Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Wednesday, June 19, 1861

Embarkation of the Second Battery on the steamer Kill Von Kull, and of the Second Rhode Island Infantry, on the State of Maine.

Early in the morning the tents were struck, everything packed up, order was given to mount, and by nine o'clock we commenced our march through Westminster street; from thence, through South Main street, to India Point, where the steamers lay, and started by about four o'clock in the afternoon. The docks were crowded immensely during the day; the fair sex, especially, was strongly represented. Amid the pealing of cannon and the farewell cheers of the multitude, we gradually distanced the shore. Those present will well remember that memorable day. Gov. Sprague and the patriotic Bishop Clark accompanied the Second Regiment, infantry, on the State of Maine. On our approaching Fort Adams, we were saluted by the artillery there. By nightfall, we were made acquainted with the first government ration—pilot bread, the so-called salt-junk, and a cup of coffee. The meat was of a rather poor quality, although it was served out with good grace by our respected captain, W. H. Reynolds.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 6

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Thursday, June 20, 1861

We steamed past Fort Schuyler, Hurl Gate, New York city, crossed the bay, and landed at Elizabethport, by ten o'clock A. M. After a delay of several hours at the railroad depot, the train started off. Much sympathy was displayed by the people of New Brunswick, Trenton, Easton and other places we passed through. Loud cheering hailed us at every station; strawberries, pies, &c., were freely handed in the cars.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 7

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Friday, June 21, 1861

Arrived at Harrisburg early in the morning. Coffee, bread and pies were given to us by inhabitants of that place. After a short halt, we resumed our journey, crossed the Susquehanna river, passed Little York, and arrived at Baltimore by eight o'clock in the evening. Our battery was immediately loaded on flats, drawn by horses to the top of the hill, the horses unhitched then, and the cars rolled down the other side to the Washington depot. Order was given not to accept any refreshments from the citizens. No demonstration was made, the throwing of a few bricks on the cars, in the neighborhood of the depot, excepted. Started for Washington by ten o'clock.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 7

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Saturday, June 22, 1861

Arrival at the National Capital. By daylight the cupola of the Capitol greeted our eyes, a reviving sight after three sleepless nights. Col. Ambrose E. Burnside and Capt. Chas. H. Tompkins had a breakfast prepared for us, consisting of roast beef, soft bread and coffee. After unloading battery, we marched towards Camp Sprague, and established our quarters on the left of those of the First R. I. infantry regiment and battery. Our camp was named "Camp Clark," in honor of the celebrated Bishop Clark, of Rhode Island, the model of a Christian minister and true patriot.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 7-8

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Sunday, June 23, 1861

The sanctity of the day was well observed throughout the camp, and increased by an impressive sermon, preached by Bishop Clark. In the afternoon, passes were given to the men to visit the city. The day closed with a dress parade, President Lincoln and other functionaries being present.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 8

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Monday, June 24, 1861

Grand review of the Rhode Island troops by President Lincoln and Gen. Scott. Marched in front of the White House and through the principal streets of Washington.

From this time up to the 4th of July, nothing of importance occurred; everything went on quiet and pleasant; battery drills and manual of the piece were the usual occupation. Sometimes the long roll would be beat during the night, or guards would fire at some imaginary object of suspicion. On such an occasion a cow was shot.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 8

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Thursday, July 4, 1861

The day was duly celebrated in camp. Rhode Island furnished her troops with a good dinner. Prof. Sweet treated the multitude with a tight rope performance. The day passed off smoothly, with the exception of a strange display of authority by a few corporals, laboring under the idea that their dignity was injured by the men not paying enough respect to them. In those days gunners and caisson corporals played gentlemen. They not only expected to be saluted by privates, but induced the men of their respective detachments to hire negroes to black the boots for all the men, while actually it was only to wait on the corporals; yet they did not want to stand the expense alone. Let it be said in our honor, we allowed this humbug to be of but short duration. I cannot help mentioning the names of the men of the fourth detachment, not because the men were any better than others, but because it furnished the most commissioned and non-commissioned officers of any other in the battery. Corporals, Charles H. Clark and Harry C. Cushing. Privates, Wm. Drape, George Greenleaf, John H. Lawrence, Ben. S. Monroe, Richard Percival, Theodore Reichardt, Robert Rowbottom, Robert Raynor, Charles V. Scott, and Arnold A. Walker.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 8-9

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Tuesday, July 9, 1861

A sad accident occurred today. At section drill, through some unknown cause, a limber-chest of Lieut. Vaughan's section, filled with cartridges, exploded, while the gunnner Morse, and privates Bourne and Freeman were mounted. They were thrown some twenty feet up in the air. Morse and Bourne died within the space of an hour. Freeman, being badly injured, recovered after a lingering sickness. Two drivers were slightly wounded, and two horses injured. We escorted the bodies of Morse and Bourne to the depot, to be sent to Rhode Island.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 9

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Thursday, July 11, 1861

Grand review before President Lincoln, Gens. Scott and Fremont. Salutes were fired.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 9

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Monday, July 15, 1861

Great excitement in camp; order was received to get ready for a forward movement; ammunition packed; haversacks and canteens were issued.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 9-10

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Tuesday, July 16, 1861

The morning of that day found us marching across the Long Bridge, directly through Fort Runyon, on the Virginia side; did not march over seven miles; after which we formed in line of battle and prepared to camp for the night, this being the first night in the open air. All quiet during the night.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 10

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Wednesday, July 17, 1861

Resumed our march soon after break of day, and entered Fairfax Court House, contrary to our expectations, towards one o'clock, at mid-day, the rebels having evacuated the town shortly before our entrance. Their rear guard could be plainly seen some distance off. Our battery formed in park near the court house. Some of the boys were very lucky in finding a good dinner served on a table in one of the houses, besides some articles of value, undoubtedly belonging to some confederate officers. Some picket firing during the night.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 10

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Thursday, July 18, 1861

Advance at daylight. A part of the Union army, Gen. Tyler's troops, engaged. This conflict the rebels call battle of Bull Run. While the contest was raging, our division halted two miles to the left of Fairfax Court House, at a place called Germantown. We could plainly hear the distant booming of artillery, and were impatiently waiting for the order, "forward." Towards four o'clock P. M., we advanced again; preparations were made to get in action; sponge buckets filled with water, and equipments distributed among the cannoniers. But when we approached Centreville, intelligence came that our troops got worsted and the contest was given up. Our division went to camp within a mile and a half of Centreville. Strong picket lines we drawn up.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 10-1

