1/1/1864
Terribly cold. B. Goetter's house burnt down.
1/2
Nothing new happened. Cold weather.
1/3 Sunday
Went to Schuh's wedding. Very cold.
1/4
Gottlieb Metzner was here for a visit.
1/5
Received instructions from Madison.
1/6
Wrote a letter to John Remmel.
1/7
Drove to Newborough. Mild.
1/8
Nothing new. Nice weather.
1/9
Went to Peter Water and Gottlieb Metzner's. Weather was cold.
1/10 Sunday
Made out trimonthly report. Evening, a ball at Lemke's.
1/11
Got a letter and check from Colonel Jacobs.
1/12
Wrote a letter to Charles Herman. Snowy weather.
1/13
Drove to Milwaukee because of instructions. Cold.
1/14
Back from Milwaukee. Mild.
1/15
At Martin Hen's in Barton.
1/16
Evening we had a great time in West Bend. Weather cold.
1/17 Sunday
Evening, had a party at Harsen's. Nice weather.
1/18
Received a letter from John Remmel. Cold
1/19
Nothing new. Snowstorm.
1/20
Made out trimonthly reports. Received government panes.
1/21
Went around in West Bend.
1/22
Received a letter from Charles Hermann.
1/23
At Joe Goetz in Barton.
1/24
Evening, had ball at Lemke's.
1/25
Wrote a letter to John Remmel.
1/26
Nothing new. Cold.
1/27
Had picture taken at Reipisin in Barter. Weather warm.
1/28
Snow weather.
1/29
Nothing new. Snow.
1/30
Went rabbit hunting. Cold weather.
1/31
Made out trimonthly report.
2/1
Nothing new. Snow.
2/2
Received instruction from Madison.
2/3
Had nice time in West Bend.
2/4
Had ball at Lemke's.
2/5
Nothing new. Cold weather.
2/6
Rabbit hunting. Mild.
2/7 Sunday
Cold weather.
2/8
Received a letter from John Remmel.
2/9
Parade with masks in Barton. Masked ball at Vieth. Great time.
Cold weather.
2/10
Monthly report.
2/11
Nothing new happened. Cold.
2/12
Snow weather.
2/13
Great evening in West Bend.
2/14
Went for a ride. Cold.
2/15
Went to George Emmett.
2/16
Spent and evening with George Emmett. Cold.
2/17
Drove around with George Emmett.
2/18
Drove around. Evening, in the spelling school.
2/19
Met with George Emmett to West Bend and back.
2/20
Went with George Emmet to Newbourgh where there was a party in
the evening and picked up my brother. Cold evening.
2/21 Sunday
Talked with Major Winkler.
2/22 Washington's Birthday.
Celebration. Sleigh ride with music in Newbourgh.
2/23
Went around West Bend.
2/24
Nothing new. Cold weather.
2/25
Great time in West Bend.
2/26
Recalled to duty.
2/27
Nothing new. Mild weather.
2/28 Sunday
Drank to my leaving.
2/29
Left for Milwaukee in the morning.
3/1
Milwaukee. Cold weather.
3/2
Sending my picture to my mother. Made out boarding bill.
3/3
Drove to Madison. Went to Camp Randal. Cold.
3/4
Collected my boarding bill. Afternoon, Milwaukee.
3/5
Milwaukee. Went around with acquaintances.
3/6
Went to theater. Mild.
3/7
Stayed in Milwaukee.
3/8
Drove to Madison. Cold weather.
3/9
On guard in the bull pen. Nice weather, but lots of dirt.
3/10
Forenoon guard. Afternoon went with Tiess to Milwaukee.
3/11
In Milwaukee.
3/12
Drove to West Bend.
3/13 Sunday
Evening, celebrated my leaving. Mild.
3/14
Went to Milwaukee. Warm.
3/15
Madison. Mild.
3/16
Quite cold. Some snow. Left Madison. Evening, in Chicago.
3/17
Left Chicago in the morning. Quite cool. Snow all day.
Afternoon, Indianapolis, left at 8:00.
