MS 800 - Robert S. Dilworth Papers Transcripts (April - May 1862)

Title	MS 800 - Robert S. Dilworth Papers Transcripts (April - May 1862)
	Robert S. Dilworth - Personal Journal: April 3 - May 12, 1862 Memorandum of R.S. Dilworth, 2d Lieut. of Co.G, 21st Regt O.V. U.S. (not just of R.S. but of his travails) April 1862 Camp Vanburen, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Mon. Apr 3rd, '62 Orders to march were received and 2 days cooked rations in haversacks. Capt. Alban officer of the day and Lieut. Wieker of co. K officer of guard. In the evening an old jew came in and sold bogus watches to the boys, and they raised a mob and the (the jew) holed in the sutler's shanty; until the boys were about to let his shanty down around his ears. Then the officer of the day (Capt. Alban co. F) took a file of soldiers as a guard and went and brot [brought] the jew forthwith before the Col.[Colonel] and he (the Col.) caused him (the jew) to .... take back the watches, and give back the money to the boys, and then the guard took the jew and set him across the line of sentinals [sentinels] and told them[him?] to leave. That night the officers were all but 2 or 3 at the sutler's tent drinking and playing cards nearly all night. The next morning we left at 7 o'clock. We marched east to Murfreesboro courthouse, and then turned south, along the pike extending from Nashville Tenn. to Stevenson Alabama (where it connects with the great national pike extending from Knoxville Tenn., down to Alabama and then west through Alabama (crossing the Ten. River) and then southwest through the eastern part of Miss. Into Tenn. And from thence west in to Arkansas, crossing the Miss. River). Via of Antioch Buchanen, Smyrnia [Smyrna], Murfreesboro. Christiana, Foster, Bellbuckle, Wartrace. Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Allisonis, Decherd, Cowan, Tantallon, & Anderson. We arrived at Shelbyville at 11 1/2 a.m. of Sat. Apr. 5th '62. The people in this town are nearly all union. There are the most pretty girls in this town of any town which we have come through since we left Ohio. When we began to draw nigh the town (I might say all through the county) the people began to show signs of union feelings, and to express union sentiments. The first day we marched about 11 a.m. it commenced to rain; and it rained on us untill about 2 p.m. when it ceased to rain. We marched about 15 miles from 7 a.m. untill 3 p.m. when we halted for the night. That night we had chicken for supper. Another of the numberless unfarenesses? [unfairnesses?] occurred. I had been on duty as officer of the guard on monday and tonight I had to anty again on account of several of the Lieuts. playing off. With out clothes, and with out rest or anything to eat I must go so here goes for guard. Well nothing momentous occurred until about 3 o'clock in the morning, when a storm arose and upturned some of the tents including the Col.'s (which pleased me most amazingly etc.) Sat. Apr. 5th, 1862 The rain commenced 3 a.m. and continued until about 10 a.m. when it ceased, and has not rained since. We left camp this morning at 6 o'clock and arrived in camp (Wm H Harrison) about 12(O) 2 miles south of town. The guard was then called out 5 men from A co. 5 men and one corp. from co. G. Capt. McMahan officer of the day and Lieut. Anderson of co. D officer of guard. That evening there was 3 men (soldiers) arrested for burning rails. Nothing of any note occurred during the night. Sabbath morning April 6th, '62 Camp Wm. H Harrison Tenn. Calm, beautiful but a little damp on account of a very heavy dew. Our camp is situated on an eminence about 2 miles south of Shelbyville. The camp is on the side of the hill falling to the east. The camp is regularly laid out. The tents are pitched in 10 roes [rows]; one row to a co. The east and west ends of the rows of tents are on a line straight as a line can make them. The officers (co. officers) tents are in a row running north and south at a distance of about 20 feet from the boys, and the field officers, about 60 feet in rear of the co. officers tents. At the south east corner of the regt. may be seen the train belonging to the regt. Right east of co. G may be seen the Sutler's Shanty, and at a distance of about 60 feet. And still farther east may be seen the quartermaster's, and commissary department. 7 o'clock a.m. The train leaves for Murfreesboro a distance of 25 miles for provisions etc. 10 a.m. Capt. Cusac, J.M. Niebling and Capt. Walker left for Shelbyville to attend church. 1 p.m. Wm. Chapman, Christian Sholty with some 8 or 10 others in their charge attended preaching at the 2nd Ohio Regt. 3 p.m. Col. Norton requested Capt. Cusac to report one man in whom he could place explicit confidence. One who would not fear whose bosom harbored not fear, to do a desparate act if need be. William Bensinger was reported. 7 p.m. Capt. Cusac and I (R.S.) attended preaching at Shelby; when we heard a very impressive and appropriate sermon. Very plane [plain] and instructive. From Rev 10 chapters 5 & 6 verses. But he confined his remarks to the clause or rather the parts of the 2 verses content. And the angel lifted up his hand and swore that time should be no longer He divided his sermon thus, Time has been and time is. 1st time is a talent, 2nd time is a trust and 3rd and lastly time is a blessing. He wound up very beautifully. The Melodian accompanying the choir. The church is a very beautiful one, with gallery on which is the choir and a most splendidly lighted and mounted chandelier with ten lamps. We were addressed by the rev. Mr. Allen of Kentucky. He gave the soldiers a welcome, to worship with them. Preaching broke up and we left for camp. When we arrived at the bridge, the sentinels halted us but in finding who we were and where we had been they let us with out the countersigns. When we came within about one 1/2 mile of camp we were halted very abruptly. Then challenged who comes there, we answered friends without the countersign. The officer then demanded, advance one; when Capt. C advanced and explained why we were out and where we had been, and likewise received the information why we were stopped so abruptly. There had been firing heard in that direction and they (the guards) had been sent out to investigate the cause. After we had given the explanation we passed without further molestation until we came to our own field guards. We were challenged and we answered as usual (as before) he (the guard) called the sergt. of the guard and he passed us in. We then came to the tent and retire to rest. In the night sometime, the voice of a lady was heard in the stillness of night ringing out for help. The Col., sent out a guard and found 3 Irishmen (soldiers) attempting to commit a rape on a splendid lady about 1/2 mile from camp. They were brought to camp and put under guard. The Officer of the day was Capt. Caton of Co. H and Officer of guard Lieut. Wiley of Co. C, from Co. G, 5 privates. Co. A was taken out as a guard for Mitchell. Camp Harrison, Tenn. April 7, '62 Guards detailed, Officer of guard Lieut. Porter Co. G, Officer of the day Capt. Arranetes of Co. E, from Co. G 6 men and 1 corporal. For pickets Co. B of the 21st O.V. U.S.A. The 2nd Ohio O.V., marched to Shelbyville to receive their pay. Mail left at 11 a.m. 9 a.m. col. Norton again requested Capt. Cusac to report another man. He (capt.) reported J.R. Porter. These are to act as scouts; spies in advance of our division to Huntsville, Alabama under the guidance of a man of the 10th Wisconsin regt. whom we call old Kentuck. G.W. Bysel 7th corp. has arrived from hospital barracks, Elizabethtown Ky. Monday evening the boys have left for the south. South-east of Chattanooga where they are to take a train of cars and run it right to Huntsville, Alabama and meet us there. Success to them in their enterprise. But if they fail the hemp is their portion, unless we can effect their escape. But of this anon. 8 p.m. the tattoo is being beat. 23 little fishes bought for the sum of 50 cts by Lieut. Porter. Dress parade, nothing special. Officer of guard Lieut. Brewster, Co. E. Officer of the day Capt. Canfield, from Co.G 5 privates. Orders were received to report all men who were not able to march on forced march to the old quarters and they would send them back to Murfreesboro to the hospital. We reported 3, corp. G.W. Bysel, privates W.H. Zarbough and A.B. Mitchell. We are to march at 5 a.m. of April 9th with one days cooked rations. Rained last night and today till 1 p.m. then cleared up pleasant and warm. Dress parade at 5 p.m. The guards were called out for tomor [tomorrow] April 8th Capt. Cusac Co. G. Officer of the day. Lieut. Patterson of Co. K Officer of guard. 5 privates from each co. and one sergt. & 3 corps. from the regt. 8 p.m. the tattoo is being beat. The Sutler is just more than making it pay, selling at about 300 per ct. on all his goods and some a good deal more. Quite a small proffit [profit]; But poor fellow I suppose he will have to grin and bore [bear?]. Ticket arrangement dride [dried] up. Camp Harrison, Tenn. April 9th Left camp at 5 a.m. in the midst of rain and storm. Rained all day. We marched south 25 mi. to Fayetteville the cap [capital] of Lincoln co. Tenn. A distance of 25. We reached that town against 3 p.m. of April 9th notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. When we reached the town Gen. Mitchell said is it possible the 9th brigade is here[?] Who ever heard of such marching! and over such roads to [too]!!!! We camped near town and remained there until noon of the 10th April when we left for Huntsville, Alabam. We marched 10 miles that afternoon, over mountains, covered with mud and rocks. We camped that night in an open field with not [nothing] to rest upon but the ground and nothing over us but the blue azure of Heaven. No sleep for us tonight. All wake and watch for tomorrow we have to march 21 miles and start at 5 a.m. of the 11th. Huntsville, Alabama April 12th, '62 We left camp yester [yesterday] morning at 5 a.m. and marched 21 miles to our present place. At 4 a.m. of April 11th, Aj't [adjudant] came to me and told me he would have to use me today. He wanted me with 20 men to go ahead of the regt. and see that the road was all right so I took my squad out and left. And Oh!!!! what roads. Mud and water, mud and water all the way for 10 miles. We put 27 rods of fince [fence?] into the road at one place, and that is the way it was for 10 miles. These 10 miles we marched against 8 1/2 a.m. We then fell into ranks and marched to camp. When we arrived at 2 p.m. of April 11th 21 miles and only 2 o'clock. What do you think of that. The roads were awful, 'till within 4 miles of town when we struck the pike. At 8 a.m. of April 11th we heard the sound of heavy artillery, and when got to camp (a town) learned that they were shelling the locomotives to stop them from leaving. But one got away and thus saved us of a fight. There were 5000 troops coming through at 4 p.m. and the cars got away and bore the news to the traitors. But we captured 15 engines and a fine lot of cars, thus cutting off their (the rebels) supplies from the east. There were 5 or 6,000 troops