Civil War Diary of Private John C. Leach, 3rd Iowa Cavalry, Company D
This was transcribed from the original by Lizzie Darnell Leach circa 1900, and typed from that copy in 1992 by Kathi Harder. Spelling and grammar have been copied exactly as found.
March 10, 1864 Left home to join the U.S. Army, walked with George and Billy Guthrie to Stumptown.
Took the cars for Keokuk, Iowa. Went out to some barracks, got there
about 11 0’clock P.M. and turned in.
March 11 Lay around camp, visiting acquaintances in the regiment (doing my first soldiering).
March 12 Was detailed on Camp Guard. Billy Guthrie and had some fun with a greeny next to our
beat. We would slip around and run across his beat to fool him, finally getting him so
excited that he called the Corporal of the Guard.
March 13 Released from duty, nothing doing.
March 14 All quiet.
March 15 Were examined by the surgeons and passed being pronounced sound.
March 16 Went into town to be mustered in, but they were not ready. Returned to camp.
March 17 Went down again, and formed in the street and as the names were announced the boys
would go into an office and be sworn in and sign the payroll. My name and a few others
were not called, then Cap’t Kirkendall made out new papers. Returned to camp.
March 18 Went down and were sworn in and mustered for pay. Returned to camp and drew one
month’s pay and $60.00 bounty---$73.00.
March 19 Went to town and gave Mrs. Earhart $50.00 to take home to Father and Mother.
March 20 Marched down to the wharf and went aboard the Lucy Bertram and started about 9:00 AM
for Dixie.
March 21 Arrived at St. Louis about 10:00 AM; landed and marched to Benton Barracks. Drew tents
and put them up N.E. of the barracks.
March 22 Moved camp about 300 yards, and was brigaded with the 3rd Mich. Cav. and the
3rd Reg. Cav. near Stink Pond.
From this date to the 30th of April we remained in camp
here drilling and doing camp duty.
April 30 Drew horses, saddles etc., and Co’s A and B started down the river. Mustered for pay.
May 1 Left for down the river.
May 2 Co’s D, E, G, and K started down the river aboard the Silver Lake, shoved off about 10:00
AM.
May 3 Arrived at Cairo about 3:00 PM, left about dark.
May 4 Run all day down the river.
May 5 Arrived in Memphis, Tenn, about 3:00 PM; went out to the old Fair Grounds and went into
camp.
May 6 Co’s F and H arrived.
May 7 The rest of the regiment got there.
May 8 Nothing of importance occurring.
May 9 The same, except drilling, etc.
May 10 The same, except drilling, etc.
May 11 Six Co’s of the 3rd Cav. went out on a scout to Hernando about noon.
May 12 Left Hernando at sun up. Maj. Mudgett in command and cut across the county towards
Collierville, and camped in 3 miles of the place.
May 13 Marched on. Got to Collierville about 8o’clock AM; took the Memphis road. Got there
about 4:00 PM.
May 14 Went down to the wharf to load hay from a barge into wagons.
May 15 On camp guard. Not very well.
May 16 Relieved from guard duty.
May 17 Went to surgeon’s call, was put on sick list.
May 18 Went to surgeon’s call, marked off duty. I was continued on sick list until 31st. Moved
camp over to Memphis and Charleston RR near Wolf River. Another scout to Hernando
which I missed being still on the sick list.
June 1 The boys left on the Sturges raid to Guntown.
June 2 Nothing doing, still tending sick call.
June 5 One of the men came in from the Sturges expedition, reporting all quiet.
June 8 Was returned to duty and sent to the house of Mr. Little John as safeguard. Remained
there the 9-10-11-12.
June 13 News of the defeat of Gen. Sturges’ force at Guntown, some of the boys coming in, I left
the Little John house and went into camp.
June 14 The boys still coming in. The main body got in about midnight all feeling very bitter
against Gen. Sturges, claiming the battle was badly mismanaged. That instead of forming
his army, as he should, he ran his artillery and train into a swamp and moved up small
detachments and they were defeated in detail. He finally ordered a general retreat and
everything abandoned. The Cav. had to fight like tigers to cover the retreat and save
the army. Lieut. Tom Miller was wounded and captured near Ripley, Miss.
June 15 All quiet except for a few stragglers coming in.
June 16-21 Passed and nothing occurring, except preparations for another expedition and general
routine of camp life.
June 22 Received marching orders.
June 23 An expedition under Gen. A.J. Smith left Memphis and marched to Germantown, went into
camp, Co. D on picket, nothing happened.
June 24 Marched on to Moscow, went into camp on the other side of the Wolf River in the brush.
June 25 Crossed back over Wolf River and camped in the bottom. Gen Moore’s Division came
out on the cars and joined us.
June 26 Drew $55.40 pay. Lay in camp. The Infantry had dress parade.
June 27 Lay at Moscow all day. The 4th Iowa moved on east.
June 28 Moved to Saulsberry. Got there after night. Delayed by the train.
June 29 Lay in Saulsberry, went out foraging, got outside the pickets, done my first foraging, took
some meat from a farmhouse.
June 30 Went foraging again, got some hams, etc.
July 1 Went out on patrol east, nothing occurring.
July 2 Laying still at Saulsberry.
July 3 Co’s D and E sent out on picket. The videt was attacked about 1:00 PM. The Reserve was
taken out and skirmished awhile. Then the Johnnies retired after which we were relieved. (Dave Meliza wounded in arm.)
July 4 Capt. Kirkendall and 16 of Co. D came out and joined us.
