday it snowed and was so cold that it was uncomfortable to be out of doors. Saturday Camp Andrew Jackson March 8 I recd two letters today and two papers. I recd two dollars in cash and f seven stamps from Luther. I wrote to Henry to keep a cold for me that was not taken The price of which is $60.50. Pay matters is still [illegible in original]. It is pleasant and settled now. They are enlisting men for the regular Service now. M Chamberlain went to Hospital. Sunday Camp Andrew Jackson March 9 62 All the well men was ordered up town this morning to work. There were twenty four that went. I am not well today and stay at home. I read some in the papers. Columbus is now in the hands of our army. I wrote to Louise, Oscar, Melvin, Helen & Luther today. I also sent Straight a paper. It is warm & flowers are in blossom. It is very unhealthy here. I dont know the reason. We have good water to use as can be found. Several Rebel prisoners were marched by here today. Monday Camp Andrew Jackson March 10 It was rainy all last night & the wind blew very hard. Our tent came down in the night. Some of our boys were on the go all night for certain reasons. Soldiers continue to come in. It is now about ten o clock & four Infantry Regt’s have already passed here and one battery. Various rumors are afloat about our future prospects. I hear that Major H was heard to say this morning that we would receive 17 pr month this week or be mustered out of the Service. Business is again reviving in Nashville. Two Union News papers are being printed here now but the prices are 10 cts pr pr copy. Many very many of those now claiming to be good Unionists I think are so because they are obliged to be. I think the Presidents proclimation made a few days since having reference to the Abolition of slavery is a milk & water concern furthermore. I think the pesent policy of Government is such that if continued will bring this same state of things arround again within ten years. The Administration thinks to much of pleasing the Slave power and appears to be afrade the slave power will be insulted at some of his proceedings. I think the fare that Buckner as a prisoner is receiving in our hands is an insult to every man that his left his home to fight for his country. Tuesday Camp Andrew Jackson March 11 Struck tents early in morning to go to town where the boys are at work on the R.R. When we got nearly ready to go orders came from Gen Nelson not to go that headquarters of the division must be here. It has been very warm all day a and has the appearance of settled wether. Capt & Lieut moved down leaving me here in charge of Company. Report says that somebody is having a Court Martial down town today & of course we all think & hope it is our head officers. There are lots of Infantry Cavalry & Artillery going out tomorrow morning early to route the rebels that are fortifying out in the country a few miles. Wednesday Camp Andrew Jackson March 12 at an early hour this morning four Inft Regts 4 Cavalry & three batteries went out Scouting. They came in this evening having been out twelve mile. They said they saw the Rebels Coattails. They are very lame & tired. Excitement still prevails about pay. Thursday Camp Andrew Jackson March 13 I got a pass to go to the Col’s division by having the Adjutant Col Hazen & Gen Nelson sign it. I went to University Hospital and saw our boys. They are all better now. I went up & saw the boys. They are all feeling very well. They are South East of the City about 2 1/3 miles. They say we will be mustered out ere long. Thy are under Gen McCook. I came back on the Chatanooga & Baltimore Rail Road & there I went through the Cemetery. There were two or three men engaged in digging graves & burying soldiers all the time. I saw two or three hundred Rebel Graves. I saw General Zollicoffers grave. I have a small sprig of ever green taken from his lot in the yard. I saw today the Monument of Henry Middleton Rutledge a Signer of the Declaration of Independence Also Gen Millicine Carroll who was a brave warrior & Governor of Texas for 12 years was born in Tenn. There are some of the most Costly monuments I ever saw but I must say with all this costly show I think it any thing but a nice ground. It is low and very filthy. I borrowed a book at the University when I came back. Pay Pay is all the talk in Camp & I dont know myself but I shall get some pay myself ere long. I hope so realy. Friday Camp Andrew Jackson March 14. 62 All the sick appear to be Convalescent and for that reason camp life is more satisfactory to us. In forenoon It is warm and misty & in afternoon & evening Q it rained whole water. It ran into our tent all sorts & we had to go to bed in the mud & the old tent leaking like a [sieve?] Saturday Camp Andrew Jackson March 15. It rained all night and is rainy some this morning. I went up beyond the Pickets today & helped Bert_ out of the mud. I commenced a letter to the Tribune but did not finish it. The great excitement about pay has partialy subsided now as most of the boys think they to will be mustered out of the service any how and are being somewhat contented to livde hoping something will be done ere long. Sunday Camp Andrew Jackson March 16 I have written three letters today one to Lucia one to Louise & one to CS Bennett. We got orders to go to town tomorrow where I understand most of the Regt is. I think the Regt will be mustered out by & by but how soon I cant tell. I have commenced to write a letter to Detroit Tribune. Glover is writing to the Tecumseh Herald & I expect he is tell the Editor how matters range Monday Nashville Tenn March 17 In morning Gen Nelson and his division left for the South. The men took seven days rations with them. They expected to go as far south as Alabama before they stop. They men generaly felt tip top. Soldiers gen always feel well when there is a prospect of shooting Rebel, We remained in Camp until the last after which we struck tents and marched into the City. I saw as we passed along the Tomb of President James R. Polk. it is situated on his on lot in dwelling place in the City. It is a large heavy work but is made of an inferior quality of stone. We encamped a short distance from the Depot of Nashville and Chatanooga Rail Road. Colonels’ division are here with us now. I drew some Secession Paper today. Glover & myself went out in evening and saw the States prison. I had a very good view of Nashville as we went or came the whole length of the City and walked very slow. The Depot Building is used for our Hospital