Saturday 9. Very warm day – storm goes round, but doesn’t touch us. At dawn fight on John’s Island – lasts most of the forenoon. Afternoon preparing for retreat. 2 bridges to Cole. The 2 Parrotts run over to Cole – scow broken up – everything not in readiness, the retreat postponed 24 hours.
Sunday 10. Very warm. Gen. Hatch’s force leaves John’s Island, and embarks for the Head. Gen. Birney’s force, crosses to James at noon, & retires thence to Cole – at 7 ¼ P.M. we decamp from James Island, and rest on arms all night on Cole Island. Companies G. & K. detailed to burn house, lookout, & tear up the bridge. All this done by 12 P.M. – shelling through night. Col. Hartwell “conducted the retreat”, and threw out picket line on Cole!
Monday 11. At 7 A.M. take up line of march adown Cole Island to Stono Inlet. Very sultry day and the march exhaustive in the extreme – marched the 3 miles in about 3 hours – ferried over to Stono in the “Golden Gate” – seven march up Folly beach to Lighthouse Inlet – ferried over to Morris, and back in camp about 3 P.M. – everybody makes straightway into the surf. Letter fr. Mr. Lewis, New York, 2d. They will probably not come down here – very warm night.
Tuesday 12. One of the hottest yet – bath morning and night – we got some I C E towards night – evening called on Major & Capt. Jones, both in the Post Hospital. News of the sinking of the British Pirate “Alabama” by the “Kearsarge”! Annual raid to Penn. – glorious moonlight.
Wednesday 13. Warm, but good breeze – quite unwell, took pills. At noon Moultrie fired 6 shells over into camp here. The 2d shot burst over camp, & instantly killed John Tanner & Samuel Supplay of Company B. In aft. small mail – letter from Wendell. Papers of 6th & full particulars of the Kearsarge fight, June 19 off Cherbourg – wrote to K. Lewis Douglas (former Sergt. Major) makes his appearance.
Thursday 14. Rainy, cloudy, cool. Examining muster rolls. Aft. finished June Returns – another piece ice from Sanitary Commission, Mr. Hodlie. At 6 P.M. 2d dose of shells from Moultrie – 8 in all – “intermission of ten minutes for refreshments” – no damage – tremendous fire all day on Sumpter – my health improving – drawing and issuing Clothing. “The Fulton” goes down – wrote to K. The 50 reb. prisoners arrived in Dept.
Friday 15. Good breeze, quite comfortable day. Wrote to Col. Ned – wrote to father. Col. Hooper G.O.D. made rounds with him night in gig.
Saturday 16. Warm. At 8:48 A.M. Capt. Jewett gets “Telegram” from Stono, from “Col. Ned”, and “notifies Ritchie”! I go straight to dock, cross to Folly – down the beach – meet Col. Ned and – – my sister and Mr. Lewis! The men to be paid. Col. Hallowell refused permission to go to Washington. Mail, & letter from K. In afternoon put up tent for sister close to mine – get bunk and everything to suit. Lt. Webster reports – glorious evening.
Sunday 17. Cool. Mr. Lewis & sister view the spires of Charleston – visited Capt. Jones and the Major – thunderstorm all night.
Monday 18. Cool day. Anniversary of the Wagner assault. Afternoon with Col., sister, & Mr. Lewis, ride up to “Wagner” – evening Co. E and “Off to Tallahassee in the morning”. Major Wales called.
Tuesday 19. Cool & pleasant – writing & sewing. In aft. we make trip to Black Island. Capt. Homans meets us at landing in his boat. Major Appleton comes up to camp. Moonlight.
Wednesday 20. Good breeze. Forenoon, finish the Ordnance Returns for 2d Quarter. In aft. rode with Mr. Lewis up to and through the approaches to Wagner. Grand guard mounting.
Thursday 21. Forenoon warm – at noon, hurricane, thunder and blitzen. The signal tower blown down – visited ordnance yard with Mr. Lewis, & Fort Shaw. Capt. Jones brought up to camp – evening heavy thunder storm.
Friday 22. At 6 A.M. Mr. Lewis & I ride up to Gregg – clear view of Charleston, Sullivan Island, & Johnson. Mail! 2 letters from K, and 1 fr. Father & Aunt Eliza. The “Old-house” in Milton given to Aunt Eliza, Hulda, & Martha. Aunt Hulda on way east – strong wind day & night.
Saturday 23. Our regt. turns out under arms at 3 A.M. – strong wind all day – misty, disagreeable weather. Mr. Lewis writing. Lizzie finishes up all my mending. Writing Invoices & Cavalry Trousers 3.50 – wrote to K.
Sunday 24. Storm continues all day, cold & dreary. Col. Hartwell calls – evening starlight.
Monday 25. Fair weather, not very warm – remove my stables up into hillside – finished Invoices & receipts – a walk down to wharf with Mr. Lewis – scows – grand guard mounting.
Tuesday 26. Good breeze. Mr. Lewis, Lizzie, and Col. Hallowell go over to Fort Green. About midnight an “extempo” serenade.
Wednesday 27. Cool day. The “Massachusetts” arrives off in the fleet! Col. has dates to 23d. Sick-Leave of 20 days arrives for Capt. Jones. Lt. Howard’s application to go North returned disapproved. My application to go to Head approved.
Thursday 28. Quite warm. Col. buys 200 melons for regt. Lizzie getting ready to go North.
Friday 29. Very warm. Mr. Lewis, Lizzie, & myself leave Morris at 7 ½ A.M. – Stono, by ambulance, at 9 ½ guests of Col. Hartwell, Post. Com’d’t. Capt. Jones with us – no boat for Head. Lts. Harmon & Garrison. Adjt. Perry – pleasant visit. 55th land in evening.