3/18
Morning, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Strong wind. Afternoon, in
Louisville, Kentucky.
3/19
Left Louisville in morning. Quite cold. Afternoon, Nashville.
3/20 Sunday
Cool weather. Nashville, Tennessee.
3/21
Afternoon, left Nashville. Cool day. Evening, in Mumfriesboro,
Tennessee.
3/22
Left Mumfriesboro. Strong snow storm. Afternoon, reached
regiment.
3/23
Took over my job again. Quite cool. Sent letter to parents and
Martin Arno.
3/24
Wrote letter to Carl Wilket and Jacob Heipp.
3/25
Rain weather. Made out acquisition of clothing. Wrote letter
to John Meier.
3/26
Wrote letter to C. W.
3/27 Easter Sunday
Inspection. Letter to G. Forberg. Warm weather.
3/28
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
Nice weather.
3/30
Letter to Weinand and Carl Schmidt. Cool weather.
3/31
Made out quarterly return of deceased soldiers. Nice weather.
4/1
Rainy, cool weather.
4/2
Made monthly return of clothing and camp and garrison equipage.
4/3 Sunday
Inspection and parade. Sent newspaper to my parents. Sunshine,
nice day.
4/4
Letter to Schneider. Rain.
4/5
Nice day.
4/6
Made out a list of condemned stores.
4/7
Made out quarterly return of ordinance store. Ordinance store
was condemned. Nice weather.
4/8
Wrote to S. H. Got clothing. Rain weather.
4/9
Sent a letter and newspaper to parents and got letter from
parents. One brigade calvary and two batteries marched by.
4/10
Cavalry and infantry regiment marched by. Nice weather.
4/11
Warm weather. Camp was cleaned. Planted green trees.
4/12
Made out inventory and final statement. Raining.
4/13
Wrote a letter to the publisher of the Weltboten (a German
newspaper). Warm weather.
4/14
Made out monthly inspection return. Nice weather.
4/15
Afternoon, general inspection. Nice cool weather.
4/16
Sent newspaper to parents. Cool wind the whole day.
4/17 Sunday
Quite cool. Inspection. W. W. back again. Rainy in the
evening.
4/18
Six regiments of infantry marched by. Made out inspection
report. Rainy day.
4/19
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.
4/20
Made out list of absentees and descriptive list of deserters.
Sunshine.
4/21
Received letter from Martin Arns and answered. Cool weather.
Rainy.
4/22
Marching orders and serenade from the 82nd Illinois band. Nice
warm weather.
4/23
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.
4/24 Sunday
Rainy, continued making the camp. Dress parade. Built nice
comfortable tents. Nice weather.
4/25
Finished tents. Made list of all equipment that the company
had. Nice weather. Winds strong.
4/26
Drill. Cleaned camp. Warm weather.
4/27
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.
4/28
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
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.
4/30
Rainy. Mustering and inspection. Sent newspaper to parents.
Enter clothing into the books.
5/1
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.
5/2
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.
5/3
Made out new camp and made up nice tents. Evening, received
marching orders and bullets. Close to Chickamonga Creek.
5/4
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.
5/5
Nice weather all day. Cleaned street, built tents and dress
parade.
5/6
Morning at 6:00 left for Lee's Farm - ten miles. Quite warm.
Built tents. Dress parade. Received letter from Carl Schmidt.
5/7 (March to Atlanta Begins)
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.
5/8 Sunday
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.
5/9 (Battle at Buzzard Roost)
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.
5/10
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.
5/11
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.
5/12
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.
5/13 (Battle at Tilton or Dalton)
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.
5/14
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.
5/15 Pentecost Sunday (Battle at Resaca)
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.
5/16 Pentecost Monday
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.
5/17
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.
5/18
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.
5/19
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.
5/20
Letter from parents and G. Vorberg. Rested and built tents and
cleaned. Warm weather.
5/21
Wrote to parents and G. Vorberg, Carl Schmidt, and Jacob Heipp.
Drilled. Dress parade. Hot weather.
5/22 Sunday
Hot weather. Change camp. Built tents. Wrote to John Bedlebeck.