the which is an excelent place for the sick boys. I think now if I am mustered out of the service here that I will stay and mark at my trade here through the summer. Warm & pleasant. Tuesday Nashville March 18 1862 I have been helping Lieut Grant make out pay rolls today. Col Hunton came here and I went out on the Cars & help load the Cars with timber for a bridge. The Rebels have lately burned three more bridges on the RailRoad. Wednesday Nashville March 19 In morning Hawkins & myself went out to take a look at the City. We went through the State House. It is a splendid building and built of Marble. It cost over two Millions of dollars and is not finished. I saw Governor Johnson & C. I went into the Senate & house of Representative. We went and saw the wire Bridge that the Rebels cut down. I had a good sight at the City. It is a fair place now as business is reviving fast. Store are apparently doing as good business. We have a peck of sweet potatoes. Thursday Nashville Tenn. March 20. 1862 In morning I went out five miles on the bus to work on bridge. Hawkins and I ground some axes today that being all the work we did. We made a haul of ½ bushel Turnips the which will probably kept towards making our living better. It is a handsome country of there. Peach trees are in full bloom. The present appearance indicates a bountiful crop. My birth day Friday Nashville Tenn March 21 In forenoon I did not much of any thing. Afternoon I got a pass & went up town to get my boots mended. I went all over the City. I have now seen the whole City or nearly so & although there are many splendid buildings I don’t think it compares with northern Cities. It is colder today & looks some like a storm. The boys are on the RailRoad to work today. I went up town & help get bbl of whiskey. Saturday Nashville Tenn. March 22 I dont go to work today as I dont feel very well. I went to the Capital at 11 AM to hear Andrew Johnson Governor of Tenn speak. I have heard better speaking but he told us many truths. A splendid Brass Band was in attendance. He said the south had no cause for rebeling & etc etc Sunday Nashville Tenn March 23 In forenoon I went out on the Cars after a load of wood. We went out about twelve miles. Haynes stole a Nigger. When I came back I learned that the Mich 9th was in town. I went down & saw Jack & Burton. The Regt is a splendid one & will do justice to the cause I think. In evening I commenced a letter to Louise but did not finish it. It is warm & pleasant & flowers are all in bloom. Monday Nashville Tenn March 24. 62 I went out to work on the bridge today which is five miles from town. The foreman was not there & all we did was to frame one bent & raise it. We had an easy time of it, came home on cars at night. Capt Misner is in town but has not been to see us. Some of the men have refused to leave here until they have a settlement of some kind. Tuesday Nashville March 25. 1862 I was ordered to appear before the Mayor to answer to charges made against me for not detailing any guard this morning. I did nothing but wash my cloths & write to Louise today. In evening I went to hear the Campbell Minstrels perform. Some things were good very but the most of the performance was poor. Most of the boys now think they will certainly be mustered out within a few days. I dont know whether they will or not. Things lean that way I think. Wednesday Nashville Tenn March 26/62 I went out to bridge this morng but came back when the cars did. I did not feel like lifting stone all day. I went to State House & Gen Johnson gave me a Copy of Harblers [?] Jackets the which I think a great deal of. In afternoon I read some & wrote some. Thursday March 27 Nashville I was about camp all day. I help the Capt make out the clothing a/c of some of the boys that are to be discharged. We signed a demand for our pay today & Hawkins handed it to him. There is a kind of signaling going on today I never saw before. A man with a flag on the Capitol is conversing with somebody so far of that that he has to use a Glass to see him. Carlow came from Louisville yesterday. It is warm & pleasant. I recd a letter from Louise one fro Melvin & one from SaA Morrson answerd Melvins Friday Nashville March 28 1862 There is some petting about going out to work today. Two of Col men have been arrested today for refusing. Some of the boys say they will never do another days work until they know what we are. I recd a letter from Luther today & answered it. I also wrote to Henry about setting out some trees & Currant bushes for me. I recd a letter from Louise today & it was a great long one too. Saturday Nashville March 29 I went out and worked on the bridge all day. I had lots of fun. We finished up the peer in the Carton. I believe we are not to do any more work here. The talk is we are to leave town Monday or Tuesday. I recd three letters tonight One from Luther on from Henry & one from Melvin. Hawkins & I went up town in evening. I am well. Col Innes is druk & the boys feel well generaly. Sunday Nashville Tenn March 30 62 In morning I wrote to Louise. I also wrote to Caroline Cooley. The most of the boys think we will start for Michigan tomorrow. I dont think much about it. I realy wish I did know what we are going to do. If we are to remain in the service I would like to know it and then I would be three times as well satisfied as I now am when I dont know any thing about it. I enjoy soldiering as well as ever, I think but this being fooled from one thing to another, I dont like. If we are going home within a year I would prefer going now, for then I could see to my place and fix it to suit me. If I am not going this spring and I knew it now I could let my place to good advantage & thereby be the gamer. I dont think now the war will close before fall. I would say go rather than stay any way if our Officers were such men as Officers should be. Hawkins is feeling pretty well today I think corn oil entwins him some. The boys are better now that are in the Hospital. Some of the boys are getting their discharges made out. I think that is rather against # our going home very soon. It may be however that that is being done to blind our eyes. One thing that goes a good way to prove that we are going home is the clothing a/c is being put into the Pay Rolls this time. We have not done so before. Major has sold his horse too. It seems to me if he had any idea of staying he would not have done that. I suppose it is certain that that we will leave Nashville within two or three days, & for what place I