This morning the regiment moves down the river to a point opposite Hamburg Landing, where the three companies are ordered to report with the Second Division's equipage. Our way is a winding one over the hills and bluffs of the Tennessee. By night we arrive opposite the Landing, having captured four prisoners during the day. Here we find a transport anchored in the river, and a force stationed at Hamburg. We go into camp for the night. The Colonel obtains a skiff from the steamboat and sends a detail across the river to Hamburg to draw some rations. In the meantime the regiment kills a number of hogs. The detail sent across the river have now returned with plenty of rations. We do not hunger to-night. The three companies sent to Corinth have returned with the camp and garrison equipage. It is now raining, a cold drizzly rain. Our camp is in a low swamp by the Tennessee. We anticipate that we shall lie or stand in water ere it is morning.
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Thursday, November 26, 1863
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Dr. Spencer G. Welch to Cordelia Strother Welch, June 26, 1862
I returned to camp
on Monday because we expected to have a fight. Our brigade was ordered away
last night with two days' rations, but I am left behind with the sick. There
are a great many sick men in the hospitals and they are dying by the thousands.
Our regiment has lost about one hundred men since we came to Virginia.
The enemy threw
shells all about our camp yesterday and killed two horses, but only one man. It
was a great day between our batteries and those of the enemy. They fired all day
long, but as it was all at long taw little damage was done. I went out this
morning to view the enemy, and could see them and their breastworks very
distinctly.
Since I began
writing this letter I hear a terrific cannonading on the left wing of our army,
and I believe the battle has opened. I am informed that General Jackson is
about there and that a fight will certainly take place this week.
You must be cheerful
and take things easy, because I believe the war will soon be ended.
Dr. Spencer G. Welch to Cordelia Strother Welch, August 12, 1862
While we are resting
a little I will endeavor to write you a few lines. We have been moving about
continuously since I wrote to you on the 8th inst., and have had some hard
times, I assure you. Most of our hard marching has been during the night, but
much of it has been in the heat of the day. We have had nothing to eat but
crackers and bacon, and not nearly enough of that.
We first (on the 9th
inst.) marched up into Culpeper County, and were within two miles of the
battlefield (of Cedar Mountain). It was a brilliant victory for us, as two of
their dead to one of ours were left on the field. On the way we met a great many
prisoners, who were lively and jocose and seemed glad they were taken.
The weather has been
fine, although very hot. We had one hard shower of rain, and everybody stood
and took it, as there was nothing else we could do. Tell your brother he should
be glad he was wounded, for it has saved him many great hardships. I never
murmur at these trials, though, as long as I can have good health.
Last night we began
falling back. I suppose it was some strategic move and that we will continue
these active operations until a decisive fight takes place. General Jackson
will not be outgeneraled, and I believe he is sure to defeat Pope. I saw him
(Jackson) this morning. He is a very ordinary looking man.
I would like to
write you a longer letter, but have not the time. We are now drawing rations,
and as soon as we get our meat boiled will start again. I must close, as
preparations are being made to leave, so good-by for this time.
Dr. Spencer G. Welch to Cordelia Strother Welch, August 18, 1862
On leaving our last
camp we first went back five miles in a northerly direction to Orange Court
House, and we thought Jackson intended to take us over the same road we had
fallen back on a few days before; but from there we took the road to
Fredericksburg. Then everyone said we were going to Fredericksburg. That was a
mistake also, for after going about ten miles we turned to the left and went
three miles toward the Rapidan River, and have stopped at this place. It is
believed that Jackson intended to cross the river and flank Pope, and that the
Yankees got wind of it. They were on a mountain and may have seen our large
force moving. Jackson is a general who is full of resources, and if he fails in
one plan he will try another.
The men stood the
march better than at any previous time. The health of the brigade has improved
since we are where we can breathe the pure mountain air. This beautiful
country, with its mountains and rolling hills, is enough to make any sick man
feel better. We all sleep out in the open air—officers as well as
privates—although the weather is becoming quite cool and signs of autumn begin
to appear. The crops of corn are magnificent and are almost matured, but
wherever our army goes, roasting ears and green apples suffer. I have often
read of how armies are disposed to pillage and plunder, but could never
conceive of it before. Whenever we stop for twenty-four hours every corn field
and orchard within two or three miles is completely stripped. The troops not
only rob the fields, but they go to the houses and insist on being fed, until
they eat up everything about a man's premises which can be eaten. Most of them
pay for what they get at the houses, and are charged exorbitant prices, but a
hungry soldier will give all he has for something to eat, and will then steal
when hunger again harasses him. When in health and tormented by hunger he
thinks of little else besides home and something to eat. He does not seem to
dread the fatiguing marches and arduous duties.
