This is the entire historical account of the 26th Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, written by those who were there. This page contains letters and
diary entries in one continuous string.
Diary entries are:
[KK] Karl Karsten
[FB] Frederick Buerstatte
[GJ] George Jones
[FS] Frank Smrcek
Letter entries are:
[FW] Major Fredrick C. Winkler
[AM] Corporal Adam Muenzenberger
[CW] Sergeant Charles Wickesberg
[ED] Private Ernst Damkoehler
Newspaper entries are:
{WD} The Wisconsin Daily
{MS} The Milwaukee Sentinel
{MP} The Manitowoc Pilot
{MH} The Manitowoc Herald
{MW} The Manitowoc Semi-Weekly
{WP} The West Bend Post
{CT} The Clifton Times
{SE} The Sheboygan Evergreen City Times
______________________________________________________________________________
8/9/1962
{WP} Article #4
8/12/1862
{MS} Article #18
{MS} Article #27
8/13/1862
[KK] I signed up as a solder for the U.S.A. for three years.
{MS} Article #19
8/14/1862
{MS} Article #20
{MS} Article #21
{MH} Article #1
8/15/1862
{MS} Article #22
8/16/1862
{MS} Article #25
{WP} Article #5
8/18/1862
[FS] Because of the war between the North and the South both sides
needed soldiers. In the North meetings took place and the speakers encouraged
people to take up arms. They were successful and many young men who were
qualified for military service joined the army and pledged allegiance to
the flag. Several months went by. Finally August 18, I too, touched by
the words of one of the speakers, joined the volunteers.
8/19/1862
{MS} Article #28
8/20/1862
{MS} Article #31
8/21/1862
{MS} Article #33
8/22/1862
{MS} Article #35
8/26/1862
{MS} Article #36
8/30/1862
{WP} Article #6
9/1/1862
[ED] Letter #1
{MS} Article #37
9/3/1862
[KK] Left West Bend to Schlesingerville and stayed for three days.
We got to Milwaukee at 4:00 am. I, Jacob Wagner, and John Schultz, had
to look for six more men. We could not find any.
[FS] On September 3, I bade farewell to my home and left with other
young men for Milwaukee.
9/6/1862
{MS} Article #38
{WP} Article #7
9/8/1862
[FS] On the 8th of September, we were sent to Camp Sigel where we
joined the 26th regiment of volunteers from Wisconsin.
9/9/1862
{MS} Article #41
9/10/1962
{MS} Article #42
9/11/1862
{MS} Article #43 & #44
{MP} Article #1
9/13/1862
{WP} Article #8
9/15/1862
[KK] 10:00 am to 10:00 am 9/16 Stood guard duty with twenty-one
men.
{MS} Article #45
9/16/1862
{MS} Article #46
9/17/1862
[KK] We got our bounty.
[FS] On the 17th, we were inspected and attached to the 26th regiment.
We stayed at Camp Sigel for one month and received our basic training.
{MS} Article #47
9/18/1862
[KK] One man was taken off guard duty.
{MS} Article #48
9/19/1862
[KK] Our Captain, and First Lieutenant, got his sword.
9/20/1862
{WP} Article #9
9/23/1862
{MS} Article #49
9/26/1862
{MS} Article #50
9/29/1862
{MS} Article #51
9/30/1862
[FW] Letter #1
[AM]Letter #1
10/1/1862
[AM] Letter #2
{MS} Article #52
10/3/1862
[CW] Letter #1
{MS} Article #53
10/4/1862
{MS} Article #54
{WP} Article #10
{SE} Article #1
10/5/1862
Indian Scare
10/6/1862
[KK] We went form Milwaukee to Chicago.
[FS] Finally, the day of our departure from Milwaukee arrived and
we left for the war against the enemy. It was the 6th of October. From
the early morning the Camp was busy. Many people from Milwaukee poured
into the camp, both to witness our departure, and to bid farewell to their
beloved ones. Eyes were filled with tears. And how could they not be? There
was a father parting with his son, a brother with his brother, a wife with
her husband, a friend with a dear friend. Nobody was ashamed of his tears.
This scene was interrupted by the roll of the drums announcing our departure.
Our files marched to the sound of the band to the Chicago railway station,
escorted by many bystanders. Here we boarded the train and, taking leave
from Milwaukee, we headed toward Racine. In Racine the local population
bade farewell to their beloved ones. After this scene we rushed away.
{WD} Article #1
{MS} Article #55
10/7/1862
[KK] From Chicago through Toledo, to Cleveland.
{MS} Article #56
10/8/1862
[KK] From Cleveland through Dunkirk (Lake Erie) to Elmira (N.Y.).
Fences are made of pine.
[FW] Letter #2
{WD} Article #2
{MS} Article #57
10/9/1862
[KK] From Elmira to Baltimore.
{WD} Article #3
{MS} Article #58
{MP} Article #2
10/10/1862
[KK] In Baltimore we saw more blacks than white people. Six regiments
waited for transportation. Along the train to Washington there were guards
posted.
[FS] ..on October 10, we arrived in Washington where we stayed over
night.
[FW] Letter #3
10/11/1862
[KK] From Washington we had to march 10 miles with our full pack.
[FS] On the 11th we crossed the Potomac River and proceeded into
Virginia. We stopped at Arlington Heights and spent the first night in
a soldier's way, i. e., in the open.
{WP} Article #11
10/12/1862
[KK] We received tents and (material impregnated with wax). We were
a mile from Ft. Corcoran, and eight miles from Bull Run. Eighty thousand
men in infantry, cavalry, and artillery, lie here in this area.
[FW] Letter #4
10/13/1862
[KK] We got our horse and wagon. We used our bayonets to make sparks
to create a fire. We received rations for two days and our marching orders.
{WD} Article #4
10/14/1862
[KK] Our regiment left here, except our company stayed for guard
duty. I had guard duty with ten men.
[FS] On the 14th we left Arlington Heights and proceeded to Fairfax
where we arrived in the evening and pitched a camp.
[AM] Letter #3
[ED] Letter #2
{WD} Article #5
10/15/1862
[KK] We had guard duty with ten men.
10/16/1862
[KK] Again guard duty and I talked to Low about West Bend.
[FS] On the 16th, General Sigel inspected our camp ...
[CW] Letter #2
10/17/1862
[KK] We marched for Fairfax C. H. Our backpacks were transported.
I wrote a letter to my parents.
{MS} Article #59
10/18/1862
[KK] This was the first washday
[FW] Letter #5
[FW] Letter #6
10/19/1862 Sunday
[KK] There was an inspection and we received the "War Laws".
10/20/1862
[KK] Forenoon we had a parade for Sigel because we belong to the
second brigade [Krzyzanowski], and the Third Division
[Schurz], Eleventh Army Corps [Sigel].
[FS] ... on the 20th we had the first maneuvers ...
[FW] Letter #7
10/21/1862
[KK] Heipp again in our company.
10/22/1862
[KK] Got forty bullets.
10/23/1862
[KK] We learned to shoot, to load, and lie.
[FW] Letter #8
10/24/1862
[KK] We shot at the target.
10/25/1862
[KK] Washday. We got marching orders, but it was cancelled. In the
evening we suddenly got orders to march and to bring all our belongings,
and then we dispersed.
10/26/1862 Sunday
[KK] Stormy Rain.
10/27/1862
[FS] ... on the 27th, we received ammunition.
10/28/1862
[KK] Stormy Rain. We formed a square with four sections and went
by six calvary men. Schlesinger and Philips, from Milwaukee, was with us.
10/29/1862
[KK] Our regiment marched for three miles. I stayed back as a guard.
[FS] On the 29th, we moved approximately 1/4 of a mile south of
Fairfax and were attached to Sigel's 11th Corps, the third division under
the command of Carl Schurtz (Schurz), the 2nd brigade under the command
of Krizanovsky (Krzyzanowski).
10/30/1862
[KK] Noon: The guard also went to the regiment and we put up our
tents, flooring of hay. There was a picket from the New York regiment who
was shot.
[AM] Letter #4
{WD} Article #6
10/31/1862
[KK] We had a parade in front of Sigel and the finance minister,
Mr. Chase. I had guard duty in the afternoon.
[FS] On the 31st, our division was inspected.
[FW] Letter #9
11/1/1862
[KK] Before I had guard duty in the afternoon, we received an inspection
and marching orders.
[FW] Letter #10 11/2/1862 Sunday
[KK] 4:00 am we had to get ready to march. We received the full
number of bullets and rations for two days. Noon: We reached Centerville
(left) and rested an hour. We went across the battlefield of Bull Run (right)
- five miles. We slept at night under the stars and I received a letter
from my parents.
[FS] The campaign began. This very day we moved via Centerville
to Bull Run and spent the night there.
11/3/1862
[KK] We continued our march at 6:00 am to Thoroughfare Gap - 15
miles. We stopped in the woods. In the morning we went (?ReBellow), 300
men of the regiment had to go to the front to guard. Got rations for 2
days and passed through two battlefields.
[FS] On the 3rd we reached Thoroughfare Gap.
11/4/1862
[KK] Rested and we also took horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks,
geese, honey, apples from the countryside. Cooked and we fixed the meat
all day and had a good time.
[FW] Letter #11
[CW] Letter #3
11/5/1862
[KK] Our company went to the front guard duty. I and John Horn,
us two corporals with twenty-four men were put to the most forward guard
position. We could hear the drums of the enemy. We were in a sunken road.
For the first time we had milk for our coffee. The railway was fixed. A
Lieutenant was accidentally shot by our own men. Stormy night.
[FW] Letter #12
11/7/1862
[FS] We left this place on the 7th and proceeded to New Baltimore.
11/8/1862
[KK] We stayed there and wrote to my parents.
[FW] Letter #13
11/9/1862 Sunday
[KK] We left New Baltimore to Gainesville Station - 6 miles, and
then put up our tents.
[FS] On the 9th, we proceeded to Gainesville where we stayed several
days.
{MS} Article #60
11/10/1862
[KK] Forenoon, had a parade. Afternoon, marching drills.
[FW] Letter #14
[ED] Letter #3
11/11/1862
[KK] I got a letter form my parents. On guard duty.
[ED] Letter #4
11/12/1862
[KK] Forenoon, guard duty. Afternoon, wrote a letter to my parents.
[AM] Letter #5
11/13/1862
[KK] We had six hours of marching drills.
11/14/1862
[KK] Marching practice and general inspection. I asked for orders
to go to (? honismaker - possibly a tent fixer).
[FW] Letter #15
11/15/1862
[KK] Forenoon, we packed logs for the tents. Afternoon, we were
on cattle guard.
[FW] Letter #16
{WP} Article #14
11/16/1862 Sunday
[KK] Forenoon, cattle guard. Afternoon, received rations for three
days and marching orders. Jacob Heipp resigned.
[FW] Letter #17
[AM] Letter #6
11/17/1862
[KK] In the morning at 6:30 am, we got ready to march, but did not
march. The Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania regiment and two pieces of artillery
had to chase away rebels who were going to destroy the railroad.
11/18/1862
[KK] At 6:00 am, we marched to Centerville - 10 miles. Rained. Six
of us made a hut from a half roof, boards, and tents. Also, the telegraph
was fixed that was destroyed by the rebels.
[FS] On the 18th we returned to Centerville and pitched a camp.
11/19/1862
[KK] We stayed here, we cleaned our rifles
and it rained.
[AM] Letter #7
[AM] Letter #8
11/20/1862
It rained and I wrote a letter to my parents. Centerville was surrounded
with trenches. It is only a very small town. The hospital was in the church.
Four brigades lie in this town.
11/21/1862
[KK] We went for four miles to get straw from an eighty-year-old
farmer. He had 500 acres.
[FW] Letter #18
11/22/1862
[KK] Washday and letter to parents.
