Camp McClernand, Cairo Ills. Sun rose clear and bright Duties as usual performed. unusually quiet and dull about camp Nothing of importance transpiring. Duties of the day closed as usual with Dress Parade
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 227
Camp McClernand Cairo Ills. Morning clear and pleasant. Every thing passing off nicely and smoothly in camp.
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 228
Camp McClernand Cairo. usual routine of camp duties Our Regt. has rec'd marching orders this evening a 6 O'clock it marched to the landing the men armed and equipped and supplied with 2 Days rations Shipped on the Alec Scott and company with the Iron Gun Boat went up the Mississippi destination unknown but generally believed to be Cape Girardeau Two of our Co. slipped through the guard to day—Wm Sullivan and Robt. Felan. Three more rec'd passes all of whom were not here when the Regt. started. The 2nd Lieut of each co. have been to take care of the camp & those that are on the sick list. Lieut Allen the only com. Officer who accompanied our Co, Capt. Parke has not yet returned. One of the men Joel Knip who was granted a pass to town to day-was found on the levy at one of the Groggerys pretty well set up about 9 O'clock this evening and brought into camp no tidings of the others.
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 228
A letter from home—the
first since April 25th, and written by my beloved wife. On receiving it I
sought my tent with eager haste and perused its welcome pages over and over
again. Well may my darling say, "God has been better to me than my
fears," for we have been spared to each other, and our children to us
both.
I do not believe my
darling's dream was all a dream. On that same day, the 9th of June, I was on my
way from Louisville to Cairo. We went directly north to Seymour, Indiana.
Almost home, it seemed to me, where we changed cars for the southwest. I was
cast down, discouraged, more so than at any other period of my life. My
thoughts and affections were drawn out to my sorrowing wife with an intensity
that was agonizing. I had given up hope of her ever becoming reconciled to our
fate, and believed she would mourn her life away for him who would gladly have
given his own to save his wife. I felt I could do no more. Under the
circumstances was I not permitted to visit her, that my spiritual presence
might cheer, comfort and encourage her by the assurance that she was not
forsaken; that, though far away, her husband was still present, even to her
outward senses.
I believe my darling
has often visited me, and I love to cherish the fond thought. Every nerve and
fiber of my soul has thrilled with joy unspeakable at the familiar touch of her
dear hand upon my brow.
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 61-2
Camp McClernand,
Cairo, Ills. Ten men on Police Duty again to day Nighswonger refused to act
having been detailed—in consequence was put in the Guard House on Bread &
water time indefinite. Private in the Guard House Also for drunkeness.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 227
Morning Drill. near
20 on the sick list this morning Bad news from Mo. Lexington has been taken by
Gen Price. Private Hobbs in Guard House at Cairo for sleeping on his Post, last
night while guarding prisoners. 4 prisoners brought in this evening—from near
Norfolk Mo. taken after a pretty hard fight—in which 12 of the Enemy were
killed—and a lot of arms taken, One of the prisoners has a pretty severe cut
across the shoulder.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 227
Cold & blustry
Drilling exercises as usual in the forenoon with Battalion Drill in the
afternoon & Dress Parade in the evening Our Capt. ranks higher than any
other Capt. in the Regt. as his commission is the oldest Lt. Allen Officer of
the Guard to day at Cairo.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 227
Camp McClernand,
Cairo, Ills. Clear & cool Roll call as usual,—Inspection of the arms &
quarters—a portion of the Comp. went to town to church Services as usual by the
Chaplain, tis reported this morning that Capt. Ritters Comp. at Birds Point
while guarding a bridge on the R. R. 10 miles from camp were surrounded and
taken prisoners.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 227
Cairo, Ill. We were
astir early to catch the first sight of the far-famed city of Cairo (Ill.), and
certainly an unhappy surprise we found it; the combined medley of filth and
disorder, the streets rough, the sidewalks torn' and tattered, rendering it
dangerous to travel, lest they should throw one headlong to the ditch.