A wounded soldier
who has been in Jackson's army for a long time told me his men had but one suit
of clothes each, and whenever a suit became very dirty the man would pull it
off and wash it and then wait until it dried. I believe this to be a fact,
because when I see Jackson's old troop on the march none have any load to carry
except a blanket, and many do not even have a blanket; but they always appear
to be in fine spirits and as healthy and clean as any of our men.The
force we have here now is a mammoth one. I am told that Lee and Johnson are
both here, and I am anxious for our army to engage Pope. Whenever we start on a
march I am impatient to go on and fight it out, for we are confident we can
whip the enemy.
We are now cooking
up two days' rations and are ordered to have them in our haversacks and be
ready to move at sundown, but we may not go at that time, because we sometimes
receive such orders and then do not leave for a day or two. I will write again
whenever I have a chance.
Friday, October 21, 2022
Diary of Private Louis Leon: June 4, 1863
Got orders to cook three days' rations immediately. We left our camp at 3 this morning, marched fourteen miles and halted. We march one hour and rest ten minutes.
SOURCE: Louis Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier, p. 29
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Wednesday, November 11, 1863
This morning a wagon with rations arrives from the column-quite a welcome arrival. We discover that we are now some distance from the main command. The regiment is soon moving; we continue to pass through a hilly and rocky country, interspersed with springs and running brooks. We arrive at Pulaski, Tennessee, by dark; find the division already up and in camp. Pulaski is a beautiful town on the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad, running from Nashville to Stevenson.
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Diary of Private Louis Leon: May 17, 1863
Up to to-day nothing. But this morning at 4 we were ordered to cook up all our rations, and be ready to march in one hour. We left Kinston by rail at 12 M. Got to Goldsboro at 3, went through to Weldon, left here at 5 P.M., and got to Petersburg, Va., on the morning of the 18th; left there at 6 P.M. Katz and myself went uptown—ate two suppers. Had a very good time while in town. We camped all night on Dunn's Hill.
Monday, August 8, 2022
Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, October 25, 1863*
* Possibly Sunday, October 25th. This is an undated paragraph at the beginning of a new chapter, previous to this was the entry for Saturday, October 24th, and the next entry is for Monday, October 26th. So this is either a continuation of the entry for the 24th, a new entry for the 26th, or a remembrance placed at the head of the chapter to keep the reader up to day of the movements of the 7th Illinois Infantry. — Your Blog Editor
Monday, August 1, 2022
Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Monday, October 14, 1861
B. A.
Hancock, who had been sent to Cumberland Gap the day before after provisions
for McNairy's Battalion, returned. As rations had been very scarce for the last
few days, we were glad to see a supply brought into camp.
SOURCE: Richard R.
Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee
Confederate Cavalry, p. 54
Monday, May 30, 2022
Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Friday, September 27, 1861
We remained at
Barboursville. Col. Rains ordered his demi-brigade to cook three days' rations
and be ready to move early the next morning.
We were now in
twenty miles of the enemy's camp at Laurel Bridge. Col. Brown, who lived near
London, was in command of the Home Guards at that camp. Col. Wolford, with a
part of his regiment, was also in that vicinity.
Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Friday, October 4, 1861
Gen. Zollicoffer ordered
Col. McNairy to go with his battalion on a reconnoitering expedition as far as
London.
As soon as his men
could prepare two days' rations, McNairy set out from Camp Buckner about 10:30
A. M., and, after, a ride of about forty miles, he drew rein a little after
midnight, within two miles of London. Our advance guard, going on to that
place, returned and reported no enemy there. We then took a nap of some two or
three hours.
Brigadier-General Felix K. Zolicoffer, September 25, 1861
Col. James E. Rains
will march at 4 o'clock to-morrow morning, via Barboursville, to Laurel Bridge,
on the London road, with his regiment, provisioned for six days, three rations
of which should be cooked, leaving his tents in this encampment. Colonel
McNairy's command will accompany him or follow him, by a right-hand road
crossing Laurel Creek about 2 miles above the bridge. Colonel R. will have
command, and will dislodge a supposed force of the enemy at the bridge by
attacking simultaneously with infantry and cavalry at both ends of the bridge.
