-17-

into the water. We were all _sore sick_ and _sorrowfull_ but _every body_ laughed.

Orders were to build no fires nor light we brot boards and rails and had quite a bonfire on an old stump and all were ready to fight for 100 rods in either direction would have beat us on high ground wher we could of sit or stood without standing in 6 in water. Coffee was made of that nasty water where we stood and in one case gold tint letter paper was on top the coffee with a yellow stripe which was shined off the top the cup and the coffee drinked with a good relish.

**Monday 16:**

Stood in the water til 3 and then marched to Scoots Bluff one the bank of the river 5 miles from Baton Rouge found good quarters on the ground and rails.

**Tuesday 17:**

Had orders to start at 3 marched 7 miles toward Port Hudson eat our grub salt horse and hard tack stayed til dark picked our tents and camped for the night. In ten minutes orders came to fall in for Scots bluff at which place we arrived at 11. What was able and the rest staid scatterin. Catten _is the lad_. What it was for we did not know in the time but found it was Catten they wanted. I carried Wats Blanket all day as he was going to drop it unable to carry it. There were Blankets and Overcoats all along by the way and men all played out.

**Wednesday 18:**

The Boys came along in to camp in the morn Charly Barttlet had a sore foot and stayed in the woods lost his napsack and looked Broke up We all lay very quiet through the night and day.

**Thursday 19:**

Had a Regimental Inspection.

**Friday 20:**

We shouldered our Napsack at one oclock and stood around til 4 and them lef for
BR. Went at the rate of 4 miles an hour for 7 miles arrived at sunset in our old
Camp Board all gone

**Saturday 21:**

On Picket duty.

-18-

**18 Sunday 22:**

Henry Dickenson was burried today. A member of Co K a vol from Hatfield.

**Monday 23:**

Had a good easy time. No drill.

**Tuesday 24:**

Wat and I went and saw James M and all the rest of the 31st boys. They were all right. Charlie, Rob Baldwin, Horace Clapp, B. and Lysander and I went to town in suit of griddles cakes. Had all we could eat for a quarter and good waitness.

**Wednesday 25:**

Drilled some.

**Thursday 26:**

Usual drill.

**Friday 27:**

Lay around camp til sun set packed our duds struck our tents and was ready for a start. Our extra clothing was boxed up and sent to the Quarter Master. I sent my overcoat, dress coat, 4 shirts and some notions besides. Had a little fun with Co I boys burning our Cook House. They did not do it just the same we come near haveing a fight to save it for an old man that had helped us bring water and empty slops many times. Left BR on the St Maurice at 11 in the night and started down the river.

**Saturday 28:**

Arrived at Donaldsonville at 3 in the morn lay til 7 and then marched off 1/4 of a mile piched our tents. Thes the best looking camp we have had all levil for one square mile. Wat and I on quard til 12.

**19 Sunday 29:**

Had an inspection of alms in the morn.

**Monday 30:**

Cold as winter. Had some maceril for dinner. Eyes and all. Mackeriel eyes are good and so is tail.

**Tuesday 31:**

-19-

Marched 12 miles to a village called Platinville. A beautiful lay of land all the way from Danialson yille. Our Co guarded the baggage.

**Wednesday 1:**

Marched 12 miles. Passed Napoleonville and camped in a fine pasture white clover knee high. C. Daus (Daws) and I went and got a pail full of syrup.

**Thursday 2:**

Passed Thibodeauxville and camped near a RR station 3 miles from T. Troops are going off on the cars to Berwicks Bay.

**Friday 3:**

We loaded our baggage on to the cars this morn. We had a row over a nigger that the Provo Martial tried to send back to his master. The martial drawed his revolver but did not dare fire. We hissed him off without the nig. (The big bloat of a Marshal was hissed out of Camp with many Threats and old Cesesh. Many yards ahead of him without the nigger. The Marshal drawed his Revolver and if he had just snaped it once the Boys would made a Culender of him in a minute but he knew better and put it back.) Had some fun strikeing tents in the night. C. K. Masten slept with nigger Jo. Whiskey was to strong for Wat Webster, Johnson and myself. Charley Bartlett sais 50 cts well invested. He was to drink his in the morn but it was gone.