passed through here yesterday going to Corinth, to reinforce the rebel army at that point, but the railroad is ours if we can only hold it. The Col. came around and charged us to be on the alert and for each man to have his gun by him so that he could catch it in a moment, and be out in a line for said he we are right between the rebles [rebel's] forces. East and west of us they are in all their force. Nothing special occurred through the night. This morning, we received orders to have our arms all right and ready for any emergency, for said the Col. we want to give a good account of ourselves in case of an attack which we expect hourly. We started about 1200 men to Chattanooga to discommode some of their concocted plans. We have got about 200 prisoners here in town. The boys all were [wear] their cartridge boxes on their persons. We are camped in a low marshy place. April 13th Huntsville, Alabama Rained nearly all night, more pleasant this morning, rather cool and lowering. Our troops came in this morning from Chattanooga. They took 3 locomotives and all the cars on the road, and burned the bridge. One of Alban's boys stopped at a house and asked for something to eat, and the fellow told him that he had some nice hams in his smokehouse and told him to come in with him and he would give him one and it should not cost him anything. So the boy went with him. And he took out his bayonet and stabbed him 6 times but they came to his assistance, and took him and found a hole dug in the smokehouse where he intended to bury someone. Our pickets were out and found one of the 33rd Regt. hanged till he was dead, dead, dead!! !! Capt. Cusac is Officer of the day and Lieut. Lamb of Co. B Officer of the guard. From Co. G 10 privates and one sergt. Lieut. Porter Officer of picket guard 3 privates & one private detailed as fatigue with one days rations. Capt. Cusac, W.D. Cummins, J.S. Robb & J.W. Cumerine went out and took 2 secesh prisoners. They were in citizen's clothes. One was a capt. of (or) in the secesh army and the other one of capt. Morgans men. (He is imaging a guerilla warfare against our troops.)---- !! !! ----- ********** ----- Sabbath evening and no preaching today. The word was spread through camp that Reverent [Reverend?] Mr. Gattis of the 2nd Ohio would address us in our Regt. at 2 1/2 p.m. but he did not come and we were disappointed. We have 20 engines here and any amount of cars. A desperate battle fought at or near to Corinth in which our arms was again victorious. Our loss was from 18 to 20000 that of the rebels from 25 to 40000 men killed wounded and taken prisoners. The most desperate and stubborn battle of ancient or modern times. Oh! America!! The greatest and best of all governments, how dearly do you have to pay for this glorious heritage given to you by our fathers. This must surely be a pure government. It will be a blood washed one bought with a price. The price of blood and that the blood of some of the most noble of earth. But tattoo is being beat and I must go out to roll call. So good by for tonight----------- Huntsville, Alabama** April 14th, '62 Officer of guard Lieut. Wood of co. I. Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of Co. K., from Co. G 5 privates. Received word from Island No. 10 that our arms had again been successful. 100 siege guns and all the arms and ammunition, with 6000 prisoners without the loss of one on our side. We captured 6000 stand of arms in Huntsville and 5 pieces of artillery, all concealed in a cellar for the use of the citizens in case they were victorious at Corinth. They had intended if they would conquer at Corinth to send a force to intercept our progress toward Chattanooga. But as it happened we did not go to Chattanooga and they did not prove victorious at Corinth, and we got all their arms and Huntsville, and have cut off their supplies. Banks Moore of Co. F is distracted in his mind all last night and today. The day passed off without anything of importance. Huntsville, Alabama April 15th, '62 Company G. of the 21st was ordered out on picket. We therefore shouldered up our rigging and marched out 4 1/2 miles and stationed our guards upon a large plantation owned by an old bach.[bachelor], an a hard looking old crockling he was. He owned 100 negroes on that plantation and 2 others with 200 negroes on one of them and 50 on the other. The negroes brought us pies, cornbread, eggs, milk etc. But you would have laughed to have seen the wenches furrowing out the campground. The day and night passed away without anything of importance. When we returned to camp the regt. had moved. Camp 9 by 11, Alabama April 16th, '62 Col. Norton appointed Provos[Provost?] Marshall of the town of Huntsville. We are Provo guard of the town of Huntsville. The day was spent in rigging up our camp. Officer of the day Capt. Alban Officer of provo guard Lieut. Anderson of Co. D. Officer of field guard Lieut. Wicker of Co. K. Camp 9 by 11 Alabama April 17th, '62 Guards detailed for today 17 privates and one corporal for provos guard and 6 privates and one sergt. for field guard. Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of Co. K. Officer of provos guard Lieut. Dilworth, of field guard S. Cheney of Co. E Provo station courthouse Huntsville. We of the provos guard had a gay old time. I had 70 men 4 corporals and one sergt. with me. I captured one horse, the charger of a secesh colonel, a splendid animal he is. I also captured a secesh spy and searched him and put him in the lockup. After the capture of the spy, the night passed off smoothly and peacefully it appeared as though there were no distractions in the bosom of our beloved country. I was relieved by Lieut. Bumpous of co. I with 60 men 3 corporals and one sergt. . When I came to camp I found my regt. moved down to the edge of town just back of the engine house. Camp Taylor Huntsville, Alabama April 18th, '62 Officer of the day Capt. Cusac Officer of the provo guard Lieut. Bumpous of co. I. Officer of field guard Lieut. Lamb of co. B. Capt. Walker of co. B captured 9 secesh horses and 6 saddles. Nothing of importance save this has occurred to day. Camp Taylor Huntsville, Alabama April 19th, '62 Guards detailed Capt. Walker of co. B Officer of the day Lieut. Wiley of co. C Officer of provos guard. Lieut. Patterson of co. K Officer of field guard. J. B. Moore of co. F died yesterday of congestion of the brain and will be buried today. Reverent Mr. Gaddis of the 2nd Ohio Regt. will preach(?) his funeral at 11 a.m. Rained all night and is still louring and rainy at intervals. George Brooks J.W. Cummins and William Palmer and I.J. Blakeman all received their discharge today. James Ward returned from the Elizabethtown hospital. Received one letter from my little buck this morning which I must answer immediately so good by for today. Camp Taylor, Alabama Sunday April 20th Dark and louring this morning and in the afternoon rained hard. Guard mount as usual. Officer of the guard Lieut. Prior of co. H, Officer of provos guard Lieut. Monroe of co. F., from co. G 23 privates and 1 corp. Nothing of importance transpired through the day or night. Camp Taylor, Alabama April 21st, '62 Still raining and all appearance of continuing to rain. Guard mounting as usual. Lieut. Porter Officer of field guard., Lieut. Wicker of co. K Officer of provos guard., Capt. Alban Officer of the day. After dinner and still it rains. A spy examined today. No more prisoners permitted to take the oath. One regt. of Cav. sent out to reconoiter. Our posision [position] considered a very precarious one. Very little news received here but a great many rumours abound. Death of George Poe of co. G. 21st inst., making 10 in all. Bot[Bought] one 1/2 galon[gallon] coffeepot for 75 cts. A right nice piece. Sun shining now but all appearances indicate more rain. Fresh beef for dinner and ham at breakfast and no telling what we will have for supper. Something very nice of course. Conrad Noss very sick. No intelligence from our scouts has yet been received. The boys on guard every other day. To[Too] bad! Orders received to ditch our quarters. Camp Taylor, Huntsville, Alabama April 22nd, '62 Guards detailed Officer of the day Capt. Vantin [Vantine] of Co. I Officer of provos guard Lieut. Bumpus of Co. E Officer of field guard Lieut. Anderson of Co. D. from Co. G 21 privates and one corp. Cleared up and the sun shown out beautifully and warm. Received my dress coat. 6 privates detailed from each co. to conduct the prisoners to Ohio. Capt. Canfield of co. K and Lieut. Dilworth & Lieut. Prior of co. H. were detailed to command the escort. But ere we could get ready the order was countermanded and co. H was taken. 10 p.m. & time to retire. Camp Taylor, Huntsville April 23rd Up at 1/2 past 4 a.m. The morning broke in beautiful and clear. Co. H leaves with the prisoners for Ohio. Mail left at 41/2 a.m. Guards detailed from co. G 23 privates one sergt. & one corp. Lieut. Dilworth of co. G Officer of field guard Lieut. Monroe of co. F off. of provos guard Capt. Brewster of co. E Officer of the day. Co. E's capt. (Arnest) resigned and Brewster succeeded him. They held an election in order to supply the deficiency of Lieut. Bought one fish weighing 3 lbs for (1.25) one dollar & twenty-five cents. Bought one book at Huntsville, Al a book of poems, & payed five dollars for it. 9 p.m. & the countersign out. The sentinal [sentinel] no 10 challenges and is answered a friend without the countersign. Halt friend!--------- Officer of the guard at the top of his voice is heard to awaken the stillness of the night. I hacined [hastened] to see what was the frastion(?). I found the Chaplain of the 37th Ind. Vol. with a sergt. who had been wounded the night before in a skirmish at a bridge below Decatur between the Sergt. & 18 men (who had been sent out as a picket guard) and 3(?) co's cavalry of the confederate army. The 1st fire the Sergt. fell having been shot the ball entering at the right nostril and passing through his head to the left ear where it (the ball) came out. He was brought to our regt. to be treated by surgeon Young. The pickets fell back and the cavalry seized their blankets and piled them on the bridge and fired it. But their rejoicing was of short duration: for the pickets were reinforced and returned and routed the rebels in time to save the bridge. Nothing of any importance occurred during the night. Relieved at 1/2 past 8 a.m. Camp Taylor, Huntsville April 24th, '62 Guards detailed Officer of the day capt. Canfield of co. K., Officer of field guard Lieut. Cheney of co. E., Officer of provos guard Lieut. Knaggs of co. C., from co. G 18 privates & sergt. and one corp. I visited Huntsville today. Visited the big spring as it is called. From which the whole town is supplied with water by means of a forced pump or water works. The spring is 40 feet in diameter and 5 feet deep in the center. It runs through under the town and appears at the western side of the town flowing out of solid rocks, and at least it appears so to the observer. Enough water passes over the falls to 20 more such towns or to drive the best mills in Ohio. The water is clear and cold. The town of Huntsville is regularly