1/1/1863
Wrote a letter to my parents and got another newspaper from
Abram Baer.
1/2
We cut logs with an axe and we blocked up a house.
1/3
Our company again went to picket and I stayed back to make a
fireplace for our Lieutenant.
1/4
I am helping blocking a house up for our Lieutenant.
1/5
In the morning, orderly John Crowley died. We chinked the house
and stared the chimney. Afternoon, we had a battalion drill and
buried John Crowley. The orders were given by John Horn and we
shot three rounds.
1/6
We finished the chimney and the house and received a letter form
Abram Baer.
1/7
Wrote a letter to Abram Baer.
1/8
Made a chimney for our Captain.
1/9
Made a chimney for Captain Boebel.
1/10
I became Sergeant. Evening, we had a joyful time and drank alot.
1/11 Sunday
I got a letter from Jacob Wagner and Fred Dowlend and one from
my parents who sent three dollars. One dollar pay back to John
Ritger.
1/12
Wrote to Jacob Wagner and Fred Dowlend. Our company (Verbing ?).
1/13
Drilled in Forenoon. Afternoon, picket. Pass word was
"Kentucky". Evening, some one arrived in my line who wanted to
visit a sick friend in Dumfries and It looked like M. Cracken.
This man stayed the night with my reserve. Also, one of the
guards became sick one quarter hour before his relief came.
1/14
In the morning I sent two men home, the German gave him some of
my coffee and crackers. When I came back at noon, there was Nic
Immel and Conrad Fenzel. They came to visit and we had a great
time.
1/15
Conrad and Nic went back to their regiment. We waited to come
along but couldn't get a pass.
1/16
Wrote to H. Wendelborn.
1/17
Didn't do anything. It was a cold day.
1/18 Sunday
Forenoon, inspection. Afternoon, me and John Remmel got orders,
along with twenty men, to get ready for a march in the morning.
1/19
In the morning, 5:00 am, we marched ten miles, to Bell Plains (right),
to erect a hospital there. Afternoon, had to erect tents with
ten men from company H. Also, two steam ships arrived with sick
men.
1/20
Erected tents. Again two steam ships of sick men, of which, six
had already died.
1/21
Put trenches around the tents.
1/22
I had them carry beds. Afternoon, Aquia Creek Landing (right), where we
slept in the warehouse.
1/23
We went back to our regiment that advanced two miles.
1/24
Advanced four miles.
1/25 Sunday
We didn't do anything.
1/26
We went three miles. General Sigel rode by on his horse and
asked us if there was enough groceries.
1/27
Again to Hartwood Church (right), ten miles. It rained the whole day.
1/28
Again we didn't move. Cold weather with snow.
1/29
Went on guard by the Brigadier Headquarters and signed for pay
roll and got a song book from my brother.
1/30
Forenoon, guard. Rusco stabbed a scout to death, he was tied,
close to General Schurz's headquarters. He was ordered to do
this. Afternoon, got our pay. I got thirty-three dollars.
1/31
I got a letter from my parents with five dollars, and Abram Baer
with four steel pens. I finished our chimney.
2/1 Sunday
I wrote a letter to my parents and Abram Baer, and received one
from Herman Zipp.
2/2
I got a newspaper from Abram Baer and a letter form John
Biederbeck and wrote to Herman Zipp and Biederbeck.
2/3
I was on forward guard. I took a diserter as prisoner, from the
103rd New York regiment. Word was "Antietam".
2/4
Forenoon, forward guard. Gave the deserter to the Provost
Marshal. Cold night.
2/5
Night at 12:00am, we had to get up to receive our rations.
Marched at 8:00 for six miles. Snowed. Evening, it started to
rain for the whole night.
2/6
Went for ten miles near Brooks Station.
2/7
Rested
2/8
Sunday inspection - wrote letter to my parents
2/9
Put the house on blocks again.
2/10
Chinked the house.
2/11
Made chiminey and fireplace
2/12
Forward post three miles away. Word was quote "shum."
2/13
Forenoon, on pickets.
2/14
Inspection and wash day.
2/15 Sunday.
Rainy weather.
