The 1863 Diary of William H. Carroll, Mess No. 2, Company D, 24th Indiana Volunteers
illiam H. Carroll came from a family of farmers. His father Dixon and Wmother Luticia moved with their family from North Carolina (vari- ously, in the late 1820s or early 1830s) and settled on land in Daviess County, Indiana. Carroll (born in 1834 or 1835, depending on the source) grew up on the family farm with his five brothers. When war came, five of the six brothers fought for the Union: William and John in Company D of the 24th Indiana; Robert, Nathaniel, and Dixon in Company G of the 42nd Indiana.1 William was mustered into the 24th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment on July 2, 1861. He fought at Shiloh; was wounded at Champion Hill and remained with his regiment through the siege of Vicksburg; reen- listed on December 31, 1863, in Louisiana; and fought almost until the end of the war, mustering out due to multiple disabilities on May 29, 1865. By that time Carroll had developed severe rheumatism and had impaired eye-
______Initial transcription of the diary was done by Frank Carroll, a great-great grandson of William. Mr. Carroll also provided copies of the Carroll brothers’ veterans records and of family histories which were used in the introduction above. Mr. Carroll and his family have generously donat- ed the original diary, William Carroll’s original discharge, and a collection of family photo- graphs to the Lilly Library at Indiana University Bloomington. 1John (b. 1829) was mustered out of service in July 1864, spent the rest of his life with a variety of illnesses and injuries incurred during the war, and died in 1904; Robert (b. 1840) was wounded at the Battle of Perryville in October 1862 when a bullet fractured part of a vertebra and lived with disability in his hip and leg until his death in 1912; Nathaniel (b. 1827) was wounded in the head at the Battle of Stone River in December 1862 and died from the effects of that injury in November 1864; Dixon (b. 1844) enlisted in March 1864, was discharged in November 1865, and died in 1917.
INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY, 105 (March 2009) 2009, Trustees of Indiana University. 32 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
William Carroll’s 1863 diary Courtesy of Frank Carroll
sight and hearing “caused by the explosion of his Powder magazine at Mobile Alabama” just prior to his discharge. Despite his health problems, Carroll returned to farming. He married Mary Hovison on December 14, 1870, and they raised two sons, Benjamin and Ewin. Carroll died in May 1891. In March 1863 Carroll purchased a small pocket diary bound in black leather. It was divided into days, with eight lines of space for each entry. Carroll wrote on the back of the righthand flyleaf: “Wm H Carroll His Diary price 65 ct Bought March The 10 1863.” His diary entries begin on Monday, March 16; they continue regularly through October 19 but then for the remainder of the year, save for two entries on December 17 and 18, the record is empty. Carroll’s handwriting is clear, but he strove to fit every pos- sible word into his daily allotted space, and his hand sometimes grew minis- cule, pushed to the limits of the inside binding and the outside of the page, or curved up or down at the end of an entry. Carroll’s spelling is inventive and probably reflects his southern Indiana accent—his “helth is tolerble,” and “the Wether is fine the contry Butiful.” Letters drop out of words—his “brigad” is “orderd” to move; he sees fellow soldiers “wonded” and “kild.” Unfamiliar words change spelling as Carroll learns about the South—“byough” becomes bayou, “Vixburg” becomes Vicksburg. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 33
The little diary tells the story of only eight months of Carroll’s long war service, and it begins slowly, with the regiment in camp at Helena, Arkansas, drilling and waiting for new orders. On April 11, Carroll wrote: “To day wee leave Helena for parts unknown to us.” The brigade boarded a ship bound south on the Mississippi River and on the 13th Carroll and his comrades arrived at Milliken’s Bend, “Whare wee found 2 Brigads more of Grants army.” Carroll and the 24th Indiana were on their way to Vicksburg. 34 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Monday, March 16, 18632
The Wether fare & Warm Brigade drill from 2 till 5 pm commanded bye Gen Wallace A Gormon3 the Birgade consisting of 4 Regiments the 24 and 34 Ind Regiments not in the drill but being directed Wrong Wee marched 6 miles Rested & then marched back 2 mile to camp no mail I am Well
Tuesday 17
Wether fare and Warm 6 regiments out on Brigade drill from 4 till 5 pm Com bye Gen Gormon The [ ] of Regiments [ ]ted plenty of fun & the River Still Riseing no news but plenty of beard todey Mess No 2 all Well but W W Johnson he is quite unwell No mail to day I am Well
Wednesday 18
Drill to day Co drill from half past 9 till half past 10 am then Brigade drill from 3 to 5 PM no news of importan no Mail I am In moderately Good Health at Present & hope I shall Continue so as health Is the greatest Blessing a soldir has
Thursday 19
to Day Drill again at the usual hours to Day about 10 am Earl of Co C 24th Ind vols Died Disease Small Pox some mail But no news of Importance I am well to Day & fell foxy Mess no 2 Is all right
______2Introduction, footnotes, and transcription checking were done by the staff of the IMH. Empty square brackets indicate unclear or missing words or portions of words; letters within square brackets finish an otherwise unclear abbreviated word. Carroll’s capitalization has been retained to the extent possible: some frequently capitalized letters, including R and W, are formed differently than the lower case; others, particularly the letter S, have fundamentally identical shapes whether lower or upper case, and the editors have made a best guess according to context, previous spelling of the word, and comparative size. Carroll’s original prose often did not include standard punctuation, no doubt because of the shortness of each entry. In many entries, it is difficult to distinguish between punctuation and frequent pen marks, and so the editors have chosen to eliminate punctuation altogether. Above each entry we have used a ver- sion of the diary’s own titles for each day. 3Willis A. Gorman (1816-1876) was a former territorital governor of Minnesota. Commissioned as Colonel of the 1st Minnesota Infantry at the outbreak of the war, Gorman was promoted to Brigadier General in October 1861 and commanded troops at the battles of Balls Bluff and Antietam. From December 1862, he commanded the District of Eastern Arkansas, Army of the Tennessee, until leaving the service in May 1864. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 35
Friday 20
All Quiet to Day No news of Importance No Drill to Day & I am glad of It & But little mail river still rising & In all Probability we are going to have a heavy freshet I am In Bully health to Day Good night Mess No 2
Saturday 21
Still Quitt weather fine & warm and river Is still high Henry Dru[ ] of Co I 24 Ind vols was Drownd In the river Nere Helena Ark some news & some little mail & am well & the Boys generally I am still foxy occasionly
Sunday 22
All Still Quiet to Day at 11 AM I attend Catholic Church then at three PM a large Congregation met In N[ ] fort we had speaking & religious exercises by the chaplin of [ ] then a short speech from Col Cameron4 of the 34th Ind vols I am well & [ ]
Monday 23
Still raining to Day & on a stand the river Is I was on fatigue Duty to Day Building Leve no mail no news But Still raining I am well & the 24th Is all OK I think I am now Old Enough to mary
Tuesday 24
Still Raining the River Still at about on a stand the back water over our camp tomorrow Wee Will move A large mail to day but I got no lettr It is to bad but I Will keepe coll I am Well & whroat one letter the old 24 is Still all OK Mess No 2 all fine
Wednesday 25
Still in camp Nere Helena the Wether fare and Butiful Spring has come at last the fruit trees has began to bud and Blossom To day I am out on picket the river is Still falling Wee moved our camp to day I am Still in good helth no maill to day
______4Col. Robert A. Cameron, 34th Indiana Volunteer Regiment. The 34th Indiana, like Carroll’s regiment, was part of Gen. George McGinnis’s 1st Brigade at Vicksburg. 36 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Thursday 26
Still fare & Warm & the River falling this morning I came in off of garde & found Co P all rite & in our new camp today Wee Received 2 months pay Some mail to day and I Wroat one letter Ness No 2 is Still all Well but Walter I am Still in good helth
Friday 27
Still in camp nere helena it is cloudy With some Rain Co drill from half past 9 till half past 10 AM then Brigade drill from 2 till 5 PM the Battalions com- manded bye General Mc Ginis5 consisting of the 24 and 34 Ind and the 29 Wesconsin Volunteers No mail to day I am Well
Saturday 28
Still cloudy to day and Some little rain no drill to day as it is Wash day and the one genraley used for cleanin up Goons Quarters clothing & preparato- ry to Sundy morning inspection I Received one letter to day from W Allison and Wroat one to G Carill no Special news from Vicburg the River falling I am Still in moderate helth
Sunday 29
This is a very cold & Blustry day With Some little falling occasionly Wee had inspection this morning at 10 o clock AM then I Spent the evening in Town on fatig dewty Building a Bridge & Working on the streat No mail to day I am Well
Monday 30
To day I am out on picket the Wether coald & some snow falling had a mess of Gar for Supper & Wants it to be the last6 Wm Fitzgerald of Co D 24 Ind Vols Died this evning a bout 10 o clock PM in the Regimental Hospital no mail to day I am Still in good helth
______5Brig. Gen. George McGinnis (1826-1910) joined the 11th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and rose through the ranks of Captain, Lt. Colonel, and Colonel in 1861. On November 29, 1862, after action at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Corinth, he was promoted to Brigadier General. After var- ious brigade and division commands, he was mustered out in August 1865. 6Gar are large freshwater fish that prefer the brackish, shallow waters of bayous, rivers, and lakes. They are edible but not sought after for their flavor. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 37
Tuesday 31
To day it is Still coald but clare I came in off of picket this morning drill as usual to day but our compa did not drill on the account of having to attend the feuneral of Wm Fits our mail come to day I received one letter from Miss P & Wroat one to Wm A I am Well
Wednesday, April 1
Drill a gain to day & the usual times the Wether fine & nice nothing of importance going on at this post news of fiting going on at the green naval Batery [ ] reports of Faraguts defeat7 no mail to day I am well
Thursday 2
Fine Wether but Rather Windy drill this morning but not in the afternoon the Green Naval Baterys taken allso a large amounts of coutton & Several prisners all is Quiate here but little news & Some mail I am Sill Well
Friday 3
