Henry F. Kestner
Company D, 49th Ohio Vounteer Infantry
February 14, 1862
Through
May 19, 1863
The below is published with the expressed consent of the current owner, Ray Bender who retains all copyrights.
On two entries he wrote the wrong month, which was noted as corretced to May 7 & May 16th.
On page one of the pocket diary is written:
Henry F. Kestner
Born 1820 Saxony Germany
Died Feb 22, 1863
At #2 Gen. Hospital
Murfreesboro, Tn
Trip from Uptons Station back to Green River and, farther south on Feb 14 our entire division left Camp George Wood at 8 (AM). The weather and roads being horrible, snow during the night 3 inches, night very cold and freezing during the day ____ having proceeded us, the evening before our division No 2 commanded by Gen McCook, and composed of 4 brigade of 4 regiemtns, and we had also 15 comp, cavalry in our division. Our brigade led the van, first cavalry, infantry and teams in the rear, each regiment has 16 large army wagons 2-4 horse ambulances and 8-1 horse ambulances, also there is 20 brigade teams, and 3 pontoon, the pontoon wagons following in the rear, on account of the bad state of the roads. I belonging to the pioneers, when leaving we were told our direction was West Point on the Ohio River, we started with 5 days rations and carrying for two days in our haversacks, the cavalry and infantry got along well enough, and got 17 miles that day as far as Uptons Station (afterwards called Camp Nonsense the teams made only 11 miles the regiemtns encamped for the night with 3 inches snow for a bedtick, and single blanket for a shelter, in the morning orders were received to remain and await the coming of the teams, and about 12 oclock ____ the rought roads had frozen solid during the night, so as to bear heavy wagons, the teams had hardly arrived, when orders were received that by 2 oclock P.M. we must retrace our steps and get to Bowling Green by forced march, at 2 we started, the wagons being able of keeping up with the foot men, as the roads were solid, the regiment with the wagons (these which did not break down or repack) kept close to gether, and made 5 miles of their backward way, and encamped as they did the night before. The pontoons and pioneers having to bring up the rear of all, left Camp Nonsense at one oclock A.M., when we overtook the regiments of our brigade, it being in the rear of the dividion, at 5 oclock, we had already cleared away 9 wagons, at 1/2 past 5 oclock all moved we still being in the rear, broken down wagons and ambulances lay as thick that it would remind any person of the Bulls Run retreat. We had never got beyond Bacon Creek on the pike, and from there had a good time getting back to Camp Roger Wood where we arrived at 5 oclock P.M., we proceded an across the Green Rover R.R. bridge 1 1/2 mile south along the pike, and encamped for the night on the old battleground of December 17th this night we had a chance to pitch a tents, as the teams belonging to our regiment met with no accident and were a having t protect ourselves from the inclemency of the weather, at tatoo we got orders to be in readiness for marching at 5 oclock on the follwing morning.
Feb 17
At 3 oclock on the following morning, it commenced raining very hard, at the appointed time we were in ranks, but had to wait the passing of the artillery, which made it very inconvient for us, standing such a long time in the rain, on a very dark morning, at last we marched forward, and likely we had 4 miles of pike, beofre reaching the bad road, and by this time it was broad day light, there is 4 mile of pike running through timber, where the rebels had ploughed up the pike, and fell all the timber within reach on it. Although Gen MItchell with his division had proceeded us, a few days before but pioneers had cleared the road only wagon width, or for a single cannon to pass, and after the passing of so many teams, in one place, the mud became so deep and road was almost impassable, as we passed through at times, we could scarcly see our little mules not, and mading in the mud, sometimes up to their backs, the rain still pouring down, in torrents and by 10 we were again in open country, where the turnpike was good and by 11 oclock, the rain ceased and we came to a place where the RR crosses the turnpike near a place called Horse Cave, where we left the 15th Ohio back in order to repair 3/4 mile R.R. which the rebels destroyed, on their retreat from Green River on December 17th the pike being excellent, the teams ____ it and the infantry took down the R.R. tracks, from this place all along the pike ____ on to Bowling Green, every pond and creek was filled with dead carcasses of horses, and mules and also other animals in order to spoil the water and poison the atmosphere, 4 miles march and the R.R. took us to a small place called Cave City it contaiing some 10 or 12 substanial frame houses, the largest of them a hotel, and had been sometime previous destroyed by the rebels, the house with barn and furniture had cost $3000. The 13th day of Feb had been set by the rebels to destroy the remainder of the town, but as it happened Gen Mitchell began to move his division from Green River, on the morning of the same day, at 2 oclock for Bowling Green and Gen Hindman with his band of marauders had to seek safety by flight, while there, some citizens related a joke on the rebels to us, which is rather to good to keep. On December the 17th in the morning Col Terry with his Texas Rangers came before thehotel already mentioned, demanding liqour for himself and men, and also for 1500 more, to be up on cars, by 8 oclock the landlord enquired why this extaordinary movement, the Col who being already in liqour answered, we are going after sour krout, there is a Dutch regiment picketing on this side of the Green River, and we are going to bring them up and they will make a fine dish of krout as ever brought up to these parts, after all hands round had been weel soaked with whiskey, ( and this article is not scarce, but plenty in all parts of the rebel states as anywhere you find former distillerys plentier than churchs and school houses) an they started the Rangers taking the pike 1/4 miles distant, and the infantry with a small battery went up on the cars, they went and at one oclock attacked 4 companies of the 32nd Ind and got themselves badly whipped and were glad to retreat, about 5P.M. They began to drop in, back again also the cars arrived, with about 100 dead and wounded whome were carried to the hotel when asked whether they had got any krout they answered, yes by God, we got sauerkrout enough to day to last us for 2 years, the dammed Dutch bluetails, fought like divels and had 15000 men at their backs so we cancluded to be off, and another team led out that was not it but their dammed toot horn folled us ( the 32nd Ind maneuvers by bugle call ) they used the hotel for a hospital and the barn for a stable for 2 weeks, and when they left it, they laid both the house and barn in ashes by way of paying the rent. On the 18th of Feb Col Terry ( after his body had been recovered by a flag of truce) was brought a corpse, to the house he left in such glee the day before. We continued on our way down the R.R. when one mile beyond town, we were compelled to leave up to Bells Tavern 4 miles distant 1/2 mile south of the tunnel, as we passed along the pike we met with no adventures of my kind, and arrived at last at Bells Tavern or station where the R.R. crosses the pike, where we encamped, in the former rebel Camp Hardee, and by us called Frey, in order to rest our weary limbs, and cure up our sore feet, also to awaith the repairing of the R.R. and tunnel iron had been pulled off, also ties pulled up, put into large piles and set on fire, the R.R. iron laid acros it in order to heat it, and when hot it cooked in the center and became unfit for immediate use, also the track had been filed up above the ties with small broken stone and after the ties had been puled up, the small stone had been pushhed of by hand, which required the labor of 15000 men for 1/2 day this task was performed on Feb 19 but the tunnel required more time, if not labors only 21 men at a time could work at each end, for the want of room. 25 feet at each end of the tunnel had been blasted down in the gulch upon the track, the inside of the tunnel was very littled injured the tunnel is 300 yards long Bells Tavern is kept by a rebel woman, her husband and 2 sons being in the rebel army here we remained 5 days. Gen McCook the division Gen and Johnson the brigadier, established their headquarters at the afford said taver, on the evening of their arrival the 17th McCook called for supper for himself and staff an was however politely refused, the refusal being accompanied with orders to leave the house, or she would shoot them, the General paid but little attention to it, and send his orderly, to examine the contents of the pantry to see what is afforded he opening it with his knife, and found it well stored, McCook immediately set his negro cook to work, to get some supper, while the negro was kneading flower for buscuit, the woman sat up, and threw the contents of the pan out into the mud and at the same time, sending her negro servants upstairs for her pistol, the servant appearing, with the desired article, the Gen found the woman was in earnest, he has her arrested in her own room, during the night she fired repentence, and the next morning the Gen gave her, her liberty to walk about the house, at 10 oclock A.M. on the 18th Feb a soldier of the 32nd Ind came to headquarters from Col Willich regiment, as he passed in to the hall, the woman ran up to he, saying are you not one of the Dutch Bluetails who fought the Texas Rangers at Green River, the soldier answered in the affirmative, at that moment she drew her revolver, exclaiming, damn you Dutch, I mean to your hearts blood, for wounding my son, the Dutchman not understanding such railery disarmed her, and fixing bayonett in order to disptach her, the Gen hearing the melee, came out in to the hall, and used his utmost to save the woman, in the meantime several soldiers fro the same regiment came in and sided with their comrad, the General s body guard had slipped around the house, and Gen McCook alone to save the woman, at least the Gen succeeded in establishing a truce, and Col Willich being sent for, came emeditly, and took his men away, and saved the mans life.
Feb 19 and 20th We worked on RR and the rain pouring down all this while we were at Camp Frey, and to our shame be it said, many of our regiment, especially some of the noncommissioned officers, would have committed many acts of vandalism had they not been prevented by the officers.