2/16
Forenoon, had drill. Afternoon. inspection from Hooker (right), Sigel,
Schurz, Krzyzanowski and got a letter from parents.
2/17
It snowed.
2/18
Rained and got a newspaper from my brother.
2/19
Did nothing.
2/20
Got a letter from my parents.
2/21
Wrote a letter to my parents and I built a portal (arch) to
honor and marched through.
2/22 Sunday
Snowed. Washington's Birthday.
2/23
Cold day. Received letter from parents.
2/24
Wrote to Karl Schmidt.
2/25
Wrote to parents
2/26
I was on forward guard, word was "bath." Rained terribly.
2/27
I was on forward guard. Afternoon, got a letter from my parents.
2/28
One from Company B shot himself through the head because of
uncleanliness (unclear).
3/1 Sunday
Wrote to parents and sent five dollars. Then Mustering.
3/2
Washday.
3/3
I wrote a letter to John Hebluser and drilled.
3/4
On Division guard.
3/5
Division guard. Got a letter from home.
3/6
Wrote to parents. Got one from Herman Zipp.
3/7
I had myself photographed. Martin Armo was here for a visit.
3/8
Went to visit the 5th Regiment.
3/9
Went to visit the 6th Regiment.
3/10
Went back to our regiment.
3/11
I got a letter and newspaper from my parents.
3/12
I sent a letter and the picture to my parents. We drilled.
3/13
Drill.
3/14
I went to "Vertinge" duty. Got a letter from John Heldiser and
answered it.
3/15 Sunday
Had inspection and dress parade.
3/16
On "Vertinge" duty. A road was built from trees.
3/17
Forward duty. Grand reserve number one the word was "London."
3/18
Our outpost number three, counter sign was "Warsaw." I got a
letter from Jacob Wagner.
3/19
Picket number three, counter sign was "Lisbon."
3/20
I got a letter and newspaper from parents and answered.
3/21
Wrote a letter to Jacob Wagner.
3/22 Sunday
Wrote a letter to Jacob Hert and I got a letter from my parents
and answered it.
3/23
Drilled and wrote a letter to Henry Lemke.
3/24
Drilled. We exercised and our lieutenant gave us wine and we
had an enjoyable day.
3/25
Drilled. Corporal Alfred Cassell died.
3/26
Buried Corporal Cassell. Snowed. Got a letter from John
Heldmeier. Newspaper from my brother.
3/27
Forenoon, general inspection and afternoon drill.
3/28
Drill and wrote to John Heldmeier. Rained.
3/29 Palm Sunday
Forward duty, guard reserve number two, picket number three,
outpost number one, counter sign was "Frederick."
3/30
On reserve. Got a letter and newspaper from my parents and it
snowed heavily.
3/31
On picket. Afternoon, we were relieved by our lieutenant and
everyone received a glass of beer from him.
4/1
I wrote a letter to my parents and Germany.
4/2
Drilled. I sent crackers and bacon to William Gant.
4/3
Forenoon, day drill. Afternoon, review with General Howard who
got the command of the 11th Corps from Sigel.
4/4 Wash day. Sent a letter and newspaper to parents.
4/5 Easter Sunday
Snowed.
4/6 Easter Monday.
Got a letter and newspaper from parents.
4/7
Wrote letter to parents. Target shooting.
4/8
Election. 47 democrats, 5 republican in our company. I was the
election clerk. Received a letter and newspaper from parents.
4/9
Target shooting. Drill.
4/10
A review for President Lincoln. He is a long, thin and haggard
man. He had ten women and a large amount of officers. Received
a 25 gun salute. Afternoon, mustering. Received a letter from
Henry Lemke.
4/11
Wash day. Wrote a letter to parents, Henry Lemke, and Herman
Zipp.
4/12 Sunday
Forenoon, general inspection. Afternoon, dress parade. Letter
from Herman Zipp.
4/13
Forward guard, grand guard number one, countersign "Norfolk."
Weather nice.
4/14
Forward guard, countersign "Dumfries." Night started to rain.
4/15
Forenoon, at 10 am rained the whole day.
4/16
Got a letter and newspaper from parents and answered it.
4/17
Forenoon, drill. Afternoon, had to learn signals and it was
nice weather.
