Due to a move to forge the river down from Fredericksburg all Pioneers are ordered to move with the Pontoon Bridges with 6 days rations.

The 2nd Michigan gets orders to be ready to move the next day.

Orders came at midnight to march at 4am in Heavy Order then they were told to wait for further orders.

The move is canceled due to weather. This move will afterwards be known as the "Mud March".

Just after dark orders came to the Ninth (9th) Corps to embark at once for Fort Monroe. This order will be delayed and the 2nd Michigan will not move until February 13th .

At 10 A.M. 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry struck their tents. In the afternoon they left & boarded trains, mustered and left the Siege of Fredericksburg for Aquia (Hatt) Creek. They disembark the train & moved down the Rail Road until they boarded the Steamer Georgia. They are heading for Port Henry on the Tennessee River.

Near morning the steamer weighed anchor and they were on their way. At about 3am a fight arose between some of the 2nd Mich. and 8th Mich. They got to the post at 9 P.M. and stayed in their huts all night. The ship arrives at Hampton Roads about 11pm and remained at anchor till morning.

At 7 A.M. the Regiment sailed from Hampton Roads to Newport News where they landed about noon. They marched 2 miles up the James River and camped.

At this point the 2nd Michigan Infantry start setting up their winter quarter and set up regular picket duties across from Petersburg. The spirits are very high and the men seem happy to be getting a rest from many months of traveling.

In Michael H. Higgins (Co. �B�) Diary he mentioned the following information about his Company. �To day Capt. Johnson was transferred and H C Barden is our Capt. Grant Helen is our 2nd and Tullish is our First Lieut.�

The Regiment left camp and returned to Newport News. The Regiment embarked on the Steamer Georgia.

The Georgia puts to sea heading for Baltimore Maryland.

The ship lands in the morning at Locust Point near Baltimore. The 2nd Mich. disembarked at 10am and went onboard cars on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail Road. The train had to stop a few times. The First was to remove a track placed across to derail the train and the Second was about 8 miles down the track to pick up a drunken soldier who had tumbled off the car.

The 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry arrives at Harper�s Ferry at 7am. They stop for rations then embark again. They reached Cumberland Maryland at 5pm and had Supper.

At daylight the train reached Grafton Virginia then at 4pm Petersburg where the 2nd, 17th Mich. & the 79th NY embarked on the (New) Steamboat Majestic.

The Ship is on the Ohio and passed Cincinnati during the night arriving in Louisville Kentucky at approximately 10am and disembarked having traveled above 1000 miles since their departure. They had dinner in the town then marched out 1 mile and bivouacked.

The Regiment marched to the train depot and board cars on the Louisville and Nashville Rail Road.

The 2nd Mich. reached Bardstown during the night and leave the cars after daylight. They marched through town and camped just outside of it.

At 7am they marched 18 miles and made camp on the fair ground in Springfield.

The Regiment started marching at 5am and after 10 miles they reached Lebanon at about 10am.

Brigadier General Mahlon D. Manson reviewed the Regiment. .

The 2nd Michigan loses its second Colonel. Colonel Orlando M. Poe returns to the Regular Engineers to the rank of Captain after his Volunteer commission expires and they do not renew it. .

A French gentleman arrives in camp and announces to the 2nd Michigan that he was assigned their new Major to the astonishment of the unit members, which had no idea that he was coming. .

The New Major went to Louisville for reasons unknown.

The New Major is accused in town of stealing shirts and divers other offenses and he is not seen again.

Humphrey becomes the Third Colonel of the 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry.

At 7am the Regiment departs and moves as rear guard a total of 18 miles and camped near Cambellsville.

They marched 10 miles to Green River acting once again as rear guard.

The Regiment remained at Sublette Bridge.

The Regiment receives their newly enlisted band. They, the 2nd Mich. would during their service have 2 bands. The first was disbanded approximately a year before.

The 2nd Mich. marched to Columbia reaching there about noon time and camped � a mile out of the city.

1st Lieutenant Joseph Burger resigned his commission due to rheumatism caused by exposure.

The Regiment left camp at dark in light order. They marched 13 miles on the Jamestown Road and bivouacked.

The 2nd Infantry left camp and about 10 A.M. They moved 5 miles towards Jamestown and Scouted for the Rebels. They are about 18 miles from Columbia KY. Once there they were put on Picket Duty on the Summerville Road.

