Final chapter of Will's second journal. Go to greensblueandgray.com to learn how you can get a PDF of Will's two journals.
Chap
11 One-Legged Brigade
Jan. 1st, 1863
General Hospital Jackson, Tennessee
Another
New Year I must spend in the army, but somewhat different from the way I spent
last New Year. Last I spent merrily in St. Louis
a very poor quality at that; caused by being
cut off from the point of supplies.
On
that day, I enjoyed the society of comrades. Today I am compelled to lay [sic] in
a loathsome hospital; a place that I detest above all others on earth. I have
been in the service of my country nineteen months. During all that time, I
never was sent to a hospital; only when I was wounded and then there was no
alternative but to go.
This
is very pleasant day. The sun shines brightly. Notwithstanding the beauties of
the day, I enjoy it not as a New Year’s Day. Instead of mirth I am surrounded
by sick and wounded soldiers, many the very picture of despair. How long I am
to remain in this hospital is unknown to me. One thing sure, I would not stay
one hour were I not compelled to.
The surgeon
in charge says he has orders to keep me here until I am furnished with an
artificial leg, which I hope will come soon. My wound is entirely healed over.
Nevertheless the pain is very severe. From the way it pains me today I fear it
will break open again. It seems as though it would never get well. Sometimes I
think I never can enjoy life again. What a misfortune to lose a limb.
There
are 35 wounded men in this ward, 22 of those are one-legged men. Two of those
are very delicate cases. One whose leg is taken off at the hip joint is low.
The
other is an old man, a Prussian by birth. Was a soldier in the rebel army in Germany America
When
I look back upon the past year, and the manner in which I spent it, I can but
hope that I may never have to spend another one in the same way. I hope ere
another year passes away that this bloody war will come to an end. I hope I may
be able to spend the coming year with more profit to myself, also to others. Although
I am crippled for life, I hope I may be able to be of some service to my
country.
Trusting
then, that the Giver of all good will watch over and guide me through all vicissitudes
of life, I commend myself to his care.
Friday, Jan. 2nd, 1863
I had
a pretty serious night last. My wound pained a great deal, so much so that I
could not sleep until near morning when it broke open again, after that it was
some easier.
I
have not been off my cot much today. I see no pleasure in going out as there is
no place to go. Nothing of interest transpired today.
The
sky is clouded; the wind is high, threatening a storm. Madam Rumor says that as
soon as the R.R. is opened, we will be sent to St. Louis
[65]
Jan. 3rd, 1863
The
wind was very high last night, quite a hard rain this morning.
Five
hundred and five Rebel prisoners were brought in this A.M.; were taken at the Battle of Lexington
The
prisoners are guarded a short distance from the hospital. This is rather a
gloomy day; can get no mail, no news of any kind. My wound is quite painful
today. Uncle Anderson (as we
call him) is quite poorly.
Provisions are getting very scarce; are on quarter rations. I
never was compelled to go hungry for the want of food until the present time.
W.C.Newlon
Sabbath Jan 4th 1863
The rain
fell in torrents last night, and the wind with great fury. But this morning the
sun rose in splendor, casting his brilliant light over this land of Rebeldom
I
slept pretty well last night, my wound not paining me so much as the night
before. Had but little to eat this morn for breakfast; could eat as much more
just now if I could get it.
I
have just returned from the barracks where I found the 39th Iowa Lexington Iowa
[66]
In
going to see the 39th,
I had occasion to pass through the town, thereby giving me an opportunity for
the first time of seeing that holy city. The place presents rather a desolate
appearance. Nothing of interest could be seen, except the Negroes who were
dressed to destination, promenading the streets like Kings and Princes. A few
citizens could be seen, mostly ladies; these were in small groups, apparently
conversing on some very private affair.
I
returned to the Hospital at 3 P.M. As I passed the dead house, I glanced in and
saw that the remains of two poor soldiers lay ready for internment. Upon
entering my tent, I found that my very scanty supper was ready; the keenness of
my appetite gave me an excuse to dispatch it in little less than no time.
WCNewlon 3rd. Iowa
Monday, Jan. 5th, 1863
This
day three months ago we fought the brilliant and victorious Battle of Mattemora on the Hatchie River, a day long to be
remembered by the writer, for in that glorious battle, my most serious wound
was inflicted and, which today gives me much pain and, which no doubt will stop
my wild career for a time.
