KIT NUMBER: 214881

 

For more information on this Gordon family, contact:
lartoguy@yahoo.com and Kennith.a.gordon711@gmail.com and kslkgor1999@gmail.com

 

Descendants of Dr. George Winslow Gordon

Diary of George Winslow Gordon
Commence here and go through and then start at the torn leaf and read back. There is but two or three exceptions and that can be told by dates and places of rendezvous. G.

Georgetown, Ohio. July 9, 1861:  This day mustered into the service as a soldier and after being sworn into the service, my brother wanted me to run for the captaincy or one of the offices and so did Colonel McGott, the mustering officer. I examined the men by request of Colonel McGott, mustering officer. I told them that I knew nothing about military matters and would not have an office and take the responsibility of the lives of the men and if I had an opportunity, I could win a commission on the field. That I was able and active enough to win distinction or I was not worthy of it, and if we could save the government I would be satisfied whether I received one cent or not. I bought and furnished MarssSurily (?) with one horse and A. K. McGouldrich with another one on the field or fair grounds. Mr. William Marshall gave me a saddle and also gave one to Mark Thompson and one to McGouldrich and I believe on or two others.

July 18, 1861:  I wrote a letter to Mother Tweed today. Our fare is pretty hard but I expect it is as good and much better than it will be when we get to the front. I left some papers with D. Thomas and gave the receipt brother T.W.G. who said he would get the things and turn them to Marion Tweed.

August 4, 1861: Camp Chase Ohio:  I wrote to Mother Tweed today acknowledging her letter of July. I wish you would write me if Marion received the note of Ball for $126.00, my watch and chain, my surgery ___?___. I have had a slight attack of flux but am well.

August 5, 1861:  I have had the company sick to look after and I do the business of a surgeon. There is some diarrhea and some 15 cases of measles in the co.

Aug. 16, 1961:  Rec’d our uniforms yesterday eve and are to get saddles today and they not be as good as Mr. Marshall gave us but the capt. Says we must have them alike or we cannot fight if we do not look like a soldier. The old 3-months soldiers that is with us have just drawn their pay for their three months and got more than they expected and are happy. We leave in the morning for the Southwest unless our orders are changed. The men are better than they have been.

Camp Benton, Mo. August 25, 1861:  We arrived in this place or in the fairgrounds on the 19th or 20th of this month. Have been sleeping on our arms. Our Company is in good health. I dressed and for 00, adjusted a dislocation for one of the soldiers of the Ohio Battery or as we call them, the Cheesedown Artillery. They are a lively set of men and our password with them is Aurora from the good time we hat at that place on our way here. They feasted us for our good name.

St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 6, 1861:  Just rec’d a letter from Mother Tweed with one from Lucien [his son] in pencil marks. Oh, it was a great treat and the company enjoyed it as much as if it was their own. We have just returned from a scout on which I had the honor of taking the first prisoners and took them back to St. Louis and then joined the company and got a Negro Bob, and an Irishman by the name of O’Doniphan or O’Douley that shot into the rear of the Missouri Militia. S.D. Porter stole my glory of the first prisoners and Captain John was mad.

Sept. 22, 1861:  I was told today that the Irishmen that I captured got a sentence of seven years of hard labor or during the war for his cowardly trick and was sent to Cairo, and that the negro was sent to Cairo, Ill., as his own man. His master is a col. In the Rebel Army and he done us much harm in running across and posting the rebels of our approach, for some times he could go one-fourth of a mile and we have to ride ¾ of a miles to get the same place.

Jefferson City, Mo. Sept. 29, 1861:  We are in camp here at this time and waiting for Gen. McKenistry to come up. Expect to be placed on his staff. There is but few sick and they not bad. I had to purchase a little medicine for some of the men today.

California, Mo. Oct. 8:  We have been here a few days. It is beautiful country. The camp is good and we will stay a day or so.

Tipton, Mo. Oct. 9:  Just received a letter from Mother of news of Marion receiving an Express from Evans, I suppose the money I sent him of $50. We arrived here last evening. It seems that each day we advance or nearly so, but I think we give the Rebels ample time to keep ahead of us. Boots and Saddles.

Syracuse, Mo. Oct. 11:  We are in camp here so it still is advancing but slowly. Last evening we were thrown into a battalion of Cavalry. The other company are regulars. Mostly Dutch and Irish. We belong to the 2nd Brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. McKenistry. Syracuse, Mo. Is in Morgan Do. There is an old Dr. there, a citizen that the world would be better off if he rested someplace between the heavens and the earth.

Syracuse, Mo. Oct. 16:  I have become acquainted with the surgeon of the Regulars and he has the appearance of gentleman. He wished me a position and says he is sure I will get it. Treats me with as much respect as if I had on shoulder straps. Our co. is out in force under the officers pressing in wagons and mules for a general advance. We need transportation badly but we are in a fair way of getting it. The capt. Left me in charge of camp and equipage. There is 21 men counting the cooks and teamsters in all. One corporal, 5 men from Merrell’s Horse that has reported to me until they can join their regiment. There are 12 of the 21 men that are left behind that are sick. Yesterday they made two men with leaves, so it left me but three well men, including myself. But the sick could fight if our guard was to be attacked. They have just made detail and have the forage master and the sick and myself to guard the camp. Well, the Regulars are good soldiers and have taken a fancy to us but we would like to be separate. We do not wish to be in battalion with them but if we are, I will be detailed into the medical department but would rather have a chance where I might be promoted.

Syracuse, Mo. Nov. 18, 1861:  Since last noting anything, we have been to Springfield. While at Warsaw, the general confiscated the proceeds of a grocery store on the act that the fellow went selling whiskey in violation of orders to the soldiers, and so we got some tobacco and molasses free. While we were on the Pomme de Terre River we had some good mutton and lamb meat. I do not know how we got it. Kade said he bought it of an old farmer. We made the march 130 miles to Springfield in six days and we up nearly two days. We were the first troops into Springfield, but General Fremont’s escort under Major Zagonyi who led that charge. While we at Springfield, I acted surgeon of Merrell’s horse a few days. I had to get a sup from Brigade Surgeon Brodie for Corp. Rice of Foster Company for inguinal hernia. We made our march back to Syracuse in three and half days. Gen. McKenistry was relieved or placed under arrest and he wished to return as soon as possible. Capt. Whiting and Col. Lovejoy, that is Owen Lovejoy, stayed at the hotel one night. I stayed with them, was not well and the money to pay my own way. McKinistry was very kind to me that night. The landlord told the general that he had but two beds for the three, as I hand one engaged and that he and Col. Lovejoy could sleep together. McKinistry said that he would sleep with Capt. Whiting, for to sleep with the col. he would get the itch. And Col. Lovejoy said, “No”, but if a man slept with him overnight, he would steal a negro before morning. And the landlord looked scared and he locked up what few slaves he had in a brick smokehouse overnight. This happened at Cole Camp at the Brick Hotel. That day preceding our night at Cole Camp, I had started on ahead so I could ride at my own leisure. I had captured two Rebels and disarmed them and I gave the shotgun to General Mc and he presented me with the old hammered barrel rifle. Gen Mc gave the shotgun to one of the teamsters to take charge, and I let him have the riffle. Sile King overhauled me just I captured the rebels and disarmed them.