The Regiment sent out scouts and captured some Confederates.

At 11 A.M. the 17th Mich., 25th Mich. & 145 Penn. meet with the Second. The Regiment start a forced march at 2:30pm and traveled the 18 miles to Cambellville (Louisville). They arrived at camp at 4 P.M.

In the afternoon they had a move.

While on picket some of the Second got shot at very heavily.

The 2nd Michigan Infantry were relieved that morning from picket. All their things were sent to the rear They received ordered to march at half past 4am (Next Day) with 8 days rations.

The regiment, along with the 20th Mich. & 100 PA., were on the road at 2 A.M. that morning. They camped about 2 miles north of Cambellville. They marched about 22 miles that day. The 2nd Mich. boards a steam ship and starts their journey to Cairo receiving a Very warm reception from the Rebels on the banks of the river. Once in Cairo they disembarked.

At 4 A.M. they resumed their march to Louisville. They arrived at 7 P.M. and took the cars to Louisville and to the camp.

They left Louisville and took the ferry boat across Jeffersonville Ohio and then changed cars for the Kentucky & Ohio R.R.

At 7 A.M. they arrived in Vincennes Ind. and crossed the Wabash River At 8 A.M. They arrived in Salem Ind. and changed cars to the I.C.R.R. for Centrallia Ill.

They arrived at Cairo at 9 A.M. They went through Mound City. They went aboard the Nebraska that morning.

They left Cairo at 9 A.M. They first came to the Mississippi River at Columbus KY. at 11 A.M. Some soldiers were on guard near Madrid at 4 P.M.

They were afloat again at 4 A.M. They arrived at Memphis at 4 P.M.

Still on board the Nebraska.

They left Memphis at 4 A.M. arriving at Helene Ark. at 11 A.M. They Left there at 1 P.M. At 2 P.M. they met up with some enemy gun boats They tied up on the Arkansas shore for the night.

About 4am that morning they left and at 9 A.M. they were again fired upon by gun boats from the Arkansas side of the River. At 11 A.M. fired at once again. They were 2 wounded. They tied up at once at Millikin Bend.

At about daylight they went on again. They came in sight of Vicksburg at 7 A.M. At 8 A.M. they came in on the Miss. side 7 miles from Vicksburg. They marched with 5 days rations. The Regiment reaches Vicksburg Mississippi after a 10-day journey.

The Second was woken at 2 A.M. and ready for the day at 4 A.M. They got to the river at 8 A.M. There was heavy firing all night. They were given orders to cross the river These were countermanded and they left for the North side of the point at 8 P.M.

They move to Haynes Bluff There is not much firing. The transports are loaded with troops by 10 A.M. They arrived at Haynes Bluff about 5 P.M. They are to stay on board the transports.

At 6 A.M. that morning they disembarked. They layed in the mud. They then unloading the baggage and they left for Snyders Bluff at 11 A.M. They marched about 4 miles to the Vicksburg Road.

Siege of Vicksburg.

* June 19th 1863 The 2nd Mich. is 2 miles back from the river from Snyder�s Bluff and about 15 miles from Vicksburg. The Regiment is posted to the North along the Yazoo River. They are guarding against any attempts by General Joseph E. Johnston�s Confederate forces to relieve the besieged city. * June 20th 1863 About 3am that morning there was heavy cannonading at Vicksburg. * June 22th 1863 There was some firing in the direction of Vicksburg. The Second Received orders to march at a moments notice. * June 23th 1863 By daylight there were troops on the march passing their camp. There was heavy firing at Vicksburg all day. * June 24th 1863 They were up at 4 A.M. that morning digging rifle pits. The breast works are right through their camp. They worked all day. They heard gun fire all day from Vicksburg. * June 25th 1863 There was firing all day from Vicksburg. * June 26th 1863 That morning they were again making their rifle pits. There was no firing of any account from the city. * June 27th 1863 There was some firing from Vicksburg which was almost silent. June 29th 1863 They struck their tents at 8 A.M. At approximately 9am the 2nd Mich. marches about 7 (9) miles South East to Flower Hill Church. They ended up about 5 miles from Millville. June 30th 1863 They laid out their camp grounds and pitched their tents. Some soldiers were sent out on guard. They were relieved from guard the next morning. * July 1st 1863 2nd Lieutenant Fred. Wilkinson resignation accepted and 2nd Lieutenant D.C. Morrison cashiered due to drunkenness by Court Martial received on that day. * July 2nd 1863 The Regiment was awakened at 3 A.M. to be ready to work at 4 A.M. They went out 2 miles were they chopped wood. * July 4th 1863 At 3am that morning General Pemberton surrendered to General U.S. Grant. The City of Vicksburg and about 30,000 prisoners were taken. At around 4pm the 2nd Michigan gets orders to move at once towards the Big Black River. They marched about 8 miles.

