MAY 1st.—Cloudy and showery, but warm, and fine for vegetation. My lettuce, cabbage, beans, etc. are growing finely. But the Yankee corn and lima beans, imported by Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, have rotted in the ground.

No war news.

Yesterday a paper was sent to the President by Gen. Pickett, recommending Gen. Roger A. Pryor for a cavalry command in North Carolina. But the President sent it to the Secretary of War with the curt remark that the command had already been disposed of to Col. Dearing, on Gen. Hoke’s recommendation. Thus Gen. P. is again whistled down the wind, in spite of the efforts of even Mr. Hunter, and many other leading politicians. It is possible Gen. P. may have on some occasion criticised Lee.

May, Sunday 1, 1864

I slept very late this morning. Tate and Helen ready to start to Church when I went in the Parlor—Uncle Elam went with them. Father, Mary, Robert and I were left at home. Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Madden spent the morning with us—they had no late news—neither did we hear any from the girls. Five Yankees found where John, William, Ben & David Hildebrand and Ben Henderson were hid on Day’s creek, about a mile from here and surprised them, although they were fast asleep, they made their escape. The Yanks fired twice only, our little band were not armed armed for a fight, therefore beat a hasty retreat. The Yanks then came to old Mr. Hildebrand’s, did not stay long, we saw them pass on the ridge returning to Memphis.

Nannie and Joanna have not returned yet, cannot imagine what keeps them. The Yanks sent out a heavy force after Forrest yesterday. God bless our little band, and crown them with victory—guide my Bro, and keep him safe through all danger—Came to my room early—Father retired so early—We think the Yankees are at Mr. Hildebrand’s now, so much noise, and two guns fired. God bless my dear Father, and protect him from the Yankees.

May 1st. Marching orders this morning. Pushing on towards Winchester. Passed over the battle-field known to us as Carter’s Farm, or Summit Point, on the Harper’s Ferry and Winchester R. R. On this field we did some hard fighting against great odds, June 15th, 1863. Many of our boys were made prisoners. Talked over the events of the battle as we marched along, pointing out the places where our boys fell and were buried. We are very familiar with this section of Virginia. Pushing along, passed through Winchester. Very few people in sight. Those we saw said they hated the Yankees. Hope we would all be captured and taken to Richmond. Out on the main pike, came to a halt near the Union Mills. Our regiment detailed for picket on the advance, near Kernstown. We are now in the enemy’s country. Liable to meet trouble at any time. The signal corps is kept very busy. I do not know the code but it is very interesting to me as I watch them work. They seem to find every high point of ground where they get a fine view of the country.

Scottsboro, Ala., April 30th, ’64.

You know we have been under marching orders for several days. At dress parade this evening orders were read notifying us that the division would move out on the road to Chattanooga at 6 a.m., May 1st.

This is the first intimation of the direction we would take.

It surprises me very much, and I think many others. I was certain we would either cross the Tennessee river at Larkins Ferry or near Decatur and take Dalton in flank or rear, but Sherman didn’t see it. I would rather do anything else save one, than march over the road to Chattanooga. That one is to lie still in camp.

When the boys broke ranks after the parade, cries of “mule soup” filled the camp for an hour. That is the name that has been unanimously voted to the conglomeration of dead mules and mud that fills the ditches on the roadside between Stevenson and Chattanooga.

The whole division has been alive all evening; burning cabins has been the fashion. Captains Post, Smith and myself got into a little discussion which ended in our grabbing axes and demolishing each other’s cabins.

30th. F.’s birthday–alas! alas! Busy all day getting Q. M. stores and fixing up for the march. Wrote home and to George. Didn’t get to bed till nearly one. Have had hard work for several days.

Saturday, 30th–The Eleventh Iowa was mustered today for pay. The regiment numbers about six hundred men present for duty, and but few are absent on account of sickness. General McPherson is having his entire corps (the Seventeenth) armed with new Springfield rifles, and our regiment today turned over to the quartermaster the Enfield rifles and old accouterments to draw the new rifles and accouterments. Most of the men feel that the Enfield rifle is better suited to our use than the new one, for it has a bronze barrel, hence easier to keep clean, as the outside does not require extra polishing.