have no way of knowing. It has been hinted by the Officers that we were going to Columbus. That is on the Mississipp below Cairo. I know of but one way to tell any thing about where we are going when we start. If we get on the boat to go there we will not know but we are going up instead of down the Ohio when we get to the mouth of the Cumberland. Now I think if the sick are left here and the teams are taken with us that we are going somewhere to stay but if the sick are all taken and the teams are left here I shall think I am homeward bound. Monday Nashville March 31st 1862 I didnt do much of anything in all day. I was unwell in morg and the Orderly copied the mony report of yesterday & so got the thing off his hands. The boys are on the bridge working today. It is warm and pleasant. Tuesday Nashville April 1st 1862 I made out the monthly report today. I also took all the sick boys to the Surgeon to have them examined. The prospect is we will go some- where tomorrow, but no body knows where. I wrote Louise a long letter today the which will make her laugh I reckon. I hear Major lost all the tools today, if so we may go towards Hayne. Ives Lewis is sick with Typhoid Fever & will probably There are orders now to march in the morning to Columbia a place about forty miles district. We have signed a paper refusing to go & expect to make a stand. I dont know what the result will be but dont know but it is the best thing that can be done. All we want is a hearing and if we can have that all will be satisfied I trust. We have over twenty names tonight. Wednesday Nashville Apr 2 62 It is all excitement here this fore- noon and the most of the boys positively refuse to march without pay. I cant now tell the result. Afternoon. The Capt has made out the charges against is and says we will be arrested soon. The boys say they dont care I told the Capt just what I thought about the matter & furthermore told him I was willing to stand a Court Martial, for I thought that would tell on our side. He said he knew we had been lied too and Enlisted under false petense & that we had been most Shamefully abused, but still he thought we had better go on, and the thing would out some time. The Com’ ed Officers got up some charges & carried them in to Gen Dumont & he promised that the Coll should be delt with & that we as should have our rights as soon ^ possible. Thursday Columbia April 3 1862 I expressed a box of cloths home this morning Some for myself & some for Ross. We broke Camp morng about 8 OC. A.M. and got on the cars on the RailRoad we passed the handsomest farming country I ever saw in my life. We stoped at Franklin a small town 18 miles from Nashville. The Plantations are large along the road and leather is raised in abundance. We rode thirty two miles on the Cars & then took foot & walkers line to Columbia. This City is situated on Duck River a fair sized stream which empties into the Tennessee. We encamped on the side of the river oposite the town. This is the first night we ever sept out of our tents. We fixed up considerable with Lumber and I slept tip top. Lieut Cols Davison [?] is here. It has been very warm today and dusty. I marched the eight miles very easily. Friday four miles south of Mt Pleasant April 4 We broke Camp in good season this morning & crossed over the river & passed up through the City of Columbia. This has about six thousand inhabitants & wide and pleasant streets. It general appearance is much better than Nashville. It commenced raining when we was out about three miles from town & we all stoped in the County Fair building about an hour. It was some muddy after the rain but it was better than the dust to endur. We crossed several Rivers where the bridges we a – quantity [?] I saw many large Cotton fields and Darkies by the dozzen. We passed the Plantations of Generals Pillow & Pope both of the Rebel Army. The first has a large farm as handsome as ever lay out of doors & a house set back from the road which is all the go now here in the south. His house is very costly & apparently there was nothing wanting in the way of convienences. The front yard contained about ten or twelve acres and that was covered with Natural trees. Squirrells were running arround by the dozzen. There was a large flock of Goats feeding on the grass which was green and nice. We passed the village of Mt Pleasant in the afternoon. It is a small place with have a dozzen stores and as many whiskey shops. I saw a number of Cotton Gins shops within passes for bailing Cotton. We encamped tonight close by McCooks Brigade. We had fresh pork for supper. We made about fourteen miles today. The 18 U S Infantry Regulars are close to us in Camp tonight. Saturday Summerville April 5th 1862 General Mitchels Brigade passed us this morning before we broke Camp. We slept without tents last night again. When we had traveled about 2 ½ miles we rose a high hill and have been on the high lands all day. Tthe gravel pike extends only to the foot of the mountain and since then we have had horrible roads. We rested about three hours in one place today. The soil is poorer here than it was on the low lands. Timber tolerable good. I hear today that we are bound for some place in Alabama. Afterwards that the Rebels had left there and that we are now going to Savanah on the Tennessee River. We have a tip top place to Camp tonight. This is a summer resort for the rich where they come and spend much of their time in hunting & sporting. There are some twenty or thirty houses here built for that purpose. There is a large beautiful spring here and I think it a very attractive place. There is a Bowling Alley here. After we got into Camp Braman & myself went back about a mile to a Sutler & got some Dried Beef Crackers Cheese & Sause. It is awful hard rodes. Sunday Camp No April 6, 1862 We broke camp in good season this morning & all started on the march with Knapsack. Today we passed the plantation of an Old Secessionist who had just before we came along cut the throat of one of his slaves for selling cakes to the Union Soldiers. I saw the blood along the road for a number of rods. The boys served him well & if they had of caught him would have hung him on the first tree. They took every thing he had that they could carry. They got a barrel of molasses some sugar [?] bacon, dried fruit and even to dishes and window curtains. They served him right. We passed a small village by the called Henrysville. We marched about fourteen miles today & encamped on the bank of a stream. There is lots of