USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Indiana > Part 43
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Monday, September 22, 1862.
Nothing worthy of note.
Tuesday, September 23, 1862.
Attended prayer meeting in evening. Had an interesting meeting.
Wednesday, September 24, 1862.
John H., Ben and I were discharged from the hospital and sent to the convalescent camp. Wrote a letter home.
Thursday, September 25, 1862.
Nothing new.
Friday, September 26, 1862.
General Carroll sent over an order and had all the 7th Ind. boys sent to his camp.
Found several of our boys there-Covert, Allison, Overstreet and others.
Saturday, September 27, 1862.
Our boys had a chance for the small pox, which causes some uneasiness.
Sunday, September 28, 1862.
Had inspection in the morning. John H. and I took a stroll down to the "Arlington House."
Monday, September 29, 1862.
John H. and I tried to get a "pass" over into Washington, but failed. Got the promise of one on the morrow.
Tuesday, September 30, 1862.
Got our pass and went over to Washington. Visited the patent office. Spent much of the day at Cousin Newt's and took dinner there. Intended to return to camp in evening, but they persuaded us to remain over night.
Wednesday, October 1, 1862.
Newt persuaded us to stay for dinner and Jennie would make us a peach pie. Our appetites proved powerful auxiliaries to Newt's persuasion, so we agreed to stay. Visited the Smithsonian Institute during the day and viewed wonders and curiosities gathered from the four corners of the world. At three p. m. returned to Newt's and partook of an old-fashioned dinner of cabbage, peaches, potatoes and many other good things too tedious to men- tion-the whole being topped off with a magnificent "peach cobbler." It was just such a dinner as mother gets up. Ah, it did my heart and stomach good. Bid friends goodbye for camp.
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 437
Thursday, October 2, 1862.
Sick today and not able to be out of my tent. Orderly Davis, command- ing our squad, is also sick seriously.
Friday, October 3, 1862.
Still unable to be out my tent. Got medicine from the Ist Virginia sur- geon.
Saturday, October 4, 1862.
Feel somewhat better today-took no medicine.
Sunday, October 5, 1862. More medicine today. Doctor says I have the remittent fever.
Monday, October 6, 1862. Feel some better, but still took more "doctor's stuff."
Tuesday, October 7, 1862.
Lieutenant Thompson came into camp; says we are to go to the regi- ment. Got orders to report at the depot in Washington in the morning.
Wednesday, October 8, 1862.
Felt very weak, but am going to go with the boys. Got into line, gave three cheers for General Carroll, then started. I got to ride to the depot. Waited all day for transportation. Felt very unwell toward night. Lieutenant Thompson told me to go to Cousin Newt Voris' and stay till well. Night therefore finds me snugly ensconced in a feather bed at Newt's.
Thursday, October 9, 1862.
Read a letter from pa to Newt. I find pa and ma are very uneasy in regard to my health. Wrote a long letter home. John H. and Allison dropped in towards evening, having had to stay all night and day at the depot.
Friday, October 10, 1862.
Think my health is improving. Wrote a letter to friend D. B.
Saturday, October 11, 1862.
In looking over the morning paper I saw a letter advertised for me. I bolted down to the office and got it. It proved to be from home-the first for nearly two months. The folks have nearly all been sick but are getting better. Am still getting better.
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Sunday, October 12, 1862.
Newt went to church. I did not go. It proved a gloomy, rainy day and I almost got the blues, thinking of the hardships and dangers I must still meet if my life is spared.
Monday, October 13, 1862.
Ugly, rainy day. Went to the postoffice, expecting to get letter, but was disappointed. Am somewhat "blue."
Tuesday, October 14, 1862.
Today is election day in several of the states-Indiana among others- am greatly interested in the result.
Went to postoffice, as usual, but "nary" letter.
Wednesday, October 15, 1862.
Attended market after reading the morning paper to "pass off time." Went to office for mail, but no letter. Am anxious to hear from home. Weather cool and disagreeable.
Thursday, October 16, 1862.
Went out in town after reading the morning paper and spent a good part of the day in strolling around. Came back in evening in time to read "Abijah Beanpole," a story in Godey.
Friday, October 17, 1862.
Spent most of the day in trying to draw my pay, but failed to get it- the paymaster being out of town. Saw "Batnum's Band" with Tom Thumb parading the streets. Returned to Newt's and found Jennie's cousins from Pa. there; also his brother-in-law.
Saturday, October 18, 1862.