Received marching orders. Inspection and dress parade.
5/23
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).
5/24 (Battle at Burnt Hickory)
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.)
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.
5/26
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 (Battle at Dallas, Ga.)
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.
5/28
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.
5/29 Sunday
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
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.
5/31
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.
6/1
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
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.
6/3
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.
6/4
Laid there. It rained the whole day. Cannon thunder to the right
of us. The enemy pulled back.
6/5 Sunday
Remained quiet. Rainy. Everything was quite on the front.
6/6
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
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.
6/8
Warm weather. Wrote letter to parents and John Meier. Mustered
in as Lieutenant.
6/9
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
Rainy weather. Fairly quiet on the front. Some cannon shots
fell. Several troops marched by us to the left wing.
6/11
Much rain with strong thunder showers. Some Cannons shots fell.
6/12 Sunday
Several shots fell. Rain.
6/13
Rainy and cool. Received a letter from parents and Carl Wilket.
The evening was quiet. Strong artillery fire.
6/14
Cool weather. Inspection. Wrote a letter parents, Carl Wilket,
and Abram Baer. Strong artillery fire. Received a letter from
parents.
6/15
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.
6/16
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.
6/17
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.
6/18
We remained quiet. Strong artillery fire. Very strong rain
intermitently.
6/19 Sunday
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.
6/20
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.
6/21
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.
6/22
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.
6/23
Marched further to the right. Received letter from Martin Arns
and Jacob Heipp. Built rifle pit in the second battle line.
Hot weather.
6/24
Remained quiet. Hot weather.
6/25
Wrote letter to George Schneider and John Biedlebach. Hot
weather.
6/26 Sunday
Wrote to Jacob Heipp and Martin Arns. Hot weather.
6/27 (Battle at Kennesaw Mountian)
Morning at 2:00 went back into third battle line. Letter from
parents and answered. Hot weather.
6/28
Some cannon fire to the left. Hot weather.
6/29
Evening in the first battle line. Night we had a little battle
to the left. Hot weather.
6/30
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.
7/1
One from Company H was wounded. Hot.
7/2
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 Sunday
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.
7/4
Our regiment and the 73rd 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.
7/5
Forenoon at 9:30, we marched until evening 9:00, 12 miles
though. Hot weather.
7/6
Left at 2:00 in the afternoon until the evening at 7:00. Some
light cannon fire. We could see the tower of Atlanta.
7/7
Remained quiet. Hot weather. Letter from Gottleib Metzner and
Abram Baer.
7/8
Remained quiet. Hot weather. Wrote letter to (?) Vorberg. Our
major was commissioned as colonel and Captain Lockner got
commissioned as major.
7/9
Remained quiet. I made out muster and payrolls. Hot weather.
7/10 Sunday
Remained quiet. Received a letter from parents and answered.
Visited the regiment. Hot weather.
7/11
Received letter from Peter Immell and answered. Hot weather.
7/12
Hot weather. Repositioned the camp. Afternoon at 5:00 got put
on picket near Chacke River. We shot (?)
7/13
(?) Hot weather.
7/14
Hot weather. Evening (?)
7/15
Hot weather. Letter from C.W. and answered. Received marching
orders. Went (?)
7/16
Inspection. Warm weather.
7/17 Sunday
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.
7/18
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.
- Battle of Peach Tree Creek temporarly missing.
- Battle of Atlanta Begins
7/23
Our regiment had to build fortification. Hot weather, cold
night.
7/24 Sunday
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.
7/25
Morning at 6:00 in reserve. There was an artillery duel the
whole day. Evening at 8:00 relieved. One wounded. Hot weather.
7/26
Received letter from my parents and answered. Hot weather.
Evening (?)
7/27
Rainy weather. Evening, one 20 pound bomb went into our
fortification. Wounded "? 31"
7/28
Hot weather. Got a letter from Abram Baer, John Bedelbech and
George Schneider. Afternoon, advanced "2 lines unreadable"
7/29
Forenoon, at 10:00 marched 2_ "4 lines unreadable",
approximately 9 miles. I commanded Company H.
