Diary of Corporal Lawrence Van Alstyne, September 21, 1862

Sunday morning. Nothing happened during the night. We bought a good breakfast of a family who make a business of feeding the soldiers that come here, for I was told there is a detail here every day. I wish it might be us every time. As soon as the new guard arrives we are to go back to camp and camp fare again.

2 p. m. In camp again. It seems hotter and dirtier than ever after our day in the country. Before we left Catonsville we filled our haversacks with great luscious peaches. Those that ripen on the tree the people cannot sell, so they gave us all that would fall with a gentle shake of the tree. How I wished I could empty my haversack in your lap, mother. On the way to camp we met a drove of mules, said to be 400 of them, loose, and being driven like cattle. They were afraid of us and all got in a close bunch, and the 400 pairs of ears all flapping together made a curious sight. We were told they came from Kentucky and are for use in the army. They were all bays, with a dark stripe along the back and across the shoulders, looking like a cross laid on their backs. It hasn't seemed much like Sunday. But Sunday doesn't count for much in the army. Many of our hardest days have been Sundays. But I am sleepy, having been awake all last night. It is surprising how little sleep we get along with. I, who have been such a sleepy-head all my life, get only a few hours' sleep any night, and many nights none at all. I suppose we will sometime get accustomed to the noise and confusion, that so far has had no end, night or day.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 33-4

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: May 7, 1864

This morning the train proceeds on its way to Florence; gone but one hour when a courier comes dashing back to the detachment headquarters with the word “Attacked at Shoal Creek bridge! The train is in danger! Captain Ring, you are requested to send one company immediately to Captain Yeager's aid” (who was commanding the train and escort). Company F, Captain Ahern, is sent. The train is turned back towards our camp, where it soon after arrives. Company F reports back to Captain Ring with the intelligence that General Roddy and Colonel Johnson, with about fifteen hundred rebels, were now crossing the Tennessee; that their advance had crossed early in the morning and captured Sergeant Josiah Lee and squad, standing as a picket guard at Bainbridge Ferry; that they now occupied the road leading towards Florence. The situation is critical. Rowett, with a part of the regiment at Florence, Estabrook with a part camped on Sweet Water, three miles northwest from Florence, Ring with three companies one mile beyond Shoal Creek and nine miles from Florence. We attempt to communicate with Rowett and Estabrook, but the courier returns with no news from them. We only know that they have been attacked by an overwhelming force. Captain Ring, with his detachment and the regimental teams, remains on the opposite side of Shoal Creek from Florence, anxiously waiting to hear from Rowett. We are now convinced that he has been driven; we expect every moment that the rebels will be upon us. Lieutenant Fergus is now sent out with twelve men on a reconnoisance towards Shoal Creek. He soon comes up with a squad of rebels, when he boldly gives the command “forward.” Driving the rebels a short distance, a company lying in ambush spring into the road and succeed in capturing the Lieutenant and private Joseph Burkhardt of Company F, who happened to be on horses in advance of the rest who were mounted on mules, and being in consequence unable to afford any relief, are compelled to beat a retreat to Center Star. Scouts now report to Captain Ring that a part of the rebel force is advancing towards us. It is now night; we know that Rowett has been driven from Florence; that to night he is some forty miles from us; we know that if we remain here until morning we will be compelled to confront two rebel battalions and a battery of artillery. Nine o'clock.—We are still lingering around Center Star as if loath to leave. The train is now headed towards Athens, Alabama. Ten o'clock. Captain Ring concludes for the safety of the command and the train to move on and cross Elk River. We travel all night, and early on the morning of the eighth find Elk River between us and Florence. We are now fifteen miles from Athens. Soon after crossing we go into camp to await orders. We are now distinguished as the army of the Elk. We receive a dispatch this evening informing us that Colonel Rowett has made his appearance at Pulaski, Tennessee, having lost from his command Captain McGuire of Company A, and Lieutenant Roberts of Company C, and thirty men, all taken prisoner. The particulars of Rowett's engagement with Roddy we have not yet learned. We receive orders to-day to report to the commanding officer at Athens, where we arrive and go into camp late in the evening.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 235-7

Brigadier-General George H. Thomas to Brigadier-General Don Carlos Buell, December 30, 1861

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,        

Lebanon, Ky., December 30, 1861.

Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL,
        Commanding Department of the Ohio, Louisville, Ky.:

GENERAL: I received your letter of the 29th with the map. Have made arrangements to move as light as possible, and hope to get started to-morrow, although with raw troops and raw mules I fear there will be some difficulty. I have but few wagons over and above the regimental wagons. The provisions will have to be hauled with hired teams until Captain Mackay can have time to break in his raw mules, which I fear will delay us much longer than we should be delayed. I have been told that the country we are going to is very poor, and it will be necessary to pass through speedily should we attempt to penetrate to Knoxville. I will therefore submit for your consideration if it would not be a better move for my main force to go down the river (should we succeed with Zollicoffer) as far as Burkesville, take to that place subsistence enough to last us to Nashville, place the subsistence on flat-boats, and march with a light train in two columns, one on each side of the river; the provisions and extra forage being floated down the river in boats under a strong guard.

The enemy being thus threatened on their rear and right, would greatly aid your advance in their front, and should they make a determined stand at Bowling Green, I might with my column cut off their retreat at Gallatin.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,        

Brigadier-General, U.S. Volunteers.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 524

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, March 29, 1864

The boys are scouring the country in every direction for horses and mules this evening.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 230

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: between January 7 & 15, 1864

Corraling our horses and mules and leaving them in charge of the non-veterans, the regiment on the 8th of January, with drums beating, colors flying, and hopes beating high, march from Pulaski, Tennessee. Arriving at Columbia we take the cars for Nashville, where we remain in the Soldier's Home until transportation is furnished. Transportation being furnished we proceed by rail to Louisville, Kentucky, where we remain until we receive our pay and bounty-after which we cross the Ohio and take the cars for Springfield, Illinois.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 221

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, November 20, 1863

The companies are busy to-day getting their foot-sore mules shod, preparatory to another expedition, for rumor already has it that the regiment will leave Pulaski to-morrow morning on some mission.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 207

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, November 1, 1863

This morning companies C, G and H, commanded by Major Estabrook, go out on a foraging expedition. We go about three miles—load our wagons with corn, fodder and sweet potatoes, and strap all we can to the mules, and then start for camp. Entering camp the detachment reminds us of what might be called a moving "fodder panorama."

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 202

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Saturday, November 7, 1863

This morning the Seventh is aroused early. Cross in twenty minutes is now the order. We feed and proceed to the river and halt to await our time. The twenty minutes have now grown to hours. We succeed in getting across the river by noon, where we go into camp, feed, and eat our dinners. The last of the army is now across the Tennessee, moving on towards the front, the Seventh bringing up the rear. We move out about eight miles and go into camp on the side of a large hill (no other place being found where we could tie our mules.) After feeding, and eating our supper, we remove some of the larger rocks and make “our beds." We all lie down, but it is with difficulty that we maintain our position. We predict that by morning we shall be down at the foot of the hill. All is still now. Nothing is heard save the watchful sentry's quiet tramp.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 203-4

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, November 8, 1863

We are aroused early this morning. We are made to conclude that the Seventh is indeed a tenacious regiment, to have held their position so well on this hill-side during the night. None are found at the foot of the hill, as was predicted. The mules too have been good in holding their positions. The Seventh being ordered to take the advance, we soon move forward, through north Alabama on the north side of the Tennessee, halt and feed about twelve miles from Florence, after which we move on, and about three P. M. pass through the suburbs of Florence; we march about six miles farther and go into camp.

Where the main army is to-night we do not know. We are now away off on the flank, isolated and alone.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 204

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, November 10, 1863

This morning the Seventh takes the left flank, the Ninth Illinois the right. We pass through a wild country to-day: hills and rocks seem to look frowningly upon us. The flinty roads are hard on the mules; their feet are becoming sore. We go into camp to-night thirty miles from Pulaski, Tennessee. Our supplies run out to-day, and this evening we draw largely from the surrounding country.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 205

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, October 4, 1863

This morning at seven A. M., we leave our old camp at Corinth, with all our camp and garrison equipage. The Seventh, as they move through Corinth with their knapsacks strapped to their mules, and with their long train of pack mules, look very much like an immense caravan starting on a pilgrimage. After about three hours ride we arrive at Chewalla, finding fine quarters and fine grounds, &c. The Eighteenth Missouri are now leaving, and as fast as they vacate we take possession. This evening the men are busy cleaning up and arranging their quarters.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 198

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 16, 1864

Warm and cloudy.