11/23/1862 Sunday
[KK] Forenoon, inspection. Afternoon, went again to front guard
duty. I, together with three men, had to guard a barn with hay, and also
had to check the pass on that street. The password was "Springfield".
[FW] Letter #19
11/24/1862
[KK] Forenoon, in the front guard line again. Afternoon, we got
lodge tents with split logs for floors.
11/25/1862
[KK] Jacob Heipp went home. We got bricks and stones. We got marching
orders for three days.
11/26/1862
[KK] I got a shirt, underpants, and socks from the government. Cold
day.
{MS} Article #61
11/27/1862
[KK] We put up our tent and made a chimney and a fireplace.
{WD} Article #7
[AM] Letter #9
11/28/1862
[KK] Forenoon, we had target shooting, and stopped to get ready
to go to the front for guard duty. Afternoon, we had the guard duty in
the front. The password was "Corinth".
11/29/1862
[KK] Forenoon, we were in the front. We saw the wooden cannons that
frightened McClellen so much. Afternoon, I got a letter from my parents
and I finished the chimney.
[AM] Letter #10
{CT} Article #1
11/30/1862 Sunday
[KK] Forenoon, inspection and someone died of nerve fever in company
A.
[FW] Letter #20
12/1/1862
[KK] Darned some clothing.
12/2/1862
[KK] At 2:00 am we got ready to attack, but nothing came of it.
Also, Lewis Grosshans, also known as Padro Schnorrenburg, shot himself
in the leg with his own revolver. It was target practice.
12/3/1862
[KK] Forenoon, we drilled. Afternoon, cattle guard.
[FW] Letter #21
12/4/1862
[KK] Forenoon, cattle guard. Afternoon, I went to get firewood.
{MS} Article #62
12/5/1862
[KK] Forenoon, drill. Afternoon, I got a newspaper from Abram Baer.
After, wrote him a letter. Snow, cold day.
12/6/1862
[KK] Wrote a letter to Housmann. Cold day.
12/7/1862 Sunday
[KK] Afternoon, advance guard duty (?cassel). Very cold night.
[AM] Letter #11
12/8/1862
[KK] Forenoon, advance guard duty. Afternoon, received a letter
from parents and answered our Captain left,(?) finished his duty.
[AM] Letter #12
12/9/1862
[KK] Forenoon, drill. Afternoon, marching orders. Big tents were
taken down and taken away.
[AM] Letter #13
12/10/1862
[KK] Morning at 5:00 we received rations for three days. Left to
Fairfax Station - 12 miles.
[FS] On the 10th, we marched toward Fredericksburg. We reached Fairfax
the same day.
12/11/1862
[KK] We went on for 14 miles. Evening at eight, we came to our camp.
[FS] On the 11th, we continued and marched far into the night.
12/12/1862
[KK] Morning at 4:00 we received half rations for two days. Went
on for 10 miles. I had to guard the wagons and help get the wagons unstuck.
At 11:00 pm we got to our camp.
[FS] On the 12th, we arrived in Dumfries where we rested the entire
following day.
12/13/1862
[KK] At night I had to guard the wagon. At 7:00 am we went on. After
5:00, we met up with our regiment, which was lying in the vicinity of Dumfries.
[KK] 12/14/1862 Sunday
We received five crackers and we had to continue for 10 miles until
8:00 pm. Reviewed letters from parents. We marched through Dumfries, which
was a nice town, but it is now fully destroyed.
[FS] On the 14th we attacked Stafford Courthouse.
12/15/1862
[KK] We went on 3 miles to Brooks Station, where we received rations
for two days and went on for 9 miles.
[FS] On the 15th we reached Falmouth. The battle at Fredericksburg
raged for 5 days, but just when we attacked it was ended and our division
was withdrawn and ...
12/16/1862
[KK] Captain Pizzala took company C.
[AM] Letter #14
12/17/1862
[KK] We went back to Stafford C. H. - 14 miles.
[FS] ... we returned to Stafford Courthouse on the 17th, where we
broke camp.
12/18/1862
[KK] We didn't go anywhere. I wrote a letter to my parents. I received
bandages from J. Wagner.
[FW] Letter #22
12/19/1862
[KK] General inspection, I made a chimney for Captain Pizzala.
12/20/1862
[KK] Did nothing. Cold day.
[AM] Letter #15
12/21/1862
[KK] My birthday. In forward guard. The word was "Jerusalem". The
guards were very far apart.
[AM] Letter #16
12/22/1862
[KK] Forenoon: Forward guard. Afternoon, Conrad Mack died. Wrote
a letter to my parents. I received a letter from Jacob Hert and a newspaper
from Abram Baer.
[ED] Letter #5
12/23/1862
[KK] Forenoon, marching drills. Afternoon, buried Conrad Mack. I
commanded the funeral persuasion.
[FW] Letter #23
12/24/1862
[KK] I borrowed a dollar form Jacob Ritger. Received a letter from
my parents and Jacob Wagner. Evening, received a show by General Schurz,
and forty tambours serenaded him.
12/25/1862 Christmas
[KK] I bought cookies for a half dollar and received a box of crackers
for Christmas. Wrote a letter to my parents and Jacob Wagner.
[CW] Letter #4
12/26/1862
[KK] Drilled. Bought half a pound of butter for 30 cents.
12/27/1862
[KK] Wash day and guard duty.
12/28/1862 Sunday
[KK] Guard duty. Wrote a letter to John Biederbeck. Afternoon, our
75th regiment had to go six miles for reconnaissance, and came back in
the evening.
[AM] Letter #17
12/29/1862
[KK] Drill. Wrote to Jacob Hert.
12/30/1862
[KK] Our company went to picket, except me.
12/31/1862
[KK] Drill. Got a letter from my parents. Also received whiskey
and molasses.
1/1/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to my parents and got another newspaper from
Abram Baer.
[FW] Letter #24
[AM] Letter #18
[CW] Letter #5
1/2/1863
[KK] We cut logs with an axe and we blocked up a house.
{WD} Article #8
1/3/1863
[KK] Our company again went to picket and I stayed back to make
a fireplace for our Lieutenant.
{MS} Article #63
1/4/1863
[KK] I am helping blocking a house up for our Lieutenant.
[FW] Letter #25
[FW] Letter #26
1/5/1863
[KK] 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.
{MS} Article #64
1/6/1863
[KK] We finished the chimney and the house and received a letter
from Abram Baer.
[AM] Letter #19
[AM] Letter #20
1/7/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to Abram Baer.
1/8/1863
[KK] Made a chimney for our Captain.
{MS} Article #65
{MH} Article #2
1/9/1863
[KK] Made a chimney for Captain Boebel.
[AM] Letter #21
1/10/1863
[KK] I became Sergeant. Evening, we had a joyful time and drank
alot.
1/11/1863 Sunday
[KK] 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.
1/12/1863
[KK] Wrote to Jacob Wagner and Fred Dowlend. Our company (Verbing
?).
1/13/1863
[KK] Drilled in Forenoon. Afternoon, picket. Password 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.
[FW] Letter #27
1/14/1863
[KK] 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.
1/15/1863
[KK] Conrad and Nic went back to their regiment. We waited to come
along but couldn't get a pass.
[AM] Letter #22
1/16/1863
[KK] Wrote to H. Wendelborn.
[FW] Letter #28
1/17/1863
[KK] Didn't do anything. It was a cold day.
[ED] Letter #6
1/18/1863 Sunday
[KK] Forenoon, inspection. Afternoon, me and John Remmel got orders,
along with twenty men, to get ready for a march in the morning.
[CW] Letter #6
1/19/1863
[KK] 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.
[FW] Letter #29
1/20/1863
[KK] Erected tents. Again two steam ships of sick men, of which,
six had already died.
[FW] Letter #30
1/21/1863
[KK] Put trenches around the tents.
[FW] Letter #31
1/22/1863
[KK] I had them carry beds. Afternoon, Aquia Creek Landing (right),
where we slept in the warehouse.
1/23/1863
[KK] We went back to our regiment that advanced two miles.
1/24/1863
[KK] Advanced four miles.
[FW] Letter #32
1/25/1863 Sunday
[KK] We didn't do anything.
1/26/1863
[KK] We went three miles. General Sigel rode by on his horse and
asked us if there was enough groceries.
1/27/1863
[KK] Again to Hartwood Church (right), ten miles. It rained the
whole day.
[FS] On the 27th we approached Beria Church.
{MS} Article #66
1/28/1863
[KK] Again we didn't move. Cold weather with snow.
1/29/1863
[KK] Went on guard by the Brigadier Headquarters and signed for
pay roll and got a songbook from my brother.
[AM] Letter #23
1/30/1863
[KK] 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.
[AM] Letter #24
1/31/1863
[KK] I got a letter from my parents with five dollars, and Abram
Baer with four steel pens. I finished our chimney.
[AM] Letter #25
2/1/1863 Sunday
[KK] I wrote a letter to my parents and Abram Baer, and received
one from Herman Zipp.
[FW] Letter #33
2/2/1863
[KK] I got a newspaper from Abram Baer and a letter from John Biederbeck
and wrote to Herman Zipp and Biederbeck.
[ED] Letter #7
2/3/1863
[KK] I was on forward guard. I took a deserter as prisoner, from
the 103rd New York regiment. Word was "Antietam".
2/4/1863
[KK] Forenoon, forward guard. Gave the deserter to the Provost Marshal.
Cold night.
[FW] Letter #34
2/5/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 5th we marched to Stafford Courthouse for winter quarters.
2/6/1863
[KK] Went for ten miles near Brooks Station.
2/7/1863
[KK] Rested
[AM] Letter #26
2/8/1863
[KK] Sunday inspection - wrote letter to my parents
2/9/1863
[KK] Put the house on blocks again.
2/10/1863
[KK] Chinked the house.
2/11/1863
[KK] Made chimney and fireplace
2/12/1863
[KK] Forward post three miles away. Word was quote "shum."
2/13/1863
[KK] Forenoon, on pickets.
[FW] Letter #35
2/14/1863
[KK] Inspection and wash day.
{WP} Article #15
2/15/1863 Sunday.
[KK] Rainy weather.
2/16/1863
[KK] Forenoon, had drill. Afternoon, inspection from Hooker (right),
Sigel, Schurz, Krzyzanowski and got a letter from parents.
[AM] Letter #27
2/17/1863
[KK] It snowed.
2/18/1863
[KK] Rained and got a newspaper from my brother.
{WP} Article #18
2/19/1863
[KK] Did nothing.
2/20/1863
[KK] Got a letter from my parents.
[FW] Letter #36
[AM] Letter #28
2/21/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to my parents and I built a portal (arch) to
honor and marched through.
2/22/1863 Sunday
[KK] Snowed. Washington's Birthday.
2/23/1863
[KK] Cold day. Received letter from parents.
[ED] Letter #8
2/24/1863
[KK] Wrote to Karl Schmidt.
2/25/1863
[KK] Wrote to parents
[AM] Letter #29
2/26/1863
[KK] I was on forward guard, word was "bath." Rained terribly.
2/27/1863
[KK] I was on forward guard. Afternoon, got a letter from my parents.
[AM] Letter #30
[AM] Letter #31
2/28/1863
[KK] One from Company B shot himself through the head because of
uncleanliness (unclear).
{WP} Article #17
3/1/1863 Sunday
[KK] Wrote to parents and sent five dollars. Then Mustering.
3/2/1863
[KK] Washday.
3/3/1863
[KK] I wrote a letter to John Hebluser and drilled.
3/4 /1863
[KK] On Division guard.
3/5/1863
[KK] Division guard. Got a letter from home.
3/6/1863
[KK] Wrote to parents. Got one from Herman Zipp.
3/7/1863
[KK] I had myself photographed. Martin Armo was here for a visit.