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Friday, July 19, 1861

Camp near Centreville. The troops remained quiet all day. Fresh beef as rations.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 11

Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Saturday, July 20, 1861

Quiet during the day. About six o'clock in the evening the army got ready to advance; but after council of war was held by the chief commanders, they concluded to wait till the next day.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 11

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, May 17, 1864

To-day one company of the Ninth Ohio Cavalry reports to Captain Ring. The remainder of Rowett's command is now deployed along the Tennessee River to intercept squads of rebels on the north side of the river, seeking to cross to their commands. Late in the evening Rowett arrives with his force at Center Star. Our rations are now out and in consequence the soldiers are making heavy requisitions upon the citizens, who no doubt before morning will come to the conclusion that they have not gained much by inviting Roddy and Johnson across the Tennessee to drive Dick Rowett and his troopers from North Alabama. How true it is "that every dog has his day." At ten o'clock P. M., we receive orders to report immediately to Athens, Alabama. We are soon in the saddle and on the road. We travel all night and cross Elk River early in the morning, and arrive and go into camp at Athens nine o'clock A. M.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 242

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: May 22, 1864

To-day Lieutenants Sullivan and Rowett are sent with a flag of truce into North Alabama, to negotiate an exchange for our men who were captured on the seventh. Upon promise that our men would be sent to Decatur the following day, Lieutenant Sullivan surrenders up to Colonel Johnson the rebel prisoners captured by us in North Alabama, and returns to Athens.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 242

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: May 23, 1864

Instead of sending our men as per promise, Colonel Johnson, C. S. A., sends a squad of Federal soldiers belonging to other regiments whose term of service would soon expire, thus breaking his

pledge of faith. Most honorable man; a true type of chivalry. Thou art worthy a medal.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 242-3

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: June 1, 1864

We receive orders to turn over to the Division A. Q. M., our long eared friends, which causes us all to give a sigh, for they have been faithful in many things. Troops are now daily passing through Athens on their way South. From day to day we look for orders that will tell us to move. On the fourteenth they come. Our faces will soon be turned towards the far sunny South, where the angry passions of men run high, and ere long we anticipate days of fiery strife—days that will be marked with fearful sacrifice. May God be with us.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 243

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: June 16, 1864

On the evening of the 15th we take the cars for Chattanooga. All are in fine spirits, and as we move from Athens we are wont to say, farewell mules! farewell North Alabama! Arriving at Stephenson the train stops until morning, when it again moves on its way southward. We are now approaching Chattanooga. Lookout Mountain is seen looming up in the dim distance—it presents to the eye of the soldier an impressive grandeur, impressive because on its highest pinnacle, a flag honored and loved by earth's struggling people is flying as it were in the atmosphere of heaven. Arriving at Chattanooga we leave the train and march outside the city limits and go into camp for the night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 244

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: June 17, 1864

It is said we will remain here for a few days. All is quiet this morning. Our camp is at the foot of Lookout Mountain, in the Chattanooga valley. As we look around we are reminded that blood has flowed and noble men died here. Uncoffined graves dot the valley and the mountain side, and here these hallowed mounds will ever appear as landmarks to guide those who have for long weary years sighed for human freedom.

To-day the Seventh boys wend their way up Lookout Mountain; it is a wearisome task; up and up we climb. Soon we are above the clouds where Hooker's bayonets clashed in midnight darkness, when the mountain was wrapped in one grand sheet of battle flame. We are now on Point Lookout looking down in the valley. Lowering clouds hide from our view the landscape; presently the clouds vanish and we now behold Chattanooga and her fortifications beneath our feet; the winding Tennessee, the current of which is moving on towards the father of waters to tell its silent story of blood, and Mission Ridge where warriors moved in the grand pageantry of battle, flinging to the wind a hundred union battle flags. We now turn our eyes towards the Chicamauga [sic], the river of death. As our eyes fall there we remember how General George H. Thomas mastered Longstreet and saved the army of the Cumberland from defeat. As we stand here looking down to where he stood that fearful day, we imagine we see him or them watching the dust as it rose from the feet of Gordon Granger's command. That was a moment of suspense, and we know that General Thomas's heart leaped with joy when Captain Thomas dashed from that cloud of dust to his side with the compliments of General Gordon Granger.

We now descend the mountain side over the rugged cliffs and rocks that have been stained with human gore. Brave men sleep beneath these rocks, but Lookout Mountain will ever stand as a monument to their memory, and through the eventful years to come will guard this fearful silence from tempest and storm.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 244-6

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, June 20, 1864

We receive orders this morning to move, which are hailed with cheers from the Seventh. We proceed to the Chattanooga depot where we take the cars and are soon moving towards Atlanta. We are all expecting that ere it is night we will be away down in Georgia, but alas we are disappointed. The train stops at Griggsville and the regiment is ordered off. Many rumors are now flying about the railroad being cut. About Wheeler's demonstration, all seems dark and mysterious to the soldier.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 246

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, June 21, 1864

We are now camped upon the banks of Chicamauga, a name that has gone to history inscribed with deeds of blood. This evening companies D, H and I receive marching orders, and under the command of Lieutenant Sullivan of company I, (the captains of companies having been left back at Athens to settle their mule accounts with the A. Q. M,) we now move down the railroad. We stop and draw rations at Ringgold, after which we move on about two miles and go into camp for the night. The country every where along the railroad is all desolated. Trains pass up this evening from Atlanta loaded with wounded soldiers from Sherman's army, which tell us that there has been a fearful work of blood down there.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 246

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Wednesday, June 22, 1864

This morning Co. H move on to Tunnel Hill and go into camp in a brick church. It seems that the regiment is being deployed along the railroad to do guard duty, and in consequence the boys are not in a very good humor.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 246-7

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Thursday, June 23, 1864

This morning the regiment with the exception of Companies D, H and I, pass down on the train to Tilton, leaving orders for these three remaining companies to follow.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 247

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, June 24, 1864

To-day companies D, H and I, leave Tunnel Hill on the cars for Tilton, where we arrive late in the night. We remain here guarding the railroad, scouting and running after guerrillas until July 8th, when we take the cars for Rome, Georgia, to join our division and brigade stationed there. Arriving at Kingston we change cars for Rome, where we arrive on the evening of the 9th. We immediately cross the Etawah river and go into camp one-half mile from the city.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 247

A. E D.* to John Brown, November 27, 1859

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 27, 1859.

