Part 8

Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 22. Teams and men gathering rebel pieces and caissons. Company cook started to-day, and all the Battery to be in one mess, much to the dissatisfaction of the boys. No mail.

Vicksburg, Thursday, July 23. Hot and monotonous. Evie troubled with diarrhea for several days, very sick in the afternoon.

Vicksburg, Friday, July 24. General Herron's command returned from their expedition to Yazoo City, having cleared the rebs out gloriously. They captured several thousand bales of cotton and negroes innumerable. The flat by the river as we go to water is covered with women and children of all hues and sizes, a grotesque scene, the men having been pressed into the service.

Eben Davis of the 20th Iowa visited us--was with us all the morning and took dinner with us. Evie some better. Heard the news of William Jones's death.

Vicksburg, Saturday, July 25. Troops returning from Jackson, their expedition having been crowned with success. Notwithstanding the warm weather they marched in good order and high spirits.

Vicksburg, Sunday, July 26. Several of our boys attended divine service at the M. E. Church. Very warm and oppressive. Indications of rain, much needed to settle the choking dust. Health is very good so far in spite of wind and weather. Received mail.

Vicksburg, Monday, July 27. A severe rain storm visited us last night preceded by a heavy wind which prostrated nearly half of the huts, leaving the occupants to the mercy of the elements. Received a letter from home but one week old; the latest yet received. Northern papers of the 22nd inst.; good news from all quarters. "Oh! the good time's a-coming". On guard. Troubled with a gathering on my right forefinger. Very painful.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, July 28. Very warm and oppressive. Suffered severely from my finger. I am afraid I am going to have a felon on it. Did not take care of my team. Battery M, 1st Missouri returned from their Jackson expedition, forty on the sick list, being obliged to use their mule drivers to park their battery.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, July 29. Had but little sleep last night on account of my finger and very painful all day. Showed it to our doctor who wanted to lance it, but had no knife.

Vicksburg, Thursday, July 30. Finger a little easier. Slept while I kept it in water. No mail. Very monotonous, especially when suffering. Visited by Sergeant Savage, 23rd Wisconsin, he going home on a furlough.

Vicksburg, Friday, July 31. The Company is rife with grumbling and discontent, owing to the Company cook operations; sour and heavy bread and other rations uncooked, a barrel of the "infernal liquid" having been drawn at headquarters. A shameful free use of it. Orderly too drunk for duty.

[Sidenote: 1863 Camp Surgery]

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 1. Took a large core out of the swelling on my finger. It does not pain me any more. A citizen took in a cartload of peaches to-day, and upon order of Lieutenant Clark sold them to the boys. They were the first I ate this season. If he would but come daily it would be healthier. Cloudy all day. At night visited by a big storm of wind and rain. Went to bed early with a very heavy fever and rheumatic pain in all my bones. No mail for four days. Strict orders down town. None admitted without pass from Provost Marshal.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 2. Awoke with a dumpish feeling. Corporal Dziewanowski went with a squad to church. Evie and myself spent the morning in reading the Testament, every other chapter. Read Acts. In the afternoon I was taken with a sudden and severe attack of diarrhea accompanied with fever and headache. Felt very bad. Wrote a short letter home notwithstanding.

Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 3. Had a very heavy fever all night. In the morning the fever subsided, and a cold clammy sweat followed. Reported at the sick call. The doctor prescribed three large doses of morphine and quinine, with two blue pills. Took the first dose, caused vomiting, did not take any more. Felt very sick all day. Could eat nothing. Bathed and put wet applications to head.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Felt much better, but have no appetite. Griff brought me a dish of arrowroot which I ate. I think I am out of danger of a fever, so I will not go to sick call. Received six days' mail.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 5. Felt much better to-day, with good appetite, had I anything fit to eat. Lieutenants Hood and Simpson have gone home on a furlough. Dr. Miller returned, giving us a speech in the evening.

Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 6. Health still improving. Corporal Sweet went outside the lines with five men and a team after peaches. Brought in several bushels. Had quite a treat for supper in the shape of bread and milk, which Evie obtained from a private house in town, the first milk I have had since I left home. "It was good".

Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 7. Very warm in the forenoon, cloudy in the afternoon, ended in rain and wind. Felt much like the ague. Mail.

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 8. A very hot monotonous day. Felt well. Lay in my tent all day reading Parton's _Life of Aaron Burr_, a man of many faults but large brain. Finished it, very interesting throughout. At morning and evening, the volleys over the graves of the departed are growing more numerous. I heard four to-day, all from the infantry regiments.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 9. Spent the day pleasantly, reading aloud most of the time _Covenant_ and _Enquirer_. David Wallace very sick in camp, not expected to live. Bathed in pond in the evening.

Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 10. Took my team this morning and reported at roll call, having been off duty thirteen days. 10 A. M. Coulter Campbell died in the hospital, the first death of the season, a strong, healthy man. A burying party went over at 4 P. M. to consign his earthly remains to their last abode. His death had but little effect in camp, so estranged is the soldier's mind. But some hearts have been wounded and are bleeding that have been patiently waiting his return for many hours, never to be realized in this world.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 11. Warm--yes, hot. Lay in camp with no excitement; notwithstanding I whiled the hours away without much trouble with plenty of papers and captured books to read.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 12. Received mail. I got two letters from home bearing date of July 12th and August 2nd, the first being detained at Memphis. What a source of comfort these weekly messengers from home are to me. How anxiously I wait for the week to roll around so as to be the recipient.

[Sidenote: 1863 "Wild, Jovial Scuffle"]

Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 13. Boys in good spirits, those of them that are blessed with health. At twilight they had a general gathering in our street, and held a wild, jovial scuffle of an hour, such as none but soldiers can partake in or enjoy. An eye witness would call it foolishness, but it is well that they spend it innocently rather than in some worse game. "It is all in three years" they say. Very true.

Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 14. The anniversary of my military life. One year ago to-day I took the oath to serve faithfully Uncle Sam. What my hopes and fears were then were far from being true. I have passed a year of hardship and danger from home and kindred. Instead of returning home in half the time with peace triumphant, I am away down here, and I expect nothing else but to serve another year--God willing. It is a bigger and more tedious job than I anticipated, but I am not disheartened, I will do my duty as near as possible.

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 15. Evie and I did our washing before breakfast. Swam my horse in the pond this morning with fifty others. Good fun. David Evans and myself rode over to the hospital in the afternoon; most of the boys doing well with the exception of G. R. Jones. He is very low, weak and emaciated. I am afraid he will not live long. Poor boy, he is very anxious to go home. After supper sent by Sergeant Dixon in search of my off horse, having strayed while I was sick. Had a pleasant ride over the hills and through gorges, but no event.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 16. Weather very warm and heavy. Health--not sick, not well. Feel dull--a headache. Completed Sparks's _Biographies of Gen. Chas. Lee_ and _Joseph Reed_. Read also a sermon of H. W. Beecher in the _Independent_. Wrote home. 4 P. M. we were suddenly startled by a loud peal of thunder, others followed, and in ten minutes the sky so clear and blue, was enshrouded with black frowning clouds and a heavy storm of wind with heavy rain followed. It rained nearly all night. A Southern storm comes unexpectedly and leaves the same.

Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 17. On detail after hay. Got out fifteen bales of new hay from the "Laurel Hill." Heavy work. Returned by dinner time. Cloudy and rainy in the evening. _Why don't the mail come!_

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 18. On guard, first relief. A heavy rain fell during the afternoon and nearly all night. Much like fall weather in Wisconsin. Rather disagreeable on foot. Kept dry by the aid of rubber. Mail arrived, with a good amount for "Jenk".

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 19. Health tolerable. Went to see the sick boys. They were disheartened in hopes of obtaining furloughs. Rained and thundered in the afternoon.

[Sidenote: 1863 Furloughs]

Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 20. Medical Director examining patients--granted sick furloughs to all the applicants, twenty-nine in number; some of them were in much need of them, others "played off" so as to go home. The time of the last furloughs has run out, but not any of them seen yet. 1 P. M. a terrible explosion has occurred on the levee. The "City of Madison" loading up with ammunition for below was blown to fragments. Nearly 200 lives were lost, and much damage done to the "Ed. Walsh" lying alongside her. It was a sickening scene, human bodies torn and burned into shreds thrown high in air. Many bodies not found. Colonel Powell, chief of artillery on McPherson's staff, and Lieutenant MacMurray, Battery M, reported to be on board the fated boat.

Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 21. Lieutenant Fancher started home, his resignation having been accepted. He was very low. Another awful hot and sultry day, with rainy, foggy nights. Several troubled with ague. Prepared a mess of mushrooms for supper.

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 22. Health good, but severe headache and bad digestion. Butter all gone, no more to be found. I don't feel much disposed to eat "sow belly"; had grape sauce bottled and charged.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 23. The warmest day of the season, I think. My shirt was wet with sweat while lying on my bunk. Very quiet and one could almost imagine the calm of a Sabbath day was spread around as of times past. Felt rather lonesome, mused away most of the day in a waking dream, thinking of home and by-gone days. Mail arrived--none for me. Wrote to T. L. All looking for the return of the furloughed men. They are six days behind.

Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 24. Health very good to-day. Very warm and dull until it was broken at noon by the intelligence that "the furloughs were coming", and sure enough, they did come direct from home. Everybody rushed out to meet them, anxious to speak to one that was from home. "Did you see any of our folks?" "Have you got anything for me?", etc. were heaped upon them. Many of the boys were the recipients of packages from their folks, but I was not one of the lucky ones.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Aug. 25. This morning twenty-seven men started home on sick furloughs, some that were in great need of it, others who were "a little sick" so as to go home. The remainder of the day "furlough" was the theme, and many were a "leetle" homesick. On guard. Third relief. Day wound up with a fight.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Aug. 26. The time passed very pleasantly while on post last night, but it was very chilly. Slept cold under two blankets, while to-day it is very warm. Bad weather for ague. Feel much like it all day. Headache.

Vicksburg, Thursday, Aug. 27. Did not get up for roll call. Did not feel well. Headache and rheumatism quite bad in limbs. Feverish all day. Cleared off in the afternoon, fine and pleasant in the evening.

[Sidenote: 1863 Box From Home]

Vicksburg, Friday, Aug. 28. Felt pretty well. Fine day. Just before dinner I was informed that there was a box for me at the express office. I immediately obtained the necessary papers from Lieutenant Clark; George Spencer and myself hitched up the team and started down. Found it "a good large one", but just as I got in the wagon it commenced raining, and did rain all the way back, giving us as good a wetting as ever a soldier had. Found my tent nearly immersed in water, a large stream running between our bunks and the rain pouring in from above. Obliged to lay the box away for two hours before the storm abated so as to open it--was Job ever tempted so? But at last it stopped and we found lots of good things, butter, cake, dried fruit, cheese, etc. Much obliged to you.

Vicksburg, Saturday, Aug. 29. Mail arrived. Received a letter. John enclosed the receipt of box from express office. Express one day before mail. Nineteen furloughed men left for home on the "J. C. Swan". On detail in the afternoon for foraging. Loaded 166 sacks of oats and 21 bales of hay after dark, when we returned rather tired.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Aug. 30. Calm and quiet day. Spent the day in writing home and perusing _Covenants_ received from home. D. J. D. quite sick. Slept with him during the night. Administered medicine.

Vicksburg, Monday, Aug. 31. Very cold last night. Slept uncomfortable. Got up before daylight and cleaned out my stable. 9 A. M. we had mounted inspection and muster for pay. The old harness was stiff and scattered, in poor condition for active service, as were also some of the horses (or at least so is my old gray charger, a secesh horse farm bred). Warm during the day. D. J. D. a little better.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Sept. 1. Did our washing before breakfast, Evie doing the rubbing and I built fire and "toted" suds. Lieutenants Hood and Simpson returned. One year ago to-day I joined the Battery at Rienzi, a raw recruit. Little did I think that in one year I would be away down here in Vicksburg. On the contrary I hoped long ere this to be quietly at home with peace o'er all the land. Where will I be one year from to-day--God knows.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Sept. 2. On guard, third relief. As I did not go on until 12 M., E. W. E. and myself took a ride along the line to Fort Hill, which is about three miles distant, and took another look at the ditches, holes, abatis, and bastions, from behind which many savage little balls were hurled at us two months ago, but now they are empty and grass grown. Uncle Sam is fixing up all the important forts with gabions. Fort Hill entirely built over, very pretty. Returned through the hollows. Two letters from home awaiting me.