**Saturday 4:**

Left the camp and took the cars at 10 and arrived at Bayo Boeuf at noon. Saw 3 Alegators in the swamp laying on logs near the Track as we passed through a big Swamp. Lots of the Boys shot at them with Revolvers.

**20 Sunday 5:**

Nothing of importance. This is a small place not but a few houses and small and shabby at that.

**Monday 6:**

Troops are passing all the time on the cars. They belong to Emeryes Div.

-20-

**Tuesday 7:**

All as usual.

**Wednesday 8:**

Gen Banks passed by and Staff up to Brasher Citty.

**Thursday 9:**

We was called up at 3 oclock. Tents struck at 4 and did not get started till 10. With 2 days rations marched to Brasher Citty 12 miles. I was on guard of course as is always my lack after a days work. We camped clost by the Bayou and expected to start before morn. I saw one dead Alligator in the Bayou. The day was verry hot and the boys suffered much with dust and heat.

**Friday 10:**

We are here yet and 2 days rations are cooking.

**Saturday 11:**

Left Camp at 3 and went on board the steam ship St Mary. Shoved out in to the Bay and stayed til the rest of the Boats were loaded. The 52nt, 24 and 25 Ct and Nims Battery were on board with us. If there wernt thick work I would not say so. If this wernt thick work I dont know what thick is. You could not sit nor hardly stand and here all night lots of Laugh and lots of Cursing.

**21 Sunday 12:**

Started about 7 in the morn and sailed up the Grand Lake as far as Indian Bend about 35 miles from Brasher.

**Monday 13:**

About 4 the gunboats commenced shelling the woods and our troupes unloaded as fast as they could and followed as fast as they could. We made a little coffee and followed the rebs. Heavy fireing all the time just before us. We marched 4 miles towards Franklin and stoped for the night. It rained in the night. We found our selves in water 3 in deep. A no of Prisoners were taken of the rebs and one large gun.

-22-

were to many for them and they skedaddled. We camped for the night in a poor
place for water. **Albert Strong** Died at **Bayou Boeuf**.

**Saturday 18:**

Went down on to a hill near the Bayou and piched tents in a nice peice of
woods. Dea Edwards Davoife and Bustle came from Baton Rouge an met us there.
Here we staid til 8 in the eve and then crosed the Bayou to do picket duty. It
rained about 12 and we got very wet.

22 Sunday 19:

Stad in the rain till 10 and then marched through Layfaett about 15 miles
and camped. **Norton** Died at B. B.

Monday 20:

Marched about 15 miles near Ofelousar. We marched through water 2 feet
deep on picket.

Tuesday 21:

Lay in Camp all day.

Wednesday 22:

Packed our napsacks to send back our extra duds. I send my Overcoat in bubs
Napsack. Went 2 miles after sugar.

Thursday 23:

Our Co are on picket to night. I have been and had a good wash. Our Napsacks
did not go away. Water is scarce here and no soap.

Friday 24:

On Picket til dark and had a good time. Grand Review.

Saturday 25:

Lay around camp most of the day. Went after sugar. Had new potatoes and
fresh lamb.

23 Sunday 26:

Marched 12 miles east to Barrils Landding on Bayou Tieche. A fine camp.
Government teams are drawing Cotten.

Monday 27:

-23-

Thunder Showers. The boys have discovered lice and big ones to. One man dround
in the Bayou while bathing.

Tuesday 28:

There is lots of cotton comenig in all the time.

Wednesday 29:

On picket and on the Reserve a good easy time.

Thursday 30:

Mustered for pay. Our Co ar down to the landing on guard. A good time. Had
Clapp, I. Dane, L. Wright came up today. Wright has gone home.

