Almon J. Pierce Diary—1 January 1864 to 1 March 1865 (2024)

Friday 1st January 1864—The first day of the New Year is nearly spent with no remarkable feature connected therewith excepting the sudden and unusual coolness of the atmosphere. The newcomer certainly makes his advent in a very unpropitious manner: hope its not a sample of what the whole is to be. Last night was tedious in the extreme—ice freezing near an inch in thickness where exposed. The day would do credit to weather located in a more hyperborean latitude. It was generally urged that we should celebrate the day in the usual custom as in days of yore, by a sumptuous feast, but it came nearer to being a shameful fast for dinner, with the exception of Co. D & some other individuals who had procured chickens, &c. off of the Baltic where they have things in style, or as we say, “kinder white” & fared very well. Our rations had given out so that we have been confined to pure hard tack & coffee without sugar for the past day or two. The Commissary Sergeant who was either incapable or negligent had not got a new supply yet as he should have done, & it bids fair to continue so for a while longer. Bitter complaints were made to the officers with sundry threatening which had a very beneficial effect in moving them to action so about 2 o’clock the Fairchild dropped down along side and we drew a bountiful supply of good substantial food, but never hard tack, 25 or 30 bbl. of flour, with quite a number bushel of potatoes. The bakers immediately set to work to bake biscuit for supper. In the meantime we got about some 300 sacks of oats for our animals. This was quite an arduous job and gave us a keen appetite for the good supper that awaited us for good it was, comprising hot biscuits and butter, dried bee, & coffee. The articles utilized were furnished at the expense of the officers or they made a special requisition for it for the occasion that was proper. All were satisfied and tonight are “tripping the light fantastic” again & suppose that’s proper.

Saturday, 2nd. Another trip was made today out into the country but with no very significant results. We had no intimation of what was intended till between 7 & 8 o’clock, then ordered to be ready to “lead off” by 9 o’clock. In the meantime the boats moved down the river to Bruinsburg * within sight of St. Joseph. It was 10 o’clock before we set out. The “M. I.” [Mounted Infantry] & 3 companies artillery under the command of Major [David S.] T[allerday] had quite a difficulty in crossing a big ditch a mile and a half out and had to unhitch the artillery mules from the piece & move it by hand. Half a mile further ascended the highlands, passed a very fine edifice, moved in a direction down the river, struck out the Rodney Road—the one we came out on first scout, at a red church. At the Oakland College grounds, there were some rebel signs & we made 9 suspicious chaps prisoners. There were several shots fired & we were momentarily in expectation of an attack. It was reported that there were 2,000 here a week ago. We halted here about an hour without further molestation and came into the boats at Rodney driving in a drove of a dozen or so cattle, which were slaughtered immediately. Got in at 5 o’clock. Not a very big ride—about 12 miles.

Just now, about 9 o’clock, we have got orders to be prepared for another cruise at daylight tomorrow. Had potatoes for supper. I made a bargain for this book this evening. Have had it in view for several days but we could not come to terms till now. Got it of Sergt. McCollum who captured it at Rodney. I give him the one I bought the other day for a dollar and agreed to give $4 on pay day, making $5—a pretty dear price, I think. He wanted $6.

Day has been cold but moderated towards night. This a.m. clear, cloudy p.m.

* A little landing in former times, now in ruins. Was burned last spring when Gen. Grant passed through. Twas here tis said that he crossed the troops and commenced the series of battles in the investment of Vicksburg. Bayou Pierre comes into the river here.

Sunday, 3rd. (written afterwards) I forgot to state that is the village of Waterproof [Louisiana][where] a small cannon (4-pounder) was found hid in one of the houses. A darky gave information of its whereabouts. I did not see it but tis said that it’s an old fashioned piece but apparently has been used recently.

Sunday, January 3rd [1864]. At six o’clock the boats crossed over to the opposite side of the river. Half an hour later, we being ready, we lead off. Could not get the battery through the barge so left it behind. Started towards St. Jo[seph]. Went up the river a mile or so, then struck on to the river road or the levee and turned down the river. The river makes a bog bend between St. Jo & Waterproof & a narrow shoot makes a sort of an island. Some darkies said that half a dozen rebs had gone onto it this morn preparatory to crossing the river & that a party of 20 or so went in last night to the battalion, halted, and the cavalry were sent around out the island to reconnoiter; gone near an hour and returned finding nothing. In the meantime the boats passed down to Waterproof. We followed slowly. Just before reaching town the Cavalry & Companies C & H took a turn out into the country farther & the rest came onto the boats. It was just 1 o’clock when we were in. The Cav. &c. came in a couple hours after. I seen that the advance got sight of a party of rebs & shots were exchanged with no results. Many of the boys went out & set to plundering the village & some of them came near getting jugged up for it. We get in a bit of corn for animals this evening. Weather cloudy and beginning to rain.

Our discharges from our old regiments were given us tonight, or to those who have their descriptive rolls. They are of no real value to us here but may be at some future time.

Monday, 4th. Have remained inactive today & continuing to lie at the place of landing yesterday. The day has been cloudy and rainy most of the time. There was no permissions granted to the boys to go out in town to perpetrate any more diabolical deeds but p.m., all four companies were called up & a stringent order read by Adjutant Gen. Crandall respecting robbery and pilfering by members of the M. M. B. The principle of general appropriation of private property throughout the country is “played out.” Severe penalties are prescribed & bound to be enforced to the letter. The greatest fault I find with the proceeding is that it has been deferred so long. If it had been introduced 10 months ago, it would have added much to the credit of the Brigade instead of gaining the dishonorable name which we have now attained, I am sorry to say. The General now seems anxious to redeem our character from the infamy & disgrace which is attached to our name.

The Autocrat returned from her trip above & the Fairchild started down to New Orleans. Tis said that Gen. McPherson & staff came down from Vicksburg in the Autocrat on a pleasure trip to New Orleans. Gen. Ellet has tendered them the use of the Fairchild to continue their course. I did some washing a.m and considerable writing. Got a pasteboard tablet of the sutler similar to my ivory one—price 10 cents. Very pretty now but short lived.

Tuesday, 5th. Weather cool again. At 2 o’clock p.m. the boats commenced moving down the river gain and at 4 o’clock landed for wood within sight of Natchez above. I have occupied time reading & writing letter to Miss Hattie. The four companies were called up in line this a.m. & the trial & sentence of 3 members of the Brigade read by the Adjutant. The 1st belonging to Co. H sentenced to three month hard labor, with ball & chain attached to his leg in the fortifications of Vicksburg for disrespectful language to his officers. The 2nd—Charles Scott of Co. C. Cav.—to 12 months labor on fortification for seditious language & threatening to take the life of his Orderly. 3rd—a member of Co. H Cavalry—for desertion, 3 years labor. Here is a warning to the unruly for certain. The boys are getting up quite an excitement in respect to an order said to be lately issued for raising a Veterans Corps. There are all sorts of stories concerning the proceeding and many are getting infatuated with it and putting their names down. I don’t see as it offers an very enticing inducement for me. Some say it cannot go off.

Wednesday, 6th. Early this morn the boats moved down and landed at Natchez where we still lie. A few passes have been granted. I did not get out. Killed time trying to write. Too cold to be agreeable. The brass piece was ordered out this eve but the order was countermanded. Will not go till tomorrow. There is some sort of an expedition impending.

Thursday, January 7th [1864]. The “Gunsquad” & piece started out this morn early. Not got back yet. 9 o’clock. I got a pass & roamed the city till 11 o’clock. Saw nothing. Bought nothing worth mentioning unless twas a specimen of “perpetual motion”—a little piece of clock mechanism or the result of magnetism—a very ingenious & wonderful little contrivance in a jewelry shop. The weather still cold. Said by the inhabitants to be the coldest every known. Our quarters are just like a barn to stay in & it is quite impossible to remain in them all the time. Have to get out & jam in by all the stoves and thaw out occasionally.

Friday, 8th. Another day passed at this place with nothing strikingly important connected therewith. The gunsquad & piece returned by middle p.m. The 3 companies cavalry had accompanied them, They met with no incident of note that I ever hear of. They were out to near Fayette. Had pretty tedious time last night—it was so cold. Mail come today. I got two letters—one from [ ] Hawes and one from Laura. All well. I commenced a literary effort for the edification of the South Havenites. Don’t know when if ever I’ll get it finished.

Saturday, 9th. Still here. Weather continues cold though warm and pleasant when the sun shone and the wind was broke off. The Gunboat No. 13 came up from below a.m. towing the transport Ben Franklin. She seems to be under custody, as near as can learn. She was caught smuggling goods for the Rebels down about Red River. She is apparently deserted and empty. Stopped here to coal. Snow and ice on her roof. I borrowed a couple numbers of the Phrenological Journal & have spent today principally reading them. Are very interesting. I want to take it this year. Traded overcoats. Promised to give 50 cents to boot at payday. Got a much heavier one now. Since it has been so cold, I have taken up lodging with Ben[jamin F.] Kratzer.

Sunday, 10th. A moving once more. About 9 o’clock the long whistle sounded & in due time we were under way heading upward. Stopped one hour or so on the west side p.m. Don’t know why. The tug went across to the opposite side. Are at present making good speed. Tis said that we are to stop at Rodney & make a scout there tomorrow. Had inspection this morn & took a list of what clothing was needed by the boys. Scrubbed out the quarters & did a job of fixing up the barge. The blamed mules gnaw everything that they can get hold of that ain’t iron. They had eaten off nearly every one of the cross beams overhead so that the ramp was in danger of falling in. The mangers are protected by heavy iron or they would soon be minus. The weather has greatly moderated & a rain is impending. I have a severe cold & headache.

Monday 11th. Another scout I have the privilege of adding to the catalogue. The boats landed last eve about 10 o’clock at Bruinsburg. This morn we were up & prepared for an expedition. It had rained during the night and was misty and cloudy all day. Between 7 and 8 we led off & started out the same road as before, the mounted infantry minus the battery under the command of Major [David] Tallerday. We went within 3 miles of Rodney, then waited while Companies C & H went into the town and back. They found 4 or 4 chaps, one I think in an office, and [another] at the church. The advance chased 3 or 4 horsem*n but did not catch ’em. Two shots were fired at another chap but missed him. However, he got throwed or horse fell and we got him. Six or eight were brought in. Came back again to place of starting which reached at 5 o’clock. A couple nigg*r recruiting officers accompanied us and brought in a drove of 25 or 30. They are not considered a very honorable appendage to the Brigade & is not welcomed. It wouldn’t make it so much harder for us if should any of us be captured. The ice commenced floating down the river in great quantities quite like winter. The river is raising rapidly. 9 o’clock. Orders to be ready by daylight for scout with two days rations only. That is rough!

Tuesday, 12th. As was premeditated last night, we made one more trip. Started intending to stay out overnight but it seems that the thing had played out for we reached the boats in good time again tonight. We were mustered out in moderate season when it was barely light. The boats moved down to ST. Jo & landed. We immediately lead off & truck out, the Cavalry & Mounted Infantry, the Gen. & Major in command. The weather was dandy & misty or foggy most of the time. Took the plank road out the same that we traveled over before. Six miles out the cavalry struck out on a road to the left while we kept on to Montgomery’s after stopping once or twice. Picked up one or two chaps along here. Then went on half a mile or so farther where we got three or four more. One of ’em tried hard to escape but the advance were too quick for him. Stopped here over an hour baiting our animals slightly & commenced a return. Met the cavalry & all came in together right and tight. Brought in 7 or 8 suspicious characters, not more than half of them soldiers, I think. About sundown when we “lead on.” The roads were very muddy, not at all pleasant traveling. The darkies told us that we come within 5 miles of Harrison’s Cavalry when we were out here before & that several of them rode up to Montgomery’s before we had got out of sight—the impudent rascals! (Later) I hear that the object of the expedition was to capture 700 stand of arms that had recently crossed here but we were two days too late.

Wednesday 13th. Yet remaining at St. Jo. Nothing particular transpiring. The Baltic moved over across the river for something. The Atlantic passed down halting a few minutes. The Horner got here this evening. I hear that our old paymaster has died since he last served us so that our next receipt of wages is postponed to an indefinite period. We discharged and cleaned up our pieces. I cleaned and shaved sparing a little tuft on my chin. Finished a letter home and sent out. orders for another raid tomorrow at daylight as usual. No idea which way or where.

Thursday, 14th. The scout is over and we all yet retain our existence. We were awaken earlier than usual—about 4 o’clock. Got ready and out onto the bank by sunrise—the boats first crossing over opposite St. Jo. The whole mounted force were out & the Major & General in attendance. The ground was low and wet, covered with small cottonwood timber. We had to cross a bayou where many of us got wet in fording it. It was about two miles to the hills. Kept along at the foot of the hills & half a mile downward entered Rodney. Found no one here. Did not stay but took the road to Fayette.

At a fine house about two miles from town the advance fired several shots at one or two chaps who they finally captured. Half a mile further, four or five horsem*n were descried in the distance on a hill at the left. Our Company (Lieut. Whitehead in command) was sent to reconnoiter. We followed an old byroad, very circuitous, winding among the innumerable hills. Going about a mile, we were to where the horsem*n had apparently been in considerable force [but there] was nothing to be seen when we got there so we came back. Meantime the Battalion had moved forward on the flat of the 2nd Creek. Six miles out we met the Battalion returning. While ascending out of the bottom, 3 shots were fired in our rear, resulting in a short time another reb was escorted forward. No one [was] hurt as I know of. I should state as we (our company) were passing here to overtake the rest, just a few minutes before we distinctly heard two caps snap down in the hollow at our right; probably somebody’s life run a narrow chance. The woods were thick so we could see nothing.

We then moved on into Rodney and halted half an hour. Rodney was quite a business place one day. I did not before know it was so large. There is but one street there and just half a dozen families in the place now. The several stores closed or stripped clean. There was a little printing office where we went in and got a lot of type. I picked up several newspapers of ’62 which are quite saucy & interesting as relics of the past. The wreck of the steamer Queen City lies on the beach. We met the boats at this place. We left there at 3:30 o’clock. The plug off had killed some beef.

By the 1850s, Rodney became the busiest port on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Louis. The town now had almost 1,000 residents and two banks, two newspapers, a large hotel with a ballroom, and several churches and schools. Rodney quickly grew to 4,000 residents by 1860 with more banks, wagon makers, tinsmiths, barbers, doctors, dentists, and general mercantile stores, hotels, bars and barbershops. The town’s growth surpassed that of Jackson, Mississippi, which claimed a population of just 3,191 residents in 1860.

Friday, 15th. This day completes 17 months in the U. S. service. We started the latter part of the night moving northward. About noon, stopped and are yet wooding just above Grand Gulf. The Baltic is with us. The rest stopped lower down. The ice continues to float past in an unremitted flow; mostly slush ice. It interferes somewhat with the wheels of course. Most of a.m. I was occupied in selecting type & arranging my name, &c. and fixing a stamp with which to hold them. Not being proper ink, it does not work very well. Not a very expeditious mode anyhow. In p.m., I wrote, enjoyed extracts, &c. This eve the steamer [ ] passed down. They hailed and informed us that they had our paymaster & mail aboard, bound for the Battalion below. The day very mild and pleasant.

Saturday, 16th. At 8 o’clock, we dropped down to the rest of the fleet at Grand Gulf. It seemed that the paymaster report has collapsed and played out, but we got some mail however, though nothing for me. The Fairchild came up from New Orleans last night and left us 13 days more rations—very acceptable as we were just out, then she went on up. After dinner we were assembled and the adjutant read the proceeding of a late court martial. Eleven members of the brigade were or had been convicted for various offenses: two or three for desertion, others for pilfering, &c. Soon after or about 3 o’clock a report came in that the two companies cavalry (Co. D & C) who were out on a reconnaissance had been attacked and that some of them had been hurt. Co. C and D Infantry immediately saddled and went out and they had no more than got started when we and Co. E got orders to do likewise. The piece also. The ambulance went out ahead of us to bring in the wounded. We took the road leading directly up from the landing to the left of the road to Port Gibson. About a mile out, met a cavalry corporal of Co. D coming in. He had been captured, lost his horse, and got away from them again doing some tall running. About here Corp. Burns got throwed and hurt badly; had to send him back to boats. Half a mile further met the ambulance train with the wounded. Lieut. [James B.] Kirk was the worst off—not able to sit up—shot through the loins. Four or five others were wounded—all of Co. D. Have not learned particulars. Hear that Co. C behaved rather cowardly and shamefully. They lit into a nest of 25 or 30 and had a regular little time for a while. Siegel, the hospital steward, is still missing. The skirmish occurred about 6 miles out.

We proceeded on half a mile farther to where the road forked. Here the officers or somebody else pretended to suspect something & accordingly planted the battery on the ruins of a cotton gin situated on an eminence between the roads and stationed the two companies F & E on each road to resist a charge. Here we stood about half an hour till it began to grow dark. When satisfied that the enemy deemed it prudent to [not] present themselves on the present occasion, we limbered up and came in, with nothing more to disturb our equilibrium. None of the infantry off of the other boats were out that I know of. The artillery were intending to go up to Vicksburg for something and had just let loose & started when the report came in. She then came in again. Suppose she will or has gone tonight. I should not be surprised but we get orders for a scout in force tomorrow from this place.

Weather pleasant with a black cloud in the west. Sat up till 12 o’clock this eve finishing my letter to Miss Hattie and got it done “according to Hoyle” and in P2 style. I feel relieved of a great load of weight of responsibility. Hope I have discharged it responsibly!

Sunday 17th. (6 o’clock p.m.) We have just received orders to be ready for a scout, to move off at 9 o’clock tonight with one day’s rations. It is apparently an expedition in force. The brass piece and one or two pieces of the steel rifled battery also. The weather is very unpropitious, warm with an immediate prospect of a wet spell. We were all ordered out this morn, got [ ] and went in the boat when Co. F were ordered aboard again to support the battery in case it was required. The rest, cavalry & all, went out. The Autocrat though is absent. About 2 o’clock they returned all right; only went out to the bayou this side of Port Gibson. Did not dare to go over into the town. The battery mules behaved very unbecoming yesterday. Next thing to balked & today we rigged 4 horses in on trial. I borrowed another number of the Phrenology Journal and read. I am very much taken up with the work and think I shall subscribe for it. Evening, 8 o’clock. It is raining in torrents, at least sufficiently to cause the projected scout to be abandoned for the present—a very proper proceeding & constitutional to an eminent degree.

Monday 18th. This day has been another quite eventful & somewhat disastrous one with us. At about 9 o’clock, the weather having changed to cool and dry, we received orders to take a turn out into the vicinity hereabouts. Were soon on the bank, brass piece and all. The two companies Cavalry, C & D, had started out an hour before us, took the road that we went out on the other eve. At the before-mentioned forks of the road the [Mounted Infantry] Bat[talion] halted and myself and 4 others were sent out onto an eminence on the right road on picket. Presently the Bat. moved up the left hand road but the leather-headed Lieut. (Whitehead) neglected to call us in & like true soldiers, we remained on our post, resolved never to leave till called in or drove in. Our position was a very favorable place to overlook the surrounding country. Corp. [Thomas] Grant had charge of the squad. We kept a sharp lookout & presently discerned a man on a distant hill who apparently was busy watching us. We thought we could distinguish a gun in his hand. Grant moved out a piece to one side and saw three more who soon after disappeared. He immediately sent [Mansfield W.] Bly off after the Bat. post haste. The remainder of us then scattered out on different hillocks and kept the strictest watch. I confess that I felt a little the most “jokerish” that ever I did for the scamps might easily creep up through the innumerable gullies and poke a “button hole” into a fellow at any moment. J[ames] Mandall says he saw four horsem*n ride off beyond where we saw the others. I did not see anything more. In about one hour the Bat. returned. Whitehead got a severe reprimand from the Capt. for leaving us so in such a dangerous locality for it appears that by the occurrences of the part of the day, there was a lively time about here and vicinity. The cavalry met the scamps along here somewhere & Co. C fared rather hard. They had skirmishing from here out as far as they went some three miles beyond. The Infantry Bat., overtook the Cavalry after they had given up the chase. Frank Long was wounded badly by buckshot. Had to be brought in in the ambulance. Nor is this all. Three or four are still prisoners in the hands of the enemy. The advance guard of 7 or 8 in the charge of Charlie Barton were all cut off. Part of them made their escape one way or another. Jim Dunn was stripped of most of his clothing & left in the charge of one man, but they overlooked his revolver which was in his boot. Seeing the company advancing, he naturally made his captor the captee & brought him in. He proves to be an officer of some kind. Another one of the boys missing came in just as dark half naked. The blamed rebs are rather getting the best of us of late. At this rate, we must endeavor to change the program. None of the enemy were known to have been killed though blood was plenty.

We got in about 3 o’clock. Half an hour or so after eating dinner, Cos. C & D started on another expedition. Seems that the Major got wind of some goods of a suspicious character at a house just this side of the fork. Got back at dark. Made a pretty good haul of Quartermaster stores, clothing, &c. Another party went out this eve to surprise if possible a reported picket post said to be on the bluff. Have just got in—found nothing. I expect that we will take another turn tomorrow. A boat came down last night, stopping and put off several returned furlough Marines, none of our company. One of the chaps like to have drowned. We drew checks of the sutler. I got a dollar’s worth. Bargained off my revolver to William Hicks. Took his note due on payday for $14. I want to get a bigger and better one if possible. Weather warm tonight.

Tuesday 19th. Have remained quiet today. The Autocrat arrived from above a.m. I see nary sign of any paymaster yet though Co. C signed the Pay Roll. There was a large mail, however. I got a big letter from home. My last diary, Book VI, reached its destination all right. That is good news. The snow is between 2 and 3 feet deep. Several marines returned on the Autocrat. None of our company.

There is a story rife to the effect of a plot that was concocted day before yesterday to entrap the General. It seems that the woman living at the house visited last eve & who claims to be a good Unionist & has protection papers, &c., had it arranged all so nice with the rebs to get up a sumptuous dinner & invite the General [Alfred W. Ellet] and son [Edward C. Ellet] out to partake with her, during which process the reb force was to dash up and naturally gobble ’em in, but it so happened if the General had any idea of complying with the plausible request, that he had more important business on hand & disappointed them for I learn that they—the rebs—did make the dash on the house at the appointed time but their prey was minus. I can hardly believe that the General was fool enough to be lured out in any such way. There is talk of another scout tomorrow. (Afterwards) I sat up till 12 o’clock tonight writing a memorial for friend [Benjamin F.] Kratzer got off in poetry—a tolerably creditable affair. [Benjamin was formerly in Co. B, 85th Illinois Infantry; he died in 1913.]

The plot to kidnap Gen. Alfred Ellet and his son Edward is described in Chester G. Hearn’s book, “Ellet’s Brigade—the strangest Outfit of all” on page 208. We learn that the “Unionist” woman was “Mrs. Whitney” whose husband had recently been captured while leading a band of guerrillas. It is conjectured that Mrs. Whitney hoped to capture the Ellet’s and hold them in exchange for her husband.

Wednesday, 20th (10 o’clock a.m.) We have just got orders to be ready to lead off at 11 o’clock. The four companies cavalry started off an hour ago. The battery is going. The weather is mild.

(Eve) The scout is over without adventure or even a firing of a gun. We were underway by 11 o’clock. Co. K was added to the Mounted Infantry Battalion. The Major in charge of the Cavalry went out the road direct to Port Gibson. We took the one on the left that we have started on so many times before. We moved slowly, stopping and searching three or four houses on the way. There were numerous evidences along the way for the first two miles beyond the fork of the road of the operations of the cavalry day before yesterday. There were two dead horses, bullet marks, &c., the white paper from the reb’s cartridges. We went out about 10 miles somewhere to the left of Port Gibson or in sight of the bayou. The cavalry went to the bayou but could not cross. They had joined our squad just in advance of us, chased up some nigg*rs that were at work, which was all that we saw during the day. Then came in. Further out from the river the country is not so abrupt or broken up but is more rolling and undulating with hills rising high, almost mountains. The beautiful dark green magnolia trees are plentiful and luxuriant. Got in at dark. We hear that the rebs (Gen. Price) has been cutting up some more of his rusties [?] up about YOung’s Point, Goodrich Landing, and was finally repulsed with the loss of his artillery. Tis said that we are to start upward in the morn. I am most tired of this part of the country anyhow.

Thursday, 21st. During the night we dropped down a couple miles below Grand Gulf on the opposite side for getting wood. A couple companies off the Baltic went out awhile. The rest have laid by idly. I have read the papers and begun a letter to L___. Jo. Owens with others of the furloughed boys received their commutations money. He paid me $3.25 which he owed me. Bought a paper of the 12th but no special news. There is quite a dearth of matter for the days records. The weather very fair and pleasant, warm and delightful. Greatly in contrast with accounts up North where they are freezing to death.

Friday, 22nd. Still at landing as yet. Don’t know what we are lying idle for. Co. C went out on an expedition p.m. Two or three rebel arms and ammunition were found, I believe. Several went out a hunting. We drew clothing. I got a new jacket though my old one is perfectly good, but it is too small. Also a pair of shoes but I would prefer a pair of boots. Think I will buy them and go in debt for a pair of boots. There was talk of drawing boots for us but it seems to have played out. That’s what we need but the articles are outrageous high—from $8 to $15. I finished a letter home and sent out. Wrote another to “Fowler & Wells” for [ ] Almanac–10 cents, American Literary Gazette—25 cents, & F&W Catalogue of publications. Also commenced a letter to Miss Helen P.

Saturday, 23rd [January, 1864]. Still ditto. The bank busy taking on wood. Great quantities of good, dry wood in the vicinity. I went out with a friend & took a ramble through the woods a.m. A good number of the boys were let out & had the privilege of taking our arms. 10 of us got at it and shot about 60 times at a black squirrel before we brought him down. Had a great time shooting at a mark 60 yards distant. I placed a ball within 4 inches of the center. Firing was kept up pretty lively in every direction all a.m. Near noon before coming into the boat, I dropped in onto the Fairchild & had the loss of character enough to plunge into the lowest debts of extravagance. The “spendthrift youth” the more fastidious will say “to pay $9 for a pair of boots,” yea tis even so, a further, with the profligate’s characteristic run in debt for ’em, several of the boys are getting them their very necessary habiliment. They are a very excellent article being good material substantially well made and the style very appropriate for the service. The legs come up to the knees. Though tis dear, I think it pays in the long run when scouts are taken into consideration. That isn’t all, having signed for a pair of shoes a couple weeks ago, I must draw them so I now have “feet gear” enough to last the remainder of the year or more. $10.50 worth. I shall sell the shoes, if possible. Now my next rubby is a good revolver & I will be equipped very satisfactorily, more fully satisfactory if I had a carbine. Then another much desired implent is a gold pen. Then I’ll be armed chirographically speaking. A steamer Tho. E. Tutt [?] halted going down . THe weather is most delightfully pleasant. Clear and warm.

Sunday 24th. As before, continuing yet inactive at the Landing. Had inspection of arms at 10 o’clock. The boys come out in the best trim I think that they ever did as most all have drawn a complete new suit. My boots fit rather tight and make my feet ache terribly. Size No. 8 & ought to be plenty big enough. Most all boys were out rambling over the country. I did not go off the boat. Did some writing. Sent a letter off to Miss Helen.

Monday, 25th. I was detailed for guard today for the first in a month or more. Stood one trick so far from 5 to 11 a.m. Got to go on again tonight. Soon after going on this morn, the rest were ordered out on a scout. I was sorry that I could not go too—especially as the weather was so fine. This is indeed the first time that my company has been out & I not along. None of my fault, however. Soon after the D[iana] dropped down opposite to Bruinsburg. After dinner, I went out on shore an hour or two. Explored a plantation village now deserted nearby a tolerable fine mansion which looked as though it had been poorly staged with nothing of value remaining. Came aboard and read, “The Iron Rule or Tyranny in the Household”, one of T[imothy] S[hay] Arthur’s [published in 1853]. It contains an excellent moral lesson which many parents would do well to profit by. It would do no one hurt to pursue it. I think I will purchase a copy and send home. It depicts many a home scene & recalls many sad recollections of the past & is very applicable in the case of our family. The work if not a reality is too true. The rest come in by sundown. Did not amount to anything beyond bring in 10 or a dozen head of cattle. Several changed mules at the plantation we visited at the time I got my last mule. The weather very warm.

There are two or three cases of small pox aboard and Companies E & D. There has been 2 or 3 sent up to Vicksburg lately. They keep breaking out every little while & when they are remaining aboard, all are more or less exposed.

Tuesday, 26th. At about 8 o’clock we (Co. F) were out again. Companies A & B Cavalry started about [ ] some time going down past St. Jo. We went down to levee a mile, then stationing a picket of 6 men, the remainder of the company struck out either between two lakes or onto a peninsula, as there was water on both sides. Took upon the right hand side of the land to a plantation a couple miles out, stayed here half an hour or so doing nothing special. After a while, struck across onto the other side passing through a piece of woods. In here we came onto the biggest pile of cotton that I have yet seen, covered over with a shed. We estimated 250 bales. I expect it will all be brought in. A little beyond we came onto a span of gray horses running loose. They are very large—just the things we need for our batteryu so we kindly took the forlorn animals under our care. Reaching the other lake, we turned & came in towards the boats. The General and staff who were out prospecting overtook us coming in, Just before reaching where we left the pickets, we met Co. E rushing up in a great fluster. Holding a parley, they turned about and returned to the boats. I learn this eve that they got up a great scare about us. Report came in that Co. F were all or part captured and gone up salt creek. Therefore Co. E were dispatched post haste to our rescue. C & D too, I believe, went out another way. How such an absurd and improbable story got started is more than I can imagine as we haven’t seen or heard of any armed enemy no where in the country today.

