Web viewMay 10, 1864 S. Left Pana at 3 P.M. arrived at Springfield at 7 P.M. Put up at Manning...

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Eugene Bruce Read (1837-1918) was a member of the Union Army, 3rd Illinois Cavalry, Company M raised in Christian County, Illinois. He later became the pastor of a church in Lockport, Illinois.

[This is his journal for the period May 10, 1864 through November 19, 1865. It was typed from a hand-written copy. Please forgive the errors and omissions.]

May 10, 1864 S. Left Pana at 3 P.M. arrived at Springfield at 7 P.M. Put up at Manning House. In morning had photograph taken, examined by surgeon, received uniform. I left for lineup about 5 P.M. arrived there in about 15 or 20 minutes. I was quartered with rest of the Co. at Barracks No 5. I wrote to Ophelia, nothing much of camp. Nothing of moment.

Sunday a day but little respected by soldiers generally, attended divine service in the open air at 11 A.M. 8 P.M. wrote to Ophelia.

May 16 M. Nothing of moment

May 17 T. Ordered to Barracks No 11

May 18 W. Troop remained at camp; wrote to Ophelia; received my ???

May 19 T. Attended prayer meeting at barracks.

May 20 F. Heard Gen. Roacrans and Gen. Yates McCoy each spoke

June 5, 1864. Wrote to Mama and Ophelia. This morning at one o’clock pickets were fired upon by guerillas. We were all called out under arms but in an hour it was quiet and we were sent back to bed; drill and parade. Rain in the afternoon; at night a bath in a tub.

June 10. Nothing unusual in the morning. In the afternoon the whole Reg. in fact all the troops around Memphis, 15,000 or 20,000 in number, were marched to Fort Pickenny witness to the execution of 3 men belonging to 3rd New Jersey for robbery.

June 11 S. On regimental guard. Letter from Ma.

June 12 S. Inspection of arms A few of the scouts that went out on the 1st returned reporting the defeat of the expedition rebels took about 2000 prisoners, 14 pieces artillery and 200 wagons. Lieuts. Lucas, Brownbank? and Hines wounded. Dress Parade

June 13 M. Usual drill and Dress parade. Mon.

June 14 T. Usual drill and parade --??? of the boys came in confirming the news. The remainder of the scouts returned at night.

June 15 W. Usual drill and parade.

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June 16 T. Fred Rufull, Ed Nordington and Tillie ordered to report to Gen. A. J. Smith [Andrew Jackson Smith of Bucks County, Pennsylvania 1815-] as part of temporary body guard. Usual drill and dress parade three times a week.

June 17 F. Wrote today for Lieut. Lucas making changes or specifications about certain privates of Companies F, C, H, and I. John is the last scout left. On guard yesterday afternoon the 137th Ill. Vol. (100 days men) encamped next to us. Capt. Tip Barber and Corporal Henry Minshall are in Co. H. I called to see them. In the evening Tip called on me. I wrote to Ophelia. Received letter from Ophelia, 2nd since leaving home.

June 19 S. Wrote to. Ophelia; inspection of arms; called on Tip Barger and Henry Minshall, but didn’t see them. Dress Parade in the afternoon. After taps took bath in a tub.

June 20 M. In the morning went over to the 183rd Ill. Co. C to see Leonard Dodge and the rest of the "100 days men" from Rosemond. No drill today on account of cleaning camp for inspection tomorrow. This afternoon I called again on Tip and Henry but saw only Tip. Received a letter from Ophelia dated May 15th. Rain this morning.

June 21 T. Inspection of camp and arms by Col Coon and drill in the morning and consolidation of ?? in 3 of 20 privates each. N--- cooks banished from the Co. Leonard Dodge and Tony Simpson called on me.

June 22 W. Not very well; caught cold night before last and added to it last night; serenaded by band 22 Iowa. Wrote to Grandma Day.

June 23 T. Not well today; symptoms of chill.

June 24 F. Better today but feeling very weak.

June 25 S. Today am all right once more. Wrote to Ophelia.

June 26 S. Regimental review; Inspection of arms and Dress Parade. After taps took bath in tub.

June 27 M. On guard; got letter from Ophelia dated June 14. Ordered to Head Quarters; I am to report tomorrow. Wrote to Ophelia

June 28 T.

June 29 W. Established at Head Quarters writing for adjutant. There was a general revision of camp today moving of every ten and making every thing uniform. Dress Parade; I am relieved from it and all duty while I am at head quarters. I wrote all day

June 30 T. I wrote to Ma and Ophelia.

July 1, 1864. Wrote during the morning; afternoon nothing. Changed my ???? From No. 3 to "Escort ???"

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July 3 S. Wrote 1/2 of the day; wrote to Mother P. Milan considerable in the office Recpt. recd. tonight ordnance stores, saddle and equipment and shortly after a black horse, 5 yrs. old, rode Richard’s horse to the river to water and led mine. Received a letter from Grandma.

July 5 T. Rode down to the Memphis P.O. and received letter from Ophelia containing hers and Kate’s photographs likewise

July 6 W. The regiment started on a scout this morning at 4:45 o'clock 1864. I remained in camp. Charlie and Walter went out. Watered horse from well; wrote to Ophelia.

July 7 T. I wrote to Grandma and Ophelia as I promised in the letter I wrote yesterday, took a bath in a wash basin. No mail. Reported that the river is blockaded. Hot.

July 8 F. Sixty-two men being the guard and left in camp. Started out mounted this morning with 3 day rations and 49 rounds of ammunition, report yesterday of river is being blockaded was mere rumor. We rec’d mail today. Traded my black horse to Charlie Ruf for a steel mixed pony on account of the horse being badly of an ugly disposition.

July 8 S. Nothing in particular Hot. Obliged to trade back horses on account of the black horse being charged to me on Co. Book. a description then being given of him. Hot

July 10 S. Nothing of moment; wrote to Father. Towards night Tip and Henry M. called

July 11 M. This morning about 10 A.M. Maj. J. H. O’Connor and Companies A, E, G, K and L arrived in camp from Port Hudson Lam. I received letters from Frank, Willie and Ophelia. answered them all immediately.

July 12 T. Received today a letter from Ophelia dated May 18, '64 and directed to Camp Butler, wrote to Minnie at Lebanon, drew off a rough plat of the camp for Ophelia. Quite a little row among the post H companies; One man knocked down with a brick, several arrested.

July 13 W. Companies A, E. G, K and L drew arms and received orders to report to Germantown tomorrow morning. I wrote to Ophelia enclosing the plot of camp.

July 14 T. The Companies that drew arms yesterday left for Germantown, Tenn. early this morning on the train, receiving a letter from Milan, forgot to mail letter written yesterday to Ophelia, will mail it tomorrow.

July 15 F. I wrote today more than usual, wrote likewise to Milan.

July 16 S. hot. A private of Company K. who was struck on the head by a brick on the 17th died today. This afternoon I wrote to Ophelia

July 17 S. Nothing particular. I wrote to Emma, Anna, Ed and Druce enclosed in one envelope.

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July 18, 1864 M. A man from Co. "K" died in camp hospital from chronic diarrhea. I have come back to washing my own clothes again. I have been getting one of the n--- cooks (Capt. Vrooman’s) to do it but found she didn’t do it well, So hereafter shall do it myself, washed shirt pair of drawers and handkerchief today and took a bath in a tub at night. "Henry M." called.

July 19 T. Received news this morning of the defeat of Forrest [Nathan Bedford Forrest 1821-187] by General A. J. Smith, at Tupelo. 60 miles below Cornith over ???? 300 Rebels ??? 2500, no further particulars. I wrote to Ophelia, Milan and Pa. A n--- cook to the great joy of a Maj. O’Connor went to Germantown and back.

July 20 W. Sent father Putnam this morning " Memphis Bulletin;" wrote to Jimmy, recd. call from "Tip."

July 21 T. Capt. Kirkbride came in today bring particulars of the Tupelo fight. He left the boys at Lagrange. They will probably be in tomorrow. Turned off our n--- cook. She was no account.

July 22 F. The boys from Tupelo fight arrived in camp today. About 2 o’clock. None of them hurt; all well. I wrote to Ophelia, nothing particular. Henry Minshall called.

July 23 S.

July 24 S. My turn to cook. That kept me busy most of the day.

July 25 M. Nothing unusual; Henry M. called.

July 26 T. Wrote to Maria; Recd letter from Ma, called on Henry M. Hired another cook.

July 27 W. Wrote to Ophelia and Ma. Received order to move to Paducah, Kentucky by Steam boat got my horse shod today.

July 28 T. I washed shirt, 1 pair drawers and 1 pair socks. Shot off and cleaned my carbine; bought a pair of spurs, 2nd hand, for 75 cents. Wrote to Ophelia; received letter from Milan.

July 29 F. Rec'd final orders about 2 P.M. to start immediately on scout by 4 P.M. Companies "I" and M with the staff and scout men on board S.B. G. W. Graham and Companies B, C, and H in the John H. Dickey. The Dickey started out a first but being a slower boat, the Graham beat her. Just before leaving camp I received a letter from Ophelia, 1 from Maria, 1 from Emma and 1 from father Putnam; enclosed is one to Walter. I also exchanged my carbine for a revolver with Capt. Vrooman. Capt. Carnahan commanded a detachment of 32 Ill. Cavalry sent out on the expedition. Received Homeopathic Medicine from Ophelia.

July 30 S. Wrote on board the C.W. Graham to Ophelia. Steamboat broke something at one of her wheels and had to lay to at New Madaoc for repairs while at a little place just below the line between Ky. and Tenn. Two of our boys were left, being on shore and not hearing the bell. They were however picked up by the Dickey.

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July 31, Sun. We arrived at Hickman, 40 miles below Cairo at about 8 o’clock and in an hour were on the march. We reached Largeville about 10 o'clock, 20 miles from Hickman, made a grand charge after 100 imaginary rebels, but found only three, all of whom were captured. (they were conscripting) Stopped for dinner 2 or 3 miles after leaving Largeville, fed sheaf oats, arrived at Clinton about 5 P.M. camp a couple of miles must as it was beginning to rain. We camped in a man’s barnyard taking ??? of everything like forage.

Aug. 1, 1864 M. This morning we had nothing but straw to feed. So we stopped at the first place we could get corn and fed that; was about 8 o’clock. We started this morning at sunrise at Blandville, Kentucky (county seat of Ballard County). It rained like shot. It was Election Day for County officers, both in Mailbery and Blandville; marched steadily almost without interruption until near sundown. We went through Mailburn or Millburn about 10 and through Blandville at about 3 P.M. We encamped at a farmer’s house, a (sesesh) for the night and the boys all had a noble supply of chickens and Honey and in fact everything. We fed corn and sheaf oats.

Aug. 2 T. Last night one of our prisoners, supposed to be a g———— got away through the ???? of the guard. Last night the chicken gizzards mysteriously disappeared. Johnny says the pigs ate them up. Last night we fared sumptuously on chicken, corn, onions, honey, potatoes, if we wanted them, in fact a little of everything both for supper and breakfast. We started about an hour after sunrise. By the way the pickets were fired upon last night, by one man but it didn’t amount to any thing. We encamped this afternoon right out in the woods and got our horses fed corn and hay from a neighboring farmer. About 9 o’clock we ??? Lovelaceville, Kentucky, where we understood were 400 rebel cavalry, our advance Co. "C" charged into town but found but 2 rebels who fled. Although we pursued them we failed to capture them. Lovelaceville is about 20 miles from Paducah. We marched 10 or 12 miles and encamped about 1 o’clock 8 or 9 miles from Paducah, preferring to enter the town in the morning than at night on account of reporting to the authorities and getting settled in camp before dark. The boys went out and killed sheep and chickens for supper and breakfast. Consequently we fared bully. In consequence of a rumor of 1500 rebels within 5 or 6 miles of us Co "B" went out reconnoitering, but returned without finding any. It is the same rumor that we have had ever since leaving Hickman from 100 to 1500 have been reported all along the way but like the Ill ??? we couldn't get nearer than 4 or 5 miles to it.

Aug. 3 W. Reveille sounded at daybreak, had a good breakfast. The horses that had been picked up by the command and there were several (for it was a kind of help yourself sort of business), both with horses and mules were ??? All that were claimed as belonging to union men were returned. We started about two hours after sunrise and reached Paducah about 10 o’clock. We reported immediately to General Payer and were quartered in unoccupied houses, sheds, etc. The ???? occupied the sound end of a long row of tenant houses that were formerly used as a hospital. Just after we got it swept out a refugee came to us and offered to have his wife (a tidy looking woman) cook for us, provided we would let them have one room, to which we agreed. They accordingly moved right in and she got us a good supper from her own stock as we have drawn no rations since coming into town. Wrote to 0phelia today. Drew forage, oats and hay for horses for three days.

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Aug. 4 T. Today we drew rations in time for dinner, our refugee furnishing breakfast. Turned over to the authorities 4 of our Regiment who went out last night on a thieving expedition. Two were identified and arrested this morning and handed over to the Provost Marshall. The other two are not yet identified. They entered a house in town and stole from a woman $18.30 in green backs and a quantity of clothing, turned over to the authorities the horses and mules that we picked up on the scout and were not claimed by union men.

Aug. 5 F. Slept last night out doors under a tree in preference to a house as it is cooler and troubled with mosquitoes. The adjutant today got a ten-day furlough and left for his home and left me in charge of his duties. Wrote today to Maria. Cos. "I", "M" and part of "F" went on a 2-day scout. They started at 8 P.M.

Aug 6 S. Nothing of moment; wrote today to Father Putnam.

Aug. 7 S. The small scout that went out on Friday returned today having found nothing

Aug. 8 M. Made Out the semi report. Wrote to Ophelia, weather hot.

Aug. 9 T. Nothing of moment, washed shirt, drawers, etc.

Aug. 10 W. Made out tri-monthly report of Detachment of Regt., wrote to Ophelia, ordered to march at 6 p.m. for Mayfield, Kentucky. Marched all night until 4 A.M. We reached Bryantsburg about 2 A.M.

Aug. 11 T. We stopped at 4 A.M and started again in a little over an hour at 5:35. We have had no feed since leaving camp. So we stopped at first place we could find it and fed sheaf oats at about 9 o’clock. We arrived at Wadesboro about noon when we expected to find a Co. of rebels. Co. M charged onto town, but found but 3 or 4 and they escaped. About 3 P.M. we encamped in a farmer's door and barnyard. The boys went out and killed mutton and we had an excellent supper, fed corn and hay. Just after supper we received orders from the Capt. to march in order to get into Mayfield early in the morning. We marched 4 or 5 miles and camped in the woods for the night, got enough corn blades from a neighboring farmer to feed our horses, about l/2 a feed each. We all, officers and men lay down on the ground and slept like a top. While on this short march after supper, it rained as hard as I ever saw it, but our ponchos and rubber blankets kept us dry or nearly so.

Aug. 12 F. We started this morning an hour or so after sunrise and reached Mayfield, Kentucky, the County seat of Graves Co. about 9 o’clock and reported immediately to Brig. General Paine who started from Paducah the same day we did and marched through direct with the 134th Ill. (100 day men) a regiment of negro troops and a squad of Cavalry and 1 or 2 pieces of artillery. We encamped without delay, the Companies in an enclosed piece of Woods, The Head Quarters, the Escort and Ambulance in a vacant house about 200 yards beyond. This afternoon it rained again very hard for about an hour. 2 of the escort boys and 2 of the Hosp. boys went out and killed a hog. The commissary sent out likewise and brought in a drove of cattle and likewise 2 loads of sheaf oats. We live like fighting cocks, plenty of apples, green corn, meat, hard tack and coffee. What more could a man want? Everything: wife, children, friends.

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Aug. 13 S. The first thing after breakfast I made out a roster of commissioned officers and a morning report as required by the Post Adjt. About 12 o’clock a false alarm of an attack was given. Our Regt. was ordered to be ready in 3 minutes. We all got our horses saddled in a hurry. 1/2 of the 134th were marched up the road and ordered to half and load in front of our camp. Our Capt and 2 or 3 orderlies and Lieut. Dickhurt rode out to reconnoiter. They went out a couple of miles and met 6 or 8 of Co H. 3rd Ill. Cavalry who had been out foraging. They were in their shirtsleeves and were probably mistaken for rebels and hence the alarm. After quiet was restored, Co M and part of the escort (I among them) went out a mile or so for forage. We got sheaf oats, my first experience foraging. I wrote to Ophelia. We have orders to march tomorrow to Philisiana and back to clear out Guerrillas and burn a man’s house down.

Aug. 14 S. Reveille sounded this morning at 3:45. Boots and saddle 5:30. Mount and forward 5:45. I supposed the Regt. were to form in front of Head Quarters consequently I was in no hurry to get ready but instead of that they formed in front of the ???? and had been gone 10 or 15 minutes before I knew it. So I got off in a hurry and in my hurry forgot my revolver and so went off unarmed. I overtook them about a mile out of town. We reached Philisiana about 10 o'clock. A couple of miles this side we made a charge after 2 or 3 guerillas but they were better mounted and got away. Then we came across a half-witted fellow who could give no satisfactory account of himself. We took him on to town with us and released him frightened 1/2 to death. Capt. Carnahan had orders to burn the town because they harbored and protected Guerillas. But to burn it would burn the whole town. So the Capt. preferred not doing it. But brought the ????? prisoner to Mayfield. We stayed at Philisiana about an hour. We started back by another road. We had gone but 2 or 3 miles when we came to a piece where ??? 40 rebels had an encampment for breakfast. A couple of miles further on we came across 4 at a church. We captured 2 of their horses but the rest got away. 4 or 5 miles further on our advance came up with them and drove in their pickets and they all ran. We shot one of their horses. One of Co. "I" men dismounted to fire. His horse becoming frightened and got away from him, running toward and among the rebels and was captured by them and rode off. In their hurry to get away the rebels had dropped a coat, several hats, and sundry smaller things, which we picked up. Just before we came up they had caught an old union man between 60 and 70 years old and were playing cards to see which should shoot him. They were regular guerillas and had robbed him of $250, which he had sewed in his shirt flap. He had $100 on the other side which they didn’t find. We chased the fellows 2 or 3 miles but their horses were fresher and they got away from us. We stopped at a union man’s house at about 3 o’clock and fed oats and hay. The Capt. directed me to make an estimate of the value of it and give them a voucher for it, which I did valuing it at $7.50. We rested here for an hour or so, then moved on to Mayfield where we arrived a little after sundown, the old man who had been robbed coming along with us. It has been a very hot day and we have marched 40 miles.

Aug 15 M. Got up this morning very late. The sun was an hour high. Today the citizens had a union meeting in town. They advocated Lincoln and emancipation in the strongest terms; wrote to Ophelia.

Aug 16 T. The n--- Regt. left today. Our Regt., in consequence, regained to do picket duty. Wrote to Emma. Tonight I took a bath in the little pond back of Head Quarters.

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Aug. 17 W. Made out the ??? of Detachment. The Adjt. returned from his 10 days furlough and went off again to Paducah. Companies "H" "I" "B" "M" under Lt. Shellenberger of Co. "B" went on a short scout. 10 miles down the Paris Road and returned. Saw nothing. Today I washed shirt and drawers.

Aug. 18 T. Companies "C", "I", and "H" went on a short scout and returned. Lt. Connors commanded. Capt. Carnahan went to Paducah. Lt. Bowling Act. ADJT. returned, rainy day.

Aug. 19 F. Old fashioned rainy day. I wrote to Ophelia. It stopped raining about 4 o’clock. At 6 Capt. Carnahan got back from Paducah. Lt. C.T. Rufill likewise returned from Memphis bringing an order for the new veterans to start tomorrow for Springfield to be mustered out of the service. Likewise an order for certain Com. officers to remain and have command of the companies. Capt. Carnahan was among then but he has made up his mind that he could serve no longer as Capt. Consequently he leaves with the new veterans and will be mustered out of service unless they make him Major. I was kept up late writing orders etc. They start tomorrow at 6 A.M. over land that is horseback for Paducah. I handed the letter I wrote to Ophelia today to Charlie. I received a letter from Ophelia dated July 10 likewise one from Minnie, Aug. 4

Aug. 20 S. Reveille sounded this morning at 4 o’clock. As this bock is so nearly full, I will send it home in Lieut. Rufill’s care as I think it will go quicker and perhaps safer than by mail.

Prices of army clothing.

Pants $4.80

Sack coat, lined $3.14

Sack coat, unlined $2.40

Knit jacket $2.70

Flannel shirts $1.46

Knit shirts $1.30

Socks $ .32

Boots, sewed $3.25

Boots, pegged $2.80

Great coat $11.50

Blankets, 2 $7.20

Rubber slicks $2.90

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Ponchos, painted $2.10

Haversacks $ .48

Haversack, painted $ .56

Canteen $ .44

Years allowance $42.00

June 28 $24.40

Co "M" 3d Ill. Cavalry Stationed at Mayfield, Ky.

Aug. 20, 1864 C. F. Rufill orders me to pay to Simon Bahan $5.00 being the amount I owe him,

i.e. Rufill. No. of my Colts army revolver 92,056 E.B.R. Dr. to F.R. Rufill cash $1.00 Sep. 2 do to Thos. Yarshall cash $1.00

Aug. 20 S. New veterans started today from Mayfield Ky. this detachment for Camp Butler, Ill. They numbered 38 men and r Com. officers. I sent home by 1st Lieut. Chas. F. Rufill a letter for Ophelia and my Journal from the day I left home to Aug. 20th. Col. McChesney Commanding Post ordered from our Regt. 60 men for a scout to report at 6 A.M. The consequence was the men who should have relieved the picket were the only ones left in camp and as it necessary some should to Paducah with the new vets or ????? to bring back their horses and equipment they were detailed for that purpose Picket was required to stand 48 hours. Walter was on this picket. The scout that went out at 6 A.M. returned about 3 P.M. with 3 prisoners, they delivered to Col. McChesney. Just at dark it was reported the 250 rebels were within 2 1/2 miles of town and 40 men of our Regiment went out to see. I wrote to Minnie.

Aug. 21 S. The scout of 40 men returned this morning having found nothing. About 10 o’clock our pickets were fired upon by 6 guerillas, one man, a private of Co. "C" was killed and another man, Hatfield of Co. "C" was cut off and fired upon several times but escaped by running around a farm. The man’s name who was killed was Aaron Abner. Our whole force immediately went out in pursuit and scouted the country and followed their tracks for 5 or 6 miles but failed to capture them. It was caused, i.e. the casualty, by their own imprudence; they too ventured 3/4 of a mile beyond the pickets to get milk at a neighboring farm house and the guerillas saw them coming and ambushed them. The body was brought in in the ambulance and buried this afternoon at 4 o’clock. The scout that went to Paducah with the new veterans, returned this afternoon bringing back their horses and equipment.

Aug. 22 M. First thing I made me a bunk to sleep upon, got the boards and nails from a board fence near by. Then I made out a ???? report. I had just finished it when we received an order from the inspector Gen. of western Ky. for a full report of detachment with a roster of absent commissioned officers stating date 7 authority of their absence likewise date of organization of the Regiment which was Aug. 26, 1861. I likewise made out a full and complete roster of non-

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com. officers and privates of Co. "B." I was at work until 10 P.M. I then went to bed, but was called up by an orderly from Col. McChesney Com’dy Post who required a report forth with of the effective force of Detachment: number of horses and guns and amt. of ammunition on hand. I made it out and then went to bed about 11 o’clock and was asleep in two minutes.

Aug. 23 T. Guard mounting at the usual hour 8 A.M., verified the details as I do every morning. ????? same as hereto fore viz 21 privates and 7 non-com. officers. Shot off and cleaned my revolver. Drew a shirt (through the Adjt.). Wrote to Ophelia, sending the letter by Lt. Connor’s brother to have it mailed at Cairo. 2 scouts of 20 men each ordered to start at 2 1/2 o’clock tomorrow morning, one to take the Dukedom and the other the Paris road.

Aug. 24 W. The scouts went out as ordered. Lieut. Lucas Commanding one and Lieut. Cullum the other. After guard mounting made out morning report. Both scouts returned having seen nothing.

Aug. 25 T. Lieut. Weiss went to Paducah to draw clothing. Returned on afternoon train with it. Capt. Doloff returned with him bringing news of Forrest's raid on Memphis and capture of Major O’Connor and Lt. Duncan, 3rd Ill. Cavalry. The rebels charged into the place through the camps of the 137th Ill. Infantry. and 3rd Ill Cavalry about an hour before daylight Sunday morn., Aug. 21st. They numbered 10 Regiments, the 137th and 3rd were both surprised. The former broke through the camp of the 3rd and they all or nearly so of both Regiments got out of there in a hurry. 3 of the 3rd were killed and about 40 taken prisoners. The rebels took all of our horses that were fit for anything and every thing else they wanted. Major O’Connor was boarding at an adjoining house with his wife. Hearing the rumpus went out to see what was the matter and was taken prisoner. The rebels were commanded by Forrest in person and had possession of the city for 2 or 3 hours. They went to the Gayoss Home where most or many of the U.S. officers ????? and went there bursting open a door that was locked and taking prisoners and what valuables they could find. They took ???? horses, etc. in about a couple of hours and found it getting too hot for them and left as suddenly as they came. The force was cavalry and they had 2 pieces of artillery.

Aug. 26 F. A scout of 25 men from our Regiment went out today under Lt. Connors and returned without having seen an enemy. Lt. Bowling, Act. Adjt., started this morning for Memphis with 10 day’s leave of absence. Col. McChesney. Commanding Post Mayfield, Ky. ordered a guerilla shot today. He confessed to being a guerilla and to his having assisted in murdering union men. He was shot by Capt. Gregory home guards, 15 men from 3rd Ill. Cavalry, under Lt. Lucas acting as guard. He was killed instantly, 11 balls out of 12 fired and most of them passed through him. Drew today some clothing, i.e. 1 pr. pants, 1 pr. drawers, 1 hat, 1 rubber ponchos.

Aug. 27 S. A scout of 20 men under Sergeant Thos. Weekley of Co. "M" went out this morning and returned at night having accomplished but little. They visited Carland’s house. He is Capt. of a guerilla band. He was at home but saw their approach and fled. Wrote today to Ophelia.

Aug. 28 S. 2 scouts went out today, one of 20 men. under Sergeant T.D. Chatham Co. "M" the other of 15 men under Lt. L.T. Lucas, Capt. Lambert, A.A, Inspect General Dist. Western Ky. inspected today the troops at Mayfield. Wrote to Frank.

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Aug. 29 M. Scout of 22 men under Lieuts. Cullum and Lucas went out today.

