Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 14, 1863

Heavy firing last night down the river, and about midnight an immense amount of cheering. We were all called out, but found the cheering was on our side. THE "ESCORT" (an unarmed steamer), HAD RUN THE BLOCKADE AT RODMAN'S POINT, BRINGING UP THE 5TH RHODE ISLAND, COLONEL SISSON, which practically ends the siege, as we can probably send or bring vessels through the blockade any time. Robbins, Pierce, and myself have been detailed in the fort to-day, building a bomb-proof for Gen. Foster, but the fire from "Widow Blunt" was so lively we could do but little. We received a mail in the mêlée, bringing about $25 to our mess, being the first for several weeks it seems to us months. I immediately left my watch with a jeweller in the 27th, who was in the fort, and who repaired it while under fire. I now had the money to pay him, thanks to home folks. We have been so hard up that a day or two since I tried for the first time to borrow a dollar or two, asking even Capt. Richardson. When he showed me that his pocket-book held only about two dollars, I gave it up. To-day I offered him some, when he showed me a bill which came by the same mail as ours. I think the full appreciation of the value of money will cling to us all, officers as well as men, in all future time. Our change of clothes came to-day, but in an awful condition.

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. 49

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 18, 1863

A jolly time last night; we tried to get up a good fire in our room and succeeded. We came very near setting the house in a blaze. After burning out the chimney and mantel-piece, we finally put it out, and the sergeant could not find out who did it. Another mail to-day, and on the same steamer, a part of the 43d. By our mail, we hear, some one wrote home that we had been in a severe all-day fight, and were badly whipped, having sixteen Cambridge boys killed and wounded. As there are only twenty-one Cambridge boys in the company, it would leave a small margin for our friends to hope on; and the chances of the Boston, Waltham and Watertown boys would have been small. Later news gave them a different version, although it was bad enough. We were enjoying ourselves last evening; even some of the sergeants were out on the river fishing for eels, when we heard a shot; a change came over us. The captain said we were at the breastworks inside of three minutes, where we lay down trying to get some sleep. Soon Sergt. Parsons came along the line, and picking out ten or eleven of the boys, started for Bl[o]ckhouse No. 1, where we were joined by an equal number from Company B, 27th, and a negro volunteer. We cleared the breastworks, and pushed to the woods. After a diligent search for an hour, we were called in. We found that the cavalry picket had been fired on and wounded in the wrist. Coming in, two of us were invited to supper with the blockhouse boys. We accepted, of course, and as we were late in rejoining the company we got a scolding for not returning at once, but, considering the great temptation, we were let off easy. Capt. J. M. Richardson of "A" and our Lieut. Newell have started for New Berne. Lieut. Newell is not very well. Capt. Richardson of "A" is getting along fairly.

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, pp. 50-1

Private William O. Gulick to Parkes Gulick, October 1, 1861

Camp Warren, Oct. 1st/61        

Co. M. 1st Iowa Cavalry

Dear Brother:¹⁹

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

Your dear brother

W. O. Gulick

P. S. Give my love to Henries²² folks tell him to write me I will answer a long letter.

_______________

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.

