USA > Ohio > Champaign County > History of Champaign County, Ohio, Its People, Industries and Institutions, Volume I > Part 69
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Aug. 1-Some of the boys got passes to go to Columbus today, but could not get through the bridge over the river.
Aug. 2-This being Sunday. the Colonel requested the boys to retire to their tents
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and write some letters, telling our friends we had had some personal experiences in the war.
Aug. 3-Had battalion drill today. both in the forenoon and afternoon. The sun shone out so hot it nearly melted the boys in the ranks.
Aug. 4 .- Routine duties, but am not feeling well.
Wednesday, August 5-Am feeling better this morning and able for duty. I went to the river to take a swim. While in the river one of the boys enme to the bank and told me some of my friends were in camp and wanted to see me. I made quick work In get- ting back to camp. I found my mother, my brother Kemp, Harmon Harlan, and Pamela Marshall, afterwards my wife [now dereased], waiting for me. They brought a nice basket of rations for us. I was granted a pass to go out of camp and I was happy.
Thursday, August 6 -- My company went Into the city last night on account of the shower of rain, making it unpleasant in camp. They came out this morning again, and stayed until about one o'clock. Then mother and Mila returned to city to take train for home.
Aug. 7-The weather is very warm and many of the regiment are sick.
Saturday, August &-My brother Kemp and Harmon Harlan returned home today.
Aug. 9-Received marching orders this noon to proceed to Cincinnati. Up before reveille: were expected to take train at nine a. m. but did not get off until one p. m. Arrived in Cincinnati about nine p. m. and spent the night in and about the station.
Aug. 10-The bugle sounded at 7 o'clock this morning. Regiment formed in line and marched to the river, where we were hurried across the river into Kentucky, sixty-five miles from the Tennessee line, reaching destination about 11 p. m. in the rain and mud.
. Aug. 12-Moved about nine o'clock this morning for Camp Nelson, eight miles.
Aug 13-Drew our dog tents today, each soldier getting a sheet; by splicing two together they are more comfortable than one is for each soldier.
Ang. 14-Routine camp duty today at Camp Nelson today. Mail came in and the boys are all looking for letters.
Aug. 15-Many of the boys are complaining in the camp.
Ang. 16-This is the first Sunday for the regiment in Kentucky. The sun shone brightly early, but it was soon curtained behind dark clouds, and the rain poured down in torrents.
Aug. 17-The boys of Mess No. 1 and 2 hired a cook for fifty cents per month from each one. We have to drill six hours a day, and the sun is so very hot. So much drilling does not do the boys any good.
Aug. 18-The boys are living high on green corn. The sun is intensely hot and the flies are so thlek where the cooking is. Mail came in today and some of the boys got copies of the Citizen and Gazette.
Aug. 19-Received marching orders today. All are gind we are to leave here. We likely will be glad to see Camp Nelson again before we get the chance. It is pre:lleted by some we will go back to Cincinnati and go down the Ohio river.
Ang. 20-Started about three o'clock this morning. Marched 21 miles and went into camp; never a lot of men more tired than we.
Aug. 21-Encamped last night near a small stream which affords us water to drink and cook.
Aug. 22-Encamped near Crab Orchard last night. The heavy marching we have been doing and the drilling every idle hour has worn the boys well out.
Ang. 23-We had to drill today in the hot sun, and it seems worse than marching. Preaching today by the Chaplain.
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ORDERS TO MARCH.
Ang. 24-Expect marching orders every minute and have everything ready to move at any time. It looks very much like rain and did rain a nice shower about 4 o'clock. Marching orders came at 3 o'clock with orders to have 10 days rations in our haver- sacks. We are going to Cumberland Gap. It will be a hard march.
Aug. 25-Received mail today. and nothing much more appreciated than mafi from home. Started on our march this morning at 5 o'clock. Commenced raining about G o'clock and kept it up until 3 p. m., making it heavy marching. Encamped at Mit. Vernon for the night.
Aug. 26-On the march by 5 o'clock this morning. The 86th was in front yes- terday; the 120th, with whom we are brigaded, took the front today. Blackberries are plentiful on the old Kentucky hills. Kentucky beats eastern Ohio for hills.