Aug. 30 T. Scout of 15 men went out this morning, in consequence of which our pickets could not be relieved. Scout that went out yesterday returned this afternoon having met 16 guerillas, they killed 1 and captured another in with them. He confessed that he was a guerilla but had belonged to the band but 2 weeks. Col. McChesney ordered him to be shot at 3 P.M. It was accordingly done. I wrote to Milan. Last night the picket was fired upon just above our ?????? The shot with it whizz passing over us was distinctly heard by all.

Aug. 31 W. First thing this morning I drew off all the names of all belonging to the Detachment on a muster roll and at 10 o’clock we were mustered by Lieut. S.L. Shellenberger, Comdy Wetcht. after which I made out a monthly return. I then went up town to see how coming on with the fort they have been building for two weeks. I found it progressing finely and about 150 citizens and n--- at work. While down town I weighed myself. I weighed 134 lbs. which is more than I ever weighed before at this time of year. 135 is as much as I ever weighed.

Sept. 1, 1864 T. Made out Semi-monthly Report that should have been made out yesterday. Scout of 25 men of 3rd (Walter and Charlie among them) and20 from Gregory’s command of home guards, all under Lt. Samuel T. Lucas went out this morning. Wrote today to Wallace P. ?????

Sept 2 F. Scout returned about noon. They came across 15 guerillas while they were feeding. They captured 11 horses and mules and 5 guns but the men all got away through the thick brush although 2 were wounded; wrote to Ophelia. Bought 90 cents worth of postage stamps, borrowed the money, $1.00 from Thos. Marshall. It was very hot today, one of the hottest of the season.

Sept. 3 S. Last night was I think, beyond comparison the hottest of the season. Nothing unusual occurred today. I made out the semi weekly report. It has been another hot day. I think yesterday and today were hotter than any other day this summer, although at Memphis in July we had some very hot weather.

Sept. 4 Sun. Nothing unusually occurred today. I took dinner with Co. "M" Fred ????? at his invitation; wrote to Anna.

Sept. 5 M. Last night we had a fine shower. Nothing unusual occurred today except receiving a letter from Ophelia. It was dated Aug. 4. She was not well then and it was a month ago yesterday. How she is now I can only conjecture, hoping always for the best.

Sept. 6 T. I applied today for a 10-day leave of absence on account of Ophelia’s sickness. Lieut. Samuel L. Shellenberger, Comd’g, approved it and forwarded it to Brig. Gen. E. A. Paine through Col. W. W. McChesney. It has to be approved by both, their doing which is very uncertain. A scout of 50 men under Lt. Conover (Walter among them) went out today. I washed today shirt, drawers, pants and handkerchiefs. This afternoon about 4 it rained like fury, which we were all glad to see on account of the cisterns getting so low. Water around Mayfield is getting so low. They have to dig 100 Ft. for it. Consequently they use rain water generally, though there are some wells.

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Sept. 7 W. Scout came in last night about 9 o’clock. They came across 45 rebels or rather guerillas at Boydville. Our boys charged into them and the rebels skedaddled. We shot one shot one. Joe Rice orderly at ????? went along for fun, captured one. None of our boys were hurt. They chased then for 2 1/2 miles and then gave up the pursuit and returned to camp bringing the prisoners with them. Lewie Cuth’s horse fell down in a gully and was so near run down that he couldn’t get up and he had to abandon him with the saddle, bridle, and blanket. The man captured claimed to be a regular rebel. He had an examination before the Col. when it appeared that he was a rebel soldier when Forrest made his attack on Paducah but that since that time, he had been a guerilla. He was shot that afternoon at 4 o'clock. It rained again this afternoon at 4 o’clock hard for 2 hours. A Scout of 50 men, Charlie among them, went out this morning at 8 o’clock. Lt. Cullum Comdn. I went this morning to the Post Ddjc Edward D. Layton Lt. to see what had become of my application for leave of absence and found that it had been approved by the Col. and forwarded to Gen. Paine. We received today the confirmation of the taking of Atlanta by Gen. W. T. Sherman, washed a shirt this afternoon.

Sept. 9 F. Nothing unusual this morning. This afternoon Snow and Harris, privates of Co "C" raced. They went out beyond the pickets on the Columbus Road and ran 300 yards. Fred and I and quite a number of others went out to watch. Everything went on well until at the 7??? Snow’s horse shot into a thick Black Jack grove. Snow was thrown off against a tree and very badly hurt on the back and arm. We picked him up, examined his bruises, borrowed a buggy and brought him to camp. The Post surgeon was sent for immediately. He examined him and pronounced him not very badly hurt. The scout that went out yesterday returned this afternoon about 6 o’clock. They found and shot 2 guerillas.

Sept. 10 S. Snow is better this morning. Made out this A.M. a tri-monthly and semi-weekly report. Wrote to Ophelia and received a joint letter from Minnie and Milan. Lt. Cullum went today to Paducah on Regimental business.

Sept. 1l Sun. Lt. Cullum returned on the train at 11 o'clock this morning bringing with him an order from Major Gen. C. C. Washburn ordering the detachment to proceed to Memphis, Tenn. to join the regiment. We start tomorrow at 5 A.M. The Commandant of the Post at Mayfield protests against our leaving and the citizens are getting up a petition to have us ordered back.

Sept. 12 M. Left Mayfield this morning at 6 o’clock and arrived in Paducah about 2 1/2 o'clock. On arriving at Paducah we reported to Gen. Meredith who now commands the Dist and he ordered us back to Mayfield. They will start tomorrow morning. I went to the Asst Adjt. Gen. Office to see what had become of my application for furlough and found that it had been approved and forwarded today to Mayfield. It went out by the morning mail. I returned immediately with a lot of mail for our Detachment among which were 4 letters for me, 3 from Ophelia dated as follows: June 5th, July 21st and Aug. 11. The other letter was from Anna enclosed in which were 1 from Ed and 1 from Druce all dated July ???. On getting my furlough want to the Post Commander and got an order for transportation. I then went to the Q.M. and got transportation to Cairo, cost $100.00. I then went on board the S.B. "Masonic Gem." and am patiently waiting departure.

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Sept. 13 T. Steam boat started some time in the night after I went to sleep. Arrived at Cairo just at daybreak. Walked around the city until 9 o’clock, then went to Head Quarters and got an order for transportation then went to Q.M. and got it. I then saw Turner West folk. Coley was out of town. The train started at 12 o’clock, Noon. We arrived at Centralia about dusk and had to lay over there until 1 1/2 A.M.

Sept. 14 W. I spread my blanket on the platform and slept until 12. In about an hour and a half the train came in from the north and in 15 minutes we were off buzzing along toward home. We arrive at Pana about daylight. There was a great crowd waiting for the train all bound for Decatur to attend the State Fair. There were, I believe, 15 cars, all crowded. The transportation from Cairo to Pana was $2.80. At Pana I found Horace Childs there and a buggy, having brought his father, Mother, and Clara to go to the fair. I rode out to Rosemond with him walking from the house to Father Putnam’s. Arrived about 8 o’clock found all well. Father and Jimmy were just on the point of starting for the State Fair. I remained at Father’s all day.

Sept. 15 T. After dinner I rode down town on Polly. I called at ????? Adams, Guths etc delivering letters. I borrowed Conrad O??tes buggy. At night Ophelia, Kate and I rode down to Father Read’s. Spent the day at Father Read's.

Sept. 16 F. Started this morning at about 7 o’clock from ????? from Father Putnam. I took the buggy home and called on W. A. Shumnher and got $15.00 on the note I hold of him. I saw John about the ??? and called on Mrs. Rufill and got hone about 11 o’clock. Charlie Rufill called in the afternoon.

Sept. 18 Sun. Got ready to go to church but was taken with a nose bleeding and was obliged, in consequence, to stay at home. In the afternoon Frank, Maria, and Anna called.

Sept. 19 M. Stayed around home all day.

Sept. 20 T. In forenoon went around town and saw the folks and got their letters etc. likewise went to the blacksmith shop to get the sorghum mill mended. In afternoon went to Pana with Mother, Ophelia and Kate but concluded to return and start tomorrow. We would a ???? stove for $15.00, sink for $2.00, stove pipe and T.H. for $.60, window sash $1.20. Total $18.80. We got home after dark.

Sept. 21 W. This morning put up the bedroom stove and polished it for Ophelia. Left home to return to Detachment at Mayfield. It was around until 4 o’clock when I started for Pana to take the 8 o’clock train for Cairo. Father Putnam in the buggy with Hand and ??? took me to Pana. I left Pana in the 8 P.M. train for Cairo. At Centralia Dr. Haut, 1st surgeon 3rd Cavalry. got on. E. B. Read dr. to 7????? borrowed O.F.R. $5. to F. R. Rufill cash for P.O. stamps 1.00 to F.. R. Rufill, F. R. Rufill cash borrowed on getting furlough $5.00 from Thos. Marshall for P.O. stamps $1.00 borrowed of Wm. Pipkin for 1 watch $8.00 (Oct 24, 64). Maker of watch Chas Stone, Liverpool; No. of watch 7935; No. of my Colts Army revolver 82056; stamped on my gold pen, (Tip Top Pen Dawson Warner and Hydes).

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Sept. 22 T. We arrived at Cairo just after Daylight, found there was no boat in port bound for Paducah but about the middle of the afternoon the Pittsburgh and St. Louis stern wheel packet arrived and I went aboard. Some time in the night we got off.

Sept. 23 F. We arrived at Paducah just at daybreak. I went to the post office and wrote a letter to Ophelia. In an adjoining entry, the P.O. not being opened, I mailed my letter and then went up town to the R.R. depot and got aboard the train. We started at 10 o’clock and arrived at Mayfield about noon. I went immediately to camp and found Fred in the office and all apparently glad to see me; found a letter from Frank waiting for me at Mayfield. This afternoon I delivered letters and packages sent to the boys and answered innumerable questions.

Sept. 24 S. This A.M. Fred returned to the Co. and I returned to the duties of the office, made out a report and did sundry writing -- likewise wrote to Ophelia announcing my safe arrival in camp. Walter put in a post script.

Sept. 25 S. Last night we had quite a frost; ‘twas an uncomfortably cold night. This morning the effective force of our Detachment, except those on picket, went out on a scout, Lt. Shellenberger commanding. I remained in camp feeling something like a child. Walter is likewise in, being unfit for duty having had the chills for a week or ten days. Fred and Charlie went on the scout, Charlie taking my horse as his is not fit for duty. About 12 o’clock we heard artillery firing in the direction of Paducah. It continued for about an hour. The scout returned this evening just after dark. They report finding a couple of doz. or so rebels at a camp meeting near Wadesboro. They captured 12 horses and mules but the guerillas all got away. On their returned they heard the artillery firing at Paducah and thought it was at Mayfield and the place as attacked. They therefore hurried along as fast as possible as they supposed to assist us. I wrote today to Frank.

Sept.26 M. The firing yesterday at Paducah was a salute in honor of Sheridan’s victory in the Shenandoah Valley. Today I arranged and filed and endorsed the orders etc that had been received during my furlough of ten days. It took me 1/2 of the day. Lt. Shellenberger went today to Paducah in order if possible to make an arrangement by which our Detachment could be paid here. The difficulty is we have no descriptive rolls. The Lt. returned after dark, he could make no arrangements in regard to the men but he and Lt. Weiss were placed on the staff Col. Laurence Com’d. Post of Mayfield, Weiss as Post Q.M. and Shellenberger as Commandant of all the Cavalry forces at Mayfield. In consequence of their being detached from the Detachment, they can draw their pay.

Sept. 27 T. Today is a rain day, nothing doing, received letter from Maria, 16 instead of 28 men.

Sept. 28 W. Made out semi-weekly report. Wrote to Minnie. Picket hereafter will be 12 or 16 men from 3rd Ill. Cavalry., alternating every day. Here to fore our Detachment has stood all the picket duty. Hereafter the 7th??? Cavalry. and the State Guard will do their share.

Sept. 29 T. A dull cold wet day. Fred and Tom Chatham started today for Memphis to bring up the book, papers and clothing belonging to this Detachment. We received a big mail today and among them 5 for me, 2 from Ophelia dated Aug. 14th and Sept. 11th, 1 from Grandma, 1 from Willie and 1 from Milan. Wrote to Ophelia, not feeling very well today, symptoms of chills.

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Sept. 30 F. Another cold, disagreeable day. I am better but not really well. I went down to the P.O. today and received a letter from Ophelia dated Sep. 4th and directed to Mayfield with the No. of the regiment. purposely left off. One from Jimmy to Walter was enclosed in it. This afternoon I made out the tri-monthly report.

Oct. 1, 1864 S. Wrote to Grandma. Nothing unusual occurred today.

Oct. 2 S. Wrote to Ophelia today. Even if it is Sunday it has been a very busy day with me. I had first to make out the Semi weekly and weekly report and then the monthly return, which last time took me all the afternoon.

Oct. 3 M. Made out Application for leave of absence for Wesley Stauffer, Co. "I" for ten days. Gen. Meredith a few days ago ordered the fortification of Guerilla Hill, just on the edge of town on the south west. The work is progressing rapidly. Our Detachment was ordered out right after dinner to go on a scout of 8 or 10 miles after a few rebels that were reported 3 or 4 miles. We drew today for the officer 3 months supply of Cap and letter paper. Scout returned about sunset, having seen nothing.

Oct. 4 T. Wrote today to Jimmy and Walter putting in a P.S. This afternoon we had a very hard storm of wind and rain.

Oct. 5 W. A detail of 50 men was made from 3rd Ill Cavalry. to work on the new fort. Calvary they say are exempt from all such work unless it is an urgent military necessity. The boys grumbled and growled about it considerably but afterward submitted to it with pretty good grace. Today is bright warm and cheerful. I washed today shirt, drawers and towel, wrote to Maria. In the evening I went down town to Lieut. Weiss’ Post office and played chips with him. He beat me badly, 3 games to my 1 and 1 draw game.

Oct. 6 T. Today 20 men were ????? and furnished from our Detachment to work on the fortification. Commenced a letter to Milan, but concluded not to finish it, as I do not know positively where he is as the newspapers report Price marching on Rolla and Jefferson City and consequently I don’t know whether Milan is in Mo. or Ill., but will wait a few days and perhaps I shall hear.

Oct. 7 F. A cold raw day. I feel a good deal like a child and have all day. It may be nothing but a cold day. Still I shall take quinine tonight. Our Detachment furnished 30 men today to work on the fort. No mail, the train not having arrived from Paducah. Train just came at 8 P.M.

Oct. 8 S. Today is much warmer and very pleasant. I feel all right today. 83 men from Detachment 3rd Ill. were ordered today to Paducah, Ky. Walter and Charlie Warner went along. Wrote to Ophelia.

Oct. 9 S. Made out semiweekly and tri monthly reports, weekly Inspection report and tri monthly field ?????

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Oct. 10 M. Last night our pickets were fired upon by a guerilla on the Drikedom Road. 5 or 6 shots were exchanged. We were up that is ????? Most of the men in camp had gone to bed. We supposed the pickets were being driven in and it wasn’t ten minutes at most before all who were left in camp 3rd Ill. Cavalry were at the picket post mounted and ready for the fray, but as there was no one to fight, we concluded to go back and go to bed and were disturbed no more. Nothing particular occurred today.

Oct. 11 T. Last night I heard the ??????? station back of our Head Quarters sing out Halt! twice but what it was, I don’t know, probably a stray horse or cow moving around in the timber. This morning I wrote to Willie, this afternoon to May and Berty and this evening to Ophelia, enclosing their letters in one envelope.

Oct. 12 W. Made out the Semi-Weekly report. Nothing of consequence doing.

Oct. 13 T. Wrote to Lt. J. H. Browling Act. Adjt. Lt. Shellenberger went to Paducah. Thos. Chatham returned from Memphis bringing mail, clothing and Descriptive rolls. The descriptive rolls however were incomplete. My clothing didn’t come and I suppose Forrest must have taken it. I got 2 letters from Ophelia posted Aug. 28 and Sept. 25th, 1 from Ma dated Sept. 4th and 1 from Milan dated Aug. 14th. There was nothing particular doing today.

Oct. 14 F. I wrote to Ophelia, Nothing of importance doing today. This afternoon went over to see the fort and was surprised to find it nearing completion. They are working on it day and night as they are expecting an attack by Forrest. I however do not credit this rumor.

Oct. 15 S. Last night after dark we received an order. How to act in case an attack, which the Col. in his order declared "serious". We concluded he knew best and got ready for it. Our horses were saddled all night and many of the man slept in their clothes. Just after dinner we received orders to move camp and Garrison Equipage, all sick, dismounted men and every thing of value that we couldn’t carry with us to the R.R. Depot as they were on the point of evacuating the Post. I packed up all the office papers immediately in an ammunition box and waited for further orders. Boots and saddles sounded at about 3 o’clock. About 4 we received orders to be ready to march at 8 this evening. The order of march is as follows: Detachment, 7 on Ten. Cavalry. Bat. 9 U.S.A. (Cold) Heavy Artillery, Pat 2nd Ill Dav. 34th Regiment N.J. Vol Infantry. Detachment. 3rd Ill. Cavalry and Capt Gregory Ind ?? Co. Our horses have been saddled since 8 o’clock.

Oct. 16 S. We started last night for Paducah, marched until sunrise, rested for an hour or so for breakfast. We then continued the march resting often and marching slowly for we didn’t get into Paducah until about an hour before sunset. We stopped at our old camp in an old open shed about 150 or 200 ft. long. Most of the men however pitched their tents out doors and slept under them. The Hospital and HW Escorts went into a grassy lot and spread their blankets under the trees. I slept first rate in a bed.

Oct. 17 M. Lt. Lucas left today for Memphis in order to get the descriptive rolls. Tom Chatham had gotten them, but they were incomplete. I wrote to Ophelia the first thing after breakfast. I made out charged for Simon Bahew against a Lieut. who Simon alleged stole $60.00 from him.

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Oct. 18 T. This morning at sunrise we were ordered on a scout in company with Detachment. of 7th Tenn. Cavalry. and a company of State Guards, in all about 300 men, under the command of Cal. Hawkins, 7th Tenn. Cavalry. The object was to find 250 rebel Cavalry, that we had seen by Steamboat ???? between here and Paducah. We started at sunrise and marched to Blaudoitle, 28 miles distant. We arrived there about 2 o’clock, stayed there 1 half an hour and marched for Lovelaceville, 10 miles distant. We then marched about 5 miles and stopped just at dusk. It was the first our horses had since morning. They had marched hard and were very tired. We fed corn gathering it out of the fields near by. We rested about an hour and a half and then started for Paducah, about 18 miles distant. We arrived a little after midnight, all pretty well tired. For my part I think I never was so tired in my life. We all tumbled into bed in a hurry and I was asleep almost as soon as I got in.

Oct. 19 W. Got up this morning at about 9 o'clock much refreshed but still some stiff. Lt. Lucas when he went away day before yesterday left the ??? Issuing of the supply of clothing for Co. B to me. I issued it this morning. I drew for myself 1 overcoat, 1 jacket and 1 pr socks. I then made out the morning report with a roster of absent Com. officers on the back and some descriptive rolls for Lt. Shellenberger. I was busy all day and hadn’t had time to write to Ophelia as I intended to do.

Oct. 20 T. Our whole Detachment was ordered out on a scout last night at 11 P.M. but they could get out only about 20 men. I was excused. There is talk this morning of arresting all who remained in camp and were where the scout went to we do not know. Lt. Shellenberger commanded it. Gen. Meredith excused the boys provided they went this morning and scout? went out. They go to Mayfield. I wrote today to Ophelia but didn’t get it off as I left a page for Walter and he concluded not to write on account of it’s being disagreeably cold.

Oct. 21 F. I received today 3 letters from Ophelia, dated Oct. 2nd, 9th and 14th; 1 from Maria dated Oct. 9th. I got off my letter to Ophelia commenced yesterday. Today is quite cold so much so that it is hard work to keep warm. Lt. Shellenberger sent in from Mayfield for me to send a consolidated morning report of the Detachment and likewise 400 rounds of ammunition of each kind viz. Sharps and Burnside Carbine and Colts, Navy and Army Revolvers.

Oct. 22 S. I went down town to see Lt. McIver, but didn’t see him. Wrote today to Mr. Frissel. Nothing of importance doing.

Oct. 23 S. Wrote today to Ophelia, enclosing the letter I wrote yesterday to Mr. Frissel in it and sending back with my journal to Ophelia in care of Sampson??? who starts home today on a sick furlough for 30 days. Part of today I was writing for Lieut. Cullum, helping him make out his clothing return, etc. Received today a joint letter from Milan and Minnie dated Sept. 25th. Lt. Lucas got back today from Memphis. He paid me $85. 35 being the amt. of the note belonging to Charles Rufill and left with me for collection. Went this evening to the Methodist church and heard an excellent sermon.

Oct. 24 M. Bought an old English watch of Billy Pipkin for $8.00 to be paid payday. ????? for Adams ?????? Co. $85. 35 to Charlie Rufill in care of ???? Rufill, Rosemond, Ill, being???? of Pupil's note against Lucas collected by me yesterday. Wrote today to Maria and Fred R. Rufill.

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Went this afternoon down below the fort and heard an Illinoian make a political speech. It is the first and I expect the only one I will hear during this presidential campaign. In the evening I went again to the Methodist church. They are trying to get up revival.

Oct.25 T. Nothing of importance doing. I started a letter to Ophelia but was stopped by rain. Julius Mitchel (orderly) and myself moved our tent from under a tree into a summer house and was consequently dry during the night as it rained quite hard.

Oct. 26 W. Lt. Shellenberger sent last night for me to come out to Mayfield in order for me to make out the Muster rolls for the whole Detcht. I started at 10 o'clock leaving my horse at Paducah in charge of Mitchel, on the train and arrived at Mayfield about noon, rained during the afternoon.

Oct. 27 T. Received a letter from Ophelia, dated Oct. 23. Last night at 11 o’clock ordered to evacuate Mayfield. I left on the train and arrived in Paducah about 2 A.M. This morning I am at work on the muster rolls. Wrote to Ophelia enclosing Journal in the same envelope. Last night about 11 P.M. we received orders to evacuate Mayfield immediately which we did, leaving rations and forage. I came in on the locomotive (there were no cars attached). Those who had horses marched in. I got to Paducah about 2 A.M. The boys got in about sunrise. I was surprised to find everything at Paducah in excitement and the authorities in hourly expectation of attack by Forrest. Gen. Sherman having telegraphed to Gen. Meredith that either Columbus or Paducah would be attacked in 48 hours. The boys have had their horses saddled since 10 P.M. All corn and Q.M. stores in the city have been hauled to the river and stored on the wharf boat. About 10 P.M. we received orders to move our camp to the south side of the city. All the Cavalry are to be organized into a Brigade and encamped together. The boys don’t like their camping ground much as there is no shelter and they haven’t suitable tents and no chance to get lumber. Nevertheless they pitched their little shelter tents and proposed to make the best of it.

Oct. 28 F. I commenced in earnest making out the Muster Rolls, Tom Swinney assisting me, turned over my black horse as serviceable and drew Walter which is also run down too much to stand heavy duty.

Oct. 29 S. Making out muster rolls all day, Swinney assisting me. Wrote to Ophelia after night. Lt Lucas and 75 men went out on scout.

Oct. 30 S. Made out muster rolls all day. Received 3 letters today, one from Ophelia dated Oct 26th, one from Grandma, Oct. 9th, one from Fred, Oct. 26th. 26th Ky. mounted Infantry arrived here by steam boat today and encamped just as night along side of our camp.

Oct. 31 M. Made out morning report and Monthly return after which the Detachment were mustered by Lt. S. L. Shellenberger. I called off the roll and then went to work on the muster and pay rolls and worked on it until 9 P.M. Lieut. Lucas and his command returned to camp from scout, bringing in 5 prisoners, captured from Buford’s and Forrest’s commands in Boydevill. Buford was reported within 3 or 4 miles of that place, and our boys all supposed from what they could gather from citizens that they were charging into his camp. They rode until 1 o'clock that might in order to avoid pursuit.

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Nov. 1, 1864 T. Made our morning report, a roster of Com. officers present and a tri monthly field Return, then went to work on Muster and pay rolls, assisted by Lt. Shellenberger. We worked steadily until 9 P.M. I then wrote to Ophelia and went to bed. It has rained since about 4 P.M.

Nov. 2 W. A scout was sent out this afternoon; Made out morning report then went to work again on Muster and pay, with Lt. Shellenberger assisting and worked on them until night. Capt Vrooman arrived here today from Memphis via Pana (He having at Cairo "taken a brunch" and visited his home for a few days). Wrote this evening to Milan.

Nov. 3 T. Busy all day on Muster and pay rolls, assisted by Lt. Shellenberger. We worked steadily until 9 P.M. Rained hard all day, the camp being covered with mud, in fact a perfect pond. They moved camp about the middle of the afternoon on the bank of the Thompson River about 1/4 of a mile from the present camp. I got today a letter from Ophelia, dated Nov. 1 stating the birth of little one. I wrote to Ophelia answering her letter.

Nov. 4 F. Cleared off last night with every appearance of its turning cold. I have been at work all day on the muster and pay rolls and until 7 1/2 in the evening.

Nov. 5 S. This morning the mud in the roads was frozen quite stiff. At work again on the pay rolls or muster rolls, strictly speaking. We moved our place for writing to a house opposite present camp. Capt Vrooman took command of the Detachment. this morning.

Nov. 6 S. 60 men of our command went out to Mayfield. They took a day’s ration. and expect to stay until after election day. Today I finished muster and pay rolls and filed orders etc that have been accumulating for the past few days, made out application for furlough for 7 days, got it approved by Capt. Vrooman and took it myself to Brigade Head Quarters. Lt. Shellenberger went out on a scout or expedition, this morning. Before going he borrowed my overcoat as his had been stolen at the last evacuation of Mayfield. Walter went with the boys to Mayfield.

Nov. 7 M. Made out morning report and semi weekly Field Return, Rainy day. 3 P.M. my furlough was returned, approved. I got off immediately, first however giving Capt. Vrooman an order to draw my pay, in case our Detachment was paid off during my absence. I went first to Post Head Quarters and got an order for transportation, then went to Q.M.'s and got transportation to Cairo. The steamer, Imperial was just coming to port. I went aboard and in 1/2 an hour we were off, having in the meantime taken aboard about 200 men of the 1st Louisiana, Infantry who were going to Hickman, Ky. to relieve some Mich. troops. We got down to Metropolis and owing to the low stage of the water and the darkness of the night and its raining hard, the Capt. of the boat declared it dangerous and reckless to attempt to take this boat over the "chain" of rocks and bars in the river, 2 miles below here. He therefore tied the boat up for the night, by which means I lose my vote.