7/30
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.
7/31 Sunday
Reconnaissance, hot rainy weather.
8/1
Hot, rainy weather. Newspaper sent to my parents.
8/2
Evening at 6:00 we marched back to (?) 6 miles. Hot, rainy
weather.
8/3
Monday at 5:00 left (? unreadable)
8/4
(? unreadable)
8/5
(? 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.
8/6
Warm, rainy weather. Wrote letter to parents. The rebels again
tried to route our forward post, without success.
8/7 Sunday
Inspection, rain weather.
8/8
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
Rainy weather. One Company E was heavily wounded. Afternoon,
our batteries were shooting constantly.
8/10
Morning at 1:00 on (?) Vertiage. Relieved at 8:00. Wrote
letter to parents. Rainy weather. Evening, again went to our
new fortification.
8/11
Hot weather. Strong artillery fire on both sides.
8/12
Warm weather. Forenoon, on Vertiage with 24 men. Evening at
9:00 (?) received letter from G. Vorberg.
8/13
Noon, advanced into the fortification. Afternoon, we made them
better. Hot weather. Got (?) from my parents. (?) with
company.
8/14
Wrote letter to G. Vorberg. One from Company I was wounded.
8/15
General inspection. Letter from Peter Immel. Hot weather.
8/16
Wrote letter to Peter Immel. Very hot weather. One ball went
through my tent.
8/17
Letter to parents. Hot weather. Fairly quiet.
8/18
Hot weather. Cannon fire in the morning, then everything was
quiet.
8/19
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
Rainy weather. Got a letter from parents. Relieved in the
evening. (?)
8/21
(? 2 lines unreadable)
8/22
Forenoon, (? 2 words unreadable) Got letter from Jacob Heipp,
Peter Phillips. Wrote Jacob Heipp. Weather (?)
8/23
Warm weather. Letter to Peter Phillips. Everything was quiet.
8/24
Letter to parents. Our adjutant came back with several things
from Bridgeport.
8/25
Hot weather. Evening at 8:00, marched. Left our fortification.
Had to go to the Chatthochie River and had to protect the
ferry.
8/26
Morning at 4:00 we arrived at Turner's Ferry. Built
fortification on our right wing. Our regiment went back and
forth on the river. Then we built tents. Received letter from
parents and Martin Arno. Hot weather. Nights (?)
8/27
Our brigade took a position to the front, 2 miles by both wings
on the river. Afternoon, rebels pushed our forward guard of the
right wing (? 2 words unreadable) with several bombs. (? 3
lines unreadable)
8/28 Sunday
Inspection. (? 2 words unreadable). Forward guard.
8/29
(? words unreadable) Hot weather. Evening, relieved. Nothing
new.
8/30
Wrote letter to parents. (2 words unreadable) All three men
were taken prisoners by the rebels. Very hot weather.
8/31
General inspection and mustering. Reconnaissance party went out
which immediately met with the enemy and back. Losses (?) Warm
weather.
9/1
Hot weather. Everything fairly quiet. Evening a pastor of a
Christian commission gave us a talk.
9/2 (Union Army Enters Atlanta)
Forenoon, our reconnaissance party of our division took Atlanta.
Afternoon, more troops were sent in. Evening, several
batteries went in. Got letter from Albert Wolfe. Wrote to
parents. Weather warm.
9/3
Rainy weather. The rebels had a locomotion and 40 cars and
ammunitions (? unreadable). Atlanta (?) and by much tobacco.
9/4
Forenoon, marched to Atlanta. In the whole town houses were
destroyed or damaged. Afternoon, went to the right. Evening,
went into the rebels fortification. I had to go on forward
guard. The line (?) had no communications with the right. Hot
weather.
9/5
Morning, took up that connection "communication on both wings."
Forward guard was advanced. Two women were sent to the provost
marshall to be watched. I was relieved in the evening at 6:00.
Rainy weather. Letter from John Beddlebech.
9/6
Rainy weather and cleaned the camp.