Nov. 30, 1861:  We are having a good deal of sickness in the company and lots of snow. The men are somewhat dissatisfied with the officers. Sergeant Rankins and eight men were taken prisoners and their horses and arms taken. It was done by an old farmer and some devils, but the old farmer was at the bottom of it. I think it will be settled yet.

Dec 5, 1861, In Camp, Syracuse, Mo:  One or two nights ago a part of us left camp for a scout. We left at 2 o’clock in the morning. I had been up looking after the sick and had waked up Foster at twelve, at 1 o’clock and then at 2 o’clock, and when the horses was brought out, mine was with them. Foster says you are not agoing. I said yes. He told me I had better go and get some sleep. I said all right and went. We made a very successful scout. We captured six prisoners and either horses and I had bought a horse and let Mat Borden have it so that mounted the nine men and they were ready for duty. We are looking for marching orders and nothing less [sic: than] active work will save the captain and he needs a good battle and to go through it well to re-instate him with the men. They have lost respect for him.

Dec 7, 1861, Syracuse, Mo:There is quite a number of men in the Old. Co. that are sick and I cannot get the capt. to go in to the room to see them. He says he cannot stand to see them suffer. I told him this morning when he asked if I had seen a petition asking him to resign, I told him I had not seen it but I had heard there was one. He said he could be their captain in spite of Hell. I told him he had better take the field with them, and still better he had better lead them to battle if we wished to be their captain.

Dec 8:  Are looking for marching orders.

Dec 16, 1861:  This morning I was detailed to take charge of the 18th Indiana Voluntary Infantry as surgeon until further orders, by Brigade Surgeon Brodie. Last night when we jumped our horse into an enclosure surrounded by a big stone fence, there was a lot of fat hogs running around and one them the boys got away with. And my detail came, so I did not get fresh meat. Bad luck.

Dec 17, 1861, near Georgetown, Mo., in Camp:  Am with 18th Ind. Vol. infantry. Found one man suffering with strangulated hernia. First call in the regt. yesterday.There is a number reported at sick call, hardly any supplies on hand. Some fellow acting as hospital steward would let make a good wet nurse. Surgeon absent, assistant surgeon absent on leave.Hospital steward on detail – plenty to do.

Black Water, Mo. Dec. 18, 1861:  We captured 1300 prisoners, equipments, mostly shotguns, camp equipage. We captured 64 teams with four head of horses or mules to each team, and seventy head of horses besides the teams. My horse got shot in in the left-hind foot which has crippled him some. We have plenty of provisions now. Well, I am getting somewhat acquainted with Col. Pattison, Lt. Col. Washburn, and Major Thomas. They are all men of souls and from present appearance, are good somber officers. All of the officers of the regt and the men seem glad to see me. We had taken  150 prisoners before we got those on Black Water. We had but a slight skirmish or battle, had three men killed and nine wounded, and the camp news is that we killed 10 or 15 men and wounded from twenty to thirty.

Headquarters LaMine Cantonment 18thReg Ind. Vol:  We are in quarters here and have been for a few days. This is Dec. 31, 1861. Tomorrow we will have to change years. Some prospect of march. There is a number sick in the regiments with colds, pneumonia, diarrhea, and severe colds; seems to be the , not only the result of the weather but dregs of measles that the Reg suffered before I was with them. I think the officers like me splendidly and the men seem well pleased. I believe I will lose my horse, but Gen. Davis has turned me over another horse in lieu of the one I had wounded, one that a Dr. McCorkle had which he wished to present to me. He was among the Rebel prisoners and claimed the horse was individual property and thought he could as well as he pleased with him. Gen. Davis did not so understand it, but told him as my horse was wounded I should have the horse until mine recovered, which I think he never will.  Our mails are so unreliable that I believe the postmasters are at fault or something worse.

Jan 4, 1862, LaMine Cantonment, Mo:  Just rec’d a letter from Mother Tweed saying my son had just recovered from measles and complaining of Stansberry neglect to pay her for his board and thinks we had better have him removed, but I trust that he will not be removed until I get home. The things in regiment going smoothly along. The weather is very cold.

LaMine Cantonment, Mo, Jan. 14, 1862:  The weather is very cold here; snow, sleet, Men suffering a good deal. The weather is very changeable and our tents are very thin. Just rec’d through The Democrat of St. Louis  that at the Battle of Slyver Creek, Captain John S. Foster was slightly wounded in the arm and some of our men were killed, but hope it was not of the Old Company.

Gravois Creek near Versails, Mo Jan. 29, 1862:  We are water bound from a heavy rain and it has turned cold. Dr. Doughters is with us, has been for sometime.

Jan 30:Everything’s froze up and it is one glaze of ice.

Osage River, 6 miles from Sin Creek, in camp:  We had to cordill our wagons up the mountain. The teams could not pull them from the old camp on Gravois Creek. The thermometer fell below zero and we had no tents when night overtook us; without rations in a country where there is no such a thing as purchasing any or appropriating any. Hardly a show of anything like human except soldiers. It looks like the government and God had forsake us, or in other words we are outside of the bounds of civilization. Col. Washburn and I went up on a hill to reconnoiter, up a hill south of our camp. We went up on top of the hill 700 feet, I suppose above Osage River, and when on top of the hill, we saw a wreath of smoke and we started for it, something over half mile and came to a little hut where a poor man had built, and he said he was a Union man and I think that is so. The man and his father are member of the home guards. We then went to the old man’s house or cabin. There is the old man, two sons and two sons-in-law that members of the Home Guard. They all kept their guns loaded, determined to fight until the last. But, lo, the rebels slipped in on them one day when the men were out and took their guns and left them nothing to guard themselves with but one old dog. But the old fellow was determined to have a gun and he went and procured one from some source. We then asked them what they lived there for. The old man spoke up and said it was the best country that God let His sun shine on. That the hills was filled with lead. In the bottoms, the could grow corn and there not ten acres of bottom to five hundred of hills. I tried to argue the old out of the notion of it being the best country that the sun shone on, and he said he could live all of the last part of the summer laying on his back on the mountainside. I wanted to know how. “Live on the grapes,” he said. He said his only trouble was getting winter shoes and powder. He could kill all of the meat he wanted his gun. His wife made what clothing  they had to have. They did not use any tea or coffee, and when he took off his furs in the fall, he got what salt, shoes and powder he needed, and that his wife did not have to make their pants and clothing for this year for the men folks, for they had got them when they went into the Home Guard service. After arguing with the old man on the country or against, I wanted to know what they done when they got sick. He said his old woman understood diseases of the country very well and whenever she failed, there was no use of going for a doctor, for they have done so once or twice in their time, a distance of over 30 miles, and in both cases the doctor had done no good and besides that , it had taken a good cow to pay him each time. Well, he had beat me on every position, but held one back that I thought would carry my point. I asked him how it was about education and if he did not think it was a drawback in that respect. He answered “Edetikution, Edetikution, Why, no, sir. You eddikate a man, and you make a damned rascal of him and that is what is the matter with the government at this time.” Finding that I had no show with him, we asked him the name of the mountains. He said, “Osage,” and pointed out the highest and we started for it. I rode to the top but Col. got down and walked and led a part of the way. When we arrived at the top, the old man told us we could see the whole world. Well, the sight was grand; if we did not see all over the world. We N.E. and thought we saw a town with white spires, but the old man told us where it was and we had camped there the night before. It was eight miles distant, a very high cliff of rock that jutted over, making a shelter room for the brigade of infantry, for we had tried it the night before. Where the water had poured down and frozen in icicles looking like church spires from the distance.