Last
night the wounded from the Battle of Lexington
This
is a beautiful day. The sun shining brightly, clear and warm; appears more like
a day in autumn than one in winter. W.C. Newlon, Esq[4]
[67]
Tuesday, Jan. 6th, 1863
The
remainder of the wounded from the Battle of Lexington Iowa
Moans
and Groans
Wednesday, Jan. 7th, 1863
Slept
but little last night; suffered much pain from my wound. I have been very busy
today visiting the wounded and writing letters for acquaintances to their
friends. I went downtown and paid a visit to Captain Elliot,[6] who is at the hotel sick; is doing well at
present. Had a very pleasant time, conversing about matters and things
generally.
Thursday, Jan.8th, 1863
I had a pretty serious night last night; my
wounds gave me much pain. How I longed for morn.
This is a very disagreeable morn; a little snow
is falling. I presume it will turn into rain before night. I received eight
letters last night; I answered six of them this P.M.
One
man, who was wounded in the brain, died in this ward last night. He had been
asleep for 24 hours and could not be awaked from his last earthly slumber until
death carried his soul to the spirit land. Poor fellow, he is now at rest where
he will be no more aroused by the clanking of firearms.
WCNewlon
Friday, Jan. 9th, 1863
The moans and groans of the late-wounded in
this ward were heartrending last night. They kept me awake most all night by
their cries. However this morning their cries are heard no more forever, for
six of them were carried this morning to the dead house, where their bodies lay
ready for internment. My wound did not give me so much pain last night as
common.
The morning is hazy and dull. Today’s papers
give an account of the Battle
Saturday, Jan. 10th, 1863
I slept pretty well last night. About eight
P.M., two old comrades, Corporal Jones
and Eden Bandel of my company,[7] who were prisoners of war from the Battle of Shiloh ,
were on their way to the regiment.
They
have no desire to be taken through the same routine again soon. Much rain and
loud thunder last night, such curious weather, it rains every twenty-four
hours. One man died last night.
Uncle Anderson died this day at 12
midnight; he has been lingering for a time between life and death.[8]
Body and soul separated without a single groan escaping his lips. He died a
soldier.
Sabbath, Jan. 11th, 1863
This is
as fine a day as in May. How clear the sky is. How bright the sun shines.
Nothing new at this place today. I wish I could be where I could enjoy this
beautiful day.
WCNewlon
A
Confounded Hard Fall
[69]
Monday, Jan. 12th, 1863
This
day is to be recorded as a day of events with me. I was crossing the railroad
this morn when one of my crutches slipped giving me a confounded hard fall,[9] first striking my stump on the hard ground,
then falling with the weight of my body upon it, bruising and cutting it
terribly. Well, for this little piece of activity, I will be compelled to keep
close to my cot for a while longer.
Not
much news and nothing of importance happening here. The weather is very
beautiful, fine as May.
Tuesday, Jan. 13th, 1863
The
results of tearing up the railroad yesterday morning was sadly felt last night
and today. I have almost been sick ere since with pain. I wrote three letters
today.
The
troops are in line of battle. The commander of the post anticipates an attack.
The
weather still continues to be pleasant.
Saturday, 17th, 1863
The week just past has been the most
disagreeable one of the winter. The snow fell hearty on the 12th to
the depth of 6 inches, something very uncommon for this county. On the evening
of the 14th, it commenced raining and has been raining ever since,
cold and disagreeable.
I am confined to my cot. My leg is not getting
much better.
Jan. 24th, 1863
Hospital, Jackson ,
Tennessee
Another
week has closed and I find myself in the same position I was in one week ago. I
cannot [tell], although I am any
better off than I was this day week. No very great material change in things
here since last noted in my diary. We have had very disagreeable weather.
During the week last, rain most all the time, such a climate as this I do not
like. When winter comes, I like winter and summer, I want summer, and not
summer in winter.
Agreed,
many deaths I have counted during the past week, some days as high as six and
seven.
We
are getting a little more to eat than
we did last week. And if the Rebels will
let the R.R. alone, we will not have
to starve again.