laid out. The courthouse occupying the most conspicuous place in town. The courthouse is a very handsome one and is surrounded with a most splend[splendid] yard enclosed by an iron fence with 4 iron gates opposite the 4 outside doors. On the north and south is a splend stone pavement leading to the portico, which is entered by a flight of stone steps extending 2/3 the way or bredth[breadth] of the house. The floors are all stone. In the 2nd story and the northwest corner of the building is the sheriff's office. Douglass, a full cousin of the little giant. The court yard is filled with locust trees and and various others of a species not acclimated to the north. In all the beauty of nature's green and white. Fronting the court house may be seen, stores, groceries, jewelries, slop shops etc. Just east of the courthouse is there the Episcopal Church. A most splendid structure indeed; with a steeple running up to the highest of one hundred & 60 feet & one square east & one south may be seen the gigantic structure. The Presbyterian Church with its steeple running up and pointing towards the heavens at a distance of 190 feet from the basement, both houses are very large and show forth how very wealthy the denominations who built them. The Catholicks[Catholics] are building one which is to eclipse both the Presbyterians & the Episcopal. The town of Huntsville is the most beautiful of all the towns I have yet visited. It is larger than Findlay and in riches not to be excelled by any. The rich are all marked not only by the buildings but also by the yards, the ornaments by which their yds are filled, the statues, the carved monuments of marble & &, with which their yards are filled or ornamented. Walking the streets in Nashville the ladies (dare I call them such) would spit from the windows of their room upon the officers; but here in Huntsville they will but (when sin(?) seen in yards or on the pavement evening promenade or when in their carriages) draw their veils over their mortal phizes to hide their southern beauty from the vulgar gaze of the more than vulgar Yankees of the north. Awful modest, awful modest are they not? From the courthouse I passed one square east and then 2 north and took that street which leads to the cemetery. I passed on, passing several guards until I arrived at the place of the dead. What grandeur meets the eye in this place. Monuments of all kinds indented with very beautiful sentiments, and by the hand of the sculptor rendered susceptible of that high polish for which we so much admire it. Here in one grave rests 2 little ones, enclosed with a marble tomb with a monument on the top of which is panelled with glass and the form of 2 children sketched from marble laid side by side, so innocent, so lovely. And on the top of this are two little lambs side by side. The head of one reposing on the other. Oh! What respect is here shone[shown] to the dead. A little further down may be seen the tomb of 2 sisters, wives of different men but who died near the same time and were buried in the same tomb, their monuments running up separately only when they are connected by a marble wreath. Beautiful in life, Beautiful in death and may they be beautiful in Christ their savior at last. Oh that you could but be with me once and a while just to take a promenade, and to converse over the different prospects before us. Oh! But I would love to take a tour with you down through here and with you visit their places in peace when I have visited in war. May God hasten the day when this cruel rebellion will be brought to an end and each and every one enjoy his own vine & fig tree. After having visited all the beautiful monuments, I visited some new graves, graves where these seem the work of some loved one. Some of the secesh soldiers lie here. The ladies come out and strew their graves with flowers and wreaths of flower. Anover [And over] some you might see some fair one shed the tear of sorrowful remembrance. Poor girls but I can sympathize with you and in your sorrows share. There are 70 new graves, all of which bear arguement of the ravages of war. What is more touching than to see a lovely female whose hopes for the future were bright & flattering standing by the last resting of all their bosom held dear. This cemetery is ornamented shrubs, fir pine, spruce cedar, palm, ivy box, etc.. rosies [roses] and all manner of flowers. I returned to camp busied with thoughts of the future. Camp Taylor, Huntsville Alabama April 25th, '62 Dull & rainy. The rain commenced at 7 a.m. & has rained stedily until the present & the prospects are favorable for more rain. The case of Edward Draper of co. I is in cession[session] today but the witnesses are absent and therefore will have to be put off. Officer of guard Lieut. Patterson of co. K, officer of provos guard Lieut. Wood of co. I., Officer of the day Capt. Cusac of Co. G 21st, from co. G 15 privates one sergt. & one corp. Thomas Collins. E.A. Kelly, James Crosser(?) have returned with David Leiter from the Murfreesboro hospital and reported for duty. Bought a fly coat for the sum of 10 dollars. 9 p.m. and still raining. General Mitchell promoted to Maj. General. Sending and receiving dispatches every 1/2 hour. Some very important move about to be made. 150000 rebels reported at Corinth and fortfying[fortifying]. They are determined to make a desperate effort. The rebels are reported to be advancing on Huntsville, Alabama to recapture their great and important road. Five men from each co. was sent 33 mi. east by rail for wood. Camp Taylor, Huntsville Alabama April 26th, '62 7 months today since I left Camp Vance and the same length of time since I pressed the hand of her I hold most dear at the parting hour, and from the top of the car caught the last sight of my lady love. And saw her mild eyes of azur moist although she did not betray any feelings of emotion only a sad look to see her dear brother leave, and did not know whether or not she should ever see him more. An attack on our troops below Decatur and 18 men taken prisoners. The regiments remaining at Murfreesboro and Shelbyville sent for with all dispatch. Dark and louring. 1/2 8 & guards being mounted. Officer of the day Capt. Alban of co. F., Officer of provos guard Monroe of co. F., Officer of field guard Lieut. Lamb of co. B. We have with potatoes for dinner a rather rare dinner. Chicken from 25 cts 50 cts a piece, potatoes 2.50 cts for Lunch. Ain't that rather fast living. Orders received to march to Stephenson. Lieut. Porter with 2 privates and 30 others left for a posision [position?] near Decatur to act as guards. Nothing of importance occurred through the night. Camp Taylor, Alabama April 27th, '62 Sabbath morning sunny and beautiful. Guards detailed Capt. Brewster of co. E officer of the day. Officer of field guard Lieut. Wicker of co. K. Lieut. Bumpus of co. I officer of provos guard. From co. G. 18 privates. I attended church at Huntsville to day and heard a very good sermon from the text found Acts 17th Chapter & 23rd verse. The preacher's name is Fred'k[Frederick] A. Ross, an old man. He throws all at us. Oh! What a church! The richest I ever saw. The names of all their pastors, are engraven on a marble slab set in the wall to the ministers left hand. These are the names up to the present time. John Allen installed Nov. 1823 & died Nov. 14th 1843 Conway P. Wing installed April 17 1843 Resigned March 23rd 1848 Joseph H. Martin installed Oct 24, 1848 Resigned March 29th 1849 John H. Zavely installed May 3rd 1850 Resigned Feb. 18th 1852 John W. Hall cabled accept May 13th 1852 Installed June 3rd 1852 Resigned Nov. 22nd 1854 Fred'k A. Ross installed June 29 1855 2 soldiers brought in badly wounded. Received in a skirmish last night. Monday April 28th, '62 Camp Taylor, Alabama Guards detailed Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of co. K., Officer of Lieut. Anderson of co. D. Officer of provost guard Lieut. Dilworth of co. G. 3 prisoners taken. Orders to march were received for Stephenson Al. Nothing of importance occurred through the night. Stephenson, Alabama April 29th, '62 Neither guards or officers of guards here all for themselves. Stevenson is situated within 2 1/2 miles from the Tenn. River and where the railroad from Nashville connects with the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. It is a small place built by the side of a Mt. [mountain] but is a place of importance. We left Camp Taylor at about 11 o'clock a.m. and arrived at Paintrock at 4 p.m. and there the bridge had been burned and let our train run into the River then we had to walk from thence, to this place a distance of 8 miles along the railroad and right through the swamp. You might have seen the aligators sunning themselves in the swamps. We quartered in a new house. Nothing of importance happened through the night. Stephenson, Alabama April 30th, '62 Damp and disagreeable but more pleasant now. The boys all out foraging. We have no rations on account of the bridges having been burned. Chickens pigs bread butter eggs etc... all brought in, but not without the loss of some blood. A dispatch received to return to Huntsville to save it from Price's forces. May 1862 At the depot, Huntsville Al May 1st, '62 We left Stephenson at 8 1/2 o'clock last night and walked out to the river. A distance of 8 miles against 11 o'clock and when we arrived there the train was in waiting for us. We jumped abord[aboard] and was here against 8 this morning. We are quartered in the depot hotel. My quarters is the ticket office. No guards today. 21 detailed to go to guard the bridge near the Tenn. River. Nothing occurred throughout the night. Depot Huntsville Al. May 2nd, '62 On the lookout all day but nothing occurred. The enemy when they heard that the 21onesters had come back did not come on but commenced building a boat to cross the river. Still no guards from the 21st, only scouts sent out to reconoiter[reconnoiter]. Hotel Hunts Alabama May 3rd, '62 Guards detailed[;] Officer of the day Capt. McMahan of co. C, Officers of Pickets Lieuts. Wood of co. I, Cheney of co. E. Dilworth of co. G. 21 men of co. G 3 corps. 2 Sergts. Pretty well represented. Stationed 1 1/2 miles east of town, a very pleasant time. Detailed with one days rations and had to stand 2 days took 2 prisoners the 1st day Sababoth at noon though our day was up but no relief. Sabbath May 4th, '62 No relief yet, all appearance of rain. Officer of Pickets the same as yesterday. Officer of the day Capt. Vantine. Everything passed off very smoothly untill about 8 p.m. when the rain commenced and rained on us all night and 'till after 10 a.m. of Monday the 5th May. Camp Taylor, Huntsville May 5th, 1862 Rained all night last night and up 'till 10 this morning, when it ceased to rain and it is more pleasant now. We were released by Lieut. Porter of co. G. and got to camp about noon. Very pleasant this afternoon. Co.'s G & C received orders to ly[lay] on their arms to night. Mitchell expected an attack from Morgan. 