Aug. 27 .- Encamped in a small valley between two mountain streams of water, flowing on enstern side, convenient for cooking and washing. Blackberries are abundant and help fill out our short rations. We took our shoes off and waded Green river yester- day that did not keep many of the boys dry, for some fell down in the river and others struck deep pools, taking them well up the body. We have lived and marched on one-fourth and one-half rations for two weeks, and the boys are hungry. Received mall this evening.
Ang. 28-Remmined in camp a while this morning. under orders to hold ourselves in readiness to move at any time. Colonel DeCoursey is acting Brigadier General. Ife is not held in very high esteem by his men, because of what seems to them un- necessary severity in discipline. As soon as the men halt for rest he puts them to drilling, and that is worse than marching. This camp is said to be 70 miles from Nicholasville.
Aug. 20-Received mail this morning and copy of old Citizen and Gacette, first one for some time, and it appears longer than it is, no doubt.
Aug. 30-Our Major is said to be a Frenchman, and no favorite with his men. The General made us drill all day. Sunday as it is. Our mess got a one-half peck apples to stew today, as we were short on rations, a little coffee, hard tack and fitch. half ration of flour.
Aug. 31-We would surely appreciate a good square meal at the table at home. Re- ceIved orders to be ready to move in the morning at 5 o'clock, and have cauteens filled with coffee.
Sept. 1-U'p and ready wo march at 5 o'clock this morning. The regiment was divided into two battalions, The right wing formed the first battalion and the left wing the second. We marched leisurely until about noon when we went into camp for the night, having marched about 9 miles. The object of dividing the regiment was to dereive spies along the road if there should be any.
Sept. 2-Encamped last evening at Hutton's Station. Had an excellent supper of green corn, stewed apples and hard crackers, which we got in the neighborhood. Drew full rations of hard tack and ment ( Hiteb) this evening. for first time in 15 days. The conutry through which we marched today presented some beautiful scenery. It resembles somewhat our trip through eastern Ohlo, when after General Morgan.
Sept. 3-Marched 10 miles today to small village called Barboursville on the Cum- beriand river. The boys are becoming as tough as old soldiers, and stand marching as well as any of them. If it was not for our nigger cook I do not know what we would do, as we are short of rations, and he is a good forager.
Sept. 4-Left Barboursville this morning about S o'clock. Companies I and D were
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left behind to serve as rear guard of the brigade. We had to march at the rate of 30 miles to a dirty looking place called Flat Lake.
Sept. 5-We expected to move forward yesterday evening when we came here, but thank fortune we were allowed to remain here. Expected to move early this morn- ing, but some one took pity on us and allowed us to rest, providing we kept ourselves in readiness to move at a moment's notice. The rebels are reported to be at the fording fifteen hundred strong, and will try and defend it.
Sept. 6-Attended religious services today in the grove, which were God's first temples. Captain William F. Milliken preached a short sermon, but very good. Took as his text 26th verse of sixteenth chapter of St. Mathew. It is a false report about the rebels being at the Cumberland fording. There are none of them and have not been any lately in force. Expect to move in the morning.
Sept. 7-We left Camp Flat lake about 7 o'clock this morning and marched about one mile and a half south of the fording, when we encamped for the night.
SUFFERING THE PANGS OF HUNGER.
Sept. 8-We left camp this morning about 6 o'clock for the Gup. Marched about 11 miles without being molested, when within about one mile of the Gap our cavalry began to fire on the rebel plekets and drove them in. As soon as we got within range of their guns, whiz, bump, enme a couple of shells Immediately over our heads. Only one bursting and no one hurt or badly scared. We have no rations except a little sugar and meat. The boys did not call the fat flitch we had meat, or flitch, either. Oh! what will we do here without something to ent.
Sept. 9-Nothing to eat yet and expecting to go into battle every hour. Hungry dogs fight for something to eat. That will have to be our case. Formed in line about 10 o'clock and marched two miles north of the Gap and unslung knapsacks ready to make a charge on the enemy. when we were ordered to rest in our places. After a short time news came that the rebels had surrendered. The boys surely were glad. The regiment took knapsacks from the pile and formed in line to march into the Gap and take possession of the prisoners and property. It was about 5 o'clock p. m., sun shining brightly and the whole brigade were happy. The prisoners were formed along the road leading into the Gap from the north at open order, arms and colors grounded. Nearly three thousand prisoners standing empty handed at attention, while their captors marched between ranks with colors flying and the shimmering guns in the bright September sun made an Inspiring picture. The prisoners were marched through the Gap to the flat on the Tennessee side and guards placed around them.
