Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 13, 1863

We heard pleasant music last night, it being heavy firing in the direction of New Berne. It must be our reinforcements, whom we heard had been turned back from Swift's Creek. The battery at "Widow Blunt's" shot away our flag-pole, yesterday, but it was immediately repaired. "E's" men were on picket across the river, last night, and had a lively time, the outposts consisting of Clough and Robbins. The rebels posted a gun to bear either on the gunboat or bridge, taking, in its course, our picket; and as soon as the "Louisiana" commenced shelling, the road was a sad place for a man who wanted to save his head. They got out of it all right, no one being hurt. One of the shots from the gunboat struck the old chimney, knocking bricks and mortar all over the reserve. Meanwhile the "Widow Blunt" batteries were raining shot and shell at the fort, making it lively for the homeguard.

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 15, 1863

"Our squad" on picket again across the river. As we were on the bridge this morning we saw the "Escort" steaming down the river, bound for New Berne, having Gen. Foster on board. We have had a pleasant day, but the water in the river is very high, consequently our camp and the road are flooded. When the dinner of boiled rice came, it took an extra amount of persuasion from the lieutenant of the guard, to make the man bring it to us, but he finally concluded to, and then had to carry it to the outpost.

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 16, 1863

When we arrived at the breastworks, this morning, we found "E" had been at work again. Strangers were at our old bomb-proof, and we had to hunt round some, but at last found the company had been assigned quarters in a good looking two-story house, close to Grist's mansion, owned by a Mr. Parmelee (probably no connection of the baker at the South End). Our things were in a decidedly second-hand condition; in a pile under the front stairs. But we find our quarters so much better than those we had at the breastworks, that we do not complain. The house is badly shattered by shot and shell, one having traversed the building from corner to corner, tearing floors and plastering to pieces. To get these quarters we had to promise to be up, and at the breastworks in three minutes. We took the chances, and promised, of course.

While we were on picket last night we heard noises, which were unaccountable, and reported them, on which a few shells were thrown into the swamp. At four o'clock this morning we heard the rebel drum beat for roll-call; at five o'clock the bugle call for advance; so we suppose the rebels have started. They came near to the creek, but it was so dark we could not make out much. We saw a man on a white horse at the picket post, as a lantern was in a position to throw a strong light on him. To-day Company I's picket advanced to the old earthworks, where Hobart, Leonard and Lawrence were taken, and found everybody gone from that side of the river. This forenoon, three companies, “C,” "D" and "I" moved down the river to Hill's Point, which they are to occupy for the present. The following is the last order from Gen. Foster previous to his departure for New Berne:

HEAD-QUARTERS, WASHINGTON, N. C., April 14th, 1863.

 

The commanding general annou[n]ces to the garrison of this town that he is about to leave for a brief time the gallant soldiers and sailors of the garrison.

 

Brig. Gen. Potter will remain in command, and in him the commanding general has the most perfect confidence as a brave and able soldier.

 

The naval command remains unchanged; therefore that arm of the defence will be as effective and efficient as heretofore. The commanding general leaves temporarily and for the purpose of putting himself at the head of a relieving force, and, having raised the siege, expects soon to return. But, before leaving, he must express to the soldiers under his command, the 27th and 44th Mass. Vols., parts of the 5th New York Battery and 3d New York Cavalry, the 1st North Carolina Vols., his thanks for, and admiration of, their untiring zeal, noble emulation and excellent courage, which has distinguished them during the siege of this port; and he feels confident that the display of those qualities under Gen. Potter will hold the place until the siege is raised.

 

(Signed)

JOHN G. FOSTER.

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. 49-50

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 19, 1863

One of the pleasantest days of the season; reminding us of the June Sundays at home. We have nothing to do, and very little to write about. This noon, while a party were on the roof of the house, we heard shouting down town, and soon saw troops crossing the bridge. Knowing it was Gen. Foster and the relief from New Berne, we tried to get away to see them, but the guard would not let us go, so we had to stay at home.

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. 51

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 22, 1863

HOME AGAIN.

We started early this morning on the "George Collyer," bound for New Berne, having on board, besides our regiment, a part of the 46th Mass. Vols., and are towing a schooner with the three companies from Rodman's Point. We were having a fine sail, when the orderly picked up four of us, and now we are on guard below, away from all chance of seeing what is going on.

