433 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/6780b27c81a55726aff4830707f0993c.jpg e22d7eee6075ebfe559b656a315027d4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grand Valley State University Photographs Subject The topic of the resource Aerial photographs Universities and colleges Michigan Grand Rapids (Mich.) Allendale (Mich.) Building Facilities Dormitories Students Events 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s Description An account of the resource People, places, and events of Grand Valley State University from its founding in 1960 as a 4-year college in western Michigan. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource News & Information Services. University Communications Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/41">News &amp; Information Services. University Photographs. (GV012-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-03-03 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-NC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Permitted</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV012-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s-2000s Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Local Subject Subject headings specific to a particular image collection 1960s Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1969 Title A name given to the resource Joanne Olefeheski, GVSC student teacher Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV012-01_UAPhotos_001623 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/41">News &amp; Information Services. University Photographs. (GV012-01)</a> Description An account of the resource Joanne Olefeheski, GVSC student teacher, teaching in front of the classroom at West Middle School. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University Michigan Grand Rapids (Mich.) Universities and colleges Education Students Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-NC/1.0/?language=en">In copyright - Non-commercial use permitted.</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives black and white photo https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/88dd853fdcda65cc9a65f2ac1d2b0a11.jpg 868a30ab185a64d60f0035c4b1b11cb8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Faces of Grand Valley Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource University Communications Description An account of the resource A non-comprehensive collection of photographs of Grand Valley faculty, staff, administrators, board members, friends, and alumni. Photos collected by University Communications for use in promotion and information sharing about Grand Valley with the wider community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960s - 1990s Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived GV012-03. University Communications. Vita Files Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copryight Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University College administrators College teachers Colleges and universities -- Faculty Michigan Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV012-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context JobinKathy Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. University Communications Title A name given to the resource Jobin, Kathy Description An account of the resource Kathy Jobin Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University – History Michigan Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Communications. Vita Files, 1968-2016 (GV012-03) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/408eee997844c751da20c9f69325270c.jpg d4a4464863fd611083482c8cf67b46d6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_M273-0032 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1972-08-08 Title A name given to the resource Jocelyn Gibb, author of Light on C.S. Lewis Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph featuring an indoor portrait of Jocelyn Gibb, author of the book, "Light on C.S. Lewis," while seated on a couch and deep in thought in London, England. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Gibb, Jocelyn Lewis, C. S. (Clive Staples), 1898-1963 London (England) Black-and-white photography Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1970s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/23b8ce579ef3b6ffae71a4518f35f66e.jpg e4ed13bdc31530f2f9d5cc30b9164f46 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_M274-0022 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1972-08-08 Title A name given to the resource Jocelyn Gibb, author of Light on C.S. Lewis Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph featuring an indoor portrait of Jocelyn Gibb, author of the book, "Light on C.S. Lewis," while seated at a table and deep in thought in London, England. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Gibb, Jocelyn Lewis, C. S. (Clive Staples), 1898-1963 London (England) Black-and-white photography Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1970s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/be2289940d677ab243bf9c6f348d6cab.jpg 52e5cdb14f5fd05fb4868b99334015c5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_M274-0028 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1972-08-08 Title A name given to the resource Jocelyn Gibb, author of Light on C.S. Lewis Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph featuring an indoor portrait of Jocelyn Gibb, author of the book, "Light on C.S. Lewis," while seated at a table and deep in thought in London, England. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Gibb, Jocelyn Lewis, C. S. (Clive Staples), 1898-1963 London (England) Black-and-white photography Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1970s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9e9238dcbb85a30c9406c5d130e63c04.jpg 89637d6117b158b34c5ad13a009920c9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_M274-0034 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1972-08-08 Title A name given to the resource Jocelyn Gibb, author of Light on C.S. Lewis Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph featuring an indoor portrait of Jocelyn Gibb, author of the book, "Light on C.S. Lewis," while seated at a table and deep in thought in London, England. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Gibb, Jocelyn Lewis, C. S. (Clive Staples), 1898-1963 London (England) Black-and-white photography Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1970s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f5226560f3829ce3ed21ec829bf36de5.m4v 73f97170a2d1a87c828ac8ee22608368 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a5e04c105fa679f4dd6951cb3f746f30.pdf fd7cbcd2fa95f2861fb64b196870c57a PDF Text Text ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW BETSY JOCHUM Women in Baseball Born: Cincinnati, Ohio 1921 Resides: South Band, Indiana Interviewed by: James Smither, PhD, GVSU Veterans History Project, August 4, 2010, Detroit, MI at the All American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion. Transcribed by: Joan Raymer, October 26, 2010 Interviewer: “Betsy, can you start by giving us some background on yourself? Beginning with where and when were you born?” I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Interviewer: “In what year?” 1921, and when we were kids we use to play on the corner lot with an old beat up ball and when the cover came off we would just put friction tape on it and keep on playing. That’s how I started out playing and eventually I played on the local softball teams and went to the national tournaments in Chicago and Detroit and then P.K. Wrigley sent his club scout to Cincinnati for tryouts and I made that and we were sent to Chicago to try out at Wrigley Field and I played for the South Bend Blue Sox. Interviewer: “Ok, back up a little and we will fill out some more of the pieces of the story as we go forward. So, you’re talking about playing sandlot ball with balls you knocked the covers off of. What did your family do for a living in those days?” My dad was a carpenter and my mother stayed home. Interviewer: “And growing up there you’re getting—by the time you’re nine or ten years old the depression is starting and things like that. Was it hard for him to make a living?” 1 �The great depression, yes, and according to Tom Brokaw were “The Greatest Generation” right? 4:52 Interviewer: “Did your father have a hard time getting enough work to keep the family fed?” During the depression he didn’t have a job for quite a while, but then things picked up. Interviewer: “So, there wasn’t a lot of money to go buy bats and ball s with or things like that?” No, we just played with any old thing and friction tape to fix anything. Interviewer: “Now did you have school sports that you could play or teams?” Not for the girls, we just had intramurals maybe once a year. Interviewer: “Now you talked about getting involved with an organized softball league, and how was that run or what was the set-up for that?” They got a sponsor and they bought the uniforms and we couldn’t get anything paid, we were armatures and I played on a team in Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati and then we went to the national tournaments in Chicago and Detroit and we ended up in second place I think at one time. 6:02 Interviewer: “That’s sort of how you came to the attention of the Cubs scout when they were looking for people to go build this league with. Did they come to Cincinnati to scout you and how did that work did they just watch a game?” No, they hit fly balls and you ran this way and ran that way and run back and batting etc. Interviewer: “And were there a lot of women they were looking at or just a few of you?” I think there were about six and they took four for the same team. 2 �Interviewer: “So, a pretty small group that they had identified already as the ones they want. Alright, then how did they get you up to Chicago?” On the James Whitcomb Riley train and we stayed at the Belmont Hotel in Chicago and P.K. Wrigley game us free food, free shoes, free glove, everything. 6:59 Interviewer: “Now you were born in 1921 and the league starts in 1943, so you’re a little older than some of the women that were getting involved in the league.” I was twenty-one and we had some players that were fifteen and sixteen, Dot Schroeder and Lois Florreich and a few after that. Interviewer: “Right, now did you have a job then before you went up?” I was working in Cincinnati as a Comptometer operator; they’re out of existence now, Comptometers. Interviewer: “What is a Comptometer?” Added, multiply, divide, subtract. Interviewer: “Sort of an adding machine?” A glorified adding machine really. Interviewer: “So, at that point you didn’t really have a whole lot of exciting job prospects or whatever at that point?” No, I think I had to pay to get that job, it was during the depression and then I started playing ball. Getting paid to play a game, that was nice. Interviewer: “That’s a good deal. All right, so you go up and this is your first season in it, so they bring you up to Chicago and what happens when you get there?” 8:09 3 �We had tryouts again and they ran us all over the outfield, batting practice and all that, but the big thing was, we tried out at Wrigley field and women were never on that field. We were the first ones to play under our temporary license, our league. Interviewer: “Did you have any sense, of the women that tried out, how many actually made the teams? Did most of them get assigned to teams or did a lot of them get sent home?” A lot of them got sent home. There were only four teams and I think there were sixteen or seventeen players on each team and there were, I think, five hundred trying out. I don’t know, I forgot. There were quite a few there that didn’t make it. They put just a poster up in the hotel, not like in the movie, it was in the hotel the next morning and if your name was on it, you made it. 9:08 Interviewer: “All right, What team were you assigned to?” South Bend, and the four managers had to set up the teams not knowing which teams they were going to coach or manage of the four original teams, Kenosha, Rockford, South Bend and Racine. Interviewer: “You said the four managers set up the teams.” There were four teams, but they didn’t know which team they were going to manage at that time, until later. Interviewer: “What was the logic of that? Why did they do it that way?” Well, they could set up a good team for themselves, otherwise, like anybody else would do. Interviewer: ‘So this gave them some balance, they had to create teams?” They always tried to keep the teams evenly balanced as far as skills. 4 �Interviewer: “All right, now, at least in the movie version of things, there’s a pretty big production made out of efforts to teach all of these girls how to be like ladies; how to dress and how to act and that kind of thing. How much of that did you get and how much do you remember about that?” 10:08 The first one was Helena Rubenstein and she taught us how to put on a coat and how to go up and down the stairs and we each got a make-up kit, that was put away, but it was good and worthwhile and it was a good thing to do. Interviewer: “What other rules and regulations stood out at that point?” We always had to wear a skirt, and we were not allowed to wear shorts in public and of course and for the four or five years we had the North Shore and the South Shores and each team had their own bus and when you were on the bus you could wear shorts and when you got off the bus you had to put a skirt on. Those were the strict rules and no smoking or drinking. Interviewer: “Did they try to control dating and things like that?” You had to see the chaperone, each team had their own chaperone and you had to be checked out with her. Interviewer: “And who was the girls’ chaperone when you started?” It was Rose Way from Tennessee and she had to wear the players’ uniform and the next was Helen Moore from Milwaukee and they had like an airline hostess outfit and the one after that was Lucille Moore and she was from South Bend and that was through 1948 and after that some of the players became chaperones when they ran out of money. 11:32 Interviewer: “What did you think of the chaperones?” 5 �Well, they weren’t nerds like they were in the movie. They were very nice and they were our first aid people and if you got a strawberry they patched you up. They were really nice I thought, and they looked really nice in their uniform, those airline hostess uniforms. Interviewer: “Did they look after the younger players particularly?” If they got homesick they would kind of talk to them. Interviewer: “What kind of living accommodations did you have?” Well, in the movie it showed like a boarding house. We didn’t—it wasn’t true, we lived in private homes and we had a room in private homes of people who were usually fans of the team and that’s the way it was, not in a big dorm. It was usually close enough to the ballpark, so you could walk to the ballpark. 12:26 Interviewer: “How much did they pay you when you started playing?” Fifty dollars plus expenses when we were out of town and that was a lot of money because coffee was only five cents then. Interviewer: “Was that a month?” A week Interviewer: “That was pretty good money then at that time.” I made more money than my dad made. Interviewer: “What did you do with your money when you made it?” I tried to save it for later on and I bought myself some nice clothes every once in a while Interviewer: “What position did you play?” 6 �I started out playing left field and I played center field and some first base when the first baseman was injured. Then when they pitched over hand I pitched and when I wasn’t pitching I played in the outfield and substitute batting. 13:18 Interviewer: “Were you a good hitter?” Yeah, except in 1948 I got tired I think and we didn’t have any days off. We played every day and traveled. We got in Southfield sometimes at five o’clock in the morning and played that evening and it was really tiring sometimes. Interviewer: “Now, were you a power hitter or a singles hitter?” No, I hit a lot of doubles and sometimes the people in South Bend would give us silver dollars for hitting doubles or triples or whatever. I just hit a few home runs. Interviewer: “Did the field have outfield fences like modern parks do or did some of them have open ends?” They all had fences. Now, in Racine it was a humongous field and if you hit to center field it would roll a mile after that, but most of them weren’t that large. Kenosha had a small field and the fog would roll in off of Lake Michigan and in the outfield you couldn’t see the ball sometimes. 14:23 They moved the field to a different location later on. In South Bend we played at Bendix Field first and then moved over to Playland Park which was an amusement park with a race track and the ball field was inside the racetrack and home plate was on a cinder track, so if you slid home it was kind of ouchie. Interviewer: “What was the fan response to women playing baseball, particularly in that first season? How were you received in South bend and other places?” 7 �When the league first started we were playing softball and they didn’t believe that we could play until they came out and saw us play and then they came out all the time and watched us. 15:15 Interviewer: “What kind of people were your fans? Were they kids or older people, men, women?” They were family people, professional people, doctors, lawyers and bankers and everything. You know I always thought they didn’t wear those hats until they showed old movies and everyone wore hats to the ball game, those big gangster type hats. When Penny Marshall made the movie they all had those hats on and I thought they didn’t wear hats, but they did. We went and watched the movie being made and Penny Marshall really talks that way all the time, but they were real nice to us down there, the whole bunch. Gretsky’s wife, he’s the ice hockey player, the big tall blond that pitched a few times, but we had a real nice time and they treated us like stars. 16:08 Interviewer: “Now, are there particular games that stand out in your memory or things that happened in individual games?” Yes, when I hit a foul ball and it hit me up in the eye and I went flat on my back, I remember that, a stupid thing. Interviewer: “All right, how about good things?” When I caught a ball bare handed. My glove was over here and I caught it bare handed over there, I remember that. Interviewer: “Now, the time you played with the Blue Sox did they win the league championship any of those years?” 8 �Not while I was playing. They came in second, but they never really won anything until later on in the fifties I think it was. Interviewer: “Who do you thing were some of the best players you played alongside of on that team?” On our team or the other team? Interviewer: “Your team?” 17:06 Jean Faut, Schroeder, Liz Mahon, Worth Interviewer: “What made them stand out from the other players?” They made everything look easy instead of making it look hard. Interviewer: “Were there particular pitchers that you didn’t like to go up against?” The slow pitchers, the faster they threw it the better I liked it. I couldn’t hit slow pitching. Interviewer: “So, did you like it, in terms of hitting, as they began to move away from the softball style and did the ball stay the same size during the time you were playing or did the ball get smaller?” We were lucky, the ones that started out, we started out with a softball and as we kept playing the balls got small and the bases got longer and the pitchers moved back, underhand, sidearm to overhand, so we were kind of eased into it, the older players. Interviewer: “But, if you like to have faster pitches and they started to move in that direction from sidearm to overhand, did the pitchers get faster or could they pitch just as fast underhand?” 18:13 I would say underhand was a lot faster because they were a lot closer. They were only about forty feet away and they could zing it in there. 9 �Interviewer: “So, you actually got a little more time to wait on the pitch if it’s fiftysix feet out or whatever they got it to.” I think we did--too long Interviewer: “Now tell me a little bit more about the traveling, you mentioned you were out—“ It started out we rode the South Shore, North Shore electric trains from Chicago to Racine and South Bend and then in 1945 each team had their own bus, which was nice. They weren’t air conditioned, but no more suitcases to lug around from station to station and it was so hard and it was so hot to carry that suitcase with your uniform in it and on the bus the uniforms were put in the back and we wouldn’t have to mess with all that. 19:08 Interviewer: “How would you get to Rockford then? Was there a train that went that way too or would you?” I really don’t remember. Interviewer: “Kenosha, Racine and South Bend are conveniently on rail lines that go out of Chicago.” I remember when they had a team out in Minneapolis and we rode the train out there and it seemed to last forever out there, but that didn’t last very long and Milwaukee either. I don’t remember how we got to Rockford the first few years. It must have been by train or bus or taxi I don’t know. Interviewer: “ I guess it was the Milwaukee team about one year and then it went to Grand Rapids.” Yes, and Minneapolis went to Fort Wayne. 10 �Interviewer: “Right, so you got that. Which team do think was probably the best team that you played against?” I thought the Grand Rapids and Rockford teams were the best while I was playing. 20:02 Interviewer: “Who did you have as a manager while you were playing?” We had Bert Niehoff first, all major-league players, Marty McManus, Chet Grant, he was a football man really, and then Marty came back again. Interviewer: “Alright, and how effective were they as managers do you think?” I liked Marty McManus he was my favorite. He would take more chances and we had more hit and run and things like that and the other ones wouldn’t do too much of that. Interviewer: “Did they do much coaching in terms of teaching you to do better or did they just send you on out there?” Oh no, they taught us how to bat and where to throw the ball and things like that. Hit and run or stealing bases and things like that. Interviewer: “What did you do in the off season? You played in the summer and then what?” 21:06 I was lucky, I went back to French Barr as a comptometer operator in the winter. Other people had to find a new job, but I didn’t. Interviewer: “So, they held your job for you basically and you could go back and do it?” Yes, but I always took a month off after the season and then went back to work. Interviewer: “Why did you stop playing ball?” I was traded to Peoria and I didn’t want to go and they said my choice was to either go or quit, so I quit. 11 �Interviewer: “Once you quit what did you do?” I worked at Bendix Products as a comptometer and eventually I went to college and became a teacher. Interviewer: “Where did you go to college?” Illinois State and I was thirty-six years old when I graduated. Interviewer: “What did you get your degree in?” What else, phys ed Interviewer: “There you go… and what did you do with that degree once you had it?” I taught grades three through eight at Miesel School in South Bend and I was there was twenty-seven years and then I retired. 22:17 Interviewer: “Now, did the people know that you were a baseball player?” No, we never talked about it until the movie came out. They wouldn’t have believed us. Interviewer: “So, the people in South Bend didn’t necessarily even remember that there was a team?” They didn’t even know we played until the movie came out. Interviewer: “Now, were you involved with the league organization before that?” No, not really, do you mean our league? No, P.K. Wrigley did all that organizing. Interviewer: “No, I meant the organization of the players, the one that’s now— we’re having the reunion of/” Do you mean the AAGPBL? Interviewer: “Yes” No, I wasn’t involved in that. 12 �Interviewer: “Did you know about making the movie when they started it, did you get involved in that?” We went down and watched them make the movie in Evansville. 23:10 Interviewer: “So, you must have had enough of a connection that they could invite you. Did they go and research and find the players or what did they do?” No, we just went down on our own and watched. Interviewer: “OK” They hired Karen Kunkel to kind of help them out with the movie and latter on I think, Pepper Paire was down there too. We just went down as spectators. Interviewer: “OK” Very interesting how they faked on a lot of stuff Interviewer: “Which parts of the movie do you think were the most authentic or realistic?” The base running I guess, the batting was all faked out. They had a machine behind home plate and the batter would swing and the machine would throw the ball out in the outfield. Interviewer: “So, you swung the bat better than Madonna did then?” Yes, but she tried. 24:06 Interviewer: “Which pieces of the movie struck you as being the most really out of character from what really went on or the most Hollywoodish?” When they showed the chaperone. She was horrible, that chaperone in the movie, but the games, actually, were pretty authentic. They made it look authentic anyway and they did a good job. It put us on the map, really.. 13 �Interviewer: “When you were playing, did you think that you were doing something really distinctive or unusual?” Not really, until later on. Interviewer: “You were just playing ball, so that was a good idea.” We were having fun and getting paid to play a game. It was a very unusual league for that time. Interviewer: “I can’t think of anything else like that and that could have been equivalent, you had women athletes, but—“ 25:10 Not team sports, not professional team sports. Interviewer: “Golf and tennis, but not a whole lot else.” Mostly golf with Babe Zaharias at that time I think and Patty—what was that golfers name, Patty Burg? Interviewer: “As we kind of got into the seventies and eighties etc. and had Title IX come in, you had a lot of efforts to actually get women involved in sports—“ That was real good, that Title Nine and women got scholarships and everything and we had nothing before that really. Interviewer: “Have you gotten much of a chance to meet or talk to the women athletes of the younger generation? Ones who play softball now or college sports?” Not really, some of the ball players did, but I didn’t really do that. Interviewer: “If you look at it now, how do you think your experience in the league affected you? What did you take out of that?” It changed everybody’s life I think; I met a lot of people, bankers, lawyers, doctors, plus players for all over Cuba, the USA and Canada. 26:27 14 �Interviewer: “Now, did you get down to Cuba for the spring training they did there?” Yes, my first flight Interviewer: “What was that like? What do you remember about that?” It was wild; we went to the ballpark in a taxicab. They didn’t have traffic lights and when you got to a corner whoever beeped their horn first had the right away and we didn’t have any water to drink, it was always Coca Cola. We had our practices at the stadium out there and the Brooklyn Dodgers were there at the same time in a different park and they came to watch us play and not them. Interviewer: “So, why were people watching you and not the Dodgers?” Women in skirts playing ball Interviewer: “So people came to watch you play and how did the fans in Puerto Rico [Cuba] behave?” 27:23 They were wild and we weren’t allowed to walk down the streets alone, we had to go in groups. They had real good cocoanut ice cream and fresh pineapple they sold on the streets. It was a real experience and this one man that made movie shorts, I can’t think of his name, walking down the stairway of the Havana University, all the teams and I have a snapshot of that, but he made a movie shorts and it got lost somehow and I still can’t think of his name. He was very popular at that time, making shorts. Interviewer: “Were these like newsreel movie?” Yes, newsreel things Interviewer: “Now, what year did you do that?” 1947 in Cuba 15 �Interviewer: “Of course for the first year for 1943 you went to Wrigley Field and everybody got together there?” We practiced in South Bend I think and we went down to Opa-Locka, Florida one year at an old naval station I think it was. 28:30 Interviewer: “What was that experience like?” We swam in the swimming pool and had a good time when we weren’t practicing. It was nice and I liked it, but Pascagoula was roach heaven. The roaches were that big and got in our suitcases and everything. Interviewer: “Was that a different year at Pascagoula?’ Yes, and I would like to forget that year. We were in the army barracks and it was horrible and hot and filthy. Interviewer: “When you went to those places did you play games that people would come and attend or were you just working out?” 29:10 We would get two teams together and after practice we would travel throughout the south and shared a bus for about a week and played every night and travel all day and play the next night with no days off. Then we would fly back to South Bend Interviewer: “What kind of response did you get when you were doing that kind of barnstorming?” Oh, they loved us and we had real good attendance there. Interviewer: “Would you sometimes recruit players as you went through that way?” I guess so, once in a while, that’s how we got the Cubans. 16 �Interviewer: “Some of the players we have talked to, like Sue Kidd was from Arkansas and that kind of thing. You come through and they sign on and join them and just go on along. Were the audiences all white when you were in the south or did you play for black audiences too?” 30:02 I think they were all white. We were in Charlotte, was it South Carolina? Interviewer: “North Carolina has the large town of Charlotte.” Anyway, we had a room that had these large bowls with a pitcher of water; an old hotel and you would take a bath in the bowl. I remember that, I don’t know why, but we stayed in nice hotels really most of the time. Tampa Terrace, I have some old postcards from some of them. Interviewer: “When you were playing against the teams in the league, were there certain towns you liked to go to better than others?” In the league, I didn’t like Peoria, it was so hot and I didn’t like the hotel there. Kenosha, there was a nice hotel there, it was a small town and Racine was nice. Peoria is the place I didn’t like because it was so hot there and there was no place to eat there that was good. 31:03 We played in Racine and we went to this bar to get something to eat after the game and there was a piano player there and a singer and it was Patti Page. Interviewer: “Well, that’s pretty good.” We asked if we could request a song and she was very nice. That was before she became popular and that was quite an experience meeting her then. 31:30 Interviewer: “Once the movie came out and the league got more attention, have you done anything in terms of helping with museums or anything like that?” 17 �We went down to the museum in South Bend and identified hundreds of pictures for the museum. Interviewer: “All right, you’re also involved with a bigger museum than that. Who has your uniform?” The Smithsonian. Iin 1983 I donated my uniform to the Smithsonian. It had been in Japan and all over the U.S for two years on its tour. Interviewer: “How did you wind up giving your uniform to the Smithsonian?” One of the players said they wanted our uniforms and I said, “I’ve got one down in the cellar”, and it was all rumpled up and dirty, so I cleaned it up and ironed it real nice and put it on this statue. They had a nice display of my uniform with my picture there. 32:30 Interviewer: “All right, and did they get anymore of your stuff?” My hat and my cap, my socks, my belt and my glove. Interviewer: “At the time you were donating that stuff, did you think much of it or did you think that if they wanted it that was fine?” They might as well have it, it’s down in my basement and somebody else can see it there at the Smithsonian. Interviewer: “You didn’t know it was that important yet?” No, not really. They were glad they got it and I got a lot of letters thanking me. Interviewer: “Did you get to go there and see them present it?” This Audi automobile club had a big todo about the traveling display and they had this big rotunda and the ice skater Nancy Kerrigan was there and Bill Russell and they had these old-fashioned popcorn machines and they had cotton candy and free drinks and free 18 �food. It was really an experience and it was the grand opening of the display that was going to be traveling for two years and sponsored by Audi. 33:36 Interviewer: “Now, if you think back to your playing days and things, are there any individual events or memories or things that stand out in your mind that you haven’t brought up here yet?” Yes, when I was batting in Rockford, I hit a foul ball that came up and hit me in the face and I landed flat on my back on home plate. Another time I was going to run down first base and I stepped on that liquid whitewash and fell down. Interviewer: “What was the liquid whitewash from, or was that what they painted the lines with?” They painted the lines with that liquid stuff and if you stepped on that it was slippery and I happened to step on it after I hit the ball—one step and down. 34:21 Interviewer: “Did they have you wearing cleats?” We had regular steel spikes and they were long ones, not the short ones like softball, they were long. Interviewer: “But that didn’t stop the whitewash from tripping you up?” No, not me Interviewer: “All,right, there were a lot of experiences there and thank you for coming in and telling them to us. Thank you for having me. 34:44 19 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Interviews Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was started by Philip Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs, during World War II to fill the void left by the departure of most of the best male baseball players for military service. Players were recruited from across the country, and the league was successful enough to be able to continue on after the war. The league had teams based in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, and operated between 1943 and 1954. The 1954 season ended with only the Fort Wayne, South Bend, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Rockford teams remaining. The League gave over 600 women athletes the opportunity to play professional baseball. Many of the players went on to successful careers, and the league itself provided an important precedent for later efforts to promote women's sports. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/484">All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Collection, (RHC-58)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Sports for women World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American All-American Girls Professional Baseball League--Personal narratives Oral history Baseball players--Minnesota Baseball players--Indiana Baseball players--Wisconsin Baseball players--Michigan Baseball players--Illinois Baseball for women--United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, 49401 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-58 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Language A language of the resource eng Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-10-02 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-58_BJochum Title A name given to the resource Jochum, Betsy (Interview transcript and video), 2010 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jochum, Betsy Description An account of the resource Betsy Jochum was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1921. She grew up playing ball with neighborhood kids, and was playing in a local women's softball league in 1943 when she was recruited to play in the All American league during its first season. She played until 1948 with the South Bend Blue Sox, and went on the league's spring training trip to Cuba. She later became a physical education teacher, and donated her glove and uniform to the Smithsonian. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) Video recordings All-American Girls Professional Baseball League--Personal narratives Baseball for women--United States Baseball Sports for women World War, 1939-1945 Baseball players--Indiana Women Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-08-04 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/484">All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Collection, (RHC-55)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/89121350956e19449a4a6cf3d60c4433.pdf 6c979ca3886396a56e6072f153ac0876 PDF Text Text Jodilyn Jenkins Prompts Did you move off campus suddenly due to COVID-19? What was that experience like, what kind of help did you have? Do you still have personal belongings on campus? 04/01/20 On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, I drove twenty minutes from Grand Valley State University to my hometown, Grandville, to vote. I stopped by my house and ate dinner with my younger siblings and parents, then waved goodbye and told them I would see them in a month or so. Maybe I would come home for Easter. Even though I lived so close to campus, I didn’t go home very frequently. But I was about to be back home much sooner than planned - a lot can happen in 24 hours. The next morning, the atmosphere around campus and in classes had shifted. People, myself included, were paying close attention to the news and watching as colleges and universities began closing in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. I wasn’t caught completely off guard; I had been following the spread of the virus quite closely, as my hostbrother is from China and was concerned about his parents. I knew that the new cases of the coronavirus kept popping up, and that many more cases were probably left undiagnosed. It still felt strange how quickly everyone’s attitudes changed once they started realizing that this global pandemic would have very real, close-to-home impacts. I got back from my run with a few other girls from the running club that Wednesday evening, and as we were stretching and casually talking, someone opened their email and read the letter sent out to all Grand Valley students, staff, and faculty: school would be closing and students living on campus were recommended to leave as soon as possible. All attempts at stretching were abandoned - the indoor track was bursting with storytelling and shouting and nervous laughing. The sprinters and distance runners even started talking to one another. That night I said goodbye to my “freshmen squad” (we chose to tap feet instead of hug), and I realized I probably wouldn’t see them for a while. I called up my brother and we decided to pack up and leave that night. I could have stayed an extra day, but there was one silent reason I was happy to be headed home: I hadn’t slept for a few nights in a row, and had gotten an average of three hours of sleep a night for the past weeks. I was struggling with insomnia, and sleeping at home seemed to help slightly. I packed quickly and messily, throwing clothes into bags and tossing school books into my backpack. I craved some sleep, even though I knew that was a pretty narrow-minded and selfish reason for feeling relief to be headed home. I picked up my brother, Ben, from his dorm. Ben’s friend, Finn also came with us, as he planned to stay at our house for a few days until he could find a ride to his home in Eastern Michigan. Our tiny car was jam packed with bags, which showed what was left unspoken between the three of us: even though school had technically only shut down for twenty days, we knew it wasn’t likely we would be back. Throwing all of our things into the car that night was a strange feeling. There were people carrying laundry baskets and suitcases out of their dorm rooms. The campus roads were lined with cars. People were moving. Everyone was jittery and anxious. When I got home, �the jitteriness and anxiety stayed with me that night and didn’t give my insomnia a break. Although I assume even people without insomnia weren’t sleeping well that night. The next morning, I drove back to Grand Valley and rescued my plant (lovingly named Ursula). I didn’t want her dying! More importantly, I picked up necessary medication that Finn had left in the refrigerator in the dorm kitchen. While picking up his medicine, I ran into my good friend Bri, a girl on the running club who I ran with and ate dinner with every day, including the night before. Bri had already told me she did not plan on coming back to Grand Valley the next semester. She lived in a single parent home with many siblings, and the cost of Grand Valley was just too high. It was then when I realized I probably wouldn’t see much of Bri again. I had spent my last day in the running club with her. I had eaten one last dinner in the cafeteria with her. “No, Jodi, don’t you worry, I’ll be seeing you in two weeks!” she shouted before shutting her car door and driving away. I laughed. I wished I had her confidence. I glanced at the window to my dorm, glad I had said goodbye to my roommates last night. Finally, I bought a bag full of granola bars from the convenience store on campus, figuring I should get the most of my meal plan. I drove home, gave Finn his medicine and plopped down in my room, unpacked bags surrounding the floor. My sister came into my room, smiling and singing that she was happy I was back so soon. “On Tuesday you said you wouldn’t see me for a while, and now here you are! How crazy is that?” She couldn’t quite wrap her eleven year old mind around the seriousness of the whole situation. “You’re right,” I agreed, “pretty crazy.” How are your online classes going? What kinds of messages have you received from professors? How are other students handling the changes? How are you handling it? Are you involved in student organizations, sports or clubs? How has COVID-19 and campus response affected those? What is happening in your daily life at home? How are your parents/friends/partners/etc. doing? 04/03/20 During the first week of online classes, my average day was spent behind a computer, at the dinner table to take a break and eat a meal, then finishing more work on the computer and heading to sleep. I have never been busier with assignments and video calls, and my inbox has never been fuller. After the chaos of that first week died down, I began to fall more into a routine. I wake up around eight in the morning, do a few hours of school each day, leave time to help my younger sister with her elementary school work or to play outside with her, do another hour of homework, and make sure to run. I don’t run because I think it’s good for me, or I am trying to get in shape, I run because that’s what I have been doing for the past five years, so it’s one thing that feels consistent. I have control over it. I may not have control over how certain family members are interacting with each other, or over how the nation feels more divided than �ever, or how the government is handling this global pandemic, but when I am running, I decide how fast to move my legs, how far they will take me, and where I will go. I know a racing heart and difficult breathing are symptoms of anxiety - something I only struggle with when trying to sleep - but when I run my heart rate can increase and my breath can quicken and my body allows it all to feel natural. So I keep it in the routine. I also try to connect with a few friends each day, whether through a quick text or a video call. My family is also adjusting to this new “routine,” but in many different ways. My mom, a biology professor at Grand Valley, wakes up early and films videos on mitosis and meiosis and transcription and translation and then attempts online office hours. She has set up a card table in her room and a “do not disturb” sign on the door, which is perfectly reasonable, as there are seven other people roaming around our one-story house. My dad, an administrator at an elementary school, also uses the card table to run his meetings, interviews and phone calls, and whatever other business administrators attend to. My two brothers are back home from university as well, and are adjusting to online learning. Like me, they are both freshmen in college. Yes, we are triplets. No, we are not identical, and if that was the first thought that crossed your mind, I would suggest popping in on my mom’s video class for a quick lesson in biology. Anyways, Ben also attends Grand Valley, and seems to be adjusting very well (he is a computer science major and is having no difficulty dealing with technology), but Chris, on the other hand, attends a small school in Indiana and is a music education major. The majority of his classes are music lessons, usually accompanied with other instruments. The switch to online learning has been more of a challenge for him, but I am happy to hear our house ringing with music again, whether it’s the powerful piano, the squeaky violin he is trying to learn, or (his favorite) the confident and swinging saxophone. To be honest, I am not very pleased with the violin, but it felt rude to leave out. My host-brother, John, is a senior in high school and also switching to online learning. His parents live in China, and he has been caught up with all the coronavirus news before anyone in West Michigan was even talking about it. John moved in with my family the same exact day Ben and I moved out to live on campus at Grand Valley, and was planning on going home before Ben and I returned. It wasn’t until the night Ben and I drove back that we realized we did not have enough beds in our house for everyone! Ben cleaned out and dusted the closet under the stairs and has been sleeping there, much to my mother’s concern about his allergies. My two younger siblings, Nathan and Faith, are also starting online learning. Nathan is a freshman in high school, and Faith is a 5th grader. Nathan sleeps in and does as little work as possible to achieve a high grade. He seems to have “natural intelligence” and can get away with it. Online learning is more of a challenge, however, for a 5th grader. I am impressed with Faith’s teacher, who is providing worksheets and books to read. But the school can hardly expect every student to have a computer, especially if that student is eleven years old. Faith does what she can, but with a learning disability in math and a mother who is practically a mathematician and certainly not blessed with the patience of an elementary school teacher, Faith’s daily routine usually ends with a door slam and crying. To add to the noise, the family dog recently recovered from pancreatitis, and now has the energy of his puppy days, barking nonstop at every person who walks by - and given that there isn’t much else to do except take a walk, there are a lot of families who walk by. I love my noisy home. It is not very big, it has fights (with eight stubborn people under one roof, that’s no �surprise), it runs out of hundreds of dollars worth of groceries in a day, but it is home. I love the people around me, and my neighborhood has some wonderful neighbors. I know that with the “stay in shelter” order that is necessary right now, many people are returning to abusive homes, or homes without food, or homes that cannot even be called a home at all. Even though living this new routine feels strange to me, and I know I should be back on campus, and nothing feels “ideal” right now, I know I am fortunate to feel safe and loved where I live. Do/did you have a job on or off campus? What kind of work did you do, and how has that been affected by COVID-19, lock-downs, and quarantine? Are you or anyone you know sick? What symptoms, response from medical personnel? Getting COVID testing? 04/03/2020 No one I know has tested positive for COVID so far. However, I have a feeling that my uncle had the coronavirus, but it went undetected. He flew to L.A. to visit a good friend about a week and a half before Grand Valley went into online learning. I visited him over my spring break, and he seemed to be in great health, but a few days later, he came down with an awful fever and a cough. He wasn’t in bad enough shape to have to be admitted to a hospital, but with his travel to California, and the fact that he rarely catches the common cold, he was suspicious that he had COVID. He wanted to get tested because when I had visited him, my grandparents had come with me. He had hugged them and exposed them to whatever germs he was fighting. He called multiple hospitals and doctor’s offices, but could not get a test. He has since recovered, and neither my grandparents nor I came down with any symptoms. My grandma, never one for long phone calls, called me up and told me and the rest of my cousins that we shouldn’t come visit, because “if either me or your grandpa gets sick, we’ll both be goners,” then proceeded to hang up the phone. I have had the chance to video call my grandparents, and they (thankfully) are taking the “stay home, stay safe” order very seriously. They are having groceries delivered to their front door, and using gloves to get the mail. My grandma is working on sewing masks that she could donate to hospitals and my grandpa is taking the time at home to learn a new skill that he hadn’t practiced much in all 79 years of his life: cooking. He told all of this to me in an email, the only form of “social media” my grandparents have. I am extremely grateful for their health. It does feel strange, though, a bit like I’m leaning over an edge and waiting for the fall that hasn’t yet come. Everyone I know is healthy, in comparison to other counties, Kent County, where I live, doesn’t have a huge sickness or death rate. Everyone is outside enjoying the nice weather, staying six feet away from neighbors, calling friends, stressing about work and jobs and how to manage with no paycheck, and all wondering: when is it going to hit? And I’m sitting on the floor of my room, sun shining through my window, typing out my thoughts, waiting right along with everyone else. 04/04/2020 �I Could Use A Kate Hug Right About Now We have an “I’m happy to see you” hug, An “I love you so much” hug, A “laughing too hard and need someone to lean on” hug, A “before a nerve wracking event” hug, An “after it’s all over” hug, An “it’s going to be okay” hug, An “I’m so proud of you” hug, An “I will cry with you” hug, A “you are so strong” hug, An “I don’t want to say goodbye” hug. I miss them all. So promise me, when this is all over, To hug me for a very very very long time. I am a hugger. I hugged one of my best friends, my roommate, goodbye almost a month ago, when we packed up our things from our dorm room and headed home. She lives less than ten miles away from me, and I have been to her dad’s apartment to drop off a few things. I stood in the doorway and we talked, but made sure to not get too close. On March 21, I ran with three girls I went to high school with. One of the girls, Kate, is another big hugger, just like me. Even though it is fairly easy to stay six feet away while running, that day was the last day I ran with her (or anyone) because we decided it was safer and more responsible to run alone. We ran ten miles that day, down a wide trail, and at some point one of the girls stopped to use the bathroom. As we were waiting, Kate, standing at the opposite end of the trail, looked up at me and asked, “how are you?” I shrugged my shoulders. “I am just okay.” She hugged the air and I did the same, wrapping our arms around our own shoulders. That would have to do for now. It seems selfish and ignorant of me to be writing about a hug right now, when there are a million problems that are worse and I am in an extremely privileged position. But if this writing is ever going to be read in the future by anyone other than myself (which is far-fetched, but an exciting idea nonetheless) then my advice - no matter the situation, or where you live, or what you believe - is to show appreciation and love to the people who mean the most to you. Does it sound naive of me to say? Yes. If anyone is reading this, are their eyes rolling into the back of their head? Probably. I don’t care. I write for myself, so I’m going to go ahead and take my own advice. 04/08/2020 Fragments of the world are calm, in a lull. Kids draw chalk hopscotch courts, hearts, and rainbows on driveways. �Families ride bikes down quiet roads. Neighbors wave and stop on sidewalks to talk. Dogs receive more walks than ever before. Runners, both new and old, fill the trails. Grandchildren sit on their decks calling grandparents. People of all ages read in hammocks, Lounge in porch chairs, And enjoy the sun. I stay outside, journaling in the grass. When I go inside, the constant news updates, The political arguments, The sewing of masks, The “I miss you” texts, And the bombardment of emails Remind me that peace is not as present as it may seem; Remind me that I am not living in a springtime out of a storybook. But at least I have the fragments. I walked the dog this afternoon with my mom, something I did everyday when I lived at home. Now that I’m living with her again, it's a habit I picked right back up. Walking is a habit many people have adopted nowadays. I don’t live in a crowded city, in fact, it’s quite the opposite, I live in a very small, quiet town, so walking outside is not a health concern. I never knew such a small town could hold so many people. I see new dogs, new bikers, and new runners every day. The sun has come out and people are itching to get outside. “It is almost like the perfect spring day with a perfect small town feeling, you know what I mean?” my mom asked as we walked. I knew exactly what she meant. Everyone was smiling, waving, acting more neighborly and polite than ever. Almost perfect. Selfishly, I wonder when I can drive to my best friend’s house and throw myself on her couch again, when I can drive to the beach with no empty seats in my car, if I’ll sit around a bonfire this year with a group of friends - not six feet away - intertwining legs and holding hands. On a more serious note, and a more pressing note, I anxiously wonder if my grandparents will stay safe, if my brother with intense asthma will return to his job at UPS this summer, if my friend in Detroit is staying healthy (and sane) taking care of her younger sisters while her mom works at a packed hospital, if the death rates around the globe will begin to decrease, or if the nation will ever mend its political divide. I never thought I hated the unknown. But I am learning that I hate the unknown only when it was once known and is known uncertain. And those are the thoughts of an 18 year old girl on a walk with her dog this particular “almost perfect” Wednesday in April. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource COVID-19 Journals Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. University Libraries Description An account of the resource This collection of journals and personal narratives was solicited from the GVSU community by archivists of the University Libraries during the events of the 2020 COVID-19 global pandemic. During this unprecedented crisis the university closed suddenly, following federal and state guidelines of social distancing to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The university closed its campuses on March 12, 2020, and quickly moved students out of campus housing. Faculty swiftly transitioned to fully-online teaching for the remainder of the Winter 2020 semester, and all campus events, including commencement, were cancelled. The purpose of the COVID-19 Journaling Project was to document the individual and personal experiences of GVSU’s students, staff, faculty, and the wider community during this time of international crisis. Some project participants were university student employees who were compensated for their journaling. Other participants were granted stipends or extra credit for submitting entries to the archives. Still others participated without any compensation or credit. The University Archives remains grateful to all who submitted journals, for helping us to understand the impact of this crisis on our community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Archives. COVID-19 Journaling Project Subject The topic of the resource Epidemics Grand Valley State University College students Personal narratives COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2020 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context COVID-19_2020-04-08_JenkinsJodilyn Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jenkins, Jodilyn Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-04-08 Title A name given to the resource Jodilyn Jenkins Journal Description An account of the resource Journal of GVSU student Jodilyn Jenkins of her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subject The topic of the resource COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2020 Epidemics Grand Valley State University College students Personal narratives Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Archives. COVID-19 Journaling Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7d99cfe62685893f05009c328362fb51.mp4 b8f811dc11655523d7037cdb1d2d6919 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3a2bfa1c0c4be2fada4e264c4986e8aa.pdf f90da8051c9e2740d6fd4b8d433a99d5 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Special Collections & University Archives RHC-88 Fei Hu Films Flying Tigers Interview Interviewer: Frank Boring Interviewee: Camille J. “Joe” Rosbert Date of Interview: 02-21-1991 Transcriber: Frank Boring [TAPE 1] FRANK BORING: If we could begin by your telling us what you were doing prior to AVG? JOE ROSBERT: Well in late 1930's, which was pretty much the height of the depression, I was graduated as a chemical engineer from Villanova in Pennsylvania and there was no way to get a job in those days. So during the last days of my schooling at Villanova, a team of naval aviators came from the Philadelphia Navy Yard and showed a movie called "Pensacola, the Annapolis of the Air" and when I saw those pilots learning to fly, plus the beautiful beaches in Pensacola and the pretty girls, I went up and signed the paper at that point and that was the start of my career as a naval aviator. I went from Pensacola after the training as an Ensign and was stationed at North Island in San Diego, flying a patrol plane; a lumbering old amphibian and we would go out all day on patrols up the coast to Alameda, California and back down to North Island. One night when I came home from one of those flights, my buddy - roommate actually - he had been celebrating and he said "there's a fellow who's going to come on the station tomorrow morning and talk about flying fighters in China". I said "you're drunk, go to bed." But sure enough, the next morning the word spread that there was a retired naval officer who was coming on the station and was going to talk to people who might be interested in this program. So I went and listened and it was a very interesting adventure, to my mind, that was coming up. First of all, it was �possible to get into flying fighters and escape from the lumbering PBY. Also when they mentioned names like Rangoon, Indonesia, China, Kunming, I thought this is for me. And when he finished that little spiel, I went up and signed the paper again. Unfortunately, he said "you're a PBY pilot and we've already taken some pilots of heavier planes, but we want experienced fighter pilots." So I was very discouraged and as I was walking away, one of my buddies said "there's a navy chief up at Alameda who is in on this recruiting program and if you can get up there and talk to him, he will probably help you out." So I thought, well this is a chance, so I arranged with the operations officer to fly up to Alameda. I talked to him on the telephone and he said "well I can see you're very interested. The chance lies at March field where one of our recruiters is going to go and sign up some U.S. Army Air Corps types and I will tell him you're coming if you can get over there." So I flew back to North Island, arranged a couple of days off, I drove up to March Field and here was this recruiter signing up the Army Air Corps pilots, and he allowed me to sign a contract. And that's how I got taken into the AVG program. FRANK BORING: What was the process and how did you react to the process of getting out of the situation you were in and actually into the AVG? JOE ROSBERT: Well the recruiter forewarned us that there might be a little negative feeling about resigning from the military, but that Washington had instructed most of these people that they were to accept resignations for this program, that it was an official U.S. Government program. So when I went in and talked to my commanding officer, I was the youngest Patrol Plane Commander in the naval aviation program. He had just promoted me to Patrol Plane Commander. When I told him I wanted to go he was a little disappointed except I could see that in his eyes if he were a little bit younger he would have wanted to go too, so he said "well, I wish you luck. I'll accept the resignation and you go ahead." I went through a procedure that took about 2 days, checking out at North Island and U.S. Navy Headquarters in San Diego and �eventually they signed all the papers and I was out of the navy within about 2 days. FRANK BORING: What was specifically told to you? What was promised to you in terms of your resignation? What were you expecting and what were you told? JOE ROSBERT: We were told that we would fly P-40's, first of all. They gave us the pay scale which ran from $600.00 for us men up to $750.00 for Squadron Leaders. The one thing that always griped us later on was that they told us that the time that we spent in the AVG would be counted as part of our service record. Now unfortunately, through all the talking and explaining what the program was, that particular stipulation was not good in the contract. In other words, it was a verbal thing. But the most important point was that all of the people who signed up in the AVG had been given the same message. In other words, it wasn't a mistaken idea that a few people in one place had taken on, but that everyone knew that that was the arrangement that our military record would reflect that time in the AVG. Even the pilots who later on signed up to go into the U.S. Army Air Corps were not given credit for that time. FRANK BORING: What were your expectations - I mean even before you got on the boat? What were your expectations of what you were going to find when you arrived in China? JOE ROSBERT: Well my first expectation was that I was going to have a good time on the ship and when we were gathered in the room just before sailing time, the man who was in charge of seeing us off said "and now of course we have to put somebody in charge of this group that will see that you get to Rangoon in one piece and that person will be Joe Rosbert." And I looked around to see who that was and then I realized that they had - without even consulting me - had put me in charge of this group. My face fell a little bit because I could see that this was going to be quite a chore. All these guys had already been celebrating for about 3 or 4 days in San Francisco. �They all had guns; they all were ready to go. But it turned out pretty well. We had some great adventures on the way. It took us about a month and a half to get from San Francisco to Rangoon and I did have some trouble makers to contend with and they practically gave the Captain of the ship apoplexy because some of them one night got drunk and wound up in the crow’s nest and were looking for Japanese ships on the horizon and really drove the crew crazy on the ship. But other than that it was an interesting experience, that month and a half traveling to Rangoon. FRANK BORING: You were told originally that you were going to China. How did it affect you that you suddenly realized you were going to Rangoon? Did they tell you why you were going to Rangoon? JOE ROSBERT: Yes. That was the port that was open. You see, the main purpose of this group was to be to protect the supply line known as the Burma Road. And the starting point of the Burma Road was Rangoon which was the port where all the supplies came in, because everything along the coastal areas of China had been taken by the Japanese. All the port cities and the areas around them were occupied by the Japanese military. So yes, we were advised that we were going there to protect the Burma Road, we'd go to Rangoon and from Rangoon we would go to a staging area in the middle of Burma, and after we had acquainted ourselves with the P-40 and learned a few tactics from Chennault, we would go to China. That was the whole purpose of the group, which we were going to be headquartered in Kunming, China and so we were prepared for that part of it. Now they did tell us "you probably will never see a Japanese enemy plane, but if you do when you shoot down a Japanese plane, you will be paid $500.00 for each plane. Now that was a verbal thing. But the Chinese Government was the one that administered that payment and we did get paid the $500.00 for each plane later on. One of the things - I don't know whether you're interested in this detail - but as we went along they had given me a certain sum of money to take care of any expenses that came up. By the time we got down to Indonesia and then went �up to Singapore, we were broke and I tell you, these guys had bar bills on that ship and the ship only went as far as Singapore. We had to arrange for a freighter to go from there to Rangoon. There was no money and all along I was sending cables. I went to see the American Ambassador in Singapore and he - nothing…I went to see the Chinese Ambassador. Well he sent a message to Kunming and finally they delivered money so we could pay the bar bills of the guys to get them off the ship. This Captain of the ship he said "we can't let those guys go." They were practically imprisoned. Then of course, I had the money to pay for this freighter. I took them all out - they were raising such hell - I took them - this guy on the freighter was really a tough Captain. I said "look, I need a favor from you - I know we're not sailing for 2 or 3 days but I'd like to bring these guys down now". He said "bring 'em down now they won't get off this ship." So I don't know whether that's interesting or not - I mean for what you want to do. FRANK BORING: There was supposedly a level of secrecy to what you were doing the fact that you were going over there under - you weren't going as pilots, you were going as salesmen and all this kind of stuff. Can you tell us a little bit more about that, in terms of what you went under and really how secret was this whole mission? JOE ROSBERT: The mission, right from the beginning was very hush-hush. When we got to San Francisco, and put up in the hotel, one of the things that they did - they sent us down to the Federal Building to get passports and we were told that we would be given, among other things, categories that had nothing to do with aviation. Some people were listed as engineers, some as farm experts for agriculture and things like that and they even had one fellow that was listed as a missionary and there were missionaries on every one of these Dutch ships. On one Sunday they called knowing he was listed as a missionary, called him up to give the sermon and actually he did a pretty good job. He did give a sermon and the missionaries thought he was legitimate. But that was the kind of secrecy we had and also the American Consuls and Embassies in �the cities where the ship stopped didn't know very much at all, it was kept very quiet and the Chinese Consul in Singapore, where I had to arrange for trans-shipment because the original Dutch ship that we were on, that was the end of their trip, he had an inkling and he did send a message and get a response to where we could get enough money to get everybody out of hock on the ship and pay their bills and put them up in hotels, but I tell you, it was a wild group and they caused so much trouble in the hotel, that I had arranged with this freighter to take them on and the Captain, he was a tough guy, he said "just bring them down and I'll see that they don't get off the ship." I did, I herded them all in taxi cabs and took them down to the ship, except for a few of us pilots who were in the Raffles Hotel. We enjoyed another 2 or 3 days before we got on the freighter. But it was a pretty secret thing that did not get out. I think that was reflected if we go ahead a little bit and get into the first activities of combat - that the Japanese were really surprised. They had no idea what this group was going to be like and the odds they were against. FRANK BORING: What did you find when you - do you remember who was that guy? Who was the guy who gave the sermon, the missionary? What did you find when you first arrived in Rangoon? JOE ROSBERT: Well first of all the trip up the Rangoon River is about - I think 40 or 50 miles before you get to the port and it winds along and this jungle atmosphere was very impressive and the Captain was giving me a run-down like a tourist on what to expect. You could see shining in the sun from miles away the Shwedagon Pagoda, a Buddhist temple that was covered with gold leaf and he gave me the name of it and some statistics about it, etc. until finally we got up - there were ships parked all along the middle of this river because the supplies were coming in for the Burma Road and we had to anchor out in the middle of the river and then they ushered us ashore with boats. Rangoon impressed me, as I thought it would be just from the name "Rangoon", it was kind of a romantic place. Of course when you got on shore it wasn't all that romantic. These �people chewed betel nut, and betel nut produces a red spit and all the sidewalks are covered with this red spit and it didn't look too sanitary to us. But they brought us to the Strand Hotel, which was right on the front of the port, almost like a Colonial type building, white wooden building, that the British had built. They gave us lunch there and they told me that they were going to herd this group immediately out to the railroad station and send them on up to Toungoo about 150 miles north in the middle of the jungle. I found out later, because they didn't want them in town for one night, knowing how - I guess from the first group that arrived - that hell was raised, so they wanted to avoid any trouble like that. I stayed over to give an account of the trip and turned in an expense report and then I want the next day on the train alone and I tell you, when I arrived it was dark and the trains that they had, you got into a compartment with no aisle along the train. In other words, it was locked from the outside until you got to the next station and then they would open the door for whatever you had to do, etc. until we got to Toungoo and I heard all these voices outside, banging on the doors and raising hell and they finally got my compartment open. They said "Oh, here he is" and they took me into the little town and then on out to the air strip and everything was blacked out. They took me to where my squadron was, the first squadron and they turned on one light and it was like a long bamboo shack. We had army cots, wooden floors, and big lizards in the ceiling and enamel wash basins to shave in the morning, and 50 gallon drums up above for the water supply. We had 3 huts like that for the three squadrons and then there was a headquarters hut and another one for the mess hall. That was our group, about a mile away from the air strip and that was the set-up and one of the things they told us, among others, was that first of all be sure that your mosquito net is tucked in at night or you're going to wind up with malaria. The other was that in the morning you'd better shake out your boots because they're going to be filled with scorpions. So we had a pretty good welcome to the jungle. �FRANK BORING: What was your first contact with official AVG? Was it CAMCO people, was it Pauli’s people, or was it Chennault's people? What was your first contact with the official AVG people? JOE ROSBERT: In Burma? FRANK BORING: Yeah, when you arrived there - I mean somebody welcomed you? Who was that? JOE ROSBERT: Yes, when I – of course somebody from the office in Rangoon met us and took us to the hotel for lunch and the next morning when I went to the office, that was a CAMCO office. It was staffed by Pauli’s people. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88_Rosbert_Joe_1991-02-21_v01 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rosbert, Camile J. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Joe Rosbert interview (video and transcript, 1 of 7), 1991 Description An account of the resource Interview of Joe Rosbert Joe by filmmaker Frank Boring for the documentary, Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers. Rosbert served in the American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a Flight Leader in the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve." He joined the AVG after serving in the US Navy, and remained until it disbanded in 1942. In this tape, Rosbert discusses his background as a naval aviator before being recruited into the American Volunteer Group, in addition to his journey overseas and arrival in Rangoon. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (interviewer) Christopher, Frank (director) Fei Hu Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/bb15df8a43147ce59b0b87fed7c369f0.mp4 c7141344ba5960fd4e49a71828b9182f https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/fe08197bf259c62775338e4c57b8b9b1.pdf b22dda943ba71719b77072b890c8f2a2 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Special Collections & University Archives RHC-88 Fei Hu Films Flying Tigers Interview Interviewer: Frank Boring Interviewee: Camille J. “Joe” Rosbert Date of Interview: 02-21-1991 Transcriber: Frank Boring [TAPE 2] JOE ROSBERT: At this hut, of course, they had a few open light bulbs hanging from this bamboo ceiling where the lizards were living and making terrible sounds at night. I met Sandy Sandell, who was the Squadron Commander of the First Squadron and of course, being late at night there was very little conversation. It was pointed out where my bunk was and as I said it was an army cot with a mosquito netting hanging over it. I was pretty tired so I did sleep through the night but early the next morning a car came by and took me to the mess hall where I had breakfast. Chennault had recruited people to do everything. He had Mess Sergeants and they did an excellent job. He even went so far as to engage two official photographers and later on when we got to Kunming, one of the first things he did was order a photograph taken of everybody - the pilots in the P-40's, sitting in the cockpit, and all the rest of the ground staff and headquarters people, so that when we have a reunion now, there's four groups of photos - First, Second, Third Squadron and Headquarters. But after breakfast they picked me up in a car and - I think it was an old Studebaker - which doesn't exist anymore - but that was what they had, and we went bouncing out to the air strip and I was met by Harvey Greenlaw, who was the Aide of Chennault. Now I had never heard of Chennault before I signed up, having been a navy type. I really didn't know who he was. So Harvey Greenlaw came out and he said - they called him Colonel in those days - "Colonel Chennault would like to see you and have a report on how the trip went and he wants to say a few �words to you." So I went into this austere office in the hangar metal hangar, had nothing else but the metal sheeting on the top and metal walls and open in the front and the office was off on the side and Harvey said "this is Joe Rosbert, he just brought the latest group in" and Chennault was sitting at this desk. He had a pith helmet hanging on the wall behind him. He stood up, he had khaki shorts on and that face that you never forget. I could see right away why they called him "Leatherface" because he had really a rough complexion. But he had a gentle southern voice and he said "Joe, I hear you had a few little troubles on the way with your people and especially some financial troubles, which you got through" and he said "I'm very happy that you brought the group here without losing anybody." And I can tell you, I was impressed with him right from the beginning and in the days to come where he gave lectures on the Japanese airplanes, the Japanese pilots and how they operated and I thought right away that I had made the right decision, because this was a guy I wanted to work for. FRANK BORING: After the initial meeting with Chennault, as I understand it you went immediately into training - or was it classroom - he called it "Kindergarten" - were you involved in that kindergarten? JOE ROSBERT: Oh sure. The first thing that happened before the schooling by Chennault. Now mind you, he was a teacher so he knew how to teach people from his old days in the classroom. But I was assigned to a U.S. Army Air Corps type who knew the P-40 and was a Flight Leader in the First Squadron, Bob Little. And Bob said "Well you've got the manual for the plane. When you go home tonight you read through that manual and then we'll go over the thing in the morning." I looked and that manual was very thin - a few pages - and I went through the thing and studied it pretty thoroughly and thought that I knew what was in there and I figured well now I'll get quite a bit more from Bob Little when I went to the air strip the next day, but it turned out that he took me to the P40, he said "get in the cockpit", he said "you've studied the manual", he said "here it all is like it's in the manual, I can't tell �you anymore". And the only way you checked out in the fighter plane with one seat is to get in there and start the engine and go down the runway and take off and that's what I did. And once again, when I got in the air with that P-40 after having flown the PBY in the Navy, I knew that this was for me. Now a few of our guys did get discouraged when they got to the jungle and saw the situation and turned around and went home, but the majority of us I'm sure felt like I did, that this was for us. Now to go on from learning to fly the P-40 - we flew quite frequently to become accustomed and simulated dog fights in the air - but I thought it was very impressive, the lectures that Chennault gave us. He treated us like school kids as far as knowing that we didn't have any comprehension of what the Japanese were like, had no experience, probably had never read anything about the Japanese or the Far East. So he had all the intelligence information about the Japanese airplanes, all the types, what their advantages and disadvantages were and also he knew the philosophy of the Japanese pilot. He had studied that with the Chinese and he told us (phone rings)… FRANK BORING: When you get into talking about incidents or what not, you're talking about people, you could mention their names if you remember them and anything that you remember about them - first impressions about them - as much of the personal as possible. Two of the people we're going to be asking you about are Harvey Greenlaw and also Olga, when you first met up with her. JOE ROSBERT: Unfortunately I wasn't one of the ones that got involved with her but she was a striking character. FRANK BORING: I read her book. Okay, so at this point we'll start with the schooling. JOE ROSBERT: With General Chennault's experience as a teacher, he knew how to get across the main items of what we were going to be involved in. Basically the types of Japanese planes that we were going to �encounter, their characteristics, their advantages and disadvantages and what's more, the philosophy of the Japanese pilots, which was rather important because one of the things he impressed upon us was that we had to have rubber necks in a fighter plane. In other words, if you didn't have a rubber neck and constantly look around, you were going to get caught and that occasionally you might catch a Japanese pilot who didn't have a rubber neck because they were inclined to finish a combat sequence and head home without looking back. I'm sure that a few of them were shot down under those circumstances. But, as I said, we were impressed by the way he could get things across and what's more important, that he had the information, he had the intelligence information. Later on we found out that he had offered a lot of this intelligence information to the Navy and the Army Air Corps but they never used it, unfortunately, because after Pearl Harbor and the attack on the Philippines and having to fight our way back in the Pacific, our pilots could have used that information to advantage. FRANK BORING: During the early days when you were training, there wasn't an immediate threat of war at that particular point. Tell us about some of the people that you've met. What was your impressions of - you already knew some of the people when you got there - but some of the newcomers that you didn't know of like Greenlaw, and then there's the nurses were there at that time and Olga Greenlaw had also shown up on the scene. What were the social aspects of those early days, who did you meet and what were your impressions? JOE ROSBERT: Well one of the first things that we had to do - our buddies in the same squadron - like Bob Little and Dick Rossi - we all have to go downtown together because the first thing you get is a pair of mosquito boots that came up to about mid-calf and you must have khaki shorts and a khaki shirt, but above all you have to have a pith helmet. So we proceeded to go down to this little village of Toungoo and go to the tailor. The most interesting part was getting measured for the mosquito boots because all you did was put your foot down on a piece of paper and the Chinese boot maker drew a �line around your foot and that was the size, because when the boots were finished they were perfect. So we were all dressed up now, once you got that costume, you went down the street and bought a bicycle because a bicycle was essential to get around on the air station and also in town. So everybody had a bicycle, everybody had that costume with the mosquito boots and khaki shorts and shirt and the pith helmet. In that respect we were sort of uniform although we really didn't wear uniforms. Then from there of course we got into a little bit of the social activities, which consisted mainly of Chennault's favorite, softball, it was a softball team and we had two nurses, they came out and cheered. Red Foster and I forget the other gal's name right off hand, but we were impressed with them. They seemed very professional. We had two doctors, Doc Gentry, who was the Chief Flight Surgeon. His second in command, you might say, of the medical department, Doc Richards. And then we had a dentist, Doctor Bruce. So more and more we could see that this was a complete entity, this outfit. And incidentally, to go back, when we left San Francisco, we marked all of our belongings - foot locker and what have you - with FAVG - we were the First American Volunteer Group. A lot of people in recent years have said that we didn't even know in our group that there were to be other groups, but we knew that. The word was that there were to be three groups, First, Second and Third. The second group was to be a bomber group, and the third was to be another fighter group. Of course Pearl Harbor stopped all of that. So everything we had in Toungoo was FAVG. Later on that became just simply AVG when we knew that there were not going to be any other groups. But Harvey Greenlaw was a very friendly fellow. Some people said that he wasn't too capable, but I guess he served the purpose at the time, because he did a lot of foot work and seemed to do the bidding of Chennault the way he liked it, and of course he built up the morale of the group through his wife. She apparently was a very friendly lady and some of our pilots made friends with her and I guess that boosted the social life quite a bit. Fortunately, Dick Rossi and I were church goers; we went to church on Sunday, and never got involved in that, but we heard �stories, especially after we got up to Kunming. But she kept a diary of the group and preserved the record of what we did and I think it's a rather concise diary of what happened. She was a striking woman who a lot of people don't even know what her true background was. We thought that maybe she was part Russian, part Mexican. But anyway the mixture was interesting. FRANK BORING: What was your relationship to the ground crew, Crew Chiefs? I mean these guys were responsible for keeping your airplane in shape which ultimately would keep you alive or dead up in the air. What was your relationship with them? JOE ROSBERT: The relationship with the ground staff was unique in that there was no military distinction like you have in a military organization, especially an American organization where the officers don't socialize with the enlisted people. There were no officers and enlisted men in our group. One of the things we found, we didn't know how capable they were, but we had armorers, we had crew chiefs that we found out as we went along were unequalled, hard to beat. Of course they became friends that you wouldn't find in any other type of organization, especially a military one. Any pilot from the AVG will tell you that this was an element without which we could never have done what we did. FRANK BORING: It was often spoken, this spirit, this can-do spirit that developed during the early days and became very intense during the initial battles. When you go up in an airplane, I would imagine it's very important to feel that that airplane was ready to fly. If you could somehow touch upon just some of the things that you talked about with the crew chiefs, not so much detail technically and what not, but what were the kind of things that you guys discussed before you actually got into an airplane to go up? JOE ROSBERT: One of the things that the crew chiefs did was give us a lot of confidence. And I can tell you that in all my experience in the AVG, I was told that the plane was ready, I never had any �mechanical trouble with the P-40 that I flew, never. And that will instill a lot of confidence in a pilot. But the other thing, they could improvise and get the plane back in the air with the least amount of effort and it was mainly due to their knowledge of the airplane and the meticulous way in which they took care of them. Each crew chief figured that this was his own - almost felt like he was flying in the airplane. I came back from a combat mission one time out of Rangoon, where I engaged bombers that had a tail gunner on each one. Our procedure of course was to maintain altitude and speed, dive on the plane, come around again and get that altitude back, and continue with that kind of a procedure, never getting yourself in a position where you lost the altitude advantage. When I got back from this one mission, when I pulled up to the line the crew chief said "what's wrong with your rudder?" and I said "I didn't feel anything wrong with it" and he said "well take a look" and I got out of the cockpit and looked back and half of the rudder was shot off. That didn't faze him a bit, he just went and got some masking tape, taped up that rudder and within about a half an hour the plane was ready to go on another mission. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88_Rosbert_Joe_1991-02-21_v02 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rosbert, Camile J. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Joe Rosbert interview (video and transcript, 2 of 7), 1991 Description An account of the resource Interview of Joe Rosbert Joe by filmmaker Frank Boring for the documentary, Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying TIgers. Rosbert served in the American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a Flight Leader in the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve." He joined the AVG after serving in the US Navy, and remained until it disbanded in 1942. In this tape, Rosbert describes his first meeting with General Chennault and how impressed he was with Chennault and his teachings, in addition to his relationship with the ground crew. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (interviewer) Christopher, Frank (director) Fei Hu Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/33b8331c9bfa890858c1e5761330b183.mp4 ba4e510f467642627a2ac2a03fef7dd2 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3fcaf10f23df3c921b33f902e5a65557.pdf d439a3161b0a7d7567a9a884c6f43adc PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Special Collections & University Archives RHC-88 Fei Hu Films Flying Tigers Interview Interviewer: Frank Boring Interviewee: Camille J. “Joe” Rosbert Date of Interview: 02-21-1991 Transcriber: Frank Boring [TAPE 3] FRANK BORING: This is a question that sort of goes back to something we talked about before. The first AVG was the idea of - and then you're going to have a second bombing group - were you aware of the plans to bomb Japan at that time. I mean when they told you about the second bombing group and the third fighter groups coming out were you aware - did you know anything about Chennault's plans? I know you know about it now because you've read his books and all that, but at that time? JOE ROSBERT: When we were recruited and after we spent our early days in Burma, there was never any word about what the plans for the groups were when we got to China. We knew that the Japanese had certain seasons where, like in the winter the weather was good in Kunming, they would bomb Kunming. The weather was very poor in the winter in Chunking so they stayed away from there until the spring when the weather started to improve. As far as the use of that second AVG, the bomber group was concerned, we likewise were not told anything about what the plans were. Nor were we told anything about the plans for the third group. All we knew was that we had one entity of three squadrons of fighters and that we were there to protect the Burma Road. That was the main thing that was told us and as we went along we were not told anymore. In other words, the missions came up one right after the other, especially when we went to Rangoon. You see after the first fight in Kunming where ten bombers came from Hanoi to start the �winter season of bombing, they never came back to try to bomb Kunming again after we engaged them. Then of course we went to Rangoon and the Third Squadron had already been there, the Second Squadron had been there. We, in the First Squadron, we were the last ones in Rangoon before it fell to the Japanese ground forces. The Japanese, first they came with bombers. When we shot down bombers, they came with bombers and fighter escort. We shot down bombers and fighter escort and pretty soon, for some reason, they were only sending fighters over Rangoon. They figured there must be some way to defeat whatever is happening to us. But it didn't work. The only thing that they accomplished was not in the air, it was on the ground and we had to move out of Rangoon when the ground forces approached. FRANK BORING: Before we get into December, what was your first relationship with the Chinese there and were you involved at all with any of the Chinese there, either the Generals or the top brass or just mechanics or anything like that? JOE ROSBERT: The Chinese were sort of an auxiliary force that was to assist the headquarters and assist the crew chiefs and the armorers in doing tasks that they asked them to do. We had very little contact with the Chinese. I'm talking about the pilots now. Of course Chennault was in contact with the Chinese Air Force officers and people like Tiger Wong Shu Ming came into the picture. He was part of the Chinese Air Force organization in Kunming and other officers that he consulted with all the time about what the Japanese were doing, their activities, etc. The Chinese had a pretty good grapevine bamboo radio you might say. Chennault had in the early days of getting this organized, set up a ground warning net with Chinese all over the areas that we were operating in with crank telephones that they would send messages in to key stations that we had set up with our own people, and then they would in turn contact Chennault in headquarters, so that we got warning about what the Japanese were doing. �FRANK BORING: What was the first indications that - just before Pearl Harbor - did you have any anticipation of trouble to come? I mean you were preparing to fight, the whole reason you were there was you were preparing to fight, but just before Pearl Harbor and then if you would explain what happened after Pearl Harbor, but was there any anticipation or any realization that you were going to be fighting soon? JOE ROSBERT: In the early days in Toungoo our activities outside of going to this class regularly given by Chennault and once in a while we had to preserve the airplanes so we couldn't fly every day, so we would lounge around and listen to records and talk and whatever, and there was practically no talk about engagement with the Japanese, about the war. We thought that nothing would happen until we went to China. In other words, we were in a staging area in the middle of the jungles in Burma, so we weren't worried about anything. We had one alert where somebody said they thought they saw a Japanese observation plane fly over. The sirens went off and everybody's standing on the brakes with the engines going, waiting for information to go up and - nothing happened. So naturally we were cool. We didn't think anything was going to happen before Pearl Harbor occurred. FRANK BORING: What is your recollection of the day that you heard that Pearl Harbor had been hit? JOE ROSBERT: A very exciting thing happened on December 8th. We had a little mimeographed news thing that came out that told us this was going on in Singapore and something in Rangoon, little news items from the States and so on, and this fellow who ran this newspaper had one of those Studebaker's and early in the morning - we would get up before dawn and go to the air strip to be on duty and by about one o'clock the sun was so hot in Burma that everything closed down and you couldn't touch the airplanes. So we had gone out on Monday, December 8th early, and pretty soon this Studebaker came flying out to the air strip and this fellow started throwing �these papers out to us and said "Pearl Harbor has been bombed" and took off and we read this thing and he had typed "Pearl Harbor has been bombed by the Japanese and we think that the Philippines is being attacked and we are keeping in touch with radio stations in different places and we'll have more news as it develops". And we thought we're in it! This is probably what we're here for, and everybody then got pretty excited. Something big is happening. And as the thing developed, the Pearl Harbor thing was a disaster and the Philippines too. I pointed this out many times to people before that - as we came over on that ship, we hit Pearl Harbor, we visited there, we had a good time on the beach at Waikiki, we went to the Philippines, we went out to Cavite and visited friends that we knew from Pensacola, we went down to Borneo, we went to Indonesia, we went up to Singapore where the British were saying "impenetrable fortress", we went to Rangoon. Do you realize that within two to three months all those places fell to the Japanese all over the Pacific? And we thought what's happening here? I mean everything is being lost. And of course then our successes started to come out and we felt pretty good about that. FRANK BORING: Let's talk about your first engagement. Let's talk about the first time it wasn't an alert, it was for real. JOE ROSBERT: I told about this campaign the Japanese had for bombing Chinese cities. We had word that they were going to start bombing Kunming so this is after Pearl Harbor now. Churchill had prevailed upon Chiang Kai-shek and of course, Chennault. At first they said they wanted all three squadrons to go to Rangoon. They prevailed upon them, Chiang Kai-shek and Chennault, to send one squadron down. So the Third Squadron went to Rangoon. Our other two squadrons prepared to go to Kunming because we knew something was going to start happening there. The Japanese were going to bomb. The day that we got the two squadrons together and got ready to go, something happened with the weather and we delayed the flight to Kunming. When we did get together the next day and now mind you these two squadrons went together, we had a �mimeographed sheet that showed Toungoo, Burma, showed a place in the foothills of the Himalayas where you turn to go to Kunming, and that was all. It had those two headings. We had just barely enough gas to get to Kunming, and what's more, this was the biggest flight of AVG planes that ever got together all during the war, both the First and Second Squadrons flew to Kunming. Now when we got to Kunming and landed, we were almost out of gas. But we made it without any problems. Nobody got in any trouble. But we got the word that the Japanese had just bombed Kunming. They had killed dozens of people and of course knocked out a lot of buildings etc., so we went into town that afternoon and had a chance to see what a bombing raid does to a town. The people that were killed and injured had already been pretty much removed, but you could see the debris from the shops and buildings, rubble in the streets, and we were sort of angry that we had missed by one day encountering the Japanese. We all said we're going to get those S.O.B's. Sure enough, they didn't come the next day. We were all on the alert. We had a couple of alert shacks, the P-40's all lined up. We had - you see these pictures where people run out with these parachutes on their backs and they're waddling - no, the parachutes are in the cockpit. You jump in and put the parachute on, you don't run along the ground and have an accident and break your leg when you're supposed to go up and shoot down Japanese. But anyway, the first word was that there were ten Japanese bombers that had crossed the Indo-China border and were headed towards Kunming. I don't know whether you know what a sphincter muscle is, but if that sphincter muscle doesn't hold, you're bound to have an accident in an airplane and I always felt fortunate that mine held and I think everybody else's did, but it starts to work. You're sitting in that plane waiting for information. We had terrible radio sets that somebody had bought in the Philippines that had nothing to do with the military plane. They were terrible and all they did was garble and garble and you could just barely get the work. They said "Okay, the First Squadron take off." I think we had twelve planes - not the whole squadron - "12 planes go ahead and take off - we had the direction �from which they were coming - intercept them". I think Ed Rector who was in the Second Squadron managed to somehow get permission to take off. He wasn't supposed to leave, but he joined in the fight and we got up to altitude, we knew that we were above the Japanese bombers, and pretty soon there's a formation of 10 Japanese planes. We'd never seen a Japanese plane in the air and here they came. We knew we had them because they were not very close to Kunming. I guess we intercepted them maybe 20 minutes out from the city. Well the first thing they did when they saw us was they turned around and started going the other way, no bombs or anything; they never got to the target. There's a little bit of conjecture about the number of planes we shot down, but we made passes on those 10 bombers. I thought that we saw only six headed back after that first engagement. There have been some reports that there were seven that headed back. But I understand that only one of those planes survived that combat, that some of them crashed on the way home, some crashed on landing at Hanoi where they came from. But after that fight, you turn around after a combat, it only takes a short time and we had no maps, and I can tell you those mountains around Kunming all looked the same. Unless you could spot a landmark, and we didn't know any landmarks except that lake at Kunming, you're sunk. Ed Rector ran out of gas and we thought that he was a goner, but the Chinese called in and said that he landed okay, he's all right. I looked around, there wasn't anybody. Pretty soon my Flight Leader, Ed Leibolt, who later lost an arm, flew up alongside of me and said follow me, gave a motion. Then there was another plane that joined up with us, Carl Brown, and we three flew along. I had the faith in Ed Leibolt. Pretty soon we came over a ridge and there was a lake, but that was not the Kunming Lake. We didn't really now it at the time, there was another lake down south of the Kunming Lake and we kept going and pretty soon we came over the Kunming Lake, we came in and landed, when we got out of the planes I said to Ed Leibolt "did you really know where you were?" He kind of smiled as if to say "I wish he wouldn't answer that question" because I don't think he knew where he was either. But we all got home okay �with no casualties and all the planes were all right. That was our first experience in combat and of course the ground personnel, the crew chiefs and the armorers were all asking questions and all exuberant "how many planes were shot down" and a lot of excitement. Then as I said for the next few weeks nothing happened at Kunming. All the action was taking place down in Rangoon and now we're all saying "when are we going to get down to Rangoon?" Well after about two or three weeks of operation in Rangoon, the Third Squadron was rotated back to Kunming, the Second Squadron went down and the First Squadron. FRANK BORING: This was your first engagement with the enemy. Was this the first time you'd ever gone into battle? JOE ROSBERT: I could tell you that nobody in the AVG had ever been in battle, except in a street brawl or something like that. No, there was no idea what that combat experience was going to be like. I can tell you that you never lose that nervous feeling from the time that you're told to scramble and you jump in the airplane and you wait and they say "okay, go". Then you go up and spot the enemy and then you engage them in combat, it's always a nervous feeling, you never lose that. You get a little more confident as you go along, and of course we had very few losses which gave us even more confidence, but we did lose some people and many of us came back with bullet holes in our planes. We knew that they were shooting real stuff at us. But we had that confidence that was reflected from Chennault himself and right through our initial successes. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88_Rosbert_Joe_1991-02-21_v03 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rosbert, Camile J. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Joe Rosbert interview (video and transcript, 3 of 7), 1991 Description An account of the resource Interview of Joe Rosbert Joe by filmmaker Frank Boring for the documentary, Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying TIgers. Rosbert served in the American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a Flight Leader in the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve." He joined the AVG after serving in the US Navy, and remained until it disbanded in 1942. In this tape, Rosbert discusses his first impressions of working with the Chinese as a part of the AVG and how the news of Pearl Harbor affected their operations in the days ahead. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (interviewer) Christopher, Frank (director) Fei Hu Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/78372fa67de48ef4ce30f7e5b2295196.mp4 a4361f468b3f63bd8e6eae5c74321f99 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/345c08b74e635174e66aa7dbdb76a184.pdf 37a6938316be87c06cac259501c268bd PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Special Collections & University Archives RHC-88 Fei Hu Films Flying Tigers Interview Interviewer: Frank Boring Interviewee: Camille J. “Joe” Rosbert Date of Interview: 02-21-1991 Transcriber: Frank Boring [TAPE 4] FRANK BORING: … the enthusiasm of the crew chiefs and everything else, what was the reaction of the Chinese people? JOE ROSBERT: Is that I loved you from the beginning, was your voice. You know how the Russians have a voice. After all this exuberance with the ground crew and the pilots talking to each other and Ed Rector coming back safely and all that, we were all feeling in pretty good spirits, but nothing like what happened the next day when Harvey Greenlaw came in to the alert shack and he said "you fellows are heroes and you better pretty yourselves up because the town is turning out and they want to show their appreciation." So everybody's combing their - we looked like a bunch of bums - but we did slick up a little bit, but everybody had a different costume on and we got out and we all lined up and here coming down the winding road to the entrance to the airport was a procession, led by the Mayor and other officials of the town and all these pretty little school kids, with those typical haircuts straight across the brow with the bangs, and they were all carrying flowers and a purple scarf. Each one had a purple scarf and they all marched up. I don't think they'd ever seen an American pilot before. They looked at us in awe and they gave flowers to a few people and then they came along where we were lined up and gave each one of us one of those purple scarves. I can tell you there was a tear in the eye because they were so appreciative. Most of us took those scarves home and �hung them up in our quarters and kept them for the rest of the time we were there. FRANK BORING: At that point the Chinese now were aware of who you were and what you were there for, later times when you would go into town, what was the reaction of the Chinese people when you would go into town? JOE ROSBERT: The reaction of the people in Kunming continued in that sort of an effervescent fashion. We'd go into a shop and outside would be all these kids and smiling faces all around the doorway, all looking in and laughing and saying "meg wo ren" which is Chinese for American and that hardly ever ceased, that didn't wear off them. They kept up that feeling of appreciation and admiration for what had been done. Like I said the Japanese never came back all the time we were there, so they began to take on a tranquil feeling about what was going on. Oh yeah, they thought we were big heroes and were doing a wonderful thing for the Chinese. FRANK BORING: What was the next stage, if you will, of the AVG? You had your first confrontation, the other guys had gone off to fight, there was a rotation going on. Then when did you go back into battle again? JOE ROSBERT: Well then when it came time for the First Squadron to have its round in Rangoon, we didn't know how long this was going to continue, the campaign in Rangoon. But Sandell said "we can't send the whole squadron, so we're going to draw cards to see who will go in the next contingent of about 12 pilots." Unfortunately, on that first round I lost and 12 other pilots went off. Then within a few days things got so hectic in Rangoon that they said "okay six more pilots" and I was in that group, but we didn't have any planes available. We flew by CNAC to Lashio. Now mind you, CNAC didn't even want to fly down into Rangoon at that time. Things were so bad at the Airdrome with all this military action going on, bombing the Airdrome every night, bombing the wharfs down on the port, bombing all kinds of targets, which we had to take the �train from Lashio to Rangoon. When we arrived in Rangoon on the train, there was an air raid warning going on. Dick Rossi was out there to meet us and we commandeered a couple of - we carried sidearms you know - a couple of taxis and jumped in those things and drove out of town to a place where we stayed overnight, it was a small hotel. But Dick said the British and Scottish in the Burma Oil Company have kindly consented to let us stay in their homes. So Dick was billeted with Michelson in one house and I was billeted next door in the neighbor's house with Greg Boyington, which for two or three weeks was quite an experience. He was a good Marine-trained pilot, he was the only regular officer in the AVG and we would go on the alert and I remember when we were told to scramble one time he came tearing out of the alert shack with nothing but his skivvies on, we all jumped in the airplanes and he went into combat with his underwear. Afterwards we would take the planes to what we called satellite airports and we would put the planes there for the night and drive home in cars and then the next day we would go and pick them up and bring them to Mingaladon Airdrome. After driving back home, the host in the home where we were staying would greet us with - the servants would draw a hot bath and we'd have a scotch and soda and we could relax. I remember one little incident where decided to go in town - this was during the last few days in Rangoon. As we drove in, everything was blacked out, you drove the cars without any lights, with just a little slit in the headlight. You could hardly see anything. We went around sort of a little traffic circle and there was a jeep turned over and we jumped out and said "what's happened?" And here's a guy under this jeep with his arm and his leg sticking out from under. We said "oh that guy must be dead". Greg said let's get those couple of guys over there and we all got under the thing and lifted the jeep up, and when we lifted the jeep up this British guy popped out of there as if nothing had happened to him. He was a pretty strong guy and I don't know whether I did my part in lifting that jeep, but I know he did. And we went into town and things were a mess. The natives were breaking into shops and busting crates down on the docks and they had some cosmetics �they had broken into and they were putting this cold cream on their faces and dancing around, everybody was going crazy because that was just about the end of Rangoon. Within a couple days, I think, one night a mechanic came and knocked on the door and he said "the British have pulled out all of the radio gear. There's no way to go into combat and find your way back here and we just have to leave." Bob Neale had given him instructions to get Rossi and Michelson, myself and Boyington and all the other guys out to the field and we took off with what planes were left, while the ground crew went north on the highway and the Japanese are coming in the other highway about 30-35 miles away. But we had lots of combat activity during those 2 or 3 weeks. I think I mentioned that they would come over with bombers, then bombers and fighters, and then maybe they'd have 75 fighters alone. Every time we'd go up they would try to get us in a dog fight. Bill Bartling used to say they used to do the bee hive trick. They'd make like a bee hive with bees flying around with hopes to get you in there and then they could come around and get on your tail and shoot you down. But we didn't fall for that. We'd go in and hit the sides of the thing and pretty soon they would disperse and head home. But we did some strafing missions. The strafing missions for the AVG were the most dangerous things and if you know anything about aerial combat, like the Japanese would ring an airport with antiaircraft fire and you had to fly through it if you were going to hit the target, so we lost Jack Newkirk to them on one of the flights into Thailand, we lost a couple of other guys from ground fire, Black Mack McGarry and we lost Charlie Mott. Ed Leibolt went out. We didn't ever know whatever happened to him. But we had one interesting strafing mission where we went to Moulmein. Moulmein was a big base for the Japanese. The moved up through the Malay Peninsula. They had one satellite field a few miles south of there. They had lots of planes on both of these fields. So Bob Neale said we'll go at dawn, we'll go down and hit that satellite field and then come around to the east of Moulmein Airport and come in from the sun and hit Moulmein before they have a chance to do anything. Well it was probably somewhat of a mistake to hit �that satellite field first because we destroyed quite a few planes there but then they were alerted up at Moulmein. But if you can call it funny, one of the funniest things that happened was that when we started to strafe Moulmein, here are these Japanese pilots getting into the airplanes as we're strafing the line of airplanes. Now some of them did get off and of course we were down very low strafing, so after a few passes and knocking off quite a few planes and pilots, we took off across that bay to Rangoon almost full throttle because if they got on your tail they could shoot you down. But we didn't lose any planes in that battle over Moulmein. FRANK BORING: At any given time how many of your planes lasted in the air? I mean they would drive up these strafing missions and you're going against all these planes. How many of you guys were up there? JOE ROSBERT: Eight, ten, twelve. We could hardly ever get more than that in the air. We were lucky if we ever got say sixteen or seventeen. It was one of those things where the planes had to be worked on. You could only send them back up so often. Once in a while at Mingaladon Airdrome, we'd come back, they'd gas the plane up, we'd jump right in the plane and go out again. They'd say there were more Japanese planes coming. I guess they just figured they would overwhelm us by numbers and they also were confident that the British ground forces were just collapsing all over the place and that they were going to take the area anyway by ground. And that's exactly what happened. The British wound up - I forget the number of the squadron - but by the time we got up to Loiwing, China just across the border, the British had one airplane left and let's say it was the 326th Fighter Squadron, there was an alert and we all took off in a scramble and here goes this British guy, we'd say "there goes the 327th Fighter Squadron" and sure enough they finally lost that plane. But they just for some reason couldn't get their intelligence together with the ground forces. We went on one mission where we escorted British bombers and we never went again for the reason that their intelligence sent them on a mission where they bombed their own troops. So naturally we said the hell �with that, we're not escorting bombers to bomb British troops. But it was sad in a lot of respects like that, that everything was crumbling. Of course, as everybody knows, they took all of Burma. FRANK BORING: How do you account for your successes against such overwhelming odds, against the Japanese? JOE ROSBERT: Our successes were due, first of all by the fact that we all had military training. We were all pretty experienced in our job from the military. Then there was Chennault's leadership with his expertise in teaching and all the intelligence information he had gathered, plus the fact that I think the initial successes just bred more success. People were, although still cautious and careful about what they did, became more and more confident and just knocked the hell out of the Japanese. FRANK BORING: But one thing that's really very difficult for me to understand is that at any given time you'll have maybe six airplanes in the air and yet you knew these brand new airplanes were just coming over in waves and waves and waves. Didn't you think about it or you just go up and you just fought? JOE ROSBERT: We didn't think about the numbers. The numbers didn't bother us at all because we knew we could get away from them. And they never really - outside of maybe one or two that were shot down they never overwhelmed us in a combat to the point where let's say everybody was scared and lost their confidence and ran away. It never happened. FRANK BORING: When you were up there in this bee hive, what was the strategy? Did you actually follow Chennault's theories and his tactics? JOE ROSBERT: Absolutely. The tactics that Chennault taught us were the only things that really saved us besides our military background and the fact that we knew how to fly airplanes. The numbers of the Japanese planes never made a big impression on us, never did. �Because if you go into combat against those numbers and you don't lose any pilots or you lose very few, you figure you must be doing something right. That success just continued, it never stopped. Later on we went to the Kweilin - Hengyang area and just knocked the fannies off the Japanese as they came in. FRANK BORING: Now in all this time, the legend, if you will, was starting to build up. First of all you had never heard this term before and then all of a sudden people started calling you Fei Hu "Flying Tigers". Newspaper people were coming over, movie crews were coming over, you were hearing stories about what was being said about you. Comment on that. You were fighting and you had these circumstances you were under, but what's this thing that started to develop, this legend that began? JOE ROSBERT: I don't think that legend of the Flying Tigers really hit us at the time we were engaged in combat. The stories built up and it's like a lot of people have always said to me "wasn't that rough over there?" and I always say that I didn't know it was rough until I got home and people started telling me it was rough. It was sort of the same thing about the Flying Tigers, that legend - story - started with the Chinese and with the Press and I don't think we were really impressed with that story at that time. Later on they said we were heroes and all that. The one thing that we thought about later was that probably the reason for that legend, of a legendary picture, was that we were losing everywhere. The British were defeated. We were losing in the Philippines, we were losing in the South Pacific and it took us about 3 or 4 years before the tide of the war started changing in the Pacific. At the time we operated, we were the only bright star on the horizon, so naturally it was compounded by the fact that we were sort of an isolated case and our lack of losses and the fact that we did shoot down a lot of Japanese airplanes for what we lost. So it was a good investment. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88_Rosbert_Joe_1991-02-21_v04 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rosbert, Camile J. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Joe Rosbert interview (video and transcript, 4 of 7), 1991 Description An account of the resource Interview of Joe Rosbert Joe by filmmaker Frank Boring for the documentary, Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying TIgers. Rosbert served in the American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a Flight Leader in the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve." He joined the AVG after serving in the US Navy, and remained until it disbanded in 1942. In this tape, Rosbert describes the reaction of the Chinese people to the heroics of the Flying Tigers, his account for their success, and the legend that started to develop around them. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (interviewer) Christopher, Frank (director) Fei Hu Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4aec9e349c945d2e4350c5525e9f4211.mp4 636da8865ea5da4dd506928b16208896 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/012e9b2c665749aaa1790113f7c8d322.pdf e51d28f0ea3db791ea1024b2e527330c PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Special Collections & University Archives RHC-88 Fei Hu Films Flying Tigers Interview Interviewer: Frank Boring Interviewee: Camille J. “Joe” Rosbert Date of Interview: 02-21-1991 Transcriber: Frank Boring [TAPE 5] JOE ROSBERT: The trouble in having accidents and falling down drunk (I don't want to say that) but he was a pretty good drinker and he was always getting into trouble. Now naturally he made a big success in the South Pacific because he gave them a squadron of misfits that they thought, well Boyington's going to fall on his fanny and he didn't, he made a big success of it. FRANK BORING: He was keyed to trying to get Sandell out too, wasn't he? All right let's talk about Sandell and if you want to go into Boyington that's up to you. But there was some controversy, as I understand it around Sandell and his leadership. I wonder if you could elaborate on that? JOE ROSBERT: Sandell, my Squadron Leader, we called him Sandy, was more of a military-minded leader than I think the other Squadron Leaders were. He wasn't too flexible in that respect and maybe because of that, and the fact that we were, I'll say, an informal group, there was some feeling that maybe somebody would be better, but nothing was ever pushed in that respect. As the course of events after he was killed in the crash in Rangoon testing an airplane, Bob Neale took over and was more of a flexible type. Of course the action was picking up more at that point, so he got into more activity where he became the top ace in the AVG. But as far as any kind of real controversy, I can't say that I felt that. I just felt that he was kind of a stern fellow for the type of group we had. The other �Squadron Leaders, Arvid Olson and Jack Newkirk and Tex Hill, Bob Neale, they weren't quite that way, but everybody's different, so I'd had that relationship of a pilot to his Squadron Leader and I never felt real strong resentment against Sandell. And of course that whole thing, if there was any feeling, was overtaken by events. FRANK BORING: So very close friendships developed in that period. In terms of your going up in the battle and then you come back and wondering who else was going to come back, who do you think affected you the most in terms of who didn't come back? Whose death really affected you the most? JOE ROSBERT: Well the one that I almost had a feeling for when we were in Toungoo when they decided to send the Third Squadron to Rangoon and First and Second went to Kunming, I waved goodbye to my good friend Hank Gilbert, who was in the group of ten pilots on my ship when we came over from San Francisco and Carl Brown was also in that group of ten. One night in Kunming, at night, Carl Brown came to greet me and he said "I've got some sad news". And I said "It's Hank Gilbert". And sure enough he was shot down. Now he was the youngest pilot we had and if anything hit me all through the AVG, I would say that was probably the hardest, because I knew him real well from that trip across. But other than that, the other pilots that were lost, and of course three of them came back, Charlie Mott and Black Mac McGarry and Bishop, there wasn't that feeling. I didn't know any of those people that well. Now there was one other one that I knew fairly well and he was rather an amusing fellow, had been at North Island, Tom Cole. He was shot down in the early action in Rangoon and he also was on my ship. But it didn't quite hit me like that first one with Hank Gilbert. But the things that you see in the movies and you read about in books, where this type of occurrence knocks you down and ruins your nerves and you get all dramatic - no, not a bit. The news came. That was a fate accompli, and the next day you went on with whatever had to be done. There were no - that I know of in our whole group - dramatics about the people that were lost. �Not that we were hard-hearted or anything, but it was just that feeling, well I'm still surviving and somebody has to go. FRANK BORING: Would you say part of it is that you knew what you were getting into, I mean you knew you were going up against odds, you knew you were going to be fighting against some enemy that was out to kill you? Was there like a kind of certainty? JOE ROSBERT: Oh yeah, you knew that when you were in combat that they were shooting real bullets at you. But I don't think anybody - I know I didn't - had the idea that you were going to be next. Nobody, to my mind, ever went out with that attitude, ever. I think we lost most of those people before we got into combat. They took a look at the situation, they went home. And it was probably good they did. FRANK BORING: Regarding that same subject, not just the Tigers, but you see a lot of other books and movies talk about when a pilot doesn't come back, he's got all his gear there and it sort of gets distributed about. What was the policy, so to speak, regarding that, what happened? I mean a locker full of stuff was left there. JOE ROSBERT: When somebody went down in combat, there was somebody appointed that knew him to take care of his belongings. Now he would decide that there were a lot of things there, no point sending home. What's the use of sending the fellow's gun home or his skivvies or whatever, so things like that would be disposed of in the group, or however he wanted to do it and then it would be some things that they thought the family might want that they would pack up and send home. FRANK BORING: I understand there was an incident involving your premature loss of certain items and what not. JOE ROSBERT: Well of course that came later when I crashed in the Himalayas Mountains. �FRANK ROSBERT: Oh that's right. One thing we sort of touched on, and to me it's a very fascinating - is a description of the fall of Rangoon. I mean it must have been a total zoo! And in fact, they let the zoo animals out or something didn't they? JOE ROSBERT: Well the population in Rangoon were more the zoo than any animals. Oh I tell you, those Indians and Burmese, they went crazy in the last days of Rangoon. It was hardly safe to go into the town. In fact we were told it's better not to. But we did make that one foray into town to look around and see what was happening. But they were busting up everything. They just knew that the Japanese were coming in. In fact, I think some of them who planned to stay there decided to bust things up to tell the Japanese that they were helping them so they wouldn't get into trouble after the occupation. FRANK ROSBERT: There was a period towards the end where you were fighting constantly. I've been told there was very little sleep at times and you'd have to get into an airplane and go up and fight and then come back and exhaustion started to set in. What was that period like towards the end of AVG? JOE ROSBERT: Towards the end of the AVG? FRANK BORING: Was that when the real heavy concentration of fighting was going on? JOE ROSBERT: The heaviest fighting we had in the AVG was in the Rangoon campaign. Now later on, there was some action around the Salween River and bombings of Paoshan and that area. That was fairly active for just a few days. Then Dick Rossi and I flew up to Chunking with a group of other pilots because they thought they were going to bomb Chunking and Chennault got word that the Japanese were going to avoid Chunking for a little while and bomb the Kweilin area. So we were ordered to go down there one afternoon and arrive at dark and they had this headquarters in a cave there. We lined up our planes on the end of the runway and �went up in the cave and the next morning we were on alert before dawn and word came through - there was a Chinese interpreter there who was getting the messages from the Chinese - and Chennault was putting pins on a map showing these Japanese planes that had taken off from around the Canton area and were headed towards Kweilin. That was probably the calmest feeling that we had, if you can say that you ever got calm in combat, because pretty soon Chennault said "okay this is the time to go, get up to altitude and intercept them. They're coming in at such and such a direction." We did and I was just behind Bob Neale, we were in this formation, it was a beautiful day and I spotted the Japanese formation coming in and I fired. You could see the tracers, you know, if you pulled the trigger and he spotted that right away and I pointed down there and we all went down after them. We had a combat like that around Kweilin and the Hengyang area and it was at that point after all this business in Rangoon on the last days, that Bob Neale actually was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He says that maybe he even did have a nervous breakdown and that of course leads into this business of the Army Air Corps taking over the AVG and how we were treated and what happened at that point. But the activity after the Rangoon campaign was one bad - I say bad in respect that it was a very dangerous operation, which was a raid on Chiang Mai in Thailand. And Tex Hill can tell you more about that because he was on that raid and that's where Jack Newkirk was shot down ground strafing. I think actually they ground strafed some tanks and trucks and he was hit and that was the end of him. But other than that the campaigns around Kweilin, Hengyang, were much milder - if I can use that word -than Chiang Mai raid or the campaign in Rangoon. FRANK BORING: When did you first start hearing the rumors that AVG was going to change its status, so to speak, become incorporated into another form into the American military? JOE ROSBERT: Along about April in the spring of '42. Chennault didn't put out any official notice or anything, but the word spread because there had �been Army Air Corps types flying in there, General Stillwell came and they were looking around and the General spread the word that when July came that that was probably going to be the end of the AVG. Within a very short time, the notice came out that he was made Brigadier General in command of what was to be the Army Air Corps operation after our group was disbanded. We heard that there was a General by the name of Bissell who was going to be in charge of the recruiting program. I thought that was strange because they thought enough of Chennault's record that he could be appointed the Commanding General of the new Air Force in China, but not a good enough man to recruit his own people. Now that doesn't mean that he couldn't contact his own individual men and talk to them. But the official man in charge of the recruiting was General Bissell and that proved to be a disaster because they got us in a hall in Kunming during that period. Here we are with side arms and a little bit of beard and fairly tough looking customers, which didn't seem to faze General Bissell at all. He stood up and said among other things that you have to join the U.S. Military out here, because if you don't, when you set foot on United States soil, you're going to be drafted as Privates, and besides, you're going to have trouble getting home. Now this contract that we had was a round-trip affair and nobody, including Chennault, had ever talked to us or taken that attitude with us before. So you know what rhymes with Bissell, that's what everybody said to him and they walked out and they only recruited five pilots. It was a shame because we had the experience and could teach - they sent a bunch of Second Lieutenants in to replace us that hardly were more than out of flight school. It really was a shame. FRANK BORING: Before you walked into that meeting with Bissell, what was your intention? I mean you knew that your contract was running out, what was your actual intention? JOE ROSBERT: Before that meeting, I didn't have much thought about it. I hadn't really given it much attention. The word had spread and the notice �that Chennault was made a General and it was more a sad feeling than anything. Here our group is going to disappear after July. I really didn’t know what I was going to do. I talked to some of the other pilots and they were disgusted with this display by Bissell. You see they set up a board and they were going to go around from Kunming to Chunking, Kweilin, places like that and interview the people individually, ground staff and the pilots. Many of them said "I don't even want to talk to that Board." Not interested. Now later on, many of those pilots went back and joined their own respective services and served in the war. Chuck Older came back to China and some of the other pilots came back to China. It wasn't as if everybody just wanted to throw up their hands and go home. It was that they were disgusted with the way Bissell handled the whole thing. FRANK BORING: Did you ever meet Stillwell? JOE ROSBERT: Yeah, casually. FRANK BORING: What was your reaction to him - just first impressions - what was? JOE ROSBERT: We were sitting on the alert in Kunming at the airport, when here came a B25. We had word that there was a plane coming into the area so that we wouldn't scramble and shoot it down, so we were told that this Army Air Corps B25 was coming in and pretty soon it landed, pulled up to the line and off that airplane came this fellow who looked like he was from the First World War with a campaign hat on. He didn't really have wrapped leggings but it looked like he had them on and everybody said "Who is that?" And somebody said "I think that's General Stillwell." And they still said "Who is that?" And that was the first impression that we had that here was some relic from the First World War that appeared on the scene. We didn't know what he was going to do at the time, had no idea what his future was in the theater. But then later on we all formed stronger opinions about him and especially �his relations with General Chennault and with Chiang Kai-shek. As you know, later on he was eventually removed from his Command. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88_Rosbert_Joe_1991-02-21_v05 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rosbert, Camile J. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Joe Rosbert interview (video and transcript, 5 of 7), 1991 Description An account of the resource Interview of Joe Rosbert Joe by filmmaker Frank Boring for the documentary, Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying TIgers. Rosbert served in the American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a Flight Leader in the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve." He joined the AVG after serving in the US Navy, and remained until it disbanded in 1942. In this tape, Rosbert discusses the close friendships that developed within the AVG squadrons and the losses that affected him the most, in addition to the final days of the AVG and the meeting with General Bissell. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (interviewer) Christopher, Frank (director) Fei Hu Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/fef5bb34999c5ad8781848e9b90dde90.mp4 6a07266ff4939ec2a03aeb66439167c4 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/bfabf83c1bc3b98053b6903a46834b1d.pdf 2733da9bdbcef7a0a0bd274a0e81c05e PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Special Collections & University Archives RHC-88 Fei Hu Films Flying Tigers Interview Interviewer: Frank Boring Interviewee: Camille J. “Joe” Rosbert Date of Interview: 02-21-1991 Transcriber: Frank Boring [TAPE 6] JOE ROSBERT: So those events overtook the Stillwell situation and it wasn't till later really that we learned of the relationship and what happened with Stillwell and Chennault. FRANK BORING: Looking back on it now your impressions about this controversy between Stillwell and Chennault… JOE ROSBERT: After that first meeting or that first sighting of Stillwell when he came in, we later learned that he was going to have a prominent position as the Commanding General of the combined forces in China and we thought once again, like the Bissell incident, that here's another fracas that's going to happen because we learned that he was a ground forces fanatic and of course, Chennault was all air force and that there was bound to be a clash. It turned out that way and Stillwell, I always though, made an ass of himself by going down on the ground in Burma and marching out his little battalion when he was the Commanding General in the area and what was happening in the area headquarters all the time he was marching out of there. But the upshot of that was that he and Chennault never saw eye-to-eye on anything. Eventually this got to the Generalissimo who used what influence he could and Stillwell was finally removed from his Command. FRANK BORING: Did you ever meet the Generalissimo? �JOE ROSBERT: Oh yeah, many times. FRANK BORING: Give us some ideas of what was your first impression of him and then later impressions? JOE ROSBERT: Well the first impression we had of the Generalissimo was after we had been in combat for a while. The Chinese Air Force, through Madame Chiang Kai-shek, decided to decorate us. We already had Chinese wings, you know. We wore Chinese Air Force wings. They got us together and the Madame, the General Chiang Kaishek came for the ceremony where we were decorated. I, at that point, didn't know much about the Generalissimo, except that he was the head of the government and the whole program against the Japanese and that probably that was the reason we were there to help him do the job against the Japanese. He looked like a very tough-minded person. He had a shaved head and to me he looked pretty capable of strong measures. Now later on I knew him pretty well and the family in Taiwan and I thought he was a capable politician, but events in China took over after the war was over and the Communists had built up such a strength in cahoots with the Soviet Union, that they defeated the Nationalists on the mainland so we wound up in Taiwan. I thought he was capable under the circumstances. With the way the situation was in China, lack of communications, they always were the last ones to receive consideration. The European Theater being the prize, as far as the politicians in Washington were concerned. So he had a tough circumstance to overcome and I thought he did pretty well. FRANK BORING: What were your impressions of Madame Chiang Kai-shek? JOE ROSBERT: Well when she called us her Flying Tiger Angels and the Darlings of the CAF, I tell you, everybody just melted. She was an orator. She could speak better than English than you or I. She was a terrific speaker and kind of a spell-binder. When she got up and made a talk, she could really make you feel emotional. �FRANK BORING: Did you have much to do with her? I mean did she come to see the AVG? JOE ROSBERT: She sort of considered the AVG her baby, in a way. I guess because of her education in the United States and the fact that she knew more about our people than the Generalissimo did. But she, I would say, took over and sort of was our best sponsor in the Chinese government. FRANK BORING: Did you ever have any contact with Tiger Wong? JOE ROSBERT: I only knew him rather casually in those days because we really didn’t know too many of the Chinese officers. Naturally, with that nickname we heard of him and we knew that he was connected. But as far as knowing him as a person, no, I did not. I only got to know him later on Taiwan. FRANK BORING: How about P.Y. Shu? JOE ROSBERT: P.Y. Shu of course was like the faithful puppy. He was constantly at Chennault's side. He was always outside his office for the General to call at any moment and he, from the day that the General arrived in China, he joined up with him because he was like a Secretary in the Chinese Air Force. Not in the office sense, but a Secretary in the official sense. Because of his English capability, he joined up with the General right away, I think around 1937 and was at his side when we arrived in Kunming and stayed with him until the General died. FRANK BORING: Did you have any interactions with him? Was he somebody you considered a friend? JOE ROSBERT: Oh yes. P.Y. was a friend of all of us in the executive branch of CAT, which was Chennault's airline later on. But in those days in Kunming, we didn't have much to do with P.Y., we just knew he was there all the time. �FRANK BORING: You touched upon Chiang Kai-shek, you said that you considered him a capable leader given the circumstances. Do you have any opinions on the statement that he was spending more time fighting the Communists than he was the Japanese? Did you ever get that kind of impression? JOE ROSBERT: During the war when we were there in the AVG and engaged in our operation I really didn't know too much about that situation vis-a-vis the Communists. I don't think in those early days, '41-'42, that there was that kind of a big campaign. Now you've got to remember that Sun Yat-sen, who founded the new Nationalist movement in China, and Chiang Kai-shek were rabid antiCommunists. They fought the Communists from 1923 when they first started up in Shanghai. Of course when they made that long march up through Yin En [?], they were pursued and wound up with a fairly small force. Now they built that up as the war went on and I think that Chiang Kai-shek's feeling and his actions against the Communists as they built up that force in cahoots with the Soviet Union, then he became more and more in pursuit of the Communists. But I don't think he ever considered them any greater a threat at that time than the Japanese, but I think that feeling did build up as they went along. FRANK BORING: There was a feeling that came across in the accounts in the books and also in some of our interviews that towards the end of the period before July 4th, a sense of exhaustion. Not so much morale being that bad, but just a sense of exhaustion. That it was time to take a break. Did you feel that yourself? Or were you ready to keep going another year of fighting? JOE ROSBERT: I didn't feel any sense of exhaustion. I was disturbed by the attitude that the hierarchy in the U.S. Army Air Corps took, the attitude they took, that we were just like any other group. Okay if we didn't take their offer, so be it. But there were some people that felt some sense like that, that they better get out of there. But I think that for �the majority, that decision was made by the circumstances surrounding the recruitment program. I really believe that if Chennault, not only had been appointed the Commanding General of this new air group, but had been told that he was in charge of the recruitment program and go to it and do the best he could to recruit all these people, that there would have been a lot more people stay on. In spite of the fact that everybody thought that one of the things that should have been offered was maybe a brief respite of a couple of weeks or whatever, either in another area or actually in the States. I almost got the feeling from the attitude of the military that they weren't too anxious for Chennault to get a big group of us to continue on. I just had that sense. Now maybe that wasn't exactly right, but the 17 of us who joined CNAC, for instance, that subsidiary of Pan American, did so with the idea that this was an improvement over what had been offered and that they were kind enough to say yes, we realize your situation and you may have a vacation. The U.S. military didn't take that attitude. But as far as the exhaustion was concerned, no I don't think there was a large number of people that felt exhausted. After all, when we went with CNAC, the 17 of us who did, flew the hump, which is one of the worst routes in the world. We flew that hard. So I don't think that it was a question of exhaustion. I think it was more the treatment and the fact that there should have been some consideration given to how long we had been in combat. FRANK BORING: Was there a pilot's revolt? Was there actually a confrontation with Chennault where the pilots said "we've had enough?" JOE ROSBERT: No, there was no confrontation where they said we had enough. But there was a group that got together and approached him and said that they didn't think that we should do anymore strafing missions, that they were too dangerous, that we had lost Jack Newkirk and Black Mac McGarry and before that we had lost Charlie Mott and that they didn't think that was worth the possible losses, and they were dangerous missions, pretty bad. But that �occurred just during the short period of time and I think that Chennault did agree in principle, but maybe that wasn't productive. FRANK BORING: That actually was part of your - I mean you were not a military unit in a sense that this was not really considered insubordination or anything, was it? I mean was it common to go to Chennault and say I disagree with this or I don't like this? JOE ROSBERT: Well I could tell you that during that whole period and until July, this was a few months. You know we were only in combat 7 months. I think that from that incident the thing continued on for another 2 or 3 months at least. In other words, nobody at that point went to Chennault and said "I quit". They never were threatening in that respect. FRANK BORING: What was it like to work with Chennault, I mean in terms of a dayto-day operation? I mean he was a Colonel but you often said that the rank thing was not the same as in the military, you didn't have to salute people and whatnot, but what was it like to work with Chennault? JOE ROSBERT: Chennault lived in that hostel with the pilots on the west side of Kunming. The First Squadron had a separate billet between town on the east side and the airport. He was with those people quite a bit. But in the day-to-day operation of the AVG, there was very little contact with the personnel and Chennault. As far as his being a Colonel, he was sort of an honorary Colonel in the CAF. He really didn't with us have any kind of connotation of a military position. Everybody knew that he was the head of the organization, but he never impressed you when he was around you that he was the Chief. He did insist that when they played softball, that he was the pitcher, but other than that he never imposed himself in a hard way on any of us. Now he did call Boyington in and tell him after several incidents where Boyington injured himself, he crashed in a P-40 on takeoff and almost killed himself. He called him in and said "Greg, if I don't send you home you're going to kill yourself." �And he did send him home and was probably justified in doing it. But Boyington always took the position that "he was no military general in command of me and had no right to send me home." But of course Chennault had the right to send anybody home. FRANK BORING: There was not much saluting and things like that around, but I understand that some guys did salute Chennault. JOE ROSBERT: I never saw him saluted, never. Now Tex Hill and Ed Rector and a few of those people that were in that other hostel can tell you more about that, but I never saw anybody salute Chennault. FRANK BORING: Or anybody else? JOE ROSBERT: No, never. FRANK ROSBERT: Given the fact that it was a loose group, I mean it was an organized group in the sense that when you got up in the air, as I understand it Chennault's basic rules were that when you're on the ground you're pretty much - you've got your duties to do and whatnot, but when you're in the air you've got to do it a certain way. But on the ground there was a certain amount of partying and sort of a loose kind of atmosphere as I understand it? Was that pretty much true and was it a hard drinking, hard playing group of guys? JOE ROSBERT: At times there was some partying and hard drinking, but not as a regular thing. Now the pilots in the AVG had no duties. During the day, the most that we had to do was play Red Dog and I got myself a typewriter and a typing book and taught myself how to type and a few other guys did a couple of productive things, but other than that everybody was just on the alert and either took a nap on the cot or played Red Dog or whatever. There was never any hard drinking at all as far as being on duty was concerned. Oh that was out, absolutely. And usually it occurred like after maybe 4 or 5 days on duty, then you'd have one or two days off. You wouldn't �even go to the airfield and then you were free to do what you wanted. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88_Rosbert_Joe_1991-02-21_v06 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rosbert, Camile J. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Joe Rosbert interview (video and transcript, 6 of 7), 1991 Description An account of the resource Interview of Joe Rosbert Joe by filmmaker Frank Boring for the documentary, Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying TIgers. Rosbert served in the American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a Flight Leader in the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve." He joined the AVG after serving in the US Navy, and remained until it disbanded in 1942. In this tape, Rosbert discusses the controversy between Stillwell and Chennault, the feelings within the group during their final weeks, and the off-duty pastimes of the AVG. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (interviewer) Christopher, Frank (director) Fei Hu Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/379103f0433b56848a813ba28cdfc804.mp4 be9177c02f08c60903bda2684ee50f1e https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/91c864558fdf39e9436c53c2823dbae0.pdf 7dedf57f0028d9b4a4d42a63e8a6b948 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Special Collections & University Archives RHC-88 Fei Hu Films Flying Tigers Interview Interviewer: Frank Boring Interviewee: Camille J. “Joe” Rosbert Date of Interview: 02-21-1991 Transcriber: Frank Boring [TAPE 7] - audio only JOE ROSBERT: Air Corps came in now like this spring of '42, they set up a supply route from India and the only way to get there was to fly the stuff over the hump, so all the stuff that Chennault needed including gasoline, was flown over the hump. Now Pan Am at that point in around May or June of '42 had signed the contract with the Army Air Corps to fly supplies over the hump, using CNAC as the named party in the contract. So that's how we happened to join, but it was a Pan American operation. FRANK BORING: Looking back now, what do you thing was your particular contribution or proud moments with AVG? JOE ROSBERT: I would say one of the proud moments was when I arrived in Toungoo and saw the P-40's and met Chennault. That I had made the right decision and that was reflected in many proud moments like that Kunming incident I told you about with townspeople coming out, losing a couple of friends. Above all, I would say, the great success we had against the Japanese and the feeling of accomplishment that we had done something in the war. FRANK ROSBERT: In terms of history where do you think AVG stands - where are they in all of this whole scheme of China and America? JOE ROSBERT: The AVG to my mind stands out as the only bright star that shone at that time from December until July when we were disbanded. I �think that every theory or idea that Chennault had about tactics was brought out during that period and served well the U.S. Army Air Corps in the two or three years to come in the war in China. FRANK BORING: You had a long period of time in China and you spent a lot of time doing different things out there, the CAT, CNAC, the hump. Where does AVG fit in terms of your personal history? How does that fit into how you evaluate your life? JOE ROSBERT: I think as far as my own personal history is concerned the AVG fits in as a young, starry-eyed Naval Aviator who went to the Far East and didn't know anything about what was going on in that mysterious world and it took me those seven months, not only to make a record in the air, but understanding what was going on with the Chinese people. FRANK BORING: What captured you about that? What was it about the Chinese that made you stay out there so long? JOE ROSBERT: One thing about the Chinese, they have a philosophy of life that involves patience to the point where no American can understand it. They used to build those runways in Kunming and we used to say "there are those Chinese again making little ones out of big ones". They had a hammer and pounding the rocks until they got small enough until they could spread them out and make a runway. We had a plane make a crash landing in a river and it sank. This was up near Hengyang towards the last days and everybody said "well that's the end of that P-40". Not the Chinese. They got bamboo poles, they submerged them, tied them to that plane, oneby-one, by the hundreds, until finally the P-40 floated and they pulled it ashore. But that's the kind of things they could do with their patience and the other thing is, we didn't know it at the time, but we found out as we went along, that the Chinese have a terrific sense of humor, unlike the Japanese. The Japanese are hard, the Chinese, to my mind, are a soft people. Once you have a Chinese friend, he can't do enough for you. And the other thing I liked �about the Chinese in China, they did everything on a handshake. They didn't have lawyers, they didn't have contracts. You made a deal and that was it. It was part of their honor. That didn't mean that they wouldn't take advantage of a situation, but they would stick by their word. So those are my remembrances of the Chinese. FRANK BORING: Why did you stay in China so long? JOE ROSBERT: Well, for one thing, we formed the Flying Tiger Line in Los Angeles and General Chennault, he was a retired General at that time, came by our base in Mines Field in California, which is now Los Angeles International Airport, and told us about a franchise that he had obtained through the efforts of Madame Chiang Kaishek and Chiang Kai-shek himself for his work that he had done in China through the war years, and would any of us be interested in joining the operation and I seized the chance and not only that, after being in China for about six months, I met my wife, a beautiful Russian woman, and we had three kids out there. So I sort of got enamored with the way of life and the Chinese and how they did things. FRANK BORING: Just incorporate what it is and you'd say that's what guys would do mostly… JOE ROSBERT: I mentioned that the pilots in the AVG, when they were on the alert had no duties except wait for a scramble. We either rested or read books or we gambled and the game that we gambled on was Red Dog. I find that a lot of people don't know what that game is, but it was a turning of the card by the dealer and you betting that you could beat the card. When that pot built up because we were using Chinese money, built up to a mountain, and you lost, they had to count all that money. So that took quite a bit of time. But it was a gambling game where you bet against the dealer turning up a card that you could beat. �FRANK BORING: One final question, Joe. What do you think the AVG meant to China? JOE ROSBERT: Well China had been bombed by the Japanese. You need to have the picture of the Japanese having moved into North China and down to Shanghai, and then taking all the port cities, all the way down to taking Hong Kong, which was not part of China at the time. They invaded Hong Kong, they had Canton, they had Amoy, they had Shanghai, and then of course they had all the northern cities. This meant defeat upon defeat and I think that when we came along and started hitting the Japanese when they had no air force to go against them, and that they just had to suffer these bombings of their cities - because the Japanese bombed mostly cities, they weren't interested particularly in the airports, there was no air force - so they bombed the cities. And since we stemmed that tide, I think the Chinese never forgot that. That spread like wildfire all through China. Right from Kunming, Chunking was the war time capital, up through Chunking, down to Kweilin, Hengyang and then of course later on the air force was instrumental in helping to defeat the Japanese completely. But we were the first ones that stemmed the tide and I think that's why they remember that the most. FRANK BORING: Is there anything that you recall that is particularly… We've got some more tape left, I certainly want to hear it. JOE ROSBERT: Before I was promoted to Flight Leader, I was a Wing man and I had a Flight Leader by the name of Matt Kuykendall and as I said on our days off we were free, we didn't have much to do at our hostel between the airport and town, we had a little bar where we would go and have a few libations now and then. On this particular day - of course we were carrying guns and we got a little obstreperous and started shooting - supposedly shooting at each other and having a duel, but really shooting up in the air and somehow or another Harvey Greenlaw was in the area of our hostel, or somebody said "hey you'd better come and save these �guys from themselves". So he came along and he said "you guys are subject to Court Martial." He said "I have to make this report on what happened and you will be advised." So sure enough we got a notice that we were going to have a Court Martial and so I got hold of - from one of the Air Force types - a Court Martial Book of Regulations, and in there it said the inspecting officer of the case cannot serve on the Court Martial Board. You know pilots to Chennault were everything and when we were called into this room the General was at the head of the table, Harvey Greenlaw was there and somebody else and Matt Kuykendall and myself. The General called the Court Martial to order and I said "General I'd like to say something." He said "Okay". So I said "The inspecting officer of a Court Martial cannot serve on the Court Martial". He smiled and he turned to Harvey Greenlaw and he said "Harvey is that right?" and Harvey said "Yeah, I think that is right". And he said "Well Harvey, I guess you'll have to be excused". And the upshot of it was that the General said "Well you know you guys could have caused a lot of trouble. I'm fining you $100.00 each and don't do it again". That was one case of how a little bit of off time and celebrating could get you into trouble. Another similar case to that - I told you that when we went down to Rangoon, we didn't have any planes, we took the train from Lashio to Rangoon and we had a lot of beer on that train. We got out at Mandalay and it was night time and we had our guns and we're drinking beer shooting things up and finally John Farrell and another one of the pilots, I can't remember his name now, but they started an argument with each other, and I said "Okay you guys, if you're going to be that way, you better go back-to-back" - now, mind you, it's dark out, you couldn't see a damn thing. I said "I'll count off and then you can turn around and you can start shooting." So we did, I counted off, they stumbled down in the dark, hell they're shooting up in the air, they couldn't hit an elephant with a big bat, and nothing really happened, but something could have happened. A guy could have been shot, but nobody ever got shot in the AVG that I know of. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88_Rosbert_Joe_1991-02-21_v07 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rosbert, Camile J. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Joe Rosbert interview (video and transcript, 7 of 7), 1991 Description An account of the resource Interview of Joe Rosbert Joe by filmmaker Frank Boring for the documentary, Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying TIgers. Rosbert served in the American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a Flight Leader in the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve." He joined the AVG after serving in the US Navy, and remained until it disbanded in 1942. In this tape, Rosbert discusses his proudest moments in the American Volunteer Group and their place in history as a bright star for China and America. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (interviewer) Christopher, Frank (director) Fei Hu Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/56f730abfd5b88c3b4db10130861abcc.pdf 8e7bf31bb6968a3e1b30ddc900da1583 PDF Text Text Young Lords In Lincoln Park Interviewee: John “Oppress” Preston Interviewers: José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez Location: Grand Valley State University Special Collections Date: 3/27/2012 Biography and Description John “Oppress” Preston was a leading member of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP). His role within the party was to set up and distribute the BPP newspaper throughout the state of Illinois. Though the BPP started in Oakland, California in 1966, it was not until April 25, 1967 that they published their first official newspaper. By 1969 the newspaper had a nationwide distribution of about 250,000 copies. In Illinois, distribution climbed up to about 80,000 copies.Mr. Preston describes what a major operation it was to set up and distribute the paper. Many times the newspaper was used as part of Political Education or “P.E.” classes. It was automatically given to new members to sell. The Black Panthers were about being out and active in the community as well as educating the People. The office was primarily used as a place to stop over to eat with others from the community or to report in; very quickly members were back on the streets selling papers and talking with the People.The BPP Newspaper was used as a tool for discussion on the many corners where it was sold. In this way it also provided visibility, as individuals would wave or drive by honking their horns. The newspaper also provided guidance to the Young Lords and to the many other organizations that were connected in one way or the other to the Black Panthers. The Young Lords began to put out their own bilingual newspaper which was then distributed in Latino areas along with several other organizations. Although it was improving, it still lacked in the sophistication of the work done by Mr. Preston. He delivered the �newspaper to the various branches and chapters in Illinois cities; they, in turn, would distribute it to their assigned geographical area. There was an accounting for each and every newspaper because the paper also provided income for the BPP chapters. The task appeared simple and mundane but �Transcript JOSE JIMENEZ: Okay, so, after the open housing movement, what happened after that with you? Basically, you were 11 years old-JOHN PRESTON: Basically, I was 11 or 12 years old, in grammar school, going to school, growing up in Chicago. In the Black community in Chicago. And... JJ: So what was that like? I mean, with the growing up in Chicago, that was -- JP: Well, growing up poor in Chicago was growing up poor in Chicago. But you didn’t realize you were poor, you know? You had jobs, there was ways to go out and go to school and earn money, and contribute, because -- JJ: What kind of jobs? I mean, what kind of... JP: We all had paper routes, and milk routes, and jobs of that sort. There were a myriad of jobs that you could do, deliver groceries, working in the neighborhood grocery stores, [00:01:00] to earn money, working after school to earn money. I went to Catholic school, I went to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School on the west side. I worked in the lunchroom, they helped pay my tuition to attend. My mom paid my tuition, my mom was a single mother. She -- JJ: She was a single mother? How many siblings? JP: And I had five other siblings, and I was next to the youngest of six kids. So everybody had to do their fair share. You know. I grew up in public housing during this time. JJ: Where was this at? 1 �JP: This was Rockwell Gardens, located on the west side of Chicago, so. And my mom grew up, and we were able to live. So we were poor, we didn’t have a lot of things that we should’ve had, but we were happy. We were a happy family, so. So that’s how that went. [00:02:00] So -- JJ: So you were happy, then mentioned you played a lot, I mean, what kinda games did you play? JP: Well, I played organized football at school, and played games, and rec league games, and rode my bike around the neighborhood, and just did the normal things that kids at that time did, you know. Played games, hide and go seek, whatever. So yeah, so it was that. But it was also a very, very volatile time, socially. And breaking down the barriers of discrimination. And it was coming to the height of the Vietnam War. So there were a lot of things that socially, I was exposed to. And you could -- there was a lot of racial tension, as well. JJ: In the west side, or...? JP: Yeah. All over the city. Chicago [00:03:00] was -- and you could feel the tension, you could -- you knew the tension was there, in the city at that time. There were certain neighborhoods -- JJ: You’re talking about in the ’60s? JP: In the ’60s, that’s right. JJ: In the early ’60s. And you were growing up -- JP: In the ’60s, yeah, in the ’60s, all the way in... And in some instances, the ’70s. Okay, but definitely in the ’60s, there were certain -- JJ: And you said certain neighborhoods [where you?] -- 2 �JP: In certain areas, certain neighborhoods, Blacks could not go. JJ: Like, what area? JP: South, southwest, Gage Park, Marquette Park, Cicero, which is an adjoining suburb of Chicago. Blacks were not allowed there, I can remember, 1965 or ’66, a Black man was out in Cicero looking for a job and got beat to death with a baseball bat. By three teenagers. In Cicero. That’s all he was doing, was looking for work. JJ: Was this not a gang thing, or...? JP: It was not a gang thing, it was a [00:04:00] racial thing. It was a racial thing. JJ: What’s the difference? I mean, I don’t... JP: Of course. What the difference is, if there’s a gang, you know, you’re fighting for turf, people are representing, and then there’s a gang member representing. When it was a racial thing, it’s just because of the color of your skin, that someone attacked you of the opposite race. And this is the climate that existed. It was clearly a Black-white divide in the city of Chicago at that time. All right? You -- JJ: There was a gang (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: No, it was not a gang that did it. It was three white youths, that lived in Cicero, that saw this Black man looking for a job, and they beat him to death with a baseball bat. Simple. (laughs) JJ: Very simple, it was more of a (inaudible). But were white gangs doing the same thing, or [00:05:00] no? At that time? 3 �JP: White people were doing the same things. Now, they might’ve been white vigilante groups that perpetuated it at that time, yes. I mean, you had, you know, the Nazis in Gage Park, and you had other white groups, as well as Klan members, and you had white motorcycle clubs and things like that, and whose primary interest was that they were primarily white gangs representing white representation, or white people that formed other type of groups. But it was all done along the lines of race, you had certain areas Blacks could not go, certain clubs, certain organizations Blacks could not be members of, simply because you were Black. Okay? So, a lot of those barriers existed at that time. For Blacks and for other people of color. And it was the norm. [00:06:00] It was the norm. JJ: Why do you think it was the norm at that time? And what was the city like? Was it diverse, or...? JP: No, the city -- well, the city has always... You’ve always had your people that were liberal-minded enough to fight against the racism. And Chicago has always been a diverse city, but it’s also been a very segregated city. You know. Where you could go in one area in Chicago and it was all white, you could go in another area where it was all Latino, you could go in another area where it was a allBlack concentration, and people knew it. And that’s how people navigated the waters in the city of Chicago at that time. And it was, moreso now. That’s not to say that even in 2012, that discrimination doesn’t exist in Chicago, which it still does. But it was more prevalent, [00:07:00] it was much more pervasive, and it was tolerated and accepted. And you did have some liberal parts to the city, such as, like, Lincoln Park, Old Town, these areas where you had a diverse 4 �cross-section of people there. Or you had other melting pots during that time, like Uptown, where you had your poor whites, your poor Native Americans, your poor Latinos, and also Blacks. So you had certain areas of the city that were considered melting pots, and people immigrated from other countries into those areas of the city. But they were still polarized nonetheless. So the polarization still existed. Moreso in Chicago, where you could actually see that, in terms of police brutality that existed, [00:08:00] it was at a very, very high climate at that time. And it was accepted as the norm. JJ: Well, why was it more at a high climate at that time than today? JP: Well, that was just the climate of the country. I mean, the climate of the whole country was that we were a country that there was racial discrimination that existed throughout the whole country. And Chicago was just one aspect of -- JJ: The police in Chicago, was that racial? Or was that just... JP: It was moreso racial, of course it was. JJ: So that means that there were not enough African American police, and...? JP: There was very few African American police. JJ: And that, in the ’60s? JP: Yes. Very few African American police, yes, you did have some African American policemen, you’ve always had African American police. And they were always concentrated to patrol African American communities, and they were used there as enforcers, rather than protectors, of the community. [00:09:00] To enforce and serve the interests of the white businessman and the white establishment. Those were your Black policemen. At that time, they were 5 �considered Uncle Toms. So you had -- that was the Uncle Tom era of racism, of the people, where, if they were Black, they had a agenda to serve a certain purpose. At that time. JJ: Okay. So you’re saying Uncle Tom meant that they were not serving the interests of the... JP: Of their community. JJ: The Black community, their community. JP: Right. JJ: Or Latino community (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: (inaudible) Right. I mean, you know, Native Americans could all call them apples. (laughs) You know. We called them Oreo cookies, Uncle Toms, or whatever. So that is what the climate of the city was at that time, and it’s taken on a different dynamic today. But... JJ: [00:10:00] Now, there were some gangs on the west side, though, right? At that time, or... JP: There’ve always been gangs. JJ: Wasn’t there the Vice Lords, or something (inaudible) JP: They’re... JJ: How did that play in-- ’Cause, I mean, I know you f-- If it was a segregated area, I know you felt more comfortable if you’re in the west side, in your community. But then you have to deal with other situations, too. 6 �JP: Well, within the dynamic of the Black community, yes, you’ve always had gangs. Gangs have existed as far back as we can remember. There was an established order. Gangs were organized, at first, to protect communities. JJ: To the west side, what gangs were in the west side? JP: At that time, you had... You had the Vice Lords, Egyptian Cobras, Roman Saints... [00:11:00] In the Latino areas, you had the Harrison Gents. (laughs) So, those are the few that come to mind immediately. JJ: Okay. And, were they problematic in the community, or they were just part of life, or I mean, how (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: Well, they were problematic, you know, but gangs fought against gangs, and if you chose to be in a gang, it was by choice and not by force. You know. Gangs didn’t go out and openly recruit you, when you were a certain age, to become a part of this gang, that you had to be a part of this gang. There weren’t the barriers that existed, today, as we know it, that, if you are a part of this gang, you can’t go in this area of the Black community, or you can’t go in that area of the Black community. I never experienced that as a youth growing up. In Chicago. JJ: But it existed? But it existed. JP: It existed. [00:12:00] Yes, you did have gangs and you did have crime. But (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JJ: [But?], I mean, today, there’s a recruitment. At that time, they didn’t have that? JP: Well, sometimes they did. They had recruitment, sometimes it’s not as voluntary, so it’s up to the individual, if he really wants to be a part of the gang. 7 �JJ: Okay. So, why did you not become part of the gang, I mean, was it not that prevalent in the west side? JP: No, I didn’t see a need to be a part of a gang. JJ: Okay, but why? Why? JP: Why? Because I didn’t see a need to be a part of any type of gang that had a certain set of values that weren’t consistent with mine, because I didn’t see a need to do that. A lot of the gang members were, people that were so-called gang members, were my neighbors. I knew them. I grew up with them. [00:13:00] So, it wasn’t that I had to be a part of that. I had friends, and I had friends that chose to be in gangs, and that was their choice. I didn’t see it that way, so I didn’t s-- I was never -- JJ: So, what were your set of values? I mean, what were some of the things -- JP: Well, some of the things that I wanted to do, I saw how my mother was subjected to racism. And discrimination. JJ: What do you mean? JP: A Black woman on a job, she worked for the United States government at that time. JJ: What did she do? JP: She was a stenographer. And she worked at a government installation, and she was very, very much discriminated against. One, because she was a woman, and -- well, one, because she was Black, two, because she was a woman. [00:14:00] And even though she was qualified to do a better job, she was always overlooked for promotions by her white counterparts that had less skills and less 8 �abilities, but yet got the better-paying jobs. And this is something that I noticed early on, you know. I noticed that the word, as they call it now, the N-word, but, clearly spoken, the word, “nigga,” was thrown around. We still had the problems of people sitting at the back of the bus, and you didn’t have to sit at the back of the bus, but of course, there was still some racism involved in, when you did get on the bus. You know? So all of those things, all of those factors, you were able to see, you were able to feel. So those were the things that [00:15:00] I had a passion to change. You know. JJ: So when you -- you’re saying that when you got on the bus, there was still some racism -- JP: Well, you -- JJ: -- but it wasn’t like in the South, where they said, “You -- JP: Exactly. JJ: -- have to sit in the back,” you just -- JP: Right. JJ: -- kind of felt it, or...? JP: Yes. You get it, you could always feel a certain, you know, degree of racism. You could always feel -- basically, racism was prevalent, it was overtly prevalent in all of the institutions that existed in America at that time. JJ: But specifically the west side of Chicago... JP: Not just the west side of Chicago. West side of Chicago was a microcosm of what existed throughout the whole United States, you know. JJ: Okay, okay, so, your mother was being discriminated. 9 �JP: You felt the discrimination (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JJ: And you felt anger towards that, or? JP: I felt resentment towards that -- JJ: Resentment? JP: Yes I did, yes. And I felt a need to [00:16:00] change that. To want to change that, to fight against that. And so, you know, knowing about -- hearing about the Civil Rights Movement, knowing about the atrocities that were being inflicted against Black people, assassinations on our leaders, Medgar Evers... JJ: Were you hearing that in the news, or was that being taught in the schools, too? JP: It was on the news, but it was also discussed in the school that I attended. You know. JJ: What school was that? JP: Our Lady of Sorrows. JJ: Our Lady of Sorrows. JP: Yes, grammar school. So, all those things, we were able to discuss. So there were a lot of different factors [00:17:00] there, to how that was received, because we were taught that it was wrong, and that we had a responsibility to go out and do something about it. JJ: Was Father Clements from Our Lady of Sorrows? JP: No, he wasn’t. JJ: Oh, no he wasn’t, okay. JP: No, Father Clements was from Holy Angels. JJ: Holy Angels, okay, that’s correct. 10 �JP: On the south side. JJ: That’s correct, that’s correct. That’s right. JP: But there were priests, and nuns at the school at that time, that were actively involved in the movements as well. To fight against discrimination and racism. And so, because of that, I felt a need to support that as well. So... JJ: (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: So, in being a part of that school at that time, we were taught to stand up for what you [00:18:00] believed in. And that’s what we did. That’s what I did. JJ: Okay, so actually, so, Our Lady of Sorrows was like an activist school during that time? During -- JP: Well, it was not -- I wouldn’t call it an activist school, I would say it was a progressive school. But not an activist school, it was progressive. It taught us how to think and not what to think. And that we were able to reason and infer our own conclusions based on information that we received. And we had these discussions. JJ: Okay. So then, what grade was that, what grade were you in? JP: Seventh, eighth grade. JJ: Seventh and eighth grade? JP: Yeah. JJ: So now you’re going into high school, or...? JP: Yeah, I went to Providence St. Mel High School. JJ: Providence St. Mel, where is that located? JP: It’s located at Central Park and Monroe in the west side of Chicago. 11 �JJ: (inaudible) JP: So I attended Providence St. Mel High School. I went there from [00:19:00] 1968 to 1971. (inaudible) JJ: So the west side then was a stable neighborhood, it didn’t really move that much, right? Am I correct, or...? JP: How do you mean when you say stable? JJ: Well, I mean it didn’t move. Like, say, Lincoln Park was changing from Polish, Italian, and German, to Puerto Rican. JP: Well, I wouldn’t say that, because, coming up as a kid, when we first moved into our neighborhood, there were whites there. And Latinos, and Puerto Ricans. And that was in 1959 and 1960. By 1969, all those people were gone. JJ: Actually, Madison was -- that didn’t have a Puerto Rican area, around Madison? JP: Around California, around Madison... JJ: Oh yeah, there was a Puerto Rican (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: And then [00:20:00] around Harrison and Western, around Roosevelt, and you -- JJ: (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: And you had Italians. So you saw the -- yeah, so the neighborhoods were changing at that time. But I can remember -- JJ: Did that create any friction at all, or...? JP: Well, that was -- I mean, everybody coexist. JJ: (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: But, you know, you went to school with pe-- I know I went to school with whites, I went to school with Latinos, I went to school with Blacks, you know. But it 12 �became predominantly Black as time went on. Of course, when I came there in 1960, in first grade, there were more whites, but then, by 1967 or ’68 there were still whites there, but then, with the assassination of Dr. King, then you really saw the white exodus go, but at first it was gradual. And so, yeah, so the neighborhood was changing, and the whole dynamic of the neighborhood was changing. JJ: It was a natural change, not a [00:21:00] pushed change. (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) urban renewal or something (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: Well, yes, urban renewal was prevalent. They were pushing urban renewal. But, at that time, you had the white flight to the suburbs. JJ: What do you mean? Can you describe that? JP: Why the white flight exists, it is that they -- with the racial barriers breaking down, where now, Black people can come and rent here. You know. There was a time where, if you wanted to go rent downtown or in the north shore, Lincoln Park, something like that, there were certain buildings that you couldn’t rent, that they would give you some excuse on why you couldn’t rent the apartment if you were Black. You know? Those barriers were gradually broken down, through laws, and mandates, and changes, and city ordinances. From that, you had the white people that said, “Well, I’m not gonna live next to Black people, [00:22:00] I’m not gonna live next to these people.” So you had the white flight to the suburbs. And then therefore, houses were so (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JJ: And what year was this? 13 �JP: This was all during the ’60s. All this was done in the ’60s. All this was done in the ’60s. JJ: The white flight to the suburbs, and... JP: Yeah, so you had your white flight to the suburbs, and you had those things that existed at that time. And it was pretty interesting, I would say. JJ: So what do we have to do, then? I mean, now we have -- Lincoln Park is mostly white, right? Is it? JP: Yeah, there was always a changing urban dynamic. And so, as, one situation, where one area became developed, and it became open to a certain class of people that could afford to move [00:23:00] there, then of course other areas were abandoned. And then of course developers would come in, and redevelop that land, and make it appealing to people of another economic level. Well, today it’s still the same process. It’s just not called racism, but there are economic development. You call them poor, moderate-income housing, to where developers come in and they create these high-rises, with very, very high rents, that only certain income levels can afford to move in there. And therefore, the people that were living there, you know, your poor working-class people, can’t afford that area, and so they’re forced out. So they’re forced into areas. So you have the same dynamic today, to where most people, [00:24:00] even within the subsidized housing movement, high-rises have been completely -- communities have been completely displaced. Such as Robert Taylor Homes, Stateway Gardens, Cabrini-Green. All these became communities that existed for 30, 40, 50 years. 14 �JJ: So these communities existed 30, 40, 50 years, and they no longer exist? JP: They no longer exist. So these people were displaced. So where were they displaced to? They were displaced to the suburbs. So those people that -- those whites that moved out of suburbs are now moving back into the city, into these elegant high-rise apartments, now, into all these new developments. So it’s been made attractive for them to come back into the city, and now those Blacks that have been displaced have moved to the suburbs. And that’s what’s going on today. JJ: And why was this -- I mean, you had aldermen that were Black in the city [00:25:00] council, Black aldermen. JP: Yes. JJ: You had Latino aldermen, also. JP: Yes. JJ: And progressive aldermen. I mean, how is this able to happen, that...? JP: How was it able to happen, it was... JJ: Yeah, (inaudible) displace complete neighborhoods. JP: It was able to happen -- the first mayor Daley, Richard J. Daley, called it urban renewal. Okay? Richard M. Daley called it urban development. (laughs) Or regentrification. (laughs) So, when you deal with re-gentrification, versus urban renewal of the ’60s, it’s the same thing. And so, therefore, and now they mask it with mixed-income communities. So you have people that have condos here, and you have low-income [00:26:00] subsidized housing there, and then you also have affordable housing right there, so everybody can live together under the 15 �guise of equality. But it’s still the same thing. All right? Because those subsidized units, in a new development, eventually will be phased out. You know? So, within the process of what goes on. So those subsidized units, eventually, that unit where those subsidized families are, which they are, of course, a minority, for one reason or another will be phased out, and become a moderate or a high-income community. At some point. JJ: So what you’re saying is that even the subsidized units, today, that were existing, even they were replaced? JP: Yes. JJ: So the few subsidized units that they did put there, [00:27:00] for media or whatever (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: Eventually will be gone. JJ: Will be gone. JP: Yes. Eventually will be gone. So it’s basically a cosmetic, it’s a Band-Aid, a cosmetic fix, or a solution. So on the surface it looks good, that there is the equality, but eventually -- and even in communities on the west side, in Uptown, you have that problem, because there were a lot of community area-- high-rises in Uptown that were supposed to be for subsidized housing, and they have been phased out into so-called cooperatives. Or either new developments have come in, and all those units are market-value rent. So the process is on, to phase out and move these people out of those areas, [00:28:00] where you have lowincome, moderate-income housing, and they really want to move the working poor out of those areas in order for the developers to come in and bring in 16 �market-value rates, and to build new communities. To accommodate those people that are moving from the suburbs back into the city. So, there’s a theory, that, probably, in the next 15 years, if you’re not at an income level of 50 to 60,000 dollars, you won’t be able to live in the city of Chicago. You know. Not sustain yourself in the city of Chicago. I mean, you know, and then that’s just reality, that’s just life, and that was the ground rule that, I feel, that Richard M. Daley laid down when he left office. If you’re gonna live in Chicago, it’s gonna cost you money. JJ: [00:29:00] Okay, so this came not only with Richard M. Daley, but it came with Richard J. Daley -- JP: As well. JJ: -- his father. JP: Yes. JJ: So, do you think this was a long-ranged plan, or... (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: Well, no, I think... I believe that Richard M. Daley’s agenda was consistent with his father’s agenda. And he carried out the vision of his father, he just did it a different kind of way. And that he appeased and catered to big business. JJ: But he was -- wasn’t he able to get some of the progressive people to support him for a while? JP: Well, he... JJ: (inaudible) 17 �JP: I mean, he hasn’t -- it seems as if he had the progressive support, but what it in fact came to is that his power base grew enough, to where that they had to be [00:30:00] co-opted into his agenda in order for them to get whatever else that they needed to get passed. JJ: Can you explain what you mean (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: I’m saying that it became tit-for-tat, or, you know, if we want this over here, then you gotta vote for this over here. You know. And that’s the only way you’re gonna get that. And a lot of things, it was arm-twisting politics -- JJ: And can you give an example? JP: Well, let’s see... Let’s take Millennium Park, for instance. JJ: Downtown, right? JP: That downtown, millions of dollars spent on a park. Pritzker Pavilion, all of this. Basically caters to the rich. Okay? In order to get that passed, you needed city [00:31:00] council approval. In some cases, it was passed unanimously. And in order for that to be passed, and it was, but that passed, in order for this alderman in this Black ward to get funding for programs or other things, that he had to vote on this. You know. So, that’s what it was. So, basically the city council became a rubber stamp for Daley. And they didn’t -- even in the days when Harold Washington, a lot of the aldermen that were elected and were [inaudible] from Harold Washington wound up having to compromise, and co-op, in order to get other things done in terms of development, affordable housing, and that. And they had to really, really fight tooth and nail in order to get it [00:32:00] done. You know? Like, you would take -- in Uptown, they had the Wilson Yards 18 �development. The Wilson Yards took 10 years to get passed. And it dealt with a senior high-rise and a low and moderate-income housing. It was 150 units of low and moderate-income housing, 200 units of senior housing. But at the same time, in order for that to go over, they had to agree to put a Target there. And Target served for economic development. But also, a Target is a big box store that has no health insurance for its employees, pay them -- they don’t give ’em a 40-hour week, they don’t give ’em, and they pay them 50, 60 cent over minimum wage. So you have the contradiction that existed. So, [00:33:00] yes, in order for you to get this, you have to vote for that, in the guise of economic development. So then you still have the exploitation that exists, with Target. These people have no health benefits, they have no health insurance. They don’t even get a full 40-hour week, and yet they’re paid 50 cent, 60 cent above minimum wage. JJ: So these companies came in, and they were working with the city... JP: Exactly. JJ: But the city’s plan was what? They wanted to up the blighted areas, though, right? JP: Well, that’s -- JJ: That was, in other words, their plan, their agenda. JP: Well, the city had their plans, and they had the -- and they said that they’re doing this under the guise of cleaning up the blighted areas, and really what they’re doing is moving people out, in order to accommodate people of a certain income level. So, all right, so we’ll say, “Okay, this can stay. There’s 200 uni--” 19 �JJ: So what did the city [00:34:00] get out of that? I mean, what -- JP: Well, the city, what the city gets is a level of people that are coming into the city, that, basically, if you’re not making 50 or 60,000 dollars then you’re not gonna be able to live there, and that’s what they’re developing. Okay? So the city is forcing people out (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JJ: (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) these upper-income people. JP: And getting the upper-income people. JJ: (inaudible) And then, by the same token, they’re raising the tax base, or something. JP: Exactly, the tax base. JJ: You gotta answer the phone? JP: No, go ahead, I just -- it’s six o’clock, I gotta get (inaudible) JJ: Oh, is it 6:00? Okay. JP: Yeah, it’s 6:00. JJ: Okay, well let’s get to -- how did you get involved with the Black Panther Party? JP: I got involved with the Black Panther Party -- ironically, I lived in Rockwell Gardens, like I said, and that was in -- [00:35:00] my family moved in Rockwell Gardens in, like, 1964. 1968, Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis. That had a great effect on me, had a great effect on my life. And... JJ: You mean personally, you felt -- JP: Personally, personally. To me. JJ: How did you feel? I mean, can you describe? 20 �JP: Well, I felt a great loss, and I felt something had to be done about that. And I knew that Martin Luther King was murdered because he was fighting for what was right. Okay? He was fighting for the rights of people all over the country. And for him to be assassinated the way he was assassinated and murdered, something had to be done. So, I felt a great loss at that age. I had heard about the Black Panther Party, for self-defense out in Oakland, California, in 1967. [00:36:00] ’68. And, it appealed to me, because Stokely Carmichael appealed to me. Malcolm X appealed to me. But I -- JJ: These were pretty militant people (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: They were outspoken. I wouldn’t say that they were militant, because they practiced self-defense. They had a line of demarcation. So these were men that stood up for their rights. The difference between them and Dr. King was, was that Dr. King preached nonviolence, and that the road to social justice was through nonviolence. Malcolm and Stokely and other leaders felt that the road to self-determination and Black liberation was through [00:37:00] fighting for it, and fighting for your rights, the same way this country was built. The same (laughs) way. So we have to look at that, so there’s a whole ’nother dichotomy that exists within that. And, so I was pretty much shaken by that. And in November 1968, there were -- in 1968, you had the Democratic National Convention here in Chicago, and you saw people getting beat, and you saw a lot of things going on right on TV in front of your eyes. And so you saw police brutality, you saw the rac-- you saw the fascism that existed that Mayor Daley perpetuated. Mayor 21 �Daley also, when Dr. King was murdered, put out the shoot-to-kill order. To rioters. JJ: What was that about? What was that? JP: Pardon me? JJ: What was the shoot-to-kill order? JP: [00:38:00] The shoot-to-kill order was that, Daley said, “Shoot to kill anybody that was seen looting the stores,” because when Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated, riots broke out all over the country. And in Chicago as well. So you had -- JJ: On the west side? JP: On the west side, on the south side. JJ: On the south side. JP: On the west end, south sides of the city. JJ: (inaudible) in Humboldt Park also. JP: And Humboldt Park, right. So you saw this racism, you saw these things that occurred. And Daley put out a shoot-to-kill order for looters. Shoot to kill ’em. So he put property over life. You know? Because he knew who was out there doing the looting and why they were doing the looting. That’s when he called in the national guards. So you saw all of this. You saw all of this in the city before ya eyes. You know. So I’m a thirteen-year-old kid at that time, I’m seeing this. By the fall of [00:39:00] 1968 -- Martin Luther King was murdered in April 1968. By November, and then in the summer, the Democratic National Convention, Bobby Kennedy was murdered. You had the Democratic National Convention 22 �that was held here in Chicago. You saw what Daley did with that. And later on, the Black Panther Party opened up an office, less than a half a mile from my house. And I went into the office one time, and I heard some speakers, and got some political information, and I was compelled to become a member. And subsequently, I did become a member, in November 1968. I was a freshman in high school, and I joined the Black Panther Party at that time. JJ: And, what was your job? I mean (inaudible) JP: Well, initially, [00:40:00] at that time you had to go through training and political orientation. And that’s what I did, and then -- JJ: What kind of training, what do you mean? JP: Well, you had to go through political education classes, political orientation classes. You had to learn the party’s principles, you had to learn the party’s ideology, you had to learn the party’s doctrine. You had to learn the party’s philosophy. We had a 10-point program and a platforming program, which everybody had to learn. We had 26 rules, 3 main rules of discipline. 8 points of attention. All these things that you learn during your six weeks of political orientation, till you become an active member of the party. So, when I -- JJ: Was it six weeks, once a week, or six weeks every day, or...? JP: It was six weeks, three times a week. JJ: Three times a week. JP: Yeah. But during that time, you would go out and sell papers. You would go out in [00:41:00] your particular area where you lived at, and talk with people in your community, talk with your peers about the Black Panther Party, about the Black 23 �Liberation Movement, and why people should become active in that. We also started breakfast for children programs, we were required to be at the breakfast for children program to serve kids. And so these are the programs that, as becoming a member of the Black Panther Party, that we implemented, that were implemented. As a matter of fact, right here where we’re sitting now, was our first breakfast for children program. One of our first breakfast for children programs. JJ: What street are we on? JP: We on Pulaski Road, 15th and Pulaski Road. And this is called the Better Boys Foundation. And we had one of our first breakfast for children programs right here, at this location. In 1969. So, [00:42:00] my responsibility at that time, I also worked with the Ministry of Health in doing outreach at that time, going out, doing advocacy and health outreach in the community. And also, making people aware of the health issues, sickle cell anemia, things of that sort. So we opened up a medical clinic as well. Later on, I worked in the Ministry of Information and I was assigned to the circulation and distribution of the party’s [inaudible?], which was the Black Panther Black Community News Service, and I became the Illinois chapter circulation manager for that paper. And my job was to go out and find new venues for our paper, to circulate our paper throughout the country, and that’s what I wound up doing. As well as other literature and books that we -- JJ: So, how did you do that? [00:43:00] What was the process? JP: Well, the process of doing that was going out on a daily basis, of calling on stores and locations and businesses, Black businesses at that time, and asking them to 24 �take our paper, to sell our paper in their stores. And, most everybody did it. Sold the papers in the stores. So we had a circulation in Chicago of 150,000, 250,000 papers per week. That was our circulation. Also, later on I became responsible for the printing of our newspaper here, and distributing the paper throughout the country to the other chapters and branches. So I did that from 1970, after the murder of Fred Hampton, until 1975. JJ: [00:44:00] What happened after the murder of Fred Hampton, in terms of the party here in Illinois? JP: In terms of...? JJ: In terms of work, and... (inaudible)? JP: No, the work didn’t stop. The work, as a matter of fact, the work became much more intense. For us to go out and do the work. It gave us a lot of support, because people realized that Fred Hampton and Mark Clark were definitely murdered. We also had over 12 party members in the city of Chicago murdered. Not just Fred Hampton and Mark Clark. And we had over 50 party members throughout the country murdered. I thi-- (gap in audio) [sixty?] two, all total, by the end of the -- JJ: But here in Chicago, you had other -- JP: Yes. JJ: -- party members that were murdered? JP: Yes. Yes, we did. JJ: [00:45:00] And these are cold cases, they haven’t been solved? 25 �JP: Well, no, they were murdered by the police. What is there to solve? (laughs) They were murdered by the police. JJ: Okay. And people knew that. Okay. JP: Yes. And people knew that, yes. So we had confrontations with the police at that time, and then it was ongoing. After -- JJ: Were these in raids, in police raids, or? JP: They were in police raids, they were in police shootouts, in neighborhoods that our members worked in, and things of that sort. So a lot of times they were, I would say they were unprovoked attacks by the police, or certain party members were targeted for work they were doing in the community. And they were targeted by those police in those precincts, or in those districts. All right? We were definitely monitored very heavily by J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI, and they created gang intelligence units and [00:46:00] special units, in order to monitor us. JJ: So the gang intelligence unit was also monitoring (inaudible) JP: Yeah. JJ: I mean, they were monitoring the Young Lords. JP: Yes. The gang intelligence unit monitored us, as well as the city’s task force at that time, they called them the task force. JJ: Mm-hmm. The Red Squad. JP: Well, the Red Squad was something else. The Red Squad was specifically there. All right, but the gang intelligence unit -- but the Red Squad was there, 26 �basically targeted to watch what they call radical groups. And that’s what that (inaudible) JJ: So the task force was a different group, too. JP: Yes. The task for-- JJ: (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: Yes. The task force was a different group. The task force moreso served as the enforcers. When the Red Squad said, “Yeah, we need to do that,” then they went in and did what they had to do. So that’s what that was. JJ: Okay. Plus the regular police... JP: Plus the regular police, yeah. JJ: And what about the precinct workers? Did they spread any... In our community, were spreading rumor [00:47:00] campaigns, and... JP: Oh, yes. Oh, yeah, we had all of that. We had many, many incidents of things that would [encourage?] people. We had incidents where they put young kids up to say they were molested (laughs) by party members and things like that. ’Course, it never flew. But they, you know, they would do things like that. They would go in there and say that we might be holding a fugitive in the office, and they wanted to come in and search, and all these things. People would get just picked up and held by the police, not allowed to make a phone call, and being in police custody. And with no charges being filed against them. So we suffered a lot of harassment. And that harassment somewhat intensified -- well, it was always at a high climate, if you [00:48:00] remember the Black Panther Party. But it certainly was intensified, but we still pushed on, and we implemented more 27 �programs. We had our medical center, our food giveaways. We [still kept?] our breakfast programs a lot. So in terms of the changes, we became a stronger and wiser organization of people. JJ: Anything that you wanted to finish up the interview? That you want to -- that we forgot to talk about? JP: Well, they, you know, there’s a lot that you... JJ: Missed. JP: Can’t... JJ: (laughs) JP: It’s sort of hard to cover everything, but I would like to say that, one thing that we did in 1969, and I think is very, very prevalent to the interview and who’s conducting this interview, is that the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party [00:49:00] was the first organization to initiate and implement the Rainbow Coalition. Contrary to what other people think. Okay? And the Rainbow Coalition consisted of the Black Panther Party, the Young Lords Organization, and the Young Patriots Organization. We knew that this society had racism in society, we know that racism is a very, very negative element that exists within this society. As a matter of fact, it’s a birth defect of America. Racism. And so we fight with that birth defect on a daily basis. And we said that what we were going to do, the Black Panther Party being a political organization, the Young Lords Organization, the YLO being a political organization, as well as the Young Patriots. These were poor Blacks, [00:50:00] poor Latinos, and poor whites, who band together to say that we don’t fight racism with racism, that we fight racism 28 �with solidarity. That we realized, in the Black Panther Party, through our education, that racism is a birth defect and a byproduct of the social ills of the society in which we live. And then, the same problems that the Latinos had, Blacks had. The same problems that the Blacks and Latinos had, poor Appalachian whites had, and poor whites had. And that the way that we solved those problems is that we fight together and we unify together to expose the contradiction within society to eradicate the problem. And that’s what was the purpose of the Rainbow Coalition. And that’s what we did. (video cuts) JJ: Give me your name, and when you were born, and then, where you were born. JP: Okay. My name is John Preston. I was born [00:51:00] in May 1954. I was born in Roanoke, Virginia. My family migrated to Chicago when I was four years old. We migrated to the west side of Chicago. And that’s where I grew up at. And I attended parochial schools, here in the city, and parochial grammar schools and high schools. And at that time, in 1968, or, prior to 1968, ’65, ’66, I was involved in the open housing movement as a young kid with my parents and other young adults in the community. With the open housing movement. JJ: What was that? I mean, what -- and who was the group that was leading that? JP: That was the [end-slum?] movement that was led by Dr. Martin Luther King. Where he came to Chicago fighting for open [00:52:00] housing. And so I was involved in picketing slum landlords at that time, and we had the big march on city hall that was organized by SCLC, and... JJ: What year was this? JP: That was in 1966. 29 �JJ: ’66?? JP: Yeah, 1966. And that was the big open housing march on Chicago. Where we had the big rally in Soldiers Field, Martin Luther King spoke, Al Raby spoke, it was a conglomerate of a whole lot of other organizations that spoke. So that was my introduction to the movement, or the Civil Rights Movement. JJ: You mentioned your father was involved with this, or? JP: No, my father wasn’t involved. JJ: (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: No, my parents or other adults in my family were involved. No, my father wasn’t involved. (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JJ: Oh, he wasn’t involved. Okay. JP: No. [00:53:00] But other adults, and other people in the community that were concerned with the open housing movement at that time, and the [end-slums?] movement, that we picketed a lot of realtors that were renting cut-up apartments to people, where people lived in one-room apartments and had to share the kitchen and they were paying high prices in rent. Housing was horrendous. There were rat-infested, roach-infested places, cold water flats, people had to pay for their own heat through kerosene heaters and things of that sort. So they were fire traps, things like that. There was one particular real estate company that was called [Condor and Costellos?], who SCLC specifically targeted, and we were successful in them making concessions. And we closed down a [00:54:00] lot of those buildings. JJ: So, they were targeted. Why were they targeted? 30 �JP: They were targeted because they were basically slum landlords. They were charging high rents for substandard housing. So, that was one of the things that was very, very important. So we picketed this real estate company. We picketed them, and we were successful in them making concessions, making improvements. And also coming up with suitable rents. JJ: Do you recall where they were located (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: They were located at Jackson and Sacramento. JJ: Jackson and Sacramento? JP: Yeah. JJ: Okay. So, these cut-up apartments... JP: Which was common practice. JJ: It was common prac-- JP: Yeah. JJ: Yeah, because I recall in the downtown area, they were cutting up hotels. Hotel rooms, also. But this was -- but these cut-up apartments were more on the west side --? JP: Well, these cut-up apartments were all over. They were all over [00:55:00] everywhere, where a landlord, mostly white at that time, you had white, Jewish landlords that would rent tenements, you had three-room apartments. You had one family, a family of five to six living in a one-room apartment that was a cut-up apartment, that was an apartment that was, one time, a three-bedroom apartment. All right? And they would cut it up, and put three families in a threebedroom apartment. And people would have to share the bedroom as their 31 �house, and then go out and share the kitchen, and the bathroom, and the living room. There was a common area. JJ: How would they share the bathroom? Would they divide it, or...? JP: No, I mean, everybody that lived there had to share one bathroom. So it wasn’t divided, it was -- JJ: So it was, like, in the hallway or something? JP: Yeah, it was in the hallway. It was a bathroom that was for the common apartment. [00:56:00] You know. So you had this, this was common practice all over the Black community at that time. During the time that I grew up, in the early ’60s. I came to Chicago in 1959. So what I saw then was very common. Where you could go in, just about, in any apartment building, and see where these apartments were broken up from apartment. It could be a two-flat building and they might have taken it, and broken it in, and made it to where five people could stay there. JJ: Okay. And what was the... When you came in 1959, you lived -- went right to the west side, you said? JP: Yeah, we lived on the west side, we lived -- JJ: Were there other communities that this group -- the housing program was working at, or? JP: It was -- the open housing movement was sponsored by SCLC, Dr. Martin Luther King, [00:57:00] so it was basically city-wide. JJ: (overlapping dialogue; inaudible) JP: Yeah, it was -- Chicago was basically targeted for that, because -- 32 �JJ: Was this the same time that he marched in the suburbs, or no? JP: Exactly. During the same time he marched in Cicero. Exactly, where he was in and he marched in -- they marched in Marquette Park, in Gage Park, the same thing. To break down those racial barriers for open housing. Yeah. It was during that time. JJ: And how old were you then? I mean, at that time? JP: At that time I was 11, 12 years old. JJ: Okay. So, I mean, how, if you’re 11 or 12 years old, how -- hold on. (video cuts) Okay, testing. Okay. Just kind of testing the (inaudible) [go up to the next?] -- all right. (pause) [00:58:00] Okay, hold on one se-- I mean, it’s recording. JP: Yeah. JJ: So, okay. All right. So where were we, we were on the -- JP: You were asking me, how was that the time that I became introduced to picketing the [end-slums?] movement, and I was -- END OF VIDEO FILE 33 � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/85a606422b3e3b6d5addb43ad27cd514.mp4 df320bfca3254b3400c7de526b54b5ca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Young Lords in Lincoln Park Collection Subject The topic of the resource Young Lords (Organization) Puerto Ricans--United States Civil Rights--United States--History Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.) Personal narratives Social justice Community activists--Illinois--Chicago Description An account of the resource Collection of oral history interviews and digitized materials documenting the history of the Young Lords Organization in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Interviews were conducted by Young Lords' founder, José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez, and documents were digitized from Mr. Jiménez' archives. The Young Lords in Lincoln Park collection grows out of the ongoing struggle for fair housing, self-determination, and human rights that was launched by Mr. José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez, founder of the Young Lords Movement. This project is dedicated to documenting the history of the displacement of Puerto Ricans, Mejicanos, other Latinos, and the poor from Lincoln Park, as well as the history of the Young Lords nationwide. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jiménez, José, 1948- Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/491">Young Lords in Lincoln Park collection (RHC-65)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-25 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng spa Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-65 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 2012-2017 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Título Spanish language Title entry John “Oppress” Preston vídeo entrevista y biografía Sujetos Spanish language Subject terms Young Lords (Organización) Puertorriqueños--Estados Unidos Derechos civiles--Estados Unidos--Historia Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.) Narrativas personales Justicia social Activistas comunitarios--Illinois--Chicago Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/491">Young Lords in Lincoln Park (RHC-65)</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-65_Preston_John Title A name given to the resource John “Oppress” Preston video interview and transcript Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Preston, John Description An account of the resource John “Oppress” Preston was a leading member of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP). His role within the party was to set up and distribute the BPP newspaper throughout the state of Illinois. Though the BPP started in Oakland, California in 1966, it was not until April 25, 1967 that they published their first official newspaper. By 1969 the newspaper had a nationwide distribution of about 250,000 copies. In Illinois, distribution climbed up to about 80,000 copies.Mr. Preston describes what a major operation it was to set up and distribute the paper. Many times the newspaper was used as part of Political Education or “P.E.” classes. It was automatically given to new members to sell. The Black Panthers were about being out and active in the community as well as educating the People. The office was primarily used as a place to stop over to eat with others from the community or to report in; very quickly members were back on the streets selling papers and talking with the People.The BPP Newspaper was used as a tool for discussion on the many corners where it was sold. In this way it also provided visibility, as individuals would wave or drive by honking their horns. The newspaper also provided guidance to the Young Lords and to the many other organizations that were connected in one way or the other to the Black Panthers. The Young Lords began to put out their own bilingual newspaper which was then distributed in Latino areas along with several other organizations. Although it was improving, it still lacked in the sophistication of the work done by Mr. Preston. He delivered the newspaper to the various branches and chapters in Illinois cities; they, in turn, would distribute it to their assigned geographical area. There was an accounting for each and every newspaper because the paper also provided income for the BPP chapters. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Jiménez, José, 1948- Subject The topic of the resource Young Lords (Organization) Puerto Ricans--United States Civil Rights--United States--History Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.) Personal narratives Social justice Community activists--Illinois--Chicago Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012-03-27 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/012ab717644317b73afe8431452ca678.pdf 1c9304dec1059713f2d5c61812837071 PDF Text Text John and Jesus: A Graceful Parting Evensong Service at Advent Psalm 114-115; Isaiah 5: 1-7; II Peter 3: 11-18; Luke 7: 28-35 Richard A. Rhem St. John’s Episcopal Church Grand Haven, Michigan December 5, 2010 Prepared text of the sermon I have a double reason for being grateful to St. John’s parish and the Rector, Father Jared, for this invitation to bring the meditation this evening. The first reason being that this is a breakthrough for me. It was the Spring of 2004. My retirement from Christ Community was imminent. Our financial counselor from New Jersey made a call. We were looking at how things financial would work out. I could see anxiety on Nancy’s face, obviously wondering if we could survive. At one point I said to her, “Don’t worry, honey. I will be invited to preach often in area churches and that will supplement our retirement funds.” When I related that incident to my people at Christ Community, they laughed out loud. They knew, as did I, that no one would touch me with a ten-foot pole and that has proved to be true. Being new in town and being young and courageous, Father Jared has given me the first such invitation in six and a half years. So you see, this is a breakthrough for me and I’m grateful to him for taking the risk. But, more seriously, there is a second reason I’m grateful for this opportunity; it has forced me to take up again the theme of the Advent Season and experience in depth the beginning of the new church year. I was raised and educated in the Reformed tradition which, for all its positive dimensions, never succeeded in holding on to or recapturing the rich tradition of Catholic, sacramental worship. In fact it was a badge of honor that such rich, liturgical worship with all the symbolism and, of course, the observance of the church year was left behind in favor of “the pure preaching of the Word” as guided by the catechism. Over the years, the observance of the seasons of the church year became more and more meaningful to me personally and, I believe, to the people I served as well. The Christian calendar was the framework within which our existence found meaning, being filled with meaning far beyond the simple marking of the calendar per se. And Advent is the beginning, a new year in which once again we will journey together as a people through the events that mark the story of Jesus, the story of Immanuel – God with us. © Grand Valley State University   �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 2   That is where we find ourselves this evening; it is Advent once again. The word itself means “coming.” Thus the theme – the One who came will come again. I went back over the themes of my Advent preaching over the years. That confirmed that of which I was aware; I had over the years developed a problem with that proclamation. Earlier in my ministry I had lived by the traditional orthodox Christian story – God was history’s sovereign. God created, God’s providence guided the unfolding creation and God would bring all things to their consummation. Jesus the Savior was born, crucified, raised from the dead, ascended to the throne of God from whence He would come in judgment and grace to judge and to redeem after which He would hand over the Kingdom to the Father and God would be all in all. In various ways and for various reasons that straightforward scheme of things began to unravel for me. I smile as I look over those old Advent sermon themes. For example, Advent, 1984: the confident proclamation – “The King Is Coming”; but a few years later – Advent, 1992, my sermon title for the first Sunday in Advent was “Do You Really Think He Is Going to Come?” My texts were from Acts 3 and Revelation 22. The Acts 3 passage may be the most primitive Christology in the New Testament. Peter addresses the crowd after enabling a lame man to walk and concludes with a call to repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah: Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets. (Acts 3: 19-21) Here you have one ancient witness who paints a picture of Jesus, who is presented in the opening of Acts as ascending to the Father, now on the verge of returning to effect a universal restoration – the fulfilled Kingdom of God. One can hardly miss the urgency as well as the sense that this would be a literal return to the earthly scene and a literal effecting of the reign of God. The text from Revelation 22 is entitled in my NRSV “Epilogue and Benediction” and the visionary, John, records the voice that addresses him at the close of the vision. The voice is the ascended Jesus who declares: “See, I am coming soon… (Revelation 22:12). I do believe that was the confident hope of many followers of Jesus who were called Followers of The Way. There has been a serious scholarly discussion on the question of whether or not Jesus believed himself to be the Messiah as well as a sharp disagreement among New Testament scholars as to whether or not Jesus © Grand Valley State University �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 3   was part of the widespread apocalyptic mood that prevailed in his day. The debate continues and, as is the case with most such questions of the historical Jesus research, probably cannot be definitively answered. But no matter, for it seems clear to me, whether Jesus bought into the apocalyptic mind-set and expectation, his early followers did. And further, for all the symbolism in which that expectation of the end was clothed, I do think there was an expectation of a literal return of the reigning Christ at God’s right hand and an end of history as we know it. That has always been the case with a part of the Christian Church and continues such to our time. It was that literal interpretation of a “second coming” that I was beginning to question. Thus it was that finally I felt I must be honest with my people and acknowledge that such a scenario was no longer compelling for me. I broke the news very carefully. I simply said, “Jesus isn’t coming again.” Well you have to be pretty confident of your people to be that straightforward but that was the way we were. I do remember coming home for Sunday dinner only to be met by Nancy who said to me, “You don’t know everything!” But she did give me dinner. And our financial advisor to whom I referred earlier was listening to a tape of the sermon and reported that he was so shocked he almost ran off the New Jersey Turnpike! Obviously I did not make that announcement and leave it. I went on to relate how, just as we had come to see the early chapters of Genesis as mythical stories of the beginning, just so I was coming to understand the highly symbolic stories and images of the End, not as literal portrayals of what is yet to be but, rather, mythical stories that affirmed that the End would be the triumph of Grace – that the God of the Beginning would be the God of the End – the God who in the present was present with us. This is how I ended that sermon: In the Beginning – God In the End – God In the meantime – God, the God whose heart is laid bare in the life of Jesus. Where is history going? I don’t know. What will happen to planet Earth? I don’t know. I only trust my life and yours, those I’ve loved and lost awhile, my children and my children’s children, are grasped in the grasp of Love that will never fail – here, now and beyond. – That is enough. © Grand Valley State University �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 4   The theme of hope found expression in a number of Advent sermons in subsequent years. In 1995 the series of sermons for Advent was entitled “Now – But Then.” For Advent III the sermon subject was “Can We Be Truthful and Hopeful?” The sermon ended thus: …To know Emmanuel is to know that God is with us, God is with us here and now; God is with us in the darkness; God is with us in our health and God is with us in our dying. God is with us in our loving and caring. God, here and now! That’s the content of Christian hope…God is in this process of which we are a part, embraces it all and goes through it all with us and gives us that amazing capacity in the darkness to live as though the Light is about to dawn. Hope, hope doesn’t come from experience. Experience shatters hope! Hope comes from God, and it is hope in God and it is the experience of the presence of God, here in the darkness where we dwell in the land of the shadow of death. Advent calls us to think about the end, but not the year 2000 or 3000 or 10,000. It calls us to speak about the end of life, the purpose of life, the meaning of life, which is God with us. God with us. Why do we keep on hoping? That, to me, is an amazing thing. After all these years, we keep on hoping. After all of the wars, after all of the death and disease, after all of the brokenness, we keep on hoping. To me, it is the best sign I know that the hope stems from God, Who says to us there is no darkness so dark, there is no coldness so cold, there is no storm so severe, but what I will be with you, I will keep you, I will never let you go. That is Advent hope. It is the present appropriation of a future consummation. Hope teamed with faith keep us moving toward love, which is at the heart of all things. I believe that, and in that, I hope. And in that hope, the darkness is scattered and the light dawns, because God is with us in the meantime. If we don’t feel for something more, we’ll fall for something less. If we don’t reach for something above us, we’ll fall for something below us. It is in the gift of hope that the present is transformed. And I can say in regard to now and then, all is well. All is well. It is because each recurring Advent brings with it that strong affirmation of hope that it is so invigorating to enter once again into this season and know one is beginning anew the passage through the story of Jesus. In the 1995 sermon referred to above I began with a statement from the Church of England entitled “Christian Believing:” Christian life is an adventure, a voyage of discovery, a journey, sustained by faith and hope toward a final and complete communion with love at the heart of things. That became for me the perspective with which I enter each new Advent Season. © Grand Valley State University �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 5   But the New Testament readings for this evening add another central Advent theme – the call to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Again, traditionally, this had to do with the conviction that history was nearing its end and the Judge of all the earth would soon appear. This evening’s Epistle lesson from the second letter of Peter follows up on the reading for Advent I – II Peter 3: 1-10. I smile as I read that passage because obviously there were those already when this Epistle was written who doubted that Jesus would return. This, in fact, is the central thrust of II Peter – deny the imminent coming of the Lord to your peril and, further, because He will come in God’s good time, one must be ready – Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God… This call to moral seriousness calls to mind the ministry of John the Baptist who is the subject of the Gospel reading from Luke 7. The birth of John and the prophecies spoken over him are recorded in Luke’s Gospel in connection with the birth of Jesus. Mark’s Gospel introduces John the Baptist with a quote from, he says, Isaiah: See I am sending my messenger ahead of you, Who will prepare your way; The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. The “messenger” reference is from Malachi, not Isaiah, and the reference there is to the re-appearance of the fiery prophet Elijah. The first three Gospels have shaped the most familiar rendering of the story line – John the Baptist carries on a movement of religious reform in the nature of apocalypticism that was in the air at that time. The End was approaching, God’s judgment was near, John’s call was to repentance with the washing of baptism as the ritual sign. Then Jesus appears and is baptized by John and receives his call to ministry as the heavens open and the Spirit as a dove falls upon him. From thence the Gospels relate the ministry of Jesus, noting John had been thrown in prison for daring to tell King Herod he could not have Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, as his own. John’s integrity got him imprisoned and ultimately beheaded. If we go to the Gospel of John we learn an interesting piece of data not reported in the first three Gospels. The fourth Gospel is not generally thought of as giving an historically accurate account of Jesus’ ministry but a good case can be made for John’s note that Jesus began a ministry in Judea. In John 4: 1-3 we read, Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, ‘Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John, – although it was not Jesus © Grand Valley State University �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 6   himself but his disciples who baptized – he left Judea and started back to Galilee. There is no mention of this in the other Gospels; Matthew and Mark simply say when John was put in prison Jesus left to begin his ministry in Galilee. Luke doesn’t mention John’s imprisonment but, following the narrative of the Temptation in the Wilderness, Luke has Jesus appearing at his hometown synagogue in Nazareth where he was invited to read the Scripture – a passage from Isaiah – When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ Why do I make note of this? Note how the Isaiah passage is full of good news; it is Gospel! And Jesus, in Luke’s rendering, announces Isaiah’s vision of a day of grace as being fulfilled in his own ministry. And there is a fascinating omission from the Isaiah reading. If one goes to Isaiah 61:1-2 one finds in Luke that either Luke or, if he accurately portrays the scene, Jesus, omits the last line of the citation. In Luke Jesus concludes the reading “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” If you turn to the Isaiah passage, those words are followed by “and the day of vengeance of our God.” Could that be just an oversight? Maybe, but I suspect that by Jesus or by Luke it is an intentional omission. Why do I claim that? Because I see Luke portraying Jesus as inaugurating a ministry of grace – not a day of vengeance, of fiery judgment as had marked the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus’ move from Judea to Galilee was not simply a change in geography; it was a change in his whole ministry – its tone, its thrust, its whole proclamation. Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist. He obviously began his ministry under John’s influence and in the manner of John whose model was the prophet Elijah of Malachi 3: © Grand Valley State University �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 7   See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to the temple… But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? (Malachi 3: 1-2) The coming one would bring judgment – a refiner and purifier. Such a ministry found fulfillment in the ministry of John the Baptist and that is where Jesus began. I mentioned above that only John’s Gospel tells of the early Judean ministry of Jesus. John’s Gospel also places Jesus’ cleansing of the temple during that early period rather than during Holy Week as do the other three Gospels. If John’s Gospel is correct in the early placement of that incident it would fit well with the nature of Jesus’ early ministry under the influence of John the Baptist. Then to juxtapose such a scene with his declaration in Nazareth – to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, omitting the day of vengeance of our God, we can see an entirely new spirit and ministry in Jesus. Meanwhile John the Baptist is in prison. He had the highest hopes for Jesus’ ministry. He saw Jesus as the return of Elijah, the precursor of the End. John so longed for the intervention of God, the day of judgment on the wicked and the salvation of God’s people. John could bear his imprisonment because in Jesus he could feel the approach of the End and the consummation of all the promises of God. But then his followers visiting him in prison brought back stories of Jesus’ Galilean ministry – a ministry of grace not judgment, of healing, of joy, of open table fellowship. And John wondered. He said, “That’s not in the program. That’s not exactly the agenda I had set for Jesus. I thought by now the heavens would have opened and the wrath of God poured out, and all I hear about are blind people seeing and deaf people hearing and people dancing, singing, celebrating the grace of God!” And finally, he couldn’t stand it any more and he sent the followers with this question full of anguish: “Are you the one, or do I have to look for another?” And the translation of that question could be as well, “Or must I look for another kind of Messiah?” In other words, the question that John put to Jesus was, “Did I miss it? Did I get it wrong?” John’s question to Jesus through John’s disciples is what is behind this evening’s Gospel reading. John’s question made Jesus address the dramatic change in his ministry in Galilee as opposed to his early ministry in Judea under John’s influence. Can you imagine the anguish? John was a good man. John was serious. John was passionate. John’s whole life and ministry was at stake, in the answer to that © Grand Valley State University �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 8   question. John came to the end of his days entertaining the possibility that he might have gotten it wrong. Jesus is never defensive. Did you ever notice that in the Gospels? Jesus is never defensive. He didn’t answer directly, only indirectly. He said to the followers of John, “Look around. See what’s happening? See the good things that are happening? Go tell John what you’re experiencing here.” But, of course, behind that indirect answer was the obvious direct answer. “John, I’m not the one you hoped I would be. John, I can’t paint from Malachi’s palette, for in my own struggle to find my own vision and to gain my own voice, I hears another song. I heard the song of the suffering servant. I heard Isaiah’s record of that one who spoke of one who would not crush the broken reed or snuff out the smoldering wick. John, I can’t do it your way. I have to do it according to the vision that compels me. I’ve got to proclaim a grace that is grander than anything you ever dreamed of. I understand, John, you’ve run out of patience, but the God who has gripped me never runs out of patience. I understand, John, your dis-ease with all that you see about us, but I drink at the fountain of a God who will never abandon us, who’ll stay by creation and walk with us and never let us go.” Jesus affirmed John. He didn’t make a big point of saying John was wrong. In fact, it would seem that Jesus was ready to acknowledge that John had fulfilled the role that he had to fulfill. John was a prophet, the greatest of the prophets, but something new had dawned and Jesus was called to inaugurate a new vision of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is clear: I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he. (Luke 7: 28) I call that a gracious parting. Would that, in the history of the Church, there had been more gracious partings and less brokenness, bitterness and even too often war. John and Jesus – a gracious movement away by Jesus because John’s hope for the end with the fire of judgment on the earth, destroying those beyond the covenant fold was for Jesus a hope too narrow; his vision would not be realized until the arms of God’s love were wrapped around the whole human family. For Jesus there was being inaugurated a Kingdom of Grace to which all God’s children were invited. Advent 2010 and we find ourselves in an emerging cosmic reality neither John nor Jesus could have dreamed of. And, for many of us, this Advent we are not looking for the end of human history at some future date, be it a decade, a century or a millennium. Rather than God “up there,” “out there,” we may sense God as the creative Love at the center of things beckoning us as the cosmos evolves to give human shape to that love, thus living in the communion of Love, trusting, as was true for Jesus, there is a bigger picture than we’ve yet dreamed of, a Grace we can hardly conceive of. In a word, a future beyond our wildest dreams. © Grand Valley State University �John and Jesus: A Gracious Parting Richard A. Rhem Page 9   That being the case, John the Baptist, echoed by the writer of the second Epistle of Peter, might ask – What sort of persons ought we to be? Advent, full of hope, is a time of reflection on our lives to be sure we are walking in love, full of grace and compassion, being and doing what we can to live, already, love’s fullest expression. © Grand Valley State University � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Advent Evensong Scripture Text Psalm 114-115, Isaiah 5: 1-7, II Peter 3: 11-18, Luke 7: 28-35 Location The location of the interview St. John's Episcopal Church, Grand Haven Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-20101205 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-12-05 Title A name given to the resource John and Jesus, A Graceful Parting Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on December 5, 2010 entitled "John and Jesus, A Graceful Parting", on the occasion of Advent Evensong, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Grand Haven. Scripture references: Psalm 114-115, Isaiah 5: 1-7, II Peter 3: 11-18, Luke 7: 28-35. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives Jesus' Ministry Nonjudgmental Grace https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/17e5f3d3dcc9480f9dcaec6e50eec214.pdf 9f0b9cf324a6b2940ba30509b2a0e642 PDF Text Text July 1, 1998 Mr. and Mrs. Brian Friedt 4267 Four Mile Road NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Capital C a mpaign C hairpersons Dear Mr. and Mrs. Friedt: Don & Barb Molhoek Jim & Susie Sebastion Exec u tiv e Campaign Cabinet Cathy Bisse ll John Boyles Tom Fox On behalf of the leadership of the John Ball Zoological Society, we thank you for your wonderful $250.00 donation made on 07/01/1998 to our Growing Wild Campaign in recognition of Pieter Termaat. The Zoo Society and the Growing Wild Committee truly appreciate your patronage of the Zoo, and your belief in the future of the Zoo as represented by your gift. We welcome you to the John Ball Zoo as a stockholder in Wild Futures. Lorry Fred ricks Bob & Ann Koeze JC Huize n ga John Lewis It is only through the support and hard work of our community that the Zoo can make a difference in education, recreation, and conservation. Again, thank you for investing in our Wild Futures and for helping to make a great zoo even better. Zoo Director Mork McAleenon Jim McKay Chris McKinn e y Gory Milligan Jim Sebastian Co-Chairman, Growing Wild Julie Rid e nour Anne Rothwell Rick Smolldon Co-Chairman, Growing Wild Brenda Stringer Zoo Society Executive Director Steve VonAnde l Joan Wilson ***Please Note: The John Ball Zoological Society is an JR.C. Section 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. No goods or services were provided to the taxpayer in consideration of the taxpayer's contribution. Advisory Committee John Canepa William Co le Peter Cook Honorary Chairman David Frey Gene Gil m o re Mike Jondernoo Dorothy A. Johnson Fred Meijer Pot Quin n Steve VonAndel Peter Wege John B a ll Zoo So ciety • B ox 2 506 • Grand Rap i ds , Ml 49501-2506 • Ph . 336 - 4301 ��N~~ on Recognition Pl~ _t:_1 d-e- c bl . Ie f -1 \ ma o:r d?-! I am enclosing a check for $ 2 60::::::io invest in Wild Futures for-: .. . ) Under $25 - Penguin ) $25-49 Octopus ) $50-100 - Bald Eagle ( ) $100-249 - Zebra - -::J:>,...$250-349 - Great Ape ( ) $350-500 - Elephant ,.. I'm a member of the John Ball Zoo Society . fu ___---~ ~ . . Make check payable to: . John Ball Zoo Society · -Box1133 Grand Rapids, M~ 49501 . . • I �J o ·H N B A L L THIS Z ·o o S TO c L o G· 1 c A L · G A R ·o E N K CERTIFI ·E ·s THAT··· --------~TER N. TElW-AA~.t ---¼----·- GREiA..1>A,PE · HAS INVESTED IN ONE SHARE OE . . - FUTURES AT JOHN BALL ZOO. . ·. July 1, 1998 ·. . . Witnessed this day . ByZooRepresentativeyk ?~ This investment in the future of John Ball ,Zoo represents a donation to the "Growing Wili" capital campaign: Stock Certificate is honoring that don.at ion and does not -represent real or negotiable stock. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Adriana B. and Peter N. Termaat collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Termaat, Adriana B. (Schuurman) Termaat, Peter N. Description An account of the resource Collection contains genealogical, personal, and family papers and photographs documenting the lives and interests of Adriana and Peter Termaat. The bulk of the materials are related to family history and genealogical research carried out by the Termaats, including research notes and materials about places in the Netherlands that were significant to the Termaat and Schuurman families, such as the city of Alkmaar. Other materials in the collection are related to the Termaats' experiences on the eve of and during the Second World War, especially the German occupation of the Netherlands and the Termaats' participation in organized resistance to the Nazis. Also included are materials that document the family's post-war life in the United States, including their public efforts to recognize, commemorate, and honor people and events significant to World War II. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1869 - 2012 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/719">Adriana B. and Peter N. Termaat collection, RHC-144</a> Subject The topic of the resource Netherlands Netherlands--History--German occupation, 1940-1945 World War, 1939-1945 World War, 1939-1945 -- Underground movements -- Netherlands Dutch Dutch Americans Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-144 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text Image Type The nature or genre of the resource application/pdf image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng nl Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-144_Termaat_COR_1998-07-01-John-Ball-Zoo-to-Friedts-honorary-donation Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Ball Zoo Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1998 Title A name given to the resource John Ball Zoo honorary donation Description An account of the resource Donation to John Ball Zoo by Barbara Termaat, Debi Williams, and Chris Freidt in honor of Pieter N. Termaat. Subject The topic of the resource Dutch Americans Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/719">Adriana B. and Peter N. Termaat collection (RHC-144)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/40e5bcd973b2143c2b45563720be5f2d.jpg 90cf317fc137493d6d621c61fafcfeb9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Seidman Rare Books. PS3523.O46 Z5 c.2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0086 Title A name given to the resource John Barleycorn Description An account of the resource Binding of John Barleycorn, by Jack London, published by The Century Co., 1913. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1913 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c5b726a28357743cd9e6035d6a93d5bb.pdf 44cb8bf3c0fa741e4592626e80a11c65 PDF Text Text ���N 1/f a y u f e y v. f^^ej& £cef O i f f _ . ^ Y jZ'jz/ LrtjC^ & x£& < - fib t* -' ■—'^ -e y $Z> 7f Ofyjesi*~ -Jdkte &b~'Vc - Sb^fidwOsjc^f; ^ £jk/fflJ PtSZ^ _____ /Z-/7T) | ..( T h i l l s / d ea f k *.<* y l p z& /~ 'faO>u~ >-:: . f t ’rh to ^O jtff!L (iu & &C04JZA ■c£ cAs£^ fc — QpauJiuaJ ' tsL*s M £ \ y£jJ + > . fc& AsLcy k/uZeTet. /tZZti £z $&m <jlt/faunjiA-. £Z/~.j^c.. — ^ '.—; ffotZjfA' iSfi^cx.- & **>/<Sl4*M?ru£* vj*JL O t^ f ^/h? lAstsus */ frsuuy &8TA/L&fr4*jUJ-JL£~.'- M &z<sfty /.? t / b f y% ^7tM rt^/ ik> ___ ff /? _ M b^jsU -p ______ V dtM ; / ^ eaz^ l4^ 2yt2C % / f j f& iy ? aaC 0 ct>c- — /M a-?cyf~_____________ /fruf& Lzu '?■ IJ* . 1 dl^Z&L' 2$ % y fa yl*____________ Jk« eg/ /u*~ Zz**/ - ■/+*■ f / 0 y zy z~&&2^ljl- my jflsO-Z*^ A&t**+*— • �m / 2~ y & J v !w , f a u f c t f ^ P y x if ilJ Q x Z fr / (2<x 7 & ^ /Z 4£ 2 (> . aJh (/^ & & / 2 ^ 2JM&u'j) (p02- ''xxfist- / n~ at / lZ&sl4 G x****' 3/ z-jl. <v /u n ^ x . . yM & iC ^ fax- J i/ p £e# zru k tt& z p j ^ s i s v ^ ______ «££L S glc& H J % £ fa y ,y / / fa y ££& £ ifcyy l2 & £& 6/ 1/cZ b t f u . zjuJ Z uu yM s& A- - (^Cky ^ r'm ^ , / " vU U c^~^/~ y 4r i* & f A rzdfi , /ifrv*«x~ 6fc^^^^r^_ t o / / D/&XsKsUsi, { / . /£ % • l&Q 7/ ^ 07. l^. 2UX<L* g^k <x.^ cb?'0</ A&Zsfrts&p, ML&i y&ajl- * ? /£ :■ </3 £frzjHstjrJZf. SJ&J/. — bLUu& &> QXJ2- y ;£ / (2x t ^ 2 ^ h # C' yZ 'tt& efc& a ffru. y ' L~ist*tX'—/^ 2 6 *yp z^ yZ J u v u , £d> ^ \S7 & &£&/& jLiS-yj*-Se*x.e{ vhsct ■fa X S ^ 'L '- jja u j j tl'f PfatX fik-t&'/A'^J'ftAJhV? etc ^Ja&Ui ■ 7 ^ > ’ y j £ - /%/'t fa t, -2 2 L y^(/^te^y <di/ixx- �* / t 3 . 1 /f l £ J r- __ s-ZL /frjfo h d l 2w y ^tr& /---------^W ; &#£ h /^/'£-£A- '$€£&£' r ir f A \ ..jr kLuu- / ^^ceA^> <2? ^ „/ h£t*^tJ!uiu/.. <^u__ If Az ^ C ^ 4 a/ y t-^ / u £ c f~ -d gstcsf /~Z^-<- /'&i*-p aji£- s^A^^-d-isf~ aid jtL J .._— A w£ 1 ■% ~ y foup&j tjLt&t' Or* r^ t-tfC L y Q t& f •pcrf- U slusvA t-e? Z ts-u ^ C ; il/ t& f a ^ a* . ^ *“ .*> — /fjLC&t^y '■&&&..J%*+VU&St^A~ jtfa^f 6-GMsi*. tc f ft*7- ^&t*4£4. —'-/bp l%/VyZ^(^L#r2stA&._____ — fjZ£(f /2&/JL) &^^//^^2AAA~Qdu£4yA*y £& l e^A, U^g/tL. $L/lJ*£f &2o£- ’- — 'H+f'&LVy.. (%si£f M zyke& L /7o*JL*s>~- - /^tyt- p^oo P %£pCOC%U./c&* /flf2* cT?74#Ti. /T^tcpf• ^-tvi/fi--c..S-dccf t^ -' < ftc\ <£2''^£-&<-<--£a _ t ^$CMJl L4 4_ K&£g£ Q&'ir&^nJr /MrAy & ^y~W w -— p mmm �i U p f - /% £ 5 ^ 2»*t«_ jZ *0 4 s / 0U vV C<x ’^ L & usf'j, - n O bU ut& u /J l l Z e Z /, 0 &T_ J‘ 3^ cc4^Lu^^. £&j~ V<^&TstsuH k ^ CcZ 6 xJ>^l1 . ~ U ^Zf~ C&cl&P Ce^~ ci L., —:Zdb<i4 kisZ 6. 3 aj^ .. /nZmn_ (fa<6/a /Z L —/ZL^-tcZc/ Z /feh Z Z d <y**~ J ^ y d r * -* %Zt£&cc0 f /^MtAdsiA^-e a£%£ jk7'Z 4/b£t4s4j %JA*CppUzZj&U. S~7~ , &2B4 C4&0 S. C C s/ ttf 0 * 4- CJ>Zu * sfel£ c< < _.. H Z zzz_ / ‘I fu Z ^ <x~ IcZ&L, £> oJ?~ & O&T**-*— A zaj— t<<4sisTstJZja£<4G%!A/. -a/Zj?™.- — !— ^Za-iy& f4 / (fou rf c// l&MSl4sC/f U< , — — ,y '7*U>C4<JZ- £ 3 @0 - IZ / 0 b J & . ^rzh#' frt&u/f C&?tjf[S2^vu-0CL, / i&Z lsz/zy &t*~ Zjftsut*-' --- % /z// , (Z/tZ+TCf-//fate**.- & : 9 . /e sJ k e , tz ,a & -. —- Qjlju (ZodQfaCdJ 4dZ&2'Z'/L-A ^ /y ^ c f a * /, y^ Z ^L . .//& 9 skt& i . �n s) 4* ' Ul'MnA IZffri/) f_ 6Ld&/ - — jj?jzP~— - JcL u t; Qu> — yy& ^ S ^ sio c i &&OL*A^a4 /fi-t \ ,U/f~ h& tAsfa 'U ji^t^ku hCsp&'bZd M/tyf* —" J Ur-U sy-v’ *'1' £**sLl&r‘ fa tf& sZ4/C4S} rty / j !Sl<s} tru/~ Q&z**yz/a<sis J/1J40c*4**~ fyoi* (frvyu<- $££>&u& &£**<- ~ ' ' &^<jzyid7 ^ U jU ^ ^ 2.\s&UeJ^~- ' 7 / Ul/S ' /J& /t& Li .->. '* *~' " — £4 UsUJUSbLV U<s J a -& u yi*u .. firfUtsCr 4 l* ~ -----fibi--@4(JUL^i_. '^Zj^Zu Zszf&Z^tA', /-Kji't A^v-Vi^y Pt4/Tst*AGsf'. 7 u-&l*_—/ tr&- fy/L..— J l ’Arffir L /*■ J ^ ? / , ? t r /,c-*-fi/’ &&-£'cy*^ut^c& £ * ___ : - & c f r --------------------^ fy & $r.,..-> /.a ’ %L *%£> N r^ /T /. i. -dm±: 1L �■p— -------- bA&y Cc4s & 6L@^s?i£t-d 2 A!yrt*^ — fi'tA '&Zya*-<A ifau ___________JM & tf& Zy 3 7 ^ 2 _____ ___^_____ / H frf i&zJs/? ~ O&VZtststdf fo*- jjb«S X ^ ^ ' .I^ . Z Z . ________________ 1---------- J-------- i#7*<u. &&<.&&USLA- 'Lc&2 — CsU- AinJ2^ fr ?Jj /*U w y * -'. fcJiA!S/za&m >hs/ ' /Ct-Ce4^kX' L<><sTr-ffx&c**—/■ , // \ A Ozu^A. c j Al J otpc A & f>srfc& c*ub O it^ U sM t2 f c &~> ^ bl.'&£L ^ tA~• (£AuA/L~(lAt~/ > c j) fkri/ ^ -. &71SL- C& Jt&ML cV*£LcXhp - _ ??■/7. ~Aa‘ ‘ oO&iJL n/b c}l4bA~jy0 $b G & /u$tA * + " Js y G if' tc/ Cl t^yvis1 - - - - A2 £zesi> j ^ ^ Z - '■■&■? G ' Z£? t f - QjSsfstst ~&/T^ t e T T 2 & 0. &&UUI cAy . [P lA cc..A £2/ a£ oa A*f t& d rfA t/- /A ^ a A< (AAi!£4^cey J 2 cu2 < ' Gd**- GPy*> lA tcSt'/ J ’- ir u A * ? ' $ £ 4~^<LsAC^' ^G & Tslst* ^ - 1 A t^ c~ .i ��— �sr \. J& S ' / # ) • fa J- -\ . - j& U * lOyuutAj 'sjhh~ flw ju . cL a xrf- ..........- .... .... . •. //tcaY fa l wO- 'L/LdZ&tA- 'f^<L£JL£>t<^ph X*>- .... ,\ ' a f£ l% f- G&L4S t/tc ^ 6*-^ f %■■ r— 'y^Ote*4/6 fatZXZ. $) Q ^ty 2urt . ' Q *y J J h . J* I » r, ■ V_. -f* ___________ ____ : ;v ><■ \ *V ... i! ■ ■"“ ......- ■■ -1 • . 1 ’ . ■ __ ' -I - ; ., . . . . . ...... ' i . • j : ��t ^ ?u ^ c/ Jt/.alJ/ /?/y J a o ■ v> / • / V y // — JkLcyjJ. l/ 'tct i;. v jbu<aZ.> CoCeA-? &/> /J * y y lsl s / yy. y y y y y J jj ^ *&c<yyA4/ - J ftu y / y& zt- y> z y j../ $*• ' - /V y^joT-Le^y*^ y> /J y y y .. "x : cf J) a �S & £ \ h n r J h ,. § & / C t& L - ' .. /^cZcc^t<^/btf-ryt' yfou s-‘M - / < * » .* — ... yL cn z^ i- y? , &}<-*- (/^ J /c sisH/1^7 ff. 'ircrT^ ^ «'><_*- J 7 & y ) ^ T f - % ^ a X / -JdL-. $&<***-r y fltl~ ’^ d ^t& Z ^ C^Z<^— /% £ / & *c**- ~£rr?L. Mf* (j& t^ t^ c ^ . __________________ /t-tc j?jy tL /Z ztstjszzcf? y @£< H L . & ^ a Z / jw 7t 6k£JL ^ &ZI -6? C t ^ CLs£~ /fa_ (hJLSyt^M 6&C- /czji* ^ /Z £ *< / ^ tsL//+- * *- . — JgJth&zAJL C£Q-z*sZ6z> C 4 . .*&^Q&t/i e/^ $ tiw s fa iA p9lhj/6>, ife ¥ 61 fzo & fa r* ^ la w Sav A j 'LlZtc/is 'jb<!rza. <— 9/fAj& y& A4. ' 1 jvm Zl; , /P~Uf( &9Z&L /0 ty/lA (itZtslsvZ^/ / 2 i 'M*n^/C£, <^7Z W z^fcucZjL ---------------------- ' fru rz* ^ ._ ^ ^ rJ y, — yycj-zt-& 6 -„. o z ^ c y z j y u ^ y t^ 6 zyj(~ 6 ^ j£ z. ( £'£/L T - �2t/t/// I lZ& jL //U <d^ !<*-. C o//l?/t/X % /rzt- -JjG L )X /X u J id L J k J $ x 4 ____y J x 'X N". //u s- X ( /X X X /X z ___ cXJuu&CL . jX ~ /ka£ fesitH u s. ? n X Z u y A s) & & o/c*t*t*. jcju ^G , 4 j f /u/t^ r'/UJ?/ / 2± -> Ifrc X /u st/jfofS/i-//- / s j / / fris. > / tu y^ & g , « iv . M U77,v y/ fts*.. / s* X & / / kyz M /r * gjjtC^csC & *y //L j -'X y T tiX / . - /l^y /ZtststX-K- CL X c/ b sriA ^ j/ - / t~ypis i 7%x. -a / Cs 7Cu ^ /.__ $ / C/lLiX— _. �/J & /& X „ ___ _ ffo o ^ ^ r : 6- GL&1 r f T^ty derffivi* T h rf^ - j r f P-CHp J fU e^ ltZ Z oL . fa /LO^u (jl£~ r fo t y r f ^ C7-&<-£/ Yv&Jl/l<Zl iSZ^Q. Z L , Y 7 g>ct f ^^ vta rfej^ ^ ^ S t* / r fr f- e'fi£ /u® /eJZ^iy ^ r f d~L rffcy - &&JIr fr fj? orfisiM 7 L4.'£<?zJ~ l ritt^ o/^tA -.j I'frctus/Y t ^t<yZ y7 ‘ Itsi- l s74*-t?zv4^i*-f e r f /rfj-t' / <£yf //YefrY'/oc/iit Chu G tnrf^y? e r f ^ G ^ irfcrfc# / ' rfja jz.fyY y- &Y ^ y/ " / V '— ^ h u r ffa y — tr fr fc r fj &rfldy4 £>Y TCdecarf— r f ___ 7 2 r fA l^ u r f IC eO w it/ crz£& ^ . tfr UL^£ & r f? (/rrt- y /arfuL- <rfasijy--> r f &£o<~, T r fr fr ft/ fir f & rfyrf& - 'yrf£t^*^yvi£Yc — 'PUyLfizt^.,— drf& t*x>7 Istc^ rirL -& £? ex . -u / / 7 ^ <*L — �/r \ e * / /^' — (__ P l-Z ff. /zz/i/. Q 'h^n* f ^ < ’t f t c<<^ g \ f ’£ .7 t!U / J $br-3/ jfc V liX s n / fo tX A A ’ H< tCZZy ^ a $ 4/ xs?y ^c^y^ffK A/lP/ J\i ^ h /7 CSUsC p t s $ b > a P^&Znzfs-y ,J f ? £ £/# l le a c fy ^ A r f i f /U-AyP^AL Z Z p 'sptd^p? P e x P f i f 7 /£d /~l4AJ, Otp ^ L A -. VZwisZX-— f& fy tl fv / P jp p / fp ^ fft. J j f£ e b - I&PupzxP Jw- / jw l . Z l/ / J l2J - IrtrpicfcJ » o/m ? sa/ 2 & ? ^ £-^ fr^4L4X- . t U^/sl-a -u7~~O^r G&txJ& p v t &&K-p PzZ&a - K -» Azppp 2/ &UA- - P ^ / Jytx>, £p6-£J 9v4p fifefiu x P /i^tly ^ ^O Cd^t^tyCQ ^lc ^ U ^ £/&L0f f j u flt-e-f tu< a* y ^ ‘ J yu ^ z^ M ^ , liT TPub &7>~i+.4a^ I w /.L P fP & u jff A tff P~"'Zt& Y fl£XX/H<.^ Q&ltc S-^- •‘S To f ^ f C u ffp A u^ <tAj?fiA_ - — : - /{ ^ <. " // ^ (K Z/flP y / O ff &* ^ fcX yfflX -J f PL*~ ■ i) '&4HJ. ^T ^uxf^fy . i 4 </& & ^ € ^ pzJ ^9^uZ a/ - 3( A /J fz -e jr ^ J )-i< ^ 'ff 2 ^ W za > ^ dPfJZ ta fP / Z t^ / zA t^, i&x^Lcz/, '*siPf*x W &£—P b ?y / £& P P # / cJ ? A zAL $ 4 a-uX^qA - • 'ieyjPuypp^ — SsC^&Wl. . ^ fh /zaph A— A tx /fpz<^. • �&y s g ja I 'r t y fa a Z fa t '$ & * £ T'ZAy y ^ J U A su f 'ctsfa/iA&i, c^ i Zjla #/'a // li^~r/isi4uiAsLft*/, &t</t-peP2*„ ^ (% ) / & „ < tjf <^y^?-/l& J 'L y €>ljL sZ +^G ^y y / i J& //’ - ^J'T'tty p ? u * ? .. jL i - Q^r te f* __ J lfu Z c ^ 'scsU / j/ ^ y / y y t f y ^ f j to & / & riy/ £*~~ Qx?-d~ey, > 2 2 - .j p i . a ^ y sJ y y / sT y^ y^ y & ’£ 3 . \d?£/ Q t^ y f C /^£<sr} ^ v c^ & y y t s f e ~Jl &S $ jy fl/ $&&&. ^ l _ y y ^ y ^ L ^ y y c L ^ ^ T g r *>/■ �/t £ ^ __ 6&L* ____d jf-/ ? " >£ tf~~i<^*~ s(/(*j£oc£/i^y <A ,/yr l ^ ^ / trp . 6^\£& ^ 2 i/?jz ^ < ^ l . ^ AsiZ£ viV^- (Ah-. #44^ca-^*a~- TytiVn^iL c A£A&?s Ahzc^6&&<- @*~ ^ tA jp A c | ��7^ - _ _ _ 7 .... A ~ £ J - .... .**C - \ T 1 . K r — ij -------f j 1 : ' r * ___ _ ■ *o> - w • > �^ ’y ^ J S >sM ^ tr t ifa / c g 2 + £ i* j2 £ . U & & . / i ay ? 'S A .’^ ' A h rr. . s , 'v- /- . - , /y™ . & $ H k --J ^ d■—3X* 3 x £ L m u .y fJ A M 2 & / < & / ,.j,/ A $ 4 . 2 ^ 1 . 3/■2'm- J rr& a k b . x A ly a ^ f J A A 1140 t & ~ y « S y / a s t j ---- ’ *fc- ^ ■ - i ff ie & & & S I a .. £ / ^ u c^ u Z f S h u t /6*~/ \J#>£ £ d ti ^/^yi^c^7 i A^-’ t £2~~$. (sJlcaz* y . A/» ....... J h v /4 .• ;/- ^ -,. „;-K; J e& ..j / 3 A t& J fa S A ^r'-* ■ v . . v '" }£./(?!>****& 6&e&..//.i' 3, .. £i£J2*<- . J h n sy & f- Z/^ ^ , fr_ * fc 2 £ z & i/~ d e 4 . r £ . a/As^a/ - >r\ A /ld ^/A u cto/—. c/hn/-jiiL i &CWUX- J^AASiiTTjZ^ AA, ■" - e- ?A 2 1 . J l. ( P & f / 2t /P t< j - - - ^ 3 <2 - > * * ) <&& //- “/ ? * j 7- / t z 2 m fit i tp a / £ - ? -4 * / 4 * 4 ./ Z r i/ x wr �27f :^ J / Q & h Z Ig fr & S tt d $ ?S 7 i 3. 2*^ = ^ ? T & 7f l J d 1 ’ 3. IW > llk i J d £ 2T^ J h r x ld "/'A 0sW.-£> ■ Sfig . Br / r ;.H«UUU, § !» T /t f c ^ " 3 % , ^ _ v J d d , 7 T q rj7 . t e ^ V . 'V ^ /y_ ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ab6b18189a96f8a102cca8a80d53f807.pdf 72fb91c8f2770a7e595e9ac89662f16e PDF Text Text CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN BENNITT, M.D., SURGEON, 19TH MICHIGAN INFANTRY, 1863-1865 . Sept. 1st [1863] Cool except in middle of day— Wrote “Remarks” for report & made Statistical estimates. Wednesday 2nd Completed Monthly report. “Remarks” rather more voluminous than designed— Rec’d letter from Dr Tompkins Weather cool in morn but quite warm toward eve. Sept 3 Thursday Cool cloudy wintry day Rec’d letter from Wife (3N) at Plainwell. Money rece’d—through E.E.E.1 & Dr. R[ichardson]. Pleased with stay there—Goes to Kal[amazoo]. Settle with Dr. Stone &c— Scholarship. Bo’t Hat of Suttler on time 6.00 Milk “ “ .50 Answer Wifes letter, & put it in mail just in time to go. Partly write a letter to “Carrie Brown” at eve.—a cool wind blows to-night No rain of any consequence. 1 Sergeant E. E. Bacon. �4th Hospital Corps,, Drill.? 5th 85 Ind. Moved to Wartrac[e] &c. 2 Sunday 6th 33rd Ind moved to Tullahoma with Head-quarters of Brigade. Our turn next. Wrote letter to my wife. Charles Peterson3 Placed in my hands for safe keeping his wallet containing $108 00 & some change. Monday Sept. 7th Sent the letter to wife written yesterday— Camp moved to near R R Depot. 18 sick men including one 85th Ind. man.— A comfortable & not particularly unpleasant place though rather dirty to start with. Shall get cleaned up in a few days— Made semiweekly report but do not send it away. Sept 8th Chaplain’s papers received & he starts in Skedaddle order for home. 4 No letters from home. 9th Weather very warm. Matters more as usual. No letters from home. Thursday Sept 10th Col. Gilbert returns from home. Mrs. Champion & Capt Lincoln 5 with him. Sent Dr. Hobbs6 the medicine Ip—(instead of Sal Epsom—) 6 oz.7 Sugar Lead8—1 oz. Quin[ine] 2½ oz. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Wartrace, Tennessee is a small town about twenty miles south of Murfreesboro on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad line to Tullahoma. Private Charles G. Peterson (1844?-1863) of Bainbridge enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan in August 1862. He would die from disease at Murfreesboro ten days later on September 17. Rev. Israel Cogshall resigned as Chaplain of the 19th Michigan on September 9. Captain Charles P. Lincoln of Company C. Wilson Hobbs, Surgeon of the 85th Indiana Infantry. Bennitt is indicating that he has given Dr. Hobbs a supply of ipecac rather than Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), probably because he has none on hand. Although the former is an emetic and the latter a purgative, both have the effect of the expulsion of fluid from the gastrointestinal system and therefore one could be considered to be a reasonable substitute for the other. Sugar of lead, or lead acetate, was generally used as a sedative for acute external inflammations and as an astringent lotion. �No letters from home. Partly wrote one to wife— Not feeling very well. Weather very warm. 11th Sent Peterson to Gen Hosp. Prog[ress]? Also 85th Ind man Brownwell.9 Dr. Burbank’s Resignation accepted on 7th inst—papers received to-day. Wrote more in the letter but did not send it. No letters from home. Saturday Sept 12th/63 Sent Delos Bates10 to Gen Hosp. Sore Eyes— Visited Court House & Hospital with Ladies. Rece’d welcome letter from wife at Plainwell—is going home soon. She said nothing of my clothing. Added to letter written yesterday & the day before, & sent it. Sunday 13th No religious service. The whole day taken up with care of the sick.— Pleasant day but I fear the result to me of a withdrawal of religious teachings. Sang in Mrs. Champion’s room in evening. —14th— Feeling quite uncomfortable; Aguish.— Vis[ited] 22 Wis. & Med. Direc[tor] of post. Tuesday Sept. 15th Threatens rain— W Webster very low probably will die 11— Mrs. Shafter12 sick. Feel better myself. Taking Quin[ine]. —16th— Wrote letter to my wife. —17th— Received letter from wife still at Plainwell. Had been at Kalamazoo looking for houses.— No word from the clothing— Steward Sick, not very well myself. Sent requisition for 3 months supply med. Inspected camps &c. Probably Private Arthur Bonnell of Company B, 85th Indiana Infantry. Probably Private Lovell D. Bates (born ca. 1829) of Ovid. He enlisted in Company H, 19th Michigan in August 1862. 11 Corporal William W. Webster (1831?-1863) of Royalton enlisted in Company I, 19 th Michigan in August 1862. He would die of disease three days later on September 18. 12 The wife of Lieutenant Colonel William Shafter. 9 10 �—Friday Sept 18th— Not very well. Steward still unable to attend to duty. Sent duplicate requisition for regular supply of med— Sent weekly Brigade report & Sanitary report to Dr. McPheeters 13 —19th— Dr. Tompkins returns to-day his resignation has not yet returned. Sunday 20th Received letter from wife still at Plainwell—asks about purchasing a home in Kal.—write a reply. Dr. Hobbs visits me—examines 6 men 4 for furloughs—1 for discharge & one for leave of absence. There is a report to-night that 500 rebel cavalry may be expected in the morn. —Monday 21st— Weather pleasant—Fighting in “front”—rumors of “rebels” around us and especial vigilance is enjoined. We expect “an attack.” 14 —22nd— Dr. Hobbs informs me that Dr. Tompkins’ resignation is accepted. He goes to Nashville. I telegraphed to & write a letter to Dr. Trowbridge to come here immediately. News of reverses, in front, & then of victories.— Receive of Capt Lincoln $1000—used my last to telegraph. 13 14 Joseph G. McPheeters, Surgeon of the 33rd Indiana Infantry. All Confederate cavalry under Wheeler and Forrest were with Bragg’s army operating in the vicinity of Chattanooga, so the rumors Bennitt has heard were incorrect. �—23rd— Good news confirmed15— My health not very good—See Lieut Scott16 on train—dismiss Charley Black.17 Retire late. May God keep me. Finished letter to my wife after 10 P.M. Thursday 24th Before Breakfast a train from the front loaded with wounded came along. One of the guards had about midnight been run over by a car, crushing the right foot and leg and the left foot and ankle.— Amputation of left right leg above middle— Assisted by Drs. Thrilkeld, and Kennington.18 Four arteries secured.— Posterior flap.19 Chloroform operated nicely. Man somewhat prostrated—lost very little blood in operation— operation on left foot deferred till 1 PM. Stimulate with Spts Fru 20—Beef Ess[ence] & Op[ium]. Water dressing.21 Names of name Lewis Stover Pri[vate] Co. F. 105 Ill.22— With him David Franklin Pri[vate] Co. F. 105 Ill. as att[endant].23 Lieut Col. Mudge of 11th Mich flesh wound through the arm left. Stopped to have it dressed. Wrote Lottie of these. Saturday Sept. 26th I.e., the news that the resignation of Dr. Tompkins has been officially approved. A Lieutenant Scott cannot be identified. 17 Probably an orderly employed at Bennitt’s hospital. 18 William Threlkeld was appointed Assistant Surgeon of Volunteers in April 1863. Dr. Kennington is not identified. 19 The two most common types of amputation employed in the Civil War were the circular and the anterior/posterior flap methods. The advantages of circular amputation were generally less postoperative bleeding and ease of bandaging. The anterior/posterior flap method had in its favor the relative speed in which it could be performed and the “flap” of skin and tissue that was made available to cover the bone. 20 Spiritus Frumenti, or whiskey. 21 The preferred method of bandaging wounds in both Union and Confederate armies in which the cloth of the dressing was kept wet with cold water. 22 Lewis C. Stover (born ca. 1843) of Milton, Illinois. He would survive his injuries, as well as his double amputation, and go on to serve as treasurer of DuPage County, Illinois in 1873. 23 A David Franklin does not appear in the roster of the 105 th Illinois Infantry, but there is a David Frank of Babcock’s Grove, Illinois, who enlisted in Company I. 15 16 �Rec’d Letter from wife. Rob’t Day24 came into Hospital wounded in thigh. Yesterday two companies A & F went to Duck River Bridge. 25 LEWIS STOVER CASE26 Sept 24th Dr. Link27 of Hospital No 1 amputated left leg of Lewis Stover in afternoon, circular operation in middle third of leg, three arteries tied— No ligatures—light dressings— Chloroform impression pleasant— Patient revives well.— I ordered stimulants and opiates freely; pulse quite frequent—130— —25th— Case progresses favorably, pulse 120, rested well having taken opium and whiskey—ℨii of the former every three hours, & the other ℨiv28 every 1½ hours with Beef ess[ence].&. Cheerful. 26th Still doing well—remove dressings— Stumps look well—right has most heat but less discharge—& less pain, pulse 108. Some appetite. 27th Pulse 95. Has taken less opium and complains of more pain. Increase opium— Stumps look well—right has more heat but no more pain than the other— Both discharge freely. 28th A.M. rested well, but complains of pain this morn (a little more Op[ium] will be profitable)—is uneasy in any position. Wants to be moved often. discharge freely—right stump quite warm, left about normal. 24 25 26 27 Private Robert S. Day (born ca. 1835) of Burr Oak. He enlisted in Company E, 11 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. The Duck River Bridge on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad line was located about 30 miles southwest of Murfreesboro at Normandy, Tennessee. Bennitt has written his notes on Private Stover’s double amputation in his pocket diary, inserting them between his regular entries of September 24 and 26. Probably J. E. Link, Assistant Surgeon of the 21st Illinois Infantry. �Eve— Quite uneasy— Pulse 100. R. Morph gr.½ Ip 1 pro renata. 29 Water dressing continued. Oct 5 Ligature came fr[om] left Peroneal. 30 Maggots in right leg.31 Doing well. Sunday [September] 27th Am not very well.— Visit some Negro children sick in town. Receive Hospital stores & med[icine] & Note stating that there is a box at Adam’s Express office for me.— Write to have it sent here immediately— Do not go to church— Write two pages of a letter to my wife at night— take Dover gr. v. on retiring.32 Sleep well. —28th— Send Semi-weekly report—assist in operations at Hospital—amputate one finger &c. Meet Dr. Shumard & go with him to Hospital &c. Vis[it?] man at Mill—pris[?] for another two men return from Duck River sick— Receive letter from Dr. Trowbridge acknowledging receipt of my Telegram, but saying that the illness of his wife will prevent his coming for a few days—perhaps ten. Receive invoices & receipts of med. &c. Invoice compares with receipts & articles, all right—remail receipts. 28 29 30 31 32 Bennitt’s medical notation indicates that the dosages were two drams of opium and four drams of whiskey. There are eight drams in an ounce. The medical notation indicates that a half-grain of morphine and one grain of ipecac were prescribed for the patient as needed. There are sixty grains in dram. The ipecac here was probably intended as a diaphoretic to keep the skin around the amputation pliable while inflamed. The area of the fibula, the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. Wounds infested with maggots were a common occurrence in the Civil War. Union physicians usually tried to eliminate them as soon as they appeared, but their Confederate counterparts noticed that maggots ate only decaying flesh and that the infection rate of wounded men infested with fly larvae was less than those without. Bennitt is probably referring to Dover’s Powder. It was a well-known diaphoretic compound made up of one grain of opium, one grain of ipecac, and eight grains of milk sugar (lactose). One of its uses was to break up a cold by causing the body to sweat. He indicates that he has taken 5 grains of this powder. �Ranney fails to get the appointment of HT33 from Secretary of War because Col Gilbert asks for his appoint. as Steward of the 19th Mich which he has already. I think Col did this by design that he (Ranney) might not receive an appointment that would detach him from the regiment. Sunday Oct 4 Moved Hospital into Fortifications on account of the approach of the enemy. 34 17 sick men & 11 att[endants] including convalescents. 5. Regiment moved into fortifications in night by order of Gen Granger. ?— Rebels reported within two miles. In God is our trust.35 What harm can befall if He is our friend? — Three field & Staff & three line officers came to Hospital to breakfast. Oct 10 1863 Murfreesboro Tenn Moved Hospital to old position near R-R depot. [October] 15th Rec’d my clothing after considerable trouble—all right nearly. 16th Dr Trowbridge reported for duty. 18th Attended Church at Union Meeting House. [October] 20th 33 34 35 I.e., Hospital Steward. Confederate General Joseph Wheeler had been ordered by General Bragg to cross the Tennessee north of Chattanooga with his cavalry corps and to disrupt communications of Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland occupying that city. The cavalry raid began on September 30, made some initial success by capturing supply wagons and forcing the surrender of the garrison at McMinnville, Tennesee. On October 5 the Confederates managed to destroy the important railroad bridge over Stone’s River just south of Murfreesboro, but by this time considerable Union forces were in pursuit of the raiders. Wheeler recrossed the Tennessee River on October 9. Ps. 56:11. �Rode over Battle ground. [October] 22nd Wrote to wife & sent some Cotton Bowles in the mail. Orders to march to McMinnville to-morrow mid-day. Write to wife that we go. 23 March in the rain about 8 miles toward McMinnville after sending 13 men to Gen Hospital, & Stover36 to Nashville. Day to Reg. (Mich 11th).37 Evening rainy—good camping ground.— 24th Cloudy & cool but not rainy. Good road—march 18 miles through Woodbury— Camp in a grassy field—evening pleasant & dry. 25 Sunday reach McMinnville a little after noon over a rather rough road. Dec. 13th Rains at 2 PM.— Has been rainy for three days—anterior to that the weather exceedingly fine. Att. Bible class in morn—and meeting at 12. Finish letter to my wife begun two days ago. 36 37 Lewis Stover, the double-amputee from the 105th Illinois Infantry, apparently had recovered sufficiently to be moved the nearly thirty miles to Nashville. Private Robert S. Day had recovered from his wound and rejoined his regiment. �SIX “Poor Rebels!—Poor Rebeldom!!” January - March 1864 Jan 1st 1864—Friday—McMinnville Became suddenly very cold last night after a warm lowery day—continues cold still (10 P.M.) All returns and reports for the old year finished and the last sent to-day. Went to Col Robinson38 concerning the detail of Asst Surgeon.— Promised to relieve him soon and have this Gen. Hospital dis-continued. With Dr. Mintzer inspected the cooking of six companies— Paid Mrs. Price39 $6.00 for milk for Dec. Paid Albert the balance of Mess bill for Dec., $6.75. Gave letter written to my wife yesterday, to Dr. Bluthardt who goes home to-morrow. Albert goes to Murfreesboro to-morrow? for Sanitary Stores, & Boots for himself and Dr. T[rowbridge]. Visited sick in Gen. Hosp. with Dr. T[rowbridge]. Jan. 2nd Saturday Very cold still—sun shines through the clouds without bringing the temperature up to 32°— 4 men at sick call this morn—besides the one in the Hosp. with sore eyes— Steward went to Murfreesboro with Hosp Team.— Recd letter from wife & P M Smith. 3rd Sunday— 8 men at sick call. Weather milder, so that it thaws some. Att. Bible class as usual. 8 present. Interest good. 1 man came back to Hospital sick. I did not go out at all after morn. Refused to let Daniels40 have my horse to ride out. Wrote letter to wife, & one to Jennie. Superscribed to latter. Colonel William Perrine Robinson, enlisted in the 23rd Missouri Infantry in June 1862 and would be mustered out in September 1864. 39 The wife of the storekeeper and Baptist minister. 40 Probably Private Marcus Daniels of Company D, 19 th Michigan. 38 �4th Rained latter part of night and nearly all day. Warm & foggy to-night. 6 men reported at sick call & two came into Hospital later in day. Had a discussion with Dr. Mintzer with reference to his authority as Med. Director. Rec’d order from Col. Robinson to report to him (i.e. Mintzer). Attended prayer meeting—rec’d $210[?] to buy candles for lighting church. 5th Weather cold. Remained within most of the day. Visited woman with Dr. Armstrong 41 that has small-pox. In a destitute condition with four little children—Husband in Rebel army. Jan 6th Weather still cold Ranney returns from Murfreesboro bringing from the sanitary commission one Bbl Potatoes, one of Turnips about one of onions and a small amount of dried fruit, a codfish &c.—& a box from home containing a pair of shirts, 2 pairs gloves, two prs socks, papers, & letters from wife, Clara, Jennie, Mrs. Barnard, 42 & Hila Bennitt. Vaccinated three companies. Of doubtful utility. Dr. Trowbridge relieved from duty at Gen Hospital. Jan 7th Wintry. Snowing a little nearly all day.—took three men to Gen Hospital. Shall continue to care for them. Dr. Trowbridge directed to care for the small-pox case, and vaccinate the negroes in town—Removes the woman to better quarters. Attended Prayer meeting, 30 present. Took two pounds candles. Write letter to wife. 8th 10th Sunday Att. Bible class—Interest good Called on Cols. Gilbert & Shafter in evening. 41 42 Dr. J. B. Armstrong (born ca. 1821) was in private medical practice in McMinnville. Martha J. Barnard (born ca. 1838) was a teacher in Centreville, and with her husband formerly roomed with the Bennitts. �11th Weather more moderate. Wrote letter to my wife. Made application for leave of absence for thirty days which Col. Gilbert will take to Nashville & approve. Attended not prayer meeting as the cooking report needs be finished. 12th Weather moderate. Finish cooking report. Premiums[?] to G. D. & H. 12.50 12.50 5.00 Dr. Mintzer ordered to report to Chattanooga—Suggests that I take charge of the Gen Hosp. A. B. Ranney begins an inventory of Hospital property. Many men complaining of colds. Jan 13th Wednesday— Weather spring-like ’though rather raw. Inventory of Hosp property at Gen Hosp. completed. Col. Gilbert went to Nashville this morn.— More colds among the men. 14th Morning fair & mild. I must regulate my time a little better if I would accomplish the work given me to do. January 15th Weather mild but freezing a little. Spent a considerable portion of the day learning the affairs & condition of Gen Hosp. Rec’d two letters from home. No startling tidings. Letter fr Dr. Hobbs. Train escort bringing mail &c attacked in the night or rather morning of the 14 th at Woodbury.43 One corporal captured but paroled. 16th Paid Farrabee44 Ten dollars to buy milk for Hosp Gen 10.00 for the week past 43 Woodbury is located about halfway between McMinnville and Murfreesboro. �Wrote letter to wife late at night to send by citizen in morning. Sent also weekly report to Dr. Hobbs. 17th Sunday— Bible class as usual— At evening received order to receipt for Hospital property & take charge of Gen. Hospital at McMinnville—from Col. Robinson.— Signed receipts & rec- invoices late in evening. Jan 18th Monday— Receipted for team & wagon,—&c. Dr. Mintzer left this morning & I entered fully upon duty in charge of Gen. Hosp. Moved into Hosp in PM. Supped in new quarters. Four of the men mess in old qrs. Dr. Rolls45 on duty as ward Surgeon does not attend sufficiently well to the wounded— Is not critical in examination. Told him he could be relieved if he chose. Col. Robinson sent Order to report no. of horses, in use. We have 2+1+2+ 3 mules. Daniels—Chief nurse. Did not go to Prayer meeting. 19th Weather cool—snow fell a little last night—cloudy all day but not freezing much. Spent nearly all forenoon in ward trying to put things in order—Dr. Rolls is not an efficient surgeon, & I could get along better without him. Sat for a portrait—artist Wilkes46 a Hollander of the 4th U.S. Cavalry. He is a ready painter. 20th Milder weather, freezes nights but thaws during the day. Dr. Rolls relieved from duty at Hospital—Dr. T[rowbridge] will take his place. An alarm was raised, that Carters force had attacked our men at Hickory Creek bridge.47 44 45 46 Farrabee was probably a hospital orderly or steward. His name is not on the rosters of either the 19th Michigan or 23rd Missouri Infantry regiments, nor does he appear to be a resident of McMinnville. James F. Rolls was Assistant Surgeon to the 23rd Missouri Infantry. At this time the 4th U.S. Cavalry was stationed at La Grange, Tennessee, 340 miles from McMinnville. It is unlikely that Wilkes belonged to this regiment, and Bennitt himself later identifies the soldier-artist as being in the 15th U.S. Infantry. �Col. Gilbert returns—sick. I hope to go home ere long. Jan. 21st Weather very pleasant all day—quite muddy. Received letters from wife (2), Clara, Hila, Surgeon Hobbs & Surg n Mintzer. Sylvester Barret of Co “K” died of Typho-pneumo-bronchitis at 4½ PM.— Attended prayer meeting—about 60 present. Interest good. Write to my wife. 22nd Weather very fine. Buried S. Barret without any religious services. Made an Autopsy in the case—reveals Pneumonia—Purulent stage right side—extensive old plural adhesions—large liver & Spleen—ulceration of Peyers Patches48—Hyperaemia49 of kidneys &c. 23th Weather very very Pleasant —Had inspection of Hospital (Saturday instead of to-morrow). 24th Sunday Very Pleasant. Had singing & prayer by 23 Mo. Chaplain in Ward at 9 AM. promptly—nearly [all?] inmates of Hospital present. I think the effect will be good. Att. Bible class,—& stayed to hear a Private of 23 Mo. preach—a Campbellite.50 Did not go to meeting in P.M. Battallion drill at 3 PM. Dress Parade at 4 P.M. Visited Small Pox at 5 PM. Jan 25th Monday Weather very fine. 47 48 49 50 Hickory Creek flows just south of McMinnville before joining the Collins River. There were two railroad bridges that crossed the creek one mile and again three miles south of the town. Captain Joe Carter was the leader of a group of Confederate irregular cavalry (or to Union troops, guerrillas or bushwhackers). On January 20 his force attacked the garrison at Tracy City, about 33 miles south of McMinnville. Peyer’s Patches are masses of lymphoid follicles on the mucosa of the small intestine. Engorged with blood. I.e., belonging to the denomination Disciples of Christ. �Went with a party to Ben Lomond Mountain 51—6 officers of 19th Mich & one Citizen— Bell.52 Scenery & ride very pleasant. Returned at 4 PM. Attended prayer meeting in evening—attendance nearly or quite 100. 26th Weather very fine— Called to see Dr. Armstrong’s wife, with menorrhagia 53—morn & eve. Send up ambulance for Mrs. Kane54 to ride, she having been sick.— Prepare to send 4 patients & the Rebel Lieutt off in morn. Tuesday, February 9, 1864 Weather warm & pleasant. Wrote letter 4 small pages to wife. Made endorsement on letter from Surgeon Cansdell,—asking about tardiness of reports,—stating that the reports had been sent at regular time and that the trouble was in the irregularity of the mail. Made discharge papers for Sam’l Vogan & Wm Harvie,55 and Endorsed a certificate for leave of absence for Chaplain Cave, but only as to facts as to his condition, but not giving it as my opinion that he should have leave of absence on account of health. His domestic afflictions a better reason for going home. He ought to resign. John Sutton56 came into Hospital looking very bad, this morning. I fear he has not thought himself as sick as he really is. Wednesday, February 10 Weather warm and pleasant. Rec’d letter from Surgn Cansdell directing me to recommend 8 men for Brigade Ambulance Corps.57 I had sent the weekly Regimental report to mail in afternoon. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 A large flat-topped hill about three miles south of McMinnville. Possibly George Bell (born ca. 1832), a McMinnville farmer. Mariah Armstrong (born ca. 1817) suffered from bleeding of the uterine vessels. An unidentified McMinnville resident. Possibly Private Samuel P. Vogan of Company B, 19th Ohio Infantry and Private William Harvey of Company H, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. Private John A. Sutton (1841?-1864) of Nottawa enlisted in Company D, 19th Michigan in August 1862. Early in the war it was seen that a reliable and fast method of removing wounded men from the battlefield was desperately needed. The Army of the Potomac organized the first such unit with trained men and specially designed wagons for the purpose. Not until March 1864 was a bill passed to establish the Ambulance Corps as a regular army unit under the control of the Medical Department. �John Sutton died to-night at 9 o’clock. Entered Hospital yesterday morning.— Had not seemed to be much sick till then. Dr. T[rowbridge] thinks there may have been peritonitis from perforation of the intestine. He had complained of diarrhoea for a few days past, but he tried to do duty too long. The labor of & exposure this winter have been too severe for him & he did not give up as long as he could stand. I ought to have attended to his case with more care when he first came to sick call. It is barely possible that his case was then remediable. I will try to improve from these dear bought lessons. Thursday, February 11 Weather warm & pleasant. Burial of John Sutton at 4 P.M. with military honors—Autopsy revealed perforation of intestine 2 feet above Ilio-coecal valve, which must have occurred the morning before he came into the Hospital—Inflammation of the entire peritoneum with diphtheritic exudation in many places. All organs covered by peritoneum involved somewhat in the infl[ammation]—Intense congestion of pulmonary mucus membrane, so that blood exuded abundantly, and run from the nares.58 Calcarious concretion in several Bronchial glands.— He seems to have suffered for some time without complaint. Wrote a letter of condolence to Mrs. Sutton after Prayer meeting. Fire in town. Bebs59 Ho[u]se burns night before last. Grand illumination came near destroying the church. Friday, February 12 Weather pleasant & mild. Visit all the camps of the 23 Mo. & nearly all of 19th Mich. There is much need of improvement in policing bedding & tents, in both regiments, but I must report the facts. The men of the 19th Mich. especially have been worked hard lately that the bridge and fortifications may be finished, & the cannon brought up & the work put in a good defensable condition. There is some excuse for a little slackness in policing if ever. Lent Black Harry a dollar, Proba[bly] not to see it again. Saturday, February 13 58 59 The anterior and posterior pairs of openings to the nasal cavity through which air passes to the pharynx. Bebb, first names not known, was a family residing in McMinnville. �Mr. Champion returned from home. No letters from wife for five days— Letter from Dr. Green saying that he would accept a commission as asst. Surg in 19 th Mich. I doubt if he will have an opportunity. Inspected Hospital & found it in good condition generally.— Wrote recommendation? for Carlos Baker 60 for Hospital Steward in Colored regiment— did not commend him very highly. Wrote Surgn Cansdell nominating men from this regiment for Ambulance Corps. Wrote Surgn Mintzer unofficially enclosing a letter from his Sister which I had opened. Made Post Sanitary Report. Rumors of Rebels expected before many days. I don’t believe any will come here in arms now. Retire after 12 midnight. Sunday, February 14, 1864 Held Bible class at Methodist church this morn at 10—Present Chaplain of 23rd Mo. and about 20 of the men, & the girls. Two classes of men & one of Ladies.—Lesson Acts V 1 to 12. Interest good. Hope some good may come of these lessons. Rumors of rebels in large force coming here, and the men are kept at work on defences & securing stores & water in works, so that we can stand a siege of several days if need be. I do not believe we shall be attacked at this time. There is too little to be gained to them & too much risk of being injured in the operation. Wrote letter to my wife 4 pages. Also to Dr. Clarke to send by Lieut. L. W. Seymour, 61 who goes to Washington to-morrow. Weather a little rainy but warm. Did not attend Preaching. Monday, February 15 Rainy, but still warm. Birds sing. Lieut. Seymour of 23 Mo. goes to Washington by order of Gen. Thomas to be treated for Epilepsia. Send letter to Surgeon Cansdell giving list of recommendation for Ambulance Corps. Receive letter from Surgn Hobbs directing me to report condition of Medical wagon, & Med. Stores &c. & to report on Wednesday. No word yet from Whiskey for hospital. 60 61 Carlos Baker (born ca. 1828) of Allegan County enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan in August 1862 and would be discharged in July 1865. Probably 1st Lieutenant George W. Seymore of Company I, 23rd Missouri Infantry. �A gun was fired at guard at Hickory Creek bridge last night & they fired in return. No information from rebs. Bought this book of Champion on a/c for $2.50. 62 No letter from wife for a week now. If the little one is sick may God spare her. Tuesday, February 16 Weather clear but a cold wind from the North makes it feel quite uncomfortable out, & it freezes all day. Examined regimental Hospital stores & wagon so as to report condition & quantity. Asst. Surgn Trowbridge attends all the sick in Hospital. I att sick call of regiment. Miles Cook63 of Co “E.” died at 3 A.M. of measles, suppressed. Bronchitis. Gen congestion, all recent. Organs all apparently sound. Fear of rebel raid here passing off. Cue,64 got Drunk up in village & was sent to guard house. Reported the matter to Col. Robinson & he had the Liquor seized, of the man (Henderson) 65 & says he will send it down to Hospital to-morrow. 12 to 15 gall[on]s peach Brandy. fair. We’ll see.? Called at Dr. Armstrong’s. Lt. Fonda66 was drunk in street & behaved himself very — Wednesday, February 17, 1864 Weather cold & windy but clear. Thawed a little where sun shone. Col. Robinson sent ten gallons “Peach Brandy” taken from Henderson last night—to Hospital. It is good & timely. Made Requisition for new Register & cards. 67— Sent Monthly Report for Jan to Q[uarter] M[aster] Gen[eral].— Wrote Dr. Hobbs of the condition of stores wagon, Tents & supplies, sending a list with quantities. Sent him also Weekly Sick report stating sanitary condition &c. & report of Med officers with some Remarks as to the manner in 62 63 64 65 66 67 Although its entries begin on February 9, Bennitt is referring to his pocket diary that he bought from Champion, the camp sutler. Miles Cook (born ca. 1846) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E, 19 th Michigan Infantry in December 1863 and only arrived at McMinnville on February 1. A soldier by the name of Cue (or Kew) does not appear on the rosters of the 19 th Michigan or the 23rd Missouri Infantry regiments. Possibly Philo P. Henderson (born ca. 1837) of Girard. He enlisted in Company H, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. Charles W. Fonda (born ca. 1840) of Centreville was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 1 st Lieutenant, Company G in July 1863. I.e., patient registers. �which we are employed.— Gave him the names of my Hospital att[endant]s for detail in Brigade Ambulance Corps.— Wrote a letter to my wife 2 pages mentioning the Fonda scandal but giving no particulars. Inspected Co “B.” Good—very Good. Retire very late. Thursday, February 18 Weather still clear & cold. Bought casmere gloves of Sutler on a/c yesterday, & took dinner with Capt. Lincoln. No letter from home yet.— No mail to-day. Forage train of 30 wagons & 100 men under Capt Calmer 68 sent back word that it was reported that Carter with 200 men was at the Caney Fork ford69 on Sparta road awaiting their coming to dispute their advance & prevent their foraging—50 more of 19th Mich. men (Co. D) & 50 Mo. men were sent to reinforce. Dr. Trowbridge went with an ambulance. Tallman & French70 also went. I doubt their seeing any enemy. They were off at 2 P.M. 20 minutes after notification. Examined Capt. Lincoln. Fear he has tubercles—will resign. Man came in to-night who I fear has varioloid.71 Sang an hour with Mr. Russel72 & Daniels. Dr. T[rowbridge] left his wallet with me having in it cash $1540 & stamps 33cts—may God keep them all in safety— Cold & clear to-night. Moonshine. Friday, February 19 Weather fair and somewhat warmer. Made Weekly Hospital report—Weekly Post reports i.e. of sick and of Med officers.— Report from 23rd Mo. came in about noon. Att[ended] sick call of Reg’t & visited nearly all the sick, before noon. Did not visit third story till eve. Called to see Colored cook in town & sent med[icine?]. 68 69 70 71 72 Charles H. Calmer (1834?-1864) of St. Joseph was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He was promoted to Captain in May 1863 and would be killed in action at Resaca, Georgia in May 1864. The ford was located about twelve miles northeast of McMinnville. Albert French (born ca. 1830) of Monterey enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. A mild form of smallpox that occurs in persons with a high resistance to the disease, usually obtained through vaccination. Possibly W. N. Russel (born ca. 1827), a McMinnville farmer. �Made Certificate of Disability for Capt. Lincoln. He has Incipient Tubercular Phthisis 73 & proposes to resign. Lieut. Reynolds74 sent Abstract of Issues75 to Regt’l Hospital to me to-night. Steward copied statement of Fund. The other Has not come i.e. from Lt. Waters. 76 I think I may do better to-morrow than I have to-day. Trouble of Major Griffin77 with Lieut. Fonda on account of arrest. No word from the Forage train. Saturday, February 20 Weather mild & clear, still cool enough. Have been trying to do my duty more faithfully but have not succeeded much better, yet I am not discouraged, “For in due time I hope to reap if I faint not.” May God give me strength, & let His Love fill my soul, so that all my powers may be devoted to His work. Col. Robinson, & Majors _____78 & Griffin, were at Hospital inspection. They seemed pleased with the appearance of things. Approved Certificate of disability for discharge of Aaron Hatcher Pri[vate] of Co F. 23 Mo. (Opacity of Cornea) Forage train returned full—saw but few rebs—captured 5 or 6 Bushwhackers. Col. Stokes79 had preceded them—Reb. Carter, is variously reported as wounded, & in Ky. No reliance. Capt. Calmer accidentally wounded in thigh with his own pistol. Not serious. Call at Dr. Armstrong’s—Mrs. A. in my absence sent us 4 apples. Sunday, February 21, 1864 Weather most lovely & springlike. Birds singing joyfully— A little cool early in morn. Bible-class did not do well to-day on account of there being no stove in the house. We must try to have a place to meet. It will not do to abandon it now. Mr. Price Preached a good sermon from Luke XV 11. &c. The Prodigal Son. It seemed to have a good effect. 73 74 75 76 77 78 I.e., pulmonary tuberculosis or consumption. Herbert N. Reynolds (born ca. 1836) of Niles enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Commissary Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in July 1863. A report of medical and hospital supplies issued from a central depot. Possibly 1st Lieutenant Richard C. Waters of Company K, 23rd Missouri Infantry. Eli A. Griffin (1833?-1864) of Niles was commissioned Captain in Company A, 6th Michigan Infantry in June 1861 and resigned in June 1863. He subsequently joined the 19th Michigan Infantry as Major in October 1863 and would be killed in action at Golgotha Church, Georgia in June 1864. Bennitt apparently could not remember the name of the officer from the 23 rd Missouri Infantry who was Major Jacob A. Trumbo. �Mail came in bringing letter from wife (3 p.) All well at home. Hattie better.— Write letter to wife (2). Reports of movements of armies into E. Tenn. & impending battle. Did not go to meeting to-night as the Chaplain’s preaching is not instructive nor pleasant to me. 39 on sick list of 19th Mich. Large proportion are recruits. Monday, February 22 Weather most pleasant & warm. Like the last of April in Mich. 24 men at sick call this morning. Sent two with Ophthalmia 80 into Hospital & one with “Fits.” Capt. Calmer came in to-night. Sent McLachlin81 & Cue home on furlough. Doubtful if the former ever goes into the field again.— Inspected quarters and cooking of Cos. I. (good) B. (good) D. (kitchen good quarters dirty) H. (kitchen good quarters dirty) K. (kitchen good quarters dirty) I do not think their excuses are valid. They waste much time at cards &c. Do I improve all mine?(?) Visited negro cook sick in town—Better. Attended prayer meeting. Goodly number & good interest, but the Chaplain talks too long & loud. I want to feel more of the love of God in my heart. Tuesday, February 23 Weather very fair mild & pleasant. 23 Mo. Reg’t ordered to Murfreesboro to relieve 33rd Ind. which goes home as veterans.— 23rd Mo started about 1 P.M. Officers tarried to have a spree &c.— Commissary sent in abstracts of Issues to Hospitals which were very imperfectly made out. Corrected them so far as I could. Gentry of 23 Mo died in hospital this morn. Autopsy showed pulmonary abscess, & extensive adhesions of pleura—Old—Ulceration of Intestines—82 Black Dorcas child died of scrofulous affection of all the organs & glands. Hepatic abscesses.83 79 80 81 82 William B. Stokes (1814-1897), commander of the 5th Tennessee (Union) Cavalry. His regiment was active in anti-guerrilla operations at this time. A severe inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the interior or deeper regions of the eye. Archibald McLachlin (1828-1890) enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in January 1863 and would resign due to disability in May 1864. The soldier had a severe infection of the lungs resulting in the formation of pus in the chest cavity; the intestinal ulcer may have been ulcerative colitis. �Dined at Mr. Price’s. called at Capt. Cliff’s 84 to see Surgeons Major Griffin commands Post. Lt. Wing85 Post Q[uarter] M[aster]. Capt. Bigelow 86 Provost Marshall.— Spent evening at Head quarters talking our affairs over. Wednesday, February 24 Weather still fair & warm—Thunder lightning & rain for a few minutes about 10 PM. last night & then all quiet & clear again. No events of special importance. Mrs. Price called to see me concern[ing] Capt. Lincoln’s health. Called to see Lieut. Rynex,87 but he was out riding. Inspected Quarters of three companies. Co. “A” moved to Round House fort. At Dress parade, Lieut. Fonda appeared on duty again. It is proposed to retain him during good behavior.— Maj. Griffin announced as commander of Post &c. Large amount of trade in town to-day. Made Weekly Reports for Brigade Surgeon, which will be sent by first opportunity. No mail. Capt. Lincoln resigns on account of Phthisis Pulm[onalis] &c. Thursday, February 25, 1864 Weather fair and mild—soft wind promise of rain? Att[ended] usual duties of morn. Examined Fuller, Wilkerson & Crockett 88 & we think it best to discharge them. Visited camps out of town. Made all Weekly Regt’l & Hospital Report & returns & Statements of Hospital funds for Jan. Recd several communications from Surgn Hobbs & one from Surgn Brento[?]89 (11th A[rmy] C[orps]) complaining of the delay of my 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 The child of a Black resident of McMinnville had tuberculosis of the skin as well as an infected liver. Probably James Clift (born ca. 1811) of Company M, 5th Tennessee Cavalry. Before the war he was a McMinnville farmer. Lucius M. Wing (born ca. 1840) of Coldwater was commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862, and was was promoted to 1 st Lieutenant in May 1863. In March 1864 he would transfer to Company D and would be commissioned Quartermaster in May 1864. Charles W. Bigelow was commissioned Captain in Company G, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He would die of wounds received at New Hope Church, Georgia in May 1864. 1st Lieutenant Richard C. Rynex was Quartermaster of the 23rd Missouri Infantry Regiment. Benjamin Fuller (1842?-1864) of Matteson enlisted in Company H, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would die of disease at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee in July 1864. The other two mentioned are probably Sergeant John Wilkerson and Private William F. Crockett, both of Company C, 23rd Missouri Infantry. Possibly Assistant Surgeon Joseph L. Brenton, 115th Ohio Infantry. �reports— Surgeon Hobbs explained to him & sent me copy because we have no mail. Wrote to him. We will soon have however by R.R. I am tired and a little unwell—indigestion. Rec’d letter from wife of 14th—2 [pages]. She was about to move to Centreville. Wrote to her 3 [pages].— God preserve us all in His Peace. Friday, February 26 Weather very fair and mild, no rain. Sent five patients of the 23rd Mo. to their command by the Q[uarter] M[aster]’s train. We will need to muster those that remain. All Weekly Reports went out. Visited Sambo90 (of Co. “C”) and found him not so well.— Q. M. Rynex neglects to provide for the pay of the Black men at work at the Hospital, but says he will do it when he comes down here after a few days. I hope he will. Meanwhile Lt. McLachlin will attend to the employment of all the “Contrabands.” Rode down to “Hickory Creek” with Major Griffin & “Staff” & crossed the new Bridge on the first train. All sound. The machanics of the 19th Mich. are “some.” May they be as successful in all laudable undertakings as in this. Road rough.— Telegraph might soon be put up. Have I done as much as I ought to-day? My health is a little better than yesterday. Saturday, February 27 Weather very mild & fair, still. Inspected Hospital & found all in good order. Made Certificates for discharge of Benj. F. Fuller Co “H” 19th Mich. Phthisis Pulmonalis, & Wm W. Crockett Co C. 23 Mo. V.I—Chronic Diarrhoea. Lieut. Easton91 left Hospital. Paid me $1900 for board & I paid Wilkes $2000. Paid $190 for 4¾ lbs Maple Sugar at Mr. Prices store & left it there. Good reports from the “Front.” Rail Road open to Tullahoma first to-day— Surprized them there. 16 Rebels deserters came in yesterday to take the oath & behave themselves loyally. Sunday, February 28, 1864 Weather a little rainy and somewhat cooler but not freezing. 90 91 Sambo Colvin, a Black cook employed in Company C, 19 th Michigan Infantry. David J. Easton (born ca. 1841) of Coldwater was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was promoted Captain in �Col. Gilbert returned from home last night with his little boy, James. Brought mail— letter from wife at Centreville, written on the 22nd 2 P[ages] in pencil. Little Hattie hot well. Fear of Scarletina. Dr. Bassett’s children died two weeks ago of it— Wrote letter ½ P. to wife and sent it by Rail Road to Tullahoma &c. Major Griffin went to Murfreesboro. Did not attend church nor Bible class to-day—no place for Bible class—& no preaching except Haggard’s. Mr. Price went to Louisville yesterday. Reported upon three men for whom letters of inquiry were sent here viz: Stephen Moulton—Wm Brubaker & Wm H. Garrett92—last here sick. The others were sent away in Jan. 18th on crutches to Nashville. Col. Gilbert displeased about Capt. Lincoln’s resignation. Monday, February 29 Weather Rainy, all day. Mustered 35 patients & 4 attendants present in Hosp. not including Steward 3 Att[endants], & 20 patients of 19th Mich in Hospital mustered with their companies— only 2 of 19th mustered here viz. Fuller & Sayles.93 Made Post Sanitary Report & Return of Med Officers at Post & sent with them to Surgeon Perin94 a note stating that we had not received any Blanks for Monthly Report of Sick &c. Rail Road communication to this place is uncertain, as the repairing of the road of the main line is contemplated with the rails from this. No letters from home. Would that I could have an abiding trust that all are cared for by a kind Heavenly Father, and go on in the discharge of my whole duty here, feeling that all is well. Paid Steward $1000 on mess a/c. Tuesday, March 1, 1864 McMinnville Tenn. Summary of Strength of 19th Mich. 92 93 May 1864. He had been wounded in action at Thompson’s Station, Tennessee in March 1863 and would be again at Allatoona, Georgia in May 1864. Possibly Private Oscar W. Moulton of Company D, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics; possibly Private William Brubaker of Company C and Private William Garrett of Company K, 21st Illinois Infantry. Private Benjamin Fuller (1842?-1864) of Matteson enlisted in Company H, 19th Michigan in August 1862 and would die of disease in July 1864. Private Benjamin C. Sayles (1836?-1864) of Decatur enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan in August 1862 and would die of disease at McMinnville in May 1864. �Present Absent P&A Fighting Men Officers 18 Officers 9 N.C. Officers 101 N.C. Officers 18 Privates 424 Privates 58 Total 543 Total 85 Others 113 Aggregate 656 Sick 25 Aggregate 741 Weather still rainy nearly all day. By request Col. Gilbert ordered a board of Survey, to report upon condition and deficiency of Med. &c. Invoiced to me from R. Fletcher, Med. Purveyor, Jan. 25 th. Capt. Baker,95 Lieut. Easton & Dr. Trowbridge Reported in accordance with the facts as they had examined the stores at the time of their receipt three weeks ago. Report will be approved & sent by first mail. Preparing “Remarks for Monthly Report.” Made weekly Reports to Dr. Hobbs for tomorrow, which will go in the morn if there is a mail. Write letter to wife 2 [pages]. Wednesday, March 2 Weather fair, but cool. Frost last night. Drying out rapidly to-day. Major Griffin came back this morning with an order for our Regt to go to Pikeville 96 to return here after election next Saturday. Order evidently made with the impression that the 23rd Mo. was still here. Town all awake with fear and large numbers prepare to leave, for fear of Bushwhackers &c. Consternation prevails. Col. Gilbert sends train to Tullahoma & telegraphs the facts. The reply is to send 5 companies, 5 remain here. Dr. T[rowbridge] will go with them, with ambulance. 94 95 96 Glover Perin (1823-1890) was the Medical Director of the Department of the Cumberland at Chattanooga. John J. Baker (born ca. 1835) of Sturgis was commissioned Captain in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Major in June 1864 and to Lieutenant Colonel in October 1864. In July 1864 he would be wounded in action at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia and would be discharged due to disability in May 1865. Pikeville, Tennessee is located about thirty miles east of McMinnville �Examined 44 “Home Guards.” Reject 2. Called to see Mollie Price. 97 Pleurodynia.98 Called (but did not see it till too late) to see a Colored soldier at Mr. Poindexter’s. 99 Will try to see him in morn. O. P. Hanks100 Co E broke his leg in scuffle. Started three men out to duty but they returned, with wagon train. Thursday, March 3 Weather fine, clear & pleasant. One half the Regt. went as far as Collins River (8 miles) toward Pikeville, but found it impracticable to get over on account of the high water caused by the recent rain. One Co. (H) passed, but intelligence reached Col. Gilbert that Carter had stripped Pikeville, & that the people had no knowledge of his coming to protect their election & would not therefore have any— A retrograde was ordered the battalion returned about 5 P.M. having passed the swollen River here twice without any serious accident. I visited large ward in forenoon—& Mrs. Poindexter & the negro there. In the P.M. a wounded Rebel Bushwhacker was brought in from about 20 miles distant. Shot in upper part of chest, & in the back & arm. Paralysis of lower part. Pulse 124— probably will die—101 Prayer meeting well att. Bible class to be continued. Friday, March 4, 1864 Weather pleasant. Promise of rain to-night. Write for information concerning the procuring artificial legs for soldiers to Surg n Perin.—did so. Visited with Col. Gilbert & Lt. Galbraith 102 of Gen. Howard’s staff, eight of the Co.s and made report of award to Co Cooks, viz: B $15. 00 E 1000 “C” “D.” “G.” & H, each 500 “I” “A.” & F each 400 “K.” 300. The first two are premiums, the others simply extra pay for doing well. Visited Miss Price quite sick. Capt. L[incoln] is quite too attentive to look well to me. Wrot letter to wife 4 [pages]. The daughter of Mr. Price, the storekeeper and Baptist clergyman. A severe inflammation of muscular attachment of the diaphragm to the chest wall. 99 An unidentified McMinnville resident. 100 Oliver P. Hanks (born ca. 1833) of Adamsville enlisted in Company E, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Corporal in January 1865. 101 Bennitt later identified this man as Gilly. Living in the McMinnville area were A. Y. Gilly (born ca. 1833), a farmer, and Albert Gilly (born ca. 1830), a laborer. 97 98 �Saturday, March 5 Rained about an hour (from 10 to 11) last night, but it is fair and mild to-day. Mail did not go out till this morn. None received to-day Election to-day here passed off quietly, there seemed to be but one man drunk. The ballot box was protected by Federal bayonets. 132 votes cast. Every man voting took and subscribed to the oath proposed by Gov. Johnson. Some who claim to be loyal men refused to take & did not therefore vote. The loyalty of such men is rather suspicious. Asked Col. Gilbert to take care of the Reb sent here two days ago, as he is a nuisance, can do no good to keep him a prisoner. He can do not mischief if he be sent back home. Visited Mollie Price. Private talk with her mother.— Dr. T[rowbridge] left me there and came home. I went to Capt. Cliff’s and had a sing and chat. Sunday, March 6 Weather very pleasant & warm. Ten sick men at call this morn & 21 in Hospital of the 19th. Affairs moving on quietly. At Bible class were present only 5. Some remained away preparing for inspection. It seems as though Col. Gilbert tries to counteract—not openly however—any religious effort. Speaks as though he thought it my duty to be at Sunday inspection. I cannot see the matter in the same light he does. Mail brought me official papers but no letters from home. Visited Mollie Price, & dined there. Poor Mollie!— Prescribed for “Liza” & other negroes. Took morph[ine] for my cold. Monday, March 7 Weather fair in morn.—Rainy in P.M. Bushwhacker Gilly sent out four miles at his request his father also being here. We are glad to be rid of him, for he is a complete nuissanance. It is not probable that he will ever recover the use of his legs because of injury of the spinal cord at 2nd Lumbar vertebra. His punishment is no more than he deserves. Told him so. 102 Possibly Lieutenant Colonel Robert Galbraith, formerly of the 1 st Tennessee Cavalry. �Made certificates for Furloughs for A. Love, A. R. McCoy, J. Coy, T. Botzen & James Duff.103 Will send them up in the morn—also for Capt. Calmer.— Bought “Atlantic Monthly” for March for 50cts.104 Did not attend prayer meeting on account of finishing the furlough applications. Cold better, still somewhat troublesome.— Began ploughing garden. Thunderstorm gathering. No letter to nor from home. Tuesday, March 8 Weather fair and pleasant most of the day. Rain with Thunder last night. Wet ground unfit to plough.— About thirty recruits from Mich. have come. Co. “C” will be filled to minimum. Commissary stores sent up by R. Road at the same time as far as to within miles of here. Visited negro soldier at Mr. Poindexter’s and made a note of disability on account of Rheumatism on his pass which had expired.— Had some music. Part of ball removed from Reid’s105 thigh that had been there 5 months—Chloroform used. Effected kindly. Stated on paper around the applications for furloughs, that less [than] 14 per cent of furloughs were applied for. Did not see Mollie Price but saw her mother and learned that she is much better—Mr. Faulkner106 stripped by Bushwhackers on his way to Nashville 10 miles—of Horse buggy & $45000. No mail. Wednesday, March 9 Weather fair and mild, a little cloudy & airy. 16 at sick call. 20 in Hospital. Made Weekly Reports (3) for Brigade Surgn which will go by first mail. A. Love was in the 72nd Indiana Infantry; Sergeant Alexander R. McCoy and Corporal Joseph W. Coy were in Companies A and G respectively of the 99 th Ohio Infantry; Theodorus Botzen (born ca. 1817) of Fillmore enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862; and James Duff was in Company G, 19 th Ohio Infantry. 104 Among the contents of this issue were poetry by John Greenleaf Whittier and Oliver Wendell Holmes, prose by Harriet Beecher Stowe and Edward Everett Hale, and an essay on General McClellan’s Peninsular Campaign of 1862. The newsstand price for the magazine was normally twenty-five cents. 105 Possibly either Corporal Thomas B. Reid or Private James Reid, Jr. both of Company F, 23rd Missouri Infantry. 103 �Bought some potatoes (yesterday) for seed &c. (2 bus[hels]).— Visited Mollie Price— much better. Mr. Price store entered by thieves last night? He is promised trouble for selling gun caps for “pills” to Citizens. Some suspicions I have, of the integrity of this family. I hope there is not good ground for it. Visited the painter’s rooms above. He does not paint as well as Mr. Wilkes. Have been feeling unwell all day and still to-night. Recruits came up to-day 29 in number. Col. Gilbert has on foot a project to tax citizens who have means, for the support of poor families to whom government rations have been issued. Thursday, March 10, 1864 Weather rainy last night, fair and pleasant to-day with plenty of stirring air. Windy and a late rain to-night. 6 or 7 Citizens brought in as hostages for good conduct of bushwhackers around us. Col. Gilbert affirms solemnly that one shall be hung for each loyal man murdered &c. Train came within eight miles of here and camped. Lt. Wing coming in. No mail. Prayer meeting with good interest. A new man, from among the recruits. I am feeling a little better to-night. Weekly Hospital [reports] ready to send in the morn, if mail goes out. Extracted a tooth for a Citizen this morn— Paid me a 25cts—first money in this manner rec’d since I have been in the army. Wrote letter to wife 2. Friday, March 11, 1864 Weather fair but rather windy. Hospital on fire at noon created some excitement for a time but by prompt & well directed efforts on the part of the attendants & others of the regiment & some Citizens the flames were subdued. It is not safe from fire as it is. Mail Brought letters from Dr. Clarke and I must write him soon, for he seems to think I feel hard toward him which is not the case. He misapprehends me— & one from Surgn Mintzer. He goes home soon. Commends Gen. Davies107— from Dr. Hobbs with Blanks &c. Invoice of Pannier108 & Med[ical] Case which were received in good order— 106 107 108 Probably Asa Faulkner (born ca. 1802), a wealthy McMinnville farmer. Brigadier General Thomas A. Davies (1809-1899) was commander of the District of Columbus, Kentucky at this time. The Medical Pannier was a wooden or wicker box containing a prescribed set of medicines, instruments, and dressings that cost the government about $100. �receipt signed and mailed with a note to him.— Dr. Clarke advises me to apply for Examination for Staff Corps. ? Recd two letters from Wife & Jennie—28th ult 2 Inst. Did not send letter to wife to-day but wrote one to Jennie & put in Geo W. Waters Note of $5 00 given at Annapolis Apr. 25, 63. Will go tomorrow probably. Saturday, March 12 Weather fair & pleasant like April of Mich. Gentle Zephyrs fan the brow. Taxing the Citizens goes on briskly at head quarters and men of wealth are made to feel that there is a reality in this war they have encouraged here. But Col. Gilbert may have trouble about the matter, unless he is authorized to act in the matter. Hospital Inspection showed a good condition, & patients doing well. Visited camps & kitchens of Co’s I. B. A. & D. In good condition. The prospect is that we shall remain here for some months to come. Prospect of rain again to-night. I think I will send in another application for leave of absence. Wrote letter to Dr. Clarke at Wash D.C. Sunday, March 13, 1864 Weather fair but somewhat airy and cool enough to have a little fire at evening. 16 at sick call this morning— Two sent into Hospital with lung trouble & one Black boy—(small) with Measles. 54 in Hosp now. 21 of 19 th Mich. Att Bible class, only 7 present, but interest good & a pleasant and profitable time— Ac[ts]. V. 17 to 29. Visited Negro Boy up town who is near his earthly end? It seems to be necessary to look after them somewhat. I wish the children could be gathered into Sabbath school here. There seems to be a total inattention to religious instruction among the Colored, & the Whites too for that matter. Mr. Price was gone again to-day so that we had no preaching.— Wrote a letter [to] Clara & tried to impress upon her & Jennie the importance of Piety. I am too much devoted to the world & worldly things. God save me. A closely written ½ page to my wife [March] 13th on a blank end of one of her letters, put in with letter to Clara.109 Monday, March 14 109 This letter is not in the collection. �Weather Pleasant. Cool enough for a little fire morn & eve.— 14 men at sick call. Signed Abstract of issues to Regt Hospital for Feb. Called to see negro boy about to die of infl[ammation] of Medulla oblongata. 110 Made Certificates for furloughs for J. L. Jackson—J. C. Sims & Solomon Ishmael of 23rd Mo. & B. F. Sales of 19th Mich.111 Visited sick negro child by the cemetery with Mr. Westerfield,112 not much sick.— Stopped at Steam saw mill on my return. Albert drew of A.C.S. Reynolds113 $7000 on voucher. This will probably supply us for the month. I have to some extent succeeded in following the dictates of conscience & the law of God—O that I may have grace to persevere in well doing. No letters written nor received. Tuesday, March 15 Weather cold & raw—snows to-night. Took the furloughs to Col. Gilbert & he refused to forward the application for Sales because he brought the disease upon himself &c. &c. Just perhaps but hard. Completed requisition for supplies for Gen. Hosp. & wrote a letter stating our number and circumstances &c. Talked with Col. Gilbert about a Chaplain, & he says he will request the appointment of one if I want one. Dr. Trowbridge writes to Elder Hascal inquiring about Eld. McLeod, intimating to him that we would like to have him if he can be had. 114 Hope we may. Bushwhacker Carter picked up 3 men of Co H. (one of them a Tennessean) and stripped them of nearly everything and sent them in almost naked. Mr. Faulkner’s horse was re-stolen from the Bushwhackers last night & brought in. Wednesday, March 16 110 111 112 113 The medulla oblongata is the upper part of the spinal cord making up part of the brain stem. Any disease or injury to this area is usually fatal. J. L. Jackson does not appear on the roster of the 23rd Missouri Infantry; Privates Jeremiah Simms and Solomon Ishmael were enrolled in Company B and Company E, respectively, of the 23rd Missouri Infantry. B. F. Sales is Private Benjamin C. Sayles, Company G, 19th Michigan. A young medical student who, beginning in July 1863, served as a hospital clerk. Herbert M. Reynolds (born ca. 1836) of Niles enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862, and was appointed Commissary Sergeant in September 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in July 1863, and served as Acting Commissary of Subsistence during February and March 1864. �Weather cold and stormy—raw, chilly. Sam Henderson115 bought 12 lbs butter for me @ 25cts yesterday. Two Companies of 17th Col’d U.S. came from Woodbury where they had over one day trying to catch Bushwhackers. It is authoritatively stated that Stokes Cavalry have killed 30 of these Robbers within the last month. I hope they may be exterminated. Made out Weekly Report in full to Brigade Surgeon, & put them in Carrier hand to take to Murfreesboro to-morrow. Made application for Leave of absence. Wrote note to Sanitary Agent at Murfreesboro to send dried fruit and vegetables by Lieut. Reynolds. 6 or 8 men of 23rd Mo. will go to duty to-morrow. No letters written nor reced from home for five days. Thursday, March 17 Weather still cold but fairer=Milder to-night— Sent off eight men of the 23 Mo. to duty by train to Murfreesboro. Left 47 in Hospital— three have been admitted.— Col. Gilbert’s boy has diarrhoea—send him med.— Col. G sends my application for leave of absence, with an “urgent! approval?” Unpleasant developments with reference to conduct of Negro woman with soldiers &c. Sent the five negro women of the Hospital to Mr. Price’s Store with an order for goods amounting to twenty five dollars ($500 each) I becoming personally responsible for the payment when they get pay from government. It may be money thrown away, but the women have washed and must be clothed— Prayer meeting not large, but the Divine presence was felt. Mrs. Price gave me a cake of maple sugar. No letters. Friday, March 18 Weather fair & warmer but rather windy. Calm & quiet to-night. Col. Gilbert’s boy sick—10 men at sick call. Sent one into Hospital— Stokes cavalry attacked a[nd] completely routed Carter’s Bushwhackers, 17 miles north east of here—killing 4 or more of them & capturing large number of horses, saddles, arms &c. There were about 100 of them, 140 of Stokes men. One of the latter wounded 114 115 Rev. Samuel Haskell (1818-1900) of Kalamazoo and Rev. J. L. McCloud of Schoolcraft assisted in the organization of the First Baptist Church of Three Rivers in 1861. Its first pastor was Luther H. Trowbridge. Probably a hospital steward. �in the right side—ball penetrating thoracic wall above diaphragm & passing down through diaphragm into abdominal cavity. Man will probably die of peritonitis 116 soon. Weekly Hospital Report made also Clothing return for Feb. Statement of “Hosp Fund” & Return of Officers treated in Hosp. for Feb. Recd of Capt. Calmer $2000. No letters. No mail. Saturday, March 19 Weather mild becoming warmer. Christian,117 the man brought in last night wounded died this morn at 11. Autopsy showed that the ball had passed through the cartilage of 7th rib—diaphragm Liver about two inches from anterior edge & two inches to right of mesian[?] line—missing gall bladder—through duodenum about four inches from stomach—impinginging against right side of spine about the last dorsal vertebra,—tearing through the psoae muscles lodged against the right sacro-iliac synchondrosis.118 Intense inflammation of nearly whole peritoneal surface with effusion of lymph & adhesions agglutinating the parts. Hepatitis considerable—complained of “Pain in the shoulder.” Water drank soon passed out through the wound.— Another man came in to-night a scout—wounded in back. Escort sent for him, chase Bushwhackers. No mail— Begin a letter. Sunday, March 20 Weather fair and pleasant but still somewhat cool. Mr. Price Preached at Baptist church from the text “If the Lord be God Serve him; if Baal be God serve him.”119 Pressed heavily upon the “neutrals.” Mail [came] a little afternoon,—Bringing applications for furloughs disapproved—discharge of Harvie. Letter from Dr. Hobbs to send statement of Hospital fund.— Blanks for Monthly Reports & others, 2 circulars pertaining to Med. Dep’t. &c. J. B. Nelson120 died of Purpura this P.M. Mr. Wilkes wishes to go to Nash[ville]. Rec’d of Patient McBride 71.55 & Rebel Rags for $400.00 Suthern 1100. 121 116 117 118 119 120 An inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal wall, produced in this case by an irritating substance by a penetrating wound. Christian (first name unknown) was in the 5th Tennessee Cavalry. The psoas major and psoas minor are the loin muscles; the sacroiliac synchondrosis is the cartilage joint of the pubic bone. Josh. 24. Private John B. Nelson (ca. 1818-1864) of Trowbridge enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. �Letters from wife of Feb ___ ¼ [page], of March 10th 3—13th 3. From Clara Feb. 23 3, March 12th 2. Jennie March 6 2½—March 12 2. Hila Bennitt March 5th 3½—L. D. Tompkins. Wrote to wife 4122—Hila 3. Monday, March 21 Weather still fair but cool. Blows up to-night as though about to rain. Harvie—Discharged left this morn. Lent him 1000 as he had not enough to get home with— Col. Gilbert vetoed Wilkes going to Nashville, much to my displeasure, but he is “the powers that be” and I must for the time submit. But he will regret some day such a course. Have a short talk with him. Send Harvie’s description List to Col. Nicholas 123 2nd Ky. Cavalry: & request him to see that the proper papers are made out.— Capt. Hubbard124 called to see me. Had a confidential talk with him about regimental affairs. Storm gathers around the “Head.”125 Dr. Trowbridge attends a parturient negress. 126 Burial of Nelson at 4 P.M. Made Monthly Report for Feb. Sergeant Major Russel127 came into Hospital to-night. Says he has had bad headache two days. Paid back $500 to Capt. Calmer. No letters. Tuesday, March 22 Weather cool and cloudy—need an overcoat riding. 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 McBride (first name unknown) was a scout for the 5th Tennessee Cavalry. Rags (or Wraggs) is not found in Confederate rosters. Possibly Private Southern Monroe of Company G, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. A letter dated March 20, 1864 was probably lost en route to Centreville, as Bennitt indicates in letter 142. Thomas P. Nicholas Samuel M. Hubbard (born ca. 1829) of Otsego was commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 1 st Lieutenant in May 1863 and to Captain in June 1863. He would be wounded in action in May 1864 and would be discharged for disability in November 1864. I.e., disaffection with Colonel Gilbert. Because childbirth was usually left to the midwife, the attendance of Dr. Trowbridge probably indicates complications with the delivery. George A. Russell (born ca. 1836) of Girard enlisted in Company C, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. He was promoted to Sergeant Major in March 1864. �Paid Capt. Calmer back $5.00 because for the 7 days that he was here for Feb. a return has been made and will be charged against his pay account. Took dinner at Mr. Price’s. Inspected Quarters & kitchens of all the companies and found them in a fair condition with some exceptions. Have learned that Nelson who died of Purpura Hemorrhagica, Lived on Bacon Bread & Coffee almost wholly. Major Cliff128 called here with a Lieut. He says they are waging a war of extermination against Bushwhackers. Taxing goes on. There is a suspicion that all is not right about it. The cloud gathers about the Head. Col. Gilbert says he wants me to take his boy home. Hope I can—no letters. Wednesday, March 23 Weather very pleasant. 15 men at sick call this morn. Sent one with Ophth[almia?] into Hospital. Have now 26 men of 19 Mich. in Hospital about 10 of them are fully convalescent. A man of Stokes cavalry that had been sick at Nashville but was going home on furlough lives 10 miles from here,—walked from Manchester—was very tired & was sent here by Col. Gilbert. No mail. Thursday, March 24 Weather fair till eve.—is now windy & raining a little. Made Hospital Reports for to-morrow. Straightened up my papers—Wrote to Surgn Hobbs, to accompany Monthly Report. Rece’d Call from Miss Victorine Wade129 & Sally—who seemed anxious that I should go home with them to tune the Piano— I partly promised to go down at some time. But I cannot fully trust to those who are enemies to our country. Friday, March 25 128 129 William J. Clift was commissioned Captain in Company C, 5th Tennessee Cavalry in October 1862 and was promoted to Major, probably in late 1863. In April 1864 he would be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and took over command of the regiment from Colonel Stokes. Victorine D. Wade (1846-1879) had moved to the McMinnville area after 1860. She married Dr. Benjamin F. Lackey in 1867; he had been Chief Surgeon of the First Cavalry Division in the Confederate army. �Weather rainy & Shining alternately. So much snow fell on the mountain in front of our window that it did not all disappear on the North side. It is somewhat chilly this eve. Visited a Negro family up town where are three children with Measles. Three have just had them— One child dead in the house. Talked with Col. Gilbert concerning Capts. Lincoln, & Thompson, & Lieut. Easton.130 Expressed my doubts of the first & last doing anything useful in the service. Col. Gilbert Lent me $20.00 without note. Thinks I will get leave of absence & I can then get pay at Nashville or Louisville. Co. F about to move into Court house. Col. Gilbert seems ready to leave here now, as he has “collected all the (tax) money he can.” No mail no news. Saturday, March 26 Weather very fine indeed. 15 at Sick call. Inspection of Hospital shows a good sanitary condition. Of 54 patients 26 are of the 19th Mich. 20 are fully convalescent—two must die ere long 6 be discharged 9 furloughed & the others recover in the course of a few weeks. Played ball after dinner. Mail came in advance of train, brought some Blank Monthly Rep. S.J.W. Mintzer came late in evening—to inspect Hospital? Stays in our room. Rumors of movements from here but nothing reliable. Letters from Surgeon Hobbs concerning turning over Hospital property &c. &c. Letter from Wife 3 of 17th & 18th. Sunday, March 27, 1864 Weather most lovely. Sick call but few in attendance. One man Norman Davis131 sent into Hospital. Bible class very well attended with good interest. Prayer meeting to-night. Mr. Price could not preach on account of a bad headache. 130 131 David J. Easton (born ca. 1841) of Coldwater was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and would be promoted to Captain in May 1864. He twice was wounded in action. Private Norman Davis (born ca. 1839) of Pokagon enlisted in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was discharged for disability in December 1862. He reenlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863 and joined the regiment in McMinnville in March 1864. He would be again discharged for disability in May 1865. �Lieut. Wing returned to-day—thinks he lost our letters sent by him on Monday together with Harvies descriptive List, & the letter to Col. Nicholas. Hope it may prove untrue, that they may turn up somewhere. The letters to wife informed of Lt. C. F’s 132 conduct. The other to Hila—I will write her again soon. Wrote letter to wife concerning buying house &c. &c. Letter from wife. She must move. Talks of buying a house—Hattie’s better. Letters from the Daughters. 2+2. Sue Langley133 at home. Monday, March 28 Weather terrible windy. Inspected Hospital with Dr. Mintzer. He damns with faint praise. He Inspected camps of Cos B. & D. and reported them in good condition. Wrote Board of Claims for Citizens134 in session here now and applications for allowances for forage & damages are many and large. Lent Capt. Lincoln Hair Mattress on account of his invalid condition and desire to remain with his company. Wrote letter to Sister Alzina. Tuesday, March 29 Weather milder in morn but chilly and cloudy toward night. Sick call well attended—16. Inspected with Dr. Mintzer Cos C. E. & F. & G.—in good condition. Dr. Mintzer asks for board of survey to determine what articles shall be dropped &c. as “worn out” & “used up.” Visited two Black patients in town— Called with Dr. Mintzer at Mr. Price’s and Mr. Henderson’s—Mr. Price invites us to dinner to-morrow which we accept.— We propose also to see Miss Wade &c in the country four miles. Wrote letter to Surgn Hobbs. Wendnesday, March 30 132 133 134 I.e., Lieutenant Charles W. Fonda. Susan B. Langley (born 1832) was the daughter of Thomas W. Langley who was the first settler at site where the village of Centreville was established. Boards of Claims reviewed citizen requests for compensation for property destroyed, damaged, requisitioned, or stolen by the Union army. However, only citizens loyal to the Union had the opportunity for such recourse. �Weather cool and cloudy quite chilly. —20 men at sick call this morn. No severe cases—26 of 19th in Hosp. Acted with Dr. Trowbridge and Lieut. Easton on a board of Survey for Dr. Mintzer. Took dinner at Mr. Price with Dr. M[intzer]. Issued clothing to men in Hospital—11. I hope it will be the last. Called with Dr. Mintzer at Mr. Stuart’s to Mrs. & Miss Young & at Mr. Stuart’s to see Miss Wade and Miss Davis.135 Returned at Dusk—a cool but pleasant ride. Dr. T[rowbridge] is not well, is so disgusted with “Mogul” 136 as scarcely to treat him civilly. Train went out into White County.137 Foraging to return to-morrow. No Letters. Thursday, March 31 Weather fair in morn but cloudy toward night, with wind and some rain late in evening. 20 men at sick call this morn. Try to make Remarks for Monthly Report of sick &c, but was interrupted by call of Ladies & several officers at different times by— Preaching by Mr. Price in evening—not a large number present—but a good sermon. Called at Mr. Poindexter’s in eve after meeting—Dr. Mintzer being there & Miss Young— Had music &c. It is so late that I will retire. Forage train not returned, & therefore—will not go to Murfreesboro to-morrow—. I can have the reports ready in morn. Reported canonading toward Huntsville Ala. 138 Report of Bushwhackers not far off. No letters. 135 136 137 McMinnville residents of which one is possibly Mary L. Davis (born ca. 1845). Probably a disparaging nickname for Colonel Gilbert. The White County line is approximately twelve miles northwest of McMinnville. �SEVEN “We Expect To Be Soldiers in Earnest Now” April - June 1864 DIARY ENTRY Friday, April 1, 1864 Summary of Strength of 19th Mich for March 1864 Present Absent Pr. & A. For Duty Officers Avge. on 31st 25 8 34 25 8 34 Enlisted men Avge. 628 73 726 on 31st 642 67 738 Total Avge. 653 81 on 31st 667 75 Sick 1+25 Avge. 26 1+29 on 31st 30 Total Avge. Aggregate 679 760 697 772 on 31st 138 No military operations took place around Huntsville at this time, although on March 30 there was a minor skirmish at Caperton’s Ferry, Alabama on the Tennessee River. �Weather cool & Rains nearly all day. Completed monthly & weekly Reports—Ready to send by first mail. Forage train due last night has not yet arrived. The firing toward Shelbyville is said to be “jubilant.” Saturday, April 2, 1864 Weather cool & somewhat cloudy. 14 men at Sick call. Forage train came in about 11 A.M. & started for Murfreesboro at 2 P.M. Sent Deaver, Hammons139 and a Negro man from Hosp to Regt's. Send by Dr. Mintzer memorandum of wants (see Memorandum). Send picture by the hand of Robt McElrath140 who is going through Centreville Mich. Sent also by him a short letter to my wife & asked him to call and see her. Lieut Clark & 3 Privates also went for recruits—Lieut Easton went to Nashville for clothing—Lieut Ford to duty in Ambulance Corps as division commander. Hospital inspection showed a good condition. Sunday, April 3, 1864 Weather warm and fair during the day but cloudy & windy to-night threatening rain. Bible Class this morning attended with interest. I hope some good may come of it— Preaching at Baptist Church by Haggard141 to Negroes—nearly half of the congregation soldiers—But little good can come of such preaching under the circumstances. I have not attended, because I do not like to encourage such a man to preach— A good feeling pervaded the prayer meeting to-night. 5 or 6 patients broken out with an eruption that looks verily like Small-pox. O my God preserve me from all sin and keep me in Thy Love! Wrote 2 page of letter to wife. Monday, April 4 Rained nearly all day—cool. 15 at Sick call. Possibly Ephraim M. Deaver of Company F, 2nd Tennessee Cavalry; Willis Hammons was in Company E, 3rd Tennessee Cavalry. 140 Robert McElrath (born ca. 1836) of Mendon enlisted as Sergeant in Company K, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 141 Probably an unidentified McMinnville resident. 139 �Established small-pox Hospital a little out of town & sent five patients to it viz: Kane, Rhinehart, Lovett, Butrick, & Wade.142 The cases of the last three are modified by previous vaccination. Botzen & Norman Davis—with conjunctivitis but who had had small-pox volunteered as nurses. Geo. Lee 143 of Co A. detailed as nurse for small-pox. One more will be necessary. There are 5 other cases in Hosp here that promise to be mild varioloid, and one that came in to-night of Stokes Cavalry is doubtful. This last has never been vaccinated. Lt. Reynolds sent in Abstracts of Issues to Hospital for March all right—nearly— Mess pans of Q[uarter] M[aster] for Small-pox Hosp. Finished letter to wife (3) and sent it by Adjt Aldrich 144 17th U.S.Co[lore]d. Tuesday, April 5 Weather cool & cloudy rather raw and unpleasant. Lieut. Fonda left Hospital yesterday owing our mess 8.25 which he will pay when paymaster comes. McBride the Tennessee Scout brought in wounded in the Back on the died early yesterday morn.— Autopsy showed that the ball—a small one—had entered the back 3 inches from mesian line on right side, pass nearly horizontally toward the spine fracturing the Lamina of the 3rd Lumbar vertebra on right side—tearing through spinal marrow, nearly severing it lodged partly between the laminae of the 2 nd & 3rd Lumbar ver. on left side— Abdominal viscera congested near injury— No effort to heal.— No train to-night nor mail. I feel rather miserable physically. Wednesday, April 6 Weather Very Pleasant and mild. Saw on the 4th a Lieut. of Stokes Cavalry who said he would convey to his mother the intelligence of the death of McBride. He was buried yesterday with military honors. Has no effects here except cash $71.55 In the 23rd Missouri Infantry there were two privates whose surname was Cain: George L. and John M., both of Company E. Private Emanuel Rhinehart (born ca. 1828) of Niles enlisted in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863 and would be wounded in action at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia in July 1864. There were two privates with the surname Lovett in the 23rd Missouri Infantry: Alexander of Company C and Joshua of Company I. Private William L. Butrick (born ca. 1844) of Keeler enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in January 1864. James W. Wade enlisted in Company A, 23rd Missouri Infantry. 143 Private George Lee (born ca. 1823) of Keeler enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 142 �15 men at sick call to-day. Train returned from Murfreesboro. Mail in Ambulance—Circulars from Hobbs conc[erning] reorganizing Med. Dept.—Sevl Orders & Communications from Surgn Gen. Office & Med. Dirc—Surgn Perin orders discontinuance of this Hosp.— It will be some time first on account of Small-Pox.— Furloughs for 8 men, asked for 3 & 4 weeks ago ordered to be granted— My application disapproved by Gen Ward & returned by Gen Howard—Col Gilbert will send it direct to Gen Thomas—Capt Lincoln’s Pap[ers] R[eceived?]. Good letter from Mrs. Smith145 of Mar. 24. From Wife of Mar. 23 & 26th. “ Clara, & Jennie “ Jas Harris A. Chaplain—Webb146 from Kalamazoo Rec. Thursday, April 7, 1864 Weather pleasant & spring-like. 15 men at sick call. One came into Hosp.—Dugan147 of Co. B. Small-Pox moving on regularly—no more cases manifest. Capt. Lincoln’s resignation return without being approved for that it was not stated in the certificate that he was or not physically suitable for the Invalid Corps.—I added this that he is Suitable & shall send it back without exhibiting it to Col. Gilbert. Capt. better stay where he is. Prayer meeting to-night. Well attended—6 or 8 Ladies present. Some of them fast, it is said. Have written 6 pages of a letter to wife. Friday, April 8 Weather fair and pleasant. Rumors of the 19th to be relieved by the 23. Mo. Visited Small-Pox Hospital—Vaccinate men in Co “B.” & order them to report in a week. Obtained a vaccine crust from one of them which seems good. Lieutenant Job H. Aldrich of Company G, 17th U.S. Colored Infantry. Harriett T. Smith (born ca. 1819) was the wife of Perrin M. Smith, Bennitt’s attorney. 146 Webb (first name unknown) was affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, but he was not appointed Chaplain to the 19th Michigan. Bennitt gives more details about this man to Lottie in letter 145. 147 Jeremiah Dugan (born ca. 1838) of Martin enlisted as Sergeant in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 144 145 �Make Post Report for five weeks and Monthly return of Med. Officers on duty at Post for March to Surgn Perin— Weekly Reports for Hospital & Regiment— Inspect five companies’ quarters &c. Called to see Mrs. Price sick. Took Supper at Dr. Armstrong’s. Col. Gilbert, Major Griffin, 148 a clerk, & Mr. Spurlock,149 Citizen & the Ladies—Music &c. till 10 P.M. Signed triplicate enlistment papers for 35 of Capt. Cliff’s men. Saturday, April 9 Weather fair but windy till near night when it rains. 13 men at sick call. 27 in Hospital. But little sickness that is severe. Ranney returned the $500 let him two days ago.— He drew from the Commissary for purchases for sick $7500. Ext[racted] tooth for Miss Cliff150— Vis[ited] Mrs. Price—much better— Dorcas Colored woman in Hospital died to-day. Appointed Choir meeting at Capt. Cliff’s but on account of rain none were there, but Daniels & I. We sung an hour and a half. Col. Gilbert, His Son & Major Griffin took dinner with us. They inspected Hospital. All in good order. Forage train still out. Two Bushwhackers were brought in by Baldwin’s151 Cavalry. Sunday, April 10 Weather rainy & fair alternately—rather cool. 12 men at sick call—none bad. J. Goodwin152 came in last night at 12 with severe cramps & urticaria 153 from Indigestion. Better to-day. Eli A. Griffin (1833?-1864) of Niles was commissioned as Captain in Company A, 6th Michigan Infantry in June 1861. He resigned in July 1863, but reentered service in October 1863 as Major in the 19th Michigan Infantry. He would die from wounds received at Golgotha Church, Georgia in June 1864. 149 At this time there were at least four Spurlocks in the mercantile trade as well as one lawyer by that name residing in McMinnville or environs. 150 Probably one of the five daughters of Captain James Clift, 5 th Tennessee Cavalry. 151 Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver L. Baldwin commanded the 5th Kentucky Cavalry which at this time was part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Department of the Cumberland. 152 Private Joseph Goodwin (born ca. 1837) of Nottawa enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be wounded at Allatoona, Georgia in May 1864. 148 �Bible class attended with interest. To-day the Forage train returned—otherwise no work has been done by the men except necessary picket. One Sabbath in the army; a thing uncommon in the 19 th Mich. Prayer meeting to-night full: We are hungry for the truth. O that we had a good Chaplain. May God send us one, that will be faithful, & instrumental in leading many to Christ. Autopsy of black Dorcas’ body—Peritonitis from Ovaritis—ulceration of Cervex Uteri— Hydatids in ovarum—Pus &c. Left enlarged three times. Metritis. Membrana Caduca. Col. Gilbert sent the 7 furloughs filled out for the 12th. Monday, April 11 Weather rainy. Made Discharge papers for 5 men. Vogan—Garrett—Martin, Youngner—& Carter154— Wrote letter to Surgeon Hobbs—& copy—wrote note to accompany Capt. Lincoln’s resignation papers. Worked these till very late (11) & did not accomplish all I wanted to. Back reports are sent in except Quarterly of Surgical operations. We are now in 1st A[rmy] C[orps].155 Westerfield sick—possibly with varioloid. Tuesday, April 12 Weather fair and cloudy & rainy mixed—pleasant to-night. 20 men at sick call—none severely sick. 7 men left Hospital on 30days furlough—1 Tennesseean went to Murfreesboro to join part of his command said to be at Shelby. Two 19th Mich men Returned to duty— Westerfield more comfortable—no eruptions. Visited Small-Pox Hospital—doing well there. Vis[ited] Camps of Co.s A. Steward went with train to Murfreesboro to get Sanitary stores. Lieut. Easton returned to-night. A trip to Beersheba156 is proposed for to-morrow to return the following day. Wednesday, April 13, 1864 An intense allergic reaction marked by swollen patches of skin usually caused by food or medication. 154 Perhaps one of the five Private Martins in the 23 rd Missouri Infantry; possibly Private Sidney Carter of Company F, 23rd Missouri Infantry; Youngner cannot be identified. 155 The 19th Michigan Infantry remained in the 20th Army Corps for the rest of the war. 156 Beersheba Springs is located about eighteen miles south-southeast of McMinnville. 153 �Weather very pleasant all day. Leaving Dr. Trowbridge of Hosp. I went to Beersheeba with a party consisting of 5 young Ladies, Col. Gilbert, Sutler, Capt. Baker 157 an[d] Baldwin,158 Adjt Brown,159 Lt. Wing, & 20 mounted men—Pal[?]—& one negro, & James Gilbert.160 Ambulance accompanied— Took our own food by the way. Was very Hospitably entertained by Col. Armfield and Mr. French,161 and shown the places of interest by them— These Springs are fine but need Yankee enterprise to make the matter pay after the war is over. One Lady thrown from a horse sprained her ankle—one man kicked on knee— We were five and a half hours riding up. Very very pleasant. Thursday, April 14 Weather promised rain to-night otherwise a fine day for the visit to the “Stone Door” & other places of interest— Here is some of the grandeur of nature in vast upheavals of mountains, & then breaking them to pieces, and reducing the material to soil suited to growth of vegetation. Col. Gilbert on account of ill health remained at Col. Armfield’s. The ambulance accompanied us though the road was rough. Stopped at Laurel Creek Falls—Small Stream falls in a beautiful sheet about 50 feet. Chalybeate Spring (58°) near by.162 Conglomerate Sandstone. Indian Legend. Bear Story of Mr. French—Heard Cannonading. Returned to Beersheba at 11½ & started for home at 12—with a lunch from Mrs. Armfield. Arr’d at 4¼— Pretty tired— Prayer meeting well att with good interest—Sunday School? Friday, April 15 John J. Baker (born ca. 1835) of Sturgis was commissioned Captain in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He would be promoted to Major in June 1864 and would be wounded at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia in July 1864. He would be promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in October 1864 and would be discharged in May 1865 because of disability. 158 Captain Frank D. Baldwin. 159 Henry M. Brown (born ca. 1833) of St. Joseph was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was commissioned Adjutant in May 1863. He would be wounded at Resaca, Georgia in May 1864 and would resign because of disability in October 1864. 160 Colonel Gilbert’s son. 161 Colonel Armfield was a resident of McMinnville. Probably J. H. French (born ca. 1819), a McMinnville farmer. 162 Bennitt and his companions visited an area of sublime natural beauty about twenty miles south-southeast of McMinnville, with many scenic waterfalls and dramatic gorges. The Stone Door is a gap a few feet wide in the 150-foot rock face above Laurel Creek. Fortunately the “Yankee enterprise” that Bennitt wished for did not materialize, so the area has remained relatively free from developers and today attracts hikers and rock climbers. 157 �Weather somewhat cloudy—quite cool needed fire all day in room. Feel somewhat sore from ride yesterday—17 men at sick call— Vis[ited] Small-Pox all doing well. Called on Mrs. Poindexter & vaccinated her boy. Mr. Westerfield still quite ill severe axillary Pain. Origin obscure. Train returned from Murfreesboro to-day— Steward could get no Sanitary stores. None there. Letter asking concerning Wm Eckels referred with remarks to Surgn Clemens163—17th U.S. Col’d Troops. Letter from Enoch Evans.164 Apr. 2. 4 [pages] Letter from Clara of Apr. 2—4 [pages] Letter from Jennie ” 2 4 Letters from wife of March 31st 3 ” ” ” Apr 2 3 Saturday, April 16, 1864 Weather cool & cloudy. Made weekly reports of Hosp Post & Regiment. Westerfield the Clerk very sick. Finished letter to Jennie 6 Wrote letter to Lottie 3 Mail in morn. Sunday, April 17 Weather still rather cool little rain to-night. 8 men at sick call. Bible Class larger than usual interest good. Visited Small-Pox with Dr. T[rowbridge]. Mr. Westerfield very Dangerously ill from Septic poisoning? Prayer meeting to-night well attended with good interest. Third meeting appointed for this week. Mr. Poindexter did not preach to-day as expected. Rumor of marching orders. Possibly Private Henry Eckles of Company F, 17 th U.S. Colored Infantry. Phineas H. Clemons was Surgeon in that regiment. 164 Enoch Evans (born ca. 1833) was the son of Centreville farmer Spencer Evans and his wife Esther. 163 �Lieut. Willett165 of the Engineers Dept returned to Murfreesboro to-day taking the mail. Wrote long letter to Mrs. P.M. Smith 8 [pages]. Monday, April 18 Weather cool & showery. 14 men at sick call—39 sick in Hospital—23 of them of 19th Mich. Information reliable that we will go to the front soon. Steward began to take an account of property preparatory to transferring it to my successor. All seem sorry to have us leave. I am willing to go at the call of duty. Mrs. & Mr. Poindexter called to see us. Seem quite friendly & loyal. Wrote to Surgn C. W. Horner166 U.S.V. in Ch[arge?] Hosp No.1 Nashlle for Mullican.167 Westerfield is very very sick. Prog[nosis] grave, but some hope yet. Wednesday, April 20, 1864 Weather very pleasant—a little cool. Bright moonshine to-night. 10 men at sick call. All our men including small-pox patients, except Sales168—are prepared to leave Hospital to-morrow on Light duty and march. We march to Cowan Tenn by easy marches— Receipts & Invoices nearly complete. Letter from Surgeon Gen. concerning returning property to Med. Purveyor. Order from Adj. Gen. to make Post Return of Hospital for Feb. &c. Called in Eve. at Capt. Clift’s & Dr. Armstrong’s—music—very pleasant. Some work yet to be ready to start by noon. Did not sleep till 3 o’clock this morn. Send to Nashville for 2 letters. Letter from wife. Had not seen the “picture.” Talks of buying Mr. Pierce’s House. Write letter to wife 4 Thursday, April 21 Near Hickory Creek 9½ miles S.W. McMinnville Tenn. Weather very fair till 4 P.M. rain a little just before dark. Willett possibly was in one of the three battalions of the Pioneer Brigade, Engineer Troops attached to the Department of the Cumberland at this time. 166 Caleb W. Horner of Pennsylvania was first appointed Assistant Surgeon in November 1862. 167 Possibly Isaac Mullican of Company D, 51 st Illinois Infantry which was part of the 3 rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland. 168 Private Benjamin C. Sayles. 165 �Left McMinnville at 9 AM. amid the expressed regrets of the people. Took till 11 to get across the river—reached here at 3½ PM.— Many waded the creek here 1 ft deep. Several in attempting to ride fell into the water. Camp seems pleasant—men in good spirits. All came except Sales. Lodge 10 invalids in Hospital tent a few at a house. Capt. Lincoln came 4 miles and went back. Our march has been easy but many are foot sore! Left Tent & Fly at McM[innville] bought 3 blankets more than was designed. Left the letter to my wife at McMinnville—go to-morrow. Friday, April 22 Hillsboro Tenn. 10 miles S.E. of Manchester—15 miles East of Tullahoma 18 miles N.E. of Cowan—22 miles S.W. of McMinnville. A place on sandy plains 3 or 4 miles from the mountains— Once had about 30 familes now about 15 men in both armies— Town fast falling to ruin—no business now, once 3 stores— Have a school now of 25 to 30 scholars. We had marched about 13 miles over a level country beside a mountain range— Has been a fine country—once a large portion “Barrens”—without trees—now has a growth of vigorous Chestnut, Hickory, Red Oak, Dogwood &c.— For a wonder we saw a live Tennessee school. Day has been fine—a little dusty. Promises rain before morn. Took a plunge bath in a small stream—& felt invigorated thereby. Retire early. Saturday, April 23, 1864 Camp 19th Mich 4 miles North of Cowan Tenn. Weather has been fair all day a little cloudy— To-night windy with promise of rain. Camp on low ground beside a brook. Have marched 14 miles a little east of south. Men have stood the march well. Road mostly good— Forded Elk Duck River 2½ feet deep. Negroes men women & children followed us this morn—Rebel master came to camp for them be[fore] we started—and was obliged to come on too as a prisoner. Has been recruiting for Rebel army lately. Hope he may suffer for it. Negroes without any covering. Forage short—must go into Cowan in the morn for food for man and beast. Wrote letter to wife 3¾ so as to send it as soon as we get to R.R. Sunday, April 24 Camp of 19th Mich. I. Vols. Cowan Tenn.— �Weather rainy in the morning, but became fair about 9 A.M. little rain again to-night. Marched 4 miles to this place arriving about 11 A.M.— 33 Ind. is out of our Brigade & 20th Conn.—Col. Ross—in its stead. Supposed to be for the purpose of being rid of Col. Coburn. Camped near two very fine springs. Called on Surg n Terry169 for information, but he has not given me any. Colonel G[ilbert] sent to Deckard 170 for Commissary Supplies— Telegraphed for a pay master— Await the coming of the 22 Wis. & 85 Ind. Col. Ross com[mands] 2nd Brig. Gen. Butterfield Div. 3rd—Gen. Hooker Corps 20th. There has been so much of commotion that it has not seemed like Sunday— Nevertheless God Has not forgotten us— I was sick in morn feel well to-night— Pleasantly situated. Added little to the letter to wife and sent them North. Monday, April 25 Camp 19th Mich Cowan Tenn. Weather fair but rather windy. Cool to-night but quiet. Moon rises clear about 10½ PM. Sent to their respective commanding officers the descriptive Rolls of [?] James Duff, Co. G. 19 O[hio] V.I.— A. McCoy & J. Coy of 99th O[hio] V.I.— A. Love of 72nd Ind. Vols Inf. & Willis Hammons 3rd Tenn E. Cav. Made Certificates of Disability for Capt. Lincoln & Lieut. Hale. 171 Send—6 men & Lieut McLachlin172 via Rail R. to Bridgeport. (11 P.M. They were unable to get on because the train was so full.) Ordered to march at 7 AM. in morn. We are nearly ready. We expected mail to-night but received none. We may be paid at Bridgeport. Written no letters. Tuesday, April 26 Camp 19th Mich 12 miles s.e. of Cowan Tenn. 18 miles north of Bridgeport Alabama. J. Wadsworth Terry was Surgeon to the 20th Connecticut Infantry Regiment. I.e., Decherd, Tennessee. This town is located about five miles west northwest of Cowan and was the junction of the Fayetteville and Nashville & Chattanooga railroads. 171 Alonzo Hale (born ca. 1833) of Kalamazoo was commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant in Company F, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would resign because of disability in May 1864. 172 Archibald McLachlin (1828?-1890) of Bangor enlisted in Company G, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in January 1863 and would resign because of disability in May 1864. 169 170 �Weather has been very fine to-day. Started at 8 A.M.—leaving 7 sick & lame men to go by R.R. among them Lieut. McLachlin— Took till 11 AM to climb the mountain which winds for about 4 miles up the rocky side. Limestone below—new red sandstone at top— Road comp[letely] level & sandy after that—on an elevated rolling country—trunk[?] Chestnut considered a desert here.— Plenty of good water now. Camp by side of a nice brook—very pleasant. Fire in woods.— Men have endured march better than was expected, & we have come farther than was the design, that we might reach here. Ambulances came up Mount nearly empty.— I feel well but not active—a little billious. Wednesday, April 27, 1864 Camp 19 Mich. V.I. on Battle Creek 7 miles North of Bridgeport Alabama. Weather has been delicious, promise of rain— Came down mountain a thousand feet high into this narrow but rich valley—two miles of descent through Sandstone—Clay Shale into Limestone—fine springs & streams on the mountain side—rest by Big Blue Spring at noon for an hour and a half—follow down the valley at the south side. Camping at 3¾ distant 11 miles from start nights camp. Good bathing privileges well improved after the somewhat dusty march—health improving of the men. Several left at Cowan to seek easier marching. They’ll find harder [marching]. Wrote letter to Clara 8 p to send on arriving at R.R. Thursday, April 28 Camp 19th Mich V.I 2 miles North East of Bridgeport Alabama. Weather fair and warm—Rained a little last night which made marching much more pleasant. Started a little before 8 AM. 58 men at sick call—none sick however. Mar[ched] down Battle Creek valley three miles, and down the Tennessee 4 miles. Arr[ived] at Bridgeport about noon, took dinner with Surgeon Longshore 173 of 28 147 Pa. in Brigade Hospital. Very fine. Found our men sent by R.R. at Conv[alescent] Camp, bro’t them along.— Bo’t bus[hel] Potatoes—24 lbs Ham for Mess $4.00. Rec’d of Wm Harvie Cash $10.00 &c. Could learn nothing useful—shall keep what things I have till ordered to turn them over. Cross the Tenn. on two Pontoon Bridges. Old Bridgeport burned—new of Tents. 173 William R. Longshore �R[eceived?] Fletcher’s174 letter—Q.M. Gen. Deaver’s description Roll. Rec’d letters from wife & Clara. Sent the letter to Clara last night to P.O. Friday, April 29, 1864 Camp 19th Mich. 12 miles from Bridgeport 14 from Chattanooga in a narrow valley near Whiteside mountains. Weather has been very fine to-day. Large number dead mules on the roadside— Passed under high cliffs along the Tenn. River. Passed a squad of Mich Engineers a mile from here at a Rail Road Bridge 125 [feet] high— A very fine stream of water falls from the rocks of the mountainside, here and disappears again in a few feet— Dr. T[rowbridge] Kirkwood175 & myself went to top of mountain to Coal mines (not worked now)—Coal stratum from 1 foot to 3½ feet deep. The mountain is about 2000 ft high above our camp. Coal within two or three hundred feet of the top. Sent my letter written last night of six pages to wife. No mail. Saturday, April 30 Lookout Valley—Camp 19th Mich. Weather rainy last night and to-day fair since 2 P.M. but Lightning with promise of rain to-night. Found road very rough & slippery to-day—men have had opportunity to dry clothes— some have pine boughs to sleep on— Health of Regiment better than when we started from McMinnville— We are 2 miles N.E. of Gen. Hookers Hd-Qrs— I took dinner with Surgeon Grinstead176 U.S.V. Med Direc of Gen. Butterfield’s Div. He may prove (?) to be all that is required. I get no satisfactory information from him. We march to front without any Reg. wagons. We look up to Lookout Mountain whose summit is about 4 miles in a direction almost due South. It is 2900 ft high above the Tenn. R. 20th Conn. camped opposite side of valley. I.e., Sergeant Major Fletcher E. Marsh. Probably Alexander Kirkwood (born ca. 1835) of Cass County enlisted in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as Corporal. He was promoted to 1st Sergeant in November 1863 and would be commissioned 1st Lieutenant in Company I in November 1864. He would be wounded at Cassville, Georgia in May 1864. 176 William Grinsted was Surgeon-in-Chief, 3rd Division, 20th Corps. 174 175 �Paid Col. Gilbert all I owed him $2000. Recd letter from wife & Jennie. Arr. 21st. Sunday, May 1, 1864 Camp 19th Mich Lookout Valley. Weather fair—a little cool to-night. But few men at sick call. I thought to spend the sabbath as a Holy day. Wrote a letter to my wife before dinner, and heard a little after that we would march in the morn, thought it best to be doing something. Went to Div Head Qrs. & found that the order did not apply to our Brigade— Met there Surgn Hobbs—Called on Surgn Hovey177 of 3rd Brigade. I shall turn over the medical wagon & contents to Med. Purveyor at Chattanooga. We shall have no transportation for private baggage. It is to be left at Bridgeport Tenn.178 Met Surgn Hatchard of 22nd Wis. Col. Utley &c.179 T.G. Turner.180 It is supposed that we shall move in two or three days to meet the enemy. Wrote letter to wife 4½ & sent it. Monday, May 2 Camp 19th Mich. V.I. Lookout Valley Tenn. Weather fair but cool & windy. Called on Surgn Hobbs for instructions. Went to Chattanooga and turned over Hospital wagon & contents to Asst Surgn Ridgeley181 U.S.V. Med. Purveyor—but got no receipts they are to be sent. Took memorandum receipt for Capt. Lincoln’s chest in which I had some books—will cost 9.75 to get it home—beautiful view from Lookout road. Marching orders for 6 in morn. Called on Dr. Hobbs for instructions. Letter from Deaver—answer sending him $1000 for Ed. Tallman—Wilkes. Bleeker L. Hovey (born 1817) was Brigade Surgeon to the 3rd Brigade. I.e., Bridgeport, Alabama. 179 Thomas Hatchard of Milwaukee was commissioned 1 st Assistant Surgeon in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry in September 1863 and was promoted to Surgeon in April 1864. William L. Utley of Racine was commissioned Colonel in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry in July 1862 and would resign because of disability in July 1864. 180 Timothy G. Turner of Coldwater joined the 19 th Michigan Infantry as Quartermaster in November 1862 and would resign later in May 1864 due to disability. 181 Possibly Thomas H. Ridgely who was appointed Assistant Surgeon in August 1862. He was also Surgeon in the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment. 177 178 �Expect to see the enemy soon. God preserve our souls. Wife has bought Mr. Pierces House $1000. Letter from wife of Apr 24 th & 26th & Clara of 24th. Tuesday, May 3 Camp 2nd Brigade 3rd Division 9 miles south of Chattanooga in Ga— Weather has been fine. Brigade broke camp early & were on the march a little before 7. 182 Matters were not a condition of perfect organization and hence did not work without friction. As Brig[ade] Officer of day, I took charge of Ambulance train—took more men to Gen field Hospital by 20 than were designated—of 19th Mich 12 viz. P. Shepard, B. Fuller—Poppino Bristol, Depue—Hanks, H. Wells, S. Philips—Eastman—West.183 Was obliged to go to Chattanooga for an order to admit them. Overtook Brigade after about 3 miles march— Whole march 12 miles—around base of Lookout—Through “Mission[ary] Ridge.” Camped on Chickamauga Battle field— Remains of men still unburied or only ½ covered. Report to Surgn Hobbs—days march. Wednesday, May 4, 1864 Camp 19th Mich. V.I. 2 miles South West Ringold Ga. The Atlanta campaign began with General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891) making preliminary movements with his 100,000-man force. It was organized into three parts: Army of the Cumberland, consisting of the 4th, 14th, 20th Army Corps and Cavalry Corps; Army of the Tennessee, made up of the 15 th, 16th, and 17th Army Corps; and Army of the Ohio containing only the 23rd Army Corps. The Confederate army under General Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891), amounting to approximately 55,000 men, was in defensive positions around Dalton. 183 Although Bennitt indicates twelve soldiers of the 19th Michigan Infantry were sent to the hospital, he only mentions ten: Private Purly Shepard (1834?-1864) of Silver Creek enlisted in Company A in August 1862 and would die of disease in October 1864; Private Benjamin Fuller (1842?-1864) of Matteson enlisted in Company H in August 1862 and would die of disease in July 1864; Corporal John H. Poppino (born ca. 1822) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E in August 1862; Private Leaman W. Bristol (born ca. 1830) of Constantine enlisted in Company D in August 1862; Private William A. Depew (born ca. 1844) of Sodus enlisted in Company I in August 1862; Private Oliver P. Hanks (born ca. 1833) of Adamsville enlisted in Company E in August 1862; Private Henry E. Walls (born ca. 1830) enlisted in Company G in January 1864 and would be discharged for disability in October 1864; Private Samuel H. Phillips (born ca. 1831) enlisted in Company D in August 1862; Private Jefferson W. Eastman (born ca. 1841) of Coldwater enlisted in Company H in August 1862. West is either Private Alonzo West (born ca. 1842) of Sturgis who enlisted in Company E in December 1863 or Private Charles H. West (1841?-1864) of Quincy who enlisted in Company C in August 1862 and would die of wounds at Resaca, Georgia in May 1864. 182 �Weather fine. Whole Divis. camped in Line [of] Battle. 14th A[rmy] C[orps] at Ringold on our left advancing toward Tunnel Hill. 1st Div. 20th A[rmy] C[orps] on our right. Surgn Terry 20th Ct. Med. Off[icer of the] Day. Ambulance train nearly full. Sergt Butler184 severely sick variolous? Left at house just in rear. Enemy supposed to be beyond the ridge that is about a mile in front of & stretching a S.E. & about 1200 ft high narrow on top steep on North side sloping more on N.E. side. Smoke of Rebel Camps—Ridge said to have been occupied by Rebel Pickets till now. Sent Deaver’s letter with the $1000 in it. Wrote letter to wife. Thursday, May 5 Camp 19th Mich V.I. 2nd Brig 3rd Div 20th A.C. near Ringold, Ga. Weather fine—rather warm in middle of day— Whole Regiment ordered on Pickett on the Ridge. Dr. T[rowbridge] & I went up—too steep to ride up—I see smoke of Rebel Camps 3 to 6 miles off—& 14th A.C. moving through Gap—Rebs appear to fall back.— It is said that Reb Cav. chased our pickets down the hill last night (?). I came down just before dark night and sent Blankets and provisions to Dr. T[rowbridge] & Tallman who remain on ridge to-night. View of “Buzzard’s Roost”185 from top of Ridge. Friday, May 6 Camp 19th Mich V.I. 2nd Br. 3 Div. 20 A.C. Leech’s Tannery or Pea-Vine Church. 3 Divisions of 20 A.C. Camped in Line of Battle beside 16 A.C. on left right & 14th on left. 50,000 men in all. We leave all Wheels except Ambulance & Supply trains to-morrow. 1st Div through Nichagook Gap—3rd through Gordon’s Gap 6 miles S.W. & 2nd through Madix Gap still farther S.W. 186 Cavalry precede at 12 midnight 2nd Div at 2 A.M.—3rd at Daylight. Henry Butler (born ca. 1841) of Union enlisted in Company D, 1st Michigan Infantry in April 1861 for three months; upon discharge reenlisted as Sergeant in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He had been wounded at Thompson’s Station in March 1863. 185 Buzzard Roost Gap was a notch in Rocky Face Ridge through which the Western & Atlantic Railroad ran from Chattanooga to Dalton. It had been strongly fortified by the Confederates. 