Saturday 30. “Massachusetts” mail. 2 letters fr. K. & papers from father. “Fulton” off the bar, going down – leave Stono at 10 ½ A.M. on the “Fraser” – rough trip, & all of us seasick. Hilton Head at 8 P.M. Port Royal House – hotel full – and more too – terrible thunder storm.
Sunday 31. Glorious day. By “Fulton” mail, a letter fr. K, and papers fr. Father – dates to 26th. At 11 A.M. we start for Beaufort in “Nantucket” – then at 2 – “Magnolia House”, & “Beaufort House” – cross to Ladies Island & back. “Saxton House” – a ride through the town. Capt. Dickry A.Q.M. at house – pills.
–Aft. rebs throws 8 shells into camp on Morris. Mr. Tomlinson comes up with melons for regiment.
– August –
Monday 1. Very sick and weak for hour or two. We take the 8 o’clock boat for the Head, “Nantasket”, “Capt. Sprenger all the world round”. Stiff breeze for a while, calmed by Brig. Gen. Potter. Mr. Day on board. Interview with Lt. Emerson. Hilton Head at noon. Mason off the “Palmetto Herald”. Adjt. Gray, and Letter of Narcisse Poil. The “Wyoming” goes up to Stono. “Vermont” sails for North.
Tuesday 2. Very warm. “Fulton” not to sail today. Capt. Appleton arrives from Morris Island – – Major Appleton not so well. District Hdqrs. removed to Morris Island – once to “Barracoons” – – letter fr. father of 23d – wrote to K – remarkable evening for me – singing & playing on piano – made acquaintance Mr. & Mrs. Fowler, Elliott Plantation – (from W. Chester, Newcastle, N. York acq. of Aaron Powell’s). The “Wyoming” in at dark from Stono. The “Cosmopolitan” goes up to Sumpter with the 50 rebel officers, to exchange them for equal number of ours. The “Fulton” to be delayed for them.
Wednesday 3. Very warm. The “United States” in fr. N.Y. with dates to 29th – no mail – no boat for Morris or Stono – ice creams! The Cosmopolitan effects the exchange of prisoners – very hot day.
Thursday 4. Very hot – early in morning the “Cosmopolitan” arrives with our exchanged prisoners – talk with many of them – from the Steward of the boat, Ed. R. Henderson, get a list of 40 of 54th men prisoners in Charleston since James Island & Wagner! Gen. Seymour out to ride with Col. Littlefield – grand rush for transportation! success at last! and we get aboard. “28 years old today” & “Goodbye”. The Fulton crow[d]ed with troops, exchanged prisoners, and passengers. 9th U.S.C.T. on board – she sails at 6 P.M. – back to Port Royal House. Mrs. Merrill, and little son – we go aboard “Chas Houghton” 9 P.M. – start at 10 P.M.
Friday 5. Stono at 6 A.M. – warm day – ambulance up Folly – Morris at 9 A.M. – Mrs. Merrill goes through safe. Ruben Tomlinson at our camp. Major about the same – his sick leave arrives – abt. 11 P.M. 8 thrown into camp – “Big Mule gone up!”
Saturday 6. Warm. Drawing and issuing Clothing all day. Rebs shell the camp at midnight.
Sunday 7. Warm day. Major leaves 10 A.M. in “Mayflower” for the Head – Ruben goes with him – (Ruben on the Fuller Plantation, St. Helena.) I had severe diarrhea all day.
Monday 8. Good breeze. Company B goes to Fort Green, and Company E returns to Camp. Col. Hooper G.O.D. Abt. 10 P.M. severe shelling of camp – no one hurt – – bad diarrhea.
Tuesday 9. Good breeze – my health better – wrote to sister & to K. Reading “Monte Christo”.
Wednesday 10. Drawing rations – the new reduced ration begins – shower in forenoon.
Thursday 11. Very warm. Afternoon a mail – with dates to 2d – letter from father. W. P. G. engaged to Miss Lucy McKim! Abt. sundown 2 shells come into camp.
Friday 12. Very warm – sent off July Returns.
Saturday 13. Very warm – bath – unwell with diarrhea. Draw 3 Hospital Tents for Doctor.
Sunday 14. Warm – wrote to K. – I weigh 136 – Rebs shelled camp all night. Col. G.O.D.
Monday 15. Very warm. Order from Lt. Weidensaul to turn in my 2 mules. Turn them in. Lt. Knowles’s sick leave arrives – wrote to father.
Tuesday 16. Mail arrives at 6 A.M. 3 letters fr. K. – 1 fr. father – 1 fr. sister – & 1 fr. Wendell. Dates to 11th. Great success at Mobile! Forts Gaines & Powell taken and the rebel fleet destroyed! Good for Old Farragut! Over to Fort Green, Compny B in afternoon. Robinson here in evening (Thos. J. Assist. Adjt. Gen’l.) – 54th to guard prisoners. Camp shelled till midnight – went rounds with Col. Ned G.O.D. “Massachusetts” arrives late in evening. 32d U.S. ordered to Head. 103 N.Y. & 74th Penn. on Folly, ordered North. Lieut. Knowles goes to Head to go North per “Arago” – Louis D. Radzinsky mustered as Assist. Surg. 54th Mass. Vols. Aug. 16 – 1864.
Wednesday 17. 32d leaves at daybreak – Col. goes out to “Massachusetts”. Papers of 13th, & a few peaches! Adjt. Howard goes to Head, with Robinson.