Passing the picket post, we turned down the levee again half a mile and took the road that we went out in the p.m. before, up on the left side of a before-mentioned lake or “old river.” Likewise, up here yet. Before reading our previous destination, we met an old nigg*r, had a talk with him, and turned and came back to the levee & took another turn & [went] into St. Jo. Tom fooled about here awhile & came back to the boats which we reached little before dark. Cos. C & D Cavalry went out this eve, I suppose to guard that cotton, lest the rebs should burn it. The chap where we got the mules yesterday brought back the ones we left and we had to trade back. Lieut. Kirk died last night from the effects of his wound [received on 16 January]. Poor fellow. He was a good officer and brave soldier. Co. D is very unfortunate. Have now no commissioned officer. Two have been killed. The other Lieutenant resigned. Capt. [William H.] Wright was shot out at Goodrich Landing. The weather was so warm that it forced most of us to take off our coats.

Friday, 29th. All day as before. Several of the officers and favorites were out sporting as usual. The larger share of the company under Lieutenant W[hitehead] took the mules out and took a ride out to the lakes & back to excercise them. Gone a couple hours. I spent the most of the p.m. reading some old numbers of the Prairie Farmer. It seemed like meeting an old personal friend. This eve we drew rations and forage—85 sacks oats to last 15 days. Have just dropped down to St. Jo. I hear it said that there is to be a hospital established here for the small pox victims. There seems to be several now among the fleet. One man on the boat is very bad off with it & he is open to view so that every one of us has been fully exposed & if we don’t have the horrid disease, it will be because we ain’t destined to have it. I half expect that it will be my fate yet to battle with this accursed scourge this winter as with its twin brother, the measles, last winter.

As a partial result of the boy’s work today at gunning, as a specimen of the production of this Southern clime, they brought in a likely little monster of the deep—viz. an alligator. It’s over four feet in length but not a very formidable tough looking creature. Suppose it’s a young one, not more than half as ready, I should think, than a good sized catfish. Wild geese are plentiful. Weather very warm.

Saturday 30th. At St. Jo & with a prospect of remaining here for a spell. The small pox cases including several negroes have been removed to a house in the place yesterday. A large naval rowboat was found in the lake last night or yesterday. Supposed to have come from Farragut’s fleet. Lieutenant W[hitehead[ and myself and several more went out to the lake on our mules. Capt. Hughes with several men of his company brought the boat to this end of the lake. We fooled around about the neck of land. Meantime there come up a shower of rain. Soon stopped and I went with three others of Co, C in one of the boats to get after one of these diving ducks. I had Johnny Owen’s shotguns with bullets cut up or slugs for shot. I gave it to one of the men and he shot both barrels without effect. It would not fly but dive and come up several rods distant. I kept running after it & two of us shot about 20 times with a shotgun. Finally killed it with my shotgun.

Monday, February 1st [1864]. The Jo. Raine took us in tow at the landing last night as we were out of wood. Kept going slowly most all night & this morn landed at a big wood pile a few miles above Grand Gulf. Was busy till one o’clock taking in wood. The Atlantic from below stopping meantime for it too. I was aboard of her a short time. She is a large and magnificent steamer. Had a goodly number of passengers—ladies and gents all remarkably attired, at least it seemed so to me when well dressed people are so uncommon with us. I did not lean any further particulars of the Banks scare. The paymaster is on the Autocrat. We signed the pay rolls a.m. My clothing bill is stated less than I made it out at, being $35.22. Well, that’s enough for all practical purposes. I began a letter to [ ]. Weather very pleasant and warm. Rained last night.

Tuesday, [February] 2nd. Sometime during the night, we reached Vicksburg & landed directly in front of the Prentiss House. There was considerable bustle & business going on. There were the greatest number of boats lying at the levee that I have seen since the day of the surrender. A great number of troops also aboard some & others ashore. There seems to be some great military movement in progress, the object of which no one seems to know definitely. Various rumors concerning it: there has lately been an expedition up to Greenville to drive away the rebs from that locality where they had been getting pretty bold. There are a good many Eastern troops here. A New York Zouave Regiment with their red caps as their most distinguishable feature, passed up into town from a point below.

The Zouave unit may have been the 178th New York Veteran Volunteers, composed of former members of the 9th New York Volunteers (Hawkins Zouaves). They served in late 1863 in Smith’s 16th Army Corps in Kentucky and Tennessee and then came to Vicksburg in January 1864 to join Sherman in his Meridian Campaign in February 1864.

The 32nd Wisconsin—a regiment with full numbers either has not been into hard service or been recruited, landed here. A strict guard has been kept and not a man allowed ashore.

Col. Curry is back with us again. Several new marines returned. Something has occurred to defer our being paid just now. the rolls of some company are not right, I understand. Just now we dropped down a short piece to coal. The Jo. Raines had her bows pierced by a snag last night similar in character as the Old Adams was served, but worse. The snag penetrating the hurricane roof.

The military movement is thought to be against Mobile. Weather warm and pleasant.

Wednesday, 3rd. Yet remaining at the city. The boats engaged all day taking on coal. Still no pay nor any privileges for getting ashore. No news nor nothing special in the way of events. I have done nothing but read the papers. Got hold of a copy of the New York Tribune (Weekly). It is the first specimen that I have seen in the army. Seems like an old friend. I think I shall subscribe for it. Tis said that our next movement will be up to Greenville. Start tomorrow. Read some very flattering accounts of our doings in the papers. Some misstatements as usual of course. Weather fine.

Thursday, 4th. About half past four o’clock the boats were moving again, the bow northward. At Milliken’s Bend we stopped a short time; then proceeded onward, reaching a landing at Goodrich’s Landing about sundown. Tied up a piece below the camp. Not yet learned anything further concerning the late battle here. There is a large quantity of army stores—cattle, negro families, &c. on the beach opposite side of the river. Moved across probably during the fight to prevent falling into the hands of the enemy. Spent today reading and writing. Finished letter home & wrote for L. T. Lloyd, Circular to Map Publisher. Don’t know but I will go into a speculation. This looks quite remunerative.

This eve I made a trade. Traded my big blank book or form book (Administrator’s Record, Tunica county, Mississippi. Got Parker’s “Aids to [English] Composition” and “Ross Speaker” and 25 cents to boot. I lose about half a dollar in the trade but the ponderance thing is extremely valuable in its place was worthless to me here and it was quite doubtful if I could ever get it home so I thought I would reduce the property to a smaller compass, get a couple of good books in its place.

The paymaster came aboard this eve & is now engaged paying off the other companies. Expect our and my turn will come within the next hour. Weather fine but a little cooler more northward.

Friday, 5th. At Goodrich’s Landing. We were paid off last night as was intimated. I understand that he [paymaster] will remain and pay us off again before leaving us. It seems that there was a mistake about the old Paymaster being dead as he was present in the body last eve anyway. Ere we went to bed, orders were received for a scout on the morrow.

This morn arose at usual time and fixed off, just the 4 companies mounted infantry and the piece on this boat. The rest of the boats except the Autocrat are stopping at different points below. The Autocrat went on up to Lake P. this morn after setting Col A. Cavalry off.

We started out about 8 o’clock, Col Curry in command. Went out on the road to Floyd about two miles and the road being very rough and no signs of the enemy about, we turned about and came back. Came back to the camp ground and drilled a short time. Then hitching our animals in the empty sheds & went aboard & got our dinner. After dinner, drilled cavalry drill by companies. Spent the greater part of the p.m. Had a good time. The Capt. maneuvered the Piece also. Fired several shots across the river. This post is entirely evacuated. The troops have been sent to Vicksburg and below. None remaining but some small pox cases and a few families. It was all a hoax about there being a fight here a while ago. Troops left here two weeks ago. No rebels known to be in the vicinity. Tis said that the fleet is to be scattered along the river at different points. I don’t entertain a very high opinion of this place as an abode. Day pleasant as ever.

I drew $24.50 as my amount of wages. Little more than I expected to get. Some get more than usual, not having drawn their clothing allowance. Some few had but little coming to them. I believe I have squared up with all my creditors. One debtor is behind yet $3. Then my sum on hand will be $38.50. I ought to send a part of this home.

Saturday, 6th. About 9 o’clock, the Baltic came up from below, passing on upward. We then fell on behind and followed up. Passed Providence about noon & just now at 5 o’clock have landed at Skipwith’s Landing. The Autocrat is here. Johnny Owens was appointed & voted in as Sergeant in the company. This eve we were all surprised at the long absent Sergt. McCollum making his sudden appearance. He had come down and stopped on the Autocrat. He has been pretty harshly censured for his long absence but I guess he can prove himself clear.

Sunday 7th. Skipwith’s Landing. A party went out from off the Baltic with the ambulance and brought in some cotton. The troops that were here have been sent off somewhere & the place seems vacated. A gunboat—the Louisville (with two white rings around her smokestacks, one on each) lies at anchor. The boats have been taking on coal most today. In p.m., the Autocrat went down the river to Vicksburg, I believe. I am on guard. Inspection at 9 as usual. The weather is clear and cool.

Monday, 8th. Ditto place. The Baltic boys with the Major went out early this morn on a reconnoissance. They returned about 9 p.m., first kicking up several fires. Don’t know why or from what. We came near starting out thinking it was the rebs at work but learned to contrary before we got started. We have been most constantly busied with drilling cavalry drill by company. First rate drilling ground out here. The orderly has acted drill master. The Autocrat has got to Vicksburg for rations & other matters. Heavy frost last night. Day pleasant.

Tuesday, 9th. 8 o’clock a.m., we received orders an hour ago to be ready to lead off within an hour. The boats started at 5 this morn and are still a going. We are all ready to start. Suppose that we are going out at Greenville. Have a day’s rations in haversacks. Am going to take the piece. Weather warm. Sky hazy. A Gulf steamer passed down.

Eve. Well, the eventless scout is over and we are safe aboard again. It has been the driest day that we have ever passed, I believe. Have accomplished for good or profit, just nothing. We landed between 9 and 10 a.m. at Point Worthington, Mississippi side. Were soon out and off. The Mounted Infantry from off this boat and the Baltic, 6 companies with Col. Curry in command. Followed a blind track through the low ground covered with timber. Finally came to a deserted plantation & so it was till about the middle of p.m. Then came to where somebody had taken or leased a plantation of the Gov. and were working them. A cotton gin was in operation and several teams plowing. It looked the most alive of any place that I have seen down South. There was no signs of rebs anywhere out there. Don’t see what could have been the object of taking a trip through here anywhere.

We came to the river again about 5 o’clock. The boats being about ten miles above Point W, between it and Griffin’s Landing. Going out again tomorrow, tis said. I have felt miserable all day. Guess the ague is trying to get hold of me. Felt stretch7 and gaspy—just as they say it comes on. Don’t see what that plague wants to tackle me now for at this day and age of the world. Tis possible & not altogether improbable but that more fatal destroyer—the small pox—is making inroads in my system. That would be almost a miracle if I should not take it.

The noted Rebel general Wirt Adams used to do business in Vicksburg, was a banker. The sign can yet be seen over a fine large building, “WIRT ADAMS & CO.. BANKERS.” There are two bronze lions large as life lying on each side of the door steps, building now occupied by Federal officers.

Wednesday, 10th. (written Thursday) Quite important events transpired today. We left the landing of yesterday 5 o’clock and proceeded up to Sunny Side opposite Griffin’s Landing where we landed about 8 o’clock. On the scout we proceeded down the river, the Major in command, to Mr. Johnson’s Plantation. Before reaching the place we gobbled in a couple negroes who informed us that a company of rebs were in the vicinity. We took a circular route through the plantation and then struck onto Old RIver Lake going towards Lake Village. When we arrived at a bayou which we had to cross, we found Co. H, who started out before us, dismounted and lying in ambush. They said that they had been watching a party of rebs on the other side of the bayou for some time. but that as soon as they discovered the Baltic coming, they naturally skedaddled as we came up. We also dismounted and laid down while Co. E were sent across the bayou to reconnoiter.

A great many expected that they could see the rebels on the curve of the lake. Perhaps they did but I couldn’t make out anything positively. In about half an hour, a currier came back with orders to advance quick as possible. The bayou was belly deep. The ammunition of the piece was put into the ambulance to keep from wetting. We advanced about a mile to a house and large plantation and the rebs were reported to be living in the cane brakes at the backside of a large open field, much as a mile across and the particular desire of the Major was to shell them out as usual. The “sharp eyed” cuss could distinctly see them & see their arms glitter too. Accordingly the howitzer was unlimbered and dragged across the house lot, the fence let down into the field, the piece poked through, and a couple shots poked at the ominous cane brakes but they fell short. We could plainly discern the missile of destruction as it sped through the air on its mission. Cos. H. and F were dismounted and moved up on the right of the piece to support it. We made three or four distinct moves in advance till we got over halfway across the field, each time of halting, firing three or four shots, shell and solid shot.

During the artillery firing, Co. E advanced on the right rather closer than we were to entice them to make an attack so that we might know more precisely where they were, but they were perfectly quiet, not firing a shot or showing themselves. After a little, Co. E were recalled & sent down the left other side the fence. There were 15 rounds fired from the field in all. After passing down pretty near the brakes, Co. E again passed over to the right and the advance guard deployed as skirmishers and marched down to the brakes, but the enemy was evidently safe in the woods beyond as we heard nothing from them. I have not as yet heard that we did them any damage. No blood spilled, I reckon. I think that if we had not been so very cautious but charged right down to them (if they were there) it would have been more telling on one side or the other. There were said to be only about 30 of them & furthermore, it was said to be the celebrated robber and murderer Quantrill’s gang, and tat they were armed with a carbine and two revolvers apiece. If this was the case (& I doubt it somewhat), they would be a formidable opposer. Tis said that they are not acknowledged by the Confederate government; that a rebel will fight them quick as we—hardly likely!

We returned to the road again and proceeded on another mile further, then sent the advance on into Lake Village which was in sight 3 miles distant. After they returned, we set out for the boats by the same way we came which we reached at about 7 o’clock. Only brought in one suspicious looking chap as the result of the scout.

I felt very unwell all day, my head ached severely. In fact, I ached all over and at night I felt as tired as though I had been marching afoot all day. Every time that we stopped long in a place (and that was frequent for the Major always takes plenty of time) I dismounted and laid down. I seemed to have a fever. Still I was cold and chilly and wore an overcoat though the weather was quite warm.

A sternwheeler, the Belfast, lies at anchor just above thought to be smuggling goods for the rebs. Capt. Montgomery, the S. B. burner, is said to own a share of her. He was aboard of this boat today and bought some things of the sutler & departed un___. I don’t see why our officers don’t investigate the matter if the report be true. Strange.

Thursday, 11th. Another scout today. Started out at 7 o’clock. I felt so bad that I did not go with the Battalion. I passed a miserable night last night. Bones ached and felt weak and dumpish. I was sorry that I did not feel like accompanying the Battalion. About half past 8 o’clock, the Captain got up a squad of 10 or a dozen to go with the two ambulances out into the country. As I could ride in the ambulance, I thought that I might as well go too. Went to a plantation a mile or so distant and filled the wagon boxes with corn & two bales of cotton each on top & came in. I rode a horse in as I was not able to walk so far. The ambulance driver said that I was having the small pox. I have been engaged in writing yesterday’s doings most of the p.m. The doctor examined me but could not discover any small pox signs. He gave me dose of pills to physic ,e. Have but little appetite.

The Baltic returned at 4 o’clock. Was out where we were yesterday, captured one-armed reb, chased off half a dozen more. Learned there is a large force of rebs lately come in. We took out one of the steel guns. Weather very dry and pleasant. The Fairchild came up from below and delivered rations. Yesterday, the 10th, two small pox cases were sent above. No cases breaking out today.

Friday, 12th. From this date to the 25th, I was obliged to keep my notes in pencil in a small account book so I have now a job of copying on hand. Felt very weak & dumpish and laid abed most the dat. Sat up long enough to wash and change my clothes. The infection breaking out over me very scattering. The doctor pronounces it the varioloid. This is the way it is pronounced. Don’t know how it’s spelled. A good many are complaining and showing my symptoms of the scourge. It’s bound to go the rounds. Co. H and I of the Baltic went out today.

Saturday 13th. I was—with E[lijah] Ghear—moved up into one of the staterooms late last night. The captain was very attentive & took a fatherly interest seemingly in our welfare. I felt very weak & exhausted though in no particular misery. Ghear was much worse. The night passed comfortable. Watchers were detailed to minister to our wants while we remained on the boat, day and night, though I did not require much attention. The doctor did not give me any medicine. Kept the bed all day but mustered energy enough to write a short letter home in pencil. The Baltic boys were out and brought in a few prisoners. A portion from this boat were out too. We are lying at the place where we burnt a house last spring & where the cavalry made their 2nd scout—Leland’s Landing.

Sunday, 14th. Started at 7 o’clock last eve down the river. At midnight, landed at Skipwith’s Landing & laid till daylight. Then proceeded to Vicksburg which we reached at 3 o’clock p.m.—the Diana alone. I was restless last night though not in any pain. The left side of my face is breaking out pretty thick & the spots itch considerably. Have an appetite. Sheffield of our company is apparently having it pretty hard. I felt quite stout towards night and got up and went down into the quarters awhile. The Capt. scolded me some fr exposing myself and others so. I am bound for the Pest House tomorrow I suppose. Brought 8 prisoners down for the lock up.

Monday, 15th. This day found me an inmate of the Vicksburg Small Pox Hospital. I was sent off about 8 o’clock this morn with 8 or 10 others in two ambulances. The institution on Grant’s line of fortifications just in the rear of the celebrated Fort Hill, three miles from town. The patients are quartered in tents, the doctor’s office in the house mentioned in my diary on the 5th of October [1863]. It is pretty well riddled with bullets as is everything around about it. I felt greatly improved today. In fact, I was over the worst of the disease. It was nonsense in sending me off anyhow. My throat is the greatest vexation to me—difficult to swallow.

Arriving at the grounds we were landed at the Ward Master’s tent & our names registered & we were divided among the tents as there was room. The chief nurse was a crony of Ward Master who happened to be present & instantly seized upon me as his own particularly protege. There were 15 or 20 tents containing the whites, 8 or 10 with the blacks, each holding 8 or 10 patients. Iron bedsteads were furnished & a pretty tolerable supply of blankets &c. The nurses are those who had just got over the disease. A couple men were sent out for nurses from the best [ ] established in November. The tents were built on a ridge with deep gullies on each side, occupying the very ground of Grant’s line of rifle pits. The dirt had been thrown back. Very many of the inmates were perfectly familiar with the region round about, having fought and bled over it in the time of the siege. Some fell victims to the horrid disease on the very ground where they had escaped the fatal bullet in the days of carnage.

The before mentioned house is perfectly bespatterd with the leaden hail. I noticed when I had reason to go inside that the greater portion of the balls had penetrated clear through the wall and in many cases through the partitions. I believe the owner did not occupy it at the time.

A good number of the convalescent were discharged to make room for the newcomers. Corp. Malone came in a [ ] p.m. It appears to have taken hold of him very severely, apparently working internally. Little hope of his recovery. I did not go to bed till eve. In fact, do not feel much the worse for the scourge. Am having it about the lightest of any that I see. There are some horrid looking cusses about me, two very low in their tent. I expect I shall have to stay here a week or so & if I don’t get any worse, I can pass my time very pleasantly. Took the precaution to bring my portfolio along with me. I received a letter just before I left the boat. All well. For supper, had good toasted bread and butter with tea or coffee. This was the principal fare all the time. Every two or three days the Dr. would order a [ ] of bread and can of concentrated milk.

Tuesday, 16th. All right and tight today. Got a good [ ] this morn and been knocking around all day reading the papers. As my [ ] shirt irritated the sores somewhat, I changed for light cotton. Took a dose of oil which moved my bowels for the first time in five days. The small pox is a wonderfully astringent disease, right to opposite of the measles; applied in time to the spots on the face. They are quite sore.

Wednesday, 17th. About the same as yesterday. Feel most as well as ever. Spent most the day writing a letter home. There was talk of moving the hospital to some location near town but it eventually did not amount to anything. The weather cloudy, cool and dry.

Thursday, 18th. Nothing particularly striking today. Killed time awhile p.m. playing Ned or Checkers. We had a can of peaches furnished us for to flavor our toast and gruel. It snowed awhile this morn, but went off p.m. Cool and cloudy all day. Bot overly comfortable in our tents just at present. My tent luckily is provided with a fireplace which pretty greatly ameliorates the rigors of the climate. There are but a part of the tents thus blessed. Wood though is pretty scarce. Have to pick it up wherever it can be found on the neighboring hillsides. It is mostly woods east of our position. On every bush and tree are to be found the infallible traces of the devastating conflict that once raged in this vicinity.

Friday, 19th. I have felt much worse today being cold and chilly & with no appetite. Laid abed several hours. We were this p.m. reenforced with three more ambulance loads of Marines. [Silas A.] Austin and Baker of our company. Austin is not very bad off. The doctor has just come up from below where the Autocrat and Jo. Raines have lately been having some lively times. The cavalry lately surprised & took prisoners—a party of 25 rebels with a large quantity of army stores, &c. The Rebs were intending to cross the river in a few days with 1,000 head of cattle, so the story goes.

Saturday, 20th. Better again today excepting a slight headache. One of the occupants of our tent departed this life this a.m. We had given up all hopes of his recovery for several days past. Still he dropped off sudden. He was a horrid sight to behold Do not recollect who he belonged. There is one other not much better off. Corp. [William S.] Malone is in a very critical condition too. I fear that it will overpower him.

Sunday, 24th. At the Soldier’s Home, Vicksburg. Myself with [Silas A.] Austin and John Williams of Co. D were discharged from the repulsive institution this p.m. We applied in the morning but the chief Dr. styled “The Major” put us off till p.m. so during the a.m. we rambled around in the vicinity, visited Fort Hill, and the former location of the Pemberton tree, &c. It has been chopped down and not only the trunk & branches carried off but the stump and even roots have been dug out & nearly every trace of it obliterated. However, I was lucky to find 3 or 4 small chips of it which I hoarded with a miserly, jealous care. I don’t doubt but if every part, piece and parcel of this tree could be estimated at the price of its thousands of possessors. it could attain a sum of not less than $10,000. The speculations in the wood is almost inconceivable. Every man at the hospital had one or more finger rings or some other kind of ornament of “Pemberton Wood” & nearly every convalescent could be seen manufacturing a bit of it into some trinket. Many were reallt pretty and valuable and displayed much skill and ingenuity. I heard that one certain chap was making a fortunate at manufacturing trinkets and that he had most enough on hand to come to several thousand dollars. Why! a little block just enough for a ring would sell for 25 cents in the rough state. The wood is so tough that it makes very durable rings if worked right. I heard it said that Gen. Halleck had offered $1,500 for a block of tree 4 feet long and 18 inches square & that a stick had been sent to Washington accordingly. I secured a piece of wood from the supports of the mine, or excavation under Fort Hill. Its course can be traced for several rods. Most of the timbers are buried by the loose earth. Almost anywhere along on the entrenchments are bursted caps and flattened bullets can be picked up in any quantity.

We took our dinner in a convalescent ward, the only meal I ate after getting my “walking paper.” We had to have our new suit of clothes. As we had not been very bad cases, they were not so particular, to have us change every article. I got pants, shirt, and blouse. The boots were a miserable thing and wouldn’t [ ] besides too large. Had the privilege of taking shoes. We walked to town and as there were no boats going down that we could get transportation on, we were directed to the Soldier Home—a tolerable good substitute…Evening devotions were conducted by a chaplain. It seemed a real treat amid the cold and thoughtless world.

Corp. William S. Malone died soon after dinner before we left. He was a good soldier & a kind friend.

William S. Malone (1837-1864) was a married farmer in Livingston county, Illinois, when he enlisted in August 1862 to serve in Co. C, 129th Illinois Infantry. At the time of his enlistment he was described as 5′ 8″ tall, with black hair and gray eyes. He was discharged from the 129th on 12 March 1863 to enlist in the Mississippi Marine Brigade and served as a corporal in Co. F of the Mounted Infantry. After his death from small pox on 24 February 1864, his widow—Rebecca Ann (Miller) Malone (1838-1910)—filed for a widow’s pension to support herself and her three small children.

Monday, [February] 22nd. The birthday of the “Father of his country” was celebrated in good style by the authorities of Vicksburg. The military force came out & paraded the streets, salutes were fired, and people recognized it as a holiday generally. My lodgings were tolerably comfortable & the meals were got up in good order & were calculated to support life. Before breakfast this morn, I went out by the Court House and witnessed the firing of the National Salute by two long Parrotts. We were free to go about town, there being no boat in port on which to get transportation. At 8 o’clock the troops began to gather preparatory to the grand parade. The garrison force of Vicksburg was at the time comparatively rather small, the greater portion being absent with Gen. Sherman on the raid into the interior. However, there was enough left to make a pretty respectable show. Several regiments colored, two or three of white, and several batteries of field artillery. After marching through different parts of the town, they assembled about 11 o’clock in front of the Court House, first “passing in review,” the officers saluting and receiving the salute of the commanding officer, Brig. Gen. McArthur.

Then forming in solid columns in the open space, a speaker stand having previously been erected, Washington’s Farewell Address was read and speeches were delivered by Gen. [Mason] Brayman of Illinois and several others. One, a certain captain, made a very amusing and patriotic address. Gen. McArthur made a few remarks but he is no orator. Gen. Brayman was an aged man but full of the fire & ardor of youth. Music occupied the intervals of speechifying. The scene closed at 1 o’clock and we partook of a hearty dinner at the [Soldier’s] Home, which sufficed for supper also. I spent in town having considerable money with me, I made some extravagant purchases, one article being a sky blue military vest for which I paid $6. The price asked was $7.

In the eve I attended the Literary Association which me at one of the churches by the army—not differing materially from our Lyceum or South Haven Literary Club. Speeches, essays, and music introduced into the make up. Also a “paper” was one of the component parts. All very much reminded me of days gone by & I enjoyed highly. Tis held every week. If I should stay here, I should join and help sustain it. Closed at 11 o’clock. The beds being all occupied by the time I reached home, I was compelled to pass a wretched night on the floor without a blanket which on account of my late sickness was rather rough. Luckily the night was moderately warm.

Tuesday, 23rd. Have been bumming about through town all day. Two or three boats went down but we could not get passage. The authorities said that no boat had reported to leave. The ram Switzerland came up from below at 10 a.m. I went aboard to see about rejoining the fleet but she is not intending to return in two or three days yet. The fleet is at Grand Gulf and part at Romney. I don’t know how quick I will get away here now. It’s losing its attraction for me and I want to be with my company. Have been speculating in trade today. In one of the stores a soldier offered three gold pens very cheap, being only $2.50 each for Fairchild’s pen, No. 7, silver extension case. I didn’t know but there was some game about it as such a style of pen could not be purchased elsewhere for less than double that price. But I finally determined to risk buying one for my own use—I needing an article of that sort very much. Then after a little, he not having sold them, I concluded to invest for the other two, thereby paying for the three pen, $7.50. I made up my mind that I had made a good bargain anyhow but whether it was perfectly honorable, I had no means of knowing. They might have been stolen property which caused him to sell so cheap. Well, to conclude this after history here, I sold two of te pens in my company for $6 each, cash, and the other, after using it a month or so, I gave in trade for a watch calling it $6, making $18 for 3 or a profit of $10.50; not so bad. They were first quality, genuine material.

My weight at the present [is] 131 lbs. One of Co. E just from the hospital reports that Lorenzo D. Sheffield of our company died of the small pox yesterday noon. So they go. His health has never been very good since he has been in the company. Used to tend the sutler’s shop a good deal.

Prior to joining the Mississippi Marine Brigade, Lorenzo Dow Sheffield served in Co. B, 9th Kentucky Infantry from 24 September 1861 to 22 February 1863. He was the son of William and Lucinda (Kindred) Sheffield of Clinton County, Kentucky, and the husband of Elizabeth Perkins and the father of at least four children.

Wednesday, 24th. Still at “Home” but have to get away on the Westmoreland in port. Passed a. m. down town spending my money. Have got rid of over $18 since my sojourn here. Well may the old adage be applied to me, “a fool and his money soon parteth.” I exhibited one of my pens to several jewelers of the town who pronounced it genuine & worth $5 or 6 so I have made a good bargain if I never make another. The [Soldier’s] Home is located in the suburbs of town to the rear and above the Court House. Is a good-sized, respectable looking brick structure close by which is a church.

The Soldiers’ Home was one of the finest residences in the city. It was a “large and elegant brick mansion,” erected just before the war by one of its wealthiest citizens, Duff Green. When Mrs. Francis D. Gage of the Western Sanitary Commission visited the Home in June 1864, she found the house “splendidly located for the purpose designed; rooms large and ventilated, airy, sweet and clean. Its beds numerous and in perfect order. The detailed assistants doing their part cheerfully and faithfully and the servants (all colored) prompt, attentive and polite. But there were no sick, no feeble or wounded ones—no soldiers—only here and there a straggler—a great force of helpers and no one to help—so it seemed.” [See Three Weeks in the Soldiers’ Home at Vicksburg]

Thursday, 25th. Home again! and glad I am to be among my soldier comrades & with my company for duty once more. A little before noon, the word went around for all bound below to “fall in.” This included a good share of those at the [Soldiers’] Home, about 75 in number. [We] marched to the Court House and had our names taken, which took time. Then marched aboard the Steamer Hope. A portion had to go and draw rations for fear that we would not be put off at the boats. We also got our share. Some were bound for Natchez and some to New Orleans & other places. There were 6 of us in our squad. I think if it hadn’t been that the Marine mail carrier was aboard with mail for the fleet that they would not have stopped to put us off. Left the city about 2:30 o’clock. Warm and cloudy. A sprinkle of rain. Prospect of more.