186 The 20th Army Corps, with the Army of the Tennessee, comprised the center of Sherman’s forces as they advanced on Dalton. Nickajack Gap, Gordon’s Gap, and 184 �We sent back to Ringold Buttrick of [Co.] I. Cooper 187 of [Co.] I & Lieut Hale. Saturday, May 7 Camp 20th A.C. Ceresco Church Ga. Weather fine. Roads rather dusty. Many men fall out because of our rapid march through Gordon’s Gap—to this place about 14 miles— 19th [Michigan] fell out less than others—only 3 riding in Ambulance. Nearly whole Corps passed Taylor’s Ridge to-day & we encamp in line of Battle. 2nd Brig. on Ridge expecting to meet the enemy as the[y] left here hurriedly this morn. Reported to be in the valley beyond, 50,000 strong, near “Buzzard’s Roost.” Inefficiency of Med. Director of Div. Industry of Surgn Hobbs. Very few of men who rode in Ambulances are much sick. Hosp. in House near-by— roomy but without windows. Sunday, May 8 Weather pleasant & warm. No attack last night—our picket shot another—misunderstanding—1st Div. near us— Slept with Drs. Hobbs & Wiles188—& Ranney & Dix189 in Shelter tents. We are ordered out this morn but it was Countermanded, & the 3 rd Brig went instead,— toward “Buzzard’s Roost” to try to draw the enemy out, firing both with musketry & Cannon in that direction as I write in Camp (?) 5 P.M. I hoped we would rest to-day entirely, in honor of God’s Law, and our own good after the fatiguing of the week. Will He smile upon us if we disregard His Commandments? May He forgive us. Four men of 3rd Brig. wounded, Skirmishing— Came in later—one face 1 arm 1 thigh one leg. All but first flesh [wounds]. Monday, May 9, 1864 Camp 20 AC Ceresco Church Ga. Maddox (or Ship’s) Gap are passes through Taylor’s Ridge which is located to the west of Dalton. 187 Private Asbury (or Ambrose) Cooper (born ca. 1844) of Jeffersonville enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863. He would transfer to Company K, 10th Michigan Infantry in June 1865. 188 William V. Wiles was commissioned Assistant Surgeon to the 85 th Indiana Infantry in September 1862. 189 Private Edward E. Dix (born ca. 1840) of Bainbridge joined company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. �Weather warm rather dusty. I attending to Brigade or Div. Hospital—spent part of the day in Regtl Camp—broke up Hosp. at 8 to 10 PM. and joined the 19th which with the rest of the Brig is under arms to move Front—at a moment’s notice.— Lie down to rest fully equipped. This has been a day of some work, but I do not feel that my whole duty has been discharged. O my God strengthen me for every duty to Thee & to all around. Began a letter to my wife, but wrote only a few lines when the order came to break up Hosp. Tuesday, May 10 Camp 19th Mich opposite Dalton Ga—3 miles distant over the ridge. Weather a little rainy— Moved from the ridge where we were encamped, with the 20th Conn. on a reconnaissance,—at 1½ A.M. and arrived at this point—3 miles distant from point of departure—at daylight found, the rebels posted in some force on a ridge between us and Dalton—took coffee—put out Pickets—at 10 A.M. firing at base of ridge—& word came that Serg’t Bunbury was wounded in thigh hurried to front and found comminuted fract[ure] of thigh—sent him to rear after dressing—need an ambulance— Rebs, come down ridge to some extent—We camp on the ridge do on or rear, without fire or light that we may not show our position—rain threatens. Bed of straw & husks. Recd letters from Jennie & Clara of May 1st. Write more in letter to wife. Wife at Orland Ind. Wednesday, May 11 Camp on Quartz Ridge 2¾ miles East if Buzzard’s Roost— Rained pretty hard during night is cool this morn. Firing at the Roost both of Canon & musketry brisk since 6 o’clock (now 8)— We are under arms to march at a moment’s notice, or ready to fight— I feel less terror of Battle than ever hitherto. The impression prevails that we shall be victorious here and our men are feeling well. I hope the shedding of much blood may not be necessary. May God forgive the wrong, giving true penitence, & set us all right before Him. Marched just before noon—passed 2nd & 1st Div of 20th Corps, 4 miles into Snake Creek Gap—cool weather— Road rough & muddy— Camped at 6½ in cornfield—among tall dead trees— Met 48 Rebel prisoners—they looked clean. One man rode 4 miles in an Ambulance. �Thursday, May 12 Camp 20th A.C. Snake Creek Gap. Weather very cool & airy. Slept cold but feel well this morn. 13 men at sick call—none much sick. March at 1 P.M.—1st Division passed us before we started. Between two and three miles brings us to the end of Snake Creek Gap. Near the gap we all camp as a “reserve,” McPherson’s army being in front pushing the Rebs towards Resaca. Reb[s] have evacuated the ridge on our right ie to the North. 4 men of the 16 th Corps brought back to their Hosp. at this place that were wounded in skirmishing to-day—one killed— others missing. Signal lights on ridge North & N.E. Receipt of Purveyor Ridgely. Letter from Deaver. Rec’d letter from wife at Orland. Friday, May 13 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Before Resaca Ga. Weather during day pleasant. Moved at daylight toward enemy—Div formed in line of battle after proceeding about two miles towards Resaca—& remained till noon. Moved on then saw Gens. Thomas, Hooker, Sherman, Whipple, Butterfield, &c. Variety of orders concerning Panniers going to field— Our Div form on hill— McPherson’s army on right & in front, skirmishing briskly—Canonading somewhat. Rebs fall back to R.R.—Disable engine. Occupy ground—I vis[ited] Brig in field late at night Dr. Jewett190 accompanying me. Many of 15 A.C. wounded in skirmishing—shell cut through tree nearly over my head. Sergt Maj Russel & Dr. T[rowbridge] with me. It is supposed that Rebs are trying to run. We ought to catch & punish them. Remain at Hospital over night. A Corps Hosp. is to be established. Saturday, May 14 Weather very pleasant. Skirmishing began early. Nothing new. Some wounded of 1st Brig. reported this morn. Surgn Hobbs sends me to field. Take out some food for Dr. T[rowbridge] & his Horse. Not much—, Vis[ited] Mich 11th.191 190 191 Dan Lee Jewett, Assistant Surgeon of the 20th Connecticut Infantry. The 11th Michigan Infantry was in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. �Dress several wounds on field at edge of woods—return to Hosp. & aft toward night make two Capital Operations—30 of 3rd Div. wounded brought in, don’t know how many killed. Hemmorage from stump of leg troublesome at night— Sleep with Surgn Hobbs & McPheeters. Call to see Dr. Packards192—not in. Sunday, May 15 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Before Resaca 3½ miles Distant. Weather fine— Started to left with Surgn Grinsted to look [for] a place for Hosp. on right. Our return found order to move to left—part of Hosp. moves off. Other do not understand order at first—we don’t know where to go— Inefficiency of med Direct[or] manifest— Delay in establishing Hospital— Dine with Surgn Bennet.193 Battle rages fiercely before our Hospital is located & wounded of our Div. come in before anything is done to take care of them. Work nearly all night Operating. Dr. Jewett a good assistant and fair operator. Not room for more than 2/3 of wounded—many lie exposed all night. Blood enough have I seen for one day. Enemy give way—we occupy their works.194 Monday, May 16 Hosp 3 Div. Weather warm. Some wounded still coming in—Rebs retired last night. Sunday, May 22 Weather very warm— Nelson I. Packard of Sturgis enlisted in the 11th Michigan Infantry as Assistant Surgeon in October 1862 and would be mustered out in September 1864. 193 William C. Bennett of Connecticut was appointed Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers in June 1863. He subsequently became Medical Inspector of the 20 th Army Corps. 194 The Battle of Resaca began on May 14 with probing attacks on the Confederate right and center by Union forces. On the next day the Confederates halted two Union attacks and then were repulsed twice themselves in their attempt to outflank the Union left. General Johnston, made aware of Union troops trying to cut off his lines of communication, ordered a withdrawal. 192 �Removed the last of the wounded to Gen Hospital at Resaca—maggots in many of the wounds— Surgn Cooper195 has superceded Surgn Perin. Surgn Woodworth196 in charge Hosp. Col. Gilbert very low197—seems to have faith in the future—seems delirious. He is in the hands of a merciful God— Capt. Sheridan of Signal Corps doing well— Our men glad to see us—McPheeters, Coakly & Beggs & Potter198 Remain for the present and many of the men to nurse. Called on Dr. Packard at 14 A.C. Hosp & got good dinner. Col. Gilbert very low & Delirious. Cross over River—Coosawatak199 & Camp for night— Get ten days rations for selves & Horses in Div. Wagons. Take bath in River & Retire. Monday, May 23 Weather very warm— Started at 5 A.M. from Resaca. Marched 13 miles by 11. Stopped in grove near house—talked with an old man who had 3 sons in Rebel army, besides two that had been killed. Claims that he is a Union man. Discussed politics. There was heavy skirmishing at this point on Tuesday of last week— Erie & Kalamazoo R.R. money—probably from 19th Mich. Rep—Geo Stewart’s farm 900 Acres 250 under cultivation. Stop at night 3½ miles from Kingston—sleep on feather bed in the house of a man that says he has always been opposed to secession. Tuesday, May 24, 1864 8 miles South of Kingston Ga. Weather warm & very Dusty. Came to Kingston early in morn. Could Get no satisfactory information concerning the whereabouts of 20 A.C. Went two miles toward Cassville—returned— Panic on account Surgeon George E. Cooper was Medical Director, Department of the Cumberland Milton (or Martin) C. Woodworth was commissioned Surgeon in the 51 st Ohio Infantry in October 1861. He resigned in 1864 to accept appointment as Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers. 197 Colonel Henry Gilbert, commanding officer of the 19th Michigan Infantry, was mortally wounded while leading his men on an assault upon a Confederate battery. He would die in Chattanooga on May 24. 198 James E. Coakley of Lima Center was commissioned Assistant Surgeon to the 22 nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment in April 1864. George W. Beggs of Naperville was Assistant Surgeon in the 105th Illinois Infantry. Horace S. Potter of Chicago was Surgeon in the 105th Illinois Infantry. 199 I.e., Oostanaula River. 195 196 �of attack upon supply train. Shameful conduct of soldiers— P.M Follow 3 wagons of 2nd Div. loaded with Sugar out 8 or 10 miles across High Tower River200 to Pontoon Bridge—which is being taken up. Come into trains of 23rd & 14th A.Cs & are obliged to stop for the night. Rain begins a little after dark. Find a floor in a house to sleep on—Drs. Hastings201 & Jewett with me. Men sleep in Blacksmith shop. 14th A.C. train Park near us as also 18 of 20 A.C. Ambulances. Wednesday, May 25 Hosp. 3 Div. 20 A.C.—Hawkins house Rained finely last night with thunder & lightninghting— Started at 6 AM. Dr. H[astings] & Jewett myself left Hosp wagons & Ambulances which could not get along and pushed past Pontoon train & 23 A.C. train— 23 A.C. 3 Div. 20 A.C. train and came up to our Div at 11½ AM. having rode 15 or 16 miles. Divided my Hard bread with the mess who were short. 19th Mich & 20 Ct—Had been in two skirmishes—& Had men of 19th killed & wounded.202 20th A.C. moved on S.E. 5 or 6 miles—2nd Div unexpectedly met the enemy near Dallas & had a staff officer killed about 3½ P.M. Went with Dr. Grinsted back ½ mile to find place for Hosp. Established at house—good water. Some fighting about 5 to 6 many wounded not brought in. Ambulance Corps inefficient. Hawkins’ House. Thursday, May 26 Hospital of 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather very fine this morning after the rain. Many of the 3rd Div wounded not brought in but left lying in the rain on the field. Lieut Mandeville203 was killed 35 wounded—2 others killed beside Negro. Move Hosp forward to within a mile & a half of Battle lines—wounded continue to come in—many severe cases. I.e., Etowah River. Joseph W. Hastings was Surgeon in the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry. It was part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 202 Bennitt had left spaces in his diary to later fill in the numbers of killed and wounded from the 19th Michigan Infantry when he learned what they were. At Cassville on May 19 the regiment lost one killed and one wounded; at New Hope Church on May 25 the numbers were four killed and forty-seven wounded. 203 Charles Mandeville (1823?-1864) of Constantine enlisted as 1st Sergeant in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in 200 201 �Worked late last night attending to wounded retiring about 2 AM. with A. B. Ranney in shelter tent by the chimney. Friday, May 27 Weather still fine. Continue at same place. Battle continues mostly out Skirmish line.204 Rebs Charge occasionally but are repulsed. Severity of wounds. Sleep in my shelter tent. Saturday, May 28 Weather warm and fair. Hosp in same place. Skirmishing continues. Wounded still come in—a few. Sunday, May 29, 1864 Camp 2nd Brig 3 Div 20 A.C Near Dallas Ga. Weather fair. 404 men with muskets in 19th Mich. Sergt Leffler shot through chest dieing immediately very near behind breast works. Select 34 men sick from Regt to take to rear to rest. Gen Butterfield Orders them back. Division Hosp breaks up—wounded start for the rear. Kingston 35 miles distant. Hard trip for very many of them. Bivouack near line of battle. Part of wounded an[d] sick were sent in Army wagons. Wrote a letter to my wife and sent it to Kingston by Dr. Bence. Monday, May 30 Hospital 2nd Brig ½ mile in rear of line battle in ravine. Weather fair. Company E in December 1863, and to 1st Lieutenant in Company H in January 1864. 204 Union and Confederate armies were by this time both entrenched around Dallas and conducted attacks at various points without much gain except the in the number of casualties. Losses in the two armies for the entire month of May would total about 9000 each. �Terrific fight with bullets rattling around us about 11½ PM last night—Dressing a wound when it began. Changed our quarters to this place after the Storm was over. Prefer not to be so near firing. Dr. T[rowbridge] was under fire even more than I. Found him to day. Dr Hatchard sick. Good water here. We will rest some. Dr. Hobbs visits us. Move under the bank & establish a sort of Brig Hosp. One 19 th Mich—Enos White205 shot finger off. One 85 Ind—wounded in left elbow ulna near elbow. Tuesday, May 31, 1864 Same place as yesterday. Weather warm— Soldiers suffer somewhat from exposure in Breastworks to sun as well bullets. Wrote letter to wife 2. Wednesday, June 1 Camp of Hosp. Teams 6 miles in rear of 20 Corps. Ordered to move afternoon. 20 A.C. go to left 6 or 8 miles.206 Send sick to Corps Hosp. I go with them. There fall in with the other Med. officers and join Hosp train a little after Dark. Move somewhat around to rear to avoid the dust of trains &c. Corps Hospitals do not furnish good accommodations to all alike. Soldiering rather hard business for sick men. Our whole number of Killed up to this time about 24. Wounded 130—sick left back 60. Major Griffin said he has a letter for me but cannot get at it now. Thursday, June 2 Weather fine this morn—rained noon. Find that we are 6 miles of rear of 20th A.C. We march 4 miles with train and then go on by noon to Regt which is about to move. Private Enos H. White (born ca. 1845) of Adamsville enlisted in Company E, 19 th Michigan in November 1863. In June 1865 he would transfer to Company A, 10 th Michigan Infantry. 206 Short of supplies and having made no headway against the Confederate positions, Sherman decided to move his army northwest to Acworth and the Western & Atlantic Railroad that passed through it. 205 �Had a pleasant nights rest. Get forage of Brigade Hosp. teamster— Kindness of Surgeons of our Division. Copious shower while on the hill. Follow regiment to rear of line of battle meet Surg n Hobbs and return to Div. Hospital 1¼ miles in rear.— Police—put up tent. Surgn Hobbs sick— Mr Lawrence bought cow for Div. Hosp. Surgn Grinstead comes to Div Hosp. 2nd Div Hosp. about to locate here. Letter from C. P. Lincoln of May 17th Wants Pres. Friday, June 3 Hosp 3 Div Camp 19th Mich. In the mud 5/miles S.E of Ackworth. Rainy—& muddy. Surgn Hobbs sick still. Came down from Hosp. & learned that Surgn Potter was killed by shell this morn—or last night. Body will be sent home after injection with Alcohol Qts iv—Kereosate ℨ iv— Sol. ChlorZinc ℥ iv. Skull broken in front.207 Sell Surgn Hatchard the sorrel Horse and equipments for $120 00. Note should have been payable to A. B. Ranney as the horse was really his, although nominally mine and kept by me for past seven months. Albert [Ranney] buys me a mule for $1500. Saturday, June 4 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20 A.C. 4½ Miles S.W. Ackworth Ga. 1 mile North of 3 Div.— Weather a little mixed rather rainy— Examined the ground & country in rear of 3 Div. found a good location for Div Hosp where water would be convenient— Return to Hosp. 3 miles, & upon consultation conclude to move forward without Surgn Grinstead’s order— Find supply train in place selected for Hosp.— Hosp train stops Here at this house—put up tents for sick only— Man crush[ed] by fall of tree. Autopsy broken pelvis. Surgn Hobbs still sick. Pres for 23 men of 2nd Brig. 207 The science and art of embalming came into its own during the Civil War. Many families demanded that their dead relatives be shipped home for burial and a process was needed that would arrest decay during the often lengthy transit time. Bennitt gives the recipe for embalming fluid generally used at the time: four quarts of �Sunday, June 5 Hosp 3 Div. 20th A.C. 4½ miles S.W. Ackworth Ga. Weather mixed. Showers & sun. Tried to make out Monthly report but did not finish it. Did not realize that it was Sunday until 3 P.M.— Dr. Terry invited me to preching & I went but it was ahead of time & I was obliged to return to see to sick & could not to again. O my God for Christ’s sake keep me ever in Thee. 23 men of 2 Brig. sick in Hosp. Dr. Maj. Hobbs very sick. Get a room & bed in a house for him. Brigade affairrs left in my care, as also are regimental & being so far distant it is troublesome to keep them up. No tidings from loved ones at home. Monday, June 6 Hosp. 3. Div Camp 4 miles from Ackworth. Weather mixed, showers—hot & sultry.— Roads on the whole becoming a little harder. Recd orders to march early this morning to follow the Division toward Marietta. Advanced about 4 miles and find the enemy apparently in some force. 208 Make a cautious and extensive deploy of 20th A.C. & throw up a long line of breast works— I see to location of Asst Surgeons in field—& return to Hospital nearly 2 miles in rear & left of 3rd/Div. Surgn Hobbs feels somewhat better. 4th & 14th A.C.s come up to support in eve. 26 men of 2 Brig in Hosp. Learn of Capt. Bigelow’s 209 death, & that Capt. Hubbard is in critical condition. No tidings from home. Tuesday, June 7 Fine pleasant morn. alcohol, 4 drams of creosote, and 4 ounces of chloride of zinc. An unexploded shell that ricocheted from the ground and hit him in the face killed Dr. Potter. 208 Johnston had shifted his army on June 4 to counter Sherman’s movement to the railroad. The Confederates had taken up strongly fortified positions on high ground about halfway between Acworth and Marietta. 209 Charles W. Bigelow of South Haven was commissioned Captain in Company G, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He died on May 29 of wounds received at New Hope Church four days earlier. �Very little firing in night. Rebs have probably fallen back after slight demonstration. Surgn Hobbs seems a little better— We cannot take good care of sick—many of these here are not however much sick. Brig moves without notifying Surgeons with them. I follow up find their location return to Hosp, get lantern & return & pilot them through mud & rain two miles, arriving at 10 PM. This P[aragraph] should have been for the 3rd Receive order to take Hosp Stores and Att of 2 Brigade & go to Ackworth establish a Hosp. & report to Surgn Gunkle210 in charge of XX A.C. Hosp. Too late to do it to-night. Go in rain to Surg Atchison211 to have the order revoked. Wednesday, June 8 XX A.C. Hosp. Ackworth Ga. Weather has been fair all day with a few clouds, but rain is threatened, French & Jones[?]212 break tents. Started early with 55 sick men of 3 Div to march (in Ambulances &c) 3 miles to Ackworth & establish a section of XX A.C. Hosp. Find Surg n Gunkle Has a pioneer force on the ground. Get 8 tents up by 3 P.M. & the ground pretty well policed sick men at rest. Surgn Hamilton & Asst Surgn La Due213 report to me for duty. Surgn Hobbs restless to-night, 99 men in my section of Hosp. R.R. will be open to this point in four or five days. Thursday, June 9, 1864 XX A.C. Hosp at Ackworth Ga. Weather partly cloudy & pleasant balmy breezes. William H. Gunkle was commissioned Surgeon to the 73rd Pennsylvania Infantry in October 1861. His regiment was part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 211 Atchison (Acheson or Atkinson) is not identified. 212 Private Albert French (born ca. 1830) of Monterey enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. There were four men in the 19 th Michigan with the surname Jones at this time: Charles H., John C., Martin M., and Schuyler P. 213 Probably Willliam Hamilton, Surgeon to the 102 nd Illinois Infantry which was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. Edmund K. LaDue was Assistant Surgeon to the 107th New York Infantry which was part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st 210 �Police ground & put up four Flies214 to accommodate 50 more men. 26 come in, 2 desert. We cannot give men feather beds to sleep on, nor the best of dainties, but they are comparatively comfortable on their leaves[?] with a blanket over them at night & plenty of Pilot Bread,215 some beef, plenty of Coffee & sugar. Some dried apples. Require rations for 125 sick men & 15 others. Some not very sick. Friday, June 10 Camp 19th Mich 6 Miles South of Ackworth Ga. Heavy rains begin about 1 PM. some in morn. After prescribing for 27 men I go to Gen Hooker's Hd Qrs. & find that an order has already been sent to allow men to return to Brigade. Return to Corps Hosp. Get one wagon load of Hosp supplies & return to place of Div Hosp 5 miles. Leve wagon there with Anderson & Sam216 & report at Brigade & Regt. about 7 P.M. Brigade been in marching order all day—Known at Hd. Qrs. that this Div would not move to-day—military. Dr. T[rowbridge] gone to Prayer meeting. The half starving condition of our men demands attention. Scurvy & Diar troublesome. Find only six bottles of whiskey in one box (?) Surgeon Grinsted's order to make Brigade report. Saturday, June 11 Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga. Heavy Rain Nearly all day. Roads becoming almost impassible— Remained at Regt last night. Consulted with all the Medical officers of Brigade & rec'd statements of sick & wounded for May & June to 8th. Return to Div Hosp at 11 A.M. Nearly complet Monthly report for May— Took dinner & supper with Surgn Hovey—& make my bed in his tent. A very comfortable place & bed. I hope I am appropriately thankful for these providential favors. Learned of nomination of Baltimore convention. 217 214 215 216 217 Division, 20th Army Corps; he received his M.D. from Albany Medical College in 1862. Additional sections of canvas were added onto the main hospital tent. Crackers or hardtack. Anderson is probably Bennitt’s cook and Sam his Black servant whom he brought with him from McMinnville. On June 8 in Baltimore, Abraham Lincoln was nominated for a second term as President at the National Union Convention by delegates who represented Republicans and some War Democrats. �Sunday, June 12 Hosp 3 Div XX A.C. 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga. Rained nearly all day. Roads becoming worse all the time. Went down to Brigade, rec'd an order from Surg n Grinsted to make weekly reports for May 28 & June 4 & 11th. Went to each Regt & rec'd their reports came back & consolidated them—finished May Monthly report & they will be all sent up early in morn.— Rec Notice tht Monthly rep. for Oct 63 not recd. Surgn Hovey lends me a Fly which Ranney puts up for himself & Sam & Anderson. I sleep in same place as last night. Some demonstrations in our front by rebels as though about to attack us—some canonading & musketry nearly all day— A good letter from wife. Monday, June 13 Hosp 3 Div XX A.C. 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga.— Cool. Rained nearly all night, & furiously this morning, continuing till afternoon. Roads worse & worse. 50 men each from 19th Mich & 85th Ind. detached as train guard to relieve 20 Ct. which went to Ackworth to garrison that port. Visit the detachment & then go to Gen. Butterfields Hd Qrs. to learn concerning movement of Hosp. Took dinner with this staff. Met Gen Hooker—an affible man. Called on the surgeons of Brigade urging to more scrutiny in sending men to Hosp.— Hosp. Steward Schofield218 came down to have me go to Ackworth & make requisitions for med[icine] for 2nd Brig by Dr. Hobbs request & probably receipt for Brigade Hosp. property— He is no better than when I left— Too late to go to-night. Rec note from Purveyor Ridgeley—supplies not yet sent. Sent letter to my wife by Mr Frisby[?] 219 going home. Tuesday, June 14 Camp 19th Mich 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga. Very cool this morning— No rain since about 3 P.M. of yesterday. Somewhat cloudy all day— Roads drying rapidly where soil is gravelly.— I went to Ackworth to see Surgn 218 219 Proctor D. Scofield of Janesville enlisted in Company E, 22 nd Wisconsin Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He would be officially promoted to Hospital Steward in December 1864. Possibly John F. Frisbie, a drayman living in Mendon. �Hobbs and assist in making requisition for Brigade medical supplies for June which can be had of purveyor of Post. Surgn Hobbs somewhat better—thinks however he will resign as soon as he can settle his affairs. I return to Brigade at 6 P.M. & remain— Div. Hosp had moved up nearer at a point that I do not know. Wednesday, June 15 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. south of Ackworth Ga. 5 miles. Weather fair—not very warm. Visited Hosp after attending to the certificate of disability of Capt. Smith220 Dr. Trowbridge made. I approve as Brigade Surgn—having an order to act as such from June 10th from Col. Coburn. Our Divs moved forward about 2 P.M.— 1st Brig engaged about 6.221 70 wounded. I go to front & return before sun-down. Do not like the management of affairs here in Med Dep. Serg’t Clay of Co I killed, Serg’t Livingston 222 Co I severely wounded same time. Maj Griffin mortally wounded through chest about 8½ P.M. Thursday, June 16 Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. in woods behind Battery 5 miles from Acworth—Weather fair. Major Griffin Died of his wound at 6 AM. Expressing a trust in God. I receive his Pocket-book containing his money $1140—& Pen—& keys— Wants his body sent home. Injected it. Moved two or three times the Hosp three times, & finally settled down at the place first selected in the woods. 2nd Brigade tentage came up from Ackworth. A few wounded came in— Heavy canonading above us till late in the evening. Slept nicely. Learn that Crippen223 of Co E was shot to death to-day. John Doty224 shot through left leg—I amputated below knee 7 inches. 220 221 222 223 Joel H. Smith (born ca. 1820) of Pokagon was commissioned Captain in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He would resign due to disability in July 1864. Sherman mistook a partial Confederate withdrawal from an untenable salient for a general retreat and ordered assaults on Johnston’s left. The 19th Michigan participated in the attack at Gilgal (or Golgotha) Church. Frederick Clay (1840?-1864) of Royalton enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. George H. Livingston (1838?-1864) of St. Joseph enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He would die at Chattanooga from his wounds in July 1864. Charles F. Crippen (1845?-1864) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in November 1863. �Friday, June 17 Acworth Ga. Weather fair—rain threatened. Went to Gen. Hooker’s to get permission to send Major Griffin’s body home—Surgn Foye225 ordered me to Ackworth with wounded & sick of Div. 160 in no. & I took body along & sent it through Sanitary Commission to Chattanooga to be there by them sent home. Lieut Coblentz226 going to rear on account of ill health, will look somewhat after it— Very defective arrangements for accommodations & care of sick. Sanitary & Christian commission give much aid invaluable— Find Lieut Wing (& Pat) Did not bring my valise— Sup with him. Spend the time till 11 PM. looking after the wounded. Sent about 80 of the wounded & sick of[f] to-night—12 ambulance loads remain in ambulances. Approve Certificate of disability for Col Utley. Saturday, June 18 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 7 miles South Acworth Ga. Rain began about 3 AM. & contin[ued] almost incessantly all day very Hard much of the time. After much trouble I succeed in getting the remainder of the wounded & sick into cars to send them to Chattanooga but their condition is very unsatisfactory indeed. Leave Acworth at 4 PM. feeling that I am indebted to the kindness of 20 th Ct. Sanitary Commission &c & that after all I have done but little for those poor men. Soaked with rain I made my way 7 miles to Div Hosp. in no very enviable state of mind. Find some comfort before a bright fire— Canonading Has been heavy all day. Rebs getting out. 227 Comparatively quiet now—(9 P.M.) 224 225 226 227 John S. Doty (born ca. 1842) of Constantine enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. John W. Foye of Massachusetts was appointed Sugeon, U.S. Volunteers in March 1863. At this time he was Medical Director of the 20th Army Corps. John J. Coblentz (born ca. 1835) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant January 1864, and would resign in August 1864 because of disability. The continuing pressure on the Confederate left flank by Sherman again caused Johnston to withdraw his forces a few miles to perhaps his strongest positions yet on Kennesaw Mountain. �Sunday, June 19 Depot for wounded of 3 Div 20 A.C. in woods 2 miles S.W. Kenesaw Mount. Dreary & rainy this morn—Rains very Hard nearly all forenoon—Clear in night. Rebs gone again—follow them in rain & mud through swellen brooks & sloughs for about two miles to near Kenesaw mountain—3rd Brig Div. go into woods. I follow 2nd Brig Post Med. officers. Dr. Vincent 228 close in rear 3 others farther off—80 rods. Rainy still in P.M.— Get Major’s pony. Surgn Grinstead sends for me over to House— Hosp of 2nd Div.—25, 3 Div men wounded—1 of 33rd Ind. Resection Ulna— — Amp[utate]d thigh of a 55th O[hio] man. Man will probably Die. Skirmishing somewhat brisk for a time in P.M.—quiet at night— Canonading has been heavy . Sam’l White229 makes Brigade Weekly report—send in in morn. Very little has the Lord’s day been kept Holy. Monday, June 20 Hosp 3 Div. 20 A.C.—2 to 3 miles S.W. from Kenesaw mountain. Weather mixed—almost fair till about 5 P.M. Buy rations to am’t of 300 including 1 ham 14lbs @ 12½ cts lb—Sugar & Bread. Rations ¾ for Horses ½ for mules—corn no Hay— we must forage for the rest. Canonading, heavy some of the time. 3rd Div. not engaged much except in desultory skirmishing in which a few are wounded. Heavy musketry about 7 PM.— Battery near us throw shells furiously. I will try and attend to the Evidence that the widow of Watson 230 Co. B. 19th is entitled to pension—wanted by Letter from E. B. Bassett. Tuesday, June 21 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4 miles S.W Ackworth Ga Kenesaw mountain. Weather rainy—rainy. 228 229 230 Jeremiah K. Vincent was commissioned Assistant Surgeon to the 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment in July 1863 and would resign in October 1864. Samuel White does not appear on the rosters of any regiment in Bennitt’s brigade. He probably was a hospital clerk. William Watson (1825?-1863) of Clyde enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was captured at Brentwood, Tennessee in March 1863, exchanged the next month, and died of disease in Michigan in June 1863. �We are obliged to move Hospital because of planting a Battery in 4 th A.C. which drew enemy fire into the place where we were, as soon as we could get out full to the south west one mile.— 1st & 2nd Div. Hosp. remain nearer to their commands. It is better to be in rear far enough to be out of the way, and out of immediate danger. There is much responsibility upon Brig Surgn. Wednesday, June 22, 1864 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4 miles S W from Kenesaw Mountain. Weather very fair all day. I went to Brig. & found Col Coburn in Complaining mood. Made new disposition of Med. Officers. Our Brig & Div in heavy skimishing & repelling charge of rebs in which 48 were wounded and 4 killed of 2nd Brig & (10 wounded & 1 killed of 19th Mich) about 65 of 3 Brig wounded several killed about 20 of 1st Brig— Fighting quite furious part of the time.231 I leave the field when the wounded of 2nd Brig begin to come off. Work till 11 P.M. in Dressing wounds. Affairs not altogether pleasant. Lieut Shaffer232 of 19th Mich wounded in the thigh. Wrote letter to my wife. Thursday, June 23 Hosp. 3 Div. 20 A.C. 4½ miles S. a little west Marietta Ga. Weather fair & warm all day. 20th A.C. move 3 or 4 miles to right. Send wounded to Ackworth as fast as 20 Ambulances of 3rd Div can carry them. The other teams have given out all tentage &c of 2nd Brig except 2 tents of goes forward with that of 1 st to make new Hosp. 3 Brig remain—and Surgn Bence goes to Acworth with wounded. Moved 2nd & 1st Brig Tentage up, leaving Tentage of 3rd & 2 tents & 1 fly of 2nd to cover 110 wounded & sick of 3 & about 24 of 1 st & 2nd—about 3 miles S.E. close to lines of 20 A.C. 3rd Div. Massed in front on Marietta and Atlanta Road. 231 232 Johnston, continually worried about the Union flanking movement around his left, ordered General John Bell Hood (1831-1879) to block this attempt with his corps. Hood saw an opportunity to attack what he thought was an unsupported part of the Union army, but instead assaulted elements of the 23rd Army Corps and the 20th Army Corps who were in strong dug-in positions at Kolb’s (or Culp’s) Farm. The Confederates were repulsed with heavy losses. George T. Shaffer (born ca. 1823) was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Captain in August 1864 and ended the war as Lieutenant Colonel in the 28th Michigan Infantry. �1st Div & 2nd Extended to rear & left 23 [Army Corps] on right said to reach to Chattachoocha233 A few men of 2nd Brig come in wounded. One team went to Acworth for sanitary & med. stores. Letter from wife & Jennie, good. Friday, June 24, 1864 Hosp. 3 Div. 20th A.C. 4½ miles south Marietta Ga. Weather fair and very warm. Roads improving very fast. Two men came in wounded of 2nd Brig.— Visited Brigade & Col. Coburn. Requested detail of 17 musicians or other men of 22nd Wis & 33 Ind. for service at Div. Hospital. Bullets fly thick and fast around me as there, going and coming. Get Hubbard234 of Co G. for cook &c. for mess at Hospital. I shall have his pay deducted from mine if it is thought best— Find Willie Ten-Brook in 107 N.Y. 2nd Brig 1st Div 20 A.C. Seems like a good boy & looks back to Mich. as his home, with tender regard for his step-mother and sister. Wrote letter to my wife 5. Saturday, June 25 Hosp 3. Div. 20th A.C. 4½ S. of Marrietta Ga. Weather fair and very warm. Dr. Hovey going to 3rd Brig Hosp leaves me in charge of Div. Hosp.—Surgn Foye Directs that wounded be sent to rear. 5 of 2nd Brig—1 of 3—7 + 2 of 1st sent in 5 ambulances. 4th team returns from Acworth with Sanitary & Hosp. Stores. Divided among Brigade. There is too much of Brigade jealousy. Reced letter from wife of June 13th & 14th mailed 16th. Sunday, June 26, 1864 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4½ miles s & w of Marietta Ga. Weather very warm & dry. Two badly wounded men of 2nd Brig & 1 of 2nd Div came in very early this morn. Gospel sermon by Chaplain of 105 Ill at 9½ AM from Jno XV.13— Not much fighting to-day—stray bullets occasionally fly among us. 233 234 I.e., Chattahoochee River. William H. Hubbard (born ca. 1832) of South Haven enlisted in Company G, 19 th Michigan as Wagoner in July 1862. �God is our shield and no harm can befal us without his permission. Teach me O God! to love thee with the whole heart—make us a nation of Christians indeed—and remove this dreadful scourge of war from our land. To-day has seemed more like a Sabbath. Willie TenBrook called to see me—gave him some envelopes & stamps to write to his mother. Wrote letter to my wife 4. Monday, June 27 Weather still warm. Threatened rain of last night did not come. Canonading began at 6 A.M. all along the line. 235 Our lines advance—4th A.C. about 10 A.M. Rebs skedaddle? Shell comes near Hosp. We look for a safe place, & Police some ground beyond next ridge preparatory to moving Hosp. if necessary— Shell passes high above Hosp & bursts near Ord[nance] train ¼ mile beyond. 23 A.C. advanced yesterday. 4th A.C. lost 2500 killed & wounded & succeeded only in driving the picket lines of enemy and making their own works in their place. Surgn Grinsted will receipt for Hosp. property— He has made a certificate for leave of absence for Gen. Butterfield. Tuesday, June 28, 1864 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4½ miles S. W. Marietta Ga. Weather very warm—rain threatened to-night— Surgn Foye orders wounded & severely sick to be sent to Big Shanty—may move that way to-morrow. Not much fighting to-day—Sell Major Griffin’s pony for $7500 if a good title can be given. Money in my hands. Write to Gov. Blair recommending the appointment of field officers stating our condition as a regiment— 4 men of 2nd Brig wounded—two flesh—two in head—one died soon the other probably will. Made Invoices and receipts for Hosp. property—to Surgn Grinsted. Vis[ited] Med. officers of Brigade. Dr. Wiles better. We are all too close to line of battle. Recd letter from wife 4. June 19th 21st & Jennie 2. Wrote Gov. Blair. Letter from Det[roit] Free Press—& Upham236 235 Sherman’s attack on the Confederate center in its Kennesaw Mountain positions began exactly at 8 A.M. with an hour of artillery bombardment. By noon this frontal assault had failed, costing the three Union corps engaged some 3000 casualties. �Wrote to my wife 4. Wednesday, June 29 Same place. Weather fair and warm. Gen. Butterfield asks leave of absence—I did not send the letter to Gov. Blair which I wrote yesterday, but shall wait to see some of the officers and men concerning the matter. Made Completed Invoices of Hospital property for Surg n Hobbs to turn over to Surgn Grinsted, bearing this date. Anderson, & Pratt237 of Co B. 19th Mich wounded through thigh each, not severely. Gen Ward takes command of Div.238 G It is to be hoped that he will look more to the wants and necessities of the men of his command than Gen. Butterfield, has. EIGHT “The Rebels Mean To Make an Obstinate Resistance Here” July - August 1864 236 237 238 Bennitt probably is referring to Charles Upson of Centreville. Private Willliam Anderson (1840-1904) of Gun Plain enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be discharged in January 1865 for disability. Private Comstock H. Pratt (born ca. 1842) of Martin enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan in August 1862. He would be discharged in February 1865 for disability. On June 29 General Butterfield left for New York because of illness. Brigadier General William T. Ward became commander of the 3rd Division and remained so throughout the rest of the war. �Friday, July 1 Weather hot. Rain threatened. Hourly expecting orders to move from here, or be under the necessity of moving because of shells or bullets that come whizzing about us and over us. Order Comes late at night. Saturday, July 2 Hospital 3 Div 20 A.C. 4½ miles S. W. Marietta Ga. Weather hot. Order late at night to be up at 2 AM in morn to march toward river—to right flank.239 Send the letter with list of Killed & wounded to Gov. Blair. Sunday, July 3 Hosp of 2nd Div 20 A.C. 4 miles south Marietta Ga.— Weather hot. Found the Rebs had gone this morn—followed on to Marietta—turned south—2 Horses & one man killed & four severely wounded of Battery— Hospital train of 3 Div cut off and unable to come up—sick men in ambulances to number of 75 sheltered and fed by kindness of Surgn Fyfield240 of 2nd Div. I left Surgns Hovey & Grinsted at house gassing with women. Come to front—find position of Brigade & Division— Carlton Norton241 of 19th Mich severely wounded by shell in back & a man of 85 Ind.—2 sunstroke. Bad management of Gen Ward. Has not seemed much like Sabbath— Saw Bennie Benedict242 in The failure of his frontal attack on the Confederates at Kennesaw Mountain convinced Sherman to continue the successful strategy of outflanking Johnston’s army so as to threaten their line of communications. Johnston was aware of this latest Union movement and began a withdrawal towards the Chattahoochee River. 240 A. R. Fyfield was Surgeon to the 29th Ohio Infantry Regiment that was part of the 1 st Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 241 Private Carlton Norton (1843?-1892) of Martin enlisted in Company H, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 239 �Monday, July 4 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 7 miles south of Marietta Ga. Weather very warm & Dry not dusty yet however. Hospital train comes along early. 3rd Div. sick fed by 2nd Div Hosp this morn— Move on a half mile & after some delay camp in a grassy field long enough to get dinner and then ordered to move on, as the command had already moved s.w. 3 miles & pitched Hosp in front of 1st Div. & ½ mile in front and to left of 3rd Div. Drunkenness of Gen Ward & others—Gen Williams & Ward mistakes 14th Corps for Rebs & make fortifications & send skirmishers— I visit Brigade Head Qrs. & Div. Return to Hosp at dark— Some skirmishing & canonading all day. Rebs fall back. Deserters & Prisoners in large numbers. Tuesday, July 5 Hospital 3 Div 20 A.C. 7 miles south of Marietta Ga. Weather Dry & Hot. Moved from place of camp last night falling in behind command moving back & to left, making long stops—pick blackberries a few.— See Lieut Wing— Get Horse shod. Let Lieut Wing have copy of letter to Gov. Blair—sup & five PM. come up with Hosp, pitch Hosp in wheat stubble—give the sick & wounded their supper before 9 PM.—about 40 patients of 2nd Brig. None very dangeously ill—3 severely wounded. Too bad to be transporting them around— Very little fighting to-night anywhere within hearing. Report that the Rebs are beyond the river. We pass their strong & extensive breastworks which they have built within three days & left early this morn. 243 Large numbers of deserters & prisoners. Wednesday, July 6, 1864 Hosp 3rd Div. 20 A.C. About 10 miles south Marietta Ga. Weather hot—very hot Start out early without any orders—or intimation as to direction move toward the River where we sup[pose] 3rd Div. in that to be. Found that we were on the wrong route and yet that we were right. Turned about—came over Nickajack creek—unloaded sick put Probably Benjamin F. Benedict (born ca. 1844), although his name does not appear in any Indiana regimental rosters for Steuben County. He was the brother of Addison Benedict, Bennitt’s brother-in-law. 243 Instead of crossing the Chattahoochee River, Johnston halted his army on the north side of it on July 5. He then established himself in a six-mile long array of elaborately prepared defensive works. Sherman cautiously approached but made no serious attacks while he repaired the railroad line from Marietta to Vining’s Station. 242 �up tents—dined in woods & fed sick & wounded & soon after had noticed that the Div would soon move to the East about two miles—Hosp moved also—I Passed Brig Hd Qrs. on the way, & talked with regt’l Field & Staff. Dr T[rowbridge] sent 4 men to hosp as they passed— The Hosp is about ¾ mile in rear of our lines. Battery near us fires, but elicits no reply. Wrote letter to my wife 4. Thursday, July 7 Same place as yesterday. Weather very warm & roads begin to be dusty— Three good springs in the ravine below hospital—Slope of ground too much for convenience. Bullet exploded near our heads waking us a little before 5 AM but the enemy must be two miles distant at this time. Very little skirmishing or canonading within hearing— none in front of our division— — Heard whistle of R.R. query whether friend or foe immediately east of us and not more than two miles distant. We expect to remain here abouts for a few days and that there will be not much fighting here. Recd letter from my wife 3 & from Jennie 2. Recd Package of Heralds’ distributed them in Hosp. Friday, July 8 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south Marietta Ga. Weather very warm & dry. Lightning to-night indicating rain to come. Very little of firing in front. Federal trains run down even with us, delivering supplies near at hand to 4th & 14th A.Cs. From elevations here Atlanta can be seen ten miles distant. Grape-vine says we have captured a pontoon bridge—a factory & 400 operatives, from the enemy & that the 23rd A.C. has crossed the river.244 Our Corps is resting behind breast-works with a nice camping ground on ridges—cleaning up. Visit Col. Coburn &c. Dr. Bence detailed to serve with 136th N.Y. & Dr. Amsden245 to report at Hosp. here— We become bewildered on our return, but finally come out right. No intact bridge across the Chattahoochee seems to have been captured at this time. Union cavalry, scouting up river for possible crossing places, found three textile mills at Roswell still operating. These were soon destroyed and 400 young women workers captured. The 23rd Corps, having surprised a small force of Confederate cavalry guarding the Chattahoochee a few miles below Roswell, crossed the river in force in the afternoon of July 8. 244 �Explosion of ammunition severely burns a teamster & breaks wagon to pieces—kills six mules, but hurts no others much. Dr. Bence gave me linnen coat. Saturday, July 9, 1864 Same place. Weather very warm—dry. Surgeon Hovey went to Marietta to-day for Sanitary Stores, leaving me in Charge of Hospital. Surgn Reagan246 complains that proportionate distribution of Sanitary stores is not made by Surgn Hovey. The complaint is founded in justice. But little received today however. Order from Surgn Grinsted to have sick & wounded ready to transport—by six in morn, with cooked provisions & Med. officer—no order. We have about 40 men of 2nd Brig. need to go to rear for treatment many of them with Scurvy. Some Skirmishing to-night nearby— Canonading by 14th Corp. Wrote letter to my wife 7. Sunday, July 10 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south of Marietta Ga Weather still warm, rained a little toward night cooling the air. 75 men (25 from 2nd Brig) sent to Marietta to Gen. Hosp.—in tents. 4th A.C. occupy a hotel as hosp. It seems that Rebels have all withdrawn across the Chattahoochee last night and this morn.247 Deserters tell the story— Our skirmishers advance to river and find only a few hundred of rear[guard]—most of them willing to be prisoners. Geo Klect248 of Co I. 19th Mich wounded in spine middle dorsal by Rebel over the River. Edwin Amsden of Allegan, Michigan was Assistant Surgeon to the 136 th New York Infantry Regiment. 246 Amos W. Regan of Mooresville was commissioned Surgeon in the 70 th Indiana Infantry in August 1862. This regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps, and was commanded by Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901), the future twenty-third President of the United States. 247 News of the 23rd Army Corps crossing the Chattahoochee led to the orderly retreat of the Confederate forces across the river during the night of July 9. President Jefferson Davis, concerned that General Johnston has neither attacked nor halted the Union armies advancing on Atlanta, finally removes him from command on July 17 in favor of the more aggressive General Hood. 248 Private George Klett (1837?-1864) of Keeler enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863. He would die from his wounds later in the month. 245 �Ambulances return early from Marietta— Preaching this morn by Chaplain Stillwell249—Good. Read Book I, II, III of Pollock’s “Course of Time” 250 & Ezekiel XXXIII. Write part of a letter to wife Monday, July 11, 1864 Same place. Weather still hot—rain threatened but only sprinkles a little. Affairs going on as usual— Traffic between Federal & Rebel pickets goes on to some extent. Visited Brigade Head Qrs and approve certificate of disability of Capt Davis 251, 85 Ind. & hand it to Col. Coburn. Examine Lieut Coblentz for disability— He is disabled now, but might be cured. It is as well that he resign for he seems anxious. I will approve or make him a certificate in a day or two. Vis[ited] 19th Mich. Urge the forwarding the request for Capt Thompson’s252 muster-out. Dr. Trowbridge gives me a handkerchief to replace one he took of mine 16 months ago. Good letter from wife 3. [July] 3rd & Clara 4. [June] 26th &c. Write a part of letter in answer. Tuesday, July 12 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south Marietta Ga. Weather still warm but somewhat cloudy—sprinkling of rain. With Lieut Wing I vis the 11th Mich. & see Frankish—Dr. Elliott, with latter a good chat. Hopeful of future of our country. See over the river— See Col. Morton & Surgn Cooper of 23rd Mo.253 Must take opportunity to settle with him soon. Cook of Co C. 19th Mich has Scurvy & will need to go to rear when we march. Finished letter to my wife which will go tomorrow. Probably James R. Stillwell of the 79th Ohio Infantry. His regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 250 First published in 1827, Course of Time by Robert Pollok (1799-1827) was a long poem on the subject of human destiny written in the style of Milton’s Paradise Lost. It enjoyed great popularity for half a century, but by 1864 interest in it was waning. 251 Ellery C. Davis of Terre Haute was commissioned Captain, Company G, 85 th Indiana Infantry in August 1862. 252 Charles A. J. Thompson, Company F, 19th Michigan Infantry. 249 �Wednesday, July 13 Same place. Weather warm without rain. Surgeon Cooper of 23rd Mo came up to see me concerning the property turned over by me to him at McMinnville in April 64. The discrepancies are but slight and can be easily settled when my papers come up— 14th A.C. will move over the river this P.M. New organization of Div Hospital on foot to-day—but it may miscarry, as some other moves have. Visit Brigade Hd. Qrs. Capt. Kellum 254 Sick also Turner. Certify to disability of Capts Seaton and Day 255 of 33rd Ind. that they may go to rear for treatment or resign. Day should resign at once. Seaton may be cured. Mailed letter written last night. Thursday. July 14 Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. 10 miles South of Marietta Ga. Weather still warm but a fine shower with bright lightning & thunder just at dark, in which myself & Dr. Hatchard were riding from the Brigade to Hosp. The new order relating to reorganization of Div. Hosp was sent to Brig Hd Qrs, and did not reach me. I do not feel that any effort is made to do justice to 2 nd Brig. Not a Medical officer to remain at Hosp. Found Dr. Trowbridge sick to-night but think he will be better soon. Rumors & reports of Rebels advancing on Baltimore & fears of Washington. 256 All is in the hands of a kind Father. We seem not to be doing much in this army, although there is some skirmishing—& some canonading on our front especially to the left. Bought 20 qts Blackberries. Quinn Morton was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in the 23rd Missouri Infantry in January 1862 and Howard A. Cooper was commissioned Surgeon in the same regiment in February 1864. 254 Alphonse G. Kellam of Delavan was commissioned Captain, Company D, 22 nd Wisconsin Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Major in November 1864. 255 Charles Seaton was commissioned Lieutenant in Company A, 33 rd Indiana Infantry in September 1861, promoted to Captain in January 1863, but would resign in September 1864. Charles Day was commissioned Captain in Company C, 33rd Indiana Infantry in September 1861 and would be mustered out in September 1864. 256 To ease the Union pressure on General Lee’s positions at Petersburg, Confederate General Jubal Early (1816-1894) with 20,000 men began an advance up the Shenandoah Valley towards Washington in June. Outmaneuvering the Union forces along his route, he reached the outskirts of Washington on July 11. The next night he withdrew, realizing that the city’s defenses had been reinforced. 253 �Capt. Kellum Better. Surgn Hatchard pays for 20 qts Blackberries (200) on the 14th. Friday, July 15 Head Qrs 2nd Brig. 3 Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south, & little west Marietta Ga. Rain last night cooled the air some; pleasant & still warm to-day. No orders with reference to attendants, but it is understood that all will remain at Hosp. of Div. till further orders—Schofield to be principal Steward—Dr Jewett to attend 2nd Ward—will give satisfaction more than any other arrangement of the present detailed force. Bought 11 qts Blackberries @ 10cts for Big ones—sent 5 qts in morn. Beside—bought also 5 loaves bread at 10cts—two of which I gave to Att. at Hosp. the others to our mess— Gave— Move to Brig Hd. Qrs before dinner—return to Hosp. to see how affairs are going— There is a better appearance of things. Pioneers put up my tent & bed—Sam’l & Anderson the table. All nice. I think I shall be comfortably & pleasantly situated at Hd. Qrs. Saturday, July 16 Head Qrs. 2nd Brig 3rd Div 20th A.C. 10 miles south & a little west Marietta Ga. Weather very warm—fine rain to-night about 8½. 19th Mich out on the Skirmish or picket line on the Chattahoochee River—Commissions rec’d for Lieut Ford257 as Capt—Lieut Wing as R[egimental[ Q[uarter] M[aster]. Lieut Reynolds as 1st Lieut—Lieut Edwards258 as 1st Lieut—Sergts. Pullman259 & NY man as 2nd Lieuts— Notice of about 25 sick & wounded men of 19th Mich at St Mary’s Hosp Detroit—& a request that descriptive rolls be sent. Made circular to-night to be sent around to surgeons in morn, to send every morn & report of sick for Hosp & number requiring transportation. Recd letters from Wife of 7th & 8th 4 [pages] & from Clara of 10th 4 & Jennie 10th 4. Henry A. Ford (1836?-1894) of Niles was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company F, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in November 1862. 258 Isaac Z. Edwards (born ca. 1834) of Pokagon enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry as First Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant, Company D in May 1863 and to 1st Lieutenant in June 1864. He would resign in August 1864 because of disability. 259 Paschal A. Pullman (1836?-1864) of Allegan enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. He would be killed in action at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia on July 20. 257 �Sunday, July 17, 1864 Head Qrs. 2nd Brig 3 Div 20th A.C. 7 or 8 miles North & a little east of Atlanta on left bank of Chattahoochee. Weather pleasant—not excessively warm. Fine shower last night lasting but a few minutes— Sent a circular to Surgeons of Brigade 22nd [Wisconsin] & 33rd [Indiana] failed to send in reports. Went to Div. Hosp. Affairs going well there— Att[ended] preaching at 33rd Ind. Orders to march east at 3 P.M. Started at 4—19th Mich at 5½— I came by Div. Hosp. (eat supper) find 2/3 of it will remain two or three days—one third accompany command. March about 4 miles East to Vining’s ferry260 & 3 or 4 miles farther—crossing river about 8 P.M. going into camp on a stony ridge about ten— Have tea. Trouble in locating Brig H’d Qrs. Closely crowded all around. Rumors of occupation of Atlanta— Pass 23rd Mo.— Too much desecration of Sabbath for National prosperity. Wrote letter to wife 6. Monday, July 18 H’d Q’rs 2nd Brig 3 Div 20th A.C. Camp in woods 6 miles North Atlanta Ga. Weather warm—somewhat cloudy. A sprinkle of rain a little before night.— Remained in camp till noon. 3 Brig went on reconnoisance in force to Nance’s Creek. 261 We follow, waiting at Williams Mills for completion of bridges—cross over about 2 PM. Up the hill form in line of battle. At foot of hill form line by division front and march through woods—19th [Michigan] & 85th [Indiana] in rear—form in road ½ mile distant by large house by company—then by platoon—then in route column—along a good wide road Eastward—till near night. Gen Thomas passed & returned— We turn off and meander in woods—form a crooked line 3/8 mile from road on south—parallel(?) in woods & go into camp—not fortifying—except 1st Brig on right by Com[mand] of Gen. Ward.— Sup & retire. Enemy nowhere in hearing except occasionally a cannon toward Atlanta. Tuesday, July 19, 1864 Same place. Weather pleasant and warm still. 260 I.e., Pace’s Ferry. �At 5 A.M. ordered to be ready to march at a moment’s notice. No musketry in hearing, Canonading at 7 A.M. toward Atlanta. Affairs moving rather quietly all day building bridges across Peach Tree Creek 4 miles north of Atlanta over which the 4 th A.C. passed in part before dark—saw some of them passing over, & the skirmishing on the other side. Went down by Buck’s Head to the Bridge with Col. Coburn & Capt Kellum—saw Gens Howard & Wood. 262 Returned to camp at dark. Wrote letter to wife 3. Wednesday, July 20 Hosp 3rd Div. 20 A.C. Near Buck’s Head road toward Atlanta at the Bridge across Peach Tree Creek— Weather has been warm. Order in middle of night to be ready at daylight to march, did start about 6 AM. Moved to left then right—then left again on account of bridge not being completed— Located Hospital with Surgn Grinsted—as a battle seemed imminent on the other side. 3 Div. Passed over between 2nd Div. & 4th A.C. Sharp skirmishing. Went over with Surgns Hovey & Grinsted to seek a better place for Hosp. Enemy charged our lines while we were there, but met with a fierce counter charge from 20 th & 4th A.C. and were driven back with terrible slaughter. Wounded of 3 Div 350 to-night & about 25 Rebs here—wounds severe. I in chg. 2nd sec[tion] of Hosp. Dr. Hamilton 263 back with 2/3. Battle terrific.264 Thursday, July 21 Same place. Weather fair a little rain at eve 7 P.M.— Very little skirmishing in our front to-day— It is believed that the rebs are thoroughly whipped & prisoners seem to think their case hopeless—McPherson in their rear I.e., Nancy’s Creek. Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood (1823-1906) commanded the 3rd Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. 263 William Hamilton was commissioned Surgeon in the 102 nd Illinois Infantry Regiment in October 1863. 264 General Hood, having taken command of the Confederate forces from Johnston only two days previously, saw an immediate opportunity to strike at the Union army. After crossing the Chattahoochee Sherman advanced on Atlanta in two separate columns, and Hood planned to attack and defeat each one in succession. His first target was Thomas’s Army of the Cumberland approaching Atlanta from the north, which he caught by surprise at the Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 20. After some initial setbacks, the Union troops held their ground against furious Confederate assaults. 261 262 �“knocking” at the “gates” of Atlanta.265 Whole loss in the Div. in yesterday’s fight 370 wounded 62 killed. Friday, July 22 2nd Sec. Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. at White House 2¾ miles North of Atlanta. Weather warm— 20th A.C. moved forward to within 2 miles of Atlanta— After the wounded were all dressed I went with Ranney & Dix two miles south to our Div. Saw Gen Hooker &c. Took dinner at Reg’t with Capt Baldwin & Cahill. 266 Went out in front on hill to see Atlanta & Rebel works indistinctly— Reported at Brigade Head Qrs. Dr. Coakly att. sick call at our Regt, but imperfectly. Returned to Hosp—examined this house and thought it a good place for a hosp. Passed over Battle field saw graves of our dead as well as that of some rebel dead— Ordered by Surgn Grinsted to return with Surgn Hovey & Asst Surgn Amsden to take possession of this house as Hosp. did so. with panniers &c. Some prospect of fight. Severe engagement of left wing & death of McPherson. 267 Saturday, July 23 2 Sec. 3 Div Hosp. At same place. Weather still fair. Cleared off the ground &c around the house. 6 men come into Hosp wounded— No general engagement.— I am feeling quite unwell—Lt Wing camped close by. Write letter to Sam’l Griffin—father of Major Griffin— Surgeon Hobbs returns & reports to Adj’t Crawford 268 of 2nd Brigade,—just before night. The Army of the Tennessee under McPherson had swung around Atlanta to cut the Georgia Railroad at Decatur and was advancing on Atlanta from the east. 266 LeRoy Cahill (born ca. 1841) of Portage enlisted as First Sergeant in Company F, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in November 1862, wounded in action in May 1863, transferred to Company C in June 1863, promoted to 1st Lieutenant in January 1864, and would be promoted to Captain in Company A in October 1864. In July 1864 he was acting Adjutant. 267 Hood had learned that the Army of the Tennessee had left a flank unsupported and ordered General Hardee to move against it with his corps on July 22. At the Battle of Atlanta (or Bald Hill) once again the Confederate attack came as a surprise, but the timely arrival of reinforcements prevented a Union disaster. However, General McPherson was surprised by Confederate pickets and killed while reconnoitering with some of his staff. 265 �Topographical engineer in the house— Brigade wagons in yard. Report of McPherson’s death confirmed. Our [losses] less heavy—Rebs driven back with heavier269— We lost 10 canon and 20th A.C. remains in same place as yesterday nearly—skirmishing still & some heavy firing with large guns. Comfortably bedded on cotton in a house to-night. Letter from Mrs. Smith of the 15th deprecating the course of the Administration, & the renomination of Lincoln. Sunday, July 24 2nd Sec. 3 Div Hosp. 2½ miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, warm & dry. A few men come in wounded in skirmish line—Mr. Price from McMinnville called a moment while I was attending to a wounded man.— Received order from Surgn Grinsted to report with hospital to first section immediately, with an intimation that there were raiders around (Gen. Sherman) that would disturb us. Went back over battle field with Surgn Hobbs— Let him have my colt to ride for the present—saw four unburied rebel bodies slain on 20th Inst—black & bloated. Ate dinner at Hosp. & after some delay started by another way to right to establish again. Surgn Foye selected a place—a good one under fire—long way around to get ½ mile—I in charge. Dr. Trowbridge here. Monday, July 25, 1864 Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. 2½ miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather still warm.— Papers sent up to me as Brigade Surgn show them to Surgn Hobbs.—receive note from Crawford—Surgn Hobbs goes down to explain—all right— Order by Col Coburn for my relief &c. Most of the day is spent in policing ground for hospital putting up tents &c. so as to be fully ready in case of action— We now have up accommodations for 200 men & a nice place—good water—I am temporarily in charge of this section— Francis C. Crawford of Terre Haute was commissioned Adjutant in the 85 th Indiana Infantry in August 1862 and would be promoted to Captain in Company G in September 1864. 269 Hood’s forces withdrew into the defenses of Atlanta. His failures in the battles of July 20 and 22 cost the Confederates about 8000 casualties compared to the Union losses of around 5500. 268 �Sharp skirmishing & terrific shelling last night as well as to-night—24 seconds for Shell to go into Atlanta & its report return. Put up personal tents & beds in good shape. [Isaac Z.] Edwards & Lilly resign.270 Capt Baldwin comes to see me. Recd letter from wife of 17th 3+ & wrote in answer 6. Tuesday, July 26 Hosp. 3 Div 20th A.C. 2½ miles north of Atlanta Ga. Weather still warm but pleasant. Balance of Hospital came up to-day with all sick & wounded not sent to rear. Disordered state of reports of Surgn Hamilton. By Order of Surgn Grinsted I relieve Hamilton in charge of Hosp. and enter upon duty—Dr. Trowbridge attends to the regiment but remains at Hosp. except to make sick call— I find it almost impossible to bring order out of the chaotic condition of things here, but will succeed ere long. 2 wounded men to-day— Shells burst uncomfortably near us. Promise Geo Russell to help him if I can. Wednesday, July 27 Same place. Weather a little rainy though not heavy. Not fully regulated yet. We expected to move to-night with a section of Hospital leaving sick here & we return, but our command did not go— Some jealousy among nurses— Surgn Grinsted relieved here to-night & Wm C. Bennet Surgn U.S.V. takes the place. It is said that Hooker will go to some other command. 271 I fear his place cannot be filled in the 20th A.C. God preserve us. Order from chaos not fully restored in Hosp. here yet. Make certificates of disability for Lts. Edwards & Lilly to resign—recommend Lt Norris272 not to apply at present for leave of absence. Try to straighten out reports for Dr Jewett. Augustus Lilly (1826?-1888) of Allegan enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as First Sergeant. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in May 1863 and to 1st Lieutenant in May 1864. He would be discharged in April 1865 for disability. 271 General Hooker had hoped to succeed to McPherson’s command, but Sherman appointed General Howard instead. Hooker, in a fit of pique requested to be relieved 270 �Retire late. God be with me. Some skirmishing—no canons firing to-night. Thursday, July 28 Hosp 3 Div. 20th A.C. near Atlanta Ga. Weather a little rainy— Sent Hosp. team to Marietta for Sanitary stores—Christian Commission man Rich273— Came also Mr. Roberts.274 Tremendous fighting a mile or two to the right, while the batteries close by here throw shell into Atlanta continually— Skirmish firing heavy in front of us—go out after dark to see shells fly . One section of Hosp. to be ready to move at a moments notice. 3 Div. move out, but finding that the Rebs were driven back with great slaughter, they went into same place for to-night & we rest till morning. Wm C. Bennett enters upon duty as Med. Director of Division. Friday, July 29 Same place. Weather pleasant—a little sprinkle of rain about noon— 3rd Div. moved far to the right (probably 4 or 5 miles)— One section of Hosp. followed— large number of sick fell out (34). Have some definite account by Mr. Rich of the immense slaughter of Rebs yesterday— they made 7 charges upon our batteries and Infantry in open field & were finally repulsed and driven back. They must have lost 10000 men in all. 275 We [hear] no tidings from our division to-night. They may have been fighting to-day but there does not seem to have been any general engagements. Sharp volleys occasionally. and Brigadier General Alpheus S. Williams became the new commander of the 20 th Army Corps. 272 William M. Norris (born ca. 1834) of Coldwater enlisted in Company H, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in July 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in Company I in December 1863 and would be to Captain in October 1864. He would resign in November 1864 because of disability. 273 Probably Rev. J. D. Rich of Minneapolis. 274 In 1864 there were six U.S. Christian Commission delegates in the field with the last name Roberts. 275 The Battle of Ezra Church on July 28 was Hood’s third and final attempt to defeat one of Sherman’s detached corps. The Army of the Tennessee had shifted from its position on the east side of Atlanta to the west and was on the march to cut the Macon & Western Railroad south of the city when suddenly attacked by two of Hood’s corps. The Confederate formations charged repeatedly and unsuccessfully with casualties amounting to 5000. �Preaching in Hospital ground after dark att[ended] with interest by nearly all that could. May God dwell with us here, and keep us all in His Love. Saturday, July 30, 1864 Hosp 3 Div. 20th AC. Near Atlanta. Weather fair and warm. Continue the work of policing. Surgn Hovey sends a note from the advanced section that he has no food—utensils nor cook for all that are there. He was mistaken somewhat. There is some prospect that we shall move forward in the morning,—the Division being about 8 miles on the extreme right.— Hospital in good condition but few seriously sick. Have put up two tents and 16 bunks for the more serious cases.— Much heavy canonading all of the time to-day. Surgn W. C. Bennett is stirring things up a little & doubtless will improve hospital matters somewhat. Christian Commission stops here. Wrote letter to wife 5 but do not send it till Send part of sanitary good[s] to Dr. Hovey Sunday, July 31 Weather fair in morn.—rain with thunder and lightning a little after noon—pretty heavy—& continuing till night— Surgn W. C. Bennett went forward to command—8 miles they will return here probably— Only 2 sick men admitted here—22 at the advanced section— Made return for 3 days rations for 600 men—Aug. 1st 2nd—& 3rd.— Sent part to (600) to advanced section. 3rd Div. went to-day on reconnoisance in force as far as in sight of Rail-Road. There has been but little firing to-day— — Preaching this morning by ___ ___ would have been tonight but for the rain.— Tents not well trenched276 flies leak to much in heavy rain. Have calls sounded on horn— Write more in letter to wife. 2 Send it. Monday, August 1 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 2S Weather fair except a little cloudy with a sprinkling of rain. 276 The channels around the perimeter of each tent to carry off rainwater were improperly dug. �Surgn Hovey came down— Police a place for a row of tents to fill with bunks— Went out in evening with Surgns Bennett & Grinsted to find a sheltered place for a hospital in case of leaving this one on account of a proposed attack upon the enemys lines in our front. Call at Corps Head Qrs. See Gens Williams & Geary. Notified to send 16 ambulances loaded with sick & wounded to Vining’s Station. 27 men sent sick from advanced Sect of Hosp.— Work till near midnight in completing list of men to send. Tuesday, August 2 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Atlanta. Weather fair and not very warm— Sent of patients 57 to Vining’s Station—in care Dr. Preston.277 (He delivered them in good order.) One man sent the day before charged with being a deserter having consumption—could not be sent for want of room. (Jerome Franklin)278 Finished bunks (28)— Made some other improvements— At Dr. Trowbridge’s request he was ordered to his regiment till action. Sent Dr. Jewett to Advanced Section & return with reports— Drew 7 days full rations for 2 horses—Aug 1 to 7. Clear up the records very nearly. 23 A.C. move past us to the right. Look for another fight. Rumor of Calamity to McCook’s command.279 Only rut[?] danger. Wednesday, August 3 Hospital 3 Div 20 A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Weather still fair, rain threatened— 3rd Div. move back to the Rail-Road— Advanced Section of Hospital returns to this place— Drs Trowbridge & Amsden return to their Regiments. About 100 patients come in in all. A little warm work in getting into position—2 men wounded. Affairs here move on quietly I believe—Policing & improving still. John C. Preston of Cleveland enlisted in the 73rd Ohio Infantry in March 1863 as Assistant Surgeon. 278 Private Jerome Franklin was in Company I, 55 th Ohio Infantry. The regiment was part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 279 Brigadier General Edward M. McCook (1833-1909) in command of the 1st Division, Cavalry Corps set about to disrupt the railroad around Jonesboro, about fifteen miles south of Atlanta. After some success, he was surrounded by Confederate cavalry and infantry and compelled to fight his way out. In the event he lost 600 in killed and captured but was not totally destroyed as initial reports made out. 277 �Thursday, August 4 Same place. Weather fair—rain threatened. Surgn Wm C. Bennett assumes command here but Surgn Grinsted remains here organizing Artiller[y] Med. Officers—Bennett remains here a considerable portion of the time.— 3 men wounded brot in—John Rea280 of 19th Mich &c. Heavy fighting at various points. McCook’s command in a large degree successful but losing heavily. It seems as though a vigorous resistance is to be made here and may require a long seige to reduce this place— Continue improving Hospital grounds & tents with bunks— P[ut] up 2nd flies for reading room &c Chapel— Rec’d my trunk & note from Adjt Brown. Receive letter from wife 4 & from Sister Rebecca to wife 2. Friday, August 5 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, but rain threatened—& begins at 11 PM. Rec’d note from Lieut. Ford, enclosing another to be opened in case of his death. I shall do his wish if possible. Sent for additional articles Hosp’l Stores & corn starch. Heavy Skirmishing a little to our right about 4 to 5 P.M., but 3 Div. not engaged. Two men mortally & two others severely wounded came in. All reports made out for to-day— letter from Dr Tompkins—I must write him. Ordered to send 45 men to Vinings Station in morn.— Make lists & get all things ready. Long Confab with Surgn Grinsted upon religion—“Pearls before swine.” Brisk Skirmishing firing & some Canonading nearly in front of us. Letter from Dr Tompkins. Chapel tent erected. Saturday, August 6 Same place. Weather fair till afternoon, quite severe rain toward night and till late in the evening. Sent off 45 men to Vinings Station. Early in morn— 280 Private John Rea (1831?-1898) of Bangor enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. �Went to Corps H’d Qrs. & was told by Surg n Foye to send to Marietta for Sanitary Stores. Went on over to the batteries, returned via 2 Div. Hosp.— Sent team this P.M. to Marietta for S. Stores.. Policing continued—& bunks put up in one ward. Much work to be done in such an institution as this. Recd letter from Dr. Tompkins yesterday. Sunday, August 7, 1864 Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. 2 miles from Atlanta Ga. Weather fine after the rain of last night— We proposed to rest to-day except the necessary cleaning up & nursing. Inspection at 9½ A.M.— Things in fair order— Preaching at 10½ A.M. by Ch. Stillwell—Very good—prayed for the re-election of Lincoln about which much fault was found.— Sunday-School at 3 PM. Attended with interest. May God work among us to do of his will & pleasure. Preaching again to-night—too long for invalids in open air. Inspection by Sanitary Inspector Dr. Webster.281 Serg’t Hagar282 Mortally wounded. Wrote under date of yesterday recommending Lieut Wing for field officer in new regiment. Write part of letter to wife. Monday, August 8 At same place. Weather rainy nearly all day— Our patients suffer somewhat from leaky tents. Sergt Hager Died this A.M. of his wound in abdomen. Men shot in picket line and in the trenches come in occasionally. A long talk with Surgn Bennett concerning the future of this country almost discourages me. I hope however in God & the right. Write more in the letter to wife. Tuesday, August 9 281 Warren Webster (1835-1896) of Massachusetts. He was Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army when found guilty of disobedience of orders by a court martial in the autumn of 1863. �Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Aug 9th Weather heavy and rainy nearly all day— 1800 guns ordered to be fired from the 6 batteries of the 20 A.C. and the booming has been almost continuous— This seems to be an effort to divert the rebels from some more important movement on our part.— Heavy Canon came down to-day via R.R. & will be heard from soon.283— Atlanta stands in her pride against us. Firing to-night sparse. Spring put in good order to-day. Work of improvement going on in Hosp.—men. It is said some long 34 pounders have been sent down to-day. Finish letter to wife & send it. Receive letter from wife of July 31 st & Jennie of same date— Clara unwell. Wednesday, August 10 Same place. Weather promised fair till afternoon, but so much canonading seems to have brought on a copious shower toward night— Went to 2nd Div Hd. Qrs concerning a Lt of 55th O[hio] V.V. Whom arrested and sent there yesterday for drunkeness &c. Explained to Gen Geary.— Went on with Surgn Bennett to 3rd Div Hd. Qrs. to determine about detaining music men at Hosp. Capt Speed284 says they were ordered here, & must remain here till ordered back by Div Commander— Sought a place to which to move hosp.—found none very satisfactory— although we rode far. Visited 1st Div. Hosp on our return nearly 300 patients— They have not a good place— Heavy firing nearly all day—Rebs do not reply much—large guns are talking to-night. 7 wounded on to-day’s report. Thursday, August 11 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Atlanta Ga. Weather promised to be fair in morn but there have been several showers during the day & last night & continues yet. Phineas A. Hager (1820?-1864) of Otsego enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as Sergeant. 283 Sherman had realized that he was no longer able to maneuver the Confederates out of Atlanta and had requested siege guns be sent from Chattanooga. Bennitt is probably referring to three 4.5-inch Rodman guns capable of firing a 30-pound shell. 284 Captain John Speed was Assistant Adjutant-General of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 282 �I have been almost sick, but feel better to-night after taking six grs. Quin.— Canonading frequent along the line with picket firing— We have received a large number of patients to-day have put about 45 from large into small tents. Surg n Wm C. Bennett spent but a small part of to-day here.— We are trying to get all our patients off the ground. 29 are still with[out] bunks, but that will be remedied to-morrow. I have not been able to find time to write any letters to-day— Spent two hours this evening in discussing professional subjects pertaining to our immediate duties here. (Made a mistake in writing on this page) 285 Friday, August 12 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather a little better, sprinkles a little, but does not dry off much. Affairs move on as usual. 9 men come in wounded—2 die. W. C. Bennett moves down here to-night— Reports made in a regular manner but records are not satisfactory—10 wards fully bunked. Saturday, August 13 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. near Atlanta Ga. Weather somewhat sunny, but no rain rather damp around us yet. Four men have died of wounds within last 24 hours.— Nearly half of the men brought in have mortal wounds. Cannonading has been brisk part of the day & is quite so to-night— A long quiet this morning led us to hope Atlanta had given up— Col Shafter called this PM. not well—says John286 is restored to his standing as an officer. I doubt the propriety of this result.— Religious exercises in chapel tent tonight. Sunday, August 14, 1864 Same place. Weather fair till P.M. rain about 3½— Bennitt evidently skipped a page in his diary and wrote this entry on the page for Saturday, August 13. The entry for that date he has put for August 11. 286 John N. Shafter (born ca. 1839) of Galesburg enlisted as Sergeant Major in the 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in Company B in July 1863, but was court-martialed in McMinnville for his implication in theft of private property in December 1863. When court records were inexplicably “lost,” he was reinstated and would be promoted to Captain in October 1864. Shafter was the younger brother of Lieutenant Colonel William Shafter. 285 �Some heavy fighting on the right at sundown. Cannonading pretty heavy nearly all day. Ezra Nichols wounded through right thigh & will probably die of the wound. Inspection this morning found things looking well. Preaching at 11 AM. & 6 P.M. Good attention & serious impressions. May God deepen them in us all, and preserve us in him. Have made preparations to send for Sanitary Stores to-morrow morning & will try and send letter to wife. We have 389 patients in Hosp. Many dying soon after coming in— O my God give me wisdom for this work & patients 287 and industry accord as I need. Wrote three pages of a letter to my wife. Monday, August 15 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 2 miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather fair nearly all day rained a little about 6 P.M.— Heavy cannonading & Picket firing frequent.— I rode around with Surgn Grinsted to Batteries and to Div. Head Qrs. Gen. Ward seems like a demented man almost. The 2nd Brigade 3 Div. advanced about 3 AM. Closer to the enemy works, giving rise to a brisk fight of skirmishers, but no one hurt of our men. 6 wounded men came in to-day 4 severe— 4 men died in the last 24 hours—3 of wounds. Steward Scofield went to Marietta for Sanitary Stores—I sent my letter to wife by him. Little Hattie not well. Recd letter from Jennie & Clara & a letter from wife. Tuesday, August 16 At same place. Weather fair—ground drying off nicely— Policing going on as much as practicable—moved our office tent this P.M. & have very comfortable arrangements, and will be pleasant when fully arrangedments. Forage curtailed ½ because of Rebels having cut the R.R. at Dalton or some other point.288 Wednesday, August 17 287 288 I.e., patience. On August 10 Hood ordered his cavalry commander, General Joseph Wheeler, to attack and disrupt Union communications and rail lines in the Union rear, hoping to force Sherman to retreat. On August 14 the Confederate cavalry had reached Dalton. The raid would last until September 9 but did not accomplish its intended objective. �Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. Near Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, & pleasant and affairs move on as usual. Rumors of Order received to-night to be ready to break camp and move our Hospital to the other side of the River at 5 AM to-morrow— Full arrangements made but the order was [not?] carried into effect for some movement developed the fact that to raise the seige is necessary at present. Thursday, August 18 Same Place. Weather very fair but not excessively warm—cool in morn & eve. Heavy firing early this morn occasioned by the supposition on the part of the enemy that we were about to make some kind of demonstration or fall back. They found our army ready for them and they were glad to get behind their works. Four wounded men came in—One fracture at Elbow. I have not been well to-day, and am still feeling dull. Religious meeting to-night attended with good interest. Friday, August 19 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20 A.C. near Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, Thunder Storm imminent now (9½ PM.) Rains hard. Report of success of Kilpatrick at East-point in cutting and holding the Macon R.R. 289 Our order to move two days ago was only a feint to deceive some rebel spies in camp at the time.— Our communication with our base of supply is open freely again, so that we can get full[?] forage again.— The heavy firing this morning was nearly all from our batteries. We are trying to demolish their forts & make the city untenable. Burning buildings were seen in the city this morn. Weekly reports are made out & sent in. O my Saviour dwell in me in love and keep me from sin. Saturday, August 20, 1864 Same place. 289 Sherman, realizing that the majority of Confederate cavalry was away north of Atlanta, ordered Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick (1836-1881) of the Cavalry Corps to take his 3rd Division along with two brigades of the 2nd Division and attempt to destroy the Macon and Western Railroad south of Atlanta. It was to be hoped that this operation would force the surrender of that city, but Kilpatrick’s attempt was largely unsuccessful and he returned to the Union lines on August 22. �Weather fair till about noon, and rainy all the remainder of the day. No particular intelligence concerning our movements & successes but it is said that some heavy fighting was done by the 17th A.C. yesterday, worsting the rebels, The seige continues here but the rebels do not shoot at us so much as formerly. No wounded today from our divs. Adjt Brown & Capt Hubbard both make application for leave of absence, & I must make their certificates of disability. Lieut Wing, & Capt. Anderson 290 called to see me tonight. Wrote a note[?] Bill of $3500 for Anderson, the amount due him up to this night. Reced letter from wife (4-) of the 12th mailed 13th all well. Wrote 3¾ pages of a letter to wife. Sunday, August 21, 1864 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Weather has been rainy nearly all day—rains quite fast just now (8½ PM.)— Inspection this morning showed a fair condition of things in the wards. We seem to have a large number of patients on our hands now (431) a large proportion however are not very sick. Had we a good mixed diet for a few weeks a large proportion of our sick would require no medication. Col Coburn, Major Miller291 & Dr Bence came down and took supper with us. Col. C[oburn] thinks Capt. Anderson is the man to command the 19th Mich. Moved our quarters out from sick quarters. Wrote letter to Jennie & Clara 4 and enclose it with one to wife. Monday, August 22 Same place. Weather fair—no rain—a little cloudy—comfortably cool. Work going on in Hospital as usual— Music men make a little trouble about work. Dr. Gill292 will be Chief Surgn of 1st Div instead of 3rd. I am inclined to become a U.S.V.— Very little musketry on the lines to-day— Cannonading continuous— Rumor that paymasters are among us— No tidings looking to an end of this seige. David Anderson (born ca. 1825) of Matteson was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in Company H, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He was promoted to Captain in May 1863, was wounded twice at Atlanta in May and June 1864, and commanded the regiment from July 20 to September 1864. He would be promoted to Major in October 1864 and to Colonel in June 1865. 291 Major Levin T. Miller enlisted in the 33rd Indiana Infantry in November 1862 and would resign in September 1864. 290 �We open up the camp more and move office toward the field— Mules smells bad— Wrote certificates of disability for Adjt Brown and Capt Hubbard late to-night. Rec’d letters from wife of 9th 3 and 14th 4 & from Clara of 14th—3. Added a few words to the letter written last night and sent them. Tuesday, August 23 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20 A.C. 2 miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather fair—not excessively warm— Moved officers quarters—in full yes[?] Some body picked my pocket which was lying by my bedside last night—of my wallet with 1500 Cash—Stamps about 100—Note against Dr. Hatchard of $12000 & some other papers—and Major Griffins Watch. No clue to the thief. Receive order to send a medical officer & some workmen over the Chattahoochee to select and establish a Hospital early in the morning and move part of the sick in the P.M. Wednesday, August 24 New Site for Hospital 1½ miles S.W. Vining’s Station Ga. Weather fair— Asst Surgn Wood293 started out early this AM. with 12 police—musicians to select a place for Hospital and clear up ground &c. I get a little more definite instructions from Surgn Foye concerning the object and nature of the movement and start with the 4 wagons loaded with tents & boards to this place. Found Dr Wood had located here— Did not like it at first. Water too scarce— Not much done toward making a Hosp. before I arrive at 3¾ P.M.— (See Surgn Cooper of 23rd Mo. on the way and received some papers from him) 94 sick men & wounded came late in evening— We have 3 wards up and one of them bunked—work late & feel tired. We cannot afford much comfort to these suffering men. Thursday, August 25 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Vining’s Station Ga. on the Rail-Road. Weather fair—cool at morn & eve. The whole Hospital moved to-day and a terrible job it is to move so many sick and wounded men—425—and move their houses too. We shall manage to place the sick up 292 293 Henry Z. Gill, Surgeon, U.S. Army. Orlando S. Wood of the 129th Illinois Infantry Regiment. �from the ground in a few days, as we have brought a large part of the bunk lumber from the other Hospital site. It is expected that our A.C. will move to the rear to-night. R.R. trains pass with much noise. We change medical officers to some extent and consolidate the Surgeons messes into one. I have worked hard to-day having started out hatchet in hand to open up the way for front line for wards, and am ready to retire very late. Surg n Bennett has not been to see us. Friday, August 26 Same Place Weather fair with a little sprinkle of rain. Not very warm—nights cool. Affairs going on well at hospital only it is difficult to get much work out of musicians. 30 good men could do more work than the whole 80 we have here. Surgn Wm C. Bennett called to see us & seemed to think all was doing well. Had Spring excavated so as to hold a supply of water & it promises well. Our great fear here is that water will fail us. Recd a letter from wife of Aug 17th Mailed 18th 2—and from Jennie of 14th & 17th. I assign medical officers to duty in difficult wards. Saturday, August 27 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Vinings Station Ga. Weather fair, not very warm— Thunder shower last night, not a large amount of rain. But it was unpleasant to know that a large number of the sick were on the ground in untrenched tents. To-day they have been trenched & the policing & Bunking going on. The spring will give us a good supply of water but not quite enough. 3rd Div. attacked by Rebel Cavalry—with shell, killing two and wounding two of our men—sending a shell through Div. flag. Rec’d word to send operating staff to front while at dinner.— They were soon off but had nothing to do there. Will send them some bread in the morn early— Dr. Hatchard Payd me $5000 on the note for the horse for which I give him a receipt (the note having been stolen). Sunday, August 28 Same place. Weather fair— Had preaching in front of Ward 11— 1st Brigade have moved into the rebel works near us & we are obliged to move our convalescent camp. In case of attack we shall be �exposed to fire somewhat—but there is but little danger here— I went with Wm C. B]ennett] to Corps Hd Qrs.—learned that we would send some men to rear soon— No more trouble on our front—no enemy very near that can be found. Called at 1st Div Hosp at eve, and heard a sermon. Surg n Gill a good man. Work suspended for the day. Monday, August 29 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. 1½ miles from Vinings Station Ga. Weather fair and warm. Burning rubbish around Hosp. smoked us badly. Surg ns Hobbs & Bennett came down early. Recd notice to have 55 men ready to send to Chattanooga in Hospl train in the morn.— Lieut Wing came down asking me to attend to Major Griffins business—I will try— Wing will take the horse at what two men shall value it if not more than $80. I cannot keep it on short rations. Anderson gets 6 days ½ rations for two horses—½ rations. Work in policing goes on but slowly. Recd letter from Mrs. Griffin requesting me to attend to her affairs here. Recd letters from wife 4 & Clara 3 of August 21st. Tuesday, August 30 Same place. Weather fair,—not excessively warm.— I am not feeling very well to-day. Sent off to Chattanooga on a Hospital train 55 men sick and wounded— A man of 20th Ct brought in shot through the body with the ramrod of his own gun while in the act of drawing a load from it.294 Rec’d a paper from Capts Anderson & Baldwin valuing the Griffin Colt at $70 00. Paid Lieut Wing Cash $1000 on my note to him for mony borrowed nearly two months ago. He has the note yet—not having it with him. Wednesday, August 31 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. one mile north Chattahoochee River Ga on R.R. Weather fair—not very warm— Cool tonight. Lt Wing gave me Major Griffin’s money ($1045 U.S. money & $1100 other currency of doubtful value). Gave him a bill of sale of the Bay Colt for $7000—took up note against �Griffin in favor of C P Lincoln of 11500 on which had been paid $7500 previously and one of $3000 in favor of Patrick Gillon 295 on which had been paid $8.00—and received of Lt. Wing beside, Cash $8.00 in full of the $7000. Wrote letter to wife 4. NINE “THE EVENTS OF THE PAST THREE WEEKS HAVE RENEWED MY HOPES” SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1864 Thursday, Sept. 1, 1864 Same place. Weather fair. Arbor constructed in front of Head quarters. Affairs going on very well here at hospital. Received supply of medicines from purveyor as well as camp kettles— Sam’l Tyler296 returned here from rear where he has been since Resaca fight. “Drawing a load” was the procedure used to remove bullet and powder from a loaded musket. In this case it was not practiced with requisite care. 295 Private Patrick J. Gillon (born ca. 1834) of Pokagon enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 294 �We understand that McLellan is the nominee of the Chicago convention—& that Kirby Smith has reinforced us with 15000 men. 297 No news from Sherman to-day— He is far to the South-East at last accounts.298 Wrote letter to my wife 4. Return at 11 PM. Friday, Sept. 2 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. One mile north Chattahoochee River. Weather fair— Atlanta is evacuated last night mostly—they blew up their ammunition train & engines because they could not be got away—Sherman having cut off the Rail-Roads & in some degree dispersed their army. Col Coburn is first to enter and take possession of the city & received the surrender of the mayor—Coburn however receives no credit however—299 2nd Brigade occupy the city. Rebs rear guard fight a little. Many of the people seem pleased at our entrance— Saturday, Sept. 3 Same place. Weather fair. Evacuation of Atlanta a sure thing; but we go on putting things in order here, though we may not remain a day longer. Sunday, Sept. 4 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair rather warm. Tyler does not appear on the rosters of the regiments in Bennitt’s brigade; he may have been a hospital orderly. 297 Bennitt is making a facetious remark, commenting that the anti-war candidates put forward by the Democrats would initiate military reinforcements under the Confederate General Edward Kirby Smith. 298 On August 25 Sherman pulled his army out of their siege lines, leaving the 20 th Army Corps to guard the bridges over the Chattahoochee, and marched them towards Jonesboro about sixteen miles south of Atlanta to cut the Macon & Western Railroad. When Hood learned of this he sent two corps to halt the Union advance, but at the Battle of Jonesboro on August 31 and September 1 the Confederates failed in their objective. With Atlanta now isolated Hood abandoned the city during the night of September 1 and moved his army southwards into fortified positions. 299 Colonel Coburn led elements of his 2nd Brigade, including the 19th Michigan Infantry, into Atlanta to verify the rumor that the city had been evacuated by the Confederate army. He met Mayor James M. Calhoun who formally surrendered the city to him. 296 �Rec’d an order from Surgn Foye before I was out of bed, written the night before,—to move the hospital immediately to Fair ground Atlanta.300 Could not get started much before noon. Leave Surgns Himes & Kling301 in charge of 120 patients in 5 wards—to come down to-morrow. We locate in a nice lawn in front of a house beside the “Fair Ground” Hospital instead of in the buildings, on account of cleanliness & the supposition that the Gen. Hosp. would be established there— 400 sick & wounded of 4th A.C. come in late—we feed them. Monday, Sept. 5 Same place. Weather rainy with severe thunder shower & some hail, which prevent our work of putting Hospital in order going on. Nearly 100 of the sick left the other side of the river came over to-day—arriving at the time of a shower, were place[d] in the Rebel Hospital building to remain until our tents can be sent up— 23 men remain the other side yet—2nd Div ambulances bring 24 sick over. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy, discouraging to any effort at putting our hospital in good order. Our musicians are not worth much, to do work. We have sent two squads to their regiments & shall get rid of them as soon as practicable and get good men in their places. A trouble arose among rebel prisoners because some of them proposed to take the oath of allegiance. An Federal officer explained to them that rebel deserters would not be drafted into the Federal army. Nashville train came through to-day bringing news of the fall of Richmond, not reliable however. Capt. Hubbard’s application for leave of absence returns approved. He pays me $400 mess a/c and will start home in the morning. Lieut Brown Adj’t got no answer from his. Rumor that we shall go to Virginia. Saturday, Sept. 10 Hosp’l 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. The fairground was located on the southeastern edge of the city. Isaac N. Himes of Cleveland was Surgeon in the 73rd Ohio Infantry Regiment, and after the war became a colleague of Bennitt in the Medical Department at Western 300 301 �Weather fair, warm and pleasant. Sunday, Sept. 11, 1864 Same Place. Weather fair, warm and pleasant. Surgn Hatchard wishing to attend church Surgn Kling acts as officer of the day. Many of the men in Hosp seek to go to church. The Episcopal clergyman prays for the President of the United States with apparent earnestness. Too much business for me to-day—I cannot get to church. No formal inspection. I think we shall try to have our inspection hereafter on Saturday at 3 PM. or a little later. Monday, Sept. 12 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and pleasant. Warm. Affairs moving on tolerable well. No. of patients diminishing rapidly. Surgeon Foye directs that all man able to take care of themselves. This will soon send out a large number. Vegetable[s] can be had in the regiments as well as here and scorbutic cases get along as well there as here. It is intimated to me that I shall be sent to the North to gather up the absent—sick & wounded. Not a mission to be sought much. A work that requires clear-headedness. Tuesday, Sept. 13 Same place. Weather fair and warm. Ride up [to] the city with Surgn Grinsted and call around by Capt Sacketts302 to see if he can furnish any soft bread. Get some blanks, go to the 19 th Mich.—have chat with nearly all of the officers—see Wm TenBrook, in the street doing guard duty. Seems well, and as though [tough?]. 19th Mich guarding supplies—Quarters and camp not as tidy as I have sometimes seen it. I send my application for examination for commission in Staff Corps. The propriety of this step is somewhat doubtful. Reserve College in Cleveland. Jay Kling of Monroeville was Surgeon in the 55 th Ohio Infantry Regiment. 302 Captain Orange Sackett, Jr. of Company G, 136th New York Infantry. �Wednesday, Sept. 14 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant and fair. Went with Surgn Wm C. Bennett to see Dr. Calhoun 303 citizen—Asst Surgeon in 4th A.C. died last night, of Dysentery. Surgn Woodworth of Dept Cumb’d Hosp receives 6 patients not belonging to our A.C.—see him at eve inquiring for Surgn Grinsted. Col. Coburn expects to be mustered out to-morrow with his regiment.304 55th O. Band & 33rd Ind Band serenade him to-night and return late—a little too late to be real sober. Adj’t Brown’s application for leave of absence returned disapproved—sends in his resignation— Capt. Anderson brought it down, and I shall make a certificate. Received three (10 ea) nos of M[ichigan] Ch[ristian] Herald. The fall of Atlanta known in Mich. Recd letters from each of the Dear ones at home. All well. Dr. Trowbridge came down. Thursday, Sept. 15 Same Place. Weather fair and very pleasant—much more so than we could have expected so far south at this time of year. Rather dry and dusty, but there is a promise of rain.— Expected Dr. Kittoe305 here to-day but he did not come. Visited Dr. Calhoun with W m C. Bennett. Surgn Foye returned [a report?] morning because the cause of “Dropsy” was not stated. Sent it up again all right. Two women applied for statements that would exempt them from travel because of their expected accouchment306—Mrs. Bedford’s307 case is a little doubtful in my mind. Mrs Ezekiel Noble Calhoun (1799-1875) was the elder brother of the mayor of Atlanta, James M. Calhoun, who had surrendered the city on September 2. Dr. Calhoun, although an opponent of secession, nevertheless supported the Confederate cause and served as Surgeon to the 4th Georgia Infantry Battalion until poor health forced his resignation. 304 Their three-year enlistments having expired, Colonel Coburn and about 140 others, would be officially mustered out of the 33rd Indiana Infantry on September 19 and 20. 305 Edward D. Kittoe, U.S. Army, was Medical Inspector, Military Division of the Mississippi. 306 On September 7 General Sherman ordered all citizens of Atlanta to evacuate the city, the people given the opportunity to choose whether to go north or south. In spite of outraged protests from the citizens themselves as well as from General Hood, the expulsions were carried out. The two women Bennitt mentions were trying to avoid the order on the grounds of being in advanced stages of pregnancy. 303 �Gossett308 seems in much better spirits than when here 10 days ago. Gen. Sherman seems to be administering affairs judiciously, and will do much to reconcile the people to the U.S. government. Make Lists of Instruments to be inspected and condemned. Numbers in hospital diminishing. Friday, Sept. 16 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and comfortably warm. I take my list of Instruments to be examined to Surg n Hobbs in the morning— Call to see Ward309 at private house—think he will get well without furlough or discharge— Visit the three regiments of the Brigade lying East of City— They are policing well. Call to see Surgeon Cooper concerning the disapproval of Adj’t Brown’s papers—also took as[?] Surgn Wiles note & learned from him that he disapproved them without knowing that he had seen the cases on Foye’s disapproval. Did not have time to visit 19th Mich.— Capts Shafer & Easton called to see me. People leaving Atlanta rapidly by Gen. Sherman’s order. Saturday, Sept. 17 Same place. Weather fair and pleasant but rain is threatened to-night. Our hospital is in very good condition however. Patients 202 diminishing rapidly in number. In camps there is also but little sickness comparatively. The rest that our men our enjoying seems to be just what was needed. Put up the evergreen arch & large star over our hospital entrance. Get affairs in very good shape. No certainty yet of my going north. Sunday, Sept. 18, 1864 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy last night and to-day, cutting short or Episcopal ministers sermon— which was very good—and made it necessary to improve our trenching a little. Possibly the wife of either James Bedford, a brick mason, or W. C. Bedford, a plasterer. Mrs. Bedford may have been allowed to remain in Atlanta because her name does not appear among those on the official roll of evacuees. 308 Mrs. Gossett does not appear on the official roll of evacuees. 309 Possibly either of Privates George D. Ward or Martin L. Ward of Constantine. Both men enlisted in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 307 �Have spent most of the time this afternoon in reading. This morning the Abstract of issues to Hospital for Aug came in showing a fund of $771.10 now due the Hosp. Surg n Grinsted is ordered to furnish a resume of the operations of the medical department of 3rd Div. during the Campaign just closed. A thing very hard for him to do, under the circumstances.— I have just been out to attend my horse, loose and to learn why the guard allowed him to stray. He seems to be too simple. Col. Coburn called. I have certificate of Disability for Wm Neet310 of 85th Ind. for discharge. Write letter. Monday, Sept. 19 Same Place. Weather fair. Nothing of Special interest to-day. Tuesday, Sept. 20 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta. Weather fair but comfortable in morn. Cloudy afternoon and rainy toward evening. Surgn Hobbs sent Wm Neet’s certificate of Disability to me for a full official signature of mine as Surgn in chg. 3rd Div Hosp. Went to see him—he was gone to battlefield— Went again afternoon—argued the point—he is right— I went on to Surgn Foye for direction concerning discharges furloughs & leaves— We can get cows, and other supplies— Order to charge officers same as in Officer’s hospital--$1.00 per day. We will treat them a little better. Mr. Brittan—Ch[ristian] Com[mission] man with us since Sunday. 311 Wednesday, Sept. 21 Same Place. Weather rather rainy—heavy rain in P.M. Extirpated Osseous tumor from forearm of a soldier of 73rd O[hio] V.I. weighing ℥iii ℨiii— Operator Surgn Himes. Choloform act’d pleasantly— Phenol used.312 Private William Neet of Bridgton enlisted in Company G, 85th Indiana Infantry in August 1862. 311 Probably Rev. J. B. Britton of Chillicothe, Ohio. 310 �Fitting up Officers ward with floor used good bunks, so that if possible an officer may feel comfortable. Sent an estimate of sanitary supplies wanted from Q[uarter] M[aster]. Made certificate of Disability for Maxon of V.I.313 Surgn Hovey returned—has been examined for surgn U.S.V.—passed— Went to N.Y. state. Endorsed Dr. Jones314 application for leave of absence, that he could be spared. Thursday, Sept. 22 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather somewhat cloudy in morn rainy with wind in PM. & to-night. Made certificates of disability for Lemon of 129th Ill.315 Surgeon Grinsted in some trouble about summer campaign just past, reports. Wants me to keep a Hospital “Log Book.” It will require some care and attention. Floor in officer’s ward complete and eight bunks.— We have not as much attention to guard duty as is necessary. I sent communication to Surgn Grinsted, asking him to see that Hospital Stewards be properly detailed. He presented the case to Gen Ward who indorsed said that he would do what was desired. Made a certificate of disability for Adj’t H. M. Brown—too wordy (324 words). Friday, Sept. 23, 1864 Same place. Weather pleasant in the middle of the forenoon—rainy in P.M. heavy showers, some lightning and thunder to-night, and will probably soon be a heavy shower. It is rumored that there will be no fall campaign— Leaves of absence are directed to be granted freely, Gen Ward and Col Wood316 have gone to-day. Col Dustan317 of 105 Ill commands 3rd Div. A coal tar derivative better known as carbolic acid. Although its antiseptic properties were first widely promulgated by Joseph Lister in 1867, Civil War surgeons were aware of its medical value. 313 Private Charles Maxson, Company H, 136th New York Infantry. 314 Assistant Surgeon John E. Jones of the 79th Ohio Infantry. 315 Private Francis M. Lemon, Private John Lemon, and Sergeant William S. Lemon were all in Company D, 129th Illinois Infantry, and all were from Glasgow. 316 Colonel James Wood, Jr. commanded the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 317 Colonel Daniel Dustin of Sycamore had transferred from the 8 th Illinois Cavalry Regiment. 312 �I ask concerning disposition of negroes & what shall be charged officers, anterior to this who have left here. I think $50/100 about right for the past but $100 in future when good recommendations are furnished. We are nicely prepared now. Rumor of R.R. being cut at Altoona—of Sheridan’s success in the Shenandoah Valley, and of reverses at Petersburg Va. 318 Sent Adj’t Brown’s papers to him. We have but one officer in Hosp now. Wrote 3 pages of letter to my wife. No letters form home. Saturday, Sept. 24 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A Atlanta Ga. Weather fair to-day but windy. Rain threatened again to-night. Adj’t Brown visits me.— Lieut Norris sent his resignation yesterday—made a certificate for a furlough for Serg’t. 102 Ill wounded in thigh. Inspected Hospital at regular time 3 P.M. nearly every thing in good order. One wagon not in as good condition as it should be.— Cooks a little slack— Commissary department well. Myself and Dr. Himes went to the concert with Dr. Hastings & Major __ 319 of 33rd Mass.— Gen Sherman at concert. Mrs. Welch320 looks somewhat caseworn. Band of 33rd played well.— Shall [send] a Programme home. Finished my letter to my wife 4 and sent it at 3 PM. Sunday, Sept. 25 Same place. Weather fair—quite cool in night and even to-day not very warm. Allowed Surgn Hatchard to go to Church, though he was officer of the day. Dr. Wiles and also went to the Episcopal church, but were late there. Lieut. Norris came here to see about his resignation being forwarded. I will send them forward to-morrow with such a certificate as will probably lead to his getting ordered to the rear for treatment or a leave of absence for 20 days—will start to-morrow if possible. Lieut. Col Dutton 321 105 Ill send a request for return to his command, of Pvt Silas Hughes322 of Co. K 105 Ill.— Contains an ungenteel implication. No significant operations occurred at Petersburg during September. Officers in the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry with the rank of Major included James L. Bates, James Brown, and Albion W. Tebbetts. 320 Possibly an unidentified nurse in the general hospital. 321 Everell F. Dutton of Sycamore. 322 I.e., Private Elias Hughes of Clinton. 318 319 �Monday, Sept. 26 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair. Cool at morn and eve—almost frosty. We need more clothing— Dr. Wiles started home to-day. Surgn Waterman323 applies for leave of absence. I forward it stating circumstances. I write a certificate for Lieut Norris, but it implies a recommendation for leave of absence rather than a resignation— Division review to-day—I could not well go—Did not feel well— Wm C. Bennett came in Does not feel well about being jumped by Goodman 324— Bennett, Goodman & Jewett examine Hosp Stewards. I see Sackett A. C. S. Shall get stores to-morrow? Dr. Jones sick to-day. Wrote Mrs. Smith a long letter to-night 6 & sent the Concert programme. Tuesday, Sept. 27 Same place. Weather fair and comfortably warm not so cold last night, as before. Rain threatened again to-night. Recd Sanitary Stores from Capt Sackett—viz fruit oysters ale &c. Cheese went to Dept Hosp. Dissecting &c. Surgn Grinsted dined with us.— Made a certificate for Emile Pette,325 to go before board for commission as medical officer in army.— Went to 19th Mich. Police not very good there. Albert came & got some medicines & one pair of flannel shirts which I had of Surgn Grinsted worth $850 to $1000. Made certificates of disa approving furlough for Smith [and] Olney. 326 Spent two hours with Emile Patte reading French, Recd letter from wife (7) of 12th to 18th Sept. Wrote letter to Madison Rodgers 3. Wednesday, Sept. 28 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Alfred Waterman was commissioned Surgeon in the 105th Illinois Infantry in July 1864. 324 Henry Earnest Goodman (1836-1896), Surgeon-in-Chief, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 325 Probably Emile Patte of the 136th New York Infantry. He later was Assistant Surgeon in the 24th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. 326 There were five soldiers with the surname Smith in the 19 th Michigan Infantry at this time. Private Enoch Olney (born ca. 1837) enlisted in Company H, 19 th Michigan Infantry in September 1862. He would be discharged in October 1864 because of wounds received at Allatoona, Georgia in May 1864. 323 �Weather a very little rainy, cloudy all day.— Rec’d notice to furlough all Indiana soldiers sick in Hosp. that can travel, 327 only 25 in Hosp including 7 attendants, about 30 more however have come in to-day, so that there will be a respectable squad. Dr. Hobbs asked me to see Surg n Cooper concerning his brother Wm and get his resignation accepted if possible. Cooper says send it up again quietly (in sotto voce). Had a call from Jos. M. Raymond of Co. “I” 101 Ohio V.I. from Reed O. Made out furloughs in part for men.— We shall get them off soon. It is said that Gov. Brown of Ga is in consultation with Gen Sherman to get Ga back into the union.328 Let Albert Ranney have the flannel shirts that Grinsted got for me worth $8.50 to 1050— on A/L. Thursday, Sept. 29 Same place. Weather cloudy with a little sprinkle of rain—lightning to-night, threatening rain, comfortably warm. It is evident that the rebels are doing mischief at Marietta, and other places North. We are on half forage. Made out 62 furloughs and sent up and, to-night 8 men more came in from Ind. Regts & 6 papers are made. The others will be made to-morrow. Col. Micks329 of 8th Mich. Cavalry, direct from Charleston S.C. ate dinner with us. He looks as though the rebs had used him roughly. Does not complain much. He thinks they are Whistling to keep up their courage. They say “now we have Sherman just where we wanted him.” Surgeon Himes resignation not accepted. Lent Hubbard cash $3000. Indiana was one of a few northern states that did not allow absentee voting by soldiers in the field. Seen as a key state in the upcoming presidential election, Lincoln asked Grant to allow Indiana soldiers to go home on furlough. 328 Joseph C. Brown (1821-1894), governor of Georgia from 1857 to 1865, had taken the state militia from Hood’s command on September 10 so that those men could return to their homes for the harvest. General Sherman offered not to devastate Georgia if Governor Brown would remove his state from the rebellion and Georgia troops from the Confederate armies, but nothing came of it. 329 Elisha Mix (1818?-1898) of Manlius was commissioned Captain in Company F, 8 th Michigan Cavalry in November 1862. He was promoted to Major in March 1863, to Lieutenant Colonel in April 1864 and to Colonel in September 1864. He was captured during General Stoneman’s raid in August 1864 and had just been exchanged at the end of September. 327 �Friday, Sept. 30 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and warm till near night. Rains heavily with some lightning & thunder since dark. Reports of successes to [o]ur arms in Virginia 330—some trouble North of us, however the nature of which is not clearly determined— Finished in all 73 furloughs and sent up the last this morn. Called at Div. Head Qrs. to show them what to do with the furloughs—all forwarded to-day, but an order is said to be received revoking all furloughs at present. Mich. soldiers can vote in the field. Went to 19th Mich. to see about forage, & the Adjt gave me Gov’s Message & act of Mich legislature allowing soldiers to vote.331 26th Wis man Belke332 died last night. Autopsy showed Infl[amed] Bowels with ulceration. Capt. Beecher333 present. Saturday, October 1 Same place. Weather fair to-day,—rained heavily last night—rain threatened again to-night but it seemed to pass to the North— News of advance to within 3½ miles of Richmond— No mail here from North of Chattanooga—there is evidently trouble up above although the road is not cut. Paymasters do not pay up yet. The reason of this delay is not plain. It seems wrong.— No grain for my horse. Made disability certificates for the discharge of two men. 1st Brigade moves back to the Chattahoochee River, a large acession to the hospital from them many coming without orders. Dr. Hovey & Dr. Hobbs come in. I ask to be relieved from charge of Hospital, & Grinsted says it may be so—267 patients in Hosp. Inspection showed a fair state of things. No outsiders except Dr. Preston at Inspection. Sunday, October 2 Bennitt is probably referring to the capture of Fort Harrison on September 29, an important Confederate fort guarding Richmond. 331 Michigan Public Act No. 21 of 1864 provided for soldiers in Michigan units to be able to vote no matter where they were stationed at times of elections. It was approved on February 5, 1864. 332 Private Friedrich Balke of Honey Creek enlisted in Company K, 26 th Wisconsin Infantry in January 1864. 333 Captain Robert E. Beecher, Assistant Adjutant General, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 330 �Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair till evening—rains some to-night, with lightning. Attended church in forenoon—sermon from “one thing thou lackest.”334 Saw Dr. Trowbridge at church. Came back with Dr. Hobbs and dined with them. Order relieving me and placing Dr. Himes in charge of Hospital received while we were at supper. I would have preferred that Dr. Hastings had been placed in charge instead for it would have given me more time to study, for it would not have been necessary for me to have taken Dr. Himes Wards. Chaplain Allen335 stays with me to-night— It seems Christianlike to have prayer. RailRoad Bridge over Chattahoochee River damaged much and the wagon bridge carried away. Asst Surgn Jones receives an order granting leave of absence and one to report for duty with artillery. Monday, October 3 Same place. Weather mixed—rain hard last night—sunshine and rain to-day. I take charge of two wards with 32 patients—Tie Radial artery of a man who wounded it with his knife at the wrist— Used chloroform. Report that all of Sherman’s army have left here except 20 A.C. and that the rebels trying to get into our rear are fighting at various places 336— Gen Sherman here yet. Gen Thomas North.337 Report of advance within 3½ miles of Richmond & to within 1½ miles with cavalry & the evacuation of Petersburg. 3rd Brigade being paid to-day. Furloughs for 72 Indiana soldiers come back approved. My Hospital desk came down from Chattanooga.— Write letter to U.S. Sanitary agent in commendation of the work & its good effects. It is late & I retire. Mark 10:21. Chaplain Allen (or Allan) cannot be found among the regimental rosters of Bennitt’s brigade or division. 336 After he had evacuated Atlanta, General Hood had taken his army twenty miles southwest to Palmetto. On October 1 he began his operation to march northwest around Atlanta and fall upon the railroad and cut Sherman’s supply line. As Bennitt indicates, on October 3 Sherman took a most of his army north to intercept Hood and support his small garrisons along the railroad, leaving the 20th Army Corps behind. 337 General George H. Thomas was sent to Nashville via Chattanooga with two divisions to help protect the rail communications from the depredations of General Forrest’s cavalry. 