USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Indiana > Part 44
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Pratts Landing, Va., March 22, 1863.
There is no news worth noting. We have rumors of marching orders and will have them daily until we do move. I do not think there will be a general movement before the first of next month and perhaps not then. I hope Hooker will not move until the rebs are in good condition, for it will only be killing horses and men and accomplishing nothing. We cannot con- quer the rebels and the elements too. The boys seem to be growing more confident daily of whipping the rebs this summer. They think the summer campaign will certainly end it one way or the other. "So mote it be," I am sorry to say that Farragut has failed to take Port Hudson. I fear our gun- boats are losing their former prestige; at least the rebels do not fear them as they did a year ago.
Pratts Landing, Va., March 15, 1863.
Last Tuesday's orders were issued to brigade and regimental command- ers to procure everything requisite for the campaign, so in one sense of the word we are under marching orders. Hooker promises to begin a campaign as soon as he can move a wagon. , The weather has been clear and quite March-like for some days, but the mud is too deep to move yet.
When does the new conscript take place? How many are to be drafted in Indiana? There is much interest manifested by the boys in that draft. Is Mr. Smith over forty-five? I notice ministers are not exempted. John Hen- derson says they are needed more than any other class of people.
Pratts Landing, Va., April 5, 1863.
The "Grand Review" came off last Thursday. Our division was review- ed by General Hooker and staff. Old Joe, of course, was the center of at- traction. He is a much younger and healthier-looking man than I expected to see. General Wadsworth was on hand, too. He reminds me very much of Uncle Billy Sickles.
General Cutler, commanding our brigade, is liked very well so far.
Governor Morton paid us a short visit on last Sabbath evening. We were drawn up in line and he made us a short patriotic speech and then re- (29)
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turned to Meredith's headquarters. About nine p. m. we were again formed in line, and accompanied by the band, marched over and serenaded him. He and Meredith made us very complimentary speeches and we wound up with cheers for Morton, Meredith, Hooker, Old Abe and the Union. Thus passed our Sabbath evening.
We see no more prospect of a move than there was two weeks since. I suppose they are getting things in readiness, so that when we do go there will be no waiting for pontoons, supplies, etc. They are supplying the army with mules and pack saddles in places of wagons, two to each regiment. I suppose they are for the accommodation of the officers. It is rumored that each company is to have two mules to carry camp equipage and four "contra- bands" to cook.
Pratts Landing, Va., March 29, 1863.
I suppose we are on the eve of important events. Hooker has issued orders, warning officers to send their wives and extra baggage to the rear by the first of April, as no opportunity will be given after that date. The boys interpret this as a declaration that we move at that time. I suppose a few days will determine where we strike and how. Hooker keeps his plans to himself, and we haven't the slightest idea of what he intends doing. It is said the rebs are nearly all gone from Fredericksburg. We see Lowe's bal- loon every day or so reconnoitering.
General Cutler took command of our brigade a few days since. He was formerly colonel of the 6th Wisconsin and was made brigadier with the last batch of appointments.
Gavin has gone home. He is still suffering from his wound and since he failed to get a brigadiership will, I fear, resign.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sheeks has resigned and is also home, so Major Grover is the only field officer we have with us.
Yesterday we were to have had a review of our corps, but it rained all day and.it was postponed. The boys are very well satisfied with the result, for these "grand reviews" are nothing but grand bores.
Sunday today, but no preaching.
Pratts Landing, Va., April 12, 1863.
We are still in camp. We are laying here much longer than I supposed we would. Mac moved a month earlier last spring. However, we do not complain, for we know what it is to flounder around in the mud. I think we will move in a very few days. Furloughs to general officers and regimental
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commanders were stopped yesterday. Our blacksmiths are working today (Sunday) shoeing horses and mules and our pioneer corps have orders to be ready to march tomorrow. Still we know nothing definite and may not move for some days.
Last Thursday our corps was reviewed by President Lincoln and Hooker. Uncle Abe is as homely as his pictures represent him; in fact the ugliest man I ever saw, except H. S. Lane.
