Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: November 11, 1864

Very well fed. There it goes again. Had determined not to say anything more about how we were fed, and now I have done it. However, I was not grumbling about it any way. Will merely add that I have an appetite larger than an elephant. Will also say that there are rumors of exchange, for exchange — a subject that has been spoken of before. Cannot possibly refrain from saying that I am feeling splendidly and worth a hundred dead men yet. Have two dollars in Confederate money and if I can sell this half canteen of dishwater soup shall have another dollar before dark. “Who takes it? Ah, here ye are! Sold again; business closed for to-night, gentlemen. Early in the morning shall have a fresh supply of this delicious soup, with real grease floating on top.” Shutters put up and we settle down for the night without depositing in the bank. Shan't go to sleep until ten or eleven o'clock, but lay and think, and build those air castles that always fall with a crash and bury us in the debris. Often hear the baying of hounds from a distance, through the night — and such strange sounds to the Northern ear. Good night. In rather a sentimental mood. Wonder if she is married?

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 114-5

Captain Charles Wright Wills: March 24, 1864

Scottsboro, Ala, March 24, 1864.

Two months and twenty-four days without changing camp; which is the longest time our tents have covered one piece of ground since we organized. We have marched, though, some 35 days during this time, and some such marching. Whew! I think I never suffered on a march as I did on the Sand Mountain in DeKalb county. I wore a thin blouse, and had no overcoat. I'd lie so close to the fire nights that the clothes on my back would scorch and my breath would freeze on my whiskers. We had nothing to keep the freezing dews off us, and it seemed to me that it went through my clothes and an inch of flesh before the dew-point would be blunted. One night about 2 o'clock I had a huge pine knot fire and was trying to warm some half frozen portions of my body, when Captain Smith came over from his bed, as blue as a conscript, to thaw out. He turned one side and then t'other to the blaze, time and again but without much progress; finally he shivered out, “By G—d, Captain, I could wish a tribe of cannibals no worse luck than to get me for breakfast. I'm frozen hard enough to break out half their teeth, and the frost would set the rest aching.” Next morning a lot of us were standing by a fire nearly all grumbling, when the major asked me how I passed the night. “Capitally, slept as sweetly as an infant, little chilly in fore part of night, but forgot it when sleep came.” They looked so pitifully, doubtfully envious, that I got me laugh enough to warm me clear through. Captain Smith, Soot and Lieutenant Ansley have been in with me playing old sledge all evening. A storm came up, blew half of my camp house down, and broke up the party. Have just got fixed up again. Those pine knot fires we had on the mountains, made us all look like blacksmiths. Day before yesterday a foot of snow fell. Last night only drifts on the north side of things were left and to-night you have to hunt for a flake. Two shots on the picket line back of our camp. Guess it's some of the 26th or 48th recruits. Out of every dozen or twenty recruits, there's sure to be one who will see men skulking around his picket post, and who will shoot a stump.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 221-2

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: June 15, 1864

Moved out on Richmond road, and Malvern Hill road till we encountered the enemy. Six companies of our regiment on extreme left skirmish line — rest in reserve, till the 18 P. V. were driven back in a little disorder; then the six companies were ordered in. So much confusion on part of 18th that we were into the rebs or they into us before we knew it. Then came confusion of orders. Our boys saw rebel infantry. Did them some damage. By order fell back a few rods and then held our line. One of Co. A killed and one of Co. M wounded. After one-half hour ordered to fall back. Nettleton's Batt. holding the rebs — mounted — 2 men wounded and 3 horses killed. Awfulest place for a fight we were ever in. Very thick pine brush and few trees. Woods on fire and smoke almost intolerable. Got out well. Fell back to junction of roads. I dismounted to fight. 2nd Ohio on picket. Co. M. ordered back to Smith's store where we had fought. Rebs came in rear. Killed Sergt. Edson. One missing. Quiet till morning. Deep sleep. Rations issued. We failed to get any. Oh this is the most fatiguing work we ever did.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 119-20