[CW] Letter #8
[AM] Letter #32
[AM] Letter #33
{WP} Article #19
3/8/1863
[KK] Went to visit the 5th Regiment.
{MS} Article #67
3/9/1863
[KK] Went to visit the 6th Regiment.
3/10/1863
[KK] Went back to our regiment.
[FW] Letter #37
3/11/1863
[KK] I got a letter and newspaper from my parents.
3/12/1863
[KK] I sent a letter and the picture to my parents. We drilled.
[FW] Letter #38
[FW] Letter #39
[AM] Letter #34
{MS} Article #68
3/13/1863
[KK] Drill.
3/14/1863
[KK] I went to "Vertinge" duty. Got a letter from John Heldiser
and answered it.
3/15/1863 Sunday
[KK] Had inspection and dress parade.
[FW] Letter #40
3/16/1863
[KK] On "Vertinge" duty. A road was built from trees.
3/17/1863
[KK] Forward duty. Grand reserve number one the word was "London."
[FW] Letter #41
3/18/1863
[KK] Our outpost number three, counter sign was "Warsaw." I got
a letter from Jacob Wagner.
{MS} Article #69
3/19/1863
[KK] Picket number three, counter sign was "Lisbon."
[FS]On the 19th we were visited by Wisconsin Governor Edward Solomon.
Following our stay at Stafford Courthouse we were assigned General Howard
as the head of our corps.
3/20/1863
[KK] I got a letter and newspaper from parents and answered.
[FW] Letter #42
3/21/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to Jacob Wagner.
3/22/1863 Sunday
[KK] Wrote a letter to Jacob Hert and I got a letter from my parents
and answered it.
[FW] Letter #43
3/23/1863
[KK] Drilled and wrote a letter to Henry Lemke.
[AM] Letter #35
3/24/1863
[KK] Drilled. We exercised and our lieutenant gave us wine and we
had an enjoyable day.
3/25/1863
[KK] Drilled. Corporal Alfred Cassell died.
3/26/1863
[KK] Buried Corporal Cassell. Snowed. Got a letter from John Heldmeier.
Newspaper from my brother.
3/27/1863
[KK] Forenoon, general inspection and afternoon drill.
[FS] On the 27th we started our summer campaign under General Hooker.
After 2 days of marching we arrived at the river.
3/28/1863
[KK] Drill and wrote to John Heldmeier. Rained.
[FW] Letter #44
3/29/1863 Palm Sunday
[KK] Forward duty, guard reserve number two, picket number three,
outpost number one, counter sign was "Frederick."
3/30/1863
[KK] On reserve. Got a letter and newspaper from my parents and
it snowed heavily.
3/31/1863
[KK] On picket. Afternoon, we were relieved by our lieutenant and
everyone received a glass of beer from him.
4/1/1863
[KK] I wrote a letter to my parents and Germany.
[FW] Letter #45
[AM] Letter #36
4/2/1863
[KK] Drilled. I sent crackers and bacon to William Gant.
[AM] Letter #40
4/3/1863
[KK] Forenoon, day drill. Afternoon, review with General Howard
who got the command of the 11th Corps from Sigel.
[FW] Letter #41
[AM] Letter #41
4/4/1863
[KK] Wash day. Sent a letter and newspaper to parents.
[AM] Letter #42
4/5/1863 Easter Sunday
[KK] Snowed.
[FW] Letter #47
4/6/1863 Easter Monday.
[KK] Got a letter and newspaper from parents.
[AM] Letter #44
4/7/1863
[KK] Wrote letter to parents. Target shooting.
{MS} Article #70
4/8/1863
[KK] Election. 47 democrats, 5 republican in our company. I was
the election clerk. Received a letter and newspaper from parents.
[FW] Letter #48
4/9/1863
[KK] Target shooting. Drill.
[FW] Letter #49
4/10/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 10th our company was reviewed by President A. Lincoln.
(this entry was marked 3/10/63 and conflicts with Karl's entry.)
4/11/1863
[KK] Wash day. Wrote a letter to parents, Henry Lemke, and Herman
Zipp.
[FW] Letter #50
{MS} Article #71
4/12/1863 Sunday
[KK] Forenoon, general inspection. Afternoon, dress parade. Letter
from Herman Zipp.
[AM] Letter #45
[AM] Letter #46
[ED] Letter #9
4/13/1863
[KK] Forward guard, grand guard number one, countersign "Norfolk."
Weather nice.
4/14/1863
[KK] Forward guard, countersign "Dumfries." Night started to rain.
[ED] Letter #10
4/15/1863
[KK] Forenoon, at 10 am rained the whole day.
{MS} Article #72
4/16/1863
[KK] Got a letter and newspaper from parents and answered it.
4/17/1863
[KK] Forenoon, drill. Afternoon, had to learn signals and it was
nice weather.
[AM] Letter #47
[AM] Letter #48
4/18/1863
[KK] Maneuvers. Afternoon, on camp guard and the weather was warm.
4/19/1863
[KK] Forenoon, on guard. Afternoon, on review for Governor Salomon.
Warm weather.
[FW] Letter #51
4/20/1863
[KK] Rainy weather. Got a letter from Jacob Hert.
[AM] Letter #49
4/21/1863
[KK] Answered Jacob Hert. Afternoon, brigade guard. Warm weather.
4/22/1863
[KK] Brigade guard. Wrote to Pay Bollswater. Weather warm.
4/23/1863
[KK] We were on camp guard. It rained.
4/24/1863
[KK] Camp guard. Rained very heavily.
4/25/1863
[KK] 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.
4/26/1863 Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Received marching orders. Warm weather
[FW] Letter #52
4/27/1863
[KK] Received rations for eight days. Left at 5 am two miles behind
Hardwood Church, eighteen miles. Warm.
4/28/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] We crossed the Rappahanock the same evening and marched on
the other side the entire night until morning.
4/29/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 29th, we stopped for a rest. Here our cavalry had a
skirmish with the enemy and put him to rout. At 9 o'clock we proceeded
and in the evening we reached the river Rappid Ann and crossed it the same
night.
4/30/1863
[KK] Morning, rested. Afternoon, we marched ten miles and it rained.
[FS] On the 30th, we arrived at Wilderness Church.
5/1/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] At noon on the 1st of May the shell fire began at Chancellorsville.
We formed up into battle lines; our regiment moved straight to Wilderness
Church; our front was in the south, our division defended the right flank.
On our side the firing continued throughout the night, whereas the enemy
responded only sporadically.
[FW] Letter #53
5/2/1863 (Chancellorsville Day 1)
[KK] 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
[FS] On the 2nd, our division moved the front to the west, our regiment
on the right flank. Vanguards were sent into the forest which stretched
approximately 100 feet in front of us. Around 6 o'clock they were attacked
by the rebels and heavy shooting began. The arrays of enemy stormed forward,
following close upon the heels of our vanguards. The latter gradually began
forming battle lines. Hard on their heels the enemy wallowed from the forest
throwing in our lines the deadly fire. We paid them back in their own coin.
At first it seemed as if the rebels were giving in, but then they attacked
us so violently that we could not hold against their attacks. Three times
we retreated and then again faced them. Finally disorder broke out in our
weakened lines and we began to run in full flight. But soon we rallied
again and formed into lines at Chancellorsville. We had lost approximately
200 men [dead, wounded, taken prisoner].
5/3/1863 Sunday (Chancellorsville Day 2)
[KK] Morning, fresh troops came and the battle began again. The
Rebels were pressed back and prisoners were made.
[FS] On the 3rd, at 4 o'clock in the morning, we were transferred
to the left flank at U.S. Ford ...
[AM] Letter #50
5/4/1863 (Chancellorsville Day 3)
[KK] 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.
[FW] Letter #54
5/5/1863
[KK] We kept our position. It rained terribly. Twelve at night we
got into the rifle pits.
5/6/1863
[KK] Morning, 4 am we marched back over the Rappahonock. From there
to Stafford Courthouse. Twenty miles to our old quarters.
[FS] ... and stayed there until the 6th. Then we marched back to
Stafford Courthouse where we arrived in the evening.
5/7/1863
[KK] Didn't do much, it rained.
[FW] Letter #55
[AM] Letter #50
5/8/1863
[KK] Got a letter from Jacob Wagner and wrote to parents.
[FW] Letter #56
5/9/1863
[KK] 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.
{MS} Article #73
{CT} Article #2
5/10/1863 Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Warm weather.
5/11/1863
[KK] I made out the muster and payrolls and the discipline list.
Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #57
[AM] Letter #51
5/12/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #58
5/13/1863
[KK] Made a list of lost equipment.
[ED] Letter #11
5/14/1863
[KK] Letter and newspaper from parents and made out the discipline
list.
[FW] Letter #59
5/15/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to the father of Jacob Weisand. Got our marching
orders.
[FS] On the 15th, we moved our camp closer to Brook Station.
{MP} Article #3
5/16/1863
[KK] Morning, 6 am, marched one mile. I commanded the company because
the lieutenant was sick. We took down the tents.
{WP} Article #20
5/17/1863
[KK] Inspection. Letter to parents.
[FW] Letter #60
5/18/1863
[KK] Letter and newspaper from parents. C. Vetter died and was buried.
[FW] Letter #61
5/19/1863
[KK] Drill. I drilled the company.
[AM] Letter #52
5/20/1863
[KK] General inspection. Wrote to parents.
[FW] Letter #62
{MW} Article #1
5/21/1863
[KK] Made out muster and payroll. Drilled the company very strongly.
[CW] Letter #9
5/22/1863
[KK] I wrote to John Meier. Drilled company but had a good time.
5/23/1863
[KK] My birthday. Wash day.
[AM] Letter #53
{MS} Article #74
{CT} Article #3
{SE} Article #2
5/24/1863
[KK] Inspection.
5/25/1863
[KK] Letter from Jacob Wagner and answered. There was a letter from
Nic Young and Weinand, and I wrote to P. Immel.
5/26/1863
[KK] Forenoon, drill. Afternoon, review from General Howard.
5/27/1863
[KK] Drill. Got letter from Jacob Wagner and answered.
5/28/1863
[KK] Drill. Letter from John Meier.
[ED] Letter #12
{WP} Article #21
5/29/1863
[KK] Drill.
{MS} Article #75
5/30/1863
[KK] Signed for payroll and got a letter from Reinhardt Schneph
and answered.
5/31/1863 Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Wrote to John Meier.
[AM] Letter #54
6/1/1863
[KK] Washday. Wrote to parents.
{MS} Article #76
6/2/1863
[KK] Drilled and paid for two months.
6/3/1863
[KK] Received a letter from parents and answered.
[FW] Letter #63
6/4/1863
[KK] Letter from John Bedlebeck.
6/5/1863
[KK] Got a letter from parents and Weinant. Evening, strong cannon
thunder on our front which lasted several hours.
{MS} Article #77
6/6/1863
[KK] Wash day. Letter to my parents and Weinant.
6/7/1863 Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Letter to Abram Baer.
[AM] Letter #55
6/8/1863
[KK] Nothing happened.
6/9/1863
[KK] Letter and newspaper sent to my parents.
6/10/1863
[KK] Drill and letter from John Meier.
6/11/1863
[KK] Drilled. Received marching orders.
[FW] Letter #64
6/12/1863
[KK] Left at noon and marched twelve miles near Barea Church.
[FS] On the 12th, we left Brook Station and reached Weaversville
on the creek Cider Run in the evening. Here we spent the night.
[FW] Letter #65
6/13/1863
[KK] Morning at 3 a.m. we went on to Beaverville, 22 miles. Noon,
rest for two hours, very hot.
[FS] On the 13th, we crossed the creeks Broad Run and Bull Run and
reached Centerville in the evening. Here we rested three days.
6/14/1863 Sunday
[KK] We went on till the evening, 10 p.m., 24 miles. We positioned
close to Centerville. Got a letter from brother.
