THE DIARY OF I. LEONARD
Issac W. Leonard was born on July 28, 1839 and died on January 28, 1863. On August 17th of 1861, in his senior year at Mt. Union College, of Alliance, Ohio, he enlisted in Company H of the 49th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers. He was taken prisoner at Stone River, Tennessee on Dec. 31, 1862, having been wounded in the shoulder and later died from neglect in Jackson, Miss. On January 28, 1863.
G. Allan Vaughan of Denver, CO is a direct descendent of the Leonard family and a member of the 49th Reenactment Assoc. and, with Ohio Historical Society, has generously offered the following excerpts from Issac's war time diary for publication in the Camp Noble Gallant.
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I.W. Leonar
Co. H 49th Reg. O.V
Camp George Woo
Mumfordsville, Ky
New Years Day, 186
Wednesday, January 1, 1862. Another year has gone to its grave in the vast tombs of the past.bsp; Another mystic book has been opened, and, oh! What mighty secrets lie buried in its dark pages. What will this year bring to me? Wait and see.
Thursday 2. Cold raw day, and wet night. Out on picket duty and a hard time we had. It rained hard all night, and to make the matter worse it froze as fast as it fell. Severe indeed are the duties of the soldier.
Friday 3. Still raining. Chilly wind from the east. Got back to camp during the forenoon, and found the old tent- -uncomfortable as it is- -a welcome retreat from the chilling rain. Thus it is. That which we at one time we look upon with contempt circumstances may cause us to look upon with favor. Wrote to bro. C.C. (brother who was later killed in a train accident.)
Saturday 4. Cold and cheerless as ever. Nothing of a special interest has occurred today. As it was unfit for drill we nothing to do but lay in our tents and pass the time as best we could.
Sunday 5. Another "day of all the week the best" passed in camp. Sunday in camp is very different from what is at home. Various are the ways in which the boys spend the time. Some not very religious. Wrote a letter to Miss E__G__M.
Monday 6. Cloudy cold day. Nothing of interest occurred. We had no drill, and the boys did nothing but lay in their tents all day. This is what kills the soldiers. Verily if the sword slays its thousands inactivity slays its ten thousands. Received a letter from L.C. Ward. (a cousin who later died of typhoid fever ath the age of 20 while attending Mt. Union College.)
Tuesday 7. Rather fine day. Battalion drill in the forenoon, and company drill in the afternoon. I have been unwell today, and was not on duty. Fact is I am getting low spirited, and must try and cheer up or I will be sick.
Wednesday 8. Went on drill during the forenoon. Rained hard all the afternoon. Received a letter from Brother Clark which informed a good pair of boots were coming. Glad for it; for I need them. Anniversary of the battle of New Orleans 1815.
Thursday 9. Quite unwell all day. Regiment went on pickett in the evening. I was the only one of my mess left in camp, and felt lonesome. It is comparatively easy soldering whenever I have health; but when sick, then it is a dreary cheerless task.
Friday 10. Drizzly unpleasant day. In the morning I went to the depot, and found there a nice pair of boots; expressed from home. An excellent present and, very acceptable. My warmest gratitude will ever be bestowed on the donor.
Saturday 11. Received our new tents today, and a happy set of boys was seen in Co. H. The tents are roomy and comfortable, and stand in striking contrast to the little squatty bell tents. Wrote a letter to Father and also to brother Clark.
Sunday 12. Very pleasant in the forenoon; but the afterpart of the day was very disagreeable and rainy. Had divine service during the day, conducted by Rev. Bush, regimental chaplain. Feel well and in much better spirits than I have for a long time. Wrote a letter to Miss A.M.S.
Monday 13. No drill today, and glad of it. Had a prayer meeting in our tent in the evening. Snowing now from the east, with prospect of plenty ere it stops. Received a letter from my coz, Miss Lizzy Crum.
Tuesday 14. Nothing of especial interest has occurred. The sun came out warm, and by noon the snow was all gone. Such a mud as we have now can only be imagined by those who have been in camp.
Wednesday 15. Dark and gloomy. At 12 o'clock the orders came to be ready to march in two hours, with 15 days rations. All was bustle and hurry, though the prospect of marching in the night through mud and rain 47 miles was not very flattering. The order, however, was revoked.
Thursday 16. On guard duty today, and a fine time I had wading around through the mud which is about as plenty here now as it generally becomes.
Friday 17. At 3 P.M. today the report was brought into camp that the enemy was coming in full force. Then "hurry skurry" get up and shuffle. Six or eight regiments went over the river on "double quick" but came back seeing "nary secesh." Received letters from L.C.W. O'Fallon.
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