Thursday 18. Very warm – busy – Lt. Leonard.
Friday 19. Warm – wrote to David Cashman Chicago.
Saturday 20. Very warm. Drawing rations – no beans or peas or rice or hominy – we gain and lose a Sentry-box! Arrival of monitor, 5 in all now – in night great fire at Legreeville. The rebs burn the town to prevent our getting lumber out of it – spunky! Company H., Capt. Tucker, returns to camp from Black Island, in the night.
Sunday 21. Squally and rainy all day. Co. H. getting up equipage from wharf. “Cyclops” & “Olustee” in the traces – small mail, & order concerning the pay of our men. Lt. Leonard gets his papers, 30 days! Also Adjt. Howard’s application approved! The first in the reg’t. Capt. Pope reports for duty & takes command at Black Island. Capt. Grace & the regt. insulted by Lieut. J. R. McGinnen Ord. Officer in chief Hilton Head Lieut. Emerson ordered to relieve him.
Monday 22. Good breeze. Company D. Fort Shaw, to be relieved by 3d N. York. Flute 5.00.
Tuesday 23. Comp’y D returns to camp – wrote to father.
Wednesday 24. Warm. Col. Ned G.O.D. Adjt. Howard back fr. Head – returns immediately so as to go North in the “Fulton”. Mail arrives – 1 letter fr. Mr. Lewis, & 1 fr. K. – blanks – heavy shelling at front in night – palisade progressing.
Thursday 25. At daybreak grand salute by the Fleet! What could it mean? Turned out to be for the news of the 16th! Naval victory of Farrajut! Wrote to Mr. Lewis – cutting off battle – about 100 recruits arrive for 21st U.S., probably kidnapped at the Head.
Friday 26. Good breeze – wrote to K. Lt. Webster typhoid fever.
Saturday 27. Thunder shower in morning. Abt. 11 A.M. shell plunked over Sutler – got all the pieces – put door in Col.’s tent. At 5 P.M. tornado, grand smash in Dispensary Tent.
Sunday 28. Gorgeous day – wrote to Wendell. Col. Ned G.O.D. Gen. Foster here on flying visit. At 8 ½ P.M. the long-expected explosion. “Sumpter blown up!” 2 tons powder exploded within 400 yard of the fort! – “no one hurt” – rode to front with the Col. – musketry from Sumpter & grapes from Johnson.
Monday 29. At 3 ½ A.M. 54th ordered under arms – boat attack expected – pshaw! – rode to fort with Col. – rode back again – very parched day. Return of Sergt. Cross & 5 or 6 men fr. Beaufort, who had received full pay from date of enrollment! – looks like it!
Tuesday 30. Busy on returns – in night 3 or 4 torpedoes fired near Sumpter – failures.
Wednesday 31. Muster and Inspection for Pay! Quaker oath! “You do solemnly swear that on or before the 19th day of April 1861, no man had the right to demand of you unrequited labor, so help you God”. Plenty of ice at last from the San. Commission – for Officers and men. Drawing rations. In evening Express matter, and boxes and cans from
Count Swabe! “Cyclops” has a “belly-ache”.
Companies A, D, E., G, H., K in camp –
“ C and I on Black Island –
“ B in Fort Green
“ F in Fort Purviance –
– September –
Thursday 1. Wind North and strong – examining Muster Roll. The “Crescent” crosses the bar with the 600 rebel officers on board.
Friday 2. Wind North – cool weather. Mail at 7 A.M. – 1 letter fr. K., 1 fr. sister, 1 fr. Mr. Lewis – dates to 26th. Got lumber from 32d camp – built Guard Tent, and rebuilt Commissary Tent. Muster rolls finished – fire in Charleston.
Saturday 3. Cool day. Drawing and issuing Clothing all day. Abt. midnight I had very severe attack colic – pain eased in hours time. De forrest, a Christian Commission Cuss, trying for Chaplaincy of the 54th – – Forenoon a Flag of Truce off Sumpter – exchange of a lot of non-combatants. We get Charleston papers of the 1st Inst. Fort Morgan ours! Mc Clellan nominated for President by the Democrats on a Peace Platform – – Chaplain Humphreys of the 2d Mass. Cavalry among the exchanged.
Sunday 4. Cool weather – crazy all day from the opium. Gen Saxton arrives on the Island and takes command of the District – box of potatoes & eggs from Reuben! Grand dress parade – 6 companies.
Monday 5. Good breeze – the 52d Penn. move camp down to old camp of the 32d U.S., the “water bad”. The 56th N.Y. & the 157th N.Y. arrive. Col. Vanwyck (Charley!) of the 56th to relieve Col. Gurney – evening great display of lightning. Abt. 9 P.M. terrible thunder storm. I had 2d attack of colic, lasting till midnight.
Tuesday 6. Warm day – health weak – castor oil in quantity. Col. has a visit from “Charley”, his Lt. Col. & Doctor. At 6 P.M. 2 companies go to front to begin the guard duty – heavy rain in night.
Wednesday 7. Chilly, windy, rainy. The prisoners land and with the 21st U.S. as escort, & 54th Mass. as guard, march up to the “Pen”, at Wagner – this the anniversary of the taking of Wagner. Capt. Walton returns to his company – wrote to uncle – cold windy night – selecting wardens.
Thursday 8. Sunny, but cold & windy. Gen. Schimmelpfennig goes North in the “Crescent” from the “Inlet”. Capt. Tucker goes per same boat on leave for 30 day. Aft. a ride up to “Bull Pen”. Arrival of Fleet supply ship – basket of peaches for the Col. & papers of 3d – Atlanta captured! and Fort Morgan taken!