July 5 Saddle up was blown at 5:00 PM Fell in and marched eight or ten miles south and went into camp about 1:00 or 2:00 AM.
July 6 Marched the rest of the day. The advance saw four reds running. We formed 40 and
followed them a ways but to no purpose, turned back and camped on a pine ridge.
July 7 Marched on. Had a skirmish at a creek three miles west of Ripley, Miss. Drove the
Rebs before us, killing several. Went into camp. Co. D picketed out on the Ripley road.
Nothing further happened.
July 8 Moved on into Ripley, expecting a fight there, but not a Reb was to be seen. Took the
Pontatoc road, the 1st Bat. left the column, got news that the enemy was in our rear, returned to the road.
July 9 Marched on to the Hatchee. Camped. Drew rations from the supply train which camped close.
July 10 Marched on. Had a skirmish at Creek. Co D was put out on the left flank. Dismounted.
July 11 Marched on into Pontoloc with little opposition, the infantry coming in on another road, throwing a few shells into town. Camped near town.
July 12 The Cav. went out to reconnoiter, found the enemy in position on the Okolona road,
returned to camp. The enemy made an advance on the infantry and was repulsed.
July 13 Marched to Tupelo, skirmishing all the way. The Rebs attacked the infantry column and train, but was repulsed. The infantry took position at Harrisburg, one mile west of Tupelo. Some picket firing all night.
July 14 The enemy advanced on the infantry about daylight, and about 9:00 AM they charged the infantry three times, but they found it wasn’t Sturges, but A.J. Smith they were butting up against, ant they were repulsed, leaving large numbers of dead on the field. The 1st Bat. of the 3rd. Iowa under Major Duffield went to the front to reconnoiter, formed in line
on a ridge sending out skirmishers. I was standing in line on a gray horse and a
Rebel sharpshooter sent a ball that struck my horse just behind the saddle skirt. She
staggered and I got off and the Cap’t rode up and asked me what was the matter. I
told him that my horse was shot and he said to take her back to camp. I got her back
but she died before morning.
July 15 The Col. ordered me to take my saddle to the train and put it into the Co. wagon. I found a horse that was too lame to stay in ranks that I took to ride and lead along with the train. The train began to move out at 3:00 PM north. Marched to Old Town Creek and camped. Comrade Matlick was also dismounted and was riding a lame horse. The enemy followed to Old Town Creek and attacked the rear guard but was driven off.
July 16 Marched on with the train, camped on Creek without further molestation.
July 17 Marched on. Camped on a small stream next to the Co. and stayed the night, got rations and feed.
July 18 Marched on. The Cav. got ahead of the Inf. and train. Caught up with Cav. and camped on Wolf River.
July 19 Marched on to Salem. Met a supply train and got rations and lay at Salem till next morning.
July 20 Marched to LaGrange, camped.
July 21 Remained at LaGrange.
July 22 Marched to Collierville, went down to hollow NE of town and went into camp.
July 23 Marched out before day. Got to Memphis about 2:00 PM, found the Bobtails and such there from Little Rock.
July 24 Sunday. Inspection of arms, etc.
July 25 Got my money from local paymaster. Went to town and to the theatre, saw the play
“Maggie Mitchell”.
July 26 Was on fatigue duty, had gone to town without a pass.
July 27 Lay in camp, nothing worth knowing until August 5.
August 5 The 2nd Brigade, 3rd Iowa, 4th Iowa and 10th Missouri left Memphis, Tenn., and went out on Pidgeon Roost road. Camped near the town of .
August 6 Marched across to Holly Springs road. Camped inside a lot. Had some horses taken
that night.
August 7 Marched on to Holly Springs. Got my horse shod.
August 8 Marched out before day, took the road south. Got to Tallahatchee, had a fight there. Found
James McCollum wounded, shot through the arm. Got him in the shade, carried water and
poured it on his arm. Camped in the Tallahatchee bottom.
August 9 Crossed the river and drove the enemy from their breastworks on the hill. Followed up. They made a stand at Herricane Creek. Co. D in advance found them posted on a hill south
of the creek with an open field on each side of the creek. We came out of the
brush on the north hill. They opened on us with shells. Lieut. Morgan got excited,
formed us in line, then ran off and left us, going back for orders. The orders he
got was to dismount his men, and cross the creek and charge the enemy at the top
of the hill. We started down the hill across an old field, the Rebs began shelling
us, the shells bursting overhead, but no one was hurt. There was a strip of
brush and timber along the creek, and we halted and reformed in there, and
they threw a load of cannister in the brush. We somehow lost Lieut. Morgan
in that brush and Sargeant Pickle took command of the Co. and led us up to the
other hill, driving the Rebs from their rail breastworks. After they retreated,
Morgan came up, brave as you please. We then followed them into Oxford
and went on picket.
August 10 Marched back to Abbeyville and camped.
August 11 Went out east under Maj. Jones to look for a Confederate train, but it was gone. Returned to camp.
August 12 Went out foraging under Cap’t J.D. Browne, went to a mill. Returned and thought we would get a good night’s rest, but to our disappointment “boots and saddles” blew just after dark and we were marched to Waterford where we went into camp.
August 13 Marched to Holly Springs, bivouacked east of town.
August 14 Lay at Holly Springs all day.
August 15 Went patrolling up the Mobile, Ohio RR towards LaGrange, got some very fine peaches. Found no Rebs and returned to Holly Springs.
August 16 Went on cattle detail, drove in a few beef.