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. 51

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 23, 1863

We arrived at New Berne without special incident, about midnight. The regiment immediately left for the barracks; the lieutenant of the guard forgetting the poor guard on duty, so we, after one o'clock turned in, and had a good nap in the cabin, joining the company this forenoon, to find ourselves in the barracks formerly occupied by the 10th Connecticut. The barracks are not our own, and our boys are homesick; but we have found lots of boxes and have had a glorious lunch of what remained of our good things. They had been overhauled, and there is a sad discrepancy between the list and the contents of the boxes.

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. 51-2

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 25, 1863

Yesterday was spent in getting ready for, and to-day in taking possession of, New Berne, as Provost-Guard. It was done in fine style, all the colors flying, and white gloves on. There are three general divisions. No. 1 is at Provost Head-quarters, No. 2 is at the Atlantic Railroad office, and No. 3 is on Pollock Street. About sixty men at each division, making the duty quite heavy. Our captain being officer of the guard; the first time that honor has been assigned to a captain. We lose one of our best men to-day, Charles E. Tucker. We are sorry to have him go; but he will be the gainer. He takes a command in the 54th Mass. Vols. Several of the men from the regiment go home when he does. We wish them luck, and rapid promotion.

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. 52

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, April 30, 1863

The weather is fine. Yesterday, we heard from the expedition, which left New Berne, lately, under Col. Jones, of the 58th Pennsylvania. They are near Kinston, only about four miles distant. They have had a skirmish, losing a few men. The "Escort" sailed North to-day. Our regiment was inspected this forenoon, at ten o'clock.

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. 52

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 20, 1863

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

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 23, 1863

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

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 30, 1863

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

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 3, 1863

Rain, and nothing but rain; only the cleanest companies relieved, and we caught it again, and some of us are checked as extra guard. And now for the first time our regiment is broken. Two companies, and "B," going yesterday on picket at Batchelder's Creek, a few miles out of New Berne, towards Kinston. We have been idle now quite a while, and think it most time to be moved. Some say we are going as provost guard down town, but all we can do is to wait and take what comes. Frank Learned has been appointed corporal in place of Ramsey, who joined the band.

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. 40-1

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

We were expecting a gay time to-day, it being the first anniversary of the capture of New Berne. It was reported that besides a review we were to have various salutes and plenty of beer. We were awakened about five o'clock by a salute, and, although we growled at the early hour, started out to see the fun. We soon found the saluting was done with shotted guns. Belger and Morrison were posted on the river bank, firing as fast as they could. The old "Hunchback," using her 100-pounder, and a little farther down stream, the "Delaware" pegging away at the woods beyond the little fort where the 92d N.Y. Regiment was stationed, they firing also and the river alive with shot and shell from the rebels. We were immediately ordered out in "light marching order," and it looked as if our breakfast as well as our beer would get stale.

Rumors were plenty. About ten o'clock it was reported that we were going across the river to relieve the troops there, but stayed quietly where we were, hearing everything and seeing very little. By four P.M. everything was quiet, and the company returned to barracks. A mail was distributed, and the boys are busy answering letters, for the boat leaves in the morning.

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. 41-2

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, March 18, 1862

News from Gen^l Burnside today. He has taken Newbern N.C. after a severe battle, 100 killed & 400 wounded, rebel loss not known, the Victory decisive. No news today from Com^d Foot, only that he was bombarding Island No 10. Julia is selling tickets for the Church Festival, Pres[byteria]ⁿ 4^th (Doct Smiths). I gave the Ladies committee $2.00 to assist in getting it up, the church is in debt.

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.

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, February 9, 1863

We managed to get clear of the Roanoke river some time in the night, but ran aground in the Sound at noon, thinking we were opposite Roanoke, but did not reach there till nearly night, when the officers went on shore, while the steamer took on coal. The steamer which came out to us here was the "Halifax," recognized by many as the boat which was formerly on Charles river at home as a pleasure boat. She brought rumors of defeat at New Berne, and that we could not get up the river, so were going to Charleston, or Fort Munroe and the Potomac. But we kept on in the direction of Brant Isle and New Berne' just the same.