Friday 9. Warm – writing Invoices . Lt. Webster goes to Beaufort, sick with Typhoid fever – evening the rebs shell Wagner fiercely.
Saturday 10. Warm day. Mail – 1 fr. father, 3 fr. K – Col. has letters concerning Will Forbes, prisoner in Charleston. News through rebel papers that Hoods Army cut to pieces – wrote to K.
Sunday 11. Warm day. Abt. 2 P.M. start for Hilton Head on the “Sylph”, a slow sliding beam – smooth water – into the Head at midnight. Port Royal House.
Monday 12. Business with Col. Woodford, Commissioner of Exchanges – Adjt. Robinson – Chaplain C.A. Humphreys of 2d Mass. Cavalry – boxes and money through for Will Forbes. Meet with Mr. Sumner. At 5 ½ P.M. we take the “Edwin Lewis” for Land’s End, St. Helena – ride over to the plantation. Reuben and Mr. Ruggles both gone to Head. Mr. Hull in charge.
Tuesday 13. All day on a plantation! Late in aft. Mr. Summer – still later Ruben & Mr. Ruggles. In evening a real genuine “Shout”. “Fulton” sails.
Wednesday 14. Mr. Fulson. Aft. ride with Reuben to Saxtonville & Fulson’s – glorious moonlight..
Thursday 15. Warm day – ride with Rueben across Ladies Island to ferry. “Chaplain Moore” – ferry to Beaufort – visit hospitals – see out men & Lt. Webster. Reuben goes back at noon. 2 P.M. start for Head in “Edwin Lewis” – arrives at 6 P.M. Port Royal House. Capt. Barker of 3rd U.S.C.T.
Friday 16. Aboard the “Sylph” at 8 A.M. for Morris Island – take lot of Express matter, and my “bag” just arrived from home! The “Arago” comes in to the wharf just as we leave it – we take the schooner “Jennie Morton” in tow – make one and two knots an hour and at least 5 knots – the trip last all day & all night.
Saturday 17. At 8 A.M. arrive at Morris Island. Open my “bag”. Trousers, shirt, spurs etc. Our Muster Rolls sent back to Beaufort corrected – great fire in Charleston – wrote to K.
Sunday 18. Cool – grand shower – bath. Arago’s mail up – a letter fr. W.P.G., 1 fr. sister, and 1 fr. K. – capital letters. Col. Vanwyck, of the 56th takes command of the Post.
Monday 19. Showers. Unwell, took oil. Aft. up to “Bull Pen” – 325 feet x 242.
Tuesday 20. Quite warm. Rations – wrote to sister. Col. Hartwell here to dinner – night rainy.
Wednesday 21. Cool – wrote to Major Appleton – draw stationary. Evening a ride to front, with E.N.H.
Thursday 22. Very warm – wrote to Mr. Lewis. Lieut. Emerson reports for duty. “Fulton” goes down. Rebel prisoners packed on two schooners in the Inlet – an all day job. Major Porter paying off the 21st U.S.C.T.
Friday 23. Very warm. Flag of Truce boat off Sumpter. All the afternoon getting the prisoners off the schooners and back into the “Bull Pen” – short 6, and how we got them. Mail per “Fulton” – 2 letters from K – ice all gone.
Saturday 24. Reuben Tomlinson and Mr. Sumner from St. Helena Plantations arrive at noon, with some 40 bushels of sweet potatoes from the Freedmen, for out regt. and the 21st U.S.C.T. Also “basket” per Reuben.
Sunday 25. Very warm. Forenoon, Col., Mr. Sumner, & I go to front – fired at by sharpshooters from Sumpter.
Monday 26. Cool. “Fulton” goes up. Alarm at night. “You take Gregg while I run up”.
Tuesday 27. Windy. Letter from classmate, Capt. Joseph E. Fiske, prisoner in Charleston. Late in the afternoon Major Lockward arrives to pay this regiment! Guess so! Signing the rolls.
! – Wednesday, September 28 – 1864 – !
The 54th Regt. Mass. Vols. paid off! $13.00 from date of enrollment! Victory at last! Companies A, D, E, G, H, paid. Pay and clothing settled up to August 31- 1864. Two agents of Adams Express Company here to take money packages. My pay, 4 mos. to Aug. 31 = $467.34 – send home $400. The “Massachusetts” in with dates to 24th – wrote to father, Mr. Lewis, & K. Reuben and Mr. Sumner leave for Head at 7 A.M.
Thursday 29. Paymasters and Express Agents busy – by night the whole regiment paid off.
Friday 30. Assisting the Express Agents all day. It took $170 000 to pay the regt. Of this, the men sent home by Express $53,481. Mail per “Massachusetts” – letter from David Cashman (with photograph), one fr. Lizzie Frye, one from Mr. Lewis, one fr. sister, and one fr. K.
– October 1864 –
Saturday 1. Drew Wall and Common Tents, and issued them. Sent off C. C. & G. E. Return for September – wrote to K.
Sunday 2. Very warm – bath – wrote to father – also to Capt. Fiske, in Charleston, sent him more money (in all $51) wrote to Fiske’s father.
Monday 3. Flag of Truce boat. Charleston papers of the 3rd – a victory at Petersburg. Light up our “Pen” with 40 lanterns. The “Calcium” light gives out – pay ($16.00 per day & found) stopped. Oyster supper!
Tuesday 4. Arago’s mail arrives, but our bag missing. Howard not come. Gen. Schammon arrives and relieves Gen. Saxton – 278 years old.