My Friend: You will let me call you so? I want to write you a few words of loving sympathy, though my heart is heavy with grief and sorrow, and the fast-falling tears will scarcely permit me to. Sometimes, when about my work, or in the quiet twilight hour, as I sit and think of you, I see only the glorious cause in which you have toiled and suffered; I remember your heroic self-sacrifices, your noble generosity, your unwavering, unhesitating devotion to the right, and I say to myself: "Ah! it is a fitting close to such a life; it is well he should die a martyr's death; that he should seal his testimony with his blood; that he should obey the apostolic injunction, and 'give his life for the brethren.'" To-day, I have been thinking of you constantly, and with the thought there has been singing through my brain the verse of a hymn learned long ago:

"On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
Thou canst sinile at all thy foes."

"Ah!" I say to myself, "that is true, but it does not contain all; for he weeps and prays for his persecutors." Sometimes, when I have thought of the down-trodden and the oppressed, I have repeated sadly to myself the plaint which seems as if written expressly for them : "Behold, is it nothing to you all, ye that pass by, that I sit alone and weep?" Yes, it was something to one brave, true, manly heart, something which caused him to toil and suffer, and at last lay down his life in their cause. And then, all of these high, brave thoughts fade out, and I think of you sick and suffering, bound and in prison; I think of the scoffs and jeers, the crown of thorns, the bloody sweat, the cross, the agony; I think of the widowed and heart-broken wife, the outlawed, manly sons, alas! alas! the fatherless ones, and my heart swells almost to bursting with its grief. I have gone about for weeks with a soul heavy and sick with sorrow: O, my God! how can I say, "Thy will be done"? I have one earnest, longing wish; that is, to be with you once, if only for a little while—to look at you with my tear-dimmed eyes — to kneel by your side, feel your hand laid in blessing on my head, and then go forth to battle for the right with all the power that is in me. I should carry about that blessing with me forever; for it would be that of one already standing in the light of the Eternal Glory. But this may not be. In its place there is one favor I would ask of you. It is, that you would write me a few words, if only to say, "Be strong;" which would be a strong and sure support to me, which should be with me always, and which I would have them lay upon my pulseless heart at last. Is it asking too much of you? Can you spare me so much of your precious time? And now, my friend, I must say - Farewell. O, how can I? how can I? It comes from a grief-torn and bleeding heart. I have but one consolation that the Heavenly Father, in his infinite mercy, and the Lord Jesus Christ, in tenderest compassion, with his own wounds bleeding afresh, are ever near you to comfort and to bless. And now, at last — Farewell!

A. E. D.

To one very near his rest and reward—John Brown

_______________

* A woman from Philadelphia.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 420-1

H. A. B.* to John Brown, November 28, 1859

Boscawen, N. H., Nov. 28.

Dear Sir: I hardly know how to address you at this time in appropriate language. I have read your history and admired your noble spirit, and have felt it my duty to say one word, at least, to you from New Hampshire, before you go to take your "crown of glory." I have daily wished to tell you of my sympathy, and have breathed in secret prayers for you and yours. I mourn that the world must lose from her visible, active scenes, and a wife and children a husband and father, one such as you are, I think I see the Heavenly ones around you, ministering to your spiritual being, and who will guide you to the Father, and give you a place among those who were "slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held," and to whom "white robes were given, and who serve him day and night in His Temple." We believe with the great good man who says, "In awful providences, and in fraternal triumphing love, the reign of night, this evil, (Slavery,) is shaken; thus mingling pearl and crimson the one the sign of peace, the other the flag of strife — herald the uprising dawn of deliverance New Hampshire has many sons and daughters who would help thee if they could, . . . Allow me to make two requests of you, to be granted, if in your power, during these last days of earth to you: 1. That you, a dear, Christian brother, just about to enter the celestial city, would write us one word—your autograph, at least. 2. That your last prayers and your "ministering" in the angel world may be for those whose powers and duties may lead them to labor for accomplishing the great and certain work of overthrowing oppression and error. May God sustain you.

Your friend,

H. A. B.

_______________

* A woman of New Hampshire.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 421-2

M. M. W.* to John Brown, November 28, 1859

BOSTON, Mass., Nov. 28.

Beloved and Honored Friend: I find comfort in the faith that your spirit ascends and sings while ours are draped with shadows. Your hour of freedom approaches. Over that scaffold, erected by the foes of freedom, angels shall lovingly droop their arms to protect you. O! dear friend! I know they will take all thy pangs. Thou wilt surely be unconscious of the gate of mortal agony through which must lie thy pathway to thy near and eternal home. We abide in the shaded valley while thou ascendest the Mount of Vision. Our hearts ache at losing thee from our world, for thou hast taught us how to live, more simply brave, more tenderly conscientious lives. The banks of the Potomac are sanctified anew and forever to us now, and we feel that the spirit of Washington may hail thee as a brother and a peer. The slopes of living green that he so loved in life will be golden-green in the pictured halls of our memories and associations, because of the eternal brightness of thy failure, as men may now count by results. But

                                "They never fail who die
In a great cause: the block may soak their gore,
Their heads may sodden tn the sun; their limbs
Be strung to city gates and castle walls;
But still their spirit walks abroad. Though years
Elapse, and others share as dark a doom,
They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts
Which overpower all others, and conduct
The world at last to freedom."

Our blessed Lord and his apostles did not fail, though the Jews believed that Christianity died at the Cross. The Three Hundred who fell at Thermopylæ failed not. Cato, when the body of his dead son was brought to him, on a bier, all-hailed him – "Welcome!" as one who had done his duty, and bade the attendants lay him down where he could view the bloody corse and count his glorious wounds. Yon granite shaft on Bunker Hill witnesseth that on that Warren and his fellow-soldiers fell; but no failure drapes in history their names with a funeral pall. Neither hast thou, honored old man, nor thy dead sons, nor thy fallen companions, failed. When they who slay thee shall be gathered to their ignoble dust, what hearts will thrill, as ours do now, in gratitude for the great gift of thy life of sixty years; for the heritage of thy steadfast faith and deeds?

