Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

May 2015

Wednesday, 31st—I got a pass and went to the city again. I spent most of the day in the patent office and in the Smithsonian Institution. I also got my watch repaired, which cost me $3.00. The city seems to be astir; new buildings are growing up all over and some of the Government buildings are being improved. Except for the presence of so many soldiers in the city, no one would think that a four years’ war had just ended. The city needs most of all paved streets, for in wet weather they get very muddy and the city looks no better than a country town. The Washington monument is not yet finished and from a distance it looks like a large smokestack with the top lacking. A part of the Fifteenth Corps left for Louisville today, but all men whose time is out by October 1st were left here to be mustered out at once. All of the eastern men in Sherman’s four corps are to remain in Washington for the present. We had a temperance talk here this evening by William White Williams. I bought a medal of honor from him. Everything is going along fine.

31st. Arose late. Feeling well. A beautiful day. Visited hospital. Saw Sergt. Babcock and got him released. At 12 took cars. Got into Cumberland at 7:30. Stopped at St. Nicholas. Strolled up town. Some very pleasant residences. Crook and Kelley carried from here.

May 31st. 1865.

Dearest Wife:

I cannot rest this night without writing you a few lines to report progress. Have we not been busy these last—I cannot tell how many—days? To me, it seems an age. Our papers are all complete and have been sent to Headquarters for inspection. Our roll accounts for one hundred seventy-three men; this for Company G. Of the above number, twenty-three are present to be discharged.

The Twentieth Michigan was mustered out this morning, and will start for home tomorrow morning. We expect to be mustered out tomorrow; certainly the next day. My anxiety is for you, my wife, fearing the suspense is greater than you can bear.

It is useless for you to write to me again, darling, and this is the last letter you will get from your soldier. Before this reaches you, I will be on my homeward way, a full-fledged citizen, and as I come, my glad heart will ting the joyous refrain: “Oh, I come. I come, ye hare called me long; I come o’er the mountain with light and song.”

Yours lovingly.

Chattanooga, Wednesday, May 31. Had a pleasant drill with the Battery this morning. No mail, but much grape-vine news via “picket rope line”, but we have not started for home yet. Drew the “last” forage for the 10th time. Drilled an hour and a half over some dismantled pieces. Bathed in the Tennessee in the evening.

Tuesday, 30th—The weather is pleasant and seems to be settled. There is nothing new.

30th. Reveille at 2 A. M. Turned in stores. Packed up. Went to town with Lu at 10. Got some strawberries at Mrs. Mills’. She has been very kind to me. Ice cream with Stanton. At 3 P. M. took the cars with Melissa for Cincinnati. Went as far as Frederick City and remained over night at U. S. Hotel. M. and I took a stroll up street. Had a very pleasant time. Talked about Fannie. Her conduct seems very strange and yet I can not condemn her. I feel as of old. God will right things if it is best. I am very happy to be with my good sister.

Chattanooga, Tuesday, May 30. Up bright and early, policed around the stables, “blacked boots” and brushed up our brass, etc. But no inspection came, so all of this is in vain. Cool day, did but little. Drew a day’s rations of soft bread, which is getting to be a rarity. The cry of “paymaster coming” is again raised in camp. Our sutler gone to Nashville for a supply of goods on the strength of it. Several hundred dismounted men of Wilson’s Cavalry Corps and of 1st Wisconsin came in on the evening train. The entire command is expected here to-morrow. They have seen much work lately.

Monday, 29th—It is reported in camp that the western men in General Sherman’s army will be transferred to Louisville, Kentucky, by rail and by transports on the Ohio, there to be mustered out of the service. The veterans are anxious to get their discharge, for since the war is over we have no desire to remain in the army.

29th. Busy most of the day fixing up Company papers. Unable to find Company’s desk. City Point boys up. Quite full company. Orders to move at 4 A. M tomorrow. Has been hard work to decide what to do.

Steamer Warrior, James River, Va.,
Monday, May 29, 1865.

Dear Sister L.:—

I take the opportunity before we get beyond the reach of mails to drop you a note to say “good-bye, I’m off.”

The last of the second division sailed on Friday to rendezvous in Hampton Roads, and I was left behind in charge of the transportation and private horses of my brigade. It was the hardest job by far of the whole embarkation, but they are all on board and I am on my way to Texas or elsewhere.

The Warrior is one of the largest ships of the fleet— carries three hundred horses and mules and one hundred army wagons, and being the senior officer on board I shall command the ship during the voyage—that is, the military part of it. Of course the captain sails his own vessel.