An Artilleryman's Diary Part 10

Retraced our steps back, leaving one of Sherman's divisions to guard the place and we were to go and partake in more stirring scenes. Pa.s.sed through Clinton in the afternoon and encamped at sundown four miles beyond.

Near Clinton, Sat.u.r.day, May 16. Started at 7 A. M. Heavy firing in front, and at 10 A. M. we came up to the scene of action. They were engaged by Osterhaus's, Hovey's and Logan's Divisions. We were immediately called forward and took a position on a knoll where we had a good view. They were in thick timber. Logan's Division managed to get on their right flank, driving them with rapidity, but at the same time they were driving the line on the left and came near penetrating our center, many of our men having used all their ammunition, and the amount of stragglers falling back without order becoming dangerous. It was a dangerous moment. All eyes were anxiously looking, almost trembling, for the result; but at last there comes Colonel Holmes with his Brigade on double quick, which soon checked their progress, and the artillery were brought into position, McAllister's 24-pounder howitzers on the left, with Quinby's on the right and center. The infantry fell back at double quick as we opened fire on them, sh.e.l.ling the woods--38 pieces in all, belching away in fearful rapidity. Kept it up for one hour. When we ceased firing, they had left and all was still. The fight continued about five hours, the musketry having been exceedingly hot. We took seventeen pieces of artillery and about 2,000 prisoners.

After the battle intelligence reached us that Vicksburg was occupied by our forces, and that the troops of that place had met us in force with the hope of saving Jackson, which was met with cheer after cheer, although it was almost too good to believe. We marched after them, and going across the battlefield it was a sickening sight, many of the regiments having been literally cut to pieces. For four miles the road was scattered with dead rebels and caissons etc. Came into camp at 11 P.

M. and soon dropped asleep after a clear victory. We suffered no loss save one man wounded by a premature discharge of piece.

Near Clinton, Sunday, May 17. 8 A. M. We are packed up ready for orders to move. Cannonading is heard briskly at times. Captain Williams's 1st U. S. Battery of heavy siege guns drawn by oxen and mules are pa.s.sing.

The enemy reported to have crossed the river and posted themselves behind cotton bales. Some of the troops have been furnished with hard-tack, but we have not seen any yet. While waiting, we have received mail up to May 3. All well. 9 A. M. moved out through the thickly packed trains about four miles, then lay in the shade until 5 P. M. went into park in an orchard. Gen. McClernand has driven the enemy across the bridge at the railroad, capturing a brigade of prisoners.

Near Black River, Monday, May 18. Crossed the Black River on bridge built of cotton during the previous night, and marched through a cypress swamp for two miles without any roads. Other troops concentrating from other points as they are crossing in many places. Went in camp very late, after which obliged to ride three or four miles in search of water. Very tired.

THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG

[Sidenote: 1863 Before Vicksburg]

Before Vicksburg, Miss., Tuesday, May 19. We are lying in the reserve of the battle line before Vicksburg, having been pushed forward at double quick. General Grant gave them till 11 A. M. to surrender, but they did not avail of it. Firing is going on with Parrott pieces in front but not very brisk. 1 P. M. The 1st Section (Rifled) have gone to the left with Lieutenant Clark. The other pieces were brought into action in front, and laying in the reserve. Brisk cannonading all around with sharp musketry at times--McArthur has taken a fort and guns. Sherman drove them about a mile on the right. McClernand holds his own on the left.

Both wings said to have joined the Mississippi. Pontoon train pa.s.sed to the right in great hurry at 4 P. M. to be thrown toward the Yazoo.

Darkness closed hostilities and we limbered up and pa.s.sed to the front about a mile, and planted our battery on a hill, very steep and high, doubling teams to go up. Relieved the 11th Ohio who had been engaged all day against a fort, using up all their ammunition. Cannoneers silently set to work levelling off a position; the horses unhitched and tied under a gin house. We lay down on the bare, rough ground, clothes all on, but it prevented not our sleeping.

Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, May 20. Long before day we were silently aroused (cold and stiff, chilled through by the dampness of the night) to find a line of arms at "stack" and a squad of men busily engaged in front. They were the pioneer corps, which had been at work nearly all night digging a position for the pieces in the hillside. Hitched up our horses as soon and as still as possible, and waited for the coming day with nothing to eat whatever.

[Sidenote: 1863 Shot and Sh.e.l.l]

At sunrise our skirmishers advanced toward their line and soon commenced their "popping". We found ourselves in plain view and range of a strong looking fort. Within half a mile of us we could see the cannoneers around the guns. They seemed to have no anxiety to commence, and batteries were brought into position at every available point, but as Bolton's Battery was coming in on the left, they opened and the sh.e.l.l went flying over our heads. We responded with two shots, when we were ordered to cease firing until ordered to the contrary. The pioneers busy at work throwing up a bastion, which was occupied by two siege guns, 30-pounders, which came up this morning. A steady firing was kept up all day by most of the batteries, but as we could not fire without raking our skirmishers, we had to lie on the dusty hillside in the white clay, only to "duck" close to mother earth as the sh.e.l.ls came flying. A solid shot rolled at our feet, harmless. We fired about twelve rounds, other pieces about the same. The first Section in the same position as occupied yesterday, to our left, used up all its ammunition. Our sharp-shooters advanced under cover of the hill within 50 yards of the fort, and managed to keep the cannoneers down nearly all the time.

DeGolyer advanced with his Battery to the next hill. Night came on and firing ceased. Camp fires lit, and at 9 o'clock we were relieved by the 12th Wisconsin.

Before Vicksburg, Thursday, May 21. Last night we fell back near the place occupied day before yesterday in the reserve line. Unharnessed and tied to the wheel. Laid down in the corn field and slept sweetly till 9 A. M. Harnessed and fed our horses. Our haversacks were empty and no grain in the quartermasters' department. Our last meal was brought us yesterday by our cook, which in fact was a small portion. But we kept as good cheer as possible. One of our men managed to find about a half bushel of coa.r.s.e meal (for which we paid a dollar) and a beef killed, which with a good cup of corncob coffee made us a good breakfast, and all were satisfied. Unharnessed; drew two days' rations hard crackers, rare things. Lay still all day. A slight sprinkle of rain settled the awful dust.

Firing kept up steadily from early dawn until dark, not fast, though still bombarding the fort. A flag of truce sent in by Pemberton, offering possession of the city if allowed to pa.s.s out with side-arms, which Grant respectfully declined, as a complete chain from one river to the other is thrown around them, Hurlbut coming up with 40,000 fresh troops, also Banks. Communication opened from Young's Point with Haynes Bluff, so as to make it an easier matter to obtain provisions. Steele reported to have reached the town on the right, but compelled to fall back to his entrenchment by superior force.

Before Vicksburg, Friday, May 22. First Section of caissons have gone to the landing for ammunition. Howitzers ordered out. 8 A. M. Advanced to the line of caissons, when we were ordered to prepare to support a grand charge to be made at 10 o'clock all along the line. Two of McAllister's 24-pounder howitzers to go with us. The limbers were stripped No.'s 5 and 7, to have charge of canister in haversack. It was a warm place to go, and we antic.i.p.ated hot work. At the hour the infantry advanced. Most of the enemy's guns had been silenced for the time by the unceasing cannonading kept up from all points for an hour before the charge, but when they came up to the front of the fort they met the infantry in force, and then a terrible struggle ensued until darkness put an end to the scene. Both parties stubbornly held their own. Our line was right under their fort with the flag stuck on the corner and neither party could remove it. On the knoll by the siege guns was a sight truly sublime and terrible. For miles to the left the field of conflict could be seen extending to McClernand's Corps, artillery smoke rolling in volumes from the brow of the ridge a quarter of a mile to the fortifications, and the sharp crack and puff of the musketry immediately under them. At sundown our line was obliged to fall back for the night.