Sept. 10-Yesterday as we marched Into the Gap with the surrender of the rebels remind one of pictures seen in the History of the United States in the war with Mexico. Company I Inst evening was assigned to the fort on one of the peaks in the range. with two pieces of artillery in the fortification, from which the shots were fired at us day before yesterday. This morning when we awoke we found the sun shining brightly in our faces, but getting up we could see only the peaks of the mountain protruding above the low lying clouds, a sight new to so many of the hoys.
Sept. 11-Yesterday after we came Into the Gap the rebels seemed pleased at our appearance. The manner in which many of their old guns were lying around led us to think them harmless. Moved down to the flat, when we were assigned to duty guarding the prisoners. They are a gay set of soldiers having any kind of uniform. Conversed quite freely of the war and thought they would gain the day yet.
Sept. 12-Went on guard duty this morning at 6 o'clock and was not relieved until
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11 o'clock without anything to eat; around some prisoners, which was rather interest- ing guard duty. The prisoners were taken away after 11 o'clock for Camp Chase, Ohio, under a strong guard. Some of them were mad and others seemed pleased. An old Colonel is swearing like a pirate at some of his Tennessee troops, and hopes to get rid of them soon. It was interesting to see old neighbors meeting for first time for many months who had been in the rebel army, recognizing acquaintances on both sides of the dead line, recognizing each other, getting as close to line as allowed, sit down on the ground and talk for hours. "Hell. John, is that you; when did you hear from home; how are all the folks, and where is such and oue? and thus the blue and the gray could be seen on each side of the line in rows around the inclosure.
Sept. 13-This is Sunday in Cumberland Gap; and if they are all like this I do not want to see many of them. We had a rain and wind storm last night, and it came near blowing us all away. Ordered to move up on the mountain and settle our- selves for a while. We moved about two miles north and went into camp. We have to go about one-half mile straight down, It seems, for water.
Sept. 14-Another order this morning to move to a place more convenient to water. Strike tents and move back about one mile and encamp in place not very much more convenient to water. Our Orderly. Tommy Organ, left us this morning detailed to act as Sergeant Major of the regiment. John Hatfield went to the hospital leaving Ed. and I alone and with nothing to eat. only slap-jacks and griddle greasers.
Sept. 15 -- Drew a box of hard tack today which looked a little like old time crackers, and a little beef is all we have today, and that only about one-fourth rations. We received mail today and are happy. Had a letter from brother with a five dollar bill in the letter. Letters are always welcome from home and more than doubly so when contatuing such enclosures. I am afraid I will have to begin on the five soon to get something to eat. There are fine peaches brought Into camp, but do not taste good.
. Sept. 16-We seem to be doing better today. Drew something Ilke one-half rations. Received the little hymn book today sent from home, a very nice one, but larger than need have been. Am not in a very good humor tonight about something occurring in camp today.
A FORAGING EXPEDITION.
Sept. 17-Fixed our tent up in style today. I am In a somewhat better humor today than I was yesterday. Dug the side of the mountain out to get a level place to pitch our tent. We then got a lot of pine boughs and put on floor, which makes the softest bed 1 have slept in since I left home. Ed. and I are detailed to go on foraging expedition, starting at 4:30 in the morning.
Sept. 15-Up and off this morning at 4:30. Took our day's cooked rations, our blankets, ready for some days' foraging. Marched about six miles and commenced foraging at a farm house whose owner is a Colonel in the rebel army, and has two sons and two slaves with him. We just took everything we could get our hands on almost, and then returned to camp nearly worn out. but we got some potatoes and peaches, and If any fowls or pigs didn't go back with us it was not our fault, besides corn, hay and fodder for the animals.
Sept. 19-Missed roll call last night, but was not punished by extra duty. Just laid down to get a good rest and sleep when it was Co. I fall in with gun and accouter- ments. The long roll was beat and a battle was expected. We marched nearly all night through wind, rain and mud. Went about ten miles by day light and had not heard of the enemy. Reported two of pickets killed. About nine o'clock we went to foraging and returned to camp about four p. m.
