Wednesday 4 – Warm – Col. Hooper & 125 men go up Pocotagligo way on reconnaissance no fighting – return at night –
Thursday 5 – Warm – 12 P.M. our horses sent of to the Head – rained rest of night – in evening Mail – one letter fr. K of 22n –
Friday 6 – Rainy – Draw 492 x 3 + 1476 Rations –
Saturday 7 – Warm fixing Shebang & making pipes –
Sunday 8 – Cold – Regular Mail – 1 fr. Mr. Lewis, & 1 fr. K, with pair Mittens! – plenty of papers – Lieut. Rogers arrives from Morris Island – write to Uncle & K. –
Monday 9 – Cloudy & rainy 492 x 3 = 1476 Rations –
Tuesday 10 – Heavy rain & wind – a deserter comes in –
Wednesday 11 – Fair – raising Shebang – The 55th leaves Boyd’s Neck – the greater part –
Thursday 12 – Charming day! Like a May-day! Draw 480 x 3 = 1440 Rations, for 13th, 14th, & 15th.
Friday 13 – Glorious weather! – building an L to our “Shebang” – irregular mail –
Saturday 14 – Cloudy, chilly – another small mail- one letter fr. K. – building L. – two reconnoisances – Blair’s Corps of Sherman’s Army advances across the River from Beaufort in Aft. – At dark firing in front –
Sunday 15th – Charming weather! – Our chimney falls in at 6 A.M. Drawing 3 days rations, 480 x 3 = 1440. – I begin the building a new chimney in the Afternoon – early in the day the brigade ordered to advance on reconnaissance – This movement developed the fact that the rebs had left at daylight, on the approach of Sherman’s column – Our men fall in with part of Blair’s Corps encamped near Pocotaligo –
Monday 16 – Grand weather! – Kept up work on the chimney & in the evening had a fire roaring through it – the arch a success – we worked till midnight putting up bunks – The regt. Put to drilling – Clothing Requisitions –
Tuesday 17 – Glorious weather – forenoon, ride with Col. Hallowell abt. 3 miles out towards Pocotaligo to entrenchments – Dr. Hutson’s Place – Sherman’s men and & their doings – on return, send out Sergt. and 20 men for old “uncle” & family & effects – Chimney finished – The 54th gains another victory! An order just received from War Dept. to muster in Lt. Swailes! Little at a time we bear down all opposition! Lt. Swailes goes to Head in evening – also Lt. Man for Clothing – hear that Col Hartwell is brevetted Brig. Gen. to date November 30 – 1864 –
Wednesday 18 – Chilly – 480 x 3 = 1440 Rations. – the “Wyoming” lands rations at our dock for Blairs Corps – Glorious news! Fort Fisher assaulted a second time by a Division under Gen. Terry, and taken!! Long talk on Sherman in evening with “Bueno” –
Thursday 19 – Rainy – rebuild our bunks – lay a brick hearth – wrote to K. – “spirit manifestations” in the evening – Our horses arrive up from the Head on the opposite Landing – More good news! Rumor of the capture of Wilmington! –
Friday 20 – Heavy rain all day – bunks – horses arrive this side – load of pots and peanuts from Dr. Huston’s – wrote to father – sert. Ordered to cross river, on coming of good weather –
Saturday 21 – Heavy rain all day – hear of the loss of the “Melville” with passengers & Mail! Gen. Butler removed! Draw 3 days rations 485 x 3 = 1455. –
Sunday 22 – Rain the most of the day & night – Mail & letter from “Major” Appleton – In Afternoon draw Clothing, but leavie it on the other side – get up the hardbread – wrote to “Major” – Lieut. Whitney arrives just from from the North per Arago –
Monday 23 – Cold, cloudy, no rain – ride out to Stewarts in Aft. With Wilkie & Lt. McKay. –
Tuesday 24 – Clear and cold – 54th crosses the Tillifenny and bivouacs at Deveaux Landing, near the dock – Also 33rd crosses – Draw rathions 485 x 3 – Issue the Clothing – At night a mial, & letter fr. K & Sister – papers to the 19th –
Wednesday 25 – Very cold – Lose spectacles pair no. 2 – cross the river to former quarters but do not find them – bring back sashes and door – “good joke” on McKay! I am detailed as A.A. Q.M. 2d Brigade Coast Division – Lt. Chas. Jewett A.R.Q.M. – Lt. Man goes to Beaufort to join his regiment – send to Head by him for bootees for regiment –
Thursday 26 – Very cold – Brig. Hdqrs. in Deveaux house – Board sitting – In Aft put in sashes into the window frames & make the room habitable –
Friday 27 – Very cold – issuing bootees sent up by Lt. Man – The “Division” to move in the morning – 2d Brigade to have 2 waggons – the command to carry 5 days rations – 54th, 485 x 5 – I weigh 148 – Wrote to K. and Mr. Lewis –
Saturday 28 – Cold and clear – 2d brigade starts at 8 A.M., 54th, 102d, 34th, 33d, & Artillery – Teams get off by 10 A.M. – I have 2 teams 2 carts & 2 tents – the column passes through Pocotagligo, the encampment of the 17th Army Corps, and biouacs near Salkehatchie – Send back our teams & carts – pitch Hdqr. tents. –
Sunday 29 –Beautiful day, warmer – warm bath – Lt. Swails up from Head – Lt.Hallet at Head, als Col. Hartwell – Learn of the theft of the Officers trunks at Morris, of 54th – Lt. Chipman goes to Morris – paper of the 25th – The 17th Corps passed by on the march – the pontoon train and the “Pioneer Corps” –
Monday 30 –Beautiful day – “foraging” for corn – The “Board” meets – The 15th Corp passes through Pocotaligo Station – In evening I ride with Adjt. Perry & Lt. Col. Cooper of the 107th Ohio to Gardner’s Corner, some 6 miles – return at midnight with Adjt. – The 107th Ohio Vols. To hold Gardners Corner-
Tuesday 31 – Glorious weather – At 101/2 A.M. ordered to move – the 54th goes over to R.R. Station, Pocataligo – 33d goes into fort at ‘Old Pocotaligo” establish Brig Hdqrs in Manison of Joh A Cuthbert, It had been Blair’s Hdqrs. – Magnificent Rice Plantation surrounding – Mail, 1 fr. Father, 2 fr. K. –
– February 1865 –
Wednesday 1 – Morning ride, and glorious one, to “Blairs Landing”, 4 miles from the fort – Lieut. Jewett there to draw 5 days rations – not teams yet, – ride back – at the fort, meet the 54th and the battery en route for “Combahee Ferry” (Col. Cooper had reported that the rebs had crossed to this side in force) – I accompany the Col. – At Garden’s [Gardner’s] Corner joined by the 107th Ohio – The Column arrives at the Ferry, Combahee river, about 6 p.m. – find earthworks on this side, but no rebs. – a foot-bridge across the river, and the rebel pickets at the terminus of the bridge on the opposite side – make no demonstrations – march back – 54th gets into Camp at midnight – 25 mile march in 12 hours – On way back, about 3 miles from camp overtake Lt. Jewett with the rations – 3 teams – one of them upset & disabled in the mud – Lt. Jewett says “Quartermastering just suits him!”