Feb 22 Rainy day and night in the evening we were ordered to prepare ourselves for marching on the following morning we prepared our rations, and we went to bed we were 23 miles from Bowling Green.
Feb 23 At 9 oclock A M we left on the pike for Bowling Green, the wether being fine, turnpike good, traveling easy, pass 2 small towns, go 11 miles and eat dinner 12 miles from Bowling Green the country becomes fine as any part of Ohio soil somewhat, the best part of Kentucky I have seen. In the evening camped within 3 miles of Baron River, and within sight of Bowling Green and its fortifications.
Feb 24 The morning cold sun shining bright and prepared to march but have not received orders yet, 10 oclock have to ___ ___, as our brigade is ahead of us in a ferry, there is 200 rebel cava;ry this side of Baron River, which being very high, were left on this side, while Bowling Green was evacuated and bridges destroyed our destination being Nashville, last night the first steamboat, came up to Bowling Green, since the rebellion, our camp is within sight of the town, in a peace of woods, and have very good water, our camp is call Rosseau. Nagly's brigade is encamped between us and the river, Woods division is at the river crossing, all the country to the south of Camp Frey would resemble a paradise, were it worked by free labor 3 oclock P.M. has us marching, impossible to get so many people across the river.
The Gen ___ ___ for steams boated and ferry to take us across the river grub short only 2 meals to day, evening very cold high water took away the pontoon bridge put across Big Baron River, all the division and our regiment of Mitchels division are here to await steam ferry, the Mitchel regiment was left to guard the fortifications until our arrival.
Feb 25 Very cold night ground frozen very hard this morning sun shining bright 12 oclock, drawing rations expect to move ___ it is said we must make Nashville in 4 days 74 miles if we can get across the river, as there is still 15000 men and 8 batterys ahead of us, R.R. was detained, and will be up for several days.
Feb 26 Night warm and heavy rain, inspection of arms this morning, no prospect of move, as only 2 brigades can cross the river per day, ferry not having arrived, there is at present 30000 men also 103 pieces of cannon awaiting ferry age. Gen Johnson made 12 men of the 49th carry rails for firing off their revolvers, also arrested 2 noncommissione officers for the same offense, Thomases division is also coming, and his cava;ry has already arrived by night there will be 50000 men here, if we don't get more boats and the river falls we will have to remain here at least 10 days. At drk we were ordered to march and 20 min are allowed us for preparation, our brigade marched at about 1/2 past 7 oclock our orders were, we must make Nashville in 2 days, and might have some fighting to do, one the way one third of the men of our company claimed to be unable to march, and consequently were left back , all kanpsacks and blankets, we had to leave leave back in order expedite our movements. We at last arrived, within 1/2 mile from the river, and had to pass to the boat landing over which a good peace of ground which had been overflow the day before, and from which the river had receded when we entered all hands on it pell mell, nearly every sank down in to the mud knee deep, and such confusion which I never before witnessed before, some fell head long in to the mud some lost there shoes, others their boots, in one word it was the most muddy tromp, I ever witnessed in my life, we at last arrived at the boat landing when there were 3 steamboats placed length wise with the stern
, and to ___ placed cross wise between the boats, which constituted a very safe bridge for the crossing of the infantry, in 1/2 hour our entire regiment had crossed Big Barron River in safety, after crossing, we marched up a very steep hill, and when arrived at the summit we halted about 11 oclock at night in order to await the crossing of the artillery which had to be done on a small ferry boats, which kept up until 8 oclock the following morning, in a bitter cold, without blankets to protection and nothing for breakfast but water and crackers.
Feb 27 At 8 oclock we continued our march on the Nashville pike here we haf a fair view of Bowling Green and its fortifications, which number 5. Two are on the east side of the river and are regular ___, of vast dimensions, 3 are on the west side the 2 on the wing are casemented and bomb prove, octagons, the one in the center is a regular ___ pearced for Parrett guns, and all are so arranged that the attacking party on the east side, would have to take a cross fire from the others 4 fortifications, military man say that 15000 desolate men could have held this place against 100,000 men of the best appointed troops, ans at the arrival of Mitchels division amounting to only 2,000 men, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, all told, they fled in dismay, leaving many horses behind, for Mitchel to capture, they destroyed both the tunnel and Rail Road bridges destroyed and burned over 1000 stand of arms, some of whom we forded on our arrival there, we passed through the town of Bowling Green, which is a place 2 miles square, but thinly built, and of old fashion brick it contains some 6000 inhabitants, we proceeded along the pike, our shoes full of mud from the previous evening, the pike being very hard, sonsequently made our feet sore, we meet nothing along the road, except the citizens are all rebels, and the country seems better watered, and better farmed as you approach, the eastern Tennessee line, after marching 22 mile we arrived, at the town of Franklin, the last town in Kentucky, 7 miles from the Tennessee line 1/2 mile beyond town we encamped for the night, our grub became rather short, we had a few crackers and plenty of good water, the night was dark, wood, scarce, and very cold, we covered ouselves with leaves as well as we could having no blankets with us.
Feb 28 We commenced our march at 1/2 past 7 oclock for the sacred soil of Tennesse, having those 7 miles mud pike, but very easy on our feet, at 10 oclock, we crossed the state line in good spirits, and proceeded on some 6 miles farther, and partook of ___ dinner, after passing through a good ___ town for Tenn called Mitchelsville, as we proceed farther the fine the country became and after a march of 23 miles we encamped for the night near a place called Magnolia Springs a place frequented very much by northern valetudinarians ___ ___ of its hastly location and pure water, the brigade wagons overtook us, and some salt beef and flower was issued us, which however could not be well eaten, as we had nothing but our tin cups to cook it, bake it, which however got along as well as we could, we had a few crackers some mixed flower and water without salt and ___ it and came shibgles, we found, we laid down along side of some fire made of dry cedar rails and rested tolerable confortable the night being tolerable mild.
March 1st Revelee at 4 oclock all arose, and prepared breakfast and ate with, a rush, the sound of attention and shortly afterward we were infromed by our Col that at a place called ___, we would draw rations 12 miles distance, the order of forward march sounded in our ears, and we again proceeded forward on the pike and every man put it in with or without at last by noon we marched the place indicated, within 10 miles of Nashville. There our Gen granted rest as most of the men, were unable to proceed farther, as nearly all of their shoes had been worn out, in the afternoon the promised rations came and we fared tolerable well, also we rested well during the night, as wood was plenty, and handy.
March 2 At 8 oclock, we were in ranks for marching, the artillery already having proceeded us, our brigade that day being in the rear, we proceeded along the pike which was very dusty, and in a short time, we were all ofone color, as we approached Nashville nearer, the more ___ the buildings on the plantations are, with in 4 miles of town, land is worth from 400 to 1000 dols per acre, when 1 1/2 miles from Nashville we took off to our left from the pike in order to find a convenient camping ground for our brigade the 32nd Ind expected which was back on R Road their Col Willich being under arest, by some emans having offended Gen Johnson. The country for 30 miles back when we passed through is without any exceptions the finest best watered amd farmed of any country I have ever been in, after you enter Tennessee you find the farms better improved than in Kentucky, the people show and advance of 1/4 century in civilization, and everything else over the clay banks of Kentcky the inhabitants of eastern Tennessee have nearly all deserted their dwellings and taken their negros with them, every mile or so, you find a stream of pure rolling water the land is much less broken as you approach Nashville, the greatest reason for the rebels not fortifying Nashville and making a stand, was the country is entirely level, there seems to be but very few poor whites in this part of Tenn, 20 miles north of Nashville we saw the only place in these parts ___ acceptable of being fortified, which an army must pass, we having passed through it on the morning of the 1st it is a kind of mountain gorge, through which the turnpike winfds itself at the fort, very high and almost proportionate declines from the time we left level land, and entered the gorge, we marched about 4 miles before we struck the open country again, and in a direct line we had only gone 3/4 miles travel. Our camp was formed in a peace of wood 1 mile from the main pike, where we expected to ___ come to rest for our ___ ___, and have chance to cure our crippled feet, we had neither tent, knapsacks or blankets, no cooking utensils of any kind except our pint tin cups. We got us dinner as well as we could and many had not yet eaten, when a very heavy thunder shower came up. And the rain began to pour down in torrents, which drenched us completely, when received orders to be prepared for marching by 3 oclock in to Nashville, we at last started some elated, some down hearted, just as their feet were ___. When we got again on the pike we had no more dust, but slush, which was not as hard on our feet as the hard pike. We at last arrived within sight of Cumberland River, at the town of Edgefield which is the last town in eastern Tennessee, and divided off from Nashville, by the river, it being the dividing line between the 2 locations eastern and central Tennesse, and the town of Edgefield is considerable if a place, might properly be called librarian city to Nashville, here we had to halt, for some time the rain still pouring down, there was great difficulty in crossing teams and artillery, as the river was out over its banks, and all the dykes lumber yards, of Edgefield and all approaches to Nashville were under water, as in Bowling Green the rebels destroyed the suspension bridge one of the finest of the kind, of which Gen Zollicoffer during his lifetime was the principal owner, and the once staunch and firm R. R. bridge across the Cumberland River by five, all the greatest acts of vandalism had been committed ever committed by man, here you could see the ___ ___, on the ___ you have vast numbers of cannon of the largest calibre, lay, there, spiked and carriages destroyed, in the river lay scores of smaller calabre which had been thrown in the river in order to obstruct navigation. The roads and approaches, to Nashville were all blocked up with wagons and cannon for miles, after standing 2 hours in the road, our brigade took a back street of Edgefield, and at a double quick and various ___ we arrived at the boat Madison, which we entered in a pelting rain, after 1/2 hours delay the boat got off and went over to the Nashville side, we were hurried off at quick time, and entered one of the small lanes of the city which lead us to one of the principal streets, where our brigade was formed in marching order, it being perfectly dark by this time, and that time we could see very little of the city, passing through to the city principally by the back streets, we marched on a newly stoned pike, in the dark, and rain still pouring down which cut all the remainder of our shoes to peaces, and many of the boys began to leave bloddy traces from their feet on the stone pike, when 2 miles beyond the city limits it was ascertained that our guide had mistkaen his course, we were ordered to halt and face about and retrace our steps a part of the way back to the city limits, from thence striking out in a more southerly direction, and proceeded on, an very rough roads in slush an water, some 4 miles beyond the city limits, to a place called the Old Fair Grounds, when Gen Roussau with his brigade had artillery proceeded us also one regiment of regulars were already there, as one approached the ground, Gen Roussau with his staff met us, returning to town, he called out aloud, Johnson where in hell are you going with your men in this awful wether (the darkness being egyptian like) Johnson at the head of the column called out, whose there, the answer was Roussau, Gen Johnson said I am hunting vamp, and Roussau said I am going to town, to get 3 bbls whiskey for my boys, then says Johnson if it is to be had, bring me three bbls also for mine for by this time they have so much water in them that all the whiskey in Nashville will never get it out of them, also before Roussau left he interceded with Johnson for him to allow us to take a fence, which was there for fuel, to build some fires, we entered this ground at 11 oclock PM. With much difficulty we got some fires started, and about 1 oclock the rain ceased and our clothes began to dry on us, which mad us already quite comfortable, by marching our clothes were already dry, also the a forementioned whiskey came to hand, every man getting a good stiff drink and after each making himself a coffee. The fatigues of the previous day were partially forgotten sore feet exempted.