This boat was a very nice and well got up packet [of] medium size. Passed our mule barge at the big Marston Plantation on the Louisiana side just above Jeff Davis’s plantation. Met the old Diana in sight below, coming up. We rounded to and were set off alright. Soon after landed at the barge. Found things about as usual. I got a letter from “Fowler & Wells.” This circular &c. returned the 25 cents for the Am. Pub. Cir. as they did not have it. The boys have been busy scouting since they have been down here [with] varied success. Captured considerable cotton and a few prisoners. Had a little brush once and a big scare. I sold my two extra gold pens almost immediately for $6 apiece. Trust till pay day. That pays pretty well. One to S[amuel] D. Nelson and the other to Ed. Hoffman. I would sell this too if I wanted to but I don’t. It’s not every day that I make such a good bargain.

Friday, 26th. Were most the a.m. moving up to Vicksburg. Arrived about noon. Several small pox cases were immediately sent off. The captain went out to the small pox hospital to see about the deceased boys there. Seven that part of Co. E has died since we left. All that wanted to were passed out in town in p.m. [but] I had already rambled through it to my heart’s content. Finished a letter home and sent out two business letters. Sent 20 cents for a speculation concern and 25 more for a couple ten cent books, Boston. I found my things in better order than I had expected. Miss nothing as yet but my old gold pen. Day pleasant.

Saturday, 27th. Down again. Either another touch of the small pox or a more than bad cold. Was taken last eve with stiffness in my neck & pain in my bones similar to the sensations as the small pox was coming onto me. Head aches severely. Have kept my bed all day. No appetite. Still lying at the city. Crossed over about noon onto the other side & fastened to a coal barge & are now taking it aboard. All who wanted to were allowed to go up town last eve. The theatre is the principal attraction but some of course must choose their privilege of getting drunk so that today it was shut down in getting out. Weather fine.

Sunday, 28th. Better again today. Took a sweat last night by laying a wet cloth across my breast. This morn was rather impish but improved as the day advanced. Came out in inspection as usual at 10 o’clock. The Woodford arrived here last night. [James] Kniss of our company, who has been on the hospital boat most of the time, returned to duty. The Woodford has been up to Nashville since she was last with us. Brought some mail. I got a letter from L___ and 6 copies of a number of the “Printer’s Devil.” This is a right good thing and well worth the money expended. Full of news and puzzles.

I wrote a couple business notes to New York. We laid all day at the city and various rumors carried during the day as to our future or next movement but about 4 o’clock it was announced that we were to be honored by the presence of W. T. Sherman and further that we were to bear him to New Orleans. Quite a distinction certainly! About dusk the said personage with one or two of his staff came aboard [the Diana] to be the guest of Col. George E. Curry. From what little I saw of the Major General, I was not very strongly impressed in favor of him. Does not possess a soldierly appearance equal to even Col. Curry. [He] is an elderly man apparently of the granny class. I don’t know which of the Shermans it is but believe it’s the one operating with the expedition towards Mobile. If it’s that one, then the personage with us is no magnificent character. That one is held in highest esteem. Three cheers were given for him by the troops at Vicksburg the other day at the celebration [on Washington’s Birthday]. At 7 o’clock we commenced moving down the river and are still going. The barge is to be left at the Autocrat. A detachment of five men from our company is to remain with it to take care of the animals. The weather prognosticates rain.

Monday, 29th. About 11 o’clock last eve we came to a stop somewhere above Grand Gulf on account of it being so dark, I think. At 2 or 3 this morn, we started again & at daylight or 5 o’clock brought up at the Autocrat at Bruinsburg. Stopped half an hour leaving the barge and the men detailed. Halted at the Jo Raines at Rodney. About 10 o’clock we drew up at Natchez. Stopped till after 1 o’clock, then pushed on downward going at a high rate of speed. Tis said that Admiral Porter was loaded off our tub at Natchez. At 7 o’clock we rounded to and anchored out a few miles below the mouth of Red River. Passed mouth of Red River at 6 o’clock. There were several gunboats laying here—the Choctaw, Gen. Briggs, and others. We mustered for pay a.m. I feel well as usual again today. It rained last night and is quite cool today. The cottonwoods along the bank are leafing out.

Tuesday, March 1st [1864]. New Orleans Ho! About two o’clock this morn we were again under way, knocking it off at a lively rate. Passed Baton Rouge at daylight. At Donaldson we merely halted and delivered a message to gunboat said to be the Essex. She is a reddish color rather unlike the Benton class. It is surprising to note the prevalence of fine mansions, costly and extensive sugar houses and outbuildings & the large and well-cultivated (one day) plantations. The houses are generally quite enveloped in trees and shrubbery.

The weather was so raw and chilly that it was anything but comfortable & as much as man’s life was worth, especially if he was ailing, to remain outside where he could see the sight. At 4 o’clock we drew right into our destination. All were alert to behold the wonders as they burst one after the other into view. As far as the city is concerned, there is no particular difference between its appearance and any other large city, The city is perfectly level—but little above the river’s level. I was disappointed in the shipping, what I have yet seen of it; being so small or not a very surprising sight of it either. Saw no sail vessel as large as our own old tub though there were three masters. In fact, a 24 gun man-of-war was apparently no larger than some vessels that used to frequent the harbor of South Haven. Perhaps my eyes were deceived. There was another, a 16-gun ship, both anchored out, said to be foreign.

We finally brought up standing nigh about the center of gravity. A wharf extends most of the way along the shore for the reception of freight of which there was no small quantity. There is an immense building being roofed nearby, said to be the custom house and the largest building in the city. There is a dry dock on the opposite side; several boats on the stocks. The Maj. General and staff went off to do his little business but no getting off for us.

Wednesday, 2nd. (written afterwards) Well, there has been a pretty general jolification during the past day & doubtless it would have been more extensive with many had their means not run short. Giving way to the spirit that the visit to New Orleans is an event of rare occurrence and not likely soon again to be indulged in, those naturally inclined to “tipple the cup” were resolved in having a good spell. About 10 o’clock we were all passed out in squads with a sergeant or corporal in charge, with injunction to be in by 12 o’clock, and out each went hither and thither as he pleased, whether in squad, couples, or single. Ben F. K[ratzer] and I kept together. he had been here before and was somewhat acquainted. Well, here was a great and magnificent, yea! a wicked and horrid city spread before us. I was provoked at myself that I had spent so much of my money at Vicksburg. Only had a little over $5 to meet my desires here at the World’s museum, or Metropolis of wonders.

Well we strolled around through some of the principal streets, by the Custom House—a most stupendous edifice not yet completed, past the famed St. Charles Hotel, then to the Basin back apiece from the river. This is an artificial basin & canal to Lake Pontchartrain for the purpose of floating the lake crafts to the city. They are small vessels—mostly fishing crafts. Quite a grand number of floating structures. Then commenced our return. But before proceeding far, we were induced to try a fresh oyster dinner. Ordered a dozen apiece stewed, They went first rate for which we paid 80 cents—rather dear I thought when the raw material flourished in this prime. The oyster shells form a part of the pavement of some of the streets. Next hunted up a bookstore but could not finf much of anything I wanted. However, I bought a book entitled Stories of Inventors & Discoveries for $1. Got a lantern for $1. After enquiring at a couple dozen stores, finally found an ivory tablet. Got one for a dollar, bot as nice as my old one.

Saw the statue of Gen. Jackson, I believe, on a pedestal near the Custom House. As it drew night on to 12 o’clock, we began to draw nigh onto our boat like good & faithful soldiers, though but few others seemed to be like-minded. I came aboard and remained till night. Most of the boys were off, not having come aboard. I wished that I too had taken the liberty as there was nothing thought of it. There was a supply of oats and hay drawn p.m. There was the greatest amount of drunkenness among the boys today that I believe there ever was. Certainly half of our company were under the influence of intoxicating drink. Some half a dozen are in a beastly state though there was not much trouble with them.

In the eve at first the word was that none were to be allowed to go out this eve as they had misbehaved themselves so, but finally a limited number were passed out. I managed to be included. Of course we bent our steps towards the theatre, that being the object of getting out. The “Varieties Theatre” being the handiest, we patronized that, purchasing a 50 cent ticket and securing a seat in the lower gallery. [They asked[ 75 cents in the first floor or pit, and 25 cents in the upper. The elegance and accommodations of the establishment quite surprised me. There was plenty of room as there was not a very full attendance. The play was the famous Othello from Shakespeare. The scenery was truly fine & the characters richly and fantastically costumed. The tragedy went off after the manner of all stage performances, I suppose, quite affecting & impressive at times. A farce—the Irish Schoolmaster—concluded the drama. It was quite amusing. Still I have enjoyed myself better at our little gatherings at home, laughed more heartily, was more deeply interested and went among better satisfied. So it is. So much for so much. The thing was out at about 11 o’clock. Ben and I concluded to have another mess of oysters. Was aboard the boat alright by 12 o’clock. This was the day spent. Money nearly spent but some knowledge gained. Some may ask me if I am not sometimes tempted to indulge in a glass of the ardent. I answer NEVER. I get enough to suffice for me by coming in contact with the breath of my comrades.

Thursday, 3rd. We are still here though there are indications of leaving. We have been closely kept aboard today. Excuse was that we were soon to leave and that we couldn’t behave ourselves, &c. There was no particular attraction out today for me anyway, but according to the programme, there are to be prodigious doings here tomorrow. More than an ordinary celebration of the 4th of July. The Governor-elect is to be inaugurated & there is to be great times. I should like right well to be present & don’t see why we cannot. But they have got the steam up and all ready to start somewhere—said to be Donaldsonville & return maybe. Tis rumored that the Diana is to have the honor of bearing Gen. Sherman up to Cairo and about but I don’t suspect that we men will go too, but will be transferred to the Old B, J. Ad. if she has come down as is designed. I borrowed $5 this morn but don’t know as I get to spend it here. Weather fine.

Friday 4th. We left New Orleans last eve at 8 o’clock and kept on the move all night. At daylight reached Donaldsonville and delivered a dispatch to the Essex there and again proceeded upward. It was said last eve that we were to return to the city after delivering the dispatch, but that it seems was not to be & we thus missed the glorious or great celebration & extra doings to take place there today. But I suppose it went on just as well as though we had been present.

Pass Baton Rouge at 11:30 o’clock, Extensive barracks & fortifications noticeable here. About 4 o’clock, overtook the Empress City towing a prize boat—the Gillum. She had been detected smuggling and doing rebel service. We halted and had some business with them & left them. 9 o’clock, we have just landed opposite Red River & Maj. Gen. Sherman & Butterfield have went over to Admiral Porter’s Flagship Blackhawk. Weather fine.

Saturday, [March] 5th [1864]. Stopped last eve about three hours. Then proceeded on our way. At 9 o’clock this morn we landed at Natchez. Then all the Big Bugs took a turn up in town but none of “we-uns” were allowed out. There were 5 ironclad gunboats lying here. It seems that there is a great expedition being fitted out for a trip up the Red River—one cause of the commotion among the generals. About two o’clock, started on upwards. Sundown, still going. I began a letter to Laura. Sent one to G. G. Evens, Philadelphia. I have felt rather dumpish today. Not much appetite.

I occasionally get a glimpse of our distinguished passengers. Got a very good view of Gen. Sherman today. He is a tall, spare built man & usually stands in a stooping posture. Complexion light, with whiskers of a grey-reddish or auburn tinge, and countenance somewhat contracted by wrinkles. Though common & ordinary in his deportment, still he is always observing and seems restless.

Gen. Butterfield I have seen but little of. He is younger and has more of a soldier’s appearance. Sports a bouncing mustache. Some say that Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks came aboard of our tub while at New Orleans. Maybe so. Appears that he was in town for he was to deliver an address the next day.

Sunday, 6th. Vicksburg again! We reached the Autocrat last night sometime about 10 o’clock & stopped a short time. Got a lot of mail due us & some returned furloughed boys, &c. &c. The barge being down at the Jo. Raine where we did not stop, the boys had to stick it out awhile longer yet. Reported that the Jo. Raine boys, the cavalry, have had another scrimmage with the rebs lately. Heard no particulars of the affair but that they had suffered the worst that ever yet. The enemy were in ambush among the hills toward Fayette and surprised them. Hear too that the Baltic boys above have been having great times too.

We reached the city about 8 o’clock, landing at the Prentiss House. Soon after, crossed over & got a coal barge. Still taking on coal. We had inspection as usual. [James R.] Hussey of our company, who has been on the hospital boat nearly the whole time, never did any duty in the company at any rate since he has been in the Brigade, has rejoined us. He is still unfit for duty. This eve, Peter West returned from furlough. I received 3 letters this morn, a paper, the Kalamazoo Telegraph soon after, and the Telegraph and Detroit Tribune this eve. Letters from home, Ir. and Cousin Arthur. All well. I learned by the Kalamazoo Telegraph an item or two concerning my old regiment [19th Michigan Infantry]. They were at McMinnville, Tennessee. There has been some changes in its organization. The papers are interesting to others, fellow Wolverines, in many respects. Father has ordered the Detroit Advertiser to come to me regular. I am very glad. I finished a letter home and wrote a lone one to Ir. He has not yet got that money I sent. It’s a dead loss. Weather superb.

Monday, 7th. We have lain quiet all day. About 11 o’clock the Autocrat & Jo. Raine came up from below & in course of time, the boys on detail returned to the boat. Have ascertained a few particulars of our late misfortunes or losses of the Brigade. Tis according to accounts a severe blow to the brigade, particularly to Co. D Cavalry. The tragical scene occurred Friday eve. Cos. D and C Cavalry and [Co.] K Infantry, accompanying a train of wagons out after cotton, [Co.] K riding in the train of wagons. They went out in a direction between Port Gibson and Fayette over twenty miles out. They were intending to stop all night, but Capt. Crandall in command , receiving a friendly intimation of the danger of the locality and occasion from a citizen, concluded to strike out for the boat though it was already late. They had got a lot of cotton & had captured two reb soldiers and a citizen, who afterwards rendered valuable service to us.

About 9 o’clock in the eve, when almost half way in, Co. D bring in advance, as they were passing through a grade through a hill, the rebs suddenly opened on them from each side, throwing them in great confusion. Capt. Crandall ordered a retreat, while the Orderly in command of the company ordered “forward” making it worse yet. Part went one way and part the other. But the rebs had got it all arranged to trap them completely by building a fence across the road, which however was scaled by those who went ahead. Here again was another line of the enemy which were met and passed. One deluded Confederate who received an unhealthy gash from the sabre of one of the cavalrymen was found dead afterwards with head clove asunder. Meanwhile the citizen prisoner had broke & run back to the rest of the battalion & desiring them to hurry up to the relief of their comrades. Co. K came up immediately but Co. C with “Old Brown” in command, rather showed the white feather. They hardly got a smell of the fracas. But Co. K got in enough to lose three men prisoners. They fired 2 or 3 rounds and set the rebels to flight. It seems almost miraculous that any of Co. D should escape alive in such a position as they were, for tis reported that the enemy numbered near 300. After discharging their pieces, they threw rails down into the boys. Only three were seriously wounded—one has since died—but made their escape. James Ellis, the Orderly of Co. D, was taken twice & made hairbreadth escapes. The casualties of the rebs is not exactly known. Two or three were found dead on a reconnoissance made the next day. The rebs had been there and carried off all the wounded.

Co. C, they say, performed a gallant action a week or so ago (in command of the fearless Charlie Barton). They surprised and captured a body of 25 rebs with their arms and a train of army stores. I suppose that this is the feat that we heard that the Autocrat boys did while I was at the hospital. Co. D really have the luck of misfortunes every time; near half company are killed or captured.

We signed the pay rolls in p.m. None of the Brigade have been paid yet but likely will be soon. I have been busy most the p.m. packing up a lot of my superfluous trumpery to send home. Have a considerable closing up of affairs in my two diaries yet to do before I send them. A lot of arranging of other matters. Going to send off a part of my books, &c.

Have not seen anything of the Generals today. Five escaped prisoners from the rebs came up with us from Porter’s Headquarters. They belong to an Indiana Regiment and were captured somewhere about Port Hudson last summer sometime & have lately made their escape from some place in Arkansas. They suffered all sorts of hardships. Were nearly naked when they got to the river. Weather very fine.

Tuesday, 8th. Another installment of our wages has been issued to us after the usual manner. I had due me from the company nearly as much again as I received. They have all squared up with me but one who owes me one dollar. After settling two or three little items, I now have all of $48 cash in my pocket. Better than I anticipated. Now I ought to send a portion—and a large portion too—right home as a dutiful child should. But my mind is divided between selfish gratifications & obligations of a higher importance. But it’s hard to tell which is the most urgent…I desire besides numberless little articles, two quite costly articles—a revolver and a watch. Then I will be pretty well rigged if the articles be genuine material, I would like to go into some speculation to defray all incidental expenses now that the hot weather is coming on and beer comes in vogue. That will consume the change.

Busy all day taking in coal, filling up the boat much more than usual. Must be that a more than ordinary trip is anticipated. Furthermore, a supply of rations has been got on while we already have a good many days on hand, Some say that we are going with the rest if the expedition being fitted out up Red River. The 16th and 17th Army Corps pass along by here too, their encampment just below. The Corps are commanded respectively by Genreals McPherson and Sherman, just returned from that [Meridian] Expedition into the interior.

I have been occupied most of the day making out the abridged notes of my diary ready to send home—just noting the most important moves and occurrences. Sold to Krutzer my Book of Nature for $2 and threw in my Gregory’s Dic[tionary of Arts & Sciences (1816)]. Thought it not worth sending home as it was out of date. We are not allowed passes out to town except the boys that were on detail. The old Colonel is running down on us for so many getting drunk at New Orleans.

Our paymaster’s name and title is Major [Valentine C.] Hanna. They are repainting the boat outside—also polishing the smoke stacks. One of Co. C boys has the job of the latter is to receive $10 for the job. Will take him two days. It’s quite a perilous and no easy task. Warm day.

Wednesday, 9th [March, 1864]. Yet remaining at the city [of Vicksburg] but some movement is impending. Again, our boats are to act in the capacity of transports. Already three of the boats are loaded down with troops, with the avowed purpose of starting soon on an expedition up the Red River. The 16th Army Corps, under the command of Maj. General Hurlbut, and the 17th under Maj. General McPherson, are to embark onto our fleet all that can. The rest on transports. The boys say that on the expedition into the interior [see Meridian Campaign] that they burnt everything and destroyed all in their path. Burnt twenty odd towns and tore up many hundred miles of railroad. A great number of refugees and negroes came in with Sherman’s Corps to Vicksburg. The veterans, which were many, had been promised furloughs prior to starting on the last expedition but could not go & they are ordered on the present expedition [instead]. But after coming on board, the order came that they were excused and could go home. It diminished the strength of the force of a regiment and this boat [the Diana] all of one half. The 3rd Iowa & 41st Illinois first came on. After the vets left, the 81st Illinois came on. It’s pretty well filled up.

The Fairchild came down from above, fixed up all so nice—repainted and remodeled, stage built and bunks put in for a reception of troops. She is no longer a commissary boat. We are to draw our rations from the post commissary. The Baltic came down p.m. She too will go with the rest I suppose. Ten from each company are detailed to remain with the mules and attend to their comfort. Luckily I am not on the list though some had rather stay. I have been busy copying my diary and completed the job in an abbreviated form. Want to try to send my box home tomorrow. Cloudy and rained most of the a.m.

Thursday, 10th. Still here though they are vacating the premises pretty soon. Got steam up. We are all impatient to get off. Have been busy perfecting the arrangements for the expedition. Eight mortars—four 6-inch and four 10-inch—with a great quantity of shell and about 60 kegs of powder were put aboard the Adriatic that I know of. Have not discerned any other artillery. The Old Adams arrived a.m. She has on a new coat which looks quite becoming on the opposite side of the river coaling. Expect she will follow us up. I got a couple letters—one from home and from Miss Helen. All well. We are not so troubled by the troops now as we were last summer being where they cannot come near us. They are much crowded.

After 9 o’clock. I am on guard today. Just at 7 o’clock there was a general whistling of the boats all along up and down the levee for departure. Soon after we started but are going slowly down the river. Are very heavily loaded down. Two of the boys, Cooper and [Edward] Hoffman were furloughed & went off. They have been ailing sometime but not had off. Hoffman has been laid up for a month with a sore foot but getting well now. I got my box ready and sent up the river by them to be expressed from Cairo. Put in a list of the articles included &c. Sent my old jacket as it is too small for me & I could not sell it to advantage.

I have been doing a [ ] business today going into the extras somewhat. Have finally made a raise of that article which is the making of a man—a watch. The bargain was begun, made, and concluded in less than a minute. I gave my gold pen and $10 for an open face, patent-lever, Liverpool timekeeper of Sergt. McCallum—apparently a good article, at least said to be. Called in the bargain worth $16 but in the way I got the pen it cost me but $12.50. Now I guess I must send to New York and get me another pen. I must be in the fashion you know. Now I must fish around and get a revolver. Then my outfit will be quite complete.

In letter from home I received as a present from Uncle Daniel, I think, an ivory writing tablet, little smaller than the one I have just got [in New Orleans]. Six leaves like my old one. Will keep that and sell the other I bought. Wish they had sent it a little sooner.

The Baltic crew I learn while up at their last scene of operations round about Lake Village. Had some pretty lively times with the rebs. Had a pretty brisk engagement. Five men were wounded, one a sergeant of Co. H [who] died after five days. The rebs had a plan made to capture and burn the boat.

Friday, 11th. Kept moving slowly all night. Passed Grand Gulf at 1 o’clock last night. At 7:30, passed Natchez. Did not make a full stop. At half past 3 o’clock, rounded to just above the mouth of Red River, our present place of rendezvous. There is certainly a great amount of shipping and war material collected here. No less than 15 transports loaded with troops besides the four Marine boats. We brought up the rear. Then below us at the mouth are about the same number of ironclads and gunboats. The old Benton we never took, crawling down just before we reached here. Discern the two monitors Osage and Neosho among the rest. Nothing known publicly when the grand movement is to be made.

There was a large body of troops on the opposite side below which appeared to be drilling. A great many flags visible anyhow. The officers of the regiments had neglected to post guards to prevent the boys going off [and] when we landed, of course they did not fail to improve the opportunity for exercise & something more. There was a farmhouse nearby and through the kindness and leniency of the gunboat men were pretty well stocked with pigs, chickens, and vegetables, which the boys made no compunction to appropriating in the name of military necessity, not withstanding the protestations of the avowed loyal owner—mostly negroes. The made a clean sweep, and being so habitually accustomed to burning and destruction of late, they have put in the finishing touch by setting fire to the premises. Put us Marines completely to shame. Have now posted strong guards. Sent one of my captured Confederate papers to Arthur. I traded my boots for an older pair & received $3 to boot. Very light but good material.

(Afterwards) The reason of firing the house here was because several officers uniforms and his likeness were found concealed which of course condemned the establishment.

Saturday, 12th [March 1864]. This day is distinguished as the anniversary day of our Company’s birth, it being one year old. The greater part of the Brigade were mustered in February. I am on guard again today & feel rather unwell at that. Have a slight touch of the diarrhea which has been quite a stranger, The system having worked oppositely of late.

The gunboats and ironclads commenced moving up Red River one after the other early this morn. The last had started by 10 o’clock. The Flagship Blackhawk sounded the long whistle as a sign for the land forces to commence getting under way. She soon after struck out and the transports in their order. We Marines brought up the rear. It was 1:30 o’clock before we entered the reddish waters of this mysterious stream. I do not understand the topography of this country or in what shape the Red River enters the Mississippi. I did not see and “cut off” or “Old River.” Where we entered it, it was very narrow & on each side were willows like at the mouth of the Yazoo and the White River. We proceeded exceedingly slow. A few miles from the mouth we left the true Red River to our right and proceeded down a certain bayou, Atchafalaya by name. Tis said that this entered the Mississippi again. It is deep and wide as the Yazoo. A few miles further, at 5 o’clock, the whole concern came to a stop & layed up. There are but five of the ironclads with us. Expect the rest are up Red RIver. Right here on the left hand side is distinguishable a rebel fortification partially masked by trees. They say that here was where the Switzerland sustained considerable damage by the attack on her. Noticed several large plantations and splendid mansions like on the Mississippi but the country has a different aspect anyhow. Pickets were posted and many of the troops were left off. Already fired a building. Weather warm and windy a.m.

Sunday, 13th. Still lying where we landed yesterday but there has been quite a commotion among the land forces. The extent or object of the movements I am ignorant. Warlike demonstrations are being made at any rate. One Brigade including the men on this boat except the unwell and a guard left to guard their things which were left behind. About middle p.m. the rest of the other boats began to move, taking artillery and the wagon train though they have left most their baggage behind. I believe it is intended for to meet them at some other point. It was rumored that those that went out this morn had met the enemy strongly entrenched. This eve we were ordered to have 40 rounds of cartridges apiece & be ready to march off at a minute’s notice. Well, I don’t feel very strong in body to endure much of a march, but if it is to be, so be it. I will take my chance with the rest. I don’t apprehend any very serious termination of the present affairs.

As Brig. Genral A. J. Smith is in command of the land forces, headquarters on the Clara Bell. He is an elderly man with a gray beard. No Maj. General is along. A year ago today we set out on our first tour down the river from St. Louis.

Monday, 14th. At daylight we commenced moving again, our course being up the bayou or towards the Mississippi River. Entered old river, then took a turn up the Red [River]. Moved exceedingly slow, no faster than a person could travel afoot. The river was very crooked & so narrow that it was a difficult matter to twist our way through. The width of the river is equal to about 4 times the width of a boat, while the depth is said to be almost fabulous. The country on each side is the most solitary and gloomy I most ever saw—low land covered with willows and undergrowth timber. Scarcely saw half a dozen plantations during the day. Noticed several bayous coming in. Just about sundown, passed a small rebel fortification & apparently but just deserted as there were cattle and some mules there. I did not see the establishment though.

At 7 o’clock all tied up for the night to the left bank. The stream is so crooked & banks so bushy that we cannot see but one or two boats at a time. About 9 o’clock last eve the order came for a detail of four men from each company to prepare for a scout with 5 days rations & to be mounted on horses. The object was for a body guard for General Smith & Ellet so they say. About 11 o’clock they started in their distinguished capacity so that they ran a tolerable good chance for safety. Expect they will have wonderful adventures to recount on their return, if it be their fortune to be this highly favored.

Tuesday, 15th. We commenced moving early again this morn and about 9 o’clock passed a place where the rebs had been trying to blockade the river I guess. Spiles framed together and well braced had been driven into the ground & extended part way across the steam. There was an immense sight of flood wood clogged against it. I suppose it was the pressure of the driftwood that caused it to break away. For near a mile along the bank on each side of the river above, the timber had all been cut away & lately too. There were a dozen or 15 log huts where they had been quartered. A rifle was noticeable also right by the blockade.

At 11 o’clock we in the rear halted and tied up to the left bank. About three quarter mile above around the bend, a fort was visible and there was evident signs of something going on. The boats were strung all along between us and there. We could hear musketry like skirmishing and discern bodies of men but as the gunboats were silent and no particular commotion among the fleet, nobody was much scared. We soon learned that a young battle had been fought and the fortifications in question had been taken possession of by the Federal forces together with about 300 rebels. Our forces appeared in the rear of the fort yesterday p.m. about 4 o’clock taking them wholly by surprise as they were busy watching the river. They managed, however, to make a pretty good show of resistance & we lost 48 men killed and wounded. The fort was carried by a charge by the 119th Illinois & the rebs loss was less than ours as we were so much more exposed.

Wednesday 16th. Another important day and I am well nigh tuckered out. We have had a busy but pleasant time today. We have had an excellent opportunity for to observe a little more minutely the internal aspect of the Confederacy which we are seeking to overthrow. About 9 o’clock, all who were able for duty were called up to be taken out for exercise. Our recreation being to demolish or render useless the captured fort and its accompaniments. Details also from the regiments remaining. A part were given spades and shovels &c. to dig down the works. Our squad worked at various jobs, tearing up the gun platforms [and] tearing down the magazines. Made a trip to the fourth works. The fortifications are nearly disconnected or quite separated so that they might be called two distinct forts connected by a line of rifle pits quarter of a mile long. The works next the river contain the large guns intended for the destruction of the river crafts. The one a quarter of a mile back is to repel land attacks. Neither were completed. They were making calculations for making this one of the strongholds. The works for defense of the further one were finished except the platforms for the guns at the angles which were minus. But the magazines were not half done. But the greatest wonder was the commissary depot—likewise incomplete. This was a big wide ditch covered over. It was perhaps 20 rods long. One portion of it was well-filled with their rations consisting of corned beef, meal, some flour, sugar, molasses, &c. We had teams there taking all of it. There were but two field pieces at this place [and] they were very old apparently & had seen service—very rusty. They say that there were a couple Parrott guns here which were removed out to the boats yesterday. [See The Fort DeRussy Cannon for a story about the large guns captured on 14 March 1864]

During the a.m., the prisoners were brought down to the river from the upper fort. I stopped to see them, They are a regular specimen of the Confederate soldier. There is a uniformity in their clothes but very little uniform. They seemed, many of them, gritty and persevering as ever. They said that we took them at a disadvantage—only a part of their force was present. The rest had been sent to intercept us but it seemed that they took care not to meet us. The prisoners were put aboard the Gunboat No. 13 and sent off.

In p.m., we continued to work. The gunboat boys during the a.m. were employed capsizing the big guns and picking the carriages to pieces. In p.m. they drew four or five of them to the river to ship or drown, I suppose. Took 9 span of mules to move them. The largest is 9 inch bore. All came originally from our gunboats captured—the Indianola and the Harriet Lane.