Osage River at Lime Creek, Feb 2, 1862:  We are here in camp after a march of eight miles. Have just returned from dressing quartermaster Popp and musician Eastman wounds. Well, the way they were wounded is rather rich for a soldier, but so it is. I believe I will put it down. We had received an order to burn our surplus tents so they would not fall into the hands of the enemy if we left them on Gravois mountains when we had to cordill our wagons up the mountain. And there was some ammunition we had capture and it was not suitable caliber and it was in barrels, say some four or five barrels. And these men thought they would set it afire and not throw it into the stream. Eastman threw some coals of fire in one of the barrels but it did not ignite as soon as he thought it should, so Lieutenant Popp took a brand of fire and pushed it down in the barrel. Well, it went off, and they were the worst burned men I had ever seen. Some few of the balls hit Popp on the head and plowed furrows in his scalp. I was about two miles in advance when it happened. Had to ride back. I smeared their faces, ears, necks, and hands with Symplecarrote and bandaged them barely leaving them a place to breathe. Loaded them into a government wagon that was loaded with arms and started forward. The driver, in going down hill on a short curve, managed to turn the wagon over and Eastman when about half crying said it was too much for a poor private to stand and the night after that occurred the thermometer registered nine degrees below zero. We had to have those men in that wagon over 30 miles and where the wagon turned over, it had a fall of over ten feet but still they did not receive any severe injuries from the upset with the wagon and all the muskets on them. We could trail the army by the blood left of our men, their shoes nearly all worn out. We are trying to cross the Osage River and there is an old flat that can but one team at a time and it takes 30 minutes to make a trip. It would take five days to cross the river at that speed, the boat to be used continuously, but they are trying to fix up a little steam ferry to assist in getting us across. When we get across, we are ordered to Lebanon, a distance of 50 miles, and it certainly means Springfield, a distance of 57 miles, and there wherever Old Price leads. The officials think we are good on the chase while the Army of the Potomac lay within a few miles of each other or in shootting distance. Whenever we hear of rebels in our department, we start for them. Well, it is dark I have to stop for the present. Well, fortune has favored me with a light and I am thankful for the light. The blessings are so few that I feel grateful when they come. We are at this time on two-third rations and our meat is blue beef. We have no salt and have not had any for sometime. The best philosopher that I ever read after was Perry Green Twezel and his philosophy was that no misfortune but what might be worse; for instance, we might not have any beef as well as no salt. Let us be thankful for what we have, good stomachs. Well, we can do anything that will put this rebellion down.

Feb 3, 1862, In Camp on Osage River:  Have just been to see my wounded; they are doing well. There is not a great many sick in the regt. today. I dressed one of the 1rst Mo. Cavalry that got shot. Perhaps there is twenty-five men that have bad colds from exposure. Our men are still crossing the river crossing the river. They have not got over. The 2nd brigade yet still on 2/3 rations with the probability of getting ½ rations. Today we captured some 18 kegs and barrels of rot gut whiskey and they to our regiment one barrel and three kegs of whiskey. One keg was throwed on the ground and we took some, or the quartermaster took some. The Col. ordered that the officers should draw the whiskey and that hwe would hold them responsible if any man got drunk. Captain Bell of C drew his and poured it out on the ground. And I believe there was not drunkenness among the Brass Band.

Feb 5:  We started across the river this morning at 7 o’clock a.m.
9 P.M.:  Have to go back over the river to dress the wounded. We are on 1/3 rations and my horse had has but 4 ears of corn in the last two days and but little hay. Our stock fare worse than we do. The 2nd brigade has started for Lebanon.

Feb 6, In Camp in the Wilderness, 16 miles south of Osage River:  It has been a bad day, been thawing in the day time and froze at night. This morning I crossed the river, dressed the wounded, got the quartermaster in the ambulance, left the other man at Judge Kelly’s with a member of the band to wait on him. The balance of our men of the regt. took up the line of march. Last night some of the men stole the whiskey kegs that quartermaster had, and two of them were to full to march so I had to order them hauled. The 22nd regiment did not spill their whiskey but it would have been better if they had. I think they had nine men that had to haul. Hurrah for Old Tom. He has just some hay and some prospects for corn. Well, I had it. ___________ Camp in the wilderness but we are close to a little place called Decatur but there are but four little huts and they name it after the great Decatur. What would he say?

Feb 7, 1862:  This looks like war. We have orders to leave everything that looks like a tent for the present. We are 1 ½ miles west of Lebanon, and we have the news that we are in 40 miles of Old Price. I shall go in to this with a light heart.

Camp Halleck, Ark.:  We are as well as could be expected as right. I have the nicest pony in the camp, bought because I got my horse crippled. Paid $30 to a citizen for it.

Headquarters Med. Dept 18 Ind. Vol. Infantry; Camp Halleck, Arkansas: Here we are still, and everything goes well. We have had no rations for the last week, but yesterday eve we got about half rations and the prospects is that our train will get up in a few days and then we will get rations. We get along better than anyone could imagine we could. We get a little corn and parch it and it scours the men and works like taking a dose of Waters and followed with Gamboys, but the men are all right so long as they, we go forward. We have had five battles with Price already and whipped him each time, ending with Sugar Creek. But Sugar Creek cost us more men than it did cost the Old Scamp, but we have made him get each time. We are ordered back to Sugar Creek. I think the move means concentration of our troops or forces and it is so we can meet our train, for it looks like starving if we do not save rations. What beef we get it takes 2 men to hold while one knocks them down.

March 6, 1862:  We begin to hear the music again of artillery, and now and anan (?) of musketry, up towards Bentonville. It is Genl. Sigel Division; they have been slow in falling back to this place. Later news is that the Rebels tried to cut Genl. Sigel’s command off from ours, but they could not. The Old Dutchman was too much for them on the retreat.