Dear old pilgrim, thou mayst safely bequeath thy wife and children to Northern homes and hearts. We shall not forget those dear to thee. We take them as a sacred legacy. Thine eyes are lifted to the distant hills. Ours are often wet with burning tears. But we remember that thou abidest under the shadow of the Almighty, where no evil can befall thee. Believe us, multitudes of brave and sorrow-stricken hearts in all parts of our country, and even the world, await mournfully and sympathetically thy exit. It will be thy freedom hour. And angels shall soothingly welcome thee to a home where there is neither sorrow nor crying. For blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.

We would greet with hearty respect the humane jailer and his family.

Farewell, and peace abide with thee.

M. M. W.

_______________

* A woman of Boston.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 422-3

L. C.* to John Brown, November 28, 1859

HUDSON, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1859.

Dear Sir: My long acquaintance with you and with your life has made such an impression on my mind that I feel that there is an attachment formed which Death alone can separate; and now, as it seems the end draws near that you must die, I would say that my prayer is, that you may come off conqueror through Him that hath loved us, and find a resting-place in heaven, where I hope to meet with all the friends of humanity. I want something from your hand to look upon and show to the friends of humanity. Your name on a card directed to me, with a date at the place where you are, I would like, with some short sentiment of your choosing.

L. C.

P. S. I hear you have several young daughters, which may be dependent on the charity of friends to get along in the world. I would like to take the youngest, and educate her in my family as one of them, if you and your friends are willing. I have a daughter sixteen years old, and it would be her delight to help educate one of Capt. John Brown's daughters. . . . Farewell! May God Almighty strengthen you as you are about to be offered up.

_______________

*A woman and old acquaintance.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 423-4

Two Old Acquaintances to John Brown, November 28, 1859

COLUMBUS, November 28.

Dear Sir: Duty and inclination both urge me at this late hour of your affliction to show you at least one token of remembrance and sympathy. The fact of my early acquaintance with you in former years, although much younger than yourself, the intimacy that existed between our fathers' families for years, growing out of the relations they sustained to each other as neighbors and citizens, and brethren in the same Church with yourself, cooperating for the establishment of a New England town in Hudson, Ohio; for religion in a church, morals in a town, and education in the founding of the Western Reserve College all which they lived to see; the friendship which my (now sainted) father cherished for you, of which you had ample testimony; the high esteem which I had and have now in memory of your worthy (now departed) father, as well as the high respect you sustained in intelligent and religious society; the strong friendship which I now feel for your worthy and afflicted sister, Mary Ann, and a heart yearning with tenderness for all in sorrow, and especially now in your peculiar position, I say all this produces the most intense interest in me as well as thousands of others; and although I had scarcely heard a word of you for many years, excepting your Kansas trials, and not even particulars of that; yet when I first heard of the outbreak at Harper's Ferry—the death of your two sons the hasty trial—the merciless sentence after your truthful and noble speech, and all my inmost soul was moved with sadness; and although suffering with illness, my first impulse was to do something, if possible, for a grant of mercy; but I soon was foiled in that hope, and I resolved to resort to prayer that God would overrule all for good, as He has, no doubt, and that you might be sustained in every conflict: which prayer has not only gone up under my roof, but from thousands of others all over the land; and those prayers have been heard. At any rate, from your interesting letters it seems you are almost miraculously sustained in these your last days of earthly trials; and although you sometimes may be pierced for a moment to be surrounded by those who deride instead of those who love, yet rejoice and triumph. And I praise my Maker that he gives you grace to conquer, and at last, when that last hour comes, from which all flesh shrinks, I firmly trust that the Saviour, (when, perhaps, poor man supposes he is crushing you with anguish) will put underneath you His everlasting and Almighty Arm, end lift you above all fear and pangs, and you will rejoice and triumph; and O! how glorious will be the transition from earth's cruel bondage to that Heavenly Liberty, and from foes here to sainted loved ones above! God grant all this is the unceasing prayer of many as well as your most sincere and sympathizing friend,

H. R.

Please tell those fellow-prisoners I pray their peace may be made with God. You have the kind regard and earnest prayer of my husband and son.

_______________

Dear Sir: To the accompanying line from Mrs. R. I add a word. I am glad you feel so well prepared to meet with calmness and composure your fate. I feel assured, as one in this State recently said, "The Lord will take care of your soul, and posterity will take care of your name." The Lord and time will both be right in the judgment of men's characters and motives. May the Lord be with you, and guide and sustain.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 424-5

M. E. S.* to John Brown, November 29, 1859

MASSACHUSETTS, November 29.

Dear Friend: I have written to you once before, but fear it has never reached you; and now I try again, trusting in the generosity of Capt. Avis. Be of good cheer, dear, brave old friend; your dear ones will be generously and lovingly cared for all the rest of their days! Last evening there was a crowded and enthusiastic meeting at the Tremont Temple, Boston, the proceeds of which were to go to your stricken family. Every where, from all parts of the country, money is pouring in, in large sums and small, for the cause your self-devotion has made sacred to all Christian hearts. I would gladly relinquish ten years of my mortal life, if thereby you could hear even the echo of the noble things that were said by the noblest men in our land last night, I longed for wings to fly to you and tell the words of life, beauty, and eternal truth uttered so eloquently by that poet and philosopher, Mr. Emerson, in behalf of you and your cause. Not many eyes were dry; and every body that had a heart throbbed in unison with your own. God is very good, my friend. He never forgets us; and, in our darkest hour, he sends us the light and strength we need. Thousands of true men and women will never tire of trying to fill the void your death will make to the afflicted family at North Elba. Trust me when I say we will never forget them. . . . Dear, brave old friend, I honor, love, and bless you for the immortal testimony you have given to truth and right. I consecrate myself anew to the cause of the oppressed. Go bravely to your death! God and His holy angels stand ready to receive you, and generations yet unborn will cherish with love the remembrance of John Brown at Harper's Ferry. Farewell!

Yours in love and blessing forever,

M. E. S.

Please give poor Stevens my heartfelt sympathy and admiration for his fortitude and patience. God bless you both!

_______________

* A Massachusetts matron. Redpath indicates that she is the author of the first letter in this chapter.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 425-6

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, December 27, 1862—8 p.m.

