Washed my clothes
before guard-mounting. Guard at 9 o'clock in the morning of this same day, in
the same Camp Drake, Murfreesboro'.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 33
Washed my clothes
before guard-mounting. Guard at 9 o'clock in the morning of this same day, in
the same Camp Drake, Murfreesboro'.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 33
On guard in this
same camp to-day, and a nice clear day; our Colonel, H. A. Hambright, having
been absent from his command on a visit home, returns back to camp again from
Lancaster, Penn., this same day.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 33
Came off guard,
having been relieved for forty-eight hours. Looks wet and is raining at 9
o'clock of this day. Got two miniatures sent to me from Wesley Richey and wife,
from the State of Indiana.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 33
On camp guard this morning; a very pleasant day, cold at night, and nothing of importance occurring in camp on this day.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 35
Came off camp guard, having been relieved; a fine warm morning ; sent our dress and overcoats to Nashville.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 35
A fine warm, clear day; detailed for camp guard.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 36
Came off' guard, having been relieved, at 9 o'clock ; went through monthly inspection.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 36
I am happy to have
an opportunity to answer your letter. I received one from you, Mary &
Mother, in one envelope, but intend to answer them sepperate, so to have you
all write to me again one at a time I wrote a short letter to the girls day
before yesterday I was standing on guard then, I had a fine old time of it, as
it continued to rain all night, and I had four hours to stand in the middle of
the night. A fellow attempted to run my station but I heard him and demanded
him to halt he did so, I then demanded the counter sign, he could not give it
He said his horse had crossed the line and he wanted to get him I told him to
go to Head quarters and get the counter sign, or to travel, he left and was
heard of no more
I came off Guard at
ten o'clock I got a pass to go down town I run about town all day I see Isaac
leave with his company there was four companies left, all took the boat, the
horses were put on flat boats, you would have seen a great sight had you been
here when they started Isaac did not have time to send his box by express so I
sent it for him I sent your over coat home and my linen coat and shirt I
give you, I have a long tailed Blue You would laugh to see me with it on, but
it is very comfortable It makes a great difference in the appearance of a
company of soldiers when they have their uniform on. There was four more
companies left for St. Louis this morning I wished my self along with them but
we will have to stay here yet three or four days to get the remainder of our
horses and saddles It looks rather war like to see so many men all mounted, and
then to have them to give three cheers and fire off a canon it makes a person
feel like fighting I tell you Parkes I would advise you not to go to war. I
think you are not strong enough and most to easy excited, for camp life is
almost a continual drudge To day I
have to cook I expect to morrow to stand on guard and evry day brings work By
the way how is your onion crop, how does the sugar cane turn out. I would like
to have some of the Molasses We only draw Molasses once a week and then only a
little. What are you doing this fall, tell me what you with all the rest are
about I should like to hear from Charlie20 & Richard21
also tell Peters folks to write I suppose you will have charge of affairs when
father and mother goes to Wis. do it up well. Tell father I have seen the
company Blacksmiths shoe horses all day out in the rain it looked rather hard
but it was just before they started for St. Louis and there is no stop of any
thing in war As soon as I get to St. Louis I will write to mother & father
You had better wait untill I write to them before you answer this, then it will
come direct to St. Louis Tell Woody to write me a letter and I will answer it
as soon as I can he said he would write to me. You must write all about my
friends and about affairs at home as it is most time to get supper I will have
to close
19 "Dear Brother" was Parkes Gulick,
who remained at home. William's letters contain frequent admonitions to his
brother not to enlist, as he did not believe him strong enough to stand army
service.
20 "Charlie" was Charles Jones of Low
Moor, who married William's sister Cynthia. After the conscription act was
passed he was summoned to service; but he succeeded in hiring a substitute,
which was not only a very common practice, but specifically legalized by the
draft law.
21 Richard Wagner, before mentioned, a
brother-in-law of William Gulick's.
22 Henry Gulick, an older brother at home.
SOURCE: Benjamin F.
Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28
(1930), pp. 208-10.
I received your long
looked for letter last night and I set my self about answering it as soon as I
had read it, but had hardly commenced when the word came (to arms) or rather to
go and get our new Sabers. I had to go. I have a very good one indeed. There
was so much nois and clamor that I could not think of writing more last night.
