Wednesday, 16th–It rained nearly all day, commencing about 1 o’clock in the night. I being on picket had a hard night of it, for the water at our post in the bottom stood about a foot deep. It was a fearful night to be out on picket; one could not even find protection standing, let [...]
Wednesday Dec 16th 1863 The “Army of the potomac” is virtualy in Winter quarters. The roads are so bad in Virginia now that heavy Artillery cannot move. Genl Mead is still in com[ma]nd of the Army and it is generaly conceded that He was not to blame in falling back under the circumstances. Longstreets army [...]
DECEMBER 16th.—The Examiner to-day discovers that if the President’s project of enrolling all men, and detailing for civil pursuits such as the Executive may designate, be adopted, that he will then be constituted a DICTATOR—the best thing, possibly, that could happen in the opinion of many; though the Examiner don’t think so. It is probable [...]
15th. Last night I accompanied Col. Garrard, carrying his orders. He is very cool under fire and indifferent as to the nearness of shell, shot and musket ball, many of which gave him a close call. Hugh White, Co. A. killed. Many narrow escapes. The scene after dark was fine. I felt a wild enthusiasm [...]
Tuesday, 15th–Quite cool this morning, with a high wind all day. Quite a number of the Eleventh Iowa have re-enlisted, though only eighteen of our company.
(excerpts) “Dec. 15th, 1863. “I have passed many anxious months lately, in this siege of Charleston. My only child and son was at Fort Sumter, a First Lieutenant in the 1st Regular Artillery Regiment. He passed through the first attack in April safely—though occupying a post of danger, but, on the 17th of August, in [...]
DECEMBER 15th.—Bright, beautiful day–but, alas! the news continues dark. Two companies of cavalry were surprised and taken on the Peninsula day before yesterday; and there are rumors of disaster in Western Virginia. Foote still keeps up a fire on the President in the House; but he is not well seconded by the rest of the [...]
Bean Station, Tenn. Monday, 14th. Dark, cloudy and foggy. Hear Jacob Smallered of “C” Co. was killed yesterday. At noon Col. Garrard came along with the Brigade. Teams ordered to hitch up. Didn’t feel well but concluded to go out. June went with me to station. Artillery firing commenced. Found rebels near the station in [...]
Monday, 14th–A pleasant day and all is quiet. This is washday in camp. But since there are so many negro women here, thankful for the job, and who do it so cheaply, most of the boys hire their clothes washed. I got my week’s washing done for twenty-five cents. In the early morning we see [...]
December 14th. On picket, which comes every other day and night. All things seem to be very quiet. Bought a watch. The first one I ever owned. Paid one of the boys ten dollars. Wrote many letters to friends at home. When off duty visited the many points of interest around the town. Here old [...]
“BRANDON, Dec. 14th, 1863. “My dear Wigfall: “I see in the newspapers reports of resolutions of what is called the Mississippi campaign. One of them calling for the correspondence connected with it. “Let me suggest that the campaign really commenced in the beginning of December, 1862—and that my connection with it dates from November 24th [...]
DECEMBER 14th.—We have President Lincoln’s message today, and his proclamation of amnesty to all who take an oath of allegiance, etc., and advocate emancipation. There are some whom he exempts, of course. It is regarded here as an electioneering document, to procure a renomination for the Presidency in the radical Abolition Convention to assemble in [...]
December 14th.–Drove out with Mrs. Davis. She had a watch in her hand which some poor dead soldier wanted to have sent to his family. First, we went to her mantua-maker, then we drove to the Fair Grounds where the band was playing. Suddenly, she missed the watch. She remembered having it when we came [...]
Sunday, Dec. 13.—The first anniversary of the battle of Fredericksburg, where we lost so many valuable lives, and where the Federals were thoroughly whipped. Since that time we have lost many lives, which nothing can repay; but we hold our own, have had some victories, and have been upon the whole much blessed by God. [...]
Sunday, 13th. Remained at quarters nearly all day. Rainy in the morning. Read in the Independent. About noon ordered to pack wagons ready to move. Struck tents and all ready. Troops returned to camps and tents again pitched. Begin to worry about Thede. A. B. thinks he had better be discharged. So do I.
Sunday, 13th–We were relieved from picket and arrived in camp about noon. For a wonder we did not have inspection of any kind on this, the Lord’s Day. It rained some this morning, but turned off quite clear in the afternoon.
DECEMBER 13d.—Rained last night—and this morning we have warm April weather and bright sunshine. It is getting to be the general belief among men capable of reflection, that no jugglery can save the Confederate States currency. As well might one lift himself from the earth by seizing his feet, as to legislate a remedy. Whatever [...]
December 12.—To-day I was examined on arithmetic—”Denominate numbers, vulgar and decimal fractions, tare and tret,” etc., etc., by Major Brewer, of the Commissary Department. I felt as if I had returned to my childhood. But for the ridiculousness of the thing, I dare say I should have been embarrassed. On Monday I am to enter [...]
12th. After breakfast rode to station and got bread. Went down to the 2nd O. V. C. and saw Co. C boys. Seems good to mingle with them occasionally. Brigade ordered out to scout. Gone before I was aware of movement, but unable to go anyway. Went four miles above Morristown, and ran against too [...]
Saturday, 12th–It came the Eleventh Iowa’s turn to go on reserve picket, down in the river bottom. It is a fine place for a reserve post, plenty of wood to burn these rather cold nights.
December 12th. Off picket. Cold rain continues, making life miserable. A large campfire near the church. When off duty do some scouting around the vicinity. The 1st Connecticut Cavalry in camp near the town. Visited the cavalry boys at their camp.
DECEMBER 12th.—There was a rumor that Chattanooga had been evacuated; but it turns out that the enemy are fortifying it, and mean to keep it, while operating in East Tennessee. It is said Gen. Grant is to bring 30,000 men to Virginia, and assume command of the Army of the Potomac, superseding Meade. He may [...]
11th. Last night command marched across the river after caring for the wounded–building campfires. I rode on into camp and read home letters brought by Maj. Nettleton. He called this morning and took breakfast with us. Went down and got hard bread and a little sugar and coffee. Saw Corp. C. S., a little active [...]
Bivouac in Mud Creek Cove, near Belle Fonte, Ala., December 11, 1863. Without any earthly cause I am troubled with a small fit of the blues this evening. I can’t imagine what brought it on. I am cross, restless and tired. Don’t want any company—wouldn’t go to see a girl if there were a thousand [...]
Friday, 11th–The Eleventh had regimental inspection with accouterments and full dress. The boys are continuing to re-enlist for three years or during the war. Officers from the corps headquarters are out among the different regiments urging reenlistments. They argue that the war will be over anyway by the time the first three-year service shall have [...]