R. H. Foord Diary - 1863

January 1863

Thurs.
Jan. 1, 1863 - This is indeed a splendid New Year's morning with a slight skiff of snow on the ground. I have resolved to keep this year a better boy than I have done heretofore. Was engaged all morning packing a large box to take to the Regt. eat dinner with Mr. Allison - came up town - spent the afternoon with Laura and took supper with her - we had a nice oyster supper - went to Church in Evening. Came over and talked with Laura till 10 O'clock.

Friday
Jan. 2, 1863 - Called on Laura in the morning - bid them all goodbye at quarter till six. I started for Camp Dennison. Seeph Smith was on the cars. We had quite a nice time coming down to City. Joe came over to depot to see me off. I do not feel very well today - have the blues and headache. Smith and I eat dinner at the Gibson House - 3 O'clock started out to Camp. Retired early to bed - was very tired and sleepy - not had any sleep for two nights.

Saturday
Jan. 3, 1863 - A.M. Feel greatly revived this morning after a good long night's rest. Camp Dennison, I find the same old place as ever. I drew one blanket each for the boys and provision for 5 days - went to the Depot and stayed there till noon. Saw one of the 35th boys.

P.M. After I eat my dinner I sat down and wrote a good long letter to my Laura and mailed it in the evening. I read the (Female Spy). Retired to bed early.

Sunday
Jan. 4, 1863 - A.M. A very fine morning. I feel sad today. I would like to be home to go to Sabbath School this morning and Church but I cannot. I must make the best of it. This is indeed a great change since last Sabbath. Then I was home with my friends and enjoying myself and their society but now I am deprived of that blessed privilege. God grant the time may not be far distant when I may be enabled to stay home and this awful war brought to a favorable close.

Monday
Jan. 5, 1863 - A.M. Rained very fast all morning - mud plenty - too much to go out. So I stayed in the barracks all morning. Amused myself in various ways. Capt. Lewis came up from Cincinnatti - did not get the money nor cannot find out anything about leaving for the Regt. Got any early dinner.

P.M. Bob Livingston and I went to Milford - did not stay long - when we got back Bob and Capt. Lewis started for Hamilton in search of deserters.

Tuesday
Jan. 6, 1863 - Snowing and very bad getting around. I stayed in barracks and read nearly all day. Eat dinner in the barracks. I went to the Depot for supper - saw the train come in. I got a letter from Laura.

Wednesday
Jan. 7, 1863 - I wrote a letter after breakfast to Laura and went down to the guard house. Saw Frank Simmons and chatted with him till dinner. Then eat dinner at the Sutters and went to the Barracks. Spent the rest of this day in reading. Retired early.

Sunday
Jan. 11, 1863 - A.M. Very fine day but muddy. Sgnt. Frost and I went to Capt. Ware to get a pass to go to Milford to Church but he could not give us one so we had to stay in camp.

P.M. Did not go out any more all day - read all afternoon - wrote to Laura in evening - retired to bed early - nothing of importance happened all day. Rats very troublesome all night - could not sleep.

Wednesday
Jan. 14, 1863 - A.M. Raining very fast. Took breakfast at the Boarding House. Capt. Lewis gave me a pass - got it countersigned by Capt. Ware.

P.M. Started on train to city - had to be over to get 10 o'clock train - then started for Middleton. All the folks in bed - woke up Adam Foster - he came down let me in and gave me the key of No. 8. Snowed very fast.

Thursday
Jan. 15, 1863 - A.M. Got up bright and early. Got a good breakfast and went up town. Saw Joe Webster then call around to see Laura - found her quite unwell with a bad cold and sore throat - did not stay long - went to the depot and received by Express $25.00 from Willis Cory.

P.M. Called on Boss White - paid my account and had my boots repaired. Spent the evening with Laura - had a very nice time - stayed till 11 o'clock.

Friday
Jan. 16, 1863 - A.M. Snow about 18 inches deep. Everybody play riding but me. I can't afford it - too hard times. Called on Mr. Baply and Pete Gibson. Found Pete sick - not able to sit up.

P.M. Wrote to Willie Cory - chatted awhile to Prof. Robinson and went to my supper - evening called on Laura. We went to Church - after church went over home and had a good time. My cold very bad. Laura's no better - did not stay late.

Saturday
Jan. 17, 1863 - Did not get up till 9 O'clock - felt quite unwell - spent the morning with Mr. Jones - got a letter from Harry Hinge and answered it immediately.

P.M. Went to the depot and waited till the 5 train came in and came over to town and called on Laura in the evening at 7 o'clock - stayed till 10 - passed the evening very pleasantly - went to bed in good time.

Sunday
Jan. 18, 1863 - A.M. Went to Charley's - got shaved and went to Sabbath School - after school Joe and I took a walk around town and Sidney Gephart came along with a sleigh. We took a little ride around town and went to church.

P.M. Went to Sunday Schools Concert - Joe and I - Laura and Luke - afterwards went to prayer meeting - came home and took supper with Laura - went to church in evening. All sat together - appeared like old times. Stayed up till 12 - day well spent.

Monday
Jan. 19, 1863 - Very fine morning. Prepared to start to Camp Dennison - went around to see Laura. Did not have much time to spare. Bid Laura and friends Goodbye. Joe went over to depot with me - met Capt. Lewis at Hamilton. Arrived in Cincinnatti 11 o'clock - Eat dinner at Gall House.

P.M. Called on Mrs. Bagly - talked awhile. Met Capt. Lewis at Gibson House and started for the Little Miami Depot. Boy Livingston was there - we all started for Camp Dennison - arrived there at 5 P.M.

Tuesday
Jan. 20, 1863 - Fine morning - snow disappearing - very bad getting around. Eat breakfast in the barracks - went down to the depot - stayed there nearly all forenoon - had my ….. beard taken off. Eat dinner at Boarding House.

P.M. Read all afternoon - Gen McClellan's Female Spy - after supper went out with the 108 boys and snow balled - went to bed early. Could not sleep for the rats. Stove fell down and had to get up and fix it.

Wednesday
Jan. 21, 1863 - Raining a little - thawing very fast - did not get up very early - had a good breakfast with Capt. Lewis at his Boarding house - nothing of importance occurred.

P.M. Recruits all mustered. Drew their clothing and prepared for starting to Cincinnatti - went down on 4 o'clock train - arrived in city - put recruits in the Columbia St. Barracks - went to Gibson House - eat supper - then all the rest of the party went to the theatre. I went to bed early.

Thursday
Jan. 22, 1863 - Left Camp Dennison - came down to Cincinnatti - took the recruits to Columbia St. Barracks and Capt. Lewis, Vanholn and Triysetz came up to the Gibson House - took supper and I went up to Mrs. Bagleys. The rest of the boys went to the theatre. I came to the Gibson House about 10 o'clock and met Lieut. Schaffer - he proposed going to take some oysters. I consented - we went - came home - went to bed - Capt. Lewis came home at 2 o'clock - pulled me out of bed.

Friday
Jan. 23, 1863 - Got up at 6 o'clock. Livingston and myself came up to 5th st - went through the market and came down to Burnet House to see Joe Sanders - eat breakfast with Joe Sanders - went over to Dayton Depot to see a friend off - came back - eat dinner at Gibson House. Evening I thought I would go to Middletown as I was at Hamilton so I started and got in Middleton at 7 o'clock - found Joe at School. We started a round home and quite surprised all the folks - had a nice time with Laura - came down to Cincinnattie at 9 o'clock - had 2 hours at Home.

Saturday
Jan. 24, 1863 - Very nice morning. I feel very tired - did not get to bed till 1 o'clock. Eat breakfast at Gibson House forenoon. Walked around through 5th St. Market. Afternoon went aboard of the Ohio No. 3 - packed away our baggage. 8 o'clock P.M. we started on our way to Nashville - steamed up - and went ahead - all in pretty good spirits - I stayed on deck till 10 o'clock - then came into the cabin and turned in with Sgnt. Frost - could not get to sleep for a good long while.

Sunday
Jan. 25 1863 - Quite a change of affairs since last Sabbath Morning. I woke up about 3 A.M. and found the Boat at anchor - did not start till 5 A.M. There was quite a dense fog - arrived at Louisville at 9 A.M. Immediately wrote a letter to Laura. Lt. Shaffer and I went ashore. I mailed my letter - we took a walk around the city. We eat a dish of oysters for dinner - went to the barracks - saw some of the 35th boys. Went to … Church at night - did not wait till the service was over.