August 17 “Saddle up” blew early but were not ordered out. Was ordered to unsaddle about 10:00 AM, went to an orchard and made some cider.
August 18 Co. D went on picket, 10 of them. Was relieved at 3:00 PM and marched to within two miles of Tallahatchee, camped in an old orchard, it rained all night.
August 19 Marched on to Abbeyville and went into camp, still raining.
August 20 Marched on to Herrican Creek, still raining.
August 21 Took the left flank of the Infantry and marched into Oxford from the north without any opposition, then returned to Herrican Creek, camped and on picket.
August 22 A squad of Rebs charged the videts who fell back on the reserve, which fell out and formed a skirmish line and the Johnnies retreated. The Skirmish line then fell back in regular order,
every other man falling back so far, then the other men who had been left standing fell
back, passing through the line of the first ones, then halting so far back and forming a
new line, and so on until the main line moved off, thus always being ready to meet a
charge of the enemy. Marched to Tallahatchee and camped.
August 23 Lay in camp until afternoon, then crossed the river and camped on the hill.
August 24 Marched to Holly Springs, camped.
August 25 Lay in camp until 5:00 PM, saddled up and went out to Salem and captured some mules, etc. Marched all night.
August 26 Got in from Salem about 7:00 AM.
August 27 Marched to LaGrange, went into camp on south side of Wolf River.
August 28 Marched to Collierville and camped.
August 29 Marched into Memphis, finding that while we were gone Gen. A.B. Forrest had charged into the city one night and went about where he pleased. Went to General Washburn’s headquarters, but didn’t find the Gen., then got out without encountering much opposition.
August 30 Nothing doing.
August 31 Inspection of horses. Mustered for pay.
September 1 Received orders at dark to get ready to march next morning at 4:00 AM.
September 2 “Boots and Saddles” blew at 4:00 AM, we marched down to the wharf, lay there some other
regiments crossed to the Arkansas side, then about half of each Co. except G of the 3rd
crossed over and marched eight or ten miles and camped.
September 3 Marched to the Black Fish Lake, crossed it and marched till after dark, camped.
September 4 Marched on to the St. Francis River, crossed and went into camp back of a large plantation.
September 5 Marched all day in the rain and mud, corduroy road part of the way.
September 6 Got to Clatenden on White River about 11:00 AM. Lay in camp rest of the day.
September 7 Went down about noon, crossed the White River on a gunboat, went in camp and drew
four days rations.
September 8 Marched on, got out on a very large prairie, camped off to the right of the road.
September 9 Marched on to Brownsville Station, went in camp about 1:00 PM one-half mile north of
station.
September 10 Still at Brownsville.
September 11 Drew three days rations. News of the capture of Atlanta by Sherman.
September 12 Moved camp about three miles, was on picket out at the edge of prairie.
September 13 Remained on picket line till about dark, was relieved by 10th Missouri.
September 14 Laying in camp, shoeing horses, getting ready to march.
September 15 Laying in camp. Jake Koons went foraging, got some meat, potatoes, etc.
September 16 Lay quietly in camp.
September 17 The Infantry and train left going north. The Cav. received orders to march.
September 18 Saddled up and marched northward, passed through Brownsville, Searcy and Austin, and
caught up with the Infantry, passed through their camp.
September 19 Marched on, camped near Red River.
September 20 Marched on, camped at West Point.
September 21 Co. D took the advance, made a raid on a house, and looted it. Was ordered under arrest.
Camped in White River Bottom. Captured a horse.
September 22 Marched to Black River, camped and commenced building a bridge.
September 23 Finished the bridge, crossed and marched eight or ten miles and camped in swamp. Ordered
to move out at Reveille.
September 24 Got out at Reveille, marched a ways, stopped and fed and got breakfast, went on and camped
at Lamaville.
September 25 Marched on, camped three miles above Pocohontas.
September 26 Marched on, went through the Infantry camp.
September 27 Marched on, crossed Black River again and camped in a swamp.
September 29 Marched fifteen or twenty miles.
September 30 Marched through Poplar Bluff and camped.
October 1 Marched on, it raining on us all day, camped on a very high hill near a mill.
October 2 Marched to Greenville on the St. Francis, went into camp.
October 3 Was 19 years old on this day. Marched to the forks of the Fredrickstown and Jackson
road above a house and carried corn 2 miles across a field, glad to get a bite for our
horses.
October 4 Marched to Jackson, Mo., got there about sundown, went in camp 1 mile west.
October 5 Marched on into Cape Girardeau, went in camp west of town.
October 6 Had our horses inspected and 10 of them condemned.
October 7 Went down to the wharf and Co’s “D” and “C” went aboard the Steamboat Enterprise.
Lay off the wharf all night.
October 8 Some infantry came aboard and we started up the river about 9:00 AM.
October 9 Landed at St. Louis at 9:00 PM; got off and marched to Benton Barracks; went in
and got our horses shod.
October 10 Turned over our condemned horses and drew new ones, also some clothing “gray backs”.
Those were the hungriest graybacks we ever had. I think there hadn’t been any soldiers
in that barracks for quite a while, and they proceeded immediately to business.
October 11 Saddled up in the morning and marched about 30 miles, went in camp.
October 12 Marched to within 3 miles of Washington.
October 13 Marched through Washington, went on and camped 18 miles from there. Lieutenant
Col. George Duffield commanding the brigade, received his discharge here and
left us. Lieut.-Col. Benton of the 10th Missouri taking command of the Brigade.
October 14 Marched to within 38 miles of Jefferson City. Camped on a small stream.