This Sunday morning we had to pack up evrything that is caried on horse back
and appear on grand review or inspection after forming in line of Battle we
marched around Brig. Gen. Curtis'27 quarters, He (with his Body
Guard close by) was to inspect our Battalion as we marched by. I had a fine
opportunity of seeing him he is a fine looking old man, and quite gray hair,
all the soldiers had to salute him with the Saber. It was dinner time when I
came in quarters, and as soon as I could take care of my horse and put away my
things it was two oclock, and now as I want to write this letter (not knowing
when I may have another opportunity) I will have to give up going to meeting,
which is at four oclock We have orders to leave here between this and
Wednesday. I know not where, but unless the order is countermanded we will go.
I expect we will have to be put through drilling while we stay here, we drill
mostly on a trot and a gallop, and when chargeing, on a dead
run. I am geting used to riding, I beleive I shall make a good horseman a
number of the boys have been thrown from their horses and some been run away with
I believe that not any of them have been hurt. I am proud of my horse he is
such a steady good one, When I get my accouterments all on and drilling I tell
you I feel animated and like fighting. I beleive I shall do good exicution when
I get a chance at those Missouri Ruffians. I think my chance is good for one
stroke at least soon too, Day before yesterday our Lt. Crissy28 came
back from Lyons with recruits among them were Blacksmith-Clark J. Kilmer,
Thoms. Else,29 Although they are nearly strangers to me, they
seem like old friends. It came my turn to stand on stable guard that night from
twelve untill six in the morning. I had so many long stories to exchange with
the Camanche boys that I did not go to bed to get any sleep that night. Aaron
Reccord & Lucian Beely30 also came down at the same time in
pesuit of their Regt. I suppose you knew that they had been in the Hospital at
Camp McClellan, and home on a furlough They are here yet and as Aaron is quite
lame (from the affects of over walking when too week) I think he will stay here
untill he is better, while Beely will start tomorrow morning, to over take his
Co. that I think is near Warsaw.31 I got a pass to go to the
Hospital but they would not admit me I enquired for John Dam and was told that
he was not There, I suppose that he went with his Co, The last I heard of Isaac
and Co R. they were at Jeferson City. Tell Aunt Rebecca32 Isaacs
letters will be forwarded from Head Quarters and I will not see them You said
you was glad to hear of any delay of our Co. for my personal safety I do not
want you to feel so, I came to fight, and the sooner we get at it
the sooner it it [sic] will be ended I can not give you any information
concerning the war I do not get the news regular and there is so many rumors in
camp that a person can not beleive any of them, and a soldier never knows where
he is going or what he is going to do I beleive our Regt is as good as any them
is, or at least Col. says so, & Brig. Gen. Cortis [Curtis] says it has cost
as much as any two Regt. organized.
We have another suit
of evry day clothes in the Col.['s] charge so we shall not get out this winter
Besides we have a dress suit for a fancy rig but the Col. will not give it us
yet I do not want it to mus now since I wrote you last we have received fatigue
caps and partly enough overalls, expect the rest soon they are a good
institution If I have time before I go from this place I will send you my
likeness with my arms I shall expect to receive yours soon (I mean all the
folks) Emma wondered if I was standing on guard the night she wrote I beleive I
was or the night before I am not positive which You told me about Parkes how
hard he had to work I am sorry he has to work so hard I believe it is easier to
soldier, but since we have been at Benton Barracks my whole time has been
occupied though it is not hard work, We have so much cleaning to do by the way
I will tell you something I have to do We have to keep our Buttons Bright (we
use chalk and a brush) all our clothes brushed clean, our Boots Blacked There
is a great deal of Brass about our saddles, spurs Bridles and all have to be
kept Bright and clean We have Brass shoulder Plates or Appauletts our Arms
&c all have to be kept Bright. We also have to keep our Quarters clean and
take care of horse. We Drill five hours evry day and have Dress Parade at five
oclock it takes about half or three fourth hours I have to cook every ten days
and stand on guard once in from three to six days, we all have to get up at six
oclock or Reveille, (The sound of the Bugle) and cannot go to bed untill after
Roll call or Tattoo (sound of the Bugle) which is at nine oclock P. M. If we do
not answer at Roll Call we get a black mark, and about three markes makes extra
guard duty (I never got a black mark yet) I was sorry to learn that Father and
mother did not go to Wis. I think they would have enjoyed the visit by the way
there is some boys here from McGregor, Iowa. Some are acquainted in Grant Co, Wis.