Today went to the postoffice and lo! a letter from home! It contained news both good and bad and something more substantial in the shape of a "bank note." Returned to Newt's and wrote a long letter home. Health is improving much.
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Sunday, October 19, 1862.
Suffered considerably with toothache. Did not attend church. In the evening took a stroll down town. Expect to report in the morning for the regiment.
Monday, October 20, 1862.
With a sad heart I bid cousins Newt and Jennie farewell for the regi- ment. After much delay I was directed to the medical director. Being the only one reported for duty, I was sent for the present. to Epiphany hospital. Reached the hospital at three p. m .- the Episcopal church.
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Tuesday, October 21, 1862.
Told the doctor I was not sent for medical treatment, but still he gave me medicine.
Spent most of the day in reading "The Old Guard of Napoleon." Had a tooth extracted.
Preaching in evening by the chaplain.
Wednesday, October 22, 1862.
Took some medicine during the day. Put in the day on the Philadelphia Inquirer and the "Old Guard."
Preaching in evening by chaplain.
Thursday, October 23, 1862. Finished the "Old Guard." Nothing worthy of note occurred.
Friday, October 24, 1862.
Nothing new. In evening services by chaplain.
: Saturday, October 25, 1862.
Got a pass out on the street. Called at Newt's and found Cousin Kate there. Was much surprised and pleased to see her. Returned to hospital at four o'clock p. m.
Sunday, October 26, 1862.
General Banks and Surgeon General Hammond visited the hospital. Preaching in evening. Rained all day and night.
Monday, October 27, 1862.
Weather cleared off. Nothing new. Wrote to Charlie Smith. Received - a lot of letters from the regiment.
Tuesday, October 28. 1862.
Wrote to Zack Wheat. Nothing more.
Wednesday, October 28, 1862.
Wrote to John H. Services as usual by the chaplain.
Thursday, October 30, 1862.
Got a pass and visited Cousin Newt. Went with Kate to patent office. Met Biers from our company in the hospital.
Friday, October 31, 1862.
Wrote a letter home. All patients in the hospital were mustered for pay.
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Saturday, November 1, 1862. Hear we are all to be sent to our regiments. Minus news of any kind.
Sunday, November 2, 1862.
Commenced a letter to Uncle Harve. Had preaching in evening. Also a visit from Cousins Newt Voris and Kate Vannuys.
Monday, November 3, 1862. Finished and mailed my letter to Uncle Harve. Visited by Kate.
Tuesday, November 4, 1862. Very unwell. Ate nothing scarcely all day.
Wednesday, November 5, 1862. Some better today, but still very unwell. Nothing new.
Thursday, November 6, 1862.
All eager to hear the result of the election. Heard in evening the Demo- crats had carried the day-some jubilant, some mad.
Friday, Nevember 7, 1862. States all gone Democratic. Nothing new. Wrote home.
Saturday, November 8, 1862.
Papers state that our regiment has been in another fight, in which Isaac Magee, of our company, was killed. He was a good and brave soldier.
Sunday, November 9, 1862.
Paper states that McClellan has been removed, which causes a good deal of speculation and indignation among the patients.
Monday, Nevember 10, 1862.
Drew overcoat and some other clothes from hospital stores. Much ex- citement in consequence of Mcclellan's removal.
Tuesday, November 11, 1862.
No news of any importance. Was out in city on a pass.
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Wednesday, November 12, 1862. Was detailed by the steward as a clerk. Wrote in the office during the day.
Thursday, November 13, 1862.
Wrote in office. Nothing new.
Friday, November 14, 1862.
Nothing worthy of note.
Saturday, November 15, 1862.
Visited cousins in evening. Also attended market.
Sunday, November 16, 1862.
Visited John H. in Casparis hospital. Found him sick, but improving.
Monday, November 17, 1862.
Spent the day in the office.
Tuesday, November 18, 1862.
Had a visit from John H. and Kate.
Wednesday, November 19, 1862.
Gloomy, rainy day. Spent the evening at Newt's. Kate starts for home in morning.
Still raining. Boys here all blue. Friday, November 21, 1862.
Thursday, November 20, 1862.
Wrote all day in office. Was kept very busy.
Saturday, November 22, 1862.
Nothing new. Much excitement in consequence of Burnside's advance on Fredericksburg.
Sunday, November 23, 1862. Not much to do today. Visited John H. in Casparis.
Monday, November 24, 1862. Got a letter from Billy Davis. Boys all well.
Tuesday, Novmeber 25, 862.