4 men of co. D, 4 from co. F, 6 from Co. A, 8 from co. C & 2 from co. E all ordered under arrest and put in the guardhouse by Gen. Mitchell for going into a house during the rain. He says he will send them home in disgrace. Col. Norton & Niebling both swear that if he sends those boys home the 21st Regt. will go with them. Officer of the day Capt. Brewster of co. E, Officer of field guard Lieut. Wicker of co. K, Lieut. Anderson of co. D. Officer of Provost guards of Huntsville. Col. Norton is Martial[Marshall?]. His wife has arrived here in this city. Camp Taylor Huntsville Al May 6th, '62 Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of co. K., Officer of field guard Lieut. Vance of co. B., Officer of provost guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C., from co. G. 11 men for provost guard at the courthouse. The long roll was beat and the alarm call sounded on the bugle at 1 o'clock this morning. The 21st was out in line in 8 minutes after the call was sounded. We remained in line of battle with bayonets fixed for a short time and then returned to our quarters and was not disturbed again. At 8 a.m. the citizens were very much alarmed at the report of our Parrot guns. They thought that their town was going up sure. But they were soon quieted on that score but did not like the news much better, when they heard what it meant. Rejoicing at the downfall of New Orleans, Yorktown & Macon. They are very solemcolly [solemn or melancholy?] this morning. Capt. Ewing of co. D was taken by Morgan's cavalry on last fridy [Friday] and was released on parole of honor on Sat. morning at 11 a.m. He & Gen. Mitchell Son and 266 men of our Division. Capt. Caton of co. H was either killed at the smash and conflagration of the cars near Decatur, Al on last Friday. He with his company had gone out as an escort with a lot of prisoners to Columbia and was returning with a dispatch for for Mitchell and was either killed or taken [prisoner] by the rebels. He was in the formost car and when the engine grounded the car was destroyed against the engine. The smoke stack fell on a Lieut. and part of the ruins of the engine on cap. [captain] Caton. The car filled with smoke and burned. The Lieut. said when he got up to go out he saw cap.[capt.] raise up on his hands & knees and that was the last he saw of him. The cars with all the mail was burned. And just where the capt. had been was found bones of a man burned and a part of a sword. His comp.[company] was coming back with the Division train. The Lieut. and 36 men was attacked by 300 of the Morgan cav[cavalry] and he with the 36 men kept him them at bay for 2 hours and a half. They killed and wounded a number and lost 2 killed and 9 taken prisoners. The balance arrived safely at Athens. An[And] from that time we have heard nothing of either them or the train. In the burned train our mail was burned with all the provisions that was on board. I know there was 2 or 3 letters of mine burned, for they were due. The paroles have come and we must go to work and make them out. We have just returned from the funeral of old Mr. McKinsey [Lewis McKinsey] of co. G. He died with erysipelas. Capt. Albans & capt. Vantine's co's escorted us to the funeral. We buried him in the honors men firing 24 shots over his last resting place. We laid him in the cemetery in Huntsville. The wounded are coming in constantly. The hospitals are full. Camp Taylor, Huntsville, Alabama May 7th, '62 Guards detailed Officer of the day Capt. Cusac of co. G. 21st, Officer of provost guard Lieut. Anderson of co. D., Officer of field guard Lieut. Bumpus of co. I., from co. G 17 privates one sergt. & one corp. J.H. Cumerine and G.W. Brooks are very busy getting ready to leave the service & return home to old Hancock. General Mitchell delivers a speach[speech] to the 20onesters. Concerning the exigencies of the times. He exalted the 21st and indeed the whole of the 3rd Division almost to ------ --------- You know where. More wounded have arrived. J.C. Calhoun's house taken for a hospital. The most splendidly furnished house I ever saw. And the most beautiful drawing. Entirely. 3 letters written, one to Mr. Bowman in answer to his of the 23rd ult., one to x Lieut. Webber & one to my little Lois, which I intend sending with Crumerine. I likewise put up my book termed the library of English & American female poets. Which I send to L.A.B. as a present, likewise a package of books to my little niece M.E. Wortman & John Stahl residing at Wortmans. Scouting parties hourly going out and returning. Reported to be fighting at Corinth. Retreating sloly[slowly] but surely 2 miles per day. Seven more prisoners brot[brought] in. One hundred & fifty of Morgan's cavalry taken by Dumont. The boy did not leave for home on account of the bridge not being completed. The rebels call us the most impudent set of locomotive thieves they ever saw or heard tell of. The remainder of co. H taken prisoners. Camp Taylor Huntsville, Alabama May 8th, '62 Guards detailed, Officer of the day capt. Alban of co. H., Officer of provost guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C., Officer of field guard Lieut. Knaggs of co. C., from co. G. 19 privates, one corp. More prisoners. 8 soldiers brought in badly wounded. 300 cavalry sent out as scouts. Heavy skirmishing at Corinth. Lieut. Monroe very sick. E.S. Bartlow of co. G taken to the hospital sick of fever. J.W.C. & G.W. Brooks still disappointed on account of the bridge. Nothing of importance occurred during the day and evening. Friday May 9th, '62 Guards detailed. Officer of the day Capt. Vantine of co. I., Officer of provost guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C, Officer of field guard Lieut. Patterson of co. K, from co. G. 27 privates one corp. & one sergt. G.W. Brooks & J.W. Crumerine left for home this morning via Athens. Orders were received to march with blankets & 2 days rations. The enemy in strength came over the river 10 miles S.W. of Athens and attack our men on picket carrying off one co. and one capt. & 2nd Lieut. of another co. of the 37th Ind.Volunteers. Across the river they displayed the rebel Ensign. 2 regts. Of infantry, 600 cav. & one battery. We were sent for forthwith and responded immediately. We left camp at 10 p.m. and arrived at Athens at 5 a.m. of the 10th. Athens May 10th, '62 No guards detailed but quarters in the fairground. At the fight yesterday 4 were killed and one wounded so that he died last night. An attack expected today. General Terchan[Turchin] ordered his men to do their own will for 3 hours. Said he, I do not command this brigade for that time. The boys made a general pitch in, and just more than raked the town. It was in a sad state when we arrived there, not a store or house but was the quarters of some band of soldiers to[too] bad is it not?---- His men has the most fatal accidents happen to them of any brigade. We arrived here this morning at 5 o'clock and found G.W. Brooks & J.W. Crumerine Blockaded on account of the fight. They returned to Huntsville this afternoon. Athens AL. May 11th, '62 I was detailed for picket duty. I took post at 7 p.m. And was not relieved until 1 p.m. of the 11th. Nothing of importance occurred untill about 1/2 past 11 a.m. when a heavy firing of musketry & riflery attracted our attention. We have not learned yet what it was; but our cavalry went out in that direction. We had orders to leave at 1 p.m. for Huntsville and had to comply: Therefore we could not ascertain the cause of the firing. Camp Taylor Huntsville AL. Officer of the day Capt. McMahan of co. C, Officer of guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C., from co. G 7 privates & one corp. Capt. Walker's co. (B) on picket today. J.W. Crumerine refuses to carry my book to transfer it from it's present owner to it's future one L.A.B. G.W. Brooks through his politeness agrees to carry it to its place of destination. They leave tomorrow for the north via of Shelbyville & Murfreesboro. We left Athens Al. yesterday for Huntsville, Al. at 1 1/2 p.m. where we arrived at 5 p.m. We had a very pleasant ride. When we arrived here we found all right. We have got rid of provost guard duty. We are ordered to be ready to march at a minute's warning. The mail came in today the first for some time. The last, all having been captured or burned by the rebels. I received a letter from Mrs. Bowman today (the 12th May) dated April 6th, don't that beat all, how quick the mail comes through. This is a brief history of the transactions, actions etc.. of the 21st regt. O.V.--- U.S.A. Camp Taylor Alabama May 12th, '62 Miss L.A. Blakeman Dearest Lois:------ With that respect & true regard due none but mine own intended. I once more attempt to address myself to you Dearest Lois. Our Regt. was ordered to march to Athens on last Friday night, to reinforce the 18th O. & the 27th Ind. Regts. who were stationed at Athens. The 37th had stationed pickets at a bridge across the Elk River. The enemy came on and capt[captured] all but 5 of the company 4 of the 5 were killed on the field & one wounded so that he died that night. We left at 10 that night and arrived at Athens at 5 the next morning. The first sight which greeted our eyes was the dead laid on a hand car. George W. Brooks & J.W. Crumerine had left for Hancock this morning but when they got to Athens and found that they were fighting they retreated to Huntsville where they are yet. We remained at Athens until Sabbath p.m. when we left for Huntsville where we arrived at 5 p.m. after a very pleasant ride.(something new for the 21st was it not?)---- Nothing of importance occurred until about an hour and a half before we left. Our cavalry went out in the morning and about 1/2 past 11 a.m. a heavy fire of musketry and riflery was heard in that directions but we had to leave and have not heard the result. 2 of our men were missing when we left and we had to come away without them. I had a squad out on picket, and cap. & Lieut. Porter had the balance. They went out at one o'clock at night, and when we left 2 of caps. squad was gone. James Ward & W.H. Waltman, but do not mention it to anyone. J.R. Porter & William Bensinger went out of our co. as spies and were taken above Chattanooga. I fear we will never see them more. Oh Lois! You will hardly believe me when I tell you I have not seen a negro since I have come out but loves their master and are much better treated than they would treat themselves. Wherever there is a plantation you might see a town of negro houses. And in many instances they are frame and in some brick. They are all comfortable. Some are anxious to be free but I do not believe they would stay in the north 2 years if they were free. Saturday afternoons they dress up and pay their addresses to their lady loves. They make a big spread on Sabbath day. I attended the funeral of those 5 of the 37th Ind. on Sat. eve. General Tuchan[Turchin] led the procession & bearheaded[bareheaded] witnessed the burial of his dead. Col. Niebling & Capt. McMahan of co. C are ordered to Corinth. They leave tomorrow. I will send this with George Brooks. But I must close. I am well & God grant you an enjoying good health. R.S. LAB. [last page has arithmetic scratchwork, including:] 124 17 dead 107 17 discharged 90 24 Absent sick 66 3 killed 63 2 daily duty 63 5 detached duty 58 2 absent with leave 56 1 without leave 55