4/18
Maneuvers. Afternoon, on camp guard and the weather was warm.
4/19
Forenoon, on guard. Afternoon, on review for Governor Salomon.
Warm weather.
4/20
Rainy weather. Got a letter from Jacob Hert.
4/21
Answered Jacob Hert. Afternoon, brigade guard. Warm weather.
4/22
Brigade guard. Wrote to Pay Bollswater. Weather warm.
4/23
We were on camp guard. It rained.
4/24
Camp guard. Rained very heavily.
4/25
Got money. Paid up to March. Received fifty-nine dollars.
Also received money that I have lent to others. Letter and
newspaper from parents. Sent sixty dollars to parents through
Adams Express.
4/26 Sunday
Inspection. Received marching orders. Warm weather
4/27
Received rations for eight days. Left at 5 am two miles behind
Hardwood Church, eighteen miles. Warm.
4/28
Left at 4 am. After sixteen miles we rested. Went on. At
night, 11:30 p.m. we went across the Rappahonock River. The
whole night through to morning of 4 am. In evening our
lieutenant had words for the captain. Lieutenant took his saber
off. Captain straightened things out, marched another six
miles. Raining.
4/29
Forenoon, forward guard. Thirty paces from my reserve. There
was a small fighting between our cavalry and guerillas. One of
ours was killed and one was wounded and one was taken prisoner.
Two guerillas were taken prisoner. Afternoon, continued to
march 14 miles to the Rapidan, where the 12th Corps got several
hundred prisoners who were building a bridge for Stonewall
Jackson. Night at 11 p.m. went over Rapidan and three miles
beyond.
4/30
Morning, rested. Afternoon, we marched ten miles and it rained.
5/1
Forenoon, did nothing. Afternoon, we moved over 1/2 miles to
the left where the rebels attacked us. We were on the outer
right wing of the line of combat and had our position behind a
hill. The bombs flew above us and next to us. Evening, the
33rd Massachusetts Regiment made a bayonet attack and captured a
cannon. We had one wounded. The 29th New York had one wounded
through a bomb. At night we built rifle pits for the 29th New
York and we were lying on the plank road.
5/2 (Chancellorsville Day 1)
Forenoon, nothing happened. Afternoon, we changed our position
and went to a hill right behind the woods. Our skirmishers
positioned ourselves in the woods. Around 5 p.m the battle
started. I was drinking coffee, the Rebels had gone around us
and we received orders, after a short skirmish to go back. We
lost through death 12: Cpt. C. Pizzala, Corporals H. Guenther,
J. Weinand, G. Rusco, Privates, R. Daily, J. Dixheimer, J.
Steinmetz, J. Schmidt, C. Vetter, Franz Zilsdorf, and M. Zoeger;
wounded 16: Sergt. H. Blenker, Corporals F. Guenther, A.
Fullerton, Privts. M. Abbott, F. Disller, Ch. Fenz, J. Knobel,
H. Miller, F. Schaefer, P. Ullwelling, J. Meier, R. Templeton,
P. Dellenbach, G. Emmet;t, P. Ripplinger, and M. Shupp; missing:
J. Lauermann, taken prisoners 3: Orderly W. Satter, Privates
N. Allen, E. Smith, Total 32 out of 65
5/3 Sunday (Chancellorsville Day 2)
Morning, fresh troops came and the battle began again. The
Rebels were pressed back and prisoners were made.
5/4 (Chancellorsville Day 3) Advanced our positions behind a hill and we were to protect a battery. I became acting orderly and had to write out the report of our losses. Noon, advance somewhat to the right and received fresh rations. Evening, changed our position and advanced somewhat.
5/5
We kept our position. It rained terribly. Twelve at night we
got into the rifle pits.
5/6
Morning, 4 am we marched back over the Rappahonock. From there
to Stafford Courthouse. Twenty miles to our old quarters.
5/7
Didn't do much, it rained.
5/8
Got a letter from Jacob Wagner and wrote to parents.
5/9
I got a letter and newspaper from parents and wrote to Jacob
Wagner. Our clothing was inspected and we had to write down
what was lost in the battle.
5/10 Sunday
Inspection. Warm weather.
