Knapsack Notes

Of

Gen. Sherman’s Grand Campaign

Through the Empire State of the South,

By George Sharland,

Private, Co. B, 64^th Reg’t ILL. V. V. Infantry, 1^st Brigade, 1^st Division, 17^th Army Corps.

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Respectfully Dedicated to the Gallant Army of the Tennessee

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Springfield, ILL.

Johnson & Bradford, Printers.

1865.

PREFACE.

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To The Reader:

It is at the urgent and repeated request of numerous members of the company and regiment, of which I am a member, that I have finally concluded to venture the hastily penned notes that compose this brief sketch on the wave of public criticism, and in so doing, I am fully aware of its inadequacy to meet the various wants of many into whose hands it may possibly fall; but when it is understood as being my first attempt at publicity, and that they were originally written with a simple view to gratify my own desire to preserve some of the grand links of that mysterious chain of events that has characterized our country during its passage through the most fiery ordeal, and through one of the most terrible commotions that ever marked the history of any nation, I trust it will lead to the exercise of that leniency necessary to the encouragement of an early effort, and that which always marks the course of a liberal and magnanimous public.

It is published principally for circulation in the division and corps to which I belong, and it is necessary to state in this connection that I have invariably aimed at, and endeavored in my statements, to underrate rather than overrate matters and difficulties as they occurred during our line of march through the state; but my statements and observations are principally based on the stand-point of view that I occupied in the regiment, brigade and division to which I am attached. And in consequence I could not do that justice that I earnestly desire to do to all engaged in this daring and noble sacrifice. I have avoided, as much as was possible, giving undue prominence to any particular regiment or brigade, as I consider all equally worthy of credit, and entitled to the respect of a generous and confiding public. The hours of commencement of each day’s march, and the time of encampment, together with the various particulars connected with the division during our forty days raid, may be said to be strictly a true reflection of raiding life (as far as it goes) throughout our entire army, as the same scenes and occurrences are alike presented in every division and corps. But there are a “thousand and one” things connected with our romantic movements and operations by the wayside that I should have noticed more at large had I previously anticipated its preparation for the press, and which time will not now admit of on account of pushing forward its publication before the final disbandment of the army.

It has been written, for the most part, under all conceivable and exciting circumstances, and in every possible attitude, for want of better accommodations, and having invariably shouldered the musket as a private in the ranks, subject to all the caprices attendant on active service and raiding life, I trust that the candid reader will overlook any defects that may present themselves in its perusal consequent upon its hurried publication.

GEORGE SHARLAND.

KNAPSACK NOTES

OF

GEN. SHERMAN’S GRAND CAMPAIGN.

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CHAPTER I.

FROM KENESAW MOUNTAIN TO ATLANTA.

The Situation and Review—The Midnight Destruction of the Railroad and its Appearance—The Link of Communication Severed—Real Condition of Affairs—Comic Scenes—Arguments by the Wayside—Crossing the River—Our Second Arrival at Atlanta—The Grand Preparation—Loading the Trains—Final Visits to the City and its Results—The General Appearance and Final Arrangements—The Destruction of the City—Its Sad Reminiscences—Terrible Fruits of Treason—Order of March—The Backward Look and its Suggestions—The Solemn Funeral of the City—The Closing View—The Duties of Provost Guard—Playing Opossum—Red Tape—Sad Wayside Scenes—Night Marching—Interesting Views for the Artist—Cruel Results of War—The Cause of our Slow Progress.

November 12^th, 1864, finds us at Ruff’s Station, situated between Marietta and the Chattahoochie [sic] river. At this camp we arrived on the eve of the 5^th, weary, footsore, and worn out from hard marching and excessive fatigue, from a forced march of thirty-two days pursuit of the rebel Gen. Hood and his forces, having successfully accomplished the object of the trip. Here, then, having rested about six days in order to prepare for a more important campaign, and the troops having been amply clothed, as a judicious and necessary precaution, we, early on the morning of the 12^th, were, with the whole division, ordered out on review by Maj. Gen. Mower, commanding the same, and, in military parlance, a sure indication of something yet in store and soon to be developed by the bone and sinew of the army, like the prophet’s cloud of the size of a man’s hand, that continued to expand until the horizon was darkened by its gloomy shroud.

Scarcely had the review been accomplished when orders were issued to break camp, and in a brief space of time the plain just now so thickly dotted with the whitened tents of our brave boys now assumes its wonted appearance, and ere fifteen minutes has elapsed the vast area so thickly peopled with the veterans of many a battle-field is deserted, and they are seen in well arranged columns on the highway, with polished guns and bristling bayonets gleaming in the sunshine, many conjectures passing from one to the other as to their probable destination. A few hours suffice to develop the object of our trip, for after a heated march of nearly nine miles we are brought to a stand on the line of railroad on the north side of the Big Kenesaw Mountain soon to figure in history. Stacking arms, we commenced the destruction of the railroad, vigorously prosecuting the same until midnight, the long line of fires, with its curling wreaths of smoke, giving evidence how well we had accomplished our object. Having performed our task, we bivouacked for the night, each taking shelter as best he could from the inclemency of a cold and piercing wind.

Nov. 13^th: At 3 A.M., ere some had scarcely got asleep, the regiment was aroused from its slumbers and ordered hastily to fall into line, as we had to reach camp left yesterday by 7 A.M. It being extremely cold, the effects of a piercing wind, the joke was not well relished by the boys, who felt much like an old bachelor when prematurely aroused from an after dinner nap, and, as a result, imprecations would be sometimes called down on the heads of those who were the cause, especially when, in their hurried steps, they would stumble over rocks and stumps in rounding the Kenesaw. In the course of a few hours fast marching, about 7½ A.M., we brought up in camp left yesterday. Unburdening ourselves of all the essentials of a soldier’s kitchen, larder, wardrobe and the all-important weapons—emblems of our invincible law and calling—and the forth rounds of rebel hard tack, we proceeded to hurriedly cook our breakfast and demolish the same, as only soldiers can when their appetites have been whetted pretty keenly by a previous march of seven or eight miles. Having masticated our usual amount of hard tack, and eased it down, the way of all the earth, by a quart or more of steaming beverage we call coffee, the assembly sounded, and packing up our invincible cargo and decorating our persons with the same, we fell in line of march, and bidding a long farewell to the place of our recent sojourn, we pulled out on the road for Atlanta.

No sooner were we fairly under way than conjectures were fairly rife among the boys, as they are at all times when in the execution of a new move, or the commencement of a new campaign, as to our probably destination and the result to be accomplished thereby; and amusing as are the decisions of some in reference to the next most important position to be gained, others display such acuteness in their chain of logical acumen that many commanders might profit by their pain and convincing arguments. As we are bustling along the road thoughts arrest the attention of some as to the real condition of affairs. Having severed the link of communication hat connected us with the north, they look back to see the effects of yesterday and last night’s work, and as the buildings and piles of railroad ties send up alternately their volumes of flame and smoke, making the atmosphere murky with its presence, expressions, varied in their nature and meaning, escape their lips, and finally to solve the mystery of the scene in the wide-spread surrounding desolation, with an approving nod, exclaim: “The just fruits of treason and rebellion!” But suddenly some scene of a comic nature turns up, and the whole line reverberates with the echoes of a hearty yell, the evidence that something good has been relished by them. Thus alternately reason and amusement find room for exercise as we pursue our onward course. And here let me remark that there are but few questions of present or future policy that concern the interest of our country but what are overhauled and made to pass in scathing review in their arguments with each other, but for the present they consider the all absorbing attention of the nation should be the speedy suppression and overthrow of this causeless rebellion, and thus they suffer much to accomplish the same, making their actions speak louder than their words.

Having traveled several miles this way, we suddenly stumbled upon our, and the rebel works, north of the Chattahoochie [sic], which changes the general subject of the conversation, as they view the various contrivances resorted for the better warding off of those ripping bullets, intended as so many messengers of death. When rounding the bluff at this important point, we are brought in full view of the river near Jenning’s ford, where our army crosses the river for the third time; first, in the advance on Atlanta; second, in pursuit of General Hood; and, lastly to penetrate the centre of the rebel confederacy. Having crossed the river, we rapidly pushed on our way until nearly dark, when we brought up, and went into camp about two and a half miles south of Atlanta, midway between the same and East Point, having marched since three A.M., from the north side of the Rig Kenesaw, a distance of thirty-one miles, stopping only for breakfast in the meantime. Having secured our necessary fuel, it being very cold, we prepared our suppers, and doing ample justice to the same, we erected our “dog tents” and turned in to snooze for the night, forgetting all our troubles, as we calmly resigned ourselves into the arms of Morpheus [sic].

Nov. 14^th: At five A.M. we were aroused from our slumber by the sound of reveille, in the numerous regiments composing the Army of the Tennessee. It was not long before all was life and bustle throughout the entire camp, only one day being allowed thoroughly to prepare for our departure on the morrow. All the division trains started for the city early in the morning, each to take their apportionment of rations for the campaign. More clothing was also issued to those needing them. Numbers of officers and privates visited the doomed city for the last time, previous to departure, many of them returned at night in high glee, having used a liberal quantity of what the Indians call “wild-fire,” while others of their comrades, more unfortunate than themselves, enjoyed the luxury of a few hours rest under guard, till the fiery potion had well nigh ceased to operate on their combative organs, and feeling pretty flat from the effects of a previously over-excited imagination, they could be seen wending their way to camp in the various directions of their respective regiments; and, we trust, a little wiser if not better by the adventure. Thus the day passed, and it was not until late in the night that the noise of revelry and mirth hushed to silence, and all retired to their respective tents, leaving nothing but the camp fires with their slowly burning embers as evidence of the conviviality that previously existed.

Nov. 15^th: This being the day appointed to bid a final adieu to the Gate City; and knowing the length of time it takes a large army to straighten itself in proper line of march, were not permitted to enjoy an overdose of sleep, and as early as 4 A.M., a conglomeration of music was heard in every direction of our immense army, and where darkness previously existed, a thousand brilliant lights could be seen looming up beautifully bright, forming a contrast with the surrounding desolation like so many stars issuing from the shroud of a darkening storm cloud. All parts of the camp exhibited signs of thrift and bustle. This is an important day to the army commanded by the brave and gallant Sherman. This is the last day for those who are to join our army from the north to do so, or they will be left amid the gloomy desolation. For several days, preparations have been making in the city, for its overthrow. The Gate City, which a few short months since, was filled with rebel troops, and whose streets were teeming with thousands of helpless citizens, the heart of the Confederacy, whose pulsations beat high with confederate hope, through whose iron channels troops and munitions of war were constantly passing and repassing, whose shops and foundries were unceasingly moulding the missiles of destruction, over whose head tons and tons of molten lead and iron were being hurled for the space of forty-six days, as so many harbingers of its fate, were the sound of mirth and the drapery of mourning could be heard and seen in direful contrast, that city with its miles of encircling works, offensive and defensive, and its massive forts, whose suburbs furnished graves for thousands, both of loyal and disloyal victims of this most sanguinary struggle, this city that had long fed the Confederate army with the fruits of its treason, from the numerous outlets for many months; that city to whose inhabitants the sound of artillery and musketry had become gravely familiar for many a day; that city made classic by the bloody conflict on the extreme left flank on that memorable day of July 22^nd, when that brave and gallant hero, General McPherson fell mortally wounded, as also the conflict of July 28^th on extreme right, and other signal engagement during its important siege; that city with its splendid depot, and other important buildings, and its machine shops, evidence of the years of former industry and wealth, “whose clustering merchants raised the busy hum, and planned the schemes of commerce,” is soon to feel still the withering blights, and the scourge of war, the sorry fruits of rebellion and treason. The lesson of destruction is soon to be signally displayed. Already can be heard in the distance the thunder of explosion; the ministers of its wrath are hurrying on the work of its destruction. Destruction it dealt for many a day, and now it is reaping the result and double measure is dealt out in all its stern reality. The public avenues that led to highways, and brought in the development of its resources, were previously closed; the iron horse its accustomed signal; a death like silence already pervades the public and private workshops; the merry chiming of bells no longer evinces the happiness and prosperity of its inmates. Desolation already sits enthroned with its precincts, but the final retribution it has invited is reserved till now, when preparing to take our final farewell. But to return. At break of day the assemble ground its preparation to depart, and regiments could be seen rapidly forming, and taking up their line of march for another field of operations.

The acres of tents which had just now overspread the surface, like the sails of a ship when a storm threatens, are hurriedly reefed, and assigned to the knapsack. The long lines of muskets in well arranged stacks, that just now stood in harmless silence on the color line, can now be seen gracefully reclining on the shoulders of the brave who know how to wield them, and now assume a more threatening aspect. The immense square of wagon trains that a short time since were motionless, can be distinctly seen forming gradually into a long line of march. Orderlies, swiftly riding and passing each other at every angle, could be seen passing and repassing as the bearers of dispatches to each commander in different camps. All are sufficiently apprised of the order of the day, and cast your eyes where you will, all is bustle and activity, as there is no time to be lost; and gradually each army corps takes up the line of march assigned it by the prime mover and commander of an army thoroughly inured to the hardships and difficulties of active service—the order of march being thus: The 14^th Army Corps occupies the extreme left; to its right is established the line of the 20^th Corps, and the next in order is the 17^th Army Corps; while on the extreme right, can be seen the 15^th Army Corps, with its superb fighting material. Each corps has its own line of march separate and distinct, while all act in combination to secure the same end. Fairly underway, many an eye is turned to look back to the city whose destruction is inevitably secured. Explosion after explosion has been heard during the hours it has taken to form and disappear, each in their respective lines of march, but the backward look, as it views the dense volumes of smoke, ascending up as so much incense to atone for the crime it involved itself in, in time past, is not the look of sympathy or pity, but rather the look of approving justice in the measure of atonement required; for the last three and a half years of hard service with all its wearisome marches, its numerous conflicts, and incessant exposure to the inclemency of alternate heat and cold, and the various diseases incident to camp life, has enstamped upon the brow the indelible work of stern justice, and now as they look, their lips inaudibly expressed the justice of the measure. Not that they admire the infliction of the stroke, but like a merciful, yet stern judge, they think it necessary for the honor of the law, and as a measure best calculated to shorten the heated contest of civil strife. And yet further, the vigorous siege with all its bloody scenes and associations is yet fresh in their memories. The conflicts of the 20^th, 22^nd, and 28^th of July, is not yet erased from their minds for here brothers, uncles, cousins, nephews, father and son, and sons and fathers, were mournfully separated from each other; old and valued friendships and acquaintances were rent in twain, ne’er to match themselves again with the wily and treacherous foe on the gory battle-field. The tedious days and nights spent in the water-soaked trenches under the constant crackling of musketry and hoarse and savage shrieks of those iron monsters, as they belched forth from a hundred cannon, loomed up fresh in their minds; the many victims of deliberate aim on the skirmish line are not forgotten; the numerous tons of iron and leaden hail that issued from its centre and sent so many thousands of our brave comrades to an untimely grave during the summer months, brings up the sad reminiscences connected with it.

The day is cloudy, the sun refuses to shine, the sky clothed itself with its drapery of mourning, habiliments well befitting the solemn occasion. No longer the Gate City, throbbing with high life, but an isolated center, fit emblem of the widowhood that is to follow.  Its suburban shades, soaked with the blood of our brave, and now containing the moldering remains of their lifeless forms, call to high Heaven to be summarily avenged, and their cries are heard. The destroying angel of abroad, and while the work of destruction is being executed, and the vast sheets of flame purify the atmosphere tainted with the blood of the innocent, the darkening clouds veil the solemn sight from the bright and blue sky, and like so many pall bearers, kindly attend the solemn funeral and purification of the city, and shut in the sorrowful scene from the outer world, and now and then shed its tears over the scene in the form of light sprinkling showers, for be it remembered that while it is solemn work, and the act of retributive justice, yet it excites compassion in the mind of many a brave as they recede from the solemn view, but consider it expedient for an example and warning, and as a necessary sacrifice, “That the whole Nation perish not.”

Thus matters stand. As in the distance we recede from the sorrowful view, leaving the remnants of the city shrouded in its fatal gloom, to do penance and keep Sabbath until the day of its resurrection comes round.

To-day our division, it being the 1^st Division of the 17^th Army Corps, is assigned to the rear of the corps, our brigade rear brigade, our regiment rear of brigade, and our company to the left of the regiment, having been assigned to the duty of rear and provost guard, whose province it is to pick up all stragglers from their respective commands, unless provided with proper documents to show that they are so authorized. This sometimes proves a disagreeable task, for, in the case of a large army like ours, it must be that some, from accident, sickness or otherwise, will be found far in the rear of their respective commands; in consequence, our duty necessitates us to urge them on faster than their physical strength will ofttimes permit them, although provision is made for such cases in the supply of division ambulance trains attached to each division; but in order to secure transportation in the same they need a passport from the regimental surgeon, which cannot always be secured by the unfortunate applicant, for various reasons, some of which I will try to enumerate. In the first place it seems to be taken for granted by regimental surgeons and others that every regiment contains certain members who design to play the opossum, or in common military phrase, “to play off on the surgeon” for a sick man, when in reality they are sound and healthy. Thus confusion often ensues in the exercise of the judgment in the case of the would-be patient. Second—It is ofttimes the case that a soldier really sick makes application, stating fully his case, but from an apparent healthy looking countenance is refused the privilege; while another, with a more pallid and bleached appearance, is admitted, although more than a match in physical strength and endurance for the other. Third—It is of no use to cloak the fact but that red tape, or favoritism, finds a free and easy channel to manifest itself in, in military as well as in civil and political life, so that some can always secure the requisite documents, while others, really sick, experience the could shoulder to their fervent appeals, and often exhausting all their energy and strength in the prosecution of their journey, drop down by the wayside in utter helplessness.  I will adduce the necessary proof in support of my assertion, and appeal to the Army of the Tennessee for its verity, that is when we hurriedly moved out from East Point, in pursuit of the rebel Gen. Hood. They will remember seeing the sickening sight of many of our brave comrades left dead by the roadside for want of needed help. It is a black spot on our military horizon, and at its remembrance many sad and gloomy pictures intrude on our memories, and soften our affections, somewhat bronzed, by the oft-repeated scenes in our military experience. But they are not all such cases hat we meet with straggling in the rear, but rather some refractory ones, who feel very huffy and insolent at being compelled to walk under guard, and plainly indicate their disapprobation of such treatment, but philosophically conclude that a caged bird that can walk and won’t walk, in military tactics, is made to walk, they reluctantly conclude it best to follow. And thus, during the day, we are continually adding recruits to our number, and some from a class generally found in that particular province. Reaching camp we turn our trust over to the provost marshal, who examines into the nature of their several cases, rendering his decision and disposing of their several cases in accordance therewith.

Having, we trust, sufficiently explained the duty of rear and provost guard we will return to the march. About 1 P.M. our whole army left Atlanta in the rear, and our attention is now thoroughly turned to the coast. The advance is already in camp, or nearly so, but the difficulties connected with the progress of a large train are great, and owing to the same, the rear has not made many miles of progress. And while we are slowly wending our way along our course, being southeast, the general conclusion among the boys is, that our destination is Savannah. For when once the line of direction is marked out by the course we are steering, the boys generally decide pretty correctly the rallying point to be gained, just as the pointers of the dipper, or great bear, invariably point to the polar start. For when, on the 25^th of May, we withdrew from the siege of Atlanta on our last grand flank movement that preceded the capture of Atlanta. Ere we had reached the West Point & Montgomery Railroad the decision had been generally rendered to this effect, that the possession of the only line of railroad south of Atlanta left the rebels was the object to be gained by the important move, and the same was fully realized. Other proofs could be adduced to show that their judgment in such matters often proves correct. Darkness comes on space and the general appearance of the horizon indicates a disagreeable night, and as the progress of the train is impeded and brought to a stand, we turn into an open field on our left and hastily prepare our coffee. After supper, the train being motionless, we gathered around our several fires and began to review and talk  over the incidents of the past, the conversation being interspersed with hearty jokes, and merry laughter on the part of the listeners, until the way was cleared for our further advance—fifteen miles a day being our daily allotted task during the campaign; and having made but a short distance of our journey, we are necessitated to travel for the night, which often proves very disagreeable, but it must be done, and our progress proving rather too sluggish for comfort, it being rather chilly from previous showers, and the  boys always apt to provide for their own comfort as well as circumstances will permit, are seen building fires along on each side of the road, and as the train during the tedious hours of night, only advances by fits and starts, the boys can be seen at every alt, huddling around the fires in groups, varying in their number and ofttimes presenting a very interesting scene for the artist’s pencil. Now and then, as the clouds disappear, the queen of night, in all her silvery brightness, looks down with queenly pride, as if anxious to ascertain our maneuvers, and then again, recedes from our vision, taking shelter behind her graceful curtains, as if to inform us that it is high time to retire; but war, cruel war, often knows no night, no day, but is sternly exacting in its demands, insatiate with blood, it is at all times unrelenting in its severity toward the objects of its fury, and knows no settlement until it has been fully appeased in the payment of its stern exactions. But as time passes on, we reach the spot that explains the cause of our slow marching, and passing it, almost equal to “Bunyan’s Slough of Despond,” we glide more nimbly over the surface, until the dawning rays of twilight announce the Lord of day, as ever ready to dispense its cheering light anew. The mules and horses being thoroughly jaded and hungry, they stop to feed and take a short rest, although four miles in the rear of our advance and camp, while we prepare to cook our breakfast, which consists principally of hard tack and coffee—having traveled only eleven miles during our first day’s march from the doomed city.

CHAPTER II.

FROM ATLANTA TO GORDON.

Scarcity of Forage—General Appearance of the Country—Results of Compulsory Labor—Wayside Interrogation—Ludicrous and Comical Exhibition—The Serious Results—Untimely Disturbance from Rest—Difficulties Connected with a Scanty Wardrobe—Approach of the Town—Fights of the Inhabitants—Rush of Swarthy Recruits and their Performances—Series of Dissolving Views—Liberal Appropriation of Forage for Man and Beast—Arrival at Jackson—Hearing the Ocmulgee—Junction of the Two Corps—Return of Foragers—Negro Impressment—Crossing the Ocmulgee—Interesting Race and Its Results—Destruction of Stores, Factory and Mills—Disagreeable Night—Arrival at Monticello—Its pleasing Exterior—Polite Salutations—Destruction of a Gun Factory—Stated Hour of Reveille—Arrival at Hillsboro—Jeff. Davis and His Effigy—The Rush for West—Maneuvers of Troops—Rail Brigades and Divisions the Planters Dread—Various Modes of Cooking and the Varity of Dishes—Unique Sayings and Expressions—The Drenching Storm and Baptism of Water—Salutary Regulations—Glooms Appearance of Things—Mutiny among the Pack Mules and Steers—Night Marching and the Principal Music of the Occasion—The Rival Contest—Grand Night Scene—Late Arrival in Camp—Troops Caught Napping—Introduction to the Lowlands—A Marked Change—Arrival at Gordon.

Nov. 16^th: Having taken our usual refreshment, and the mules and horses enjoyed a short rest, and it being absolutely necessary to make up lost time, we promptly take up our line of march, and being far in the rear the advance division does not, as usual, wait our coming up, and then take the rear, but at its appointed time for departure keeps on its line of march, for it would hinder the general progress of the whole corps to await our arrival. Being accustomed to take matters as they are, the boys kept a stiff upper lip, and coursed on in their usual manner, sometimes fast and then again slow, as the case might be.

The country through which we passed yesterday was very good, and well adapted for farming purposes, but was very barren of everything in the shape of forage for either man or beast, from the fact that everything pretty much had been culled from it for the use of our army during the siege; and subsequent to the capture of Atlanta, in our quarters about the same. But the appearance of things, to-day indicate a greater plenty than is usually found near the outskirts of a large army like ours, so that the horses and mules heartily testified their approbation of its appropriation to the army, in the eagerness with which they devoured it. But being rear guard and having our charge to watch and care for, our time had not yet come to enjoy the common luxuries of the sunny South. For in the main line of march of an army, everything in the line of eatables is taken in out of the wet by those that are in the advance, leaving the rear only the scanty pittance of their refuse, and sometimes not that. But the regulations governing an army in its line of march are wisely ordered for this and other reasons, which I shall hereafter give. The soil and general appearance of the country, if anything, is better than that passed yesterday, and the timber principally oak and pine, the whole well watered by numerous little springs and streams. As we pass along our route, now and then, a large and stately mansion can be seen standing out in bold relief, reminding one of its being the product of compulsory labor and toil, while near by can be seen in more dwindling proportions, the numerous huts, whose swarthy inmates produced the wealth of the lordly proprietor, the whole scene being a sad comment on the injustice of such a course. About noon we were relieved from our charge, and took our place in the ranks of our regiment, and not at all sorry for the change, seeming as though we could walk better, and breathe more free than before. We continued our way until nearly dark, when, having for the past thirty-six hours, with but little change, our knapsacks strapped to our shoulders with all of our indispensables, and no sleep, the general wish and longing desire was for camp. In consequence, everyone traveling in an opposite direction, would be interrogated all along the lines as to how far it was to camp; but such is the case that in passing along the lines of several regiments that the same uniform question is asked. The persons interrogated are not always careful to answer correctly from its constant repetition, and thus we have learned not to put implicit confidence in the testimony of transient passers by. However, we have ascertained sufficient to now that several miles has to be made ere we reach our resting place, and in consequence the boys have concluded to nerve themselves for the arduous task. After dark the scenes of the previous night are made to appear, only in a more ludicrous and comical exhibition, for be it understood that it is no easy task to bear the burden of a soldier’s fit out fur nearly forty-eight hours without rest or sleep, and in consequence as we are occasionally brought to a stand on account of some obstacle in the front, the boys take advantage of the opportunity, and ere many minutes have elapsed, some can be seen supporting themselves against a tree, and by their accompanying nod signify their approval of the same; others huddling in groups around the fire, can be seen making enormous lounges in various directions, ungracefully yielding to the effects of caloric, while others prostrate themselves in the road, seemingly careless of their dangerous position. In fact, Morpheus [sic] seems to reign supreme on and as Neptune does on sea, but by the time they begin to dream of luxurious tables loaded with the delicacies of cultivation, and downy beds of ease whereon to repose their aching limbs, they are unceremoniously aroused from their reveries and hurried forward on their line of march; but Morpheus [sic] unwilling to loosen the grasp he has on his victims retains them in hill hold, until some projecting stump, or root upsets their precious carcass, or on others until some mud hole receives them in its folds. And, whilst it may present an enchanting scene to the eye of the artist, it is anything but agreeable to the suffering victims. But at 2 o’clock in the morning we reach camp, and being weary and worn out, without much ceremony or preparation, we lay down to rest for a few hours, camping within two miles of the town of McDonough, the county seat of Henry County, and about thirty from Atlanta, having traveled about nineteen miles during the day and night. We experienced a few light showers during the day, but the weather was otherwise favorable.

Nov. 17^th: In order that our division, which has been in the rear for two days, may take the advance, it is necessary that we should be early on the move. So about 5 A. M. the sound of reveille announces the necessity of an early start. As a natural consequence, it seemed to us severe, and hard to bear, having had only three hours to rest our aching and weary limbs, but the contemplation of an early camp, imparted a new impetus to the remaining strength of the boys. So after considerable effort and rubbing they managed to pry open the organs of vision unusually glued together, as if determined not only to assert, but stubbornly to demand their claims and just rights. Having become sufficiently apprised of the emergency of our case, it does not consume much time to prepare our knapsacks for the day, and cook and devour what little we have to eat, the elements of which are very simple. Our wardrobe and bedding is very scanty, for the most of us travel without a single change of clothes, and a woolen blanket, half of a tent and rubber, with other little requisites, is all we feel able to carry, together with our rations and cooking utensils, &c., &c. The nights being very cold and chilly, during the fall of the year, we scarcely ever enjoy the privilege of sleep, with our clothes off, as we would suffer much from cold; so that in the morning, or in fact, at any hour in the night, it does not consume much time to place ourselves in a combative attitude. And from commencement of fall until spring, during active campaigns, such as the present, we are necessitated to put up with this great inconvenience, and when an opportunity offers to wash our clothes—which is not very often—we have to put the same hurriedly on, without being properly dried, and when we can wash and boil our clothes without soap, we think ourselves fortunate, as there is none issued on the campaign, and a company camp kettle is almost a unknown luxury in the rank and file.

Having got ready to march, at half past 6 A. M., we broke camp, and our brigade being in advance of division and corps, we pulled rapidly out, and glided nimbly over the surface, as if it was the intention to reach camp at an early hour, or travel a respectable distance, which was fully realized ere darkness set in. We had not traveled far, before we passed the previously named town, most of the inhabitants of which lied at our approach. It contains a court house, and a few other respectable appearing dwellings, but is not very large. The country was well adapted to farming purposes, and very well improved, considering the state of southern society. Our band and martial music, elicited much admiration and surprise among the negroes, numbers of whom could be seen keeping time to the tunes and airs that were played. And look in what direction you please, numbers of them could be seen skulking off from their recent owners to join the Yanks, with their unwieldy bundles of clothes on their heads—a mode of carrying peculiar to the South. Some with their little papooses strapped to their backs in a shawl; some with kettles, others with beds; some laden with the rich plunder of their recent owners, that are now fugitives from home. All of them evincing a clear instinct of self preservation, and come to us fully prepared with everything but eatables, for their exodus from bondage, and their supposed exit from future servitude—thinking shortly to be introduced to the “promised land flowing with milk and honey”—supposing their care and toils nearly ended—forcibly reminding one of the ancient Israelites’ exit from Egypt to the Wilderness. But they do not follow the army far, before they have to go through the process of mental investigation, in a thousand and one questions that are put to them by the curious and inquisitive of the ranks. If the reader has been in any of our New York or Philadelphia courts of common law, and witnessed the severe tests to which the witnesses are sometimes put, then is he able to judge of the test to which these sons of Canaan are put, by many of the boys, in their relish for fun and pleasant jokes, at the expense of these swarthy sons of toil. Others, with much alacrity, perform their dancing jigs as evidence of their satisfaction for the new state of things, while some stand by the wayside, politely saluting everything that comes along, that is owned by the Yanks, as they call us, and producing roars of laughter all along the lines by their peculiar manœuvres [sic] and curious antics. But our march is pretty rapid to-day, and the whole appearance of things reminded one more particularly of a series of dissolving views, as one scene after another burst upon the vision, as we hurriedly passed along. But shortly before dark, we passed through the town of Jackson, the county seat of Botts county, and went into camp, on the east side of the same, having marched about twenty miles through a very fine country, containing abundance of forage for man and beast, which was liberally appropriated for army use. The rear of corps did not reach camp until late in the night. The day was very warm and close, and roads favorable to travel, making things to have the appearance rather of spring than fall.

Nov. 18^th: Our division being in the advance of corps yesterday, it comes our turn again to take the rear of same. But reaching camp the previous night, at a seasonable hour, and leaving the same in the rear of the van this morning, we felt well prepared for our march, having secured sufficient rest the previous night. At 5 A. M., we were aroused from repose by the usual manner of reveille, and at 7 A. M., we strung out on the road, a certain number being apportioned to every wagon as the train passed along—our whole brigade being train guard—whilst our whole company was detailed as foraging party for the regiment. The introduction of the day was warm and pleasant, and continued so until near night, and the roads being good, and country generally undulating, we made rapid progress until we neared the Ocmulgee river, and extensive mills and stores at this point, when the army turned in to a temporary camp, while the pontoons were being laid across the river. The pontoon train traveling with the 17^th Army Corps, and the 15^th Corps occupying the extreme right, it is necessary for us to converge and form a junction at every main or principal stream. So laying two bridges, both corps cross at the same time; and so on the extreme left, the 14^th Corps forming a junction in like manner with the 20^th, thus effectually preventing the weakening of the centre; and so after each crossing, the extreme right and left branch out again, to their proper place. We brought up about 2 P. M., and it was not long before the foraging parties were returning to the camps from every direction, richly ladened [sic] with the delicacies of the South; and it is really amusing to notice the various contrivances resorted to for the means of transportation for the same. Some could be seen with splendid horses, attached to silver mounted carriages and harness, driving in aristocratic style, the results of their adventure; some with light vehicles or buggies, driving like fast young men, with mules attached; others, not so fortunate as to secure horses or mules, get ropes and thereby attach steers, and even cows to buggies and carts, being the works and style of the olden time. Others still, made pack carriers of the same; and some, with the ingenuity and perseverance not to be thwarted for want of horses, mules or steers, had fastened on some robust negroes, and on the plea of military necessity, had compelled them, (according to Southern phraseology), to tote their stuff to camp, thereby causing their owners to make some pretty wry and sober faces; in fact, numerous subterfuges are resorted to in various ways, for the transportation of their eatables to the army market, which of course would not exactly stand competition with Washington market, New York, for reasons that I will hereafter give. Yet, nevertheless, answers the purpose very well, under our peculiar circumstances. But there are others that consider themselves very fortunate because they have to “tote” the same after they have secure it. However, let it suffice that all manage to make their arrival in camp by night; and all could be seen during the hours of evening, doing ample justice to the same, in the eager and unceremonious style in which they made way with it.

About dark we received orders to be ready to move down and cross the river at a moment’s warning. The third brigade of our division also received orders to move at the same time, and it being quite an object to secure the first passage across the river—and both brigades being fully up to the advantage to be gained thereby—as soon as the bugles sounded for us to fall in, a race was at once commenced. The third brigade lay in our front nearer the river, which gave them somewhat the advantage of us; but in order to make that up, our brigade bore off left oblique, taking it cross lots, and bearing down the bluffs that skirt the margin of the river at this point, with great rapidity, and came in contact with the advance regiment of the third brigade, the 10^th Illinois Infantry, which rather had the advantage and lead of us; but having previously received precautionary orders to keep well close up, the advance regiment of our brigade cut the 10^th Illinois in the centre, and completely flanked them at the Pontoon bridge; but a part of the 10^th Illinois regiment having previously crossed, our brigade, on reaching the opposite side of the river, were being repeatedly interrogated as to what regiment, and not finding the left of their regiment, were completely non-plussed [sic], and could hardly comprehend such an unlooked for occurrence. In fact, it seemed strange to them, and they had in consequence to wait for the remainder of their regiment, and brigade, whilst ours pushed on its way to camp. Jokes were freely and liberally exchanged between the contestants, as we passed along at the result, and all ended in goof spirit, being looked upon as one of the fortunes or misfortunes of war, in a noble and manly contest for rivalry and zeal in a good cause. During the evening and night, it was very showery, which made it somewhat disagreeable, and it was dark as pitch, making it very difficult to grope our way along, and slippery in climbing the rugged bluffs, which particularly characterize this romantic district. Traveling about two miles from the river, we went into camp about 9 P.M., under string forebodings of a very disagreeable night, which were fully confirmed—having traveled about twelve miles during the day. The large cotton factory, with its immense stores of cotton, and grist mills with large quantities of other stores, were burned—leaving the factory ladies and other inhabitants of this particular section, a poor prospect of obtaining a livelihood for the present, until the closing results of this rebellion brings about a better state of things.

Nov. 19^th: Saturday finds us all astir at 4 A.M., although it was a very disagreeable morning, and not pitching tents for the night, our rest was not of the highest order, and being discommoded by the elements during the night, it was not a very difficult task to bestir the entire camp to action, and preparing our usual repast, to satisfy the cravings of nature, and drying our blankets, unusually wet with the watery element, that found us unprepared for its reception, we again packed up for the “knapsack drill,” moving out at 8 o’clock, for our usual race for the coast, which all anticipated to see ere long. To-day, our division marched in the centre of corps, third division in the advance, and fourth in the rear. During the day, we made good time, considering the rain of the previous night, and about the middle of the afternoon we passed the town of Monticello, situated in Jasper county. It exhibited signs of unusual good taste and improvement, and looked like Eden in comparison, with other places we have passed in the Confederacy. The front yard of nearly every dwelling was tastefully laid out and decorated with evergreens, and flower beds, ingeniously arranged, and filled with the flowery beauties of nature in lavish profusion, whose delightful odors filled the atmosphere with their rich fragrance, and the breath of their delicious perfume; and had we been transported suddenly from some uncongenial clime, we should have concluded it was the rich products of spring, rather than the mellow ripeness of autumn. The negro domestics of the most wealthy portion of the population came our in large numbers for the purpose, I suppose, of enjoying a good side view of those whom the Masters call, “Blue-bellied Yanks,: but they were cleaner and more neatly attired than those usually seen on our journey, and corresponded somewhat with the general appearance of things; and numbers of them could be seen, politely bowing and scraping, as only negroes can, to the rank and file, as they passed along, which must have proved a severe task, before the whole army passed in review. One old negress especially deserves our notice, as she stood in the middle of the street, in front of a large and costly dwelling, where we had to file right. Her constant exclamation was, “God bless you, massa, we’re glad you come,” and constantly going over the same, while the boys, anxious for sport and fun, would ask her all manner of curious questions, too numerous to mention here, and testing her wits to the utmost to find answers to the same. But one suspicious mark of disloyalty and treason was seen her, in the form of a gun factory, where many a deadly weapon had been manufactured, that perhaps caused the tide of life’s crimson blood to flow from many a loyal heart, struggling to maintain the government at all hazards. It, with its contents, was consigned to the flames, and buried in oblivion’s dark hour, and forever made powerless to the rebel foe. Leaving this town, as the fell swoop of war marked it, we coursed on our way five miles south-east of the same, over a good country, where we went into camp for the night, about 5 P.M., and about seventeen miles from the river and mills. We experienced some showers in the morning, but the remainder of the day was very pleasant, and the night was very disagreeable and wet. The boys being pretty tired and weary, you may rest assured that came was a welcome quiet to us, and we accordingly endeavored to make the best of our time in the form of rest, and in the consummation of that which the country afforded us.

Nov. 20^th: Sunday morning as early as 4 o’clock—which seems to be the general hour of reveille, throughout General Sherman’s Grand Army—we were all in action, as our division had to move out on the read punctually at 6 A.M.; our division being in the advance of the corps, our brigade in advance of the division, our regiment in advance of the brigade, and left in front, so our company was in the advance of the whole corps. The morning was showery, nevertheless we made considerable headway, and about four miles from the last encampment, we passed the town of Hillsboro, containing a few stores, a number of private dwellings, and one or two churches. But one circumstance I must relate, as witnessed here in passing the town. It seems that some soldier, fond of a joke by the way, had taken a lot of old clothes, which he formed and dressed so as to represent Jefferson Davis, and the suspended them to the rafter or beam of the awning in front of a store, so as to have it conspicuous for all to see it, as they passed by, through the main avenue of this little town. It excited many a pun and joke among the boys, as they witnessed its exhibition in passing. But leaving the town, we passed on a pretty fair job during the day, over a more rolling and romantic country than that passed yesterday, crossing some good streams well adapted to milling purposes, and some extensive mill dams built on the same, with grist mills in fair supply. During the afternoon we halted near by quite a large mill. While the pioneers were fixing a foot bridge for the infantry to cross the stream on, the boys taking advantage of the halt, could be seen wending their way down the bluff and across the same, and in a few minutes returning with their haversacks full of meal, for some time a constant rush could be seen going and coming loaded with the spoils—many of them bearing the appearance of self constituted millers; for in the pursuit of supplies for the haversack, they allow no common obstacle to arrest their attention, or hinder their progress. At 5 P.M. we reached camp, and the boys having an unusual supply of rations, are congratulating themselves on a hearty repast, and a fine time. To a person unaccustomed to the arrangements of troops in the field, they would be surprised at the active and numerous manœuvers [sic] of the troops, in reaching camp. Fancy to yourself a large and wealthy plantation, surrounded and divided off with well constructed fences, for a mile or two in every direction, in the brief space of five minutes, cleared of everything, and present nothing but the appearance of a vast uncultivated plain, and yet such is the fact. For as soon as each regiment ascertains the whereabouts of its color line, two or three from each company can be seen rushing in wild haste in every direction of the camp to the fences, and piling up each for their respective companies; and as soon as they have stacked arms, each man instantly put off for his share—all presenting the appearance of rail brigades and divisions. The planters dread to see them more in this aspect of their warfare than any other, as it entirely cuts off their hopes for the prospect of a next year’s crop, but such is the dreaded fortunes of war. As soon as fuel is secured, the next race is with kettles and canteens in the pursuit of water, while others start the fire, while some can be seen plucking grass and weeds and running in search of straw, or anything whereon to repose for the night, and this is generally all done in less than it takes to relate the same. After these things are secured, should any one unaccustomed to the shifts and turns in the army, pass through the different camps, and see the various modes and manner of cooking by the different messes, according to their different ideas of the same, they would acknowledge that it presented a picturesque appearance. And to visitors from the refined walks of life, the various dishes, as they are served up, might not appear very inviting, but to these hardy sons of Mars, they are delicious, and are devoured with much avidity. In raiding life, the dishes are composed of a greater variety that in garrison, as we necessitated to take the raw material as we find it, and convert it into palatable dishes, as the limits of our cooking utensils, or time and circumstances will permit—our principal supplies consisting of corn meal, sweet potatoes, and fresh pork, with occasionally a little molasses or honey as luxuries. Should the lover of puns, jokes,  and unique sayings and expressions, be present during the process of cooking, and the period of its consummation, he would here find a rich feast, and a variety to suit the numerous tastes of individuals; for here nature shown itself in all its freshness, and presents itself in all its peculiar freaks, for there is no restraint to its generous outflow; and in consequence, it flows spontaneously from all its inner depths, presenting itself in its genuine homespun, without fear or favor. But this evening, ere some have cooked their suppers, the windows of heaven seemed to be opened, and the rain pours down as only it can beneath a Southern sky, compelling the boys to retire within their shelter tents, in order to do justice to their repast. And during the whole night, the rain continues to pour down with unabated vigor, converting the plain into a temporary swamp, sweeping under everything in the shape of shelter, completely saturating the blankets of the boys, making it very uncomfortable for repose, and rendering it almost impossible to sleep. But the thought of stemming the torrents of nature, as well as that of rebellion, on the plea of military necessity, render them, after some gruff mutterings, to bow in submission to nature’s stoke.

The third division of our corps being in the rear, did not reach camp until morning, the roads being so excessively miry, causing slow progress to the train, depriving the boys of rest, and exposed them to the severe storms of the night.

Nov. 21^st: After a good night’s soaking, one would think that we ought to be well limbered up for another day’s advance, but such is not exactly the case, and in turning out from our watery recess, the first thought and action predominant in the mind, is to secure a good fire and dry our clothes and blankets, that feel unreasonably heavy from its recent baptism of water.

It was at break of day when we issued from our hiding places. The rain was still continuing to pour down in all its fury, as if determined to check our advance; and hastily and unceremoniously making way with our morning meal under disagreeable circumstances, we attempted to steam out the subtle contents that had taken shelter in our dry goods, or rather wet, as best we could. But the fourth division taking the advance, and occupying some time to string out in line of march on the road; and our regiment having to take the extreme rear of our division as rear train guard—we did not move out from camp until 11 o’clock in the morning. I would hear state, as promised in a previous chapter, that the salutary regulations governing an army in its line of march, are wisely ordered for various reasons.

1^st. In the line of march of a corps, it is necessary that each division should take its turn in the front, for the roads getting so badly cut up by the advance trains, that it would soon kill the horses and mules in the rear to keep up; and the same effect would work its way also on the troops, as the rear would enjoy but little sleep, on account of not reaching camp until midnight, and sometimes not at all; consequently the division in the front to-day, takes the rear to-morrow, and gradually works up again in its proper turn. The same order is also maintained in brigades as well as divisions, and in regiments we march alternately right, and then left in front, thus giving all parts of the rank and file an equal change.

2^nd. Were the regulations not maintained, the advance division of the corps, would secure daily an unequal share of the forage, while the rear would be scantily supplied, and this is quite and object, where a large army like ours depends principally on the country for supplies.

3^rd. It is also necessary, in case of meeting with much opposition from the foe, and in the capture of horses and mules to supply the places of those worn out, and various other reasons will suggest themselves to the reader, that I have not time to enumerate here. But there is another feature of our time of march consequent upon such campaigns as the present, and that is, to give the trains the full benefit of the road, while the army proper, marches through the plantations on either the right or left side of the road, thus gaining a threefold advantage. 1^st. Expediting the progress of the train. 2^nd. Forming a strong guard to the same. 3^rd. Thwarting the effects of a sudden cavalry dash, which might otherwise occur; and being cut off from communication, it is necessary to preserve the rations, as we know not what awaits us at the coast.

Nature and the appearance of things look gloomy this morning, but still the army is not entirely without its enjoyments; for while the boys are pulling our in line of march, feeling somewhat huffy at the unkind treatment of the elements—some refractory cows and steers, loaded with blankets, tents and knapsacks, could be seen scampering over the plain, strongly protesting against being used as pack mules, and by vigorous kicks and plunges, to avoid capture, had scattered broadcast over the plain, the contents of their unwieldy burdens, holding high their heads as evidence of their triumphs, thereby causing uproars of laughter and cheers as the result. Their example seemed contagious, for the pack mules witnessing their stubborn freaks, in turn play the oppossum [sic], and refuse to go forward—as much as to say, that unless the others are brought back to the harness, they will not go, and in consequence there seemed to be a strong contest between their negro drivers and themselves as to the victory, thus imparting much merriment to the boys, and making up for the otherwise dismal state of affairs.

To-day we made very slow progress, on account of very miry roads, and the country was also very broken. Towards evening the rain ceased, and a string wind took its place, cold and cutting in its nature, proving to our entire satisfaction that our clothing was too scanty to prevent its chilling effects; but shortly before dark, the clouds clearing away in the west, disclosed the blue sky, with white fleecy clouds slightly fringed with black, beautifully reflecting the last rays of the setting sun, together with an extensive and romantic view of hills and valleys in the distance, presented an enchanting scene, never to be forgotten; but the western horizon betokened a cold and cheerless night for us, which was fully realized, being far in the rear of advance division, we are satisfied of a night’s work before us, and in ascending the rising bluffs in this section of the country, the train scarcely moves; in fact, every wagon has to be assisted by the troops us the hills and out of the deep cut ruts, previously made b the advance, and as such critical times as these, teamsters do not spare their lungs, and the principal music of the occasion consisting in the sharp crackling of the whip, and the voice of the teamsters, hoarse with constant and vigorous exercise; and as one would listen, it would seem to be a contest of supremacy between them, and the cold wind, whose boisterous waves rolled over the tree tops with irresistible fury, searching every nook and corner unprepared for its reception; and all along the line of road, numerous fires, in fact, long lines of fence could be seen, rolling out its brilliant flame by the violence of the wind, and numerous groups of soldiers, huddling in close proximity to each other, endeavoring to absorb the heat in its rapid escape, as a temporary offset for the want of clothes. After crossing several steep and rugged bluffs, in this sluggish and disagreeable manner, we reached the valley, and soon made camp. It being 3 o’clock in the morning, and intensely cold, without any previous ceremony, we made our beds and rolling in for a few hours’ rest—having traveled only eight miles in all. The advance of division reached camp sometime previous, and advance of 3^rd division overtaking us, on the bluffs previously spoken of, went into camp without waiting for us to get our of their way. Thus closed on of the most disagreeable days and nights of the campaign.

Nov. 22^nd: After a few hours rest, the assembly sounded and found us still hid in the folds of our blankets, some of the troops already falling in we suddenly emerged from our nests, and hastily packing our knapsacks, we followed in the wake of the army, and took our usual position in the ranks. The morning was intensely cold, having frozen the mud during the night and inch and a half thick. The wind was still asserting its prowess, as it rolled through the dark pine forests which gave back the echo of its unearthly and dismal sound.

The general appearance of things this morning, indicate a different soil and timber. We have just left the highlands, and this is our first introduction to the extensive pineries [sic] and swamps that characterize the southern portion of the Empire State of the South. This morning we make good time, and shortly afternoon we pass Gordon, the junction of the Extension Branch of the Georgia Central Railroad, and went into camp about one mile North-east of the same, having marched about eleven miles from the last encampment, and camped about 1 P.M. Here on the line of Railroad from Milledgeville to Gordon, and from there to the left of Macon, lay our whole army in line of march and battle; and the destruction of the railroad is the next object to be accomplished. The work of destruction of which was commenced to-day.

CHAPTER III.

FROM GORDON TO THE OCONEE RIVER.

Twentieth Corps Enter the Capital—Destruction of the Railroad—Engagement of the Fifteenth Corps with Hardee’s Forces—Calm Succeeding Storm—Line of March of Seventeenth Corps—Troops in the Pineries—Soap Chandler’s Grand Opportunity—Description of Twisting Lever—Yankee Ingenuity—Important Lesson Taught—The Rush for Forage—Its Unmarketable Condition for Refined Purchasers—Grand Preparations for the Day’s Wants—Opposition in the Front and Right of Way Disputed—Near Approach to the Oconee—Junction of Two Corps—Navigation of a Three Mile Swamp—Supply of New Conscripts—General Confiscation of Horses and Mules—The Reasons—Fearful Slaughter—Passage of the Stream—Grand Scene on Nearing Camp—The Union of the Two Corps Irresistible.

Nov. 23^rd: To-day nearly the whole of our Grand Army was engaged in the destruction of the railroad previously mentioned; our division being assigned to the task of destroying five miles of the same, in the direction of Milledgeville, which we successfully and thoroughly performed. The 20^th Corps entered the capital, appropriating extensive commissary stores to their use, and liberated a number of our prisoners found incarcerated there. While on the extreme right, a portion of the 15^th Army Corps had a brisk little brush with Hardee’s rebel forces, inflicting on them considerable injury. Night found the day’s task on the army fully performed, and the line of railroad going to and from the rebel capital of Georgia was laid in ashes—the iron twisted in every conceivable shape, to prevent its future use. The artillery on the right was hushed to silence, and the whole army lay in silent repose, ready for its further advance on the morrow, having enjoyed a short respite from severe marching.

Nov. 24^th: Reveille at 4 A.M., and being so far successful, the boys are in good spirits, and it was not long before all was activity and bustle throughout the entire camp. Having partaken of our breakfast, and packed our knapsacks for the day, about half past six A.M., we take up our line of march between Gordon and Miller, all the time keeping near the line of railroad, to tear up and destroy the same. So having n the capture of Atlanta and the destruction of the main channels of communication that led to the same the heart of the Confederacy cut, it becomes us now to sever some of the main arterial channels of circulation, in order to fully accomplish the final suppression of this gigantic struggle. To-day we passed a fair country, some considerable swamp, but rich plantations interspersed, the soil being for the most part sandy, but was informed of its being fertile, and some finely elevated in comparison with the low and dismal swamps. Regiments out of each brigade of the division, took their turn in tearing up the railroad and burning the same, as we progressed during the day; and toward night it became our regiment’s turn to do its share, while the remainder went to camp. So passing the town of McIntyre, we went nearly two miles below the same, when we commenced to perform our allotted task. After its accomplishment, we reversed our course, going into camp on the west side of the railroad, near the town and about nine miles from Gordon, having marched about thirteen miles in all, but only nine in a direct course.

Nov. 25^th: At the usual and customary hour this morning, the troops were all on the wing and actively engaged, long before the break of day, in making preparations for its subsequent duties. Our camps present a very different appearance, from its numerous fires in these dark and gloomy pineries [sic], form what they did in the highlands. In the morning and evening the soldiers appear more like spectre forms, as seen through the thick haze of the black pine smoke, than anything else, as they move within its darkening folds, exposed to its unpleasant odor, and making it a profitable rendezvous for soap chandlers, could they suddenly be transported here with their very useful productions, as soap is in great demand, and it being a necessary article to soften the somber film that envelopes the skin; and could you see many of the boys that have been untimely ordered out in line of march, you could scarcely distinguish them from the dusky African, were it not for the hair and lips, unmistakable signs of the different races—in consequence soap is a very necessary article of forage in reference to the toilet.

To-day our division is in regular turns deployed on line of railroad again, vigorously engaged in its destruction. To those unacquainted with railroad burning, it being one of the many new phases of modern warfare, it may not be amiss to give a brief sketch of the same. In the first place, a regiment, brigade, or division, forms a line on either the right or left side of the railroad, as the case may be, and stacking arms, each brigade, regiment, or company, takes its own length, according to its number of men. This being done, some take axes and break off the heads of the spikes that fasten the rail to the ties; others get poles for levers, and with the same lift the irons from their beds; some et dry wood and rails to start the fires, while others pry up the ties, strongly imbedded in the soil from previous pressure. This being done, the next thing is, to pile the ties transversely, one upon the other, in layers of three, four, or five, as seems most convenient, making five or six layers in all, then piling two close together on the top, the irons are laid transversely on the top of the same, so as to balance, then in like manner a tie or two is placed on the top of it, the stack being thus completed, dry wood and rails fill up the interstices, and the torch is applied. It does not take long for the raging flame with its subtle heat, to cause the ponderous iron to yield to its influences, and it can be seen gradually yielding itself in humble submission, the opposite ends gracefully touching the ground. But in order to completely disable it for future use, they take the plate or shoe, that connects the two irons together on the track, and with some telegraphic wire, fasten it on one end of a lever, then two taking their position, one on each end of the iron, they slide it on, and both turning at the same time in opposite directions, the completely turn it into the form of a screw; some take the irons red hot from the burning pile, and fold them around the nearest tree; and various other means and ways are resorted to, in fact a pleasant rivalry seems to incite the boys to various methods to see who can twist them in the most inconceivable shapes. To say the least the abettors of treason must ever remember the Yanks as not being as a loss for wanting of refined ingenuity, as the various waymarks [sic] throughout the heart of rebellion will long testify. As the fires are burning, some in order to take time by the forelock can be seen roasting meat; other making coffee, so as to enjoy more rest when they reach camp, while some are discussing the past history of this railroad and its probable future, and the spirit that characterizes the boys in the exhibition of their destructive propensities, is entirely unlike that which characterized former conquerors, of the Goths and vandals that formerly overrun Europe, but rather like the infliction of punishment by the master on a very unruly and refractory scholar; and I am inclined to believe the South will learn a lesson that indulgence never would have imparted.

About half past 2 P.M., we went into camp for the night near Toonsboro—having traveled in all about eleven miles, over a rather flat district, being sometime very swampy, and then again somewhat broken, the nature of the soil being similar to yesterday.  And as we daily advance, each division of the corps takes each their regular turn, and each does their regular and proper share of railroad destruction.  The weather for the past three or four days has been bracing—nights frosty and cold—the days being favorable for marching, but it is moderating down to a warmer temperature at present, and more in accordance with the general reputation of a southern clime.  The boys being busy through the day and short of rations, can be seen rushing out in various directions through the woods, in search of domestic game and other necessaries indispensable to life and to maintain strength, and late in the evening, returning with a fair supply of the swine tribe, swung on their backs, not in a very marketable condition it is true, to incite the refined and elite of society to purchase, where it expose for sale in any of our public markets, but still answers the purpose very well to stop the cravings of a soldier’s appetite, while others return as the went, feeling very hard toward the rebels, in meeting with such poor success, and wisely claiming that the Confederacy, being the cause of dragging them into its center, should in consequence be compelled to supply their every want.  However, I have not seen any starve as yet, and it is generally supposed we are doing well, if we escape the dread vulture.

Nov. 26^th: This morning early, some of the boys, as if anxious to surprise the lords of the hen roost, are on the alert unusually early, without waiting for the bugle’s shrill note, and are actively engaged in cooking the day’s supplies in such liberal quantities, as to openly avow their determed [sic] purpose to satisfy nature’s every call, clearly proving the entire absence of penuriousness, when it can be had “without money and without price,” and a gormandizer whose taste is as the most refined, and whose choice is not of the highest order—would open his eyes, and swell his capacious stomach, and sharpen his cadaverous propensities, and the sight of the liberal dishes, served up in the army; for it is either feast or famine, enough or nothing, with soldiers, whose life consists of two extremes in all its phases.  Yesterday there was some opposition in the front, as the advance neared the Oconee river, as if intending to dispute our passage across the same, or hinder our progress, and cannonading could be distinctly heard at different hours of the day; but this morning affairs seem to be more quiet again, and the duties of camp in preparation for the day being attended to, at half past 6 A.M., we fall in line of march and move forward with our usual good success over a pretty fair country about five miles, and their being and extensive swamp of about three miles between here and the river, we turn in to the left for a temporary stay, while the road is being made for the corps trains, and the pontoons are being laid.  Here the Army of the Tennessee again forms a junction, in order to cross the river at one and the same time on two separate pontoon bridges, one for each corps, and laid within a short distance of each other.  Toward night, our division began to move gradually into line, but on account of the swamp in front, it was a slow and tedious job, and occupied many hours in its passage.  Occasionally, in passing along in conjunction with the train, a worn out mule could be seen swamped in the mud, arresting the progress of the whole train, and either would not, or could not get up.  It is hard to witness, but the rough usage of the army so accustoms the boys to such scenes that everything is made light of, and the can be heard to taunt the teamsters under such circumstances with their mules playing off sick; others that they are working for a discharge; which indeed they too often get, and a final one; for when they cannot succeed in extricating them, the wagoners [sic] leave them to the mercy of the crushing wheels of those that follow after, and thus they are finally discharged for disabilities received in service, and their final statement,—died in action! I suppose is made out, as the last epitome of their pervious existence, and their places filled up again in the supply of new conscripts; thus the trains are constantly needing recruits, as well as the rank and file.  But after several hours struggling in and through the miry swamps, and the number of causalities in the train being numerous, we finally reached the river in our turn well bespattered with its slimy contents.  But there is one feature of army life carried out to the letter at every unfordable stream, which will occupy a short space in its description.  It is invariably the case that in traveling through the enemy’s country, all classes of foragers make it their ruling object to be always on the alert for horses and mules, which they find in large numbers, in going through such a country as Georgia.  Bummers, headquarter clerks, orderlies, and various other classes following he army are also on the same track.  In consequence of the same, between the principle streams they accumulate on the army very fast, and in a short time become numerous; this being the case—the train constantly losing mules from their numbers, or some becoming worn out and unfit for duty—a string guard is detailed by order of division quartermaster, to stop and take all the horses and mules found in the possession of those that are not entitled to them, from their position, for a better use.  And this for a variety of reasons.  1^st. It consumes too much time and hinders the progress of the army across the river, which is an important item in a large army like ours.  2^nd. It encourages the evacuation of too many men from the ranks.  3^rd. It is often a difficult job at all times to secure a sufficient quantity of corn and fodder to feed such and overplus [sic] of horse flesh, and were they retained, it would cause many necessary and serviceable horses and mules to go hungry, that the useless and worthless would consume.  4^th. It is the means of throwing out from the trains and other parts of the army, the useless and worn out, replacing them with serviceable ones, thus making the army much more effective.  This being done all the unserviceable and useless are either knocked in the head or shot at a proper and convenient place near by.  This is a very unpleasant duty for those upon whom it falls, but like many other disagreeable duties, it is a necessity and must be done—the object being to cripple the enemy in every possible resource; and should we leave the cripples and worn out stock, they would endeavor to recuperate them for future use.  It therefore becomes indispensable to put them out of the way, thus sometimes causing the slaughter of hundreds as a single crossing.  About 10 P.M. we all succeeded in effecting a crossing, and moving two miles beyond, though a flat and level road to a more elevated piece of land, where we went into camp about 11 P.M., having marched during the day and night about eleven miles in all.  As we coursed our way along the line of road leading to the camp—the vast numbers of camp-fires as seen all around in the front, rising some above the other—presented the appearance of a grand amphitheater, looking cheerful and inviting, as one viewed the great semi-circle of dazzling fires, when issuing from the dark background of our position.  To the soldier weary from the toils of the day, the camp with its cheerful fires, ever seems an inviting guest, and the manner in which it is always hailed, proves the fact; and in the present instance, as soon as the troops caught a glimpse of its unerring indication, resounding cheers were heard all along the line, repeated and hearty, thus showing their full appreciation of its inviting appearance.  The 2^nd Corps having previously met for the passage of the river, camp in near proximity to each other, as if to improve and enjoy a friendly visit, and present a strong front to the foe, and in unison are almost irresistible.

CHAPTER IV.

FROM THE OCONEE TO MILLEN.

Promptitude of Musicians—The Planter’s Accusation—Acknowledgment o the Johnnies—Sherman’s Military Embrace—Morning Details—Tricks of Stragglers—Sherman Changed from Left to Right Centre—His Letter of Distinction and Policy—Night Picketing—The Sleeping Giant—Amusing Scenes in Navigating Swamps—Foraging Regulations—Passage of Rocky Creek—Arrival at Sebastopol—Destruction of the Depot and Stores—Army Beacons—Sherman’s Fearful Scourge—The Rebel Congressman—Skedaddling Tact of the Rebels—Arrival at Millen—Its Description and Destruction—Contrasted Institutions of the 2^nd Sections

Nov. 27^th: The lateness of the hour we reach camp, makes no difference in the next morning’s rising; for as near the allotted hour as possible, the martial airs and shrill notes of the bugle can always be heard at the proper time, and the idea of thinking that some morning they may forget to raise the customary alarm, and so allow you to enjoy an extended nap, is entirely out of question; for every regimental headquarter guard, always receives imperative orders to arouse the musicians and buglers at the given hour, and they seldom allow you to take advantage of them in the matter of rising at the assigned time.  So at 4 A.M. they can be heard in every direction sounding the alarm, neither sparing the lings or the drum sticks, and it would sometimes seem as though they were endeavoring to make unusual efforts to swell the notes if possible a few keys higher than common, as if to give the troops no excuse as to a timely warning; but weather they arise or not in order to secure breakfast, previous to departure, when the signal to fall in is raised, there is no time to wait, no palliation of excuses, but weather breakfast has been disposed of or not, all must be in their proper places; and those that are not ready must take matters as they are, not as they would like.  Ere the break of day we begin to take up our line of march on the highway, and the roads and country being pretty favorable for travel, we make good time, and glide over the surface more rapidly than usual.  Yesterday and to-day, we marched on the west side of the railroad, and all going forward with alacrity and success.  About 11 o’clock, A.M. we went into camp, near Tennille Station, having marched about ten miles from last encampment.  The day was warm and pleasant, more like summer than autumn, and presented a striking contrast to us in comparison to what we were accustomed to in the North; although the planters accuse us of bringing the cold along with us wherever we go, as they often declare it unusually cold near the line, and around the outskirts of the Yankee army.  Probably our manner, (if not the weather), is often very chilling, and the Johnnies sometimes acknowledge receiving from us a very warm introduction, and subsequently, a too generous outflow of warmth, and a too liberal supply of rations, more than they want no doubt; but not more than they need while in open rebellion against all lawful authority and former good treatment.  They also often acknowledge that we are too anxious to embrace them, and for that purpose they accuse us of paying especial attention to our flanks, compelling them very often to retire very unceremoniously, without giving us their customary salute, and betake themselves to a more convenient place of safety, to escape the tightening cords of Sherman’s military embrace; and like the Norwegian in the dark recesses of the forest, with an untimely introduction to the grizzly monsters that infest those regions, they would prefer escape from its peculiar hug, if possible; but in unable to do the same, the hidden dagger is withdrawn for defense; but escape is far preferable, if it is only possible.

To-day the 15^th Corps is in camp about two miles to our right, and a part of it is deployed on line of railroad, and exercising what phrenologists would term the organ of destruction, and cultivating the muscular powers in following the same vocation that engaged our attention for several previous days, allowing us the privilege to rest for the remainder of the day, to prepare ourselves for future action.  Accordingly we make the best of our opportunity and attend to our sanitary conditions, which is an important item in our wandering life, and indispensable to health and comfort.

Nov. 28^th: Having enjoyed what in raiding life we consider a good rest, and nature favoring us with genial warmth during the night, we feel more supple this morning, and less inclined than sometimes to quarrel with our circumstances, and the boys seem generally on the alert in seasonable time to prepare for the order of march; and after the little minor affairs have been attended to, and the morning meal dispensed with, the customary details are made from the ranks as usual, thus in order: 1^st. Regimental headquarter guard, whose duty it is through the day to march in the extreme rear of the regiment, to prevent and pick up if possible, all its stragglers.  2^nd. A provost guard to march in the rear of the brigade—each regiment of the brigade furnishing its proportionate number—whose duty it is to pick up all stragglers from the brigade.  3^rd. A division provost guard to march in the rear of the whole division, to pick up all stragglers from the command, furnished in the same ratio from each regiment; but at present it is found more convenient, less trouble, and equally effective—to make a permanent detail for the same, to act in that capacity during the campaign, reporting to their commands at night, and returning to their respective posts of duty every morning.  But it must not be supposed that with all this precaution, every straggler is picked up, or that none escape their detection, for the troops often seemed determined, if possible, to out do their commanders in ingenuity, and the tighter the screws are turned on, the more they often set their wits to work to counteract it, for there are those in the army, who like the fabled Phoenix, are seldom seen, and the greater the attempt to prevent their egress from the ranks, the more anxious the are to escape, and like the slippery eel they easily elude grasp; others tax their ingenuity to the utmost in framing statements to account for their absence from the ranks, while some, with a dexterity of action, that becomes natural and easy, distort their appearance in various ways, presenting the appearance of a genuine convalescent, to accomplish their original purpose, to avoid an official inquiry, and it must be confessed that they often too well succeed in their object; but with all the cunning and curious manœuvers [sic]  resorted to by the rank and file, to accomplish their object, yet fewer outraged occur in our army than in any other of such magnificent size.  The day has been excessively warm for the season of the year, and as we push our way along with a rapidity seldom equaled by any army, the perspiration could be seen to ooze freely from the pores of the skin, and the country being pretty level, with extensive young pineries [sic] on either side of us most of the way, it would seem as though the atmosphere was retaining an unusual excess of heat, causing a too liberal expenditure of moisture from the system, similar to a steam bath, for our under clothing pretty well testified the effects of our going through a hot air bath.  General Sherman having moved from the left centre of the army, to the right centre of the same, in the afternoon the old veteran took a field review of that portion of his army represented by the 17^th Army Corps as they passed along the road, and although the boys sometimes think he handles they very roughly in constant field service, yet they are warmly attached to him, and speak of him in some very familiar terms, such as the following: as they pass in full view of him, one will remark; “There stands the daddy of this army;” another will say, “There’s our old dad;” others say, “There’s old Billy;” and numbers use the appellation of, “Crazy Bill”—not in anyway of disrespect, but claim it to be a time honored title among his old companions, in their particular distinguishment [sic] of genuine respect and honor for his abilities.  However, many of the boys have their own peculiar title of dignity and honor for him.  And although the “Iron Duke and victor of Waterloo” is distinguished for his numerous and lengthy titles, as badges of honor for his indomitable energy, skill, perseverance and success, by the nation that fully appreciated his services,—yet I very much doubt whether they would bear a strict comparison with those cherished and endearing titles spontaneously conferred upon General Sherman by the veterans that have followed him through many a battlefield.  And they will accomplish more and suffer more under him that under any man in the field; and all moves made by him are considered indispensable to success, and the boys think he would not make them for any other purpose.  One feather of the general they think deserves the highest credit, and that is, they all firmly believe he is not so ambitious for fame or a name, as for success in the speedy suppression of this fratricidal strife: thus constantly pursuing the enemy when once routed, to prevent as much as possible their future intrenchment [sic], and striking where least expected some distant point, thereby compelling the evacuation of other strongholds, that would otherwise cause a too liberal effusion of blood and sacrifice of life, and the success of the past year fully proves the entire success of our commanding general’s policy, which for brilliancy, celerity of movement and success, is unsurpassed in history.

Our division being in advance of corps, 3^rd Division in the centre, and 4^th Division in the rear to-day, our division went into came about 3 P.M., near General Sherman’s headquarters, having marched during the day about 16 miles.  A company of the 39^th Ohio, and Company B from our regiment, furnished pickets for the brigade, which were immediately taken out and posted in front of our command.  It is necessary to state here, that on the line of march as well as in close contact with the enemy, each brigade, division, and corps, pickets and guards its own front, and at whatever hour of the day or night a brigade reaches camp, pickets are immediately posted from a mile to a mile and a half in advance, forming their line in conformity with the form of camp, thus always presenting an unbroken front to the enemy, and ever prepared for a sudden dash or attack of the foe, and thereby giving the entire camp sufficient time for preparation, should they wish to bring on a general engagement with up in the field.  But night steals on space, and each division having reached the terminus of their day’s march the tattoos of the different and numerous regiments announce the near approach of the hour for repose.  And listening while alone on picket to the various notes, as their final vibrations fell on the ear of a silent listener, while a vast army lays in its extensive recess, gradually yielding itself up to this slumbering fold of Morpheus [sic], as the last echoing sounds of their voices are hushed to silence, and the many sad reminiscences connected with its very recent history, as exhibited in the fury and storm of battle, and all the conflicting passions of their nature were called into vigorous exercise, it presented a grand theme for meditation, and a striking contrast one to the other.  I could not in my thoughts but compare them to a sleeping giant.  How innocent and harmless they now appear as they are locked in night’s pleasant embrace; but should the wily foe now raise the dread alarm, how mighty and sudden would be the transition from rest to labor, from repose to action, from calm to storm, from the pleasant dreams and visions of sleep, to the stern and dread realities of mortal combat, when the leaden hail would be traveling with the swiftness of electricity, to and fro through the atmospheric air, like so many winged messengers of death; and when the horrid yells and hisses of those terrible shells, and they issue from the rifled monsters of modern destruction, are thinning the ranks of those found in its dread pathway.  But the former is more to be courted than the latter, and peace far preferable to war, as the desolating experience of a four years’ conflict will abundantly testify, in the mourning and sorrow caused in almost every household in the land.

Nov. 29^th: To-day we take the rear of corps, our brigade centre of division, and regiment in the lead of brigade, and the third and fourth division being in our advance, taking some time to get fairly under way, our division was not fairly on the march until near 10 o’clock A.M.  And it being the intention to make good time to-day, upon the clearance of the road, there is a general endeavor on the part of the troops to improve the time, but the country being more flat and swampy than any previously past or experienced, we meet with more obstacles than usual as we encounter the swamps adjoining the head waters of the Cannoochee river, and toward dusk we crossed the same near Codwick station.  It consists of several pretty considerable sized streams, much resembling creeks, with swamps and flat sheets of water interspersed, while on either side large swamps are attached making it troublesome and disagreeable to effect a passage, which is invariably attended with wet feet, and occasionally from accident the entire person becomes submerged in the stream, which sometimes proves an unfortunate occurrence, for instead of extending sympathy to such poor persons, it s generally made the subject of much merriment to his comrades, who take the favored opportunity to enjoy a joke and laugh at his expense.  Another source of imparting much pastime to the ranks, is this: Each company in the regiment being allowed a pack mule, or two, according to their number, to carry all the extra rations or forage if there be any, and blankets for those not able to carry them, although but few enjoy that privilege apart from the driver, and their mess, or their particular friends, and it very often turns out that they have very unwieldy burdens imposed on them.  Sometimes men are detailed from the ranks to lead them, and in other cases negroes are taken for that purpose, and not being so dexterous as our white boys, nor as ingenious in piloting over the streams and swamps, and the beads of the streams not of the smoothest kind, it often turns out that some projecting root, or stump, or deep cavity, plunges the mules with their burdens and drivers in the depths of the stream, completely baptizing them with water, but they shortly rise above the surface of the sluggish stream, and grope their way out from such an uncomfortable position; but previous to their exit they have to undergo and listen to the merriment and jokes freely indulged in at their expense, besides enjoying the prospect of testing Hydropathic treatment in the form of wet blankets at night, unless fortunate enough to reach camp in sufficient time to dry them, which is not always the case; and the rank and file in crossing upon poles and rails, laid in every conceivable shape, need the nerve and dexterity of a Blondin to avoid contact with the watery element, and wanting in this many enjoy the unwelcome treat of immersion, and when you hear constant screams and hearty yells and laughs, you may take it for granted that it is at the expense of those who have met with disaster and temporary defeated in crossing those dark and unfrequented byways, but after considerable effort on the part of the troops and train and a prolonged and vigorous exercise of the lungs in incessant cheers and screams, to enliven the passage of this dark and dismal recess, (for it is after night has set in), we emerged from the gloomy shades, and moving some distance beyond, we went into camp for the nights, about 8 o’clock, having marched about fifteen miles during the day’s journey, and camping near what is called Rocky—but which might be more appropriately called Softy—creek, as in its general aspect it presents more the appearance of a continuous swamp than creek.  This evening camp was a welcome guest to us all, as most of the troops were pretty weary, and the lower extremities of their persons being thoroughly saturated with water.  It is not long before the cheerful camp fires light up the dreary appearance of things and glance in which direction you please, all can be seen busily engaged in drying and cooking at one and the same time, as it is very expedient and necessary to glean as much time as possible for rest and sleep, and a number of little chores to be nightly attended to, makes it imperative to expedite matters as much as possible, and ere much time is consumed, the general hubbub which just now was the chief characteristic of camp, is hushed to silence, and the reigning quietness which pervades the grand pavilion, proves that the scenes of another day are swept away by life’s current into oblivion’s hidden ocean, ne’re to be recalled.

Nov. 30^th: At an early hour this morning, we were aroused as usual, and informed that our toils and marches had not ceased, and the necessity of another round forced itself on our minds as an imperative duty, and if we would secure breakfast previous to departure we must be up and doing, or the privilege will not be granted, as military law is like wind and weather, that waits for no one; so making the best of our bargain we emerge from our not very stylish beds, and set to work with a will; but the effects of yesterday makes itself to be felt upon us, causing our movements rathy [sic] gouty and stiff; but feelings are not allowed to be our guide or gauge as to the distance to be travelled [sic], and being fully up to the real condition of affairs we think it best to urge matters in order to secure our breakfast, and comfortably pack our knapsacks for convenient transportation, as it is a very necessary item, for the manner of packing the same makes quite a difference in the matter of ease for its support during the day’s march.  And after the morning’s duties are performed, and its numerous details attended to, we take up our line of march, and before proceeding further with the subject, one matter I must notice by the way, which to many unacquainted with military details and arrangements is a mystery, and that is foraging regulations.  It becomes a matter of surprise to the masses of civilians, as to how an army of such proportions as ours, can daily prosecute its journey, through an enemy’s country, and yet at the same time collect the vast amount of supplies necessary to sustain life and strength, for while it takes a very large amount to supply 70,000 to 80,000 men irrespective of all the hangers on, negroes and refugees, and others gathered up as we daily advance, yet in doing so, we do not furnish provisions for much over one half of what really belongs to the army, when you come to include all the mules, horses and horned stock, that is embraced in the cavalry branch of the service, as well as headquarter, ordnance and supply trains, together with a large number of mounted men, requiring horses and mules in all the various branches of the service, making in full told, an immense number.  Yet such is the case, that in the prosecution of our journey through the present campaign, we not only accomplished the task, but made a daily average of some fifteen miles march in addition.  Consequently every morning, company foragers, are regularly detailed to forage, each for their respective companies; and all the various headquarters from General Sherman’s down to regimental, have each their separate foragers for the same, and all detachments and squads in the different branches of the service are each allowed their forage details.  In our present campaign two or three from each company of the regiment was detailed daily, but having to carry the forage as well as their own accoutrements, we had often to go hungry for want of grub, and were often compeled [sic] to turn foragers on our own hook, after reaching camp or by sliding our of the ranks during the day, but sometimes these foot foragers by getting early the start of us, would move far in advance, collect what supplies they could, and bringing it by the wayside, waiting for the arrival of their respective companies, and distribute the same, and killing a lot of hogs and dividing them up, the boys would each take a portion carrying the same on the barrels of their muskets for want of better transportation.  And the numerous little markets of meat presented to view by the roadside, in our line of travel, formed a very unique spectacle to behold, but not a very attractive one to a very tasty beholder, as there is not much ceremony paid to their slaughter.  But the success necessary to a liberal supply of forage, depends principally on two things.  1^st. The division commander. 2^nd. In abundant transportation.  For if the division commander considers it necessary, he has the power to allow a forage wagon or two to each regiment, for the express purpose of carrying regimental forage, and in such a provision should there be an overplus [sic] for the present, it is retained for future use, and should any of the troops pick up any by they way, from any their source they can take it there for transportation.  Thus by this simple arrangement they can be properly supplied, and by the same prevent much waste, that often otherwise takes place, and some division commanders there are, who are this much thoughtful although our division in the present campaign was not so fortunate, and had to do our own toting as well as foraging.  Sometimes the boys are lucky enough to find transportation for their stuff, as I have noticed in another chapter, and are at such times independent of Government transportation.  But past experience has suggested the necessity and propriety of mounted foragers, as they are far more efficient than ones on foot, although during our present campaign, this provision was perhaps not though of; for every campaign proves more effective in organization than any previous one, as experience makes perfect and gives us the past upon which to improve.  In short, I believe upon the whole, that more provision is collected after reaching camp than previously, for if the rations are wanting and not furnished from the proper source, the boys are determined to make a raise themselves, and for this purpose I have known them after reaching camp, to travel miles to procure the same and divide the spoils on their return.  The cause of a poor and niggardly supply is not in the country we pass, always, nor the fault of department and corps commanders but in some subordinate officials who are thus much wanting in attention to those placed under their charge, and the only redress sought under such circumstances is to take the matter in their own hands, and make up for the deficiency.  But in order to secure corn and fodder for the trains of the army, a definite number of wagons not loaded during the day, strike out on either the right or left side of the road, with a sufficient guard, in search of the same, and at night return with supplies sufficient for the whole train, and cannoniers [sic], orderlies, and every other class of mounted men, go far in the advance, and securing their sacks of corn and bundles of fodder, they bring them to the roadside and await the coming up of the wagons to receive it, and large numbers not fortunate enough to secure it through the day, in the evening when reaching camp, can be seen rushing in every direction in search of what they need, and so by resorting to various means and taking various directions, ere night folds us with its shady mantle, all are liberally provided.  But it as safe in concluding that the country left in our rear daily, is pretty much cleared of all it contained, leaving the inhabitants to conclude that they had experienced a human plague, or at least, that some unusually ravenous creatures had committed a general depredation, and passed on without asking the privilege or right of way.  But to return, we had not proceeded far on our journey, before we encountered Rocky creek, previously noticed, and to us it proved a difficult crossing on foot, as we had to cross on narrow poles and brush, and small trees previously felled by the pioneer corps, most of us experiencing a disagreeable foot bath, ere we effected its passage, which occupied some considerable time, and having succeeded in clearing in full the head waters of the Cannouchee, we traveled several miles over a very flat country, of which the term, “well watered” could be strictly applied, as water and pine trees seemed apparently to reign supreme, they being the principal characteristics presented to view in this dark and dense wilderness.  Having been confined to the west side of the railroad for several days, and bearing off some distance from the same to effect the passage of the streams and swamps previously described; about noon we filed left and bore off in an oblique direction until nearly night when we neared the headwaters of the Ogeechee.  This proved another dismal swamp to us, but fortunately in pursuing the rebels very close, we partially saved the bridge spanning the main channel of the stream.  They had set fire to it, but timely extinguishing it, it was not damaged so much, but that a little labor sufficiently repaired it for the passage of infantry, while a pontoon bridge was laid over the main channel for the trains to cross on.  Groping and struggling in the adjoining swamps consequent on the stream for some time, with the same unusual musical symphonies in full blast, we finally reached the bridge and crossing over the main stream, we soon succeed in reaching the railroad as Sebastopol station, and moving about one and a half miles below the same, on the east side of the road, we encamped on a spacious plantation, about 7 P.M., having marched fully fourteen miles or more.  Here we found a very fine station house, full of corn, a fine lit of lumber and railroad iron, with other stores, all of which was consigned to the flames, it being one of the many evidences of stern dealing with the perpetrators of treason and open rebellion; and only one of the wholesome and numerous strokes of Sherman’s peculiar form and manner of treating with the enemies of our humane Government,

Thus in the last few days march on the west side of the railroad until we again reached the same, our line of march described an irregular triangle, taking the line of the road as the base or hypotenuse.  The boys, being weary, soon turn in, and forgetting the past, not yet obliterated from their memories, they calmly reign themselves without a struggle to the goddess of night, trusting implicitly to the shelter of her timely mantle, as its somber folds noiselessly fell in silent protection over their yielding forms.

Dec. 1^st: Having secured what is absolutely necessary and indispensable to good health and the proper recuperation of the wasting energies of nature from constant daily waste, in the vigorous prosecution of a work that requires no little amount of physical strength, and determination of purpose to daily, and often nightly, sternly face the difficult tasks that are required of us, we are found as usual, like clock-work, ready to accomplish the part to be assigned us for the day.  And we are early apprised of what is in store for us, for the returning rays of twilight have scarcely been recognized, ere the clanking of irons can distinctly be heard not far in the distance, and in taking a backward view of the state of affairs, dense volumes of smoke did already be seen looming up in massive billows to the skies, it being a most truthful indication of the whereabouts of the different portions of Sherman’s army.  As all along our war trail through the State, when on rising ground, we could see the plain indications of the line of travel of those cops to our right and left, by the sky beacon always so prominent night and day, forcibly reminding one of our outward resemblance to Israel in the wilderness, as by day the “cloudy pillar” of each army corps could be constantly seen at a distance, while at night the numerous fires of the different camps, beautifully reflect our exact position, in golden hues, making the appearance to fitly represent the “pillar of fire,” as it lights up the horizon with its cheerful reflection.

About 7 o’clock P.M., our whole division moved out and was deployed on line of railroad in order to accomplish its destruction.  This being our morning’s task, the boys all worked with determined perseverance, and ere the meridian sun poured down its midday heat, miles of railroad had been made to pay part of the costly bill of treason in the complete destruction of its costly material.  As we advance down the line, already passing through the fiery ordeal, and being compelled on account of the presence of swamps on either side, to walk in close proximity to the fires, we find it difficult to bear the intense heat of the long range of fiery furnaces now in full blast, as we hastily rush past every burning pile.  The day was also very warm, thus adding as it were fuel to the flame, and causing the perspiration to flow in liberal profusion down the reddened cheeks of those who may be strictly termed, Sherman’s fearful scourge,—as the Empire State can well testify that they proved a fearful besom to her sacred soil, in leaving their century marks in a long and wide strip that marks the war trail of our irresistible advance with a fell swoop that bore everything before us.  Shortly after noon we left the railroad to our right, and ere many miles advance, we encountered the great cypress swamp, which we found very ugly and difficult to navigate; but after severe exertion and our usual cold water bath we effected its passage, and passed over some extensive plantations, in a good state of cultivation and improvement, and brought up in camp not far from the same, on the right side of the road in an extensive pinery [sic] not far from General Sherman’s headquarters, which was established at the large and stately mansion of a Mr. Jones, who I was informed, was a member of the rebel congress, and who had made good his timely exit, previous to our arrival.  The architectural design of the mansion much resembled the form of a large public building, having like many of the dwellings of the Southern States, large Corinthian columns in front.  It was three stories high with a square roof, while in the center of the same was a square enclose surrounded with a balustrade, thereby enabling the owner to enjoy a full and extensive view of his broad possessions.  The whole design forming a correct expression of genuine aristocratic proclivities.  It was between this proud mansion and Cushingville station, three-fourths of a mile below us, that we encamped for the night.  The honorable gentleman just referred to, previous to his departure, had secluded large stocks of cured hams, shoulders, and side meat, which unhappily for the owner, the quick scenting Yankee had ferreted out, and as is usual in such cases, appropriated it to their especial benefit; a lot of valuable silver ware [sic] was found by others, and a sharp witted old negro left in charge of a lot of hidden mules and horses, had concluded that we were more deserving of them than his rebel fugitive master, took the express liberty to turn them over to the use of Uncle Sam, thereby proving his genuine loyalty, in strongly protesting against treason, and some of the boys endeavoring to test his allegiance, he would prove the same by referring to his recent act, thus silencing all accusation in the prosecution of his case; and I would here intimate by the way, that previous to the exit of our army from this spot previously consecrated to the object of rebellion, it had dearly paid the sacrificial cost of its unruly owner, and should he ever be returned to his once happy homestead, it will impart to him a silent lesson on the impressive results of the inauguration of civil strife, and the heavy cost for such a serious undertaking, but he is only one among many that has paid the dear bought experience of that action that plunged a once truly happy and prosperous people into the deadly contest of civil strife, and its subsequent prosecution being conducted on a grand yet terrible scale, they must expect terrible results.

Dec. 2^nd: For several days past we have experienced exceedingly warm weather for the time of year, and this morning we moved out at the usual hour under the same favorable auspices that have marked our invariable success.  Our advance did not travel far before meeting with opposition in the front, and the boys being so accustomed to success, take but little notice of their faint demonstrations, and push right on as though nothing was in their way, and the rebels taking the timely hint, thus respectfully given them, skedaddle with their usual dexterity and success in the matter of retreat and flight, and it is an undisputed fact that they have become perfect adepts in the science, and practiced its profession until it has almost become a second nature to them; although the boys sometimes wish that they would prepare themselves for a short stay, in order to afford them a short respite from what they sometimes term a wild goose chase; but although they manage to keep up their reputation for retreat, and of presenting back instead of front views of their persons; yet they sometimes squat themselves down to some purpose, and inflict some damage on us by so doing, but always manage to secure a loophole for a timely exit when pushed, or as the Southern ladies have it, when they see our “flinkers” manifest there appearance, they then go it their best in order to win the race in accordance with the old lines,

“That he that safe can get away,
      May live to fight some other day.”
      “But he that by ‘Long Tom’ is slain,
      Shall never live to fight again.”

After traveling some distance over a favorable country on the left side of the railroad, we stumble on another of those swampy bogs, peculiar to the level lands and pineries [sic] of Southern Georgia, and effecting a successful passage, we reached one of the main tributaries of the Ogeechee, near the railroad.  On reaching the iron road of modern improvement, we marched directly down the same about two miles, when we reached Millen, the junction of the Augusta branch of the Savannah and Macon railroad, and went a short distance south-east of the same, where we squatted for the night, about 4 o’clock P.M., having marched about twelve miles from the last encampment.

Millen is principally noted for its lengthy depot, and numerous switches; it also contained some large cotton warehouses, whose exterior was not the most attractive to the eye.  A few very inferior looking dwellings, and a small saloon, but this important junction could not even boast of a second or third-rate hotel—it being a conclusive argument in favor of free, in comparison, to slave labor; and in our march through the State, we passed a number of sites favorable to the growth of a large town, but from want of free institutions and northern enterprise, remained like a tree stunted in its growth by rough usage and bad treatment, and every year manifests more clearly, that effeminacy which characterizes the absence of a healthy and enterprising spirit so predominant, as the result of a dominant aristocracy, but it is to be hoped that the billowy upheavings of this vast human crater that has been disgorging itself for the past four years, will bring about a different state of things in the South; for it is self-evident that the contract of the two sections, brought about by this war, has demonstrated most clearly the superiority of the North to the South in a variety of ways.  For in all of our meanderings through its sacred soil, we have never seen a fair display of that characteristic ingenuity which seems the peculiar birthright of free institutions, displayed in such unparalleled ingenuity as witnessed in the North.  For the simple implements of husbandry here, antedate the appearance of things a century past, and improvements that have long since been superseded by better ones in the North, have scarcely had the privilege of an introduction in the South; and language that has long since become obsolete in the North, in the South is in popular use, and proves clearly, that Mr. Webster’s vast labors for the benefit of the English language, have met with but a cold reception at the best.  But I have no doubt as to a decided improvement in the future, and am safe in concluding that the many contacts of the past, although hostile in their intention and purpose, will eventually work out its favorable results, and lead to the full acknowledgement of free and liberal institutions, and to the explosion of those fogeyish theories that have bound its victims for long years in their enthrallment, and conduct their emancipated spirits to sure, certain and speedy triumph.

Dec. 3^rd: This morning is ushered in as usual, with no particular indications of a different state of things form what is commonly witnessed in our every day life, save that the spacious depot is being considerably reduced from its previous size, as the broad and livid sheets of flame encircle its massive proportions, rendering its appearance magnificent, yet awful to look upon, as its expansive flames were making themselves felt at the warehouses in near proximity, and it was not long before everything in the shape of a building, was lapped in the destructive element, and proud Augusta flanked out of her railroad communication by its main arterial channel of life, is left to mourn