The Wether fine co drill in the morning & Brigade drill in the afterknoon no news & no mail to day all quiate here & no prospect of us leaving here Soone helth is tolerble good Mess No 2 all Well but Walter my helth Still good
Saturday 4
The Wether Still fine & the River Still falling no drill to day Parsons came to See us this morning I received 3 letters to day one from N.C. one from HC & one from IA at 2 o clock Walter lefte us to go on a hospital Boat I am well
______7Adm. David G. Farragut (1801-1870) commanded the New Orleans expedition of 1861-1862, was promoted to Rear Admiral in July 1862 for opening the Mississippi River north toward Vicksburg, and, after the capture of Vicksburg, took Mobile Bay in 1864. Carroll is probably referring to the loss of Union ships at Port Hudson on March 14. On March 27, Farragut’s flag- ship USS Hartford sailed past Confederate guns at Warrenton, just south of Vicksburg. Just before this entry, on the night of March 31, the Hartford, joined by the USS Albatross and the ram Switzerland, ran past Grand Gulf and established a landing place for Union troops near Bruinsburg, Mississippi. 38 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Sunday 5
This is Easter I Was out on guard to day the Wether fine & Warm attended a darkey meeting ett a half Dozen fried Eggs for dinner Which cost me 20 cents had a good time generaley Stood poast 2 hours my helth is good Mess No 2 all rite
Monday 6
This morning I was relieved & came in off of picket co drill at 10 o clock then at 2 o clock PM our hole force met at the fort to receive instructions from the Ware department & Was Well entertained by Gen Printice AP Hovey8 & others I am Well
Tuesday 7
Fine Wether & helth good Brigade drill at 2 o clock PM Before drill Was over We Was visited bye General Hovy Who informed us that Wee Would Soone leave here for the field of Battle This is the aniversry of the Shilough Battle in 18629
Wednesday 8
Still the Wether is fine this morning Wee Siged the pay roals up to the first of March 1863 Then in the evening Brigade drill the Boys ar having fine fun to day gethering up darkeys for the first contraband Regiment at this place10 I am Well
______8At the time of this entry, Gen. Benjamin M. Prentiss (1819-1901) was in command of the District of Eastern Arkansas. Alvin P. Hovey (1821-1891) began the war as Colonel of the 24th Indiana and was promoted to Brigadier General in April 1862. He commanded the 12th Division of the XIII Corps during the battle for Vicksburg, winning distinction during the Battle of Champion Hill. He received a brevet promotion to Major General in 1864. After the war he served Indiana as a US Congressman (1886-1888) and Governor (1888-1891). 9The 24th lost thirty-two men (killed, wounded, and missing) at Shiloh; Union losses exceeded 13, 000. See Richard J. Fulfer, History of the Trials and Hardships of the Twenty-Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry (Indianapolis, 1913), 33-41. 10The first official black regiments were formed in April 1863 at Milliken’s Bend by Army Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas. Fulfer records that on April 6 the entire brigade was addressed by Thomas, who “advocated that it would be much better to put the negroes up for a target to be shot at than for us to risk all of the danger ourselves.” Fulfer, History of the Trials and Hardships, 50-51, also records that “many of the boys deserted” upon hearing the news. Carroll’s entry, in contrast, suggests that some of the troops helped to gather recruits from DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 39
Thursday 9 the Day has been very pleasant some little mail I received 2 letters for my portion In the Evening we went On review we was Inspected By Col Wm T Spicely11 of the 24th Command no news of Importence from the Army I am all right now for a good sleep
Friday 10
To day wee leave Helena for parts unknown to us Wee lefte camp late in the eavening & Went on board of the Steemer Idy May after all Was on board & our Bagage all Secure the Boat dropt down to the mouth of the pass Whare wee found Qimbys hole division12 Some mail I am well
Saturday 11
This morning Still found us nere the mouth of the pass & no prospect of leavin for Some days in the evning it clouded up & began to rain Wee had a very disagreeable time & wee was up on horrican deck & no chance to Screne our Selvs from the pelting rain I am well
Sunday 12
This morning Still found us laying the Bar 5 miles Below Helena our no here is 12 000 at 11 o clock AM Wee Steemed off down the River at 5 PM Wee past Newpolian 19 miles Below Helena on the Arkansas Side & Wee Wran on till dark then our Boats checked up & glided a long the Biger part of the night But I Went to Sleepe & let the World Wag as it Wood I am Well
______among the many former slaves who were following Grant’s army. See also Martha M. Bigelow, “The Significance of Milliken’s Bend in the Civil War,” Journal of Negro History, 45 (July 1960), 156-63. 11William T. Spicely (1823-1884) of Orleans, Indiana, was mustered into the 24th Indiana as Captain of Company G on July 31, 1861. When Hovey was promoted to brigadier general, Spicely, then a major, became the regiment’s commanding Colonel. He retired with a brevet pro- motion to Brigadier General. 12Gen. Isaac Quinby (1821-1891) and the 7th division of the XVII Corps had attempted to open the Yazoo Pass to send troops downriver to Vicksburg and now waited to join Grant’s larger force. 40 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Monday 13
This morning When I a Woke up Wee was still on our way dow stream at 8 o clock AM Wee come to Lake providence 29 miles Below Helena here wee past a large No o[f] Grants troops in camp then at 11 o clock AM Wee came to Meligans Bend Whare wee found 2 Brigads more of Grants army13 here Wee landed till further orders it has bin prety mutch all the time I am still Well
Tuesday 14
still at Millikans Bend The wether still wet Wee was orderd off of the boat to Bictch our tents but Before wee got them all pitched wee was orderd Back on the Boat bye this time it was nere dark and a fare prospect for Rain but Mess No 2 soone maid them selvs comfortable for the night no mail yet I am Well
Wednesday 15
This morning found us Sill at Millikans Bend on Board of the old Ida May a bout 8 o clock AM wee was orderd of to give the hands a chance to wash of the Boat & I am now sitting flat on the ground in a large coutten field I have just Written a letter home & is now posting up my diary our division Will march in the morning at 6 o clock Harry Peck Was kild this evening I am well
Thursday 16
This morning at 6 o clock wee lefte campe at Millikins Bend & marched to Richmond Alabama about 10 miles from the Bend Wee being the front Regiment Wee reached Richmond at 2 o clock pm & Struck up camp for the night The Ballance of the division has a bout all come up & it is now 4 o clock I Shal sleepe on a bead of cotton to night Wee Will march a gain tomorrow morning at 6 o clock I am well
Friday 17
This morning our division left Richmond at 6 o clock & toock up our line of march for the Rebal Gen Thomes plantations Which is 10 miles from
______13Milliken’s Bend was located just north of the last bend of the river before Vicksburg and was one of the massing points for Grant’s troops. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 41 Courtesy of Frank Carroll Courtesy wo pages of Carroll’s diary. He filled each daily entry from mid-March through mid-March He filled each daily entry from diary. wo pages of Carroll’s T mid-October 1863 and chonicled his regiment’s role in the final Vicksburg campaign. in the final Vicksburg role mid-October 1863 and chonicled his regiment’s 42 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Richmon & 25 from Vixburge Wee reached Thomeses plantations at 3 o clock & Struck up camp for the night there is considerble canonading in the direction of Vixburge I am Well
Saturday 18
Still in camp at Thomses plantation our teems Was Sent back to the River this morning for provisions & wee will probabilley say here 2 or 3 days the Wether is fine the contry Butiful & Beaf plenty wee Will make our Selvs Mary while the oppertunity lasts our Regiment is in fine condition & Mess No 2 all well
Sunday 19
Wee are Sill in camp at the Rebal Thomses & I have taken up my a bode under the float of a Neagrow Shanty wee had a considerble S[t]orme of Wind & rain last night the Wether to day is fare & fine Some mail today I am well & harty
Monday 20
Still in campe on Lawsons plantation the wether fine & plesent Some of our troops moveing on towords the River Below Carthage to day orders for us to march on tomorrow morning at 6 o clock I am well
Tuesday 21
This morning at 6 o clock Am wee [ ] lefte camp & toock up our line of march a gain wee marched a bout 12 miles & Struck up camp on the plan- tation of a Mr Rebb his name I have not learned in a Short time after wee Struck camp wee had a hard Storm of rain & hail the coutry is Butiful I am in tolerble helth
Wednesday 22
To day Wee Still Remain in camp to day on General Thomases plantation Which is in Palmyery Perish the old Gentleman has bin in fine circum- stances but wee are making our Selvs Welcom to the old mans Beaf corn & pork & sutch things as wee can make useful for our comfort Mess No 2 is Sill all able for there groub DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 43
Thursday 23
Still in camp on Dunbars planta in Sted of Thomases Wee are having very fine times & plenty to eat fresh Poark Beaf & cornbread Wee are Watin for a bridge to be built So that Wee can cross a Bayougho Some of our Boats run the Blockade at Vixburg & there was hevvy fiering at them from the Rebal Baterys14 I am Well
Friday 24
Sill in camp on Dunbars plantation in pelimary perish Waiting for Some bridg to be built before Wee can proceede further15 all quiate at Vicksburg last night the Wether is quite warm our troops Still in a fine condition Mess No 2 all well peas & fresh meat plenty I am well
Saturday 25
Still in camp wating for the Road to be put in order for us to move on with our Artillery & provision trains the wether is begining to git modertley warm all quiate last night & to day at Vicksburg 60 men detaild out of each Regiment this morning to work on the Roads co drill twiste a day & Role call 6 times each day Mess No 2 is still all Well
Sunday 26
Still in camp on Dunbars plantation all still quiate at Vicksburg the wether is very warm to day With considerble Sign of Rain the Bridges a cross the Byough is nerley completed & wee have received orders to be redy to march in the morning with 3 days rashens Bulley for the march Mess No 2 is all Write
Monday 27
This morning at half past 5 Wee lefte our camp on Dunbarrs plantation & marched a cross our new bridges & advanst a bout 8 miles & then Struck up camp 2 miles from the River the evening has bin very rainey wee received a large mail to day I am well & has just bought me a fine corn cake