At about 11 A.M. they left their camp. The Regiment moves around noon about 3 miles and within 2 miles of Big Black River.

They were up at 2 A.M. and ready to move at 4 A.M. They left camp at 1 P.M. and crossed the Big Black at 2 P.M. A good many got stuck They marched about 4 miles and camped for the day.

About 4 A.M. they left camp and moved about 10 miles. The Regiment marches at noon across the Black and through about 2 miles of Cypress Swamp then continued their march through a massive thunder storm and bivouacked.

The Second went on the road at 9 A.M. They marched to Brownsville and went on to camp another 12 miles past the city.

At 6 A.M. that morning they were on the road and came to and passed Clinton Miss. at 2 P.M. They went into camp at 12 P.M. and some soldiers were on picket at 1 A.M. They are within about 6 miles of Jackson Mississippi.

Siege of Jackson Mississippi.

2nd Michigan Infantry casualties during this siege are KIA 12, WIA 36 and MIA 8. Charles Smith Company "E" receives a severe shot in the leg. Charles Porter (Frank C.) wounded in action badly in the thigh. He recovers. 1st Sgt. of Company "C" becomes a prisoner of war. Cpl. A.W. Smith of Company "C" died of wounds. Cpl. Austin (Arestine) Jones of Company "C" is wounded in action and becomes a Prisoner. Captain Charles B. Hayden now with Company "E" is wounded in action and recovers. Lieutenant Montagne of Company "E" receives a severe wound to the shoulder 1 inch below the collarbone. July 10th 1863 Up the next morning at 6am they Marched until noon. The Regiment advances slowly towards Jackson. Approximately 3 miles from the city the Brigade encounters enemy scouts. The 79th NY are sent as skirmishers and the 2nd Mich. as their support. The Second formed in line of battle. They camped in sight of Jackson. July 11th 1863 A little before sunrise the 2nd Mich. is deployed as skirmishers covering the front of the Brigade. The 2nd Mich skirmished and charged the Rebs rifle pits. The Regiment encounters a moderate but well directed fire from skirmishers at long range. July 12th 1863 Some skirmishes that morning. About 8 A.M. there was Heavy Cannonading for about 10 minutes. The Second was relieved about 6 A.M. July 13th 1863 The Rebs shelled the hospital which was at the Asylum. They did no damage. There was some Picket firing reported that day in Smithville. July 14th 1863 The 17th Michigan had a skirmish with the enemy in the morning. Three Rebs were wounded. July 15th 1863 They moved the hospital about a mile from the Rebs after they put a shell through the Asylum. The outside works were taken and the city was on fire all night. July 16th 1863 There was a good deal of firing that day. One of the Orderlies was wounded in the leg at 9 A.M. The Rebs evacuated Jackson Miss. that night.

Jackson is abandoned and falls into the hands of the Federals. Cavalry Units were in town and the troops were moving back to the river.

After causing havoc on the Rail Road tracks and destroying a Rail Road Station the 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry marches into Jackson. The Second received orders at an early hour to move that morning. They are going back to Kentucky or some place up north. They are taking some of the wounded with them on stretchers.

At about 8 A.M. Charley Young of Co "B" died of wounds received at Jackson.

All the sic were put on waggons. They marched for the Big Black River. They camped at Clinton.

At 8 A.M. they went 2 miles and went into camp at Baker Creek at 7 P.M.

At day light they were on the road. They arrived at the Big Black River about noon and took the cars to Vicksburg. They arrived at 4 P.M. They drew rations at Vicksburg and camped for the night.

The Second left the city at 8 A.M. They arrived at Snyders's Bluff at 2 P.M. Some regiments were engaged in a battle.

At about 7 A.M. the Regt. brought in all the wounded from the day before. The 2nd Mich. arrives at Snyder�s Bluff on the Yazoo after marching approximately 60 miles.

