FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER
MILITIA (INFANTRY)

The 52d Regt. Mass. Vol. Mil. was raised in Franklin and Hampshire Counties in response to the call of Aug. 4, 1862, for nine months troops. Its rendezvous was Camp Miller, Greenfield, and here the companies were mustered in on Oct. 2 and 11, 1862. The field and staff having been mustered Nov. 19 on the following day the regiment left for New York, proceeding thence to Long Island and going into quarters at Camp Banks where the Banks expedition to Louisiana was being organized.

On the 2d of December the regiment embarked on the steamer ILLINOIS bound for Louisiana. Touching at Ship Island and New Orleans, it reached Baton Rouge on the 17th where it was assigned to Kimball's (2d) Brigade, Grover's (4th) Division, 19th Corps. The regiment remained at Baton Rouge until March 13, when with the rest of the corps it participated in the demonstration against Port Hudson in cooperation with Farragut's fleet in its attempt to pass the batteries. This attempt having been partially successful, the regiment then penetrated to within a few hundred yards of the enemy's works and held its advanced position for forty-eight hours, after which it bagan its return march, reaching its old camp at Baton Rouge, March 20.

One week later, March 27, it was transferred to Donaldsonville, and on the 31st started with Grover's Division up Bayou Lafourche, proceeding to Thibodeau, which place was reached April 2. Two days later it entrained at Terre Bonne for Bayou Boeuf, whence, on April 9, it marched to Brashear City. Here, two days later, it took steamer for Indian Bend on the westerly shore of Grand Lake in an effort to cut off a Confederate force at Fort Bisland. After the battle at Indian Ridge, in which the 52d did not participate, and the escape of the enemy northward, the 52d joined in the pursuit to New Iberia. Four companies were left here to do guard duty, while the remainder proceeded on past Opelousas to Barre's Landing on Bayou Cortableau. Here they remained until the 21st of May, collecting and guarding supplies and loading and unloading boats at the landing. On the 19th the companies left at New Iberia arrived, and on the 21st the regiment commenced its return march via St. Martinsville to Brashear City, reaching its destination May 26.

On the 28th the regiment was transported by rail to Algiers, directly opposite New Orleans, whence it was transferred by steamer to Springfield Landing just above Baton Rouge. This place was reached May 30, and thence the regiment marched to join its brigade before Port Hudson.

After a short expedition to Clinton, June 5 to 8, to disperse a force of Confederates there, the regiment returned to its place on the Port Hudson front and participated in the assault of June 14, losing three men killed and seven wounded, Captain Bliss mortally.

On the 20th, while guarding a train of wagons near Jackson's Cross Roads, it was attacked by the enemy. The enemy was repulsed, but many of the wagons were

lost through the stampeding of the mules. Returning that night to the front at
Port Hudson, the regiment remained there until the surrender of that place, July
9.

The term of service of the regiment now having expired, on July 23 it board-
ed the steamer CHOUTEAU bound for Cairo, Ill. Arriving at this place July 30, on
the same afternoon it entrained for home. Reaching Greenfield, Mass., Aug. 3, the
men were furloughed until the 14th when they reassembled at the same place and
were mustered out of the service.

From Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in the Civil War, Vol. IV, pages
583-584. (Cc33)

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MEMORANDUM BOOK FOR THE JOURNEY AND ADVENTURES OF THE 52 MASS REGT

BY MORRIS W. SEARL CO K

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1862

This day we went into Camp at Greenfield to commence our military education.

It rains like the duce. Our Co. is composed of volunteers from Easthampton, West-hampton, Southampton and Hatfield and one man from Russell. In our estimation is decidedly the _Smartest Co._ in service. Things pass very pleasantly except a little uneasiness on account of our company not being mustered in sooner and some sickness.

H. L. Moore was very sick soon after we come into Camp.

<u>Saturday, 11</u>

This day we swore we would serve the U. S. for the term of <u>Nine Months.</u>

Many funny things happened and happy hours passed away up to the good old Camp and a number of good times going and coming to and from home on our Furloughs!