Friday 5. Windy. Drawing clothing. Our mail bag comes. 1 letter from father, and 2 fr. K. Gen. Saxton goes to Beaufort. Col. Hallowell hands him as our contribution to Saxton Shaw Monument $1500. The 55th paid off.
Thursday 6. Cool. Working on Ordnance Return. At 5 P.M. review of all the troops on Island by Gen. Schammon. “What regt. is that”? “The 54th Massachusetts.” “Veterans?”
Friday 7. Very busy – bright moon.
Saturday 8. Weather changes to cold, cold – wrote to father and K. “Lookout for the next steamer!” Letter from Robinson – 127th paid off. Cold night.
Sunday 9. Cold weather. The Q.M. Department inspected, & found unsatisfactory – pulled the whole establishment down – “turn” the tent – stocade it – good Sunday’s work. At twilight see the planet Mercury. Put up stove in Hdqrs, and fire feels good in evening.
Monday 10. Weather warmer – rations – general stocadeing & great demand for barrels & boxes. Milo moves his tent to the chimney. At work on C.C. & G.E. Invoices & Receipts – wrote to Mr. Lewis. “Fulton” arrives at the Head.
Tuesday 11. Warm again – picket monitor firing at daybreak – send box to Clark to go North by sch. “Lady Ellen”. Abt. 11 A.M. Adjt. Howard and Capt. Tucker arrive. My application for 30 days leave forwarded immediately! Mail, 2 letters from K, 1 fr. sister, 1 fr. Major, and one from Wilkie James! He is coming into the 54th again! – wrote to him. Adjt. brought me box of pears from father – pears all decayed. Arrival of 47 recruits! Could not receive them, our rolls full – sent them to the Provost. Express matter, and 12 brass drums – drums given to the drummers in the evening.
Wednesday 12. Warm. Capt. Emilio sends in application for 30 days leave of absence. Lieut. James up from 55th. Serenade to Howard and Tucker in the night – glorious moonlight.
Thursday 13. Very busy on Returns, Ordnance, Clothing and Q.M. stores. The “Fulton” goes up.
Friday 14. Two boats in from Head. Gen. Foster pay us flying visit _ _ ! “Hdqrs. Dept. South October 13th 1864 – Special Orders No. 361., IV – Leave of absence fro 30 days is hereby granted to Lt. John Ritchie, R.Q.M. 54th Mass. Vols.”! Sergt. Becker here from 55th. Afternoon, I rode up to Gregg and fired a shot into Charleston. Robinson here as A.A.A.G. to Gen. Schammon. Remarkably bright moonlight.
Saturday 15. Warm – very busy – 3¾ bushels of green oranges from the commissary.
Sunday 16. Very warm, and misty – the sea as smooth as glass. Mr. Lynch visits us from the plantations, St. Helena – heavy firing at front.
Monday 17. High wind – Visit from Lt. Geo. Garrison from Folly. Mr. Lynch in evening.
Tuesday 18. Heavy rain and wind – no boat for Head. In aft. arrival of the “Donegal” in place of the “Massachusetts” – dates to 15th. Elections’ news good. Men’s furloughs came.
Wednesday 19. Fair day. Get off at noon in the “Gen. Hooker”, schooner in tow – about 12 of the 54th furloughed men with me. Col. Vanwyck and several of his regt., 56th N.Y. on board – we have a row at the supper table – making 3 knots.
Thursday 20. At 1 A.M. drop anchor at Light Ship Hilton Head harbor – at daybreak run up to the wharf. “Transportation”! See Sumner & Gannet.
Friday 21. Sail in the steamer “Arago” for New York at 12 M. – run due East – very smooth aft. & night – eat my rations – occupy State room with Lt. A. W. Kingsbury, R.Q.M. 157th N.Y. Vols.
Saturday 22. Cut the breakfast short and disappear into my bunk for the day – the breeze increases to a gale – late in afternoon the fore-top-sail goes over, and shortly after the fore-spencer – lively times! – sick all day and night. Off Hatteras.
Sunday 23. Stiff breeze and heavy sea all day and night – remain sick in bunk.
Monday 24. Sea more smooth – out on deck, & make out to swallow my rations. Make “pier 37” New York at 8 P.M. – go to Astor House with Maj. Corwin, Lts. Conant & Keene – a bath – our room a sky parlor, 4 bunks – plenty of noise!
Tuesday 25. At dawn a pillow fight. Visit Ned Hallowell, Hardon, Mr. Shaw, Wendell, “Standard Office”, Tom Benson, father’s building. Took supper with Wendell at Mr. Anthony’s, Brooklyn. Took 8 P.M. train for Boston, via N. Haven & Springfield. Have Col. Hartwell’s company on train – cold & no sleep.
Wednesday 26. Arrive in Boston at 6 A.M. To Chester Park and take them all by surprise, and all well – surprised in turn too. Uncle married on Saturday 22d and living in No. 24. Adjt. James the first caller – down town in forenoon and see “every body”. In afternoon splendid drive to Milton. Mary Ann for company – Caroline & Mr. Poole’s family. In evening Aunt Hulva & family come up. George and Billy Poole both in Chicago.
Thursday 27. With K. ride over to Newton. Aunt Martha & Uncle George & family. Mrs. Mary Rice! After dinner drove in town with K. and Aunt Martha. Aunt Martha takes 5 P.M. train for Chicago. I take 7½ P.M. train for W. Medford, Richard Hallowell’s. Grand debauch with Reuben, James, & Dick Hallowell which lasts till 5 in morning. Initiated in billiards – we “rough” Reuben.
Friday 28. In town at 10. Spend evening at Mr. Garrison’s, Highlands, Roxbury.