Wrote Billy Davis a letter. Nothing worthy of note occurred.
Wednesday, November 26, 1862. Tried to draw my pay, but failed. No news from army.
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Thursday, November 27, 1862.
Thanksgiving day! Had an excellent dinner and supper, contributed by benevolent friends.
Preaching in afternoon by chaplain and fine music by lady friends. Everybody pleased.
Friday, November 28, 1862.
Received a visit from that most welcome of all government officials, the paymaster. Drew two months' wages ($26.00). Three still due me. Wrote home.
Saturday, November 29, 1862.
Went out in evening. Attended market. Bought a lot of apples.
Sunday, November 30, 1862.
Busy in office all day. Had, a call from Hon. McKee Dunn, M. C., from Indiana. Said he had often heard of the "Vannuys family," etc. Had quite a pleasant little conversation with the honorable M. C. Had a visit from Newt Voris. Got letter from Charlie Smith, also from Sam List. Wrote to C. Smith.
Monday, December 1, 1862. ..
Got information that our hospital is to be broken up. Nothing unusual occurred.
Visited Cousin Newt's in evening.
Tuesday, December 2, 1862 ..
Wednesday, December 3, 1862.
Went to Newt's again in evening. Am trying to get a situation as clerk
in some hospital during the winter.
Thursday, December 4, 1862.
Got orders to send convalescents to their regiments and close the hospital soon as possible.
Friday, December 5, 1862.
Breaking up- everything in confusion. Thirty-two sent to their regi- ments and thirty-seven to Carver hospital. Was very busy all day. Dr. Bryan keeps me for the present. Wrote home in evening.
Saturday, December 6, 1862.
Righting things up; posting registers, etc. Steward says we will not leave before Wednesday.
Sunday, December 7, 1862.
Did not attend church, for want of suitable clothing.
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Monday, December 8, 1862.
Still busy at the old church. In evening we were transferred to "13th St. Hospital," which is still under charge of Dr. Bryan.
Tuesday, December 9, 1862.
Don't like our new quarters much-too public and inconvenient-am still retained in the office as clerk.
Wednesday, December 10, 1862,
Made up a lot of discharges-busy all day.
Thursday, December 11, 1862. Nothing worthy of note occurred-am taking things easy. .
Friday, December 12, 1862,
Got a letter from Charlie Smith; also wrote one home.
Saturday, December 13, 1862.
Good deal of excitement in town. A dispatch came from Fredericks- burg, announcing that the grand battle which is to determine the fate of the Confederacy was commenced.
Sunday, December 14, 1862.
Exciting news from the army. Our forces getting, the worst of. it. Wrote to C. Smith.
Monday, December 15, 1862 ...
Took a stroll on the avenue after supper. Great excitement over news from the army.
Tuesday, December 16, 1862.
Nothing new worthy of note.
Wednesday, December 17, 1862.
Burnside repulsed with great slaughter. People much disheartened.
Thursday, December 18, 1862.
Wounded coming in from Fredericksburg. Much indignation manifested against "some one" on account of the blunder.
Friday, December 19, 1862.
Very busy all day. Mr. Cummings-our steward-is ordered off-ex- pect J will have to shove for the regiment, as this is not a friend of mine.
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Saturday, December 20, 1862.
Hospital was visited by the medical inspector and a general examination had for discharges. Fifteen are to get discharges.
Sunday, December 21, 1862.
Busy all day making out discharges. About dusk was astonished beyond measurement by a call from Uncle Corneal Vannuys and Newt. I went back with them and spent the evening at Newt's; had pleasant time; uncle comes on a pleasure tour. Got letters from Uncle Harve and Dick and from home. .
Monday, December 22, 1862.
Visited the capitol and Smithsonian with Uncle Corneal-was in Senate Chamber and Hall of the House and heard a speech from Senator Lane. Spent the evening at Newt's. Wrote Sam List a letter.
Tuesday, December 23, 1862.
Nothing worthy of special note occurred. Visited the patent office with uncle and spent the evening with him at Newt's.
Wednesday, December 24, 1862.
Went with uncle to see the navy yard. Being a soldier, I am not con- sidered entitled to the privileges of a white man; consequently I was refused admittance. Making great preparations for Christmas. Passed the evening with uncle and cousins.
Thursday, December 25, 1862.
A glorious day. Everybody in the best of spirits. Had a splendid din- ner, contributed by the ladies of Washington, and a good speech.