Last Friday we had a general muster to ascertain how many conscripts would be required to fill the regiment. Our company wants nineteen. It will take three hundred or more to fill the regiment. Cutler is becoming very strict with us. We have inspection once a day and sometimes twice. We are compelled to keep our guns in good order and wear clean clothes or do all the dirty work about camp. Some of the boys grumble, but I think it a fine thing. It keeps up discipline and keeps the boys in healthy condition.
We have kept up our prayer meetings regularly twice a week all winter. There are usually fifteen or twenty present and we have very interesting meetings. Today I intend attending preaching in the 95th New York.
Pratts Landing, Va., April 17, 1863.
Our corps is still in camp. The cavalry has gone somewhere-don't know where, and it is said some of the corps also are moving. I suppose the whole army would now be in motion had it not stormed Tuesday night and Wednesday. Camp is full of rumors of all kinds. It is said our cavalry have had a big fight, capturing five hundred prisoners. Murfreesboro has been taken; rebs all gone from Fredericksburg, etc., but you know much more about the true state of affairs than we do. We never know anything until it is all over and then we do not know half.
Today we were paid off-drew four months' pay. Captain intends going to Aquia Creek tomorrow and express home all the boys want to send. I send you forty-five dollars. I suppose it will be sent to Eph Jeffery or J. L. Jones. You can call and get it and make the best disposition of it you can.
We found a seine while out on picket, went to the Potomac, hauled off our clothes and hauled out a fine lot of fish. Our squad, including the Hope- well boys, took in a rebel deserter. He belonged to Jackson's army.
Pratts Landing, Va., April 22, 1863.
Contrary to my expectations, Wednesday morning finds us in our old camp. We have been expecting orders to move every hour for two or three
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days. General Doubleday's division of our corps moved to King George Court House last Monday. Griffin's division was to move yesterday, but we are still here. Suppose our turn will come today or tomorrow. Yesterday our sick were sent off, Sloan among others.
I received yours of the 12th a few days since. You had not yet re- ceived that document (referring to his application for a commission) I sent you. Have you got it yet? Do you think you can do anything with it? My knapsack is getting very heavy.
We are just in from company drill. They are now detailing eight men from each company for picket; they are ordered to carry their knapsacks and eight days' rations with them. It is hard marching with such a load and will break down many before the campaign is fairly opened.
You speak of me seeking for promotion, so I will state my prospects and ask your advice. Our Adjutant "Baily" goes on General Berry's staff, as as- sistant adjutant-general. This leaves the adjutancy in our regiment vacant. Captain Wolfe has been courtmartialed and cashiered for drunkenness; this leaves a vacant captaincy. I can say that I stand high-with the field officers and I think I can get either position; what shall I take? If I take the cap- taincy I will be the junior captain (11Ith in rank) will go to Company B-a pretty hard company-and have a N. Y. rough for Ist lieutenant (a tolerably good fellow, however). An adjutant ranks as first lieutenant, has an easy and honorable position ; is not responsible for any property, and is entitled to a horse-which he provides himself. An adjutant does no duty of any kind, not connected with his own Dept .; he has much better opportunity to post himself, for he is compelled to understand all company and regimental busi- ness. I have known adjutants to refuse a captaincy. The senior captain is usually promoted to major when a vacancy occurs, but a faithful adjutant is sometimes promoted to that position over the captains. The pay of an adju- tant is $120.00 per month. Captain gets the same pay with an extra $10 per month for care of property; which shall I take? provided I can have my choice, for such things in army are exceedingly uncertain.
Pratts Landing, Va., April 26, 1863.
We are still in our old camp. I have missed it so often of late that I won't prophesy again as to when we will march. Doubleday's division has returned to their old quarters. They made a forced march to the lower Rappahannock, pretended to throw pontoons across the river and then re- turned to camp. I suppose it was a feint to cover a movement somewhere else.
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There has been a good deal of excitement among the boys of late on the negro question. Some of our officers propose furnishing enough volunteers from our regiment to officer a regiment of darkies. They have sent a petition to the secretary of war and the names of those willing to take commissions. Lieutenant Holmes, Sergeants Branch and Daniels and James Fisher volun- teered from our company. I was urged to give my name for a second lieu- tenancy, but refused for several reasons. I ain't hardly enough of an aboli- tionist yet to go that far, but I believe I would have gone into it if I could have persuaded any of our boys to it. Two of our best captains are at the head of it and it is daily becoming very popular with the boys. What would the people of Johnson county think of a fellow who would descend so low as to command "niggers?"