Monday
Jan. 26, 1863 - Raining very fast - commenced to write a letter to Joe. Fred Reis deserted - we had to go in search of him. Came back to the boat and finished Joe's letter. P.M. did not go ashore any more all day - the boat steamed up and went a short distance up the River to take in coal - did not get on enough coal today - layed over here all night - had a pass but could not go into the city. - reading - did not retire till 12.

Tuesday
Jan. 27, 1863 - The steward came and woke us up about six o'clock - finished loading coal - steamed up and came down to Louisville again - stayed there a short time and came down to Portland to await the arrival of the troops. P.M. Lieut. Of the 38th Regt. and I went ashore - took a walk around Portland - saw the new canal - it was very cold day - soon came aboard again - I amused myself reading the rest of the day - retired early.

Wednesday
Jan 28, 1863 - A.M. Still lying in Portland. I had to make coffee and get breakfast - have a bad cold today. Slept cold all night - did not have enough bed clothes - got dinner.

P.M. Read all afternoon - after supper commenced to write to Laura. Soldiers commenced coming in - stood outside on deck watching them till I got tired and cold. Came in and went to bed - Sgt. Frost was quite sick all night.

Thursday
Jan. 29, 1863 - A.M. Landing covered with soldiers - finished Laura's letter and mailed it. Lt. Schaffer and I took quite a long walk - made another visit to the new Canal - eat dinner and sat down and read the Mountain Patrole all afternoon - great talk that the Rebels were in force on the Cumberland River - after supper Lt. Schaffer and a friend of his had some music in the evening. Quite a pleasant time - I finished my novel at 10 o'clock and retired to bed - blew quite a gale all night.

Friday
Jan. 30, 1863 - A.M. After breakfast went out on the landing and saw the 115th Regt. mount guard - went to Louisville to get dried beef - came back and got dinner on the boat.

P.M. Lt. Doughertz, Sgnt. Vanhorn, Sgnt. Frost and myself went to Louisville to draw rations. We sent them down to the boat and returned to the boat by the street cars. Traded our rice and beans for soft bread and our pork for hams. Retired at 10 o'clock but could not sleep. So many playing cards - kept awake.

Saturday
Jan. 31, 1863 - It is a very nice morning but cold - had a dream last night - thought I was home and discharged - too good to think about - bought a lot of stationary of Mr. Rhodes and peddled it out - was very busy - Three Regts. just received pay - I made a good thing off my stationary cleared $22.00 - one good days work. 19th Michigan Regt. came aboard our boat and took our quarters. We had to sleep in the Barber's Shop on the boat - had a good night's rest.

February 1863

Sunday
Feb. 1, 1863 - A.M. Got up at 5 o'clock - had an early breakfast and got some more stationary - all the boats - but three had started. I sold about $16 worth of stationary and cleared $8.00 - could not sell any more. All the boys supplied. Spent another Sabbath on the boat. Evening was very beautiful - a splendid moonlight night - I sincerely wished I was home so I could go to church but no it cannot be so now I must take things as they come.

Monday
Feb. 2, 1863 - A.M. Very nice morning - all the boats left but ours. Major of the 19th Michigan went to Louisville to know the reason we are detained so long at this place - went to the Post Office and wrote a letter to Laura. Eat dinner at the Capitol House - at 4:30 P.M. we started from Portland with a good stage of water and the wind in our favor - did not stop till 3 o'clock next morning when we took in a supply of coal.

Tuesday
Feb. 3, 1863 - A.M. I woke at 5 o'clock. The boat was tying up - taking in coal - as soon as ready we were on our way again at 6 P.M. A bitter cold morning - a very strong wind blowing. Everything froze up - could not wash without dipping down into the river. 12 a.m. we stopped into Irvinsville. I got a good supply of bread. At 2 we started on our way again - had a big fuss with a Kentuckian Capt. Of 19th. Parted us - no one hurt. Old Father Baily had a chill - put him to bed early.

Wednesday
Feb. 4, 1863 - 1 o'clock came to Smithland - did not stay but 2 hours - then went ahead up the Cumberland. Nothing of importance happened till we arrived at Fort Donnalis at 5 P.M. We discovered that there had been quite a battle fought between the 82nd Illinois regt. and 8 Regts. of Rebels. Our Gunboats came up just in time to save our men yesterday. Some of our boys went ashore and saw the dead being buried. The prospect is good for a fight tomorrow. The Rebels are said to be in for us - 15 miles above - we will see what the morrow brings forth.

Thursday
Feb. 5, 1863 - A.M. Went ashore and looked over the battle field - saw some pretty hard looking sights. Went into a house where the prisoners were confined. Some 30 in number. Had quite a long talk with one of them.

P.M. Bought a lot of stationary of Mr. Rhodes and sold it again - made a good speculation on it - was on the opposite shore and our boar steamed up and went down stream for coal - I had to pay $0.50 to be taken to the boat in a skiff.

Friday
Feb. 6, 1863 - A.M. Still lying at Fort Donaldson but on the opposite shore - fine morning - froze very hard last night - cannot get ashore - no plank out - all the boats steamed up and we went ahead at 10 o'clock. I counted 48 boats in the fleet but I think I did not see them all - Nothing of importance happened through the day - beautiful scenery presented itself along the river - the boys are in readiness with their guns loaded in case of an attack. Went very slow all day. Evening the officers of the 19th Michigan had a concert. I went in and enjoyed myself - finally passed Clarksville at 10

P.M. Travelled all night.

Saturday
Feb. 7, 1863 - A.M. Very fine morning - our boat and the Fort Wain lashed together - we are traveling very slow - just came down from the Hurricane deck - it is really a pretty sight to see so many boats together. I am told there is 64 boats besides the Gun Boats. I do not feel well today. I will go and lie down.

P.M. I went to bed at 1 o'clock and slept all afternoon. Woke up at 5 o'clock and found the boat safely anchored at Nashville. Capt. Lewis went ashore to learn where the Regt. was - came back - and reported it 12 miles off. Remained on board all night.

Sunday
Feb. 8, 1863 - Sgnt. Frost and I went out into the city and got a fine breakfast - had a very good one but by the way the folks know how to charge we had to pay 50 cents each but who cares for expenses while the money lasts. I went aboard of the Jacob Strader and say some of my friends Mr. Batz went out to the Regt. and will come in with a wagon to take us and our baggage tomorrow. We eat dinner at a saloon in the city.

P.M. came on board and stayed the rest of the day.

Monday
Feb. 9, 1863 - A.M. was woke up at 6 o'clock by the Barber. I washed and went in and got my breakfast. Afterwards Bob and I was on the Hurricane deck. I sent a valentine to Laura. The waggons came in to take ourselves and baggage out to the Regt. We started at 2

P.M. and got out to Regt. at 6. Found all the boys well and in good spirits. Got my supper with Capt. Had 20 boxes to open and disturbed the (thugs) A great many questions to answer - did not get to sleep till 12.

Tuesday
Feb. 10, 1863 - A.M. Got up bright and early in the morning - took breakfast with Sgnt. Pearsons mess - then went up to Comisary and saw John Bradstreet and the rest of the boys. Called on George Leitch - chatted awhile - then came to the Company. Eat my dinner - wrote a letter to Laura - while I was writing one I received one from her and glad I was to do so. Mailed my letter after supper. I spent the evening with Capt. talking of home - that happy place I love - retired at 10 o'clock.

Wednesday
Feb. 11, 1863 - A.M. Had a bad cold. Did not get up very early. Could not eat any breakfast - commenced my duty and relieved Sgt. Pearson - feel very lonesome - Camp Life does not suit me any more - oh, I wish I was home again but that is (peared) out now. I must forget all about it.

P.M. Feel better than I did than I did this morning - wrote 3 letters to Joe Webster, Foster and Hamit - went out at guard mount - Denny and I went down to Stone River and washed. Retired after Roll Call.

Thursday
Feb. 12, 1863 - A.M. Rained nearly all day - could not leave the tent - feel quite lonesome - went to the Comisary's tent and spent the forenoon. Had a long talk with John Bradstreet.

P.M. Drew rations for 5 days and prepared to go out on picket at 3 1/2

P.M. We started on picket about half a mile from camp - got there and posted our Guards - the Reserve stayed at the Toll Gate. I stayed with the reserve and built a large fire. Capt. stayed up till 12 and woke me up and I went on duty till morning.

Friday
Feb. 13, 1863 - A.M. Passed the night without being attacked - a great many citizens wanted to pass in to go to Nashville but few of them were allowed to pass. eat dinner early.

