I
Received My Warrant
One
year ago [22 May 1861] tonight, I was at the Demoin House in the City of Desmoines [Iowa]. Today I received my warrant as Sergeant of
Company G. of 3rd Regiment, Iowa Infantry, dated May the 22nd A.D.,
1862. Health moderate, symptoms of fever, took preventative.
Colonel Williams returned to camp this P.M. Health is poor. Owing
to the declining health of Lieutenant
M. R. Frederick of our Company, I fear he will be compelled to resign
his position in the army. I hope his health may improve soon, for to lose him,
we will lose a good and faithful officer; one who is respected by his command,
and all will regret to part with him.
W.C. Newlon.
We
signed the pay roll this morning; Paymaster is here, paying the 28th Illinois Infantry today. Our regiment comes next in turn for
pay.
The 52nd Indiana Infantry is having dress parade. The band is
discoursing fine,[1] charming, delightful, delicious, and cheering
music at this 5
o’clock P.M., May 24th,
62.
Near Corinth Mississippi. &c
Written
vertically up the left margin:
W C Newlon Army of the Tennessee, Gen Hurlbut’s
Division in camp near Corinth, Mississippi
Sabbath, May the 25th,
1862
In camp near Corinth, Mississippi
The weather last night and this morning is quite cool, a little
the much so [sic] to
be pleasant. The sky is clear and I think the rain is over for the present.
Our company was called for this morning to go on picket guard. After
the usual routine we marched to headquarters of the brigade to report, and were
there informed that our services were not needed today; consequently we were
permitted to rest.
I was
glad of this, for the past three Sabbaths I have been on duty, and nothing but
military law and necessity will compel me to work on the Sabbath, as it was
instituted as a day of rest for man and beast. But a man is compelled to do
many things in the army, which he would not do were he not under military law.
I wrote a letter home to Father today; would like to see him.
Lt. M. R. Frederick received his
resignation today, it being sent up a few days ago for acceptance. What I
recorded yesterday will before many days come to pass. There is no other man in
the 3rd Iowa that I hate to part with so much as to part
with him. No other officer that ever had command of this company got along so
well as he.
No
one can say that he ever used any partiality whatever; all have fared equally.
His efforts to improve the moral condition of the company and its personal
appearance were unceasing. His conduct on the field at Pittsburgh (although his first trial) is worthy of the
highest commendation.
But
seeing his health is so impaired and no hopes of its improving while in the
army. I congratulate him in his success in getting a dismissal from the
service, although many men in ranks are and have been laboring under disease
for months past cannot get discharged from service. And why, because they have
no commission.
General [Thomas A.?] Davies commenced to advance this morning but, finding
the enemy advancing in force to resist, he gave up the idea for fear of
bringing on a general engagement. The lines in front of our division have been
very quiet up to this time, 6 o’clock P.M., May the 25th, 62.
I
have been very lonesome today.
W.C. Newlon
3rd Iowa Infantry
Monday,
May the 26th, 1862
Army of the Tennessee
Camp near Corinth, Mississippi
Our
lines are quiet this morning as though there was no enemy near. At 2 o’clock
P.M., we
received four months’ pay- $52.00. I sent home $50.00. Wrote a letter home.
This evening heavy cannonading on the left, cause unknown, also
heavy skirmishing between the pickets.
At 7 o’clock divine services in front of the hospital of
the 32nd Illinois Infantry, subject of discourse: last chapter
and verse of Daniel.[2] Good sermon, first I have heard since I left Huntsville, Mo.
Health moderate, day pleasant.
We
Won’t Shoot If You Don’t!
Tuesday,
May 27th 1862
Right wing of the army
Near Corinth, Mississippi
Six o’clock
A.M.,
considerable stir in the direction of Corinth last night. The running and whistling of
engines appeared to be not more than one mile distant. Pickets were in action
during the night and this morning as soon as the shades of darkness had
disappeared. The sharp reports of their rifles ring in the air. I thought last
night perhaps the enemy intended to make an attack this morning. But they have
not yet divulged.
One
year ago [27 May 1861] this morning I bade adieu to home and
relatives and friends. How wrought were my feelings that memorable morning. How
hard to part with those we love, especially under the circumstances, which I
left that morning.
