Ohio History Journal

DIARY OF JACOB ADAMS, PRIVATE IN COM-

PANY F, 21st O. V. V. I.

 

FOREWORD

This diary presented is from the pen of Jacob Adams, a pri-

vate in Co. F, 21st O. V. V. I., and covers the period of his service

in the American Civil War of 1861-1865. The account was com-

piled in 1924 from letters written home and from a diary kept

day by day during most of the time of service. The intention

of the author was to preserve for his children an account of his

services.

Knowing the value placed on such accounts by historians and

wishing to preserve the story of the glorious and honorable record

of my father's regiment as written by his friend and comrade in

arms, I have caused this copy to be made and herewith presented.

H. M. POVENMIRE.

Ada, Ohio,

October 18, 1927.

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SOMETHING ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION OF THE

ARMY

A Company when full consisted of one hundred men, includ-

ing the non-commissioned officers, Sergeants and Corporals, and

was commanded by three Commissioned officers: Captain, First

Lieutenant, and Second Lieutenant.

Each Regiment was made up of ten Companies. Each Com-

pany was designated by a certain letter of the alphabet, com-

mencing with the letter A to the letter K, omitting the letter J.

The seniority of the Company took rank with the letters of the

alphabet by which they were designated. Thus the Officers of

Company A would outrank all like Officers of other Companies,

the date of their commissions being taken into consideration, and

Company B next, and so on.

The Officers of the Regiment were: Colonel, Lieutenant

Colonel, Major, Surgeon, Adjutant, Quartermaster and some-

times a Chaplain.

A Brigade was composed of from four to seven Regiments,

and was usually commanded by a Colonel or Brevet Brigadier

General.

A Division was made up of three or more Brigades which

were known as the First, Second, and so on.

An Army Corps was composed of three or more Divisions

which were numbered First, Second, etc., and the numbers were

designated by the National colors: First Division, Red; Second

Division, White, and the Third Division, Blue, on the Corps

Badge which each Army Corps had. For instance, the Fourteenth

Army Corps had the Acorn, the Fifteenth Army Corps the Car-

tridge Box, and so on. Our Division being the First Division,

Fourteenth Army Corps, wore the red acorn in our hats.

The Division was usually commanded by a Brigadier Gen-

eral, and the Army Corps by a Major General.

The Army Corps were grouped together into Armies, such

as The Army of the Cumberland, The Army of the Tennessee,

and The Army of the Potomac, etc.

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The different classes of the service were designated by dif-

ferent colors. The Cavalry by Orange or Yellow, the Artillery

by Red, etc.

The Regiments of the Volunteer Army were numbered ac-

cording to the time of their enlistment or muster-in. Each state

taking its own numbers except in the regular army, the numbers

were independent of states and were designated as the U. S.

Army.

The Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry (21st O. V. I.)

was first organized for three months' service, in April 1861, in

response to Lincoln's first call for seventy-five thousand volun-

teers.

In September 1861 the regiment was reorganized and re-

cruited, a large percentage of the three-month men reenlisting,

and on the 19th of the month the regiment was mustered into the

Federal service for three years, or for the duration of the war.

In the latter part of December 1863, and January 1864, a

large part of the regiment reenlisted as "Veterans," for three

years from that date, or for during the war, thus taking on an-

other word to our title. We were afterwards known as the

"Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry," (21st

0.V.V.I.)

I will attempt a fuller explanation: As above stated, in De-

cember, 1863, and January, 1864, a call was made for all who

were then in the service, and who had served two years or more

on their three years' enlistment, to enlist for three years from that

time, or for during the war. With this call were offered certain

inducements, to wit: The balance of our time on our enlistment on

which we were then serving would be cancelled, we were to get

a thirty-day furlough, and were to receive one hundred dollars

more bounty from the Government than raw recruits were get-

ting at that time. Yet, I am not sure but this one hundred dollars

was in lieu of that amount we were promised and at least were

expecting on our former enlistment. However, as it may be, a

large per cent of our army, at least, answered the call. It is esti-

mated that 250,000 reenlisted in the field as veterans in the whole

army.

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I, with many others, consider that act one of the hardest

blows we delivered to the Rebellion during the war, and consider

that it was instrumental in shortening the struggle many months,

as well as saving the Government a large amount of money in

recruiting and fitting men to take our places. Yet neither our

Government nor Congress ever showed any act of appreciation of

our veteran service. The state of Ohio, and perhaps other states,

issued to us a bronze Veteran's badge.

Being a boy that seldom, if ever, got excited, and one very

slow to enthusiasm, when the late Civil War broke out in 1861,

the military and patriotic fire did not burn very brightly in my

being. The same characteristics go all through my life, as I at-

tempt to rewrite these memoirs of my experience in the war, at

the age of eighty-two years. I can remember only one time when

I was most genuinely and thoroughly (cannot say excited) but

enthused, and which took effect on my whole system. It was on

a Sunday afternoon, when a boy of about fifteen years, in our

old time game of ball, called "Bull-Run"-popular before we

dreamed of "Base-ball." The game was played somewhat in this

manner: A number that were engaged in the game would form

in a circle and would choose by lot one to go in the ring, or "Bull-

pen," and the rest would take their turn to pelt him with a good

solid yarn ball (the kind we had then) until he dodged the ball,

and then the one that missed him would have to take the pen and

the pelting. Though I was no expert ball player, yet, in this game

I seemed to outdo the best of the players and could dodge the

ball with ease, hitting the mark to perfection.

So the summer of '61 went by without my thinking much

about enlisting. I secured a boarding-place at John Ried's on the

right bank of the Blanchard River, five miles below Findlay, Ohio,

and commenced going to school for the winter term.

I was making good progress in my studies, when about the

middle of January, 1862, Colonel Neibling of the 21st 0. V. I. was

home in Findlay on a furlough, when I, with a number of other

boys (as we called ourselves) enlisted to go back with him as

recruits to fill in part of the depleting ranks of his regiment.

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My mother, then Mrs. David Dorsey, of course felt badly to

see me go, yet she said not a word against it. We had several

days before taking our leave of home, which time we put in faith-

fully visiting friends, going to parties, dances, spelling school,

church, etc., and sometimes perhaps did not observe strictly the

rules of decorum. As one time at protracted meeting, as we

called it then, the minister called my attention to talking too much,

the only time in my life I was in any way reprimanded for mis-

conduct in church, and especially for talking too much.

Quite a squad of us left Findlay on Wednesday, February I2,

1862, to join the 21st O. V. I. somewhere in Kentucky. We ar-

rived in Cincinnati about dark of the same day, and on Thursday,

February 13th, about noon, we took the river steamboat for

Louisville, Kentucky, where we arrived Friday, the 14th. We

left there at 8 A. M. over the Louisville and Nashville railroad to

find the 21st Regiment, and got to Green River about 2 P. M.

where we found the bridge over the river destroyed, and that the

regiment had left and gone on thirty-six hours ahead of us. At

2 P. M. our squad of 40, without a gun or anything to protect us,

started to overtake the troops (some fifty miles ahead) through

the enemy's territory. We had no guard, save one regiment of

Union troops located on the way. We took the Louisville and

Nashville pike and went 12 miles and put up at a tavern. When

we finally got our supper about 10 P. M. we certainly did justice

to the meal, as we had had nothing to eat since the evening before.

The stone road we had traveled over was rough enough for

any use.

Saturday, 15th. We moved out about 6 A. M. and went

eight miles to where the 2nd Ohio Regiment was camped and got

our breakfast of a few hardtack and some coffee, which had to

suffice to travel 23 miles on to where we overtook the main body

of troops, an hour before dark. They were encamped at Barren

River, about one mile from Bowling Green, Kentucky. We put

in the time until we retired faithfully answering questions put by

the boys, who were as glad to see us as we were to see them. On

this trip we saw some of the ravages of war; some fences and

buildings destroyed, dead horses and mules thrown in pools of

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water where our men had to get their drink. There was no mo-

lestation whatever to our squad on this trip.

Sunday, 16th. Our regiment crossed over Barren River on

planks thrown on the ruins of the bridge, and carried our tents

and all we had across the stream, and up two or three steep hills,

which would be difficult to climb with no load. We went into

camp at Bowling Green, Kentucky, where we found a great deal

of property destroyed to keep it out of the hands of the federal

troops. It took us nearly all day to cross the river, and we went

into camp, where we lay until Tuesday the 18th.

Tuesday, 18th. We marched about six miles beyond Bowling

Green to Camp Norton. Took our baggage on freight cars with-

out any power but their own¹, for it was down grade all of the

way and the speed we made was frightful, scattering a quantity

of our goods along the railroad track. We lay here in camp until

the 22nd.

Saturday, 22nd. We were aroused at 3 A. M. and by 6 A. M.

we were on the march toward Nashville, Tennessee, on the old L.

& N. stone pike. We marched 18 miles with scarcely any rest,

with the rain pouring down all of the time. About 1 P. M. we

came to a small town, Franklin, and stayed there in houses until

the 23rd.

Sunday, 23rd. We marched on 13 miles, and pitched tents 33

miles from Nashville.

Monday, 24th. We were on the move by 6 A. M. Though I

had blisters on my feet much larger than a silver dollar, I kept

up with the company all day. Having marched 23 miles, we

went into camp in an open field 10 miles from Nashville, and did

not pitch tents. We lay in the open, and had nothing for our sup-

per but raw beef, which we roasted by putting it on sticks and

holding in the fire. When I examined my feet at night I found

the balls of my feet in solid blisters, and most of my toes puffed

up to double their size, and looked like they had been pounded to

a red jelly. This was the result of wearing new boots I had made

at home to fit my feet, thinking they would be the thing to march

in. My Captain, Harvey Alban, saw my feet, and made the re-

1 Gravity.

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mark that I had the "stuff" in me for a soldier and was surprised

that I marched with such feet. In later years at one of our regi-

mental reunions, a squad of my comrades were discussing this

incident in my presence with some particular friends of mine.

One of the comrades remarked, "Now that showed some grit." I

was somewhat taken aback when another comrade remarked, "Yes,

a considerable amount of grit, or small quantity of Wit."

Tuesday, 2₅th. Early on the move. Marched six miles, then

had orders to march back. You may believe my feet hurt loudly

when we had to go back. Marched two miles, and pitched tents

and stayed there until the 26th.

Wednesday, 26th. At noon we had orders to cross over the

Cumberland River at Nashville, Tennessee, four miles distant.

As my feet were still very sore, the Captain wanted me to stay

with others to guard some goods they could not take along. The

regiment crossed the river at Nashville in ferry-boats, and went

into camp at Camp Jackson, four miles nearly east of Nashville.

Friday, 28th. After looking and looking for our teams until

we were tired, we got other teams to haul our goods to the river,

where we found our regimental teams and turned the property

over to them. We then joined the regiment at Camp Jackson.

I was well, and had been all of the time, and found it no harder

than I had expected. I was the only one of our squad that got in

Captain Alban's Company F, 21st O. V. I., in General Mitchel's

command. (Captain Alban was an old school teacher of mine.)

 

DETAIL OF A SQUAD TO CAPTURE A LOCOMOTIVE

MARCH, APRIL AND MAY, 1862

Saturday, 1st. Our company came in from picket duty. A

captain in the 4th O. Cavalry was killed near where we were

stationed. It was thought he was killed by citizens, who play

citizen in daytime, and skulk around and pick off our men at

night. General Mitchel investigated.

Sunday, 2nd. We were at the same place. Here an un-

broken account of our movements ends. I sent home to my

brother, M. A. Adams, monthly statements of our doings, but the

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most of them were lost. We lay at this camp for some time,

doing camp and patrol duty to keep down the enemy's cavalry

and scouts. Every night when on picket duty, could hear their

signals of "cow-bells."

General Mitchel, being of a very active disposition, was soon

on the forward move for further victories. His first objective

was Murfreesboro, Tennessee, about 30 miles east of Nashville,

which was reached without any serious resistance. We were de-

layed there a few days to bring up our provision lines.

While rebuilding the railroad bridge across Stone River, the

General was the most active man on the job, and stood on a timber

over the water giving directions to the workmen. To our amuse-

ment, the log upon which he was standing, turned and precipitated

the General into the river. He soon pulled himself out of the

water and continued to direct the work as though this was an

every-day occurrence.

His next move was south through Tullahoma and Shelbyville,

Tennessee, to Huntsville, Alabama.

While at Shelbyville, a detail of twenty-two soldiers was

made from the 21st, 2nd and 33rd, Ohio regiments, with their

leader, Andrews, a citizen scout of Kentucky, to go down into

the enemy's country near Atlanta, Georgia, capture a train, come

north, burn bridges, destroy the railroad, and meet General

Mitchel at or near Chattanooga, Tennessee.  The expedition,

"Capturing a Locomotive," as it was or is called in history, was

successful only in capturing a train. They were pursued so

closely that they could do but little damage, and had to abandon

the train near Graysville, Georgia. They took to the timber, and

were finally all captured.

 

A UNIQUE EXPEDITION ON A TRAIN OF CARS

General Mitchel did not lie idle and await results of this

expedition, but pushed forward with great energy to do his part

in the game. He captured Huntsville, Alabama, on the enemy's

main railroad, connecting their eastern and western armies. He

captured the place with but little resistance, completely surprising

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the enemy, thus capturing a large amount of supplies and several

trains of cars.

Our brigade immediately went on a novel expedition. We

had three or four trains of cars with a regiment on each train,

and went east about 75 miles (by route of the railroad) to Steven-

son, Alabama, and Bridgeport, where the railroad crosses the

Tennessee river, all of the way through the enemy's country.

We had train whistle signals, so that each part of the expe-

dition knew how the others were progressing. When we pulled

into a town or station, it was amusing to see the expressions on

the inhabitants' faces when they saw the train was loaded with

Yankee soldiers, as well as interesting to see drilling squads of

enemy soldiers and citizens break up and take to the hills. We

left a guard at each town and station to protect the railroad until

our return.

When we stopped at a place, we boys were on the lookout

for something to eat. At one stop Noah Fellers, about eighteen

years old, was approached by a man who posed as the owner,

and who coaxed him into a smokehouse by telling him he would

give him some meat. When he got him in he locked the door and

jerked the boy's bayonet from the scabbard, and commenced

pricking him in the neck. The boy was rescued by comrades

who heard his cries, and the man taken prisoner. As we never

heard from him afterwards, we supposed that he fell off the train

on our return to Huntsville, which was well along in the night

of the same day. Which adventure was considered a complete

success.

Saturday, May 17th. Wrote a letter home, giving some ac-

count of our operations after our car expedition, in which time

we had been very busy there at Huntsville. In answer to inquiries

I stated that I had been well all of the time, ready for duty when

called upon, and very well satisfied with my lot, as well satisfied

as I would have been at anything else. Also that I had weighed

the matter thoroughly, and had looked on both the dark and the

bright side of the sheet before enlisting, and found things no worse

than I had expected.

We had done patrol and picket duty all of the time when not

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raiding after the enemy. I was detailed on picket duty every

other day for weeks. Also was called out several times to look

after the unruly Confederates, once east to Stevenson and Bridge-

port, and west to Athens, Alabama, and other shorter raids. But

our regiment never got a smell of the enemy's powder. He was

like the Irishman's flea, "when we got our hands on him, he

was'nt there." Other regiments of the Division had some severe

skirmishes and took quite a number of prisoners and lost some

men, though our own loss was light.

 

A LITTLE ABOUT JOHN MORGAN

John Morgan, the Confederate cavalry scout, had been very

active here as well as when we were at Camp Jackson near Nash-

ville, where he was sure to be on the lookout for our teams when

they went out for wood, and took in a number of them.

General Mitchel thought that he would even up with the chap

and reverse the success of the game. So when he sent the next

train for wood he had armed soldiers concealed in the covered

wagons. As soon as Morgan's men saw what was going on they

raised the white flag and feigned that they were there to negotiate

the exchange of prisoners.