6/15/1863
[KK] 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.
[FW] Letter #66
6/16/1863
[KK] Our brigade was put on forward guard and we were positioned
on Bull Run River in the woods.
6/17/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 17th, we proceeded and arrived the same day at Goose
Creek and stayed there for six days.
6/18/1863
[KK] 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.
[FW] Letter #67
6/19/1863
[KK] Nothing happened and it rained.
6/20/1863
[KK] Nothing happened and it rained.
6/21/1863 Sunday
[KK] Company built up. I bought a revolver from John Remmel.
[FW] Letter #68
6/22/1863
[KK] I received two letters and two newspapers from my parents.
[AM] Letter #56
[AM] Letter #57
[ED] Letter #13
6/23/1863
[KK] Letter to my parents.
[AM] Letter #58
{MS} Article #78
6/24/1863
[KK] Forenoon, marched to Edward's Ferry, eight miles.
[AM] Letter #59
6/25/1863
[KK] Morning at 3 am left for Jefferson, Maryland, 24 miles, it
rained.
[FS] On the 25th, we crossed the Potomac, proceeded into Maryland
and turned to a hill not far from the Potomac River. At noon we crossed
the Monocacy River at Nollance Fort and, toward evening, arrived in Jeffersonville.
6/26/1863
[KK] Afternoon, we went to Middletown, eight miles. It rained somewhat.
[FS] On the 26th, we marched to Middletown and rested there the
entire following day.
[FW] Letter #69
6/27/1863
[KK] Nothing happened. Received letter from Jacob Heipp and answered.
6/28/1863 Sunday
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 28th, we arrived in Fredrick City.
6/29/1863
[KK] Left at 5 a.m to Emmetsburg. Twenty-four miles. It rained strongly.
[FS] On the 29th, we proceeded via Utica and Creagerstown and arrived
in the evening at Emittsburg.
[FW] Letter #70
6/30/1863
[KK] Went for two miles, layed still. Got a letter from Jacob Wagner
and sent one to E.G. Best.
[AM] Letter #60
[FS] Here we spent the 30th resting.
[FW] Letter #71
[AM] Letter #55
7/1/1863 (Gettysburg Day 1)
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 1st, early in the morning, our corps left Emmitsburg
and marched to Gettysburg where our army met the enemy. We fought a bloody
battle. I and Jozef Smrcek did not participate in this first encounter.
On the 30th of June, we were on outpost duty. Because of the speedy departure
of our brigade the outposts remained behind and we joined the regiment
not until evening. At that time the encounter was over. Jozef Zbytovsky
was wounded in this battle.
7/2/1863 (Gettysburg Day 2)
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 2nd, we had to endure a violent shell fire. It began
at 2:30 and lasted far into the night. The shells fell like peas on our
heads. During the night the rebels stormed the first division which was
standing to the right of us but were driven back at great casualties.
7/3/1863 (Gettysburg Day 3)
[KK] 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.
[FS] In the morning of July 3rd, the enemy resumed the shell fire
which lasted until 10 o'clock. Then there was only scatters of shooting.
The outposts were under permanent fire. At noon the cannonade began again
and lasted until 4 o'clock. At the same time the rebels stormed our entire
line but were driven back. They suffered heavy casualties; many were taken
prisoner. The night was quiet and the enemy retreated. Thus, the next day
we had command over the battlefield.
7/4/1863
[KK] Everything is quiet. Our regiment had to go two miles as skirmishers.
Made forty prisoners without firing a shot.
[FS] On the 4th, our cavalry began to pursue the enemy ...
[FW] Letter #72
7/5/1863 Sunday
[KK] Our captain came to visit our wounded. We also marched six
miles in the evening. It rained.
[FS] ... and we followed on the 5th in the afternoon.
7/6/1863
[KK] We went to Emmetsburg, Maryland, ten miles.
[FS] Retreating, we arrived in the afternoon of the 6th of July
in Emmitsburg.
[FW] Letter #73
[CW] Letter #10
7/7/1863
[KK] Morning at 3 am. left to Middletown, 37 miles. We stopped at
11 p.m at night. It rained strongly.
[FS] On the 7th we marched toward Middletown ...
7/8/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] ... but we left this place already on the 8th at noon, and
marched toward Bronsbors. During the whole day our cavalry had skirmishes
with the rebels, but we remained in reserve.
[FW] Letter #74
7/9/1863
[KK] We were relieved through the Sixth Corps. Went to reserves
and wrote two letters to parents.
7/10/1863
[KK] 6 a.m. we marched six miles and wrote letter to Faisley and
Weil.
[FS] On the 10th we advanced...
[FW] Letter #75
7/11/1863
[KK] Did nothing and I wrote to parents and received one.
7/12/1863
[KK] Marched six miles further to Funkstown.
[FS] ... and on the 12th we reached Hagerstown where we entrenched.
[FW] Letter #76
7/13/1863
[KK] We didn't march. Built fortification.
{MS} Article #79
7/14/1863
[KK] Went to Hagerstown, then Williamsport where the rebels went
over the Potomac - eighteen miles.
[FS] On the 14th our corps was reinforced with new regiments, and
the same day we moved toward Williamsport where we stayed overnight.
[FW] Letter #77
[CW] Letter #11
7/15/1863
[KK] Went back through Hagerstown to Middletown - thirty miles.
[FS] On the 15th we returned via Hagerstown to Middletown which
we reached in the evening.
7/16/1863
[KK] Through Jefferson - sixteen miles.
[FS] On the 16th we proceeded via Jefferson to Berlin. There we
had two days of rest.
7/17/1863
[KK] Started muster and payroll. Received a letter from Jacob Heipp.
7/18/1863
[KK] Finished muster and payroll.
[FW] Letter #78
7/19/1863 Sunday
[KK] Went through Berlin (right), over the Potomac, into Virginia
- eighteen miles.
[FS] On the 19th we crossed the Potomac into Virginia and reached
Goose Creek where we again had a rest of two days.
7/20/1863
[KK] Went on sixteen miles.
7/21/1863
[KK] Wrote a let to Jacob Heipp.
[FW] Letter #79
7/22 /1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents. Made out the monthly report.
7/23/1863
[KK] We went on through Middlesburg and Middplains to New Baltimore-
thirty miles. Evening, our whole regiment went forward three miles, then
two back. On the 23rd we marched toward New Baltimore ...
{MS} Article #80
7/24/1863
[KK] Morning, we had to go on to the cross road of New Salem and
Warrenton where we were also on forward guard.
[FW] Letter #80
7/25/1863
[KK] Went on to Warrenton Junction - fourteen miles. Our regiment
had to guard the wagon train.
[FS] ...but left this town on the 25th in order to continue to Warrentown
Junction.
[FW] Letter #81
7/26/1863 Sunday
[KK] Made out the discipline list. Got a letter from parents and
Christian Fremz.
7/27/1863
[KK] I wrote a letter to parents and Christian Fremz and Jacob Heinz.
7/28/1863
[KK] I got a letter form Jacob Heinz and we went on for two miles.
[FS] On the 28th we moved to Weaversville and ...
[CW] Letter #12
7/29/1863
[KK] Made out the quarterly of the ordinance store.
7/30/1863
[KK] Did nothing.
[FS] ... on the 30th we concentrated several miles south of it next
to Cider Run.
[FW] Letter #82
7/31/1863
[KK] Made out the monthly and quarterly return of deceased soldiers.
Wrote a letter to M. E. Cole of Cincinnati.
{MP} Article #4
8/1/1863
[KK] We went on for ten miles.
{WP} Article #22
8/2/1863 Sunday
[KK] Did not go any place. Built tents.
[FW] Letter #83
8/3/1863
[KK] Went back to Wierville and I got a letter from Peter Dellenbach.
[FS] On the 3rd we moved back to Weaversville and took our old positions.
8/4/1863
[KK] Made inventory of deceased soldiers. Signed payroll and wrote
a letter to Abram Baer.
[FW] Letter #84
[ED] Letter #14
8/5/1863
[KK] Made out discipline list. Wrote a letter to Schultz in Iowa.
8/6/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents and John Bedlebech. Also sent back
George Koehler letters.
[FS] On the 6th I was promoted to corporal.
[FW] Letter #85
8/7/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to Henry Lemke.
[FW] Letter #86
8/8/1863
[KK] I received the discipline roll for C. E. Cole and got a letter
form Peter Walter.
8/9/1863 Sunday
[KK] Made out the quarterly return for clothing.
8/10/1863
[KK] I sold my revolver to William Wehe. Wrote a letter to Jacob
Heinz, Peter Bedlebech, Peter Walter, and I made out the discipline list.
[FW] Letter #87
8/11/1863
[KK] I received and answered a letter from Martin Arno.
8/12/1863
[KK] Received a letter form parents and Jacob Heipp, and answered
to parents.
8/13/1863
[KK] I picked up clothing and wrote a letter to Jacob Heipp.
8/14/1863
[KK] General inspection and received a letter form parents.
8/15/1863
[KK] Received marching orders and made out the discipline list.
8/16/1863 Sunday
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents. Inspection and guard the rail road
near Warrenton Junction.
8/17/1863
[KK] Still on rail road guard.
8/18/1863
[KK] Morning, relieved and went to a fresh camp and built tents.
Evening, went back to old camp.
8/19/1863
[KK] Did not move.
[AM] Letter #61
8/20/1863
[KK] Received a letter from Peter Dellenbech and answered.
8/21/1863
[KK] Received a letter from parents, Charles
Hafemann and William Abel.
8/22/1863
[KK] Wrote letter to Charles Hafemann and William Able and received
on form Abram Baer.
8/23/1863 Sunday
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents and Abram Baer, and received a letter
form parents.
[FW] Letter #88
8/24/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to the West Bend Turners and I started muster
and payroll.
8/25/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents. Went to Cattlet Station - two miles.
Went to new camp and made tents.
8/26/1863
[KK] Received a letter from Jacob Wagner and Eugene Hook.
8/27/1863
[KK] Finished muster and payroll
[FS] On the 27th we moved in the vicinity of Cattlett Station.
8/28/1863
[KK] Made out the descriptive list.
8/29/1863
[KK] Wrote letters to Jacob Wagner and Eugene Hook.
8/30/1863
[KK] Received a letter from parents, also answered.
[AM] Letter #62
8/31/1863
[KK] Muster. Letter from Jacob Heipp and a newspaper form Charles
Hafemann.
9/1/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to Jacob Hiepp and Charles Hafemann and received
a photo of parents and brother, also Captain Fuerstenberg came back.
[FW] Letter #89
9/2/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents. Inspection and review for General
Howard.
[FW] Letter #90
9/3/1863
[KK] Target shooting. Wrote a letter to John Reisse and received
one from John Meier.
9/4/1863
[KK] Signed payroll. Sent a letter and W. P. to John Meier. Received
a letter from parents.
9/5/1863
[KK] Wrote to parents
[FW] Letter #91
9/6/1863 Sunday
[KK] Received a letter from Charles Hafemann.
9/7/1863
[KK] We were paid.
[FS] On the 7th we moved our camp in the vicinity of Warrentown
Junction and our assignment was to guard the railroads.
[ED] Letter #15
9/8/1863
[KK] Received a letter from William Abel on Monday. Made out the
return list of clothing pieces.
9/9/1863
[KK] Received a letter form Charles Hafemann and the Turner Organization.
Sent Thirty dollars to parents.
9/10/1863
[KK] 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.
9/11/1863
[KK] Received a letter from parents and John Meier, and made out
the monthly return of clothing.
[FW] Letter #92
[CW] Letter #13
9/12/1863
[KK] Made out the descriptive list. Sent newspaper to parents.
9/13/1863 Sunday
[KK] Received a letter from Jacob Heipp and Jacob Ritger, and also
answered Jacob Ritger.