<u>Friday 14 of November</u>

Wat Root and I hired a plug and went to Southampton to make our last visit

till our nine months were served. Our furlough said come back Saturday 15.

<u>Saturday 15</u>

We started about dark. Went to Northampton stoped at Mourten's Salone found
Jerry Brown and Marsh there. Had some Oysters and other fixings and started in
good spirrit's went about 2 miles when we met all our boys going home so we turn-
ed around went back to N. Had a good time for a few minutes and then went back
to S. H. with the rest of the Boys. Went home and stayed til Sunday.

<u>Sunday 16:</u>

Wat and I started about noon after bidding our *friends* good luck once more
for Camp Miller. Made calls on my friends in N. Hampton then called at Wats Uncles
in Hatfield had a good supper and moved on as far as South Deerfield where we met
the Northampton boys. Had a good supper and a good time then made our way for
Camp as fast as our poor little nag could carry us and that was not very fast for
we never got there till eleven oclock. Wat and I met Cap Bissel between Whately and

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S D and gave him some as we called it _good advice_. We brat him to time for a
Pass to get into Camp.

**Monday 17:**

It raines we kept still till after the guard mounting was over then had fun.

**Tuesday 18:**

Picked ots most all day. _Wat_ and I was on Provose guard at the old Green
River Bridge near the old Shanty where I have spent many hapy days and nights
with my Uncles Family while I was working for him on the Brick Yard at the rear
of the house. Went in to Miss Logans played cards and eat apples till 12 then
went to Camp.

**Wednesday 19:**

A number of the good old Southampton boys came by to bid us good by. Charley
and Cal came back with them. We had a jolly old time. Loafed Drilled pitched
pennies and had fun.

**Thursday 20:**

I was mistkened this is the day the Boys came up. We got ready for a start
about three for the depot but did not get away from there untill about 5. There
was a large _croud_ of men women and children around for all the _rain_ also in Hat-
field, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield and New Haven where we arrived about 12
and took the steam boat Traveller and went by water to New York.

**Friday 21:**

We arrived at New York about 9 in the morn. We were marched up as far as the
Citty Hall where we stood in the streets for the people to look at till 12. It was
raining quite hard. Then we went in to the Barrock to get something to eat _and it
was grub_. Mud _s_ and _saut_ _Onions guts_ and _water_ all in a tin dish and a spoon to
eat it with. It was awful nasty and my appetite failed me soon after I got inside
the door. It was too sudden a change for me and I had _not_ got climated. We went
back to Citty _Hall_ and stayed till dark. About 10 of us run the guard but was
soon picked up by the Officers but we got our Refreshments all the same. Then went
to Franklin St. Citty Barrocks to spend the night. The 50 Mass Regt are quartered

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there and such a noise. No sleep no rest and no fun. Some puking and some purrying some swering and some praying and others laughing. In fact it was a very long night and there was plenty of time for everything.

**Sat. 22:**

At last morning came I run the guard and went into the largest Salone in the Citty kept J. Taylor. Had a good breakfast then went to the Warft to load some baggage. There were no teams to move it so we was at libberty to go where we chose till Sunday at twelve oclock. Wat, Charley, Lysander and my self and 7 others walked the streets went to Barnmums and Christies and spent the rest of the night at Lovejoys Hotell while the rest of our Regt had to march 10 miles to Union Race Source Eastern N. Y. to Camp **Bankes**. They had no tents and of course must have suffered with fategue and cold as the ground was wet and cold. Some of the wise ones run guard took the car and came back to N Y.