The boys on detail came in this morn, got breakfast and most of them went out again after breakfast. They are to stand picket in the neighborhood. Their past three days experience is quite interesting. The party comprised a little over 30 in number and were all the time in advance. They say they skirmished with the rebel cavalry most all the time after they got out back. No serious damage known to have been done. Gave the rebel General Walker a hard chase. They had several hundred cavalry but would not fight us. There are three reb notorieties—viz: Kirby Smith, Headquarters at Shreveport; Gen. [Richard] Taylor at Alexandria, 60 miles above here; and Gen. Walker, commanding about these parts. The rebs say that “We will meet with more than a warm reception at the places above.”

The ironclad casemating. This specimen of Rebel ingenuity excites considerable attention. It is quite a curiosity at least as a war aramament & I think pretty effectual. It is similar to the sides on an ironclad & intended for three guns. There were but two in position. It was formed like a cattle shed, the posts & frames well braced. The exposed side standing at an angle of 45 degrees. The timber was two feet thick on this side and overlaid with one thickness of railroad ironm laying up and down and extendin half way across the top. The ends were well protected by thick embankments of earth. They had timber enough framed together & railroad iron for the embrasures for the 3 guns in another place. One of the big pieces was turned to the rear and they say fired several shots at us at the time of the attack. Just before dark, the old Essex * tried the metal of one of the guns on the said casemating [of the water battery] for an experiment. Fired four shots. The result was satisfactory on our side for two of the steel pointed missiles penetrated the iron and buried themselves in the wood, cracking the timbers inside. It smashed the shot, however. I reached in and picked out a piece as a trophy. One shot glanced over and the 3rd threw a piece of the iron over into a camp and killed a man. It was examined by the head officer. Weather cool.

[Subsequent to transcribing this diary, by private correspondence with Steven Mayeaux, author of Earthen Walls, Iron Men, Fort DeRussy, Louisiana, and the Defense of Red River, I learned that though one witness named Edmund Newsome had claimed that it was the Benton that tested the casemated water battery, his search of the logbooks for both the Benton and the Essex revealed it was, indeed, the Essex that fired its 100-pounder Parrott, not the Benton.]

Thursday, 17th. Yet abiding as yesterday [at Fort DeRussy on the Red River]. At 10 o’clock last night, in the attempt to raze the fort and magazines to a level with surrounding objects, it inadvertently proved disastrous to several of the soldiers. Though they were not very near it, two or three were killed and many more wounded by that. Then a few minutes after, one of the field pieces which had been prepared went to perdition, a piece of it flying into camp a 100 rods this side, killing a Lieutenant [Jerome] Bishop of the 81st Illinois, also a sergeant, and wounding another. A sad and unprofitable terminus of our joyous possession. It was at the further works where the scene took place but so violent and destructive the effects that the dirt, wood, &c. was thrown clear over onto and about our boats—the distance fully half of a mile. A big piece of timber four feet long and 18 inches square fell on the boat within two rods of the boat about midships. It if had have lit on the top of the tub, it would more than have waked some of us up. It was intended to have served the two other magazines and gun in the same way but after the fatal effects alredy given, they desisted. It was an improper move anyway, I think, to have thought of such a dangerous performance at such a time. The General is said to have been drunk when it was done.

We are not allowed out today. A part of the land force here were kept at work on the works last eve. Those that belong on this boat all stopped here. Several of the boys on picket came n tonight, being relieved by cavalry. They have not met with any particular adventure. Were stationed about 12 miles out. Gen. Walker is camped in force a few miles from them. I finished the letter home and enclosed $5. Put it in the office but don’t suppose it will start off in 6 weeks. Had frost last night. Day pleasant.

The landsmen speak very highly of the Mounted Marines who accompanied the expedition. They appeared so daring and fearless unlike the cavalry that had usually attended them who always were in the habit of falling back whenever any ene,y appeared. But our boys after they had gone ahead on the morning of the 15th were not seen again till they got to the fortifications though they fell in with and chased 10 times their number.

Friday, 18th. At 8 o’clock. We again got up steam and started upward. The Benton stopped a mile above while the Essex dropped below for the purpose tis said of trying further experiment on the fort afterwards, intended to blow it up. An explosion was heard an hour or so after we left. We made good headway all day today though the river was crooked as ever. Some tolerable good houses & plantations on the banks & a pretty good stock of nigg*rs distributed along in front of each.

At 5:30 o’clock we “drew up” at the landing just below the town of Alexandria. Our men were already here quietly enjoying themselves by sacrificing to their appetite the various domestic animals in the neighborhood. I do not hear that they found any opposition at this place. Believe that the rebs evacuated. Not heard any important news. Doubtful if we ever go up any farther. All the wounded of the capture of Fort DeRussy put aboard the Woodford which had accompanied us up. There were about 50 men in number. I have spent most of my time today reading a “Romance of the Revolution,” the private history of Benedict Arnold.

Saturday, 19th. Last eve we crossed over onto the side of the river opposite town. The town is within sight on the left bank above. All has been quiet except that small parties of our boys went out on an exploring tour through the country, found some molasses at least—don’t know of anything else. Have not learned anything of the position of affairs above here. No movement made that I know of. A mail came last night. I got a letter from Ir. with his photograph. Also J. T. Lloyd’s Circular of his maps, &c. Think that I shall patronize the institution. And then received the first copy of my paper, the Detroit Tribune. Begins March 1st. It’s a wonder that it even reached me as Father had made such a blunder in my address. Thought I would not risk it in the future. He wrote to have it rectified, In the meantime I thought I might as well give them and the public ab account of the affairs up here. Wrote a couple pages. Must copt it yet. Weather warm.

Sunday, 20th. Yet remaining at Alexandria. Though there are evident preparations for a grand movement, the falls just above here are a source of considerable hesitation about proceeding upward. Thought that the larger boats cannot get over. The troops have gone off on shore & they have been drawing rations preparatory I suppose to marching. Tis reported that Gen. Banks’ army of 5,000 cavalry are here on the city side. A great number of tents are discernible over there anyway. There are 13 gunboats and ironclads in sight from where we lay. The river is remarkably straight at this point. It runs for a mile and a half or two miles in a direct line. In a.m, I was engaged copying my communication for publication. J. Owens did the writing as he is an excellent penman. It covers two pages of the larger sized blue paper, nearly the size of this leaf detailing the events of the expedition and its character &c. this far. I have a pretty high opinion of the production myself but don’t know whether the Editors taste will agree with mine. Doubtless he “won’t see the point.” The boys thought it sounded first rate anyhow.

Items. Tis said that two or three rebel steamers had just left Fort DeRussy and went up the river as our forces attacked the fort. We hear that they have formidable gunboats above. A couple good sawmills were destroyed a mile or so from the fort as before indicated. Most of the work of the fort had but lately been done—the said casemating magazines, &c. but there were some signs of the old work constructed a year or two ago. The fort is said to have been destroyed. The field artillery as we made the attack played on the works pretty brisk, the rebs replying with their 4 pieces in the further part & one big siege gun at the water battery. Said to have done no damage as they shot so high except killing a pig and calf. One shell from one of our guns is reported to have killed 5 reb artillerists. There are various statements as to what regiment made the successful charge & capture. A greater portion of our force were reserved & in line to meet Gen. Walker as it was thought that he would be coming up on our rear.

Monday, 21st. No “change of our base” as yet. Last eve the Baltic was seen to be going down the river and tis said that she is bound for Vicksburg on a special trip. At any rate, she has not been visible today. It has been unusually quiet today. A reconnoitering party went out from the land forces.

Seeing in my paper where the old 19th [Michigan] was located and having a strong desire to hear from the boys, I employed the forenoon writing a letter and addressed it to Capt. Bigelow. Filled a small sheet giving the account of my transfer and the nature of the M. M. B. [Mississippi Marine Brigade], &c., &c. Hope I’ll get an answer. I wrote to the company at Benton Barracks but got no reply. Again, the trading and speculating mania has been fastened by myself in the watch line of business, being transacted with my old “business agent” McCullom. Traded my expensive time keeper for a hunter case giving $7 to boot, or, I gave him $4 as he was owing me $3. It is a Liverpool, detached lever and reported to be a good article. as been in the company all the summer. The price that I paid may be curiously stated t $23, or $13.50. B. J. Krutzer asked $25 for it when he had it, I think I can get $20 for it any day, but am not anxious to part with it. The weather cold and cloudy. Raining this eve.

Tuesday, 22nd. Today ditto. Reconnoitering parties have been sent out. There was a pretty considerable skirmish on the other side of the river back of town. Heard that a colonel on our side was killed. Gen. Banks’ forces were seen moving on the other side of the river. For the 90th time they are getting up a blow about the dissolution of the [Mississippi Marine] Brigade. New and romantic rumors afloat. I have made another little investment today, being another gold pen. “Davis make No. 6,” silver extension case. Got it in one of the other companies. Gave $3. I think the pen as good as my other big one—rather finer. The case is not so good. I wrote a good long letter to Miss Helen.

Wednesday, [March] 23rd. All quiet in Red River! The Baltic and the Mars came up this morn loaded with negro troops. Got them at Port Hudson. Gen. Banks Cavalry force is said to number 13,000. The infantry has hot yet arrived. 400 rebel prisoners that were captured yesterday are seen by some of the boys to come in town. Say that they were neatly gobbled in without any fighting. For two or three hours p.m., I was engaged copying from my note book while at the hospital. Then, discovering that the boys had nearly all gone ashore, concluded that I might as well be out and exercising myself too. I started up the river opposite the town & while on the way met a great number of the land troops coming in loaded with books and various articles pertaining to the library of some public institution. It was said to be located about four miles distant back from the river. I started to go to it, got half a mile, but seeing it was getting too late to go so far, I returned. I just wish that I had went off this morn and went to the Lit. depart. if its contents were bound to be pillaged anyhow, I might have procured some valuable prizes. It is styled a “Military & Civil Academy.” I’ll warrant that there were things in it & connected with the institution in the time of its ascendency that would astonish the natives. There were some philosophical and chemical instruments brought in. Can probably get some of the books off the landsmen if they have to march away. A great deal of sugar was got out here somewhere. There is but a small village on this side of the river. Guards were posted at each house this eve. The country is inclined to a piney nature—small pines are plenty, and I suppose there is big time as I see plenty pine lumber. Spent some time observing the gunboats as they lay anchored out (always at anchor) close to shore. They are a curiosity taken as a whole, most impossible to learn one’s name. It is noticeable how lazy the men always are and never make any noise either. No hollering and yelling allowed among them. The troops belonging in this boat are camped on shore close by. Most are out on picket. Tis said that this place is to be made a military post. Pleasant [weather].

Thursday, [March] 24, [1864]. Yet stationary. The [Red] River is slowly rising. I suppose that is what we are waiting for. Said that 4 of the gunboats started yo this morn. The transport Blackhawk arrived p.m. and they say that Gen. Banks’. There were a few troops aboard. I was on guard today so that I could not go out as I was intending. I learned today that I was out last night close by where the books were and didn’t know it. Most provoking to contemplate! When I wanted to get there so bad and did! The books were not at the college but in the clerk’s office close to town. The gentleman took a wagon and gt the remainder that were worth anything today. That’s always just my luck, when I do have the disposition to steal, I can’t get the chance. What little I do possess I have to pay dear for. For instance, bought a captured “Willard’s History of the U. S.” at publisher’s price. So it goes. It was windy a.m.; cleared off p.m. fine weather.

Friday, 25th. A day of miscellaneous transactions certainly. Started at 6 o’clock this morning with the Autocrat & Jo. Raine & a greater part of the transports down the river in search of wood & other adventures. Went down about 20 miles. The Diana landed on the north bank and got a few rails while the Autocrat were loading on sugar from a neighboring manufactory on the opposite side of the river with their wood. They made out to spare to the Diana two or three hogsheads out of the couple dozen or so of them which they were working lustily to get aboard. WE then mmoved up the river a few miles & stopped on the south side to get our share of the products of the soil—first, a supply of corn which we had to carry about one sixth of a mile. Meantime, those not engaged at the corncrib were busy about the sugar house. It stood near half a mile from the river & teams and carts were kept busy hauling down hogsheads & sacks of the nectarine matter of which there was an immense sight. At first the officers were very particular about our getting sugar on individual account, but after we had got corn enough, they gave us full permission to go in which was duly improved by all….Most every man on board has more or less [sugar] to speculate on. It seems a wonderful condescension in the officers to tolerate such a profitable business among the men. There was a white family living on the place but I did not learn their sentiments. It’s immaterial anyhow, I suppose.

At 6 o’clock, the whistle sounded and all came in. We moved on up apiece and have just landed (8:30 p.m) at some place. There are few land troops on board, guarding their property. When we first landed, all hands were called out and stacked arms on the hurricane roof to be ready in case of an attack. Weather warm.

The following regiments I have ascertained were in the charge of Fort DeRussy by the “Memphis Bulletin.” 178th N.Y., 4th Mo., 7th Iowa, 2nd Iowa, 59th Indiana, 19th Illinois, 8th Illinois.

Saturday, 26th. We had landed at Alexandria last eve, opposite side. The landsmen immediately returned on land, when we crossed over and lay by the city. This morning all able bodied except a few guards started on a march with the rest of the troops here. Don’t think though that tis a general movement. In p.m., after considerable intercession, our company got the privilege of going into town, after the rest had glutted themselves of everything attainable, a drug store had been broken into and many valuables abstracted, but it was stopped just before we arrived. There is one street of tolerable fine brick buildings of business, is well laid out and altogether was apparently a very desirable residence but for the “peculiar institution.” We looked around a little, then I went out to the Baltic and got some medicine—something to physic me. We got a mail today. I received a letter from L & a circular—B. H. Horn, Optician. Think I will send for some of his articles, either the microscope, or an opera glass. Also got the Independent from home, and two numbers of the Detroit Tribune. I managed to get hold of some first rate books that the troops left on here though nothing of striking importance.

The captain started home again today. His health is ver poor. Has not been well for two monts past. It’s doubtful if he returns again soon. The command of the company now devolves on the Orderly. Weather warm and fine.

Sunday 27th. Moving again! Soon after noon orders came from somewhere to the effect that the Mississippi Marine fleet should report to Vicksburg immediately. any of the boys had been passed out but were called in. About 2 o’clock, the Autocrat, Baltic, and this our tub [Diana] started downwards. Don’t know why the Jo. Raine did not start—probably stayed to pick up the stragglers. At 5 o’clock this eve our boat in rounding a short turn in the river was forced by a strong wind or the current against the opposite bank in such a manner that it’s going to be a hard job to get out. Now six, still in the pocket. We had inspection this morning. The land troops were all ordered off before we started so we had a good chance to get books which they left. I was extremely fortunate to get a large cracker box full for $6 and a splendid collection worth ten times the money. Already sold a small section for $5.

Monday, 28th. We did not get out of our “puckersnatch” (to use a homely expression) till about 7 o’clock last eve. Meantime several more boats had called a couple gunboats U. S. Q.M.D. Steamer Warner, the Jo. Raine, &c. all laid over till morn. Started again this morn & have had great times occasionally trying to navigate the miserable crooked stream. It puts the skill of the pilots to the severest test to keep anywhere near in the middle of the current. Like to have stove everything to smash several times against the banks but no serious damage done to our boat, I believe. The Baltic though got one her wheels so crippled that we all had to stop and assist her in repairing it. Stopped an hour or so. At 2 o’clock we passed Fort DeRussy. The Benton and Essex were still laying here. The only change in the works of the fort discernible was that the casemating had been destroyed, either burnt or blew up. There was a good number of contrabands about the premises.

Still moving slowly. Don’t think that we will reach the “Father of waters” this evening. I took a list of my books, or made a catalogue of my library today. There are abut 40 different works. Some works comprise several volumes. Have sold 8 works, amount to near $10 already.

Tuesday, 29th. At Natchez once more! We tied up last eve at the mouth of Black River, 40 miles from the mouth of Red River. The Mississippi had so risen that its waters were set back to this port. Started again this morning. In due time entered the “big waters” and at 5 o’clock p.m. landed at this place. The Autocrat and this boat [Diana] only as yet. The wind has blown severe all day and the river has been quite rough. I hear that the steamer Russell has been burned. My present weight is 122 lbs. The Boys are having some great time making candy of the captured sugar and molasses.

Wednesday, 30th [March, 1864]. At Vicksburg, our old place of rendezvous. Left Natchez last eve & kept moving all night. At 11 o’clock a.m., landed at the City of Vicksburg. Our arrival was wholly unexpected by the boys here. The Captain left here yesterday. Told the boys that we would not return for weeks yet to come. The meetings with our separated companions was very cordial. We had been separated just 20 days. Baker of our company has returned from the Small Pox Hospital. E[lijah Ghear died of the disease finally. I thought he was doing well when I left there. Also Corp. [John] Dean of our company has returned to duty.

I have been busy this p.m. writing letters. Wrote to Laura & Ir. The mail came. I got a letter from Mother. The river has raised greatly since we were here last. The bank is not now more than 10 feet high. The bed of the river looks but little of being full. We were not allowed to go off any till this eve. I went out a little while but did not amount to anything at all—only ascertained that sugar in which I am considerably interested in just at present is worth from 15 to 25 cents per pound. A speculator came down onto the boat & offered us 12.5 cents for what there was for sale. I think I will try to get mine out tomorrow though the Colonel forbids us to sell it because some scamp had broken into a hoghead and stole some. So that’s the way it goes. Weather fine. Moderately cool.

Thursday, 31st [March, 1864]. Remaining quiet. Have been engaged all the p.m. drawing rations & hay. I have worked hard though felt but little like it. 250 bales of hay. I did a heavy nocturnal business last night. Perhaps I am not justifiable but so be it on account of the restrictions on our “succurine traffic.” I thought to improve the darkness last night to get it off so as to dispose of it. I was not wholly alone in the midnight operation either. Several of them got their sugar off. I took mine with my partner’s Ben Kratzer onto the mule barge a few rods from the boat. Through the bribing of the guards, I was enabled to get out with it. I was up all night till 4 o’clock this morning. Was intending to go up town and hire a dray and carry it off but concluded to conclude the work by daylight. Run the risk of getting a pass.

Early this morning my pardner B. K. went out and disposed of the [ ] stuff and to very good advantage too. It turned out well & very lucrative. I should like very well to enter into the business again under a little more favorable circ*mstances. I don’t think the officers really cared about our selling it if we would do it privately. It would not be well for them to give a free permit. I had 150 lbs. which sold at 15 cents per lb. My share after the little expenses were deducted amounted to just $21. That is a right paying business certainly. Lent $15 to William Messenger. Most of the boys sold it [on] the boat for 12.5 cents.

I wrote 3 letters East. Sent 75 cents for a photo album. This eve I got a letter from Ir. & the Detroit Tribune. Several showers of rain through the day.

(Written afterwards) My sugar speculation was a little reduced today. Not so lucrative as was anticipated. It happened yesterday morn that Kratzer made a mistake & took another man’s sack which held more than mine. It was discovered in due time & rectified this morn. It reduced my pile to $18.50.

There has been several fires in town [Vicksburg] while we were absent. It is definitely known that it all was the work of incendiaries or secessionists, some of the many refugees that have come into the place. They succeeded in burning down a part of the Depot. The house that Gen. Grant used to use for Headquarters was burned down also.

An additional item respecting the capture of 400 rebs on the 21st instead of the 22nd. I learn that a party of cavalry first captured a rebel currier by which we gained much valuable information together with the countersign of the said body of rebs. A few companies of an Iowa regiment are them fully fitted out in the Confederate uniform, or more properly Dixie Regimentals of butternut & grey and proceed by night & relieve the reb camp guard nice as a pin. The remainder proceed to rendering the unsuspecting camp harmless & confining the officers, all after the manner of a good joke, thus making a bloodless and important haul of Confederate materials—4 cannon.

April 1864

Friday, April 1st 1864. “All on the Square.” I got a pass out into town. Did not have much of any business & found but few or any facilities for doing that little. Purchased a pocket diary & a couple bbls. of potatoes. Didn’t need more than one but as I had to hire a dray anyhow & pay the same, thought I would take some down to sell. The price was $7 per bbl. but as I only had $11 in cash, the merchant finally let me have a couple bbls. for that. Paid 50 cents for the dray. Have already sold one bbl. for $7 & taken in 4 partners at the same rates for the other bbl. Thus I make a little spec. My appetite is none the best of late & I have determined that these subterranean vegetables were absolutely necessary for my existentce—especially I thought I might afford to humor my appetite slightly at present in viewing my late acquisitions of cash.

A poem entitled “A Review of the Marine Brigade for 1863” composed by a certain John J. Spilman, a sergeant of Co. B Infantry, has just come out & sells quite rapidly at 25 cents per copy among the boys. It comprises a sheet of nine columns width but has no particular literary merit—a fair specimen of “machine poetry.” I believe I can beat it anyway. I bought a copy to get it printed at Cairo.

Saturday, 2nd. The order of the day today has been drill, cavalry exercises, Company drill a.m., and Battalion drill p.m. under the supervision of Col. Curry. All went off well. I had not mounted my mule since the fore part of February at Lake Village. The Jo. Raine joined us at noon. In coming down the Red RIver, she got disabled & had to stop and repair at or near the place where we got stuck in hte “pocket” the first night. She laid there two days. At midnight, while laying at anchor intending to start next morning, firing was heard on the river a few miles above [so she] got up steam quick as possible and started up to see what was the matter [and] soon discovered a steamer on fire & indications of the presence of guerrillas. She immediately opened on them with two pieces of artillery, firing a dozen or 15 rounds. The facts of the case as near as I can learn amount to this. The steamer La Crosse, which came down along side of us that night that we lay there, the two following days she was engaged taking on cotton. It seems that some officious scoundrel took pains to acquaint a band of guerrillas 60 miles distant of the position of affairs. They of course came about 30 in number with the full intent of death and destruction. The boat was anchored out at the time but she had her “stern line” attached to the shore. They (the rebs) commenced firing into the boat, then pulled the stern in and boarded. There were 13 soldiers aboard, but only three were armed. They tried to defend themselves to the last till over powered. One sergeant was killed. The rest were captured. Also two negro recruiting officers. The boat crew were released. As soon as they were got off, the boat was set on fire. At this juncture, the Yankee gunboat arrived. After shelling the woods awhile without further effect, then accelerating the flight of the desperadoes. A portion of the boys [from the Jo. Raine] went out on a short reconnoissance. Arrested a citizen or two and burned some buildings. The doomed boat was an ordinary steamer but considerable loss to the government.

There is a transfer being made among the companies. Some of the Autocrat boys are going onto the B. J. Adams. The hospital boat Woodford they say, in trying to pass the shoals above Alexandria, struck a rock and sank in 4 feet water on the 28th. Supposed to be a total loss.

Sunday, 3rd. (6 o’clock a.m.) Orders late last night for a two-days scout. All preparation this morn to be off by 7 o’clock. Do not know yet where to. Was not aware that there was any threatenings by rebs in the vicinity. (Eve.) Well, the two day’s scout has been consummated within the limits of the first and present day and for my part, I am extremely glad that it is thus over. I feel tired enough to enjoy a night’s rest in our comfortable quarters instead of sitting on a mule all or part of a night as it seems intended when we started. It has been a day of useless wandering. The very essence of nothing. The [hospital] boat Woodford they say in trying to pass the shouls above Alexandria, struck on a rock & sank in 14 feet of water on the 28th. Supposed to be a total loss.

We got started a little before 7 o’clock. The Diana crew alone under the command of Capt. Hughes. We went out by Fort Hill, then a little just left the Jackson road to the right and bore off towards Haine’s Bluff. The road was not much traveled & very crooked, winding among the hills up and down. We noticed the Federal Lookout said o have been near General Grant’s Headquarters during the siege. The country was mostly cleared but now wholly desolated, the fences all used for firewood long ago. The whole country appeared one vast camp ground, strewed with camp equipage and the various signs of the traces of war. There were two or three cultivated farms adjoining the bluffs on the Yazoo flats. There were several regiments of Negro troops encamped here. Said that the rebs had been skulking about back. They had picket posts in every direction. We did not go quite to the Yazoo River, then turned to the right to go to a certain Oak Ridge, 8 miles distant. Passed by innumerable entrenchments of the reb’s construction but which I think never availed them anything. A little afternoon we came to a halt and rested near an hour. Then we struck onto the Jackson road 6 miles from Vicksburg. The picket post that we were to relieve was relieved by the pickets that were to relieve us, thus we were entirely cut out, nor was we sorry. All were tired enough & as the weather forebode unfavorable developments, we were extremely grateful to them, so struck out for home. Arrived at the boat at 5 o’clock.

It was quite dusty too. It had tried several times through the day to lay it. Guess it will succeed tonight from the signs of the time. Busy coaling. Say that we are going to leave early in the morn. Companies K & G moved off from the Jo. Raine onto the Adams and Infantry company from the Autocrat (Co. A) is to move on also, I believe.

Monday, 4th. At Goodrich’s Landing. About 7 o’clock the boats Diana & Adams commenced moving up the river, destination yet involved in mystery, but supposed to be Greenville. We have our mule barge along. At 7 o’clock eve we landed at Goodrich’s Landing. There is a small force of Negro troops here. I think that they are only here to guard the government plantations. I am on guard today, standing on the hurricane roof to see that all were safe. Not the least speck of sense in it no more than ever heretofore. Tonight on the bow of the barge to prevent going off. The river is falling fast. Nothing special coming off. We, that is myself and mess, are living high on our potatoes. Weather clear and windy.

Tuesday, 5th. 11 o’clock a.m. Left Goodrich’s Landing at 5 o’clock this morn and are now just landing at Skipwith’s Landing where it is calculated that we will go out. The animals are saddled & all is ready. Going to take the howitzer. I do not however anticipate anything uncommon. Eve. The scout ultimately terminated in a drill as on divers times before. We started from Skipwith’s Landing about 11:30 o’clock. The four companies from the Diane & Co. K mounted from off the Adams, Col. Currie in command. We moved up the river about 8 miles across a bend of the river. At 2 o’clock we struck the river again, 15 minutes in advance of the boats at a landing which once seemed to have borne the title of Carolina Landing. The plantation adjoining now deserted; a partially built edifice of learning nearby. This is the place that witnessed my fall from grace, or the Guard Loose experience. Encountered nothing on this trip. Did not [ ] aboard but stood out till 4 o’clock. Then drilled till 6 o’clock Battalion Drill. Lieut. Whitehead is command of our company & with his usual incompetency continually making his ridiculous blunders. He is a perfect ass of a commander.

There were a few troops at Skipwith Landing & gunboats No. 3 & 38 tied up there. The sutler received a supply of goods for steamer. Weather warm.

Wednesday, April 6th. As last night, nothing special during the a.m. Battalion Drill in p.m. Went off near two miles to get a drilling ground up the river. We took our arms with us to guard against contingencies. The principal part of the a.m. was the demolishment of my little beard of some two month growth. It had attained quite an amazing length but being so deficient in quantity, it was doomed to extermination. After which, for a better development of the stock in the future, I applied to the soil or surface of the beard bearing portion of the physiognomy, a cracked up invigorator. the Tennessee Swamp Balsam. Sent for a sample just to try its virtues. Anticipate some astonishing developments shorty. The Autocrat they say went up this morn. Weather warm.

Thursday, April 7th 1864. No change in the programme as yet. At 2 o’clock p.m. we started out for Battalion Drill, but before we had arrived on the ground, the Colonel discovered immediate signs of a combat with the elements—just what had been obvious to my perceptions all the day. So not fancying a drenching in his present suit, we countermarched & came aboard again and very timely too for it soon set in slow but steady. Guess it will last a day or two. Weather quite warm.

Ben Kratzer is quite sick & was today moved up into a state room. All on board are in general good health, There isn’t over half a dozen sick abed on board as I know of.

Friday, 8th. No alteration in our base. All quiet a.m. and at 2 p.m. we struck out for drill again & tinkered away at it right steadily till 6 o’clock. The Colonel put us through two or three new & different movements, Lieutenant Whitehead as usual with his continued horrid blunders several times caused us to make most ridiculous appearances. I completed my drawings of Fort DeRussey in a.m. Went into another speculation, or that is, made an annexation to my personal possessions to wit: that murderous weapon—the revolver—has attracted my notice, Bought of my main business man Harvey McCullom a 6-shooter revolver, Remington patent, giving 16 dollars. I owe $11 on it yet. I discharged it and it shoots well. Carries well up. Rained hard last night. Clear today.

Saturday, 9th. A repetition of the doings of yesterday. Quiet in a.m. with four hours drill (Battalion Drill) in the p.m. It passed away pleasantly & undoubtedly profitably. We were not cursed with Lieutenant Whitehead’s presence so we got along remarkably well for it. Our various evolutions are performed many times at the highest of speed & gives us plenty of exercise, more severe than a scout usually is. In a.m., I was engaged mostly copying my hospital notes. The weather is quite cool, dry and cloudy.