While here at Huntsville a company of our regiment was

detailed to guard prisoners back to Nashville, and on their return

trip a number of them were taken prisoners by Morgan, and duly

paroled. Captain Ewing of Company D was among them, and

received very cordial treatment from Captain Morgan. When

about to take his departure from his genial host, Morgan dis-

covered that Captain Ewing had Captain Morgan's sword con-

cealed under his coat, and he reminded Captain Ewing that he

could take care of his own property for a while longer. Hunts-

ville was a nice town, surrounded by hills, some of considerable

height, and was considered healthy, with splendid water. There

was a very large spring here which discharged sufficient water to

run a large grist-mill if applied. The town was very strong

"Secesh." A woman (not a lady) one day spat in the face of a

Union soldier with little or no provocation. So here we leave

Huntsville.

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IN CAMP AT ATHENS, ALABAMA

About June 3rd. We arrived at Athens, Alabama, where we

lay all summer, guarding the place, without any molestation on

the part of the enemy, though we were routed out on false alarms

several times for practice, to train us for quick action in case we

were surprised at night. We developed considerable efficiency

in this act.

We had to have a picket guard on each road approaching the

town, and still leave a strong guard in the place. So to save trou-

ble the picket guards were not changed every day. Our picket

post of about six privates, in charge of Sergeant Philip Willich,

of Company B, were on duty on a main road leading towards

Nashville, for over four weeks without being relieved.

An old planter's residence near us was furnished a guard

from my Company F, David Boharman. He was enticed to desert

our army and we never saw him afterwards.

I think it was here that Lenox, of Tennessee, and Davis

Smith of Alabama joined our regiment, and proved good loyal

men.

About August 10th. We broke camp here and boarded a

train of cars for Nashville, going through Columbia and Franklin,

Tennessee.

ON WAY BACK TO NASHVILLE

The train was mostly flat freight cars with a very weak loco-

motive. When we came to an upgrade we had to get off and push

with might and main to help our engine up hill, and then hustle to

board the cars before they started on their rush down grade. At

one place after dark I grabbed the car with my hands, but failed

to pull myself up before it started its mad rush down hill, and

there I hung, dangling in the air it seemed for ages, before the

train slowed down and I could pull myself on.

At Nashville we again joined our old Division, now com-

manded by General Negley, who was appointed to command the

troops left to guard the place while Buell, with the main army,

went farther north to look after Confederate General Bragg.

General Bragg, with a large army, was moving north with the

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purpose of gaining Kentucky to the Confederacy, capturing Lex-

ington, Covington, Louisville and Cincinnati, and supplying his

army off the rich country of southern Ohio and Indiana. The

Yanks prevented the success of his scheme.

While here our duty was to strengthen the defense of the

place, work on Fort Negley, etc., send our forces to keep down

bushwhacking and cavalry raids, and to send out foraging parties

to help supply our provision stores, as well as to picket and patrol

the place.

In one foraging expedition we ran into a private deer park

owned by a rebel general. Orders not to molest any of the animals

were not strictly obeyed when we saw the deer and buffalo scam-

pering about. A valuable Arabian stallion, in an inclosure, was

shot by a comrade in self-defense when it made a lunge for the

soldier.

On another foraging party John Shelly and I were detailed

to bring in provisions for our mess of 16 men, and when we re-

turned with one-half peck of shelled corn the other boys some-

what guyed us. So we took it over to the mill to get it ground.

We went into the room where the grain was stored, and when the

way was clear we filled our sack from one of theirs standing

there. We then carried it into another room and traded it for

corn-meal. So we did not have to go hungry for a while at least.

At that time I liked milk in my coffee. When caught milking

cows out on the commons, by the Irish women, what they said

was a plenty. A nice white cow kept in a stable near where we

were camped got milked very early in the morning, until we dis-

covered one morning that the sex of the animal had changed. This

milking affair is one of the sins I have had a chance to answer,

in part at least, before the Great Judgment day. In after years

at a reunion of our regiment, some of my family overheard a

discussion of my milking affray in the army, and after that I had

urgent requests to join milking bees on the farm.

Though the enemy had a large force, principally cavalry,

surrounding us to harass us, when they would get too trouble-

some, General Negley would occasionally send out a strong force

to teach them their place.

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We continued our foraging raids, going out sometimes as far

as ten miles, and in that way secured food and provisions to a

considerable quantity.

We were cut off from communication with home for nearly

eight weeks.

The battle of Perrysville, Kentucky, having been fought and

won by the Union Army, and General Bragg, with his forces,

driven back out of Kentucky on November 17th, our troops com-

menced returning and we were relieved and the siege lifted.

In a few days General Rosecrans established his headquarters

here and took command of the Army of the Cumberland.

About November 26th, the L. & N. R. R. was repaired and

communication was opened to the north and home, and our time

for about a month was occupied in getting clothing and supplies

for another forward movement, General Rosecrans having con-

centrated his forces at Nashville.

December 26th. He commenced the forward movement in

the following order: General McCook commanding right wing of

the Army on the Nolensville Pike; General Thomas, our com-

mander, commanding center by the Franklin Pike; General Negley

and our Division in advance, and General Crittenden, command-

ing the left wing of the army on the Murfreesboro Pike.

 

BATTLE OF STONE'S RIVER,* TENNESSEE

December 2₇th. Negley swung to the left and took position

on General Crittenden's right, on the Murfreesboro Pike.

December 28th. Being Sunday, no general forward move-

ment of the troops was made.

December 29th. General Negley, in connection with Critten-

den's right, marched eight miles, and camped three miles out of

Murfreesboro.

December 30th. Some little change of the lines in prepara-

tion of the expected battle to open the next day, Negley's right to

* Stone's River, named after Uriah Stone, one of a company of four

who explored it in 1766. The more modern spelling is Stone River. See

Ramsey's Annals of Tennessee, p. 69.

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join Sheridan's left, being the left of McCook's command, and his

left to join Palmer's right, both of Thomas' Corps.

Wednesday, December 31st. The battle opened at daybreak

on the right of the line, with little change in our position from

the day before. Our Brigade consisted of the 21st Ohio, com-

manded by Colonel Neibling; the 74th Ohio, commanded by Colo-

nel Moody, and two or three other regiments; the brigade was

commanded by Colonel Miller.² We found ourselves engaged

behind a rail fence in a strip of cedar timber some distance to the

right of the Murfreesboro Pike.

This being the first heavy fire the regiment was ever under,

the boys stood up under it in fine shape, and were greatly en-

couraged and enthused when Colonel "Jim," as we called Colonel

Neibling, went up and down the line repeating, "Give 'em H-

by the acre, boys"!

We were elated in our success in holding our line intact

against assault after assault by enmassed columns, when after

some time we knew by the firing that the right wing of our army

was giving way, but we held our ground until all of our support

on the right was withdrawn and the enemy were pouring in shot

and shell from our right and rear, and we got orders to retire.

The most of the way for about one-third of a mile was through

a cedar thicket. My course took me through a small open space

where the enemy could rake it with a battery they had posted at

short range, as well as a strong force of infantry, and it was

some hot place, and our speed if possible was increased. A

charge of grape and canister, fired from the battery struck the

ground near enough me that I could feel the shot move in the

ground under my feet. We reformed a short distance to the right

of the Murfreesboro and Nashville turnpike, near where the

"Chicago Board of Trade" Battery was posted to cover our re-

treat. This they did nobly and bravely, as their appearance indi-

cated when we first saw them, still bravely manning their remain-

ing undisabled pieces, stripped to the hide, with sweat and blood

 

2The other regiments of our brigade at this time were the 78th

Pennsylvania and the 37th Indiana.

Vol. XXXVIII-41.

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running down their bodies. Their horses were all killed and per-

haps half their pieces disabled.

This engagement was a costly one to our company. The three

Stocker boys, of whom we were proud, on account of their fine

appearance and good qualities, were either killed or wounded, with

John Wilkinson and others.

 

JANUARY, 1863

Thursday, the 1st, found our regiment guarding the supply

train, on the Nashville Pike about four miles from the battle line,

where we remained until Friday, January 2nd.

The "boys" received the news of the Emancipation Proclama-

tion philosophically. They had the utmost faith in President Lin-

coln and felt that whatever he did was for the right. While we en-

listed to preserve the Union we always felt that slavery was wrong

and were glad to feel that now we were fighting against it and were

sure we would do away with it.

On Friday, about 3 P. M. just after we had drawn part of a

ration of flour and had mixed it into a dough preparatory to

throwing it into the hot ashes to bake, we got orders to fall in and

double-quick to the front. Here we took position to the left of

our battle line with our brigade and the rest of our division on

the west bank of Stone's River, north of the railroad and pike, on

the bend of the river below the ford. We lay down and awaited

the recrossing of the river by Van Cleve's Division, who had oc-

cupied the heights, an important position on the other side of the

river, and who were heavily pressed by the enemy and were falling

back. General Negley not being present, Colonel Miller took

command of the division, and when the last of Van Cleve's men

had crossed and taken position in our rear, Colonel Miller or-

dered us to arise, give the enemy a volley and charge across tht

river, through ice-cold water. It took me up about the waist, so

I had to hold up my cartridge-box to keep my ammunition dry.

Our charge took the enemy completely by surprise, and drove

them back across the river and up the hill, where we captured a

battery. (Some histories give the 21st Ohio the credit of captur-

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Diary of Jacob Adams                643

ing this battery, the only guns captured by our troops in this

battle. The 78th Pennsylvania took part in this operation).

Disobeying two different orders from a superior officer to

retire his command back across the river, Colonel Miller pushed

his followers forward, driving the enemy before him until dark,

when relieved by other troops. This charge ended the battle for

that night. At midnight Bragg planned a council of his generals,

and they decided to withdraw. By  11 P. M. of January 3rd,

Bragg's whole army, except his cavalry, were withdrawing to a

position on Duck River, and our army was too badly crippled to

follow up the retreat in force. By the end of the ₄th, even the

rebel cavalry was withdrawn from our immediate front.

When our division was relieved after dark, we retired across

the river, and our regiment bivouacked for the night on the west

side near a frame house. Believing we would not be called out

that night, I went inside the house and in the darkness crawled in

between some soldiers with my wet clothes on and they did not

protest in the least. I had a good night's sleep. When I woke

in the morning I discovered my bed-fellows were all dead soldiers.

The building had been used as a field hospital and before our

charge the living had all been removed and the dead left.

Saturday, 3rd. No great demonstration on part of either

side. (I did not here attempt to give an account of the battle, but

only what came under my own observation.)

Sunday, 4th. The day was occupied in burying the dead.

 

 

"THE 21st AT STONE RIVER"

 

(BY KATE BROWNLEE SHERWOOD)

Were you at Stone River? Were you at the fore

With Negley's Division of Rosecrans' Corps?

"Old Rosy" who fought the Stone River campaign

With a splendor that scarcely was equalled again.

In the center was Thomas, McCook on the right,

With the thundering batteries massing their might.

Our Colonel, like mad, riding on at the head,

"Boys, give 'em H     by the half acre," that's what he said.

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Were you at Stone River, when Miller's Brigade

That furious charge upon Breckenridge made?

Where we cut down Bragg's men, like a field of red clover,

The mowers of death sweep unswervingly over.

With the war parson Moody, and Neibling ahead

And half of our men lying over there dead.

With the terrors of winter, the hunger and cold

With their fangs at our throats like the wolves in the fold.

 

We held the reserve. There we lay since the night

The new year was born in the throes of the fight,

By our camp-fires we eagerly baked our scant cakes,

For the half ration issue keen appetite makes.

When an order rang out like the horn in the hunt

"Attention! Fall in! Double quick to the front!"

In the turmoil and tumult of the sudden retreat

Van Cleve sought the rear as we sprang to our feet.

 

A halt at the river. On Breckenridge came

Like the shriek of the tempest with thunder and flame,

The musketry's flash and the battery's roar

Bore down on our right and beat hard at the fore.

His front strikes the ford, they are coming right on,

Will he push up the heights? If we doubt, we are gone.

"Now up, boys, and at them !" A thunder bolt we,

As we dash in the river, right up to the knee,

 

To the elbow, the armpit, yet splashing we go,

Our guns firing high and Bragg's guns firing low.

But our maxim is good when the danger is high,

"In God keep your trust, but your powder keep dry."

Our clothes they are ice, but our hearts they are fire,

And courage grows strong as the carnage grows dire.

"Charge that battery! Charge!" Not an instant we stay,

And we take all the guns that are captured that day.

 

As the swift-swirling storm when the flood tide rolls in,

Leaps wild on the rocks with its drift and its din,

As the ebb-tide flows out and the undertow wails

And shrouds its pale dead in the shreds of their sails,

So the foe beats us back, and we beat back the foe,

And the meanings of grief hushed the clang of the blow.

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Diary of Jacob Adams                645

 

We were men. We were patriots, four years and more.

We clung to our colors, we fought at the fore.

From that daring Kanawha, fixed bayonet onslaught

Where our smoothbore muskets we found worse than naught.

To that vast Chickamauga, volcano of flame

That lapped up two armies as clinching they came.

In the siege of Atlanta, the March to the Sea,

Through the twin Carolinas, where Sherman scourged Lee.

 

And yet do you know, that for genius to fight

Cold, hunger and danger, by day and by night,

That Stone River campaign stands unique and alone,

And the heroes it hewed are eternal as stone.

There were Harker and Hazen and Sandy McCook,

And Thomas and Stanley and Beatty, and look!

'Tis the hero of Winchester galloping down,

Phil Sheridan, earning his Five Forks renown.

 

Were you at Stone River? I think you will say

We earned all the laurels we won in that day.

The right to stand first in the contest that came,

The prestige of prowess, the paeans of fame.

In the pales of the prison, the dales of the dead,

Our hosts have gone down, but our cause is ahead.

Were you at Stone River? Do you ever recall

The mad havoc of war? That old flag's worth it all.

 

IN CAMP AT MURFREESBORO

Monday, January 5th. General Thomas went into camp at

Murfreesboro with his whole army. Here we lay until the latter

part of June, equipping and preparing the army for another for-

ward movement. Our duty was pretty heavy most of the time,

putting our frames and muscles in condition for more strenuous

work. We drilled five or six hours a day when the weather was

fit, and frequently came on picket duty and were out on scouting

expeditions as well, to take observation of the enemy's move-

ments, always starting out in the night in order to awake the

Johnnies at an early hour for their breakfast. On one occasion

early in the night we were on roads, the mud nearly knee-deep.

Some obstacle ahead prevented our marching right along, and

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the mud kept us from lying down. We would go a few steps for-

ward and then stand in ranks an uncertain time, and then move

forward again a short distance. This repeated for hours got to be

quite monotonous and tiresome, so that when standing in line I

would drop asleep and would not always awake when we moved

forward. Tired and grouchy were we when we returned to camp

in the morning. A comrade and I gave an exhibition in "bayonet

exercise" with our bayonets in their scabbards. A tall comrade

from the front of the company dropped behind me and was some-

what annoyed by my gun on my shoulder being carried too low

to suit him, and gave the gun a severe little jerk. At that I let my

weapon drop on his head with no uncertainty of its meaning,

which prompted several thrusts and knocks delivered by each of

us with our bare gun-barrels as we marched along, each one ward-

ing off the blow of the other fellow. There was no blood shed nor

bones broken. In the fracas I reminded him that if he staid at

the head of the company where he belonged my gun would not

molest him.

Writing home June 5th I stated my health was excellent, and

that of the regiment good, all in fine spirits and anxious to give

Bragg another trouncing. I would like to see the war end, but

would be willing to serve our time out and longer in order to settle

the controversy right and save the best Government in the world

intact. Had great confidence in our officers. Colonel Neibling

was all right, as well as our brigade and division commanders.

General Thomas, our Corps commander, and General Rosecrans,

Commander of the Army, both had the implicit confidence of

their men.

The views of this army with regard to the way things were

carried on at home by the dissenters: "I will just say our blood

boils for those damnable cowardly traitors at home. We consider

them our enemies as well as those bearing arms against us, and

think the former deserve hanging as well as the latter deserve

being shot."