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: June 3, 1864

Reinforcements coming in rapidly via W. H. and also Fredericksburg. 13th O. C. arrived. Saw paper of the 31st. News very encouraging. Reported move of rebel infantry around and to rear of Burnside's right. Guess old Grant has fixed it so as to give them a warm reception. Rained yesterday and last night. Our troops in good spirits. 2nd Brigade in our advance. Fought over the ground near Salem Church where our Cavalry Corps had a severe fight with rebel infantry the day they crossed the Pamunkey. Col. Prescott, 1st Vermont, killed and Lt. Col. 1st Conn. wounded in the thigh. Rebs retreated beyond our fortifications. 1st Brigade Battery fired a little. Moved up to the outer works and remained till night. 2nd Brigade formed over to the left nearly at right angles to Burnside's line. Three Divisions of rebel infantry, Heths of Ewell's Corps, Rhodes of Hill's, and one of Longstreet's charged the flank of Burnside. Rebs were repulsed with great slaughter. 2nd Brigade did splendidly. The cross fire of artillery and musketry just mowed down the rebels. 1st Brigade moved back and formed where we formed in the morning. Slept till morning. Letter from home, May 15.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 118

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: May 1, 1864

Busy getting ordnance boxes returned to Dept. till 10 o'clock. Regt. marched at 11. Train off at about 1 P. M.—12 wagons. Thede and I stayed behind to get receipts for property. Left Washington between 5 and 6 o'clock. Capt. and A. D. C. on Maj. Gen. Auger's staff disliked to give me a pass for fear we would be gobbled! Caught up just as the regt. camped 9 or 10 miles from Washington. Supper and to bed at 10 P. M. Slept well, beautiful day.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 114

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: May 2, 1864

Reveille at 4. Off at 7. Pike road still. Passed through Fairfax C. H. a place of only half a dozen scattered buildings. No fences along the road and very few houses, and those abandoned, hilly country and considerably woody. Camped near Bristol Station. 22nd and 24th N. Y. and 3rd N. J. near us. Commenced raining before we got our tents pitched. Cold, wet night. Slept very well.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 114

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, May 3, 1864

Moved on at 8 o'clock having waited for tents to dry off. Passed Catlett Station and reached Warrenton Junction at noon. Burnside's Hdqrs. here. One Div. here. Passed one at Manassas, at Ferrero and one at Bristol. Drew hay for our feed, also oats for three days. Also 7 wagons. Kept quite busy. Didn't get much sleep; ordered to march at 2 A. M. Cold — Tea — 8 days of commissaries and 5 of forage.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 114

Captain Charles Wright Wills: September 29, 1863

September 29th.

Had just got asleep last night when it commenced raining. I dressed myself (that means put on my boots) gathered up my oil-cloth and blanket and made for a bushy-topped tree. I sat down to lean back against the tree and I think one of the liveliest motions I ever made was getting up immediately afterward. The tree was a chinquapin, and I had sat down on a number of the burs, which are much like those of the chestnut. After quite a search I secured two small rails, and balancing myself on them I slept soundly until reveille at 2:30 a. m. It has rained all night, but in a small way, and just enough to make marching pleasant. We made Vicksburg by 7 a. m., the rain falling all the time. In fact, it has rained steadily up to this hour, 11 p. m. After a deal of hard work we are on the steamboat Diana, which belongs to the Marine brigade. The whole division is loaded on 15 steamboats and we start for Memphis in the morning. I forgot to mention a queer tree that I noticed at last night's camp. They say it is the cabbage tree or mock pineapple. The leaves were many of them fully thirty inches long, giving the tree a tropical appearance. Saw some of the 8th Illinois boys. The regiment is not as healthy as it should be.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 193-4

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: January 28, 1864

Took Burs, Thomas, Wood and Bosworth to Gait House for breakfast. Wrote a line to John's parents. Crossed the river at 2:30 P. M. Charge of I Co. too, stopped at Seymour till 9 P. M. Changed cars. Rode in passenger car during night. Some sleep.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 106

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: September 25, 1864

Can eat better — or drink rather; Some rebel general dead and buried with honors outside. Had another wash and general clean up; ocean breezes severe for invalids. Am visited twice a day by the rebel surgeon who instructs nurses about treatment. Food principally arrow root; have a little whisky. Sleep great deal of the time. Land, my acquaintance and mess-mate, is lame from scurvy, but is not weak and sick as I am. When I think of anything, say: “Land, put her down,” and he writes what I tell him. Everything clean here, but then any place is clean after summering in Andersonville. Don't improve much and sometimes not at all; get blue sometimes; nature of the beast suppose; other sick in the tent worry and make me nervous.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 97