P.M. nothing of importance occurred. At 3 Company F came out and relieved us and we returned to camp. Had a lot of beef to issue out - then drew clothing - mail came and I did not get a letter from home - feel somewhat disappointed - retired early - cold very bad.

Saturday
Feb. 14, 1863 - A.M. After breakfast I began to rule my morning report book - it took a long time to do it - went over to the Sutters tent - and chatted to Geo. Gitch till dinner time - then came to the comfy to get my dinner.

P.M. cleaned my musket - it was very dirty and it was a big job to get it bright - commenced to rain and rained nearly all night - our tent leaked and all our clothes got wet.

Sunday
Feb. 15, 1863 - A.M. Very pleasant. 6 o'clock called roll and eat breakfast. 10 had inspection of arms - my gun passed for a great wonder. Eat dinner and sat down in tent and talked with the boys. At 4 o'clock a messenger came into camp - and reported that our train was attacked. 12 men of the 2nd Minn. Regt. repulsed 90 cavalry of guerillas and killed 4 - wounded several and took 3 prisoners. Came into camp with the waggons - the darkies of the Regt. had a revival of religion.

Monday
Feb. 16, 1863 - Fine morning but cold. At 10 A.M. we went out to drill and drilled till 12 - came and then Luker's mess had some very nice vegetable soup - he invited me to eat with him and I did so and had a good dinner consisting of fried beef and vegetable soup. After dinner we pitched Horse shoes and had a good time. Mail came at 4 but no letter for Dick - doomed to disappointment - hope to get one tomorrow.

Tuesday
Feb. 17, 1863 - A.M. Raining like sixty - could not drill so I remained in tent all morning and it rained almost as hard as in the tent as outside. We kept up a large fire and made ourselves as comfortable as possible.

P.M. Quit raining and I went to the Comisary tent. There was a nigger there preaching a sermon and it was a great sermon indeed. No letter today. What can be the matter?

Wednesday
Feb. 18, 1863 - A.M. Raining a little but not enough to hurt. Nothing of importance occurred - did not do any duty. Gen. sent off 2 negroes and a white man prisoners to Murphysboro to receive their sentence of court martial. Had a splendid dinner of fried beef and onions.

P.M. Wrote a letter to Laura - a long one - occupied my time all afternoon.

Thursday
Feb. 19, 1863 - A.M. Order came to prepare for general inspection. So we all had to clean our guns - pack our knapsacks - at 10 we were inspected by Deviston - inspection afternoon pitched horseshoes and had good time. Received a letter from Laura - one from Joe and S.S. from Laura and a valentine which I must charge Laura for.

Friday
Feb. 20, 1863 - A.M. at 8 1/2 we had to go on picket. At the toll gate a great many (counterbands) passed into camp - the Gen. made teamsters of them. Several refuges passed in out lines bound to Nashville.

P.M. Fred Barchaird and myself played marbles all afternoon. 5 o'clock got a letter from Dock Geight and one from Joe Webster - I was on duty till 10 o'clock - then went to sleep till 3 in the morning.

Saturday
Feb. 21, 1863 - A.M. Returned to camp at 8 1/2 - got out breakfast - and drew clothing for the company and issued it - then pitched horse shoes till noon - had dinner at about 11 o'clock

P.M. (comfy) policed the quarters - part of our regiment out on a foraging expedition - commenced to rain in the afternoon - had our tents to ditch around to keep from being washed away.

Sunday
Feb. 22, 1863 - A.M. First thing on our program was to clean our guns and Acroutiments then had inspection - the band came out and played John Morgans mule - next I sat down and commenced to write to Laura - wrote till noon and got very tired of writing so laid it away till next morning.

P.M. I went to church to hear a nigger preach. He did very well considering all the darkies got very happy and had a big time.

Monday
Feb. 23, 1863 - A.M. Had our regular duties to perform - finished Laura's letter. Col. Long read to the Regt. some resolutions of Col. Walker's and took a vote upon them - the Regt. gave a unanimous vote in favor of their adoption.

P.M. wrote a letter for Frank Armstrong for Frank Armstrong to his wife - received a good long letter from my dear Laura containing all the news of Middletown.

Tuesday
Feb. 24, 1863 - A.M. After breakfast I made out my morning report - then pitched horse shoes till noon. Order came for Batallion drill.

P.M. At 2 we went out to a large cleared field and had Batallion drill. Col. Long in command - had a long drill - near 3 hours - I got very tired of it for it was a new thing - got a letter from Joe dated Jan. 19th. After supper band played. Jim Blair and I went down to hear it.

Wednesday
Feb. 25, 1863 - Got up with a very bad cold - rained all night and our tent leaked and the rain came down on my head and all night. Nothing of importance occurred. Orders came to cook rations for a forage expedition tomorrow. I cleaned up my musket and prepared for the tramp.

Thursday
Feb. 26, 1863 - A.M. Got an early breakfast and our dinner in our haversack At 7 we started on a foraging expedition. We went to Triune and found plenty of forage is coming - raining very fast and none of the Regt. had their overcoats with them so we broke open a school house and made ourselves as comfortable as possible till the wagons were full and read to return to camp - got very wet and very muddy. Supper was waiting when we returned into camp so we all changed clothes and retired.

Friday
Feb. 27, 1863 - A.M. Very nice morning - sun shining very bright and was a perfect Spring Morning. I took down my tent to let it air - had a regular cleaning out - cleaned my musket and acroutiments - all ready for emergency.

P.M. Pitched Horse shoes till 4 o'clock - then went out on dress parade Eat supper - had pigs feet for supper - after I wrote all evening - Boys had a big time dancing. Co. K&G engaged in the above.

Saturday
Feb. 28, 1863 - A.M. 8 Co. K. went on picket. I stayed in camp to draw rations - issued them to the Company. Eat my dinner. The Regt. had gun inspection.

P.M. I went out to the Company on picket - I did not go on duty till 10 o'clock - then I stayed on till 2 a.m. Sgt. Pierson relieved me - commenced raining and continued till daylight. At 8

P.M. we returned to camp.

March 1863

Sunday
Mar. 1, 1863 - A.M. Got our breakfast - had fresh pork which some of the boys had killed on picket - prepared for inspection but did not have any - we were mustered for pay and policed our quarters.

P.M. After eating dinner I commenced writing a letter to Laura and later we had a dress parade - the band played John Morgan Mule. I finished my letters and the Company G. had a dance - quite an amusement for the Sabbath.

Monday
Mar. 2, 1863 - A.M. 9 o'clock to 12 we had company drill by G. Lambright - passed off very well - think the Company is improving in drilling - come in - had our dinner - at 2 we got our mail - I read a letter from Joe and one enclosed from Laura - then we had Batallion drill by the Major - went half a mile to get into a good drill ground - we did not drill but about half an hour - came in and I answered Joes' letter.

Tuesday
Mar. 3, 1863 - Batalltion Drill in morning by Col. Long.

P.M. Received Marching Orders.

Wednesday
Mar. 4, 1863 - 2 A.M. were woke up and prepared three days rations and at 6 o'clock started off on a scout. A nice day - got out as far as (Taune) and there the 2nd Minn. fell in with us - continued on to Harper River and our cavalry took 63 of the rebels prisoners - surround and surprised them - we crossed the river and marched 6 miles forth and camped after supper - I and others went out and captured some hams and was compelled to retreat.

Thursday
Mar. 5, 1863 - A.M. very fine morning but rather cold - got breakfast and started on - had not got far till the Rebel Pickets commenced firing on our advance guard of Cavalry - the rebel pickets were driven into their camp near 5 miles. We marched in battle line all that distance till we saw the Rebels drawn up in line - then we halted - loaded our guns and marched forward - our cavalry made a charge and the rebels fell back - we returned after destroying some buildings that the rebels were using - we camped 5 miles from (Chapel Hill).

Friday
Mar. 6, 1863 - A.M. 3 o'clock orders came to march - the Rebels were after us with a large force - in a short time we were moving we crossed the harper river and eat breakfast - my feet were very sore and I got into the ambulance and rode till the Regt. halted and camped near (Triune) We built huts and made ourselves pretty comfortable - raining like sixty - I sent into camp for a pair of shoes. Capt came out and brought the mail. I got 2 letters form Laura and a S.S. Paper.

Saturday
Mar. 7, 1863 - A.M. Still raining - did not sleep very good - had nothing but an India Rubber Blanket to keep off the rain - Sheridan's Division came to reinforce us.

P.M. We moved our camp to an elevation which commands the surrounding country - the wagons went to Nolansville after our tents. They came about 9 o'clock but we did not put them up tonight for we had huts built which answered the purpose - the mail came - got a letter from Joe.