March 7, 7:00 a.m.:  Things look like business. We are in line standing on our arms, each man with 60 rounds of ammunition. The faces of the men look like businesss. Surgeon Newland of 22ndInd Regt has just told me he wanted me to take charge of a Genl Hospital and I refused, told him I was going on the field or would terminate my position with the regiment and I had not commission and if I am worthy and was made of the right king of material, I intended to have the respect of the man and officers of 18th Ind., and he could detail any others he wished. He went to Col Pattison in command of the brigade, and Col. Washburn and made his wants known and was informed by them that he could have the balance of medical officers of the Regt. And as much as he needed of the brigade, but they wished me on the field. Well, we move forward and the men are leaving their blankets and coats by the way. Music all around. The Rebels are around us in our rear and between us and our supply train. We have to fight them or lose our grub.

March 10, 1862:  Well, we have had a hard fight, it lasted March 6th, 7th, and 8th. The enemy had our part of the field in the forepart of the day of the 7th, but with good skill and eternal hand on, we cleared them out in the after part of the day near Leetown and Elkhorn. Our men fought over the ground three times. The enemy drove Carr’s division in the morning and he drove them in the afterpart of the day, and in the evening, the Rebels drove Carr’s Division. There is a rumor that Sigel was ordered to support Carr in the evening of the 7th, but did not show up. About midnight or perhaps 1 o’clock a.m., we of the 18th were ordered around to relieve Carr’s division, and we did so. The officers had had nothing to eat from the morning before and the men nearly nothing in the night. Quartermaster Popp who kept our mess, sent us a few cold biscuits that had been made with flour and water and nothing else, and I had one box of sardines in my saddlebags. I opened the sardines in the dark and divided them with Col. Pattison, Col. Washburn, Major Thomas and we ate them. And in the morning, I could see by my thumb and two first fingers on my right hand by the absence of blood, how deep my fingers and thumb had been in the sardine box. We nearly perished that night by cold. There was but one overcoat between Col. Washburn, Major Thomas, and myself, and that the major had. We would walk awhile to start the circulation and that would start our teeth to chattering so we loud we were afraid it would alarm the rebels, and we did not wish to disturb them in the least, and then would lay down by a big white oak tree and blessed was the man that got in the middle. And when we could stand that no longer, we would get up and start on the march again and repeat the same laying down against the tree. It was one that was standing. Well, after a long time, day began to dawn on the morning of the 8th and we could finally see that there was some motion on the other side of the cleared land but could not make out for a while what it was, but soon we saw White Blankets and the artillery to open fire. Well we had 3 guns of Klaus Battery, the last Indiana, and four guns of the Peoria Battery, Capt. Davison. The Rebels had captured Davison Battery when the Johnnies opened our a sheet of flame more than one mile long. The first shot went well over us, the next struck the ground before it reached us or below us and ricocheted over us. Our artillery men saw the Rebs and had our range and we could not hold that position when I heard Capt Klaus holler out, “Limber up, Limber up. Jesus Christ, limber up.” But the Rebs got him one before he could limber up. The battery had to draw off but for a moment when they took advance ground lower down in the bottom and nearer the rebel’s line and opened fire on them again. Well, we had their range now so it looked a great deal more encouraging for us. Casting my eye to the left of us or to the west, I saw the grandest sight that I had ever beheld. Sigel’s men were advancing at about 3 miles and hour under a galling fire, the bayonets and every button glistening in the morning light. His cavalry would gallop out and the artillery would gallop out and wheel into position. The Infantry would open order to let the artillery play for a while. About this time Genl. Davis gave orders for his, or our brigade to charge. Well, we did, and there was a masked battery that opened on us in very short range. But they shot too high to do us much damage and we did not let them shoot but once from each gun. Our charge was a distance of about six hundred yards and it was done double quick. The enemy outnumbered us not less than three to one, and it is believed from the best reports we can get, it was at least five to one. While our arms are but second class or hardly that, they are better than the enemy’s and our men are better drilled. We were fortunate enough to kill McCullough and McIntosh on the 7th, and that was very much like check mating the king in a game of chess. And one more thing to bear in mind was that if they whipped us, they would get our rations and it would be but a small share and that we would ever get so it was whip them or starve. We captured quite a number of cannons, not less than 2000 stand of small arms, a good many prisoners and we have some missing. A rebel surgeon told me they had about eleven hundred killed but I think not so many. Our loss, killed and wounded will not reach four hundred all told. There was some wavering with our artillery but they done well, taking it all in all. We drove the rebs some ten or twelve miles and then fell back into the battleground or nearly all the infantry was worn out and the chasing was done with the cavalry. General Davis’ division consisted of the 1st Ind. Battery; 1st brigade (8th Ind. Infantry, 18th Ind. Infantry, 22nd Ind. Infantry); 2nd Brigade, (Davison’s Battery, 37th, 59th, and 36th Illinois Infantry).

Cross Timbers, Arkansas:  There is a good deal of sickness in the regt, diarrhea and some enteric fever and rheumatism, lots of it from exposure. The chaplain held service here today but I think he had but five persons that attended his service and he was between the headquarter tent of H & K. But Colonel Pattison told him to announce the appointment. He did not wish to order men to attend that he thought that he was not popular with the men and he would see.

April 11, 1862:  Well, the health of the Regt. Is good except a number of cases of rheumatism and some diarrhea. Lieutenant Herrod of Company E accidentally shot himself in the foot. I enclosed the report of the fight at Pea Ridge by Col. Pattison and Col Washburn to Mrs. Mary Tweed, my mother-in-law. We are about 80 miles the way we came from the Old Battleground.

In Camp on Baill Creek, Mo. April 18, 1862:  Our regiment is having good health in a usual way. Some diarrhea and rheumatism.

Batesville, Ark., May 18, 1862, Headquarters Med Dept, 18thIndVol Infantry:  We are here , have been down near Pope Bayou near Sulphur Rock for something like ten days. Have had a good deal of rheumatism in the regiment and diarrhea with the men. We are in a beautiful camp. A growth of young cedars. Have trimmed them and cut them out and left them straight rows. Have collected some money from Moses McClure, and old bill made in Ohio. He is practicing dentistry here. Have met Lidia Fowler, used to listen to her sweetness long ago in Ohio before I was married.Have just learned that Genl. Stone did not get $364 on my vouchers for a part of December, January, February, and March.

June 2, 1862; Near Batesville, in Cedar Camp, Headquarters 18th Ind. Inf.:  Just received my papers from Captain J.S. Foster. Final statement without discharge paper. Have erased his name for fear some other person might get the money, and asked him to make out new final statement papers and get my birthplace Trumbull Co., Ohio instead of Brown Co., Ohio.