Doubtless many a poor fellow lay on the field groaning from pain. 8 P.

M. ordered to return to our camp and report to the same place at half past five in the morning. First Section still in their old position, having been actively engaged all day.

[Sidenote: 1863 Entrenching]

Before Vicksburg, Sat.u.r.day, May 23. 8 A. M. We are lying in the road as yesterday, but little fighting yet except with artillery. Rumor says that pioneers are undermining the forts to blow them up. A gentle shower has fallen which has lightened the air and settled the dust, "G.o.d-sent"

for the poor wounded, of which there are a great many. While writing, the ambulance is waiting for the remains of Colonel Dollins of the 81st Illinois and Colonel Boomer, commander of the 3rd Brigade, both of whom fell yesterday, gallant officers and accomplished gentlemen. 12 M.

Cannoneers ordered to the front with entrenching tools, and in an hour the pieces followed into a secreted position on the brow of a steep and rugged hill. A stockade dug for the pieces, into which they were drawn by hand. Limbers put under cover of the hill, and the horses unhitched and tied to the trees. The guns commanded the right. A slow fire was opened which was kept up till dark, of sh.e.l.l and shrapnel, mostly to keep the rebel sharp-shooters back. Drew rations of coffee, ham and hard bread which gave us a supper of good cheer and light hearts.

Fixed our beds under the brow of the hill just out of reach of the little deadly missiles that went whistling over our heads every once in a while in volleys. But we were in unusually good spirits, cracking jokes 'neath the bright silver moon. No sooner had we begun to travel in the "land of Nod", when the 3rd Platoon was ordered to turn out, quick and still, hitch up and pull out. It is expected that the rebs will try to cut their way out to-night and we want to be ready. In fifteen minutes we were on the road, moving back toward our old place; unhitched and lay down again with orders to be ready at half past three A. M. Thus we ended another day before Vicksburg.

Before Vicksburg, Sunday, May 24. Up and ready as ordered, but with the sun we unharnessed, watered and fed, then lay quiet all day. Washed and changed clothes, and Oh! what a relief. Truly water is a boon. Grant seems to be willing to allow the inhabitants of Vicksburg the Sunday for devotion. There has been but very little fighting to-day, little artillery firing. 4th Division pa.s.sed in from Haynes Bluff for Warrenton.

Received a good mail which gladdened all our hearts. Oh! blessed white-winged messenger, how my mind has been occupied all day by sweet thoughts and hopes inspired by thy visits! Letters up to the 10th. Wrote a short and hurried letter home. Learned through the _State Journal_ that a friend and former teacher, E. C. Hungerford, had fallen in the fight on the Rappahannock. It is another severe blow to his brother Tommy. How many, many more will this cruel war require to satisfy its victims. Wounded pa.s.sing all day in ambulances to the river. Sergt. J.

B. Jackson and L. N. Keeler gone. Sick.

Before Vicksburg, Monday, May 25. Awoke and harnessed at the usual hour.

With the sun we unharnessed and watered. 9 A. M. the four pieces ordered out on the road the same place they had been for a part of the last four days. Lay there till 1 P. M. Third and sixth pieces ordered to their old position of the 23rd inst. Fourth and fifth back to camp. Double quicked it out there as we were exposed to the fire of the sharp-shooters. Part of the day they were exceedingly busy. Took our position, unhitched our horses, threw a few sh.e.l.ls at them slowly until 3 P. M. A flag of truce was reported to have come out of the breastwork. It was met by General Logan. A parley was held for an hour and a half when it retired. A cessation of hostilities was agreed upon till 8:30 P. M. (to bury the dead). Both parties came out of their entrenchments, conversed, changed papers, etc. I was within forty yards of the fort, where the sharp-shooters had dexterously hidden themselves.

Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, May 26. Returned to camp last night after dark. This morning moved up a mile and a half to the left, put up harness racks, stretched picket in a beautiful orchard laden with fruit, which although not ripe we gathered and used for sauce. Mortar boats busy throwing sh.e.l.ls all day; not much artillery firing from this side.