______14On the night of April 21, six boats tried the run past Vicksburg; three were badly damaged or sunk. 15Much of the countryside between the campsites of the Union troops and the Mississippi River was flooded bayou, impassible for both men and artillery. Engineers were forced to build pon- toon bridges to create crossings. 44 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Tuesday 28
This morning Wee lefte Judg Picken[s?] plantation & marched to the River 2 miles then our hole [Brigade]16 embarked on board of the forest Quene & on 3 barges that was toed bye the Quene & in the night wee droped down nere Grand Gulf17 wee will disembarke here & march on to Grand Gulf I am Well
Wednesday 29
This morning found us in fare Vew of Grand Gulf18 at 8 o clock 7 of our Goon boats engaged the Rebal Batterys at the Gulf & a heavvy fiering con- tineud till 1 o clock pm t[h]en our Goon boats drew off having silenced all but one batery With a small damage to the boats but reports of men kild on our Side Wee Will cross over & try their strength tomorrow Wee are in camp for the night I am Well
Thursday 30
Earley this morning wee all embarked on board of the Goon boats & trans- ports to cross the River our Regiment & one other was on board of the flag Ship Benton & was honerd with the presence of Gen Grant Agutant19 Gen Thomas & Comodore Porter20 in one Short wride Wee are now 9 miles below Grant Gulf on the Miss Side waiting for further orders I am well
Friday, May 1
The union forces With General McClenard21 at the hed of comman[d] Battle of Bayou hear the Roll opened at 7 o clock Am & lasted till darke our troops
______16Carroll added the word in pencil above the line. 17In the back of the diary, amongst an assortment of lists and other materials, Carroll wrote “The Names of Boats that wran the Blockade at Vicksburg Transports The Forest Queen J W Cheasnon Victor Moderator Received 42 Shells.” 18 The Union bombardment inflicted considerable damage but did not destroy the fortifications. Grant was forced to settle on a landing point further south; he chose Bruinsburg. Carroll also included a separate, longer account of Grand Gulf at the back of the diary, which appears here after the diary entries. 19Carroll later crossed out the word in pencil. 20David Dixon Porter (1813-1891) was given the rank of Commodore in April 1861. He had already been with Farragut at the capture of New Orleans in March 1862. 21Gen. John A. McClernand (1812-1900) was appointed Brigadier General in May 1861 and commanded divisions at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh. From January through June of DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 45
had marched all night previous to the Battle without Sleepe or rest the No of our troops When the Battle began was a bout 10.000 but night found us with 30.00022 the No of Rebals engaged not known the kild & wonded on our Sid not yet known the 24 Ind had 4 kild & Several Wonded Co [I?] had one kild & non Wonded I am well [21 kild & wonded]23
Saturday 2
This morning wee was up earley expecting fight again to day but lo & behold the Rebbs was all gone we put out after them & at 7 o clock our advance reached port Gibson but the Rebals had crossed the Bayou in the night & Burnt 2 Bridges to prevent our persuit after them our Brigade reached port Gibson at elevon o clock & is now camped in the Streats I am Still well A great Victory on our side
Sunday 3 this morning Wee lefte port Gibson at 5 & marched a bout 6 miles in the direction of Vixburge & then our Reg deploid out & Spent nerley half of the day Scouring the woods in search of Stragling Rebals our [mov?] bye the flank Wee came in to the same road that wee had travaeld 3 miles in the rere of the place wee deploid the division advanced on a bout 12 miles & wee came up with at 8 o clock in the night having marched a bout 25 miles I am in good helth
Monday 4
To day Wee are laying in camp a bout 12 miles from Port Gibson on the Vicksburg Road & our next point will be the Bridge across Black river the Rebbs is Sed to be fortified & in considerble force at that place I am out on picket Guard to day & having a very good time only Groob is rather Short
______1863 he commanded the XIII Corps from Grand Gulf through Champion Hill and the siege on Vicksburg. After commanding the XIII Corps during the Red River expedition in early 1864, he resigned due to poor health. 22Grant landed 22,000 men on the Mississippi shore. Union troops had to fight their way inland; they met Confederate defenders about 5 miles west of Port Gibson. Grant later wrote of the landing: “I was on dry ground on the same side of the river with the enemy. All the cam- paigns, labors, hardships and exposures from the month of December previous to this time that had been made and endured, were for the accomplishment of this one object.” Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, ed. E. B. Long (Cambridge, Mass., 2001), 252. 23Carroll entered this bracketed text between the entries for Friday and Saturday.` 46 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
our Bread has given out but our Quartermaster has furnished With each a point of which is to serve for 2 meals I am well
Tuesday 5
To day wee are laying in camp wating for our provision train to come up but it did not come wee have bin 2 days without bread but wee eat meat & drank tea & corn hust coffee24 & done fine Some Boiled peas & eat them for bread & others eat Barched corn Wee received a good large mail to day I received one letter & wroat one home but did not git to Send it off to the River I am in good helth Wee march tomor morning
Wednesday 6
This morning wee was up earley & redy to march bye 4 o clock up to this time our train had not come up our breakfast consisted of meat & tea Wee lefte camp at 5 o clock & marched a bout 6 miles then Struck up camp the object of our move was to git a better chance to forage a detail was lefte back to forage as wee come then an other was sent out & the have returned with plenty of meat & shugar but no bread but wee managed to git 2 crackers a peace from head quarters our train has not yet come up but wee are grind- ing meal & will live any way I am Well
Thursday 7
This Morning found us in camp nere Rockey Springs here wee remained untill 12 then Woard came that the Rebals was advancing to ward us & wee was orderd forward a bout 3 miles on the ground that had bin selected to form on in line of Battle with our artillery all redy to receive them Should the[y] come the day is now at a close & wee are redy to give Battle to at least 100.000 Rebals our train has not yet come I am Well
Friday 8
To day Wee are Still laying in camp a bout 4 miles from Rockey Springs & a bout the Same distance from Black River between the 2 all is quiate in camp in the evening Wee was revewed by Gen Grant Some Stragling Rebals
______24Soldiers used corn husks, beets, peas, acorns, rye grain, and other substances—dried, roasted, and finely ground—to substitute for coffee. For recipes, see William C. Davis, A Taste for War: The Culinary History of the Blue and the Gray (Mechanicburg, Pa., 2003), 176-78. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 47
brought in to day 3 men of co K Was pict up bye the Rebles to day & taken a cross Black River but they maid their escape & came into camp part of our train came up this Evning & wee drew some grub I am quite unwell
Saturday 9
Wee are Still in camp & no excitement onley one sutler has just come up & the Boys is making a terible rush for tobacco I am Still quite unwell Wee have some chance to send letter to day I have written 2 there is Still desert- ers coming in evry day groob is Still Scarce withe us especialey coffee & tea our Reg is still in fine helth wee will march to morrow
Sunday 10
This morning wee lefte our camp 4 miles from Rockey Springs at 8 o clock & marched nere 8 miles & then Went in to camp for the night in our march to day wee past a little Town cald Cinga & wee are now in camp a bout 2 miles beyond the little town on the Jackson Road 30 miles from Jackson25 this morn J Myers takes his persition in the 1 Miss Neagro Regiment as cap- tan26 the wether pleasant but very dusty marching I am in tolerble helth a gain
Monday 11
To day wee Remaind in camp Wating for Shermans corps that has just come up to pass on to the front as his corps is to be first in the next Battle our front picketts drove back bye the Rebas to day another Battle expected in Side of 2 days the Rebals in force 14 miles from Jackson our Boys is in fine Sperits to day plenty of fresh meat coffee & crackers while it lasts helth is good I have written one letter home today I am well
Tuesday 12
This morning wee moved forward at a earley hour & advanced a bout 4 miles on the Jackson Road & came incontact with the Rebal picketts our
______25Instead of heading directly north to Vicksburg after landing at Bruinsburg, Grant headed northeast toward Jackson, which was a crucial railroad and telegraph center linking Vicksburg with the rest of the South. 26The First Mississippi Negro Regiment was part of the “African Brigade,” the first ten black reg- iments formed by order of Gen. Thomas in April 1863. 48 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
One of the five Carroll brothers—William, according to a later note on the back of the photograph—who fought in the Civil War. Courtesy of Frank Carroll
cavald drove them back a cross a creat then our Artillery Shelld the woods a While & then Wee moved warward in line of Battle & crost the creat whare wee formed our line & will not move forward till morning wee expect to meat then in force tomorrow at Edwards about 4 miles from this creak I am well
Wednesday 13
To day Wee moved on Som 2 miles from camp & gain came on to the Enimys pickett & our advance Scouts & chrinishers past Several Shotts with them but no damage was done to our men except one horse slitley wonded in the head a hot Batle bye Logans division & the Rebbs [ ] [ ]ight at Raymond considerble loss on boath sides but a complete Victory on our side but 300 Rebal prisners taken I am well
Thursday 14
This morning wee was up earley & on the march to Jackson at eleven o clock Wee past Raymond & wee learned that our loss in the Battle at that place was 53 kild wonded & prisners but the moste of them ware taken pris- ners but the perticulars of the battle I have not yet learned heavey rain on us today Wee went in to camp a bout 2 o clock after marching some 10 miles in hevy rain & mud DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 49
Friday 15
A Battle at Jackson yesterdy a complete Victory on our Side27 our division Was up earley this morning & on the march a bout 9 o clock wee came to Clinton then wee toock the Vicksburg Road & marched to Boltons depot about 8 miles here wee expected a fight but mist it So we lay here to night
Saturday 16
Marched at 6 AM marched out about 4 miles and met the enemy at 10 AM the battle opened the enemy stood up bravely but we drove them slowly about noon the[y] massed their forces against our left we were forced back but reenforcements come just in time and the victory was on our side I was wounded in the rist & face28
Sunday 1729
Getting along fine The Adjutant has made out his report Total in killed wounded and missing 201 of our Regt Co D none killed 17 wounded 1 missing Heavy cannonading in the direction of Black river bridge this morn- ing The Black river bridge is in our possession the enemy have fallen back to their works at Vicksburg30