Thursday 2 – Glorious weather – ordered out of our house – getting out a roof – rain in night –
Friday 3 – Rained all day –Settling Lt. Man’s accts- wrote to K.- At night about 20 wounded men from Sherman arrive and put in Cuthbert’s, that we had vacated –Sherman had had a slight “repulse” about 36 miles about her-
Saturday 4 – Fair weather at noon – Ride downto Blairs Landing –get up Commisary and Q.M. Stores- Lee Brothers –roads in very bad state – write to sister –get established in our new Quarters, by roadside –
Sunday 5 –Fine weather – To Blairs Landing and lighter up Bootees & Cavly Trousers – issue to the 54th, 33rd, – Lt. Swails arrives from Head, mustered as a 2d Lieut! Hear of the death of Lieut, Webster, on the 25th of January – Letter from Lt. Man, who sells “Jacko” for $120.00. –
Monday 6 – Raw & rainy – Issue to 102d – Lt. Jewett has another hard time getting rations – evening an order comes for the 54th & 102d to move at 8 A.M. to-morrow- We get barrel of apples in evening, confiscated from Sutler –
Tuesday 7 – Rained hard all forenoon – At 8. A.M. the 54th and 102d move off, & cross the Combahee river at Salkehatchie – I am left behind with Hdqrs. Stuff – Send surplus bootees to Blairs Landing in lighter – ride nearly down to Blairs to see Lieut. Wilcoxson – meet him & return – wet through – build a chimney & get up a fire – ride up to Hdqrs – hear from 54th Lt. Whitney goes to Head to be mustered –
Wednesday 8 – Raw – Lt. Chipman returns from Morris Island – Lt. Littlefield resigned – Lieut. Jewett in from front – Lt. McGlaughlin R.Q.M. of the 102d U.S.C.T. killed by guerillas – At midnight Lt. Rodgers in from front – packed everything into an Ambulance & started right off – bright full moon – hard tack of Col. Trowbridge – leave Sergt Vogelsang in charge of Clothing of the 102d –
Thursday 9 – pushed on walking and wading till daylight – when reach Brig. Hdqrs. after march of 8 miles – at 10 A.M. arrival of Gen. Hatch, and an advance ordered – take my Stuff to fort at Salkehatchie – put up a tent – see paper of the 2d. with the glorious news of the passage of the Constitutional Amendment abolishing Slavery in the United States, January 31, 1865! The Land is free at last! Adjt. McKay comes in wounded slightly, below the knee – he goes to Pocotaligo – weather raw –
Friday 10 – Bracing weather – Start off at 8 A.M. for fort at Old Potaligo – meet Lt. Whitney – get load of forage, apples, tobacco, the “Mail,” and start at 12 M. from Pocataligo for the front, to issue forage to the brigade – the front “cuts loose from its base” and “keeps moving” – Gen. Hatch on route for the Ashpoo – he brings up a “Cucold Crick” – I overtake the Column just after it had gone into bivouac, and about 10 miles out from Salkehatchie – distributed load and set out on return about 10 P.M. – get into Salkehatchie about 2 A.M. Saturday – hear of the relief of Gen. Foster & appointment of Gen. Gilmore to the Dept. of South. – Mail & letter fr. K, & Sister –
Saturday 11 – Good weather – very tired – Col. Cooper – In aft. Raising a boat the “Albatross” – Lt. James comes in disabled, his wound having opened again – Gen. Hatch falls back to R.R. –
Sunday 12 –Cool – Wilkie has an operation performed on his foot, & goes to hospital, and eventually to Hilton Head – I go to Blairs Landing – Jewett gets up one days rations – horse sic and doctored return from Landing at 9 P.M. – find Lieut. Efner of 102d U.S.C.T. in my quarters – About 10 P.M. Col. Hallowell arrives, with 54th Mass. Vols – The regiment bivouacs just inside the fort – results of the raid in a supper of eggs, chickens, and honey, the very “fat of the land” – pushcart – Combahee Ferry evacuated – the 25th Ohio ordered thither – 102d U.S.C.T. remains on R.R. –
Monday 13 – Pleasant, cold – Lt. Joy detailed as A.A.D.C. – Ride up to 102d & back – send for clothing of 102d 15 Contrabands come in in evening – “The rebs clean gone to Ashpoo” – At midnight the 102d ordered to move to Green Pond via the R.R. at daylight –
Tuesday 14 – Rained hard all day – 102d Clothing comes up as far as fort & remains – also 160 extra trousers which I issue to 54th and 102d Q.M. – warms towards night –write to K. –
Wednesday 15 – Quite warm – Col. Hallowell ordered to advance with the 54th Mass., 127th N.Y., and the Battery, to Ashpoo via Blue House – Start at 12 M. – the bridges torn up, and the roads in a fearful state of mud – at 8 P.M. had got ahead 6 miles and built 3 bridges – 2 more right ahead – “council of war” decided to turn back – In turning teams on the causeway broke one to pieces and abandoned it with contents – The shoes and trousers were taken care of however – the command got back to fort at 3 A.M. of the 16th –
Thursday 16 – Fine weather – At 10 A.M. Start for Ashpoo again by different route, crossing the Combahee at the Ferry, and going into bivouac at 5 P.m. about a mile from point of crossing – 12 miles marched-
Friday 17 – Weather fine – en route at 9 A.M. march 8 miles to Ashpoo Ferry – there at 12 M. & bivouac – a ride through Warley’s Plantation, “ole massa run away” – foraging, furniture, bath – write to father –
Saturday 18 – Fine weather drawing map in forenoon – rumors from contrabands that Fort Moultrie is ours & Charleston to be abandoned! Plenty of refugees and contrabands – Dr. Dehon and son brought in – we furnish them shelter for the night – Dr. Dehon expounds Slavery on the Bible! We take a huge revolver and shot gun from the younger Dehon! – 3d Brigade organized, “Sherman’s raiders” –
Sunday 19 –Glorious weather! -1st brigade crosses the Ashpoo and advances to Edisto – We send Dr. Dehond, son & family to rear to Gen. Hatch’s Hdqrs., Combahee – We send our luggage to rear- In Aft. Dr. Dehon & son return – while gone his “chattels” had been helping themselves and furniture off by whole boatloads! Dehon brings an order from Gen. Hatch, that his “slaves” shall be permitted to choose for themselves whether to go back to the plantation with him or not – Dehon gets us to back this up, and as a consequence looses all his slaves young and old! So much for the “bible”-man- Truly a “good test” – write to K. – At dark we hear the glorious news “that Gen. Potter occupied Charleston on the 18!!” Three times Three rolled up by the brigade!
Monday 20 – Glorious weather! 3d Brigade comes up to Ashpoo – we start then, 2 P.M., and make Jacksonboro on the Edisto at 5 P.M. – go into bivouac – 30 Miles from Charleston! –
Tuesday 21 –Fair- bridge over the Edisto not completed till noon – en route at 12 M. – march through Adams Run and bivouac at 6 P.M. at Cross Roads beyond – 15 miles march – The 102d comes up about 9 P.M. _ Gen. Hatch & Staff – All our rations!