Sunday
Mar. 8, 1863 - A.M. We commenced to put up our tents - when we were ordered to march - Rather provoking but had to go - we went to harper river and found a nest of seccesh. We shelled them out with our 24 pounders - they retreated - and we came back at 5 o'clock. Got our supper and thought we would have one good long night's rest but were disappointed for our company had to go out on picket and so we went and had a benefit wading through the mud on the Franklin road but its all for the Union.

Monday
Mar. 9, 1863 - A.M. I came into camp from Picket and drew rations for the Company and did not return to Picket Guard but stayed in camp and fixed up my provision account for Feb. - got it signed.

P.M. The boys came in at 4 and fixed up their quarters - looks like living - 2nd Minn. was engaged fortifying our Camp throwing up breastworks. Whiskey issued - all the boys drunk - an awful time in camp - frightening - whiskey is a bad thing.

Tuesday
Mar. 10, 1863 - A.M. Raining - did not get up til 9 o'clock - could not make any fires to get breakfast so we fasted.

P.M. quit raining - got something to eat - and wrote a letter to Laura - mail came and I received a good long letter from Laura - good news.

Wednesday
Mar. 11, 1863 - A.M. Raining - did not have any duty to perform. Staid in my quarters all morning - played checkers with Harry - he beat me - and I beat Statler 3 games - bully for me.

P.M. Ceased raining - went to comisary and staid till guard mount then came to quarters - reported my guards and eat supper. Boys of Company G had boxing after roll call - I retired and was soon in the land of dreams.

Thursday
Mar. 12, 1863 - A.M. 11 men detailed for to work on fortification - were working on them all day - strengthening them if our fine Rebs call on us - we will give them a warm reception. Had fresh pork for dinner.

P.M. The company had to police the camp ground. Col Long ordered the company out the second time to police and he gave me fits for not doing it well the first time - didn't like it pretty well but had to submit.

Friday
Mar. 13, 1863 - A.M. Fine morning - after breakfast 6 men were detailed for to work on fortification. Capt. Deardorff supervised the job - worked all day and completed the (earthwork).

P.M. I made out 1 muster roll - took me nearly all afternoon - the band played at retreat and roll call. Eat supper and took a little stroll around the camp and had a nice smoke. Retired early to bed.

Saturday
Mar. 14, 1863 - A.M. Fine morning - Company was ordered out to forage - I stayed in camp - my foot was too sore to march - I made out 2 muster rolls and finished them - now ready for pay.

P.M. Drew five days rations - molasses among the rest of good things - large mail came and I got a letter from Joe Webster - company returned at 5 and we had a good supper - band played - Harry and I lit our pipes and took a walk around the fortifications.

Sunday
Mar. 15, 1863 - A.M. Had inspection of arms - took a clean shave - blacked my shoes and had a general wash - took a walk over to the 2nd. Minn. Camp - came back and commenced to write Laura. Eat dinner - had pea soup for dinner.

P.M. Finished Laura's letter - filled a sheet of (foolscap) - received a letter from sister - Camp G dancing and boxing. Harry Elliott and I took a walk after supper and smoked our pipes.

Monday
Mar. 16, 1863 - A.M. Very fine morning - 9 men were detailed to work on fortification - had to police our quarters - I wrote a letter to Joe Webster.

P.M. had batallion drill - Col. Long in command - drilled 2 hours - very warm - came in - got supper - afterwards issued pay rolls for two months - boys are all mad - all expected to be paid for 4 months

Tuesday
Mar. 17, 1863 - A.M. Nice morning with a gentle breeze blowing which makes it very pleasant - had company drill for two hours - came in and our nigger was washing - we had to get our own dinner.

P.M. Company was detailed to build a magazine - I was chopping all the afternoon and helped to take down an old corn crib for the sills for magazine. Wait at Sunset and got out pay - 2 months.

Wednesday
Mar. 18, 1863 - A.M. Went on Picket at Jordan's Plantation - had a good time - duty not heavy - Commenced raining a little and we moved our reserve to the house - had a good dinner with Mr. Jordan. Think he was a good Union man.

P.M. I received a very patriotic letter from Laura - also a Middleton paper. I stayed up on duty till 2 A.M. then layed down till morning.

Thursday
Mar. 19, 1863 - A.M. Were relieved by one of the 2nd Minn. Regt. and we came into camp. I wrote a letter to Joe Webster and we policed our quarters - had hams for dinner.

P.M. Remained in our quarters all afternoon. After supper went to the band tent and heard the violins and banjos played by some of the boys - played checkers with Bill Tillson and skunked him twice.

Friday
Mar. 20, 1863 - A.M. 2 o'clock we were ordered out with 1 day's rations - we went to harper river 6 miles - 9th Ohio and 35th and 2 pieces of artillery brought to catch a party of Reb cavalry but they had vanished - so we returned - got into camp by 10 - got an early dinner.

P.M. Cleaned up my musket - received a letter from Harriet and one from Laura and wrote a letter to Joe Webster. Changed my quarters to Mess No. 2 - turned in early and slept bully.

Saturday
Mar. 21, 1863 - A.M. was woke up at 3 o'clock - formed line of Battle and stacked arms expecting the Rebs to make us a visit but they failed to come.

P.M. Was engaged in marking tents nearly all afternoon. After supper I played checkers with Bill Gillson and skunked him twice after (Tatoo) We retired and told yarns till we fell asleep.

Sunday
Mar. 22, 1863 - A.M. Got up bright and early - stacked our arms and returned to the tent after breakfast - we prepared for inspection but we were ordered out on a foraging expedition - we went 6 miles out to Redman's Plantation - got all the forage we wanted - also two splendid hams - were confiscated as soon as we got in camp - We tried them and all pronounce them Bully - received 3 letters - 2 from Camp Dennison and 1 from Laura.

Monday
Mar. 23, 1863 - A.M. Got out in line of battle at 3 o'clock - thought the Rebs were coming sure but they concluded not to make us a visit - after breakfast we took our acroutiments off and concluded they would not come - the Pickets were fired on and we got into line several times through the day but did not see a Reb - all the boys are anxious for a fight.

Tuesday
Mar. 24, 1863 - A.M. Rained all morning - got up at 3 o'clock - formed line of battle and remained so till daylight - then got our breakfast and took in our arms from the stacks.

P.M. 1 o'clock mail came - letter from Laura - wrote to Joe and sent him $10.00. Were ordered to keep on our acroutiments - to be ready for fight any time but were not troubled all day.

Wednesday
Mar. 25, 1863 - Rained all morning - was going out to forage but could not on account of the rain - we drew ten days rations and issued it out

P.M. After dinner 9th Ohio and 2nd Minn. went out on a Scout - we stayed in the entrenchments the two regts. came back without seeing the Rebels after marching 10 miles - we were lucky that we did not have to go.

Thursday
Mar. 26, 1863 - A.M. Got up at 3 o'clock - stacked our Arms and came back in our tents and I layed down - did not intend to sleep but by accident I fell asleep and did not wake up till breakfast was ready - 8 o'clock the 35th, 9th, 2nd Minn and 87 Indiana all went our for forage with 200 wagons and we went to harper river and got our wagons all full - then returned by the Franklin Pike - saw the Rebs drawn up in line but they did not trouble us.

Friday
Mar. 27, 1863 - A.M. Got up as usual bright and early and stacked our Arms. I wish the Rebs would come if they intend to - our duty is rather hard now - boys would rather come if they intend to - our duty is rather hard now - boys would rather fight than do so much hard duty.

P.M. Mail came - got 4 letters - 2 from Joe - 1 from Laura - 1 from Dock Seight - answered Joes and Docks - after supper commenced raining and rained all night - did not go out of my tent all evening - went to bed early.

Saturday
Mar. 28, 1863 - A.M. 3 o'clock we got up - stacked out arms - came back to our tents and built a fire - got breakfast - I made out a morning report - still raining very fast - stayed in out tents.

P.M. Wrote a letter to Laura - one sheet of foolscap full - I received a letter from Laura Sutter - brought on a new supper of (goods) and we had sausage for dinner. Retired early and was soon in the land of dreams.

Sunday
Mar. 29, 1863 - A.M. Got ready for inspection - cleaned up our guns and acroutiments but half our company was on Picket so we had no inspection. I wrote another long letter to Laura and one to Harriet. Cap went out with a forage train - read all afternoon - one of monthly magazines. Band played in the evening.

Monday
Mar. 30, 1863 - A.M. had general inspection by the staff officer of (G. Stedman) Made quite a grand display - things were all in good condition.