**Sunday 23:** one week from home

We walked the streets till 10 then went to look after the **stores** loaded some 30 teams got a good dinner filled our **Canteens** with fresh water and loaded our selves on to a good spring waggon drawn by a pare of good horses and started for Camp Banks. Arrived there about 5. Found Lewise Swint there took the **St. Car** and went back to the Citty to spend the night. Saw many funny things and some that wernt so **funny but** angried: all is lovely goos hangs high. Some of the luxuries was to rich for my blood so passed a-long Poor **Bub** and the one **man** from **Russell rode** the Elephant and say the **Whale** trying to puke up some one but it must have been in the Whales Belly to long for it did not come up. Fine $15 and cost. Stayed at Lovejoys.

**Monday 24:**

Took a good breakfast and tramped around awhile took the St. **Car** for Camp. Got back about 1 oclock found J. B. Finch there. He was a graduate in Colage in the class with our Lieut Col and an old school mate of mine in S. He got a pass for me took me back to the Citty to spend the night with him. He is a minister of

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the Gospel so of course he showed me the other side of the Citty and some of the
Center. Had a very pleasant time.

Tuesday 25:

Took the St Car went to Camp. Drilled awhile stayed on the ground for the first
night in N. Y.

Wednesday 26:

Drilled some, steped in a few tirds, eat a little stinking ham, and rotten
potatoe with a crust of bread, drinked some frog pond coffee and smoked my eyes out
over our Campfire and retired in our tent with a handfull of straw and a blanket
about 8 for rest. Oh where can rest be found (not here)

Thursday 27:

Had roast turkey pie and cake, for breakfast. Packed our duds bact our guns
and started for the Illinois Steamer lying in New York Harbor at 1 oclock. Marched
10 miles got on to an old scow that toed us to the big ship got on board at 10 at
night had a good nights rest and some sleep.

Saturday 29:

We have a hard looking hole lay on our backs all day and ship no go.

2 Sunday 30:

Gen Banks has been on board to day. Col G. says all in your bunks and stink
as bad as you can.

Monday Dec 1: 1862

It raines like fury they say we shant go till the storm is over.

Tuesday 2:

One of the South Hadley boys died and was sent Home. It is 3 oclock and we
are on the move. It is as pleasant as can be the sea is calm.

Wednesday Dec 3

Rains some I have not seen land to day and have not swore but one word to day.

Thursday 4:

I will resolve to break off swearing: It is as pleasant as summer. We have

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just passed the light house at Cape Hatteras some 30 miles distant. We can see a
small bit of land near her.

**Friday 5:**

The wind blows the sea is rough. Oh how beautifull the brave lads do thrown
out there. Salt horse and hard bread through there teeth well they can save it all
for they dont fling it overboard. It did not affect me so as to make me puke. I
was some dizzy in good time to ly and laugh at the rest.

**Saturday 6:**

We ly pretty still feel pretty blue all round the works. Waves are calmer now.

**Sunday 7:**

This is a beautifull day there was a boy died on board last night named
Richmond from Buckland and thrown over board aged 19. Our water and feed is getting
scarce. I got a piec of raw pork out of the Sailors Bbl which was quite a treat.

**Monday 8:**

Beautifull day the boys are striped washing all over. Florida Coast has been
in sight all day. We passed a Key West about 9 oclock in the eve.

**Tuesday 9:**

We passed Ft. Jeferson at noon. We have been going west and North west all day.

**Wednesday 10:**

The weather is fine. We had a good sing on Deck in the *eve*.

**Thursday 11:**

We have had a pleasant sail in sight of land since noon. Arrived at Ship
Isiland at 4 and cast anchor 1/4 of a mile from shore. There ar a number of
buildings on this Isl. I had no pudding and it caused me to use *bad* language.
Lt. Clapp gave me some meat and bread.

**Friday 12:**

One of the ships that came [under] banks sprng a leak in that Storm and came
near being recked. The pumps saved her. We had 5 or 6 stewed beans for supper
and no water nor tea.

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**Saturday 13:**

The <u>Col.</u> has talked of unloading us all day untill 3 oclock. Then started for New Orleans.