May 1:

Friday 1:

Minute Pudding for breakfast and dinner. Gen Banks and staff landed here
to night.

Saturday May 2:

No Dril. Root is raised form the ranks to Cap.

24: Sunday 3:

Meeting in the fore noon. The Paymaster has come and is paying the 26 Me
today. I am on guard at the nigger hous. Lots of fun.

Monday 4:

All is quiet except talk about moveing.

Tuesday 5:

Be ready to march at a moments notice. All our napsacks packed to send back
to Brasher. Bub and Ed Parsons are to be sent back ill. At 1 oclock as good
luck would have it all the rest but one section of Capt Nims and our Regt have
left and we. Col G haves things all his own way. Contrabands came in by the
thousand.

Wednesday 6:

All is quiet. The sick did not go back. Bub is better. A Mail come for us
to day. We are on guard down to the Landing. More Contraband about 1000 more.

-24-

**Thursday 7:**

Had a good Chicken Stue for breakfast and returned to camp at 9. The 110 N. Y. passed and a long train of waggons. I had a good horseback ride this morn.

**Friday 8:**

All as usual. Bub is quite sick. Heavy fireing in direction Port Hudson.

Our Soldiers are in Alexandery.

**Saturday 9:**

Lysander has not had his pants on to day. Heavy fireing in direction of Port Hudson was heard at 10 at night and kept up through the night and till 8 oclock this morn.

**25 Sunday 10:**

Inspection of Alms at 8 this morn. Meeting at 1/2 past. L. B. B. Jr. is better.

**Monday 11:**

On Picket at the Bridge. Got a horse and tradeede two or three times.

**Tuesday 12:**

Had a good time catching horses.

**Wednesday 13:**

On Picket.

**Thursday 14:**

All quiet and heavy picket.

**Friday 15:**

On picket. Heavy fireing at Port Hudson for a short time in the eve.

**Saturday 16:**

**26 Sunday 17:**

On picket. The Boys are drawing clots and haveing a review.

**Monday 18:**

Packed knapsacks and sent them to Brasher. We expect to leav soon for some unknown place.

-25-

**Tuesday 19:**

L. B. and Wat went down to Brasher on the Boat. We have had lots of fun catching horses.

**Wednesday 20:**

Rode horse back all day 7 or 8 of us. Oh its fun.

**Thursday 21:**

Formed a line at 4 and did not start for Brasher til 11. Marched 20 miles in the heat of the day.

**Friday 22:**

Marched

**Saturday 23:**

Passed St Martinsville and camped near New Iberia.

27 **Sunday 24:**

Marched through New Iberia. George Snider at Brasher.

**Monday 25:**

Started at 6 and marched through Franklin and five miles further throu Centerville. Our rear guard were fired at in Fr. So we had to right about and march back to Fr and skirmished awhile and then marched back through Centerville at which we arrived about mid night. Stoped one hour and stood under alms and waited for the train to pass. Col Chickering said there was a heavy force in the rear and we must march all night which we did but all had much rather fight than run at such an hour.

**Tuesday 26:**

Halted about five. Long enough to make some coffee and then went on to Brasher Where we arrived at noon. I crossed over to Brasher and staid with Wat. The Regt staid at Berwicks.

**Wednesday 27:**

The boys came over and camped near the Depot. I feel sick enough to Puke all the time.

**Thursday 28:**

-26-

Went on board the Cars about 12. Stoped at Bayou Boeuf and took on our
extra baggage and tents. Arrived at Algeas at 6. Went on board the
U.S.M. Steamer Fulton and set sail for Baton Rouge. If I wernt sick no matter.

## Friday 29:

Arrived at Baton Rouge about 4 and Lay on the side walk til mid night and
then went on board the Time and Tide and sailed for Springfield Landing near Port
Hudson.