Nov. 8 T. Left Metropolis at 6 o’clock, arrived at Mound City at 9 and at Cairo at 9:20. Went to Post Head Quarters and got order for transportation, went then to Capt. Woo???? office (AQM) got transportation. Saw "Turner W" on the street and went upstairs and saw "Coly","Sin Scanland" and Porter Burnett. Stayed in the office talking until 11:30 went then to the cars and at

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12 o’clock started north for Pana. We arrived at Centralia at 6 o’clock where we changed cars and was obliged to wait until 12 o’clock for the train. Today at Cairo was a rainy day but it either cleared off or the rain didn’t extend much north, though it has been cloudy all day. The election along the line of the R.R. seems to be altogether on the side of Lincoln and at their place hundreds of dollars have been and are yet offered in wagers that McClellan won’t get but 3 states. The Copper heads however decline betting.

Nov. 9 W. Arrived at Pana this morning at 3 o’clock and I was out of money and could get no transportation further than Pana. I went into Meaches and borrowed 25 cents to take me to Rosemond. He invited me to breakfast which I accepted and after waiting until 8 o’clock (the train was due at 6) I got off for Rosemond, got home between 9 and 10, found Ophelia getting along first rate and all the rest well. In the afternoon Mrs. Sward, Aunt Minnie and Fred Rufill called, not knowing that I was here. They were all much surprised to see me. They stayed until after tea.

Nov. 10 T. Fred is home from Memphis on a ten-day furlough. Last night I had something like a chill, am taking ????? today. It froze considerably last night forming ice as thick as a pane of window glass.

Nov. 11 F. Write to Tom Marshall’s wife. It formed ice last night 1/2 an inch thick. Father P. today killed the cow "Gem", Jimmy and Mrs. Evans assisting him. I staid indoors all day on account of having a terrible cough and hoarseness.

Nov. 12 S. Last night I put a compress on my throat and this morning I find my cold much better. I started down to Teluviva about 10 o’clock on Polly but met Pa and Ma coming up to see the baby and so I returned with them. Pa went on to Pana and Ma stayed until he returned which was about 3 o’clock.

Nov. 13 S. Went down to Teluviva on Polly, found all well, spent the day and returned in the evening.

Nov. 14 M. In the morning helped father P. haul corn fodder. In the afternoon Mother and Minnie went to Pana, I stayed at home with Ophelia and read.

Nov. 15 T. Went down town, called on Mrs. Hawley, C??tes, Lewry Guth (who is home on a ten day furlough) and Mr. and Mrs. Warner, took dinner, then saw Fred (who returns tonight). I got back to Father’s about 3 o’clock.

Nov. 16 W. Helped Father in the morning haul up the balance of the fodder. In the afternoon started for Pana in the buggy with Mother and Minnie but was obliged to return on account of its raining, toward night Father P. took me to the Rosemond depot (where I saw Charlie Russel) but as it was not certain to make connection with the train at Pana, I concluded to return home and try it again tomorrow.

Nov. 17 T. In the morning I helped Father P. build a fence around his fodder that he had hauled up near the barn, on the north. We got it finished just at noon. Afternoon we greased the buggy

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and started about 2 1/2 o’clock, Minnie and Father accompanying. At Pana Minnie bought a bonnet and I got a little rocking chair for Kate. I paid Miech 25 cents that I had borrowed on coming up and got off on the 8 1/2 o’clock train for Cairo (which was on time). We arrived at Centralia at 12 o’clock, had to wait 1/2 hour for the other train and arrived at Cairo at 8 o’clock next morning. I found B. ?? at Pana who was likewise going to Paducah to join Detachment. He has been absent from the Co. on Detachment service since last March.

Nov 18 F. We were at Cairo all day waiting for a boat. Two boats touched the landing but before we could get aboard they shoved off and left us. We went to the transportation office, but it was so crowded that we would probably have to wait an hour or so before it would be our turn. So I went upstairs and saw Capt Wortfoth, stated our case to him, told him we were in a hurry and he gave us the required transportation. We then went on board the Kentucky and concluded to remain on her until she left port, which will be some time tomorrow.

Nov. 19 S. We slept last night in the old fashioned way, a board and a blanket. It requires a good deal more turning over than in a feather bed. But it seemed like meeting an old friend. Left Cairo at 11 1/2 o’clock A.M. and arrived at Paducah about 7 P.M. went immediately to camp, found most of the boys on a scout, including Walter. Went into Joe Bias’ tent, found him up. He invited me to share his bed, which invitation I accepted.

Nov. 20 S. The first thing this morning I went around and saw all the boys including Capt. Vrooman and Lt. Cullum. The Capt. handed me an order from the Col. requiring a Tri-monthly report and a Field Return which I made out before breakfast, took breakfast with my old mess, wrote to Ophelia. The boys got in from the scout today, weather pleasant. Made out morning report.

Nov. 21 M. Last night the wind got around to the north, and this morning the ground was frozen quite hard and it has been freezing all day. 50 men and Lieut. Cullum ordered on Provost duty today, Walter among them. This morning had to rule the blanks on which to make out the morning report.

Nov. 22 T. Last night was a "snorter". Today is "cold as blitzen". Bought a pr of ???? gloves today for 50 cents. We moved camp today, or rather Camp was moved. We haven’t. Our mess will have to wait until tomorrow, as we can get no teams to haul the lumber that our "shebang" is built of.

Nov. 23 W. No morning report. Hereafter we are to furnish Semi-weekly reports (Mon. and Thursday) instead. We tried all morning to get a team to move our lumber, but without success. So after dinner I strapped my blanket etc. on my horse and went to camp, leaving the rest to get a team if possible. They got the ambulance to haul our cooking utensils and the hospital stores, but had to abandon the shanty and consequently we are without shelter except for one small shelter tent belongs to me but amounts to comparatively nothing. It hasn’t thawed a particle either yesterday or today.

Nov. 24 T. I slept last night in Head Quarters Tent with Lieuts. Shellenberger and Conover, 3 in a bed. Made out this morning Semi Weekly Report, ruling the blank. Today is a warm, pleasant,

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beautiful day. At 3 o’clock we were all marched down to the paymaster and paid off. It took until dark. and our Detachment of 160 men rec’d over $22,000.00. They hadn’t been paid for from 5 to 12 months. I called the roll for the payments. I rec’d 5 months and 1 day’s pay, from May 30 to Oct 31st at $16.00 per mo. - $80.50. Tom Marshall handed $100.00 to keep for him as he was afraid that he would get "tight" and lose it.

Nov. 25 F. I paid Billy Pipkin $8.00 for watch. Tom Marshall came to me and gave me $40.00 to keep for him, he likewise wishes me to express it home to W.P. Warner requesting him to deliver it to his (Marshall’s) wife. I wrote today to Ophelia and intended sending $50.00 by express but was kept busy all day in the office. Capt. Vrooman recommended me today for the office of Sergeant Major of the Regiment. I sent it to Lt. Col. Carnahan by Lt. Murry. It has had every indication of rain today, in fact it has sprinkled off and on all day. Among other things, I ditched Head Quarter tent so in case of rain to prevent the water running under the tent.

Nov. 26 S. Busy most of the day making our requests for furloughs and doing other writing for them. Today that part of the Regt. at Memphis passed this place enroute to Nashville. I expressed $50.00 to Ophelia, $32.O0 for Walter and $6.50 for C. F. Russell (that I collected for him from Lt. Cullum, making in all, $88.50. I wrote to Charlie Russel and Walter and to Father, all of which together with the letter written yesterday to Ophelia, I enclosed with the month.

Nov. 27 S. Bought a pr of gauntlets, $3.50. Made out this morning the weekly inspection report. ????? Ordered out on a 4 day scout. Tom Marshall going with them. Before he went he got $5.00 of his money of me leaving in my hands $135.00, which he wishes me to send tomorrow to Wallace P. Warner to be delivered to his wife. I wrote a few lines to him to enclose with it. The order for scout was countermanded and 15 men detailed as guard to men engaged in repairing telegraph. I’ve been engaged most of the day making out furlough requests for the men.

Nov. 28 M. Tom Marshall got $5.00 more of his money that he left in my charge. He wishes me to express the balance, but I have been unable to do it today on acct. of business. Made out semi weekly. About 10 o’clock we rec’d orders to move camp back to our old camping ground on the bank of the Tennessee. We got leave from Lt. Weip Post W.M. and commenced moving immediately. I transferred today my shelter tent to Billy Pipkin. Lt. Shellenberger and I took the Fly off Head Quarters tent and rigged up a sleeping apartment attaching it to Head Quarters. Tonight 4 of us intend sleeping in it.

Nov. 29 T. Furloughs returned today, disapproved. Tom Marshall took the balance of his money that he had left with me and went home on a "French Leave" after satisfying himself that his officer wouldn’t report him.

Nov. 30 W. The first thing that transpired this morning was the arrival at Head Quarters of an Infantry guard having in charge a prisoner, no other than Tom Marshall. He was arrested on the boat dressed in citizen’s clothes, thought he could pass as a deck hand and so picking up a small box of Mdse. He passed the guard and got aboard the boat. But just as the boat was about to leave, the Lt. of the guard came aboard and asking the mate to form his men in line on one side of the boat, poor Tom was left by himself into custody. When he acknowledged who he was and what Regiment he belonged to and after being kept all night in the guardhouse was sent early this

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morning to his command. I was busy most of the day getting up and making out monthly return and roster of Com. Officers. Tonight comes off the grand Military Ball that has been preparing for some weeks. Capt. Vrooman and Lt. Shellenberger attended.

Dec. 1, 1864 T. Made out semi weekly report, wrote to Ma and Pa.

Dec. 2 F. Nothing of consequence, wrote to Ophelia.

Dec. 3 S. Helped the officers (Capt Vrooman and Lieuts. Shellenberger, Connors and Lucas) build a wooden shanty so as to have comfortable winter quarters. We didn’t get it quite done. Lieut. Shellenberger bought a camp stove for $4.00 to warm it.

Dec. 4 S. Made out weekly inspection report. Received a letter from Ophelia, dated Nov. 27 with an enclosed one from Jimmy to Walter.

Dec. 5 M. Walter was in camp today. I have him Jimmy's letter. Wrote to Ophelia. Made out semi weekly. We finished our Shanty today, all except the door and window. I wrote this evening to Grandma, heard cannonading for an hour or so in the early part of the evening from the S.E.

Dec. 6 T. We slept last night in our new house and had a grand good bed. I have been busy most of the day making out invoices and Receipts for ordnance and ordnance stores and requisitions for same. After which I helped rig up chairs etc. put up a desk and cut a hole through the wall of the shanty to put in a pane of glass and there by have a window to throw light on the desk. We have now most excellent winter quarters, roomy and comfortable. Drew today 2 shirts and a pr of boots. Though my old boots are not worn out, still as they leak some what, I thought I had better get another pair in time, in case we should have we should have wet weather.

Dec. 7 W. I made out discharge papers for Henry Evans with "final statement and certificate of disability," The weather which has been warm and cloudy for the past few days, has cleared off this morning and is fast turning cold. Wrote to Ophelia, made out semiweekly report. Bought a package of stamped envelopes 93 cents.

Dec. 8 T. It has been a pretty cold day, our shanty however is very comfortable and our bed tip top. Barry V. K. Jester sleeps with me now and as we have 3 blankets apiece, we get along first rate.

Dec. 9 F. Made out tri-monthly report. At 11 o’clock it commenced snowing and continued until 2 P.M. It's 3 in deep. Received letter from Ophelia, dated Dec. 4th.

Amt. of clothing drawn from enlistment to Dec. 29th 1864:

Drawn at Springfield 1 pr. pants ——————3.55

" " " 1 lined blouse ------------------3.12

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" " " 1 Cav. Jacket--------------------5.30

" " " 1 blanket-------------------------3.25

" " Memphis 1 pr boots------------------------2.92

" " " 1 Hat------------------------------1.65

" " " 1 blanket-------------------------3.25

" " " 1 Rubber poncho----------------2.48

" " " 1 pr drawers-----------------------.90

" " " 1 shirt-----------------------------1.53

" " " 1 pr socks--------------------------.32

Drawn at Mayfield, Ky 1 rubber poncho----------2.48

1 pr pants------------------3.55

1 shirt----------------------1.53

1 pr drawers----------------.90

1 Hat-----------------------1.65

Paducah, Ky. 1 Cav. Jacket--------------5.30

1 overcoat-----------------8.75

1 pr socks-------------------.32

1 pr boots------------------2.92

2 shirts at $1.53-----------3.06

$58.73

Amt on hand Dec 9, 64

2 pr pants, 1 Cav., jacket, 1 overcoat, 2 blouses, 3 blankets, 4 shirts,

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2 pr boots, 1 pr socks, 2 pr drawers, 1 hat, 2 ponchos

E. B. Read Dr. to ?????? accts.

Dr. to F. R. Russell borrowed for P.O. stamps $1.00

to F. H. Russell " on getting furlough $5.00

to Thos Marshall " for U.S. stamps $1.00 Paid

Cost of arms, tents, etc in case any should be lost

Garrison flag $51.00, National color $39.25, Reg’t color, painted haversack $.67, canteen $.45, wall tent $62.88, wedge tents $21.62, shelter tents $4.60, money value of clothing for 1864: hats, $1.80, uniform jacket $6.25, trousers $4.15, blouses lined $3.25, Blouses unlined $2.65, shirts $1.56, drawers $1.00, socks $.35, boots pegged $3.25; great coats $10.55; blankets wool $3.60; rubber poncho $3.l0, boots sewed $3.85.

Dec. 10 S. Today is a cold unpleasant day. We have difficulty keeping our "shebang" warm. Today I finished reading "Headley’s Life of Washington".

Dec. 11 S. I made out weekly Inspection report. Just such another day as yesterday. Changed my mess today to Lew Jester’s (who is cook) there are 14 of us in this mess, it is the largest in the Detachment.

Dec. 12 M. Made out the Semi-weekly Report, received today a letter from Rie, containing poetry by Frank and 5 postage stamps. Today is a beautiful day, sunshine and no wind and it is thawing some, but very little. I wrote today to Milan and Fred Russel. Milan is at Lebanon and Fred at Memphis. I wrote this evening to Ophelia.

Dec. 13 T. Nothing important today. The Sanitary Commission issued to all troops today onions and potatoes.

Dec. 14 W. Wrote to Maria. Beautiful, bright, warm and pleasant. Nothing.

Dec. 15 T. Nothing of moment.

Dec. 16 F. Rainy, Our Detachment. and 1/2 of the Ten Cavalry. were inspected today by the Act. Asst. Inspec. Gen of Dist W. Ky. I received today a letter from Ophelia wrote to Minnie, May and Berty all in one envelope.

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Dec. 17 S. We received last night news of the taking of Savannah, Georgia, by Gen. Sherman on 10th Inst. Today is misty and disagreeable inclining to rain. The report of the taking of Savannah on the 10th was false. We received this afternoon orders to join the Regt. at Edgeville and to be ready to take the first board.

Dec. 18 S. Wrote to Ophelia. Made out inspection Report. In the forenoon attended the Presbyterian Church. About 2 o’clock we received orders to board the Steamer "Rosa D" immediately. I was busy for nearly an hour writing "Special orders" relieving men on Detachment service at the different Commissions and Head Quarters at Post. I then packed up the Head Quarters papers and then my blankets etc after which I saddled my horse, strapped my blankets etc on the saddle and was ready. We left camp just about dusk, having first sent off the tents, rations, forage, mess chests, etc. by the team. We had to wait on the levee an hour for the boat hours more before we could get aboard of her on account of putting the horses in a 6 ft. deep barge and it was a slow difficult and laughable job. I got to bed about 10 o’clock, slept on the cabin floor.

Dec. 19 M. Commenced a letter to Ophelia to have it ready to mail at the first opportunity. Left Paducah at about 9 o’clock and was until dusk getting to Smithland, Kentucky.

Dec. 20 T. Finished Ophelia’s letter and mailed it before breakfast. Lt. Samuel T. Lucas was found dead in his Stateroom this morning, a dreadful calamity. He was one of the best and bravest officers of the 3rd Ill. Cavalry. He was suffering from Neuralgia all day yesterday and at night concluded he would like a dose of quinine to relieve it and sent Swining, the Hospital Steward ashore for it. The druggist put up for him morphine by mistake, which was not found out until too late. Lucas took 6 grains. They say 3 grains will kill a man. The Lieutenant was taken ashore to be buried. Capt. Vrooman and 3 men with him to perform the sad duty. He was universally considered the bravest man in the regiment and the most dashing officer. We left Smithland at 1 o’clock P.M. Another steamer with troops started first, then we and then a gunboat which later passed us in the first 5 miles. So we run very slowly.

Dec. 21 W. We arrived at Eddyville, Kentucky, at 1/2 past 7, 45 miles from Smithville. Eddyville is a small unimportant place having but 20 or 30 indifferent looking houses. We ran all night and consequently have been running for 18 hours from which is just 2 1/2 miles an hour. Rapid traveling, I must say. About 2 o’clock the ????? which left Smithland with us waited for us and hitched onto the other ??? of the. barge and helped us along faster. We tied up for the night 10 miles below Fort Donelson.

Dec. 22 T. We passed Fort Donelson at 10 1/2 A.M. I was much interested. But little can be seen from the river. The Cumberland River is very swift stream and at present very high. Fort Donelson is on the south side of the river. The country around is heavily timbered and broken or rather composed of abrupt mounds with no flats between. The battleground is mostly back out of sight of the river. The fort stands on the highest and biggest hill and is, I should think, at least 100 feet above the river. The timber is all cut off of this hill so as to afford a good view and destroy the shelter it would afford an attacking party. The current of the Cumberland is very swift and the further you ascent, the more rapid it becomes. The steamer, Des Moines, stuck to us and stuck to us all day and helped us along. A gunboat — 2 transports passes us going down.

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They shot by us like arrows, which showed the strength of the current. The fleet going up consists now of 2 gunboats and 6 steamers. We have been with then all day. Several of the transports have 2 barges apiece and one 3 all loaded with govt. stores, principally hay and oats. About 3 o’clock I made out provisions return and forage requisitions, so as to draw when we reach Clarksville, Tennessee, which is 65 miles below Nashville.

Dec. 23 F. We reached Clarksville some time in the night and are still laying there at 8 A.M. taking on coal and getting rations and forage. The fort stands on a very high mound below the town. It has the appearance of being strong and extensive. It commands the river. Clarksville is a place of importance and considerable size, about 10,000 I should think. The Memphis and Ohio R.R. crosses the Cumberland here on a fine, large and substantial drawbridge. The draw is in the center and works like a "turn table" on a large round pillar. 2 other pillars support the end of the draw where it connects with the bridge and 2 others, opposite the middle one (one and the other below) support the ends of the draw when the bridge is opened for the passage of boats. The bridge is about 80 ft. above the water. Clarksville is on the north side of the Cumberland. ???? think of bridge ( on the Clarksville side) is destroyed. The Des Moines helped us along all day. It has moderated considerably since morning, having been ever since we left Paducah cold.

Dec. 24 S. We arrived at Nashville a little before sunrise, a beautiful day. Nashville is on the south side of the river. Lt. Shellenberger went ashore and reported to Head Quarters of Post. He was gone about 2 hours. On his return we disembarked and took up the line of march for camp, which we found situated two miles from the river opposite Nashville just beyond the limits of Edgefield. We found none in camp but the sick. A railroad bridge, considerably like the one at Clarksville crosses the river at Nashville. We arrived in camp about noon and ???? our tents at once. Every man, not excused by the doctor, from our Detachment was ordered immediately to the front, but on account of having no rations, the order was changed to tomorrow at daylight. Wrote to Ophelia.

Dec. 25 S. Our whole Detachment except the sick and myself started about sunrise for the front, but as no rations had as yet arrived they returned to camp and waited about half an hour, when they came and they ??? out. I expected to go but Lt. Shellenberger wished me to remain and look after things in camp. As soon as they got off, Barry Jester and I got up the stove and fixed things more comfortable in case it should turn cold. The military situation here is now very favorable. Hood is trying to save the remnant of his vanquished army by crossing the Tennessee on pontoons. Whether or not he will succeed remains to be seen. Our Cavalry is in hot pursuit. Today is pleasant but cloudy.

Dec 26 M. Nothing important; wrote to Ophelia

Dec. 27 T. Went over to Nashville to see the city, found the most beautiful view from the State House hill that I ever saw in my life. The State House stands on a very high hill, composed entirely of stone in the middle of the city and consequently has a fine view of the surrounding country. It is a beautiful marble building; the rock upon which it stands is being terraced on the top. Lt. Sanden Comdy Camp notified me this afternoon that he wished to take charge of the office and make out the reports. Played chips tonight with Lt. Weiss. He beat me 3 games out of 4.

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Dec. 28 W. Made out the morning report. Nothing important today.

Dec. 29 T. It turned cold, cold last night and this morning. Everything is frozen up. Played chips with Lt. Weiss and beat him 3 out of 5. Received letter from Ophelia and Mary dated Dec. 18; wrote to Emma. Lost my horse, strayed or stolen.

Dec. 30 F. Made out the morning report. Today the weather is warmer. Received letter from Ophelia, Dec. 14, and 1 from Anna, Dec. 15. I commenced letter to Jimmy but was prevented from finishing it by office writing. Played Chips with Lt. Weiss tonight and beat him every game, 3.

Dec. 31 S. The ground this morning is covered with snow, 3 inches deep. Played chips with Lt. Weiss. Each got 2 games. Made out morning Report.

Jan. 1, 1865 S. Making out Muster rolls all day. Made out morning report and in the morning finished making out the Muster rolls. Wrote to Jimmy, May, and Berty. Rec’d letter from Ma containing receipt for 1 box expressage sent to me from Teluviva. I wrote to the express agent at Paducah to forward it to me at Nashville.

Jan. 2 M. Made out morning report. Making out Muster Rolls of Co. C. Rec'd letter from Grandma.

Jan. 3 T. Made out morning report of Detachment. Capt. Vrooman this morning took command of the Brigade 9 (1st Brig. 5th Div. Cavalry Corps). I made out a consolidated report of the Brigade. Wrote to Ophelia. Weather warm, inclining to rain. Played chips with Lt. Weiss, beat him 3 out of 5.

Jan. 4 W. Made out report of Detachment. and likewise morning report of the Brigade. Played chips with Lt. Weiss, beat him 4 out of 6 games. I was busy most all day writing orders etc for Brigade Head Quarters.

Jan. 5 T. Made out Detachment and Brigade morning report. Wrote to Anna.

Jan.6 F. Today Capt. Vrooman turned over the command of the Brigade to Major Hubbard. I have been suffering for a day or two with toothache, had it drawn by Tom Swinny, the Hospital Steward.

Jan. 7 S. Lt. Weiss beat me 3 games of Chips. Made out Detachment. report. We rec'd orders today to have all the mounted men and teams ready to move to Eastport, Miss. at 12 o'clock but the time was changed from 12 today to 7 A.M. Monday next; received letter from Ophelia dated Jan. 1st. Answered it and likewise wrote to Old Mr. Russell who belonged to the 112th Ill Infantry. He is now at Columbia Tenn. in the Cattle Dept. under Capt. D. K. Hall. This afternoon I commenced making out Muster Rolls for Co. C. Played Chips this evening with Lt. Weiss; beat him 2 games out of 4.

Jan. 8 S. Made report for Detachment. Writing on Muster Rolls of Co. C. all day.

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Jan. 9 M. It rained most of last night and is raining still at 9 this morning made out morning report and Detachment., The teams and all mounted men started at about 9 A.M. for Edgeville. There were about 50 all told. Lt. Weiss was in command. They started in the rain, changed my mess today to the officer’s mess at Head Quarters and my bed likewise from Capt. Vrooman to Lt. Sander’s. Heretofore I have been sleeping with the Capt. and Baeny Jestin, 3 in a bed, which was rather uncomfortable for all. Lt. S. offered today to share his bed with me, which I accepted. Wrote to Grandma. It has been raining all day.

Jan. 10 T. Made out Detachment. morning report. We received this morning orders to be ready to march at an hour’s notice, all surplus property to be stored in Gov. warehouses. Lt. Sanders turned over today all of our unserviceable horses. It has been a most disagreeable day, raining all day long. I wrote to Ophelia.

Jan. 11 W. It froze some last night, stiffening the mud enough to bear a man but not sufficient to bear a horse. I made out morning report. It has been a beautiful day. I sent over to Nashville today to inquire if the express package had arrived. It had not.

Jan. 12 T. Made out morning report. About 12 o'clock we received orders to move aboard Steamboat, Superior. The teams arrived immediately and we packed up at once. I had previously packed the Head Quarters papers and everything but my blankets so it took me but a short time to get ready. The Capt. requested me to go with the first, load to see to them and superintend getting them aboard the boat. I got off just after dinner with a detail to unload the goods and carry then aboard the boat. I was busy until night superintending the ?? of the whole Duct. so as to keep them all together, the whole Brigade, that is what is left is now aboard the boat consisting of the 3rd Ill Cavalry, 10th Tenn. Cavalry, 11 Ind. Cavalry. and l2th Mo. Cavalry. Most of these Regiments are at the front, there being but Detachments of each here, in all about 600 men. Still the boat isn’t loaded and I understand that part of the other brigade of our Division (5th) will be put on the boat tomorrow, that Brigade is composed of the 6th, 7th, and 9th Ill. and 2nd Iowa, all Cavalry. Lt. Sanders got a Stateroom, which he divided with me, giving me the upper bunk, which I can possibly keep unless so many officers come aboard that they take up all the beds. In which case I shall sleep with the Lt. unless it is too much crowded or rather unless the bunks are too small. It has been a beautiful day. I sent over again by Sgt. Parson Co. "F" to inquire if the Express Package had arrived but it had not.

Jan. 13 F. I slept last night between sheets and on an excellent mattress, as the boys say "bully". Soon after breakfast I got a pass and went over to Nashville to see myself about the express package, but it hadn’t come and I presume I will find it at Paducah. I got my hair cut, which cost me 50 cents, more than twice as much as I ever paid before. On getting back to the boat, I commenced a letter to Ophelia to mail at Paducah. We left Nashville a little before sunset. After we had taken on a supply of coal, we arrived at Clarksville about 10 o’clock and laid up until morning on account of the bridge as the boat is large and the space between the piers is narrow. It is dangerous going through at night. At the Nashville Bridge yesterday we had to try twice in order to get through without striking. I was somewhat surprised at taking the boat backward, but a little thought showed me the advantages. If they are going to strike the side of the boat, they can go ahead and thereby avoid it. The current at these bridges is remarkably rapid and the water by the mark on the abutment of the Nashville Bridge is now 41 feet deep. So that if a boat struck

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the pier fair, it would be certain destruction. About 7 o’clock last evening our boat ran into a tree which caused quite a little sensation and considerable damage, the fancy work on the outside of the stern of the boat, carrying off all of the railing on the left side of the hurricane deck below the wheel house.