SOURCE: Jenkin Lloyd
Jones, An Artilleryman's Diary, p. 3
Cairo, Ill., June 10th, 1863.
We are now three
hundred and sixty-six miles from Lebanon, which place we left at 3 p. m. of
Sunday, and reached Louisville about seven. The ladies had prepared supper and
we partook of it with many thanks to the generous doners. After supper we
crossed over to Jefferson and took cars for this place. Here we missed the
executive ability of General Poe. In all our journeying from Newport News
everything was arranged with care and precision. Here all was disorder and
confusion. The cars assigned to our regiment were partly filled with men and
baggage of other regiments. Colonel Luce requested the officer who seemed to be
in charge to remove them. This he refused to do, swearing they would have a
fight first. The Colonel looked in vain for someone to bring order out of this
chaos. Finally he assumed the responsibility himself; told the officer in
charge if a fight was what he wanted, a fight he should have; ordered us to
throw them out, and we did it with a will. About daylight we took possession
and were soon under way.
Our trip through
Indiana and Illinois caused an ovation. It seemed that the entire population
turned out to encourage and cheer us on our way. Women and children, with
bright smiles and waving handkerchiefs, thronged the way, and at every station
fruit, cakes, bread and butter, newspapers, and, better than all, warm,
friendly greetings, were literally showered upon us.
At Washington,
Indiana, we halted for supper. It was midnight, but, as usual, the station was
thronged with people of both sexes and all ages. Some ladies came to our car—food
was served in the cars—and · requested that all who were asleep might be
awakened, for, as they had been cooking until that time of night, and had then
walked nearly a mile to see us, they would like to see us all. So we aroused
the sleepers, and had a lively time during our short stay.
They presented us
with bouquets, cards, mottoes, etc., and took their leave with many kind wishes
for our success and safe return to our families and friends. God bless the
loyal people of America, is the soldier's prayer.
We reached Cairo
about twelve o'clock last night, and immediately went on board of transports.
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 45-7
We are fairly packed
on board a small transport; so thickly are we crowded in, it is almost
impossible to stir; yet all will stir. Every man seems to think his very
existence depends on movement. As I sit here on my knapsack, my back against
the railing, inkstand between my feet to prevent it being kicked over, a
continuous stream of restless, uneasy men is pouring around, on and over me,
which, added to the motion of the vessel, makes writing difficult. We left
Cairo yesterday at five o'clock in the afternoon, and steamed down the river a
few miles below Cumberland, Kentucky, and anchored for the night.
The captain dare not
run his vessel in the night, it being dark and cloudy, and the Mississippi being
the most dangerous river in the world to navigate. We expect to reach Memphis
early in the morning, and will then learn our final destination.
Having crossed the
Mississippi at Dubuque, some three hundred miles above Cairo, I was somewhat
disappointed, as it did not appear to be any wider at Cairo than at Dubuque,
but, by close observation, I discovered that what it lacked in width was made
up in velocity and depth.
At Dubuque, too, the
water is clear as crystal; from St. Louis down it is the color of chocolate.
The banks of the river are uninhabited and uninhabitable most of the way. Every
spring and fall they overflow from ten to thirty miles, and then this mighty
mass of water will not be confined. The river channel is constantly changing.
The light, loose soil of the valley cannot withstand the tremendous power of
the resistless floods that are hurled from the north upon its yielding bosom.
This is one cause of disaster. The sand bars change so often it is impossible
to keep track of them.
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 47-8
Weather fine &
pleasant,—with indications of rain Duties of the morning as usual—much
rejoicing through out the camp—though no open demonstration—at the news of the
success of Gen. Butler in his operations on the coast of N. C. Received this morning.