THE TULLAHOMA CAMPAIGN

Wednesday, June 2₄th. Rosecrans' whole army struck tents

and commenced the forward movement to route Bragg out of his

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strong position at Shelbyville and Tullahoma. McCook was on the

right, Thomas in the center, and Crittenden on the left.

At noon our division, Negley's, pulled out in a south-eastern

direction on the Manchester road. Our regiment got to Man-

chester, a distance of 31 miles from Murfreesboro, at 10 P. M.

Saturday, 27th. We had very moderate and easy marching

until this day which was rather tough going for 13 miles. In the

morning our brigade took a course to the right of the pike to as-

certain if there were any lurking foe in the mountains between

the pikes. We marched over hills too numerous to mention and

waded creeks two to three feet deep, I would be safe in saying

twenty times. After tramping some 13 miles, we struck the pike

about one-half mile from where we left it. On this trip, we were

not in any of the small engagements taking place around us, our

division being held in reserve to this place.

Sunday, June 28th. Lay at Manchester.

Monday, June 29th. Left said place on the Winchester pike.

Marching from four to 10 miles a day, we kept this pike until

Saturday.

Saturday, July ₄th. Left the pike and in the evening camped

in a mud-hole four miles north-east of Dechard's Station. Dur-

ing the week we passed through as fine a country as I ever saw.

We lay in that mud-hole until July 8th.

 

IN CAMP AT DECHARD'S

Wednesday, July 8th. Our division went into camp at Dech-

ard's Station to await the repairing of the railroad and getting

supplies ahead for our onward march to Chattanooga.

The Tullahoma campaign was a complete success to the

Union Army, completely routing Bragg out of his strong position

with but slight loss to our army, and ridding middle Tennessee of

the rebel horde. Our part in the movement was not a hard one.

Each day's march was a short one and we had plenty to eat. Sent

our tents and knapsacks back to Murfreesboro when at Manches-

ter and had neither seen nor heard from them up to this time.

Thursday, July 16th.  We were pleasantly located; the

weather was fine for this time of the year, and our duty was light.

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We heard from home that the Union men were considerably wor-

ried over the way things were shaping there. Vallandigham's

nomination for Governor of Ohio on the Democratic ticket was

creating quite a stir. In reply, I wrote: "You can rest assured

that the Ohio soldiers here will do all in their power to keep the

notorious Vallandigham out of that office."

We still heard of traitors in the north trying to resist the

draft and so on. I could not see why there could not be some

measure taken to keep those men in their place. I would like to

have had them send our regiment back with their little five-shoot-

ers to quell some riots. I think that we would have made quite a

rattling and scattering amongst the Butternuts and would have left

many on the ground.

 

THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN

By August 20th, our whole army was on the move, with our

division, Negley's of the 14th Army Corps, in the lead of that

Corps, taking an easterly course through Tantelon, and halted on

Crow Creek between Anderson and Stevenson. The movement

of the army across the Tennessee river commenced August 2₉th,

and was completed September 4th.

Tuesday, September 1st.  Morning found us still lying at

Cave Spring on packed haversacks and knapsacks awaiting the

bugle-call for a forward march. The day wore away and at dusk

the long-looked-for "fall in" call sounded, and in a few minutes

our Brigade was on the move. Near midnight we crossed the

Tennessee river on pontoon bridge at Caperton's Ferry, three

miles southeast of Stevenson, and about 15 miles below Bridge-

port. Keeping up the Tennessee River valley about two miles, we

lay down in an open field to rest for the remainder of the night.

Wednesday, September 2nd. The sun was an hour high and

we had our coffee drank and were on the move, keeping up the

Tennessee River. About sundown we stopped for the night on a

little ridge near Bridgeport, after a march of 14 miles through the

scorching sun and dust indescribable.

Thursday, September 3rd. Taking an eastward course about

one-half mile, at 8 A. M. we were climbing Sand Mountain, a

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Diary of Jacob Adams                649

 

very steep and rough mountain, about two miles to the top, which

we attained with little difficulty, and some effort. We then went

some five miles south on the crest of the mountain. We halted

for the night near a grist-mill on a small stream. This day our

company was detailed to act as pioneers. We worked hard all

day and built a bridge about 100 feet long, after the regiment

halted.

Friday, September 4th. We were on the move at an early

hour, keeping the same direction we had the day before. Crossed

over the Georgia and Alabama line into Georgia about 10 A. M.

We then went down the mountain and stopped for a day or two at

the foot of it in Lookout Valley, by a large spring, two miles from

Trenton, Georgia. We marched about seven miles this day.

Saturday, September 5th. At 7 A. M. our regiment and the

78th Pennsylvania, started out on a scout, keeping up the Lookout

Valley. After two miles we came to the Iron works, where we

captured some salt, with other provisions and some C. S. army

clothes. Kept up the valley a mile farther to a grist-mill where

we got a lot of wheat and flour. We left the 78th Pennsylvania

there to operate the mill and our regiment went about two miles

farther up and camped for the night.

Sunday, September 6th. Early in the morning we went back

to camp, slung our knapsacks, and at noon we were moving up

the valley with the rest of the division. Went about eight miles,

and bivouacked for the night on Lookout Creek.

Monday, September 7th. We moved about two miles to the

east to the foot of Lookout Mountain, and took up quarters for

the night on the brow of a little hill.

Tuesday, September 8th. This morning we were started out

before we had time to make our coffee, and before sunup we were

climbing Lookout Mountain. Our regiment was scattered along

the sides of the road by companies to assist the wagons in getting

up the mountain. We worked hard all day and lay on the top of

the mountain over night. Lookout Mountain, where we crossed,

was higher than Sand Mountain, but not so steep. To-day the

first and second brigades of our division had some skirmishing to

do in our front.

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Wednesday, September ₉th. At sunup we were on the move

and at 3 P. M. we were at the foot of the mountain in Pigeon

Valley, where we remained over night after marching about five

miles. Some skirmishing in front, but no casualties on our side.

Thursday, September 10th. Morning came and at 6 A. M.

we were moving in a southeastern direction through Pigeon Gap

towards La Fayette, Bragg's headquarters, and where the larger

part of his army were. To-day our brigade was in advance, and

our regiment in advance of the brigade.

As usual our company was on the skirmish line where it re-

mained all day. Before we had gone 40 rods we had plenty of

Rebs. to shoot at, and plenty of the enemy to reply. So we ad-

vanced slowly, but surely, for four miles. The skirmish line

driving the enemy before us every inch of the way, and sometimes

meeting pretty stubborn resistance.

After going that distance we halted in the mouth of Dug Gap,

which was heavily blockaded with timber, being about three miles

from LaFayette, Bragg's headquarters. At sundown our company

was relieved and we retired about 15 rods to the top of a little hill,

where we lay on arms until morning. Luckily for our company,

there was not a man in it hurt, and only one man in the regiment

slightly wounded.

Friday, September 11th. This morning our regiment was

awakened at 2 A. M. and quietly fell back about five rods under

cover of darkness to the edge of a strip of wood, where, with the

rest of the brigade we formed in line of battle, fronting towards

La Fayette, and lay there quietly awaiting the break of day ex-

pecting something to do at that time. The sun arose and all was

quiet along the line with the exception of now and then a shot by

our skirmishers and an occasional reply. At about 8 A. M. there

was quite a sharp firing in front on the skirmish line, when we

changed front facing north towards Chattanooga to protect our

left flank. Here we lay about an hour when our regiment was

ordered back one-half mile to protect the wagon train. Took posi-

tion facing south, where we built breastworks of rails and lay

there undisturbed until 3 P. M. when our force had all retired but

our regiment and another regiment. We got orders to fall back

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Diary of Jacob Adams                651

one-half mile, which we did in good order. We took position in

support of a battery on a ridge in the edge of a woods fronting to

the northeast, with an open field in front. We had hardly taken

position when the Rebs. rushed in on our skirmishers with a

heavy force of cavalry, supported by. infantry. Four or five of

the guns of our battery opened on them, which made them get

back in a hurry. The enemy gave us a few shots with artillery,

but did not do much damage. Here we checked the enemy so that

we fell back one and one-half miles through a strip of woods,

without any further trouble. We halted on a little hill and slept

in line of battle over night. Though the enemy had largely su-

perior force to ours, the retreat was conducted with energy and

skill by our leader, General Negley, supported by his officers and

men, and done in good order with very slight loss. Our com-

pany had no loss, and in the regiment only two or three were

wounded. Our division took a strong position in front of

Stevenson Gap.

Saturday, September 12th. This morning everything was

quiet. By all appearances the Rebs. had "scud." Our forces were

coming down the mountain rapidly, and by sundown nearly all

our corps were on this side. All quiet in front. About dark our

company started out on picket.

Sunday, September 13th. All quiet along the picket line last

night and this morning. About noon we were relieved from picket

duty and went back to the regiment which was still lying where

we had left it.

Monday, September 14th. About 10 A. M. we slung knap-

sacks and moved up the valley about one-half mile to a strip of

woods, where we pitched our pup-tents and put in the time gath-

ering roasting ears and eating them. We expected to stop there

a day of two.

Friday, September 18th. On this day we were moving to the

left towards Chattanooga to participate in the impending battle

where both armies were assembling on Chickamauga Creek, 10 to

12 miles south of Chattanooga.

Saturday, September 1₉th. Found our brigade in the vicinity

of "Crawfish Springs," and about sundown we took position on

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the battle line on the Brotherton field near the site of the monu-

ment of the 78th Pennsylvania. After some little firing, we went

to sleep on our arms, lying on the battle line for the night.

Sunday, September 20th. Our brigade changed position a

time or two, and about 11 A. M. our regiment with its five-shoot-

ing Colt's revolving rifle was detached from our brigade and di-

vision, and given an important point on Snodgrass Hill, a short

distance to the right of where the observation tower was after-

ward placed, and not far from General Thomas' headquarters at

the Snodgrass House. Here it lay with some little shifting of its

position to conform with the battle line, repulsing charge after

charge of massed troops of the enemy, until the support of our

right was withdrawn, the enemy having wheeled a division around

our right flank, almost enclosing us. After dusk, under cover of

battle smoke and approaching darkness, the majority of the regi-

ment left took their chance to slip out from the corral made by

the enemy, through a 90-foot gap. Those that did not take that

chance were made prisoners.

In the early part of this engagement after we had fired one

round, we lay down and reloaded our guns, and were on our feet

to give them the second charge of our guns. I was wounded in

the left elbow thus: I was standing behind a little oak-tree making

myself as small as possible, with my gun in position to fire, when

a ball grazed the edge of the tree and struck my elbow, which

was out a little too far, completely disabling me in the use of that

member for this engagement, at least. When we came into

line here, before we had time to fire, comrade David Huffman

dropped down and stretched out his limbs with a quiver, and

as we remarked, "It is all over with Dave now," he sprang to

his feet, grabbed his gun, and went at it again. A ball went

through his hat and grazed his head and stunned him so that he

fell as stated. In this engagement Crist Bare of our company

had 23 holes shot in his clothing, without receiving a scratch on

his body. Knowing that I was disabled for work in the front, I

took my loaded five-shooter in my right hand and steered to the

rear to get my wound treated, thinking I would give the Rebs.

a dose of five health-giving pills before I would be captured.

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Keeping in the woods between the two roads, and guiding my

steps as far as I could from the sound of the battle on either

side of me, I came out at Rossville Gap where our troops, the

right wing of the army, were reforming after being beaten back.

Here I saw Rosecrans, and other high officers, including Negley,

with the balance of our division. I thought they should be for-

ward with Thomas to help him repel the onslaughts of the

enemy. After resting a while, I with many other wounded,

went on to Chattanooga, and put up for the night.

Our regiment went into action Sunday morning 500 strong,

having nearly a full quota of officers. The next morning they

stacked arms with 106 guns, with a Lieutenant in command of

the regiment.

 

NOTES ON BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA

(The following I wrote from a careful study of this posi-

tion from the Monuments and Tablets on this part of Chicka-

mauga Park, and it may be in part a repetition of what I have

written concerning this battle.)

The enemy instrumental in capturing the 21st O. V. I. were

Kelley's Brigade, composed of Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia and

North Carolina troops; Trig's Brigade, composed of Florida and

Virginia troops; all of Preston's Division; Buckner's Corps.

The Monument of the 21st O. V. I. near the south end of Snod-

grass Ridge marks the place where the regiment was captured.

This line extended north and south along the crest of the ridge,

facing the enemy on the east, with Whittaker's Brigade, Steed-

man's Division on the right, forming the extreme right of the

Union line at that time. Without any notice to the 21st, Whit-

taker withdrew, leaving the regiment without any support on its

right. Hence, an explanation of how the 21st O. V .I. was cap-

tured at Chickamauga battle, September 20th, 1863.

In the assault the enemy advanced from the foot of the

ridge on the east, with Kelley's Brigade facing the 21St O. V. I.

and Trig's Brigade facing the position formerly occupied by

Whittaker. In the advance Trig's Brigade, finding no opposi-

tion, swung to the right through a ravine, and took position in

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the rear of the 21st, its left overlapping the regiment to the

north, and within about 35 yards of Kelley's right, with the center

of the two brigades about 67 yards apart. Thus forming a com-

plete chain around the boys, except a little gap of some 35 yards

on the north, encompassing the command on less than an acre

of ground, with opportunity of firing into our ranks with no

danger of hitting their own men on the opposite side of the ridge

on account of our troops being on higher ground than the enemy.

From this position the two brigades closed in, and captured

a part of the 21st Ohio, and portions of the 89th Ohio and 22nd

Michigan. Yet through approaching night, and a thick cloud

of battle smoke, a large per cent of our men slipped out through

this little gap, and thus escaped capture and the horrors of

Andersonville prison.

Did the regiment submit to capture without any resistance?

Let us see. At the foot of the ridge where Preston's Division

formed to make the charge is a tablet giving a history of the

engagement.

The division went in with 4078 men.

Loss, 1336 men.

Per cent of loss, 32.71 in 11/2 hours.

This was a victory dearly bought, and this after the regi-

ment had been engaged for six hours in a most deadly conflict,

repulsing assault after assault by the very best troops the Con-

federacy could muster, and with ammunition taken from fallen

comrades.

ON WAY TO HOSPITAL AND HOME

Monday, September 21st. As I am not writing a history of

the regiment, but only as I see its movements, I will here leave

it for a time. I lay in Chattanooga all day awaiting my turn to

have my wound dressed, giving way willingly to worse cases than

mine, treating my wound with liberal applications of cold water.

Tuesday, September 22nd. Got my wound dressed the first

time, and with a large number of wounded who were thought

able to stand the trip, and a large train of wagons going back for

supplies for the army, we crossed the Tennessee river at Chatta-

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nooga, over Walden's Ridge, through Sequatchie Valley on to

Stevenson, Alabama, with but little molestation by the enemy,

and as soon as we could get transportation we moved on to Nash-

ville, where I arrived about Wednesday. Here I was assigned

to the Cumberland Hospital for treatment, where I remained

until about October ₃₀th.

October ₃₀th. I got an invalid's furlough for 30 days, and

transportation home to Findlay, Ohio, and had a pleasant trip.

Here I have lost the records for some time.

November 2nd. Arrived at Findlay, Ohio, about 11 P. M.

and walked out eight miles to where my mother and step-father

lived, where I arrived about 1 A. M. of the next day, and

knocked on the door. In answer to the question "Who is there"?

I said "A soldier wanting lodging." After some hesitation I

remarked "You may have a soldier kin or friend you may be glad

to have favored."³ The door opened and then-

Of course I had a good time and among other things I gave

the Copperheads some of my opinion. One of our near neigh-

bors tried to persuade me not to go back to the army, or in plain

English, to desert. I do not remember what I said in reply, but

I assure you it was a plenty. He told my brother he never be-

fore got such a raking down as I gave him. Well, my 30 days'

leave went by soon enough, and failing to get transportation back

to the front, I left home on November 26th.