9/14/1863
[KK] Wrote to parents and Jacob Heipp.
9/15/1863
[KK] Received bandage (or cloth wrap) from parents. Picked up clothing.
Target shooting.
9/16/1863
[KK] Noon, went to Rappahannock Station (right)- fourteen miles.
Arrived at 10:00 in the evening.
[FS] On the 16th we moved toward Rappahanock Station. While there
we worked in the fort called Jacobs.
9/17/1863
[KK] 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.
[FW] Letter #93
9/18/1863
[KK] One from Company F (Alois Koetzedinger of Manitowoc) drowned
in the Rappahannock. Stormy. Wrote to parents.
9/19/1863
[KK] Received a letter from parents and John Meier.
9/20/1863 Sunday
[KK] Inspection.
[FW] Letter #94
9/21/1863
[KK] Target shooting. Cold night.
9/22/1863
[KK] Wrote to John Meier, Carl Wilket
and Herman Zeipp.
[FW] Letter #95
9/23/1863
[KK] Changed camp again to Fort Diggs on the river. Built tents
and got a letter from parents and answered it.
[FS] On the 23rd we undertook an expedition to the Army of the Cumberland.
The same evening we left our camp and marched the whole night and ...
9/24/1863
[KK] Received marching orders. Evening, 10:30 through the whole
night.
[FS] ... on the 24th we arrived at Manasas Junction where we boarded
the train; the Ohio Central and Baltimore Railroad. In Belair we changed
into another train, then again in Indianapolis. From Jeffersonville, Ind.
we went by steamboat on the Ohio River to Louisville and from there by
railroad to Nashville.
9/25/1863
[KK] 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.
9/26/1863
[KK] 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.
9/27/1863 Sunday
[KK] 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.
[AM] Letter #63
9/28/1863
[KK] Morning at 4:00 a.m. we went over the Ohio River at Belaire,
Ohio. Afternoon, Zanesville, evening in Columbus.
9/29/1863
[KK] Forenoon, 10:00 a.m. in Indianapolis, Indiana.
9/30/1863
[KK] Morning in Jeffersonville, then we went on a boat to Louisville,
KY.
[FW] Letter #96
[FW] Letter #97
10/1/1863
[KK] We went through several tunnels. Noon, in Nashville, TN (right).
10/2/1863
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 2nd we arrived at Bridgeport and pitched a camp.
[CW] Letter #14
10/3/1863
[KK] Didn't do much. Lay still and rested. In all of Bridgeport,
not a house was to be seen.
10/4/1863 Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Wrote letter to parents.
[FS] On the 4th the guerrillas burned a bridge in the rear. That
cut off our entire food supply.
10/5/1863
[KK] Everything quiet.
10/6/1863
[KK] Bought golden quilt from Henry Allen. Drill.
10/7/1863
[KK] Rainy weather.
[FW] Letter #98
10/8/1863
[KK] Drill. Warm weather.
[FS] On the 8th another band attacked the railroad and blocked the
tunnel near Murfreesboro.
[FW] Letter #99
10/9/1863
[KK] Drill. Regimental inspection. Evening at 11:00 we received
our marching orders and left right away.
[FS] On the 9th order was given to pursue the guerrillas. Our brigade
boarded the train and drove up to the tunnel. Here we searched the surroundings
but found nothing. We cleared the tunnel so that trains could pass it and
returned to our camp.
10/10/1863
[KK] 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.
[KK] 10/11 Sunday
Morning at 3:00 we were back at camp. I commanded the company because
the lieutenant was sick.
[FW] Letter #100
10/12/1863
[KK] Our company was on forward guard.
10/13/1863
[KK] Strong rain weather the whole day.
10/14/1863
[KK] Strong rain weather and our camp was on patrol.
[FS] On the 14th we made an exploratory military survey of the enemy
territory on the other side of the Tennessee River. We captured 4 bushwhacks,
3 rifles and 2 saddled horses. Late at night we returned to our camp.
10/15/1863
[KK] Rain weather requisitions were given out.
[FW] Letter #101
10/16/1863
[KK] Rainy weather. Wrote letter to parents. Made out monthly return.
[FW] Letter #102
10/17/1863
[KK] Rainy weather. Our company was on (?verting).
[CW] Letter #15
10/18/1863 Sunday
[KK] General inspection. Rain weather. Descriptive list on deserter
William Salter.
[FW] Letter #103
10/19/1863
[KK] The company was on picket.
[FS] On the 19th we changed the camp.
10/20/1863
[KK] Built tents. Received company box.
10/21/1863
[KK] Stormy rain weather. Made out descriptive list.
10/22/1863
[KK] Rain weather. Made out quarterly return of ordnance return.
[AM] Letter #64 {End of Adam Muenzenberger's
Letters}
10/23/1863
[KK] 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.
10/24/1863
[KK] After 5, we arrived back at our camp. Rained some what.
10/25/1863 Sunday
[KK] Fixed tents. Made out the Descriptive list and received marching
orders.
[FW] Letter #104
10/26/1863
[KK] The marching orders were postponed to the 27th. Made out muster
and pay roll. Regimental inspection and got clothing.
10/27/1863
[KK] Morning, we marched sixteen miles. Evening at 6 we rested.
This road went along the rail road. It was mountainous and bad.
[FS] On the 27th we left the camp and proceeded to Chattanooga.
10/28/1863 (Battle at Wauhatchie)
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 28th we arrived at the mountain Lookout which was occupied
by the rebels. Approximately at 2 o'clock in the afternoon our vanguard
ran into the rebel outpost and heavy gunfight began. The rebels retreated
to the mountain. When 5 passing the mountain the artillery opened heavy
bombardment from the top of the mountain but no one was injured. We stopped
at Lookout Valley. At 11 o'clock at night the rebels sneaked out and attacked
the 12th corps. Our corps quickly formed battle lines and rushed to the
rescue of the 12th corps. The rebels were defeated and chased into the
mountains. Our regiment had 2 casualties. We remained in battle line until
the 6th of November. The enemy bombarded us every day but did not cause
any casualties.
10/29/1863
[KK] 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.
10/30/1863
[KK] Cold rainy weather
10/31/1863
[KK] Evening, we changed our position. It was very quiet.
[FW] Letter #105
11/1/1863
[KK] First, didn't do anything. As soon as anything moved, the rebels
sent several bombs down. Still we were mustered.
[FW] Letter #106
11/2/1863
[KK] 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.
11/3/1863
[KK] Got a letter from parents, and Carl Wilket, and built rifle
pits.
[FW] Letter #107
11/4/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to my parents, Jacob Heipp, Carl Wilket, John
Meier, Christian Frenz, and built rifle pits.
[AM]Letter #58
[AM]Letter #59
11/5/1863
[KK] Changed position closer to Lookout Mountain. Rain weather.
Made out monthly returns and received rations.
11/6/1863
[KK] Our train had arrived.
11/7/1863
[KK] Finished the payroll. Made out requisition for clothing. Report
that Joseph Schuh shot himself through the hand.
11/8/1863 Sunday
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents. Cold weather.
[FW] Letter #108
[ED] Letter #16
11/9/1863
[KK] Received clothing and built rifle pits. Cold.
11/10/1863
[KK] Quiet. Weather somewhat warmer.
11/11/1863
[KK] Our brigade went someplace. (Note: he didn't say where)
11/12/1863
[KK] 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.)
[FS] On the 12th we went on a forage expedition.
{MS} Article #81
11/13/1863
[KK] Nothing happened. Weather warm.
11/14/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to parents. Rain.
11/15/1863 Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Monthly return of clothing. Made out the camp garrison
equipage.
11/16/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to Abram Baer. Our company built fortifications.
11/17/1863
[KK] We were paid for September and October. Made out monthly return
of clothing and camp garrison equipage.
11/18/1863
[KK] Letter from parents. Warm weather.
[FW] Letter #109
11/19/1863
[KK] Letter from parents. Built tents. Warm weather.
11/20/1863
[KK] Inspection. Subscription of Frank Leslies.
[FW] Letter #110
11/21/1863
[KK] Wrote a letter to Roberts in Philadelphia.
11/22/1863 Sunday
[KK] 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.
[FS] On the 22nd we left Lookout Valley and moved to Chattanooga
where we spent the night.
[FW] Letter #111
11/23/1863 (Battle at Missionary Ridge)
[KK] We came back at noon. Evening at 6:30, went to Bridgeport Alabama,
night at 10:00, Stevenson, Alabama.
[FS] On the 23rd the battle of Missionary Ridge began. At noon we
formed battle lines at Missionary Ridge where the bulk of rebels had taken
position.
11/24/1863
[KK] Morning at 3:00, left Stevenson. Evening at 9:00, in Nashville.
Took lodging in the Cosswith House.
[FS] On the 24th we advanced several feet. The same day Mount Lookout
was seized.
-- Karl Karsten went on recruiting leave November 11, 1863, to March 23, 1864.
11/25/1863
[FS] On the 25th the center of the rebels was defeated. At noon
our corps moved to the left flank to aid Sherman. There the enemy had concentrated
his forces. The enemy was defeated everywhere and ...
[ED] Letter #18
11/26/1863
[FS] ... on the 26th, put to rout. We pursued him for 2 days.
11/28/1863
[FW] Letter #112
11/29/1863
[FS] On the 29th we marched to Knoxville in order to reinforce Burnside
against Longstreet.
12/1/1863
[FS] On our march we passed through the following towns: Cleveland,
Charlestown, Athens, Sweetwater and Philadelphia.
12/3/1863
[FW] Letter #113
12/5/1863
[FS] On the 5th we reached Louisville. This was the destination
of our campaign. Since Longstreet retreated and Burnside did not need our
support any longer we moved back ...
12/8/1863
[ED] Letter #19
12/10/1863
[FW] Letter #114
12/13/1863
[FW] Letter #115
12/14/1863
[FW] Letter #116
12/15/1863
[FW] Letter #117
12/16/1863
[FS] ... to Lookout Valley where we arrived on the 16th. Here we
spent the rest of the year 1863 peacefully.
12/17/1863
[FW] Letter #118
12/19/1863
[FW] Letter #119
[CW] Letter #17
12/25/1863
[FW] Letter #120
12/27/1863
[FW] Letter #121
1/1/1864
[FW] Letter #122
1/6/1864
[FW] Letter #123
1/11/1864
{MS} Article #82
1/13/1864
[ED] Letter #20
1/15/1864
[FW] Letter #124
1/17/1864
[FW] Letter #125
[CW] Letter #18
1/24/1864
[FW] Letter #126
[CW] Letter #19
1/25/1864
[FS]On the 25th our corps was ordered to defend the railroad between
Bridgeport and Chattanooga. At that time our corps was again attached to
the 2nd brigade which was stationed at Whiteside Station. The 3rd brigade
was discharged.
[FW] Letter #127
1/28/1864
{MS} Article #83
1/30/1864
[FW] Letter #128
2/3/1864
[FW] Letter #129
2/8/1864
[FW] Letter #130
2/10/1864
[FW] Letter #131
-- Frederick Buerstatte Diary begins.
2/12/1864
[FB] Tonight I volunteered for duty with the 26th Regiment Wis.
Infantry Volunteers for 3 years or duration of the war.
2/21/1864
[ED] Letter #21
3/6/1864
[FB] I received a physical examination by the doctor at Camp Randall
and was declared fit.
3/7/1864
[ED] Letter #22
3/15/1864
[FB] We were mustered into the service of the U.S.
-- Karl Karsten returns to the 26th Wis.
3/23/1864
[KK] Took over my job again. Quite cool. Sent letter to parents
and Martin Arno.
3/24/1864
[KK] Wrote letter to Carl Wilket and
Jacob Heipp.
3/25/1864
[KK] Rain weather. Made out acquisition of clothing. Wrote letter
to John Meier.