P.M. Afternoon we remained in our Quarters - nothing of importance occurred all afternoon - still expecting Rebs to pay us a visit - received a letter from Joe.

Tuesday
Mar. 31, 1863 - A.M. 8 o'clock our whole Brigade wen tout after forage - out to the Rebel Gen. Starnes Plantation - we got some 60 wagons loaded with corn - quite a warm day and made a march of about 16 miles. Returned to camp about 5 o'clock in good season without seeing a Reb. Got our supper and we retired early to bed - all pretty tired.

April 1863

Wednesday
Apr. 1, 1863 - A.M. Got up early and formed line of battle - stacked our arms and at 10 o'clock quite an alarm was made - our cavalry came in and reported the enemy crossing Harpeth river - our Regt. and 9th Ohio, 2nd Minn. went out beyond Triune and remained in ambush thinking they would pass through - we would just close in on them but they would not bite - so we retired to camp about 2 o'clock.

Thursday
Apr. 2, 1863 - A.M. Ordered to prepare for Picket - were all ready and the order was countermanded so we went to work and Policed our quarters thoroughly clear back to the field officers tents. It was a big job - it occupied all our time till noon. Afternoon we had nothing to do so I wrote a letter to Joe and received one from Harriet - All quiet on the Harpeth.

Friday
Apr. 3, 1863 - A.M. Nothing occurred worthy of note.

P.M. All quiet on the Harpeth - remained in camp all day.

Saturday
Apr. 4, 1863 - A.M. were very busily engaged fixing new floor in our tent - took our tent down and aired in thoroughly - had a general renovating.

P.M. Still making some improvements in our household affairs - we are now living like Kings over the left are well fixed with the exception of having a cook - we have to do our own cooking which we do not like - some of the boys are hunting a darkie cook

Sunday
Apr. 5, 1863 - A.M. 8 o'clock started out on Picket at Jordan's Plantation - I stayed in the reserve - had a small shelter tent along and had a good time - duty not hard - read all morning - pickets attacked by some Reb Cavalry - seven of our curriers captured - the 84th Indiana pickets run without firing a gun - I stayed up all night till 3 o'clock in morning - feel very sleepy and tired - still hunting a cook. All quiet.

Monday
Apr. 6, 1863 - A.M. I returned to camp - the Regt. was out drilling - we did not drill - remained in quarters and amused ourselves in various ways.

P.M. Orders came to prepare one day's rations for a scout - our destination at present not known - we leave at 1 o'clock tomorrow morning - have not secceeded in getting a cook yet - that is too bad on Am. Soldiers.

Tuesday
Apr. 7, 1863 - A.M. 1 o'clock were aroused by the Capt. - got up and prepared breakfast and were soon ready to start - the moon shining very brightly was soon on way. We had quite a long march - at 7 o'clock we found ourselves at Eaglesville distance of about 13 miles … but we succeeded in getting a cook - bully

Wednesday
Apr. 8, 1863 - A.M. Very nice morning - got up quite early and stacked our arms in line of Battle. This is my 22nd Birthday - I was made to remember it by Gillmore and McMahon coming into my ten and pulling my ears for me good - had company drill - Capt. Deardorff drilled us.

P.M. After getting dinner mail came - letter from Harriet. Company drill again - two hours - after drill wrote a few lines to Laura - went to Sutters and had a long talk with Mark Seward - ordered to get one day's rations cooked for a scout - went to bed before Tatoo - Sent 13.00 to Adam Foster by Leitch.

Thursday
Apr. 9, 1863 - A.M. 1 o'clock was aroused by the Lieutenant of the Guard - got our breakfast and was ready to march at 2 o'clock but the order was countermanded so I went to bed again and had a good sleep. Two other Regts. went out in place of us.

P.M. 1 o'clock we marched over to Wilson Pike and remained in the woods while our cavalry scouted around - heard heavy canonading in the direction of Franklin - returned to our camp - at 5 o'clock - Cavalry took two prisoners. Commenced working on pay rolls.

Friday
Apr. 10, 1863 - A.M. The Regiment went out to forage - our company remained in camp and worked on fortifications. I made out a Muster roll for the Adjutant - finished the pay rolls - Henry Van Derveen came from Middletown - brigade of cavalry passed from Murpheesboro going on a scout.

P.M. Received a good long letter from Laura and one from Joe. I wrote a short letter to Laura - After supper we all signed pay rolls for 4 months - expect to be paid in a few days - Smoked and got very sick - did not sleep all night - that's good - I wish I would get sick every time I smoked.

Saturday
Apr. 11, 1863 - A.M. Very nice morning - got up at 4 o'clock and stacked arms and I did not feel very well so I went back to bed and remained till Breakfast was ready - after eating a good breakfast I felt better - Policed quarters - no duty to perform - have heard heavy canonading in the direction of Franklin - think there is a little fight there.

P.M. 1 o'clock mustered by Maj. Boynton - the object is to find out how many conscripts are needed to fill up the ranks had dress parade and new orders read to us.

Sunday
Apr. 12, 1863 - A.M. had inspection as usual - went to the 30th Ohio and saw one of the Sergeants that came down on the boat with me from Louisville - talked with him some time - then he came over to my ten and took supper - had flapjacks and fried ham for supper. After supper I read the Nashville News all evening - then after roll call I wrote a letter to Laura - did not quite finish it - retired early to bed and was soon in the land of dreams.

Monday
Apr. 13, 1863 - A.M. Paymaster commenced to pay the Regt. We had nothing to do - I finished Laura's letter and mailed it.

P.M. We received our pay for the month ending the 8th day of Feby 1863.

Tuesday
Apr. 14, 1863 - A.M. I went out on picket - relieved one of the 9th Company's - commenced to rain - hard rain all the time we was out - 24 hours - took my dog tent out and had a good shelter.

P.M. The Picket Inspecting Officer came round and visited us - I had charge of 16 men on the outpost - he told us to keep a good look out - that the Rebels were nearly 2 miles of us - did not go to sleep all night - Jon Beard and I was talking about old times at home nearly all night.

Wednesday
Apr. 15, 1863 - A.M. Do not feel very bright this morning after being out all night men relieved at 8 o'clock and we returned to camp for our guns off and clean them up.

P.M. Fixed up my money and sent $50.00 to (block farm) by McDonall to (…) thru by express.

Thursday
Apr. 16, 1863 - A.M. Got up at 5 o'clock and stacked our arms - 8 went on picket on the outposts - (…) and had a good time - nothing of importance occurred while we was out

P.M. Had dried peach pie for supper and buttermilk.

Friday
Apr. 17, 1863 - A.M. Returned to camp - remained in camp all day - had dress parade in the evening.

Saturday
Apr. 18, 1863 - A.M. Got up at an early hour and stacked our arms as usual. Prepared for inspection - cleaned up guns - received a letter from Laura - sent $5.50 to Ganel Schanck.

Sunday
Apr. 19, 1863 - A.M. Had a detail for picket so we did not have any inspection. I wrote a letter to Laura.

P.M. Sent to Co. A. quarters and had a chat with Sgnt. Spurgeon. Came home to supper - band played at retreat.

Monday
Apr. 20, 1863 - In camp all day - rather lazy - have the spring fever.

Tuesday
Apr. 21, 1863 - All quiet - remained in camp all day.

Wednesday
Apr. 22, 1863 - very fine morning - took a long walk after eating breakfast - went over to the 1st Brigade - saw the new forts.

P.M. Raised a liberty pole inside our fort - Col Lang and VanDeren raised the Flag - Band played - had quite a grand display.

Thursday
Apr. 23, 1863 - A.M. Went out foraging on the Chapel Hill Pike - our cavalry had a skirmish - took one prisoner - burned several houses.

P.M. Returned to camp at 3 o'clock - very tired - got a letter from Laura and one from Joe.

Friday
Apr. 24, 1863 - A.M. After breakfast we removed our tents a short distance - got a nice shade tree in our quarters are we are well fixed now.

P.M. Went down to the creek and had a good wash. Feel bully now.

Saturday
Apr. 25, 1863 - A.M. Policed our quarters thoroughly - got ready for inspection.

P.M. After dinner there was a horse race. I went over to see the race - came back for roll call.

Sunday
Apr. 26, 1863 - A.M. Had general inspection of Arms and acroutiments - Col. Long and Major Boynton inspected the Regts.

P.M. Remained in camp.

Monday
Apr. 27, 1863 - In camp - weather cloudy - mail came - letter for me from Joe.

Tuesday
Apr. 28, 1863 - Weather clear and warm - nothing new transpired - mail came - no letter for me.