9/7
Rainy weather. Letter from John Beddlebech.
9/8
General order from General Sherman was read that our campaign to
Atlanta (?) Gave his thanks. We were supposed to get a month
rest before we start our winter campaign. (?) weather. (?)
dropped back.
9/9
All unreadable except something about General Hooker.
9/10
(? unreadable)... his thanks for our (?)
9/11
Received tobacco. Got letter from (?) Again relieved from
forward guard.
9/12
(?) inhabitants. Wrote to Peter Phillip.
9/13
Warm weather. Wrote to parents. Evening forward guard.
9/14
Forward guard. Letter to parents and Will Frisbie. Evening was
relieved. Warm weather.
9/15
Wrote to George Schneider and Will Frisbie. Forenoon, Company
(? unreadable)
9/16
(?) inspection. Discipline list. Hot weather.
9/17
Wrote letter to Wilkie. Drilled. Warm weather. Letter from
parents.
9/18
Mustering, rainy weather. Letter to parents. Inspection.
9/19
Rainy weather. Letter to (?) Signed payroll. (?) Got letter
to Krueger.
9/20
Forenoon. Battalion drill. Rainy weather. Visit from Karl
Meinhert (?) company.
9/21
Rainy weather. I looked at Atlanta. Tent camp (?) inhabitants
of Atlanta in the southern line (?)
9/22
Rainy weather. Letter to Vorberg.
9/23
Rainy night and day.
9/24
Made application to pass to Nashville. Cool weather. Night
very cold.
9/25 Sunday
Inspection. Wrote to parents. Cool weather.
9/26
Afternoon, division review by General Slocum. Warm weather.
9/27
Battalion drill. Cool weather.
9/28
Battalion drill. Hot weather. Received command from Company K.
9/29
Battalion drill. Dreary weather.
9/30
Battalion drill. Evening, on forward guard. Night rain.
10/1
Evening on forward guard. Rain during the day (?) relieved.
10/2 Sunday
Cool weather. Letter to parents.
10/3
Cool, rainy weather. Went to Atlanta. Bought things, back (?)
10/4
Afternoon, I was officer of the day. Cool.
10/5
Forenoon, I was officer of the day. Afternoon, the paymaster
started to pay out at our regiment. Also, I received furlough
for 10 days to Nashville. Warm weather.
10/6
Warm weather and was paid out.
10/7
On (?) verting with 135 men. Worked on the fort. Warm weather.
Received marching orders. Night strong wind storm.
10/8
Morning at 6:00. We marched to the Hottahochie River where we
took position to protect the railroads on the southern side of
the river on a hill next to a battery. Cool and strong rain.
Stormed the whole day.
10/9 Sunday
Camp cleaning. Cold weather.
10/10
Because of high orders we have to do (?) in the morning (2 lines
unreadable)
10/11
(?) Company K orderly (?) Atlanta, as to (?)
10/12
Horses from Atlanta marched by here.
10/13
Cool weather. Nothing new happened.
10/14
Cool weather. A number of oxen came by her towards Atlanta.
Evening, we got mail. Got a letter and things from my parents.
Got a letter from C.W., John Beddelbech and Peter Phillipson.
10/15
Two corps were (?) because of (?). A regular infantry came from
Atlanta (?). Wrote letter to parents. Warm weather.
10/16 Sunday
Orders. General inspection. Was ordered but not held. Letter
to John Beddlebech.
10/17
Wrote letter to (?)
10/18
Afternoon I was officer of the day. (?) rebels (?) miles from
here - (?) pontoons. Warm weather.
10/19
Morning at 7:00. Company (?) with Hooker. Took 40 wagons on
foraging expedition. 30 miles (?). Evenings at 7:00. Stopped
after several chicken, geese, pigs, sheep had their last hour.
Cool weather.
10/20
Loaded up wagons and marched back nineteen miles. Two miles
before Marrettia. The guerillas burned a rail road between
Wyning Station and the river (?) The guerillas shot as us, but
nothing happened. The guerillas attacked a train of oxen which
was repelled with losses. Cool weather.