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Sept. 20-Had the first frost of the season last night. I was almost too. tired to rest good. I could not get settled comfortably. When we returned to camp it was about as expected, things scattered everywhere and some missing entirely. There is not much stir in camp today; the boys feel like resting quietly. I believe there was preaching services, but I did not attend.
Sept. 21-The boys are grating corn and intend to make corn mush, corn cakes and corn bread. We have to do this or go hungry, as we are only getting about quarter rations. Suppose the thing is Impossible, or they would certainly feed us more that they do. All our provisions have to come from Nicholasville, Kentucky, in baggage wagons, a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles over all kinds of roads, but good ones. There are large fornging trains sent out often, and the country has been searched by both the Union and rebal armies until forage has become scarce.
Sept. 22-John Hatfield got his discharge from the hospital today and returned to camp, but he is not able to do camp duty yet. They are making preparations to furnish us with light bread now, and I hope they will succeed. They are building a large bake oven down below the Gap for the purpose of baking the bread. There Is considerable talk in camp now about when we will have our winter quarters,
Sept. 23-There are a great many chestnuts around here, and they are beginning to get ripe. I had a good mess this evening. They are not ripe yet. but the boys are eating them, and I thought I might as well have some also. Deacon came up with his sutler supplies this morning; crackers twenty-five cents. I did it to get my money changed more than for the paper and crackers. I am excused from duty today, with pain in stomach-green chestnuts probably. One of Company C died yesterday and was buried this morning. I was unable to attend the funeral.
Sept. 25-Reported to the surgeon again this morning and was excused from duty. Mail came in today and I received a good letter. and it was gladly received. It is very cold here today upon this side of the mountain. Went out to gather some more nuts this evening in company of Joseph Light, of Cable.
Sept. 26-Am feeling much better this morning and able for duty I guess. There are about thirty of our Company I out on inspection and drilling, that being all that is able and present in camp, owing to filthy rations that we get. A member of Com- pany F was buried this afternoon. It is getting quite cool here, and we are beginning to feel the need of heavier clothing and better quarters. Mail came in tonight. Wonder who will be the lucky ones.
EXPRESSES LONGING FOR HOME.
Sept. 27-This is one of the loveliest mornings that ever smiled on nature's works, and everything here is severely natural. How much I would love to be at home this morning and go to church and Sunday school, where I have spent so many happy Sabbaths. Three thousand rebels reported to be coming in bere, which creates quite a stir. Detailed this afternoon to move the corn up in the Gap out of the valley. Worked hard.
Sept. 28-No rebels yet in sight, and I guess there are none near here. Detalled again this afternoon to attend a funeral with gun to fire a salute over the grave. Hie was a member of the forty-fifth Pennsylvania regiment. He was buried as a soldier is buried generally. Had no musle and no one to read the funeral services. Fired through valley over the grave and returned to camp.
Sept. 29-Missed roll call last night. I layed down in my tent to rest and fell sound asleep. John Hatfield did not waken me as I had expected him to. I felt badly
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enough .this morning, partly on account of missing roll call last night, and to avoid extra duty I reported sick. Stuck out my tongue for the surgeon. Got some powders and was well enough by evening. Corporal Huff died this evening at the brigade hospital.
Sept. 30-Attended funeral of Corporal Huff. Detailed to take my gun to fire a salute over his grave. The boys are dropping off one by one pretty fast. His comrades that came with him do not appear to mind it much. I think they could show a little more respect for the dead than they do. They were great friends in camp apparently, but he was forsaken by them.
Oct. 1-Detailed to go to the hospital this morning to sew. Was down a short time last evening. I do not like the work; have to sew up old tents for bed ticking. It is too fine work for my fingers, Gave twenty cents for a goose this afternoon, and we had a good supper of soup, goose and gravy. It has been raining all afternoon. is very disagreeable outside.
Oct. 2-It is delightful this morning after the rain yesterday. Have Just been detailed to guard about one hundred prisoners back to Camp Nelson. It was a little against the grain to go, but there was no way of getting out of it known to me.
Oct. 3-We brought the prisoners outside of the picket lines last evening and eu- camped for the night. Started on the march this morning at 4:30 o'clock. Marched within two miles of Barboursville and went into camp again. We got our baggage hauled In the train, which relieved the guards of their knapsacks and blankets, making the march much easier. The prisoners are complaining considerably about having no ration and marching so hard.