You ask if we get anything from the sanitary commission. Troops in the field do not. Contributions are sent to the sanitary commission in Wash- ington and are distributed to the hospitals, which are pretty well supplied with jellies, canned and dried fruits, and such articles, by the commission. We have fared as well for the last three months as we would with an abund- ance of such delicacies. It cannot be said that Hooker has not fed us well, and this is one cause of his popularity.
Camp Near Rappahannock River, Va., May 8, 1863.
Yours of the 30th inst., stating your want of success with Governor Mor- ton, came in a few hours since. I was much disappointed. I did not suppose you would succeed unless new regiments were formed, and that does not seem to be the policy of the government. You say Morton and Noble offer to recommend me for a commission in an African regiment and ask if I would be willing to accept such a position. I would prefer a white regiment, but would take a place in an African regiment if offered.
I refused to sign the petition gotten up in our regiment, not because my principles opposed it, but because I had no faith in it succeeding, being signed by no one higher than a captain, and secondly because the public sentiment at home was such that one embarking in such an enterprise would be considered without the pale of decent society. Such I know was the case a year ago.
If you and Uncle Doc think there is any reasonable prospect of succeed- ing in getting me a commission in a colored regiment, have time to spare and are willing to make the effort, I will accept if you succeed.
Camp White Oak Church, Va., May 10, 1863. We are now in camp near the river, about five miles below Fredericks-
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burg. Officers are putting up quarters and things indicate that we will remain here some days, unless the rebs take the offensive. It is said they have been largely reinforced and many think they will make for Washington again and give us Bull Run No. 3, but we used them up too badly for them to make a - move of that kind. Had it not been for the disaster to the 6th corps we would have had greatly the advantage of them. As it was, I think we had much the best of it. Their loss in killed and wounded is undoubtedly greater than ours. Just to our left they charged in our lines thirteen times-on Sunday- and our batteries mowed them down by regiments with double charges of cannister. Prisoners say the slaughter was truly awful. Don't think our force was near all engaged. The loss in our corps was very small. In our regiment three were wounded, one since died. The 27th Indiana-in another corps-had 165 killed, wounded and prisoners; the regiment acted very hand- somely, it is said.
I suppose it will require some time to reorganize our army. The time of nine months' and two-years' men is about over and I suppose they will be mustered out. There are thirty-five regiments of two-years' men; don't know how many nine months. There are five regiments of the latter in our division. The army, as far as I am able to judge, is still in excellent condition. Confi- dence in Hooker is not impaired. Hopewell boys all well.
Camp Seventh Indiana Volunteers, May 15, 1863.
We are still in camp, but uncertain how long we remain. We had orders last night to be under arms at daylight. We were ready at the appointed time, but are still here and no prospect of moving today. It is said three hundred rebels came over this morning and gave themselves up, and I suppose our alarm arose from that fact-if fact it was.
Since our late battles gambling has increased to an alarming extent. It became so common that you could not go into the woods without finding a party under nearly every tree. This morning orders were read from Wads- worth and Cutler, strictly prohibiting it. Offenders hereafter are to be severely punished.
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None of our boys have been engaged in it. Hopewell hasn't a single card player in our company. Boys all seem as steady and moral as when at home. Cutler has ordered company and regimental drills be resumed. Quite a number of regiments whose time is up have gone home. Doubleday's entire division, excepting two regiments, go out in a few days. Why isn't the gov- ernment drafting men to fill their place ?
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Camp Seventh Indiana Volunteers, May 21, 1863.
We are in the same old camp, with no prospects of moving and nine months and two years boys are going home rapidly. It is said that there will not be more than one division left in our corps when all are gone. The re- cruits are put in other regiments. A recruit has to serve three years. When the time of his regiment is up he is transferred to another regiment. It causes much dissatisfaction among the recruits, as they expected to go out with the others.