I am
not able to get out of bed yet, but am feeling better at last. The wounded, all
except two or three cases, are doing pretty well. The prospects for going home
are null yet. I hope the time will come soon.
Jan. 31st, 1863
Hospital Jackson ,
Tennessee
About
the same routine as last week, nothing new whatever. We have had very miserable
weather most of the time, rain and nothing but rain. A great many deaths have
taken place since I last wrote.
It
appears to be the fate of the poor soldier to die and be buried
unceremoniously. We have signed the payrolls and have been expecting some pay
but as yet got none.
I am
yet unable to get off my cot. I spent the week mostly writing. I am lonesome
today. WCNewlon
Smallpox
February 1st, 1863
This
is Sabbath, the 13th day of the last winter, a day long to be
remembered by me and a good many others in this ward. One of our comrades was
taken with the Smallpox and was carried out to live or die. It will be bad if
we take the same disease after suffering so long from our wounds. Well, we are
soldiers and must meet a soldier’s fate. Had we been usable, as we deserved, we
would not have been here, but would have been to our homes long ago.
Two
thirds of the winter months have passed, and if the one to come will be a
pleasant and warm one we will have nothing to complain of, although we have had
a good deal of rain. I never saw so much rain in the winter months as we have
had this passed month.
The
surgeon (Dr Wright of the
regular Army) just came in and vaccinated me and the rest of the brigade.[10] This is the 3rd time I have been
vaccinated since I joined the Army.
Feb. 3rd, 1863
Last night and this morning is the coldest we
have had this winter, but as the sun approaches the meridian the cool air
vanishes and we again remember the sunny south.
One
of our number died yesterday. The cold earth has hidden his remains from our
view. Death is no respecter of persons and often takes from our circles the
brightest stars.
I am
again permitted to leave my cot. O Wound, if I will again [tear] up the railroad track, I think I will be a
little more careful next time, and not watch over such dangerous [sic],
please.
One day in Jackson , Tennessee
WC Newlon
[72]
Feb. 5th, 1863
This day four months today since the Battle of Mattemora [The
Battle of Davis Bridge]. This is a very
cold day, not so cold as disagreeable, snowing and raining. We are having our
winter now.
I sent this A.M. to A. Morton, Maiden Lane New York
The Surgeon of the 39th and Lt. Rawls of the same regiment came to
see us today.[11]
Feb. 6th, 1863
Last night was a pretty cold night for this
sunny south. Oh leg, just cold all night!
The
morning, the sky is clear; the sun rests in his magnificence. The day proves to
be calm, clear and pleasant. Signed
requisition for clothing lost in Battle
A
Good Sentimental Letter
Feb. 10th, 1863
Yesterday was a beautiful day, but today, it is
raining. Oh, such a country! Rain, rain and nothing but rain, so disagreeable.
I had
a good sentimental letter last night from Samuel Quinn,[12] Orderly Sergeant of “Co. G”, 3rd Iowa
He,
like me, thinks the appearance of things of present is pretty [____].
There
is nothing of interest in this part of Rebeldom worthy of note.
A
great many deaths occur daily. All must go some time etc.
Will C. Newlon
[73]
Feb. 11th, 1863
Yesterday was cold and rainy. Today is as warm
and sultry as in August. No doubt but tomorrow will be cold and snowing.
I
wrote a letter to my old comrade Samuel
Quinn, Orderly Sergeant of Company
G, 3rd Iowa Iowa
Untitled Poem
Truce to thy fond misgivings,
These fruitless tears give o’er,
No absence can divide us, love,
No parting part no more!
Mountains and seas may rise
between us,
To mock our baffled will,
But heart in heart, and soul in
soul,
We bide together still.
Whenever I go, or far or near,
I cannot be alone;
Thy voice is ever in mine ear.
Thy hand press’d in mine own;
Thy head upon my bosom thrill.
And heart in heart, soul in
soul,
We bide together still.
And when stern death shall work
his worst,
And all our joys are done,
E’en by the mystery that unites
The dial and the sun;
Though one exists in heavenly
bliss,
One in this world of ill.
(Conundrum) Why are “Greenbacks” like the Iowa
“Because, they are the issue of
Abraham and know not
that their Redeemer liveth.”