334 335 �Tuesday, October 4 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather a little rainy nearly all day, but no heavy showers. I went immediately after breakfast to see Surgn Foye & A[ssitant] Q[uarter] M[aster] Wetherell338 concerning transportation for the furloughed Indiana men. No transportation can be had at present on account of damage to the Chattahoochee Bridge & the disturbance by the rebels at and near Marietta, in large force. It is thought that Sherman will succeed in defeating their designs yet. Had a call from Mrs. Nash 339 who wanted medicine. Had quite pleasant chat with her. Rebellion will stick out however? After all these women are to be pitied.— Went to Reg’t a[nd] got Pysiology—Virchow. Hartshorne’s Prin & Orders for 1862. 340 Spent a short time in scientific study. No mail. Wednesday, October 5 Same place. Weather fair & comfortably warm without rain. Dr. Grinsted brings the information that it may be necessary to move the hospital and finds a place on the West side to move to. It is not as pleasant as this, but will be within the contracted lines. Dr. Himes and I looked the city over for a better place, but it does not seem necessary to move yet. Rumors of various successes for and against our arms, no positive news from anywhere. Reports of the Virginia Rebel army joining Hood, &c. &c. No communication with the North. We cannot tell what may be the result of all these movements, but hope for the best—that the Rebels may soon be inclined to discontinue this profitless conflict. God grant us an honorable peace, based on justice and righteousness. No mail. Thursday, October 6 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy nearly all day. Probably Robert W. Wetherell who was Quartermaster in the 19th Illinois Infantry. His regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 4th Army Corps. 339 Probably either Margaret Nash (born ca. 1824) or Josephine Nash (born ca. 1838), both Atlanta residents. 340 Vichow, Rudolf. Cellular Pathology, as Based Upon Physiological and Pathological Histology (New York, 1860); Hartshorne, Henry. Memoranda Medica; or, Note-Book of 338 �Reliable reports that the rebels have been beaten in two engagements from the R.R. after having damaged 12 miles of it near Alatoona. 341 Sherman telegraphs that full rations can be furnished here and that Atlanta is safe. We need not move our hospital at present. Lent to Dr. Waterman 3500,—1000 of it a Vermont bill found in Major Griffin’s effects, & it is to be returned to me if not good. Dates Aug 5, 1854 Letter A. ragged somewhat no. obscured. Telegraphic reports to-night of fighting with rebels near Alatoona & their discomfiture. No mail. Friday, October 7 Same place. Weather wet foggy in morn but cleared up, & has been very fine all day. Storm threatened again soon. I as officer of the day have been busy but found time to read some. Dr. Hatchard taking Dr. Waterman’s wards leaves me but the 35 patients. Dr. Johnson342 will take Dr. Kling’s. Dr. Waterman started home on leave but it is very doubtful if he gets there without delay. Confirmation of the success of our arms toward Chattanooga, So that several officers on have started, but it was thought best not to send the furloughed men yet. Learned something of the Frenchman’s343 history. I must learn the French. Soldiers at hospital require watching to have them do their duty. Fence built front of Kitchen— We may not be obliged to move from this spot. Surg n Hovey called to see me. Dr. Gill was here when Dr. Grinsted was— Dr. Jewett also here to-day. No mail. Saturday, October 8 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather cool and very windy since about 10 P.M.— I was up as officer of the day attending to tents.— Wind abates to-night. Medical Principles (Philadelphia, 1860); U.S. Adjutant General’s Office. General Orders Affecting the Volunteer Force, 1862 (Washington, 1863). 341 On October 5 a Confederate division had surrounded and repeatedly attacked Union fortifications at Allatoona, but were repulsed and finally withdrew. Hood continued to push northward. 342 Darius Johnson was Surgeon in the 129th Illinois Infantry. 343 I.e., Emile Patte. �26th Wis. went to the River this morning, sending 8 or 10 men into Div. Hosp. Telegrams that our communication is open North & that the R.R. will soon be open— Heavy fighting at Richmond Va. with advantages in our favor. 344 Move our kitchen into one of the buildings— Hospital Inspection. Dr. Himes consulted with Dr. Foye about warming the Hospital. Dr. Foye seemed to think it would soon be warm, and that we would not need fires in wards which we remain in this place—but that it would ere long become necessary to remove within the “works.” Sunday, October 9 Same place. Weather cold somewhat windy—but still to-night, with temperature low enough to freeze.— I slept cold last night as did many of the patients in the Hospital. Dr. Himes has had a long flue made in one of the long hospital buildings, for warming it but it is not complete yet. It was a dirty job for the Sabbath but seemed necessary. I took charge of the 11th Ward in which are 32 patients. We hear about 9 o’clock to-night the news of the fall of Richmond and are very willing to believe it. There seems to be much rejoicing all over the city among the troops. God grant that it speedily be true if not now. I have not been at religious service to-day. Went to see Serg’t Slipper 345 at commissary depot—quite sick. Monday, October 10 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and a little warmer. Account of the capture of Richmond confirmed. Lee evacuates. Don’t know where he is.— Our Rail-Road will be open again soon. I made for the Agent of the Sanita[ry] Commission a letter commending the good work. I acted as officer of the day— Warming apparatus in long ward does not draw well. Captain ____ in Command of barracks interferes with our proceeding, but it goes on. Captain Beecher comes down On October 7 Confederate attacks on Union positions along the Darbytown and New Market Roads near Richmond were repulsed after some initial success. 345 William Slipper (born ca. 1818) of Penn enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. He was promoted to Sergeant in February 1864. 344 �with Grinsted to-day— Paper requesting the relief from detail of Corp Hopkins 346 comes here. There is a subterfuge in the matter. O my Father, for Christ’s sake forgive me the sins of this day and take me into a sacred nearness to Thee, that I stray no more. No mail yet. Tuesday, October 11 Same place. Weather more comfortable—fair and pleasant—fire desirable at eve. Men not suffering from cold much. The rumor of the evacuation of Richmond not confirmed yet. Rumored that the RailRoad is open to Chattanooga, and again that 5 miles of road is destroyed. No reliability to any of the stories. 20 double bunks put in Convalescent ward—38 patients in there. Sergt Slipper came over here quite sick. I have now 70 patients. Dr. H[imes?] has 114. Compared notes with Capt Sackett and find that his charges against the Hospital are genuine apparently and must be submitted to— Bo’t 18 lbs of bread @ 800 for my horse to save him from Starving to death which I much fear. Insane man of 21st Wis. came in late to-night. I spent about ½ to-day in study. O my God preserve me!—forgive my heart-wanderings— Wednesday, October 12 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant and comfortable a little prospect of rain— No events noteworthy to-day. Dr. Trowbridge came here this P.M—thinks the 19th is not well commanded in which opinion I coincide. Result of election at Hospital yesterday 6 votes all for Union candidates. Thursday, October 13 Same place. Weather fair & pleasant, rather cool morn & eve, but requiring no fire in the middle of the day— Finished chimnies in the two wards to-day so that they are quire comfortable to-night— Dr. Himes could not ascertain whether it was best to move into town or not— The 346 Possibly Corporal Edmund S. Hopkins who was in Company F, 79 th Ohio Infantry. �convalescent ward has 44 patients and is in good working order. It will not be best to put many more in it. No reliable news of the capture of Richmond. Favorable reports of movements of Federal army and prospect of success in disorganizing Beauregard’s 347— Some prisoners & wounded came from the North to-day—A Gen. Thomas348 of Rebel army with a leg off. No mail however, as the R.R. is not complete entirely through. Being officer of the day, I have not had time to read. Friday, October 14 Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant—cool at morn & eve. Receive instructions to report at Cincinnati. Saturday, October 15, 1864 Weather pleasant cool at morn & eve. Wrote letter to my wife informing her that I was going with foraging party. Sunday, October 16 Lattimer Farm near South River Ga.—18 miles S.E. of Atlanta. Weather has been pleasant all day. Moon shines brilliantly to-night.349 Arrived in camp about 8 P.M. with the 85th Ind. with whom I was assigned to duty in the morning by Surgn Hobbs. We started out very early (6 A.M) but was a long time in getting started with the train— Walked over ruins of Rolling mill— Rode over fortifications leveled to cover the slain in ditches two & a half miles east of Atlanta. Halted a long time at noon— I Rode Dr. Wiles Horse at the instigation of Dr. Hobbs and on account of the leanness of mine. Col Bloodgood 350 & Brigade did not get into camp till about 11 P.M. Monday, October 17 Camp at same place—Flat Rock—shoals. Weather has been fair nearly all day. Cool to-night & in morn— General Pierre G. T. Beauregard (1818-1893) commanded the Confederate forces at Petersburg, Virginia. 348 Bennitt is probably referring to Brigadier General William H. Young (1838-1901). He was taken prisoner at the October 5 action at Allatoona where his foot was nearly shot off. 349 The full moon was on October 15. 347 �We moved out down left bank of River about five miles—with two Brigades and about ½ of the 700 wagons—posted pickets battery & 33 Ind. to support it— Found plenty of corn—much yams peanuts & some sheep, swine, cattle & fowls. Soldiers seem not to have scruples about taking these things. My Horse does not starve here, neither do I. This seems to be a medium agricultural district. We did not load as many wagons as we might because the men run about so much, foraging for themselves. Returned to camp about 8 PM. We will go out again to-morrow and must work better. This stealing and robbing is not in accordance with my taste however.— Took one prisoner a man at home on sick furlough. Tuesday, October 18 Camp about a mile from Flat Rock shoals South River 18 miles S.E. from Atlanta Ga.— Foraging. Weather has been propitious—pleasant. Fine moonlight to-night.— Expedition not under orders in very good time, but foraging has been conducted with a little more system and better success. Nearly all the wagons being filled with corn in the husk—fodder &c.— Cattle sheep—swine & fowls have suffered, and some families rob[bed] of nearly all they had to live upon—many things taken that are of no use to the soldier. Talk with secession Ladies whose cows we took on our “Pic-nic.” Honey—Chestnuts &c. Small chase after rebel cavalry scouts— Our foraging on the right—(south) side of the River— Bare rocks in road & field. Return to camp about 6¾— “Turn in” with Lieut Johnson351 in tent. Wednesday, October 19 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair & pleasant—a little dusty— Cool in morn.— Returned Hosp at dark— We left camp about as early as practicable this morn but moved slowly & the whole train will not have arrived before 10 o’clock. I left the 85 th Ind. about 7 miles back and pushed on as fast as I could. Dr. Wiles pony is very tough but by no means a pleasant animal to ride. Affairs seem to have moved on well here—no particular news from North except that the — Grant is pushing the Rebs.— Dr. Kling left this morn . Edward Bloodgood was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry in July 1862 and was promoted to Colonel in August 1864. 351 Possibly 1st Lieutenant Henry C. Johnson of Company K, 33 rd Indiana Infantry. 350 �Inda furloughed men 70 in no. sent of[f] on the 18th. Thursday, October 20 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant but cool at eve and morn. 3rd Brigade goes out with a large foraging party in the morn— Surgn Grinsted asks me to attend to A[ssitant] Q[uarter] M[aster] Lacy 352 affected with irritation—a potn[?] in his absence— I call with him to see the patient. Bad looking case. Friday, October 21, 1864 Same place. Weather cool but pleasant. Dry & somewhat dusty. Large foraging party went out again to-day. Surgn Grinsted with them & 3rd Brig— Two Hospital teams went along & 12 men form Hosp. to forage for Hosp. See Capt. Lacy in morn & again afternoon— Irritation subsiding by omitting “ingesta” but I think he takes some “strong drink.” Dr. Goodman thinks I would better not ask a leave of absence beyond Cincinnati. Notification to have the sick, able to “travel” ready by 6 A.M. to-morrow. Train leaves at 8. 8—3 stamp of Schofield. Wrote letter to my wife sending photographs of Hooker & Thomas—& Hospital. Election tickets from Clapp. 353 Letter from my wife of 9th Oct mailed 10th in new home. Saturday, October 22 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather cool but fair & dry. Hospital fireplaces completed to-day— Sent off 97 patients north of Tennessee— It seems as thought this looks like taking the field— Went on foot to 19th Mich—bought shirt & drawers. Saw Willie Tenbrook who gave me $8000 to send to his mother. I send $5000 to Dr Jones who will express it from Cincinnati to my wife.— Took supper with the 19th “Line”— Notice that the remainder of the sick would soon be sent. Our Hosp. seems almost empty. 22nd Wis. sends in a good lot to fill up. Probably Quartermaster Nicholas Lacy who was in Company I, 10 th Ohio Infantry. His regiment was part of the reserve brigade of the Army of the Cumberland. 353 Probably Theodore E. Clapp who was Postmaster at White Pigeon. 352 �Campaign documents from Michigan. Fatigue parties loading rail-road Iron as far as East-point354—& guerrillas trying to prevent. Sheridan whips Longstreet.355 Capt Lacy much better. Sunday, October 23 Same Place. Weather fair but rather cool. Attended to my patients and went to church— Heard a good sermon from the story of Lazarus.— 356 Good organ and fair singing. Slept some after din[ner]. Orders to send convalescents to the rear to-morrow morn. I send 20 from my care—6, 19th Mich. men came in. Mr. Holdeman357 will probably die to-night. Dr. Jones goes with the sick men. Dr. Hobbs leaves for home also in morn. Our severely sick men cannot go because of the break in transportation. Monday, October 24 Hospital 3 Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and pleasant. Warm in middle of day. We sent 53 men from 3rd Div Hosp. Asst Surgn Hobbs started home. Dr. Jones mistakes in getting to the place of starting . Dr. Foye leaves for New Mexico— Address—Med Director Dept New Mexico—Santa Fee.— He asked me to write. Said he would render Dr. Jones any assistance he could—started a little after 10 AM. I got hair cut (25cts) bought Hat 8.00 band 125 Comb .25cts Gloves 50cts. Med Dr Calhoun in street. Recd letter from Madison Rodgers at Chattanooga. I had left 23 patients but transfers & new ones have increased the number to 50— Foragers returned with a bale of Cotton and a 15 bu[shel]s sweet potatoes. Sheridan defeats Early 4th time on the 20th.358 East Point was the junction of the Macon & Western and the Atlanta & West Point Railroads, located about four miles south southwest of Atlanta. 355 In the early morning of October 19 the Confederates under General Early surprised the Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley. The ensuing Battle of Cedar Creek saw initial Confederate success but an afternoon counterattack gave the victory to Sheridan. General Longstreet had just arrived in Richmond from his recuperative leave and was not with Early. 356 John 11:1-44. 357 Probably Private Joseph Holdeman of Company H, 55th Ohio Infantry. 354 �Tuesday, October 25 Same place. Weather very pleasant, quite warm in middle of the day. Completed the surgeons quarters co far as to be comfortably and cheerfully around a fire to-night— Dr.s Grinsted & Bennett visited us this P.M.— Another foraging expedition goes tomorrow—2nd Brigade goes. 3rd Div Hosp will send 2 teams and 12 men under command of Steward Scofield—Dr. Trowbridge will probably go with 85th Ind.—I must care for the 19th. Capt. Baldwin returned from North. Walked __ miles from ___ to ___. Sherman is in Northern Alabama after the Rebs. It does not seem probable that we shall leave here soon. Read Lecture vii in regular course in Virchow’s Cellular Pathology— Return at ___. Wednesday, October 26 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair early in the day—cloudy in P.M.—rain threatened to-night & sprinkling a little before dark, & at 9 P.M. Scofield Steward—went out with Foraging party, as did also Dr. Trowbridge. I went to 19th to attend to the sick—Ranney had prescribed for all the sick— I sent two—Craft & Nestor359—to Hospital— Inspected quarters not in best condition—took supper with line officers— Left Capt Hubbards resignation with my certificate of disability for him with Capt Baldwin.— Lt. Alexander sick. Paid Mr. Champion what I owed him viz: $550— Thursday, October 27, 1864 Same place. Weather rainy nearly all day— Windy but nearly clear to-night— Visited Co B. & sent Southworth & Purdy 360 to Div Hosp. Vis[ited] 19th Mich.— inspected Quarters found them in better condition. Took supper with Head Qrs. Came back late. I.e., the October 19 Battle of Cedar Creek. Private Oliver Craft (born ca. 1828) of Nottawa enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. Private Nicholas Nester (born ca. 1841) enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan in August 1862. 360 Private Charles H. Southworth (1843?-1864) of Allegan enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would die from disease in Chattanooga in 358 359 �Ammunition house of third Div. stuck by lightning seriously burning two men with the exploding small ammunition 400,000 of which is destroyed by the casualty. Injured men came in to Hosp. I saw the flash of lightning & the flames from the burning building—before leaving the 19th Mich. Learn indirectly that my application for leave of absence is not granted. I feel a little hard about it. Wrote letter to wife 4. Friday, October 28 Weather fair. Saturday, October 29 Weather fair. Sunday, October 30, 1864 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair & pleasant. Att[ended] church—lead choir without organ. Inspected urine &c— Have 30 patients not much sick. Dr. Trowbridge returned last eve so that it was not necessary to go there to-day. Recd letter from wife of 10 to 16 Oct. 7. Wrote letter to wife. & enclose $1000 greenback & $2000 Rebel rag as a curiosity. Monday, October 31 Same Place. Weather fair—a little cloudy toward night. Notice came early this morning that the 19th Mich. would be paid to-day and all the men here be allowed to go up. We received 10 months pay. Mostly in Coupon Bonds. Mine $1600.25 all of that kind. Dr. Trowbridge paid me $3500. Lent Mr. Champion $4.00— Hubbard paid me $31. money lent—I gave him $11.00 for Mess. Major Whitney is a very prompt paymaster & finished up the business in good time. I shall send the letter written yesterday to my wife to-morrow. It seems to be pretty certain that we shall move southward after Election. November 1864. Private Erastus Purdy (born ca. 1832) of Allegan enlisted in �Tuesday, November 1 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant till toward night, though somewhat cloudy. Rains since 9 P.M. 42 patients in Hosp. this morn—about 40 have come in—mostly scorbutic and Night blind cases from 2nd Brig. Expecting to go to rear. Night blindness is a good disease to feign. Took Reg’tal Report of sick & wounded to Surg n Hobbs & bro’t it back to Grinsted— Went to Regiment to-night. Made purchases 7.00. Paid out Cash to Albert 49 00 Mess 1000 Mr. Price 2500 Recd Blaisdell’s361 10000 Coupon to send to Mich. at his risk. If it gets safe through I will pay him for it. Talked about having a new Div Surgn . Sent in a letter to Mrs. C. M. Bennitt Centreville Mich. U.S. Coupon Bond No 128328 for one hundred dollars retaining the first coupon—making the Bond payable to the order of Mrs. C. M. Bennitt. Wednesday, Nov. 2 Same place. Weather rainy all day. It becomes pretty certain that we shall move from here somewhere in a few days. I am officer of the day, & remain in all day. Thursday, November 3 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy & very unpleasant— Albert Ranney came here in morn[?] a[nd] left with me $35000 3 $100 Coupons payable to Joseph A Ranney. Express Co refused to take money to-day from one of the men. I did not by him. I can hold my Bonds as well, myself, unless Mr. Champion can take it. The prospect of a move from here is imminent—53 patients came in Hosp to go to rear, Lts Alexander & Norris of 19th Mich. I bo’t fine Blouse of Sutler for $20 00 soldiers Blouse for 325 & boots for 325. Paid Anderson $5000—shall owe him on 5—$1000. Paid Grinsted for Shirts 8.00. Friday, November 4 361 Company B, 19th Michigan in August 1862. Private Ira S. Blaisdell (born ca. 1835) of Fawn River enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan in March 1864. �Same place. Weather not settled. Saturday, November 5 Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy. 3rd Div. moved out 3 miles and Hosp received orders to follow, but not till too late to do any thing start. Teams all ready & loaded,—Director Goodman said we could be ready to move early in morn—& send the sick to RR. at 7 A.M. It is not pleasant to be thus torn up. We pitch tent again and try to be comfortable. Lent Ira Blaisdell $500. Sunday, November 6 Same place. Weather a Cloudy but not much rain— Frosty this morn. Hospital astir this morn, men drawn up & sorted out[?] to go to rear & sent down to Rail Road after much delay came back, the captain not being able to get them on the train.— Very considerable disorder. We move into Barracks & House. Build fireplace in ward.— Take up our abode to be as comfortable as possible. Trouble that Dr. Himes[?] Has doing the work that another should do.— Anxiety of men to go to rear—regular panic.— I got Paid by Maj Nichols362 to Oct. 31st two months $31640—I send by Lieut Norris $200000 to my wife viz $35000 10000 for Blaisdell & 155000 for myself. Payable to Joseph A. Ranney 3 X $10000 “ Mrs. C.M Bennitt 14 X $10000 viz Let “C” 189595—189551—189579—189575—189547 Nos. 189559—189555—189599—189587—128397 189563—189567—189583—189591 175441 Not payable to order of Mrs B[ennitt] Let A. Nos. 175437 175445 1st Interest Coupon retained by me of the last 1%. Description in dupl. Took Lieut. Norris receipt for $200000 & sent a Duplicat with letter to wife by him. 362 Major Nichols was an army paymaster. �Man of 33 Ind killed in skirmish in front. 3 Div returns to city. Monday, November 7 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, & mild,—the sun shining nearly all day, & the moon to-night. 138 men were sent to rear to-night and much labor was necessary to get them off in decent order— Many seem anxious to go, but it seems like running the gauntlet to go from here to Chattanooga with the present state of things, men riding on the outside of the cars—& the chance of being shot by guerrillas,—run of track &c.— To stay with the army is better. It seems very probable that we will go on Southward within a few days—I am glad to learn this, for it looks more like doing something, than remaining inactive. I find on setting up mess a/c that the actual amount expended would leave cash [in] my hands $2245— I am very late in retiring. We have comfortable quarters. No sick on hand. I retire at 1½ morning. Tuesday, November 8, 1864 Same place. Weather somewhat cloudy with a little sprinkling of rain occasionally— Went to Election at the Reg’t—all going off very quietly, very few votes for McLellan. Called to see Lieut Wing who is Brigade Q[uarter] M[aster] & paid him note given Aug 31st for $3100 & $3.00 for express charges on Major Griffin’s Valise. Albert Ranney is writing for him. Col Dustin assumes command of 2nd Brigade to-day— Preparations for the campaign active.— Some talk of detaching the 19th Mich, from the present organization. Order to send sick to rear & leave none with command unable to march, recd late tonight.— Some trouble with Garnet[?] & Davisson 363 about absence without leave, & suspicion of watch stealing. I retire at 12 M[idnight]. Wrote letter to wife 4. Wednesday, Nov. 9 363 Possibly Private Thomas Garnett of Company K, 20th Connecticut Infantry and Corporal Charles Davisson of Company E, 73rd Ohio Infantry. Both regiments were part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. �Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Nov. Weather has been pleasant with a little sprinkling of rain occasionally.— We were aroused early this morning (abot 6) by sound of artillery & whistling of shells— the rebels having advanced upon our picket line, it seems with Cavalry with light howitzers— Their fire was promptly returned & the pickets maintained their ground— shells fell into camp of the 85th Ind.—hurting no one however— Canonading for half an hour or more on the East S. & S.W. with some musketry. I understand that some of the 2nd Div. were wounded. Albert Ranney says 19th Mich. goes North. Dr. Bence thinks the whole army will. He Dr. B[ence] paid me cash $500 what he said was due on the mess a/c. My letter sent off— 43 sick &c sent to rear. Others wish to go. Thursday, November 10 Same place. Rained heavily last night, but cleared off before morn, and has been quite fair to-day, tho rather cool. Orders to-day to send to the rear every man that we did not feel pretty sure would be able to march. Accordingly 48 were sent away to Depot, including, many that were sent in to-day. Design evidently is to start upon this campaign without any sick men. Those at the rear will be placed on duty with other commanders, in Thomas’s army, as fast as they are able. No news of a decisive character, concerning election. Horses ordered to be on ½ forage by Capt. Lacy of 3rd Div. Q.M. My horse will probably be lost inconsequence of short rations. I may be able to get another somewhere on the way. I sent to-night, by Sergt ___ going with sick men to Mrs. Griffin, a statement of her husbands pecuniary affairs, stating that this were debts 69 00 to be paid, and on hand $11.00 uncurrent money. Friday, November 11 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair all day & very pleasant to-night.— I had only 4 patients this morn.— Went to the 19th Mich, with Lieut Wing— Met Major Baker364 on the way.— Bro’t away some books that would be left abandoned— Directed Dr. Trowbridge to make a list of the articles necessary to be abandoned—to cut out the blank leaves of the prescription books, for use— Returned [to] Lieut Wing’s �quarters with him & Major Baker,—bo’t 2 prs Socks of him at 35cts ea—Lieut Wing burnt Major Griffins receipt for two blankets—ate dinner with them— Went to R.R. Depot & sent off Eldridge Morey 365 of Co “B.”—returned to Hosp. & sent Graves366 of Co. D. to rear. The last arrived at R.R. just in time to get off.— Large number of Negroes & piles of trash being sent off on R.R. & some citizens with families—children & Ladies—Masonry has its influence in this matter.— Large amount of gov store & property to be destroyed— Fires in city to-night in several places. Lieut Edgerton367 Drew 4½ days forage for 2 horses for each to last for 5 days beginning on the. Saturday, November 12 Same Place. Weather fair all day and still to-night very fair & light— The fire last night was in several places.— Gen. Slocum offers $50000 reward for the arrest of the persons incendiaries.— Several soldiers & some citizens arrested on suspicion. The work of destruction of work-shops & Depots, & Rail Heads has been going on briskly, & we may look for Bonfires, before we leave this city, though I hope the private dwellings will not be destroyed. But may be best to make a clean sweep of the matter and make the whole communi[ty] feel the war.— Walked to 19th Giles Wright & John Kirby,368 sent to Div. Hosp. But they cannot be sent North. No more trains come to Atlanta. Saw the Engine house pulled down & much R.R. track torn up, immense destruction of property—the heart sickens at the sight of the effects of this horrid war!!369 No more mails at present— Our destination uncertain— Reading scientific & poetry— & Serenade from Wisconsin Band, &c. John J. Baker, 19th Michigan Infantry. He had become commanding officer of the regiment in June 1864. 365 Private Eldridge Morey (1830?-1890) of Cheshire enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 366 Private Charles F. Graves (born ca. 1831) enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in September 1863. 367 1st Lieutenant Robert P. Edgington, Company C, 129 th Illinois Infantry. 368 Private Giles Wright (born ca. 1835) enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in September 1863; Private John C. Kirby (born ca. 1841) of Flowerfield enlisted in Company K, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 369 On November 12 Sherman’s army severed its railroad and telegraph communications with the rear and prepared to leave Atlanta on the “march to the sea” toward Savannah with twenty days’ rations. 364 �Sunday, November 13 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant, not uncomfortably cool.— I went to city to church, but none are open.— Went on to 19th Mich & found Lieut Wing there.— Rail-Road torn up and burning all through & around the city as well as some buildings.— At dinner with Maj. Baker &c.—Capts Easton, Anderson, Ford & Hubbard still absent, & communications cut off. Immense destruction of property of various kinds. War is a terrible waste of means & human life— In returning called on Surgn Grinsted—He regrets(?) that I did not avail myself of the opportunity to go to Cincinnati. Had Polyglot Scripture reading at evening—5 languages.— Saw & spoke with Dr. Calhoun. We shall probably leave here in three days— 15th A.C. came in to-day.370 Monday, November 14 Same Place. Weather fair—a little cool— I am officer of the day— No patients—only 12 sick in hosp.— I went to Cemetery with Dr. Himes to consult with reference to fitting up and fencing burying ground of 3rd Div. The work has been going on to-day & when completed—very respectable. 2nd Div. have a nice enclosure & fine monument—42 graves— 3rd Div have 18 graves. Made Monthly Report for Reg’t for March in place of one lost, and gave to Grinsted’s clerk—Hope. The April Report is also found—on North side of Chattahoochee. Reading in Dalton’s Physiology—Embryology.371 Orders to march at 9 A.M. to-morrow. Surgn Hobbs wants me to go to Brigade. Major(?) Anderson returned to-day—walked from Kingston. Some of 14 A.C. came in today—R.R. destroyed to Kingston.372 Depots & workshops here destroyed by pulling down & burning.— Vandalism?(?)373 10 sick men to start with [us] in morn. 2 very sick. The 15th and 17th Army Corps had been stationed on the west side of the Chattahoochee River since returning from the pursuit of Hood in October. 371 Dalton, John C. A Treatise on Human Physiology, Designed for the Use of Students and Practitioners of Medicine (Philadelphia, 1859). 372 In mid-November the 14th Corps had been detailed to destroy some ten miles of the railroad line between the Etowah River and Kennesaw Mountain, and some of those troops had just returned to Atlanta. 373 Orders to destroy everything of military value in Atlanta were carried out by Sherman’s soldiers with enthusiasm and particular thoroughness. Much private property unintentionally—as well as intentionally—was included. 370 �TEN “THE REBELLIOUS ARMIES ARE WHIPPED, SUBDUED, ROUTED, DEMORALIZED” NOVEMBER 1864 - FEBRUARY 1865 Tuesday, November 15, 1864 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 20th A.C. 4 P.M. Near Decatur Ga. Weather fair in forenoon—cloudy in P.M. Orders to start at 9 AM.374—started in good time and season with Hosp.— Barracks began to burn before we were fairly out of them—Pitch pine— A magnificent Bonfire— Immense cloud of smoke over the devoted city— Must this fair land be desolated entirely? Aye! indeed unless the rebellion soon ceases.— We do not get fairly started till near noon. Halt at 3 P.M. an hour for dinner—as I write I see a dense column of smoke rising from the city about 6 miles to the west—& the heavens above blackened by it.— I learn by Maj. A[nderson] that Lieut Norris had my money safe at Chattanooga, On November 9 Sherman had reorganized the four corps remaining in Atlanta into two armies. The Left Wing, consisting of the 14th and 20th Army Corps, was also known as the Army of Georgia; the Right wing, made up of the 15 th and 17th Army Corps, was also called the Army of the Tennessee. The Savannah Campaign, better known as “Sherman’s March Through Georgia,” began on November 15 when the 60,000 Union troops set off with instructions to forage “liberally” through the countryside. 374 �& it is probably at home ere this 16th.— Marched through Decatur an old dilapidated town just before dark. Talked with an old man about war—election. He was noncommittal— Many houses and barns burnt, but the way—one Church—a shame! March very late—much delay. 14 miles—road fair. Wednesday, Nov. 16 Camp Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. Near Lithonia Ga—½ m E. Yellow River. Weather has been very fine all day & is still so.— Marched about 10 miles. Started at 7 A.M. after resting about an hour, & taking a hasty breakfast. Moved but a short distance before coming up with the 2 nd Brigade & it was nearly noon before any considerable progress was made— Our men foraged somewhat to-day, so that we have some yams for supper & enough for breakfast & a sheep & steer which are slain— Our camp is near Corps Head Qrs. & is very comfortable— We get the sick sheltered, fed & medicated and Reports made out and retire about 10 P.M.—5 sleeping in one tent. Very comfortable, sick men doing well— No enemy in arms seen to-day, but it is rumored that there are some cavalry not far off—375 Orders to march at 5. Thursday, November 17 Camp 3rd Div Hosp. 4 miles West Social Circle Ga. Weather very very pleasant. Started in good time this morn, tho’ the usual delays of getting train straightened— We were up at 4—Breakfasted at 5 & ready in ten minutes after. 12 men in Hosp. to ride—50 convalescents besides, that can march light. Saw Lieut Cahill—says Maj Anderson is not pleased with the feeling manifest to him in the Regt. He has been double dealing and has but few friends. We march till near 12 Midnight. I lie down to rest about 4 miles back, get to sleep, & wake up find myself far behind—delay caused at creek crossing & swampy road. I overtake train as they are halting for the night. Marched about 16 miles. We retire about 1 AM. Friday, November 18 There were, in fact, very few Confederate troops in the area to oppose Sherman. Hood had decided to move his 40,000 men north against General Thomas at Nashville. 375 �Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 5 miles N. East of Madison Ga. Weather delightful. Started about 5 A.M., marched over a delightful country with excellent roads—arrived at Social Circle at 9 A.M.— 2 Div. & Cavalry arrived last night—a few minutes after a train of cars carrying a load of the citizens, &c., &c. had departed—“the last train of the season”— Depot burned as well as track, and other torn up & other public property destroyed. We cannot spend time to tear up and destroy all—not much patriotism in this country— not much cotton growing here now.— Many negroes inclined to leave their “beloved masters.” 19th Mich guarding train, move along with us. I walk some distance on R.R. track with Lt. Fonda.— Go into camp just at dark & get ready to retire at 8¾—Dr. Himes reads a chapter on “Generation” from Dalton. Saturday, November 19 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp 4 miles South Madison Ga. Rained a little in latter part of last night—misty & cloudy to-day & rains again now (9 P.M.)— We were up at 5 A.M. ready to start at 6½. Usual delays of starting—1st Div passed us—we ride our mules at harness our horses in ambulance— My horse lame from nail in foot at top of hoof yesterday—pulled out to-night. We came into Madison about 12 M. A beautiful inland town fine residences—3000 to 4000 pop. before the war—splendid ever bearing roses in very many yards— Saw Col Hill,376—talked with his daughter—a miss of 12— A few Unionists here—Cavalry came in yesterday & plundered stores &c.— I found a Physicians office—skeleton, Library &c. Bro’t away ___ ___ on the Heart.377 Camp in a cornfield in midst of trains— I Officer of Day.— 15 ride in ambulance sick. Sunday, November 20 3 miles North of Eatonton Ga. Bennitt is probably referring to Madison resident Joshua Hill (1812-1891), even though the latter never held military rank. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1856 and because of his opposition to secession, resigned his seat in 1861 rather than withdraw with the rest of the Georgia delegation. He ran unsuccessfully for Georgia governor in 1863, but was elected to the U.S. Senate after the war. His strong Unionist beliefs and personal acquaintance with General Sherman, most likely saved Madison from destruction during the March to the Sea. 377 Evidently Bennitt was not above foraging. Here he has helped himself to a book, an unidentified treatise on the heart. 376 �Weather a little rainy during night & all day, & still to-night. Road not very bad yet— soil somewhat sandy. Irony & loam. Very good country & tolerably well cultivated nearly all the way from Atlanta here. We find plenty to eat for men, & animals. Try to keep our transportation good. One of the convalescents bro’t me a horse that he had captured, & rode to Eatonton. He (John Smith378 Co K. 19 Mich) reports that he heard canonading beyond the town & that the 14th A.C. had been skirmishing with the enemy. 2nd Div 20th A.C. went on to Union Point yesterday, leaving their supply train with us. 3rd Div. marched in advance of 1st passing them before daylight this morn— Much cotton burnt to-day. My horse so lame that I fear that it will be necessary to leave him. Many negroes joining us—Dr Himes [hires?] one. Monday, November 21 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. at Little River 10 miles North of Milledgeville Ga. Weather rainy nearly all day from last night— Roads beginning to be rather heavy, but we have marched about 14 miles from 6 AM. to 3 P.M. at which time we came into camp at this place. Passed through Eatonton about 7½ A.M.—a town rather seedy of 1500 to 2000 inhabitants before the war—we find but few men here—one rebel Captain at home on leave, captured— — Slave-pen & R.R. buildings burned.— This R.R.379 seemed to be of little account however & we do not spend much time with it. Capture 4 hhds 380 Sugar—march on to Dennis—8 miles from Eatonton before 12—halt for Dinner—burn R.[R.] buildings— No village here—march at 12 1 PM. and stop here at 2½ or 3 & are comparatively comfortable—rain has stopped, but wind blows.— Negro woman & children still with us. My new horse is too old & clumsy to do me service. Read Dalton. Tuesday, November 22 Milledgeville Ga. Weather nearly clear but cool and airy after the rain— Pontoon laid before 8 A.M. but it takes a long time for a corps to pass one under the circumstances & the Hospital train does not get over till after sundown—1st & 2nd Divs The only Smith in Company K was a Private Jerome Smith (born ca. 1839) of Cooper who enlisted in August 1862. 379 The Milledgeville & Eatonton Railroad was a branch line of the Georgia Central Railroad that ended at Eatonton. 378 �having passed first—usual delays from bad places in roads so that we do not reach Milledgeville till in the morning of 23 although the troops reached it at 2 P.M. Pioneer381 are not as useful as they might be— Penitentiary burning as we came into town. I laid down & slept on the ground some as we came along. Wednesday, November 23 Camp 3rd Div. 20 A.C. ½ mile S.E. Milledgeville Ga. Weather very pleasant though cool. Arrived at camp at 4½ A.M.—had breakfast. Made beds for hospital and ourselv[es] of three bales of cotton from a building hard by—tore down the building for fuel—retired at 5—arose again at 8. Expected to remain here till to-morrow—ate at 11½—found some forage in mill belonging to a large Irishman on the Oconee River hard by. Mischievous soldiers set fire to the cotton—burning the rubbish of the building—moved over river at 1 P.M. ¼ mile—through a Covered bridge 350 feet long—came back with Dr. Himes & traversed City—Penitentiary—Governors mansion382—cemetery—State house & — — Moved camp again after dark—to give room for 14th A.C. An uncomfortable job. Thursday, November 24 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. 12 miles S.E. Milledgeville Ga. 12½ PM Weather pleasant cool (freezing a little last night & to-night). Ordered to start at 7 AM. but did not march till 1 P.M. Much delayed by a bad place in the road at the crossing of “Town Creek” near our present camp. Too much burning of fences on both sides of the road as we came along since dark. Left some of the patients in 1st Brig. ambulances, who have not joined us yet—we have 18 patients to transport to-morrow— Comparatively pleasantly situated since our coffee. At Breakfast and dinner before we started, and supper at a half [hour] before sundown—some butter to-night. Agreed with a teamster for a man 383 which he had captured for $2500 blind in one eye but rides very well. Friday, November 25 380 381 382 383 Hogsheads. A hogshead is a barrel containing sixty-three gallons. I.e., army engineers. Milledgeville was the capital of Georgia from 1803 to 1868. Bennitt here means horse. �Camp Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. at Buffalo “Creek” 20 miles S.E of Milledgeville Ga.—near Hebron—10½ PM. Weather fair not so cold as yesterday—froze a little last night— Went into camp at 12½ A.M. & reced orders to be ready to march at 7 A.M. Started at 8 A.M. Came in all about 8 miles over a sandy road with some swamps—through a rather poor country—timber almost all Pitch Pine. Halt at noon near here to wait for pontoon to be laid over the “Creek”—the bridge having been burned—it is said by one of the Citizens here— Did not get ready to go over till dark hence we move ½ mile nearer creek & encamp sup—& retire comfortably—about 30 men requiring med. att[ention]— 18 to ride—I Off[icer of the] day. Some skirmishing on east side of creek reported— Canonading about 5 P.M. toward Macon— Rumor of capture of Richmond, through citizens. Saturday, November 26 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Saundersville Ga. Weather has been fine to-day— Orders to march at 6 AM. but we did not start until 7½— Citizens had burnt the bridges over Buffalo Creek & the swamp—ten in number but they had been replaced by our pontooners.— Road for two or three miles, swampy, & quicksands, after that, became better—still somewhat sandy—light soil—pines chiefly—products, corn—sweet potatoes & a little cotton— All unoccupied houses and all other property to be destroyed in the neighborhood of burnt bridges. The whole country is smoky. We arrive here about 3 P.M, having marched 9 miles—I felt quite unwell last night & today—rode a short time in our ambulance, & slept—felt better. Saundersville about like Centreville Mich. 14th A.C. joins us here—Wheeler tried to hinder our march here for a time but was glad to get out of the way. 384 One of his men killed here this morn at 8. Sunday, November 27 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp. at Davisboro Ga. Weather very fine warm enough to ride without an overcoat till 9 P.M. I feel better today— Order to march at 9 AM. but did not start till about 12— Halted in Sandersville— Burnt Courthouse & Jail yesterday—other shops &c to-day burning— much fear among the people that the whole will be burned not groundless— Cross R.R. near Powers about 2 P.M.—1st & 2nd Div destroying it— Trains ahead of ours delay our �train so that we do not get into camp till near 12 midnight— Roads have not been bad except in a few places. I came ahead and took supper at 3rd Div Hd Qrs about 8 P.M. & sat by fire till train came up. Patients promptly cared for—two men accidentally shot while foraging to-day not dangerous.— Immense destruction of property all along the road. Wheeler did not burn Bridge here as was expected. It is not good policy. A poor manner of spending Sabbath. Monday, November 28 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp Ogeechee River 4 miles West Louisville Ga. Weather very pleasant 78° in shade at noon— Orders to march at 6—started at 9 A.M.—road good. Came into camp at 1½ & learned after two hours that we would stay till morning for the pontoon to be laid. It seems that the rebels have ordered all bridges & forage to be burned before us, hoping thereby to starve us.— Ex-Gov. Johnson’s385 residence visited to-day, and his valuables dug up in the garden, from beneath the cabbages. Other valuables found buried in various parts of the country— R.R. & all other contraband property destroyed, especially cotton in large quantities. Rumors again of the capture of Richmond by Grant, through rebel source.— 14th A.C. on our left to-day. It looks hard upon the people to spoil their country in this manner, but “It is legitimate result of rebellion.” We have at present plenty to eat, obtained in a large proportion from the country. 64 patients in Hosp. 27 ride. J.B.386 officer of the day.— All take a bath to-night. Tuesday, November 29 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp. 2 miles East of Louisville Ga. at Big Creek. Weather very fine. Warm enough to be comfortable to-night without a coat. Ordered to march at 8 A.M.—14th A.C. started at that time but it was after 2 P.M. before the Hosp. started.— Long series of Bridges across the Ogeechee & Rocky Comfort C[reek] destroyed by Wheeler, for the space of a mile, swampy & bad road— Palms seen here for the first time.— Passed through the town of Louisville soon after passing the River—an old village of 500 or 600 before the war— 14th A.C. had spoiled the town & A brigade of Wheeler’s Confederate cavalry was deployed in front of Sandersville but was forced to retire when Union skirmishers approached. 385 Herschel V. Johnson (1812-1880) served two terms as governor of Georgia from 1853 to 1857. 386 I.e., John Bennitt. 384 �had guards at every house—this seems to have been the work of Gen. Baird—33rd Ind. & 84th Ind. fought each other by mistake. 387 No one hurt. 20 Rebs,—including a Col. Capt & Lieut captured from Gen Wheeler lst eve.— March 5 miles. Came into camp to-night at 7 P.M in good order. Have carried 28 men in ambulances. I visited 19th Mich. Wednesday, Nov. 30 Same Place. Weather very fine indeed except that it is quite smoky from so many camp fires. Remained in camp all day—supposed to be waiting for the right wing to come nearer— I spent more than half of the day in making Monthly Hospital report. 2nd Brigade has not yet come up—they having remained behind till Pontoon should be taken up.— Our Hospital is near 3 Div. Hd Qrs. not in the middle of the train. I Slept in open air because of the crowd in the tent—dew very heavy. Story of soldier having a hand to hand fight with a Rebel Cavalry officer that ordered him to surrender, but was beaten and slain.— Gambling at 3 Div. Hd Qrs, shameful. Thursday, December 1 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 8 miles East of Louisville Ga. Weather very fine—a little cloudy at evening— Sun-set red.— Very smoky—very dark last from smoke & fog. I slept in open air again, passed a very uncomfortable night, on account of indigestion and diarrhoea. Heavy dew & 2nd Brigade did not come up till middle of night, and found it very troublesome to keep together and find the road. We were to march at 9 AM. but did not start till 1 PM.—crossed two creeks, one without bridge—Rebels had burned bridge over Big creek, but our pioneers made a new one. Gen Wheeler chased from before us by Kilpatrick. 14th A.C. on R.R. Their train is in our advance.— About 6 miles march to-day put into camp at dark—to march at 6 A.M.—ridiculous order frequently repeated— Gambling extensively in the army—an effort to do so in Hosp. Friday, December 2 387 It was not an uncommon occurrence for friendly units to fire on one another due to mistaken identity; however, no record is found of this error between the 33rd and 85th Indiana Infantry regiments. �West side Buckhead Creek 8½ miles North West of Millen Ga. Weather very fine—warm—roads fair, except a bad swamp in the morn which delayed us two hours, and a few other swampy places readily passed. Sandy—pine plains—some extensive plantations with evidence of taste and good order, but owners absent— Started in good time this morn (6½)—stopped from 12½ to 2½ for dinner & pulled into camp at sunset having marched 12 miles—main direction East— K Kilpatrick had a fight with Wheeler near here two days ago,—in which both were loosers to a considerable extent, Kilpatrick holding his ground, & cutting the Augusta & Savannah R.R. East of here.388 O! why is all this destruction of life & property necessary? O! God, make us know that truth & be obedient to Thy will. Saturday, December 3 Camp 3 Div Hosp 4 miles South East Millen Ga. Weather very mild, but cloudy and a little sprinkle of rain about sundown. Burnt the barn where we stopped last night, & started on march at 6½ A.M. Crossed Buckhead creek—halted on left bank at what had been a very fair country meeting house—Baptist—Vandals at work.— Marched S.E. all day— Halted at 12½ P.M. an hour and a half for dinner— Crosse Mill Creek at a mill— Crossed R.R. through the dense smoke of a burning pile of pine wood—passed the house of a Mrs. Jones 389 who had befriended a Federal prisoner, sick, on which account she had a protection—all other houses of any note burned. I understand that the Rebs evacuated Millen 4 days ago, & that the Right Wing visit there, Left wing keep to left. Extensive plantations and secondary Pine forests—Camp a little after dark in a worn out field—13 or 14 miles march. Sunday, December 4 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp. 5 miles south of Sylvania Ga. Weather a little cloudy but pleasant—a little cooler than yesterday but not uncomfortable— Rained a little last night. Started at 6½ A.M. Marched about 2 miles & then halted three hours for the 1st Div to pull out ahead of us. Soon came to Bigh Horse Creek which was so high from the Kilpatrick’s cavalry fought a series of skirmishes with Wheeler’s Confederate cavalry at Waynesboro on November 27 and 28. 389 Probably located at Birdsville. 388 �breaking of a mill-dam above390, as to detain us two hours till it fell—mill burnt—ate dinner. Col Dustan came up—crossed over deep water and swampy bottom—2nd Brig train much delayed by this swamp, Hosp. train gets through promptly—pass on and camp in pine grove at 7 P.M about 8 miles from place of starting—fine place for camp good water a little distance off. 30 sick transported—10 K—32 for to-morrow. JnoB.391 Off[icer] of day— Canonading in north about 10 to 11 A.M. a feint?— Rumored evacuation of Savannah—& that Charleston must fall. Bo’t 12 lbs Butter of a soldier $5.00. Monday, December 5 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 20 A.C. Midway between Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers, 45 miles from Savannah. Weather fair & comfortably warm, like mild October weather in Mich. Started promptly at 6½ A.M, passed 1 st Div. after coming two miles— Crossed Little Ogeechee about 3 miles N.W. of here— Reb cavalry 20 to 30 in number dashed on our pioneers this morn, & it is said captured several of them, but this is doubtful—some of our men fired upon from a fine house near here this morn—The man firing was captured and the woman notified to get out of the house immediately & then it was burned. We march till 1 P.M. 6 miles. Level sandy plains with pine timber only small portion under cultivation somewhat swampy—Cyprus.392 Tuesday, December 6 Camp Hosp. 3 Div. 20th A.C. About 35 miles North of Savannah, near Turky Brook. Weather a little cloudy—very foggy & smoky in the morn, & cool enough for overcoat riding till 10 A.M. A little delay in starting this morn—3rd Div. still in advance— Right Wing only 5 or 6 miles West of us—14th A.C. about same distance East— Cavalry in front 15 or 16 miles— Saw a lot of prisoners (about 40 to 50) among them a Colonel.— They speak confidently of success.— We get plenty of forage even in this flat sandy swampy country— Rains 390 391 392 Probably Jigler’s Mill on Little Horse Creek. I.e., John Bennitt. I.e., cypress trees. �two or three weeks ago have not yet run off.— Sweet potatoes corn, cotton & Negroes chief articles produced. We have marched about 12 miles to-day—delayed for three hours to corduroy393 a swamp. Came into camp at 6 P.M.— Saw Surgn C. W. Bennitt.394 Wednesday, Dec. 7 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 1 mile North of Springfield Ga. Rain began about 7 AM. & lasted an hour— Cloudy all day—red sunset. Sky variable to-night.— 1st order to march at 7½—recd last night, then order to march at 6 rec’d at 5—then order to march at 7½ rec’d at 6—started finally about 8. All Head Qrs. Pontoon train and a battery ahead.— Halted at 11 for 2½ hours at Turkey Creek to Corduroy the swamp & build bridge. We ford it with teams— Trees fallen across road in places to hinder us.— We march nearly ten 10 miles, camping just before Sundown—19th Mich. guard us.— 1st Brig. & part of third with a battery form in Line of Battle on this side of creek but encounter no enemy. Left Wing is to be “Army of South Carolina.”395 I Off[icer of the] Day— 37 Ride—40 Ride to-morrow. 3rd Div. in advance to-day— I take bath. Shall I soon hear from Loved ones at home?—O! my God keep them & me. Thursday, December 8 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles South of Springfield, Ga. Weather fair—a little cloudy toward night, & during night— 3rd Div. in rear of all, guarding whole of Corps train.— Order to march at 9 AM. but do not start till 1½ P.M. have dinner at 12M. Rebs obstructed road at Jack’s creek & several other places,—with fallen trees. Halt till Sundown at Springfield—pass over a swampy roady 5 miles before 11 PM—halt there before passing a bad swamp of a mile before arriving here—eat our supper also the sick eat. I come on to this point alone about 2½ [A.M.]—find place of encampment, stop at turn of road by fire, & sleep about two hours— Hosp. train does not come up till about 7 A.M. of the 9th. I have slept 3 or 4 hours & feel pretty well this morn. Friday, December 9 I.e., to lay felled trees horizontally to make the way more passable for men, horses, and wagons. 394 I.e., William C. Bennett. 395 No change from the designation “Army of Georgia” had been made at this time. 393 �Camp Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. with the supply train 15 miles N.W. of Savannah Ga. Weather cloudy all day & a little cooler than before. Marched about 8 miles a little west of south starting at 11-20 AM,—Turned S.E. & marched about 5 miles,—halting a short time at dark—to cross a bad place— Road today pretty good after striking the Augusta Pike—2 houses burned at the ple turn of the road. Ride with Lieut Wing after dark. Encamp at 7½ having marched 13 miles.— Stuck in the mud with our Hosp team. One man of 2nd Div.—Babington396—sick unto death with Dysentery. 40 transported today. Saturday, December 10 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. At 5th Mile Stone N.W. Savannah Ga. 9 P.M.— Weather has been cloudy all day & a little cool, warmer to-night, and it sprinkles a little— Marched 10 miles on excellent road--4½ miles nearly East & 5½ S.E.— Turnpike wide enough so that train doubled all the distance.397 Our forage wagon sent out this morn comes in at 9½ PM with 30 bus[hels] corn & some fodder—enough for two days.— Hosp train came into camp before dark having started at 10 A.M.— Passed two Redoubts where the Rebs had a Battery—at least one gun—& had obstructed the road by felling trees,—but the way was soon clear & the work charged by the 1 st Div.— The gun escaped but the caisson was captured. Two Federals killed—a few wounded about 300 or 400 only of the rebs at this place. Heavy canonading on the right all day— We are within two miles of the Rebel works and one miles in rear of our lines. Gen(?) Harrison captured.398 Sunday, December 11 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N.W. Savannah Ga. Weather rainy last night, but only a little cloudy, but cool to-day. Cleaned off ground & put up all the canvass we have, only about half of it needed for patients— Rations rather short, but there are large quantities of rice & some stock on neighboring plantations. It is thought that we can subsist here comfortably, after the matter is fully adjusted, & the mills will [be] running.— Private Mitchell Babbington of Company G, 29th Ohio Infantry. I.e., double file. 398 George P. Harrison, Sr. (1814-1888), major general of the Georgia militia, was captured at his Savannah River plantation, Montieth, by General Howard. 396 397 �Steamer (small) captured by riflemen.399 Rumor that communication is made with the coast at Warsaw Sound400 & commissary stores may be had as soon as road can be opened. Heavy Canonading on West of city by Rebs—we make no reply with artillery. Monday, December 12 Same place. Weather quite cool but clear. Ice 1/8 inch thick on water this morn. Moon bright tonight401— Hosp. att[endant]s singing to-night— Our rations rather short still we are not likely to go hungry much for we shall soon have our communication open with the Seaboard. It is reported that there are less than 10,000 troops of all kinds in Savannah, & that there are provisions in the city for only 6 days— The question is one of seige or assault. If it can be done quietly it will be better.— Transport of Rebs captured on the River, in company with Gun-boat which withdrew in haste.402 We hold the rice plantations & mill. Some of our men cross into South Carolina for forage. Forage becoming scarce around here, except rice upon which, not only men but horses must subsist in a great degree, for some days to come.— Not much artillery firing to-day on the whole. No news yet from home. A 19th Mich man said to have been slightly wounded. Tuesday, December 13 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N. West Savannah Ga. Weather cool in morn, fair all day & warmer to-night— Surgn W. C. Bennett vis[ited] Hosp & I went with him to Div. Hd. Qrs. He talked to Surgeon Grinsted about derelection of duty concerning Div. Hosp which resulted in there being a stirring up at the hospital & it is hoped improvement for a time. Lieut Herritt403 of 20th A.C. Staff killed by Reb. Sharpshooter to-day— Much heavy artillery firing nearly South of here—supposed to be on the Savannah & Gulf R.R.—some very On December 10, the Confederate dispatch steamer, C.S.S. Ida, was captured along with its crew by a forage party from the 150th New York Infantry and burnt on the Savannah River. 400 I.e., Wassaw Sound, at the mouth of the Wilmington River about 10 miles southeast of Savannah. 401 The full moon would be on December 13. 402 Of three Confederate ships attempting to descend the Savannah River, two gunboats were driven back and one armed steam tender, C.S.S. Resolute, was captured along with its crew by the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry. 399 �heavy guns booming at long distance—Supposed to be at Fort Thunderbolt 404—Steam whistling on the River & some canonading— I take into my care & under my protection the yellow woman, wife of Capt. Baldwin’s Servt. & shall try to furnish her enough to eat, & to do to pay for it, for the time being— I officer of the day— Well finished—water fair. Wednesday, December 14 Same Place. Weather fair—a little frost in morn—not uncomfortable to sit without fire to-night. Business at hospital—re-arranging shelter for sick—making log sides for ward only partly done for one— Man of 102 Ill. shot through chest by rebel picket on skirmish line—brought in to-night. Not much hope of his recovery— It is officially announced that Fort McAllister, on the Ocheegee River, surrendered to Gen Havens of 2nd Div 15 A.C. after a charge upon it by that Div. Garrison & armament captured. This opens our communication with the fleet & Gen Foster, & renders the fall of Savannah certain.405 2nd Brig go 6 miles for Staves—Studley406 went 10 to 13 miles for forage &c. successfully— O my God, keep the loved ones in Thy care, Keep us all in Thee—save this our country. Thursday, December 15 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. At 5 Mile-post N.W. of Savannah Ga. Weather very fine & warm enough to sit without fire in open air till evening. 1st Ward with log sides & fire-place completed so far as to place 44 patients on bunks to-night—nearly all that are sick. I went with Surg n Himes to River & there fell in with Maj. Anderson & Lieut Russel,407 & with Dr. Hatchard went to rice mill, saw negroes at work—saw Rice-fields & dikes—Captured Steamer— Could see Savannah Spires & Houses, & the smoke of the gun as it fired shell toward us which exploded in the River Lieutenant Charles A. Ahreets, Adjutant, 134th New York Infantry was at this time Acting Assistant Inspector General, 20th Army Corps. 404 Fort Thunderbolt was a strong Confederate fort mounting a battery of nine guns on the Wilmington River about five miles southeast of Savannah. 405 On December 13, General William B. Hazen’s 2nd Division troops assaulted and captured Fort McAllister, overcoming the last obstruction between General Sherman’s army and the Union fleet waiting off the Georgia coast. General John G. Foster, Commander of the Department of the South, had a force of Union troops on Hilton Head Island. 406 Probably Quartermaster Sergeant James D. Studley (born ca. 1840). He enlisted in Company I, 9th Michigan Cavalry in December 1862. 407 George A. Russell was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in October 1864. 403 �about ½ mile from us in our sight—seemed to be firing at men in small boats crossing the river. Beautiful live-oak orchards with long pendant moss (1 to 5 yards long)—Tree covers 1/5 acre— Plantation of ____ Gibbins, son of Wm Gibbins, son of “Tom” Gibbins—saw a native of Africa who had descended from Massa Tom down to the present owner—a sporting man with an income of $300,000. 408 Friday, December 16 Same place. Weather warm enough for comfort, & causing an inclination to seek the shade in the middle of the day. Canonading quite brisk this morn on left, supposed to be rebs endeavoring to prevent the crossing of the three brigades of the 20th A.C. sent into S[outh] C[arolina] early this morn— Comparatively quiet in P.M. A little sharp firing in our front to-night. 20th A.C. train went to Ogeechee River for supplies—Lieut. Wing went. We expect a large mail when it returns, as it is said there is mail there for us in fabulous amounts 409—Surgn Grinsted & Dr. Wood took dinner with us— Had a Rice (ground) pudding—very good. It is said that an officer of Gen. Grant’s staff is at Left wing Head Qrs. It does not appear that we are to take Savannah very soon unless by assault which must result in heavy loss to us.— Negroes are to be sent to Port Royal 410—some went from here to-night— I wrote part of a letter last night & will finish in morn. Saturday, December 17 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N.W. Savannah Ga. Weather very pleasant except the very heavy dews & the fogs in the morn— Mail to-day—I am glad to learn of the good health of loved ones at home, & of the receipt of money, of the kindness of Mr. Smith to my family—I shall take occasion to write to him soon.— Major William Heyward Gibbons (1831-1887) came into a substantial fortune upon the death of his father, William Gibbons (1781-1845). His vast plantation, Shaftesbury, was purported to be one of the wealthiest on the Savannah River. Although born in New York and having business connections with New Jersey, he served as Assistant Inspector General of Field Transportation for the Confederacy. 409 Rumors in this case were quite true. The amount of mail that had accrued for Sherman’s soldiers over the four weeks since they left Atlanta weighed in at twenty tons. 410 Port Royal and Hilton Head Islands off the South Carolina coast were captured in November 1861 and were made into important Union bases. 408 �It is said that a flag of truce was sent in to-day demanding the surrender of Savannah, but it does not seem to have had the desired effect for there is some heavy firing all along the line.411 Our fleet is said to be in a condition to bombard the town. I hope that will not be necessary. Finished letter to wife begun Nov 15. 412 Recd letter from Wife of Nov 6th Oct 30th Nov. 10th Nov. 14th & Nov. 20th, from Clara of O[ct] 23rd 30th & Nov 20th: & Jennie Nov 20th. Wrote a long letter to wife, & 8 pages to Clara giving some account of march to Madison—not sent. Sunday, December 18, 1864 Same place. Weather still fair, and warm enough to sit in the open air without coat & without fire in evening— Foggy in morn—heavy dew. I slept out of tent under fly. On account of its being Sabbath work has been suspended here. I have spent the day mostly in reading and singing.— Latter part of night & nearly all day there has been but little firing. It is said that the pickets have agreed not to shoot at one another and have exchanged civilities & papers. We are placing a battery in our front that may draw the enemy’s fire this way and compel us to move. I hope not. Rumored proposition of conditional surrender by Rebs. Not credited. Write more in letter to Clara—Travels as far as Milledgeville. Monday, December 19 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N.W. Savannah Ga. Weather a little cloudy threatening rain, but still quite warm— 2nd Ward in Hospital complete— I as officer of the day, try to hasten preparations for an impending conflict. It seems resolved on by a council of war, that Savannah must fall soon, & there may be some bloodshed first. Our “cracker line” is fully open to King’s Bridge, and Bread was issued to us to-day from New York.413 We still forage 10 to 12 miles in the country in our rear without large force, tho’ Reb. Cavalry are said to be behind us— Some large Guns came up past here in last night & General Hardee declined to accept Sherman’s demand for the surrender of Savannah and its 10,000 defenders. 412 I.e., December 15. 413 At this time Sherman’s army was being supplied almost entirely by the Union navy. Although the use of the Savannah River was still denied by Confederate forces, small boats could bring cargoes into Ossabaw Sound and up the Ogeechee River. King’s 411 �will be in position before long. 2nd Div. find some difficulty in establishing themselves on South Carolina shore. Several men wounded. Canonading since dark. I did not finish letter to P. M. Smith, but sent my letters to home by Mr. Hoblitz414 who goes to N.Y. in a day or two. Tuesday, December 20 Same Place. Weather pleasant tho’ somewhat cloudy and threatening rain—a little cool to-night, but not uncomfortably. Affairs moving on well—3rd Ward pushed forward to completion— Lieut Lewis415 of 20th Conn, wounded in leg—ball lodging in cancelli of Tibia— Chloroform affected him unpleasantly— The case has an unpleasant prospect. He falls into my hands. Some heavy firing on our left to-night from our (?) guns & some from Rebs.— They will get waked up to-morrow if they do not move out too soon, & it is rumored— It is rumored that Hardee offered to let Sherman occupy Savannah if he would let him leave peacably. The story is doubtful— Visit from W. C. Bennett—who is going home—& from Dr. Hutchinson416 who stayed a long time, to-night, after supper. Some mail received, but none from me. Wednesday, December 21 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Savannah Ga—“Pavillion.” Weather a little rainy from 8 to 9 A.M—fair The remainder of the day cloudy & shining alternatively. Heavy firing last night, till about 2 A.M. this morn— Announced this morn that “Savannah is ours” by a staff officer riding by the Hospital in the woods.— It was hard to believe, but was continually confirmed by others.417 Among them Surgn Goodman.— Bridge over the Ogeechee stood about sixteen miles southwest of Savannah and about twenty-five miles from the sea as the river winds inland. 414 Possibly the Mr. Hoblit (first name not known) who was an agent for the Western Department, U. S. Sanitary Commission assigned to Sherman’s army. 415 1st Lieutenant Henry Lewis was attached to both Company E and Company K, 20th Connecticut Infantry. 416 Probably Edwin Hutchinson who joined the 137 th New York Infantry as Surgeon in September 1863. The 137th New York was part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 417 On the night of December 20 Hardee, realizing that no reinforcements had been dispatched to assist him, evacuated the city. He was able to cross the Savannah River over improvised bridges with his entire force into South Carolina without being detected. �After Breakfast—Dr Himes & I rode down to the city—overtaking Lieuts Wing & Horbert418 on the way—rained— We rode through city—stopped at Rebel Hosp. saw young asst Surgn— Rode around to the “Pavilion” found Dr Grinsted Goodman & Himes there—I return at 10-10—stop to protect the mulatto women & arrest the soldier—Hospital arrives here at 3 P.M but we have so large an “elephant” 419 that we cannot get it well cared for to-night. Thursday, December 22 Same Place. Weather cooler—sunrise bright but somewhat cloudy during day. I have been officer of the day, and very busy with house-cleaning, & arranging our own room, and the wards. Surgn Himes took the outside. 17 Rebels convalescents & sick sent here this [day?]— They seem well disposed— Our supply of blankets small. Mr. King, Principal of Female Academy & Bogart of Male academy have been carrying away their books.420 They seem quite surprized that they are disturbed in their school. The “Matron” of Wayside House seems disturbed & peevish because her affairs are interfered with.421 They have some things yet to learn of war. Friday, December 23 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather cooler, but clear. It was intimated that we would be obliged to leave this house for the occupation of the 17th A.C. Hosp, & Dr Himes and I rode through the city to look for another. Found two poor places but learn to-night that we can remain here, the 17th A.C. having found a place. Dr. Goodman called in morn, & again to-night sitting for some time chatting. Advized me to apply now for leave of absence. I have written an application and went ot 3rd Div. Head Qrs but found no A[ssisant] A[djutant] G[eneral] nor Surg n Grinsted.— Will send it in in morn. I must try to go home. Dr. Terry Off. of day—I have on[e] Probably 1st Lieutenant William S. Herbert who enlisted in Company C, 85th Indiana Infantry in May 1862. 419 I.e, too large a task to complete quickly. 420 Possibly Rev. Charles King; his school may have been the Savannah Institute for Young Ladies. William S. Bogart was the principal of the Chatham Academy Classical School for Boys; his school would be utilized as the hospital for the 3 rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 421 A “Wayside House” neither appears in the city directories nor is mentioned in the newspapers of Savannah during this time. It is possible that the establishment Bennitt refers to was a house of prostitution and the “Matron” its madam. 418 �patient that must die soon, Fox.422 I do not feel well to-night, but think it is the result of large dinner—& so abstain from supper. Dr. Terry recd letters & papers. I none yet. Saturday, December 24 Same Place. Weather fair cool enough to need a fire to sit by. Grand review of the 15th A.C. near here. Dr. Fritz & Dr. Pinney 423 of the Cavalry moved into this Hosp with 56 ___ patients,—cavalry, among them three officers & a sutler. Fox of 55 O.V.I. Died at 4 P.M. of Typhoid Fever.— Lieut Lewis of 20th Ct very bad condition, Pyaemia?424 Edward Dillon of 136 N.Y. wounded and captured while foraging near here two weeks ago,—left in Reb hospital, brought in to-day with left thigh shortened 2 inches. Dr. Johnson & I evacuate for the benefit of Cavalry surgeons & I am left without my bed. Lieut Pursell425 left Hospital paying me $1000 for ten days board &c. I sent my application for leave of absence for thirty days, to Div Hd. Qrs. Surgn Grinsted having approved. Sunday, December 25 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather a little cloudy all day with a little rain about dark & quite heavy rain from 8 to 10 P.M. I am officer of day, but still att church at 10½ A.M. at Presbyterian house across the street. Preaching by citizen—“Not a sparrow falleth to the ground with His notice.” 426 Good Sermon. Singing by choir of two men & congregation. Organist indifferent. Congregation about two thirds soldiers. A large proportion of the Ladies in mourning.— Everything passed off apparently as though no unusual thing had occurred here. Many soldiers seen drunk in the streets to-day— Officers as well as enlisted men— Lieut Lewis’ leg gangrenous, & he must die. Dr. Hatchard takes dinner here— He is to Private Henry Fox (1832?-1864) was drafted into Company E, 55th Ohio Infantry in September 1864. 423 Thomas I. Fritts was Assistant Surgeon in the 8th Indiana Cavalry; Charles H. Pinney was Assistant Surgeon in the 9th Ohio Cavalry. 424 A disease of the blood caused by purulent matter that ultimately affects the heart. 425 Charles G. Pursel (1840-1865) of Schoolcraft enlisted in Company F, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as Sergeant. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company D in May 1864 and promoted to 1 st Lieutenant in Company H in October 1864. He would be killed in action at Averasboro, North Carolina in March 1865. 426 Matt. 10:29. 422 �return to hosp.— Mr. Chapman—Chaplain, also dines here. Mail received yesterday but I got none. Monday, December 26 Same Place. Weather a little rainy—lowry all day— My application for leave of absence returned disapproved by Gens. Ward & Williams— Dr. Goodman made no endorsement. He doubtless did not wish to disaprove it, inasmuch as he had assured me that he would approve. His excuse doubtless would be that, “the order concerning another campaign & no leaves and fuloughs” to be granted. I have felt dispirited all day, from the disappointment. The Loved ones at home must wait much longer. But I think I can endure the long separation as well as others. If S.C. campaign ends well, & soon I m[a]y then go.— Drs. Hatchard & Amsden report at Hospital for duty—Drs. Fritz & Pinney with the Cavalry, took their departure. Cavalry officers come under my charge. Edginton427 pays $2000 on mess bill—Capt Bender428 $5.00. Heard that there is a letter at Regiment for me, but did not get it. Tuesday, December 27, 1864 Hospital 3 Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga— Weather mixed—rainy, and fair alternately—mostly rainy— After attending to my patients I went to 19th Mich. & recd lett from stating that he was at Harper Hospital Detroit Mich. as was Sergt Harris & Marcus Daniels—they two, he & Daniels having no Descriptive Rolls—I urged their commanders to send them. Talked somewhat with Lieut Barnhart 429 about buying a horse of him— Rode Took dinner at Head Qrs 19 Mich— Rode with Col. Baker430 & Lt Barnhart, to River— Machine shop—saw steam tug sail vessel in River—and—Torpedoes & Torpedo boats— saw Albert Ranney who says his father has received the money all straight— Rumor from two sources that Jeff. Davis is dead.— Meeting of citizens called by Mayor &c.— Lt. Lewis body embalmed—to be sent home to-morrow morn. 1st Lieutenant Robert P. Edgington. No officer by the name of Bender appears in the regimental rosters of Bennitt’s brigade. 429 Lucien B. Barnhart (born ca. 1834) of Union enlisted in Company C, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as First Sergeant. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in January 1864, promoted to 1st Lieutenant in October 1864. He would be promoted to Captain in Company B in January 1865. 430 John J. Baker, 19th Michigan Infantry, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in October 1864. 427 428 �Wrote 3 pages to wife. Wednesday, December 28 Same place. Weather mixed—fair and showery— Rode to 19th Mich. again to-day after dinner— Did not buy the horse— Called on Surgn Hobbs who read to me his report of Savannah Campaign—asked me to come to Brigade, &c. Saw Brigade review by Regiments— Oysters at Regt— Called with Lieut Wing at his Qrs. & saw Lieut Harbert and made a prescription for his cough. 2 19th Mich. men sent in to-day. One 73rd O[hio man] shot great toe off, in my ward— Rumor repeated of Jeff Davis’ death— Loyal Georgian gives account of Mayor and citizens meeting to-day, & the loyal Resolutions passed. I shall send a copy to my wife in a letter with directions to send it immediately to 3 Rivers Reporter. Collect money of Mess to Dec. 31st except sick officers. Lieut Lewis body was sent home by a man with a 12 days furlough. He must hasten his return or not be in next campaign. Wrote nothing in letter. Thursday, December 29 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather fair but cooler than hitherto— By Surgn Grinsted at the request of Surgeon Himes, the latter is relieved from charge of Div. Hospital and I take charge. I shall make some changes in operations— Dr. Hatchard cut of[f] great toe of man wounded last night— Schofield appointed Hosp. Steward, goes to his regiment & Dan Schull 431 acts as Steward here— I get 1st No of “Savannah Republican”432 & shall send it home by first mail. Dr. Grinsted did not yet go to Hilton Head, as he ought. Dr. Goodman looked over this whole house and thinks 400 patients can be acommodated here. No letter from home. Friday, December 30 Same Place. Weather fair, pleasant—warmer than yesterday—no fire necessary, till eve— 431 432 Private Daniel L. Shull of Company B, 136th New York Infantry. The Savannah Republican actually began in 1858 but probably suspended publication during the siege. The December 29 issue was indeed called volume 1, number 1, but the newspaper reverted to its former numbering in February 1865. �I have had more bunks made—one partition torn out in third story—had bath-room & fixtures put in good repair and cleaned (& took a bath myself to-night)— Made arrangement with Gas Co. for gas here—and am now enjoying its light—tried to make arrangement with 2nd Div. for bread baking, but could not succeed on account of the want of pans. Looked over 2nd Div. Hosp.— Studley bought for us a bushel of Oysters 200. A firkin of butter 100 lbs for $8550. I give Wymbs433 11 lbs. for two days supper for patients and we shall use the largest part of the remainder for officer’s mess. With Dr. Hatchard, since dark to Reg’t for mail but got none— 3rd Div to move over River in morn. Finish letter of 4½ [pages] to wife & will send it with papers of Dec. 27-8-9. Shall retire at 11 P.M. Saturday, December 31, 1864 Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. Weather somewhat rainy and cool. 3rd Div. moved to River and partly crossed over— Encountered Rebel Cavalry who wounded two men of 105 Ill. one fatally probably— 2nd & 3rd Brig. returned with train to camp in same place.— I went to Dr. Goodman’s to see about moving Hospital,—Dr. Grinsted being gone— He said it would not be necessary to move at present as it is not expected that Third Div. will be more than 4 or 5 miles from here— I remained two hours or more—talking with him & Drs. Bennett, & Riley—434 They think I better go to Cincinnati at once, & he went with me to Corps Head Qrs.—& with counsel there became satisfied that it would be best to apply for leave in a regular manner—which I have written, but not sent yet, but think I will on Monday. Dr. Goodman sent me a note to-night that he would inspect Hosp. here at 11.30 AM. tomorrow. I could much prefer that he would not make Sunday so much a day of business and allow us all to go to church. I will try [to] do what is proper in the matter—do my duty to man and to my God. Wilt Thou O God! who hast preserved me in health through so many vicissitudes and dangers in the year just closed still preserve me in body and mind, and especially be near to me by the influences of Thy Spirit that I may not fall into sin or be tempted beyond the strength that shall give to resist temptation— Grant that another year may find this whole Volunteer Army safely pursuing peaceable pursuits—peace & harmony in all our borders. Private John D. Whymbs of Company H, 20th Connecticut Infantry. Probably James Reily, Surgeon to the 33rd New Jersey Infantry from September 1863. 433 434 �Sunday, January 1, 1865 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather fair, but cooler than at any previous time this winter. Icicles as large as my finger froze last night, and I slept rather cool with two Blankets— D Died early this morning from the gun-shot of the abdomen. I went to Presbyterian church in morn. Dr. Goodman came and inspected Hosp. in my absence according to notification. We had inspected before going to church and found things in fair condition. I took my application to go to Cincinnati to Capt. Speed, & he will promised to send it forward without delay. It must be signed by Gen Ward. 435 Dr. Terry & I went to Episcopal ch. at 3½ PM. Minister omitted prayer for President of U.S.— I chatted with Gen. Sherman at door of church this AM.— Capt. of 85 Ind. came in sick, & Col Bloodgood came in also not very well to stay and eat—3 Cavalry Officers at Dinner. Monday, January 2 Pavillion Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather mainly fair, warmer than before—fire not necessary in middle of day. Tuesday, January 3 Same Place. Weather fair in morn cloudy in PM. & a little rainy to-night. Not cold. I went to Corps Hd Qrs but did [not?] find Dr. Goodman, got circular of Dec. 26 th with reference to organizing Hosp. Gave it to Q[uarter] M[aster] & he has gone to work, will have charge of all men except nurses and cooks, & my clerks & Stewards. Cleared out Med. Soc. room for Convalescent ward—will be nice. Stopped to see the teamsters, saw little colored boy sick there. Have been trying to arrange mess a/c—Hubbard bot 9 knives & forks for 7.50. & 9 Cups & Saucers for 7.50. Edgar Tallman let me have 5.00. Paid Studley 71.00—owe him still $17½. He thinks he can get fruit Oysters vegetable cheese &c. at boat. Officers apparel came on boat to-day. Capt. Speed called here for a sponge.— Div troops all over. Confab with Col ____. Wednesday, January 4 435 On January 1 General Ward approved Bennitt’s request to go to Cincinnati for examination by the Army Medical Board, and Surgeon Goodman endorsed it on January 3. Bennitt was granted a thirty-day leave of absence. �Chatham Academy Hosp. 3rd Div 20 A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather fair and pleasant but somewhat cool.— 3rd Div. is not entirely over the Savannah yet—at least the train is yet here. Forage very scarce—our animals suffering.— I am not yet able to make any arrangement for buying sanitary stores except at enormous rates. Every body turned Sutler & working in many instances on small capital. Gave Studley memorandum of Indebtedness to amount of $17.50 and ordered him 2 lbs butter for his son. Thursday, January 5 Same Place. Weather fair—pleasant warmer than yesterday—only a little fire needed— Dr. Goodman called this morn— Four patients with Gangrene & Erysipelas436 sent from 2nd Div. Hosp. into the tents put up here for that purpose. One Moribound (a Reb.)—nearly—two more will probably die—one has lost an arm (a Reb.) Three ment sent with them as nurses. (2 Rebs) Mr. Lawrence of Christian Commission here at supper.— Col Dustin & Lieut Wing here to-night. Col. Dustin on a Board of Examination—Wing thinks of resigning—I thought to send to Hilton Head but seeing Gen Easton 437 I am inclined to think it is of no use to try— Saw Willie Tenbrook there— Called on 23rd Mo. Lt. Col. Morton will muster-out. Friday, January 6 Chatham Academy Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather mixed—a little rainy & fair alternately—windy to-night. Mr. Lawrence took away desks for 40 to Christian Com rooms—Surgn Goodman thinks this will be for a Corps Hosp, soon— Rebel from 2 Div Died to-day of Gangrenous wound.— I started with Surgn Terry to go to Div. but after crossing two Pontoons we were stopped by reason of the third being disconnected to allow—Steamer to pass through—waited some time, but saw that we should be in the dark on bad road if we went on, so came back—meeting train on long pontoon—returned at 4 P.M. Rec’d order to go to Cincinnati— Called on Dr. Goodman—found Dr. Gill there— The latter gave me recommend[ation] to Dr. Stanton438—& went to his room—& got Virchow. A disease causing inflammation to the skin and characterized by spreading to adjacent areas of the affected part. 437 Langdon C. Easton (1814-1884) was chief quartermaster for Sherman's armies from the Atlanta Campaign until the end of the war. 438 Probably John C. Stanton, Assistant Surgeon, 13 th Pennsylvania Cavalry (117th Regiment). 436 �Packed my trunk—ready for start in morn.—it is after 12 midnight. Saturday, January 7 Same place. Weather very pleasant. I took my bay horse to Capt Whittlesey 439 who paid me $100.00 for him & I paid $2000 for the capture[?]— Saw Dr. Gill— Rec’d from Dr. Goodman letter of Introduction to Surgn King.440 Dr. Terry will have charge here by seniority till Dr. Grinsted returns— Kept watch for boat to go away upon but could get none— Paid Marshall441 $3000 which pays him to Feb 5 ’65— Wrote note to Lieut & sent by Dr. Hastings, commending him & by horse & mule to his care, if necessary—Dr. Terry paid me for Shirt 200. I Paid him mess for self & Dr Himes $200. Sunday, January 8 Chatham Academy Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather pleasant a little cloudy & cool— I rose at 6 AM & went to Quay to learn if any vessels would go to Hilton Head, found some in—Crescent442—just arrived with a load of convalescent soldiers—5 of 19th Mich. Many others of 20th A.C. No boat now to leave— Went to church at 10½ A.M. Dr. Goodman came over here with me—did not make a formal inspection— We are ready to start at a moments notice— Dr. Himes & I went down at 3 P.M. found a boat coming in—the Mary Burton.443 Went aboard with our baggage— She will go to Thunderbolt—W.W. Coit444 came up with Gen Foster & staff about 5 PM.— Had some trouble in getting on her & after supper were notified that we could not remain—but that the boat would not leave till 4 in morn—leave our baggage & come back. Monday, January 9 Captain Henry M. Whittelsey was acting chief quartermaster for the 20th Army Corps. 440 William S. King, formerly Medical Director of the Union troops at Washington in 1861, was appointed Medical Director of the Department of the Ohio at Cincinnati in October 1863. 441 Possibly Private Mahlon W. Marshall of Company A, 85th Indiana Infantry, who may have been employed by Bennitt as cook or steward for the hospital. 442 Crescent was a U.S. Army transport steamer. 443 Possibly the British schooner Mary P. Burton, captured in 1864 attempting to run the blockade with a cargo of iron. 439 �On Board U.S. Transport “Arago” Of[f] S.C. Coast. Tuesday, January 10 On Board U.S. Transport “Arago” off N.C. Coast. Weather Tempestuous & rainy. I am most miserably sick & think a seafaring is a hard life. One of the Wilmington Blockading fleet was spoken about 4 P.M but so rought that no boat was lowered. Wednesday, January 11 8½ AM. in state room on board the Arago off Cape Henry. Am a little better of sea sickness & have taken some tea & crackers—sea not so rough as through the night. On Board U.S. Transport Arago. Off Coast of Maryland at 9 PM. Weather rather stormy yet & sea so rough that I have been obliged to keep my bed at nearly all day & have eaten only a little cracker & tea twice. It seems a little calm to-night I laid out till 2 AM. this morn in cold rain on upper deck being too sick to come down & dreading the closeness of the State-room— Thoroughly wet to the skin except the body. Thursday, January 12 On Board U.S. Transport Arago in Hudson River N.Y. at 11½ P.M. Weather has been extremely fine to-day & the ocean has come down to her proper levels—air cool but bracing— My sea sickness all gone this morn & I have eaten heartily to-day—but the fare is stinted. Paid my $9.00 & 50cts for porterage— Came in sight of lighthouses just before night & the Jersey coast— Beautiful Sea. Sails—Arago steams about 9 or 10 knots, & sails a little more. All day— We have sailed 720 miles from H[ilton] H[ead] in 80 hours—two thirds of time with a rough sea & wind pushing us along. I have been too sick till to-day to stir. Friday, January 13 Metropolitan Hotel New-York. Weather very pleasant & clear. Colder than in Savannah. 444 W. W. Coit was a steamer used as a dispatch boat. �Our company debarked at 6 AM. (an hour earlier than necessary)—paid Stops $1.00 for Carriage to Hotel. Dr. Himes at same time walked up— Breakfasted superbly but could get no room at once, took a walk of a mile or more up city first.— After breakfast mailed all the letters sent by me, except one to San[itary] Com[mission] from Mr. Hobblitz—which I handed in person. 823 Broadway. Went to Opticians— Bought of Clothing—Coat. 5200 Straps 6½ Vest 8. Pants 18.+1½ Shirts 13.00+5½ Collars 1½ Socks 1¼ gloves 1½. Of— Boots 1200 Of— Stereoscope & Pictures 27.75. All sent to Hotel—Room 310. 6th Story—“Tip Top”445 Vis[ited] Gruno 52 East 30th St to get Microscope. Dined & went to Randalls Island Foundling Hosp. 446 by boat—returned by 3rd Av. Cars. Fare up for 2—20cts down—14cts. Wrote letter to Dr. King—Packed in goods retire at 1 A.M. of 14th. Saturday, January 21 [Centreville, Michigan]447 Weather warm—sleighing being spoilt. Sunday, January 22 Weather mild. Snow melting. I talk to Sunday-school.— Spend afternoon at Mr. Smith’s Mrs. Goss.— Monday, January 23 Somewhat colder—snow falls 2 inches— Sleighing excellent. Mr. Todd’s—R. Barnard. C. D. Bennitts Perrin—Mr. Smith gave me knife took tea there. The Metropolitan Hotel, located at the corner of Broadway and Prince Street, was known for its “sky parlors” that allowed guests to watch the pedestrian traffic on the streets below. 446 Because the New York Foundling Hospital was not established until 1869, Bennitt is probably referring to the New York House of Refuge that was located on Randalls Island at this time. It housed delinquent children as well as orphans, and along with the Children's Aid Society, sent thousands of children to families in the Midwest on the "Orphan Trains" between 1854 and 1930. Bennitt's interest in visiting the establishment may have been related to the fact that the very first Orphan Train delivered its youthful cargo to Dowagiac. 445 �Tuesday, January 24 Cool still— Leave my home at 8½ AM cold ride to [White] Pigeon—R.R. at 11 AM. Toledo at 4 PM. Call at C. Bronson’s 448 place of business, at have a little chat with him an[d] Mrs. B[ronson].— Seem quite friendly—urge me to stay with him— Take sleeping car on M. & Dayton R.R.449 $2.00 for Double berth. Wednesday, January 25 Galt House Cincinnati O.450 Weather very cold.— Went to bed at Toledo at 10. P.M. last night—train started at 2 A.M.—stopped at Dayton from 10 AM. till 3. P.M. Arr. here at 5.50—supper—go to Med Board room—but find no one there— A man is bled here at every pore. 451 Wrote a short letter to wife.452 Thursday, January 26 Very cold & raw to-day. Began the examination at 10½ A.M.— Had a chat with Surgn King. Am favorably impressed with him— Delay in getting started, so that I only wrote Med. Autobiography, & 4 questions on Hygiene. Seek for a new place to board. Have a fire built in my room, & sew, & write, & read. Wrote letter to Dr. Himes. Friday, January 27 Weather still cold— Examination in surgery after finishing Hygiene. Drs. Stanton & Loring453 are with me. I order a “circle”454 made for myself—find that I can get pay here. Think of buying an overcoat. Have a fire built in my room—am sleepy. Saturday, January 28 It is not certain what date Bennitt arrived in Centreville from New York City. Possibly the C. Bronson who was the Postmaster in Centreville in the 1840s. 449 The Dayton & Michigan Railroad was the primary rail route between Toledo and Cincinnati. The name was later changed to the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. 450 The Galt House, a hotel, was located at Sixth and Main Streets. 451 I.e., prices in Cincinnati are very high. 452 This letter is not found in the collection. 453 Possibly Edward Greely Loring (1837-1888), a recent graduate of Harvard who would specialize in ophthalmology. 454 I.e., circle cloak. These cloaks had a full 360° hem and contained at least ten yards of cloth. 447 448 �Galt House Cini Cold. Still. I finish examination chemistry and begin Pathology. Drs. Hudson455 & enter upon examination. “Inflammation” lies over till Monday— I walk up the hill in rear of the city, before supper, and have a fire in my room to read by. Sunday, January 29 Fair, thawing a little. Attended Episcopal service in AM. Did me good.— Wrote letter to wife 2. Attended Sunday school an[d] union meeting at Methodist church 9th St. did me good. Wrote letter to Daughters 2.456 Monday, January 30 Weather moderating a little. I have a bad cough. Continue Examination. Att lecture of Dr. Blackman—& Dr. Hewitt457 of the army. Tuesday, January 31 Weather still cold, ‘though a little softer. My cough quite bad—take a (little morphine after retiring.) Examination continues.— Get introduc[ed] to Paymaster from Dr. King & Get Pay for Dec. & Jan. [$]31812— Buy a circle cloak $3000. Write to Surgeon Gen. for extension of Leave of Absence.458— Att. lecture on Anatomy. Wednesday, February 1 Weather milder. Sun shines through this miserable smoke.— Feel dumpish from the Morph[ine] taken last night. Continue examination. Att lecture on Anatomy by Dr. Gobrecht. 459 Pay board tip tonight $14.00— Write to Upson, 3 Concerning promotion &c & to wife. 460 Get a letter from wife—4. Dr. Hudson is unidentified. The letters Bennitt wrote to his wife and daughters on this date are not found in the collection. 457 George Curtis Blackman (1819-1871) was a physician active in Cincinnati. Hewitt is probably Henry S. Hewit (1825-1873), Surgeon of Volunteers and Medical Director of the Department of the Ohio. 458 Bennitt’s leave of absence was extended another fifteen days on February 10. 459 Probably William H. Gobrecht (1828-1901) who was commissioned Surgeon in the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry in September 1861 and resigned in January 1863. 460 This letter is not found in the collection. 455 456 �Thursday, February 2 Weather mild—snow disappearing. Streets miserably dirty here— I do not get along as well as I would wish with the examination. Still hope that I shall not fail. Friday, February 3 Weather cloudy and a little rain— I make slow progress with examination but think I shall get along well. Settle up pay my bill at hotel (300) and to Mrs. Bissel to board—Paid Porter 50cts. Am to pay a dollar a day and for fuel (and lights). Set for Photograph at Hoag & Quick’s fo and pay $1000 for 2 doz vignette Pictures to be done[?] th[ree?] days. Saturday, February 4 Weather cooler freeze a little to-night— Answered only 3 questions to-day. Went down to have a little sing to-night. Sunday, February 5, 1865 Weather fair thawing still to-night but it will freeze soon— I attended church at Prot. Method. next door both morn & eve with Dr. Lilly. 461 A good sermon each time. I wish I could be nearer to my God. Wrote letter to my wife. Monday, February 6 Cincinnati Ohio Weather colder, but not stormy. Go on with my work answering four questions on Mat[eria] med[ica]. Diaphoretics. Cinchona462 Morphia Mercury. Tuesday, February 7 Weather a little colder with snow enough to make the ground white.—got a Doz Pictures. Answered 4 Questions on Prac. Med.—Consumption Erysipelas, Dysentery—& Differentia Diag. between Pneumonia, Pleurisy and Bronchitis. Rec’d letter (2½) from wife of Feb 2nd. 461 Possibly Henry Martin Lilly (died 1870), Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers. �Shall probably close my examination to-morrow. Wednesday, February 8 Cincinnati Ohio Weather quite Cool.— Finished my examination before the board, written before noon and about an hour with the oral examination. I think I’ll pass.— Get transportation to N.Y. via Cleveland & Buffalo and start at 9.10 for home via Little Miami R.R. Left my Haversack. Wednesday, February 15 [Centreville, Michigan] Start for S[outh] C[arolina] with $221.20 and $1000 for Willi Tenbrook. Write letter to Hila. Thursday, February 16 At Cleaveland O. Dr. Himes gave me 100 for Dr. Hastings. Could get no map. Am offered informally a chair in Cleveland Med College. Leave Cleaveland at 10.50 & arrive in Buffalo at 7½ PM. Addison Ranney 463 goes via Dunkirk. Friday, February 17 Remained in Buffalo all night leaving at 5 A.M. fell in with a man who knew Cousins at Nunda.464 So much behind time that we shall not arrive in New-York to-night. Two accidents on the road with other trains. Saturday, February 18 On Board the Arago. Arrived in N.Y. at 6 AM—Paid Boardman & Gray465 $12700 in full for Piano—found Addison Ranney, But could not get a Pass for him.— Come on Arago at 12 M.— Leave at 4 P.M.—Col Merril466 Rooms with me.— Paid 9. for subsistance. The bark from a Peruvian tree containing certain alkaloids used for reducing fever. Albert Ranney’s brother. 464 A small New York town about thirty-five miles south-southwest of Rochester. 465 A piano manufacturing firm located in Albany. 466 Samuel Merrill (1831-1924) of Indianapolis was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in the 70th Indiana Infantry in March 1864. At this time the regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 462 463 �Sunday, February 19 Off New Jersey. Too sick to leave my room to-day; but could hear a sermon—character of Joseph in the Cabin— One of the attendants brought me some tea &c. Sung some to-night. Weather less rough to-night Monday, February 20 On the Arago. Off Carolina Coast Weather very fine. Nothing of special interest transpired to-day. ELEVEN “A GLORIOUS FUTURE AWAITS OUR COUNTRY” FEBRUARY - JUNE 1865 Tuesday, February 21, 1865 At Blairs Landing. �Weather has been fair—arrived at H[ilton] Head at 2½ and left there on the Gen. Hooker467 for this Place 28 miles up the Broad River & Pocotaligo. Find Dr. Wood 468 who entertains me for the night— A desolate place—write letters. Shall not remain here if I can help it. Report to Surgeon Gen. Wednesday, February 22 Hilton Head—Weather fair— Came down from Blairs Landing hoping to find a way to get to the army but cannot get away till to-morrow. Get a small room & good bed. Register my name at Gen. Littlefield’s.469 Thursday, February 23 On screw Steamer Geo. C. Collins between H Head & Charleston. Found W. C. Bennett at H[ilton] H[ead]. He is out of Service trying to get his horse home.— We left H.H. at 5 PM. Very little accommodation on this boat. We have Capt’s state-room. Feel sick—vomit my supper. Friday, February 24 Charleston S.C.—Cloudy. Off Charleston at day light 10 or 12 miles. Passed Ft Sumpter at 8½ & landed at 9 AM— Walk over this desolate City, go back to Pier and dine—find this house—31 Charlotte St.—get order from Provost Marshall to occupy. 470 Get Rations—500. Saturday, February 25, 1865 Charleston S.C. 31 Charlotte St. Look about some to-day, get some chairs, sofa & Piano &c. Write Part of a letter to wife. No reliable news from Sherman’s army. No way to get to it at the present. We must wait with open eyes. The General Hooker was a transport steamer. Probably Orlando S. Wood, Assistant Surgeon, 129th Illinois Infantry. This regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 469 Brevet Brigadier General Milton S. Littlefield (1830-1899) was General Superintendent of the volunteer recruiting service for the Department of the South. 470 The private residence Bennitt and his companions occupy at 31 Charlotte Street is situated on the east side of the city, about one quarter mile from the water. 467 468 �Sunday, February 26, 1865 Fair weather— Found no church open. Stopped at the Orphan Asylum building. Finish a long letter to wife part of which may be published. Wrote also to Albert Ranney concerning his brother. Monday, February 27 31 Charlotte St. Charleston S.C. Very Foggy in morn— Pleasant afternoon— Enthusiasm, enlisting negros. Went over Ashley River to Sherman’s army detatchment.— mud.— 4 19th Mich men there. Gloomy prospect. Tuesday, February 28 Weather Rainy. Wednesday, March 1 Rainy. Thursday, March 2 Charleston, S.C. Rainy— Rumor of occupation of Wilmington. Visited a negro woman with Pneumonia— Intelligent people. Friday, March 3, 1865 Pleasant all day. Reported at St. Andrews Depot to the Adjutant—Col Hammerstein471 not present himself. Did not see the Drs.— Have permission to remain till to-morrow in Charleston. Occupation of Wilmington. Wrote letter to wife 3. Presentation of Flag to 21st U.S.C.T.472 Saturday, March 4 Cloudy & rainy nearly all day so that I did not return to West side of River.— Herbert Hammerstein was commissioned Colonel in the 102nd New York Infantry in September 1863. The regiment was part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 472 The newly-designated 21st U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment was formed from the consolidation of the 3rd and 4th South Carolina Infantry. The unit received their new regimental colors in a public ceremony. 471 �Negro woman with Pneumonia better. Wrote and put into P.O. a report personal to Surgn Gen.473 asking to be assigned to duty North till way opened to army. Called on Med. Director. Six months from to-day to serve. Sunday, March 5, 1865 Charleston S.C. 31 Charlotte St. Weather fair.— Attended M.E. church in A.M.— Visited Magnolia Cemetery 2½ miles North on the Neck.— Dr Briggs474 in midst of cemetery— Returned at dark & took supper with Dr. Hawks.475 Fire in Charleston. Monday, March 6 Weather fair— Went across River— Met Col Hammerstein, who coming to town, said I could stay here till to-morrow. Tuesday, March 7 Read “Queechy.”476 Very good. Went over the River but stopped at other side by the guard, and was obliged to return to Gen Hatch477 for a pass. Wednesday, March 8 Charleston S.C. Rains so hard all day that I did no[t] go over the River. I finished “Queechy”— Played & sung & felt somewhat “homesick.” Wrote part of a letter to Mrs. Smith. Thursday, March 9 St. Andrew’s Depot S.C. Weather better till no-night rainy again. The U.S. Surgeon General at this time was Joseph K. Barnes (1817-1883). Probably Charles E. Briggs, Surgeon in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. 475 Probably James M. Hawks, Surgeon in the 21 st U.S. Colored Infantry. 476 Warner, Susan. Queechy. (N.Y.: Putnam, 1852). This popular two-volume novel, written under the pseudonym “Elizabeth Wetherell,” concerned an adolescent orphan who supported herself by running a farm and was at the same time a shining example of moral and religious rectitude. 477 General John P. Hatch (1822-1901) was commanding officer of the Northern District, Department of the South. 473 474 �Report to Col Hammerstein. Am assigned to duty as Chief Surgeon of 3 rd Brigade Coast Div. Dept of S[outh]. One Surgn & 3 Actg Asst Surgn to command & 1200 men to care for— Get a new tent up with a floor in it before night as it begins to rain. Friday, March 10 Rained hard nearly all night—Surgn Smith478 & I were well protected and had a good bed.— Rain continued some this forenoon. Look around to see what is here. Saturday, March 11 St. Andrew’s Depot Weather fairer—a little frosty last night beautiful to-night as I cross the river in a skiff by moonlight. After having taken dinner and supper with my old mess in the city. Mailed my letter to Mrs. Smith 4. Send two men to Hospital. Sunday, March 12, 1865 St. Andrew’s Depot S.C. Weather very fine—frosty a little last night— Cut buckshot from mans arm. Att. Preaching at Cavalry camp. Spent afternoon in writing letters. Had oysters for supper. Wrote letter to C. C. Bennitt479 3 & to Wife 4. Tuesday, March 14 Rainy. Wednesday, March 15 Rainy. Thursday, March 16, 1865 Rainy & windy. Friday, March 17 St Andrews Depot Very pleasant Lionel J. Smith was Surgeon to the 33rd Ohio Infantry beginning in November 1864 when he had transferred from the 39th Ohio Infantry. 479 Bennitt’s brother, C. Columbus Bennitt. 478 �Visit Forts Johnson, Putnam, Seymour, Chatfield, Strong, Sumter, & Pinkney—and the monitor Catskill480—lost our boat— Saw two ladies at Sumter &c. Saturday, March 18, 1865 Very pleasant and fair. Sent Small-Pox case to Hosp. P.M. went to City with application to Go to Hilton H’d—got my order & transportations, Called and found my old companions fled—and Mrs. Morse in their stead— Write letter to wife 4—describing Ft Johnson & naming the other places visited yesterday. Sunday, March 19 Very fine day. Monday, March 20, 1865 Hilton Head S.C. Very pleasant and warm. Recd pay for Feb. 65 of Maj. A.G. Salisbury481 $53.95 in currency & Draft on Asst Treasurer of the U.S. New York—No 224 of this date & Place for $100. This last I enclose in letter to & mail so as to go by the Fulton482 which sails 22nd—to my wife— Payable originally to Surg. John Bennitt or order & by me to the order of C.M. Bennitt. Tuesday, March 21 Fair to rainy in P.M. Found that the Canonicus Steamer 483 will sail to-night. Went on her at noon & then dined at Restaurant—then at 2 P.M. rode over to St. Helena with Gen Williams inspecting— Rained furiously while we were returning. Supped at Restaurant— Cards, & 2 ladies in cabin. Small accomodations. Wednesday, March 22 Charleston S.C. 480 481 482 483 The U.S.S. Catskill was a single-turret monitor launched in December 1862. Salisbury was an army paymaster. The Fulton was a U.S. Army transport. The Canonicus, large enough to carry 600 men, was used as an army transport. �Very windy nearly all day. Col. Lewis & I gave up State-room to Gen Potter484 at 1½ A.M. just as we started from H. Head. I slept some in my chair—rough weather sick. Clearer to-night & still. Thursday, March 23 Charleston S.C. Very windy all day. Came over to city at 2½ P.M. Called on Surg n Trenor and saw Dr. Clymer there. 485 The latter says there will be a purveying Depot at Charleston. Called on Dr. Hawks Mr. & Mrs. Morse & Mr. Pillsbury,486 & remain overnight—have some music and cards. Friday, March 24, 1865 Fair & cool with wind. Examine 40 Negroes for Soldiers for Col. Hutchings487 in A.M.— Wrote unofficial letter to Surgn Goodman, asking his kind offices to get me away from here. Wrote letter to wife 3. Saturday, March 25 Weather fair all day, yet cool. Went to City and finished signing Certificates of enlistment of the negroes examined yesterday. Waited two hours in vain to see Surg n Trenor U.S.V. concerning supplies, contracts, &c. Sunday, March 26 Charleston. Weather rather cool but fair. Probably Colonel James Lewis, 144th New York Infantry; Edward E. Potter (18231889) at this time was commander of the District of Beaufort, Department of the South. 485 John Trenor, Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers, would be appointed Chief Medical Officer in the District of Savannah, Department of the South in April; Surgeon Meredith Clymer (1817-1902), U.S. Volunteers, was Medical Director of the Department of the South. 486 Probably Gilbert Pillsbury, an agent of the U.S. Treasury Department, who was in Charleston to take possession of all captured and abandoned Confederate property of a nonmilitary nature. 487 Colonel Hutchings (or Hutchins) is not identified, but he probably was affiliated with General Littlefield’s volunteer recruiting service. 484 �Went over to City to church in A.M. Sermon from Isaiah LXV.24. 488— Good text but dry sermon. Dined irregularly at home.— Read and meditated on Mat VII489 in evening—and wrote letter to Clara 3—advising piety &c.490 Monday, March 27 Not feeling well to-day— Straighten up reports and make Requisitions for Med. supplies, all ready to send in morn—news from Sherman’s army encouraging.491 The Rebellion must soon collapse. Tuesday, March 28 Rainy all day— Rather dreary. Worked at Annual Returns of Med. & Hosp. property for 1864. Wednesday, March 29 Charleston. Rainy & Windy all day & night. Continue to work on Returns for 1864. Thursday, March 30 Rainy in morn but clears off & is warm but windy—in P.M. Work late at “Returns” and nearly finish them. Friday, March 31 Cooler and very windy all night. Clear to-day with high wind. Sunday, April 2, 1865 St. Andrews Depot “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” 489 The seventh chapter of Matthew deals with the last portion of the Sermon on the Mount, and begins, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” 490 This letter is not present in the collection. 491 Bennitt is probably referring to the three-day Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina fought on March 19-21. For the Carolinas campaign, Sherman organized his army into two groups. The left wing, commanded by General Slocum, was called the Army of Georgia; the right wing, under General Howard, was called the Army of Tennessee. At Bentonville 21,000 Confederates commanded by Joseph E. Johnston attacked General Slocum’s left wing before withdrawing to escape encirclement. On March 23 the two Union wings recombined at Goldsboro. 488 �Fair weather. Went to church in morn, took dinner with Mr. Morse &c and went with them to afternoon service, & returned after to camp. Finished letter to Jennie 6—about Wagner—Putnam Gregg—Chatfield Seymour—Shaw and Sumter. Monday, April 3 Charleston. Rain threatened in morn but clears off. Dr. Smith & I visit two of the colored schools in city,— —purchase some eatables & Dr. S. returns to camp. I take two cans of fruit to Mrs. Morse—go with her to Orphan Asylum Hospital, returned & remained with them to-night. Dr Hawks comes over. Miss Dean & Mr. & Mrs Fowlur leave.492 Tuesday, April 4 Charleston S.C. Fair and warm—delightful— With Mr Morse, went to market & spent 1.25 for dinner— Went to Morris Street School & was asked by Mr. Redpath 493 to take charge of it. Consented to do what I could—but think I have a hard job to bring order out of this chaos of 300 white, and 700 black children and 20 indigenous teachers. Come to camp before sun-down. Sunday, April 16, 1865 On Steamer “Champion” off South Carolina coast— Embarked on small steamer at 7 A.M. & left Charleston passing Fort Sumter at 12 M. in this vessel. Saturday, April 22, 1865 Raleigh N.C. It is likely that these three persons are teachers in the reorganized Charleston schools. Miss Dean is unidentified, but Mrs. “Fowlur” may be Mary A. Fowler of Foxboro, Massachusetts who was affiliated with the New England Freedman’s Aid Society. 493 James Redpath (1833-1891) was a war correspondent with the Union armies and, as Bennitt states, was subsequently appointed Superintendent of Education for South Carolina to reorganize the state’s school system. 492 �Pleasant all day. Left New Berne at 10 AM.—arrived here at 8¾—Camp on side of RR. track with Dr Smith &c.494 Saw Surgeon Wood at Goldsboro. Sent word to Gen Prince. 495 Sunday, April 23 Raleigh N.C. 3rd Div Hosp. Pleasant—all day. Found Dr. Gr[instead?] Monday, April 24 Raleigh N.C. Pleasant. Stayed with Dr Hobbs last night—got eight letters from home. Tuesday, April 25, 1865 14 miles West of Raleigh N.C. Pleasant. Marched 14 miles. Mailed my letter home written on yesterday— We seem to wait for Johnson to Surrender. Wednesday, April 26, 1865 14 miles West Raleigh N.C. Pleasant—airy—Off[icer of] day J.B. Partly made Monthly report for March. Completed Annual Property Return & will send one to-morrow. Rumors of Johnson’s Surrender. Recd letter from wife of March 29th 30 with my picture. Wrote in return. Saturday, April 29, 1865 Sent away 275 sick & 10 attendants via R.R. Off at 10 PM. in a little rain. Sunday, April 30 Pleasant. Near Neuse River 13 miles North of Raleigh N.C. 494 The North Carolina Railroad between Goldsboro and Raleigh was only moderately damaged by the retreating Confederate army under General J. E. Johnston, and was quickly repaired. �Started from camp at 7 but did not leave town till about noon—talked with Dr Hobbs. Monday, May 1 Cool & Pleasant. Near Tar River— Crossed Neuse early this morn—rode on and overtook Corps Hd Qrs. Waited till afternoon— Crossed Tar River about 8 P.M. Only one man on sick— March 20 miles—3 Div behind. Tuesday, May 2 Cool but plesant. Marched 14 miles nearly North—leaving Oxford to our left about two miles & Passing it about three or four miles. Camped about 6½ P.M. Wednesday, May 3 Cool still but pleasant— North Side Roanoke River Va. Marched 22 miles very comfortably—except for dust. Talked with a Theologian while 3 Div. crossed Pontoon— Camped before sundown. Thursday, May 4 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. Saffords Bridge Luhuenbergh Co Va. Day has been pleasant but little dust.— A little rain to-night.— Marched 22 miles crossed Meherin River. Camped at 5½ PM.— Country good but exhausted by Tobacco culture & Slave labor— A good place to settle with a Yankee Colony— Friday, May 5 Near left Bank of Nottaway Creek. Rain of last night and this morn slaked the dust & a little more started at 5 A.M. Marched on grade of Plank road for 10 miles— Camp at 2 P.M. Weather delightful—country fair—stopped at house of Dr. Hatchett.496 March 18 miles. Saturday, May 6, 1865 45 miles SW Richmond— Marched 15 miles and camped about 2 P.M having started at 5 to 6 A.M. Very pleasant & quite warm in middle of day. Procured an order from Provost Marshall to get water at Spring. Henry Prince (1811-1892) at this time was in charge of troops and supplies arriving at Hilton Head for the use of Sherman’s army. 496 Probably James M. Hatchett, Surgeon on the Confederate General Staff. 495 �Sunday, May 7 25 miles S.W. Richmond Va. Weather very pleasant. Started at 4.30. to 6. 00 AM. Marched 12 miles to Appomattox which crossed at 12 M. on Pontoons— Came 8 miles farther and camped at 300 PM. at Clover Hill Coal Mines.— 900 feet deep two shafts & out-crop. Stopped at Hosp. of Sheridans command. Monday, May 8 8 miles S.W of Richmond Va. Marched 17 miles—rains a little to-night— Some persons went on to Manchester 6 miles where army Hd Qrs is. Tuesday, May 9 6 or 7 miles S.W. Richmond Va. A little rainy. Ordered to move 5 miles nearer to city. I with Drs. Jones & Webb, 497 went forward to city— Saw Dr. Goodman. Visited Libby Prison—took dinner at Post Hosp. with Acting Staff Surgn Palmer498 in charge, returned by 4 PM. Went to Div Hd Qrs. Wednesday, May 10 6 or 7 miles S.W. Richmond Va.— Remained in camp all day— Sent off nearly 400 men unable to march—by transports to Alexandria. Will march to-morrow morn 14th A.C. ahead—to Alexandria. Dr. Terry returned to Hospital. Thursday, May 11 Hanover C.H. 5 miles N. Richmond Va. Very warm. Marched through the City in P.M. Passed by Libby Prison. Marched farther than seemed to be necessary—probably 15 miles in all. The dwellers in the Old Rebel Capital thought Sherman had a great army. Friday, May 12 In Chickahominy Swamp 14 miles North of Richmond Va. Cool all day. Probably Melville E. Webb, who was Assistant Surgeon in the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry. 498 Possibly Surgeon Henry Palmer, U.S. Volunteers. 497 �The heavy rain last night has rendered these swampy roads almost impassible— At noon stopped at the place where Rebel Gen Stuart499 received his mortal wound. Camped about 5 or 6 o’clock 10 miles. Saturday, May 13500 Near Little River 30 miles N.N.W. Richmond Va. Weather very pleasant— Roads very bad in morning till we passed Ashland. Country this side very fine— Crossed South Anna River about noon. Took 14 sick & lame men in ambulances—one man of 65 a dead drunk— 16 miles. General James Ewell Brown (“Jeb”) Stuart (1833-1864) was the dashing commander of the Confederate Cavalry Corps. He was killed in May 1864 in a clash with General Sheridan’s Union cavalry at Yellow Tavern, Virginia. 500 This was the last entry that Bennitt made in his 1865 diary. 499 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Civil War and Slavery Collection Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Slavery--United States African Americans United States--Politics and government--19th century Description An account of the resource A selection of correspondence, diaries, official documents, photographs related to the American Civil War and to the institution of slavery, collected by Harvey E. Lemmen. The collection includes a selection of documents from ten states related to the ownership of slaves and abolition, correspondence and documents of soldiers who fought in the war and from family members and officials, diaries and letters of individuals, and a collection of mailing envelopes decorated with patriotic imagery. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lemmen, Harvey E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/472">Civil War and Slavery Collection (RHC-45)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Diaries and Correspondence (RHC-43)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/471">Nathan Sargent Papers (RHC-44)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/478">Theodore Peticolas Diary (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/476">Civil War Patriotic Envelopes Collection (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/479">Whitely Read Diary (RHC-52)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1804-1897 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg; application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image; Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1804-1897 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-43_BD-1 Title A name given to the resource John Bennitt Civil War diary, volume 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bennitt, John Description An account of the resource This diary is one of three kept by physician John Bennitt of Centreville, Michigan describing his experience as a Civil War surgeon for the 19th Michigan Infantry Regiment. The first volume (Sept. 1, 1863-Jan. 26, 1864) details Bennitt's stay at camps in Murfreesboro and as head of the General Hospital in McMinnville, Tennessee. The volume focuses on medical conditions treated, medicines prescribed, surgery performed (including amputations), and the progress of patients. Other entries describe his daily routine, living conditions, weather, correspondence, attendance at bible class, and occasional war news. The last pages of the volume includes an account of letters written and received with names of correspondents and dates. Subject The topic of the resource Bennitt, John United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 19th (1862-1865) Surgeons Diaries United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical care Michigan Murfreesboro (Tenn.) McMinnville (Tenn.) Wartrace (Tenn.) Tennessee Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Correspondence and diaries of Civil War surgeon, John Bennitt (RHC-43): http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470 Relation A related resource Part of collection of papers with correspondence published by Wayne State University Press, Detroit as I Hope to Do My Country Service; the Civil War letters of John Bennitt, M.D., Surgeon, 19th Michigan Infantry. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/637a8d40cd6191d87219e4bcec876001.pdf 1cd12010dbcce43d156bf01886037001 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/24c1906223c95d82c3a4b167ec978e35.pdf 27734e94453a07778d597aedf037bb16 PDF Text Text Sunday, January 1, 1865 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather fair, but cooler than at any previous time this winter. Icicles as large as my finger froze last night, and I slept rather cool with two Blankets— D Died early this morning from the gun-shot of the abdomen. I went to Presbyterian church in morn. Dr. Goodman came and inspected Hosp. in my absence according to notification. We had inspected before going to church and found things in fair condition. I took my application to go to Cincinnati to Capt. Speed, & he will promised to send it forward without delay. It must be signed by Gen Ward. 1 Dr. Terry & I went to Episcopal ch. at 3½ PM. Minister omitted prayer for President of U.S.— I chatted with Gen. Sherman at door of church this AM.— Capt. of 85 Ind. came in sick, & Col Bloodgood came in also not very well to stay and eat—3 Cavalry Officers at Dinner. Monday, January 2 Pavillion Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather mainly fair, warmer than before—fire not necessary in middle of day. Tuesday, January 3 Same Place. Weather fair in morn cloudy in PM. & a little rainy to-night. Not cold. I went to Corps Hd Qrs but did [not?] find Dr. Goodman, got circular of Dec. 26 th with reference to organizing Hosp. Gave it to Q[uarter] M[aster] & he has gone to work, will have charge of all men except nurses and cooks, & my clerks & Stewards. Cleared out Med. Soc. room for Convalescent ward—will be nice. Stopped to see the teamsters, saw little colored boy sick there. Have been trying to arrange mess a/c—Hubbard bot 9 knives & forks for 7.50. & 9 Cups & Saucers for 7.50. Edgar Tallman let me have 5.00. Paid Studley 71.00—owe him still $17½. He thinks he can get fruit Oysters vegetable cheese &c. at boat. Officers apparel came on boat to-day. Capt. Speed called here for a sponge.— Div troops all over. Confab with Col ____. 1 On January 1 General Ward approved Bennitt’s request to go to Cincinnati for examination by the Army Medical Board, and Surgeon Goodman endorsed it on January 3. Bennitt was granted a thirty-day leave of absence. �Wednesday, January 4 Chatham Academy Hosp. 3rd Div 20 A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather fair and pleasant but somewhat cool.— 3rd Div. is not entirely over the Savannah yet—at least the train is yet here. Forage very scarce—our animals suffering.— I am not yet able to make any arrangement for buying sanitary stores except at enormous rates. Every body turned Sutler & working in many instances on small capital. Gave Studley memorandum of Indebtedness to amount of $17.50 and ordered him 2 lbs butter for his son. Thursday, January 5 Same Place. Weather fair—pleasant warmer than yesterday—only a little fire needed— Dr. Goodman called this morn— Four patients with Gangrene & Erysipelas2 sent from 2nd Div. Hosp. into the tents put up here for that purpose. One Moribound (a Reb.)— nearly—two more will probably die—one has lost an arm (a Reb.) Three ment sent with them as nurses. (2 Rebs) Mr. Lawrence of Christian Commission here at supper.— Col Dustin & Lieut Wing here to-night. Col. Dustin on a Board of Examination—Wing thinks of resigning—I thought to send to Hilton Head but seeing Gen Easton 3 I am inclined to think it is of no use to try— Saw Willie Tenbrook there— Called on 23rd Mo. Lt. Col. Morton will muster-out. Friday, January 6 Chatham Academy Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather mixed—a little rainy & fair alternately—windy to-night. Mr. Lawrence took away desks for 40 to Christian Com rooms—Surgn Goodman thinks this will be for a Corps Hosp, soon— Rebel from 2 Div Died to-day of Gangrenous wound.— I started with Surgn Terry to go to Div. but after crossing two Pontoons we were stopped by reason of the third being disconnected to allow—Steamer to pass through—waited some time, but saw that we should be in the dark on bad road if we went on, so came back—meeting train on long pontoon—returned at 4 P.M. 2 3 A disease causing inflammation to the skin and characterized by spreading to adjacent areas of the affected part. Langdon C. Easton (1814-1884) was chief quartermaster for Sherman's armies from the Atlanta Campaign until the end of the war. �Rec’d order to go to Cincinnati— Called on Dr. Goodman—found Dr. Gill there— The latter gave me recommend[ation] to Dr. Stanton4—& went to his room—& got Virchow. Packed my trunk—ready for start in morn.—it is after 12 midnight. Saturday, January 7 Same place. Weather very pleasant. I took my bay horse to Capt Whittlesey 5 who paid me $100.00 for him & I paid $2000 for the capture[?]— Saw Dr. Gill— Rec’d from Dr. Goodman letter of Introduction to Surg n King.6 Dr. Terry will have charge here by seniority till Dr. Grinsted returns— Kept watch for boat to go away upon but could get none— Paid Marshall7 $3000 which pays him to Feb 5 ’65— Wrote note to Lieut & sent by Dr. Hastings, commending him & by horse & mule to his care, if necessary—Dr. Terry paid me for Shirt 200. I Paid him mess for self & Dr Himes $200. Sunday, January 8 Chatham Academy Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather pleasant a little cloudy & cool— I rose at 6 AM & went to Quay to learn if any vessels would go to Hilton Head, found some in—Crescent8—just arrived with a load of convalescent soldiers—5 of 19th Mich. Many others of 20th A.C. No boat now to leave— Went to church at 10½ A.M. Dr. Goodman came over here with me—did not make a formal inspection— We are ready to start at a moments notice— Dr. Himes & I went down at 3 P.M. found a boat coming in—the Mary Burton.9 Went aboard with our baggage— She will go to Thunderbolt—W.W. Coit10 came up with Gen Foster & staff about 5 PM.— Had some trouble in getting on her & after supper were notified that we Probably John C. Stanton, Assistant Surgeon, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry (117th Regiment). 5 Captain Henry M. Whittelsey was acting chief quartermaster for the 20 th Army Corps. 6 William S. King, formerly Medical Director of the Union troops at Washington in 1861, was appointed Medical Director of the Department of the Ohio at Cincinnati in October 1863. 7 Possibly Private Mahlon W. Marshall of Company A, 85 th Indiana Infantry, who may have been employed by Bennitt as cook or steward for the hospital. 8 Crescent was a U.S. Army transport steamer. 9 Possibly the British schooner Mary P. Burton, captured in 1864 attempting to run the blockade with a cargo of iron. 10 W. W. Coit was a steamer used as a dispatch boat. 4 �could not remain—but that the boat would not leave till 4 in morn—leave our baggage & come back. Monday, January 9 On Board U.S. Transport “Arago” Of[f] S.C. Coast. Tuesday, January 10 On Board U.S. Transport “Arago” off N.C. Coast. Weather Tempestuous & rainy. I am most miserably sick & think a seafaring is a hard life. One of the Wilmington Blockading fleet was spoken about 4 P.M but so rought that no boat was lowered. Wednesday, January 11 8½ AM. in state room on board the Arago off Cape Henry. Am a little better of sea sickness & have taken some tea & crackers—sea not so rough as through the night. On Board U.S. Transport Arago. Off Coast of Maryland at 9 PM. Weather rather stormy yet & sea so rough that I have been obliged to keep my bed at nearly all day & have eaten only a little cracker & tea twice. It seems a little calm to-night I laid out till 2 AM. this morn in cold rain on upper deck being too sick to come down & dreading the closeness of the State-room— Thoroughly wet to the skin except the body. Thursday, January 12 On Board U.S. Transport Arago in Hudson River N.Y. at 11½ P.M. Weather has been extremely fine to-day & the ocean has come down to her proper levels—air cool but bracing— My sea sickness all gone this morn & I have eaten heartily to-day—but the fare is stinted. Paid my $9.00 & 50cts for porterage— Came in sight of lighthouses just before night & the Jersey coast— Beautiful Sea. Sails—Arago steams about 9 or 10 knots, & sails a little more. All day— We have sailed 720 miles from H[ilton] H[ead] in 80 hours—two thirds of time with a rough sea & wind pushing us along. I have been too sick till to-day to stir. Friday, January 13 Metropolitan Hotel New-York. �Weather very pleasant & clear. Colder than in Savannah. Our company debarked at 6 AM. (an hour earlier than necessary)—paid Stops $1.00 for Carriage to Hotel. Dr. Himes at same time walked up— Breakfasted superbly but could get no room at once, took a walk of a mile or more up city first.— After breakfast mailed all the letters sent by me, except one to San[itary] Com[mission] from Mr. Hobblitz—which I handed in person. 823 Broadway. Went to Opticians— Bought of Clothing—Coat. 5200 Straps 6½ Vest 8. Pants 18.+1½ Shirts 13.00+5½ Collars 1½ Socks 1¼ gloves 1½. Of— Boots 1200 Of— Stereoscope & Pictures 27.75. All sent to Hotel—Room 310. 6th Story—“Tip Top”11 Vis[ited] Gruno 52 East 30th St to get Microscope. Dined & went to Randalls Island Foundling Hosp. 12 by boat—returned by 3rd Av. Cars. Fare up for 2—20cts down—14cts. Wrote letter to Dr. King—Packed in goods retire at 1 A.M. of 14th. Tuesday, February 9, 1864 Weather warm & pleasant. Wrote letter 4 small pages to wife. Made endorsement on letter from Surgeon Cansdell,—asking about tardiness of reports,—stating that the reports had been sent at regular time and that the trouble was in the irregularity of the mail. Made discharge papers for Sam’l Vogan & Wm Harvie,13 and Endorsed a certificate for leave of absence for Chaplain Cave, but only as to facts as to his condition, but not giving it as my opinion that he should have leave of absence on account of health. His domestic afflictions a better reason for going home. He ought to resign. 11 12 13 The Metropolitan Hotel, located at the corner of Broadway and Prince Street, was known for its “sky parlors” that allowed guests to watch the pedestrian traffic on the streets below. Because the New York Foundling Hospital was not established until 1869, Bennitt is probably referring to the New York House of Refuge that was located on Randalls Island at this time. It housed delinquent children as well as orphans, and along with the Children's Aid Society, sent thousands of children to families in the Midwest on the "Orphan Trains" between 1854 and 1930. Bennitt's interest in visiting the establishment may have been related to the fact that the very first Orphan Train delivered its youthful cargo to Dowagiac. Possibly Private Samuel P. Vogan of Company B, 19th Ohio Infantry and Private William Harvey of Company H, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. �John Sutton14 came into Hospital looking very bad, this morning. I fear he has not thought himself as sick as he really is. Wednesday, February 10 Weather warm and pleasant. Rec’d letter from Surgn Cansdell directing me to recommend 8 men for Brigade Ambulance Corps.15 I had sent the weekly Regimental report to mail in afternoon. John Sutton died to-night at 9 o’clock. Entered Hospital yesterday morning.— Had not seemed to be much sick till then. Dr. T[rowbridge] thinks there may have been peritonitis from perforation of the intestine. He had complained of diarrhoea for a few days past, but he tried to do duty too long. The labor of & exposure this winter have been too severe for him & he did not give up as long as he could stand. I ought to have attended to his case with more care when he first came to sick call. It is barely possible that his case was then remediable. I will try to improve from these dear bought lessons. Thursday, February 11 Weather warm & pleasant. Burial of John Sutton at 4 P.M. with military honors—Autopsy revealed perforation of intestine 2 feet above Ilio-coecal valve, which must have occurred the morning before he came into the Hospital—Inflammation of the entire peritoneum with diphtheritic exudation in many places. All organs covered by peritoneum involved somewhat in the infl[ammation]—Intense congestion of pulmonary mucus membrane, so that blood exuded abundantly, and run from the nares.16 Calcarious concretion in several Bronchial glands.— He seems to have suffered for some time without complaint. Wrote a letter of condolence to Mrs. Sutton after Prayer meeting. Fire in town. Bebs17 Ho[u]se burns night before last. Grand illumination came near destroying the church. Friday, February 12 14 15 16 17 Private John A. Sutton (1841?-1864) of Nottawa enlisted in Company D, 19th Michigan in August 1862. Early in the war it was seen that a reliable and fast method of removing wounded men from the battlefield was desperately needed. The Army of the Potomac organized the first such unit with trained men and specially designed wagons for the purpose. Not until March 1864 was a bill passed to establish the Ambulance Corps as a regular army unit under the control of the Medical Department. The anterior and posterior pairs of openings to the nasal cavity through which air passes to the pharynx. Bebb, first names not known, was a family residing in McMinnville. �Weather pleasant & mild. Visit all the camps of the 23 Mo. & nearly all of 19th Mich. There is much need of improvement in policing bedding & tents, in both regiments, but I must report the facts. The men of the 19th Mich. especially have been worked hard lately that the bridge and fortifications may be finished, & the cannon brought up & the work put in a good defensable condition. There is some excuse for a little slackness in policing if ever. Lent Black Harry a dollar, Proba[bly] not to see it again. Saturday, February 13 Mr. Champion returned from home. No letters from wife for five days— Letter from Dr. Green saying that he would accept a commission as asst. Surg in 19 th Mich. I doubt if he will have an opportunity. Inspected Hospital & found it in good condition generally.— Wrote recommendation? for Carlos Baker 18 for Hospital Steward in Colored regiment— did not commend him very highly. Wrote Surgn Cansdell nominating men from this regiment for Ambulance Corps. Wrote Surgn Mintzer unofficially enclosing a letter from his Sister which I had opened. Made Post Sanitary Report. Rumors of Rebels expected before many days. I don’t believe any will come here in arms now. Retire after 12 midnight. Sunday, February 14, 1864 Held Bible class at Methodist church this morn at 10—Present Chaplain of 23rd Mo. and about 20 of the men, & the girls. Two classes of men & one of Ladies.—Lesson Acts V 1 to 12. Interest good. Hope some good may come of these lessons. Rumors of rebels in large force coming here, and the men are kept at work on defences & securing stores & water in works, so that we can stand a siege of several days if need be. I do not believe we shall be attacked at this time. There is too little to be gained to them & too much risk of being injured in the operation. Wrote letter to my wife 4 pages. Also to Dr. Clarke to send by Lieut. L. W. Seymour, 19 who goes to Washington to-morrow. 18 19 Carlos Baker (born ca. 1828) of Allegan County enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan in August 1862 and would be discharged in July 1865. Probably 1st Lieutenant George W. Seymore of Company I, 23rd Missouri Infantry. �Weather a little rainy but warm. Did not attend Preaching. Monday, February 15 Rainy, but still warm. Birds sing. Lieut. Seymour of 23 Mo. goes to Washington by order of Gen. Thomas to be treated for Epilepsia. Send letter to Surgeon Cansdell giving list of recommendation for Ambulance Corps. Receive letter from Surgn Hobbs directing me to report condition of Medical wagon, & Med. Stores &c. & to report on Wednesday. No word yet from Whiskey for hospital. A gun was fired at guard at Hickory Creek bridge last night & they fired in return. No information from rebs. Bought this book of Champion on a/c for $2.50. 20 No letter from wife for a week now. If the little one is sick may God spare her. Tuesday, February 16 Weather clear but a cold wind from the North makes it feel quite uncomfortable out, & it freezes all day. Examined regimental Hospital stores & wagon so as to report condition & quantity. Asst. Surgn Trowbridge attends all the sick in Hospital. I att sick call of regiment. Miles Cook21 of Co “E.” died at 3 A.M. of measles, suppressed. Bronchitis. Gen congestion, all recent. Organs all apparently sound. Fear of rebel raid here passing off. Cue,22 got Drunk up in village & was sent to guard house. Reported the matter to Col. Robinson & he had the Liquor seized, of the man (Henderson) 23 & says he will send it down to Hospital to-morrow. 12 to 15 gall[on]s peach Brandy. fair. We’ll see.? Called at Dr. Armstrong’s. Lt. Fonda24 was drunk in street & behaved himself very — 20 21 22 23 Although its entries begin on February 9, Bennitt is referring to his pocket diary that he bought from Champion, the camp sutler. Miles Cook (born ca. 1846) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863 and only arrived at McMinnville on February 1. A soldier by the name of Cue (or Kew) does not appear on the rosters of the 19 th Michigan or the 23rd Missouri Infantry regiments. Possibly Philo P. Henderson (born ca. 1837) of Girard. He enlisted in Company H, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. �Wednesday, February 17, 1864 Weather cold & windy but clear. Thawed a little where sun shone. Col. Robinson sent ten gallons “Peach Brandy” taken from Henderson last night—to Hospital. It is good & timely. Made Requisition for new Register & cards. 25— Sent Monthly Report for Jan to Q[uarter] M[aster] Gen[eral].— Wrote Dr. Hobbs of the condition of stores wagon, Tents & supplies, sending a list with quantities. Sent him also Weekly Sick report stating sanitary condition &c. & report of Med officers with some Remarks as to the manner in which we are employed.— Gave him the names of my Hospital att[endant]s for detail in Brigade Ambulance Corps.— Wrote a letter to my wife 2 pages mentioning the Fonda scandal but giving no particulars. Inspected Co “B.” Good—very Good. Retire very late. Thursday, February 18 Weather still clear & cold. Bought casmere gloves of Sutler on a/c yesterday, & took dinner with Capt. Lincoln. No letter from home yet.— No mail to-day. Forage train of 30 wagons & 100 men under Capt Calmer 26 sent back word that it was reported that Carter with 200 men was at the Caney Fork ford27 on Sparta road awaiting their coming to dispute their advance & prevent their foraging—50 more of 19th Mich. men (Co. D) & 50 Mo. men were sent to reinforce. Dr. Trowbridge went with an ambulance. Tallman & French28 also went. I doubt their seeing any enemy. They were off at 2 P.M. 20 minutes after notification. Examined Capt. Lincoln. Fear he has tubercles—will resign. Man came in to-night who I fear has varioloid.29 24 25 26 27 28 29 Charles W. Fonda (born ca. 1840) of Centreville was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Company G in July 1863. I.e., patient registers. Charles H. Calmer (1834?-1864) of St. Joseph was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He was promoted to Captain in May 1863 and would be killed in action at Resaca, Georgia in May 1864. The ford was located about twelve miles northeast of McMinnville. Albert French (born ca. 1830) of Monterey enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. A mild form of smallpox that occurs in persons with a high resistance to the disease, usually obtained through vaccination. �Sang an hour with Mr. Russel30 & Daniels. Dr. T[rowbridge] left his wallet with me having in it cash $1540 & stamps 33cts—may God keep them all in safety— Cold & clear to-night. Moonshine. Friday, February 19 Weather fair and somewhat warmer. Made Weekly Hospital report—Weekly Post reports i.e. of sick and of Med officers.— Report from 23rd Mo. came in about noon. Att[ended] sick call of Reg’t & visited nearly all the sick, before noon. Did not visit third story till eve. Called to see Colored cook in town & sent med[icine?]. Made Certificate of Disability for Capt. Lincoln. He has Incipient Tubercular Phthisis 31 & proposes to resign. Lieut. Reynolds32 sent Abstract of Issues33 to Regt’l Hospital to me to-night. Steward copied statement of Fund. The other Has not come i.e. from Lt. Waters. 34 I think I may do better to-morrow than I have to-day. Trouble of Major Griffin35 with Lieut. Fonda on account of arrest. No word from the Forage train. Saturday, February 20 Weather mild & clear, still cool enough. Have been trying to do my duty more faithfully but have not succeeded much better, yet I am not discouraged, “For in due time I hope to reap if I faint not.” May God give me strength, & let His Love fill my soul, so that all my powers may be devoted to His work. Col. Robinson, & Majors _____36 & Griffin, were at Hospital inspection. They seemed pleased with the appearance of things. Approved Certificate of disability for discharge of Aaron Hatcher Pri[vate] of Co F. 23 Mo. (Opacity of Cornea) 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Possibly W. N. Russel (born ca. 1827), a McMinnville farmer. I.e., pulmonary tuberculosis or consumption. Herbert N. Reynolds (born ca. 1836) of Niles enlisted in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry as Commissary Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in July 1863. A report of medical and hospital supplies issued from a central depot. Possibly 1st Lieutenant Richard C. Waters of Company K, 23rd Missouri Infantry. Eli A. Griffin (1833?-1864) of Niles was commissioned Captain in Company A, 6th Michigan Infantry in June 1861 and resigned in June 1863. He subsequently joined the 19th Michigan Infantry as Major in October 1863 and would be killed in action at Golgotha Church, Georgia in June 1864. Bennitt apparently could not remember the name of the officer from the 23 rd Missouri Infantry who was Major Jacob A. Trumbo. �Forage train returned full—saw but few rebs—captured 5 or 6 Bushwhackers. Col. Stokes37 had preceded them—Reb. Carter, is variously reported as wounded, & in Ky. No reliance. Capt. Calmer accidentally wounded in thigh with his own pistol. Not serious. Call at Dr. Armstrong’s—Mrs. A. in my absence sent us 4 apples. Sunday, February 21, 1864 Weather most lovely & springlike. Birds singing joyfully— A little cool early in morn. Bible-class did not do well to-day on account of there being no stove in the house. We must try to have a place to meet. It will not do to abandon it now. Mr. Price Preached a good sermon from Luke XV 11. &c. The Prodigal Son. It seemed to have a good effect. Mail came in bringing letter from wife (3 p.) All well at home. Hattie better.— Write letter to wife (2). Reports of movements of armies into E. Tenn. & impending battle. Did not go to meeting to-night as the Chaplain’s preaching is not instructive nor pleasant to me. 39 on sick list of 19th Mich. Large proportion are recruits. Monday, February 22 Weather most pleasant & warm. Like the last of April in Mich. 24 men at sick call this morning. Sent two with Ophthalmia 38 into Hospital & one with “Fits.” Capt. Calmer came in to-night. Sent McLachlin39 & Cue home on furlough. Doubtful if the former ever goes into the field again.— Inspected quarters and cooking of Cos. I. (good) B. (good) D. (kitchen good quarters dirty) H. (kitchen good quarters dirty) K. (kitchen good quarters dirty) I do not think their excuses are valid. They waste much time at cards &c. Do I improve all mine?(?) Visited negro cook sick in town—Better. Attended prayer meeting. Goodly number & good interest, but the Chaplain talks too long & loud. I want to feel more of the love of God in my heart. 37 38 39 William B. Stokes (1814-1897), commander of the 5th Tennessee (Union) Cavalry. His regiment was active in anti-guerrilla operations at this time. A severe inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the interior or deeper regions of the eye. Archibald McLachlin (1828-1890) enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in January 1863 and would resign due to disability in May 1864. �Tuesday, February 23 Weather very fair mild & pleasant. 23 Mo. Reg’t ordered to Murfreesboro to relieve 33rd Ind. which goes home as veterans.— 23rd Mo started about 1 P.M. Officers tarried to have a spree &c.— Commissary sent in abstracts of Issues to Hospitals which were very imperfectly made out. Corrected them so far as I could. Gentry of 23 Mo died in hospital this morn. Autopsy showed pulmonary abscess, & extensive adhesions of pleura—Old—Ulceration of Intestines—40 Black Dorcas child died of scrofulous affection of all the organs & glands. Hepatic abscesses.41 Dined at Mr. Price’s. called at Capt. Cliff’s42 to see Surgeons Major Griffin commands Post. Lt. Wing43 Post Q[uarter] M[aster]. Capt. Bigelow 44 Provost Marshall.— Spent evening at Head quarters talking our affairs over. Wednesday, February 24 Weather still fair & warm—Thunder lightning & rain for a few minutes about 10 PM. last night & then all quiet & clear again. No events of special importance. Mrs. Price called to see me concern[ing] Capt. Lincoln’s health. Called to see Lieut. Rynex,45 but he was out riding. Inspected Quarters of three companies. Co. “A” moved to Round House fort. At Dress parade, Lieut. Fonda appeared on duty again. It is proposed to retain him during good behavior.— Maj. Griffin announced as commander of Post &c. Large amount of trade in town to-day. Made Weekly Reports for Brigade Surgeon, which will be sent by first opportunity. No mail. Capt. Lincoln resigns on account of Phthisis Pulm[onalis] &c. 40 41 42 43 44 45 The soldier had a severe infection of the lungs resulting in the formation of pus in the chest cavity; the intestinal ulcer may have been ulcerative colitis. The child of a Black resident of McMinnville had tuberculosis of the skin as well as an infected liver. Probably James Clift (born ca. 1811) of Company M, 5th Tennessee Cavalry. Before the war he was a McMinnville farmer. Lucius M. Wing (born ca. 1840) of Coldwater was commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862, and was was promoted to 1 st Lieutenant in May 1863. In March 1864 he would transfer to Company D and would be commissioned Quartermaster in May 1864. Charles W. Bigelow was commissioned Captain in Company G, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He would die of wounds received at New Hope Church, Georgia in May 1864. 1st Lieutenant Richard C. Rynex was Quartermaster of the 23rd Missouri Infantry Regiment. �Thursday, February 25, 1864 Weather fair and mild—soft wind promise of rain? Att[ended] usual duties of morn. Examined Fuller, Wilkerson & Crockett 46 & we think it best to discharge them. Visited camps out of town. Made all Weekly Regt’l & Hospital Report & returns & Statements of Hospital funds for Jan. Recd several communications from Surg n Hobbs & one from Surgn Brento[?]47 (11th A[rmy] C[orps]) complaining of the delay of my reports— Surgeon Hobbs explained to him & sent me copy because we have no mail. Wrote to him. We will soon have however by R.R. I am tired and a little unwell—indigestion. Rec’d letter from wife of 14th—2 [pages]. She was about to move to Centreville. Wrote to her 3 [pages].— God preserve us all in His Peace. Friday, February 26 Weather very fair and mild, no rain. Sent five patients of the 23rd Mo. to their command by the Q[uarter] M[aster]’s train. We will need to muster those that remain. All Weekly Reports went out. Visited Sambo48 (of Co. “C”) and found him not so well.— Q. M. Rynex neglects to provide for the pay of the Black men at work at the Hospital, but says he will do it when he comes down here after a few days. I hope he will. Meanwhile Lt. McLachlin will attend to the employment of all the “Contrabands.” Rode down to “Hickory Creek” with Major Griffin & “Staff” & crossed the new Bridge on the first train. All sound. The machanics of the 19th Mich. are “some.” May they be as successful in all laudable undertakings as in this. Road rough.— Telegraph might soon be put up. Have I done as much as I ought to-day? My health is a little better than yesterday. Saturday, February 27 Weather very mild & fair, still. Inspected Hospital & found all in good order. 46 47 48 Benjamin Fuller (1842?-1864) of Matteson enlisted in Company H, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would die of disease at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee in July 1864. The other two mentioned are probably Sergeant John Wilkerson and Private William F. Crockett, both of Company C, 23rd Missouri Infantry. Possibly Assistant Surgeon Joseph L. Brenton, 115th Ohio Infantry. Sambo Colvin, a Black cook employed in Company C, 19 th Michigan Infantry. �Made Certificates for discharge of Benj. F. Fuller Co “H” 19th Mich. Phthisis Pulmonalis, & Wm W. Crockett Co C. 23 Mo. V.I—Chronic Diarrhoea. Lieut. Easton49 left Hospital. Paid me $1900 for board & I paid Wilkes $2000. Paid $190 for 4¾ lbs Maple Sugar at Mr. Prices store & left it there. Good reports from the “Front.” Rail Road open to Tullahoma first to-day— Surprized them there. 16 Rebels deserters came in yesterday to take the oath & behave themselves loyally. Sunday, February 28, 1864 Weather a little rainy and somewhat cooler but not freezing. Col. Gilbert returned from home last night with his little boy, James. Brought mail— letter from wife at Centreville, written on the 22nd 2 P[ages] in pencil. Little Hattie hot well. Fear of Scarletina. Dr. Bassett’s children died two weeks ago of it— Wrote letter ½ P. to wife and sent it by Rail Road to Tullahoma &c. Major Griffin went to Murfreesboro. Did not attend church nor Bible class to-day—no place for Bible class—& no preaching except Haggard’s. Mr. Price went to Louisville yesterday. Reported upon three men for whom letters of inquiry were sent here viz: Stephen Moulton—Wm Brubaker & Wm H. Garrett50—last here sick. The others were sent away in Jan. 18th on crutches to Nashville. Col. Gilbert displeased about Capt. Lincoln’s resignation. Monday, February 29 Weather Rainy, all day. Mustered 35 patients & 4 attendants present in Hosp. not including Steward 3 Att[endants], & 20 patients of 19th Mich in Hospital mustered with their companies— only 2 of 19th mustered here viz. Fuller & Sayles.51 49 50 51 David J. Easton (born ca. 1841) of Coldwater was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was promoted Captain in May 1864. He had been wounded in action at Thompson’s Station, Tennessee in March 1863 and would be again at Allatoona, Georgia in May 1864. Possibly Private Oscar W. Moulton of Company D, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics; possibly Private William Brubaker of Company C and Private William Garrett of Company K, 21st Illinois Infantry. Private Benjamin Fuller (1842?-1864) of Matteson enlisted in Company H, 19th Michigan in August 1862 and would die of disease in July 1864. Private Benjamin C. Sayles (1836?-1864) of Decatur enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan in August 1862 and would die of disease at McMinnville in May 1864. �Made Post Sanitary Report & Return of Med Officers at Post & sent with them to Surgeon Perin52 a note stating that we had not received any Blanks for Monthly Report of Sick &c. Rail Road communication to this place is uncertain, as the repairing of the road of the main line is contemplated with the rails from this. No letters from home. Would that I could have an abiding trust that all are cared for by a kind Heavenly Father, and go on in the discharge of my whole duty here, feeling that all is well. Paid Steward $1000 on mess a/c. Tuesday, March 1, 1864 McMinnville Tenn. Summary of Strength of 19th Mich. Present Absent P&A Fighting Men Officers 18 Officers 9 N.C. Officers 101 N.C. Officers 18 Privates 424 Privates 58 Total 543 Total 85 Others 113 Aggregate 656 Sick 25 Aggregate 741 Weather still rainy nearly all day. By request Col. Gilbert ordered a board of Survey, to report upon condition and deficiency of Med. &c. Invoiced to me from R. Fletcher, Med. Purveyor, Jan. 25 th. Capt. Baker,53 Lieut. Easton & Dr. Trowbridge Reported in accordance with the facts as they had examined the stores at the time of their receipt three weeks ago. Report will be approved & sent by first mail. 52 53 Glover Perin (1823-1890) was the Medical Director of the Department of the Cumberland at Chattanooga. John J. Baker (born ca. 1835) of Sturgis was commissioned Captain in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Major in June 1864 and to Lieutenant Colonel in October 1864. In July 1864 he would be wounded in action at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia and would be discharged due to disability in May 1865. �Preparing “Remarks for Monthly Report.” Made weekly Reports to Dr. Hobbs for tomorrow, which will go in the morn if there is a mail. Write letter to wife 2 [pages]. Wednesday, March 2 Weather fair, but cool. Frost last night. Drying out rapidly to-day. Major Griffin came back this morning with an order for our Regt to go to Pikeville 54 to return here after election next Saturday. Order evidently made with the impression that the 23rd Mo. was still here. Town all awake with fear and large numbers prepare to leave, for fear of Bushwhackers &c. Consternation prevails. Col. Gilbert sends train to Tullahoma & telegraphs the facts. The reply is to send 5 companies, 5 remain here. Dr. T[rowbridge] will go with them, with ambulance. Examined 44 “Home Guards.” Reject 2. Called to see Mollie Price. 55 Pleurodynia.56 Called (but did not see it till too late) to see a Colored soldier at Mr. Poindexter’s.57 Will try to see him in morn. O. P. Hanks58 Co E broke his leg in scuffle. Started three men out to duty but they returned, with wagon train. Thursday, March 3 Weather fine, clear & pleasant. One half the Regt. went as far as Collins River (8 miles) toward Pikeville, but found it impracticable to get over on account of the high water caused by the recent rain. One Co. (H) passed, but intelligence reached Col. Gilbert that Carter had stripped Pikeville, & that the people had no knowledge of his coming to protect their election & would not therefore have any— A retrograde was ordered the battalion returned about 5 P.M. having passed the swollen River here twice without any serious accident. I visited large ward in forenoon—& Mrs. Poindexter & the negro there. In the P.M. a wounded Rebel Bushwhacker was brought in from about 20 miles distant. Shot in upper part of chest, & in the back & arm. Paralysis of lower part. Pulse 124— probably will die—59 Prayer meeting well att. Bible class to be continued. 54 55 56 57 58 59 Pikeville, Tennessee is located about thirty miles east of McMinnville The daughter of Mr. Price, the storekeeper and Baptist clergyman. A severe inflammation of muscular attachment of the diaphragm to the chest wall. An unidentified McMinnville resident. Oliver P. Hanks (born ca. 1833) of Adamsville enlisted in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Corporal in January 1865. Bennitt later identified this man as Gilly. Living in the McMinnville area were A. Y. Gilly (born ca. 1833), a farmer, and Albert Gilly (born ca. 1830), a laborer. �Friday, March 4, 1864 Weather pleasant. Promise of rain to-night. Write for information concerning the procuring artificial legs for soldiers to Surg n Perin.—did so. Visited with Col. Gilbert & Lt. Galbraith 60 of Gen. Howard’s staff, eight of the Co.s and made report of award to Co Cooks, viz: B $15. 00 E 1000 “C” “D.” “G.” & H, each 500 “I” “A.” & F each 400 “K.” 300. The first two are premiums, the others simply extra pay for doing well. Visited Miss Price quite sick. Capt. L[incoln] is quite too attentive to look well to me. Wrot letter to wife 4 [pages]. Saturday, March 5 Rained about an hour (from 10 to 11) last night, but it is fair and mild to-day. Mail did not go out till this morn. None received to-day Election to-day here passed off quietly, there seemed to be but one man drunk. The ballot box was protected by Federal bayonets. 132 votes cast. Every man voting took and subscribed to the oath proposed by Gov. Johnson. Some who claim to be loyal men refused to take & did not therefore vote. The loyalty of such men is rather suspicious. Asked Col. Gilbert to take care of the Reb sent here two days ago, as he is a nuisance, can do no good to keep him a prisoner. He can do not mischief if he be sent back home. Visited Mollie Price. Private talk with her mother.— Dr. T[rowbridge] left me there and came home. I went to Capt. Cliff’s and had a sing and chat. Sunday, March 6 Weather very pleasant & warm. Ten sick men at call this morn & 21 in Hospital of the 19th. Affairs moving on quietly. At Bible class were present only 5. Some remained away preparing for inspection. It seems as though Col. Gilbert tries to counteract—not openly however—any religious effort. Speaks as though he thought it my duty to be at Sunday inspection. I cannot see the matter in the same light he does. Mail brought me official papers but no letters from home. 60 Possibly Lieutenant Colonel Robert Galbraith, formerly of the 1 st Tennessee Cavalry. �Visited Mollie Price, & dined there. Poor Mollie!— Prescribed for “Liza” & other negroes. Took morph[ine] for my cold. Monday, March 7 Weather fair in morn.—Rainy in P.M. Bushwhacker Gilly sent out four miles at his request his father also being here. We are glad to be rid of him, for he is a complete nuissanance. It is not probable that he will ever recover the use of his legs because of injury of the spinal cord at 2nd Lumbar vertebra. His punishment is no more than he deserves. Told him so. Made certificates for Furloughs for A. Love, A. R. McCoy, J. Coy, T. Botzen & James Duff.61 Will send them up in the morn—also for Capt. Calmer.— Bought “Atlantic Monthly” for March for 50cts.62 Did not attend prayer meeting on account of finishing the furlough applications. Cold better, still somewhat troublesome.— Began ploughing garden. Thunderstorm gathering. No letter to nor from home. Tuesday, March 8 Weather fair and pleasant most of the day. Rain with Thunder last night. Wet ground unfit to plough.— About thirty recruits from Mich. have come. Co. “C” will be filled to minimum. Commissary stores sent up by R. Road at the same time as far as to within miles of here. Visited negro soldier at Mr. Poindexter’s and made a note of disability on account of Rheumatism on his pass which had expired.— Had some music. Part of ball removed from Reid’s63 thigh that had been there 5 months—Chloroform used. Effected kindly. Stated on paper around the applications for furloughs, that less [than] 14 per cent of furloughs were applied for. 61 62 63 A. Love was in the 72nd Indiana Infantry; Sergeant Alexander R. McCoy and Corporal Joseph W. Coy were in Companies A and G respectively of the 99th Ohio Infantry; Theodorus Botzen (born ca. 1817) of Fillmore enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862; and James Duff was in Company G, 19 th Ohio Infantry. Among the contents of this issue were poetry by John Greenleaf Whittier and Oliver Wendell Holmes, prose by Harriet Beecher Stowe and Edward Everett Hale, and an essay on General McClellan’s Peninsular Campaign of 1862. The newsstand price for the magazine was normally twenty-five cents. Possibly either Corporal Thomas B. Reid or Private James Reid, Jr. both of Company F, 23rd Missouri Infantry. �Did not see Mollie Price but saw her mother and learned that she is much better—Mr. Faulkner64 stripped by Bushwhackers on his way to Nashville 10 miles—of Horse buggy & $45000. No mail. Wednesday, March 9 Weather fair and mild, a little cloudy & airy. 16 at sick call. 20 in Hospital. Made Weekly Reports (3) for Brigade Surgn which will go by first mail. Bought some potatoes (yesterday) for seed &c. (2 bus[hels]).— Visited Mollie Price— much better. Mr. Price store entered by thieves last night? He is promised trouble for selling gun caps for “pills” to Citizens. Some suspicions I have, of the integrity of this family. I hope there is not good ground for it. Visited the painter’s rooms above. He does not paint as well as Mr. Wilkes. Have been feeling unwell all day and still to-night. Recruits came up to-day 29 in number. Col. Gilbert has on foot a project to tax citizens who have means, for the support of poor families to whom government rations have been issued. Thursday, March 10, 1864 Weather rainy last night, fair and pleasant to-day with plenty of stirring air. Windy and a late rain to-night. 6 or 7 Citizens brought in as hostages for good conduct of bushwhackers around us. Col. Gilbert affirms solemnly that one shall be hung for each loyal man murdered &c. Train came within eight miles of here and camped. Lt. Wing coming in. No mail. Prayer meeting with good interest. A new man, from among the recruits. I am feeling a little better to-night. Weekly Hospital [reports] ready to send in the morn, if mail goes out. Extracted a tooth for a Citizen this morn— Paid me a 25cts—first money in this manner rec’d since I have been in the army. Wrote letter to wife 2. Friday, March 11, 1864 Weather fair but rather windy. 64 Probably Asa Faulkner (born ca. 1802), a wealthy McMinnville farmer. �Hospital on fire at noon created some excitement for a time but by prompt & well directed efforts on the part of the attendants & others of the regiment & some Citizens the flames were subdued. It is not safe from fire as it is. Mail Brought letters from Dr. Clarke and I must write him soon, for he seems to think I feel hard toward him which is not the case. He misapprehends me— & one from Surgn Mintzer. He goes home soon. Commends Gen. Davies65— from Dr. Hobbs with Blanks &c. Invoice of Pannier66 & Med[ical] Case which were received in good order—receipt signed and mailed with a note to him.— Dr. Clarke advises me to apply for Examination for Staff Corps. ? Recd two letters from Wife & Jennie—28th ult 2 Inst. Did not send letter to wife to-day but wrote one to Jennie & put in Geo W. Waters Note of $5 00 given at Annapolis Apr. 25, 63. Will go tomorrow probably. Saturday, March 12 Weather fair & pleasant like April of Mich. Gentle Zephyrs fan the brow. Taxing the Citizens goes on briskly at head quarters and men of wealth are made to feel that there is a reality in this war they have encouraged here. But Col. Gilbert may have trouble about the matter, unless he is authorized to act in the matter. Hospital Inspection showed a good condition, & patients doing well. Visited camps & kitchens of Co’s I. B. A. & D. In good condition. The prospect is that we shall remain here for some months to come. Prospect of rain again to-night. I think I will send in another application for leave of absence. Wrote letter to Dr. Clarke at Wash D.C. Sunday, March 13, 1864 Weather fair but somewhat airy and cool enough to have a little fire at evening. 16 at sick call this morning— Two sent into Hospital with lung trouble & one Black boy—(small) with Measles. 54 in Hosp now. 21 of 19 th Mich. Att Bible class, only 7 present, but interest good & a pleasant and profitable time— Ac[ts]. V. 17 to 29. Visited Negro Boy up town who is near his earthly end? 65 66 Brigadier General Thomas A. Davies (1809-1899) was commander of the District of Columbus, Kentucky at this time. The Medical Pannier was a wooden or wicker box containing a prescribed set of medicines, instruments, and dressings that cost the government about $100. �It seems to be necessary to look after them somewhat. I wish the children could be gathered into Sabbath school here. There seems to be a total inattention to religious instruction among the Colored, & the Whites too for that matter. Mr. Price was gone again to-day so that we had no preaching.— Wrote a letter [to] Clara & tried to impress upon her & Jennie the importance of Piety. I am too much devoted to the world & worldly things. God save me. A closely written ½ page to my wife [March] 13th on a blank end of one of her letters, put in with letter to Clara.67 Monday, March 14 Weather Pleasant. Cool enough for a little fire morn & eve.— 14 men at sick call. Signed Abstract of issues to Regt Hospital for Feb. Called to see negro boy about to die of infl[ammation] of Medulla oblongata. 68 Made Certificates for furloughs for J. L. Jackson—J. C. Sims & Solomon Ishmael of 23rd Mo. & B. F. Sales of 19th Mich.69 Visited sick negro child by the cemetery with Mr. Westerfield, 70 not much sick.— Stopped at Steam saw mill on my return. Albert drew of A.C.S. Reynolds71 $7000 on voucher. This will probably supply us for the month. I have to some extent succeeded in following the dictates of conscience & the law of God—O that I may have grace to persevere in well doing. No letters written nor received. Tuesday, March 15 Weather cold & raw—snows to-night. Took the furloughs to Col. Gilbert & he refused to forward the application for Sales because he brought the disease upon himself &c. &c. Just perhaps but hard. 67 68 69 70 71 This letter is not in the collection. The medulla oblongata is the upper part of the spinal cord making up part of the brain stem. Any disease or injury to this area is usually fatal. J. L. Jackson does not appear on the roster of the 23rd Missouri Infantry; Privates Jeremiah Simms and Solomon Ishmael were enrolled in Company B and Company E, respectively, of the 23rd Missouri Infantry. B. F. Sales is Private Benjamin C. Sayles, Company G, 19th Michigan. A young medical student who, beginning in July 1863, served as a hospital clerk. Herbert M. Reynolds (born ca. 1836) of Niles enlisted in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862, and was appointed Commissary Sergeant in September 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in July 1863, and served as Acting Commissary of Subsistence during February and March 1864. �Completed requisition for supplies for Gen. Hosp. & wrote a letter stating our number and circumstances &c. Talked with Col. Gilbert about a Chaplain, & he says he will request the appointment of one if I want one. Dr. Trowbridge writes to Elder Hascal inquiring about Eld. McLeod, intimating to him that we would like to have him if he can be had. 72 Hope we may. Bushwhacker Carter picked up 3 men of Co H. (one of them a Tennessean) and stripped them of nearly everything and sent them in almost naked. Mr. Faulkner’s horse was re-stolen from the Bushwhackers last night & brought in. Wednesday, March 16 Weather cold and stormy—raw, chilly. Sam Henderson73 bought 12 lbs butter for me @ 25cts yesterday. Two Companies of 17th Col’d U.S. came from Woodbury where they had over one day trying to catch Bushwhackers. It is authoritatively stated that Stokes Cavalry have killed 30 of these Robbers within the last month. I hope they may be exterminated. Made out Weekly Report in full to Brigade Surgeon, & put them in Carrier hand to take to Murfreesboro to-morrow. Made application for Leave of absence. Wrote note to Sanitary Agent at Murfreesboro to send dried fruit and vegetables by Lieut. Reynolds. 6 or 8 men of 23rd Mo. will go to duty to-morrow. No letters written nor reced from home for five days. Thursday, March 17 Weather still cold but fairer=Milder to-night— Sent off eight men of the 23 Mo. to duty by train to Murfreesboro. Left 47 in Hospital— three have been admitted.— Col. Gilbert’s boy has diarrhoea—send him med.— Col. G sends my application for leave of absence, with an “urgent! approval?” Unpleasant developments with reference to conduct of Negro woman with soldiers &c. Sent the five negro women of the Hospital to Mr. Price’s Store with an order for goods amounting to twenty five dollars ($500 each) I becoming personally responsible for the payment when they get pay from government. It may be money thrown away, but the 72 73 Rev. Samuel Haskell (1818-1900) of Kalamazoo and Rev. J. L. McCloud of Schoolcraft assisted in the organization of the First Baptist Church of Three Rivers in 1861. Its first pastor was Luther H. Trowbridge. Probably a hospital steward. �women have washed and must be clothed— Prayer meeting not large, but the Divine presence was felt. Mrs. Price gave me a cake of maple sugar. No letters. Friday, March 18 Weather fair & warmer but rather windy. Calm & quiet to-night. Col. Gilbert’s boy sick—10 men at sick call. Sent one into Hospital— Stokes cavalry attacked a[nd] completely routed Carter’s Bushwhackers, 17 miles north east of here—killing 4 or more of them & capturing large number of horses, saddles, arms &c. There were about 100 of them, 140 of Stokes men. One of the latter wounded in the right side—ball penetrating thoracic wall above diaphragm & passing down through diaphragm into abdominal cavity. Man will probably die of peritonitis 74 soon. Weekly Hospital Report made also Clothing return for Feb. Statement of “Hosp Fund” & Return of Officers treated in Hosp. for Feb. Recd of Capt. Calmer $2000. No letters. No mail. Saturday, March 19 Weather mild becoming warmer. Christian,75 the man brought in last night wounded died this morn at 11. Autopsy showed that the ball had passed through the cartilage of 7th rib—diaphragm Liver about two inches from anterior edge & two inches to right of mesian[?] line—missing gall bladder—through duodenum about four inches from stomach—impinginging against right side of spine about the last dorsal vertebra,—tearing through the psoae muscles lodged against the right sacro-iliac synchondrosis.76 Intense inflammation of nearly whole peritoneal surface with effusion of lymph & adhesions agglutinating the parts. Hepatitis considerable—complained of “Pain in the shoulder.” Water drank soon passed out through the wound.— Another man came in to-night a scout—wounded in back. Escort sent for him, chase Bushwhackers. No mail— Begin a letter. Sunday, March 20 74 75 76 An inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal wall, produced in this case by an irritating substance by a penetrating wound. Christian (first name unknown) was in the 5th Tennessee Cavalry. The psoas major and psoas minor are the loin muscles; the sacroiliac synchondrosis is the cartilage joint of the pubic bone. �Weather fair and pleasant but still somewhat cool. Mr. Price Preached at Baptist church from the text “If the Lord be God Serve him; if Baal be God serve him.”77 Pressed heavily upon the “neutrals.” Mail [came] a little afternoon,—Bringing applications for furloughs disapproved—discharge of Harvie. Letter from Dr. Hobbs to send statement of Hospital fund.— Blanks for Monthly Reports & others, 2 circulars pertaining to Med. Dep’t. &c. J. B. Nelson78 died of Purpura this P.M. Mr. Wilkes wishes to go to Nash[ville]. Rec’d of Patient McBride 71.55 & Rebel Rags for $400.00 Suthern 1100. 79 Letters from wife of Feb ___ ¼ [page], of March 10th 3—13th 3. From Clara Feb. 23 3, March 12th 2. Jennie March 6 2½—March 12 2. Hila Bennitt March 5th 3½—L. D. Tompkins. Wrote to wife 480—Hila 3. Monday, March 21 Weather still fair but cool. Blows up to-night as though about to rain. Harvie—Discharged left this morn. Lent him 1000 as he had not enough to get home with— Col. Gilbert vetoed Wilkes going to Nashville, much to my displeasure, but he is “the powers that be” and I must for the time submit. But he will regret some day such a course. Have a short talk with him. Send Harvie’s description List to Col. Nicholas 81 2nd Ky. Cavalry: & request him to see that the proper papers are made out.— Capt. Hubbard82 called to see me. Had a confidential talk with him about regimental affairs. Storm gathers around the “Head.” 83 Dr. Trowbridge attends a parturient negress. 84 Burial of Nelson at 4 P.M. Made Monthly Report for Feb. 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 Josh. 24. Private John B. Nelson (ca. 1818-1864) of Trowbridge enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. McBride (first name unknown) was a scout for the 5th Tennessee Cavalry. Rags (or Wraggs) is not found in Confederate rosters. Possibly Private Southern Monroe of Company G, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. A letter dated March 20, 1864 was probably lost en route to Centreville, as Bennitt indicates in letter 142. Thomas P. Nicholas Samuel M. Hubbard (born ca. 1829) of Otsego was commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 1 st Lieutenant in May 1863 and to Captain in June 1863. He would be wounded in action in May 1864 and would be discharged for disability in November 1864. I.e., disaffection with Colonel Gilbert. Because childbirth was usually left to the midwife, the attendance of Dr. Trowbridge probably indicates complications with the delivery. �Sergeant Major Russel85 came into Hospital to-night. Says he has had bad headache two days. Paid back $500 to Capt. Calmer. No letters. Tuesday, March 22 Weather cool and cloudy—need an overcoat riding. Paid Capt. Calmer back $5.00 because for the 7 days that he was here for Feb. a return has been made and will be charged against his pay account. Took dinner at Mr. Price’s. Inspected Quarters & kitchens of all the companies and found them in a fair condition with some exceptions. Have learned that Nelson who died of Purpura Hemorrhagica, Lived on Bacon Bread & Coffee almost wholly. Major Cliff86 called here with a Lieut. He says they are waging a war of extermination against Bushwhackers. Taxing goes on. There is a suspicion that all is not right about it. The cloud gathers about the Head. Col. Gilbert says he wants me to take his boy home. Hope I can—no letters. Wednesday, March 23 Weather very pleasant. 15 men at sick call this morn. Sent one with Ophth[almia?] into Hospital. Have now 26 men of 19 Mich. in Hospital about 10 of them are fully convalescent. A man of Stokes cavalry that had been sick at Nashville but was going home on furlough lives 10 miles from here,—walked from Manchester—was very tired & was sent here by Col. Gilbert. No mail. Thursday, March 24 Weather fair till eve.—is now windy & raining a little. 85 86 George A. Russell (born ca. 1836) of Girard enlisted in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. He was promoted to Sergeant Major in March 1864. William J. Clift was commissioned Captain in Company C, 5th Tennessee Cavalry in October 1862 and was promoted to Major, probably in late 1863. In April 1864 he would be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and took over command of the regiment from Colonel Stokes. �Made Hospital Reports for to-morrow. Straightened up my papers—Wrote to Surgn Hobbs, to accompany Monthly Report. Rece’d Call from Miss Victorine Wade87 & Sally—who seemed anxious that I should go home with them to tune the Piano— I partly promised to go down at some time. But I cannot fully trust to those who are enemies to our country. Friday, March 25 Weather rainy & Shining alternately. So much snow fell on the mountain in front of our window that it did not all disappear on the North side. It is somewhat chilly this eve. Visited a Negro family up town where are three children with Measles. Three have just had them— One child dead in the house. Talked with Col. Gilbert concerning Capts. Lincoln, & Thompson, & Lieut. Easton. 88 Expressed my doubts of the first & last doing anything useful in the service. Col. Gilbert Lent me $20.00 without note. Thinks I will get leave of absence & I can then get pay at Nashville or Louisville. Co. F about to move into Court house. Col. Gilbert seems ready to leave here now, as he has “collected all the (tax) money he can.” No mail no news. Saturday, March 26 Weather very fine indeed. 15 at Sick call. Inspection of Hospital shows a good sanitary condition. Of 54 patients 26 are of the 19th Mich. 20 are fully convalescent—two must die ere long 6 be discharged 9 furloughed & the others recover in the course of a few weeks. Played ball after dinner. Mail came in advance of train, brought some Blank Monthly Rep. S.J.W. Mintzer came late in evening—to inspect Hospital? Stays in our room. Rumors of movements from here but nothing reliable. Letters from Surgeon Hobbs concerning turning over Hospital property &c. &c. Letter from Wife 3 of 17th & 18th. 87 88 Victorine D. Wade (1846-1879) had moved to the McMinnville area after 1860. She married Dr. Benjamin F. Lackey in 1867; he had been Chief Surgeon of the First Cavalry Division in the Confederate army. David J. Easton (born ca. 1841) of Coldwater was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and would be promoted to Captain in May 1864. He twice was wounded in action. �Sunday, March 27, 1864 Weather most lovely. Sick call but few in attendance. One man Norman Davis89 sent into Hospital. Bible class very well attended with good interest. Prayer meeting to-night. Mr. Price could not preach on account of a bad headache. Lieut. Wing returned to-day—thinks he lost our letters sent by him on Monday together with Harvies descriptive List, & the letter to Col. Nicholas. Hope it may prove untrue, that they may turn up somewhere. The letters to wife informed of Lt. C. F’s 90 conduct. The other to Hila—I will write her again soon. Wrote letter to wife concerning buying house &c. &c. Letter from wife. She must move. Talks of buying a house—Hattie’s better. Letters from the Daughters. 2+2. Sue Langley91 at home. Monday, March 28 Weather terrible windy. Inspected Hospital with Dr. Mintzer. He damns with faint praise. He Inspected camps of Cos B. & D. and reported them in good condition. Wrote Board of Claims for Citizens92 in session here now and applications for allowances for forage & damages are many and large. Lent Capt. Lincoln Hair Mattress on account of his invalid condition and desire to remain with his company. Wrote letter to Sister Alzina. Tuesday, March 29 Weather milder in morn but chilly and cloudy toward night. Sick call well attended—16. Inspected with Dr. Mintzer Cos C. E. & F. & G.—in good condition. 89 90 91 92 Private Norman Davis (born ca. 1839) of Pokagon enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was discharged for disability in December 1862. He reenlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863 and joined the regiment in McMinnville in March 1864. He would be again discharged for disability in May 1865. I.e., Lieutenant Charles W. Fonda. Susan B. Langley (born 1832) was the daughter of Thomas W. Langley who was the first settler at site where the village of Centreville was established. Boards of Claims reviewed citizen requests for compensation for property destroyed, damaged, requisitioned, or stolen by the Union army. However, only citizens loyal to the Union had the opportunity for such recourse. �Dr. Mintzer asks for board of survey to determine what articles shall be dropped &c. as “worn out” & “used up.” Visited two Black patients in town— Called with Dr. Mintzer at Mr. Price’s and Mr. Henderson’s—Mr. Price invites us to dinner to-morrow which we accept.— We propose also to see Miss Wade &c in the country four miles. Wrote letter to Surgn Hobbs. Wendnesday, March 30 Weather cool and cloudy quite chilly. —20 men at sick call this morn. No severe cases—26 of 19th in Hosp. Acted with Dr. Trowbridge and Lieut. Easton on a board of Survey for Dr. Mintzer. Took dinner at Mr. Price with Dr. M[intzer]. Issued clothing to men in Hospital—11. I hope it will be the last. Called with Dr. Mintzer at Mr. Stuart’s to Mrs. & Miss Young & at Mr. Stuart’s to see Miss Wade and Miss Davis.93 Returned at Dusk—a cool but pleasant ride. Dr. T[rowbridge] is not well, is so disgusted with “Mogul” 94 as scarcely to treat him civilly. Train went out into White County.95 Foraging to return to-morrow. No Letters. Thursday, March 31 Weather fair in morn but cloudy toward night, with wind and some rain late in evening. 20 men at sick call this morn. Try to make Remarks for Monthly Report of sick &c, but was interrupted by call of Ladies & several officers at different times by— Preaching by Mr. Price in evening—not a large number present—but a good sermon. Called at Mr. Poindexter’s in eve after meeting—Dr. Mintzer being there & Miss Young— Had music &c. It is so late that I will retire. Forage train not returned, & therefore—will not go to Murfreesboro to-morrow—. I can have the reports ready in morn. Reported canonading toward Huntsville Ala. 96 Report of Bushwhackers not far off. 93 94 95 96 McMinnville residents of which one is possibly Mary L. Davis (born ca. 1845). Probably a disparaging nickname for Colonel Gilbert. The White County line is approximately twelve miles northwest of McMinnville. No military operations took place around Huntsville at this time, although on March 30 there was a minor skirmish at Caperton’s Ferry, Alabama on the Tennessee River. �No letters. SEVEN “We Expect To Be Soldiers in Earnest Now” April - June 1864 DIARY ENTRY Friday, April 1, 1864 McMinnville Tenn. Summary of Strength of 19th Mich for March 1864 Present Absent Pr. & A. For Duty Officers Avge. 25 8 34 on 31st 25 8 34 Enlisted men Avge. 628 73 726 on 31st 642 67 738 Total Avge. on 31st 653 81 667 75 Sick 1+25 �Avge. 26 1+29 on 31st 30 Total Avge. on 31st Aggregate 679 760 697 772 Weather cool & Rains nearly all day. Completed monthly & weekly Reports—Ready to send by first mail. Forage train due last night has not yet arrived. The firing toward Shelbyville is said to be “jubilant.” Saturday, April 2, 1864 Weather cool & somewhat cloudy. 14 men at Sick call. Forage train came in about 11 A.M. & started for Murfreesboro at 2 P.M. Sent Deaver, Hammons97 and a Negro man from Hosp to Regt's. Send by Dr. Mintzer memorandum of wants (see Memorandum). Send picture by the hand of Robt McElrath98 who is going through Centreville Mich. Sent also by him a short letter to my wife & asked him to call and see her. Lieut Clark & 3 Privates also went for recruits—Lieut Easton went to Nashville for clothing—Lieut Ford to duty in Ambulance Corps as division commander. Hospital inspection showed a good condition. Sunday, April 3, 1864 Weather warm and fair during the day but cloudy & windy to-night threatening rain. Bible Class this morning attended with interest. I hope some good may come of it— Preaching at Baptist Church by Haggard99 to Negroes—nearly half of the congregation soldiers—But little good can come of such preaching under the circumstances. I have not attended, because I do not like to encourage such a man to preach— A good feeling pervaded the prayer meeting to-night. 5 or 6 patients broken out with an eruption that looks verily like Small-pox. O my God preserve me from all sin and keep me in Thy Love! Possibly Ephraim M. Deaver of Company F, 2nd Tennessee Cavalry; Willis Hammons was in Company E, 3rd Tennessee Cavalry. 98 Robert McElrath (born ca. 1836) of Mendon enlisted as Sergeant in Company K, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 99 Probably an unidentified McMinnville resident. 97 �Wrote 2 page of letter to wife. Monday, April 4 Rained nearly all day—cool. 15 at Sick call. Established small-pox Hospital a little out of town & sent five patients to it viz: Kane, Rhinehart, Lovett, Butrick, & Wade.100 The cases of the last three are modified by previous vaccination. Botzen & Norman Davis—with conjunctivitis but who had had small-pox volunteered as nurses. Geo. Lee 101 of Co A. detailed as nurse for small-pox. One more will be necessary. There are 5 other cases in Hosp here that promise to be mild varioloid, and one that came in to-night of Stokes Cavalry is doubtful. This last has never been vaccinated. Lt. Reynolds sent in Abstracts of Issues to Hospital for March all right—nearly— Mess pans of Q[uarter] M[aster] for Small-pox Hosp. Finished letter to wife (3) and sent it by Adjt Aldrich 102 17th U.S.Co[lore]d. Tuesday, April 5 Weather cool & cloudy rather raw and unpleasant. Lieut. Fonda left Hospital yesterday owing our mess 8.25 which he will pay when paymaster comes. McBride the Tennessee Scout brought in wounded in the Back on the died early yesterday morn.— Autopsy showed that the ball—a small one—had entered the back 3 inches from mesian line on right side, pass nearly horizontally toward the spine fracturing the Lamina of the 3rd Lumbar vertebra on right side—tearing through spinal marrow, nearly severing it lodged partly between the laminae of the 2 nd & 3rd Lumbar ver. on left side— Abdominal viscera congested near injury— No effort to heal.— No train to-night nor mail. I feel rather miserable physically. In the 23rd Missouri Infantry there were two privates whose surname was Cain: George L. and John M., both of Company E. Private Emanuel Rhinehart (born ca. 1828) of Niles enlisted in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863 and would be wounded in action at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia in July 1864. There were two privates with the surname Lovett in the 23rd Missouri Infantry: Alexander of Company C and Joshua of Company I. Private William L. Butrick (born ca. 1844) of Keeler enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in January 1864. James W. Wade enlisted in Company A, 23rd Missouri Infantry. 101 Private George Lee (born ca. 1823) of Keeler enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 102 Lieutenant Job H. Aldrich of Company G, 17 th U.S. Colored Infantry. 100 �Wednesday, April 6 Weather Very Pleasant and mild. Saw on the 4th a Lieut. of Stokes Cavalry who said he would convey to his mother the intelligence of the death of McBride. He was buried yesterday with military honors. Has no effects here except cash $71.55 15 men at sick call to-day. Train returned from Murfreesboro. Mail in Ambulance—Circulars from Hobbs conc[erning] reorganizing Med. Dept.—Sevl Orders & Communications from Surgn Gen. Office & Med. Dirc—Surgn Perin orders discontinuance of this Hosp.— It will be some time first on account of Small-Pox.— Furloughs for 8 men, asked for 3 & 4 weeks ago ordered to be granted— My application disapproved by Gen Ward & returned by Gen Howard—Col Gilbert will send it direct to Gen Thomas—Capt Lincoln’s Pap[ers] R[eceived?]. Good letter from Mrs. Smith103 of Mar. 24. From Wife of Mar. 23 & 26th. “ Clara, & Jennie “ Jas Harris A. Chaplain—Webb104 from Kalamazoo Rec. Thursday, April 7, 1864 Weather pleasant & spring-like. 15 men at sick call. One came into Hosp.—Dugan105 of Co. B. Small-Pox moving on regularly—no more cases manifest. Capt. Lincoln’s resignation return without being approved for that it was not stated in the certificate that he was or not physically suitable for the Invalid Corps.—I added this that he is Suitable & shall send it back without exhibiting it to Col. Gilbert. Capt. better stay where he is. Prayer meeting to-night. Well attended—6 or 8 Ladies present. Some of them fast, it is said. Have written 6 pages of a letter to wife. Friday, April 8 Harriett T. Smith (born ca. 1819) was the wife of Perrin M. Smith, Bennitt’s attorney. Webb (first name unknown) was affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, but he was not appointed Chaplain to the 19th Michigan. Bennitt gives more details about this man to Lottie in letter 145. 105 Jeremiah Dugan (born ca. 1838) of Martin enlisted as Sergeant in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 103 104 �Weather fair and pleasant. Rumors of the 19th to be relieved by the 23. Mo. Visited Small-Pox Hospital—Vaccinate men in Co “B.” & order them to report in a week. Obtained a vaccine crust from one of them which seems good. Make Post Report for five weeks and Monthly return of Med. Officers on duty at Post for March to Surgn Perin— Weekly Reports for Hospital & Regiment— Inspect five companies’ quarters &c. Called to see Mrs. Price sick. Took Supper at Dr. Armstrong’s. Col. Gilbert, Major Griffin, 106 a clerk, & Mr. Spurlock,107 Citizen & the Ladies—Music &c. till 10 P.M. Signed triplicate enlistment papers for 35 of Capt. Cliff’s men. Saturday, April 9 Weather fair but windy till near night when it rains. 13 men at sick call. 27 in Hospital. But little sickness that is severe. Ranney returned the $500 let him two days ago.— He drew from the Commissary for purchases for sick $7500. Ext[racted] tooth for Miss Cliff108— Vis[ited] Mrs. Price—much better— Dorcas Colored woman in Hospital died to-day. Appointed Choir meeting at Capt. Cliff’s but on account of rain none were there, but Daniels & I. We sung an hour and a half. Col. Gilbert, His Son & Major Griffin took dinner with us. They inspected Hospital. All in good order. Forage train still out. Two Bushwhackers were brought in by Baldwin’s109 Cavalry. Sunday, April 10 Weather rainy & fair alternately—rather cool. 12 men at sick call—none bad. Eli A. Griffin (1833?-1864) of Niles was commissioned as Captain in Company A, 6th Michigan Infantry in June 1861. He resigned in July 1863, but reentered service in October 1863 as Major in the 19th Michigan Infantry. He would die from wounds received at Golgotha Church, Georgia in June 1864. 107 At this time there were at least four Spurlocks in the mercantile trade as well as one lawyer by that name residing in McMinnville or environs. 108 Probably one of the five daughters of Captain James Clift, 5 th Tennessee Cavalry. 109 Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver L. Baldwin commanded the 5th Kentucky Cavalry which at this time was part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Department of the Cumberland. 106 �J. Goodwin110 came in last night at 12 with severe cramps & urticaria 111 from Indigestion. Better to-day. Bible class attended with interest. To-day the Forage train returned—otherwise no work has been done by the men except necessary picket. One Sabbath in the army; a thing uncommon in the 19 th Mich. Prayer meeting to-night full: We are hungry for the truth. O that we had a good Chaplain. May God send us one, that will be faithful, & instrumental in leading many to Christ. Autopsy of black Dorcas’ body—Peritonitis from Ovaritis—ulceration of Cervex Uteri— Hydatids in ovarum—Pus &c. Left enlarged three times. Metritis. Membrana Caduca. Col. Gilbert sent the 7 furloughs filled out for the 12th. Monday, April 11 Weather rainy. Made Discharge papers for 5 men. Vogan—Garrett—Martin, Youngner—& Carter112— Wrote letter to Surgeon Hobbs—& copy—wrote note to accompany Capt. Lincoln’s resignation papers. Worked these till very late (11) & did not accomplish all I wanted to. Back reports are sent in except Quarterly of Surgical operations. We are now in 1st A[rmy] C[orps].113 Westerfield sick—possibly with varioloid. Tuesday, April 12 Weather fair and cloudy & rainy mixed—pleasant to-night. 20 men at sick call—none severely sick. 7 men left Hospital on 30days furlough—1 Tennesseean went to Murfreesboro to join part of his command said to be at Shelby. Two 19th Mich men Returned to duty— Westerfield more comfortable—no eruptions. Visited Small-Pox Hospital—doing well there. Vis[ited] Camps of Co.s A. Steward went with train to Murfreesboro to get Sanitary stores. Lieut. Easton returned to-night. Private Joseph Goodwin (born ca. 1837) of Nottawa enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be wounded at Allatoona, Georgia in May 1864. 111 An intense allergic reaction marked by swollen patches of skin usually caused by food or medication. 112 Perhaps one of the five Private Martins in the 23 rd Missouri Infantry; possibly Private Sidney Carter of Company F, 23rd Missouri Infantry; Youngner cannot be identified. 113 The 19th Michigan Infantry remained in the 20th Army Corps for the rest of the war. 110 �A trip to Beersheba114 is proposed for to-morrow to return the following day. Wednesday, April 13, 1864 Weather very pleasant all day. Leaving Dr. Trowbridge of Hosp. I went to Beersheeba with a party consisting of 5 young Ladies, Col. Gilbert, Sutler, Capt. Baker 115 an[d] Baldwin,116 Adjt Brown,117 Lt. Wing, & 20 mounted men—Pal[?]—& one negro, & James Gilbert.118 Ambulance accompanied— Took our own food by the way. Was very Hospitably entertained by Col. Armfield and Mr. French,119 and shown the places of interest by them— These Springs are fine but need Yankee enterprise to make the matter pay after the war is over. One Lady thrown from a horse sprained her ankle—one man kicked on knee— We were five and a half hours riding up. Very very pleasant. Thursday, April 14 Weather promised rain to-night otherwise a fine day for the visit to the “Stone Door” & other places of interest— Here is some of the grandeur of nature in vast upheavals of mountains, & then breaking them to pieces, and reducing the material to soil suited to growth of vegetation. Col. Gilbert on account of ill health remained at Col. Armfield’s. The ambulance accompanied us though the road was rough. Stopped at Laurel Creek Falls—Small Stream falls in a beautiful sheet about 50 feet. Chalybeate Spring (58°) near by.120 Conglomerate Sandstone. Beersheba Springs is located about eighteen miles south-southeast of McMinnville. John J. Baker (born ca. 1835) of Sturgis was commissioned Captain in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He would be promoted to Major in June 1864 and would be wounded at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia in July 1864. He would be promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in October 1864 and would be discharged in May 1865 because of disability. 116 Captain Frank D. Baldwin. 117 Henry M. Brown (born ca. 1833) of St. Joseph was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was commissioned Adjutant in May 1863. He would be wounded at Resaca, Georgia in May 1864 and would resign because of disability in October 1864. 118 Colonel Gilbert’s son. 119 Colonel Armfield was a resident of McMinnville. Probably J. H. French (born ca. 1819), a McMinnville farmer. 120 Bennitt and his companions visited an area of sublime natural beauty about twenty miles south-southeast of McMinnville, with many scenic waterfalls and dramatic gorges. The Stone Door is a gap a few feet wide in the 150-foot rock face above Laurel Creek. Fortunately the “Yankee enterprise” that Bennitt wished for did not materialize, so the area has remained relatively free from developers and today attracts hikers and rock climbers. 114 115 �Indian Legend. Bear Story of Mr. French—Heard Cannonading. Returned to Beersheba at 11½ & started for home at 12—with a lunch from Mrs. Armfield. Arr’d at 4¼— Pretty tired— Prayer meeting well att with good interest—Sunday School? Friday, April 15 Weather somewhat cloudy—quite cool needed fire all day in room. Feel somewhat sore from ride yesterday—17 men at sick call— Vis[ited] Small-Pox all doing well. Called on Mrs. Poindexter & vaccinated her boy. Mr. Westerfield still quite ill severe axillary Pain. Origin obscure. Train returned from Murfreesboro to-day— Steward could get no Sanitary stores. None there. Letter asking concerning Wm Eckels referred with remarks to Surgn Clemens121—17th U.S. Col’d Troops. Letter from Enoch Evans.122 Apr. 2. 4 [pages] Letter from Clara of Apr. 2—4 [pages] Letter from Jennie ” 2 4 Letters from wife of March 31st 3 ” ” ” Apr 2 3 Saturday, April 16, 1864 Weather cool & cloudy. Made weekly reports of Hosp Post & Regiment. Westerfield the Clerk very sick. Finished letter to Jennie 6 Wrote letter to Lottie 3 Mail in morn. Sunday, April 17 Weather still rather cool little rain to-night. 8 men at sick call. Bible Class larger than usual interest good. Possibly Private Henry Eckles of Company F, 17 th U.S. Colored Infantry. Phineas H. Clemons was Surgeon in that regiment. 122 Enoch Evans (born ca. 1833) was the son of Centreville farmer Spencer Evans and his wife Esther. 121 �Visited Small-Pox with Dr. T[rowbridge]. Mr. Westerfield very Dangerously ill from Septic poisoning? Prayer meeting to-night well attended with good interest. Third meeting appointed for this week. Mr. Poindexter did not preach to-day as expected. Rumor of marching orders. Lieut. Willett123 of the Engineers Dept returned to Murfreesboro to-day taking the mail. Wrote long letter to Mrs. P.M. Smith 8 [pages]. Monday, April 18 Weather cool & showery. 14 men at sick call—39 sick in Hospital—23 of them of 19th Mich. Information reliable that we will go to the front soon. Steward began to take an account of property preparatory to transferring it to my successor. All seem sorry to have us leave. I am willing to go at the call of duty. Mrs. & Mr. Poindexter called to see us. Seem quite friendly & loyal. Wrote to Surgn C. W. Horner124 U.S.V. in Ch[arge?] Hosp No.1 Nashlle for Mullican.125 Westerfield is very very sick. Prog[nosis] grave, but some hope yet. Wednesday, April 20, 1864 Weather very pleasant—a little cool. Bright moonshine to-night. 10 men at sick call. All our men including small-pox patients, except Sales126—are prepared to leave Hospital to-morrow on Light duty and march. We march to Cowan Tenn by easy marches— Receipts & Invoices nearly complete. Letter from Surgeon Gen. concerning returning property to Med. Purveyor. Order from Adj. Gen. to make Post Return of Hospital for Feb. &c. Called in Eve. at Capt. Clift’s & Dr. Armstrong’s—music—very pleasant. Some work yet to be ready to start by noon. Did not sleep till 3 o’clock this morn. Send to Nashville for 2 letters. Willett possibly was in one of the three battalions of the Pioneer Brigade, Engineer Troops attached to the Department of the Cumberland at this time. 124 Caleb W. Horner of Pennsylvania was first appointed Assistant Surgeon in November 1862. 125 Possibly Isaac Mullican of Company D, 51 st Illinois Infantry which was part of the 3 rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland. 126 Private Benjamin C. Sayles. 123 �Letter from wife. Had not seen the “picture.” Talks of buying Mr. Pierce’s House. Write letter to wife 4 Thursday, April 21 Near Hickory Creek 9½ miles S.W. McMinnville Tenn. Weather very fair till 4 P.M. rain a little just before dark. Left McMinnville at 9 AM. amid the expressed regrets of the people. Took till 11 to get across the river—reached here at 3½ PM.— Many waded the creek here 1 ft deep. Several in attempting to ride fell into the water. Camp seems pleasant—men in good spirits. All came except Sales. Lodge 10 invalids in Hospital tent a few at a house. Capt. Lincoln came 4 miles and went back. Our march has been easy but many are foot sore! Left Tent & Fly at McM[innville] bought 3 blankets more than was designed. Left the letter to my wife at McMinnville—go to-morrow. Friday, April 22 Hillsboro Tenn. 10 miles S.E. of Manchester—15 miles East of Tullahoma 18 miles N.E. of Cowan—22 miles S.W. of McMinnville. A place on sandy plains 3 or 4 miles from the mountains— Once had about 30 familes now about 15 men in both armies— Town fast falling to ruin—no business now, once 3 stores— Have a school now of 25 to 30 scholars. We had marched about 13 miles over a level country beside a mountain range— Has been a fine country—once a large portion “Barrens”—without trees—now has a growth of vigorous Chestnut, Hickory, Red Oak, Dogwood &c.— For a wonder we saw a live Tennessee school. Day has been fine—a little dusty. Promises rain before morn. Took a plunge bath in a small stream—& felt invigorated thereby. Retire early. Saturday, April 23, 1864 Camp 19th Mich 4 miles North of Cowan Tenn. Weather has been fair all day a little cloudy— To-night windy with promise of rain. Camp on low ground beside a brook. Have marched 14 miles a little east of south. Men have stood the march well. Road mostly good— Forded Elk Duck River 2½ feet deep. Negroes men women & children followed us this morn—Rebel master came to camp for them be[fore] we started—and was obliged to come on too as a prisoner. Has been recruiting for Rebel army lately. Hope he may suffer for it. �Negroes without any covering. Forage short—must go into Cowan in the morn for food for man and beast. Wrote letter to wife 3¾ so as to send it as soon as we get to R.R. Sunday, April 24 Camp of 19th Mich. I. Vols. Cowan Tenn.— Weather rainy in the morning, but became fair about 9 A.M. little rain again to-night. Marched 4 miles to this place arriving about 11 A.M.— 33 Ind. is out of our Brigade & 20th Conn.—Col. Ross—in its stead. Supposed to be for the purpose of being rid of Col. Coburn. Camped near two very fine springs. Called on Surg n Terry127 for information, but he has not given me any. Colonel G[ilbert] sent to Deckard 128 for Commissary Supplies— Telegraphed for a pay master— Await the coming of the 22 Wis. & 85 Ind. Col. Ross com[mands] 2nd Brig. Gen. Butterfield Div. 3rd—Gen. Hooker Corps 20th. There has been so much of commotion that it has not seemed like Sunday— Nevertheless God Has not forgotten us— I was sick in morn feel well to-night— Pleasantly situated. Added little to the letter to wife and sent them North. Monday, April 25 Camp 19th Mich Cowan Tenn. Weather fair but rather windy. Cool to-night but quiet. Moon rises clear about 10½ PM. Sent to their respective commanding officers the descriptive Rolls of [?] James Duff, Co. G. 19 O[hio] V.I.— A. McCoy & J. Coy of 99th O[hio] V.I.— A. Love of 72nd Ind. Vols Inf. & Willis Hammons 3rd Tenn E. Cav. Made Certificates of Disability for Capt. Lincoln & Lieut. Hale. 129 Send—6 men & Lieut McLachlin130 via Rail R. to Bridgeport. (11 P.M. They were unable to get on because the train was so full.) Ordered to march at 7 AM. in morn. We are nearly ready. J. Wadsworth Terry was Surgeon to the 20th Connecticut Infantry Regiment. I.e., Decherd, Tennessee. This town is located about five miles west northwest of Cowan and was the junction of the Fayetteville and Nashville & Chattanooga railroads. 129 Alonzo Hale (born ca. 1833) of Kalamazoo was commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant in Company F, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would resign because of disability in May 1864. 130 Archibald McLachlin (1828?-1890) of Bangor enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in January 1863 and would resign because of disability in May 1864. 127 128 �We expected mail to-night but received none. We may be paid at Bridgeport. Written no letters. Tuesday, April 26 Camp 19th Mich 12 miles s.e. of Cowan Tenn. 18 miles north of Bridgeport Alabama. Weather has been very fine to-day. Started at 8 A.M.—leaving 7 sick & lame men to go by R.R. among them Lieut. McLachlin— Took till 11 AM to climb the mountain which winds for about 4 miles up the rocky side. Limestone below—new red sandstone at top— Road comp[letely] level & sandy after that—on an elevated rolling country—trunk[?] Chestnut considered a desert here.— Plenty of good water now. Camp by side of a nice brook—very pleasant. Fire in woods.— Men have endured march better than was expected, & we have come farther than was the design, that we might reach here. Ambulances came up Mount nearly empty.— I feel well but not active—a little billious. Wednesday, April 27, 1864 Camp 19 Mich. V.I. on Battle Creek 7 miles North of Bridgeport Alabama. Weather has been delicious, promise of rain— Came down mountain a thousand feet high into this narrow but rich valley—two miles of descent through Sandstone—Clay Shale into Limestone—fine springs & streams on the mountain side—rest by Big Blue Spring at noon for an hour and a half—follow down the valley at the south side. Camping at 3¾ distant 11 miles from start nights camp. Good bathing privileges well improved after the somewhat dusty march—health improving of the men. Several left at Cowan to seek easier marching. They’ll find harder [marching]. Wrote letter to Clara 8 p to send on arriving at R.R. Thursday, April 28 Camp 19th Mich V.I 2 miles North East of Bridgeport Alabama. Weather fair and warm—Rained a little last night which made marching much more pleasant. Started a little before 8 AM. 58 men at sick call—none sick however. Mar[ched] down Battle Creek valley three miles, and down the Tennessee 4 miles. Arr[ived] at Bridgeport about noon, took dinner with Surgeon Longshore 131 of 28 147 131 William R. Longshore �Pa. in Brigade Hospital. Very fine. Found our men sent by R.R. at Conv[alescent] Camp, bro’t them along.— Bo’t bus[hel] Potatoes—24 lbs Ham for Mess $4.00. Rec’d of Wm Harvie Cash $10.00 &c. Could learn nothing useful—shall keep what things I have till ordered to turn them over. Cross the Tenn. on two Pontoon Bridges. Old Bridgeport burned—new of Tents. R[eceived?] Fletcher’s132 letter—Q.M. Gen. Deaver’s description Roll. Rec’d letters from wife & Clara. Sent the letter to Clara last night to P.O. Friday, April 29, 1864 Camp 19th Mich. 12 miles from Bridgeport 14 from Chattanooga in a narrow valley near Whiteside mountains. Weather has been very fine to-day. Large number dead mules on the roadside— Passed under high cliffs along the Tenn. River. Passed a squad of Mich Engineers a mile from here at a Rail Road Bridge 125 [feet] high— A very fine stream of water falls from the rocks of the mountainside, here and disappears again in a few feet— Dr. T[rowbridge] Kirkwood133 & myself went to top of mountain to Coal mines (not worked now)—Coal stratum from 1 foot to 3½ feet deep. The mountain is about 2000 ft high above our camp. Coal within two or three hundred feet of the top. Sent my letter written last night of six pages to wife. No mail. Saturday, April 30 Lookout Valley—Camp 19th Mich. Weather rainy last night and to-day fair since 2 P.M. but Lightning with promise of rain to-night. Found road very rough & slippery to-day—men have had opportunity to dry clothes— some have pine boughs to sleep on— Health of Regiment better than when we started from McMinnville— We are 2 miles N.E. of Gen. Hookers Hd-Qrs— 132 133 I.e., Sergeant Major Fletcher E. Marsh. Probably Alexander Kirkwood (born ca. 1835) of Cass County enlisted in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as Corporal. He was promoted to 1 st Sergeant in November 1863 and would be commissioned 1st Lieutenant in Company I in November 1864. He would be wounded at Cassville, Georgia in May 1864. �I took dinner with Surgeon Grinstead134 U.S.V. Med Direc of Gen. Butterfield’s Div. He may prove (?) to be all that is required. I get no satisfactory information from him. We march to front without any Reg. wagons. We look up to Lookout Mountain whose summit is about 4 miles in a direction almost due South. It is 2900 ft high above the Tenn. R. 20th Conn. camped opposite side of valley. Paid Col. Gilbert all I owed him $2000. Recd letter from wife & Jennie. Arr. 21st. Sunday, May 1, 1864 Camp 19th Mich Lookout Valley. Weather fair—a little cool to-night. But few men at sick call. I thought to spend the sabbath as a Holy day. Wrote a letter to my wife before dinner, and heard a little after that we would march in the morn, thought it best to be doing something. Went to Div Head Qrs. & found that the order did not apply to our Brigade— Met there Surgn Hobbs—Called on Surgn Hovey135 of 3rd Brigade. I shall turn over the medical wagon & contents to Med. Purveyor at Chattanooga. We shall have no transportation for private baggage. It is to be left at Bridgeport Tenn.136 Met Surgn Hatchard of 22nd Wis. Col. Utley &c.137 T.G. Turner.138 It is supposed that we shall move in two or three days to meet the enemy. Wrote letter to wife 4½ & sent it. Monday, May 2 Camp 19th Mich. V.I. Lookout Valley Tenn. Weather fair but cool & windy. Called on Surgn Hobbs for instructions. Went to Chattanooga and turned over Hospital wagon & contents to Asst Surgn Ridgeley139 U.S.V. Med. Purveyor—but got no receipts they are to be sent. William Grinsted was Surgeon-in-Chief, 3rd Division, 20th Corps. Bleeker L. Hovey (born 1817) was Brigade Surgeon to the 3rd Brigade. 136 I.e., Bridgeport, Alabama. 137 Thomas Hatchard of Milwaukee was commissioned 1 st Assistant Surgeon in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry in September 1863 and was promoted to Surgeon in April 1864. William L. Utley of Racine was commissioned Colonel in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry in July 1862 and would resign because of disability in July 1864. 138 Timothy G. Turner of Coldwater joined the 19 th Michigan Infantry as Quartermaster in November 1862 and would resign later in May 1864 due to disability. 134 135 �Took memorandum receipt for Capt. Lincoln’s chest in which I had some books—will cost 9.75 to get it home—beautiful view from Lookout road. Marching orders for 6 in morn. Called on Dr. Hobbs for instructions. Letter from Deaver—answer sending him $1000 for Ed. Tallman—Wilkes. Expect to see the enemy soon. God preserve our souls. Wife has bought Mr. Pierces House $1000. Letter from wife of Apr 24 th & 26th & Clara of 24th. Tuesday, May 3 Camp 2nd Brigade 3rd Division 9 miles south of Chattanooga in Ga— Weather has been fine. Brigade broke camp early & were on the march a little before 7. 140 Matters were not a condition of perfect organization and hence did not work without friction. As Brig[ade] Officer of day, I took charge of Ambulance train—took more men to Gen field Hospital by 20 than were designated—of 19th Mich 12 viz. P. Shepard, B. Fuller—Poppino Bristol, Depue—Hanks, H. Wells, S. Philips—Eastman—West.141 Was obliged to go to Chattanooga for an order to admit them. Possibly Thomas H. Ridgely who was appointed Assistant Surgeon in August 1862. He was also Surgeon in the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment. 140 The Atlanta campaign began with General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891) making preliminary movements with his 100,000-man force. It was organized into three parts: Army of the Cumberland, consisting of the 4th, 14th, 20th Army Corps and Cavalry Corps; Army of the Tennessee, made up of the 15 th, 16th, and 17th Army Corps; and Army of the Ohio containing only the 23rd Army Corps. The Confederate army under General Joseph E. Johnston (1807-1891), amounting to approximately 55,000 men, was in defensive positions around Dalton. 141 Although Bennitt indicates twelve soldiers of the 19 th Michigan Infantry were sent to the hospital, he only mentions ten: Private Purly Shepard (1834?-1864) of Silver Creek enlisted in Company A in August 1862 and would die of disease in October 1864; Private Benjamin Fuller (1842?-1864) of Matteson enlisted in Company H in August 1862 and would die of disease in July 1864; Corporal John H. Poppino (born ca. 1822) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E in August 1862; Private Leaman W. Bristol (born ca. 1830) of Constantine enlisted in Company D in August 1862; Private William A. Depew (born ca. 1844) of Sodus enlisted in Company I in August 1862; Private Oliver P. Hanks (born ca. 1833) of Adamsville enlisted in Company E in August 1862; Private Henry E. Walls (born ca. 1830) enlisted in Company G in January 1864 and would be discharged for disability in October 1864; Private Samuel H. Phillips (born ca. 1831) enlisted in Company D in August 1862; Private Jefferson W. Eastman (born ca. 1841) of Coldwater enlisted in Company H in August 1862. West is either Private Alonzo West (born ca. 1842) of Sturgis who enlisted in Company E in December 1863 or Private Charles H. West (1841?-1864) of Quincy who enlisted in Company C in August 1862 and would die of wounds at Resaca, Georgia in May 1864. 139 �Overtook Brigade after about 3 miles march— Whole march 12 miles—around base of Lookout—Through “Mission[ary] Ridge.” Camped on Chickamauga Battle field— Remains of men still unburied or only ½ covered. Report to Surgn Hobbs—days march. Wednesday, May 4, 1864 Camp 19th Mich. V.I. 2 miles South West Ringold Ga. Weather fine. Whole Divis. camped in Line [of] Battle. 14th A[rmy] C[orps] at Ringold on our left advancing toward Tunnel Hill. 1st Div. 20th A[rmy] C[orps] on our right. Surgn Terry 20th Ct. Med. Off[icer of the] Day. Ambulance train nearly full. Sergt Butler142 severely sick variolous? Left at house just in rear. Enemy supposed to be beyond the ridge that is about a mile in front of & stretching a S.E. & about 1200 ft high narrow on top steep on North side sloping more on N.E. side. Smoke of Rebel Camps—Ridge said to have been occupied by Rebel Pickets till now. Sent Deaver’s letter with the $1000 in it. Wrote letter to wife. Thursday, May 5 Camp 19th Mich V.I. 2nd Brig 3rd Div 20th A.C. near Ringold, Ga. Weather fine—rather warm in middle of day— Whole Regiment ordered on Pickett on the Ridge. Dr. T[rowbridge] & I went up—too steep to ride up—I see smoke of Rebel Camps 3 to 6 miles off—& 14th A.C. moving through Gap—Rebs appear to fall back.— It is said that Reb Cav. chased our pickets down the hill last night (?). I came down just before dark night and sent Blankets and provisions to Dr. T[rowbridge] & Tallman who remain on ridge to-night. View of “Buzzard’s Roost”143 from top of Ridge. Friday, May 6 Henry Butler (born ca. 1841) of Union enlisted in Company D, 1st Michigan Infantry in April 1861 for three months; upon discharge reenlisted as Sergeant in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He had been wounded at Thompson’s Station in March 1863. 143 Buzzard Roost Gap was a notch in Rocky Face Ridge through which the Western & Atlantic Railroad ran from Chattanooga to Dalton. It had been strongly fortified by the Confederates. 142 �Camp 19th Mich V.I. 2nd Br. 3 Div. 20 A.C. Leech’s Tannery or Pea-Vine Church. 3 Divisions of 20 A.C. Camped in Line of Battle beside 16 A.C. on left right & 14th on left. 50,000 men in all. We leave all Wheels except Ambulance & Supply trains to-morrow. 1st Div through Nichagook Gap—3rd through Gordon’s Gap 6 miles S.W. & 2nd through Madix Gap still farther S.W. 144 Cavalry precede at 12 midnight 2nd Div at 2 A.M.—3rd at Daylight. We sent back to Ringold Buttrick of [Co.] I. Cooper 145 of [Co.] I & Lieut Hale. Saturday, May 7 Camp 20th A.C. Ceresco Church Ga. Weather fine. Roads rather dusty. Many men fall out because of our rapid march through Gordon’s Gap—to this place about 14 miles— 19th [Michigan] fell out less than others—only 3 riding in Ambulance. Nearly whole Corps passed Taylor’s Ridge to-day & we encamp in line of Battle. 2nd Brig. on Ridge expecting to meet the enemy as the[y] left here hurriedly this morn. Reported to be in the valley beyond, 50,000 strong, near “Buzzard’s Roost.” Inefficiency of Med. Director of Div. Industry of Surgn Hobbs. Very few of men who rode in Ambulances are much sick. Hosp. in House near-by— roomy but without windows. Sunday, May 8 Weather pleasant & warm. No attack last night—our picket shot another—misunderstanding—1st Div. near us— Slept with Drs. Hobbs & Wiles146—& Ranney & Dix147 in Shelter tents. We are ordered out this morn but it was Countermanded, & the 3 rd Brig went instead,— toward “Buzzard’s Roost” to try to draw the enemy out, firing both with musketry & Cannon in that direction as I write in Camp (?) The 20th Army Corps, with the Army of the Tennessee, comprised the center of Sherman’s forces as they advanced on Dalton. Nickajack Gap, Gordon’s Gap, and Maddox (or Ship’s) Gap are passes through Taylor’s Ridge which is located to the west of Dalton. 145 Private Asbury (or Ambrose) Cooper (born ca. 1844) of Jeffersonville enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863. He would transfer to Company K, 10th Michigan Infantry in June 1865. 146 William V. Wiles was commissioned Assistant Surgeon to the 85th Indiana Infantry in September 1862. 147 Private Edward E. Dix (born ca. 1840) of Bainbridge joined company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 144 �5 P.M. I hoped we would rest to-day entirely, in honor of God’s Law, and our own good after the fatiguing of the week. Will He smile upon us if we disregard His Commandments? May He forgive us. Four men of 3rd Brig. wounded, Skirmishing— Came in later—one face 1 arm 1 thigh one leg. All but first flesh [wounds]. Monday, May 9, 1864 Camp 20 AC Ceresco Church Ga. Weather warm rather dusty. I attending to Brigade or Div. Hospital—spent part of the day in Regtl Camp—broke up Hosp. at 8 to 10 PM. and joined the 19th which with the rest of the Brig is under arms to move Front—at a moment’s notice.— Lie down to rest fully equipped. This has been a day of some work, but I do not feel that my whole duty has been discharged. O my God strengthen me for every duty to Thee & to all around. Began a letter to my wife, but wrote only a few lines when the order came to break up Hosp. Tuesday, May 10 Camp 19th Mich opposite Dalton Ga—3 miles distant over the ridge. Weather a little rainy— Moved from the ridge where we were encamped, with the 20th Conn. on a reconnaissance,—at 1½ A.M. and arrived at this point—3 miles distant from point of departure—at daylight found, the rebels posted in some force on a ridge between us and Dalton—took coffee—put out Pickets—at 10 A.M. firing at base of ridge—& word came that Serg’t Bunbury was wounded in thigh hurried to front and found comminuted fract[ure] of thigh—sent him to rear after dressing—need an ambulance— Rebs, come down ridge to some extent—We camp on the ridge do on or rear, without fire or light that we may not show our position—rain threatens. Bed of straw & husks. Recd letters from Jennie & Clara of May 1st. Write more in letter to wife. Wife at Orland Ind. Wednesday, May 11 Camp on Quartz Ridge 2¾ miles East if Buzzard’s Roost— Rained pretty hard during night is cool this morn. Firing at the Roost both of Canon & musketry brisk since 6 o’clock (now 8)— We are under arms to march at a moment’s notice, or ready to fight— I feel less terror of Battle �than ever hitherto. The impression prevails that we shall be victorious here and our men are feeling well. I hope the shedding of much blood may not be necessary. May God forgive the wrong, giving true penitence, & set us all right before Him. Marched just before noon—passed 2nd & 1st Div of 20th Corps, 4 miles into Snake Creek Gap—cool weather— Road rough & muddy— Camped at 6½ in cornfield—among tall dead trees— Met 48 Rebel prisoners—they looked clean. One man rode 4 miles in an Ambulance. Thursday, May 12 Camp 20th A.C. Snake Creek Gap. Weather very cool & airy. Slept cold but feel well this morn. 13 men at sick call—none much sick. March at 1 P.M.—1st Division passed us before we started. Between two and three miles brings us to the end of Snake Creek Gap. Near the gap we all camp as a “reserve,” McPherson’s army being in front pushing the Rebs towards Resaca. Reb[s] have evacuated the ridge on our right ie to the North. 4 men of the 16 th Corps brought back to their Hosp. at this place that were wounded in skirmishing to-day—one killed— others missing. Signal lights on ridge North & N.E. Receipt of Purveyor Ridgely. Letter from Deaver. Rec’d letter from wife at Orland. Friday, May 13 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Before Resaca Ga. Weather during day pleasant. Moved at daylight toward enemy—Div formed in line of battle after proceeding about two miles towards Resaca—& remained till noon. Moved on then saw Gens. Thomas, Hooker, Sherman, Whipple, Butterfield, &c. Variety of orders concerning Panniers going to field— Our Div form on hill— McPherson’s army on right & in front, skirmishing briskly—Canonading somewhat. Rebs fall back to R.R.—Disable engine. Occupy ground—I vis[ited] Brig in field late at night Dr. Jewett148 accompanying me. Many of 15 A.C. wounded in skirmishing—shell cut through tree nearly over my head. Sergt Maj Russel & Dr. T[rowbridge] with me. It is supposed that Rebs are trying to run. We ought to catch & punish them. Remain at Hospital over night. A Corps Hosp. is to be established. 148 Dan Lee Jewett, Assistant Surgeon of the 20th Connecticut Infantry. �Saturday, May 14 Weather very pleasant. Skirmishing began early. Nothing new. Some wounded of 1st Brig. reported this morn. Surgn Hobbs sends me to field. Take out some food for Dr. T[rowbridge] & his Horse. Not much—, Vis[ited] Mich 11th.149 Dress several wounds on field at edge of woods—return to Hosp. & aft toward night make two Capital Operations—30 of 3rd Div. wounded brought in, don’t know how many killed. Hemmorage from stump of leg troublesome at night— Sleep with Surgn Hobbs & McPheeters. Call to see Dr. Packards150—not in. Sunday, May 15 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Before Resaca 3½ miles Distant. Weather fine— Started to left with Surgn Grinsted to look [for] a place for Hosp. on right. Our return found order to move to left—part of Hosp. moves off. Other do not understand order at first—we don’t know where to go— Inefficiency of med Direct[or] manifest— Delay in establishing Hospital— Dine with Surgn Bennet.151 Battle rages fiercely before our Hospital is located & wounded of our Div. come in before anything is done to take care of them. Work nearly all night Operating. Dr. Jewett a good assistant and fair operator. Not room for more than 2/3 of wounded—many lie exposed all night. Blood enough have I seen for one day. Enemy give way—we occupy their works.152 Monday, May 16 Hosp 3 Div. Weather warm. The 11th Michigan Infantry was in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. 150 Nelson I. Packard of Sturgis enlisted in the 11 th Michigan Infantry as Assistant Surgeon in October 1862 and would be mustered out in September 1864. 151 William C. Bennett of Connecticut was appointed Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers in June 1863. He subsequently became Medical Inspector of the 20 th Army Corps. 152 The Battle of Resaca began on May 14 with probing attacks on the Confederate right and center by Union forces. On the next day the Confederates halted two Union attacks and then were repulsed twice themselves in their attempt to outflank the Union left. General Johnston, made aware of Union troops trying to cut off his lines of communication, ordered a withdrawal. 149 �Some wounded still coming in—Rebs retired last night. Sunday, May 22 Weather very warm— Removed the last of the wounded to Gen Hospital at Resaca—maggots in many of the wounds— Surgn Cooper153 has superceded Surgn Perin. Surgn Woodworth154 in charge Hosp. Col. Gilbert very low155—seems to have faith in the future—seems delirious. He is in the hands of a merciful God— Capt. Sheridan of Signal Corps doing well— Our men glad to see us—McPheeters, Coakly & Beggs & Potter156 Remain for the present and many of the men to nurse. Called on Dr. Packard at 14 A.C. Hosp & got good dinner. Col. Gilbert very low & Delirious. Cross over River—Coosawatak157 & Camp for night— Get ten days rations for selves & Horses in Div. Wagons. Take bath in River & Retire. Monday, May 23 Weather very warm— Started at 5 A.M. from Resaca. Marched 13 miles by 11. Stopped in grove near house—talked with an old man who had 3 sons in Rebel army, besides two that had been killed. Claims that he is a Union man. Discussed politics. There was heavy skirmishing at this point on Tuesday of last week— Erie & Kalamazoo R.R. money—probably from 19th Mich. Rep—Geo Stewart’s farm 900 Acres 250 under cultivation. Stop at night 3½ miles from Kingston—sleep on feather bed in the house of a man that says he has always been opposed to secession. Tuesday, May 24, 1864 Surgeon George E. Cooper was Medical Director, Department of the Cumberland Milton (or Martin) C. Woodworth was commissioned Surgeon in the 51 st Ohio Infantry in October 1861. He resigned in 1864 to accept appointment as Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers. 155 Colonel Henry Gilbert, commanding officer of the 19 th Michigan Infantry, was mortally wounded while leading his men on an assault upon a Confederate battery. He would die in Chattanooga on May 24. 156 James E. Coakley of Lima Center was commissioned Assistant Surgeon to the 22 nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment in April 1864. George W. Beggs of Naperville was Assistant Surgeon in the 105th Illinois Infantry. Horace S. Potter of Chicago was Surgeon in the 105th Illinois Infantry. 157 I.e., Oostanaula River. 153 154 �8 miles South of Kingston Ga. Weather warm & very Dusty. Came to Kingston early in morn. Could Get no satisfactory information concerning the whereabouts of 20 A.C. Went two miles toward Cassville—returned— Panic on account of attack upon supply train. Shameful conduct of soldiers— P.M Follow 3 wagons of 2nd Div. loaded with Sugar out 8 or 10 miles across High Tower River158 to Pontoon Bridge—which is being taken up. Come into trains of 23rd & 14th A.Cs & are obliged to stop for the night. Rain begins a little after dark. Find a floor in a house to sleep on—Drs. Hastings159 & Jewett with me. Men sleep in Blacksmith shop. 14th A.C. train Park near us as also 18 of 20 A.C. Ambulances. Wednesday, May 25 Hosp. 3 Div. 20 A.C.—Hawkins house Rained finely last night with thunder & lightninghting— Started at 6 AM. Dr. H[astings] & Jewett myself left Hosp wagons & Ambulances which could not get along and pushed past Pontoon train & 23 A.C. train— 23 A.C. 3 Div. 20 A.C. train and came up to our Div at 11½ AM. having rode 15 or 16 miles. Divided my Hard bread with the mess who were short. 19th Mich & 20 Ct—Had been in two skirmishes—& Had men of 19th killed & wounded.160 20th A.C. moved on S.E. 5 or 6 miles—2nd Div unexpectedly met the enemy near Dallas & had a staff officer killed about 3½ P.M. Went with Dr. Grinsted back ½ mile to find place for Hosp. Established at house—good water. Some fighting about 5 to 6 many wounded not brought in. Ambulance Corps inefficient. Hawkins’ House. Thursday, May 26 Hospital of 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather very fine this morning after the rain. Many of the 3rd Div wounded not brought in but left lying in the rain on the field. I.e., Etowah River. Joseph W. Hastings was Surgeon in the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry. It was part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 160 Bennitt had left spaces in his diary to later fill in the numbers of killed and wounded from the 19th Michigan Infantry when he learned what they were. At Cassville on May 19 the regiment lost one killed and one wounded; at New Hope Church on May 25 the numbers were four killed and forty-seven wounded. 158 159 �Lieut Mandeville161 was killed 35 wounded—2 others killed beside Negro. Move Hosp forward to within a mile & a half of Battle lines—wounded continue to come in—many severe cases. Worked late last night attending to wounded retiring about 2 AM. with A. B. Ranney in shelter tent by the chimney. Friday, May 27 Weather still fine. Continue at same place. Battle continues mostly out Skirmish line.162 Rebs Charge occasionally but are repulsed. Severity of wounds. Sleep in my shelter tent. Saturday, May 28 Weather warm and fair. Hosp in same place. Skirmishing continues. Wounded still come in—a few. Sunday, May 29, 1864 Camp 2nd Brig 3 Div 20 A.C Near Dallas Ga. Weather fair. 404 men with muskets in 19th Mich. Sergt Leffler shot through chest dieing immediately very near behind breast works. Select 34 men sick from Regt to take to rear to rest. Gen Butterfield Orders them back. Division Hosp breaks up—wounded start for the rear. Kingston 35 miles distant. Hard trip for very many of them. Bivouack near line of battle. Part of wounded an[d] sick were sent in Army wagons. Wrote a letter to my wife and sent it to Kingston by Dr. Bence. Charles Mandeville (1823?-1864) of Constantine enlisted as 1st Sergeant in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in Company E in December 1863, and to 1st Lieutenant in Company H in January 1864. 162 Union and Confederate armies were by this time both entrenched around Dallas and conducted attacks at various points without much gain except the in the number of casualties. Losses in the two armies for the entire month of May would total about 9000 each. 161 �Monday, May 30 Hospital 2nd Brig ½ mile in rear of line battle in ravine. Weather fair. Terrific fight with bullets rattling around us about 11½ PM last night—Dressing a wound when it began. Changed our quarters to this place after the Storm was over. Prefer not to be so near firing. Dr. T[rowbridge] was under fire even more than I. Found him to day. Dr Hatchard sick. Good water here. We will rest some. Dr. Hobbs visits us. Move under the bank & establish a sort of Brig Hosp. One 19 th Mich—Enos White163 shot finger off. One 85 Ind—wounded in left elbow ulna near elbow. Tuesday, May 31, 1864 Same place as yesterday. Weather warm— Soldiers suffer somewhat from exposure in Breastworks to sun as well bullets. Wrote letter to wife 2. Wednesday, June 1 Camp of Hosp. Teams 6 miles in rear of 20 Corps. Ordered to move afternoon. 20 A.C. go to left 6 or 8 miles.164 Send sick to Corps Hosp. I go with them. There fall in with the other Med. officers and join Hosp train a little after Dark. Move somewhat around to rear to avoid the dust of trains &c. Corps Hospitals do not furnish good accommodations to all alike. Soldiering rather hard business for sick men. Our whole number of Killed up to this time about 24. Wounded 130—sick left back 60. Major Griffin said he has a letter for me but cannot get at it now. Thursday, June 2 Private Enos H. White (born ca. 1845) of Adamsville enlisted in Company E, 19 th Michigan in November 1863. In June 1865 he would transfer to Company A, 10 th Michigan Infantry. 164 Short of supplies and having made no headway against the Confederate positions, Sherman decided to move his army northwest to Acworth and the Western & Atlantic Railroad that passed through it. 163 �Weather fine this morn—rained noon. Find that we are 6 miles of rear of 20th A.C. We march 4 miles with train and then go on by noon to Regt which is about to move. Had a pleasant nights rest. Get forage of Brigade Hosp. teamster— Kindness of Surgeons of our Division. Copious shower while on the hill. Follow regiment to rear of line of battle meet Surg n Hobbs and return to Div. Hospital 1¼ miles in rear.— Police—put up tent. Surgn Hobbs sick— Mr Lawrence bought cow for Div. Hosp. Surgn Grinstead comes to Div Hosp. 2nd Div Hosp. about to locate here. Letter from C. P. Lincoln of May 17th Wants Pres. Friday, June 3 Hosp 3 Div Camp 19th Mich. In the mud 5/miles S.E of Ackworth. Rainy—& muddy. Surgn Hobbs sick still. Came down from Hosp. & learned that Surgn Potter was killed by shell this morn—or last night. Body will be sent home after injection with Alcohol Qts iv—Kereosate ℨ iv— Sol. ChlorZinc ℥ iv. Skull broken in front.165 Sell Surgn Hatchard the sorrel Horse and equipments for $120 00. Note should have been payable to A. B. Ranney as the horse was really his, although nominally mine and kept by me for past seven months. Albert [Ranney] buys me a mule for $1500. Saturday, June 4 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20 A.C. 4½ Miles S.W. Ackworth Ga. 1 mile North of 3 Div.— Weather a little mixed rather rainy— Examined the ground & country in rear of 3 Div. found a good location for Div Hosp where water would be convenient— Return to Hosp. 3 miles, & upon consultation conclude to move forward without Surgn Grinstead’s order— Find supply train in place selected for Hosp.— Hosp train stops Here at this house—put up tents for sick only— Man crush[ed] by fall of tree. Autopsy broken pelvis. 165 The science and art of embalming came into its own during the Civil War. Many families demanded that their dead relatives be shipped home for burial and a process was needed that would arrest decay during the often lengthy transit time. Bennitt gives the recipe for embalming fluid generally used at the time: four quarts of alcohol, 4 drams of creosote, and 4 ounces of chloride of zinc. An unexploded shell that ricocheted from the ground and hit him in the face killed Dr. Potter. �Surgn Hobbs still sick. Pres for 23 men of 2nd Brig. Sunday, June 5 Hosp 3 Div. 20th A.C. 4½ miles S.W. Ackworth Ga. Weather mixed. Showers & sun. Tried to make out Monthly report but did not finish it. Did not realize that it was Sunday until 3 P.M.— Dr. Terry invited me to preching & I went but it was ahead of time & I was obliged to return to see to sick & could not to again. O my God for Christ’s sake keep me ever in Thee. 23 men of 2 Brig. sick in Hosp. Dr. Maj. Hobbs very sick. Get a room & bed in a house for him. Brigade affairrs left in my care, as also are regimental & being so far distant it is troublesome to keep them up. No tidings from loved ones at home. Monday, June 6 Hosp. 3. Div Camp 4 miles from Ackworth. Weather mixed, showers—hot & sultry.— Roads on the whole becoming a little harder. Recd orders to march early this morning to follow the Division toward Marietta. Advanced about 4 miles and find the enemy apparently in some force. 166 Make a cautious and extensive deploy of 20th A.C. & throw up a long line of breast works— I see to location of Asst Surgeons in field—& return to Hospital nearly 2 miles in rear & left of 3rd/Div. Surgn Hobbs feels somewhat better. 4th & 14th A.C.s come up to support in eve. 26 men of 2 Brig in Hosp. Learn of Capt. Bigelow’s 167 death, & that Capt. Hubbard is in critical condition. No tidings from home. Tuesday, June 7 Fine pleasant morn. Johnston had shifted his army on June 4 to counter Sherman’s movement to the railroad. The Confederates had taken up strongly fortified positions on high ground about halfway between Acworth and Marietta. 167 Charles W. Bigelow of South Haven was commissioned Captain in Company G, 19 th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He died on May 29 of wounds received at New Hope Church four days earlier. 166 �Very little firing in night. Rebs have probably fallen back after slight demonstration. Surgn Hobbs seems a little better— We cannot take good care of sick—many of these here are not however much sick. Brig moves without notifying Surgeons with them. I follow up find their location return to Hosp, get lantern & return & pilot them through mud & rain two miles, arriving at 10 PM. This P[aragraph] should have been for the 3rd Receive order to take Hosp Stores and Att of 2 Brigade & go to Ackworth establish a Hosp. & report to Surgn Gunkle168 in charge of XX A.C. Hosp. Too late to do it to-night. Go in rain to Surg Atchison169 to have the order revoked. Wednesday, June 8 XX A.C. Hosp. Ackworth Ga. Weather has been fair all day with a few clouds, but rain is threatened, French & Jones[?]170 break tents. Started early with 55 sick men of 3 Div to march (in Ambulances &c) 3 miles to Ackworth & establish a section of XX A.C. Hosp. Find Surg n Gunkle Has a pioneer force on the ground. Get 8 tents up by 3 P.M. & the ground pretty well policed sick men at rest. Surgn Hamilton & Asst Surgn La Due171 report to me for duty. Surgn Hobbs restless to-night, 99 men in my section of Hosp. R.R. will be open to this point in four or five days. Thursday, June 9, 1864 XX A.C. Hosp at Ackworth Ga. Weather partly cloudy & pleasant balmy breezes. William H. Gunkle was commissioned Surgeon to the 73rd Pennsylvania Infantry in October 1861. His regiment was part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 169 Atchison (Acheson or Atkinson) is not identified. 170 Private Albert French (born ca. 1830) of Monterey enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. There were four men in the 19 th Michigan with the surname Jones at this time: Charles H., John C., Martin M., and Schuyler P. 171 Probably Willliam Hamilton, Surgeon to the 102 nd Illinois Infantry which was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. Edmund K. LaDue was Assistant Surgeon to the 107th New York Infantry which was part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps; he received his M.D. from Albany Medical College in 1862. 168 �Police ground & put up four Flies172 to accommodate 50 more men. 26 come in, 2 desert. We cannot give men feather beds to sleep on, nor the best of dainties, but they are comparatively comfortable on their leaves[?] with a blanket over them at night & plenty of Pilot Bread,173 some beef, plenty of Coffee & sugar. Some dried apples. Require rations for 125 sick men & 15 others. Some not very sick. Friday, June 10 Camp 19th Mich 6 Miles South of Ackworth Ga. Heavy rains begin about 1 PM. some in morn. After prescribing for 27 men I go to Gen Hooker's Hd Qrs. & find that an order has already been sent to allow men to return to Brigade. Return to Corps Hosp. Get one wagon load of Hosp supplies & return to place of Div Hosp 5 miles. Leve wagon there with Anderson & Sam174 & report at Brigade & Regt. about 7 P.M. Brigade been in marching order all day—Known at Hd. Qrs. that this Div would not move to-day—military. Dr. T[rowbridge] gone to Prayer meeting. The half starving condition of our men demands attention. Scurvy & Diar troublesome. Find only six bottles of whiskey in one box (?) Surgeon Grinsted's order to make Brigade report. Saturday, June 11 Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga. Heavy Rain Nearly all day. Roads becoming almost impassible— Remained at Regt last night. Consulted with all the Medical officers of Brigade & rec'd statements of sick & wounded for May & June to 8th. Return to Div Hosp at 11 A.M. Nearly complet Monthly report for May— Took dinner & supper with Surgn Hovey—& make my bed in his tent. A very comfortable place & bed. I hope I am appropriately thankful for these providential favors. Learned of nomination of Baltimore convention. 175 172 173 174 175 Additional sections of canvas were added onto the main hospital tent. Crackers or hardtack. Anderson is probably Bennitt’s cook and Sam his Black servant whom he brought with him from McMinnville. On June 8 in Baltimore, Abraham Lincoln was nominated for a second term as President at the National Union Convention by delegates who represented Republicans and some War Democrats. �Sunday, June 12 Hosp 3 Div XX A.C. 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga. Rained nearly all day. Roads becoming worse all the time. Went down to Brigade, rec'd an order from Surg n Grinsted to make weekly reports for May 28 & June 4 & 11th. Went to each Regt & rec'd their reports came back & consolidated them—finished May Monthly report & they will be all sent up early in morn.— Rec Notice tht Monthly rep. for Oct 63 not recd. Surgn Hovey lends me a Fly which Ranney puts up for himself & Sam & Anderson. I sleep in same place as last night. Some demonstrations in our front by rebels as though about to attack us—some canonading & musketry nearly all day— A good letter from wife. Monday, June 13 Hosp 3 Div XX A.C. 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga.— Cool. Rained nearly all night, & furiously this morning, continuing till afternoon. Roads worse & worse. 50 men each from 19th Mich & 85th Ind. detached as train guard to relieve 20 Ct. which went to Ackworth to garrison that port. Visit the detachment & then go to Gen. Butterfields Hd Qrs. to learn concerning movement of Hosp. Took dinner with this staff. Met Gen Hooker—an affible man. Called on the surgeons of Brigade urging to more scrutiny in sending men to Hosp.