Since I last wrote we have been out on picket. Had a fine time with the rebel pickets. They stood on one bank and we on the other of the Rappa- hannock, only fifty to a hundred yards between us. We were forbidden to hold any communication with them, but 'twas no use, the boys would talk and trade. The rebs (Georgians) would fill a board with tobacco, trinkets of various kinds, then swim over, pushing the board with them. Coffee, knives, gold pens, anything we had they wanted. Our boys always got double prices. Common knives they said were worth five or six dollars, pens worth $2.50 with us they paid five dollars for. Quite a number of the boys got silver finger rings. Jim Bone exchanged his testament with one of them.
The Seventh Louisiana Tigers also were opposite us. It was one of the three regiments pitted against ours at Port Republic. They were not so friendly as the Georgians, but a talkative old Irishman said we "gave them the devil" at that place-killed their lieutenant-colonel and 150 men-said that every man in the regiment shot at the man on the gray horse (meaning Colonel Gavin).
Camp Seventh Indiana Volunteers, May 27, 1863.
As to news, I haven't much worth writing. Officers have been dashing about and wagon trains coming and going all day. I suppose, from what I see, a general move is on the tapis. The 8th corps from Baltimore is said to have arrived yesterday. It is reported that the rebels are falling back on Richmond, and, if true, I suppose their movement is the cause of our present orders. We have the news that Vicksburg is ours, but none of the details after the battle at Baker's Creek. Grant has done some smashing business there. Hope he has captured their entire army ; perhaps it would force them to take the offensive here.
Yesterday I had a visit from Arch Voris. He came very unexpectedly, but nevertheless was very welcome. Same old Arch yet in spite of shoulder straps.
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This morning our regiment was out on picket. Not being well, I was excused.
Wadsworth is now in Washington; General Meredith is in command of the division; Cutler is off somewhere, and Colonel Biddle of the 95th N. Y. commands the brigade.
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How I wish I was home to take care of things this summer, but this must be done, and trusting in God, I will try and do my duty faithfully.
Camp Seventh Indiana Volunteers, May 31, 1863.
Contrary to my expectation, we are still in camp. Our marching orders turned out a "flash in the pan." Commissary stores and everything else al- most were laid up and remained so for several days. I see no signs of mov- . ing now, but we are liable to leave at any moment. A rebel movement of some kind is undoubtedly going on, but whether they intend attacking us or are preparing for another raid on Washington and into Maryland, or are falling back on Richmond, no one seems to know. If Grant has Vicksburg, I guess the latter surmise is correct. I hope they are going to take the offensive. Would like to see them try Washington again and get them over into Mary- land. If we can get them on our own soil again they will not fare as well as they did before.
Cutler and Wadsworth are both back again. Yesterday we had corps review ; marched out of camp at six a. m .; got up at four, cleaned our guns and got things in order.
Camp Seventh Indiana Volunteers, June 5, 1863.
We are hourly expecting to march. Several times during the last few days we have had orders to move, but each time they were countermanded. The pontoon trains are now at the river-some say are across it. Troops have been moving toward the river all day ; it is even said our men are over the river and the rebels are all gone; how true these reports are I cannot say, but it seems to me it is madness to attempt to cross if the rebels are still there; they are so strongly fortified that I fear they can never be whipped by an at- tack from the front; the only way to get at them is in their flank or rear. The news from Vicksburg seems not very encouraging. Grant has a heavy job on hand, and before he cuts through those fortifications I fear Johnson will cut through and demolish him.
Centerville, Va., June 16, 1863.
We left camp 12th and reached here yesterday. Came by way of War- renton Junction. It was an exceedingly hard march, but I made it as well as
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the best of them. We are now in the Centerville fortifications. They say we leave tonight-guess for Maryland. Another Pope affair.
Camp Seventh Indiana Volunteers, Frying Pan, Va., June 22, 1863.