Sunday, 10th. The day has passed with “Inspection of arms” in a.m. as usual. Rest of the day usually quiet. During last night the remaining three boats of the fleet arrived from below. By it we received a small mail. I was disappointed in not getting any letters—only an Independent and the two dime books from Boston, “Gulliver’s Lillipot.” and the “Battle of Waterloo”—not of much account. We were agreeably surprised by the return of Lieutenant Dean in good health and spirits excepting sore eyes. He brings no recruits, however. Don’t know why. The Pay Master for some inexplicable reason is with us. It is not quite the regular time for payment as heretofore. There are various rumors as to the object of his presence. One [is] that he is to pay us prize money arising from our cotton traffic. Don’t know but trust it will be put through. It will be no small amount if we received our just dues. I should think we were as much entitled to prize money as in the gunboat service; each man has a share of all captured property. Still another all-exerting bugaboo project is rife and assumes something of a positive character. Steps towards its performance have already been taken; to wit: that we are to turn over our arms and accoutrements and then to draw revolvers and the Spencer rifle. This seems too good to be true. Still Co. E are getting boxes ready to pack up their arms in. The cavalry also are to draw the new arms, I understand. Then the Battery have turned their armament also in compliance with an order from Gen. McArthur & he said they will have to “mount a mule.” “Great times in the Jerseys!” The Diana and Adams started down the river at 6 p.m. Stopped awhile at Skipwith’s Landing. Now going hard for Vicksburg. Warm.

Monday, 11th. Vicksburg again! We kept moving steadily all night & all very quietly till just about 3 o’clock this morn when we were suddenly aroused by a terrible crashing in the stern of our craft. Most everyone sprang out of bed and the prevailing opinion was that she was struck so hard that she was about to sink. It was soon ascertained that the old Adams had come severely in contact with our stern & literally demolished the casemating & the guards projecting over the hull for near 15 feet from the rudder forward, on the larboard side. It broke into the horse table precipitating the Captain’s mare into the river, also a cow, and utterly demolished two or three stalls. Several saddles and other things went overboard. The hull was pretty badly shattered close down to the water’s edge, but the water could not quite enter. It seems that we had run onto a sand bar and was backing off when the Adams—which was coming down close at hand by some negligence or inability of the pilot to prevent—plungedwith full speed smack into us, making everything tremble. Nor did she escape much better off than we as it knocked her jack staff down &c. and broke the bows through so that it had to be patched.

There was considerable excitement on board of each boat at that time, some making instant preparation for escaping to shore or somewhere else, bound to have her go down anyhow. Nearly every man was up in less than three minutes. As for myself, I laid quiet, determined to let the worst come of its own accord. Not so with Sergt. McCollum. His frantic efforts at self preservation have been the source of much laughter. He scrambles out, half dresses, and cuts for the bow of the boat, which had by this time been brought to land & goes off, first trying to cut the mule barge loose. We laid up an hour or so & proceeded on down, but he took passage on the Adams the rest of the way. The catastrophe occurred near the mouth of Paw Paw shoals. Reached the city at 7:30 o’clock. Landed at the usual landing place. In the mail that came I made out to get one letter from home. Answered it in p.m. and wrote one to New York purchasing agent, Henry Stephens (questions regard to microscope & Fish’s [ ]. Many of the boys have been passed off. I did not try very hard to get out. Not much inducement to get into town anyhow. I traded my share of the potatoes for a pair of shoulder braces.

Tuesday, 12th. Nothing of particular interest to recount today. I believe. The boat hands have been busy taking on coal. The Adams repairing the injuries sustained the other night. 3 o’clock p.m. we were called out on Battalion DRill til 7 o’clock. Lieut. Whitehead had to make himself conspicuously ridiculous two or three times as usual. It does capt the climax of human nature that his mind is not susceptible of receiving or retaining knowledge. What little he does know, he isn’t certain of. Mail came but nothing for me.

Wednesday, 13th. The City of Vicksburg is yet honored by our presence. No immediate prospect of departure either. The carpenters are busy patching up the Adams. A certain familiar oft-quoted passage of the immortal Shakespeare is most fitly applicable with a slight substitution to the present ruling passion of the Most-Miserable-Mean-Mississippi-Marine-Mounted-Mule-Brigade—viz: “A horse, a horse, my Kingdom for a horse.” Trans-magnified for the occasion is rendered, “A horse, a horse, my mule for a horse.” Even so, the business of exchanging our manged animals for the nobler, higher species has been followed quite briskly yesterday and today, among the other companies more particularly, myself being the only favored one in our company. our officers don’t try to better our condition in the least unless it can be done with no exertion on their part while the other company commanders are ever on the alert.

The citizens and negroes who have light horses that would do for riding but answering their purpose as draught horses are anxious to exchange for our mules, which would be both advantageous to each party. The other three companies have thus exchanged over half of their mules & got a tolerable good set of horses. They are rather poor in flesh but if they do not have to scout much right away, with good care, they will soon pick up. This morn a darkey brought a little mare aboard but could not trade to suit with the other companies so I lit onto him. My mule being large and just suited to his purpose but did not suit me & his nag denoting an improvement, so after a bit with my officer’s consent, a bargain was struck & concluded upon equal terms. Though the mule at any sale would sell for double the money of the horse, but in my case, I don’t think I am any the worse off by it. She is mall but apparently very tough & hardy, neat trim limbs as though she might travel some. She looks some the worse now for having sucked a colt for two months past. I think she will come out by and by and be a valuable animal. Everybody says so at least. She suits me better than half the old plugs that the boys are getting. I rode her up to town with the Orderly this morn to have her shod with 2 or 3 other animals, but could not get it done till p.m. so went up again & had the job performed. Took all the afternoon to get it done. There was Battalion Drill as usual. I purchased a box of percussion caps (100) for which I had to pay only 75 cents and a bullet mould for my revolver—the plainest kind for which I paid $1. These are more than exorbitant prices. Dick & Fitzgerald book arrived. Day fine. Ed Hoffman, one of the furloughed boys, returned today. He has got back pretty near on time. Others of the other companies also.

Thursday, 14th. Co. drill for two hours a.m. and p.m. I like my nag very well. She has first rate stuff in her composition. During the day we have added 4 or 5 more of the quadrupeds “solipeda” to our riding stock. Some pretty tolerable good specimens. The other companies—Co. C in particular—got rid of nearly all of the Genus, Elongated-organ-of hearing, and I don’t think they have bettered themselves in every instance either. There has been a crowd of horse jockeys with their trading stock on the bank all day. Six or eight boxes of cavalry equipments or everything belonging to a horse were drawn and came aboard p.m. Said that each company are to have 25 set to be divided in the company so that some of the old rig will have to be retained. Some mail came today. I got the Detroit Tribune, April 5th, so they were two numbers behind yet & a part of the set of Phonetic works. The rest are to come soon. My weight 132 pounds. The Battalion Drill is five companies of 30 men each on average.

Friday, 15th. There is great talk & much speculation of an extensive “raid” to be made somewhere. It first began last eve. I sat up late last night running balls for my revolver & cleaning it up. At noon a portion of the saddle accoutrements were issued to some of the boys. There are 14 I believe for our company. The favorites and a part of those who have none at all received full rigs, spurs, &c. In p.m. at 2 o’clock we commenced Battalion Drill, Lieut. Dean in command of our company. We get along first rate with him. With him, if he does not understand a movement, it does not take him long to learn it. We have got three or four more horses today. We have orders this eve for a 3-day scout. Start early tomorrow morn on the other side of the river. Ambulances will go along to carry part of the rations. We were read orders at roll call for the governing of all future scouts. No falling out or breaking ranks on no pretense. The sugar that was captured up Red River in the hogsheads were sent up to town. The boys have been stealing it and selling it so they are going to put a stop to it.

Thursday, 16. Well it seems that I am present to fill my post as recorder tonight. The great projected scout for some reason did not go off. Don’t know but guess it never meant to. We got our rations, &c. all ready last night to start. At 9 o’clock we got out and drilled company drill till 11 o’clock, expected Battalion Drill p.m. but did not. One or two more horses have been collected in today. This eve at roll call the order was for the gun squad to be ready to leave the boat at daylight in the morn. Have no intimation what the object can be. I have lent my revolver to one of the boys. It has been quite an extensive job to repair the Adams. Had to construct an artificial dry dock or bog box & sunk it in the water to repair the bow beneath. It leaks of course & they had to pump it all the while. On our boat they have been rigging up the capstan. The rest of my Phonetic book came today. I am disappointed in the sender. Had supposed it was in phonetic type a print, only writing exercises. Reports of a fight at Fort Pillow & the place captured by the Rebel force under Forrest. Weather cool and clear.

Sunday, 17th. About 12 o’clock last night the boats started & at 5 o’clock landed at Ashwood Landing or near the “Lord Lovell Plantation,” 35 miles below Vicksburg. At 6 o’clock the squad with the Howitzer got off & Cos. D & K from the Adams to accompany it. The Colonel ordered Lieutenants [Onesimus W.] Whitehead and [Deloss E.] Wilson under arrest for not getting their men out at daylight as he ordered last night. Two other officers, Capt. [Edward G. Hughes and Lieut. [J. Campbell] Fortune are also in limbo for disorderly conduct last eve. In fact, they have quite an indecent row last eve in their quarters. The “ardent” tis said was at the bottom of it, arousing the pugilistic proclivities which would have resulted [ ] seriously if the rest had not intervened. Such is the weakness of men. The rest of us remained quietly on board all day. At 5 o’clock the detachment returned. Had went out about 12 miles [and] discovered about 40 bales of cotton, pressed in 4 rough teams & brought in some of it & made two or three men prisoners—one said to be the leader of a guerrilla party that made a raid on a government plantation at Youngs Point the other day and carried off a lot of horses. Part of the horses were retaken too. I began a letter to Arthur today.

Monday, 18th. (written the 19th) A big scout but hardly worthy of notice came off today. We traveled long & hard without resulting in anything praiseworthy or beyond the name of a scout. We were out on the bank and began to move by sunrise. The three companies [being] C, F, & E, Col. Currie in command. The gun did not go. We proceeded up the river a couple of miles, then struck out into the country following up a bayou. They went out his way yesterday. After a while we crossed it and stopped at a plantation a bit, then struck across onto other bayou, through woods and wildernesses, over the worst of roads where there was any at all. Much of the way [was] only a blind track where there had been no travel for six months. Finally by noon we came onto the big Tensas Bayou, & halted & fed our horses. Stopped here till 2 o’clock, the followed down the bayou a piece to another plantation which was about the only inhabited one that we found during the day. An old couple lived here and they had several old horses and mules & other stock. The family were very strongly imbibed with the Southern Rights principle and as the old man was suspected of being accessory to the late horse stealing tribe, he was summoned to accompany us to the boats. We then picked on to a couple of the horses and a mule as our portion of the stock. The mule made some protestations against this proceeding of course but to no avail. We from here struck out for the boats having then made a sort of a circuit. The roads for a few miles were bad in the extreme. Had to cross so many little bayous and ditches & much of the way the country was very low and wet though for this time of the year, it was passable in the extreme compared to what it was last year, for then the whole country was completely inundated. The water marks could be seen on the trees. Now the water in the bayous are but a few feet higher than in mid-summer. At high water it would make it 20 feet higher than now.

Nothing more was seen or heard. Got to the boats at just 10 o’clock. The moon shone bright as we could see well. We did not ride off a walk but kept that up pretty steady. I think that we must have traveled over 40 miles. I like my pony first rate. She travels well & seemed to stand it bully. Sergt. Jo[siah] Vaughan was quite unfortunate. At about 10 o’clock a.m., one of the horses kicked up & hit him with one foot on the chin, hurting him badly. Two or three men turned about and come in to the boat with him. Another sergt. in Co. C was taken sick & was brought in in a buggy. Day fine.

Tuesday, [April] 19th. [1864] Co.D went out today in the direction that we went yesterday so as to be sure not to accomplish anything. Got in by 4 o’clock—perfectly fruitless. I wrote to yesterday’s proceedings and finished letter to Arthur. Day has passed without incident. Now allowed to go off ashore. The Steamer Gray Eagle halted going down & set off someone just at eve. No mail.

Wednesday, 20th. Another quiet, listless day. I am on guard. Spent some time studying phonography. [Darwin] Maynard is learning it with me. Two others of the boys have the work to learn by. It is generally supposed that a big scout will be made tomorrow.

Thursday, 21st. Vicksburg is again honored by our presence. An incident of last night completely changed our programme for proceedings in the future. At 9 o’clock eve, the tug Belle Darlington arrived from Vicksburg bringing the mail & a dispatch from the General Ellet. The Autocrat and Raine were at Vicksburg & he had sent for us to proceed hither—the Diane & Adams. I got a couple of letters from home—one from Ir. and number of the Tribune. The $5 that I sent had got through to home—the box not yet. Father wrote the longest letter of any time yet—a real good and affectionate one too. Mother is calculating to make a visit to Illinois to see Ir. and the rest. How I should like to get a furlough to meet them all together. It would be almost equivalent to going clear home & much more practicable, but it’s not so to be. Ir. is doing well at present. The measles are about him.

At 10 o’clock a.m. we started for Vicksburg which we reached at 3:30 o’clock. Soon after I was detailed with others to draw oats. Took the tug and got them from a barge on the other side of the river. Then went to the Arsenal and got a lot of ammunition. A trip up the Yazoo is in contemplation & all in preparation to start tomorrow. There is talk of course of blood in the future & at no distant day. The stock had been all removed from the barge onto the boats. Filled our boat full & the rest jammed onto the Adams so as not to be incommoded in the narrow stream by the barge. David Weaver arrived today, sound and well. He has been gone since the last of October.

The Vicksburg line of defenses are not yet completed. The rifle pits or entrenchments are now being built and connecting in the river right where we landed. Runs through between the Marine Hospital and the town. They first build a regular board fence for a beginning or frame. It does not stand straight.

Friday, 22nd. Away up the Yazoo! We started last night at 11 o’clock—the Diane and Adams—with a small steamer, the Clara Eames loaded with commissary stores. We going as an escort. The object is to take a supply of rations to our force up about Yazoo City. We kept going all night. At about 8 o’clock, [we] passed the mouth of the Sunflower river. The gauge after this was extremely narrow but tolerably straight. It averages about the width of the length of our boats. Soon after [we] passed a small village. The country was beautifully undulating & appeared a very pleasant situation along here. We were all ordered to hang our arms up on the casemating & hold ourselves in readiness for action. We did not see anything till at 11 o’clock when several squad of men were discovered on the distant hills. As we had not yet reached where our men were last known to be, of course, they were thought to be Rebels & nothing would do but we must give them a taste of Marine pluck. Accordingly, the Colonel leveled the starboard gun & let strip a charge of canister. When the gun was discharged, there was a general rush for our arms & all ready for battle. The distance was too great for it to be effective, though we learned this eve that two men were wounded for it proved to be some of our own men. A little farther we landed on the south side. There is quite a large force of cavalry and negro troops here. They are not encamped but say that they are hemmed in here by the rebs. Had a fight with then day before yesterday. Our arrival is very opportune. They say that the enemy occupy Yazoo City & have one of our mosquito boats hemmed in up there. The town is 17 miles above here. The rations are being delivered here. At 1 o’clock the Adams started & went on up the river.

I made another revolver trade today. Traded with one of Co. E. Now have a Colt 5-shooter, 4-inch barrel, and received $6 in cash to boot. Think I have done very well. Have a good little tool and is just as effective for me, while not so heavy and ungainly. Then the installment of cash is very acceptable just now.

10 o’clock eve. The Adams and Gunboat No. 2 have just come down from above. They bring bad news. Said that No. 5 [Petrel] is in the hands of the enemy. She was disabled and they had to abandon her. Twenty of her crew are missing. The The Capt. (Holmes) and a few others came down on No. 2. The Adams only went up about ten miles, made a reconnoissance and returned. A big fire was noticeable this eve above. We are in readiness for an attack in the night. Studied phonography & wrote. Began a letter to Ir. last night. Weather warm.

Saturday, 23rd. I had just barely finished my writing last night when the order came to “saddle up”—all excepting the gun squad. It came sudden and was to be executed peremptorily. By eleven o’clock ew were saddled & went out on the bank & a days rations consisting only of hard tack. The object was for us to go across by land to Hayne’s Bluff so that the infantry and army stores could be taken down by the boats, the 17th Illinois Infantry with baggage of the 10th Missouri Cavalry & I don’t know what else. Some negro troops too, I believe. There were a regiment or two of A & D Cavalry and the 10th Missouri [Cavalry] that accompanied us. Col. Roose [?] of the 10th Missouri in command of the party. Col. [Hiram] Scofield is in command of the expedition here.

As soon as we got off, the other troops moved immediately on board. At 12 o’clock we started out through the woods up hill and down. The moon was near the full & the night clear so we could see to travel as well as by daylight. By the reports of the force being surrounded all so close here we had made up our minds to have to cut our way out, or at least to come in contact with them in some shape. A couple shots were fired by the pickets just before we started but the night passed off in perfect silence and monotony. Our company was the 2nd company most of the way through the woods. At 3 o’clock in the morn, we reached a plantation where several roads diverged. Co. C & E were dispatched to a not far distant point on the river below where we started from to ascertain whether the boats had gone down past at the time. The rest of us were posted on the several roads on picket until 6 o’clock. None of us got a minute’s sleep all night except a few before we started. Towards morn it clouded up and rained quite hard for half an hour. Most all of us did not have our overcoats. At six o’clock we again started. At 10 o’clock we stopped & baited an hour. Again moved on and finally struck out to the bank of the Yazoo river. The bluffs along the river are very high. We followed it down six miles to Hayne’s Bluff where the boats were, a a plantation just below. Reached at 4:30 o’clock p.m. The boats got here at 11 o’clock a.m. The troops had moved off. Big camp here still. Rain in p.m. They heard last night that we were fighting. At 5 o’clock the Diane started down the river.

Sunday, 24th. No change in our base. A valuable acquisition was made today. The Fairchild arrived from St. Louis while we were gone bringing down two new barges for our animals & a supply of commissary stores. The larger barge of the two is for us and was brought alongside this morn. It is large and well arranged, fitted with double shells, mangers, and feed boxes with alley between, 20 stalls in length, holding 80 animals, just as nice and handy as any livery stable. The hull was once a steamer, I guess—built like one at any rate. There is plenty of room in the hull for all of our forage & plenty of room behind the animals to pass through. In fact, it’s a chef-d’oeuvre. The horses, most of them, were moved on in p.m.; none of the mules. They are on the boat; not quite all the horses. Have been busy drawing ration & feed for twenty days consumption.

George Cuafer [?] returned last night all right and tight. Corp. William [H.] Messenger and Ben Kratzer have next got furlough. Will start first chance. Ben is getting better but still weak & bad off. I made arrangements this eve to loan Messenger $26 more making it $41 to him. He is to borrow $26 off McCollum now & pay [ ] the first pay day. Messenger to pay me $45 the next following providing nothing goes to the contrary. Father writes that he is in no pressure for money at present & that he would find a place for mine if I wanted to send it home so I think I am justifiable in lending it here. It is just as safe hands as he could ever provide for it & much better in [ ] which it will not probably be more 3 months before we would be paid again so that at that rate, it would be equal to 50 percent per annum nearly That certainly is doing well.

Monday, 25th. Substantially the same. Rumors have come today that a great battle has come off up Red River. Our forces finally victorious but siffered much loss. No particulars. A mail today. I received my album that I sent for. The map of Vicksburg & the pan[oramic] maps of Lloyd’s. They are splendid things. I think most the Mississippi River maps. Sold one of them to Ben Kratzer. The album is as good an article as can be bought here for double the money. Hold 8 cards (75 cents). Vicksburg map is well worth the price (11 cents). I finished a long letter home. Bought a one third share of the New York Tribune. No intimation yet as to our next movement. Expect to move soon. We drew and allowance of potatoes for on this mont’s subsistence yesterday and had some dinner today. The furloughed boys not started yet. Weather warm.

Tuesday, 26th. At or near Ashport Landing. Started last night—the Diana and Adams—at 11 o’clock. Run steady all night & day. Passed Goodrich’s Landing at 10 a.m.. Reached this place at 5 o’clock. Co. E had been told to be ready to lead off as soon as we landed. They with the Colonel set out across the point to go to the Baltic said to be laying 10 miles by land distant. I don’t see any policy in the movement. Seemingly a piece of nonsense. We are about five miles below Carolina Landing. I worked most the a.m. on a detail to empty the oat sacks into the grain bin. I went up to town last eve and bought the articles for setting up a “beer shebang.” Gave a dollar for one-quarter lb. of tartaric acid and a dollar U.S> script & $10 Confederate script for a 5-gallon beer keg; equivalent to $2 at present. The other day I got some essence 50 cents which makes my outlay $3.50. Want sugar next. I don’t expect to make anything at it. Just for myself. Tried a recipe for “celebrated Western cider.” Does very well.

Wednesday, 27. Same as last night. Co. E returned about midnight last night coming down on the Baltic‘s prize, the steamer Lebanon, which they captured a few days ago—that is, caught some chaps smuggling goods for the rebels & so put them in limbo. Also a little screw wheel trade boat. They are tied up by us and watched. Then this p.m. we brought in one—the small sidewheel steamer Effort. She was crawling up to the other side of the river over a mile distant. A shot from the howitzer was sent spinning over near her which had a very salutary effect. She yelled out with her steam whistle exactly as though she was badly hurt, immediately came over & still lies here. Don’t know whether condemned or not. We had company drill in a.m. Not a very good place for maneuvering. Two or three old deserted plantations about here & a lake back half a mile. In p.m., we took our horses out to graze awhile after which we carried in corn from a neighboring crib.

Thursday, 28th. A day of action. We received orders late last night to be ready for a scout early on the morrow. We were up by 3:30 o’clock this morn, fed and took care of our animals, got our breakfast &c. and by 5 o’clock were on the bank. At 5:30 o’clock we struck out down the river—the five companies mounted infantry and the howitzer; the colonel in charge. At the same time the Adams dropped down a couple miles and landed. We here struck out into the country keeping very good road three miles, then came to “Clay Bayou.” The bridge had been destroyed & was not fordable. Close by on the opposite side the advance found a cotton wagon loaded & five men accompanying with three horses. I believe they were cotton speculators & nothing done with them. Stopped here awhile, then Cos. A, F, & E with the advance all under the command of Capt. Newell of Co. A were sent forward while the rest stopped to build a pontoon bridge & try to get across. We followed down the east side of the bayou most of the way through woods with hardly signs of a road. Went about 7 miles & come to where the road crossed the bayou by swimming it. It was fine [ ], or had been one day. Land on the other side in the distance it was [ ] inclined to be hilly.

We reached here at 12:30 o’clock, proceeded at once to fix for crossing. Sent half a dozen stripped off & swam across & launched a couple big timbers into the stream, fastening them together so as to walk across & carry our saddles while we swam the horses. While the job was in process of construction, we discovered several suspicious objects on the other side about half a mile distant scattered about, all mounted. Could not tell with certainty whether armed or not, or whether they were negroes. Watched them a while, then sent a couple men over towards them mounted to attract their attention. We could see but three then. Our two men went about halfway when seeing there were others in another direction and all armed, concluded it was not safe to go further—especially as they seemed in a menacing attitude, fired four shots at them which they modestly received & came back. As it still took an hour yet for all to cross & as all saw positive signs of a large force of the enemy here, & further according to the Baltic‘s accounts old Quantrill’s thieves & cutthroats are somewhere in this neighborhood, and there not being a good chance to retreat should they get the better of us, it was deemed expedient not to tackle them just yet. Just before we left, I saw 15 or 20 horsem*n cross a little opening. How many more there were is a conjecture.

We left at quarter past 12 o’clock, returning on our back track. About a mile this side, discovered 5 or 6 more horsem*n on the other side of the bayou again. Half a dozen men from C. A were sent down to the bayou and fired at them but they took to the woods on the double quick. Rejoined the rest where we left them. They had had bad luck in crossing the bayou. One of the Autocrat‘s horses fell into the water & drowned, so did not go further from here. All come in to the Adams, stopped two hours for something or nothing, then came up to the Diane at 5 o’clock. The Baltic has now joined us here. We have got another prize—the cotton packet steamer Sylph. Mail came this morn. I got two letters, circulars.

Friday, 29th. Generally quiet today, cleaning our arms & preparing for inspection & muster tomorrow. I run a lot of balls for my revolver & made a pouch to carry ammunition. In p.m., we dropped down along by the Adams. The Baltic went up the river to her station above, I suppose. Two more crafts were captured last night by Companies C & G out in a bayou. One was loaded with corn—the La Grande. We have them in custody. The Lebanon and Sylph were sent to Vicksburg to report. The river banks look but little of being plumb full & in some places to overflowing. Still rising. The bank will average from four to six feet high. The water is not so cold as it was. Weather very warm.

Saturday, 30. The process of mustering for our bi-monthly installments of cash was gone through with as usual. The a.m. was occupied in taking out our bedding &c. and airing it, while we took the hose and gave the quarters a thorough scrubbing. A perfect type of Aunt Chloe’s “chore day.” I am on guard during the a.m. The Autocrat arrived from below bringing a lot of mail. I got a letter from home enclosing one from Hattie, via Miss Julia, Laura & Co. She is in Ypsilanti at school. Also a circular or catalogue from the Gift Back Store at Detroit & 10 numbers of the Phrenological Journal. They have advanced them to me for me to sell, and then I am to remit $1 and order more if I want. I want to keep all but a couple numbers. I think I can make well by acting as agent for to sell them. Will order some more.

At 3 o’clock we joined the Autocrat and Baltic at the landing two miles above. At 4 o’clock put on our rig and went ashore to answer to our names. It was a miserable place to meet. No clear ground free from brush nor co*ckleburs. The ten companies were all present. Capt. Fisher is now Inspector General. After which we two boats dropped down to our former landing—Ashport Landing. We—that is, my partner and I sold out over a dollar’s worth of beer on credit. It was first rate. Warm all day. Rainy tonight.

May 1864

Sunday, May 1, 1864. (Written afterwards) Nothing occurred in a.m. beyond sending Co. C out to reconnoiter. A couple Union citizens who are acting as spies for us went out to the bayou & reported that they saw about 30 rebs there. Immediately after dinner we were ordered to saddle up for a scout. An orderly was dispatched to the Autocrat & Baltic to have them come down & join us. The Infantry unmounted, Cos. B & G, were also ordered out. They with Cos. & & H Mounted Infantry & the howitzer to go straight to the bayou 5 miles this [ ] while the other 4 companies, A, D, E, & F & K under the charge of Capt. [Isaac D.] Newell were sent down the river to strike the bayou several miles below the rendezvous. We passed along several miles on the bank of an army of the river or perhaps a bayou. It was here that Co. C captured the two trade boats the other day. On the opposite side was still a large coal barge filled with corn tied to the bushes—rebel property I suppose. Along the shore of this water were several plantations with very fine mansions & where were some still trying to eke out an existence. we did not stop with them any. We finally left this and struck out for Clay Bayou. Most of the way was through thick woods, the track merely a bypath and just at present rendered by the recent rain next to impossible. Nearly the whole region for two or three miles was covered with water, in some places 6 inches or more deep. We were glad to get out of this once more onto terra firma & lit on to the spot of the terminus of our scout. Got here at 6 o’clock p.m. We looked with eager eyes for signs of the continued presence of Rebs but everything was just as as had left it and we passed on up the stream in our previous track at the same place where we saw & fired into those chaps the other day. The advance again discovered some sort of beings but did not get a chance to fire.

At the rendezvous all was quiet. Our folks were here waiting alternately for us and the enemy. The infantry and the “piece” were ambushed during the p.m. Companies & & H crossed and made a reconnoissance onto the other side. Saw about 15 rebs and fired on them. We all got in by 9 o’clock eve. Traveled about 25 miles. Today, a.m., as a Sergeant of Co. I was coming horseback from the Baltic above to this place, he was beset by guerrillas in ambush, but before they could fire on him, he wheeled his horse and escaped from them. Johnny Owens only escaped them by happening to come on another road. Weather moderately cool.

Monday, 2nd. (written afterward) A slight deviation from the common order of things during the a.m. The Autocrat started down the river supposed to be to Vicksburg. The Baltic to her station above & the Adams on a voyage around in the before mentioned arm of the river to the said corn barge, while the Diana should be absent on a short trip. It was known by us then where she was going. We took with us two meals, bedding &c. at 1 o’clock the Diana started off up the river. The howitzer was left with us & we had our arms & plenty of ammunition. Felt slightly nervous in anticipation of a visit from the pugnacious enemy. The four little steamers were also left with us. At eve during the temporary absence of the Lieut., the Effort steamed up and crossed over onto the other side, as we had had no special instructions concerning them, we did not dare to order her to stop. As soon as the Lieut. returned we fired a blank charge, then a shell at her, which soon brought her back again. She pretended that it was for greater safety in case of an attack. There are a couple citizens with us scouting on their own hook. One has a Colt revolving carbine. We posted pickets during the night. I was honored with the corporalency of one relief. On p.m. we practiced target shooting with revolvers. I made the best shot with my revolver of three or four that were shooting.

Tuesday, 3rd. Late at night. All in the square again. We were all agreeably disappointed in not being attacked and massacred last night; only had one little scare. A dog was rattling about in the brush & the guard blazed away at him. Soon settled down again in quietude. Weather fine & we enjoyed ourselves very well. I took care to secure plenty of reading matter. One of the boats had plenty of whiskey aboard and of course the boys would have plenty of what they wanted which was but little short of a decent tight. This eve a dozen of us, including myself, escorted a couple of the Adams officers to the boat about 3 miles distant. Got back just as the Diana arrived. The Diana went up to Greenville on a reconnoissance. Did not amount to anything. Several of the boys have been taken mysteriously sick tonight, attributed to eating strawberries which were found quite plentiful at Greenville. Sergt. [Julius J.] Worcester has just returned from furlough. Did not get any recruits for the Brigade. Orders for a scout early tomorrow morn.