At this point, January 1, 1863, we take up the story of Captain Van Nuys' life from his letters to his father, John H. VanNuys. We omit all matters of a purely personal character, but if space permitted they should be printed in full to show how kindly was his interest in his comrades in arms, how respectful was his devotion to his parents, and how high minded his ambitions to serve his country. We withhold comment upon the letters given, preferring to let the reader follow unguided this interesting story of one man's sacrifice to his country's cause :
Washington, D. C., January 4, 1863.
Had another fine dinner on New Year's Eve of turkey, chicken, pies, pudding, etc. Since I came to this house I get much better grub than for- merly, but at the expense, I guess, of other poor fellows. I eat now with the
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
family nurses and ward masters and get about as good provision as I would at home.
People are a good deal exercised over the news from Rosecrans' army. The despatches this morning are not at all favorable. If we should be de- feated there we may as well say, "Wayward sisters depart in peace."
One of Helleck's clerks was in here a few days since. He says the Army of the Potomac won't do any more fighting this winter. They will go into winter quarters, make reconnoissances and demonstrations, so as to keep Lee's army on the Rappahannock, while the fighting is done in the southwest. I give it for what it's worth.
Washington, D. C., January 11, 1863.
Dr. Bryan got an order today to close this hospital. Ambulances will be on hand at ten o'clock tomorrow to remove the patients to Columbian College hospital. Don't know what is to become of me if Dr. Bryan is placed in charge of another hospital. I am pretty certain I can go with him. If not, will get a recommendation from Dr. Bryan and go to the medical directors and try to get another place. If I fail I am ready for my regiment.
Washington, D. C., January 19, 1863.
As to news, there is none worth naming. We decently whipped the rebs at Murfreesboro-I suppose, if papers are to be trusted-and we got most shockingly whipped at Vicksburg. So it goes-the scales seem evenly bal- anced; neither party can gain any permanent advantage. The impression seems to be general that Burnside will try his fortunes again in a few days. I anticipate another repulse. Tell Paul just to mark it down in his day book that the Army of the Potomac will never accomplish anything until Mac is at its head and he will be there in less than two months.
The hospital is vacated now and the patients are scattered to the four winds. I, with about a half dozen others, have been retained by Dr. Bryan, to turn over the property. We expected to close shop some days since, but red' tape is as slow as ever.
Washington, D. C., January 27, 1863.
I am still at the 13th Street Hospital, although the patients have all been gone nearly two weeks. We have been very busy making out invoices of property. I haven't had time to look for another place. I am not sanguine of getting a place. A good many hospitals have been broken up and I expect there are a surplus of fellows like myself looking for places.
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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Washington, D. C., February 1, 1863 ...
I am writing this letter from Columbia College Hospital. We finished all business at the 13th Street Hospital and I reported here last evening "as a patient," but I am in excellent health and do not expect to take any medicine.
I had a good recommendation from Dr. Bryan and tried to get another situation in several offices in the city, but found they all had their full com- plement of clerks, and consequently I am "out of business" and a candidate for the regiment.
· What think you of the late changes in the Army of the Potomac? ; You have now in command a man who will fight without doubt, but I do not know how he will take with the army. He has the reputation of taking entirely too much whiskey for his own good or the good of others. I think so many changes show a very weak and vacillating administration. Am fast losing all confidence in old Abe's ability and begin to doubt his patriotism too.
Washington, D. C., February 5, 1863.
I see by the papers that the Butternuts 'are getting rather bold in our state. I am sorry that our state is taking the lead in such proceedings, but it is nothing more than I expected. My only surprise is that they abstained so long. We are gaining no victories and there is no prospect of any. Our money is rapidly depreciating and the whole country is going to ruin. No wonder the people are beginning to growl and grumble, get up demonstra- tions and talk of peace. I notice gold is selling at 6oc premium today. I would not advise you to keep too many "greenbacks" on hand. I. confess I have not much confidence in them. I heard one of our foreign ministers remark lately "that we will soon have to carry a basketful of 'greenbacks'. to get shaved with."
Camp Distribution, near Alexandria, Va., February 10, 1863 .;.