VICKSBURG, MISS.—We left Jackson this morning and arrived at this place a few minutes since, traveling forty miles by rail in twelve hours, and having but one run-off. Considering the road, this is quite remarkable. Officers and men, with a few honorable (?) exceptions, left Jackson considerably tight, if not more so.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 16

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, December 28, 1862—8 a.m.

Left our bivouac in Vicksburg this morning at 2 o'clock, and moved in darkness through mud and over hills; just before day, halted at our present camping-ground, which is on the top of one of the thousand and one hills which surround Vicksburg. While I write, the booming of artillery and the rattle of musketry are waking the echoes far and wide, and grate harshly on the ear this spring-like Sabbath morning The fight has commenced in earnest on our left wing, and we are expecting every moment to be ordered to the scene of conflict, although we are pretty well worn out already, for the want of sleep and nourishment. But here comes a courier, and, I have no doubt, he has orders for us to double quick to the battle-field. Just as I expected, I hear "fall in!" Heaven protect us to-day!

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 16

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 1, 1863

We have spent three days in front of the enemy, and, notwithstanding the fact that we have been under the fire of one of their batteries and of their sharp-shooters all of the time, the Forty-first has not lost a single man. Yesterday we were out on picket, and were compelled to lie behind logs to prevent the enemy's sharp-shooters from picking us off. We lay in this position for twenty-four hours. Half of the time the rain was pouring down in torrents, but at day-light the rain closed, and the weather changed to freezing cold. We certainly passed a very disagreeable time during this day, for if we attempted to straighten our frozen and cramped limbs by rising to the erect position, the instant bang and whiz of a minnie-bullet about our ears proved the experiment was dangerous. [Donelson repeated.] I noticed that some of our fighting men at home were the first to get behind some convenient log and the last to leave its friendly shelter. As for myself, I make no pretensions to bravery at home or abroad, and I freely acknowledge that I laid very close to my log. The fact is, a bullet, which whistles like it had a shuck tied to it, does not give out a very musical sound to my ears.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 16-7

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 2, 1863

Yesterday passed off in comparative quiet; a few shot and shell thrown from our batteries into the lines of the enemy, and a few rounds from their sharp-shooters in return, was all that disturbed the Sabbath-like stillness of the first day of the year. The enemy were engaged in burying their dead, under flag of truce, and I understand that they have a big job of it. In Sunday's and Monday's fighting we killed, wounded and captured near fifteen hundred,* and sustained a very slight loss. The Third and Thirtieth Tennessee and the First Louisiana regiments were the troops who bore the brunt of the fight, and right nobly did they do their duty against the fearful odds.

_______________

* U. S. Official Report, 1929.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 17

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 3, 1863

Early in the day yesterday it was announced that the enemy were re-embarking on their gun-boats and transports, and before night the report was confirmed. We captured one hundred barrels of crackers and fifty boxes of axes, which they had left in their haste to get out of the way. They did not quite get Vicksburg, after all of their boasting. Our commander is of the opinion that they will endeavor to land at the wharf to-morrow, under the cover of the fog, and take the place by storm. For this reason, we are still held in position, though nearly worn out by exposure and prolonged abstinence.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 17

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 4, 1863

At 4 o'clock yesterday we were moved from our old position to a bridge. We had stood out in the rain since the evening before, and were completely soaked with wet, and had to climb the steepest and slickest hills a man ever lives to stand upon. Half of the time we were down in the mud, and the balance in water up to our waist, while the darkness was so thick that we couldn't see our file-leaders; but I never heard a single murmur from the cold, wet and hungry men. Lieutenant-Colonel Tillman, who has command of the regiment, led the way on foot, and was as deep in the mud as we were in the mire; and, after we arrived at the bridge which we were sent to guard, the officers "stood and took it" as cheerfully as though they were basking in the sunshine of an April morning. One of the boys, who was up to his knees in mud, and over whose face the rain was streaming from a narrow brim cap, said to Major Miller, who was leaning against the side of a house and under the drip, "I say, Major, you look like a man trying to hide behind a ladder." The Major took the joke quite good humoredly, and did not appear more discomposed by the loud laugh which greeted the sally, than he was a few days before, when the Yankee sharp-shooters were making the minnie bullets sing around his ears. At 10 o'clock, the enemy having failed to come to time, we were allowed to drag our weary limbs out to our camps. There being only one tent to the company, we had to stand out in the wet all day and part of the night, when, to our great relief, the wind changed to the north, and the rain, which had been falling for forty-eight hours, ceased.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 17-8

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 5, 1863

Yesterday being Sunday, and no enemy appearing, we had a day of comparative rest. In the morning we were marched into town for fear the Yankees might return and attempt to land under cover of their gunboats, but five minutes after our arrival we were about-faced and moved back to camps. The day was spent in drying clothes, cleaning guns, and setting tents. The cooking is an easy job with us here, as our ration consists only of musty meal and poor, tough beef. I obtained permission this morning to go to town, and while there learned that the regiment was coming in to take a boat for Port Hudson. I write this entry on the top of the wheel-house of the "Charm," waiting for her to start.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 18

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 6, 1863

Last night at ten o'clock we got under way for Port Hudson, La., and the motion of the boat lulled me to sleep in a few moments. I have no distinct recollection of what occurred during the night. I awoke this morning at a wood-yard above Natchez, and, as the day was breaking, I concluded to keep awake and enjoy the scenery and the spring-like morning. Mississippi scenery has been described as a "line and a pine," and I will not attempt a better description of the lowest, flattest, and most dreary landscape in my memory. The only thing to relieve the monotony of the scenery and dullness of the journey was the bluffs at Natchez and the landing of the boat at the wharf. It was refreshing to see the natives running from their 8x10 groceries, and bringing whisky to our boys. Being on the upper deck, and stopped by a guard at each hatchway, I failed to get a supply of the "cretur," for which I am most heartily thankful. The boys on the lower deck were more (un)fortunate, and procured a plentiful supply.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 18