5/11
I made out the muster and payrolls and the discipline list. Hot
weather.
5/12
Wrote a letter to parents. Hot weather.
5/13
Made a list of lost equipment.
5/14
Letter and newspaper from parents and made out the discipline
list.
5/15
Wrote a letter to the father of Jacob Weisand. Got our marching
orders.
5/16
Morning, 6 am, marched one mile. I commanded the company
because the lieutenant was sick. We took down the tents.
5/17
Inspection. Letter to parents.
5/18
Letter and newspaper from parents. C. Vetter died and was
buried.
5/19
Drill. I drilled the company.
5/20
General inspection. Wrote to parents.
5/21
Made out muster and payroll. Drilled the company very strongly.
5/22
I wrote to John Meier. Drilled company but had a good time.
5/23
My birthday. Wash day.
5/24
Inspection.
5/25
Letter from Jacob Wagner and answered. There was a letter from
Nic Young and Weinand, and I wrote to P. Immel.
5/26
Forenoon, drill. Afternoon, review from General Howard.
5/27
Drill. Got letter from Jacob Wagner and answered.
5/28
Drill. Letter from John Meier.
5/29
Drill.
5/30
Signed for payroll and got a letter from Reinhardt Schneph and
answered.
5/31 Sunday
Inspection. Wrote to John Meier.
6/1
Washday. Wrote to parents
6/2
Drilled and paid for two months.
6/3
Received a letter from parents and answered.
6/4
Letter from John Bedlebeck.
6/5
Got a letter from parents and Weinant. Evening, strong cannon
thunder on our front which lasted several hours.
6/6
Wash day. Letter to my parents and Weinant.
6/7 Sunday
Inspection. Letter to Abram Baer.
6/8
Nothing happened.
6/9
Letter and newspaper sent to my parents.
6/10
Drill and letter from John Meier.
6/11
Drilled. Received marching orders.
6/12
Left at noon and marched twelve miles near Barea Church.
6/13
Morning at 3 a.m. we went on to Beaverville, 22 miles. Noon,
rest for two hours, very hot.
6/14 Sunday
We went on till the evening, 10 p.m., 24 miles. We positioned
close to Centerville. Got a letter from brother.
6/15
Morning, we went on through Centerville along the Gainesville
road, 4 miles. But we could have reached the place in 1/4 mile.
We didn't do much less that day and visited Herman Zipp.
6/16
Our brigade was put on forward guard and we were positioned on
Bull Run River in the woods.
6/17
Morning at 2 am we went on. We marched 28 miles to Goose Creek,
5 miles this side of Leesburg. Terrible heat, some had
sunstroke.
6/18
Got up at 4 am, started marching at 9 only two miles.
Positioned ourselves in a battle line. Nothing happened that
day and it rained in the evening.
6/19
Nothing happened and it rained.
6/20
Nothing happened and it rained.
6/21 Sunday
Company built up. I bought a revolver from John Remmel.
6/22
I received two letters and two newspapers from my parents.
6/23
Letter to my parents.
6/24
Forenoon, marched to Edward's Ferry, eight miles.
6/25
Morning at 3 am left for Jefferson, Maryland, 24 miles, it
rained.
6/26
Afternoon, we went to Middletown, eight miles. It rained
somewhat.
6/27
Nothing happened. Received letter from Jacob Heipp and answered.
6/28 Sunday
Left at noon, went to Frederick, 12 miles. Arrived at 11 p.m.
and Frederick had twenty towers and looked half the size of
Milwaukee and some rain.
6/29
Left at 5 a.m to Emmetsburg. Twenty-four miles. It rained
strongly.
6/30
Went for two miles, layed still. Got a letter from Jacob Wagner
and sent one to E.G. Best.
7/1 (Gettysburg Day 1)
Forenoon, we went to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, sixteen miles.
Marched ten miles without rest. Afternoon, 4:00 p.m. we went
into the battle behind the town in a wheat field. We had to
face a strong artillery fire until our artillery came in to make
them stop. Then we had to face a small (musket) gun fire.
