Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 1, 1863

Weather cleared off and very pleasant.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 2-3, 1863

Firing going on all day, enemy shelling our works, our batteries replying to them. Have not heard of any serious casualties.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 4, 1863

Regiment went out on a reconnoitering expedition on the Yallabusha Road, drew the enemy's fire, but nobody hurt.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 5, 1863

Received orders to hold ourselves ready to strike tents and go on board transports. We are all sadly disappointed at not having a chance at Fort Pemberton, but our generals are much more sensible than we are. They know that we can't take the fort, as it is impossible to bring a sufficient number of troops to operate at once as the fort is almost entirely surrounded by water; the river is so narrow that only one gunboat can operate at a time. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson of General Grant's staff is here and sees for himself the impossibility of success and the utter uselessness of shedding blood where it would avail nothing. Worked all night.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 6, 1863

Four companies of the 72d with the 4th Minnesota on board the steamer "Pringler"—the balance of the regiment with an Ohio battery on board the "Empire State." Started at nine o'clock on our return.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 9, 1863

The Yazoo Pass expedition has ended and boats all back. Our return was monotonous, as we all felt dispirited at our failure. There was great rejoicing as we once more entered the Mississippi River, the men cheering, and a salute from the battery on board our boat. There were splendid chances to bushwhack us, and I wonder the Rebs didn't do it. There was a great deal of desolation caused by our trip, as many plantations were destroyed. During the trip we buried two of our regiment who died from sickness. Poor fellows, no headstones left to mark their last resting place. The transports are complete wrecks and it is wonderful how they got back. I learn one was burned, being unable to make her way back.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 10, 1863

Disembarked at our old camping ground below Helena on the sand ridge. Await orders now from General Grant for our next move, which we understand is another route to Vicksburg.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 12, 1863

Started again down the Mississippi, our destination being Milliken's Bend.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 11

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 13, 1863

Laid up last night on account of a very heavy storm, the officers of the transport being afraid to run in such a storm, being so deeply loaded.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 12

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 14, 1863

Arrived at Lake Providence and left for Milliken's Bend. River still very high.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 12

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 15, 1863

Landed at Milliken's Bend. General Grant's army is here encamped under the immediate command of General Grant, and under him commanding corps are Generals Sherman, McClernand and McPherson. We are assigned to the latter corps. The camp grounds here are on the plantation, which are only protected by the levees and in the slightest rain are flooded with water. A great deal of sickness among the men, and numerous deaths. The only burial ground is the levee, and you can at almost any hour hear the drum and fife, whose simple music is the only dirge of some poor, brave soldier. I was permitted to go down on the commissary boat on which was General Grant and his staff to witness the running of the Vicksburg batteries of our gunboats. The night was a favorable one, but owing to everything not being ready they did not start. Volunteers were called for to man the transport, and several from our regiment volunteered, but Sergeant Simpson was the only one accepted; there were so many offered.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 12

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 16, 1863

Went into camp, and a hard place it is; wood scarce and "water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink," except the Mississippi water, which is very trying on one's constitution. Tonight I witnessed one of the grandest sights I was ever permitted to witness. Through the kindness of some officers I got on board the steamer "Quincy South" and went down again to see the running of the batteries. The night was a pleasant one, stars shining brightly and not a cloud in the heavens, and yet not too light. I went down to within two miles of Vicksburg and could see the lights in the city and on the bluffs distinctly. About half past nine I saw some dark objects floating down the river so noiselessly that you could scarcely detect them; not a light was to be seen on them. The transports, with barges of cotton and hay lashed to them on the Vicksburg side, and cotton piled up around their boilers and engines to protect them from the cannon shot. I fairly held my breath; not a sound was to be heard; all was anxiety and suspense; my thoughts were with the brave men who were to undertake such a perilous voyage. I waited for the first shot; after about half an hour's suspense I saw all at once a brilliant light, which was the signal for the rebels, and then it seemed as if a hundred guns opened at once. The rebels built a large bonfire which lit up the river for miles. Oh, what a sight it was the flash of the cannon, the bursting of shells, but above all the deafening roar, which was like peal after peal of the loudest thunder. How I trembled for the fate of those on board the transports, as they were not near so well protected as those on the gunboats. I saw one of the steamers which the officers on board said was the "Henry Clay" floating by the city, burning. How I hope all the rest have gone safely through the fiery path. I am to be envied, as I do not believe there is another officer in our brigade that has had an opportunity to see this scene. I await the news with great anxiety and refer those who read these pages to an abler pen than mine to do this heroic act full justice.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 12