Wednesday 22 – Coudy – march at 9 A.M. – I go off foraging with teams & a company of the 102d – burn 2 plantation houses and 1 church – free about a hundred slaves! – get a load of potatoes, corn, pork, chickens, &c. – overtake the command at dark at Long Savannah, just as it was bivouacking, after march of 10 miles – 10 miles from Charleston! One of the places I burned was that of S. King – got potatoes from Dr. Scotts place, a rabid old secesh –
Thursday 23 –Cludy – march at 71/2 A.M. – At 12 M after 10 miles march reach the bank of the Ashley River, & see opposite to us the city of Charleston! Brigade bivouacs – Gen. Hatch crosses to city side & takes steamer immediately for the Head to try to wrest the command of Charleston from Gen. Schimmelfenig who now has it – Towards night cross in small boat with Colonel to look after rations for brigade – see Capt. Walton & Lt. Newell – boat gets aground – we stay all night over in the city in consequence –
Friday 24 – Rainy – Col. Unwell & remains at Waltons – I get a steamer, and the R.Q.M.s draw for the rgts – we get the rations over at dark – also “mail” – letter fr. K. & sister, & ‘spectacles” – while in town, a walk through Gillman Town.”
Saturday 25 – Cloudy & rainy – Gen. Hatch returns from Head, & takes command of Charleston – 2d Brigade ordered across to Charleston Neck – get load of forage over at night in the Dekalb” – write to K. –
Sunday 26 – Coudy & rainy – go over to city, and thence in small boat with Lt. Jewett & Srgt. Vogelsang to Morris Ismand – See Hallet and forlorn Camp Guard – get all my papers, or enough to enable me to go to work on my accounts – return at dark – 1st
Brigade crossing to this side –
Monday 27 – Foggy – clear by noon – I cross early with Col Hallowell & select camps for regts. At the entrenchments, or city limits – At noon The 54th Mass. Vols. Marches through the streets of Charleston! Up Meeting St. to entrenchments, goes into camp – Brig. Hdqrs. established in a house – teams up at dark – Rgt’l stuff on Morris Island sent for – will have to be got up in flats & small boats = write to father –
Tuesday 28 – Rained all day 54th mustered for pay – Lt. Newell detailed as A.A.D.C. at these Hdqrs – 34th ordered to Florida – working on my Q.M. papers, now 4 months behind –
– March 1865 –
Wednesday 1 – Rainy- down to city – horse shod – see Widensaul – Trunks and books up from Morris Island –
Thursday 2 – Rainy – haul in 3 loads of furniture from E.M. Carey’s house outside of the entrenchments – fit up Hdqrs. with it –
Friday 3 – Fair weather, good breeze – Cpt. Walton calls – remarkable visit from Mrs. Cary & son! Regimental stuff coming up from Morris – haircut – cloudy & windy night –
Saturday 4 – Cloudy – “Wilkie” visits us from Head – he is A.A.D.C. to Gen. Gillmore – Lt. Emerson back from North – Wilmington certainly give up – Mail – 2 letters fr. Sister, 2 fr. K. – 1 fr. Maj. Appleton – lots of papers – write to K. –
Sunday 5 – Cold & cloudy – Ordered to be in readiness to embark the cammand (54th & 102d) for Savannah as soon as transportation furnished – afternoon ride round by Arsenal, Battery, and Race-Course – write to Sister –
Monday 6 – Clear & cold – 102d goes to wharf to embarkfor Savannah – misses the boat and marches back – Clothing Requisitions – ride out to Dr. Holbrooks Mrs. Col. Beecher –
Tuesday 7 – Cold – Early to city & draw clothing for brigade, 49 boxes, 5 team loads – on way up meet the 102d enroute for the wharf – half the regiment returns again to camp, the other half embarks for Savannah – Col Hallowell & Lt. Newell with them – In Aft. I issue Clothing to the 54th Mass., 102d & 34th U.S.C.T. – rain all day – Considerable trouble with Lt. G.T. Holmes, A.R.Q.M, 102d U.S.C.T.
Wednesday 8 – Rain all day – Finish and Mail Returns C.C. & G.E. & Q.M. Stores for November 1864 – I have very severe cold –
Thursday 9 – Heavy fog & rain – balance of 102d embarks on the “Fannie” at noon – Joy and I det off – 34th embarks on the “W. W. Coit” for Jacksonville, Fla. – Mail – 1 fr. K & 1 fr. Major Appleton – rain all night –
Friday 10 – Clear by Afternoon – leave Charleston at 7 A.M. – arrive at Hilton Head at 6 P.M. – Get package (shoes) from father from Express Office – We drop out into the stream and anchor for the night- Clears off cold –
Saturday 11 –Clear & cold – sail at 3 A.M. via Skull Creek – pass Pulaski, Fort Jackson, and arrive in Savannah at 11 A.M. – establish temporary Hdqrs. outside the town near 102d – write to K –
Sunday 12 – Beautiful day – ride with Joy along the Left of the line of defences – write to father – move our Hsqrs. – lose “Bible” – moonlight night – Savannah in command of Brvt. Maj. Gen. Grover of 19th Corps – (The 54th, 5 companies under Col. Hooper, leave Charleston at noon in the “Cait” – touch at Head at Midnight-)
Monday 13 – Glorious weather! 102d draws clothing – At noon 5 Companies of 54th arrive, and with the drum Corps march up Bull Street, to the camping ground on the left of the 102d – A mail & letter fr. K. & father – (Maj, Pope and balance of 54th leave Charleston about noon on the ‘Chas. Houghton,” & arrive at Head at midnight.) Lieut. Newell arrives at dark –
Tuesday 14 – Cloudy – Looking uip house for Brig. Hdqrs. & finally get 109 S. Broad Street – At 5 P.M. the 33rd U.S.C.T. arrives, Col. Bennett in command, and camps on left of 54th – Col. Hallowell comes per same boat – At 6 P.M. comes the balance of the 54th under Maj. Pope on the “Houghton” – We occupy Brig. Hdqrs. 109 S. S. Broad St. – Mr. Hodlie just leaving it – Lt. Newell draws a hosrse – The Brigade to consist of the 54th Mass. Vols, 102d U.S.C.T., & the 33d U.S.C.T. – Col. Chipman in command of the 102d U.S.C.T.