After half hour we got orders to withdraw because the enemy was
too strong. We retreated before the town to a cemetery, stopped
and positioned behind a stone fence until we got reinforcement
which came during the night. Our losses in Company G were 25
men in 33 men: Corp. George Koehler, Corp. and Colobearer J.
Rilger, Privates F. Fritz, P. Kuhn, N. Young, F. Zilsdorf;
wounded: H. Fuerstenberg, Sergt. J. Schultz, Corps. John
Walter, H. Mueller, Privts. G. Dellenbach, B. Daul, J. Filling,
C. Frenz, Ch. Frienz, Ch. Hapemann, J. Heinz, W. Hughes, G.
Metzner, G. Schultz, H. Stubanus, J. Weidemann, P. Walters;
missing Prvt. J. Cervlson; Prisoners: Privt. H. Starg,
I received six ball holes through my rubber.
7/2 (Gettysburg Day 2)
Forenoon, regrouped. Afternoon, at 4 p.m. rebels started to
attack us until 10 p.m. but it was repelled with heavy losses.
Heavy artillery fire was kept up the whole time and it rained
somewhat.
7/3 (Gettysburg Day 3)
Artillery fire opened the day, whereby the rebels threw a lot of
bombs to our lines. We were lucky because they did not explode.
Also, the rebels made several desperate attacks but they were
thrown back every time with heavy losses. At night they left
our position and in file. It rained somewhat.
7/4
Everything is quiet. Our regiment had to go two miles as
skirmishers. Made forty prisoners without firing a shot.
7/5 Sunday
Our captain came to visit our wounded. We also marched six
miles in the evening. It rained.
7/6
We went to Emmetsburg, Maryland, ten miles.
7/7
Morning at 3 am. left to Middletown, 37 miles. We stopped at 11
p.m at night. It rained strongly.
7/8
Forenoon, we didn't do anything. It rained. Afternoon, we went
to Boonsbourgh where there were still rebels but withdrew too
fast when we attacked.
7/9
We were relieved through the Sixth Corps. Went to reserves and
wrote two letters to parents.
7/10
6 a.m. we marched six miles and wrote letter to Faisley and
Weil.
7/11
Did nothing and I wrote to parents and received one.
7/12
Marched six miles further to Funkstown.
7/13
We didn't march. Built fortification.
7/14
Went to Hagerstown, then Williamsport where the rebels went over
the Potomac - eighteen miles.
7/15
Went back through Hagerstown to Middletown - thirty miles.
7/16
Through Jefferson - sixteen miles.
7/17
Started muster and payroll. Received a letter from Jacob Heipp.
7/18
Finished muster and payroll.
7/19 Sunday
Went through Berlin (right), over the Potomac, into Virginia - eighteen
miles.
7/20
Went on sixteen miles.
7/21
Wrote a let to Jacob Heipp.
7/22
Wrote a letter to parents. Made out the monthly report.
7/23
We went on through Middlesburg and Middplains to New Baltimore-
thirty miles. Evening, our whole regiment went forward three
miles, then two back.
7/24
Morning, we had to go on to the cross road of New Salem and
Warrenton where we were also on forward guard.
7/25
Went on to Warrenton Junction - fourteen miles. Our regiment had
to guard the wagon train.
7/26 Sunday
Made out the discipline list. Got a letter from parents and
Christian Fremz.
7/27
I wrote a letter to parents and Christian Fremz and Jacob Heinz.
7/28
I got a letter form Jacob Heinz and we went on for two miles.
7/29
Made out the quarterly of the ordinance store.
7/30
Did nothing.
7/31
Made out the monthly and quarterly return of deceased soldiers.
Wrote a letter to M. E. Cole of Cincinnati.
8/1
We went on for ten miles.
8/2 Sunday
Did not go any place. Built tents.
8/3
Went back to Wierville and I got a letter from Peter Dellenbach.
8/4
Made inventory of deceased soldiers. Signed payroll and wrote a
letter to Abram Baer.
8/5
Made out discipline list. Wrote a letter to Schultz in Iowa.
8/6
Wrote a letter to parents and John Bedlebech. Also sent back
George Koehler letters.
8/7
Wrote a letter to Henry Lemke.
8/8
I received the discipline roll for C. E. Cole and got a letter
form Peter Walter.