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: September 16, 1864

How I do sleep; am tired out, and seems to me I can just sleep till doomsday.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 95

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: January 20, 1864

Off early. Every morning and noon have to wait for somebody. Considerable sport. Took dinner after passing the Hiawasse, where they had a rail-mauling, quilting and dance last night. Most of the country turned out. Good deal of smallpox scattered through the country. People alarmed. Put up with some poor Union people. Slept in room with whole family.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 105

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: January 11, 1864

Several boys not inclined to go home. Assigned to 7th O. V. C. Thomas, Peck, Kearn, Beach, Montgomery, Bentley, Rutzel. Good boys, sorry. Relieved Hamlin. Went to Knoxville to fix papers. Slept with Avery on floor at Charley's.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 105

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: August 21, 1864

Sleep nearly all the time except when too hot to do so.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 92

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 26, 1863

At midnight orders came to be ready to move an hour before daylight, not much sleep. Lewis not back. Col. Cook attacked the enemy near Mossy Creek. Capron and Garrard for support. Rained all the morning. Uncomfortable. Regts. in line all day. Some artillery and a little musketry firing. Foster sent his thanks for getting out well the other day. Our brigade rather light, 656. Camped near by. Made Hdqrs. at Dr. Peck's, a rebel, clever, 6 ft. 4 in. in height. Gave me “The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table.” Occupied a good room. Comfortable.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 103

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 30, 1863

Slept by a big fire last night — very comfortable. Regiments saddled ready for a fight. Sent Lewis back to S. Plains for rations. Had some beef driven up and killed. Boys would have suffered had they not been fortunate in getting from the country.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 103

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 23, 1863

Hillhouse came around early. Hurried breakfast and wrote a few lines home and to Fannie, for Thede to take. Got George a saddle and Lewis govt. horse. How I dislike to have Thede leave me. I shall be homesick. Still it is best. Poor fellow. God grant he may get well soon. Command moved at 9 A. M. following Woolford's division. I waited till near dark. Lu (Emmons) and I went together. Awful ford over Holston. Found brigade at Newmarket. Took supper with Maj. Nettleton. Slept on floor.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 102

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 19, 1863

Up quite early in the morning and sent word to the details and to Leavitt. June came up with two wagons. Got 975 meal. 4th Army Corps camped near Cross roads. Saw Ed. Brice, orderly for Gen. Hazen, 41st near by. A good many troops here now. Sleep in a bed again tonight.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 102

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 8, 1863

Awoke considerably rested. Surprising how a tired man can sleep. Drew one day's ration of meal and two of H. Bread. Moved around Clinch Mountain to Blains Cross Roads. Boys killed a flock of sheep. Passed a division of the 9th Army Corps in camp. Stopped with boys at a house near road leading to Walker's Gap. Got coffee and then slept in good bed — secesh.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 100

Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, March 28, 1863

Camp White, March 28, 1863.

Dearest: — I received yours last night. It is a week this morning since you left. We have had rain every day, and in tents in the mud it is disagreeable enough. The men still keep well. We have plenty of rumors of forces coming in here. It does look as if some of the posts below here might be attacked.

You went away at just the right time as it has turned out. A few weeks hence it will be good weather again and you would enjoy it if we are not too much annoyed with the rumors or movements of the enemy.

Nothing new to talk about. General Cox is quite certainly not confirmed, ditto his staff officers, Bascom, Conine, and Christie. It is now a question whether they revert to their former rank or go out of service. At any rate, we are probably not to be under them. At present we are supposed to report to General Schenck at Baltimore. We like General Schenck but he is too distant and we prefer on that account to be restored to the Department of the Ohio under General Burnside.

We have had two bitterly cold nights the last week; with all my clothes and overcoat on I could not keep warm enough to sleep well. But it is healthy!

Love to all the boys, to Grandma and “a smart chance” for your own dear self.

Same as before, yours lovingly,

R.

Mrs. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 398-9