______27After Union troops entered Jackson, they set about destroying rail tracks and telegraph lines and setting fire to factories and businesses. They left the town ungarrisoned and turned west toward Vicksburg. 28Confederate forces led by the commanding officer at Vicksburg, Gen. John C. Pemberton, moved too late and too slowly to intercept Union troops at Jackson. Instead they made their stand at Champion Hill, where they thought to stop the Union advance. The 24th Indiana, led by Alvin Hovey and William Spicely, was one of the regiments which first met the Confederate line. More than three hours of intense fighting ensued before they were relieved by other regi- ments and could fall back. Gen. McGinnis called the battle “one of the most obstinate and mur- derous conflicts of the war”; Spicely wrote of a “desperate and destructive” struggle “under the most galling fire I ever witnessed.” The Confederate line was finally broken and the defeated troops retreated to Vicksburg. Union losses were heavy: the 24th Indiana, from a force of about 500 men, suffered 207 killed and wounded in that single day. Carroll was among the wounded, as he notes in his diary, and his health continued to be an issue in the weeks and months after- ward. See report of Brig. Gen. George F. McGinnis, May 19, 1863, at http://www.civil- warhome.com/mcginnischampionhillor.htm; Report of Col. William T. Spicely, May 17, 1863, at http://www.battleofchampionhill.org/24indiana.htm. 29Many of the entries from May 17 through June 8 are in at least two different hands than Carroll’s. 30On several occasions, including this entry, it is clear from changes in ink and/or handwriting that entries were made throughout a day rather than all at one time. 50 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Monday 18
Still at the Hospital getting along fine the wounded are doing as well as could be expected no reliable news from the advance all quiet in camp Orders to move forward tomorrow I went to camp to go long we hear an occasional heavy gun in the direction of Vicksburg at night
Tuesday 19
Prepareing to move the prisoners were move out at 7 AM we broke Camp about 12 marched about 11 miles crossed Big Black river and camped on the opposite side Some cannonading all day toward Vicksburg hea[v]y can- nonading all night31
Wednesday 20
No news from the advance very heavy cannonading in the direction of Vicksburg we had orders to move at 4 AM but the order was countermand- ed just as we were falling in to start 32 Still Hevy fireing nere Vicksburg & as wee received orders not to move forward Wee moved our camp & Still remains at Black River Bridge I am still mending
Thursday 21
This morning found us Still at Black River Still heavy fiering at Vicksburg a bout knoon one Brigade was orderd forward & the 2[ ] Brigade under Col Slack was lefte to guard the Bridge & holde the enimy in check Should any come up in the rere33 all of our Sick & Slitley Wonded was lefte here under a capton & 1 Lieut & a guard till further orderd Still fighting at Vicksburg I am Still mending
Friday 22
This morning found us all gitting a long fin but found us without any grub Still hevy fiering at Vicksburg & no orders for us to move forward but fre- quent Reports that our men is pressin the Rebbs & gaining Som of their
______31Grant began his first direct assault on Vicksburg on this day. 32Carroll’s handwriting reappears in the rest of this entry and remains through June 2. 33Col. James R. Slack, 47th Indiana Volunteer Regiment, commanded the 2nd Brigade of Hovey’s XII Division at Vicksburg. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 51
Strong holds it is reported this evning that Gen Osterhouses division Sufferd a considerble loss to day in charging the Rebal fortifications Which point he gaind but had to fall back34 I am still mending
Saturday 23
This morning found us Still at the River & all doing as well as could be expected our headquarters since wee have bin here is at the residence of a Widowed Lady She has bin very mutch excited ever since the Battle here 2 cannon Balls past through her house dewering the fight a bout 10 o clock wee got order to move forward & join our Brigade Wee done so and reached them nere night but all except the Sick and Some wonded Was in the line of Battle in front of the Enemy & still they resist I am still on the mend
Sunday 24
This morning finds us all of the 24 Still a live that reached this place but 4 of our Boys has bin Serousley Wonded Since they came here & Several others of our Brigade has bin kild & wonded & Still this continues our Boys is still engaged & I have not Saw but few of them yet it is the intention to take Vicksburg bye regular seage Banks is expected Soon with 50:000 men35 I am mending finley
Monday 25
Getting along as well as could be expected Our Regt relieved AM by other Regts from the 2nd Brigade come out to camp for the purpose of cleaning up Our commander asked two hours in the afternoon for the purpose of bury- ing the dead36 the firing all ceased till the time was up and then commenced again all quiet at night
______34The second assault on Vicksburg began on the 22nd. As a result of the two attempts, 659 Union troops were left dead between the lines of the two forces, with almost 3500 men wound- ed or missing. 35Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks began moving his XIX Corps northward from the New Orleans area in early April. On May 23, one day before Carroll’s entry, Banks began his assault on Port Hudson, a Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River south of Vicksburg. After three direct, failed assaults in May and June, Banks’s forces also settled in for a siege, which was bro- ken by the surrender of Port Hudson on July 7. 36The request for burial actually came from Pemberton, who offered the truce because the stench of the rotting bodies was so intense. 52 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Tuesday 26
Firing commenced at daylight This morning & Was kep up Stediley all day Some Rebals deserting occasionley & coming over to our Side holding a bunch of coton in their hand for a flag of peace deserters Report that Scoars of Women & children are Being kild in the citty37 all quiate to night our Regiment toock them on the line a gain to day I received 2 letters to day I am Still on the mend
Wednesday 27
This mornin the fiering Has returned a gain at anearley hour & Was kep up Briskeley all day but there was but little loss occerd on our side the report to day is that the Rebbs had offered to Surender up all their army & the city to Gen Grant if he Would just let one man out that was in thare & he was Supposed as president Jef38 I am tolerbley well
Thursday 28
This morning finds us Still out side of the Rebals fortifications & hevy Bombarding is Still going on but the cannonading is principaley on our Side but considerble fiering bye the Sharpe Shooters on Both sides onley 1 man Was Brought in to the Hospital Wonded to day from our division but he is thought to be mortaley I Received 2 letters to day and Started 1 home
Friday 29
This morning found us gitting a long fine & the fighting Still going on ear- ley this morning heavy fiering Was kep up a long our entier line for the space of 30 minnites thru the day fiering seased & slow fiering was kep up till 5 pm & then a terific fier from our hole line was kep up for a short time
______37Many women and children retreated to caves dug into the sides of Vicksburg’s hills. See, for example, Mary Loughborough, My Cave Life in Vicksburg with Letters of Trial and Travel (New York, 1864). Many civilians were injured or killed by shells; disease and starvation affected many more by the end of the 47-day siege. Terrence J. Winschel, Triumph & Defeat: The Vicksburg Campaign (New York, 2004), 139-56. 38Jefferson Davis had visited Mississippi in December 1862 and toured Vicksburg’s defenses, but the “report” that Carroll heard was just gossip—Davis followed the siege and surrender of the city from his offices in Richmond, Virginia. Michael B. Ballard, Vicksburg: The Campaign that Opened the Mississippi (Chapel Hill, N. C., 2004), 126, 388-89, 424-25. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 53
& then abated then a bout dark the morters began & threw Shell all night no indications of a surrender yet of Vicksburg
Saturday 30
This morning finds the Sick & wonded all doing Well the Bombarding is Still going on but with little Reply from the Rebals artillery Some little mus- ketry is going on from boath sides 9 deserters from the Rebal ranks Was taken in this morning the fiering has bin kep up sloley all day it is now ner- ley 7 o clock pm & the fiering has nerley seased all is going on fine no kild or wonded reported to day
Sunday 31
Still at the Hospital but doing fine the Bombarding is still going on to day part of our Brigad relievs the 2 & takes their old persition none reported kild or wonded in our Regiment today & none in the division that I have herd of considerble fiering kep up all day the Sick & Wonded doing fine I have writen 1 letter to day
Monday, June 1
This morning the Bombardment is Still going on wee now has a line of Riful pitts & our men Were protected clare a long our line the Work is going on Sloley but Shur I think I did not here of any being kild or Wonded to day on our side the Sick & wonded is doing well the men generly are Well
Tuesday 2
Still the Strife continues & the fiering was a gain reneued This morning last night 2 allarms was given & it Was thought the Rebals Ware aiming to make a breake on some part of our line but was found to be in consiqueince of us planting a battery whare the Rebles did not Want it & tried to prevent it but faild
Wednesday 339 the sige is still kept with no apperance of a speedy termination of it the rebels fired at us with their artillery both this morning and evening they did
______39The entries for June 3 through June 8 are not in Carroll’s hand. His hand resumes in the June 9 entry. 54 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
but little damage our artillery played on them very rapidly our sharp shoot- ers also played on them I am quite unwell to day in Hospital
Thursday 4
the fireing was kept up pretty fast for awhile this morning also considerable fireing this evening occasioned by the enemy throwing some shell at us they did us very little damage my health is no better to day still quite sick in the Hospital
Friday 5
Nothing of much importance going on around the lines today occasional canonading from our guns and a few shels from the enemy still in the Hospital no better
Saturday 6
Less fireing on the line today than common no shelling from the enemys guns Slow musketry all day Still in the Hospital but mending fast Weather very hot and sultry
Sunday 7
Usual firing kept up today from both sides No better than yestriday Warm but very nice clear weather
Monday 8
No more fireing on the line than common still occassional canonadeing and very close sharpshooting Still in the Hospital mending slowly
Tuesday 9
To day the bombardment Still going on Hevy fiering is kep up in the morn- ing & evning but rather calm in the middle of the day owing to the heat No perticular indications of a Surrender yet on the part of the Rebals & no intention on the part of Gen Grant to give them up I am Still very porley