March 3 The sun rose bright and clear after breakfast we went to work on our guns, dryed them and cleaned them in and outside, as soon as this task was completed, we removed our camp 1/2 mile farther to a peace of ground on which Gen Jackson for some time organized his army for the defense of New Orleans, and which was by him called Camp Good Hope and by us Camp Andy Johnson, it is situated in a fine grove of timber close to a fine running stream of water where we will be likely to stay several days, at least long enough, until we are furnished with new shoes, as nearly all our shoes are like merry andous slippers neither heal sole or uppe leather, neither our tents or baggage had yet arrived, hay and straw, being tolerable plenty, we carried quite a lot to our camp, and are building small shelters for the night, as the prospect is we will have a very cold one, it having been snowing all afternoon. Last night there were 15 northern soldiers on duty assasinated in the streets of Nashville, some were shot from windows, this morning Gen Buell who has his headquarters there issued a proclamation, that in case another soldier on duty should be assigned, he would order the gunboat lying in the river in fron of the city open open it, and destroy it. Speaking of the gunboat Tyler, she is a very queer looking customer, and makes but very little show, on her decks, she resembles a large pile of pig iron, stacked up in a pyramid form, horizadly shaped, and steel cased at the sides, in order to glance shot, nothing on her decks to be seen but 2 immense smoke stacks constantly issuing vast volumes of smoke, she lies on the water like a snake in the grass, and would remind any orthodox Christian of hell on a small scale.
March 4 Night very cold and hard frost air cold, sun shining bright, pay master arrived and will pay us for 2 mos although there is 4 mos and 4 days due us. We are not allowed to leave camp, neither officers or private are allowed to go to a farmhouse, or to Nashville, except on duty, nearly all farm houses are deserted by their in mates without their having removed any of their goods, and everything seems to have been left at the mercy of a lientions soldierly, also in Nashville the principal business men have removed their goods fearing the town would be sacked, Gen Rosseau his, where he is right, for when you throw such a luxurious mass of community together you will always find heartless thiefs among them, our teams are on the opposite of Nashville, awaiting transport across the river, and 50 men from our regiment have been detailed to assist their crossing the river. This mornings report, says the rebels are 8 miles from here they had a fight 3 days ago, with Mitchels pickets and succeeded in capturing one Leiut and one private, also one cannon by some means. This afternoon, reports came in they are gone and non one knows where. 3 oclock P.M. this is a dark day in our calendar, a private of Co C, who had served a while in the sucesh army an came to Camp Wood joined our regiment here, committed suicide, by shooting himself through the heart. Two men detailed this morning to assist, the teams across the river returned without them, as they can not be brought across, until to morrow, when our regular turn will come, there is a string of wagons and cannon for 4 miles in length awaiting transportation across the river. Grub short men walk about camp and offer 25 cents for 2 crackers.
March 5 Night dark and cloudy with some rain, morning rough and cold, sun shining bright, news from Nashville rather gloomy, during the night several attepmts were made to kill provost guards, they refuse to take U.S. money claiming that it will injure their well established financial system, when giving them gold or silver, they want you to take shin plaster on the bank of Nashville in exchange, it is said that prior to our coming, the best business men had not seen one dollar of ___ for months. This is the case in Nashville central Tenn over in Edgefield, in eastern Tenn they take over money and sell confederate money for 50 pr cent, Cumberland River divides the 2 sections also the politices it is currently reported in camp, that in case more attempts are made to assasinate the Generals will let the soldiering loose upon the deluded city. 9 oclock (AM) an on camp guard to day drew rations of salt beef and crackers. 1 oclock am standing guard mind is so cold have to wear over coat and mittings. 3 oclock P.M. our tents blankets, knapsacks and cooking untensils arrived, all is hustle and excitement, pitching tents the camp resembles a shipyard more than a military camp 6 oclock had the first regular supper since we left Camp Rosseau, having our cooking utensils, and it seems like home again, after having living on raw beef and pork for about 10 days, tatoo, we expect to do some tall sleeping, after laying exposed to the inclemencys of the wether without covering or shelter for so many days.
March 6 At revlle went on guard, the night and morning very cold, the farther south we get apparently, the colder, there has been wind, and snow all night, 12 oclock still snowing hard, and if it continues much longer, we will have sleighing, this afternoon was a good one for us as the paymaster was here, and paid each of us 26 dollars also some shoes arrived with some pants, but only 1/2 of the quantity required, never the less there is a prospect of us all being well shod in a short time, there is still some rough ___ of our forced march, as there is some who have very sore feet, those especially who marched barefooted on the pike also the fore peaces of our ___, show a little exposure as nearly all of them have shrivilled up to a crisp, for laying to close to the fire in those bitter cold, without anything to warm oursleves except the breath ___ from an empty stomach, things in general goes on very well, we expect to have no more forced marches, admitted by our officers, that the soldiers of the revolution, have never gave more hardships, at anymore trip, then we did in the recent trip from George Wood, to Uptons Station and back, to Green River and from thence here. I must here ___ having been here some days, and by this time have gotten an insight into the matters somewhat, and gleaned some various union citizens. The rebels passed through Nashville with about 40,000 men, of whom only 15,000 were effective, they did not take to exceed 2 full batterys with them, the remainder of their cannon, they destroyed at Nashville, in the back alleys of Nashville, also in door yards, large pits, have been discovered, nicely covered with stone, and an examination it was found they contained cannon balls of all sizes, which had been manufacture at Nashville, the citizens are tired of the blockade, seeing so many army store shipped through, many of them being quite a luxury coffee in Nahsville is 125 dt tea 400 dt sugar 80 dt flower 1400 bbl, salt 3000 paper there is none in, market, beef 25 cents dt there is not one fat beef remaining in Tennessee. The families of the rebel soldiers, have to exist on charity, as none of them have received one cent of pay, and are entirely cut off from their homes. Within the last 10 days there has not less than 8000 men passed through Nashville, while we made a flank move, went on land, another army made a move up the Cumberland River, yesterday 23 regiments camome up on the river, the proclamation keeps the citizens in ___, as the gunboat is contantly in readiness, to belch forth the lava from its volcano upon the deserted city, provided they take it into their heads not to behave themselves. At present 50 men of our regiment are detailed daily to go to Nashville, and do police and provost duty.
March 7 Night calm morning pleasent, nothing transpired beyond the common routine of camp duty except some careless boys had their money stolen, the day was very cold, a noted rebel told within my hearing this morning our cause is just, but we are whipped you can never get our people to fight any more, they will retreat as you advance even to the jumping off place, then by God they will jump off and things go to hell. We have no news here of any kind, as southern as well as northern ___ is cut off from Nashville.