Wednesday 15 – High wind – haul up the C.C. & G.E. of 33rd & 54th – 15 teams all day – haul rations for 54th – move Hdqrs. stuff to 109 S.B. St. Ride out 2 miles on Thunderbolt Road with fatigue of choppers & set it to work cutting wood for the brigade – Very busy till late at night bulking Clothing Requisitions – Mail & letter fr. K.-
Thursday 16 – High wind and in Afternoon heavy thuderstorm – In forenoon we flee from 109 and move Hdqrs. to regimental camp, and locate per force of the storm, in the “Massie Schoolhouse “ – Afternoon draw and issue Clothing to the brigade – 44 boxes – At the Post Q.M. have a slight row with one of the hands – Storm over by night, starlight –
Friday 17 – Glorious weather – “St Patricks Dauy in the morning.” Inspection of the 102d U.S.C.T. – Clothing issed to 54th – I go out with 5 teams for wood –
Saturday 18 – Good weather – 54th inspected in forenoon – Afternoon Gen. Seth Williams arrives and inspects the whole Division by brigades! Inspecting the white brigade first, dismissing it, & then inspecting the “Colored brigade” – our brigade of 3 regts & about 2300 strong – march in review – a good Inspection – Lieut. Knowles resignation arrives –
Sunday 19 – Glorious weather – Gen. Williams inspects the Quarters of the brigade in the morning – Grand Dress Parade in the evening, reminding one of Readville – Ord. Return –
Monday 20 – Good weather – Ord. Return – Mail – 10 loads of wood – draw stationary – hire “Andy” who is forthwith christened “Hercules”
Tuesday 21 – Heavy rain in Afternoon – our “boys” get into Guard House – Visit to the city of a bevy of Ladies and Congressmen from the North! They depart in peace – sick all afternoon –
Wednesday 22 – Glorious day – sent off Returns Commisary & Q.M. Stores – Paper of the 15th – Capt. Chipman returns from the Head, bringing me 2 months pay, i.e.,
September 30 days $118.50
October 31 “ 120.00
238.50
Deduct tax on 138.50 6.92
231.58
Paid to October 31 -1864 by Maj. A.G. Salisbury – Bought Dress Coat of Col. Hooper –
Thursday 23 – Glorious weather – working on Returns – School Yard policed – write to K. –
Friday 24 – Glorious weather – very busy on Returns –
Saturday 25 – Glorious weather – Lt. Jewett goes to Head to be mustered 1st Lt. – At 10 A.M. an order received for 54th & 102d to proceed to Georgetown S.C., Col Hallowell on the way to report to Brig. Gen J.P. Hatch at Charleston – 103rd U.S.C.T. expected soon in Savannah to be brigaded with the 33rd under Col. Bennett! All cut and dried – Brvt Maj. Gen. Grover reviews our brigade in Afternoon – not so successful a Review as the previous – I post the guidons[?]! – other mistakes &c. – Banjo in the evening in the “Massie” –
Sunday 26 – Glorious weather – write to Sister – At Dress Parade of 54th ordered to load the “Coit,” just in with part of the troops – put on 10 teams, running through the night – trouble abt the boat and then abt. hard tack –
Monday 27 – Good weather – Right Wing of the 54th gets off at 9 A.M. oin the “Coit” – to touch at the Head & at Charleston – Get the left Wing off in the Cannonicas” at 1 P.M. – Col. Hallowell and Lt. Newell go in the “Coit” – Capts Homans & Emilio quarter at the “Massie” – Mail per “Arago” and letter fr. Mr. Lewis – Sherman at Goldsboro – Gold down to 153! –
Tuesday 28 – Rained hard all day –wrote to K. – Capts. Homans & Emilio go to the Head on the “U.S. Grant,” to be mustered out of the service, having served 3 years – The 103rd U.S.C.T., Lt. Col. Bogart, arrives from Hilton Head & takes the camp vacated by the 102d – Col Chipman receives orders to embark half the 102d on the “Planter” with 5 days rations – The “Planter” to start at daylight – The ‘DeMolay” arrives direct from Boston with recruits for the 12th & 14th Maine Regts. –
Wednesday 29 – Cloudy but no rain – The “Planter” sails at daybreak with 5 companies of 102d, under Major Clark – Lt. Joy goes on Planter – Foggy in Afternoon – working on Returns – Capt. Walton “ brings his supper” – to theatre in evening –
Thursday 30 – Heavy rain in forenoon – clear in Afternoon – Second Provost Court – no boats in –
Friday 31 – High wind & at noon cloudy – “Enoch Dean’ arrives at dark with Gen. Saxton – no transportation yet for balance of 102d –
– April 1865 –
Saturday 1 – Glorious weather – “no transportation” – Wrote to K. – Mr. Lewis, & Maj. Appleton – Meet Capt. Jewett from the Head, who says the brigade is to go on an Expedition from Georgetown, under Brig. Gen. Potter – theatre in the evening –
Sunday 2 – Good weather – not transportation – a walk with Walton in Aft. To Laurel Grove Cemetary –
Monday 3 – Warm – no transportation – getting disgusted – Capt. Jewett goes to Head at 10 A.M. –
Tuesday 4 – Warm – Lt. Robinson James of 55th on the “Grant” from Charleston – stops at “Massie” – Col. Woodford here on official visit – Mail per Fulton & dates to 30th – no boats
Wednesday 5 – Warm – In forenoon visit the school for Colored Children, Mr. Porter – no transportation yet! –
Thursday 6 – Warm – Lt. James goes to Head at 10 A.M. – I telegraph to Capt. Kelly at the Head for a boat, & get a reply too! The “Nelly Baker” goes up the Savannah River to Sisters Ferry as Flag of Truce boat –
Friday 7 – Cloudy – I apply for leave to go to the Head to procure transportation – At dusk arrival of the Nellie Baker with the Astounding News of the Fall of Richmond!! Augusta Papers of the 5th say our troops occupied the city on the 3d!! The “W.W. Coit” arrives, & ordered to take the balance of the 102d, to Georgetown – All aboard by 12 P.M., to start at daylight – write to K. & father –
Saturday 8 – Off at 7 A.M. Hilton Head at 10 ½ A.M. passing Pulaski, see the ‘,double top-sails’ of the Sicilian! – Leave Head at 11 A.M. & ran up to Beaufort – long stop – take on board Gen. Saxton & wife – also Major Delancy, just commissioned in the 104th, & just arrived from Washington – ran down Coosaw river & anchor for night in St. Helena Sound – Chess – & Color phobia in the evening – share my stateroom with the Major –
Sunday 9 – Weigh anchor at daylight & arrive in Charleston at noon – Col. Chipman reports to Gen. Hatch, & is ordered with his command to the entrenchments – I put up temporarily at Gen. Hartwell’s Hdqrs. See Reuben Tomlinson, & take supper with the Gideonites, Messrs Fox, Fulsom, Blake & Gilbert – Quite a fire in King Street in the evening, destroying 3 large brick stores! Reuben & I discover it early, improve the draft, & witness with profound satisfaction the burnt offering!