4 Sunday 14:

We arrived at the mouth of the Mississippi at 2 in the morn and waited till 6 when a pilot came on board and run us over the bar. There wer lots of ships waiting for the same purpose. We have passed lots of miserable huts and some very fine little dwellings and some fine fields of cane and beautifull groves of Orange and lemons. We passed Ft Jackson, and Phillips. The 31 Mass Regt are at Ft. Jackson. Passed some very fine Plantations between this and New Orleans at which place we arrived about six in the eve. There are lots of ships all around us connected with Banks expedition. Fine <u>Music</u> and great cheering. Hen Moore is most sick. This is the pleasantest days sail I ever expect to enjoy. One man burried in the middle of the Stream as we came up the river.

Monday 15:

We have been anchored in the stream till 4 when we were hawled up to the shore
for the purpose of coaling. Bushells of fine Oranges were hurled at us from the
shore which were very <u>thankfully recd.</u>

Tuesday 16:

I swung of from the ship on a rope and went into the City and got some good
breakfast but was soon picked up by the guard and brot bact to the ship. We started
up the river at 11. Our guns and amonition was distribeted. Sailed till about 10
and stoped. The Country does not look as pleasant this side of N. O. as the other.

Wednesday 17:

Started about 2 in the morn. Had breakfast at 4 and 3 days rations. Our guns
were ordered to be loaded. Came in sight of Baton Rouge at 8. When our gun boats
commenced throwing shel and ball over the City. Made them show there collers. We
hawled up to the Essex an Iron clad steamer at 1 oclock and commenced unloading using
her for a wharft. She is very low with two smoke stacks shaped like a turtle. She
is clad with rubber between the iron. We piched our tents and camped down without
and blankets and if it wernt cold I wouldent say so. We took turns and worked re-

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pairing the breast works most all night for we expected an attack before morn.

There were 500 Rebs here when the shell began to rattle they did not like the noise and run like deers loosing one man and haveing 2 more wounded. This place showes the ruins of war in every respect. Large buildings burned to the ground in all directions. This is where they had a great battle last August.

**Thursday 18:**

Took a walk around the City with Lt Clapp, Shaw and Wat and Charlie. I killed a nice chicken in the yard in front of the State House carryed it to quarters then went to the ship and got our **Napsacks**. Our Co. and Northampton Co went out 3 miles on **picket**. It was a cold night and we slept on the ground but we had a good time.

**Friday 19:**

Was aroused about fore in the morn by the report of 4 guns that were fired at our out posts which gave us quite a start as we were not used from being waked from quiet slumbers in that way. We were in Battle line in short notice and prepared to meet a calvery charge made by the rebs coming down the road. Our calm captain mid all the excitement did not fail to remember that the place to give command is 8 paces in the rear of his co and with cocked Revolvers in hand took lively Paces and lots of them to be sure to be where he would be where he could give orders after the charge was over. They did not come. A Fals Alarm caused by Niles shooting a large **Owl** that **hooted** and **winked** at him. The long role was sounded and the whole comy were under alms. 40 niggers came in during the night for us to protect them and L. Field and I escorted them down to Headquarters. Eat the State House chicken as Hen had it cooked and went back acros the old Battle field where Gen Williams was killed. There was lots of graves and bones, tents and cloths all burned. I picked up a plate with a mans name on it which I shall keep.

**Saturday 20:**

Drilled all day.

**Sunday 21:**

We were called up by the long Role at 3 and had to stand under **Arms** till day ligh (Fals alarm). One of our scouts were shot last nigh. Five horrses and one man

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wondered a little. There were met by 100 horsemen and only 4 of our men. The rebs came up to the one that had his horse shot he made them think his legs were broken they said he was of no use took away his revolver kicked him and let him go. He stayed till they were out of sight and then run for Camp.

**Monday 22:**

One of our Boats named Empire Parish was fired at a few miles below killed one man and wondered two more.

**Tuesday 23:**

Drilled as usual and played ucre with Gridley and Webster and Wat. Web and I beat them ten to one.