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 17, 1863

Today two brigades of our division were reviewed by Adjutant General Thomas of the United States Army. Afterwards we were closed in "mass by divisions" and the general made a speech to us on the "contraband" question. They expect to raise negro regiments and expect to raise 20,000 in the West, who are to be officered by white men. He said he had the power to issue commissions to those who were desirous of becoming officers, but the rush had been so great that the applications had to be limited to sixty from each regiment; more than that number have applied, or will apply, from our regiment. General Sanborn, our brigade commander, told General Thomas as they rode by that our regiment was the best drilled of the new troops he had seen.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 12

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 18, 1863

Received four months' pay, which was of the greatest service to the officers and men and put all in a good humor. Sutlers shops were patronized extensively and the express office crowded with soldiers sending money to the loved ones at home. On the other side, gambling is carried on extensively till the sharpers have fleeced the green ones out of their last cent. Officers try their best to prevent it, but the men will steal away whenever they can get a chance. It is about as hard to keep them from gambling as getting whisky, and where an officer could not get a drop men can get all they want.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 12

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 21, 1863

Mustered out as captain of Company A and into the service as major of the 72d Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to date from 14th day of February,1863.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, pp. 12-13

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 23, 1863

Left Milliken's Bend and had one of the hardest marches on account of heat we have ever had. The distance was only twelve miles, yet it was across a country devoid of trees, and in the middle of the day the heat was dreadful; water scarce—more straggling than ever before, except on one occasion. Reached Richmond, La., about dark. I was posted at the entrance of the town to post the men, as they came straggling in, where the camp was.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 13

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 24, 1863

Detailed as provost guard at Richmond. This is one of the prettiest places I have yet seen. We are encamped on the property of a Mr. Anderson, a cousin of the General Anderson of Fort Sumter fame. Mr. Anderson voted against secession and for Bell and Everett, but is now a secessionist and says there is no such thing as a unionist in the South. Headquarters tent is pitched in his garden and surrounded by flowers which are in full bloom. It is so different from what it is at home. The air is so soft and balmy that I feel like resting all the time.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 13

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 27, 1863

Still in camp. The men are drilled in batallion drill and dress parades are held regularly. I have ridden around the country and must say that I have never yet seen so many beautiful gardens. Assigned to the 6th division (McArthur's), 2d brigade (Ransom). Both are old Chicago friends, and I anticipate a much pleasanter time, as we were entire strangers in the old brigade and division (Quimby's and Sanborn's). We are ordered to remain here until McArthur's Division comes up.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 13

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, April 30, 1863

Marched from Richmond to Smith's Plantation. It was the most delightful march we have ever had. The road was on the banks of a bayou. The moss hanging from the branches of the trees reached almost to the road; the birds were singing in all directions, no dust, and weather as pleasant as one could ask. I have never seen the men enjoy a march more, and all contented. We halted in midday, thus escaping the noonday sun. Reached Smith's Plantation at dusk and bivouacked for the night. We will probably stay here for a week or so guarding the road until the army passes on its way to Grand Gulf, when we will then strike to the rear of Vicksburg.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 13

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, March 2, 1863

We struck tents yesterday morning and marched into Memphis, bivouacked on the wharf until dark and then embarked on board the steamer "Platte Valley." We will not leave until the whole division (Quimby's), has embarked. Our destination is Lake Providence. Fortunately we are the only regiment on board and are comfortably fixed. Was assigned to my duties as major. Our steamer went five miles below Memphis for wood. River very high and overflowing the country in many places. Raining hard every few days. Marching will be difficult.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 9