March 8 Night very cold, morning more moderate, nothing, transpired during the day except the 32nd Ind belonging to our brigade, came up from Bowling Green, they having repaired the bridge assigned to them, at dinner they passed through Nashville, and they were not allowed to halt near the town, for fear of a riot among the citizens, as this regiment is hated worse than any other in the U.S. service by the rebels of the south, for dealing our krout rations, to the Texas Rangers on Green River, the 49th comes in next for moving up so expediently on Muldraughs Hill on 23 Sept 1861.
March 9 Night calm and cloudy at 6 oclock we heard distant firing, but we knew what it was, it proved however that 600 cavalry had attacked our picket post, and several was killed and wounded on both sides, our people captured a horse, at 7 our brigade was called, to arms, but before we left camp, we got orders to remain, as the enemy had fled, this afternoon we had a sermon from Lt Turner the day was windy but pleasent.
March 10 Rain all night with heavy wind an 2 miles off guarding a citizens house, nothing transpired to disturb the monotony of camp life to morrow the dutch bakery will get a going then for some light bread at 20 cents a pound.
March 11 Night very cold hear 16 successive shots, at 4 (AM) in 1/2 hour more hear 6 additional shots, but have not as yet ascertained the cause, rumor says within a day or two we are to go and eximane the neighboring cane beach, where it is supposed the rebel cavlary keeps itself, hidden, during the day and prowl our around after dark, it has been ascertained that Morgan and his clan fired on our pickets this morning, which was returned but nobody hurt on our side. 12 oclock we have orders to prepare one days rations, and leave camp at 2 oclock for picket, as usual a great many men got sick suddenly, we left camp at the appointed time and arrived at the picket line 3 1/2 oclock P.M. is within 40 rods of the post which was fired on the previous morning. 5 P.M. we are 3 miles from camp, and so far everything is quiet 12 oclock at night we are starting each man the whole night without relief, the nights are pleasent and the moon shines bright, at 11 A.M. we are relieved, we heard no firing, or disturbance during the night, and this has been out, the farmer around Nashville have left their Negros here, to do the farming, themselves, having gone off, or were taken away by Gen Mitchel. There is 4 divisions of 80,000 men including cavlary, and artillery which amounts to 200 peaces, we returned to camp and had a good sleep, as it is rather a damgerous undertaking to sleep on picket post, in the worst their enemys country, every citizen we are bond to treat as friend, when at the same time, we know him to be a friend, when at the same time, we know him to be an enemy, the deeper we pass in to the country around Nashville, the finer the country became if such a thing is possible, at 3 oclock we are again in camp, day very warm evening windy and pleasent.
March 13 Night rainy and windy until 9 (A.M.) remainder of the day warm and sultry nothing occurred worthy of note.
March 14 At 4 oclock (AM) hear 6 shots from the picket line, the morning is windy dark and cloudy which is indication of rain. At revelee we cam out to roll call, after it we were served with whiskey, send to us by the 7th company of the 32nd Ind for 5 pails of coffee our company made for them on the eveing of their arrival from Bowling Green.
March 15 Rain in the morning, are all making speculation, about remaining one month here in this camp, nothing special occurred, in the evening after tatoo having already gone to bed, we were called up, in order to prepare 2 days rations in order to march next morning at 7 oclock, night cloudy.
March 16 Arose at 4 had breakfast 5 oclock and at the appointed time we started south ward, for Columbia on Suck River, we passed along on the fine turnpike leading to Decatur, Alabama the place of our destination, when 7 miles out and 11 miles from Nashville at 10 oclock (AM) we passed the first large cotton field we had as yet met. here we passed some of the finest stone fences I have ever seen, the country is level well watered and just stony enough to supply the wants of the country, the finest farming done here I have ever seen, some 3 miles beyond the cotton field we saw inside of an enclosure a flock of cashmere goats numbering some 60 or 75, as we passed along, we saw all the peach trees in blossom, passing cotton fields very frequently, 14 miles march brought us to the town of Franklin the county seat of Williamson Co where we saw a very fine flower garden where there was narcissus, tulips, and hyacinths in full bloom, the town is well and ___ by build, and contains about 2500 white inhabitants, and perhaps 5 or 600 negros, while passing through town we observed a great many women standing at the windows and doors weeping most bitterly, we were told by the negros that they all had friends and relatives in the rebel army this town is 18 miles from Nashville 1/2 mile beyond it we camped for the night.
March 17 Revelee at 6 might cool and clear, morning sun shine, prospect of a hot day breakfast at 7 oclock, we preparing to leave for Columbia Morrow Co, we started at 9 oclock, the country is becoming very hilly ___ with fine well watered valleys, the farmers are sowing and planting, and they say they are 5 weeks behind ordinary seasons, winter wheat looks well, and this season nearly all the land which was in cotton last year is in wheat, at every plantation you pass, you see some 50 negro women and children, standing by the road side, and every plantation has its large cotton mill and gin shop, which is filled with cotton bales, from the bottom to top right along the road side we saw at least 3000 bales of cotton stacked up ready for market, after marching 15 miles, we encamped, 7 miles from Columbia.
March 18 We are allowed rest as the rebels have destroyed 2 bridges ahead of us, this morning several rebel prisoners, 2 wagons laden with army stores and 8 mules were brought into headquarters, containing clothing and other munitions of war among them cartridges containing 12 pistol balls in them, nothing else occurred in cam worthy of records except we are very much in want of salt.
March 19 Morning cool day very warm, this morning almost adjoining our tent a teamster of the 39th Ind cried of sinking chills after an attack of 2 hours. At noon go on brigade guard, there was a skirmish ___ of small importance, and Beauregard is compelled to leave Columbis, and retreat to Decatur Alabama on the Tennessee River where Bragg and his battery has arrived, and be likely to make a stand, stand brigade guard all night, pay day fine and pleasent our camp is called Camp Kirk.
March 20 This morning at 9 oclock received orders to be prepared for marching by 10 1/2 oclock, we are here awaiting orders of forward march, our destination is as far as Columbia 7 miles distance, perhaps farther a depending altogether what kind of reception we meet there. At the appointed time we started and found the country the same as where we had encamped until we arrived at a place or river called the Rutherford 3 miles from camp when the turnpike bridge cross the river had been destroyed by the rebels, the river was waist deep and very swift, we make several fruit less attempts at crossing, at last with the aid of the workman who were rebuilding the bridge we succeeded in getting a rope across the river, to which we hold in order to keep our equilibrium against the swift current, and in this we crossed in perfect safety to all, on the opposite side we took off our clothes wrung them, put them on again and started, when 1/4 mile from the river we observed 3 women stading in front of a small cottage on the hill side, waving a white cloth, resembling an old shirt more than anything else and calling out at the top of their lungs, hurrah for the union, this is the finest salutation of this kind we had met with in Tennessee, we had ascertained, that the husbands of these 3 women, had been pressed into the rebel service and they were taken prisoners at Fort Donelson, from Rutherford River to Duck River a distance of 4 miles the country is very hilly and nearly all the land has been sown into wheat, we at last arrived on the banks of the Duck River opposite Columbia, where we found the turnpike bridge destroyed it was destroyed on Monday last and at the same time they attempted the R.R. bridge on the Tenn and Alabama R.R. from Nashville to Decatur, there are 4 white men and one Negro putting fire into the bridge, but some cavalry pickets, sent a ball over hitting the Negro in one of his hams, and there by saved the bridge, the men retreated carrying the Negro with them thebridge across the Duck River is about 600 feet long, the piers in the river are 30 feet above low water as it will require some time to rebuild it, this afternoon some of our men captured 250 sacks of flower and some meat intended for the rebel army, also 4 rebel prisoners were brought in, some of our men had the audacity, to cross the R. R. bridge without the knowledge of the officers a rebel soldier came and accosted our men, saying here friend I want you to take me prisoner, and then I will show you where there are 3 more, the soldiers did as requested and brought all 4 prisoners over to Camp Stanton. Here we are in sight of the enemys pickets and are nearer to the enemy than ever before except in small skirmishes. Here we formed a regular encampment and pitches our tents in proper order.
March 21 Night very cold nothing occurred worthy of note last night. This morning Col Willich undertook the job of putting the turnpike bridge across the Duck River, also a pontoon bridge for infatry to cross, within 10 days time, our brigade has the building of it, and will be called the Hoosier Builders, as the work will be done by Ohio and Indiana troops, some 200 men have gone to work at the timber, and this forenoon our men captured a raft of cedar timber, which will be used in the construction of the bridges today we are arranging our camp we have to remain here several days wether very cold, and windy.
March 22 Night rainy, and some snow this morning nothing transpired beyond routine duty, the work on the brigade is progressing very fast, day being cold and windy it seems the farther south the colder.
March 23 Night very cold, morning sun shining bright but about 9 oclock it turned cold again, this forenoon we hear the church bells over in town tolling, it seems the people of Morrow Co are getting relegious lately, although Sunday there is at least 200 men at work on the bridge timbers had inspection of arms this morning, the day through our cold but more moderate this evening 6 1/2 oclock it is snowing hard as ever I have seen it in Ohio this Sunday passed of more quiet then any we have had for 2 mos.