**Wednesday 24:**

About the same as yesterday

**Thursday 25:**

Christmas day hard tack and horse. I have carried water for the cooks did not drill. Warm as Summer. Web and I ucred Wat and Grid up good.

**Friday 26:**

It is a shower day it is my good stinking luck to be on guard.

**Saturday 27:**

The boys drilled in the forenoon played ball in the afternoon.

**6 Sunday 28:**

I have been to Church to the Methodist Church it is a very pretty house. Fire broke out in the State House about sunset it was a big thing and a good many to it. One soldier was shot in the crowd. A No of prisoners were in the House. The building was all burned.

**Monday 29:**

I am most sick went to see the Doct but did not wait to see him. Moved our Camp this afternoon. They have had quite a little brush below here a few miles.

**Tuesday 30:**

It rains like fury and our tent leaks some. Wat wached with Whit he is quite sick. I have took some pills and got excused from duty by the Doct. Sawyer.

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**Wednesday 31:**

We are for the first time mustering for pay and glad we are. All dead broke.
Other Regts are out for the same purpose. Good by 1862. Over the leaf.

**Thursday Jan 1, 1863**

Drilled all day for hard bread and poor pay.

**Friday 2**

Warm as summer. A no of boats came in last night two of them have unloaded
on the opisite side of the river from here.

**Saturday 3**

Showery seems like dog days. It thunders and lightens hard. We were ordered
to pack up tak our blankets and two days rations and go on board the Morning Light
this order was mad all right at 5 oclock: we were to go to Plaquemin 21 miles
to reenforce a part of the 62 NY Regt where we expected to find gun boats to protect
us. The had got scat on to the gun boats before we got there and left all there
stores and amonition. We found them a few miles below. We brok the wheel on our
old craft and had to ty up for the night. I was on guard. Boys stole all the
Sailors tobacco. We started at daylight for Danelsonville.

**7. Sunday 4:**

Arrived at Danelsonville at 9 found the 1st La. Regt in camp there. This is
55 miles from Baton Rouge this was quite a place but is ruined by our Gun Boats.
I have been a shore and got some good bread had a good sing this evening on board
the boat.

**Monday 5:**

Went up street and got some more bread then went on board the Empire Parish
and started back for Plaquemin about nine. While the N York boys went on to N. O.
They lost one or two of there men in the skirmish. We landed at Plaquemin at too
oclock pitched our tents sent out our pickets gave the citizens to understand that
we were to work for Uncle Sam and we should manage things about as we see fit. If
they wanted to stay and be very quiet and feed us on Chickens Milk and Honey they
could remain. We did not see many men here mostly wommen and children Both Plain

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and Colored. All the Citizens seem to look sour cross and I think would bite or kick if they could and not be seen. This is a very fine looking place plenty of Cesesh her I tell you book cross as the D_. I was chosen for Provose Guard. We provose guard have a good two story house for our quarters.

**Tuesday 6:**

On provose guard hard Cold. I am stationed in the building.

**Wednesday 7:**

Wat is quite sick. He has had a turn of colic has been crazy all night. I have been sick enough all night I went into the Digarian Salone to guard some property that they had taken from us. The lady gave me a picture of a little girl and I sent it home. It was a black eyed buty just like her Mama.

**Thursday 8:**

I was excused from duty by the Dr. but have been on guard. Lucious Field fell into the river and got wet. Wat is as he was yesterday. I took an ametic to make me puke.

**Friday 9:**

I have had some mild and meal and made me some good gruel. Wat is better. The pickets are fireing on both sides.

**Saturday 10:**

The mail has come, Cap Bissell to.

**8 Sunday 11:**

Edgar Clapp is sick high fever they are moveing the hospital. Edgar and Herb and Wat were carried over.

**Monday 12:**

Lieut Clap has to **Baton Rouge**. We have moved our **Provo** quarters tonight and gone in to a good store plenty of room good Coal fires. We went and searched a house got a Bbl of rum and 12 good cut glass Decanters and come near haveing a scrapp with som of the Batery Boys that tried to get it from us. They did not get it just the same. When they heard the click of our gun locks they found it best to retire to ther quarters and let our **business alone**.