There are movements of interest of the armies below, from the fact that we have as yet no authentic account of the fighting during the last few days. I fear we have not been so successful as usual.

The enemy is reported to be in force on this side (north) of the river, and marching toward this city. The local (clerks) troops have been called out to man the fortifications. But the blow (if one really be meditated) may fall on the other (south) side of the river.

Col. Moseby has taken 200 of the enemy near Berryville, burning 75 wagons, and capturing 600 horses and mules. His loss trifling.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 265

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, July 28, 1863

This morning Colonel Hatch, with his cavalry brigade, arrives in Lexington. At eight o'clock A. M., the bugles are blown, and the commands move from Lexington, Colonel Hatch moving on the road towards Huntington, Colonel Rowett on the road by the way of Spring Creek, Companies H and A, under the command of Captain Ring, are detailed to guard the train, which is to follow Colonel Hatch's command. Companies and squads of soldiers are now scouring the country for horses and mules. The citizens plead their cases well, but war and the warriors are stern; they will not relent. Rowett and Hatch are now sweeping the country; innocence pleads for the avenging hand to be stayed; its tears fall at the warriors' feet, but the stern and legitimate work goes on. We know that

"The South has fallen from her former glory,

Bowed in slavery, crime and shame;

And that God from his storehouse is sending

This tempest of steel and flame."

The command goes into camp to-night near Huntington, on a large plantation, i. e. that part that is with Colonel Hatch. Mules and soldiers live high to-night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 182-3

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Wedesday, July 29, 1863

Soon after breakfast the bugle is sounded and the men are soon in their saddles; about eight o'clock we pass through Huntington; here we find a great many Union citizens who hail our advance with joy. The little girls stand by the roadside waving their beautiful little Union banners as the soldiers in blue pass along. We thought we had never seen the old flag’s colors look so brilliant as they appeared to us in the hands of those little, smiling, bright eyed girls. They seemed to love them so fondly; loved them for their beauty; loved them for their virtue.” Why do you love that flag so much, little girl? "I love it because it is the Union's flag, and because my father suffered and died for it at the hands of the traitors.” With these associations connected with the Union flag, their little hearts seemed to worship it, and we thought we never beheld a more touching scene than the little girls, with their flags, standing by the roadside in Huntington, and we imagine to-night that the years will not make the memory old. We pass on through this place and halt for dinner at Macedonia. After dinner we are told that we will remain here this afternoon to wait for the arrival of Rowett's Brigade. While so doing Captain Ring gets permission from Colonel Hatch to go out scouting, &c. We succeed in capturing some fine secesh mules, and then return to camp. Colonel Rowett has now come up, and Companies A and H join the regiment. We remain in camp here to-night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 183-4