He will be furnished a guide who will give him information of some arms, which
he will capture, if practicable. He will take with him also Lieutenant
Falcond's section of artillery. A battalion of Colonel Statham’s infantry, with
three companies of Colonel Branner's cavalry, will be posted on the road to be
pursued by Colonel McNairy about 10 miles back, to give support, if necessary.
Simultaneously. Colonel Cummings' regiment, with two companies of Colonel
Broydton's [Brazelton's?] cavalry, will escort a train of wagons to the Goose
Creek Salt Works, 16 or 18 miles east, in Clay County, to load with salt. The
different detachments will communicate by express messengers with each other
and with me, and when the salt train returns all will return to this
encampment. Much is trusted to Colonel Rains' discretion in whatever may
transpire on the way.
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Brigadier-General Felix K. Zollicoffer to Lieutenant Colonel William W. Mackall, October 6, 1861
Assistant Adjutant-General, Columbus, Ky.:
SIR: A
reconnoitering detachment has just returned from London, reporting no
appearance of an enemy there. They report, upon general information from
country people, that there are 3,300 of the enemy encamped on Rockcastle Hills,
a strong position 13 miles beyond, where the Mount Vernon road crosses the Rockcastle
River. I would move forward and attack them instantly but for unexpected
deficiency in subsistence stores. Ten days ago I ordered the brigade commissary
to accumulate a stock of 30 days' rations for 5,000 men. To-day I have not 5
days' rations. I could not properly advance with less than 10. I hope soon to
have the supplies.
I sent a large
detachment into Harlan County, where I heard there were 500 or 600 men embodied
under arms. No organized enemy found. I have sent a cavalry detachment to
Williamsburg; not yet returned. This is nearly my only means of getting
information of the country.
N. B.—Thirteen men
were captured in Harlan in small armed parties.
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: August 2, 1863
This morning we move on the Lexington road and arrive at Lexington about noon. The command, with the exception of the Seventh, halt and go into camp. The Seventh moves on to the town mills, about two miles from Lexington, where we go into camp and start the mill to grinding corn, our rations having run out.
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Diary of Private Louis Leon: February 9, 1863
We established a
regular camp here. This last march has been a very hard one, and only a
distance of thirty miles. But it took us from Wednesday to Saturday, through
snow, rain and mud ankle-deep and without rations. Kinston is a perfect ruin,
as the Yankees have destroyed everything they could barely touch, but it must
at one time have been a very pretty town-but now nothing scarcely but chimneys
are left to show how the Yankees are trying to reconstruct the Union.
Diary of Private Louis Leon: February 13, 1863
Nothing new. We have
been fixing our camps. Our company has built log huts, from two to three feet
high, and then put our tents over them-building a chimney to each hut or tent,
and we are very comfortable. We got orders to cook two days' rations, and be
ready to march in two hours, but did not have to go—in fact, nothing new until
the 25th.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 223. — Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 2-5, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have
the honor to transmit herewith a report of the operations of my regiment during
Hood's late advance into Tennessee.
On the 25th of
November, as per instructions from headquarters post of Murfreesborough, I
started to Duck River Bridge, at the same time sent the adjutant northward
toward Nashville on an inspection tour. I found the troops from here to Duck
River supplied with the requisite amount of ammunition and subsistence to
December 10, 1864. The adjutant returned November 27, making a similar report.
I immediately forwarded twenty days' rations to all the detachments of the
regiment from Nashville to Duck River, supplying the troops to the 1st of
January, 1865.
Block-house No. 2,
five miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. George D. Harter, was the first
attacked by the enemy. About 8 a.m. December 2, 1864, a force was seen
approaching the block-house, a large majority of whom were dressed in Federal
uniform. The force began gradually to surround the block-house. About this time
a railroad train was heard approaching from the south. When it came in sight it
was discovered to be loaded with colored troops. The train came up very slowly,
and when on the bridge at the block-house was fired into by the enemy's
artillery, disabling the engine and wrecking the train immediately. This began
the fight, and seven pieces of artillery opened fire on the block-house. The
colored troops, which consisted of parts of the Fourteenth and Forty-fourth U.