I took a walk this afternoon over Cairo to view the town. There is a great deal of building going on, even if it is one of the biggest mudholes in the State of Illinois. The town may be said to be on stilts, for the buildings rest on posts, ten or twelve feet from the ground, and of course the sidewalks are the same. There are only two or three really nice buildings in the town. But it is a very important place for our armies, as it is the mobilizing point for our army on the Mississippi and the Tennessee rivers.

Apr. 3, ’64—Preach in a. m. on Psalms I. At night on “Grow in Grace.”

Apr. 6—Snow and rain. Chaplain Westbrook arrives.

Apr. 6—Go with Westbrook to Lane’s Brigade.

Apr. 7—Preach at night.

Friday, Apr. 8—Solemn day. Preach twice. Lord, hear and answer the prayers of this day!

Apr. 10—Preach twice. Rain, rain.

(NOTE – The kind reader, sitting in a warm room, will please not be offended when I write of “rain” Remember, that a cold rain in April in camp, means something to a soldier.)

Apr. 11—Rev. B. T. Lacy gives his lecture in Rev. W. C. Power’s Chapel.

Apr. 17—Preach to 2nd N. C. Regiment in a. m., and to Division Provost Guard and prisoners in p. m.

Apr. 19—Meet Chaplains in Orange Court House. Gracious meeting. Rev. Bellinger brings note from Rev. C. W. Westbrook, who is sick. I love Bellinger because he has preached to 18th N. C. Regiment.

Apr. 24—Preach in a. m. and night. Visit five men condemned to be shot. They are deeply penitent.

Apr. 25—Preach to prisoners and guard. Pleasant communion service in my chapel at night.

Apr. 26—Meet Chaplains.

Apr. 27—Preach in my chapel at night.

Apr. 28—See three men, from Wilkes County, shot for desertion.

Apr. 30 (Saturday)—Talk with penitents and converts.

APRIL 30th.—Federal papers now admit that Gen. Banks has been disastrously beaten in Louisiana. They also admit their calamity at Plymouth, N. C. Thus in Louisiana, Florida, West Tennessee, and North Carolina the enemy have sustained severe defeats: their losses amounting to some 20,000 men, 100 guns, half a dozen war steamers, etc. etc.

Gen. Burnside has left Annapolis and gone to Grant—whatever the plan was originally; and the work of concentration goes on for a decisive clash of arms in Virginia.

And troops are coming hither from all quarters, like streamlets flowing into the ocean. Our men are confident, and eager for the fray.

The railroad companies say they can transport 10,000 bushels corn, daily, into Virginia. That will subsist 200,000 men and 25,000 horses. And in June the Piedmont connection will be completed.

The great battle may not occur for weeks yet. It will probably end the war.

April 30th. At Bunker Hill. Only doing picket duty and resting. Weather cloudy. Liable to march at any minute. All is quiet and nothing important has taken place up to this time. Camp made up with our shelter tents.

24th-29th. Busy at work supplying the regt. with horses, etc. 29 officers, on extra duty, returned to regt. Orders to march as soon as possible. Papers from home. Busy exchanging horses. Got 33 good ones in Washington.

Friday, 29th–It is quite cool and cloudy, with some rain this afternoon. The Ohio river is rising fast. The veterans keep arriving daily at Cairo. The Seventeenth Army Corps is being reorganized as fast as possible and sent up the Tennessee river and landed at Clifton, and is then to march across to Huntsville, Alabama. Our mustering rolls are being made out and we are to be mustered in tomorrow. I received my discharge from the old service, dated December 31, 1863, and sent the certificate home for father to keep till I return.