8/9 Sunday
Made out the quarterly return for clothing.
8/10
I sold my revolver to William Wehe. Wrote a letter to Jacob
Heinz, Peter Bedlebech, Peter Walter, and I made out the
discipline list.
8/11
I received and answered a letter from Martin Arno.
8/12
Received a letter form parents and Jacob Heipp, and answered to
parents.
8/13
I picked up clothing and wrote a letter to Jacob Heipp.
8/14
General inspection and received a letter form parents.
8/15
Received marching orders and made out the discipline list.
8/16 Sunday
Wrote a letter to parents. Inspection and guard the rail road
near Warrenton Junction.
8/17
Still on rail road guard.
8/18
Morning, relieved and went to a fresh camp and built tents.
Evening, went back to old camp.
8/19
Did not move.
8/20
Received a letter from Peter Dellenbech and answered.
8/21
Received a letter from parents, Charles Hafemann and William
Abel.
8/22
Wrote letter to Charles Hafemann and William Able and received
on form Abram Baer.
8/23 Sunday
Wrote a letter to parents and Abram Baer, and received a letter
form parents.
8/24
Wrote a letter to the West Bend Turners and I started muster and
payroll.
8/25
Wrote a letter to parents. Went to Cattlet Station - two miles.
Went to new camp and made tents.
8/26
Received a letter from Jacob Wagner and Eugene Hook.
8/27
Finished muster and payroll
8/28
Made out the descriptive list.
8/29
Wrote letters to Jacob Wagner and Eugene Hook.
8/30
Received a letter from parents, also answered.
8/31
Muster. Letter from Jacob Heipp and a newspaper form Charles
Hafemann.
9/1
Wrote a letter to Jacob Hiepp and Charles Hafemann and received
a photo of parents and brother, also Captain Fuerstenberg came
back.
9/2
Wrote a letter to parents. Inspection and review for General
Howard.
9/3
Target shooting. Wrote a letter to John Reisse and received one
from John Meier.
9/4
Signed payroll. Sent a letter and W. P. to John Meier. Received
a letter from parents.
9/5
Wrote to parents
9/6 Sunday
Received a letter from Charles Hafemann.
9/7
We were paid
9/8
Received a letter from William Abel on Monday. Made out the
return list of clothing pieces.
9/9
Received a letter form Charles Hafemann and the Turner
Organization. Sent Thirty dollars to parents.
9/10
Got my commission as orderly and made out the descriptive
list. The camp again was changed. Wrote a letter to parents,
Turner's and William Abel.
9/11
Received a letter from parents and John Meier, and made out the
monthly return of clothing.
9/12
Made out the descriptive list. Sent newspaper to parents.
9/13 Sunday
Received a letter from Jacob Heipp and Jacob Ritger, and also
answered Jacob Ritger.
9/14
Wrote to parents and Jacob Heipp.
9/15
Received bandage (or cloth wrap) from parents. Picked up
clothing. Target shooting.
9/16
Noon, went to Rappahannock Station (right)- fourteen miles. Arrived at
10:00 in the evening.
9/17
Went over the river. Built tents on the hills which was
surrounded by rifle pits. Also received a letter from my parents
and Abram Baer, and answered Abram Baer.
9/18
One from Company F (Alois Koetzedinger of Manitowoc) drowned in the Rappahannock. Stormy. Wrote
to parents.
9/19
Received a letter from parents and John Meier.
9/20 Sunday
Inspection
9/21
Target shooting. Cold night.
9/22
Wrote to John Meier, Carl Wilket and Herman Zeipp.
9/23
Changed camp again to Fort Diggs on the river. Built tents and
got a letter from parents and answered it.
9/24
Received marching orders. Evening, 10:30 through the whole
night.
9/25
Morning, to Warrenton Junction to Manassas - twenty-six miles,
where we arrived in the afternoon at 5:00. Evening, we went
into railroad cars and left at 9:00 p.m. Night at 12:00 we
arrived in Alexandria.
9/26
Morning at 2:00 at Washington, D.C. After 2:00 p.m. Harper's
Ferry, (right) VA, which is almost all burnt down. Evening at 6:00, in
Martinsburg where we received coffee and bread.