March 24 Night dark, cloudy and cold, this morning more moderate, day cold, and rough with occaisonal snow squalls, nothing occurred to disturb the monotony of Camp Life. Tatoo wether more moderate. This evening for the first time in 6 weeks we have a livelt time after dark, such as dancing fiddling singing & etc.
March 25 Revelle Wether moderate 7 oclock sun shining bright, prospects of fine day 9 oclock have company drill wether warm and fine, this afternoon, a tolerable sized ferryboat was launched 10 X 40 are tomorrow a portion of Nelsons Division is to cross the river, on it, as it will require more than 5 days, to complete the brigade, this afternoon battalion drill, it was rather warm, evening cool and pleasant.
March 26 Night dark and cloudy but moderate least night 3 companies of the 32nd Ind crossed the river for picket and this morning a whole regiment of cavlary also crossed in order to prevent the rebels from entrenching themselves, opposite to us on a hill, this day we had the finest day I have ever seen in Tennessee.
March 27 Night pleasant and warm, morning cold 8 oclock (AM) have battalion drill, wether very warm, this afternoon inspection of arms nothing farther transpired worthy of note except, that still a portion of Nelsons Division is crossing the river by wading, it having seceded somewhat since our arrival, this afternoon the 41 Ohio crossed and most of the men take off their pants and drawers, while crossing, never halted the town of Columbia, in their then make state, quite a ___ ___, in the state of Ohio.
March 28 Morning pleasant day fine paymaster came in to camp and all the Captains, went to work on their payrolls, and no drilling done this afternoon, there was quite a phenomenon in camp, 9 men of the 30th Ind reg had been detected of stealing, and punished by rail carrying, and on the repetition of the offense, they were taken and cracker bbls put over their heads the bottoms of the bbls being cut out enough for their heads to pass through, the remainder of the bbl head resting on their shoulders, and so marched through camp, with drum and fife them playing the rogues march. There is rumor in camp of a forward move tomorrow evening rainy and warm.
March 29 Night warm and cloudy morning fine and spring like nothing transpiring in our regiment but making out the payrolls. Gen Johnson had gone to the hospital Col W.H. Gibson commands the brigade in his place by seniority, today the remainder of Nelsons division cross Duck River but they pass through the town of Columbia in a more respectable manner than did the 41st Ohio.
March 30 Night very warm and sultry, morning pleasant, the workman have been on the bridge all night, and by the morrow noon will have it so we can cross dry shod, this morning had inspection of arms, no prospect of move to day, news is mixed up and complicated that no reliance can be placed on it. to day there was quite a falsification in the 32 Ind. The 9th Ohio paid a visit to them and there was quite an axcitement ___ were tightened on beer and whiskey bbls, and late in the afternoon we began to think the Dutch had taken Germany, evening dark and rainy, the pontoon bridge and turnpike bridge will be passable by to morrow noon. The telegraph is up to us and a peace already across the river.
March 31 Night cold and cloudy 5 (AM) hear the locomotive come for the first time from Nashville the day is pleasant we are ordered to strike tents at 2 oclock in order to bid abode to Camp Stanton at three oclock we marched to the river stacked amrs, and at 3 1/2 oclock our brigade crossed the pontoon bridge, the wagons and artillery crossing on the turnpike bridge and passing through the town of Columbia the county seat of Morrow County, is considerable of a town, containing about 3000 inhabitants and is celebrated as the birthplace and former residence of President Jas K. Polk, the town furnished 5 companies of men to the rebels at Fort Donaldson and not one of the men has ever returned, they were either killed or taken prisoners by our men after leaving town, instead of taking the pike leading to Decatur, we proceeded on to the Grafton pike leading to Savannah on the Tennesse River, the above mentioned Pike I have not been able to find laid down on a map, after passing along for 3 miles we halted, and turned to the left, in to a fine grove of timber and encamped for the night on the premises of a Mr Martin the father in law of Gen Gedion Pillows, in the vening after dark, the paymaster followed us to our camp, and began to payy off our regiment.
April 1st At 8 oclock (AM) we bundled up an marched some 80 rods and crossed the front of Martins large mansion, his front yard being full capable of holding our entire brigade of 4 regiments, where we halted for sometime as this day our brigade had to bring up the rear of the division, we at last got started, and 3 mile march brought us past the grand and opulent residence of Gen Pillows himself, the building is of brick with a fine front yard, fill with groves of tropical trees some 80 rods farther a long we could see his negro village, composed of 22 comfortable log houses, where in dwells his field hands, our direction being south westerly and poorer the soil became, but still on this days march we found all the land we passed well farmed until we got 15 miles from Duck River, toward evening, we passed through a smart village called encampment for the night, after marching 12 miles on the hard pike.
Apl 2 At 6 oclock we were prepared for marching, and our brigade having the lead, we had to march fast, in order to get by those encamped ahead of us in order to bring them in to the rear of us, we proceeded on the pike some distance, and here fine country, good farming, and fine horses ___ our way led up a very narrow valley with steep and almost particular hills on both sides dotted with juneberry bushes in full bloom resembling a sweet peach orchards in full blossom, this change of scenery proved quite novel to us, after we had gone some 4 miles on our way up through a mountain gorge, we caught up with the telegraphers, and were proceeding a long as a peace of pike, where the telegraph is not up yet, this day we crossed a very high mountain, and hear now find out that Corinth Mississippi is the place of our destination, this day was cool and windy in the morning had just rain enough to lay the dust and after marching 13 miles we encamped for the night, on the banks of Buffalo River near the town of Henryville.
Apl 3 Night cool and morning cold the forenoon was immensely hot at 10 1/2 oclock we started passing through Henryville in Louis County which is a small hamlet settled by poor whites, the road which no longer can be called a pike, became awful dusty and the first seven miles we progressed rather slowly, as the bridge a head of us constantly detained for some reason, 2 days before, one of the brigades belonging to Nelsons Division had been attacked by 3000 rebel cavlary on the same ground as we were encamped, as usual the rebels got themselves badly whipped, and retreated in squads and have got in between our different divisions, and make the road, very unstable for small parties their object is to rule small parties without any regard who. The lay of the land is rather broken, there is not yet any preparations made here for putting out spring crop, the country looks new, poorly farmed, an seems to be settled altogether by poor whites, the soil is of the poorest kind, the country look like once inhabitated but now deserted, we halted for dinner 7 miles from Henryville, and here we ahve but 2 alternatives, either to remain here, as we had water or march 14 miles farther, the later being adopted, by the acting General Gibson, the dust became almost intolerable but no help for it, we also had everything to carry as the roads were beginning to get bad, the land ___ lying in a state of nature and where an attempt had been made at civilization it would have been better left alone, about dark we entered a tolerable hallow road passing through medium high hills for the distance of 3 miles when we again entered, the open country we halted and encamped for the night, alongside a small stream called 48 creek, the evening was very dark and we went to bed after partaking of a temporary supper, without pitching tents, we during this day met with a very singular phenomenon for this country meeting with some girls they cheered us heartily for the union and another lot shortly afterwards, lept constantly calling us three cheers for the union, and towards evening we passed a house where they raised the union flag, we had little or no trouble with sore feet as we all were shod at present and are well treated by our officers.
April 4 At 8 oclock we started again on our march we found the country still more broken, and hilly, we had a fine rain, just enough to lay the dust, and we have fine marching after going 6 miles we halted for dinner as long side of a fine stream, as at present we have to arrange our stopping places, according to circumstances in regard to water, as a good article is becoming scarce, this forenoon we passed a small ore furnace the first thing of the kind we have sun in the south we continued along in the dust, and arrived at a considerable village or rather a side hill called Haynesborough in Wayne county, where we saw teh most estensice tannery, we have sun in the south the afternoon very hot, furing the afternoon we passed some level land, but the farmhouses we found are all in a dilapidated state, after passing down through a mountain valley just wide enough for a road of some miles in length we met the telegraphers at work from Tennessee River, to meet those back coming from Duck River, in the evening we encamped in an old cornfield for the night after marching a distance of 14 miles and 24 miles from the Tennesse River along side of a good stream.
Apl 5 Night windy prospect of rain the later part of the night it became so windy that one half of the tents blew over, or had to be over staked shortly afterwards it commenced to rain, and continued until after daylight, we got out of our tents and received orders to march in one hour, and scarcely got time to make us a little coffee, at 7 oclock we were ready to start, and also the rain ceased, after considerable delay we got under way but our progress was rather slow, we being in the rear and roads were very bad, as well had no longer pike and every 1/2 mile had a large pool or small creek to cross, we however passed along at this slow rate crossing a tolerable high mountain, and had nothing but hill and dale until we arrived 7 miles from our starting point in the morning, the roads being in an awful condition at about 12 oclock we ran on to Crittendens division, consequently one had to encamp as the roads were so blocked up with wagons, cannon, horses, and soldiers, that we would not proceed any farther here we expected some rest, and await the clearing of the roads ahead of us, our camp was between the high hills in a very narrow valley, where we had good water, and rested very confortable.