July 4, 1862:  Celebrated the Independence day at Augusta, Arkansas. Some of the ladies came out and seemed to enjoy the occasion and one or two ladies tendered their latch string to Co. Washburn and myself. We called one place for a few moments and the family appeared very kind but the chat was rather dry, We had no news to tell.

Headquarters, Med. Dept., 18th Ind. VolInfty, July 5, 1862:  Some devilish rebels have forced the negroes to fill the road with big timber and while our men was down watering our horses at Cache River or Bayou, shot or two of our men and then run – that is Southern Chivalry.

Headquarters, Med. Dept, 18th Ind. Vol. Infty., Cotton Plant, Arkansas:  This morning or the forepart of the day our advance guard and Pioneers run on the Rebel Army that came down here to corrall Curtis Army. An old fellow, I believe his name is Roane or something like that, that made a great dinner for the Rebel officers. We did not have but a part of three or four companies, Pioneers and advance guards, in all and the best information I could get was that we buried 208 of the Rebels in one ditch and our men, that is the Pioneers, ate the dinner and cleared Old Gents of his beehives, something like 30 in all, and it was not much of a day for honey. A small portion of the 1st Ind. Cavalry came in time to give the Rebs a good send off. We were double quicked up in a hurry but they had left their dead; the 33rd Ill. Infty. Had one company six shooters and they did good work. It helped our boys very much.

Headquarters, Med. Dept. 18th Ind. Infty., Helena, Arkansas, July 15:  We have got here. We came yesterday. Have marched 175 or 200 miles through dust and part of the time without rations. The last march of four days, we made with but four crackers to the man and but one feed for our horses and we had to stay in camp as much as a day before we could get rations. I saw an old landlord at Clarendon who forgot to give me my carpet sack and contents when I was on my way north in April 1861. He gave me a revolver and said some camp had stole my carpet bag and he was very sorry. He offered to pay me for it but said it was stole from his so I let him go taking his revolver. I thought if I took it, he would not do us any damage with it. Our men are medium well. On the march, they suffered for water very much. Some of the sick men were by the train on a different road than we took when we supposed they would follow us. They had all the rations we had in the world and Genl. Sent them one way and us another. There was a few of the sick on the wagon train and some death or deaths among them with no help.

Headquarters, Med. Dept., 18th Ind. Inftry., Helena, Arkansas, July 18, 1862:  We are having a good deal of rheumatism, diarrhea, intermittent fever. We have sent the worst of the sick to St. Louis on a hospital boat. A few men returning to the regt. from hospitals and furloughs. Have sent about 45 away and have rec’d. about 50 or 55 in return. Pretty good trading, but cannot say that we make much for there’s so many of the old hospital set are never very beneficial. If a man wants to say with regt. when he is sick, he will do to rely on.

Camp near Helena, Arkansas; headquarters, Med. Dept., 18th Ind. Vol. Inftry:  Our men are suffering with intermittent fever, diarrhea and some cases rheumatism. We had a rain yesterday and the weather has changed a good deal cooler. Corn looks fine here as could be looked for. The men begin to find some new corn for roasting ears. The Government is sending us plenty of rations and forage and we could help ourselves if they would say for us to, in the shape of forage.

Headquarters, Med. Dept, 18th Ind. Vol. Inftry: I have been absent about ten days from the regt. This is Aug. 28th. I believe I was absent some more than ten days. The regt. seems to have a good deal of need of me. Went up the river with sick on the D. White to Cairo; from there to Brown, Ohio. Was there 30 hours and returned.

Indianopolis, Ind, Sept 18th:  Arrived here today. Have been at Salem some four or five days. P.S. I left Helena, Ark., Sept 9th, 1862

Sept. 19th:   Recd. My commission this day  1862as Asst. surgeon, 18th Ind. Will go up and see Lucien in a day or two.

Salem, Ind. Sept 29th, 1862:  Was at Ma Tweed’s – 50 hours with my boy and in the country. Will start for the army tomorrow.

Mississippi River, October 8, 1862:  Yesterday, I got aboard of the steam boat Meteor. I was near Memphis, Tenn. As wood yard when Capt. Marshall, our old Adj. of our Regt. will not stop here, so I ship with the 8th Ind. until we land. Both surgeons of the 8th  Ind. are sick and I am busy with their men. We will have plenty to do in marching and perhaps have it mixed with some fighting. They are singing Old Massa Gone ah hah. All pretty happy on board on the steamboat.

Headquarters, Med. Department, 18th Ind. Vol. Inftry. Ironton, Mo, October 23, 1862:  Since the last report in this, there was about seventy-five men sick when the regiment laid at Sulphur Springs, 21 miles below St. Louis. Some of the men I took to camp and some of the was taken on the boat to St. Louis Hospital. The Co. commanders knows the number.Had no time to make a list. Old Dr. Hickock was on the boat, very poorly trying to get re-instated so he could get his pay. Daughters had left at Cairo and they no Medical help. Then we commenced to move by R.R. and marching until we got here. Oh, we need some power to push this thing through. There is too much delay on the part of our Army.

Headquarters, Med. Department, 18th Ind., Ironton, Mo, Nove 13, 1862:  The Regt. has advanced and I am with some sick left behind. Will have the well in a few days and will join the command. Have learned they have removed Buell and appointed Burnside in his place. Cannot say what I think of it. Hope for the best.

Headquarters, 18th Regt., Ind. Vol., Black River, Mo:  Well, the health of the regiment is good. They sent me back. Seigle, our drummer, he died at Ironton, Mo. And the men buried him. He was a brave soldier. The balance of the men that was with me recovered or was turned over and I got to Regt. again. This is in the wilderness about 50 or 55 miles from Ironton and it is a lovely place in the woods. The large boulders or rocks are hollow and all smooth on the outside and when you break them, they’re lined [?] with quartz that looks like diamonds. I have about a quart or ½ gallon of specimens in the medical chest.

Headquarters, Med. Department, 18th Ind. Vol., Black River, Mo., Dec 15, 1862:  Well, I am snugly enconsced in my tent, thanks. It is now raining and has been for the past five days and Black River is no grand spree. This morning at 1 o’clock the guards awakes us with the news that the river was coming over the camping grounds. Our regt. was up and out and saved our tents. Some of the men had to wade the water waist deep before they got to high land. Water on all three sides; the other side so steep that teams could not travel over it. The 8th Ind. lost one mule by the flood and have to leave their hospital tent and ambulance. One man of the 33rd Illinois was drowned and their tents left on the campground, and large share will be lost. The 11th Wis. Regt. had to leave their tents. We are out of rations. There is a train that is now due but when it will get here is more than anyone can say. The water will have to subside first. Colonel Shunk of the 8th, in command of the Brigade had just finished a bridge across when the floods came and beat upon the bridge, and the rain descended and the bridge fell or washed down and great was the fall thereof because it was not founded on a rock. The river is very swift here and when building the bridge, one of the men fell off, when was about 30 yards from the shore, and when he would rise, the water would wash him down and it looked like he would drown in the excitement. Colonel Shunk called to him to “Grab a root, grab a root.” There is some considerable sickness in the Regt. mostly ague. Dr. Daughters has it in the Old fashioned way. Colonel Washburn is down with enteric fever and his lungs are very much involved, but he is some better now. We would like to see Uncle Sam’s paymaster; it would be good for sore eyes if he would come and pay us. [at this point a page and half have been torn from the diary. The fragments that remain indicate that there was writing on both pages.]