Oct. 4-Broke camp about six o'clock this morning. Marched into Barboursville where he stopped and got our breakfast, which consisted of some warm brend. cup of coffee, corn bread, etc., which was good you had better think. We marched to Camp Pitman, a distance of some thirty-one miles, a pretty good day's march. There pre two reliefs: one in the forenoon and another in the afternoon. No attention paid to the fact that it is Sunday.
Oet. 5-Left Camp Pitman about eight o'clock this morning and marched to about three miles of Mt. Vernon when we encamped about six-thirty this evening. Slept in an old house which had a good fireplace in it. We were very comfortable, as it is now getting cool here during the night time. It is not at all comfortable sleeping out in the frost.
Oct. 6-After a good night's rest and sleep; not much trouble to sleep when we have the chance. We are off again on the march. It is very comfortable on the march now, as it is cool enough not to swent. Marcbed two miles, passed Crat, Orchard and went into camp. As it was raining, we got wet while on guard duty and quite so, when we were relieved. Crab Orchard has Improved greatly since we passed through here. August the twenty-second. It does not resemble the same place, having previously been In possession alternately of the rebel and union forces.
Oct. 7-Rained all night almost, and it is very sloppy this morning. The wagon master promised us we might ride. We piled into the wagons and rode almost to Camp Nelson. We got out of the wagons and reported with the prisoners to General Fry. taking them to the prison. While there a gun was accidentally discharged, wounding one of our boys in the shoulder. He made more noise about it than if he had been killed. I was standing just by bis side.
A PERIOD OF FULL RATIONS.
Oct. S-The soldier that was wounded last night was not seriously injured. We slept in the prison last night in comfortable quarters. Camp Nelson does not appear
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much like it did when we were here in August. There is lots of business here, all relating to the army and supplies. We moved down to the Convalescent camp this afternoon and took up our quarters in some tents to await further orders, which I am in no hurry to receive unless they are to move North.
Oct. 9-We are playing soldier now, as we might term it, from fact we have nothing to do but to go to our meals and eat, as they are already cooked. For break- fast we have coffee, meat and bread. For dinner we have beans, soup and breid. For supper, rice, coffee, molasses, bread, etc .. which is the principal part of our rations. The boys are getting such clothing today as they may need on the way back. I drew a pair of shoes. (Here is the picture of a shoe.)
Oct. 10-Had ambrotype taken today and sent it home to mother. I wonder if she will like to see it or not; think she certainly will. . I wish she would send me bers, and the rest of the family with it. I am not feeling very well today ; so drowsy and languid; have no appetite to eat here where there is plenty. Presume I have been eating too much for our work.
Oct. 11-This is Sunday In Camp Nelson again. It has some little resemblance to the Sabbath in civil life. The work shops are all closed and everything seems to be taking a day of rest. Attended services at three o'clock p. m. in one of the new hos- pital buildings, The preacher was a missionary from Cincinnati. His theme "The Soll is Rocky. Frozen and Unproductive."
Monday, October 12: Tomorrow Is election day in Ohio. I fear there will be a dis- turbance on that occasion from appearances to us here in Kentucky. I hope it will pass off quietly, however. I think it would if many of the voters could see the effects of this war as we have seen it here. It is raining this afternoon, and is bidding fair for making a wet night. I suspect it will commence raining about the time we are to start on our return trip to the Gap.
Tuesday, October 13: No prospect of leaving here In the morning and I hope we will not, as this is a very comfortable place at present, and especially so while it is pouring down rain and has been all day. Well. this is election day in Ohio. I wonder how it will terminate. Johnny Brough is the candidate for the soldiers, although there are n few followers of Vallandigham In this camp. Sorry I can not vote at this election. A lad little over 18 years of age Is big enough to be shot at. but not old enough to vote for governor of his state.
Wednesday, October 14: Three months ago today our regiment was mustered into the I'nited States military service for a period of six months, One half of our term of enlistment has now expired and with the expirrtion of three months more I hope we will be on our road home to old Champaign where the effects of this war are not known. Captain Lysle and the brigade quartermaster came in this afternoon with a wagon train. They reported we would go back to the Gap in five or six days with the wagons.
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