they say they are acquainted with some Kaslers but not our friends relatives as
I can learn. There is some here from Adair Co. Mo. They Have been at Shibleys
Point33 but not acquainted there I have not written to Uncle Jacobs
yet. I will the first spare time I have, for I know they would be glad to hear
from me, But I want to write a good & a long letter when I write. I hope I
may have an opportunity to visit them, though I think the prospects of geting a
furlough is rather dubious, several have applied but to no effect I almost
forgot to tell you of my visit to the Arsinal Yesterday I got a pass to go down
town I went on horse back and rode nearly all day through the city The Arsinal
is about three miles below the city and on the river Bank It is surounded by a
high stone wall and includes about ten acres There is many large stone and
Brick buildings where all kinds of arms are manufactured I see 1.25 large
cannon about half were six and eight inch bore and Riffled Cannon the rest were
light and ten inch and one did weigh 12,051 lbs I see a number of morters and
Bom shells a number of Brass cannon In one building they were makeing
cartridges and five hundred boys would make two hundred Thousand a day it would
seam enough to shoot all the rebbles in existence It was interesting to see the
process of cartriges makeing and others makeing impliments of war, I have no
time for explanations.
27 Samuel R. Curtis was at this time a
brigadier general; shortly afterwards he was promoted to major general, and in
March, 1862, was in chief command of the Union army at the decisive victory of
Pea Ridge, which gave an opening wedge for later Union invasions of Arkansas.
On September 24, 1862, he was assigned to command of the Department of Missouri
and Kansas. He kept the Confederates in this field on a defensive and guerrilla
basis of warfare throughout his period of command; but his policy of
maintaining as many troops as possible in Missouri to dragoon southern
sympathizers into submission instead of furnishing contingents to other fields
when asked for them set him at odds with the authorities at Washington. On
March 10, 1863, President Lincoln ordered Gen. E. V. Sumner to relieve him.
Sumner died on the way to St. Louis, so the President on May 13th ordered
General Schofield to relieve Curtis. Curtis afterwards commanded the Department
of Kansas and Indian Territory. - Battles and Leaders of the
Civil War (New York. The Century Co., 1888), Vol. III, pp.
446, 454, Vol. IV, pp. 376, 377.
28 James Crissy, 1st lieutenant in Company M.
29 "Blacksmith-Clark" was James
Clark; "J. Kilmer", Jeremiah Kilmer; "Thoms. Else", Thomas
C. Elce. All three were evidently from Lyons and all enlisted after
muster. They re-enlisted in 1864 and apparently served out the war.—Lothrop's A History of
the First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, pp. 396, 403.
30 Reccord and Beely were evidently friends and
neighbors at home. Nothing further is known about them.
31 Warsaw is the county seat of Benton County,
Missouri; it lies about 60 miles southwest of Jefferson City.
32 William's Aunt Rebecca Gulick, wife of
Abraham Gulick, a brother of William's father.
33 Shibley's Point is a small inland town about
15 miles northwest of Kirksville, in Adair County, Missouri.
34 Dr. Ankeny was a brother of Captain William
H. Ankeny who was in command of Company M at this time.
35 "Uncle Abe" was Abraham Gulick,
William's father's brother.
SOURCE: Benjamin F.
Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28
(1930), pp. 213-20.
Broke camp today having received orders to march some fifteen miles in the country and guard a lot of cotton. I was glad of the change as camp life was getting tedious. Men are glad to get out, as they call it, for a lark.
SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 21
One of the events came last night, or rather this morning at half-past four. "E" was ordered out and marched to the edge of the swamp, beyond Blockhouse No. 1, close to the river one side and the woods on the other, with water in front of us. It rained steadily, and we lay crouched against the wall of the building until it was too light for the rebels to surprise us; then we were faced about and marched to our tents. At noon we moved again. This time the change is for the better. We are down town in a deserted store. It was owned by a rebel; so we pulled down the counters and shelves, and soon had rousing fires. We don't know where the other companies are, but hope they have as good quarters as we are enjoying. We are told to expect an attack to-night, which expectancy is as common as "About this time look out for rain." Lieut. Newell told us to-day we might be in New Berne soon. A boat left to-day which took our mail. If it would only clear up, we had rather stay here than be at New Berne, as red tape, guard, &c., are of little account.
The captain delivered a tobacco ration to-day. The question is, "Did he buy or forage it?" We don't want him to get demoralized yet.
SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 43
A steamer came up this morning bringing a sutler. We made another move to-day, going back to our old place under the breastworks in our shelter-tents. Everything is wet through and uncomfortable; but we acknowledge we are handier in case of trouble. It is rumored we are going North to guard prisoners, and that Capt. Richardson, of "A," goes to New Berne to-day. Another rumor is, we are going to Plymouth to have another trial at Rainbow Bluff, but we had rather stay here. This morning our captain distributed towels, soap, plates, and knives and forks to each man. How or where he found them we don't know, but would have saved him the trouble of purchasing, if he had mentioned where they were. A mail arrived to-day.
SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 44
SIEGE AT WASHINGTON.
It has rained nearly all this week, and until yesterday we have been loafing, trying to kill time. Last night our company was on picket again up the road towards Tarboro, coming in this morning about six o'clock. They had a most miserable time. Twitchell was sent to the hospital sick. A few of us were on guard here, so escaped picket duty.
Gen. Foster arrived here this morning, and by noon Companies A and G, under command of Capt. J. M. Richardson of "A," with one howitzer, were tramping across the bridge towards New Berne on a scout. Those who could went to the water's edge to watch them. They were soon in action, meeting a force of rebels who handled them severely. Finding quite a strong force protected by breastworks, they were ordered back, to give the "Louisiana" a chance to shell the woods. Capt. Richardson of "A" was wounded twice in the left arm.
They left Sergt. Hobart, Corp. Lawrence, and John Leonard of "G," who were taken prisoners. The rebels closed on them and carried them off. Several others were struck, but none seriously hurt. About every man at the head of the column was hit. Capt. Richardson was heard to say, "It is rough to go through what I have (five or six battles) without a scratch, and get hurt in this affair."
SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 44
I received your kind letter yesterday morning but as I did not have time to answer it then I waited untill now. My time is limited, for I am standing guard and just came off, will have to go on again at one oclock, we stand two hours on, and about four off, for twenty-four hours. It commenced last night to rain and has continued to rain ever since and prospects for a wet time all through my time of Guard, But I am well provided for as we have our uniform the clothing for the whole Regiment came Sept. 20th. We have one heavy pair Pantaloons and the promise of another soon, a very heavy Overcoat with cape a Fighting Jacket trimmed with orange a blue sack coat for a fatigue dress a pair of Boots, pair of shoes, and a hat something like Isaac's We have three Blankets one for our horse. The Whole Regiment is Ordered to go to St. Louis and to go by Squadrons one each day commencing tomorrow (Monday) Our Squadron will be the last so we will remain here yet six days unless further orders We expect to get the remainder of our horses by Wednesday, We have now about 30 horses and saddles. I forgot to tell you all of our clothing we got Shirts two pair drawers, two pair Socks a canteen, and all the little necessaries we wanted. I cannot carry all my clothing so I will send my things that I need least, in a box with some others to Clinton I shall have them in a bundle directed to Low Moor, I shall write to the rest of the family in a few days I got a pass yesterday to go down town but as the Colonel2 wanted all should appear on grond parad [sic] I could not go to have my likeness taken but as soon as I can get my pass I will have it taken and send it in my next letter. You will probably hear from Isaac soon for he will write as soon as he gets to St. Louis and he starts Tuesday
I was glad to hear that you were all geting along so well I am as well as can be and like soldiering better evry day I tell you it is fine cooking and eating out doors such days as this I have just pertaken of an apple dumpling I bought it for my dinner and thank fortune I have change but many have not, Peter Barr3 has lost his pocket Book with over Fifty dollars he says if Wagner4 has not payed that little sum he ows him to his brother he would like to have him send it to him, he says direct or send it in one of my letters The sum is $3.60 I believe. It is now time for me to go on guard and I have always been prompt excuse me from writing more this time and I will write soon and more give my love to all my friends tell them I like to get letters, direct care of Capt.5 to Camp Warren as you have heretofore and my letters will be forwarded on to me if I am gone
1 William Gulick had four sisters, all older than himself: Lorette Schuyler, Sarah Jane Wagner, Emma V. Harris, and Cynthia Jones.
2 Colonel Fitz Henry Warren, of the First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, rose to the rank of brevet major general before the close of the war. A native of Massachusetts, he had moved to Burlington, Iowa, in 1844. In 1849 President Taylor appointed him Assistant Postmaster General. He made an excellent record in this position, but resigned it in indignation when Millard Fillmore signed the Fugitive Slave Law. In the campaign of 1860 he employed his eloquent oratorical powers in behalf of Abraham Lincoln. When war broke out he left the associate editorship of the New York Tribune, where he had made a reputation as one of the ablest journalists in the United States, to serve his country in the field. In later years he was frequently active in Iowa politics.