Sunday, Dec. 21rst, 1862:  We marched 11 miles, got into camp at 2:00 o’clock p.m., without trains or rations, went to bed on our blankets and about 2 a.m. it commenced to rain. Continued in showers until morning.

Now 10 a.m., 22 Dec.:  Our trains are arriving. Got our tents up and got something to eat.

12 noon, 22:  Went to bed at 9 p.m. slept well.

Dec. 23, 3 o’clock a.m.:  Awaked by the shrill music of fifes and drums. Looked after the sick, got them into the ambulance. After we took a soldier’s breakfast, coffee and hardtack, struck our tents and got started on the march at 5 a.m. Our medical wagon’s with the battery. We took to the woods so the teams could travel. We were piloted by someone that knew the woods. Trains, artillery got into camp in good order.

Dec. 24, 1862:  We had to move our tents a little south. The guerillas attacked our forage train, killed one of our horses, took two of our men prisoners. We pursued them, but have not caught them. We captured five prisoners in our pursuit and one of them say the Rebs are coming up 12,000 strong to dispute our crossing of Current River. We are 6,000 but we’ll cross. Business is business here. Gen. Jim Davidson in command, and when any citizen has any business here he is blind-folded and brought into camp and Gen. Davidson keeps them until he is done with them and that is when they can do us no damage. One night we camped in the big pine forest without tents, without rations and it was raining and we had the benefit of studying nature to heart’s content for old school teachers used to tell us we could learn so much faster by fasting. Well, I suppose that is true, but for my part, I would rather have less of the beautiful and more of the reality of nature.

January 7, 1863: Ironton, Mo:  On Jan. 1st I left Current River with six companies of my regt. and some 250 wagons for Pilot Knob, distance about 75 or 80 miles for supplies. Lieut. Col. Holman in command of the expedition. I got into Ironton on the eve of the 4th, but the balance did not get --  that is, part of the command – until the 6th. Two companies were left at Burnsville, 45 miles from here. I am hardly able to ride on account of rheumatism and lumbago, or rheumatism of the loins, but I suffer with it in my knees and arms. It has rained nearly all of this time and we are sleeping out. Had to march one night nearly all night. Had just went into camp on Black River when the order was to go forward. The health of the men is very good when we think of what they go through.

Headquarters, Medl. 18th Ind. Inftry: Jan. 15th, 1863:  I have been on the march all of the time, with the exception of the 2 days in Ironton and Pilot Knob, for the last 15 days. We got back to Current River on the 13th, crossed the river, marched all day of the 14th, did not make four miles. It has rained and snowed all day is snowing now. I have not had a tent but 2 nights in the last 15. Cannot get up when I am on my back without help, rheumatism and lumbago. We are on the Pocahontas Road. Genl. Davidson takes all of the men we come across then keeps them so they cannot spread the news of our approach. He knows how. I do not know where we are going and the Gen. has not told me. The six companies of the 18th and I have made 150 miles more than the balance of the army. I am sure I would be confined to my bed but I have not bed.

Headquarters, Medil, 18th Ind. Vol. Infantry, West Plains, Mo. Jan. 31rst:  I have been on the march 25 days out of the last month. The army was but 7 days on the March. Nine months ago we were in this place on our way to Batesville. We have been some twelve miles nearer the Arkansas line, and our advance is in Batesville now. For the last 15 days I have been without anything to wear on my feet but a pair of overshoes, but have just obtained a pair of shoes. Many of our men are without shoes, toes and toes on the ground. They are using the beef hides to make them something to cover their feet; sew a piece of raw hide fast to their feet or to wrapping it around their feet and sewing it together. On this march Capt. Klaus had his P. frost bit. Dr. Ford and I operated on him for physmosis. The frost bite was followed by erysipelas. It was an ugly case. I wonder if the Rebels are much worse off as regards to clothing.

Feb. 21st, 1863; In Camp, Belleview Valley near Pilot Knob, Mo:  Well, after period of 52 days on the trip forwards and backwards, six companies of my regt. and myself have marched 38 days and the balance of the command, 25 days. I suffer so much with lumbago that if I get on my back while I asleep, I have to be helped up, but then I can go. But it is very hard with so much suffering and exposure. The health of the regt. is good considering the hardship and fatigue, and this is a country that a nice day is the exception.

March 19th, 1863; Headquarters, Medil.Dept 18th Ind. Vol. Inf.:  On board of steam boat on Mississippi River above Cairo on the south. We shipped at St. Genevieve, Mo., destination unknown, Vicksburg probably. My health is better. The weather is pretty nice or has been a few days and we have had rations and have got some clothing.

March 20th:  Yesterday I was much better but have taken a cold that I am suffering much with my lungs and rheumatism. Must remain at least for the prospects of this fight if I can possibly keep up.

Headquarters, Medl.Dept; 18th Ind.: On board steamboat opposite Helena, Ark. Mississippi River, March 23, ’63:  We are here and destination is certainly downstream, for we are making no motion to land. The river is very high. There is a great deal of land overflowed and many places the levees are under water.

Off Vicksburg, Mississippi, April 5, 1863; headquarters, Medl. 18th Ind.: We are in the sound of the music of heavy artillery looking to be ordered forward. Carr’s division, McClernand’s corps. The health of the regt. is good, weather very nice.

Madison Parish, La. Off Vicksburg, Miss., Headquarters, M.D., April 12th, 18th Ind. V.I.:  We have moved a distance of 8 miles toward a village, Richmond. I think we are going below Vicksburg perhaps to open up a route to receive supplies by land. We are camped on a large plantation, the owner and negroes all gone. We had no tents. The men tore down the negro quarters and made shelter with the lumber. It is preparing to rain and it knows how in this country. We are on the waters of Walnut Bayou and the water is nearly as high as the land. We still can hear the music of heavy guns. A great deal of the country is submerged. The health of the regt. is good considering the season. Excitement enough to make a man stout. There is nothing left here but the plantations, a few old negroes, negro women and children and plenty of small pox.

April 13th:  The grove where we are in camp is Sweet Gum and Live Oak all draped in Spanish Moss. The palm grows plentiful on Long Bayou. Last night it rained very hard and a lightning flashed amid thunder’s roar. It was splendidly and fearfully grand. Our army were running the blockade so we could have supplies below and the thunder was far excelled by the artillery of the enemy and our fleet. Oh, what music to a soldier. The health of the regt. is good taking all things into consideration. Some night blindness and diarrhea.