Title

Robert S. Dilworth - Personal Journal: April 3 - May 12, 1862

Memorandum of R.S. Dilworth, 2d Lieut. of Co.G, 21st Regt O.V. U.S. (not just of R.S. but of his travails)

April 1862

Camp Vanburen, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Mon. Apr 3rd, '62

Orders to march were received and 2 days cooked rations in haversacks. Capt. Alban officer of the day and Lieut. Wieker of co. K officer of guard. In the evening an old jew came in and sold bogus watches to the boys, and they raised a mob and the (the jew) holed in the sutler's shanty; until the boys were about to let his shanty down around his ears. Then the officer of the day (Capt. Alban co. F) took a file of soldiers as a guard and went and brot [brought] the jew forthwith before the Col.[Colonel] and he (the Col.) caused him (the jew) to .... take back the watches, and give back the money to the boys, and then the guard took the jew and set him across the line of sentinals [sentinels] and told them[him?] to leave. That night the officers were all but 2 or 3 at the sutler's tent drinking and playing cards nearly all night. The next morning we left at 7 o'clock. We marched east to Murfreesboro courthouse, and then turned south, along the pike extending from Nashville Tenn. to Stevenson Alabama (where it connects with the great national pike extending from Knoxville Tenn., down to Alabama and then west through Alabama (crossing the Ten. River) and then southwest through the eastern part of Miss. Into Tenn. And from thence west in to Arkansas, crossing the Miss. River). Via of Antioch Buchanen, Smyrnia [Smyrna], Murfreesboro. Christiana, Foster, Bellbuckle, Wartrace. Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Allisonis, Decherd, Cowan, Tantallon, & Anderson. We arrived at Shelbyville at 11 1/2 a.m. of Sat. Apr. 5th '62. The people in this town are nearly all union. There are the most pretty girls in this town of any town which we have come through since we left Ohio. When we began to draw nigh the town (I might say all through the county) the people began to show signs of union feelings, and to express union sentiments. The first day we marched about 11 a.m. it commenced to rain; and it rained on us untill about 2 p.m. when it ceased to rain. We marched about 15 miles from 7 a.m. untill 3 p.m. when we halted for the night. That night we had chicken for supper. Another of the numberless unfarenesses? [unfairnesses?] occurred. I had been on duty as officer of the guard on monday and tonight I had to anty again on account of several of the Lieuts. playing off. With out clothes, and with out rest or anything to eat I must go so here goes for guard.

Well nothing momentous occurred until about 3 o'clock in the morning, when a storm arose and upturned some of the tents including the Col.'s (which pleased me most amazingly etc.)

Sat. Apr. 5th, 1862

The rain commenced 3 a.m. and continued until about 10 a.m. when it ceased, and has not rained since. We left camp this morning at 6 o'clock and arrived in camp (Wm H Harrison) about 12(O) 2 miles south of town. The guard was then called out 5 men from A co. 5 men and one corp. from co. G. Capt. McMahan officer of the day and Lieut. Anderson of co. D officer of guard.

That evening there was 3 men (soldiers) arrested for burning rails. Nothing of any note occurred during the night.

Sabbath morning April 6th, '62
Camp Wm. H Harrison Tenn.

Calm, beautiful but a little damp on account of a very heavy dew. Our camp is situated on an eminence about 2 miles south of Shelbyville. The camp is on the side of the hill falling to the east. The camp is regularly laid out. The tents are pitched in 10 roes [rows]; one row to a co. The east and west ends of the rows of tents are on a line straight as a line can make them. The officers (co. officers) tents are in a row running north and south at a distance of about 20 feet from the boys, and the field officers, about 60 feet in rear of the co. officers tents. At the south east corner of the regt. may be seen the train belonging to the regt. Right east of co. G may be seen the Sutler's Shanty, and at a distance of about 60 feet. And still farther east may be seen the quartermaster's, and commissary department. 7 o'clock a.m. The train leaves for Murfreesboro a distance of 25 miles for provisions etc. 10 a.m. Capt. Cusac, J.M. Niebling and Capt. Walker left for Shelbyville to attend church. 1 p.m. Wm. Chapman, Christian Sholty with some 8 or 10 others in their charge attended preaching at the 2nd Ohio Regt.

3 p.m. Col. Norton requested Capt. Cusac to report one man in whom he could place explicit confidence. One who would not fear whose bosom harbored not fear, to do a desparate act if need be. William Bensinger was reported. 7 p.m. Capt.

Cusac and I (R.S.) attended preaching at Shelby; when we heard a very impressive and appropriate sermon. Very plane [plain] and instructive. From Rev 10 chapters 5 & 6 verses. But he confined his remarks to the clause or rather the parts of the 2 verses content. And the angel lifted up his hand and swore that time should be no longer He divided his sermon thus, Time has been and time is. 1st time is a talent, 2nd time is a trust and 3rd and lastly time is a blessing. He wound up very beautifully. The Melodian accompanying the choir. The church is a very beautiful one, with gallery on which is the choir and a most splendidly lighted and mounted chandelier with ten lamps. We were addressed by the rev. Mr. Allen of Kentucky. He gave the soldiers a welcome, to worship with them. Preaching broke up and we left for camp. When we arrived at the bridge, the sentinels halted us but in finding who we were and where we had been they let us with out the countersigns. When we came within about one 1/2 mile of camp we were halted very abruptly. Then challenged who comes there, we answered friends without the countersign. The officer then demanded, advance one; when Capt. C advanced and explained why we were out and where we had been, and likewise received the information why we were stopped so abruptly.

There had been firing heard in that direction and they (the guards) had been sent out to investigate the cause. After we had given the explanation we passed without further molestation until we came to our own field guards. We were challenged and we answered as usual (as before) he (the guard) called the sergt. of the guard and he passed us in. We then came to the tent and retire to rest. In the night sometime, the voice of a lady was heard in the stillness of night ringing out for help. The Col., sent out a guard and found 3 Irishmen (soldiers) attempting to commit a rape on a splendid lady about 1/2 mile from camp. They were brought to camp and put under guard. The Officer of the day was Capt. Caton of Co. H and Officer of guard Lieut. Wiley of Co. C, from Co. G, 5 privates. Co. A was taken out as a guard for Mitchell.

Camp Harrison, Tenn.
April 7, '62

Guards detailed, Officer of guard Lieut. Porter Co. G, Officer of the day Capt. Arranetes of Co. E, from Co. G 6 men and 1 corporal. For pickets Co. B of the 21st O.V. U.S.A. The 2nd Ohio O.V., marched to Shelbyville to receive their pay. Mail left at 11 a.m. 9 a.m. col. Norton again requested Capt. Cusac to report another man. He (capt.) reported J.R. Porter.

These are to act as scouts; spies in advance of our division to Huntsville, Alabama under the guidance of a man of the 10th Wisconsin regt. whom we call old Kentuck. G.W. Bysel 7th corp. has arrived from hospital barracks, Elizabethtown Ky. Monday evening the boys have left for the south. South-east of Chattanooga where they are to take a train of cars and run it right to Huntsville, Alabama and meet us there. Success to them in their enterprise. But if they fail the hemp is their portion, unless we can effect their escape. But of this anon. 8 p.m. the tattoo is being beat. 23 little fishes bought for the sum of 50 cts by Lieut. Porter. Dress parade, nothing special. Officer of guard Lieut. Brewster, Co. E. Officer of the day Capt. Canfield, from Co.G 5 privates. Orders were received to report all men who were not able to march on forced march to the old quarters and they would send them back to Murfreesboro to the hospital. We reported 3, corp. G.W. Bysel, privates W.H. Zarbough and A.B. Mitchell. We are to march at 5 a.m. of April 9th with one days cooked rations. Rained last night and today till 1 p.m. then cleared up pleasant and warm. Dress parade at 5 p.m. The guards were called out for tomor [tomorrow] April 8th Capt. Cusac Co. G. Officer of the day. Lieut. Patterson of Co. K Officer of guard. 5 privates from each co. and one sergt. & 3 corps. from the regt. 8 p.m. the tattoo is being beat. The Sutler is just more than making it pay, selling at about 300 per ct. on all his goods and some a good deal more. Quite a small proffit [profit]; But poor fellow I suppose he will have to grin and bore [bear?]. Ticket arrangement dride [dried] up.

Camp Harrison, Tenn.
April 9th

Left camp at 5 a.m. in the midst of rain and storm. Rained all day. We marched south 25 mi. to Fayetteville the cap [capital] of Lincoln co. Tenn. A distance of 25. We reached that town against 3 p.m. of April 9th notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. When we reached the town Gen. Mitchell said is it possible the 9th brigade is here[?] Who ever heard of such marching! and over such roads to [too]!!!! We camped near town and remained there until noon of the 10th April when we left for Huntsville, Alabam. We marched 10 miles that afternoon, over mountains, covered with mud and rocks. We camped that night in an open field with not [nothing] to rest upon but the ground and nothing over us but the blue azure of Heaven. No sleep for us tonight. All wake and watch for tomorrow we have to march 21 miles and start at 5 a.m. of the 11th.

Huntsville, Alabama
April 12th, '62

We left camp yester [yesterday] morning at 5 a.m. and marched 21 miles to our present place. At 4 a.m. of April 11th, Aj't [adjudant] came to me and told me he would have to use me today. He wanted me with 20 men to go ahead of the regt. and see that the road was all right so I took my squad out and left. And Oh!!!! what roads. Mud and water, mud and water all the way for 10 miles. We put 27 rods of fince [fence?] into the road at one place, and that is the way it was for 10 miles. These 10 miles we marched against 8 1/2 a.m. We then fell into ranks and marched to camp. When we arrived at 2 p.m. of April 11th 21 miles and only 2 o'clock. What do you think of that. The roads were awful, 'till within 4 miles of town when we struck the pike. At 8 a.m. of April 11th we heard the sound of heavy artillery, and when got to camp (a town) learned that they were shelling the locomotives to stop them from leaving. But one got away and thus saved us of a fight. There were 5000 troops coming through at 4 p.m. and the cars got away and bore the news to the traitors. But we captured 15 engines and a fine lot of cars, thus cutting off their (the rebels) supplies from the east. There were 5 or 6,000 troops passed through here yesterday going to Corinth, to reinforce the rebel army at that point, but the railroad is ours if we can only hold it. The Col. came around and charged us to be on the alert and for each man to have his gun by him so that he could catch it in a moment, and be out in a line for said he we are right between the rebles [rebel's] forces. East and west of us they are in all their force. Nothing special occurred through the night. This morning, we received orders to have our arms all right and ready for any emergency, for said the Col. we want to give a good account of ourselves in case of an attack which we expect hourly.