3 Peter Barr, of Company M, came (like Gulick) from the Low Moor neighborhood and seems to have been a close friend of Gulick's, as he is mentioned a number of times in these letters. At the time of his discharge for disability at Clinton, Missouri, on June 24, 1862, he held the rank of corporal.
4 Richard Wagner, of Low Moor, married Sarah Jane Gulick.
5 By the "Capt." is meant William H. Ankeny, Captain of Company M.
SOURCE: Benjamin F. Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28 (1930), pp. 204-6.
Very busy as usual
getting out reports. Faverow gone home with messenger. Tarbell, McCoy's Co.,
relieved from guard. Corporal Daniel Phelps buried.
SOURCE: Lewis C.
Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 14
We are now having an
easy life of it; nothing of interest beyond daily guard duty by a detail from
the regiment. Our regiment has delightful quarters and the best of food is
furnished. The citizens are very sociable but the war is the topic which fills
their hearts as well as our own and many discussions take place, but nothing
personal. Weather is hot in day time, but nights lovely. SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 21
Regt in line to move
at 6. Rec orders to wait. At 12. I am sent with a detail to corderoy the road.
The train all stuck in the mud. men pull the wagons out with ropes. At 3. I am
relieved and report to the Regt. At 3.40 Regt in line to guard a train of 20 wagons,
(all that had been got over) to the other Brigade ahead, as they are out of
rations. Met Genl Grangers ambulances one mile out, begins to rain before we
get through rains hard & is very dark. Get through at 9. The train
sticks in the mud & is hard to get through. hear cannonading on the Bay all
P. M. we are now in the turpentine orchards, hundreds of pounds of resin on the
trees, get supper at 9, raining, retire at 10. Genl Veaches Div has overtaken
our rear. The Regt moved 6 miles today.
SOURCE: “Diary of
John S. Morgan, Company G, Thirty-Third Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa,
Vol. XIII, No. 8, Third Series, Des Moines, April 1923, pp. 578-9
At 12. last night
the Jonnies made a charge out of their forts on the skirmish line, draw it in
on the left where the 7th Vermont was stationed, camps wise all around & on
the alert. brisk firing for an hour, some rain falling
about this time. At 3. A. M. co C. relieves Co E. on the skirmish line They
come in all whole & were not drivn back. reported that about 30 of the 29th
Iowa were gobbled by the 7th Vermont giving back & letting the Jonnies
in their rear; The day passes so so. Artillery firing from both sides. Reb
Mortar boats shell us considerably & heavy firing on the skirmish line all
day, some of the heavy guns to be put in position tonight. This evening the
reported capture of the men of the 29th is contradicted Co "C" is
relieved after dark & bring off 3 prisoners with them, they were out sharp
shooting & got to close They talk confidantly & say we can never take
Mobile or Spanish Fort which by their act is manned by 6000 reinforcing every
night, one Brigade of the 16th A. C. is sent off this P. M. as guard to supply
train with rations for Genl Steele who is in the vicinity of Blakely &
reports to Genl Canby that he can keep reinforcements from coming here by land
or allow it. Genl C. says to allow it. (this is rumor) There is a telegraph
from Genl Canbys Hd Qtrs to all the Div Hd Qtrs & to the landing at our new
base about 4 miles from our position. The Rebels use heavier guns today. Have a
chill this morning & feel quite ill all day.
SOURCE: “Diary of
John S. Morgan, Company G, Thirty-Third Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa,
Vol. XIII, No. 8, Third Series, Des Moines, April 1923, pp. 581-2
Our Regt. on Guard
to day. Rec'd our Pay yesterday. Sixteenth Ills. arrived here last night. To
day they have gone over to Birds Point. This evening we rec'd. marching orders,
were countermanded however about 8 O'clock.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 235
No news of the
expidition yet. Too mudy to do any thing yet but stand Guard. It rains about
half the time. Both Rivers are still raising, & threaten to inundate &
overflow our camp The camp at Ft. Holt is nearly all under water now. The
members of our Regt express great chagrine because they were not permitted to
accompany the expedition and share with it in its perils &
honors Capt. Parke Officer of the Day.
SOURCE: Transactions
of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 235