3/26/1864
[KK] Wrote letter to C. W.
3/27/1864 Easter Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Letter to G. Forberg. Warm weather.
3/28/1864
[KK] Nice weather. Sent to home a letter and newspaper with W. W.
and Hostman. Made out monthly return at regiment. Strong rain storm.
3/29/1864
[KK] Nice weather.
3/30/1864
[KK] Letter to Weinand and Carl Schmidt. Cool weather.
3/31/1864
[KK] Made out quarterly return of deceased soldiers. Nice weather.
4/1/1864
[KK] Rainy, cool weather.
4/2/1864
[KK] Made monthly return of clothing and camp and garrison equipage.
4/3/1864 Sunday
[KK] Inspection and parade. Sent newspaper to my parents. Sunshine,
nice day.
4/4/1864
[KK] Letter to Schneider. Rain.
4/5/1864
[KK] Nice day.
4/6/1864
[KK] Made out a list of condemned stores.
4/7/1864
[KK] Made out quarterly return of ordinance store. Ordinance store
was condemned. Nice weather.
4/8/1864
[KK] Wrote to S. H. Got clothing. Rain weather.
4/9/1864
[KK] Sent a letter and newspaper to parents and got letter from
parents. One brigade calvary and two batteries marched by.
4/10/1864
[KK] Cavalry and infantry regiment marched by. Nice weather.
[CW] Letter #20
4/11/1864
[KK] Warm weather. Camp was cleaned. Planted green trees.
4/12/1864
[KK] Made out inventory and final statement. Raining.
4/13/1864
[KK] Wrote a letter to the publisher of the Weltboten (a German
newspaper). Warm weather.
[FS] On the 13th the 11th and 12th corps merged into the 20th corps
under the command of General Hooker. Our regiment was attached to the 3rd
division under the command of General Butterfield, to the 3rd brigade under
the command of Colonel Wood.
4/14/1864
[KK] Made out monthly inspection return. Nice weather.
4/15/1864
[KK] Afternoon, general inspection. Nice cool weather.
4/16/1864
[KK] Sent newspaper to parents. Cool wind the whole day.
4/17/1864 Sunday
[KK] Quite cool. Inspection. W. W. back again. Rainy in the evening.
[ED] Letter #23
4/18/1864
[KK] Six regiments of infantry marched by. Made out inspection report.
Rainy day.
[FB] We left Camp Randall and were sent to the regiment.
4/19/1864
[KK] Several infantry regiments marched by. Inspected by Colonel
Woods, commander of our new brigade. Third brigade, third division, 20th
A.C. Received letter from parents and John Meier and answered them.
[FW] Letter #133
4/20/1864
[KK]Made out list of absentees and descriptive list of deserters.
Sunshine.
[FW] Letter #134
4/21/1864
[KK] Received letter from Martin Arns and answered. Cool weather.
Rainy.
4/22/1864
[KK] Marching orders and serenade from the 82nd Illinois band. Nice
warm weather.
[FS] On the 22nd we moved over to Lookout Valley where our division
took up formation.
4/23/1864
[KK] In morning at six left with music from the 82nd Illinois band.
Nice sunshine. Afternoon at 4:00 arrived at Lookout Valley and one mile
at Brown Ferry and erected our tents.
[FW] Letter #135
[FB] We arrived at the regiment at Lookout Valley, Tennessee.
4/24/1864 Sunday
[KK] Rainy, continued making the camp. Dress parade. Built nice
comfortable tents. Nice weather.
4/25/1864
[KK] Finished tents. Made list of all equipment that the company
had. Nice weather. Winds strong.
[FW] Letter #136
4/26/1864
[KK] Drill. Cleaned camp. Warm weather.
4/27/1864
[KK] Received a letter from parents, C. W., and Weinand. Forenoon,
battalion drill. Afternoon, brigade drill. Also received flag for regiment.
Made out monthly return and received muster payrolls. Nice weather.
[FB] We finally received rifles.
4/28/1864
[KK] Warm weather. Worked on muster and payroll. Drill. Wrote letter
to C. W. Afternoon between 2:00 to 4:00 maneuvers where everyone fired
30 rounds. Made out absentees, detached men and equipment for our company.
4/29/1864
[KK] Finished muster and payrolls. Report of absentees. Letter from
George Schneider. Sent letter to parents, Theodore Weinand, and George
Schneider. Also sent newspaper to parents.
[FW] Letter #137
4/30/1864
[KK] Rainy. Mustering and inspection. Sent newspaper to parents.
Enter clothing into the books.
5/1/1864
[KK] Brigade inspection. Monthly return of clothing. Camp in garrison
equipage as well as descriptive list. Received marching orders and clothing
in the evening. Weather warm.
[FW] Letter #138
[CW] Letter #21 {Last letter
of Charles Wicksburg, Death Certificate
on
9/2/1864.
5/2/1864
[KK] Morning at 6:00, left for Gordons Mill, Georgia - twenty miles.
I had new shoes that I had to cut in order to be able to walk in them.
We went over Lookout Mountain and all battle fields from Chickamonga and
Missionary Ridge. Weather warm.
[FB] We left on march from Lookout Valley this morning. We are now
15 miles from Georgia. We came to Missionary Ridge battlefield on the way.
The roadside was full of graves and the cannonballs and rifle balls were
buried in the trees.
[FS] On the 2nd the summer campaign began. This day we arrived in
Gordensville, Georgia, and rested the entire next day.
5/3/1864
[KK] Made out new camp and made up nice tents. Evening, received
marching orders and bullets. Close to Chickamonga Creek.
[FW] Letter #139
5/4/1864
[KK] Morning at 4:00 got up. Left at 6:00 and marched the whole
day without rest to Taylor's Mountain - sixteen miles and camped close
to Edward's Saw and Flour mill which was not used.
[FS] On the 4th we marched to Ringold.
5/5/1864
[KK] Nice weather all day. Cleaned street, built tents and dress
parade.
[FB] Today in Georgia it is (?) day. We marched here yesterday.
The Rebs are not far from here. Weather is beautiful and the air warm.
[FW] Letter #140
5/6/1864
[KK] Morning at 6:00 left for Lee's Farm - ten miles. Quite warm.
Built tents. Dress parade. Received letter from Carl Schmidt.
[FS] We left this town again on the 6th.
[FW] Letter #141
5/7/1864 (March to Atlanta Begins)
[KK] Got up at 2:30. Marched off at 5:00 over Taylor Ridge to Wood's
Valley - twenty miles. Very hot. Evening, whole regiment did guard duty.
[FB] The entire army is on the move. We marched farther south yesterday
and today. The area is hilly. We see few men but often women and children.
[FS] On the 7th we reached Buzzard Roost where we had 2 skirmishes
with the rebels on two following days.
5/8/1864 Sunday
[KK] Noon, again we went five miles and was positioned in the battle
line on a small hill. Skirmishers were sent out and the shooting started
at 3:00. At 5:00 orderly Stillerberg and (? unreadable text) were wounded.
Strong heat all day. Evening, everything was quiet.
[FB] We marched to Tunnel Hill where the Rebs were. In the afternoon
we had an encounter with the Rebs in which they were driven from their
first position. We lost 2 dead and some wounded.
5/9/1864 (Battle at Buzzard Roost)
[KK] Morning at 7:00 we went out (? unreadable text) and the right
and left wing we had a strong exchange of words. We were in the center.
At 10:00 we advanced and pushed back the rebels advance guard. We went
across the creek and landed at Buzzard Roost with charged bayonets. We
laid close to the rebels and their batteries, so close that we could hear
every command and we knew them. Noon, we were relieved by Company C. Lost
one man. We stayed until 3:00 in skirmish reserve. Then we were ordered
back to the regiment which was laying close to a church. Stayed there until
7:00. Then went back to our division where we slept well through the night.
Evening, received a letter from parents and Jacob Heipp. We camped in Wood's
Valley.
[FS] On the 9th we were relieved and moved back.
[FW] Letter #142
{MS} Article #84
5/10/1864
[KK] We moved the camp to a nice area with lawn where we could build
good tents and we received the news that Grant beat Lee back ten miles
and left their dead and wounded in our hands. (Karl is referring to Grant's
victory at Spotsylvania, near Chancellorsville) Wrote letter to parents.
Rainy evening. High strong thunderstorm.
[FS] 10th, we rested.
5/11/1864
[KK] Morning at 1:30 we were to get ready. Left at 5:00 for twelve
miles, where we arrived at 1:00 p.m. Cool whole day. Afternoon, strong
cannon to the left and General Hooker rode by us as we greeted him with
hurrahs.
[FS] On the 11th we marched to Snake Creek Gap.
[FW] Letter #143
[FB] We marched in the direction of Rome. We drove the enemy before
us and we heard General Grant had beaten the Rebs in Virginia. The soldiers
hope to see the war come to an end this year. So do the enemy prisoners,
some of whom look quite bewildered.
5/12/1864
[KK] We had cool weather the whole day. Forenoon, marched after
we cleared the way - 3 miles. Received letter from John Bedlebeck. Had
dress parade without music. Strong cannon thunder to the left.
[FS] On the 12th we marched a few more miles.
5/13/1864 (Battle at Tilton or Dalton)
[KK] Morning, advanced two miles and we were arranged in a battle
line and we were used to protect a battery. Noon, again five miles on.
Afternoon, the "dance" (battle) started which lasted until the evening
at 8:00. First we laid on the outskirts of the woods but had to leave fairly
soon to make the 14th Corps stronger (enhance) their artillery. After that,
we had to go through very heavy underbrush in skirmish and battle. General
Kilpatrick was wounded. Warm weather.
[FS] On the 13th we marched up to Resaca. There we formed battle
lines and remained in this position until the next day. We had no encounter
but our outposts had one dead and 8 wounded.
5/14/1864
[KK] Morning, daybreak shooting started. Company B had to go out
as skirmishers where they had a quite a battle. Company B had one dead
and three wounded. Company K at two wounded. Company B must have been shot
through the clothing, from 10:00 to 12:00. Quite strong cannon thunder
on the left as well as the whole afternoon. The rebels were pushed. Cool
weather. Evening, started building rifle pits because we expected a strong
push, but we were relieved at 12:00 midnight because we were always in
the front of the battle.
[FB] Since yesterday and today a lively skirmish has been occurring
in front of us. We are lying here in a battle line. The enemy is resisting
heavily and we will soon get into the fire because our advance troops are
already in it. The Adjutant had acquired a detachment from the Army of
the Potomac with which General Grant had beaten the Rebs after a 4 day
battle. He captured 30 cannons and an entire division. We hear loud gunfire
to the left and in front of us and it seems the enemy is being driven back.
[FS] On the 14th we moved to the left flank and from here ...
5/15/1864 Pentecost Sunday (Battle at Resaca)
[KK] Morning at 6:00, went to the left wing where we arrived at
12:00. We were ordered out to storm forward. At 3:00 we took a gap and
two hills by storm at Reseca and went on and took a fort with four cannons.
But could not hold it because the back line of our people fired on us.
Because of that we had to fall back. Our regiment lost 58 men. Our company
had two wounded, Peter Stoffel in the foot and Albert Wolf in the foot
and forearm. Both died from their wounds. We stormed three times and fell
back and kept our wounded and the gap. At 6:00 we were relieved and ordered
in the back line. Evening, back in reserve. Cool weather. Midnight, the
rebels attacked, but were thrown back, which our four cannons helped. The
rebels had to retreat so fast they left everything that could hurt them
in the retreat.
[FB] Today is Pentecost day. The battle lasted yesterday into the
night and this morning it continues again. We were relieved last night.
Our entire division is on the march to try to surround the enemy. We marched
until noon and set up a battle line and moved out. Our brigade attacked
the enemy defenses but we were thrown back. We regrouped and attacked again.
