Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: August 16, 1861

The opinion seems to be growing that the rebels do not intend to attack us. They have put it off too long.

A scouting party will start out in the morning, under the guidance of "old Leather Breeches," a primitive West Virginian, who has spent his life in the mountains. His right name is Bennett. He wears an antiquated pair of buckskin pantaloons, and has a cabin-home on the mountain, twelve miles away.

A tambourine is being played near by, and Fox, with a heart much lighter than his complexion, is indulging in a double shuffle.

There are many snakes in the mountains: rattlesnakes, copperheads, blacksnakes, and almost every other variety of the snake kind; in short, the boys have snake on the brain. To-day one of the choppers made a sudden grab for his trouser leg; a snake was crawling up. He held the loathsome reptile tightly by the head and body, and was fearfully agitated. A comrade slit down the leg of the pantaloon with a knife, when lo! an innocent little roll of red flannel was discovered.

The boys are very liberal in the bestowal of titles. Colonel Hogseye is indebted to them for his commission. The Colonel commands an ax just now. Ordinarily he carries a musket, sleeps and dines with his subordinates, and is not above traveling on foot.

Fox's real name, I ascertained lately, is William Washington. His brother, now in the service of the surgeon, is called Handsome, and Colonel Marrow's servant is known by the boys as the Bay Nigger.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 55-6

Diary of Private Ephraim Shelby Dodd: Saturday, March 14, 1863

Squadron went on scout. I went to shop and on bread detail.

SOURCE: Ephraim Shelby Dodd, Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd: Member of Company D Terry's Texas Rangers, p. 10

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: August 5, 1861

To-day we felt our way up the valley eight miles, but did not reach the rebels.

To-night our pickets were sure they heard firing off in the direction of Kanawha. If so, Cox and Wise must be having a pleasant little interchange of lead.

The chaplain of the Thirteenth Indiana is the counterpart of Scott's Holy Clerk of Copmanhurst, or the fighting friar of the times of Robin Hood. In answer to some request he has just said that he will "go to thunder before doing it." The first time I saw this fighting parson was at the burnt bridge near Huttonville. He had two revolvers and a hatchet in his belt, and appeared more like a firebrand of war than a minister of peace. I now hear the rough voice of a braggadocio captain in the adjoining tent, who, if we may believe his own story, is the most formidable man alive. His hair-breadth escapes are innumerable, and his anxiety to get at the enemy is intense. Is it not ancient Pistol come again to astonish the world by deeds of reckless daring?

We have sent out a scouting party, and hope to learn something more of the rebels during the night. Wagner, Major Wood, Captain Abbott, and others are having a game of whist.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 44-5

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: August 7, 1861

The scouting party sent out this morning were conveyed by wagons six miles up the valley, and were to take to the mountains, half a mile beyond. I instructed Lieutenant Driscoll to exercise the utmost caution, and not take his men further than he thought reasonably safe. Of course perfect safety is not expected. Our object, however, is to get information, not to give it by losing the squad.

At eleven o'clock a courier came in hot haste from the front, to inform us that a flag of truce, borne by a Confederate major, with an escort of six dragoons, was on the way to camp. Colonel Wagner and I rode out to meet the party, and were introduced to Major Lee, the son, as I subsequently ascertained, of General Robert E. Lee, of Virginia. The Major informed us that his communication could only be imparted to our General, and a courier was at once dispatched to Huttonville.

At four o'clock General Reynolds arrived, accompanied by Colonel Sullivan and a company of cavalry. Wagner and I joined the General's party, and all galloped to the outpost, to interview the Confederate major. His letter contained a proposition to exchange prisoners captured by the rebels at Manassas for those taken at Rich mountain. The General appointed at day on which a definite answer should be returned, and Major Lee, accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Owen and myself, rode to the outlying picket station, where his escort had been halted and detained.

Major Lee is near my own age, a heavy set, but well-proportioned man, somewhat inclined to boast, not overly profound, and thoroughly impregnated with the idea that he is a Virginian and a Lee withal. As I shook hands at parting with this scion of an illustrious house, he complimented me by saying that he hoped soon to have the honor of meeting me on the battlefield. I assured him that it would afford me pleasure, and I should make all reasonable efforts to gratify him in this regard. I did not desire to fight, of course, but I was bound not to be excelled in the matter of knightly courtesy.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 46-7

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan, Saturday, January 7, 1865

Beautiful day—Scout starts out lines closed.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, Thirty-Third Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, Vol. XIII, No. 8, Third Series, Des Moines, April 1923, p. 570

Diary of Private Lewis C. Paxson: Wednesday, October 29, 1862

Worked in office. Scouting party went out. I bought two pounds of white sugar, 50c.

SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 7

Diary of Private Ephraim Shelby Dodd: Friday, February 6, 1863

Came to Vernon and camped. I went out and got some fodder and made beds, but did not get to enjoy it long. Bout 1 o'clock started and came to Duck River, built fires of the fence on river bank. Our squadron sent on scout eight miles, got back just after day. Found them swimming the horses and taking the rigging over in a boat flat. We were then sent on picket. A ford was found and the Brigade crossed over. Camped one mile from the river. Crossed near Centerville.

SOURCE: Ephraim Shelby Dodd, Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd: Member of Company D Terry's Texas Rangers, p. 7

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: July 7, 1861

On the 5th instant a scouting party, under Captain Lawson, started for Middle Fork bridge, a point eighteen miles from camp. At eight o'clock last night, when I brought the battalion from the drill-ground, I found that a messenger had arrived with intelligence that Lawson had been surrounded by a force of probably four hundred, and that, in the engagement, one of his men had been killed and three wounded. The camp was alive with excitement. Each company of the Third had contributed five men to Captain Lawson's detachment, and each company, therefore, felt a special interest in it. The messenger stated that Captain Lawson was in great need of help, and General McClellan at once ordered four companies of infantry and twenty mounted men to move to his assistance. I had command of the detachment, and left camp about nine o'clock P. M., accompanied by a guide. The night was dark. My command moved on silently and rapidly. After proceeding about three miles, we left the turnpike and turned onto a narrow, broken, bad road, leading through the woods, which we followed about eight miles, when we met Captain Lawson's detachment on its way back. Here we removed the wounded from the farm wagon in which they had been conveyed thus far, to an ambulance brought with us for the purpose, countermarched, and reached our quarters about three o'clock this morning.

I will not undertake to give the details of Captain Lawson's skirmish. I may say, however, that the number of the enemy killed and wounded, lacerated and torn, by Corporal Casey, was beyond all computation. Had the rebels not succeeded in getting a covered bridge between themselves and the invincible Irishman, he would, if we may believe his own statement, have annihilated the whole force, and brought back the head of their commanding officer on the point of his bayonet.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 14-5

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, May 21, 1862

Left Camp Mount Pleasant and got back to our old camp General Moorhead, at Columbia, Tenn., making a march of 11 miles. Return of a grand scout all safe and sound, except two men lost in the battle of Lamb's Ferry, above spoken of.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 13

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Friday, January 17, 1862

The scout that was sent out in the direction of Burkesville on the 15th returned to camps. They reported that three or four regiments of Federals, with four pieces of artillery, were stationed on the north bank of the river some four miles above Burkesville. They also report that one night while they were out Captain Coffee, of Brazelton's Battalion, and three or four of his men put up with one Mr. Gridder. A squad of Federals crossed the river and came to Mr. Gridder's for the purpose, it was thought, of killing him. A skirmish ensued, which resulted in the killing of Mr. Gridder and wounding one of his sons and Captain Coffee. One of the enemy was killed and one wounded. We also heard that two of the Federal pickets in front of Beech Grove were killed.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 110

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Wednesday, January 15, 1862

The Noble Ellis had come down from Mill Springs and commenced loading, when we left and returned to camp.

Another scout of about one hundred men, some from our battalion and the balance from Brazelton's, had started out in the direction of Burkesville before we returned to camp.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 108

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, November 22, 1863

Ere it is light the bugle is sounded, and after hastily dispatching our breakfast, we move on our way. All along the road to-day we encounter squads of rebels, scouting parties from Johnson's and Roddy's commands, all of which goes to prove that the raiders Johnson or Roddy, or both, are on the north side of the Tennessee, and in consequence we anticipate considerable opposition before we reach our destination. Sure enough, at four o'clock P. M., our advance is checked. Colonel Rowett soon dismounts the regiments and forms a battle line. Our skirmishers are advanced and firing soon commences in every direction, sounding as though we were surrounded. A scout is now seen dashing from the brush to where the Colonel stands. He informs him of our danger and the fearful odds against us; that the rebels would soon be upon us if we remained there any longer. The bugle is sounded; the men spring into their saddles. Charley is champing and neighing. The Colonel's eye seems to be everywhere. He is now dashing down the road, with the regiment closely following. On we go towards Waterloo. The rebels hover on our flanks, front and rear. There is promiscuous firing all evening. They seem loth to throw any considerable force against us; feel loth to try our steel. By nine P. M., we arrive at Waterloo, four miles from Eastport, Tennessee River. The rebels soon abandon their expected game. At Waterloo we go into camp, having traveled sixty-five miles since morning, capturing twelve rebels during the day and evening.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 208-9