Private William O. Gulick to His Parents, October 18, 1861

Camp Benton,²³ Mo. Oct. 18th/61

Co. M. 1st Ia. Cavalry        

Dear Father & Mother

I have just set down to write you a letter. I have a great deal to write and but little time to write in. I have been very busy for the two days I have been here. It was very rainy the day we came in and cleaning up and geting settled is quite a chore. I wrote a very short letter the day we left Burlington stateing that we was about to leave We had a very pleasant trip down to this place We were from Monday noon untill Wednesday morning but we lay up; one night above the Keokuk rappids I was very glad as it gave me a chance to pass Canton and many other towns in the day time, we did not pass any town but what the Glorious old Stripes and Stars were seen floating from some part although some were said to be quite rank secessionists The finest looking City I see was Quincy, we stoped there about two hours. The Iowa third Infantry was encamped there, I believe to recrute awhile. and to my surprise I came across Charlie James from Camanche Township.²⁴ He said he expected to go home on a furlough soon, if he dose you will see him and an hours chat would be interesting as he was in the Battle of Blue mills²⁵ & severel skirmishes. I set up all night on the boat to see the Bluffs and cave above Alton I could not distinguish the cave but the rocks I could see planely, I also see the mouths of the Ills. and Mo. rivers We arrived in St. Louis about 7 oclock in the morning It shows to good advantage to the river, It was a long time before we could land as the levee for two miles was crowded with steam boats I tell you, St. Louis is a large city and things look warlike. There is a great many Gun boats building and the streets are lined with soldiers canons are seen drawn through the streets with other arms and shiped to the different camps. The St. Louis streets are very narrow. Our camp is just out of the City and five miles from the river I thought we would never find the M. Barracks,²⁶ although we were tired the march from the boat was more interesting than I thought it could be, as we were cheered from evry side and the seens of a city to a country greenhorn were all new, When we arrived at Benton Barracks I found the best Quarters I ever seen I will send a View of the Barracks in a newspaper I believe there is about 7,000 thousand soldiers encamped here and in the Fare Grounds adjoining. On this sheet there is a view of the fare grounds on review day There is soldiers from Iowa, Ill, Wis, and many other states they are comeing and leaving evry day. By the way I said Isaac and his company were all here when we arrived, Well they had marching orders yesterday they saddled and packed their things but did not get off untill today three oclock they have a part of their arms and expect to go by Jefferson Barracks and get the rest of their arms. Jef. Barks, is about five miles below St. Louis. I do not know how many soldiers are encamped their I do not know where Isaac is going but he will undoubtedly see a fight before he gets back I was sorry to see him leave, but still I was very anxious to go with him, but I know I shall have a chance before long to smell Rebble Powder, When I look around me and see so much that Government has done and has to do, I do not wonder at its slow movements as we used to call them Evrything here is on the strict order I was on guard today and it is night now, soon will be tattoo when all lights have to be extinguished I have only received your two letters that you sent to Burlington since I left home Except one from H. H. Judson and Aaron I should like to get some letters from any body (only so I get some) I came across some of Mr. Lafayette Tallmans Relations the day before we left Burlington some of their boys came to camp and when they found who we were and where from, nothing would do but that we should go out in the country about 2 miles where they lived and see them We did so and had a good dinner and an excellent visit, They wanted I should write so Tallman would know it, They said tell Tallman that Old Aunt Elen of Henry county was dead. This Tallmans name is Thomas _____     The Iowa eighth Rej. left here two or three days before we came in I was sorry for I should like to have seen some of the Eden boys. Isaac said that John Dam was left here in the Hospital. Was not able to go with the Rej. I have not had time to go and see him yet but think I shall go tomorrow If I can get a pass. I expect when I leave here that I will not be allowed to carry any thing except what I can carry in my saddle so I will have to send my carpet sack home or give it away as soon as I get my arms I intend having my likeness taken again and send home I only wish I could get all of yours I believe you might send them all in one case that is taken on single plates Again I wish you all might be here to see the encampment and see the soldiers drill &c one day if no more The talk is that we will get our pay soon. I do not know but hope we will for many of the Boys are out of money I have plenty as yet however I do not know how long we may stay here yet but I guess the best way is to send your letters here as they are all forwarded on after evry company You must all write to me evry one of my folkes and direct to, Benton Barracks, St. Louis Mo. Company M 1st Ia. Cavalry

P. S. Give my love to all my friends and receive this from your affectionate son.

W. O. Gulick

_______________

²³ Benton Barracks, also called Camp Benton, was just outside St. Louis. It was the chief point of assembly for the Union armies in Missouri late in 1861 and early in 1862.

²⁴ Camanche Township in which the town of Camanche, Iowa, is located, lies along the Mississippi River a few miles southwest of Clinton.

²⁵ This refers to the action at Blue Mills Landing (about five miles from Liberty, Clay County, Missouri), on September 17, 1861. About 4400 Confederates attacked 900 Union men and the latter were forced to retire. Union losses were about 130 killed and wounded, the Confederate about 160. The Third Iowa Infantry, as Gulick reports, was engaged. —Official Records: War of the Rebellion, Series I, Vol. III, pp. 193-195. This series was published by the Government Printing Office at Washington, 1880-1898.

²⁶ That part of Benton Barracks occupied by Company M of Gulick's regiment.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28 (1930), pp. 210-3.