We have had some very tough marching. The weather, until within the last two or three days, has been very warm. A great many cases of sunstroke occurred-several of them proving fatal. Sam narrowly escaped it. Yester- day our regiment left our brigade within eight miles of Leesburg. We were sent back to this place to act as guards and hunt guerillas. This vicinity is much infested by them; several of our wagons have been captured. After getting here yesterday we sent out scouting parties, who succeeded in captur- ing fifteen old citizens; last night they were sent to General Reynolds' head- quarters. Of course they protest their innocence, but I have no doubt they are' guilty. We have not been in any fight or skirmish yet. There was a heavy battle yesterday, I think in the direction of Snicker's Gap. We heard the cannonading very distinctly. We know nothing about the whereabouts of the rebels. Three corps of our army are in this region of country ; don't know whether there are any more or not. Can't think the rebs are pushing into Pennsylvania very fast or we would be pushing after them. Guess their object is to get supplies and scare old Joe out of his reckoning. Yesterday I received a permit from adjutant-general to appear before the board in Wash- ington for examination. This morning the permit and application for a pass to Washington were enclosed by the colonel to General Reynolds. I fear in the confusion of moving the "permit" may be lost, but there was no other chance. I can't get to Washington without a pass and can't get a pass without the "permit" goes with the application. Should I get to Washington I will be examined vigorously by a board, of which Major General Casey is president. Casey is a strict disciplinarian, so you can see my prospects are not particularly bright.
Jeffersontown, Md., June 27, 1863.
While "Will Resting" I write a line. We are now in the Cumberland Valley, moving towards South Mountain. Left Frying Pan day before yes- terday. Came by Edwards Ferry, Poolsville, Barnstow, Greenfield and Adamstown. Hopewell boys all well and with us except Henderson. He is riding in the ambulance and is quite sick. Complains of giddiness and weak- ness. Liver is out of order. Davis, Holmes and Jeffrey with us. Sam well. All expect a big fight in here some place.
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Emmettsburg, Md., June 30, 1863.
While halting for dinner I write you a line. We are moving north into Penn. Reached this place about an hour ago. Our regiment is Corp Main guard and I suppose we are several miles in the rear of our corps. There are a thousand rumors flying as to the whereabouts, strength and intentions of the rebels. It is said they have Harrisburg, but don't believe it, but one thing is certain, Lee is in downright earnest and may do a great deal of mischief. But still I am glad the war is transferred from Va. to Penn. We now have every advantage, and if we can't whip them on our own ground let us give in at once. I am confident our own men will fight much more willingly here than in Virginia-there is something worth fighting for here.
It is rumored that Hooker has been relieved-some say only temporarily. Meade appears to be commanding now ; if it proves true and Meade is to be our commander, I fear there will be much dissatisfaction.
Haven't had mail or papers for some days. Think we will get mail this evening. Therefore we are destitute of news. I hear just now that "George B. McClellan is commander-in-chief of the land forces of the U. S." If true it will cause great enthusiasm in the army of the Potomac. Strange how the army admires that man. I am not as much for little Mac as I was before I read "Mcclellan-who he is and what he has done," by George Wilkes.
Gettysburg, Pa., July 5, 1863. (9:00 a. m.)
Have had another great battle and are victorious. Our regiment was . not engaged on first day, our division being left behind by General Reynolds for Train guard. Were engaged Thursday night and Friday morn- ing. John Shutters of our company was wounded through thigh-not badly. None others in our company hurt. Two killed and five wounded in the regiment. We are now in line, expecting to advance on the enemy. I have, through a merciful Providence, escaped unhurt. All our boys are present and well-Covert, Good, Dunlap, Trout, Sam List, Bone. Jim Dunlap is behind.
Emmettsburg, Md., July 6, 1863.
I wrote you a line yesterday, stating we were in line of battle, expecting to renew the engagement. We soon found out that Lee had "evacuated," leaving us in possession of the battlefield, all their dead, many wounded, and an immense number of small arms. It is the most decisive repulse they have received from the army of the Potomac since the war commenced. Our men acted entirely on the defensive after the first day's fighting, we being
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behind breastworks and the rebs charging us. Their loss was very heavy, as they had to advance over an open field, nearly half mile in width. More artillery was engaged than was ever before used in one battle on this con- tinent. Yesterday we buried the dead, gathered up arms, etc. This morning we left Gettysburg. We are now near Emmettsburg-have lain here two hours. No idea what comes next. None in our company hurt except Shut- ters -- wounded in leg, not badly. Two killed and five wounded in regiment. Sam Covert, Good, Bone, Herriott, Ransdall, Allison, Trout, Davis, Holmes and Jeffery all present and well.
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