November 26th. At 7 A. M. boarded the train at Findlay,

Ohio, for Carey. The conductor comes around and asks, "Have

you transportation?" "No," says I. "You came from the coun-

try, did you?" "Yes, from Wood County," I say. "All right."

So I passed on to Carey, and at 9 A. M. boarded the train for

Dayton, Ohio. The conductor comes and asks for my ticket.

"Have none." "It's so much to Dayton." "What do you do if

I have no money?" "Couldn't you get transportation?" "No,"

says I. "Yes, you could." "Well, I know I couldn't." The train

3 The reader may criticize when the soldier acts like a hobo or tramp,

or tried to "dead beat" his way through, but I am trying to give a true

picture of army ways, bad with good, and we thought that as much as we

had done for our country, we were entitled to some favors.

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stopped. "You must get off." "Hold on, maybe I can get some

money," and turned to some soldiers in the car. The conductor,

as well as I, interpreted their sly wink, and the train moved on.

I changed cars at Dayton at 2 P. M. and arrived at Cincin-

nati at 7 P. M. and put up for the night at the Soldiers' Home.

November 27th. At noon got on the steamboat, Major An-

derson, for Louisville, Kentucky. When asked about transpor-

tation, I answered in the negative, and scraped up 50 cents on the

$1.00 fare, and was told to keep it. Went on free, and landed at

Louisville about midnight.

Saturday, November 28th. At daybreak at the depot trying

to get on the cars for Nashville, but failed, as the cars were so

crowded. Put up at the Soldiers' Home and spent the day look-

ing over the city.

Sunday, November 29th. At 7 A. M. was crowded in the

cars and moving toward Nashville, where we arrived at 9:30 P.

M., and went to the Zollicoffer Barracks for supper and the

night's lodging. Up to this place transportation was a second

consideration, as they were anxious to get all the soldiers to the

front.

Monday, November 30th. Got up and breakfasted at 2 A.

M. Went down to the depot and there waited in the cold until

4 P. M. for the train to pull out for Stevenson.

Tuesday, December 1st. Daylight found me on top of a box

car, tied with a rope to the brake post to catch me if I jolted off,

shivering with cold and still bumping on toward Stevenson,

Alabama, where we arrived at 5 P. M. and put up for the night

at the Convalescent camp.

Wednesday, December 2nd. This morning's sun found me

in the Convalescent camp drawing five days' rations with a

squad of over 1000 men, to go to Chattanooga. At 2 P. M. we

marched up to town and made an attempt to board the cars for

Bridgeport, Alabama, 10 miles east, but failed on account of the

cars being so crowded, so returned to camp and stayed over night.

Thursday, December 3rd. Got to Bridgeport, crossed the

Tennessee river, and camped for the night.

Friday, December 4th. At sunup started for Chattanooga,

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30 miles away, and marched 17 miles to Whiteside Station,

where we lay in an open field for the night.

Saturday, December 5th. Took an early start and by 4 P. M.

I was with my company at Chattanooga. I found the boys in

good spirits, although pretty well starved by reason of the long

siege. Even after I got there it was some time before we were

caught up with the provision supplies so that we were on near

full rations. I had a little experience in raking up corn that the

mules had shelled off and tramped in the mud and manure, which

we washed off some, dried and parched it, and ate it for food.

We also went where they were butchering the half-starved beeves,

and gathered up the paunches, the heads, the shanks and every

part of the cast-offs we could make use of to help keep us from

starving.

IN CAMP AT CHATTANOOGA

Sunday, December 6th. Lay in camp answering questions

of the boys from home.

Monday, December 7th. To-day found me, shovel in hand,

working on the fort west of the town.

Tuesday, December 8th. Rained all day and I stayed in

camp.

Wednesday, December 9th. Did fatigue work in camp, po-

licing the parade grounds.

Thursday, December 10th. The company was nearly all

detailed to work on the fort and I was left for camp guard.

Sunday, December 1₃th.  It again rained all day and I

stayed in my tent.

Tuesday, December 15th. To-day found me gun in hand,

doing camp guard.

Wednesday, December 16th. The company all went on

picket. I got clear and stayed in camp.

Friday, December 18th. Stayed near the fire to keep warm

until in the afternoon I was detailed to haul a load of wood.

Saturday, December 19th. All I did this day was to carry

up a load of wood to keep from freezing.

Sunday, December 20th. Did nothing but have inspection

Vol. XXXVIII--42.

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and hug the fire to keep warm, until 4 P. M. when we went on

brigade dress parade, and I came in about dark, and lay down on

my plank bed for the night.

Tuesday, December 22nd. Went on picket duty with the

company.

Wednesday, December 23rd. Got in off picket about 10 A.

M. and lay in camp the rest of the day.

Thursday, December 2₄th. On this day I was detailed to go

and work on a fort in the east edge of town.

Tuesday, December 29th. A call for reenlistment as vet-

erans came to the regiment. Some took to it readily as a good

thing to do, and others kicked like mules. But with little effort

the enlistment went beyond the quota. Jack Yates cussed the

Government, and everything else, himself included, as he was

on his way up to sign his name for three years more service. It

cannot be denied that this reenlistment of the tried and true men

while in the service, was a death-dealing blow to the Lost Cause,

and tended largely toward hastening the close of the war.

Wednesday, December 30th. Had brigade inspedtion.

Thursday, December 31st. The quota for enlistment as

veterans was filled and I put my name down to serve three years

from that time if needed, or until the close of the war.

 

JANUARY, 1864

Friday, January 1st. A very cold day here as Well as all

over the United States. It set harder on us on account of us

being short of provisions. I saw whole teams of mules here

dead, standing frozen stiff in their tracks. There was nothing

to do but hug the fire to keep from freezing.

Saturday, January 2nd. I was detailed to work on the

fort, but was excused on account of cold weather.

Tuesday, January 5th. Those reenlisting in the regiment

were mustered into the United States service for three years, or

during the war.

Thursday, January 14th. To-day the regiment was paid off

and the road opened so the cars ran up to Chattanooga for the

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Diary of Jacob Adams               659

 

first time since our occupation of the place on September 9, 1863.

Great rejoicing.

Friday, January 15th to Monday, January 18th. All the

hurry was and had been for weeks to get started for home on

veteran furlough, and to see friends back north.

 

ON OUR WAY HOME

Tuesday, January 19th. At 5 A. M. our regiment was

crowded into the cars and ready to move out of Chattanooga,

Tennessee, to a better land. About 8 A. M. as we were on the

high trestle work at Whiteside Station, the second car from the

engine of our train left the rails, bumping along on the ties for

a short distance, when the train stopped just as it was hanging

on the stringer. Had it gone down, it doubtless would have

dragged the whole train with it. We could easily imagine the

result if we had fallen from a height of 125 feet to a solid

rock below. We were badly frightened, but soon emptied the

cars and walked on the ground to the other end of the bridge.

After some delay we moved along without further trouble and

got to Stevenson, Alabama, at noon. At 4 P. M. we pulled out

for Nashville, Tennessee, 112 miles northwest.

Wednesday, January 20th. Daylight found us on the train

moving slowly, and we arrived at Nashville at 8 A. M. We

went to an old brick house where we put up for the balance of

the day and the next night.

Thursday, January 21st. At 8:30 A. M. we were on the

train moving towards Louisville, Kentucky, where we arrived

at 1 A. M. of the 22nd.

Friday, January 22nd. Went to the Barracks and at noon

we crossed the Ohio river on ferry-boat, Jefferson, Indiana.

Got our dinner and at 2 P. M. the cars moved off for Cincin-

nati, Ohio, where we arrived at 2 A. M. of the 23rd.

Saturday, January 23rd. .At 7 A. M. we moved out for

Columbus, Ohio, where we arrived at 2 P. M. We went to the

Tod Barracks where the guard were under strict orders to let

no one out without a pass. We thought we had seen too much

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service to be cowed or bossed around by tenderfeet who never

had seen a Johnny. So a small squad met at the gate and were

refused to go out without a pass. Seeing the determined look

in our eyes, the guard called the "Corporal of the Guard" in,

and he thought best to call the "Officer of the Guard." By that

time our whole regiment was at the gate, some with their mus-

kets, awaiting the order, "forward march," which some one

gave, and the whole regiment passed out. We were then free to

go where we wished during the rest of our stay there. That

evening a couple of the comrades left their pocketbooks in my

care, though I said I expected to be in town myself.

Sunday, January 24th. Turned over arms and accoutre-

ment, drew clothing and dressed ourselves up, got our fur-

lough and were ready to move for Findlay, Ohio, which we did

on Monday.

Monday, January 25th. At 7 A. M. we moved, and at 6

P. M. I was again at old Findlay, and put up for the night at

Male Wilkinson's.

Tuesday, January 26th. Rode out to M. A. Adams' and

stayed over night in the old log cabin where I was born and

raised.

Wednesday, January 27th. Went home to Mother Dor-

sey's, two miles west of Van Buren, Ohio.

Friday, January 29th. Went to Van Buren to the supper

and dance at Dave Leiter's.

Sunday, January 31st. From home to John Draper's.

Monday, February 1st. Still at Draper's.

Tuesday, February 2nd. From Draper's I went to Wm.

Dorsey's and thence to C. G. Wilkinson's.

Wednesday, February 3rd. From Wilkinson's I went to

M. A. Adams', and then to Allen Dorsey's, and thence home.

There found Miss Camarine, the Kemper girls and Poe young-

sters and had a jovial time.

Sunday, February 7th. Went to the Baptist church at Van

Buren, and back home, and then on to Uncle Sam Hunting-

ton's.

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Diary of Jacob Adams               661

 

Monday, February 8th. To Carr's, where I stayed over

night.

Tuesday, February 9th. To Anthony Huntington's, and

thence to Van Buren where I stayed for spelling school, and

after that to a dance at P. Burnam's, and from there to S. Hunt-

ington's.

Wednesday, February 10th. To White Forest to spelling

school, and from there to A. Huntington's.

Thursday, February 11th. From A. Huntington's to George

Trout's to a dance and thence to S. Huntington's for the night.

Friday, February 12th. Went to the Wilkinson schoolhouse

to school. Frem there to Wm. Dorsey's for supper. Back for

spelling-school, and then to Uncle Dorsey's for the night.

Saturday, February 13th. Walked to Findlay and out to

M. A. Adams for the night.

Sunday, February 14th. To Van Buren to church in day

and in the evening to services at the Dulin church, and home

for the night.

Monday, February 15th. Went visiting to Abe Kemper's

in evening.

Tuesday, February 16th. I went via Van Buren to a dance

at Wallace Dorsey's in evening, and to M. A. Adams' for the

night.

Wednesday, February 17th. To John Draper's, thence to

Wm. Dorsey's, and then to Sam Wagoner's to a "shindig" in the

evening. Back to William Dorsey's for the night.

Thursday, February 18th. Went to White Forest school.

From there to Van Buren, and thence back to E. Markle's to a

dance in the evening, and then to Allen Dorsey's to spend the

night.

Friday, February 19th. Went home via Van Buren and in

evening to spelling school at the Thicket schoolhouse.

Saturday, February 20th. Went to visit the school at the

White Forest schoolhouse, thence to Findlay and back again to

White Forest to spelling school and then walked home.

Sunday, February 21st. At home all day.

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Monday, February 22nd. At the soldiers' dinner in Find-

lay in daytime, and at night attended a dance at Jim Ferril's.

Tuesday, February 23rd. Visited at Chaffin's in Van Buren,

and from there to Wm. Dorsey's for the night. Had a fine time,

but was ready and willing to go back to the front.

 

ON WAY BACK TO ACTIVE SERVICE

Wednesday, February 24th. The morning found me on the

cars at Findlay with the rest of my company and a number of

veteran recruits, as we called them. Among them were my

brother William Adams and my step-brother, James Dorsey,

headed for Columbus, Ohio, where we arrived at sundown.

After getting our suppers at the barracks we marched out to

Camp Chase and put up for the night.

Thursday, February 25th. Went to Uncle James Dorsey's

and stayed over night.

Friday, February 26th. Back in camp.

Saturday, February 27th. In the city running around.

Sunday, February 28th. Back to Uncle Dorsey's. Stayed

until morning of the 29th.

Monday, February 29th. I went down to city. Was mus-

tered into the United States military service, drawing local bounty

and put up for the night at The American House.

Tuesday, March 1st. Was running over the city until 3 P.

M. Was paid off in the State House and in a few minutes was

at the depot with the rest of my regiment, all joyfully awaiting

the train to carry us down toward the front. About dark we

moved for Cincinnati, where we arrived at 3 A. M. of March

2nd.

Wednesday, March 2nd. We lay in the barracks until noon,

when we got aboard a river steamboat and moved down the

Ohio river to Louisville where we landed at 1 A. M. of March

3rd.

Thursday, March 3rd. Went to the barracks for breakfast,

and at 2 P. M. were aboard the train moving toward Nashville.

Arrived there at 3 A. M.

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Friday, March 4th. Put up at the Zollicoffer House. I

went to the theatre at night.

Saturday, March 5th. At 1 P. M. we gladly took leave of

the old barracks. Got on hog-cars and moved for Chattanooga,

Tennessee.

Sunday, March 6th.   Near midnight, well pleased, we

reached our destination, Chattanooga. We lay down on the

ground and slept soundly until morning.

Monday, March 7th. We moved over in an old camp, put

up a sort of shelter, and were contented, awaiting further orders.

Monday, March 14th. We got orders to pack up and by

11:30 A. M. were aboard the train and moved to Tyner Station,

Tennessee, nine miles away. We arrived at 1 P. M., pitched our

tents and put up for the time being.

Thursday, March 17th. To-day the regiment was on picket

and I was along.

Friday, March 18th. Came in off picket, got our breakfast

and cleaned up for regimental inspection, which occurred at 1

P. M.

Saturday, March 19th. This morning found us packing up,

and at I A. M. we moved out, keeping a southerly course. After

about six miles we came to Graysville, Georgia, at 3 P. M. and

went into camp.

Sunday, March 20th. To-day I went on picket duty with

the whole regiment on Station No. 2.

Monday, March 21st. About 9 A. M. we came in off picket

and soon after Simon Presler was shot by the carelessness of

one of Company C boys.

Tuesday, March 22nd. Big snow-storm here and at other

southern points.

Wednesday, March 23rd. I was on picket with the 1st Wis-

consin, on Station No. 6.

Thursday, March 24th. The regiment had gone to Parker's

Gap when I came in.

Tuesday, March 29th. I was on picket with the rest of the

regiment, at Station No. 2.

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Wednesday, March 30th. Celebrating my birthday, 22nd

anniversary, by laying around in camp after coming in off picket.

 

IN CAMP AT GRAYSVILLE, GEORGIA

Friday, April 1st. This morning found me with my regi-

ment at Graysville, Georgia. Went on picket on Station No. 2.

Saturday, April 2nd. Came in off picket and at 2 P. M. had

battalion drill.

Sunday, April 3rd. Nothing but company inspection.

Monday, April 4th. On picket with company at Station

No. 2.

Tuesday, April 5th. Came in off picket duty and cleaned

up for review and inspection, which occurred on Wednesday the

6th, by Major General Thomas.

Thursday, April 7th. Drilled a couple of times.

Friday, April 8th. On fatigue duty in camp.

Monday, April 11th. I was on camp guard.

Friday, April 15th. Had regimental inspection by Brigade

Inspector.

Tuesday, April 19th. On picket at Station No. 5.

Monday, April 25th. Our regiment went on picket at Sta-

tion No. 4.

Saturday, April 30th. At 2 P. M. had regimental inspection

and were mustered for pay.

The regiment was in good health and ready and anxious to

move forward. The veteran recruits were in good spirits and

took to army life in fine shape. Put in much of their time drill-

ing and making appearance of fine soldiers.

 

ON THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN

Sunday, May 1st. Still were at Graysville. The regiment

went on picket duty at Station No. 6.

Monday, May 2nd. Came in off picket, and in the evening

got orders to prepare for a march.