## Saturday 30:

Arrived at Springfield Landing about 8. Went ashore and waited for the rest
of our Regt that was left back to Brasher. They came about noon. Three sick ones
from each co was Detailed to stay here and do duty. Sargt Webster Gridley and I
were detailed from our co. The Regt started for Port Hudson about 4.

## 28 Sunday 31:

I rode Horse back to Gen Banks Hd quarters which made 24 miles ride and it came
near useing me up. I feel pretty bad.

## Monday 1:

I feel blue enough.

## Tuesday 2:

Dont feel any better.

## Wednesday 3:

The same old complaint. S-- and Puke.

## Thursday 4:

About as usual.

## Friday 5:

A Number of our boys have come back to the Landing and tell us that the Regt
has gone off towards Clinton.

## Saturday 6:

The Dr sent me on boart the Time and Tide and I was Landed at Baton Rouge
about 12 and camped under a tree alone.

## Sunday 7:

-27-

Went into the Hosp where Whitney, Alvord, L.H. Bartlett and 3 or 4 more
of our boys are. Root of Co I died here last night.

**Monday 8:**

Two men died here last night. I feel better.

**Tuesday 9:**

About after the old sort.

**Wednesday 10:**

One man Died. I feel better to day.

**Thursday 11:**

Had a heavy shower this morn.

**Friday 12:**

**Saturday 13:**

Samll Pox left our ward this afternoon.

30 **Sunday 14:**

Hard fighting at Port Hudson 250 wonded came down on the Boat. Lyman of Co. K. is kiled. Four of our Reft are kiled and 9 wonded. Capt Bliss Co. G. is mortally wounded.

**Monday 15:**

All is quiet.

**Tuesday 16:**

Sargt Webster came down from Sp Landing sick.

**Wednesday 17:**

Everything looks dark for our side just now. One man died here today.

**Thursday 18:**

A lot of wonded came down on the boat. Oh how they are tore to pieces.
Some of our wonded came down on her. Lieut Taylor came down in charge of Capt
Bliss Body. He died last Wednesday. He is going to try to send it home. Our
boats have been fired into at Plaquemin and are afraid to run by.

**Friday 18:**

The Pickets are drove in and they are preparing for an attack here in Baton
Rouge. It looks dark for us on both sides. I feel sick today.

-28-

**Saturday 20:**

Warren of Co. C. died here this morn. Lieut Clapp G. Shaw, C. Bates and C. Strong came from N. O. and went up as far as Sp. Lg. and was sent back here. We hear that Sargt Bennet is wonded an a few more of our Regt.

**31 Sunday 21:**

All quiet. One man died here last night.

**Monday 22:**

I got my pants and shoes out of the box to day. Sargt Bennets Body came down on the boat and 4 or 5 wonded from our rgt. One Man died here last night.

**Tuesday 23:**

They say our Regt have gone off towards Clinton again. The Docts are takeing names and are going to send home the sick. One man died.

**Wednesday 24:**

All is quiet. It is remarked that are Regt are to start the 28th.

**Thursday 25:**

All quiet as usual.

**Friday 26:**

Nothing new to day. We can see the smoke and the shels when they burst at

**Port Hudson** from here I **watched**.

**Saturday 27:**

Nothing worthy of mention

**32 Sunday 28:**

One man died here this morn. Nathanel Bartlett of Conway Co of D.

**Monday 29:**

Webster is quite sick.

**Tuesday 30:**

Whitney and I have been down to the Gen Hospital.

**Wednesday 1:**

Encourageing reports from the front this morn. They say **Port** must fall soon.

E. C. Anderson died at Baton Rouge.

-30-

**Thursday 2:**

All quiet and <u>hot</u>. The Rebs came to S. L. and done considerable damage. Killed some and took some prisoners.

**Friday 3:**

I don't feel very well to day. Took a dose of quinine and had a sleepless night they are firing some big guns at Port Hudson.

**Saturday 4th:**

They are firing some heavy guns at Port Hudson this forenoon. E. C. Parsons is quite sick. I have felt quite sick for the last 24 hours. Sargt Webster is quite sick.