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**Tuesday 13:**

Had Hot-Cake and Honey for breakfast and it tasted good.

**Wednesday 14:**

<u>Showerly.</u> Mail for some but I have none.

**Thursday 15:**

Damp and cold. Herb is very sick with Tyroid Fever. Poor fellow. Good boy
he is too.

**Friday 16:**

Ten of us went over the Buyo got 85 Chickens 3 turkies 3 pecks of eggs nuts
Buter and two shot guns.

**Saturday 17:**

Cold sour day. Eat and was merry.

9 **Sunday 18:**

Searched a liquer shop. Got many funy things apples oranges and tobacco. Rum
flung in. Two of our boys are doing time on the Barrell with 40 lbs sand in napsak
on there Backs for playing Provo. I have to watch them. Through the day one of them
was Ned Calihan.

**Monday 19:**

Nothing of importance only some of the 3 years men to make fun of Calihan
asked him what he was up on that barrel for in that way. His reply was that there
was to be a Horse Race and he was one of the <u>Judges.</u>

**Tuesday 20:**

Watching another young <u>Provo</u>.

**Wednesday 21:**

**Thursday 22:**

One of the Cavelry boys were shot a short distance from here. He was burried
today under military order.

**Friday 23:**

All as usual. Same old work on guard.

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**Saturday 24:**

I have got five letters from home. Charley Bartlett is quite sick and gone to the Hospital.

**10 Sunday 25:**

Little Jerry Johnson has gone to the Hospital sick. Its a D-- poor Dr that cant cure a little turn of S-- without starving a man to Death So Sais Jerrie. Honey is good aint it Grid So Sais I. Fresh Pork Chickin Corn Cake and Honey.

**Monday 26:**

Had a right down good sing at our Co. quarters this eve. Seemed like old times.

**Tuesday 27:**

All about as usual had some good hot cake and milk in the eve Gridley, Baldwin and I.

**Wednesday 28:**

Herbert Pomeroy died at five this morn. Was buried at 3 under military order.
Capt Bissel has gone to B R to get Hen Moore and Bridgeman discharged.

**Thursday 29:**

All Cool and still.

**Friday 30:**

Rob Baldwin and I went out side of our pickets had some fun with an old Cesesh
All alms are to be given up to our Provost Martial.

**Saturday 31:**

I had a right smart good drink of Brandy from one of the Citizens.

11. **Sunday Feb 1: 1863**

Cavelry are going to leave us some time to night.

**Monday 2:**

All quiet.

**Tuesday 3:**

A No. of Transports have passed here to day.

**Wednesday 4:**

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Frank Wait died about 3 this morn and was after noon Transports are passing all the time.

**Thursday 5:**

Cold and Sour as March in Mass. The mail has passed here for us to day and
hope to get a letter.

**Friday 6:**

All is quiet. A Battery has landed here and a good looking one to.

**Saturday 7:**

Four Regts have landed here and gone 8 or 9 miles back for what purpose I know not. We are to be ready to go by on the next boat.

**12th Sunday 8:**

We packed up and are ready for a start. The Eastern Quene has come and brought Pool and M D Strong it has gone and left us. The Ibesville came and we were ordered on board about dark were on a move about 8 oclock and arrived at Baton Rouge about 10 and streched ourselves on deck for the night.

**Monday 9:**

Marched off from the boat about 7 and arrived at camp about 8. Found all the boys were very glad to see us as we were them.

**Tuesday 10:**

We expect our pay today. We shot at a target and I beet the lot.

**Wednesday 11:**

Drilled in the fore noon. Lay of for pay in the afternoon.

**Thursday 12:**

Drilled some. Drawed pay from the 8th Sept up to the 1st Jan $48.96 and glad we are to get it as most are dead broke.

**Friday 13:**

Most of the boys are sending money home. I have sent $35 by express and Lysander $15.