We started about 1200 men to Chattanooga to discommode some of their concocted plans. We have got about 200 prisoners here in town. The boys all were [wear] their cartridge boxes on their persons. We are camped in a low marshy place.

April 13th Huntsville, Alabama

Rained nearly all night, more pleasant this morning, rather cool and lowering.

Our troops came in this morning from Chattanooga. They took 3 locomotives and all the cars on the road, and burned the bridge. One of Alban's boys stopped at a house and asked for something to eat, and the fellow told him that he had some nice hams in his smokehouse and told him to come in with him and he would give him one and it should not cost him anything. So the boy went with him. And he took out his bayonet and stabbed him 6 times but they came to his assistance, and took him and found a hole dug in the smokehouse where he intended to bury someone. Our pickets were out and found one of the 33rd Regt. hanged till he was dead, dead, dead!! !! Capt. Cusac is Officer of the day and Lieut. Lamb of Co. B Officer of the guard. From Co. G 10 privates and one sergt. Lieut. Porter Officer of picket guard 3 privates & one private detailed as fatigue with one days rations. Capt. Cusac, W.D. Cummins, J.S. Robb & J.W. Cumerine went out and took 2 secesh prisoners. They were in citizen's clothes. One was a capt. of (or) in the secesh army and the other one of capt. Morgans men. (He is imaging a guerilla warfare against our troops.)---- !! !! -----

************

----- Sabbath evening and no preaching today. The word was spread through camp that Reverent [Reverend?] Mr. Gattis of the 2nd Ohio would address us in our Regt. at 2 1/2 p.m. but he did not come and we were disappointed. We have 20 engines here and any amount of cars. A desperate battle fought at or near to Corinth in which our arms was again victorious.

Our loss was from 18 to 20000 that of the rebels from 25 to 40000 men killed wounded and taken prisoners. The most desperate and stubborn battle of ancient or modern times.

Oh! America!! The greatest and best of all governments, how dearly do you have to pay for this glorious heritage given to you by our fathers. This must surely be a pure government. It will be a blood washed one bought with a price. The price of blood and that the blood of some of the most noble of earth. But tattoo is being beat and I must go out to roll call. So good by for tonight-----------

Huntsville, Alabama
April 14th, '62

Officer of guard Lieut. Wood of co. I. Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of Co. K., from Co. G 5 privates. Received word from Island No. 10 that our arms had again been successful. 100 siege guns and all the arms and ammunition, with 6000 prisoners without the loss of one on our side. We captured 6000 stand of arms in Huntsville and 5 pieces of artillery, all concealed in a cellar for the use of the citizens in case they were victorious at Corinth. They had intended if they would conquer at Corinth to send a force to intercept our progress toward Chattanooga. But as it happened we did not go to Chattanooga and they did not prove victorious at Corinth, and we got all their arms and Huntsville, and have cut off their supplies. Banks Moore of Co. F is distracted in his mind all last night and today. The day passed off without anything of importance.

Huntsville, Alabama
April 15th, '62

Company G. of the 21st was ordered out on picket. We therefore shouldered up our rigging and marched out 4 1/2 miles and stationed our guards upon a large plantation owned by an old bach.[bachelor], an a hard looking old crockling he was. He owned 100 negroes on that plantation and 2 others with 200 negroes on one of them and 50 on the other. The negroes brought us pies, cornbread, eggs, milk etc. But you would have laughed to have seen the wenches furrowing out the campground. The day and night passed away without anything of importance. When we returned to camp the regt. had moved.

Camp 9 by 11, Alabama
April 16th, '62

Col. Norton appointed Provos[Provost?] Marshall of the town of Huntsville. We are Provo guard of the town of Huntsville. The day was spent in rigging up our camp. Officer of the day Capt. Alban Officer of provo guard Lieut. Anderson of Co. D. Officer of field guard Lieut. Wicker of Co. K.

Camp 9 by 11 Alabama
April 17th, '62

Guards detailed for today 17 privates and one corporal for provos guard and 6 privates and one sergt. for field guard. Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of Co. K. Officer of provos guard Lieut. Dilworth, of field guard S. Cheney of Co. E

Provo station courthouse Huntsville. We of the provos guard had a gay old time. I had 70 men 4 corporals and one sergt. with me. I captured one horse, the charger of a secesh colonel, a splendid animal he is. I also captured a secesh spy and searched him and put him in the lockup. After the capture of the spy, the night passed off smoothly and peacefully it appeared as though there were no distractions in the bosom of our beloved country. I was relieved by Lieut. Bumpous of co. I with 60 men 3 corporals and one sergt. . When I came to camp I found my regt. moved down to the edge of town just back of the engine house.

Camp Taylor
Huntsville, Alabama April 18th, '62

Officer of the day Capt. Cusac Officer of the provo guard Lieut. Bumpous of co. I. Officer of field guard Lieut. Lamb of co. B. Capt. Walker of co. B captured 9 secesh horses and 6 saddles. Nothing of importance save this has occurred to day.

Camp Taylor
Huntsville, Alabama
April 19th, '62

Guards detailed Capt. Walker of co. B Officer of the day Lieut. Wiley of co. C Officer of provos guard. Lieut. Patterson of co. K Officer of field guard. J. B. Moore of co. F died yesterday of congestion of the brain and will be buried today. Reverent Mr. Gaddis of the 2nd Ohio Regt. will preach(?) his funeral at 11 a.m. Rained all night and is still louring and rainy at intervals.

George Brooks J.W. Cummins and William Palmer and I.J. Blakeman all received their discharge today. James Ward returned from the Elizabethtown hospital. Received one letter from my little buck this morning which I must answer immediately so good by for today.

Camp Taylor, Alabama
Sunday April 20th

Dark and louring this morning and in the afternoon rained hard. Guard mount as usual. Officer of the guard Lieut. Prior of co. H, Officer of provos guard Lieut. Monroe of co. F., from co. G 23 privates and 1 corp. Nothing of importance transpired through the day or night.

Camp Taylor, Alabama
April 21st, '62

Still raining and all appearance of continuing to rain. Guard mounting as usual. Lieut. Porter Officer of field guard., Lieut. Wicker of co. K Officer of provos guard., Capt. Alban Officer of the day. After dinner and still it rains. A spy examined today. No more prisoners permitted to take the oath. One regt. of Cav. sent out to reconoiter. Our posision [position] considered a very precarious one. Very little news received here but a great many rumours abound. Death of George Poe of co. G. 21st inst., making 10 in all. Bot[Bought] one 1/2 galon[gallon] coffeepot for 75 cts. A right nice piece. Sun shining now but all appearances indicate more rain. Fresh beef for dinner and ham at breakfast and no telling what we will have for supper. Something very nice of course. Conrad Noss very sick. No intelligence from our scouts has yet been received. The boys on guard every other day. To[Too] bad! Orders received to ditch our quarters.

Camp Taylor, Huntsville, Alabama
April 22nd, '62

Guards detailed Officer of the day Capt. Vantin [Vantine] of Co. I Officer of provos guard Lieut. Bumpus of Co. E Officer of field guard Lieut. Anderson of Co. D. from Co. G 21 privates and one corp. Cleared up and the sun shown out beautifully and warm. Received my dress coat. 6 privates detailed from each co. to conduct the prisoners to Ohio. Capt. Canfield of co. K and Lieut. Dilworth & Lieut. Prior of co. H. were detailed to command the escort. But ere we could get ready the order was countermanded and co. H was taken. 10 p.m. & time to retire.

Camp Taylor, Huntsville
April 23rd

Up at 1/2 past 4 a.m. The morning broke in beautiful and clear. Co. H leaves with the prisoners for Ohio. Mail left at 41/2 a.m. Guards detailed from co. G 23 privates one sergt. & one corp. Lieut. Dilworth of co. G Officer of field guard Lieut. Monroe of co. F off. of provos guard Capt. Brewster of co. E Officer of the day. Co. E's capt. (Arnest) resigned and Brewster succeeded him. They held an election in order to supply the deficiency of Lieut. Bought one fish weighing 3 lbs for (1.25) one dollar & twenty-five cents. Bought one book at Huntsville, Al a book of poems, & payed five dollars for it. 9 p.m. & the countersign out. The sentinal [sentinel] no 10 challenges and is answered a friend without the countersign. Halt friend!--------- Officer of the guard at the top of his voice is heard to awaken the stillness of the night. I hacined [hastened] to see what was the frastion(?). I found the Chaplain of the 37th Ind. Vol. with a sergt. who had been wounded the night before in a skirmish at a bridge below Decatur between the Sergt. & 18 men (who had been sent out as a picket guard) and 3(?) co's cavalry of the confederate army. The 1st fire the Sergt. fell having been shot the ball entering at the right nostril and passing through his head to the left ear where it (the ball) came out. He was brought to our regt. to be treated by surgeon Young. The pickets fell back and the cavalry seized their blankets and piled them on the bridge and fired it. But their rejoicing was of short duration: for the pickets were reinforced and returned and routed the rebels in time to save the bridge. Nothing of any importance occurred during the night. Relieved at 1/2 past 8 a.m.

Camp Taylor, Huntsville
April 24th, '62

Guards detailed Officer of the day capt. Canfield of co. K., Officer of field guard Lieut. Cheney of co. E., Officer of provos guard Lieut. Knaggs of co. C., from co. G 18 privates & sergt. and one corp. I visited Huntsville today. Visited the big spring as it is called. From which the whole town is supplied with water by means of a forced pump or water works. The spring is 40 feet in diameter and 5 feet deep in the center. It runs through under the town and appears at the western side of the town flowing out of solid rocks, and at least it appears so to the observer. Enough water passes over the falls to 20 more such towns or to drive the best mills in Ohio. The water is clear and cold. The town of Huntsville is regularly laid out. The courthouse occupying the most conspicuous place in town. The courthouse is a very handsome one and is surrounded with a most splend[splendid] yard enclosed by an iron fence with 4 iron gates opposite the 4 outside doors. On the north and south is a splend stone pavement leading to the portico, which is entered by a flight of stone steps extending 2/3 the way or bredth[breadth] of the house. The floors are all stone. In the 2nd story and the northwest corner of the building is the sheriff's office. Douglass, a full cousin of the little giant. The court yard is filled with locust trees and and various others of a species not acclimated to the north. In all the beauty of nature's green and white. Fronting the court house may be seen, stores, groceries, jewelries, slop shops etc. Just east of the courthouse is there the Episcopal Church. A most splendid structure indeed; with a steeple running up to the highest of one hundred & 60 feet & one square east & one south may be seen the gigantic structure. The Presbyterian Church with its steeple running up and pointing towards the heavens at a distance of 190 feet from the basement, both houses are very large and show forth how very wealthy the denominations who built them. The Catholicks[Catholics] are building one which is to eclipse both the Presbyterians & the Episcopal.