Wm C. Newlon
February 12th, 1863
Feb 13th, 1863
Today is another fine warm day, such as always,
makes everything look cheerful, but is always lonely to me. For such days
always call to mind former associations and the happy hours spent in days of
yore; such compared with my present condition, is anything but pleasant.
Another one of our number was taken to another ward with the Smallpox; each day
bringeth it changes.
I was
vaccinated in three different places today. I think it will take this time.
Little
birds are singing as though it was in the month of May; they appear to be happy
while everything else is miserable.
Oh!
That our distracted country was restored to peace. Oh, That we all could enjoy
the pleasure of home and the society of friends as in days gone by. Alas, we
have not such privilege.
WCNewlon
[74]
Feb. 15th, 1863
This is another beautiful Sabbath day, one that
would be rarely seen in the far south this time of year; however, this is not
south, and north is not south.
The most pleasing thing I have heard for some
time is a rumor that we (the One-Legged Brigade) are to be sent home in a very
short time. I am afraid this is nothing more than a sensational rumor; how I
wish it would be so.
I
wrote for Edward Brown to Lt. Rawls, 39th Iowa
No
mail and no news of importance today.
Sabbath, Feb. 22nd, 1863
This, the anniversary of the birthday of the
father of our country,[15] the man who was first in war, first in peace,
and first in the hearts of the people.
Thirty-four
(34) guns were fired in Honor of the birth of this great “warrior” and patriot,
who is an American “Patriot”.
This
is a very cold and disagreeable day, but as it is almost Church Time, I will
cease writing for the present. Regular worship has been established at this
“Hospital”.
March 1st, 1863
Spring has again come and bids fair for a few
days of fine weather, how much we need it, for we have had such a miserably
winter. Health good.
WCNewlon
Rummage
Sale
[75]
March 10th, 1863
Cold rainy day and I am still in the hospital
and but little prospect of getting away. Wrote one letter to B. Frank Murray.
Will C. Newlon
Sabbath, March 15th, 1863
The
same old routine each day. So much so, that I cannot find anything to write. I
do wish that something of an exciting routine would turn up. And then the time
would pass swiftly. I cannot understand why my papers do not come. They have
been gone to Memphis General
Hospital in Jackson
This
is Sabbath Day. My friends are at church enjoying civilized society, while I am
compelled to remain in this Hospital with but little prospect of getting away
soon.
The
weather has been very favorable for the past few days. But today is cloudy and
threatens rain soon, which is no uncommon thing in this country.
Will C. Newlon
March 18th, 1863
WCNewlon
March 20th, 1863
The
sale is over. The weather has been very pleasant this month. Most too warm to
be pleasant. Peach trees in bloom. Gardens are being made and all spring work
is progressing.
The
Medical Inspector is here but cannot send us home, &c.
Will C. Newlon
This
Miserable Place
Monday, March 30th, 1863
I
have been quite sick for a few days past. I hardly know what has been the
matter with me. I hope to be all right in a few days, as I expect to go home
soon and I want to be well.
Quite
a windstorm for three or four days past. Nothing to write.
April 1st, 1863
This is a beautiful April day. The sky is as
clear as crystal. The Boys are full of mischief & playing tricks on one
another. I am so tired of this place. I think I will leave it in a few days. My
health is improving, &c.
Will C. Newlon
[77]
April 4th, 1863
I do not know when I
have felt so gloomy as today. One of my comrades left today for Ohio
I was
glad to see him get away. And still I was sorry to part with him – He (Norris F. Jellison) lost a leg at the Battle of Iuka[16], was a member of the 11th Ohio
I am not well today; I have such a cold.
Will. C. Newlon
3rd Iowa
April 5th, 1863
Another Sabbath day has come and I am still in
this miserable place. I wrote two letters this A.M. This P.M., I attended
divine service in the dining room by the Chaplin of the 50th Indiana
Fred Resa arrived this P.M. from the
regiment with an order for me and my descriptive roll to be sent to Memphis Davis
I’ll get it yet...
Will C Newlon
3rd Iowa
Ballad
Yes! Other eyes may brighteen, love,
When
gazing upon thine,
As glorious brooks run glittering
where
The shedding sunbeams shine.