**33 Sunday 5:**

All still as usual. A careless guard was snapping a cap on his gun down in the lower room. His gun through a ball through our flore and went near to men that were standing. Ed Parsons is as crazy as bear.

**Monday 6:**

E. C. Parsons is crazy as ever. Went to sleep about 6 and sleeps well. No news to day.

**Tuesday 7:**

E. C. Parsons died here in Barrocks Hospital Ward no. 3 this morn at 4 oclock. We hear Vkburg is taken. Great cheering here. One of the 53rd died.

**Wednesday 8:**

All seems quiet this morn. It is current that Port Hudson has surrendered. Esex came down to night cant credit the good news; we had a heavy shower.

**Thursday 9:**

All still. No news as yet. I <u>think</u> old Port is all right yet. We learn to night that Port Hudson surrendered yesterday and our Troops marched in at 12 oclock today.

**Friday 10:**

I guess they are trying to <u>catch</u> the Rebs that are trying to Blockade the river below Donalsonville 14 boats passed down during the night loaded with soldiers.

**Saturday 11:**

-31-

Nothing new today. Wiliston Graves was brought in here sick this morn.
us
Charles Johnson came down from Port Hudson and tells the boys are all right.
I am about sick with the Dysentary.

## 34 Sunday 12:

I am most sick and more too: Clinton Bates came here this morn and is hard
up. Col H.S.G., R.D.S Richardson have come down to pick up the sick and baggage
and see who is able to go up the river home. I am checked to go down by way of
*New Orleans*

## Monday 13:

Webster is hard sick. Our folks are raising horror with the Rebs down at
Donaldsonville.

## Tuesday 14:

A number of our boys came down from at Donaldson this morn. They say they are
fighting like fury down there. I have been down and see the 31st boys this morn.
James M. Williams, G. Fowls and L. Fray are all right. I feel a little better to day.

## Wednesday 15:

All about as usual. A lot of the boys are going to Port Hudson.

## Thursday 16:

Webster is hard sick and C Bates to.

## Friday 17:

W. F. Alvard, L. J. Bristol, Col Bardwell and myself left Baton Rouge on the
La. Bell at 9 and arrived at Port Hudson about noon found the Boys right glad to
see us. L.B.B. is quite sick at the Hosp.

## Saturday 18:

Went down to the landing and see L.B.B. and found him a little better. All
quiet about going home.

## 35 Sunday 19:

Very hot. C. L. Webster died at Baton Rouge. L.B.B. is better.

## Monday 20:

I am on fatigue duty. Charles Johnson came up from Baton Rouge and tells us
that C. Bates is very low. We expect to go on board the boat to start north

-32-

tomorrow.

**Tuesday 21:**

Marched down street and gave up our guns and had the promise of going on board
as soon as a boat came large enough to carry us.

**Wednesday 22:**

No boat as yet.

**Thursday 23:**

Orders to go down to the landing at 4 and be read to go on board the boat which
we did. Went on board the Chanteau and started at sunset.

**Friday 24:**

I have been taking care of the sick all the forenoon. We passed Nachez about
noon. A fine looking place on a high hill. A Sargt of Co D is lost over board in
the night.

**Saturday 25:**

Arrived at Vicksburg at 4 in the morn. It is a nice place on a very high
bluff. We stopped for coal and provision till 8 in the eve. I was sick all day.
There are a great number of river and gun boats here.

36 **Sunday 26:**

The first object in view this morn is a mule in the middle of the river
taking a swim. Passed Lake Prvidence at 8. I feel pretty well this morn.

**Monday 27:**

Passed a delta and Helena. We stopped a short time at Helena. We have a
large Army there. There is a high bluff with guns mouted and ready for an attack.

**Tuesday 28:**

Arrived at Memphis at 4 this morn this is the largest city this side of
Baton Rouge. We have 3 dead men on board to be buried here.