(excerpts)

         “April 29. . . . There was a review to-day of all the infantry and artillery of the army. The reviewing officer was Gen. Johnston, who rode down the line, halting opposite each brigade to receive its salute. He then took his position and the troops marched in review past him. Mrs. Johnston was there and a good many other ladies and I expect enjoyed the spectacle though the wind was high and the dust insufferable. Mrs. Johnston spoke to-day of your and Fanny’s being with her this summer. I have no doubt you will have a very pleasant time indeed, and if the Army is inactive I shall doubtless be able to run down to see you…

         “We are barely managing to exist on the third of a pound of bacon. We keep up our spirits however, and hope for the time when Congress shall intervene in our behalf and satisfy the Oliver Twists of the Army. A friend of one of our mess the other day sent a turkey and you should have seen our countenances as we prepared to devour him. . . . ”

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

APRIL 29th.—A letter from Major-Gen. Hoke, dated Plymouth, April 25th, and asking the appointment of Lieut.-Col. Dearing to a brigadiership, says his promotion is desired to lead a brigade in the expedition against Newbern. The President directs the Secretary to appoint him temporarily “for the expedition.” Soon we shall know the result.

By flag of truce boat, it is understood Northern papers admit a Federal defeat on the Red River, the storming of Plymouth, etc., and charge the Federal authorities at Washington with having published falsehoods to deceive the people. Gold was $1.83.

Troops are passing through Richmond now, day and night, concentrating under Lee. The great battle cannot be much longer postponed.

Last night was clear and cold, and we have fire to-day.

The President has decided not to call into service the reserve class unless on extraordinary occasions, but to let them remain at home and cultivate the soil.

It is now probable the Piedmont Railroad will be completed by the 1st June, as extreme necessity drives the government to some degree of energy. If it had taken up, or allowed to be taken up, the rails on the Aquia Creek Road a year ago, the Piedmont connection would have been made ere this; and then this famine would not have been upon us, and there would have been abundance of grain in the army depots of Virginia.

April, Friday 29, 1864

Joanna and Nannie went to Memphis early this morning, and have not returned yet, Father is very uneasy about them for fear they are in trouble with the Yankees—none have been out today. Maj. Crump spent the day in the woods again—another storm this evening which bro’t him home rather early, he came in my room where we were all buisy sewing—Tate is making Capt. Barber’s shirts,—Helen buisy getting ready to go South—which she thinks will be about the first of June. I have made “Dixie” five dresses, and have one to make yet, then I will have fulfilled my agreement for the privilage of naming her—Mr. Crawford spent the day with us, waiting for Nannie—Mr. Wesson left early this morning with his goods—we have no late, reliable news today. All spent the evening together in the Parlor. Father and I retired early, left Tate, Helen and Maj. Crump is there. All my little household together—Poor Beulah, I will always miss her.

April 29th. Reveille at daylight, then roll call, breakfast. Packed up waiting for orders to march, while in line. The command being given, we began our march, passing through town, out on the Winchester Pike. Macadamized roads were known as pikes. Going towards Winchester it was named after that town. Going from Winchester the same road was known as the Martinsburg Pike because it led to that town. Just outside of Martinsburg the 8th Corps was forming, under the command of General Sigel. This corps was also called The Army of West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Our regiment was the last to arrive. Received hearty cheers from the Ohio and West Virginia boys, which we returned in good old Yankee style. We could cheer. At this point we were brigaded with the 28th and 126th Ohio Regiments under the command of Colonel Moore, 28th Ohio, a German officer. About nine o’clock we began our march, the day being very hot and the road very dusty. Pushing up the valley. After a slow, tedious march, late in the day, a halt was made at Bunker Hill, a small village on the main pike. A supply of good water. Tired and leg weary. Our record for today’s march, ten miles.

Scottsboro, Ala., April 28, 1864.