They received many more wounded at 1 A.M. that morning. They received a rest after a long march.

Nothing to Report.

They receive orders for 10 days rations of meat.

Nothing interesting to report.

The 2nd Michigan Infantry become part of the 3rd Brigade with the 100 Pa. 17th Mich. and the T Vols.

Nothing interesting to report.

At 8 A.M. some of the Second were sent out on picket.

August 2nd through 13th as very little information available. Here is some information collected from The Civil War Diary of Michael Henry Higgins 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B.

"The Regt. moved back to Kentucky from Vicksburg by way of the Ohio River through Louisville, Cincinnati, Covington, and to Nicholasville."

Note: The above statement I assume was written by my Uncle Frank Walker to fill in the gap , explaining the missing pages. I make this assumption as it contains punctuation, unlike the diary, and is written in the 3rd person. RWB

At 8 A.M. they went through the town of Nicholasville and moved about a mile past until they arrived at 11 A.M. and set up their tents.

Nothing interesting to report.

Some of the 2nd go on guard.

Some of the 2nd go on guard about 9 A.M. Pvt Herron and Chomm Rembin went home to Huntsburg for 20 Days.

The Regiment is still close to Nicholasville and to Lexington.

Nothing interesting to report.

Some are on guard that day.

Some Men that are going on inspection The few that were to escort Major General Nelson to camp with Robinson and to come back that night.

Nothing interesting to report.

Some soldiers on guard at 7 A.M.

Nothing interesting to report.

About noon they received orders to march at daylight.

The Regiment is at Camp Dick Robinson Kentucky. On the 28th the Brigade is sent out 2 days as a military escort for the remains of General William Nelson. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis at the Galt House in Louisville killed Gen. Nelson on September 29th 1862.

Reville at 4 A.M. The 2nd Mich. is on the road at 5am. They moved through Lancaster and camped.

about 2 miles from the village.

Reville at 3 A.M. They are were marching at 5 A.M. They arrive at the village of Crabb Orchard Kentucky at 10 A.M. (11am) and camped 2 miles further on.

The Second is in camp near Crabb Orchard Ky.

Nothing interesting to report.

They received orders to march in the morning.

Nothing interesting to report.

A detail of the Second was chosen for picket.

Regiment inspection by Lieu. Berry of 2nd Mich.

Nothing interesting to report.

A detail is sent off for picket in the morning. They received orders to march at 5 A.M. to Mt Vernon.

They had revellie at 3 A.M. The picket came in at daylight and at 8 A.M. they left camp and marched to Mt Vernon and another 11 miles and camp for the night.

They march to Wild Mountain. There was a great deal of straggling. The terrain was rough and stoney.

They had revellie at 3:30am and marched at 5 A.M. They camped within 2 miles of London. They marched 10 mile that day.

They laid over that day at London but receive orders to move at 5 A.M. the following day.

They had revellie at 3 A.M. and marched at 5 A.M. They marched 15 miles.

they remained in camp. Revellie at 3 A.M. and marched at 5 A.M. Went about 15 miles and camped near the Cumberland River. They had quite rough roads coming into the Bakerville Mountains.

Reveille at 3 A.M. Marched at 5 A.M. They marched 8 miles Within 4 miles of the Cumberland Ford at Pineville. They were short of food. They were ordered to rest the following day.

The Second was in camp taking a rest wich was needed. Orders to march the next day at 5 A.M.

Orders not to move until further orders received. At 2 P.M. orders not to move until the next day.

They marched at 6 A.M. and crossed the Cumberland River 8 miles from camp It is very dark and cloudy but the roads were good. They marched 15 miles and bivouacked for the night.

Marched at 6 A.M and they were at the Cumberland Gap at 11 A.M. aprox. 2 miles from the foot of the mountain to the Gap. The roads were good and it was a strong place. Well fortified. They marched about 15 miles that day.

They marched at 5 A.M. and pased the village of Tazwell Tenn. The Second stopped 2 hours for dinner and went 7 miles further and camped. They marched 22 miles that day.

They marched at 7 A.M. The Regiment was rear guard that day. They enjoyed the Clinch River and the mountains They were the roughest mountains yet they had crossed. They came to the Holston River and camped for the day. They marched 18 miles.

