Decatur, Ill., September 6, 1863. Girls, fun, etc., have lost their charm, and I’ve made up my mind to go back to my regiment. Reasons, as follows: Firstly, the general’s health as affected by his wound is no better, and I think it doubtful whether he goes back. Second, if he does go to the [...]

6th. Up early and on the march at 6:30 towards Knoxville. Passed through a very pretty country along the railroad. Passed Dr. Baker’s, killed by Trescott, Co. C on raid, bushwhacker. Many rich people, many well dressed darkies. Reached K. at 3 and lay in dust for two hours. Major Seward–disgusted–marched us through town when [...]

Sunday, 6th–The sick in our regiment were sent away this morning, thirty-one in all. Those who could stand the trip North were given a thirty-day furlough, and the very sick were taken to the general hospital here in Vicksburg. The men whose thirty-day furloughs have expired are returning to their regiments.

SEPTEMBER 6th.—Northern papers received yesterday evening contain a letter from Mr. Lincoln to the Illinois Convention of Republicans, in which I am told (I have not seen it yet) he says if the Southern people will first lay down their arms, he will then listen to what they may have to say. Evidently he has [...]

Saturday, 5th.—Badly disappointed to-day. Cousins Mag and Hattie Lowry came to train, to come home with me; but the authorities would not, or could not, be persuaded to let them get on the train, and so I had to say good-bye. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

Saturday, 5th. Awakened at 4. Breakfasted at 5. Kind people, intelligent woman. Most intelligent and pretty girls in Tenn., two. Had some music last night. Marched at 6. Rear guard. Passed through Unitia, all Union. Illuminated houses last night. All fared first rate, good time. Two meetings today and tomorrow. Forded the river. Reached camp [...]

Saturday, 5th–No news of importance. The weather continues hot and sultry. Many more of the sick are being sent home on furloughs or taken to hospitals. Although half of our number are sick with the chills and fever, yet a kind Providence has certainly favored the soldiers of the Union armies in this region; for [...]

SEPTEMBER 5th.—It is believed that Lee, with a large portion of his army, will proceed immediately to Tennessee against Rosecrans; and it is ascertained that Meade is sending reinforcements thither. But I fear for Virginia when Lee is away! Meade must have a large army left behind, else he would not send reinforcements to Rosecrans. [...]

Friday, 4th.—Walked out to Chattoogata Presbyterian Church at night; heard good sermon. Several professions; among them G. W. Hood, of our company. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

4th. Boys got ready to go for forage, when orders came to report to H quarters immediately, lightly equipped. E, G. H and C went under Capt. Stewart over the river to Morgantown. A “coffee” girl brought us some peaches. Ate dinner with Rebs. $200 for a pan of flour. Lady said she paid $3,000 [...]

Friday, 4th–The weather today is intensely hot. Those who are not sick spent the day in washing their clothing. Over half of the boys in our regiment are sick with the fever and ague, all because of the very poor water we had to drink while on the march, the weather being very hot and [...]

SEPTEMBER 4th.—There is a rumor that Gen. Lee (who is still here) is to take the most of his army out of Virginia, to recapture the Southern territory lost by Loring, Pemberton, and Bragg. I doubt this for it might involve the loss of Richmond, and indeed of the whole State of Virginia. It would [...]

3rd. After breakfast and feeding, moved to Lenoir. Stopped two hours in the shade near the big springs. Several Union men from over the river, Blount County, anxious for us to cross over. Camped in the woods on a high bank of river. Many girls out to see us. Several came up and took coffee [...]

Thursday, 3d–The boats arrived this morning and we embarked immediately, pushing out at 10 o’clock for Vicksburg. The Eleventh and the Sixteenth Iowa were on board the “Samuel Gotz.” We were crowded on the boat, and the heat of the sun was frightful. We reached Vicksburg at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and disembarking, marched [...]

SEPTEMBER 3d.—Night before last the heavens were illuminated, it is said, by the terrific bombardment of the batteries and forts in the vicinity of Charleston, and earth and sea trembled with the mighty vibrations. Yet no material injury was done our works, and there were not more than a dozen casualties. On the side of [...]

Wednesday, September 2.—Confederates have fallen back from Loudon; bridge burned. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

2nd. Aroused at 2 A. M., in readiness for a fight. Got breakfast, fed and moved at 6 o’clock. General order from Burnside saying that any man guilty of stealing, robbing or pillaging should be stripped of clothes, flogged, head shaved, branded with letter T. and drummed out of service. Marched to Lenoir. Then artillery [...]

Wednesday, 2d–We left Bayou Mason at midnight and marched through to the river, eighteen miles, without stopping, reaching Goodrich’s Landing at 7 o’clock this morning. General Stephenson planned our march so that we should pass through that terrible ten miles of hemp at night, thus avoiding the heat.[1] Our brigade led in the march all [...]

SEPTEMBER 2d.—We have no news of any importance from any of the armies. Gen. Bragg, however, telegraphs, August 31st, that he is concentrating his forces to receive the enemy, reported to be on the eve of assailing his position. He says he has sent our paroled men to Atlanta (those taken at Vicksburg), and asks [...]

SEPTEMBER, 1863 1st. Reveille at early daylight. “Boots and Saddles” at 6:30. Marched out on the Kingston road and halted till nearly noon. Gen. B. passed us. Infantry up and massed in a big field. Looks like business. Moved on London road, more big hills. Numerous reports about Rebs. Three taken at ford of Clinch [...]

CANANDAIGUA, September 1.—A party of us went down to the Canandaigua hotel this morning to see President Johnson, General Grant and Admiral Farragut and other dignitaries. The train stopped about half an hour and they all gave brief speeches.

Tuesday, 1st–We lay here at Bayou Mason all day to rest. The boys are very tired after marching for twelve days, with the weather much of the time so fearfully hot. Then on account of the bad water, exposure and fatigue, a large number are sick, many of them not able to carry their accouterments, [...]

SEPTEMBER 1st.—Another letter from Gen. Whiting, urging the government by every consideration, and with all the ingenuity and eloquence of language at his command, to save Wilmington by sending reinforcements thither, else it must be inevitably lost. He says it will not do to rely upon what now seems the merest stupidity of the enemy, [...]

September 1st, 1863.—The children have not been well at Bath, so Brother Amos is bringing his family home next week. The War Department will not accept his services, so he is going direct to his plantation on Lake Jackson and try to make lots of syrup, sugar and meat for the armies in the field; [...]