Monday 10 – Lt. James, 55th arrives at daylight from the Head – Saw Capt. & Lt. Jewett – Mr. Fulsom, Sergt. Vogelsang and myself go down to ‘Sumpter” on the “Col. Bennett” – remain through the afternoon – bricks from Sumpter –
Tuesday 11 – 102d U.S.C.T. marches to Santee – Glorious News! Grant takes Petersburg, and the Colored troops are first into Richmond! 12,000 Prisoners! Send home bricks – write to K. – Gen. Schimmelfennig goes North on sick leave in the “Massachusetts” – The Navy give him a salute –
Wednesday 12 – Grand weather – wrote to Sister – Old mail & 2 letters fr. K. – Gen. Hartwell & his command return in Afternoon, from Nelson’s Ferry on the Santee – he reports that Gen. Potter had gone on towards Sumpterville – he had not seen anything of Col. Chipman –
Thursday 13 – Mail per “Arago,” with full particulars of the Fall of Ricmond! L:etter from Mr. Lweis, & one from K. – meet Calvin Stebbins just arrived here from the North – At dark arrival of the “oceanus” from New York, 10th, with the astounding news of the surrender of Lees entire army to Gen. Grant! The End of the Rebellion! The Return of an honorable Peace! & our return home!!! The “Oceanus” brought large pleasure party to take part in the Celebration tomorrow –
Friday 14 – Anniversary of the Fall of Sumpter, and Celebration of the re-raising of the Old Flag with the new meaning Freedom & no Slavery! Oration by H.W Beecher – At the Fort shook hands with Wm Lloyd Garrison, George Thompson, Aaron M. Powell &c.! High wind – returned from fort at dark –
Saturday 15 – Good weather – Grand Ovation by the colored population to Wm Lloyd Garrison, Geo. Thompson, Senator Wilson, Judge Kelly, Mr. Tilton, &c! Huge meeting in Zion Church – After the meeting the colored people and the school children escort the speakers to the Charleston Hotel! Speak with Aaron M. Powell – Write to father & K. – letter from Mr. Lewis – At 6 P.M. embark on the “Loyalist” for Georgetown S.C. Mr. Fulsom also – boat rolls fearfully – high wind-
Sunday 16 – Beautiful day – Cross the bar into Winyaw Bay at 8 a.m. – at the wharf in Georgetown at 10 A.M. – Georgetown at the junction of the Black and Sampit rivers – Find Maj. Place of the 157th N. York in command of the Post – Lt. Kingsury, 157th R.Q.M., both Post Q.M. & Commissary – The 54th off on the Expedition under Gen. Potter, having left Georgetown April 5th – Expedition comprised two brigades, the 2d commanded by Col. Hallowell – 2d brigade Provisional Division – Lt. Leonard in Georgetwon in command of the remnants of the 54th A “tin clad cjomes in from “Wrights Bluff,” about 250 miles up the Santee, with about 1000 contrabands –
Monday 17 – “Loyalist” sails for “Charleston” at 8 A.M. – busy writing – about 4 P.M. the “ Chas. Houghton” arrives from “Wrights Bluff” with Lieuts Swailes and Rogers wounded & also about a dozen men of the 54th – The 54th near Manchester and having a “grand time” – wrote to father & K. –
Tuesday 18 – Very warm – The “Houghton” goes to Charleston – working on Returns – a “hen-turkey” – a “wedding” in the evening – heavy shower in night –
Wednesday 19 – Visit to the double-ender “Mingoe” – another thunder storm –
Thursday 20 – Warm – At noon, by schooner from Charleston the startling and sad announcement of the Death of President Abraham Lincoln! The news not credited – no particulars –
Friday 21 – Lieut. Rogers goes to Charleston on a Navy Tug – In Aft. Inspection of churches by Lieut. Leonard and myself – we play ye organ –
Saturday 22 – Leonard and I “take books out” of the Winyaw Indigo Society”! –
Sunday 23 – Cold weather – Lt. Leonard on picket – Long walk in the Aft. With Mr. Fulsom – we visit the Library, and “take out” more books –
Monday 24 – Cold arrival of the Tinclad from up Santee – Indeffinite Cessation of Hostilities! The Provisional on the return march – Lt. Stevens of the 54th kill on the 18th at Boykins Mills – We got Newspaper of the 15th, and learn that the President was assassinated on the 14th! Universal gloom in the town –
Tuesday 25 – Mail at daylight by the “Loyalist” – Letter fr. K., Sister, Mr. Lwesi, and Mr. Potter – Major Pope & Lt. Bridgham (A.R.Q.M.) come in at noon, the whole Division arrives at night – all in good spirits – about 3000 in the Contraband train – Mr. Brown Treasury Agent calls in in the evening & gives us the news fr. The North up to the 21st – Col. Hallowell hears from one of our Wagner psisoners just through the lines, – out of 170 taken of the 54th only 17 now alive – The casualties in the 54th on the late raid were 1 Officer killed & 2 wounded – 2 Privates killed & 18 wounded – Total 3 killed and 20 wounded –
Wednesday 26 – Reuben Tomlinson pops in at breakfast! Calvin Stebbins arrives per “Cannonicus” – In the evening meeting of the Officers of the 54th to take action concerning the death of Lt. Stevens –
Thursday 27 – Wrote to Mr. Lewis & K. Reuben goes to Charleston – In evening 2d meeting of the Officers – An Obituary and Resolution adopted – Northern dates to 23d! Sherman effectively squelched! His Peace Concessions indignantly repudiated! Hostilities renewed! Grant goes straight down to N. Carolina! Andy Johnson to put the thing through=! – By Special Order No. 9. I am detailed as A.A.Q.M. 2d Brig. Provisional Division, thus relieving Lt. B. M. Custer of the 32d U.S.C.T.
Friday 28 – Cloudy – Lt. Custer goes to Charleston in “Coit” – The 32d U.S.C.T. & 25th Ohio leave for Charleston – slight rain –
Saturday 29 – Warm – 340 of the 102d got off on the “Loyalist” at noon – write to K. Geo. Poole, and Mr. Potter – Evening a mail & letters from Mr. Lewis and sister – Papers to 22d – I have bad cold –
Sunday 30 – Warm day – a muder in the regiment – “Slickey” Benton shot and instantly killed Corpl Wilson – wrote to Sister – The rest of the 102d gets off, except one company & the teams – 54th mustered for pay –
[At this point, John Ritchie’s diary includes an account of the actions of the 54th between April 5, and April 25, 1865 when he was on duty elsewhere. Presumably the account he recorded came from information he gathered for official records and fellow troops and officers]
Journal
– 2d Brigade Provisional Division –
April 5 – 1865 Wednesday – In accordance with orders from Brig. Genl. Potter comdg. Prov. Division moved from Georgetown f.c. at 8 A.M. on the Sampit or central road, taking a westerly direction. About 3 miles from G. took a road to the right towards Black river – Weather good, country good with heavy fine forests. – Encamped for the night in the vicinity of Johnsons Swamp. Days march about 19 miles –
Thursday 6 – Resumed march at 6:30 A.M. – Weather sultry. Country more rolling. Towards evening the Detachment of the 4th Mass. Cavly, Major Webster comdg., exchanged shots with a small force of the enemy at “7 Mile Bridge” – Bivouaced for night at Thorntree Swamp – Days meach 19 miles –
2d Brigade, Col E.N. Hallowell 54th Mass. Vols. Comdg., comprises 8 companies 32d U.S.C.T. Col G. W. Baird, 54th Mass. Vols. Lt. Col Hooper, & 5 companies 102d U.S.C.T. Major N. Clark
Brigade Staff consists of
2d Lt. C.F. Joy, 54th Mass. Vols., A.A.A. G.
1st Lt. R.R. Newell “ “ A.A.A.G.
1st Lt. B.M. Custer, 32d U.S.C.T., A.A.Q.M.