The Regiment was with the train. They crossed the river at 9 A.M in a boat. When they came to camp the Division had left for Anon. Their Regiment took the cars for Greenville but they camped at Morristown About 10 miles. The Brigade came back to Morristown that night.

The Second drew rations of flour at Morristown. They marched at 2 P.M. for about 12 miles to Green Creek Station. The 1st and 2nd Brigades were with them. Three Regiments of the 3rd Brigade went to Knoxville.

They left Green Creek at 5 A.M. and passed through Newmarket about 8 A.M. They filled their canteens and marched to Strawberry Plains. They laid over 2 hrs and crossed the Holston River. They marched 19 miles to Flat Creek that day.

They left Flat Creek about 5 A.M. Got to Knoxville around 10 A.M. It was 12 miles of dust. They went into camp on the East side of the town of Knoxville.

In camp near Knoxville. Orders came to march at 5 A.M. but were countermanded. They drew rations at 12 P.M. and went to bed contented.

They were routed up at 2 A.M. They had only 2 hours sleep. They crossed the Holston River before daylight. The Second went about a mile to support a battery (4th Ohio Battery). They expected to have a Reb raid. They stayed all night.

They are still in line with the 4th Ohio Battery. They laid there until 4 P.M. They moved across the road and went into camp in the woods.

Nothing important to report.

The Regiment is in Knoxville Tennessee.

They were sent on picket. They foraged for food.

Nothing important to report.

Orders came to march the next day at 7 A.M.

Revellie at 5 A.M. On the march at 7 A.M. The Second Crossed the river and marched to the Depot. They laid over all day.

The boarded the train at 9 A.M. General Burnside went with them. So did his staff. They left Knoxville at 12 Noon. Arrived in Morristown about 4 P.M. then went 12 miles further and camped for the night.

Battle of Blue Springs.

* October 10th 1863 They left the junction for Bull's Gap at 6 A.M. Marched about 8 miles to Blue Springs The Rebs were there in force. About 5 P.M. some of Second engaged with them. Then darkness came ending the battle. The Rebs left about 5 A.M. in the night.

The 2nd Michigan Infantry, with it's Corp start after the Regs. They marched 22 miles and camped 2 miles East of Raytown. Company "B" was still in persuit of the Rebs.

Note: Raytown is possibly Rheatown - RWB

The Second received orders that they were to move at 2 P.M. They were countermanded. They are now ordered to march at 4 A.M.

The Soldiers received revellie at 3 A.M. and marched at 5 A.M. They moved back to Rayton at 7.A.M., Greenville at noon & went 4 miles further and camped. They marched 18 miles that day.

The Second was ordered to march to Bulls Gap a distance of 14 miles and take the cars. The staff officers had to go on foot. They left camp at 7 A.M. & arrived at the Gap at 3 P.M. The cars came up. The 17th 20th & 100 Pa. went on board. Being there was no room the 2nd Mich had to stay behind.

At 8 P.M. they packed up and left on the cars at 10 P.M.

NOTE: There wasn't a 16 Oct in the diary. Higgins had them boarding the train on 15 Oct and disembarking the next morning and yet seems to have dated it 17 Oct. This obviously calls for further research to clarify the dates. - RWB [email protected]

They arrived at Knoxville about 3 A.M. and stayed on the cars until daylight. At 6 A.M. they marched through the town into camp on the North side.

Nothing important to report.

Orders came at 2 P.M. to march at 7 A.M. the next morning with 10 days half rations.

They left Camp at 7 A.M. Passed through Knoxville and marched 15 miles to Campbell Station. Their Division is out & they heard heavy cannonading in the direction of Louden.

Left camp at 5 A.M. They camped.

Mentioned in Michael H. Higgins Diary� "Heard that Wolford had a fright yesterday Got nearly captured He lost all his artillery."

At 3 A.M. they packed up their gear and went about 2 miles and camped across the river from Louden with orders to raise their tents. They are in Reading.

Mentioned in Michael H. Higgins Diary� "About 3 A.M. it started to rain and continued all day. The camp is all mud. Nothing to eat. Went to town to buy some grub. Nothing to buy. It is cold today."

A large calvary force went to the front. The Second is ordered to pack and remained so until dawn. They did not move that day.

The Second is still in Reading across the river from Louden. More calvary where coming back. A few prisoners were brought in.