Jan. 14 S. Last night I slept with Lieut. Sanders. A citizen paper hanger having taken the upper bunk of our stateroom. I had a good night’s rest however. We reached Eddyville, Kentucky, at 2 1/2 o’clock this afternoon. By some means or other on going up the river, I failed to get a view of this place until we had passed it. It is mostly situated between 2 rather high ridges. It is more important than I then supposed. It has about 300 inhabitants and is the County seat of Caldwell Co. We arrived at Smithland just after sunset, stayed there about 1/2 an hour trying to get coal and rations but failed to get either. We arrived at Paducah at 8 P.M. Just before getting there the Capt. brought me a pass to go ashore. It is supposed we may have to wait here in order to get a convoy of gunboats. There are 5 other boats here loaded and waiting for an escort. Forrest, they say has a force at Paris, Tenn., so it is not safe attempting the ascent of the river without protection. This afternoon finished the letter to Ophelia.

Jan. 15 S. The first thing after breakfast I went ashore and went to the express office and found that the package had not been forwarded as I had directed but was still in the office. I got it without difficulty and then mailed Ophelia's letter. I then took the box on board the steamboat and opened it. Found everything in it spoiled except the bottle of sorghum. I took the articles one by one and threw them into the river. It made me feel sad, not to lose the delicacies but that so much trouble and expense should meet with such a reward. Still the testimony of affection is there, the richest gifts of all. After opening the box and throwing away the contents, I wrote a hasty letter to Willie, hasty because I know not how long we may remain here and I wanted it mailed here at this place. I slept again with Lt. Sanders. This morning the boys belonging to our regiment, who are detailed here as orderlies, etc., came on board. All are well and all satisfied with their places. B. F. Adams is likewise here. He is reporting to the Post Surgeon on account of Rheumatism. He may or may not go along with us. We drew rations here today for 5 days and the boat is taking on a supply of coal. If I have time I shall mail this journal hare for home. My health is first rate.

Jan. 15 S. We laid all day at Paducah. This afternoon I mailed to Ophelia the fifth number of my journal as I was afraid it would more likely to miscarry after getting up the Tennessee. The other Brigade of our Division arrived here after dark. That Brigade is composed of the 6th, 7th and 9th Ill. and 2nd Iowa all Cavalry, though, by the way, the 6th came down on our boat. I forgot to mention before that the 6th Ill. Brass Band is aboard our boat and every evening and sometimes during the day we are favored with some excellent music, not No. 1, but still good. There is another band aboard. The 12th Mo. but they haven’t attempted anything and they have the reputation of being of but little force.

Jan. 16 M. Lying all day at Paducah I went ashore to see the boys who are detailed here from our Regt. It is rumored that the Tennessee River is blockaded by the rebels and we are waiting for a convoy of gunboats. About 1 p.m. the Capt. of the boat told the Major Comd'y Brigade that we should leave in 3 hours. Most of the boys of our Detachment. that were stationed in the fall were ashore, Barny Jester and myself set out to hunt them up and tell them which took us an hour or

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more. Joe Louthwick (detailed here in the printing office) came aboard after dark and brought his gun, which he wished me to take charge of until we got to the Regt and then to turn it over, which I agreed to do, as he had no use for it and no means of getting rid of it.

Jan. 17 T. We got off this morning at about 8 o’clock. Then 15 or 20 in the fleet escorted by a couple of gunboats, one of which is an "iron clad" the other is a "tin clad". The transports are lashed together 2 and 2 probably so they can be easier guarded. A little Stern-wheeler (Ada Lyon) is lashed to our boat. A large Side-wheeler Steamer (the Superior). About 3 P.M. we passed a village of some 30 or 40 houses on the left bank (south side of the river), but I did not learn its name. The Tennessee is about twice as wide as the Cumberland and unlike that stream its current is much slower and its banks are both low and I suppose are frequently over flown, the river is now high, out of its banks in many places. I think I have seen no land today that was not under high watermark unless it was the little village we passed about 3 o’clock and I think even that doubtful. Just at sunset we met a fleet of steamers loaded with troops, the 23rd Army corps (Schofield’s) escorted by gunboats and going down stream. Both fleets stopped and a stern wheel boat, probably having on board the Commander of the fleet ??????? to and lay for some time along side our iron clad. We were delayed by the other fleet over an hour. There were 40 odd vessels in sight at one time, a grand sight, never to be forgotten. The weather today is clear, but rather cool.

Jan. 18 W. A beautiful day, warm and pleasant. We passed Johnsonville about 10 A.M., but I was not aware of it until afterward and so didn’t see it. Nothing unusual today, river presents about the same appearance as yesterday, banks both low and covered with timber with occasionally a log cabin surrounded by small clearings—higher land occasionally seen, a mile or so back.

Jan. 19 T. This morning about 9 o’clock I noticed the first rocky bluff I have seen on this river. It appears somewhat similar to the Mississippi River bluffs but not so high. It is on the north or right side of the river. A couple of miles further up on the same side of the river we came to Clifton, Tennessee. The town is, you may say, wholly destroyed. It was burnt to the ground 2 years ago by the 5th Michigan. I don’t know why, but I suppose after taking possession of the town, they were possibly fired upon from the houses. There are only 7 houses standing, 2 of them brick (one of which looks as though it had been an academy court house and the other a church) the other 5 buildings are small wooden structures, one story high. The town probably had 500 or 600 inhabitants. We here saw soldiers for the first time since leaving Paducah and further more, part of them belong to our Cavalry. Div. As I was writing this in the S. B. cabin, who should come aboard but Charlie Warner — they got through from Nashville to Eastport (which is 50 or 60 miles above) all safe. He with 16 others was sent down to Clifton by Steamboat on a detail to assist in forwarding some 400 ambulances and 1,000 wagons. Walter and all were well when he left camp. I wrote this afternoon to Ophelia. We were detained an hour or so at Clifton. On starting we unhooked from the little Ida Lyon (which returned to Paducah) and hitched onto the Iron Clad. We passed Pittsburgh Landing in the night.

Jan. 20 F. We arrived at Eastport (which is on the left bank of the river) about 11 o’clock. However they say the town is 2 or 3 miles back and this is but the landing and it is probably true for at the river there are but 3 large warehouses which have the appearance of being not more

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than 2 or 3 years old, but they all show the ravages of war, as at least 1/2 of the weather boarding is torn off of them. We lay here a couple of hours, during which time I finished Ophelia’s letter begun yesterday. Opposite the town lies a Monitor (the first one I ever saw). It has but one turret. We left here about 1 P.M. and landed on the opposite side of the river in Alabama near Waterloo and opposite Westport, where we disembarked, 12 miles from camp, our boat being too large to go over the shoals that are just above (not Mussel Shoals). It has been a beautiful day. We got every thing ashore safely and everybody went to work, putting up tents and in almost incredibly short time, quite a little city had sprung up where 2 hours before not a sign of man was visible. Lt. Sanders, W. T. Jackson and myself put up the Lt’s wall tent and as it looks like rain, we ditched it and likewise dug a ditch to the riverbank, about a rod or so. The Lt. and I then went out and each of us pulled an armful of dead dry weeds to make our bed on to keep us off the damp ground. We then spread down our blankets and were ready for bed. I handed the letter had written to the clerk of the boat to mail at the first opportunity.

Jan. 21 S. It rained last night pretty steadily. We were perfectly dry and comfortable. But many of the boys who neglected to ditch their tents were flooded with mud and water. This morning it continued to rain until about o’clock. About noon 2 six mule teams came in from camp and we loaded than with the Q.M. and Head Quarters. Desks etc and Mess chegs and the Q.M.’s tent in which we were sleeping was likewise sent off. I took dinner at the Hospital about 3 o’clock after which Lt. Sanders and I went over to prepare for the night. We put up a wall tent belonging to Capt. Vrooman, ditched around it, went off 300 or 400 yards to a cornfield and cut cornstalks for a bed and at night Lt. Jackson and myself slept on it and called it a first rate bed. All our blankets had been sent away, except what belong to me. So we put down our stalks and each put his overcoat under him for a bed and 3 blankets covered us all. About 1 o' clock this afternoon, the little stern wheel boat, Huntsville, came down to take us nearer camp. But she would hold only half of our Brigade and as all the Regiments were loading at once, about half of each Regiment was left for tomorrow, among which, as I have said, went Lt. Sanders, Jackson and myself. Capt Vrooman went on the boat this afternoon.

Jan. 22 S. About 9 A.M. the Huntsville returned and we loaded the rest of our things on her and got off about 11. We landed 8 miles above in am old place away from any place, right in the wilderness. About 2 o'clock (as it looked as though we should have to spend the night) 2 or 3 of the boys and myself put up the Captain’s tent and ditched it. About 3 P.M. a team came to haul up part of the Hospital and I got permission from Tom Swinny, the steward, to put my blankets in the wagon. I then walked to Camp, 3 miles and found all well. Col. Carnahan told me that Capt. Vrooman wished me relieved from duty in the office and to have me report back to the Co., but that he (Col. Carnahan) wished me to remain in the office and straighten up affairs there as this is much behind.

Jan. 23 M. Cold, snowed last night, ground pretty well covered this morning. Went to work in the Adjt. Office; made out Morning Report, spent the day hunting up records for F. and S. Muster rolls for Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec.

Jan. 24 T. Wrote to Ophelia, Walter, Likewise wrote on the same sheet to Father. A little milder.

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Jan. 25 W. Made out morning Report — Hunting all day for certain copies of monthly returns from Jan. 1864 to Sept. 1864. I found certain copies up to July.

Jan. 26 T. Made out Morning Report. At work all day on monthly returns, rec’d letter from Ophelia and one from Emma. Weather cold.

Jan. 27 F. Made out morning report. At work all day on monthly returns. Wrote to Ophelia. Weather milder. Filed after night Brigade orders, etc.

Jan. 28 S. Made out morning report. Rec’d today letter from Ophelia and one from Minnie. At work on Monthly report. Interrupted considerably by Brigade orders. Weather still milder. Inspection today.

Jan. 29 S. Made out morning report — at work on Monthly return for Aug. but find great difficulty due to loss of records, interrupted considerably by Brigade orders and other business — Inspection of camp. Rec'd letter from Ophelia and one from Father Putnam - wrote to Ophelia.

Jan. 30 M. Made out morning report. Still on August return, though as usual, trouble with other necessary work. Wrote this evening to Ed and Druce.

Jan. 31 T. Made out morning report. Still at work on August return —interrupted as here to fore with other business.

Feb. 1, 1865 W. Made out morning report. Still at work on Aug. return. I rec’d letter from Ophelia.

Feb. 2 T. Made out morning report. Finished today the August return was complemented by the Colonel both in regard to its appearance and correctness. Before I undertook this job it was thought it could not be made out without sending to Springfield, Ill. for the missing papers. The toll is twice the size of an ordinary one, on account of the non-veterans being mustered out that month and on account of the Regt. being reorganized. It is therefore indispensable return and it is likewise indispensable that it be correct. Lt. Byron Phelps was today temporarily appointed Act. Adj’t. -- Fred Russel joined the Regt. from Memphis.

Feb. 3 F. Made out morning report. Made out monthly return for September.

Feb. 4 S. Morning report as usual. I then made out the monthly return for Oct. Wrote to Father Putnam this evening.

Feb. 5 S. Made out morning report. Made out monthly return for November.

Feb. 6 M. At 2 o’clock this morning orders came from Brig. Head Quarters to be ready to march to Eastport, Miss. at 8 A.M. We were all ready and moved out at the appointed time. Most of the boys were dismounted, so they had not only to take it afoot, but to carry their blankets and all their luggage or else abandon it. When we got down in sight of Division Head Quarters we found

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5,000 or 6,000 men mostly dismounted waiting for the order to march. We waited for probably 10 minutes, when the order being given, the Sgt. Major and myself went on ahead. After walking about 5 miles, we stopped at a log cabin for about an hour waiting for the Regiment to come up (the roads being bad, the teams delayed them) they finally came along and we walked a mile or so further. When two of the boys who were mounted invited us to ride awhile, which we accepted, but after riding about a mile further, we halted for the night and went into camp about 1 1/2 miles from Waterloo and about 8 miles from Gravelly Springs. The Colonel bent down quite a number of hickory saplings interlocking the tops and the orderlies covered it with pine branches, which made quite a good shelter under which to sleep. For my part I slept first rate in a wall tent that the Q.M. Sgt had put up in the morning. We found about 2 inches of snow on the ground.

Feb. 7 T. We had breakfast a little after daylight and moved out about sunrise arriving at Waterloo about 10 o’clock. Waterloo consists of 15 or 20 houses with no claim to beauty. We found here quite a body of troops stationed in a large supply of forage. We arrive at the river opposite Eastport about 11 A.M. The country between Gravelly Springs and Eastport is rough in the extreme and the soil strong and clayey, though judging from the corn stalks that I saw, it is productive. The improvements are very poor and many of them burned. The fences are mostly destroyed and the general appearance desolate. Pines, cedars and other trees such as oak, hickory and chestnut grow on the hills, which are covered with loose stones, small in size with sharp edges; there are likewise a kind of volcanic stone consisting of small stones of all colors cemented together by a kind of concrete. About 2 hours after reaching the river, as many as could (I among them) went aboard the little steamer, Jonas Powell, and were ferried across the river and moved directly for camp, which is about 2 1/2 miles by the road we took and about as far in a straight line. It is situated on top of a high hill. In fact the whole country on this side of the river is nothing but hills and a little the tallest, steepest and stoniest I ever say, rough is no name for it. It is not suitable for cultivation. The country on the other side of the river is an agricultural paradise compared to it. We found quarters here already built and, if any, thing better than we left at Gravelly Springs. They were built by an Infantry Regt. and just evacuated, they being ordered away. The teams didn’t get to the river until an hour or so after we left and most of the men had crossed the river and as the teams had to be unloaded in order to go back for what was left at Gravelly Springs., Lt. Conover who was in charge of the teams, sent up for a detail to unload them and load the things on the boats and as I had left my overcoat in one of the wagons, I went back over the river to get it for fear I should lose it. I found it all right but couldn't find my blanket that I had wrapped up in a Poncho and likewise put in the wagon. My other two blankets I packed in one of the Head Quarters boxes but left out supposing I should need it. I got back to camp after night and was then without house or blankets (as the tents were still at the river). So I crowded in with the orderlies and 5 of us slept very comfortably in one bed on the ground with the blue sky for a canopy --weather rather cool. The office tent and desk didn’t get up from the river until late in the afternoon, so I could do nothing.

Feb. 8 W. In the evening I wrote to Ophelia. Slept tonight with Sgt. Maj.

Feb. 9 T. Last night was, I think, the coldest night of the season. This morning the ink and every thing else was frozen solid. This morning I made out the morning report after which I made out the monthly return for Dec. 1864.

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Feb. 10 F. Made out the morning report, ruled out a blank ???? to make. Wrote today to Ophelia, sending it by Sgt. Haskness (who started today on a Recruiting service) to be mailed at Cairo. We moved camp today 1/2 to the east and a couple of hundred yards or so south of the old fort (which is now abandoned). Full moon and a beautiful night.

Feb. 11 S. Made out morning report. At work all day filing orders and attending to office business. Received today letter from Ophelia and one from Jimmy enclosed, dated Jan. 22, 65. Weather pleasant and the night perfectly beautiful. Played chess tonight with Lt. Weiss, beat him 2 games out of 3.

Feb. 12 S. Made out morning report. Forgot that today was Sunday until the middle of the afternoon. Wrote to Ophelia and Jimmy.

Feb. 13 M. Made out morning Report; compared and perfected Monthly Returns from June 1864 to Jan. 1865. Rec’d today a big mail, 4 letters, 2 from Ophelia, Jan. 25 and 29. The last one contained photographs of Ophelia and Kate. Rec’d likewise a letter from Maria and one from Willie with a P.S. by

Ma. Maria’s letter contained a beautifully worked Pen Wiper.

Feb. 14 T. Made out morning Report. Then went to work on the annual Register of Com. Officers.

Feb. 15 W. At work on the annual Register of Com. Officers. Col. Carnahan today sent the monthly returns to Springfield, Ill. Walter was today detailed as orderly at Head Quarters 3rd Illinois Cavalry.

Feb. 16 T. Made out morning Reports, obliged to leave the annual Register and go on monthly and tri-monthly reports for Nov., Dec., and Jan for Brig. Head Quarters.

Feb. 17 F. Made out Morning Report. At work on Tri-Monthly and Monthly reports. The pay master will be here tomorrow, but will pay only up to Aug. 31, 64, as the Field and Staff Rolls for that month had not been made out. I was obliged to sit up after dark to make them out which I did, competing them before 11 o’clock. 22 recruits arrived today. Bert Russel should have been among them but was left at Cairo, sick.

Feb. 18 S. Morning report. Finished and sent off Tri-monthlies and Monthlies for Nov., Dec., and Jan. to Brig, Head Quarters. In the afternoon we took down the office tent and put up a new one (drawn yesterday). The Col and QM ???? likewise Maj. Williams paid today up to August only--consequently we of the Paducah Detachment got no money as we were paid up to October. Wrote to Ophelia. Today has been a beautiful day.

Feb. 19 S. Made out morning report. Wrote to Maria and Pa in relation to ???? Billy ???? Pd. me today $5.00 for 1 pr gloves. I paid it to Fred Russel as I owe him $6.00

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Feb. 20 M. I made out Tri-monthly report, weekly report of effective force and tri-monthly report of ordnance. Finished and sent to the Adjt. General at Wash. annual Register of Com. Officers.

Feb. 21 T. Made out Morning Report. At work on various returns and getting ready to make out 1st Quarterly returns of deceased soldiers from Aug 1, 64, 2nd Quarterly return of men joined from Aug. 64 and the Inventory of effects of Deceased soldiers from 5th Report of Prisoners of War since Aug. I sent around to the companies for the Co. Comders to furnish the required information to enable me to make out the returns. Forwarded this evening Lt. Price’s resignation. (He resigns on account of disability).

Feb. 22 W. Washington’s Birthday, but no military display in consequence. 20 recruits arrived from ???? Made out morning report —putting final remarks on F. and S. Muster Rolls. Raining.

Feb. 23 T. Made out morning report. At work principally on Brig. orders, wrote to Ophelia. Sold my watch to Thompson for $10.00. Pd. Fred Russel the balance of my debt to him ($1.00)

Feb. 24 F. Made out morning report, raining, Copying the August Monthly ???? to send to Washington.

Feb. 25 S. Rain. Made out morning report, finished monthly for August. 25 recruits arrived today. Co. G. was organized today.

Feb. 26 S. Made out morning report and then quarterly returns of deceased soldiers for 3rd and 4th yrs of 1864. Wrote to Ophelia. In consequence of continued wet weather, the river is rising very rapidly and it is feared that considerable grain piled up at the landing will be destroyed.

Feb. 27 M. Made out morning report; then went on Roll of Prisoners of war and likewise Muster rolls of Field and Staff. Our Regiment, and in fact all the troops here, are heavily detailed to move grain at the landing. The river is still rising rapidly. It has risen today 3 ft. Thousands of bags of oats, corn are under water; received today 2 letters from Ophelia dated Feb. 6 and 12. We received an order this morning for the whole effective force that was not on picket to report at the Division Head Quarters at 12 o’clock tonight to relieve the 12th Missouri Cavalry in moving grain at the landing. The river is still rising.

Feb. 28 T. Made out morning report. Tri-monthly and Monthly report of officers responsible for Ordnance in 3rd Ill. Cavalry. At work principally on Brigade orders and reports. Wrote to Emma.

Mar. 1, 1865 W. Made out morning report and part of ????? copy of monthly return for Feb. but not feeling very well. I did not finish it. Commenced a letter to Ophelia but didn’t finish that either— sick, stomach out of order; it commenced with it neuralgia which I cured with a dose of quinine. It is an invaluable remedy for that disease.

Mar. 2 T. Today I was not really able to do anything in the shape of writing; nevertheless I finished the monthly Return commenced yesterday sent it to Brig. Head Quarters. It has rained hard all day today and rain is booming.

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Mar. 3 F. Made out morning report— feel much better today than yesterday. Loaned Jas. H. Russell Sgt. Maj. $5.00. Finished Roll of Prisoners of War in Triplicate, one copy for Brig. Head Quarters, 1 for Adjt. Gen., and 1 to retain. The Col. today forwarded to the Adjt. Gen of Ill., a recommendation for promotion for me to the rank of 2nd Lt. Co. "G"— wrote this evening to Ophelia. It has rained like fury all day, and the river has attained a remarkable height and is still rising— 38 recruits arrived today for the Regt.

Mar. 4 S. Made out morning report— weekly report of effective force and weekly report of Aggregate strength and changes among Com. officers. Then went to work on Monthly return— wrote to Frank— weather clear, cleared off last night.

Mar. 5 S. Made out morning report, walked down to the edge of the bluff to view the river and found that one of the large warehouses had been carried away during the night. This evening I wrote to Ma—weather clear, river about on a stand.

Mar. 6 M. Made out morning report and weekly report of effective force. I walked down to the edge of the bluff again, found the river falling but that during the night another one of the warehouses had been carried down the stream. I don’t feel very well today and consequently haven’t done much of moment. I received today a letter from Ophelia, Feb. 15 to 19th written a little each evening. I likewise got one from old Mr. Russell, dated Feb. 12, ’65 Port Fisher. River falling.

Mar. 7 T. Made out morning report — finished Monthly return. The Regt. commenced drilling today. I went out this morning and drilled with the non Com. Officers. River still falling. Today has been clear and spring like, but it has some appearance of rain.

March 8 W. Made out, morning report, not feeling very well, sick at my stomach. I went over to the hospital and took a dose of ipecac. It vomited me terribly and I have been unable to keep anything, even water, on my stomach since.

Mar. 9 T. Made out the morning report, but was unable to do anything else. Still sick at my stomach. Today for the season has been very cold.

Mar. 10 F. I was unable to make out the morning report and tri-monthly and Lt. Phelps did it. Toward night I felt a little better but pretty weak, having eaten nothing during the past 2 or 3 days.

Mar. 11 S. I feel much better this morning, but troubled with the piles; made out morning report and spent the rest of the morning filing orders— took quite a walk with Lt. Phelps and Joe Reis over to the old fort and felt better for it. Sam Fleming (Sutter) arrived today with a lot of goods from Cairo. This evening I wrote to Ophelia. A beautiful day.

Mar. 12 S. Feeling pretty well but have the piles pretty badly. I went to the surgeon and got some medicine for it. I made out the morning and weekly report of Effective force. There has been a perfect jam around Sam Flemming's ????? Shop all day, the boys fancying his Apples, cider,

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oysters, peaches, a good deal more than they do their "green backs"— another beautiful day. Inspection today by Brig. Gen. Edward Hatch Comnd'g Division.

Mar. 13 M. Made Out morning report, am today very much better, the ointment I got yesterday from the surgeon is first rate; the following is the receipt: Tannin 30 grs, Puly Opium 20 grs, Ex Belladonna 10 grs, Mutton tallow 60 grs (receipt for piles). I received today 2 letters iron Ophelia and 1 from Jim enclosed, 1 from Anna and 1 from Druce enclosed. One of Ophelia’s had one enclosed to Walter from Mother with stamps. I wrote to Anna, Eddy and Druce. Beautiful day, river falling rapidly.

Mar. 14 T. Made out morning report, at work on descriptive lists of deserters (back returns). Another beautiful day.

Mar. 15 W. Made out morning report— at work on Descriptive Lists of Deserters- commenced letter to Ophelia in the evening but was interrupted by a gale of wind and rain. Walter was in the office likewise writing home, but it blew so hard we were afraid it would blow the tent over, so we got ready for it by boxing every thing up in a hurry, very much like clearing a ship for action. So my letter was postponed.

Mar. 16 T. It stormed more or less all night. This morning is cloudy and quite cool, the wind blowing fresh from the north. Made out morning report and aggregate strength of and vacancies among Comm officers, finished the letter commenced last night to Ophelia — Walter enclosed one for May.

Mar. 17 F. A beautiful day; made out the usual morning report, at work on back returns of deserters.

Mar. 18 S. Made out morning report— I got up this morning before reveille and took a long walk before sunrise. Col. Carnahan started this morning for Springfield on Regimental. business. I went out this morning with the non Com. officers and was drilled by Lieut. Phelps. Today is by far the warmest we have had this season. In the sun it is really uncomfortable, wrote to Jimmy, Walter enclosing one to Ophelia.

Mar. 19 S. Made out morning report. A minister of the ???? preached this afternoon to our Regt, a short but very good sermon.

Mar. 20 M. Made out morning, tri-monthly reports and tri-monthly ordnance Reports. This afternoon it rained like shot. I likewise made out weekly report of effective force. This morning I drilled with the non Com. Officers.

Mar. 21 T. It rained considerably last night but this morning is clear and beautiful.

Mar. 22 W. Made out morning report, a beautiful day, done nothing important. Claxton's Div. on the other side of Bear Creek moved off today. I understand on an Expedition south. A large part of our corps has likewise gone, they being part of it— received today notice of the acceptance of Lt. Brice's resignation— Capt. Vrooman is likewise out of the service. He received his papers

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yesterday though we at the office knew nothing of it until today. He was mustered out on account of expiration of service. The date of his muster out is Mar. 9 ‘65.

Mar. 23 T. Made out morning report and report of aggregate strength of vacancies among Com. Officers for the past week. Today has been a mild and clear but very windy day, wrote to Ophelia. The river is again rising. I turned over today to Capt. Vrooman my revolver and accoutrements. He is settling up his affairs and wanted to turn over to some other Com. officer every thing belonging to the Government that he was responsible for.

Mar. 24 F. Made out morning report. Received today letter from Eddy. Weather beautiful but rather windy.

Mar. 25 S. Made out morning report—Capt. Vrooman and Lt. Brown both left for home today. They are both out of the service. Lt. Brown on account of disability. He is an excellent officer and one deservedly popular with all. Last night we had a hard frost, weather pleasant but toward night inclined to be cool.

Mar. 26 S. Slight frost last night. Made out morning report— Wrote to Willie, Eddie, and Druce. Likewise to Minnie; Walter likewise to Minnie in the same envelope.

Mar. 27 M. Made out morning report and weekly report of effective force. 61 recruits arrived today from Camp Butler, weather pleasant.

Mar. 28 T. Made out morning report, nothing particular today, weather pleasant.

Mar. 29 W. Rainy. Made out morning report— Wrote to Ophelia. Regt. drew clothing today. I drew 1 pr pants--($5.90).

Mar. 30 T. Made out morning Report and report of Aggregate strength and changes among Com. Officers; wrote again this evening to Ophelia and enclosed Journal No. 6, sending by Sanders who will probably start home tomorrow on sick for twenty days.