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, July 31, 1863

After traveling briskly all morning we arrive at Trenton on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. We notice that here too war's scourge has been felt. We press on through and take the road leading to Jackson; about three miles from Jackson we pass Hatch's command. We halt at Gibson, feed, and eat our dinner; we will remain here all day. Hatch is now moving on towards Humboldt. To-day the regiment forages extensively; horses and mules are eagerly sought after by the Seventh, and the consequence is that the regiment is becoming well mounted. Companies and squads are being sent out all day. It is impossible for us to narrate the experience of all these scouting parties, as we could only accompany one. We follow a detail of ten men this evening, traveling about six miles, and succeed in capturing two fine mules; one from a negro who was, by the direction of his master, making his way to the brush. Cuffee, “smiling approvingly," says “De massa Yankee who ride dat mule will be well fixed.” It is now near sun-down and we are six miles from camp; but some forage, chickens, &c., we must have. Stopping at a plantation, we make a draw and get a sack full of pullets, a few hams, &c. It is now dark and we must hasten; but going a short distance a sable friend informs us where we can get another mule. Two men are sent to obtain the mule, and the remainder push on towards camp. We are now on a strange road; the night is dark, but on we go, and after traveling about four miles through the dense woods, we strike the Jackson road at Gibson. “Halt! who comes ere?” breaks upon our ears. “Who challenges?” we reply. "Be it known that we are the invincibles, representatives from the Kansas Jayhawkers. Give us your character?” “We are raiders from Rowett's command.” “Roddy's command!” Click, click in quick succession the triggers go. “D--n you, not Roddy's, but Rowett's command," cried one of our men. “All right, brother crampers, pass on.” We soon arrive in camp. The boys now make preparations to skin some chickens; all anticipate a good supper, but when we come to look for the pullets they are not to be found. The truth soon flashes upon us that R. J. ——became frightened in the dense woods and threw them away. Dear reader, imagine our disappointment. It is useless to say that R. J. —— didn't rest much that night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 184-6

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: July 8, 1863

Last night about four hundred of Roddy's command ventured to the government corral, two miles from Corinth, capturing a company of the Thirty-ninth Iowa, and drove off about six hundred mules. Cornyn, with his cavalry, is now in hot pursuit. In the evening the Seventh's bugle blows, and we are soon in the saddle. We travel nearly all night on the road leading towards Iuka. The boys become very sleepy, and it is with difficulty that they remain on their mules.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 177-8

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Saturday, July 11, 1863

This morning the companies send details with the mules out on the commons to graze. Of all the stubborn and aggravating beings on earth, the mule is the chiefest. It would make a saint swear to lead a mule. Whenever they discover a a soldier is vexed, they draw back their ears and look so provokingly mean at him, taking all the delight imaginable in tormenting and teasing their master.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 178-9

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, June 15, 1863

The late raid of the dashing Cornyn to Florence, Alabama, is attracting considerable attention. Though it may be diverging, we would ask the reader to indulge us in recording here Colonel Cornyn's laconic letter, written while at Florence to Colonel Biffle, commanding forces C. S. A., which is as follows:

COLONEL BIFFLE:

Sir—Your pompous demand for the surrender of one squadron of cavalry (Fifteenth Illinois), occupying this place, and your cowardly retreat before you received Captain Carmichael's reply, suggested the propriety of visiting upon the traitor citizens here who tried to assist you in the capture of those gallant Illinois boys, a little legitimate revenge of my government; therefore, in the name of our glorious Union, I hereby make good the grand exordium of the declaration of independence, i. e., “that all men are created free and equal," and to-day I free and take with me from this place, every colored creature who inherits with the human race everywhere the image of his Maker and an immortal soul.

FLORENCE M. CORNYN,        

Colonel Commanding Cavalry Brigade.

An officer accompanying the raid, rehearsed to us to-day the following conversation held between Colonel Cornyn and the Rev. R. A. Y., one of Alabama's D. Ds., formerly of St. Louis:

Y. Do you not think it horrible to shell a town occupied by women and children?

Cornyn. Do you not think it horrible for a rebel Colonel and a traitor to seek a town and its houses to make breastworks and cover for his cowardly traitors from which to shell and shoot the brave and generous patriots of this land of liberty, who are willing to meet their country's enemies in open fields every hour of the night and day?

Y. I don't.

Cornyn. You lie, d---n you! You, the offspring of some low white libertine and a debauched Indian squaw, are trying to establish a distinction in favor of yourself, a child of shame, and the negro, a race from the hand of God, bearing his image and ennobled by an immortal soul. The negro is your superior.

Y. Are my wife and children safe while your forces hold this town?

Cornyn. Yes; the brave are always generous, and my soldiers are among the brightest examples on this planet.

An order comes to the Seventh this evening, to the effect that they are to be mounted on “the meek and patient mules.” The guerrillas in West Tennessee will be hunted down now.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 172-3

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, June 19, 1863

To-day we draw our mules and saddles; now look out for jayhawking. The Kansas Seventh already fear for their reputation. Dick Rowett is already jubilant, for he knows that he can give more rein to Charley now.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 173