Oh! Did I love thee less, be sure,
Mine own would brighter be;
Content thee, then, with smiles from
them,
And bear with tears from me.
Yes! Other tones may soften, love,
When to thy ear address’d,
O’er ocean’s treacherous breast,
Oh! Did I love thee less, be sure,
My words would smoother be;
Content thee, then, with praise from
them,
And
bear with truth from me!
Yes, other arms may bear thee, love,
O’er fortunes’s flowery way;
Thine with unwearied, fervent faith,
Abide the darker day.
Oh! Did I love thee less, be sure,
My aid would prompted be!
Content thee, then, with pleasing
them,
And keep thy love for me!
Uncle Sam’s Mule
By
a played out warrior
In a muddy ditch by a deepe morass,
A Government mule lay breathing his last,
With harness all geared, and waiting for
death –
The grim driver’s summons to pull his last
breath.
A right hearty chap he was when he enlisted;
And took his scant rations of hay unassisted
Stood up to the rack like a patriot true,
And his body, by welting, was red, white and
blue!
At evening, oft times, his day’s labor over,
Would he pensively dream of his mule-age and
clover;
But his sweet tho’ts would grow sour and
uncandid,
When he gazed on his end and the U.S.
“O! Abe, why did [you] allow the contractor
To disfigure me thus like a base malfactor?
You nail me for life – I don’t see it,
t’ain’t fair –
The compact was ‘three years, or during the
war’.
You’ve ‘throwed’ on me, Abe, I’m gone up the
spout,
I get nay furlough, and bounty’s
played out;
Promotions uncertain - I work for no
pay;
Ain’t this patriotic? Pray tell me I
bray!”
But
now all his sighs and complainings are over,
And the lash of the driver shall goad
him no more;
For he’s ‘passed in his checks’ has
finished his work,
Has pulled his last load of shingles
and pork;
There are none who will miss his
elongated face,
Annother is ready to pull in his place,
And the train will move on, and the
soldiers be fed.
And no tears for the Government mule
that is dead!
MORAL
Ah! My bold sojer boy, tho’ thy hard
bread is tough,
Thy ‘sow-belly’ worse, and
shoulder-straps rough,
Take this sweet consolation, and
don’t feel so cruel –
For tho’ both are high-privates, you
out-rank the mule.
3rd
Iowa
Postscript
Aug. 12th, 1863
Dear Lydia
Youn [Dawn]
of this morning is before me. Hope you will have a pleasant time in the
country.
Although I am on the St[reet] today, yet, I
am far from being well. Exposing myself all night last Saturday night is the
cause of my illness. I feel as though I would have a long spell of sickness. I
am undergoing a course of medicine, which, I hope, will break up the foundation
of any disease. However rapid my health may recover, I am sorry to say that
“One Horse Major” will not be fit for harness for one month to come, if that
soon. I lost $50.00 that night to “Clarinda Page”. And no mistake.
Lydia, perhaps if
my health is not too much impaired, we can have our ride, at any rate.
I feel like going
into the county; have been thinking about it for two or three days, but have no
place that I care about going to. I think a little ride into the county would
do me good.
I know nothing
about “Mr Wilson”, and,
consequently, will say nothing.
I have so much work
to do and not able to do it. Can’t you help me? I know you would, if you could.
I am, Lydia
Will
* * *
[1] Perhaps a veteran of one of
the German revolutions of 1848.
[2] Iuka and Corinth
[3] Lexington ,
Tennessee - twenty-five miles east of Jackson Tennessee , 13 December 1862 - As Brig. General Nathan Bedford Forrest's
expedition into West Tennessee neared its conclusion, Union Brig. General
Jeremiah C. Sullivan, with the brigades of Col. Cyrus L. Dunham and Col. John
W. Fuller, attempted to cut Forrest off from withdrawing across the Tennessee River .
Dunham's and Forrest's
march routes, on 31 December 1862, brought them into contact at Parker's Cross
Roads, ten miles
south of Lexington
His Federals repelled
frontal feints until attacked on both flanks and rear by Forrest's mounted and
dismounted troops. During a lull, Forrest sent Dunham a demand for an
unconditional surrender. Dunham refused and was preparing for Forrest's next
onset when Fuller's Union brigade arrived from the north and surprised the
Confederates with an attack on their rear; Confederate security detachments had
failed to warn of Fuller's approach. "Charge 'em both ways," ordered
Forrest.