April 6th Sunday at 6 oclock(AM) we heard distant cannonading in the direction of the Tennessee River we then were 18 miles from Savannah, we were ordered to prepare for marching at 8 oclock when 2 miles out we found the roads as badly blocked as ever. We halted and when our regimental teams came up, we were ordered to unsling knapsacks put 3 days rations in our haversack and with blanket gun and 40 rounds of ammunition, we started off at a round rate, as the cannonading becoming heavier all the while the ammunition wagon keeping up with us, and our regimental teams followed at their leisure, when 2 miles out, we found that the cannonading was near Pittsburgh Landing 8 miles upriver from Savannah, at 10 oclock P.M. the roads being in such a crowded state, we were compelled to halt very frequently, the cannonading increasing all the while, we were then 12 miles from the town of Savannah at 4 oclock P.M. our teams came up with us, and we started forward again but rather slow progress was made, by this time we had passed all the hills and dales, and came to a tolerable part of the world a great portion of which is ___ of cultivation, ahead of us passed nothing, but wagons, jammed together the roads becoming worse every moment, and our progress became still slower, and by many halts and starts we arrived at Savannah some little while after midnight where we halted to await our turn for going on board of the boat in order to be taken on it up to the scene of strife. Savannah is considerable of a town, which we found all lighted up, and every available house in town, had been taken possesion of, and used as a hospital for the wounded, who had been brought down from Pittsburgh Landing the day previous, and the forepart of the night. It appears that on Sunday morning April 6th Gen Grant with his army of 65000 men, on the southside of the river awaiting reinforcement, was suddenly attacked or rather surprised by 140,000 rebels commanded by Beauregard, while a great portion of his men were eating brekafast many regiments under Grant were fresh raw recruits, poorly led badly officered, and as general thing were kept in a very bad state of discipline, did not or could not form in time to withstand the shock, and instead of turning to the enemy and defending themsleves, turned and fled, and consequently were badly cut up, and several regiment ;ost tents, teams, clothing, ammunition and all camp equipage this threw the entire army into confusion, as, the rebels had, attacked them by a main battle line of 6 miles long, they were compelled to retreat towards the river our men somewhat protected, by 2 gun boats then lying in the river, the gun boats throwing heavy shell, over our army in amongst the rebels keeping them at bay, and there by saved our entire army from destruction until in the afternoon when Nelsons and Crittendens Divisions, with about 30,000 men and plenty of artillery arrived to reinforce Gen Grant this placed our men in a condition to hold their own at least, until the following morning, reinforcements having arrived during the night, and by 8 oclock on the morning our men were able to take the field against the enemy is due ___
April 10 The night rainy and cold, this morning no special news from the pickets, only that they have been fired on by an unseen enemy, and nobody hurt, our pickets saw plenty of dead secesh but no live ones that day was disagreeable we are still here to form in line of battle at 5 min notice, today saw a horrible sight in a small strip of timber, there were half consumed bodies of 300 rebels, many of them had their clothes burnt off, and their bodies so far consumed as to eject their entrails. The 7th was a hot day, and leaves and old timber taking fire, occaisioned by our shells, nothing occurred here in camp this day safe it is raining, many of the men lying down in it without blankets.
April 11 The night pleasant but windy, the morning fine, forenoon cloudy, afternoon rainy evening also, nothing usual occurred, beyond what might be expected in an encampment of 90 or 100,000 men, a good deal of visiting from one regiment to the other, to day we had a visit from Paul Gase, John Lay and John Rese.
April 12 Nightly rainy, and windy, morning the same, more prospect of rain, but the 49th are in good spirits, as our regimental teams are at the Pittsburgh Landing 4 miles from here, and 20 men from each company have gone down to assist them up through the mud and by evening we expect our tents. It continued raining all day, and when evening arrived the tents arrived also, which were soon pitched and we were once more in camp. Nothing further occurred worthy of note, we had a good nights rest although it rained.
April 13 We were up at revelle and got our breakfast, at 8 oclock we were ordered to prepare one days ration for picket, we left at 10, and were on the picket line by one oclock 4 miles out, the day is pleasant and warm, the 49th and 32nd of our brigade are on reserve back with the battery. The 15 Ohio and 39 Ind are on the outside some 200 yards ahead of us. The reserve had liberty to rest and sleep but the outside must stay on their feet and be on the alert, nothing occurred worthy of note save that we are on the ground where the rebels deatroyed a great portion of their ammunition and provisions, on their retreat on the evening of the 7th wagon loads of shells and cannister are strewn a long the road, thousands of sacks of lower half emptied and injured, also casks and wagon loads of bacon, all lay here injured in order to make them unfit for use nearly all the camp equipment of their own and that which they captured fromthose of our regiments, which so gloriously fled on the mroning of the 6th were all strewn along the road broken and otherwise injured, all the wounded who died on the way they left unburied, by thowing mearly a blanket over them, dead horses with the spokes cut, cassions belonging to cannon wagons, we also passed a small house which they had used as a temporary hospital where we found some dead unburied and some buried with their feet sticking out of the ground, large qualities of cotton goods fo ___ were left, being principally composed of all kinds of woman apparel, our present picket lines, is within 6 miles of the enemys main line, and their picket line is within 3 miles of ours.
April 14 Night cloudy but calm nothing occurred worthy of note, we got us some breakfast, and after that, we were ordered forward some distance, on a reconnoitering expedition, we went about 2 miles south of the regular picket line but large quantities of property destroyed and strewn along the road just the same as the road just the same as the day before but in one word, the battle ground we merely passed over a battlefield of smaller magnitude then that near Pittsburgh Landing so dismal did this part of the world that we even did not see a bird nothing ___ except a wounded horse, and a small black ___ which ran up in to the ranks of Company A, bleeding, and some of the boys took it up and carried along with them we saw nothing farther to interest us, we turned about, and returned to our old picket post, where the air has rather a bad odor, there being so many dead horses, and men unburied in this vicinity, at about 11 oclock we were released and returned to our camp we found things old fashioned, and nothing had occurred wirthy of note during our absence, The day was very warm.
April 15 The night fine, morning pleasant, several of our regiment go to the river on fatigue duty, and they saw the great iron R.R. bridge floating down river which Gen Mitchel destroyed, in order to keep the rebels from drawing in reinforcements. Beauregard is trying to levy, 6 day gain, for another battle, but I think it will prove rather a failure, a great many of the 4 and 8 day men were killed on the 7th which will caution any irregular force, from engaging a well disciplined and well appointed army, and so many already have received quite different kind of pay from what they expected, will doubtless deter ant name from entering in to a similar enterprise, our camp here on the battleground where there are 20,000 men and 2000 horses by buried, besdies some occasional body which had not been found lying exposed, is beginning to make camp rather unhealthy and tomrrow morning our division, will move farther south a few miles to a ___ their location as most of us are beginning to be troubled with diarrhea.
April 16 Night very fine and warm the first warm night we have had in Tennessee, this morning is pleasant and cloudy, we are packing up for a move as the air is becoming ___. We left and went 2 miles nearer to the enemies line pitched our tents in a tolerable high place where we have running water but rather soft.
April 17 Night very warm day hot and sultry, nothing occurred worthy of note, exept we are policing off our ground, digging sinks, and firing up our camp as if they want to have us stay sometime.
April 18 Day oppresive hot, at noon alarm came into camp of the vicinity of the enemy, our brigade being nearest to the enemys line were ordered out immediately we started we started went out 2 miles within 1/2 mile of the enemys picket line where we halted and stacked arms in reserve, and main battle line being 200 yds ahead of us, we remained until 4 P.M. The enemy remaining quiet and showing no hostile demonstrations, we returned to camp thoroughly wetted, as a very heavy shower came upon us, before we reached camp.
April 19 Rain all night and all day mud knee deep nearly the whole camp is troubled with diarrhea, have whiskey and quinine served us in the evening.
April 20 Rain all night and all day no easter eggs, as the teams could not get to the boat landing on account of mud and rain 5 miles distant, we buy eggs here of the sutler for 30 cents per doz.
April 21 Rain all night and the greater portion of the day, mud awful, got plenty of eggs at 30 cents pr doz everyone down with diarrha. Medicine having no affect as we cann not cook regular.
Aprill 22 Night very dark, wet and cold, the day very fine and pleasant, this evening first dress parade since the battle, nothing further occurred worthy of note.
April 23 Night pleasant morning cool and bright this day had general inspection of arms, in the evening 15 of our wounded men were brought, having been exchanged at the rebel hospital where they saw John C. Breckenridge who came in and conversed with them and told them in the winding up of the conversation, in the event you may whip us, but conquer you never can for you have a United South to deal with, there is not a dissenting voice here but all unity.