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. 38

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, February 10, 1863

We have had nothing of interest to-day, except a very pleasant sail up the river, once in a while shooting at ducks; but the officers soon stopped that fun. We arrived at New Berne about four o'clock in the afternoon, crossed the long bridge, marched through the city, and are once more in our old barracks.

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. 38

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, December 19, 1862

We were up and at it at the usual time this morning, on the home tramp, which kept up the spirits of many. About ten o'clock we came in sight of our first day's fighting ground. We found that several of the graves of our men had been opened by the rebels. After repairing them we kept on, taking the Neuse Road, which we steered clear of in coming up on account of the heavy entrenchments and barricades the rebels had placed on it. Every little while we had to leave the road and take to the woods to get by their obstructions, which continued for four or five miles from Kinston; some of them were very formidable.

About three o'clock we marched into a large field on the left of the road to receive rations, which we understood had been brought to us on the cars from New Berne, and it was about time; our larder was getting low. We received a little bread, but not enough to satisfy both stomach and haversack, so we filled the former and stowed away the crumbs that were left in the latter. The report is that the bread and beef were left at New Berne, and soap and candles shipped to us,—an explanation which did not soothe our feelings entirely.

We marched about five miles farther and then camped for the night.

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. 29

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, December 25, 1862

Christmas. A fine day, and, being my birthday, I was allowed a furlough, for chum and self, from reveille till tattoo.

We started as early as possible for New Berne, and, among other things, had a first-class turkey dinner, with all the fixings, silverware, cut glass, white tablecloth, and some one to wait on table. But for us, as for all, the day came to a close, and at the usual time we were back, no better than about eighty others, excepting the memory of home-life which the associations of the day had called up.

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. 30

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, Saturday, November 1, 1862

Saturday, and of course general cleaning day. So many went into the river before breakfast, and soon found it to be the worst thing possible for us, and expected fever and ague every day till we forgot the circumstance. We had a scare and then a little fun early this morning. Some humorous fellows had fired our nice houses, and fully half the huts in the line were in a blaze; but, instead of trying to stop it, as fast as the boys were smothered out and came to their senses, they "put in a hand," and piled on all the boards they could find. Soon nothing was left of Camp Foster but ashes. Col. Lee would not allow us to appropriate any more lumber, so to-night we will sleep bare-back, excepting our rubber blankets. The portion of the troops who came by land from New Berne having arrived, we start to-morrow—so they say.

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. 17

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, November 3, 1862

At four o'clock this morning "all was wrong." We were aroused from the most miserable attempt at sleep our boys ever dreamed of trying. It was a mercy to awaken us; only we were so stiff, sore, cold, and hungry, that it was most impossible to get up at all. We were covered with dirt and frost. Our guns were in fearful condition, and we were ordered to clean them and be ready for the road in half an hour. That was good; no chance to eat anything or clean up ourselves; but such is the luck of war. At six A.M. we started on our second day's tramp. Had you asked any of the company, they would have said, "We have been tramping a week." Our colonel gave us a good word this morning, in passing, saying we had done well. We are satisfied; for although "Rawle's Mill" was not an extensive affair, but very few men being engaged, it was an ugly encounter for raw material, fired upon, as we were, while up to our waists in water; the unknown force of the enemy, apparently on top of the hill, under cover, and having a perfect knowledge of the "lay of the land.”

After a steady march of about twelve miles, we entered Williamston, where we halted, broke ranks, and had a picked-up dinner, and made ourselves comfortable for two hours or so. Williamston is a pretty little town on the Roanoke. We foraged considerably; most every man having something. The gunboats here effected a junction with us, bringing extra rations, &c.

We visited the wounded, calling on Charley Roberts, who was hit last night. He looks pretty white, but is doing well, and will probably be sent to New Berne on one of the boats. A few of us found a piano in one of the houses, and after moving it to the piazza, Ned Ramsay played, and we sang home tunes for a while, having a large audience on the lawn. Soon after the officers broke up our fun, by Fall in E," and as that was what we came for, we "fell in," and recommenced our walk at three P.M., marching about five miles, when we pitched camp for the night. Parsons has been made sergeant for his coolness and bravery in taking prisoners.

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. 19