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 10, 1863

Nothing of interest since the 6th. Arrived at Port Hudson on the morning of the 7th, and were bivouaced until daylight. The regiment breakfasted on a little spoiled meal brought from Vicksburg; my mess did finely on bread-mush, and "sassafac" tea. At ten o'clock we were marched to our present camping-ground, one mile from the dirty little village of Port Hudson, La. Our camp is on a hill in the midst of briers and cane, and in good weather we could make it quite a pleasant place; but since our arrival it has been raining constantly, and the rich soil has become worked into a muck about a foot deep. Yesterday some men in the Third Tennessee killed three rattle-snakes in camp. Scorpions, lizzards, bugs, and green leaves are about as plentiful here now as they are in Tennessee in August. While writing, a small snake crawled up to our camp-fire, and passed between W. M. Woodward's legs.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 18-9

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 11, 1863

To-day we have another beautiful Sabbath. The boys are engaged in cleaning up guns for inspection, and as we are not in the immediate vicinity of the enemy, and have no hope of marching orders, we may expect a day of comparative idleness, which is more to be dreaded than any hardship that could be imposed, as it disposes the men to immoral practices to kill time. In two hours at least half of us will be playing cards, while a few, true to the principles of religion instilled into their hearts in times past, will be reading their Bibles, or engaged in other devotional exercises. The news of the defeat of our army in Tennessee [Murfreesboro] has created quite an excitement in our camp, as nearly all of the soldiers here are from that State. We are impatient for orders to go to the defense of our own homes, and some of the men say they will go whether they get orders or not. As yet, however, good order and discipline have prevailed, and I believe will to the end.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 19

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 13, 1863

Yesterday we had nothing to do, and spent the day writing letters to friends and relatives at home. In the afternoon had some little excitement over a report that the small-pox was in our regiment, and that we would be sent several miles away from other camps and put in quarantine. I paid but little attention to it at first, thinking it originated as camp rumors generally do, but early this morning orders came to tear down and pack up tents and other baggage, and we were soon on the march.

The report was but too true; four or five cases of small-pox have been taken from our regiment, and we are now in quarantine, four miles from our camp of yesterday. No new cases reported to-day. We are now encamped in the midst of a magnolia forest, entirely away from any habitation, and are confined to a certain limit, beyond which we dare not go, and inside of which no one is allowed to come.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 19-20

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, January 15, 1863

Nothing of the least possible interest to any one has transpired since our confinement in quarantine. We draw our rations, cook, eat, sleep, and play cards, occasionally varying the monotony by telling yarns, abusing the officers, and telling what we will do when we get back to old Tennessee. The latter seems to be the desire of every heart, and is so strong in some that, added to the fear of the small-pox, it has caused a dozen of Captain ———'s men to take "French leave"—in other words, to desert and go home. Several new cases reported yesterday and to-day. I fear we will suffer greatly before we get rid of this loathsome pest. Having been well vaccinated, I dread being placed in "durance vile" for such a length of time more than I do the effect of the disease; but I may lose my life, or have my good looks spoiled. I pray God that I may escape. Evening. The rain has now ceased, and the wind is blowing strongly from the north. I did not expect to find the cold so intense in this land of "everlasting green," but so it is. A few flakes of snow are now falling, but melt as they touch the earth.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 20

12th Missouri Infantry.

Organized at St. Louis, Mo., August, 1861. Attached to Fremont's Army of the West to January, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Army of Southwest Missouri, to February, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to May, 1862. 3rd Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to July, 1862. District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of Missouri, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 11th Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Sherman's Yazoo Expedition, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, to September, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, to December, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, to November, 1864.

SERVICE.—Fremont's advance on Springfield, Mo., September to November, 1861. Moved to Jefferson City, thence to Sedalia and Springfield. To Wilson's Creek October 6-8. Duty at Rolla till January, 1862. Expedition to Danville December 26, 1861. Curtis' Campaign in Missouri and Arkansas against Price January to March, 1862. Advance on Springfield February 2-16. Pursuit of Price into Arkansas February 14-29. Battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., March 6-8. March to Batesville April 5-May 3; thence to Helena, Ark., May 25-July 14. Expedition from Helena to mouth of White River August 5-8. Moved to Ironton-Pilot Knob, Mo., September 1. To St. Genevieve November 12, and return to Helena November 23. Sherman's Yazoo Expedition December 22, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Chickasaw Bayou December 26-28. Chickasaw Bluff December 29. Expedition to Arkansas Post, Ark., January 3-10, 1863. Assault and capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, January 10-11. Moved to Young's Point, La., January 17-23. Duty there till March and at Milliken's Bend till April. Expedition to Greenville, Black Bayou and Deer Creek April 2-14. Demonstration on Haines and Drumgould's Bluffs April 29-May 2. Moved to join army in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., via Richmond and Grand Gulf May 2-14. Mississippi Springs May 12-13. Jackson May 14. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 4-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Bolton's Depot July 16. Brier Creek, near Canton, July 17, Clinton July 18. Camp at Big Black till September 27. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., thence march to Chattanooga, Tenn., September 27-November 21. Operations on Memphis & Charleston Railroad in Alabama October 20-29. Cherokee Station October 21 and 29. Cane Creek October 26. Tuscumbia October 26-27. Battles of Chattanooga November 23-27. Lookout Mountain November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Ringgold Gap, Taylor's Ridge, November 27. March to relief of Knoxville November 28-December 8. Garrison duty in Alabama at Woodville and Scottsboro, Ala., and at Cleveland, Tenn., to May, 1864. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1 to September 8. Demonstration on Resaca May 8-13. Battle of Resaca May 13-15. Advance on Dallas May 18-25. Battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Bushy Mountain June 15-17. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 6-17. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Ezra Chapel, Hood's 2nd Sortie, July 28. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Pursuit of Hood into Alabama October 1-21. Mustered out by Companies from August 12 to November 14, 1864. Consolidated with Detachments from 3rd and 17th Missouri Volunteer Infantry and subsequently transferred to 15th Missouri Infantry.

Regiment lost during service 10 Officers and 102 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 94 Enlisted men by disease. Total 208.

Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1328 

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 2 . — Abstract from returns of the U. S. Forces under command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, for November 20, November 30, and December 10, 1864.

[Page 52.]

No. 2 .

Abstract from returns of the U. S. Forces under command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas,

for November 20, November 30, and December 10, 1864.

NOVEMBER 20.