Tuesday, May 3rd. This morning's sun found our regiment

packing up and about 9 A. M. we moved out with the rest of the

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Diary of Jacob Adams                665

 

rest of the division, keeping a southward direction. After march-

ing about six miles we went into camp at Ringgold, Georgia, com-

mencing our part in the Atlanta campaign.

Wednesday, May 4th. Was on fatigue duty.

Friday, May 6th. Got orders to prepare for forward move-

ment.

Saturday, May 7th. At daybreak our regiment struck tents,

and at 7 A. M. we moved out with the rest of the division. Keep-

line of battle and lay for the night some little distance from Tun-

ing southward, after marching some eight miles, we halted in

nel Hill, and to the right of it, not far from Sugar Loaf hill.

Sunday, May 8th. Our division moved around a couple of

miles and halted for the night in line of battle close to and south

of Sugar Loaf hill.

Monday, May 9th. About 2 P. M. our brigade moved one-

half mile and took position on a little hill at foot of Buzzard's

Roost mountain, where we lay exposed to a heavy fire from the

enemy's artillery and sharp-shooters posted on the peak of Buz-

zard's Roost. Firing ceased at dark and we lay on our arms

awaiting the morrow.

Tuesday, May 10th. Lay on the side of the hill all day

dodging the balls of the rebel sharpshooters, but we could not

reach them with our Enfield rifles.

Wednesday, May 11th. Our regiment was on the skirmish-

line and advanced from the crest of the little hill somewhat on

the slope of the mountain where we were engaged in a duel with

the rebel sharpshooters. We were heavily engaged all day.

About 5 P. M. the enemy tried to shell us with a battery, but

did not do us much hurt on account of their elevation. Here

the veteran recruits got their first taste of real warfare and they

stood up to their task like soldiers tried and true. One of them,

John Rey, a German of our company, was noticed firing in the

rear of our line. Captain Keller called to him to come to the

front and not fire back there lest he shoot our own men. His

answer was, "No, no! I hits no one, I shoots schraight up."

About II P. M. we were relieved and moved back to the rear,

lay down and slept soundly.

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Thursday, May 12th. At 7 A. M. our regiment with the

rest of our division took up the march, keeping to the right of

Buzzard's Roost, marching nearly south some 15 miles. We

stopped at 9 P. M. at the mouth of the gap, nearly west of Re-

saca, very much fatigued. I threw myself down on my pup

tent to rest until morning.

 

AT RESACA

Friday, May 13th. About noon our brigade moved out,

marching in line of battle, occupying the third line. Keeping a

northwesterly course we advanced some four miles, halting for

the night in a strip of woods in front of the enemy two, or three

miles north of Resaca. Some pretty sharp skirmishing towards

evening. Our regiment was not engaged.

Saturday, May 14th. We advanced one-half mile. Our regi-

ment took position on the crest of a little hill, where we lay listen-

ing to the music of the musketry and artillery in our front, ex-

pecting every minute to be rushed forward into the hottest of

the conflict. After dark our brigade took position in front line

facing the enemy's line of battle in their intrenchments, where

we lay down on arms and rested undisturbed for the night.

Sunday, May 15th. Our regiment lay all day on the second

line listening to our artillery playing on the rebel works in our

front. Now and then there came a stray ball over from the

enemy's sharpshooters, but our artillery and skirmishers kept the

rebels' artillery from playing on us all day, and we lay down for

the night. About i P. M. the enemy made a charge on our

lines and we were called out on double quick. Did not get in

action.

Monday, May 16th. Finding the enemy had evacuated their

works the night before, our division moved to the right in a

roundabout way five miles, and at 3 P. M. halted at Resaca.

Tuesday, May 17th. Pulled up and left Resaca at 9 A. M.

and crossed the river. Keeping south six miles we came to Cal-

houn, Georgia. Stopped a few minutes to rest, then moved on

slowly in the same direction, marching some eight miles. We

halted for the night at the side of the road at 11 P. M.

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Wednesday, May 18th. Marching 14 miles, keeping on the

railroad most of the way and passing through Adairsville, we

stopped in an open field three and one-half miles north of Kings-

ton, Georgia, at 11 P. M.

Thursday, May 19th. About noon we moved out, passing

through Kingston and marching on at nearly double-quick time

about five miles, where our brigade halted, threw up breast-

works of logs to catch Wheeler's cavalry. I went on the skirmish

line. No Wheeler came.

Friday, May 20th. Our brigade moved four miles to the

left near the railroad some five miles southeast of Kingston,

where we threw up protection and expected to stay a day or two.

Saturday, May 21st, and Sunday, May 22nd. Lay on a

rest. Did nothing but clean up a little.

Monday, May 23rd. At 9 A. M. our brigade moved nearly

west, and in a roundabout direction. Marched some seven miles,

when we came to the Tallapoosa river, which we waded and got

somewhat cooled off from our condition from marching through

the hot sun and dust. After draining off a little, we moved on

and halted for the night three miles from where we forded the

river.

Tuesday, May 24th. Moved about 10 A. M. and keeping a

southeast course, marched five miles and bivouacked on the road

for the night.

Wednesday, May 25th. About 10 A. M. our brigade moved

east some five miles. We bivouacked for the night in a woods on

top of a hill. About sundown we heard heavy firing of artillery

and musketry, which kept up until after dark.

Thursday, May 26th. At 1 A. M. our brigade was awakened

and in a short time we were moving toward the front. Going

very slowly south seven miles, we came up to the line of battle

about 4 P. M. Our division was on reserve. Here we lay

down and went to sleep to the music of cannon and musketry.

Friday, May 27th. At 9 A. M. our division moved out to

lengthen our line on the left. We maneuvered all day in the

woods, still moving to the left. We met but little opposition

until 4 P. M. Our brigade came up to the Rebs at an old mill

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on a little creek on the extreme left of our line. We were hotly

engaged until after dark. Our regiment lay for some time on

the second line under quite heavy fire on the right of the brigade,

and to the right of the creek. About dusk we were formed in

line to protect our left flank. Here we lay undisturbed until mid-

night, when we retired one-half mile and lay down for the night.

Saturday, May 28th. About sunup, while we were chang-

ing position, Colonel Neibling was wounded, from which wound

he lost an arm. We lay on the bank of this Pumpkinvine Creek

all day, as reserve of our brigade, listening to skirmishing and

now and then dodging a stray ball. At dark our regiment moved

across the creek and built breastworks to protect our left flank.

Worked until midnight and lay down on arms to rest.

Sunday, May 29th. We lay by our works all day improv-

ing them. No firing on the line to speak of except skirmishing

until 5 P. M. there was quite a brisk fire on our right, and about

midnight there was a very heavy fire of artillery and musketry

all along the line which brought us to attention.

Monday, May 30th. Lay behind our works until 5 P. M.

when our regiment was moved to the front line, our right resting

on the creek, where we went at our old trade of putting up pro-

tection against the enemy's fire. We worked until about 10 P.

M. when we again lay down to rest a little. The line had been

extended to the left and we now lay on the left center. But

little firing along the line today.

Tuesday, May 31st. In the morning we moved our line a

couple of hundred yards to the left, and about sundown our

regiment advanced some 200 hundred yards and quietly went to

work without tools to make rifle pits with logs and green leaves,

which kept us at work all night. All quiet along the line. We

were still on Pumpkinvine Creek.

 

A STATEMENT OF THE PARTS OF THE ARMY IN

WHICH WE SERVED ABOUT THIS TIME.

On or about the 12th of March, 1864, when our regiment,

the 21st 0. V. V. I., joined the brigade at Tyner Station, Tenn-

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Diary of Jacob Adams               669

 

essee, after being reorganized as Veterans, we were still in the

3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Corps.

The Corps, commanded by Major General Palmer.

The Division, commanded by Brigadier General Johnson.

The Brigade, commanded by Colonel J. M. Neibling.

The regiments that then belonged to our brigade were:-

The 74th 0. V. V. I., Colonel Given; The 79th Pennsylvania

Veteran Volunteers, Colonel Harbright; The 78th Pennsylvania

Veteran Volunteers, Colonel Surwell; The ₃7th Indiana Veteran

Volunteers, Colonel Hull; The 21st 0. V. V. I, Colonel Neibling,

and the 24th Illinois, 1st Wisconsin, and the 21st Wisconsin V. I.

On or about the 1st of May, 1864, its time of service being

nearly expired, the 24th Illinois left our brigade. About the

same time the 21St Wisconsin was taken out of our brigade.

and the 36th Indiana Veteran Volunteer, Colonel Scrivner, took

its place. About the first of May, Colonel Scrivner took com-

mand of our brigade, the 3rd, and Colonel Neibling commanded

our regiment.

On May 28th General Johnson was wounded and Brigadier

General King took command of our division.

On May 28th Colonel Neibling was wounded and Major C.

McMahen took command of our regiment, the 21st O. V. V. I.

Wednesday, June 1st. The morning still found our regi-

ment on the front line behind the works we had built the night

before on Pumpkinvine Creek. We lay by our works all day

waiting for the enemy to attack us. No firing along the line

except by skirmishers and now and then a shot from the ar-

tillery.

Thursday, June 2nd. We lay behind our works until dark.

My company went on the skirmish line and we kept the Rebs

awake by shooting at them.

Friday, June 3rd. We stayed on skirmish line until dark

and went back to our works expecting to get a little sleep. Were

kept awake nearly all night by the racket made by the skirmishers.

Saturday, June ₄th. Still lay by our works. Quite a heavy

fire was kept up all day on the skirmish line and increased to-

ward night and kept up until morning.

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Sunday, June 5th. Fire kept up on skirmish line until Io

A. M., when it ceased and we soon learned that the enemy had

left. Then we threw off our cartridge-boxes, pitched our pup

tents and tried to get a little rest.

Monday, June 6th. About 9 A. M. our brigade moved out,

poking along all day. We moved five miles to the east and at

9 P. M. halted and lay down in an open field some two miles

west of the railroad and near Acworth, Georgia.

Tuesday, June 7th. Moved our quarters a few rods into

the woods to stay a day or two to wash up.

Wednesday, June 8th. Lay still all day.

Thursday, June 9th. Lay still until 3 P. M. when my com-

pany went on picket and stayed out until morning.

Friday, June 10th. We were relieved and went back to the

regiment. At 9 A. M. our brigade moved out in a southeasterly

course. Before we had gone very far we heard cannonading in

front. Marching about seven miles we halted at 6 P. M. and

bivouacked for the night with a woods in front.

Saturday, June 11th. At 6 A. M. our regiment went on the

skirmish line. After maneuvering, or fooling around, all day

in the rain, we finally advanced some 300 yards with no oppo-

sition. Quite a brisk fire kept up all day on our right, and about

5 P. M. a duel between the artillery engaged on our right and

kept up until sundown.

Sunday, June 12th. The morning still found our brigade

on the skirmish line in a downpour of rain. About i A. M. we

were relieved and retired to the 3rd line and pitched tents to

keep in the dry. Some firing on the left, but all quiet in front and

on the right.

 

VICINITY OF KENESAW MOUNTAIN

Monday, June 13th. Lay still all day in the rain. Quite a

brisk fire kept up all day on the left, which increased toward

evening.

Tuesday, June 14th. At 9 A. M. we moved forward one

and one-fourth miles, meeting little resistance. Our regiment

halted and was soon busy throwing up protection on 2nd line.

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Diary of Jacob Adams                671

We lay on arms for the night. Heavy firing of musketry and

artillery on left.

Wednesday, June 15th. Quite heavy firing was to be heard,

both on the left and on the right of our line, indicating an ad-

vance at those points, and at 5 P. M. our line advanced one-half

mile, meeting but little resistance. Our regiment took position

on 2nd line and lay on arms until the morning of the 15th.

Thursday, June 16th. Our regiment advanced 100 yards on

front line where we threw up works and lay in support of a

battery. At 6 P. M. we advanced 100 yards and again threw

up works. After that was done our company went on the picket

line very close to the enemy and had to lie low.

Friday, June 17th. Came in off skirmish line, made our

coffee and took breakfast. At 9 A. M. the skirmishers of our

brigade made a charge on the enemy, driving them back, and

took some prisoners. Then our regiment advanced 100 yards,

making a left wheel facing east toward Kenesaw Mountain,

about two and one-fourth miles away. After hastily throwing

up works, we lay all day listening to our artillery practicing on

the enemy's position.

Saturday, June 18th. At about noon our brigade advanced

900 yards under heavy fire from a battery which was soon

silenced by our artillery, supported by infantry. Our regiment

again on the front line took position facing east within 800

yards of the enemy's works, manned by infantry and artillery.

Here we worked all night throwing up protection as was our

habit on this campaign.

Sunday, June 19th. We found the enemy had left their

works in our front, so we lay the rest of the day in reserve,

listening to the brisk firing as our troops advanced.

Monday, June 2oth. In the morning we moved a little way

to the left and at 4 P. M. our brigade was again moved to the

front, our regiment on the skirmish line facing east a little to the

right and near the face of Kenesaw mountain. We maneuvered

around until midnight and lay on arms in the mud.

Tuesday, June 21st. The morning still found our regiment

on the front line, lying deep in the mud and rain behind our

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works, and at 10 A. M. something worse occurred. Our ar-

tillery and that of the enemy opened quite a sharp duel, playing

over our heads, each side having about twelve pieces in action.

There we lay all day exposed to fire from both sides, but about

10 P. M. we were relieved and went back on the third line.

Wednesday, June 22nd. At 9 A. M. the artillery duel opened

again and put in the day pretty busily throwing shell and solid

shot, causing us to lay pretty low most of the time. About 9 P.

M. our division was relieved and moved about a mile to the

right and relieved another division. Our regiment again took

the front line on the brow of a little hill called Bald Knob, facing

the northeast, within 500 yards of the enemy's works, where they

had a battery posted. After maneuvering around considerably

we got to lie down about 1 A. M. of the 23rd.

Thursday, June 23rd. Lay by our works listening to our

skirmishers exchanging shots with the enemy until 5 P. M. when

the artillery opened, which caused us to hug our works pretty

close doing no, or little, damage to our regiment.

Friday, June 24th. Lay in our works all day. But little

artillery firing along the line and only a few shots over our

heads. Quite brisk firing on the skirmish line.

Saturday, June 25th. Comparatively quiet on the line.

Sunday, June 26th. Not much firing along the line until I

P. M. when Buckskin, as we called him, Captain of Battery No.

2, 1st Ohio Artillery, opened on the Rebs with a couple of pieces

planted near us. This drew a spirited reply from the enemy with

about 18 pieces in action, which made it pretty hot for us for a

time. But luckily no one of our regiment was struck. At dark

my company was detailed to go on the skirmish line, but I, with

others, lay in reserve all night by our works.

Monday, June 27th. About 7 A. M. the Buckskin battery

again opened on the enemy, soon getting a reply which kept up

and made it warm for us until 10 A. M., killing Lieutenant Dil-

worth, of Company 1, of our regiment. At noon I went on the

skirmish line and took position behind a rifle pit made of logs,

about 200 yards from the enemy's line of battle, protected by

breastworks. I was so located that through a small opening I

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Diary of Jacob Adams                673

 

could plainly see their works, and every time I saw a Reb, or part

of one, I would send him a warning to lie low. I was so located

that it was difficult for them to find out my place of abode. I

am quite sure that I made my presence in the neighborhood felt.

Towards evening I was getting somewhat bold and did not try

so much as I might to protect myself, and the Johnnies dis-

covered my whereabouts. As I was sitting with my side to the

rifle pit, a little too high-headed, perhaps, with my gun across my

lap and a charge in my fingers ready to put into the muzzle of

it, a ball from the enemy came along, grazing the top log of my

rifle pit and carried away the cartridges out of my fingers. It

was so close to my forehead I could feel the heat of it. No, my

ball did not drop out of my hand, as the ground was clean there

and I could have found it.

Tuesday, June 28th. No demonstration on the line.

Wednesday, June 29th. But little firing.