Mar. 31 F. Made out morning and Tri-monthly reports. Charlie Warmer was today detailed as Clerk. It has been a beautiful day, Received 2 letters, 1 from Ophelia, Mar. 19th and 1 from Ma of same date. The Adjt. drew today quarterly supply of stationery and Regt. Descriptive Book. Charlie Warner was detailed today as Clerk with the office.

Apr. 1, 1865 S. Made out morning report and Monthly return for Brig. Head Quarters. Tri-monthly report of ordnance that should have been made out yesterday. Weather clear and beautiful. Recruits arrived today from Camp Butler, among then was Elijah Paine— this lot makes 106 recruits present with the Regt. unassigned to Cos. C and H (new ??) are both full.

Apr. 2 S. I consolidated morning report and Charlie drew it off in blank. We drew today 660 Enfield Rifles, Bayonet and all, together with ?? accoutrements— It is, they say, only temporary , that we are soon to receive Spencer Carbines. The Rifles we drew today are new and first rate for the kind.

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Apr. 3 M. Transferred morning report from Co. Books to Regimental Report Book. Charlie Warner consolidated it on blank. Made out weekly report of effective force and monthly report of Officers responsible for ordnance. A beautiful day.

Apr. 4 T. Consolidated morning report, Charlie drew it off on blank, at work on monthly returns for Adjt. Gen. for March, finished one copy, wrote to Pa. At work all afternoon making out requisitions for ???? found it a big job but accomplished it. Another beautiful day.

Apr. 5 W. Consolidated morning report. Charlie drew it off on blanks. Finished another copy of monthly return for March, Wrote to Father Putnam and May, weather beautiful until toward night when it commenced raining.

Apr. 6 T. Consolidated morning report. Charlie drew it off in a blank. Made out weekly report of aggregate strength and changes among Com. Officers. At work on monthly return for March (the last copy required). but not feeling well, I accomplished but little. This afternoon about 5 o’clock we received a circular from Gen. Hatch containing a telegraphic dispatch from Gen. Weitzel to Secty. Stantor announcing the capture of Richmond on the 3rd Inst. at 8:15 A.M. The news was received while the Regt. was on Dress Parade and was received with enthusiastic cheers. Wrote to Ophelia, weather beautiful.

Apr. 7 F. This morning was quite cool so much so that a good fire was quite comfortable. Charlie made out the morning report. I forgot to mention yesterday of receiving news of the defeat of Forrest by Gen. Wilson (no Particulars) — wrote to Grandma.

Apr. 8 S. Consolidated morning report on the Regtl Report book. Charlie drew it off on blank. I was at work most of the day on back returns of deserters, a fine day.

Apr. 9 S. Morning report, as yesterday a beautiful day, nothing unusual.

Apr. 10 M. Morning report as yesterday. Made out tri-monthly, weekly report of report of effective Force and Tri-monthly Ordnance Report. Col. Carnahan arrived today from Ill. While absent, he was commissioned Colonel of 3rd Ill. Vet. Vol. Cavalry, but is not mustered yet. He, however, wears the eagles. He brings word that my commission was not granted on account of my being a private and there being sergeants in the Co. The Col. however says he will make me a sergeant and forward another recommendation immediately.

Apr. 11 T. Made out morning report. Commenced work on Annual Return of Casualties, wrote to Ophelia, cloudy but warm with every appearance of rain. The river is rising again rapidly.

Apr. 12 W. Last night, just after I got in bed, about 11 o’clock, W. H. Deaton, one of the orderlies, came to the tent, and putting his head in told me that Gen. Lee and his whole army had surrendered; that a boat had just arrived with the intelligence and he had seen two men that had come up on her that gave him the news. I didn’t believe it, but blew out the light to go to sleep - when boom went a cannon from the iron clad at the river— I was out of bed in a minute and dressed in another— the news was really true, and the joy and excitement that beat any thing I ever saw before at any time or in any place— the whole Division was aroused, the report

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spreading like wild fire. Men gathered in groups and laughed and talked and shouted by turns. "Lee has surrendered with his whole army." "Hurrah! Hurrah!" The Iron clad continued to fire the salute and the 2nd Ill. Arty "I" (4??) fired from Gen. Hatch’s Head Quarters. 88 guns in rapid succession. Hundreds of men gathered about the pieces from the different Regiments, all crazy with the excitement of the moment. All hearts were full and I think not only of pride and joy, but thankfulness??? was I know and it was 2 o’clock before I sought my pillow. I had been asleep perhaps 15 or 20 minutes when the 11th Ind. Cavalry band struck up an air right at our Head Quarters. and right in front of the tent in which I was sleeping. They were serenading Col. Carnahan. Again I was and dressed. I listened to the music, talked around for 1/2 an hour or so and went to bed again and slept until morning. This reception of the news, last night, assembly was sounded in the 2nd Iowa Cavalry. camp and in a few minutes after the air rang with huzzahs from that quarter. In the 9th Ill. Cavalry someone delivered a speech to them. Every 1/2 doz. or so words of which was applauded. I consolidated morning report. Charlie drew it off on blank— I finished today Descriptive list of Deserters (Back Returns). It has been a rainy disagreeable day. The river is rising very fast. Here after I intend noticing in this journal the reception of every mail.

Apr. 13 T. Morning report as yesterday. I commenced Regtl. Description Book beginning with Co. A. 46 Recruits arrived today from Camp Butler, among them Capt. McNeill, formerly of the 85th Ill. Infantry. who will command Co. "I" of our Regt. A beautiful day, received today a large mail. I got nothing but a paper from W. P. Warner. River still rising. Surrender of Lee confirmed.

Apr. 14 F. Morning Report as yesterday. Today Lieut. Phelps, 'Squire Towell and myself surveyed or layed off the camping ground as tomorrow we are to rearrange our camp making it more regular— it took us until into the afternoon. Yesterday the Regt. was divided into Battalions as follows— 1st Battalion to consist of A, G, F, and H. 2nd Battalion to consist of B, I, C, and K. 3rd Battalion to consist of D, L, E, and M. Co. "L" and "M" however are not yet organized, but will be as soon as sufficient Recruits report from Camp Butler— it is said there one enough there to fill the Regt. It has been quite a warm day. Toward night there are appearances of rain--river still rising. Wm. T. Jackson of our Co. and Head Quarters. Orderly reports today from Hospital.

Apr. 15 S. Morning report as yesterday- rain in morning- clear in afternoon. After supper took a horseback ride with Lt. Phelps and enjoyed it much. It was the first time I have been on a horse since Nashville. This evening wrote to Mother and a short letter to Ophelia.

Apr. 16 S. Morning report as yesterday. There was inspection this afternoon at Dress parade i.e. 5 o’clock. This evening we received news that Lincoln was killed at a theater in Washington on the evening of the 12th by one Wilkes Booth, an actor said to be a son of the great Booth and that Sect. Seward was likewise assassinated in his bed. It was at first was not credited, but in a short time a circular was received from Div. Head Quarters. stating that such news had really been received and the wildest excitement prevailed. If such is really the case, the rebels, or rebel sympathizers at the north, have destroyed their best friend, one of nature’s true noblemen, one of the most magnanimous noble and distinguished men the world every saw--one whose equal in all things perhaps the world never knew and whose record shows few blemishes to condemn either his patriotism or his judgment. If it is indeed true, how sad and humiliating is the reflection, that

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none, not even so good and great a man is proof against the assassin’s hand. Ah’ what a commentary on the frailty of human nature.

Apr. 17 M. Morning report as yesterday. Made our weekly report of effective force. We received this morning a large mail, but nothing for me. Beautiful weather. I am not very well today; symptoms of chills, but am taking medicine and hope to keep it off.

Apr. 18 T. Morning report as yesterday. Still symptoms of chills. I did nothing but lounge around, stupid and dull.

Apr. 19 W. Morning report as yesterday. I copied in Letter Book, Recommendations for promotion, mine among others of Sgt. Co. C for 2nd Lt. Co. G. I feel about the same, nothing of moment today, river still very high weather warm, rain at night.

Apr. 20 T. Morning report as usual. Made out Tri-monthly, feeling about the same. Received a large mail today. It brought 10 commissions for our Regiment among them Fred Russell’s as Capt. Co. C. I received 3 letters, 1 from Ophelia, Apr 19 ‘65, 1 from Minnie and 1 from Milan in 1 envelope both Apr. 2. I am feeling about the same. At bedtime I took a dose of pills to operate on my bowels.

Apr. 21 F. Lt. Col. Carnahan was today mustered as Col. and Fred Russell was likewise as Capt. Co. C Morning report as usual. Made out Tri-monthly of Ordnance and Weekly Report of Aggregate strength and changes in Com. Officers, they should both have been made out yesterday. Last night we had hard rain and heavy Wind. Today has been quite cool and disagreeable in the extreme to me. Wrote to Ophelia, enclosing it in one of Walter’s to mother. 46 recruits arrived today from Camp Butler.

Apr. 22 S. Charlie made out the Morning report. I took this morning a double dose of quinine. It has made me feel bad all day, but has kept down the fever that I had had for the past 3 or 4 days. I finished today letter to Milan commenced several days ago. It has been a cold disagreeable day, wind strong from the north. A good fire wasn’t a bad institution. Letter of recommendation forwarded to Springfield. I was today made Com. Sergeant. Co. C ??? S.O. 61 H.Q. 3rd, Ill. Cavalry.

Apr. 23 S. Feeling better this morning but I took another dose of quinine and it set me in such a whirl that Charlie had to make out the morning report alone. Lt. Phelps started today for Paducah. It has been a raw disagreeable day; wind strong from the north. We have had a fire most of the day. We received a large mail today. I got nothing, nor Walter, nor Charlie, who, by the way, gets them few and far between.

Apr. 24 M. Not able for duty. Charlie made out morning report and weekly report, of effective force. We got another good-sized mail. Charlie got a letter, but neither Walter nor I were so fortunate, a beautiful day. River falling fast.

Apr. 25 T. Still unable for duty. I think the disease is broken but I am much debilitated, not much stronger than a kitten, with no energy.

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(Seems to be a gap between dates Apr. 25 and Apr. 30)!

Charlie made out the morning report—fine day. I am weak and much debilitated. Dr. Davis gave me today a surgeon’s certificate of disability where on to base an application for a 30-day furlough. Tomorrow is muster and as the Field and Staff Roll are not made out nor no one to do it, I made out the first copy which will be enough to muster on. I am still taking quinine morning and evening.

Apr. 30 S. I got my furlough off this afternoon and think I forwarded a pretty strong one. The Col. thought at first it was too strong, that they would send it back with an order for my discharge, but I soon convinced him that there was no danger of that and he signed it. My health is about the same - still taking quinine. I made out tri-monthly report and Tri-monthly Ordnance Report and Officers Responsible for ordnance— Wrote to Ophelia.

May 1, 1865 M. Still unable for duty. Fever returned again today. Still taking quinine. Warm beautiful day. Charlie made out today monthly return for Apr. for Brig. Head Quarters. We received a big mail today. I got a letter from Willie, Apr. 9 to 25th.

May 2 T. I had a return of fever, came on about. 2 and passed off about 5. This disease acts differently than it ever did before. It leaves me with no bad feelings and don’t affect my strength now as it did at first. This afternoon after supper I was able to walk with Squire Towell to and from the river. We took it easy, rested often and when we returned I felt better for it and not at all exhausted, in fact, though the fever has returned, I think my strength is gaining. Charlie has been at work all day on monthly returns. The Co. had another clerk detailed today, Wm. Toomey Co. C, a recruit. He made out descriptive lists of deserters Apr.’65. The Col. ordered me to do no writing whatever in the office, but merely to over see the others and see that it was done right. In fact I haven’t for several days done much but I have done a little each day when I really didn’t feel able to do it. It has been a mild summer day.

May 3 W. Fever came on before dinner and continued all the afternoon. I ate no dinner but towards night I ate a little crackers and cheese which seemed to make my fever worse. I today got up and forwarded an application for a furlough for Walter for 30 days I got the Col. to "respectfully recommend that it be granted." I am in hopes that it may go through. Charlie and Toomey both at work on monthly returns. Took no quinine today.

May 4 T. This morning immediately after breakfast I took quite a long walk with Squire Towell believing it would do me good and if it has done me no good, it certainly has done me no harm. We went up to the foot ravine to the camp again, a circuit of about 2 miles, but we took it by easy stages, resting often. In the ravine we passed a new made grave (if you can call it a grave). It is about a foot deep the circumstances of the case are these. The man belonged to the 6th Ill. Cavalry., was a southerner and yesterday tried to desert to the rebels, but after an hour’s chase was captured and placed under guard. Last night he broke from the guard and again attempted to escape but was shot and killed. The body was thrown into a hole that was made by a tree’s having been blown over. About a foot of dirt and leaves were thrown over him. Fever came on this afternoon a little while after dinner, but it didn’t last as long and I think was not as high as usual; am taking no medicine as it didn’t seem to do me any good.

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May 5 F. A Guerilla (who had been under guard and in chains for a long time) was killed last night while attempting to make his escape. He had got the impression that he was to be hung today. As he started to run, he called out to the guard that he would rather be shot than hung. The guard fired, the first shot through his back on the right side and coming out at his breast on the left— The second shot passed through his heart. He admitted to have deserted from both armies and to have killed while he was guerillering 15 Northern and southern soldiers. He met his proper fate though it was long delayed. Fever came on after dinner and passed off about 5 P.M. after which I wrote a short letter to Father.

May 6 S. Instead of taking my usual walk this morning I did considerable writing in the office that was indispensable, after which I went up to the hospital as it was a cool place and rested and where by the way, I took dinner. I wrote to Emma. It is reported Forrest, Dick and Taylor and Chalmers have surrendered to Gen. Canby, all the rebel forces east of the Mississippi, not surrendered by Gen. Johnston. It may not be true but is generally believed it was brought in by a flag of truce. The Col. announced the news at Dress Parade at 6 P.M. and it was received with cheers by the troops. It was received in the same manner by 6th Ill. Cavalry and 11th Ind. Cavalry. Fever came on about 1 P.M. and passed off about 5. But it seems to be lighter than ever.

May 7 S. Took a short walk this morning with Squire Towell (Regiment I Com. Sergeant.). Fever came on about 1 or 2 o'clock, passed off between 5 and 6. We got quite a mail this afternoon. I got a letter from Ophelia dated Apr.20, enclosed in one to Walter. Lt. Phelps returned today. He went home but stayed only 2 or 3 days. Beautiful weather. Wrote to Ophelia.

May 8 M. I took a long walk this morning with Squire Towell out beyond the picket posts and nearly to the Viditti. I have had no fever today and am in hopes that the disease is broken. We received this afternoon an order to have all surplus stores packed in boxes and be ready to move on steamboat at a moment's notice. It is understood our destination is St. Louis. We received today quite a large mail. No letter. I wrote to Ophelia.

May 9 T. Nothing important today. I’ve had no return of fever. Still I’ve done nothing in the office of much moment for past 3 weeks or so, except to see that Charlie did things right. Charlie will I think make a first-rate clerk. This afternoon I took a walk with Squire Towell to the Div. P.O. (to get some P.O. stamps, but was unable to get any). These daily walks do me, I think, considerable good; as without them I would have no exercise. No further orders in regard to moving.

May 10 W. I made out Tri-monthly report. After which I walked up to Brig. Head Quarters. with Squire Towell as he wished his ration return approved and I wanted the walk. This is the anniversary of the day I started from home for Camp Butler. The aspect of our country is changed much for the better since then. It has been an eventful year. Now the power of the rebellion is broken, its government destroyed and its armies captured, its President a fugitive and the day of peace is dawning. Then [one year ago] its power was unsubdued, its leaders bold and defiant, its people confident of ultimate success and the spirit of its armies buoyant and unbroken. Ah! May we be thankful as we are proud of the contrast. Lieut. Sanders returned tonight at 8 o’clock. 3 boats arrived since dusk. A beautiful day. We received a large mail after night. I was fortunate enough to get two letters, 1 from Ophelia, Apr. 30/65 with 1 from father to

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Walter enclosed and 1 from Druce. The Col. received notice from Adjt. Gen Hayenie that his last recommendations for promotions had been accepted.

May 11 T. This morning was rainy and quite cool for the season, so much so that a fire was quite an institution— just after dinner we received orders to move on board the Steamboat Columbia. Forwarded discharge papers of Billy Pipkin. About 4 P.M. we went on board the stern S.B. Columbia. We lay at the landing until next morning. Lieut. Phelps shared his stateroom (No. 8) with me, I taking the upper berth.

May 12 F. Boat started at 1 1/2 A.M. Passed Pittsburgh Landing at 9 A.M. From the river it shows no sign of the battle. I could imagine however where the gunboats were stationed and when our troops came running down to the river to get under the gunboat’s protection. Pittsburgh Landing is 35 miles below Eastport and would always be passed unnoticed by strangers unless someone pointed it out— as there is not a house or the least sign of civilization or that such sign even existed. The land is rather low and covered with an ordinary growth of trees. At the landing is a small opening that seems more the work of nature than man. We passed Clifton about 11 A.M. I pass over a description as I have given one in a previous journal. We arrived at Johnsonville a little after sunset, the whole fleet of four boats tied up here until morning. Johnsonville seems to be the terminus of a R.R. from Nashville, but you can’t tell viewing the river, whether it is on not. The R.R. may run from Johnsonville to some place on the river— though if it does, it is back and out of sight. Johnsonville is strongly fortified, but aside from the railroad is of small importance. The town is surrounded by high hills on which the forts are situated. The town however is quite insignificant there being but half a dozen or so houses in the place. I saw at the water edge the remains of the steamboats destroyed last fall by Forrest, some 5 or 6 in number, likewise the remains of a very large warehouse or shed burnt, I believe, at the same time.

May 13 S. We left Johnsonville this morning at 5 o’clock, a few miles below we passed the remains of a R.R. bridge— passed Forts Heiman and Henry at 9 A.M. Ft. Heiman is on the left bank on a little mound of about 10 acres. It is unoccupied and dismantled with a couple of dozen or so old huts just below it, built and formerly occupied by soldiers. Ft. Henry is on the opposite on low ground, in fact, right in the bottom. It is probably over flown every high water, though I think the breast works are probably high enough to keep the water cut of the fort. It is much larger than Ft. Heiman but like it, is unoccupied and to all appearances had been abandoned for a long time. Perhaps from the day it was first taken. It is not a strong position by any means and one easily shelled by the gunboats. We arrived at Paducah at 3 P.M. and everything looked old and natural. Maj. O’Connor and Lt. Tabor and the Sgts, who went home with him recruiting with him joined us here. Maj. O’Connor has been exchanged and I understand will accept his Com. of Lt. Col. Any how he goes on to St. Louis with us and I heard him say that he would remain with the Regt. 4 or 5 mos. longer but that in the fall it would be necessary for him to resign. Lt. Tabor brought with him the Commissions of those last recommended, mine among the rest. The Col. has them in his possession. I haven’t seen them yet. Joe Southwick, Julius Mitchell and the other orderlies detailed here from the Regt. were relieved and allowed to join the Regt. We lay at Paducah all night.

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May 14 S. Left Paducah at 7 1/2 A.M. went down 2 or 3 miles and landed on Ill. shore and waited until 1/4 of 2 P.M. for a couple of boats that we had telegraphed for from Johnsonville as our boats were too crowded and consequently top heavy to go up the Miss. Another thing, when boats are too much crowded they run a much greater risk of exploding the boilers as the men getting on one side to see a town or get in the shade runs the water from one boiler into another greatly increases the danger of an explosion. We passed Mound City at 3 1/2 p.m.; did not land. Mo. City has improved much since I last saw it or else here to fore I have given it only a casual view. The U.S.Gen. Hospital, has, I think, been built since I was here. It is a very large and quite handsome building of brick--opposite or in front of the city lay 2 monitors and several gunboats. Cairo and Mo. City are about 7 miles apart and in sight of one another. Arrived at Cairo about 5 o’clock. I went ashore and mailed a letter to Ophelia that I had commenced on the 13th and finished today. We left Cairo at 7 1/2, just at candle light.

May 15 M. We ran all night--passed Cape Girardeau (they say, for I wasn’t up) this morning about 5 o'clock. We passed Liberty on the Ill. shore about 12 M. It is a little town or 2 or 3 doz. houses. Ever since leaving Eastport we have been greeted with the waving of handkerchiefs, but at this little town they capped the climax— I counted 6 flags beside numberless handkerchiefs, bonnets, etc. The people seemed to feel quite enthusiastic. We arrived at Chester in Ill. about 1 P.M. and flags and handkerchiefs were quite prolific but they couldn’t quite equal Liberty. Chester is quite a nice little place of 500 or inhabitants; its site consists of quite a number of rather steep mounds or ridges and the houses are scattered over them, some under, some on the sides and some on the summits. Passed St. Genevieve at 5:45 P.M. and was much pleased with its appearance. It is in Mo. Neatness, enterprise and prosperity seem to be its distinctive characteristics. The houses are scattered but mostly well built and the country around is beautiful, well settled and mostly under cultivation; the country back from the river bottom is rolling and like the bottom, cultivated. The town is built on a south declivity sloping to the river. We stopped to ??? on the Mo. shore about an hour before sunset, 56 miles from St. Louis.

May 16 T. We ran until about 3 o’clock this morning when we tied up just below the Marine Hospital. We started just at sunrise. The Marine Hospital is a most beautiful spot. The houses are large, painted white and every thing has the appearance of ___ and comfort. The land is rolling, well shaded and covered with a rich blue grass sod. The whole is enclosed by a high, tight board fence. Jefferson Barracks is a mile and a half above the M. Hospital and is decidedly the most beautiful place of the kind I ever saw. Like the hospital the ground is high and rolling, well shaded and thickly covered with blue grass. The houses are many of them substantially of stone. It is surrounded by a picket fence, painted white— and from the river it has a most beautiful and delightful appearance. The Iron MT R.R. runs above the riverbank for 30 odd miles. Just before we reached the Arsenal at 6:45 A.M. at Carbondale (which is a suburb of St. Louis), the passenger train passed us. The arsenal is another beautiful place, green and on the riverbank on the Mo. shore. Made the landing at St. Louis at 7 1/2 A.M. The first news I heard (before I got ashore) was that Jeff Davis was captured— Oh! that it may be true, and that he may suffer the penalty due his great crime and not only he but every one who has been a chief instrument in plunging our country into this terrible war. We laid on the boat until 3 1/2 P.M. waiting for the Gen. Comdg our Brig., his boat not having arrived— It finally got in and we received the order at 3 1/2 P.M. to move out to Benton Bks. and we proceeded immediately to put it into execution. It took us a couple of hours to get everything off of the boat and loaded into the wagons— But

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we finally got off and I and Charlie footed it together to the Bks. about 3 or 4 miles from the landing. Walter, not feeling very well, rode on one of the wagons— Benton Bks. is a beautiful place of about 80 acres adjoining the fair grounds. We have excellent barracks with plenty of room and are well provided for in every way.

May 17 W. I tried today to get mustered as 2nd Lt. Co. G, but was unable to make it out in consequence of its taking some little time, perhaps 2 or 3 days to procure an order for a discharge, which is the preliminary step. Maj. O’Connor was mustered yesterday as Lt. Col—Capt. Rice today as Major, Lt. Weiss as Capt. and 2nd Lt. Tabor as 1st Lt. Wrote to Ophelia. It has been beautiful weather ever since we left Eastport. I forwarded today the application of my Co. Comdr. (Capt. Ford) for my discharge in order for me to accept Promotion, which is the form required.

May 18 T. I did considerable in the office today. Fred made out today my first statement, which will enable me to draw my pay as soon as I am mustered. Dress parade tonight—

May 19 F. Busy all day-in office. ???? Russell and Anson Paine arrived today in Camp on a short visit. They left Rosemond last night or evening and got into the city at midnight. Capt. Sander’s wife and 50 others more or less arrived in camp on some business. It almost made me homesick, but I insist that camp is no place for women, and I had rather my wife and lady friends would stay away. The Regt. drills 2 hours a day. Dress Parade every night.

May 20 S. Office work without end. Wrote to Ma and in the evening to Milan. It has been a very warm day.

May 21 S. Mrs. Warner and Mrs. Cuth with Wallace W. and Walter S. came down on a visit to camp. Lieut. Phelp’s resignation was this day accepted, a thing that every man in the Regt. (so far as I know) disapproves of for he is one of the most popular officers in the Regt. and deservedly so. I am truly sorry he feels it his duty to go out of the service. I received today S.O. No. 134 Head Quarters. Dept. Mo. discharging me in order to accept promotion. Mrs. Warner and Mrs. Cuth passed the night in camp. We cleared out the room behind the office for them.

May 22 M. Made out my muster in rolls and discharge papers. It took me until 3 P.M. as I made a mistake in the first set, though it was not my mistake but the mustering officer, as I followed his directions. I was finally mustered in the afternoon about 3 o’clock and am 2nd Lt. Co. "G." I was mustered by Capt. W. D. Hubbard 13th Mo. Cavalry Vol. and A. C. M. Dent of Mo. Mrs. Warner and Mrs. Cuth still with us. They expect to leave tomorrow for Rosemond and if I can get the Col.’s consent to be absent 3 or 4 days, I shall go along with them.

May 23 T. I expected this morning to be able to get my mustering in roll and receive my pay on my final statement but in consequence of a press of business at the mustering office I was unable to get them, they not being countersigned by the Post commandant. I waited until 1 P.M. then (have obtained the consent of the Col. to be absent 5 or 6 days) I went to the Cos. to see if I could borrow money enough to buy a suit of clothing. I borrowed of Lieut. Cullum $40.00, Forty dollars, and of Lieut. Putnam $15.00, Fifteen dollars. Then, as Mrs. Warner wished to return home today, I concluded to go along with her. I wished first to see Lieut. Phelps again in regard

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to doing my duties until I return but he had gone to the city and as he consented to it last night, I concluded to risk. Col. O’Connor advised me to go in a private uniform as I haven’t a regular leave of absence. I took his advice and came through safely. We started from camp about 2 o’clock, went down in a streetcar, crossed the river (I exhibiting my discharge as an enlisted man of the guard, as my pass and as Col. O’Connor predicted, I went through on it). We left East St. Louis at 5 1/4 o’clock and arrived at Rosemond at about 10. I started immediately for home but didn’t reach there until 11 1/2 as I got somewhat bewildered, in fact, lost in taking a short cut across Roll’s farm, but I finally straightened myself by the north star and got home as above stated, finding all abed, of course, but I soon routed them out; found all well, save that Ophelia had a sick headache the day before and the affects had not passed off.

