Sunday, 4th—Took breakfast at Mr. Maston’s this morning. Came by the Springs and stopped to see Miss Kate Shamblin. On to camp..
Friday, October 4, 2013
October 4, 1863.
Have been over to Worthington’s again to-day. Sam got out his hounds and started a deer for us. We stationed ourselves in the runway, but although the deer came near us two or three times in his circling, the dogs didn’t push him hard enough to make him break for distant cover. The major killed a very large snake and some of the boys got a shot at an alligator. We then left the bayou and went out to old River Lake, where we got some splendid shooting. I killed a water turkey at 500 yards, shooting into a flock. Our guns, the Henry rifle, threw bullets full a mile and one-half. I found that I could do tolerably close shooting, something I never suspicioned before. A neighbor told me that old Worthington sold the mother of his children, and with her five other picaninnies.
4th. Did very litle in the forenoon. Robertson and Ritter ate with us. In P. M. detailed with 20 Co. B as picket. Relieved Co. L and Lt. Hillhouse. House robbed by old relief. Went out and posted the pickets. Then went into camp and learned if we were right in instructions. Thede with me. Built good fires. Patrol every hour. Lay down and rested well. No alarm.
October 4— We were ordered to move camp this morning. We got everything ready to move, hitched up our horses to the battery and when that was done and we were all ready for the word forward the camp moving order was countermanded, and we undid all our packing and hitching up, with the conclusion to stay here a while longer.
Memphis, Sunday, Oct. 4. To-day is the anniversary of that terrible day when our Battery lost their guns at Corinth, and it is not forgotten. The baggage was brought up as early as possible but in miserable condition, most of the clothing destroyed by water, having been stowed away in the hold of the boat which sprung a leak, and stood in two feet of water. Three sets of harness missing or torn too badly for use, and several horses lost. Two of the horses were found in the camp of the 7th Wisconsin Battery. Harnessed up at 7 A. M. and an invoice taken of the missing articles; the result reported to headquarters. The 1st Brigade are moving their baggage on to the cars. We expect to go soon. I am ready, but many of the boys are in poor condition to move. Many of the boys drunk last night.
Sunday, 4th—Our brigade was reviewed this morning at 7 o’clock by General McPherson, major-general commanding the seventeenth Army Corps. The pickets were not relieved until about noon, and so we missed the inspection. The boys are in camp today reading or writing letters.
Cedar Hill, October 4.—We came to Ashland on the 29th, to attend the sale of the house in which we lived last year. We got a few pieces of furniture, and determined to rent the little cottage. We spent that night at Mrs. T’s, and came here next morning, and are now collecting hops, brooms, and the various et cœleras necessary for housekeeping. A refugee friend, who will change her location, has lent us her furniture, so that we expect to be very snug. Of course we shall have no curtains nor carpets, which are privations in our old age, but the deficiencies must be made up by large wood fires and bright faces. The war has taught useful lessons, and we can make ourselves comfortable and happy on much less than we ever dreamed of before.
Md. Heights, Oct. 4, 1863.
Dear Family:
Rec’d yours. Contents noted. Glad to hear you are well, hope this will find you in good condition; yours found us well. Only think, nine (9) more months only and our time will be out; every day is counted and deducted from the original. After my time is out here I intend to enlist in the Home Guards. I forgot the letter yesterday and hope you will not be worried because it does not reach sooner. Have you ever heard of the two corps of the army of the potomac going to reinforce Rosecrans? They went by this rout. How would you treat a fellow if he should get home about Thanksgiving time? Well, I suppose. Yesterday was occupied in getting the men to sign the clothing rolls and books. Got through with it first rate. Last night was terribly cold, slept about four hours and during that time was in a double bow knot. Went to a dance at Sandy Hook the other night, had a fine time; the girls are very agreeable although they are Marylanders.
Much love to all. I remain,
L. Bradley, Jr. Co. B 1st Mass. H. A.
P. S. Will try and write more next time. The box has not come.
by John Beauchamp Jones
OCTOBER 4TH.—The major-quartermasters and the acting quartermaster-generals (during the illness or absence of Gen. Lawton) are buffeting the project some of us set on foot to obtain wood at cost, $8, instead of paying the extortioners $40 per cord. All the wagons and teams of Longstreet’s corps are here idle, while the corps itself is with Bragg—and the horses are fed by the government of course. These wagons and teams might bring into the city thousands of cords of wood. The quartermasters at first said there were no drivers; but I pointed out the free Yankee negroes in the prisons, who beg employment. Now Col. Cole, the quartermaster in charge of transportation, says there is a prospect of getting teamsters—but that hauling should be done exclusively for the army—and the quartermaster-general (acting) indorses on the paper that if the Secretary will designate the class of clerks to be benefited, some little wood might be delivered them. This concession was obtained, because the Secretary himself sent my second paper to the quartermaster-general—the first never having been seen by him, having passed from the hands of the Assistant Secretary to the file-tomb.
Another paper I addressed to the President, suggesting the opening of government stores for the sale of perishable tithes,—being a blow at the extortioners, and a measure of relief to the non-producers, and calculated to prevent a riot in the city,—was referred by him yesterday to the Secretary of War, for his special notice, and for conference, which may result in good, if they adopt the plan submitted. That paper the Assistant Secretary cannot withhold, having the President’s mark on it.
October 4th, 1863.—I saw something awful this morning; I wish I had not seen it. We were taking a box of hospital supplies to the depot, to ship to Richmond and, when we turned the corner by Fisher’s Green, a group of soldiers were standing there. It was early, the sun had been up but just a few minutes and it shone bright on the group. I always look at soldiers, but I am sorry I looked at these for they had two poor fellows, who had deserted and been caught and, while we were looking, the squad fired and the deserters fell dead. Isn’t it perfectly awful? I didn’t think it ought to be done. So many are killed in battle and lives are worth more than that. To kill them when maybe they meant to come back. I am afraid I shall not sleep a wink tonight.