10/21
Morning at 6:00 we went on through Maretta. Noon, arrived back
at the camp, four miles back. Cool weather.
10/22
Cool weather. Noon, (? lines unreadable). Evening, letters from
parents, Vorberg, and George Schnieder.
10/23 Sunday
Inspection. Cool weather with strong wind. Wrote letter to
Peter Phillipson.
10/24
Weather cool. Nothing important happened.
10/25
Morning at 8:00. Left by railroad to Nashville. Evening in
Resaca, Georgia. From there I went with a dispatch train to
Tilton.
10/26
Morning. I had to go on foot for five miles to Dalton because the
track wasn't finished yet. Left Dalton at 9:00. Got to
Chattanooga at noon. Evening, at Stevenson. Warm weather.
10/27
8:00 in the morning in Nashville. Cleaned myself. Went to
visit Winkler and bought uniform and sent all my money through
Adam Express. Warm weather.
10/28
Had my furlough extended. After 2:00 left for Louisville. Cool
weather.
10/29
Morning at 3:00 arrived at Louisville. Stopped in the United
States hotel. Forenoon at 8:00 went to Jeffersonville and
stayed in the Eagle Hotel until noon. Afternoon at 2:00 left
for Indianapolis and arrived there at 8:00. There I changed
cars for Cocomo. Arrived there at midnight. Nice weather.
10/30 Sunday
Morning at 3:00. Left Cocomo and arrived at Valparaiso,
Indiana, at 8:00. Left at 10:00, in Chicago at 2:00. Took up
lodging at the German Gaushaus and stayed there the whole day.
Cool weather.
10/31
Morning at 10:00. Left 3:00 in the afternoon to Milwaukee.
There I took lodging at Avar. Afternoon, at General Smith and
reported. Cool weather.
11/1
Made acquaintance with an engineer and picked up my pay for two
months from the paymaster and took my picture.
11/2
Forenoon. Bought several things in Milwaukee. Left there at
2:00 and arrived at Cedar Creek Station at 4:00. Took the stage
to West Bend, arrived at 7:30. My brother was at the stage
coach station and went right away to parents. Cool weather.
11/3
At home and visited several acquaintances. Weather was warm.
11/4/1864
Went to West Bend and met some people (doesn't say who).
11/5
Visited Mgr. Winkler. Weather: cool.
11/6 Sunday
Rainy all day. Spent all day at home.
11/7
Spent almost the whole day in West Bend.
11/8
Rainy weather. Election. People made much noise. There was
general unrest because of the beer.
11/9
Strong stormy wind with rain. Slaughtered a cow.
11/10
Got a certificate of sickness from Dr. Hans (?). I got my
photograph in Milwaukee. Cold in Milwaukee
11/11
Sent my paper to the regiment. Cold weather.
11/12
Sent my paper to the rest of my places. Wrote a letter to
Christian (?). The evening I started to write to Mary and
Gisella. Weather: cool.
11/13 Sunday
Evening, dance music. Weather (?)
11/14
I signed papers for A. Rusho. Cool weather with snow.
11/15
Before noon I drove to Milwaukee.
11/16
I bought a check at the Second Ward Bank for H. C. Winkler in
Nashville. Charles Hafemann and I visited Philipson. I bought
several things. Nice weather. Gave photo to Herman Zeipp and
Burmeister.
11/17
Afternoon, drove to West Bend with brother, then five hours to
Richfield. Weather: cold.
11/18
Did some errands. Weather, cold.
11/19
Got fire wood. Nice weather.
11/20 Sunday
Warm weather.
11/21
Cut fire wood. Snow storm.
11/22
Firewood. A bit cold.
11/23
Didn't do much. Cold weather.
11/24
Cut fire wood. Did some mason work in the evening to visit A.
Ball. I took Hans home.
-- Later, Karl Karsten resigns from the Union Army and continues his life at home in West Bend. The 26th Wisconsin Infantry continue the war as they begin their march to the Atlantic Sea.
Wisconsin Historical Society, Micro 251
(Photos courtesy of the National Archives.)
