frUlei QilM n '.J 973.781 LV GV/^S A SOI DIER'S JOURNAL , ,W*-te. (_ Iowa. l,,f<**i'Y -/C" 5 *3 I. <^n3\ mail from Miss Beck Donnell. Vern 54 A Soldier's Journal got a letter and a Free Press from home. Some of the boys were in high dudgeon over an extract from one of my letters in the Press. I did not intend to be published, but it was nothing but truth. I don't care how mad they get. SUNDAY 8TH The 7th Iowa were sent to Bethel to guard the railroad. Preaching was held today in the Music Hall. In the afternoon Failor and I went to the 7th Illinois to see Fisher. A large mail came in today. I received a letter from Beck Donnel) and a few lines from Mira. MONDAY 9TH Rained hard this forenoon, compelling us to stay in doors most all day. The railroad between Columbus and Jackson has been evacuted by order of General Grant. Our supplies and mail comes by way of Memphis. TUESDAY 10TH On waking up this morning the first thing I heard was the rain pouring down in torrents. Have been quite unwell for several days past and was compelled to take some medicines today. Wrote a letter to Miss Beck Donnell. Towards even- ing it stopped raining and I took a short walk, felt better after it. Uncle Jimmy and Lister went out for a walk. They went as far as the Pickett lines, and Uncle Jimmy went to light his pipe at the camp fire, when they took him prisoner. He call- ed back to Lister and said, "Don't come here. They have taken me prisoner." The Guard took him before the Officer of the Guard, who upon finding out who he was let him go. WEDNESDAY 11TH Was quite sick this morning, could not eat breakfast. Af- A Soldier's Journal 55 ternoon Vern and I went out in search of something that we could eat. We found some potatoes and onions. The po- tatoes sold at $4.00 per bushel and the onions at $6.00. We bought half a bushel potatoes and some onions. After eating a baked potato and drinking a cup of tea for supper, I felt so much better that I went out with the Boys serenading in the evening. THURSDAY 12TH Did not feel well this morning, after being out so late last night, but as the morning was bright and beautiful I walked a mile and back before breakfast. After eating a light break- fast of bread and water, I felt better. Wrote a letter to Mira Donnell. After dinner, two mule teams came to draw us some wood and eight of us went out with them to chop and load the wood. We went about a mile beyond the Pickett line. We got two loads of good wood and four of the Boys agreed to stay and chop two loads more if the rest would go with the teams and unload them and bring them back. On the way some one of the teams got mired, down the wagon sank to the hubs and one of the mules laid down in the mud. We had to unload all the wood and pry up the wagon. After we got back to the woods, Uncle Smith and I thought we would take a look at the country while they were loading the teams. We went to the Mobile railroad and seeing a fine plantation about a mile down the road, we thought we would walk down to it. After we got there we took another road back and got lost. We saw a hill a short distance from us covered with green grass, we thought if we were on that we could see where we were from Camp. On reahcing it we found it had been a Rebel Camp ground. We strolled around among the old rubbish, filled our pockets with hickory nuts and started for town. We travelled through woods over fallen logs, through swamp? 56 A Soldier's Journal and creeping vines and over creeks. At last we came to our Pickett line, about a mile from where we came out and as we had no pass the Guard was going to arrest us, but the Officer of the Guard happened to know us. On coming up he let us go and showed us where we came out. On arriving there we found one of the teams had been gone some time and the other was waiting for us. I was glad of this for I was very tired and we were yet over a mile from home. After we got home I found I had done most too much and was not able to go out with the Boys serenading. The rest are all out and I am al) alone. FRIDAY 13TH This has been a beautiful day and I have felt better than for some time. Bluemm found his violin today. The fellow who stole it sold it for $10.00. Failor got over a hundred dollars on the subscription paper for the new instruments. Had a small mail from the North. Have not had one before for four days. This afternoon Vern and I went up to see Fisher. We bought some letter paper of him and I borrowed a book to read. SATURDAY 14TH Hired to Frank Needham this week to do his cooking for $2.00. Fred Porter is my help. This has been quite a warm day. After dinner Vern and I went to the woods and spent about three hours. Mrs. Dodge arrrived this evening from Memphis where she has been