Tuesday, 17th–The report in camp this morning was that General Sherman had been killed and his force captured on a railroad train east from Memphis. Another report this afternoon says that the train was attacked by the rebel cavalry, but that the troops formed a skirmish line and routed the rebels, and that Sherman is [...]

17th. Sent Lewis to Russelville to see about rations. June came with load of flour weighing 4,000. 2nd. N. Carolina and 23rd Ind. Batt. in our Brigade drew rations. Saw post Commissary. No rations. Things begin to look a little dubious. Considerable running about for one day. Rode from Gap to camp with Lt. Pearson.

Monday, 17th.—Drew three days’ rations. Started on scout with two brigades. At Nickajack at sundown; cleaning blockade out of Gap. 12 M., about a dozen cannons fired. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

NOVEMBER 17th.—A cold, dark day. No news. It was a mistake about the enemy crossing the Rapidan—only one brigade (cavalry) came over, and it was beaten back without delay. Vice-President Stephens writes a long letter to the Secretary, opposing the routine policy of furloughs, and extension of furloughs; suggesting that in each district some one [...]

November 17, 1863, The New York Herald             We lay before our readers today further particulars of the great Texas expedition, the main points of which, together with a full account of its success on the Rio Grande, we gave exclusively yesterday, from the pen of our special correspondent on the flagship McClellan. The account [...]

Monday, 16th–On picket today. The weather is warm and pleasant, though the cool nights give warning of approaching winter. With our high picket post and the beautiful landscape, finer than an artist could paint, picket duty in the daytime is a delight.

16th. Before rising, was ordered to Garrard’s quarters. Went over and received orders to go to McKinney’s Mill and get 40 sacks of flour and then go to Bulls Gap where Hdqrs. had moved. Did my business and rode to the Gap after dusk. Cold ride. Learned that the Brigade was at the Lick Creek [...]

Sunday, 16th.—Colonel told us this would probably be our camp for some time, and that we had better build winter quarters. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

NOVEMBER 16th.—Governor Brown, Georgia, writes the Secretary that he is opposed to impressments, and that the government should pay the market price—whatever that is. And the Rhett politicians of South Carolina are opposed to raising funds to pay with, by taxing land and negroes. So indicates the Mercury. We have news to-day of the crossing [...]

November 16, 1863, The New York Herald             By the arrival of the steamers Cromwell, Columbia and Continental from New Orleans yesterday, we have highly interesting news of the expedition of General Banks. It has landed safely on the Texas shore of the Rio Grande, after experiencing some severe weather at sea, and much difficulty [...]

NOVEMBER 15th.—After a fine rain all night, it cleared away beautifully this morning, cool, but not unseasonable. There is no news of importance. The Governor of Georgia recommends, in his message, that the Legislature instruct their representatives in Congress to vote for a repeal of the law allowing substitutes, and also to put the enrolling [...]

Sunday, 15th–We had the regular Sunday inspections, company at 10 o’clock and regimental at 4. It is pretty strict discipline to call us out on the Lord’s Day for two inspections, when our daily duty is so laborious.

15th. After breakfast packed up. Went up town and got rations of coffee and sugar for ten days, and beef. 7th marched to St. Clair, also Col. Garrard. Drove the cattle. Found a comfortable room. An old stove for quartermasters and Commissary. Cleaned it out, and got stove and seemed comfortable. Little like Sunday. Thought [...]

November 15.—Went this morning to Church and heard the Gospel preached, but in a manner so dull, and in a voice so monotonous, that I did not hear with much profit. I mourn that I did not, for I believe that some of the most God-serving, and therefore efficient ministers, are those who are not [...]

Saturday, 15th.—Went on picket one mile; not getting much rations. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

November 15.¹ – “We” went out to Fort Hamilton to-day and are going to Blackwell’s Island to-morrow and to many other places of interest down the Bay. Soldiers are everywhere and I feel quite important, walking around in company with blue coat and brass buttons–very becoming style of dress for men and the military salute [...]

14th. After breakfast bugle sounded and tents were struck, horses saddled and 2nd Ohio moved to St. Clair, 9 miles distant. Moved qrs. up near Hdqrs. Rainy day, very during the night. Went down and saw the colored men dance jigs and reels. Quite a jolly time. Commenced messing with Com’ry detail. Good time. Heavy [...]

Saturday, 14th–The weather is quite warm, but windy and smoky. Wild grapes are still growing. There is no change; all is quiet and no news. We still maintain our regular picket of two thousand men.

NOVEMBER 14th.—Some skirmishing between Chattanooga and Knoxville. From prisoners we learn that the enemy at both those places are on half rations, and that Grant intends to attack Bragg soon at Lookout Mountain. Either Grant or Bragg must retire, as the present relative positions cannot long be held. Mr. A. Moseley, formerly editor of the [...]

November 14, 1863, The New York Herald             All continues quiet in front of the Potomac Army. The headquarters of the Commissary Department are now at Warrenton Junction, from which immediate supplies of rations are daily forwarded. The demoralization in the rebel army is reported to be on the increase. A deserter from the Ninth [...]

13th. Drew flour for the brigade. Set the butchers to killing hogs, 20. Some talk of moving. Wrote a short letter to the “blue eyed bonnie” I once called mine. No particular news. Wrote to Delos. Long time since I wrote to him. Weather pleasant. Got “Spike” shod. Oh my heart is sad and weary. [...]

Friday, 13th–My same old duty again—picket. There was no fatigue detail today, as the fortifications are almost completed. Two or three forts, however, are yet to be built just outside of the rifle pits.

13th.—My appointment to a clerkship in the Commissary Department has been received, with a salary of $125 per month. The rooms are not ready for us to begin our duties, and Colonel R. has just called to tell me one of the requirements. As our duties are those of accountants, we are to go through [...]

Thursday, November 13th.—Having recovered from my sickness, left home 8 A. M.; at Chickamauga Station, 11 A. M. Left my blanket and went one hundred yards and returned, but it was gone, and I never saw it again. Found regiment at foot of Lookout Mountain. After dark, marched up on the mountain at Summertown. (Note: [...]