Conflicting reports concerning the result or doings of the expidition sent down
the Miss. River yesterday. More troops sent down from Birds Point to day across
the country to the scene of action. Where it is not yet known in camp, some say
it is Columbus, Some New Madrid, no person knows anything definite about the
movements going on at Head Quarters—here all military movements are kept secret
by the Senior Officers of the different commands at both Posts Cairo &
Birds Point. Commenced raining about 4 O'clock this afternoon which put an end
to squad drill & set the men to work putting their tents to rights &
preparing for a spell of weather. Firing heard this evening again in the same
direction as that of last evening Still raining at 10 O'clock.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 225
No variation in the
daily routine of duties to day One of our men Thomas Onwhistle severely reprimanded
for disrespect towards the Col. At Dress Parade this evening 48 of our men were
ordered on patrol dutty for the night in the City of Cairo. 2 Regts. left for
Paducah Ky. which place is now occupied by Gen. Grant Commandant of this Post. Successor
to Gen. Prentiss.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 225
Stormy Night.
Indications this morning good for a rainy day A marvelous assault was committed
at the St. Charles Hotel yesterday by the Reporter of the St. Louis Democrat on
the person of the surgeon on the 8th Mo Regt. The surgeon was shot in the small
of the back by a pistol ball wound not mortal.
Camp McClernand Cairo Ills.
The reporter gave
himself up and is now in custody. Dress Parade omitted this evening on account
of the inclemency of the weather.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 226
Drill this morning
from 6 till 7 O'clock Orders to march tomorrow at 12 M. to Cairo. Some
disappointment among the men but generally resigned to go where they are
ordered. It was hoped that we would be ordered to Mo. but those hopes are now
blighted and we will now go to one of the most unhealthy spots in the U. S. to
stay we know not how long Well anything to save our Union Our beloved country
let it be what it will.
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State
Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 224
Reveille early this
morning preparations for leaving Camp McClernand, Tents struck at a few minutes
after 10 A. M. Baggage packed & loaded by ½ past 11 A. M. Companies on
parade ¼ past 12 M. Marched into Jacksonville at 1 O'clock P. M. in court yard
till 4 O'clock P. M. Marched to the cars, nothing but open cars for the men,
Large crowd at the depot to witness our departure. Had some trouble while at
the depot with private Sullivan, he was drunk had to tie him for refusing to be
still, Left Springfield at 10 minutes past 5 P. M. amid the firing of cannon
and immense cheering of the citisens 1st Sergent Browning left behind to
recruit his health, to follow up as soon as that will permit. Arrived at
Decatur without anything of moment transpiring. At 1 O'clock on the morning of
the 30th issued some rations of hard crackers & cheese to the men Changed
cars; better accommodations from there, to Cairo, in passenger coaches but
nothing better to eat. Arrived at Cairo at 4 O'clock P. M. marched to quarters on
the open plain above the city.
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State
Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 224
Camp Defiance Cairo
Ills. Roll call, Squad drill this morning. after breakfast men set to
work-cleaning up the groun[d.] Repeated firing of cannon in the artillery drill
at Birds Point-One man nearly killed by the discharge of a cannon Morning
report made out and handed in at Head Quarters 2 men in addition to last report—Aggregate
No. of men in Parkes comp now 98. both sworn into the service by the Col.
Rations of bread short this morning through the rascality or neglect of the
Quartermaster—great dissatisfaction throughout the camp on account of it. Col.
saw to the matter and bread here by half after 8 O'clock tonight.
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State
Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 224
I am still at
Barnum's, and having transferred my sick to the charge of Mr. S., I have a
little more time to think, and to journalize my thoughts. I have looked around
a little to-day, and my observations have almost made me wish I had no country.
When every right which freemen hold dear is at stake, to see men calculating
the pecuniary cost of preserving them, sickens the heart, and shakes our
confidence in human nature. When the poorer classes are laboring day and night,
and exposing their lives in the cause of that government on which the rich lean
for protection in the possession of their wealth, to see these loud mouthed
patriotic capitalists cheating them in the very clothes they wear to battle,
the soul revolts at the idea of human nature civilized into a great mass of
money-makers. May we not expect, ere long, that these same patriots will be
found opposing the war because it will require a tax on the riches which they
shall have amassed from it, to defray its expenses? We shall see.