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Tuesday, October 29, 1861

Colonel McNairy sent a scout of sixty men out in the direction of London yesterday, and on returning last night four of Captain Horn's company put up for the night some fifteen miles from our camp. As they were coming to camps this morning they were fired on from the bushes. They reported that they returned the fire, killing one of the bush-whackers and capturing four muskets. They brought the muskets into camp. The above named scout went within about seven miles of London and reported that the Federals had advanced from Wildcat to that place.

General Albin Schoepf had advanced from Wildcat with six regiments¹ and two batteries of artillery, and established his headquarters at the junction of the Crab Orchard and Richmond roads, three miles north of London, with two of his regiments thrown forward to that place.

On the above date General Thomas sent the following dispatch to General Schoepf:

I have just received a letter from General Sherman. He objects to advancing the troops too far on this route, and directs that we go no farther than your camp for the present.²

The Major of our battalion, William Malcomb, resigned and started home.

______________

¹ Fourteenth, Colonel Steedman, and Seventeenth, Colonel Connell, Ohio, Thirty-third Indiana, Colonel Coburn, Third Kentucky, Colonel Garrard, First, Colonel Byrd, and Second, Colonel Carter, Tennessee, and Standart’s and Kenny's Batteries. Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 322.

² Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 323. See Appendix A.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 69-70

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, October 9, 1863

The swamps and bottoms along the Tuscumbia and the Hatchie rivers are now being thoroughly scouted. The guerrillas are finding their favorite haunts hot quarters. Go in whatever direction we may, and scouting parties from the Seventh can be seen.

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

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 Corporal David L. Day: May 14, 1862

PICKET DUTY.

I was out in the woods yesterday and last night on picket duty, and picket duty is simply lying around in the brush watching the approach of outside parties. Parties approaching in the night time and failing to promptly respond to the hail of the picket are given an instantaneous passport to a land that is fairer than this. A picket is composed of three or more men stationed at convenient distances from each other along the roads, horse paths and anywhere an enemy might be supposed to come. One keeps watch while the others sleep, but with the hooting of the owls, sand-fleas, woodticks, lizards and mosquitoes, their repose is a good deal disturbed.

A SCOUTING PARTY.

Yesterday Col. Upton with a strong scouting party went out to Tuscarora, a little hamlet about five miles distant, where is the enemy's outpost and where is kept a party of observation. On the approach of the colonel and his party they left, but before doing so set fire to a new steam saw and grain mill which was destroyed. Mr. Bogey was a good deal vexed at the destruction of this mill. He said it was built only two years ago at a cost of $5000 and was a great accommodation to the people here abouts, and he, with other farmers, put in their money to help build it. These people have a great notion of burning their property on our approach. I really cannot understand it. They ought to know that it is of no use to us, and in the end will be a sore loss to them,

SOURCE: David L. Day, My Diary of Rambles with the 25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, p. 57-8

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: March 16, 1865

Up at 4. No breakfast. Haversack empty for two days. Rained last night and this morning. Warm as in June. Our Div. in advance. Got into camp at 4 P. M. at Mangohick. Easton's Batt. and 50 men from 1st Batt. on a scout to Hanovertown Ferry. Boys had a hard time to get forage and rations. 30 or 40 miles from the White House.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 147

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Saturday, January 28, 1865

50 men of the 2nd Ohio on a scout with sabres under Capt. Chester. Clear and cold.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Saturday, January 21, 1865

Rainy and raw. Scouting party went out to Cedar Creek, through the Gap and around the mountain and came back by Fawcett's Gap. Awful day. A hunt for Imboden's men. No one seen.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, December 5, 1864

2nd Ohio went out to Fisher's Hill on a scout. Got back in evening. Enemy reported in front by 2nd N. Y. Big fires. Thought they heard bugles, etc. Co. C in advance. No enemy.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 136-7