Our regiment moved ahead in good formation, but the other regiments broke
up and we had to retreat again. We attacked again but did not succeed.
We received reinforcements and took the defenses. This was a horrible fight.
Dead and wounded lay everywhere. We were taken to the rear and spent a
quiet night we are considerably disappointed since our regiment lost 70
men of 370 total.
[FS] ... on the 15th, stormed the trenches and artillery of the
enemy. During this encounter I was wounded in the left leg. Approximately
one hour after the injury I was brought to the divisional field hospital
and from there ...
5/16/1864 Pentecost Monday
[KK] The rebels were routed by foot. Forenoon, at 9:00 we also left
and we met on our way a lot of wounded. At noon, our cars were brought
up for our wounded. We marched to Fields Mill where we arrived at 11:30
- fifteen miles. Where we were brought over on a small ferry, on the Coocavihatchie
River where we stayed the rest of the night. Also, on the way we saw lots
of munitions which the rebels could no take with them and could not destroy.
[FB] The enemy was beaten this morning. We have the last stragglers
of the Rebs behind us. We captured more material and ammunition. The guns
they left behind are all destroyed. The road is scattered full of dead,
horses, pieces of clothing, weapons, cartridge containers, etc. These are
the tracks of an army in flight.
5/17/1864
[KK] We had to stay there till 2:00 pm. because the whole train
had to be taken by ferry. It was raining. Left at 2:00 until 10:00 in the
evening, approximately fifteen miles. Somewhat cool.
[FB] Last night we marched until 1:00 o'clock. Our cavalry is following
the enemy. We are finding while marching many dead and wounded left behind
by the enemy.
[FW] Letter #144
5/18/1864
[KK] Morning at 6:30, we had to get up. Left at 5:00, we were the
right flank and had to protect the wagon train - twenty miles. Rested one
hour at noon. Afternoon at 5:00, skirmish fire in the front and pushed
the enemy back till evening at 9:00 without loosing a man. It was quite
hot the whole day. Some had to stay back because of the exhaustion. We
built rifle pits for us.
[FB] in the evening we got to the enemy area and built breastworks
overnight. Enemy cavalry is in front of us. We are extremely exhausted
from the long march.
5/19/1864
[KK] Morning at 6:00 we went on and we started right away to skirmish.
Received orders to go to the right because we had no contact with other
troops. Noon, our brigade had been cut off from the rest and we came upon
a strong Rebel Corps, so that we had to fall back to a farm house on a
hill where our battery took up position and started firing right away.
We built a breastwork from some negro housing that we tore down, but the
enemy did not attack us. Noon, we received reenforcement and advanced front-wards
at 2:30 and pushed back the enemy. Our company were skirmishers and had
to ford a creek and follow them to Caprille until the evening at 9:00 when
we were put in reserve because we were very tired because we marched twenty-two
miles, in which eight miles were in line. Very hot the whole day.
[FB] At noon we engaged the enemy and the battle started. In spite
of this, our regiment did not get into it. Good news from Virginia.
5/20/1864
[KK] Letter from parents and G. Vorberg. Rested and built tents
and cleaned. Warm weather.
[FW] Letter #145
[FW] Letter #146
5/21/1864
[KK] Wrote to parents and G. Vorberg, Carl Schmidt, and Jacob Heipp.
Drilled. Dress parade. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #147
[FB] Rest day.
5/22/1864 Sunday
[KK] Hot weather. Change camp. Built tents. Wrote to John Bedlebeck.
Received marching orders. Inspection and dress parade.
[FW] Letter #148
[FW] Letter #149
[FB] One does not realize it, but today is Sunday. Tomorrow we march
again. The heat is terrible and we are all almost "finished".
5/23/1864
[KK] Morning at 2:00, got up. Left at 5:00 - eighteen miles where
we went over the Woosahachie River on linen pontoons, because the rebels
burnt the bridge the night before. Very warm. The evening, our whole regiment
went on forward guard where we "transported into the other world" chickens
(eat).
[FB] Our company was assigned to train guard duty.
5/24/1864 (Battle at Burnt Hickory)
[KK] Morning at 7:00, went to Burnt Hickory - twenty miles. Evening,
we built fortifications. Hot. Cannon fire to the right.
5/25/1864 (Battle at New Hope Church, Ga.)
[KK] Morning at 8:00, we left and went until 10:00. Then we found
out we went the wrong way. We turned around. It took us till 1:30. We marched
until 5:00 then we got into battle until 2:00 am when we were relieved.
After we already made rifle pits with old wood and without tools. Then
were relieved and put back in reserve. Our company of 22 men, lost five
wounded two dead, and one missing. Dead are Corporal Robert Templeton and
Private Emettson Smith Wounded are Corporal John Gunther, Private George
Dellenbach, who died from his wounds, Cyrus Shafer, Charles
Hafemann, and William Geri. Missing is Private Fritz Distler. It was
quit warm all day. I commanded the camp because the Leuitenant was sick.
Weather was quite warm the whole day. Evening, Strong rain.
[FS] ... on May 22nd, to the General Field Hospital in Resaca, Ward
7, Section 3.
5/26/1864
[KK] Didn't do anything but rested. All the fighting people were
pulled together to rest. Got rations. Nice weather. I slept almost the
whole day because I was tired. Made out the list of dead and wounded and
received bullets.
5/27/1864 (Battle at Dallas, Ga.)
[KK] Morning, very strong cannon thunder along the whole line. Forenoon,
very quite. Received pieces of clothing. At 12:00, left for the right wing.
Between 3:00 and 5:00, strong cannon fire and musket fire to the left.
Night, it was fairly quiet. Weather was warm.
[FB] We were relieved of train guard duty and at midnight returned
to our regiment encamped at Burnt Hickory.
[FW] Letter #150
5/28/1864
[KK] Forenoon, we were bombarded, but without doing any damage,
except for two guns. At 10:00 we went into the rifle pits to finish it.
The rest of the day we did not do much except front guard. Musket fire
in the front. Strong cannon fire to the right. Weather warm.
[FB] The Rebs greeted us with cannon fire this morning. We relieved
the 1st Brigade which was positioned behind breastworks. The entire area
is thickly wooded.
[FW] Letter #151
5/29/1864 Sunday
[KK] We kept quiet in the rifle pits. Hot weather. Evening at 10:00
the rebels made several attacks, every time it was repelled which lasted
the whole right.
5/30/1864
[KK] Morning at 3:00, I had to go on picket as officer for which
I was received at 10:00 pm. We had to be very careful because of the snipers.
Hot weather.
[FB] The Rebs attacked last night but were driven off.
[FW] Letter #152
5/31/1864
[KK] Hot weather. No movement. Wrote letters to parents. Everything
was quiet. Only a house was bombarded where the snipers were hid. There
were also some cannon shots.
[FB] We were relieved last night and lay in reserve today.
[FW] Letter #153
{MS} Article #85
6/1/1864
[KK] Forenoon, we were quiet. I received a letter form C. W. and
John Meier. At noon we were relieved by the 16th Corps which came from
the right. We marched to the left wing which took till the evening at 7:00
where we camped on a mountain. Hot weather.
6/2/1864
[KK] Forenoon, we were quiet. Received my commission of Second Lieutenant
of Company F. It rained the whole day, quite strongly. Afternoon, we marched
on to the left. Also, several bombs were thrown towards us. Two dropped
on our regiment without damage.
[FB] We marched on the right flank today. It rained a great deal.
We are all wet through and through and there is an awful lot of mud! mud!
6/3/1864
[KK] First we were quite until the afternoon at 3:00, at which time
we marched to flank the enemy. We made approximately six miles at 6:00
in the evening. We met with the enemy. We were positioned in a line, but
everything remained quiet. It rained quite strongly. We were positioned
on a wheat field.
[FW] Letter #154
6/4/1864
[KK] Laid there. It rained the whole day. Cannon thunder to the
right of us. The enemy pulled back.
[FW] Letter #155
6/5/1864 Sunday
[KK] Remained quiet. Rainy. Everything was quite on the front.
[FB] Today is Sunday, a beautiful day at home, but here we must
keep our thoughts together, otherwise one does not know it is Sunday. The
weather is finally clearing up after a long period of rain. Rations are
becoming scarce.
6/6/1864
[KK] The enemy has pulled back. We marched in the morning at 6:00.
I had to go with Company G, and a part of Company H, and had to go out
as flankers for some miles. Then we were positioned in the line of battle,
then maneuvered from 10:00 am till 8:00 pm. At which time we took position
in the woods and built rifle pits. We had to protect the left flank. Warm
weather.
6/7/1864
[KK] Nothing happened. Received a letter form parents, Germany,
and John Young. Wrote a letter to C. W. General Inspection. Weather warm
with rain. All was quiet in the front.
[FB] Today we are encamped on a hill. We had to build breastworks
deep into last night and are learning what the word hunger means.
6/8/1864
[KK] Warm weather. Wrote letter to parents and John Meier. Mustered
in as Lieutenant.
[FB] Rest day.
6/9/1864
[KK] Didn't move. Hot weather. Wrote a letter to Henry Lembke and
John
Young. I also have been transferred to Company F and I went together with
Steinmeyer in the mess. All was quiet on the front.
6/10/1864
[KK] Rainy weather. Fairly quiet on the front. Some cannon shots
fell. Several troops marched by us to the left wing.
6/11/1864
[KK] Much rain with strong thunder showers. Some Cannons shots fell.
[FW] Letter #156
{MS} Article #86
6/12/1864 Sunday
[KK] Several shots fell. Rain.
6/13/1864
[KK] Rainy and cool. Received a letter from parents and Carl Wilket.
The evening was quiet. Strong artillery fire.
{MS} Article #87
6/14/1864
[KK] Cool weather. Inspection. Wrote a letter parents, Carl Wilket,
and Abram Baer. Strong artillery fire. Received a letter from parents.
6/15/1864
[KK] Receive a letter from John Bedlebeck. Afternoon at 2:00, we
went forward and between 6:00 and 8:00 the rebels bombarded us without
much damage. Two men from our regiment was wounded. We pushed the enemy
back and maneuver till morning at 3:00 am. Fairly warm weather.
{MS} Article #88
6/16/1864
[KK] Forenoon, Built rifle pits. But in the afternoon we were put
into the second battle line. Afternoon at 6:00, we were bombarded. In the
evening, we went farther to the right into the rifle pits. There is where
the rebel sharpshooters were and quite active. Continued to make our fortifications
better. Warm weather. One from my company was tied to a tree because of
courage.
[FB] We marched out at 2:00 o clock and met the Rebs at 6:00 o clock
at Big Shanty. We laid for 2 hours through cannon and rifle fire on the
ground and dared not get up. Two men were wounded from our regiment.
6/17/1864
[KK] Morning, rebels pushed back out of their strong fortification.
Forenoon at 10:00, we followed them, which it was quite lively. We also
captured a rebel flag. It rained.
[FB] Last night we had to lay ad night with rifles in our arms and
then we built breastworks.
[FW] Letter #157
6/18/1864
[KK] We remained quiet. Strong artillery fire. Very strong rain
intermitently.
6/19/1864 Sunday
[KK] Forenoon at 10 we went forward. At noon I had to skirmish with
a half of Company F until morning at 3:00. The whole time I had to maneuver
back and forth. Strong rain weather. Our losses in the regiment: 1 dead,
5 wounded. I received a glancing shot on the foot.
[FB] We advanced 2 miles. The Rebs left their defenses, strong defenses,
which were built a long time ago.
6/20/1864
[KK] Morning at 3:00, I was back with the regiment. Got a letter
from George Schneider and wrote to parents. Evening, was supposed to attack,
but was called back. Rain weather.
[FB] We got into a skirmish yesterday in which we lost a lot of
men.