April 24 Night warm and pleasant morning fine and bright, this morning 2 divisions started and moved out wear the enemy, at 11 oclock our dinner being ready, we were ordered out and had to leave our dinner untasted, 4, 000 cavalry and 2 regiments of infantry, with some artillery headed the expedition, we passed the rebel hospital, containing some 100 tents, which already had been taken possession of by our cavlary early in the morning. We passed beyond the hospital one mile, when we saw the cavlary returning and reporting to the Generals, that the job had allready done to our hands. It appears they drove the rebel pickets back some 3 miles beyond the hospital killed 10 and taking 11 prisoners and charging on the picket encampment, composed of 4 regiments, the rebels attempted to fire the tents of their own encampment as they fled, but our people saved most of the tents also secured the bridge, which the rebels attempted to destroy as they fled and hold it strangely guarded, at present, the above mentioned regiment, had been sent out from their strangle hold at Corinth, to do picketing in fron of our line 8 miles distant we faced about, this occurrence took place 9 miles from our camp, and 5 oclock P.M. we were back home again hungry enough, in the evening at dress parade, we were ordered to prepare one days rations in order to leave on tomrrow at 11 oclock for our post duty, so we will be likely to have some sharp work, the main rebel army is at Corinth some 8 miles beyond the bridge.
April 25 Night warm and morning rainy, at 11 oclock we started and arrived at the picket line at one oclock, the day was rainy until 5 P.M. when it cleared off, and nothing usual occurred. We held the front picket line, and the flanking companies, done the outpost duty.
April 26 Night calm and cloudy no firing heard in any quarter during the night, in the morning the sun rose bright, and this night out of camp without, tents in the open air seeming has done every man good, last evening before dark each man had one gill of whiskey issued to him from the medical department, the appearance of the sky this morning promises a fine day, at 10 oclock we were relieved, and we returned to camp where we arrived at noon.
April 27 Night cold day warm to day we had a good sermon from Chaplain Bush, the first one the boys seem to be pleased with since we are in the service, also attended the funeral of one of our men who died last night.
April 28 Night warm and pleasant, day oppresively hot, rumor came into camp, that the enemy was advancing on us, we got orders to prepare at a moments warning for marching, in the evening at tatoo we were ordered to be prepared by 8 1/2 oclock tomorrow morning.
April 29 Night warm and rainy at the appointed time we left and bid adue to our camp in the Shiloh woods, we proceeded 2 miles and therehalted, in order to those still encamped in our rear time to catch up, and so we continue to come up, and so we continued on until the entire army was on the move, for we know not but the enemy might be awaiting us in force, as we certainly have spies and traitors in our camp for the rebels were appraised of this intended movement 24 hours before the privates of our own army knew anything of it, when 6 miles out we halted and our Genrals ordered us to take off the road some distance, where we are encamped on a hasty location, and also haveplenty of good water withing 8 miles of Corinth and 2 miles from the place where we were ___ of the 24 took place and 2 miles from the Tennessee River.
April 30 Night rainy, but quiet with no picket firing although our pickets are 1 1/2 miles out, no news in camp of the enemy, only that the rebels hold Corinth, are well fortified and are 100,000 strong all the Tennessee are deserting the rebel army. This afternoon 50 new recruits arrived, and were duly sworn in as soldiers of the U.S. day very warm evening pleasant nothing further trnaspiring worthy of note.
May 1 Night cold morning all cloudy sun rose bright day oppressively hot hear distant cannonading, rumor come in to camp Gen Pope has attacked Corinth and we have orders to be prepared at a moments notice to march, we are cleaning the street of our camp of leaves etc., nothing accurring safe some scattered prisoners are brought in and an occasional deserter, they say the rbels are well posted and fortified and feel srduine of success.
May 2 The night warm day fine got orders to keep our kanpsacks well supplied for 3 days and in case of move leave our tents and knapsacks behind, the day passed off without any unusual excitement, in the evening we were again informed that at 11 oclock our brigade and 2 cannon went out, when we had gone 1/2 mile from camp, it commenced raining, and continued until our return 4 (P.M.) and is raining still 7 (P.M.) the calculation had been to attack Corinth tomorrow, bu the heavy rain will doubtless make the roads bad, for the transportation of the heavy siege guns, this evening Gen Hallack headquarters teams passed by, here going out towards Corinth, and he will be here to command in person, we could hear the locomtives whistle very plain to day where we established our picket line. We know not what the morrow will bring forth, so we can go to bed and let things take care of themselves.
May 5 Rain all night also continued rain this morning had orders to march at 6 oclock with 3 days rations, when the time arrived we were ordered to remain, as the roads are almost impassable, the pioneers gone out in order, to build bridges across some small creeks as all the waters are very high for the infantry to cross, also the heavy guns of our division can not well be transported, and it may be that several attack has been deferred for today on account of this bad weather. This morning the news had been confirmed that Gen Pope ran on to a musket battery supported by 15000 men, he brought a bettery to bear on it, and charging at the same time with bayonett ans succeeded in capturing the battery with 500 prisoners.
May 6 Wether improving the day prmises to be warm, this morning 80 men were detailed from our regiment to built roads to cross the marshes, I being one of the number detailed, we went out some 5 miles on the Corinth road leading towards Corinth, within the distance of one mile putting down a pole bridge, by evening it was completed well for the night.
(May) April 7 Night pleasant, and wether this morning fine, this morning at 6 oclock we left camp bag and baggage, and had a fine time for the first 5 miles, as the roads were good, here we halted at noon and we are awaiting orders whether to encamp or to proceed we are 6 miles from Corinth here we have taken our positions for the present, awaiting the hour of attack on our lines are with in 4 1/2 miles of their enplacements it seems quite a change, to be again on a high peace of ground after being in a dark low wet peace of woods like Shiloh for precisely one month, and having rain the greater portion of that time and mud knee deep, we are in the open country barren as it is, wheat is in some fields out in blossoms, and one foot high, and cann not yield over 5 bushels per acre the only thrifty thing is peach trees, these are laready bending down under the weight of their fruit, which are as large as a common cherry we also expect to have fair wether as long a we have no cannonading our tents and camp equipment is left behind in camp having our knapsacks with us, everything is quiet ahead of us, and we go to rest.
May 8 Night pleasant and no disturbance during the night at nidnight the division teams came up and this morning there seems to be no unusual excitement in camp, the neighborhood along here seems to be pretty wide settlement, but the farms seem to be but poorly cultivated we began to see some citizens again, but no negros except those who follow the army, the roads are in such bad condition that the heavy siege guns can scarcely be got along, the sun shines bright and promises another fine day, this is 6 oclock, and what the remainder of the day will bring for the God alone knows, the day was pleasant, at noon we got ordered to prepare everything, to leave camp on a double quick, with 2 days rations. However the order for the movement ___ ___ for some reason. It appears the Gen Pope had intended an attack on Corinth, at 1P.M. and the movement we heard the cannonading we were to move up in the center and close in with his left wing of the main army the first entrenchments are 4 1/2 miles from our camp the day passed otherwise quiet, in the evening we heard some 4 or 5 shots cannon, but, paid no attention to it and went to sleep.
May 9 Night warm and pleasant, heard no disturbance, clearing the later part of the night, in the morning after breakfast, we were ordered to prepare for leaving on picket by 9 oclock, at the appointed time we started, and 2 miles march brought us to the picket line, when we arrived we found the cause of the firing, was an attack on our pickets, belonging to Popes army, we took our position, and about 11 oclock we heard considerable firing directly in our front, 12 men from each company went to strengthen the out post picket some 200 yds. ___ of us, this fire was 1/2 mile in front of us, and was found that a party of sappers and miners guarded by one regiment of infantry was attacked by a full brigade of rebels and driven back, on our side there was 1 killed and 3 wounded, one oclock P.M. we hear very heavy cannonading some 3 miles frm us, on our left, along Gen Pope lines, and it is generally believed that this ball opened at Corinth the sound of the discharge, indicated that the heavy cannon are used. 6 P.M. we are still on the picket line, the cannonading ascertained that the firing was altogether from the rebel side, the rebels attacked Gen Popes pickets on our left adjoining us, the attack was made with cannon and musketry, one regiment of Missouri cavalry charged on the battery but was unsuccessful and consequently was badly cut up and had to retreat. Every thing is quiet still at present this being 7 oclock P.M. but what adventures the night may bring forth I am unable to conjecture every thing remained quiet during the whole night.