Thursday, June 30th. At 2 A. M. we were called up by

hearing heavy firing on our right, which did not last long. We

lay by our works all day. Some cannonading on the left which

became brisk toward evening. The health of the troops was

good and their spirits high. Plenty to eat.

Friday, July 1st. Our regiment was with the brigade on

Bald Knob, and on the front line. We lay by our works all day

dodging stray Minie balls. Our men kept up a slow fire all day

with the artillery, increasing it in the evening, but getting a very

weak reply.

Saturday, July 2nd. Our men opened with their artillery

early in the morning, only now and then getting a shot in reply.

About 10 A. M. our brigade was relieved and went about a mile

to the left, and some distance to the rear, and lay down about

3 P. M. about a mile west of Kenesaw Mountain.

Sunday, July 3rd. Finding the enemy had left their strong-

hold here, at 9 A. M. our brigade started to follow them up

again through the hot sun. Passing through Marietta, Georgia,

then keeping along the railroad toward Atlanta, we bivouacked

for the night in an open field near the railroad in hearing of can-

nonading and musketry.

Vol. XXXVIII-43.

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Monday, July 4th. At 5 P. M. we advanced half a mile

and lay in reserve for the night.

Tuesday, July 5th. Finding the enemy were on the move

again, at 8 A. M. our brigade moved in pursuit. Keeping to the

right of the railroad we advanced four miles where the enemy

halted. Our regiment lay in reserve until sundown, when our

brigade was taken to the front, our regiment taking second line

about midnight.

Wednesday, July 6th. At 7 A. M. our regiment moved on

the front line and threw up works facing south.

Thursday, July 7th. Lay in our works all day, now and

then visited by a stray Minie ball.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, NEAR CHATTAHOOCHEE

RIVER

Friday, July 8th. About 8 A. M. moved three-fourths of a

mile and pitched tents in regular camp order in the woods one and

one-fourth miles from the Chattahoochee River, near the railroad

and to the right of it.

Saturday, July ₉th. At 6 A. M. our regiment went on the

skirmish line. We had hardly taken position when we had orders

to advance to the enemy's rifle pits, skirmish line. Our com-

pany, F, in reserve. This order was executed. Then crossing

to the left of the railroad under heavy fire, we advanced to the

crest of a little hill or ridge 150 yards from the enemy's main line

of works. We lay there some time exposed to a galling fire from

the enemy, and some from our artillery, our regiment losing

heavily. This is where Jimmy Dorsey and Thomas Foreman of

our company were killed, and a number wounded. Our company,

finding ourselves outflanked by the withdrawal of our support on

both our right and left, fell back to the enemy's rifle pits. Here,

finding we were still outflanked we retired nearly to our old skir-

mish line, where we remained the balance of the day and night,

to the right of the railroad. In this retreat I felt my danger as

keenly as any time when in the service. On my way back I over-

took Mahlon Povenmire, of our company, very badly wounded-

totally disabled in one leg. Had him throw his weight (190 lbs.)

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Diary of Jacob Adams                 675 on me and hobble along on one leg. We realized our progress was very slow crossing the railroad where bullets flew thick and fast. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, ACROSS THE CHATTA- HOOCHEE RIVER AND AT PEACH- TREE CREEK. Sunday, July 10th. Finding the enemy had evacuated their works and safely crossed the Chattahoochee River, and seeing

our dead comrades were decently buried, we returned to camp to rest our weary limbs. Monday and Tuesday, July IIth and 12th. Lay in camp washing up and drew new clothing. Wednesday, July 13th to Saturday, July 16th. In camp. Heard some musketry firing. Sunday, July 17th. About noon our brigade moved out in

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a roundabout course some three miles, where we crossed the

Chattahoochee River on a pontoon bridge one and one-half miles

above the railroad. Thence east some three miles, our regiment

in front, where we halted for the night. Our regiment took posi-

tion on top of a little hill on second line, and after throwing up

light defenses, we lay on arms for the night.

Monday, July 18th. At 8 A. M. our brigade moved out to-

ward Atlanta for five miles, over hills, through valleys, woods,

over the logs and brush, and under the hot sun, driving the enemy

before us, mostly by the skirmish line. Our regiment halted for

the night and threw up light works.

Tuesday, July 19th. About 8 P. M. the brigade moved

about a mile and took position on a little hill to support the front

line until 3 A. M.

Wednesday, July 20th. Our brigade moved a mile to the

left, crossed Peachtree Creek, and an advance of three-fourths of a

mile found our brigade again on the front. At noon our regiment

took its place on the front line, and went to work under heavy fire

building works or reversing the enemy's works. At 1 P. M. our

company went on skirmish line. At 4 P. M. had orders to ad-

vance, which order was countermanded, as the Rebs. made an

unsuccessful charge.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (NEAR ATLANTA)

Thursday, July 21st. Lay by our works until 5 P. M. when

our brigade advanced one and one-fourth miles, under fire from

artillery and musketry, driving the enemy before us. Halted

about four miles from Atlanta, and under heavy fire commenced

throwing up works, with no tools but our bayonets and frying

pans, within 200 yards of the enemy, and right under the fire of a

battery. Worked our best until 2 A. M. of Friday, 22nd. To our

utmost satisfaction we got orders to quit work, that the Rebs. had

left their works in our front, and at daylight we moved over to

the enemy's works. Made coffee there and took breakfast. At

9 A. M. we again moved forward and came up to where the John-

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Diary of Jacob Adams               677

nies had made another stand, one ane one-half miles from At-

lanta. Our brigade took position to the right of the railroad and

threw up works, our regiment on second line. General McPher-

son was killed on the left and not far from where we maneu-

vered.

Saturday, July 23rd. In our works all day. Some shots

exchanged by the artillery, and we got our share. One killed in

Company D.

Sunday, July 2₄th. Still in our works. But little firing

until 9 P. M. when our men made a feint on the enemy and

created quite a scare among the Johnnies. Also among the

teamsters and men in our rear.

Monday, July 25th. Not much firing to be heard.

Tuesday, July 26th. At 6 P. M. our brigade was relieved

by the 1st Brigade and went a short distance to the rear and lay

in reserve. Some artillery dueling.

Wednesday, July 27th. We lay still and rest. But little

firing along the line.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (IN FRONT OF ATLANTA)

Thursday, July 28th. We lay in our tents listening to

heavy firing on our right and also on our left. At 4 P. M.

our brigade was called out and rushed on double-quick, five

miles to the right, took position and threw up works to protect

the right flank of our line. About dark our company went on

the skirmish line and stayed out all night and morning of Friday,

July 2₉th. We found no Johnnies near in front of us, and at

9 A. M. our brigade was relieved and went back to our old posi-

tion in reserve. Not much firing was to be heard. Our artillery

in front of us opened on them but got a weak reply.

Saturday, July 30th. They again opened with their artillery

and kept throwing over shells to us all day.

Sunday, July 31st. We lay in our tents. Very quiet in

front, some artillery firing on the right.

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CHANGES TAKEN PLACE IN OUR COMMAND,

JULY, 1864

On or about the 5th, Colonel Scriven took sick and Colonel

Given took command of the 3rd Brigade.

On or about the 14th, the 69th O. V. V. I., Colonel Moore,

was transferred to our brigade, and Colonel Moore took com-

mand.

About the 15th, Brigadier General Johnson returned and took

command of our division, the 1st.

In June, the 78th Pennsylvania V. I. was sent north on

guard duty.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (IN FRONT OF ATLANTA)

Monday, August 1st. Our brigade was still lying in reserve

two miles north of Atlanta, just west of the railroad. Brisk

cannonading all day in our front.

Tuesday, August 2nd. At 6 P. M. our brigade relieved the

1st Brigade and took position in front just to the right of the

railroad. Our regiment on second line. Some noise in front.

Wednesday, August 3rd. At 9 A. M. our brigade was re-

lieved and moved a mile to the right and strung out in single line

on the right of the 20th Army Corps. Heavy cannonading both

on right and left. Quiet in front of us.

Thursday, August ₄th. At 1:30 P. M. our brigade got a

"hurry-up" call and marched five miles to the right on quick

time to join our division and as soon as we got there, without

rest we countermarched back to where we started from. Our

regiment took position on front line some 400 yards to the left

of where we were in the morning. Brisk skirmishing in our

front, cannonading all along the line.

Friday, August 5th. At 5 P. M. our regiment moved 150

yards to the left and on second line. Some cannonading all

along the line and quite brisk at times.

Saturday, August 6th to Tuesday, August ₉th. Lay still

listening to cannon music along the line, frequently visited by

Minies.

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Diary of Jacob Adams                679

Wednesday, August 10th. At daylight our regiment moved

to the front and took position on a little hill to the right of a

little muddy creek, on front line, a half mile from where we lay

the night before.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (IN THE SIEGE OF ATLANTA)

Wednesday, August 10th (Continued). We went to work

building entrenchments under fire from the enemy's sharp-

shooters. At dark our company was detailed to go on the skir-

mish line and lay in reserve.

Thursday, August 11th. At daylight we went on the line

with orders to advance and take the enemy's skirmish pits, which

we did on the right. The left of our line of skirmishers ad-

vanced some 200 yards and nearly to the enemy's rifle pits, but

owing to having no support on our left and a large swamp in

front, we could go no further. We went to it with our bayo-

nets and frying pans, our ever ready tools, under a heavy fire

by both artillery and infantry, and soon had pretty good pro-

tection. We stayed here all day, the heavy fire continuing. Here,

Abraham Powell was killed and Samuel Powell, his brother, was

seriously wounded. They, with Gideon Powell, another brother,

formed a trio of brothers in our company, of whom we were all

justly proud. At dark we were relieved and went back to our

works on front line.

Friday, August 12th. We lay close to our works all day

under heavy artillery fire.

Saturday, August 13th. At 7 P. M. our regiment and others

of our brigade on the front line were relieved by the second line

of our brigade and our regiment pitched tents on second line.

Sunday, August 14th to Wednesday, 17th. Lay still listening

to the music of the artillery and skirmishing on the line which

at times was quite lively.

Thursday, August 18th. At 4 A. M. our regiment again took

our old place on the front line, and at dark I, with a few others

of our company went on the skirmish line and kept the Johnnies

in health by giving them some blue pills.

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Friday, August 1₉th. At dark I was relieved and more of

our company went out on the skirmish line.

Saturday, August 20th. We lay low listening to our men

shell Atlanta. It was not altogether a one-sided game while we

lay here in our pretty complete works, which in later days would

be called trenches. It would be all quiet in front until we left

our pit and went on the side hill to make coffee. The smoke

would be a signal for the enemy to commence throwing over shells

to fan up our fires. Through their carelessness this would often

strike our fire and carry all our meal down hill. Then we would

hunt our hole, or "grab a root" as the boys in the trench would

call out. At one time I had a pot of mush cooking when the

signal came. I grabbed it and ran back to the pit, when a shell

came and burst in our works, causing the sand and gravel to

rain down for some ten minutes. This completely peppered my

mush. Many other amusing incidents are not recorded here.

Sunday, August 21st. At 6 P. M. our regiment was relieved

and went back on second line and pitched tents.

Monday, August 22nd to Wednesday, 24th. Lay still all

the time.

Thursday, August 25th. At 8 P. M. our brigade moved to

the right about five miles, joined our corps and lay low in an

open field about midnight.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (ON A FLANK MOVEMENT)

Friday, August 26th. Our brigade moved two miles to right

and joined our division.

Saturday, August 27th. At 7 A. M. our regiment moved

200 yards to the right in works and lay in readiness to move or

fight at a moment's notice.

Sunday, August 28th. By 5 A. M. our brigade was on the

move, keeping a southwesterly course for 10 miles. Here we

struck the Mont. & West Pt. R. R. 13 miles west of Atlanta

at 6 P. M. Our brigade formed on the left of the railroad facing

Atlanta, where we threw up light works and lay down for the

night.

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Diary of Jacob Adams               681

Monday, August 2₉th. At 6 A. M. our brigade put in the

day tearing up and destroying the railroad track. The work done,

we went back where we were the night before and drew rations.

Tuesday, August 30th. At 6 A. M. our brigade moved out

in a southeasterly direction some 13 miles and about sundown

we halted for the night, five and one-half miles northwest of

Jonesboro, Georgia, on the Macon and Western R. R.

Wednesday, August 31st. At 9 A. M. our brigade moved

south two miles, stacked arms and lay until 3 P. M. We then

moved two miles toward the front and turned around and moved

back to where we lay the night before.

 

CHANGES DURING JULY

On the 2nd the 37th Infantry left, our brigade was detailed

as train guards.

On the 15th Brigadier General Carlin took command of our

division, Brigadier General Johnson being relieved at his own

request.

On the 14th, Major General Jeff. C. Davis took command

of the 14th Army Corps, Vice Major General Palmer.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (BATTLE OF JONESBORO)

Thursday, September 1st. The day opened clear, the sun

rose bright and warm and found our brigade making coffee in

an open field some six miles northwest of Jonesboro, Georgia.

At 7 A. M. the old 3rd Brigade moved out with a cheerful step,

little thinking of the work that was before it. We marched

nearly east some two miles, then turned to the right and marched

one and one-half miles south where we stacked arms and rested

a half hour. At 11 A. M. our brigade, then in a cornfield, formed

in line of battle, was ordered to advance and dislodge the enemy

from a position in our front, which order was handsomely ex-

ecuted. We charged across a field 1000 yards and drove the

enemy from their entrenchments under a heavy fire from both

artillery and infantry. We did not halt there, but pressed on

half a mile and halted in a pine grove. As a matter of self in-

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terest we fell to throwing up a defense, the shells flying over our

heads, not slow. We had worked only a short time when our

regiment was ordered to report to General Carlin, which we did

without delay. There being a gap between our Corps, the 1₄th

and the 4th Corps, we learned our mission was to reconnoiter

and find the railroad and the right of the ₄th Corps at all hazards,

which was done with dispatch. By advancing three-fourths of a

mile we struck the right of the 4th Corps already stationed, and

the rest of our brigade soon joined us.

At 3 P. M. the brigade formed on the right of the railroad.

we advanced three-fourths of a mile, meeting but little resistance.

Passing through a strip of wood, we came to an open field 400

yards wide, on the opposite side of which, in a strip of wood,

the enemy had a strong skirmish line with logs and rails thrown

up for protection. There we charged and drove them from their

position into their main line of works, a short distance away.

We took position in the edge of the wood, taking shelter behind

the enemy's skirmish pits, which afforded slight protection from

the heavy fire the enemy poured into us from their main line

175 yards away, protected by hastily thrown up works. We lay

there only a short time when we got orders to again advance,

and, under deadly fire, we moved forward a short distance, halted

and reformed our line. There seemed to be a lull in the storm,

but it was soon broken by an awful roar on our right and as we

advanced this roar was soon drowned by the deafening sound of

the enemy's cannon and musketry in our front, which threw

messengers of death into our ranks in an appalling manner. But

that did not halt the old Third Brigade. On the contrary, we

pushed forward through showers of canister and Minie balls

and gained the enemy's works which were strongly contested.

We lay there under a heavy fire until dusk. Leaving a heavy

skirmish line to protect and hold what we had gained, the main

line retired to the edge of the woods and lay down for the night,

not much disturbed by the Johnnies.

In our last charge we had quite a thrilling experience. In

our advance we had to cross the railroad at a left oblique course,

and where our company crossed it was a deep cut, easy to go

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down, but too, steep to climb up on the other side until we ran

a few rods where the enemy was filling the air with grape and

canister from a battery posted so as to rake the railroad. The

loss to our regiment was light in this engagement, considering

what we went through, about 35 killed and wounded in our regi-

ment and two wounded in our company.

Friday, September 2nd. Daylight found no enemy near us.

They, being completely worsted the day before, took advantage

of the darkness and got up and lit out, leaving haversacks, knap-

sacks, camp equipment, etc. behind. At 9 A. M. our brigade

moved over to Jonesboro and camped north of town.

This practically ends the ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, which

spells VICTORY with a capital V.