Wednesday,
May 28th, 1862,
we were called on yesterday (the 27th) at 8 o’clock
A.M. for
picket. Went and found the enemy’s pickets in close proximity with ours, and
upon our arrival saluted us with a fire from their lines. The grand guards were
about two hundred yards apart and most of the time was in plain view of each
other.[3] Our men were not permitted to fire, but the
enemy failed not to improve every opportunity when any part of our body would
be exposed. About noon they became more reconciled and commenced
conversation, which continued most of the afternoon about as follows:
Secesh
[secessionist],
“Hello over there, stick your head out and let me see it.”
Union, “I won’t do it. What do you shoot so much
for? There is no use in so much shooting. We won’t shoot if you don’t!”
Secesh, “Enough said.”
Union, “Come over and take dinner with me.”
Secesh, “I would if I was not afraid you would
shoot me! Have you got any coffee?”
Union, “Yes”
Secesh, “Got any tobacco?”
Union, “Yes, come over and get some.”
Secesh, “I will trade you whisky for coffee and
sugar.”
Union, “You come over and I will give you
some.” Secesh, “How many cannons have you got at the landing?” Union, “Got enough to blow you to hell and have
powder left. Where is Old Beauregard?”
Secesh, “He is here.”
Union, “That is a lie! He is not at Corinth.”
Secesh, “How do you know?”
Union, “I know all about it.”
Secesh, “Where is Halleck?”
Union, “He is here.”
Secesh, “Have you got any niggers over there?”
Union, “No!”
Secesh, “That's a lie.”
They would talk a half hour, and someone would
shoot, and then they would shoot with vengeance for a while, and then resume
the conversation. Tell each other to give their respects to the girls &c
&c. Sometimes they would use abusive language. The day was very warm.
I had charge of an Irish squad, was relieved at dark, fell back on the reserve, slept
till morning, or tried to sleep, as I had an awful headache, returned to post
at 7 o’clock
A.M.
The
Ground is Contested
Wednesday, 4 o’clock P.M., May 28th,
1862
In camp near Corinth, Mississippi
This
morning at 7
o’clock A.M., our lines
were formed and shortly advanced in force. Met and drove back the enemy’s line
of pickets, throwing shells from two batteries.
The order of advance was as follows, line of
skirmishers in front, next infantry in three distinct lines of battle, 3rd Artillery, 4th Cavalry, in sequence.
Soon the volleys of musketry and roar of cannon were terrific, the enemy
replying with his batteries.
May 28th,
1862
The engagement is general; the firing on the
center and left was and is terrific. The right wing advanced and drove the
enemy from their camps leaving everything behind them, which our men took
possession of. We have a number of men killed and wounded, but the number I
know not and as the battle rages, the number increases.
Cannonading has ceased on the right wing for a
few moments, but increases on the center. Our division gained a position, in
view of the enemy works. We took a number of prisoners.
Our regiment is laying [sic] in reserve, consequently we are not exposed, perhaps will be engaged
tomorrow.
Corporal S.G. Ruby got a pass for five
days to go to Hamburgh [Hamburg, just south of South
Pittsburg, TN], Tennessee River. Lt.
M. R. Frederick started this morning for home, luck to him. Wish I was
going with him.
Eighteen
regiments of cavalry made reconnaissance in direction of Purdy; have not
returned yet.[4]
Just received two letters, one from W.G. Moreland and one from Sisters Mary and Mattie, good news. Glad to hear from home.
Six o’clock
P.M.,
cannonading on the left and center is terrific. I hope it will continue until
the thing is settled. Health good.
May 29th,
1862
In camp near Corinth, Mississippi
Heavy cannonading last night and this morning, heavy musketry on
the center. Eight o’clock A.M., all quiet at this moment.
Nine
and a half A.M., we are ordered to march and take position in front. Our right
rests on General Sherman’s left,
supporting two batteries, one consisting of seven siege guns in size 22 and 64
pounds, under the other, brass field howitzers and a rifled cannon 12. Sherman’s men take 40 prisoners. Two deserters come
in.
Two P.M., our pickets are heavily attacked. The ground
is contested, for our men hold it under heavy fire.
This 4 P.M., the cannonading on the left this evening is
terrific. We will go it while we are young.
Six P.M., our siege guns moved out and planted three
fourths of a mile from the enemy’s outer works having a commanding range of the
same. This day has been remarkably warm. Two of our pickets are wounded.