Wednesday 10
This morning finds me Still Very porley but some better the fighting is still going on Heavey Rain this morning earley & Several hard Showers through DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 55
the day but it is now nere night & has clard off & hevy fiering is going on this evning from the Morters & from the Seage goons I am Sill qite porley no mail for Several days
Thursday 11
To day matters Went on a bout as usual 1 man Was kild in our Reg & one Slitley wonded the Sick & Wonded are all doing as well as could be expect- ed at the Hospitals I am Still mending Slowley the Wether is quite Warm no mail to day
Friday 12
Still fighting to day 1 man Slitley Wonded in our Regiment to day the Sick & Wonded are Still doing Well helth is generaley good a mong our troops the Wether is still Very Warm in the day & cool of nights I am Still mending slo- ley
Saturday 13
To day the fighting Still is going on as usual 3 diserted the Rebal lines last night & come over & one Rebal Lieutenant Was taken prisner but I have not herd any Special Report from them the Sick & Wonded are doing Well
Sunday 14
The Bombardment is Still going on & will probabily last for some days yet but it is Sertin to fall eare the Seage closes the fireing Was Kep Up Briskley on our side all day the Wether is quite plesent I am mending
Monday 15
To day the fighting is Still going on the fiering has bin hevy on boath Sids from the artillery & occasionley from the infantry but this evning the fiering has partley Seast & it is tolerble camb the Sick & Wonded are doing well I am mending fine & Will return to the camp soon
Tuesday 16
Last night & to day the fiering has bin kep up constantley on each Side & in the evening late the Rebals used their artillery more than common our line is advancing on them constantley at different points the helth is Still good I am still mending 56 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Wednesday 17
This morning the fighting is Still going on hevy & was kep up all last night Charley Chandler of Co C was kild this morning bye a Rebal Shot passing through his head this evning at 7 o clock our men intend throwing hot shot in to the citty for the perpos of fiering the citty40 I am still mending
Thursday 18
This morning I lefte the Hospital & returned to the co but I am Still Very Weeke & in a pore State of helth the fighting is Still goind on 1 man kild in our Reg this morning the wether Very hot & disagreeabil no Sign of a Rebal Surrender helth is tolerble good a mong the troops
Friday 19
This morning Still found me in pore helth & the fighting Still going on 4 men in our Brigade Reported Wonded to day moderate fiering kep up all day Some mail this morning but no letter for me no one hurt in our Reg to day this evening finds me all moste down a gain
Saturday 20
This morning finds me Still Very unwell hevier fiering this morning than usual on our Sid 1 man in our Reg got his lefte arm broken to peaces this morn bye 1 of our Shells bussting over the Regiment the days are still Warm & the nights quite cool helth a mong the troops is tolerble I am Still quite unwell
Sunday 21
Still the fighting is going on a bout as usual different kinds of reports are in circulation relitive to the condition of the Rebals & Some give their time to surrender but as yet there is no Sign on their part I am Still porley
Monday 22
Still the Same program is going on this morning & our men Still continue to advance their lines nerer to the Rebals works & the fighting appears to be more general all a long the line I am Still porley
______40“Hot shot” was solid metal shot that was heated and then used against wooden ships, fortifi- cations, or, in this case, city buildings, in the hope that the target(s) would catch fire. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 57
Tuesday 23
Still the Same kind of a job on hands to day & each Side begins to appeare more in earnest & the fighting more Severe Some few kild & wonded evry day on our Side to day our Regiment received 2 months pay I am Still quite unwell
Wednesday 24
Still wee are engaged in the same old job of thrashing wee have had fine wether & Several fare days roon but our boys are well up to the buisness & wee expect in a Short time to be able to fill a large Stoar house full of Rebals I am Still porley but on the mend
Thursday 25
Still the thrashing is going on this after knoon a bout 4 o clock a part of the principal fort cald Quene of Vicksburg was Blown up bye our men then immediatley the fiering began all a long our line boath artillery & infantry & a better sign of ware has not happend before I am a Soldier a gain as I fierd 10 rounds in the fray
Friday 26
Still to day the fighting is going on yester General Logan toock possession of part of the fort that was Blown up With a slite loss & is still holding his part up to the present time & is [ ] contending with the Rebs for their fort which they are Still striveing to hold but the Gen is preparing to give them a sec- ond Blast41
Saturday 27
Still the seage continues & Gen Logan is still in possession of his part of the Rebal Fort Quean of Vicksburg & it is Sed that boath sides are using hand granads & Six pound Shell which they throw with their hands using a
______41In what became known as Logan’s Approach, forces under the command of Maj. Gen. John Logan spent weeks digging a trench which, on June 22, arrived at the bottom slope of the 3rd Redan of the Vicksburg fortress. The troops then tunneled under the redan and planted and detonated explosives. Union forces and Vicksburg defenders spent 20 hours fighting in the crater caused by the explosion, with heavy casualties on both sides, but Logan’s troops were unable to take even that small portion of the city’s defenses. A similar attack was planned for early July but rendered unnecessary by the city’s surrender. 58 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Second fuse42 this I Should Say was quick work last night I was out on pick- ett but Was quite unwell
Sunday 28
To day the fighting is Still going on a bout as usual our men Still keepe advansing on the Rebal works & is Vigorousley engaged in advansing their Riful pitts nere their forts So as to tunnel under them & Blow them up & has Sofare bin Successful I am Still Very unwell
Monday 29
Still the Seage continues & there is no Visible Sign of a Surrender yet to day our co was on deuty in the Riful pitts the fore part of the day I Said in the pitts & done Some Shooting but in the after knoon I remaind in qarters not being able for deuty the days is quit warm & the nites cool I am still porley
Tuesday 30
Well the last day of June has come & past & still Vicksburg has not fallen but wee trust as it is bound to fall in to our hands Sooner or later that the 4th of July will find us Released from our present persition & quiateley camped on the banks of the old Miss or on the hits of Vicksburg I am still porley
Wednesday, July 1
This morning Which is the 1 of July Still finds us contending for the Rebals Strong hold & they Still Seeme to disput our Wright to come in hevy canonading has bin going on the greater part of the day this evening Gen Logan give the fort Quene of Vicksburg another blast making another large brake in it I am still porley
Thursday 2
Still the fighting is going on & our commanders Still appears to have all confidence in our final Success & if Reports be true the time is not fare dis-
______42Early patented hand grenades, activated by a plunger inserted just before the device was thrown, were seldom used. Improvised grenades were used at Vicksburg once the two armies were within a short distance of each other. Union troops lobbed 6- and 12-pounder shells with a short, lighted fuse, at Confederate defenders; Confederates rolled the same type of grenade downhill into Union rifle pits. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 59
Carroll’s diary entry for July 4, 1863, the day that Vicksburg surrendered to Union forces led by Ulysses S. Grant. Courtesy of Frank Carroll tent when wee be the undesputed possesers of Vicksburg & I trust that Sutch Will happen Soon helth is beginning to decline a mong us I am still quite unwell43
Friday 3
This morning the fighting was Still going on up to o clock Pm then Pemberton sent out a flag of truce Requesting Gen Grant to come on some conditional terms of Surrender for him but the Gen Refused any other than a complete surrender44 So at 3 o clock PM the fireing commenced a gain then it was Stoped & all is now calm & I am mending Slowley
Saturday 4
This is the Birth day of our contrys liberty & wee are having a greate celle- bration at 9 o clock AM Vicksburg Was surrenderd into our hands With all
______43In his report written from Vicksburg on July 5, Gen. Hovey wrote of his troops: “For more than forty days they were under constant fire, casualties happening daily in the midst of their camps; men were killed and wounded in their beds, at the table, in the rifle-pits, and yet, dur- ing all this long period, there was no murmur, no complaint. They were veterans and deter- mined to succeed.” Report of Brig. Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, July 5, 1863, at http://www.civilwarhome.com/hoveyvicksburgor.htm. 44Pemberton’s condition was parole for his troops. Grant, as Carroll noted, initially refused but after consultation with his officers, offered the parole to Pemberton. 60 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
the Public property there in Together With 38:000 prisners Sick wonded & all in cluded & it is the understanding With General Grant & Pemberton that they are to be parold in the Space of a few days45 Whoraw for the 4 of July after a 37 days Seage I am Still un Well
Sunday 5
No Wrest for the Weaked last night wee Was orderd to be redy to march bye 5 o clock this morning in the direction of Jackson So at 5 wee ware redy & toock up our line of march but mitley a gainst our Will as wee Was tierd & worn out with the ferteage of the Seage but 3 o clock found us 8 miles from camp nere Black River Whare wee encamped for the night I am Still unwell46
Monday 6
This morning no orders came to march So wee remaind in camp untill 5 o clock pm dewering this time the Boys was buisiley engaged in picking Blackberys & in procuring Some fresh meat & my Self Barber had a fine din- ner of Blackberys & Green corn then at 5 wee was orderd forword to Black River 2 miles Whare wee went in to camp for the night I am still porley
Tuesday 7
This morning at 5 Wee toock up our line of march & at 8 o clock at night reached Boltons Station 12 miles from Black Ri[ver] & then lay under a hevy Rain nerly all night But I will not forget to State that at 4 o clock pm wee past champion Hill a place that will ever be remembrd bye the Survivers of the old 24 I am Still un Well
Wednesday 8
This morning wee moved our camp a half mile & here Remaind untill 6 o clock pm then our corps each 3 in No toock different Roads & moved on