October 15 Camped on the Osage River 8 miles from Jefferson City.
October 16 Marched to Russellville, camped and drew rations.
October 17 Camped at Lynn. Lay in some old straw.
October 18 Marched all day, passed through California, Missouri.
October 19 Marched to Sedalia, camped NW of town around a fine house, tied our horses to the
yard fence.
October 20 Got some mail in the morning, marched out and rode very hard until midnight. Tied
our horses to a hedge fence.
October 21 Marched on. Left Lexington to the right and went into camp on a small stream. Saddled
up at midnight.
October 22 Marched on a ways. The column halted until daylight, then advanced to -------- Creek. Had
some skirmishing on to Independence, charged them and took some guns from them.
Winslow’s Brigade drove them 3 or 4 miles after dark, stopped until morning
then advanced to the Big Blue.
October 23 Found them on the south side of the creek behind some rail breastworks. A
Missouri militia Brigade was put forth, but refused to attack them. Winslow’
brigade was put forth and drove them back. Col. Winslow was wounded and
turned over his command to Col. Benton of the 10th Missouri Cavalry, a very
gallant and efficient officer.
October 24 We started out early in pursuit of Price’s Army. Rode in a trot all day and
until 2:00 O’clock the next morning.
October 25 The Missouri State Militia and some U.S. Regiments charged their camp and
drove them from their breakfast, taking 2 cannon. We then took across the open
prairie after them, and was pressing them so hard that they had to form a line
of battle at Mine Creek, a tributary of Osage River to protect their train.
Burton and Phillips Brigades swung by Co’s into line and charged General
Marmaduke’s Division, which had formed west of the creek to check our
pursuit, but there was no checking us, we galloped right through their
lines, capturing a battery of seven guns. Bob Buzzard jumped off his
horse and climbed up on one of the guns, but was shot and killed, and
we lost a brave comrade. Black Jack Christy was also killed here.
In this charge James Dunlavy of Co. “D” had a shell burst near him
which wounded him in the arm, and also wounded his horse which
became unmanageable and wheeled around and started to rear, but
he got control of it again and got it headed to the front and of course
that put him behind his comrades, he saw a bunch of men he took
to be Union soldiers and started to go to them. Then he saw a Rebel
officer, who came riding toward him calling him not to shoot those
men, they were his own men. Dunlavy shot at the officer as he came
towards him but missed him and the officer rode up to him and was
very much surprised to find he was a Yank, say that he thought he
was one of his own men. Dunlavy ordered him to surrender and
hand over his revolver, which he done. He was marched to the
rear under Dunlavy’s gun. They went back a ways and met a
Union officer, who told Dunlavy to dismount Marmaduke and
let him have his horse, which he did, then started him back on
the double quick. Marmaduke remonstrated with him saying
he hadn’t slept for 2 or 3 nights and asked to go a little slower, which
was granted. Pretty soon along came one of General Curtis’ Staff,
when Marmaduke introduced himself. They then turned him
over to Gen. Curtis, who put him in charge of Provost Marshall.
Just before we reached the Rebel lines when we was charging into
them, Jake Koons my bunk mate and column mate, was struck in
the leg by a musket ball, told me his leg was mashed and asked me
to stop and help him off his horse, which I did and staid with him
until the ambulance came round gathering up the wounded. Got
him in the ambulance, then took charge of his horse, went to the
battleground where the prisoners were corralled and concluded to wait till the
train came up, but after a while Com. A.M. Harris came along dismounted. I
got him onto Koon’s horse and we started on after the Army, followed on
till dark, then tied our horses to a fence, which were few and far between
in that county. The result of the battle was the capture of Marmaduke and
Cabell and 7 or 8 cannons and 600 men with 4 or 5 Cols.
I wish to here call attention to the claims of James Boyle of Co. “B” 3rd
Ia., that he had run onto Gen. Marmaduke in the timber on the opposite
bank of Mine Creek. Him and his staff ordered him (Marmaduke) to
surrender, they said for him to come over the creek and they would. They
refused to do that, then Dunlavy went over and them and Marmaduke gave
him his spurs, etc.
A pure fabrication as Dunlavy captured the Gen. out on an open prairie. He
was by himself and no James Boyle near, nor was any Staff officers with the
General.
October 26 Harris and I got out and soon found our regiment, they informed us that
the evening before Gen. Price had formed a line of battle 3 miles from
Ft. Scott with his whole army ready to check our pursuit. Our men were
formed and was getting ready to charge them, when they drew off, and
our men and horses were so near worn out that it was thought best to
let them go. We marched to Ft. Scott where we drew rations and feed.
October 27 Marched to Lamar and camped. Co. “D” on picket. Someone fired the
prairie to try to burn the train. Failed.
October 28 Marched to within 1 1/2 miles of Carthage, Mo., passing through Newtonia.
October 29 Marched on, camped near a large orchard.
October 30 Marched on, camped above a mill run by a spring. Some of the 10th Mo.
run it all night grinding corn.
October 31 Marched through Cassville, took the Ft. Smith road. Camped the other side
of Keetsville, to the left. It rained in the night. Nothing heard of Price.
November 1 Marched on. Camped in 4 or 5 miles of Pea Ridge. Went into camp about
noon, went out and got a sheep.
November 2 Lay in camp until about noon, raining most of the day, went foraging through
the mud.
November 3 Marched at 8:00 AM. Camped in 3 or 4 miles of Mudtown. Carried rails
one-quarter mile across a field.