— Hosp. Steward Schofield176 came down to have me go to Ackworth & make requisitions for med[icine] for 2nd Brig by Dr. Hobbs request & probably receipt for Brigade Hosp. property— He is no better than when I left— Too late to go to-night. Rec note from Purveyor Ridgeley—supplies not yet sent. Sent letter to my wife by Mr Frisby[?] 177 going home. Tuesday, June 14 Camp 19th Mich 5 miles South of Ackworth Ga. Very cool this morning— No rain since about 3 P.M. of yesterday. Somewhat cloudy all day— Roads drying rapidly where soil is gravelly.— I went to Ackworth to see Surgn Hobbs and assist in making requisition for Brigade medical supplies for June which can be had of purveyor of Post. 176 177 Proctor D. Scofield of Janesville enlisted in Company E, 22 nd Wisconsin Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He would be officially promoted to Hospital Steward in December 1864. Possibly John F. Frisbie, a drayman living in Mendon. �Surgn Hobbs somewhat better—thinks however he will resign as soon as he can settle his affairs. I return to Brigade at 6 P.M. & remain— Div. Hosp had moved up nearer at a point that I do not know. Wednesday, June 15 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. south of Ackworth Ga. 5 miles. Weather fair—not very warm. Visited Hosp after attending to the certificate of disability of Capt. Smith178 Dr. Trowbridge made. I approve as Brigade Surgn—having an order to act as such from June 10th from Col. Coburn. Our Divs moved forward about 2 P.M.— 1st Brig engaged about 6.179 70 wounded. I go to front & return before sun-down. Do not like the management of affairs here in Med Dep. Serg’t Clay of Co I killed, Serg’t Livingston 180 Co I severely wounded same time. Maj Griffin mortally wounded through chest about 8½ P.M. Thursday, June 16 Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. in woods behind Battery 5 miles from Acworth—Weather fair. Major Griffin Died of his wound at 6 AM. Expressing a trust in God. I receive his Pocket-book containing his money $1140—& Pen—& keys— Wants his body sent home. Injected it. Moved two or three times the Hosp three times, & finally settled down at the place first selected in the woods. 2nd Brigade tentage came up from Ackworth. A few wounded came in— Heavy canonading above us till late in the evening. Slept nicely. Learn that Crippen181 of Co E was shot to death to-day. John Doty182 shot through left leg—I amputated below knee 7 inches. 178 179 180 181 182 Joel H. Smith (born ca. 1820) of Pokagon was commissioned Captain in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He would resign due to disability in July 1864. Sherman mistook a partial Confederate withdrawal from an untenable salient for a general retreat and ordered assaults on Johnston’s left. The 19th Michigan participated in the attack at Gilgal (or Golgotha) Church. Frederick Clay (1840?-1864) of Royalton enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. George H. Livingston (1838?-1864) of St. Joseph enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He would die at Chattanooga from his wounds in July 1864. Charles F. Crippen (1845?-1864) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E, 19th Michigan Infantry in November 1863. John S. Doty (born ca. 1842) of Constantine enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. �Friday, June 17 Acworth Ga. Weather fair—rain threatened. Went to Gen. Hooker’s to get permission to send Major Griffin’s body home—Surgn Foye183 ordered me to Ackworth with wounded & sick of Div. 160 in no. & I took body along & sent it through Sanitary Commission to Chattanooga to be there by them sent home. Lieut Coblentz184 going to rear on account of ill health, will look somewhat after it— Very defective arrangements for accommodations & care of sick. Sanitary & Christian commission give much aid invaluable— Find Lieut Wing (& Pat) Did not bring my valise— Sup with him. Spend the time till 11 PM. looking after the wounded. Sent about 80 of the wounded & sick of[f] to-night—12 ambulance loads remain in ambulances. Approve Certificate of disability for Col Utley. Saturday, June 18 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 7 miles South Acworth Ga. Rain began about 3 AM. & contin[ued] almost incessantly all day very Hard much of the time. After much trouble I succeed in getting the remainder of the wounded & sick into cars to send them to Chattanooga but their condition is very unsatisfactory indeed. Leave Acworth at 4 PM. feeling that I am indebted to the kindness of 20 th Ct. Sanitary Commission &c & that after all I have done but little for those poor men. Soaked with rain I made my way 7 miles to Div Hosp. in no very enviable state of mind. Find some comfort before a bright fire— Canonading Has been heavy all day. Rebs getting out. 185 Comparatively quiet now—(9 P.M.) Sunday, June 19 Depot for wounded of 3 Div 20 A.C. in woods 2 miles S.W. Kenesaw Mount. 183 184 185 John W. Foye of Massachusetts was appointed Sugeon, U.S. Volunteers in March 1863. At this time he was Medical Director of the 20th Army Corps. John J. Coblentz (born ca. 1835) of Sturgis enlisted in Company E, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant January 1864, and would resign in August 1864 because of disability. The continuing pressure on the Confederate left flank by Sherman again caused Johnston to withdraw his forces a few miles to perhaps his strongest positions yet on Kennesaw Mountain. �Dreary & rainy this morn—Rains very Hard nearly all forenoon—Clear in night. Rebs gone again—follow them in rain & mud through swellen brooks & sloughs for about two miles to near Kenesaw mountain—3rd Brig Div. go into woods. I follow 2nd Brig Post Med. officers. Dr. Vincent 186 close in rear 3 others farther off—80 rods. Rainy still in P.M.— Get Major’s pony. Surgn Grinstead sends for me over to House— Hosp of 2nd Div.—25, 3 Div men wounded—1 of 33rd Ind. Resection Ulna— — Amp[utate]d thigh of a 55th O[hio] man. Man will probably Die. Skirmishing somewhat brisk for a time in P.M.—quiet at night— Canonading has been heavy . Sam’l White187 makes Brigade Weekly report—send in in morn. Very little has the Lord’s day been kept Holy. Monday, June 20 Hosp 3 Div. 20 A.C.—2 to 3 miles S.W. from Kenesaw mountain. Weather mixed—almost fair till about 5 P.M. Buy rations to am’t of 300 including 1 ham 14lbs @ 12½ cts lb—Sugar & Bread. Rations ¾ for Horses ½ for mules—corn no Hay— we must forage for the rest. Canonading, heavy some of the time. 3rd Div. not engaged much except in desultory skirmishing in which a few are wounded. Heavy musketry about 7 PM.— Battery near us throw shells furiously. I will try and attend to the Evidence that the widow of Watson 188 Co. B. 19th is entitled to pension—wanted by Letter from E. B. Bassett. Tuesday, June 21 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4 miles S.W Ackworth Ga Kenesaw mountain. Weather rainy—rainy. We are obliged to move Hospital because of planting a Battery in 4 th A.C. which drew enemy fire into the place where we were, as soon as we could get out full to the south west one mile.— 1st & 2nd Div. Hosp. remain nearer to their commands. It is better to be in rear far enough to be out of the way, and out of immediate danger. There is much responsibility upon Brig Surgn. 186 187 188 Jeremiah K. Vincent was commissioned Assistant Surgeon to the 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment in July 1863 and would resign in October 1864. Samuel White does not appear on the rosters of any regiment in Bennitt’s brigade. He probably was a hospital clerk. William Watson (1825?-1863) of Clyde enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was captured at Brentwood, Tennessee in March 1863, exchanged the next month, and died of disease in Michigan in June 1863. �Wednesday, June 22, 1864 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4 miles S W from Kenesaw Mountain. Weather very fair all day. I went to Brig. & found Col Coburn in Complaining mood. Made new disposition of Med. Officers. Our Brig & Div in heavy skimishing & repelling charge of rebs in which 48 were wounded and 4 killed of 2nd Brig & (10 wounded & 1 killed of 19th Mich) about 65 of 3 Brig wounded several killed about 20 of 1st Brig— Fighting quite furious part of the time.189 I leave the field when the wounded of 2nd Brig begin to come off. Work till 11 P.M. in Dressing wounds. Affairs not altogether pleasant. Lieut Shaffer190 of 19th Mich wounded in the thigh. Wrote letter to my wife. Thursday, June 23 Hosp. 3 Div. 20 A.C. 4½ miles S. a little west Marietta Ga. Weather fair & warm all day. 20th A.C. move 3 or 4 miles to right. Send wounded to Ackworth as fast as 20 Ambulances of 3rd Div can carry them. The other teams have given out all tentage &c of 2nd Brig except 2 tents of goes forward with that of 1 st to make new Hosp. 3 Brig remain—and Surgn Bence goes to Acworth with wounded. Moved 2nd & 1st Brig Tentage up, leaving Tentage of 3rd & 2 tents & 1 fly of 2nd to cover 110 wounded & sick of 3 & about 24 of 1 st & 2nd—about 3 miles S.E. close to lines of 20 A.C. 3rd Div. Massed in front on Marietta and Atlanta Road. 1st Div & 2nd Extended to rear & left 23 [Army Corps] on right said to reach to Chattachoocha191 A few men of 2nd Brig come in wounded. One team went to Acworth for sanitary & med. stores. Letter from wife & Jennie, good. 189 190 191 Johnston, continually worried about the Union flanking movement around his left, ordered General John Bell Hood (1831-1879) to block this attempt with his corps. Hood saw an opportunity to attack what he thought was an unsupported part of the Union army, but instead assaulted elements of the 23rd Army Corps and the 20th Army Corps who were in strong dug-in positions at Kolb’s (or Culp’s) Farm. The Confederates were repulsed with heavy losses. George T. Shaffer (born ca. 1823) was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Captain in August 1864 and ended the war as Lieutenant Colonel in the 28th Michigan Infantry. I.e., Chattahoochee River. �Friday, June 24, 1864 Hosp. 3 Div. 20th A.C. 4½ miles south Marietta Ga. Weather fair and very warm. Roads improving very fast. Two men came in wounded of 2nd Brig.— Visited Brigade & Col. Coburn. Requested detail of 17 musicians or other men of 22nd Wis & 33 Ind. for service at Div. Hospital. Bullets fly thick and fast around me as there, going and coming. Get Hubbard192 of Co G. for cook &c. for mess at Hospital. I shall have his pay deducted from mine if it is thought best— Find Willie Ten-Brook in 107 N.Y. 2nd Brig 1st Div 20 A.C. Seems like a good boy & looks back to Mich. as his home, with tender regard for his step-mother and sister. Wrote letter to my wife 5. Saturday, June 25 Hosp 3. Div. 20th A.C. 4½ S. of Marrietta Ga. Weather fair and very warm. Dr. Hovey going to 3rd Brig Hosp leaves me in charge of Div. Hosp.—Surgn Foye Directs that wounded be sent to rear. 5 of 2nd Brig—1 of 3—7 + 2 of 1st sent in 5 ambulances. 4th team returns from Acworth with Sanitary & Hosp. Stores. Divided among Brigade. There is too much of Brigade jealousy. Reced letter from wife of June 13th & 14th mailed 16th. Sunday, June 26, 1864 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4½ miles s & w of Marietta Ga. Weather very warm & dry. Two badly wounded men of 2nd Brig & 1 of 2nd Div came in very early this morn. Gospel sermon by Chaplain of 105 Ill at 9½ AM from Jno XV.13— Not much fighting to-day—stray bullets occasionally fly among us. God is our shield and no harm can befal us without his permission. Teach me O God! to love thee with the whole heart—make us a nation of Christians indeed—and remove this dreadful scourge of war from our land. To-day has seemed more like a Sabbath. Willie TenBrook called to see me—gave him some envelopes & stamps to write to his mother. Wrote letter to my wife 4. Monday, June 27 192 William H. Hubbard (born ca. 1832) of South Haven enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan as Wagoner in July 1862. �Weather still warm. Threatened rain of last night did not come. Canonading began at 6 A.M. all along the line. 193 Our lines advance—4th A.C. about 10 A.M. Rebs skedaddle? Shell comes near Hosp. We look for a safe place, & Police some ground beyond next ridge preparatory to moving Hosp. if necessary— Shell passes high above Hosp & bursts near Ord[nance] train ¼ mile beyond. 23 A.C. advanced yesterday. 4th A.C. lost 2500 killed & wounded & succeeded only in driving the picket lines of enemy and making their own works in their place. Surgn Grinsted will receipt for Hosp. property— He has made a certificate for leave of absence for Gen. Butterfield. Tuesday, June 28, 1864 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. 4½ miles S. W. Marietta Ga. Weather very warm—rain threatened to-night— Surgn Foye orders wounded & severely sick to be sent to Big Shanty—may move that way to-morrow. Not much fighting to-day—Sell Major Griffin’s pony for $7500 if a good title can be given. Money in my hands. Write to Gov. Blair recommending the appointment of field officers stating our condition as a regiment— 4 men of 2nd Brig wounded—two flesh—two in head—one died soon the other probably will. Made Invoices and receipts for Hosp. property—to Surgn Grinsted. Vis[ited] Med. officers of Brigade. Dr. Wiles better. We are all too close to line of battle. Recd letter from wife 4. June 19th 21st & Jennie 2. Wrote Gov. Blair. Letter from Det[roit] Free Press—& Upham194 Wrote to my wife 4. Wednesday, June 29 Same place. Weather fair and warm. 193 194 Sherman’s attack on the Confederate center in its Kennesaw Mountain positions began exactly at 8 A.M. with an hour of artillery bombardment. By noon this frontal assault had failed, costing the three Union corps engaged some 3000 casualties. Bennitt probably is referring to Charles Upson of Centreville. �Gen. Butterfield asks leave of absence—I did not send the letter to Gov. Blair which I wrote yesterday, but shall wait to see some of the officers and men concerning the matter. Made Completed Invoices of Hospital property for Surg n Hobbs to turn over to Surgn Grinsted, bearing this date. Anderson, & Pratt195 of Co B. 19th Mich wounded through thigh each, not severely. Gen Ward takes command of Div.196 G It is to be hoped that he will look more to the wants and necessities of the men of his command than Gen. Butterfield, has. EIGHT “The Rebels Mean To Make an Obstinate Resistance Here” July - August 1864 Friday, July 1 Weather hot. Rain threatened. 195 196 Private Willliam Anderson (1840-1904) of Gun Plain enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would be discharged in January 1865 for disability. Private Comstock H. Pratt (born ca. 1842) of Martin enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan in August 1862. He would be discharged in February 1865 for disability. On June 29 General Butterfield left for New York because of illness. Brigadier General William T. Ward became commander of the 3rd Division and remained so throughout the rest of the war. �Hourly expecting orders to move from here, or be under the necessity of moving because of shells or bullets that come whizzing about us and over us. Order Comes late at night. Saturday, July 2 Hospital 3 Div 20 A.C. 4½ miles S. W. Marietta Ga. Weather hot. Order late at night to be up at 2 AM in morn to march toward river—to right flank.197 Send the letter with list of Killed & wounded to Gov. Blair. Sunday, July 3 Hosp of 2nd Div 20 A.C. 4 miles south Marietta Ga.— Weather hot. Found the Rebs had gone this morn—followed on to Marietta—turned south—2 Horses & one man killed & four severely wounded of Battery— Hospital train of 3 Div cut off and unable to come up—sick men in ambulances to number of 75 sheltered and fed by kindness of Surgn Fyfield198 of 2nd Div. I left Surgns Hovey & Grinsted at house gassing with women. Come to front—find position of Brigade & Division— Carlton Norton199 of 19th Mich severely wounded by shell in back & a man of 85 Ind.—2 sunstroke. Bad management of Gen Ward. Has not seemed much like Sabbath— Saw Bennie Benedict200 in Monday, July 4 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 7 miles south of Marietta Ga. Weather very warm & Dry not dusty yet however. Hospital train comes along early. 3rd Div. sick fed by 2nd Div Hosp this morn— The failure of his frontal attack on the Confederates at Kennesaw Mountain convinced Sherman to continue the successful strategy of outflanking Johnston’s army so as to threaten their line of communications. Johnston was aware of this latest Union movement and began a withdrawal towards the Chattahoochee River. 198 A. R. Fyfield was Surgeon to the 29th Ohio Infantry Regiment that was part of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 199 Private Carlton Norton (1843?-1892) of Martin enlisted in Company H, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 200 Probably Benjamin F. Benedict (born ca. 1844), although his name does not appear in any Indiana regimental rosters for Steuben County. He was the brother of Addison Benedict, Bennitt’s brother-in-law. 197 �Move on a half mile & after some delay camp in a grassy field long enough to get dinner and then ordered to move on, as the command had already moved s.w. 3 miles & pitched Hosp in front of 1st Div. & ½ mile in front and to left of 3rd Div. Drunkenness of Gen Ward & others—Gen Williams & Ward mistakes 14th Corps for Rebs & make fortifications & send skirmishers— I visit Brigade Head Qrs. & Div. Return to Hosp at dark— Some skirmishing & canonading all day. Rebs fall back. Deserters & Prisoners in large numbers. Tuesday, July 5 Hospital 3 Div 20 A.C. 7 miles south of Marietta Ga. Weather Dry & Hot. Moved from place of camp last night falling in behind command moving back & to left, making long stops—pick blackberries a few.— See Lieut Wing— Get Horse shod. Let Lieut Wing have copy of letter to Gov. Blair—sup & five PM. come up with Hosp, pitch Hosp in wheat stubble—give the sick & wounded their supper before 9 PM.—about 40 patients of 2nd Brig. None very dangeously ill—3 severely wounded. Too bad to be transporting them around— Very little fighting to-night anywhere within hearing. Report that the Rebs are beyond the river. We pass their strong & extensive breastworks which they have built within three days & left early this morn. 201 Large numbers of deserters & prisoners. Wednesday, July 6, 1864 Hosp 3rd Div. 20 A.C. About 10 miles south Marietta Ga. Weather hot—very hot Start out early without any orders—or intimation as to direction move toward the River where we sup[pose] 3rd Div. in that to be. Found that we were on the wrong route and yet that we were right. Turned about—came over Nickajack creek—unloaded sick put up tents—dined in woods & fed sick & wounded & soon after had noticed that the Div would soon move to the East about two miles—Hosp moved also—I Passed Brig Hd Qrs. on the way, & talked with regt’l Field & Staff. Dr T[rowbridge] sent 4 men to hosp as they passed— The Hosp is about ¾ mile in rear of our lines. Battery near us fires, but elicits no reply. Wrote letter to my wife 4. Instead of crossing the Chattahoochee River, Johnston halted his army on the north side of it on July 5. He then established himself in a six-mile long array of elaborately prepared defensive works. Sherman cautiously approached but made no serious attacks while he repaired the railroad line from Marietta to Vining’s Station. 201 �Thursday, July 7 Same place as yesterday. Weather very warm & roads begin to be dusty— Three good springs in the ravine below hospital—Slope of ground too much for convenience. Bullet exploded near our heads waking us a little before 5 AM but the enemy must be two miles distant at this time. Very little skirmishing or canonading within hearing— none in front of our division— — Heard whistle of R.R. query whether friend or foe immediately east of us and not more than two miles distant. We expect to remain here abouts for a few days and that there will be not much fighting here. Recd letter from my wife 3 & from Jennie 2. Recd Package of Heralds’ distributed them in Hosp. Friday, July 8 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south Marietta Ga. Weather very warm & dry. Lightning to-night indicating rain to come. Very little of firing in front. Federal trains run down even with us, delivering supplies near at hand to 4th & 14th A.Cs. From elevations here Atlanta can be seen ten miles distant. Grape-vine says we have captured a pontoon bridge—a factory & 400 operatives, from the enemy & that the 23rd A.C. has crossed the river.202 Our Corps is resting behind breast-works with a nice camping ground on ridges—cleaning up. Visit Col. Coburn &c. Dr. Bence detailed to serve with 136th N.Y. & Dr. Amsden203 to report at Hosp. here— We become bewildered on our return, but finally come out right. Explosion of ammunition severely burns a teamster & breaks wagon to pieces—kills six mules, but hurts no others much. Dr. Bence gave me linnen coat. Saturday, July 9, 1864 Same place. No intact bridge across the Chattahoochee seems to have been captured at this time. Union cavalry, scouting up river for possible crossing places, found three textile mills at Roswell still operating. These were soon destroyed and 400 young women workers captured. The 23rd Corps, having surprised a small force of Confederate cavalry guarding the Chattahoochee a few miles below Roswell, crossed the river in force in the afternoon of July 8. 203 Edwin Amsden of Allegan, Michigan was Assistant Surgeon to the 136 th New York Infantry Regiment. 202 �Weather very warm—dry. Surgeon Hovey went to Marietta to-day for Sanitary Stores, leaving me in Charge of Hospital. Surgn Reagan204 complains that proportionate distribution of Sanitary stores is not made by Surgn Hovey. The complaint is founded in justice. But little received today however. Order from Surgn Grinsted to have sick & wounded ready to transport—by six in morn, with cooked provisions & Med. officer—no order. We have about 40 men of 2nd Brig. need to go to rear for treatment many of them with Scurvy. Some Skirmishing to-night nearby— Canonading by 14th Corp. Wrote letter to my wife 7. Sunday, July 10 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south of Marietta Ga Weather still warm, rained a little toward night cooling the air. 75 men (25 from 2nd Brig) sent to Marietta to Gen. Hosp.—in tents. 4th A.C. occupy a hotel as hosp. It seems that Rebels have all withdrawn across the Chattahoochee last night and this morn.205 Deserters tell the story— Our skirmishers advance to river and find only a few hundred of rear[guard]—most of them willing to be prisoners. Geo Klect206 of Co I. 19th Mich wounded in spine middle dorsal by Rebel over the River. Ambulances return early from Marietta— Preaching this morn by Chaplain Stillwell207—Good. Read Book I, II, III of Pollock’s “Course of Time” 208 & Ezekiel XXXIII. Write part of a letter to wife Amos W. Regan of Mooresville was commissioned Surgeon in the 70th Indiana Infantry in August 1862. This regiment was part of the 1 st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps, and was commanded by Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901), the future twenty-third President of the United States. 205 News of the 23rd Army Corps crossing the Chattahoochee led to the orderly retreat of the Confederate forces across the river during the night of July 9. President Jefferson Davis, concerned that General Johnston has neither attacked nor halted the Union armies advancing on Atlanta, finally removes him from command on July 17 in favor of the more aggressive General Hood. 206 Private George Klett (1837?-1864) of Keeler enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan Infantry in December 1863. He would die from his wounds later in the month. 207 Probably James R. Stillwell of the 79th Ohio Infantry. His regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 208 First published in 1827, Course of Time by Robert Pollok (1799-1827) was a long poem on the subject of human destiny written in the style of Milton’s Paradise Lost. It enjoyed great popularity for half a century, but by 1864 interest in it was waning. 204 �Monday, July 11, 1864 Same place. Weather still hot—rain threatened but only sprinkles a little. Affairs going on as usual— Traffic between Federal & Rebel pickets goes on to some extent. Visited Brigade Head Qrs and approve certificate of disability of Capt Davis 209, 85 Ind. & hand it to Col. Coburn. Examine Lieut Coblentz for disability— He is disabled now, but might be cured. It is as well that he resign for he seems anxious. I will approve or make him a certificate in a day or two. Vis[ited] 19th Mich. Urge the forwarding the request for Capt Thompson’s210 muster-out. Dr. Trowbridge gives me a handkerchief to replace one he took of mine 16 months ago. Good letter from wife 3. [July] 3rd & Clara 4. [June] 26th &c. Write a part of letter in answer. Tuesday, July 12 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south Marietta Ga. Weather still warm but somewhat cloudy—sprinkling of rain. With Lieut Wing I vis the 11th Mich. & see Frankish—Dr. Elliott, with latter a good chat. Hopeful of future of our country. See over the river— See Col. Morton & Surgn Cooper of 23rd Mo.211 Must take opportunity to settle with him soon. Cook of Co C. 19th Mich has Scurvy & will need to go to rear when we march. Finished letter to my wife which will go tomorrow. Wednesday, July 13 Same place. Weather warm without rain. Surgeon Cooper of 23rd Mo came up to see me concerning the property turned over by me to him at McMinnville in April 64. The discrepancies are but slight and can be easily settled when my papers come up— 14th A.C. will move over the river this P.M. Ellery C. Davis of Terre Haute was commissioned Captain, Company G, 85 th Indiana Infantry in August 1862. 210 Charles A. J. Thompson, Company F, 19th Michigan Infantry. 211 Quinn Morton was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in the 23 rd Missouri Infantry in January 1862 and Howard A. Cooper was commissioned Surgeon in the same regiment in February 1864. 209 �New organization of Div Hospital on foot to-day—but it may miscarry, as some other moves have. Visit Brigade Hd. Qrs. Capt. Kellum 212 Sick also Turner. Certify to disability of Capts Seaton and Day 213 of 33rd Ind. that they may go to rear for treatment or resign. Day should resign at once. Seaton may be cured. Mailed letter written last night. Thursday. July 14 Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. 10 miles South of Marietta Ga. Weather still warm but a fine shower with bright lightning & thunder just at dark, in which myself & Dr. Hatchard were riding from the Brigade to Hosp. The new order relating to reorganization of Div. Hosp was sent to Brig Hd Qrs, and did not reach me. I do not feel that any effort is made to do justice to 2 nd Brig. Not a Medical officer to remain at Hosp. Found Dr. Trowbridge sick to-night but think he will be better soon. Rumors & reports of Rebels advancing on Baltimore & fears of Washington. 214 All is in the hands of a kind Father. We seem not to be doing much in this army, although there is some skirmishing—& some canonading on our front especially to the left. Bought 20 qts Blackberries. Capt. Kellum Better. Surgn Hatchard pays for 20 qts Blackberries (200) on the 14th. Friday, July 15 Head Qrs 2nd Brig. 3 Div. 20th A.C. 10 miles south, & little west Marietta Ga. Rain last night cooled the air some; pleasant & still warm to-day. No orders with reference to attendants, but it is understood that all will remain at Hosp. of Div. till further orders—Schofield to be principal Steward—Dr Jewett to attend 2nd Alphonse G. Kellam of Delavan was commissioned Captain, Company D, 22 nd Wisconsin Infantry in August 1862. He would be promoted to Major in November 1864. 213 Charles Seaton was commissioned Lieutenant in Company A, 33 rd Indiana Infantry in September 1861, promoted to Captain in January 1863, but would resign in September 1864. Charles Day was commissioned Captain in Company C, 33 rd Indiana Infantry in September 1861 and would be mustered out in September 1864. 214 To ease the Union pressure on General Lee’s positions at Petersburg, Confederate General Jubal Early (1816-1894) with 20,000 men began an advance up the Shenandoah Valley towards Washington in June. Outmaneuvering the Union forces along his route, he reached the outskirts of Washington on July 11. The next night he withdrew, realizing that the city’s defenses had been reinforced. 212 �Ward—will give satisfaction more than any other arrangement of the present detailed force. Bought 11 qts Blackberries @ 10cts for Big ones—sent 5 qts in morn. Beside—bought also 5 loaves bread at 10cts—two of which I gave to Att. at Hosp. the others to our mess— Gave— Move to Brig Hd. Qrs before dinner—return to Hosp. to see how affairs are going— There is a better appearance of things. Pioneers put up my tent & bed—Sam’l & Anderson the table. All nice. I think I shall be comfortably & pleasantly situated at Hd. Qrs. Saturday, July 16 Head Qrs. 2nd Brig 3rd Div 20th A.C. 10 miles south & a little west Marietta Ga. Weather very warm—fine rain to-night about 8½. 19th Mich out on the Skirmish or picket line on the Chattahoochee River—Commissions rec’d for Lieut Ford215 as Capt—Lieut Wing as R[egimental[ Q[uarter] M[aster]. Lieut Reynolds as 1st Lieut—Lieut Edwards216 as 1st Lieut—Sergts. Pullman217 & NY man as 2nd Lieuts— Notice of about 25 sick & wounded men of 19th Mich at St Mary’s Hosp Detroit—& a request that descriptive rolls be sent. Made circular to-night to be sent around to surgeons in morn, to send every morn & report of sick for Hosp & number requiring transportation. Recd letters from Wife of 7th & 8th 4 [pages] & from Clara of 10th 4 & Jennie 10th 4. Sunday, July 17, 1864 Head Qrs. 2nd Brig 3 Div 20th A.C. 7 or 8 miles North & a little east of Atlanta on left bank of Chattahoochee. Weather pleasant—not excessively warm. Fine shower last night lasting but a few minutes— Sent a circular to Surgeons of Brigade 22nd [Wisconsin] & 33rd [Indiana] failed to send in reports. Went to Div. Hosp. Affairs going well there— Att[ended] preaching at 33rd Ind. Henry A. Ford (1836?-1894) of Niles was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company F, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in November 1862. 216 Isaac Z. Edwards (born ca. 1834) of Pokagon enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry as First Sergeant in August 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant, Company D in May 1863 and to 1st Lieutenant in June 1864. He would resign in August 1864 because of disability. 217 Paschal A. Pullman (1836?-1864) of Allegan enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. He would be killed in action at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia on July 20. 215 �Orders to march east at 3 P.M. Started at 4—19th Mich at 5½— I came by Div. Hosp. (eat supper) find 2/3 of it will remain two or three days—one third accompany command. March about 4 miles East to Vining’s ferry218 & 3 or 4 miles farther—crossing river about 8 P.M. going into camp on a stony ridge about ten— Have tea. Trouble in locating Brig H’d Qrs. Closely crowded all around. Rumors of occupation of Atlanta— Pass 23rd Mo.— Too much desecration of Sabbath for National prosperity. Wrote letter to wife 6. Monday, July 18 H’d Q’rs 2nd Brig 3 Div 20th A.C. Camp in woods 6 miles North Atlanta Ga. Weather warm—somewhat cloudy. A sprinkle of rain a little before night.— Remained in camp till noon. 3 Brig went on reconnoisance in force to Nance’s Creek. 219 We follow, waiting at Williams Mills for completion of bridges—cross over about 2 PM. Up the hill form in line of battle. At foot of hill form line by division front and march through woods—19th [Michigan] & 85th [Indiana] in rear—form in road ½ mile distant by large house by company—then by platoon—then in route column—along a good wide road Eastward—till near night. Gen Thomas passed & returned— We turn off and meander in woods—form a crooked line 3/8 mile from road on south—parallel(?) in woods & go into camp—not fortifying—except 1st Brig on right by Com[mand] of Gen. Ward.— Sup & retire. Enemy nowhere in hearing except occasionally a cannon toward Atlanta. Tuesday, July 19, 1864 Same place. Weather pleasant and warm still. At 5 A.M. ordered to be ready to march at a moment’s notice. No musketry in hearing, Canonading at 7 A.M. toward Atlanta. Affairs moving rather quietly all day building bridges across Peach Tree Creek 4 miles north of Atlanta over which the 4 th A.C. passed in part before dark—saw some of them passing over, & the skirmishing on the other side. Went down by Buck’s Head to the Bridge with Col. Coburn & Capt Kellum—saw Gens Howard & Wood. 220 Returned to camp at dark. I.e., Pace’s Ferry. I.e., Nancy’s Creek. 220 Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood (1823-1906) commanded the 3rd Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. 218 219 �Wrote letter to wife 3. Wednesday, July 20 Hosp 3rd Div. 20 A.C. Near Buck’s Head road toward Atlanta at the Bridge across Peach Tree Creek— Weather has been warm. Order in middle of night to be ready at daylight to march, did start about 6 AM. Moved to left then right—then left again on account of bridge not being completed— Located Hospital with Surgn Grinsted—as a battle seemed imminent on the other side. 3 Div. Passed over between 2nd Div. & 4th A.C. Sharp skirmishing. Went over with Surgns Hovey & Grinsted to seek a better place for Hosp. Enemy charged our lines while we were there, but met with a fierce counter charge from 20 th & 4th A.C. and were driven back with terrible slaughter. Wounded of 3 Div 350 to-night & about 25 Rebs here—wounds severe. I in chg. 2nd sec[tion] of Hosp. Dr. Hamilton 221 back with 2/3. Battle terrific.222 Thursday, July 21 Same place. Weather fair a little rain at eve 7 P.M.— Very little skirmishing in our front to-day— It is believed that the rebs are thoroughly whipped & prisoners seem to think their case hopeless—McPherson in their rear “knocking” at the “gates” of Atlanta.223 Whole loss in the Div. in yesterday’s fight 370 wounded 62 killed. Friday, July 22 2nd Sec. Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. at White House 2¾ miles North of Atlanta. Weather warm— 20th A.C. moved forward to within 2 miles of Atlanta— After the wounded were all dressed I went with Ranney & Dix two miles south to our Div. Saw Gen Hooker &c. William Hamilton was commissioned Surgeon in the 102nd Illinois Infantry Regiment in October 1863. 222 General Hood, having taken command of the Confederate forces from Johnston only two days previously, saw an immediate opportunity to strike at the Union army. After crossing the Chattahoochee Sherman advanced on Atlanta in two separate columns, and Hood planned to attack and defeat each one in succession. His first target was Thomas’s Army of the Cumberland approaching Atlanta from the north, which he caught by surprise at the Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 20. After some initial setbacks, the Union troops held their ground against furious Confederate assaults. 223 The Army of the Tennessee under McPherson had swung around Atlanta to cut the Georgia Railroad at Decatur and was advancing on Atlanta from the east. 221 �Took dinner at Reg’t with Capt Baldwin & Cahill. 224 Went out in front on hill to see Atlanta & Rebel works indistinctly— Reported at Brigade Head Qrs. Dr. Coakly att. sick call at our Regt, but imperfectly. Returned to Hosp—examined this house and thought it a good place for a hosp. Passed over Battle field saw graves of our dead as well as that of some rebel dead— Ordered by Surgn Grinsted to return with Surgn Hovey & Asst Surgn Amsden to take possession of this house as Hosp. did so. with panniers &c. Some prospect of fight. Severe engagement of left wing & death of McPherson. 225 Saturday, July 23 2 Sec. 3 Div Hosp. At same place. Weather still fair. Cleared off the ground &c around the house. 6 men come into Hosp wounded— No general engagement.— I am feeling quite unwell—Lt Wing camped close by. Write letter to Sam’l Griffin—father of Major Griffin— Surgeon Hobbs returns & reports to Adj’t Crawford 226 of 2nd Brigade,—just before night. Topographical engineer in the house— Brigade wagons in yard. Report of McPherson’s death confirmed. Our [losses] less heavy—Rebs driven back with heavier227— We lost 10 canon and 20th A.C. remains in same place as yesterday nearly—skirmishing still & some heavy firing with large guns. Comfortably bedded on cotton in a house to-night. Letter from Mrs. Smith of the 15th deprecating the course of the Administration, & the renomination of Lincoln. LeRoy Cahill (born ca. 1841) of Portage enlisted as First Sergeant in Company F, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in November 1862, wounded in action in May 1863, transferred to Company C in June 1863, promoted to 1st Lieutenant in January 1864, and would be promoted to Captain in Company A in October 1864. In July 1864 he was acting Adjutant. 225 Hood had learned that the Army of the Tennessee had left a flank unsupported and ordered General Hardee to move against it with his corps on July 22. At the Battle of Atlanta (or Bald Hill) once again the Confederate attack came as a surprise, but the timely arrival of reinforcements prevented a Union disaster. However, General McPherson was surprised by Confederate pickets and killed while reconnoitering with some of his staff. 226 Francis C. Crawford of Terre Haute was commissioned Adjutant in the 85 th Indiana Infantry in August 1862 and would be promoted to Captain in Company G in September 1864. 227 Hood’s forces withdrew into the defenses of Atlanta. His failures in the battles of July 20 and 22 cost the Confederates about 8000 casualties compared to the Union losses of around 5500. 224 �Sunday, July 24 2nd Sec. 3 Div Hosp. 2½ miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, warm & dry. A few men come in wounded in skirmish line—Mr. Price from McMinnville called a moment while I was attending to a wounded man.— Received order from Surgn Grinsted to report with hospital to first section immediately, with an intimation that there were raiders around (Gen. Sherman) that would disturb us. Went back over battle field with Surgn Hobbs— Let him have my colt to ride for the present—saw four unburied rebel bodies slain on 20th Inst—black & bloated. Ate dinner at Hosp. & after some delay started by another way to right to establish again. Surgn Foye selected a place—a good one under fire—long way around to get ½ mile—I in charge. Dr. Trowbridge here. Monday, July 25, 1864 Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. 2½ miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather still warm.— Papers sent up to me as Brigade Surgn show them to Surgn Hobbs.—receive note from Crawford—Surgn Hobbs goes down to explain—all right— Order by Col Coburn for my relief &c. Most of the day is spent in policing ground for hospital putting up tents &c. so as to be fully ready in case of action— We now have up accommodations for 200 men & a nice place—good water—I am temporarily in charge of this section— Sharp skirmishing & terrific shelling last night as well as to-night—24 seconds for Shell to go into Atlanta & its report return. Put up personal tents & beds in good shape. [Isaac Z.] Edwards & Lilly resign.228 Capt Baldwin comes to see me. Recd letter from wife of 17th 3+ & wrote in answer 6. Tuesday, July 26 Hosp. 3 Div 20th A.C. 2½ miles north of Atlanta Ga. 228 Augustus Lilly (1826?-1888) of Allegan enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as First Sergeant. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in May 1863 and to 1st Lieutenant in May 1864. He would be discharged in April 1865 for disability. �Weather still warm but pleasant. Balance of Hospital came up to-day with all sick & wounded not sent to rear. Disordered state of reports of Surgn Hamilton. By Order of Surgn Grinsted I relieve Hamilton in charge of Hosp. and enter upon duty—Dr. Trowbridge attends to the regiment but remains at Hosp. except to make sick call— I find it almost impossible to bring order out of the chaotic condition of things here, but will succeed ere long. 2 wounded men to-day— Shells burst uncomfortably near us. Promise Geo Russell to help him if I can. Wednesday, July 27 Same place. Weather a little rainy though not heavy. Not fully regulated yet. We expected to move to-night with a section of Hospital leaving sick here & we return, but our command did not go— Some jealousy among nurses— Surgn Grinsted relieved here to-night & Wm C. Bennet Surgn U.S.V. takes the place. It is said that Hooker will go to some other command. 229 I fear his place cannot be filled in the 20th A.C. God preserve us. Order from chaos not fully restored in Hosp. here yet. Make certificates of disability for Lts. Edwards & Lilly to resign—recommend Lt Norris230 not to apply at present for leave of absence. Try to straighten out reports for Dr Jewett. Retire late. God be with me. Some skirmishing—no canons firing to-night. Thursday, July 28 Hosp 3 Div. 20th A.C. near Atlanta Ga. Weather a little rainy— Sent Hosp. team to Marietta for Sanitary stores—Christian Commission man Rich231— Came also Mr. Roberts.232 General Hooker had hoped to succeed to McPherson’s command, but Sherman appointed General Howard instead. Hooker, in a fit of pique requested to be relieved and Brigadier General Alpheus S. Williams became the new commander of the 20 th Army Corps. 230 William M. Norris (born ca. 1834) of Coldwater enlisted in Company H, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant in July 1862. He was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in Company I in December 1863 and would be to Captain in October 1864. He would resign in November 1864 because of disability. 231 Probably Rev. J. D. Rich of Minneapolis. 229 �Tremendous fighting a mile or two to the right, while the batteries close by here throw shell into Atlanta continually— Skirmish firing heavy in front of us—go out after dark to see shells fly . One section of Hosp. to be ready to move at a moments notice. 3 Div. move out, but finding that the Rebs were driven back with great slaughter, they went into same place for to-night & we rest till morning. Wm C. Bennett enters upon duty as Med. Director of Division. Friday, July 29 Same place. Weather pleasant—a little sprinkle of rain about noon— 3rd Div. moved far to the right (probably 4 or 5 miles)— One section of Hosp. followed— large number of sick fell out (34). Have some definite account by Mr. Rich of the immense slaughter of Rebs yesterday— they made 7 charges upon our batteries and Infantry in open field & were finally repulsed and driven back. They must have lost 10000 men in all. 233 We [hear] no tidings from our division to-night. They may have been fighting to-day but there does not seem to have been any general engagements. Sharp volleys occasionally. Preaching in Hospital ground after dark att[ended] with interest by nearly all that could. May God dwell with us here, and keep us all in His Love. Saturday, July 30, 1864 Hosp 3 Div. 20th AC. Near Atlanta. Weather fair and warm. Continue the work of policing. Surgn Hovey sends a note from the advanced section that he has no food—utensils nor cook for all that are there. He was mistaken somewhat. There is some prospect that we shall move forward in the morning,—the Division being about 8 miles on the extreme right.— Hospital in good condition but few seriously sick. Have put up two tents and 16 bunks for the more serious cases.— Much heavy canonading all of the time to-day. In 1864 there were six U.S. Christian Commission delegates in the field with the last name Roberts. 233 The Battle of Ezra Church on July 28 was Hood’s third and final attempt to defeat one of Sherman’s detached corps. The Army of the Tennessee had shifted from its position on the east side of Atlanta to the west and was on the march to cut the Macon & Western Railroad south of the city when suddenly attacked by two of Hood’s corps. The Confederate formations charged repeatedly and unsuccessfully with casualties amounting to 5000. 232 �Surgn W. C. Bennett is stirring things up a little & doubtless will improve hospital matters somewhat. Christian Commission stops here. Wrote letter to wife 5 but do not send it till Send part of sanitary good[s] to Dr. Hovey Sunday, July 31 Weather fair in morn.—rain with thunder and lightning a little after noon—pretty heavy—& continuing till night— Surgn W. C. Bennett went forward to command—8 miles they will return here probably— Only 2 sick men admitted here—22 at the advanced section— Made return for 3 days rations for 600 men—Aug. 1st 2nd—& 3rd.— Sent part to (600) to advanced section. 3rd Div. went to-day on reconnoisance in force as far as in sight of Rail-Road. There has been but little firing to-day— — Preaching this morning by ___ ___ would have been tonight but for the rain.— Tents not well trenched234 flies leak to much in heavy rain. Have calls sounded on horn— Write more in letter to wife. 2 Send it. Monday, August 1 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 2S Weather fair except a little cloudy with a sprinkling of rain. Surgn Hovey came down— Police a place for a row of tents to fill with bunks— Went out in evening with Surgns Bennett & Grinsted to find a sheltered place for a hospital in case of leaving this one on account of a proposed attack upon the enemys lines in our front. Call at Corps Head Qrs. See Gens Williams & Geary. Notified to send 16 ambulances loaded with sick & wounded to Vining’s Station. 27 men sent sick from advanced Sect of Hosp.— Work till near midnight in completing list of men to send. Tuesday, August 2 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Atlanta. Weather fair and not very warm— Sent of patients 57 to Vining’s Station—in care Dr. Preston.235 (He delivered them in good order.) One man sent the day before charged with being a deserter having 234 The channels around the perimeter of each tent to carry off rainwater were improperly dug. �consumption—could not be sent for want of room. (Jerome Franklin) 236 Finished bunks (28)— Made some other improvements— At Dr. Trowbridge’s request he was ordered to his regiment till action. Sent Dr. Jewett to Advanced Section & return with reports— Drew 7 days full rations for 2 horses—Aug 1 to 7. Clear up the records very nearly. 23 A.C. move past us to the right. Look for another fight. Rumor of Calamity to McCook’s command.237 Only rut[?] danger. Wednesday, August 3 Hospital 3 Div 20 A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Weather still fair, rain threatened— 3rd Div. move back to the Rail-Road— Advanced Section of Hospital returns to this place— Drs Trowbridge & Amsden return to their Regiments. About 100 patients come in in all. A little warm work in getting into position—2 men wounded. Affairs here move on quietly I believe—Policing & improving still. Thursday, August 4 Same place. Weather fair—rain threatened. Surgn Wm C. Bennett assumes command here but Surgn Grinsted remains here organizing Artiller[y] Med. Officers—Bennett remains here a considerable portion of the time.— 3 men wounded brot in—John Rea238 of 19th Mich &c. Heavy fighting at various points. McCook’s command in a large degree successful but losing heavily. It seems as though a vigorous resistance is to be made here and may require a long seige to reduce this place— Continue improving Hospital grounds & tents with bunks— P[ut] up 2nd flies for reading room &c Chapel— Rec’d my trunk & note from Adjt Brown. John C. Preston of Cleveland enlisted in the 73rd Ohio Infantry in March 1863 as Assistant Surgeon. 236 Private Jerome Franklin was in Company I, 55 th Ohio Infantry. The regiment was part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 237 Brigadier General Edward M. McCook (1833-1909) in command of the 1st Division, Cavalry Corps set about to disrupt the railroad around Jonesboro, about fifteen miles south of Atlanta. After some success, he was surrounded by Confederate cavalry and infantry and compelled to fight his way out. In the event he lost 600 in killed and captured but was not totally destroyed as initial reports made out. 238 Private John Rea (1831?-1898) of Bangor enlisted in Company G, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 235 �Receive letter from wife 4 & from Sister Rebecca to wife 2. Friday, August 5 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, but rain threatened—& begins at 11 PM. Rec’d note from Lieut. Ford, enclosing another to be opened in case of his death. I shall do his wish if possible. Sent for additional articles Hosp’l Stores & corn starch. Heavy Skirmishing a little to our right about 4 to 5 P.M., but 3 Div. not engaged. Two men mortally & two others severely wounded came in. All reports made out for to-day— letter from Dr Tompkins—I must write him. Ordered to send 45 men to Vinings Station in morn.— Make lists & get all things ready. Long Confab with Surgn Grinsted upon religion—“Pearls before swine.” Brisk Skirmishing firing & some Canonading nearly in front of us. Letter from Dr Tompkins. Chapel tent erected. Saturday, August 6 Same place. Weather fair till afternoon, quite severe rain toward night and till late in the evening. Sent off 45 men to Vinings Station. Early in morn— Went to Corps H’d Qrs. & was told by Surg n Foye to send to Marietta for Sanitary Stores. Went on over to the batteries, returned via 2 Div. Hosp.— Sent team this P.M. to Marietta for S. Stores.. Policing continued—& bunks put up in one ward. Much work to be done in such an institution as this. Recd letter from Dr. Tompkins yesterday. Sunday, August 7, 1864 Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. 2 miles from Atlanta Ga. Weather fine after the rain of last night— We proposed to rest to-day except the necessary cleaning up & nursing. Inspection at 9½ A.M.— Things in fair order— Preaching at 10½ A.M. by Ch. Stillwell—Very good—prayed for the re-election of Lincoln about which much fault was found.— Sunday-School at 3 PM. Attended with interest. May God work among us to do of his will & pleasure. Preaching again to-night—too long for invalids in open air. �Inspection by Sanitary Inspector Dr. Webster.239 Serg’t Hagar240 Mortally wounded. Wrote under date of yesterday recommending Lieut Wing for field officer in new regiment. Write part of letter to wife. Monday, August 8 At same place. Weather rainy nearly all day— Our patients suffer somewhat from leaky tents. Sergt Hager Died this A.M. of his wound in abdomen. Men shot in picket line and in the trenches come in occasionally. A long talk with Surgn Bennett concerning the future of this country almost discourages me. I hope however in God & the right. Write more in the letter to wife. Tuesday, August 9 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Aug 9th Weather heavy and rainy nearly all day— 1800 guns ordered to be fired from the 6 batteries of the 20 A.C. and the booming has been almost continuous— This seems to be an effort to divert the rebels from some more important movement on our part.— Heavy Canon came down to-day via R.R. & will be heard from soon.241— Atlanta stands in her pride against us. Firing to-night sparse. Spring put in good order to-day. Work of improvement going on in Hosp.—men. It is said some long 34 pounders have been sent down to-day. Finish letter to wife & send it. Receive letter from wife of July 31 st & Jennie of same date— Clara unwell. Wednesday, August 10 Same place. Warren Webster (1835-1896) of Massachusetts. He was Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army when found guilty of disobedience of orders by a court martial in the autumn of 1863. 240 Phineas A. Hager (1820?-1864) of Otsego enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as Sergeant. 241 Sherman had realized that he was no longer able to maneuver the Confederates out of Atlanta and had requested siege guns be sent from Chattanooga. Bennitt is probably referring to three 4.5-inch Rodman guns capable of firing a 30-pound shell. 239 �Weather promised fair till afternoon, but so much canonading seems to have brought on a copious shower toward night— Went to 2nd Div Hd. Qrs concerning a Lt of 55th O[hio] V.V. Whom arrested and sent there yesterday for drunkeness &c. Explained to Gen Geary.— Went on with Surgn Bennett to 3rd Div Hd. Qrs. to determine about detaining music men at Hosp. Capt Speed242 says they were ordered here, & must remain here till ordered back by Div Commander— Sought a place to which to move hosp.—found none very satisfactory— although we rode far. Visited 1st Div. Hosp on our return nearly 300 patients— They have not a good place— Heavy firing nearly all day—Rebs do not reply much—large guns are talking to-night. 7 wounded on to-day’s report. Thursday, August 11 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Atlanta Ga. Weather promised to be fair in morn but there have been several showers during the day & last night & continues yet. I have been almost sick, but feel better to-night after taking six grs. Quin.— Canonading frequent along the line with picket firing— We have received a large number of patients to-day have put about 45 from large into small tents. Surg n Wm C. Bennett spent but a small part of to-day here.— We are trying to get all our patients off the ground. 29 are still with[out] bunks, but that will be remedied to-morrow. I have not been able to find time to write any letters to-day— Spent two hours this evening in discussing professional subjects pertaining to our immediate duties here. (Made a mistake in writing on this page) 243 Friday, August 12 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Weather a little better, sprinkles a little, but does not dry off much. Affairs move on as usual. 9 men come in wounded—2 die. W. C. Bennett moves down here to-night— Reports made in a regular manner but records are not satisfactory—10 wards fully bunked. Saturday, August 13 Captain John Speed was Assistant Adjutant-General of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 243 Bennitt evidently skipped a page in his diary and wrote this entry on the page for Saturday, August 13. The entry for that date he has put for August 11. 242 �Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. near Atlanta Ga. Weather somewhat sunny, but no rain rather damp around us yet. Four men have died of wounds within last 24 hours.— Nearly half of the men brought in have mortal wounds. Cannonading has been brisk part of the day & is quite so to-night— A long quiet this morning led us to hope Atlanta had given up— Col Shafter called this PM. not well—says John244 is restored to his standing as an officer. I doubt the propriety of this result.— Religious exercises in chapel tent tonight. Sunday, August 14, 1864 Same place. Weather fair till P.M. rain about 3½— Some heavy fighting on the right at sundown. Cannonading pretty heavy nearly all day. Ezra Nichols wounded through right thigh & will probably die of the wound. Inspection this morning found things looking well. Preaching at 11 AM. & 6 P.M. Good attention & serious impressions. May God deepen them in us all, and preserve us in him. Have made preparations to send for Sanitary Stores to-morrow morning & will try and send letter to wife. We have 389 patients in Hosp. Many dying soon after coming in— O my God give me wisdom for this work & patients 245 and industry accord as I need. Wrote three pages of a letter to my wife. Monday, August 15 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 2 miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather fair nearly all day rained a little about 6 P.M.— Heavy cannonading & Picket firing frequent.— I rode around with Surgn Grinsted to Batteries and to Div. Head Qrs. Gen. Ward seems like a demented man almost. The 2nd Brigade 3 Div. advanced about 3 AM. Closer to the enemy works, giving rise to a brisk fight of skirmishers, but no one hurt of our men. John N. Shafter (born ca. 1839) of Galesburg enlisted as Sergeant Major in the 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in Company B in July 1863, but was court-martialed in McMinnville for his implication in theft of private property in December 1863. When court records were inexplicably “lost,” he was reinstated and would be promoted to Captain in October 1864. Shafter was the younger brother of Lieutenant Colonel William Shafter. 245 I.e., patience. 244 �6 wounded men came in to-day 4 severe— 4 men died in the last 24 hours—3 of wounds. Steward Scofield went to Marietta for Sanitary Stores—I sent my letter to wife by him. Little Hattie not well. Recd letter from Jennie & Clara & a letter from wife. Tuesday, August 16 At same place. Weather fair—ground drying off nicely— Policing going on as much as practicable—moved our office tent this P.M. & have very comfortable arrangements, and will be pleasant when fully arrangedments. Forage curtailed ½ because of Rebels having cut the R.R. at Dalton or some other point.246 Wednesday, August 17 Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. Near Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, & pleasant and affairs move on as usual. Rumors of Order received to-night to be ready to break camp and move our Hospital to the other side of the River at 5 AM to-morrow— Full arrangements made but the order was [not?] carried into effect for some movement developed the fact that to raise the seige is necessary at present. Thursday, August 18 Same Place. Weather very fair but not excessively warm—cool in morn & eve. Heavy firing early this morn occasioned by the supposition on the part of the enemy that we were about to make some kind of demonstration or fall back. They found our army ready for them and they were glad to get behind their works. Four wounded men came in—One fracture at Elbow. I have not been well to-day, and am still feeling dull. Religious meeting to-night attended with good interest. Friday, August 19 246 On August 10 Hood ordered his cavalry commander, General Joseph Wheeler, to attack and disrupt Union communications and rail lines in the Union rear, hoping to force Sherman to retreat. On August 14 the Confederate cavalry had reached Dalton. The raid would last until September 9 but did not accomplish its intended objective. �Hosp. 3rd Div. 20 A.C. near Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, Thunder Storm imminent now (9½ PM.) Rains hard. Report of success of Kilpatrick at East-point in cutting and holding the Macon R.R. 247 Our order to move two days ago was only a feint to deceive some rebel spies in camp at the time.— Our communication with our base of supply is open freely again, so that we can get full[?] forage again.— The heavy firing this morning was nearly all from our batteries. We are trying to demolish their forts & make the city untenable. Burning buildings were seen in the city this morn. Weekly reports are made out & sent in. O my Saviour dwell in me in love and keep me from sin. Saturday, August 20, 1864 Same place. Weather fair till about noon, and rainy all the remainder of the day. No particular intelligence concerning our movements & successes but it is said that some heavy fighting was done by the 17th A.C. yesterday, worsting the rebels, The seige continues here but the rebels do not shoot at us so much as formerly. No wounded today from our divs. Adjt Brown & Capt Hubbard both make application for leave of absence, & I must make their certificates of disability. Lieut Wing, & Capt. Anderson 248 called to see me tonight. Wrote a note[?] Bill of $3500 for Anderson, the amount due him up to this night. Reced letter from wife (4-) of the 12th mailed 13th all well. Wrote 3¾ pages of a letter to wife. Sunday, August 21, 1864 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Before Atlanta Ga. Weather has been rainy nearly all day—rains quite fast just now (8½ PM.)— Sherman, realizing that the majority of Confederate cavalry was away north of Atlanta, ordered Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick (1836-1881) of the Cavalry Corps to take his 3rd Division along with two brigades of the 2nd Division and attempt to destroy the Macon and Western Railroad south of Atlanta. It was to be hoped that this operation would force the surrender of that city, but Kilpatrick’s attempt was largely unsuccessful and he returned to the Union lines on August 22. 248 David Anderson (born ca. 1825) of Matteson was commissioned 1 st Lieutenant in Company H, 19th Michigan Infantry in July 1862. He was promoted to Captain in May 1863, was wounded twice at Atlanta in May and June 1864, and commanded the regiment from July 20 to September 1864. He would be promoted to Major in October 1864 and to Colonel in June 1865. 247 �Inspection this morning showed a fair condition of things in the wards. We seem to have a large number of patients on our hands now (431) a large proportion however are not very sick. Had we a good mixed diet for a few weeks a large proportion of our sick would require no medication. Col Coburn, Major Miller249 & Dr Bence came down and took supper with us. Col. C[oburn] thinks Capt. Anderson is the man to command the 19th Mich. Moved our quarters out from sick quarters. Wrote letter to Jennie & Clara 4 and enclose it with one to wife. Monday, August 22 Same place. Weather fair—no rain—a little cloudy—comfortably cool. Work going on in Hospital as usual— Music men make a little trouble about work. Dr. Gill250 will be Chief Surgn of 1st Div instead of 3rd. I am inclined to become a U.S.V.— Very little musketry on the lines to-day— Cannonading continuous— Rumor that paymasters are among us— No tidings looking to an end of this seige. We open up the camp more and move office toward the field— Mules smells bad— Wrote certificates of disability for Adjt Brown and Capt Hubbard late to-night. Rec’d letters from wife of 9th 3 and 14th 4 & from Clara of 14th—3. Added a few words to the letter written last night and sent them. Tuesday, August 23 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20 A.C. 2 miles North of Atlanta Ga. Weather fair—not excessively warm— Moved officers quarters—in full yes[?] Some body picked my pocket which was lying by my bedside last night—of my wallet with 1500 Cash—Stamps about 100—Note against Dr. Hatchard of $12000 & some other papers—and Major Griffins Watch. No clue to the thief. Receive order to send a medical officer & some workmen over the Chattahoochee to select and establish a Hospital early in the morning and move part of the sick in the P.M. Wednesday, August 24 Major Levin T. Miller enlisted in the 33rd Indiana Infantry in November 1862 and would resign in September 1864. 250 Henry Z. Gill, Surgeon, U.S. Army. 249 �New Site for Hospital 1½ miles S.W. Vining’s Station Ga. Weather fair— Asst Surgn Wood251 started out early this AM. with 12 police—musicians to select a place for Hospital and clear up ground &c. I get a little more definite instructions from Surgn Foye concerning the object and nature of the movement and start with the 4 wagons loaded with tents & boards to this place. Found Dr Wood had located here— Did not like it at first. Water too scarce— Not much done toward making a Hosp. before I arrive at 3¾ P.M.— (See Surgn Cooper of 23rd Mo. on the way and received some papers from him) 94 sick men & wounded came late in evening— We have 3 wards up and one of them bunked—work late & feel tired. We cannot afford much comfort to these suffering men. Thursday, August 25 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Vining’s Station Ga. on the Rail-Road. Weather fair—cool at morn & eve. The whole Hospital moved to-day and a terrible job it is to move so many sick and wounded men—425—and move their houses too. We shall manage to place the sick up from the ground in a few days, as we have brought a large part of the bunk lumber from the other Hospital site. It is expected that our A.C. will move to the rear to-night. R.R. trains pass with much noise. We change medical officers to some extent and consolidate the Surgeons messes into one. I have worked hard to-day having started out hatchet in hand to open up the way for front line for wards, and am ready to retire very late. Surg n Bennett has not been to see us. Friday, August 26 Same Place Weather fair with a little sprinkle of rain. Not very warm—nights cool. Affairs going on well at hospital only it is difficult to get much work out of musicians. 30 good men could do more work than the whole 80 we have here. Surgn Wm C. Bennett called to see us & seemed to think all was doing well. Had Spring excavated so as to hold a supply of water & it promises well. Our great fear here is that water will fail us. Recd a letter from wife of Aug 17th Mailed 18th 2—and from Jennie of 14th & 17th. 251 Orlando S. Wood of the 129th Illinois Infantry Regiment. �I assign medical officers to duty in difficult wards. Saturday, August 27 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Near Vinings Station Ga. Weather fair, not very warm— Thunder shower last night, not a large amount of rain. But it was unpleasant to know that a large number of the sick were on the ground in untrenched tents. To-day they have been trenched & the policing & Bunking going on. The spring will give us a good supply of water but not quite enough. 3rd Div. attacked by Rebel Cavalry—with shell, killing two and wounding two of our men—sending a shell through Div. flag. Rec’d word to send operating staff to front while at dinner.— They were soon off but had nothing to do there. Will send them some bread in the morn early— Dr. Hatchard Payd me $5000 on the note for the horse for which I give him a receipt (the note having been stolen). Sunday, August 28 Same place. Weather fair— Had preaching in front of Ward 11— 1st Brigade have moved into the rebel works near us & we are obliged to move our convalescent camp. In case of attack we shall be exposed to fire somewhat—but there is but little danger here— I went with Wm C. B]ennett] to Corps Hd Qrs.—learned that we would send some men to rear soon— No more trouble on our front—no enemy very near that can be found. Called at 1st Div Hosp at eve, and heard a sermon. Surgn Gill a good man. Work suspended for the day. Monday, August 29 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. 1½ miles from Vinings Station Ga. Weather fair and warm. Burning rubbish around Hosp. smoked us badly. Surg ns Hobbs & Bennett came down early. Recd notice to have 55 men ready to send to Chattanooga in Hospl train in the morn.— Lieut Wing came down asking me to attend to Major Griffins business—I will try— Wing will take the horse at what two men shall value it if not more than $80. I cannot keep it on short rations. Anderson gets 6 days ½ rations for two horses—½ rations. Work in policing goes on but slowly. Recd letter from Mrs. Griffin requesting me to attend to her affairs here. Recd letters from wife 4 & Clara 3 of August 21st. �Tuesday, August 30 Same place. Weather fair,—not excessively warm.— I am not feeling very well to-day. Sent off to Chattanooga on a Hospital train 55 men sick and wounded— A man of 20th Ct brought in shot through the body with the ramrod of his own gun while in the act of drawing a load from it.252 Rec’d a paper from Capts Anderson & Baldwin valuing the Griffin Colt at $70 00. Paid Lieut Wing Cash $1000 on my note to him for mony borrowed nearly two months ago. He has the note yet—not having it with him. Wednesday, August 31 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. one mile north Chattahoochee River Ga on R.R. Weather fair—not very warm— Cool tonight. Lt Wing gave me Major Griffin’s money ($1045 U.S. money & $1100 other currency of doubtful value). Gave him a bill of sale of the Bay Colt for $7000—took up note against Griffin in favor of C P Lincoln of 11500 on which had been paid $7500 previously and one of $3000 in favor of Patrick Gillon 253 on which had been paid $8.00—and received of Lt. Wing beside, Cash $8.00 in full of the $7000. Wrote letter to wife 4. NINE “Drawing a load” was the procedure used to remove bullet and powder from a loaded musket. In this case it was not practiced with requisite care. 253 Private Patrick J. Gillon (born ca. 1834) of Pokagon enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 252 �“THE EVENTS OF THE PAST THREE WEEKS HAVE RENEWED MY HOPES” SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1864 Thursday, Sept. 1, 1864 Same place. Weather fair. Arbor constructed in front of Head quarters. Affairs going on very well here at hospital. Received supply of medicines from purveyor as well as camp kettles— Sam’l Tyler254 returned here from rear where he has been since Resaca fight. We understand that McLellan is the nominee of the Chicago convention—& that Kirby Smith has reinforced us with 15000 men. 255 No news from Sherman to-day— He is far to the South-East at last accounts.256 Wrote letter to my wife 4. Return at 11 PM. Friday, Sept. 2 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. One mile north Chattahoochee River. Weather fair— Tyler does not appear on the rosters of the regiments in Bennitt’s brigade; he may have been a hospital orderly. 255 Bennitt is making a facetious remark, commenting that the anti-war candidates put forward by the Democrats would initiate military reinforcements under the Confederate General Edward Kirby Smith. 256 On August 25 Sherman pulled his army out of their siege lines, leaving the 20th Army Corps to guard the bridges over the Chattahoochee, and marched them towards Jonesboro about sixteen miles south of Atlanta to cut the Macon & Western Railroad. When Hood learned of this he sent two corps to halt the Union advance, but at the Battle of Jonesboro on August 31 and September 1 the Confederates failed in their objective. With Atlanta now isolated Hood abandoned the city during the night of September 1 and moved his army southwards into fortified positions. 254 �Atlanta is evacuated last night mostly—they blew up their ammunition train & engines because they could not be got away—Sherman having cut off the Rail-Roads & in some degree dispersed their army. Col Coburn is first to enter and take possession of the city & received the surrender of the mayor—Coburn however receives no credit however—257 2nd Brigade occupy the city. Rebs rear guard fight a little. Many of the people seem pleased at our entrance— Saturday, Sept. 3 Same place. Weather fair. Evacuation of Atlanta a sure thing; but we go on putting things in order here, though we may not remain a day longer. Sunday, Sept. 4 Hospital 3rd Div. 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair rather warm. Rec’d an order from Surgn Foye before I was out of bed, written the night before,—to move the hospital immediately to Fair ground Atlanta.258 Could not get started much before noon. Leave Surgns Himes & Kling259 in charge of 120 patients in 5 wards—to come down to-morrow. We locate in a nice lawn in front of a house beside the “Fair Ground” Hospital instead of in the buildings, on account of cleanliness & the supposition that the Gen. Hosp. would be established there— 400 sick & wounded of 4th A.C. come in late—we feed them. Monday, Sept. 5 Same place. Weather rainy with severe thunder shower & some hail, which prevent our work of putting Hospital in order going on. Nearly 100 of the sick left the other side of the river came over to-day—arriving at the time of a shower, were place[d] in the Rebel Hospital building to remain until our tents can be sent up— Colonel Coburn led elements of his 2nd Brigade, including the 19th Michigan Infantry, into Atlanta to verify the rumor that the city had been evacuated by the Confederate army. He met Mayor James M. Calhoun who formally surrendered the city to him. 258 The fairground was located on the southeastern edge of the city. 259 Isaac N. Himes of Cleveland was Surgeon in the 73 rd Ohio Infantry Regiment, and after the war became a colleague of Bennitt in the Medical Department at Western Reserve College in Cleveland. Jay Kling of Monroeville was Surgeon in the 55th Ohio Infantry Regiment. 257 �23 men remain the other side yet—2nd Div ambulances bring 24 sick over. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy, discouraging to any effort at putting our hospital in good order. Our musicians are not worth much, to do work. We have sent two squads to their regiments & shall get rid of them as soon as practicable and get good men in their places. A trouble arose among rebel prisoners because some of them proposed to take the oath of allegiance. An Federal officer explained to them that rebel deserters would not be drafted into the Federal army. Nashville train came through to-day bringing news of the fall of Richmond, not reliable however. Capt. Hubbard’s application for leave of absence returns approved. He pays me $400 mess a/c and will start home in the morning. Lieut Brown Adj’t got no answer from his. Rumor that we shall go to Virginia. Saturday, Sept. 10 Hosp’l 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, warm and pleasant. Sunday, Sept. 11, 1864 Same Place. Weather fair, warm and pleasant. Surgn Hatchard wishing to attend church Surgn Kling acts as officer of the day. Many of the men in Hosp seek to go to church. The Episcopal clergyman prays for the President of the United States with apparent earnestness. Too much business for me to-day—I cannot get to church. No formal inspection. I think we shall try to have our inspection hereafter on Saturday at 3 PM. or a little later. Monday, Sept. 12 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and pleasant. Warm. Affairs moving on tolerable well. No. of patients diminishing rapidly. Surgeon Foye directs that all man able to take care of themselves. This will soon send out a large �number. Vegetable[s] can be had in the regiments as well as here and scorbutic cases get along as well there as here. It is intimated to me that I shall be sent to the North to gather up the absent—sick & wounded. Not a mission to be sought much. A work that requires clear-headedness. Tuesday, Sept. 13 Same place. Weather fair and warm. Ride up [to] the city with Surgn Grinsted and call around by Capt Sacketts260 to see if he can furnish any soft bread. Get some blanks, go to the 19 th Mich.—have chat with nearly all of the officers—see Wm TenBrook, in the street doing guard duty. Seems well, and as though [tough?]. 19th Mich guarding supplies—Quarters and camp not as tidy as I have sometimes seen it. I send my application for examination for commission in Staff Corps. The propriety of this step is somewhat doubtful. Wednesday, Sept. 14 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant and fair. Went with Surgn Wm C. Bennett to see Dr. Calhoun 261 citizen—Asst Surgeon in 4th A.C. died last night, of Dysentery. Surgn Woodworth of Dept Cumb’d Hosp receives 6 patients not belonging to our A.C.—see him at eve inquiring for Surgn Grinsted. Col. Coburn expects to be mustered out to-morrow with his regiment.262 55th O. Band & 33rd Ind Band serenade him to-night and return late—a little too late to be real sober. Adj’t Brown’s application for leave of absence returned disapproved—sends in his resignation— Capt. Anderson brought it down, and I shall make a certificate. Received three (10 ea) nos of M[ichigan] Ch[ristian] Herald. The fall of Atlanta known in Mich. Recd letters from each of the Dear ones at home. All well. Captain Orange Sackett, Jr. of Company G, 136th New York Infantry. Ezekiel Noble Calhoun (1799-1875) was the elder brother of the mayor of Atlanta, James M. Calhoun, who had surrendered the city on September 2. Dr. Calhoun, although an opponent of secession, nevertheless supported the Confederate cause and served as Surgeon to the 4th Georgia Infantry Battalion until poor health forced his resignation. 262 Their three-year enlistments having expired, Colonel Coburn and about 140 others, would be officially mustered out of the 33rd Indiana Infantry on September 19 and 20. 260 261 �Dr. Trowbridge came down. Thursday, Sept. 15 Same Place. Weather fair and very pleasant—much more so than we could have expected so far south at this time of year. Rather dry and dusty, but there is a promise of rain.— Expected Dr. Kittoe263 here to-day but he did not come. Visited Dr. Calhoun with W m C. Bennett. Surgn Foye returned [a report?] morning because the cause of “Dropsy” was not stated. Sent it up again all right. Two women applied for statements that would exempt them from travel because of their expected accouchment264—Mrs. Bedford’s265 case is a little doubtful in my mind. Mrs Gossett266 seems in much better spirits than when here 10 days ago. Gen. Sherman seems to be administering affairs judiciously, and will do much to reconcile the people to the U.S. government. Make Lists of Instruments to be inspected and condemned. Numbers in hospital diminishing. Friday, Sept. 16 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and comfortably warm. I take my list of Instruments to be examined to Surg n Hobbs in the morning— Call to see Ward267 at private house—think he will get well without furlough or discharge— Visit the three regiments of the Brigade lying East of City— They are policing well. Call to see Surgeon Cooper concerning the disapproval of Adj’t Brown’s papers—also took as[?] Surgn Wiles note & learned from him that he disapproved them without knowing that he had seen the cases on Foye’s disapproval. Edward D. Kittoe, U.S. Army, was Medical Inspector, Military Division of the Mississippi. 264 On September 7 General Sherman ordered all citizens of Atlanta to evacuate the city, the people given the opportunity to choose whether to go north or south. In spite of outraged protests from the citizens themselves as well as from General Hood, the expulsions were carried out. The two women Bennitt mentions were trying to avoid the order on the grounds of being in advanced stages of pregnancy. 265 Possibly the wife of either James Bedford, a brick mason, or W. C. Bedford, a plasterer. Mrs. Bedford may have been allowed to remain in Atlanta because her name does not appear among those on the official roll of evacuees. 266 Mrs. Gossett does not appear on the official roll of evacuees. 267 Possibly either of Privates George D. Ward or Martin L. Ward of Constantine. Both men enlisted in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 263 �Did not have time to visit 19th Mich.— Capts Shafer & Easton called to see me. People leaving Atlanta rapidly by Gen. Sherman’s order. Saturday, Sept. 17 Same place. Weather fair and pleasant but rain is threatened to-night. Our hospital is in very good condition however. Patients 202 diminishing rapidly in number. In camps there is also but little sickness comparatively. The rest that our men our enjoying seems to be just what was needed. Put up the evergreen arch & large star over our hospital entrance. Get affairs in very good shape. No certainty yet of my going north. Sunday, Sept. 18, 1864 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy last night and to-day, cutting short or Episcopal ministers sermon— which was very good—and made it necessary to improve our trenching a little. Have spent most of the time this afternoon in reading. This morning the Abstract of issues to Hospital for Aug came in showing a fund of $771.10 now due the Hosp. Surg n Grinsted is ordered to furnish a resume of the operations of the medical department of 3rd Div. during the Campaign just closed. A thing very hard for him to do, under the circumstances.— I have just been out to attend my horse, loose and to learn why the guard allowed him to stray. He seems to be too simple. Col. Coburn called. I have certificate of Disability for Wm Neet268 of 85th Ind. for discharge. Write letter. Monday, Sept. 19 Same Place. Weather fair. Nothing of Special interest to-day. Tuesday, Sept. 20 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta. Weather fair but comfortable in morn. Cloudy afternoon and rainy toward evening. 268 Private William Neet of Bridgton enlisted in Company G, 85th Indiana Infantry in August 1862. �Surgn Hobbs sent Wm Neet’s certificate of Disability to me for a full official signature of mine as Surgn in chg. 3rd Div Hosp. Went to see him—he was gone to battlefield— Went again afternoon—argued the point—he is right— I went on to Surgn Foye for direction concerning discharges furloughs & leaves— We can get cows, and other supplies— Order to charge officers same as in Officer’s hospital--$1.00 per day. We will treat them a little better. Mr. Brittan—Ch[ristian] Com[mission] man with us since Sunday. 269 Wednesday, Sept. 21 Same Place. Weather rather rainy—heavy rain in P.M. Extirpated Osseous tumor from forearm of a soldier of 73rd O[hio] V.I. weighing ℥iii ℨiii— Operator Surgn Himes. Choloform act’d pleasantly— Phenol used.270 Fitting up Officers ward with floor used good bunks, so that if possible an officer may feel comfortable. Sent an estimate of sanitary supplies wanted from Q[uarter] M[aster]. Made certificate of Disability for Maxon of V.I.271 Surgn Hovey returned—has been examined for surgn U.S.V.—passed— Went to N.Y. state. Endorsed Dr. Jones272 application for leave of absence, that he could be spared. Thursday, Sept. 22 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather somewhat cloudy in morn rainy with wind in PM. & to-night. Made certificates of disability for Lemon of 129th Ill.273 Surgeon Grinsted in some trouble about summer campaign just past, reports. Wants me to keep a Hospital “Log Book.” It will require some care and attention. Floor in officer’s ward complete and eight bunks.— We have not as much attention to guard duty as is necessary. Probably Rev. J. B. Britton of Chillicothe, Ohio. A coal tar derivative better known as carbolic acid. Although its antiseptic properties were first widely promulgated by Joseph Lister in 1867, Civil War surgeons were aware of its medical value. 271 Private Charles Maxson, Company H, 136th New York Infantry. 272 Assistant Surgeon John E. Jones of the 79th Ohio Infantry. 273 Private Francis M. Lemon, Private John Lemon, and Sergeant William S. Lemon were all in Company D, 129th Illinois Infantry, and all were from Glasgow. 269 270 �I sent communication to Surgn Grinsted, asking him to see that Hospital Stewards be properly detailed. He presented the case to Gen Ward who indorsed said that he would do what was desired. Made a certificate of disability for Adj’t H. M. Brown—too wordy (324 words). Friday, Sept. 23, 1864 Same place. Weather pleasant in the middle of the forenoon—rainy in P.M. heavy showers, some lightning and thunder to-night, and will probably soon be a heavy shower. It is rumored that there will be no fall campaign— Leaves of absence are directed to be granted freely, Gen Ward and Col Wood274 have gone to-day. Col Dustan275 of 105 Ill commands 3rd Div. I ask concerning disposition of negroes & what shall be charged officers, anterior to this who have left here. I think $50/100 about right for the past but $100 in future when good recommendations are furnished. We are nicely prepared now. Rumor of R.R. being cut at Altoona—of Sheridan’s success in the Shenandoah Valley, and of reverses at Petersburg Va. 276 Sent Adj’t Brown’s papers to him. We have but one officer in Hosp now. Wrote 3 pages of letter to my wife. No letters form home. Saturday, Sept. 24 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A Atlanta Ga. Weather fair to-day but windy. Rain threatened again to-night. Adj’t Brown visits me.— Lieut Norris sent his resignation yesterday—made a certificate for a furlough for Serg’t. 102 Ill wounded in thigh. Inspected Hospital at regular time 3 P.M. nearly every thing in good order. One wagon not in as good condition as it should be.— Cooks a little slack— Commissary department well. Myself and Dr. Himes went to the concert with Dr. Hastings & Major __ 277 of 33rd Mass.— Gen Sherman at concert. Mrs. Welch278 looks somewhat caseworn. Band of 33rd played well.— Shall [send] a Programme home. Colonel James Wood, Jr. commanded the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. Colonel Daniel Dustin of Sycamore had transferred from the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment. 276 No significant operations occurred at Petersburg during September. 277 Officers in the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry with the rank of Major included James L. Bates, James Brown, and Albion W. Tebbetts. 278 Possibly an unidentified nurse in the general hospital. 274 275 �Finished my letter to my wife 4 and sent it at 3 PM. Sunday, Sept. 25 Same place. Weather fair—quite cool in night and even to-day not very warm. Allowed Surgn Hatchard to go to Church, though he was officer of the day. Dr. Wiles and also went to the Episcopal church, but were late there. Lieut. Norris came here to see about his resignation being forwarded. I will send them forward to-morrow with such a certificate as will probably lead to his getting ordered to the rear for treatment or a leave of absence for 20 days—will start to-morrow if possible. Lieut. Col Dutton 279 105 Ill send a request for return to his command, of Pvt Silas Hughes280 of Co. K 105 Ill.— Contains an ungenteel implication. Monday, Sept. 26 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair. Cool at morn and eve—almost frosty. We need more clothing— Dr. Wiles started home to-day. Surgn Waterman281 applies for leave of absence. I forward it stating circumstances. I write a certificate for Lieut Norris, but it implies a recommendation for leave of absence rather than a resignation— Division review to-day—I could not well go—Did not feel well— Wm C. Bennett came in Does not feel well about being jumped by Goodman 282— Bennett, Goodman & Jewett examine Hosp Stewards. I see Sackett A. C. S. Shall get stores to-morrow? Dr. Jones sick to-day. Wrote Mrs. Smith a long letter to-night 6 & sent the Concert programme. Tuesday, Sept. 27 Same place. Weather fair and comfortably warm not so cold last night, as before. Rain threatened again to-night. Recd Sanitary Stores from Capt Sackett—viz fruit oysters ale &c. Cheese went to Dept Hosp. Dissecting &c. Everell F. Dutton of Sycamore. I.e., Private Elias Hughes of Clinton. 281 Alfred Waterman was commissioned Surgeon in the 105 th Illinois Infantry in July 1864. 282 Henry Earnest Goodman (1836-1896), Surgeon-in-Chief, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 279 280 �Surgn Grinsted dined with us.— Made a certificate for Emile Pette,283 to go before board for commission as medical officer in army.— Went to 19th Mich. Police not very good there. Albert came & got some medicines & one pair of flannel shirts which I had of Surgn Grinsted worth $850 to $1000. Made certificates of disa approving furlough for Smith [and] Olney. 284 Spent two hours with Emile Patte reading French, Recd letter from wife (7) of 12th to 18th Sept. Wrote letter to Madison Rodgers 3. Wednesday, Sept. 28 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather a very little rainy, cloudy all day.— Rec’d notice to furlough all Indiana soldiers sick in Hosp. that can travel, 285 only 25 in Hosp including 7 attendants, about 30 more however have come in to-day, so that there will be a respectable squad. Dr. Hobbs asked me to see Surg n Cooper concerning his brother Wm and get his resignation accepted if possible. Cooper says send it up again quietly (in sotto voce). Had a call from Jos. M. Raymond of Co. “I” 101 Ohio V.I. from Reed O. Made out furloughs in part for men.— We shall get them off soon. It is said that Gov. Brown of Ga is in consultation with Gen Sherman to get Ga back into the union.286 Let Albert Ranney have the flannel shirts that Grinsted got for me worth $8.50 to 1050— on A/L. Thursday, Sept. 29 Same place. Weather cloudy with a little sprinkle of rain—lightning to-night, threatening rain, comfortably warm. Probably Emile Patte of the 136th New York Infantry. He later was Assistant Surgeon in the 24th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. 284 There were five soldiers with the surname Smith in the 19 th Michigan Infantry at this time. Private Enoch Olney (born ca. 1837) enlisted in Company H, 19 th Michigan Infantry in September 1862. He would be discharged in October 1864 because of wounds received at Allatoona, Georgia in May 1864. 285 Indiana was one of a few northern states that did not allow absentee voting by soldiers in the field. Seen as a key state in the upcoming presidential election, Lincoln asked Grant to allow Indiana soldiers to go home on furlough. 286 Joseph C. Brown (1821-1894), governor of Georgia from 1857 to 1865, had taken the state militia from Hood’s command on September 10 so that those men could return to their homes for the harvest. General Sherman offered not to devastate Georgia if Governor Brown would remove his state from the rebellion and Georgia troops from the Confederate armies, but nothing came of it. 283 �It is evident that the rebels are doing mischief at Marietta, and other places North. We are on half forage. Made out 62 furloughs and sent up and, to-night 8 men more came in from Ind. Regts & 6 papers are made. The others will be made to-morrow. Col. Micks287 of 8th Mich. Cavalry, direct from Charleston S.C. ate dinner with us. He looks as though the rebs had used him roughly. Does not complain much. He thinks they are Whistling to keep up their courage. They say “now we have Sherman just where we wanted him.” Surgeon Himes resignation not accepted. Lent Hubbard cash $3000. Friday, Sept. 30 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and warm till near night. Rains heavily with some lightning & thunder since dark. Reports of successes to [o]ur arms in Virginia 288—some trouble North of us, however the nature of which is not clearly determined— Finished in all 73 furloughs and sent up the last this morn. Called at Div. Head Qrs. to show them what to do with the furloughs—all forwarded to-day, but an order is said to be received revoking all furloughs at present. Mich. soldiers can vote in the field. Went to 19th Mich. to see about forage, & the Adjt gave me Gov’s Message & act of Mich legislature allowing soldiers to vote.289 26th Wis man Belke290 died last night. Autopsy showed Infl[amed] Bowels with ulceration. Capt. Beecher291 present. Saturday, October 1 Same place. Elisha Mix (1818?-1898) of Manlius was commissioned Captain in Company F, 8th Michigan Cavalry in November 1862. He was promoted to Major in March 1863, to Lieutenant Colonel in April 1864 and to Colonel in September 1864. He was captured during General Stoneman’s raid in August 1864 and had just been exchanged at the end of September. 288 Bennitt is probably referring to the capture of Fort Harrison on September 29, an important Confederate fort guarding Richmond. 289 Michigan Public Act No. 21 of 1864 provided for soldiers in Michigan units to be able to vote no matter where they were stationed at times of elections. It was approved on February 5, 1864. 290 Private Friedrich Balke of Honey Creek enlisted in Company K, 26th Wisconsin Infantry in January 1864. 291 Captain Robert E. Beecher, Assistant Adjutant General, 3 rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 287 �Weather fair to-day,—rained heavily last night—rain threatened again to-night but it seemed to pass to the North— News of advance to within 3½ miles of Richmond— No mail here from North of Chattanooga—there is evidently trouble up above although the road is not cut. Paymasters do not pay up yet. The reason of this delay is not plain. It seems wrong.— No grain for my horse. Made disability certificates for the discharge of two men. 1st Brigade moves back to the Chattahoochee River, a large acession to the hospital from them many coming without orders. Dr. Hovey & Dr. Hobbs come in. I ask to be relieved from charge of Hospital, & Grinsted says it may be so—267 patients in Hosp. Inspection showed a fair state of things. No outsiders except Dr. Preston at Inspection. Sunday, October 2 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair till evening—rains some to-night, with lightning. Attended church in forenoon—sermon from “one thing thou lackest.”292 Saw Dr. Trowbridge at church. Came back with Dr. Hobbs and dined with them. Order relieving me and placing Dr. Himes in charge of Hospital received while we were at supper. I would have preferred that Dr. Hastings had been placed in charge instead for it would have given me more time to study, for it would not have been necessary for me to have taken Dr. Himes Wards. Chaplain Allen293 stays with me to-night— It seems Christianlike to have prayer. RailRoad Bridge over Chattahoochee River damaged much and the wagon bridge carried away. Asst Surgn Jones receives an order granting leave of absence and one to report for duty with artillery. Monday, October 3 Same place. Weather mixed—rain hard last night—sunshine and rain to-day. I take charge of two wards with 32 patients—Tie Radial artery of a man who wounded it with his knife at the wrist— Used chloroform. Report that all of Sherman’s army have left here except 20 A.C. and that the rebels trying to get into our rear are fighting at various places 294— Gen Sherman here yet. 292 293 Mark 10:21. Chaplain Allen (or Allan) cannot be found among the regimental rosters of Bennitt’s brigade or division. �Gen Thomas North.295 Report of advance within 3½ miles of Richmond & to within 1½ miles with cavalry & the evacuation of Petersburg. 3rd Brigade being paid to-day. Furloughs for 72 Indiana soldiers come back approved. My Hospital desk came down from Chattanooga.— Write letter to U.S. Sanitary agent in commendation of the work & its good effects. It is late & I retire. Tuesday, October 4 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather a little rainy nearly all day, but no heavy showers. I went immediately after breakfast to see Surgn Foye & A[ssitant] Q[uarter] M[aster] Wetherell296 concerning transportation for the furloughed Indiana men. No transportation can be had at present on account of damage to the Chattahoochee Bridge & the disturbance by the rebels at and near Marietta, in large force. It is thought that Sherman will succeed in defeating their designs yet. Had a call from Mrs. Nash 297 who wanted medicine. Had quite pleasant chat with her. Rebellion will stick out however? After all these women are to be pitied.— Went to Reg’t a[nd] got Pysiology—Virchow. Hartshorne’s Prin & Orders for 1862. 298 Spent a short time in scientific study. No mail. Wednesday, October 5 Same place. Weather fair & comfortably warm without rain. After he had evacuated Atlanta, General Hood had taken his army twenty miles southwest to Palmetto. On October 1 he began his operation to march northwest around Atlanta and fall upon the railroad and cut Sherman’s supply line. As Bennitt indicates, on October 3 Sherman took a most of his army north to intercept Hood and support his small garrisons along the railroad, leaving the 20th Army Corps behind. 295 General George H. Thomas was sent to Nashville via Chattanooga with two divisions to help protect the rail communications from the depredations of General Forrest’s cavalry. 296 Probably Robert W. Wetherell who was Quartermaster in the 19 th Illinois Infantry. His regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 4th Army Corps. 297 Probably either Margaret Nash (born ca. 1824) or Josephine Nash (born ca. 1838), both Atlanta residents. 298 Vichow, Rudolf. Cellular Pathology, as Based Upon Physiological and Pathological Histology (New York, 1860); Hartshorne, Henry. Memoranda Medica; or, Note-Book of Medical Principles (Philadelphia, 1860); U.S. Adjutant General’s Office. General Orders Affecting the Volunteer Force, 1862 (Washington, 1863). 294 �Dr. Grinsted brings the information that it may be necessary to move the hospital and finds a place on the West side to move to. It is not as pleasant as this, but will be within the contracted lines. Dr. Himes and I looked the city over for a better place, but it does not seem necessary to move yet. Rumors of various successes for and against our arms, no positive news from anywhere. Reports of the Virginia Rebel army joining Hood, &c. &c. No communication with the North. We cannot tell what may be the result of all these movements, but hope for the best—that the Rebels may soon be inclined to discontinue this profitless conflict. God grant us an honorable peace, based on justice and righteousness. No mail. Thursday, October 6 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy nearly all day. Reliable reports that the rebels have been beaten in two engagements from the R.R. after having damaged 12 miles of it near Alatoona. 299 Sherman telegraphs that full rations can be furnished here and that Atlanta is safe. We need not move our hospital at present. Lent to Dr. Waterman 3500,—1000 of it a Vermont bill found in Major Griffin’s effects, & it is to be returned to me if not good. Dates Aug 5, 1854 Letter A. ragged somewhat no. obscured. Telegraphic reports to-night of fighting with rebels near Alatoona & their discomfiture. No mail. Friday, October 7 Same place. Weather wet foggy in morn but cleared up, & has been very fine all day. Storm threatened again soon. I as officer of the day have been busy but found time to read some. Dr. Hatchard taking Dr. Waterman’s wards leaves me but the 35 patients. Dr. Johnson300 will take Dr. Kling’s. On October 5 a Confederate division had surrounded and repeatedly attacked Union fortifications at Allatoona, but were repulsed and finally withdrew. Hood continued to push northward. 300 Darius Johnson was Surgeon in the 129th Illinois Infantry. 299 �Dr. Waterman started home on leave but it is very doubtful if he gets there without delay. Confirmation of the success of our arms toward Chattanooga, So that several officers on have started, but it was thought best not to send the furloughed men yet. Learned something of the Frenchman’s301 history. I must learn the French. Soldiers at hospital require watching to have them do their duty. Fence built front of Kitchen— We may not be obliged to move from this spot. Surg n Hovey called to see me. Dr. Gill was here when Dr. Grinsted was— Dr. Jewett also here to-day. No mail. Saturday, October 8 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather cool and very windy since about 10 P.M.— I was up as officer of the day attending to tents.— Wind abates to-night. 26th Wis. went to the River this morning, sending 8 or 10 men into Div. Hosp. Telegrams that our communication is open North & that the R.R. will soon be open— Heavy fighting at Richmond Va. with advantages in our favor. 302 Move our kitchen into one of the buildings— Hospital Inspection. Dr. Himes consulted with Dr. Foye about warming the Hospital. Dr. Foye seemed to think it would soon be warm, and that we would not need fires in wards which we remain in this place—but that it would ere long become necessary to remove within the “works.” Sunday, October 9 Same place. Weather cold somewhat windy—but still to-night, with temperature low enough to freeze.— I slept cold last night as did many of the patients in the Hospital. Dr. Himes has had a long flue made in one of the long hospital buildings, for warming it but it is not complete yet. It was a dirty job for the Sabbath but seemed necessary. I took charge of the 11th Ward in which are 32 patients. We hear about 9 o’clock to-night the news of the fall of Richmond and are very willing to believe it. There seems to be much rejoicing all over the city among the troops. God grant that it speedily be true if not now. 301 302 I.e., Emile Patte. On October 7 Confederate attacks on Union positions along the Darbytown and New Market Roads near Richmond were repulsed after some initial success. �I have not been at religious service to-day. Went to see Serg’t Slipper 303 at commissary depot—quite sick. Monday, October 10 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and a little warmer. Account of the capture of Richmond confirmed. Lee evacuates. Don’t know where he is.— Our Rail-Road will be open again soon. I made for the Agent of the Sanita[ry] Commission a letter commending the good work. I acted as officer of the day— Warming apparatus in long ward does not draw well. Captain ____ in Command of barracks interferes with our proceeding, but it goes on. Captain Beecher comes down with Grinsted to-day— Paper requesting the relief from detail of Corp Hopkins 304 comes here. There is a subterfuge in the matter. O my Father, for Christ’s sake forgive me the sins of this day and take me into a sacred nearness to Thee, that I stray no more. No mail yet. Tuesday, October 11 Same place. Weather more comfortable—fair and pleasant—fire desirable at eve. Men not suffering from cold much. The rumor of the evacuation of Richmond not confirmed yet. Rumored that the RailRoad is open to Chattanooga, and again that 5 miles of road is destroyed. No reliability to any of the stories. 20 double bunks put in Convalescent ward—38 patients in there. Sergt Slipper came over here quite sick. I have now 70 patients. Dr. H[imes?] has 114. Compared notes with Capt Sackett and find that his charges against the Hospital are genuine apparently and must be submitted to— Bo’t 18 lbs of bread @ 800 for my horse to save him from Starving to death which I much fear. Insane man of 21st Wis. came in late to-night. I spent about ½ to-day in study. O my God preserve me!—forgive my heart-wanderings— William Slipper (born ca. 1818) of Penn enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan Infantry as Corporal in August 1862. He was promoted to Sergeant in February 1864. 304 Possibly Corporal Edmund S. Hopkins who was in Company F, 79 th Ohio Infantry. 303 �Wednesday, October 12 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant and comfortable a little prospect of rain— No events noteworthy to-day. Dr. Trowbridge came here this P.M—thinks the 19th is not well commanded in which opinion I coincide. Result of election at Hospital yesterday 6 votes all for Union candidates. Thursday, October 13 Same place. Weather fair & pleasant, rather cool morn & eve, but requiring no fire in the middle of the day— Finished chimnies in the two wards to-day so that they are quire comfortable to-night— Dr. Himes could not ascertain whether it was best to move into town or not— The convalescent ward has 44 patients and is in good working order. It will not be best to put many more in it. No reliable news of the capture of Richmond. Favorable reports of movements of Federal army and prospect of success in disorganizing Beauregard’s 305— Some prisoners & wounded came from the North to-day—A Gen. Thomas306 of Rebel army with a leg off. No mail however, as the R.R. is not complete entirely through. Being officer of the day, I have not had time to read. Friday, October 14 Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant—cool at morn & eve. Receive instructions to report at Cincinnati. Saturday, October 15, 1864 Weather pleasant cool at morn & eve. Wrote letter to my wife informing her that I was going with foraging party. Sunday, October 16 Lattimer Farm near South River Ga.—18 miles S.E. of Atlanta. General Pierre G. T. Beauregard (1818-1893) commanded the Confederate forces at Petersburg, Virginia. 306 Bennitt is probably referring to Brigadier General William H. Young (1838-1901). He was taken prisoner at the October 5 action at Allatoona where his foot was nearly shot off. 305 �Weather has been pleasant all day. Moon shines brilliantly to-night.307 Arrived in camp about 8 P.M. with the 85th Ind. with whom I was assigned to duty in the morning by Surgn Hobbs. We started out very early (6 A.M) but was a long time in getting started with the train— Walked over ruins of Rolling mill— Rode over fortifications leveled to cover the slain in ditches two & a half miles east of Atlanta. Halted a long time at noon— I Rode Dr. Wiles Horse at the instigation of Dr. Hobbs and on account of the leanness of mine. Col Bloodgood 308 & Brigade did not get into camp till about 11 P.M. Monday, October 17 Camp at same place—Flat Rock—shoals. Weather has been fair nearly all day. Cool to-night & in morn— We moved out down left bank of River about five miles—with two Brigades and about ½ of the 700 wagons—posted pickets battery & 33 Ind. to support it— Found plenty of corn—much yams peanuts & some sheep, swine, cattle & fowls. Soldiers seem not to have scruples about taking these things. My Horse does not starve here, neither do I. This seems to be a medium agricultural district. We did not load as many wagons as we might because the men run about so much, foraging for themselves. Returned to camp about 8 PM. We will go out again to-morrow and must work better. This stealing and robbing is not in accordance with my taste however.— Took one prisoner a man at home on sick furlough. Tuesday, October 18 Camp about a mile from Flat Rock shoals South River 18 miles S.E. from Atlanta Ga.— Foraging. Weather has been propitious—pleasant. Fine moonlight to-night.— Expedition not under orders in very good time, but foraging has been conducted with a little more system and better success. Nearly all the wagons being filled with corn in the husk—fodder &c.— Cattle sheep—swine & fowls have suffered, and some families rob[bed] of nearly all they had to live upon—many things taken that are of no use to the soldier. Talk with secession Ladies whose cows we took on our “Pic-nic.” Honey—Chestnuts &c. 307 308 The full moon was on October 15. Edward Bloodgood was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry in July 1862 and was promoted to Colonel in August 1864. �Small chase after rebel cavalry scouts— Our foraging on the right—(south) side of the River— Bare rocks in road & field. Return to camp about 6¾— “Turn in” with Lieut Johnson309 in tent. Wednesday, October 19 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair & pleasant—a little dusty— Cool in morn.— Returned Hosp at dark— We left camp about as early as practicable this morn but moved slowly & the whole train will not have arrived before 10 o’clock. I left the 85 th Ind. about 7 miles back and pushed on as fast as I could. Dr. Wiles pony is very tough but by no means a pleasant animal to ride. Affairs seem to have moved on well here—no particular news from North except that the — Grant is pushing the Rebs.— Dr. Kling left this morn . Inda furloughed men 70 in no. sent of[f] on the 18th. Thursday, October 20 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant but cool at eve and morn. 3rd Brigade goes out with a large foraging party in the morn— Surgn Grinsted asks me to attend to A[ssitant] Q[uarter] M[aster] Lacy 310 affected with irritation—a potn[?] in his absence— I call with him to see the patient. Bad looking case. Friday, October 21, 1864 Same place. Weather cool but pleasant. Dry & somewhat dusty. Large foraging party went out again to-day. Surgn Grinsted with them & 3rd Brig— Two Hospital teams went along & 12 men form Hosp. to forage for Hosp. See Capt. Lacy in morn & again afternoon— Irritation subsiding by omitting “ingesta” but I think he takes some “strong drink.” Dr. Goodman thinks I would better not ask a leave of absence beyond Cincinnati. Notification to have the sick, able to “travel” ready by 6 A.M. to-morrow. Train leaves at 8. 8—3 stamp of Schofield. Wrote letter to my wife sending photographs of Hooker & Thomas—& Hospital. 309 310 Possibly 1st Lieutenant Henry C. Johnson of Company K, 33rd Indiana Infantry. Probably Quartermaster Nicholas Lacy who was in Company I, 10 th Ohio Infantry. His regiment was part of the reserve brigade of the Army of the Cumberland. �Election tickets from Clapp. 311 Letter from my wife of 9th Oct mailed 10th in new home. Saturday, October 22 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather cool but fair & dry. Hospital fireplaces completed to-day— Sent off 97 patients north of Tennessee— It seems as thought this looks like taking the field— Went on foot to 19th Mich—bought shirt & drawers. Saw Willie Tenbrook who gave me $8000 to send to his mother. I send $5000 to Dr Jones who will express it from Cincinnati to my wife.— Took supper with the 19th “Line”— Notice that the remainder of the sick would soon be sent. Our Hosp. seems almost empty. 22nd Wis. sends in a good lot to fill up. Campaign documents from Michigan. Fatigue parties loading rail-road Iron as far as East-point312—& guerrillas trying to prevent. Sheridan whips Longstreet.313 Capt Lacy much better. Sunday, October 23 Same Place. Weather fair but rather cool. Attended to my patients and went to church— Heard a good sermon from the story of Lazarus.— 314 Good organ and fair singing. Slept some after din[ner]. Orders to send convalescents to the rear to-morrow morn. I send 20 from my care—6, 19th Mich. men came in. Mr. Holdeman315 will probably die to-night. Dr. Jones goes with the sick men. Dr. Hobbs leaves for home also in morn. Our severely sick men cannot go because of the break in transportation. Probably Theodore E. Clapp who was Postmaster at White Pigeon. East Point was the junction of the Macon & Western and the Atlanta & West Point Railroads, located about four miles south southwest of Atlanta. 313 In the early morning of October 19 the Confederates under General Early surprised the Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley. The ensuing Battle of Cedar Creek saw initial Confederate success but an afternoon counterattack gave the victory to Sheridan. General Longstreet had just arrived in Richmond from his recuperative leave and was not with Early. 314 John 11:1-44. 315 Probably Private Joseph Holdeman of Company H, 55 th Ohio Infantry. 311 312 �Monday, October 24 Hospital 3 Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair and pleasant. Warm in middle of day. We sent 53 men from 3rd Div Hosp. Asst Surgn Hobbs started home. Dr. Jones mistakes in getting to the place of starting . Dr. Foye leaves for New Mexico— Address—Med Director Dept New Mexico—Santa Fee.— He asked me to write. Said he would render Dr. Jones any assistance he could—started a little after 10 AM. I got hair cut (25cts) bought Hat 8.00 band 125 Comb .25cts Gloves 50cts. Med Dr Calhoun in street. Recd letter from Madison Rodgers at Chattanooga. I had left 23 patients but transfers & new ones have increased the number to 50— Foragers returned with a bale of Cotton and a 15 bu[shel]s sweet potatoes. Sheridan defeats Early 4th time on the 20th.316 Tuesday, October 25 Same place. Weather very pleasant, quite warm in middle of the day. Completed the surgeons quarters co far as to be comfortably and cheerfully around a fire to-night— Dr.s Grinsted & Bennett visited us this P.M.— Another foraging expedition goes tomorrow—2nd Brigade goes. 3rd Div Hosp will send 2 teams and 12 men under command of Steward Scofield—Dr. Trowbridge will probably go with 85th Ind.—I must care for the 19th. Capt. Baldwin returned from North. Walked __ miles from ___ to ___. Sherman is in Northern Alabama after the Rebs. It does not seem probable that we shall leave here soon. Read Lecture vii in regular course in Virchow’s Cellular Pathology— Return at ___. Wednesday, October 26 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair early in the day—cloudy in P.M.—rain threatened to-night & sprinkling a little before dark, & at 9 P.M. Scofield Steward—went out with Foraging party, as did also Dr. Trowbridge. I went to 19th to attend to the sick—Ranney had prescribed for all the sick— I sent two—Craft & 316 I.e., the October 19 Battle of Cedar Creek. �Nestor317—to Hospital— Inspected quarters not in best condition—took supper with line officers— Left Capt Hubbards resignation with my certificate of disability for him with Capt Baldwin.— Lt. Alexander sick. Paid Mr. Champion what I owed him viz: $550— Thursday, October 27, 1864 Same place. Weather rainy nearly all day— Windy but nearly clear to-night— Visited Co B. & sent Southworth & Purdy 318 to Div Hosp. Vis[ited] 19th Mich.— inspected Quarters found them in better condition. Took supper with Head Qrs. Came back late. Ammunition house of third Div. stuck by lightning seriously burning two men with the exploding small ammunition 400,000 of which is destroyed by the casualty. Injured men came in to Hosp. I saw the flash of lightning & the flames from the burning building—before leaving the 19th Mich. Learn indirectly that my application for leave of absence is not granted. I feel a little hard about it. Wrote letter to wife 4. Friday, October 28 Weather fair. Saturday, October 29 Weather fair. Sunday, October 30, 1864 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair & pleasant. Att[ended] church—lead choir without organ. Inspected urine &c— Have 30 patients not much sick. Private Oliver Craft (born ca. 1828) of Nottawa enlisted in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. Private Nicholas Nester (born ca. 1841) enlisted in Company I, 19th Michigan in August 1862. 318 Private Charles H. Southworth (1843?-1864) of Allegan enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. He would die from disease in Chattanooga in November 1864. Private Erastus Purdy (born ca. 1832) of Allegan enlisted in Company B, 19th Michigan in August 1862. 317 �Dr. Trowbridge returned last eve so that it was not necessary to go there to-day. Recd letter from wife of 10 to 16 Oct. 7. Wrote letter to wife. & enclose $1000 greenback & $2000 Rebel rag as a curiosity. Monday, October 31 Same Place. Weather fair—a little cloudy toward night. Notice came early this morning that the 19th Mich. would be paid to-day and all the men here be allowed to go up. We received 10 months pay. Mostly in Coupon Bonds. Mine $1600.25 all of that kind. Dr. Trowbridge paid me $3500. Lent Mr. Champion $4.00— Hubbard paid me $31. money lent—I gave him $11.00 for Mess. Major Whitney is a very prompt paymaster & finished up the business in good time. I shall send the letter written yesterday to my wife to-morrow. It seems to be pretty certain that we shall move southward after Election. Tuesday, November 1 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant till toward night, though somewhat cloudy. Rains since 9 P.M. 42 patients in Hosp. this morn—about 40 have come in—mostly scorbutic and Night blind cases from 2nd Brig. Expecting to go to rear. Night blindness is a good disease to feign. Took Reg’tal Report of sick & wounded to Surg n Hobbs & bro’t it back to Grinsted— Went to Regiment to-night. Made purchases 7.00. Paid out Cash to Albert 49 00 Mess 1000 Mr. Price 2500 Recd Blaisdell’s319 10000 Coupon to send to Mich. at his risk. If it gets safe through I will pay him for it. Talked about having a new Div Surgn . Sent in a letter to Mrs. C. M. Bennitt Centreville Mich. U.S. Coupon Bond No 128328 for one hundred dollars retaining the first coupon—making the Bond payable to the order of Mrs. C. M. Bennitt. Wednesday, Nov. 2 Same place. Weather rainy all day. It becomes pretty certain that we shall move from here somewhere in a few days. 319 Private Ira S. Blaisdell (born ca. 1835) of Fawn River enlisted in Company A, 19 th Michigan in March 1864. �I am officer of the day, & remain in all day. Thursday, November 3 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy & very unpleasant— Albert Ranney came here in morn[?] a[nd] left with me $35000 3 $100 Coupons payable to Joseph A Ranney. Express Co refused to take money to-day from one of the men. I did not by him. I can hold my Bonds as well, myself, unless Mr. Champion can take it. The prospect of a move from here is imminent—53 patients came in Hosp to go to rear, Lts Alexander & Norris of 19th Mich. I bo’t fine Blouse of Sutler for $20 00 soldiers Blouse for 325 & boots for 325. Paid Anderson $5000—shall owe him on 5—$1000. Paid Grinsted for Shirts 8.00. Friday, November 4 Same place. Weather not settled. Saturday, November 5 Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather rainy. 3rd Div. moved out 3 miles and Hosp received orders to follow, but not till too late to do any thing start. Teams all ready & loaded,—Director Goodman said we could be ready to move early in morn—& send the sick to RR. at 7 A.M. It is not pleasant to be thus torn up. We pitch tent again and try to be comfortable. Lent Ira Blaisdell $500. Sunday, November 6 Same place. Weather a Cloudy but not much rain— Frosty this morn. Hospital astir this morn, men drawn up & sorted out[?] to go to rear & sent down to Rail Road after much delay came back, the captain not being able to get them on the train.— Very considerable disorder. We move into Barracks & House. Build fireplace in ward.— Take up our abode to be as comfortable as possible. Trouble that Dr. Himes[?] Has doing the work that another should do.— Anxiety of men to go to rear—regular panic.— �I got Paid by Maj Nichols320 to Oct. 31st two months $31640—I send by Lieut Norris $200000 to my wife viz $35000 10000 for Blaisdell & 155000 for myself. Payable to Joseph A. Ranney 3 X $10000 “ Mrs. C.M Bennitt 14 X $10000 viz Let “C” 189595—189551—189579—189575—189547 Nos. 189559—189555—189599—189587—128397 189563—189567—189583—189591 175441 Not payable to order of Mrs B[ennitt] Let A. Nos. 175437 175445 1st Interest Coupon retained by me of the last 1%. Description in dupl. Took Lieut. Norris receipt for $200000 & sent a Duplicat with letter to wife by him. Man of 33 Ind killed in skirmish in front. 3 Div returns to city. Monday, November 7 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair, & mild,—the sun shining nearly all day, & the moon to-night. 138 men were sent to rear to-night and much labor was necessary to get them off in decent order— Many seem anxious to go, but it seems like running the gauntlet to go from here to Chattanooga with the present state of things, men riding on the outside of the cars—& the chance of being shot by guerrillas,—run of track &c.— To stay with the army is better. It seems very probable that we will go on Southward within a few days—I am glad to learn this, for it looks more like doing something, than remaining inactive. I find on setting up mess a/c that the actual amount expended would leave cash [in] my hands $2245— I am very late in retiring. We have comfortable quarters. No sick on hand. I retire at 1½ morning. Tuesday, November 8, 1864 Same place. Weather somewhat cloudy with a little sprinkling of rain occasionally— Went to Election at the Reg’t—all going off very quietly, very few votes for McLellan. 320 Major Nichols was an army paymaster. �Called to see Lieut Wing who is Brigade Q[uarter] M[aster] & paid him note given Aug 31st for $3100 & $3.00 for express charges on Major Griffin’s Valise. Albert Ranney is writing for him. Col Dustin assumes command of 2nd Brigade to-day— Preparations for the campaign active.— Some talk of detaching the 19th Mich, from the present organization. Order to send sick to rear & leave none with command unable to march, recd late tonight.— Some trouble with Garnet[?] & Davisson 321 about absence without leave, & suspicion of watch stealing. I retire at 12 M[idnight]. Wrote letter to wife 4. Wednesday, Nov. 9 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Nov. Weather has been pleasant with a little sprinkling of rain occasionally.