Wednesday, 4th. Well, pursuant to previous orders, we were aroused between 3 and 4 o’clock & made ready for the projected scout. We were out soon after 5 o’clock. Four companies of Diana under the charge of Capt. [Edward G.] Hughes. Did not take the gun. Took the road across to the bayou. Had some difficulty in crossing intermediate bayous as the river has risen so as to backset into the country, but not so much as coming back. It is rising at the rate of several inches every day, not a few every hour. I was detailed in the rear guard—a no very desirable position—so aggravating frequently. We crossed to Big Bayou on the temporary bridge which bids fair to soon “very far away” and entered the highlands on the other side. I do not know the object of the expedition but it was trivial. Made a circuit of four or five miles and commenced our return about noon. Brought in a load of cotton & several women who seemed interested in it came in also. Brought in a dozen head of cattle too. Have already butchered some of them. The Battalion reached the boat about two o’clock p.m. but we in the rear guard did not get in till an hour later. Had to wait for the teams. Another prize has just arrived from the Baltic. A small boat load with cotton. Wrote a letter home this eve.

By the papers I learn that the Autocrat, Fairchild, and Jo. Raine who were laying at Vicksburg started today up the Yazoo accompanying a land force expedition up to Yazoo City. The cavalry had some skirmishing about that place. Wirt Adams retreated before them.

Thursday, 5th. (written afterwards). In the course of the day another tom fool scout came off. Started from our lower landing at about 9 o’clock, proceeding to the upper one or Ashport Landing & set off Co. E to escort a certain lady to her place of residence in towards Grand Lake. With the rest, proceeded to Carolina Landing. Meantime hte remaining companies had been ordered to saddle up and be ready to lead off. Had an early dinner & were on shore before 12 o’clock. The Colonel with Co. D started up the levee—don’t know where—and Co. C & F in charge of Capt. Hughes took the road to Skipwith’s Landing. Went two-thirds of the way there, then struck out into the country and followed down Bayou Washington. There were a few government plantations being worked with no appearance to me of there ever being a guerrilla in this section, but it was said that they had lately been in & stole some horses. We started out a pretty [late] time of day to have any prospect of catching them; all perfect nonsense as it proved to be. Went about 10 miles perhaps from the landing. Saw nor heard anything [and] turned to come in. Coming back the companies divided taking different roads. We saw a small party of men about three-fourths of a mile distant and the horsem*n of the company started off on a wild goose chase after them & overhauled them. They belonged to the government plantation & so were not to be molested. My “little bl__” did her part very well. Reached the boat about 8 o’clock. Then immediately dropped down and took on Co. E & down again to the lower landing. Co. E captured a cotton train & a couple of rebs.

George [F.] Dawson, a drummer boy in Co. D is quite an amateur artist in drawing and painting. He has executed several works of no mean merit. A painting on canvas of the “Marine Brigade patrolling the river.” He asks $5 for it but will not sell it. It represents the 6 boats in their natural color with the river banks & scenery each in its appropriate colors. It looks as natural as life. I would like one finished. A man by the name of [Gad Worthington] Gleason in the Battery is a very good painter they say. He sketched the “Engagement of Duck Creek, Tennessee” which sold at a high price.

George Frederick Dawson (1846-1881) was living in White Hall, Greene county. Illinois, in 1861 when he enlisted as drummer boy in Co. G, 59th Illinois Infantry, later (Feb. 1863) transferring to the Mississippi Marine Brigade. He took up the profession of sign writer and scenic painter after the war and in that profession he traveled all over the western states and territories and was employed particularly in painting scenery in opera houses. The painting of the scenery in the “Tabor Grand,” Denver, was the work of his brush. He came to Russell, Kansas, in 1878, being one of the pioneer settlers there. He had contracts for painting in many localities. In 1881 he was at Cheyenne, Wyoming, and while there his assistant became the object of a rowdy attack from a number of cowboys and freighters. Mr. Dawson went to his rescue and a blow meant for his assistant struck him in the head and caused his death.

Gad Worthington Gleason (1835-1913) began his service in Co. F, 21st Ohio Infantry. He then was a sergeant in Co. A, 1st Mississippi Marine Brigade. He’s buried in Michigan City, La Porte County, Indiana.

Friday, 6th. Remained quiet today but talk of a movement tomorrow. The horses were all taken out and the stable cleaned & scrubbed. I did my yesterday’s writing & studued phonography some. One of the prize boats—the Sylph—went down the other day to Vicksburg to report & returned today bringing the mail but nothing for me. Provoking. The river is still rising and beginning to show itself over the surrounding country. Flood wood in great quantities is passing by. Weather continues warm.

Saturday, 7th (written afterwards). Between 3 & 4 o’clock in the morn., the morning bugle sounded for to be up and a doing. Breakfast in due season, saddled & on the bank before 5 o’clock. But I am too fast. During the night the boat had ascended to where the Baltic lay, called Grand Lake Landing. We, the 4 companies Mounted Infantry started out, Col. Currie in command and crossed the Bayou Tensas (Mason?) five miles out. Co. E were here the other day. I happened to be detailed in the rear guard again—two from each company. Crossing the bayou was a slow, tedious job as the water was high and a raft capable of bearing four horses & as many men & pulled back and forth by ropes the only means of transfer to “the other side of Jordan.” We were all across, however, by 8 o’clock. Just the other side we met a dozen loads of cotton coming to the landing. We moved downward of the bayou, the country undulating & dry, generally covered with woods of oak and hickory, resembled Michigan lands, or the “oak openings.” Five miles beyond the bayou the Cos. C & F in charge of Capt. Hughes were sent to the right to see what could be discovered. At noon the remainder of the Battalion stopped & baited at the same place where we stopped last Wednesday two miles from the bayou. It was expected to find a reported Reb picket of 10 men here so we came in charging but nara reb was to be found. They were said to be stationed here all the time & it was for the object of gobbling them in that we came here. Laid here till 3 o’clock for the other two companies to perfect their arrangements, then commenced our return. We reached the bayou preparatory to crossing at sundown. Dispatch came that the other companies were coming having made some important captures. We did not get in till 9 o’clock. The rest not till near midnight.

The result of Capt. Hughes expedition was highly satisfactory. It broke up a regular smuggling shop & rebel supplies. There were a dozen or so men (rebs) guarding it but all fled though two were captured. Our boys fired on them but without effect. A team was pressed in to bring the things in. The boys secured a considerable privately.

Our career in the rear guard terminated rather ignominiously. Two or three that belonged to the company being somewhat the worse for the extract of corn within them had fell back within & were making considerable noise as we came up. The Colonel happened to be out & with considerable apparent exasperation ordered the sergeant in command to take the names of his squad & consider himself under arrest. We were somewhat fearful of unwelcomed consequences, but the matter was explained and palliated between the sergeant and Colonel so we are all right again.

The pay master with his accompaniment of green backs arrived & we are to be paid tomorrow. So much for so much. William Hicks of our company returned from the Small Pox Hospital. Well. Weather warm.

Sunday, 8th. Pay Day again. The only event of today or importance has been the disbursem*nt of a portion of the Government debt towards us. This p.m. we fell in & received our dues. The odd one dollar our 25 was paid in a sheet of 5 cent currency according to previous arrangement. I paid $35 out to Sergt. McCullom so I haven’t but little left. The boys have not all squared up with me yet. I shall be rather short, especially if we have to wait 4 months as the talk. Another little trader was brought in by a shot from one of our brass pieces. She is a canal boat. Reported this morning that Maj. Tallerday was arrested for trafficking with the surrounding neighbors or rebs. Orders this eve for a scout early tomorrow morn.

Monday, 9th. Quite an eventful day with us today. Such a time as today has seldom occurred with us engaged as we are in adventures wild. At 3 o’clock as heretofore we were rolled out, Cos. C & F with Capt. Hughes in command. We were out on the bank before 5 o’clock and reached the bayou at the ferry between 6 & 7 o’clock. We started it seems on a cotton gobbling expedition. At the bayou we pressed n three or four cotton teams. It was 8 o’clock by the time we got ready to start again. Co. C were sent on down the road the way we went the other day while we stopped at the house half a mile beyond the bayou for something. In 15 minutes or so we started on with two or three of the teams ahead of us. Capt. Hughes was a little in advance with two of his company. As we were about to ascend a little rise on the top of which surrounded by trees & bushes stood a meeting house. The dastardly guerrillas opened on us with small arms, muskets and revolvers, &c. first on Capt. Hughes & the two men ahead of him, driving them back, for strange to tell, they were not wounded. Then letting into us in a manner altogether exciting. I was near the head of the company and heard the bullets whiz all around. My gun was not capped at the time & my horse being restless, it was some little time before I could get ready to fire. I blazed away though I could not see them distinctly on account of the bushes which partly concealed them. By the time I had again got loaded, they had skedaddled. The whole time that elapsed from the first to the last I don’t think was over 5 minutes, if that long. Those who had revolvers fired three or four shots.

After we got to the top of the hill, we could not tell exactly which direction the scamps had taken though i was pretty confident at the time & started in pursuit by myself, but they called me back. After bothering around awhile we started off the direction of Co. C & met them a half mile farther & all returned. Nothing more could be seen of the rebs. They had scattered off to the right. It was at once decided to fall back to the bayou & await reinforcements. Accordingly done. Though nearly every man was opposed to such a movement for from the best authority we would get, there was not now 30 of them at best & they were in half a dozen parties. One of the negro teamsters who saw them said there was about a dozen or fifteen that fired on us. It seems wonderful that amid so much firing on both sides at so short range (not over 25 rods at the farthest), that no one should be hurt. Not a horse or man touched on our side at least.

The audacious rascals first called to the head man—one of Co. C who was about 10 yards from them—to surrender, but denouncing them with a curse, he turned about & beat a hasty retreat amid a perfect shower of missiles but was not once touched. Says he saw one man firing two revolvers at once. We were all in perfect disorder during the firing, every man on his own hook. Lieut. Whitehead being at the rear of the company, I cannot hear that he gave the first order only to go ahead boys” characteristic of the incapacity to command in battle. Corp. Grant gave the only sensible order that I heard which was, “Come on, let’s charge ‘e boys!” How I longed for a couple revolvers. We could then have done something & not had to fall back almost disgracefully. I think we might have given them some more trouble at any rate than to have went to the bother of sending for the rest of the Battalion & so much trouble to get across the bayou too. But the Capt. had been told that the whole reb force of 3 or 400 was not far distant & deemed this only a picket post & considered it most too risky to try to follow them up. It is not positively known whether we lost any of them with our firing though some say they saw them pick up a man & carry im off. Perhaps it was so. We can only hope so.

Well we fell back to the said bayou or ferry and sent a couple men across with a dispatch to the boats. Between 12 and 1 o’clock, the other two companies arrived with the howitzer, Colonel & all. The Baltic had left Co. E and the piece were moved across & Co. D held in reserve. Meantime scouts had been out but saw nothing. About 2 o’clock the Battalion moved out onto the “battle ground” & halted & sent out a couple detachments to reconnoiter. I went with one. We went in the direction the rebs were supposed to have gone near two miles though we could not see but very few tracks. Came to a plantation & charged on the house. found nothing but a horse. The nigg*r said they knew nothing of any rebs in the country. I believe contrary against us. We explored two roads and came back, bring in the horse. The Colonel then decided to finish up the days programme with a little target practice with a howitzer. Fired a dozen rounds at different objects, both shot and shell. Did very well. Got back to the boat by 6 o’clock eve. The Diana had arrived during the day.

Last night a detail of 4 or 5 men from Co. C were sent with a yawl to the Adams to tell her to come up to the landing. Before getting there they were fired into from shore by rebs & one or two shots hot the boat. Did not hurt the boys. Weather cool. Several sprinkles of rain. Cloudy mostly.

Tuesday, 10th. Remained aboard. The Adams left here early this morning. This p.m. somebody tried hard to get up an excitement or earn an enviable name, become renowned, or something else. Several of the boys had either passed out or stole out & were fishing & hunting along the old lake with sight. With the improbable possibility that they might be rebs, the Colonel called the gunners & gives them a sot from the larboard gun. Then a shell which soon brought the boys in. Did not hurt them any but came very near. The shot cut the “log chain” of the barge in two quicker. After the first shot, Co. E went out to reconnoiter. It seems utter absurdity to suppose that the rebs would have the foolhardiness to cross into this side of the bayou & show themselves in daylight. Furthermore some women that went to cross over this morn to ho home found that the enemy had been [there] during the night and destroyed the raft. So much for their sharpness. We ought to have left a squad there to have watched it. Somehow we always miss it one way or another.

I have entered into another small speculation. I borrowed of one of the boys $10 & canceled a debt of $5, making it $15 for a Government voucher calling for $25, money due one of the new black men for work. It has Gen. Ellet’s name on it & must be good as cash when it comes. The fleet paymaster is said to be on his way so I may not have to wait long. By the maneuver I will make$10 clear…

Two more tom fool shots were fired just at eve. Amounted to nothing. Sergt. Worcester with a gun squad are detailed to work the guns. Excused from all duty. They are to sleep by the guns. The steamer Dunleith was hailed & stopped to take on the paymaster for Vicksburg. Tis said that a fleet of near 30 boats—mostly to be sternwheelers—are ordered and on the way down to Vicksburg. Three or four passed today. Supposed tat they are to be sent up Red River to bring back the Red River Expeditionists—what there is left of them. It has not been altogether successful.

Wednesday, 11th. A preparatory detail made in the direction of reported enemies of the country in order to make a grand raid tomorrow; the whole thing of the day has not yet terminated & it may resist more than satisfactory if on condition!

At 9 o’clock a rather uncommon order came for Co. F to all saddle the mules, everyone that was any wise able. We mustered about 20 men, the horses I suppose are to be reserved for tomorrow. Capt. Hughes & Co. accompanied us. Lieut. Whitehead in command of the company. We went out to the Bayou, then down it half a mile to where the nigg*rs & co. had gathered the remains of the old raft together & nearly completed. A family was rigging it preparatory for crossing to go home. Five or six of us finally got aboard of it & with the Colonel began to move it up stream. Though the stream was not swift, it was a slow & tedious job to get it up. Had to pole, paddle & pull it up alternately. The stream was too deep to touch bottom to pole expeditiously. The Colonel took hold & worked hard as any of us. Took us over two hours to get it up to the crossing.

In the meantime we had sent for Co. E which just then arrived. We then crossed and [with] a part of Co. E and Capt. H we made a reconnoissance on two different roads two miles out but found nothing. Again returned by 4 o’clock to the Bayou. In our absence the remainder of Co. E—about twenty in number—stationed themselves in ambush to watch the bridge and ferry. Tonight they are hid in the bushes on the point where a branch intersects in a very advantageous position so if the scamps are bold enough to attempt to destroy it again, they will run a poor chance to escape a peppering. I hope they will try it. The Colonel appeared very indifferent about the raft to a citizenm concealing his real purpose. We got in at 6 o’clock. Mail came today. A letter from home. The Detroit Tribune & a pack of circulars, microscope, &c. &c. Just wish I had about 25 dollars just about now. Several boys are going into raffling watches, revolvers, &c. Also New York lotteries & other matters. Mother was about to start for Illinois when she wrote.

Thursday. 12th. Laying at Princeton, Mississippi about two miles below our former landing. Dropped down at 5 o’clock. Don’t know what’s the object. This is a pretty place. Two or three fine residences. The “ambush boys” come in about 12 o’clock last night. No one attempted to touch the raft up to their leaving. Nothing was done today. I was out a couple of hours a.m. a mile or so trying to find something to shoot with my revolver. Done some good shooting at a mark. In p.m., wrote some orders to New York. Sent for $5 worth of photo albums. $1.25 for a dozen of pocket almanacs, at another establishment, & 25 cents for a kerosene crater—a long heater. Am doing a heavy business in the borrowing line most equal to my lending a while ago, but if I have no bad luck, I shall make a spect or two in time. Borrowed $10 of Pete Walters. In hope that I shall clear that much before payday.

Friday, 13th. A long, warm, monotonous day. Naught to disturb our tranquility. I have been busy all day getting up a club for the Detroit Gift Book Store. I got 18 names in our company & one in Co. D without much trouble. The boys were all generally anxious to go into the speculation. Consists of 18 books or $22. I am to have two books for my commission. Sent $2 of my own money to cover express charges, making $24 in the package. Sent it, or put it into the office as an ordinary letter. If it should not go through or be lost, it will ruin me. This p.m. we were allowed to graze our horses awhile. 8 o’clock evening. At roll call orders for a scout tomorrow morn at daylight. The Howitzer to go. The boat is just shoving out to leave here. Don’t know where we are to start from. Very warm. Began a letter home in p.m.

Saturday, 14th (3 o’clock a.m.) We were “rolled out” earlier than usual this morn, half past 1 o’clock. We have fed & are awaiting breakfast. Are laying at Grand Lake Landing. I expect we are to cross the Bayou right into the heart of the rebel territory & perhaps have one of the “bloodiest engagements of the war.”

Saturday (continued, written afterwards) Today’s scout was a hard though not a profitable one. We were called out earlier than usual at half past 1 o’clock & out late till 12:30 o’clock, near 1 before we got to bed making near 24 hours without rest and about 18 hours in the saddle. Traveled near about 50 miles. Left the boat at 4:30 o’clock. Was a long time in crossing the Bayou. 8 o’clock before all were across. The raft sank with one heavy load, fortunately close to shore and no serious damage. Started again but to the right or up the Bayou instead of down as heretofore. Lieut. Dean with Co. D went in the advance. We had good roads most the way going through alternate woods & fields. Our course was directed for Lake Village which we reached at 3 o’clock p.m. About midway between there at a house we found a reb soldier, his Austrian musket & two shotguns all loaded. I got the musket to convert into a short gun. Stopped an hour at noon and fed. Came across a reb encampment but none of the varmints themselves. Seized several horses said to belong to rebs. Two companies charged into Lake Village but did not find any till we searched the houses when two were brought to light—no arms except a sabre, a regular new Confederate knapsack &c. were found. We reached Luna’s Lake at 8 o’clock, then proceeded down through Columbia across the point to our ancient landing of April 1863—Mile’s, I believe. The Diana and Adams here. A man belonging to a trade boat told us that he just a short time before been robbed of gold watch by two or three guerrillas at Columbia, & the negroes told there were some there but it being dark, we did not find them. I got the loan of a comb to curry today.

Sunday, 15th. This day passed quietly. The only event of note, I believe, is the arrival of Capt. [Thomas C.] Groshon direct from Vicksburg here. He appears well & hearty again. We all welcome his return. The Baltic happed around this a.m., then went off again. There was inspection with arms in the “condition of scouting.” I finished a letter home & began one to Miss K. A new monitor passed down this eve. She appears larger than the others & still not so much above water. Said to be a naval wonder. [Possibly one of the Milwaukee-class monitors]

Monday, 16th. At Grand Lake Landing. Left the place above this morning & reached here at 10 o’clock a.m. Immediately all the mules were ordered to be mounted for an expedition. Got up a party of 25 or 30 under the charge of Adj. Cox, myself along of course. Proceeded out to the bayou and back. Object to see if the ferry was all right which was the case. A part of Co. E have gone to watch it tonight as a scout is in prospect tomorrow, but by a cruel misfortune I am unable to accompany. As I was leading aboard after the scout today, I was kicked by a horse which has crippled me pretty severely for a while at least. Merely a bruise on the calf of the leg but compels me to use a crutch which happens to be on hand. I have today rigged me a short gun by cutting off the gun captured the other day. It will be a little pleasanter scouting now. It will not shoot so well of course as before, but effect enough for ordinary occasions. Most of the boys have short guns got one way or another. A deserter from the Reb army came on board early this morning. He left Shreveport last winter. Still speculating. I have sold my little revolver for $13 cash down, making $2 by the round about speculation, besides the satisfaction of using it some. Weather fine.

Thursday, 17th. All on board. The expected scout was not made today. Co. E came in this morn without adventure. Going out again tonight. The ram Horner came down last night towing a couple barges of coal one of which she left here. Coaling up today. She went on to Vicksburg. I write for $2 worth of Fowler & Well’s publications, 3 books, and paid what was due ($1) on the Phrenology Journal that they forwarded to me, 12 mos. $3 enclosed. My crippled leg is improving slowly. Think I shall be all right in a day or two. Can hobble about after a fashion. Keep it bathed in water and a wet bandage. Weather pleasant.

Wednesday, 18. Still at Grand Lake Landing. Nothing of special importance, I believe. A detail of pickets are posted out. A reb was brought in p.m. Another “turtle back” or monitor passed down a.m. She has two turrets which with the cylindrical pilot house, the single smoke stack, & a little concern erected at the stern are the only elevations above the deck which slopes to the waters edge all around. Could not see that she differed much from the one that went down the other day.

A dark deed was perpetrated last night & which falls pretty hard on me too. Some black-hearted villain attacked the letter box during last night & abstracted a part of the contents, & with the rest is undoubtedly gone my letter to Fowler & Well’s containing the $3 which I put in yesterday. It’s most an outrageous act and ought to be dealt with accordingly. If the officers lost nothing by it, I suppose there will be nothing done about it. Notwithstanding the loss, I have sent off by mail $2.50 more. $1.50 for “Brigg’s Novelty Magnifying Glass” & $1 to F & W for the game of “Chevy Chase.” My leg is pretty near well again.

Thursday, 19th. Yet the same. Have been busy all day rearranging our bunks, turning them about and making them more comfortable & making more room. Turned another window into our quarters. Quite a big job take it all around. Co. D also. The steamer Brilliant stopped going up. Got papers containing great news of a big battle in the East. Gen. Grant gaining great victories & on to Richmond. The boys have been doing a pretty good business at fishing today. Had a mess tonight. Made a seine of cotton packing. We hear by nigg*rs & a citizen spy that the rebs are massing in force across the Bayou. Some suspicions of an attack. Are reported to have artillery.

Friday, 20th. (Written afterwards) From today to the 24th I was separated from the boat and kept short notes. Now to copy. Left Grand Lake Landing this morning & reached the Baltic & Adams at noon at some landing on Arkansas shore between Griffin’s Landing & Greenville. Great reports of rebel doings at Grand Lake. The Baltic had just come down from there where she had been operating for the past few days having some skirmishing. They lost one man prisoner, a horse killed, and the Major a pretty close call by a grazing his head, so they say. As soon as we reached them, orders were that a detail should be made for men to stay with the barge while the Diana took a trip to Vicksburg. 13 men from each company including myself under the charge of Lieut. Whitehead were left with rations for four days. The Diana started down at 2 o’clock p.m. & the Adams then hitched onto the barge and went down to the coal barge left below at Grand Lake anchored out, hitched to it and tied up there & went to coaling, now night by this time.

Saturday, 21st. Lay all day coaling. A squad went out to get meat but failed. Part of the boys fished. I was on guard last night. Had a little scare about 12 o’clock last night. Thought that the rebs were coming in. Had pickets out but it amounted to nothing. In p.m., we grazed our horses. At sundown started up the river for Greenville. Weather warm. I brought books with me to pass the time away. A nigg*r came in from across the Bayou with stuff to sell. Said there were no rebs across there. Another further out said that 600 were collecting to make a stand on the river.

Sunday, 22nd. Run all night. Speed was low on account of the barges. Reached the Baltic at Greenville at 8 o’clock. Found all right. Done nothing all day. I went out in p.m. to pick all the strawberries I wanted for the first & only time since I left home. Did not taste one last year. It was while picking strawberries that one of the Baltic boys was captured the other day. The Lioness stopped on her way up & left several boys that were on the Woodford in hospital & waiters, cooks, &c. The Lioness went up there to try to raise the ill-fated boat but she was too badly damaged to raise & so everything was taken off & the boat set on fire. Thus terminated the existence of one of the M. M. B. boats. The Lioness had to fight nearly all the way down. Guerrillas were very thick on the river. We drew some sowbelly off the Adams. Co. D of the Baltic went out this eve on a reconnoissance. Found nothing.

Monday, 23rd. Usually quiet. In a.m., grazed our horses. 2 o’clock p.m. all the mounted force equal to five companies started out on a reconnoitering expedition, Major Tallerday in attendance. A few rebs had been seen skulking about in a.m., so it was deemed proper to investigate. Took our way cautiously up an arm of the river about two miles. The main part of the Battalion formed behind the levee while a company went out by a plantation buildings to make discoveries. Were gone over an hour. Said that they saw two companies and fired a couple volleys at them, when they disappeared. Then we came in after some more perambulating (transpose). Got in by 6 o’clock. It was feared that they were trying to cut us off. We did not hear the firing so I almost doubt their seeing them. The Flagship Black Hawk passed up above. It seems that the ironclad fleet has all come down out of Red River. the army has given the country up to the enemy & fallen back to Bayou Achafalaya as their future base of operation. The fleet had a hard time getting down over the shoals. They had to build dams to raise the water, and reports say that part of the guns and the iron plating were took off each boat, the guns towed up, to lighten them up, Lost a great deal by the movement up there in property, besides a defeat of arms. We lost a valuable boat by it at least. The enemy now occupy Fort DeRussey as before & have batteries at other points on the river. It may be cleared out again during the summer.

(Learned afterwards) About 9 o’clock this eve as the Diana was coming up, at some point between here and Grand Lake Landing, they discovered the Lebanon on fire, that cotton trader. They commenced hailing us but suspecting foul play, did not deem it expedient to run along side to assist them for fear of a similar fate. Everything was got ready to riddle them, then a yawl was sent to investigate, found & took the crew in part. The Captain & officers had been captured by the guerrillas, the boat robbed of $10,000 in cash, & all valuable, then set on fire. They had now withdrawn. We however fired a few rounds on shore & come on & left them.

Contending with a Rebel detachment led by Colonel Colton Greene from General John S. Marmaduke’s Cavalry Brigade.

Tuesday, 24th. This has been one of the most eventful days of the existence of the M. B. B. We have had a real taste of the realities of warfare, but to make a long story short as possible to meet the exigencies of the times. The Diana arrived with us during last night. She done a big thing of bringing up a reinforcement of ordnance. Three of the steel pieces that used to belong to the battery of the Adams and Baltic, two brass pieces placed back of each wheelhouse for out boat, together with old “Long Tom” or the 20-pounder Parrott. It is planted in front of the cabin directed forward. Were busy all the a.m. building the platform for it and arranging for an expedition in force for the p.m., as early this morn as a couple boats were passing above at Columbia, they were fired into by a reb battery of 5 or 6 guns, forcing them to return, damaged some. the about 10 or 12 o’clock, the steamer Nicholas Longworth was fired into coming down. We hurried up and about two o’clock was ready for action, anchored both the canal & horse barges out, when it was seen by the immense dust that the enemy were making a demonstration a mile below at Leland’s Landing. Seemed that they had left Columbia & crossed the point next to us. The Adams was left to protect the barges; the Baltic to follow when ordered. We, the Diana, floated down gradually & seeing them massing thickly on & behind the levee & among the trees with occasional reflection of the brass pieces in the sun, we opened fire on them, but the distance was too great for the first half dozen rounds all fell short. The Parrott finally commenced planting the shots among the varmints in splendid style, after half an hour we signaled for the Baltic to come down, she escorting the transport also. The Mosquito Boat No. 11 which was with us also came down. We planted along past them at middling range, firing the three guns as fast as possible—no small arms at all—the orderly commanding the larboard gun, Lieut. Dan the starboard & Capt. Groshon the Parrott, in the middle, all directed forward.

The boat was kept headed towards the [shore] all the time. Perhaps one reason that we did not get any shots towards the boat. The shot form of the Parrott gave away and we had to cease working her. The Baltic & gunboat meantime were belching forth right lively—the Baltic using but two guns, I believe. She had to keep her broadsided to them & for some reason either that or because she hid the transport [the damaged Longworth], or that she was in better range, the rebs directed all their shots nearly at her, hitting her twice and killing one man I hear tonight. We could distinctly see their guns—4 brass guns & one or two black ones—but they did not use them so very lively. Do not think they fired over a dozen shots. One shell burst close to the water, just short of us, and some pieces fell into & about the kitchen. I distinctly heard one shot go over us & others say that more flew about us but none touched us otherwise. After the Baltic had received the shots, she passed on down with the transports, and the gunboat cowardly followed after. Meantime we had dropped down out of range and firing ceased at just 6 o’clock so we had been busily engaged upwards of three hours. In that time we must have fired upwards of 200 rounds—150 at least. What their loss can be, we cannot conjecture. We could see them filing out across to Columbia after we had passed. It seemed a force treble ours at least, all mounted, apparently with a good sprinkling of wagons. Could see 15 or 20 anyway. They moved very deliberately & in perfect order, the distance about two miles perhaps. After a little, a heavy cannonading opened on the other side at Columbia. Learned after that they again opened on another transport. The W. R. Arthur (a new boat) firing two shots but another tin clad happened to be near at hand and she opened on the rebs with 64 pounders. They kicked up a big smoke over there. Near sundown we started back to Greenville firing several shots going up. The Baltic returned later & we are all together again but little the worse for the affray.

It’s no guerrilla band that we have to deal with but a regular, organized army whose object is to stop or blockade the river, said to be under the command of the celebrated Marmaduke & to have 6 pieces of artillery, 6,000 men. I should really like to know the extent of our damage, if any, among them. It cannot be said that we drove them back or that they drove us. It was optional on both sides. They fired no small arms at all, nor did we, but the Baltic kept it up some. It was most too far. Every man was out under arms & most of the boys were on the hurricane roof or deck all the while. I helped about the guns part of the time though not in the regular detail. Co. C are out on picket tonight.

I got lots of mail by the arrival this morning. Five letters & the Detroit Tribune… Mother has got back from her visit. Only made an 11 day trip of it. All well. I wrote home.

Additionally. The Baltic was struck in this action 6 or 8 times, the man belonged to Co. H that was killed. We heard that Marmaduke threatened to hand three citizens on that side because they told him that we only had two pieces of artillery & one of them we took out with us on a scout. Several reports of their loss. Twas said that we dismounted one of their guns, killed a dozen or so & wounded twice as many more. A couple deserters came to us a couple nights after.