Friday 7 – March at 6:30 A.M. – General direction northwest – weather pleasant, country more open – 102d U.S.C.T. detached from main column to destroy the “Kingston Bridge” across Black river – exchanged a few shots with the enemy – no casualties- Two companies of 54th Mass. Vols. Under command of Capt. C. E. Tucker sent to destroy “Express Bridge” across Black river – Exchanged shots with a small party of the enemy -casualties 2d Lt. F.E. Rogers “A” Co. wounded in right fore-arm, 3 enlisted men wounded. Bivouacked for the night at Mill Branch. – Days march 15 miles. –
Saturday 8 – March at 6:30 A.M. Weather pleasant and country woody, roads fair. Course west about 4 miles, then the Santee road almost due South for 5 miles, then again turned to the right in a nort-west course, and came on to the main road in the vicinity of Ox Swamp – This detour was made in consequence of a report that a bridge had been burned on the main road across a swamp – the report afterwards to have been flase. – At dusk camped at Manning . Later in the evening received orders to move 2d Brigade across Pocotaligo Swamp. Days march about 15 miles. –
Sunday 9 – During the night of the 8th 2d Brig. Moved across Pocotaligo Swamp, and continued march at 7 A.M. 9th, taking the road to Sumterville. Weather showery, country good. About 3 miles from Sumterville the 1st Brig. Found the enemy entrenched at “Dingles Mills” on Turkey Creek. Their forces were estimated at 500 Men chiefly militia. The 2d. Brig. Was ordered to make a flank movement on the enemy’s left and rear but owing to the incapacity of the guide was obliged to return to the main column, and found that a the enemy had been driven from his position by a flank movement on the right by the 157th N.Y. & Detch. 56th N.Y., comd. By Lt. Col. Carmichel. Three field pieces were taken, and the enemy driven in confusion towards Sumterville – Continued the march, and bivouacked in Sumpterville. Days march about 18 miles –
Monday 10 – Rested at Sumterville the entire day. The 32d U.S.C.T. proceeded up the Manchester & Wilmington R.R. to Maysville, destroyed a number of cars and the railroad bridges, and returned to Sumterville in the evening. The 102d U.S.C.T. went on a similar expedition about 3 miles down the R.R. towards Manchester, destroyed bridges but found no cars. Received news of the fall of Richmond, Va. And Mobile & Selma Ala., in consequence of which fired salute of 15 guns at noon from the guns captured at Dingles Mills on the 9th inst. –
Tuesday 11 – March at 6:30 A.M. – southwesterly – passed through Manchester towards evening, & bivouacked 1 ½ mile beyond on the Statesburg Road. Days march 14 miles – At Manchester the 54th was sent down the “Manchester & Wilmington R.R.” & destroyed 8 locomotives & 40 or 50 cars, and a few miles of trestle work on both the M. & W. R.R. & the Camden Branch R.R. “Accidental casualties – 2d Lt. Swails “D”Company slightly wounded in the right arm – 2 enlisted men wounded while on the cars – The 54th Mass. Vols. Joined the command on the morning of the 12th
Wednesday 12 – The 2d Brigade moved about 1 1?2 miles up the Statesburg road to Singletons Plantation, and encamped in the vicinity of the 1st brigade – Lt. Newell, with the 32d U.S.C.T. in charge of wagon train and contrabands started for the Santee river at Wrights Bluff, 25 miles distant –
Thursday 13 –All quiet – Lt. Newell returns from Wrights Bluff. –
Friday 14 – Towards evening a deononstration by about 20 rebel Calry on our pickets on Statesburg road – no casualties. – The right wing of the 54th made a reconnaissance about 2 miles up the road but found no traces of the enemy. –
Saturday 15 – The 32d U.S.C.T. joined the command at 2 P.M., & the march resumed at 3 P.M. taking the road north to wards States-burg. After marching 5 miles, took a road to the right, and continued the march until midnight, having made but 12 miles. – Weather pleasant in A.M., rainy in the P.M. –
Sunday 16 – March at 7 ½ A.M. towards Camden, leaving Providence P.O. on the right. Weather good country rolling – At noon halted for dinner at Bradford Springs. Skirmishing the whole afternoon by the advance Guard of the Brigade, The skirmish line of the 32d U.S.C.T. killed one of the enemy and took one prisoner. Days march 16 miles. –
Monday 17 – March at 6 A.M. – Col Hallowell being unwell, the command devolved upon Col. G.W. Baird of 32d. A slight stand made by the enemy during the forenoon, but they were flanked by the 25th Ohio Vols., 1st brigade. The 2d brigade made a flank movement to the left, but the enemy retired from their position before the movement was completed. – Entered Camden without opposition about 6:30 P.M. – Days march 12 miles.-
Tuesday 18 – March at 7 A.M., Statesburg road. – About 7 miles from Camden found the enemy entrenched at Boykins Mills, Swift Creek – The 54th Mass. Vols., 102d U.S.C.T., & 107th Ohio Vols. Flanked the enemy on their left. The 32d U.S.C.T., & 25th Ohio Vols. Were pushed forward on the right and centre, and the position carried at 4 P.M. – Casualties. – In the 54th Mass. 1st Lt. E.L. Stevens was killed, – also 1 man killed and 14 wounded. –
102d U.S.C.T. 3 Enlisted men wounded
32d U.S.C.T. 3 “ “ “
Total – 1 Com’d Officer & 1 Enlisted man killed –
20 “ “ wounded. –
As the command was about to encamp for the night it was reinforced by Col. H.L. Chipman with the right wing of the 102d, he having succeeded in forcing his way through from Wrights Bluff with a loss of
1 Enlisted man killed
1 Com’d Officer & 5 “ “ wounded.
Heavy shower with thunder and lightening in the evening. Days march 12 miles –
Wednesday 19th – March at 6 A.M. Slight skirmish during the day in which 2d Brigade lost
102d U.S.C.T. 1 man killed 3 wounded
32d U.S.C.T. 1
Total 1 4
A position was taken by the enemy during the forenoon at Big Rafting Creek, and the 102d with right wing of 32d made a flank movement to enemys right, the left wing of the 32d & the 107th Ohio Vols were ordered down the Camden Branch R.R. – the enemy retired with slight resistance. Weather showery in the afternoon, country open and rolling. Passing through Statesburg & Manchester, camped at Singletons Plantation. Marched 13 miles.
Thursday 20 – The 54th Mass. Vols. Went to Middleton Depot and destroyed a train of cars, loaded with Ordinance, Commisary & Qr. Mr. Stores of the enemy.
Friday 21 – March at 6 A.M., Santee river road. About 3 P.M. received news of an armistice – hostilities not to be renewed under 48 hours notice. – Weather sultry showery noon & evening. – Days march 19 miles. –
Saturday 22 – March at 6:30 A.M. – Sent our sick and wounded, with 400 or 500 contrabands to Wrights Bluff for transportation – Days march 16 miles
Sunday 23 – March 5:30 A.M. Weather good, country woody & swampy. Received news of Lee’s Surrender and of President Lincoln’s Assasination – bivouacked at Staggets Mill – Days march 23 miles –
Monday 24 – March at 6 A.M. Weather good,Country woody. Days march 27 miles. –
Tuesday 25 – March at 6 A.M. weather good, country woody – arrive at Georgetown at 5 P.M. Days march 22 miles –
______________________________________
May 1865
Monday 1 – Warm – Last company of 102d gets off on the “Nelly Baker” – ride out to Joe Piatts in aft. –
Tuesday 2 – Cold, wind East – We hear that Johnson has surrendered his army – the country getting thick with deserters and paroled men –
Wednesday 3 – Lt. Joy & I play the “orgin” at the Episcopal Church – a ride to Sampit river in the Afternoon – At dark the “Island City” arrives – “All the rebel forces this side of the Mississippi surrendered!” Brig. Hdqrs. & 250 of the 54th to go on “Island City” – put luggage on board at night – Lieuts. Rogers, Hallet, & Leonard to leave the regiment to accept promotion in the U.S.C.T.