November 4 Marched to Fayetteville. A salute of 20 guns was fired. Went in camp.
November 5 Marched out at 11:00 AM. Camped at Prairie Grove where we joined
Curtis and Blunt’s commands.
November 6 Marched on through Cane Hill. Co. “D” went ahead of the column to hunt
for corn. Camped near an old mill.
November 7 Marched on the 1st Battalion rear guard of the pack train, marched till
2:00 O’clock AM.
November 8 Marched to Ark. River. Threw a few shells across the river, turning back
and bidding “Pap” Price good bye. Co. “D” gave a Maj. for McClellan.
November 9 The vote of the Iowa soldiers was taken for President. We then started
back, camped and grazed our horsed on young cane.
November 10 Marched on slowly. Camped near a very high stable lot fence, got a little
corn, the first in five days.
November 11 Went out to look for corn, camped on a small stream, five miles from
Cane Hill, got corn to the right.
November 12 Went out foraging. Ground some corn on hand mill. Camped at Prairie
Grove. A wagon train met us with bread, which was very welcome.
November 13 Marched on and camped. Was on picket duty.
November 14 Passed through Bentonville. Camped in valley west of Pea Ridge.
November 15 Marched on pretty briskly, camped on one mile of Cassville.
November 16 Marched to Spring Creek, went into camp.
November 17 Marched to Springfield. Got there after night. Col. Benton turned the
command of his brigade over to Major Lusk and left us.
November 18 Marched to Springfield. Got there about noon, went to town to get
our horses shod.
November 19 Lay in camp at Springfield.
November 20 Sunday, still at Springfield. Went to church that night.
November 21 Went to town and loafed all day.
November 22 Marched six miles past Sand Springs, camped.
November 23 Marched to within 3 miles of Lebanon, drew rations.
November 24 Marched on to Waynesville, camped, drew corn from the Quartermaster.
November 25 Marched to Little Piney. Camped.
November 26 Marched to Raleigh, went into camp and turned over our condemned horses.
Pickler stole a demijohn of whiskey.
November 27 Boarded the cars in the evening after having a row with the Provost Guard. Some
of the boys took on too much drink and the guards tried to arrest them. Started about
9:00 PM
November 28 Rode on the cars until about 2:00 AM when we arrived in St. Louis. It wasn’t
Pullman sleepers but common freighter cars. We laid on the floor with our saddles
for pillows. We got off the train and saddled up and marched to Benton Barracks,
was put in No. 7.
November 29 Moved from No. 7 to 29, then rested.
November 30 Still resting.
December 1-6 Taking it easy.
December 7 Took sore eyes.
December 8 Drew horses. Eyes getting worse.
December 9 Eyes hurting so bad I could not bear the light.
December 10 Was sent to Benton Barracks Post Hospital. The regiment leaving for the boats.
December 11 Eyes some better.
December 12 The regiment returned to camp, the river being frozen and one boat at Headquarters and
Co. “H” on board blowing up.
December 14 News of Sherman’s reaching Savannah. Remained in Hospital until the 26th of December
when I was appointed a nurse in Ward One.
December 28 My right eye getting sore again. I quit nursing and went back to doctoring again. Remained
in the hospital until Jan. 9th when I was returned to duty, sent to Scofield Barracks to await
transportation.
January 10, 1865 News of ------------------------ Raid through Mississippi.
January 20 Remained at Scofield Barracks till January 20 when a squad of the 3rd Ia. received orders
to go to East St. Louis to take the cars for Louisville, Ky. Left East St. Louis about 4:00 PM.
Arrived at Mitchell, Indiana at 3:00 AM the 22nd. Lay there until 8:00 AM, took cars for
New Albany, Ind. Arrived at 1:30 PM. Crossed the Ohio River at Portland, Ky.; greatly
pleased to be with the comrades again.
January 24 Drew Spencer rifles, Sabers and belt and cartridge boxes.
January 25 Drew a revolver.
January 27 Drew $136 pay. Saddled up and went down to Portland Wharf. The detachment
left at Memphis, Tenn. and the Missouri Price Detachment being united at
Louisville, went aboard the St. Patrick. The river being so full of ice boats it
could not run.
February 2 Remained waiting for the river to clear until Feb. 2 when we sailed down the river.
February 3 Landed at Evansville, Indiana. I wrote a letter home and put one hundred dollars in it.
February 4 Moved on down the Ohio River, landed at Paduka, Ky.; took on coal.
February 5 Left Paduka at daylight going up the Ohio River; the H. Raymond being lashed
to the side of the St. Patrick, all boats moving at once. A gunboat in the lead.
February 6 Run all day up the Tennessee, landed at Savannah about dark.
February 7 Landed at Eastport about 1:00 on the 7th; lay there two or three hours, then run
up the river some 10 miles, landed and took off the forage and wagons, etc.
February 8 Disembarked and marched about 15 miles and went in camp where some other
Regiment had been quartered in split-log huts at Gravely Springs, Ala.
February 9 Hauled brick on an old cart and built up our chimney and with clapboards
stopped up the cracks.
February 10 On duty to forage 1 1/2 miles.
February 11 Spent the day quietly.
February 12 On detail, went to the landing to unload a barge.
February 14 Detailed as safeguard out in the country at the house of Mr. White, remained there until
the 27th when I was ordered to report to camp.
February 28 Mustered for pay.
March 1 Started on a scout, the squad separated, marched around and went into Florence, Ala arresting
every citizen seen. It rained.