May 24 W. Before going down home I wrote to Lt. Phelps to have him telegraph if it would be necessary for me to return before Saturday night. After breakfast Jimmy took us (Ophelia, Kate, Dwight and me) down to father Read's where we spent the day and shall probably stay tomorrow. Jimmy returned at once taking Sancho with him as their dog, Ponto, is dead and the cattle are troubling them by breaking through the fence which is poor. And I surprised them considerably as they were not expecting me and our approach was not observed.

May 25 T. Still at Father Read’s, they are busy getting in their corn crop. They have 35 acres in and expect to plant 70— they have 30 acres more to plow and are running 4 teams. I sold the horse to Pa for the amt. of Otis Little’s note, about $80.00.

May 26 F. We started this morning about 9 o’clock for Father Putnam's, Pa taking us up in the buggy. We got there about 10 o’clock— Pa stayed until after dinner— Aunt Minnie with Mr. and Mrs. Seward called over to see us, Mr. Seward bringing a can of peaches for the returned soldier. They stayed an hour or so and left about dusk.

May 27 Sat. Aunt Minnie sent over this morning by Ida C??? a bottle of Claret wine for me, as she said in an accompanying note, that she judged from my appearance that I needed some such stimulant. This afternoon I helped mother and Ophelia set out 30 or 49 tomato plants (the only work I have done since arriving at home). I intended starting for camp this evening but concluded I had as well remain until tomorrow morning and go down on the 6 o’clock train. Father Putnam today finished plowing for corn.

May 28 S. Left home this morning in time for the 6 o’clock train, and only just in time, too. I and the train arrived just at the same moment. Jimmy carried me down in the buggy. I arrived in St. Louis about 12 and at camp in about 1/2 an hour after. Found every thing right side up. The Col. issued a special order immediately detailing me Act. Adjt. of the Regt. However I got him to delay the presentation of it until the next day as I have no suitable uniform to appear in Dress Parade. I was busy all day with business that was allowed to collect during my absence and I didn’t have time to half finish it up. Lieut. Phelps turned over to me today the government property that he was responsible for as Adjt. vix 1 Horse, 1 Saddle, Bridle, etc. 1 Revolver, 1 Shelter tent and Official books, furniture etc — Pd. Lt. Cullum $40.00 borrowed of him before leaving for home.

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May 29 M. Went down this morning with Lieut. Phelps to get pay and an outfit; went first to paymaster’s office and by noon succeeded in getting settlement as an En. Man. The paymaster not only struck from my Final Statements the bounty reported thereon as being due, but he deducted the $25.00 that had been paid for enlisting as he said that soldiers, discharged for any other reason than disability contracts in the service while in discharge of their duty, were not entitled to any bounty, unless they had served as an enlisted man for over 2 years. I received $85.55. We went then around to see where we could do best in the clothing line and I finally bought at Freidenwalds’ ???? the Everett Hotel. I got a uniform, coat Blouse, vest, Pants, 2 wt. shirts, 1 box paper collars and necktie for $50.00. 2 handkerchiefs ??? Gloves 1.50— oilcloth satchel $4.00, Hat and cord 5.50 shoulder straps .50. I dressed up in my new suit, got my hair cut, knocked around the city, went in the evening to the n--- minstrels and got to camp about midnight

May 30 T. Lieut. Byron Phelps started for home today. I was busy all day writing. Commenced a letter to Ophelia but did not get time to finish it. I was on dress parade tonight as Adjt. for the first time— It went awkward enough and I suppose looked far more so. Walter went home today with ???? for 10 days.

May 31 W. This morning I went down to the arsenal on business (to turn over some unserviceable and condemned stores). I didn’t get back until about 3 P.M. Finished Ophelia's letter. Received a letter from Milan containing $10.00 as a loan and it comes at an excellent time— Dress Parade again tonight.

June 1, 1865 T. Fast day on account of Lincoln’s death. No unnecessary duty was performed in our Regt. today I wrote to Aunt Minnie Marvin— No Dress Parade.

June 2 F. I went down again to the arsenal today to turn over the rest of the condemned Ord. Stores. When I got back I found a note from Milan who is in the city and had been out to camp— He requested me to meet him at the Everett Hotel at 7 o’clock. I was too late for the appointment and found a card at the Hotel for me to meet him at the "Varieties" Theater. I went and found him and Fred Russell of Co. C and 3 or 4 of his Lebanon friends. We passed a pleasant evening and got back to the hotel about 12 at night where we took rooms and stayed until morning.

June 3 S. Fred left this morning for home on a 10-day leave of absence. I knocked around the City with Milan until about 8 1/2 A.M., when I took the streetcar and went out to camp. General. Pope sent a communication this morning inquiring why we were not mounted and ordering us to draw horses immediately.

June 4 S. We drew horses this morning, and a noble lot they were. Each Co. drew uniform colors. Co. "A" got Duns "B" bay, "C" Black, "D" Roan, "E" Bay, "F" Sorrel "G" Bay, "H" Grey, "I" Bay, "K" Brown— Walter and Charlie therefore get Black horses. I sent Billy Pipkin to pick a good horse before the Companies drew; he got me a very handsome small sorrel horse, 4 years old. Regt. ordered to be ready at a moments notice on steamboats for St. Paul, Minn. This afternoon we drew Galla ???? Carbines and I issued to all but the first Battalion taking up their old arms and accoutrements— No dress parade, wrote to Ophelia to have Walter return.

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June 5 M. I issued carbines to the first Battalion, taking up their old arms etc. I then went down to the arsenal on a streetcar, sending the old Ord. Stores by teams. There were 5 wagonloads. I turned them over to Major Callender, Comd'g Arsenal, giving Invoices and taking Receipts— It was now after 5 o’clock and I started back for camp. I was up to the court house and was changing from the 5th St. to the 4th St. cars when I happened to come across Capt. Weiss who told me that the Regt. had received orders to move at 1 1/2 P.M. and even then on board the Steamers Savanna and Victory (both stern wheel boats). I went at once to the river and found it even so and was sent back to the Arsenal with a load of ammunition and packing Boxes to get receipts for them. The Col. told me that he had orders to start by 10 P.M. but that if I wasn’t back in time he would wait for me, but for me to hurry On getting them I failed to get the receipts as the Major was not in (having rode out with his wife). However I left the Invoices with a note requesting that the Receipts be sent to St. Paul, Minn. by mail. I got to the boat by 10, but we were not ready to start before 11 on account of delay in getting forage aboard, and by that time the crew of the boat were 1/2 drunk and deserted. So the S. B. Captain had to wait until morning to get a new crew or have the old one sober. Received a note from Milan this morning dated June 3 stating that he should leave for home next morning. We left Col. O’Connor in St. Louis, he having forwarded a resignation— 8 or 10 discharges were ??? today before leaving camp, approved and among them ‘Squire (Wm M) and Squire Towell's and as they are within 50 miles of home the Col. directed me to fix them for his signature, which I did. The Col. signed them and the Squire and his son were discharged.

June 6 T. We left St. Louis at 6 1/2 A.M., passed Alton at 11. Alton has improved considerable since I was last here. After passing it I laid in the stateroom and slept until 4 P.M. during which time we passed the mouth of the Ill. River. Nothing of interest presented itself during the rest of the day--bluffs on one side and bottoms on the other.

June 7 W. I overslept this morning and didn’t get up until called for breakfast at 7 o’clock. We were then lying at the wood yard taking on wood on the Mo. shore. Arrived at Hannibal 10:15 A.M.— did not land. It is the terminus of the H and St. Joseph R.R. It is quite a thriving place of 8,000 to 10,000 inhabitants situated in a valley between two rather high but not very steep ridges (they can hardly be called bluffs). There were no steamboats at the landing, and the business seems principally to be done on the 2nd and 3rd streets from the river. We arrived at Quincy at 2:15 P.M., staid there about 1/2 hour coaling. I mailed a letter here to Ophelia, sending it up by Eath Brown, orderly Sergeant of Co "C" who, by the way, was left with several others. From a mile or so down the river Quincy has a most beautiful appearance, but on getting up to the landing but little of the city can be seen owing to the formation of the ground on which it stands. It is a high rolling land and the town does not extend itself along the river but is mostly back. I went ashore but did not go up into the city. We found the other boat (Victory) here waiting for us. They started a little ahead of us— 12 miles above we came to Lagrange, Mo. at 5 1/2 P.M., quite a pretty thriving little place of 600 or 800 inhabitants on high rolling land— buildings mostly two story and of brick, a college is erected here on the top of a high hill. We passed Canton, Mo. at 6:45 P.M. It is quite a pretty little place on high rolling land, though part of it extends itself over the bottom. The houses are mostly of brick. Conspicuous on the top of one of the hills is fine looking building with white pillars in front. It is probably a courthouse or perhaps a seminary or college.

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June 8 T. This morning finds us at Keokuk. We arrived here during the night. Reveille (the first bugle call we have had since leaving Benton Bks.) sounded at 3 o’clock as we had to disembark in order to lighten the boat and barges going over the rapids a mile or so above the city. Keokuk is quite a city (larger than I supposed), but, like Quincy, it doesn’t show well from the landing. I went up town soon after we landed and looked around. It is on a bluff of modest height, but after you get on top of the hill, the country is level. The city has a business-like appearance, houses mostly of brick, well built and in the business part (which is large) compact. It has, I should think, 15,000 or 20,000 inhabitants. We left Keokuk at 6 1/2 A.M. The other boat, Victory, started soon after — The command went by land, mounted of course. I wanted to go that way in order to see the country, but the Col. thought I had better go by boat, as he was going that way and he might need me. The lower rapids (as they are called) are a mile or so above Keokuk. The water is swift and shallow (Now 3 1/2 ft in the channel); the bottom is very rocky and the channel crooked and difficult. They are 12 miles around and we were until 1 1/2 P. M. getting through. We are in a stern wheel boat and it is much more difficult to manage than a side wheel— I was much interested in watching their maneuvers— The country here is beautiful, hills not bluffs on both sides and many of them cultivated and there is a ????? and thrift about the farms that is pleasing as it is in the west unusual. We arrive at Montrose, at the head of the rapids, opposite Nauvoo about 3 P.M. Found the command already there, got them loaded, coaled and were off by 5 1/2 P.M. Montrose contains a couple of hundred inhabitants. The Keokuk and Ft. Madison R.R. passes through it. Nauvoo (opposite) is the most beautiful site for a city I ever saw. It rises gradually from the river, for about a mile when it rises by a most beautiful and graceful ascent much like our Rosemond mounds (only it is a ridge). On the top of the ridge at its highest point was situated the celebrated Mormon temple— no trace however of it, or the city that then existed is now visible from the river. The place now contains perhaps 500 or 600 inhabitants. The buildings are all apparently well built. Several of them are quite extensive— probably Seminaries and the like. We touched at the Flouring Mill just above Nauvoo but were off again in a moment. We passed Fort Madison, Iowa, at 7 1/2 P.M. It is the terminus of the Keokuk and Ft. Madison R.R. The city contains 5,000 or 6,000 inhabitants. It is situated in the bottom or valley with a very high steep ridge behind it. I noticed in a couple of places the side of the ridge had been terraced and vineyards set out. The place is mostly of brick, is built along the river, does not extend far back— houses generally good, but nothing fine— I noticed below the town what appeared to be the remains of an old fort, probably the one from which the town took its name; just above the town is the Penitentiary, about 1/2 as large as the old one at Alton. It is built on an excavation in a hill, which is visible both in front and rear of it. The bottom opposite Ft. Madison is covered with heavy timber, which is an exception to every thing we have seen today, as the river bottom was much of it cultivated and nearly all of it free, from trees. Stopped to ????- -at 10 P.M. on the Iowa shore.

June 9 F. This morning at 7 o’clock we are 60 miles below Rock Island. Just at this point the river isn’t handsome as it has been. Each shore consists of uncultivated bottoms covered with heavy timber and dense under brush. As we approach Rock Island, however, it is less so. We arrived there about 5 P.M. stayed about an hour drawing rations though we could get no hard bread and had to take flour. We then passed over to Davenport (opposite), tried to get "hard Bread" there, left a detail with the Act Commission for the purpose, stayed about 1/2 an hour and then left as we couldn’t get through the bridge after night. We laid up for the night at a spot called "The Eddie" Just above Davenport and just below the upper rapids. Rock Island and

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Davenport are rival cities, but the latter is much the largest and handsomest both in improvements and natural position. The site of the former is good but the latter is beautiful. Rock Island is situated on a high bottom with steep hills in the rear and around it. It has a much older and more dingy appearance than Davenport, which stretches along the river for 2 or 3 miles and extends back on the mounds or hills that lie beyond or rather that rise, almost if not quite from the river. The buildings are finer than at Rock Island. I noticed several very beautiful and expensive residences— as are both cities is the island from which the first city takes its name. It is a mile or more long and its foundation seems to be rock. The prison for rebel soldiers is on this Island. The bridge across the river is on the same principle (and much like in appearance as the Nashville, Tenn. bridge— the draw swinging on a pivot), but it is only for the R.R. and pedestrians, where as the Nashville Bridge is likewise for carriages. The remains of the old bridge are still visible where it was attached to the shore. It was just below the new one. I went ashore at Rock Island and mailed a letter to Pa.

June 10 S. We staid all night at the Eddie, called so from its being still water, the current generally, particularly at the bridge, being very swift— Reveille sounded at 3 1/2 o’clock. The horses were taken off at 5— in order to march around the "Upper Rapids." I went around by boat; Billy Pipkin rode my horse. While they were unloading the horses, I went up a couple of yards to Camp McClellan and saw Indians who did such depredations 3 years ago. The boat started about 6 A.M. We got over the rapids without difficulty. These "Upper Rapids" are not so difficult as the lower ones at Keokuk having a foot or more of water on them. It is 18 miles around them— About 9 we passed a little town called Rapids City. We arrived at LeClair where we re-embarked about 10 1/2 o’clock and were until 11 1/4 getting loaded— then crossed over to Port Byron (opposite) where we coaled. The Victory was here loading their horses, as that part of the command came around the rapids on the Illinois shore. The men of both boats were loud in their praises of the country on both sides of the river. We were at Fort Byron a couple of hours. A R.R. runs through this place. It contains about 500 inhabitants. Le Claire is a little larger; both seem to be thriving towns. Passed Clinton about 5 P.M. It has about 1,000 inhabitants, perhaps more. The river is here spanned by a beautiful R.R. bridge finer than the one at Rock Island but on the same plan, though much lower and nearly new. We passed Clinton, III. and Lyons, Iowa (Opposite) soon after as it is only a couple of miles or so above, both are flourishing towns From opposite these two last places locking the river is one of the finest views I ever saw. The railroad bridge spanning the river, the two towns opposite each other and the natural beauty of the country combine to form a landscape of the first order We passed Savannah after night and though the moon is at its full I could not distinguish objects. Weather delightful, cool and bracing.

June 11 S. Passed Belleview at 6 A.M. It has perhaps 6,000 to 8,000 inhabitants. The bank of the river is here precipitate and 15 or 20 ft. high. Just at the landing they have graded and paved it for 10 or a doz. rods. We passed the Victory tied up to the bank just above town. She, however, put out right after we passed. This morning is foggy and the weather quite cool. We arrived at Dubuque and Duluth (opposite) about 10 o’clock. Fred, Walter, Lt. Cullum and 10 or a dozen others joined us here. They have been waiting at Duluth 2 or 3 days. Dubuque, Iowa is peculiarly situated under a bluff and is a kind of crescent-shape caused by the bend in the river— the land appears to be higher at the river and slopes back toward the bluff, or more properly steep hills in the rear— the city has 5,000 or 6,000 inhabitants. A railroad ends here but I didn’t learn its

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name. Duluth (opposite) is the terminus of the Ill. Central R.R. and the last town in Ill. going North being right in the corner of the state, here after we shall have Wisconsin on our right. It has a large 4-story hotel and about 800 to 1,000 inhabitants. Guttenberg, Iowa (a flourishing town of 600 to 800 inhabitants) we passed just after sunset. Like Dubuque the banks are high and the land slopes back from the river.

June 12 M. We arrive at Laudsuig, Iowa, at 6:15 A.M., stopped ten or 15 minutes putting off a little freight; it is situated under the bluff with 200 or 300 inhabitants. At 8 A.M. we arrived and wooded?? at a little town in Wisconsin called Victory 220 miles from St. Paul. I went ashore and staid there about an hour. It has but 20 or 30 houses, the Iowa line is about a mile from here. We passed Browneville, Minn. at 12:40 P.M. It has 50 or 60 houses and is built on the side of a steep sloping bluff. The houses for the size of the town are No. 1. Its appearance is thriving. We reached La Cross, Wisconsin at 2 1/2 P.M. I went ashore and mailed a letter to Ophelia and one to Milan. La Cross is at the termination of La Cross, Milwaukee and Chicago R.R. It has from 1000 to 1500 inhabitants, is built on a large point of land with bluff 1/2 mile or so back, the buildings are good and the town apparently prosperous.

June 13 T. Last night we made only 12 miles owning to shoal water. I was reading most of the morning in the cabin, "Famous men of ancient times". We passed Wabasha at 11:45, Wauenda or Read’s Landing as it is called at 12:20, both small towns in Minn. The latter is at the foot of Lake Pekin and is the larger of the two and presents a better appearance. Chissewa River empties into the Miss. opposite here. Lake Pekin is a beautiful sheet of water, about 5 miles wide and 30 long, navigable any where for all classes of Steam Boats. The scenery is beautiful, high hills on both sides of the lake, covered with grass and trees and not much cultivated generally too steep— North Pekin, Wis. comes next, it has 50 or 60 houses (generally good) scattered along the east shore, why it is called North P. I can’t tell. Lake City comes next on the opposite or Minn. shore. It has 600 or 800 inhabitants. It is on a wide bottom, the bluffs receding a mile or so from the Lake or river. 5 miles above is a little village of a dozen or so houses and opposite it in Wis. is Maiden Rock interesting on account of the Indian legend connected with it. The story is the daughter of a chief had fallen in love with a young warrior, her father prohibiting the marriage, she is despair, threw herself over the precipice. The rock is probably 200 feet from its top to the water and of a formation peculiar to the upper Miss. The base of the bluff is earth covered with grass and small trees and very steep (more than 45 degrees) a little more than half way up, the rock shows itself and is perpendicular to the top where it is covered with grass and a thin growth of small trees. A mile or so above is Maiden City, Wis. containing 25 or 30 houses. We got through Lake Pipin about 5 P.M. I went down into the cabin and again getting interested in book noted nothing more this P.M.

June 14 W. Last night it rained quite hard. We arrive at St. Paul a little after 10 A.M. The Col. went ashore and reported to Gen. Sibley (who commands the Dict.) On his return we commenced disembarking. We arrived at Ft. Snelling, 6 miles NW of the city at about 4 P.M. The Ft. is on the Miss. at the mouth of the Minn. on a high steep bluff which is composed of earth and sand not rock, near the base the same is perfectly white and in large quantities. We are quartered in first-rate barracks, enclosed by a high board fence. There is about 8 acres in the enclosure. It is outside the fort though joining it. St. Paul is quite a thriving little city of 12,000 or 15,000 inhabitants; the buildings are generally brick or stone, very few wooden. The State House

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is on quite an elevation about 1/2 a mile back from the river and is a handsome building. The International is the largest and most fashionable Hotel— a bridge spans the river here, very peculiar in structure being an inclined plane slanting from the on the St. Paul side to the bottom on the other. At Ft. Snelling the Minn. and Miss. Rivers are both crossed by ferries. A wire rope is stretched across each and the boats hung on them. The one across the Miss. is carried across by the force of the current, while the other is pulled across by hand (the rope across the Minn. is not wire.)

June 15 T. Yesterday in coming from the landing to the Fort 5 or 6 of the citizen’s ?????. They were arrested today and turned over to the civil authorities. The city papers have exaggerated the thing very much, giving the idea that the whole Regt. were a set of thieves. I commenced a letter to 0phelia, but owing to the press of business couldn’t finish it— John R. Deaton and others received commissions today.

June 16 F. Busy in the office most of the day. Nothing important. Toward night Capts. Shellenberger, Conover and Taber and Lieuts. Kneedler, Jacobs, Bray, Deaton and I went over the Minn. River on the ferryboat. We visited Mendota about 1 1/2 miles below, found it a small town of about 100 inhabitants— Finished letter to Ophelia.

June 17 S. Busy as usual in the office, writing special orders etc. Went over to the hospital and got an iron bedstead. Heretofore I have been sleeping en the floor. Received letter from Lt. Phelps.

June 18 S. Jim Decker was killed this morning by the accidental discharge of a gun. Mounted Inspection today at 10 A.M., but on account of rain at that hour it was postponed until 3 P.M. It was then bright and beautiful. The inspection passed off well. Rec’d Orders to move camp tomorrow to the Grave about a mile N.W.— Cos. "D" and "E" at first refused to go on account of not having received pay for from 9 to 18 mos. and having been promised it, before they should be called on to move. The Col. however by a little tact and kind words soon brought them to duty.

June 19 M. Wrote to Lt. Phelps.

June 20 T. Settled in camp in Adjt. tent with an iron bedstead and very comfortable, weather cool, yes cold. Went to Minnehaha falls, (not more than 3/4 of a mile from camp). It is a most beautiful sheet of water. It falls 60 ft. perpendicular. The creek is not more than 50 or 60 yards wide and the depth of the water when it goes over the falls not more than 6 inches. The current is not swift. The rock over which it falls is very peculiar. A little more than 1/2 way down, there is a natural cavity all the way round behind the sheet of water or rather the rock slopes back regularly and gradually, when it juts forward almost squarely making a walk 10 or 12 feet wide, behind the sheet. The wall is pretty smooth and light colored. I wrote my name on it as numbers have done before me for 1st Lieut. and R.C.S.

June 21 W. Busy as usual writing most of the day, as I have been since we arrived at St. Paul. Very cold last night for June, but I believe no frost.

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June 22 T. Nothing unusual, but busy as ever. We have been expecting the paymaster all this week but have been disappointed. He is extending our Muster rolls in St. Paul.

June 23 F. Went to the Ft and drew 120 ?????? and Pins for the command, was gone until noon, issued them to the Co. Commanders in the afternoon. Wrote to Ophelia and received one from her. We received notice that the paymaster would be out tomorrow.

June 24 S. Capt. Shellenberger and 30 men went to St. Paul to escort the P.M. to camp and guard his safety. They got back about the middle of the afternoon bringing the P.M. with them. He concluded not to pay until tomorrow.

June 25 S. Maj. Tewell commenced paying the Regt. but got along very slowly, be drinks entirely too much, but is however very particular and I guess correct. At night the safe was taken to the house of entertainment at Minnehaha Falls and a guard put over it.

June 26 M. Maj. T. finished paying the Regt. today. He paid Co. C $17,000, which was more than any other Co. Sam Fleming set up his Suttler shop today. The Regt. was paid on the April rolls; I drew more as I was paid at St. Louis to May 17. Walter and Charlie drew $96.00 apiece for 6 mos. pay.

June 27 T. J. R. Deaton was mustered today, so this is my last day Act. Adjt. and I am glad of it as I like the Com. Dept. much better and the Col. proposes that I shall take immediate charge of it.

June 28 W. The Col. this morning ordered a S. 0. to be issued relieving me from duty as Act. Adjt. and detailing me as Act. Regt. Com. I turned my responsibilities in the Adjt. office to Deaton taking his receipts. I then went to work on the Cols. Ordnance returns. They are in a bad fix--much mixed up.

June 29 T. Lieut. Simon Putnam A.R. Q.M. turned over today to me the Com. stores in his possession exchanging invoices and receipts. This afternoon my horse got loose and though Charlie (my boy) has hunted for him considerably, he can’t be found.

June 30 F. At work on the Col’s ordnance papers. Received S.O. NO. 138 Head Quarters. Dist. of Minn. Detailing me as A.O.S. of the Expedition against the Indiana. Likewise received a communication from the Chief Com. requesting my presence in St. Paul. Made out and forwarded my ordnance papers as acting Adjt.--horse still at large.

July 1, 1865 S. Went to St.. Paul to see chief Com. Made arrangements to commence loading the teams on Monday— Bought a revolver (Colt’s Cal 32) for $17.50. Charlie has been unable to find the horse. This afternoon drew a black Canadian pony mare.

July 2 S. At work on Col’s Ord. papers, made out and forwarded my returns for C.C. and G. E, as act Adjt. In afternoon rode out to Lake Calhoun. It is a beautiful little lake about 3 miles along and 2 wide and about 6 miles from camp; wrote two letters, 1 to Pa and 1 to Ophelia.

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July 3 M. Went to St. Paul and 28 2 Govt. teams loaded. That is all yet furnished. It will require 10 or 12 more besides about 40 that have been hired to transport part of the rations and as they have no more oxen, the Chief Q.M. determined to take one yoke from each team, leaving 2 yoke to a wagon.

July 4 T. The command moved out this morning. After they started Lieut. Putnam and I went to St. Paul in an ambulance to attend to business. We found every thing closed and were unable to do anything. The people are all out of town celebrating the fourth in other places.

July 5 W. Stayed last night at the International, rooming with Lt. Putnam. This morning I first went out to Ft. Snelling to draw rations for the guard, left behind with the train. While I was gone, the 0.S. loaded 10 wagons. I found that I couldn’t straighten things out in St. Paul until tomorrow and as it was necessary for me to give Com. Sergeant. instructions in regard to issuing rations and in case I couldn’t get through tomorrow— we (Lt. Putnam and I) rode out to camp in a carriage, leaving the ambulance in town. Got to Camp just in time for supper and stayed all night.

July 6 T. We started for St. Paul right after breakfast, taking with us our Mustering Rolls and Special orders, detailing us, I as A.C.S. and Lt. P. as A.A.M. to see if we could get pay on them. Arrived in the city about noon having been detained at Ft. Snelling. I took my pony with me hitched behind the carriage in hopes of being able to hear something of my lost horse in which case I might need him, as I didn’t want to delay Lt. P. The first thing after dinner, I went to the Cominisarge’s office but found Capt. Davis, Chief C.S. not in, left word I would call again in an hour and went to the Merchant’s Hotel (where we put up) found Lt. Putnam and we went together to the Pay Masters’ and Maj. Terrell paid us both to June 30, '65 giving orders on the first National Bank. I received $216.17. We then started for the Com. Office, but met the Capt. in a buggy riding out, so I deferred it until morning. Wrote to Pa, Ophelia and Mrs. Baldwin.