Cavalry encamped here & a lot of soldiers that are putting up telegraph through on this route for Columbia to Savanah. I heard they had shot the man that killed his wench. Monday Sardine Creek April 7 1862 We left Camp about six OC. AM. today. I am very lame as I have sprained my foot. It has been hard work for me to walk today & I am very tired. We marched about fifteen miles today. I heard today that they have been fighting at Savanah. I hear that our men came out a head. We have been in a valley all day where the roads are bad and there are no inhabitants. Tuesday Camp Cotton April 8 1862 It rained all night last night and the roads are muddy today. My foot continues to be lame. This state is the best one in the Union I think for Soldiering for there are springs all along the road of beautiful water. I hear today that our men have driven the enemy back seven miles from the river into their entrenchments. It has been a hard fight and the Loss is great on both sides. Gen Grant is in Command. Michel Thomas & Nelson are there too. The wagons being behind we stoped early tonight in a field belonging to an old Secession Slave holder. I saw a Cotton Gin & press here and piles of Cotton. We have plenty straw tonight. I heard this eveng that Gen Nelson has done the hardes fighting that has been done. Wooden plows are in Common use here in Tennessee Wednesday Camp All over April 9. 62 It rained nearly all night and so late this morning that we did not leave Camp until after 9 OClock. There is lots of pure mud & water today. We had to chop some large trees today to cross the river on. We over took the Brigade teams today. We only marched about four mile today. I never saw such roads before as I have seen on this route. We passed about four hundred wagons that had stoped because they could go no further. We stoped about noon & built up good fires “for it is cold today” and waited for the wagons. Team came up and we went on a mile and went in Camp. The boys had fine time shooting hogs tonight. Lieut Colonel is sick and can scarcely ride on his horse. The Col swore some when he saw that we were encamped all over the field. Thursday Camp Wilderness April 10 62 We broke Camp in good season and with Haversack well filled with fresh meat started. We crossed Indian Creek today. There is a bridge here but it is unsafe for teams to cross on. We have climbed some smart mountains today. There are many soldiers left on the road & teams by the hundred. I hear today that Gen Sigil has come up the Tennessee River with 90,000 of his men & taken the field. Also that our forces had taken the left wing on the Enemies army prisoners. The road was so bad that at noon we left the main road and went another way. It is farther this way but the road is some better. We encamped about Sundown on a high hill in the woods. The Rebels have taken the [illegible in original] from the Cittizens here in Savanah. Friday Savannah Tenn April 11. 62 Some of our teams did not come up last night but got [crossed out] [here] up just as we were striking tents We marched in good time having a guide. We took the wrong road & by so doing had about five miles farther to go than we should have had if we had taken the right road There was a report in Camp last night that six hundred Rebel Cavalry encamped within three or four miles of Camp. The Guards kept their Eyes open. I think by coming the way did we gained five or six days There were nearly a thousand teams in the space that we went around. We got here just before Sundown & pitched our tents back of town in the woods. I cant see the town from here but hear it is small I commenced drawing Rebels [?] today Saturday Savanah April 12 62 It rained some during the night and is raining today very hard. They are fighting about eight miles from here. I can hear the Canons very plain. I understand that we have been ordered to act as sappers & miners on the Battlefield. I suppose we shall have to bury the dead and make fortifications and do all such work. It is a report and I dont know whether it is reliable as not. Mich 12 Rgt Infantry were in the battle & Report says there were only sixty men left. Evening The firing today was a Salute in favor of Gen Hallick & not a battle as we supposed. I have been down town working on a boat. I saw lots of wounded soldiers. Nearly every house in town is filled with wounded soldiers. Savanah is a small place situated on the Tennessee River 240 miles from Paducah. The river here is larger than the Cumberland at Nashville. Mich 9th was not in the battle, but the 12th had a hard time of it; I hear that the wounded all are not^ taken from the field, I heard the news of the Capture of Island No 10. It was a splendid victory as has been achieved. Roscrans is said to be surrounding the Rebels in their fortifications. Rebels have all left Corinth where we expected to have a hard fight. Many prophesy the war will close ere long. Sunday Savanah April 13. 1862 I hear some firing today. I wrote to Melvin & Louise today, I think the rain is nearly over as it is fair & warm today. We had orders at 4 ½ P.M. to be ready to march at 5 Oclock P.M. We marched to the River & as the boat had not yet come in we went on a load of hay and awaited the arrival of it. Monday In camp on the Battlefield two miles from Pittsburg Landing I slept on a boat load of hay last night at Savanah. About 8 AM we left on the Fort Wayne for Pittsburg Landing. It is about 8 or ten miles above savannah. We unloaded the teams & wagons on the battleground. We came here all the way on the battle field where there was scarcely a tree without Lead in it. I have now seen what I never saw before; A Battle Field in deed. I hope I shall never see again. This battle field is about nine miles square. It is now estimated that from fifteen to twenty thousand was killed. I have some lead picked up here that I shall try & carry home if I can. Tuesday. Battlefield April 15. 