A report this evening is current that General Banks has been repulsed with
considerable ease in Virginia. The report is not credited, but if so
Rebeldom will have great rejoicing.[5]
Over
the Enemy’s Breastworks
May 30th,
1862
In camp near Corinth
Mississippi
All
quiet last night along our lines, except signal rockets thrown by the enemy. We
lay last night on the ground as usual as tents are out of fashion.[6] Night was very warm, too warm for covering of
any kind.
Six A.M., a great noise in the direction of Corinth as of repeated explosions, I think Corinth is evacuated and that is a signal for pickets
to come in. I just came from the picket line and saw a great smoke at Corinth. I believe they have left and set fire to the
town.[7]
Seven A.M., a deserter comes in and declares that Corinth is evacuated; just now the 8th Missouri, 3rd
Iowa and 28th
Illinois Regiment of infantry are ordered to test the
matter. I am in too much of a glee to write more now.
Five o’clock
P.M., just
returned from pursuing the enemy; had a very hard time, and am very tired.
We went over the enemy’s breastworks this morning on quick time
and into Corinth on double quick, found they had evacuated; made a clean sweep. What they
could not take they destroyed, such a time I never saw, infantry, cavalry and
artillery going in the greatest haste, each trying to get there first. We
entered the town and were near suffocated [by] the depth
of the dust, the flames of the buildings on fire and the unrestrained rays of
the burning sun in the narrow streets of a town in Mississippi; was more than
man could stand. We hesitated but a moment in town, but pursued the enemy,
southwest.
About 3 miles beyond Corinth where we halted, rested for a few moments, and
with the 28th Illinois were ordered to camp, being relieved by other
troops. The retiring army destroyed the bridges after them. We took a number of
prisoners, many giving themselves up.
We returned to the town where we rested for a
moment, giving us an opportunity to view the great destruction of property, army
stores and everything else. The warehouses & all that was in them were
burned. All valuables and public property, even to a large church, were burned.
Many things however were left in their hasty retreat.
Their breastworks northwest of Corinth were 3 ½ miles from town and ¾ of a mile from
ours, but were not half so strong as ours.
Well for them that they escaped our
clutches; many of their sick were left behind, many of them crawling in the
woods to hide. The enemy is being
pressed by [Major General John] Pope and Buell, and part of General George H. Thomas’s divisions.[8]
May 31st,
1862
I pulled off boots, socks and pants last night
for the first time in many weeks and took a good sleep. Awoke this morning sore
and stiff as a racehorse.
The
day is intensely hot, some cannonading in the distance. The talk is today where
will we go next?
At 6 P.M., we were called on review, brigade review. Our
brigade consists of six regiments of infantry; reviewed by General Hurlbut.
June 1st,
1862, Sabbath
Camp near Corinth, Mississippi
Army of Tennessee
Had a good sleep last night. Rained a very
little.
I am on duty this A.M.
with a squad to dig wells, as water is very scarce. Have completed the wells;
have good success. Occasional showers
of rain this P.M.; glad to see it. Rain, as it is very dry. Our company goes on
guard at 5 P.M.; I will be on till 12 midnight.
This is Sabbath and I have been on duty all day; read little.
[1] To discourse (1602): to utter,
give forth (musical sounds). Ibid. s. v. “discourse”.
[2] Daniel 12:13: “But go thou
thy way till the end be: for thou
shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days”.
[3] In the United States, a ‘picket’ is synonymous
with a sentry, and the "’picket-line’ is the extreme advanced line of
observation of an army. In the French army, ‘les picquets’ are called ‘les
grands gardes’, and the phrase ‘grand guard’ is often found in works of the
17th and 18th centuries. Originally appearing in Volume
V21, Page 584 of the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at Online
Encyclopedia
[4] Purdy is a small unincorporated community between Selmer and Adamsville, Tennessee. Purdy, established in 1825 was the first
county seat named in honor of John Purdy, the government surveyor who laid out
the town lots. Located on the stage road that ran from Nashville to Mississippi, Purdy developed a
reputation as a beautiful town. Benjamin Wright, a veteran of the Creek Indian
Wars, soon emerged as the driving force behind the economic development of
Purdy. In 1831 the county built a new courthouse, where both Davy Crockett and
James K. Polk made political speeches.
In 1890, due to
the increasing economic development of Selmer following the railroad, the
county seat of McNairy County was moved from Purdy to Selmer. Within a few years of the removal of the Purdy
courthouse there was nothing to show for the 65 years except a few homes and
deserted buildings. Almost overnight Purdy became a ghost town.