July 7 F. Immediately after breakfast I went to the gallery and had my photograph taken ordered 1 doz. one half to be sent home and 1/2 to be sent to Ft. Ridgely; then went to Com. Office and got my Invoices and every thing fixed up. We then went to the First National Bank and rec’d our money. I bought a draft on it payable to Mr. Baldwin for $80.00 which I enclosed in a letter, went to the P.O., mailed letters to Mr. B. and Pa, then to the Ex. Co. and sent Ophelia $25.00 and after getting a pr. of shoes, Homeopathic medicine etc., we were ready to start for camp just after dinner. We were detained at Ft. Snelling by the Q.M. for an hour— We got 3 cots to sleep on during our trip, one for the Col., 1 for Lt. P. and 1 for myself. I likewise found my horse here but was unable to get him as the Q.M. claimed to have swapped him for another one for him. Arrived at 9 mile creek, Camp No. 1 and put up for the night at the stage house.

July 8 S. We started this morning after early breakfast to over take the command, which we did about noon, found them encamped waiting for the citizen train. The roads are not good and the teams move slowly. Fred, the Com. Sgt., issuing 3 day rations, got the boys to help put up the tent and went to work on my papers, got them all copied on the books and every thing fairly straightened. While at work, Charlie brought in two letters for me, one from Ophelia, 1 from Anna, both June 25, answered Anna’s and went to bed on my cot bedstead.

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July 9 S. We started this morning about 6 o’clock, passed the government train (which has been up a couple of days) about 2 miles ahead. They got an earlier start marched 12 or 15 miles and went into camp on a flat in the woods along side of the road about 3 P.M. The country we passed through this morning is beautiful and pretty thinly settled; this afternoon has been mostly timber (this is what is called the "big" woods). After we got in camp I wrote to Ophelia. The towns we passed through Chaska and Carver, both on the Minnesota River, about 5 miles apart. Our route lay up the Minn. but only occasionally were we within sight of the stream.

July 10 M. Broke camp today about 7 o’clock and moved but 5 miles when, we went into camp about 1/2 mile from a little place of about a doz. houses on the Minn. River called Faxton. The country today has been more broken and timbered but pretty well settled. Wrote to Milan and commenced making up my Q.M. returns as Act. Adjt. for May and June. Paid Jackson $10.00, Capt. Sanders $35.00 and my share towards provisions we bought for the trip, $19.40.

July 11 T. Lay in camp all day. Finished Q.M. returns for May and June and wrote letter to Capt. Nash A.Q.M. Ft. Snelling in regard to lost horse demanding receipts of him for the same. This afternoon we issued rations— 3 days— I requested the Col. in writing to wait for the citizens train, which he objected to do.

July 12 W. Broke camp at 6 a.m. Marched through Henderson (on Minn. River) a rough looking town of a couple of hundred inhabitants and camped on Gen. Sully’s old camping ground. Bert went back this morning to see about the citizen’s or Contract train, he reports them coming up slowly— weather delightful— a little beyond Henderson we strike the prairie, the country is beautiful and pretty thickly settled, the grass hoppers have literally destroyed all crops in this section of the country this year.

July 13 T. Broke camp at 6 A.M. moved 15 miles and encamped on the edge of lake about a mile long and 1/3 of a mile wide. The banks were low and marshy and we had difficulty getting water for the horses. The country continues very fine rolling prairie but with very few settlements or improvements, scarcity of water and the low ground of which there is considerable is generally surrounded on all sides by higher land which prevents water from running off. So consequently it is wetland. They are the only drawbacks I could see to the country. The land is of a rich sandy loam. About 2 miles from Henderson we passed a stockade built to protect the country from Indians. It contains 2 or 3 acres and is built of large logs set on end in the ground and close together and about 1 ft. high. I wrote to Ophelia in the evening.

July 14 F. We broke camp this morning at 5 o'clock. The train started an hour or more before marched 20 miles to within 4 miles of Ridgely. We encamped in the prairie on fine rolling ground on the bank of a creek where there was plenty of wood and water— the camp is the finest we have had since leaving Memphis. The country today has appeared much like it did yesterday with perhaps less low ground, water quite scarce. No running streams (except the one we are encamped on) nor any natural drainage to the country. Most of today we have been out of sight of houses and nearly so of timber. After getting in camp I sent the letter I wrote last night to Ophelia to Ft. Ridgely to have it mailed. We received mail from there among which were two letters for me, one from Ophelia and one from By Phelps. I likewise received photographs from St. Paul enclosed in some to Maj. Bice.

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July 15 S. Waiting for the citizen train, I issued rations for 5 days. I then went to work on the Colonel’s ordnance papers and am getting them pretty well straightened but shall have to stop as I am out of blanks.

July 16 S. Nothing important, still waiting for the train. We have had beautiful weather since leaving St. Paul.

July 17 M. Still waiting for the train— Most of it however got in today. There are still 12 wagons behind, loaded with 60 bbls of port. I took an inventory of what has already come up and find it OK.

July 18 T. The rest of the citizen train got in today all right. We shall probably move camp tomorrow, although there are still two trains loaded with ammunition still behind. We shall probably wait for them at the next camp. Wrote to Capt. Davies that I didn’t expect to be able to make out the returns as required on account of being on the march.

July 19 W. Broke camp 6 o’clock; marched 16 miles and camped on the bank of Birch Coolie (which means a ravine with a running stream of water). I stopped at Ft. Ridgely as we passed and found it a curious kind of a Fort to resist overpowering numbers as it did 3 years ago, 90 men (only 30 of them soldiers) resisted successfully for 9 days from 3,000 to 4,000 Indians without effecting much of anything. It is not a stockade but merely a collection of strong stone buildings (with walls about 2 1/2 ft thick) of good size and appearance. A small trench for riflemen is dug around the place, but you can step across the ditch and over the embankment with perfect ease. The country we passed over to Birch Coolie is beautifully rolling prairie but water is scarce and we didn’t strike a ravine until reaching the Coolie— 1 1/2 miles from where we camped. The battle of Birch Coolie was fought in Aug. or Sept. 1862 when about 160 of our men were surprised by a large party of Indians. 48 of our men were killed and 90 horses. The Indians lost very few. I issued rations for 5 days.

July 20 T. The Col. has concluded to wait for the ammunition, wrote to Ophelia, sending the letter back by Mr. Clark ( ??? contractor) to be mailed at Henderson. Received letter from Ma (the mail being sent from Ft. Ridgely).

July 21 F. No ammunition train yet. Nothing important— wrote to Ophelia and sent it to Ft. Ridgely in the Regtl. mail which was taken by an orderly (Billy Deaton). Bert went back with him in order to get a pair of boots, as the Q.M. has none to fit him.

July 22 S. Nothing important - No ammunition train yet. I issued fresh beef this afternoon— Drizzling rain from 3 to 5 P.M.

July 23 S. We heard today that the ammunition would be at Ridgely tonight. It will probably be along tomorrow. Issued rations for 4 days. Tomorrow is really "issue day" but as we shall probably be on the move then, I thought it best to issue today— Rec'd a mail from the Fort, I got a letter from Willie and answered it putting it Regt. P.O. (Adjt. Officers). Cloudy and drizzling most of the afternoon.

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July 24 M. This morning just before "General" sounded, I got permission from the Colonel to go over to Red Wood (the lower Indian agency) 14 miles distant with Capt. Sanders and several of his Company ("A") to see the country and join the command at the next camping ground. We started about 7 o’clock, passed through the battle field of Birch Cooley, the bones of the horses lie just where they were shot by the Indians and the trench that our men dug with their bayonets is still perfectly plain, likewise the spot where the dead were buried, which have since been taken up. Redwood is on the Redwood River, a small stream emptying into the Minnesota. We forded the Minnesota twice going and returning. Redwood has about a dozen or so houses beside a store, a blacksmith shop and a small mill run by waterpower at Redwood falls 300 or 400 yards from the village. The falls is an incline plane of about 15 ft. On returning we passed a battlefield between the Sioux and Cheyenne's fought in 1846. The Sioux were defeated and 1100 killed were buried in one pile on the battlefield and quite a mound raised over them, which covers perhaps nearly an acre. We saw the Land agent at Redwood and as most of the boys want to preempt land, he went out with us and 7 of them selected each 160 acres. The land is good and the country beautifully rolling— but it is too far to suit me and too far from the market. The terms are $2.00 to secure a claim and at the end of a year $12.00 more when after living on it 5 years from date of first securing the claim, the land is yours without any more cost. Cheap enough — but still dear enough if you are not satisfied to make it a home. We found the country well inhabited by mosquitoes, in fact, thicker than I ever saw them; that however is true of the whole country. We arrived at camp about 4 o’clock, had no difficulty in finding it as we are encamped only about 7 miles from Redwood and 6 from yesterday’s camp on the bank of a ravine where there is plenty of wood and water. About 5 or 6 o’clock the battery of Howitzers came up and soon after the ammunition. So from this on we will have nothing to hinder us. Reveille is to sound at 3 o’clock tomorrow morning.

July 25 T. We started this morning at 5 o’clock and marched 27 miles. The country is about as it has been since leaving the big woods at Henderson— beautiful rolling prairie with a scarcity of wood and water. We went into camp at Hacok River about 5 P.M. We crossed the little stream and camped on the bank of it. Plenty of wood and water. The train didn’t get up until dark. It has been a hot day although this morning was quite cool. Wrote to Ophelia. Rec’d a small mail. I got a letter from Willie.

July 26 W. Reveille 3 o’clock. Forward at 5 o'clock. Marched 20 miles and went into camp about 3 P.M. On the east bank of Chippewa River which is here a small running stream 2 or 3 rods wide and 2 or 3 ft. deep. The water is clear and cool; plenty of wood and the soil is richer than any I have seen in Minnesota. Rolling prairie and beautiful but no water nor timber except one river and at Black Oak Lake about 10 miles back where we saw 2 Indians sitting in an arbor made of branches of trees, the first and only Indians we have seen since leaving the settlement. They were guarding the mail route. A wagon carrying the mail passed us about 11 o’clock going to Redwood from Ft. Wadsworth.

July 27 T. We lay in camp today to rest the train. I issued fresh beef.

July 28 F. Reveille 3 o’clock. We broke camp at 5. This A.M. was quite cold. I got an overcoat last night of Q.M. there, but this A.M. it is quite comfortable. In central Illinois it would be called a cold morning in October. We marched 16 1/2 miles and camped on the Pou???? De Tern

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River, a stream about 3 rods wide and 2 to 4 ft. deep cool and perfectly clear with a firm gravelly bottom, the prettiest little river I ever saw. We got into camp about 2 P.M. and issued rations. The general appearance of the country is the same as here to fore, rich rolling prairie but little wood or water. Received mail and a letter from Ophelia.

July 29 S. Reveille at 2:30 started at 4 o’clock. Marched 19 miles and encamped on a bank of a lake. Water good and plenty of fir wood. Here we found a couple of Indians guarding the mail line. Got into camp about 2 o’clock. About 11 we passed Lake Astachoke where we also saw 4 or 5 Indians guarding the mail line. After getting into camp I wrote to Ophelia.

July 30 S. Reveille at 2:30. Forward at 4. Marched 25 1/2 miles. The Lake where we camped yesterday is Moose Island Lake. The name has been changed but the scout didn’t remember the new name. It is much larger than I at first thought extending several miles. At one time we passed between it and a smaller one. The neck we passed over is not more than 3 or 4 miles wide. Encamped tonight on the bark of a ravine with very little wood in sight of the ridge dividing Minnesota and Dakota and 40 miles from Ft. Wadsworth. Wrote to Ophelia— I issued beef and 3 days rations to Co. "H" who go to Ft. Wadsworth tomorrow.

July 31 M. Started at 6 A.M. Marched 8 miles and went into camp on the Minnesota River. Plenty of wood and water. Just below Big Stone Lake, which is its head. Lake Travaar, the source of the Red River of the North is about 1/2 mile north and Big Stone Lake S.E. a 1/2 mile. We are now in Dakota Territory. There is a high ridge dividing Dakota and Minnesota over which we pass. Just on top of the dividing ridge we passed a small Indian village of ten lodges. It was fortified by leaving a ??? wall built around it. They were friendly Sioux and numbered nearly 100. Most of the men were out fishing. Curiosity brought old women, children and a few men to the wall to look at us. We got an Indian brave as a guide. He is an odd looking fellow in full Indian costume mounted on a little pony. He wears earrings 4 inches in diameter. He is armed with a carbine and Bow and arrows and wears one feather in his cap, which signifies that he has killed one person in battle. About 100 yards below camp is an Indian burial place. They bury their dead in ??? putting tiny sticks across from one limb to another, laying the bodies on the sticks. In this there were the skeletons of 4 bodies with their relics, robes, moccasins, etc — Issued rations for 5 days.

Aug. 1, 1865 T. Started today at 6 o’clock, marched 17 miles and into camp on the prairie, near a little lake, good water, but no wood. It rained all morning but P M. is clear. The scouts killed a buffalo calf about 6 mos. old. It is the first sign of them we have seen and the first one I ever saw. They gave our mess a portion of it and by splitting up a cracker box for fuel, we cooked some of it for supper. It was excellent. After getting into camp, I went to work on monthly returns for July.

Aug. 2 W. Started at 5 o'clock, marched 18 miles and went into camp at 3 P.M. on the bank of Skunck Lake, a beautiful little sheet of water 1 1/2 miles long by 1 mile wide, plenty of wood and water, had some more of the Buffalo calf dinner. We found on the lake bank a species of whortleberry or Blueberry quite abundant and excellent. The country today has been more rolling than usual, a perfect succession of little mounds in every direction with numerous little lakes but no timber. We have been marching today parallel with the "Coteau De Missouri" or headlands of

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the Missouri— It is the dividing ridge— it is not the one we passed over on Monday, but another— Issued beef— Co. "H" returned from Ft. Wadsworth today about 5 o’clock. Wrote to Ophelia.

Aug. 3 T. Reveille at 3:30. Started at 5. Marched 19 miles and encamped on Island Lake, a small lake about 1/2 mile each way and very shallow. There is a small island in the middle of it covered with willows, water lily and no wood.

Aug. 4 F. Marched but 10 miles and encamped on west bank of Sheyenne River, a very good camp, plenty of good clear water and enough wood on the other side of the stream which we get across without difficulty as the water is but 2 ft deep. It is however a running stream and when the water is high is probably deep as the banks are 10 or 12 ft. high— gravelly bottom— but few fish except an abundance of very small ones. Gen. Sibley’s camp (2 years ago) is about 2 miles above us. Today we passed quite a number of beautiful little lakes, at one of which we halted to graze and the boys caught a large number of excellent pickerel of large size.

Aug. 5 S. The Col. concluded to lay over 2 days for the mail. Issued rations for 5 days and an extra ration of beef. I had a toothache all afternoon; weather pleasant.

Aug. 6 S. Still on the Sheyenne waiting for mail. I wrote to Ophelia and grandma. Warm day.

Aug. 7 M. Reveille at 3:30. General 4:40— Boots and saddles 4:45. Forward 5 o’clock. Marched 15 miles and encamped again on Sheyenne River, not as good a camp as yesterday on account of inconvenience of wood and water. There is plenty of both, but the banks are quite high hills and we are camped on the ridge above, so we have to carry water 200 or 300 yards. We received mail today. I received a letter from Ophelia (July 20) and one from Grandma and Em of same date, in same envelope. As this is the last opportunity to send letters back, I wrote short ones to Ophelia and Emma. A beautiful day.

Aug. 8 T. Marched at 5 o’clock and encamped 11 1/2 miles distant on the bank of a lake that some of the officers christened Lake Bice. The water is pretty good no timber. Hard rain most of the night.

Aug. 9 W. Broke camp 5 A.M. Marched 9 1/2 miles and encamped on the west side of a very deep Coolie. It is nearly a quarter of a mile wide. Good water but no wood and its 300 or 400, yards from water on account of camping on the ridge above. The country today is prairie but inclined to be hilly, every few miles is a shallow lake but no timber. Today we saw our first antelope.

Aug. 10 T. Reveille 3:30 o’clock. Forward 5. Marched 17 miles and encamped on the west side of the Sheyenne River but nearly 1/2 mile from it as we are on top of the high ridge that borders the stream. The first alkali soil, several hills near camp are perfectly destitute of vegetation (except a kind of wild sage) and seems to have alkali as a very prominent ingredient. The country passed over today has been much like yesterday, but less water and no timber, until we struck the river. Issued rations for 5 days.

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Aug. 11 F. Moved at 5 A.M. Marched but 14 miles, which is 3 or 4 less than we intended caused by a sad and unnecessary accident. On arriving at the lake the Colonel concluded to wait for the train to come up. Three of the boys (Jon Hill, Billy Ray and Johnson of Co. G) concluded to go into the Lake swimming and try to drive a lot of wild geese that were in the middle of it toward shore. The wind was blowing pretty strong and the lake is about half a mile across. The boys went in on our side intending to swim across, which two of them succeeded in doing but Johnson, after getting about 1/3 of the way across seemed to conclude that he couldn’t make it and turned to go back and sank before reaching the shore. His body was found an hour or so after by one of the citizens teamsters. He was buried at sunset. He is the first man we have lost (except by desertion) since leaving St. Paul. The mail will be sent back tomorrow morning. So I wrote to Ophelia this evening.

Aug.12 S. Reveille at 3:30. Forward at 5. Marched 21 3/4 miles— Went into camp in the bottom of Sheyenne River. Today is the first alkali water we have seen. We have seen water heretofore they called alkali, but it was too slight to perceive it. The water today (with one exception) would not quench thirst but aggravated it. The river water, however, is good and tonight we have plenty of timber. We encamped in the bottom, 200 or 300 yards from the river.

Aug. 13 S. Forward at 6 o’clock. Marched about 10 miles and encamped again on the Sheyenne River. Today we have seen our first elk, a herd of 20 or 30 ran from the front of the column toward the rear. 12 of them were killed. One of them ran, or rather walked, through the column and at least 50 shots were fired at

it. It's a wonder no one was killed for many of them in excitement and toward the men. After getting into camp Dave W? went out and afoot and killed a very large one in the river bottom. Its horns were over 4 ft. long and weighed 18 pounds apiece. The Elk weighed 700 lbs net and its meat is excellent. We are encamped today on the river bottom, high ridges on all sides, excellent water and plenty of wood. Two of the Indian scouts went out this morning and have not yet returned. The Colonel sent out a detail of about 100 men in search of them. They were last seen near Lake Jessie (named by Fremont after his wife), which lies 5 miles north. The detail returned about 3 P.M. having seen nothing of them. Marcio’s Mount is about 3 or 4 miles from here; it is only a high hill and bears the came of a French man who was lost there for 14 days, but was finally found on the hill by his companions who were seeking him. Every time he left the mount, he traveled in a circle supposing he was going straight until he brought up at the mount again and so for 14 days.

Aug. 14 M. Reveille at 3; forward at 4:30. Marched 9 1/2 miles and encamped in Devil's Cooley. Plenty of wood and the best water we have had, cool and clear. 8 miles from Devil’s Lake.

Aug. 15 T. Reveille 3 o’clock; forward 4 o’clock. Marched 14 miles and encamped on the shore of Devil’s Lake about 200 yards from the water’s edge. The country is rolling, in fact, inclined to be hilly. The lake is skirted with a belt of timber 15 or 20 rods wide. The water of the lake is saltish, there is, however, a little lake of fresh water adjoining, near which we camped. It is, however, of inferior quality. So we have dug wells about 3 ft deep and get good water. The grass is poor, the soil not first rate, too much sand and inclined to be stony. The missing scouts came in today. They found a camp of half-breeds and spent the night with them. After getting into camp,

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Maj. Kirkbride with 100 men was sent on a scout up the lake. They went about 10 miles 4 returned, having seen nothing. Issued rations for 5 days.

Aug. 16 W. In camp. Major Kirkbride with 100 men went on a scout with 3 day's rations. Ten lodges of half-breeds arrived in our vicinity today and encamped about 1/3 of a mile from us at the head of an alkali lake, N.E. of us.

Aug. 17 T. Still in camp. The half-breeds are trading considerably with the boys in the way of moccasins, etc. I visited their camp this P.M. with several other officers. I was much interested. I took Ernest along as an interpreter as they speak French and Ernest is a French boy.

Aug. 18 F. Still in camp. The scouting party returned today. They went but 30 miles. They returned sooner than they expected because of finding a board, written on by some of Gen. Sully’s command stating that they arrived at Devil's Lake July 26. They brought the board back with them. Today two of Co. A were out on the lake on a raft fishing when the wind rose and as they had nothing but a role to manage the raft with, it drove them into deep water and they drifted out to sea. When last seen, they were 8 or 10 miles from shore. They have not returned and considerable anxiety is felt for their safety. Three or four parties have been sent around the lake to render assistance, if possible, but most of them have returned having seen nothing of them. This evening the Aurora Borealis was the finest I ever saw. The whole northern heavens were on fire. A bright belt of light 10 or 15 degrees wide spanning the heavens like an immense rainbow, its upper edge at the zenith and its lower edge some 60 degrees from the North Pole.

Aug. 19 S. Moved camp today about 8 miles to the Sheyenne River because of the scarcity of grass. We are now on the ridge north of the river 300 or 400 yards from the stream, plenty of wood and excellent water from springs within 50 yards of Head Quarters. We shall stay here several days. Just after starting the two boys who were lost yesterday on a raft, came into camp. Their raft came to pieces they each paddled ashore on a log about 10 o’clock at night. They walked until 3 A.M. and got into camp about sunrise. They had enough fishing on Devil's Lake.

Aug. 20 S. Issued rations for 10 days.

Aug. 21 M. A scout of 214 men under Major Kirkbride with one section of the battery went out this morning at 5 o’clock with eleven days ration. They expect to go to Fort Brothold 125 miles distant on the Missouri River and return. Wrote to Ophelia and sent it by them.

Aug. 22 T. Nothing important. Issued beef. Not feeling very well. Have something like a headache that lasted all day, caused, I think, by sleeping cold at night.

Aug. 23 W. Nothing unusual. Well as ever. Issued beef again today.

Aug. 24 T. Nothing unusual. At work on Commissary returns for July.

Aug. 25 F. At work on Com. Returns for July. Took an Inventory of Com. stores in train. Prairie on fire, caught at one of the picket posts and at one time it seemed as though it would run

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through the camp. However the wind changed and turned it eastward. The wind has been very high all afternoon blowing tents down.

Aug. 26 S. Finished Commissary Returns for July. Eath Brown was brought into camp by 2 of Co. "G" (Cal Brown and Jim Perryman), who were out hunting with him. They went out yesterday and came across a drove of Buffalos. They shot and killed 2 of them. Eath pursued a couple and on getting up to one of them, dismounted to shoot, when the bull turned on him, and before he could remount, struck him with his horn and tossed him, inflicting a terrible wound. The bull then left him. He was 4 miles from his companions and 15 from camp. He was also on foot, his horse having been frightened got loose when the bull charged. This occurred yesterday. They were unable to reach camp yesterday and had to pass the night on the prairie. It was pretty cold. Eath is badly hurt and chances are against his recovery.

Aug. 27 S. Hard rain last night. Nothing important.

Aug. 28 M. Moved camp on account of scarcity of grass. Reveille 4 A.M. Forward at 6 moved about 5 miles S. E. and encamped near the Sheyenne on the ridge parallel with the stream and about 1/4 of a mile from it. Plenty of wood, grass and excellent water.

Aug. 29 T. Very windy day. Eugene Smith (bugler of Co. "A") went out hunting with 3 others and got strayed from them and after hunting for him for an hour, they came into camp without him.

Aug. 30 W. A party from Co. A went out this morning to seek Smith, found him coming toward camp, very nearly exhausted having had no water since yesterday morning. He left the grove where he parted from his companions to shoot some prairie chickens which he saw at a little distance, and before he could return 11 Buffalo came insight and getting between him and the grove came toward him in a threatening attitude. He was without his horse having gone out on foot and alone on the prairie without even a tree to climb; he had no alternative but to retreat, which he did for 8 miles, until night, they following him all the way. At night the Buffaloes lay down at the foot of a high mound, on which he watched until morning when they were gone and he returned to camp. They didn't offer to attack him but followed him apparently from curiosity. Issued beef.

Aug. 31 T. Issued rations for 5 days.

Sept. 1, 1865 F. Issued beef. Nothing important.

Sept. 2 S. Tonight the Colonel ordered Capt. Jones of the Battery to send up some signal Rockets as a guide to Major Kirkbride in case he be near. They should have been back three days ago and the command, particularly the Colonel, is feeling quite anxious.

Sept. 3 S. A terribly windy day. We sent up rockets again tonight as signals to Major Kirkbride.

Sept. 4 M. Capt. Connor with 20 or 30 men went out this morning to find, if possible, something about the scout. They met the Indian scouts 10 or 12 miles from camp. The Major and his

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command being some miles behind them. They got in about dark, having marched today 35 miles. They report Fort Berthold 175 miles distant. The country is much the same as that we have passed over, but they had much more alkali water. They drew 5 days rations at the Fort.

Sept. 5 T. Issued 5 days rations. Tomorrow we move as soon as Maj. K’s horses are sufficiently rested.

Sept. 6 W. Reveille at 3:30; Forward 5:30; Marched 3 1/2 miles and encamped at our old camp on Devil’s Cooley. Head Quarters tents stand just where they did on Aug. 1st. Wrote to Ophelia. Major Brown and his four Indian scouts start for Fort Wadsworth tomorrow, taking the mail. We shall move on as fast as it will do for the horses to travel.

Sept. 7 T. Reveille at 3:30; Forward at 5 o’clock. Marched 15 miles and encamped at the Big bend in the Sheyenne on the bottom, but Head Quarters is nearly 1/2 mile from the river. Five of the Regt. got after a buffalo while we were on the march and after chasing it about 5 miles, killed it within a short distance of where we went into camp. Toward night appearance of rain— windy. Issued beef.

Sept. 8 F. Reveille at 3:30. Forward at 5. Marched 24 1/2 miles and encamped on Goose Island Branch, Goose River is about 5 miles distant. We marched about 2 hours today parallel with the river, though about 10 miles off, good water but no wood. We brought it, however, from last night’s camp.

Sept. 9 S. Reveille at 3:30. Forward at 5. Marched 14 1/2 miles and went into camp about 11 o’clock on the bank of a small stream with plenty of wood and good water. The banks of the creek are almost bluffs, not so steep, however, but what a man can get up and down, except in one place, about 200 yards below Head Quarters where it is about 100 ft. perpendicular caused by water washing it and caving in. The Colonel, Maj. Bice, Walter Putnam and a dozen others went hunting after getting into camp. They shot an elk but didn’t get it. Rain just after night for about 1/2 hour. Capt. Fred Russel requested the use of a part of my office to make out Muster Rolls. So Bert R. and Joe Southwick went to work on them this afternoon.

Sept. 10 S. We lay over today to rest. Issued rations for 5 days. One the windiest days I ever saw. It blew down almost all of the tents, the Col’s, the Hospital, Quarter Master’s, my own, and most of the Co. Commander's. Mine didn’t really blow down, but it commenced tearing so we took it down. The Col. was out hunting again and returned to find himself without a house, the orderlies rigged up his fly for him to pass the night under and we did likewise with mine.