62 It is a beautiful day. I have been looking arround considerable and have seen some Rebels buried not more than one inch deep. I saw the Grave of the Rebel Gen Johnson. He was shot close to where we encamped last night. In afternoon we had to move to the rear of Gen Nelsons division. We are now in a pretty spot of ground. I think we shall stay here some time. The trees are awfuly mared up by cold lead & Iron. I wrote to Luther today. Wednesday Battle Field Pittsburg Landing April 16/62. I have been quite unwell all day & for that reason I have kept my tent nearly all the time. I have seen many people here from Ill to Indiana looking after their children & friends many of which were killed in the great battle. it is warm and pleasant today & it ready appears as though [crossed out] [winter ho] summer has set in. It appears now as though there would soon be another battle or else the Rebels will in. Some Cavalry was out yesterday and lost two privates & their major. They were out Scouting about ten miles from here. Thursday Pittsburg Tenn April 17 I have been busy all day but I cant see now what I have done. The Capt. has taken to doing the Orderly Sergts business & has the desk. I made a box for my trinkets & drew Rations for five days. It is pleasant weather. I I finished a letter to Luther yesterday. The signs of the times [illegible in original] our onward movement ere long, but I think the Rebels will not stand fire [Written in margin on left side] I am feeling very poorly [End] Friday Pittsburg Sunday April 18 Early this morng I went down to the River, to unload the tools which came from Nashville by steam boat. I mailed a letter to Louise & one to Luther. I bought some apples & some cheese. When I returned I found three letters awaiting me. One from Louise one from Lucia & one from S A Morrison. I wrote a letter to Ross today & sent him two letters that I got yesterday. There are lots of soldiers coming in daily & I think that we have men enough to thrash the Scamps nicely. It rains very hard tonight & our tent is wet and muddy. The water runs through it. Saturday Pittsburg April 19 1862 I wrote to Lucia Straight & Charles & Jane Hoyt. It has rained nearly all day and it is of awful muddy & wet in our tent tonight. The Prospect no is that we will march again ere long. I dont think there will be another battle very near hear. Sunday Pittsburg April 20 1862 It rained all night last night & has rained nearly all day today. I took my stripes off today & will be dated back to the 16 according to the order from the Colonel Hawkins has been gone all day today. He is visiting Mich 13th Regt which is in Camp not far from here. It is so very muddy here that a person can scarcely get arround. I hear today that the Rebels have fallen back, [crossed out] [that] our scouts drove their Pickets back some ways. Monday Pittsburg April 21 1862 I have been sick now for three days and feel very bad today. It is rainy now & as wet as one could ask for. The non commissioned are nearly all sheding their stripes now adays. I think that the officers have now done their best but I guess that they will find out that four $ pr month will not make any body cry. Tuesday Pittsburg Landing April 22/62 I think the storm is over as the sun has come out bright & clear the which is welcomed by all soldiers in the camp. Gen Pope came up the river today with a large fleet. Gen Buel has issued an order for all our boys that are now behind to remain there. I bought a St. Louis Democrat today & from that I learned that Slavery is Abolished in the District of Columbia & President Lincoln has signed the bill. I feel some better today but have the Jaundice beautifully and am so weak I can hardly set up. Company C’s Officers lost their stripes today. They dont appear to care any more about it than the other boys. I consider it no disgrace to loose stripes under the circumstances so let them go on. I shall probably live just as long. I would sooner have 17 pr month, then 13 but if I have got to bow to such a set of hypocrites as are over me in order to hold an office I dont want it. I hear that there were twenty five boats In Gen Pope division that went up the river today & that there are nine boats behind loaded with his men. Wednesday Pittsburg Landing April 23/ 62 It has been a pleasant day, but I dont feel so well as I did yesterday. I am afrade I am going to be sick. I am doctrine some today. The Lieut Colonel came up today. He has been sick in Savanah. Braman & Vanderwarker came up today. They have been back after some things that were left on the road between here and Nashville. Reports are abundant again. The Colonel has had orders to bring no man here sick or well or to stay where we are. I hear that we are going back to Nashville ere long. I dont believe the report though. I am trying to write a letter today. I sent a letter to Louise Thursday Pittsburg April 24, 62 It has been a pleasant day. I have been confined to my tent all day. I am taking medicine from the Dr. of the Regt I saw lots of the 14th Boys they left Mich a week ago. Some of Keleys [?] Cavalry have been here today. Report says that 90,000 troops from the Potomac are coming here. Friday Pittsburg Landing Apr 25 I recd a letter from Louise today & one from CS. Bennett, one from Luther and one from Edgar. It has rained all day, and is cold and disagreeable. I wrote to Edgar. I recd a letter from Ross today stating that they could not get any more rations at Nashville. The boys are feeling very [illegible in original] usage of the at the treatment of the ^ boys at Nashville. Saturday Pittsburg Landing Apr 26/62 Dr. DeCamp commenced doctoring me today and I am feeling some better. George Foot was here to see me today; He has a Lieutenancy in the 14th Mich Regt. The men are nearly all down to the river building a Pontoon Bridge. There are lots of the boys sick here & I dont wonder at it for the Stench is enough to kill one, especially in the Evenng. Our officers are getting very strict of late. Perhaps it is allright. Sunday Pittsburg Landing Apr 27.62 I am still sick & dont feel much if any better. I wrote a letter to Luther. There are many stories about Camp about our going home, but I dont think we will go very soon. Monday Pittsburg Landing Apr 28 We have news today that New Orleans and Memphis are in our hands. Our boys all that were able went out to work today some five or six miles. I hear it is close to the Rebel pickets. I feel some better today. I wrote to Swift & Celinda Cleveland. Tuesday April 29, 62 I have not felt as well today as yesterday. The Regt mooved today. Charley Fowler and myself not being able to march staid in Camp until the teams came back after another load. We started for Camp about the middle of the afternoon on Nellis wagon and went to within one & one half miles of Camp and then it was so dark that we could not see to go through. We slept in the wagon. Wednesday five miles from Pittsburg April 30. 