Sergt. S. Hauxhurst returned from Memphis. Telegraph line put up from the landing to the several headquarters.

[Sidenote: 1863 Midnight Alarm]

Before Vicksburg, Wednesday, May 27. Called out a little past midnight; hitched up with haste and moved out, took a position on the right the best we could and in the road. The gunners were ordered to have spikes ready so as to be able to spike their pieces if obliged to abandon them.

They expected am attempt to break through the lines. Put on my overcoat, lay down at the head of my team, halter in hand, and did not awake till broad daylight, within dangerous proximity to Jack's feet, but he would not hurt his rider while asleep. Returned to camp, the scare being over.

Lay quiet all day, a heavy bombardment kept up all day. The sharp-shooters busy picking off our cannoneers. Most of the convalescents left at Millikens Bend returned to-day. 11th Ohio Battery gone to Sulphur Springs with brigade of infantry.

Before Vicksburg, Thursday, May 28. Windy and cloudy. Spent the day in eating mulberries, writing and sleeping. Mail came. Brisk cannonading in the evening. Mortars working all day.

Before Vicksburg, Friday, May 29. The day was opened with a general cannonading all along the line for thirty minutes, with as much rapidity as possible. It was a sublime and terrible scene, the powder smoke gathering in a dark heavy cloud overhead, with the sh.e.l.ls exploding with a continual flash over their forts, and now and then a mortar (sh.e.l.l) high in air could be seen. A gentle rain fell in the afternoon. Received twenty-five new horses from the landing. A repet.i.tion at sundown of the morning's work, then all was quiet. Wrote to John.

Before Vicksburg, Sat.u.r.day, May 30. Warm and dull. Nothing to do and nothing to read so lay down and slept most of the day. Awake at 10 o'clock at night with orders to hitch up, and at quarter to eleven o'clock the pieces and limbers started to the left and front, down through the valley, past sutler shops and baggage wagons, then up a steep bluff, where it required five teams to haul the pieces up; then pa.s.sed through the advance line of artillery and through a pa.s.sage dug in the hill, hiding us from view for about six rods, then down into an abrupt ravine. The cannoneers obliged to hold back with prolongs to keep it [the piece] from running down unmanageable.

We were soon at the bottom of the ravine. On the top of the hill the pieces were to be planted. It was 3 A. M. when the artillery on each side and behind us opened a hot cannonading over our heads, grazing the top of the hill so close that we dared not go in position, and we lay at the bottom while they whistled and screeched over our heads. The fiery track of the fuze-sh.e.l.l could easily be tracked through the dark, and the roar of pieces as they echoed was deafening for half an hour, when we put our pieces in position, took the limber under the hill and unhitched.

Before Vicksburg, Sunday, May 31. Awoke by the side of my team when the sun was high. Went up the hill to see the pieces, but was timely warned by a "whist" by my ear to keep low, as we were within 300 yards of the enemy's fort, and at the first indication of a man's head a leaden messenger was sent to him, and safety only existed in keeping out of sight by lying low. Nelson brought our breakfast from camp. Unharnessed our horses and went to water back to our old watering place, exposed to the fire of the sharp-shooters. One of our horses was struck in the neck.

Very warm. Built a shade and lay down to sweat and sleep. At 3 P. M. the rebs opened a fire with a piece of artillery which was returned by a dozen. One of the 10th Iowa killed in rifle pit by our piece.

Before Vicksburg, Monday, June 1. Cannoneers up nearly all night.

Advanced our pieces eight yards to the front so as to get better range.

Went to water horses, stopped in camp to feed hay in the forenoon and afternoon. At dusk started out with both limbers after ammunition. Went about two miles to Quinby's headquarters. Filled them from magazines and returned by 10 P. M.

Before Vicksburg, Tuesday, June 2. Fired at intervals all day. At night fired thirty minutes without ceasing. Caisson limber after ammunition in the evening. Up till midnight helping on the bastion. The heat very oppressive.