I write you a few lines to apprise you of my whereabouts and how I am getting along. Last Friday my name was taken for the regiment. .. Saturday I shouldered my knapsack and was sent to the Soldiers Retreat. Sunday morning I marched to Convalescent Camp. Here we were drawn up into line and those who wanted to go to their regiments were told to step forward. I volunteered for my regiment and was sent to this camp, which is a branch of the Convalescent Camp, and is more familiarly known as the "Stragglers' Camp," and here I am, waiting for transportation to the regiment. From the time I left the hospital until I reached this camp we were constantly under guard. This is something new and certainly shows a want of confidence on
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the part of the government in her soldiers. I do not know how long we will remain here; it is rumored we go tomorrow, but we may not go for a week- the sooner the better.
Congress, I see, is trying to get the drafting machinery into operation again. It is time they make some provision if they intend to prosecute the war any further. Three hundred thousand troops go out by the first of June- the idea of arming the niggers is played out already, and if I am not mistaken. they cannot enforce another draft. I begin to think the war will be played out in less than six months for want of men to continue it.
I hope to write my next from the company.
Pratts Point, Va., February 15, 1863.
I am once more with the company (Company F, 7th Ind. Volunteers). We left Convalescent Camp Wednesday morning and reached the regi- ment Thursday noon ; found the boys under orders to march at three o'clock. I just had time to roll up my blanket, get my dinner and a gun before we started. We went to the landing, took a boat and steamed down the river. Object of the expedition was to scout around and gather forage. Toward's morning we ran aground on a sand bar and stuck fast. Towards noon we got off. We then tried to effect a landing at Mattock's Creek, but could not, on account of the shallowness of the water. We then steamed down as far as Nomining Bay and got aground several times while trying to land. Small boats went ashore several times and found large quantities of wheat and corn, but no rebels. They captured one "contraband" and brought him off as a trophy. The officers found they could not do anything with a boat as large as ours, so we returned to camp last evening without accomplishing anything more than the capture of the nigger. However, we had a nice ride-the weather was beautiful, the boys in fine spirits and we enjoyed it very much.
We are in the first army corps under General Reynolds, the first division under General Wadsworth and the second brigade under Colonel Gavin. I have no idea when we will march again. Hooker keeps his secrets to him- self. I find the boys do not approve of the proclamation generally nor of Uncle Abe's idea of arming the negroes. They are in for anything to stop the war, but haven't much faith in such measures accomplishing it.
Pratts Point, Va., February 23, 1863.
The weather has been very disagreeable for the last week. Saturday night it commenced snowing and snowed all night and part of yesterday. The snow is now seven or eight inches deep, and in some places, where it has
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drifted, much deeper, but we are in comfortable quarters and are getting along finely. The snow and rain together I think will render any immediate movement impossible.
General Hooker seems to be becoming more popular daily. He is a shrewd man and understands how to get the good will of the troops. Since he took command we have been well supplied with onions, potatoes, beans and light bread four times a week. The picketing is done by regiment. Our regi- ment has been on picket once since I came back. We did not see any rebs, as we didn't go towards the Rappahannock.
Pratts Point, Va., February 28, 1863.
I was truly glad to hear that you were in good health; also to hear of the great reaction which is taking place in regard to the war. I think, too, that a reaction is taking place, but unless it is sustained by speedy victories, I fear it will soon turn against us again. You are wrong in thinking me dis- couraged, although I see no prospect of peace at present. I am in as good spirits as ever. I hope and think we will finally be successful if the Butter- nuts don't raise a fire in our rear. Our superior resources and dogged ob- stinancy will worry them out if we cannot whip them. I still think I was right in saying three hundred thousand men go out by next June. Thirty- eight regiments of two-year men go out in May and nearly all the boys from the Eastern states by the last call are drafted men or nine-months' volunteers, but the new militia bill will supply this deficiency.
Our boys are all in good health and spirits today ; they had a fine game of ball. All the boys in the company are chess players and card playing is at a discount.
Tomorrow we go on picket again.
Pratts Landing, Va., March 6. 1863.
You ask me if I really think McClellan ought to be entrusted with com- mand again. All I can say is that I am not satisfied that he is not the best general we have. He is undoubtedly the most popular. I never heard a soldier abuse him and nothing irritates them so much as the "contemptible denunciations" of him by the radical papers. I cannot think he is a traitor- he has had too many good chances to place our army and Washington in the hands of the rebels. I acknowledge that Northern traitors, shouting for Jeff Davis and Mcclellan looks suspicious, but place Mc in command again and these traitors in less than a month will be damning him as heartily as they do old Abe now.
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So much in regard to McClellan, but I am not in favor of giving him command of this army again until Hooker has been thoroughly tried. I hope he is the coming man. He undoubtedly will fight, but whether he is capable of handling a large army remains to be seen.
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