The town of Huntsville is the most beautiful of all the towns I have yet visited. It is larger than Findlay and in riches not to be excelled by any. The rich are all marked not only by the buildings but also by the yards, the ornaments by which their yds are filled, the statues, the carved monuments of marble & &, with which their yards are filled or ornamented. Walking the streets in Nashville the ladies (dare I call them such) would spit from the windows of their room upon the officers; but here in Huntsville they will but (when sin(?) seen in yards or on the pavement evening promenade or when in their carriages) draw their veils over their mortal phizes to hide their southern beauty from the vulgar gaze of the more than vulgar Yankees of the north. Awful modest, awful modest are they not?

From the courthouse I passed one square east and then 2 north and took that street which leads to the cemetery. I passed on, passing several guards until I arrived at the place of the dead. What grandeur meets the eye in this place. Monuments of all kinds indented with very beautiful sentiments, and by the hand of the sculptor rendered susceptible of that high polish for which we so much admire it. Here in one grave rests 2 little ones, enclosed with a marble tomb with a monument on the top of which is panelled with glass and the form of 2 children sketched from marble laid side by side, so innocent, so lovely. And on the top of this are two little lambs side by side. The head of one reposing on the other. Oh! What respect is here shone[shown] to the dead. A little further down may be seen the tomb of 2 sisters, wives of different men but who died near the same time and were buried in the same tomb, their monuments running up separately only when they are connected by a marble wreath. Beautiful in life, Beautiful in death and may they be beautiful in Christ their savior at last. Oh that you could but be with me once and a while just to take a promenade, and to converse over the different prospects before us. Oh! But I would love to take a tour with you down through here and with you visit their places in peace when I have visited in war. May God hasten the day when this cruel rebellion will be brought to an end and each and every one enjoy his own vine & fig tree. After having visited all the beautiful monuments, I visited some new graves, graves where these seem the work of some loved one. Some of the secesh soldiers lie here. The ladies come out and strew their graves with flowers and wreaths of flower. Anover [And over] some you might see some fair one shed the tear of sorrowful remembrance. Poor girls but I can sympathize with you and in your sorrows share. There are 70 new graves, all of which bear arguement of the ravages of war. What is more touching than to see a lovely female whose hopes for the future were bright & flattering standing by the last resting of all their bosom held dear. This cemetery is ornamented shrubs, fir pine, spruce cedar, palm, ivy box, etc.. rosies [roses] and all manner of flowers. I returned to camp busied with thoughts of the future.

Camp Taylor, Huntsville Alabama
April 25th, '62

Dull & rainy. The rain commenced at 7 a.m. & has rained stedily until the present & the prospects are favorable for more rain. The case of Edward Draper of co. I is in cession[session] today but the witnesses are absent and therefore will have to be put off. Officer of guard Lieut. Patterson of co. K, officer of provos guard Lieut. Wood of co. I., Officer of the day Capt. Cusac of Co. G 21st, from co. G 15 privates one sergt. & one corp. Thomas Collins. E.A. Kelly, James Crosser(?) have returned with David Leiter from the Murfreesboro hospital and reported for duty. Bought a fly coat for the sum of 10 dollars. 9 p.m. and still raining. General Mitchell promoted to Maj. General. Sending and receiving dispatches every 1/2 hour. Some very important move about to be made. 150000 rebels reported at Corinth and fortfying[fortifying]. They are determined to make a desperate effort. The rebels are reported to be advancing on Huntsville, Alabama to recapture their great and important road. Five men from each co. was sent 33 mi. east by rail for wood.

Camp Taylor, Huntsville Alabama
April 26th, '62

7 months today since I left Camp Vance and the same length of time since I pressed the hand of her I hold most dear at the parting hour, and from the top of the car caught the last sight of my lady love. And saw her mild eyes of azur moist although she did not betray any feelings of emotion only a sad look to see her dear brother leave, and did not know whether or not she should ever see him more. An attack on our troops below Decatur and 18 men taken prisoners. The regiments remaining at Murfreesboro and Shelbyville sent for with all dispatch. Dark and louring. 1/2 8 & guards being mounted. Officer of the day Capt. Alban of co. F., Officer of provos guard Monroe of co. F., Officer of field guard Lieut. Lamb of co. B. We have with potatoes for dinner a rather rare dinner. Chicken from 25 cts 50 cts a piece, potatoes 2.50 cts for Lunch. Ain't that rather fast living. Orders received to march to Stephenson. Lieut. Porter with 2 privates and 30 others left for a posision [position?] near Decatur to act as guards. Nothing of importance occurred through the night.

Camp Taylor, Alabama
April 27th, '62

Sabbath morning sunny and beautiful. Guards detailed Capt. Brewster of co. E officer of the day. Officer of field guard Lieut. Wicker of co. K. Lieut. Bumpus of co. I officer of provos guard. From co. G. 18 privates. I attended church at Huntsville to day and heard a very good sermon from the text found Acts 17th Chapter & 23rd verse.

The preacher's name is Fred'k[Frederick] A. Ross, an old man. He throws all at us. Oh! What a church! The richest I ever saw. The names of all their pastors, are engraven on a marble slab set in the wall to the ministers left hand. These are the names up to the present time.

John Allen installed Nov. 1823 & died Nov. 14th 1843
Conway P. Wing installed April 17 1843 Resigned March 23rd 1848
Joseph H. Martin installed Oct 24, 1848 Resigned March 29th 1849
John H. Zavely installed May 3rd 1850 Resigned Feb. 18th 1852
John W. Hall cabled accept May 13th 1852 Installed June 3rd 1852 Resigned Nov. 22nd 1854
Fred'k A. Ross installed June 29 1855

2 soldiers brought in badly wounded. Received in a skirmish last night.

Monday April 28th, '62
Camp Taylor, Alabama

Guards detailed
Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of co. K., Officer of Lieut. Anderson of co. D.
Officer of provost guard Lieut. Dilworth of co. G. 3 prisoners taken. Orders to march were received for Stephenson Al. Nothing of importance occurred through the night.

Stephenson, Alabama April 29th, '62

Neither guards or officers of guards here all for themselves. Stevenson is situated within 2 1/2 miles from the Tenn. River and where the railroad from Nashville connects with the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. It is a small place built by the side of a Mt. [mountain] but is a place of importance. We left Camp Taylor at about 11 o'clock a.m. and arrived at Paintrock at 4 p.m. and there the bridge had been burned and let our train run into the River then we had to walk from thence, to this place a distance of 8 miles along the railroad and right through the swamp. You might have seen the aligators sunning themselves in the swamps. We quartered in a new house. Nothing of importance happened through the night.

Stephenson, Alabama
April 30th, '62

Damp and disagreeable but more pleasant now. The boys all out foraging. We have no rations on account of the bridges having been burned. Chickens pigs bread butter eggs etc... all brought in, but not without the loss of some blood. A dispatch received to return to Huntsville to save it from Price's forces.

May 1862

At the depot, Huntsville Al
May 1st, '62

We left Stephenson at 8 1/2 o'clock last night and walked out to the river. A distance of 8 miles against 11 o'clock and when we arrived there the train was in waiting for us. We jumped abord[aboard] and was here against 8 this morning.

We are quartered in the depot hotel. My quarters is the ticket office.

No guards today. 21 detailed to go to guard the bridge near the Tenn. River. Nothing occurred throughout the night.

Depot Huntsville Al.
May 2nd, '62

On the lookout all day but nothing occurred. The enemy when they heard that the 21onesters had come back did not come on but commenced building a boat to cross the river. Still no guards from the 21st, only scouts sent out to reconoiter[reconnoiter].

Hotel Hunts Alabama
May 3rd, '62

Guards detailed[;] Officer of the day Capt. McMahan of co. C, Officers of Pickets Lieuts. Wood of co. I, Cheney of co. E. Dilworth of co. G. 21 men of co. G 3 corps. 2 Sergts. Pretty well represented. Stationed 1 1/2 miles east of town, a very pleasant time. Detailed with one days rations and had to stand 2 days took 2 prisoners the 1st day Sababoth at noon though our day was up but no relief.

Sabbath May 4th, '62

No relief yet, all appearance of rain. Officer of Pickets the same as yesterday. Officer of the day Capt. Vantine. Everything passed off very smoothly untill about 8 p.m. when the rain commenced and rained on us all night and 'till after 10 a.m. of Monday the 5th May.

Camp Taylor, Huntsville
May 5th, 1862

Rained all night last night and up 'till 10 this morning, when it ceased to rain and it is more pleasant now. We were released by Lieut. Porter of co. G. and got to camp about noon. Very pleasant this afternoon. Co.'s G & C received orders to ly[lay] on their arms to night. Mitchell expected an attack from Morgan. 4 men of co. D, 4 from co. F, 6 from Co. A, 8 from co. C & 2 from co. E all ordered under arrest and put in the guardhouse by Gen. Mitchell for going into a house during the rain. He says he will send them home in disgrace. Col. Norton & Niebling both swear that if he sends those boys home the 21st Regt. will go with them. Officer of the day Capt. Brewster of co. E, Officer of field guard Lieut. Wicker of co. K, Lieut. Anderson of co. D. Officer of Provost guards of Huntsville. Col. Norton is Martial[Marshall?]. His wife has arrived here in this city.