Saturday 29. Dr. “Beans” calls. Reuben Tomlinson dines with us – in evening we all go to Williams Hall, to 11th Ward meeting, political, Mr. Geo. Thompson speaks.
Sunday 30. Nothing special.
Monday 31. K. goes to Milton. Aft. call on Aunt Clara & Mr. Col. Hooper. Orrin up in evening. Mr. Giers of Alabama at house.
–November 1864–
Tuesday 1. Called on Mr. Phillips – buying stove fittings and other business for the regiment – spent evening at Mrs. Longs – Lizzie & Irene.
Wednesday 2. Photographs taken at Sorrel’s. Teeth filled. Saw Capt. Emilio, home on leave – called on Mr. Harmon. Mr. & Mrs. Blanchard call.
Thursday 3. Met Col. Hooper, North by order from Washington, i.e. to vote. Wrote to Col. Hallowell – called on May Appleton & wife – evening at Garrisons.
Friday 4. Rained all day – purchasing for regt. took 4 P.M. train for Milton.
Saturday 5. Raw & cloudy – forenoon ride over to Readville with K. Aft. to Nellie’s & Miss. Emerson’s. Evening games.
Sunday 6. In town at noon with K. At supper the Starretts, Sam Dorety, “Billy says I”, & Adjt. James.
Monday 7. Rainy day – called on Capt. Jones – (he has sent in his resignation) – evening to Williams Hall Rally – exciting time.
Tuesday 8. Rainy day. Presidential Election! Great excitement but the utmost quiet – dined at Mr. James, on instruction of Wilkie. Wilkie away! Evening called on Mr. Marshall.
Wednesday 9. Election Returns. Abraham Lincoln re elected by a tremendous majority!! He carries all but 2 states! Massachusetts gives him 70 000 majority!! Aft. sister & I make changes in house. Evening Lizzie Frye, Mrs. Bartlett, Capt. Goodwin, Mr. & Mrs. Avery. Great Evening News! Sherman en route for the Coast!!
Thursday 10. Rainy – forenoon long talk with Mr. Hinton of Public Library. Evening with K to great Sailors Fair in Boston Theatre – raffled and drew a ring – in the end a very expensive one – weather cleared off fair in night.
Friday 11. Fair weather, not cold. Col. Hooper called – afterwards, Mr. Alden, Major Appleton & wife & Miss. Webster – Mr. Newell – Major Appleton to resign. Afternoon Frank Garrison. Uncle George & Aunt Julia to dinner. Aunt Caroline Rand & daughter Carrie – “Billy says I” – evening with father to hear lecture G Giles.
Saturday 12. Rainy – packed 2 trunks – Joseph Ross – breast-pin, sleeve buttons, & ring, etc. Goodbye! Take 5:30 P.M. train for New York, Stonnington Line, father going with me. Gen. Burnside on the train – train & boat both delayed.
Sunday 13. Clear & cold – we arrived in N. York at 10 A.M. – repaired at once to Quartermasters for transportation, Col. Vanvliet – got stirred up & had quite a row with a Capt. – no hope till tomorrow. Called on Mary Colston, with her to Miss Margarets.
Monday 14. Clear and cold – big row and finally get transportation for Hilton Head. “No berth” threatened! See Reuben Tomlinson. Bid father goodbye & go on board the “Arago” at 11 A.M. drop out into the stream & fairly started at 1 P.M. wind up from North, sea smooth. Col. Hooper and I have room (32) together. Lieut. Webster of 54th on board. Col. Gurney in command.
Tuesday 15. Head wind & very strong in afternoon – making about 8 knots.
Wednesday 16. Warmer & smoother – passed Hatteras. Cards, chess, and music.
Thursday 17. Squally. Hilton Head at 5 P.M.
Friday 18. Very warm – no boat up – write to father & K.
Saturday 19. Dull as the devil waiting for boat to Morris Island. Lt. Webster goes up to Folly in the “Neptune” with mail. Savannah paper of 19th! Glorious news! Sherman 100 miles this side of Atlanta & cutting swarth through to Savannah!!
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Sunday 20. Rainy. Col. Hooper & I went on board the “Gen Hooker” at 10 P.M. for Morris Island – boat started about midnight.
Monday 21. Heavy rain – made Morris at 1 P.M. Col. Hallowell in command of Post – Capt. Bridge the regiment. Companies D, E, G, H, in camp – A & K on provost. Lt. Duren Post Adjutant vice. Capt. Jewett. Lt. David Reid puts in application immediately for leave of absence. Drum Major Court Martial – Dr. Briggs case.
Tuesday 22. Fair & cold – boarding the inside my tent. Getting ready for Thanksgiving.
Wednesday 23. Cold, ice! Building “Spanish Horse”, etc. Glorious news! Sherman at Augusta! Rumor that Ben Butler made “Sectry of War! Important rumor in evening!
Thursday 24. Thanksgiving! Glorious weather. Services by the Col. – then games till dark. Foot races on the beach. Sack races. “Spanish Horse” Whiskey in the wells. The Navy pitches in. Put my stove up – setting up accts in evening.
Friday 25. Preparing for a march – drawing extra clothing & rations – worth to K & sister. Companies C & I come over from Black Island.
Saturday 26. Mild – cooking rations. The Fulton goes down. In evening 4 companies A, D, I, K, under Capt. Pope, as Act. Major, cross the Inlet & march down Folly. These with the 56th N. York to embark on the “Cosmopolitan” at Stono – with 6 days cooked rations in haversack and knapsack. A. Lt. Knowles – D. Lts. Emerson & Hallet – I Lt. Lewis Reed – K Lts. Leonard & Jewett.