9/27 Sunday
Morning at 8:00 in New Creek, Maryland, where we received
morning sun. We passed through the day, we passed several
tunnels, some quite long.
9/28
Morning at 4:00 a.m. we went over the Ohio River at Belaire,
Ohio. Afternoon, Zanesville, evening in Columbus.
9/29
Forenoon, 10:00 a.m. in Indianapolis, Indiana.
9/30
Morning in Jeffersonville, then we went on a boat to Louisville,
KY.
10/1
We went through several tunnels. Noon, in Nashville, TN (right).
10/2
In Stevensville, AL. Forenoon, at 10:00 in Bridgeport, where we
moved into the camp of Fort Deist near the Tenopa River. Along
the road everything was destroyed.
10/3
Didn't do much. Lay still and rested. In all of Bridgeport, not
a house was to be seen.
10/4 Sunday
Inspection. Wrote letter to parents.
10/5
Everything quiet.
10/6
Bought golden quilt from Henry Allen. Drill.
10/7
Rainy weather.
10/8
Drill. Warm weather
10/9
Drill. Regimental inspection. Evening at 11:00 we received our
marching orders and left right away.
10/10
On the railroad. Through Stevenson to Cumberland Inlet.
Tunneled where the rebels threw stones through the air holes.
We had to remove stones and we guarded the tunnel that day,
because the old guard left unauthorized. Evening, rode back
after we were relieved.
10/11 Sunday
Morning at 3:00 we were back at camp. I commanded the company
because the lieutenant was sick.
10/12
Our company was on forward guard.
10/13
Strong rain weather the whole day.
10/14
Strong rain weather and our camp was on patrol.
10/15
Rain weather requisitions were given out.
10/16
Rainy weather. Wrote letter to parents. Made out monthly
return.
10/17
Rainy weather. Our company was on (?verting).
10/18 Sunday
General inspection. Rain weather. Descriptive list on deserter
William Salter.
10/19
The company was on picket
10/20
Built tents. Received company box.
10/21
Stormy rain weather. Made out descriptive list.
10/22
Rain weather. Made out quarterly return of ordnance return.
10/23
Morning at 5, we went on patrol, Shellmound, Ga. - ten miles. It
was raining cats and dogs. We had to help rebuild the rail road
bridge which was burned by the rebels. Also, we had to get a
locomotive and several cars from the coal mine where the rebels
tried to burn there. Also, I saw the famous Niggerjack Cave as
well as the salt mines. Night, I and company was on forward
guard.
10/24
After 5, we arrived back at our camp. Rained some what.
10/25 Sunday
Fixed tents. Made out the Descriptive list and received marching
orders.
10/26
The marching orders were postponed to the 27th. Made out muster
and pay roll. Regimental inspection and got clothing.
10/27
Morning, we marched sixteen miles. Evening at 6 we rested. This
road went along the rail road. It was mountainous and bad.
10/28 (Battle at Wauhatchie)
Marched fourteen miles to Lookout Valley. Afternoon at 3:00, we
had a small skirmish. Our regiment was with the wagon train.
Night at 1:00, the battle started. We immediately went forward.
Stayed in the ravine and marched back and forth until the
morning.
10/29
Morning at 6:00, we marched on along Lookout Mountain and
received our position on the right wing. On the way there, we
were bombarded down from Lookout Mountain, from which two men
from Company E. were badly wounded. We built file pits and
positioned ourselves behind them.
10/30
Cold rainy weather
10/31
Evening, we changed our position. It was very quiet.
11/1
First, didn't do anything. As soon as anything moved, the rebels
sent several bombs down. Still we were mustered.
11/2
Again forward and we built rifle pits. Received three letters
form parents, two from John Meier, and one from Jacob Heipp and
from Christain Frenz.
11/3
Got a letter from parents, and Carl Wilket, and built rifle pits.
11/4
Wrote a letter to my parents, Jacob Heipp, Carl Wilket, John
Meier, Christian Frenz, and built rifle pits.
11/5
Changed position closer to Lookout Mountain. Rain weather. Made
out monthly returns and received rations.
11/6
Our train had arrived.