Sept. 11 M. Reveille 3 o’clock. Forward 5. Marched 22 miles over first rate country, level prairie, excellent land, splendid grass, but no wood and little water. We went into camp about 2 o’clock on the bank of Elbow River (what I should call a dry creek); the water stands in little pools, but is pretty good. Luth Young Saddler Sgt. mended the torn tents and we got them up again as good as ever. Issued beef. Aurora Borealis tonight very fine. Lew Beckman and Larry Wells both of Co. "F" strayed from the command today and have not come into camp yet (9 P.M.). We sent up a couple of rockets to direct them to camp.

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Sept. 12 T. Reveille 3:30. Forward 5. Marched 21 miles over rich level prairie and went into camp about 2 o’clock on the west side of Red River of the North, opposite Georgetown. Red River is a narrow, crooked but deep stream about a dozen rods or less wide, though Bertineau (our chief guide) says he has seen it in high water, 15 miles wide at this point and 10 ft. deep where our tents stand.

Sept. 13 W. Reveille at 5. Forward at 7 o’clock. The train commenced crossing the ferry at 5 o’clock and by 10 we were all across. Regiment, Battery and all. The ferryboat is just large enough to carry two wagons. It is hung on a rope, has no railing on it and is pulled across by hand. A steamboat (the International) is lying just below the ferry. Georgetown is a little village of a dozen houses, all log except one, which is frame. It is good land and good country, level but liable to over flow in the spring from the river. After leaving Georgetown, we marched 13 miles and went into camp at 2 P.M. on the bank of the Red River. The doctor, Fred, and Bert Russel took Eath Brown and 2 or 3 other invalids and started ahead of the command for Fort Abercrombie in order to get Eath to St. Paul as soon as possible. He is not much if any better. Issued beef.

Sept. 14 T. Reveille at 3:30. Forward at 5. Marched 23 miles and went into camp at 2 P.M. on the bank of Red River a very warm day and dusty, though the morning was cool. Our camp tonight is in the prairie just on the bank of the river, which is miry, which they say is characteristic of the river. Its being miry makes it difficult to water the horses. Country today is rich level prairie.

Sept. 15 F. Reveille 3:30. Forward at 5 o’clock. Marched 15 miles; reached Fort Abercrombie, 1 1/2 miles above on Red River. Fort A. is a frontier and quite a pretty place with a sociable and jolly set of officers. The buildings are of log principally, though several are frame. A log stockade encloses the place and contains 8 or 10 acres. It is garrisoned by parts of 3 companies (Hatch’s battalion) about 200 soldiers. It is in Dakota, being on the west side of the river. After getting into camp we issued 5 days rations. I then went to the Fort and after returning made out an estimate of the amount of rations to last us St. Paul. Wrote to Ophelia and Ma.

Sept. 16 S. Went to the Fort and drew rations lengthen ours out to reach St. Paul.

Sept. 17 S. The officers of our Expedition were all invited to the Ft. today to a Champagne dinner, but I thought I could spend the day more profitably at home, so I stayed in camp and worked on my returns. In the evening officers of the Fort came up to our camp and had a gay old time, they brought us their brass band and Capt. Jones of the Battery sent up 2 or 3 rockets in their honor. They left about 8 o’clock some of them pretty "tight."

Sept. l8 M. Reveille, 3:30. Forward at 5. Marched 15 miles and went into camp about 10 o’clock on the bank of Ottertail River. After dinner 3 or 4 of the officers were going back to the Fort to a dance (all of the officers were invited) and the insisted on my going with them. So I went. We started at 1 P.M. in Sam Fleming's spring wagon with 4 horses. We arrived there at 5 o’clock, danced until 2 A.M. then went to bed and slept until morning. We had a grand time and a No. 1 supper or lunch (as they called it). The officers of the Fort are a fine and gentlemanly set and

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with their families make a gay and delightful place. I wouldn't mind being stationed at such a post.

Sept. 19 T. I got up this A.M. at 8 o’clock and had a good breakfast at Capt. Ross's quarters where we (Lieut. Daniels of the Battery, 3rd Minn. and I) slept. We started to join the command at 10 o’clock and overtook them in camp on the other side of Ottertail River, 9 1/2 miles from where we left them yesterday. Ottertail River is a stream nearly if not as large as Red River, but not nearly as deep. (It is fordable). There is little or no timber on its banks. We had no wood, either yesterday or today, except what we brought with us in the wagons. The country from here to Fort A. is very level and rich prairie, but no houses except right at camp where there is a mail station and a couple of houses; it is called "Old Country."

Sept. 20 W. Reveille 3:30. Forward at 5. Marched 19 1/2 miles and went into camp about 12:30 on Elbow Lake, named from its shape. We have plenty of wood, but poor water. The country today was more rolling and very fine but no timber. We passed Lightning Lake (about a mile long) and several smaller ones. Elbow Lake is long, narrow and of irregular shape. The water is clear, but smells bad. Issued 5 days rations.

Sept. 21 T. Reveille 3:30. Forward at 5. March 28 1/2 miles (the longest day's march we have yet made). We crossed Pouceue De Tarre River, which is considerably smaller than where we crossed it going out. In fact, here it is a mere brook, about a rod wide. We passed likewise I would say 15 or 20 other lakes, little and big. We had a very hard shower while on the march. It rained for over an hour. However, I kept perfectly dry. We are encamped on a lake over a mile long. Head Quarters is nearly 1/2 mile back. Wood plenty and water good. We got into camp at 5 P.M.

Sept. 22 F. Reveille at 5 o’clock. Forward at 7. Rained from 5 until 7. Marched 11 miles and went into camp on the bank of a beautiful lake, nearly round and about a mile across with timber on 3 sides of it. The water is soft and excellent. The soil can’t be beat and the country is beautiful. It is the first and only place I have seen where I should like to settle. About a mile north of camp is a much larger lake, some 5 miles long. It is called Reno Lake. Between the lakes a town has been laid out and named Reno, but it never existed except on paper. The land, they say, is all taken up by speculators. There are several families living near in the timber, but most of them fled at our approach, supposing no doubt that we were Indians. Issued beef.

Sept. 23 S. Reveille at 4 o’clock. Forward at 6. Marched 14 1/2 miles and went into camp between 2 small lakes. There we saw the ruins of a house probably burnt by Indians. This morning we had a very severe storm of wind, rain and some hail. It took all hands to the poles to keep the tents from blowing over. Issued beef.

Sept. 24 S. Reveille at 4 o’clock. Forward at 6. Marched 17 miles, the last half over miserable marsh, not a regular swamp but full of sloughs and wet places that were hard for even horsemen to get through. The regimental teams (mules) had to be hauled through several places by hand (50 men on the end of a rope). The ox train came through very well. We camped today within about a mile of "Old Sauk Center" which is the beginning of the settlements. It used to be a military post. "Sauk Center" proper is about 7 miles east of us. We had no wood tonight but good

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water. Lake George, quite a good-sized lake, is within 1/2 mile of us. There is timber on the other side of the lake but none on this side. Issued beef.

Sept. 25 M. Reveille 6. Forward 8. Marched 11 miles and camped at 1 o'clock on beautiful high land near the Sauk River, a stream about 25 yards wide. We passed today through beautiful country, but there is too much low wet ground. The roads are miserable. We are not in the settlements. The farms however are scattering, though we have not been out of sight of houses today. Issued rations for 5 days.

Sept. 26 T. Reveille 4. Forward 5:30 o’clock. Marched about 18 miles. The Road ??? on the Battery got out of order today. We passed through Richmond and Cold Springs, both on the Sauk River and about 5 miles apart. Richmond is an insignificant village of 1/2 dozen or so houses and a bridge without a railing crosses the river here, which is quite a stream. Cold Spring is quite a little town of 20 or 30 houses and is destined to be quite a little place on account of the water privilege. There is fall enough in the river to run several large factories. We saw the remains of an old saw mill and dam through and over which the water ran with great velocity. There is a bridge without a railing just below the dam. We stopped nearly an hour just outside, of Cold Springs for the train to come up and them went on 3 miles to camp on Sauk River near and in an old farm.

Sept. 27 W. Reveille at 4 A.M. Forward at 5:30. Marched about 14 miles through a rather thickly settled country. Reached St. Cloud about 11 o’clock. I stayed in the city 1/2 an hour or so and got a bbl. of flour for the officers of the Regt. as some of that I got at Ft. Abercrombie was spoiled. We learned here that we were to be mustered out at St. Paul. It put every one in fine spirits. St. Cloud is a thriving little place of 1500 or 2000 inhabitants situated on the west bank of the Mississippi. The country around is good with plenty of timber. The river is crossed by 2 ferries, both run by the current on the principle of that at Ft. Snelling. Our train crossed at the upper and the Regt. at the lower ferry. They are about 1/2 a mile apart. The River is, I should think, twice as wide as Ft. Snelling and the current swifter. We camped about 2 1/2 miles below the city in the woods.

Sept. 28 T. Reveille 4:30. Forward 6 o’clock. Marched 24 miles through a rolling prairie with plenty of timber, country thinly settled but the land is good and probably held by speculators. We camped on the bank of a beautiful little lake about 1/2 mile across and nearly round. We are within 2 and 1/2 miles of Montecello, a small town south of us. After getting into camp the Com. Sgt. and I went to a farmhouse about 1/2 a mile from camp to get butter. We found a very interesting and intelligent family from Mass. by the name of Putnam. Just about sunset we had a very hard storm of wind and rain. A great deal of water fell, enough to flood the road 2 or 3 inches deep.

Sept. 29 F. Reveille at 5. Forward at 9. Marched 14 and 1/2 miles and went into camp about 2 P.M. on the bank of the Mississippi. We passed through Crous, a village of about a dozen houses on the Elk River, which is here bridged and dammed with 2 mills (flour and saw Mills). A road also crosses the river on the dam and as the bridge was weak, we crossed on the dam. The St. Paul and Pacific R.R. is finished to within about a mile of this place. We passed Dayton, a place of about 100 houses on the other side of the Mississippi and at the mouth of the Croeo River.

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Itasca is a little place on the R.R. of a dozen houses. We followed the R.R. all day. It is graded but not finished beyond Orono. We are now encamped within sight of it. Two trains have passed since we came into camp. It looks quite natural. The Colonel has concluded to march into Ft. Snelling tomorrow, leaving the train to come more leisurely. It is 28 or 30 miles. So we issued rations for two days. We likewise issued beef.

Sept. 30 S. Reveille 3:30 o’clock. Forward at 5. Marched 30 and 1/4 miles, arrived about half way between our old camp and Ft. Snelling at 3 P.M. at Anoka (a town of 600 or 800 inhabitants). We crossed Rum River, which is quite a little stream, probably over 100 yards wide, spanned by a substantial bridge. We crossed the Mississippi at St. Anthony on the upper bridge, which is wooden. The lower bridge (both about the falls) is a wire suspension. St. Anthony is a pleasant place of 4000 or 5000 inhabitants, but Minneapolis (opposite) is double in size and far surpasses it in enterprise and appearance. It is the most thriving place I think I ever saw. I noticed, I should think, 200 houses going up, mostly frame and small in size, indeed most of the houses are of that character. Minneapolis is noted for its sawmills and factories and has perhaps the finest waterpower in the world. I caught but a glimpse of St. Anthony’s Falls and if I have time shall visit the place again, see the Falls, go through the mills, etc. The Minn. State Fair was held here this year and broke up yesterday, having been held but 3 days. Horace Greeley was present and delivered a lecture on Agriculture. He left for New York yesterday.

Oct. 1, 1865 S. Nothing important— I wrote this morning a card to be signed by the officers and to be published in the St. Paul Pioneer acknowledging the reception we received at Fort Abercrombie from the Com. Officers of Hatche’s Independent Battalion. I then made out for the Colonel a report of the Expedition— then wrote to Ophelia and received a letter from her of Sept. 3rd and an old one from Pa of March 13.

Oct. 2 M. Went to St. Paul with Lieut. Putnam in regard to turning over my Com. Stores. Received instructions to turn them over the Capt. C. S. at Ft. Snelling, he having been transferred there from St. Paul. I also got a tooth drawn that bad been troubling me off and on ever since we started for Devil’s Lake.

Oct. 3 T. I turned over my Com. Stores to Capt. Devies, Com. of Subsistence at Ft. Snelling. Received 2 letters from Ophelia, dated Sept. 17 and 24 and an old one from Grandma dated at Perryburg, Ohio, Jan 27, 1865.

Oct. 4 W. Drew rations from the Ft. for 5 days. Went to a house about 1/2 mile from camp and engaged a room in which to write and work on my accounts and papers. Posted Officers spcs. and made out their bills.

Oct. 5 T. At work all day making out returns of commissary stores. Wrote to Ophelia.

Oct. 6 F. At work all day at my returns.

Oct. 7 S. At work all day at my returns. Drew rations from F.C. for 6 days.

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Oct. 8 S. At work all day on my returns. Applied for a Board of Survey to account for my losses. This P.M. and evening I wrote out all the papers for the Board containing the evidence of loss, etc.

Oct. 9 M. At work on my returns until 2 P.M. when the Board of Survey met. The Board is composed of Capt. McLeau and Lieuts. Pratt and Jacobs. Not being able to finish this P.M., they adjourned until tomorrow at 7 A.M.

Oct. 10 T. Board met pursuant to adjournment and relieved me of all responsibility for losses. This afternoon at 2:30 o’clock Capt. Bingham, Mustering officer, commenced mustering out the Regt. He finished about 5 o’clock. The Companies were first formed on the Co. parade ground, then marched to a place where there was room to align the whole Regt. After getting into line they were wheeled by companies and then mustered out. The mustering officer, beginning at one end and going through each company. So, we are finally out of Uncle Sam’s service. The men, however, don’t receive their discharges until we receive pay at Springfield, whither we will probably start tomorrow.

Oct. 11 W. This morning at 10 o’clock we commenced embarking on the steamboat, Monica McSellan, bound for La Cross, Wis. where we are to take the La Cross, Milwaukee and Chicago R.R. for Chicago thence to Springfield by the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis R.R. The first thing this morning I sent my Commissary property to the Fort and turned it over to Capt. Davies C.S. and I likewise turned over my Govt. Funds to him ($380.83). The boat started at 12 o’clock (noon). We arrived at La Cross next morning at 5.

Oct. 12 T. Took the cars for Milwaukee and Chicago immediately and by 8 A.M. we were off. The baggage in 4 freight cars and the Regt. in 12 coaches. It is the first time the Regt. ever rode in passenger cars. The country passed through today was broken and covered with pine trees, until a few miles before getting to Portage City. The country from there on is first rate. Portage City is on the Wisconsin River, a beautiful little place of about 2000 inhabitants. The ladies of the place, having received notice of our coming, treated the Reg’t to an excellent and substantial lunch (coffee, meat, bread, butter and cakes) and the R.R. Co. gave the officers a most excellent supper. The whole affair was most unlooked for and most gratifying to us all. An excellent and substantial bridge spanned the river (Wisconsin) at this point (R. R. above, carriage below). We arrived in Milwaukee about 9 o’clock (too dark to see anything). We went through to Chicago without changing cars where we arrived at 5 next morning.

Oct. 13 F. At Chicago we changed cars for the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis R.R. and considerable time was lost as no one was on hand to receive us and nobody could be found around the depot. We got away about 10 o’clock and were again put in coaches. While we were waiting, I, with Dr. Davis, rambled about the city, went to the "City Hotel" and got breakfast, then went to the "Soldier’s Rest" to get cooked rations for the command, but found that institution broken up. I was much pleased with Chicago. It is a big bustling, enterprising city. The Chicago River, however, is in one respect quite a nuisance as it passes right through the city and its draw bridges, which are at all the streets, are almost constantly open to allow the many steamers, Briggs, sloops and vessels of all kinds that are being towed back and forth by tugs to pass through. We left Chicago about 10 o’clock and at Springfield about 10 P.M. The officers

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got a lunch at Bloomington by paying for it. They had no notice at Springfield nor along the route of our comings. Lockport on the canal is that first place of importance we passed through. It is a. thriving place. Joliet comes next. It is not as compact as I expected to see. It is a kind of struggling town. The State penitentiary is a beautiful stone building on the R.R. about 1/4 of a mile from the town. Normal, near Bloomington, will be a handsome place. The State Normal School is a large, handsome and substantial building but not so much as I expected to see. It stands about 1/4 of a mile from the R.R. It was dusk when we got to Bloomington, so we couldn’t see much of the town. It lies principally on the Central R.R., which crosses the A.A. and St. L. at Normal, only 2 miles from Bloomington. We stayed in the cars at Springfield until next morning.

Oct. 14 S. I went to Camp Butler this morning on the 10 o’clock train. We were unloaded at Springfield, baggage and all and the Reg’t marched to the camp, starting about 9 A.M. We drew tents of the Q.M. and camped on the banks of the Sangamon, just below Camp Butler. As our baggage, desks etc is still in town, I could do nothing on my returns. I drew rations for the command of the camp Butler Co. Sub. for 3 days. Wrote to Ophelia.

Oct. 15 S. Our traps were gotten out a little after noon and I went to work with Fred Clausevitz on my papers. Mr. Emory called to see us this morning.

Oct. 16 M. Almost finished my returns.

Oct. 21 S. Left Springfield on the Great Western R.R. for Decatur at 9:30 A.M. Reached there about noon. Had to wait until 6 for the train for the north, reached Pana about 9 o’clock and Rosemond at 10. Got home at 11 P.M. (walked from the depot).

Oct. 22 S. Went to church in the forenoon.

Oct. 23 M. This P.M. we (Ophelia, the children and I) went down to Teluviva, found Pa and Ma rather slim just recovering from chills, the rest were well except Eddie who- fell from ??? on 13th inst and broke his arm and dislocated his shoulder. It is however getting along first rate.

Oct. 24 T. Spent the day visiting. It is Pa’s 66th birthday.

Oct. 25 W. Went up to Father Putnam’s with Ophelia and Anna in order to get my paper (returns) and prepare them for forwarding to Washington.

Oct. 26 T. At work at my returns until noon when I was stopped by the toothache. Willie went to Pana. Ophelia, Anna and Emma went to in the buggy to Bell's Grove for hickory nuts.

Oct. 27 F. Willie went to Rosemond and brought back my camp desk that I repossessed from Camp Butler. I finished my returns getting them all ready to mail.

Oct. 28 S. Quite a cold disagreeable morning. Left Teluviva this morning to return to Father Putnam’s. Stopped at the P.O. and mailed my returns. Stopped at Seward's and saw him about land.

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Oct. 29 S. Ophelia and I both stayed home from church with the children.

Oct. 30 M. Father Putnam is running the evaporator, making sorghum for Evans and others. This forenoon I assisted in running the machine. In the P.M. Ophelia and I went to Pana, bought a trunk, $6.00, 11 yards, DeLaine for Ophelia, $4.40, shoes for Dwight $0.90, Bottle head ache medicine, $1.25, 1 dozen knives and forks, $5.00 (a present for Mother Putnam). Walter sent up by us for a bbl. flour $10.00, 12 1/2 lbs sugar $2.50/40, 6 1/4 lbs coffee $2.50/40.

Oct. 31 T. I worked on the evaporator in the A.M. and in the P.M. went with Walter for a load of wood. Mother and Ophelia with Kate and Dwight rode as far as Mr. Seward's where they spent the afternoon and evening. Walter and I coming for them in the evening.

Nov. 1, 1865 W. Worked on the evaporator until noon. Ophelia, Walter and I went to the woods in the P.M. nutting. We took the buggy and ran against a stump and broke the reach square in two. I went down to see Mr. Ewing about the price of land in the grove. He offered 300 south of Phillkills and including Milan’s old 10 acres for $25.00 an acre.

Nov. 2 T. I worked all day on the evaporator. Jimmy went to Ramsey for a load of wood.

Nov. 3 F. I fell down stairs this A.M. with Dwight in my arms, but broke the fall by clinging to the railing. It didn’t hurt Dwight at all, nor me, except skinning the little finger of the right hand badly when I held to the post, so much so that I can use the hand but little. This afternoon Father, Ophelia, May, Bertie and I went to the Grove. Father for a load of wood, Ophelia, May and Bertie for hickory nuts of which there are a great plenty and I to see Mr. Ewing. I failed however to see him as he was not at home, but I left word that I would call again tomorrow at 9.

Nov. 4 S. Father went to the Grove for another load of wood. I rode down with him and then walked over to Mr. Ewing’s, found him at home and bought the 30 acres of woodland, south of Phillkill’s and including Milan’s old wood lot at $25.00 an acre. I am to pay $700.00 down and give my note $50.00 payable a year from date and Dale (the owner) is to give me a warrantee on the payment of the $700.00. Father Putnam had previously agreed to sell me his 10 acres joining at $20.00 an acre $100.00 down and the balance in 1, 2, and 3 years at 10% interest. So I closed that, paying him $100.00 down. So I have a square 40 the S.E. 1/4 of Sec. 24 11N 1W.

Nov. 5 S. I stayed home from church today.

Nov. 6 M. This morning I cleaned Father’s clock and put it up in a new place. This P.M. Jimmy went to the woods and I went down with him taking along a bbl. of molasses (40 gal.), which I shipped for Milan to W.F. McDowell, St. Louis, Mo.

Nov. 7 T. Ophelia’s birthday and the 4th anniversary of our marriage. We (Ophelia, Kate, Dwight and I) started for Father Read’s via J.L. Marvin’s where we took dinner. We went by way of the depot and as it was Election Day for County officers, I stopped and voted. We reached Teluviva just after sun down and found all well. Before starting I fixed up the buggy temporarily to do, to come down with and while here propose to make a new reach.

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Nov. 8 W. Made a new reach for the buggy.

Nov. 9 T. I went to Pana with Pa. We started about 9 o’clock and didn’t get back until after sunset. I made an arrangement with Pa to have "Old Hank" kept this winter for $100.00.

Nov.10 F. We started right after breakfast for Father P.’s, Druce coming with us to ride old Hank back. The saddle I shipped from Springfield arrived yesterday. I put it on Old Hank and Druce rode down on it. After dinner I walked down to Ewing’s to see if he had received the deed from Dale but he had gone to Pana.

Nov. 11 S. I went to the depot this A.M. at 10 o’clock on the Santa Fe to meet Mr. Ewing, who expected his mother and sister to come on the train. I waited until 12 o’clock when he came, and got the deed and paid him $700.00 cash and gave him my note for balance $100.00 payable 1 year from date with 10% interest. After getting home I made out a deed for father’s 10 acres, after which I took a bbl. of molasses (30 gal) (got by renting the evaporator to father) to the store and Ophelia traded it out. ??? sold it at 50 cents = $15.00. She got 12 yards bleached domestic $7.20/60, 3 yards worsted Plaid (Kate’s dress) $2.70/90, 13 yds DeLaine $5.00, 2 shirt bosoums $100/50, 2 yards cotton flannel $1.10/55, making $17.00 (sorghum 15 cash). John Putnam (son of Henry) arrived at Father’s this morning from Warren, Ill. enroute to St. Louis.

Nov. 12 S. Father, John Putnam, Ophelia and I went to church. Dea. Hawks preached (read a sermon). After supper Ophelia, Walter, Jimmy and I went down to Teluviva, had a good time.

Nov. 13 M. Wallace P. Warner came over about noon. Father and mother acknowledged the deed before them as a notary public. I then paid father $100 cash and gave him my notes for balance, 1 for $40.00 at a year, 1 for $30.00 at 2 year and 1 for $30.00 at 3 years making $200.00 for the 10 acres. We started for Lebanon, Mo., this P.M. to visit Milan and Minnie Beckwith. John Putnam going with us as far as St. Louis. Father and mother went to the depot to see us off. The fare to St. Louis was $3.60 each or $7.20 for both. Just before reaching Clyde, the hind car (which we were on) ran off the track. They ran at least a mile, maybe more, trying to jump it back, but finally stopped and got it on by blocking it up with wood. Ed Hill was on the train and came into the car to see us, and attended to our baggage at St. Louis when we arrived about 10 o’clock. We rode in a bus ($1.00) to the Everett House where we put up for the night.

Nov. 14 T. Got up this morning at 5:30 and had breakfast in an hour. Paid the bill, $5.00 and the porter 50 cents and were in the bus by 7:15 A.M. bound for the Pacific R.R. depot. Omnibus cost another dollar. Fare to Rolla $11.60. At Franklin we changed cars as Rolla is on the S.W. branch of the Pacific R.R. Franklin is a place of 800 or 1000 inhabitants. It has an old irregular appearance. The R.R. depot is the best looking building I saw in the town. The country from St. Louis to Franklin is good but more or less broken, growing more so the farther we go out. In the immediate vicinity of Rolla it is pretty good, but from there to Lebanon very rough. We arrived at Rolla about 5 o’clock. Portage from depot to hotel 50 cents. We left Rolla for Lebanon at 6 P.M. in a 4-horse stage. Fare $7.50 each or $15.00. There were 6 other passengers besides Ophelia, I and the two children.

Total cost of trip to Lebanon: $41.80

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Nov. 15 W. We arrived in Lebanon this morning about 10 o’clock having taken breakfast at the stage station, 10 miles back. They change horses every 10 miles. We found Milan, Minnie and the children all well. Lebanon is an old broken down place of 300 or 400 inhabitants, the County Seat of Laclede Co. It is situated on fine rolling land, but the soil is poor and stony and the country around rough broken and heavily timbered.

Nov. 16 T. This afternoon I commenced working (writing) for Milan. He set me to work extending his ??? with Cavender and Rouse (a dry goods firm that he and a man, named Churchill, have just bought out).

Nov. 17 F. This morning Milan and I rode out to his farm of 240 acres, 4 miles south of town. ‘tis a very good farm 60 or 80 acres broken and fence and a very good house on it. This afternoon at work extending invoice.

Nov. 18 S. Writing for Milan and extending invoice. The Masonic Hall here was dedicated this P.M. Ophelia and several of the town ladies and I went to see the ceremony but were too late. Wrote to Father Putnam.

Nov. 19 S. Went to S.S. in the morning and to church in the P.M. Received a letter from Ernest Bailiff (the boy who cared for my horse in the Indian Expedition). Also received a letter from Gen. E. A. Eaton (head of the Com. Dept. at Washington) acknowledging receipt of my returns of Com. Stores. Also one from a claim agent at Washington, requesting patronage.

Web viewMay 10, 1864 S. Left Pana at 3 P.M. arrived at Springfield at 7 P.M. Put up at Manning...

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Transcript of Web viewMay 10, 1864 S. Left Pana at 3 P.M. arrived at Springfield at 7 P.M. Put up at Manning...