Command.	Present for duty.		Aggregate.	Aggregate present and absent.	Serviceable horses.	Pieces of artillery.
	Officers.	Men.
General headquarters*	39	....	39	53	....	....
Fourth Army Corps†	775	13,940	17,116	29,012	....	30
Twenty-third Army Corps‡	455	9,903	12,103	21,991	....	....
District of Tennessee§	792	19,141	24,739	30,061	774	162
District of the Etowah ‖	193	6,228	7,902	11,084	81	123
Reserve Brigade*	29	891	1,198	1,840	....	....
Unassigned infantry ¶	28	1,047	1,436	1,744	....	....
Unassigned artillery**	7	268	276	320	110	9
Signal Corps ¶	11	63	74	108	....	....
Veteran Reserve Corps*	3	327	732	1,096	....	....
Total	2,332	51,808	65,615	97,309	....	....
Cavalry Corps (Wilson):
General headquarters1	11	365	447	693	....	....
First Division (McCook) ††	171	3,306	4,241	7,389	1,597	4
Second Division (Long) ‡‡	162	4,258	5,074	8,558	690	....
Fifth Division (Hatch) §§	111	2,786	4,035	5,934	....	....
Sixth Division (Johnson) || ||	43	885	1,110	1,962	932	....
Seventh Division (Knipe)	112	2,352	2,966	4,366	....	....
Unattached. ¶¶	123	2,738	4,274	5,552	....	....
Total	733	16,590	22,147	34,454	....	....
Grand total	3,065	68,398	87,762	131,763	....	....

 

Command.	Present for duty—equipped.
	Infantry.		Cavalry.		Artillery.		Total.
	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.
General headquarters(*)	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Fourth Army Corps (+)	714	12,405	....	....	23	765	737	13,170
Twenty-third Army Corps ††	443	9,380	....	....	12	523	455	9,903
District of Tennessee §	716	17,018	....	....	56	2,266	772	19,284
District of the Etowah ||	163	5,332	....	....	47	1,494	210	6,826
Reserve Brigade*	29	891	....	....	....	....	29	891
Unassigned infantry¶	28	1,047	....	....	....	....	....	....
Unassigned artillery **	....	....	....	....	7	228	7	228
Signal Corps ¶	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Veteran Reserve Corps *	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Total	2,093	46,073	....	....	145	5,276	2,238	51,349

* At Nashville, Tenn.

† At Pulaski, Tenn.

‡ Second and Third Divisions at Pulaski, Tenn.

§ See abstract in detail, p. 56

‖ At Chattanooga, Tenn. and Bridgeport, Ala.

¶ At Chattanooga, Tenn.

** On steamer Stone River and at Chattanooga, Tenn.

†† Second and Third Brigades at Louisville, Ky., dismounted, and the First Brigade (Croxton’s) at Taylor’s Springs, Ala.

‡‡ At Louisville, Ky., dismounted.

§§ In the field.

‖‖ There is no return of the division on file. The figures given are for Capron’s Brigade only.

¶¶ Comprising the 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th Indiana and 15^th Pennsylvania.

[Page 53.]

Abstranct from returns of the U. S. Forces, &c.—Continued.

NOVEMBER 20—Continued.

Command.	Present for duty—equipped.
	Infantry.		Cavalry.		Artillery.		Total
	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.
Cavalry Corps (Wilson):	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
General headquarters *	....	....	9	137	....	....	9	137
First Division (McCook) †	....	....	89	1,666	4	80	93	1,746
Second Division (Long) ††	....	....	47	507	2	101	49	608
Fifth Division (Hatch) §	....	....	113	2,749	....	....	113	2,749
Sixth Division (Johnson) ||	....	....	43	885	....	....	43	885
Seventh Division (Knipe)	....	....	107	2,174	5	144	112	2,318
Unattached ¶	....	....	139	2,913	....	....	139	2,913
Total	....	....	547	11,031	11	325	558	11,356
Grand total	2,093	46,073	547	11,031	156	5,601	2,796	62,705

NOVEMBER 30.

Command.	Present for duty.		Aggregate.	Aggregate present and absent.	Serviceable horses.	Pieces of artillery.
	Officers.	Men.
General headquarters*	41	....	42	51	....	....
Fourth Army Corps**	766	16,200	19,221	31,775	655	34
Twenty-third Army Corps**	510	10,081	12,237	21,442	....	....
Right Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps	486	8,843	10,892	19,493	631	28
District of Tennessee ‡‡	704	16,911	21,316	25,610	686	155
District of the Etowah §§	210	6,864	8,545	11,523	81	133
Reserve Brigade§§	25	880	1,195	1,832	....	....
Unassigned Infantry || ||	30	1,122	1,493	1,753	....	....
Unassigned artillery ¶¶	7	262	269	319	110	11
Signal Corps §§	11	60	71	107	....	....
Veteran Reserve Corps*	15	493	965	1,128	....	....
Total	2,805	61,716	76,246	115,033	....	....
Cavalry Corps (Wilson):
General headquarters *	20	365	456	702	....	....
First Division (McCook) ***	187	4,002	4,931	7,815	4,116	4
Second Division (Long) †††	168	5,674	6,611	8,416	616	4
Fifth Division (Hatch) **	172	4,449	5,400	8,103	2,608	4
Sixth Division (Johnson)	119	2,729	3,320	5,110	....	....
Seventh Division (Knipe)	134	2,910	3,999	5,878	....	....
Total	800	20,129	24,717	36,024	....	....
Grand total	3,605	81,845	100,963	151,057	....	....

* At Nashville, Tenn.

† Second and Third Brigades at Louisville, Ky., and the First Brigade (Croxton’s) at Taylor’s Springs, Ala.

‡ At Louisville, Ky., dismounted.

§ In the field.

‖ There is no return of division on file. The figures given are for Capron’s brigade only.

¶ Comprising the 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th Indiana and 15^th Pennsylvania.

** At Franklin, Tenn.

†† At Nashville and en route.

‡‡ See abstract in detail, p. 57.

§§ At Chattanooga, Tenn.

‖‖ At Chattanooga and Nashville, Tenn.

¶¶ On steamer Stone River and at Chattanooga, Tenn.

*** First Brigade (Coroxton’s) at Franklin, Tenn.,; Second Brigade (La Grange’s) at Louisville, Ky.; Third Brigade (Watkins’) at Mitchelleville, Ky.

††† At Louisville.

[Page 54.]