S. Colored Infantry, and numbering in all about 350 men, under command of
Colonel Johnson, of the Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Troops, sought protection at
the block-house. They were scarce of ammunition, and Lieutenant Harter gave to
Colonel Johnson for the use of his command 2,000 rounds, without which they
could have rendered but little or no assistance to the block-house garrison.
The garrison kept up constant firing on the enemy, forcing them to change the
position of their artillery frequently. One piece, however, which did them the
most damage, was stationed on a hill about 500 yards north of the block-house.
It was loaded under cover of the hill, pushed to the crest, sighted and fired,
and then drawn back to reload. The garrison was unable to force this gun from
its position. Firing was kept up continually from 10 a.m. until dark. Near 500
rounds solid shot and shell, from 10 and 20 pounder guns, were fired at the
block-house. The rebels told our wounded (who were left in their hands) that
they fired upward of 460 rounds. Night found the block-house in a ruinous
condition, the north wing being completely destroyed, outside casing of west
wing was badly damaged, the lookout gone, two large breaches made in the roof,
and one of the posts—the main support of the roof—knocked out, while the other
center posts were badly splintered. Lieutenant Harter, taking into
consideration the condition of the block-house and that his ammunition was
nearly all expended, regarded it as certain capture to remain until daylight.
Consequently, at 3 a.m. December 3, 1864, the garrison evacuated the
block-house, and, accompanied by the colored troops, arrived safely in
Nashville at daylight. Upon reporting to Major-General Thomas, Lieutenant
Harter was informed that an order had been issued two days previously directing
the abandonment of all block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough. The
courier failed to get through the rebel lines, consequently the order was not
received. Casualties of the garrison at this block-house (No. 2) were 1
enlisted man killed and 3 enlisted men wounded.
No. 1 block-house,
four miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. Jacob N. Shaffer, was attacked
and the entire garrison captured December 3, 1864. The amount of firing upon
and damage done to block-house and garrison before its surrender has not been
ascertained. It is reported, however, that firing was kept up throughout the
day and that a flag of truce was sent in five times during the day.
Block-house No. 3,
near Antioch, commanded by Capt. D. N. Lowrey, was attacked on the 3d of December
by artillery. The rebel guns here were placed in such positions as to prevent
the block-house garrison from doing them much injury other than occasionally
picking off a gunner. After holding out for thirty-six hours and receiving
ninety shots, from 12 and 20 pounder guns, the garrison was compelled to
surrender.
Capt. Lewis F. Hake,
commanding at La Vergne, received an order December 4, 1864, from Major-General
Thomas (which had been issued three days previously), to abandon all the
block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough and withdraw the forces to the
latter place. Couriers were started each way along the railroad on the morning
of the 5th to notify the commanders of the block-houses. Sergt. William
McKinney, commanding Block-house No. 4, having received this order, was in the
act of evacuating his block-house, when he was attacked and compelled to
surrender.
On the morning of
the 5th of December, 1864, as the command at La Vergne was completing its
preparations to march to Murfreesborough (two wagons having already been
loaded), the rebels suddenly made their appearance in considerable force on all
sides, and a flag of truce was discovered approaching. It was halted at a
proper distance and Lieutenant Eadie sent out to meet it. Whilst a consultation
was being had under the flag the rebels took advantage of the same and planted
four pieces of artillery bearing directly on the command. Under the
circumstances, being surrounded by a force greatly superior in numbers, with
their artillery in position commanding the whole ground ready for firing,
Captain Hake was compelled to surrender his command, consisting of 73 men
(regimental martial band included), 25 horses and equipments, 2 pieces of
artillery (one 6 and one 12 pounder), and small-arms.
Commanders of
block-houses Nos. 5 and 6, Capt. William M. McClure and Lieut. John S. Orr,
received Captain Hake's order the night of the 4th. They evacuated their
block-houses on the morning of the 5th instant. Rebels in small squads had
already made their appearance on all sides. The garrisons were compelled to
make a circuitous route around through Jefferson, marching over twenty miles,
had several skirmishes with the enemy on the way, and arrived safely in camp at
Murfreesborough about 2 p.m. of the same day.
Block-house No. 7,
four miles from Murfreesborough, commanded by Lieut. H. H. Glosser, was
attacked on the 4th instant by rebel artillery and musketry. Seventy-six
artillery shots were fired at the blockhouse, thirty-two of which struck it.