spending a week. About dark we went up and played home again for her. Wrote a letter home and one this evening to Des Moines. SUNDAY 15TH Got up this morning feeling better and after taking a good A Soldier s Journal 57 bath, Vern and I took a walk, got back in time to get a Sunday dinner of boiled beef and bread. In the afternoon we went to the 7th Illinois Regiment and played on dress parade. In the evening wrote a letter to S. D. Vaughan. MONDAY 16TH This has been a beautiful day. I have been on the move all day chopping wood and walking here and there. Curl and I were going up the street today, when the Provost Guard took him in hand for not having a pass. He was taken before the Provost Marshal, who gave him and each member of the band a pass to be passed at will any place within the lines of this Post. Walked out this afternoon to the Rebel Breast Works, north of town. TUESDAY 17TH Another beautiful warm day. The merchants here have been in the habit of cutting one dollar green backs in two for change and today they sent out word that they would not take them for goods, but the Provost Marshal called on them and told them they might take them or have their stores closed. They have concluded to take them for they know the P. M. means just what he says. Two large freight trains came in today from Memphis, loaded with freight and a large mail, the first one this week. WEDNESDAY 18TH This has been a very warm day for March. The fruit trees are in full bloom. Paid 25 cents for two lemons. Went up to Fisher this afternoon to take his book home. He sent down town and got some lemons and we had some lemonade. After I came home Vern and I went in search of some cotton, we went to several houses but found none, but one man told us 58 A Soldier's Journal he would have some in a few days and would send us some. It has been so warm this afternoon that Vern, Uncle Jimmy and Lister took a bath in the creek. They report the water quite warm. THURSDAY 19TH Was out serenading last night till after 12 o'clock. While at Col. Chatlins, he invited us in. He had a dancing party. There were several Southern ladies present. I took a good look at them. I would not give one of our Newton girls foi 14 dozen of them. It is reported in camp this morning that the Rebels have burned two bridges between Memphis and Jackson. The people along the Columbus road offer to give bonds for good behaviour if the line will again be opened through from Columbus. Apples are selling at 5 cents a piece. They are as large as an egg. FRIDAY 20TH Sprinkled a little this morning and then cleared off warm. Vern and I laid in a supply of eatables today, one bushel and a half of potatoes, three lbs. butter, two lbs. dried blackberries, one lb. dried raspberries, one lb. dried cherries, which amount- ed to the sum of two dollars and fifty nine cents. Maybe we did not have a good supper. SATURDAY 21ST Was out serenading last night till after 1 o'clock. The Col. of the 12th Illinois, gave the Boys some beer and at Major Stones they got some whiskey and Wyatt and one or two others got quite boosy. This has been quite a summer day. While Vern and I went out walking this afternoon we passed through the camp of the 81st Ohio. They have set out young pine trees around their quarters and it looks beautiful. A Soldier s Journal 59 SUNDAY 22ND Finding that a train was going to Glendale, Vern, Curl, For- grave and I got a pass and went down. It is a rough country covered with oak and pine lumber. The town is composed of one farm house and a saw mill and a camp of one thousand Union Soldiers, Yates Sharpshooters and part of a new Regi- ment of Alabama Cavalry. One of the Sharpshooters gave us a good Soldiers dinner and then pointed out the beauties of their grand Southern city. While we were there three Refugees came in and declared their willingness to fight for Uncle Sam. They say there were 12 of them yesterday, but the Rebels fired on them and scattered them. The three that came in had one old flint lock gun and two old half starved horses and the men were the pictures of woe themselves. They say they have been in the Mountains about three months. The cars that we came down on were loaded with lumber at the mill and when we were ready to start one of the brakemen was going to couple the cars together and was caught between the projecting ends of the lumber and had his collar bone broken. It was a great wonder that he was not killed. We got home in time to play on Dress Parade for the 89th Iowa and the Colonel had a good supper prepared for us. MONDAY 23RD This morning a Soldier came to Col. Chatlin with an order to be signed for some whiskey. The order was signed by Col. Bane, who had gone to Memphis on a visit. Chatlin told the