______45On the afternoon of the 4th, Grant sent a telegram to his command: “The enemy surrendered this morning. The only term allowed is their parole as prisoners of war. This I regard as a great advantage to us at this moment. It saves, probably, several days in the capture, and leaves troops and transports ready for immediate service.” Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, 297. 46Hovey’s report notes that “on the 5th, without time for a glimpse at the prize, my division was ordered . . . to pursue the treating forces of General Johnston.” Report of Brig. Gen. Hovey, July 5, 1863. Johnston, on his way to Vicksburg when he heard of the city’s surrender, ordered his forces to fall back to Jackson. To prevent the city from being restored as a communications and supply center, Union forces under Gen. William T. Sherman quickly moved to retake it. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 61
towards Clinton whare wee expected to meat Some opposition our corps marched a bout 4 miles & then halted a bout 9 o clock for the night I am a bout Worn out
Thursday 9
This morning a bout 7 o clock wee left camp & marched to Clinton a bout 4 miles & a bout 12 o clock Wee Went in to camp till further orders last night there was Some Skermishing With our advance guards & the Rebals pickets but the Rebals had to fly with some loss but no orders came for marching & Wee remaind at Clinton till the next morning I am now Worn out & my [s]rapps has to be [h?oned]
Friday 10
This morning wee left Trinton & marched 6 miles & haulted a bout knoon 4 miles from Jackson Whare Wee remaind untill the next morning Some fiering of cannon is going on in front nere Jackson with our advance troops I am Still in pore helth
Saturday 11
This morning our Regiment Was orderd out to Scour the contry on the Right of our line to clare the way for our division to advance & take persi- tion on the line so a bout 3 o clock pm on our Way Back to camp Wee met our division advansing So wee Skerimished & sheld our way With the Rebals a bout 1 to [ ] & then toock our place on the line at dark & I stood picket all night in my feble helth
Sunday 12
This morning Earley hevy cannonading & skirmishing be gan & at 10 o clock wee had the Rebals drove in considerbley & had advansed our lines near a 1 mile & toock persition in Veue of the Rebals Works & between 10 & 12 General Lowmon maid an attemped to charge a part of the Rebal Works with his division & had to fall Back with considerble loss47 I am still unwell
______47Sherman had not yet ordered a direct assault against Johnston’s defenses when Gen. Jacob Lauman ordered his forces to charge the Confederate line. He lost 400 men and was forced to retreat; Sherman relieved Lauman of his command after Jackson was captured. 62 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Monday 13
Earley this morning our Reg Was orderd forward from the Reserve on to the line to Relieve the 46 Ind & our company was sent forward as Skermishers & Co B to supprt us so wee exchanged Shotts freeley With the Rebals & Roon Some clost Rebbs but none of us Was hurt except 1 & him Very Slitley but the Reg laying behind us lost 1 kild & 4 Wonded slitley I am still quite febal
Tuesday 14
This morning wee are activeley Engaged in Building Brest Works & prepar- ing for a Regular Seage or any case of imergency wee have our lines estab- lished & The Skermishing & cannonading is activley going on in the Evnin Wee had an armistes from 1 to 3 to take care of the dead & Wonded helth is good generaley I am mending
Wednesday 15
Last night our artillery kep the Rebals Very Well interested all night & this morning hevy fiering commenced With the Skermishing partys & Was con- tinued pretty mutch all day & late in the evning Wee Received a good Shelling from the rebal Batterys but having completed our Brest Works they done us no harm my helth is some better
Thursday 16
Last night the Rebals appeard to be up & stiring all night Their Band Was playing & Volleys of musketry ware fierd at Short intervills nerley all night & to there has bin hevy fiering on some part of the line the most of the time & the Rebal Sharp Shooters has fierd briskley in front of us all day I am still porley
Friday 17
This morning found us still behind our Brest Works but to our Surprise the Rebals was gone they had taken the advantage of the night & taken leave of the place48 after fiering the Best part of the Town Several straglers came in to
______48Johnston decided not to repeat the ordeal of besieged Vicksburg and ordered his defenders— under the cover of darkness and the sounds of music and rifle fire—to retreat. By midnight, Confederate troops were marching out of Jackson, and by morning they were four miles away from the city. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 63
our lines this morning & declars themselvs tierd of fighting & are willing to take the oath
Saturday 18
To day our men has nerley finished the Town & has laid in a Supply of Shugar Molasses & Soon for a few days & Wee have details out taring up the different Rail Roads that connect at this place49 & Will probbaley leave in a few days as Wee Will not Garrison the place I am still porley
Sunday 19
Sonday To day Wee are Still in camp & the Report is that Banks has inter- cepted old Johnstons Retreat & has cut him off from Mobeal the point he Was aiming at & if so he will probabiley loose nerley his entire Army of 30:00050 I am quite Sick to day
Monday 2051
To day we still lay in camp at Jackson in the evening our advance that fol- lowed Johnson came back & reported haveing had a skirmish with his rear some prisoners captured
Tuesday 21
Started out on the march early The roads dusty and marching disagreeable reached Raymond about 4 PM haveing marched 15 miles
Wednesday 22
Off early and marched to Black River a hard rain late in the evening Two men killed on the road with lightning
______49Fulfer records that this time the Union troops “tore up the track for ten miles in each direc- tion.” Fulfer, History of the Trials and Hardships, 83. 50By July 18, Johnston’s forces were encamped near Morton, Mississippi, about 40 miles east of Jackson. Banks and Grant wanted to launch a campaign against Mobile, but Banks was instead ordered to begin planning a full-scale attempt to retake Texas. 51Entries for next several days are in handwritings other than Carroll’s. 64 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Thursday 23
left camp early and marche to Vicksburg reaching there about noon haveing marched 15 miles went into camp on the river bank below Town
Friday 24
Nothing of importance going on to day all the men rather tired after the hard marching
Saturday 25
Fixing up our camp to day have not got our tents yet got our new Jackets To day they were issued to us this evening
Sunday 26
the day has been very stormy this morning at 9 o clock we had company Inspection By Lt Samuel Smith52 late In the evening It Blew & rained very hard But did not continue long No news from the army of much Import
Monday 27
Nothing of Importance has transpired to day the weather has been very warm to day two men from our Co got a furlough for (20) days & started for Home in the evening nothing more to record to night Wm HC
Tuesday 28
Weather warm & sultry this morning we moved our Camp farther down the river only changed directions health generally good In the Regiment I am not yet much better think I am slowly mending nothing farther to day WHC
Wednesday 2953
To day Still in camp & Nothing of intrest going on untill evening then wee all had a chance to draw New clothing Which Was badley kneeded54 to some
______52Lt. Samuel M. Smith, Co. D, 24th Indiana. 53Carroll’s handwriting resumes with this entry. 54Fulfer records that the 24th “drew new zouave uniforms . . . sent to us from Indianapolis.” Fulfer, History of the Trials and Hardships, 84. Civil War Zouave uniforms varied but all were DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 65
extent the Wethr Very Warm I am Still quite unwell John Mongomory died this morning
Thursday 30
Still in camp & Nothing Special going on the Wether Warm With occasion- al Showers & Some Wind the helth is generaley tolerble good 1 death in our Reg Since Wee came here to this camp I am Still porley
Friday 31
This is the last day of July 1863 & Wee are Still in camp & has our quarters nicely fixed up but Madam Rumer Ses that Wee are under marching orders for Natchee & Will Brobably Start in a few days I am still porley
Saturday, August 1
Saturday August the—1 1863 Still in camp but makeing preperations to leave for Natchee the 2 Brigade leaves on Boats to morrow the days is quite Warm but the mornings & Evnings quit cool & pleasant I am Still porley
Sunday 2
Still at Vicksburg the Wether Warm With occasional Showers Co drill from half past 8 till 10 dress perade at soonset each day no mail for Several days I am Still unfit for deuty
Monday 3
To day evry thing is going on a bout as usual the Wether Very Warm
Tuesday 455
The weather is very warm & this morning wee got marching orders for Natchez Miss No news from the army worth relating I am still unwell
______brightly colored and modeled after uniforms worn by French colonial soldiers. An example of an original zouave uniform can be seen at http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/ object.cfm?key=35&objkey=95. 55Entries through August 8 are in a different hand. 66 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Wednesday 5
This morning we started for Natchez & arrived at that place near 5 o clock the same day we then marched through Town some 2 miles out In the Country the weather very warm
Thursday 6
To day the boys have been very busy In hoisting their tents wood & water are Both very Scarce no news from any Source worth mentioning I am still convalescent
Friday 7
Times are dull in camp to day very warm & no news & I am very unwell this evening the 29 Wisconsin went out on a scout in the country
Saturday 8
No news of Importance to day the weather is somewhat cooler & I hope it may continue to be so for some time I am still unwell &56 not worth a shit for nothing or Nobody Wm H Carroll
Sunday 957
Still in camp the Wether Warm but a fine Breeze Stirring evry thing plenty and tolerble cheap in the eating line our camp is a bout 1 mile from the River & 2 miles from Town & This maks Water Very unhandy I am Still unwell
Monday 10
This morning Still finds us in camp Nere Natches but Some of us mooveing down to Port Hudson Which is bye nomeans good Noose to the Boys for they are all Very ancious to Stay here till Wee Wrest but orders has come & Wee must pack up I am still porley
______56The rest of the entry has been penciled over at a later date. 57Carroll’s hand resumes in this entry. DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 67
Tuesday 11
This morning found us on the Bank of the River Wee marched down last night & put the most of our bagage on board but none of the men except Some of the Sick but they Ware all on board Earley & Soon Set found us at port hudson Whare Wee Remaing till Nexte Eve 3 o clock I am Some Better
Wednesday 12
This morning found us Still all a live & glad of it & all Well pleased to learn that Wee had orders to move on down to Carrolton Nere Neworleans So Wee left port Hudson at 3 o clock & reached this place Which is 7 miles from the main city & is colled Carrolton I am Still on the mend58
Thursday 13