TNGenWeb
Project a part of USGenWeb Project. http://www.mytennesseegenealogy.com/tn_county/mcn.htm
[5] Major Gen. Nathaniel P.
Banks retreated to Winchester, Virginia and attempted to defend it.
Gen. Jackson flanked his position with ease 25 May. Jackson pursued the fleeing Union
troops to the outskirts of Harper’s Ferry. James M. McPherson, The Atlas of
the Civil War. (New York: Macmillan, 1994), 66. “The repulse of General
Banks from the valley of Virginia can only be regarded as a
very unfortunate event. That he has made a masterly retreat, after having been
brought several times in collision with the overwhelming forces of the pursuing
rebels, is apparent from the distance of sixty miles or more traversed by his
little army in two days. He has thus, in saving his army from capture, done
more than could have been expected of him under the circumstances. But he has
succeeded, not only in saving his troops, but his baggage trains, which would
have been more valuable to the scantily supplied rebels than the capture of
three times the number of his men, without their supplies and transportation. General
Banks, therefore, may be justly considered as having skillfully discharged his
duty in this retreat, but still the rebels have doubtless secured valuable
military stores, to a considerable amount, at Front Royal, Strasburg and
Winchester, and, in recovering the control of the great valley abandoned by our
troops, the rebel guerillas may be expected to be prompt and merciless in their
acts of vengeance and plunder against all those of the local population accused
or suspected of Union sentiments an sympathies. The extensive region conquered
from the rebellion and the successful labors there in of General Banks of the
last three months, in behalf of the Union, are also in this single overwhelming
dash of the enemy upon his unwisely diminished forces.”, The New York Herald, 27 May 1862.
Available at http://www.pddoc.com/cw-chronicles/?p=6677.
[7] The Corinth Campaign (29-30 April 1862),
James M. McPherson, The Atlas of the Civil War. (New York: Macmillan,
1994), 55.
“In 1862 the sleepy town of Corinth, Mississippi, was transformed into one of
the South's most strategic strongholds. At Corinth, the Mobile and Ohio Railroad crossed
the Memphis and Charleston Railroad,
creating a crucial nexus for the transport of supplies, material, and men
throughout the western Confederacy. Following the battle of Shiloh, a vast Federal army under
Gen. Henry Halleck captured the town after an extended siege. But by summer,
Confederate forces began a broad offensive. In the East, Gen. Robert E. Lee
invaded Maryland, while in the West, Gen. Braxton Bragg led an
incursion into Kentucky. In support of Bragg,
Generals Earl Van Dorn and Sterling Price were ordered to drive back the Union
forces under Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William S. Rosecrans and seize
control of northern Mississippi. The action began in earnest
in September, as Price fought Rosecrans to a bloody standoff at Iuka, Mississippi. Price then combined his
forces with Van Dorn, who, in early October turned his attention to the effort
of regaining Corinth. The campaign for Corinth reached a crescendo in one
of the Civil War's most violent and bloody assaults, setting the stage for
Grant's Vicksburg campaign and ultimately deciding the fate of
the Confederacy in the Mississippi Valley.” Steven Nathaniel Dossman, Blood in Mississippi, McWhiney Foundation Press. http://www.tamu.edu/upress/BOOKS/2006/dossman.htm.
[8] The ‘Rock of Chickamauga’ was
bestowed on Union General George Henry Thomas for saving the army by holding a
hill on the left when the right fled from the field at the Battle of
Chickamauga. His greatest defensive victory came at the Battle of Nashville
where his army devastated the Confederate forces as they made a frontal
attack. His greatest offensive victory came at the Battle of Chattanooga
where his army captured Missionary Ridge with a frontal attack. He
never lost a battle where he had the top command. George H. Thomas was born in Southampton County, Virginia on 31
July 1816.
His roommate for the first year at West Point was William T. Sherman.
He graduated 12th in the 1840 class. He distinguished himself in the
Seminole War and the Mexican War. He was wounded by a Comanche arrow in a
Texas frontier skirmish. He
taught cavalry tactics to P. Sheridan and J.E.B. Stuart and artillery tactics
to John B. Hood at West Point. When the Civil War began, he chose to stay with
the Union despite his sisters' support
of their home state of Virginia and the Confederacy. Available
at http://www.civilwarfamilyhistory.com/new_page_73.htm.
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