Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: November 28, 1864

Ordered, with the 161st New York, to Memphis, on steamer “Baltic.” Accident to the rudder. Taken in tow by the “John Groesbeck.” Arrived at 3 p. m. on the 30th. Encamped three miles east of the city, near the rebel breast-works. Lieut. Jones and myself made a pretty good tent out of some boards, with fly over the top, and bought a stove and put it in and made it quite comfortable. About December 13th, we had a heavy snow storm, with snow drifts in the company streets, and it was very cold, but it did not last long. There were many amusements in the city — a circus and theatre, so we passed the time very pleasantly.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 139-40

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: October 19, 1864

Passed Helena, Ark., and reached Memphis at 8 p. m. Staid all night on board the steamboat. Next day we went ashore and camped two miles in rear of the city, but at 5 p. m. took the steamer “Belle Memphis” with the 161st New York, and moved on up the river.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 136

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: October 16, 1864

It being Sunday, we had a sermon by the chaplain of the 161st New York. Passed Napoleon, Ark., and ran past the “shute,” landing at White river at 3 p. m. On the 18th went on board the “Bart Able” with the 161st New York and the 29th Illinois, bound for Memphis.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 135-6

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: October 11, 1864

Marching orders again, and at 4 p. m. we were steaming up the river. We had the First Louisiana Infantry, 161st New York Infantry, 23d Wisconsin, a squadron of First Louisiana Cavalry, and six pieces of artillery on board the transports Charlton and Illinois.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 133

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: October 2, 1864

Orders to embark tomorrow morning at 5 p. m. for Bayou Sara on board the transport Illinois. Arrived on the third. Marched two miles in rear of town at the forks of the Woodville and Port Hudson roads. The expedition consisted of the First Louisiana Infantry, One hundred sixty-first New York, Twenty-third Wisconsin, a squadron of the First Louisiana Cavalry, a New York Regiment of cavalry and two or three sections of artillery. Colonel Guppy of the twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry commanding. Captured several prisoners, outposts of rebel army at Jackson and Woodville. At night on picket guard two miles from camp.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 129-30