The Confederates briefly
reversed front, repelled Fuller, then rushed past Dunham's demoralized force
and withdrew south to Lexington and then across the Tennessee River. Both sides
claimed victory, but the Confederate claims appear to have more credence. Result(s):
Confederate victory location: Henderson County Campaign: Forrest's Expedition
into West Tennessee (1862-63) Date(s): 31
December 1862
Principal
Commanders: Brig. General Jeremiah C. Sullivan [US]; Brig. General Nathan
Bedford Forrest [CS] Forces Engaged: Two brigades (approx. 3,000 men) [US];
expeditionary brigade [CS]
Estimated
Casualties: 737 (US 237; CS 500). http://www.americancivilwar.com/statepic/tn/tn011.html
[4] Esquire is used as a title
of courtesy usually placed in its abbreviated form after the surname. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Ed (2003), s. v. “esquire”.
[5] Commanded by Col. Henry J. B. Cummings, Winterset ,
Iowa , in “January, 1863, the 39th
Infantry Regiment moved to Corinth and was there
assigned to the Third Brigade in the division commanded by General G. M. Dodge
of Iowa Corinth Alabama , returning to Corinth
[6] Perhaps George N. Elliot, 39th Infantry Regiment, Winterset , Iowa Iowa
[7] Isaac W. Jones, 23,
residence Indianola, né Iowa, enlisted 21 May 1861, as First Corporal, mustered
8 June 1861, taken prisoner 6 April 1862, Shiloh, Tenn, returned to Company,
mustered out 8 June 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of service. No
record of Eden Bandel found. http://iagenweb.org/civilwar/regiment/infantry/03rd/co-af.htm
[8] Perhaps Will is referring
here to the Prussian soldier on his hospital ward. See journal page 64.
[9] Confounded: damned. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Ed (2003), s. v.
“confounded”.
[10] “Smallpox vaccination was
known long before 1861, but the failure to make immunization a standard part of
induction procedure was overlooked, and that oversight led to many needless
cases of this disease.”, Harold Elk Straubing, In Hospital and Camp. (Harrisburg, PA, Stackpole Books, 1993), 3.
[11] The surgeon may have been Peter N. Woods, age 33, residence
Fairfield, Iowa, né Ohio, appointed Surgeon 5 Sept 1862, mustered 24 Nov 1862,
mustered out 5 June 1865, Washington, DC; Jonathan B. Rawls, age 38, residence Winterset, Iowa, né Ohio,
appointed Second Lieutenant 8 Aug 1862, mustered 24 Nov 1862, wounded 31 Dec
1862 at Parker's Cross Roads, Tenn, resigned 2 April 1864. “Iowa
[12] Samuel
W. Quinn, age 26, residence Indianola, Iowa, né Indiana, enlisted 2 May 1861,
mustered 8 June 1861, mustered out 18 June 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of
term of service. http://iagenweb.org/civilwar/regiment/infantry/03rd/co-af.htm
[13] Edward Brown, age 18, residence Winterset,
Iowa, né Indiana, enlisted 14 Aug 1862, mustered 8 Sept 1862, wounded severely
31 Dec 1862 at Parker's Cross Roads, Tenn, died of wounds 27 Feb 1863, Jackson,
Tenn. Volunteer Infantry, A-G”, IAGenWeb Project©1996-2006, http://iagenweb.org/civilwar/regiment/infantry/39th/39th_a-g.htm
[14] Greenback (1862): a
legal-tender note issued by the U.S.
[15] George Washington, 22 Feb 1732–14
Dec 1799
[16] Battle
[17] Frederick Resa, age 28, residence Guttenburg, Iowa, né Germany, enlisted 22 May 1861, mustered 8
June 1861, wounded 6 Oct. 6 1862 at Hatchie River, leg amputated, discharged
for disability 7 April 1863, Jackson, Tenn, Roster and Record of Iowa Troops
In the Rebellion, Vol. 1, Guy E. Logan,
http://iagenweb.org/civilwar/books/logan/mil304.htm
[18] Perhaps white boat
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