Vicksburg, Thursday, Sept. 3. Was not relieved from guard this morning until 9 A. M., having stood an hour over time. (Orderly slept too near whiskey keg I guess). Suffering from severe cold. Rev. Mr. Fancher and Miss Calkins arrived here in the afternoon in search of son and father, both of which were happily disappointed, as they had gone home before they arrived. Mr. Fancher addressed us at evening roll call, after which three Badger cheers were given him.

Vicksburg, Friday, Sept. 4. Lieutenant Clark left on leave of absence with Miss Calkins and Mr. Fancher, leaving Lieutenant Hood in command of Battery. William Hamilton taken sick with fever and gone to the hospital to-day. D. J. D. quite sick.

Vicksburg, Saturday, Sept. 5. Fine day. Health very good. Feel first rate to-day. We have fine times of it. We bought lots of potatoes and onions with butter, sauce, etc. and we live good for soldiers. Headquarters serenaded in the evening by 3rd Brigade band--Avery leader.

Vicksburg, Sunday, Sept. 6. Warm and monotonous during the day. Felt unwell. Mail arrived in the evening. None for me.

[Sidenote: 1863 Beyond the Lines]

Vicksburg, Monday, Sept. 7. To break the monotony of camp, Evie and myself obtained permission to go outside the lines. We mounted our steeds and passed through a port hole in the line to evade the guards, as we had no pass. We rode out about three miles before we saw a house.

House No. 1, stopped to get a drink; three women, no men around. She had lost four cows and wanted to know who stole them, suspected a one legged nigger, she "would be dagged if she wouldn't cut off his other leg."

House No. 2. We were looking for horses, examined one tied at the door. The old woman came out haggling, excited, claiming protection by her papers. We told her it was all right and rode on, leaving her to hate the Yankees.

House No. 3. Two fine looking young ladies there. Inquired for milk to drink. A little black girl brought us some buttermilk--good, tasted like home. Gave the blushing Confederate miss a quarter and left.

House No. 4. Examined a negro, pretending him to be a suspicious character, but finally concluded he was all right. Found plenty of nice tomatoes in the old secesh camp growing wild. Picked lots of muskatines and grapes, and returned via old position. Arrived in camp 3 P. M. tired but well pleased with our adventure. Company had received marching orders.

Vicksburg, Tuesday, Sept. 8. Preparing to march. There are but four pieces going, ten days' rations supposed to be enough. Oiling harness, etc. On guard. Music by the fiddlers in the evening, who were not much disposed to put their lights out at taps. Orderly Jenawein dictates, which resulted in quite a row. Lieutenant Hood finally succeeded in getting things dark, but the minstrels kept on with their fun till midnight, quite sprung, some of them, by whiskey.

Vicksburg, Wednesday, Sept. 9. ---- and ---- drunk and noisy. Lieutenant Hood endeavored to arrest ----, but he ran away. Corporal Neefe chased him over the hills awhile and returned, when King, corporal of the guard, with three men, tried it, but with no better success. They then returned to camp. When ---- thought pursuit was abandoned, he returned, when three guards with sabres arrested him, but he got away, putting them at defiance, running over the hills yelling like a maniac. Lieutenant Hood now mounted the guards, and after a good deal of running and more excitement, he halted from exhaustion and attacked the guards, Proctor and Richardson. At this time quite a mob of ---- sympathizers made for the guards and interfered, but were finally subdued, and in the afternoon Hood took ----, ---- and ---- to the Provost Marshal, and they are to-night locked up in jail. Army regulations read at roll call.

