January 4th.–Bright, but several inches of snow fell last night. The President wrote a long letter to the Secretary yesterday concerning the assignment of conscripts in Western North Carolina, at most only a few hundred, and the appointment of officers, etc. A small subject. Congress has passed a resolution calling on the Secretary of War [...]
4th. Wednesday. Charge of picket. This morning failed to get out at roll call. Did not hear the bugle. My first failure since I have been an officer in the 2nd Ohio. A very cold windy day. Reserve at a large stone barn.
Wednesday, 4th–A large detail from the Fourteenth Army Corps was at work today on the fortifications. The Third Division of the Seventeenth Corps marched down to the coast and this afternoon embarked upon the expedition. Our division, the Fourth, received orders to be ready to move in the morning. Our regimental quartermaster received a consignment [...]
January 3d.–Calm and quiet; indications of snow. By a communication sent to Congress, by the President, it is ascertained that 500,000 pairs shoes, 8,000,000 pounds bacon, 2,000,000 pounds saltpeter, 50 cannon, etc. etc., have been imported since Octoberr 1st, 1864. When the enemy’s fleet threatened Wilmington, the brokers here (who have bribed the conscript officers) [...]
January 3d. Weather permitting, we have company, battalion drill, and dress parade. Weather very cold at this time. We have to lie close to the fires when off duty or post. Sergeants must keep awake all night. Corporals get sleep and rest when their reliefs are off post.
3rd. Finished the chimney and moved into the new house– little more than 8 ft. square.
Tuesday, 3d–The First Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps embarked this afternoon on an unknown expedition.[1] They had to march down to the coast below the city in order to take ship. It is reported in camp that the rest of the corps, together with the Fifteenth Corps, is to follow in a few days, [...]
2d.—This bitter cold morning, when we entered the office, we found that our good “Major” had provided us a New Year’s treat of hot coffee. Of course we all enjoyed it highly, and were very grateful to him; and when I returned home, the first thing that met my eye was a box sent from [...]
2nd. Monday. Commenced building fireplace. Morrison worked for me. Very busy day. Tired out at night.
Monday, 2d–The weather is quite cool. I was detailed this morning to work on the fortifications. We are building the platforms, upon which will be mounted the large cannon, just outside of the forts and rifle pits. These are elevated from five to ten feet above the common level of the ground and then floored [...]
Sunday, January 1st, 1865.–Snowed a few inches in depth during the night–clear and cool morning. The new year begins with the new rumor that Gen. Hood has turned upon Gen. Thomas and beaten him. This is believed by many. Hood’s army was not destroyed, and he retreated from before Nashville with some 20,000 men. Doubtless [...]
January 1st. Camp at Halltown, where we are going through life doing the duty of a soldier, in winter quarters. Many new recruits are being added to our company, and the regiment. The sick and wounded who have recovered are also coming back. All returning members and recruits are greeted as fresh fish. Our camp [...]
January 1st, 1865.—At St. James’s Church this morning. Our children came over from Union Hill yesterday, to take their dinner from the contents of the captured box, and were detained by snow and rain. “We were too much pleased to have them with us not to make it convenient to accommodate them, which we did [...]
1st. Sunday. After roll call earned a breakfast by chopping wood. Made a good fire. Drew a load of bricks from the country. Many of the boys are suffering from poor boots and short rations. Have worked some today, but conscience clear.
Sunday, 1st–This is New Year’s Day and my fourth in the army.[1] We did not have to work on the fortifications today, and as the weather was cloudy and cool we remained close to our “ranches.” At 4 p. m. we had company inspection. We are still on two-thirds rations. [1] The common belief among [...]
January 1st.—Marched on through Jacinto, Tishamingo County, Rienzi, Tupelo and Saltillo. Reported Jeff Davis dead. Great many glad to hear it. One-fourth of army bare-footed. Worst demoralized army it is possible to see. About two thirds of them declare they are going home. Drew a few shoes, coats and pants. Jeff Davis not dead. (Note: [...]
January 1st 1865 “New Years” has passed off very pleasantly. There has been a great deal of “Calling” and the City has been full of people. There was a great rush at the Presidents House. I went the “rounds” calling upon most of the Heads of Departments. I noticed a great contrast betwen this “New [...]