March 3 Went out to Big Cypress, couldn’t cross, returned to Florence.
March 4, 5 Still waterbound at Florence.
March 6 Marched from Florence to camp.
March 7, 8 Drilled.
March 9 Rained all day.
March 10 Co. went out on picket out on the Florence road.
March 11 Relieved from picket.
March 12 Sunday. Inspection. Matlick and I made a visit out to Mr. White’s.
March 13 Regimental Inspection of arms, clothing and horses, general equipment and quarters.
March 14 On detail; went down the river.
March 15 Getting ready to march, drilled and received marching orders, was detailed to remain
with camp equipment, protested and traded places with Z. D. Buckles. Went out in
the evening to see my friends, the Whites. Came near being captured. Was told by
my friends out there that the Rebs would try to capture so going back along the bridle
path I heard horsemen coming. I slipped out in the brush and let them pass, then
got back in the path and came on to camp.
March 16 Moved out, went down to the river at the Waterloo crossing, crossed and got into
camp about ten o’clock.
March 17 On detail: went down to bring some wagons across the river. They weren’t there
so returned to camp.
March 18 Drilling.
March 19 Sunday Inspection. Received marching orders.
March 20 Marching orders revoked.
March 21 Marched at two o’clock, went out within 3 miles of the Memphis and Charleston R.R.. Went
into camp at eight o’clock.
March 22 Marched all day south into Alabama.
March 23 Co. “D” Advance Guard marched to Newberg and Franklin. Co. on picket.
March 24 Marched in rear of the train, camped by a large frame house near the Warrior River.
March 25 Crossed Warrior River by a mill and falls. Camped on a creek; drew hardtack.
March 26 Marched on; halted in the afternoon and fed our horses two hours. Marched on to the
Black Warrior.
March 27 The 2nd Brigade commenced crossing in the morning. We crossed about 3:00 o’clock,
it being very rocky and rough many horses got down. Went in camp on the other side,
were turning in about 10:00 o’clock when the bugles sounded “Boots and Saddles” , so
we had to roll out and march to the crossing on Locust Fork. Camped.
March 28 Commenced crossing about 9:00 or 10:00 o’clock AM and marched to within
one mile of Elyton. Camped out on a large plantation, found some corn for
the horses.
March 29 Didn’t march until about 2:00 PM. Marched on to the Catawbia River and camped,
passing through Elyton and Blue Mt. Goundry, burning it.
March 30 Moved out about noon, crossed the Catawbia River on the railroad bridge. Crossed
Buck Creek at a mill, burning a foundry. Camped at Montevillo.
March 31 The 10th Missouri went out on patrol. The 3rd Iowa moved out having some
brisk skirmishing in the advance. Went on to within three miles of Randolph.
April 1 Moved out in rear of the 2nd Brigade. The advance of which had some skirmishing
at Randolph, and on to a creek where the 3rd Iowa took the advance Co’s “D” and “H”
advance guard. The Confederates made a stand at Plantersville. We charged them and
drove them before us in confusion. Was relieved and camped at Plantersville.
April 2 Broke camp about nine o’clock. The 2nd Division taking the advance. Got to the
Rebel lines at Selma about four o’clock. Soon the order came to prepare to fight
on foot. N. 8 hold horses and the dismounted men to the front. The 4th Division
taking the center, the 2nd Division charged and took the works on the right. The
4th drove them in the center, driving them out of town, taking possession.
April 3 Was put on guard at the Arsenal, drove everyone away, was shortly relieved.
Marched at 10:00 AM out on the Summerville road, passed through
Summerville.
April 4 Started back, went 2 or 3 miles. Got orders to go and reinforce Gen. McCook,
turned to the left and went through Perryville, camped at the forks of the
Randolph and Centerville roads.
April 5 Moved out of camp about sunup on the Randolph road, camped at Plantersville.
April 6 Broke camp at sunup, marching at Selma via Summerville, where we stopped
and fed. Then went on through Selma, turned and went out 4 miles on the
Planterville road, went in camp. It rained on us all the way from town.
April 7 Moved camp a little ways, remained there all day.
April 8 Had Company Inspection. “Boots and Saddles” blew about 9:00 PM. Went
down to the river, lay there till morning, the bridge having given way.
April 9 Sunday. They got the bridge fixed about noon. The 1st Battalion crossed, one
Co. of the 2nd when the bridge gave way, 1st Bat. went out and formed in
line, 1-2-3 were ordered to go repair the bridge. Went in camp and went
foraging, 1-2-3 were relieved after dark.
April 10 Moved out about 8:00 AM on the Montgomery road, went on seven miles past
Benton, the advance having some fighting there. Camped on the forks of the
Montgomery and Haynesville Road.
April 11 Moved out about 8:00 o’clock on the Haynesville road, was delayed crossing the
Big Swamp, got across about dark. Marched on through to Thomasburg, on
to a mill and camped.
April 12 Moved out about sunup, crossed Matumas Creek; McCook’s Division in
advance. Marched on to Montgomery, the Mayor surrendering the city. The
4th Division marching through at “Carry Sabers”. Went on three miles and
went to camp.
April 13 Went out to forage meat under Captain Brown.
April 14 Marched out about sunup; Co’s “C” and “D” in the rear of the train. The 3rd
and 4th Battalions were left under Major Kudkendall at Montgomery. Passed
through Mt. Meigs and crossed Line Creek, got in camp about 12:30 PM.
April 15 Moved out about daylight, passed through Tuskegee.