The railroad bridge at this point was saved, and but little damage was done to
the block-house other than knocking off the lookout. This house was not again
attacked with artillery. Sharpshooters remained keeping the garrison hemmed in,
as the following communication, being the first that was heard from Lieutenant
Glosser, will explain.
BLOCK-HOUSE No. 7, December 18, 1864.
Major-General
MILROY:
SIR:
I am informed by your scout (Mr. Lee) that the rebels have retreated. He tells
me that if there is anything I want to send a note to you and say what it is.
General, I want nothing but liberty. I have been hemmed in for thirteen days,
not daring to put my head outside the block-house. The rebel sharpshooters have
left, and I feel better. The health of myself and men is good; am ready for any
emergency. General Forrest sent in a flag of truce four times, demanding the
surrender of this house, promising to treat me well, and threatening to burn me
with Greek fire if I refused. I resolved to believe nothing but such things as
I could see; and as I could not see the Greek fire, I thought I would wait
until I did.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. GLOSSER,
First Lieut. Company E, 115th Regt. Ohio Vol.
Infty., Comdg. Block-House No. 7.
No casualties were
sustained at this block-house. The garrison kept up firing at all times when
the rebels appeared in sight, expending during the whole time nearly 8,000
rounds of ammunition.
The detachments at
block-houses between Murfreesborough and Tullahoma, with but one exception,
were not attacked by the enemy.
Block-House No. 9,
near Bell Buckle Station, Lieut. M. S. Hurd commanding, was approached by flag
of truce and its surrender demanded. Lieutenant Hurd promptly refused, telling
them "if they wanted the block-house, they must come and take it."
The rebels did not open fire with their artillery, and after a few volleys of
musketry withdrew from sight. Straggling rebels were now seen all along the
road to Tullahoma, quite a number of whom were picked up and forwarded to
Murfreesborough.
You are already
cognizant of the part taken by the detachment in and near Murfreesborough,
which renders it unnecessary for me to mention the particulars. So far as I am
able to learn I have good reason to believe that every detachment of the
regiment throughout has done its duty as became soldiers.
I feel it my duty
here to make special mention of the manner in which Lieuts. George D. Hatter
and Henry H. Glosser, with the little bands of veterans under their command, so
nobly acquitted themselves under such trying circumstances. Too much credit
cannot be given them for so gallantly defending their block-houses against the
prolonged attack of the enemy, so much their superior in numbers and furnished
with 10 and 20 pounder guns.
Captured, 170;
killed, 1; wounded, 4; escaped since capture, 4.
Accompanying this
report is a list of casualties in the regiment, as nearly correct as I am at
this time able to give.
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Diary of Private Louis Leon: February 5, 1863
Resumed our promenade
at 7 this morning, and for a change it is raining hard. Therefore the snow is
melting. Consequently, the roads are nice and soft. Halted at 3 this evening—still
raining. We made ourselves as comfortable as possible made a good fire to dry
ourselves by, but the worst of it is we have no rations, and the wagons are
behind. We went to sleep in our wet clothing, with a cup of coffee as our
supper. It rained and snowed all night.
Diary of Private Louis Leon: February 7, 1863
We could not march
yesterday, as the streams were too high from the recent rains and snow. We left
to-day at 12 M., and got one day's rations, hard enough to fell a bull. Marched
on the railroad track all the afternoon. The main road was impassable. We got
to Kinston at 4 in the afternoon, and made camp in a swamp, two and a half
miles out of town. We had nothing to eat, but slept good for all that.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Jesse Root Grant, July 6, 1863
VICKSBURG, July 6,
1863.
DEAR FATHER, —
Vicksburg has at last surrendered after a siege of over forty days. The
surrender took place on the morning of the 4th of July. I found I had
continuously underestimated the force of the enemy both in men and Artillery.
The number of prisoners surrendered was thirty thousand and too hundred. The
process of parolling is so tedious, however, that many who are desirous of
getting to their homes will escape before the paroling officers get around to
them. The Arms taken is about 180 pieces of Artillery and over 30,000 stand of
small Arms. The enemy still had about four days rations of flour and meat and a
large quantity of sugar.
The weather now is
excessively warm and the roads intolerably dusty. It cannot be expected
under these circumstances that the health of this command can keep up
as it has done. My troops were not allowed one hour's idle time after the
surrender but were at once started after other game.
My health has
continued very good during the campaign which has just closed. Remember me to
all at home.
ULYSSES.