Wednesday
Apr. 29, 1863 - Went our foraging - Two Regts. of the 1st Brigade and ours - Cavalry had a skirmish - took some prisoners - got into camp at 6 o'clock - tired and hungry.

Thursday
Apr. 30, 1863 - This day is observed as a day of fasting and prayer in camp. Preaching in the afternoon in the 2nd Minn. Regt. I go over to hear it.

May 1863

Friday
May 1, 1863 - We have Brigade drill today - weather clear and warm.

Saturday
May 2, 1863 - In Camp - Brigade drill - Mail came - I wrote a letter to Harriet.

Sunday
May 3, 1863 - Company Inspection - I wrote several letters - one to Laura, Joe Phil Wertzee and Bagley. Mail came - got a letter from Laura.

Monday
May 4, 1863 - We turn over our Bell Tents and draw shelter tents - rain in afternoon. Mail came.

Tuesday
May 5, 1863 - Was busy putting up our Dog Tents - Clearing of camp today.

Wednesday
May 6, 1863 - Battallion Drill morning - rain afternoon - no mail.

Thursday
May 7, 1863 - All quiet - very disagreeable day - raining - mail came - letter from Harriet and one from Laura.

Friday
May 8, 1863 - Brigade drill in afternoon - weather very pleasant - Col of the 89th Ind. Regt. drilled Brigade - Mail

Saturday
May 9, 1863 - Brigade drill - weather clear and warm Mail

Sunday
May 10, 1863 - (…) preaching in the 87th Regt - I went down - a good service

Monday
May 11, 1863 - News in Camp that Richmond is taken but I can't see it - hope it is so.

Tuesday
May 12, 1863 - Division Drill today by Branan. Weather very warm and pleasant. Mail.

Wednesday
May 13, 1863 - All quiet in camp - raining - mail.

Thursday
May 14, 1863 - Detail sent out to strengthen the breastworks. Tis thought that the Reb Cavalry may come in on us some time so our Gen will be prepared to receive them.

June 1863

Monday
June 1, 1863 - A.M. Bright and early we received orders to prepare for general review cleaned up guns and acroutiments.

P.M. 1 o'clock went out on to the Regimental Parade ground and were put through (sentry) evolutions - (a la Hardee) Gen Branam inspected the two brigades.

Tuesday
June 2, 1863 - A.M. Had company drill

P.M. Batallion drill by Maj. Boynton.

Wednesday
June 3, 1863 - A.M. Policed quarters - did not drill boys - washed their clothing.

Thursday
June 4, 1863 - A.M. 1st Brigade joined the Division and Grangers Division reinforced us - Rebels made their appearance in our front in heavy force.

P.M. Had the two divisions our on review - heard heavy cannon in the direction of Franklin - 6 o'clock were ordered out to reinforce Franklin at 9 o'clock. 3rd Brigade started - rained all night and very bad traveling.

Friday
June 5, 1863 - A.M. 3 o'clock arrived at Franklin - just in time to save the place - All was prepared to surrender - the Rebels move the attack at daylight - our battery opened fire on them and our cavalry - two of our men wounded. Col of the 6th Ky severely wounded.

Saturday
June 6, 1863 - All quiet this morning - no rebels to be seen - drew rations and started back to Triune - nothing worthy of note occurred on the way.

P.M. Got into camp at 5 o'clock and found a splendid supper waiting for us which we soon devoured. Very tired - turned in early.

Sunday
June 7, 1863 - A.M. Got up at 3 o'clock - formed line - stacked arms - went back to bed Slept till daylight - got breakfast - had inspection of arms.

P.M. Capt and I went in swimming in the creek - commenced to rain - had to come double quick to our quarters.

Monday
June 8, 1863 - A.M. Rebel cavalry made an attack on our front and our cavalry repulsed them with a loss of three men on our side - did not hear the loss of the Rebs.

P.M. was in line of battle all afternoon but the Rebs did not come in.

Tuesday
June 9, 1863 - A.M. Raining - nothing done - read all forenoon.

P.M. Still raining - I read and smoked the time away - letter from Laura

Wednesday
June 10, 1863 - A.M. Went on Picket - rained very fast and got perfectly saturated - bought some green pies and custards and had quite a feast.

P.M. Inspecting Officers came around and brought the news that Vicksburg was taken - bully if it is true.

Thursday
June 11, 1863 - A.M. Returned to camp. We heard heavy canonading in front - The Rebs made another dash and captured 100 horses and mules from us - we succeeded in driving them back - we did not lose but one Lieut. Rebs lost 10 men.

Friday
June 12, 1863 - Drilled morning and afternoon - Drill let by Gen. Baanan.

Saturday
June 13, 1863 - Camp drill - morning very warm - did not drill very much - went to the spring and sat in the shade nearly all the time.

P.M. Batallion Drill by Maj. Boynton - terrible warm.

Sunday
June 14, 1863 - A.M. Had General inspection by Brigade inspector - passed off very well.

P.M. Afternoon was reading Prairie Flower - wrote to Joe.

Monday
June 15, 1863 - Drilled all day - Morning and afternoon.

Tuesday
June 16, 1863 - Drill - Drill - Do - Do - Do - Mail came.

Wednesday
June 17, 1863 - A.M. Rained - could not drill - received a letter from Laura - ceased raining.

P.M. had Brigade Drill.

Thursday
June 18, 1863 - A.M. Company Drill

P.M. Brigade Drill by Brannan.

Friday
June 19, 1863 - A.M. Drum beat for skirmish drill - Maj Boynton took the Regt. out and drilled it - I was on the reserve of the Company.

P.M. Had Division Drill by Gen. Brannan. Drilled till near dark - came into camp tired - (low) on supper and the drum beat for roll call - soon retired for the night.

Saturday
June 20, 1863 - A.M. This day was given to the Regt. to wash their clothes and prepare for general inspection.

P.M. Went down to Geo. Leitches Tent and stayed all afternoon - took supper with him - had a good supper and cigar.

Sunday
June 21, 1863 - A.M. had inspection of Arms and acroutiments.

P.M. wrote all afternoon - evening took a walk, Frank Stiles and I - splendid evening - went very near to Triune - got back by Taps and Roll Call and retired at Tatoo.

Monday
June 22, 1863 - A.M. Batallion Drill till 9 - came in and detailed 6 men to cut brush and poles to build an arbour through our quarters.

P.M. Worked faithful all afternoon putting up the arbour. Each company trying to excell the other - got a letter from Dock Leighn.

Tuesday
June 23, 1863 - Left Triune and marched 16 miles to Murpheesboro and there camped in a wheat field where the wheat had been cut and shocked - had a good straw bed and slept well - were a little tired - first days march.

Wednesday
June 24, 1863 - marched along the Rebel lines - had heavy skirmishing - Rained all day - roads very bad - several of our wagons stalled - did not get our tents till midnight - build large fires and dried our clothing Had a splendid supper and retired to dream of home and the gal I left behind me.

Thursday
June 25, 1863 - Marched to Hoover's Gap and camped on the same field where we camped last summer when we were marching to Louisville - still rainy - Tony Korfal and I went about two miles to get some straw to lie on - came across a settler and bought some Cheese and Bologna Sausage and had a huge supper - fell into a creek - came near being drowned.

Friday
June 26, 1863 - Company K detailed to go to Murpheesboro to get provisions - started with 52 Wagons at 3 A.M. - arrived at Murpheesboro at 10 o'clock - the wagons commenced to load and I got some apple pies for dinner.

P.M. 4 o'clock started back - very muddy and still raining fast - lost my haversack with a good supply of provisions in it - got to the Gap at Revilee after traveling all night - rested for 3 hours - got our breakfast and started on to Manchester.

Saturday
June 27, 1863 - A.M. at 6 o'clock was on the road again - fine morning - marched all day - saw Jake Schaffer and Ed Manche - both looked pretty hard and tired of marching.

P.M. we rejoined the Regt and rested two hours and then marched to Manchester 6 miles and (covuked) for the night - was desperately tired and worn out completely.

Sunday
June 28, 1863 - A.M. Drew 6 days rations and issued it out and then prepared to march 6 miles and came on to the Reb. Pickets - drove them across the creek and (fronted) our pickets and camped for the night - firing kept up all night - one cannon ball passed over our camp but done no injury.