The army was healthy, well fed and in good spirits all the

way through. Our loss was very light for the fighting we did

and for the amount we accomplished. This was largely due to

General Sherman's flanking tactics and to universal rule of

throwing up works as soon as we took position where there was

no protection. Our ever-present tools, the bayonet and the fry-

ing-pan, deserve much credit, the bayonet to pick the ground

loose and the frying pan to throw it out.

 

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN

The experience of myself with my regiment and brigade,

as I have attempted to describe this 120-day battle, is a fair

sample of what every regiment and brigade in the army did.

While we were not all actively engaged every day, yet, I think

that was the case with every battle of shorter duration during

the Civil War. In the three-day battle of Stone's River or Mur-

freesboro, Tennessee, one of the most severe engagements of the

war, the troops were not all in action at once. On the first day

the left wing of our army was very lightly engaged, the second

day was all quiet along the line, except on the part of the artil-

lery, and the third day the right wing of our army did not have

much to do. So it was on the Atlanta campaign, though on a

larger scale. The enemy stubbornly contested every foot of the

about 150 miles we drove them over. The loss of the Rebs.

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doubtless was light for they were nearly always behind works.

They would hold their fortified position as long as they could,

and when they saw they would be outflanked they fell back to

another selected position already fortified by a gang of negroes

they had constantly working in that way. Toward the latter

part of the campaign, General Hood took command of the Rebel

Army in our front and used different tactics. He would some-

times come out of his defenses and would get a good trouncing

and doubtless lost heavily.

 

RETURNING TO ATLANTA AND IN CAMP THERE

Saturday, September 3rd, to Monday, September 5th. We

lay still all the time, our corps in reserve at Jonesboro, while the

rest of the army pursued the retreating and demoralized Reb.

army.

Tuesday, September 6th. As our victorious army had pur-

sued the enemy as far as thought necessary, it had begun to fall

back to Atlanta to go into camp to rest. About noon our brigade

moved out on quick time about two miles north of town where

we formed in a strip of woods to protect the rear of our army

and put up for the night.

Wednesday, September 7th. Our brigade took up the march

at 7 A. M. and marched about 10 miles on quick time. Halted

at 1 P. M. and bivouacked for the night, at Rough and Ready

Station, near the railroad three miles south of Eastpoint.

Thursday, September 8th. At 7 A. M. we marched out to

the music of the band bound for Atlanta. Marched some six

miles where we halted one and one-half miles west of Atlanta

and pitched tents in regular camp order.

Friday, September ₉th. Policed our camp.

Saturday, September 10th. At 8 P. M. our brigade moved

one-half mile south and north of the railroad from Atlanta to

Eastpoint.

Sunday, September 11th. We lay out the ground and pitched

tents.

Monday, September 12th. Policed the camp.

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Tuesday, September 13th. At 9 A. M. had inspection by

Brigade Inspector.

Wednesday, September 14th to Thursday, September 15th.

We lay still and did nothing but enjoy our good times.

Friday, September 16th.  Our brigade had dress parade,

the first time since we veteraned.

Saturday, September 17th. Our regiment was all detailed

and at 6:30 A. M. started out on picket. I stayed in camp on an

excuse from the doctor, the first since I enlisted.

Sunday, September 18th. At 8 A. M. the regiment came in

off picket.

Friday, September 23rd. At 1 P. M. had brigade inspec-

tion.

Sunday, September 25th. Sunday morning inspection at 9

A. M. After that I went to town and put in the rest of the day

looking over Atlanta.

Thursday, September 29th.  In the morning I went on

camp guard and stayed all day.

Friday, September 30th. At 7 A. M. the regiment all went

on picket, but I, not having been relieved from camp guard

stayed in until 4 P. M. We went on picket where we stayed

all night in the rain.

 

CHANGES IN COMMANDS DURING SEPTEMBER

About the 15th the 1st Wisconsin left our brigade, their

time being up. On the 26th the non-veterans of our regiment

left Atlanta for home.

About the 11th, Colonel Hambright took command of the 3rd

Brigade, Vice Colonel Moore.

Officers in command, respectively, in order: Lieutenant, J.

L. Keller; Lieutenant Colonel McMahen; Colonel Hambright;

Brigadier General Carlin; Brevet Major General Jeff. C. Davis;

Major General Thomas.

 

MOVING NORTH AFTER HOOD

Saturday, October 1st. The morning found our regiment

on picket near Atlanta, Georgia, and at 8 A. M. were relieved

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and went back to camp, two miles southwest of Atlanta. At 4

P. M. had battalion drill.

Sunday, October 2nd. Had company inspection at 9 A. M.

Monday, October 3rd. The reveille call sounded at 4 A. M.

with orders to move on short notice, and at 1 P. M. our brigade

took up the line of march with the balance of the 14th Army

Corps, as General Hood, who was now in command of the

enemy's forces in our front, was making demonstrations in our

rear to interrupt our communication. Consequently our atten-

tion was called to the northward. Taking a roundabout course,

we marched about 10 miles and crossed the Chattahoochee river

just above the railroad bridge, keeping near the railroad. We

moved north one and one-half miles and at 10 P. M. we halted

for the night on the C. & A. R. R.

Tuesday, October 4th. At 8 A. M. our brigade moved out,

keeping to the left of the railroad. Moved northwest three miles

and halted until 3 P. M. We then moved nearly west and stopped

for the night about 8 P. M. Our company was detailed on picket

duty. Went about one-half mile and was stationed as vidette

and to guard a spring, where we lay until noon of Wednesday.

Wednesday, October ₅th. We were relieved, joined our

regiment and were soon on the move. Went 12 miles and at II

P. M. we halted near Marietta, quite fatigued.

Thursday, October 6th. At 7 A. M. moved out, keeping to

the left of Kenesaw mountain. Marched some six miles and at

noon halted for the day, two miles west of Kenesaw mountain.

Saturday, October 8th. At 3 P. M. our brigade took up the

line of march and went north eight miles and camped some

three miles southwest of Acworth.

Monday, October 10th. The assembly sounded at 4 P. M.

and our brigade moved out. Our regiment was on picket and

formed the rear guard of the corps. Our company lay in re-

serve at an old church, where we were until 1 A. M. of Tuesday.

Tuesday, October 11th. We started to follow the brigade,

marching some four miles on quick time, and crossed the rail-

road at Acworth. Stopped on a little creek until daylight,

when we started again on quick time to overtake the brigade,

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keeping on or near the railroad. We passed through Allatoona,

Georgia, without rest, marched on and crossed the Etowah river,

just below the railroad bridge. Then passing to the left of

Cartersville we overtook the brigade some three miles north of

the Etowah river. We marched on and at 7 P. M. halted for

the night one and one-half miles west of Kingston, Georgia,

marching in all 31 miles. After drinking a cup of hot coffee,

lay down on my gum blanket quite fatigued and slept soundly.

Wednesday, October 13th. At 7 A. M. our brigade moved

in a northwesterly direction 10 miles where we struck the Rome

and Calhoun Pike. This we followed and at dark halted for the

night within two miles of Rome, Georgia, having marched 16

miles.

Thursday, October 14th. At dark our brigade moved out

again back northeast on the Rome and Calhoun Pike and about

I A. M. of Friday, we halted and lay down to sleep until 4 A. M.

At daylight we were again on the move. We marched to and

crossed a river and took dinner on the north bank near Cal-

houn, which town we marched through to the music of the band.

Keeping near the railroad we marched to Resaca, Georgia, and

at dark we went in camp on the south bank of the river.

Saturday, October 15th. At 7 A. M. we pulled out, crossed

the river and marched 15 miles. At 10 P. M. we halted and

camped at the foot of a mountain.

Sunday, October 16th. At 7 A. M. our brigade again moved

out. We climbed the mountain and came down in Snake Gap,

about two miles from the north entrance to which we marched

and there rested about an hour. Then we moved west eight

miles and about 4 P. M. halted for the night.

Tuesday, October 18th. At 9 A. M. the brigade moved

nearly west, struck the Chattanooga & Summerville Pike, then

moved nearly south until 9 P. M. when we halted for the night,

marching 16 miles.

Wednesday, October 19th. Struck out about 6 A. M. and

crossed the river on a foot bridge, then marched southwest eight

miles and halted at Summerville, Georgia, at 3 P. M.

Thursday, October 20th. At 9 A. M. we moved in a south-

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westerly course 20 miles and at 2 P. M. halted for the night, on

the west bank of the Chattanooga river two miles northwest of

Galesville, Alabama.

Monday, October 2₄th. At 1 P. M. our brigade alone started

on a scout. Moved up the river six miles and crossed it on a

covered bridge at Chattooga, Georgia. Took the Rome road

four miles east and halted for the day at 7 P. M.

 

ON WAY BACK TOWARD ATLANTA

Tuesday, October 25th. Reveille sounded at 4 A. M. and

at 5:30 we were on the move. Took a northeasterly course and

went over every conceivable kind of country, road and no road,

filled our haversacks well and gave that country a complete

scouting. Passed through Dirttown and other little towns, and

after traveling some 25 miles we camped 13 miles northwest of

Rome.

Wednesday, October 26th. Again we were called out at

4 A. M. and at 5:30 we were in motion. Taking a roundabout

course, mainly southwest over mountain and through valleys,

we had marched some 22 miles when we struck the Rome and

Chattoogaville Pike about sundown and soon were in camp.

Thursday, October 27th. Moved out at 6 A. M. Marched

west some nine miles and took dinner at the Chattoogaville

bridge. Crossed the river, then moved down it and about sun-

down we got back to our old camp near Galesville, Alabama,

thus ending our brigade's scouting expedition.

Friday, October 28th. At 2 P. M. the assembly blew and

we moved out east four miles and halted. Our regiment went on

picket.

Saturday, October 29th. At daylight moved east for 22

miles and camped on the river a mile west of Rome, Georgia,

for a rest.

Sunday, October 30th. We lay still and signed the pay-roll.

Monday, October 31st. At 9 A. M. had inspection and mus-

ter.

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CHANGES IN OUR COMMAND DURING THE MONTH

On the 8th, the 79th Pennsylvania was taken to fix the rail-

road and have not come back to the brigade.

About the 1st Major General Thomas released command of

the Army of the Cumberland.

 

MARCH BACK TO ATLANTA

Tuesday, November 1st. Nothing with our regiment but

draw pay.

Wednesday, November 2nd. At 7 A. M. our brigade moved

out through town where we took the Kingston Pike, moving

steadily through rain and mud. We halted for the day a mile

west of Kingston, Georgia.

Thursday, November 3rd. We lay in camp and warmed our

shins.

Friday, November 4th. At 5 P. M. our company nearly all

went on picket. I stayed in camp as Headquarters' guard.

Saturday, November 5th to Monday, November 7th. Noth-

ing but inspection on Sunday.

Tuesday, November 8th. At 2 P. M. our regiment went

foraging up the Etowah river four miles. Got back to camp at

6 P. M.

Saturday, November 12th. At 9 A. M. our brigade moved

out but did not leave town until 1 P. M. when we marched for

Atlanta, traveling parallel with the railroad. We marched 12

miles, camped at Cartersville, Georgia, and drew rations without

requisition.

Sunday, November 13th. At 7 A. M. we were on the move.

Crossed the Etowah river below the railroad bridge, then, keep-

ing on or near the railroad we marched through Allatoona and

Acworth, Georgia. After tearing up the railroad from Ac-

worth to Big Shanty, we camped at the latter place for the

night, after a 20-mile march.

Monday, November 14th. Moved out early in the morn-

ing and traveling parallel with the railroad we marched through

Vol. XXXVIII--44.

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Marietta, Georgia, and about dark we halted on the north bank

of the Chattahoochee River after a 20-mile march.

Tuesday, November 15th. Crossed the Chattahoochee River

just above the railroad bridge and then struck for Atlanta,

Georgia, nine miles distant where we arrived at noon. At 2 P. M.

we halted a mile from town on the Augusta railroad.

 

START ON "SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA"

Wednesday, November 16th. At 7 P. M. our brigade, with

the rest of Sherman's Army was on the move for farther "Down

in Dixie." Keeping near the Augusta railroad we marched

through Decatur, Georgia, and to the right of Stone mountain.

After marching 24 miles we camped for the night at Lithonia,

Georgia, at 7 P. M.

Thursday, November 17th. Moved at 7 A. M. keeping near

the railroad and marched through Conyers, Georgia. Went to

tearing up the railroad which kept us from camping until 9 P. M.,

when we pulled in near Yellow River, after marching 16 miles.

Friday, November 18th. Moved out at 7 A. M. passing

through Covington, Georgia, and at noon we halted four miles

east, after marching seven miles.

Saturday, November 19th. Marched nearly south 10 miles,

pulling out at 11 A. M. and halted at 8 P. M. Our regiment went

on picket.

Sunday, November 20th. Marched south 20 miles. Moved

out at 5 A. M. Halted at dark.

Monday, November 21st. Marched southeast seven miles,

moving out at 6 A. M. and halted for night at sundown, 20 miles

northwest of Milledgeville.

Tuesday, November 22nd. Marched southeast 10 miles.

Started at 7 A. M. and halted at dark.

Wednesday, November 23rd. Moved out at 6 A. M. After

marching 12 miles we came to Milledgeville, Georgia, where we

camped for the night in the north edge of the city.

Thursday, November 2₄th. At 7 A. M. we moved out

through the city, crossed the Oconee River on the covered bridge

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just east of town, then took the Sandersville Pike east 14 miles

and halted at 2 P. M.

Saturday, November 26th. Moved out at 7 A. M. Keeping

the Sandersville Pike we marched southeast six miles at a slow

and tedious gait and at 8 P. M. we halted for the night 11 miles

northwest of Sandersville.

Sunday, November 27th. Moved out at 7 A. M. and in a

short time crossed Buffalo swamp, and about a mile farther

crossed Keg Creek. Then on to Sandersville, Georgia. We

then took the Louisville road east nine miles and at sundown

we halted for night two miles from Davisboro near the Georgia

Central R. R. Marched 20 miles.

Monday, November 28th. Starting at 7 A. M. we marched

through Davisboro, Georgia. Still keeping the Louisville road we

crossed the Ogeechee River, then moved two miles and at 9 P. M.

halted for the night a mile from Louisville, Georgia, having

marched 15 miles.

Tuesday, November 29th. In the forenoon we moved to

Louisville and halted about two miles north of town where we

lay until Wednesday.

Wednesday, November 3oth. Were early on the move.

Marched southeast some 17 miles passing through Sebastapol,

Georgia. At 7 P. M. we halted for the night three miles east of

Sebastapol. Our regiment was on picket duty and maneuvered

around nearly all night and got little sleep.

 

CHANGES IN OUR BRIGADE DURING NOVEMBER

On the 14th the 79th Pennsylvania returned to the brigade at

Marietta, Georgia.

On the 1st the 13th Michigan temporarily assigned to our

brigade.

On the 17th the 69th O. V. V. I. and the 13th Michigan were

transferred from our brigade to the 2nd Brigade.

On or about the 1₉th Lieutenant Colonel Miles of the 7₉th

took command of our brigade, vice Colonel Hambright taken sick.

Thursday, December 1st. This day found our regiment on

picket two miles east of Sebastapol, Georgia. At daylight the

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pack-up call sounded and we were soon on the move with the

brigade. Moved some six miles north and rested at 10 A. M.

Friday, December 2nd. Moved out at 7 A. M. Went north

some distance, then east and halted for the night at sundown,

having marched 15 miles.

Saturday, December 3rd. Marched northeast 17 miles, cross-

ing Buckhead River, a creek and several swamps and at dark

camped for the night on the Augusta & Millen R. R., 10 miles

north of Millen, Georgia.

Sunday, December ₄th. Our brigade put in the forenoon

tearing up the railroad track. At 1 P. M. we moved on. Our

regiment was rear-guard and did some skirmishing with the rebel

cavalry all afternoon. We moved southeast 12 miles over swamps

and at 9 P. M. camped for the night. My company go on picket.

I stayed in.