[FW] Letter #158
6/21/1864
[KK] Morning at 3:00, I had to go to picket at 10:00 a.m. Our sharp
shooters went forward. In the evening, took at mountain. In the evening
at 8:00 I was relieved. Rainy.
[FW] Letter #159
6/22/1864
[KK] Forenoon at 9:00, we pushed forward. At noon we stormed over
an open field and took a hill whereby our regiment suffered 5 dead, 30
wounded. Built rifle pits right away. Was relieved by the 14th Corps. Evening,
marched to the right wing. Weather was warm.
[FB] Today was again another bloody day near Marietta. We had to
attack the well-entrenched enemy at noon. We ran across a wide open field
with shouts and into the next woods where we came upon the enemy outpost
defenses and got to within 300 yards of their main defenses. Our regiment
lost 45 dead and wounded.
[FW] Letter #160
6/23/1864
[KK] Marched further to the right. Received letter from Martin Arns
and Jacob Heipp. Built rifle pit in the second battle line. Hot weather.
[FB] We were relieved last night and marched farther to the right
where today we built breastworks in view of the enemy who provided us with
cannonball music.
[FW] Letter #161
6/24/1864
[KK] Remained quiet. Hot weather.
6/25/1864
[KK] Wrote letter to George Schneider and John Biedlebach. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #162
6/26/1864 Sunday
[KK] Wrote to Jacob Heipp and Martin Arns. Hot weather.
[FS] On the 26th of June I was transferred to the General Field
Hospital No. 2, Ward 19, in Chattanooga.
6/27/1864 (Battle at Kennesaw Mountian)
[KK] Morning at 2:00 went back into third battle line. Letter from
parents and answered. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #163
6/28/1864
[KK] Some cannon fire to the left. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #164
6/29/1864
[KK] Evening in the first battle line. Night we had a little battle
to the left. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #165
6/30/1864
[KK] We were quiet, with hot weather and rain. Received my discharge
and mustering papers also a musket ball wen through our tent 1 1/2 feet
from the bottom. We were lying down at the time.
[FW] Letter #166
7/1/1864
[KK] One from Company H was wounded. Hot.
[FW] Letter #167
7/2/1864
[KK] I got a letter from Gottlieb Metzner and from my parents. Wrote
letter to parents. One from Company K was wounded. Hot weather.
7/3/1864 Sunday
[KK] Morning, the enemy left his fortification. Until 6:00 maneuvered
the whole day until evening at 7:00. Made a lot of prisoners without great
losses. Marched 15 miles but it was if it were 3 miles straight. Our division
made 500 prisoners. Very hot weather. Recieved letter from Abram Baer.
[FB] While we were on the march, the Rebs gave up their forward
defenses and retreated with us at their heels.
[FW] Letter #168
7/4/1864
[KK] Our regiment and the 73rd [Ohio] regiment at to go on reconnoisence,
but didn't find any rebels. Afternoon, we went to the right and built fortifications
because our division general expected an attack, but it was our own people
which I was afraid of.
[FB] Today we stood watch and returned at noon. All day long a terrible
cannonade has been going on in front and to the left of us. Toward evening
we marched about 3 miles and built breast-works.
[FW] Letter #169
7/5/1864
[KK] Forenoon at 9:30, we marched until evening 9:00, 12 miles though.
Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #170
7/6/1864
[KK] Left at 2:00 in the afternoon until the evening at 7:00. Some
light cannon fire. We could see the tower of Atlanta.
[FB] Today we are positioned on a hall about 2 miles from the Chattahoochie
River. The Rebs are in retreat. We marched here yesterday in the greatest
heat in which many of our men collapsed from exhaustion.
[FW] Letter #171
7/7/1864
[KK] Remained quiet. Hot weather. Letter from Gottleib Metzner and
Abram Baer.
[FW] Letter #172
7/8/1864
[KK] Remained quiet. Hot weather. Wrote letter to (?) Vorberg. Our
major was commissioned as colonel and Captain Lockner got commissioned
as major.
7/9/1864
[KK] Remained quiet. I made out muster and payrolls. Hot weather.
[FB] We established our camp here. Weather is beautiful.
[FW] Letter #173
7/10/1864 Sunday
[KK] Remained quiet. Received a letter from parents and answered.
Visited the regiment. Hot weather.
[FS] On the 10th of July I was transferred to Nashville, Tennessee,
hospital No. 14, ward No. 2.
[FW] Letter #174
7/11/1864
[KK] Received letter from Peter Immell and answered. Hot weather.
7/12/1864
[KK] Hot weather. Repositioned the camp. Afternoon at 5:00 got put
on picket near Chacke River. We shot (?)
7/13/1864
[KK] (?) Hot weather.
7/14/1864
[KK] Hot weather. Evening (?)
7/15/1864
[KK] Hot weather. Letter from C.W. and answered. Received marching
orders. Went (?)
7/16/1864
[KK] Inspection. Warm weather.
{WP} Article #23
[FB] We stood general inspection today.
7/17/1864 Sunday
[KK] Inspection. Received letter from parents and Jacob Heipp. Afternoon
at 4:00 marched until evening 7:00. Evening we went over the Charic (?)
with pontoons. We made several miles. Hot weather.
[FB] Today is Sunday. We had to clean up the camp after which we
received orders to march.
7/18/1864
[KK] Morning at 10:00 left maneuver until evening at 6:00 through
dense bushes, 10 miles. We were in the first battle line, saw no enemy.
[FB] Yesterday evening we crossed the river on pontoons and marched
back and forth in the woods.
7/19/1864
[FB] We rested today.
[FW] Letter #175
7/20/1864
- (Karl Karsten's account of the Battle of Peach Tree Creek is temporarly
missing.)
[FB] Today we are engaged in a terrible battle with the Rebs at
Peach Tree Creek. At 2:00 o'clock PM. our brigade which was at the left
flank of the corps, joined the 4th Corps in battle line. The enemy attacked
at which time we advanced. Our regiment was as always m the forward battle
line. We advanced over a small hill and into a valley in which a small
creek flowed. Then the Rebs came toward us down the hill in front of us.
Now the firing really began. The gunfire exceeded anything I had ever heard
before. We loaded and fired as fast as possible. The Rebs came to within
10 paces of us, at which time our musket balls became too thick for them.
They turned to the right and retreated up the hill with us behind them.
This was a sight which I had never seen before and hope never to see again.
The entire field was scattered with dead, wounded and dying. The wounded
moaned so much that I could hardly watch. However, we had no time and had
to advance up the hill. There stood a fence behind which we petitioned
ourselves. The Rebs tried to advance again but did not succeed, because
a battery was placed on the hill behind us which greeted the enemy terribly
with cannonballs. After 4 hours of firing, we were finally relieved and
went to the second battle line. The firing lasted into the night. At night
I helped carry more wounded from the field. We also captured a flag from
the 33rd Mississippi Regiment.
7/21/1864
[FB] This morning our regiment, after a sleepless night, had to
bury the dead Rebs which laid before our regiment. They were all from the
33rd Mississippi Regiment. Our regiment lost 9 dead and 36 wounded. We
buried over 50 Rebs, among them Colonel Drake and most of the officers
of the 33rd Miss. Regiment. Now we had to clean our guns.
[FW] Letter #176
7/22/1864
[FB] Today we marched toward Atlanta and built breastworks. Toward
evening the Rebs greeted us with cannon fire. Four cannons are positioned
between our regiment. One can see the towers of Atlanta.
7/23/1864
[FB] We changed our position again We marched further to the right
near the First Division and lay behind "Dulgars Battery". Now the bombardment
of Atlanta has begun. Heavy defenses rise before us.
[FW] Letter #177
7/23/1864 (Battle of Atlanta Begins)
[KK] Our regiment had to build fortification. Hot weather, cold
night.
7/24/1864 Sunday
[KK] Wrote a letter to G. Vorberg. Hot weather. Evening at 7:00
I had to go on picket and immediately on outpost where the right of the
rebels greeted us with artillery fire. From our side we pretended to make
an attack but there was no shots fired.
[FW] Letter #178
7/25/1864
[KK] Morning at 6:00 in reserve. There was an artillery duel the
whole day. Evening at 8:00 relieved. One wounded. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #179
7/26/1864
[KK] Received letter from my parents and answered. Hot weather.
Evening (?)
7/27/1864
[KK] Rainy weather. Evening, one 20 pound bomb went into our fortification.
Wounded "? 31"
7/28/1864
[KK] Hot weather. Got a letter from Abram Baer, John Bedelbech and
George Schneider. Afternoon, advanced "2 lines unreadable"
{MS} Article #89
7/29/1864
[KK] Forenoon, at 10:00 marched 2_ "4 lines unreadable", approximately
9 miles. I commanded Company H.
[FB] A bloody battle occurred yesterday to our right and in front
of us at the 15th Corps.
7/30/1864
[KK] Afternoon at 3:00 advanced to the right. We were there to protect
the right flank. Evening, built fortifications. Answered letter to John
Bedelbech, George Schneider, and Abram Baer. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #180
7/31/1864 Sunday
[KK] Reconnaissance, hot rainy weather.
[FW] Letter #181
8/1/1864
[KK] Hot, rainy weather. Newspaper sent to my parents.
8/2/1864
[KK] Evening at 6:00 we marched back to (?) 6 miles. Hot, rainy
weather.
[FW] Letter #182
8/3/1864
[KK] Monday at 5:00 left (? unreadable)
[FW] Letter #183
8/4/1864
[KK] (? unreadable)
[FW] Letter #184
8/5/1864
[KK] (? 2 lines unreadable). The sharp shooter tried to route us,
without success. We were relieved at 9:00. Wrote letter to Henry Lembky.
Our position in the fortification was a bit better. Hot weather.
[FW] Letter #185
8/6/1864
[KK] Warm, rainy weather. Wrote letter to parents. The rebels again
tried to route our forward post, without success.
[FW] Letter #186
8/7/1864 Sunday
[KK] Inspection, rain weather.
8/8/1864
[KK] Rain weather. Wrote letter to Gottlieb Metzner. Our skirmish
line went back where one from Company A was killed (Reinhlod Nemitz). Got
a letter from parents.
8/9/1864
[KK] Rainy weather. One Company E was heavily wounded. Afternoon,
our batteries were shooting constantly.
[FW] Letter #187
8/10/1864
[KK] Morning at 1:00 on (?) Vertiage. Relieved at 8:00. Wrote letter
to parents. Rainy weather. Evening, again went to our new fortification.
[FW] Letter #188
8/11/1864
[KK] Hot weather. Strong artillery fire on both sides.
8/12/1864
[KK] Warm weather. Forenoon, on Vertiage with 24 men. Evening at
9:00 (?) received letter from G. Vorberg.
[FW] Letter #189
8/13/1864
[KK] Noon, advanced into the fortification. Afternoon, we made them
better. Hot weather. Got (?) from my parents. (?) with company.
8/14/1864
[KK] Wrote letter to G. Vorberg. One from Company I was wounded.
8/15/1864
[KK] General inspection. Letter from Peter Immel. Hot weather.
8/16/1864
[KK] Wrote letter to Peter Immel. Very hot weather. One ball went
through my tent.
[FW] Letter #190
8/17/1864
[KK] Letter to parents. Hot weather. Fairly quiet.
[FW] Letter #191
{MS} Article #90
8/18/1864
[KK] Hot weather. Cannon fire in the morning, then everything was
quiet.
8/19/1864
[KK] Hot weather. Strong musket fire to the right. Rebels wanted
to attack but they had thought better of it. Evening at 6:00 we went back.
8/20/1864
[KK] Rainy weather. Got a letter from parents. Relieved in the evening.
(?)
[FW] Letter #192
8/21/1864
[KK] (? 2 lines unreadable)
[FB] Today is Sunday. One almost doesn't realize it because the
bombardment continues without letup. We received a litt