This morning at daylight Wee found our Selvs at Carlton Lou just 7 miles a bove Neworleans & to the great Satesfation of the Boys We found Lagerbeer plenty & onley 5 cents a glass & eatibles of all Kinds cheape & plenty late in the evn Wee Went into camp I am Still on the mend
Friday 14
This morning finds us Still in camp a bout 1 mile from Carlton & a bout 1 half mile from the River but Wee have a butiful camp & free access to the Town Some of our officers & Boys has just Returned from the city 1 of our Boys Was Shot dead this eve bye a Negro59 I am a bout well No mail
Saturday 15
This morning found us Still in our New camp I Was up Town to day & had a fine time eating ice creem & drinking Lagger & Sodywater the man kild yesterday Was a Recruit bye the Name of Cavinaw he came to us at Helena
______58The regiment spent the rest of the year in marches, skirmishes, and brief battles throughout southern Louisiana. Towns and camps mentioned by Carroll and Fulfer include Carrollton, Brasier City, Algiers, Berwick, New Iberia, Vermillion Bayou, and Camp Fairview. Fulfer, History of the Trials and Hardships, chap. 12. 59Fulfer writes that “one of the boys in our regiment, while trying to catch a chicken, was shot and instantly killed by a negro safeguard. The boys planned to take him out of jail that night and lynch him, but he was slipped out.” Ibid., 86. 68 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
& Belonged to Co G he Was a fine Boy & Well disposed he Was Beried in the honers of Ware this Evning No mail
Sunday 16
Sonday the 16 To day finds us in fine helth & good Sperits 30 of our Boys Went to the city this morning on the 8 o clock train & Some Went on their own luck tomorrow I am to have a pass & Will be off earley Should nothing occer to prevent it I Went up Town intending to go to church but did not go this eve I am quite unwell No mail
Monday 17
This morning found us Still in camp a bove Carlton but in the Evning orders came for us to move down closter to the city & Whare Wee Would be hand- ier to Water So wee moved down Below Carlton & about 2 1/2 & Below our old camp I am Still unwell No mail
Tuesday 18
Well this morning finds us in our new camp Below Carlton but not fulley Set up yet to day Wee pitched What tents Wee had but the Wether is Very Blustory & Rainey Which makes it Very unpleasant our camp is a Very nice one & handy to the River So I think Wee Will be all right in a few days Still Sick No mail
Wednesday 19
This day still found us in our New camp & to day Wee have bin trying to fix up as comfortable as possible but Wee have nothing to make beads of & consiquintly Wee have to pay 4 cents a foot for lomber or lye on the ground it is Still Raining & my helth is Worse No mail
Thursday 20
Today finds us Still in camp & the Wether Still Weet but the Boys Seams to engoy them Selvs hugeley going to the city I have not yet had a oppertunity of Seeing the city on the account of my pore helth the Wether is Still damp & Wet & my helth quite pore No mail
Friday 21
To day Still found us in camp & Wee Was expecting to be revewed bye General Banks to day but Was disapointed the Wether is more fare to day DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 69
but quite plesent for the climate at this time of the year helth is tolerble good With the most of us This morning I had to attend Sick call No mail
Saturday 22
To day finds us Sill in camp General Revew this morning at 8 am & Some talk of us marching Soon Some of our furlowed Boys has Returned nothing more of special intrest occerd to day helth is Still Very good no mail Since Wee arrived at this place my helth is Still Very pore
Sunday 23
To day found us Still in camp the Boys all liveley & engoying them Selvs fine the Wether is moderatley Warm With occasional Showers Still Some talk of us leaving but no definate time set no mail yet my helth Still pore
Monday 24
To day Still found us all Write & as I felt Some better than usual this morn- ing I toock the 8 o clock train & Went to the city had a fine time in Vewing the city then Returned to camp a gain on the 4 o clock train No mail yet my helth Some better
Tuesday 25
To day finds us Still in camp Louis the wether is Still fine & not Very Warm Wee have but little deuty to do & the Boys has a fine time visiting the city wee have General Revew evry other day No mail yet I am Still un Well
Wednesday 26
Still in camp Evry thing going on a bout as usual the most of our furlowed Boys has Returned the Weather Still fine & Buisness gitting to be active & interesting to day Wee received a fine mail I Recived 4 letters maid a Visit to the City I am Still unwell
Thursday 27
Still in camp evry thing going on fine the Wether Still fine & not Very warm Buisiness active helth is Still tolerble good a mong our troops General inspection this afterknoon my helth is Worse this afterknoon 70 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Friday 28
To day finds us Still in Camp Louis & all going on fine there Was a General Revew of our Army Corps to day from 8 till 12 Gen Banks & Staf Was pres- ent & the Gen complemented us Very hiley on our good apperance & good performance on the field I am Still porley
Saturday 29
To day Still found us in our old camp & the Boys are Still engoying them Selvs hugeley the wether is Still fine & pleasant & buisness active & Still on the loock up there is hardley any time in the day but What the cars or boats can be herd on the go I am Still unwell
Sunday 30
This is the Sabbath day but appears Very mutch unlike our Sabbaths use to at home no preeching in camp & after inspection the Boys Some went to the city Some to the Lake but I am very porley to day & had to remain in camp I had 1 letter Written
Monday 31
To day still found us in Camp Louis the wether fine helth tolerable good & evry thing going on a bout as usual Some talk of us marching Soon I am Still Very unwell No mail today
Tuesday, September 1
To day Still found us in camp With no perticular indications of moveing but Still Some talk of it The Wether is Still fine & plesent drill occasionley I am Still not fit for dewty
Wednesday 2
Sill in camp & all going on Right Still Some talk of us moveing Some talk of the arrival of Gen Grant to this place to Visit our Army corps the wethr Still fine i am Still porley DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 71
Thursday 3
Still in camp the wether fine Gen Grant has arrived & Will Revew our corps To morrow morning at 8 o clock Still Some talk of us leaving Soone helth is not quite so good I am Still on the Sick list (Some mail to day)
Friday 4
Still in camp & all going on Well this morning at 8 o clock our corps Was cald together & Revewed bye Gen Grant who has just arrived from Vicksburg Shortley after the Revew Gen Grant was thrown from his horse & badley hurt I am slitley on the mend
Saturday 5
This morning Still found us in camp but under marching orders a part of our corps is allredy on the move but as yet wee onley have preparitory orders & has not yet received orders to march & as yet wee have but little ide Whare wee are going I am still Mending
Sunday 6
Still in camp Louis Nere Carlton La the Wether Still fine & helth tolerble good Still Some talk of leaving but no time set to go my helth has Some what improved No mail to day
Monday 7
Still in camp but nothing Special going on the Wether is Still fine with a pleasant breeze helth is Still good & to Some extent improveing my helth is Still improveing no mail to day
Tuesday 8
Still at home & boarding at the Same place but Board rather Rough the Wether Still fine a grand display on dress perade by the 11 Ind Reg this afterknoon at 5 o clock in the city a large crowd present No mail
Wednesday 9
Still in camp Some little excercise in drill & dress perade the Wether Still fine & Still no orders to march yet & the talk has a bout plaid out & pay day is the talk now my helth is Still improveing no mail 72 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Thursday 10
Still in camp the Wether fine I am a gain able for deuty & is to day on poliese guard no more talk of marching it is now nere 5 o clock pm & Supper is just Redy Some mail to day I received 1 letter from home my helth is Still improving
Friday 11
To day Still found us in camp & all going on well but there is Still Some talk of moveing the Wether is Still fine & helth tolerble good my helth is Still poar but Some better Wee Still have drills Twist a day Some little mail to day
Saturday 12
This morning Still found us in camp & all quiate but bye knoon Wee had orders to march & night found us all gone but a detail of 10 men who was lefte back to take care of the bagag & a few Sick that could not go no mail to day
Sunday 13
This morning Still found the detail at our old camp Still no Werd of our Bagage Wee expected to follow the Regiment this morning who has gone on the cars to Brasier city 8 mles from this city a bout 12 Wee got our Bagage Stoard a way & is now waiting for the details out of other Regt to git redy to follow up the division my helth is still pore
Monday 14
This morning Still finds us at our old camp Waiting for orders & trans- portation my helth is Still pore orders come in the Evening for us to all meat together & be redy to Start at 5 but wee Soon got orders to return to our camps as wee would Remain till 5 the next morning my helth is Still pore
Tuesday 15
This morning our detail Was up Earley & at 6 oclock to the train for the city of Neworleans Wee landed there at 7 crost the River to Algers & at 11 o clock lefte that place on the cars for Brasier city at Whith place Wee arrived at a bout 4 o clock pm Whare wee found our Regiments all Safe in camp my helth is Still bad DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 73
Sept the 15th60 This morning at 5 o clock our details from the different Regiments lefte our old camp to follow our Regiments At 7 o clock Wee toock the cars at Green Vill Station for Neworleans
I Eat 1 crabb to day61
Wednesday 16
This morning found us Still at Brasier city Whith is Situated on Berwich bay at the termination of the R R Whitch is 18 miles from Neworleans this bay is nere the Sise of the Miss Riv & is Navagable for any kind of Steemers the Water is Salty & a bounds with oister sea crabbs & all kinds of fish Still pore helth
Thursday 17
To day found us Still at Brachcar city & other troops ar arriving from Neworleans on evry train & are crossing the Bay & it is evident that there is an experdition of foot for Texas the Boys has fine fun catching crabbs my helth is Still poar
Friday 18
Still at Brachar city last night & this morning is Very cool General inspec- tion in our division This morning & it is likeley that our forces Will leave here Soon the troops ar Still crossing over to the opposite Side of the bay & Will probabiley move forward Soon my helth is Still pore
Saturday 19
To day wee are Still in camp at Brashaear city & there is Some probability of us Staying here a while as our General has been assigned the command of this poast I had a fine mess of fish to day for dinner that I caught myself out of Berwick Bay my helth is Some better
Sunday 20
Still in camp & this butiful Sabbath morning Still finds our Regiment in tol- erble good helth the nights are Still quite cool So mutch that Wee have