We received marching orders last night, and will probably move to-morrow morning. Supposition is that we go to Huntsville first, there store our baggage, and then cross the Tennessee river and open the Spring campaign. I am much pleased at the prospect of moving once more. Have never been so well and comfortably situated in the army, nor was I ever tired of lying still. Lieutenant Miller R. Q. M. while hunting some mules a few miles from camp, last Monday was captured by the enemy, and is now on his way to the “Hotel de Libby” (not) rejoicing. ‘Tis something of a joke on Miller. Weather is becoming most uncomfortably warm. Altogether too hot for marching. Boys of our regiment and troops of the whole corps, never started on a march in better spirits. Will write as often as have opportunities. Swarms of flies interfere with my afternoon naps lately.

Thursday, 28th–It is cloudy and misty, and suffocating smoke is settling over our camp at times—and there is no end of mud. There is no news of any importance and we lay in camp all day, with no drill or dress parade. We are expecting orders to board the transports for Huntsville, Alabama. I went down town this afternoon to purchase a few articles. Things are awfully dear here. The soldiers are all supplying themselves with stationery and little articles needed on a long campaign.

A Regiment: A body of men, either horse, foot or artillery, commanded by a colonel and consisting of a number of companies, usually from eight to twelve.

A Reserve: A select body of troops in the rear of an army, reserved to sustain the other lines as occasion may require.

—A. G. Downing.

28th.—The country seems to continue quiet, but the campaign on the Rapidan is expected to open every day. Oh, how I dread it! The morning is bright and beautiful; it seems hardly possible that such strife is abroad in the land.

APRIL 28th.—After a slight shower last night, a cool, clear morning.

The ominous silence or pause between the armies continues. Lieut.-Gen. Longstreet, it is said, is “hidden.” I suppose he is working his way around the enemy’s right flank. If so, we shall soon hear thunder.

It is also supposed that Lee meditates an incursion into Pennsylvania, and that Gen. Beauregard will protect his rear and cover this city. All is merely conjecture.

We are amused at the enemy’s accounts of the storming of Plymouth. Their papers pretend to have not heard the result, and would lead their readers to believe that Gen. Hoke was repulsed, and that the place is “impregnable.”

The following appears in the morning papers:

“GEN. LEE’S BILL OF FARE.—The Richmond correspondent of the Mobile Advertiser gives the following about Gen. Lee’s mode of living :

“In Gen. Lee’s tent meat is eaten but twice a week, the general not allowing it oftener, because he believes indulgence in meat to be criminal in the present straitened condition of the country. His ordinary dinner consists of a head of cabbage, boiled in salt water, and a pone of corn bread. In this connection rather a comic story is told. Having invited a number of gentlemen to dine with him, Gen. Lee, in a fit of extravagance, ordered a sumptuous repast of cabbage and middling. The dinner was served: and, behold, a great pile of cabbage and a bit of middling about four inches long and two inches across! The guests, with commendable politeness, unanimously declined middling, and it remained in the dish untouched. Next day Gen. Lee, remembering the delicate tit-bit which had been so providentially preserved, ordered his servant to bring ‘that middling.’ The man hesitated, scratched his head, and finally owned up : `De fac is, Masse Robert, dat ar middlin’ was borrid middlin’; we all did’n had nar spec; and I done paid it back to de man whar I got it from.’ Gen. Lee heaved a sigh of deepest disappointment, and pitched into his cabbage.”

By a correspondence between the Secretaries of the Treasury and War, I saw that Mr. Memminger has about a million and a quarter in coin at Macon, Ga., seized as the property of the New Orleans banks—perhaps belonging to Northern men. I believe it was taken when there was an attempt made to smuggle it North. What it is proposed to do with it I know not, but I think neither the President nor the Secretaries will hesitate to use it–if there be a “military necessity.” Who knows but that one or more members of Mr. Lincoln’s cabinet, or his generals, might be purchased with gold? Fortress Monroe would be cheap at that price!