1862 I came in Camp this forenoon. The boys are working out a few miles from here repairing the road. Swift Lake Larzelere Lake Brown Grosvenor [?] Downs Kimball Walker Ed Hotchkins & Came back from Convalescent Barracks today. I am feeling rather poorly yet and got some more medicine of the Dr today. An advance is being made today and I understand that the Artillery mooves tonight. Thursday April May 1st 1862 Some of the boys went away to Hospital and I with some others got all ready to go to Hamburg to Convalescent Barracks, but did not go as the teams were all busy. The orders are now to have all well men to take blankets & guns with three days cooked rations and to march tomorrow. It is now thought the Rebels are evacuating Corinth and going to Memphis on the Mississippi River. It is confirmed that Yorktown is in our hands also that New Orleans has fallen too. [illegible in original] for us. Friday Hamburg Tennessee May 2. 62 I left camp quite early this morning for Pittsburg Landing with ten of our Regt. At Pittsburg we got out the streamer [?] Terry and came to this place. This is on the Tennessee River about five miles above Pittsburg. We are now in the United States General Hospital where there are about 3000 besides us. We got into tents with beds just in time to sleep in. Saturday U.S..G.H. Hamburgh May 3. 1862 I am not so well today as I have a great deal of pain in my back and kidneys. I am growing weak and my eyes are becoming somewhat weak. I am having a tough time with Neuralgia. I wrote to Louise today. I think that our forces have attacked Corinth as there was lots of firing in that direction this afternoon. Corinth is eighteen miles South West of here.. It is warm & pleasant here. Roses in blossom and woods are full leaf. Sunday USGH. Hamburgh May 4. It has rained considerable today. I am keeping pretty close in my tent as I am feeling very poorly. Monday USGH Hamburgh May 5 I have been hard up all day and last night I rested poorly The heavy canonading heard Saturday night was a Skirmish. Some of the Rebel undertook to to get away, and our forces stoped them & took 600 prisoners. Tuesday US Hospital Hamburgh May 6 I did not sleep any last night but suffered awfuly from Neuralgia. I saw between seventy and eighty Secesh Prisoners today. There is a general examination today of Sick Soldiers and many of them are being sent home. Wednesday Hamburg May 7th 1862 We mooved today into Some larger tents the which is much more pleasant. I have been out to hear the Secesh Prisoners talk today. There are 77 of them over the Post Office here. It is warm and pleasant. I dont feel any better. Ohio & Illinois Soldiers are being examined today. Thursday Hamburg May 8. 1862 We Michigan men were all examined today and five of our Regt went home. There are five of us left. It is awful Hot today and I feel bad myself. Friday Hamburg May 9. 1862 Another examination took place today and I was to have gone, but orders came afterwards that the boat was so near loaded that no more persons able to walk would be taken. The Rebels now have gained on our men at Corinth today. Had a smart Skirmish yesterday and today. Saturday Hamburg May 10th . 1862. There has been no men sent off today as there have been no boats to take them. I believe there are nearly or quite 3000 here now and more coming in hourly. There has been skirmishing going on out at Corinth for the past three days, but no regular pitch battle. I hear tonight by one of our Regt that our boys was driven in the other day, and one of them was wounded. Our forces think it an easy thing or at least a sure thing that Corinth will soon be ours. Sunday May 11th. 1862 It has been very warm & clear today. We heard firing nearly all night towards Corinth. A lot of wounded Soldiers came in last night. I hear this evening that our army at Corinth took 4000 prisoners yesterday. I believe that very soon we shall hold Corinth. It is now rumored that Gen Nelson is in side their entrenchments. If this is so the fight will be short. Monday Hamburg Tenn May 12/62 This has been an awful hot day. Some more of our boys came in today. I wrote to Louise yesterday. I sent Ross a letter today. I hear that there are 700 more to leave here tomorrow. I think I am gaining some and shall probably be able to commence light duty. Tuesday Hamburg Tenn May 13 I hear today that Norfolk is in our hands and that McLelland is fast after the Rebels in their retreat from Yorktown. By the papers I think the Rebels are sick of the war and many prophesy that the battle of Corinth will be the last one. Memphis is at our mercy and [illegible in original] today be taken very easily Wednesday Savanah May 14 1862 I was not so well this forenoon as I have been. I had a high fever. About noon the Surgeon came arround and ordered me on the boat to go to some Northern Hospital. Sez at the same time he should send all that had to take medicine. Wightman & Gunnell are with me. We got on the Imperial a large Sanitary boat from St. Louis. We soon left going down stream, stoped at Pittsburg Landing and then at Savanah where they took on a large number of sick & wounded. The River is much Lower than it was when I was here before. There are high banks to the river now and they are lined with Limestone. There are but few soldiers here now just enough to guard the Town. Ladies brought lots of flowers on the boat and gave us Flowers are plenty here now. Cairo Illinois Thursday May 15. 1862 We arrived here this evening about 9 O clock. We left Savannah this morning at 3 ½ O clock and have made good time as it is about 325 miles. I saw Fort Henry where our gun boats had some fun in shelling it a few weeks ago. There are but few farms in sight of the river. There are miles of high rocky bluffs along the coast. I saw the remaining part of the Bridge that our forces burned a few miles above Fort Henry. We passed Paducah when the sun was about two hours high, leaving the Tennessee and sailing out with the fair waters of the Ohio bound down stream. In the edge of the eveng we passed Mound City twelve miles above this place. Several soldiers died today on the boat. We coal here and will not leave until towards morng. St. Louis Mo Friday May 16. 1862 We left Cairo this morng very early but the moon was shining very bright So I had a good sight of the Fort that was erected to protect the City from the enemies Gun Boats that [illegible in original] on the Mississippi some time ago. Cairo is not a large town and is built on low ground, so very low that it is often covered by water in floody times. On leaving Cairo we in a few moments were headed up stream on the Great Mississippi. It is a large & beautiful river abounding with Island, some of which contain hundreds of acres. For the first sixty miles I like the Missouri side the best. We passed Cape Girardeau this forenoon a fair looking town on the Mo side & sixty miles above Cairo. There are three Forts at that place and a large Catholic Institution for Educating Catholic Priests. Saturday Benton Barracks St Louis Mo May 17. 