— We were aroused early this morning (abot 6) by sound of artillery & whistling of shells— the rebels having advanced upon our picket line, it seems with Cavalry with light howitzers— Their fire was promptly returned & the pickets maintained their ground— shells fell into camp of the 85th Ind.—hurting no one however— Canonading for half an hour or more on the East S. & S.W. with some musketry. I understand that some of the 2nd Div. were wounded. Albert Ranney says 19th Mich. goes North. Dr. Bence thinks the whole army will. He Dr. B[ence] paid me cash $500 what he said was due on the mess a/c. My letter sent off— 43 sick &c sent to rear. Others wish to go. Thursday, November 10 Same place. Rained heavily last night, but cleared off before morn, and has been quite fair to-day, tho rather cool. Orders to-day to send to the rear every man that we did not feel pretty sure would be able to march. Accordingly 48 were sent away to Depot, including, many that were sent in to-day. Design evidently is to start upon this campaign without any sick men. Those at the rear will be placed on duty with other commanders, in Thomas’s army, as fast as they are able. No news of a decisive character, concerning election. 321 Possibly Private Thomas Garnett of Company K, 20th Connecticut Infantry and Corporal Charles Davisson of Company E, 73rd Ohio Infantry. Both regiments were part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. �Horses ordered to be on ½ forage by Capt. Lacy of 3rd Div. Q.M. My horse will probably be lost inconsequence of short rations. I may be able to get another somewhere on the way. I sent to-night, by Sergt ___ going with sick men to Mrs. Griffin, a statement of her husbands pecuniary affairs, stating that this were debts 69 00 to be paid, and on hand $11.00 uncurrent money. Friday, November 11 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather fair all day & very pleasant to-night.— I had only 4 patients this morn.— Went to the 19th Mich, with Lieut Wing— Met Major Baker322 on the way.— Bro’t away some books that would be left abandoned— Directed Dr. Trowbridge to make a list of the articles necessary to be abandoned—to cut out the blank leaves of the prescription books, for use— Returned [to] Lieut Wing’s quarters with him & Major Baker,—bo’t 2 prs Socks of him at 35cts ea—Lieut Wing burnt Major Griffins receipt for two blankets—ate dinner with them— Went to R.R. Depot & sent off Eldridge Morey 323 of Co “B.”—returned to Hosp. & sent Graves324 of Co. D. to rear. The last arrived at R.R. just in time to get off.— Large number of Negroes & piles of trash being sent off on R.R. & some citizens with families—children & Ladies—Masonry has its influence in this matter.— Large amount of gov store & property to be destroyed— Fires in city to-night in several places. Lieut Edgerton325 Drew 4½ days forage for 2 horses for each to last for 5 days beginning on the. Saturday, November 12 Same Place. Weather fair all day and still to-night very fair & light— The fire last night was in several places.— Gen. Slocum offers $50000 reward for the arrest of the persons incendiaries.— Several soldiers & some citizens arrested on suspicion. John J. Baker, 19th Michigan Infantry. He had become commanding officer of the regiment in June 1864. 323 Private Eldridge Morey (1830?-1890) of Cheshire enlisted in Company B, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 324 Private Charles F. Graves (born ca. 1831) enlisted in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in September 1863. 325 1st Lieutenant Robert P. Edgington, Company C, 129 th Illinois Infantry. 322 �The work of destruction of work-shops & Depots, & Rail Heads has been going on briskly, & we may look for Bonfires, before we leave this city, though I hope the private dwellings will not be destroyed. But may be best to make a clean sweep of the matter and make the whole communi[ty] feel the war.— Walked to 19th Giles Wright & John Kirby,326 sent to Div. Hosp. But they cannot be sent North. No more trains come to Atlanta. Saw the Engine house pulled down & much R.R. track torn up, immense destruction of property—the heart sickens at the sight of the effects of this horrid war!!327 No more mails at present— Our destination uncertain— Reading scientific & poetry— & Serenade from Wisconsin Band, &c. Sunday, November 13 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Atlanta Ga. Weather pleasant, not uncomfortably cool.— I went to city to church, but none are open.— Went on to 19th Mich & found Lieut Wing there.— Rail-Road torn up and burning all through & around the city as well as some buildings.— At dinner with Maj. Baker &c.—Capts Easton, Anderson, Ford & Hubbard still absent, & communications cut off. Immense destruction of property of various kinds. War is a terrible waste of means & human life— In returning called on Surgn Grinsted—He regrets(?) that I did not avail myself of the opportunity to go to Cincinnati. Had Polyglot Scripture reading at evening—5 languages.— Saw & spoke with Dr. Calhoun. We shall probably leave here in three days— 15th A.C. came in to-day.328 Monday, November 14 Same Place. Weather fair—a little cool— I am officer of the day— No patients—only 12 sick in hosp.— I went to Cemetery with Dr. Himes to consult with reference to fitting up and fencing burying ground of 3rd Div. The work has been going on to-day & when completed—very respectable. 2nd Div. have a nice enclosure & fine monument—42 graves— 3rd Div have 18 graves. Private Giles Wright (born ca. 1835) enlisted in Company D, 19 th Michigan Infantry in September 1863; Private John C. Kirby (born ca. 1841) of Flowerfield enlisted in Company K, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862. 327 On November 12 Sherman’s army severed its railroad and telegraph communications with the rear and prepared to leave Atlanta on the “march to the sea” toward Savannah with twenty days’ rations. 328 The 15th and 17th Army Corps had been stationed on the west side of the Chattahoochee River since returning from the pursuit of Hood in October. 326 �Made Monthly Report for Reg’t for March in place of one lost, and gave to Grinsted’s clerk—Hope. The April Report is also found—on North side of Chattahoochee. Reading in Dalton’s Physiology—Embryology.329 Orders to march at 9 A.M. to-morrow. Surgn Hobbs wants me to go to Brigade. Major(?) Anderson returned to-day—walked from Kingston. Some of 14 A.C. came in today—R.R. destroyed to Kingston.330 Depots & workshops here destroyed by pulling down & burning.— Vandalism?(?)331 10 sick men to start with [us] in morn. 2 very sick. TEN “THE REBELLIOUS ARMIES ARE WHIPPED, SUBDUED, ROUTED, DEMORALIZED” NOVEMBER 1864 - FEBRUARY 1865 Dalton, John C. A Treatise on Human Physiology, Designed for the Use of Students and Practitioners of Medicine (Philadelphia, 1859). 330 In mid-November the 14th Corps had been detailed to destroy some ten miles of the railroad line between the Etowah River and Kennesaw Mountain, and some of those troops had just returned to Atlanta. 331 Orders to destroy everything of military value in Atlanta were carried out by Sherman’s soldiers with enthusiasm and particular thoroughness. Much private property unintentionally—as well as intentionally—was included. 329 �Tuesday, November 15, 1864 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 20th A.C. 4 P.M. Near Decatur Ga. Weather fair in forenoon—cloudy in P.M. Orders to start at 9 AM.332—started in good time and season with Hosp.— Barracks began to burn before we were fairly out of them—Pitch pine— A magnificent Bonfire— Immense cloud of smoke over the devoted city— Must this fair land be desolated entirely? Aye! indeed unless the rebellion soon ceases.— We do not get fairly started till near noon. Halt at 3 P.M. an hour for dinner—as I write I see a dense column of smoke rising from the city about 6 miles to the west—& the heavens above blackened by it.— I learn by Maj. A[nderson] that Lieut Norris had my money safe at Chattanooga, & it is probably at home ere this 16th.— Marched through Decatur an old dilapidated town just before dark. Talked with an old man about war—election. He was noncommittal— Many houses and barns burnt, but the way—one Church—a shame! March very late—much delay. 14 miles—road fair. Wednesday, Nov. 16 Camp Hosp 3rd Div 20th A.C. Near Lithonia Ga—½ m E. Yellow River. Weather has been very fine all day & is still so.— Marched about 10 miles. Started at 7 A.M. after resting about an hour, & taking a hasty breakfast. Moved but a short distance before coming up with the 2nd Brigade & it was nearly noon before any considerable progress was made— Our men foraged somewhat to-day, so that we have some yams for supper & enough for breakfast & a sheep & steer which are slain— Our camp is near Corps Head Qrs. & is very comfortable— We get the sick sheltered, fed & medicated and Reports made out and retire about 10 P.M.—5 sleeping in one tent. Very comfortable, sick men doing well— No enemy in arms seen to-day, but it is rumored that there are some cavalry not far off—333 Orders to march at 5. On November 9 Sherman had reorganized the four corps remaining in Atlanta into two armies. The Left Wing, consisting of the 14th and 20th Army Corps, was also known as the Army of Georgia; the Right wing, made up of the 15 th and 17th Army Corps, was also called the Army of the Tennessee. The Savannah Campaign, better known as “Sherman’s March Through Georgia,” began on November 15 when the 60,000 Union troops set off with instructions to forage “liberally” through the countryside. 333 There were, in fact, very few Confederate troops in the area to oppose Sherman. Hood had decided to move his 40,000 men north against General Thomas at Nashville. 332 �Thursday, November 17 Camp 3rd Div Hosp. 4 miles West Social Circle Ga. Weather very very pleasant. Started in good time this morn, tho’ the usual delays of getting train straightened— We were up at 4—Breakfasted at 5 & ready in ten minutes after. 12 men in Hosp. to ride—50 convalescents besides, that can march light. Saw Lieut Cahill—says Maj Anderson is not pleased with the feeling manifest to him in the Regt. He has been double dealing and has but few friends. We march till near 12 Midnight. I lie down to rest about 4 miles back, get to sleep, & wake up find myself far behind—delay caused at creek crossing & swampy road. I overtake train as they are halting for the night. Marched about 16 miles. We retire about 1 AM. Friday, November 18 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 5 miles N. East of Madison Ga. Weather delightful. Started about 5 A.M., marched over a delightful country with excellent roads—arrived at Social Circle at 9 A.M.— 2 Div. & Cavalry arrived last night—a few minutes after a train of cars carrying a load of the citizens, &c., &c. had departed—“the last train of the season”— Depot burned as well as track, and other torn up & other public property destroyed. We cannot spend time to tear up and destroy all—not much patriotism in this country— not much cotton growing here now.— Many negroes inclined to leave their “beloved masters.” 19th Mich guarding train, move along with us. I walk some distance on R.R. track with Lt. Fonda.— Go into camp just at dark & get ready to retire at 8¾—Dr. Himes reads a chapter on “Generation” from Dalton. Saturday, November 19 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp 4 miles South Madison Ga. Rained a little in latter part of last night—misty & cloudy to-day & rains again now (9 P.M.)— We were up at 5 A.M. ready to start at 6½. Usual delays of starting—1st Div passed us—we ride our mules at harness our horses in ambulance— My horse lame from nail in foot at top of hoof yesterday—pulled out to-night. �We came into Madison about 12 M. A beautiful inland town fine residences—3000 to 4000 pop. before the war—splendid ever bearing roses in very many yards— Saw Col Hill,334—talked with his daughter—a miss of 12— A few Unionists here—Cavalry came in yesterday & plundered stores &c.— I found a Physicians office—skeleton, Library &c. Bro’t away ___ ___ on the Heart.335 Camp in a cornfield in midst of trains— I Officer of Day.— 15 ride in ambulance sick. Sunday, November 20 3 miles North of Eatonton Ga. Weather a little rainy during night & all day, & still to-night. Road not very bad yet— soil somewhat sandy. Irony & loam. Very good country & tolerably well cultivated nearly all the way from Atlanta here. We find plenty to eat for men, & animals. Try to keep our transportation good. One of the convalescents bro’t me a horse that he had captured, & rode to Eatonton. He (John Smith336 Co K. 19 Mich) reports that he heard canonading beyond the town & that the 14th A.C. had been skirmishing with the enemy. 2nd Div 20th A.C. went on to Union Point yesterday, leaving their supply train with us. 3rd Div. marched in advance of 1st passing them before daylight this morn— Much cotton burnt to-day. My horse so lame that I fear that it will be necessary to leave him. Many negroes joining us—Dr Himes [hires?] one. Monday, November 21 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. at Little River 10 miles North of Milledgeville Ga. Weather rainy nearly all day from last night— Roads beginning to be rather heavy, but we have marched about 14 miles from 6 AM. to 3 P.M. at which time we came into camp at this place. Passed through Eatonton about 7½ A.M.—a town rather seedy of 1500 to 2000 inhabitants before the war—we find but few men here—one rebel Captain at home on leave, captured— — Slave-pen & R.R. Bennitt is probably referring to Madison resident Joshua Hill (1812-1891), even though the latter never held military rank. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1856 and because of his opposition to secession, resigned his seat in 1861 rather than withdraw with the rest of the Georgia delegation. He ran unsuccessfully for Georgia governor in 1863, but was elected to the U.S. Senate after the war. His strong Unionist beliefs and personal acquaintance with General Sherman, most likely saved Madison from destruction during the March to the Sea. 335 Evidently Bennitt was not above foraging. Here he has helped himself to a book, an unidentified treatise on the heart. 336 The only Smith in Company K was a Private Jerome Smith (born ca. 1839) of Cooper who enlisted in August 1862. 334 �buildings burned.— This R.R.337 seemed to be of little account however & we do not spend much time with it. Capture 4 hhds 338 Sugar—march on to Dennis—8 miles from Eatonton before 12—halt for Dinner—burn R.[R.] buildings— No village here—march at 12 1 PM. and stop here at 2½ or 3 & are comparatively comfortable—rain has stopped, but wind blows.— Negro woman & children still with us. My new horse is too old & clumsy to do me service. Read Dalton. Tuesday, November 22 Milledgeville Ga. Weather nearly clear but cool and airy after the rain— Pontoon laid before 8 A.M. but it takes a long time for a corps to pass one under the circumstances & the Hospital train does not get over till after sundown—1st & 2nd Divs having passed first—usual delays from bad places in roads so that we do not reach Milledgeville till in the morning of 23 although the troops reached it at 2 P.M. Pioneer339 are not as useful as they might be— Penitentiary burning as we came into town. I laid down & slept on the ground some as we came along. Wednesday, November 23 Camp 3rd Div. 20 A.C. ½ mile S.E. Milledgeville Ga. Weather very pleasant though cool. Arrived at camp at 4½ A.M.—had breakfast. Made beds for hospital and ourselv[es] of three bales of cotton from a building hard by—tore down the building for fuel—retired at 5—arose again at 8. Expected to remain here till to-morrow—ate at 11½—found some forage in mill belonging to a large Irishman on the Oconee River hard by. Mischievous soldiers set fire to the cotton—burning the rubbish of the building—moved over river at 1 P.M. ¼ mile—through a Covered bridge 350 feet long—came back with Dr. Himes & traversed City—Penitentiary—Governors mansion340—cemetery—State house & — — Moved camp again after dark—to give room for 14th A.C. An uncomfortable job. Thursday, November 24 Hospital 3rd Div 20th A.C. 12 miles S.E. Milledgeville Ga. 12½ PM The Milledgeville & Eatonton Railroad was a branch line of the Georgia Central Railroad that ended at Eatonton. 338 Hogsheads. A hogshead is a barrel containing sixty-three gallons. 339 I.e., army engineers. 340 Milledgeville was the capital of Georgia from 1803 to 1868. 337 �Weather pleasant cool (freezing a little last night & to-night). Ordered to start at 7 AM. but did not march till 1 P.M. Much delayed by a bad place in the road at the crossing of “Town Creek” near our present camp. Too much burning of fences on both sides of the road as we came along since dark. Left some of the patients in 1st Brig. ambulances, who have not joined us yet—we have 18 patients to transport to-morrow— Comparatively pleasantly situated since our coffee. At Breakfast and dinner before we started, and supper at a half [hour] before sundown—some butter to-night. Agreed with a teamster for a man 341 which he had captured for $2500 blind in one eye but rides very well. Friday, November 25 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. at Buffalo “Creek” 20 miles S.E of Milledgeville Ga.—near Hebron—10½ PM. Weather fair not so cold as yesterday—froze a little last night— Went into camp at 12½ A.M. & reced orders to be ready to march at 7 A.M. Started at 8 A.M. Came in all about 8 miles over a sandy road with some swamps—through a rather poor country—timber almost all Pitch Pine. Halt at noon near here to wait for pontoon to be laid over the “Creek”—the bridge having been burned—it is said by one of the Citizens here— Did not get ready to go over till dark hence we move ½ mile nearer creek & encamp sup—& retire comfortably—about 30 men requiring med. att[ention]— 18 to ride—I Off[icer of the] day. Some skirmishing on east side of creek reported— Canonading about 5 P.M. toward Macon— Rumor of capture of Richmond, through citizens. Saturday, November 26 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Saundersville Ga. Weather has been fine to-day— Orders to march at 6 AM. but we did not start until 7½— Citizens had burnt the bridges over Buffalo Creek & the swamp—ten in number but they had been replaced by our pontooners.— Road for two or three miles, swampy, & quicksands, after that, became better—still somewhat sandy—light soil—pines chiefly—products, corn—sweet potatoes & a little cotton— All unoccupied houses and all other property to be destroyed in the neighborhood of burnt bridges. The whole country is smoky. 341 Bennitt here means horse. �We arrive here about 3 P.M, having marched 9 miles—I felt quite unwell last night & today—rode a short time in our ambulance, & slept—felt better. Saundersville about like Centreville Mich. 14th A.C. joins us here—Wheeler tried to hinder our march here for a time but was glad to get out of the way. 342 One of his men killed here this morn at 8. Sunday, November 27 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp. at Davisboro Ga. Weather very fine warm enough to ride without an overcoat till 9 P.M. I feel better today— Order to march at 9 AM. but did not start till about 12— Halted in Sandersville— Burnt Courthouse & Jail yesterday—other shops &c to-day burning— much fear among the people that the whole will be burned not groundless— Cross R.R. near Powers about 2 P.M.—1st & 2nd Div destroying it— Trains ahead of ours delay our train so that we do not get into camp till near 12 midnight— Roads have not been bad except in a few places. I came ahead and took supper at 3rd Div Hd Qrs about 8 P.M. & sat by fire till train came up. Patients promptly cared for—two men accidentally shot while foraging to-day not dangerous.— Immense destruction of property all along the road. Wheeler did not burn Bridge here as was expected. It is not good policy. A poor manner of spending Sabbath. Monday, November 28 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp Ogeechee River 4 miles West Louisville Ga. Weather very pleasant 78° in shade at noon— Orders to march at 6—started at 9 A.M.—road good. Came into camp at 1½ & learned after two hours that we would stay till morning for the pontoon to be laid. It seems that the rebels have ordered all bridges & forage to be burned before us, hoping thereby to starve us.— Ex-Gov. Johnson’s343 residence visited to-day, and his valuables dug up in the garden, from beneath the cabbages. Other valuables found buried in various parts of the country— R.R. & all other contraband property destroyed, especially cotton in large quantities. Rumors again of the capture of Richmond by Grant, through rebel source.— 14th A.C. on our left to-day. It looks hard upon the people to spoil their country in this manner, but “It is legitimate result of rebellion.” A brigade of Wheeler’s Confederate cavalry was deployed in front of Sandersville but was forced to retire when Union skirmishers approached. 343 Herschel V. Johnson (1812-1880) served two terms as governor of Georgia from 1853 to 1857. 342 �We have at present plenty to eat, obtained in a large proportion from the country. 64 patients in Hosp. 27 ride. J.B.344 officer of the day.— All take a bath to-night. Tuesday, November 29 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp. 2 miles East of Louisville Ga. at Big Creek. Weather very fine. Warm enough to be comfortable to-night without a coat. Ordered to march at 8 A.M.—14th A.C. started at that time but it was after 2 P.M. before the Hosp. started.— Long series of Bridges across the Ogeechee & Rocky Comfort C[reek] destroyed by Wheeler, for the space of a mile, swampy & bad road— Palms seen here for the first time.— Passed through the town of Louisville soon after passing the River—an old village of 500 or 600 before the war— 14th A.C. had spoiled the town & had guards at every house—this seems to have been the work of Gen. Baird—33rd Ind. & 84th Ind. fought each other by mistake. 345 No one hurt. 20 Rebs,—including a Col. Capt & Lieut captured from Gen Wheeler lst eve.— March 5 miles. Came into camp to-night at 7 P.M in good order. Have carried 28 men in ambulances. I visited 19th Mich. Wednesday, Nov. 30 Same Place. Weather very fine indeed except that it is quite smoky from so many camp fires. Remained in camp all day—supposed to be waiting for the right wing to come nearer— I spent more than half of the day in making Monthly Hospital report. 2nd Brigade has not yet come up—they having remained behind till Pontoon should be taken up.— Our Hospital is near 3 Div. Hd Qrs. not in the middle of the train. I Slept in open air because of the crowd in the tent—dew very heavy. Story of soldier having a hand to hand fight with a Rebel Cavalry officer that ordered him to surrender, but was beaten and slain.— Gambling at 3 Div. Hd Qrs, shameful. Thursday, December 1 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 8 miles East of Louisville Ga. 344 345 I.e., John Bennitt. It was not an uncommon occurrence for friendly units to fire on one another due to mistaken identity; however, no record is found of this error between the 33 rd and 85th Indiana Infantry regiments. �Weather very fine—a little cloudy at evening— Sun-set red.— Very smoky—very dark last from smoke & fog. I slept in open air again, passed a very uncomfortable night, on account of indigestion and diarrhoea. Heavy dew & 2nd Brigade did not come up till middle of night, and found it very troublesome to keep together and find the road. We were to march at 9 AM. but did not start till 1 PM.—crossed two creeks, one without bridge—Rebels had burned bridge over Big creek, but our pioneers made a new one. Gen Wheeler chased from before us by Kilpatrick. 14th A.C. on R.R. Their train is in our advance.— About 6 miles march to-day put into camp at dark—to march at 6 A.M.—ridiculous order frequently repeated— Gambling extensively in the army—an effort to do so in Hosp. Friday, December 2 West side Buckhead Creek 8½ miles North West of Millen Ga. Weather very fine—warm—roads fair, except a bad swamp in the morn which delayed us two hours, and a few other swampy places readily passed. Sandy—pine plains—some extensive plantations with evidence of taste and good order, but owners absent— Started in good time this morn (6½)—stopped from 12½ to 2½ for dinner & pulled into camp at sunset having marched 12 miles—main direction East— K Kilpatrick had a fight with Wheeler near here two days ago,—in which both were loosers to a considerable extent, Kilpatrick holding his ground, & cutting the Augusta & Savannah R.R. East of here.346 O! why is all this destruction of life & property necessary? O! God, make us know that truth & be obedient to Thy will. Saturday, December 3 Camp 3 Div Hosp 4 miles South East Millen Ga. Weather very mild, but cloudy and a little sprinkle of rain about sundown. Burnt the barn where we stopped last night, & started on march at 6½ A.M. Crossed Buckhead creek—halted on left bank at what had been a very fair country meeting house—Baptist—Vandals at work.— Marched S.E. all day— Halted at 12½ P.M. an hour and a half for dinner— Crosse Mill Creek at a mill— Crossed R.R. through the dense smoke of a burning pile of pine wood—passed the house of a Mrs. Jones 347 who Kilpatrick’s cavalry fought a series of skirmishes with Wheeler’s Confederate cavalry at Waynesboro on November 27 and 28. 347 Probably located at Birdsville. 346 �had befriended a Federal prisoner, sick, on which account she had a protection—all other houses of any note burned. I understand that the Rebs evacuated Millen 4 days ago, & that the Right Wing visit there, Left wing keep to left. Extensive plantations and secondary Pine forests—Camp a little after dark in a worn out field—13 or 14 miles march. Sunday, December 4 Camp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Hosp. 5 miles south of Sylvania Ga. Weather a little cloudy but pleasant—a little cooler than yesterday but not uncomfortable— Rained a little last night. Started at 6½ A.M. Marched about 2 miles & then halted three hours for the 1st Div to pull out ahead of us. Soon came to Bigh Horse Creek which was so high from the breaking of a mill-dam above348, as to detain us two hours till it fell—mill burnt—ate dinner. Col Dustan came up—crossed over deep water and swampy bottom—2nd Brig train much delayed by this swamp, Hosp. train gets through promptly—pass on and camp in pine grove at 7 P.M about 8 miles from place of starting—fine place for camp good water a little distance off. 30 sick transported—10 K—32 for to-morrow. JnoB.349 Off[icer] of day— Canonading in north about 10 to 11 A.M. a feint?— Rumored evacuation of Savannah—& that Charleston must fall. Bo’t 12 lbs Butter of a soldier $5.00. Monday, December 5 Camp 3rd Div. Hosp. 20 A.C. Midway between Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers, 45 miles from Savannah. Weather fair & comfortably warm, like mild October weather in Mich. Started promptly at 6½ A.M, passed 1 st Div. after coming two miles— Crossed Little Ogeechee about 3 miles N.W. of here— Reb cavalry 20 to 30 in number dashed on our pioneers this morn, & it is said captured several of them, but this is doubtful—some of our men fired upon from a fine house near here this morn—The man firing was captured and the woman notified to get out of the house immediately & then it was burned. We march till 1 P.M. 6 miles. 348 349 Probably Jigler’s Mill on Little Horse Creek. I.e., John Bennitt. �Level sandy plains with pine timber only small portion under cultivation somewhat swampy—Cyprus.350 Tuesday, December 6 Camp Hosp. 3 Div. 20th A.C. About 35 miles North of Savannah, near Turky Brook. Weather a little cloudy—very foggy & smoky in the morn, & cool enough for overcoat riding till 10 A.M. A little delay in starting this morn—3rd Div. still in advance— Right Wing only 5 or 6 miles West of us—14th A.C. about same distance East— Cavalry in front 15 or 16 miles— Saw a lot of prisoners (about 40 to 50) among them a Colonel.— They speak confidently of success.— We get plenty of forage even in this flat sandy swampy country— Rains two or three weeks ago have not yet run off.— Sweet potatoes corn, cotton & Negroes chief articles produced. We have marched about 12 miles to-day—delayed for three hours to corduroy351 a swamp. Came into camp at 6 P.M.— Saw Surgn C. W. Bennitt.352 Wednesday, Dec. 7 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 1 mile North of Springfield Ga. Rain began about 7 AM. & lasted an hour— Cloudy all day—red sunset. Sky variable to-night.— 1st order to march at 7½—recd last night, then order to march at 6 rec’d at 5—then order to march at 7½ rec’d at 6—started finally about 8. All Head Qrs. Pontoon train and a battery ahead.— Halted at 11 for 2½ hours at Turkey Creek to Corduroy the swamp & build bridge. We ford it with teams— Trees fallen across road in places to hinder us.— We march nearly ten 10 miles, camping just before Sundown—19th Mich. guard us.— 1st Brig. & part of third with a battery form in Line of Battle on this side of creek but encounter no enemy. Left Wing is to be “Army of South Carolina.”353 I Off[icer of the] Day— 37 Ride—40 Ride to-morrow. 3rd Div. in advance to-day— I take bath. Shall I soon hear from Loved ones at home?—O! my God keep them & me. Thursday, December 8 I.e., cypress trees. I.e., to lay felled trees horizontally to make the way more passable for men, horses, and wagons. 352 I.e., William C. Bennett. 353 No change from the designation “Army of Georgia” had been made at this time. 350 351 �Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles South of Springfield, Ga. Weather fair—a little cloudy toward night, & during night— 3rd Div. in rear of all, guarding whole of Corps train.— Order to march at 9 AM. but do not start till 1½ P.M. have dinner at 12M. Rebs obstructed road at Jack’s creek & several other places,—with fallen trees. Halt till Sundown at Springfield—pass over a swampy roady 5 miles before 11 PM—halt there before passing a bad swamp of a mile before arriving here—eat our supper also the sick eat. I come on to this point alone about 2½ [A.M.]—find place of encampment, stop at turn of road by fire, & sleep about two hours— Hosp. train does not come up till about 7 A.M. of the 9th. I have slept 3 or 4 hours & feel pretty well this morn. Friday, December 9 Camp Hosp 3rd Div 20 A.C. with the supply train 15 miles N.W. of Savannah Ga. Weather cloudy all day & a little cooler than before. Marched about 8 miles a little west of south starting at 11-20 AM,—Turned S.E. & marched about 5 miles,—halting a short time at dark—to cross a bad place— Road today pretty good after striking the Augusta Pike—2 houses burned at the ple turn of the road. Ride with Lieut Wing after dark. Encamp at 7½ having marched 13 miles.— Stuck in the mud with our Hosp team. One man of 2nd Div.—Babington354—sick unto death with Dysentery. 40 transported today. Saturday, December 10 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. At 5th Mile Stone N.W. Savannah Ga. 9 P.M.— Weather has been cloudy all day & a little cool, warmer to-night, and it sprinkles a little— Marched 10 miles on excellent road--4½ miles nearly East & 5½ S.E.— Turnpike wide enough so that train doubled all the distance.355 Our forage wagon sent out this morn comes in at 9½ PM with 30 bus[hels] corn & some fodder—enough for two days.— Hosp train came into camp before dark having started at 10 A.M.— Passed two Redoubts where the Rebs had a Battery—at least one gun—& had obstructed the road by felling trees,—but the way was soon clear & the work charged by the 1 st Div.— The gun escaped but the caisson was captured. Two Federals killed—a few wounded about 300 or 400 only of the rebs at this place. Heavy canonading on the right all day— We 354 355 Private Mitchell Babbington of Company G, 29th Ohio Infantry. I.e., double file. �are within two miles of the Rebel works and one miles in rear of our lines. Gen(?) Harrison captured.356 Sunday, December 11 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N.W. Savannah Ga. Weather rainy last night, but only a little cloudy, but cool to-day. Cleaned off ground & put up all the canvass we have, only about half of it needed for patients— Rations rather short, but there are large quantities of rice & some stock on neighboring plantations. It is thought that we can subsist here comfortably, after the matter is fully adjusted, & the mills will [be] running.— Steamer (small) captured by riflemen.357 Rumor that communication is made with the coast at Warsaw Sound358 & commissary stores may be had as soon as road can be opened. Heavy Canonading on West of city by Rebs—we make no reply with artillery. Monday, December 12 Same place. Weather quite cool but clear. Ice 1/8 inch thick on water this morn. Moon bright tonight359— Hosp. att[endant]s singing to-night— Our rations rather short still we are not likely to go hungry much for we shall soon have our communication open with the Seaboard. It is reported that there are less than 10,000 troops of all kinds in Savannah, & that there are provisions in the city for only 6 days— The question is one of seige or assault. If it can be done quietly it will be better.— Transport of Rebs captured on the River, in company with Gun-boat which withdrew in haste.360 We hold the rice plantations & mill. Some of our men cross into South Carolina for forage. Forage becoming scarce around here, except rice upon which, not only men but George P. Harrison, Sr. (1814-1888), major general of the Georgia militia, was captured at his Savannah River plantation, Montieth, by General Howard. 357 On December 10, the Confederate dispatch steamer, C.S.S. Ida, was captured along with its crew by a forage party from the 150th New York Infantry and burnt on the Savannah River. 358 I.e., Wassaw Sound, at the mouth of the Wilmington River about 10 miles southeast of Savannah. 359 The full moon would be on December 13. 360 Of three Confederate ships attempting to descend the Savannah River, two gunboats were driven back and one armed steam tender, C.S.S. Resolute, was captured along with its crew by the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry. 356 �horses must subsist in a great degree, for some days to come.— Not much artillery firing to-day on the whole. No news yet from home. A 19th Mich man said to have been slightly wounded. Tuesday, December 13 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N. West Savannah Ga. Weather cool in morn, fair all day & warmer to-night— Surgn W. C. Bennett vis[ited] Hosp & I went with him to Div. Hd. Qrs. He talked to Surgeon Grinsted about derelection of duty concerning Div. Hosp which resulted in there being a stirring up at the hospital & it is hoped improvement for a time. Lieut Herritt361 of 20th A.C. Staff killed by Reb. Sharpshooter to-day— Much heavy artillery firing nearly South of here—supposed to be on the Savannah & Gulf R.R.—some very heavy guns booming at long distance—Supposed to be at Fort Thunderbolt 362—Steam whistling on the River & some canonading— I take into my care & under my protection the yellow woman, wife of Capt. Baldwin’s Servt. & shall try to furnish her enough to eat, & to do to pay for it, for the time being— I officer of the day— Well finished—water fair. Wednesday, December 14 Same Place. Weather fair—a little frost in morn—not uncomfortable to sit without fire to-night. Business at hospital—re-arranging shelter for sick—making log sides for ward only partly done for one— Man of 102 Ill. shot through chest by rebel picket on skirmish line—brought in to-night. Not much hope of his recovery— It is officially announced that Fort McAllister, on the Ocheegee River, surrendered to Gen Havens of 2nd Div 15 A.C. after a charge upon it by that Div. Garrison & armament captured. This opens our communication with the fleet & Gen Foster, & renders the fall of Savannah certain.363 2nd Brig go 6 miles for Staves—Studley364 went 10 to 13 miles for forage &c. successfully— Lieutenant Charles A. Ahreets, Adjutant, 134th New York Infantry was at this time Acting Assistant Inspector General, 20th Army Corps. 362 Fort Thunderbolt was a strong Confederate fort mounting a battery of nine guns on the Wilmington River about five miles southeast of Savannah. 363 On December 13, General William B. Hazen’s 2nd Division troops assaulted and captured Fort McAllister, overcoming the last obstruction between General Sherman’s army and the Union fleet waiting off the Georgia coast. General John G. Foster, Commander of the Department of the South, had a force of Union troops on Hilton Head Island. 361 �O my God, keep the loved ones in Thy care, Keep us all in Thee—save this our country. Thursday, December 15 Camp Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. At 5 Mile-post N.W. of Savannah Ga. Weather very fine & warm enough to sit without fire in open air till evening. 1st Ward with log sides & fire-place completed so far as to place 44 patients on bunks to-night—nearly all that are sick. I went with Surg n Himes to River & there fell in with Maj. Anderson & Lieut Russel,365 & with Dr. Hatchard went to rice mill, saw negroes at work—saw Rice-fields & dikes—Captured Steamer— Could see Savannah Spires & Houses, & the smoke of the gun as it fired shell toward us which exploded in the River about ½ mile from us in our sight—seemed to be firing at men in small boats crossing the river. Beautiful live-oak orchards with long pendant moss (1 to 5 yards long)—Tree covers 1/5 acre— Plantation of ____ Gibbins, son of Wm Gibbins, son of “Tom” Gibbins—saw a native of Africa who had descended from Massa Tom down to the present owner—a sporting man with an income of $300,000. 366 Friday, December 16 Same place. Weather warm enough for comfort, & causing an inclination to seek the shade in the middle of the day. Canonading quite brisk this morn on left, supposed to be rebs endeavoring to prevent the crossing of the three brigades of the 20th A.C. sent into S[outh] C[arolina] early this morn— Comparatively quiet in P.M. A little sharp firing in our front to-night. 20th A.C. train went to Ogeechee River for supplies—Lieut. Wing went. We expect a large mail when it returns, as it is said there is mail there for us in fabulous amounts 367—Surgn Grinsted & Dr. Wood took dinner with us— Had a Rice (ground) pudding—very good. It is said that an officer of Gen. Grant’s staff is at Left wing Head Qrs. It does not appear Probably Quartermaster Sergeant James D. Studley (born ca. 1840). He enlisted in Company I, 9th Michigan Cavalry in December 1862. 365 George A. Russell was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry in October 1864. 366 Major William Heyward Gibbons (1831-1887) came into a substantial fortune upon the death of his father, William Gibbons (1781-1845). His vast plantation, Shaftesbury, was purported to be one of the wealthiest on the Savannah River. Although born in New York and having business connections with New Jersey, he served as Assistant Inspector General of Field Transportation for the Confederacy. 367 Rumors in this case were quite true. The amount of mail that had accrued for Sherman’s soldiers over the four weeks since they left Atlanta weighed in at twenty tons. 364 �that we are to take Savannah very soon unless by assault which must result in heavy loss to us.— Negroes are to be sent to Port Royal 368—some went from here to-night— I wrote part of a letter last night & will finish in morn. Saturday, December 17 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N.W. Savannah Ga. Weather very pleasant except the very heavy dews & the fogs in the morn— Mail to-day—I am glad to learn of the good health of loved ones at home, & of the receipt of money, of the kindness of Mr. Smith to my family—I shall take occasion to write to him soon.— It is said that a flag of truce was sent in to-day demanding the surrender of Savannah, but it does not seem to have had the desired effect for there is some heavy firing all along the line.369 Our fleet is said to be in a condition to bombard the town. I hope that will not be necessary. Finished letter to wife begun Nov 15. 370 Recd letter from Wife of Nov 6th Oct 30th Nov. 10th Nov. 14th & Nov. 20th, from Clara of O[ct] 23rd 30th & Nov 20th: & Jennie Nov 20th. Wrote a long letter to wife, & 8 pages to Clara giving some account of march to Madison—not sent. Sunday, December 18, 1864 Same place. Weather still fair, and warm enough to sit in the open air without coat & without fire in evening— Foggy in morn—heavy dew. I slept out of tent under fly. On account of its being Sabbath work has been suspended here. I have spent the day mostly in reading and singing.— Latter part of night & nearly all day there has been but little firing. It is said that the pickets have agreed not to shoot at one another and have exchanged civilities & papers. We are placing a battery in our front that may draw the enemy’s fire this way and compel us to move. I hope not. Rumored proposition of conditional surrender by Rebs. Not credited. Write more in letter to Clara—Travels as far as Milledgeville. Monday, December 19 Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. 5 miles N.W. Savannah Ga. Port Royal and Hilton Head Islands off the South Carolina coast were captured in November 1861 and were made into important Union bases. 369 General Hardee declined to accept Sherman’s demand for the surrender of Savannah and its 10,000 defenders. 370 I.e., December 15. 368 �Weather a little cloudy threatening rain, but still quite warm— 2nd Ward in Hospital complete— I as officer of the day, try to hasten preparations for an impending conflict. It seems resolved on by a council of war, that Savannah must fall soon, & there may be some bloodshed first. Our “cracker line” is fully open to King’s Bridge, and Bread was issued to us to-day from New York.371 We still forage 10 to 12 miles in the country in our rear without large force, tho’ Reb. Cavalry are said to be behind us— Some large Guns came up past here in last night & will be in position before long. 2nd Div. find some difficulty in establishing themselves on South Carolina shore. Several men wounded. Canonading since dark. I did not finish letter to P. M. Smith, but sent my letters to home by Mr. Hoblitz372 who goes to N.Y. in a day or two. Tuesday, December 20 Same Place. Weather pleasant tho’ somewhat cloudy and threatening rain—a little cool to-night, but not uncomfortably. Affairs moving on well—3rd Ward pushed forward to completion— Lieut Lewis373 of 20th Conn, wounded in leg—ball lodging in cancelli of Tibia— Chloroform affected him unpleasantly— The case has an unpleasant prospect. He falls into my hands. Some heavy firing on our left to-night from our (?) guns & some from Rebs.— They will get waked up to-morrow if they do not move out too soon, & it is rumored— It is rumored that Hardee offered to let Sherman occupy Savannah if he would let him leave peacably. The story is doubtful— Visit from W. C. Bennett—who is going home—& from Dr. Hutchinson374 who stayed a long time, to-night, after supper. Some mail received, but none from me. At this time Sherman’s army was being supplied almost entirely by the Union navy. Although the use of the Savannah River was still denied by Confederate forces, small boats could bring cargoes into Ossabaw Sound and up the Ogeechee River. King’s Bridge over the Ogeechee stood about sixteen miles southwest of Savannah and about twenty-five miles from the sea as the river winds inland. 372 Possibly the Mr. Hoblit (first name not known) who was an agent for the Western Department, U. S. Sanitary Commission assigned to Sherman’s army. 373 1st Lieutenant Henry Lewis was attached to both Company E and Company K, 20 th Connecticut Infantry. 374 Probably Edwin Hutchinson who joined the 137 th New York Infantry as Surgeon in September 1863. The 137th New York was part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. 371 �Wednesday, December 21 Hospital 3rd Div 20 A.C. Savannah Ga—“Pavillion.” Weather a little rainy from 8 to 9 A.M—fair The remainder of the day cloudy & shining alternatively. Heavy firing last night, till about 2 A.M. this morn— Announced this morn that “Savannah is ours” by a staff officer riding by the Hospital in the woods.— It was hard to believe, but was continually confirmed by others.375 Among them Surgn Goodman.— After Breakfast—Dr Himes & I rode down to the city—overtaking Lieuts Wing & Horbert376 on the way—rained— We rode through city—stopped at Rebel Hosp. saw young asst Surgn— Rode around to the “Pavilion” found Dr Grinsted Goodman & Himes there—I return at 10-10—stop to protect the mulatto women & arrest the soldier—Hospital arrives here at 3 P.M but we have so large an “elephant” 377 that we cannot get it well cared for to-night. Thursday, December 22 Same Place. Weather cooler—sunrise bright but somewhat cloudy during day. I have been officer of the day, and very busy with house-cleaning, & arranging our own room, and the wards. Surgn Himes took the outside. 17 Rebels convalescents & sick sent here this [day?]— They seem well disposed— Our supply of blankets small. Mr. King, Principal of Female Academy & Bogart of Male academy have been carrying away their books.378 They seem quite surprized that they are disturbed in their school. The “Matron” of Wayside House seems disturbed & peevish because her affairs are interfered with.379 They have some things yet to learn of war. Friday, December 23 On the night of December 20 Hardee, realizing that no reinforcements had been dispatched to assist him, evacuated the city. He was able to cross the Savannah River over improvised bridges with his entire force into South Carolina without being detected. 376 Probably 1st Lieutenant William S. Herbert who enlisted in Company C, 85 th Indiana Infantry in May 1862. 377 I.e, too large a task to complete quickly. 378 Possibly Rev. Charles King; his school may have been the Savannah Institute for Young Ladies. William S. Bogart was the principal of the Chatham Academy Classical School for Boys; his school would be utilized as the hospital for the 3 rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 379 A “Wayside House” neither appears in the city directories nor is mentioned in the newspapers of Savannah during this time. It is possible that the establishment Bennitt refers to was a house of prostitution and the “Matron” its madam. 375 �Hosp 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather cooler, but clear. It was intimated that we would be obliged to leave this house for the occupation of the 17th A.C. Hosp, & Dr Himes and I rode through the city to look for another. Found two poor places but learn to-night that we can remain here, the 17th A.C. having found a place. Dr. Goodman called in morn, & again to-night sitting for some time chatting. Advized me to apply now for leave of absence. I have written an application and went ot 3rd Div. Head Qrs but found no A[ssisant] A[djutant] G[eneral] nor Surg n Grinsted.— Will send it in in morn. I must try to go home. Dr. Terry Off. of day—I have on[e] patient that must die soon, Fox.380 I do not feel well to-night, but think it is the result of large dinner—& so abstain from supper. Dr. Terry recd letters & papers. I none yet. Saturday, December 24 Same Place. Weather fair cool enough to need a fire to sit by. Grand review of the 15th A.C. near here. Dr. Fritz & Dr. Pinney 381 of the Cavalry moved into this Hosp with 56 ___ patients,—cavalry, among them three officers & a sutler. Fox of 55 O.V.I. Died at 4 P.M. of Typhoid Fever.— Lieut Lewis of 20th Ct very bad condition, Pyaemia?382 Edward Dillon of 136 N.Y. wounded and captured while foraging near here two weeks ago,—left in Reb hospital, brought in to-day with left thigh shortened 2 inches. Dr. Johnson & I evacuate for the benefit of Cavalry surgeons & I am left without my bed. Lieut Pursell383 left Hospital paying me $1000 for ten days board &c. I sent my application for leave of absence for thirty days, to Div Hd. Qrs. Surgn Grinsted having approved. Sunday, December 25 Hospital 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather a little cloudy all day with a little rain about dark & quite heavy rain from 8 to 10 P.M. Private Henry Fox (1832?-1864) was drafted into Company E, 55th Ohio Infantry in September 1864. 381 Thomas I. Fritts was Assistant Surgeon in the 8 th Indiana Cavalry; Charles H. Pinney was Assistant Surgeon in the 9th Ohio Cavalry. 382 A disease of the blood caused by purulent matter that ultimately affects the heart. 383 Charles G. Pursel (1840-1865) of Schoolcraft enlisted in Company F, 19 th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as Sergeant. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Company D in May 1864 and promoted to 1 st Lieutenant in Company H in October 1864. He would be killed in action at Averasboro, North Carolina in March 1865. 380 �I am officer of day, but still att church at 10½ A.M. at Presbyterian house across the street. Preaching by citizen—“Not a sparrow falleth to the ground with His notice.” 384 Good Sermon. Singing by choir of two men & congregation. Organist indifferent. Congregation about two thirds soldiers. A large proportion of the Ladies in mourning.— Everything passed off apparently as though no unusual thing had occurred here. Many soldiers seen drunk in the streets to-day— Officers as well as enlisted men— Lieut Lewis’ leg gangrenous, & he must die. Dr. Hatchard takes dinner here— He is to return to hosp.— Mr. Chapman—Chaplain, also dines here. Mail received yesterday but I got none. Monday, December 26 Same Place. Weather a little rainy—lowry all day— My application for leave of absence returned disapproved by Gens. Ward & Williams— Dr. Goodman made no endorsement. He doubtless did not wish to disaprove it, inasmuch as he had assured me that he would approve. His excuse doubtless would be that, “the order concerning another campaign & no leaves and fuloughs” to be granted. I have felt dispirited all day, from the disappointment. The Loved ones at home must wait much longer. But I think I can endure the long separation as well as others. If S.C. campaign ends well, & soon I m[a]y then go.— Drs. Hatchard & Amsden report at Hospital for duty—Drs. Fritz & Pinney with the Cavalry, took their departure. Cavalry officers come under my charge. Edginton385 pays $2000 on mess bill—Capt Bender386 $5.00. Heard that there is a letter at Regiment for me, but did not get it. Tuesday, December 27, 1864 Hospital 3 Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga— Weather mixed—rainy, and fair alternately—mostly rainy— After attending to my patients I went to 19th Mich. & recd lett from stating that he was at Harper Hospital Detroit Mich. as was Sergt Harris & Marcus Daniels—they two, he & Daniels having no Descriptive Rolls—I urged their commanders to send them. Matt. 10:29. 1st Lieutenant Robert P. Edgington. 386 No officer by the name of Bender appears in the regimental rosters of Bennitt’s brigade. 384 385 �Talked somewhat with Lieut Barnhart 387 about buying a horse of him— Rode Took dinner at Head Qrs 19 Mich— Rode with Col. Baker388 & Lt Barnhart, to River— Machine shop—saw steam tug sail vessel in River—and—Torpedoes & Torpedo boats— saw Albert Ranney who says his father has received the money all straight— Rumor from two sources that Jeff. Davis is dead.— Meeting of citizens called by Mayor &c.— Lt. Lewis body embalmed—to be sent home to-morrow morn. Wrote 3 pages to wife. Wednesday, December 28 Same place. Weather mixed—fair and showery— Rode to 19th Mich. again to-day after dinner— Did not buy the horse— Called on Surgn Hobbs who read to me his report of Savannah Campaign—asked me to come to Brigade, &c. Saw Brigade review by Regiments— Oysters at Regt— Called with Lieut Wing at his Qrs. & saw Lieut Harbert and made a prescription for his cough. 2 19th Mich. men sent in to-day. One 73rd O[hio man] shot great toe off, in my ward— Rumor repeated of Jeff Davis’ death— Loyal Georgian gives account of Mayor and citizens meeting to-day, & the loyal Resolutions passed. I shall send a copy to my wife in a letter with directions to send it immediately to 3 Rivers Reporter. Collect money of Mess to Dec. 31st except sick officers. Lieut Lewis body was sent home by a man with a 12 days furlough. He must hasten his return or not be in next campaign. Wrote nothing in letter. Thursday, December 29 Hosp. 3rd Div. 20th A.C. Savannah Ga. Weather fair but cooler than hitherto— By Surgn Grinsted at the request of Surgeon Himes, the latter is relieved from charge of Div. Hospital and I take charge. I shall make some changes in operations— Dr. Hatchard cut of[f] great toe of man wounded last night— Schofield appointed Hosp. Lucien B. Barnhart (born ca. 1834) of Union enlisted in Company C, 19th Michigan Infantry in August 1862 as First Sergeant. He was commissioned 2 nd Lieutenant in January 1864, promoted to 1st Lieutenant in October 1864. He would be promoted to Captain in Company B in January 1865. 388 John J. Baker, 19th Michigan Infantry, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in October 1864. 387 �Steward, goes to his regiment & Dan Schull 389 acts as Steward here— I get 1st No of “Savannah Republican”390 & shall send it home by first mail. Dr. Grinsted did not yet go to Hilton Head, as he ought. Dr. Goodman looked over this whole house and thinks 400 patients can be acommodated here. No letter from home. Friday, December 30 Same Place. Weather fair, pleasant—warmer than yesterday—no fire necessary, till eve— I have had more bunks made—one partition torn out in third story—had bath-room & fixtures put in good repair and cleaned (& took a bath myself to-night)— Made arrangement with Gas Co. for gas here—and am now enjoying its light—tried to make arrangement with 2nd Div. for bread baking, but could not succeed on account of the want of pans. Looked over 2nd Div. Hosp.— Studley bought for us a bushel of Oysters 200. A firkin of butter 100 lbs for $8550. I give Wymbs391 11 lbs. for two days supper for patients and we shall use the largest part of the remainder for officer’s mess. With Dr. Hatchard, since dark to Reg’t for mail but got none— 3rd Div to move over River in morn. Finish letter of 4½ [pages] to wife & will send it with papers of Dec. 27-8-9. Shall retire at 11 P.M. Saturday, December 31, 1864 Hosp. 3rd Div 20th A.C. Weather somewhat rainy and cool. 3rd Div. moved to River and partly crossed over— Encountered Rebel Cavalry who wounded two men of 105 Ill. one fatally probably— 2nd & 3rd Brig. returned with train to camp in same place.— I went to Dr. Goodman’s to see about moving Hospital,—Dr. Grinsted being gone— He said it would not be necessary to move at present as it is not expected that Third Div. will be more than 4 or 5 miles from here— I remained two hours or more—talking with him & Drs. Bennett, & Riley—392 They think I better go to Private Daniel L. Shull of Company B, 136th New York Infantry. The Savannah Republican actually began in 1858 but probably suspended publication during the siege. The December 29 issue was indeed called volume 1, number 1, but the newspaper reverted to its former numbering in February 1865. 391 Private John D. Whymbs of Company H, 20 th Connecticut Infantry. 392 Probably James Reily, Surgeon to the 33rd New Jersey Infantry from September 1863. 389 390 �Cincinnati at once, & he went with me to Corps Head Qrs.—& with counsel there became satisfied that it would be best to apply for leave in a regular manner—which I have written, but not sent yet, but think I will on Monday. Dr. Goodman sent me a note to-night that he would inspect Hosp. here at 11.30 AM. tomorrow. I could much prefer that he would not make Sunday so much a day of business and allow us all to go to church. I will try [to] do what is proper in the matter—do my duty to man and to my God. Wilt Thou O God! who hast preserved me in health through so many vicissitudes and dangers in the year just closed still preserve me in body and mind, and especially be near to me by the influences of Thy Spirit that I may not fall into sin or be tempted beyond the strength that shall give to resist temptation— Grant that another year may find this whole Volunteer Army safely pursuing peaceable pursuits—peace & harmony in all our borders. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Civil War and Slavery Collection Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Slavery--United States African Americans United States--Politics and government--19th century Description An account of the resource A selection of correspondence, diaries, official documents, photographs related to the American Civil War and to the institution of slavery, collected by Harvey E. Lemmen. The collection includes a selection of documents from ten states related to the ownership of slaves and abolition, correspondence and documents of soldiers who fought in the war and from family members and officials, diaries and letters of individuals, and a collection of mailing envelopes decorated with patriotic imagery. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lemmen, Harvey E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/472">Civil War and Slavery Collection (RHC-45)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Diaries and Correspondence (RHC-43)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/471">Nathan Sargent Papers (RHC-44)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/478">Theodore Peticolas Diary (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/476">Civil War Patriotic Envelopes Collection (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/479">Whitely Read Diary (RHC-52)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1804-1897 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg; application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image; Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1804-1897 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-43_BD-2 Title A name given to the resource John Bennitt Civil War Diary, volume 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bennitt, John Description An account of the resource This diary is the second of three kept by physician John Bennitt of Centreville, Michigan describing his experience as a Civil War surgeon for the 19th Michigan Infantry Regiment. The second volume (Feb. 9, 1864-Jan. 13, 1865) continues the account of his work as head of the General Hospital in McMinnville, Tennsessee, and of his Regiment's transfer to the front for the Atlanta and Savannah campaigns under Gen. Sherman. Bennitt details life in the encampments at the time of the fighting in Georgia, and his daily routine as a surgeon and physician to soldiers and civilians. The volume ends with Bennitt's trip to Cincinnati for an examination by the Army Medical Board. The last pages of the volume include cash accounts and memoranda of soldiers treated, their condition, and outcome. The volume ends on Dec. 31, 1864, but Bennitt uses the first pages of the diary for his Jan. 1-13, 1865 entries. Subject The topic of the resource Bennitt, John United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 19th (1862-1865) Surgeons Diaries United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical care United States. Army. Corps, 20th Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891 African Americans Atlanta (Ga.) Savannah (Ga.) Georgia Michigan McMinnville (Tenn.) Tennessee Cincinnati (Ohio) Ohio Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Correspondence and diaries of Civil War surgeon, John Bennitt (RHC-43): http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470 Relation A related resource Part of collection with correspondence published by Wayne State University Press, Detroit as I Hope to Do My Country Service: the Civil War letters of John Bennitt, M.D., Surgeon, 19th Michigan Infantry Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5dd33d942bc3d1f7df95187ce0551b30.pdf 6469c4b9883d4f359453cc9b19359a89 PDF Text Text �T . ■ '‘ ■ 1 f 1 / :U t c y t- tf ��SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 1865. RATES OF POSTAGE. . ^ ■-o C \ S X (J> 3 o ~ I.E T T E R S .T O ANY PART OF THE UNITED STATES, 3 , Cents for cacftli,2 punce or part thereof! ' ■ JiUAa*' A s f ~ C U n y . (Speeder M ’fo i.c fid d L D r o p L e t t e r s ^ 2 cents. .vAuvESXta'SC" L e t t e r s , 1 cent, in addition to" the regiilar rates. • V a l c a b m U’eT t e Rs may be registered oh hppWfition at the office of mailing,' and the payment of a registration ’, fai not ex<eeedfeg.20 c e t i t i e s 1' ' - "■ W ' ' -h-cvAy . V' T r a n s i e n t N e w s p a p e r s , Periodicals,. Pspnptilots, Blanks, Proof Sheets-, ,Book-Manuscripts,- and aft mSil^Blfr {irinted mafi“ " ter, (excepi circulars and books,) 2 cents for each and every 4 ounces. Double these rates are charged for Books. U n s e a l e d C i r c u l a r s , (to one address) not exceeding73 in num ber, 2 ■Cents, and’ - in the'-’sam e',proporfiO if’fo r a ’greater' num ber. h n d i, j " S e e d s , C u t t in g ' s , RO o t s , &c ., 2 cents for each 4 ounces or less quantity. ., , I I &/£jirylvc(xAj. MONDAY 2 h ^ a h v u JL h d jd - - vW a- lo A /V , fT d l- ~ th e . fd e t-j A l l P a c k a g e s of Mail Matter not charged with letter post- I age must be so arranged that the same can be conveniently examined by Postmasters; if not, letter postage will be charged. No P a c k a g e will be forwarded by m ail w hich -weighs over ^ 4 pounds. A l l P o s t a g e M a t t e r , fo: delivery within the United States, must be P r e p a i d by stamps (except duly certified letters of soldiers and sailors); otherwise, double the above rates will be charged on delivery. W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r s (one copy only) sent to actual Sub­ scribers within the County where printed and published, free. L e t t e r s to . C an a d a and other Byitisli N oi^Jr American Provinces,' when not over 30OO' miles, 10 cents for each 1-2 ounce, When over 3000 miles, 15 cents. Prepayment optional. -L e t t e r s to G r e a t B r i t a i n o r I r e l a n d , 24 cents. Prepayment optional. , t L e t t e r s to ment optional. F ra n c is , 15 cents for each 1-4 ounce. . , TUESD AY S I j j J j Prepay- j .1 L e t t e r s to o t h e r F o r e ig n C o u n t r i e s vary in fate ac-r j cording to the route by which they are sent, and, the proper in- 1 formation can be obtained of any Postmaster in the United States. J ' it Cu/jiu. fri-UvC fr^ (fr h o t CiA/jiljV t . t ' lju 3 •— cw l Lu /uef-iK SW C A U ) jo t y ? . i i C-{olAZ/-y ^ 7 jlvi. $ 7 . 5 0it 7 • \j[ZA/ I‘ nxrcrj'iA) O Jj. O z jiA - - IXfrlyiA^y IaD—fM AJj /d~ . h h /d e t o w l. jjx n - <?*- Tfrirt/L • �MONDAY, JA N U A R Y 16, 1865. THURSDAY, JA N U A R Y 1 9 , 1 8 6 5 . * i ■ TUESDAY 17 W EDNESDAY 18 ER ID A Y 20 SATURDAY 21 $~pt -l' f i( 1 �SUNDAY, JA N U A R Y 22, 1865. H*JL.tZn J & / £ 4 8 ****4 » _ v . 44W W ED N ESD AY, JA N U A R Y 25, 1865- /~S4lPUJJ- CCc^UPiAd^diCCC. CDK ? - vlfuM w */' Mt ,9 fC X M & & t .U U d u y ir & Ld v y^^d* a J tu u ~ & /d u /fJ a / 2 . J . J 4 Uf^ct r. (0-Jj£ £ ff 3.3 c J/. Cthl, /t(Ad. & / id*T3 D -- ^uMz&v — <^ 0 Tc - Q^fDCJ^coiv iU tT pli h x S JCtsisUC JM> (TKS IDlzAj L. — i k j ‘<ilk / U) i'O i/ / j l . ' . U f £ ll U> Cj* l.Z. ItH d D .U . W /fy S /( //j- 7 . /» MONDAY 23 n MaOnfru-h/'ff fii-'dJjA — %n*>u/ LaMj Cl Qf} j : - . ;>t.v f tJ%Qd.GtJLu~~i. u*~&4uj ». d - ■ J 4 ij /"* kS,'fliJtA -a A,^ ' 4— ' iU S I V / 3j+>0Sp\_„ f'J'l XrA1I ,>, J / /■ , •„. x.iv . ■* /n i % sD~A Z t t ifi. THURSDAY 26 ^ U £ J/y CD&u?C Y Iz d u / fa -/jC & y . *iY/c/. i ist J,,D&/ < / t-4 / 0/C/ // ihx^o/U- JfCp/fccn 'C(/i/$L ft-puzz, -C &J)eDcisi{ /f ~ ~Y 'Cc4 &A-&4L fy c e y . & (& -, 1, 3 D-j, TTu. tJz * jD rkaA X d J-- * 4 tr> u .-> ( TUESDAY 2 4 of 1' ' / —'-ZcdLc-iJC.. c'Jlsty n e p d ^ i/a jjL -to i w xkoC -. a .. ' Urpv>«~, Y S 'jp s. Y Qjx D£Y. . r /u n a ID AY 27 l/p f frf-L *4/fk Cc4 k ude_ h> Cz.CY DCGDj C G j; J . / i/ . i. ;. - Zz. C-ZZi-^ f -1. - to -/ //. jtfjU " y*&& o f 4 .T J t c / f .. Id cd p ix ld # , t fy f Ju ^ O L -./iZ £ £ i_ cd_oJ jjl __ j i^'C*'/zD ■ JazZ'44 idizLi-.- GGpl. $CtziJt/i4f ' CCajazt^--^ Cf U sU s- 4C3e.^ ' llU u J < y _ w y t. /L ,zia~ — y 4 ^ jL ^ lc 4 * U ^ JA t & COiZ OVy / £ /f, / g - g j l J fo L U . k jjtt* fd t d .0 -4 4 - 'jd 'd g c c . ticectJ^Q S U ^y^lUyO^P W J4sL. J - ^ A z * _ D vuDCDT,« IPpI?? d j (U y iPTO -ii^-.dflZ 't L- 2D d'//>; </ �f, SATURDAY, JA N U A R Y 2 8 , 1 8 6 5 / l ^ x fit- • “ £ t/Z ■ / t//f£ C cctJ / l y v/ l y CUc^eC t^-cy cieC I h /Z /d /u f y /. Z ta /u h n . / , ta d tA - m^ cd/L . y TU ESD A Y, JA N U A R Y 3 1 , 1865. /p e U u u ^ c m , ’tu & u fh ez A J t d - (C-\C i Is^ aZ Z iZ in *-, /ly - yj Ux j irn /L ^ Z Z / }/ten*-iZ-yy — c 2^n^/Z u^st /Am - ttA/J us- ’dJt/l' Cy i5&- A't./v, 4 / ?-^L. &- / LtJL ^ , ctmjfZAavis ' ^ 7 &<nrM<- A hut-d. tv , ^ • SUNDAY 29 JC ln y^, McCUri^jy CL tU tA . , ((T iC iw M ^ 2 0 M 2 o CtA> f4 -Z /Z i, O 'M - '^C Tfd , -Z n & tZ , td % u h i w yjju - J i , . , U m ^ d e d > W 4 j, cu t dfri*t/g-i,l m£t ZZiy o f Z& A yh y/ic o Z . h u / /( - //'/ / / itn ^ Ajy^ClCCCTyt^ecZt^y^--. (/ZcudhiM^yf |, / / l / &Jj[/ofrGL<sA. Zo Z&yiru-cu/t<A- jrtm * oJ l -/{ eA ,ty. d /lt d Z ty /iCL. ih a d iU t A . 3 / 8 1 / ~ ~ /x L y a . O v id d ( d s u J c /A jc y 0 AltlcZ fs ZhctZA-is- Acur~, /iTfL/rychuACce-t^ e!/■djZZJUlt- e/r Gt/t-LCiy-tA-—r /2 zf\ tl&ZuA~ eL (/*■<je/hA*uy u W ED N ESD AY, / / FEBRUARY 1 vVl&tttu/L /lu d cllC i,. U a/ ujU ZA‘LCi-yi<- C/uU /. U i£/LCutdc &/H'LCchj~- . d d 'C c d O hutsl/ZA A sh jyA y ic c Z duy J k c c ^ c d . fa /u A b o * -* y L r i^yOd /t/iA-CiA- Z/>/COOli/IAAAdZzCK. t I / / / 3? ®Zc/lC 0~lr^ Z/uAiZaiiLtf ’ly S l -&c A.eP'/ctZ, 1/iy, Ivefa/tX fi U lA^yC/-' c u d fkv-J O-poi, $//<■£%- -. 3 / c/ju, to Zlfedenc-, ^ (^AyJL’jyuArtd /. . '. ^ MONDAY 30 C ly oh oz< - V f t - /C l • ■TIL L l/T ic - h d H A -L IflA — /> THURSDAY 2 /■hitZiiAl jhtctCM -eZisixy cl Zo/th ^ ff-frt'T -O l - Lld/vOcCy » /) 0L trace e & u -y h . , C 1/111///^ C 'l vo.. _ .u c 4 {^■cci/yfhit^cx- (/yffpi^iretrirtg//c&i^.— , / / / / dm£td ddhcsA^cucrd i/jl . fy l^ lT /y bL %7/j__ Pp a . fit $ // / MMj C - d ' ■> r p J„ . tp it/k l f/c c t I �P ’ 7 y '••v'--N;. • '-'V ' 1 F R ID A Y , F E B R U A R Y 8, 1865. 1 ^ //tu (duxAtty 7 £& £ /^MONDAY, F E B R U A R Y 6, 1865. .u : A 4 W A <U V / Iu ')i£&u7 yztyyyitM1.&01 ’ C-s 4- a ^ ^.cl&vn l t d faius/..!. UiQsV y /tf a£&iy Zrfu/ </ W & Q&*, in i/. ^ A jo jy ^ Tjx.U jiI L J & k d - ,. « .* 7 irL * i . / A U fuuyy (i lJ.^Au^. sl c/(t'/ Ux<&( %-f t ../ uA . v /■•'■■/'(y 1 £ # & 1* / ^ ‘ * / , / , /% £? /-’- ;< <z 1 /> , :; '; " V..'. ,<■'£ , 'U'LJ"U j. / 3 J 4LuL/^t-fiuxu* • TUESDAY" 7 -IMjc£ .Piv. &4-4>{m!uJ!',JMJJ*. f/T/y£li\- ~~~ ■■<~r- ,£<?„** ">W ; L / tj , uZZ. a y , CiA /...../. , iULU• £ •.^,:V SATURDAY 4 .......~>r~- fo -; $& 1. < ., y ,', . . S .^ M /^ A -.o L y . iti-L aM /M l £u-> Itii- ■• .;:i. u. L-i72.7. r£i< ■ ’ .■-wf'i.. $ tt&uf1} u 4~{£- .% /<«-. / . ’.. SJ-£<yi{ 1 y ^oc i ■■.<- ‘ /i<^(k. *^?~<-/ j-* £.+. 1/ ^ / ‘iA&4oo\J1r , (<).. /lot_jc■- Cihifa*p*-i j j 74<l^ / '2£r/y- y f c '..;. / A . '"&VL-. '. TLzLI.,-; AA ,-. : /• 't Ate is £ .i-tJU.■'<.. Hzrcri'i/'-.- J z M U / y/A- / J. u ~ :d/:, /•.A /v / , '&tHv*UaS. W EDNESDAY 8 Jc'iXsu' t y t L A •7m/ £ , U auei''-..,.. . c \x.ljfc. ....X-It.-<*IX,.Msx. . iiuiij.ij’AjA ^'<-/ ^ >•■i :&s;>.< ' (/vCdM^i- y u < X / ^ 7»/. ~ ty lu u A a j/ fa y {X u tf [iJ-fr w f Q su.. k e v u u -.tn d &2<~<rz^-, -ft'fflu L ^ /c tL O v J y zjZ 4 j.~ ~ ^ du£/~ ^ za +c# - &> XhAA. fri/L (2 u .(tf v t iu / /$ /£ ku-fiA M z, , / ^ / lL"<• <~-~ ft , V 0 £ e rv u t- £l a . ifr u t fyi^ 4iyu L & £d~ .~ �O. W EDNESDAY, FE B R U A R Y 15, 1865. Z'01’ ^ ua$L j?~2 £ / Tfr rn ^SATURDAY. I (Ik u /id d ifr VfrZ ^ C c^ 7 [injure/ ou. c/ W M b j f M fr-^ -l£ C y f l / d 7 ‘ d d d o u )s C ftt $ 6 t Ct / Jd< yu > j h t A a fk . - ‘IjbtA *, i^<sCO~ THURSDAY 16 j* L Shut '0& 1- f f l M > h -U i ^ ^ n t /d a & f fr y '■ C is/ OL ' ~ lt / i/fr P l4 4 tJ(. / d ’a & > d p fc u * - v A u frt 7 S L C -/ c rt & fr z j ^ ,. (fr iu Z s i Lt £-U ^ ^ L fr L . . f r / /(? j ■lOv C fa fr/lslsl- u y /id r fr t j_ & & Z-U JL, ° s z t i t - f r l 2 f b OL- llA -d \ F R ID A Y 17 $ C r ® i* L f r m U n e f r t i.t r ^ '' 1A u f, t f r j f . f r w ^ ^ d lfr k t u ic J ji do d U o c& d fr l — U Jvu dcL Jku / ^ J fc fv u u C r ta fr ^ __ �V 55 / ” ■i865- F R ID A Y , F E B R U A R Y 2 4 , 1865. k / a . ' k /t T Z ^ L d* / - / / / Ttl244zd & / / / a / c / 6 .S / - , , JU h /eA . p W u l Qj^ ffo ~ / j i y a d p c - i vl. <r- g ' & W d^ / .fr o v / g o ^ /d /p , Il/KHdf A/Jur A d L L t/t/c / 0H /?l-\Jk~ . *P< C . Xf X L C l ti.-/~ d k y 6j t ( / /O n ./ 2. f a //_ T ^ d e d C f S u tp b td u d~ t d . / lp u a /j/ a/ 9 k t L / X u r i n A - HuU d cp u d a /d Heed .dtciJL- — ^ t< d u /^ / u t c / t h .. /$} 3 f d L l/ C g t c ^ C .— % d (Pio d e - ^ (C a y u /a i// i/ y rtf ' ’ SATURDAY 25 J p h / C / d t /,(? . 3 / (jd tb d /£ d ~ & / /J iflc H - t 6 / e £'( c / - ) ir o - X L ^ u d k — C ^ U J( ^ r& /-fc /n y ud -§jHyUJL_ C C&y / y L t r * i, /d & U A j ' /L u d t U .f L iu 4 A .(‘ fc ^ u d % :7 a- d a y ^ M to f ^ p y c / z t A .p & - t d l p t u p f lir e m ■ h y V d l/ //Jp z d i l i L , C L u C fy 6 d I dh a x Jk u ^ . $ / ( L i /i/id & h d /ld th ArvjC P l£ .t d L r ~&~teei /p b p je iy n ^-tisO L ,/ y y i/ie n y / t r c /~ t id p T t-p u + k p 9 i/u t/- /- 6 p d U d / <knfti/ u/y / 6 /, ^ 6 /m d T ~ L X d d /e ^ //^ . (6 interne/ 'X lfjt! (fagZdtnn-e//. d / ttr - f au* /l. ^ ^ 7 f r /c t L r L u * . / p ^ , - k t - { v f / t W k d d / f y 7 /U . d r . ? r t* d Ik L u .p z & c ,e / _ - h - d u d V 8 f c £ - lin n ^ r p , 5 W o / ^ ’ SUNDAY 26 / tU si-L T -A . ./c p y id L iU k k t^ i?&Zned— /J c x d d C /^ , g l/td l 'Tend 6 y -? H irv u d t. / *, / ' yze .* -< d .f i - O @ /te n . & /p 8% Jte<. Sg*4i^ipd p $ /~ /L g k ^ d C u i tM-i-ey , yC ct-o/dX & L iy P /cX L l- 9 / C l / y j i / ~ / t/L /d u < p 6k p ^ c / t l t C d k / k dClfr id djsO tn n n —f y P * A id p U A -' - /L /d ^ d y Q&t*— �V/ ONDAT, F E B R U A R Y 27, 1865, „ - J / r W a J I& u . £ THURSDAY, MARCH 2 , 1865. _ S ,d c. — cku r& u — f/u - /tsC tstsv cin .- /h /C ft-4 3 Ip U A sf PT^l/L ^ ftX -< /x —- — • /iX /t d c x / ///tt/T /L ' it ) /f/M*UJ / If./ft ^</veX<3f. .. ’ — "y^ /t y ^ ' Chu^Z f/ lJ / t d u / / y X l^ p A 2 ? Q sV ffic. y !'lZ c01A sLjrU < -£t - — lM-l //{X yu^ X U yL & JzX X .. F R ID A Y 3 UE^D-AY 28 h r t a jf c ^ id /X 7iL t^ tn /i/t/ //■ /■ u fy CcU*£$Lbu/J \3 ~yQ4 u /LdtXrj/ t d / d u f i C dt'd fefa-ti W trfyisu J& iA ^ f/tu ^ * 4 £ £ /- 3 c f ) k u . — /y tti/l.Jftju z sistjy C iA sO fri^ e& L U d /tj/////-- / /< )- hsU rvzM Z J c<a~ J lr u Z ^ & O U .& 3 ^ i/tB tt-O /f / £-CLocl^ ^ a t /3 c X ef 'M /€ h y tt ^ , ■ l< jl-# i/f ^ J a x f o f^ y r pj/LlA*o c ^ f *L& (lx /-/// c u < c / <2- J<UasL**cmX (/q &ucyO: 4 i L //k y /d < y jL / j (ft— CMjLsC-yt*-<.c/ Lo cC u /u Si * * " r a X u £ to Z n + J ^& d * - u f //t/x A ..'~ ~ .} 7 SATURDAY 4 W EDNESDAY, MARCH 1 -V SLej- >t/Z- (/) uA stc<*t4.. ( tc tyty/frit ///X iajLfjo( &u fikee/- a/ruu^_/. �SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1865. 2DNESDAY, MARCH 8 , 1 8 6 5 . dL?. fty f c j L Itiv jT , / / I , ~~ C t - J l H o f ' I ' /l tru ' iJ t , , IA a 'k -Ju f ^ C ficfil :fa> y&~ yVTAOL tfi& /t it iL , Kj f ^ , , -7 f f ily ^ l C l/U tldL OK ftu t 3 @/l_ 6ct / i ItW tU j/ O s/ l/; . gC&a J z. '/ f a '/c ¥ixz~ ^ (J/uiA- la Cc-u- . <ki'L j -C ^'L'..- fia j f a o 'i ;* w ■filL u fiu . ’■kt M -iA . - H ~ U ^ .C L C tta -lj' / Ccf ^OCHuiai^TL-Lt^- , llio J— r L£L- y 4 Q to ^ ‘ ■ t.-c l / i MONDAY 6 f . K M iX n t f A & jd u .'A e t r ' r . e THURSDAY 9 W^ tja a /L uXr l~o\ f Itnai^ ,.k£t<~cl a C^raJuf zJjTy filooa loC :.J, c £ £& ■O’M A avanv'' •"■ z c . -T r v It i^ tA aC y d f i c i s / Su/lJU ^tn~~ dvy>aa*L " A a ^ ^ J c A e A //? ^ 0**-‘W * t-t& cJj v l" 2- ^ ^ f i Q & a -jfv u - “fc ^ Q j.fC L - O ou aT Z Z ^ t L u r L f* + -.u y fc r & L r 6 . It l,(Zatsr , TUESDAY 7 -te u d r :. __ F R ID A Y 10 ^ y ''.'iL L L U H L u P7n/1_ fifi^ w tbfrxyL h ^ ju ly d fid y t - 0 1 eu, fr u t f- Q /f- fifi^ y<-4M.0 l, a*<W Zsztol fiT fih a , fifitfifio T L jfo x • ir t* £ W Jtd . /1y y ’~ ' !U W U L. / p n * fiji£ # ^ d Ja u l a , - a ^ G 4 > ^ M **4 ccd S a ^ n a a . ifi^ J rL s- �^TURDAY, MARCH 11, 1865. h/7JS^^L 'tjyu tft -A . 1<s&Zl /h ^ iA y L /ttJ ”^ yli vZ -O suA fcjh.-iJ / 3 - 'P u ~ y'fi/~ / / t - iy ' / / y ^•zc $ TUESD AY, MARCH 14, 1865. I“ /L& sL'tsty i S s id u 3^u~ rW '*'x- '7'U -rtn^ - /< yA s3~ , y /& 4 _ J(< v in y Todiu~ /i y tL * ^ . £/XL<JZuM ^4 &gj(jhy>S~ k z ^ L u . m y ■ £ tf 3^ ’ tZ A f M a T v L G ^ lA y m l /l£ u & W EDNESDAY 15 *T 1 U & u ^ 4 f~ Ok ^Cu3i^, .< 3 'h.’^'tXy/ ^o/Zlyic tsuyftuY . 3 +& J fc f. ^ MONDAY 13 THURSDAY 16 r/*"~/(/In s Zy �- ^ A ^ K I D A T , MARCH 17, 18651 ^7 . / P lA + j ty n Z j (^ U w Qm ^ U -fz/i/Zo~. h A aM Z u Z ~ & J lM a ^ y ^ * vf'& rff-,£f~ ' ? //ItM '~ J^ .& . ^lU A^uAy - f it , fo d u jo c ~ /C$, /ifaf ^hiZ(. * <J}h,2.2.4, tfJ~ZiZ oteLtz/ ^_ J /U JU A I 2 -^ ~ ¥ i/'i/'i>^. e — , uA - & / ~. $L/<s- u // j f C lu ^ Y ^ Z z ^ U *H ^ f ie * m e v u u<. d u e Z&aA unfru >Y~ p U f a t* , Z z z ^ fc * w ^ y¥ , t fv ^^-/t/C-^~ c. a w i-l •/ V^i. eP ^ j a /f'/u t.JiA ,<. - cn^.2. Cj 0 t~ - jftM Us - - Utl Ijv il - <-<^Io/ iia *s<s-z * ^ A y^ ^ C tx. uSi / - ‘CCjUfrefa, t~ X u//2<^-Ast .. Cc^JLJ^c 7T77 '~ ~ / > C aJi^ c ^ W ED N ESD AY 22 ,---------------. « p h -^ fi-a .A -. ■ fa n o M jt, CUjz £ - Aix/r.-JL a XlAA/j $l/>ujjC y A-uX-z,( y :.x< i-h /L . tu f. S& X l.- •rU Y /i,n ( A ju , -^ ua/ b-4 « A fa^y j Z - (CCjfif. lie u / C o- x^pCCn ^ /X llZ k u ^ . CAj A ^A lA Ju, V t il a 'y ^ ^ (*►y^u4 t\ CZpHoajA, Z utf AZ*~ & 5 w * c ti. Is& U O f A u ia U ^ '%* Z f& icZ M # d s JA jA (Pu-^ X aM , T o, 2w P - '^xm ¥ \y'K Y 2 ? Qj 2Ujl . ‘ U u ^ /o Q T u ^ Z r~ A P .l£<AKs ■C o., £pjC oL. ^ k y U i/’t . . U S lJ^ c U /-¥ *% ma &$ & } It ,- 6 O y P as- ¥ i*A yP r-~ ^ /U aJ ak § _ u Jb SATURDAY 18 Y' *?,<£, ft i>3,9 3 u*- Qujvua^. <y 'V~. \Xl£^f~ 31^. i/P/i/i '^z/LaAMniA^J?^P ' y U A sfo J; fy n j~ Q &o£l £ J fo/~~ ^ Sh^M M 0N D A T» MARCH 2 0 , 1865. /'^A lA A jut.* // Uy<^ ZrfZ'Zsist*^-. . iJnujL —tee -eley iXuAt/L C JuaiM .. Jp - " -/’'C ' y- tA Z ee Zb �-------------- — T H U R S D A Y , MARCH 23, 1865 v te y & l tfa y . uJPjl/lA. M 7„ (3 & 4 ul ddPZ m U L , /S r <P>/i7p JZ , 4r a / t u / eft iiou ^ }/u ^ & L . • Z d y U tfy P P lA L , P d t_ L Jl/& /L PP lA JL. Z u zP P OL £ (- ^Q Ti^2/Ly^i^u^> tJ-C / * -t£ a/ . QuM • /fy.v-ykio, Q htojA, > '' tz< P7r[*_ '7<^//k ? ~ -A jlv i. ttu-&£ d-4A&C> V . Mi^Cf J% .. H S & A y , S&T^tX- 'Z dfudL^ -i, A C '. SUNDAY, M ARCII.. 2 6 . 1865. / < W f o * j~ / W { j { * d d ^ & Z ajA~ J k & t l v f i<As ^ T lt<.(yt^ [' — C U ud. dsz& P rp£A , z rc & L d L 3 d u a ^ w r / - r t u i ^ O hl/ O rv ffl!fcu to L .. y)-t-yU ^i d fr. id p p clA / pA - 3 x.<%u*u.%£. ^ < S -r. kzsle/t'-tsuM u<. s /o h b .- A im hz& p {M u,- d d v -d sfi< 4 U n -. M u u d A JA j Lia A h o - fa r Jr o e v i* — $U sla_. , M #L . P u a / 8 4 SATURDAY 25 dpU dP pJL/L, ?j-& 'tA . IdL Sl (sC&-<-f j fo u U ~ ~ ti O&y . Cocc#/ i'L ^ u jA ^ f 2^- w. (i^ U fZ c J -A / <t? & J ^ -t u * o U * f Pfa, C kxyuu^ y^Z bu^ - 'Z Z lu tf StsQ h e V z ^ / <_ i/J ( / t ^ '. 4 ? &£ IP ^ IT TU ESD A Yj28 Cr~c f ^ A Sj&u~,GMtist*2y J M , £uat<ur^i ^ T P k J^duOyL -L X.z, -2-4. - P-ervd &S/ hvf cZl^f- $jeyU*sL^ru<-- , ojTU^JlJif tAfLl^JjuJL d p Ji&iMjz, - /Z zajA CUud. (fr<4j2lZZaJp£f &<- F R ID A Y 24 r ( , j t & .a / u SIZO l to . £ i/ d S 2 ^ t^ c < .Js/>/£ c £ & t^ s? IT f/rcr £ a ~- �i^y~ /is ./ ..* / * ' y y ( oc.K SATURDAY, A P R IL 1 , 1865. sp ^ y 4^ 1^ -— THURSDAY.-?)/) & y t ■ Zsvu^y C tisiL ^ L-t& nJy U f 'iTTiu \ * T Z tr h I L aqsL $ £ £ $O U *S// A saa S ^ . / ^«uX ’ £ g id . tfU tA srusi f r ju j- z s M fflo u t+ i-. m/ u^ ias- — ^ iu z c z - ^ycsj/sLA^- ^ '2 /i& ■ J h a z < y~ t *—& /* (/ 'Z&i/VL-tA- . /y fc °fO~* &> y ^ u z /u i/ u r^ y p L . (iisv ^ - yfeiu, '&**■h & . ir u -s s ^ o L y&Aj.p y tf-A i*/~ .t& ccisZ — y ’2 ^ m j yy^cy^j Ldsfcct u A k ss. A S - > F R ID A Y 31 cu ^ £ ^ Ln y& t Zulu* wu. c<-- (k t& ^ (h t/L ®t£asJ Y / / y h zc f~ {fun * / fiv - @#£&f4( &&&£* & /v r ~ d t-S . AjCZu s s g/ ( fil.f Y ua .... $tr***+ t z la Z - M Y *> Q&-u/Jo. ^ fQ</A. <A/? ?<i-tt,.' i& Q 'fas- /k e z ist-- A i Ju<t y A '.'y Z y y • 4-cZ<US}/U-e c f X Osi^h H)-- A -sh /'. ' jy fJ& uA j 0 **u 4 (X J/S-. fo u A J ///(<■ h r? A ■>' ’ - ' - ' /-- �1865. /heiit - E R ID A Y , A P R IL 7, 1865. A //ffi/iAlf ^djs.,uv/ / z <^ rz >6dr~ ^ Ch-A A thin T A i$v-p /. y i 2vs&J i/ r // ^ // ^ f / A AziAjl. ^ a 'c^ fiAtA~ th & £ / A ch-k U - 6 ^ / f f a tPIL tL y ^ . ,4 ftU'-Cj O^uAoz^ f u /A t / , ^ d t fc U sK^f. '£'7' At* Ob-Jyt*1t t’ H t >\*' u^W fc/tt ? # i /A - S d f/ J d u ^ 7 f { ft l^./fJ WEDNESDAY SATURDAY 8 THURSDAY 6 SUNDAY 9 �A Y , A P R IL 16, 1865. Q j-iA ^ h- WA gU^. 'V . M . ^ W ED N ESD AY, A P R IL 19, 1865. ai-* U s lf fc /y > G U fr m A , / / Y. /J^^- . MONDAY 17 TUESDAY 18 O £j* . ^ ^ -y �if ; i ^ SATURDAY, A P R IL 22, 1865. \ j c6y GHsf~/ 6 4 /4 ClCk. I; — ft-. ’ Lrz■ (/O'C? , / / 7in£y L U ^ /h ^ y /^ > dSi J&t-OK /f t ft * 1\/Zns0- £t.y/~ U uJ~ f fi/c . U ju - % U soZ f f i z L fft - • f ^ . /ft A l4 ™ W A Y f ^ c u u u f - ft< ly - - I i-f $t£Lu. 4 f t ^ f Z tu j/o v^ c / ; / y , A ( ? 0' “ » ’‘ ftfl- f ta ^ . / . £ f c < v </-./. f t f t - f t l M f^ „ 4 iftyfft~ (y^ ft dft-y/Lf- /■fftftt.j J-rtru-. * / I . ' / / '\^4^aU ^c f t ^ c<aaz<^c£ c- ^ lfti:a^}/ Utcftf t i f , c l ftlai i gft ft (j Vy l/fft la y hx (iftftft ft ixft u*. hftcftx^- ■ / H W t f § >N X "LOirl-iz ( , / /tesz/u- & 4~ &**- tu ^ L 4 / 4 4 4 . f / ^ l y f C , SXJN D AY23 4~oL M (ftftft cftfty ^ 4 p t t i cc/ | 7 TUESD AY, A P R IR ? 2 5 . 1865, II THURSDAY 27 1 j 1 ft I f 1 �y ? -v { y y -u s i-. E R ID A Y , A P R IL 28, 1865. L a s^ y ^ vtreb— &t^~.a^o2 ix? y n A s O )- O s ^ >; w y y u — 21% y y y ^ & y&xssf oh^ - <l <_ 2yp i ^ y f y s*—ys(ssx__ i^ s s jy j y /? - J y y y , & L ' O s/ KM<s l s s ~ i / 2 J jJ k A ^ ' l £fc/i_ j LuA jl. J 2 tstt-L / y y y ^ ,n 'LjgM ) t_ y y ^ , §j£A/<yZM Quc^A^a a /f ' yh frA yf. y /~ ^ fr 4 y ) ^ O s ts ts s y ^ y 2 cU Xy / ( , SUNDAY 30 in M < ^ y p y y ^ i^ s ^ n f t <yi ix y^ -T ss/ ! 1.2a. ^ y o y TUESDAY 2 fi*s/~ Ayy?.u4uuiX:\ ^yX ^J^SL lA . y y St^sL-<S f/Pl tAsTsty , ’ "hp\ / 9 y i - £JLU si^ c*^ s {M'y, £c SATURDAY 29 2 ' yyi<_i^ & i/ih s/y^ r 0 2 2 , ^ 2s\ ^ 'v JU A sf /9~ e> C / y< N s< u-^ /& U41uaJXj2uis& /o T J 2 C\j~. O— 2 y y ^ .,; y y)u * 4 ^ MONDAY, MAY 1 , 1865 ^ & + / W EDNESDAY ^ y y y * ^ t s i * s / —~ y J i n / y /ts< T ~ ^ s L A ^ -S l *: y <yuy;t Ipjias- c y -u~ c y y Z n/ffl. <*y /P k ^ ^ y y y y z |WS^ - u I C sC W <_ * t* y y , O y <% l y /u u y ^ 2 u h-y h>' Ziv-& y <s2 " T b C y ^ T ^ , — fo i— , <^Le/: ~ �. y . o2 JF ~ £ / ffo y c J 2 L'. (f^ F lF -d L $ A -, '^^O O ^U aa/^ A ^ /- to — % uAs Ch<y$4j j / QOa^ M jL J I CL/f' d/4 " — h j —77 }d k u £ $ 5y •/. - c/fly 0 \ / 2- 'fo*-' &yi c 'y-*-- ^ V" y h i£ u b tu j/~ 2d :zWLf ^< 4> !- ')/^UMj.fyLtd J i ’ timI m ,,:| fiO (f& tA st' 2 S & zxA rf % /T 2 $ J j/ 'f t ;, . ^ < h ^ -j J z & im u J 'Y - h&fr'**-' I**- / 3vud_ct^df<2 : T^fBuA^d c u ^ cnZ&t t ftf ycJ /x Odd- /L- Cl ' Cl ftiJtitU i: A</ . f’ ttvylM yT Cbton—f . J ..-. to " ^ L ytsf~~ /# , /i/2 C cn ju __. J&Mtidst, • i^C ~ ^ZyMoJtjc/ £st~ ^ ly d y kJ ^ 2 t 0 v t f S & e ^ th u d J t —fltfV jja 2 oCwj? -& b u d 2 / / £L : J / — tthycAA-?— t U irt '^vd//( j , y (Ou^-CA&fc i $*?>■ . f ^ ' ^ ^ on^ a y T /s / fe c i. 3 y-lo^iA — j^Ur C^ivuu'iiA- (g rr i«M? 'tb-L ? La? ’ TUESDAY Ctrl J / . ^LCtLujyCk li @iL $ , % £ 4 u ’t y t d <M<ryi------ 6 Ow U as: Jrv). fyt(i/f j-tho ' ^ A A 4 1/L4a JCc( 'J fM n j 1 k I lC z* ’-&. *-.■C lt^iC Or&Jt- FLTw t4U: L M (ld L $£y/ s, g O ^ JM y S b ju d / -^ V ttJb ? c ^ 't^ V J S , a > £V Q C l -:: C .^ c sddusfo-F? jy b f f id - -r o Jd U ju /' &/£-&£- 'G ^ A z d Cts/^" Q y i^ t y j TRIDAY 5 / 2 _ y ; r^ cA . 'PIA— yf | A c / - ^ tu u F r L % . 7 ,V • 4 / 3 0 , to ' S,b^^-Q^- SUNDAY, MAY, 7, 1865. y l/Z a /j.-'!^ ' y i/iy . S zl/ ' / aU Z ^ c ju ^ . $UuZ2~ j2 -i ypt^tS-lA^£r- @o ^£*<- cd tu 2 * THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1865. Y a W - ■ •« * m , Jd/L(*-r t i c2n !t y K t z * ~ u f -- y ■ �,f k u ^ *10 SATURDAY, MAY 1 3 , 1885. 2 jy , y /Y ^ y y .h ^ . . . ; v t. Mruxffiusu (rvusj yalLGA'tuJ £ U ( Zs l ^ --.’-uj > rrA . <£ <~& £. 0 t< H 4 x jf Ofan>~*t_ a - flo u ts A t / — SUNDAY 14 MONDAY 15 ! '"#j C o $ 4 /h t ^ C dtst'^ vf— ^ LtA y U L ^ /it h — /& vtsu. / 4 /i^ x A -^ C/* m u u /C 2 Z o& - ■ m yij J& ffo-' iT fc -. '. / ^ c^ . ^- �-'0 a ' MEMORANDA. ■*ctf a & £' W V t n u Z /W LQ j> s^ tj } a.4-~ ‘7'if ? 3 ctiZ/jL^u (f3pp*yi(^4 5 " Z (?, y / % / , * . / j f / J’V �CASH ACCOUNT. JA N U A R Y . Date. | Rece ved. ! I CASH ACCOUNT. P elid. 1 | 1 .......... ■ wmm JA N U A R Y . �igr -------- i — CASH ACCOUNT. FEBR U A R Y. Date. CASH ACCOUNT. P;lid. Rece ved. u fa '~07n>t— ~ 3 l,"V? ,'ft Yc&u. fatfo i/PUsVfa/v^2 1 5t~n o~i /V TV /£ ? O^t^JPthyi ~ fa? JV / r f a t try * y; / / fti-M-yit, t8L.-g.fi T.-0 fafanPy ~ iD {T , T"/ 7 n | j - • " |K || a MfifaT . « L- /0 ■ il'fro J Y'ciisCl lL Y i/ sa. ®Ue £ 6 ^^ 'yf / i/i&L -•-~-4r<~+ —{yzc- „ fa? / fd <n> / fo ■J ft!) &T> / Ti ■ftlj , '±A^ex. LJV fa j / ir p ~?yp /fa s 9 0 fafa j}"~2 2-fa J/ ‘Y'( /l ’C T L ^ r fa T-Uifi '/hua /V/^. ft.Id ) / j~rz~ J / PS' T PS /tfiTYx Ts^u A / A A - sUvu<&C_ I t Tv f T>) ■0 y 1 | /? ill 1 (fO (ri> / ft / f 11 i £ Ci/ M tii/ Paid. Tft 1 ; Received. 2Z H |i 11 1 FEBR U A R Y. Date. V>ft Tft 6~ ~ �C ? K * .M cV '-£tr>. | -Jt <£ i 1 % ' *( * * ■ ' A *1 t* * | * -<4 • : %uj * 1 * ( f f r c ' O , C M <\) !; { % U-'-.-t-M i ,■• S /- . it le 4, t . f ■ 0 M i- X ; , , J r 7/ ' t « - ,r / l . I ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f6602f2d3ac6c7dc522c81e2abdec850.pdf f719f1e51d1c7c3fee5ced89ed3d36bc PDF Text Text Volume 3 Saturday, January 21 [Centreville, Michigan]1 Weather warm—sleighing being spoilt. Sunday, January 22 Weather mild. Snow melting. I talk to Sunday-school.— Spend afternoon at Mr. Smith’s Mrs. Goss.— Monday, January 23 Somewhat colder—snow falls 2 inches— Sleighing excellent. Mr. Todd’s—R. Barnard. C. D. Bennitts Perrin—Mr. Smith gave me knife took tea there. Tuesday, January 24 Cool still— Leave my home at 8½ AM cold ride to [White] Pigeon—R.R. at 11 AM. Toledo at 4 PM. Call at C. Bronson’s2 place of business, at have a little chat with him an[d] Mrs. B[ronson].— Seem quite friendly—urge me to stay with him— Take sleeping car on M. & Dayton R.R.3 $2.00 for Double berth. Wednesday, January 25 Galt House Cincinnati O.4 Weather very cold.— Went to bed at Toledo at 10. P.M. last night—train started at 2 A.M.—stopped at Dayton from 10 AM. till 3. P.M. Arr. here at 5.50—supper—go to Med Board room—but find no one there— A man is bled here at every pore. 5 Wrote a short letter to wife.6 Thursday, January 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 It is not certain what date Bennitt arrived in Centreville from New York City. Possibly the C. Bronson who was the Postmaster in Centreville in the 1840s. The Dayton & Michigan Railroad was the primary rail route between Toledo and Cincinnati. The name was later changed to the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. The Galt House, a hotel, was located at Sixth and Main Streets. I.e., prices in Cincinnati are very high. This letter is not found in the collection. �Very cold & raw to-day. Began the examination at 10½ A.M.— Had a chat with Surgn King. Am favorably impressed with him— Delay in getting started, so that I only wrote Med. Autobiography, & 4 questions on Hygiene. Seek for a new place to board. Have a fire built in my room, & sew, & write, & read. Wrote letter to Dr. Himes. Friday, January 27 Weather still cold— Examination in surgery after finishing Hygiene. Drs. Stanton & Loring7 are with me. I order a “circle”8 made for myself—find that I can get pay here. Think of buying an overcoat. Have a fire built in my room—am sleepy. Saturday, January 28 Galt House Cini Cold. Still. I finish examination chemistry and begin Pathology. Drs. Hudson9 & enter upon examination. “Inflammation” lies over till Monday— I walk up the hill in rear of the city, before supper, and have a fire in my room to read by. Sunday, January 29 Fair, thawing a little. Attended Episcopal service in AM. Did me good.— Wrote letter to wife 2. Attended Sunday school an[d] union meeting at Methodist church 9th St. did me good. Wrote letter to Daughters 2.10 Monday, January 30 Weather moderating a little. I have a bad cough. Continue Examination. Att lecture of Dr. Blackman—& Dr. Hewitt11 of the army. Possibly Edward Greely Loring (1837-1888), a recent graduate of Harvard who would specialize in ophthalmology. 8 I.e., circle cloak. These cloaks had a full 360° hem and contained at least ten yards of cloth. 9 Dr. Hudson is unidentified. 10 The letters Bennitt wrote to his wife and daughters on this date are not found in the collection. 11 George Curtis Blackman (1819-1871) was a physician active in Cincinnati. Hewitt is probably Henry S. Hewit (1825-1873), Surgeon of Volunteers and Medical Director of the Department of the Ohio. 7 �Tuesday, January 31 Weather still cold, ‘though a little softer. My cough quite bad—take a (little morphine after retiring.) Examination continues.— Get introduc[ed] to Paymaster from Dr. King & Get Pay for Dec. & Jan. [$]31812— Buy a circle cloak $3000. Write to Surgeon Gen. for extension of Leave of Absence.12— Att. lecture on Anatomy. Wednesday, February 1 Weather milder. Sun shines through this miserable smoke.— Feel dumpish from the Morph[ine] taken last night. Continue examination. Att lecture on Anatomy by Dr. Gobrecht.13 Pay board tip tonight $14.00— Write to Upson, 3 Concerning promotion &c & to wife. 14 Get a letter from wife—4. Thursday, February 2 Weather mild—snow disappearing. Streets miserably dirty here— I do not get along as well as I would wish with the examination. Still hope that I shall not fail. Friday, February 3 Weather cloudy and a little rain— I make slow progress with examination but think I shall get along well. Settle up pay my bill at hotel (300) and to Mrs. Bissel to board—Paid Porter 50cts. Am to pay a dollar a day and for fuel (and lights). Set for Photograph at Hoag & Quick’s fo and pay $1000 for 2 doz vignette Pictures to be done[?] th[ree?] days. Saturday, February 4 Weather cooler freeze a little to-night— Answered only 3 questions to-day. Went down to have a little sing to-night. Sunday, February 5, 1865 12 13 14 Bennitt’s leave of absence was extended another fifteen days on February 10. Probably William H. Gobrecht (1828-1901) who was commissioned Surgeon in the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry in September 1861 and resigned in January 1863. This letter is not found in the collection. �Weather fair thawing still to-night but it will freeze soon— I attended church at Prot. Method. next door both morn & eve with Dr. Lilly. 15 A good sermon each time. I wish I could be nearer to my God. Wrote letter to my wife. Monday, February 6 Cincinnati Ohio Weather colder, but not stormy. Go on with my work answering four questions on Mat[eria] med[ica]. Diaphoretics. Cinchona16 Morphia Mercury. Tuesday, February 7 Weather a little colder with snow enough to make the ground white.—got a Doz Pictures. Answered 4 Questions on Prac. Med.—Consumption Erysipelas, Dysentery—& Differentia Diag. between Pneumonia, Pleurisy and Bronchitis. Rec’d letter (2½) from wife of Feb 2nd. Shall probably close my examination to-morrow. Wednesday, February 8 Cincinnati Ohio Weather quite Cool.— Finished my examination before the board, written before noon and about an hour with the oral examination. I think I’ll pass.— Get transportation to N.Y. via Cleveland & Buffalo and start at 9.10 for home via Little Miami R.R. Left my Haversack. Wednesday, February 15 [Centreville, Michigan] Start for S[outh] C[arolina] with $221.20 and $1000 for Willi Tenbrook. Write letter to Hila. Thursday, February 16 At Cleaveland O. Dr. Himes gave me 100 for Dr. Hastings. Could get no map. Am offered informally a chair in Cleveland Med College. 15 16 Possibly Henry Martin Lilly (died 1870), Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers. The bark from a Peruvian tree containing certain alkaloids used for reducing fever. �Leave Cleaveland at 10.50 & arrive in Buffalo at 7½ PM. Addison Ranney 17 goes via Dunkirk. Friday, February 17 Remained in Buffalo all night leaving at 5 A.M. fell in with a man who knew Cousins at Nunda.18 So much behind time that we shall not arrive in New-York to-night. Two accidents on the road with other trains. Saturday, February 18 On Board the Arago. Arrived in N.Y. at 6 AM—Paid Boardman & Gray19 $12700 in full for Piano—found Addison Ranney, But could not get a Pass for him.— Come on Arago at 12 M.— Leave at 4 P.M.—Col Merril20 Rooms with me.— Paid 9. for subsistance. Sunday, February 19 Off New Jersey. Too sick to leave my room to-day; but could hear a sermon—character of Joseph in the Cabin— One of the attendants brought me some tea &c. Sung some to-night. Weather less rough to-night Monday, February 20 On the Arago. Off Carolina Coast Weather very fine. Nothing of special interest transpired to-day. 17 18 19 20 Albert Ranney’s brother. A small New York town about thirty-five miles south-southwest of Rochester. A piano manufacturing firm located in Albany. Samuel Merrill (1831-1924) of Indianapolis was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in the 70th Indiana Infantry in March 1864. At this time the regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. �ELEVEN “A GLORIOUS FUTURE AWAITS OUR COUNTRY” FEBRUARY - JUNE 1865 Tuesday, February 21, 1865 At Blairs Landing. Weather has been fair—arrived at H[ilton] Head at 2½ and left there on the Gen. Hooker21 for this Place 28 miles up the Broad River & Pocotaligo. Find Dr. Wood 22 who entertains me for the night— A desolate place—write letters. Shall not remain here if I can help it. Report to Surgeon Gen. Wednesday, February 22 Hilton Head—Weather fair— Came down from Blairs Landing hoping to find a way to get to the army but cannot get away till to-morrow. Get a small room & good bed. Register my name at Gen. Littlefield’s.23 Thursday, February 23 On screw Steamer Geo. C. Collins between H Head & Charleston. The General Hooker was a transport steamer. Probably Orlando S. Wood, Assistant Surgeon, 129th Illinois Infantry. This regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. 23 Brevet Brigadier General Milton S. Littlefield (1830-1899) was General Superintendent of the volunteer recruiting service for the Department of the South. 21 22 �Found W. C. Bennett at H[ilton] H[ead]. He is out of Service trying to get his horse home.— We left H.H. at 5 PM. Very little accommodation on this boat. We have Capt’s state-room. Feel sick—vomit my supper. Friday, February 24 Charleston S.C.—Cloudy. Off Charleston at day light 10 or 12 miles. Passed Ft Sumpter at 8½ & landed at 9 AM— Walk over this desolate City, go back to Pier and dine—find this house—31 Charlotte St.—get order from Provost Marshall to occupy. 24 Get Rations—500. Saturday, February 25, 1865 Charleston S.C. 31 Charlotte St. Look about some to-day, get some chairs, sofa & Piano &c. Write Part of a letter to wife. No reliable news from Sherman’s army. No way to get to it at the present. We must wait with open eyes. Sunday, February 26, 1865 Fair weather— Found no church open. Stopped at the Orphan Asylum building. Finish a long letter to wife part of which may be published. Wrote also to Albert Ranney concerning his brother. Monday, February 27 31 Charlotte St. Charleston S.C. Very Foggy in morn— Pleasant afternoon— Enthusiasm, enlisting negros. Went over Ashley River to Sherman’s army detatchment.— mud.— 4 19th Mich men there. Gloomy prospect. Tuesday, February 28 Weather Rainy. Wednesday, March 1 Rainy. Thursday, March 2 24 The private residence Bennitt and his companions occupy at 31 Charlotte Street is situated on the east side of the city, about one quarter mile from the water. �Charleston, S.C. Rainy— Rumor of occupation of Wilmington. Visited a negro woman with Pneumonia— Intelligent people. Friday, March 3, 1865 Pleasant all day. Reported at St. Andrews Depot to the Adjutant—Col Hammerstein25 not present himself. Did not see the Drs.— Have permission to remain till to-morrow in Charleston. Occupation of Wilmington. Wrote letter to wife 3. Presentation of Flag to 21st U.S.C.T.26 Saturday, March 4 Cloudy & rainy nearly all day so that I did not return to West side of River.— Negro woman with Pneumonia better. Wrote and put into P.O. a report personal to Surgn Gen.27 asking to be assigned to duty North till way opened to army. Called on Med. Director. Six months from to-day to serve. Sunday, March 5, 1865 Charleston S.C. 31 Charlotte St. Weather fair.— Attended M.E. church in A.M.— Visited Magnolia Cemetery 2½ miles North on the Neck.— Dr Briggs28 in midst of cemetery— Returned at dark & took supper with Dr. Hawks.29 Fire in Charleston. Monday, March 6 Weather fair— Went across River— Met Col Hammerstein, who coming to town, said I could stay here till to-morrow. Tuesday, March 7 25 26 27 28 29 Herbert Hammerstein was commissioned Colonel in the 102nd New York Infantry in September 1863. The regiment was part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. The newly-designated 21st U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment was formed from the consolidation of the 3rd and 4th South Carolina Infantry. The unit received their new regimental colors in a public ceremony. The U.S. Surgeon General at this time was Joseph K. Barnes (1817-1883). Probably Charles E. Briggs, Surgeon in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. Probably James M. Hawks, Surgeon in the 21st U.S. Colored Infantry. �Read “Queechy.”30 Very good. Went over the River but stopped at other side by the guard, and was obliged to return to Gen Hatch31 for a pass. Wednesday, March 8 Charleston S.C. Rains so hard all day that I did no[t] go over the River. I finished “Queechy”— Played & sung & felt somewhat “homesick.” Wrote part of a letter to Mrs. Smith. Thursday, March 9 St. Andrew’s Depot S.C. Weather better till no-night rainy again. Report to Col Hammerstein. Am assigned to duty as Chief Surgeon of 3 rd Brigade Coast Div. Dept of S[outh]. One Surgn & 3 Actg Asst Surgn to command & 1200 men to care for— Get a new tent up with a floor in it before night as it begins to rain. Friday, March 10 Rained hard nearly all night—Surgn Smith32 & I were well protected and had a good bed.— Rain continued some this forenoon. Look around to see what is here. Saturday, March 11 St. Andrew’s Depot Weather fairer—a little frosty last night beautiful to-night as I cross the river in a skiff by moonlight. After having taken dinner and supper with my old mess in the city. Mailed my letter to Mrs. Smith 4. Send two men to Hospital. Sunday, March 12, 1865 St. Andrew’s Depot S.C. Weather very fine—frosty a little last night— Cut buckshot from mans arm. 30 31 32 Warner, Susan. Queechy. (N.Y.: Putnam, 1852). This popular two-volume novel, written under the pseudonym “Elizabeth Wetherell,” concerned an adolescent orphan who supported herself by running a farm and was at the same time a shining example of moral and religious rectitude. General John P. Hatch (1822-1901) was commanding officer of the Northern District, Department of the South. Lionel J. Smith was Surgeon to the 33rd Ohio Infantry beginning in November 1864 when he had transferred from the 39th Ohio Infantry. �Att. Preaching at Cavalry camp. Spent afternoon in writing letters. Had oysters for supper. Wrote letter to C. C. Bennitt33 3 & to Wife 4. Tuesday, March 14 Rainy. Wednesday, March 15 Rainy. Thursday, March 16, 1865 Rainy & windy. Friday, March 17 St Andrews Depot Very pleasant Visit Forts Johnson, Putnam, Seymour, Chatfield, Strong, Sumter, & Pinkney—and the monitor Catskill34—lost our boat— Saw two ladies at Sumter &c. Saturday, March 18, 1865 Very pleasant and fair. Sent Small-Pox case to Hosp. P.M. went to City with application to Go to Hilton H’d—got my order & transportations, Called and found my old companions fled—and Mrs. Morse in their stead— Write letter to wife 4—describing Ft Johnson & naming the other places visited yesterday. Sunday, March 19 Very fine day. Monday, March 20, 1865 Hilton Head S.C. Very pleasant and warm. Recd pay for Feb. 65 of Maj. A.G. Salisbury35 $53.95 in currency & Draft on Asst Treasurer of the U.S. New York—No 224 of this date & Place for $100. This last I 33 34 35 Bennitt’s brother, C. Columbus Bennitt. The U.S.S. Catskill was a single-turret monitor launched in December 1862. Salisbury was an army paymaster. �enclose in letter to & mail so as to go by the Fulton36 which sails 22nd—to my wife— Payable originally to Surg. John Bennitt or order & by me to the order of C.M. Bennitt. Tuesday, March 21 Fair to rainy in P.M. Found that the Canonicus Steamer 37 will sail to-night. Went on her at noon & then dined at Restaurant—then at 2 P.M. rode over to St. Helena with Gen Williams inspecting— Rained furiously while we were returning. Supped at Restaurant— Cards, & 2 ladies in cabin. Small accomodations. Wednesday, March 22 Charleston S.C. Very windy nearly all day. Col. Lewis & I gave up State-room to Gen Potter38 at 1½ A.M. just as we started from H. Head. I slept some in my chair—rough weather sick. Clearer to-night & still. Thursday, March 23 Charleston S.C. Very windy all day. Came over to city at 2½ P.M. Called on Surg n Trenor and saw Dr. Clymer there. 39 The latter says there will be a purveying Depot at Charleston. Called on Dr. Hawks Mr. & Mrs. Morse & Mr. Pillsbury, 40 & remain overnight—have some music and cards. Friday, March 24, 1865 Fair & cool with wind. Examine 40 Negroes for Soldiers for Col. Hutchings41 in A.M.— Wrote unofficial letter to Surgn Goodman, asking his kind offices to get me away from here. Wrote letter to wife 3. 36 37 38 39 40 41 The Fulton was a U.S. Army transport. The Canonicus, large enough to carry 600 men, was used as an army transport. Probably Colonel James Lewis, 144th New York Infantry; Edward E. Potter (18231889) at this time was commander of the District of Beaufort, Department of the South. John Trenor, Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers, would be appointed Chief Medical Officer in the District of Savannah, Department of the South in April; Surgeon Meredith Clymer (1817-1902), U.S. Volunteers, was Medical Director of the Department of the South. Probably Gilbert Pillsbury, an agent of the U.S. Treasury Department, who was in Charleston to take possession of all captured and abandoned Confederate property of a nonmilitary nature. Colonel Hutchings (or Hutchins) is not identified, but he probably was affiliated with General Littlefield’s volunteer recruiting service. �Saturday, March 25 Weather fair all day, yet cool. Went to City and finished signing Certificates of enlistment of the negroes examined yesterday. Waited two hours in vain to see Surgn Trenor U.S.V. concerning supplies, contracts, &c. Sunday, March 26 Charleston. Weather rather cool but fair. Went over to City to church in A.M. Sermon from Isaiah LXV.24. 42— Good text but dry sermon. Dined irregularly at home.— Read and meditated on Mat VII43 in evening— and wrote letter to Clara 3—advising piety &c.44 Monday, March 27 Not feeling well to-day— Straighten up reports and make Requisitions for Med. supplies, all ready to send in morn—news from Sherman’s army encouraging.45 The Rebellion must soon collapse. Tuesday, March 28 Rainy all day— Rather dreary. Worked at Annual Returns of Med. & Hosp. property for 1864. Wednesday, March 29 Charleston. Rainy & Windy all day & night. Continue to work on Returns for 1864. 42 43 44 45 “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” The seventh chapter of Matthew deals with the last portion of the Sermon on the Mount, and begins, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” This letter is not present in the collection. Bennitt is probably referring to the three-day Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina fought on March 19-21. For the Carolinas campaign, Sherman organized his army into two groups. The left wing, commanded by General Slocum, was called the Army of Georgia; the right wing, under General Howard, was called the Army of Tennessee. At Bentonville 21,000 Confederates commanded by Joseph E. Johnston attacked General Slocum’s left wing before withdrawing to escape encirclement. On March 23 the two Union wings recombined at Goldsboro. �Thursday, March 30 Rainy in morn but clears off & is warm but windy—in P.M. Work late at “Returns” and nearly finish them. Friday, March 31 Cooler and very windy all night. Clear to-day with high wind. Sunday, April 2, 1865 St. Andrews Depot Fair weather. Went to church in morn, took dinner with Mr. Morse &c and went with them to afternoon service, & returned after to camp. Finished letter to Jennie 6—about Wagner—Putnam Gregg—Chatfield Seymour—Shaw and Sumter. Monday, April 3 Charleston. Rain threatened in morn but clears off. Dr. Smith & I visit two of the colored schools in city,— —purchase some eatables & Dr. S. returns to camp. I take two cans of fruit to Mrs. Morse—go with her to Orphan Asylum Hospital, returned & remained with them to-night. Dr Hawks comes over. Miss Dean & Mr. & Mrs Fowlur leave.46 Tuesday, April 4 Charleston S.C. Fair and warm—delightful— With Mr Morse, went to market & spent 1.25 for dinner— Went to Morris Street School & was asked by Mr. Redpath 47 to take charge of it. Consented to do what I could—but think I have a hard job to bring order out of this chaos of 300 white, and 700 black children and 20 indigenous teachers. Come to camp before sun-down. 46 47 It is likely that these three persons are teachers in the reorganized Charleston schools. Miss Dean is unidentified, but Mrs. “Fowlur” may be Mary A. Fowler of Foxboro, Massachusetts who was affiliated with the New England Freedman’s Aid Society. James Redpath (1833-1891) was a war correspondent with the Union armies and, as Bennitt states, was subsequently appointed Superintendent of Education for South Carolina to reorganize the state’s school system. �Sunday, April 16, 1865 On Steamer “Champion” off South Carolina coast— Embarked on small steamer at 7 A.M. & left Charleston passing Fort Sumter at 12 M. in this vessel. Saturday, April 22, 1865 Raleigh N.C. Pleasant all day. Left New Berne at 10 AM.—arrived here at 8¾—Camp on side of RR. track with Dr Smith &c.48 Saw Surgeon Wood at Goldsboro. Sent word to Gen Prince. 49 Sunday, April 23 Raleigh N.C. 3rd Div Hosp. Pleasant—all day. Found Dr. Gr[instead?] Monday, April 24 Raleigh N.C. Pleasant. Stayed with Dr Hobbs last night—got eight letters from home. Tuesday, April 25, 1865 14 miles West of Raleigh N.C. Pleasant. Marched 14 miles. Mailed my letter home written on yesterday— We seem to wait for Johnson to Surrender. Wednesday, April 26, 1865 14 miles West Raleigh N.C. Pleasant—airy—Off[icer of] day J.B. Partly made Monthly report for March. Completed Annual Property Return & will send one to-morrow. Rumors of Johnson’s Surrender. Recd letter from wife of March 29th 30 with my picture. Wrote in return. 48 49 The North Carolina Railroad between Goldsboro and Raleigh was only moderately damaged by the retreating Confederate army under General J. E. Johnston, and was quickly repaired. Henry Prince (1811-1892) at this time was in charge of troops and supplies arriving at Hilton Head for the use of Sherman’s army. �Saturday, April 29, 1865 Sent away 275 sick & 10 attendants via R.R. Off at 10 PM. in a little rain. Sunday, April 30 Pleasant. Near Neuse River 13 miles North of Raleigh N.C. Started from camp at 7 but did not leave town till about noon—talked with Dr Hobbs. Monday, May 1 Cool & Pleasant. Near Tar River— Crossed Neuse early this morn—rode on and overtook Corps Hd Qrs. Waited till afternoon— Crossed Tar River about 8 P.M. Only one man on sick— March 20 miles—3 Div behind. Tuesday, May 2 Cool but plesant. Marched 14 miles nearly North—leaving Oxford to our left about two miles & Passing it about three or four miles. Camped about 6½ P.M. Wednesday, May 3 Cool still but pleasant— North Side Roanoke River Va. Marched 22 miles very comfortably—except for dust. Talked with a Theologian while 3 Div. crossed Pontoon— Camped before sundown. Thursday, May 4 Hosp 3 Div 20 A.C. Saffords Bridge Luhuenbergh Co Va. Day has been pleasant but little dust.— A little rain to-night.— Marched 22 miles crossed Meherin River. Camped at 5½ PM.— Country good but exhausted by Tobacco culture & Slave labor— A good place to settle with a Yankee Colony— Friday, May 5 Near left Bank of Nottaway Creek. Rain of last night and this morn slaked the dust & a little more started at 5 A.M. Marched on grade of Plank road for 10 miles— Camp at 2 �P.M. Weather delightful—country fair—stopped at house of Dr. Hatchett.50 March 18 miles. Saturday, May 6, 1865 45 miles SW Richmond— Marched 15 miles and camped about 2 P.M having started at 5 to 6 A.M. Very pleasant & quite warm in middle of day. Procured an order from Provost Marshall to get water at Spring. Sunday, May 7 25 miles S.W. Richmond Va. Weather very pleasant. Started at 4.30. to 6. 00 AM. Marched 12 miles to Appomattox which crossed at 12 M. on Pontoons— Came 8 miles farther and camped at 300 PM. at Clover Hill Coal Mines.— 900 feet deep two shafts & out-crop. Stopped at Hosp. of Sheridans command. Monday, May 8 8 miles S.W of Richmond Va. Marched 17 miles—rains a little to-night— Some persons went on to Manchester 6 miles where army Hd Qrs is. Tuesday, May 9 6 or 7 miles S.W. Richmond Va. A little rainy. Ordered to move 5 miles nearer to city. I with Drs. Jones & Webb, 51 went forward to city— Saw Dr. Goodman. Visited Libby Prison—took dinner at Post Hosp. with Acting Staff Surgn Palmer52 in charge, returned by 4 PM. Went to Div Hd Qrs. Wednesday, May 10 6 or 7 miles S.W. Richmond Va.— Remained in camp all day— Sent off nearly 400 men unable to march—by transports to Alexandria. Will march to-morrow morn 14th A.C. ahead—to Alexandria. Dr. Terry returned to Hospital. Thursday, May 11 50 51 52 Probably James M. Hatchett, Surgeon on the Confederate General Staff. Probably Melville E. Webb, who was Assistant Surgeon in the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry. Possibly Surgeon Henry Palmer, U.S. Volunteers. �Hanover C.H. 5 miles N. Richmond Va. Very warm. Marched through the City in P.M. Passed by Libby Prison. Marched farther than seemed to be necessary—probably 15 miles in all. The dwellers in the Old Rebel Capital thought Sherman had a great army. Friday, May 12 In Chickahominy Swamp 14 miles North of Richmond Va. Cool all day. The heavy rain last night has rendered these swampy roads almost impassible— At noon stopped at the place where Rebel Gen Stuart53 received his mortal wound. Camped about 5 or 6 o’clock 10 miles. Saturday, May 1354 Near Little River 30 miles N.N.W. Richmond Va. Weather very pleasant— Roads very bad in morning till we passed Ashland. Country this side very fine— Crossed South Anna River about noon. Took 14 sick & lame men in ambulances—one man of 65 a dead drunk— 16 miles. 53 54 General James Ewell Brown (“Jeb”) Stuart (1833-1864) was the dashing commander of the Confederate Cavalry Corps. He was killed in May 1864 in a clash with General Sheridan’s Union cavalry at Yellow Tavern, Virginia. This was the last entry that Bennitt made in his 1865 diary. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Civil War and Slavery Collection Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Slavery--United States African Americans United States--Politics and government--19th century Description An account of the resource A selection of correspondence, diaries, official documents, photographs related to the American Civil War and to the institution of slavery, collected by Harvey E. Lemmen. The collection includes a selection of documents from ten states related to the ownership of slaves and abolition, correspondence and documents of soldiers who fought in the war and from family members and officials, diaries and letters of individuals, and a collection of mailing envelopes decorated with patriotic imagery. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lemmen, Harvey E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/472">Civil War and Slavery Collection (RHC-45)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Diaries and Correspondence (RHC-43)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/471">Nathan Sargent Papers (RHC-44)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/478">Theodore Peticolas Diary (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/476">Civil War Patriotic Envelopes Collection (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/479">Whitely Read Diary (RHC-52)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1804-1897 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg; application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image; Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1804-1897 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-43_BD-3 Title A name given to the resource John Bennitt Civil War Diary, volume 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bennitt, John Description An account of the resource This diary was the last of three kept by physician John Bennitt of Centreville, Michigan describing his experience as a Civil War surgeon the 19th Michigan Infantry Regiment. The third volume (Jan. 1, 1865-May 13, 1865) begins with the account of his leave of absence in Cincinnati, Ohio for an examination given by the Army Medical Board; a temporary stay in Charleston, South Carolina; and return to rejoin his Regiment for the Carolina campaigns in Raleigh, North Carolina. This volume focuses on his time spent in Cincinnati, and his daily routine as a surgeon and physician to soldiers and civilians shortly before the end of the war. Bennitt's account ends with his march from Raleigh, N.C. to Arlington, Va. The last pages of the diary include memoranda noting a book purchased in New York, and cash accounts for Jan. 24-Mar. 27. In a pocket in the back cover is a note listing stores and books Bennitt planned to purchase. Subject The topic of the resource Bennitt, John United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 19th (1862-1865) Surgeons Diaries United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical care African Americans Cincinnati (Ohio) Charleston (S.C.) Raleigh (N.C.) Richmond (Va.) Michigan Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Correspondence and diaries of Civil War surgeon, John Bennitt (RHC-43): http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470 Relation A related resource Part of collection with correspondence published by Wayne State University Press, Detroit as I Hope to Do My Country Service; the Civil War letters of John Bennitt, M.D. Surgeon, 19th Michigan Infantry. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9a8a28f6568d1c48bca4bdcddcc013e2.pdf d32ab7e6a9f0a539bad6c51ab97b7a4a PDF Text Text yy~ nr, $ ^~ / #-(2, ~<QAAsC&Z.<%^ (2uZtu^T J~ ^ /& y !l&*>t^<-aZ~<_ / ‘■f'&zvr. , u& £ cP y C&Z&L. <l^£C^ ^^3-^C<S2stS Zf? J /ZfrziSL?' 64sC"% & .r 2 2X 2£_~ c_^^» '&'£^Z<2^0~J3 y^y y<yyyL j^zstyy \ y y c ^ e ^ ^ /^ o $ y ^y y r d jy yjzs& yy,. c$ &$-uyy y ^ &? c& y y y y �?7&c-77' '7 ^ J^ce^T & r � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Civil War and Slavery Collection Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Slavery--United States African Americans United States--Politics and government--19th century Description An account of the resource A selection of correspondence, diaries, official documents, photographs related to the American Civil War and to the institution of slavery, collected by Harvey E. Lemmen. The collection includes a selection of documents from ten states related to the ownership of slaves and abolition, correspondence and documents of soldiers who fought in the war and from family members and officials, diaries and letters of individuals, and a collection of mailing envelopes decorated with patriotic imagery. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lemmen, Harvey E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/472">Civil War and Slavery Collection (RHC-45)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Diaries and Correspondence (RHC-43)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/471">Nathan Sargent Papers (RHC-44)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/478">Theodore Peticolas Diary (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/476">Civil War Patriotic Envelopes Collection (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/479">Whitely Read Diary (RHC-52)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1804-1897 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg; application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image; Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1804-1897 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Civil War correspondence and diaries, (RHC-43)</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-43_JB001 Title A name given to the resource John Bennitt to his wife [Letter 001] Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-11-08 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bennitt, John Description An account of the resource Correspondence from John Bennitt of Centreville, Michigan to his wife Charlotte, November 8, 1861 . During this time, Bennitt is enrolled in classes in the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This group of letters is transcribed and footnoted in Chapter 1 of I Hope to Do My Country Service. Subject The topic of the resource Bennitt, John United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 19th (1862-1865) Surgeons Correspondence United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical care United States. Army. Corps, 20th University of Michigan Ann Arbor (Mich.) Centreville (Mich.) Michigan Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Relation A related resource I Hope to Do My Country Service: the Civil War letters of John Bennitt, M.D., Surgeon, 19th Michigan Infantry, part of collection of correspondence and diaries published by Wayne State University Press, Detroit, 2005. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9b512794510fc8ef5e67d79b975c5dd8.pdf 6be21198740aaea36f9864696c6a9d29 PDF Text Text �' c f.. t / ... £/& . ^ .. *>;„. ';- ^ L £<— ■ ^ i ^ t iA - . '%Y->Y^ i-L , & ■‘ * ^ ^ • ev ^Z r « . ^2_ , 2 . l . C •• _ ^ Ye f. ...Xf' - £ ^ / ic e t c- ^ * ^ /" £ .... X Z ^ t 4t ^ - ' - -^ ^ f j/ jt —*- C ^^Y ? Y e^ 4 f /< /X X z^X L- tf / .,L ^ .^ . . 6 ^ //^. / V //1. ~ '^//; 2 -. ' , ; o ^ c^ M sZ yt^ T^ X A jJ^ ; YY z> k - jf. (■ '&~oc<y *? & - Y j/ £ {■ . };; v / ^ /'’ ^ Y 'U l *Y ? S * ^ v / r / ^ T v ^ » -7 > x •w ' t C y .^ ’ fY „ ..., / J. .if. /~ '6 06 CyL-YC XX / £ & £ c* -X c^ /$ L l t ; X v: C f/ - Y ( W ^ CY \j~-&7<K-*:~. f/ - ; *r Y^z YY:Mt X!x -X/^X-r / £_■ . ■ YC^ J/ 'Z ^ tr- y *- - - - . / -S YtU'- y^Yc Y-YZ^2C - X S27.. L / 4 — /^v &6/ / X X ' . t j r' .... r <c/^ t. X /%JL 1% ^^ . < X/r <// T ... / / C~Z<Q 4 ^ / 'Z . @ 4<<n2k~.... • r fY & / < / ^ / ^ , 6/ ^ 4- - Cyl y Y.Y^~ , Y, Y 4 ■ j^CY^r 9 / - / ;■ / - , / / Y .'. x 4 ^-Zs& tLL / 'O C c^ ,■:' /.< ^ XX - ^ l @ Zy ■t / % . X «.< <• ' -c-C;- l v/ ��°IZ\.Z LCW •:._ 7 / U t-e . •€&#>'£/ y 4 /" ^ £ 11 / -/,'l tt*- y ’^ . . . S o y Z ' ^ / / s <:Ci /: , / y t . z ^ I^ ^ Z C y £s&* ^ 'S / 'c -€ / * / , A Z ^ y ';. : ■ C't, £ Ot—y{ .. £ c/? ^ (%&■£. Z c.< .C -~ , 7 : 7vv ' ^ r / u > ^ ^" / ^ 62Sy- '/^'Z JbusSsL * - Z Cc/lA. . e ^ n jL 6 V c fy 3 t fZ^'Lc, ' _/ ct-z? (^ o cy i , £••* / * c c S Z Z -l f ! < y cjt-z jz * c S * Q~cct :® ; .; Z &> y , " /w - u / 3 3 '2,.- f g. / / ' c ^ j y ^ * A £ lsc,, 1 7 & t>tCsL 6Z V c iz z z c a ^ r 7 ^7 6* t.-'&tsu' ' 7< y ? -r ^ 2 < .. l L- ' Z-c-S^S jl— / ZCA^ ' r / - i- ■ v ~ ^ <?*. / / T / 1H ^ / /'tVLyy- Z c& Z £ZC £ ' , '£&4*Lof y z 'cS S ^ — f M S z S ,£ ? . -V- I* 7 / Cc^t 3 ' ^ - & 2/}y C^Zst />C A yZ c -7 - ^ < &£ £ f 3 ( <■'- ...r , ,; , / - C*C*'■^ £ ts , G & c^ s& f .^ -^ .^ -— 7 ^ m ■'■,£■-, / £ £ *L*''f- c'y t ^ i- & y c ^ - 7 Y A ^ ’ <X^s<-~ > , / £ ft * , ^ ^ (i 8 /:. y ^ ^ / cC & frz« / 7 ^ (^ < y ^ y / / 3 jf 0y 7 , , ■ (f t it -/ ^ S 3 t^ c f (^z i y ^ z i/ , ? //, £. . i t ./ /./, €6t jC / y ,;. y ,jS "p-6y.fi \/ r u t J ^ .. v / L'Vsz^ C '3 ' ‘• ^ 'cj Z-^ ^^ /. ^ ^ ■ ^ 11 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Civil War and Slavery Collection Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Slavery--United States African Americans United States--Politics and government--19th century Description An account of the resource A selection of correspondence, diaries, official documents, photographs related to the American Civil War and to the institution of slavery, collected by Harvey E. Lemmen. The collection includes a selection of documents from ten states related to the ownership of slaves and abolition, correspondence and documents of soldiers who fought in the war and from family members and officials, diaries and letters of individuals, and a collection of mailing envelopes decorated with patriotic imagery. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lemmen, Harvey E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/472">Civil War and Slavery Collection (RHC-45)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Diaries and Correspondence (RHC-43)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/471">Nathan Sargent Papers (RHC-44)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/478">Theodore Peticolas Diary (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/476">Civil War Patriotic Envelopes Collection (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/479">Whitely Read Diary (RHC-52)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1804-1897 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg; application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image; Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1804-1897 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Civil War correspondence and diaries, (RHC-43)</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-43_JB002 Title A name given to the resource John Bennitt to his wife [Letter 002] Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-11-10 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bennitt, John Description An account of the resource Correspondence from John Bennitt of Centreville, Michigan to his wife Charlotte, November 10, 1861. During this time, Bennitt is enrolled in classes in the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This group of letters is transcribed and footnoted in Chapter 1 of I Hope to Do My Country Service. Subject The topic of the resource Bennitt, John United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 19th (1862-1865) Surgeons Correspondence United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical care United States. Army. Corps, 20th University of Michigan Ann Arbor (Mich.) Centreville (Mich.) Michigan Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Relation A related resource I Hope to Do My Country Service: the Civil War letters of John Bennitt, M.D., Surgeon, 19th Michigan Infantry, part of collection of correspondence and diaries published by Wayne State University Press, Detroit, 2005. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives