Digging The Canal
(January 15, 1863-April 15, 1863)
[Shelby Foote describes seven failed experiments
that Grant attempted before he embarked on the successful Vicksburg
campaign.
1. Advance down the Mississippi Central RR
2. Chickasaw Bayou
3. Canal
4. Lake Providence Route
5. Yazoo Pass
6. Steele Bayou
7. Roundaway Bayou
All seven are mentioned in Hussey's diary. Men from
the 48th OVI were directly involved in three of them. The first
two were really part of a single plan and were intended to be
a coordinated attack to take Vicksburg by force. The 48th was,
of course, at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou.
Two of the last five experiments were attempts to render
Vicksburg irrelevant by bypassing and three were attempts to
allow troops and supplies to be moved around the town's defenses,
enabling an assault from the relatively more vulnerable rear.
Eight men from the 48th OVI were detached to help man the guns
of the Gunboat Chillicothe. Two, J.F. Holladay and a soldier
from Company K were wounded and one, Thomas Henderson, died in
action when a shell entered the gun-port they were manning in
the principal engagement of the Yazoo expedition.
The most sustained effort by Grant's forces was work
on "Grant's Canal". The rational for this project is
very well described by Grant himself:
In 1862 General Thomas Williams had come up from New Orleans
and cut a ditch ten or twelve feet wide and about as deep, straight
across from Young's Point to the river below. The distance across
was a little over a mile. It was Williams' expectation that when
the river rose it would cut a navigable channel through; but
the canal started in an eddy from both ends, and, of course,
it only filled up with water on the rise without doing any execution
in the way of cutting. Mr. Lincoln had navigated the Mississippi
in his younger days and understood well its tendency to change
its channel, in places, from time to time. He set much store
accordingly by this canal. General McClernand had been, therefore,
directed before I went to Young's Point to push the work of widening
and deepening this canal. After my arrival the work was diligently
pushed with about 4,000 men--as many as could be used to advantage--until
interrupted by a sudden rise in the river that broke a dam at
the upper end, which had been put there to keep the water out
until the excavation was completed. This was on the 8th of March.
From: Personal
Memoirs of U. S. Grant
Click on image to view Map of Vicksburg
Defenses and the Canal
Library
of Congress, Geography and Map Division
The 48th's regimental history also describes this period
from the regimental point of view:
Our time was occupied in digging the canal across the bend
of the river. Our part was completed on the 6th of February [should
be March 6]. Some of the other regiments, however, were not
so far advanced, [on March 7] when the river, which had
been rising, broke over the dam at the levee that night, and
flooded the whole peninsula with from five to seven feet of water,
which caused the scheme to be abandoned.
The object of the canal was to let the boats pass through, and
thus avoid the batteries in front of Vicksburg. Since the close
of the war, a channel has been cut across the point where the
first attempt to dig the canal by dredge-boats was made, and
boats are now obliged to pass through this channel, which in
time will leave Vicksburg off at one side.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
This project engaged the 48th for more than two and
a half cold winter months. During this period the men were camped
on the levee, exposed to the waterborne diseases of cholera and
dysentery as well as the elements. Bering and Montgomery describe
their living conditions while digging the canal.
Young's Point, at that time of the year, presented a dark
and gloomy aspect. In our front was the Mississippi river; in
the rear, a dreary swamp, covered with water, from one to two
feet deep, leaving us but a narrow strip of dry land along the
levee, on which to set our tents. The winter winds and heavy
rains had unobstructed play on our canvas dwellings, and it was
a common occurrence for the men to emerge from underneath their
prostrate tents, after a heavy storm of wind and rain, as it
swept down the Mississippi.
While at Milliken's Bend, the sickness contracted on steamers
and at Young's Point began to terminate fatally, the mortality
being confined chiefly to the new regiments. The muffled drums
were heard all day long, and the parting volleys at the graves
on the slope of the levee awoke the echoes across the waters
of the Mississippi, while comrades were laid in their last resting-place,
far from the loved ones at home.
"Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er;
Dream of battle-fields no more;
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Morn of toil, nor night of waking."
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Despite these conditions the morale of the regiment
seems rather high, judging from Hussey's description. Hussey
himself, skeptical at first, seems to genuinely believe in the
project on the day the 48th completes its stretch of the canal.
This was the day before the dam broke, aborting the project.
While relatively few of the men in the 48th died from
disease at the canal, a great many were disabled. A look at the
number of resignations of Officers for disability mentioned in
the diary reveals only the tip of the iceberg. Of the company
commanders at Shiloh, only Virgil Moats remains with the regiment
when the canal project is abandoned, and even he is home on sick
leave at this time. Still the 48th suffered far less in camp
than the non-veteran regiments where there were many deaths.
There are likely several reasons for this. Simple acquired immunity
from the exposure to the foul water on the march to Corinth and
the long march to Memphis helped. Also, only the more robust
men remained, the more susceptible having died or been disabled
before this time. Having learned lessons in sanitation in camping
may have helped as well. Bering & Montgomery credit Adjutant
McGill with keeping the camp in good order and preventing deaths,
a notion supported by Col. Sullivan.
Col. Sullivan, despite the fact that he was in Memphis
during this period, later filed a report which has a brief but
very accurate description of this period. He states:
We remained at Arkansas post until January 17, when we
again embarked on board our transports, and the expedition steamed
down into the Mississippi River, landing at Young's Point, La.,
January 23. Here the Regiment was engaged for some time in digging
the Canal. The weather became so wet that our camps were in many
places overflowed, and the privations and sickness of our troops
in many regiments [became] so serious that the Thirteenth
Army Corps was ordered to Milliken's Bend, La., a more healthy
and drier locality, where we landed March 9.
Here the troops rapidly recovered their health. That of this
regiment, I am happy to say, however, had been invariably good
since we left Fort Pickering, but one or two deaths from disease
have occurred during this time, and the regimental hospital,
under the charge of Dr. Willis, never having more than three
or four patents in it at a time, notwithstanding the extremely
severe privations undergone by the men. This is owing to a great
degree to the care which was paid to the cleanliness of the men
and the fine sanitary condition of the camp. The credit of this
is due mainly to Capt. Lindsey, who was then in command of the
regiment; to Adjutant McGill and to Dr. Willis, who were indefatigable
in their efforts to maintain a proper police and sanitary condition.
The company commanders too cheerfully aided in this good work.
Report of Col. Peter J. Sullivan (OR 8/4/63)
The command structure that both the Army of the Tennessee
and the 48th Regiment would have during the campaign against
Vicksburg and Jackson was organized during this period. As they
built the failed canal they also built the successful army.
Gen. Grant, who outranked Gen. McClernand by time of
appointment, arrived and the army of the Mississippi became two
Corps in the Army of the Tennessee. Gen. Morgan, the 48th's Corps
commander who Gen. Sherman disliked and blamed for problems at
Chickasaw Bluff, was immediately replaced: at first temporarily
by the 48th's very able Division Commander, Gen. A.J. Smith,
and shortly thereafter McClernand himself was reduced to command
of this Corps. McClernand had been snookered again by the professional
military officers.
Major changes were also occurring at the regimental
level, not as the result of military politics, but as the result
of losses due to debilitating disease.
Since leaving Memphis, the Regiment had lost by resignation
fifteen officers. Their places had been partly filled by promotions
in February [J. C. Kelsey, J. A. Bering, Joshua Hussey and
R. T. Wilson, to Cap.; C. P. Bratt, Geo. W. Mosgrove, Daniel
Gunsaullus and J. R. Lynch to 1st Lieut.; Cornelius Conard, Thomas
Montgomery and M. McCafferty to 2nd Lieut.]. On the 9th of
April, Capt. Moats returned from Columbus, Ohio, promoted to
Major, and took command of the Regiment. He brought commissions
for the following members of the Regiment: D. Gunsaullus, promoted
to Captain; A. M. Cochran, C. Conard, Thomas Montgomery, W. H.
H. Rike, M. McCafferty, W. H. Smith and R. A. South to First
Lieutenants; and Harvey W. Day, J. K. Reed, J. M. Kendall, Jesse
H. Allison and W. J. Srofe to Second Lieutenants.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
The return of Lieut. Col. Parker would bring the regiment
to the configuration it would have during the early part of the
Vicksburg campaign.
After the flooding of the canal and the camps on March
7, 1863 the troops were moved out of the flooded area, resupplied
and paid. The stage was now set for the next campaign -- Grant's
daring move around Vicksburg.
JOHN RICHARDON'S LETTERS FROM MILIKEN'S BEND
WILLIAM J. SROFE'S LETTERS FROM MILIKEN'S BEND
...we remained [at Napoleon] Sunday, the 18th. During that
night three of the Regiment deserted.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Sunday 18th
Gen. Grant arrived here. Frazee's resignation accepted. Wrote
a note & a short letter to Rebecca [Hussey's wife] &
sent note on Luzem & letter by Capt. Frazee. Wrote resolutions
for Capt. Frazee, Lynch &c.
Cyrus Hussey |
Virgil Moats to wife Eliza
Jake Snider, Geo. [Trostel] Nostel, Ike Ridenour and Eugene
Brandt [all privates in Co. F] have left us & the
other boys say they have deserted. I did not think they would
do it but I hope they will get through safely. They left below
Napoleon Ark. I fear they will have a hard time in getting through.
[These men all have further records with the 48th OVI and
Co. E 83rd OVI so they must have returned to their Company.]
Virgil Moats 1/12/63 |
The next day we started for Young's Point, situated opposite
Vicksburg,..
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Monday 19th
Wooding nearly all day about 3 miles below Napoleon. Ran 2 or
3 hours in the evening & Moored for the Night. My health
not very good.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 20th
Started early in the morning. Got recommendations for myself,
Corneal [Cornelius Conard, Co. A] & [1st Sergt.]
Bering [Co. C] & gave to Frazee. [Bering's promotion
to Capt. Dates 1/14/63 but it had not arrived] Pet. &c
- $10.00. Wrote to My Wife & gave to Capt. Frazee [Co.
C]. Wooding nearly all day. Much pillaging.
Cyrus Hussey |
…we arrived [at Young's Point] on the 21st.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Wednesday 21st
Ran down River & stopped to wood. Moved to Young's Point
opposite Mouth of Yazoo, in afternoon arriving at sundown. Moored
for night & sent out heavy Pickets. Strict orders about straggling.
Orders to disembark tomorrow. Weather fine.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 22nd
Lt. Josh [Hussey, Co. D] to report at Div. Head Qrs. At
12 m. for examination in regard to disability. Fine Morning.
Capt. [George A.] Miller [Co. G] to do same as
Josh. Primus went home - said he was sick. Paid him $2.00 [Primus
is Hussey's servant.] 97th and 108th search down Levee to
keep up Connection with Sherman. Capt. Frazee [Co. C]
started in the P.M. on "Warsaw".
8 privates from 48th - Carmine [Pvt. Isaac Carman] &
Brittian [Pvt. Brittigan] from Co. A. sent on Gun boat
to man guns. 167 pounders. [See comment by Bering and Montgomery
1/26/63.]
My health not very good - diarrhea & headaches, with slight
inclination to chills. Capt. Robbins' [Co. A] throat very
sore. Rode down to "Canal" which proved to be an insignificant
affair. There seemed to be preparations to prosecute the work
in progress. Had fine view of Vicksburg - situated on a hillside
- some large & fine looking buildings.
Cyrus Hussey |
…on the 23d, First Lieut. Charles A. Partridge's [Co.
G] resignation was accepted.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Friday 23rd
Did not relish breakfast. Health about the same as yesterday.
Still lying at Young's Point. Disembarked. Frank [Posegate,
Co. D] & Bob [McGill, Adj.] with convalescents
&c, returned. Gen. John McArthur's [6th] Div. Arrived
in the P.M.
Cyrus Hussey |
Report of Col. Peter J. Sullivan
(not present at event)
…the expedition steamed down the Mississippi River, landing
at Young's Point, La., January 23. Here the regiment was engaged
for some time digging the canal.
Peter J. Sullivan (OR 8/4/63)
The same day [Jan. 23] we disembarked, and marched
three miles down the river, and camped along the levee. [Hussey
differs on date.]
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Saturday 24th
Moved down Levee about 2 mi. & went into Camp. Corporal Fuhrman
[Not on roster of 48th OVI] & myself went into mess
together. Went to Dublin (Metcalf) & bought provisions [Metcalf
was a sutler; see April 12, 1863]. Levee broke up river &
I had to ride through water.
Cyrus Hussey |
On the 25th, the Regiment was allotted its share of the
canal. Our portion was the length of the Regiment, as it stood
in two ranks.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Sunday 25th
Some rain. Troops at work on Canal. I fear it will not amount
to much - although the water is coming through.
Cyrus Hussey |
Jan. 26th, a detail of eight men from the Regiment was
made for the gun-boat Chillicothe. In the attack on Fort Pemberton,
March 12th, 1863, while the Chillicothe was shelling the fort,
a shell from the enemy exploded at the port-hole, just as our
gunners were in the act of loading, which exploded their shell,
and killed Thomas Henderson, of company D, wounded a member of
company K, and J, F. Holladay, of company C, in the right foot,
which made amputation necessary. [Between Hussey and Bering
& Thomas we can name four of the eight men from the 48th
who served on the Chillicothe: Isaac Carman, Co. A; James Brittigan,
Co. A; J. F. Holiday, Co. C; Thomas Henderson of Co. D]
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Monday 26th
Went to River & bought provisions. Raining quite hard in
P.M. Had severe attack of Cholera Morbus about dark, Capt. Robbins
[Co. A] throat very sore & seems to be a permanent
disease. He has sent in his resignation on that account - not
being able to talk above a whisper.
Cyrus Hussey |
Our time was occupied in digging the canal across the bend
of the river.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Tuesday 27th
Very sick all last night - purging & vomiting. Still sick
and very weak. Took some medicine and felt better at noon. Must
write to My Wife & Mr. Fry tomorrow.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday 28th
A little better in health. Wrote note to My Wife. Hired "Washington"
[a servant] in the A.M.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 29th
Better in the A.M. Rode to River in the P.M. which made me worse.
Severe pain in my breast headache & soreness in knees &
back. [Ast. Surg.] Willis gave me powder which relieved
me some. Some diarrhea at night. Grant arrived, [Gen.]
Morgan [Corps commander] relieved. [Gen. A. J.]
Smith [Div. Commander] takes command of Corps. [Gen.
S. G.] Burbridge of Division. [Sherman blamed Gen. Morgan
for problems at Chickasaw Bluff but McClernand, an enemy of Sherman
and Grant, had made him a corps commander. On the arrival of
Grant, who strongly supported Sherman, one of the first changes
in command is the temporary replacement of Morgan with Gen. Smith.
Ultimately Gen. McClernand was given command of this Corps]
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 30th
A little better. Got some more medicine. Recd letter from my
wife 16th inst.
Cyrus Hussey |
Saturday 31st
Feeling worse. More Powder - Quinine &c. My wife had recd
no letter from me after Dec. 27. & but few of those before.
Wrote to my Wife - spoke of her going to school while I am in
the Army. Grant & McClernand "at outs". [This
is a well known fact but it is interesting that a 2nd Lieutenant,
even one on the brigade staff, was aware of it.] Quit Canal.
Rumored that Banks has Port Hudson. [The rumor was false.]
Flag of truce came in from Rebs today. I know not the import.
Vomited up Medicine at dark & felt some better.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 1st 1863
Raining most of the time. Felt a little better - took no medicine.
Josh [Hussey] recd letter from Eliza [his wife]
dated 23rd. No news of importance. Some prospect of changing
Camp before long on account of water.
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 2nd, 1863
Considerably better. My appetite improving fastly. Quite cool.
Cloudy but no rain. Made bunk and table and everything looks
comfortable. Feeling tolerably well at night. Rain "Monarch"
(^or Queen of the West [inserted]) ran the blockade easily
in the morning without any material damage. Some say "Queen
of the West". [Adm.
Porter ordered the ram "Queen of the West" past
Vicksburg to attack Confederate transports and isolate the South
from its western states.]
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 3rd
Made return of Prop. - to 2:M. to Q.M. Gen. Fine Day. My health
much better. Wrote to my wife - long letter containing my news
about a permanent course in life. Resignation of Josh [Hussey,
Co. D]. Not accepted. Capt. [Robbins, Co. A] the same.
Josh. sent in again. Retd from Div. H. Qrs.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday 4th
Quite Cold. Cloudy but no rain. No letter from home since the
one of 16th inst. Raining hard after 10.00 A.M. Commenced reading
Newman's Rhetoric [Samuel P. Newman's "A Practical System
of Rhetoric", first published in 1827].
Rain Cold in the evening accompanied by heavy wind. But little
rain after dark.
Some pain in my bowels.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday 4th
Quite Cold. Cloudy but no rain. No letter from home since the
one of 16th inst. Raining hard after 10.00 A.M. Commenced reading
Newman's Rhetoric [Samuel P. Newman's "A Practical System
of Rhetoric", first published in 1827].
Rain Cold in the evening accompanied by heavy wind. But little
rain after dark.
Some pain in my bowels.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 5th
Morning cold & cloudy. Had diarrhea in the latter part of
the night. Soldiers suffering from the cold & wet weather.
Dry & cold all day. Mail came on Forest Queen. Recd a letter
from my wife dated Jan. 23rd. She Spoke of going to school &
of Corneal & Mat Hodson. I showed the letter to Corneal.
He seemed surprised - said their letter was strictly messages
of Friendship & nothing more. Was undecided what course to
pursue. He is very honorable, & deserves proper treatment
from others.
Father & the other members of the family are willing for
Rebecca to attend school.
Rebecca's health still good. Mine better in the P.M.
River still rising & will soon, at the usual rate of rise,
be over the Levee. Will we have to Skedaddle?
Wrote to my wife at some length & still favoring her immediate
attendance at school & gave some general directions about
a course & her prospects. Spoke highly of her studying Music.
Wrote about Mat's conduct toward Corneal. Urged her to board
near school. Feeling a little better at night.
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 6th
Very fine morning. My health better. Took my letter of yesterday
with others to Corps' Hd. Qrs. Rode down to Canal. Work progressing
slowly - more having been doing to keep water from overflowing
on the upper side of canal than to finish the work itself. The
current is quite swift but little washing. River still rising.
[The object of the excavation was to open enough of a channel
that the curent of the Mississippi could wash the rest of the
soil from the canal and change the course of the river away from
Vicksburg.]
"Frank", Col. Landram's colored servant lying at point
of death all day.
Clear and cool during the day.
Continued the study of Rhetoric but did not quite finish. Several
resignations returned - not accepted. Uncle Frank died at 11:30
P.M.
Cyrus Hussey |
Saturday 7th
Fine day but quite cool. Wrote to My Wife - told her to pay Mr.
Fry $5.
Received a letter from My Wife & was much gratified to hear
of her good health & determination to succeed in her studies.
Letter Jan. 26th. She spoke of her trip home from Memphis &
praised Mr. Stewart [Henry C. Stewart, Ex. Qr. Mr. Serg't.
Who accompanied her home.] highly for his gentlemanly conduct.
I opened letter previously written and added a long P.S. answering
the letter from My Wife of 26th ult. - above named.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 8th
Cloudy and Mild. Col. Landram has sent in his resignation. Commenced
Madam De Stael's great Novel "Corinne."
Not so well at night. Pain in brest & Stomach.
Col. Landram got Leave of Absence - in lieu of accepting his
resignation.
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 9th
Col. Landram & Dr. Sparks started home on steamer "Tigress"
at 12 M. - All seemed grieved to see him go. Col. Greir, 77th
Ill. put in command of the Brigade
Josh [Hussey, Co. D] examined by a board of physicians
- Carey, Gatch & by order of General Grant.
They passed favorably on his case. My health not very good -
little appetite.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 10th
Cloudy & damp in the morning. Wrote to My Wife. Tracy in
Mess. Quite sick in P.M. better at night. [Capt.] Peterson
[Co. E] & [Quartermaster Wm. E.] Bramin sent
in resig-.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday 11th
Went up to landing with [1st Lieut.] Lynch [Co. H,
acting Q.M.] & got some goods. Everything exorbitant.
My health a little better but quite weak. Wrote recommendation
for Dr. Willis [Assistant Surgeon] for promotion [to
Surgeon]. Water still rising in the River & the impression
prevales that the new Levee will not answer to keep the water
back.
Weather cloudy and clear by turns - no rain.
Some cannonading by both sides - no damage.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 12th
Commenced heavy rain at 5.00 A.M. - ceased at 12.M. Dr. Carey
[48th OVI Surgeon] joined regiment. Capt. Robbins [Co.A]
resigned. Certificate approved by Dr. Allen Med. Inspector.
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 13th
My Stomach & Bowels out of order - but not sick enough to
keep My bed or be off duty. Received two letters from My Wife
- one written on 29th & 30th ult. & the other on 2nd
& 3rd insts. O. how the heart leaps for joy when perusing
these messages of love. She has received all my letters up to
the one of 20th ult. - which reached her on 31st ult. Wrote to
my wife at night answering her two letters. Heavy cannonading
about 10.00 P.M. - Know not import.
My Bowels easier at night. Indications of rain after night. Com'd
raining about 10.30. P.M.
Cyrus Hussey |
Feb. 14th, Capt. Robins resigned;…
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Saturday 14th
Damp, cold morning. Mr. Pitcher joined our mess. Commenced reading
Sears' "Information for the People"
Cyrus Hussey |
on the 15th, Capt. Joshua Hussey [resigned];…
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Sunday 15th
Rainy day. Capt. Robbins resignation accepted to date from 14th
inst. I must now return to my Co. [as the result of Capt.
Robbins resignation 1st Lieut. Hussey is now the ranking officer
in Co. A and is in command. He is leaving his position as Aid-De-Camp
to the brigade commander.]
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 16th
Continues to rain. Capt. Robbins transferred Co. Property to
me. Relieved from duty on Staff by Gen. Order. No. 4 Brig. Hd.
Qtrs. Commenced a letter to My Wife to send by Capt. Robbins.
Recd letter from My Wife of 6th & 7th & from Isaac of
5th inst. Ansd to send by Josh whose resignation was accepted
to take effect 15th inst. Sent answer to Isaac's by Robbins -
I made the answer short & suited to his short & uninteresting
letter. In mess with Corneal [2nd Lieut. Cornelius Conard],
Jess [1st Sergt. Jesse Allison], Ben [Sergt. Benjamin
Ladd] & Ed McVay [The commander and staff of Co. A,
because of Capt. Robbins retirement, was each acting one to two
ranks above their present one. At this time Hussey and Conard
would have worn the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and Sergeant because
they had not yet received their appointments through the slow
channels of communication. By April 15th all of these men would
hold the rank for which Hussey had recommended them and Conard
and Allison would serve on the Brigade staff after Hussey's recommendation
for that position.].
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 17th
Continuous rain. Capt. Robbins & Josh [Hussey, 1st Lieut,
Co. D] started home. Sent some old letters, which I had recd
by Josh, with letter to my wife.
This night one year ago our regiment went on board the Steamers
Argonat & Hastings at Cincinnati, bound for Paducah, Ky.
O. what scenes have we since passed through. Oh! What suffering,
auxiety [sic.] & horror. Shall the ensuing year bring
as much of woe? May heaven forbid. Got receipts for arms from
Capt. Robbins & sent them to him. My health good.
Cyrus Hussey |
On the 18th, the following commissions were received from
Gov. Tod: J. C. Kelsey, J. A. Bering, Joshua Hussey and R. T.
Wilson, promoted to Captains. C. P. Bratt, Geo. W. Mosgrove,
Daniel Gunsaullus and J. R. Lynch to First Lieutenants; Cornelius
Conard, Thomas Montgomery and M. McCafferty to Second Lieutenants.
In the meantime, Gen. Grant had arrived and taken command, and
reorganized the whole army. Our Brigade and Division was placed
in the 13th Army Corps, under Gen. McClernand.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Wednesday 18th
Raining til noon. Mailed Receipt Rolls & recipes for 39 knapsacks
& one for pair pants & one pair shoes to Capt. Robbins.
Jno A. Bering Apd Capt & Tom Montgomery 2nd Lieut. [both
of Co. C.] Health good.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 19th
Went on Picket at 9.00 A.M. on Vicksburg & Shreeveport R.R.
My health good. Fine day. Mortars firing. Mail - None for our
Co. Bought watch of Corporal W.D. Putman 77th Ill. for $10 Pat
Levin - open face.
Cyrus Hussey |
on the 20th, Capt. J. C. Kelsey [resigned];…
Feb. 20th, we moved a short distance up the river, to a higher
camping-ground. The river still kept rising,….
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Friday 20th
Relieved at 9.30 A.M. Moved our tents &c to new camp. Graded
Streets &c - Worked quite hard. Very tired. Wrote to My Wife
at night.
My health good.
Cyrus Hussey |
…on the 21st, Capt. S. G. W. Peterson and Lieut. W.
E. Brayman [Braman], Quartermaster [resigned].
Lieut. J. R. Lynch was appointed Quartermaster in the latter's
place.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Saturday 21st
Went down to work on the Canal but rain prevented us from doing
anything. Played chess at night - just learning. Eli Black [Pvt.,
Co. A] went on the Hospital Boat. Ike Allison [Pvt. Isaac
R. Allison, Co. A] discharged.
My health good. Cleared off at night.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 22nd
Morning windy & cloudy. Had Co. inspection at 10:00 A.M.
Tom Day [Pvt. Thomas Day, Co. A] went into Hospital.
Dismissed servant "Washington" for filth & disagreement
with the men of the Co. Received two letters from My Wife - one
of 9th inst & one of 14th inst. - also one from Lieut. Partrage
at Memphis. Received notice that Private A.J. Frazier [Pvt.
Ashley J. Frazier Co. A] had enlisted in the 1st Bat. Cav.
Miss. Marine Brigade.
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 23rd
[Capt. Isaac L. Tice] Tise [Co. I] - dismissed
- [Capt. Samuel G.W.] Peterson [Co. K], [Quartermaster]
Braman & [Capt. James C.] Kelsey [Co. E] resigned
& [Capt. Virgil] Moats [Co. F] on leave of
Absence started North on Steamer "Florence". Floored
our tent &c &c. Serg't Lute Hussey [83rd OVI]
arrived on the P.M. on "David Tatum".
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 24th
Fine Morning. Co. A on Picket. Nothing of interest till night
when there was heavy firing above & below.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday 25th
Relieved at 9:30 A.M. Took a good bath - My stomach out of order.
Wrote to my wife., answering her letters of 9th & 14th inst.
Reported that "Indianola" had been captured. Contradicted.
[The Gunboat Indianola had run past Vicksburg to interfere
with confederate shipping between Vicksburg and Port Hudson.]
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 26th
Indianola was sunk by Queen of the West in the hands of the Rebels.
Wet day. [The Queen of the West had been sunk and captured
2/14/63 raised and she became a Confederate Ram and on 2/24/63
she ran the USS Indianola aground.]
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 27th
Co. went to to work on Canal. Proved to be to wet. Made out roll
for Muster.
Recd letter from My Wife dated Feb. 15th 1863.
Went to Grant's & got order concerning cases at C. of In.
[Court of Inquiry]. Chaplain Spense [48th OVI chaplain]
arrived.
Cyrus Hussey |
Saturday 28th
Went to canal. Could not work. Returned at 9.00 A.M. Wrote short
letter to My Wife. Mustered for pay in P.M. by Capt. Lindsey
Cmd'g Reg't.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 1st
The first day of spring was fine and cheering. Officer of the
day. Preaching in A.M. & P.M. Got recommendation from Capt.
Lindsey for myself to be Capt., Corneal 1st Lieut. & Jess
2nd Lt.
Received a short letter from nobody - Mistake. Got Col. Greir,
Commander of Brigade to approve recommendation for pro. [promotion]
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 2nd
Gen. A.J. Smith - Div. Comnd - added to our recommendation for
promotion "I fully concur in the above recommendations".
From records it seems that [Capt.] Frank [Posegate,
Co. D] has resigned - for "Private & imperative
reasons.." Disapproved at Hd. Qrs. Div.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 3rd
Sent recommendation - with official notice of Capt. Robbin's
resignation - to Benj Connard [in Ohio] with the request
that he go to Columbus & attend to procuring commissions
for us.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday 4th
Worked on Canal. Rebs threw a few shells - did no harm. Fine
day. The Canal will soon be finished & will accommodate any
River Craft.
Wrote to My Wife.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 5th
Went on Picket. Not very well. Fine day.
Cyrus Hussey |
Our part [of the canal] was completed on the 6th
of [March - the February date is in error possibly Bering
mistook a "3" for a "2"] February. Some
of the other regiments, however, were not so far advanced, when
the river, which had been rising, broke over the dam at the levee
that night, and flooded the whole peninsula with from five to
seven feet of water, which caused the scheme to be abandoned.
…
On the 6th of February [date???], the Pioneer Corps was
organized, by transfers from each regiment in the brigade. The
48th furnished fifteen men as its quota.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Friday 6th
Released at 9.00 A.M. Signed Oct. Rolls for pay. 48th finished
their portion of the ditch. Fine day. Some rheumatism in my left
hip. & Back.
Cyrus Hussey |
Saturday 7th
Raining hard about daylight. Still unwell. Paymaster Jordan decides
that we could not be paid for clothing lost at Shiloh.
The Dam across the Canal broke at 4.00 A.M. and the whole afair
was filled with water. The water broke over levee & is likely
to drive many of our soldiers out of their present camps. Rumor
that our Division is to go up the River.
P.M. fine & clear.
Rumors that our Gunboats are above Haine's Bluff & have Captured
some transports; Also that Hooker has entered Richmond Va. These
rumors should be taken with great allowance.
[Private Mitchell] Mitchel Challender [Co. A] in
Hos. [2nd Lieut. John D.] Nevins [Co. B] - resigned
- started home on Rocket.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 8th
Fine Morning. Regimental inspection at 10.00. Divine Service
by Rev. Ketchman, 96th Ohio, in A.M.
Somewhat depressed in feelings because I have not recd any word
from home.
Cyrus Hussey |
…March 9th, the Regiment embarked on the steamer "Hiawatha,"
and moved up with our Corps to Milliken's Bend, La., and camped
along the levee
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Monday 9th
The regiment, with equipage went on board Steamer Hiawatha about
9.00 A.M. & proceeded to Millikin's Bend. Disembarked about
3.00 P.M. No land transportation & we had to carry all our
baggage, rations, &c. Had to move twice by error or indecision
of Cmn'g Officers. Our Army Corps Marching up by Regiment. Suffering
a little from rheumatism. Raining at night.
Cyrus Hussey |
Report of Col. Peter J. Sullivan
(not present at event)
The weather became so wet that our camps were in many places
overflowed, and the privations and sickness of our troops in
many regiments [became] so serious that the Thirteenth
Army Corps was ordered to Millikins Bend on, La. A more healty
locality where we landed March 9.
Peter J. Sullivan (OR 8/4/63)
Tuesday 10th
Rained considerable during the day & hard after dark. Changed
clothing Amounts on Dec. Rolls. We are to be paid for 4 months.
We have to move our Camp again as soon as the weather will permit.
Cyrus Hussey |
March 11th, Surgeon M. F. Carey, who had been captured
at Shiloh, having resigned after he was exchanged, Ass't. Surgeon
Plyn. A. Willis was promoted to Surgeon. A. A. Johnson, our Ass't.
Surgeon, who had remained with the Regiment when scarcely able
to stand, and neglected himself while attending to the duties
of the hospital, and part of the time all alone, was finally
compelled to resign. He took his departure when we left Young's
Point.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Wednesday 11th
Clear day. Moved my tent & partly graded new camp.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 12th
Clear day. Worked some more on camp. Most of our Co. on Picket.
Floored our tent &c &c. Heard that there was a large
mail at the lower (Young's) landing. Heavy foraging. Went &
got mail at 12. Midnight. Received two letters from my wife,
one of 25th & 26th ult. & one of March 1st both long
& interesting letters. Three messages of love make me happy
even here.
Received [my] commission to promotion to 1st Lt. Corneal's
[Conard, Co. A] came for 2nd Lieut.
Received letter from [Pvt.] C.W. McDonald [Co. A]
asking for certificate of discharge. I can not give any. Recd
notice of the dicease of Eli Black in Jackson Hospital at Memphis,
Tenn.
Received letter from Josh.[Hussey] - will send it home.
Received notice of the discharge of [Pvt.] Wm. Tudor [Co.
A]. Received letter from Capt. Robbins [Co. A, resigned]
of Feb. 27th asking me to get Q.M. Certificates for he &
Josh [Hussey, Co. D resigned]. Wrote part of letter to
My Wife before getting above.
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 13th
Wrote to Mr. Wm Kenworthy New Vienna, O. concerning the decease
of [Pvt.] Eli Black [Co. A]. Wrote to [Pvt.]
Charles McDonald [Co. A] refusing his request. Sent "Military
History" of [Pvt.] Wm Tudor [Co. A] to A.
B. Dod, Columbus, O. & of [Pvt.] A. J. Frazier [Co.
A] to Surgeon in Charge at Hos. At Jefferson Barracks, Mo.
Sent recommendation to Capt. Lindsey, Comd'g Regiment, to have
Jess [Jesse H. Allison] App 1st Serg't & Ed. [Edward
McVay] Serg't.
Fine day. Finished our streets. Ground in front of Camp cleared
off & leveled. Our Camp in good order.
Cyrus Hussey |
March 14th, we received four months pay, and sent our surplus
money home by Rev. John Spence, our Chaplain, who resigned on
the 18th.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Saturday 14th
Regiment paid off by Maj. Jordan to Dec. 31/62. My pay was $
395.25. Settled all my debts Mess a/cs &c. $345. 20 left.
Fine day. Finished & Mailed letter to My Wife which I had
commenced on 12th. Sent Q.M. Certificates to Capt. Robbins.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 15th
Raining slowly nearly all day. [2nd Lieut. Cornelius Conrad]
Corneal went on Picket - his first duty as an Officer.
Wrote to My Wife answering her letter of 25th-26th Feb. &
1st Mar.
Gave Dr. Carey - resigned - $300.00 to express to My Wife at
Cincinnati.
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 16th
Foggy & Muddy, Went on Picket. Nothing new - Commenced latin
Grammar. Report that the Canal at Lake Providence is finished.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 17th
Relieved at 9.00 A.M. Making out Feb. Rolls. [Sergt. Major]
Ed Conkling Discharged.
Cyrus Hussey |
…Rev. John Spence, our Chaplain, who resigned on the
18th.
The same day, Serg't. Major E. A. Conkling was discharged on
account of disability.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Wednesday 18th
Making out rolls. Fine but very warm day. Recd letter from My
Wife dated Mar. 6th & one from Isaac of same date. Studied
grammar some.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 19th
Collected $2.50 of [Sergt.] Jacob Bolinger [Co. B]
for [1st. Lieut.] C.W. Partridge [Co. G] &
sent it with $10.00 which I owed him by Ed. Conkling to Memphis
care of Robt McGreaggor & Co. No. 46 Front Row.
Orders to hold ourselves in readiness to go on a march. Resignation
of Chaplain Spense accepted.
Wrote to My Wife at night.
Col Landram arrived [back from sick leave].
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 20th
Gave Company Money to Spense to carry for the boys to Henry Swearingin,
Spense & Ed. Started on "Swallow".
Recd a letter from My Wife of 11th inst.
Rumor Banks is below Vicksburg. [Gen. Banks was to take Port
Hudson and Grant was to take Vicksburg. The rumor was false.]
Cyrus Hussey |
Saturday 21st
Officer of the day. Our brigade inspected by Gen. Smith [brigade
commander]. Our Regiment complimented highly.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 22nd
Cloudy but no rain. The Miss. Marine Brigade came down the River
at M. It is composed of the steamers "Baltic", E.A.
Fairchilds, "Autocrat", "J.B. Adams" &
"Diana", fitted up.
[Pvt. James] Severs & [Pvt. John] Curren [both
of Co. A] had a fight. Tied them up.
Wrote to My Wife.
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 23rd
Raining during A.M. Lt. C. Conard [Co. A] detailed at
A.D.C. [aid-de-camp] on Staff of Brigade at my suggestion.
Recd notice of the death of my Brother William, by the hand of
the Apacha [Apache] Indians Jan 29th, 1863, at or near
Pinos A.T. [Arizona Territory]. He was a member of Co.
"A", 5th C.V. Capt. Jos. Smith. Recd note from My Wife
& a Hand. [Handkerchief]. Metcalf [a sutler]
in camp.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 24th
Very heavy rain in A.M. accompanied by violent wind.
Got Medicine which effected me very much being nearly all opium.
My stomach feeling much better.
Capt. Lindsey signed our Muster Rolls of Feb. 28th 1862.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday 25th
Some headache & slightly sick at my stomach. Clear in the
morning. Wrote short letter to My Wife.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 26th
Trying to get Musters made. Carr's Div. Arrived. Fine day.
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 27th
Sprinkle of rain. Steamer Dunluth went down but did not land.
Got detail to go to Young's Point after Sanitary goods for 48th
O.V.I.
[During the Civil War the Sanitary Commission in the U.S.
was formed along the lines of the British Sanitary Commission.
The Sanitary Commission's main purpose when the war started was
to inspect the camps for sanitary conditions and report their
findings to the commanding officers and the government. However,
it was soon apparent that its main job would be to pitch in wherever
and whenever the soldiers had a need. At the beginning of the
war many local aid societies were formed to gather together supplies
for the soldiers from their hometowns. These included bandages,
lint, soap, clothing and food supplies. However, by the time
they would box these supplies up and send them to where "their
boys" were camped, "their boys" had moved on.
Thus, these supplies were left to rot at the railroad stations.
Consequently the Sanitary Commission banded these societies together
and instead of sending these supplies to a particular unit they
were sent to the railroad stations and then dispersed to the
units in the area. As scurvy and other diseases broke out these
supplies would not only include bandages, soap and clothing,
they would also include anti-scorbutics such as potatoes, onions,
turnips and sauerkraut. Some of the other things sent in the
Sanitary supplies would have been tea, sugar, condensed milk,
canned fruit, jellies, beef extract, codfish and brandy. The
Sanitary Commission was able to provide the Union army with those
things that the government could not since, when the war broke
out, the government was not prepared for the number of soldiers
that enlisted and the number of volunteer units from each state
that descended upon Washington. It was the Sanitary Commission
that came to the rescue to meet these soldiers' needs.
See also: March 28th,29th and 31st 1863 for boxes of "Sanitary
goods".
By Janet Thompson GJANDB@aol.com
using information from "The Women and the Crisis" by
Agatha Young.]
Recd letter from My Wife of 17th inst. Col. Parker gone to Columbus
with "Uncle Ben".
Cyrus Hussey |
On the 28th, we were inspected by the Corps-officer of
the day, and on the next day the following order was issued,
in regard to our camp, and read to the troops on dress-parade:
"HEADQUARTERS 13TH ARMY CORPS,
MILLIKEN'S BEND, LA., March 29, 1863.
"Accepting the report of the Corps-officer of the day as
a tribute to merit, the Commanding General, John A. McClernand,
takes great pleasure in commending the cleanliness and good government
which characterizes the camps of the 48th and 114th Ohio Infantry,
as being worthy of imitation.
[Signed] "Your Ob't Serv't. &c.,
"WALTER B. SCATES,
"Lieut. Col. & Ass't. Adj't. Gen'l.
"To 48th Ohio, through Gen. A. J. Smith."
The praise received for the cleanliness and good order
of our camp, on this as well as other occasions, was in a great
measure due to the untiring energy of Adj't. McGill.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Saturday 28th
Went to Young's Point after Sanitary goods belonging to the 48th
brought down by the "New Dunluth". Did not find them
supposing that the boat had brought them up. Heard no special
news. The 48th Inspected by an Officer of McClernand's Staff.
Heavy rain & violent wind during the night - blew some tents
down.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 29th
Fine, clear morning. Went to Young's Point after Sanitary goods,
with [Q.M. Sergt. Joseph] Streach. Found them on Str.
"Omaha" but could not get them off. Left by Express
boat & stopped on board "Minnehaha" over night.
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 30th
Wrote to My Wife on board of "Minnehaha" in A.M. Went
to Millikin's Bend on "Hannibal" at 12 M. Capt. George
at Tent. Troubled with diarrhea. 130th Ill. arrived & in
our Brigade.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 31tst
"Omaha" arrived from Young's Point. I received all
my boxes from home in good condition. Several boxes &c for
Co. & Reg't could not be found. 130th Ill. encamped on left
of Brigade. Cook "Michael" quit Paid him off.
"Elick" Hough called at our tent. He is a member of
Co. A, 22nd Iowa Inf. Col. Stone.
Col. John Wamer Mustered out for fraud in the getting up of his
regiment.
Cyrus Hussey |
Wednesday Apr. 1st
Received two letters from My Wife-one Feb. 22nd & one of
24th March. Recd a letter from Phobe Jane Thornburg & one
from A.B. Millner[,] Lusburg. Very bad diarrhea.
Cyrus Hussey |
April 2d, one hundred and fifteen men and two officers
were sent as a guard, with a boat that was used by a military
board, in collecting evidence along the Mississippi river, in
regard to some cotton speculations. They were absent one week,
during which time the remainder of the Regiment was excused from
duty. While here a detail of ten men was made from the Regiment
to fill up the 17th Ohio Battery.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Thursday 2nd
Nearly all the Co. detached with Military Commission on Str.
"Fort Wayne", under command of [Capt. Francis M.]
Posegate [Co. D]. Wrote to A. B. Milner. Commenced letter
to My Wife.
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 3rd
Capt. George at my tent during most of the day. Wrote to My Wife
- finishing letter commenced last night & answering the two
recd in 1st inst. Warm during day. Cold at night. Mail came in
- none for me.
Sent home for stamps.
Cyrus Hussey |
Saturday 4th
Mustered in as 1st Lieut. To rank from Sept. 6th 1862 by major
Malony 1st U.S. Inf. Sent off Ordnance Returns. Wrote to Chief
of Ordinance for blanks & about the manner in which ordinance
officers receipt. Nice Day. My health better.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 5th
Fine day. Boys returned [from guard duty with the Military
Commission] but go again. My health still improving. Easter
but no eggs.
Cyrus Hussey |
Monday 6th
Fine day - just like the memorable day one year ago but void
of the horrors of the battle of Shiloh. How fresh in the memory
are the scenes of that day - they seem but yesterday.
Letter from Wife 27th ult. Detach. [detachment to Military
Commission] gone.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 7th
Nice weather. Received by Landram at 11. A.M. Expected Gen. Grant.
Capt. George & Capt. Hull at my tent at night. Making out
Qr. Return.
Cyrus Hussey |
Shortly after, Lieut. Conard, Co. A, and Lieut. Plyly,
Co. B, were permanently transferred to the Signal Corps...
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Wednesday 8th
Fine day. Reviewed by McClernand at 11. A.M. Review conducted
very poorly. Made and forwarded Quarterly returns of C.C. &
G.E. Wrote to Lt. [David R.] Phyley [Co. B] for
ink. Lt. [Cornelius] Conard from A.D.C. [aid-de-camp]
to Signal Corps.
Cyrus Hussey |
Thursday 9th
Fine day. Reviewed by Maj. Gen. Grant. Received issues of clothing.
Recd letter from My Wife of 1st inst. Recd Commissions - Myself
Capt. Corneal. 1st Lieut. & Jess 2nd Lt.
Making out Rolls for muster tomorrow preparatory to having reg't.
Filled up.
Military Commission party returned. Major Moats arrived.
Cyrus Hussey |
Friday 10th
Corneal. [Lieut. Cornelius Conard, Co. A] Started to Memphis
[now with the Signal Corps]. Mustered at 11.00 A.M. Sent
note to My Wife by Corneal. Wrote to My Wife at night.
Cyrus Hussey |
Saturday 11th
Mustered in as Capt. as of 10th inst. To rank from Feb. 14th,
/63. Commenced raining at night.
Cyrus Hussey |
Sunday 12th
Fine day. Got recommendation for the appointment of Metcalf as
Sutler. Wrote to My Wife.
Cyrus Hussey |
Lieut. Jesse H. Allison [Co.A] was detailed as Aid-de-Camp
on the staff of Col. W. J. Landrum [Landram].
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Monday 13th
Orders to move tomorrow. Got new wall tents & two bell tents.
Jess detached as A.D.C. [aid-de-camp]. Raining nearly
all day. [Corp. Mitkiff A.] M. Bell Co. F trying to get
recommendations for 2nd Lieut. I refused to sign because his
Capt. [Daniel Gunsaillus] & Major Moats have not signed
& I have heard of his using disloyal sentiments.
Rumors of fighting in Carthage.
Cyrus Hussey |
Tuesday 14th
No Movement. Regiment paid off in the evening but I did not get
my pay. Wrote note to My Wife that we move early in the morning
&c.
Will Bernard of 28th Iowa at our Quarters. Sent Sibley, one common
& one wall tent with box of equipage to be transported on
Steamboat - Maj Sidwell 108th Ill. in charge.
Cyrus Hussey |
Next Segment
April 16, 1863 - May 17
To the Rear of Vicksburg