May 10 The picket line was left entirely unmolested were released from the extreme out post by some other relief all bustle we hear is the rattling and whistling of the R. R. cars, these seems to be at a train every 5 min passing in to, or out of Corinth, on the other rail roads. Last night Gen Pope passed through our picket line examining the ground, to see when the troops can be moved through by us, as Corinth seems to be ___, and protected by almost inpenetrable marshes, which require immense labor to bridge, as out entire army approaches Corinth by 6 different roads, the rail road are constantly used to their utmost capacity even since yesterday, which we can plainly hear on our outpost, either the rebels are receiving stronger reinforcements or are eventually the place, this every this was tolerable quite and only an occasional shot was fired by them at 11 oclock (AM) we were released from picket by the 16th regulars we returned back to camp 2 miles distance, we had hardly eaten our dinner, when we received orders to strike our tents, and move evidently, the word is that Corinth is evacuated although in the rounds the rebels got a decided advantage over our out posts. We as yet know not, whether we are going forward or back but 1/2 or 1 hour time will unravel the mystery to us. We are detained in order to let other troops pass along on the road ahead of us, we have just found out, that we are to be changed, over on the left wing, with Gen Pope in order to give, up the center to Gen Siegel and Curtis, who are said to have arrived, at Pittsburgh Landing with some 50,000 men, one mile is to be in the night, as Pope is lying close to Corinth will make room for us, and he will extend his left wing, as far as the ground, which Mitchel occupies, and he will slip in on the Corinth and Alabama R.R. hence this night movement. We left camp 1/2 past 6 oclock, and went 3 miles, and formed a temporary camp for the night our teams not being able to keep up with us having all corduroy road to pass over remained 1/2 mile behind us.
May 11 Night pleasant and comfortable, this morning received orders to remain until orders arrived from Gen Buell it is said, we are near enough to be shelled from entrenchment No 1- 1 1/2 miles outside Corinth. This is 3 P.M. and I suppose by night, we again will receive marching orders as we must pass close to Corinth in order to get to the extreme left as report says that Gen Halleck intend, to surround them and let them flicker. At 7 oclock P.M. We are ordered to commence our march, our course was south, and Corinth lay due west from us, at our place of starting, when about 2 miles out we were ordered to halt, stack arms and also were informed, taht on the following morning, we would pitch our tents at this place, and might consider this the last place of pitching tents, until the question of Corinth was decided for better or worse. We biouvached for the night and went to sleep.
May 12 At 2 oclock (AM) we were called up, to prepare our breakfast an ordered to be in readiness for marching by 3 1/2 oclock at 4 (AM) we started leaving knapsacks and blanket behind in our intended camp, taken nothing but haversacks and canteen, with gun, ammuniation and so forth. Our course lay farther south bearing somewhat to the westward, when out 2 miles we were ordered to strengthen a line of pickets, on the left of Corinth to give Crittenden a ___ was moving his division up, in order to take his position unolested, we returned to camp at 12 oclock noon, yesterday 3 P.M. the rebels made another attack of Gen Popes pickets, but our men this time were prepared for them, and a dear attack it proved to be the rebels, our men met with no loss, except a few wounded the rebels had about 3 brigades, no cannon were used, the firing was altogether by musketry, the rebels were repulsed and met with heavy loss, the day was oppresively hot evening pleasant.
May 13 Night warm and pleasant, morning fine, prospect of a hot day, no picket firing during the day the night, got plenty of letters in camp this morning in camp and are policing our quarters being told that Gen Buell and Johnson are to inspect our quarters to day, we have scarcely ___ shed, when all at once unproceeded by any one without a body guard Gen Halleack rode through our quarters, with out saying a word to anyone, and passed over to the next regiment. The day was appressively hot, various reports and rumors, arrived in camp, upon which no reliance can be placed in such as the rebels attempting to surround us, with a force of 230,000 men, and various other reports, not worthy of mention. In the afternoon Col Gibson returned from Ohio, which erected a general rejoicing, among the 49th sters. Otherwise the day passed off quiet. Evening was pleasant and warm.
May 14 Night warm and pleasant morning cool, the later part of the night we heard a great deal of drumming on ourleft along Popes lines, and on our front and right amongst the rebel lines, which indicates considerable movement amongst the troops on both sides, at the present time our division occupies the right of the left wing of the giant army. The day was oppressively hot, at 4 oclock P.M. we hear heavy cannonading in our front but the cause is unknown to us, the evening rather sultry, tatoo it has been ascertained the cannonading was merely a sham, in order to deafen the sound of musketry. It appears, that 2 regiments of 1 year men, whose term of enlistment had expired, prior to the battle of Shiloh and on the second day of the battle refused to fight. After their discharge which was refused them, they being disarmed, 2 regiments of our men who had enlisted long enough to fight the battle of Cornith, were placed over them as guards, the prisoners without arms, broke through the irregular guards and recovered arms and ammunition and nearly cut the guards to peaces, before they got assistance.
May 15 Night very pleasant, nothing unusually transpired in camp, or at the outposts, at 9 oclock, we received orders, to prepare, oursleves immediately, for a reconnoitering expedition and to take one days rations in our haversacks, and about 10 oclock we started, our entire division No 2 went out, but taking no artillery with us, our course lay direct for Corinth, after deployed as skirmishers, and our field officers and engineers exaimining the locations of the country and roads, after the rebel pickets having been driven in, the main object of the expidition, to ascertain the locations of the roads and approaches to Corinth, our line extended, as far as the main road leading to Corinth some 2 1/2 or 3 miles from town, at about 2 oclock, 2 full brigades could be seen, at a distance advancing towards our lines, besides great clouds of dust behind them, and not being prepared for it, and our abject of coming having been attained, we withdrew, and returned to camp, having found the road in a good condition, after crossing the marshes, which are by this time well bridges, the rebels must be rather hard up, some days since the rebels got the advantage over, some of Popes cavlary, and took an entire squadron of prisoners, they took the arms and ammunition from the men, and let them return to camp, stating they had neither, ___ for the horses or provisions for the men. Desertions are very frequent among them at present, some times entire squads come over to our lines and give themselves up, the Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama rebels, have at present time to do all the out post duty for fear of desertion. About 4 P.M. we returned to camp, the day was one of the hottest we have yet had, and many came in to camp almost suffocated and overcome with heat. Otherwise the day passed off quiet. The evening was very pleasant and after tatoo went to bed.
(May) March 16 Night cool and comfortable. Morning rather cloudy, nothing was heard during the night, we have had since we are here. The day was rather cool and comfortable and no particular news transpiring, some 60 men, of Popes cavalry who had been taken prisoner returned to their camp, stating that the rebels, took their arms and ammunition from them telling them they had neither forage for horse or provisions for men, and told them they might go back to their respective regiments, the country being entirely poor to afford pasturage of any kind, nothing thrives well here but peach trees. This afternoon we have just received orders for preparing rations for 3 days, but no orders for march at 5 oclock P.M. we have just received orders, to have only 2 days rations, in our haversacks, an be prepared, for a march by 8 oclock tomorrow morning, also we recieved further orders that every man must have 80 rounds of ammunition, instead of 40 rounds which we must carry about his person, we leave our knapsacks and blankets nehind in camp, this looks rather war like, during the afternoon, we received news in camp, that Mitchel, had got posession of the Corinth and Mobile R. R. and had torn up some 5 miles of the track and burning the ties, if the is the case the rebel supplies, will be about all cut off. Making all preparations, and finished half written letter for sweet home we went to bed, day cool and fine.
May 17 Night cool and pleasant everything quiet at a distance, nothing could be heard at a distance, but the axes wielded by the road workers, and this day will show what all this preparation means, if the rebels make a firm stand, this battle will be more bloody, than that of Pittsburgh Landing, as they are hemmed in from 3 sides, if we succeeded in getting them fast, as we calcualte, the word will be to answered in a short time, but should we be defeated here which God forbid will easy last one year longer. In my opinion, the cause of this days move is, the rebels since the day before yesterday have been ordered, to one meal per day, if the report can be credited, they have yet one gap, where they can back out at, and evacuate.Kowing our people to be a ___ tomaking attacks on Sunday and doubtless the rebels had been preparing to evacuate the place tomorrow thinking, there by to ___ the vigilance of our Generals, and hence this move on Saturday, at the appointed time we are ready, were drawn up in line, in front of our camp and are still here at one oclock, at 2 oclock we went in to quarters, as everything seems to be quiet, at 3 oclock report came to camp, that our men had their siege gunsplanted and at 5 oclock we hear very heavy firing with the heaviest kind of artillery. Otherwise the evening passed off quiet, at Tatoo we were ordered to be in readiness for marching by 6 oclock next morning with 2 days rations.
May 18 Night cloudy and pleasant, morning dark and rainy there has been occasioanl firing during the night but no attention is paid to it, as our brigade is kept as a kind of forlorn hope reserve and are seldom called out unless there is immanent danger ahead, or other difficult duties to perform in near proximity, we are under arms, but not yet been called out, also news again came into camp, that the enemy, to day the same as yesterday, we are under arms again came into camp, that the enemy recieved 60000 reinforcemetns from Ft Pillow and New Orleans, on the Mobile R.R. which is not in our possession as here to fore stated. This afternoon considerablr cannonading to our front, which was doubtless the enemy trying to shell out some sharpshooters which have got near their entrenchment's, also most baterrys of siege guns have been planted and it is generally expected that the ball will lopen immeditately after midnight. The day has been very fine and cool nothing transpiring otherwise worthy of note, had it not been that we constantly had to be in position to grasp our arms, and always having our ammunition lashed to us, we would have called this the only quiet Sunday we have for a long while. In the evening we were again ordered to be in constant readiness and went to bed.
May 19 Night cool, morning dark, nothing having transpired worthy of note during the night, everything quiet ahead.