**Saturday 14:**

Went and got some boards and fixed our tent up good. Charles has got back into camp.

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**Sunday 15:**

al
A Regt inspection in the A. M. and good sing in the afternoon.

**Monday 16:**

Went down town in the morn and got my picture. See Hen and the rest of the boys in the hospital.

**Tuesday 17:**

Went out on Picket. The Rebbels are in sight from our post. They fired a few shots past my post before I got there in the morn. Are in sight all day. It rained all day.

**Wednesday 18:**

Eat a few good pies and nut cakes a dish of milk and arrived in camp about 10. Mud nee deep all around. Charley is feeling pretty blue to day.

**Thursday 19:**

No more drill till further orders.

**Friday 20:**

Nothing of importance. Keep still.

**Saturday 21:**

Drilled usual hours. I was on fateegue duty. Rote letters all day.

**14 Sunday 22:**

A fine day.

**Monday 23:**

Went down town and see Hen with Lieut Clapp.

**Tuesday 24:**

Drilled all day got mail and glad to hear from home. Henry Moore and A. Bridgman start for home to night.

**Wednesday 25:**

-------

**Thursday 26:**

On guard rains like the D-- all night.

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**Friday 27:**

Tis so hot we cant drill.

**Saturday 28:**

Thunders and rains. We are to be mustered for pay without our guns or napsacks
on account of the weather --

15 **Sunday 1:**

A fine day no inspection to day.

**Monday 2:**

Wat and I are on Picket. Had a good time 4 guns were fired at some rebbel pickets in the night a little distance from our Post but we did **not run** nor sleep much.

**Tuesday 3:**

A fine day we think we shall ordered to move in a day as to Boats loaded with
troupes are comeing up the river pretty fast which means **Bis.**

**Wednesday 4:**

All right.

**Thursday 5:**

All Work and No Play.

**Friday 6:**

**Saturday 7:**

On picket

**Sunday 8:**

Jerry Johnson died this morn 8 oclock and the Funeral was at 12. The 31 Regt are
in this place all right. Wat and bub (Lysander) saw the boys. Wat and Lysander went
and visited with them this P M Wncle James M. Williams is with them all right and the
same old Jim. There are several of the Westfield Boys with them.

**Monday 9:**

We have Orders to pack up and be ready at a moments warning with 5 days **rations** and
60 rounds catridge Blankets in our Napsacks.

**Tuesday 10:**

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**Tuesday 10:**

Lay around Camp under marching orders.

**Wednesday 11:**

On picket our Napsack were sent out to us and we expected to start before
morn. Rainy and cold. Wet feet and legs cross and ugly but no use to fret you get
there just the same.

**Thursday 12:**

Packed our duds and left for good as we supposed had a review and marched
back to came where we were in the morn.

**Friday 13:**

Left Camp at 3 PM and marched 7 miles and stoped for the night. Our Co are on picket.

**Saturday 14:**

Started at day light went 7 miles and stoped for dinner. Killed Cattle and pigs had a good **roast**. Left our napsacks went as fast as we could til we came in sight of the Breast Works at Port Hudson. We passed Col Clark by the side of the road with his leg broken by the rebbel bullets and 4 dead horses lay dead in the road by the **same** cause at dark we turned about marched back 2 miles and stoped for the night without Blankets or overcoats about 11 the gun boats commenced playing with the rebs

The gun boat Mississippi was fired by her own men near us. Only a short distance from where I was sleeping. I got up for once in my life without being called. The noise seemed terible and I thought our time had come to sign our Death Warrent.

The nois was great and sight beautifull.

**17 Sunday 15:**

Had rebbel beef for breakfast and at 2 we left for Baton Rouge burned 3
bridges and marched within 7 miles of camp. Went in to an old swamp to spend the
night. No man could stand or sit the water was so deep. It rained hard most of the
way down and most of the night. Oh such a time. And so tired Our Rgt got on to
a tree that had blown down about 6 feet above the water got asleep and rolled off