______60This paragraph is written, in Carroll’s handwriting, on the inside of the front flyleaf of the diary. 61This line is written just above “Wednesday 16” printed in the diary. 74 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Sufferd considerble for the Want of blanketts to cover withe my helth is Still Sloley improveing
Monday 21
To day Still found us in camp at Brashaear city & other troops is Still cross- ing the Bay but as yet wee have no orders to cross over the Wether is Still cool & pleasant but Water & groob is Scarce I am Still mending
Tuesday 22
Still in camp the Wether fine & evry day the cars is Still Bringing more troops & Supplys from Neworleans forage & market Stough is Very Scarce at this point this evning Brig General MacGinnace takes command of this post my helth is Still gaining
Wednesday 23
To day wee are Still in camp the wether Still fine & Still large preperations is being maid for a General move on the Rebals at Some other point supposed to be in Texas my helth Still improveing
Thursday 24
Still at Brasher city the Wether Still fine & helth Still tolerble good & Still the troops is crossing the Bay & preparing to march my helth is Still gaining a little
Friday 25
Still in camp With Some prospect of marching Soon but no pay master has come yet & wee would all be glad to have our Regular Green Backs before leaveing here my helth Still gaining
Saturday 26
Still in camp the wether Still fine with Some little Sign of Rain & Still the cars & Boats are buisiley engaged in transporting & crossing Supply for our intended Experdition in to Texas helth is generaley good I am Some better DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 75
Sunday 27
Still in camp & the Wether Still fine & evry thing activerley engaged in preparing for our Experdition orders came for us to be Redy to march at 12 to day but wee did not march my helth Still pore
Monday 28
Still in camp General Revew of our division this morning at 8 then at 12 Wee Went on Board of Boats & crossed over the Bay then Went in to camp till further orders hevy Raining began just before night I am Still porley
Tuesday 29
This morning found us Still in our New Camp but nerley drownded out as it Raind all night & Wee was porley fixt for Shelter having nothing but our oil cloth for Shelter & it is Still Raining & bidds fare for a wet Spell Wee have orders to march tomorrow morning I am still porley
Wednesday 30
Still in camp in Burwic City but Wee was to have marched this morning but owing to its still being Very Rainey Wee did not march helth is Still tolerble good but my helth is gitting Worse a gain
Thursday, October 1
Thursday Oct the 1 Wee are Still in camp & the rain has Some what a bait- ed but fortunatley it has proved to be a considerble blessing for us for being detain here a few days the pay master has arrived & has to day Replenished our dry purses With 2 more months pay Whitch Wee greatley kneeded my helth to day is Very pore
Friday 2
This morning Still finds in camp owing to the mud & Water in the Roads but the Wether is fare & nice & Wee will probabiley march to morrow or next day the Wether is now fare & loocks as thoe it Would be for Some time my helth is Still pore 76 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Saturday 3
This morning Wee toock up our line of march at 8 o clock & found the Roads fare better than wee expected at a bout 11 o clock Wee past through a little Town cald Pattersonville & after a march of Some 12 miles went in to camp for the night my helth Still pore
Sunday 4
This morning Wee a gain Resumed our march at 6 o clock to day wee pas through Some fine contry & the Roads Was fine a bout 9 o clock we past through another little Town cald Santyville then a bout 12 Wee came to frankling & Went into camp I am Still porley
Monday 5
This morning Wee lefte the Town of Frankling & toock up our line of march at 8 o clock & wee marched a bout 12 miles through a Very fine Scape of contry thickley Settled a bout 4 o clock Wee Went in to camp for the night I am Still porley & the march goes Very hard with me
Tuesday 6
This morning Wee lefte camp & toock up our line of march at 6 o clock to day wee past over mostley prairie contry Whitch was Very butiful but not So thickley Settled as that of yesterday travail Wee marched 10 or 12 miles & went in to camp as 12 [p]m 3 miles from New Town & will probabiley Stay here Some days I am Still porley
Wednesday 7
This morning Still found us in our New camp Nere New Ibera & it is thought that Wee Will Remain here for Several days in order to git new Supplys the Wether is fine & the contry Butiful With plenty of forage of all Kinds our camp is in a butiful prary With no timber nere I am Some better but Still porley
Thursday 8
Still in camp & likley to remain for Several days yet Waiting for New Supplys the wether is Still fine & helth good Except some few cases of the chills other divisions of our corps are reaching us from the City fat cattle Sheepe & poltry is plenty I am Still mending DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 77
Friday 9
To day Still finds us in camp & Wee have had another Rashen of drill to day last night Was very cool & this morning Wee found plenty of frost to ingure sweet potatoes whitch grows in a bundance in this contry Wee have received Some little mail here but I have received none yet I am Still mending
Saturday 10
This morning Wee got orders to march at 7 o clock So bye 8 Wee Was under Way & Wee marched 25 mil through butiful contry past one little Town caled New Ibera the march Was long on the account of Water but a bout dusk Wee reached Vermilion Bay whare Wee Went in to camp my helth is Still improveing
Sunday 11
To day Wee lay in camp on the Vermilion Bay & the Boys being entirley out of Rashens for 2 or 3 days Went for the fat hoggs & chickens & evry good thing that the contry could afford the Wether is fine & pleasant but the Roads Rather dusty for marcing Some mail to day I am Well
Monday 12
This morning Still found us in camp on Vermilion Bay & it is brobabil that Wee Will remain here for Some days the Wether is fine & helth Very good a mong our troops foragin all Stoped & Rashens Rather Short Some indica- tions of Rain to night I am in tolerble helth
Tuesday 13
Still in camp a hevy Rain last night Brigade this morning commanded bye our New Brig General R A Cameron then in the evning Wee moved camp a Short distance on a line with the Wrest of the Brigade the Wether fare & ple- sant my helth is tolerble
Wednesday 14
This morning found us Still in our New camp the wether Still fine to day other Regiments are changing therr camps & takeing New persitions whitch indicats that wee will Remain here for Some time yet Brigaid drill in the afterknoon I am well 78 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
William H. Carroll in later life. Carroll returned to farming, married, raised two children, and died in 1891. Courtesy of Frank Carroll
Thursday 15
This morning found us Still in camp but considerble canonading could be herd in front & wee felt Shure that wee would have to march Soon So Shure enough wee lefte camp at 3 pm & marched till nere 12 at night makein about 16 miles this brought us on the disputed ground whare wee Went in to camp for the Remainder of the night
Friday 16
This morning found us all a live but Very Soar and Stuped from our hard march dewering the night but after Breckfast Wee changed persition & formed in line of battle & was arrainging our camps when wee was tisturbed bye a few Rebal cavaldry who maid a raid on Some of our pickets & a forage party our loss was 2 kild 5 Won & 7 taken prisners I am well DIARY OF WILLIAM H. CARROLL 79
Saturday 17
This morning found us Still in our new camp Situated on the Scirt of a buti- ful prarie clost to a Scirt of timber through whitch a Small Streem Roons & from this Wee git our water the Enimy is just before us & occasional Skermishing occers on our picket line I am Well
Sunday 18
This Butiful Sabbath Morning Still found us in our New Camp Which is cold camp Farevew Still the Rebals is to be Seene in front of us in con- siderble force & Some Skermishing Still occers on our picket line the Rebals So fare as has been discoverd yet are all mounted I am still in tolerble helth
Monday 1962
Still in camp to day a Small force was Scent out to make a Reconoisance in front & they returned in the evning & Reported that Rebbs was Still tolerble plenty a bout 4 miles in front & all appeard to be mounted I am Still in tol- erble helth
Thursday, December 17
To day is fare but Rather coald Wee received our New collars this evening at 5 pm with the different Battles that Wee have been Engaged in enscribed there on witch is 7 in No namley Shilo Grand Prarie Port Gibson 10 mile Creak Champion Hill Vicksburg & Jackson63
Friday 18
To day Wee Received marching orders for Brashier City & Will march tomorrow morning at 8 o clock the Wether is Still cold New Iberia Dc 18 1863
______62This is the last entry until the two in mid-December. Some of the following pages are blank, and some are missing. A few pages have penciled notes probably related to Carroll’s farmwork after the war; one page contains a tally of the clothing that Carroll bought in 1863. 63The new regimental colors were presented to the troops by Indiana Governor Oliver Morton. Fulfer, History of the Trials and Hardships, 95. 80 INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY
Grand Gulf Mississippy64—Wednsday April the 29 This morning found us in Sight of Grand Gulf at 8 o clock our Goon Boats 7 in No advanced on the Rebal Batterys & a heavvy fiering Was continewed untill 1 o clock pm then our Goon Boats drew off leaving The Rebal Batterys all Silanced but one consisting of 3 or 4 Goons the names of the Boats engaged ware as followers Commanded by Commodore Porter Benton Flag ship Carondalet Louisville Cincinnatti Tuscumbia Lafayette the casualtys on our Side if reports be cor- rect is 10 kild & 34 Wonded the Goon Boat Tuscumbia was Badly damaged our forces consisting of 3 divisions has disembarked from the transports & has marched below the Batterys bye way of the levee & is now encamped on a large plantation intending to cross the River in the morning to attact the Rebal land forces it is now nere dark & our Boats is Running past The Rebal Batterys under a hevvy fier from their Goons in order to cross us over to them the Rebal loss is not yet known bye elev[en] o clock at night our Goon Boats & transports Ware all Safeley below the batterys With no perticular damage being done them no one was kild or wonded in passing after night allthoe a very hevy fiering was kep up on boath sids for the space of 2 hours our loss in passing Their batterys was 5 horces kild on one of the transports bye a Ball that past Through her lower deck dewring the days engagement between our Goon Boats & the Rebal Batterys our loss Was 12 kild & 38 wonded there being a Slite mistake in the first report Wee have at this time 5 divisions here Reddy to cross over in the morning a bout 20000 in No wee are all encamped for the night on a large plantation 5 miles from the Rebal fort General Grant & Ajutant Gen Thomas is allsso With us
______64The final entry is this account—in Carroll’s hand and apparently written at the same time as the diary entries—of the battle at Grand Gulf.