Mentioned in Michael H. Higgins Diary� "General Burnside has ordered against stealing and pilfering in the city. You will be branded on the cheek with a "T", your head shaved and stripped of your uniform and drummed out of the service."

Nothing of importance to report.

At 3 A.M. the Regiment was awoken & Ordered to pack. They were told not to make any noise or fires. At 5 A.M. they crossed the pontoon bridge and went about a mile and had their breakfast. They then moved another 5 miles and camped.

The 2nd Division fell back at 1 P.M. They struck their tents at 2 P.M. and moved about 2 miles. They were told to put up their tents for winter quarters at 9 P.M.

They went about 2 miles before noon for some boards and to a sawmill in the afternoon. They stole some boards from a farmer.

They worked on the quarters. They had nothing to eat. They were ordered to march at 8 P.M. They were then handed full rations of beef, 1/2 rations of hard beef for 3 days, bread and butter that night.

The Second drew 1/8 ration of coffee and sugar. They hauled some logs for their shanty.

They went out about 1/4 mile on the road to get nails & came across a house. They tore down the house The owner came with a safe guard from behind and so they left for camp.

They commenced their house that day. They are "Hard up for grub...".

Continue work on their house. Received one day half rations of hard bread and a full ration of beef neck.

Some of the Second were detail for picket that day. Another part is at work on their shanty.

They recieved marching orders at 11 P.M. and left camp at 2 A.M. and got on the cars at 3 A.M.

They arrived at Knoxville at 8 A.M. Had breakfast at 9 A.M. They laid over that day and moved back to the railroad and camped.

They recieved orders to be ready to take the cars at 12 noon for Louden. They did not move. They went down to town and got news to march at 7 P.M.

The 2nd Michigan V.I. received Orders to return. They left Knoxville at 3 A.M. They arrived at camp at 6 P.M. This should have been their winter quarters. They called the camp Camp Michigan. They are located near Lenoir Tennessee.

They worked on the shanty all that day. The band came back and played for them.

They are camped near Siever Station. They are detail to stack their arms on the color line at 4 A.M. and be ready to move on a moments notice. The 2nd Corps crossed the river foraging.

They are still camped near the John Siever Station. They once again have stacked their arms on the color line. They finished their shack.

They finished their tents. Even their tables.

They were dismissed at 1 A.M. But got a wake up call. They were on the road to Louden at 9 A.M. They marched 5 (12) miles down the river then camped.

Battle of Lenoir Station

* November 15th 1863 The Regiment moves back, about 4 A.M., towards their old Quarters. They got to Lenoir Station at 1 A.M. followed closely by the Rebels. At 5 P.M. The 2nd Michigan are deployed as skirmishers and commence fighting in earnest. They were attacked, the Brigade forms and a � hour firefight ensue. They held the Rebs until 4 A.M. the next morning.

Battle of Campbell Station

* November 16th 1863 The Regiment then falls back to Campbell Station at 5 A.M. Their Brigade was rear guard. Once at Campbell Station the 2nd Mich. takes a position on the right where they are once again engaged in combat. They were skirmishing with the enemy all day. After the battle the Regiment march all night reaching Knoxville Tennessee approximately 1 hour before daylight. Captain of Company "C" is wounded in action at Lenoir. Company "C" lost 3 at Campbell Station. Company "B" 5 men. After the battle the Regiment retired toward Knoxville all that night and got to Knoxville at daylight. They got most of their wounded out.