Monday, December ₅th. Marched southeast 15 miles, pulling

out before daylight and halted for the night at 9 A. M. within three

miles of the Savannah River.

Tuesday, December 6th. Were on the move at daylight.

Moving down the Savannah River we kept about three miles from

it. After marching 16 miles we halted at 8 P. M.

Wednesday, December 7th.   Traveled down the river 17

miles. Starting at 7 A. M. and stopping at 10 P. M.

Thursday, December 8th. At sunup we pulled out, marched

down the river eight miles and crossed Ebenezer Creek and at

10 P. M., camped just beyond the creek.

Friday, December 9th. Marched down the Savannah ii

miles, starting at 8 A. M. and stopping at sundown.

Saturday, December Ioth. Marched only three miles and

stopped for the night I  miles up the river from Savannah,

Georgia.

Sunday, December iith. Coming up in front of Savannah,

Georgia, we marched toward the city seven and one-half miles,

then turned to the right and marched through rice swamps for

four miles, crossing the Georgia Central R. R. Dark found our

brigade in line of battle, in the swamps on the old canal five miles

west of Savannah, with plenty of Johnnies in our front.

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Monday, December 12th to Wednesday, December 14th. Our

men lay still listening to the sound of the artillery and skirmishing

all along the line and now and then visited by a stray Minie.

Thursday, December 1i₅th. In the afternoon our regiment

moved 200 yards to the left to a position on the north side of the

canal.

Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 17th. We

lay in same position.

Sunday, December 18th. My company went on the skir-

mish line. I stayed in.

Monday, December 19th. At 4 A. M. our brigade moved

across the canal some 200 yards to the left and relieved the 2nd

Brigade and took position behind the works on front line. Here

we lay listening to the music of the Minie balls soaring over our

heads.

Tuesday, December 20th. Lay still. A detail was made to

bridge the swamp in our front and we expected to have to charge

the enemy's works in our front the next morning.

Wednesday, December 21st. Before daylight we learned to

our great satisfaction that the enemy had evacuated their works in

our front and at 6 A. M. our regiment and the 79th Pennsylvania

were sent out to reconnoiter and find the enemy's whereabouts.

We advanced as far as Savannah but found no enemy. After

staying in the city about an hour we returned to where we had

lain the night before.

 

COMMENTS ON "SHERMAN'S MARCH THROUGH

GEORGIA"

Wednesday, the 21st of December, 1864, successfully ended

the famous campaign of "Sherman's March to the Sea", which

commenced November 15th, 1864. The movement was a complete

success and not hard service to the army. The health of the

troops was good and we usually had plenty to eat, though we had

to depend largely on the country through which we passed. The

army was spread out on different roads, so we cut quite a wide

swath, not only taking to eat what first came to sight, but really

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"gleaning the fields" as it were, leaving slim living for the people

in the strip traveled over. The railroads all being destroyed in our

path, some of the inhabitants may have gone a little hungry. We

cannot blame the Southern people for having no ardent love for

General Sherman. It was not from orders from the officers, nor

was it the object of the army to destroy any property, except

what would tend to hasten the end of the war. We were some-

what short of rations for a time after we struck the vicinity of

Savannah, until we routed the enemy and the transports could get

up with eats. We had to live almost altogether on rice which

we had to thresh ourselves by hand, which was no easy job, as

the hulls stick to the grain with great persistency. At Atlanta

on the night of November 15th I was in the section of the city

which was burning. It was quite a sight to see the fire and hear

shells burst that had lodged in the buildings during the siege.

 

IN CAMP AT SAVANNAH

Thursday, December 22nd. We moved to within one and

one-half miles of the city and went into regular camp.

Friday, December 23rd and Saturday, December 2₄th. Did

nothing but fix quarters and rest.

Sunday, December 25th. Christmas. I put in the day run-

ning over the city of Savannah.

Monday, December 26th. There was company drill in the

forenoon and we prepared for inspection on the day to follow.

Tuesday, December 27th. At 8 A. M. left camp for grand

review. Our Corps, the 14th, was reviewed in the city of Sa-

vannah by General W. T. Sherman.

Thursday, December 29th. At noon we got orders to move

out on quick time. Did not move far. Only changed camp to

some 400 yards nearer town.

Friday, December 30th. Fixed up our tents and policed our

camp ground.

Saturday, December 31st. At 2 P. M. were inspected by

brigade inspector.

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STARTED ON CAROLINA CAMPAIGN

Sunday, January 1st, 1865. Today found our regiment with

the rest of our brigade in camp one and one-half miles west of

Savannah, Georgia. At 8 A. M. had Sunday morning inspection.

After that was over I went to camp of the 47th Ohio and put in

the day with several old comrades.

Wednesday, January 4th. At noon our regiment started out

on picket with three days' rations. We went out to the enemy's

breastworks at an old rice mill six miles from town.

Thursday, January ₅th and Friday, January 6th. Still out

on picket.

Saturday, January ₇th. In the afternoon were relieved and

returned to camp.

Wednesday, January 11th. At 6 A. M. our regiment reported

to work on fortification south of the city and returned to camp

at sundown.

Saturday, January 14th. Our regiment worked on fortifi-

cation south of the city.

Sunday, January 15th and Monday, January 16th. Nothing

but Sunday inspection.

Tuesday, January 17th. I was in a detail of the regiment to

work on a fort west of town near the depot.

Friday, January 20th. Again on the move to parts unknown

to me then. At 11 A. M. the assembly call was heard and in a

few minutes our brigade was with the Georgia Central R. R. and

marched seven miles through rain, mud and swamps. At 4 P. M.

we halted in a pine wood.

 

BEGINNING OF THE CAROLINA CAMPAIGN

Saturday, January 21st to Tuesday, January 24th. Lay still

and rested.

Wednesday, January 25th. Our brigade moved out at 7 A.

M. keeping a northerly direction for 15 miles. We halted for the

night at 4 P. M.

Thursday, January 26th. Moved out at 7 A. M. through

swamps all the way, nearly north 10 miles. We halted for the

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night near Springfield, Georgia. Our regiment went on picket

duty.

Friday, January 27th. At 10 A. M. our regiment was re-

lieved and started to march, but went only a short distance when

we stopped and lay still and shortly came back to where our

brigade lay the night before, and lay there for the night.

Saturday, January 28th. We moved out about 1 P. M., went

through Springfield, thence on a southeasterly course for eight

miles, crossed Ebenezer creek and halted at dark.

Sunday, January 29th. Moved one and one-half miles,

halted and put up tents in regular camp style near the Savannah

River one and one-half miles from the ferry, which was 35 or 40

miles above Savannah.

Monday, January 30th and Tuesday, January 31st. The

brigade lay still and rested.

 

MOVING IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Wednesday, February 1st. Today found our regiment with

the balance of our brigade still camped near the landing on the

west bank of the Savannah River some 35 miles above Savannah

by land road.

Thursday, February 2nd.   In the afternoon I went on

picket, where I stayed until 3 P. M. of Friday.

Friday, February 3rd. Had dress parade in the evening.

Saturday, February ₄th. Drilled.

Sunday, February 5th. Crossed the Savannah River into

South Carolina about 9 A. M. Marched down to the landing and

crossed the river on pontoon bridge, then moved up the river two

miles and pitched tents for the first time in South Carolina. We

camped near Sister's Ferry where we drew clothing and rations.

Monday, February 6th. Struck tents, broke camp and at

10 A. M. moved out, marching northeast. We crossed a five-mile

swamp and came to what was Taylorville. There we took the

Augusta road and at 5 P. M. we halted at a little town, having

marched 11 miles.

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Tuesday, February 7th. Moved out at 7 A. M. taking the

Orangeburg road and marched northeast for nine miles. Halted

near a church at sundown.

Wednesday, February 8th. In the morning moved about a

mile halted and pitched tents and lay still for the day.

Thursday, February ₉th. Struck tents, broke camp and at

7 A. M. were on the move. Kept the Orangeburg road six miles,

then turned to the left and marched nearly west some distance. We

turned then to the right, marching north and at sundown we

halted for the night, after marching 20 miles. My company went

on picket after we halted.

Friday, February 10th. Marched nearly northeast for 20

miles, starting at 6 A. M. and halting for the night at sundown.

Saturday, February 11th. We were on the move by day-

light. Marched north seven miles to Barnwell, South Carolina,

where we took dinner, then moved north and camped at sundown.

Sunday, February 12th. Pulled out at daylight. Going

north six miles we struck the Charleston & Augusta R. R. at

Whitepond station. Thence our division went four miles west

on the railroad and tore it up in good shape, after which we re-

turned to Whitepond and camped at sundown, moving 14 miles.

Monday, February 13th. The regiment moved out at 7 A. M.

Our company was detailed to do foraging. Took to the right and

went to Willowstown, South Carolina. There took the Colum-

bia road and joined the regiment at South Edisto River. Here

crossed the river and moved down it seven miles and camped at 9

P. M. Our company traveled 24 miles that day.

Tuesday, February 14th. Moved out at 8 A. M. Went to-

ward Columbia for 21 miles, crossing North Edisto River, and at

dark camped for the night 19 miles south of Columbia.

Wednesday, February 15th. Our division took to the left

of the Columbia road, moving out at 6 A. M. Our brigade was in

advance and had to skirmish nearly all day, the enemy's cavalry

being in evidence. Marched northwest 15 miles and at 9 P. M.

halted for the night at Lexington, South Carolina, 12 miles south-

west of Columbia.

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Thursday, February 16th. Moved forward at 10 A. M. and

marched within five miles of Columbia, then moved back a dis-

tance and crossed the Saluda River on pontoon at a ferry eight

miles above Columbia. Camped at 10 P. M. and my company

went on picket. Marched 12 miles.

Friday, February 17th. Marched northwest 12 miles starting

at 7 A. M. and stopping at 2 P. M.

Saturday, February 18th. Lay still and rested.

Sunday, February 1₉th. At 9 A. M. we moved down to

Broad River, which we crossed on pontoon bridge at Freshies

Ferry, 21 miles above Columbia. We then moved some distance

northwest. At 4 P. M. stopped for the night, having marched

nine miles.

Monday, February 20th. Went northeast five miles, cross-

ing Little River and halted 10 miles southwest of Winnsboro,

South Carolina.

Tuesday, February 21st. Moved out at daylight and by

marching steadily got to Winnsboro at noon. Got dinner, then

marched north six miles and halted for night at sundown. Marched

16 miles.

Wednesday, February 22nd. Again moved out at daylight.

Marched parallel with the Columbia & Richmond R. R. for 11

miles. Our brigade tore up a lot of the railroad at Blackstock

Station, then went back three miles and at sundown camped at

Chester P. O. Marched 14 miles.

Thursday, February 23rd. On the move at 6 A. M. Took a

roundabout course, mainly an eastern direction, and marched 12

miles. Halted for the night at 2 P. M. two and one-half miles

from the Catawba River.

Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 2₅th. Lay

still and rested.

Sunday, February 26th. In the morning our company went

on a foraging chase for eats. We crossed Rocky River and went

10 miles north and returned to the brigade, which had moved a

mile nearer the river.

Monday, February 27th. At noon, as we were eating din-

ner, a band of Rebs. appeared almost in our camp. As we did not

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invite them to eat with us, they ceremoniously retired. Our com-

pany went on picket.

Tuesday, February 28th. Crossed the Catawba River on

pontoons, 47 miles from Columbia. Our company, being on

picket, formed the rear-guard to the river. Took all the day

crossing the river and helping the teams up the river bank.

Camped on river bank. Company F, 21st O. V. V. I. 3d Brigade,

1st Division 14th Army Corps for February, 1865.

Wednesday, March 1st. The morning found us on the

east bank of the Catawba River, some 45 miles southwest of Ches-

terfield, South Carolina, which place we struck out for, pulling

out at 6 A. M., marching through the mud 14 miles and halted for

the night at sundown.

Thursday, March 2nd. Marched 12 miles, crossing King's

Creek. Started at daylight and halted at dark.

Friday, March 3rd. Marched 15 miles. Crossed Lynch

Creek and two or three little streams. Marched out at daylight,

halted at dark.

Saturday, March 4th. Crossed over into North Carolina.

We moved out about 10 A. M. and went within nine miles of

Chesterfield. There we turned to the left and at 11 P. M. we

halted in North Carolina close to the state line, having marched

16 miles.

Sunday, March 5th. Pulled out at 6 A. M., marched 13 miles

east, and halted again in South Carolina near the state line, a

mile from Great Pedee River.

Monday, March 6th. At 6 A. M. we moved down to the

river to cross but lay there waiting until 1 A. M. of Tuesday.

Tuesday, March 7th. Crossed the Great Pedee River on

pontoons at Pedee Ferry, about one and one-half miles below

the North Carolina and South Carolina state lines. We went

about two miles and stopped (yet in South Carolina) and lay

there until 11 A. M. We then marched northeast 13 miles, cross-

ing Marks Creek, and at sundown halted for the night four miles

east of Rockingham, North Carolina.

Wednesday, March 8th. We took the route for Fayette-

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ville, North Carolina. Moving out at 7 A. M. and, after march-

ing 20 miles and crossing a branch of the Little Pedee River,

we halted for the night at 4 P. M.

Thursday, March ₉th. Marched 13 miles, starting at 9 A.

M. and halting at 8 P. M.

Friday, March 10th. Marched seven miles, starting at 7

A. M. and at 1 P. M. we halted three miles from Fayetteville,

North Carolina.

 

WINDING UP THE CAROLINA CAMPAIGN

Saturday, March. 11th. Moved out at 8 A. M. and marched

within six and one-half miles of Fayetteville, where we took to

the left of the main road and, at 3 P. M. we halted on plank road

two and one-half miles west of Fayetteville, North Carolina,

having marched 14 miles.

Sunday, March 12th. At 3 P. M. our company went on

picket, where we stayed until 7 A. M. of Monday.

Monday, March 13th. We were called in and joined our

regiment, which was already on the move. Marched down to

the Cape Fear River, where we crossed on pontoons nearly op-

posite the town. We then marched three miles northeast and

stopped, expecting to rest a day or two.

Tuesday, March 14th. Lay still.

Wednesday, March 15th. At 10 A. M. we were again on the

move. We marched north nine miles and camped.

Thursday, March 16th. Moved out at 9 A. M. Marched

north nine miles, when we came up to where the enemy made a

stand to check the 20th Army Corps. We then moved to the

left and took position in rear of 2nd Division, 14th Army Corps.

Friday, March 17th.  Finding the enemy had left their

works, we moved out about 7 A. M. and halted at sundown,

having marched east six miles.

Saturday, March 18th. We marched east on the Goldsboro

road 12 miles, starting at 6 A. M. and halting at 4 P. M .

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Diary of Jacob Adams                701

 

BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Sunday, March 19th. Moved out at 7 A. M., our division

in advance, and had not gone far when we came up to the enemy's

skirmish line, which we drove from one position to another for

some three miles. We then came up to where the enemy had

concentrated his whole force, some 21 miles southwest of Golds-

boro, and lay there waiting to gobble up the 1₄th Army Corps.

Our commander, thinking there was only a small force of cav-

alry, had a skirmish line charge the enemy, but was repulsed.

In like manner a battle line failed to move the Rebs. and we had

to retire with some loss, which convinced us the enemy was

there in force. We then formed our line and threw up light

works. Early in the afternoon we had need of them for the

sharp cannonading, then the deadly thunder of musketry on

our left, indicated the enemy were already charging our line.

They were handsomely repulsed in front, but they soon found

the left of our line and made good use of the opportunity to

swing around it and pour in a heavy fire from our left flank and

rear. Thus they poured in the deadly messengers from all sides,

and our only chance was to move by the right flank and take

another position. In this we were again outflanked and forced

to a right flank movement, repeating two or three times, but they

could never dislodge us by coming up in front.

Towards evening the 20th Army Corps came up on our left

and part of the 15th Army Corps formed so as to support our

right and got our line strengthened. The enemy still came up

on us, column after column, and repeated the attack time and