April 16 Went out on the Columbus road, going through Crawford, arrived on the
hill in sight of Columbus. About three o’clock there was artillery firing. The
order came to prepare to fight on foot; No’s 1-2-3 dismounted and fell into
line. I being No. 4 took charge of the horses. The order was countermanded
and the men mounted again. (We were southwest of town.) We moved around
to the northwest and the 1st and 3rd Battalion of the 3rd Iowa were gain ordered
to prepare to fight on foot. One of the members of my four said he was sick and
asked me if I would take his place and let him stay with the horses. “Yes”, I told
him I would if he was sick. So we fell into line, by then it was dark. We had
strict orders not to fire until we got the order to do so. We were standing in line,
and there was a Rebel battery off and seemed to be straight to our left. The
Confederate skirmishers in our front being firing and at that a few of our men
forgetting their orders also began firing. Cap’t Miller started along the front of
our Co. and gave the order to cease firing. Just then the battery to our left
opened up on us, sending a cannon ball right on down the line, striking Cap’t
Miller, tearing away one side of his body, and just then we were ordered
forward, and on a few of the Co. knew the Cap’t was hit, and no under officer
took command of the Co., but we went on just the same in our place in the line,
crossing over an old field. I remember stumbling into a ditch filled with blackberry
briars, going on till we came to a lot fence, climbed over into this lot, then we
didn’t know which way to go next, and everyone began calling for Co. “D” and no
one rallied us.
I and Comrade Matlick got together--and hearing most of the firing off to the left, we
concluded the Co. had gone that way, so we climbed out of the lot on that side, crossed
the road and went into the brush, crossed a slight swag in ground and started up a gradual
rise taking our direction by the firing and flash of guns. I discovered my gun was empty,
coming to a large stump, I dropped behind that stump and was safe but that was not what
I was there for. I had started the fight and was going to do my part. So when I got my gun
loaded I started on. My comrade had gone on and I thought I must catch up with the line,
supposing of course it was ahead. Presently I came to where the brush and young trees
had been cut down and lapped across each other in a way to make it as difficult as
possible for a man to get through, but I worked my way through and a little farther
on come to a line of sharpened stakes set in the ground, the sharp ends pointing towards
me leaning at an angle of about 45 degrees. I worked between two stakes then soon
reached a breastwork, and heard men talking. Then I was sure I had caught up with the
line. I heard a man yell out “Here, where are you going? Now you get back into that
ditch or I will box your jaws!” Well, I thought that was curious language for any of
our officers to use, but yet I didn’t suspect it not being our line, because I had reached
there without finding our line, so I climbed upon the loose dirt and then saw a rifle pit
full of men. I stooped down to slip into the ditch among them, and that brought my eyes
closer to the men and I saw that they had on gray hats and coats. I was just on the point
of saying “Well, you drove them out, did you boys?” , but when I saw where I was I didn’t
say it. They didn’t say anything to me, they hadn’t noticed me. In fact I saw their heads
were turned and they were all looking at the tussle of the officer and the soldier who
started to run.
After realizing what I had run into my next thought was Andersonville. The next was
to make my getaway. I realized it was a desperate chance, but I was determined to
chance it, so I raised up, turned around, stepped off the breastwork, started slowly
and cautiously back until I thought I was out of sight, then I started to run, run
into those down brush, would fall down, get up and try it again, and down I would
go again. I realized how soldiers feel when they are stampeded, only I didn’t
throw away my gun, clothes or anything else I had about me, but when I got clear
of the down brush , you had better bet I tried my speed. I don’t think there was a
horse in the Regiment that could have kept up with me. I was scared and whipped
because I had discovered that there was no Union line in front of those fellows, and
I wanted to inform our Commander of the fact. But our 300 men of the 3rd Iowa
had captured their right wing including a small fort that was in danger of being
gobbled up if those men came out and charged us, but mounted men had charged
in and captured the bridge, which gave us a free passage into the town defended
by about 3000 men behind breastworks, whom, what were not captured left
precipitately.
The Confederates had stuffed every crack and crevice (it being a covered bridge) with
cotton saturated with coal oil and planted a battery at the east end of the bridge to rake
it and set it afire, but our horsemen charged across, they thinking it was some of their
own men coming over, and didn’t know any better until our men drove them from
their guns and captured them. We mounted and crossed over into town and were
told to scatter out and find supper and lodging among the citizens and see that
no harm came to civilians or their property, which was done.
April 17 We remained in Columbus the 17th on Provost duty and stayed at private residences at
night and was treated nicely.
April 18 We went over to the battlefield and took up Cap’t Miller’s body and took him
back over the river to a cemetery in Columbus and reburied him. Then moved
out on the Macon Road and camped on a creek.
April 19 Marched on passing Waverly Hall and Belleview; camped near Flint River.
April 20 Marched on , crossed Potato River at Thomas’s Foundry; went in camp after dark,
passing through Thomastown.
April 21 Marched out about sunup on the Macon Road. Got news of an armistice between
Sherman and Johnston. Macon surrendered with 1500 Confederates. Marched
though Macon, crossed over Okemulgee River on the R.R. bridge and went into camp.
April 22 Lay in camp all day. Rumors still prevailed of Peace.
April 23 Sunday. Lay in camp.
April 24 The Regiment went in regular camp.
April 25 Nothing doing. Everyone anxious.
April 26 Official news of the assassination of President Lincoln.
April 27 All quiet.
April 28 Particulars of General R. E. Lee’s surrender.
April 29 Saddled up and went out on the Clinton road six miles, formed in an old field and was
searched for stolen or jayhawked property, none found that I heard of.
April 30 Sunday. Inspection and mustered for pay. Received news of Joe Johnston’s surrender.
May 1-3 Nothing of importance going on.
May 4 On chain gang. Got orders to march.
May 5 Relieved about 3:00 AM. Marched out about sunup. Crossed the river on the pontoon bridge
and took the road to Atlanta. Camped at Forsythe.
May 6 Moved out at 4:00 AM. Camped within 2 miles of Griffin.
May 7 Marched on through Jonesboro. Camped at Morrow Station.
May 8 Lay in camp all day, the lead horses going on into town.
May 9 Moved out early in the morning towards Atlanta, passed through Rough & Ready,
got to Atlanta about 1:00 PM and went in camp out in the timber--left of Peachtree Road.
May 10-12 Lay in camp. No news.
May 13 Received news of the capture of Jeff Davis.
May 14 Inspection.
May 15 Jones buried.
May 16 All quiet.
May 20 Went out on inspection.
May 21 Sunday. Inspection.
May 22 Relieved from guard.
May 23-27 Routine of camp.
May 28 Sunday Inspection. Dress parade at 6:30 PM.
May 29 Drilled from 5:00 - 6:00 PM.
May 30 On water guard.
June 1 A day of humiliation and prayer. Fell into line at 2:00 PM and marched to the city to the
Presbyterian Church where Chaplain Lathram preached a funeral sermon for Pres. Lincoln.
June 2 Drilled for one hour in the evening.
June 3 News of Kirby Smith’s surrender.
June 4 Inspection of arms and clothing.
June 5-6 Doing nothing.
June 7 Received a letter from home.
June 8-10 All quiet. Drilled.
June 11 Sunday. Inspection. Detailed to go out and work on a bridge on the Chatahootchie River. Traded with Lem Baker who had been working and returned to camp on the train.
June 12 An invoice of Company property was taken. Went to graze the horses and got a mess
of dewberries.
June 13 The 4th went out on inspection.
June 14 The 3rd Ia. went out on inspection, had horses inspected.
June 15 Nothing doing. All anxious to get home.
June 16 Was detailed to go to town on Quartermaster guard.
June 17 On quartermaster guard.
June 18 Relieved from guard; rested and slept.
June 19 Nothing doing.
June 20 On guard again.
June 21 Relieved from guard. The 1st Ohio left for South Carolina.
June 22 All quiet. Went to camp in the evening.
June 23 On duty.
June 24 Relieved. All quiet.
June 25-31 On guard every third day.
July 1-3 All quiet, having a good time.
July 4 The troops had a general review. The 4th U.S. Battery fired a salute of 36 guns.
July 5-24 Stayed in town at quartermasters until July 24 when we were sent to a corral to guard a lot
of mules.
July 25 Moved to another corral and stayed there until the 6th of August.
August 6 Was relieved and sent to camp, the mules being turned over to the 5th.
August 7 Some indication of going North.
August 8 Some more indications. Secured a carbine and Saber to take home.
August 9 Mustered out of the U.S. service at 10:00 AM and went down to the depot and got on the
cars, and left at 2:00 PM for Chattanooga. Got to Chattanooga about 4:00 AM on the 10th.
Pulled on for Nashville, got there about dark, the 11th, about 4:00 PM. Remained on the cars
all night.
August 12 Got off the cars and went to the Louisville Depot, got on board at 1:00 PM, left at
5:00 PM, got to Louisville at 11:00 AM. Crossed the Ohio, got on the cars and left about
6:00 PM.
August 13 Run all day and night.
August 14 Got to Michigan City, Indiana about 8:00 AM, run on and got to Chicago about noon, took
dinner at the Soldier’s Rest, started for Rock Island about 6:00 PM, run all night, arrived
at Rock Island about 1:00 PM the 15th. Crossed over to Davenport and went to Camp
McClellan.
August 16 Helped to carry up arms.
August 17 Signed the payroll.
August 18 No pay yet.
August 19 Paid off and discharged about 4:00 PM. Went to the wharf and got on the Packet Savannah.
August 20 Run past Burlington and Ft. Madison, laid over at Montrose on account of rapids.
August 21 Arrived at Keokuk about 7:00 AM. Went up in town and bought a suit of clothes. Boarded
the cars for home, sweet home; all danger, privations and hardships of a soldier’s life forgotten and feeling sure of a cordial welcome by my father and mother and friends, and feeling proud
of the fact that I had done a little towards the preservation of the glorious Union of the States.
Our train arrived at Stumptown about 8:00 PM.
Samuel Guthrie was there with his farm wagon and hauled his boys, George and Billy, and I
home, arriving about 10:00 AM August 22, 1865, thus ending my military experience.
I then entered civilian life and tried to be of some assistance to my parents. On October 27, 1870 I married Sarah C. Carroll. After her death, I married Lizzie M. Darnell on October 16, 1892 and remained on the farm until 1900 when we moved to Bloomfield, Iowa.
In 1900 I was elected County Clerk, in which position I served four years.
In July, 1905 I entered the mercantile business at West Grove, Iowa, in which in continued until May 1, 1910 when I
sold out to Jessie B. Day and moved to Bloomfield where I bought out Chas. Bullock’s Grocery in which business I continued until January 1, 1912. I sold out to J. A. Owens and retired from business.
After his retirement from active business he moved close to his boyhood home near Troy, Iowa, where he lived until his death on September 16, 1920. He was buried in the Troy Cemetery.