April, Thursday 28, 1864

Maj. Crump left for the bushes early this morning, did not return until the rain began, he sat in my room until supper was ready, Helen, Tate and Nannie have all been out here all evening buisy sewing on Maj. C shirts. I finished mine before the storm came up. Mr. Wesson came after Mr. Wallace’s things, he has not left yet, will start in the morning—

Seven Yankees and a cotton buyer came today just after dinner—did not harm anything, only wanted some milk, and to know the way to the plank road—we were very fortunate once again—they did not even come in the house. We have not heard a word of news today—all spent the evening together in the Parlor, Music &c. I beat Maj. Crump at Chess. Father & Mr. Wesson retired early. I sat up right late, trying to get Mary to sleep, succeeded at last, left Nannie, Helen and Maj. Crump in Parlor, found Laura sleep in the chair with her work in her lap—Tip had not arrived—the Goslins taking their lunch—and I, poor miserable being, praying for strength, and patience, for thy will, oh! Lord—Tate had a letter from Eddie & Capt. Barber—

April 28th. Martinsburg, West Virginia. Up early this morning, waiting for the regiment which soon came marching into town, having camped for the night about five miles out of town. Weather fine. Ordered to camp out on the Williamsport Pike, north side. Just got camp located, tents up, orders came to strike tents, turn them over to the Quartermaster’s Department, and in place to receive shelter tents, also known as pup tents by the soldiers. Ordered to be ready to march early on the morrow. We are in for business now. Weather fine tonight.

Wednesday, 27th–It rained all day and there is no end of mud in our camp, which is on very low ground. Cairo is improving very fast, a great many buildings having been erected since this war broke out. The veterans still keep coming in on every train; the Eighth Iowa arrived today. About two thousand troops went aboard the transports for Huntsville, Alabama.^[1] We will be glad when we get orders to leave this mudhole.

[1] Clifton, Tennessee.–A. G. D.

April 27.—Another day and night have passed, and nothing of importance has occurred to the country. We are expecting movements in every direction. 0 God! direct our leaders!

Our daughter M. is with us, quite sick; her husband has just arrived from North Carolina, where he is attached to General Whiting’s command.

Wednesday April 27^th 1864, Washington

Since my last date I have been home to L Island and staid 15 days. Julia and myself started the 1^st ins^t. We staid two days in N York City. I returned here on the morning of the 19^th. I had a very pleasant time of it at home altho the weather was not so pleasant as the N.E. Wind was blowing nearly all the time. No very great events have occured in reference to the war this month. Both sides are getting ready and preparing for the contest this spring and it is expected that the struggle will be a fearful one. The Army of the Potomac is larger than ever before now under Gen^l Grant. It is supposed to be from two hundred and fifty to three hundred thousand men. The Rebel Lee^s army is probably a hundred thousand less. Grant evidently intends to make a sure thing of it. Gen^l Burnside passed through the City on Monday last with his Army to join Grant. Burnside has been at Annapolis for the past two months organizing a new army. It numbers about 50,000 men, including about 10,000 Negro troops. Only about one half passed this way of the entire Army, the rest were sent round by water to land at Alexandria V.A. Grants Army is still on the “Rapidan” some sixty miles from Washington. There has been some pretty severe Battles the present month, the first at Fort Pillow, Tenn, where the rebels captured the Fort with the advantage of having greatly superior numbers and mas[sa]cred most of the Garrison after they surrendered. The next fight, or rather important Battle as it was, took place in Louisiana on Red River and lasted two days. The Rebels were defeated the second day. The first day we had the worst of it. This was the Army of Gen^l Banks and it is thought that very good Generalship was not displayed on the first day. Gen^l A. J Smith retrieved the loss on the second day by driving the rebels with great slaughter. (Gold 185 today). Yesterday we had news of the surrender of Plymouth in N.C. to a greatly superior force of Rebels after four days severe fighting. We lost some 2500 men in that affair. It is reported that many of the prisoners were shot after the surrender. On the whole the spring operations have not been very favorable to us. All is quiet at Charleston S.C. and at Chattanooga and Knoxville. All eyes are turned to Virginia to Grants and Lee^s armies and active operations are expected to take place every day. Momentuous consequences depend upon the result. If we should be defeated the war will be greatly prolonged, probably for years to come.