Perkins Plantation below Vicksburg:  What a beautiful place standing in the grove. The houses all burned down. They say the Old Reb burned them himself. This is just below Vicksburg on the Louisiana side, a short distance above Grand Gulf.

April 24, 1863:  We look to be ordered down to Grand Gulf. We have eight gun boats here, seven transports and quite a number of barges that run the blockade. Our old med. Chest was lost running the blockade and my specimens of Black River, Mo. We will take it perhaps, Port Hudson. If we take Port Hudson, we will have the assistance of Farragut for Vicksburg but we will clean up this part of the Confederacy before we quit this beat. Grant goes to win before he quits, that is the way.

Fort Washburn, May 4, 1863:  We fought the battle of Grand Gulf, April 29th. Dropped down to Bruinsburg and crossed the river to Miss. Side, April 30th. Closed in on the enemy that night. I had rec.d orders to take charge of the field hospital of the 2nd brigade.

May 1st, 1:00 a.m.:  Had some picket shooting and Artillery firing. One man of the 23rd Iowa was killed. Could find no mark on him, shock to the heart, likely. We had a hard fight on the 1st day, lasted nearly all day. Was ordered by Strong to move my hospital farther to the rear. Did so, but to have shade and not to be far back; was much exposed on the hill, received a small wound in the right leg by a small ball. If Dr. Campbell had not had me ordered back, I would not have been wounded, I think, but I am still on duty by the aid of a cane. Well, my old regt. stood the blunt but they all did well. The loss of my old regt. was 14 killed and 86 wounded and it was hardly six hundred strong. I was not well and could not keep awake on the night of the 30th until music commenced; then I lost all desire to sleep until we laid down our arms to take some rest.

Sunday, May 24th, 1863; rear of Vicksburg:  This is the sixth day of the fight for the place. Since my last, we fought at Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, that was hot, 16th May. 17th may, Black River Bridge. The 2nd Brigade had the hard part of it. The Brigade was with Genl. M. K. Lawler in command. He will do. The loss of our brigade was very heavy. The old sutler of 23rd took a gun, went in, and was among the first or nearly so to be mortally wounded. Colonel Kinsman received two wounds in the charge, either one mortal. The loss of the brigade was nearly 400 in the Battle of Big Black. My leg is quite sore but not like one would think. I am able to go around with a stick and do duty. Our loss on the 22nd was awful. I suppose we have 10 or 12 thousand men since we crossed the river but we have gained everything but this place, and we will get it by time and fighting. I am busy day and night. Have the 2nd brigade and a great deal of the 1rst brigade to look after and nearly all the …. is Dr. Boyce of the 11th Wis. He is a good man but timid. Our men have rifle works about 300 or 400 yards of the enemy and are doing good work and the Rebels are good shot but our artillery keep their artillery nearly silent.

Rear of Vicksburg in charge of the Field Hospital, 2nd Brigade, Carr’s division 13th Army Corps:  My leg is nearly well. No trouble from it but shot in the left foot six or seven days ago by a piece of shell. I have the piece of shell. I have to use a crutch but I am still on duty but my foot hurts me much when I first let it down on the ground. I have slept on the field in front and ate what I get since I came here on the 19th of May and if our men cease fighting at night, it wakes me up. Dr. Rex, surgeon 33rd Ill., has sent me a jar of pickles directed to me I do not know from whom. They are the only things I have had that I have relished but my coffee and pipe. I hear I have been mentioned among the worthy.

June 6th, 1863:  This is awful. There are so many sick. My foot is very sore. I went back to see if Strong would not order the sick of the brigade back but he said he could not and said he was running the division and I told him I would do what I could and leave the balance undone. About this time the Rebels began to hand us a few that had passed over the Genl. Hospital. I told Strong that I must go to the front; he said I could not. I told him I would and holding to the tent pole tremblingly told me to send them back so I am thankful to the Rebels for one thing. The Rebels sent me their compliments this day in the shape of a 64 pound percussion shell. It hit within 5 feet of me but did not explode. I picked it hot and put it under my cot. Dr. Boyce said if I was determined to get killed, he would not lay on my cot. The 1st Regulars sent down the shell and I told them they could take it up and look at it but they must return it to me. They drew the load while they had it and returned it to me. It is known as Gordon’s Shell. I have been recommended for surgeon.

June 15th, 1863; Headquarters Medl.Depart., 2nd Brigade Field Hospital:  My foot is getting along as well as could be expected, but I have the rheumatism in my right shoulder so I can hardly use my arm. There is some sickness in the Brigade but we have but a few wounded now and then, and that is generally shto through their loop hole. Now and that a stray shot does damage.

Rear of Vicksburg, June 28th, ’63:  Still whacking away. Can wear a boot. Suffering with rheumatism, eczema as well, but foot and leg both tender. The Brigade is doing well as regards health. The Rebs have nearly petered out. They can’t stand it long.

July 3rd, 1863:  I am back in my old place near Vicksburg. Was out yesterday with Genl. Lawler. My old Regt. under Major Williams made one of the hardest marches of nine miles and back that we ever made. Dust six inches deep, no water, sun burning up everything. The men have been in the ditches and pits and with their arms for 44 days and nights. There must have been 40 cases of sun stroke yesterday. Some of the men did not get to camp until the morning of the 3rd and then started immediately back. No ambulance, no wagons, hardly any horses and my foot is too tender to walk so I could not give my horse to anyone. But this place is on its last leg, so I feel greatly helped up. I am surgeon.

July 4th, 1863:  Of all the music I have ever heard from the artillery, this morning beats. We are celebrating. July 4th 8:00 a.m. We have the news that the Rebs have surrendered. Happy is no name for our joy. Will go into Vicksburg this afternoon. It is a grand site to see the Rebs march out by brigade and stack arms and retire. Hurrah, Hurrah for the Old Flag!

July 5th, 1863, Headquarters, Medl.Dept; 18th Ind. Vol. Inftry:  We have orders to start for Jackson. I am worn out, but we have something to do. I can wear a boot. Foot is some lame. Ho for Jackson and Old Reb Johnston.

Near Jackson, July 8th; Headquarters, Med. Dept. 18th Ind.:  We are closing in on Jackson and the Ball begins.

July 1863; Headquarters, Med. Dept, 18th Ind., Near Jackson, Miss.:  Jackson is ours, and our brigade is out tearing up the R.R., burning the ties and warping the iron. I am a near skeleton from wounds, diarrhea, eczema, rheumatism. When last weighted, only one hundred and thirty pounds. When I looked at myself naked after washing, I thought there was but little left for me to grunt over so I will try and bear up.

Headquarters, Medl.Dept; 18th Ind., on Miss. River below Vicksburg:  I am improving in point of health since I got here. The health of the regt. is quite good. I am told that I am among the number that are mentioned worthy and could obtain a leave of absence if Col. is correct. But think I am needed here and I am afraid that I would have trouble to overhaul the regt. on my return. Understand we are changed in number to 14th division, 13th Corps but it is date of commission that makes the change if that is so.

Headquarters, Med. Dept, 18th Ind., Below Vicksburg, August 8th 1863:  Today is my boy’s 5th birthday. My health is improving but I am not Pussey Dock any more. The health of the regt. is good. Rumor says we move in a few days. Some think Charleston but can’t say. I presume it means music. There is a number of the officers absent on leave.

Headquarters, 18th Ind. Med. Dept. below Vicksburg, Miss. August 14, ’63:  I had to kick against an order from Med. Headquarters in regard to issuing the men a jigger of whiskey with one gram of quinine each morning but the medical doctor let-ff. Thanks. The health of the regt. is good and I am much better. Have some diarrhea, eczema pretty bad. Some Dutch soldiers came and moved my horse away that Dr. Campbell of the 23rd Iowa presented me. Oh, he was such a splendid horse. I am so sorry. I expect I will be a little lame in my right leg and in my left foot, but it has fixed me so I can’t limp much. We are in the last brigade, 1st division, 13th Army corps, so we loose [lose?] ourselves sometime.

Headquarters, Med. Dept., 18th Ind. Carrolton, La. Aug 27, ’63:  Well, we have moved again and rumor says we will go to Mobile or Texas, I think Texas but can’t say, under Genl. Banks. I wish it were some of our old commanders. This is six miles above New Orleans.

Aug 31, 1863; Headquarters, Med. Dept. 18th Ind., Carrolton, La:  Yesterday, Sabbath, I went with Colonel Washburn to New Orleans. Spent a few hours in the city, visited Jackson Square. On the base of the monument of Jackson on which is mounted on his charge is the words, “The Union must and shall be preserved,” But I was told that Old Gen. Ben Butler had it engraved on. Asst. Surgeon Bigney has gone home on sick leave so I cannot get away. But I am improving some though I am very poorly.

Headquarters, Med. Dept. 18th Ind. Bayou Bouef, La. Sept 10, ’63:  We came here on R.R. from Algiers opposite New Orleans. Distance by R.R. 78 miles. We are within seven miles of Brashear City on Berwick Bay. We understand that we leave at 4 o’clock a.m. in the morning for the bay. It looks like we may go to Texas. It would be better for my health to go there and not to Mobile, and I have a little notion that we may give the French a little drubbing yet for their impudence in Mexico. Well, I trust my old state will notify Valandigham that they can do without him for governor.

Headqaurters, Med. Dept., 18th Ind., Brashear City, La., Sept 24, 1863:  The health of the regt. is good. I received my post yesterday by hand of Lieutenant J. H. Popp. It comes in good play. The new chaplain with Popp. There was a good deal of red eye in the 13th army corps among the officers but it did not hit the Old 18th Ind. GOOD! BETTER! BEST! Orders to cross the bay tomorrow. Some soldiers, I suppose, stole one our regiments alligator tail while he had gone a few rods to get knife to take the tail off with.

Sept the 24th, 1863:  Some of the boys or men of the regt. brought the col. and myself some fine looking fish to eat and we thanked them. We had been to supper and did not wish any. They then told us it was a part of the tail of the alligator. They said it was splendid and wished us to try, but we were both under the weather and declined. Well, since last record, we have traveled or marched quite a distance.

October 25, 1863; In camp at Barre’s Landing, La.:  One hundred and 25 miles. We have had some little fighting, some skirmishing with the Rebels. Our advance captured the point that Genl. Franklin thought it was doubtful about taking with his 19th Corps and our old 13th Crops. Yet Col. Mudd and our advance took it.

Berwick City, Nov. 9, 1863:  We have made our march and returned. Distance in all, some 250 miles. Our regt. is in good health. We had the finest beef that I ever saw on this march, sweet potatoes and chickens, world without end. I am in poor health, but I think I have improved some.

Nov. 12, 1863; Headquarters, Me. 18thind. on Board transport on Berwick Bay:  Destination some point in Texas, I guess. I am quite poorly. General C.C. Washburn told me I had better take a leave of absence. I told him perhaps the trip would cure and he returned, well go on, it may do you good.

Mustang Island:  Since last, we partly land at Point Isabel. Was in a very severe storm and then we landed. We landed here and captured this place. I believe it was Nov. 17, 1863. There was such a storm that our horses could not be landed. 100 prisoners we took, 3 large siege pieces. They, the Rebs, were afraid to fire on us. Our boys shot one old Reb that would not halt, in the arm. He thought it was damned hard to be shot when was only running and did not want to hurt anyone. I suppose I have lost my 2 horses and saddles by this expedition.

Nov. 21st:  We are St. Joe Bayou and will cross in the morning. A rebel major came to the opposite side of the bayou with a white handkerchief for a flag of truce and wished someone would cross and talk to him. Captain Wilson, acting quartermaster of the 13th Maine, called up about 15 of his men with arms and one of them swam over the Bayou naked with instructions if anything was wrong to throw himself into the bayou and his men would look after the major. After the Maine Man and him nude had talked to the major awhile he thought he would take a live yank and him naked. But the Maine man grabbed him and held his arms down until he could fling himself into the bayou and by the time he was loose, the balance fired and the major gave the grand hailing sign of an Odd Fellow and fell. We let him lay there. He did not move, and when we went over in the morning, we found he had been shot four times through the breast. We buried him next morning. So much for treachery.

Fort Esperanza, Texas, Matagorda Island, Dec. 1st 1863:  We captured this fort yesterday eve but the Rebs had a floating bridge that they crossed over Matagorda Bayou on, swung it loose and fired the cotton on it. We had ten men wounded in our command, one killed. One man of my regiment was shot with a 10 inch solid shot, weight 136 lbs., I believe but the man only one toe by the wound that I had to take out of his foot. Foot badly lacerated. We found one dead rebel in the fort and if they had wounded or dead more, they took them with them. We are out of rations. I have a plug, a horse the colonel gave to ride.

Indianola, Texas; Jan 17, 1864:  The health of the regt. is good but I am very poorly. Dr. Rex tells I will get well but I see the balance, think not, that is, I go home and take care of myself. I am suffering very much with either hernia {?} or varicose veins. Can’t see, but do not think is all varicose veins. Diarrhea, rheumatism, eczemea. We have suffered with a very severe norther and I was on board a small schooner without fire or anything but my blanket during it.

Jan 19, 1864:  Just rec’d a letter from Mother Tweed. Thanks. I am hardly able to get around. The health of the regt. was never so good since I was with them. Have given up the horse to the quartermaster by Genl. Warren’s order so I am out two horses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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