Vicksburg, Thursday, Sept. 10. Very warm and quiet during the day. All ready and awaiting marching orders. J ---- taken to the Provost Marshal as being concerned in yesterday's riot. Mail arrived, brought the sad news of the death of Alice, Evie's sister. After supper call, while eating quietly in the dusk, a hurried order came to hitch up, and was executed with more haste. Our piece was not going, and I knew not in what capacity I was to go, but it was evident there was nobody to tell me just then. And not wishing to be left, I hurriedly packed my blankets and started with the column; nearly everything lying around, such was the haste. We marched briskly until we reached the levee street, when we halted, made a counter march and returned to camp.

AT WORK AGAIN

Vicksburg, Friday, Sept. 11. Reveille at the usual time, breakfast, after which proceeded to move; hitched quietly and leisurely. I was ordered to pick my team out of the Platoon and harness it as extra team, which gave me an opportunity to take my valise along with me. Griff took my butter keg and dried apples. Left my overcoat with E. W. E., knapsack in charge of G. M. Spencer and Piper, who are to stay behind. Proceeded to the levee and loaded on to the "Illinois", a large freight boat; guns put in position on the forecastle, the horses in the stern unharnessed. All was stowed away tuck by 9 A. M. Infantry loading on teams and mules all the remainder of the day, filling up the lower deck so as to be impassable. Made our bed on the boiler deck and slept.

[Sidenote: 1863 Toiling Up the Mississippi]

On the Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 12. Early the "muskets" appeared on the shore and filed on board, the 18th Wisconsin, 4th Minnesota and 63rd Illinois took their quarters on this boat. At 11:30 A. M. the fleet of the 7th Division put out, headed up stream in the following order:

"Emerald" Flagship

"Illinois" } 1st Brigade "Kentucky" }

"John J. Roe" } 2nd Brigade "Clara Bell" }

"Adriatic" } 3rd Brigade "Kenset" }

Advanced very slowly, the river being very low. Passed Millikens Bend, deserted and grass grown in appearance, at 4 P. M. Landed at sundown on an island to take on fuel. A lot of negroes at work for government chopping cord wood. All hands got off for fun. Bathed in the river and went to bed.

On the Mississippi, Sunday, Sept. 13. Boat left the wood-yard at 10 o'clock last night, but lay on a sand bar most of the night. Slowly and carefully, like a thing of life, our palace picked her way up through bold sand bars. Motion was imperceptible and the banks but one monotonous belt of cotton-wood with here and there a chimney which we suppose is where some enterprising secesh is going to build. Struck shore at Providence 11 A. M. Many of the boys, supposing her stay to be more permanent, jumped ashore and put off, but the bell soon called them back, and a race for the boat ensued, but some were too late. The boat had swung off leaving them to the mercy of gunboats or guerrillas, there being no troops after these.

3 P. M. met "Gladiator" going down. Lashed to her, took on passenger and two hogshead of ice. Spent the day lying on deck amidst the muskets, haversacks, blankets and men. Deprived of the pleasure of writing home as usual.

On the Mississippi, Monday, Sept. 14. 'Tis evening, and I am seated on the guard of the boat all alone, with no noise save the heavy breathing of the steam horse. The sun has just set in the stern of the boat like a ball of fire, throwing its long rays over the waters, giving it the appearance of a golden pathway. The soldiers are all mute, gazing out on the glorious scene, save here and there a group indulging in a quiet game of cards. All day the boat has kept on its slow but steady headway, passed Napoleon at 9 A. M. and yet we are many miles from Helena. You will not wonder then that I have been day dreaming. Behind us lies the parched city of Vicksburg, for which we underwent many weeks of weary toil to capture, after which two short months of rest. And now we are off again, we know not where, but we know it is for war, marching, fatigues, battles and perhaps wounds and suffering, and that, while the anxious heart of an invalid mother, an aged father, sisters and brothers dear, are waiting my return. And I am comparatively alone, and the only happiness I derive is in the indulgence of hope of the realization of the good time coming.

[Sidenote: 1863 Breaking Loose]

Helena, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Awakened to find the boats tied up at Helena, which point we reached at 3:30 A. M. Guards were placed to prevent the boys going ashore; notwithstanding, the boys went and came. At 2 P. M. swung out and after much trouble affected a landing where we could disembark. Got off and into park by sundown. Indications of rain. (I on guard.) Many of the boys down in the streets raising "ned", breaking into saloons, drunk, etc.