Soldier that the order was forged and ordered the Soldier off to his quarters. The Soldier went off swearing at the Colonel who told the Guard to halt him, but instead of halting, he started on the run. The Guard was then ordered to fire on him, which he did, the ball striking him about an inch above the eye causing a bad wound, but did not kill him. It has rain- 60 A Soldiers Journal ed all the afternoon. A large mail came in today but nothing for me. Have not had a letter from home for three weeks. Vern got a letter giving an account of John Dixon's being shot in Memphis. TUESDAY 24TH This has been a cold wet day. The Rebels shot one of the General's Scouts this morning six miles from the Pickett line. He was shot in the leg, the ball breaking it. After he was shot he got onto his horse and rode 4 miles with his broken leg dangling and bleeding at every step. At last his horse in jumping a ditch threw him off where he lay for several hours, and was found by a woman who had him taken to her house and sent to tell them where he was. An ambulance was sent out for him, was brought to town and his leg amputated. WEDNESDAY 25TH Morning cold but clear. Forgrave brought in a pair of boxing gloves and we had quite a time boxing. Lister got a bloody nose. Porter got a bat in the eye, and I got a thump on the head, but all taken in good humor. The Scout that was shot yesterday died last night and was buried by the Masons today. The Rebels robbed a cattle buyer of $600.00 within sight of the Pickett Guard. Good enough for him that is but a portion of what he has swindled out of Government. THURSDAY 26th Twenty-five prisoners left here this morning for Alton, 111. They were all Union Soldiers, who have been convicted of crime, and are sentenced to serve their term of Enlistment in the State Prison. In the afternoon we were called upon to play at Dress Parade for the 57th 111.; during the Parade the Commissioned Officers of the Regiment presented the Colonel A Soldier s Journal 61 with a large beautiful album as a token of the regard they have for him. It was presented by one of the Captains with a very touching and appropriate speech. It was wholly unknown to the Colonel and look him by surprise. After we got through playing and stalled home, one of the Captains came to F. Needham and shook hands with him and passed on, but he left his mark in Frank's hand in the shape of a ten dollar green back. Received two letters, one from Miss Fisk and one from Mrs. Seymour. FRIDAY 27TH A large number of Refugees families went to Jackson, Tenn. this morning. Some of them had been sick and they were a hard looking sight. Among the rest was an old woman with two pretty daughters and the train was about ready to start; an ambulance drove up containing two Soldiers; one of them jumped out and helped one of the girls in and before the old woman could see what was going on, they were gone. As soon as she saw what had been done, she threw herself on the ground and made a great fuss, but she was put in the car and they were gone. It seems that one of our Soldier Boys wanted one of the girls but the Mother would not agree to it, but she was outwitted this time. I have spent the most of the day drawing our quarters. Got a pretty good drawing of it. Went out serenading this evening. Went from headquarters to the 81st Ohio. The Colonel invited us into his tent. He has his wife with him and they furnished us with some refreshments. We went from there to the 7th 111. Here we found most of the officers of the regiment on a drunk, and of course all that would drink were invited to take something. And before we lefl Porter and some others felt pretty sick. SATURDAY 28TH Have been busy this forenoon drawing or rather trying to 62 A Soldier's Journal take a drawing of the Corinth House. Wrote a letter after din- ner to Mrs. Seymour. There is a rumor in camp that a party of Rebels stopped a train between Memphis and Jackson and took sixty of our soldiers prisoners, then threw turpentine on the train and burned it. SUNDAY 29TH This has been a dull, cold, lonesome day. I have been in the house all day. Received a letter from A. Pease. MONDAY 30TH Weather still cold. We got some lumber today and made a music stand, some benches and bunks. This afternoon I took a drawing of headquarters. Received a letter from Des Moines. TUESDAY 31ST An order has been issued by Grant that no more merchan- dise shall be brought this side of Cairo until further orders. This looks as though a move was going to be made soon. The 9th Illinois Regiment is being mounted on mules. Did some washing this forenoon, and wrote a letter to Mrs. Fisk. This afternoon we had to go and play on review of the 3rd Brigade. All the time we were out the wind blew a perfect hurricane, the dust flew in clouds and when we got home we were rather a dirty set of Boys. In the evening, wrote a letter to Ma Piper. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1ST This has been a dull monotonous day. We elected Thos. Hoffman, our quarter master in place of Lovelaid who has resigned and is learning to take Ambrotypes with Chatlain, Settler of the 12th 111. Wrote a letter to Des Moines this even- ing. THURSDAY 2ND After breakfast Vern and I went out for a walk, went to the A Soldier s Journal 63 woods; was gone about two hours. After we came back we all had a practice 0:1 some new pieces. After practice I went to the 7th 111. and got acquainted with Mrs. A. C. Goltra, Sar- gent Major of the Regiment. In the afternoon while dyeing Fred Porter's mustache. 1 got the die all over my fingers and can't wash it off. In the evening was out serenading in our rounds. We went to Capt. Ferrins; he i ivited us in and tap- ped a cask of ale. After partaking of its contents the Captain's lady made her appearance. We had two good singers alon& with us, one from the 7th 111. and we had some good singing. The Captain is a regular Army Officer and is here on detach- ed Service, as mustering officer. I am told his lady, if such we may call her, has lived with him ten years, but they are not married. They seem to be very much attached to each other. By the time we got ready to leave there, some of the Boys were troubled with lager on the brain. FRIDAY 3RD Bought two pounds of dried peaches for 50 cents. It has been very windy all day and everything is covered with dust and it has been a dull lonesome day. We can't go out of doors with any comfort and there is so much noise in the house that we can't read or think. In the evening a 2nd Lieut, came to our quarters who claims to be the future son-in-law of Mr. Vanderbilt. I don't know who he is going to be, but I think he makes a very good walking distillery now. SATURDAY 4TH For the last few days there has been a cold wind blowing from the North. This morning the wind changed to the South and the sun came out warm and pleasant. After breakfast I stepped into the express office. The Provost Marshal was searching all boxes for contraband goods, such as liquor and 64 A Soldier's Journal citizens clothing. One box was found to cantain a dozen bottles of whiskey, another one had in it a small flash for med- ical use, and the Marshal confiscated all of it. Saw a desert- er from Bragg's Army this afternoon. He has joined our Alabama Regiment. He reports a great many deserting Bragg. He says they have but little to eat and that of the poorest kind. SUNDAY 5TH Went to bed sick last night, felt better this morning. In the afternoon we played for the review of the Ohio Brigade. They brought out three regiments and a battery. Everything went off well and we had a fine review. Before we left the ground, Col. Fuller, commanding the Brigade, invited the Band to his quarters to supper. We accepted this invitation and found a splendid supper prepared for the occasion. After sup- per we played a few pieces and came home pretty tired but well pleased with our half day's work. MONDAY 6TH This morning J. Strater, Vern and I took a walk. After we came back I got some old socks and made a wicket ball. A member of the 2nd Iowa was pointed out to me today as a very brave man. On inquiring what he had done to win the name, I was told that at the Battle of Corinth, he was going from one point of the field to another when he came to a mounted Rebel lying on the ground. As he came near him the poor fellow began to plead for his life. Said he was wou ided in two places. The Soldier said, "Oh, of course 1 would not hurt you," and as he spoke, he reached over and took a large bowie knife from the Rebel's belt and drove it through his head. And for this, what I call a barbarous act, he is called a brave man. God forbid that I should be a brave man if it takes acts such as that to make me brave. I A Soldier's Journal 65 think when a man has his foe at his feet, pleading for his life, that enough has been done to leave the rest to a higher power than ours. TUESDAY 7TH Had grand review today. This is the Anniversary of the Battle of Shilo. The program of the day was as follows. First, the raising of a pole in front of headquarters; second, forming a hollow square around the pole of all the troops of this Divsion; third, the raising of a fine flag; fourth, music by the band; fifth, prayer by Post Chaplain; sixth, music; seventh, an oration by Col. Bane, which was more than good; eighth, music and ninth; the Review. The officers had a grand supper in the evening. Dodge's Band furnished music for them. WEDNESDAY 8TH Did not get up this morning till after 9 o'clock. I went the first thing to the express office where I found a box for Vern and I from home. But could not get it then as the smell- ing committee had not been around to search for contraband goods. Went over again and got this box, found everything in it in perfect order and very acceptable, especially the shirts for I am nearly bare backed. This afternoon I wroLe a letter home, after which we had a fine game of wicket ball. THURSDAY 9TH Spent the forenoon in writing and the afternoon in playing wicket ball. The Sargent Major and Post Master of the 7th 111. came down and took a game with us. In the evening Vern and I went out for a walk and before we were aware of it. wr came to the Pickett guard, who halted us and demanded our passes, which we presented and were allowed t<> pa-- on. 66 A Soldier's Journal FRIDAY 10TH Spent the forenoon in writing. In the afternoon we had a good practice on some new pieces. Failor and Lister in fin- ishing up their weeks cooking, got up an extra supper. Lister made an English suet pudding. Friend Coltra and two Ala- bama ladies took supper with us. Coe the Scout came back today, has had a pretty rough time. The Rebels took him prisoner, but he got away from them. He says he saw a great many deserters from our Army and was afraid of meeting some one that knew him and would report him as a spy. After supper we went out and had a fine game of wicket. In the evening we serenaded General Dodge's sister, who arrived to- day from Iowa. After we came back, Coe bought some oysters and we had an oyster supper. SATURDAY 11TH This has been a windy, blustering day. The air is filled with dust. Our Alabama ladies intended starting home this morning, but owing to the high wind did not go. I spent the afternoon in writing. Had a thunder shower this evening. SUNDAY 12TH The sun came out bright and clear this morning. The air is cool and everything looks bright and beautiful. I have past most of the day rambling around out of doors. In the afternoon we played on Parade for the 50th 111. They are an old Regiment and make a good appearance, but are not as good in the Manual of Arms as the 7th Illinois Regiment. MONDAY 13TH This morning Bluemm was going into the country to tune a piano for a lady living 12 miles- from here on the railroad. And J. Porter, Vern and I got a pass and at six o'clock this A Soldier's Journal 67 morning we all four took the cars for the 16 mile water station. When we arrived there we had to walk back 4 miles to the house of Mrs. Folks, the owner of said piano. On arriving at the lady's plantation, we were reminded of the aristocratic principles of the Southern People by seeing one of her chival- rous sons and a negro woman plowing together in a cotton field. We repaired to the house where we found Madam Folks and two young ladies, one a sister of hers and the other a visitor from Memphis. We found Mrs. Folks rather an intelligent woman, very old fashioned in her ways and man- ners. The young ladies were as shy as kittens. The piano was an old one with the Aeolian attachment. She said it had not been tuned for 12 years. Bluemm went to work on it. Mrs. Folks went about her housework. Porter stepped out to take a view of the Plantation, while Vern and I tried to scrape an acquaintance with the young ladies, but we could get noth- ing at first from them, but "Yes Sir!" and "No Sir!" and after making several attempts to draw them out in conversa- tion, we gave it up and went out for a walk. When we came back dinner was ready. We had for dinner boiled greens, lettuce and onions of this year's growth. The dinner was the best I have eaten in the South. After dinner Vern and I tried the talking qualities of the young ladies again. This time with better success and we soon found them intelligent and good company. The funiture like its mistress was old fash- ioned. The settee with its straight stiff back, the high wide sofa bed stead with its lion feet and the tall brass candle sticks on each end of the mantle piece. The oil portraits of grandpa and grandma hanging on the wall. All told of days long past, when these things were the latest fashion, but among the Northern mechanics, they have long since been thrown aside as too old fashioned for use. Bluemm finished his work on the old piano about three o'clock, for which he 68 A Soldier's Journal charged $5.00. We now concluded not to walk back to the 16 mile station, but to walk to the eight mile station and take the evening train. We fell in with some Soldiers and walked down with them. They were stationed here to guard the road. We found, however, that we had taken the wrong track for the train passed without stopping and we are compelled to stay till morning. There are two companies of the 50th Illinois Regiment here. The most of them are fine men. After sup- per I went with one of the Boys to see some young ladies, found them rather verdant. TUESDAY 14TH Started out on foot this morning for Corinth, had not gone far when it began to rain. We took shelter in the first house we came to which proved to be that of a Secesh. The women, three in number looked very sour, but they placed us chairs, and made a fire in the fireplace. We opened a conversation with them and got them in a good humor. We did not see a man about the place. I suppose they are all in the Army. After the shower was over we again started out. We arrived at Corinth at 10 o'clock P. M. Found Corinth all excitement. A report had just reached here that a force of three thousand Rebel Cavalry had attacked our Sharpshooters at Glendale. They took two of the Pickett and wounded three others. Our forces opened on them and they left. WEDNESDAY 15TH Found out this morning that the Rebels raid on Glendale was not as bad as reported, instead of three thousand there were but four hundred of them, three of our men were killed. A command of eight thousand men left here this morning with 100 rounds of ammunition and 40 days' rations. It is sup- posed by the "Prophets" that they are moving on Florence, A Soldier's Journal 69 Ala. General Dodge and Staff left about noon. Fred Porter and Coe, the Scout went with them. This evening while sere- nading at headquarters, we found the clerks all on a drunk. We went from there to the 12th Illinois. Here the officers were having a big time over a cask of ale. Our Boys were invited to take hold and before we left some of them were pretty well filled. THURSDAY 16TH A disgraceful affair took place last night at the camp of the 7th Illinois. A Lieutenant and some soldiers got on a drunk. They took a negro woman into one of the tents and used her so rough that she died before morning. They took another one and stripped her naked and chased her around the camp. The Lieutenant was left in charge of the camp while the regiment is out on the march. This morning he and the Soldiers with him were arrested and will be confined till the Regiment comes. Sent some cotton seed to Will Vaughan by mail. Bought some buttons for a jacket, had to pay $1.00 per doz. for them. Have been cheated out of my walk this afternoon. Lister is mending my boot. FRIDAY 17TH This morning we were visited by some members of the Kansas Jayhawkers Band, who arrived into town last night from Grand Junction. Porter sent to the Commissary's for a pail of beer, which was the beginning of a high old drunk, for they drank four pails of beer before noon. After dinner Vern and I being sick of such work went out for a walk and to give our opinions of such doings. We came back about supper time and found some of them <>n the floor and some on the bunks asleep and quiet reigned throughout the house In the evening I wrote a letter home. 70 A Soldier's Journal SATURDAY 18TH This has been a very warm day. Some of the Boys got their pictures taken to send North. After dinner, Vern and I went to the creek to take a bath, but the water was so muddy that we did not venture in. The balance of the Kansas Jay- hawkers came this afternoon and another pail of beer was disposed of. Vern received a letter from home and I one from Des Moines. I answered the same in the evening. Had a fine thunder shower. A Soldier s J our rid I 71 AUTOGRAPH OF EACH MEMBER OF GENERAL DODGE'S BAND Names Occupation Residence James W. Porter Farmer Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., Iowa George A. Bluemm Clerk Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa Samuel Failor Tinsmith Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa Frederick W. Porter Farmer Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., Iowa Thos. L. Hoffman Lawyer Fairfield, Iowa James Smith Engineer Newton, Jasper Co., Iow& A. P. Loveland Dentist North Hydepark, Vt. Edward D. Coe Farmer Altoona Knox Co., 111. Andrew Pfeiffer Machinist St. Louis, Mo. Benjamin A. Gardner Cabinet-maker Camden Treble Co., Ohio Frank Wyatt Marble dealer.. Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., Iowa John P. Strater Farmer Jasper Co., Iowa John F. Lister Boot and shoemaker.. ..Newton, Jasper Co., la. John T. Isanogle Boot and shoemaker.. ..Lincoln, Logan Co., 111. Vernon W. Skiff Farmer Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa Fas. F. Needham Tailor New'.on, Jasper Co., Iowa Seymour W. Fargenal Richland, Iowa E. N. Curl Bookbinder Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa Charlie Gillman Wide Wide World * News Printing Co., Newton, Iowa UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 3 0112 050744512