11/7
Finished the payroll. Made out requisition for clothing. Report
that Joseph Schuh shot himself through the hand.
11/8 Sunday
Wrote a letter to parents. Cold weather.
11/9
Received clothing and built rifle pits. Cold.
11/10
Quiet. Weather somewhat warmer.
11/11
Our brigade went someplace. (Note: he didn't say where)
11/12
Morning at 3:00, we came back and marched forty miles. No
opposition. I "arrested" a goose. Signed pay roll and made out
the descriptive list. (Note: "arrested" meant captured and ate)
11/13
Nothing happened. Weather warm.
11/14
Wrote a letter to parents. Rain.
11/15 Sunday
Inspection. Monthly return of clothing. Made out the camp
garrison equipage.
11/16
Wrote a letter to Abram Baer. Our company built fortifications.
11/17
We were paid for September and October. Made out monthly return
of clothing and camp garrison equipage.
11/18
Letter from parents. Warm weather.
11/19
Letter from parents. Built tents. Warm weather.
11/20
Inspection. Subscription of Frank Leslies.
11/21
Wrote a letter to Roberts in Philadelphia.
11/22 Sunday
Inspection. I was named to recruit. Forenoon at 11:00, we went
to Hillies Landing and at 12:00 noon, we went with a boat to
Browns Ferry.
11/23
We came back at noon. Evening at 6:30, went to Bridgeport
Alabama, night at 10:00, Stevenson, Alabama.
11/24
Morning at 3:00, left Stevenson. Evening at 9:00, in Nashville.
Took lodging in the Cosswith House.
11/25
In Nashville, where there was no transport.
11/26
Morning at 6:00, left Nashville. Evening at 6:00, in Louisville,
Kentucky. Took lodging by Wolf.
11/27
Noon, went over the Ohio River. Afternoon at 4:00, left there.
Evening at 10:00, in Indianapolis.
11/28
Morning at 7:00, Valparaiso, 10:30 Chicago. Afternoon at 4:00,
left Chicago.
11/29/1863 Sunday
Morning at 2:00, in Madison. Took lodging in the American House.
11/30
Madison
12/1
Madison. Visited Henry Mullver. Went around the city.
12/2
Left Madison at noon, to Milton Junction. Had to change cars. On
my way to Minnesota Junction when I had to spend the night
because the train left the track.
12/3
Morning at 9:00, left Minnesota Junction at Cedar Creek
Junction, and with a team, went to West Bend. Met several
acquaintances and all was well.
12/4
Home. Acquaintances. Weather Nice.
12/5
Started to recruit. Nice weather.
12/6
Nice time in West Bend.
12/7
Nothing important happened. Cold weather.
12/8
Started to snow.
12/9
It snowed
12/10
Made out trimonthly report. Schuh was here for a visit. Cold
weather.
12/11
Drove to New Borough and I took the money to Miss Steirwakel.
12/12
Treurtle and Schuh got their money.
12/13 Sunday
Wrote a letter to Captain Fuersteinberg. Cold weather.
12/14
Mr. Jones was here because of his money. Mild weather.
12/15
Drove to Milwaukee. Cold weather.
12/16
Came back form Milwaukee. Cold.
12/17
Charles Frenz was here for a visit.
12/18
Got a letter and check from Henry Holt. Mild weather.
12/19
Nothing new happened. Cold weather.
12/20 Sunday
Made out trimonthly report. Went to visit Schuh. Cold.
12/21
My birthday. Celebrated in the evening.
12/22
Went rabbit hunting. Mild weather.
12/23
Cut Christmas tree. Mild weather.
12/24
Decorated Christmas tree in the evening in the church. Also a
tree for children.
12/25 Christmas
Evening party at F. Hahl. Cold weather.
12/26
Evening ball at Lemke. Cold weather.
12/27
Went to Barton. There, a great time was had. Cold weather.
12/28
Visited Mr. Jones. Cold weather.
12/29
Still at Mr. Jones'. Cold weather.
12/30
Went back to West Bend and it was a cold snowy weather.
12/31
Made out trimonthly report. Evening, ball at Vieth. Great time
was had.
Wisconsin Historical Society, Micro 251
(Photos courtesy of the National Archives.)