Monday
June 29, 1863 - Got up at 3 A.M. and stood in Battle line till daylight - got out Breakfast and made a reconocance to the right - found nothing but newly made tracks where the Rebs had been to water their horses. Returned to our old (position) and waited further orders - at 9 our brigade went to the front and skirmished all day with the Rebs - at us - Capt. Lhomdue was wounded - Dr. Wright had his horse killed by a ball - we had to lie down on the ground all day - retired to camp and dried our clothing - got out supper.

Tuesday
June 30, 1863 - A.M. Quite pleasant - did not get up till 9 o'clock - had a good night's rest and feel bully - wrote a few lines to Laural. Nothing of importance occurred - still skirmishing on front - went in swimming commenced raining and came to quarters - remained the rest of the day - retired early to bed - read a letter from Laura - she is going on a visit to Dayton.

July 1863

Wednesday
July 1, 1863 - Fine morning - Received marching orders at 9 A.M. Marched on to Lullahoma - Rebs have evacuated leaving a large rear guard to fool us but can't come to it - pushed right on and captured most of the Rebs and occupy the Town. Stridmans Brigade in advance - got into Tullahoma at 4

P.M. and camped for the night.

Thursday
July 2, 1863 - A.M. 3 o'clock - Revilie (reveille) sounded. We got up for our breakfast and was ready to more at 4 o'clock - started off - marched six miles - came upon the enemy at Elk River - commenced shelling them - captured a great many prisoners - several of the Rebs drowned in crossing the river - left a lot of waggons behind them - Braggs Army completely demoralized - Bavoocked (bivouacked) for the night.

Friday
July 3, 1863 - Rained very fast in the morning - quit about 9 - struck tents and marched down to the River and prepared to wade it River 4 feet deep we got out all safe and camped 1/2 mile on the South side - wrote a letter to Laura, got fresh beef - have no bread - the Road so bad the Train cannot get up - just up my tent and camped for the night.

Saturday
July 4, 1863 - A.M. 3 O'clock was awakened by the band playing Hail Columbia, Star Spangled Banner - in Remembrance of the 4th - have no provisions marched 2 miles on to the Winchester Road and camped.

P.M. a party went out to forage - got a few potatoes - will not starve while there is anything in the land - Cannons fired Salutes - Band went to General Thomas's Headquarters to play for him - he made quite a nice little speech but very short - also did General Stedman - Boys brought in two hogs which they killed - all are hungry.

Sunday
July 5, 1863 - Raining very fast - had potatoes and fresh beef for breakfast. Frank Stiles foraged potatoes - were in almost a starving condition our train not yet come - roads still very bad - We were overflowed by water - washed down our tents - had a gay time generally.

P.M. News came that Lee was defeated in Maryland - the boys all in high spirits. Clark went over the river to get some potatoes - was successful - also got a young chicken, fared sumptuously for supper our knapsacks came up and I wrote a letter to Laura.

Monday
July 6, 1863 - A.M. Rainy still - did not get any sleep all night - was thoroughly soaked - entirely out of eatables. All the boys have the blues. No more forage in the (country) - went out and picked blackberries.

P.M. drew beef and roasted it on a stick over the fire and feel some what better now. I feel stout - could march 1/2 mile if it was particularly necessary. Not much Praying - went to bed early Light Diet Fasting

Tuesday
July 7, 1863 - A.M. Good news from Canaan - one waggon came to our regiment laden with crackers and meat - had a splendid breakfast. Best I ever had. Bully for crackers the Staff of life cleaned our guns.

P.M. went into Elk River swimming - came onto rain and come back to my quarters - remained till supper - was awakened by the Darkie. Still raining - news form Maryland - Confirmed General Meade routed Lee's Army and captured 20,000 prisoners. Our cannon fired 36 Salutes.

Wednesday
July 8, 1863 - A.M. Cannon fired salutes for the fall of Vicksburg - moved our campground - got in a better place - put up our tent - fixed up a pole bed.

P.M. Our wagon train come in laden with provisions - Sutter came got some writing paper and wrote a letter to Phil Weitzel No mail came Report that railroad is torn up again between Nville and Lville (Nashville and Louisville)

Thursday
July 9, 1863 - A.M. got up at Reveille had roll call and Frank Stiles, Clark, and I went to the woods and cut some forks and poles to build an arbour over our tent. got it fixed up nice by 9 o'clock and lied down on the bed and went to sleep till noon

P.M. After dinner I went down to the Sutters and stayed all afternoon Mark Seward had a letter from John McAdams he let me read it.

Friday
July 10, 1863 - A.M. Fine morning - after breakfast I went out in the woods and picked blackberries - Clark was detailed to go for forage and he got quite a nice pot of berries and we had a nice stew.

P.M. Went to the river and took a swim - came back and took a nap - had a good supper - fried crackers and potatoes - band played - mustered for pay - had inspection of arms.

Saturday
July 11, 1863 - A.M. Got up at 4 o'clock and had roll call - then went to bed again. Did not feel very well - had a bad cold - slept till breakfast time - cleaned my musket and ready for inspection. Drew two days rations

P.M. Went to Brigade Headquarters and had a chat with Lieut. Stiles - came back and wrote a letter for Mr. Miller. Band played in the evening - got a cigar and took a stroll into the woods.

Sunday
July 12, 1863 - A.M. Wrote to Harriet and to Bill Bagley - Nothing to do - spent my time at the Sutters Tent - At the Sutters Tent bought an album and arranged my photographs in it - had blackberries for dinner.

P.M. Took the Cincinnati paper and went into the woods and read all afternoon. After supper went to the river.

Tuesday
July 14, 1863 - A.M. Very fine day - no duty to perform - got to Nashville Union paper and perused it all morning. Good news - getting better all the time.

P.M. I went down to the river - had a good swim - crossed over and got some apples on the opposite side - received a good long letter from (..) with photograph enclosed.

Wednesday
July 15, 1863 - A.M. Had battallion drill in the morning. Col. Long drilled the Regt. Drilled two hours and came into camp - got our dinner.

P.M. Took a little nap after dinner - mail came - got a letter from Laura - the paymaster came - all the boys were in good spirits - band played in the evening - Lt. Schaffer and I took a walk.

Thursday
July 16, 1863 - A.M. Guerillas reported in front - men not allowed to go outside. The pickets unless with their arms - drilled in morning two hours.

P.M. Remained in camp - nothing of importance occurred.

Friday
July 17, 1863 - A.M. Drills in morning - batallion drill - Col ongs resignation accepted - he preparing to start home - came past and bid us good bye.

P.M. Col. Long started for home - Maj. Boynton in command of the regiment. Received letter from Laura.

Saturday
July 18, 1863 - A.M. Marched to near Winchester - distance six miles - very warm day - camped at 11 o'clock and pitched our tents near our old camp where we camped last summer.

P.M. busy all afternoon making a bed - cutting poles.

Sunday
July 19, 1863 - A.M. The entire day building bowers over our tents and quarters.

P.M. Saw Jake Schagger of the 69th Ohio - he looks well after his march and said he liked soldiering - bully but I can't see it. Got a letter from Laura. She has returned home safe - may God bless her. I know he will.

Monday
July 20, 1863 - A.M. wrote a long letter to Laura - no duty to perform - Sutter came with a large supply of goods - had mackerel and blackberries for dinner.

P.M. Went out and picked berries and to the river and had a good swim. Stewed berries and mackerel for Supper.

Tuesday
July 21, 1863 - A.M. Expecting to be paid - ordered to drill but was countermanded.

September 1863

Monday
Sept. 14, 1863 - Arrived at the foot of Pigeon Mound and went into camp. A very nice camp ground - can see the Rebs Camp in front of us - getting quite close to them - are short of rations - expect the supply train up soon - went to bed early - had a good night of it.

Tuesday
Sept. 15, 1863 - I remained in camp all day - drew some shoes - some of the boys barefooted. We got some corn and grated it down and made corn cakes - some of the boys got a fresh hog and some sweet potatoes - we had quite a feast.

Wednesday
Sept. 16, 1863 - Fine day - no duty to perform - I went out and got some honey and sweet potatoes - Regiment under marching orders - provision train came up and we drew five days rations - Cavalry skirmish in front - picket fighting all night.

Thursday
Sept. 17, 1863 - Got orders to march at 3 A.M. Started with Camp Equpage - marched 6 miles - had a skirmish - we fell back across Chickamauga River and camped. Reb Cavalry attacked our trains but were driven back. 7 of Co. E. Men were out foraging and were taken prisoners by the Cavalry.

Friday
Sept. 18, 1863 - Were under marching orders - we put up our tents and had to take them down again - orders came to march immediately - we marched all

Friday
night - twas very dark - we built fires along the roadside to see to march - was very tired and sleepy - the whole army moving - prospect of a fight tomorrow.