Wednesday, 25th. A partial repetition of yesterday’s transactions. Lay quiet at Greenville, fixing the guns & getting them in proper position, enlarging the port holes, they stays, &c. Another gun squad was detailed from our company to work the starboard gun in charge of Lieut. Dean yesterday by Co. E. I happened to be on the co. & not as “no. 5”, carrying ammunition. By 3 o’clock again or a little before all being ready, we—the Diana & Baltic—leaving the barge & Adams as before, this time we started up towards Columbia. Early this morn & for an hour after the Gunboat Louisville had passed, there was heavy cannonading up at Columbia. I expect that they discovered the scamp and opened on them. There were some very heavy guns. We did not see any rebel signs till we had passed above Columbia when we discovered a big dust at Luna’s Landing a mile or so above. It was a long distance but the Parrott was immediately set to talking, sending in several splendid shells. When we got nearer, three rounds were fired by the larboard gun, or the Orderly’s. They soon seemed to clear out of that, though the Baltic let in several rounds. We kept on up two or three miles further, then meeting the tinclads 3 & 3 escorting a couple transports—one the Dick Fulton with coal, and a new barge for some of the boat’s horses, & James Watson with two barges of hay. Then taking the boats in charge ourselves, the gunboats turned back. We likewise started down & on nearing Luna’s again discovered clouds of dust, unmistakable signs of the enemy. Long Tom [the 20-pound Parrott gun] first sent them her compliments and we with the starboard gun fired 6 rounds which sent them for the woods. Do not think that they had their battery with them. They made no stand. Parrott fired 12 rounds, starboard 6, larboard 3; 21 from this boat. The Baltic fired more than we but to no purpose, I think. Dark by the time we got back. Now tied up at Greenville as before. Very warm.

Thursday, 26th. All quiet today. No movement made. Cannonading heard up the river this morn, some of the gunboats I suppose. Have been re-fixing the gun platform, grazing the animals in p.m. The steamers Leviathan and Empress passed down in p.m. They stopped awhile to await the Baltic and Adams to escort them on past the infested country. Got back this eve. I see by the papers that Col. Gilbert of the 19th Michigan was wounded in the late battle. I expect the regiment was in the battle & probably suffered severely. After roll call. Have just received orders for a scout tomorrow, yo have breakfast at 4 o’clock. A grand time is expected; the howitzer to accompany.

Friday, 27th (written Saturday). We were up on time & before 5 o’clock were moving off. I believe all the mounted force of the whole 10 companies were together. There were but few of some companies. What remained of our company, ten men from the battery detail & some to stay on the boat to do some work were put into the rear guard. Col. Currie in charge of the expedition. We started out up the river. A piece struck out for Deer Creek, same road traveled once before, captured a couple reb pickets two miles out. At 8 o’clock just across Bayou Black, the advance came onto a company of rebs, fired a few shots, when they retired. Going on there was more skirmishing on reaching the creek. Two rounds with the howitzer were fired. I being in the rear could not see much that was going on. At the the Buckner plantation we halted while a part of the force went across on the bridge after the rebs that were over there somewhere. There were a few shots fired. Then they played out. Here was where we stayed over night & got hogs on a former occasion. At 12 o’clock we commenced return to the boats. Made a round about towards Griffin’s Landing, came into Greenville from below. No incident. Got in by 6 o’clock. The nigg*rs there said it was the intention of the rebs to get us out here and get us off from the boats; that they had two pieces of artillery. They till now dare to oppose us as it seems today.

Saturday, 28th. General quietude through the day. In a.m., I worked hard with a squad tearing down a house to get lumber for to build a gun deck or platform. In p.m., discharged our guns & did a general job of cleaning them up for inspection. The steamer City of Memphis came up from below & brought us mail. I get a couple papers only. She also brought us a lot of ammunition for the guns. We drew clothing. The levee and bank along here in front of town is caving in very rapidly. It gets a start sometimes & half an acre or so goes in a short time, a piece at a time. It’s a very pretty sight to see it setting out for New Orleans & below. The town [of Greenville] is fast departing. The levee has nearly all gone & so is going the whole Confederacy. A fleet of five boats went up loaded with troops. Red River men.

Sunday 29th. Quiet all day till just about half past 5 o’clock when the rebs was discovered firing into a transport five miles below from the spot of our former engagement. Immediately steamed up & started down. Met the boat, steamer Rocket who reported that they had left them [ ] & gone across toward Columbia. There were about 100 of them. They had hot the boat a couple times. No damage, I believe. We however dropped a little further down & fired a half a dozen shots from the Parrott into where they were kicking up a dust. Then returned to Greenville & anchored. The Baltic started up with the Rocket but has just come back for some reason. Adj. Gen. Thomas is reported on board the boat. We had inspection in a.m.. Come out in our best trim.

Monday, 30th. We have been on the alert all day. First early this morn or about 6 o’clock, heavy cannonading commenced & continued for near half an hour at our strategic point below. The ram Monarch which was laying with us was ordered down to see what the matter was. She had just come down & her crew were all new recruits. It was so foggy that nothing could be seen a quarter mile distant. Half an hour after she started, firing was begun again. Know no results. No boat passed up till p.m. so it is probable that if the rebs had fired into a boat that she did either get sunk or turned back or captured.

At about 10 o’clock the Adams took the transport Rocket in charge. The Baltic followed and we brought up the rear starting up the rear. Passing Columbia and vicinity the Baltic fired several shots. We anchored off Columbia and the other two boats returned after a couple of hours. We watched closely for reb signs and at 2 p.m., fired half a dozen rounds from the Parrott at a streak of dust. But the most excitement occurred at 5:30 o’clock when the scamps opened with musketry from the levee, dodging up and firing a volley, then back again. There was not so very many of them and as we were so near out of musket range, being near a mile from shore, that most of them fell short. Some struck outside, however, and a few went over. The gun squads rallied to their pieces in a hurry and give them a few shells which I think had a very salutary effect. Soon after, weighed anchor and moved slowly up along shore, every man at his post, musketry, &c. but not a thing was to be seen. Turned about and dropped down to Greenville again. During our absence, the guerrillas had come in and sunk our coal barge tied up to shore with a few hundred bu. of coal in, robbed a cotton buyer & played smash generally. Fired a few shots at the Baltic mule barge and left. So much for their audacity.

Tuesday, 31st. Another day of service similar to yesterday. We had artillery drill this morn. I get somewhat into the hang of the thing. I like it very ell. At 10 o’clock we commenced moving up the river again to see if all was clear; the Baltic below. Passed along by the infested locality. Did not see any definite object but must necessarily let fly a few shots. Passed to the upper end, turned about down to the lower end, and anchored out till 4 p.m. In the interim, fired a dozen or so shots at one imaginable object and another, at one time over across towards the Baltic which was likewise shelling country round about. Heard this evening that a couple of our shots hit over near them and struck in the river, a distance of three miles at least. The Autocrat reached Greenville some time in p.m. bringing some mail. Nothing for me. The Monarch reports that the rebs captured a boat yesterday morning by that firing—the Clara Eames—and burned her. So much for running in the fog. She was heard to whistle for surrender.

JUNE 1864

Wednesday, 1st. We have remained quiet. Drew oats for our animals in a.m. from the Autocrat which is now our commissary boat. The stalls are tore out and rigged like the Fairchild‘s used to be. The Raine & the Fairchild, they say, is engaged transporting negro troops, some say up to the point. The Autocrat has the original battery men on board, no artillery I believe. About 11 a.m. one of the gunboats, No. 38, I believe, open a cannonading below the scene of our former operation just barely in sight about 8 miles below. The Monarch started down then. There were a few shots fired during the afternoon and just now, 6 o’clock, very heavy cannonading is going on. Cannot discern that there is any enemy that they are venting their spit on. We have been engaged building a new gun deck for the Parrott. Grazed our horses in p.m. One of the gunners [James K. Periman] on the Baltic got one hand blowed off while manning the piece. The vent was not closed properly which caused it to go off prematurely before No. 1 was done with ramming in the charge. The arm was amputated below the elbow today. Thunder shower in p.m. Very warm.

Thursday, 2nd. This has ben an eventful day in several respects. There has been something of a mortality among the “Marines.” First, this morn about 9 o’clock, Samuel D. Nelson, Co. F, departed this life. He has been down sick only for about a week—disease: dysentery, I believe. Some internal disease at work too, I think. Was buried this eve. We lose a good soldier & congenial friend.

Early this morn the Adams and Monarch started up as escort for the steamer Missouri. They passed up tis said with but a few shots from the Reb battery, but on the return while escorting the steamer Henry Ames, about noon, while passing Columbia, the enemy belched forth with their battery of 9 or 10 guns. The Adams and Monarch gave them the best they had but the Adams came out severely punished. She rejoined us with her flag at half mast. The news of her sad losses was soon flying from mouth to mouth.

I visited the scene of the late disaster. She was struck tis said by over 30 shot & shell, literally riddling her from stem to stern. But I think the casualty was comparatively light for the number of terrible missiles. Three men were killed outright & four severely wounded, one of which will not live tis thought. The arm above the elbow was nearly shot off by a cannon ball, one was shot square through the body, another the lower part of the face shot away, and the third the side & one arm tore through. Four horses and mules also ere killed, others hurt, so that blood was pretty plentifully spilled. The day will long be remembered by the Adams‘ crew. Another transport—the Watson—which was along received several shots; the Monarch two or three. The Adams drew most of the fire because she had the Ames along side. Two shots passed clear through the Adams and into the Ames. The transports are now all tied up here. It’s feared to try to go down just yet. We have been busy building a new deck for the starboard gun. Tore out the old and putting in new all the while, and now it’s feared to use the guns on account of the critical condition of the boilers. To repair which a report has got afloat that we are to proceed soon to New Orleans. The Baltic is expected to go above to get her hull repaired. Heavy cannonading above this eve.

Friday, 3rd. Vicksburg again! Preparations were commenced early in the p.m. yesterday to move all except the Baltic down to the city. There was talk that we were to go to New Orleans for repairs. We were to start at midnight. The cannons got in position for action in case the rebs opened on us below & every man of the gun squads keeping by the guns. We started soon after 12 o’clock. The tragic point was passed in silence, after which we retired to sleep. Landed before daylight at Skipwith’s Landing; started again at 9 o’clock this morn. Stopped a short time at Goodrich Landing at noon. The tug Darlington here met us with the news of two or three reb batteries below Vicksburg about St. Joseph & there abouts. Reached Vicksburg at 5:30 o’clock. The Raine & Fairchild were here. Now said that we are to take troops on & go back to Greenville. Large fleet just below & troops in abundance. The Red River men. The Autocrat towed the barge down. Rained considerable.

Saturday, 4th. Again moving up the river & progress slow. Ten transports loaded with troops are following after. By tomorrow or next day a blow will be struck at the nefarious operators above here. The Autocrat remained at Vicksburg. We have been employed on the starboard gun deck all day. Not quite done yet.

We get some mail before leaving. The albums that I sent for arrived. They sent me 7 for the $5 & as the price each id 75 cents, I make but 25 cents in the speck [speculation] which hardly pays a profit in the risk run. I sold them very readily with a heavy demand for more. I think I shall send for more & charge one dollar each. I think it would be no more than right & proper & at that they would be cheaper by one third them they can be bought at Vicksburg. It’s about time that the Gift Books were here. I could not get out to go to the Express Office & ascertain whether they had come or not. Some of the boys have been investing in a lottery scheme. They have got a lot of trinkets & folderols on hand.

The Adams stopped coming down just at Goodrich’s Landing & buried her dead—those that were killed in the late action day before yesterday eve. One of the Co. C boys fell down the hatchway & broke his leg above the knee. Bad case. Moved to the hospital last eve. Dr. Roberts is with the fleet now. Old Capt. Malburn of the Adams is now in command of this boat, Capt. Hurt discharged.

Sunday, 5th. Noon. Moving between Grand Lake Landing & Sunnyside intending to land at the latter place. Halted a minute at Grand Lake Landing & a negro told us that the rebs were fortifying across the Bayou & that they had several big siege pieces. We have got ready to disembark at 1 o’clock p.m. We anticipate something of the realities of war this time. Loss & destruction very probable. We go prepared to stay out all night. How many go prepared never to return with the breath of life again.

Late evening. Well, nothing serious has yet occurred to us. The scout terminated in only a reconnoissance to ascertain the strength & position of the rebel force. We landed about 2 o’clock at Sunnyside [Landing], immediately lead off but it was a full hour before all things were arranged and off we started. The four companies of Marine Cavalry took the advance, the howitzer next and four companies of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry, then the M. M. B. Mounted Infantry followed next. Skirmishing commenced not half a mile out. The reb pickets skedaddling. We moved on the road previously traveled to Lake Wilby [?]. When near the lake, skirmishing & pretty rapid firing again began. Two or three shots were fired with the howitzer. Advanced again to the shore of the lake. Along on the road here there seemed to be rebs without number. Their guns, or some of them, sounded like young cannons. We crossed a little bayou & formed in line on the other side. The howitzer meanwhile firing several shots. About this time the knowing ones say that the rebs were seen hurrying their artillery into position. At any rate, the order came to right about and we marched [back to] the boat. Got in after dark. Left the varmints to work out their own solution. The object of the expedition was only to reconnoiter. One man only—a sergeant of Co. A Cavalry—was wounded. A buckshot in the face. Not dangerous I guess. Tomorrow I expect a telling movement will take place. Something must be did & somebody is bound to get hurt. We have every reason to believe that the enemy is capable & determined to make a stubborn resistance. Very war,, cloudy, thunder & lightening.

Tuesday, 7th. 3 o’clock p.m. Well, I am spared it seems to resume my task with the pen & perhaps to assist further in the National strife, but yesterday was an eventful day of my life, and the first time in my life or in the war that I felt constrained to dodge a rebel bullet. But it’s over with for the present & all the Brigade escaped, I believe, with but slight injuries. We got in about 11 o’clock a.m. but sometime before the boats landed & we could get aboard. Our horses are still off. I wrote a letter home yesterday morn before we started informing them of the doings.

Monday, 6th (Written afterwards). We are aroused at 3 o’clock in the morn and prepared for the work of the day. All anticipated a severe and bloody day’s work & to some it proved. We were ready & had time to spare before the rest of the expedition began to move, part of which time I devoted to writing home. About 7 o’clock we lead out, the Marine Cavalry in advance, Wisconsin 2nd next, and we-uns next, the howitzer ahead. This was all that was perceptible at this time of day. Actual skirmishing commenced half mile this side of the slough, swale or bayou leading from the head of the lake, about 1.5 miles from the boats by the road, not more than half hte distance nearest way. The marine Cavalry dismounted & drove the rebel pickets across the swale which was full of trees and bushes, this side was an open field. We marched by the front to within supporting distance where we remained some time, skirmishing all the while going on & occasionally a bullet whizzing over our heads or striking the dead trees about us. After near half an hour an order came from the Colonel for us to “prepare to fight on foot,” and to leave the animals in charge of just as few men as possible. Only two men of our company were left with ours. We had but 12 out proceeding to the front (the rebs had by this time been drove into the field beyond). The Colonel gave us orders to move up under cover of the levee that extended along the lake as far as we could which wasn’t far. The levee was low & to keep concealed we had to go half doubled. Co. A was on our right, Co. D first on our left & Cos. H, G & C on further; Capt. Newell in charge of this position of the Battalion, [and] Lieut. Dean of our company. After crawling along a couple hundred yards, we halted a couple minutes, then moved a little farther & stopped. Hardly had we laid down of course some were peering around, among others was myself, when suddenly bang-whizz went half a dozen guns and bullets over our heads, not 40 yards from us. One, I believe, was aimed at my own cocoanut. At any rate, the missile sung its murderous tune most unpleasantly close to my right ear. No one was hurt and after a little it ceased. We could not see anybody & as the levee was crooked & the weeds were thick and tall, I suppose they slipped away under this cover. It now commenced raining by spells; at times very hard during the day.

After a few minutes we were ordered to cross over the levee & enter the field, proceeding very cautiously. The field was covered with the last years growth of weeds as high as our heads & young ones coming up thick. Could not see a man over 50 yards distance standing & he could keep concealed till we got right onto him. Going a couple hundred yards we halted a while. Not a shot was fired or the sign of a reb. Then [we went] a hundred yards further & laid down for 5 or 10 minutes when some of the boys, getting bold, began to raise up & show themselves. When again, the bang! bang! & unmelodious whizzeee was resumed which was enough to bring the boldest to hugging the ground as wet as it was. The Lieut. & the rest were continually reprimanding me for sticking my head up so much but it was rebs that I was after & if there was any about, I wanted to see them. Not a thing could be seen, however. They were hid in the weeds like us & I think their shots were directed by our voice as we were not very quiet. We could no longer hold our fire & opened in the direction of where theirs came. I was fortunate in having a carbine which I could load & fire very rapidly & gave them about twenty shots the best I could calculate. They in the meantime packing the balls in close proximity to us, most of them going over our heads. A few hit directly in front while one cut through the coat of Landis of our company. Sergt. Snell of Co. D was grazed by a ball on the top of his head, inflicting a moderate wound. After 12 or 15 minutes they ceased & soon after we were gladdened by the arrival of the skirmishers from one of the land regiments which had just arrived to relieve us. We had no particular objection to resigning our posish to the more experienced veterans who marched up boldly saying, “Marines, fall back,” for it was getting very uncomfortable crouching so long on the ground, and in the wet too so long, some half or three-quarters of an hour. We returned to our horses near half a mile back, it raining hard and wetting us through.

Gen. A. J. Smith had now arrived at the head of the infantry & several pieces of artillery. Don’t know exactly how many, 8 or 10, which are now moving up along the lake. After mounting we moved up and formed on the left of the 2nd Wisconsin on our skirmish line. While forming the lines, two or three pieces of artillery had been planted ahead and opened fire. The enemy immediately replied. The first shot, a shell, passed over our heads but luckily did not burst. The next, canister I think, some of which lit near us, then a solid shot which struck about 5 rods in front of Co. D at our left. Some more shots fell near the battery. We remained here till most of the infantry had passed which took near an hour, skirmishing & cannonading meanwhile continuing in front. The rebs all the while falling back. They offered considerable resistance in a piece of woods a mile further but were compelled to leave it. In this they had had a camp. A cotton gin nearby we set on fire. Finally we moved from our position passing a part of the infantry and halted in the woods before mentioned. Some of he effects of our shot on the trees in trying to dislodge them. Again advanced & formed in line half or three-quarters mile from the Bayou [called Ditch Bayou], the great strategical point which empties or leads out of the lake here. It was an open field between us and the scene of operations. Here as we had all the while anticipated the enemy made a stand or at least to hold us in check a while. Brisk skirmishing was going on as we took our position with some cannonading. Just back of us was a cotton gin which was now being used as a hospital. A dozen or more wounded already collected & the ambulances busily engaged bringing in more. The infantry were moving ahead & about 15 minutes after we had stopped, the lead got in position (or properly a portion of them) & opened a destructive fire—a perfect roll of musketry which lasted 12 or 15 minutes longer. We did not learn till afterwards the full results of these doings. They compelled the enemy to give away, but the moment proved quite disastrous to us by a mismanagement. It seems that the officer in command of the 1st Brigade was not aware of the proximity of the Bayou aforesaid & supposing a reb battery which was in view in the edge of the woods to be easily accessible, ordered his Brigade to charge on it & take it. The rebs, tis said, actually did leave their guns, not though till they had slaughtered a lot of our men with grape and canister. But as our gallant boys reached the bayou and seeing it not possible [to gain the guns], the rebs rallied and dragged off their guns. This was our failure, sad and irredeemable. Col. Currie had taken pains to acquaint the commanders of this all important fact, but some saw it was not thoroughly understood.

We crossed the [Ditch] Bayou about 2 o’clock. Our loss here is variously estimated, mostly out of one regiment—the old 8th Wisconsin—and by one charge of grape & canister. I hear it said that there were 26 killed and as many more wounded. There were certainly a good many wounded but I did not see much as we passed there fast as we could & put on to the front. The artillery were crossing it the same time we did. It was a very bad place. The rebs had made a temporary bridge & it had rained so much the bottom was deep with mud and the banks slippery. They managed to get through somehow. By aint of hard health & the whip, we forded the stream. Across the bayou for a piece it was woods which had been occupied by the rebs as a regular camping ground. It had a strong camp odor. There were campfires still burning around which was strewed mud, partially baked cornbread, meat, &c. &c. indicating that they had left in haste. There was also the boxes which had contained their ammunition, together with other traps. The cavalry were now all in the advance, the howitzer near the head. We proceeded at a pretty brisk pace, the advance skirmishing occasionally. On one occasion we stopped & fired a couple shots from the howitzer. Again, fired small arms across the lake at 4 or 5 rebs. They soon skedaddled. We entered Lake Village about 5 p.m. without serious opposition. The enemy had mostly cleared out on a couple roads leading out from the left, half or so mile from Lake Village. Old Gen. A. J. [Smith] took up his headquarters in the village most as soon as we had entered it. In the Court House over the door of which was hung a hospital flag we found three rebs, two dead and the other mortally wounded. They had died of their wounds after being placed there. This leads me back to a forgotten incident. About half a mile the other side of the bayou (from the river) was a house. At both the gate and over the door was a flag, one a white one, and the other the hospital red. In the house were five badly wounded & they said that a large number had been taken off. It’s hardly supposed that they lost as heavily as we though possibly more. Tis reported that the Old General Marmaduke himself had a horse shot from under him & narrowly escaped with his life. One of our cavalry, tis said, has a portion of a spur with his name engraved on it. Don’t know how true. Also tis said that a Brigadier General was killed. This may be nonsense. Trust not.

Upon occupying the town & posting pickets we began to prepare for staying all night, feeding our animals, getting supper & diverse other necessary duties. The garden of the place which had not somehow been touched here before by the rebs was devastated by the boys. The landsmen going in with no compunctions of nicety. Also the houses entered & blankets, quilts, &c. abstracted. No mercy was shown to the few pigs & chickens left & a heavy of not quite a killing blow laid on the cattle about. In fact, they killed the cattle most wantonly by not using more than one-fourth the meat what was killed. Co. F took up its headquarters in a small deserted house & passed the night very comfortably considering the deficiency of blankets & our wet clothes. I had my India rubber coat which was very agreeable. Cos. D & E were sent on picket. No alarm during the night. The enemy content with letting us alone. All the fences & small buildings in and about town were tore down to make beds of. The rebs had not camped much in or about town that I could see. It was about the nastiest & muddiest time that I most ever saw. Part of the way the roads were bad though in dry time good. The cavalry had run by the infantry so much and splattered mud on them till they were completely coated with mud. Did not rain in p.m. Cleared off some at sunset. It wet our hard tack so and soaked it that we were short for bread to eat.

A negro told us near the Bayou that he counted 24 pieces of artillery at that place which the rebs had & that they had just the day before brought in 7 pieces for the express purpose of “blowen dem Marine boats.” If this was their intention & we have no readon to doubt it, they rather slipped up in their calculations. But I can hardly believe that they had so much artillery or they would have made a more determined stand and brought more into play. Report is that our loss is about 100 killed & wounded. We took no prisoners & lost none.

Tuesday, 7th. Arose at early dawn, fed &ate breakfast, between 7 & 8 o’clock. Took up line of march for the river or Columbia. The whole M. M. B. leading the expedition. We passed quite a long string of ambulances filled with the wounded. Six men I understand died of their wounds last night. Twenty-five tis said were buried back by the Bayou of the killed & one brought along to send home. For a mile this side of town it was a continual line of troops, & I suppose they extended as far the other way. I heard there were 5 brigades, the whole under the command of lately made Major Gen. A. J. Smith. Brig. General Mower of Fort DeRussy fame is along. He performed wonders up Red River, they say. There is estimated to be 6 or 7,000 troops in all.

We met no opposition between us and the river. Saw where the y had camped and the tracks of their artillery which had been moved out a negro told us on Sunday. They had ten pieces, only a hundred or so men. He said also that a shell from a gunboat had set fire to a sawmill in the woods 1.5 miles from the river. Noticed some few signs of our shelling. We killed some cattle for a man living here with our shells. Reached Columbia between 10 & 11 o’clock a.m. The boats were all lying on the opposite side of the river. There were over 20 transports & one ironclad gunboat. It was an hour before they could steam up and get landed. The Diana had her boiler damaged so that she had to be towed. There was a collection of houses called Columbia was set afire & burned down. Also fire above & they say that Lake Village was set a going before the troops left. One or two families were brought off by the wagon trains. About half a dozen families live there. Cannonading heard this eve up above. The transports are all about Luna’s Landing. It is now near midnight. I have written six pages since dark or since supper. Guess it will do to quit. Raining tonight. Clear all day.

Wednesday, 8th. Laying at Greenville. Our failing boiler was patched up yesterday so that last night we steamed up & dropped down to this place. The Autocrat & Monarch arrived just at dark & are with us. She was fired into with musketry as they passed this place last eve. We have accomplished nothing special during the day. Cleaned up the brass pieces and finished the starboard gun deck. Heard nothing from the land force. This p.m., a squad of 15 or 20 rebs bearing a flag of truce came to within 40 or 50 rods of the landing & halted. A deputation from the Autocrat went out and met them and a consultation lasted half an hour or so, after which they went from whither they came. Do not know yet the object or result of the interview. It’s a mystery to all and I suppose will not be divulged.

The St. Louis Democrat of June 3rd which was brought up by the Autocrat contains a detailed & surprisingly correct account of our engagement on the 24th written by someone signing himself “Johnson.” Does not seem to belong to the Brigade but was present at the time & was well posted. It is the most correct statement that I ever seen published where I was knowing of the facts. It does us full justice & gives us great credit & praises us almost to flattery. Refers also to our presence up Red River refuting a slanderous assertion made of us in the Republican.

After roll call. At roll call we received orders for another grand scout of two days starting at 5 o’clock in the morn. Two days rations and 60 rounds of cartridges. I suppose we are to go out from here.

Sunday, 12th. Three eventful days have passed since my last scratch of the pen. We have made a big scout with only common place results. Still it will long be remembered & a few of the incidents connected therewith will never be forgotten by the participants. I shall be obliged to abridge much of the statements & omit many items.

Thursday, 9th. As ordered last eve, we were called out in early time, breakfasted & formed on the bank promptly but did not start right away. Detachments from several companies of the Wisconsin 2nd Cavalry amounting to a couple hundred were to accompany us. Colonel Currie being unwell, Old Gen. Ellet assumed command of the expedition. Six companies Mounted Infantry, the 4 companies of Marine Cavalry, & the 2nd [Wisconsin] Cavalry—in all about 500, the howitzer along, started about 6 o’clock, striking out onto Deer Creek, same road that we traveled the other day. We captured a reb by his horse falling with him by the bridge this side. He said that he had helped fire into the boats. Thre or four miles the other side of where we got the hogs last fall we halted & rested at noon, picked berries, &c. Here we crossed Deer Creek and started to go down it but the Gen. changed his mind somehow and we turned about, the General at the head of the column. A few hundred rods in rear of the rear guard, half a dozen or so guerrillas were encountered & shots fired. They were performing their usual practice of following up our rear just out of our sight to pick up stragglers. Did not overhaul any of them.

Our road then lead us through woods and cane brakes four or five minutes to Bayou Phalia which resembles a small river, scarcely any current. Had to ferry across this. Tolerable good means of transportation. The flat boat would bear about 15 horses at a time. Two hours were occupied in crossing. The gun and two companies Mounted Infantry remained at the Bayou while the rest went on towards Sunflower. It was a long, dreary road through the woods. The roads were very muddy and crooked, though part of the way it was cut out. About sundown we drew up at the first house 7 miles from the Bayou & almost 5 from the Sunflower River this side. Coleman by name. There was plenty of feed but water scarce—only one cistern for the supply of the whole command. During the fore part of the night information was brought in by a negro of the whereabout of a small band of rebs who were frolicking at a house two or three miles distant. Co. A & D in part in command of Capt. Newell went out to try to gobble in the chivalrous Southern bloods. The surprise was most complete & resulted in the capture of the rebel band, 19 in number.

Friday, 10th. Early this morn the two companies came in with their prisoners. They were part soldiers, part paroled prisoners, & the rest playing off citizens. They were having a good jollification & knew nothing of our proximity. Supposed that we were no nearer than Deer Creek. The fiddle was going & the gallants with their female partners were cutting it down on the “light fantastic toe” when our boys broke through the doors & appeared at every window loudly calling out, “Surrender!” Presenting their co*cked pistols before their astonished eyes, they quietly submitted as resistance was utterly useless. The ladies were somewhat terrified at first but none quite fainted or “swooned”. I believe several rifles, shotguns, one or two Gov. arms, and several revolvers & pistols also were “taken in out of the wet.” There were three or four of the 3rd Texas Cavalry. One officer wo had not been with his regiment since the Battle of Gettysburg at which he was present, one chap we had last fall. Our company were placed on guard over them till noon.

After breakfast the cavalry with the General started for the Sunflower to take in a reported commissary depot & things. A wagon load of bacon, meal, molasses, &c. was brought in before noon. As our rations were running short, only taking two days, it was now decided to stay out another night. The eatables came at a very opportune time. It commenced raining before noon and several showers fell during the day which made the bad roads more the worse. About noon we set out on our return, escorting the team of gods & a couple loads of corn for feed tonight. The teans were oxen and consequently slow. It was 5 o’clock by the time we reached the bayou. The General’s party had not yet returned. A few rebs undertook to make an attack on the boys left here early this morn, firing across the bayou. The howitzer was got in position quick as possible & three or four shots fired when the villains cleared out. No one was hurt. We heard the report from where we were. This evening we lived on corn dodger and molasses. Had a good nights rest. Luckily it did not rain. Co. E lost one of their men yesterday p.m. He was sent with orders to the rear guard soon after we reached here, missed the road & was captured by a little squad concealed.