Sunday 27. Weather mild. At 6 P.M. 4 more companies, all that were to go of 54th, left the dock on the “Gen. Hooker” for Hilton Head. C, E, G, & H go on board. B & F to remain on Morris Island. Col. Hallowell also compelled to remain, in command of the Post. C had Capt. Homans & Lts. Bridgham & Spear. E had Lts. Chipman & Cousens. G had Lts. David Reid and Webster. H Capt. Tucker & Lt. Stevens. Lt. Col. Hooper in command of the regiment – also Surgeon Briggs & Radzinsky, Adjt. Howard & the Quartermaster – in all 21 officers & 540 men – 80 rounds of ammunition – smooth trip to Head.
Monday 28. Mild – arrive at Head at 3 A.M. – drop anchor – run up at daylight. Col. Hartwell passes in a tug just from the North. We (Gen. Hooker) run up to Beaufort to coal & water – get back to Head at dark. C & E go on to the “Fraser” – the 4 companies on the “Cosmopolitan” go on to the “Golden Gate”. Gen Hatch & Staff come on board the Hooker in evening. We get instructions and learn something of what is to be done – to start at 2 P.M. – the different boats to fall in by signal, etc – mail, and letter from sister & K – very damp air.
Tuesday 29. Heavy fog at 2 A.M. & a general misunderstanding of signals. By daylight the boats get started up Broad River. The expedition called the “Coast Division” under the command of Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch. 1st brigade under Brig. Gen. E. E. Potter consists of 25th Ohio, 56th N.Y., 127th N.Y. – 144th N.Y. – 157th N.Y., 32d U.S.C.T., 34th U.S.C.T., & 35th U.S.C.T. 2d brigade, under command of Col. Hartwell, of 54th & 55th Mass. Vols., 26th & 102d U.S.C. Troops. Arrived at Boyds Neck, abt noon, Gen. Hatch “thinks it a good place & better land here”. The 54th Mass. was first on shore, and in line of battle. Stupendous bungling in landing the troops – we bivouac near the landing – troops arriving and landing all day and night. Boyd’s Neck about 30 miles up Broad river above Hilton Head.
Wednesday 30. The division fights the battle of “Honey Hill”, and gets decidedly thrashed. Revelee at 5 A.M., on the march at 7. The Division pushes on for Grahamsville, and abt. noon find the enemy at “Honey Hill”, about 5 mile from the landing. Companies A & I of 54th were posted at the “Church” and did not get into the fight. E & H under Col. Hooper get in at 12. C, D, G. & K. under Maj. Pope, at first had fight with Cavalry at Cross-roads, but were relieved, and got up and into the fight about 1½ o’clock. The fight continued till 7 o’clock, when our forces retreated to landing during the night. The Division lost about 800 in killed wounded & missing. The 54th went in 6 companies & about 300 muskets. Its loss was 4 officers & 41 men. Lt. David Reid killed & left on the field, Lts. Chipman, Emerson, & Hallet wounded. 1 Private killed, 36 wounded & 4 missing – wounded of the Division all carried to Church in stretchers and ambulances and thence to landing, whence they were taken by boat to Beaufort – the ambulances were utterly insufficient for the work. When the 54th withdrew in the night, the whole regiment carried wounded to the rear on stretchers improvised out of shelter-tents and muskets – many of the men made three or four trips to landing carrying wounded. The regiment bivouacs in same place as night before. The 54th Mass. Vols. suffered heavily – Col. Hartwell badly wounded.
–December 1864–
Thursday 1. In morning the Division advanced to the Cross Roads. Col. Silliman of the 26th U.S.C.T. takes the command of the 2d brigade. Lt. B. A. Man, of the same regiment, in virtue of my refusal to take the position, made A.A.Q.M. of the brigade. Lt. Mc Kay, 55th Mass. Vols., A.A.A.G. – the brigade all day getting line men, and rifle-pits thrown up.
Friday 2. Enemy feeling the lines – borrow hard bread from the Navy – kill 3 cattle for regt.
Saturday 3. Drew and issued 3 days rations. Reconnaissance by the 102d & 32d. The 54th moved to the right a few rod-traverses thrown up. In the night Capt. Whitney of the 26th U.S.C.T. shot and mortally wounded by our own picket. Wrote to father.
Sunday 4. Reconnaissance in force towards Coosawhatchie – gunboats support the infantry – 2 guns captured – wrote to K – cold moonlight night – Arago in at Hd.
Monday 5. Drew 3 days, 1500 rations – exciting rumor that Sherman is within 40 miles of Savannah! Evening arrival of Capt. Emilio and mail – dates to 30th. 2 letters fr. Mr. Lewis, 1 fr. K., 1 fr. Major Appleton, & my photograph. The 1st brigade leaves in the night on a new expedition up Broad river.
Tuesday 6. Fair weather. 2d Brigade holds the whole line. 54th moved over to extreme right. We hear that the 1st Brigade successful – we get orders to join them at midnight.
Wednesday 7. From 1 till 5 A.M., in a heavy rain, embarking regt. on the “Mayflower”. At daylight we run up the river, and aground. At 10 A.M. get to “Deveaux Neck”, lower landing, on the “Tillifenny” river – disembark in pontoons in heavy rain – slow work. Troops all off by 1 P.M. – run the boat up to Upper Landing to disembark the horses. Upper Landing at Gregory’s Plantation. All off by 2 P.M. – ride out to regt. at the front – front 2 miles from landing – our lines within ¾ of mile of Charleston & Savannah Railroad. News of Schofield’s victory over Hood at Nashville.