Camp Taylor Huntsville Al
May 6th, '62

Officer of the day Capt. Canfield of co. K., Officer of field guard Lieut. Vance of co. B., Officer of provost guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C., from co. G. 11 men for provost guard at the courthouse. The long roll was beat and the alarm call sounded on the bugle at 1 o'clock this morning. The 21st was out in line in 8 minutes after the call was sounded. We remained in line of battle with bayonets fixed for a short time and then returned to our quarters and was not disturbed again. At 8 a.m. the citizens were very much alarmed at the report of our Parrot guns. They thought that their town was going up sure. But they were soon quieted on that score but did not like the news much better, when they heard what it meant. Rejoicing at the downfall of New Orleans, Yorktown & Macon. They are very solemcolly [solemn or melancholy?] this morning. Capt. Ewing of co. D was taken by Morgan's cavalry on last fridy [Friday] and was released on parole of honor on Sat. morning at 11 a.m. He & Gen. Mitchell Son and 266 men of our Division. Capt. Caton of co. H was either killed at the smash and conflagration of the cars near Decatur, Al on last Friday. He with his company had gone out as an escort with a lot of prisoners to Columbia and was returning with a dispatch for for Mitchell and was either killed or taken [prisoner] by the rebels. He was in the formost car and when the engine grounded the car was destroyed against the engine. The smoke stack fell on a Lieut. and part of the ruins of the engine on cap. [captain] Caton. The car filled with smoke and burned. The Lieut. said when he got up to go out he saw cap.[capt.] raise up on his hands & knees and that was the last he saw of him. The cars with all the mail was burned. And just where the capt. had been was found bones of a man burned and a part of a sword. His comp.[company] was coming back with the Division train. The Lieut. and 36 men was attacked by 300 of the Morgan cav[cavalry] and he with the 36 men kept him them at bay for 2 hours and a half. They killed and wounded a number and lost 2 killed and 9 taken prisoners. The balance arrived safely at Athens. An[And] from that time we have heard nothing of either them or the train. In the burned train our mail was burned with all the provisions that was on board. I know there was 2 or 3 letters of mine burned, for they were due. The paroles have come and we must go to work and make them out. We have just returned from the funeral of old Mr. McKinsey [Lewis McKinsey] of co. G. He died with erysipelas. Capt. Albans & capt. Vantine's co's escorted us to the funeral. We buried him in the honors men firing 24 shots over his last resting place. We laid him in the cemetery in Huntsville. The wounded are coming in constantly. The hospitals are full.

Camp Taylor, Huntsville, Alabama
May 7th, '62

Guards detailed Officer of the day Capt. Cusac of co. G. 21st, Officer of provost guard Lieut. Anderson of co. D., Officer of field guard Lieut. Bumpus of co. I., from co. G 17 privates one sergt. & one corp. J.H. Cumerine and G.W. Brooks are very busy getting ready to leave the service & return home to old Hancock. General Mitchell delivers a speach[speech] to the 20onesters. Concerning the exigencies of the times. He exalted the 21st and indeed the whole of the 3rd Division almost to ------ --------- You know where. More wounded have arrived. J.C. Calhoun's house taken for a hospital. The most splendidly furnished house I ever saw. And the most beautiful drawing. Entirely. 3 letters written, one to Mr. Bowman in answer to his of the 23rd ult., one to x Lieut. Webber & one to my little Lois, which I intend sending with Crumerine. I likewise put up my book termed the library of English & American female poets. Which I send to L.A.B. as a present, likewise a package of books to my little niece M.E. Wortman & John Stahl residing at Wortmans. Scouting parties hourly going out and returning. Reported to be fighting at Corinth. Retreating sloly[slowly] but surely 2 miles per day. Seven more prisoners brot[brought] in. One hundred & fifty of Morgan's cavalry taken by Dumont. The boy did not leave for home on account of the bridge not being completed. The rebels call us the most impudent set of locomotive thieves they ever saw or heard tell of. The remainder of co. H taken prisoners.

Camp Taylor Huntsville, Alabama
May 8th, '62

Guards detailed, Officer of the day capt. Alban of co. H., Officer of provost guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C., Officer of field guard Lieut. Knaggs of co. C., from co. G. 19 privates, one corp. More prisoners. 8 soldiers brought in badly wounded. 300 cavalry sent out as scouts. Heavy skirmishing at Corinth. Lieut. Monroe very sick. E.S. Bartlow of co. G taken to the hospital sick of fever. J.W.C. & G.W. Brooks still disappointed on account of the bridge. Nothing of importance occurred during the day and evening.

Friday May 9th, '62

Guards detailed. Officer of the day Capt. Vantine of co. I., Officer of provost guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C, Officer of field guard Lieut. Patterson of co. K, from co. G. 27 privates one corp. & one sergt. G.W. Brooks & J.W. Crumerine left for home this morning via Athens. Orders were received to march with blankets & 2 days rations. The enemy in strength came over the river 10 miles S.W. of Athens and attack our men on picket carrying off one co. and one capt. & 2nd Lieut. of another co. of the 37th Ind.Volunteers. Across the river they displayed the rebel Ensign. 2 regts. Of infantry, 600 cav. & one battery. We were sent for forthwith and responded immediately. We left camp at 10 p.m. and arrived at Athens at 5 a.m. of the 10th.

Athens May 10th, '62

No guards detailed but quarters in the fairground. At the fight yesterday 4 were killed and one wounded so that he died last night. An attack expected today. General Terchan[Turchin] ordered his men to do their own will for 3 hours. Said he, I do not command this brigade for that time. The boys made a general pitch in, and just more than raked the town. It was in a sad state when we arrived there, not a store or house but was the quarters of some band of soldiers to[too] bad is it not?---- His men has the most fatal accidents happen to them of any brigade. We arrived here this morning at 5 o'clock and found G.W. Brooks & J.W. Crumerine Blockaded on account of the fight. They returned to Huntsville this afternoon.

Athens AL. May 11th, '62

I was detailed for picket duty. I took post at 7 p.m. And was not relieved until 1 p.m. of the 11th. Nothing of importance occurred untill about 1/2 past 11 a.m. when a heavy firing of musketry & riflery attracted our attention. We have not learned yet what it was; but our cavalry went out in that direction. We had orders to leave at 1 p.m. for Huntsville and had to comply: Therefore we could not ascertain the cause of the firing.

Camp Taylor Huntsville AL.

Officer of the day Capt. McMahan of co. C, Officer of guard Lieut. Wiley of co. C., from co. G 7 privates & one corp. Capt. Walker's co. (B) on picket today. J.W. Crumerine refuses to carry my book to transfer it from it's present owner to it's future one L.A.B. G.W. Brooks through his politeness agrees to carry it to its place of destination. They leave tomorrow for the north via of Shelbyville & Murfreesboro.

We left Athens Al. yesterday for Huntsville, Al. at 1 1/2 p.m. where we arrived at 5 p.m. We had a very pleasant ride. When we arrived here we found all right. We have got rid of provost guard duty. We are ordered to be ready to march at a minute's warning. The mail came in today the first for some time. The last, all having been captured or burned by the rebels. I received a letter from Mrs. Bowman today (the 12th May) dated April 6th, don't that beat all, how quick the mail comes through. This is a brief history of the transactions, actions etc.. of the 21st regt. O.V.--- U.S.A.

Camp Taylor Alabama
May 12th, '62

Miss L.A. Blakeman

Dearest Lois:------

With that respect & true regard due none but mine own intended. I once more attempt to address myself to you Dearest Lois.

Our Regt. was ordered to march to Athens on last Friday night, to reinforce the 18th O. & the 27th Ind. Regts. who were stationed at Athens. The 37th had stationed pickets at a bridge across the Elk River. The enemy came on and capt[captured] all but 5 of the company 4 of the 5 were killed on the field & one wounded so that he died that night. We left at 10 that night and arrived at Athens at 5 the next morning. The first sight which greeted our eyes was the dead laid on a hand car. George W. Brooks & J.W. Crumerine had left for Hancock this morning but when they got to Athens and found that they were fighting they retreated to Huntsville where they are yet. We remained at Athens until Sabbath p.m. when we left for Huntsville where we arrived at 5 p.m. after a very pleasant ride.(something new for the 21st was it not?)---- Nothing of importance occurred until about an hour and a half before we left. Our cavalry went out in the morning and about 1/2 past 11 a.m. a heavy fire of musketry and riflery was heard in that directions but we had to leave and have not heard the result. 2 of our men were missing when we left and we had to come away without them. I had a squad out on picket, and cap. & Lieut. Porter had the balance. They went out at one o'clock at night, and when we left 2 of caps. squad was gone. James Ward & W.H. Waltman, but do not mention it to anyone. J.R. Porter & William Bensinger went out of our co. as spies and were taken above Chattanooga. I fear we will never see them more. Oh Lois! You will hardly believe me when I tell you I have not seen a negro since I have come out but loves their master and are much better treated than they would treat themselves. Wherever there is a plantation you might see a town of negro houses. And in many instances they are frame and in some brick. They are all comfortable. Some are anxious to be free but I do not believe they would stay in the north 2 years if they were free.

Saturday afternoons they dress up and pay their addresses to their lady loves. They make a big spread on Sabbath day. I attended the funeral of those 5 of the 37th Ind. on Sat. eve. General Tuchan[Turchin] led the procession & bearheaded[bareheaded] witnessed the burial of his dead. Col. Niebling & Capt. McMahan of co. C are ordered to Corinth. They leave tomorrow. I will send this with George Brooks. But I must close. I am well & God grant you an enjoying good health.

R.S. LAB.

[last page has arithmetic scratchwork, including:]

124
 17 dead
107
 17 discharged
 90
 24 Absent sick
 66 
  3 killed
 63
  2 daily duty
 63
  5 detached duty
 58
  2 absent with leave
 56
  1 without leave
 55

MS 800 - Robert S. Dilworth Papers Transcripts (April - May 1862)

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Robert S. Dilworth - Personal Journal: April 3 - May 12, 1862

Memorandum of R.S. Dilworth, 2d Lieut. of Co.G, 21st Regt O.V. U.S. (not just of R.S. but of his travails)

April 1862

May 1862

[last page has arithmetic scratchwork, including:]