Abstranct from returns of the U. S. Forces, &c.—Continued.

NOVEMBER 30—Continued.

Command.	Present for duty—equipped.
	Infantry.		Cavalry.		Artillery.		Total.
	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.
General headquarters*	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Fourth Army Corps†	696	14,511	....	....	28	876	724	15,387
Twenty-third Army Corps†	494	10,033	....	....	....	....	494	10,033
Right Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps	467	7,942	....	....	16	342	483	8,284
District of Tennessee §	635	14,784	....	....	53	2,151	688	16,935
District of the Etowah||	152	5,263	....	....	47	1,494	199	6,757
Reserve Brigade ||	25	880	....	....	....	....	25	880
Unassigned infantry ¶	30	1,122	....	....	....	....	30	1,122
Unassigned artillery **	....	....	....	....	7	222	7	222
Signal Corps||	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Veteran Reserve Corps*	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Total	2,499	54,535	....	....	151	5,085	2,650	59,620
Cavalry Corps (Wilson):
General headquarters *	....	....	16	137	....	....	16	137
First Division (McCook) ††	....	....	180	3,648	4	120	184	3,786
Second Division (Long) ‡‡	....	....	11	474	3	120	14	594
Fifth Division (Hatch) †	....	....	169	2,362	2	105	171	2,467
Sixth Division (Johnson)	....	....	127	2,159	....	....	127	2,159
Seventh Division (Knipe)	....	....	149	3,138	....	....	149	3,138
Total	....	....	652	11,918	9	345	661	12,263
[Actual Total—Ed.]								12,281
Grand total	2,499	54,535	652	11,918	160	5,430	3,311	71,883

DECEMBER 10.

Command.	Present for Duty		Aggregate present.	Aggregate present and absent.	Serviceable horses.	Pieces of artillery.
	Officers.	Men.
General headquarters.*	41	....	41	50	....	....
Fourth Army Corps (Wood).*	686	14,415	17,639	29,792	....	30
Twenty-third Army Corps (Schofield).*	510	9,894	11,721	19,725	....	....
Detachment Army of the Tennessee (Smith).*	581	11,345	14,125	22,423	....	48
District of Tennessee (Rousseau) §	653	15,850	20,424	25,172	....	155
District of the Etowah (Steedman)	231	7,612	9,409	13,026	....	143
Reserve Brigade (Le Fayour) ||	25	753	1,124	1,828	....	....

* At Nashville, Tenn.

†At Franklin, Tenn.

‡ At Nashville and en route.

§ See abstract in detail, pp. 57, 58.

‖ At Chattanooga, Tenn.

¶ At Chattanooga and Nashville, Tenn.

** On steamer Stone River and at Chattanooga, Tenn.

†† Second and Third Brigades at Louisville, Ky., dismounted, and the First Brigade (Croxton’s) at Taylor’s Springs, Ala.

‡‡ At Louisville.

[page 55.]

Abstranct from returns of the U. S. Forces, &c.—Continued.

December 10—Continued.

Command	Present for duty.		Aggregate present.	Aggregate present and absent.	Serviceable horses.	Pieces of artillery.
	Officers.	Men.
Reserve Artillery (Bainbridge)*	8	463	489	819	....	22
Unassigned infantry†	30	1,060	1,476	1,751	....	....
Unassigned artillery (Naylor) ††	3	115	118	143	....	5
Signal Corps (Hollopeter)*	12	57	69	106	....	....
Veteran Reserve Corps (Cahill) §	15	522	976	1,139	....	....
Total	2,795	62,086	77,611	115,974	....	....
Cavalry Corps (Wilson):
General headquarters§	23	356	459	705	....	....
First Division (McCook) §	178	4,043	5,153	7,907	4,280	4
Second Division (Long)||	172	5,526	6,582	8,605	2,439	4
Fifth Division (Hatch)(p)	172	4,449	5,400	8,103	2,608	4
Sixth Division (Johnson)**	153	3,881	4,702	7,111	....	4
Seventh Division (Knipe) ††	159	3,708	4,910	6,735	....	....
Total	857	21,972	27,206	39,166	....	....
Grand total	3,652	84,058	104,817	155,140	....	....

 

Troops.	Present for duty—equipped.
	Infantry.		Cavalry.		Artillery.		Total.
	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.
General headquarters§	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Fourth Army Corps (Wood) §	620	12,808	....	....	26	718	646	13,526
Twenty-third Army Corps (Schofield) §	472	9,077	....	....	16	642	488	9,719
Detachment Army of the Tennessee (Smith). §	534	9,241	....	....	27	749	561	9,990
District of Tennessee (Rousseau). ‡‡	585	13,797	....	....	52	2,087	637	15,884
District of the Etowah (Steedman)	160	6,067	....	....	49	1,474	209	7,541
Reserve Brigade (Le Favour) *	19	590	....	....	....	....	19	590
Reserve Artillery (Bainbridge) *	....	....	....	....	8	401	8	401
Unassigned infantry †	30	1,060	....	....	....	....	30	1,060
Unassigned artillery (Naylor) ††	....	....	....	....	3	115	3	115
Signal Corps ( Hollopeter) **	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Veteran Reserve Corps (Cahill) §	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Total	2,420	52,640	....	....	181	6,186	2,601	58,826
Cavalry Corps (Wilson):
General headquarters §	....	....	18	137	....	....	18	137
First Division (McCook) §	....	....	169	3,036	3	180	172	3,216
Second Division (Long) ||	....	....	74	1,549	3	118	77	1,667
Fifth Division (Hatch) ¶	....	....	169	2,362	2	105	171	2,467
Sixth Division (Johnson) **	....	....	108	2,079	1	100	109	2,179
Seventh Division (Knipe) ††	....	....	163	3,350	....	....	163	3,350
Total	....	....	701	12,513	9	503	710	13,016
Grand total	2,420	52,640	701	12,513	190	6,689	3,311	71,842

* At Chattanooga, Tenn.

† At Chattanooga and Nashville, Tenn.

‡ On Steamer Stone River.

§ At Nashville, Tenn.

‖ At Louisville, Ky.

¶ At Edgefield, Tenn.

** At Edgefield and Chattanooga, Tenn.

†† At Nashville and Edgefield, Tenn.

‡‡ See abstract in detail, p. 58.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 9 3), p. 51-5