1862 We landed at St Louis about midnight and remained on the boat until noon today. About noon the boat mooved on up the river a short way and then we left the boat. We walked up into town our knapsacks being carried on wagons. The people gave us something to eat as we were all hungry. We remained their some time having bread meat fish & apples to eat free of charge. We then got into a street car & came here to the Barracks. I like the appearance of the people and City generaly better than any other one I have seen since I left Michigan. I am tired out tonight to but am feeling well ^ think I have such good quarters here as I have. These Barracks are large enough to accommodate 8 or 10,000 Soldiers. I allow to sleep some tonight. Sunday Benton Barracks May 18. 62 This has been a long day & we had a light shower of rain just enough to lay the dust and make a little mud. I partly wrote a letter to Louise today. Milk is plenty here & can be bought for 5cts pr Canteen full. In Southern Tennessee Buttermilk was sold at 40 cts pr Gallon. There is quite a lot of Mich men here with us. I am completely turned arround here. I wrote to C.S. Bennett. Mon Tuesday Benton Barracks May 19 We have watched the Surgeon pretty close all day to get a furlough, but it has been in vain, as there has been none given today. There will be some given Thursday. I am feeling some better now but dont think I shall be able to go to my Rgt in a long time and lie on the cold damp ground. I think I shall go home this week and stay awhile. I hope I can at any rate. Tuesday Benton Barracks St Louis May 20. It has been a cold rainy day and it is awful muddy. The Indiana boys were transfered today from these Barracks to their own State. I wrote to Philo Gilbert Ross Swift and sent C.S. Bennett a letter today. I sent after my Discriptive List today. I feel very poorly tonight. It is awful cold weather here colder than I have seen since last March before. Wednesday Benton Barracks St. Louis May 21 I was sick all night and feel very bad today, although I have written a long letter to Louise. Gunnell dont feel so well today. We mooved today across the street into Ward No 2. The Dr gave me a dose of Laudanum for the pain & weekness in my back. I am having a great deal of pain in my breast & my breast is very sore. I fear I shall have a hard time with it. I feel bad tonight and have a hard [illegible in original]. It is very painful. Benton Barracks St Louis Mo May 22 1862 Thursday Tuesday Convalescent Hospital No 2. I rested very well last night as I had a large dose of morphene & a dose of Laudanum. I made application for a furlough today and have not got it at night. I feel bad tonight as I have considerable pain in my bowels. Friday Benton Barracks May 23 1862 It was seven months ago today that I enlisted. I had a hard night as I had such pains that I could not sleep. I have Diarrhoea very bad & my Rheumatism is very bad too. Saturday Benton Barracks May 24 I am no better and I some doubt my being strong enough to ride home if I get my furlough. I think I shall go home next week any way if I am able Benton Barracks Sunday May 25. 1862 It has been very quiet today as the Pedlers have not been arround. I am not so well as I have been. I have an awful pain in my bowels which I think, threatenes Inflamation. There are a great many going home today. Monday Benton Barracks May 26, 1862 I rested poorly last night and have felt bad all day. I do wish I could get a furlough & go home, for then I think I would stand a chance to gain some. There was Religious Exercises here in the Barracks this Evening. It was the first I have had since I left Camp Wickliffe. Tuesday May 27 1862 I am very poorly yet & I dont see as I shall ever be any better if I stay here with no medicine or any thing to Eat. I am growing weaker every day. Wednesday Benton Barracks May 28, 62 There is great excitement about furlough today. We have the promise of a hearing tomorrow. I hope we may be lucky. Preaching here this eveng. There are lots more sick & wounded Soldiers coming here from Tenn in two or three days. Thursday May 29 I have been examined today for a furlough. I dont know what the result will be but I think I shall get one. I feel some better today I have in some time. There are lots of the boys going home nowadays & the Hospital begins to look empty. I am glad they are going too for they dont get any better here but the most of them are growing worse. I think they have a very bad way of doing business here. Partiality by the Bushell Friday Benton Barracks May 30th. 62 I had my furlough filled out today but will not get it until tomorrow. I think that I shall start home Sunday evening now. It is very warm today and I begin to want to get out of this unhealthy place. Wightman & Gunnell have their furloughs made out to & will go home with me. Saturday Benton Barracks 31st. It rained last night & it is cool & pleasant this morng. I will now close this book until I get home. As I did not get my furlough today I will just sketch it down. It seems as though the Dr’s are slower than time. I was examined Thursday & here it is Saturday night & they are not signed yet. Well next week is before us & probably I shall get home. I dont feel well. Sunday Benton Barracks June 1st 1862 This has been a long dull day. Nothing going on. I understand that one of the men have had a spat with the Dr & call him an old Secessionist. I rather think he is. I dont feel so well today as I have for two or three days. If all is well I shall undoubtedly be at home one week from today. I am not homesick at all. All I am thinking of is to get where I can have good care & something fit for a person to eat. I think if I do I shall soon begin to gain. But if I stay here I shall not be able to go into the field this summer again. Corinth has been evacuated within the past two or three days and report says Richmond has been evacuated too but I dont think it [illegible in original]. Memphis is as good as in our hands Where can the rebels make a stand next Sunday Evening Monday Soldiers Home St Lous June 2nd/ 62 I got my furlough signed & Gunnell Wightman & myself with a lot more started down town. We