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, February 10, 1863

I received a letter from my Daughter dated Jany 29th also a fiew lines, from each of my two eldest son's Amandus & Augustus & my heart rejoices that Amandus has got able to sit up again Night I wrote a letter to my son Amandus, & also a little one to each of me little boys.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 109

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, February 21, 1863

Lieut Wm M McCreary came down this morning he has been absent from us since December We ware on Dress perade at 4 Oc in the raine & mud, there was heavy thunder & lightning this day I recd a letter from my Daughter & bless the Lord my son is recovering.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 111

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson, Saturday, April 4, 1863

Very large mail. Water filter, 50 cents; goggles, 50 cents.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 15

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson, Monday, April 6, 1863

A small mail from St. Cloud came.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 15

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson, Saturday, April 11, 1863

We were mustered. I mailed $30 to John C. Haradon of Lake City to invest in sheep for me.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 15

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson, Monday, April 13, 1863

Mail came in.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 15

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson, Friday, April 24, 1863

The steamer International arrived from Georgetown at 5p. m. Broke the howitzer trail by firing a salute. I and Sergeant Thorpe rode seven miles on her way up. I received a letter from Sally. I lent Faverow $18.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 16

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson, Tuesday, April 28, 1863

I received a letter from father. The priest arrived from Pembina. Bishop Tache arrived from Fort Garry. The drum arrived.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 16

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 6, 1863

One of Company A's men died to-day. His name was Burch. A boat-load of negroes landed here to-day and were taken down towards the city, what for I did not learn. Many of the men in camp are having diarrhea, and some have to go to the hospital, where the diet can be regulated. Some corn and contraband goods were seized to-day a short distance up the river. A man has been suspected for a long time and to-day was seized upon with all his goods. We are expecting letters every day now. We watch the papers for the mail steamers, and if we get no letters are much disappointed.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, pp. 96-7

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 7, 1863

Two steamers due and yet no letters. Been loafing about camp so long I feel as if I was an unprofitable servant. But as there is nothing doing I am about as profitable as the rest.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 97

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 10, 1863

Yesterday I took the place of a nurse who was ailing, and to-day have been with several others to explore the country roundabouts. We came to an orange orchard and found and cut some sprouts for canes. General Dow and his staff were riding past, and seeing us, rode full tilt towards us, as if to run over us. The general was so busy watching us he never saw a ditch, and into it he went. The horse went down and the general went on his head, landing in the tall grass on all fours. He was not hurt, and after his staff had caught up and helped him on his horse, he came up and said, "To what regiment do you men belong?" Being told, he snapped out, "Report to your quarters at once and don't be seen cutting orange trees again." It is said he roams about like this, driving in any he finds outside, and in other ways making himself unpopular with the boys. However, he didn't take our canes and we have some nice ones to show for the trip.

Two letters to-day, and although they were a month old, they were full of news to me.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 97

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 14, 1863

A letter from John Van, with one in it from George Willson and one from T. Templeton of the 150th. They are feeling fine and the regiment has little or no sickness to report.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 98

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Thursday, April 16, 1863

A letter from Walt Loucks asking me to come and see him. Shall surely go if I can get a pass.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 99

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Friday, April 17, 1863

Went to see Walt. I had a first-rate visit. He is about well. I did little but answer questions about what has been going on since we parted at Camp Chalmette, who is living and who have died and what sort of a place we are in. Found three letters for me when I came back.

Later. Marching orders with two days' cooked rations and 100 rounds of ammunition, blankets and overcoats. I am going, too, unless Dr. Andrus stops me. Must stop and write a letter before taps.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 99

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, February 6, 1861

A pleasant day overhead but muddy under foot. W^m H [Burridge or Burniage?] of Cleveland Ohio dined with us today, Cha^s also. Public affairs look brighter than they did before the Virginia Election. The Peace convention now in Session here sit with closed doors, but as far as known everything with regard to it looks favorable to an adjustment. Had letter today from Brother C R. He will start for Washington 1^st day of March. Did not go down to the Ave'^e tonight. Willie was learning from me how to write his name and to add up figures. The other boys, Halsey & H N, are drawing.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 16.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, February 7, 1861

The morning was bright with a fine and cool atmosphere, just freezing, but tonight the wind blows almost a hurricane. I like almost any kind of weather better than a cold wind, consequently I have not gone out tonight. Nothing of importance has occured today. More U S troops have arrived and the idea of taking Washington will I think be abandoned by all who have been so disposed heretofore. Had letters today from Julia and from [S A Dewey or Ducey?]. Sent off ten copies of Agricultural Report of P^t office to friends in different States north. Rejected a case which Hon Schuyler Colfax M.C. has in charge. The “Peace Convention” promises good results.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 16.