Defence Of Knoxville

* November 17th 1863 The Soldiers were digging rifle pitts all that day. November 18th 1863 They were in their rifle pits. There was Heavy skirmishing and it was reported that General Sherman was in the rear along with General Livingstone. November 19th 1863 The Union skirmishers were driven back. It is said they received 5 wounded. The firing was brisk. The Regiment lost an Orderly Sargent in CO. "C". November 20th 1863 The Second is in Fort Saunders. Firing as usual on the picket line. No advance that day by the rebs. They shelled the city but no damage to the Second. November 21st 1863 The 17th Mich drove the Rebs pickets out and set fire to a house the enemy occupied. The 17th had 2 killed. The enemy then shelled the fort for an hour or two. November 22nd 1863 Mentioned in Michael H. Higgins Diary� �Knoxville almost starved out. The Rebs are constantly shooting. Benjamine shell them ... Expecting an attack from the enemy to night.� RWB November 23rd 1863 Knoxville was quiet except for the picket firing. The troops have hardly anything to eat. November 24th Major Charge in Knoxville. At about 9 A.M. the Regiment made a charge on the Rebs in an open field about � of a mile from their works. They met with very heavy losses. Some sources indicate 97 were killed wounded or missing and others 84 Wounded or Killed in action including 4 officers Killed and 6 Sgt. losing a leg. Company "B" 1 killed and 8 wounded. Company "C" Casualty are 11 Killed or Wounded. Perry Mayo "C" Wounded in Action Recovers. Henry Percy "C" Wounded in Action - Shot through thigh Major Byington "HQ" Died of Wounds. Color Sgt. "HQ" Killed in Action The Col. of the 17th Mich was killed by an enemy sharp shooter. November 25th 1863 Nothing to report. November 26th 1863 The Soldiers have to stay in their rifle pits. The Rebs are keeping the balls rolling. The Rebs were moving to the right all that day. November 27th 1863 Knoxville was quiet Not much picket firing. They can hear the Rebs. Their is a band playing and the Rebs are cheering. November 28th 1863 The Rebs made a charge in their picket. They drove the picket in at about 11 P.M. last night. November 29th 1863 They enemy attacked their post at daylight. The attack was repulsed. November 30th 1863 Nothing to report. December 1st 1863 An occasional shot is heard from the pickets. The Regiment was ordered to fall into the pits at 2 A.M. December 2nd 1863 The pickets started to fire heavily. The Rebs are moving up to their right. They expect an attack this evening. This did not occur. December 3rd 1863 The Rebs are keeping close to their rifle pits all day. The Union reenforcements have not come. Most everyone is hungry. Their reenforcements came in late that night & General Sherman is reported as being at Louden. December 4th 1863 The Union Soldiers are in the rifle pits at 2am. The Rebs left at that time.

A few prisoners were taken in the morning.

The prisoners are comming in by squads.

The Regiment received orders to march but they were countermanded. They are to camp till further orders and then moved at 1 P.M. They marched another 7 miles & camped.

The Union troops in Knoxville were relieved. They have orders to move at 4 A.M. with 5 days rations. They left Knoxville at 6 A.M. and marched 10 miles & camped.

They were Orders to march at 7 A.M. Marched another 15 miles. Within a mile of Rutledge The Rebs left the day before.

They are still camped near Rutledge. No orders to move. Their chief support is popcorn. They made corn and coffee to day.

Some soldiers went out 5 miles to search a house. They got back with pork and potatoes. They had a good supper.

A large waggon party was sent out with the 25 corps to the mill.

The last of their supplies came up that day.

* December 14th 1863 They had revellie at 3 A.M. and took rations for 6 days. They left camp at 5 A.M. and marched 12 miles. They carried out a night raid. They were shelled out so they left camp. The Regiment fell back 6 miles and camped at 12 A.M. Mentioned in Michael H. Higgins Diary the next day� �Capt Barden was shot in the ass last night..� RWB.

Battle of Thurley's Ford

* December 15th 1863 The Regiment advanced 3 miles & then fell back as they skirmished again. They put out a picket until some action about 1 P.M. They fell back about 10 more miles.

They end up camped at Blaines Cross Roads. They marched 11 miles that day. At 3 P.M. they got in Line of Battle. It was reported that they were to make a stand there. The enemy was 2 miles from here.

A little fighting on our right. They were skirmshes all day.

Nothing to Report.

The Regiments clothing list went in on order. An order came in to Reenlist into the Veterans Corps.

Nothing to Report.

They moved the camp into the woods and set their tents. The rumour was that the Corps was going to Washington.

Some soldiers put in their names to join the volunteers.

Nothing to Report.

Mentioned in Michael H. Higgins Diary� �Camped near the Cross Roads. A fine day not cold. A very dull Christmas. No body tight. No fun or entertainment of any kind...� RWB

Nothing to Report.

Mentioned in Michael H. Higgins Diary� �Company E has all gone into the Volenteers Corps� RWB

Col. Hayden returned to the Regt. after being wounded.

Nothing to Report.

The 3rd year of the war (1863) end with the 2nd Michigan Infantry at Blaines Cross Roads. Their 3 year enlistment is drawing to an end and the Regiment is attempting to get as many of the Soldiers to re-enlist as Veterans.

Spelling May 6th 2006