Saturday
Sept. 19, 1863 - Commenced to fight the Battle of the Chickamauga - fought all day. Repulsed the Rebs three times - bivouacked for the night. Lost 17 men killed and wounded - Capt. Deardorff among the wounded. I had command of the Company - 18 men left.

Sunday
Sept. 20, 1863 - Battle resumed - fought very hard all day - the Boys stood up bravely. At night I received a wound in my hip and was taken to hospital - our men fell back and left all the wounded on the field which were all taken prisoners - I with the rest. Quite a change - Transferred from Yankeedom to Dixie - Dixie in reality.

Monday
Sept. 21, 1863 - My wound very sore - passed a miserable night - nothing to eat. Heavy canonading in front. Rebels brought us some corn meal. Oh, could I cut make my escape from this wretched place. I feel so miserable.

Tuesday
Sept. 22, 1863 - My wound still very painful - can't get out of bed - tis hard but the horrors of war. John Bates made me some coffee and stewed me some peaches which were very nourishing to me.

Wednesday
Sept. 23, 1863 - Several of our nurses were taken from us and sent to Richmond, Va. terrible suffering among the wounded - great many dying. I feel some better today.

Thursday
Sept. 24, 1863 - Some of the wounded were sent off to another hospital - still bringing in wounded from the field. Our dead are being buried by the Rebs. I am doing well but feel a little weak - have nothing to eat but cornmeal mush.

Friday
Sept. 25, 1863 - My wound is a great deal easyer - had a good nights rest - I was moved to another hospital where the rest of our wounded was lying - saw Capt. Deardorff and some more of our Boys. I wrote a letter home - sent it by a man who was to be parold and sent to Richmond.

Saturday
Sept. 26, 1863 - My hearts full of trouble and sorrow and pain - I hope I will meet my Dear Friends all again. I am very sore today - oh, if I could only walk around - I get so tired lying - heavy canonading in the direction of Chattanooga.

Sunday
Sept. 27, 1863 - This is a splendid Sabbath Morning. Oh, if I was only home with my dear friends how happy I would be. Tis reported that we are to be sent inside our lines. God, grant it may be so. I got a crutch and walked out and feel better.

Monday
Sept. 28, 1863 - I rested very well last night and I feel very well this morning. I had my hip dressed - drank some coffee and feel very well. Rosenpartz sent in a flag of truce for the wounded and a lot of provisions - we were parolled.

Tuesday
Sept. 29, 1863 - We started for Chattanooga by the Ambulence - great rejoicing among the boys, I saw Lt. Gambaght and a great many of our Regt. as we passed the camps - put in the hospital - good beds and nurses - will soon be well now - I feel better all ready.

Wednesday
Sept. 30. 1863 - Remained in bed all day. The (Lamlingter) came to see me. Got a letter from Laura with good news. The Doctor brought in some tobacco and I and the rest of the Boys took a little smoke. I wrote to Laura.

October 1863

Thursday
Oct. 1, 1863 - Some of the wounded sent to Bridgeport. Dr. thought I could not stand the ride so far but in a day or two I can go. Rained all day. Dave Benner and John Bridge called to see me - I fell very well all day.

Friday
Oct. 2, 1863 - Getting along fine - I dressed myself and walked outside the Hospital - Sat in the sun and took a view of the Rebs Camps which can be seen very plain. Pete Allison came to see me and talked a long time. He did not go to Camp till after taps - he is a good brave boy - he fought gallantly till the last.

Saturday
Oct. 3, 1863 - This is a beautiful morning - I had my wound dressed and got a nice breakfast and hobbled outside and sat in the sun. Bert Stettler and Joe Branigan called and chatted awhile. The days are long and weary - I get so tired of lying here.

Sunday
Oct. 4, 1863 - Fine morning - we started to Bridgeport - the roads are very bad. Went 8 miles to the foot of the mountain and stopped for the night. We slept in the ambulance - was very cold. Had no feed for the horses or ourselves - the Boys are suffering for want of attention - Oh, when this Cruel war is ended

Monday
Oct. 5, 1863 - Woke up at daylight - the drivers made some coffee for us. We had nothing to eat - was all day climbing the mountain - camped at night at the foot of the mountains - built large fires along the fences - had a good supper - the drivers went out and killed some hogs.

Tuesday
Oct. 6, 1863 - Was woke up at 2 o'clock - the drivers made us some coffee and we eat our breakfast. At daylight we started on our way - got to Jasper and bought some pies - arrived at the Field Hospital at Stevenson at 4 o'clock. Got a good supper and retired early to bed.

Wednesday
Oct. 7, 1863 - Rained all last night - this is a very disagreeable morning - I feel well - my wound was dressed and it is getting along finely - I went to the Barber's Shop and was shaved and my head schampooed - had peach Pie for dinner - wrote a letter to Harry.

Thursday
Oct. 8, 1863 - Fine day - walked out to the depot - Tom Case and I bought some bread and butter and had a big feast. Called on Fred Barch and he was getting along very well.

Friday
Oct. 9, 1863 - Quite a cold morning - a little frost - went to Stevenson - met with Wm. Homes of the 93rd Regt. I took dinner with him at the Alabama house - after dinner we took a walk around the town - got some cigars - came out and had smoke and talked over old times - came out to camp and got supper - some of the men were ordered to get ready to go to Nashville.

Saturday
Oct. 10, 1863 - Fine day - walked to the Depot and met Capt. Regan and Geo. Leitch - heard of the death of Capt. Deardorff - ordered to go to Nashville tomorrow - Bully for that.

Tuesday
Oct. 13, 1863 - Raining very fast - very gloomy looking outside and dull inside. Held an Election in the Hospital. I cast my first vote for Brough the true blue Union (Lieutenant) I wrote a letter to Phil Weitzel in the afternoon.

Wednesday
October 14, 1863 - Still raining - tis a miserable day. The days are long and dreary. Oh, if I could but see my best friend how happy I would feel but I know she is thinking of me and would help me in this time of trouble if it were possible. God bless her and be with her is my prayer. I long to be home. I have the blues today. I wrote to Laura.

Thursday
October 15, 1863 - A.M. Rained all morning - was very unpleasant - bought a Cincinnatti Commercial and read all afternoon.

P.M. wrote to Jim Blair and Sister Harriet - do not feel well - have bad headache and my wound quite painful. I think if I could walk out in the open air I would feel better.

Friday
October 16, 1863 - Very dull morning - rained all night - had a splendid breakfast of Mackrel etc. The Sisters of Charity who appear to control the hospital object to eating meat on

Friday
. I am willing for

Friday
to last all week for I like mackrel. Mrs. Skinner called to see me. Said she had some fruit for me which Suzie Deardorff left. Dr. took our names to send us to Louisville.

Saturday
October 17, 1863 - Jim Lummis called to see me - I got some clothing from John Kootz.

Sunday
October 18, 1863 - Was awakened by the nurses and got our breakfast at 4 A.M. Started for the Louisville Depot - no train ready for us - went back to the hospital and got our dinner - came back to the Depot again and started for Louisville at 7 o'clock

P.M. Traveled - but very slow all night - did not sleep any.

Monday
October 19, 1863 - Arrived at Bowling Green at daylight - got out breakfast there - those that had money to buy it - the rest of the poor fellows did not get any - no rations on the train - I had cakes and cheese for breakfast. Traveled all day and arrived at Louisville at 8

P.M. Was taken to Hospital No. 4 - had my wound examined and probed - Terrible Painful.

Tuesday
October 20, 1863 - Laid in bed all day - my wound very sore - could not get out of bed - feel sad and lonesome - Oh for a letter from home - something to cheer me in my troubles.

Wednesday
October 21, 1863 - Feel better - got up - dressed myself and wrote a letter to Laura - Chaplin came in to see us - talked with me sometime on the subject of religion - I am afraid he thought there was not much hope for me.

Thursday
October 22, 1863 - Surgeon came in and examined the patients - I have a bad cold this morning and cough - took brown cough mixture - I got a pass - went up street on the cars - bought some clothing - eat a dish of oysters.

Friday
October 23, 1863 - Very cold day - sitting by the fire reading midshipmancy all day.

Saturday
October 24, 1863 - My wound does not appear to be getting well very fast - had a severe operation by binding it up very tight and compressing it - by no means pleasant but the way of the wicked is hard.

Sunday
October 25, 1863 - Fine day - quite a number of ladies came in and made us a visit.

MMS 1238 - R. H. Foord Diary Guide
Manuscripts by Subject | Civil War Collections