Thursday 8. Very warm day – evening kill 500 lbs fresh beef – night wind N.E. & cold. 54th on fatigue at front.
Friday 9. Cold and raw – haul up rations for 9th and 10th – fighting begins at 9 o’clock. Gen. Potter advances his brigade, under cover of which and a heavy artillery fire, the 25th Ohio make a “slashing” through the woods in our front – the fighting lasts all day, when the lines are withdrawn to original positions. Total loss about 200. The 54th not engaged, but held in reserve. Col. Silliman shot in leg, bad wound – Lt. Dean in the knee – Lt. Hill A.A.D.C. to Col. Silliman killed. About 5 P.M. Col. Hallowell arrives from Morris Island, and takes command of the 2d Brigade. Col. brings with him parts of the 33rd U.S.C.T. and 54th N. York Vols., about 500 men. On 2d Brigade Lieut. Mc Kay at dark Lieut. Knowles of our regt., shot in the leg, as he says by a guerilla ?
Saturday 10. Foggy and cold – draw 3 days rations. 34th assigned to 2d Brigade – in evening arrival of 75th & 107th Ohio from Jacksonville – heavy rain in night, and heavy cannonade too, away to Westward, possibly Sherman!
Sunday 11. The sun again, but cold wind – building log hut for Hdqrs – night very cold – froze hard.
Monday 12. Cold and clear – persimmon – wrote to father & K. Glorious news! Arrival of several of Shermans Scouts! Sherman reached Savannah Saturday 10th, and is now investing the city! We hear the booming of his guns all day!!
Tuesday 13. White frost, beautiful! Draw and issue 3 days rations, 486 x 3 = 1458 rations. Also draw and issue Clothing – further glorious news from Sherman! Northern dates of the 8th. Chase made Chief Justice! And splendid message from the President. In evening arrival of Wilkie James! Recommissioned a Lieut. In the old 54th. Capt. Pope commissioned Major, and Adjt. Howard commissioned Capt.
Wednesday 14. Pope and James go to Head to get mustered. New Estimates for C.C. & G.E. The evening set in with a thick fog – we get the stunning news that “Sherman has reached the Coast, taken McAllister by storm, and invested Savannah!” This news by way of the Head. Cheers on cheers rolled up as the good news was announced to the different regiments!
Thursday 15. Quite warm. Mail, and letter from K & sister – wrote to K & father.
Friday 16. Very warm – draw 3 days rations – 1461. Lt. Chipman appointed Adjt., Lieut. Howard goes to Head to be mustered Capt. Major Pope & Lt. James return
Saturday 17. Pope and Chipman have boxes per Express! Writing history of regt. for 1864.
Sunday 18. Very warm – build an addition to our hut, a “shebang,” our inner precint.
Monday 19. Very warm. Draw rations 490 x 3 = 1470 R. Draw and issue clothing. Col. Hallowell details Sergt. Vogelang as Sergt. to A.A.Q.M. At dark ordered to be in readiness to move at moments notice! Clothing issued in a hurry. At 11 P.M. regt. marches to Landing – also 33d. 33d makes first trip in “Gen. Hooker”, and lands a little distance up the river (Tillifenny) at “Graham’s Neck”. 54th goes about 3 o’clock Tuesday morning – boat ground at 4 A.M. I remain with horses at the Landing for next tide – rainy night.
Tuesday 20. Sleep in Jewett’s tent till daylight. Capt. Jewett, Ord. Off. for Division. I get over with the horses about noon – high ground. Reconnaissance by 33d U.S.C.T. Sleep in shelter tents – heavy firing Savannah way.
Wednesday 21. Cloudy. We build “Briarwood” – pipe making. Capt. Howard returns, takes Compy. I. Cold night & high wind.
Thursday 22. Clear and cold. Draw 494 x 5 = 2470 R. Get the rations over in four pontoons – much fun & more vexation – a detail of 80 men to bring them up from the Landing – barrels rolled up – no teams. We have rumor of fall of Savannah!
Friday 23. Clear and cold. An attack from enemy expected at 5 A.M. – did not come off. Col. Hallowell has telegram “Look out for Hardee!” In evening a batch of good news – arrival of Arago. Thomas whips Hood again & taken many guns and prisoners! Sherman takes Savannah, 150 guns & $25,000,000 in cotton! Hardee escapes with his army.
Saturday 24. Milder – ride round picket line with Col. Hooper – see paper of 19th.
Sunday 25. Christmas! Cloudy – making “Quaker” howitzers – rained all night.
Monday 26. Cloudy & misty – rumor through rebel prisoners of the capture of Wilmington.
Tuesday 27. Fair weather. Drew 494 x 4 = 1976 R, use a launch – we build fire place and chimney – loose my spectacles!
Wednesday 28. Rainy day— finish history of regt. For 1864 — this evening the chimney burns up —
Thursday 29. Clear & cold – we rebuild chimney. 10 contrabands come in to our pickets. Letter fr. K.
Friday 30. Clear & cold. 11 P.M. arrival of Lieuts. Joy and Swails, per Fulton – also we get Mail. Letter fr. Mr. Lewis, & K.
Saturday 31. Rainy. Draw 492 x 3 = 1476 Rations. Wrote to Mr. Lewis & K. Regt. mustered for pay.
1865
January
Sunday 1- Clear & cold – house building –The 144th leaves in the night
Monday 2- Cold – white frost –
Tuesday 3 – Clear & cold –Draw rations 3 days, for 492 men –evening we get dates to 29th – The 26th leaves in night
Emancipation Project 