passed a splendid fort where there were several large Siege Guns mounted. We got our papers Acknowledged by proper Officers and then came here, arriving about 5 P.M. Things are quite comfortable here and I had the best supper I have had in more than six months. I am not at all sorry I have got out of those dismal Barracks. I think I should have been down so I could not have gone home at all if I had staid there long. The food that is given to sick Soldiers there w is such as a strong healthy man would [illegible in original] at among white folks. Tuesday Chicago Ill. June 3d 1862 I left St Louis this morng at 6 ½ O clock crossed the Mississipi in an [illegible in original] & took the St Louis and Terra Haute Railroad to Mattoon which is at the junction of the Terra Haute & Illinois Central RailRoads & 133 miles from St Louis. At Mattoon I changed cars to the Ills Central bound for Chicago. I have now seen the beautiful Praries of Illinois. They are decidedly handsome but after all Cold weather must be awful there especialy when there is any wind. I saw a few sheep. Wheat looked well & corn some of it was more than a foot high as it stood. I think Michigan is a better state for me than Ill. Ind. Tenn or Kentucky. I am tired out tonight. Wednesday Wayne Mich June 4. 62 I staid last night at the Guard House in Chicago. I left Chicago this morng at 7 O clock pr Mich Central Rail Road for this place- I got here this evng about 6 O clock completely tired out. I saw Mathison & Thompson of my Company on the Cars today both of whom have been discharged. I am at Dr. Morrisons tonight. Aunt Ann is here an is quite feble. Thursday Nankin June 5 1862. I staid at Dr. Morrisons until nearly sundown & then Luther came after me & I rode home with him. I went to Post Office today and mailed a letter to Ross. I bought me a pair Suspenders. I am very lame & tired this evening from riding from Wayne. Friday Perrinsville June 6th 1862. I staid at Luthers last night and until nearly sundown tody when Henry came over after me. I saw lots of folks on my way over. Lucia Straight looks bad. She has been obliged to leave her school on account of her Lungs. She has spells Blood quite often spitting blood. I dont feel so well tonight as I have a high fever & have had most of the afternoon. Saturday Perrinsville June 7. 1862. I did not sleep a wink last night. I suppose it was because I was jolted so much riding from Luthers. There have been lots of folks to see me today & I had a real good visit. Geo Durfee was here among the rest. I think I have conversed with twenty different ones tody and I feel nearly talked out. It is awful cold weather here. Sunday Perrinsville June 8. 62 I stay at home all day today & have lots of calls. I have talked more than I might to have done but I cant help it. It is a fine day but very cold here to me. It seems to me that it is awful backward here compared to things where I have been. Monday Perrinsville June 9 1862 I have been fishing today & caught a fish too. I dont feel quite as well today as I have the past two days. Henry has gone to Stark Durfees. Tuesday At Home June 10 Henry & Sarah have gone away today & I stay at home. Caroline Underwood came here. Cal Cooley came here just night. I feel a little better today. Wednesday At Home Jun 11. 62 I was at home in forenoon. Afternoon I drove a load of [illegible in original] to Parn Reeds to a Rag bee; I had a good visit came back & staid to Bill Dickersons. I sold my Colt today for $76,00 Edgar took him to Wayne for me. Thursday June 12. I staid at Dicks last night & recd a letter from Louise today that had been to St Louis. I saw Dr. Morrison tody and am going to taking medicine now. Friday June 13 1862. I rode up to Uncle Lymans this forenoon with Orson Randall. Olive Dickerson came up also Lute Straight in afternoon & we had a good time. Lots of Strawberries & C. I stoped at Uncle Daniels at night & Louise came home from her school. [Saturday Nankin June 14 I staid at Uncle Daniels last night & in forenoon I came to Dicks. Louise came with me. It rained real hard today. It is awful cold up here yet and I dont see as there is much prospect of it being warmer. Oscar is at home this Summer farming. Sunday June 15. I staid at Dickersons all day. I feel very bad to day but I think it is the effects of the medicine I am taking. The water is all over the flats and the folks had a real time crossing the river. Monday Nankin June 16th 1862. I staid at Dickersons last night & came over home this. I wrote a long letter to Ross this afternoon. I am at Eds tonight. I rode over with Sape. She has been to Mrs Striger. Tuesday June 17 62 I have been up to the store today & I bought me a neck tie. I saw an order for all furloughs Soldiers to report in Detroit. I am not able to ride so far and shall write to the Officer. Wednesday June 18 I staid at Eds last night and today. I rode arrond home. I am going to Wayne tomorrow to See Dr Morrison & have him send after an Ex tension to my furlough. Thursday June 19 Wayne I was at home this forenoon & afternoon. I drove Dr. Morsons Horse to Wayne with Sape. Dr came home from Canada. Friday Wayne Jue 20 62 I sent tody after my extension. I should have sent sooner if the Dr had been at home. I bought me a pair of boots tody of Hammond. I dont feel very well Saturday Romulus June 21 62 I rode down here today with Sape Henry. I was so tired I did not go to church but went over to School after I had rested. Sunday Romulus June 22 I attended Lovefeast today but did not feel able to stay to preaching. I staid at home all the remainder of the day. I am going to stay a day or two. Monday June 23 Romulus I dont feel very well today. Mr Kingsley went to Detroit this morng. He is on Jury there. I went to Bellville today Tuesday Wayne June 24 Mary Sarah & Louis came to Wayne with me after School tonight. I bought Some Strawberries tody for Sape & Betsy Wednesay Sawmill Jue 25 I rode from Wayne with Dr. Morrson tody I feel some better tody Thursday Jue 26 I was at Luthers all day Friday June 27 I went to Mrs Strigers tody. I lent her sixty dollars at 10 prcent Saturday June 28 I went to Mrs Strigers tody. Luther sold his wool [?] for 45 pr lb After I rode over here with Luther It is a very warm day. I recd a letter from Ser Smith Sunday June 29 62 I attended Sunday School in the morng Oscar came home with me. I heard today that Mr Bird wife & child were burned to death last night by the explosion of Kerosene Monday June 30 62 [illegible name] [Jerome?] [illegible][Eyck?]