* I assume that the
slave population are not of those against whom we fight.
SOURCE: Alfred L.
Castleman, The Army of the Potomac. Behind the Scenes. A Diary of
Unwritten History; From the Organization of the Army, by General George B.
McClellan, to the close of the Campaign in Virginia about the First Day
January, 1863, p. 15-6
CAIRO, ILL. Since the last date I have been to busy to
attempt anything in the way of writing. The Board of Trade Regiment was
mustered into service as the 72d Regiment of Ill. Vol. on the 21st day of
August, 1862, Fred A. Starring as colonel, Joseph C. Wright as lieutenant
colonel, and H. W. Chester as major, the latter being captain of Co. A., to
which company I belonged as first lieutenant. I was by reason of his promotion as
major, made captain. Not being able to leave the camp my brother John and my
sister came to the camp to bid me goodbye. I had no opportunity of seeing my
friends who were kind enough to present me with a full uniform, sword, sash and
belt. There was no opportunity for speech making, but I inwardly resolved I
would not disgrace this friendship or dishonor the sword they were so kind to
present me with. Marching orders came upon us suddenly, only two days after we
were mustered in we received marching orders and on the 23rd of August embarked
on board the Illinois Central train for Cairo, which we reached on the
afternoon of the 24th. Everything is in confusion and we will from this time
commence to realize a soldier's life, try to do a soldier's duty. God alone
knows who will return, but I must not commence thinking of that, as it is a
soldier's duty to die if need be. Our regiment is composed of fine material,
five companies being composed of men raised under the auspices of the Young
Men's Christian Association together with the Board of Trade. The commanding
officers of the companies are as follows: "A"-Stockton;
"B"Curtis; "C"-James; "D"-Sexton;
"E"-Holbrook; "F"-Williams; "G"-French;
"H"-Prior; "I"-Barnes; "K"-Reid. Our Adjutant,
Bacon, is a good soldier and well liked. Starring, a fine disciplinarian;
Wright, a Christian gentleman who will make a fine soldier; Chester, who claims
Mexican War experience. Quartermaster Thomas is a hard worker and Sutler Jake
Hayward, a whole souled, clever fellow. His delicacies, such as ginger bread,
canned peaches, cheese, etc., are relished by the men who still have some money
in their pockets. This Cairo is a miserable hole, the barracks are in a
terrible state, filled with rats and mice and other creeping things. I prefer
to sleep outdoors to sleeping in my quarters. Our time is taken up with company
and regimental drill, weather very hot, no excitement except the passing
through of regiments. We were ordered here to relieve the 11th Ill.. who go to
Paducah. Men are getting sick and I am anxious for marching orders.
SOURCE: Joseph Stockton,
War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier
General Joseph Stockton, p. 1-2
PADUCAH, KY. On Saturday morning about five o'clock we
were ordered to be ready to march in twenty-five minutes. We soon learned our
destination was Paducah. We embarked at Cairo on board the "Fair
Play." This boat had been captured from the rebels. We arrived here in the
night time and on Sunday morning disembarked. This is a beautiful place and
much preferable to Cairo. We are encamped on the banks of the Tennessee river
on a bluff about fifty feet above the river and on a sandy soil which soon
dries after a rain. On our arrival I was appointed "officer of the
day" and had to make the grand rounds, which means to visit all the
pickets. I had to ride about fifteen miles in a drenching rain at 12 o'clock at
night but I did not mind it as I was only too glad to have something to do. Men
are all better satisfied at getting south of the Ohio River as they feel they
are now in the enemy's country. We are kept busy drilling in battalion drill
which to me is preferable to company drill. There are a great many
secessionists in this place and no doubt but what our movements are made known
to the rebel officers daily. I forgot to say that our surgeon, Dr. E. Powell,
is one of the best in the service. 1st Assistant Surgeon Dr. Durham is only a
beginner.
SOURCE: Joseph Stockton,
War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier
General Joseph Stockton, p. 2