Thursday 4 – Leave Georgetown on “Island City” at 6 A.M. Brig. Hdqrs. & 3 companies of 54th under Capt Bridge. Pleasant trip, and make Charleston at 4 P.M. – report to Brig. Gen. Jno. P. Hatch – Col. Hallowell to relieve Gen. Hartwell in command of the Defences of Charleston.” Regt. Goes up to the Entrenchments – Brig. Hdqrs. in Old Place, Cary House –
Friday 5 – Very busy – get up rations for the regt. See Reuben Tomlinson –
Saturday 6 – Very warm – down town on watch for the regiment – half the reg. to be stationed at St. Andrews Parish, across the Ashley – wrote to K. – At 5 P.M. the “Island City” arrives with 4 companies of 54th and, a mail – several of the companies sent across the river in the “Island City.” – in the mail 7 letters for me – 3 fr. K. 2 fr. Mr. Lweis, 1 fr. Father and 1 fr. Wendell – By General Order Col. Hallowell is paced in command of the “Defenses of Charleston,” relieving Brvt. Brig. Gen Hartwell, who goes to Orangeburg – The “Defenses” comprise the Entrenchments, St. Andrews, and James Island – The troops to consist of 54th Mass Vols., 107th Ohio Vols., & 21 U.S.C.T.
Sunday 7 – Very warm – Gen. Hartwell leaves with the 55th and several other regts for Orangeburg, via Summer ville – Establish our Hdqrs. at Nos. 6 & * Meeting st. – wrote to father – At 5 P.M. the “Loyalist” with the balance of the 54th – Maj. Pope with left wing stationed at St. Andrews – wrote to Wendell –
Monday 8 – Rainy at times – Wrote to Mr. Lewis – hire me a boy, Thomas Frazer – Alex Branson reports to compy – Sergt Vogelsang returns to Regt. Part of the 107th arrives on “Island City” – Reubenat supper with us –
Tuesday 9 – Glorious day – Regt. Drawing Clothing – Lt. T S. Bridgham Acting R.Q.M. – At 5 p.m. the balance of the 107th arrives, the whole regiment stationed in the Entrenchments – The 21st U.S.C.T. on James Island – ride out with Newell, & visit “ Chief Ord. Officer” Capt. Grace –
Wednesday 10 – Very warm Get load wood – Afternoon visit the camps at the entrenchments – a marriage in the left wing at St. Andrews! –
Thursday 11 – Very warm – The “Citizens” hold a “meeting” at Hibernian Hall at 12 o’clock! The whipped whites read a new lesson! Chief Justice Chase arrives in the city – At 5 P.M. Col. Reuben, Capt. Tucker, & myself, take row down to ‘Castle Pinckney” –rough sea and Thunder shower – wrote to Mr. Lewis –
Friday 12 – Warm – Capt Walton up from Savannah, relieved as Provost Judge, but to be immediately detailed as Judge Advocate by Gen. Hatch – Wilkie up & Gillmore – Wilkie mustered “Captain” – write to K. also to Mr. Potter – Over to St. Andrews with Newell –
Saturday 14 – Grand weather – Col Hooper with his wing crosses to St. Andrews – the regiment together – A mail and dates to the 9th – no letter for me –
Monday 15 – Warm – 2 letters. 1 fr. K. & 1 fr. Mr. Lewis – In aft. A sail to Fort Johnson –
Tuesday 16 – Send two boxes per Express to Boston & Milton – Letter fr. Mr. Lewis of 5th – wrote to father – Capt. Walton to mess with us – “Shaw Glee Club” in the evening –
Wednesday 17 – Send shotgun home to Billy Poole – wrote to K. News from Head! Jeff Davis caught in petticoats! At Irwinsville Ga. Now for the “sour apple tree” –
Thursday 18 – Lieut Newell relieved & reports to Regt. – Capt. Walton takes rooms at 27th Meeting Street. – a “ball” in the evning at Gen. Hatch’s Mr. Fulsome from Georgetown –
Friday 19 – Mr. Redpath dines with us – General Order No. 63 appears –
Saturday 20 – The “Massachusetts” in with dates to the 17th – Mt. Pleasant added to the “Defenses of Charleston” – Mount Pleasant garrisoned by a part of the 21st U.S.C.T. The “Grenada” arrives at dark –
Monday 22 -Lt. George Garrison, 55th Mas. Vols arrives per “Fulton” just from the North – Mail, 1 letter from Sister (very old), 1 fr. Wendell, & 2 fr. K. – call on Mrs. Potter – An order from Gov. Andrew commissioning Sergts, Vogelsang and Welch of this regiment! Good!
Tuesday 23 – Lt. Garrison goes to Orangeberg –write to K. call on Jewett The “Officers” of 54th talk of resigning because colored Sergts commissioned! Good riddance!
Wednesday 24 – Wrote to Sister – “Grendada” sails at noon –
Thursday 25 – Afternoon over to Regt. Lt. Col. Hooper’s Application for leave of Absence to go North approved –
Friday 26 – Letter fr. Mr. Lewis of May 2d –
Saturday 27 – Cold – a ride over to Arsenal –
Suday 28 – “Alhambra” arrives at 10 A.M. – Dates of 24th – Col. Gurney brevetted Brig. Gen! Who next?
Monday 29 – Arago’s mail & dates of 25th – 6 letters fr. Mr. Lewis, 1 fr. Wm Garrison, 1 fr. Mr. Potter – Spent forenoon in visit to Post Hospital, and the St. Phillips St. School – Col. Hooper goes to the Head on “Houghton” – Return of Wallis Co. H. captured on James Island July 16 – 1863 – wrote to Mr. Lewis –
Tuesday 30 – Gurney has a Review! 127th, 35th & 107th Ohio – Col. Hallowell asks to be relieved in command of Defenses – wrote to K. –
Wednesday 31 – Forenoon with Capt. Jewett to Normal Schools – Notice received that Lieut. Duren mustered out of service for wounds received in action & that his services no longer required – to take effect May 15 – 1865. The vacancy not to be filled – Arrival of $3 000 000 at the Head to pay off troops!
June 1865
Thursday 1 – The 54th to come in town, & the 35th to occupy Branchville – evening ride –
Friday 2 – The Commissions arrive for Sergts. Vogelsang and Welch – Col Hallowell put on Board to examine all Officers, board consists of Gurney, Col. Hallowell & Maj. Willoughby – Capt. Tucker & 25 men ordered up the Santee on tinclad – Telegraphic communication opened through to Washington!