Saturday 11th. As soon as convenient in the morn we commenced crossing the Bayou on our return. Gen. Ellet & company arrived about 10 o’clock just as we had all nicely got over. Then we waited for them to cross. About noon all set off for the boats. The General and company made this expedition pay very well. They captured & destroyed a small steamer [the H. D. Mears] in the reb employ on the Sunflower [river]. During the morn another darkey brought intelligence of horses & mules being secreted a couple miles distant so while waiting for the Cavalry to cross, Co. A were sent in quest of the precious stock & which was duly found nicely stowed away in the canebrake. A white man was watching them but he skedaddled. The darky came in with us being afraid to remain longer with them. This is the general custom with the rebs. When they hear of our approach to hide their animals. We got a dozen or so here.

At Deer Creek they commenced firing into Co. E, the rear guard, & followed us in most of the way firing occasional shots & we in turn at them. Made no general stop for them. It rained very hard at times through the afternoon. Two or three negro women came in with us from the creek. One as she came running up to us almost breathless with a big bundle of personal effects on her head and her child in her carms exclaimed, “O please Mars’ let me go with you. De secesh will kill me if I stay. Me le go wid you. I can walk.” One of our supernumerary blacks took her load and she mounted one of the extra animals overjoyed with the prospect of escaping from a fate worse than death. Probably the rebs had threatened her for informing us of them.

We got in about 5 p.m. perfectly wet, tired & hungry. Most of us had not ate a bite, myself likewise, since the night before. Now we learned that another misfortune had occurred in our absence. The Colonel and his orderly John Brock rode out yestrday up the river to visit the land force 4 or 5 miles above. The Colonel went back on the tug and send Brock with the horses around. The last was seen of him, supposed killed or captured. There goes a good soldier, two fine horses and outfits, three revolvers. Bad—very bad.

Sunday, 12th. Bound for Vicksburg. Started 2 p.m. the whole remaining fleet. An exchange of prisoners was effected a.m. Perry of Co, E who the rebs captured last eve. We gave the one captured in the morn that day. His experience among them was quite exciting. He saw the two Baltic boys. They are doing well. He was well used. They took his revolver & $25 in cash. For the money, we took the same amount from the reb prisoner. I have had a good deal to do today, cleaning up and righting things. The microscope is a very nice affair. Letters from home say that have not yet got that box. It’s strange. Letter from Willie. He has enlisted in the 42nd Illinois. Has already been in a fight. Those works of Fowler * Wells are good. Rainy.

Monday 13th. At Vicksburg. Arrived here at 8 o’clock this morn and tied up. I have been romping through town ever since 10 a.m. Spent considerable money to little purpose, Bought a wool hat at $2.50. Got sick of it and sold it again to one of the boys for the same at payday. Bought Hunt’s Gazetteer of the [Border and] Southern States for 50 cents. Dried fruit &c. Nothing much going on in town. Our services are highly complimented in the late task of guarding the steamers past the Rebel batteries by various passengers who were aboard of them then. Mail this morn. Letter from home containing news of the death of Aunt Martha. Se had long been ailing. The wonderful game of Chevy Chase came to hand. Not had a chance to learn much about it. Expect it’s interesting but not very durable. There is a pack of tablets like the common game cards. We are laying in from of the business part of town. Fires all down & the process of fixing the boilers is going on. Expect to remain here 10 days. Part of the boats are on the opposite side.

My first object in getting out today was to visit the express Office for the club of Books but they had not yet come. Fearful that they won’t. I tried to sell my voucher but no go. Must apply to the paymaster of the deck hands. Corp. Grant sent to the hospital. Is quite sick.

Tuesday, 14th. All quiet. The rest of the fleet is occupied coaling up. Our boiler fixing is going on. The boys—all that wanted to—were let out to the theatres. I could not afford it. I sat up late last night & wrote home & finished letter to Miss Nettie. I went in p.m. and bought an article styled. “Sissons Patent Folio Binder” for securing pamphlets, papers, letters & documents &c. Price $2 but I got it for $1.75. I shall use it partly for a scrap book. Have tried hard to get an old copy book but nothing of the sort to be found. This works with a spring & catch. Very nice. Two or three stories of the late engagement up at Columbia have appeared in the papers but all quite erroneous. Make no mention of the part we took.

Wednesday, 15th. A day of monotony. I have been on guard over the guns. Still at work about them, fixing up casings of the port holes. Mail came by steamer Continental. Received the pocket almanacs that I sent for. Have sold part of hem on credit at 25 cents each at Pay Day. They are a very neat thing but not very durable I fear. A quantity of the Spencer Rifle Carbine have arrived per steamer. I suspect that they ate for us but I fear not. How I wish they were. I have not been out today.

Thursday, 16th. Nothing momentous. I sat up late last night drawing a sketch map of the operations out about Lake Village & vicinity. In yesterday’s paper of the Vicksburg Herald there is a very truthful account of the Adams catastrophe of Thursday, 2nd, written by some of the Brigade signing himself “Justice.” He refutes a statement in the Chicago Times: which somewhat deprecates our services. Also publishes an account of our last trip to Sunflower [but] erroneously states that Capt. Newell was in command of the expedition. The rest as near the facts as the average of newspaper stories. I have most a notion to get up a more detailed sketch for publication. We returned the old saddles which we drew of the Cavalry companies. Rain in p.m. Sergt. Michael Snell of Co. A Cavalry died June 14th of a wound received June 5th on the shore of Lake Chicot, Arkansas at the time of our first reconnoissance while skirmishing with the enemy, a few minutes previous to our turning about & coming in that evening. The ball passed through the lower part of his head, near a main artery. Inflammation set in which caused the vein to break and he bled to death in a few minutes as before stated.

Friday, 17th. All right & tight! The carpenters at work repairing the stern which was broke away by the collision with the Adams last spring. Several steamers have arrived from above & below. Mail—only a paper for me. I wrote letter to Miss Hellen & one to Agent, Parker’s Express Co. at St. Louis in regard to that box. Our company have traded off several more mules for horses. Are preparing to draw new saddles for those who did not get new ones before. The hull of the boat being painted again.

Saturday, 18th. Day very warm. Work of repairing steadily going on. I was out in town a while in a.m. In p.m. cleaned up for inspection tomorrow. No boats arrived today. By the boats from below yesterday, learn that there is a reb battery down below Natchez at Tunica Bend. Fired into the Joseph Pierce going down but let the Mollie Able pass unmolested. The Adams started up the Yazoo yesterday morning or the eve before after a raft of logs, I believe. The Raines and Autocrat still here. The Chicago Times of the 11th contains the following: “Gen. A. J. Smith’s force landed near Columbia, Arkansas, Tuesday morning & were soon after attacked by Marmaduke. The rebels were repulsed with the loss of 150 men. The federal loss being 100. Marmaduke thereupon evacuated Columbia which was burned by the Marine Brigade.” The article gives an erroneous idea of the affair though not much out of the way in some respects. The burning was not wholly confined to the M.M.B.

Sunday, 19th. A hot and sultry Sabbath. Had our usual inspection this a.m. which occupied near two hours as the Capt. took an inventory of our arms & accoutrements. That and the exercise ordered after supper for our horses prevented most of those who were so inclined from going to meeting today. Each four companies saddled the horses & rode around till dark for exercise. Took a turn down the river bottom, then up onto the high land & through town. I wrote a letter of six pages to Willie. The Adams rejoined us last eve.

Monday, 20th. Well we have lived through another awful warm day, though it seems as if a few more such days would render a continuance of life almost out of the question. In a.m., we drew rations from the Autocrat. I was on the detail. In p.m., wrote to the Gift Book concern about my club. The Arthur arrived tonight. Great events going on in the East. This eve, ride out our horses. A big fort now occupies the site of Gen. Grant’s Headquarters after the fall of Vicksburg for a while. The mansion was burned down by incendiaries last spring while we were up the Red River. Our new lines of fortifications are now nearly completed around the city from river to river.

Tuesday, 21st. Laying opposite the city. Crossed over little after noon. Know not why. I have been on guard over the guns. Received a letter last night from “Fowler & Wells” containing circular and their opinion respecting the “Plant & Reynolds” revolver, pistol, and carbine, breech loading for cartridge & loose ammunition. They are recommended by F&W and appear to be a very nice implement for defense & offense. They come pretty high by the time that are got here. The largest revolver, six inch barrel, priced $23, there and the probable express charge is $2 or 3 more. I think I will get the pistol first, $5.

William [H.] Messenger’s & [Benjamin F.] Kratzer’s furloughing project has played out, not having certificates of disabilities & they are doomed to stay at home—are now weak as ever. So I got back today $10 of the money I had lent to Messenger. Was about strapped.

The Vicksburg Herald of today contained a correction of the mistake that appeared in the 15th relating to the Sunflower. Signed, “a Marine.” Have finally got an old account book for a scrap book. just what I have long been a working.

Wednesday, 22nd. Remaining the same. I know of only finishing the job of repairing the stern. The animals have been taken off the boat for the purpose of whitewashing the stable. Some of the boys have been out & got a few new berries. I visited the site of “Fort Adams” this morn. It is now quite demolished. A garden belonging to a negro hut built on the embankment a few feet from it is in a flourishing condition on, in, and around the spot of the centre of attraction a year ago just about this time. The surrounding trees still testify to its attracting influence—particularly of the Rebel cannon balls. The ties are all removed and most of the railroad iron. The ground round about is under cultivation. A large number of negro cabins on the river bank and levee. I wrote to the Agent of the P&R revolver. Rained several times today. Have traded pens again today.

An elder brother of Samuel D. Nelson of our company who lately died, arrived Monday eve after the body of the deceased to take up home. Permission has been granted but he cannot effect his object until we go up to Greenville where the body is buried. [See entry of 2 June 1864; Samuel D. Nelson (1843-1864) was the son of Christian Nelson and Felicia Ann Cooper of Arlington, Rush county, Indiana. Before joining the MMB, Samuel served in Co. G, 52nd Indiana Infantry]

Thursday, 23rd. “All quiet on the Potomac.” A small stock barge was brought over last eve & this morn a detail made of 10 men to take our horses (Co. F’s) over to be shod. Will probably take two or three days to get all shod. I procured a pass this morn & went over on the tug. Back at 1 o’clock. My package of books not yet arrived. I am afraid they have played out entirely. I am sorry not so much on my account of the los of my own money invested but I dislike to abuse the confidence which the boys placed in me. Their reliance in my business capacity. Well, I humored my vanity again in getting my ugly countenance photographed. Half dozen for $3.50. Will not be finished until day after tomorrow. Taken in sitting posture, three-quarters view. Don’t think it will be anything extra as far as either nature or art id concerned. I also bought the Colonel’s photograph (50 cents) which I prize very highly. One reason because it’s so hard to be procured. It is very natural & is a valuable acquisition to my Album. I would have got the General’s but they were just played out. Maynard has the General’s, Colonel’s & Major’s, and two or three other officers. Sergt. [Gad W.] Gleason of the Battery possesses quite an artistic talent. Has got up a picture of “Fort Adams” as it appeared after the siege. It is perfectly true to life though he had never seen it & drew from the description og the Colonel remarkably correct under the circ*mstances. I should like very much to buy it. He also has the Autocrat drawed off. & “scene of a negro hut” with darkies fiddling & dancing. Frank Leslie of the 25th contains an attempted representation of the attack and destruction of the Lebanon by Guerrillas—not very correct. Mentions the Adams being perfectly riddled by cannon balls in escorting the transports by the battery at Columbia. Not very wrong.

Friday, 24th. A “grand strategic movement”—viz: a movement off the boat on shore. Received orders last night at roll call to begin to pack up our things early this morn and move everything off slick & clean for the purpose of cleaning, renovating & whitewashing the quarters, above & below. Expect to lay out three or four days & our company got most of their things onto the barge. Ans partner Ben was gone on the detail, I had his things to move which with my own innumerable traps & trumpery made moving a pretty tedious job. Five boxes & other things in proportion. The large lay at the stern of the boat which made it somewhat handier. The other barge came over and set off what horses they had yet to shod & took the six or eight mules on to take over and trade for horses. The Empress & Leviathan came down in p.m. A little mail. The day warm and sultry.

Saturday, 25th. The principal business of today has been scrubbing the cabin & whitewashing the quarters. I have worked on detail at the latter. It’s going to make a beneficial improvement in our apartments. Will be healthier, cleaner, as well as look better. I sent over to see about my books. The Agent had just received the “Bill” which is a fair indication that they are prospective. Shall expect them now by every boat. Mail by the City of Memphis but nothing for me. Sent over this eve for my pictures. We have our cooking apparatus out here on shore & live altogether out. We hear that they are preparing to celebrate the “Glorious 4th” in great style here this year. The 4th has a double significance at this place particularly. Hardly think we will remain here till it’s over.

Sunday, 26th. An “Army Sabbath.” Day passed in tinkering & idleness. A detail was made to scrub out the quarters occupied by all the p.m. The little barge with the shod horses and detail came over last night. 17 horses are shod which is about half the number. The rest are going back this eve to have the job finished. I am to go. I attended the negro meeting this a.m. They are very fervent & enthusiastic in their devotions and apparently so sincere as to excite our sympathy, while yet so savoring of the ludicrous in appearance & grotesque in expression as to force a smile on the countenance of the most sedate. But I never could have the heart to deride the simple beings. They present many admirable traits which we would be well to imitate. In fact, the soldiers generally do great discredit to themselves in their conduct toward the “nigg*r.” Instead of setting an example of ennobling respect for the rights of man, they degrade themselves even in the eyes of the despised African whom they affect to excel in moral worth. Their services are principally devoted to singing and praying. The first is conducted by the leader repeating a line of the hymn, then the whole congregation falling in with a rousing melody. Then ditto with the second line & so on. The reading & preaching is generally in the sing song tone, during the progress of the singing exercises the congregation composing the sisters & brethren keep going from one to the other shaking hands and exchanging those horrid grimaces peculiar to the race. Then during the prayer a regular cadence of musical sounds & supplicants by the whole congregation.

Monday, 27th. I crossed over last eve with the squad & barge of unshod horses. This morn took up to the shop five horses & got them shod by the middle of the p.m. which was all that they would do today. We were then brought back. I went up town today & got my pictures. Am not over pleased with the appearance, but he done very well by me throwing in two more; 8 in all. Then I bought the negatives which cost one dollar more. I think I will have vignettes taken from it, as the position is so ill-looking. The chair that I was seated in was too low & having my long legs crossed, it threw them up in a most horrid and ridiculous position. I bought a mosquito bar paying $2 for 5 yards. I engaged the p.m. on the Autocrat who has lately procured a small printing press to print a lot of envelopes for me addressed home. Mean to have my card printed soon as I have the means. That press is a very neat & handy apparatus. I really wish I was skilled in its use & could have the supervision of a like concern. It is very useful about Headquarters in particular. [Gad W.] Gleason the artist was today at work in another masterpiece representing “Old Abe” at work, splitting the big log Richmond open with the wedges Grant, Meade, Butler, & company. The old used up & split wedge “Little Mack” was laid away on the stump. The operation of splitting is going on at the but of the stick signifying the manner in which the war has been carried on. The whole is a very expressive as well as suggestive burlesque on the times. [Gad Worthington Gleason (1835-1913) originally served as a Sergeant in Co. C, 65th Ohio Vol. Infantry. He was discharged in February 1863 to join the MMB. He was originally from Tioga county, New York; died in North Verno, Jennings county, Indiana]

A man belonging to Co. C Infantry on this boat named Price Whittacre was stabbed the other day in a disgraceful affair & died today. Several of the boys captured by the rebs last fall and winter were brought in for exchange. Lieut. Ellet of Co. D among the rest. The rest will come in in a few days. [William H.] Carr, the negro recruit, though was hung, I believe.

I see by the papers that Maj. [Eli Augustus] Griffin of the old [Michigan] 19th was wounded in one of the late battles & died of his wounds. I don’t remember as he was in the regiment when I was with it.

Tuesday, 28th. (Written afterwards) Nothing of special importance. Received orders in the morn to clean up for muster day after tomorrow. I wrote a letter home enclosing one of my horrifying photos. More mail arrived but bad luck to it—nothing comes for me. Marcus Root received furlough & started home. He is in very poor health. The Horner comes down with a couple barges of hay & oats for us. We are just getting out of forage. The eve we saddled up and took a ride out to the other side of the point. Went nearly to the head of the canal. Traversed the scene of our “siege ground” a year ago. The land now mostly under cultivation. A government garden for the hospital at the canal. George Allen got badly kicked by my mare this morn. Crippled an arm for a while. He is not in the habit of such capers but did a heavy business at it this time. Very warm.

Wednesday, 29th. This morn about breakfast time a report came in of a rebel raid on to the plantations about Young’s Point last night & carrying off all the mules & nigg*rs, first burning the buildings, &c. & committing other depradations. Between 9 & 10 o’clock we got orders to saddle up for a scout and started at 10. The force only, I believe, from this boat. The Colonel & howitzer came along. As I was on detail after meat across the river & not having any saddle, &c. I could not go. The boys have just come in at 6 o’clock without accomplishing anything for in fact there was nothing to do. The thing was a perfect bore. They went out beyond Young’s Point and came back. Day has been dreadful hot. Clouded up tonight. A government lessee had been taken prisoner yesterday & stripped of everything he had, but succeeded in making his escape from them. An article they were after that they didn’t get was a diamond ring which they very much wanted. He is obliged to leave the country.

The Old Michigan 6th Infantry is here at Vicksburg having lately come up from below and been transferred to Heavy Artillery. I have seen several of the boys but none that I knew before. Heard that Harry Dap & Vorhees were still among the living.

Thursday, 30th. The process of mustering for pay was undergone in a.m. Dod not come out in the usual pomp & splendor as it was so warm & a great portion of the brigade being absent, & again there was not room for maneuvering. Each company was mustered separate under the shade of a tree. There is no certainty of receiving the needful right away. This p.m.. we have drawn rations & oats. Will get hay tomorrow. 100 sacks of oats to the company. Another boat from above with mail but I was doomed to disappointment again. There are reports that the Col. has resigned & that the General has been relieved.

July 1864

Friday, 1st. We drew our 28 bales of hay to the company this morn, after which I got a pass & went over to the city, enquired at the Express Office but nothing for me. Those books are most provokingly slow in coming. I applied for a permit to express my captured books home but they would not grant one, but required me to turn them over to the government, but don’t think I shall till I am obliged to. I got two packs of envelopes printed to Father’s and Mother’s address. The printing & envelopes cost one dollar. I received a letter finally from home. All well. Did not get my box yet. Mollie Able just came down. Rained in p.m.

Saturday, 2nd. Another move. I was detailed to go with a squad after bread across the river this morn. Called at the Express Office. Box for Lieut. Dean only. Before I got back, the order of the day was to move aboard quick as possible. By 2 o’clock the boat had got up steam and we crossed to the city side, the Adams, Raine, & Fairchild. It now became evident what was in the wind as in a short time the dusky files of the “U. S. Corps De’Afric” came wending this way aboard, signifying that we were to transport them to some port yet unknown. I believe there is a regiment aboard each boat. They are all on the hurricane deck. So many of the boys are so prejudiced against them that I fear there will be trouble between them. I got a letter from Ir. all right. Also in answer to the Express Agent at St. Louis. He says that the box has been forwarded home by the army Express Company and that it must be all right. Well, I hope so. I am going to see if I can get to go to the theatre tonight. Say tis a great thing. Don’t know when we will leave.

Sunday, 3rd. (Written afterwards) About 7 o’clock the boats steamed up & all set out down the river last eve. Meantime we received orders at roll call to prepare for a 3 days scout to set out early Sunday morning. The scene of operations presumed to be at Rodney, though we privates had not heard of any rebel demonstrations about there. The order was all unexpected and we had a good deal to do to get ready, so it was late before we got to sleep, & as we were called up at 3 o’clock, we were not overburdened with rest. The boats were landing as we were rolling out. We were saddled and on shore by 5:30 o’clock but it was over an hour before we set out waiting for one another. The Cavalry and Mounted Infantry went ahead, and the two regiments of the 52nd & 48th Louisiana Colored Infantry followed after. The General and Colonel both went along. We took the road leading past the rear of the College, & between the direct Port Gibson & Fayette Roads, the same one on which we captured the rebel Captain Bonner last winter. A little past the college, we captured two rebel pickets with a signal flag. & had a horse wounded. Nothing more occurred till we arrived at Coleman’s on the crossroads leading to Port Gibson, Natchez, and Fayette. Here we established headquarters. Reached here middle of the p.m., 13 miles from the river. Went into camp & prepared to stay all night. Heard that there was a large force of the enemy ay a certain brick meeting house a few miles distant & that a force from Natchez had had a skirmish with them the day before. The Cavalry on picket killed two rebs & wounded another as they were stealing up onto them soon after we got settled down. At night, I was detailed with others on picket. Cavalry or Mounted Infantry were placed on each road on the extreme & a squad of the blacks for reserves. There were several shots fired during the night but no rebs were brought to light that I heard of.

Monday, 4th. Written afterwards. If there is anything in celebrating the “Glorious Fourth” by burning powder & making a noise, together with a slight sprinkling of a military display, I think then that we performed our full share today. Our process of proceeding differed somewhat from the usual manner of conducting the ceremony where I come from, but they have strange ways of doing some things in this benighted region as the sequel will show. As before stated, the night passed in quiet. We were astir quite early. The Cavalry took out the road towards Fayette & we—the Mounted Infantry—towards Port Gibson. After we had proceeded a couple miles, a courier overtook us stating that the Cavalry on the other road were engaging the enemy. We turned about, therefore, to assist them & soon found evidences of an action. One of the Cavalry of Co. B was mortally wounded. Died before night. Another one or two wounded. One regiment, or a part, of the negroes were also engaged. They stopped at a church four or five miles out where the enemy made their last stand, but which did not last long. Several shots were fired from the howitzer. We followed out to within two or three miles of Fayette, when as they seemed to have skedaddled, we returned round to the place of rendezvous on the crossroads at 3 p.m. & occupied our camp of the previous night in the hollow a short distance from the house. It was the intention of remaining all night and we unsaddled & had hot supper nearly ready when quite rapid firing was heard in the direction we had last come, showing that the rebs had followed us in & the black pickets were opposing their progress. One regiment of the blacks were sent to hold them. We formed in line, dismounted on the hill to watch the progress. It was apparently but a small force of rebs and their shots frequently flew over us or fell short. They were about half a mile distant and could not be seen very well or hid by the hills & trees. We stood about 15 minutes when we were ordered to mount as a party of 25 or 30 rebs were reported to have been seen passing to our rear, or, between us and the boats. We had no more than mounted and “formed in front” of the house (which faced outward from the river) when the enemy commenced an attack on the pickets towards the river. This proved to be the main body of the enemy.

This was the plan of attack, to make a demonstration with a small body to draw our attention towards Fayette while the main force went around & trap us completely. But it dd not work entirely to their benefit or satisfaction. We were not so watchful of the front but we kept an eye out in our rear. The Cavalry were first sent to check their approach, when the enemy charged boldly up and forced them back. The Mounted Infantry then “prepared to fight on foot” and were sent to assist them. It was my provoking luck to have to remain to hold a part of the horses. Our boys did not have far to go & a lot of the negro troops them coming up to the house commenced firing in the direction of the enemy or as good as into our own boys. They let fly pretty brisk for a while but as our boys were in a hollow and laying down, the bullets mostly passed over them & I believe did no damage tho’ the boys say they cut close. It had the effect to deter the enemy from approaching any further & they soon withdrew.

The boys returned to their horses all safe and sound, but considerably excited. Co. c of the cavalry had one man wounded in the leg and a man killed out of one of the other companies, but i don’t know whether it was at the time or afterwards. I got an opportunity to fire one shot from my horse and saw several mounted rebs move off before I got loaded again. The country was very rough & covered partly by brush and weeds & a cornfield. It was all quiet for a while but the fighting was not over yet for the day. It was now decided to evacuate the premises as our rations were give out & the enemy seemed as strong in force as ourselves & reinforcements learned to be coming. It was a part of Wirt Adams’ army under the command of a certain [Col. Robert C.] Wood—so we learned by prisoners taken.

It was nearly sundown when we set out for the boats, 13 miles distant. The supposition was that the enemy would retreat before us & not trouble the rear but they soon convinced us otherwise. The Blacks in the rear had hardly commenced to move when the rebs charged up the road from Port Gibson in a right furious style & the howitzer which was near the rear came near falling into the enemy’s hands. The negroes got panic stricken & were so crowded around it that the boys were prevented from using it for a while but finally did let two or three very effective charges of grape & canister into the foe which was all that saved it. There was an exciting time about here for a time. The blacks were so wild that it is positively avowed that they killed many of their own men. Still they, especially the 52nd Regt., fought bravely & rendered very efficient service. I understand that there were 7 killed, 7 wounded, and two missing from the regiment. The other not quite do many. There were four badly wounded on our boat.

The 52nd US Colored Regiment was initially formed as the 2nd Mississippi Infantry (African Descent), in July 1863. Black troops were enlisted atVicksburg, Mississippifollowing thecapture of that cityby Union forces the same month. On March 11, 1864, the regiment was reorganized as the 52nd US Colored Infantry Regiment. ColonelGeorge Zieglerwas commissioned as colonel of the Regiment on December 22, 1864, serving in command until the end of the war. Ziegler was a white veteran of the47th Ohio Infantry Regiment, all officers of theUS Colored Troopswere white, and Black soldiers would not be commissioned as officers in theUS army until after the Civil War. On July 4, 1864, the 52nd Colored Infantry fought a battle at Coleman’s Plantation inJefferson County, Mississippi. This engagement is notable as it is most likely the first time that Black soldiers from Mississippi fought against white Confederates from the same state. The expedition under the overall command of General Ellet of the Mississippi Marine Brigade was intended to prevent cavalry units operating south of Vicksburg from linking up with Confederate forces near Jackson during the Tupelo campaign though he apparently did not reveal its purpose to even Col. George Currie. It was during this expedition, that the 52nd USCT charged the Confederate cavalry near Coleman’s Plantation crying, “Remember Fort Pillow! No quarter!! and forced the Confederate to retreat. [See Warfare along the Mississippi, Letters of Col. George E. Currie, Chapter XIII, page 113.]

It was a wrong move in the first place in not placing a part of the cavalry to cover our rear instead of hte infantry but it was remedied as soon as possible after ascertaining what the plan of the rebels was. Three companies were then sent back & played their own game of ambush on them which soon sickened them of the idea of following us all the way in. Their loss must have been great at this time. During all the heavy fire at this time of their charge on the battery, our boys miraculously escaped harm with one exception. Edward Hoffman belonging on the gun was wounded by a bullet passing through his foot, the same ball passing through one of his horse’s legs & lodging in the other. Both are pretty badly crippled.

We encountered nothing in our front coming in & they did not follow more than a couple miles in our rear—that is, so as to be seen. But they came in so onto camp not three miles from the river that night. We reached the boats somewhat tired and sleepy between 12 and 1 o’clock. I have not been able to learn the full extent of losses and casualties during the two days. I believe it stood somewhere in the neighborhood of two cavalry men killed, three wounded, one Mounted Infantryman wounded, 12 or 15 blacks wounded, another captured, and four horses killed. This is approximate if not the exact truth. I saw one darkie who said that he had been captured in the picket post & were taking him to the rear without first taking his gun & equipments from him. His gun happened to be loaded at the time & while they were a little apart & he in the act of letting down the fence, he managed to put a ball through the carcass of his captor & then made good his escape. He may have fabricated the story but he was a savage & sharp looking chap. Another I heard as he was passing by the body of a dead comrade after his captors had divested him of his arms, seized the dead man’s gun and disabled those rebs had charge of him so that he also got away. There are many deeds of heroism ascribed to the blacks at various times & it is generally admitted that they did as well as ever could have been expected of them. It was near this house where the cavalry were ambushed & came near being annihilated last spring while we were at New Orleans.

Tuesday, 5th. A year ago today I very well remember. I took a very interesting ramble over a very interesting portion of the earth’s surface. But I have no time for reminiscences. The day has passed without incident. We have naturally layed by to recruit up. The blacks are laying ashore. The steamer Jo. Pierce stopped on her way up and took off our wounded & sick, both black and white. I fear it will be some time before Ed Hoffman will be able to rejoin us. The doctor took several pieces of wood out of the wound. The pieces came from the stirrup which was shattered also. The ball passed cutting through the outside of the right foot, likewise passing through the right, likewise passing through the right leg of his horse, and lodging in the left leg. think this horse will get over it.

I bargained for another revolver today—a six inch, 7-shooter Moore’s Patent Cartridge piece. Gave my note for $21. One dollar’s worth of cartridges, 50 rounds, at pay day. I have an idea that it’s a valuable article & very handy about a person’s body—especially in war times. Two or three of the missing negroes came in through the day. Say that they rebs are camped this side of the college.

Co. B Cavalry sent out a flag of truce to go to bury one of their comrades that was killed in the morning yesterday. They were digging the grave for him at the time of the attack in the p.m. A marked change of feeling is now exhibited by the boys towards the negro soldiers compared to a couple days ago. The fighting qualities are universally acknowledged & not a man but agrees that they behaved nobly & did important service. Numerous individual acts of heroism are accorded to them, in many cases hand to hand encounters were noticed and many advantages taken of the enemy by their bitter sable foes.

Wednesday, 6th. Another movement. Laid still all day….

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