Saturday 3 – Warm – Swailes mustered 1st Lieut. – The “Grenada” arrives abt. 3 P.M. with dates of 31st – The New Amnesty Proclamation – No hope of the franchise for the black man yet –
Sunday 4 – Reuben goes to Beaufort _ Mr. Folsom calls enroute for the North _ write to K –
Monday 5 – Rainy – Visit “Morris,” “Ashley,” and Normal Schools with Capt. Walton & Mr. Fulsom – The mony arrives in Charleston! Lieut. Spear discharged, to date June 3d -Gen. Order No. 46 received, breaking up the “Defences,” and establishing “Provisional Brigades” – The 2d Prov. Brig. To consist of 107th Ohio & 21st U.S.C.T., and to be commanded by Col. Hartwell – The 54th Mass. Vols. Put under Gurney’s command and ordered inot the the city – The 127th N.Y. & 157th N.Y. ordered to be mustered out! The 35th U.S.C.T. ordered to Branchville, and along the Railroad –
Tuesday 6 – Very warm – The “Board” meets _ I am paid in full for 4 months up to February 28 – 1865 by Maj. P.E. Dye – Paper of June 2d per Fulton –
Wednesday 7 – Arrival of 11 of our prisoners, paroled at Wilmington – 17 months in Charleston – write to father –
Thursday 8 – Very warm – 35th U.S.C.T. leaving city – 4 companies of 54th Mass. Cross to this side in small boats – Company I to garrison St. Andrews – Gen. Potter brevetted Maj. Gen.! Also Hatch –
Friday 9 – Warm – Aft. Visit Jail – grand view from tower – see “Slicky” –
Payment June 6th 1865
November 1864 – – 30 days 118.50
December “ – – 31 “ 120.00
January 1865 – – 31 “ 120.00
February “ – – 28 “ 115.50
474.00
Tax on $274.00 (all over $50 per month – – 13.70
460.30
Paid by Maj. P.E. Dye
____________________________________________
Payment June 10th – 1865 –
March 1865 – 31 days – pay proper – – – 60.00
Servt’s. Pay 11 & 16 – the increase beginning March 3d – – 15.66
Servt’s. Clothing at the old rate 2.50
Rations 31x 5 = 155 @ 50 cents the ration 77.50
March $155.66
April 1865 – 30 days – Pay proper 60.00
Servants Pay 16.00
“ Clothing, at the new rate 6.50
Rations, 30×5= 150 @ 50 cents 75.00
April 157.50
May 1865 – 31 days – Pay proper 60.00
Servants Pay 16.00
“ Clothing, at the new rate 6.50
Rations, 31×5= 155 @ 50 cents 77.50
May 160.00
March, whole payment, 155.66
April, “ “ , 157.50
May, “ “ , 160.00
473.16
Tax on $323.16 16.16
457.00
Paid by Maj. P.E. Dye.
___________________________________________
Saturday 10 – Very warm – 5 more companies of 54th cross to this side – Sergt. Jeffries says 27 men in all alive of our prisoners – Reuben returns _ I am paid by Maj. Dye up to May 31st. – The 2d Prov. Brig. “dissolved![“] Joy & I return to regiment, & Col. Hallowell takes command of it! Wrote to W.L.G –
Sunday 11 – “Massachusetts” in! go on board & get papers of 7th – write to Mr. Lewis –
Monday 12 – Cool breeze – move my traps up into “Citidel” & resume my duties as R.Q.M. Cyclops has a fall with me – The “Commissions” returned disapproved, & by the mustering Officer at the Head, though sent to Burger! A fight now! Evening a debauch? Capt. Walton established himself at No. 6 Meeting Street.
Tuesday 13 – Very warm – Write to K – draw clothing in forenoon _ Examined before the “Board” in Aft! – Lt. Whitney brought down to No. 6 quite sick – The “Alhambra” arrives with papers of the 10th.
Wednesday 14 – Very warm – Lieut. Roger’s Resignation accepted to date June 12th – Mail per “Alhambra,” 1 letter from Mr. Lewis – father in very feeble health, by reason of which I determine to forward my resignation as R.Q.M.
Thursday 15 – Tender my Resignation as R.Q.M. of 54th Mass. Vols. – arrival of Aragos Mail – 3 letters & bow fr. K. 1 fr. Mr. Lewis, 1 fr. Franky Garrison, 1 fr. Wendell, 1 fr. Class Sectry. Of 1863, and an Invitation to Harvard College on “ Commemoration Day” July 21st – Lieut. Bridgham goes to Head en route for N. York on leave –
Friday 16 – Write to K. father, & Mr. Lewis – Signing Pay Rolls!
Saturday 17 – Inspection at 7 A.M. – Great Day in the Regt.! Paid for the 2d time in its history! Companies A, B, & C paid – the payment in full up to February 28th, 6 months. – Major P.E. Dye paymaster – payment made in the Citadel –
Sunday 18 – Sultry –Wilkie up from the Head –
Monday 19 – Major Dye pays the remaining 7 companies of the regiment – Wilkie goes back to the Head – Lieut. Jewett discharged the service –
Tuesday 20 – Invoices, &c. – “Grenada” arrives & mail. 1 letter from K, & 2 fr. Mr. Lewis – father much better – Capt. Jewett’s discharge comes –
Wednesday 21 – Rainy – at work on Returns – get them all off – turned over all Qr. Mr. property to Lieut. B. B. Edmonds –
Thursday 22 – Storm all day – Capt. & Lieut. Jewett get off to Head – I am to stay over a boat ‘on conditions” –
Saturday 24 – Rainy – wrote to father & K. –
Sunday 25 – Rain all day –
Monday 26 – Warm day – Hear from Wilkie – the “ “Commissions” torn up, & Wilkie sent North for duplicates! Sails today in the “Fulton” – evening we take ride out to the Holbrooks –
Tuesday 27 – Sultry – long talk with Dessausure, Bull, & Mrs. Parker, all rebels – they don’t get their lands yet?
Wednesday 28 – Mail – 2 letters fr. K. & 3 fr. Mr. Lewis – Dr. Treadwell reports as Assist. Surg. To 54th Mass. Vols.
Thursday 29 – With Reuben Tomlinson & “William Izard Bull,” visit “Ashley Hall” some 8 Miles up the Ashley river – The visit quite unsatisfactory to Mr. Bull!
Friday 30 – Get ready to go to Head on the “Clyde,” but boat detained to take part of 127th N.Y. – Col. Hallowell to take command of city on Monday –
– July 1865 –
Saturday 1 – Reuben and I leave Charleston for Hilton Head on the “Wm P. Clyde” at 1 ½ P.M. – also 127th N.Y Vol under Col. Little – Brvt. Brig. Gen. Bennett ( 33d U.S.C.T.) put in command of Charleston –
Sunday 2 – Arrive at Hilton Head at 5 A.M. & put up at “Sea Island House,” Capt. Jones – at 8 p.m. Reuben goes to Beaufort –
Monday 3 – The 127th N. York goes North at midnight in the “Northern Light” – I get transportation to New York per “Arago” –
Tuesday 4 – Celebration of the day by the Freedmen at Drayton Plantation – Gen. Littlefield the orator! Leave Hilton Head on the Arago at 6 ½ P.M. – Gen. Potter on board with sick – Gen. Littlefield in command of the boat – passengers, Lieut. Gregory, Mr. & Mrs. Fowler, Mrs. Jackson (sister of Mr. Low), 150 N.Y. Engineers, discharged, & the Post Band – Sate-room No. 2 with Lieut. Green A.R.Q.M. 35th U.S.C.T.
Wednesday 5 – Very warm – smooth sailing – making 9 & 10 knots – Chess – Miss Allander _ Capt. Pyne –
Thursday 6 – Cooler – smooth – pass Hatteras early in morning – Chess – beautiful moonlight evening –
Friday 7 – Cool – smooth – Chess – New York 7 P.M. – Astor House with Capt. Marple – bath & to bed –
Saturday 8 – Wendell, Hallowell, Mr. Shaw – Take 5 p.m. train for Boston, via Stonnington – act as convoy for Miss Lakeman – talk with Mr. Frothingham – turned out to take cars at 1 A.M.
Sunday 9 – Boston 5 ½ A.M. – All well – Milton 3 p.m. all well –
Monday 10 Boston 11 A.M. –
The diary ends at this point.
Emancipation Project 